britgirlreading's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Toxic friendship
Minor: Violence, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, and Sexual assault
kfriend's review
5.0
Review for Sam Mariano’s: Even If It Hurts
How does Sam Mariano always make me fall so madly in love with psychotic, toxic, manipulative book boyfriends?!?!? Immersively tumultuous, deliciously depraved, psychologically intriguing, and alluringly addictive, Even if It Hurts is that swoony, toxic romanticism that I fall for every time from the incomparable Sam Mariano. Swept away yet again- I’m a goner for this psycho Sam hero and his willing prey.
Dare. DARE. How am I so obsessed with this man? I think a need a psychological evaluation, because every rational part of my being says I should not be so in love (or turned on) by this man’s antics. But he owns me. Like close-to-Mateo-owns-me. Somehow Sam makes this recklessly manipulative, conniving and controlling, twisted and depraved anti-hero swoony. YES SWOONY. Don’t get me wrong- he does very bad, wrong, not okay in the real world (and to some not even okay in an imaginary one) things to others and to our heroine Aubrey. But like always Sam has a keen ability of balancing the immoral (and illegal), boundary pushing behavior of her leading men with my catnip trait- they would do ANYTHING to possess, to care for, and to protect the heroine…except from themselves, of course. This is a man with dangerous and twisted proclivities, whose pursuit of our heroine starts in a very wrong place, whose behavior towards her is objectively toxic and far from the archetype of romance, but he’s also a man that makes you think how desperately you wish someone loved you so intensely, unapologetically ruthlessly. This is a man who won’t only rearrange the world to capture the heroine’s heart and keep it, he’ll savagely destroy the whole world (and whoever stands in his way) to do it. And I FLOVE HIM SO HARD. He’s dangerous and wrong, in all the right ways.
His relationship with Aubrey is as unhealthy as it can come- and what a marvelously delicious portrayal. One thing I really love about Sam’s storytelling is how deeply she delves into the psychology of her characters’ behaviors, and how meta they are about their choices. Her heroes are consciously manipulating the world around them- manipulating their love, too. Their self-aware and unapologetic- they more than accept their twistedness, rather, they expect everyone else to adapt to their needs and methods- including the heroine. They keenly discern the firm boundaries of the woman they love, while trampling anything fluid. Dare is one of her best interactions of this -he’s predatory and cunning, truly psycho. He constructs an entirely reality where our heroine has no path anywhere other than to and with him.
But even better, Aubrey is ENTIRELY aware of this. And that’s one of the aspects I really enjoyed about this book, how open Aubrey is about all the wrong she sees in Dare, the harm he does to others, the inappropriate things he’s done with her. She sees the good in him, the sweet and swoony in the way he so ardently pursues and woos her, but she also recognizes all the bad. But what makes Sam's stories so interesting is that the heroine's don’t just SEE the bad, they’re drawn to it- find it magnetic, in a way that doesn’t compromise them. They don’t fall into the darkness with the heroes- but they do find the hero’s darkness compelling. NO one conveys this psychological tension with such deft artistry as Sam Mariano- it’s mesmerizing, completely- because it’s the EXACT psychological journey we are taking as a reader, grappling with our own longing for the hero. Aubrey herself describes it best, “Maybe it’s corruption or liberation. I don’t know if it’s good or bad. I know it’s intoxicating and addictive, and I can’t even imagine a life without him anymore.” Classifiable or not, it’s magical, transfixing in every way. And Aubrey is completely EYES open to it all- willingly part of this chaotic, toxic mess. She loves how arduously he loves her- wouldn’t we all?
But Sam holds on to the key tenet of romantic love, which is why here romances always work so well. TRUST is at the heart of this. This may not be a romantic arrangement palatable in real life (or again, even palpable to some in stories), but it works for this couple because they are so perfectly matched, two pieces of the puzzle. And it works because even if he is certifiable and psycho and she is his willing lamb, they trust one another. And that’s why their whole messed up dynamic works- the truly see and understand one another and they trust the other to safely hold their hearts, even if Dare has hers locked away in his psycho box. It’s how her romances are also swoony and sweet- how the love feels real and meaningful, if it’s different. The authenticity, the trust, the openness- it just works.
