Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

 Assistant to the Villain

by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

My Rating: 🟊🟊🟊

Spice Rating: 🫑

Blurb:

Once Upon a Time meets The Office in Hannah Maehrer’s laugh-out-loud viral TikTok series turned novel, about the sunshine assistant to an Evil Villain…and their unexpected romance.

ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem and terror, and other Dark Things In General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.

With ailing family to support, Evie Sage's employment status isn't just important, it's vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn’s most infamous Villain results in a job offer―naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don’t find evil so attractive, Evie.

But just when she’s getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat…and not just the literal kind. Because something rotten is growing in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone wants to take the Villain―and his entire nefarious empire―out.

Now Evie must not only resist drooling over her boss but also figure out exactly who is sabotaging his work…and ensure he makes them pay.

My Review:

With everything going on in the world lately, I honestly feel like my brain has been struggling to stay fully engaged with reading. Unfortunately, I think that affected my experience with this book. I had a hard time focusing enough to completely fall in love with the characters the way I feel like they deserved, which is disappointing because there were so many elements here that I genuinely enjoyed.

Overall, this was a very cute and entertaining story that had a lot of charm. The magical creatures were one of my favorite parts of the book. They added a whimsical, immersive quality to the world that made it feel lively and imaginative. I found myself really appreciating the creativity behind the magical elements and how they contributed to the overall atmosphere of the story. The worldbuilding felt fun and colorful without being overwhelming, which made it easy to slip into the setting.

The FMC was definitely a standout for me. She was strong, capable, and gave off the impression that she could quite literally move mountains if she needed to. I love a powerful female lead, and she had that perfect balance of determination and resilience that made her easy to root for. She felt like someone who would stop at nothing to accomplish her goals, and I enjoyed watching her navigate the challenges she faced throughout the story. I do wish I had been in a better headspace while reading, because I think I would have connected with her journey even more under different circumstances.

The villain, however, was a bit of a mixed experience for me. He gave me strong Shego from Kim Possible vibes, confident, slightly playful, and intimidating in presence, which I actually liked as a concept. But at times he felt a little too tame for the level of threat the story seemed to build toward. There were moments where I wanted him to lean more fully into the darker, more ruthless aspects of being a villain. I kept waiting for him to truly unleash chaos or raise the stakes in a bigger way, and I don’t feel like that payoff ever fully happened for me.

Even though I enjoyed many aspects of the book, I don’t think I was entirely in the right mood for everything it was trying to deliver. Sometimes timing really does impact how a story lands, and I suspect this might be one of those cases where a reread could change my overall experience. There’s enough here that I liked to make me curious about revisiting it later when I can give it my full attention.

And then there’s the ending. I’m still trying to process how I feel about it. It felt abrupt and left me with more questions than satisfaction. I’m not necessarily against open or surprising endings, but this one felt like it wrapped up in a way that didn’t fully deliver on the emotional or plot buildup that came before it. I found myself finishing the book and just sitting there wondering, “Wait… that’s it?”

At the end of the day, this was a solid three-star read for me. It was enjoyable, creative, and had several strong elements, especially the FMC and the magical world. However, my lack of connection at certain points, the somewhat underwhelming villain execution, and an ending that didn’t quite stick the landing kept it from being something I completely loved. I would still recommend it to readers who enjoy whimsical fantasy with strong female leads, and I definitely wouldn’t rule out giving it another try in the future.

(Artwork by: Assistant to the Villain Fan Art by me : r/fantasyromance)

Until Death by Nicole Blanchard

 Until Death 

by Nicole Blanchard

My Rating: 🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊
Spice Rating:  🌶🌶🌶

Blurb: 

Peaky Blinders meets God of Malice in this new dark forced marriage mafia romance from New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Nicole Blanchard.

I never planned to be a mafia bride.

But when my sister is forced to marry Aiden O’Connor—the Irish mafia’s most lethal enforcer—to settle our father’s debt, I do the unthinkable.

