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poupimali's reviews
582 reviews
The Manchineel by Jessica Carrasquillo
dark
tense
fast-paced
4.5
I can’t believe this is Jessica’s debut novel
If you like Lily White, you will like this story.
The audio narrated in duet by Bianca Santos and Jason Manuel Olazabal is amazing. It enlightens the depth of the protagonists, Elyse and Ben, as they navigate their respective hells.
Elyse is a gifted botanist haunted by her past, and Ben is stuck in an abusive marriage, weighed down by family expectations. Both are flawed, deeply human characters whose decisions will make you question your own sense of right and wrong.
This story is a dark, twisty exploration of trauma, toxic relationships, and morally complex characters.
If you love psychological thrillers with complex, messy characters, this one will keep you hooked until the last page.
TW
Rape of a child
Murders
Domestic violence
Toxic relationship
Cheating
If you like Lily White, you will like this story.
The audio narrated in duet by Bianca Santos and Jason Manuel Olazabal is amazing. It enlightens the depth of the protagonists, Elyse and Ben, as they navigate their respective hells.
Elyse is a gifted botanist haunted by her past, and Ben is stuck in an abusive marriage, weighed down by family expectations. Both are flawed, deeply human characters whose decisions will make you question your own sense of right and wrong.
This story is a dark, twisty exploration of trauma, toxic relationships, and morally complex characters.
If you love psychological thrillers with complex, messy characters, this one will keep you hooked until the last page.
TW
Rape of a child
Murders
Domestic violence
Toxic relationship
Cheating
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Holly Freakin' Hughes by Kelsey Kingsley
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.0
Honestly, it’s a corny story featuring thirty-something characters (which is refreshing) and makes for easy reading.
But…
The stereotypes were a bit too patriarchal for my taste: women cry (a lot), they want children, and dream of living in a big mansion with a wealthy, drop-dead gorgeous husband. Insert eye roll.
The narration is a duet, and some characters are hilarious, like Esther, the elderly neighbor, or Anna Banana.
So, yes to the audiobook, but not so much to the book itself.
Tropes
- friends to lovers
- small town
- famous writer / babysitter
- slow burn
- no spice
- third act breakup
- friends to lovers
- small town
- famous writer / babysitter
- slow burn
- no spice
- third act breakup
He Sees You When You're Sleeping by Alta Hensley
funny
fast-paced
4.0
I had a good time reading this cute spicy stalker hallmark book.
Chloe has a double life: influencer in the day light, cam girl at night.
Jake is a special firefighter. He also likes to stand outside the window of Chloe.
This story is quite funny and steamy, has “Light Out” vibes for sure and it’s fast pace.
No special trigger warning and spice rate: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Voyeurism kink ++
Chloe has a double life: influencer in the day light, cam girl at night.
Jake is a special firefighter. He also likes to stand outside the window of Chloe.
This story is quite funny and steamy, has “Light Out” vibes for sure and it’s fast pace.
No special trigger warning and spice rate: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Beneath Your Beautiful by Adaline Winters
funny
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Lucy Rivers and Connor Brown bring this intense, raw, and emotionally charged story to life with powerful narration that perfectly captures the characters’ trauma, resilience, and chemistry.
It’s a dual narration.
It’s a dual narration.
Honor endures unimaginable abuse at the hands of her husband, Gideon, a dangerously powerful DA. Her escape from his clutches sets the stage for a gripping tale of survival, healing, and unexpected love. Along the way, Honor, now Cleo, meets Fox, a hardened ex-military bodyguard with his own troubled past. Their slow-burn romance is riddled with trust issues, explosive chemistry, and moments of tenderness.
This book isn’t just a romance—it’s a psychological exploration of healing after abuse, combined with elements of suspense, action, and steamy moments that keep you turning the pages.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Medical trauma, and Gaslighting
The Men of Summer Collection by L. Blakely
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
The way Grant and Declan navigate their journey—discussing intimacy, opening up about sex, discovering themselves, each others and learning to communicate—is so genuine and refreshing. Their relationship grows beautifully, and the story is as inclusive as it is full of love.
The lighthearted tone of the first book is a joy, while the second book is an emotional rollercoaster that breaks your heart and puts it back together even stronger. The third will absolutely heal you and gives you the HEA we all deserve.
And also:
We need more Cyndis (Declan’s mum) in this world.
This is a touching journey of a wonderful couple learning, growing, loving apart and together.
Thank you so much Lauren for writing this beautiful, lighthearted, emotional story. It's been a long time since I have cried so much with joy while reading.
Thank you Teddy and Jacob for your incredible narration. You put two amazing characters into life exactly how they should be.
If you love Schitt’s Creek, please dive into this story. It will worth every second of your time.
The lighthearted tone of the first book is a joy, while the second book is an emotional rollercoaster that breaks your heart and puts it back together even stronger. The third will absolutely heal you and gives you the HEA we all deserve.
And also:
We need more Cyndis (Declan’s mum) in this world.
This is a touching journey of a wonderful couple learning, growing, loving apart and together.
