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booksafety's Reviews (586)
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“Everything is stacked against us,” I say. “We’d be a tragedy, Felix. This wouldn’t work.” His smile is confusing. “You don’t agree?” I ask, and how fucked up is it that I actually hope he doesn’t. “No. I agree.” He steps closer and presses one (last) kiss to my mouth. “I just know that wouldn’t stop me.”
I’m actually not quite sure how to feel. On one hand it’s a beautifully tragic love story with amazing writing and complex characters, and on the other hand one of the characters did something that really colored him negatively in my eyes (see book safety info if you wanna know). The book made me cry, laugh, smile, swoon and clutch my metaphorical pearls (mostly the narrator Tristan Josiah’s fault lol). So obviously a great book, but I need some more distance from it before I can love it fully.
It’s a painfully real book that doesn’t shy away from any part of addiction, and I’m glad it wasn’t romanticized in any way. That of course makes it difficult to read, and having had a family member who fought so hard to beat this cruel addiction but ultimately didn’t make it, it hit pretty hard. I’m so glad Jake and Felix got their happy ending though. They needed it and deserved it in equal measure.
“You better fucking kiss me, you dumbass bitch. You’re one of the only good things I have left!”
A laugh bursts out of his mouth. “Dumbass bitch? What the fuck.”
“I stand by what I said.”
“Fine.”
“Fine.” Jake inches toward me.
“Well? Pucker up, motherfucker.”
I don’t think Jake is a bad person, but he made a choice (most likely) that I can’t understand on a personal level, so that makes it difficult. However, he too deserved a beautiful HEA with Felix. And then there’s Felix. An absolute ray of sunshine. He was utterly charming. He’s also insecure and needs lots of reassurance, but what a kind soul.
And finally (so I don’t go on forever and ever), I appreciated that these characters had wildly different chilhoods and backgrounds. Addiction is a cruel bitch and doesn’t care where you come from.
And actually finally, there was plenty of lighthearted and funny moments, which was nice.
✨ balance ✨
“Hi, Jake!” He’s bright-eyed and his usual shade of pale, and so damn excited to see me. He always is. He’s like coming home to a golden retriever.
Might be harsh, but 3.5 stars because of Jake being a heartless idiot. The rest was great.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Former marine
Drug addict MCs
Strangers to friends to lovers
Tattooed tattoo artist
Grumpy/sunshine
Hurt/comfort
Lots of snacks and baking
Opposites attract
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
•Drug overdose with subsequent hospitalization (on page)
•Violent outburst in anger - hitting inanimate objects
•Heavy themes of addiction (drugs and alcohol)
•Detailed moments of cravings on page
•On-page relapse after 7 years sobriety (pills)
•Three instances of relapse during book (both MCs)
•Suicidal ideation
•Brief mention of past overdose
•Mentions of past underage drinking and drug use
•Important side character has a miscarriage (present time, off page, some details)
•Withdrawal symptoms
•Brief mentions of military deployment
•Smoking cigarettes
•Fatshaming comments, homophobic comments, racist comments, homophobic slur - all from MC’s coworker
•Brief mention of parent dying from cancer (past, off page)
•Child neglect (past, details)
•Child endangerment - giving drugs and alcohol to child (past, details)
•Body image issues
•Brief mention of past physical abuse (MC’s parent)
•Parent jeopardizes MC’s sobriety on purpose (leads to relapse)
•Addict parent
•Drugs taken during the book (off page but detailed aftermath and cravings): OxyContin, cocaine, non-specified pills, heroin
•Episode of heavy drinking (off page, aftermath shown, coincides with overdose)
•MC is cheated on by ex girlfriend (off page)
•Explicit sexual content
•Unsafe sex
•Penetration without lube or prep
•Violent altercation between MC and brother (punch)
•Violence (fistfights)
•Dishonorable discharge
•MC attends rehab (off page)
•Unnamed character masturbates in public bathroom, sexually harassing Felix specifically
*no drug is taken on page, but the moments right before and after are detailed.
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Not drama, but: the timeline is vague and we aren’t given any details, but Jake sleeps with a woman after meeting Felix (off page). I believe this happens after Jake and Felix have their first hookup (kissing and mutual masturbation), but before they officially become boyfriends. Also, MC is broken up with by cheating girlfriend at the start of the book.
Breakup: No, but they are separated geographically for over a year (off page).
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile, no switching on page
Main characters’ age: 23 and 28
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: In the process of being removed from KU
Pages: 405
I follow his gaze and look down at the apron I’m wearing. It’s adorned with flowers. I’m certain it’s Riley’s. “I’ve fully embraced this, and I regret nothing. So, go fuck yourself.”
There’s a small chance I’ve really thought about our future together. In my defense, I didn’t pick out the names of our children until after I had Jake’s tongue in my mouth and I knew he was into me. So, it’s not that weird.
“Why do I always get a headache when we’re together?” “I don’t know. It’s probably unrelated.”
I brush my fingers against his. “I’m sick of rules, Felix. It sucks trying to stay sober when you can’t even fuck who you want to fuck.” “More romance please. I’m not an object.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
“Everything is stacked against us,” I say. “We’d be a tragedy, Felix. This wouldn’t work.” His smile is confusing. “You don’t agree?” I ask, and how fucked up is it that I actually hope he doesn’t. “No. I agree.” He steps closer and presses one (last) kiss to my mouth. “I just know that wouldn’t stop me.”
I’m actually not quite sure how to feel. On one hand it’s a beautifully tragic love story with amazing writing and complex characters, and on the other hand one of the characters did something that really colored him negatively in my eyes (see book safety info if you wanna know). The book made me cry, laugh, smile, swoon and clutch my metaphorical pearls (mostly the narrator Tristan Josiah’s fault lol). So obviously a great book, but I need some more distance from it before I can love it fully.
It’s a painfully real book that doesn’t shy away from any part of addiction, and I’m glad it wasn’t romanticized in any way. That of course makes it difficult to read, and having had a family member who fought so hard to beat this cruel addiction but ultimately didn’t make it, it hit pretty hard. I’m so glad Jake and Felix got their happy ending though. They needed it and deserved it in equal measure.
“You better fucking kiss me, you dumbass bitch. You’re one of the only good things I have left!”
A laugh bursts out of his mouth. “Dumbass bitch? What the fuck.”
“I stand by what I said.”
“Fine.”
“Fine.” Jake inches toward me.
“Well? Pucker up, motherfucker.”
I don’t think Jake is a bad person, but he made a choice (most likely) that I can’t understand on a personal level, so that makes it difficult. However, he too deserved a beautiful HEA with Felix. And then there’s Felix. An absolute ray of sunshine. He was utterly charming. He’s also insecure and needs lots of reassurance, but what a kind soul.
And finally (so I don’t go on forever and ever), I appreciated that these characters had wildly different chilhoods and backgrounds. Addiction is a cruel bitch and doesn’t care where you come from.
And actually finally, there was plenty of lighthearted and funny moments, which was nice.
