Scan barcode
booksafety's reviews
510 reviews
The Unmasking of Kelly James by Belle Chapin, Belle Chapin
5.0
Book safety, tropes and tags down below.
You know, I was going to start this review with that whole I'm late to this party spiel, but after arriving at the reviews-terminal, I'm realizing that there's no party at all! Considering how much of a good time I had while reading this book, I'm positively shocked. It's not like no one has read it, but with the quality of the writing and story I expected this book and author to have made a bigger splash in this particular pool. I have 68 highlights from this book, and I wish I could add them all to this review so everyone could laugh along with me.
"I'm a goddamned horse. Neigh, bitches."
The context of which is for me to know and you to find out.
In general, this book has some really good and clever writing. It was one of those books where I had a constant smile on my face, both because of the comedic element but also because it's just a joy to read a really good book. I'm very impressed by the fact that the comedy didn't feel forced, which is a trap easily fallen into by rom-com writers. Oh, and it's not like humor is all it had to offer. I even managed to cry a couple of times (even though that might not hold much weight, considering I don't remember what book I read last that didn't make me cry).
"'What the fuck is a gnu anyway?' Before any of her friends could answer, a sassy baritone said, 'It's another name for a wildebeest. You know, like one of those cow bastards that curb-stomped Mufasa.'"
Alright, first of all, how dare you make fun of a core traumatic childhood memory, and second, I laughed way more than necessary at this, and it happened at 4%.
Kelly was, as Jonah would tell you, a complete golden retriever. What an absolute sweetheart. A pure soul. An angel. A sweet little baby. You get the idea. I love how he was very professional in his job as nanny, even when he lusted after his employer. There was no inappropriate behavior. Oh, other than letting kids swear and giving coffee to five year olds, but who's keeping track of that stuff. He was also treated pretty poorly by his ex (understatement of the damn century), as well as his parents, which made me cry a little.
"'Can I say it?' 'Right now?' 'Yeah.' Kelly ran a hand through his hair, snagging a finger on a knot. 'Go ahead. But it stays between you and me, because I don't mind the words.' Violet straightened and shook her hands like a batter getting ready to hit. 'Fuck.' Kelly bit the inside of his cheek. It was the most adorable use of the word ever. 'Got it out of your system?' 'I think so.'"
There's three whole kids in this book, and it was a delight. As a non-child-having-person, I thought the author nailed the mix of fun things kids say with the realistic parts of tantrums, tired and hungry kids. Funny kids in books can often sound like adults pretending to be kids, but I liked the balance in this.
"'Dolphins are super smart. Why aren't they in charge of the world?' Kelly turned his head very, very slowly to Jonah. 'That's a good question for your daddy.' Shit."
Jonah grew up in a house with nannies and butlers where he was auctioned out like a prized stud bull in order to make heirs for his wicked-witch-of-the-west mother. Considering how emotionally stunted that entire family was, Jonah included, I was impressed with his character development during the book. It happened in such a way that I barely even noticed it, but at the same time, it wasn't just the author telling you he's different now at the end. He was also unintentionally funny, and in this case, unfortunately (for me) highly relatable:
"'You're what?' 'When someone vomits in front of me, I start gagging. Eventually, I throw up. It's like a really awful game of Telephone.'"
I feel your pain, Jonah.
This book is slow burning, but you'll enjoy the journey there enough to barely notice. The evolution of Jonah and Kelly's relationship felt natural and realistic, even with a bi/gay awakening thrown in there, which I gotta say Jonah handled perfectly. Figuring out your sexuality is difficult at the best of times, but sometimes I want to read about someone who takes it all in his stride, relatively speaking. He had some questions and thoughts of course, but it wasn't a source for major angst in the book.
"I know you want a nice, neat box to put things in. You always have. It's just how you are. But that's not how sexuality works. I can't tell you your label. I can suggest things that you might believe are your label. Labels shift and change over time, and you're just going to have to accept that fact. Do some research, see if anything feels good to you. And if not? Then that's okay, too. You don't get an ID card to carry around once you figure it out."
Writing this review has taken ages, mostly because I really want people to find and read this book so we can share the joy, but also because I got stuck reading all my highlights all over again, lol. I also feel like I haven't actually said much at all, but hopefully you get the idea. I'll reference the start of this review and say LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED! Oh, and I'll leave you with this description of Kelly by Jonah.
"Something about Kelly unsettled him-not in a bad way, or a good way, but in a weird way, like watching a really violent action movie and feeling slightly guilty for liking it so much. That 'Hey, Uma Thurman is awesome, but also, that was a lot of decapitation' feeling.'"
Book safety
Cheating: Kelly is cheated on by his ex on page, before he meets Jonah.
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: Yes, briefly
POV: 3rd person, dual
Strict top/bottom or vers: Strict roles
TW/CW
Cheating (not between MCs), death of spouse off page (not detailed), manipulative ex, emotionally distant and somewhat verbally abusive parents, vomiting
Tropes & tags
Age gap, widower, single dad, bi/gay awakening, three kids, live-in-nanny, cheating ex fiancé, friend group, wealthy MC, puppets, laugh-out-loud funny (no, seriously), dinosaurs
You know, I was going to start this review with that whole I'm late to this party spiel, but after arriving at the reviews-terminal, I'm realizing that there's no party at all! Considering how much of a good time I had while reading this book, I'm positively shocked. It's not like no one has read it, but with the quality of the writing and story I expected this book and author to have made a bigger splash in this particular pool. I have 68 highlights from this book, and I wish I could add them all to this review so everyone could laugh along with me.
"I'm a goddamned horse. Neigh, bitches."
The context of which is for me to know and you to find out.
In general, this book has some really good and clever writing. It was one of those books where I had a constant smile on my face, both because of the comedic element but also because it's just a joy to read a really good book. I'm very impressed by the fact that the comedy didn't feel forced, which is a trap easily fallen into by rom-com writers. Oh, and it's not like humor is all it had to offer. I even managed to cry a couple of times (even though that might not hold much weight, considering I don't remember what book I read last that didn't make me cry).
"'What the fuck is a gnu anyway?' Before any of her friends could answer, a sassy baritone said, 'It's another name for a wildebeest. You know, like one of those cow bastards that curb-stomped Mufasa.'"
Alright, first of all, how dare you make fun of a core traumatic childhood memory, and second, I laughed way more than necessary at this, and it happened at 4%.
Kelly was, as Jonah would tell you, a complete golden retriever. What an absolute sweetheart. A pure soul. An angel. A sweet little baby. You get the idea. I love how he was very professional in his job as nanny, even when he lusted after his employer. There was no inappropriate behavior. Oh, other than letting kids swear and giving coffee to five year olds, but who's keeping track of that stuff. He was also treated pretty poorly by his ex (understatement of the damn century), as well as his parents, which made me cry a little.
