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booksafety's Reviews (586)
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
This one didn’t work for me. Maybe the reason why is someone elses reason for loving it. The previous MM Farmer book I read was an erotic novella, which is fine but not what I was in the mood for this time around. It was longer and when it was advertised as romantic suspense, I jumped on it. And it is romantic suspense, but the first 40% was basically just another kinky, erotic novella. I was surprisingly okay with the kink, but it felt like it would never end. The MCs had no connection going into it, so all of the heat sex didn’t feel like it was building their relationship either. It just felt very repetitive.
When the suspense kicked in I was excited, but it turns out the next 50% of the story was just this one suspenseful situation really drawn out, repeating the same kind of situation over and over. The whole thing could’ve been avoided if it wasn’t for a conveniently left behind phone and an ex cop main character bringing a civilian into a criminal situation instead of going home and calling for help. It felt very contrived.
I love romantic suspense a whole helluva lot, so I know I can be quite critical. I imagine many readers will love it. Unfortunately it felt like the book didn’t know what it was supposed to be. I expected family intrigue, tension and lots of drama with the arranged marriage situation, but instead it was 50% boning and 50% running back and forth in the woods. A lot of omegaverse novels are high on spice and low on pretty much everything else, but I guess I had too many expectations based on the book’s description.
There were also some story and book universe inconsistencies that really pulled me out of the story.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Omegaverse
Romantic suspense
Primal play
Slick/knot/heat
Size difference
Alpha/omega
Mpreg
Former police officer
Bondage
Breeding kink
Fisting
Consensual non-consent
Rape fantasy kink
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Slick/heat/knotting
Primal play
Explicit sexual content
Consensual non-consent
MCs acting out rape fantasy (all consensual)
Breeding kink
Mpreg
Brief mentions of past drug use (party drugs)
Degradation and humiliation (e.g. ‘fuck hole’, ‘disgusting whore’, etc.)
Facial (not a spa treatment)
Face-fucking
Bondage (tied up during sex)
Throat-fucking (w/breath play)
Fisting
Mentions of human trafficking (past police work)
Gun violence
Mentions of MC being shot in the past)
On-page murder
Endangerment of a pregnant character
Injured MC (stab wounds)
Lactation kink (epilogue)
Age: 20 and ‘early thirties’
Roles/POV: 1st dual, strict
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: MC has a fiancé due to an arranged marriage. The wedding never happens and nothing goes down between the MC and douche-canoe fiancé.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Omegaverse, romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 20 and ‘early thirties’
Series: Interconnectd standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 241
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
This one didn’t work for me. Maybe the reason why is someone elses reason for loving it. The previous MM Farmer book I read was an erotic novella, which is fine but not what I was in the mood for this time around. It was longer and when it was advertised as romantic suspense, I jumped on it. And it is romantic suspense, but the first 40% was basically just another kinky, erotic novella. I was surprisingly okay with the kink, but it felt like it would never end. The MCs had no connection going into it, so all of the heat sex didn’t feel like it was building their relationship either. It just felt very repetitive.
When the suspense kicked in I was excited, but it turns out the next 50% of the story was just this one suspenseful situation really drawn out, repeating the same kind of situation over and over. The whole thing could’ve been avoided if it wasn’t for a conveniently left behind phone and an ex cop main character bringing a civilian into a criminal situation instead of going home and calling for help. It felt very contrived.
I love romantic suspense a whole helluva lot, so I know I can be quite critical. I imagine many readers will love it. Unfortunately it felt like the book didn’t know what it was supposed to be. I expected family intrigue, tension and lots of drama with the arranged marriage situation, but instead it was 50% boning and 50% running back and forth in the woods. A lot of omegaverse novels are high on spice and low on pretty much everything else, but I guess I had too many expectations based on the book’s description.
There were also some story and book universe inconsistencies that really pulled me out of the story.
TL;DR: Perfect if you want tons of kinky spice and simple action, but maybe not much else.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Omegaverse
Romantic suspense
Primal play
Slick/knot/heat
Size difference
Alpha/omega
Mpreg
Former police officer
Bondage
Breeding kink
Fisting
Consensual non-consent
Rape fantasy kink
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Slick/heat/knotting
Primal play
Explicit sexual content
Consensual non-consent
MCs acting out rape fantasy (all consensual)
Breeding kink
Mpreg
Brief mentions of past drug use (party drugs)
Degradation and humiliation (e.g. ‘fuck hole’, ‘disgusting whore’, etc.)
Facial (not a spa treatment)
Face-fucking
Bondage (tied up during sex)
Throat-fucking (w/breath play)
Fisting
Mentions of human trafficking (past police work)
Gun violence
Mentions of MC being shot in the past)
On-page murder
Endangerment of a pregnant character
Injured MC (stab wounds)
Lactation kink (epilogue)
Age: 20 and ‘early thirties’
Roles/POV: 1st dual, strict
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: MC has a fiancé due to an arranged marriage. The wedding never happens and nothing goes down between the MC and douche-canoe fiancé.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Omegaverse, romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 20 and ‘early thirties’
Series: Interconnectd standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 241
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.
