This was everything I didn't think I'd ever feel with a dark romance ever again. It's been so long, soo long since I loved“Name it.”
Exhilarating.
This was everything I didn't think I'd ever feel with a dark romance ever again. It's been so long, soo long since I loved this kind of dark romance.
Nathan White is a fictional man I wouldn't call my book boyfriend, wouldn't simp over him and call him the "standard" because this man isn't a standard. He isn't. Truly. He is a lawless psychopathic megalomaniac and it's just so fascinating reading about him like he is a subject of a case study.
This fascination with a dark romance hero is what I find exhilarating. And it's been so long since I felt this way. The need to own this book is something I've not felt in a long time. I know I keep repeating this but fuck, I'm speechless.
Lawless God by Lola King is Haunting Adeline if it was better and had a plot. A heroine who isn't just "strong and fierce" who keeps fighting back. But a motherfucking queen who is known for her ruthlessness and someone who everyone is scared of.
Jesus christ. Nathan, this man. I have no words for his depravity. Rest assured every sexual activity between them was dub-con. But other things? Oh fuck me, there's unhinged and then there's Nathan who manipulates you but never hides the fact that he does. He will never lie. Everything he plans on doing, including the fact that Stockholm syndrome is his end goal, he'll put it all upfront.
All I can say is if you try to get mad at the heroine for giving in to him, she is already well aware of her masochist tendencies, yet at the same time you can't stay angry for long because that'd underestimating her. And underestimating Kayla King is something even Nathan White learns to never do.
Cue the laughter. Because that's something I never expected yet when I laughed out loud so many times whenever Kayla does something to Nathan it was beyond hilarious seeing it from Nathan's pov. Every time Nathan commands her to do something by saying "...like a good little wife" she manages to turn that task into a physical fight and it's so fun. Also every interaction of Nathan and Sam too!!! Not to mention the people she kills and threaten when she is possesive of Nate.
His antisocial behaviour disorder and his inability to understand people's emotions makes him study reading emotions like it's an academic course. And my god, everytime I try to hate him, he does something so unexpected WHILE remaining non-chalant about it, I just can't control my fascination.
All I know is when I get this urge to own a book, it's serious commitment. That means I want the characters to be with me and claim ownership of them and it's that feeling of strong desire and impulse that makes me put this book in my 'all-time-fav' shelf.
I fear I won't ever be able to do this book justice by putting it all in correct words. For now, I'll show you some scenes and quotes below which frankly? won't ever be enough.
I wave a hand dismissively. “The girl has a horrible concussion, and someone just tried to drown her.” “Could that someone be you, maybe?” “Well, not all proposals are done with flowers, Sam. My point is, she’s going to need some rest over the next few days before she plans anything.”
***
“This is kidnapping.” His eyes widen, and his mouth drops open as he gasps before bringing a hand to cover it. “No? Oh my god, no. Call the police.” With a dramatic shudder, his face goes blank again. “Kidnapping? Do you think that’s the worst thing I’ve ever done? Stop wasting my time, will you?”
***
“How long, Nate? How long are you going to make me pay?” “How long was I in prison?” “Practically four years,” I huff. We both know that. He didn’t need to make me repeat it. “I guess we’ll start with four years, then. Who knows, you might be the one who decides to stay after that. Stockholm syndrome is a wonderfully complicated thing.” I try to be discreet, but I don’t control my small step back. “It’s okay,” he says softly. “You won’t realize it. All you’ll feel is happy and in love, and you won’t believe anyone who tells you otherwise.”
***
“I do understand,” I say flatly. “Drying tears, snot, the redness of your cheeks. Your pulse is beating so hard that the skin at your throat is moving along with it. Your hands are shaking, your shoulders hunched, your leg bouncing. You’re terrified.” I turn to Sam, proudly showing him how good I am at this. He rolls his eyes.
***
“You want to mark me, Nate?” I hiss in his face. “I’ll mark you back.” He blinks up at me, and a smile spreads on his lips. “That hurt, little sunflower.” He can’t move his left arm, the pain in his shoulder probably too intense. But his right hand snatches my wrist, holding the knife closer against his skin, pressing, dragging red liquid to the surface. He bucks his hips, pushing into my core. The motherfucker is hard. “You’re fucking sick.” “It turns me on to know you can fight back. It’s like you’re begging me to go harder on you next time.” I shove my knees into his ribs. “There is no next time. Let me out of this fucking house.” “But baby, look at us. We’re so compatible.”
***
I’ll recognize her tone of voice and the features on her face. It’ll make it simple to read her. She names it, and I can study it. She names it, and I can remember what it looks like on her. I can’t emphasize and feel bad or ever share her joy. I can only attempt to learn. Sometimes, I can link it to something I’ve been through, but that is a lot of work because I hardly ever feel much. But if I learn what everything looks like on her face, in her body, in her breathing. If I learn all her emotions by heart, there will be nothing she can hide from me. Utter control. What a fun game to play.
***
“My dear wife,” I murmur against her mouth. “Will you cook me an omelet for breakfast? I’ve been craving one.” She doesn’t answer, but she takes a step back and walks to the counter. Pointing at different cupboards, she asks, “Pans?” I nod when she points at the right one, then go back to my phone. I could get used to this. My wife making me an omelet before I head to my first meeting of the day. “Nate?” “Mhm?” My thoughts still focused on how to help with night terrors, I turn toward her voice. I barely catch her shadow when the pan hits me right in the side of the face. The sharp pain drags a grunt out of me as I fall to the floor. I notice her towering over me, pan in hand. She looks down at my lying form, a beautiful, sick smile spreading on her lips. “How’s your omelet, darling?”