"'Can I say it?' 'Right now?' 'Yeah.' Kelly ran a hand through his hair, snagging a finger on a knot. 'Go ahead. But it stays between you and me, because I don't mind the words.' Violet straightened and shook her hands like a batter getting ready to hit. 'Fuck.' Kelly bit the inside of his cheek. It was the most adorable use of the word ever. 'Got it out of your system?' 'I think so.'"
There's three whole kids in this book, and it was a delight. As a non-child-having-person, I thought the author nailed the mix of fun things kids say with the realistic parts of tantrums, tired and hungry kids. Funny kids in books can often sound like adults pretending to be kids, but I liked the balance in this.
"'Dolphins are super smart. Why aren't they in charge of the world?' Kelly turned his head very, very slowly to Jonah. 'That's a good question for your daddy.' Shit."
Jonah grew up in a house with nannies and butlers where he was auctioned out like a prized stud bull in order to make heirs for his wicked-witch-of-the-west mother. Considering how emotionally stunted that entire family was, Jonah included, I was impressed with his character development during the book. It happened in such a way that I barely even noticed it, but at the same time, it wasn't just the author telling you he's different now at the end. He was also unintentionally funny, and in this case, unfortunately (for me) highly relatable:
"'You're what?' 'When someone vomits in front of me, I start gagging. Eventually, I throw up. It's like a really awful game of Telephone.'"
I feel your pain, Jonah.
This book is slow burning, but you'll enjoy the journey there enough to barely notice. The evolution of Jonah and Kelly's relationship felt natural and realistic, even with a bi/gay awakening thrown in there, which I gotta say Jonah handled perfectly. Figuring out your sexuality is difficult at the best of times, but sometimes I want to read about someone who takes it all in his stride, relatively speaking. He had some questions and thoughts of course, but it wasn't a source for major angst in the book.
"I know you want a nice, neat box to put things in. You always have. It's just how you are. But that's not how sexuality works. I can't tell you your label. I can suggest things that you might believe are your label. Labels shift and change over time, and you're just going to have to accept that fact. Do some research, see if anything feels good to you. And if not? Then that's okay, too. You don't get an ID card to carry around once you figure it out."
Writing this review has taken ages, mostly because I really want people to find and read this book so we can share the joy, but also because I got stuck reading all my highlights all over again, lol. I also feel like I haven't actually said much at all, but hopefully you get the idea. I'll reference the start of this review and say LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED! Oh, and I'll leave you with this description of Kelly by Jonah.
"Something about Kelly unsettled him-not in a bad way, or a good way, but in a weird way, like watching a really violent action movie and feeling slightly guilty for liking it so much. That 'Hey, Uma Thurman is awesome, but also, that was a lot of decapitation' feeling.'"
Book safety
Spoiler
Cheating: Kelly is cheated on by his ex on page, before he meets Jonah.
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: Yes, briefly
POV: 3rd person, dual
Strict top/bottom or vers: Strict roles
TW/CW
Spoiler
Cheating (not between MCs), death of spouse off page (not detailed), manipulative ex, emotionally distant and somewhat verbally abusive parents, vomiting
Tropes & tags
Spoiler
Age gap, widower, single dad, bi/gay awakening, three kids, live-in-nanny, cheating ex fiancé, friend group, wealthy MC, puppets, laugh-out-loud funny (no, seriously), dinosaurs
The Sunny Side by Lily Morton
4.0
Audiobook ARC review
Book safety, tropes and tags down below.
I’ll start by saying that Joel Leslie is so incredibly talented. The amount of different accents he does during this book, seamlessly, is beyond impressive. He made it really easy to enjoy this book. Any book is safe in his hands lol.
Alright folks. I’ve heard that Dean was a part of previous books (which I have not read), and therefore my understanding of his character will probably be different from those that know him as the stoner. The Dean I read about here needs to be protected at all cost. What a precious man. It’s heartbreaking reading about sweetheart characters with no self worth because people have constantly been putting them down. Dean thinks all he has to offer the world is that he’s pretty. He’s shocked when sex isn’t transactional for once, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. He has a learning disability and therefore believes he isn’t smart. The fact that family and teachers, literally everyone who should have supported him all his life has repeatedly told him so, doesn’t help.
I listened to this on audio, so I don’t have any quotes to add here, but this book surprised a laugh out of me on several occasions. Very rarely do I actually laugh out loud while reading alone, but this one got me even though there wasn’t the constant jokes and forced laughs that many rom-coms suffer from. I enjoyed the balance of funny and serious.
Jonas was an unexpectedly complex character, and he definitely underwent some growth during the book (thankfully lol). He was very much affected by his own upringing, which seemed to be very cold and austere. His daughter was growing up with focus on summer school and homework at 5 years old instead of playing in the dirt with friends. He loved Dean helplessly, and messed up majorly at one point, which he had to work hard to make right. We’re talking some delicious groveling.
Dean’s interactions with Ruby were so cute, and while he may not be the most booksmart in the room, he understands humans and their emotions like few others.
It’s not 5 stars for me simply because it’s such a long book. It kinda dragged for me in places and I got a little bored before it picked up again.
Book safety
Cheating: No
OM drama: Both men are hit on by other people, but nothing happens with other people
Third-act breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, dual
Strict top/bottom or vers: Strict roles
TW/CW
Mentions of past drug use, withdrawal from weed, a lot of talk about food and body weight/looks, sexual harassment, explicit sexual content, cheating mentioned by side characters (nothing between MCs), mentions of broken bones and hospitalization of a child
Tropes & tags
Age gap, boss/employee, model/agency owner, single dad, divorced, pie-eating (the dirty kind), dogs, dyslexia, groveling, pining, british MC, french MC
Book safety, tropes and tags down below.
I’ll start by saying that Joel Leslie is so incredibly talented. The amount of different accents he does during this book, seamlessly, is beyond impressive. He made it really easy to enjoy this book. Any book is safe in his hands lol.
Alright folks. I’ve heard that Dean was a part of previous books (which I have not read), and therefore my understanding of his character will probably be different from those that know him as the stoner. The Dean I read about here needs to be protected at all cost. What a precious man. It’s heartbreaking reading about sweetheart characters with no self worth because people have constantly been putting them down. Dean thinks all he has to offer the world is that he’s pretty. He’s shocked when sex isn’t transactional for once, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. He has a learning disability and therefore believes he isn’t smart. The fact that family and teachers, literally everyone who should have supported him all his life has repeatedly told him so, doesn’t help.
I listened to this on audio, so I don’t have any quotes to add here, but this book surprised a laugh out of me on several occasions. Very rarely do I actually laugh out loud while reading alone, but this one got me even though there wasn’t the constant jokes and forced laughs that many rom-coms suffer from. I enjoyed the balance of funny and serious.
Jonas was an unexpectedly complex character, and he definitely underwent some growth during the book (thankfully lol). He was very much affected by his own upringing, which seemed to be very cold and austere. His daughter was growing up with focus on summer school and homework at 5 years old instead of playing in the dirt with friends. He loved Dean helplessly, and messed up majorly at one point, which he had to work hard to make right. We’re talking some delicious groveling.
Dean’s interactions with Ruby were so cute, and while he may not be the most booksmart in the room, he understands humans and their emotions like few others.