Sometimes I just want to read an uncomplicated paranormal story with fated mates, and Mia Monroe seems to be quite good at exactly that. I enjoyed this a lot and it kept me entertained. Beefy Ohio farm boy turned a bit of a pillow princess? Please and thank you. There’s also something really endearing about a vampire who is patiently waiting for their fated mate, wanting that eternal love. Although the two MCs were very cute together, the other stuff going on was kinda just okay.
I was definitely missing Hale’s backstory (mentioned in the book’s foreword), but it was explained well enough and can be read as a standalone, although I do believe having read the Immortal Assassins series first will lead to even more enjoyment. I’ve read book 1 in that series and it was helpful with keeping up with the side characters.
Yannis did read like he was 24, not 34, but that’s minor stuff. I do wish authors would stop writing anal sex scenes with no lube or prep tho. You couldn’t spare a drop of lubricant for his first time bottoming? This isn’t MF romance, you can’t just stick it in and be good to go, lol.
Ignoring that painful visual, it was cute and entertaining. Wish the kinky stuff that was briefly mentioned actually turned into something, but sadly, no voyeurism or exhibitionism in sight ):
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Vampire MC
Sexual awakening
Small town boy in big city
Farm boy beefcake
Fated mates
Found family
First times
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Dismemberment of a bad guy
Mentions of sexual and physical assault (bad guy punished, victim unknown)
Blood consumption
On-page murder
Brief mentions of pedophilia
Mentions of parental figure drinking excessively
Explicit sexual content
Death of a romantic partner (past, off page)
MC physically assaulted
Graphic violence
Mentions of human trafficking
Penetration without lube or prep
Gun violence
Injured MC (gunshot wounds)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Paranormal romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 34 and 266 (turned at 26)
Series: Interconnectd standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 221
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
Hale makes me wonder what a greedy, masculine lover would be like. Would he make the first move? Could I sit back and be made love to instead of initiating the interaction? Would I like that?
Sometimes I just want to read an uncomplicated paranormal story with fated mates, and Mia Monroe seems to be quite good at exactly that. I enjoyed this a lot and it kept me entertained. Beefy Ohio farm boy turned a bit of a pillow princess? Please and thank you. There’s also something really endearing about a vampire who is patiently waiting for their fated mate, wanting that eternal love. Although the two MCs were very cute together, the other stuff going on was kinda just okay.
I was definitely missing Hale’s backstory (mentioned in the book’s foreword), but it was explained well enough and can be read as a standalone, although I do believe having read the Immortal Assassins series first will lead to even more enjoyment. I’ve read book 1 in that series and it was helpful with keeping up with the side characters.
Oh fuck. We’re about to be cocks out.
Yannis did read like he was 24, not 34, but that’s minor stuff. I do wish authors would stop writing anal sex scenes with no lube or prep tho. You couldn’t spare a drop of lubricant for his first time bottoming? This isn’t MF romance, you can’t just stick it in and be good to go, lol.
Ignoring that painful visual, it was cute and entertaining. Wish the kinky stuff that was briefly mentioned actually turned into something, but sadly, no voyeurism or exhibitionism in sight ):
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Vampire MC
Sexual awakening
Small town boy in big city
Farm boy beefcake
Fated mates
Found family
First times
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Dismemberment of a bad guy
Mentions of sexual and physical assault (bad guy punished, victim unknown)
Blood consumption
On-page murder
Brief mentions of pedophilia
Mentions of parental figure drinking excessively
Explicit sexual content
Death of a romantic partner (past, off page)
MC physically assaulted
Graphic violence
Mentions of human trafficking
Penetration without lube or prep
Gun violence
Injured MC (gunshot wounds)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Paranormal romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 34 and 266 (turned at 26)
Series: Interconnectd standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 221
Happy ending: Yes
He effortlessly stands, lifting my body with him and carrying me bridal style down the hall. Not gonna lie, the princess treatment isn’t bad at all.
“You’re very romantic for being such a vicious killer.”
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.
When I got home that evening, he was in the kitchen, and I just swept him up. Hugged the shit out of him and pressed a small kiss into his neck. Boundaries. I still struggled a bit with those. “G,” he said sternly. “I’m not your boyfriend.” “Talks like a boyfriend. Walks like a boyfriend.” I smacked a kiss on his cheek. “Boyfriend.”
I fear my reviews for this author’s books might be repetitive, if only because I’m equally as impressed by the writing every single time. Sophia Soames has a way of writing that will just drag you into a story. It feels so personal, so easy, very real, but it’s also sometimes really beautiful. The stories themselves are often things I wouldn’t really consider to be things I love, but I would probably give most things by this author a chance.
The boys in this book are a bit ridiculous. They’re never mean-spirited, but they mess it up sometimes. It takes them a good long while as well as a kick in the ass by the star of the book (Stewart, Reuben’s dad) for them to sort it out, but they eventually do. There’s a lot of push and pull here, and sometimes more push than pull, but it was still quite low angst. They each have their struggles, but caring for the other is never one of the problems.
I have been in an eye-reading slump for a bit (have been devouring audiobooks like nobody’s business tho), so it took me a while to finish this one. I probably need a shot of pure action and mortal peril to revive me, which this book isn’t. It was just a little slow for my current needs.
