Take a photo of a barcode or cover
bookboundblogger's Reviews (97)
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Alice thought her nightmares were just that: dreams. But twenty years after they began, the rabbit has returned and he's not alone. Thrust into a twisted version of Wonderland, Alice quickly realizes that the strange creatures haunting her sleep are terrifyingly real. As she struggles to make sense of her shifting reality, she meets Red. Red has been waiting a long time for revenge against the monster who shattered her world. With two sirens at her side and nothing left to lose, Red’s fire had started to die out until Alice reignites it. Together, these women are on a dangerous mission fueled by vengeance, fate, and the bonds they didn’t expect to form.
I’m such a sucker for fairytale retellings, and this one completely delivered. Wars in Wonderland takes the wild world of Alice and throws it into something darker, sapphic, and way more intense in the best way. I didn’t expect cameos from other fairytale characters and supernatural beings, but that just added to the magic and mayhem. Think Wonderland meets a spicy fantasy rebellion.
What really made this book special for me is the FFF storyline. It’s not every day I find a sapphic fantasy that hits hard emotionally and has enough action to keep me turning pages. Sapphic representation shouldn’t be this rare in fantasy, but here we are, and I’m thrilled I got to read this ARC from E. J. Pepino. The romance is there, and yes, there’s spice, but it doesn’t overshadow the plot. It enhances it.
Also, can we talk about how this is Pepino’s debut? The writing is vivid, emotional, and just sucked me right in. I loved the morally grey characters, the layered relationships, and that mix of pain and power that kept things unpredictable. I’m already stalking for news of a sequel or whatever Pepino does next.
The Vibes It Brings:
🧚♀️ Fairytale retelling with a twist
🌈 Sapphic (FFF) romance that actually delivers
🐰 Alice in Wonderland reimagined
🧜♀️ Supernatural creatures and mythical beings
🫂 Found family feels
🔥 Touch her and die
🤝 Bonded mates
🖤 Morally grey bada$$ FMC
🗡️ Vengeance, loyalty, and a hint of madness
If you’re looking for a dark fantasy full of emotion, tension, and fierce sapphic energy, Wars in Wonderland needs to be on your TBR. It’s bold, beautifully written, and the kind of retelling that completely flips the original on its head while keeping its heart. Whether you're here for the fantasy, the romance, or the monsters, there's something wild waiting for you down the rabbit hole.
I’m such a sucker for fairytale retellings, and this one completely delivered. Wars in Wonderland takes the wild world of Alice and throws it into something darker, sapphic, and way more intense in the best way. I didn’t expect cameos from other fairytale characters and supernatural beings, but that just added to the magic and mayhem. Think Wonderland meets a spicy fantasy rebellion.
What really made this book special for me is the FFF storyline. It’s not every day I find a sapphic fantasy that hits hard emotionally and has enough action to keep me turning pages. Sapphic representation shouldn’t be this rare in fantasy, but here we are, and I’m thrilled I got to read this ARC from E. J. Pepino. The romance is there, and yes, there’s spice, but it doesn’t overshadow the plot. It enhances it.
Also, can we talk about how this is Pepino’s debut? The writing is vivid, emotional, and just sucked me right in. I loved the morally grey characters, the layered relationships, and that mix of pain and power that kept things unpredictable. I’m already stalking for news of a sequel or whatever Pepino does next.
The Vibes It Brings:
🧚♀️ Fairytale retelling with a twist
🌈 Sapphic (FFF) romance that actually delivers
🐰 Alice in Wonderland reimagined
🧜♀️ Supernatural creatures and mythical beings
🫂 Found family feels
🔥 Touch her and die
🤝 Bonded mates
🖤 Morally grey bada$$ FMC
🗡️ Vengeance, loyalty, and a hint of madness
If you’re looking for a dark fantasy full of emotion, tension, and fierce sapphic energy, Wars in Wonderland needs to be on your TBR. It’s bold, beautifully written, and the kind of retelling that completely flips the original on its head while keeping its heart. Whether you're here for the fantasy, the romance, or the monsters, there's something wild waiting for you down the rabbit hole.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Single mom Amy Knoxx started a business pretending to be a girlfriend, fiancée, or wife to help make ends meet. But when Nolan, a wealthy and unstable client, hires her, things quickly spiral out of control. A stalker lurks in the shadows, and when Amy finds a body in her shed, she realizes she’s in deeper than she ever imagined. As Amy and Jordan, a client with secrets of his own, try to unravel the danger, the stakes soar when her son, Sawyer, is kidnapped. But Nolan isn’t the only one obsessed with her. Someone else has been watching. The question is… who?
