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This book was so unserious in the BEST possible way and I LOVED EVERY SECOND.
Okay, so first of all, he was only a “hostage” for like five minutes. MAX. And the whole problem gets solved around the 20% mark. But you know what? I didn’t even care. Because this book? Hilarious. Hot. Delightfully chaotic.
Sadie is a pink overall wearing, dog loving menace with the audacity to point a gun (badly) at a mafia heir and call it justice for a missing mutt. Davian is a grumpy criminal kingpin who gets hit with the full force of Sadie’s sunshine energy and is like, wait, why am I kind of into this? His internal existential crisis was hilarious because he knew he should not like her but he was down bad pretty much immediately.
Their dynamic is GOLD. The banter? Immaculate. The tension? Spicy, but still fun. And the plot? Completely unhinged in the way that makes you smile the entire time you're reading.
It’s giving:
Mafia but make it rom com
Rescue mission but with zero planning and lots of sass
Good girl vs. bad boy with bonus dog treats
“I hate fun” energy paired with “I am fun and you will like it” energy
I was giggling, swooning, and texting my friends like, YOU NEED TO READ THIS IMMEDIATELY.
Hot for Hostage doesn’t take itself too seriously and that’s exactly what makes it such a blast. It’s the kind of book that gives you everything you want in a bingeable, mood boosting romcom with just the right amount of spice and mafia madness.
10/10 recommend if you're in the mood for something ridiculous and ridiculously fun. 💖🐶🔫
Okay, so first of all, he was only a “hostage” for like five minutes. MAX. And the whole problem gets solved around the 20% mark. But you know what? I didn’t even care. Because this book? Hilarious. Hot. Delightfully chaotic.
Sadie is a pink overall wearing, dog loving menace with the audacity to point a gun (badly) at a mafia heir and call it justice for a missing mutt. Davian is a grumpy criminal kingpin who gets hit with the full force of Sadie’s sunshine energy and is like, wait, why am I kind of into this? His internal existential crisis was hilarious because he knew he should not like her but he was down bad pretty much immediately.
Their dynamic is GOLD. The banter? Immaculate. The tension? Spicy, but still fun. And the plot? Completely unhinged in the way that makes you smile the entire time you're reading.
It’s giving:
Mafia but make it rom com
Rescue mission but with zero planning and lots of sass
Good girl vs. bad boy with bonus dog treats
“I hate fun” energy paired with “I am fun and you will like it” energy
I was giggling, swooning, and texting my friends like, YOU NEED TO READ THIS IMMEDIATELY.
Hot for Hostage doesn’t take itself too seriously and that’s exactly what makes it such a blast. It’s the kind of book that gives you everything you want in a bingeable, mood boosting romcom with just the right amount of spice and mafia madness.
10/10 recommend if you're in the mood for something ridiculous and ridiculously fun. 💖🐶🔫
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I think this series just gets better and better and although it is absolutely not for everyone, and that’s okay, but if you get it, if you’ve fallen down the Dungeon Crawler Carl rabbit hole, then you know: this book is amazing.
The Butcher’s Masquerade is brutal. It’s unhinged. It's funny, horrifying, devastating and somehow, always one step ahead of you. And I swear to the crawler gods, Matt Dinniman must enjoy emotionally torturing his readers because I finished this book screaming into the void, clutching my heart, whispering, “Why do I care this much about a murderous sex doll head and a display cat with diva energy?”
Like seriously, Samantha the decapitated sex doll head deserves a goddamn award.
“I WILL KILL YOUR MOTHER!”
Iconic. Unhinged. 10/10.
And Carl? My emotionally traumatized, foot weapon wielding king. I am far too attached.
Then there’s Donut, my sparkly gremlin queen. Her chaotic energy is everything. I would absolutely go to war for her, even if she’d refuse to touch the battlefield without a proper outfit and three kinds of cake.
This book brings lore, gore, plot twists that had me gasping, and just when you think it can’t get any worse (or better?), the game changes, literally. There are tourists now. Rich, intergalactic trophy hunters. And Carl? Carl is the biggest prize of all.
And don’t even get me started on the AI foot fetishist. That line about the bomb and the piggy and the “boom boom”? I was laughing and disturbed in equal measure. Exactly how Matt Dinniman wants us to feel.
Under all the absurdity and chaos, though, is something genuinely special. The emotional weight hits harder each book. The characters feel real. You mourn the ones you lose. You root for the ones still crawling. The stakes keep rising, and I’m so goddamn stressed for book 6, it’s not even funny.