Major plus points for several really good BJ scenes. I love those
When I got home that evening, he was in the kitchen, and I just swept him up. Hugged the shit out of him and pressed a small kiss into his neck. Boundaries. I still struggled a bit with those. “G,” he said sternly. “I’m not your boyfriend.” “Talks like a boyfriend. Walks like a boyfriend.” I smacked a kiss on his cheek. “Boyfriend.”
I fear my reviews for this author’s books might be repetitive, if only because I’m equally as impressed by the writing every single time. Sophia Soames has a way of writing that will just drag you into a story. It feels so personal, so easy, very real, but it’s also sometimes really beautiful. The stories themselves are often things I wouldn’t really consider to be things I love, but I would probably give most things by this author a chance.
The boys in this book are a bit ridiculous. They’re never mean-spirited, but they mess it up sometimes. It takes them a good long while as well as a kick in the ass by the star of the book (Stewart, Reuben’s dad) for them to sort it out, but they eventually do. There’s a lot of push and pull here, and sometimes more push than pull, but it was still quite low angst. They each have their struggles, but caring for the other is never one of the problems.
I have been in an eye-reading slump for a bit (have been devouring audiobooks like nobody’s business tho), so it took me a while to finish this one. I probably need a shot of pure action and mortal peril to revive me, which this book isn’t. It was just a little slow for my current needs.
Major plus points for several really good BJ scenes. I love those
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
Perry started laughing and groaning in turn, his hand slowing on his softening cock. “Oh my God, that was awesome. I think I jizzed your nose. I’m sorry.”
My first (successful) Kaje Harper read, and it was fun. Unfortunately didn’t feel like a romance book for a big chunk of it, as it was a super slow burn with little build of the relationship before anything happened, beyond the characters just being attracted to each other. The middle was really slow in terms of action as well.
When things finally happened, both externally and in the relationship, it was very enjoyable. I just wish there was more of it.
The entire concept was a lot of fun tho, I just love the idea of superheroes with completely underwhelming powers. Made for a lot of funny moments. Both MCs were lovable and sweet, and the bomb dog Nix was adorable.
I’ve been in a bit of a slump lately so maybe I’m being harsh, but I was a little too bored to give more than 3.5 stars, rounded up.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Police officer
Shitty superpower
Forced proximity
Dog dad
Bomb squad
Age gap
Mystery solving
Slowest burn
Low heat
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Bomb threats
On-page car accident (no one injured)
Size difference
Death of two unnamed characters in bombing (off page, some details)
Gun violence
Homophobic boss (including use of homophobic slur)
MC and SC abducted
Neglectful and cold parent
MC and SC held hostage
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Suspenseful romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: No switching on page (only one sex scene), but assumed versatile
Main characters’ age: 23 and 34
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 271
Happy ending: Yes
“My mom’s going to kill me.” Interesting that he’s more worried about his mother than prison. Although Deckard had met a mother or two in his time he’d have taken a jail sentence to escape.
“When’s your birthday?” Deckard hesitated, then said, “Near Halloween.” “A Scorpio, then. You know that’s the sign most closely associated with sex?” Perry regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth. “You don’t believe that astrology stuff, do you?” “Who me? No. Never.” Perry put a hand over the little Pisces fish tattoo above his left hip.
Perry stared at him for another minute, then slowly held his arms wide. “Hug?”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Perry started laughing and groaning in turn, his hand slowing on his softening cock. “Oh my God, that was awesome. I think I jizzed your nose. I’m sorry.”
My first (successful) Kaje Harper read, and it was fun. Unfortunately didn’t feel like a romance book for a big chunk of it, as it was a super slow burn with little build of the relationship before anything happened, beyond the characters just being attracted to each other. The middle was really slow in terms of action as well.
When things finally happened, both externally and in the relationship, it was very enjoyable. I just wish there was more of it.
The entire concept was a lot of fun tho, I just love the idea of superheroes with completely underwhelming powers. Made for a lot of funny moments. Both MCs were lovable and sweet, and the bomb dog Nix was adorable.
I’ve been in a bit of a slump lately so maybe I’m being harsh, but I was a little too bored to give more than 3.5 stars, rounded up.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Police officer
Shitty superpower
Forced proximity
Dog dad
Bomb squad
Age gap
Mystery solving
Slowest burn
Low heat
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Bomb threats
On-page car accident (no one injured)
Size difference
Death of two unnamed characters in bombing (off page, some details)
Gun violence
Homophobic boss (including use of homophobic slur)
MC and SC abducted
Neglectful and cold parent
MC and SC held hostage
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Suspenseful romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: No switching on page (only one sex scene), but assumed versatile
Main characters’ age: 23 and 34
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 271
Happy ending: Yes
“My mom’s going to kill me.” Interesting that he’s more worried about his mother than prison. Although Deckard had met a mother or two in his time he’d have taken a jail sentence to escape.
“When’s your birthday?” Deckard hesitated, then said, “Near Halloween.” “A Scorpio, then. You know that’s the sign most closely associated with sex?” Perry regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth. “You don’t believe that astrology stuff, do you?” “Who me? No. Never.” Perry put a hand over the little Pisces fish tattoo above his left hip.