It’s not 5 stars for me simply because it’s such a long book. It kinda dragged for me in places and I got a little bored before it picked up again.
Book safety
Spoiler
Cheating: No
OM drama: Both men are hit on by other people, but nothing happens with other people
Third-act breakup: Yes
POV: 1st person, dual
Strict top/bottom or vers: Strict roles
TW/CW
Spoiler
Mentions of past drug use, withdrawal from weed, a lot of talk about food and body weight/looks, sexual harassment, explicit sexual content, cheating mentioned by side characters (nothing between MCs), mentions of broken bones and hospitalization of a child
Tropes & tags
Spoiler
Age gap, boss/employee, model/agency owner, single dad, divorced, pie-eating (the dirty kind), dogs, dyslexia, groveling, pining, british MC, french MC
Intoxicating by Onley James
5.0
Book safety, tropes and tags down below.
The first time I started reading this book, I stopped at about 50%. I don't have a good reason why, it might just have been a little much at the time. I started over again from the start this time around, and I really enjoyed it, even though it was a little problematic.
I don't think it was problematic in the sense that the author did anything wrong or was insensitive in any malicious way, but the relationship between Wyatt and Linc was definitely.. not good, atleast not until the very end. You could tell they definitely cared for each other, but Wyatt should have been in therapy from the start. Sometimes it doesn't work that way though, and we use other things (or people) to make it through. I'm just glad Linc and Wyatt were able to see the toxicity and work through it and make something real from it, even though something traumatic had to happen for them to make some changes.
I really enjoyed the book, but it was definitely draining to read it. I'm not easily bothered by trauma or external angst, so that part was alright for me; it was the problematic relationship that got to me. In a sea of trigger warnings, a little unhealthy sex is what made me cry, lol.
Book safety
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Strict top/bottom or vers: Strict roles on-page
TW/CW: suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, self harm, cutting, pill use, power exchange, kink, spanking, explicit sexual content, sexual assault, conversion camp, child abuse, physical violence, emotional abuse (none of the abuse occurs between the main characters), PTSD, flashbacks, panic attacks, anxiety, DUI, car accident, hospitalization, surgery
Tropes & tags
Age gap (18 years), Daddy kink, power exchange, facials, bodyguard/babysitter, forced proximity, house arrest, parent in power (senator), conversion camp, makeup, youtuber (eventually), penetrative virgin
The first time I started reading this book, I stopped at about 50%. I don't have a good reason why, it might just have been a little much at the time. I started over again from the start this time around, and I really enjoyed it, even though it was a little problematic.
I don't think it was problematic in the sense that the author did anything wrong or was insensitive in any malicious way, but the relationship between Wyatt and Linc was definitely.. not good, atleast not until the very end. You could tell they definitely cared for each other, but Wyatt should have been in therapy from the start. Sometimes it doesn't work that way though, and we use other things (or people) to make it through. I'm just glad Linc and Wyatt were able to see the toxicity and work through it and make something real from it, even though something traumatic had to happen for them to make some changes.
I really enjoyed the book, but it was definitely draining to read it. I'm not easily bothered by trauma or external angst, so that part was alright for me; it was the problematic relationship that got to me. In a sea of trigger warnings, a little unhealthy sex is what made me cry, lol.
Book safety
Spoiler
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Strict top/bottom or vers: Strict roles on-page
TW/CW: suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, self harm, cutting, pill use, power exchange, kink, spanking, explicit sexual content, sexual assault, conversion camp, child abuse, physical violence, emotional abuse (none of the abuse occurs between the main characters), PTSD, flashbacks, panic attacks, anxiety, DUI, car accident, hospitalization, surgery
Tropes & tags
Spoiler
Age gap (18 years), Daddy kink, power exchange, facials, bodyguard/babysitter, forced proximity, house arrest, parent in power (senator), conversion camp, makeup, youtuber (eventually), penetrative virgin
Try to Forget by BL Maxwell
1.0
Book safety, tropes and tags down below.
The title of the book is quite apt. I think my favorite part of this book was the cover.
I generally hate talking badly about books, but this one just fell short. Even with how short it was I struggled paying attention. It felt like the author had added every romance cliché there is into a very short story. Every sentence felt like something I had read somewhere before, and when you add it all into the same book, it's just too much. I have yet to read a book set in a small town where 'small town life' isn't a huge part of the book, but I think it was mentioned and referenced roughly every third sentence. Literally all the time. It felt forced and made me annoyed, which is honestly impressive. Maybe I have no self awareness, but I consider myself pretty mellow and I can usually find the good in a book, even if it's not my thing.
Maybe the thing that bothered me the most in this book is how it butchered my favorite trope: the age gap *church bells and angels singing*. I live for age gaps in romance books, yet in this one, I didn't even freaking realise there was one? And the oldest MC was 45?? He acted 25 at most, and the main 'conflict' in the book was his ex trying to get him back. The whole showdown with the ex felt like something straight outta high school, and you mean to tell me these are grown men? Nuh-uh.
I got it on audio, and it didn't do the story any favors, I'm afraid. The narrator's intonation and emphasis was quite weird at times, and he started growling (?) some words during the sex scenes?? Sir, calm way the frick down. I'm probably making it out to be worse than it was, but the things I didn't like really stuck like glue to my brain this time, and it's all I can remember, dammit.
I try to be a positive reviewer. After all, even if I didn't like it, I'm sure someone will, right? But man, I needed to get this off my chest, lol.
Book safety
Cheating: No
OM drama: Yes, the older MCs ex show up at one point and tries to get him back. Nothing happens.
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single POV
Strict top/bottom or vers: I've already forgotten, but I think strict roles
TW/CW
Explicit sexual content
Tropes & tags
Age gap (supposedly), bi awakening, cowboy/city boy, loner MC, bookstore owner, small town, mutual friends, insta love/lust
The title of the book is quite apt. I think my favorite part of this book was the cover.
I generally hate talking badly about books, but this one just fell short. Even with how short it was I struggled paying attention. It felt like the author had added every romance cliché there is into a very short story. Every sentence felt like something I had read somewhere before, and when you add it all into the same book, it's just too much. I have yet to read a book set in a small town where 'small town life' isn't a huge part of the book, but I think it was mentioned and referenced roughly every third sentence. Literally all the time. It felt forced and made me annoyed, which is honestly impressive. Maybe I have no self awareness, but I consider myself pretty mellow and I can usually find the good in a book, even if it's not my thing.
Maybe the thing that bothered me the most in this book is how it butchered my favorite trope: the age gap *church bells and angels singing*. I live for age gaps in romance books, yet in this one, I didn't even freaking realise there was one? And the oldest MC was 45?? He acted 25 at most, and the main 'conflict' in the book was his ex trying to get him back. The whole showdown with the ex felt like something straight outta high school, and you mean to tell me these are grown men? Nuh-uh.