✨ balance ✨
“Hi, Jake!” He’s bright-eyed and his usual shade of pale, and so damn excited to see me. He always is. He’s like coming home to a golden retriever.
Might be harsh, but 3.5 stars because of Jake being a heartless idiot. The rest was great.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Former marine
Drug addict MCs
Strangers to friends to lovers
Tattooed tattoo artist
Grumpy/sunshine
Hurt/comfort
Lots of snacks and baking
Opposites attract
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
•Drug overdose with subsequent hospitalization (on page)
•Violent outburst in anger - hitting inanimate objects
•Heavy themes of addiction (drugs and alcohol)
•Detailed moments of cravings on page
•On-page relapse after 7 years sobriety (pills)
•Three instances of relapse during book (both MCs)
•Suicidal ideation
•Brief mention of past overdose
•Mentions of past underage drinking and drug use
•Important side character has a miscarriage (present time, off page, some details)
•Withdrawal symptoms
•Brief mentions of military deployment
•Smoking cigarettes
•Fatshaming comments, homophobic comments, racist comments, homophobic slur - all from MC’s coworker
•Brief mention of parent dying from cancer (past, off page)
•Child neglect (past, details)
•Child endangerment - giving drugs and alcohol to child (past, details)
•Body image issues
•Brief mention of past physical abuse (MC’s parent)
•Parent jeopardizes MC’s sobriety on purpose (leads to relapse)
•Addict parent
•Drugs taken during the book (off page but detailed aftermath and cravings): OxyContin, cocaine, non-specified pills, heroin
•Episode of heavy drinking (off page, aftermath shown, coincides with overdose)
•MC is cheated on by ex girlfriend (off page)
•Explicit sexual content
•Unsafe sex
•Penetration without lube or prep
•Violent altercation between MC and brother (punch)
•Violence (fistfights)
•Dishonorable discharge
•MC attends rehab (off page)
•Unnamed character masturbates in public bathroom, sexually harassing Felix specifically
*no drug is taken on page, but the moments right before and after are detailed.
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Not drama, but: the timeline is vague and we aren’t given any details, but Jake sleeps with a woman after meeting Felix (off page). I believe this happens after Jake and Felix have their first hookup (kissing and mutual masturbation), but before they officially become boyfriends. Also, MC is broken up with by cheating girlfriend at the start of the book.
Breakup: No, but they are separated geographically for over a year (off page).
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile, no switching on page
Main characters’ age: 23 and 28
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: In the process of being removed from KU
Pages: 405
I follow his gaze and look down at the apron I’m wearing. It’s adorned with flowers. I’m certain it’s Riley’s. “I’ve fully embraced this, and I regret nothing. So, go fuck yourself.”
There’s a small chance I’ve really thought about our future together. In my defense, I didn’t pick out the names of our children until after I had Jake’s tongue in my mouth and I knew he was into me. So, it’s not that weird.
“Why do I always get a headache when we’re together?” “I don’t know. It’s probably unrelated.”
I brush my fingers against his. “I’m sick of rules, Felix. It sucks trying to stay sober when you can’t even fuck who you want to fuck.” “More romance please. I’m not an object.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
It was strange having sex in a new way at my age, but I wanted to try. For him.
Another good book by Skyler Snow. I really enjoyed the MCs interactions. They were snarky with each other, and not like the ‘typical’ daddy/boy dynamic you often see. Aaron is a service submissive, so he got as much joy out of taking care of his daddy as the other way around. I loved that part.
Red smiled and I melted. What would it take to have that smile directed at me all of the time? What would I need to do to hear him call me a good boy again? And why the hell did I want that just as much as I wanted to choke him?
It seemed like Aaron had struggled with drug abuse in the past (cocaine), but we didn’t really learn a lot about it. It is definitely present in the book, but I guess I expected it to be a bigger part, because I kept waiting for the drugs to be a bigger problem. Not that it necessarily needed to be a huge part of the book, as there were other important things going on, but I guess I got it in my head that Aaron was going to be quite heavily addicted.
Overall though, I thought those bits was handled well and with care, and a good example for how hanging around with the wrong crowd can drag you down, even if you don’t actually want to partake.
Nodding, Aaron glanced up at me. "You're not so bad. I mean, you're a jerk, but you really have a soft side, huh?" I pressed a finger to his lips. "Don't ever say that shit out loud again."
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Bi awakening/gfy, ‘babysitter’ (bodyguard), stripper/pole dancer MC, daddy kink, social media star, grumpy/bratty, service submissive, age gap
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Drug abuse
Addiction
Brief mention of MC being a POW
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
It was strange having sex in a new way at my age, but I wanted to try. For him.
Another good book by Skyler Snow. I really enjoyed the MCs interactions. They were snarky with each other, and not like the ‘typical’ daddy/boy dynamic you often see. Aaron is a service submissive, so he got as much joy out of taking care of his daddy as the other way around. I loved that part.
Red smiled and I melted. What would it take to have that smile directed at me all of the time? What would I need to do to hear him call me a good boy again? And why the hell did I want that just as much as I wanted to choke him?
It seemed like Aaron had struggled with drug abuse in the past (cocaine), but we didn’t really learn a lot about it. It is definitely present in the book, but I guess I expected it to be a bigger part, because I kept waiting for the drugs to be a bigger problem. Not that it necessarily needed to be a huge part of the book, as there were other important things going on, but I guess I got it in my head that Aaron was going to be quite heavily addicted.
Overall though, I thought those bits was handled well and with care, and a good example for how hanging around with the wrong crowd can drag you down, even if you don’t actually want to partake.
Nodding, Aaron glanced up at me. "You're not so bad. I mean, you're a jerk, but you really have a soft side, huh?" I pressed a finger to his lips. "Don't ever say that shit out loud again."
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Bi awakening/gfy, ‘babysitter’ (bodyguard), stripper/pole dancer MC, daddy kink, social media star, grumpy/bratty, service submissive, age gap
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Drug abuse
Addiction
Brief mention of MC being a POW
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Updated content warnings after reread
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
Kids and rookies are a fact of life, and you need that energy and vitality on a team, but it had been a long time since I was this surrounded by so much teenager.
I have yet to read a book by Tal Bauer that I didn’t love. It doesn’t matter what he writes about, because it’s always so freaking beautiful, romantic and emotional. He writes good chemistry like no one else, and it’s always scorching when the MCs finally get together. The road there isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it.
I shifted back to Shea just in time to spy Shea’s eyes traveling slowly up from my chest to my lips. Caught, his cheeks turned as pink as a peony.
This is another one of those where it’s not particularly angsty, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy read. I dealt with it fine, but there are some heavy themes in this, which I thought was handled beautifully.
Home Depot didn’t open until 5: 00 a.m., and I was parked outside ten minutes before the doors unlocked. They shouldn’t have sold to me. I looked unhinged: beard going scruffy, deep hollows beneath my eyes, my long hair escaping the knot at the back of my neck, fury and purpose in all of my movements. No one buys a chainsaw before dawn with good intentions.