Perry stared at him for another minute, then slowly held his arms wide. “Hug?”
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.
3.5 stars
This was very short but also very cute. I really enjoy Lily Morton's writing, and this one had a bit of everything in a short amount of time. Best friends to lovers and pining really isn't my favorite thing, pretty much because it usually just hurts too much, lol. While there was some hurt in this, it was totally okay. Didn't even make me cry, which is a miracle.
Joel Leslie did a fab job with it as per usual. He just brings stories to life.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Best friends to lovers
Mutual pining
Novella
Jane Austen tour guide
Unknowingly chatting online
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Not specified
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 66
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
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3.5 stars
This was very short but also very cute. I really enjoy Lily Morton's writing, and this one had a bit of everything in a short amount of time. Best friends to lovers and pining really isn't my favorite thing, pretty much because it usually just hurts too much, lol. While there was some hurt in this, it was totally okay. Didn't even make me cry, which is a miracle.
Joel Leslie did a fab job with it as per usual. He just brings stories to life.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Best friends to lovers
Mutual pining
Novella
Jane Austen tour guide
Unknowingly chatting online
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Not specified
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 66
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
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Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
[…] I knew better than to wish pain didn’t exist.
This was a cute and entertaining debut with some serious topics. I expect good things from this author’s future for sure. Atticus especially was a very sweet character.
The book seemed to try to do a lot in only a low amount of pages, and I wish the seriousness was just committed to a bit more. Everyone heals from trauma differently, but it seemed to happen a tad easily, going from the abused character being very scared to absolutely trusting a whole handful of people quite fast.
I read a lot of books with action and suspense so I was hoping for something more, but it was entertaining.
It was still good, and if I ignore the 11 uses of ‘bro’ during the book, I enjoyed the writing too.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Past trauma
Hurt/comfort
Small town
Age gap
Mental health rep
Forced proximity
Hands-free orgasm
Found family
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Gun violence
Car crash (on page)
Domestic abuse (past, detailed flashbacks)
Physical abuse (past, detailed flashbacks)
Emotional abuse (past, detailed flashbacks)
Implied past sexual abuse (no details)
PTSD symptoms (MC, )
On-page panic attack
Ableist comments from abusive ex
Fatphobic comments from abusive ex
Injured MC
Mentions of the death of a parent (past, off page)
References to growing up in foster care
Medical procedures (e.g. x-rays, cast, med. examination)
Homelessness (MC)
Financial insecurity
Vomiting
MC hospitalized after car crash (concussion)
Side character shot and hospitalized
Cardiac arrest and stroke during surgery (side character)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 24 and 34
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 251
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
[…] I knew better than to wish pain didn’t exist.
This was a cute and entertaining debut with some serious topics. I expect good things from this author’s future for sure. Atticus especially was a very sweet character.
The book seemed to try to do a lot in only a low amount of pages, and I wish the seriousness was just committed to a bit more. Everyone heals from trauma differently, but it seemed to happen a tad easily, going from the abused character being very scared to absolutely trusting a whole handful of people quite fast.
I read a lot of books with action and suspense so I was hoping for something more, but it was entertaining.
It was still good, and if I ignore the 11 uses of ‘bro’ during the book, I enjoyed the writing too.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Past trauma
Hurt/comfort
Small town
Age gap
Mental health rep
Forced proximity
Hands-free orgasm
Found family
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Gun violence
Car crash (on page)
Domestic abuse (past, detailed flashbacks)
Physical abuse (past, detailed flashbacks)
Emotional abuse (past, detailed flashbacks)
Implied past sexual abuse (no details)
PTSD symptoms (MC, )
On-page panic attack
Ableist comments from abusive ex
Fatphobic comments from abusive ex
Injured MC
Mentions of the death of a parent (past, off page)
References to growing up in foster care
Medical procedures (e.g. x-rays, cast, med. examination)
Homelessness (MC)
Financial insecurity
Vomiting
MC hospitalized after car crash (concussion)
Side character shot and hospitalized
Cardiac arrest and stroke during surgery (side character)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 24 and 34
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 251
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.
Life has been days and months and years of dread interspersed with seconds of sheer terror. Honestly, I can’t think of any other way for us to exist.
The first non-romance I’ve read in a long time, and what a good time it was. I used to love reading all kinds of thrillers, and this might be one of my favorites. The entire story felt like nothing I’ve read before. It was like I could see and smell the rural West Virginia environment with every page, and I could feel every character’s frustration and hopelessness.
The main character, Miles, is a transgender boy and neurodivergent, and it is written so well. One of the most interesting stories I’ve read in a long time, and all of the characters felt original and distinct, no matter how big or small part they played in the story. Everyone was flawed. The exploration of generational trauma, structural poverty, abuse of power, capitalism, etc. might sound like a lot, like it would feel forced to drive the political thriller side of the plot, but it felt so natural and seamless.
It’s unnerving to see your entire personality reflected back at you under the symptom list of a developmental disorder.
There’s no romance in the book, but it does explore Miles’ sexuality and gender identity, which I thought was done well in the middle of all the violence and plot.