***
You and I, Kayla, we could rule the world. I will worship every fucking thing you touch. I will burn down your enemies, I will bury anyone who ever made you feel like you weren’t enough, like all you could do was stay in your shitty town and rule your shitty gang. You were made for the greatest things that ever existed. You were made to build your own path, and I want you to be with me when that happens. I want to see you sit on your throne and watch everyone else bow to the goddess you are.”
***
Kayla is becoming a passion. Something I want to see everywhere. I want her to be the subject of every conversation I have with everyone. I want to go to rallies in her name. I want to find someone who understands me so we can discuss her for hours like fangirls do about their favorite band. Oh, it’s bad. It’s bad, but it’s not love. Because love feels like…like… “What does love feel like?” I blurt out.
OKAY ENOUGH I think I need to stop. There are 100 more scenes and dialogues I've annotated and it's not possible to put it all in. JESUS. How will I ever enjoy any other dark romance after this???...more
“Diary, You don't know what it's like. To wake up and see her there. But I do. Draco”
Read : 22 May 2024
I don't know shit aRe-read : 3 September 2024
“Diary, You don't know what it's like. To wake up and see her there. But I do. Draco”
Read : 22 May 2024
I don't know shit about Harry Potter universe. Never been able to read any famous fics because of this lack of knowledge. Not until a friend of mine recommended this to me, saying it doesn't require being well versed with this world.
And I was fully expecting it to be something I'd drop in the middle, or wouldn't be able to understand. I wasn't planning on being hooked to this, liking it, then loving it, then giggling over it, then being heartbroken over it, then crying over it. Overall, I wasn't expecting myself to devour this and claim it as one of the best hurt-comfort books I've ever read.
From Draco's diary entries to his cursing, from Hermoine's need to fight for him to her sheer strength of surving everything, from Theo to Pansy.
THIS WAS THE BEST ROMCOM/FANTASY I'VE EVER READ. If there's a "most unique and refreshing book" contest THIS IS THE WINNER FOR ME.
I HAVE NO WORDS FOR THIS WAS THE BEST ROMCOM/FANTASY I'VE EVER READ. If there's a "most unique and refreshing book" contest THIS IS THE WINNER FOR ME.
I HAVE NO WORDS FOR THIS. ZERO. I just pity the readers who are yet to meet Minnie and Marlowe.
Oh god HOW WAS THIS NEVER DONE BEFORE? HOW IS THIS SO PERFECT?
I LOVE YOU VERONICA LANCET. I mean, romcoms? I don't read them. Fantasy? Very rarely. MAKE THE HERO A SERIAL KILLER NEURODIVERGENT AND THE HEROINE A SUPERNATURAL BEING WHO IS HOMELESS WITH GORE AND MURDER AND YOU EXPECT ME NOT TO READ THIS??
Any book which makes me laugh this much is an immediate 5 star read. MOST FUN I'VE HAD THIS YEAR.
Dare I say that Marlowe beats Aaron Warner in terms of his delusion in every best and worst possible ways??? Oh dear lord, Marlowe is not just one in a million, there is nobody like him. ...more
“I’ve done bad things, Valentine.” I brush my lips over her pinkened cheek. “But I’ll always be good to you.”
FaDing ding ding. We have a WINNER!!!
“I’ve done bad things, Valentine.” I brush my lips over her pinkened cheek. “But I’ll always be good to you.”
Fav of the month!!!! Cannot believe this book was a whole freaking package. Not just another dark romance. The fact that it was CUTE??? like adorable???? Sweet??? Not only that, it was HILARIOUS??? like with laugh-out-loud funny banter??? Emotional???? The freaking tears I shed because of the h????
They are just so fucking sweet??? Ahhhh!!!
Coincidentally, Christmas day was a pivotal aspect of this book related to the h trauma and I read it on the 25th as well. So Merry Christmas to me ig.
I'm pretty sure if I read this series from the beginning, meaning, read the first two stories of the other couples, I would love them too.
But anyways, I CANNOT GET OVER THIS COUPLE. And oh yesssss!!!!! The freaking TATTOOS??...more
I did not realise there was a sequel of Church. (was I stupid in 2022?) I had to reread the second half of book Book 1 (Church) review HERE
I did not realise there was a sequel of Church. (was I stupid in 2022?) I had to reread the second half of book 1 to follow up on this book.
Church and Emma did not disappoint! They remain that unhinged psycho couples with their unhealthy obsession and sociopathic lifestyle that I love and cherish.
Nothing beats these two <3
It's kinda hard to go back to regular mundane couple romances after getting accustomed to these sociopaths in love....more
➺ I've had 4-5 star recent reads, however, very few made it to my all-time-fav list. So it comes as no surprise that a book by6 "No Take Backs" Stars✰
➺ I've had 4-5 star recent reads, however, very few made it to my all-time-fav list. So it comes as no surprise that a book by Jewel E. Ann is now joining that exclusive group. It's difficult for me to precisely pinpoint what i loved in this story. If I were to describe the couple's extraordinary and endearing way of expressing their love through hilarious banter, resulting in delightful moments and scenes, I would essentially be reiterating what I've mentioned in all my previous JEA reviews. Maybe that's why I hadn't read all of her books until now. I didn't want to keep encountering perfection. It's challenging to explain why, but I suppose I wanted to avoid meeting the books which have the potential of ruining me for other more regular, ordinary and mundane ones that are prevalently popular. It's almost as if I've subconsciously been practicing a self-preserving act until this point, which has led me to the decision of unearthing and binge-reading JEA's older works.
