lornaj_reads's Reviews (711)

⭐️ 5 stars | 🌶️ 2

 

I dropped everything when I heard this book was coming out. There was no way I was waiting to dive back into the Preston family. It’s been a while since I read the first three, but from the very first page, it felt like coming home. These characters are everything.

 

This book broke me in the best way. I expected Liam’s story to be emotional, but I wasn’t ready for Addie’s past to hit me that hard. Both of them have been through so much, and the way they support each other is everything. I cried. Multiple times.

 

And Roman? MVP big brother. I wish I had someone like him. His protective love for Addie and reading the real reason behind his arrest that absolutely shattered me. But seeing Addie find her way to Dayna and Griffin made it all worth it. The found family vibes. Perfect.

 

Liam, though… sweet, anxious, loyal Liam. His struggles hit so close to home especially the way he opens up about his anxiety. I felt so seen. And the way he talks about Benny? Beautiful. As someone with a young family member on the spectrum, those parts really stayed with me.

 

And let’s not forget the softer (and slightly spicy) side of Liam. He surprised me with the things he said and honestly, I think he surprised himself too. That minivan scene? Say less. 🔥

 

A few of my favourite quotes:

 

I’m so excited for what’s next especially after that Lincoln teaser at the end. If you haven’t started the Preston Brothers series, go back to book one and savour every page. There are also some Easter eggs from the More Than series that fans will love.

 

Truly, I will read anything this author writes even a grocery list. She deserves way more attention, and I’ll be shouting her name from the rooftops.

 

Happy reading, everyone! 📚

 

⭐️ 5 stars | 🌶️ 2.5 spice

 

After the emotional build-up of Glint, Gleam delivers a powerful and deeply satisfying turning point in Auren’s journey. This is the book where she truly begins to reclaim herself not just emotionally, but physically and mentally as well. Watching her break free from Midas’s control and finally begin to stand up for herself was so rewarding.

 

One of the most impactful elements of Gleam was the emotional weight carried by her ribbons. They’ve always felt like a part of Auren, but in this book, they practically became their own characters. Their interactions with Slade (Rip) were some of the most tender and funny moments. Yes, I cried how could I not? That bond was raw and intimate, and saying goodbye to that part of her was like losing a friend.

 

Slade, of course, continues to be everything. The way he sees Auren not just for who she is, but for who she could be is deeply moving. His words are laced with both desire and reverence. Here are just a few of my favourite lines:

 

 

That final intimate scene between Slade and Auren. It was exactly what she deserved consensual, intense, and rooted in love and admiration. It wasn’t just spice for the sake of spice it was deeply personal. And the stripping scene? 🔥 Absolutely unforgettable.

 

As for Queen Malina and Midas… I have nothing nice to say. Malina continues to make reckless decisions that show just how out of touch she is, and Midas’s manipulations and cruelty finally come to a head. He deserved every bit of what came to him.

 

I also loved seeing Digby return he is loyal, quiet, and strong. His steady presence reminds us that not all protectors are loud or flashy. The bond he shares with Auren is simple but unshakable.

 

This book had me hooked from start to finish. I was on the edge of my seat, and when I turned the final page, I felt completely changed. Gleam was a turning point not just for Auren, but for the entire tone of the series. She’s no longer just surviving she’s becoming who she was always meant to be.

 

If you’re reading this series stick with it. The payoff in Gleam is absolutely worth it.

 

Happy reading, everyone! 📚

 

It was too much more smut than plot and the plot bugged me with miscommunication 

⭐️ 4.5 | 🌶️ 2.5

I was so excited when I got the chance to read this book—thank you to Valentine PR and K.A. Tucker! It’s been a year since I’ve been in this world, but I have to say, Connor hasn’t changed one bit.

The story is split into two parts: before Abbi and after Abbi. The first part is where Ronan meets Connor for the first time, and we get some classic Connor lines that cracked me up:

I was hoping Ronan and Ryan would start a relationship because they both deserved it. Ronan was the perfect person for Ryan to move on to her person, but then he had to get his heart broken a second time. After Abbi, he attempts to move forward, though unfortunately, with the wrong person.

After Abbi, we meet Sloane, who I have some theories about, but we’ll have to wait and see how the series plays out. I loved their relationship and can’t wait to see it grow, especially with that ending wow.

The sneaking around in the first part was great, but that bar scene was definitely 🥵. Any scene with Sloane and Ronan is filled with passion, and I can’t wait for more of that in the next book.

If you haven’t read The Wolf Hotel series, I highly recommend reading it first to understand these characters. I can’t wait for more books in this series!

Happy reading, everyone! 📚

 

⭐️ 4.5 stars | 🌶️ 0 spice

 

The end of Gild left us with Auren and the Saddles being taken again this time by the Fourth Kingdom. I enjoyed Glint even more than the first book. It was refreshing to finally see Auren making her own choices, no longer trapped in a cage or blindly following others. Watching her begin to form a connection with the Wrath, especially Rip, was a highlight. Their conversations have weight and depth, with Rip pushing her in ways that no one else has. One line that really stuck with me was when he tells her:

It was such a powerful moment showing how he sees the strength in her—even before she does.

