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1009 reviews
The Dentist by Tim Sullivan
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This is a new to me author, a very easy read, and a good start to a series. I would say that it’s of a medium pace, and I enjoyed being taken along in the investigation alongside DS Cross & his partner DS Ottey. It is stated from the beginning that DS Cross has a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome, we know the name Aspergers now falls under the more common and acceptable term of ASD these days so I'm hoping going forward that will be used when referencing this characters neurodivergence. I'm unsure how I feel about the autism rep with Cross's character as it felt very stereotypical/rain man coded to me. Guess I will see if that is handled better in future books.
The story itself was engaging, there were occasions where the pacing slowed and felt like we were being taken the long way round but it kept my interest, the procedural side of the story was done well and I enjoyed watching these characters uncover the truth even if none of it was surprising to me (patrern recognition strikes again). There are no over the top action scenes, it is very much based on Cross and his meticulous, tenacious uncovering of the events. My first time reading a book by this author and I will be giving the next in the series a try, the book was available in the Audible Plus catalogue and narrated by John Heffernan who was a new to me narrator, I enjoyed his performance however I would have liked a bit more differentiating in the voices of the characters as sometimes keeping track of who was speaking was difficult. Overall, this was a decent Police Procedural/crime/mystery set in the UK.
"I work on logic, patterns, indicators, relevant factors and gaps that indicate a break in that logic or those patterns, I believe in order, in proper procedures being followed."
"He was profoundly put out, in a way that people may find essentially selfish. And of course it was, because the only way he was able to deal with the world was by placing himself at the very centre of it, making everything revolve around him."
The story itself was engaging, there were occasions where the pacing slowed and felt like we were being taken the long way round but it kept my interest, the procedural side of the story was done well and I enjoyed watching these characters uncover the truth even if none of it was surprising to me (patrern recognition strikes again). There are no over the top action scenes, it is very much based on Cross and his meticulous, tenacious uncovering of the events. My first time reading a book by this author and I will be giving the next in the series a try, the book was available in the Audible Plus catalogue and narrated by John Heffernan who was a new to me narrator, I enjoyed his performance however I would have liked a bit more differentiating in the voices of the characters as sometimes keeping track of who was speaking was difficult. Overall, this was a decent Police Procedural/crime/mystery set in the UK.
"I work on logic, patterns, indicators, relevant factors and gaps that indicate a break in that logic or those patterns, I believe in order, in proper procedures being followed."
"He was profoundly put out, in a way that people may find essentially selfish. And of course it was, because the only way he was able to deal with the world was by placing himself at the very centre of it, making everything revolve around him."
The Psycho by Nikki J. Summers
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
As much as I love Shane East... the characters in this were trying WAY TOO HARD to convince you how dark and twisted they are. If you're having to tell the reader every few sentences how "feared" "unhinged" etc etc your MMC is... he is in fact none of those things because the reader wouldn't need to be told as they would see it naturally within his behaviour. 🙄 It was honestly eyeroll inducing and I just can't.
Unforgettable by Marley Valentine
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Oz & Reeve meet after connecting via a hookup app. They have a ONS that leaves a lasting impression on both of them and go their separate ways. A week or two later, they end up becoming co-workers and a tentative friendship forms that soon leads them back into the bed with each other. Due to family pressures, they decide to be fake boyfriends, but the "fake" portion of that is questionable as it isn't long till they fall in love.
This was ok... nothing really stood out, story or character wise. And I wish the author did more showing than telling in terms of those moments/conversations outside of the sex that supposedly made Oz and Reeve close/connect and fall in love.
Overall, this was entertaining, but I was left wanting more from it than I got. 🌶🌶
This was ok... nothing really stood out, story or character wise. And I wish the author did more showing than telling in terms of those moments/conversations outside of the sex that supposedly made Oz and Reeve close/connect and fall in love.