I want to thank Jessica Lynn Sorenson and BookSirens for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
From the very first page, Keeping You Close had me hooked. Jessica Lynn Sorenson crafts a thriller that doesn’t just keep you guessing, it keeps you wrong. Every time I thought I had figured it out, another twist slammed the door on my theory. The suspense is relentless, the stakes keep rising, and just when you think it can’t get any worse… it does.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was the nod to other authors like Elisa D. Daniels, Mark Jenkins, Nadija Mujagic, and Jennifer Hartmann. It felt like a little inside joke for readers who love dark, twisty thrillers.
I also loved the multiple POVs, which added depth to the story, letting us see different sides of the chaos unfolding. Amy’s desperation, Jordan’s mystery, and Nolan’s unsettling presence all played perfectly together. The short chapters made it impossible to put down, and the ending? Let’s just say I need book two ASAP.
If you love authors like Freida McFadden, Kiersten Modglin, or Jennifer Hartmann, you’ll be obsessed with Jessica Lynn Sorenson’s writing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A gripping, fast-paced thriller that kept me on edge!
The Vibe it Brings:
🔪 Multiple POV
📖 First-Person Narrative
💀 Murder & Revenge
🕵️♀️ Stalking & Lies
🔥 Mild Spice
⚡ Short, Addictive Chapters
😱 Cliffhanger Ending
Content Warning:
Profanity, stalking, kidnapping, murder.
If you love psychological thrillers packed with tension, unexpected twists, and morally gray characters, Keeping You Close is a must-read. Just be warned. You’ll be begging for the next book the second you finish this one.
I want to thank Jessica Lynn Sorenson and BookSirens for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
From the very first page, Keeping You Close had me hooked. Jessica Lynn Sorenson crafts a thriller that doesn’t just keep you guessing, it keeps you wrong. Every time I thought I had figured it out, another twist slammed the door on my theory. The suspense is relentless, the stakes keep rising, and just when you think it can’t get any worse… it does.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was the nod to other authors like Elisa D. Daniels, Mark Jenkins, Nadija Mujagic, and Jennifer Hartmann. It felt like a little inside joke for readers who love dark, twisty thrillers.
I also loved the multiple POVs, which added depth to the story, letting us see different sides of the chaos unfolding. Amy’s desperation, Jordan’s mystery, and Nolan’s unsettling presence all played perfectly together. The short chapters made it impossible to put down, and the ending? Let’s just say I need book two ASAP.
If you love authors like Freida McFadden, Kiersten Modglin, or Jennifer Hartmann, you’ll be obsessed with Jessica Lynn Sorenson’s writing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A gripping, fast-paced thriller that kept me on edge!
The Vibe it Brings:
🔪 Multiple POV
📖 First-Person Narrative
💀 Murder & Revenge
🕵️♀️ Stalking & Lies
🔥 Mild Spice
⚡ Short, Addictive Chapters
😱 Cliffhanger Ending
Content Warning:
Profanity, stalking, kidnapping, murder.
If you love psychological thrillers packed with tension, unexpected twists, and morally gray characters, Keeping You Close is a must-read. Just be warned. You’ll be begging for the next book the second you finish this one.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Twenty years ago, during a family holiday on the remote island of Little Auger, eleven-year-old Hazel vanished without a trace. The unanswered questions surrounding her disappearance shattered the bond between three friends: Roz, who broke a promise; Catrin, whose idea led to that fateful night; and Nina, who slept through it all. Now, two decades later, a true-crime podcaster named Stella reaches out to them, claiming to have unearthed new evidence. As the former friends reunite on the island, they confront buried secrets and the lingering effects of that tragic event.
