Search This Blog

Saturday, 15 November 2025

The Weaver by Tiffany Roberts review.

 

The Weaver (The Vrix, #1)The Weaver by Tiffany Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️ 3 Spice

I’ve read all three books in The Spider’s Mate series by Tiffany Roberts earlier this year, and I’m so, so, so glad I picked up the first book of this spin-off series! Seeing all the characters I loved again while diving into a brand-new story made me more than excited.

There’s something truly lovely about this book it’s hard to put into words, but it captured that same found-family feeling I adored in The Spider’s Mate series and carried it forward beautifully here. This book really shows that blood isn’t the only thing that makes a family it’s the people we carry in our hearts and choose to protect, whether that’s a friend, a tribe member, or a lover. The authors detailed that theme so well it warmed my heart and had me smiling through every page.

One of the biggest strengths in all these books is their heart and emotion. You don’t just read about the characters you understand them. Tiffany Roberts turns what could be 2D, unrelatable figures into 3D characters who feel real and full of depth, even when they’re not human.

The Vrix are so different from humans, and when I first started the original series, I was worried I’d find them off-putting or hard to connect with. But now? They have a massive place in my heart. While The Weaver might be the first book of this new series, I honestly think it holds up beautifully to The Spider’s Mate. The flow of the story is so easy and natural it felt like coming home after being away for a while. You’ve missed everyone, yet it feels like no time has passed at all. It’s warm and cozy, but still has moments that make your heart race.

It’s emotional and sweet, filled with those scenes that make you smile and hug yourself as you read. This book doesn’t just give you a super spicy monster romance it also gives you an adventurous, heart-stopping story full of danger, love, and emotion. It makes you smile one moment and clutch your heart in fear or worry the next.

While the spice is definitely hot and detailed, it never overwhelms the story or emotional weight of the book. I loved the spice, but it wasn’t what made me love the book it was how real, beautiful, and heartfelt everything felt. For me, that balance was perfection.

What I Liked:
The characters both the leads and the secondary cast.
The emotion and found-family vibes.
The story, adventure, and pacing.
The quiet, wonder-filled moments.
The tension and fear during key scenes.
Learning more about each character’s past and growth.

What Didn’t Work for Me:
A few moments where I skimmed or lost focus not sure if it was the info or the slower pacing, but it only happened a few times.

Would I Recommend This Book?
Absolutely! I’d recommend it to anyone and everyone loudly!

Would I Reread?
Yes, yes, and more yes!

How I’d Sum It Up:
Unique, emotional, and full of warmth and adventure this book was truly wonderful.

View all my reviews

Friday, 14 November 2025

(Broken Bloodlines, #3) Bound in Blood by Sadie Kincaid

 

Bound in Blood (Broken Bloodlines, #3)Bound in Blood by Sadie Kincaid
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars
๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️ 3 Spice

Quick Review:
I clawed my way through books 1 and 2 of this series, and honestly, I could have DNF’d and moved on at any point. But after getting through two books, I figured… why not just finish the damn series? I mean, really. Not going to lie I pretty much speed-read and skimmed this last book, focusing on the more enjoyable parts like the action and the actual plot.

I did love the twist, so I’m glad I stuck it out. But here’s my problem: I love morally grey leads, and I love dark stories, but I’m not a fan of books where the female lead is written like this one. She felt flat about as exciting as wet paper and I just couldn’t connect with her at all.

As for the male leads, they weren’t terrible in this book, but book 1 left such a bad taste in my mouth that it was hard to get behind them even now.

I’m glad I got through the series, but I wouldn’t reread it. Just not my cup of tea.

View all my reviews

Thursday, 13 November 2025

(Broken Bloodlines, #2) Promised in Blood by Sadie Kincaid

 

Promised in Blood (Broken Bloodlines, #2)Promised in Blood by Sadie Kincaid
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars
๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️ 3 Spice

Quick Review:
Honestly, I read book one and wasn’t the biggest fan, but I kept going because at this point it feels like watching trashy TV drama — messy, chaotic, and somehow weirdly entertaining even when it’s not good. Book two was… okay. I’m still mostly on the fence between totally hating it and thinking it’s fine. I’m not really gripped, but it is easy and fast to read, so I kept going.