➺ This was a slightly different story from her usual extraordinary tales, since I don't recall ever reading about a virgin Harvard aspirant heroine with a scarred back, a troubled past fueled by insecurities, and an older, enigmatic guy who happens to be eight years her senior (she is 21).
“I notice everything about you, but I only see the things that matter.” He has no idea what those words mean to me, there’s no way he could. There’s also no way I can hold back the tears that fill my eyes.
However, i was sold the moment i read these lines of the blurb :
Oliver’s days are predictable and his nights are lonely until he meets Vivian on the subway. Her long raven hair, green eyes, and mile-long legs are achingly sexy, but the way she "innocently" fingers and licks her Boston Kreme doughnut can only be described in two words—complete torture.
Oh, how wonderfully entertaining and saucy scenes were sparked by her notorious obsession with doughnuts! ...more
“We should go after the girls.” “Yes, we should.” Neither of them moved. Alex bit her lip. “We’re going to kiss instead, aren’t we.” He caught
“We should go after the girls.” “Yes, we should.” Neither of them moved. Alex bit her lip. “We’re going to kiss instead, aren’t we.” He caught her in his arms. “You’re goddamned right, we are.”
THERE IS A FREAKING REASON TESSA DARE IS KNOWN AS THE QUEEN OF HR COMEDY, PEOPLE!!
"You are the worst example of false advertising. I was led to believe I was hiring a prim scold. Then I learn you’re remarkable and bold and interesting.”
♥♥
Even a less than 5 star book of hers has all the feels I expect from her books and more. It's seeing the collab of Ashbury from book 1 and Chase (H) here that I didn't knew I would be getting. Ash's infamous cat and Chase's two unusually perfect little girls would definitely make such a great team. Literally every Ash × Chase interaction is HILARIOUS AF!
Ash walked past her to stare down Chase face-to-face. “You deserve to know what a worthless scoundrel he is, Alex.” “Yes!” Chase exclaimed. He reached for Ashbury’s hand and pumped it in a vigorous greeting. “Thank you. I’ve been trying to tell her myself, but she won’t listen.” Ashbury looked more than a bit thrown by Chase’s invitation. He gave Alex a what-the-devil-is-he-on-about look.
♥♥
“You know, you two have so much in common. You ought to be friends.” “We are nothing alike,” Ash sputtered. “No one could possibly confuse us,” Chase agreed. “Of course not,” Ash continued. “One of us is a repulsive monster, and the other was scarred at Waterloo.” She spoke over their protests. “You should see yourselves. You’re giving me identical scowls right this moment.” “I am not scowling,” the two men said. In unison. While scowling.
♥♥
AAND, this is probably THE BEST if-you-hurt-i'll-kill-you speech i've ever seen in the history of ALL the romance books. I think its something to do with me being partial to Ash lol.
Before departing, Ash addressed Chase. “If you hurt her, in even the slightest way, I will eviscerate you.” “Understood.” “I mean it, Reynaud. In fact, gutting would be too good for you. I will subject you to my cat.” “Your cat?” Chase laughed. “To mewl at me, I suppose.” “Trust me. We’re not speaking of the average cat.” Alexandra spoke up. “I can attest to this.” “I’ll strip you bare, tie your hands behind your back, smear salmon on your manly bits, and lock the two of you in a wardrobe. Once he’s clawed your ballocks to shreds, I’ll crush whatever remains of you to a bloody, formless pulp.” “Good Lord.”Chase sounded a little awed. “That’s remarkably vivid. Did you plan all this out just for me, or do you keep a list of gruesome threats to use as the occasion arises?”
♥♥
It's the real versions of love declarations over the cheesy sweet nothings that makes me swoon. Them being their real usual selves>>> I love that only Tessa Dare characters are realistically sweet and hilarious together, it's pure magic which makes me addicted to her characters.
"I think the world is spinning.” “The world is always spinning.” He exhaled in a soft groan. “Well, that’s the truth. It’s spinning all the time.” “How about this. What if I say that you’re my world. You’re not spinning.” “But I am. We all are. We’re on the earth, and it’s spinning, so we’re spinning, too.” “You are ruining all my sweet nothings.”
♥♥
Honourable mention of the 10 year old Miss Rosamund and her little sister Daisy who are the cutest most unhinged kids ever! :
"Have you ever seen those girls so happy?” “Of course they’re happy,” he replied, sounding markedly less enthusiastic about it. “Daisy is surrounded by death, mummies stacked three to a case, and even Rosamund couldn’t dream of this much plundered gold.”
“Disease!” Daisy cheered. “Which ones?” “Very, very boring ones,” he said. “And don’t cheer. It was misery. Now if all that wasn’t bad enough, once you were convicted in court?” He drew a finger across his neck in a throat-slicing gesture. “Beheading,” Daisy awed
♥♥
I WANNA COPY PASTE THE WHOLE BOOK HERE, (just like i feel everytime i read Ms. Dare's books) but there are some bits and scenes special to the characters that one should come across on their own without prior knowledge (just like in every book by Ms. Dare which makes them stand out)
“You had better leave a detailed note for the great-great-grandchildren,” Ash said. “That would require them to have children first,” Emma pointed out. “Excellent observation. We’ll get on that right away.” Chase clapped his hands together. “On that note, good night and good-bye. All of you.”
♥♥
“You are the last person I want to see.” “Well, you are the last person I want to see, too.” She gestured in exasperation. “Then why are you—” “You are the last person I want to see before I fall asleep at night. Every night. The last woman I want to kiss for the remainder of my life. And your lovely face is the very last thing I want to see before I die. Because I love you, Alexandra.”