I make him marry me instead.

Becoming his wife confirms all my worst fears.
He’s ruthless, possessive, and unhinged.
And now I’m his. To control, to punish, to keep.

Until death do us part.

When he takes his revenge in the dark, pinning me down, whispering filthy threats against my lips, making me beg when I swore I never would, one thing becomes terrifyingly

I may survive this marriage, but I won’t survive him.

Until Death is a fast-paced dark mafia romance with a morally gray characters. Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the TWs at the beginning of the book.

Tropes

Tropes

• Jealous / Possessive & OTT Hero
• Morally Black Antihero
• Morally Grey Heroine
• Forced Marriage
• Irish Mafia
• “My Wife”
• “Good Boy”
• Touch Him/Her & Die

My Review:

If the prequel was a delicious appetizer, then book one in this series was the full-course meal that completely consumed me. I stayed up all night just to finish it, and honestly, I regret nothing. This story grabbed hold of me and refused to let go. Aiden absolutely stole the show for me. I loved how driven he was, a man with a clear goal, unwavering focus, and the kind of determination that makes him impossible to ignore. He is someone who stands firm in what he believes in, but of course, the one thing no one ever plans for is falling in love… and watching that unfold was everything.

This story blends forced proximity with a fake (or forced, depending on how you look at it) marriage trope, and it delivers on every level. Even though the main characters met in the prequel, their dynamic in this book is full of tension, frustration, and undeniable chemistry. Their relationship lives in that perfect love-hate space that keeps you glued to the pages, wondering whether they’re going to kiss each other or argue until someone storms out. It was messy, emotional, and completely addictive.

One of the reasons Irish mafia romances have started to become such a favorite of mine is the softness hidden beneath the brutality. There’s something about these hardened, dangerous men who carry a ruthless “I’ll kill you without hesitation” reputation but secretly harbor an intense, protective tenderness for the person they love. There’s just something unmatched about a man who could be bleeding out and still makes time to check if you’re okay. It’s dramatic, it’s chaotic, and I absolutely eat it up every single time.

The FMC was equally compelling, even when she tested my patience. She was strong, stubborn, and fiercely loyal, which unfortunately led her straight into trouble more than once. But that’s also what made her feel real. Her choices weren’t always smart, but they were driven by love, emotion, and a refusal to back down. I found myself frustrated with her while still rooting for her survival and happiness, which honestly made her character even more engaging.

The ending left me reeling in the best way possible. It felt almost like a fever dream, intense, emotional, and slightly overwhelming, but impossible to stop thinking about once it was over. The story balances romance and action perfectly, delivering high-stakes danger alongside a love story that feels desperate, consuming, and powerful. I live for romances where the MMC is willing to burn the world down or move heaven and hell just to protect the woman he loves, and this book delivered exactly that energy.

If you love dark mafia romances filled with tension, passion, violence, loyalty, and a surprising amount of emotional depth, this book will absolutely pull you in. It’s brutal and romantic, charming and deadly, and packed with enough chaos, bloodshed, and heart to keep you hooked until the very last page.

Little Death by Nicole Blanchard

 Little Death 

by Nicole Blanchard

My Rating: 🟊🟊🟊⯨

Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶

Blurb:

I should have known better than to play games with dangerous men.

Crashing a masquerade party for the most elite members of New Orleans was supposed to give me answers, not put me in the sights of the Irish mafia’s most enigmatic enforcer, Aiden O’Connor.

But when one reckless gamble binds me to him for a night, I learn too late that some wagers can’t be won.

What begins as a game spirals into obsession, temptation, and ruin.

Because Aiden doesn’t just want control for one night—he wants to break me in ways I’ll never escape unscathed.

Little Death is a dark romance novella and a prequel to Until Death. Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the TWs at the beginning of the book.