This book is graphic and brutal. It’s honest and unromantic, and I loved it. Highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Trans character
Queer fiction
Neurodivergent character
Thriller
Political themes
Political thriller
Rural America
Self-discovery
Themes of gender identity
Themes of sexual identity
YA novel
Aromantic character
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Graphic details of murder (past, family member)
Deadnaming of main character (on page)
Misgendering of main character (on page)
Detailed mention of dog being killed (past)
Alcohol consumption
Details of past severe injury (parent)
Mentions of compulsions resulting in self harm (picking at skin, past)
MC physically assaulted (off page, detailed)
MC hospitalized (detailed injuries)
Corrupt police
On-page death of side character (bad guy)
Graphic description of murdered SC
Discussions of drug addiction (OxyContin)
Mentions of child being filmed in the shower (past)
Opioid withdrawal (on page)
Vomiting
Structural poverty
Underage drinking
Homophobic slur
Gun violence
Detailed skinning and processing of animal (deer)
Graphic murder of SC (on page)
MC forcibly outed as trans against their will
Insecurities related to facial and body disfigurement (SC)
SC eviscerated and killed (off page, detailed)
MC injured (gunshot wound, on page)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: N/A
Other person drama: N/A
Breakup: N/A
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: YA, queer fiction, thriller
Pairing: N/A
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Main characters’ age: 16
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 416
Happy ending: Hopeful
When a good chunk of your emotions are expressed manually—when you have to actively decide to frown, or grimace, or whatever’s expected at the moment—there’s hardly any point in expressing the negative ones. Showing pain or exhaustion on purpose feels manipulative.
The physical part of it sounds like fun, but the rest? I don’t get the appeal. Still, I memorized the symptoms. It’s all stereotypical. Butterflies in the stomach, an adrenaline rush at the idea of whoever, getting nervous and stammering, that sort of thing.
I dunno. That sounds like a fear response to me.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Life has been days and months and years of dread interspersed with seconds of sheer terror. Honestly, I can’t think of any other way for us to exist.
The first non-romance I’ve read in a long time, and what a good time it was. I used to love reading all kinds of thrillers, and this might be one of my favorites. The entire story felt like nothing I’ve read before. It was like I could see and smell the rural West Virginia environment with every page, and I could feel every character’s frustration and hopelessness.
The main character, Miles, is a transgender boy and neurodivergent, and it is written so well. One of the most interesting stories I’ve read in a long time, and all of the characters felt original and distinct, no matter how big or small part they played in the story. Everyone was flawed. The exploration of generational trauma, structural poverty, abuse of power, capitalism, etc. might sound like a lot, like it would feel forced to drive the political thriller side of the plot, but it felt so natural and seamless.
It’s unnerving to see your entire personality reflected back at you under the symptom list of a developmental disorder.
There’s no romance in the book, but it does explore Miles’ sexuality and gender identity, which I thought was done well in the middle of all the violence and plot.
This book is graphic and brutal. It’s honest and unromantic, and I loved it. Highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Trans character
Queer fiction
Neurodivergent character
Thriller
Political themes
Political thriller
Rural America
Self-discovery
Themes of gender identity
Themes of sexual identity
YA novel
Aromantic character
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Graphic details of murder (past, family member)
Deadnaming of main character (on page)
Misgendering of main character (on page)
Detailed mention of dog being killed (past)
Alcohol consumption
Details of past severe injury (parent)
Mentions of compulsions resulting in self harm (picking at skin, past)
MC physically assaulted (off page, detailed)
MC hospitalized (detailed injuries)
Corrupt police
On-page death of side character (bad guy)
Graphic description of murdered SC
Discussions of drug addiction (OxyContin)
Mentions of child being filmed in the shower (past)
Opioid withdrawal (on page)
Vomiting
Structural poverty
Underage drinking
Homophobic slur
Gun violence
Detailed skinning and processing of animal (deer)
Graphic murder of SC (on page)
MC forcibly outed as trans against their will
Insecurities related to facial and body disfigurement (SC)
SC eviscerated and killed (off page, detailed)
MC injured (gunshot wound, on page)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: N/A
Other person drama: N/A
Breakup: N/A
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: YA, queer fiction, thriller
Pairing: N/A
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Main characters’ age: 16
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 416
Happy ending: Hopeful
When a good chunk of your emotions are expressed manually—when you have to actively decide to frown, or grimace, or whatever’s expected at the moment—there’s hardly any point in expressing the negative ones. Showing pain or exhaustion on purpose feels manipulative.
The physical part of it sounds like fun, but the rest? I don’t get the appeal. Still, I memorized the symptoms. It’s all stereotypical. Butterflies in the stomach, an adrenaline rush at the idea of whoever, getting nervous and stammering, that sort of thing.
I dunno. That sounds like a fear response to me.
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.
“I’m always paying attention to you. It’s hard to ignore your heart when it lives outside your body.”
Audio review edit:
I have previously read this book when the ebook was released and I enjoyed it a lot. It did not captivate me quite like a lot of Kiki's other books have, though, but I found that Kirt's narration really brought these characters to life for me and it made the story even more enjoyable. I don't think I've ever disliked a performance by this narrator, that's for sure.