I also want to commend Tal for writing rugged athletes that aren’t afraid of being vulnerable and showing their emotions. It’s so refreshing to read about men crying, hugging and helping each other through hard times. And let’s not forget about writing women as bosses, leaders, trainers, coaches, etc. The real NHL is starting to catch up, but it’s a really slow process. The NHL is a notorious old-white-man’s club, so it’s nice to pretend that Tal’s league is the real league, only for a moment.
He resettled himself, getting comfortable, and then laid his cheek on my shoulder. His eyes slipped shut as I frowned. Was he… Yeah, he was. He was really going to do it, was going to use me as a pillow.
I play and follow hockey, so I normally avoid hockey romance books. I can’t shut off the part of my brain that knows a little too much about how things work (or don’t work), but I thought Tal did a fantastic job. I had faith after reading Gravity. Sure, I had to suspend belief a couple of times, but nothing too awful. The book dragged slightly a little after halfway through for me, but it picked up again not long after.
I didn’t think anything could be worse than that night when I was fifteen, but this was. Oh, this was. It was worse because I was responsible. I’d done this. I was the one who made it hurt.
Morgan and Shea fit so well together, and it was lovely, and at times a little heartbreaking, to see them become friends and eventually more. There were so many fantastic side characters, but none more so than Brody. Whenever he called Morgen ‘dad’, I melted completely.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Virgin MC
Hockey romance
Found family
Co-captains
Teammates
Strangers to friends to lovers
Backwards baseball cap
Hands-free orgasms
Size difference
Waiting for true love
Crying after sex (happily)
Enthusiastic rimming
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
SC referring to past suicidal plans and thoughts
SC physically and mentally abused (details)
SC sexually assaulted (past, off page, details)
Details of physical, verbal, mental and emotional bullying and abuse (by SC)
Physical violence (past and present)
Manipulation and threats (by SC)
Injured MC (physical attack by SC)
Explicit sexual content
Details of verbal and physical parental abuse (past)
Details of domestic abuse (past, MC’s parents)
Abuser controlling food and eating
MC severely injured (run into with car, compound fractures)
SC severely injured in car wreck
Car driving into crowd (minor injuries, off page)
Graphic injuries
MC hospitalized
Mentions and details of surgery and wounds
MC affected by pain killers (on page)
Homophobic slur
Mentions of drug use (SC, off page)
Alcohol consumption
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Sports romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 24 and 21
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 419
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
Kids and rookies are a fact of life, and you need that energy and vitality on a team, but it had been a long time since I was this surrounded by so much teenager.
I have yet to read a book by Tal Bauer that I didn’t love. It doesn’t matter what he writes about, because it’s always so freaking beautiful, romantic and emotional. He writes good chemistry like no one else, and it’s always scorching when the MCs finally get together. The road there isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it.
I shifted back to Shea just in time to spy Shea’s eyes traveling slowly up from my chest to my lips. Caught, his cheeks turned as pink as a peony.
This is another one of those where it’s not particularly angsty, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy read. I dealt with it fine, but there are some heavy themes in this, which I thought was handled beautifully.
Home Depot didn’t open until 5: 00 a.m., and I was parked outside ten minutes before the doors unlocked. They shouldn’t have sold to me. I looked unhinged: beard going scruffy, deep hollows beneath my eyes, my long hair escaping the knot at the back of my neck, fury and purpose in all of my movements. No one buys a chainsaw before dawn with good intentions.
I also want to commend Tal for writing rugged athletes that aren’t afraid of being vulnerable and showing their emotions. It’s so refreshing to read about men crying, hugging and helping each other through hard times. And let’s not forget about writing women as bosses, leaders, trainers, coaches, etc. The real NHL is starting to catch up, but it’s a really slow process. The NHL is a notorious old-white-man’s club, so it’s nice to pretend that Tal’s league is the real league, only for a moment.
He resettled himself, getting comfortable, and then laid his cheek on my shoulder. His eyes slipped shut as I frowned. Was he… Yeah, he was. He was really going to do it, was going to use me as a pillow.
I play and follow hockey, so I normally avoid hockey romance books. I can’t shut off the part of my brain that knows a little too much about how things work (or don’t work), but I thought Tal did a fantastic job. I had faith after reading Gravity. Sure, I had to suspend belief a couple of times, but nothing too awful. The book dragged slightly a little after halfway through for me, but it picked up again not long after.
I didn’t think anything could be worse than that night when I was fifteen, but this was. Oh, this was. It was worse because I was responsible. I’d done this. I was the one who made it hurt.
Morgan and Shea fit so well together, and it was lovely, and at times a little heartbreaking, to see them become friends and eventually more. There were so many fantastic side characters, but none more so than Brody. Whenever he called Morgen ‘dad’, I melted completely.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Virgin MC
Hockey romance
Found family
Co-captains
Teammates
Strangers to friends to lovers
Backwards baseball cap
Hands-free orgasms
Size difference
Waiting for true love
Crying after sex (happily)
Enthusiastic rimming
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
SC referring to past suicidal plans and thoughts
SC physically and mentally abused (details)
SC sexually assaulted (past, off page, details)
Details of physical, verbal, mental and emotional bullying and abuse (by SC)
Physical violence (past and present)
Manipulation and threats (by SC)
Injured MC (physical attack by SC)
Explicit sexual content
Details of verbal and physical parental abuse (past)
Details of domestic abuse (past, MC’s parents)
Abuser controlling food and eating
MC severely injured (run into with car, compound fractures)
SC severely injured in car wreck
Car driving into crowd (minor injuries, off page)
Graphic injuries
MC hospitalized
Mentions and details of surgery and wounds
MC affected by pain killers (on page)
Homophobic slur
Mentions of drug use (SC, off page)
Alcohol consumption
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Sports romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 24 and 21
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 419
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
He thrummed with a casual kind of arrogance, a rugged fuck you aura pulsing off him that could slap a man silly upon meeting the man.
I was really surprised to see that this book only has 197 pages, because it took me a long time to read it. I’m not going to blame our lovely Tal for it because I was in a massive reading slump when I first started this book. I finished the second half quite quickly when I finally was in the mood for it.
It has the usual amazing writing you can expect with Tal, as well as some nail-biting suspense and action, but the romance didn’t truly grip me like they usually do in his books. It was kinda just there. They had chemistry, but it is definitely not a romance heavy book. More like a subplot that ends in a somewhat open and hopeful way, maybe a mild HFN. There’s nothing wrong with having the romance take a backseat, I just wasn’t expecting it.
The characters were amazing though, and the descriptions of the community and the environment were incredible. It really did feel like I was in the Crazies looking for rustlers and cattle for a moment.
Mountains jutted for the sky, jagged teeth screaming at the sun like a drowning man gasping for air before he was pulled beneath the waves.
It’s strange to have a ‘least favorite’ of anything when it’s your favorite author, but I think this might be it. By no means a bad book, but the bar is set sky-fuckin-high with this guy, lol.
