Mélanie

⭐️ 5/5 | 🌶️ 3/5

L.A. Cannon is one of my all-time favorite authors, and the first two books in the Burn To Rise series were the only ones left for me to read before finishing her entire backlist. So I was incredibly excited to finally pick up Behind The Lights, the first book in the series. I had already met Leah and Søren in Of Chords And Dreams, where they appeared as side characters, and after getting small glimpses of their relationship there, I couldn’t wait to dive into their love story.

For an early work, L.A. Cannon truly impressed me with the depth of her character exploration. Leah and Søren both feel incredibly layered, and I loved how much attention was given to their thoughts, emotions, and inner struggles. They’re each carrying painful pasts that still heavily affect their lives in the present. Leah’s story especially hit me hard, and some of her flashbacks were genuinely difficult to read. Watching her try to learn how to trust again—and open her heart despite everything she’s been through—was deeply emotional.

This is a rockstar romance, and I really enjoyed the contrast between Søren’s band, Dark Omen, already being massively successful while Leah’s band, Buried Alive, is only beginning its rise. That difference in experience and fame added such an interesting dynamic to the story.

It was also amazing to see Marc and Chris again as side characters. Chris, in particular, was absolutely perfect as Leah’s best friend.

Behind The Lights is definitely a slow burn, but the payoff is so worth it once Leah and Søren finally allow themselves to fully give in to each other.

And that twist at the end left me speechless. I immediately needed to know where the story was heading in the second book.

I loved how introspective this story was—how focused it was on making us truly feel the characters and everything they were going through emotionally. I’m completely obsessed with these two.

⭐️ 4.75/5 | 🌶️ 3/5

This was my first book by Pam Godwin, and wow—just wow. I was completely blown away by this complex, emotional love triangle story. And this is only the first book in a trilogy.

The beginning felt a bit slow for me, and I even questioned whether I would end up enjoying it. But once the story found its rhythm, I couldn’t put my Kindle down.

My heart broke more than once for Danni. Her grief was raw and painful, and watching her struggle with her growing attraction to Trace was incredibly intense.

As for Cole, I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about him. But Trace… he put me through every emotion possible. I went from falling for him to being frustrated and even hating him at times. He’s such a layered, complicated, and fascinating character.

And that ending… 😭 Pam Godwin really left us there after all those revelations. I had no choice but to immediately pick up the second book. I need more of Danni, Cole, and Trace.

⭐️ 4.5/5 | 🌶️ 4/5

The Ritual by Shantel Tessier is a book I never thought I’d read one day. I literally remember telling my friend that while she was reading it months ago. At the time, I was completely shocked by everything she told me about the story, and I was convinced this type of book would never work for me. And yet… here I am, months later, having read The Ritual and feeling genuinely surprised to say that I absolutely loved it. Who would’ve thought?

From the very first chapters, I was hooked by the secret society of the Lords and their intense, dark world. And Ryat… this man had my attention immediately. I loved how completely obsessed he was with Blakeley—how everything seemed to revolve around her for him.

The spice is present throughout the entire book and starts pretty early on. Once Ryat gets a taste of Blakeley, there’s no turning back for him. The two of them are completely insatiable together and ridiculously sexy as a couple. At the same time, I really enjoyed the progression of their relationship over the course of the story. Trust and love didn’t come easily for them, and I liked that they actually had to work to reach that point together.

This is the kind of book that constantly keeps you on edge, with twists and revelations that, personally, I never saw coming.

Overall, it was just an incredibly fun ride from beginning to end, set in a world that fully captured my attention. I’ll definitely be continuing the series.

⭐️ 5/5 | 🌶️ 3.5/5

Wish We Were Here by Risa Cruise was a book I had been eagerly anticipating—partly because I already love this author’s writing style, and also because the story is set in the ’90s. I was a teenager during that decade, and so much of the music I still listen to comes from that era. Many of my favorite films—like Basketball Diaries, which is mentioned in the book—also came out in the ’90s. I went in expecting something rich in emotion and nostalgia, and that’s exactly what Risa Cruise delivered.

I have a soft spot for road trip stories and journeys of self-discovery, so it was such a joy to follow Sam and Ash across the United States. Watching them evolve from strangers into something deeper felt incredibly natural and organic. Sam’s bi-awakening was beautifully done—seeing him come to terms with his identity was both tender and moving. And Ash… my god, his story hit hard. His struggle with self-worth made so much sense given his past, and it was heartbreaking at times. I loved that he had Sam in his life—someone who gently helped him believe he deserved more, both from himself and from the world.