Take the trigger warnings on this carefully, my friends- Sam gives a sincere (and delicious) description of what’s in store in the intro. If you have any pause, tread lightly. If you, like me, read the intro and think “Yummy yummy, gimme gimme!” then buckle up and dive right in- this book is everything you love about Sam Mariano’s twisted brain and addictive storytelling. This story made me ravenous. If this is an indication of the delicious, toxic, twisted magic we have in store for us in the Coastal Elites Series, we are in for a TREAT. We have some great side characters (and those from the Bully God book), I’m excited for. I can not wait for more of this world. There’s a reason Sam is my go-to, my unicorn, one of my all time favs- her heroes will forever have a chokehold on me…and sick or not, I welcome it- I liked it. I LIVE FOR IT. This is my kind of crazy. Thank you Sam Mariano for knowing just what I like- and always delivering.
How does Sam Mariano always make me fall so madly in love with psychotic, toxic, manipulative book boyfriends?!?!? Immersively tumultuous, deliciously depraved, psychologically intriguing, and alluringly addictive, Even if It Hurts is that swoony, toxic romanticism that I fall for every time from the incomparable Sam Mariano. Swept away yet again- I’m a goner for this psycho Sam hero and his willing prey.
Dare. DARE. How am I so obsessed with this man? I think a need a psychological evaluation, because every rational part of my being says I should not be so in love (or turned on) by this man’s antics. But he owns me. Like close-to-Mateo-owns-me. Somehow Sam makes this recklessly manipulative, conniving and controlling, twisted and depraved anti-hero swoony. YES SWOONY. Don’t get me wrong- he does very bad, wrong, not okay in the real world (and to some not even okay in an imaginary one) things to others and to our heroine Aubrey. But like always Sam has a keen ability of balancing the immoral (and illegal), boundary pushing behavior of her leading men with my catnip trait- they would do ANYTHING to possess, to care for, and to protect the heroine…except from themselves, of course. This is a man with dangerous and twisted proclivities, whose pursuit of our heroine starts in a very wrong place, whose behavior towards her is objectively toxic and far from the archetype of romance, but he’s also a man that makes you think how desperately you wish someone loved you so intensely, unapologetically ruthlessly. This is a man who won’t only rearrange the world to capture the heroine’s heart and keep it, he’ll savagely destroy the whole world (and whoever stands in his way) to do it. And I FLOVE HIM SO HARD. He’s dangerous and wrong, in all the right ways.
His relationship with Aubrey is as unhealthy as it can come- and what a marvelously delicious portrayal. One thing I really love about Sam’s storytelling is how deeply she delves into the psychology of her characters’ behaviors, and how meta they are about their choices. Her heroes are consciously manipulating the world around them- manipulating their love, too. Their self-aware and unapologetic- they more than accept their twistedness, rather, they expect everyone else to adapt to their needs and methods- including the heroine. They keenly discern the firm boundaries of the woman they love, while trampling anything fluid. Dare is one of her best interactions of this -he’s predatory and cunning, truly psycho. He constructs an entirely reality where our heroine has no path anywhere other than to and with him.
But even better, Aubrey is ENTIRELY aware of this. And that’s one of the aspects I really enjoyed about this book, how open Aubrey is about all the wrong she sees in Dare, the harm he does to others, the inappropriate things he’s done with her. She sees the good in him, the sweet and swoony in the way he so ardently pursues and woos her, but she also recognizes all the bad. But what makes Sam's stories so interesting is that the heroine's don’t just SEE the bad, they’re drawn to it- find it magnetic, in a way that doesn’t compromise them. They don’t fall into the darkness with the heroes- but they do find the hero’s darkness compelling. NO one conveys this psychological tension with such deft artistry as Sam Mariano- it’s mesmerizing, completely- because it’s the EXACT psychological journey we are taking as a reader, grappling with our own longing for the hero. Aubrey herself describes it best, “Maybe it’s corruption or liberation. I don’t know if it’s good or bad. I know it’s intoxicating and addictive, and I can’t even imagine a life without him anymore.” Classifiable or not, it’s magical, transfixing in every way. And Aubrey is completely EYES open to it all- willingly part of this chaotic, toxic mess. She loves how arduously he loves her- wouldn’t we all?