My biggest issues are the weak female lead and the complete disregard for her autonomy as a person. The overall story from book one to now is actually decent — it has a good framework — but everything around it is such a mess that it puts me off. I love when I can put myself in the place of the main character, adventure with them, swoon with them… but with this book, I just can’t do that at all.

I would have given it fewer stars, but I did read the whole thing. It was an easy read, just nothing I could really sink my teeth into.

View all my reviews

(Broken Bloodlines, #1) Forged in Blood by Sadie Kincaid

 

Forged in Blood (Broken Bloodlines, #1)Forged in Blood by Sadie Kincaid
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars (I struggled to pick a rating for this one, slipping between 2 and 3 stars.)
๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️ 4 Spice

This book was rough like watching a car crash in slow motion. You know you should walk away, but you can’t stop staring at the epic mess, wide-eyed, wondering what just happened. That’s exactly how this felt.

There was so much I disliked honestly, the list is long and yet I didn’t stop reading. I finished the whole thing. I’m not even sure why. I hate bullying tropes; I find them distasteful and horrible, especially when the leads are cruel to each other for no real reason and then try to brush it off like it’s nothing. There were so many red flags here I could stitch them together and make a family-sized tent.

Some scenes were so nasty I actually gagged and felt like I needed a shower. The spice was just dirty at times, and after the first few scenes, it started to feel repetitive. I also had major issues with some of the actions taken during those scenes, but I can’t go into detail without spoilers. There’s a lot of spice for readers who want it constantly, even when it makes absolutely no sense for it to be happening.

The conversations were basic and repetitive, and honestly, I have no idea what kept me reading. Maybe nostalgia? I used to love watching trashy TV dramas with my nan, so maybe that same chaotic energy is what kept me going. Despite everything stacked against it, I read it quickly maybe because it was so mindless and messy that it became entertaining in its own way. There was so much I disliked, yet I still finished it. Not sure what that says about me, lol.

The ending didn’t do much for me either. It felt rushed like being shoved forward at breakneck speed and barely taking anything in. Still, I finished it, and I guess that counts for something.

But here’s the thing: even with all of this working against the book, I still read it. And I can’t bring myself to give it a 1-star fail, because I did read the whole thing within a few hours even with all the groaning, cringing, and eye-rolling. Whether I liked the wreck that this book was or not, I still sped through it and found something strangely amusing about the madness.

I found the framework of the story interesting, and I kind of hope we see a stronger, more wicked (FL) lead if I do continue to the next book. So with that in mind, it feels like maybe 2 or 3 stars are actually earned in some ways one, because I finished it, and two, because I’m genuinely considering picking up the next one. I read it fast and found some unexpected amusement buried in the chaos.

What I Liked:
Sometimes a mindless, trashy read hits the spot.
The framework of the story had potential.

What Didn’t Work for Me:
Bullying trope (instant DNF material for me).
No willpower.
I hate when the word NO is ignored. (“No” should always mean no.)

Would I Recommend This Book?
Nope — unless you enjoy red flags with a side of “What am I even reading?!”

Would I Reread?
No, this is definitely a one-and-done kind of read.

How I’d Sum It Up:
Questionable leads, red flags galore, dirty and trashy… yet somehow, I still read it.

View all my reviews

Monday, 10 November 2025

(Wolves of Pine Falls Book 1) Claws & Crochet by Lauren Connolly

 

Claws & Crochet (Wolves of Pine Falls Book 1)Claws & Crochet by Lauren Connolly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️1/2 - 2.5 spice

This is so totally cute and cozy and sweet, but thankfully there’s a clear storyline too. While it’s not super deep or intense, the fun romance and the cinnamon roll that is Warner totally had me skipping through the book.

Our female lead is shockingly strong, especially considering everything she’s struggling with. She’s got a smart mouth and sass for days, and I loved that she was both tough and stood her ground, but also had vulnerable moments. It was such a relatable portrayal of someone going through a dark time.

I loved the siblings in this book. As the oldest sister of seven younger siblings myself, the interactions felt so real and meaningful. I really appreciated how the two leads genuinely wanted the best for each other, and how it never felt one-sided they were willing to give to each other without hesitation.

