Sarah Young

Rating: 1.5

Spice Rating: 2.5

Do I think you should read this book? If you're just starting in Dark Romance, yes, if you're a veteran, no.

DNF at 50% ish. This book suffered the same problem that Haunting Adeline did in my opinion, if I'm reading a dark romance, I don't care that the MMC is dark. I don't need him to be some sort of philanthropist, overly-good guy to negate all the fucked up stuff he does to the FMC, I just want him to be fucked up and own it.

However, that being said, if you need your dark romance MMC's to be a good guy always in his heart of hearts, this would be a great read for you, just not what I'm looking for.

Great writing and narration, just not the characters for me.

🖤🖤The Truths We Burn By Monty Jay 🖤🖤

"I feel him like a third-degree burn all over. My skin blisters in remembrance. My charred bones rattle as they turn to ash all over again."

Star Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Brief Summary:

~ Rook and Sage introduce us to a new side of Ponderosa Springs in the second novel of the Hollow Boys series as they delve deep into the history of their town and make thrilling new discoveries about themselves and the mystery they're trying to uncover. ~

Review:

TW: SH

Well I'll start off by saying this was one of the most unexpected books to land on my all time favorite's shelf, but ohhh MY GOD am I so glad I continued this series after The Lies We Steal. While the TLWS was by all means a great little spicy dark romance, The Truths We Burn hit me in my fucking soul and brought out emotions in me I didn't even think a book like this would be able to.

"Patience has never been my virtue. I’ve never actively had a virtue, if I’m being honest. I relate more towards the opposing side that includes things such as lust, wrath, and pride."

♖ Rook Van Doren ♖ Rook was a character I knew I'd love and connect with even reading about him in TLWS, but I underestimated just how much his heart would bleed into my own. As someone who's struggled with SH in their past, media depiction of it, even in books, is usually grossly wrong at best and romanticized at worst, but Monty Jay captures the pain and trauma of SH in Rook's character with a maturity and understanding of how real people experience SH, without sacrificing her poetic writing style.

"I may not know fully who I am or what I want for myself—I don’t think that’s the point anymore, because we are supposed to grow, to change, to heal—but I do know what drives me."

🌿Sage Donohue🌿 Sage surprised me more and more with every page and discovering who she is on her journey with Rook, felt like such a privilege. Sage's determination in finding out what happened to her sister and her transformation from her old life was inspiring to read. I was rooting for Sage every step of the way and resonated with her decisions and feelings on such a personal level, I felt like I'd known Sage my whole life.

"Fate might not have chosen me to bear your soul mark, but I will make sure it knows that in this life and all the ones after, I will always be yours. I always have been.”

The Hollow Boys series is not only such a good plot driven dark romance, but also super spicy and a fun read at the same. Will be re-reading this book many times in the future !

Rating: 4.5

Spice: 3 ish ?

Do I think you should read this book? Yes, bitch do it.

After reading so many bully romances, you really think things aren't going to surprise you, but wow this one was a pleasant surprise after blindly picking it up off of a reddit recommendation. I will say, this book starts off a lot darker than the tone that carries through the rest of the book, so if that first chapter has you going WTF, don't worry. Personally, it a little disorientating as I thought I was in for a much, much, darker MMC than I got, but Carter is still swoon-worthy in his morally grey areas anyways and I love him for it😘.

FMC stole the book in my opinion, bully romances are nothing without a witty, stubborn and hilarious female lead, and Zoey checks all the boxes. Their banter and fighting made me laugh and have to shut off my kindle from shock so many times, it was a fun read through and through.

If you're looking for a HEA bully romance with a MMC that is more than he appears, this one is for you, just make sure you watch you TW's!

Read this book !!

Damn… God of Malice has nothing on this

I found this at the thrift store with water damage and bought it for 4 dollars, best decision I ever made. All I can say is that this book made me so happy, to glimpse into humanity is a beautiful thing.