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denasweeney's reviews
180 reviews
Before and After You and Me by Dallas Woodburn
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Before and after you and me, Dallas Woodburn
⭐️ 4
🌶️ 🚫
Tigger Warning:
Almost Drowning
What you can expect
YA
Single POV
Dual Timelines
First Love
Dena’s Thoughts:
YA is usually a hit or miss with me. Sometimes it can lean more towards the “young” side but this story was so beautifully done that even when it did sway that way it was genuinely because of the FMC’s age.
Being told from the FMC, Emma’s pov, the two timelines take place before and after an incident that traumatizes her greatly. As you work you work your way back through the past you walk through her relationship with her boyfriend starting with its ending. This ending is the catalyst for the present timeline as you follow Emma at her new private school with new friendships. Through both she grows and changes and as a person and that reflects how she sees those around her.
I really truly enjoyed this. I remember being this age and feeling most of these things. Making some of these mistakes. The growth and reflection of Emma was beautiful. I would happily read another work by this author.
⭐️ 4
🌶️ 🚫
Tigger Warning:
Almost Drowning
What you can expect
YA
Single POV
Dual Timelines
First Love
Dena’s Thoughts:
YA is usually a hit or miss with me. Sometimes it can lean more towards the “young” side but this story was so beautifully done that even when it did sway that way it was genuinely because of the FMC’s age.
Being told from the FMC, Emma’s pov, the two timelines take place before and after an incident that traumatizes her greatly. As you work you work your way back through the past you walk through her relationship with her boyfriend starting with its ending. This ending is the catalyst for the present timeline as you follow Emma at her new private school with new friendships. Through both she grows and changes and as a person and that reflects how she sees those around her.
I really truly enjoyed this. I remember being this age and feeling most of these things. Making some of these mistakes. The growth and reflection of Emma was beautiful. I would happily read another work by this author.
Scandalous by L.J. Shen
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Scandalous, LJ Shen
Available in KU
⭐️ 4
🌶️ 3
What you can expect
🏄♀️Taboo Relationship
🌊Single Dad
🏄♀️Age Gap
🌊Office Romance
🏄♀️Enemies to Lovers
Dena’s Thoughts
After the mother of his child abandoned them. Trent Rexroth swears off relationships and is solely focused on his daughter, consumed with why she refuses to speak. Eddie’s father just became a new partner is FHH so that he and the rest of the guys can step back and focus on family and for some reason the man hates Trent. Blackmailing Eddie, her dad has her spy on Trent but as the two become close and better yet and Eddie becomes close to his daughter, things evolve into more
Out of all the Sinners of Saint books this is probably my least favorite but I still loved it. I’m not a huge age gap fan but Edie’s character feels older than 18 so at times I honestly forgot that she was. She’s got so much going on in her life and is much more mature than the average person that age. Trent, like all the hotholes, is the absolute worst. Uses women, is verbally abusive, and manipulative. Yet at the same time he would go through hell for his daughter.
The last of the original four HotHoles! I absolutely loved it! On to Bane
Available in KU
⭐️ 4
🌶️ 3
What you can expect
🏄♀️Taboo Relationship
🌊Single Dad
🏄♀️Age Gap
🌊Office Romance
🏄♀️Enemies to Lovers
Dena’s Thoughts
After the mother of his child abandoned them. Trent Rexroth swears off relationships and is solely focused on his daughter, consumed with why she refuses to speak. Eddie’s father just became a new partner is FHH so that he and the rest of the guys can step back and focus on family and for some reason the man hates Trent. Blackmailing Eddie, her dad has her spy on Trent but as the two become close and better yet and Eddie becomes close to his daughter, things evolve into more
Out of all the Sinners of Saint books this is probably my least favorite but I still loved it. I’m not a huge age gap fan but Edie’s character feels older than 18 so at times I honestly forgot that she was. She’s got so much going on in her life and is much more mature than the average person that age. Trent, like all the hotholes, is the absolute worst. Uses women, is verbally abusive, and manipulative. Yet at the same time he would go through hell for his daughter.
