Tag: Competent Heroine

Butcher & Blackbird | Brynne Weaver

Posted 05/13/2024 by Hilarye in Book Reviews / 0 Comments
Butcher & Blackbird | Brynne Weaver
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Spice Level: 5 Flames
Series: Ruinous Love #1
Published by Zando on 10/23/2023
Format: Kindle (355 Pages)
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Butcher and Blackbird is a dark romantic comedy about two serial killers who only kill other serial killers. Think: a sweet, protective Dexter meets an artsy, sassy female Dexter—but make it a rom-com. There’s pining and piercings, a little light stalking, some cooking, and, of course, killing, dismemberment, elaborate crime scenes, lobotomized butlers, and mildly inappropriate use of a mummified corpse. Basically, it’s a lot of messed-up serial killer chaos. It’s pretty awesome. Oh—and every year, they play a rousing game of who-can-identify-hunt-and-kill-the-serial-killer-first—you know, for funsies.  Sloane and Rowan, our serial killer couple, meet by chance when they unknowingly go […]

Midnight Duet | Jen Comfort

Posted 04/15/2024 by Hilarye in Book Reviews / 0 Comments
Midnight Duet | Jen Comfort
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Spice Level: 4 Flames
Published by Montlake on 01/10/2023
Format: Kindle (347 Pages)
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Erika Greene (Phantom reference #1) was once a Tony-nominated Broadway star, and playing Fantine in Les Misérables was her crowning achievement. A diva at heart, Erika loved performing. She loved being in the spotlight, she loved being adored by her fans, and she especially loved being the center of attention. But all that disappeared after a tragic accident left her face badly scarred (Phantom reference #2), her reputation ruined, and her career over. While Erika is recovering in the hospital, she learns she’s inherited an early-twentieth-century theater from her late grandmother, and it’s in Paris…Nevada. Feeling like a […]

Rootbound | Tarah DeWitt

Posted 04/01/2024 by Hilarye in Book Reviews / 0 Comments
Rootbound | Tarah DeWitt
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Spice Level: 4 Flames
All-Time Favorite
Published by St. Martin’s Griffin on 05/02/2023
Format: Kindle (336 Pages)
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Tait and Henry’s relationship is so wholesome and healthy—from strangers to friends to lovers. I loved everything about them. Tait is creative, strong, and independent. Henry is patient, loyal, and gentile. Both carry baggage they’ve needed to put down for much too long. But this book is so much more than Tait and Henry’s romance. This book is about facing your fears, finding your footing, breaking through the limitations you’ve imposed on yourself, opening your heart, untangling your roots, and finally letting yourself grow. “When you buy a new plant, you often have to cut the roots when […]

Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands | Heather Fawcett

Posted 03/25/2024 by Hilarye in Book Reviews / 0 Comments
Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands | Heather Fawcett
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Spice Level: 2 Flames
Series: Emily Wilde #2
Published by Del Rey on 01/16/2024
Format: Kindle (340 Pages)
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Heather Fawcett has done it again. She successfully created a new fantasy wonderland filled with Fae, both deadly and delightful, and then sent Emily and Wendell on a quest that kept me turning pages until the wee hours of the morning. One of the things I enjoyed most about the first book was the way the story was told in a journal-like format. Thankfully not much has changed, and we still get to experience the story through Emily’s detailed journal entries. The events of this book take place about a year after the end of book 1. Emily is […]

The Rom-Commers | Katherine Center

Posted 03/18/2024 by Hilarye in ARC Review, Book Reviews / 0 Comments
The Rom-Commers | Katherine Center
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Spice Level: 1 Flames
Published by St. Martin’s Press on 06/11/2024
Format: DRC (321 Pages)
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This was my first book by Katherine Center, and it will definitely not be my last. I was hooked from the first page and voraciously devoured Emma & Charlie’s story. I was pleasantly surprised how Center effortlessly spun a fun and epic love story but managed to sprinkle in bits of tragedy, hardship, and perseverance. The more somber moments didn’t detract from the levity of the story. They, in fact, made it better; more believable & real. Just two wonderfully flawed characters, trying their best to deal with the tragedies of their past. All while hoping for a […]

Bride | Ali Hazelwood

Posted 03/15/2024 by Hilarye in Book Reviews / 0 Comments
Bride | Ali Hazelwood
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Spice Level: 4 Flames
Published by Berkley on 02/06/2024
Format: Kindle (410 Pages)
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All of Ali Hazelwood’s books follow pretty much the same formula. A smart, sassy, accomplished woman with some much-deserved baggage is forced to spend time with an equally smart, slightly grumpy, golden retriever of a man with baggage of his own. They are both, naturally, very easy on the eyes. Mix together a hefty helping of witty banter, some complicated feelings, a dash of angsty longing, and lots of sexual tension until you get a couple that finally realizes they are in love. Sexy time ensues. Introduce a small conflict or misunderstanding, have a brief yet terrible third-act […]

Matching All the Way | Veronica Eden

Posted 01/15/2024 by Hilarye in Book Reviews / 0 Comments
Matching All the Way | Veronica Eden
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Spice Level: 5 Flames
All-Time Favorite
Published by Independent Publisher on 12/18/23
Format: Kindle (384 Pages)
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Eve Lombard is a quirky, neurodivergent (ADHD), creative, who hyper-focuses, forgets to eat, & buys planners with the intent to get organized only to forget about them soon after. She has a deep love of crafting & wants to start a small business making handmade earrings, stickers & stationery. Recently dumped by a jerk who criticized & shamed her for being neurodivergent, her confidence is shaken & she’s ripe with imposter syndrome. Cole Kincaid is Eve’s older brother’s best friend. He’s the full package. Sweet, supportive, protective, intelligent, understanding, patient, & kind. A former Heston U hockey player […]