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jessbeyondthepages's reviews
251 reviews
Crossed Lines by Lana Sky
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Rating 5/5
Plot 5/5
Spice 3/5
Character Development 5/5
[I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book]
“Crossed Lines” by Lana Sky is a dark romance that tells the story of Maryanne Mayweather, Elaine, and Elaine’s husband James Thorne. Maryanne is a rebellious 17-year-old who after being expelled from her 12th boarding school, is sent to live with her aunt Elaine and Elaine’s husband James. James was once a successful author, however, this has since changed. His marriage is falling apart, and the last thing he wants to do is care for his wife's bratty niece. Maryanne's next rebellious act is planning to defame and destroy James, however, their relationship goes down a path filled with risks, consequences, and moments where lines should never be crossed.
This book… THIS BOOK!!! Lana Sky’s books fall under a very specific and unique category. Her writing is amazing and this book was such a page-turner for me. It’s filled with incredible twists and turns and has a ton of suspense! I’ve re-read the epilogue too many times to count and the last line makes me wish that this standalone had a sequel! This book is dark and covers serious topics so make sure to read content warnings before jumping in.
Plot 5/5
Spice 3/5
Character Development 5/5
[I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book]
“Crossed Lines” by Lana Sky is a dark romance that tells the story of Maryanne Mayweather, Elaine, and Elaine’s husband James Thorne. Maryanne is a rebellious 17-year-old who after being expelled from her 12th boarding school, is sent to live with her aunt Elaine and Elaine’s husband James. James was once a successful author, however, this has since changed. His marriage is falling apart, and the last thing he wants to do is care for his wife's bratty niece. Maryanne's next rebellious act is planning to defame and destroy James, however, their relationship goes down a path filled with risks, consequences, and moments where lines should never be crossed.
This book… THIS BOOK!!! Lana Sky’s books fall under a very specific and unique category. Her writing is amazing and this book was such a page-turner for me. It’s filled with incredible twists and turns and has a ton of suspense! I’ve re-read the epilogue too many times to count and the last line makes me wish that this standalone had a sequel! This book is dark and covers serious topics so make sure to read content warnings before jumping in.
Refrain by Lana Sky
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Rating 5/5
Plot 5/5
Spice 4/5
Character Development 5/5
[I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book]
“Refrain” is the second book in Lana Sky’s Beautiful Monsters series. In this book, Espi Vialle is caught in the middle of a brutal gang war. Espi is torn between helping a woman with a broken past and escaping a world of crime that he no longer wants to be a part of.
I love Lana Sky’s writing. I was intrigued with Espi’s character in book 1 (“Crescendo”) and I’m glad Lana gave us his story. The storyline was written really well and I enjoyed the character development throughout this book. This book is filled with many twists and turns and it is just as dark as book 1. This is a dark dark dark romance novel and it’s more dark than romance. Make sure to check content warnings before jumping in.
Plot 5/5
Spice 4/5
Character Development 5/5
[I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book]
“Refrain” is the second book in Lana Sky’s Beautiful Monsters series. In this book, Espi Vialle is caught in the middle of a brutal gang war. Espi is torn between helping a woman with a broken past and escaping a world of crime that he no longer wants to be a part of.
I love Lana Sky’s writing. I was intrigued with Espi’s character in book 1 (“Crescendo”) and I’m glad Lana gave us his story. The storyline was written really well and I enjoyed the character development throughout this book. This book is filled with many twists and turns and it is just as dark as book 1. This is a dark dark dark romance novel and it’s more dark than romance. Make sure to check content warnings before jumping in.
Crescendo by Lana Sky
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
5.0
Rating 5/5
Plot 5/5
Spice 4/5
Character Development 5/5
[I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book]
“Crescendo” is the first book in Lana Sky’s Beautiful Monsters series. Daniela was held captive for five years by Vincent Stacatto, one of the most powerful crime lords in the city. Daniela becomes Vincent’s fiancé and after spending all these years under his control, Daniela learns that as long as she follows his rules and submits to his orders, she will be safe. However, when Daniela is kidnapped by a rival boss, she becomes a pawn in this brutal game.
The story is long and intense and dark and action-packed. The character and plot development are intriguing and complex. This is a dark dark dark romance novel and it’s more dark than romance. Make sure to check content warnings before jumping in.
Plot 5/5
Spice 4/5
Character Development 5/5
[I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book]
“Crescendo” is the first book in Lana Sky’s Beautiful Monsters series. Daniela was held captive for five years by Vincent Stacatto, one of the most powerful crime lords in the city. Daniela becomes Vincent’s fiancé and after spending all these years under his control, Daniela learns that as long as she follows his rules and submits to his orders, she will be safe. However, when Daniela is kidnapped by a rival boss, she becomes a pawn in this brutal game.
The story is long and intense and dark and action-packed. The character and plot development are intriguing and complex. This is a dark dark dark romance novel and it’s more dark than romance. Make sure to check content warnings before jumping in.
Barred Desires by Ashley James
challenging
reflective
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
5.0
[Received an ARC]
Rating 5/5
Plot 5/5
Spice 4/5
Character Development 5/5
“Barred Desires” is the first book in the “Deepest Desires Series” by Ashley James. This book tells the story of Luca Gray Hart and Branson (Bran) Joseph Adler. Luca and Bran are stepbrothers and haven’t had a close relationship until they move into a house with friends for college. Bran is openly gay and doesn’t do relationships. Luca has a girlfriend, however, he feels a connection towards Bran. Through forced proximity, the dynamic between Luca and Bran changes along with their feelings for one another.
“Barred Desires” is a forbidden MM stepbrother romance filled with emotional, steamy, and beautiful moments. This is Ashley James’ debut novel and she wrote an amazing book! The spice between Bran and Luca was hot and I also appreciated the serious moments and how Bran and Luca were there for each other during difficult times. I appreciated how James wrote about serious themes (e.g. panic attacks, nightmares), and I loved seeing Luca overcome his struggles. This is an interconnected series and I cannot wait to read about the other members in the friend group!
Rating 5/5
Plot 5/5
Spice 4/5
Character Development 5/5
“Barred Desires” is the first book in the “Deepest Desires Series” by Ashley James. This book tells the story of Luca Gray Hart and Branson (Bran) Joseph Adler. Luca and Bran are stepbrothers and haven’t had a close relationship until they move into a house with friends for college. Bran is openly gay and doesn’t do relationships. Luca has a girlfriend, however, he feels a connection towards Bran. Through forced proximity, the dynamic between Luca and Bran changes along with their feelings for one another.
“Barred Desires” is a forbidden MM stepbrother romance filled with emotional, steamy, and beautiful moments. This is Ashley James’ debut novel and she wrote an amazing book! The spice between Bran and Luca was hot and I also appreciated the serious moments and how Bran and Luca were there for each other during difficult times. I appreciated how James wrote about serious themes (e.g. panic attacks, nightmares), and I loved seeing Luca overcome his struggles. This is an interconnected series and I cannot wait to read about the other members in the friend group!