The last of the original four HotHoles! I absolutely loved it! On to Bane
Ruckus by L.J. Shen
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
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? Yes
4.0
Ruckus, LJ Shen
Available in KU
⭐️ 4
🌶️ 3
What you can expect
🗽Enemies to Lovers
🗽Ex’ Sister
🗽Dual Timelines
🗽Taboo Romance
Dena’s Thoughts
This book is a ride! Firstly you have this whole history with Dean and Rosie and how they basically lived each other at first sight but there was a slight hiccup in which he was dating her sister, Emilia! Fast forward to present day and Dean is done caring about what anyone thinks! He pursues Rosie relentlessly cutting out other women, drinking and drugs to prove to her he can change. However during all of this he’s keeping a huge secret while also having a secret being kept from him and with that truth bomb drops he does the unthinkable resulting in Rosie catching the consequences.
I really enjoyed Deans character; he’s fun, caring , attentive and protective. Yes he has major issues but he really tries to work through them to become a better person. I have mixed feelings about Rosie. Yes I know she has an illness but she’s gone from her parents to Emilia to Vicious and then Dean taking care of her and has the nerve to complain about it. She really sees Emilia with envy especially with attention shifts to her sister for a fraction of time instead of being solely on her. I will say however her dad is a major D-I-C-K and I didn’t appreciate him at all.
I really enjoyed this book and all the twists and turns it offers! Getting to still see Vicious and Emilia so much was just icing on the cake for me! On to Scandalous!
Available in KU
⭐️ 4
🌶️ 3
What you can expect
🗽Enemies to Lovers
🗽Ex’ Sister
🗽Dual Timelines
🗽Taboo Romance
Dena’s Thoughts
This book is a ride! Firstly you have this whole history with Dean and Rosie and how they basically lived each other at first sight but there was a slight hiccup in which he was dating her sister, Emilia! Fast forward to present day and Dean is done caring about what anyone thinks! He pursues Rosie relentlessly cutting out other women, drinking and drugs to prove to her he can change. However during all of this he’s keeping a huge secret while also having a secret being kept from him and with that truth bomb drops he does the unthinkable resulting in Rosie catching the consequences.
I really enjoyed Deans character; he’s fun, caring , attentive and protective. Yes he has major issues but he really tries to work through them to become a better person. I have mixed feelings about Rosie. Yes I know she has an illness but she’s gone from her parents to Emilia to Vicious and then Dean taking care of her and has the nerve to complain about it. She really sees Emilia with envy especially with attention shifts to her sister for a fraction of time instead of being solely on her. I will say however her dad is a major D-I-C-K and I didn’t appreciate him at all.
I really enjoyed this book and all the twists and turns it offers! Getting to still see Vicious and Emilia so much was just icing on the cake for me! On to Scandalous!
Season of Secrets by Melissa McSherry
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Season of Secrets
This was a great college hockey dark romance! It’s fast paced and gives novella vibes but delivering a lot more! Both MCs are so great; Aspen despite having both a protective brother and father does her own thing without much thought to their opinions. Duke is protective, possessive and a bit unhinged (which we love)!
Please pay attention to the trigger warnings and pay bigger attention to chapter 21!
This was a great college hockey dark romance! It’s fast paced and gives novella vibes but delivering a lot more! Both MCs are so great; Aspen despite having both a protective brother and father does her own thing without much thought to their opinions. Duke is protective, possessive and a bit unhinged (which we love)!
Please pay attention to the trigger warnings and pay bigger attention to chapter 21!
Defy by L.J. Shen
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Defy, LJ Shen - Novella
Available in KU
⭐️ 3
🌶️ 3
What you can expect
🏈Bully Romance
👩🏫Teacher/Student
Dena’s Thoughts
Jamie and Mel’s story is messy. Not just because he’s a student and she’s a teacher but here are several other factors! His mom is her boss, he stalked her, and a few other fun little things. This is a fun little prequel to Vicious that gives more insight to the HotHoles as teens and also expands on Jamie and Mel’s relationship. I really enjoyed this and would highly suggest it either before or after Vicious
Available in KU
⭐️ 3
🌶️ 3
What you can expect
🏈Bully Romance
👩🏫Teacher/Student
Dena’s Thoughts
Jamie and Mel’s story is messy. Not just because he’s a student and she’s a teacher but here are several other factors! His mom is her boss, he stalked her, and a few other fun little things. This is a fun little prequel to Vicious that gives more insight to the HotHoles as teens and also expands on Jamie and Mel’s relationship. I really enjoyed this and would highly suggest it either before or after Vicious
Vicious by L.J. Shen
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Vicious, LJ Shen
Available in KU
⭐️ 4
🌶️ 3
What you can expect
🌸 Bully Romance
🌸 Enemies to Lovers
🌸 Sunshine/Grum
🌸 Dual Time Line
Trigger Warnings
Past Child Abuse
Extreme Bullying
Dena’s Thoughts
I devoured this book. I first read this about two years ago and it was my first experience with bulky romances. When I saw the arc sign ups for physical book releases I knew I had to get it!