I also really appreciated how Risa Cruise handled the topic of AIDS, which was still relatively new in the ’90s and devastating so many lives. Its presence in the story felt authentic and meaningful, especially in the way it shaped the characters’ experiences and relationship with their own sexuality. It added an extra layer of realism that grounded the narrative.

The spice was incredible. Their first time together, in particular, was so sensual and emotionally charged—it’s still living in my head days after finishing the book. Every intimate scene carried real depth and feeling.

I honestly have no notes. This book was perfect for me. The characters, the setting, the pacing, and the level of spice all hit exactly right. I devoured it so quickly—I couldn’t put it down.

⭐️ 4.25/5 | 🌶️ 3/5

Starting this series felt both exciting and a little nerve-wracking, since it’s my best friend’s all-time favorite. I really wanted us to share that same love for Legacy of Gods.

It ended up being quite the rollercoaster. For more than half the book, I struggled to connect with the characters. I couldn’t fully understand the hype around Killian—he was entertaining in his own way, but I felt oddly detached from him. His relationship with Glyndon left me cold as well; I just wasn’t seeing the spark between them.

What kept me going were the side characters. There were so many intriguing personalities to discover, and knowing that most of them have their own books gave me a strong push to continue.

Then the last 25% completely flipped everything for me. The dynamic between Killian and Glyndon started to shift, and for the first time, I truly believed in their relationship. The plot twist near the end caught me off guard, and I was glued to my Kindle until the final page.

I never thought Killian would win me over—but wow, he really did. By the end, I was fully rooting for him.

It’s rare for a book to change my mind so drastically after the halfway point, but this one pulled it off. I’m so glad I stuck with it until the end.

I can’t wait to continue with God of Pain.

⭐️ 4.5/5 | 🌶️ 3.25/5

Lights Out was such a fun, addictive read. Even though it’s marketed as a dark romance, it leans much lighter than expected, with playful moments of humor throughout. The perfect palate cleanser.

If I had to sum up what made me completely obsessed with this book—what kept me glued to the pages—it would be one word: Josh. OMG. This man. He was insanely hot and magnetic, yet somehow just as sweet. I could’ve happily stayed in his head forever. It’s rare for me to add a new book boyfriend to my list, but Josh absolutely earned his spot. He was, without a doubt, the highlight of the entire story.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Josh and Aly—the way they constantly pushed and challenged each other. The first half of the book was incredibly strong; I could barely put my Kindle down. The cat-and-mouse tension between them was captivating, and I loved how the suspense kept building. This book definitely awakened a craving for more masked men romances.

The second half lost a bit of momentum for me, though. The plot felt slightly less tight, with a few slower moments that dragged compared to the beginning.

That said, the epilogue made it all worth it. 🥵 It was absolutely perfect. 👌🏻

The spice also delivered. While there weren’t a ton of scenes, the ones included were detailed, intense, and full of chemistry. And honestly… Josh stole the show every single time.

Special mention to Fred, Aly’s cat, who was a constant presence throughout the story and completely adorable. His dynamic with Josh was unexpectedly charming—so cute.

I really, really enjoyed Lights Out and would definitely recommend it!

⭐️ 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.

⭐️ 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.

⭐️ 3.5/5 | 🌶️ 3.5/5

Haunting by Selena Winters is definitely outside of my usual reading preferences. I rarely pick up MF romances, and even less so stories that lean heavily into over-the-top possessive male characters. Still, for some reason, this one really caught my attention, and I felt like stepping out of my comfort zone.

I’m honestly a bit conflicted about how I feel. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t dislike it either. What kept me going was my curiosity—I genuinely wanted to know what would happen next, and I found the overall world and its characters intriguing. The Hollow’s Hunt, with its intricate maze, was especially fascinating and added a unique layer to the story.

This book is very spice-heavy, with only a light focus on plot. I didn’t fully connect with Xavier and Mira as a couple; their dynamic left me somewhat indifferent. Interestingly, I found myself much more drawn to the characters who will be featured in the next series.

There are plenty of intimate scenes, though they sometimes felt repetitive. I think more detailed writing could have made them stand out more and feel less generic.

That said, I stayed entertained from beginning to end, which is why I kept turning the pages. I’m still undecided about whether I’ll continue with the Blackwood brothers’ books or jump straight into the next series now that I’ve been introduced to this world—and to the characters who interest me the most.