“I been dreamin’ of you my whole life,” he whispered.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Romantic suspense
Former military police MC
Small town
Murder mystery
Whodunnit
Cowboy MC
Western
Size difference
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Character murdered on page (hanged)
Flashbacks to military combat
Mention of the death of SCs (past, hit and run)
Gun violence
Brief mention of past firefight (no MC involved)
Details of murder victim (gunshot wound)
Death of MCs past lovers (off page, detailed)
Grief
Explicit sexual content
Details from military deployment and combat
Penetration without stretching
Graphic murder scenes
Graphic injuries detailed (side character)
Injured MC (gunshot wound)
Vomiting
On-page murder
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 35 and not specified
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 197
Happy ending: Hopeful, slight HFN
Meeting Lawrence was like meeting an immoveable force of nature. He was the mountain, the peak, the steadiness. And Everett had blown up against him, wind-torn and ravaged, a broken thing thrown away, discarded from life and everything he’d hoped for.
Everett was a walking wound, spun so tightly he held himself together through force of will alone. He was a tornado flying apart, but the only thing he was destroying was his soul.
Not a soul in these mountains wanted me, it seemed. And I was desperate for someone, anyone in the world. Spent some nights at the truck stop blowin’ guys just to feel like I mattered for five minutes.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
He thrummed with a casual kind of arrogance, a rugged fuck you aura pulsing off him that could slap a man silly upon meeting the man.
I was really surprised to see that this book only has 197 pages, because it took me a long time to read it. I’m not going to blame our lovely Tal for it because I was in a massive reading slump when I first started this book. I finished the second half quite quickly when I finally was in the mood for it.
It has the usual amazing writing you can expect with Tal, as well as some nail-biting suspense and action, but the romance didn’t truly grip me like they usually do in his books. It was kinda just there. They had chemistry, but it is definitely not a romance heavy book. More like a subplot that ends in a somewhat open and hopeful way, maybe a mild HFN. There’s nothing wrong with having the romance take a backseat, I just wasn’t expecting it.
The characters were amazing though, and the descriptions of the community and the environment were incredible. It really did feel like I was in the Crazies looking for rustlers and cattle for a moment.
Mountains jutted for the sky, jagged teeth screaming at the sun like a drowning man gasping for air before he was pulled beneath the waves.
It’s strange to have a ‘least favorite’ of anything when it’s your favorite author, but I think this might be it. By no means a bad book, but the bar is set sky-fuckin-high with this guy, lol.
“I been dreamin’ of you my whole life,” he whispered.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Romantic suspense
Former military police MC
Small town
Murder mystery
Whodunnit
Cowboy MC
Western
Size difference
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Character murdered on page (hanged)
Flashbacks to military combat
Mention of the death of SCs (past, hit and run)
Gun violence
Brief mention of past firefight (no MC involved)
Details of murder victim (gunshot wound)
Death of MCs past lovers (off page, detailed)
Grief
Explicit sexual content
Details from military deployment and combat
Penetration without stretching
Graphic murder scenes
Graphic injuries detailed (side character)
Injured MC (gunshot wound)
Vomiting
On-page murder
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 35 and not specified
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 197
Happy ending: Hopeful, slight HFN
Meeting Lawrence was like meeting an immoveable force of nature. He was the mountain, the peak, the steadiness. And Everett had blown up against him, wind-torn and ravaged, a broken thing thrown away, discarded from life and everything he’d hoped for.
Everett was a walking wound, spun so tightly he held himself together through force of will alone. He was a tornado flying apart, but the only thing he was destroying was his soul.
Not a soul in these mountains wanted me, it seemed. And I was desperate for someone, anyone in the world. Spent some nights at the truck stop blowin’ guys just to feel like I mattered for five minutes.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
I sit with the ghosts of everything I wanted, everything I lost, the man I can barely remember, the promise I made myself afterward that I didn’t need love to be content. The fear that if I do somehow find love, I’ll erase him completely.
I quite often mention how easily I cry when reading, but this book legitimately made me sob. My face is puffy, it feels like someone rubbed sand in my eyes, and it looks like someone locked a teenager in my room for a week with only tissues and lotion for entertainment, if you look at all the snotty tissues lying around. This book broke my heart into tiny pieces, and it’s too soon to say if it put it back together again or not. Of course it’s another five star book by Riley Nash, because it’s absolutely brilliant, emotional and beautiful, but christ, it wrecked me. I won’t read it again, because it was right at the edge of what I can personally handle, but it was worth it. I think?
I’m running out of things you touched, Ollie.
Oliver is just a beautiful soul who deserves all the good things, and the universe took it’s sweet goddamn time giving it to him. Both MCs had to fight tooth and nail for everything they got, and it nearly wasn’t enough. If you’ve read either of the first two books, you know to expect emotional turmoil of epic proportions from this series, and this one certainly followed through on that.
If only wanting were enough, I’d be the king of everything.
If I had to give some sort of criticism, it would be that I wish we got a longer epilogue. Considering the struggles lasted most of the book, I felt naked and raw and left outside in the cold with how it ended. Personally, I could’ve used a gentler and slower let-down after all that. That’s not to say it wasn’t there. It was, and it was sweet, but I think I needed more.
He gives a little snort, like he’s stifling a giggle. “What now?” “Sorry, it’s just… the fucking romance trope. I’m soooo cold. Here, let me hold you close. Oops, I kissed you. Let me put my dick where you can keep it warm.” When he’s done, I leave him hanging in awkward silence for way too long. “Let it be known that I’m not the one making this weird.”
I’m going to go read something comforting for a bit. Highly recommend though. Fucking fantastic book, but ouch. Bring tissues.
Oh, and someone please get these guys some damn lube.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Disaster, survival, demisexual/bi-awakening, single dad, strangers to lovers, separated by outside forces, transcends tropes, mental illness, MC in prison, hard-fought HEA, angst, hung bottom
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Homophobia (brief, from unnamed side character)
*from the author*
A disaster situation
Emotional distress
Claustrophobia
Brief description of vehicle accident
Mentions of blood and dead bodies
Violence
Mental illness
Agoraphobia
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Depression
Mentions of past suicide attempts
Domestic abuse
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: Yes. They are separated for a long time, several times.
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
I sit with the ghosts of everything I wanted, everything I lost, the man I can barely remember, the promise I made myself afterward that I didn’t need love to be content. The fear that if I do somehow find love, I’ll erase him completely.
I quite often mention how easily I cry when reading, but this book legitimately made me sob. My face is puffy, it feels like someone rubbed sand in my eyes, and it looks like someone locked a teenager in my room for a week with only tissues and lotion for entertainment, if you look at all the snotty tissues lying around. This book broke my heart into tiny pieces, and it’s too soon to say if it put it back together again or not. Of course it’s another five star book by Riley Nash, because it’s absolutely brilliant, emotional and beautiful, but christ, it wrecked me. I won’t read it again, because it was right at the edge of what I can personally handle, but it was worth it. I think?