4 days later I'm writing this review of my first favourite HR which put me in a slump only Tessa Dare can get me out of. This book got me binge watchi4 days later I'm writing this review of my first favourite HR which put me in a slump only Tessa Dare can get me out of. This book got me binge watching Outlander. I don't read much HR, I can count on one hand how many I've read before. Thanks to my good friend Venus who recommended me this masterpiece, I am hooked.
➺ I did NOT knew HR could be this humorous with witty banter, Aaron Warner spice (yes thats a thing), a unique premise and a relatable, lovely, blunt and hilarious heroine. The writing style? one of the reasons I couldn't get into HRs but here? its chefs kisses. Folks, I believe I found the one. The one who can get me addicted to this genre. Her name is Tessa Dare.
Letter : My dear imaginary Captain MacKenzie, you are not real and never will be. I, however, am a true and eternal fool. Because, you see, you are mad for me. Utterly consumed with passion after just a few chance meetings and walks along the shore. You made me a great many promises. I was reluctant to accept them, knowing how our nascent love would be tested by distance and war. But you assured me that your heart is true, and I . . . And I have read too many novels, I think.
“Loving you is realizing heaven isn’t a place, but a person.”
➺ I'm surprised by how much i love this book. This couple. Their banter. Their hilar“Loving you is realizing heaven isn’t a place, but a person.”
➺ I'm surprised by how much i love this book. This couple. Their banter. Their hilarious conversations and literally every fucking thing they do when they are with each other. I initially was planning to give this 3 stars until i realised there's 50% of the book still left.
➺ Fake relationship isn't the trope i prefer to read voluntarily. However, i went into this blind and thus this trope came outta nowhere and smacked me in the face. But the way that it happened made me feel a little less uneasy because it wasn't something i thought was going to be sticking around for a long time.
With this trope comes certain obvious things like characters second guessing every romantic moment between them and chalking it up to it being fake and something the other one clearly did for the "show". And that's something i dislike.
She’s like a rainbow after the storm, and I’ll be damned if she fades away once the sun breaks through the clouds.
➺ Here comes a twister. I saw i just reached 50% and there's still half the book left so i continued. And OMFG!!! They are perfect! They are cute! But most importantly, THEY ARE FUCKING HILARIOUS.
I don't think anyone understands me when i say I'd love to read funny romances where the MCs are actually hilarious like laugh-out-loud funny and not just some sarcastic remarks here and there. It's honestly rare to find.
➺Forget them fake dating and shit, they are so fucking cute, I honestly had to put the book down yesterday night to sleep because my single ass can't handle sweetness.
“Loving you is like being stranded in a desert without food or water. Like I’m half delusional, wondering if this whole damn thing is a mirage, because nothing should feel or look this good.”
➺ The fact that this book also deals with a serious topic of people dealing with disability and Santiago's obvious emotional struggle with his low self-esteem was phenomenally portrayed. And i absolutely freaking loved Chloe for always showing him she's sticking with him in such badass ways
➺ How she never gives up on him while also not being a doormat (mainly because Santiago is smitten and not an asshole despite being a grump) shows what rarely ever occurs in adult romances and it's : The couple sticking with each other, having each other's back, helping each other fight their demons and progress to a healthy relationship through communication and not just assumption. I loved how they just straight up came out with it and said they'll give this relationship a real chance and went from there, instead of assuming shit and never being on a same page.
➺ It's honestly amusing to me how I unknowingly chose the last book of this series and it ended up becoming not only my fav but also the author's most underrated one. Compared to the dreamland series -atleast the first two books- this is so much better and much worthy of being hyped imo!
I’ll love Santiago Alatorre for as long as the wildflowers keep growing in beautiful chaos.
The thing I love the most about Shadowman is the fact that he says the most beautiful things to ever exist and they Re-read III : Aug 26, 2024 Review :
The thing I love the most about Shadowman is the fact that he says the most beautiful things to ever exist and they are so romantically poetic yet he is the person who cannot feel emotions so he says them as universal and scientific facts more than anything else. Like, you could expect this from Dante, he is a really feeling person and you could expect this from even Tristan sometimes who is dark but only light for Morana. I don't even count alpha lol. But shadowman has the level of intensity that is so unparalleled to every other fictional man including the other dark verse men that everything he speaks, and when he speaks you know it means something and not a single word from his mouth is a waste. Even his simple "yes" or "okay" or "good" has power in them.
So yeah when I rank the books, these characters —it sounds so ridiculous when I say characters, because I feel like I know them as actual humans— I love Dante and Amara's story the most but Shadowman comes on top of my fav dark verse hero and then Dante. Book wise it's - Emperor, Annihilator, Reaper, Predator and Finisher.
Alpha and Zephyr are my least favourite characters and the story as well.
Blackthorne>>> After all, he is the most dangerous and the most powerful among all of them INCLUDING the whole Syndicate
Re-read II : Nov 19, 2023 Read : Feb 15, 2023
Initial review :
“Your trust, flamma, is the most addictive drug.”
Oh fuck. Oh fuck.
10/5 stars✰
“If there was any love in this world of mine, Lyla, it would be you.”
After reading this, now i feel like lowering the ratings of all the other books in the series (save for Dante's).
Because oh fucking hell.
THE SHADOW MAN CAN GIVE TRISTAN A RUN FOR HIS MONEY. I'm actually conflicted about who do i love more? Dante and Amara? Whom i loved from the very beginning, who were my all time fav couples and are my comfort characters? Or Blackthorn and Lyla? Who SURPASSED everyone and made me feel more than I ever thought possible?
If you ever choose another, make sure you kill me first. Because I—” he bent to whisper against her lips “—will annihilate the fucking world before I let you go.”
I don't know how should I describe the characters. I want to put all my fav highlighted quotes here but there are literally more than fucking 80.
Also, HATTS OFF TO THE AUTHOR for how she has left me speechless and it's still astounding to me how every little piece fucking falls into place in every book, and it all comes full circle in this Dark Verse series, how perfectly she has woven this world and everything connects so fucking flawlessly. Just ...more
This was so much better than AngeloRory story which i DNFed around 16% and even knowing how their story turns out from this book, i have no intention This was so much better than AngeloRory story which i DNFed around 16% and even knowing how their story turns out from this book, i have no intention of ever picking it up again either.
➺The heroine in this book is just chefs kisses really. I had my doubts about her personality when from the prologue we got to know there was going to be a "queen of hearts" who'll bring Rafe "to his knees" and let's be honest, it wouldn't be the first time a meek heroine is labelled as such.
Imagine my surprise when i not only found Penelope to be a wild firecracker, but also found myself loving the fact that even though she is averse to mafia violence and stuff which isn't anything new but she makes up for it by being such a fucking trickster. The amount of times she took me by surprise along with Rafe and manages to shock me by her boldness dissolved any doubts i had about her being his doom card.
➺Rafe, he is a made men who is a gentleman but not a gentle man. That about sums him up and the sexual tension between these two were not hot because it was written masterfully but rather how both of them were equally dominating. This is those rare mafia romances where i encountered an equal couple and not another Intimidating-killer-H & meek-submissive-h.
➺The length of these books bothers me because i don't see any point of a romance which isn't a fantasy being more than 350+ pages. Especially when this isn't even a standalone.
Can't believe I have rated this 4 when this deserves more than 10 stars. Proves I hadn't read it properly before. Because this? ThRe-Read : 16 Feb 2024
Can't believe I have rated this 4 when this deserves more than 10 stars. Proves I hadn't read it properly before. Because this? This is heaven. This is comfort. This is home. The minute I finished this today. I automatically went to Amazon and ordered the paperback. Changing my rating now.
As a reader who one-clicks every grovel-promising book, I firmly believe in the fact that the grovel can only be great if the receiving party lets the other one repent. And half of the times whenever I've encountered books where grovelling has failed to deliver, it's often due to the lack of resistance from the heroine.
Penny here? She is the "queen" in every sense of word. The perfect candidate to receive and make a grovelling epic because hell will freeze over before she'd back down.
The fact that I cried. like legit cried here???? And there wasn't even a character death. Jesus. This story. Penny. Rafe. Them together. Their words. Their scenes. Their unspoken actions. They brought tears in my eyes. And to think this was a reread. This is when you know you've discovered a true gem of a book.
------------------------- Initial review :
This did not disappoint! I'm interested to see how Gabe and Wren's story will unfold considering their dynamic might be the most unique one yet. What's with their polar opposite personalities and all. While i don't like to read about that kinda thing, i sure would give it a chance.
Anyways, my fav quotes/scenes from this :
“Since when did you start drinking vodka?” “Since you said you wouldn’t kiss me if I drank whiskey.”
♡♡
“I don’t want you, Penelope.” Before his omission has time to sting, he brings his hand to my jaw and grips me there. “But I’m going to take you anyway, and then I’m going to ruin you.” “Why?” I breathe. He doesn’t miss a beat. “Because it’s only a matter of time before you ruin me.”
♡♡
“Whose pussy is this, Penelope?” “Mine.” A growl rises up my throat, and I catch her garbled, “But we can share!” as my belt whistles through the air and breaks over her ass.
This is the bestest cutest most funniest adorable and my absolute favourite college romance book EVER!!
10 *IOU* Stars✰
oh god. What is this trope?? ThiThis is the bestest cutest most funniest adorable and my absolute favourite college romance book EVER!!
10 *IOU* Stars✰
oh god. What is this trope?? This "grumpy nerd in disguise hero" and this "silly but strong heroine" idk what to call this. BUT WHAT IS THIS MUSHY FEELING I AM HAVING INSIDE. I AM FEELING SO GIDDY reading about them, his pov where he is doing his best to "maintain a reputation" of being this scary intimidating guy infront of her but HE JUST CAN'T HELP HIMSELF.
I FEEL LIKE I'M INTRUDING IN THEIR DOMESTIC LIVES. AND WHAT IS HAPPENING?? WHY IS SHE SO CUTE AND CRAZY AND HILARIOUS AND WHY IS HE A GRUMP AND ALSO A NERD WHO IS HIDING A SOFT SPOT FOR HER??
WHY AM I TALKING IN CAPITALS?!!!!
Showing her I cared that she didn’t starve was the worst thing I could have done. It didn’t matter that I pushed an IOU across the table last night and barked out orders for her to remain scarce tonight. She’s not scared. Maybe she is a little; she did hustle out of the kitchen when I was yelling at Rowan on the phone earlier. But the air has shifted. Ainsley James realizes that I’m not as scary as the rumors make me out to be. Which. Is. A. Fucking. Problem.
***
It’s cute the way he acts like he doesn’t give a shit, but yet, he’s checking on me. Of course, his voice strains, like he had to force the words out, but the point is, the big bad wolf cares, even if he would love for me to believe he doesn’t.
***
I think you like people to believe you’re this big bad, beer-drinking, poker-playing god. But really, you’re just a water drinking nerd.”
