Mélanie
Added to listPrimal playwith 2 books.
⭐️ 4.75/5 | 🌶️ 3/5
Off Script completely caught me off guard. After the very first chapter, I was fully hooked. It’s genuinely impressive that this is Vera Ivy Gray’s debut — I didn’t expect this level of depth or emotional intensity. Jacob and Liam’s story is raw, angsty in all the right ways, and gloriously messy.
This is a double awakening between two co-stars filming a queer TV series, who quickly realize that pretending their chemistry — and the sexual tension crackling between them — is nearly impossible. Add to that the fact that they’re both married, one already a father of two and the other about to become one, and you get the perfect storm of longing, yearning, and heartbreak. From start to finish, it was utterly addictive.
I loved the contrast between them: Jacob, controlled and emotionally guarded, versus Liam, driven by feeling and instinct. Their connection felt inevitable from the moment they met. This was very much a slow burn, but one that rewarded every bit of patience — once they stopped resisting, their pull toward each other was undeniable. There are a few intimate moments that will stay with me for a long time, especially the hotel room scene in Stockton.
Seeing them finally reach their HEA was a relief, even though they left some wreckage behind along the way. I truly appreciated how grounded and realistic the story felt. Vera Ivy Gray didn’t shy away from showing the less flattering sides of both Jacob and Liam, and that honesty made them feel even more real and human to me.
⭐️ 4.75/5 | 🌶️ 3/5
Off Script completely caught me off guard. After the very first chapter, I was fully hooked. It’s genuinely impressive that this is Vera Ivy Gray’s debut — I didn’t expect this level of depth or emotional intensity. Jacob and Liam’s story is raw, angsty in all the right ways, and gloriously messy.
This is a double awakening between two co-stars filming a queer TV series, who quickly realize that pretending their chemistry — and the sexual tension crackling between them — is nearly impossible. Add to that the fact that they’re both married, one already a father of two and the other about to become one, and you get the perfect storm of longing, yearning, and heartbreak. From start to finish, it was utterly addictive.
I loved the contrast between them: Jacob, controlled and emotionally guarded, versus Liam, driven by feeling and instinct. Their connection felt inevitable from the moment they met. This was very much a slow burn, but one that rewarded every bit of patience — once they stopped resisting, their pull toward each other was undeniable. There are a few intimate moments that will stay with me for a long time, especially the hotel room scene in Stockton.
Seeing them finally reach their HEA was a relief, even though they left some wreckage behind along the way. I truly appreciated how grounded and realistic the story felt. Vera Ivy Gray didn’t shy away from showing the less flattering sides of both Jacob and Liam, and that honesty made them feel even more real and human to me.
Added to listOpposites Attractwith 3 books.
⭐️ 3.5/5 | 🌶️ 2.75/5
The Anti-Hero was an enjoyable read that kept me entertained from beginning to end. That said, I think my expectations were probably a bit too high. This was my first book by Sara Cate, and I’d only heard great things about her writing. On top of that, the blurb completely hooked me—especially the sex tape angle, which felt full of potential for some seriously spicy moments. Unfortunately, this turned out to be one of those cases where expectations didn’t quite match reality.
I really wish the steamy scenes had been more developed and detailed. Because of that, I struggled at times to fully believe in the chemistry between Adam and Sage. I also found the central revenge plot a bit messy and not entirely convincing.
What kept me going, though, were the characters. I genuinely liked both Adam and Sage—especially Adam and his internal conflict between being the “good guy” and wanting to embrace his darker, more authentic side. Sage’s bold, unapologetic personality was also a highlight. And the moments between her, Gladys, Mary, and Sylvia were an absolute delight—especially the book club scene, which I loved.
I also thoroughly enjoyed hating Adam’s father. He was the perfect villain for this story—what an absolute asshole.
Overall, it was a pleasant read, but not one that will really stick with me. The characters were definitely the strongest part, while the plot fell a bit flat.
I’ll still give Sara Cate another try—I’m hopeful I’ll find a book of hers that works better for me. I’m definitely still curious about the rest of the series.
⭐️ 3.5/5 | 🌶️ 2.75/5
The Anti-Hero was an enjoyable read that kept me entertained from beginning to end. That said, I think my expectations were probably a bit too high. This was my first book by Sara Cate, and I’d only heard great things about her writing. On top of that, the blurb completely hooked me—especially the sex tape angle, which felt full of potential for some seriously spicy moments. Unfortunately, this turned out to be one of those cases where expectations didn’t quite match reality.
I really wish the steamy scenes had been more developed and detailed. Because of that, I struggled at times to fully believe in the chemistry between Adam and Sage. I also found the central revenge plot a bit messy and not entirely convincing.
What kept me going, though, were the characters. I genuinely liked both Adam and Sage—especially Adam and his internal conflict between being the “good guy” and wanting to embrace his darker, more authentic side. Sage’s bold, unapologetic personality was also a highlight. And the moments between her, Gladys, Mary, and Sylvia were an absolute delight—especially the book club scene, which I loved.
I also thoroughly enjoyed hating Adam’s father. He was the perfect villain for this story—what an absolute asshole.
Overall, it was a pleasant read, but not one that will really stick with me. The characters were definitely the strongest part, while the plot fell a bit flat.
I’ll still give Sara Cate another try—I’m hopeful I’ll find a book of hers that works better for me. I’m definitely still curious about the rest of the series.
Added to listPrimal playwith 1 book.
Added to listHoly shit! What did I just read?with 5 books.
⭐️ 5/5 | 🌶️ 3/5
It’s been a long time since a book had me this obsessed. I spent so much time between reading sessions trying to figure out what the hell was going on. This story is a complete mindfuck and is definitely best experienced going in blind.
Honestly, I can’t say much about the plot without ruining it, but I was fully absorbed from beginning to end. The pacing is sharp, the writing incredibly strong, and everything just hits. The final twist left me stunned—even though I had guessed it, seeing how all the pieces came together was still so satisfying. Watching the full picture finally take shape was honestly brilliant.
And that ending… wow. So many emotions. I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I’m not even sure I’d call it an HEA, but at this point, I don’t even care. It felt like a masterpiece.
The spice was delicious, and I loved the dynamic between Kayla and Aidan. Their personalities complemented each other perfectly, leading to some really entertaining back-and-forth moments.
This is easily one of my favorite reads of the year so far.
⭐️ 5/5 | 🌶️ 3/5
It’s been a long time since a book had me this obsessed. I spent so much time between reading sessions trying to figure out what the hell was going on. This story is a complete mindfuck and is definitely best experienced going in blind.
Honestly, I can’t say much about the plot without ruining it, but I was fully absorbed from beginning to end. The pacing is sharp, the writing incredibly strong, and everything just hits. The final twist left me stunned—even though I had guessed it, seeing how all the pieces came together was still so satisfying. Watching the full picture finally take shape was honestly brilliant.
And that ending… wow. So many emotions. I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I’m not even sure I’d call it an HEA, but at this point, I don’t even care. It felt like a masterpiece.
The spice was delicious, and I loved the dynamic between Kayla and Aidan. Their personalities complemented each other perfectly, leading to some really entertaining back-and-forth moments.
This is easily one of my favorite reads of the year so far.