I’m running out of things you touched, Ollie.
Oliver is just a beautiful soul who deserves all the good things, and the universe took it’s sweet goddamn time giving it to him. Both MCs had to fight tooth and nail for everything they got, and it nearly wasn’t enough. If you’ve read either of the first two books, you know to expect emotional turmoil of epic proportions from this series, and this one certainly followed through on that.
If only wanting were enough, I’d be the king of everything.
If I had to give some sort of criticism, it would be that I wish we got a longer epilogue. Considering the struggles lasted most of the book, I felt naked and raw and left outside in the cold with how it ended. Personally, I could’ve used a gentler and slower let-down after all that. That’s not to say it wasn’t there. It was, and it was sweet, but I think I needed more.
He gives a little snort, like he’s stifling a giggle. “What now?” “Sorry, it’s just… the fucking romance trope. I’m soooo cold. Here, let me hold you close. Oops, I kissed you. Let me put my dick where you can keep it warm.” When he’s done, I leave him hanging in awkward silence for way too long. “Let it be known that I’m not the one making this weird.”
I’m going to go read something comforting for a bit. Highly recommend though. Fucking fantastic book, but ouch. Bring tissues.
Oh, and someone please get these guys some damn lube.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Disaster, survival, demisexual/bi-awakening, single dad, strangers to lovers, separated by outside forces, transcends tropes, mental illness, MC in prison, hard-fought HEA, angst, hung bottom
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Homophobia (brief, from unnamed side character)
*from the author*
A disaster situation
Emotional distress
Claustrophobia
Brief description of vehicle accident
Mentions of blood and dead bodies
Violence
Mental illness
Agoraphobia
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Depression
Mentions of past suicide attempts
Domestic abuse
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: Yes. They are separated for a long time, several times.
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
I started to move my hand down Topher’s belly to his soft cock, but Buster jumped up on the bed and looked at me with cat-like disdain, so I stopped. “What?” I whispered. “I’m just petting him. You should understand the whole petting thing.”
This omegaverse novel was very very cute. It had quite a unique premise, and the author found a way to twist the omegaverse/matching agency tropes into something original. I thought the texts and emails at the start of the book was adorable, and set the scene for their friendship really well.
“Isn’t that what relationships are, though? Two people stumbling across each other in the vastness of the Universe, liking the look of each other, and making up their minds that they want to keep hanging out with each other?”
The book contains heat/rut/knotting, but other than one heat, it wasn’t ‘spice only’ like a lot of omegaverse books tend to be, which was nice. The spice that was included was really hot and well done though, so I never felt like it was lacking or missing anything in that department.
I kept my eyes closed when I heard the front door open and close, then heard Renn call out, “Honey, I’m home.” That was followed by a much quieter, “Hey, Buster, buddy, where’s your papa?”
It was a little heavy on the bits about the agency they both work for to be five stars for me, as it ended up feeling like a bit of a commercial aimed at the reader at times, but nothing awful. Would definitely recommend if you like these tropes. Super cute.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Omegaverse, best friends to lovers, heat, rut, knotting, coworkers, mpreg, MC with social anxiety, meeting online, alpha/omega
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Mpreg (birth on-page)
Social anxiety
Anxiety attacks
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
“I think that choosing to be a house-omega is one of the most difficult jobs anyone can do. But if that’s what you truly want, I will bend over backwards to support you in that decision.”
This quote immediately made me think of Dobby the house-elf, lmao.
I started to move my hand down Topher’s belly to his soft cock, but Buster jumped up on the bed and looked at me with cat-like disdain, so I stopped. “What?” I whispered. “I’m just petting him. You should understand the whole petting thing.”
This omegaverse novel was very very cute. It had quite a unique premise, and the author found a way to twist the omegaverse/matching agency tropes into something original. I thought the texts and emails at the start of the book was adorable, and set the scene for their friendship really well.
“Isn’t that what relationships are, though? Two people stumbling across each other in the vastness of the Universe, liking the look of each other, and making up their minds that they want to keep hanging out with each other?”
The book contains heat/rut/knotting, but other than one heat, it wasn’t ‘spice only’ like a lot of omegaverse books tend to be, which was nice. The spice that was included was really hot and well done though, so I never felt like it was lacking or missing anything in that department.
I kept my eyes closed when I heard the front door open and close, then heard Renn call out, “Honey, I’m home.” That was followed by a much quieter, “Hey, Buster, buddy, where’s your papa?”
It was a little heavy on the bits about the agency they both work for to be five stars for me, as it ended up feeling like a bit of a commercial aimed at the reader at times, but nothing awful. Would definitely recommend if you like these tropes. Super cute.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Omegaverse, best friends to lovers, heat, rut, knotting, coworkers, mpreg, MC with social anxiety, meeting online, alpha/omega
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Mpreg (birth on-page)
Social anxiety
Anxiety attacks
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
“I think that choosing to be a house-omega is one of the most difficult jobs anyone can do. But if that’s what you truly want, I will bend over backwards to support you in that decision.”
This quote immediately made me think of Dobby the house-elf, lmao.
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
“Don’t let em’ see you, baby brother,” he whispers, slowly trailing his cold thumb over the skin beneath my eye. “No one but me, remember?”
This was deliciously violent, hot and forbidden. I don’t know what’s happened to me, but this is the third book set in high school I’ve read in a short amount of time. I loved all of them, but I need a dose of grown-ups, lol. The list of content warnings for this one is definitely long, but not the kind that bothers me. I am always down for violence and action in books, and there was a satisfying amount of it.
I adored how protective Kade was of Nicky, all his possessive holds and the cuddling/cradling. The way they were completely codependent and slightly toxic really hit the spot for me this time.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read something where most characters were openly homophobic, instead of ‘that one homophobic dude’ a lot of books have, and it was a little uncomfortable, which added to the darkness in the book. Just an unpleasant town overall, where the cops and homophobes protect each other.
I’m fully aware my obsession with my own brother isn’t normal or healthy, but I’ve been like this for years now and I can’t seem to stop it. Nicky, Nicky, Nicky. He’s all I fucking think about.
I usually avoid books that include detailed scenes with men or women other than the MCs, but thankfully it didn’t last long, and it was very early on in the book. The obsessive, possessive and protective vibes between Kade and Nicky quickly overshadowed any worry about other people.
I loved it.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Stepbrothers, taboo, size difference, protective and possessive, toxic, codependency, fight club, abuse parent, dark high school
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Underage drinking
Drug abuse
Homophobia
Abuse
Murder
Self harm
Sexual assault
Mental health issues
Brief mentions of animal abuse
Violent hate crime (main character)
Group hate crime/rape (side character)
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: Yes, on-page sexual content between MC and a woman. Brief and early on in the book.
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
“Don’t let em’ see you, baby brother,” he whispers, slowly trailing his cold thumb over the skin beneath my eye. “No one but me, remember?”
