hemlockvasilisa's Reviews (256)

Two writers, one island, and a tale that lingers long after the last page.  

✨ Review:

A love story within a love story—haunting, intimate, and unforgettable.

This book follows Alice, a celebrity journalist chasing the mystery of a vanished heiress. But she isn’t alone. Another writer, Hayden, has been invited to uncover the same story. Suddenly, they’re rivals, both tasked with telling the same woman’s truth.

Set on a quiet island off the coast of Georgia, Alice and Hayden slowly stop circling each other and start colliding. What begins as wary competition turns into something quietly powerful. Their love doesn’t erupt—it simmers. Built on shared moments, thoughtful words, and small gestures, it grows from nothing into something deeply meaningful.

But even as Alice falls in love, she’s also unraveling the tragic, tangled history of the heiress—an entirely different kind of love story, one rooted in grief, loyalty, and family wounds.

I can’t say I merely enjoyed this book—I was engulfed by it. The parallel between the two narratives kept me hooked from beginning to end. And when I closed the final page, I wasn’t the same.

I now see the world a little differently—and maybe, a little brighter. 

A Dark Romance with a Dominant Priest? Yes, Please!

This book had me at priest kink—and it did not disappoint. From the first page, it was pure insta-lust between Tyler and Poppy, but their connection grew into something surprisingly sweet. Despite all the guilt and sin wrapped into their relationship, there was a raw honesty between them that made it work.

I especially loved Tyler’s POV. Watching him wrestle with grief over his sister’s suicide while navigating forbidden desire gave his character real depth. His internal struggle between faith, loss, and love was one of the strongest parts of the book.

That said, I felt a little underwhelmed by the ending. Poppy’s quick apology and Tyler’s immediate forgiveness felt a bit too easy. Honestly, I expected a bit more groveling from her. But then again, Tyler is a priest—maybe he’s just more forgiving than I am.

What a Delightfully Cute Read!

This book was such a joy! It follows a journalist and single mom of two navigating love after the heartbreak of divorce. To keep her beloved magazine column—one her rival is eyeing—she agrees to let her kids pick her dates. The result? A hilarious and heartwarming series of encounters, from a charming delivery guy to an actor they spot on TV.

What I loved most is that it wasn’t just about romance—it was about connection. There were so many moments that made me feel like a kindred spirit.

Will, in particular, grew on me with every chapter. He becomes more human, more endearing, and his sweet nature really shines. The banter and rivalry between him and the main character had me snorting with laughter more than once!

If you’re looking for a light, feel-good read with heart, humor, and a bit of chaos, this is the one.

WHAT A 5 STAR READ!
I love this book. I love Roxy’s feisty and bad ass character who’s just so unapologetic that I so so adore. Every MCs has so much character and even I got enthralled to all 4 of them. This book took me on a real in depth perspective of each and everyone one of them. It was so captivating to watch all 5 characters develop in one single book. There was not a single moment of inaction. The chemistry? The tension? The SPICE?!?!?!? I just love it. 
I felt so attached to all of them. Most of all Roxy - the survivor.