I got it on audio, and it didn't do the story any favors, I'm afraid. The narrator's intonation and emphasis was quite weird at times, and he started growling (?) some words during the sex scenes?? Sir, calm way the frick down. I'm probably making it out to be worse than it was, but the things I didn't like really stuck like glue to my brain this time, and it's all I can remember, dammit.
I try to be a positive reviewer. After all, even if I didn't like it, I'm sure someone will, right? But man, I needed to get this off my chest, lol.
Book safety
Spoiler
Cheating: No
OM drama: Yes, the older MCs ex show up at one point and tries to get him back. Nothing happens.
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single POV
Strict top/bottom or vers: I've already forgotten, but I think strict roles
TW/CW
Spoiler
Explicit sexual content
Tropes & tags
Spoiler
Age gap (supposedly), bi awakening, cowboy/city boy, loner MC, bookstore owner, small town, mutual friends, insta love/lust
Foreseen: Lex by Sloane Kennedy
2.0
Book safety, tropes and tags down below. (For the record, I'm never writing a review through the GR app again. My longest review ever, and the app crashed. Nothing was saved. I should get a medal for not throwing my phone into the ocean. I don't live anywhere near the ocean).
Okay, so I'm not really sure how I feel about this book. In theory, I should have loved it. In some aspects, I actually did! It has an age gap, hurt/comfort, past trauma for both characters, a bi awakening, etc. Basically all the things I would normally eat right up. This book took me longer to finish than it honestly should have, considering all of that.
Even though I was warned about how much drama there was, I really didn't think there could be too much of my literal favorite tropes in the world, but this was a bit OTT. The trauma just kept piling on for both characters, and I ended up being numb to their pain. Pretty sure there's a proper term for that, but I don't remember what it is and I don't feel like googling it. This is the second time I'm writing this, lol.
Edit: a friend called it 'trauma porn', and I can't think of a better way to describe this book.
I feel like I'm sh*tting on this book now, which honestly wasn't my intention. I adore Sloane Kennedy's writing (Locked In Silence is one of my favorite MM books, after all), but this one just didn't click for me. I should mention that Locked In Silence has pretty much all of the same tropes as this one, but it had balance, which made it possible to connect and empathize with the characters. I enjoyed some parts of it a lot, but the over-the-topness is overshadowing it. I'm going to throw in some quotes I really liked at the end to prove I didn't hate the book, it just sounds like it, lol. I'm sorry.
HOWEVER, boy do I need to rant about something. I'll throw a spoiler thingy in though, because I don't want to talk in circles. Mega spoiler warning.
Very early on in the book, Lex unsuccessfully commits suicide. He's saved in time by Gideon. That in itself isn't a problem for me, but they just... forget about it?? Gideon keeps an eye on Lex's insulin supply for a couple of days after, just in case, but that's it! They don't even mention it again! Even though Gideon's wife committed murder/suicide with his youngest daughter! Are you absolutely messing with me?! I'm sorry about all of the exclamation marks, but consider me baffled. Lex should arguably have been in therapy his entire life, atleast as an adult considering all he endured while growing up, but the fact that him getting professional help for his mental health issues isn't mentioned even once is criminal. He says he regretted the attempt as soon as he made it, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't get help. Gideon goes to therapy both alone and with his other daughter, so one would think Lex could get help after trying to unalive himself.
I now realise this is something I have *feelings* about, lol. I might be blowing it hella out of proportion, but there was just so. much. trauma, and very little healing happening.
⚠️⚠️ Blanket spoiler warning ⚠️⚠️
Book safety
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Strict top/bottom or vers: Strict roles
TW/CW
attempted suicide
death of MCs child (off-page, but described)
murder/suicide (main characters wife and child)
hyperglycemic events
disability (blind MC)
mentions of abuse in foster/group homes
violence
explicit sexual content
Tropes & tags
Age gap (11 years), single dad, estranged daughter, disability, blind MC, chronic illness, diabetes, traumatic backstories, pet dog, bi awakening, millionaire MC, mental health problems
Proof that I enjoyed parts of the book (I really actually did, I promise!):
"It wasn't lost on me that I was about to f*ck another man, but nothing I'd done with Lex had seemed even remotely wrong or uncomfortable. My biggest concern was making sure I didn't hurt him."
This, among other things, is why Gideon is my favorite character (along with Brewer the husky mix). After he got over some of his hangups and started dealing with his grief, he was a lovely character. He didn't even have a huge freakout after realising he was falling for a man for the first time.
"It wasn't that I wasn't sure about my feelings. I was. [...] the effects of my ex's rejection still lingered. I'd survived Grady, but I wouldn't survive Gideon reminding me of the things I already knew. That I wasn't enough. And that in some ways I was too much."
"I'd remember this exact moment where I wasn't blind, sick Lex. I was just Gideon's Lex."
Okay, so I'm not really sure how I feel about this book. In theory, I should have loved it. In some aspects, I actually did! It has an age gap, hurt/comfort, past trauma for both characters, a bi awakening, etc. Basically all the things I would normally eat right up. This book took me longer to finish than it honestly should have, considering all of that.
Even though I was warned about how much drama there was, I really didn't think there could be too much of my literal favorite tropes in the world, but this was a bit OTT. The trauma just kept piling on for both characters, and I ended up being numb to their pain. Pretty sure there's a proper term for that, but I don't remember what it is and I don't feel like googling it. This is the second time I'm writing this, lol.
Edit: a friend called it 'trauma porn', and I can't think of a better way to describe this book.
I feel like I'm sh*tting on this book now, which honestly wasn't my intention. I adore Sloane Kennedy's writing (Locked In Silence is one of my favorite MM books, after all), but this one just didn't click for me. I should mention that Locked In Silence has pretty much all of the same tropes as this one, but it had balance, which made it possible to connect and empathize with the characters. I enjoyed some parts of it a lot, but the over-the-topness is overshadowing it. I'm going to throw in some quotes I really liked at the end to prove I didn't hate the book, it just sounds like it, lol. I'm sorry.
HOWEVER, boy do I need to rant about something. I'll throw a spoiler thingy in though, because I don't want to talk in circles. Mega spoiler warning.
Spoiler
Very early on in the book, Lex unsuccessfully commits suicide. He's saved in time by Gideon. That in itself isn't a problem for me, but they just... forget about it?? Gideon keeps an eye on Lex's insulin supply for a couple of days after, just in case, but that's it! They don't even mention it again! Even though Gideon's wife committed murder/suicide with his youngest daughter! Are you absolutely messing with me?! I'm sorry about all of the exclamation marks, but consider me baffled. Lex should arguably have been in therapy his entire life, atleast as an adult considering all he endured while growing up, but the fact that him getting professional help for his mental health issues isn't mentioned even once is criminal. He says he regretted the attempt as soon as he made it, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't get help. Gideon goes to therapy both alone and with his other daughter, so one would think Lex could get help after trying to unalive himself.
I now realise this is something I have *feelings* about, lol. I might be blowing it hella out of proportion, but there was just so. much. trauma, and very little healing happening.