Emilia is quirky, artistic and kind. Everyone adores her… except Vicious. He can’t stand her country twang, how nice she is, and that it seems like she couldn’t care less about him and his world. Going back and forth between senior year and ten years later, we see him relentlessly bully her and run her out of town to bumping into her years layers and not being able to let her go.
What I love about this book is how genuinely horrible he is. No one is safe from his boarder line psychotic tendencies including his best friends. Red flags in real life, green flags in book life. Only in the later time line when he realizes his feelings do we see him not be horrible…to just one person but we love that.
I also really enjoy Emilia. She stands up to him, calls out his bs and holds her boundaries. When he messes up she makes him earn her attention back. Aside from Vicious, she’s dependable, nurturing and super witty. She helps take care of her sick sister to lighten her parent’s load by working multiple jobs while putting her own dreams on hold.
This really is by far one of my favorite reads. I’m probably about to put my tbr on hold and read the whole series to be honest because I’m addicted. Bully romance is possibly my favorite trope of dark romance and this one is top tier.
Thank you to the @author agency and @ljshen for allowing me to read this arc!
Available in KU
⭐️ 4
🌶️ 3
What you can expect
🌸 Bully Romance
🌸 Enemies to Lovers
🌸 Sunshine/Grum
🌸 Dual Time Line
Trigger Warnings
Past Child Abuse
Extreme Bullying
Dena’s Thoughts
I devoured this book. I first read this about two years ago and it was my first experience with bulky romances. When I saw the arc sign ups for physical book releases I knew I had to get it!
Emilia is quirky, artistic and kind. Everyone adores her… except Vicious. He can’t stand her country twang, how nice she is, and that it seems like she couldn’t care less about him and his world. Going back and forth between senior year and ten years later, we see him relentlessly bully her and run her out of town to bumping into her years layers and not being able to let her go.
What I love about this book is how genuinely horrible he is. No one is safe from his boarder line psychotic tendencies including his best friends. Red flags in real life, green flags in book life. Only in the later time line when he realizes his feelings do we see him not be horrible…to just one person but we love that.
I also really enjoy Emilia. She stands up to him, calls out his bs and holds her boundaries. When he messes up she makes him earn her attention back. Aside from Vicious, she’s dependable, nurturing and super witty. She helps take care of her sick sister to lighten her parent’s load by working multiple jobs while putting her own dreams on hold.
This really is by far one of my favorite reads. I’m probably about to put my tbr on hold and read the whole series to be honest because I’m addicted. Bully romance is possibly my favorite trope of dark romance and this one is top tier.
Thank you to the @author agency and @ljshen for allowing me to read this arc!
Second First Kiss by Marina Adair
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Second First Kiss, Marina Adair
⭐️ 3.5
🌶️ 2
What you can expect
💻 Second Chance
🎿 Single Parent/Guardian
💻 Frenemies to Lovers
🎿 Reformed Bad Girl/Law Informant
Dena’s Thoughts
I was genuinely excited to read this book! I really enjoyed the first one and the way it set up Kat and Nolan. I mean how can you not get romance off a drunken dare where you have to take off a man’s belt using your teeth?? Perfect.
Kat is trying to not follow in her parent’s footsteps. She put her dreams on hold to help raise her sister but true to her parents form, it went from helping so being sole guardian. Going through the custody process, Kate’s past keeps getting thrown in her face potentially putting at her keeping her sister at risk.
Nolan is a by the books, strictly black and white, towns golden boy. He doesn’t color outside the line for anyone, however having Kat in his life makes him realize, he likes the mess and chaos. When there a heavy drugs on the streets and someone is stealing from his family’s business and the not so girl next door becomes involved, he starts to see that maybe the lines need to be crossed every now and again.
Kat and Nolan have a great banter and the tension between them is great! Kat is so used to doing everything alone but with Nolan continuously showing up for her, her walls start to lower. I really loved Nolan. He’s confident, protective, and patient. His steadiness is exactly what Kat needs. This was a little more serious than her last book but I still enjoyed it so much! I’m really looking forward her next!