This is my favorite one so far (besides book one, obviously). It’s insane that a LitRPG with cosmic horror, meta D&D, and a cat who used to be a child star is in my top 3 series of all time. But here we are.
So yeah, I might not be able to explain this series to strangers without getting weird looks. But for the chosen few who understand?
We scream. We cry.
We sing Wonderwall with Donut.
And we pray that Carl makes them all suffer.
Also, Matt... I genuinely hope your band is killing it, your fans are screaming their lungs out, and you’re rolling in happiness, money, and inspiration. Because you earned it, you sick genius.
I think this series just gets better and better and although it is absolutely not for everyone, and that’s okay, but if you get it, if you’ve fallen down the Dungeon Crawler Carl rabbit hole, then you know: this book is amazing.
The Butcher’s Masquerade is brutal. It’s unhinged. It's funny, horrifying, devastating and somehow, always one step ahead of you. And I swear to the crawler gods, Matt Dinniman must enjoy emotionally torturing his readers because I finished this book screaming into the void, clutching my heart, whispering, “Why do I care this much about a murderous sex doll head and a display cat with diva energy?”
Like seriously, Samantha the decapitated sex doll head deserves a goddamn award.
“I WILL KILL YOUR MOTHER!”
Iconic. Unhinged. 10/10.
And Carl? My emotionally traumatized, foot weapon wielding king. I am far too attached.
Then there’s Donut, my sparkly gremlin queen. Her chaotic energy is everything. I would absolutely go to war for her, even if she’d refuse to touch the battlefield without a proper outfit and three kinds of cake.
This book brings lore, gore, plot twists that had me gasping, and just when you think it can’t get any worse (or better?), the game changes, literally. There are tourists now. Rich, intergalactic trophy hunters. And Carl? Carl is the biggest prize of all.
And don’t even get me started on the AI foot fetishist. That line about the bomb and the piggy and the “boom boom”? I was laughing and disturbed in equal measure. Exactly how Matt Dinniman wants us to feel.
Under all the absurdity and chaos, though, is something genuinely special. The emotional weight hits harder each book. The characters feel real. You mourn the ones you lose. You root for the ones still crawling. The stakes keep rising, and I’m so goddamn stressed for book 6, it’s not even funny.
This is my favorite one so far (besides book one, obviously). It’s insane that a LitRPG with cosmic horror, meta D&D, and a cat who used to be a child star is in my top 3 series of all time. But here we are.
So yeah, I might not be able to explain this series to strangers without getting weird looks. But for the chosen few who understand?
We scream. We cry.
We sing Wonderwall with Donut.
And we pray that Carl makes them all suffer.
Also, Matt... I genuinely hope your band is killing it, your fans are screaming their lungs out, and you’re rolling in happiness, money, and inspiration. Because you earned it, you sick genius.
5 out of 5 stars – Bonkers, brilliant, and completely addicting
Okay, I cannot get enough of this series. The Gate of the Feral Gods is book four in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, and somehow, somehow, it manages to stay fresh, creative, and hilarious while still upping the emotional stakes and expanding the lore. This book picks up right after the insanity of the last level and drops Carl and Donut into yet another ridiculous death trap; this time, a bubble wrapped battleground with castles to conquer, low level misfits to babysit, and feral gods on the loose. As one does.
This level is full of chaotic fun: camel humanoid warriors with attitude problems, gnome air raids, and increasingly weird and wonderful new characters. It’s the kind of setting where you think you’ve seen it all, and then Carl launches a demigod’s severed head using a magical s*x doll jai alai mitt and you realize nope, this ride still has plenty of madness left.
Carl’s arc continues to evolve in a fascinating way. He’s becoming darker, more calculated, and honestly a little terrifying, but it makes total sense. You can only be tortured by AI sadists for so long before you snap. Watching him walk that line between survival and vengeance, humanity and monster, is one of the best parts of the series.
The audiobook is awesome. It has a full cast, great performances, sound effects, the whole immersive package. My only nitpick is the audio balancing. There are sections (especially underwater or AI voices) where the dialogue is super quiet, and I had to turn up the volume to really hear. Not a dealbreaker, but something to note.
If you’ve read the first three, this is a no brainer. It brings back the humor, action, and wild world building that made the earlier books so addictive and it sets up even more chaos to come. Plus, that epilogue? Absolute madness. Loved every second.