This was deliciously violent, hot and forbidden. I don’t know what’s happened to me, but this is the third book set in high school I’ve read in a short amount of time. I loved all of them, but I need a dose of grown-ups, lol. The list of content warnings for this one is definitely long, but not the kind that bothers me. I am always down for violence and action in books, and there was a satisfying amount of it.
I adored how protective Kade was of Nicky, all his possessive holds and the cuddling/cradling. The way they were completely codependent and slightly toxic really hit the spot for me this time.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read something where most characters were openly homophobic, instead of ‘that one homophobic dude’ a lot of books have, and it was a little uncomfortable, which added to the darkness in the book. Just an unpleasant town overall, where the cops and homophobes protect each other.
I’m fully aware my obsession with my own brother isn’t normal or healthy, but I’ve been like this for years now and I can’t seem to stop it. Nicky, Nicky, Nicky. He’s all I fucking think about.
I usually avoid books that include detailed scenes with men or women other than the MCs, but thankfully it didn’t last long, and it was very early on in the book. The obsessive, possessive and protective vibes between Kade and Nicky quickly overshadowed any worry about other people.
I loved it.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Stepbrothers, taboo, size difference, protective and possessive, toxic, codependency, fight club, abuse parent, dark high school
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Underage drinking
Drug abuse
Homophobia
Abuse
Murder
Self harm
Sexual assault
Mental health issues
Brief mentions of animal abuse
Violent hate crime (main character)
Group hate crime/rape (side character)
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: Yes, on-page sexual content between MC and a woman. Brief and early on in the book.
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
His light brown eyes trailed over me, warming my skin, before he snapped his gaze up to my face. “Wow. I mean, hi.”
Reading this book was like getting a warm hug. It just made me feel happy and safe. Dash and Evan had fantastic chemistry, and it was lovely getting to see them date and fall in love. I especially enjoyed those first few times they met. Hilarious and cute.
Dash folded both arms around my chest and let out a soft sigh. "Evan from heaven."
I especially liked how the author didn’t follow the usual script when it comes to couples where one MC is more masc and the other more femme. Evan enjoys crop tops and skirts, yet he’s taller than Dash is. He’s confident without ‘snark’ being his main personality trait. It was quite refreshing. He’s pretty without being the ‘wilting flower’ type. I hope all of that made sense.
TLDR; I love both Dash and Evan, and Duckie Mack did a great job with making them original.
“I don’t ask for much in life. I just want someone to feed me cheese and tell me I’m pretty.”
I have read the first book (you can totally read these as standalones), and I enjoyed it a lot, but I loved this one even more. Dash has an important and interesting backstory that I think is handled really well, but it doesn’t overshadow what is essentially a beautiful love story. I laughed a lot (so many meat puns, you guys), and I even managed to cry a little. I would definitely recommend it!
I noticed he used a separate towel specifically for his hair. I’d have to ask him about it, so I could have one for him at my house.
“I have all these dreams of what a future could be and you are in every single one of them."
There’s so much swooning in this book. Dash said and did things all the time that made me go ‘aww’.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Masc/femme, crop tops, skirts, life after prison, strangers to lovers, roller skating, vegetarian MC, healthcare worker, size difference, food as love language, tattooed MC
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of life in prison
Medical situations
Mentions of cancer, pregnancy, and fatal diagnoses (not named characters, not detailed) *from the books CW
Anxiety
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
“Have you ever met someone that was so hot that your brain just decided to take a stroll and leave you all on your own?” Starla smiled wide. “Oh! I see. What did he look like?” “God, he looked like sin. In all black, and tattooed, and the next thing I knew, I was paying for salami.” “Hun, I know dating’s been rough, but you shouldn’t have to pay for your…salami.”
I’d never really pictured fucking someone in a skirt before. But damn, it looked good on him. And it looked really good flowing over both of our naked bodies.
“I think I’ll keep you,” I mumbled half-asleep against the speckling of hair on his chest.
His light brown eyes trailed over me, warming my skin, before he snapped his gaze up to my face. “Wow. I mean, hi.”
Reading this book was like getting a warm hug. It just made me feel happy and safe. Dash and Evan had fantastic chemistry, and it was lovely getting to see them date and fall in love. I especially enjoyed those first few times they met. Hilarious and cute.
Dash folded both arms around my chest and let out a soft sigh. "Evan from heaven."
I especially liked how the author didn’t follow the usual script when it comes to couples where one MC is more masc and the other more femme. Evan enjoys crop tops and skirts, yet he’s taller than Dash is. He’s confident without ‘snark’ being his main personality trait. It was quite refreshing. He’s pretty without being the ‘wilting flower’ type. I hope all of that made sense.
TLDR; I love both Dash and Evan, and Duckie Mack did a great job with making them original.
“I don’t ask for much in life. I just want someone to feed me cheese and tell me I’m pretty.”
I have read the first book (you can totally read these as standalones), and I enjoyed it a lot, but I loved this one even more. Dash has an important and interesting backstory that I think is handled really well, but it doesn’t overshadow what is essentially a beautiful love story. I laughed a lot (so many meat puns, you guys), and I even managed to cry a little. I would definitely recommend it!
I noticed he used a separate towel specifically for his hair. I’d have to ask him about it, so I could have one for him at my house.
“I have all these dreams of what a future could be and you are in every single one of them."
There’s so much swooning in this book. Dash said and did things all the time that made me go ‘aww’.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Masc/femme, crop tops, skirts, life after prison, strangers to lovers, roller skating, vegetarian MC, healthcare worker, size difference, food as love language, tattooed MC
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of life in prison
Medical situations
Mentions of cancer, pregnancy, and fatal diagnoses (not named characters, not detailed) *from the books CW
Anxiety
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
“Have you ever met someone that was so hot that your brain just decided to take a stroll and leave you all on your own?” Starla smiled wide. “Oh! I see. What did he look like?” “God, he looked like sin. In all black, and tattooed, and the next thing I knew, I was paying for salami.” “Hun, I know dating’s been rough, but you shouldn’t have to pay for your…salami.”
I’d never really pictured fucking someone in a skirt before. But damn, it looked good on him. And it looked really good flowing over both of our naked bodies.
“I think I’ll keep you,” I mumbled half-asleep against the speckling of hair on his chest.
Review edited with new and updated content warnings and safety info after second read. Still 5 stars. Filthy greatness, lol.
Book safety, content warnings and tropes down below.
“Are you gay?” he asks. “No.” “Do you wanna fuck me?” he asks with no shame. “You make my cock hard, but I haven’t decided if your personality turns me off yet.
I’m trying to figure out what to say about this book, and all I can really think of is: It’s just as good as it sounds. A lot of the time you come across books with tropes, tags and kinks that just *speaks* to you, but still end up disappointing you a little, exactly because it sounded too perfect. That honestly wasn’t the case here. It looked perfect, sounded perfect, and it freaking was perfect (for me). This will definitely be a reread, and I’m crossing all my fingers and toes that it’ll be on audio eventually.
Feisty little hoodlum on the streets, lingerie wearing badass in the sheets.