“Between the Waves” by Hilary Tailor is a captivating exploration of friendship, guilt, and the enduring impact of unresolved mysteries. From the moment I started reading, I was hooked and found it nearly impossible to put down. The narrative is rich with twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout.
The story delves deep into the emotional wreckage left behind after Hazel’s disappearance. Tailor’s atmospheric writing immerses readers in the eerie beauty of Little Auger Island, making the setting almost a character in itself. The complex web of guilt, secrets, and fractured friendships is portrayed with depth and authenticity.
What sets this novel apart is its focus on the emotional journeys of Roz, Catrin, and Nina. While the mystery of Hazel’s disappearance is central, the true essence lies in witnessing these flawed, haunted women confront their past and seek redemption. It’s a moody, beautifully written tale packed with quiet tension that resonates deeply.
I rated this book five stars for its compelling narrative and the way it masterfully intertwines suspense with profound emotional insights. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page, prompting reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the secrets we keep. I was given a copy of this book from Netgalley, Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio, and the author. All opinions are my own.
Tropes and Vibes:
🏝️ Remote Island Setting
👩👧👧 Complex Female Friendships
🕵️♀️ Unsolved Mystery
⏳ Dual Timeline
🎙️ True-Crime Podcast Element
😨 Atmospheric and Haunting
The audiobook is narrated by Bronwen Price, whose performance adds depth and nuance to the story. Her ability to convey the emotional complexities of each character enhances the listening experience, making the narrative even more immersive. Price’s narration captures the haunting atmosphere of Little Auger Island and the intricate dynamics between the characters, bringing the story to life in a compelling way.
"Between the Waves” is a must-read for those who appreciate psychological thrillers that delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Hilary Tailor delivers a story that is both suspenseful and deeply moving, leaving readers eagerly anticipating her next work.
“Between the Waves” by Hilary Tailor is a captivating exploration of friendship, guilt, and the enduring impact of unresolved mysteries. From the moment I started reading, I was hooked and found it nearly impossible to put down. The narrative is rich with twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout.
The story delves deep into the emotional wreckage left behind after Hazel’s disappearance. Tailor’s atmospheric writing immerses readers in the eerie beauty of Little Auger Island, making the setting almost a character in itself. The complex web of guilt, secrets, and fractured friendships is portrayed with depth and authenticity.
What sets this novel apart is its focus on the emotional journeys of Roz, Catrin, and Nina. While the mystery of Hazel’s disappearance is central, the true essence lies in witnessing these flawed, haunted women confront their past and seek redemption. It’s a moody, beautifully written tale packed with quiet tension that resonates deeply.
I rated this book five stars for its compelling narrative and the way it masterfully intertwines suspense with profound emotional insights. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page, prompting reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the secrets we keep. I was given a copy of this book from Netgalley, Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio, and the author. All opinions are my own.
Tropes and Vibes:
🏝️ Remote Island Setting
👩👧👧 Complex Female Friendships
🕵️♀️ Unsolved Mystery
⏳ Dual Timeline
🎙️ True-Crime Podcast Element
😨 Atmospheric and Haunting
The audiobook is narrated by Bronwen Price, whose performance adds depth and nuance to the story. Her ability to convey the emotional complexities of each character enhances the listening experience, making the narrative even more immersive. Price’s narration captures the haunting atmosphere of Little Auger Island and the intricate dynamics between the characters, bringing the story to life in a compelling way.
"Between the Waves” is a must-read for those who appreciate psychological thrillers that delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Hilary Tailor delivers a story that is both suspenseful and deeply moving, leaving readers eagerly anticipating her next work.
mysterious
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My Husband's Mistress by Willow Rose is a riveting psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of betrayal, murder, and the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator. The story follows Detective Darcey White, who is called to investigate the brutal murder of a man, only to discover that the prime suspect, Charlotte Kane, is her husband's mistress. As Darcey navigates the investigation, she grapples with her own feelings of betrayal and the ethical dilemmas of remaining on the case. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of both Darcey and Charlotte, offering readers a deep dive into their intertwined lives and the secrets they harbor.
