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Grimstone #1
Grimstone
Remi Hayes is beginning to think she’s cursed —her fiancé cheated on her, her brother Jude is a major pain in her ass, and the moldering mansion she inherited from her uncle might just be haunted.
Flipping Blackleaf Manor already feels impossible, even before Remi is blackmailed by Dane Covett, the dangerously hot doctor-next-door, and Grimstone’s most eligible bachelor—if you can ignore the fact that everyone in town thinks he murdered his wife.
Remi doesn’t want to believe it, especially after Dane sews up a gash in her thigh and steals a kiss in payment—a kiss that makes it hard to walk for reasons that have nothing to do with an injured leg.
But as the renovation takes a strange and violent turn, Remi must decide if Dane is the one haunting her nights, or if he’s trying to protect her from something much worse…
Lark Notes :
Halloween is my favorite! I get such a thrill out of writing a spooky, dark book at this time of year. Remi and Dane are two deeply damaged people with skeletons in their closets. It’s only when they meet each other that they finally find the connection and acceptance that allows them to move on from their dark pasts. I fell in love with the gothic beach town of Grimstone, and will be writing a dark romance set there each autumn. – Sophie
"Grimstone" is a deeply dark contemporary romance and a complete standalone. Reader it has extremely spicy scenes and triggering content not suitable for all.
Flipping Blackleaf Manor already feels impossible, even before Remi is blackmailed by Dane Covett, the dangerously hot doctor-next-door, and Grimstone’s most eligible bachelor—if you can ignore the fact that everyone in town thinks he murdered his wife.
Remi doesn’t want to believe it, especially after Dane sews up a gash in her thigh and steals a kiss in payment—a kiss that makes it hard to walk for reasons that have nothing to do with an injured leg.
But as the renovation takes a strange and violent turn, Remi must decide if Dane is the one haunting her nights, or if he’s trying to protect her from something much worse…
Lark Notes :
Halloween is my favorite! I get such a thrill out of writing a spooky, dark book at this time of year. Remi and Dane are two deeply damaged people with skeletons in their closets. It’s only when they meet each other that they finally find the connection and acceptance that allows them to move on from their dark pasts. I fell in love with the gothic beach town of Grimstone, and will be writing a dark romance set there each autumn. – Sophie
"Grimstone" is a deeply dark contemporary romance and a complete standalone. Reader it has extremely spicy scenes and triggering content not suitable for all.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2023
About the author
Sophie Lark
38 books21.4k followersPowerful Romance
Special Editions & Exclusive Stories:
https://sophielark.com/
Sophie lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. Her favorite authors are Emily Henry and Freida McFadden. She’s an Aquarius who loves fitness and looks forward to Halloween every year.
Special Editions & Exclusive Stories:
https://sophielark.com/
Sophie lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. Her favorite authors are Emily Henry and Freida McFadden. She’s an Aquarius who loves fitness and looks forward to Halloween every year.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,298 reviews
October 22, 2023
everything’s spooky and eerie until she actually finds out what’s “haunting” her house… sophie lark is so sick and twisted but i fear, she ate with this one ☝🏽
September 24, 2024
1.5/5
Yep, after this book I am definitely parting ways with Sophie Lark. I forgot about it, but I actually read her Sinners Duet, which I end up rating two stars, and which should actually be a hint not to read her other books, but the blurb here seemed really interesting and I wanted to try this author one last time. As you can probably see, this wasn't my best idea.
Look, I genuinely think this book had some potential to be actually great. We have a heroine who has devoted her life to raising her brother after the death of their parents, and who moves to her deceased uncle's estate, which looks straight out of a horror movie. That's not all though, because it turns out that this property is next door to the house of an older, handsome doctor who doesn't have a very good reputation in this small town after his wife and son died. As you can see, it sounded like it would be an interesting story, perfect for October and the upcoming Halloween. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out that way.
It didn't take long for me to realize that this book was totally not for me. I stayed mainly because I wanted to find out why the hero's family died and see if I could find any more absurd quotes. Which leads to my main problem here—the writing.
First off I just want to say that, be aware of what you are about to read here, because the stuff I read in this book literally scared me.
The hero actually had some weird obsession with her "tiny, tight little tits" because it felt like he talked about them ALL THE TIME.
I’m traumatized.
I don't know, but it feels like the author was trying to be poetic or something, with all these comparisons, but it definitely didn't work out.
Like a bucket of lava? What the actual fuc-
Creamy? GAGGGGG The worst thing is that, I think the story could have been quite interesting if the smut here didn’t exist. The hero didn't even ask about the heroine's sexual preferences and just went full BDSM on her. Also, I don't judge anyone's kinks, but the moment the heroine started f*cking the hero's foot, I kind of lost it. Put the trigger warnings for something like that. Please.
Unfortunately, the romance in this story didn't make me feel anything. It was insta lust, so definitely not my cup of tea. Dane's initial thoughts about the heroine didn't help either, because how?