I think I’ve said so before, but Kiki’s writing and characters just really does it for me. This one was a bit of a slow starter as the first 30% ish felt a little repetitive in terms of inner dialogue and not much happening between the MCs, but it picked up after that.
Cash’s issues with fated mates was touched on several times but not quite thoroughly explored, and his change from not wanting a mate to being all in with Ore was a tiny bit abrupt. I also wish we had more scenes with both or one of the MCs shifted, but what was there was very cute.
Overall a pretty uncomplicated shifter romance with two very sweet characters. Ore was a tiny adorable thing, and I’m so down for the body and
“I’m always paying attention to you. It’s hard to ignore your heart when it lives outside your body.”
Audio review edit:
I have previously read this book when the ebook was released and I enjoyed it a lot. It did not captivate me quite like a lot of Kiki's other books have, though, but I found that Kirt's narration really brought these characters to life for me and it made the story even more enjoyable. I don't think I've ever disliked a performance by this narrator, that's for sure.
I think I’ve said so before, but Kiki’s writing and characters just really does it for me. This one was a bit of a slow starter as the first 30% ish felt a little repetitive in terms of inner dialogue and not much happening between the MCs, but it picked up after that.
Cash’s issues with fated mates was touched on several times but not quite thoroughly explored, and his change from not wanting a mate to being all in with Ore was a tiny bit abrupt. I also wish we had more scenes with both or one of the MCs shifted, but what was there was very cute.
Overall a pretty uncomplicated shifter romance with two very sweet characters. Ore was a tiny adorable thing, and I’m so down for the body and
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
Do I sound normal? Not hurt? Not fretting that you don’t want to think about me when you are all I think about?
This one is difficult to rate and review, because although Barbara was fully on form with the incredible writing, clever banter, complicated and well developed characters, I didn’t get on super well with Ripley. I struggled with him not really explaining or apologizing for the things he says and does, and I got so dang invested in the story and the characters that it made me super emotional, and one of those emotions was anger, lol. Barbara has a tendency to get me all riled up in one way or another. Ripley is complicated and carrying so much hurt from a neglectful childhood and losing two people he loved. Saying he has rough edges is probably an understatement.
Fen is an amazing, incredibly strong character. He is dealing with a lot, including a life limiting illness (shorter lifespan - muscular dystrophy), and while this obviously has impacted his life massively, he mostly has a great outlook on things. He’s got moments where it’s all a bit much, but mostly he’s strong enough to keep himself going, be supportive for his lovely mom, and notably caring for Ripley and making sure they got a chance at a HEA when Ripley couldn’t/didn’t.
Again, beautiful story and Barbara doesn’t miss with the writing, but man did I want to smack Ripley a few times (sometimes with a pillow, other times with a chair).
I think maybe the blurb or content warnings for the book should have been clearer about the seriousness of Fen’s health and future. The book has a beautiful HEA, but the entire situation is way more serious than was implied, and I struggled with reading about (which feels awful to say when others live with it).
I really did love it.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Disability rep
Size difference
British setting
Lawyer MC
Socioeconomic differences
Barrister MC
Love after loss
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Life-limiting illness/genetic disorder (MC- Becker Muscular Dystrophy)
Mentions of unnamed character from MC’s past court case being raped (off page, no details, past)
Death of a parent (past, violent, some details)
Ableism (unnamed characters)
Emotional neglect by parent (past and present)
MC1 manipulating MC2 with money
MC wrongfully accused of stealing
Socioeconomic differences
Power imbalance
Alcohol consumption (a lot of casual drinking)
MC’s boyfriend committed suicide (past, some details)
Suicide note read on page
Prequel novella: Taking a risk
Explicit sexual content
Sexual harassment - verbal and grabby hands (not from MCs)
Brief mention of SC vomiting
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No. Fen is set up on a date with random dude but isn’t at all interested in him.
Breakup: Sort of, briefly
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 24 and ‘late 30s’
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 400
Ripley had texted Hi. I can’t sleep.
Fen had replied I can. Goodnight.
That had made Ripley laugh more than it should have. As had Fen’s text How do you keep an idiot in suspense?
Ripley had replied I don’t know. How?
He tapped in How? again when Fen didn’t reply. Then Hello? And finally Oh, damn it. Fen sent back a GIF of a smiling dog.
Why couldn’t Ripley have wanted him because Fen made his heart beat fast, because kissing him made his toes curl, because he desperately wanted to wake up and see Fen lying next to him?
“So when do I get to meet your friend?Maybe never. “Be careful, Fen.” “I will. Love you lots. Bye.” He ended the call before she said something about condoms. It had been known.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Do I sound normal? Not hurt? Not fretting that you don’t want to think about me when you are all I think about?
This one is difficult to rate and review, because although Barbara was fully on form with the incredible writing, clever banter, complicated and well developed characters, I didn’t get on super well with Ripley. I struggled with him not really explaining or apologizing for the things he says and does, and I got so dang invested in the story and the characters that it made me super emotional, and one of those emotions was anger, lol. Barbara has a tendency to get me all riled up in one way or another. Ripley is complicated and carrying so much hurt from a neglectful childhood and losing two people he loved. Saying he has rough edges is probably an understatement.