🔍 Detective Investigating Personal Case
🕵️♀️ Female Protagonist
💔 Infidelity and Betrayal
🧠 Psychological Tension
❓ Unreliable Narrators
I was thoroughly captivated by this novel. The dual perspectives of Darcey and Charlotte provide a multifaceted view of the events, keeping readers on their toes as they try to piece together the truth. Willow Rose masterfully crafts a tale filled with suspense, emotional depth, and unexpected twists. The ethical dilemmas faced by Darcey add a layer of complexity to the narrative, making it not just a thriller but also a profound exploration of human emotions and relationships. Fans of authors like Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins, known for their intricate psychological thrillers, will find Willow Rose's writing equally compelling.
The audiobook is brought to life by narrators Lauryn Allman and Barbara Barnes. Their performances add depth to the characters, with distinct voices that capture the emotional nuances of both Darcey and Charlotte. Listeners have praised their ability to convey tension and vulnerability, enhancing the overall experience of the story.
🔍 Detective Investigating Personal Case
🕵️♀️ Female Protagonist
💔 Infidelity and Betrayal
🧠 Psychological Tension
❓ Unreliable Narrators
I was thoroughly captivated by this novel. The dual perspectives of Darcey and Charlotte provide a multifaceted view of the events, keeping readers on their toes as they try to piece together the truth. Willow Rose masterfully crafts a tale filled with suspense, emotional depth, and unexpected twists. The ethical dilemmas faced by Darcey add a layer of complexity to the narrative, making it not just a thriller but also a profound exploration of human emotions and relationships. Fans of authors like Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins, known for their intricate psychological thrillers, will find Willow Rose's writing equally compelling.
The audiobook is brought to life by narrators Lauryn Allman and Barbara Barnes. Their performances add depth to the characters, with distinct voices that capture the emotional nuances of both Darcey and Charlotte. Listeners have praised their ability to convey tension and vulnerability, enhancing the overall experience of the story.
fast-paced
Early Adopter is a wild, thought-provoking ride that feels like it was pulled straight from an episode of Black Mirror. This collection of short stories dives into the dark side of technology, morality, and human nature, each one delivering its own unique twist. Some stories left me unsettled, others had me staring into space, processing what I just read, but all of them kept me hooked.
Drew Harrison’s writing is sharp, immersive, and eerily realistic. The themes feel chillingly plausible, making you question just how far we’re willing to go for progress—and at what cost. It’s one of those books that lingers in your mind long after you finish.
The narration by Betty BAT and James Langton was spot-on. They brought the stories to life with the perfect balance of emotion and intensity, making the experience even more gripping.
🖥️ Tech Thriller
🧠 Thought-Provoking
🚨 Moral Dilemmas
💀 Dark & Twisty
🔮 Futuristic Yet Realistic
📖 Short Story Collection
If you enjoy authors like Blake Crouch or themes like Black Mirror and Westworld, I think you’ll love Early Adopter. Five stars all the way!
Drew Harrison’s writing is sharp, immersive, and eerily realistic. The themes feel chillingly plausible, making you question just how far we’re willing to go for progress—and at what cost. It’s one of those books that lingers in your mind long after you finish.
The narration by Betty BAT and James Langton was spot-on. They brought the stories to life with the perfect balance of emotion and intensity, making the experience even more gripping.
🖥️ Tech Thriller
🧠 Thought-Provoking
🚨 Moral Dilemmas
💀 Dark & Twisty
🔮 Futuristic Yet Realistic
📖 Short Story Collection
If you enjoy authors like Blake Crouch or themes like Black Mirror and Westworld, I think you’ll love Early Adopter. Five stars all the way!
Diving into "Breaking the Dark" by Lisa Jewell was an unexpected delight. Not realizing it was set in the Marvel universe, I was initially surprised but quickly captivated. Jewell masterfully intertwines her signature thrilling storytelling with the enigmatic world of Jessica Jones, creating a narrative that's both fresh and compelling. The plot's twists and turns left me genuinely shocked on multiple occasions, showcasing Jewell's prowess in suspenseful storytelling. Even if you're not a Marvel aficionado, this novel stands strong on its own, offering a rich, immersive experience. Highly recommended for both thriller enthusiasts and Marvel fans alike.