⭐️ 3.5
🌶️ 2
What you can expect
💻 Second Chance
🎿 Single Parent/Guardian
💻 Frenemies to Lovers
🎿 Reformed Bad Girl/Law Informant
Dena’s Thoughts
I was genuinely excited to read this book! I really enjoyed the first one and the way it set up Kat and Nolan. I mean how can you not get romance off a drunken dare where you have to take off a man’s belt using your teeth?? Perfect.
Kat is trying to not follow in her parent’s footsteps. She put her dreams on hold to help raise her sister but true to her parents form, it went from helping so being sole guardian. Going through the custody process, Kate’s past keeps getting thrown in her face potentially putting at her keeping her sister at risk.
Nolan is a by the books, strictly black and white, towns golden boy. He doesn’t color outside the line for anyone, however having Kat in his life makes him realize, he likes the mess and chaos. When there a heavy drugs on the streets and someone is stealing from his family’s business and the not so girl next door becomes involved, he starts to see that maybe the lines need to be crossed every now and again.
Kat and Nolan have a great banter and the tension between them is great! Kat is so used to doing everything alone but with Nolan continuously showing up for her, her walls start to lower. I really loved Nolan. He’s confident, protective, and patient. His steadiness is exactly what Kat needs. This was a little more serious than her last book but I still enjoyed it so much! I’m really looking forward her next!
Poisonous Kiss by Jagger Cole
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Poisonous Kiss, Jagger Cole
⭐️ 4
🌶️ 3
What you can expect
😈 Marriage of Convenience
😈 Consensual Non-Consent
😈 Work Place Romance
😈 Dark Romance
Trigger Warnings
Kidnapping
Sexual Harassment
R*pe Kink
Dena’s Thoughts
I was interested in this book because I love a good dark romance and fake marriage/marriage of convenience but what really caught me was that this is written by man. Typically romances written by men aren’t great, this was not the case with this book! I could not put this down and honestly as soon as I can I’ll be downloading more of his books!
Fumi is an equity partner at one of New York’s more successful firms. She had a sick father in which she is his main caretaker and to top it off, she just found out he has a hidden past and she has to find a way to come up with 5 million dollars! Cue Gabriel, a name partner at the same law firm who is diving into politics. Sadly, studies show he won’t win because he’s a single man but he’s going to fix that by hiring one… for 5 million dollars!
And if things can’t get more complication their law firm handles business for Club Venom, a less than legal club where everyone is anonymous and you can act upon your most devious fantasies.
Like I said I couldn’t put this book down! I loved the dominance, passiveness, the insulting words that came out of this man’s mouth… I don’t think there wasn’t a part of this book I didn’t like. Both MCs were great, the darkness, the kinks and even the drama! I will be reading more of Jagger Cole and suggest you do too!
⭐️ 4
🌶️ 3
What you can expect
😈 Marriage of Convenience
😈 Consensual Non-Consent
😈 Work Place Romance
😈 Dark Romance
Trigger Warnings
Kidnapping
Sexual Harassment
R*pe Kink
Dena’s Thoughts
I was interested in this book because I love a good dark romance and fake marriage/marriage of convenience but what really caught me was that this is written by man. Typically romances written by men aren’t great, this was not the case with this book! I could not put this down and honestly as soon as I can I’ll be downloading more of his books!
Fumi is an equity partner at one of New York’s more successful firms. She had a sick father in which she is his main caretaker and to top it off, she just found out he has a hidden past and she has to find a way to come up with 5 million dollars! Cue Gabriel, a name partner at the same law firm who is diving into politics. Sadly, studies show he won’t win because he’s a single man but he’s going to fix that by hiring one… for 5 million dollars!
And if things can’t get more complication their law firm handles business for Club Venom, a less than legal club where everyone is anonymous and you can act upon your most devious fantasies.
Like I said I couldn’t put this book down! I loved the dominance, passiveness, the insulting words that came out of this man’s mouth… I don’t think there wasn’t a part of this book I didn’t like. Both MCs were great, the darkness, the kinks and even the drama! I will be reading more of Jagger Cole and suggest you do too!
The Fake Out by Stephanie Archer
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Fake Out, Stephanie Archer
⭐️ 4.5
🌶️ 3.5
What you can expect
🏒Fake Dating
🏒He Falls First
🏒Ex’s Rival
🏒Workplace Romance
🏒 TENSION
Dena’s Thoughts
Ok Stephanie Archer! I see you and now I’m a fannnnn girl. I thought Behind the Net was it but honestly, I really enjoyed this more! The one sided fake dating, the cockiness, possessiveness, ALL OF THE THINGS! I laughed, I cringed and I groaned through the whole book.
