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mel_c_bell's reviews
661 reviews
Savage Savior by Sonja Grey
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I love this author. Periodt. Super grumpy Bratva boss turns to absolute mush over sweet, clumsy, dorky girl and then proceeds to set the world on fire for her. I’ll take it in every flavor and size.
Sexy possessive alpha on a bike doesn’t like other men looking at his cute lil boo thang and overnight wants to throw out his bachelor ways to breed himself a white picket fence. Need I say more…
Sexy possessive alpha on a bike doesn’t like other men looking at his cute lil boo thang and overnight wants to throw out his bachelor ways to breed himself a white picket fence. Need I say more…
Tempted By The Devil by Michelle Heard
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
What a FLUFFY mafia romance! I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of these types of ‘dark’ romances. Be warned there is some violence sprinkled throughout in case you have a weak stomach.
I like this setup for the series, all of the different mob bosses-so in essence ‘brothers’ but not all in the family type scenario. This should allow for some variation with each couple. The book is what it is, and does a great job being abso-fckn-lutely adorable.
I like this setup for the series, all of the different mob bosses-so in essence ‘brothers’ but not all in the family type scenario. This should allow for some variation with each couple. The book is what it is, and does a great job being abso-fckn-lutely adorable.
Paved In Fire by Sonja Grey
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I hesitated diving into this final book of the series because I knew it was going to be rough. Finally getting Alina’s story, her years in captivity enduring abuse after abuse. It’s not as extreme as I was expecting and I think the author does a great job of approaching the topic with mental health at the forefront.
This may not be my favorite in the series and it has nothing to do with the characters or even the story itself, I think I was just getting bored with all of the over and over love confessions. Like, yes, you’ve loved each other since y'all were kids…k.
This may not be my favorite in the series and it has nothing to do with the characters or even the story itself, I think I was just getting bored with all of the over and over love confessions. Like, yes, you’ve loved each other since y'all were kids…k.
Delicious Prey by Sonja Grey
dark
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I love this author. Yes, all of the stories are somewhat similar and predictable but honestly, sometimes that’s just what I want. Her Bratva dark yet fluffy romances, with their borderline insane alpha males and the sweet/qwirky/sassy virgin heroins, the ridiculous insta-love, and the no doubt breeding kinks are so damn perfect.
This story starts with a bit of a twist: the heroine puts the MC in prison. Yup. And, from prison he asserts his crazy alpha possessiveness and I’m not even going to lie—I ate it up.
Def John Wick vibes which just make it that much better.
This story starts with a bit of a twist: the heroine puts the MC in prison. Yup. And, from prison he asserts his crazy alpha possessiveness and I’m not even going to lie—I ate it up.
Def John Wick vibes which just make it that much better.
American Rapture by CJ Leede
dark
emotional
medium-paced
5.0
I am officially obsessed with this author. I read Maeve Fly as an arc and was unbearable telling everyone about it. Now I'm 2/2 with 5⭐ for American Rapture.
Sophie, a sheltered teenager raised in a strict Catholic lifestyle finds herself fighting for her life in the end of times. And in true “Zombie” horror fashion she picks up a motley crew of survivors as she journeys across the country and learn the true lesson: people are the virus.
The amount of angst in this book is epic, I was swinging back and forth, hurting my own feelings, and getting angry at fictional men 🤷🏻♀️ There are a lot of content warnings for this story but you have to respect the level of care Leede takes in her approach.
I loved every sentence.
Sophie, a sheltered teenager raised in a strict Catholic lifestyle finds herself fighting for her life in the end of times. And in true “Zombie” horror fashion she picks up a motley crew of survivors as she journeys across the country and learn the true lesson: people are the virus.
The amount of angst in this book is epic, I was swinging back and forth, hurting my own feelings, and getting angry at fictional men 🤷🏻♀️ There are a lot of content warnings for this story but you have to respect the level of care Leede takes in her approach.
I loved every sentence.
The Black Cat Bookshop by E.M. McConnell
dark
fast-paced
5.0
If Hallmark bought the rights to the Twilight Zone and produced a limited series… it would be this. That probably sounds odd but honestly, y'all should know by now that the odder it sounds the better it's going to be.
The writing is light and quick, no unnecessary exposition. McConnell just opens the gate and says “Keep up.” I dont even think she looks back 👀
I could see this being adapted into a limited series, or heck, even a full series like Grim or Supernatural.
Brava
The writing is light and quick, no unnecessary exposition. McConnell just opens the gate and says “Keep up.” I dont even think she looks back 👀
I could see this being adapted into a limited series, or heck, even a full series like Grim or Supernatural.
Brava
Devils Kill Devils by Johnny Compton
4.0
Devils Kill Devils kicks off with a bang and dives straight into supernatural chaos. It’s a wild mix of vampires, demons, and dark lore that’ll keep you hooked. Sure, the middle slows down a bit, but the story is still packed with enough twists and tension to keep you invested. The characters are great, and there’s some juicy drama that adds extra depth to the madness.