In "Breaking the Dark," private investigator Jessica Jones is approached by Amber Randall, a concerned mother whose teenage twins, Lark and Fox, have returned from a visit to their father in England markedly different. Their personalities have shifted, and Amber believes they've been replaced. Tasked with uncovering the truth, Jessica travels to the quaint village of Barton Wallop in Essex. There, she encounters Belle, a mysterious girl living in seclusion with a peculiar guardian. As Jessica delves deeper, she unravels a web of dark energies and village secrets, challenging her investigative skills and confronting her own past traumas.
🕵️♀️ Private Investigator
🦸♀️ Reluctant Hero
🧩 Mystery and Intrigue
🌌 Supernatural Elements
🏡 Small-Town Secrets
🧠 Psychological Depth
Helen Laser's narration brings an added depth to the story, capturing Jessica's gritty determination and the eerie ambiance of Barton Wallop. Her performance enhances the listening experience, making the characters and settings vividly come alive.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley, but this review reflects my honest opinion.
In "Breaking the Dark," private investigator Jessica Jones is approached by Amber Randall, a concerned mother whose teenage twins, Lark and Fox, have returned from a visit to their father in England markedly different. Their personalities have shifted, and Amber believes they've been replaced. Tasked with uncovering the truth, Jessica travels to the quaint village of Barton Wallop in Essex. There, she encounters Belle, a mysterious girl living in seclusion with a peculiar guardian. As Jessica delves deeper, she unravels a web of dark energies and village secrets, challenging her investigative skills and confronting her own past traumas.
🕵️♀️ Private Investigator
🦸♀️ Reluctant Hero
🧩 Mystery and Intrigue
🌌 Supernatural Elements
🏡 Small-Town Secrets
🧠 Psychological Depth
Helen Laser's narration brings an added depth to the story, capturing Jessica's gritty determination and the eerie ambiance of Barton Wallop. Her performance enhances the listening experience, making the characters and settings vividly come alive.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley, but this review reflects my honest opinion.
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Get ready for a wild ride! The Champagne Toast is the kind of book that grabs you from the first page and does not let go. It’s a psychological thriller wrapped in romance, layered with family secrets, and sprinkled with some of the most meddlesome moms I’ve ever read. Leah Orr’s writing reminds me of authors like Freida McFadden and Mary Kubica if you love fast-paced suspense with unpredictable twists, you’re in for a treat.
Misty and Roland’s romance starts off simple enough, thanks to their scheming friends, Marilyn and Scratch. But just when you think you know where things are going, past traumas and buried family secrets come crashing in, turning their love story into something much darker and more dangerous. The tension builds and builds until that champagne toast moment... trust me, you will not be ready for what happens.
One of my favorite things about this book is the dialogue. The witty banter between the characters adds a perfect contrast to the suspense, keeping the story engaging and fast-moving. And the moms? Oh the moms, they bring so much drama in the best way possible.
The audiobook is a fantastic listen, with Annalee Scott and Danny Montooth bringing Misty and Roland to life. Their performances add depth to the emotions and tension, making the story even more immersive.
If you love thrillers that mix romance, dark family secrets, and jaw-dropping twists, The Champagne Toast needs to be on your list. Five stars all the way!
💔 Psychological thriller with romance
🎭 Family secrets and past traumas
🔀 Unexpected twists and turns
🥂 A champagne toast you won’t forget
💬 Witty banter and meddling friends
😱 Suspense that keeps you guessing
Misty and Roland’s romance starts off simple enough, thanks to their scheming friends, Marilyn and Scratch. But just when you think you know where things are going, past traumas and buried family secrets come crashing in, turning their love story into something much darker and more dangerous. The tension builds and builds until that champagne toast moment... trust me, you will not be ready for what happens.
