apagetoturn's reviews
1364 reviews

From Lukov with Love is a total gem! Mariana Zapata has done it again with a slow-burn romance that completely captivated me from start to finish. Jasmine Santos has had a tough journey in the world of figure skating, and when she’s offered a chance to team up with the one person she’s spent years loathing—Ivan Lukov—everything about her future suddenly shifts.

The banter between Jasmine and Ivan is chef’s kiss perfect. Their witty exchanges and nicknames (I mean, meatball? Too good!) add so much charm to the story. Ivan’s transformation from the arrogant, annoying guy Jasmine can’t stand to the man who’s been harboring feelings for her all along is so satisfying to witness. It’s a slow burn in the best way possible, with emotions and tension building with every page.

I loved how real and complex their relationship felt—this wasn’t just about romance; it was about overcoming past hurts, learning to trust, and rediscovering what they both truly wanted in life. Jasmine and Ivan's growth individually and as a couple was incredibly rewarding.

If you’re a fan of slow-burn romances with great character development, witty banter, and a love story that feels earned, From Lukov with Love is a must-read. I couldn’t put it down! Highly recommend!

 Leah’s condition—akinetopsia, or motion blindness—adds a fresh and immersive perspective to the genre, making her a compelling narrator and fascinating protagonist. The book’s tension builds steadily as Leah becomes entangled in her neighbor Alice’s dangerous situation, and Correa does an excellent job of weaving in sensory details that heighten the suspense.

The novel is perfect for fans of Lock Every Door by Riley Sager or the twisty, character-driven mystery of Only Murders in the Building. However, while the premise is intriguing, the pacing is slow at times, and the story occasionally feels like it’s going in circles before finally reaching its conclusion. The ending, while fitting, felt abrupt and predictable, which lessened the overall impact.

That said, it's a solid and entertaining read that delivers plenty of suspense and psychological depth. If you love unreliable narrators, eerie atmospheres, and strong female protagonists, this one is worth picking up—just be prepared for a slower burn. 

Fire Fight by Amanda Chaperone is an absolute page-turner! From the very first scene, the action grips you and doesn’t let go. Crew Lawless and Aspen McKay are the definition of fire—their connection is instant, intense, and completely captivating. While the romance moved a little fast for my personal taste, I couldn’t help but love how Crew’s protective instincts and Aspen’s resilience made them such a perfect match.

The story balances high-stakes danger with swoon-worthy romance, making for a quick and thrilling read. The mystery element added just the right amount of tension, and I was on edge the entire time as Crew and Aspen faced off against a lurking killer. If you love romantic suspense with a strong hero, a fearless heroine, and plenty of action, Fire Fight is a must-read!

 

Catherine Cowles delivers a masterpiece with Fragile Sanctuary, blending emotional depth, slow-burn tension, and mystery into a captivating read. The idea of "there is beauty under the damage" resonates powerfully throughout the novel, not only in the literal restoration of the Victorian house after a fire, but also in the personal healing of both Rhodes and Anson. It's a beautifully layered metaphor, illustrating the painful, yet hopeful journey of rebuilding lives and confronting buried trauma.

The slow build of the romance between Rhodes and Anson is sheer perfection. Their dynamic, filled with tension and emotional push and pull, keeps you on the edge of your seat. Anson, the grumpy, solitary contractor with a tragic past, may seem like the last person Rhodes should fall for, but the way he cares for her when she needs it most is truly heart-melting. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I loved how it developed naturally, deepening as they learned to trust each other.

The mystery surrounding the fires and Anson’s hidden past is the perfect added layer of suspense, making this book even more compelling. I found myself questioning everything, trying to piece together the clues as the story unfolded. Cowles expertly keeps you guessing, with twists and turns that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

What I loved most was how this book didn’t just focus on the romance, but also on healing and self-discovery. Anson and Rhodes' journey toward understanding and redemption is raw, real, and utterly gripping. Every moment felt earned, and by the end, I was emotionally invested in their story like it was my own.

Fragile Sanctuary is a stunning, heart-wrenching, and beautifully written book that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Highly recommend! 