Highly recommend for anyone who loves LitRPGs, dark humor, clever strategy, and stories that don’t take themselves too seriously but still hit hard when it counts. Carl and Donut forever.
Okay, I cannot get enough of this series. The Gate of the Feral Gods is book four in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, and somehow, somehow, it manages to stay fresh, creative, and hilarious while still upping the emotional stakes and expanding the lore. This book picks up right after the insanity of the last level and drops Carl and Donut into yet another ridiculous death trap; this time, a bubble wrapped battleground with castles to conquer, low level misfits to babysit, and feral gods on the loose. As one does.
This level is full of chaotic fun: camel humanoid warriors with attitude problems, gnome air raids, and increasingly weird and wonderful new characters. It’s the kind of setting where you think you’ve seen it all, and then Carl launches a demigod’s severed head using a magical s*x doll jai alai mitt and you realize nope, this ride still has plenty of madness left.
Carl’s arc continues to evolve in a fascinating way. He’s becoming darker, more calculated, and honestly a little terrifying, but it makes total sense. You can only be tortured by AI sadists for so long before you snap. Watching him walk that line between survival and vengeance, humanity and monster, is one of the best parts of the series.
The audiobook is awesome. It has a full cast, great performances, sound effects, the whole immersive package. My only nitpick is the audio balancing. There are sections (especially underwater or AI voices) where the dialogue is super quiet, and I had to turn up the volume to really hear. Not a dealbreaker, but something to note.
If you’ve read the first three, this is a no brainer. It brings back the humor, action, and wild world building that made the earlier books so addictive and it sets up even more chaos to come. Plus, that epilogue? Absolute madness. Loved every second.
Highly recommend for anyone who loves LitRPGs, dark humor, clever strategy, and stories that don’t take themselves too seriously but still hit hard when it counts. Carl and Donut forever.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Glurp, glurp, motherfuckers!"
If Dungeon Crawler Carl hooked me and Carl’s Doomsday Scenario sealed the deal, The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook straight up injected this series into my bloodstream. Book three is a mind bending, blood splattered, laugh out loud continuation of the most chaotic reality show the galaxy has ever seen.
This time, Carl, Donut (best feline royalty in fiction), and a growing crew of weirdos and wildcard crawlers find themselves on the fourth level of the dungeon: The Iron Tangle. Picture a spaghetti bowl of cursed train tracks, haunted subway cars, eldritch puzzles, and monster packed railways that defy the laws of physics, logic, and basic sanity. You will question everything. Like: Is that train eating people? (Yes.) And: Why is the murder chicken somehow still the most terrifying character? (Also yes.)
🧠 What’s new in Book 3:
The dungeon gets WAY more complex, not just in design, but in social dynamics, too. Trust becomes a currency.
Political subplots and intergalactic power games start creeping in, and it’s so juicy.
Character growth? HELLO. Carl is evolving into an actual hero (but still a snarky mess), and Donut is now dangerously close to being my spirit animal.
We meet Katia, who quietly steals the show with her strength, softness, and no BS attitude. Shoutout to Matt Dinniman for writing female characters with actual depth, because I do not always have faith that men can do that, but he excels at it.
⚔️ Violence & Humor:
Yes, it’s still incredibly violent, gross in places, and full of “did they just say that?” moments, but that’s the charm. The humor hits, the action slaps, and the pacing is really perfect. You will laugh, gag, cheer, and maybe cry a little. (Also, Jed is the worst.)
📖 Bonus points for:
Puzzles that scratch the itch in my brain
Ongoing worldbuilding that feels effortless
One liners that deserve to be embroidered on throw pillows
The fact that this somehow still feels like a satire, a horror, a buddy comedy, and a sci-fi RPG all in one
🎧 Audible plug: If you’re not listening to Jeff Hays narrate this series, you are doing it wrong. His voice work is INSANE, in the best way.
Bottom line:
If you’re into LitRPG, dungeon crawls, chaotic cats, video game mechanics, or just really smart, hilarious writing with hidden depth, this series is the jackpot. Book 3 proves Matt Dinniman isn’t just keeping up momentum, but he’s leveling up. Get on the train (literally, in this case), and don’t look back.
🚂💀🐓🐾
Next stop: Book 4. See you in the blood soaked subway of doom.
"Glurp, glurp, motherfuckers!"
If Dungeon Crawler Carl hooked me and Carl’s Doomsday Scenario sealed the deal, The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook straight up injected this series into my bloodstream. Book three is a mind bending, blood splattered, laugh out loud continuation of the most chaotic reality show the galaxy has ever seen.