⚠️⚠️ Blanket spoiler warning ⚠️⚠️
Book safety
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Strict top/bottom or vers: Strict roles
TW/CW
attempted suicide
death of MCs child (off-page, but described)
murder/suicide (main characters wife and child)
hyperglycemic events
disability (blind MC)
mentions of abuse in foster/group homes
violence
explicit sexual content
Tropes & tags
Age gap (11 years), single dad, estranged daughter, disability, blind MC, chronic illness, diabetes, traumatic backstories, pet dog, bi awakening, millionaire MC, mental health problems
Proof that I enjoyed parts of the book (I really actually did, I promise!):
"It wasn't lost on me that I was about to f*ck another man, but nothing I'd done with Lex had seemed even remotely wrong or uncomfortable. My biggest concern was making sure I didn't hurt him."
This, among other things, is why Gideon is my favorite character (along with Brewer the husky mix). After he got over some of his hangups and started dealing with his grief, he was a lovely character. He didn't even have a huge freakout after realising he was falling for a man for the first time.
"It wasn't that I wasn't sure about my feelings. I was. [...] the effects of my ex's rejection still lingered. I'd survived Grady, but I wouldn't survive Gideon reminding me of the things I already knew. That I wasn't enough. And that in some ways I was too much."
"I'd remember this exact moment where I wasn't blind, sick Lex. I was just Gideon's Lex."
Out of the Blackness by Carter Quinn
4.0
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
“Forever and for always, little one. I promise.”
This book definitely isn’t like most ‘normal’ romances, but it was still beautiful, sweet and romantic at times. I saw someone describe this book as detailing Avery’s journey of healing, and that is very accurate. It’s a slow burn in every way. Avery isn’t magically healed by meeting his love interest, and he isn’t completely healed by the end of the book either. He is ready to scale back his therapy appointments, which is huge for him. Avery has suffered a lot of abuse and abandonment in his life, and I feel like this book shows what could be a relatively realistic look at recovery and healing. His depression, anxiety and PTSD isn’t romanticized at all.
It’s another abject failure on my part that I can’t ever measure up to what he wants, what he needs. And it hurts more than I ever could have imagined.
I’m sure this book won’t be for everyone. It can feel a little repetitive. Avery’s improvements happen so slowly that you will barely notice, until one day Noah makes him feel safe instead of afraid. Avery is very emotional, and might spend more time with tears in his eyes than not during the book, honestly. I don’t mind sad boys, even the slightly OTT emotional ones, but I know it’s not for everyone. Especially early one, he is treated a bit like a child by the people in his life. ‘Kiddo’ and ‘buddy’ are common endearments, but it’s scaled back a little as we see Avery take more control over his own healing and trying to get better. Those around him still definitely treat him as a kid brother, but not at the same level as early on. I actually enjoyed this changing dynamic.
“I kiss you because you are the most adorable man under the sun. And because you taste delicious. And because I like it. Do you want me to stop?” I sigh and lean into him, my chin on his chest, still holding his gaze. “No,” I say simply.
Noah however, even if he uses similar endearments sometimes (my favorite is ‘Little one’), treats Avery like a competent adult. He has infinite patience and never gives up on Avery. He doesn’t let him push him away, yet still respect his boundaries. He pushes when it’s necessary, and backs off when needed. He was definitely emotionally mature and uncomplicated, and I think that’s how it needed to be, considering how complicated Avery’s character is.
Try telling the seven-year-old me that the beatings would eventually come less frequently but never stop, because he would never be worthy of that, and see if he wouldn’t rather swing freely from the end of a rope. If only I were convinced I wouldn’t mess it up, I’d do it right now.
The way Avery thought about himself was heartbreaking. Seeing him finally believe the good things as well was kinda beautiful. If you’re looking for spice, this book isn’t it. It deals heavily with fear and body insecurity/low self esteem, and as a result, they take things very slowly. There is one explicit scene, but they don’t go ‘all the way’ on page. I didn’t really mind, as it was clear the characters (Avery, mostly) wasn’t ready by the end of the book.
It won’t be a full five stars for me because it did get a little repetitive, and because we didn’t get an epilogue. That is honestly one if those things that bothers me so much when reading. I want a glimpse into the characters HEA.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Past trauma
Slow burn
Therapy
Size difference
Strangers to friends
Friends to lovers
Found family
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Verbal abuse
Physical abuse
PTSD
Anxiety disorder
Medication
Mentions of suicide (side character, in the past)
Suicidal ideation
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single POV
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Finally I’ve had enough. I throw a pillow at Sam, who’s reclining on the other end of the couch. For all that it’s called a “throw’ pillow, it doesn’t sail through the air very majestically.
“Double or nothing, winner takes all,” he dares me. I laugh. “Noah, we haven’t bet anything.” “Don’t distract me with semantics.”
“Forever and for always, little one. I promise.”
This book definitely isn’t like most ‘normal’ romances, but it was still beautiful, sweet and romantic at times. I saw someone describe this book as detailing Avery’s journey of healing, and that is very accurate. It’s a slow burn in every way. Avery isn’t magically healed by meeting his love interest, and he isn’t completely healed by the end of the book either. He is ready to scale back his therapy appointments, which is huge for him. Avery has suffered a lot of abuse and abandonment in his life, and I feel like this book shows what could be a relatively realistic look at recovery and healing. His depression, anxiety and PTSD isn’t romanticized at all.
It’s another abject failure on my part that I can’t ever measure up to what he wants, what he needs. And it hurts more than I ever could have imagined.
I’m sure this book won’t be for everyone. It can feel a little repetitive. Avery’s improvements happen so slowly that you will barely notice, until one day Noah makes him feel safe instead of afraid. Avery is very emotional, and might spend more time with tears in his eyes than not during the book, honestly. I don’t mind sad boys, even the slightly OTT emotional ones, but I know it’s not for everyone. Especially early one, he is treated a bit like a child by the people in his life. ‘Kiddo’ and ‘buddy’ are common endearments, but it’s scaled back a little as we see Avery take more control over his own healing and trying to get better. Those around him still definitely treat him as a kid brother, but not at the same level as early on. I actually enjoyed this changing dynamic.
“I kiss you because you are the most adorable man under the sun. And because you taste delicious. And because I like it. Do you want me to stop?” I sigh and lean into him, my chin on his chest, still holding his gaze. “No,” I say simply.
Noah however, even if he uses similar endearments sometimes (my favorite is ‘Little one’), treats Avery like a competent adult. He has infinite patience and never gives up on Avery. He doesn’t let him push him away, yet still respect his boundaries. He pushes when it’s necessary, and backs off when needed. He was definitely emotionally mature and uncomplicated, and I think that’s how it needed to be, considering how complicated Avery’s character is.
Try telling the seven-year-old me that the beatings would eventually come less frequently but never stop, because he would never be worthy of that, and see if he wouldn’t rather swing freely from the end of a rope. If only I were convinced I wouldn’t mess it up, I’d do it right now.