⭐️ 4.75/5 | 🌶️ 3/5

I absolutely loved The Work Trip by Heath Grayson. He has such a distinctive voice—one that’s instantly recognizable. His characters feel incredibly real, and he consistently delivers when it comes to both emotional depth and heat.

Alec and Mason couldn’t be more different. Their views on relationships clash in a big way, which leads to plenty of messy, tension-filled moments between them. And honestly? I enjoyed every second of it—even when Mason had me wanting to shake some sense into him. 😆

The story strikes a perfect balance between heartfelt emotion and well-placed spice. Heath Grayson remains a go-to author for me, and every time I pick up one of his books, it feels like coming home.

⭐️ 4.25/5 | 🌶️ 2/5

Drown in You is the first book in the Monstrous Survivors series, a spin-off of Monstrous Deeds. I’d strongly recommend reading the original series first, as it’s essential for fully appreciating everything this story builds on.

I loved Monstrous Deeds, especially the side characters, so continuing in this world felt like an easy choice. Jake and Casey already played a significant role in the final book, and I was really curious to experience events from their perspective. Their dynamic is quite different from Travis and Carter’s—softer, more tender—and it brought a refreshing contrast.

This is very much a slow burn, which isn’t usually my go-to, but in this case it made perfect sense for their journey. I was already so attached to them that the pacing didn’t bother me. The spice doesn’t really arrive until the last quarter of the book, and while it was enjoyable, it wasn’t the highlight for me. There’s a daddy/boy dynamic that I found appealing, although it occasionally leaned into age play territory, which isn’t entirely my thing.

Being inside Casey’s head could be difficult at times. His physical and emotional pain felt intense and deeply affecting, and there were moments where it really hit me hard.

I did feel that the story dragged in places, especially since it revisits many events from the final Monstrous Deeds book. I would have liked to see more new material explored, as those fresh moments were where the story truly shined for me.

That said, I’m completely invested in these characters and the found family they’ve built. I’ll absolutely continue the series—I need to see each of them find their HEA. Normally that’s not a requirement for me, but in this case, it feels essential.

⭐️ 4.5/5 | 🌶️ 3/5

One Last Time felt very different from the first two installments. Instead of centering on survival, it focuses on what comes after—how to rebuild a life once the worst has already happened. More importantly, it asks whether Carter and Travis (yes, Travis—no longer just Nathan) can truly reconstruct something meaningful after everything they endured, including the violence that once stood between them.

The pacing is noticeably slower here, far more reflective and inward-looking. I appreciated that shift, even if I did miss the relentless, edge-of-your-seat intensity that defined the earlier books. This final chapter leans into emotional processing rather than constant crisis, which gives the story space to breathe.

What truly resonated with me was witnessing their path toward healing. Both men are still haunted, still carrying the weight of what they survived within the trafficking ring. Their scars—psychological and emotional—shape every step forward. Watching them confront that damage, sometimes stumbling, sometimes retreating, made their eventual peace feel deeply earned. Their happiness wasn’t handed to them; it was fought for.

I also loved getting to know the other survivors, along with Travis’s colleagues and friends. Each secondary character feels layered and compelling, and I’m genuinely excited to dive into their stories next. The glimpses we get here were almost torturous—in the best way—because they left me craving more.

I’m completely in love with this series. It’s dark, devastating, and ultimately hopeful in a way that lingers long after the final page.

⭐️ 5/5 | 🌶️ It’s still complicated

Obsessed. Completely, undeniably obsessed with this series—and with Nathan and Carter.

It’s almost impossible to talk about this second installment without revealing too much, so I’ll tread carefully. The story remains incredibly challenging, yet layered with so much emotional weight and complexity. The tension in this book is relentless. There were multiple moments where I genuinely feared for these two characters I’ve grown so attached to. My heart was in my throat more than once.

What makes this series so gripping is its willingness to lean into the darkest, most uncomfortable material without losing the emotional core. It doesn’t look away from the brutality, but it also doesn’t forget the fragile, flickering connection between Nathan and Carter. That balance is what keeps me hooked.

I won’t say more—I truly can’t without spoiling something important. But if you’re someone who gravitates toward stories that explore the hard, messy, painful edges of love and survival (like I do), I recommend this series without hesitation.

I’m diving straight into the final book. I am more than ready—desperate, honestly—for Nathan and Carter’s HEA.

