Books removed from my TBR!!
“I’ve been devouring books lately. Here are a few quick reviews because sharing is caring!”
Title & Author: Her Soul to Take - Harley Laroux
Vibe Check: Dark, occult, atmospheric, forbidden, demon‑lover tension with a horror‑romance edge.
Tropes:
Demon x human
Morally gray MMC
Occult / cult conspiracy
Forced proximity
“I’ll destroy the world for you” devotion
Touch‑her‑and‑die energy
Spice Level: High — explicit, intense, and fully committed to the dark‑romance lane. Trust me….if its spice you want, its spice you will get.
Why It Worked for Me:
I loved the Demon/Human play and dynamics. The push and pull of Rae and Leon was heated and worth the read. The blend of horror and romance feels seamless, the tension never lets up, and the MMC is the perfect mix of dangerous and devoted. The heroine is messy, real, and easy to root for, and the worldbuilding adds just enough darkness without overwhelming the romance. It’s addictive, chaotic, and exactly the kind of unhinged energy I love in this genre.
Who Should Read It:
Readers who crave demon romance, morally gray chaos, occult vibes, and stories that feel a little forbidden in the best way. Perfect for women who want heat, tension, and a plot that keeps pulling you deeper.
One Line Summary: A dark, addictive demon romance that blends horror and heat into a story you can’t look away from.
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Title & Author: Ice Breaker — Hannah Grace
Vibe Check: Light, flirty, college‑sports romance with cozy winter vibes, found‑family energy, and a sunshine‑meets‑golden‑retriever MMC.
Tropes:
Hockey romance
Sunshine x sunshine (rare but adorable)
Forced proximity
Teammates‑to‑lovers adjacent
Found family
Dual POV
Spice Level: Medium‑high — playful, steamy, and very character‑driven.
Why It Worked for Me:
It’s easy to read, emotionally soft, and full of characters you actually want to hang out with. The banter lands, the chemistry feels natural, and the MMC is the kind of sweet, supportive athlete that makes this subgenre so addictive. It’s the perfect palate cleanser when you want romance without chaos. Be prepared to fall in love with this couple and rooting for their happy ending.
Who Should Read It:
Women who love sports romance, cozy winter settings, low‑angst love stories, and MMCs who are golden retrievers in human form. Great for readers who want something fun, warm, and bingeable.
One Line Summary:
A sweet, steamy hockey romance that feels like a warm hug with a side of spice.
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Title & Author: Toxic — Nicole Blanchard
Vibe Check:
Dark, obsessive, fast‑paced, and emotionally chaotic with that “I know this is bad for me but I can’t stop reading” energy.
Tropes:
Toxic, co‑dependent romance
Possessive MMC
Obsession
Morally gray dynamics
Trauma bonding
High‑angst push/pull
Spice Level: High — intense, emotional, and tied directly to the characters’ messy dynamic.
Why It Worked for Me:
It leans fully into the chaos without pretending to be something softer. The tension is sharp, the emotions are raw, and the characters feel like they’re spiraling in real time. It’s the kind of dark romance that keeps you turning pages because you need to see how far they’ll go. Perfect when you want something unhinged but still character‑driven.
Who Should Read It:
Readers who love obsessive, morally gray romances with emotional volatility, high tension, and characters who make questionable decisions for love. Ideal for women who want something darker, messier, and impossible to look away from.
One Line Summary:
A gripping, chaotic dark romance that thrives on obsession, tension, and beautifully messy characters.