The world-building is seriously impressive, and the mythology is rich and unique. The mix of supernatural elements feels fresh, and even though one part of the ending left me scratching my head, the overall ride is worth it. If you’re into dark, twisty stories with a supernatural edge, you’ll definitely want to pick this one up.
The world-building is seriously impressive, and the mythology is rich and unique. The mix of supernatural elements feels fresh, and even though one part of the ending left me scratching my head, the overall ride is worth it. If you’re into dark, twisty stories with a supernatural edge, you’ll definitely want to pick this one up.
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Two Twisted Crowns is a solid sequel that delivers. It starts off a little slow, but once it picks up, you’re fully back into Blunder’s game of thrones.
Elm and Ione? Totally stole the spotlight. Their relationship was sweet, genuine, and way more fun than I expected. I found myself caring about them even more than Ravyn and Elspeth, especially with the whole *gestures all around* Nightmare situation 😩.
Some plot twists were easy to see coming (Ravyn 👀), but the story is still so good, it doesn’t matter. And when the emotional moments hit, like mud on your ankles, they land hard. Gillig knows exactly how to balance the action and heart perfectly.
All in all, Two Twisted Crowns—it’s a must read!
Elm and Ione? Totally stole the spotlight. Their relationship was sweet, genuine, and way more fun than I expected. I found myself caring about them even more than Ravyn and Elspeth, especially with the whole *gestures all around* Nightmare situation 😩.
Some plot twists were easy to see coming (Ravyn 👀), but the story is still so good, it doesn’t matter. And when the emotional moments hit, like mud on your ankles, they land hard. Gillig knows exactly how to balance the action and heart perfectly.
All in all, Two Twisted Crowns—it’s a must read!
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
5.0
One Dark Window drops you into a city surrounded by a creepy mist thanks to some old disaster—probably something a man did—and now there’s this fever that gives people magic powers. Sounds cool, right? Except it’s really not, because anyone who catches it is in serious danger. Well, unless you’ve got magic cards—those are somehow the exception.
Enter Elspeth, who catches the fever but gets sent off to live with her aunt in the woods by her dad, who’s busy with his new family (think evil stepmom vibes). While she’s out there, she keeps to herself—except for the evil, shadowy Cheshire Cat thing living in her head. So, you know, nothing too weird.
Then, as one should expect when an introvert is forced to be social, nothing goes as planned and she ends up not only a mission to collect magic cards before the King can, but she gets a fake boyfriend/courter/fiance 🤷🏻♀️. Yep, fake dating with high stakes, and it’s as awkward as you’d hope. But the slow burn romance is just the right pace—two people who are figuring each other out, while also pretending to be a couple. And it works.
This book has all the things—dark secrets, tense moments, and a romance that sneaks up on you. I’m going to go out on a limb and call it a cozy gothic fantasy.
Enter Elspeth, who catches the fever but gets sent off to live with her aunt in the woods by her dad, who’s busy with his new family (think evil stepmom vibes). While she’s out there, she keeps to herself—except for the evil, shadowy Cheshire Cat thing living in her head. So, you know, nothing too weird.
Then, as one should expect when an introvert is forced to be social, nothing goes as planned and she ends up not only a mission to collect magic cards before the King can, but she gets a fake boyfriend/courter/fiance 🤷🏻♀️. Yep, fake dating with high stakes, and it’s as awkward as you’d hope. But the slow burn romance is just the right pace—two people who are figuring each other out, while also pretending to be a couple. And it works.
This book has all the things—dark secrets, tense moments, and a romance that sneaks up on you. I’m going to go out on a limb and call it a cozy gothic fantasy.
Perfectly Candid by J.S. Jasper
adventurous
medium-paced
5.0
Contemporary romance isn’t usually my thing, but this Princess story hooked me from the start. Aliyah and Elliot’s connection surprised me—insta-attraction that is freaking adorable, and a meet-cute with a dagger to the throat—now that’s what I’m talking about.
Elliot helps Aliyah see the world beyond royal walls—which, damn, she really needed that the poor girl. I found myself rooting for them, which isn’t something I usually expect with this genre. Elliot? A total gem—charming, thoughtful, and exactly what she needed.
I read it at work and hated having to put it down every time. Seriously, I was itching to finish it. If you’re into Royalty and Commoner romance with a bit of secret identity thrown in, you’ll love this one.
Elliot helps Aliyah see the world beyond royal walls—which, damn, she really needed that the poor girl. I found myself rooting for them, which isn’t something I usually expect with this genre. Elliot? A total gem—charming, thoughtful, and exactly what she needed.
I read it at work and hated having to put it down every time. Seriously, I was itching to finish it. If you’re into Royalty and Commoner romance with a bit of secret identity thrown in, you’ll love this one.