This time, Carl, Donut (best feline royalty in fiction), and a growing crew of weirdos and wildcard crawlers find themselves on the fourth level of the dungeon: The Iron Tangle. Picture a spaghetti bowl of cursed train tracks, haunted subway cars, eldritch puzzles, and monster packed railways that defy the laws of physics, logic, and basic sanity. You will question everything. Like: Is that train eating people? (Yes.) And: Why is the murder chicken somehow still the most terrifying character? (Also yes.)
🧠 What’s new in Book 3:
The dungeon gets WAY more complex, not just in design, but in social dynamics, too. Trust becomes a currency.
Political subplots and intergalactic power games start creeping in, and it’s so juicy.
Character growth? HELLO. Carl is evolving into an actual hero (but still a snarky mess), and Donut is now dangerously close to being my spirit animal.
We meet Katia, who quietly steals the show with her strength, softness, and no BS attitude. Shoutout to Matt Dinniman for writing female characters with actual depth, because I do not always have faith that men can do that, but he excels at it.
⚔️ Violence & Humor:
Yes, it’s still incredibly violent, gross in places, and full of “did they just say that?” moments, but that’s the charm. The humor hits, the action slaps, and the pacing is really perfect. You will laugh, gag, cheer, and maybe cry a little. (Also, Jed is the worst.)
📖 Bonus points for:
Puzzles that scratch the itch in my brain
Ongoing worldbuilding that feels effortless
One liners that deserve to be embroidered on throw pillows
The fact that this somehow still feels like a satire, a horror, a buddy comedy, and a sci-fi RPG all in one
🎧 Audible plug: If you’re not listening to Jeff Hays narrate this series, you are doing it wrong. His voice work is INSANE, in the best way.
Bottom line:
If you’re into LitRPG, dungeon crawls, chaotic cats, video game mechanics, or just really smart, hilarious writing with hidden depth, this series is the jackpot. Book 3 proves Matt Dinniman isn’t just keeping up momentum, but he’s leveling up. Get on the train (literally, in this case), and don’t look back.
🚂💀🐓🐾
Next stop: Book 4. See you in the blood soaked subway of doom.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: LitRPG / Sci-Fi Apocalypse / Comedy Horror
Format: Kindle
TL;DR: MORE BLOOD, MORE LAUGHS, MORE DONUT, AND STILL NO PANTS.
Just when I thought Dungeon Crawler Carl was pure unhinged brilliance, bucke up for this one, because Carl’s Doomsday Scenario doubles down on everything: the violence, the insanity, the strategy, the worldbuilding, the emotional beats, and yes... the clown fueled, undead, hooker murdering chaos of Floor Three.
This second installment picks up right where book one left off; no recap, no break, no mercy. Carl and Princess Donut are hurled into the next level of the intergalactic game show from hell. This time? It’s darker, more complex, and suddenly we’ve got side quests, class choices, and bio engineered race upgrades (don’t worry, no spoilers on what Carl and Donut choose, though I was screaming).
The tone remains PERFECT: laugh out loud funny one moment, absolutely horrifying the next. We’re talking mutated circuses, literal murder mysteries, exploding bodies, talking chickens, and somehow, SOMEHOW... emotional depth. I didn’t expect to feel things in between the exploding goblins, but here we are.
I would die for Pricness Donut, by the way.
🪦 Heavy themes warning: This series does not shy away from intense and graphic content. There is murder, drug use, suicide, violence, trauma. It’s unapologetically adult, but never gratuitous for the sake of it. Matt Dinniman manages to infuse meaning and satire into every grotesque beat.
🧠 We’re starting to peel back the layers of the galactic politics behind the dungeon. This isn’t just survival anymore, but it’s war, exploitation, and corruption on a scale we’re only beginning to grasp. The game might be rigged, and that makes Carl’s fight to survive even more compelling.
⚔️ Highlights:
Donut’s diva moments (as always)
Carl’s murder chicken sidekick (Mongo MVP)
The circus level? NIGHTMARES.
The “dead hookers from the sky” mystery = unhinged brilliance
And Carl maybe, possibly, finally finding pants???
🎧 Side note: I didn’t listen to the audiobook this time but hearing Jeff Hays is behind it again? Yeah... definitely switching to audio for book 3. That man is Carl.