Thank you so much Lauren for writing this beautiful, lighthearted, emotional story. It's been a long time since I have cried so much with joy while reading.
Thank you Teddy and Jacob for your incredible narration. You put two amazing characters into life exactly how they should be.
If you love Schitt’s Creek, please dive into this story. It will worth every second of your time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, Outing, and Abandonment
Trick Shot by Kayla Grosse
fast-paced
4.0
This novella is narrated by by Aiden Snow, Grayson Owens and Victoria Connolly in a “dual” narration way.
The story is everything you want in a holiday romance: spicy, hilarious, and surprisingly heartwarming. Leo, Jace and Riley feel real, the chemistry is off the charts, and it’s impossible not to root for these three to find their happily ever after. Whether you’re here for the spice or the story, this one delivers in every way.
The story is everything you want in a holiday romance: spicy, hilarious, and surprisingly heartwarming. Leo, Jace and Riley feel real, the chemistry is off the charts, and it’s impossible not to root for these three to find their happily ever after. Whether you’re here for the spice or the story, this one delivers in every way.
Midnight Stage by Sheridan Anne
dark
fast-paced
1.5
That was ok until 85%.
Not good, not wow. But ok.
And then, it was the most chaotic, unrealistic ending ever.
I lost 4 days of my life reading about an enemies to lovers book with an abused FMC, an a-hole MMC, a weird reunion full of “I bought a house for us to live in it 3 years ago when it was over 6 years we didn’t see or talk to each other because you hated me and I was being a rockstar” and a father who can magically appears in the other side of the world in front of a hotel room in 3h to r_pe on line his daughter and died castrated. And 4 months later, we are engaged in the middle of the concert and pregnant right after.
I was laughing so hard, it was indecent. How could anyone let this happen?
And to my surprise, the Portugal moved near the Pacific Ocean.
That was awkward.
Not good, not wow. But ok.
And then, it was the most chaotic, unrealistic ending ever.
I was laughing so hard, it was indecent. How could anyone let this happen?
And to my surprise, the Portugal moved near the Pacific Ocean.
That was awkward.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Rape
The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
Third act breakup
Death by motorcycle accident
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
I love it
I love it
I love it
The audio is narrated by Erin Mallon and Zachary Webber.
I love it
I love it
The audio is narrated by Erin Mallon and Zachary Webber.
Sloane Jason And Tucker 🐶 are part of me since the first time I’ve read this book and the audio confirms it.
Jason is the ultimate boyfriend. Kind, thoughtful, I know he also is described as typical man (he fixes things, he fishes, hunts…). But still.
This story is like a comfort blanket to me.
Jason is the ultimate boyfriend. Kind, thoughtful, I know he also is described as typical man (he fixes things, he fishes, hunts…). But still.
This story is like a comfort blanket to me.
Secret identity
Rockstar romance
Dog sitting of convenience
He falls first and hard.
He falls first and hard.
Death by motorcycle accident
Spice 🌶️/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Minor: Addiction
Rules of Our Own by J. Wilder
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
This book is narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Stella Hunter in dual
This story is a delicious mix of heart, heat, and drama.
If you’re a fan of second chances, emotional intensity, and unconventional love stories with a side of spice, this is for you.
Mia is a pediatric intern. Alex and River are famous hockey players.
Reunited few years later, after a terrible party night, they fall one after the other in what it was always meant to be 🫠
The pacing is excellent, balancing heartfelt moments, a bit of tension with a lot of steamy scenes.
While Jason’s villainy (the ex) might feel a tad exaggerated at times, it adds the necessary plot.
The epilogue ties everything together beautifully, leaving you satisfied yet wanting more of these character
Tropes:
Second chance
One cabin/one bed
Doctor / Hockey players
Menage
(Kink: shibari)
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This story is a delicious mix of heart, heat, and drama.
If you’re a fan of second chances, emotional intensity, and unconventional love stories with a side of spice, this is for you.
Mia is a pediatric intern. Alex and River are famous hockey players.
Reunited few years later, after a terrible party night, they fall one after the other in what it was always meant to be 🫠
The pacing is excellent, balancing heartfelt moments, a bit of tension with a lot of steamy scenes.
While Jason’s villainy (the ex) might feel a tad exaggerated at times, it adds the necessary plot.
The epilogue ties everything together beautifully, leaving you satisfied yet wanting more of these character
Tropes:
Second chance
One cabin/one bed
Doctor / Hockey players
Menage
(Kink: shibari)
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Gaslighting
The Long Game by Elena Armas
medium-paced
3.0
This book is narrated by Frankie Corzo and Shane East in dual
I don’t know if it’s the audio or the story but I really had a difficult time to connect with Adalyn.
I found her annoying sometimes.
This is a cute - slow burn - enemies to lovers where Cameron falls hard and first.
Spice: 🌶️/5
I don’t know if it’s the audio or the story but I really had a difficult time to connect with Adalyn.
I found her annoying sometimes.
This is a cute - slow burn - enemies to lovers where Cameron falls hard and first.
Spice: 🌶️/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders