thesoulessrider's reviews
227 reviews

Keep Me in Your Heart by Monica Murphy

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emotional funny hopeful sad 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

These are my honest thoughts in exchange for the ARC I received. Thank you, Monica and PR Valentine, for the opportunity! 

Monica brings us back to Lancaster Prep with Rowan, Crew and Wren's middle child, stealing the show as a high school football star who’s secretly head over heels for Arabella—nicknamed Bells, just like me (cue squeals)! From page one, it’s obvious Rowan’s already whipped, though he’d never admit it, because typical Lancaster boy 😮‍💨. Their chemistry? Absolute perfection. I was grinning like a love-drunk fool from start to finish. Bells is such a relatable queen it hurts—I just wanted to hug her and remind her, “You matter, honey!” She’s also bold, fierce, and 100% vixen energy. Seeing Crew and Wren again (forever my fave Lancaster couple!) was a treat, and let’s just say, this book had me gasping, giggling, and ready to slay some monsters. Shocked to admit I loved this more than Willow’s story—every twist hit perfectly! Monica, thank you for not just listening to feedback but creating a story that’s pure magic.
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The Forbidden King by S.T. Fernandez

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emotional hopeful informative 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

4.0

Stephanie’s novella takes us into the forbidden romance between Cathan, the King Consort, and Reneah, his chambermaid, all while Ash is grappling with her royal identity and mourning her mom. 👑💔 I’m not usually into the "friend's dad" trope, but after the hints in book 1, I was dying to know how Cathan and Reneah got together—mystery solved, and wow, Stephanie nailed the spice. 🔥 This novella is even spicier than book 1! While you don’t need to read this book to continue to book 2, it’s a juicy addition to the series. I’m so happy for Cathan and Reneah, even if, like Ash, I’d find it super awkward seeing her bestie with her dad!

Yo Stephanie! Thanks for this amazing ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Worth The Rush by Bea Borges

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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

5.0

Thank you to Bea and the Luna Literary PR for this ARC—this review is my honest opinion, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to read it. 

Hotshot Alder falling for Ivy at first sight was total swoon material—haha, don’t worry Ivy, I’m also a sucker for blue-eyed men. 😂 It was such a joy seeing Rhett and Winnie again from book 1, and all those drool-worthy food descriptions had me starving! 🤤 Alder’s patience as a pilot and ski instructor, especially with kids, was so admirable, and Ivy’s story hit me hard—I definitely teared up a few times. Alder is such a gem, treating Ivy like the goddess she truly is 🥹😭, and let’s talk about those steamy scenes—Bea, you absolutely slayed it ! *squeals* A perfectly cozy, slow-burn holiday romance with Hallmark vibes and just the right dash of heat.. Bea, you’ve done it again! Don’t forget to check the TW, folks 

Tropes:
 ❄️ Hospitality Manager X EMS helicopter pilot 
 💜 Sunshine x Stormcloud
 ❄️ Snowy Small Mountain Towns
 💜 Holiday Vibes
 ❄️ Mental Health/Invisible Illness Rep
 💜 Local Bar Meet Cutes
 ❄️ Found Family
 💜 Business partner's daughter 
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Burn Like An Angel by J. Rose

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challenging dark emotional funny 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

5.0

Harrowdean is pure chaos, and Rip and the gang are just trying to make it out alive, but wow, what a story! Raine is the sweetest, and watching all three men wrestle with their own demons while being completely obsessed with her was perfection. Rip’s dirty revenge moments had me cackling and blushing (iykyk 😏🤭), Lennox’s softer side had me melting, and Xander breaking out of his iceman shell and finally showing emotions? Literal tears 🥹. The spice was 🔥, and J. Rose absolutely nailed the HEA for all four of them—I couldn’t be happier!

Thanks J Ross and PR Valentine for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!
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Here There Be Monsters by E.C. Garrett

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dark emotional funny hopeful 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

5.0

♾️⭐️

Zyane, Sylus, Rafayel, and Xavier are characters from an Otomo ARPG called Love and Deepspace. Their characteristics are similar to the MMCs in this book. I just wanted to clarify this so there’s no confusion in my review. 

Uri reminded me so much of Sylus’s Mephisto.Trystan? He’s so Sylus with his intense charm, yet dramatic as Rafayel, and had me laughing out loud with his antics.Nerethus, on the other hand, is like Xavier—calm, steady, and secretly lethal. And then there’s Aleks, who’s giving me all the mean Zayne energy from Tower of Secrets but with Sylus’s filthy mouth—Elsie driving him mad was absolutely hilarious! The smut? Holy fuck! Every scene was scorching, but the banter and chemistry kept the story alive. Elsing is such a badass witch, and her first kiss with Aleks had me screaming—it was like those epic kdrama moments that make you squeal and curl your toes. The pacing was so fast and immersive, I barely noticed I was flying through a thick book. With the perfect mix of action, humor, and heartfelt moments (yes, I cried), plus a harem of swoon-worthy mates, Elsie is one lucky witch!And that ending—ugh! EC, take all the time you need for book 2 because I’ll wait until the end of time for it. 