One of my favorite things about this book is the dialogue. The witty banter between the characters adds a perfect contrast to the suspense, keeping the story engaging and fast-moving. And the moms? Oh the moms, they bring so much drama in the best way possible.
The audiobook is a fantastic listen, with Annalee Scott and Danny Montooth bringing Misty and Roland to life. Their performances add depth to the emotions and tension, making the story even more immersive.
If you love thrillers that mix romance, dark family secrets, and jaw-dropping twists, The Champagne Toast needs to be on your list. Five stars all the way!
💔 Psychological thriller with romance
🎭 Family secrets and past traumas
🔀 Unexpected twists and turns
🥂 A champagne toast you won’t forget
💬 Witty banter and meddling friends
😱 Suspense that keeps you guessing
mysterious
medium-paced
Caller No. 5 pulled me in right from the start and did not let go. If you love small-town thrillers packed with secrets, tension, and a slow unraveling of past mysteries, this book is for you. Elizabeth Blackwood’s writing has that same gripping, atmospheric feel as authors like Lisa Jewell or Megan Miranda—if you love their books, I think you’ll love this one too.
The story follows a woman whose world is upended when she wins a radio contest… and the prize isn’t at all what she expected. Instead of a fun windfall, she finds herself tangled in a decades-old mystery that forces her to confront her past, her town’s buried secrets, and the people she thought she could trust. The twists kept me on my toes, and the pacing was perfect—it builds tension without ever feeling rushed.
Stephanie Triplett’s narration was fantastic. Her southern accent felt completely authentic to the character, making the audiobook feel even more immersive. If you enjoy audiobooks, this one is a great listen.
I highly recommend this book if you love suspenseful mysteries with complex characters and plenty of unexpected turns. I was completely hooked from beginning to end.
🎧 Mysterious radio contest
🌾 Small-town secrets
👀 Uncovering the past
🌀 Twists you won’t see coming
💭 Atmospheric and immersive
🚪 Who can you trust?
The story follows a woman whose world is upended when she wins a radio contest… and the prize isn’t at all what she expected. Instead of a fun windfall, she finds herself tangled in a decades-old mystery that forces her to confront her past, her town’s buried secrets, and the people she thought she could trust. The twists kept me on my toes, and the pacing was perfect—it builds tension without ever feeling rushed.
Stephanie Triplett’s narration was fantastic. Her southern accent felt completely authentic to the character, making the audiobook feel even more immersive. If you enjoy audiobooks, this one is a great listen.
I highly recommend this book if you love suspenseful mysteries with complex characters and plenty of unexpected turns. I was completely hooked from beginning to end.
🎧 Mysterious radio contest
🌾 Small-town secrets
👀 Uncovering the past
🌀 Twists you won’t see coming
💭 Atmospheric and immersive
🚪 Who can you trust?
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
HOLY. F*CKING. FLANNEL.
I received Mountain Boss as an ARC from The Smuthood and S.J. Tilly (thank you 💗), and let me just say, I devoured it in less than a day. This book is everything I love in a romance—grumpy boss, sunshine heroine, and enough tension to keep me hooked from start to finish.
Courtney Kern has spent her whole life taking care of herself. She does not like to accept help and definitely does not want to be a burden to anyone. Down on her luck and in desperate need of a job, she takes a maintenance position at Black Mountain Lodge in Colorado, where room and board are included. The only problem? Her new boss, Sterling Black, was not expecting a woman. Thanks to a mixup with her name (her application only said Court), she got hired by Marty, a former employee at the lodge. Sterling is less than thrilled, and his grumpy demeanor is in full force. But Courtney is not one to back down.
The push and pull between these two had me grinning, swooning, and fanning myself because wow the tension is real. Will they? Won't they? And when they do… HOLY. F*CKING. FLANNEL. This book brings the spice and does not hold back, but it also delivers a sweet romance that had me rooting for them the whole way through.
SJ Tilly knows how to write characters that feel real, with chemistry that jumps off the page. If you love steamy grumpy boss romances with a heroine who can hold her own, you need to grab this one. It is very fast-paced! Five stars all the way. Run to get this book when it's released!