And that ending? That twist had me shocked. I honestly didn’t see it coming at all. While I would’ve loved a stronger plot overall, I wasn’t disappointed. It was just a genuinely enjoyable, cozy read.

The spice was open door and descriptive, but not overwhelming. It worked with the story and never overtook it, which I really appreciated. It was safe, consensual, and well-handled.


✅ What I liked:
Sweet and cozy vibes
Cinnamon roll male lead
Strong female lead with real vulnerability
The dog!!
Consent and healthy communication
Safe, open-door spice
Big family dynamic

❌ What didn’t work for me:
The “bro” moments from the guys were a little over the top sometimes

Would I recommend this book?
YES!! Totally.

Would I reread it?
Easy yes.

Summary
A super cute, cozy werewolf romance full of sass, sweetness, and heart with a twist you won’t see coming.

View all my reviews

Sunday, 9 November 2025

(Scent Valley University Book 1) Bonds and Blooms by Polly Maple Review

 

Bonds and Blooms: A Sweet Omegaverse Romance (Scent Valley University Book 1)Bonds and Blooms: A Sweet Omegaverse Romance by Polly Maple
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

⭐⭐ 2 stars
๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️3 Spice

From the start, the sweet and cozy vibe of this book really stood out. It felt warm, light, and had that comforting charm I normally adore in a cozy romance. But as much as I wanted to love it, I found myself zoning out, brushing over sections, and struggling to stay invested.

I usually love stories where friendship and gentle support shine, and this book absolutely had that. The pack’s love and kindness were heartfelt and sincere. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to carry the rest of the book.

My biggest issue was the consistency of the main character, Faye. She was introduced as someone deeply focused on her lifelong goals and studies, especially given her history and motivations. But that thread completely vanished as soon as the romantic storyline kicked in. Her goals became a background detail, barely mentioned again, and it felt like her core purpose was lost.

There were moments I liked, and I appreciated the respectful nature of the relationships, but too many story elements felt rushed or underdeveloped. Plot points were introduced and then quickly dropped. The spice was graphic and open-door, but without emotional connection or investment, even that fell flat for me.

✅ What I liked
The friendships and emotional support
Positive consent and care in romantic interactions
The cozy, comforting vibes

❌ What didn’t work for me
I didn’t connect emotionally with the story or characters
Inconsistent portrayal of Faye’s personality and motivations
Her university goals were abandoned halfway through
Major plot events felt rushed or unresolved
Overuse of a specific word to the point of distraction

Would I recommend this book?
No

Would I reread it?
No

How would I sum it up?
A story full of sweetness and warmth, but ultimately left me feeling confused, disconnected, and underwhelmed.


(view spoiler)

View all my reviews

Saturday, 8 November 2025

(The Broken Accords, #1) The Wolf and the Crown of Blood by Elizabeth May review

 

The Wolf and the Crown of Blood (The Broken Accords, #1)The Wolf and the Crown of Blood by Elizabeth May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars
๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️ 3 spice

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly.

From the moment I started this book, I was in. The introduction into the world and characters was seamless no dragging, no confusion, just pure immersion. The world was dark and deep, only broken by bursts of humor and sass that pulled me straight into the story and didn’t let go.

I was swept into a realm of sacrifice and pain, full of twisted choices and heavy burdens, and instead of recoiling... I loved it. Even the darkest parts the moments you wish you could fix or erase made the book feel richer and more layered. I loved seeing the contrast between locations, between choices, and between what people believed was right or wrong.

That constant feeling of any second now it’ll all collapse had me frantically turning pages. I stayed up all night reading until my eyes burned like a desert and I have zero regrets.

The book plays beautifully in the gray area between good and evil. Nothing was simple or black and white. Just when I thought I understood what the story was doing, it surprised me with even more depth. Despite being a standard-length novel, it felt huge in terms of story, scope, and emotion.

The characters were rich and fully fleshed out, the alternating POVs added emotional depth, and the world was fully realized. Then the spice hit after the 50% mark and wow. You’ll need a glass of water and maybe someone to pick your jaw off the floor. It’s emotional, intense, and woven beautifully into the plot.

I often find that books trying to be “too many things” fall flat. But not this one. This book took every one of those elements and turned it into something deliciously devilish. It gave me laughter, tears, shocks, fear, and delight. And when I reached the end, I was left with a sense of perfection. It was worth every tear, every gasp, every lost hour of sleep.