Overall, this was entertaining, but I was left wanting more from it than I got. 🌶🌶
Heartsong by TJ Klune
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Book 3 in the Green Creek series follows Robbie & Kelly, who we meet in the previous books. This series must be read in order as there is an overarching story running throughout. This review will contain as little reference to the actual story as possible so as not to spoil anything and mainly be the overall vibes I had/was left with.
This is my first 5⭐️ read of 2025. I read books one and two last year and adored them, and this is no different. The journey these characters go on will put you through the wringer. The initial few chapters... when I realised what was actually going on, I was shocked, and it's rare a book does that to me, and I loved it.
Robbie & Kelly go through SO much in this book, as do the rest of the Bennet Pack and team human, there were times I was genuinely anxious to turn the page/carry on listening to see what was going to happen next. The connection all of these characters have feels tangible to me as I read/listen to these books. The found family vibes are STRONG, and the overall story is so beautifully written with plenty of heartwarming and heartbreaking parts woven throughout. The plot outside of the romance moves at a good pace, and there is enough action happening to keep the story moving forward. The ACE rep was done well, and the very brief spicy scene was just right for these characters and this story. This book made my face leak at one point and I voice noted a friend expressing my anxiety about what was going to happen, its rare a book gives me that kind of visceral reaction and i love it when it happens.
Kirt Graves was once again incredible in his perfomance, there is something about his delivery of the material that has it and the characters burrowing into my heart. I can't wait to see where the final book will take this story but I also don't want this series to be over yet either so I'm going to wait as long as my mood reading ass possibly can before diving into it. #packpackpack
"I wanted a pack who loved me. Who trusted me. Who never wanted to let me go. Who missed me when I was gone. Who thought about me and smiled. I wanted a home."
"I see you. For all that you are. For all that you're not. And I never want to lose sight of you again."
This is my first 5⭐️ read of 2025. I read books one and two last year and adored them, and this is no different. The journey these characters go on will put you through the wringer. The initial few chapters... when I realised what was actually going on, I was shocked, and it's rare a book does that to me, and I loved it.
Robbie & Kelly go through SO much in this book, as do the rest of the Bennet Pack and team human, there were times I was genuinely anxious to turn the page/carry on listening to see what was going to happen next. The connection all of these characters have feels tangible to me as I read/listen to these books. The found family vibes are STRONG, and the overall story is so beautifully written with plenty of heartwarming and heartbreaking parts woven throughout. The plot outside of the romance moves at a good pace, and there is enough action happening to keep the story moving forward. The ACE rep was done well, and the very brief spicy scene was just right for these characters and this story. This book made my face leak at one point and I voice noted a friend expressing my anxiety about what was going to happen, its rare a book gives me that kind of visceral reaction and i love it when it happens.
Kirt Graves was once again incredible in his perfomance, there is something about his delivery of the material that has it and the characters burrowing into my heart. I can't wait to see where the final book will take this story but I also don't want this series to be over yet either so I'm going to wait as long as my mood reading ass possibly can before diving into it. #packpackpack
"I wanted a pack who loved me. Who trusted me. Who never wanted to let me go. Who missed me when I was gone. Who thought about me and smiled. I wanted a home."
"I see you. For all that you are. For all that you're not. And I never want to lose sight of you again."
Riven by Roan Parrish
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Theo is a huge rock star and "living the dream," but he hates it. He hates touring, the business aspect, the attention, the lack of privacy, basically everything but the music itself. He feels guilty for hating it and tries to push himself to appreciate what he has and feels indebted to his bandmates for giving him the opportunity to pursue his passion. One night, while walking around NYC trying to clear his head, he hears music that captivates him and finds himself walking into a hole in the wall bar where he finds the source of the music Caleb. The two men have an instant connection and what starts as a hot one night stand, leads to a budding romance whilst they try to navigate Calebs addiction recovery that he slipped into during his own career as a musician and how Theos lifestyle has the potential to put Caleb in the path of temptation and if their connection is worth the risk.
I came across this in the Audible Plus catalogue, and I liked it but didn't love it. It's told in dual POV that both characters are likeable and have dimensions to them. I liked Rhys Calebs friend/ex and I think how Calebs character was shown dealing with his recovery felt real, as I would imagine there would be times in that process you would have to/need to be selfish especially when crossing back into a world that fueled your addiction in the first place, so his trepidation and push/pull with Theo although frustrating felt authentic for the situation. The chemistry between them was ok, and the spicy scenes were good, but I was still left feeling disconnected from them, and I can't fully explain why. Iggy Toma & Chris Chambers narrate, and I enjoyed their performances. For an included listen, this was decent and was my first book by this author. 🌶🌶
"The hope on his face nearly tore me apart. Because it was all for me. This man, standing in front of me, was dreaming a dream for me, and it was humbling as fuck."
I came across this in the Audible Plus catalogue, and I liked it but didn't love it. It's told in dual POV that both characters are likeable and have dimensions to them. I liked Rhys Calebs friend/ex and I think how Calebs character was shown dealing with his recovery felt real, as I would imagine there would be times in that process you would have to/need to be selfish especially when crossing back into a world that fueled your addiction in the first place, so his trepidation and push/pull with Theo although frustrating felt authentic for the situation. The chemistry between them was ok, and the spicy scenes were good, but I was still left feeling disconnected from them, and I can't fully explain why. Iggy Toma & Chris Chambers narrate, and I enjoyed their performances. For an included listen, this was decent and was my first book by this author. 🌶🌶
"The hope on his face nearly tore me apart. Because it was all for me. This man, standing in front of me, was dreaming a dream for me, and it was humbling as fuck."
All the Murmuring Bones by A.G. Slatter
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
Nothing was happening and it felt like it was dragging, I found my attention drifting numerous times so calling it now.
Asking for Trouble by Giana Darling
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Book 8 in the Fallen Men MC series follows Aaron aka Boner & Blue who meet when the gas station Blue is working at is robbed whilst Boner is there, but there is more to the robbery than meets the eye and these two stumble upon something neither of them expected especially as it seems Blues past isn't done with her and is nipping at her heels years after she ran from it. Boner rescues Blue, and the story goes from there.
To say I was nervous about diving into this installment of this series is an understatement as I wasn't a fan of book 7 at all, and having waited SO long for it and it being such a letdown I wasn't sure what to expect from this... but thankfully, this gave me the vibes I've come to want/expect from a Fallen Men book, and I had a great time with it. Yes the connection/relationship between Blue & Aaron is very insta-lusty/lovey but I didn't care, he falls hard and fast for Blue and has that "I will burn the world down for you" attitude, as usual there was some good spice sprinkled throughout and the found family vibes of the Fallen MC were back (thank god) and there were some great interactions with former couples from the series. This was on the shorter side for a book by Giana so the pacing of the story felt quicker than others but there was enough going on outside of the romance to lay the groundwork for future books and I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes. 🌶🌶🌶
“All my life, I’ve fought to find beauty in the chaos, to be happy even, and especially, in the hard times ’cause if I waited for the good, I’d be sad most’a the time. I didn’t even realize how lonely I still was ’til I saw your colour blue and knew I needed it brightenin’ my life.”
“Feel like I was born with your name written on my bones, and I was just waitin’ to find ya.”
“The kinda love I got for you is electric. It lights up my soul and vibrates my bones.”
To say I was nervous about diving into this installment of this series is an understatement as I wasn't a fan of book 7 at all, and having waited SO long for it and it being such a letdown I wasn't sure what to expect from this... but thankfully, this gave me the vibes I've come to want/expect from a Fallen Men book, and I had a great time with it. Yes the connection/relationship between Blue & Aaron is very insta-lusty/lovey but I didn't care, he falls hard and fast for Blue and has that "I will burn the world down for you" attitude, as usual there was some good spice sprinkled throughout and the found family vibes of the Fallen MC were back (thank god) and there were some great interactions with former couples from the series. This was on the shorter side for a book by Giana so the pacing of the story felt quicker than others but there was enough going on outside of the romance to lay the groundwork for future books and I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes. 🌶🌶🌶
“All my life, I’ve fought to find beauty in the chaos, to be happy even, and especially, in the hard times ’cause if I waited for the good, I’d be sad most’a the time. I didn’t even realize how lonely I still was ’til I saw your colour blue and knew I needed it brightenin’ my life.”
“Feel like I was born with your name written on my bones, and I was just waitin’ to find ya.”
“The kinda love I got for you is electric. It lights up my soul and vibrates my bones.”
Limelight by E. Davies
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.5
*Disclaimer I rate novellas/short stories out of a total of three stars.
Too insta lust/love for me. Everything that happens between these two happens in the span of a week, which makes all the declarations of love feel incredibly rushed and weak. It was an easy and quick read and part of a multi author shared world series series I'm determined to finish. 🌶
Too insta lust/love for me. Everything that happens between these two happens in the span of a week, which makes all the declarations of love feel incredibly rushed and weak. It was an easy and quick read and part of a multi author shared world series series I'm determined to finish. 🌶
Stronghold by Ana Ashley
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
*Disclaimer I rate novellas/short stories out of a total of three stars.
I enjoyed this friends to lovers' second chance instalment of the Vino and Veritas series (book 14).
I liked both Skyler & Judson characters, and it was nice to get a glimpse at some of the previous characters from previous books in this multi author shared world series. The reconnection between these two did feel rushed and not as fleshed out as I would have liked and I think this story would have benefited from being a bit longer so those aspects could have been explored more. Other than that, this was an enjoyable and quick read with some good humour and spice. 🌶🌶
I enjoyed this friends to lovers' second chance instalment of the Vino and Veritas series (book 14).
I liked both Skyler & Judson characters, and it was nice to get a glimpse at some of the previous characters from previous books in this multi author shared world series. The reconnection between these two did feel rushed and not as fleshed out as I would have liked and I think this story would have benefited from being a bit longer so those aspects could have been explored more. Other than that, this was an enjoyable and quick read with some good humour and spice. 🌶🌶
Heartsong by A.E. Wasp
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Book 13 in the multi author shared world Vino and Veritas series. I made a start on this series last year and was finally in the mood to pick another up. It can be read as a standalone.
This book follows Sean a 23 year old who is moving away from home for the first time to finally attend college after going through something a few years prior, his uncle has a friend from the military Cooper and Cooper just so happens to have a bedroom Sean can stay in whilst he attends college and the story goes from there.
It deals with some important themes such as disability & mental health, although these weren't delved into deep enough for me, but what was on page was handled well. I liked both Cooper & Sean's characters, but again, I wanted more from them as it felt too insta lust/lovey for the romantic connection between them to feel tangible to me. I loved Richie Sean's best friend, and the little crumbs we were given about his own sexual awakening piqued my interest. Overall, this was a quick and entertaining listen with some cute moments and a sprinkling of humour and spice. 🌶🌶
"There is an art in making the everyday visible, in making the commonplace uncommon so that people can experience it as if it is the first time. So, why, out of every moment in your life, did you write about that one?"
This book follows Sean a 23 year old who is moving away from home for the first time to finally attend college after going through something a few years prior, his uncle has a friend from the military Cooper and Cooper just so happens to have a bedroom Sean can stay in whilst he attends college and the story goes from there.
It deals with some important themes such as disability & mental health, although these weren't delved into deep enough for me, but what was on page was handled well. I liked both Cooper & Sean's characters, but again, I wanted more from them as it felt too insta lust/lovey for the romantic connection between them to feel tangible to me. I loved Richie Sean's best friend, and the little crumbs we were given about his own sexual awakening piqued my interest. Overall, this was a quick and entertaining listen with some cute moments and a sprinkling of humour and spice. 🌶🌶
"There is an art in making the everyday visible, in making the commonplace uncommon so that people can experience it as if it is the first time. So, why, out of every moment in your life, did you write about that one?"