My Review:

 In just 156 pages, this prequel delivers the explosive start to what feels like it’s going to be an incredible series. Mafia romance has never really been my go-to genre, but apparently Irish mafia romance is a completely different story. Maybe it’s the atmosphere, maybe it’s the attitude… or maybe it’s just the accent. Either way, I devoured this.
This story serves as the perfect setup for Until Death, giving us a powerful glimpse into the beginning of our FMC’s journey. Determined to uncover the truth about what really happened to her mother, she makes the difficult decision to return to the very place where everything fell apart. She fully understands the risks, the emotional toll, and the danger tied to going back,  and she does it anyway. That determination and bravery immediately pulled me into her story and made me eager to see where her path leads.
As a prequel, this book does exactly what it’s supposed to do,  and does it well. It carefully lays the foundation for the main story while giving readers meaningful insight into the characters and their motivations. The backstory never feels like filler; instead, it adds emotional weight and depth that makes the upcoming events feel more impactful and layered.
While it left me wanting more (which is honestly a great sign), it built the world and character dynamics beautifully and set the stage for what promises to be an intense and emotional continuation. If you’re planning to read Until Death, I highly recommend starting here because it enriches the experience and gives you a deeper understanding of the characters and stakes involved.
Definitely a strong four-star read that successfully hooked my attention and made me excited to continue the series.

 Radiance by Grace Draven

My Rating: 🟊🟊🟊🟊⯨
Spice Rating: 🌶🌶

Blurb:

The Prince of no value
Brishen Khaskem, prince of the Kai, has lived content as the nonessential spare heir to a throne secured many times over. A trade and political alliance between the human kingdom of Gaur and the Kai kingdom of Bast-Haradis requires that he marry a Gauri woman to seal the treaty. Always a dutiful son, Brishen agrees to the marriage and discovers his bride is as ugly as he expected and more beautiful than he could have imagined.

The noblewoman of no importance
Ildiko, niece of the Gauri king, has always known her only worth to the royal family lay in a strategic marriage. Resigned to her fate, she is horrified to learn that her intended groom isn’t just a foreign aristocrat but the younger prince of a people neither familiar nor human. Bound to her new husband, Ildiko will leave behind all she’s known to embrace a man shrouded in darkness but with a soul forged by light.

Two people brought together by the trappings of duty and politics will discover they are destined for each other, even as the powers of a hostile kingdom scheme to tear them apart.

My Review:

I had been desperately searching for a story that could truly seize my attention and refuse to let go, the kind that pulls you into its world and keeps you wandering there long after you’ve turned the last page. While doom-scrolling (as one inevitably does), this book appeared like fate itself had nudged it into my path. As someone who absolutely adores a good monster romance, I was immediately intrigued… but what I found inside these pages was something unexpectedly elegant. Refined. Almost regal in the way it told its story.

The novel introduces a fascinating world built upon multiple species, each governed by its own royal lineage. To maintain fragile alliances and political balance, these kingdoms marry their children across species lines. However, these unions are not crafted to secure heirs or continue royal bloodlines, instead, the children chosen for these marriages are the “spares,” those not destined for the throne. Their differences often mean these matches are symbolic, nearly guaranteeing no future offspring, which adds an achingly bittersweet layer to the entire tradition.

What truly enchanted me, though, was how deeply this story defied the typical monster romance formula. Rather than relying on instant attraction or fascination with each other’s differences, the main characters enter their arranged union with a refreshing honesty. They mutually agree to build a friendship first, acknowledging openly that physical attraction is not part of the equation, in fact, they initially find each other rather odd-looking. But what begins as an awkward alliance slowly, delicately blossoms into something breathtaking. Their bond unfolds like a spell being carefully woven, thread by thread, until it transforms into a love that feels organic, sincere, and beautifully earned.

The story gently reminds us that friendship can be the strongest foundation for love. Watching these characters learn each other’s hearts, quirks, fears, and strengths before falling into romance made their relationship feel deeply authentic and profoundly touching.

Beyond the romance, this book offers so much more. The plot is rich with intention and layered storytelling that constantly feels purposeful. Every revelation, every interaction, and every political tension feels carefully placed, adding depth rather than distraction. The characters themselves are vibrant and unforgettable, each bringing warmth, conflict, or intrigue that makes the world feel alive and breathing.

And the worldbuilding… absolutely mesmerizing. The author crafts a universe so vivid and immersive that stepping into it feels effortless. Each species, each kingdom, and each cultural nuance is painted with such care that the story feels vast yet intimate all at once.

This is the kind of book that lingers, the kind that wraps around your imagination and refuses to fully release you, even after the cover has been closed. It is magical, heartfelt, and quietly powerful in ways that will stay with me for a very long time.

https://www.instagram.com/emilia.mildner/

(This is not my art and I wanted to share it with the Instagram link for the artist.)

Symphony of Sorrow by Ava Summers

Symphony of Sorrow

by Ava Summers

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶

 Blurb:

My husband is rich, hot, and the heir to the powerful Di Rossi crime family.

I hate his guts.

After my stepmother sold me like a prize cow, I ran away before the ink had even dried on the marriage certificate.

One year later, I'm dragged back to the marital home and locked in a gilded cage.

Angelo Di Rossi might make my pulse race when he threatens to punish me for my transgressions, but I’ll never forgive him for ruining my life.

And I’m not too happy with Kane, Angelo’s enforcer. That a-hole may be dangerously sexy but calling me kitten and acting like he cares about my safety means nothing.

Luka, the deliciously pretty black sheep of the family, and Angelo’s younger half-brother, is my only solace with his flirty banter and smoking hot abs.

Unfortunately for Angelo, I’m not the submissive mafia wife he expected.

My beloved husband might think it’s acceptable to keep me under 24/7 surveillance.

But cameras work both ways, and with Luka’s help, I’m happy to put on a show for him and Kane.

They both like to watch me.

Relaxing by the pool, naked in bed, spread over the kitchen table…

Instead of getting angry, I plan to get even.

By fair means or foul.

---
Symphony of Sorrow is book one in a MFMM (no MM) why choose mafia romance duet where the FMC does not have to choose between her three love interests. Book one ends on a cliff but book two has a HEA. For triggers, check the content note at the beginning of the book.

My Review:

From the very first chapter, this story leans hard into chaos, humor, and sharp-tongued survival, and Chiara is the reason it works so well. She’s bold, sarcastic, and endlessly entertaining, turning what could have been a heavy mafia setup into something genuinely fun to read. Her inner monologue is laugh-out-loud funny, but there’s also heart beneath the attitude that makes it easy to root for her.

After her father’s death, Chiara’s life is ripped out from under her when her stepmother forces her into an arranged marriage with Angelo Di Rossi, heir to a powerful mafia family. Marriage was never part of Chiara’s plan, submission even less so, so she does the only thing that makes sense to her: she runs. For a year, she manages to stay free before being dragged back into the world she tried to escape, delivered straight to her husband by his right-hand man and enforcer, Kane.

Angelo is the kind of character that looks intimidating on the surface but slowly reveals layers. Cold, dominant, and devastatingly attractive, he’s also been quietly in love with Chiara since childhood. Divorce isn’t an option to him, and neither is letting her walk away again. Despite his gruff exterior, his devotion and protectiveness show through in ways that make him impossible not to like, even when Chiara refuses to see it.

Then there’s Luca, whose charm hides far more than it reveals. He uses humor and flirting as armor, masking deep insecurity and emotional scars. Watching Chiara challenge him, defend him, and help him see his own worth adds an unexpectedly tender layer to the story. Their dynamic is messy, complicated, and quietly emotional.

Kane might be the most intriguing of them all. Dangerous, disciplined, and loyal to a fault, he’s caught between duty and desire, clearly struggling with feelings he knows he shouldn’t have. His tension with Chiara crackles, and the hints of his backstory make it impossible not to want more from his perspective in the next installment.