The way Avery thought about himself was heartbreaking. Seeing him finally believe the good things as well was kinda beautiful. If you’re looking for spice, this book isn’t it. It deals heavily with fear and body insecurity/low self esteem, and as a result, they take things very slowly. There is one explicit scene, but they don’t go ‘all the way’ on page. I didn’t really mind, as it was clear the characters (Avery, mostly) wasn’t ready by the end of the book.
It won’t be a full five stars for me because it did get a little repetitive, and because we didn’t get an epilogue. That is honestly one if those things that bothers me so much when reading. I want a glimpse into the characters HEA.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Past trauma
Slow burn
Therapy
Size difference
Strangers to friends
Friends to lovers
Found family
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Verbal abuse
Physical abuse
PTSD
Anxiety disorder
Medication
Mentions of suicide (side character, in the past)
Suicidal ideation
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single POV
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Finally I’ve had enough. I throw a pillow at Sam, who’s reclining on the other end of the couch. For all that it’s called a “throw’ pillow, it doesn’t sail through the air very majestically.
“Double or nothing, winner takes all,” he dares me. I laugh. “Noah, we haven’t bet anything.” “Don’t distract me with semantics.”
Pack Darling: Part One by Lola Rock
5.0
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
I don’t even know if I want them all to want me, but my hormones are so fucked up that my switch is forever flipped to possessive bitch.
I’m usually not one who reads anything with rejected mates, because it hurts so damn much, but I’ve read and listened to this duet so many times. It’s definitely a comfort read for me at this point. It helps that the narrators did a fantastic job on the audiobooks. I love reverse harem, and doubly so when it’s omegaverse, as it doesn’t feel as difficult to make a harem work if it’s in a persons nature to live like that.
I’m still banned from drinking. The pack claims I start too many fights. Like I won’t start shit sober?
I think my favorite part is how the FMC is pretty badass and prickly, but mostly out of self preservation because of all of the abuse she suffers at the omega center. She has closed herself off, and when she finally tries to let someone in and give them a chance, she’s burned epically.
Then my goddamned intuition chips in, because if hiding is her safe place, if suffering in silence has helped her get this far, I can imagine how badly she’s been treated.
I’m not gonna get into every single MMC as there’s so many of them, but I really love Hunter and Orion. Hunter because he looks like a massive brute with tattoos, but is a total sweetheart and definitely the most emotionally mature one in the bunch. Orion is an omega as well as our FMC, and he is so kind, and just wants his alpha’s to give him the attention he needs (and deserves).
A male beta passes so close I consider stabbing him an extra air hole.
The duet really does read like one book, as nothing is resolved by the end of the first book (and therefore difficult to review). I will say, if you love some epic groveling, this duet is the one for you.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Omegaverse
Reverse harem
MM and MMMMM explicit content
Slow burn
Mates
Rejected mate
Heats
Knotting
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of abuse
Mentions of sexual abuse (past, not detailed)
Mentions of child abuse (past)
Self harm (starvation, working out till exhaustion)
Forced injections
Graphic violence
Gun violence
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No, only from the MCs
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, multiple POV
Genre: Omegaverse, reverse harem
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
I consider handing over my bat and letting these girls beat the shit out of me, but they’re going to do that anyway. I might as well get in a few hits. Stress relief.
“What year is it?” I croak out, hoping I’ve slipped into a coma and am now sixty-five years old and ready for retirement at sea.
I don’t even know if I want them all to want me, but my hormones are so fucked up that my switch is forever flipped to possessive bitch.
I’m usually not one who reads anything with rejected mates, because it hurts so damn much, but I’ve read and listened to this duet so many times. It’s definitely a comfort read for me at this point. It helps that the narrators did a fantastic job on the audiobooks. I love reverse harem, and doubly so when it’s omegaverse, as it doesn’t feel as difficult to make a harem work if it’s in a persons nature to live like that.
I’m still banned from drinking. The pack claims I start too many fights. Like I won’t start shit sober?
I think my favorite part is how the FMC is pretty badass and prickly, but mostly out of self preservation because of all of the abuse she suffers at the omega center. She has closed herself off, and when she finally tries to let someone in and give them a chance, she’s burned epically.
Then my goddamned intuition chips in, because if hiding is her safe place, if suffering in silence has helped her get this far, I can imagine how badly she’s been treated.
I’m not gonna get into every single MMC as there’s so many of them, but I really love Hunter and Orion. Hunter because he looks like a massive brute with tattoos, but is a total sweetheart and definitely the most emotionally mature one in the bunch. Orion is an omega as well as our FMC, and he is so kind, and just wants his alpha’s to give him the attention he needs (and deserves).
A male beta passes so close I consider stabbing him an extra air hole.
The duet really does read like one book, as nothing is resolved by the end of the first book (and therefore difficult to review). I will say, if you love some epic groveling, this duet is the one for you.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Omegaverse
Reverse harem
MM and MMMMM explicit content
Slow burn
Mates
Rejected mate
Heats
Knotting
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of abuse
Mentions of sexual abuse (past, not detailed)
Mentions of child abuse (past)
Self harm (starvation, working out till exhaustion)
Forced injections
Graphic violence
Gun violence
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No, only from the MCs
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, multiple POV
Genre: Omegaverse, reverse harem
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
I consider handing over my bat and letting these girls beat the shit out of me, but they’re going to do that anyway. I might as well get in a few hits. Stress relief.
“What year is it?” I croak out, hoping I’ve slipped into a coma and am now sixty-five years old and ready for retirement at sea.
All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata
5.0
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
No one ever told you how hard it was to make friends as an adult. But it was hard. Real hard.
I didn’t really get into reviewing books until I started reading MM, so most of my reviews now will be after rereads or re-listens. I’ve read this book and listened to it a good few times by now. Mariana Zapata is my favorite M/F author, and I’ve adored everything I’ve read by her.
Sometimes, maybe even more often than just sometimes, you were better off alone. Sometimes you had to learn to be your own best friend. To put yourself first.
This book is just.. charming. Straight up charming. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. It really transports me to a small town in Colorado. Zapata is the Queen of slow burn, and she nails it every time. I do love spice, but the wait is so freaking worth it every time with this author. I’m also a massive fan of the ‘single dad’ trope, and the kid in this is such a great side character. He really brings something extra to the story.
“Nobody in their right mind would let you walk away from them. Not once and no way in hell twice, angel.”
Aurora, the FMC, is older than she seems. I have seen some people being a little annoyed with her slightly childish (I guess? Not really in my opinion) behavior, but I adore her. She’s sunshine through and through. I also know it’s done like this on purpose. Rhodes believes she’s way younger than she is for a good long while, which contributes to the slow burn. It’s also amazing how the FMC stays positive after being treated so poorly by her ex.
The man who had called me his wife in private and around loved ones. The man who had promised to really marry me one day when his career was just right and a relationship wouldn’t hurt his wittle fanbase. “You understand, don’t you, beautiful?” he’d reasoned time after time.
Mariana also usually writes character driven plots, and I still adore her books so freaking much, which is a good indicator for how good she is at writing. I never feel bored when reading her books, when I usually get bored with other books very fast if there’s nothing happening externally.
