admya's reviews
1490 reviews

Brutal Game: A dark college hockey romance by Jo Brenner

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4.75

🏒dark hockey  
🔥college/billionaire 
🏒bully 
🔥enemies to lovers 
🏒dub/noncon 
🔥somno 
🏒forced exhibitionism 
🔥and so so much more 🥵🥵 
 

Star:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 

Brutal Game by Jo Brenner is a dark and intense romance that dives into the complexities of obsession, power, and revenge. The story centers on Jack Feldman, a hockey star with a golden reputation, and the woman who dares to challenge him, only to find herself ensnared in his twisted game.  

On the surface, Jack is admired by all—a campus hero and the perfect golden boy. But behind closed doors, he reveals a much darker side, one that is ruthless and bent on control. When Aviva attempts to get revenge against Jack’s team, her life takes a drastic turn as Jack forces her into a devastating game of manipulation and desire. 

Jo Brenner does an excellent job of portraying the psychological warfare between the characters. The tension is palpable as Jack’s obsession deepens, and Aviva finds herself torn between resistance and surrender. Their interactions are laced with a mix of fear, lust, and a strange form of connection that pushes the boundaries of morality. 

The darker elements of the relationship are central to the plot, making this a story not for the faint of heart. It explores themes of dominance, submission, and the psychological toll of toxic relationships. Jo Brenner navigates the fine line between attraction and fear, keeping readers on edge as the power struggle intensifies. 

For readers who enjoy darker romances with themes of obsession, control, and redemption, Brutal Game offers an intense, emotional journey. Jo Brenner's ability to create complex characters and a gripping storyline ensures that this novel will resonate with fans of darker, boundary-pushing romance. 

Make Your Move by Cali Melle

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4.0

🏒 Pro Hockey Romance 
💕 Single Mom 
🏒 Teammate/Best Friend’s Sister 
💕 Roommates to Lovers 
🏒 Forced Proximity 
💕 He Falls First 

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
Spice: 🌶️ 

Make Your Move by Cali Melle is a captivating second-chance romance that explores the powerful emotions of rekindled love, family, and the challenges of moving forward. The story follows Nova Simmons, a single mom, who thought she had left her past behind, including her forbidden attraction to her brother’s best friend, Lincoln Matthews. But when Lincoln unexpectedly moves back into her life—and into her home—the sparks from their past ignite once again. 

Nova is a well-crafted character, balancing her role as a dedicated mother with her unresolved feelings for Lincoln. The tension between them is palpable from the start, as old memories resurface, and Nova struggles to resist the pull of the man she once kissed the night before he left town. Lincoln, on the other hand, is torn between his loyalty to his best friend and the growing affection he feels for Nova and her daughter. 

Cali Melle masterfully creates a blend of warmth, humor, and heartache as the characters navigate their changing relationship. The chemistry between Lincoln and Nova builds slowly, with moments of vulnerability and tenderness that make their eventual romance deeply satisfying. Lincoln’s internal conflict—torn between what he believes is right and what his heart truly wants—adds depth to his character and makes his journey even more compelling. 

With themes of second chances, family, and emotional growth, *Make Your Move* offers readers a heartfelt and relatable romance. Melle’s writing shines in the moments of emotional tension, and the resolution is both fulfilling and realistic. Perfect for readers who love a swoon-worthy friends-to-lovers trope with a dash of familial complexity, this book is a delightful and touching read. 

By Blood to Avenge by Natasha Knight

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4.0

🔥Alpha Male 
🖤Billionaire 
🔥Anti-Hero 
🖤Virgin Heroine 
🔥Enemies-to-Lovers 
🖤Heroine in Danger 
🔥Secret Society 
🖤Age Gap 
🔥Jealous Possessive Anti-Hero 
 
Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  
Spice: 🌶️ 

By Blood to Avenge by Natasha Knight is an intense and dark romance that delves into themes of vengeance, obsession, and the power of redemption. The story centers around a powerful anti-hero who claims Blue, a woman with a hidden past and deep emotional scars and finds himself drawn into her world more than he ever anticipated. What begins as a desire to protect her turns into something much deeper, as he faces down her enemies and confronts the darkness within himself. 

The chemistry between the Blue & Ezekiel is palpable from the start. Blue is a complex character with secrets she guards fiercely, while Ezekiel is driven by his own tormented past and his need to protect her at all costs. Natasha Knight expertly portrays the emotional tension between them, blending moments of vulnerability with raw passion. 

As the danger escalates, with powerful men from The Society closing in, the stakes rise dramatically. The action-packed narrative takes readers through a whirlwind of suspense, betrayal, and loyalty, with plenty of twists and turns that keep the story gripping. The intense emotions and dark elements create a compelling dynamic that will appeal to fans of mafia-style romances with a darker edge. 

With themes of redemption, loyalty, and love forged in the fires of danger, By Blood to Avenge is a riveting read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Natasha Knight crafts a powerful, emotionally charged story where love and revenge collide, leaving readers eager to see how far the hero will go to protect the woman he’s come to care for.