Unlike many others lately, I haven’t read Garron Park or Lot 62 (just not my favorite tropes), but with the way this author writes, I can certainly see why those books are so popular. I can only imagine how well this one will do. I’m in love with her writing. It just flows so well. I had an absolute blast reading it. The pacing felt right, and I got just the right amount of romance (so sweet and good), the right amount of action and suspense (so cool and attention-grabbing), and the perfect amount of spice (so hot and so emotional).
“Tell me how to dominate you while never making you feel like you’re less than me. […]”
Blake is the nicest murderer ever. I think he’s my new favorite book boyfriend. I do love a man who isn’t afraid of his own feelings or showing them, and the way he put himself out there in order to be everything Mercer could ever need absolutely melted my heart. They are a power couple in all the best ways, but without being perfect. I love them. I might be in love with them. I hope everyone who’s intrigued by these tropes and the author adds it to their TBR so they don’t forget about it when release day comes. I don’t know if my recommendations mean much, but as long as this book is safe for you, give it a try.
“Housekeeper?” Blake asks, walking down the hall without a shirt on. As much as I love the view, I’m fucking seething. That body is mine to look at and mine alone. The dagger flies right by his head and sticks into the ridiculous photo of a bunch of piano keys on his wall. He doesn’t even flinch, but he sure as shit smirks deeper. “Morning, demon.” He steals the latte I already stole and yanks his hoodie right off my body and throws it on. He sets a gentle kiss on my sneering lips that feels a lot like a taunt, so I call him a dick and grab a new hoodie from the couch. He steals my spot at the island while I do that.
There’s so much I could gush about with this book, but I need to mention this: There’s plenty of amazing spicy scenes in this, but the one where they finally let go and just.. make love? I goddamn swooned. So emotional, hot, and sweet. Oh x2! I laughed a lot as well, which is always a good sign. Every interaction between Mercer and Dee had me rofl’in.
“I need you to do that thing where you smother me with your body and touch me all over while I sleep.” “You mean cuddle?” I scoff. “No.”
I adored the epilogue.
No buts.
I climb off the couch to pace, calling my dad. As soon as he picks up, I feel Mercer tugging on the back of my shirt, trying not to get in my way, but being clingy because that’s who he is. A boy with abandonment issues and a fear of being alone. I smooth a hand over his hair, showing him he isn’t bothering me.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Hurt/comfort
Abandonment issues
Touch starved MC
Size difference
Bratty MC
Forced proximity
Possessive and protective
Lingerie
Multiple orgasms
Cockwarming
Assassin MC
Cum play
Fast burn
High heat
Edging
Felching
Snowballing
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mentions of past forced psychiatric and behavioral treatments (off page, details)
Negative/hateful self-talk (MC)
Suicidal ideation
Mild humiliation play
Mild degredation (‘slut’)
Manipulation (e.g. MCs making the other jealous, early in the book)
Choking/collaring/breath play
Emotionally and verbally abusive parent
Fear of abandonment
Sexual coping methods
Childlike coping methods
Breath play
Unsafe sex
Brief mention of pedophile masturbating near a playground (no MC involved)
Impact play (spanking)
Face and throat-fucking
MC drugged and abducted (spiked drink)
On-page murder
Murder of parents (past, off page)
MC neglected and emotionally abused throughout life (by parent)
PTSD and symptoms (e.g. panic attacks)
Kidnapping and drugging of a side character
Penetrative sex without lube or prep
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Early on, they both try to manipulate the other by making each other jealous. Mercer drags Blake to a club, pretending like he’s bringing someone home. He doesn’t. Blake ‘fights back’ by inviting over a former hookup (woman who eventually ends up as Mercer’s friend). She joins Blake in his bedroom but they don’t sleep together. It’s all surprisingly lighthearted and low angst.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 23 and 30
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 379
Happy ending: Yes
Book safety, content warnings and tropes down below.
“Are you gay?” he asks. “No.” “Do you wanna fuck me?” he asks with no shame. “You make my cock hard, but I haven’t decided if your personality turns me off yet.
I’m trying to figure out what to say about this book, and all I can really think of is: It’s just as good as it sounds. A lot of the time you come across books with tropes, tags and kinks that just *speaks* to you, but still end up disappointing you a little, exactly because it sounded too perfect. That honestly wasn’t the case here. It looked perfect, sounded perfect, and it freaking was perfect (for me). This will definitely be a reread, and I’m crossing all my fingers and toes that it’ll be on audio eventually.
Feisty little hoodlum on the streets, lingerie wearing badass in the sheets.
Unlike many others lately, I haven’t read Garron Park or Lot 62 (just not my favorite tropes), but with the way this author writes, I can certainly see why those books are so popular. I can only imagine how well this one will do. I’m in love with her writing. It just flows so well. I had an absolute blast reading it. The pacing felt right, and I got just the right amount of romance (so sweet and good), the right amount of action and suspense (so cool and attention-grabbing), and the perfect amount of spice (so hot and so emotional).
“Tell me how to dominate you while never making you feel like you’re less than me. […]”
Blake is the nicest murderer ever. I think he’s my new favorite book boyfriend. I do love a man who isn’t afraid of his own feelings or showing them, and the way he put himself out there in order to be everything Mercer could ever need absolutely melted my heart. They are a power couple in all the best ways, but without being perfect. I love them. I might be in love with them. I hope everyone who’s intrigued by these tropes and the author adds it to their TBR so they don’t forget about it when release day comes. I don’t know if my recommendations mean much, but as long as this book is safe for you, give it a try.
“Housekeeper?” Blake asks, walking down the hall without a shirt on. As much as I love the view, I’m fucking seething. That body is mine to look at and mine alone. The dagger flies right by his head and sticks into the ridiculous photo of a bunch of piano keys on his wall. He doesn’t even flinch, but he sure as shit smirks deeper. “Morning, demon.” He steals the latte I already stole and yanks his hoodie right off my body and throws it on. He sets a gentle kiss on my sneering lips that feels a lot like a taunt, so I call him a dick and grab a new hoodie from the couch. He steals my spot at the island while I do that.
There’s so much I could gush about with this book, but I need to mention this: There’s plenty of amazing spicy scenes in this, but the one where they finally let go and just.. make love? I goddamn swooned. So emotional, hot, and sweet. Oh x2! I laughed a lot as well, which is always a good sign. Every interaction between Mercer and Dee had me rofl’in.
“I need you to do that thing where you smother me with your body and touch me all over while I sleep.” “You mean cuddle?” I scoff. “No.”
I adored the epilogue.
No buts.