What I liked:
The characters (Wolf and Bryony were brilliant, and I adored Amara)
The worldbuilding
The emotions this book wrung out of me
The politics and power struggles
The bold handling of dark themes
The ending! It was so good

What didn’t work for me:
Honestly, I’m picking at straws here. Early on, I got a bit lost with names and places, but once I found my footing, I was completely hooked.

Would I recommend this book?
OMG yes. I absolutely loved it.

Would I reread?
1000% yes.

How would I sum it up?
A dark and bloody story with layered emotion, unforgettable characters, and a plot that will have you laughing, crying, and blushing. You’ll get lost in the pages — and love every second of it.

View all my reviews

Friday, 7 November 2025

Warrior Princess Assassin by Brigid Kemmerer review

 

Warrior Princess Assassin (Braided Fate, #1)Warrior Princess Assassin by Brigid Kemmerer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6 stars!)
๐ŸŒถ️- 1 spice (Slow burn, emotional, story-driven)

If I could give this book all the stars, I absolutely would. If I could magically make the next two books in the series appear in front of me, I would. And most of all, I wish I could unread this book just so I could experience it all over again for the first time. It is, hands down, the best thing I’ve read this year maybe ever.

Wow... the beginning hit me like a truck. I was pulled in immediately, and by chapter two I was already tearing up, wondering how I was crying this early on. What a fantastic opening absolute bravo! The writing gripped my heart and squeezed.

This book steamrolled me with incredible characters, a vivid realm, and clear details about the current state of Astranza and its royal family. The pacing was perfect. The emotional depth completely wrecked me in the best way. Nothing about this story bored me not even for a second. I was obsessed from beginning to end.

The POV switches between Jory, Asher, and Ky were handled beautifully, giving us layered insight into each of them. I loved the balance of strength and vulnerability in all three. The buildup was so gripping I was literally on the edge of my seat.

The last 150+ pages were absolute chaos in the best possible way shocking twists, emotional turns, and powerful moments. I could go on and on.

And the spice? If you’re looking for constant steam, this isn’t that. But if you love slow-burning tension that builds and builds until the payoff is both emotional and electric this is 100% for you. The spice matched the tone and story perfectly.

I usually list something I didn’t like… but I honestly can’t think of a single thing. This book was flawless to me.

What I liked:
EVERYTHING
The plot
The worldbuilding
The characters
The raw emotion and pain

What didn’t work for me:
Nothing. Seriously.

Would I recommend this book?
Yes. To anyone who will listen.

Would I reread it?
In a heartbeat.

How would I sum it up?
An epic, breathtaking start to a series. A book that made me cry, gasp, and fall in love with every page from the characters and world to the emotional highs and lows. Flawless.

View all my reviews

Thursday, 6 November 2025

(Villains & Virtues, #1) Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano review

 

Throne in the Dark (Villains & Virtues, #1)Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 4 stars
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly

The opening of this story was a bit of a hurdle for me. I'm not sure if it was the amount of information or how quickly names and details were thrown at me, but it felt overwhelming and made it hard to get into at first. Thankfully, by the time Damien and Amma meet, the tone of the book shifts, and I quickly found myself slipping into an absolutely awesome story.

I was shocked at how the book portrays darkness and morally grey themes so clearly, but wraps it all up in a hysterically funny way. The banter between Amma, Damien, and Kaz had me laughing out loud more than once. I really enjoyed how the author slowly revealed each character's layers as the story progressed.

The book is full of travel, adventure, secrets, and hot underlying tension. I loved the world that was created here and how it challenges the idea that good is always good and bad is always bad. The author did a great job blurring those lines and making it difficult to predict where the story was heading. By the end, I was a complete mess—jumping up and down, worried about how it would all end. And wow, that ending blew me away. I’m ready to grab the next book right now.

There’s so much packed into this book, and even the things left unsaid hit with real emotional weight. Kaz, in particular, was a massive highlight for me—he had me grinning and wishing I could pet him... even though I know that’s probably a terrible idea.

For those looking for spice: there's none. But the tension and slow burn are absolutely worth it.