I jumped from one single dad to another, and while the trope felt familiar, Buried Dreams delivered a completely unique, emotional rollercoaster that had me hooked from page one! Brock is the epitome of a rugged, alpha protector—a man who carries his past like armor, holding onto his grudge with everything he has. Everleigh, on the other hand, is sweet, strong, and determined to reclaim her place in a town that once broke her. 

The tension between them? Absolutely delicious. The hate sex? Fire. But what truly set this story apart was the slow unraveling of emotions, the raw pain of their past, and the explosive heat when they finally lay it all bare. Natasha Madison does second-chance romance like no other, weaving in heartbreak, redemption, and scorching chemistry in a way that keeps you flipping pages late into the night. 

If you love small-town angst, a protective single dad, and a heroine who finds her strength, Buried Dreams is a must-read!

 Jewel E. Ann has done it again with From Nowhere, delivering a deeply emotional and beautifully layered love story that kept me hooked from start to finish. Maren Bernabe is the kind of heroine I absolutely love—strong, independent, and unwavering in who she is. As a badass air tanker pilot, she’s more than capable of handling life’s turbulence, and I admired how she never let the struggles of others—whether it was Ozzy’s grief or Lola’s pain—shake her foundation. Instead, she became their rock, their steady presence when they needed it most. And the fact that she fell for Lola first? That just solidified her strength and heart.

The chemistry between Maren and Ozzy was electric yet heartfelt, and I adored the lighthearted banter woven throughout their story. Even with the heavy emotions at play, their connection felt natural and unforced. While Ozzy’s in-laws frustrated me for the longest time (I mean, seriously!!), I eventually understood their perspective and the heartbreaking weight of losing their daughter.

This book is an emotional ride—full of love, loss, resilience, and healing. It tugged at my heart while keeping me completely invested in Maren and Ozzy’s journey. The only reason I’m holding back that last half star? I just wanted more—more resolution, more of Maren’s incredible strength shining through, and maybe a bit more groveling from certain characters (looking at you, in-laws).

If you love emotional, deeply moving romances with strong heroines, From Nowhere is a must-read. Jewel E. Ann knows exactly how to break your heart and piece it back together in the most beautiful way. 

 

The Accidental Honeymoon is a sweet, steamy, and laugh-out-loud romance that had me hooked from the start. Calla and Jay’s unexpected marriage is full of hilarious moments, swoon-worthy chemistry, and just the right amount of chaos. I loved Calla’s strong, independent spirit and Jay’s cinnamon-roll charm—together, they made sparks fly!

The road trip honeymoon was a fun twist, adding plenty of forced proximity and slow-burn tension that kept me flipping pages. The banter was sharp, the romance was heartwarming, and the mix of humor and emotion made for an engaging read.

While I adored the chemistry and the fun setup, I would have loved a bit more depth in some of the emotional beats. A few moments felt rushed, and I wished for a little more time exploring their deeper connection beyond the honeymoon antics. But overall, this was an entertaining, feel-good rom-com that left me smiling!

If you love the woke-up-married trope, marriage of convenience with a twist, and a hero who is as sweet as he is sexy, this book is definitely worth picking up! 

 

Dust Storm by Maggie Gates is the perfect blend of small-town charm, sizzling chemistry, and heart-tugging emotion. From the moment Cassandra storms into Christian’s world—bulldozer and all—the tension crackles between them in the best way possible. Their banter is sharp, their attraction undeniable, and watching them go from reluctant housemates to something much deeper was pure romance gold.

Christian is everything you want in a cowboy hero—gruff, protective, and devoted to his family—but it’s his soft side that truly makes him unforgettable. Cassandra, with her city-girl attitude and hidden vulnerabilities, is the perfect match to shake up his world. Their slow-burn romance had me swooning, and the emotional layers woven throughout kept me hooked until the very last page.

With its heartfelt storytelling, well-drawn characters, and just the right amount of humor and heat, Dust Storm is a must-read for anyone who loves a rugged cowboy with a heart of gold and the woman who challenges him in all the best ways. Five stars—absolutely loved it!