Bottom line: If you liked Book 1, Book 2 turns the volume up and sets the controller on fire. It’s absolute madness, but somehow Matt Dinniman keeps all the chaos grounded in heart, satire, and character growth. I’m a Dungeon Crawler Carl girlie now, and there’s no going back.
BRB, grabbing book 3.
And maybe a pair of Crocs.
Genre: LitRPG / Sci-Fi Apocalypse / Comedy Horror
Format: Kindle
TL;DR: MORE BLOOD, MORE LAUGHS, MORE DONUT, AND STILL NO PANTS.
Just when I thought Dungeon Crawler Carl was pure unhinged brilliance, bucke up for this one, because Carl’s Doomsday Scenario doubles down on everything: the violence, the insanity, the strategy, the worldbuilding, the emotional beats, and yes... the clown fueled, undead, hooker murdering chaos of Floor Three.
This second installment picks up right where book one left off; no recap, no break, no mercy. Carl and Princess Donut are hurled into the next level of the intergalactic game show from hell. This time? It’s darker, more complex, and suddenly we’ve got side quests, class choices, and bio engineered race upgrades (don’t worry, no spoilers on what Carl and Donut choose, though I was screaming).
The tone remains PERFECT: laugh out loud funny one moment, absolutely horrifying the next. We’re talking mutated circuses, literal murder mysteries, exploding bodies, talking chickens, and somehow, SOMEHOW... emotional depth. I didn’t expect to feel things in between the exploding goblins, but here we are.
I would die for Pricness Donut, by the way.
🪦 Heavy themes warning: This series does not shy away from intense and graphic content. There is murder, drug use, suicide, violence, trauma. It’s unapologetically adult, but never gratuitous for the sake of it. Matt Dinniman manages to infuse meaning and satire into every grotesque beat.
🧠 We’re starting to peel back the layers of the galactic politics behind the dungeon. This isn’t just survival anymore, but it’s war, exploitation, and corruption on a scale we’re only beginning to grasp. The game might be rigged, and that makes Carl’s fight to survive even more compelling.
⚔️ Highlights:
Donut’s diva moments (as always)
Carl’s murder chicken sidekick (Mongo MVP)
The circus level? NIGHTMARES.
The “dead hookers from the sky” mystery = unhinged brilliance
And Carl maybe, possibly, finally finding pants???
🎧 Side note: I didn’t listen to the audiobook this time but hearing Jeff Hays is behind it again? Yeah... definitely switching to audio for book 3. That man is Carl.
Bottom line: If you liked Book 1, Book 2 turns the volume up and sets the controller on fire. It’s absolute madness, but somehow Matt Dinniman keeps all the chaos grounded in heart, satire, and character growth. I’m a Dungeon Crawler Carl girlie now, and there’s no going back.
BRB, grabbing book 3.
And maybe a pair of Crocs.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: LitRPG/Sci-Fi Fantasy/Apocalypse Comedy
Format: Print, but seriously considering the audio next time 👀
Best For: Gamers, meme lovers, D&D nerds, people who think Borderlands humor is peak
Okay, I get it now. After so many people told me to read Dungeon Crawler Carl, I finally did it, and they were RIGHT. This book is pure chaotic, dungeon crawling, apocalyptic, talking cat madness, and I ate up every second of it.
Carl, recently dumped and stuck with his ex’s show cat, is just vibing in her pink crocs when BOOM, there is an alien invasion. Humanity’s wiped out in minutes, and the survivors are thrown into a dungeon deathmatch that’s livestreamed across the galaxy. So now it’s Carl, his underwear, and Princess Donut (who can now talk and is both entitled and hilarious) vs. lava llamas, exploding goblins, and a suspiciously Twitch stream esque intergalactic audience. It’s ridiculous. It’s genius.
💥 "Welcome, Crawler. Survival is optional. Entertainment is mandatory." 💥
What makes this book so addictive isn’t just the nonstop action or the insane creature designs (shoutout to the rogue old people crew and safe room politics), but the tone. It manages to be both laugh out loud funny and surprisingly emotional. I’m talking actual reflection on grief, purpose, ethics in a kill or be killed reality show, and whether a talking cat should get her own catchphrase (she should).