But Sam holds on to the key tenet of romantic love, which is why here romances always work so well. TRUST is at the heart of this. This may not be a romantic arrangement palatable in real life (or again, even palpable to some in stories), but it works for this couple because they are so perfectly matched, two pieces of the puzzle. And it works because even if he is certifiable and psycho and she is his willing lamb, they trust one another. And that’s why their whole messed up dynamic works- the truly see and understand one another and they trust the other to safely hold their hearts, even if Dare has hers locked away in his psycho box. It’s how her romances are also swoony and sweet- how the love feels real and meaningful, if it’s different. The authenticity, the trust, the openness- it just works.
Take the trigger warnings on this carefully, my friends- Sam gives a sincere (and delicious) description of what’s in store in the intro. If you have any pause, tread lightly. If you, like me, read the intro and think “Yummy yummy, gimme gimme!” then buckle up and dive right in- this book is everything you love about Sam Mariano’s twisted brain and addictive storytelling. This story made me ravenous. If this is an indication of the delicious, toxic, twisted magic we have in store for us in the Coastal Elites Series, we are in for a TREAT. We have some great side characters (and those from the Bully God book), I’m excited for. I can not wait for more of this world. There’s a reason Sam is my go-to, my unicorn, one of my all time favs- her heroes will forever have a chokehold on me…and sick or not, I welcome it- I liked it. I LIVE FOR IT. This is my kind of crazy. Thank you Sam Mariano for knowing just what I like- and always delivering.
princesasombras's review
1.0
DNF. Couldn't get into the first story at all and it just put me off reading the rest.
yeriwithaj_'s review
3.0
5/1/2022 - Falling for Catastrophe by Michelle Hercules was a decent read. I wish Jason and Isabelle had fully won my heart because I wanted them to. They didn't and that was disappointing. Jason wasn't as toxic as I was expecting him to be, I wanted to be suffocated by their hatred, by their love to hate each other, by the sexual tension, the possessiveness. All of these "qualities" were there, they just were muted. - star rating: ★★★/5
_________________________________________
5/2/2022 - Forbidden Deviant Games by Lucy Smokes was a bit disappointing.
He's dangerous. He's violent. He's everything I should stay away from.
Sure he was
_________________________________________
5/2/2022 - Forbidden Deviant Games by Lucy Smokes was a bit disappointing.
He's dangerous. He's violent. He's everything I should stay away from.
Sure he was
bookfreak08's review
5.0
Even If It Hurts by Sam Mariano
Yep! She ruined me again! I have never been able to get over Untouchable and no villainous hero has ever come close to Carter until… Dare! He is the psycho I never knew I needed. He is unbelievably selfish, emotionally resonant, nefarious, cocky, and unhinged but he is also devoted to Aubrey to a fault, incredibly possessive and protective of her. His obsession knows no bounds. Though he always seems to have an ulterior motive, he always gives Aubrey what she wants/needs to make her happy at the end. Till death do us part is actually originated from him. Since I am a sucker for non-con/dub-con tropes, I found Dare and Aubrey’s chemistry earth-shattering and knee-buckling. I say trust the hype. Whatever Mariano puts out, it will always consume her fans and rightfully so. I am giddy about the upcoming Coastal Elite Series hoping to find more Carters and Dares to fall for. I hope the new book comes out sooner rather than later.
Yep! She ruined me again! I have never been able to get over Untouchable and no villainous hero has ever come close to Carter until… Dare! He is the psycho I never knew I needed. He is unbelievably selfish, emotionally resonant, nefarious, cocky, and unhinged but he is also devoted to Aubrey to a fault, incredibly possessive and protective of her. His obsession knows no bounds. Though he always seems to have an ulterior motive, he always gives Aubrey what she wants/needs to make her happy at the end. Till death do us part is actually originated from him. Since I am a sucker for non-con/dub-con tropes, I found Dare and Aubrey’s chemistry earth-shattering and knee-buckling. I say trust the hype. Whatever Mariano puts out, it will always consume her fans and rightfully so. I am giddy about the upcoming Coastal Elite Series hoping to find more Carters and Dares to fall for. I hope the new book comes out sooner rather than later.
erikawastaken's review
5.0
I am such a fan of anthologies — and this one was fantastic. I appreciated reading getting to see a different side to author’s I enjoy (ie Gemma Weir) and discovering new authors.