All Rhodes Lead Here has a unique plot, and I love it so much. And the cover is beautiful.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Single dad
Semi-famous FMC
Small town
Hometown
Slow burn
Grumpy/sunshine
Age gap
CW:
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Grief
Mention of hiking accident
Manipulative ex mother in law
Brief mention of infertility (side character)
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: FMCs ex tries to get in touch, but no drama from it.
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/F
No one ever told you how hard it was to make friends as an adult. But it was hard. Real hard.
I didn’t really get into reviewing books until I started reading MM, so most of my reviews now will be after rereads or re-listens. I’ve read this book and listened to it a good few times by now. Mariana Zapata is my favorite M/F author, and I’ve adored everything I’ve read by her.
Sometimes, maybe even more often than just sometimes, you were better off alone. Sometimes you had to learn to be your own best friend. To put yourself first.
This book is just.. charming. Straight up charming. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. It really transports me to a small town in Colorado. Zapata is the Queen of slow burn, and she nails it every time. I do love spice, but the wait is so freaking worth it every time with this author. I’m also a massive fan of the ‘single dad’ trope, and the kid in this is such a great side character. He really brings something extra to the story.
“Nobody in their right mind would let you walk away from them. Not once and no way in hell twice, angel.”
Aurora, the FMC, is older than she seems. I have seen some people being a little annoyed with her slightly childish (I guess? Not really in my opinion) behavior, but I adore her. She’s sunshine through and through. I also know it’s done like this on purpose. Rhodes believes she’s way younger than she is for a good long while, which contributes to the slow burn. It’s also amazing how the FMC stays positive after being treated so poorly by her ex.
The man who had called me his wife in private and around loved ones. The man who had promised to really marry me one day when his career was just right and a relationship wouldn’t hurt his wittle fanbase. “You understand, don’t you, beautiful?” he’d reasoned time after time.
Mariana also usually writes character driven plots, and I still adore her books so freaking much, which is a good indicator for how good she is at writing. I never feel bored when reading her books, when I usually get bored with other books very fast if there’s nothing happening externally.
All Rhodes Lead Here has a unique plot, and I love it so much. And the cover is beautiful.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Single dad
Semi-famous FMC
Small town
Hometown
Slow burn
Grumpy/sunshine
Age gap
CW:
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Grief
Mention of hiking accident
Manipulative ex mother in law
Brief mention of infertility (side character)
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: FMCs ex tries to get in touch, but no drama from it.
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/F
Under Locke by Mariana Zapata
4.0
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
Slowly, like a snail making a long trek, I rolled my eyes over to his face, taking in the flawless bone structure staring back at me from over demon flesh incarnate.
Every time I read this book (this is the third time), I'm amazed I actually end up liking Dex by the end. He is an absolute asshole just about all the way through. Thankfully, our FMC isn't (completely) blinded by the fact that Dex is hot as hell, and she doesn't actually start getting feelings for him until he starts treating her better. If not for that, I would've hated this book, lol. It's still Mariana Zapata though (my favorite M/F author), and the writing is so good. It's not my favorite of hers just because of the tropes, and it's just a bit more relationship angst than the other books of hers I've read (mostly because of the touch of other woman drama which I never enjoy). To be clear, Dex doesn't actually step out on Iris either physically or emotionally.
"Babe, I've handpicked everythin' and everyone in here. I know what I want and I get what I want," he breathed. "And I keep what's mine."
In true Zapata fashion, there's some really great side characters in this that definitely add to the story. This book is... I don't know, stereotypical? Innocent beautiful girl (who doesn't know she's a knockout) who wears cardigans and has a hidden dirty sense of humor starts working at a tattoo shop where the grumpy asshole boss is hot as sin and they fall in love? I don't think it gets more typical lol, but the rest is so good that I can overlook a lot of that. There are other elements that feel original though. I do actually enjoy this book a lot.
Man with anger issues who's actually loyal as hell and loves hard when he falls x Woman who keeps secrets from those she loves if the truth can hurt them = Just a touch of issues, lol.
Using the word 'pissed' to describe his reaction would be like saying that the Pacific Ocean was a body of water.
No but I actually really do love Iris and Dex, and their cameo in Kulti always makes me smile like a goof.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Tattoo artist
Motorcycle club
Opposites attract
Boss/employee
Brother's friend
Virgin FMC
Ex con
MMC with anger issues
Eggplant piercing
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of cancer and treatments
Mentions of the death of a parent (cancer)
Absent parent
Brief mentions of prison
Violence
Cancer survivor FMC
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: A bit of other woman drama, but nothing after they're together.
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/F
"But I'm not a good man, and I'm gonna take everythin' you want to give me and everythin' you don't."
"You gotta be the best thing I never knew I wanted."
"What'cha thinking, Ritz?" I held my hands out for him to see how badly I was shaking. "I'm thinking that I love you so much it scares me. See?"
Slowly, like a snail making a long trek, I rolled my eyes over to his face, taking in the flawless bone structure staring back at me from over demon flesh incarnate.
Every time I read this book (this is the third time), I'm amazed I actually end up liking Dex by the end. He is an absolute asshole just about all the way through. Thankfully, our FMC isn't (completely) blinded by the fact that Dex is hot as hell, and she doesn't actually start getting feelings for him until he starts treating her better. If not for that, I would've hated this book, lol. It's still Mariana Zapata though (my favorite M/F author), and the writing is so good. It's not my favorite of hers just because of the tropes, and it's just a bit more relationship angst than the other books of hers I've read (mostly because of the touch of other woman drama which I never enjoy). To be clear, Dex doesn't actually step out on Iris either physically or emotionally.
"Babe, I've handpicked everythin' and everyone in here. I know what I want and I get what I want," he breathed. "And I keep what's mine."
In true Zapata fashion, there's some really great side characters in this that definitely add to the story. This book is... I don't know, stereotypical? Innocent beautiful girl (who doesn't know she's a knockout) who wears cardigans and has a hidden dirty sense of humor starts working at a tattoo shop where the grumpy asshole boss is hot as sin and they fall in love? I don't think it gets more typical lol, but the rest is so good that I can overlook a lot of that. There are other elements that feel original though. I do actually enjoy this book a lot.
Man with anger issues who's actually loyal as hell and loves hard when he falls x Woman who keeps secrets from those she loves if the truth can hurt them = Just a touch of issues, lol.
Using the word 'pissed' to describe his reaction would be like saying that the Pacific Ocean was a body of water.
No but I actually really do love Iris and Dex, and their cameo in Kulti always makes me smile like a goof.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Tattoo artist
Motorcycle club
Opposites attract
Boss/employee
Brother's friend
Virgin FMC
Ex con
MMC with anger issues
Eggplant piercing
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of cancer and treatments
Mentions of the death of a parent (cancer)
Absent parent
Brief mentions of prison
Violence
Cancer survivor FMC
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: A bit of other woman drama, but nothing after they're together.