Carl and Donut have real heart behind the banter. Their dynamic is a perfect balance of annoyed roommates and reluctant soulmates (but, like, not romantic, unless you count one being a cat with diva energy). There’s also this ominous undertone that not everything is as it seems, like aliens playing dirty, dungeon NPCs acting a little too real and like it’s setting up something much bigger. 👀
Now, is this book a literary masterpiece? Nope. It’s not trying to be. But it is one of the most entertaining, original, and wildly fun books I’ve read in a long time. Matt Dinniman keeps it simple enough with the RPG mechanics so even casual gamers can keep up, and the achievement system is chef’s kiss.
Favorite achievement unlocked:
“Congratulations! You’ve earned your first achievement: Crazy Cat Lady.”
😂
If you’ve ever played Diablo, watched The Hunger Games, or laughed at Rick and Morty, this book is for you. And if you haven’t? Read it anyway. You just might find yourself yelling “Goddammit, Donut!” along with the rest of us.
Genre: LitRPG/Sci-Fi Fantasy/Apocalypse Comedy
Format: Print, but seriously considering the audio next time 👀
Best For: Gamers, meme lovers, D&D nerds, people who think Borderlands humor is peak
Okay, I get it now. After so many people told me to read Dungeon Crawler Carl, I finally did it, and they were RIGHT. This book is pure chaotic, dungeon crawling, apocalyptic, talking cat madness, and I ate up every second of it.
Carl, recently dumped and stuck with his ex’s show cat, is just vibing in her pink crocs when BOOM, there is an alien invasion. Humanity’s wiped out in minutes, and the survivors are thrown into a dungeon deathmatch that’s livestreamed across the galaxy. So now it’s Carl, his underwear, and Princess Donut (who can now talk and is both entitled and hilarious) vs. lava llamas, exploding goblins, and a suspiciously Twitch stream esque intergalactic audience. It’s ridiculous. It’s genius.
💥 "Welcome, Crawler. Survival is optional. Entertainment is mandatory." 💥
What makes this book so addictive isn’t just the nonstop action or the insane creature designs (shoutout to the rogue old people crew and safe room politics), but the tone. It manages to be both laugh out loud funny and surprisingly emotional. I’m talking actual reflection on grief, purpose, ethics in a kill or be killed reality show, and whether a talking cat should get her own catchphrase (she should).
Carl and Donut have real heart behind the banter. Their dynamic is a perfect balance of annoyed roommates and reluctant soulmates (but, like, not romantic, unless you count one being a cat with diva energy). There’s also this ominous undertone that not everything is as it seems, like aliens playing dirty, dungeon NPCs acting a little too real and like it’s setting up something much bigger. 👀
Now, is this book a literary masterpiece? Nope. It’s not trying to be. But it is one of the most entertaining, original, and wildly fun books I’ve read in a long time. Matt Dinniman keeps it simple enough with the RPG mechanics so even casual gamers can keep up, and the achievement system is chef’s kiss.
Favorite achievement unlocked:
“Congratulations! You’ve earned your first achievement: Crazy Cat Lady.”
😂
If you’ve ever played Diablo, watched The Hunger Games, or laughed at Rick and Morty, this book is for you. And if you haven’t? Read it anyway. You just might find yourself yelling “Goddammit, Donut!” along with the rest of us.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
✨ Single Dad
✨ Damaged FMC
✨ Tattoo Artist x Firefighter/Paramedic
✨ Love After Loss
✨ Cinnamon Roll Hero
✨ Found Family
“Let me help you live again.”
That line pretty much sums up the heart of Exposed Ink. It’s a sweet, emotional small town romance that really leans into healing and second chances. I was hooked from the moment Kinsley and Shane met because it was such a cute and unexpected meet cute, and their chemistry was immediate.
Kinsley’s been through it. She’s been emotionally shut off for years, and it made sense why, but I loved watching her slowly open up again. Shane is the ultimate cinnamon roll: a firefighter medic with a heart of gold who’s also a single dad to the most adorable girl. The way he shows up for Kinsley, even when she tries to push him away? SWOON. 😍
The emotional build up between these two had me flipping pages fast. Their connection felt really genuine, and the added layer of Shane’s daughter bonding with Kinsley made the story even sweeter. I loved that little found family vibe. The ending left me smiling like a goofball.
Now, full honesty: some of the tattoo shop scenes and artist lingo were cringe and a little unrealistic, but it didn’t ruin the story for me. If you can look past the "ink talk", the emotional payoff is so worth it. This is probably my favorite Nikki Ash couple so far. Their story felt real, raw, and full of heart.
If you're into emotional healing arcs, gentle men, and love after loss, Exposed Ink might be right up your alley.