***
The TV is on and playing her aquarium show. I moan. “Can we please watch something else tonight?” Her lips flatten, and she gives me the side-eye like how dare I request to watch something on my own TV
***
Maverick really is cute when he's being all awkward, looking around like he’s scared someone will recognize him at Crush It, a place where you can literally smash anything.
***
Thank you for saying all those nice things about me.” A groan vibrates in his chest. “Shut up.” “I mean it. It was really sweet.” He’s just a big old scary teddy bear
***
Any trivial thing she does, she gets an IOU. No, she’ll never pay them all back and honestly, I don’t expect her to. It’s just a game between us at this point. Once I surpassed the limit where I knew she would never escape me, I started writing them just for the fuck of it.
***
I love buying toothpaste once a month because you use all mine. I love waking up to you in my bed and burning macaroni and cheese on the stove.” A tear rolls down her cheek. I swipe it away and replace it with my hand. “I love watching your stupid walrus show.” That gets a laugh out of her. “They are sea lions, don’t act like you don’t know the difference.”
GAHH!!! how is it that I've NEVER encountered such couples even in the books which are actually advertised as a "grumpy guy who only has a soft spot for her" type of trope. Like THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO SEE. THIS. THIS AND THIS.
*sigh* i wanna own this book. It's so expensive here. And there's not a better cover. WHY GOD WHY?...more
If there's such a thing as a wholesome stalker, Callum is him. If you love the infamous stalker Zade Meadows but wants something which isn't dark, a tIf there's such a thing as a wholesome stalker, Callum is him. If you love the infamous stalker Zade Meadows but wants something which isn't dark, a tamer version of him yet still morally ambiguous, you'll love this. Infact, even if you actually hated Zade because of his unquestionably darker than necessary actions and behavior, Callum is the guy you'll find no issues simping for.
“There are a million shades of gray between good and evil, love. Am I on the darker end of the spectrum? Yes. Am I a bad man who does good things or a good man who does bad things? Both. But you made this monster your slave. All of what I am, good and bad, light and dark, belongs to you.”
♡♡♡
“I know I’m damaged. But all my broken pieces belong to you.”
Still not convinced? Let me start over.
At the heart of this hilarious story is our manipulative hero, a billionaire who's quite the stalker. I gotta admit, he's one-of-a-kind, with a captivating, unhinged and sometimes unsettling personality. However, there is an undeniably endearing quality about him. His extravagant gestures and unwavering pursuit of the spirited and humorous heroine, he succeeds in enchanting us with his outrageous antics, leaving us utterly smitten. What's with him getting Emery's (h) name tattooed all over his body on every part of him as we progress. The signed copy of her favorite book. All the priceless first editions. It's Outlander btw, ooohh and our Jamie Fraser has such a significant role in the plotline, it's just adorable. <33
He says softly, “The tattoo is the first of many I’ll get with your name all over my body.” My breath catches. I study his profile as my pulse begins to race. “But…why?” His expression contemplative now, he reaches for the small silver cream server on the tray. “Because I’m yours. You’ve tattooed your name on everything inside me. The least I can do is make the outside match.”
Speaking of the heroine, she's an absolute gem. With her razor-sharp wit and a penchant for dishing out some epic comebacks, she never fails to keep our hero on his toes. I couldn't help but adore her for the funny ways she devised to pay him back whenever he crossed the line. I love how she made infant shit sandwiches as a payback to him handcuffing her to bed and leaving her all night. Or the time when he disposed of her Volkswagen without telling her, and she crashed his favorite Bentley. Ugh this is the type of banter and bickering i look for in an enemies-to-lovers. Ofc their chemistry leaps off the pages, you can count on finding Jessa Kane level of spice ;)
When I whimper softly, he moves his hand down from my jaw to encircle my neck. “Sweet little lamb,” he murmurs against my lips. “Hungry, aren’t you?” “Why do you have to ruin everything by talking?”
♡♡♡
He murmurs, “Be a good girl and ask for my dick.” “Or you could be a good boy and just give it to me.” He presses his teeth harder into my nipple, but if he thinks that’s a punishment, he’s crazy.
What makes this book stand out is its ability to blend comedy in a marriage-of-convenience romance seamlessly. The author has crafted a story where the boundary between love and hate is hilariously blurred. The constant battle of wills between our unconventional duo keeps the plot engaging and ensures that laughter is never in short supply. This is why JTG is my fav author.
“Your face is red again.” “And you’ve got more spinach stuck in your gums.” “You also forgot your engagement ring.” “If you reach into your suit pocket right now, I can guarantee I’ll draw blood.” His intense gaze drifts up from my mouth to my eyes, where it electrocutes me. He murmurs, “Are you threatening your fiancé, darling?” “Yes. And if you call me darling one more time, you can say goodbye to your two front teeth.”
While the premise might seem far-fetched, it's the sheer audacity and unapologetic nature of the characters that make this book an absolute riot. The author's writing style effortlessly captures the zany energy of the story, and I found myself snorting with laughter more times than I can count. Which is hard to believe because THIS ISN'T A ROM-COM PEOPLE. But then again this JTG we are talking about, the author of the Queens & Monsters series, so it's not that surprising there's comedy in the story which has unorthodox elements such as.. well.. stalking, kidnapping, manipulation, elaborate scheming blah blah.
"What the hell is happening, Callum?” He drops his hands to his sides and blasts me with his most withering, he-man look, towering over me like Godzilla about to ransack a city. I say flatly, “Yes, you’re very scary. Happy?” “No.” “What a shock.”