I climb off the couch to pace, calling my dad. As soon as he picks up, I feel Mercer tugging on the back of my shirt, trying not to get in my way, but being clingy because that’s who he is. A boy with abandonment issues and a fear of being alone. I smooth a hand over his hair, showing him he isn’t bothering me.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Hurt/comfort
Abandonment issues
Touch starved MC
Size difference
Bratty MC
Forced proximity
Possessive and protective
Lingerie
Multiple orgasms
Cockwarming
Assassin MC
Cum play
Fast burn
High heat
Edging
Felching
Snowballing
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mentions of past forced psychiatric and behavioral treatments (off page, details)
Negative/hateful self-talk (MC)
Suicidal ideation
Mild humiliation play
Mild degredation (‘slut’)
Manipulation (e.g. MCs making the other jealous, early in the book)
Choking/collaring/breath play
Emotionally and verbally abusive parent
Fear of abandonment
Sexual coping methods
Childlike coping methods
Breath play
Unsafe sex
Brief mention of pedophile masturbating near a playground (no MC involved)
Impact play (spanking)
Face and throat-fucking
MC drugged and abducted (spiked drink)
On-page murder
Murder of parents (past, off page)
MC neglected and emotionally abused throughout life (by parent)
PTSD and symptoms (e.g. panic attacks)
Kidnapping and drugging of a side character
Penetrative sex without lube or prep
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Early on, they both try to manipulate the other by making each other jealous. Mercer drags Blake to a club, pretending like he’s bringing someone home. He doesn’t. Blake ‘fights back’ by inviting over a former hookup (woman who eventually ends up as Mercer’s friend). She joins Blake in his bedroom but they don’t sleep together. It’s all surprisingly lighthearted and low angst.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 23 and 30
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 379
Happy ending: Yes
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
If he was a lion, then I was a goat. The kind that fainted every time someone snapped their fingers too loud.
I was looking forward to reading this book a crazy amount, which can sometimes backfire a little. Thankfully Wild Heart didn’t disappoint at all. I think this book is a pretty perfect representation of what I love about both Daddy/boy dynamics, as well as the hurt/comfort trope. The caretaking and cuddling was top notch, and the love the MCs had for each other could be felt throughout.
“Ugh. Freddy.” “Baby, are you jealous of the man I torched?” “You torched him?” He gagged a little. “That's disgusting.” “I gave the order.” Bowl in hand, I made him a dish and set it in front him. “It’s hot. Don’t burn yourself.” “Thank you,” he said. “And for the record, I think I’m jealous of any man who gets your attention.”
“I have a bit of a jealousy problem,” he mumbled, and I chuckled.
Marcos and Ivan have known about each other for a long time, but an event at the start of the book is what led to them acting on their mutual attraction. It’s hard to say if it’s instalove or not because of this, but they are definitely instaobsessed with each other. We’re talking about an unhealthy codependency, possessiveness and a jealous streak a mile long that would normally be red flags, but sue me, I freaking love reading about it in books like these.
“Ask me how many relationships I’ve had.” “No, I don’t wanna.” “Ask me.” “Fine!” He spat. “How many?” “Zero.” The space between his shoulders stiffened. “Really?” “Swear it.” “Aren’t you like forty or something?” “I’m thirty-eight, you fucking brat.”
My father made a humming sound and took a tentative step forward. “Your boyfriend looks forty.” “Don’t be a dick, Luis. He’s thirty-eight.” Ivan chuckled in my ear.
Speaking about Daddy kink, this is the first time I’ve read a book where the boy calls his daddy Papi, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely adorable. It fits with these MCs so well, and I loved that April Jade did that.
“I don’t want anything to happen to you, Dad, but I’m… I’m important too.” “I never said you weren’t.” “That’s true.” Hand to my mouth, I nodded, fighting against the tears that pooled in my eyes. “But you never said I was either.”
My heart hurt really bad whenever Marcos talked about how his family treated him.
If you enjoy mafia romance with a good dose of ruthless violence, extreme obsession, possessiveness and Daddy kink, look no further. The spice in this one was a step up from the previous book as well. *chefs kiss*
“Ivan!” Marcos stiffened, a low sound vibrating his throat. His grip was punishing now, and he tore at my skin like he owned it. Eyes thin and lips flat, he cocked his head ever so slightly and stared at the man who approached us. “Baby, that’s Austin. He owns the farm with his dad.” “I don’t like how he said your name,” he spat. “Like he knows you or something.” Hell.
You don’t have to have read the first book, Mad Love, but I highly recommend it, just because it’s a really good book as well.
Ugh, I have so many quotes I want to share
If he was a lion, then I was a goat. The kind that fainted every time someone snapped their fingers too loud.
I was looking forward to reading this book a crazy amount, which can sometimes backfire a little. Thankfully Wild Heart didn’t disappoint at all. I think this book is a pretty perfect representation of what I love about both Daddy/boy dynamics, as well as the hurt/comfort trope. The caretaking and cuddling was top notch, and the love the MCs had for each other could be felt throughout.
“Ugh. Freddy.” “Baby, are you jealous of the man I torched?” “You torched him?” He gagged a little. “That's disgusting.” “I gave the order.” Bowl in hand, I made him a dish and set it in front him. “It’s hot. Don’t burn yourself.” “Thank you,” he said. “And for the record, I think I’m jealous of any man who gets your attention.”
“I have a bit of a jealousy problem,” he mumbled, and I chuckled.
Marcos and Ivan have known about each other for a long time, but an event at the start of the book is what led to them acting on their mutual attraction. It’s hard to say if it’s instalove or not because of this, but they are definitely instaobsessed with each other. We’re talking about an unhealthy codependency, possessiveness and a jealous streak a mile long that would normally be red flags, but sue me, I freaking love reading about it in books like these.
“Ask me how many relationships I’ve had.” “No, I don’t wanna.” “Ask me.” “Fine!” He spat. “How many?” “Zero.” The space between his shoulders stiffened. “Really?” “Swear it.” “Aren’t you like forty or something?” “I’m thirty-eight, you fucking brat.”
My father made a humming sound and took a tentative step forward. “Your boyfriend looks forty.” “Don’t be a dick, Luis. He’s thirty-eight.” Ivan chuckled in my ear.
Speaking about Daddy kink, this is the first time I’ve read a book where the boy calls his daddy Papi, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely adorable. It fits with these MCs so well, and I loved that April Jade did that.
“I don’t want anything to happen to you, Dad, but I’m… I’m important too.” “I never said you weren’t.” “That’s true.” Hand to my mouth, I nodded, fighting against the tears that pooled in my eyes. “But you never said I was either.”
My heart hurt really bad whenever Marcos talked about how his family treated him.
If you enjoy mafia romance with a good dose of ruthless violence, extreme obsession, possessiveness and Daddy kink, look no further. The spice in this one was a step up from the previous book as well. *chefs kiss*
“Ivan!” Marcos stiffened, a low sound vibrating his throat. His grip was punishing now, and he tore at my skin like he owned it. Eyes thin and lips flat, he cocked his head ever so slightly and stared at the man who approached us. “Baby, that’s Austin. He owns the farm with his dad.” “I don’t like how he said your name,” he spat. “Like he knows you or something.” Hell.
You don’t have to have read the first book, Mad Love, but I highly recommend it, just because it’s a really good book as well.
Ugh, I have so many quotes I want to share