Tropes:
✨ Single Dad
✨ Damaged FMC
✨ Tattoo Artist x Firefighter/Paramedic
✨ Love After Loss
✨ Cinnamon Roll Hero
✨ Found Family
“Let me help you live again.”
That line pretty much sums up the heart of Exposed Ink. It’s a sweet, emotional small town romance that really leans into healing and second chances. I was hooked from the moment Kinsley and Shane met because it was such a cute and unexpected meet cute, and their chemistry was immediate.
Kinsley’s been through it. She’s been emotionally shut off for years, and it made sense why, but I loved watching her slowly open up again. Shane is the ultimate cinnamon roll: a firefighter medic with a heart of gold who’s also a single dad to the most adorable girl. The way he shows up for Kinsley, even when she tries to push him away? SWOON. 😍
The emotional build up between these two had me flipping pages fast. Their connection felt really genuine, and the added layer of Shane’s daughter bonding with Kinsley made the story even sweeter. I loved that little found family vibe. The ending left me smiling like a goofball.
Now, full honesty: some of the tattoo shop scenes and artist lingo were cringe and a little unrealistic, but it didn’t ruin the story for me. If you can look past the "ink talk", the emotional payoff is so worth it. This is probably my favorite Nikki Ash couple so far. Their story felt real, raw, and full of heart.
If you're into emotional healing arcs, gentle men, and love after loss, Exposed Ink might be right up your alley.
As a sucker for romantic suspense, Against All Odds completely hit the mark for me. This is the first book in Brittney Sahin’s Delta Shield Security series, and what a gripping, high stakes kickoff it was! I love a good "off the books government agency" plotline, and this delivered on that front with tension, danger, and just the right amount of spice.
The story opens with an explosive meet cute between Ryder and Seraphina during an undercover op. He’s there with his private security team, she’s got her own secret agenda. What follows is a slow burn thrill ride with instalust, a found family vibe, and enough action to keep you turning the pages.
Ryder is your classic alpha hero; he is protective, loyal, and completely down bad for Seraphina, even if she’s pushing him away. Seraphina is fierce, capable, and on a mission of her own. I loved that she wasn’t a damsel in distress, but a woman out for justice. The chemistry between them was palpable, and I appreciated that there wasn’t any OW/OM drama or third act breakup, but just a little jealousy to spice things up.
While this can be read as a standalone, I’ll admit I was a little confused at times with all the crossover characters from Brittney’s other series. I did still enjoy it, but I felt I was missing a little something since I have not read her other work.
All in all, this book delivered exactly what I hoped for: romance, suspense, and a pairing that had me rooting for them from the jump. I'm already excited for Reed and Alex’s stories. Bring on the rest of the Delta Shield team!
Thank you to NetGalley, Brittney Sahin, and Montlake Publishing for the ARC!
The story opens with an explosive meet cute between Ryder and Seraphina during an undercover op. He’s there with his private security team, she’s got her own secret agenda. What follows is a slow burn thrill ride with instalust, a found family vibe, and enough action to keep you turning the pages.
Ryder is your classic alpha hero; he is protective, loyal, and completely down bad for Seraphina, even if she’s pushing him away. Seraphina is fierce, capable, and on a mission of her own. I loved that she wasn’t a damsel in distress, but a woman out for justice. The chemistry between them was palpable, and I appreciated that there wasn’t any OW/OM drama or third act breakup, but just a little jealousy to spice things up.
While this can be read as a standalone, I’ll admit I was a little confused at times with all the crossover characters from Brittney’s other series. I did still enjoy it, but I felt I was missing a little something since I have not read her other work.
All in all, this book delivered exactly what I hoped for: romance, suspense, and a pairing that had me rooting for them from the jump. I'm already excited for Reed and Alex’s stories. Bring on the rest of the Delta Shield team!
Thank you to NetGalley, Brittney Sahin, and Montlake Publishing for the ARC!
This one was soft, emotional, and totally hit me in the feels. If you’re a fan of friends to lovers with a fake dating twist, you’ll want to read this book immediately.
Martina and Jacinto have been best friends basically forever, and watching them slowly realize there might be something more between them was the sweetest kind of torture. The fake relationship setup brings all the tension and “wait… is this real?” moments I crave in a romance. Add in a small town setting and a wave of local gossip, and I was hooked.
This story is full of quiet, powerful moments, like lingering touches, soft glances, and deep vulnerability. It’s not flashy or over the top, but that’s what makes it feel so real and intimate. Both Martina and Jacinto are working through fears that feel so relatable: hers of being left behind, and his of wanting something that might actually matter.