If you're a fan of non-traditional enemies-to-lovers stories, where the hero's pursuit knows no bounds and the heroine's retaliation is delightfully bitchy, this is an absolute must-read. This book will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, from laughter to disbelief and ultimately to rooting for this unhinged duo to find their happily ever after. What's more? It's hard to find a heroine in a billionaire romance actually using his money. And the ways she spends it and uses it to her advantage just makes me love her even more. The time when she bought a red Ferrari when given his American express card as a way of to cure her nervous breakdown about marrying him through retail therapy, is just chefs kisses.
In conclusion, Liars Like Us is a gem in the morally gray trope, delivering hilarious moments and unexpected twists that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. While the plot twist wasn't hard to guess, and i knew it significantly earlier, the depth of the twist was still surprising. So grab a copy, buckle up, and prepare to be swept away by the uproarious journey of these unconventional lovebirds. Cannot wait for the next book in the series which is Cole's story! (Callum's brother)
When liars like us fall in love, everything else falls apart. But, for now at least, we’re falling together.
P.S : Dont forget to read Queens & Monsters series! My personal fav is Carnal Urges
I have no qualms about the story. It's just the length of the book which bothered me.
This might be my fav boss-employee romance since I love this tropI have no qualms about the story. It's just the length of the book which bothered me.
This might be my fav boss-employee romance since I love this trope but don't really like most of the books featuring this. And it's rare to see a hero who is obsessed with the heroine in a non-stalkerish way. Needy, desperate heroes are fun to read. Specially when the FMC is Zelda who is brutally honest with no boundaries and really puts him in his place, knows how to handle him AND doesn't misinterprets the situations.
If she left, then I'd lose my fucking mind because—because I would and there didn't need to be a reason.
If she left, then she might never come back and I'd never know why this woman mattered and that was unfuckingacceptable.
If she left, then I'd find her. Then I'd bring her back, which made fine sense to me even if it did sound like an abduction plan.
If I brought her back, then I'd never let her out of my sight again and that also made fine sense while sounding rather criminal.
If she stayed at my apartment, then I'd want to touch her because she was a living, breathing magnet.
If I wanted to touch her, then she'd let me because she needed it as much as I did.
If she let me touch her, then I couldn't have her work for me because there was a limit to the number of complications I could supervise at any time.
If she couldn't work for me, then I'd lose my fucking mind. And I still didn't need a damn reason.
That'd pissed me off to no end, right up to the point when she'd stood in my entryway, looking like she didn't know where she belonged. Right here, I wanted to say. You belong right here.
“I want him to take me to wherever it is he goes and show me whatever it is he does and scare me and terrify me and make me fall so in love with hi“I want him to take me to wherever it is he goes and show me whatever it is he does and scare me and terrify me and make me fall so in love with him, I'll never see the light of day again.”
I'm apparently binge reading every book by Ms. Fantome now. And so far she has given me unhinged couples in love, heroines being beyond obsessed with the hero, two mentally fucked up humans ready to kill people for each other, and somehow each story is unique.
But the best part about her? Her eyes. Big, beautiful, green pools. The windows to her soul, telling me all her little secrets. You know what they say? They say want me. They say need me. They say I'm damaged. They say fix me. They say I will do anything for these things. Anything at all. Just make me believe.
Tell me how can I not love Stylo?????? I'm worshipping her at this point. I'm so high on this Fantome drug, i never want to come back down.
“Jesus,” he breathed, and his forehead fell to hers. “It's like I invented you. Where have you been all my life?” “In the deepest parts of hell, waiting for you.”
You want a heroine being obsessed like no other? This is the shit.
“I'll do anything you want, Church. Just don't ever stop talking to me.” “Never. I'll never stop with you, Emma.”
Two people couldn't be more perfect together as the couples in Ms. Fantome's stories.
A force of nature. We will tear through this life and we will leave destruction and we will make people remember us....more
Are Rafe & Penny still my fav couple??? Yes. Is Penny still my fav heroine?? Hell yes. Do i love Sinners Anonymous a
“Tell me a sin, Aurora.”
Are Rafe & Penny still my fav couple??? Yes. Is Penny still my fav heroine?? Hell yes. Do i love Sinners Anonymous any less??? Hell to the fuck no.
Yeah the first 35-40% was slow af and this is why it was hard for me to get hooked enough to ever read and finish this every other time i've tried doing so.
my fucking god. was it worth it. Because when Vicious Visconti and Rory hits, they hit hard.
There's just something about stories where they fall in love wayy before having sex. The intimate moments without it being sexual goes to my fav shelves. And this was one of them. From that one mention of F1 to the bird-cursing, I knew this was meant for me.
I find myself at such loss of words whenever i gotta praise a phenomenal book like this so i present you some of my fav highlighted quotes:
“And anyone who’s a complete cunt?” I recoil at the sound of that word. He glances sideways and smirks. “I mean, anyone who’s a complete…” He waves a hand around. “Canada goose?” “I would have gone with “cuckoo” myself.”
***
my hand shoots out and grabs a fistful of his suit jacket. He stops in his tracks. His eyes skid down to my fist and then they harden, like he can’t believe I have the nerve to touch him. But he doesn’t bark, nor does he bite. Instead, he does something so small and stupid that it has no right to snatch the oxygen from my lungs. He puts his hand over mine and lifts it to his face. Grazes his lips over it. “Stay in the car, Aurora,” he murmurs into my knuckles, making every nerve ending in my body buzz.
***
My uncle’s twenty-one-year-old fiancée emerging from the sea in a tiny black bikini is temptation personified. But her telling me she fingered herself while watching me on the shore?