What I liked:
The worldbuilding
The character exchanges and banter
The slow build and tension
The shifts in characters and their growth
The moral ambiguity
The sass, humor, and adventure

What didn’t work for me:
The first couple of chapters
Getting too much information too fast early on

Would I recommend this book?
100% yes

Would I reread it?
Definitely

How would I sum it up?
A mix of sharp and sweet, funny and dark, but overall a brilliant read.

View all my reviews

Saturday, 1 November 2025

Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon review

 

Bull Moon Rising (Royal Artifactual Guild, #1)Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 3.5 stars
๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️ 3 spice

Rating this book was honestly so hard. This book had me completely torn one moment I was loving it, the next I was frustrated, and then right back to loving it again. It definitely put me on an emotional roller-coaster!

The start didn’t pull me in at all. It felt slow and a bit draggy, and I genuinely worried I might throw in the towel and DNF it. But the moment Aspeth and Gwenna reached the guild, everything picked up and I was hooked.

The story took a great turn, and I absolutely loved Hawk. From the second he was introduced, the chemistry between him and Aspeth lit a spark under the whole book. Gwenna’s sass and loyalty were a highlight, always backing Aspeth while still staying true to herself. And Kipp? Adorable. Every scene with him was a win. When the whole group of five came together, the book became fun, adventurous, and filled with great character moments.

What really shone here was the romance and the spice. Those parts of the book were hot, heart-melting, and honestly so enjoyable.

That said, there were definite issues. While I understood the general direction and choices being made, some of the plot points especially in Aspeth’s arc were questionable. There were moments where the adventure felt messy and hard to follow, and some parts were a little forgettable. I really wanted to give it 4 stars for the parts I loved, but the confusion and poor decisions in key scenes pulled it down for me. At times, I was blissfully lost in the humor, spice, and emotions... and at other times, it felt like I’d stumbled into a totally different book.

✅ What I liked:
Strong, sweet friendships
Great romance and sizzling spice
Hilarious marriage contract
Aspeth’s iron will and bookish charm
An older, curvy female lead (yes, please!)
Group dynamics and fun banter

❌ What didn’t work for me:
Some confusing or frustrating story decisions
Aspeth being both brilliant and ridiculously naรฏve at times
Adventure scenes that were hard to follow

Would I recommend this book?
It’s tough because I loved so much of it, but yes—I’d still recommend it.

Would I reread it?
Yes, though I’d probably skim over the parts that didn’t work for me.

How would I sum it up?
Fun, spicy minotaur romance with heart and chaos.

View all my reviews

Friday, 31 October 2025

Pucking Strong by Emily Rath review

 

Pucking Strong (Jacksonville Rays, #4)Pucking Strong by Emily Rath
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️ 3 spice

Well... this is the fourth book in the Jacksonville Rays series, and I have to say it's probably my favorite of the bunch so far. I completely loved the story in this one. It felt much more emotionally pulling and heartwarming than the others. The pacing was slower with the spice, but that really worked in its favor. There was clear growth, understanding, and connection between the characters, which made the romance feel more meaningful.

Teddy is an absolute sweetheart. He's soft, caring, and a total ray of sunshine to everyone around him, though he sometimes forgets to take care of himself. He was such a joy to read and really made this book stand out for me. I also loved seeing his dynamic with Karro and Hedrik it was wholesome, emotional, and deeply satisfying.

It was also great to catch glimpses of past characters and see where everyone is now. The story focused less on the hockey side this time and more on family, healing, and emotional support, which I really appreciated. I also loved seeing how the teammates support one another, not just on the ice but in life too. It was a fantastic read with spicy scenes toward the end that were hot, steamy, and worth the wait.

✅ What I liked:
Loved the characters
Family dynamics and emotional growth
Seeing the team’s support and closeness
The healing and emotional moments
The spice was great and came at the right time

❌ What didn’t work for me:
A few parts felt like filler and slowed the pacing

Would I recommend this book?
Yes, totally!

Would I reread it?
Easily yes.

How would I sum it up?
Emotional and warm with a touch of spice and hockey charm.

View all my reviews

Pucking Sweet by Emily Rath review

 

Pucking Sweet (Jacksonville Rays, #3)Pucking Sweet by Emily Rath
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars
๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️ 4 spice

There was a massive problem with this book. Pucking Sweet is book three in the Jacksonville Rays series. While book one followed a solid timeline and book two picked up where that one left off which worked really well book three dragged us all the way back to the start of book one’s timeline. That means most of the main events from books one and two were repeated in this one, just from a different POV.

Now, I’m not saying the entire book was a repeat absolutely not. I loved the parts that felt fresh and totally new, especially the content that had nothing to do with the previous books. But the sections that rehashed things I’d already read? That really ticked me off. I kept thinking, "Can we please skip the dรฉjร  vu and get to the good stuff?" I ended up skimming more than I wanted to.

That said, the new story elements were so good. I really liked the characters and the direction this story took when it wasn’t echoing past timelines. Poppy is smart, driven, and layered sometimes seen as the “PR barbie,” but she’s got a strong sense of self and it shines through. Colton and Lukas are both fully fleshed out, and watching the development of their relationship over the course of the book was really satisfying.

I would have loved a deeper dive into Colton and Lukas’s backstories, but overall, the story was well-structured. The spice? Red hot. It wasn’t quite as constant as in book one, but it was still a lot and really fun to read. I also appreciated the surprises, emotional turns, and how the relationships evolved it genuinely made me smile.

Unfortunately, I just can’t give this book four stars due to the timeline repetition. I’ve never been a fan of backtracking or re-seeing the same events from a different angle, so that held the book back for me.

✅ What I liked:
Loved the characters
Enjoyed the story when it focused on new plotlines
Great surprises and emotional beats
The Jacksonville Rays family vibe is amazing

❌ What didn’t work for me:
Hated that the book replays the same timeline as book one
Too much focus on PR and work-related stuff
Disappointed that some storylines didn’t get proper closure

Would I recommend this book?
Not really. It has great moments, but the timeline structure held it back for me.

Would I reread it?
Probably not.

How would I sum it up?
A spicy, emotionally layered sports romance with great characters but frustrating timeline repetition.

View all my reviews

Thursday, 30 October 2025

Pucking Wild by Emily Rath review

 

Pucking Wild (Jacksonville Rays, #2)Pucking Wild by Emily Rath
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️๐ŸŒถ️ 4 spice

I didn’t think I would like this book more than the first one, but here we are. I think book one was a bit overwhelming for me because I’m so used to fantasy being the main focus, and I don’t read much contemporary romance especially not sports romance. So book one was a totally new experience, but book two really surprised me in the best way. Even though this one doesn’t have the why-choose element that the first book did, I enjoyed it so much more because the storyline was clearer and easier to follow.

Tess was relatable, using her smile and bubbly personality almost like armor to hide the pain she carries. Her trauma runs deep, and even though she puts on a brave front, it’s clear she’s bleeding internally. It was portrayed so well that I really felt for her. Ryan, on the other hand, is a ray of sunshine who constantly made me smile. He’s sweet and caring, but not a doormat, which I appreciated. I do wish we’d gotten a little more of his backstory, but what we did get gave me a much better understanding of who he is.

Don’t get me wrong there’s still room for a deeper dive into both leads' pasts, and there were moments where certain events felt like they were implied instead of shown, which bugged me a bit. But the characters weren’t flat. The spice in this book was hot and well done, even if there was less of it compared to book one. Honestly, I liked that. It gave more space for the actual story to breathe. I also loved seeing characters from book one return in big ways, which gave it all a cozy, interconnected feeling.

And wow there is one character in this book that had me ready to throw hands. I was wide-eyed and screaming every time they appeared. But honestly, it made the story even more intense, and I was so here for it.

This book also focused less on the hockey side, which I think worked better for me overall.

๐Ÿ’– What I Liked:
The clear, emotional storyline
Tess’s slow growth and healing
The slightly reduced focus on hockey
The darker, more emotional themes

๐Ÿ˜• What Didn’t Work for Me:
Certain characters didn’t get the consequences they deserved
Some big scenes happened off-page or were implied, which felt like missed opportunities
I wanted deeper dives into both leads’ histories

Would I recommend this book?
Yes! It was a fun and emotional at times

Would I reread it?
I think I would.

How would I sum it up?
A spicy, emotional hockey romance that hits harder than expected.

View all my reviews