I will say it’s a slower burn, and if you love emotional depth, internal conflict, and that aching tension that comes from two people afraid to ruin a good thing, this book delivers.
💐 Expect:
Friends to lovers
Fake dating
Small town gossip
Quiet, tender romance
Emotional growth
Vulnerable, layered characters
It’s a beautiful story about taking chances and choosing love, even when it scares you. Sweet, a little angsty in the good way, and full of heart.
Thank you to Maria Rigou for the eARC of this book.
Martina and Jacinto have been best friends basically forever, and watching them slowly realize there might be something more between them was the sweetest kind of torture. The fake relationship setup brings all the tension and “wait… is this real?” moments I crave in a romance. Add in a small town setting and a wave of local gossip, and I was hooked.
This story is full of quiet, powerful moments, like lingering touches, soft glances, and deep vulnerability. It’s not flashy or over the top, but that’s what makes it feel so real and intimate. Both Martina and Jacinto are working through fears that feel so relatable: hers of being left behind, and his of wanting something that might actually matter.
I will say it’s a slower burn, and if you love emotional depth, internal conflict, and that aching tension that comes from two people afraid to ruin a good thing, this book delivers.
💐 Expect:
Friends to lovers
Fake dating
Small town gossip
Quiet, tender romance
Emotional growth
Vulnerable, layered characters
It’s a beautiful story about taking chances and choosing love, even when it scares you. Sweet, a little angsty in the good way, and full of heart.
Thank you to Maria Rigou for the eARC of this book.
This book was everything I needed! It was sweet, featured hot cowboys, cozy ranch setting, and low angst in the best way. It’s the feel good, queer cowboy romance of the summer, and I adored every minute of it.
Boone is absolute sunshine, the kind of soft hearted ranch cook who heals people with soup and smiles. Wylie is a broody cowboy with one foot out the door… until Boone and his famous buns (yes, those buns 😏) convince him to stay. Their slow friendship to lovers progression is so sweet, until things heat up. And oof, do they heat up. Pick up truck spice anyone? 🥵
There’s tons of caretaking, an adorable and slightly chaotic mini horse, stargazing, and all the found family feels. I especially loved the forced proximity, only one bed, and Boone being the kind of golden retriever gay who just wants everyone to be happy, while Wylie sulks his way into falling in love.
Yes, it leaned a bit insta love, which isn’t usually my thing, but it honestly worked here. It felt intentional, tender, and full of heart.
💖 What to expect:
Sunshine ranch cook x grumpy cowboy
Forced proximity & only one bed
Queer affirming, found family goodness
Mini horse mischief
Boone’s legendary buns (interpret that how you will)
Low stakes, high feels
Sweet heat + deep care
Whether you love cowboy romances or think they aren’t your thing, this book will charm you. M.A. Wardell just gets how to write characters with softness, chemistry, and so much heart.
Giddy up and grab this gem. You won’t regret it. 🐎🌈🥣
Thank you to M.A. Wardell and Grey's Promotions for the eARC of this book.
Boone is absolute sunshine, the kind of soft hearted ranch cook who heals people with soup and smiles. Wylie is a broody cowboy with one foot out the door… until Boone and his famous buns (yes, those buns 😏) convince him to stay. Their slow friendship to lovers progression is so sweet, until things heat up. And oof, do they heat up. Pick up truck spice anyone? 🥵
There’s tons of caretaking, an adorable and slightly chaotic mini horse, stargazing, and all the found family feels. I especially loved the forced proximity, only one bed, and Boone being the kind of golden retriever gay who just wants everyone to be happy, while Wylie sulks his way into falling in love.
Yes, it leaned a bit insta love, which isn’t usually my thing, but it honestly worked here. It felt intentional, tender, and full of heart.
💖 What to expect:
Sunshine ranch cook x grumpy cowboy
Forced proximity & only one bed
Queer affirming, found family goodness
Mini horse mischief
Boone’s legendary buns (interpret that how you will)
Low stakes, high feels
Sweet heat + deep care
Whether you love cowboy romances or think they aren’t your thing, this book will charm you. M.A. Wardell just gets how to write characters with softness, chemistry, and so much heart.
Giddy up and grab this gem. You won’t regret it. 🐎🌈🥣
Thank you to M.A. Wardell and Grey's Promotions for the eARC of this book.