thesoulessrider's reviews
172 reviews

Meet Me in the Vines by Ginsa Michelle

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challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad 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

Donovan and Aubrey—their childhood connection forged by their families' business partnership—had a crush on each other since they were kids. But during Donovan's graduation party, everything unraveled. His mistake shattered their teenage romance, and Aubrey fled to NYC for university. 

Fast forward a decade, and Aubrey's trapped in a toxic relationship. Fate intervenes, pulling her back to Oakwood Valley. Donovan seizes this second chance with unwavering determination. He's the kind of guy who fights for love, even when Aubrey pushes him away like a ninja dodging shurikens. As the MMC, Donovan ticks all the boxes: protective, supportive, and unyielding. 

Ginsa's writing is crystal clear—I could visualize every part. The book packs a punch of spice, and I cried rivers (only my pillow knows how much!). From Aubrey's abusive ex to the road of forgiveness, grief, and recovery, MMITV wrecked my heart. And that epilogue? It left me with happy tears. Highly recommend this emotional rollercoaster! Keep your tissues close.🤧

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A Desolate Spring by C. E. J. Greveson

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challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Meet Billie, our half-seer college student. She's got this whole "avoid touch like the plague" thing going on—relatable, right? But then, out of the blue, she receives a letter from a school for the gifted. Picture Hogwarts, minus the giant groundskeeper. And guess what? Billie is also a romance reader! The book vibes? Totally "Fantastic Beasts" ! 

Now, let's talk about Lincoln. Dark fantasy? Check. Dirty mouth? Double check. When the magical school conveniently misplaces crucial documents about Billie's species, Lincoln steps in. Slow burn alert! Strangers become friends, and friends become lovers. Their banter? Sizzling. Billie discovers her badass powers (cue applause), and Lincoln's shifter form? 🔥 Hot damn! But wait, there's more: Sara and Holden, the ride-or-die friends we all need. 

The action scenes? Mind-blowing. The grief? Heart-wrenching. And the ending? More cliffhangers than a Netflix series. Book 2, hurry up! So, grab your cozy blanket, brew some tea, and dive into this low-spice fantasy gem. Rainy day or not, ADS will whisk you away to a world where magic and romance collide. 🌧️📖✨

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Until We Trust by Lilly Henderson

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful fast-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

4.75

Tessa's life isn't a fairy tale. She's juggling her florist shop, raising her teenage brother, and dealing with the aftermath of her parents' passing. But then she meets Paul, and suddenly, life takes an unexpected turn. 🌼 Paul, with his adorable therapy dog Hank (a Golden Retriever, no less!), crashes into Tessa's world. Their first encounter—was it a meet-cute?—sets the stage for a whirlwind romance. Insta-love blooms, and Paul's determination to woo Tessa is both endearing and relatable. As someone who battles anxiety and overthinking, I felt a kinship with Tessa. Paul's reassuring presence made me yearn for my own special someone. 🥺 

And let’s talk about the spice—the chemistry between Tessa and Paul was pretty darn good! Paul knew the ropes, and their magical kiss? *swoons*. The epilogue tied it all together beautifully. So, grab a box of tissues and immerse yourself in this emotional rollercoaster. UWT is already out, and it’s a must-read for anyone seeking a heartwarming escape. 💖📖

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The Very First Night by Nicole Ryan

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful 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

TVFN took me on a delightful rollercoaster ride through time, love, and self-discovery. Kat, the witty and relatable protagonist, stumbles upon her ex at a friend's wedding, and suddenly, she's whisked back to her university days. But this isn't your typical nostalgia trip—Kat's mission? To right past wrongs and maybe, just maybe, find the right guy. Enter Tanner, our sweet, cheeky heartthrob. From the get-go, I was Team Tanner (Elijah, who? 🙅‍♂️). His vibes were as off as a broken Wi-Fi connection, and I was practically yelling, "Ditch him, Kat! Choose Tanner!" 📢 