A death sentence.
***
I slide my hands into the pockets of my slacks and tilt my chin up to the clear sky. Birds circle overhead: little blue ones with an annoying chirp. I bet Aurora would know exactly what fucking bird it was. She probably uses its name as a curse word. “What are you smiling about?” Rafe snaps next to me.
***
“So, uh. Where were you on Wednesday?” “Why? Did you miss me?” “Yes.” Her answer comes quick and thick. It’s followed by the most adorable little laugh. Coming to a halt to meet the gate, I drop my head against the backrest and close my eyes.
***
Under the heat of her bewildered stare, I shrug off my jacket and slip it around her shoulders. She pauses, wide-eyed, then pulls it tighter around herself, hiding a small smile in the fabric of the lapel. Fuck. Without a word, I sink down next to her and pull the cigarette carton from my pocket. I slide one out and slip it between Rory’s parted lips. As my knuckle grazes over her chin, I fight against the instinct to grip her there. The flame of my Zippo casts a soft shadow over her face, and when I light the tip, she draws a slow sensual inhale that goes straight to my cock. “Tell me a sin, Aurora.”
***
Christ. I have a Wasabi-flavored Kit-Kat melting in my glove box. It’s left over from my trip to Tokyo a few weeks back, and when I found it tucked into the seam of my luggage, my first thought was her. I’d smiled to myself, fucking smiled, picturing the adorable expression on her face when she bit into it and recoiled at the heat
***
Her hand finds my wrist, and she wraps it over my watch strap and leans her face into my palm, her eyes fluttering shut. Fuck. I hate how such a simple movement floods my stomach with warmth, but at the same time, I’d give my left nut to have her do that again.
***
“I trust you,” I whisper. His eyes flutter shut but if I’d blinked, I’d have missed it. “Rory?” His thumb pad carves a trail over my jawline. It stops at the corner of my mouth, but I turn my head to catch it between my lips. He lets out a soft moan, watching me, eyes half-lidded with lust, as I slowly lick it. “Yes?” Danger sparking in his eyes, he pushes his thumb further into my mouth, and with wetness pooling between my thighs, I open my mouth wider to take him all in. “Out of all my sins, you’re my favorite.”
***
His gaze flashes. “I’m old enough to be your father. How does that make you feel?” Heart thumping, I feign boredom. Look up at him through my lashes. “Does that mean I can call you daddy now?” Dark amusement graces his features. He gives a small shake of his head. “Come here.”
***
“You taste even better than I imagined,” he murmurs in fascination, brushing a stray curl away from my cheek. He cocks his head, a smirk dancing on his lips. “Starting a war with my family was worth that alone.”
***
I know how much she misses confessing her petty little sins, but from now on, that’s all they’ll ever be—petty. Because any real sin she wants to commit, I’ll do it for her.
I loved this book really, truly, honestly, earnestly, properly.
"I beg your pardon, Your Grace. I must have misheard.” “I said I will make you
I loved this book really, truly, honestly, earnestly, properly.
"I beg your pardon, Your Grace. I must have misheard.” “I said I will make you a duchess.” “Surely . . . surely you don’t mean through marriage.” “No, I intend to use my vast influence in the House of Lords to overturn the laws of primogeniture, then persuade the Prince Regent to create a new title and duchy. That accomplished, I will convince him to name a vicar’s daughter from Hertfordshire a duchess in her own right. Of course I mean through marriage, Miss Gladstone.”
Tessa Dare really decided to go on this path to become my first fav HR author with her laugh-out-loud romances.
“Did you follow me?” “I am a duke. Of course I didn’t follow you. I had you followed. It’s an entirely different thing.”
LMFAO. This man. His humor is everything.
"Has it not occurred to you that I might have pursued you out of some genuine concern for your well-being?” She gave him a doubtful look. “I’m not saying I did. Only that it should have occurred to you.”
I love these kinds of couples.
"Dear husband, I don’t believe I shall.” He dropped his fork and glowered at her. She smiled and reached for a nearby bowl. “Would you like more sauce, sweeting?” His fingers strangled the stem of his wineglass. She could practically hear the grapes calling for help. She hoped that was a good sign. “If you don’t cease that nonsense,” he said, “you will regret it.” “Is that so, my heart?” He plunked one forearm on the table and turned to face her. Piercing blue eyes, striking scars, and all. “Yes.”
Emma's aggravatingly sweet pet names for him>>>>
Emma nibbled at an apple tart. “I’ve been thinking, dumpling.” He flopped back on the bed and groaned. “Em-ma.” "When we're in the company of others, I will call you Ash or Ashbury. When we’re alone, you’ll allow me my little pet names.” “Fine. But you must confine yourself to an agreed upon list. No more rainbows and buttercups.”
"You should want to leave, too.” His voice darkened. “Unless you want to lift your skirts and sit on my lap so I can take you right here in the box.” “You are always making these suggestions as though they should be threats. Meanwhile, I’m only intrigued.”
Tessa Dare's heroines hits different! Ugh I'm in love with her historical romances!!!! She really puts something in her works to make me not only read the marriage-of-convenience trope I dislike but actually love it, that also in historical....more
Re-read : 21 July 2023 This is a must read MM romance, you're seriously missing out if you haven't read this phenomenal beauty.
I just have one questionRe-read : 21 July 2023 This is a must read MM romance, you're seriously missing out if you haven't read this phenomenal beauty.
I just have one question : Are we not going to get Jeff's story? Since the release of this book in 2015, I don't think it's going to happen...more