thesoulessrider's reviews
163 reviews

Huckleberry by Aubrey Taylor, Jessica Norton

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dark emotional funny hopeful tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I gotta say, the playlist that comes with Huckleberry is a total vibe—props to Jessica and Aubrey for that. It introduced me to some fresh tunes, just like when I read Aubrey's Bad Honey. Now, onto the story: Logan's life hasn’t been easy, especially as a single mom dealing with a deadbeat ex. But Crew, the veteran cowboy, is a total softie for her—he's been smitten from the start. Any man who cares for his woman when she’s down gets major brownie points in my book, and the aftercare? Chef’s kiss. The bond between Crew and Ash felt so genuine, like he was Ash’s real dad. And let me just say, Crew is 100% swoon material—I’m floating on cloud nine over here! The spice was pretty good for a contemporary romance. Logan’s line, “People like me don’t get to be happy,” hit me right in the feels—I relate to that so much. The endearments in this book had me swooning all over again. Aubrey and Jessica really nailed the HEA. If you’re into cowboy romance, I highly recommend this one. Just a heads-up: check the TW and take care of your mental health!
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Oceansong by C.W. Rose

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dark emotional hopeful tense slow-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

Meet Angie, the grumpy  human aspiring marine biologist working for her dad. Kaden? He's the sunshine merman (who’s also a prince—cough) who can't stop smirking at her—total 😍, you know? 😊 But hold up! There's a legit war between merfolks and landwalkers (think Romeo and Juliet vibes). Nick? Ugh, total jerk. He deserves worse than hell. 😡 I'm all about keeping Angie safe from him. The mer kingdom? Mind-blowing! 🧜🏻 Imagine if merfolks were real? 😃 Anyway, Kaden and Angie's love? Star-crossed AF! War keeps them apart most of the time, and it's like, 'Gore, grief', and the spice was mild because I'm a dark romance reader. 🫣 But guess what? They get their HEA! 🥳 And get this—it's C.W.'s debut! World-building? 👨🏻‍🍳💋. Please go through the TW 
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Wicked Serve by Grace Reilly

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dark emotional funny hopeful tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Izzy, our quintessential volleyball Barbie (think pink on pink on pink), shares a sizzling summer fling with Nikolai, the smoldering hot hockey player. Their friends-with-benefits arrangement (which, let's be real, was love from the get-go) evolves against a backdrop of parental pressure and zero breathing room. Cooper, the protective big brother and a fantastic friend, adds depth to the story. And oh, Nik—his dirty mouth is both sinful and endearing! 🥵And speaking of heat, this book is hotter than a beach bonfire! 🔥 Izzy and Nik’s chemistry is off the charts, and their journey from summer fling to something deeper is a rollercoaster of emotions. I cheered as he chose growth for himself and their relationship. Izzy, the kind of girl every Nik deserves, stole my heart. As a ice hockey romance enthusiast, I sprinted to sign up for this ARC. Highly recommend this interconnected standalone—it's the grand finale of the series! 🏒🔥 Don't forget to check the TW!
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Bloody Fingers & Red Lipstick by Dolores Lane

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challenging dark emotional hopeful tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Lucy, our badass protagonist, instantly won me over. As an author, she's fierce, and Dubh—a mafia man trapped in an asylum—piques my interest. Richard? Despicable! He got what he deserved. Monsters? Let's take 'em down! MMC who reads? Music to my ears. The 50's setting with a modern twist? Brilliant—I'm not usually into historical, but this worked. Lucy's sass ("Nuh-uh, Mr. Cuckoo") had me laughing, especially when I called Dubh cuckoo too! The power dynamics? A+! Dubh's a maniac, but he's total book boyfriend material through and through. And the smut? A whopping 40%! Lucy's got balls, and little Sabrina stole my heart. That epilogue? 🥹 I devoured this book in 24 hours (when my brain allowed). Remember to check the TW/CW—it's gloriously unhinged!
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Ivory's Ruin: A Bad Boy Good Girl Biker Romance by Siberia Johnson

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challenging dark emotional tense slow-paced

5.0

From the moment Adrian and Ivory lock eyes, their chemistry sizzles hotter than a summer beach day. Adrian, the swoon-worthy stylist biker with a man bun, had me melting like an ice cream cone in August. His whispered "Good girl" turned Ivory into a puddle, and honestly, who wouldn't want an Adrian in their life? He's the ultimate book bf, accepting Ivory for who she truly is and making her feel worth it! 🥰 The college setting adds to the allure, and the spice level? Off the charts! 💦  Fetch BOB! With a dash of action, a solid plot, and banter that'll make you grin, this thick book is a must-read. I've ARC read book 1, so it was great to see Caspian and Nia back in this book. Highly recommend! And don't forget to check the TW/CW! 
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The spell caster by Tamsin Hawthorn

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful tense slow-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