Fen is an amazing, incredibly strong character. He is dealing with a lot, including a life limiting illness (shorter lifespan - muscular dystrophy), and while this obviously has impacted his life massively, he mostly has a great outlook on things. He’s got moments where it’s all a bit much, but mostly he’s strong enough to keep himself going, be supportive for his lovely mom, and notably caring for Ripley and making sure they got a chance at a HEA when Ripley couldn’t/didn’t.
Again, beautiful story and Barbara doesn’t miss with the writing, but man did I want to smack Ripley a few times (sometimes with a pillow, other times with a chair).
I think maybe the blurb or content warnings for the book should have been clearer about the seriousness of Fen’s health and future. The book has a beautiful HEA, but the entire situation is way more serious than was implied, and I struggled with reading about (which feels awful to say when others live with it).
I really did love it.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Disability rep
Size difference
British setting
Lawyer MC
Socioeconomic differences
Barrister MC
Love after loss
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Life-limiting illness/genetic disorder (MC- Becker Muscular Dystrophy)
Mentions of unnamed character from MC’s past court case being raped (off page, no details, past)
Death of a parent (past, violent, some details)
Ableism (unnamed characters)
Emotional neglect by parent (past and present)
MC1 manipulating MC2 with money
MC wrongfully accused of stealing
Socioeconomic differences
Power imbalance
Alcohol consumption (a lot of casual drinking)
MC’s boyfriend committed suicide (past, some details)
Suicide note read on page
Prequel novella: Taking a risk
Explicit sexual content
Sexual harassment - verbal and grabby hands (not from MCs)
Brief mention of SC vomiting
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No. Fen is set up on a date with random dude but isn’t at all interested in him.
Breakup: Sort of, briefly
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 24 and ‘late 30s’
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 400
Ripley had texted Hi. I can’t sleep.
Fen had replied I can. Goodnight.
That had made Ripley laugh more than it should have. As had Fen’s text How do you keep an idiot in suspense?
Ripley had replied I don’t know. How?
He tapped in How? again when Fen didn’t reply. Then Hello? And finally Oh, damn it. Fen sent back a GIF of a smiling dog.
Why couldn’t Ripley have wanted him because Fen made his heart beat fast, because kissing him made his toes curl, because he desperately wanted to wake up and see Fen lying next to him?
“So when do I get to meet your friend?Maybe never. “Be careful, Fen.” “I will. Love you lots. Bye.” He ended the call before she said something about condoms. It had been known.
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.
From the moment we met, he’s put an almost pathological amount of energy into trying to take care of me. Even if it’s in the most unpredictable, chaotic and ill-advised ways possible, most of the time.
Wow, this book took me on a ride. Erin has a really impressive way of writing about tough subjects like mental illness. It’s not romanticized, it’s not spelled out in specifics, and there’s no easy ‘fix’ where everyone is automatically no longer struggling at the end of the book. You live and experience everything with the characters, and sometimes that’s really uncomfortable. That’s also what makes it so special, though.
I’ll be the first to tell you that I don’t really enjoy books with ‘fuck-buddies’, as I’m all about that romantic connection, but sometimes you latch onto someone, maybe without knowing why, and it slowly turns into more. That’s exactly what happens here, and it was a lot of fun to see that slow development at the same time as the characters experienced it. It felt genuine and real.
Having someone genuinely give a shit about whether I live or die is like a wet rag over my mouth, and I’m on the cusp of suffocating.
Tristan an absolute hoot, and the trope ‘psychotic sunshine’ is 100% apt. He is also struggling way more than you might think initially, and I adored seeing both him and Ford find a safe place with each other.
This was a really impressive follow-up to the debut Stupid Dirty, and I can’t wait to see what the author does next.
“Sometimes I can’t tell if you’re an asshole wearing a person-suit or a person wearing an asshole-suit.” I stare at Cade, trying to filter through what the hell he means by that. “I beg your fucking pardon?”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Grumpy/psychotic sunshine
Small town
Rural America
Selective mutism
Paramedic MC
Mechanic MC
Military veteran MC
One-sided enemies to lovers (mild)
Hookups to more
Snowballing
Fuckbuddies
Reluctant friends
Docking
Edging
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
On page:
* MC briefly detained by police
* Minor injury to MC (off page, medically treated on page)
* Detailed emergency medical treatment (gunshot wounds, complications from diabetes, stabbing)
* Nightmares and flashbacks to childhood trauma (domestic abuse)
* Grief (loss of a parent, past, off page)
* Binge-drinking to deal with emotional problems and trauma (MC intoxicated on page, not a recurring issue)
* Feelings of guilt and grief from past death of a sibling (off page)
* Mild objectifying and degrading name-calling (e.g. hole)
* Facefucking
* Details of past self harm
* Body scarring from self harm
* Emotional manipulation by parent (past and present
* Explicit sexual content
* Physical violence
* On-page gun violence
* Injured MC (gunshot wound, hospital and medical treatment)
* PTSD symptoms (nightmares, flashbacks)
* Parent killed by abusive partner (past, off page, some details)
* Graphic self harm (on page, cutting)
* MC almost killed as a child (detailed nightmare/flashback)
* Spanking during sex
* Detailed cravings of self harm
* Altercation between MC and parent (MC shoved)
* Restraints during sex (epilogue)
* Organized crime/gang activity
* Toxic masculinity and homophobia
* Exercise used as self harm (present time)
* Brief discussion of suicide
* Symptoms of depression
Referenced/off page:
* Domestic abuse (past, off page but detailed, MC and parent victims)
* Fighting used as self harm (past)
* Brief mentions of child/teenage pregnancy (MCs parent, 14 years old)
* Minor stabbing of side character (off page)
* References to living with a parent with an undiagnosed mental illness
* Mentions of drug-addicted parent and related problems (past, off page, some details)
* Off-page gun violence (no MC involved)
* Mentions of severe accident and CPR (unknown victims, off page, few details)
* Death of family members (off page, past)
* Very brief mention of past drug use (mushrooms, one time)
* Themes of poverty
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 26 and 32/33
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 334
Happy ending: Yes
The thing that really gets me is his eyes. He has husky eyes. Light blue and totally fucking crazed. I love it. Something about that raw, feral intensity sparks my own crazy in response.