⭐️ 5/5 | 🌶️ It’s complicated

These Monstrous Deeds by T.J. Hamel is an incredibly difficult novel to get through—and I was completely riveted from beginning to end. This first installment of Nathan and Carter’s story stirred up a storm of conflicting feelings. Certain scenes replayed in my mind long after I put the book down—some horrifying and brutal, others unexpectedly tender and deeply moving.

When you pick up a story centered on human trafficking, you expect darkness. What I didn’t anticipate was just how unflinching Hamel would be. There is no softening of the subject matter. The trigger warnings are absolutely serious and should not be taken lightly. The violence—both physical and sexual—is explicit and graphic. Much of it involves the two main characters directly. Because of that, I can’t assign a traditional spice rating. There are breathtakingly beautiful consensual moments, but they exist alongside scenes of devastating cruelty. It’s impossible to separate intimacy from trauma here.

Carter shattered me again and again. Watching him endure so much, seeing him slowly eroded into a shadow of himself, was heartbreaking. His internal conflict—developing feelings for Nathan while knowing Nathan is also his captor—was almost unbearable to witness. And then there’s Nathan, torn between duty and desire, between the role he’s expected to play and the man he might want to be. That duality was mesmerizing. Being inside Nathan’s head was, without question, my favorite aspect of the book. He’s layered, morally complex, and written with incredible nuance.

This story is both horrific and strangely beautiful, and I’m completely invested. I need to know where this will lead and how Nathan and Carter could possibly find their way to a HEA. Right now, that future feels nearly unattainable given everything stacked against them. I’m diving straight into book two.

⭐️ 5/5 | 🌶️ 2.5/5

Wow. Just… wow. The Island by Briar Prescott completely blew me away and turned out to be an unforgettable introduction to her writing.

I’m always a sucker for stories that take us back to the characters’ childhoods—especially when they blend best friends to lovers with a true slow burn. That narrative choice allowed for a deep dive into who Dylan and Adrian are at their core, while also laying such a strong emotional foundation for their bond. Their friendship felt lived-in, organic, and impossible not to believe in.

The pining and yearning on Dylan’s side were almost painful to experience at times, in the best possible way. The entire island portion had me utterly hooked. I’ve always been fascinated by survival stories—being stranded, learning how to endure, adapting day after day—and watching Dylan and Adrian face relentless challenges over such a long stretch was gripping. When intimacy finally entered their dynamic, the payoff was extraordinary. The buildup elevated every single intimate moment, infusing those scenes with intensity and raw emotion. This isn’t a high-spice book, yet every encounter felt powerful, meaningful, and deeply felt.

I dreaded the moment they would leave the island—and that fear was completely justified. The anxiety this book stirred in me was unreal. I was genuinely on edge, nails nearly bitten off, terrified for characters I had grown profoundly attached to. Few things are more nerve-wracking than fearing for the lives of people who feel that real.

The final stretch leaned heavily into push and pull, and while it felt a bit drawn out and repetitive for my personal taste, nothing could stop me from giving this a full five stars. It had been a long time since I’d read a book that was so hard to put down.

Dylan and Adrian will stay with me for a long while, and I already know this won’t be my last Briar Prescott novel. I’m genuinely impressed by the depth, control, and emotional resonance of her writing.

⭐️ 4.5/5 | 🌶️ 3/5

I’d been craving a hockey romance for a while, and the moment I came across On Thin Ice, I had a strong feeling it would hit exactly right.

I really enjoyed Bell and Ethan’s story. I went in expecting something far heavier on the angst, but it turned out to be more restrained than anticipated — in a good way. There were so many genuinely sweet moments between the two MCs. The book struck a great balance between light, funny, and tender scenes, while still delivering stretches of tension that had me nearly holding my breath when the emotional pressure peaked.

I loved both main characters. I’m usually drawn to darker personalities, yet Bell — a full-on sunshine — completely won me over. It was refreshing to see a younger character portrayed with emotional intelligence and a solid sense of self. As for Ethan, he frustrated me more than once, but that made the payoff even more satisfying once the story peeled back the layers and revealed why owning his truth felt so impossible for him.

This wasn’t the spiciest read, but the intimate scenes were thoughtfully written and caught me off guard in the best way. There were a couple of kinks I would’ve loved to see explored more than once, though their inclusion at all was already a big plus.

Overall, this was a strong, enjoyable read that I’d easily recommend to fans of age gap romance, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and secret relationships.