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/F
"But I'm not a good man, and I'm gonna take everythin' you want to give me and everythin' you don't."
"You gotta be the best thing I never knew I wanted."
"What'cha thinking, Ritz?" I held my hands out for him to see how badly I was shaking. "I'm thinking that I love you so much it scares me. See?"
Say You're Sorry by Karen Rose
5.0
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
He’d hated them all once he’d grown old enough to understand what they’d represented. Slavery. Possession. Their wearers pawns in a chess game they didn’t fully understand until it was too late.
This one of those books where I own the ebook, audiobook, and the paperback. I listen to it somewhat regularly, and I don’t get tired of it. Romantic suspense is my favorite genre, and this is probably my very favorite one so far. It’s got multiple POV, with the two main love interests of course, as well as the killer and some of his victims. The timeline in this is really short, which brings this feeling of urgency to the entire thing, and the tension just keeps building and building.
There was something between them, call it chemistry or whatever. But she could soothe him. And he her. She could take care of herself, but it was so nice not to have to.
I have to mention the romance aspects as well. Our MMC, Gideon, is one of my favorite men in the M/F genre overall. He’s vulnerable, is able to show his feelings, he can admit when he’s wrong, and he’s just not one of those creepy and toxic men. Daisy is a really really good FMC, but Gideon totally stole the show for me. It doesn’t hurt that he’s 30 ish, and has a lot of white in his black hair and beard. I think that’s really neat. Like I mentioned above, the entire plot happens in a few days, but somehow their connection makes sense, and it’s quite believable, considering everything going on. Both MCs have really interesting backstories, one of which kinda fuels the rest of the series. HFN for the couple, sort of series ‘cliffhanger’. Ugh, I just really love this book.
“Are you feeling ignored, girl?” Gideon frowned. “Girl? She’s a girl? Why did you name a girl dog Brutus?” “I couldn’t think of a girl name that was as mean. She’s little and sweet. I wanted her to feel big and tough on the inside.” Gideon didn’t look convinced. “If you say so.”
The murdery aspects are really creepy and graphic as well, and I *love* it. It is quite heavy on some triggers other than the normal ‘serial killer’ ones, so definitely check those out if you need to. I think a well written book in this genre can make you feel things for the villain other than disgust and anger, which Karen Rose absolutely nails. The author also did a ton of research and had help for pretty much every aspect of this book that requires expertice, and it shines through. Highly recommend for fans of the genre.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Serial killer
Romantic suspense
Grown up in a cult
Found family
Past trauma
FBI agent MMC
Multiple POV
Family friend
Crime
Mystery thriller
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
On page murder
Mentions of sexual assault (not detailed, past and present)
Attempted murder
Recovering alcoholic FMC (no relapse)
Past trauma
Graphic violence
Death of a side character
Brief mentions of suicide (off page)
Mentions of drug overdose (family member, past)
House fire
Kidnapping
Mentions of child abuse
Grooming and sexual abuse of a child (off page, few details, side character)
Mentions of child marriage
Brief mentions of pedophilia and child pregnancy
*I’ve tried to list every warning I could think of, but I may have missed some.
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, multiple POV
Genre: Romantic suspense, M/F
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Daisy pulled his head to her shoulder and, sinking back against the arm of the sofa, pulled him down with her and wrapped her arms around him. “That she loved you,” she whispered, and he nodded, helpless to stop the tears. Daisy held him, stroking his hair, not saying another word. Daisy didn’t tell him it would be all right. She didn’t tell him not to cry. She didn’t make any soothing noises or promises that meant nothing. She just lay back against the arm of the sofa, holding him until he could breathe again. He sighed, exhausted. “I’m sorry.” “Don’t be,” she murmured into his ear. “Please don’t be.”
He’d hated them all once he’d grown old enough to understand what they’d represented. Slavery. Possession. Their wearers pawns in a chess game they didn’t fully understand until it was too late.
This one of those books where I own the ebook, audiobook, and the paperback. I listen to it somewhat regularly, and I don’t get tired of it. Romantic suspense is my favorite genre, and this is probably my very favorite one so far. It’s got multiple POV, with the two main love interests of course, as well as the killer and some of his victims. The timeline in this is really short, which brings this feeling of urgency to the entire thing, and the tension just keeps building and building.
There was something between them, call it chemistry or whatever. But she could soothe him. And he her. She could take care of herself, but it was so nice not to have to.
I have to mention the romance aspects as well. Our MMC, Gideon, is one of my favorite men in the M/F genre overall. He’s vulnerable, is able to show his feelings, he can admit when he’s wrong, and he’s just not one of those creepy and toxic men. Daisy is a really really good FMC, but Gideon totally stole the show for me. It doesn’t hurt that he’s 30 ish, and has a lot of white in his black hair and beard. I think that’s really neat. Like I mentioned above, the entire plot happens in a few days, but somehow their connection makes sense, and it’s quite believable, considering everything going on. Both MCs have really interesting backstories, one of which kinda fuels the rest of the series. HFN for the couple, sort of series ‘cliffhanger’. Ugh, I just really love this book.
“Are you feeling ignored, girl?” Gideon frowned. “Girl? She’s a girl? Why did you name a girl dog Brutus?” “I couldn’t think of a girl name that was as mean. She’s little and sweet. I wanted her to feel big and tough on the inside.” Gideon didn’t look convinced. “If you say so.”
The murdery aspects are really creepy and graphic as well, and I *love* it. It is quite heavy on some triggers other than the normal ‘serial killer’ ones, so definitely check those out if you need to. I think a well written book in this genre can make you feel things for the villain other than disgust and anger, which Karen Rose absolutely nails. The author also did a ton of research and had help for pretty much every aspect of this book that requires expertice, and it shines through. Highly recommend for fans of the genre.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Serial killer
Romantic suspense
Grown up in a cult
Found family
Past trauma
FBI agent MMC
Multiple POV
Family friend
Crime
Mystery thriller
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
On page murder
Mentions of sexual assault (not detailed, past and present)
Attempted murder
Recovering alcoholic FMC (no relapse)
Past trauma
Graphic violence
Death of a side character
Brief mentions of suicide (off page)
Mentions of drug overdose (family member, past)
House fire
Kidnapping
Mentions of child abuse
Grooming and sexual abuse of a child (off page, few details, side character)
Mentions of child marriage
Brief mentions of pedophilia and child pregnancy
*I’ve tried to list every warning I could think of, but I may have missed some.
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM/OW drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, multiple POV
Genre: Romantic suspense, M/F
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Daisy pulled his head to her shoulder and, sinking back against the arm of the sofa, pulled him down with her and wrapped her arms around him. “That she loved you,” she whispered, and he nodded, helpless to stop the tears. Daisy held him, stroking his hair, not saying another word. Daisy didn’t tell him it would be all right. She didn’t tell him not to cry. She didn’t make any soothing noises or promises that meant nothing. She just lay back against the arm of the sofa, holding him until he could breathe again. He sighed, exhausted. “I’m sorry.” “Don’t be,” she murmured into his ear. “Please don’t be.”