 

Auren continues to show compassion and strength, helping the Saddles even though they hate her. She refuses to let bitterness define her, which speaks volumes about who she is. Meanwhile, we also follow Queen Malina, who is trying to reclaim her kingdom. I can understand her desperation, but her willingness to step on other women to regain power made her a harder character to connect with. And giving toys and blankets to a starving population? Not a smart or empathetic move. Still, her journey becomes more intriguing with the mysterious person she meets along the way.

 

Auren’s growth is the heart of this book. She slowly begins to stand up for herself and rediscover her own voice. Rip’s words continue to be a wake-up call, especially when he says:

You can feel the shift in Auren’s mindset, especially as her power begins to surface. She’s no longer just enduring she’s beginning to fight back. And that final moment between her and Rip? Absolutely unexpected and game changing.

 

One more moment that really hit me emotionally was Rip’s blunt honesty about Auren’s misplaced guilt:

It’s a reminder of how much she internalizes blame, even when it’s undeserved.

 

I was also glad this book remained low on the spice, which felt right at this point in their relationship. There’s a slow-burn tension, but it’s rooted in emotional growth, not physical attraction alone, and I appreciate that the story doesn’t rush anything.

 

With only two books down, I’m already obsessed with this series. Glint really took the story to the next level. If you haven’t started The Plated Prisoner series yet, trust me it’s worth it.

 

Happy reading, everyone! 📚

 

⭐️ 4 | 🌶️ 1.5

 

I’ve been wanting to start this series for a while, and my husband gifting me the entire set for my birthday finally gave me the push I needed to dive in!

 

So much happens in this first book we learn a lot about the world and the people in it. I really admire Auren’s resilience. Even after everything she’s been through, she’s still willing to fight. I connected with a few of the side characters too, but it was honestly heartbreaking when some of them went missing or died. As I keep reading, I’m going to try not to get too attached (but let’s be honest I probably will).

 

I’m keeping this review spoiler-free, but I’ll just say… I KNEW IT.

Also: I HATE MIDAS. I cannot wait to see what happens to him, and more importantly, to see Auren finally realize her worth.

 

I gave this one 4 ⭐️ there were a few things that bugged me just enough to bring my rating down a bit, but I’m hopeful the series will only get better from here. As for spice, I’d say it’s 1.5 🌶️. I wasn’t expecting any at all, but Chapter One changed my mind real fast. It stays low on the scale because there are not really scenes involving Auren directly most of the spice happens around her rather than with her.

 

Overall, I enjoyed this start and I’m excited to see where the series takes me.

Join me for the ride!

 

Happy reading, everyone! 📚

 

Rewind it Back – Windy City Series #5

⭐️ 4.25 | 🌶️ 2

The final installment in the Windy City Series is here, and it’s all about Rio the character we’ve loved since book one. I’ve been looking forward to his story from the beginning, and it made total sense to close the series with him.

I’ve always loved Rio in the earlier books, but I didn’t connect with this one quite as much as the others. That’s probably because I’m not the biggest fan of the childhood friends-to-lovers trope. That said, this book still brought so much emotion and heat.

I figured out what led to Rio and Hallie’s split pretty early on, even though it isn’t revealed right away. But the twist involving Hallie’s mom really got me. Finding out just how awful she was completely changed the tone and made it very clear why her family left her behind. That reveal packed an emotional punch.

As always, Rio delivers on the swoon-worthy lines some made me blush, some made me tear up. A couple of my favourite (spoilery!) quotes:

“I don’t give a f*ck. This is my house. We aren’t hiding sh*t here. Scream all you want. I want to hear what I’m doing to you.”

“Rio, playing for Boston is your childhood dream.”
I shake my head. “You’re my childhood dream.”

The hot tub scene was unforgettable (definitely the top 🌶️ moment), and after six years apart, these two had a lot to make up for. I also loved getting cameos from the whole crew this felt like a true sendoff for the series.

I’ll really miss this world, but I’m holding out hope for a spinoff!
Highly recommend this series from start to finish.

Happy reading, everyone! 📚

⭐️ 4.5 | 🌶️ 2

 

This is the next installment in the Windy City Series, and we got a sneak peek of this plot line at the end of Caught Up (Book 3). I loved Isaiah in that book, and I was so excited to see him finally get the girl he’s been pining for!

 

I really enjoyed seeing the beginnings of their friendship. Her boss was the worst, and I truly felt for Isaiah and his past. Kennedy definitely deserved a better family thank goodness for her stepbrother. Isaiah and Kennedy were perfect opposites: the spontaneous MMC and the type-A FMC made such a fun, well-balanced couple.

 

There were some laugh-out-loud moments and great banter between them:

And this gem:

This marriage of convenience/fake dating trope was done so well, and I really enjoyed watching Kennedy explore new sides of herself with Isaiah.

 

Highly recommend this series! I’ll be so sad to say goodbye after Rio’s book.

 

Happy reading, everyone! 📚