——
Falling for Catastrophe by Michelle Hercules
⭐⭐1/2
This reads like a generic teen drama, complete with mean girls, scholarship kids, and “intrigue.” Everything feels a bit rushed, which is part of why it feels so flat and repetitive, which is a bummer because so many folks I follow have given this series high ratings.
Forbidden Deviant Games by Lucy Smoke
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Every time I read something from Lucy Smoke in an anthology, I wonder, why don’t I read more of her books? This was a perfect short story; the characters' attraction was stated from the beginning, and then a conflict brought them together. Plus, Viks was hot AF.
Blacklisted by Angel Lawson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
All the dark, dirty things you love about an Angel Lawson novel: my only complaint is that I wanted more!
Even if it Hurts by Sam Marino
⭐⭐⭐⭐
You have to love it when the warning is, “if you meet a Dare [hero], in the real world, you should run like the wind.” All the trigger warnings for this one, but it was also everything we love about dark, bully romance.
Broken Brutal Heart by Eva Chance
⭐⭐⭐1/2
A fun RH mafia romance. I liked Athena was strong and capable, though she was a bit too like a CSI character with her ability to walk in a read a scene in less than 30 seconds. I’m definitely curious to pick up the series.
Obsession by Gemma Weir
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have previously read and loved Gemma’s Mountain Men books. And while those brothers are possessive and all-in, they are all kind of cinnamon rolls. It was fun to see Gemma go in the opposite direction with a hero who was dark and toxic.
Toxic Hearts by May Sage as Emm Darcy
⭐⭐⭐
For as many of the bully romances that have a similar set-up, I was a bit surprised by the twist that cleared the path for them to move forward. It was a little cliche in places but served as an excellent intro to the world, so I’ll definitely grab Camden’s book.
Bad Blood by Faith Summers
⭐⭐1/2
Thoughts while reading:
-The set-up/premise for this is just odd, and her whole “I need to be there for my dad” thing makes no sense.
-Now we’re just throwing everything in the bowl
-So many cliches
I’ll try one of her other books to see if things are better when there are more pages to work with.
Ruined by Charlene Raquel
⭐⭐⭐
The writing wasn’t my favorite, but I wondered if it was because this was a post-series novel. Adrian (MMC) was part of the event of her Secret Societies trilogy, and this story takes place immediately after those events. So some areas feel awkward because things are glossed over because someone who read the series would know it, or there are places with a lot of exposition because the author had to convey information the characters would already know. Honestly, my favorite part of this book was actually Riley and Xander, so I hope they get a series.
Allure by Lexi Archer
⭐⭐
I know sassy heroines are a big thing, but half the time, they just come off as unnecessarily bitchy. Instead of coming off strong and though she “stands up to bullies,” Brooke just seems awful and mean for no reason other than Declan exists. Also, why has this turned into a fitness Instagram account? All the diet and exercise advice feels odd. The pacing in this story is really strange; there are long moments of slow, daily tasks, then the moment the characters are in the room, everything is played on 2.5 speed.
——
Falling for Catastrophe by Michelle Hercules
⭐⭐1/2
This reads like a generic teen drama, complete with mean girls, scholarship kids, and “intrigue.” Everything feels a bit rushed, which is part of why it feels so flat and repetitive, which is a bummer because so many folks I follow have given this series high ratings.
Forbidden Deviant Games by Lucy Smoke
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Every time I read something from Lucy Smoke in an anthology, I wonder, why don’t I read more of her books? This was a perfect short story; the characters' attraction was stated from the beginning, and then a conflict brought them together. Plus, Viks was hot AF.
Blacklisted by Angel Lawson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
All the dark, dirty things you love about an Angel Lawson novel: my only complaint is that I wanted more!
Even if it Hurts by Sam Marino
⭐⭐⭐⭐
You have to love it when the warning is, “if you meet a Dare [hero], in the real world, you should run like the wind.” All the trigger warnings for this one, but it was also everything we love about dark, bully romance.
Broken Brutal Heart by Eva Chance
⭐⭐⭐1/2
A fun RH mafia romance. I liked Athena was strong and capable, though she was a bit too like a CSI character with her ability to walk in a read a scene in less than 30 seconds. I’m definitely curious to pick up the series.
Obsession by Gemma Weir
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have previously read and loved Gemma’s Mountain Men books. And while those brothers are possessive and all-in, they are all kind of cinnamon rolls. It was fun to see Gemma go in the opposite direction with a hero who was dark and toxic.