⭐️ 4.75/5 | 🌶️ 4/5

I’m having so much fun discovering Alex Pendragon’s voice and narrative style. The last book I read by him was a romance-free erotica, so I was curious to see how he would handle a story where emotions take center stage. Xander Shows Me My Prostate struck a fantastic balance between his unmistakably erotic flair and a genuine love story. What I appreciated most is that, even within a romance framework, nothing felt conventional. The result was refreshing and surprisingly tender.

Luka and Xander’s journey is rooted in sexual exploration and self-discovery, pairing an experienced partner with someone navigating many firsts. That contrast fuels the entire dynamic.

I especially loved living inside Luka’s head throughout the novel. He’s soft, endearing, a little naïve, and deeply human. After coming from Lincoln’s POV in Riley’s Basement (yes, I’m still thinking about him), the shift was striking. Luka’s vulnerability made me want to wrap him up and help him build confidence. Several moments where his self-doubt surfaced genuinely tugged at my heart.

It’s always impressive when an author makes me fall hard for a character without giving me their POV — and Xander absolutely stole the show. He was incredible with Luka, endlessly attentive, generous with praise, and completely undone by him. Watching how deeply Luka occupied his thoughts was beautiful.

Together, they were both achingly sweet and next-level steamy. Alex Pendragon truly delivers when it comes to spice — no holding back.

I loved almost everything about this book: the unapologetic heat, but also the quieter scenes where Luka and Xander simply talked and connected. Those moments grounded the story and made the intimacy hit even harder.

There were a few instances where certain ideas felt slightly repetitive, but nothing that diminished my enjoyment.

Special mention goes to Dan, Luka’s best friend. He reminded me a lot of Lincoln from Riley’s Basement — perpetually horny and unapologetically obsessed with sex. I’m already excited for his book; it promises to be one hell of a ride. 😆 Very likely my next Alex Pendragon read.

⭐️ 4.75/5 | 🌶️ 5/5

This may be one of the most unhinged books I have ever experienced. I lost count of the moments where I stopped and wondered, what on earth am I reading? — the answer being: far too many times to admit. Nothing on my shelves compares to Lincoln’s story; it stands entirely in its own category. To set expectations, the book is pure erotica, so the hint of a plot is more like a silhouette you have to search for. I realize that approach won’t appeal to everyone, particularly readers hoping for a traditional romance. I knew from the outset that sentiment and hearts would not be the driving force, and I was completely comfortable with that.

Riley’s Basement drops us directly into Lincoln’s perspective. He is sexually starved, worn down by the fact that his girlfriend avoids intimacy and simply doesn’t want to sleep with him at all. Seeking release, he turns to people close to him — yes, plural — and that is where the descent begins. What follows is a whirlwind of self-discovery, exhibitionism, and sharing, delivered through an endless parade of explicit encounters. Every time I believed the book had reached peak outrageousness, another scene pushed the boundary even further. It was sex layered over more sex, constant and excessive, almost chaotic — and strangely mesmerizing. It could have felt monotonous, yet I remained hypnotized from the first page to the last, eager to see how far the author would take it.

What I missed most was additional background for the cast. I would have liked the characters to feel more dimensional — to learn about their routines, their histories, and to receive richer physical descriptions so my mental image of them could sharpen.

Even though the book contains no real love story, I still sense that one character represents Lincoln’s ultimate destination. I won’t reveal which, but the moments between them gave me chills, and I secretly hope Alex Pendragon will someday gift us a full novel centered on those two.

I had an absolute blast with this daring, intensely erotic read, written with impressive skill. It convinced me to dive straight into another Alex Pendragon title — this time a romance — because I’m genuinely curious to discover his voice when emotions are involved.

⭐️ 5/5 | 🌶️ 3.5/5

Another August Jones book, another five-star read. She truly never misses — every book I’ve picked up from her so far has been nothing short of perfection.

I was so excited to finally read Calyx’s story after loving him as a side character in Finance Bros, and somehow I ended up loving him even more with the spotlight fully on him. His dynamic with Samuel was fascinating to watch unfold. They couldn’t be more different, yet their attraction cut straight through everything that should’ve kept them apart.

As always, the angst delivered. Calyx’s past with his manager — who also happens to be Samuel’s father — guaranteed things would get messy, and it absolutely lived up to that promise. The emotional tension hit exactly where it needed to.

It was beautiful to watch both Calyx and Samuel change through their connection, slowly uncovering new truths about themselves as they collided and evolved together.

And the spice? Very much present, as expected from August Jones. Hot, intense, and completely satisfying.

This was the perfect way to kick off my 2026 reading year.

⭐️ 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.