Intensity hangs between us like the spit-trail after a really dirty kiss.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
From the moment we met, he’s put an almost pathological amount of energy into trying to take care of me. Even if it’s in the most unpredictable, chaotic and ill-advised ways possible, most of the time.
Wow, this book took me on a ride. Erin has a really impressive way of writing about tough subjects like mental illness. It’s not romanticized, it’s not spelled out in specifics, and there’s no easy ‘fix’ where everyone is automatically no longer struggling at the end of the book. You live and experience everything with the characters, and sometimes that’s really uncomfortable. That’s also what makes it so special, though.
I’ll be the first to tell you that I don’t really enjoy books with ‘fuck-buddies’, as I’m all about that romantic connection, but sometimes you latch onto someone, maybe without knowing why, and it slowly turns into more. That’s exactly what happens here, and it was a lot of fun to see that slow development at the same time as the characters experienced it. It felt genuine and real.
Having someone genuinely give a shit about whether I live or die is like a wet rag over my mouth, and I’m on the cusp of suffocating.
Tristan an absolute hoot, and the trope ‘psychotic sunshine’ is 100% apt. He is also struggling way more than you might think initially, and I adored seeing both him and Ford find a safe place with each other.
This was a really impressive follow-up to the debut Stupid Dirty, and I can’t wait to see what the author does next.
“Sometimes I can’t tell if you’re an asshole wearing a person-suit or a person wearing an asshole-suit.” I stare at Cade, trying to filter through what the hell he means by that. “I beg your fucking pardon?”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Grumpy/psychotic sunshine
Small town
Rural America
Selective mutism
Paramedic MC
Mechanic MC
Military veteran MC
One-sided enemies to lovers (mild)
Hookups to more
Snowballing
Fuckbuddies
Reluctant friends
Docking
Edging
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
On page:
* MC briefly detained by police
* Minor injury to MC (off page, medically treated on page)
* Detailed emergency medical treatment (gunshot wounds, complications from diabetes, stabbing)
* Nightmares and flashbacks to childhood trauma (domestic abuse)
* Grief (loss of a parent, past, off page)
* Binge-drinking to deal with emotional problems and trauma (MC intoxicated on page, not a recurring issue)
* Feelings of guilt and grief from past death of a sibling (off page)
* Mild objectifying and degrading name-calling (e.g. hole)
* Facefucking
* Details of past self harm
* Body scarring from self harm
* Emotional manipulation by parent (past and present
* Explicit sexual content
* Physical violence
* On-page gun violence
* Injured MC (gunshot wound, hospital and medical treatment)
* PTSD symptoms (nightmares, flashbacks)
* Parent killed by abusive partner (past, off page, some details)
* Graphic self harm (on page, cutting)
* MC almost killed as a child (detailed nightmare/flashback)
* Spanking during sex
* Detailed cravings of self harm
* Altercation between MC and parent (MC shoved)
* Restraints during sex (epilogue)
* Organized crime/gang activity
* Toxic masculinity and homophobia
* Exercise used as self harm (present time)
* Brief discussion of suicide
* Symptoms of depression
Referenced/off page:
* Domestic abuse (past, off page but detailed, MC and parent victims)
* Fighting used as self harm (past)
* Brief mentions of child/teenage pregnancy (MCs parent, 14 years old)
* Minor stabbing of side character (off page)
* References to living with a parent with an undiagnosed mental illness
* Mentions of drug-addicted parent and related problems (past, off page, some details)
* Off-page gun violence (no MC involved)
* Mentions of severe accident and CPR (unknown victims, off page, few details)
* Death of family members (off page, past)
* Very brief mention of past drug use (mushrooms, one time)
* Themes of poverty
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 26 and 32/33
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 334
Happy ending: Yes
The thing that really gets me is his eyes. He has husky eyes. Light blue and totally fucking crazed. I love it. Something about that raw, feral intensity sparks my own crazy in response.
Intensity hangs between us like the spit-trail after a really dirty kiss.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr