When I say I like dark romance, Brutal by AJ Merlin is what I mean. There’s great spice, an intense relationship, and folks with some messed up ideas of what is wrong/right/sexy. I honestly 100% recommend this read to anyone that is okay with the kinks featured. It was really
I have been on such a dark romance kick, that I jumped at the chance to pick up The Ties That Bind by Piper Rhodes. This was a great, short read that packed enough plot to keep the novella moving forward and just enough spice to keep it tantalizing.
With such a cute title and cover, I could not wait to dive into A Not So Bollywood Meet Cute by Miya Malai. The concept was super cute, and it was a breezy read on its own, however I think it could’ve been so much better if it was more
Starting my hockey romance journey with “Alex” by Sawyer Bennett was a delight. Despite some dated elements, the story felt fresh with characters Alex and Sutton bonding over genuine issues. It transcended the typical lust-driven narrative, offering a promising introduction to Bennett’s expansive hockey romance universe. Excited to explore more
Brooklyn Cupid by Lexi Ray was a major bait and switch from BookTok hype. Lacking tension and suffering pacing issues, it felt unnecessarily long. Jace and Lu’s romance struggled amid distracting Wattpad story segments. Lu’s influencer backstory and Jace’s bounty hunter role lacked coherence. The sudden action in the last
“Consider Me” by Becka Mack nails the pacing, avoiding instant love in favor of a gradual, earned connection. It delves into characters’ lives apart, providing a deep understanding. Olivia, determined and seeking true love, contrasts with Carter, an NHL playboy averse to love until Olivia makes him work for it.
Avoiding the finale of what I love is a thing, so it took me a year to dive into Final Offer by Lauren Asher, concluding the Dreamland Billionaires series. Callahan Kane stole my heart as the ultimate favorite brother, struggling with self-love and trust. The narrative’s realistic portrayal of addiction
“Losing My Breath” by J Rose Black delivers a sweet contemporary romance where opposites attract. The lovely characters and real relationship make it a compelling read. Meridian, sweet and patient, offers hints of depth, but the narrative lacks a deep dive into her character. The standout is Callan, a former
Prince Hudson by Lily Cahill was good but left me wanting more. The 150-page limit hindered relationship development. Insta-love felt rushed, but Kay showed promise. With more pages, her growth could shine. Spice was decent.
Finally picked up The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, and boy, was it worth it! This cute and sweet romance had me giggling wildly at 2 AM. Olive, a smart and independent character, takes charge, leading to the hilarious fake relationship with Adam, the supposed ‘big, bad jerk.’ Their palpable
Dive into the delightful world of Furbidden Attraction by R O’Leary—a paranormal romance with a fun twist! Join relatable FMC Louisa in a quirky town, where a mysterious dog shifter, MMC Jack, sparks an unexpected romance. Kidnapping adds spice, but Louisa’s fierce spirit and comedic flair keep it entertaining. With
Absolutely captivated by Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver! An exhilarating blend of romance and darkness, this serial killer romcom breaks the mold with intense spice, a perfectly-paced romance, and well-rounded characters. Rowan and Sloan’s journey unfolds brilliantly, making it one of the healthiest dark romances. Highly recommend for fans
Stumbled upon Winter Bloodlust by Miranda Thorn, a short winter billionaire romance that ticked all my boxes. While entertaining, its short length left me wanting more. The Bloodstone Institute’s world intrigued me, and the characters, Holly and Nick, had a captivating dynamic. Despite the tease, I craved a fuller story.
Read Me by Lauren Connolly is another BookTok rec that I picked up. It absolutely is not what I typically pick up for romances but it was super cute and I really enjoyed it! The relationship made sense, the MMC literally so good and the FMC, though way over the
Honestly, I was disappointment with ‘Hateful Heroes’ by Michelle Hercules, the third book in the Gifted Academy series. While I enjoyed the first half of the book and its unraveling plot, the reverse harem began to feel unnecessary and devoid of relational depth compared to the leading duo, Bryce and