Layla, the enigmatic spell caster who struggles with summoning her familiar (or perhaps she's uniquely gifted?), embarks on a thrilling journey alongside her steadfast childhood friend, Costi (aka Constantine), the unwavering guardian. Angels and witches clash in a centuries-old war, and Layla's sense of not quite fitting in resonates deeply with me. Her vulnerability and the weight of disappointing others mirror my own experiences. From the very start, I sensed that Costi and Layla were destined for each other, yet fate conspired to keep them apart. Tamsin's world-building is nothing short of enchanting, especially considering this is her debut novel. The playful banter between our protagonists adds a delightful spark, and Sativa's kindness toward Layla stands out amidst the chaos. Brace yourself for unexpected twists—I was genuinely shocked at one point! As I eagerly await book 2, I'm grateful to have kicked off this month with a captivating YA fantasy. 🌟🔮📖
The Afterthought by K.M. Baker

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dark emotional hopeful tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Greyson, the brooding bad boy, shattered Ava's heart and ghosted her like a pro. Fast-forward seven years, and Ava's back in town, rocking the PI gig because, well, family emergencies wait for no one. 🕵️‍♀️ And guess what? Greyson fcking Hayes, the man with more tattoos than brain cells (in a good way, I swear), is hotter than a summer day in hell. 😈 Seriously, he's like a mix of Luca and Diesel—both unhinged, both irresistible. 😏 

Now, hold onto your books, because Grayson pulls out all the stops to win Ava back. The dude's got moves, people! He calls her "little shadow," and suddenly, I'm melting like a forgotten ice cream cone in July. 🍦But let's talk about Ava. She's not just a love-struck mess; she's also an epic sister to Chloe. She flips her life upside down for her sis, and that's some serious dedication. 💪 

Sure, there's a miscommunication hiccup (ugh, classic romance trope), but the plot? Oh, it's juicy! We're talking 60% spice and a whopping 40% plot twists. And Ms. Baker, you sly genius! Those twists hit me like a freight train. 🤯 The ending? Stellar. But hey, before you dive in, check the TW/CW. Mental health matters, folks! 
 
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The Veiled Heir by S.T. Fernandez

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful 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

Ash, the marine biologist, isn't just the ocean's queen; she's the heir to freakin' Atlantis! And no, it's nothing like "Atlantis: The Lost Empire." Imagine Aquaman's vibe, but with more secrets and sass.

Draevyn—oh, he's the one who keeps pulling Ash out of her head. Trust me, short notice or not, she's got this. The world-building? Mind-blowing. It's like handing a kid a bar of chocolate and watching their eyes widen in wonder.

😍 Now let’s come back to talk about Drae 😍. Total book boyfriend material, this guy. His bond with Ash? 👨🏻‍🍳💋. The spice level? Just right 🥵🤌🏻. Drea knows how to worship his queen, and I’m here for it! Oh, and Lux? He’s my ride-or-die book bestie. That cliffhanger ending?😱 Stephanie, girl, hurry up with book 2🙏🏻—I need answers STAT! 😭 Kidding! Take your time.
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Obedience, Vol. 1 by Lizzie B. Brown

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emotional hopeful tense medium-paced

4.0

So, Josh—the smoldering professor—gets dumped by his long-term girlfriend. Ouch! But guess what? He's back in the playboy game, and things are about to get hotter than a jalapeño emoji! 🔥 When Cassie drops that "On your knees!" bomb, I legit gasped. The tables turn, my friend—Josh goes from dom to sub. 🙊 

And Cassie? Oh, she's a naughty kitty, meow! 🐱 Trapped by her family, she's all about control struggles. I feel that—I've got my own battles with control, ya know? 🤷‍♀️ But here's the twist: Josh is not just any MMC. He's older, vulnerable due to his past, and rocking those grey sweatpants. 😏 And when Cassie whispers those two magic words—“good boy”—he melts like a scoop of gelato on a hot summer day. 

Two vulnerable souls, like puzzle pieces searching for their match. 🧩 This book? Funnier than I expected!  Thanks, Lizzie—you saved me from a dark romance slump. 🙌🏻 And guess what? A little birdie said all the episodes are available on Kindle Vella, including a sneak peek at the next installment. Gosh, Lizzie! Where is book 2? 😭
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Sin Like The Devil by J. Rose

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


 Ripley, our fierce artist protagonist, is a badass with bipolar disorder. Lennox, the grumpy hot bear, stirs up all sorts of emotions. But it's Raine who steals the show—a silver-tongued flirt in scruffy t-shirts, and oh, did I mention he's a sexy violinist? 🎻 Raine, you sly dog, how did you know I'm into musicians? 😏 

Xander, the enigmatic Ice Man, calls Ripley his "little toy." But she's no damsel—she knows how to thaw him out. I saw myself in Ripley—a mirror reflection of chaos and strength. And Raine? He's my favorite of the trio. 

The spice level might be mild for me, but the book? Utterly unhinged! And beneath the surface, SLAD is about survival—even if it means embracing your darker side. 4 broken souls find solace in each other's shattered pieces, weaving a tale of resilience and passion. I beg you to check the TW/CW because your mental health matters. I repeat, this book is so unhinged! Highly recommend diving into this rollercoaster of emotions—I'm already itching for the sequel! 
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