Toxic Hearts by May Sage as Emm Darcy
⭐⭐⭐
For as many of the bully romances that have a similar set-up, I was a bit surprised by the twist that cleared the path for them to move forward. It was a little cliche in places but served as an excellent intro to the world, so I’ll definitely grab Camden’s book.
Bad Blood by Faith Summers
⭐⭐1/2
Thoughts while reading:
-The set-up/premise for this is just odd, and her whole “I need to be there for my dad” thing makes no sense.
-Now we’re just throwing everything in the bowl
-So many cliches
I’ll try one of her other books to see if things are better when there are more pages to work with.
Ruined by Charlene Raquel
⭐⭐⭐
The writing wasn’t my favorite, but I wondered if it was because this was a post-series novel. Adrian (MMC) was part of the event of her Secret Societies trilogy, and this story takes place immediately after those events. So some areas feel awkward because things are glossed over because someone who read the series would know it, or there are places with a lot of exposition because the author had to convey information the characters would already know. Honestly, my favorite part of this book was actually Riley and Xander, so I hope they get a series.
Allure by Lexi Archer
⭐⭐
I know sassy heroines are a big thing, but half the time, they just come off as unnecessarily bitchy. Instead of coming off strong and though she “stands up to bullies,” Brooke just seems awful and mean for no reason other than Declan exists. Also, why has this turned into a fitness Instagram account? All the diet and exercise advice feels odd. The pacing in this story is really strange; there are long moments of slow, daily tasks, then the moment the characters are in the room, everything is played on 2.5 speed.
nickiinbookland's review
5.0
This review is for Even If It Hurts by Sam Mariano
5 (I can’t stop thinking about this book) stars
Every time Sam Mariano releases a new book, it’s a good day for me. I never been so addicted to someone’s writing as I am with hers. There is something about her heroes that really work for me. It could be that they are the most savage ANTI-heroes I’ve ever read. Ones that don’t take no for an answer. Ones that make the heroine bend to accommodate them. Ones that make the heroines work overtime to unravel their darkness and the only way to keep these villains from blowing up the world….is to give them a heroine that they can achingly obsess over. Now, I don’t like my heroes like that in every book I read, but no one can write them like Sam. So I know that when I need that edge, I can find it in her books. Please note, that these heroes do not change for the heroine. If that is what you need, this isn’t the book for you.
Our “hero” Dare, operates on a whole other level. Parts of this book reminded me of the movie “Fear” with Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon. Dare’s level of obsesssion with our FMC, Aubrey, is NEXT level.
After a situation at Aubrey’s work goes south, fellow classmate, Anae, sets her sights on destroying Aubrey. And wouldn’t you have it, Anae is currently dating Dare. Popular on every level, rich, swim team champion - everyone bows to Dare. Anae enlists Dare’s help in ruining Aubrey by having him make Aubrey fall in love with him and then break her into pieces.
Everything after this point is straight up CRAZY. This took on a sinister vibe that just kept building. I am always so engaged with every book I read by Sam Mariano. This book is no exception. Please be warned that this story is FULL of triggers. Sam has a detailed note in the beginning of this book. Please read it and proceed with caution.
I am VERY excited about this new Coastal Elite series. Along with Anae, we are also introduced to Anae’s stepsister, Hannah. I am pumped for their stories, along with Landon and Parker’s (their intro is in the Bully God anthology). If you are good with the triggers and are looking for a book that you can’t put down, look no further.
Special thanks to Sam Mariano for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
5 (I can’t stop thinking about this book) stars
Every time Sam Mariano releases a new book, it’s a good day for me. I never been so addicted to someone’s writing as I am with hers. There is something about her heroes that really work for me. It could be that they are the most savage ANTI-heroes I’ve ever read. Ones that don’t take no for an answer. Ones that make the heroine bend to accommodate them. Ones that make the heroines work overtime to unravel their darkness and the only way to keep these villains from blowing up the world….is to give them a heroine that they can achingly obsess over. Now, I don’t like my heroes like that in every book I read, but no one can write them like Sam. So I know that when I need that edge, I can find it in her books. Please note, that these heroes do not change for the heroine. If that is what you need, this isn’t the book for you.