Age gap (15 years)
Boss/employee
Grumpy sunshine
Curvy FMC
Enemies to lovers
Flannel and chest hair
Workplace romance
Short chapters
Off-the-charts chemistry
Possessive MMC
I was so swept away in this book, I did not do a great job of keeping track of the spicy scenes, but here is what I have.
Chapters 75-79
Chapters 91-100
Chapters 119-128
Chapters 147-148
Chapters 161-163
Epilogue
I received Mountain Boss as an ARC from The Smuthood and S.J. Tilly (thank you 💗), and let me just say, I devoured it in less than a day. This book is everything I love in a romance—grumpy boss, sunshine heroine, and enough tension to keep me hooked from start to finish.
Courtney Kern has spent her whole life taking care of herself. She does not like to accept help and definitely does not want to be a burden to anyone. Down on her luck and in desperate need of a job, she takes a maintenance position at Black Mountain Lodge in Colorado, where room and board are included. The only problem? Her new boss, Sterling Black, was not expecting a woman. Thanks to a mixup with her name (her application only said Court), she got hired by Marty, a former employee at the lodge. Sterling is less than thrilled, and his grumpy demeanor is in full force. But Courtney is not one to back down.
The push and pull between these two had me grinning, swooning, and fanning myself because wow the tension is real. Will they? Won't they? And when they do… HOLY. F*CKING. FLANNEL. This book brings the spice and does not hold back, but it also delivers a sweet romance that had me rooting for them the whole way through.
SJ Tilly knows how to write characters that feel real, with chemistry that jumps off the page. If you love steamy grumpy boss romances with a heroine who can hold her own, you need to grab this one. It is very fast-paced! Five stars all the way. Run to get this book when it's released!
Age gap (15 years)
Boss/employee
Grumpy sunshine
Curvy FMC
Enemies to lovers
Flannel and chest hair
Workplace romance
Short chapters
Off-the-charts chemistry
Possessive MMC
I was so swept away in this book, I did not do a great job of keeping track of the spicy scenes, but here is what I have.
Chapters 75-79
Chapters 91-100
Chapters 119-128
Chapters 147-148
Chapters 161-163
Epilogue
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
When Crickets Cry is one of those books that lingers in your soul long after you turn the last page. Charles Martin has a way of weaving together heartbreak, hope, and redemption into something truly special, and this story is no exception. His writing is emotional and lyrical, and he knows how to craft characters you feel deeply for.
The story follows a mysterious man named Reese, a former heart surgeon who has walked away from his past, and a young girl named Annie, who runs a lemonade stand in a small Southern town. Their worlds collide in a way that neither of them could have expected, setting off a journey of healing, faith, and second chances. The themes of love, loss, and the power of resilience are beautifully woven throughout.
Adam Verner does an incredible job narrating this audiobook. His tone, pacing, and ability to bring emotion into every word made the story even more immersive. If you’re an audiobook lover, this one is a fantastic listen.
I’ll be honest, this book broke me a little. It’s one of those reads that makes you feel everything. If you’re looking for a story that’s poignant, deeply moving, and full of heart, I highly recommend this one.
🏥 Medical elements
💔 Second chances
🌿 Small-town charm
😢 Emotional and thought-provoking
🙏 Faith and redemption
📖 Beautiful, lyrical writing
The story follows a mysterious man named Reese, a former heart surgeon who has walked away from his past, and a young girl named Annie, who runs a lemonade stand in a small Southern town. Their worlds collide in a way that neither of them could have expected, setting off a journey of healing, faith, and second chances. The themes of love, loss, and the power of resilience are beautifully woven throughout.
Adam Verner does an incredible job narrating this audiobook. His tone, pacing, and ability to bring emotion into every word made the story even more immersive. If you’re an audiobook lover, this one is a fantastic listen.
I’ll be honest, this book broke me a little. It’s one of those reads that makes you feel everything. If you’re looking for a story that’s poignant, deeply moving, and full of heart, I highly recommend this one.
🏥 Medical elements
💔 Second chances
🌿 Small-town charm
😢 Emotional and thought-provoking
🙏 Faith and redemption
📖 Beautiful, lyrical writing