“ I needed help. And no one at Hacienda San Isidro was going to give it to me.” —————— Emojis to describe without spoilers: 🥀🇲🇽🚪🔥👩🏽🍳🧙🏽♂️😳 —————- Holy shit. I was on the edge of my seat so much in this book it gave me clammy hands y’all. The discussion of racism and the difficulty of being a woman in Hispanic and male dominated society was handled with care and executed very well. Wasn’t a fan of the ending felt like it was a bit too rushed from a massive intensive scene happening like two chapters beforehand, would have preferred at least four more chapters… other than the ending feeling rushed and the unexpected romance I really enjoyed it!
Graphic: Rape, Sexism, Blood, Religious bigotry, and Murder
also I dead ass thought that this was going to go a queer route with the pastors character and I’m kind of upset that it didn’t. The way that religion was discussed in the atmosphere of him, revealing that he’s a witch truly made me think religious guilt for being gay… also wasn’t a fan of the random romance happening between the two characters, I feel like they should’ve just stayed acquaintances and not have any attraction.
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
"Because more than anything, I wanted to fix that smile-forever"
Stone ..the man that YOU ARE 🥵❤️ He's sweet, a great dad, and handsome?
This was an adorable clean romance , no spice, but I still highly enjoyed it. I'm giving it three however cause I do wish it talked more about the brewery and what exactly happens more to income for stone. As well as there was a scene regarding Paige reading in her store with magic that just wasnt my cup of tea with how it played out. Other than those short spots though I highly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any! Sidenote while it does take around place in Christmas time this was not overboardvholiday themed and I really enjoyed that as I read it after the holidays 🤗🩷
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
When someone dies, everything about them becomes past tense. Except for the grief. Grief stays in the present. It’s even worse when you’re angry at the person. Not just for dying. But for how.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 The story that was within this book was beautiful, easy to follow, and beyond important. Boulley discussed Native American culture in a must read way, describing their culture to where I truly felt like I was there witnessing everything. The mystery and the romance made this very enjoyable but also a good tense at times. Please read the trigger warnings as always. Highly recommend this one! ❤️🪶
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Did you just stab me? This book made me bawl like a baby. As a victim of domestic violence but also growing with an abusive father this hit so hard to home. It was written so well and with the harsh truth of being manipulated by family is so easy to fall into. This is a perfect book for anyone who loves cult doomsday style true crime but bring your tissues. This is definitely one of my new favorite books and will highly recommend it to everyone I know how
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I think I am a new lover of why choose romances now🤫... --
Favorite quote: "I'm afraid he'll become the devil I know he is"
Rae's writing was so beautiful! Loved the inner dialogue between the characters POV chapters! The characters were all so loveable. Throne and Ryder were my fav boys. The spice level was DELICIOUS! 🌶️🥵 Piercings? Who knew!
I truly enjoyed every minute of this book and highly recommend it for new members to the dark side of dark romances. I feel like this is a good introduction to the ~spicy~ world. But as an avid spice reader I also enjoyed it very much.
Can't wait to see what unfolds in Book 2 coming either possibly late March or early April 2025!
-- Thank you to the lovely Rae Knight for an advanced reader copy in exchange for this review. As always my opinions are genuine and my own 📖🩷
"I would have loved you forever.." "And I..will." This book broke me in all the best ways. Love how there was definitely touches to phantom of the opera but it wasn't copycat vibes. Definitely recommend and would reread it !