Our “hero” Dare, operates on a whole other level. Parts of this book reminded me of the movie “Fear” with Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon. Dare’s level of obsesssion with our FMC, Aubrey, is NEXT level.
After a situation at Aubrey’s work goes south, fellow classmate, Anae, sets her sights on destroying Aubrey. And wouldn’t you have it, Anae is currently dating Dare. Popular on every level, rich, swim team champion - everyone bows to Dare. Anae enlists Dare’s help in ruining Aubrey by having him make Aubrey fall in love with him and then break her into pieces.
Everything after this point is straight up CRAZY. This took on a sinister vibe that just kept building. I am always so engaged with every book I read by Sam Mariano. This book is no exception. Please be warned that this story is FULL of triggers. Sam has a detailed note in the beginning of this book. Please read it and proceed with caution.
I am VERY excited about this new Coastal Elite series. Along with Anae, we are also introduced to Anae’s stepsister, Hannah. I am pumped for their stories, along with Landon and Parker’s (their intro is in the Bully God anthology). If you are good with the triggers and are looking for a book that you can’t put down, look no further.
Special thanks to Sam Mariano for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
bookstley's review
4.0
Forbidden Deviant Games by Lucy Smoke
With this story, you find out how the Sick Boys truly started. You get a little background on the guy that started it and you get a glimpse of baby Dean. Well, okay, he’s not a baby – he’s a teen, but STILL. It’s WEIRD seeing him like that. And, yet, I’m all for it. Viks and Haley have a tumultuous relationship. There’s a lot of back and forth, which becomes a little overbearing at times. They were destined for each other and yet they still tried to fight it. These two were steamy as hell, though. I loved the club/bar setting in this novella – I really felt like I was there and watching from the sidelines. Wish there was a bit more to the story, I was sort of hooked by the developing relationship between Viks and Haley.
With this story, you find out how the Sick Boys truly started. You get a little background on the guy that started it and you get a glimpse of baby Dean. Well, okay, he’s not a baby – he’s a teen, but STILL. It’s WEIRD seeing him like that. And, yet, I’m all for it. Viks and Haley have a tumultuous relationship. There’s a lot of back and forth, which becomes a little overbearing at times. They were destined for each other and yet they still tried to fight it. These two were steamy as hell, though. I loved the club/bar setting in this novella – I really felt like I was there and watching from the sidelines. Wish there was a bit more to the story, I was sort of hooked by the developing relationship between Viks and Haley.
belindaclemons_123's review
5.0
Charlene Raquel's Ruined which is Adrian's story was just amazing i had been really curious about him while reading the College Secret Society series and boy did i love this book. Kelsey is just perfect for him i loved the push and pull of them.
gypsystar's review
5.0
Ok, so I’ve only read two stories from this anthology. Even If It Hurts by Sam Mariano (the reason I bought this!) and Obsession by Gemma Weir. Both would be worth buying the anthology even if they were the only one you read.
Even If It Hurts is straight up 5 stars, honestly I’d give it all the stars. I waited up for this pre-order to drop at midnight and read straight through til nearly 4 am. I’m an ardent Sam Mariano fan, she hooked me instantly with Untouchable and I’ve been falling for her brand of anti hero ever since.
Sam has never let me down and I trust the journey but I was squirming at points in Dare’s story. Strangely, not the parts I think I was supposed to though. Dare is a straight up villain. No redeeming qualities. He’s intense and scary and absolutely ruthless. He might be the exact definition of depraved. The darker and more unhinged Dare became the more I liked him *lol*. I’m a little afraid of what that says about me lol. Seriously though, the situation in the beginning is prickly and I was on the edge of my seat reading until I grasped Dare’s intentions.
Definitely don’t skip past Sam’s note in the beginning. She won’t lead you astray. As I read through the story her vision became more and more clear. This has strong Cruel Intentions vibes in the best way.
Medium burn, being in an anthology it’s a guesstimate of exactly how far in they get intimate but I’d say it’s near 50%, maybe a little past it.
As I mentioned before there were prickly, uncomfortable parts for me early in the story but Dare NEVER cheats on or betrays h, despite appearances to suggest otherwise. The set up here is unconventional- very Dangerous Liasions/Cruel Intentions-esque situation. Trust Sam though. Her Hs don’t cheat.
There definitely triggers here, dub con for certain, somnophilia, this felt less non con than some other books but also with the somnophilia there are definitely blurred lines. There are probably others. I’m tired though lol.