Nicole, a fellow Swiftie, sprinkles Taylor Swift references throughout the book (cue the "Love Story" soundtrack). Jenna, Kat's BFF, is the kind of friend we all need—loyal, sassy, and always ready with a meme. But let's talk about Tanner: considerate, smitten since day one, and with eyes that light up like a notification on a freshly charged iPhone. His POV? I craved more of it, like an extra scoop of ice cream on a hot day. And those jaw-dropping moments? Trust me, they hit harder than accidentally sending a screenshot to the person you're gossiping about. 😱 

Nicole, you've outdone yourself! I laughed, cried, and wanted to hug Kat! And that ending? 🤯 Let's just say it's like finding a unicorn in a coffee shop—unexpectedly magical. So grab your favorite latte, cozy up, and dive into "TVFN." It's a wild ride, and you won't regret it! 

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All My Kisses for You by Monica Murphy

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challenging emotional funny hopeful 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

4.5

As a devoted reader, I was thrilled to revisit the Lancaster series with "AMKFY." Crew, the ultimate girl dad, stole my heart. Willow's return to Lancaster Prep after a year abroad sets the stage for romance. Rhett, the star QB, instantly catches her eye, even though she still harbors feelings for Silas. Their push-and-pull dynamic kept me turning pages. And Iris—Whit's daughter—is the social butterfly, while Willow remains the quiet observer. Their contrasting personalities add depth to the story.

Rhett's obsession with Willow is both swoon-worthy and frustratingly slow burn. Whenever he calls her 'Will,' my heart flutters. Lancaster's cozy vacation home becomes a haven for their budding romance. Rhett's respect for Willow—always ensuring she's seen—made me root for them. And that bonus chapter? It left me hungry for more, especially Iris and Brooks' story. So grab your favorite drink, snuggle up, and immerse yourself in this captivating tale of love, and banter.

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One Fired Up Fourth by Claire Raye

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challenging emotional funny tense medium-paced

4.75

Aida's house-sitting this dreamy beach house. And then there's Ben, the playboy next door with his raving parties that are so wild, even the cops can't resist dropping by. 🚔 And guess what? He's got his eyes on her from the get-go, wanting to do all the things that make you go 'Men!' 🙈 

They're both fresh out of college, and there's Amanda her sister who's just a riot—I seriously can't get enough of her. And Ben's grandma, Miriam? She's out there living her best life with zero chill, and I'm here for it. 😂 The crazy competitions Ben and Aida get into just keep bringing them closer, and those parties of his? They're legendary. But it's the romantic gestures that really make me melt. 💕 His thoughts are so spicy that I'm over here fanning myself like it's mid-July. 

And let me tell you, the heat between them? It's a mix of hilarious and sizzling hot. This small-town island romance is all about that community where everyone's up in your business, but when push comes to shove, they've got your back. So yeah, this book had me rolling with laughter and rooting for love. You've gotta check it out. And just saying, Grandma Miriam is the icon we didn't know we needed! SO PUCKING LOVE HER...

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Paging Dr. Hart - Spicy by Melissa Dymond

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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

4.75

PDH is the kind of romance that hits you right in the feels and leaves you begging for more. Dr. Tiffany, our resident grumpy radiologist, is the epitome of an ice queen, but who can blame her with a backstory like that? Enter Dr. Ethan, the human embodiment of a Care Bear's Funshine—literally the sunniest MMC to grace the pages of a novel. Their banter is the stuff of legends, and Ethan's ability to make Tiffany feel safe is #relationshipgoals 

From Tiffany's POV, it's a classic rivals-to-lovers tale, but let's be real—Ethan is the charming boy-next-door that has everyone swooning on sight. There were moments when I found myself whispering, "You and me both, sista," because Tiffany's thoughts on Ethan are basically a mirror to my own. 😂 And Ethan, if you're out there, your smile is so adorable it should be illegal. I just want to pinch those cheeks! As an only child, Tiffany's longing for connection resonated with me on a spiritual level. And the Swiftie easter eggs scattered throughout the book? They had me belting out tunes mid-read. Shoutout to Melissa for being a fellow Swiftie! 

