thesoulessrider's reviews
170 reviews

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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What Happens in Idaho by Bonnie Jo Pierson

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dark emotional hopeful sad tense slow-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

4.0

Lillian's return to her hometown after years of heartache sets the stage for a captivating tale. Enter Blake, the irresistible hotshot with a dirty mind and a past that haunts him. But there's more to Blake than meets the eye—he's a devoted single dad to Maddie, a special needs child who steals every scene with her wit and charm. As Lili and Blake navigate their complicated feelings, grief and guilt swirl around them, threatening to pull them under. I gasped, I laughed, and I prayed for their second chance at love. This book delivers a closed-door romance that tugs at your heartstrings, exploring forgiveness, redemption, and the messy beauty of life. And let's talk about Blake—the way he loves Maddie unconditionally? Cue the tears🥹. Even though it took me a while to finish, that epilogue? Mind-blowing! 
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Oh No, I Stole An Alien Furball And Kissed A Beastmaster by Kate Sinner

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful reflective fast-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

Zoe got abducted by aliens (yeah, you heard me right), now punches the clock at their swanky otherworldly hotel. The irresistible alien hunk—Taruk, AKA Beast—totally underestimates her. But here's where it gets spicy: their chemistry? Sizzling. 🔥 As their connection deepens (cue heart eyes), the hunt begins. 🕵️‍♀️ Turns out, they're on a wild goose chase for that adorable fluffball. And let me tell you, it's like a rollercoaster ride through a galaxy-sized romance novel. 🌌
Taruk knows the way to Zoe's heart, and it's paved with stardust and secrets. But wait for it—the bonus chapter! Taruk pulls a surprise out of his alien hat (or whatever he wears). 🎩🌟 Zoe's heart does a little somersault. 😍 Forget the stars; Taruk just became her personal constellation. 🌠✨
And guess what? I've read book one too! 📚 It was like spotting old friends in a cosmic coffee shop. ☕️ Seeing the cast from the first book? 👨🏻‍🍳💋 So, if you're into instant love, excitement, this novella is your jam.👽✨ Your mental health matters so go through the TW/CW
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Once Charmed, Twice Cursed by Shaylin Gandhi

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious slow-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

Bria’s life is marked by luck, while Weston seems to be the opposite. Their connection runs deep, and she’s loved him for what feels like forever. When it’s time for her to find her happily ever after, she expects Weston to whisk her away. Picture “The Princess Bride” colliding with enchanting magic. The book even gives me vibes of the anime “Hotarubi no Mori e”  Iykyk. 

This romantasy novel serves up a light, emotionally charged blend of feelings🌶. There's a pinch of action to keep things interesting, but the real angst lies in the tangled web of emotions between Bria and Weston—
especially when his alter ego, Jack, enters the scene.
By the end, I liked Brendan (Bria's brother, who turned out to be a standout character) and despising Bria's mother (what an awful woman!). The ending, complete with an epilogue, left me satisfied. And let's talk about the world-building—it's solid! 

So, grab this gem on a rainy day, cozy up, and immerse yourself in merman magic. Highly recommended, especially if you're a "Princess Bride" fan! 
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