The romance is slow-burn, the chemistry is intense, and the relationships are tangled in the best possible way. Add in a looming threat against the Di Rossi family and an enemy working from the shadows, and there’s a solid plot driving the story forward alongside the heat.

The ending? Absolutely ruthless. This book closes on a cliffhanger that should come with a warning label.

Symphony of Sorrow is the opening to the Empire of Pain duet, and it delivers a mix of humor, tension, spice, and emotional depth without feeling overstuffed or repetitive. Even for someone new to mafia romance, it’s an easy story to sink into, fast-paced, immersive, and impossible to put down.

Between the strong writing, vivid characters, and nonstop momentum, this book turns you into a fan before you even realize it. Sleep may be lost, patience will be tested waiting for book two, and honestly? Worth it.

Heir of Illusion by Madeline Taylor

 Heir of Illusion 

by Madeline Taylor

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Blurb: 

An alliance between enemies. A weapon of untold power. And a bond that could rewrite fate.

Fall into the viral, propulsive dark romantasy everyone is reading. A fae assassin with the power of illusion, sworn to a king she despises. An enigmatic grim reaper, searching for freedom. Enemies collide in an unlikely alliance, brimming with desire and destruction.

She is not the pet they tamed.
 
Blessed with the power of illusion, Iverson Pomeroy has many tricks up her sleeve. However, none of them are a match for the enchanted collar at her throat that keeps her bound as assassin and mistress to a ruthless king. Forced to play the role of his obedient pet, she plots in secret to destroy him and claim the freedom she has always been denied.
 
She is the beast they let inside.
 
When a mysterious reaper, Thorne, arrives in the city with his sights set on the same weapon Ivy needs—the only artifact that can remove her collar—she must decide how far she’s willing to go.

And she will show no mercy. 

With a tenuous alliance tying them together, Ivy learns there is more to her reluctant companion than meets the eye... He sparks her curiosity and ignites dangerous desires within her. But will the secrets they harbor destroy each other? And does it even matter, when anyone who so much as touches Thorne dies?

Tropes
Enemies to lovers / shadow daddy / female assassin / who did this to you / unlikely alliance / he falls first / banter / touch her and die / slow burn / morally gray MMC

My Review:

Not only is The Heir of Illusion wildly original, from its immersive worldbuilding to its inventive magic system, but the FMC instantly earned a spot among my all-time favorites.

Ivy is a beautifully written character with a fully realized backstory that makes every choice she makes feel intentional and earned. She’s strong, capable, and resilient, yet still vulnerable and deeply human. Nothing about her feels forced or convenient, which made her journey incredibly satisfying to follow and easy to root for.

And then there’s the MMC… Thorne the Reaper. Tortured past? Check. Morally gray? Absolutely. Fiercely loyal and terrifyingly protective? Without question. He is my favorite kind of book boyfriend, dangerous, devoted, and willing to destroy anyone who threatens her. I was hooked the moment he stepped onto the page.

This story delivers everything I love: sharp banter, a refreshingly unique fantasy setting, and unforgettable characters (a wraith FMC and a Reaper MMC? Yes, please). The pacing is strong, the stakes are high, and just when I thought I had the plot figured out, Madeline Taylor completely blindsided me. The twist was brilliantly executed, with clues woven in so subtly that I never saw it coming.

That ending left me absolutely stunned, and that cliffhanger? I am more than ready for book two.

The Heir of Illusion by Madeline Taylor releases March 31, 2025. Do yourself a favor and preorder it now, this is a phenomenal fantasy debut, and I’m officially a forever fan.

 Firebird by Juliette Cross

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Spice Rating: 🌶🌶

Blurb:

House of the Dragon meets From Blood and Ash in this epic, scorching dark romantasy.

A conqueror captivated…
A witch prophesied to save them all…
An unforgiving world where dragons rule Rome.