Hazel dreams of opening a body positive health studio one day but she also loves her job as a pysio for the hockey team until one day her toxic ex is signed to the team… and she’s assigned to him. In an act of desperation she tells him she’s dating Rory the new captain of the Storm and his rival in every way. He’s smug, overly confident, and cocky; how could she possibly catch feelings? Little does she know he’s also sweet, caring, protective and a bit possessive… how could she not catch feelings. Plus he’s only had a thing for her since they were in high school together.
More green flags for everyone but Hazel’s ex! The well rounded-ness, the support, encouragement, protectiveness… the TENSION! (side note, I used to hate the tension/slow burn but now I’m all over it) Hazel helps Rory rediscover what he loves about hockey, that it’s not just winning but about the relationships on and off the ice. In return, he so patient with her and her learning to trust being in a relationship again. I just loved the whole thing! I can’t wait for the next one to release because (without spoilers) 👀
⭐️ 4.5
🌶️ 3.5
What you can expect
🏒Fake Dating
🏒He Falls First
🏒Ex’s Rival
🏒Workplace Romance
🏒 TENSION
Dena’s Thoughts
Ok Stephanie Archer! I see you and now I’m a fannnnn girl. I thought Behind the Net was it but honestly, I really enjoyed this more! The one sided fake dating, the cockiness, possessiveness, ALL OF THE THINGS! I laughed, I cringed and I groaned through the whole book.
Hazel dreams of opening a body positive health studio one day but she also loves her job as a pysio for the hockey team until one day her toxic ex is signed to the team… and she’s assigned to him. In an act of desperation she tells him she’s dating Rory the new captain of the Storm and his rival in every way. He’s smug, overly confident, and cocky; how could she possibly catch feelings? Little does she know he’s also sweet, caring, protective and a bit possessive… how could she not catch feelings. Plus he’s only had a thing for her since they were in high school together.
More green flags for everyone but Hazel’s ex! The well rounded-ness, the support, encouragement, protectiveness… the TENSION! (side note, I used to hate the tension/slow burn but now I’m all over it) Hazel helps Rory rediscover what he loves about hockey, that it’s not just winning but about the relationships on and off the ice. In return, he so patient with her and her learning to trust being in a relationship again. I just loved the whole thing! I can’t wait for the next one to release because (without spoilers) 👀
Behind the Net by Stephanie Archer
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
Behind the Net, Stephanie Archer
⭐️ 4
🌶️ 3
What you can expect
🏒Sunshine/Grump
🏒Second Chance
🏒Forced Proximity
🏒Workplace Romance
Dena’s Thoughts
I ate this book up! Sunshine/Grump is high on my favorite tropes list. Throw in forced proximity and I’m done for!
Jamie. First off swoon at that name! I can’t remember the last time I met a man named Jamie but it gives such classic vibes. Ok well this Jamie plays in the NHL as a goalie. He’s broody, protective, possessive, encouraging, patient and just all the things.
Pippa, just had her heart broken and world shatter. There’s nothing like having the person you care for most in the world tell you you’re not good enough. To say it sucks is an understatement.
These were two really great characters. There’s really nothing but green flags all around. They’re supportive, understanding, there’s no miscommunications… He lets her fight her own battles while having her back and she helps him so he doesn’t have to shoulder everything on his own.
This was my first read by Stephanie Archer and I can’t wait to check out her other books!
⭐️ 4
🌶️ 3
What you can expect
🏒Sunshine/Grump
🏒Second Chance
🏒Forced Proximity
🏒Workplace Romance
Dena’s Thoughts
I ate this book up! Sunshine/Grump is high on my favorite tropes list. Throw in forced proximity and I’m done for!
Jamie. First off swoon at that name! I can’t remember the last time I met a man named Jamie but it gives such classic vibes. Ok well this Jamie plays in the NHL as a goalie. He’s broody, protective, possessive, encouraging, patient and just all the things.
Pippa, just had her heart broken and world shatter. There’s nothing like having the person you care for most in the world tell you you’re not good enough. To say it sucks is an understatement.
These were two really great characters. There’s really nothing but green flags all around. They’re supportive, understanding, there’s no miscommunications… He lets her fight her own battles while having her back and she helps him so he doesn’t have to shoulder everything on his own.
This was my first read by Stephanie Archer and I can’t wait to check out her other books!