But let's talk about the Magic Kingdom moments—I'm a certified Disney adult, and I was living for every magical second of #Ethany's adventure. It's the kind of Disney romance that makes you believe in fairytales again. The ending? Spicy and satisfying, with just enough loose ends to have me counting down the days until book two drops. Melissa, you've left me with a book hangover and a burning curiosity for what comes next. So, when's the sequel hitting the shelves? I've got questions, and they need answers, stat!

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Auctioned to the Vampire by Rosalyn Stirling

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dark emotional hopeful 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

Rowan's journey from being shackled for auction to finding unexpected love had me hooked from the start. His virgin vampire status was a refreshing take that piqued my curiosity, and his sparkling skin was reminiscent of the vampires from Twilight, but with a charm all his own. The respect he showed Nemera, always seeking consent, made their connection even more compelling. And the gift he presented her? Swoonfest! 

The cameos sprinkled throughout the novella brought a smile to my face, serving as delightful easter eggs for KBAD fans. It's clear that "Auctioned to the Vampire" is not just a prequel to KBAD but also stands strong as a standalone novella. The action, heartbreak, and spice are perfectly balanced, culminating in a HEA that left me thoroughly satisfied. Plus, the bonus chapter? It's the steamy cherry on top that had me fanning myself.

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Come Break My Heart Again: A Second Chance Romance by C.W. Farnsworth

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challenging dark emotional hopeful sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Elle and Ryder's rollercoaster romance in CBMHA totally nails the vibe. It's all about second chances and real talk. Elle's got her life on track as a lawyer, and Ryder's making strides as a blue-collar worker after his stint in jail. Their love story is a classic 'almost' but not quite—until now.

I'm here for the flashbacks to their teen years; that's where the sparks first flew. The present-day scenes are cool, but those memories? They're the heart of the story. And the slow burn? It's like waiting for your favorite coffee to cool—it's worth it, but you're itching to dive in.

The side characters add so much color, especially Scout, Elle's loyal dog. And that ending—no spoilers, but it's the kind of finish that has you cheering. Plus, the besties might just be the low-key MVPs, giving our #Lory the nudge towards that epic happily ever after. Heartbreaking and heartwarming, this book's a ride I didn't want to end.

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Worth The Risk by Bea Borges

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful 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

4.75

OMG, let's talk about Rhett—the tattooed NHL player turned high school coach who's giving us major heart eyes. 😍 After an injury, he's back in town, and guess who's still got him all tangled up? Winnie, his bestie's little sister, who's basically my spirit animal. She's the queen of the local bakery and a total klutz, but we love her for it, right? 🧁 Winnie's been through some stuff, and she's got this whole 'I'm fine' act down, but we know better. Anxiety's a beast, but she's handling it like a pro—kinda like how I roll. And when Rhett calls her 'Honeybee'? Ugh, my heart can't even! 🐝💖 

These two are endgame, and Rhett's all in for a second shot with Winnie. And hello, grey sweatpants alert! 🫣 Why does he have to be so perfect? He's the guy who'll listen to you gush about your obsessions all day, as long as you're his Honeybee. 🥰 Their moments together? Pure magic. Rhett's not just fighting for a second chance—he's proving he's the ultimate MMC by being there for Winnie when she's under the weather. Total swoon fest!🫠 And the guessing game they play? You'll get it when you dive into this book—it's the cutest thing ever. 😏 

Even though the romance is more closed door, it's still got me feeling all the feels. WTR is the small-town rom-com that's perfect for spring vibes and all about that sweet, sweet love. Can't wait to see Colt and Mare find their HEA. Because let's face it, we're all here for that happily ever after. 📚💑

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