Julian Dakkia, Roman general and nephew to the emperor, has played his role as conqueror well. Yet, the moment he laid eyes on Malina, he was enthralled by the Dacian dancer. Years later, the fierce beauty stands before him, a captive on a scarred battlefield, her life in danger. He instinctively shifts into his fierce dragon form to save her, an action that may mean his head on the imperial gate.

The rules of their world dictate that he is the conqueror and she is the captured. But he and his dragon know one thing: their bond has nothing to do with the laws of mighty Rome. She belongs to them. And they belong to her.

Fierce and powerful, twenty-one-year old Malina has survived the loss of her family and she is determined to fight until her dying breath. Still, she can’t believe that the centurion who had once bestowed a secret talisman on her is the Roman general of legendary brutality…and now holds her life in his hands. Nor can she deny how her soul has always seemed to answer his. Slowly she learns that Julian is caught in his mad uncle’s machinations for domination, and helps him plot the downfall of the empire itself.

As they navigate a world where flying deathriders conquer and burn, their love will ignite a firestorm that can only end in heartbreak or death. Or both.

Firebird is a fantasy with some dark themes, including elements of master/slave relationship, attempted sexual assault (not between MCs), and dubious consent (not between MCs). Readers who may be sensitive to these elements, please take note.

My Review: 

Firebird wasn’t what I expected at all. Going into it, I had heard a lot of negative opinions, and honestly, if I hadn’t read the book myself, I probably would have assumed they were right. Based on the way people talked about it, I was braced for disappointment. Instead, I ended up getting something completely different than what I had been led to believe.

What surprised me most was the world itself. A setting dominated by Roman dragons is such a bold and intriguing concept, and I genuinely enjoyed how that element shaped the story. The atmosphere felt rich and distinct, and once I settled into it, I found myself invested in how everything operated under that rule. It wasn’t just dragons for the sake of spectacle, they were woven into the fabric of the world in a way that mattered.

That said, the way the story unfolded was absolutely crucial to my enjoyment. The pacing and direction made all the difference. Had the plot taken a different turn or lingered too long in the wrong places, I think my experience would have been drastically different, and not in a good way. This is one of those books where the execution truly makes or breaks it.

In the end, Firebird turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It didn’t live up to the negative expectations I’d absorbed beforehand, and I’m glad I gave it a chance rather than letting outside opinions decide for me. It may not be for everyone, but for me, the story and its unique world came together in a way that worked, and if it hadn’t, I would have walked away feeling very differently.

Under Cover of Stars by Danielle Price

 Under Cover of Stars 

by Danielle Price

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Blurb:

She’s hiding from the government. He’s wanted across the galaxy. Teaming up could save a life…or spark a revolution.

Fenn Kensie just wants to stay invisible. Hiding from the corrupt Galactic Union on a dusty backwater planet, she keeps her head down as a shipyard tech. That is, until her best friend lands in the crosshairs of a brutal crime syndicate. To save him, Fenn agrees to one reckless job with a smug, frustrating, maddeningly attractive thief named Torren.

All she has to do? Fly to her home planet, use her ID chip to gain access, and help Torren pick up a package of highly illegal contraband. Easy.

But nothing about Torren is easy. He’s galaxy-famous for all the wrong reasons, infuriatingly good at what he does, and hiding scars of his own. As their uneasy alliance deepens into something more, Fenn finds herself pulled into a dangerous web of heists, undercover intrigue, and a slow-burn romance that threatens to crack her carefully built walls.

When the mission goes sideways, Fenn will have to Is she ready to stop running and start fighting back?

A sizzling sci-fi romance full of high-stakes action, enemies-to-lovers heat, and anti-authoritarian rebellion. Perfect for fans of Star Wars, space fantasy romance, and found-family stories.

My Review:

Some books make you appreciate the world-building. Others make you fall for the characters. Under Cover of Stars somehow does both, and does it with confidence you don’t usually see in a debut.