Thanks EC  for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts 
 
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Writing with Blood by Dolores Lane

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

4.0

Her worst nightmare resurfaces, Alex is MIA, and Jane’s messy entanglement with James isn’t as over as she thought—cue the banging bunnies, folks! 🫢 James wants all of her, but her heart still screams Alex, even while his past choices have him in hiding. I’ll admit it: Alex has my heart because he isn’t selfish about Jane’s dreams, even if his possessive streak runs deep. At least he gave her the choice to move on. There were moments I was screaming, 'Atta girl, Jane!' because watching her fight back and own her badassery? Iconic. And Alex’s jaw hitting the floor every time he realized his Jane was unstoppable? Chef’s kiss. I’m thrilled with who she ended up with, and even the other guy got his HEA. Please, check the TW—your mental health matters!

Thanks Dolores for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts! 
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Blood of Two Crowns by Chiara Forestieri

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dark emotional hopeful 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

Holy shit, Malakai! Those markings were everything 🫠 (curious? Go read it to find out!).
The multiple POVs threw me around just like HOFAS did—but wow, that FF scene confirmed sapphic isn’t for me! 🫠 Cerberus showing up made me squeal, and surprise—she’s a girl, not a boy! Oops😬.
Chiara kept dropping twist after twist that had my head spinning 😵‍💫. Asterion? He's the ride-or-die friend every girl needs.
And don't even get me started on that mirror scene 🥵🥵.
Seeing Nakoa’s softer side made me like him even more, and
Mareina landing three soulmates? Talk about harem goals!
Honestly, BOTC was way better than AKOBAM for me. That cliffhanger ending has me on the edge, counting down till book 3! Big thanks to Chiara for the ARC—check the TW, though, because mental health comes first!
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Painting with Blood by Dolores Lane

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dark emotional hopeful 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

Okay, so let me just say, Dolores really shocked me with this one—like, pie-to-the-face shocked! Jane and James share this insta-lust moment at the precinct when she's there reporting a break-in, and then boom, they start banging like bunnies from the get-go (I mean, whoa). But seriously, I'm here for the unaliver vibes—someone’s gotta eliminate the bad guys, right? And can we talk about Alex’s POV? Chef’s kiss. This tattooed biker with a secret demon? Total adrenaline rush. The chemistry between Alex and Jane during their painting session plus the 🌶 was off-the-charts , and I literally LOL’d at one part because it was such a Dolores moment—so relatable, especially the Google Maps part! But y’all, I was not prepared for the emotional rollercoaster. I bawled after a specific part, especially after getting the bad news about the US. #TeamAlex all the way! The revenge? Perfect. And the ending? I legit gasped, “Oh no, he’s back!” If you're looking for a book packed with feminine rage and some seriously intense moments, this is your jam. Can’t wait to dive into book 2! Make sure to check the TW! It's a shopping list.

Thanks Dolores for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts 
Null & Void by R. Moody

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dark emotional hopeful 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

Mika might be the Null, certified and power-free, but she's a top-tier assassin with skills to spare! Rae's descriptions of the creatures brought every scene to life; I could practically see them! The banter between Riley and Mika? Absolute gold. Eryn’s a sweetheart and a bright spot in the story. This slow burn is the slowest, and I loved every angsty second of Mika's "I want him, but I shouldn't" moments, countered by Riley’s "You're all I ever want." Rae, those last few chapters—total mind-blow. Book 2 can't come soon enough (but take your time!). Reminder to check those TWs—your mental health matters!


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Plot Twist by Carmen Sereno

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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

4.0

When Siobhan’s boyfriend ditches her in NYC, leaving her broke and stranded, she channels her energy into her writing on a platform like Wattpad—and catches the attention of a literary agent, launching her career as a traditionally published author. Enter Marcel, the rich, change-resistant crime novelist who becomes her unexpected co-writer after their Twitter feud takes a hilarious turn. Their banter is perfection, though I spent half the time wanting to smack Marcel for burying his feelings. When he finally opens up, I just wanted to hug him—abandonment is a feeling I know too well. The ending wrapped things up perfectly, and this fluffy rom-com was a great break from my usual dark romance reads. If you’re into slow-burn, opposites-attract love stories between two sparring authors, this one’s a must-read!
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