Ok, now Obsession by Gemma Weir, this was 4.5 stars for me.
She’s great at writing obsessed, possessive cavemen Hs. Sebastian is definitely one. He steamrolls into h’s life with all the grace and subtlety as a bull in a china shop. It was thoroughly entertaining to read.
I pulled a half star though because I feel like the author almost wrote herself into a corner with h’s extreme resistance to H. She then had to figure out how to write herself out if it. I like resistant heroines. I love an h with backbone and this girl had more than most. On one hand, I loved that she wouldn’t just fall at Hs feet, on the other I was more than ready for H/h to stop conflicting and start building a relationship much earlier than we got it.
Clearly doormat heroines are easier to write because they get over Hs bulldozing ways quicker. As a reader it’s sometimes frustrating to see hs give in so easily. What would have made this 5 stars for me is to have had h be less combative and more drawn to H than she wanted be and slowly fall for his charms. I don’t mean body betrayal syndrome either. I mean H desperately working to win h over and her really struggling with his methods but having conflicted softer feelings for the man.
Overall though it’s a great read. I’d have preferred a little more finesse from H in the beginning and a little less combat from h but still a thoroughly entertaining, amazing read.
Note there is no cheating between H/h here either. He’s completely faithful to her even when she’s actively evading/hating him and at one point he even appears to date a former friend but he never touches her or anyone else.
Even If It Hurts is straight up 5 stars, honestly I’d give it all the stars. I waited up for this pre-order to drop at midnight and read straight through til nearly 4 am. I’m an ardent Sam Mariano fan, she hooked me instantly with Untouchable and I’ve been falling for her brand of anti hero ever since.
Sam has never let me down and I trust the journey but I was squirming at points in Dare’s story. Strangely, not the parts I think I was supposed to though. Dare is a straight up villain. No redeeming qualities. He’s intense and scary and absolutely ruthless. He might be the exact definition of depraved. The darker and more unhinged Dare became the more I liked him *lol*. I’m a little afraid of what that says about me lol. Seriously though, the situation in the beginning is prickly and I was on the edge of my seat reading until I grasped Dare’s intentions.
Definitely don’t skip past Sam’s note in the beginning. She won’t lead you astray. As I read through the story her vision became more and more clear. This has strong Cruel Intentions vibes in the best way.
Medium burn, being in an anthology it’s a guesstimate of exactly how far in they get intimate but I’d say it’s near 50%, maybe a little past it.
As I mentioned before there were prickly, uncomfortable parts for me early in the story but Dare NEVER cheats on or betrays h, despite appearances to suggest otherwise. The set up here is unconventional- very Dangerous Liasions/Cruel Intentions-esque situation. Trust Sam though. Her Hs don’t cheat.
There definitely triggers here, dub con for certain, somnophilia, this felt less non con than some other books but also with the somnophilia there are definitely blurred lines. There are probably others. I’m tired though lol.
Ok, now Obsession by Gemma Weir, this was 4.5 stars for me.
She’s great at writing obsessed, possessive cavemen Hs. Sebastian is definitely one. He steamrolls into h’s life with all the grace and subtlety as a bull in a china shop. It was thoroughly entertaining to read.
I pulled a half star though because I feel like the author almost wrote herself into a corner with h’s extreme resistance to H. She then had to figure out how to write herself out if it. I like resistant heroines. I love an h with backbone and this girl had more than most. On one hand, I loved that she wouldn’t just fall at Hs feet, on the other I was more than ready for H/h to stop conflicting and start building a relationship much earlier than we got it.
Clearly doormat heroines are easier to write because they get over Hs bulldozing ways quicker. As a reader it’s sometimes frustrating to see hs give in so easily. What would have made this 5 stars for me is to have had h be less combative and more drawn to H than she wanted be and slowly fall for his charms. I don’t mean body betrayal syndrome either. I mean H desperately working to win h over and her really struggling with his methods but having conflicted softer feelings for the man.
Overall though it’s a great read. I’d have preferred a little more finesse from H in the beginning and a little less combat from h but still a thoroughly entertaining, amazing read.
Note there is no cheating between H/h here either. He’s completely faithful to her even when she’s actively evading/hating him and at one point he even appears to date a former friend but he never touches her or anyone else.