At the heart of the story is Fenn, a protagonist who feels capable without being untouchable. She’s careful because she has to be, shaped by a universe where politics are messy and survival isn’t guaranteed. Watching her navigate that space, strong on her own terms, yet open to connection, was deeply satisfying. Her relationship with Torren unfolds naturally, driven by shared purpose and sharp banter rather than convenience, and the emotional payoff feels earned every step of the way.

What really surprised me was how immersive this book is. The action sequences are vivid enough to feel cinematic, but they never overshadow the quieter moments that give the story its emotional weight. Even readers who typically shy away from sci-fi will find this world approachable; the setting is clear, grounded, and never overwhelming. Instead of getting lost in terminology, you’re pulled forward by momentum and character stakes.

This is a story about missions that matter, but also about the people behind them. Found family weaves through the narrative in subtle, heartfelt ways: small gestures, shared histories, sacrifices, and reunions that hit hard. By the time the goodbyes roll around, the emotional investment is undeniable.

Danielle Price has built a universe that feels lived-in and full of possibility, and Under Cover of Stars is a compelling foundation for what’s clearly meant to be a much bigger story. If you love character-driven sci-fi with romance, tension, and genuine heart, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your radar—and I, for one, am very ready for book two.

 Branded by Saffron Kent

My Rating: ⭐

Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶

Blurb: 

Pen Pal meets Yellowstone in this dark, western romance featuring a college student using a false identity to exchange spicy letters with a prison inmate, only to be hunted down when the convicted cowboy is released.

It all began with letters. Every word he wrote etched itself into my mind, into my soul. I had no choice but to fall in love with him.  
Was it really so bad that the letters were part of a pen pal program, sent from a penitentiary?
Or that they weren't really addressed to me?

It's not as if he'd ever find out the truth.
It's not as if I'd ever get to look those eyes that are as blue as the sky over his ranch he left behind. 
Or that I'd ever get to feel his work-roughened hands dominating my body as he does my fevered dreams.

Until one afternoon when I find myself standing in front of him—pretending to be someone I am not. 
But the joke's on me because for all my pretenses, his deception is much crueler.
The hardened, dangerous, impossibly beautiful man is nothing like the man in the letters.  
And it's too late for me to run.

My Review:

Okay, okay! I know I always try to see the best in every book I read, and I am definitely not a quitter, and yes, for the record, I did finish this one. I kept going even when I felt like my brain was threatening to unravel, mostly because I was already about 90% in and it just didn’t make sense to stop at that point. I hate writing reviews like this, but I’d rather explain what didn’t work for me than just slap a low rating on it and move on.

This book actually started with so much promise. A dark romance with a locked-up cowboy and a pen-pal situation? I was immediately intrigued and fully on board. The setup alone had me thinking this was going to be right up my alley.

Where things started to lose me was with the character dynamics. The FMC came across as very immature, which made the age gap between her and the MMC feel a little confusing rather than intentional. Arsen fit that rugged, masculine cowboy archetype perfectly, the kind of man you can easily picture building fences and working cattle, but Reverie (and listen, I didn’t choose the names, I’m just reporting them) felt like she existed in a completely different world. I understand wanting unique names in a sea of Haydens and Erics, but this pairing just felt mismatched.

While the FMC’s immaturity was at least consistent, her ability to stand up to the MMC after being kidnapped felt less believable. The constant whining quickly became overwhelming, especially when her internal dialogue jumped to, I think I love him territory. That emotional leap just didn’t land for me.

The MMC also didn’t quite hit the mark. His attempts at dominance never crossed into sexy for me and instead felt uncomfortable in a way that pulled me out of the story. I never want to yuck anyone’s yum, but certain scenes, particularly involving intimacy in disturbing contexts, were not something I personally found appealing.

By the end, the romance itself felt improbable, and I struggled to fully buy into their love story.

And finally… the repeated use of the word snatch. Lord, help me. It completely broke my concentration every single time. It hit the same way wet folds do for me, instant mental shutdown.

All that said, this book will absolutely work for someone. The concept is there, and I can see why it might click for the right reader; it just wasn’t for me.