thesoulessrider's reviews
227 reviews

Honey Pot by Aubrey Taylor

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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

I just wanted to hug Cael, rub his back, and let him know, 'I see you, and you're not alone.' The Backstreet Boys references had me laughing out loud! The story seamlessly alternates between past and present, showing how they fell in love since childhood. It was so sweet I teared up more times than I can count. And fuck! Cael knows how to make a girl come. đŸ„” Aubrey, you absolutely nailed the spice! The library scene? Hilarious 😂 

I’m sorry, Arlla, but Caelem are officially my favorite couple in this series. I lost track of how many times I cried—happy tears, sad tears, gut-wrenching tears. I was crying right along with the characters, feeling every bit of their pain. Bobbi calling Cael a knock-off Nick Carter made me laugh through the tears. 

Even though I was so sick and barely in any condition to read, I pushed through because I couldn’t put it down. I need business days—multiple—to recover from this one. Aubrey gave them the HEA they truly deserved. 'Two steps at a time.' I’m an emotional wreck. I don’t know if I’ll survive the novella! Make sure to check the TW!

Thanks Aubrey for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Merry Little Mishap by Vivian Mae

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adventurous emotional funny 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

5.0

As an Asian, I could really relate to Elena, especially when it comes to cultural beliefs. The way the word 'sex' is considered taboo and the emphasis on purity is all too real. Exploring yourself is often seen as shameful. Honestly, the list goes on! I absolutely loved this holiday novella, which explores the challenge of living in a Western culture while trying to hide your true self from your family to avoid disappointing them. Plus, it’s spicy đŸ„”đŸ„”. My fan cast for Nick is Chad Michael Murray.
The Ripper of Bedeville by C. Hebert

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dark 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

4.0

Imagine Joker from Suicide Squad as your imaginary friend—sinister, magnetic, and fully in the iykyk territory. That’s Jakkal for you. đŸ„” And Casper? She’s a Ripper with a dark edge, far from who she used to be.

We are fated to be together for eternity, tangled in this glorious madness that we have created—our beautiful artwork of chaos. The only thing that can separate yourself from me, is death. - Jakkal

The story opens with Casper stuck in an asylum, treated more like a lab rat than a human. Enter a nurse, her unexpected angel, who helps her break free. Afterward, I couldn’t help but imagine Jakkal and Casper strolling through Salem—because honestly, it fits the vibes.

At times, I got the feeling that Jakkal was the Jekyll to her Hyde—a chaotic mirror to her growing darkness. Well duh it's a Jekyll n Hyde retelling 😂

The world thinks men the superior sex, but in truth, women hold the power. We are but humble servants—fools wishing to be as strong as you."
 â€“ Jakkal

Hard agree. Women have been underestimated for too long. This novella leans all the way into the unhinged, serving up horror with a side of smut in under an hour. Cyn knows how to blend chaos, sex, and shivers seamlessly.

⚠  Please check TW!

This is perfect for the spooky season, but please start with Book 1 to get the full picture. Thanks Cyn for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!
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Into the Tide by Laura Pavlov

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5.0

Spookily Yours by Jennifer Chipman

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5.0

Forbidden Freedom by Jasmin Miller

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5.0

The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori

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5.0

Just Try, Again and Again by

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emotional funny 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

4.0

Sara delivers a heartfelt romance with Haruki and Bryce, a couple who impulsively married at 18 and navigated the challenges of a long-distance (been there, done that!), interracial relationship. The time jumps between their 18-year-old and 31/32-year-old selves added emotional depth, capturing the highs and lows of their journey. Bryce, with his pain hidden behind a smile, gave me major Rafayel vibes—what a man! And let’s not forget steam o’ clock started early... pierced 🍆? Damn, Bryce! đŸ„” I found so many ways to relate to both Haruki and Bryce, though Nick and Lily still hold the title as my favorite couple in this series. With its heartfelt moments, nods to Japan (one of my dream destinations), and a couple of sweet beach scenes, if you love second-chance romance with an Asian touch and a fast pace, this book is the right one for you.

Thanks Sara for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.  I can't wait to read Lily & Nick's HEA in book 3!
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A Sea of Wrath and Scoria by Whit Stanfield

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious 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

5.0

It picks up right where book 1 left off, and goddamn, Whit went all in, delivering twist after twist after twist—think Harry casting spell after spell, battling Voldemort. đŸ˜±  The artworks in this book are absolutely stunning.  đŸ„°
That slow, steamy moment under the starry sky? Absolute perfection—ugh, too bad it was a dream. And the fluffy spice later on? Who knew fluffy spice could be written so beautifully and vaguely?
And don’t get me started on Kye's love confession—it melted me like butter. đŸ„č I gasped, shed tears, and bit my lip through yet another heartbreak of an ending. I’ll be over here waiting for book 3
after taking 3-5 business days to recover. đŸ„Ž

There’s nothing in the three continents I’ve ever been more certain of. You’re mine.

Thanks Whit for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. 
Mean One by Ab. Cynthe

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challenging dark sad tense fast-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

I was not ready for this one, Ms. Ab! You really took the Grinch’s dog Max and turned her into his girl?! đŸ«ŁđŸ€Ż I was gasping when I found out who lil ol Cindy Lou is in this story—talk about a plot twist! Martha better lace up her running shoes because this "grinchmas" is all smut, gore, and chaos. đŸŽ„đŸ”„ Who needs a HEA when you’ve got this delicious madness? I devoured it in under an hour and loved every minute. But y’all, please check the TWs—mental health matters! đŸ–€

Thanks Ab for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts 
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