The reason I rated it one and a half stars instead of one is because I liked three things—the heroine wasn't so bad because she tried her best for her brother. There was one thing she did for him that I didn't support but overall, she was bearable. And lastly, the illustrations were beautiful, and the plot twist even surprised me.
As you can see, this is unfortunately my last story by this author, as I'm not the biggest fan of her writing, and the writing style is quite important for me.
Yep, after this book I am definitely parting ways with Sophie Lark. I forgot about it, but I actually read her Sinners Duet, which I end up rating two stars, and which should actually be a hint not to read her other books, but the blurb here seemed really interesting and I wanted to try this author one last time. As you can probably see, this wasn't my best idea.
Look, I genuinely think this book had some potential to be actually great. We have a heroine who has devoted her life to raising her brother after the death of their parents, and who moves to her deceased uncle's estate, which looks straight out of a horror movie. That's not all though, because it turns out that this property is next door to the house of an older, handsome doctor who doesn't have a very good reputation in this small town after his wife and son died. As you can see, it sounded like it would be an interesting story, perfect for October and the upcoming Halloween. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out that way.
It didn't take long for me to realize that this book was totally not for me. I stayed mainly because I wanted to find out why the hero's family died and see if I could find any more absurd quotes. Which leads to my main problem here—the writing.
First off I just want to say that, be aware of what you are about to read here, because the stuff I read in this book literally scared me.
"her nipples harden like pencil points."
"whip those tiny tits until they’re rosy as apples,"
The hero actually had some weird obsession with her "tiny, tight little tits" because it felt like he talked about them ALL THE TIME.
"I hear the distinct sound of her hot piss hitting the bowl. My c*ck hardens."
I’m traumatized.
"I’m like a sock with a foot in it, stretched to his shape. My eyes roll back, and I don’t know what noises I’m making."
"My hand is like a saddle,"
"His c*ck springs out like a white cobra, thick with veins."
"showing an erection that could be used to drill to the center of the earth."
"I’m like those animations of sharks where they sniff the smallest drop of blood, and their eyes go black and they turn into killing machines."
I don't know, but it feels like the author was trying to be poetic or something, with all these comparisons, but it definitely didn't work out.
"The heat and weight of his load splashes down like a bucket of lava poured right on my clit."
Like a bucket of lava? What the actual fuc-
"pulse after pulse of thick, creamy come,"
Creamy? GAGGGGG The worst thing is that, I think the story could have been quite interesting if the smut here didn’t exist. The hero didn't even ask about the heroine's sexual preferences and just went full BDSM on her. Also, I don't judge anyone's kinks, but the moment the heroine started f*cking the hero's foot, I kind of lost it. Put the trigger warnings for something like that. Please.
Unfortunately, the romance in this story didn't make me feel anything. It was insta lust, so definitely not my cup of tea. Dane's initial thoughts about the heroine didn't help either, because how?
"Her smile changes everything about her looks. Without it, she’s barely pretty,"
The reason I rated it one and a half stars instead of one is because I liked three things—the heroine wasn't so bad because she tried her best for her brother. There was one thing she did for him that I didn't support but overall, she was bearable. And lastly, the illustrations were beautiful, and the plot twist even surprised me.
As you can see, this is unfortunately my last story by this author, as I'm not the biggest fan of her writing, and the writing style is quite important for me.
September 28, 2024
2.75 stars
the novel’s atmosphere was a bit macabre with a soupçon of suspense here and there. to say that the plot twist took me by surprise is an euphemism. i think this read would work for anyone craving a less-serious and less-polished ‘Gothikana’ version of RuNyx (minus the student X professor arc). both the protagonists had heavy pasts that shadowed their present and they tried to work through their anterior demons to somehow build a future together. there were a few questionable parts of the plot-line that i didn’t approve of or even like and they played a role in the way i didn’t manage to get attached to the main characters, at all. but i absolutely loved the illustrations.
many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
——————
i desperately need a spooky read🍂👻🕸
”why do we admit the truth even though it fucking hurts? because that’s the way it won’t kill us anymore. It is painful to admit hard truths. but it’s incredibly healing to be forgiven and loved in spite of them.”
the novel’s atmosphere was a bit macabre with a soupçon of suspense here and there. to say that the plot twist took me by surprise is an euphemism. i think this read would work for anyone craving a less-serious and less-polished ‘Gothikana’ version of RuNyx (minus the student X professor arc). both the protagonists had heavy pasts that shadowed their present and they tried to work through their anterior demons to somehow build a future together. there were a few questionable parts of the plot-line that i didn’t approve of or even like and they played a role in the way i didn’t manage to get attached to the main characters, at all. but i absolutely loved the illustrations.
many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
——————
i desperately need a spooky read🍂👻🕸
October 29, 2024
3.5 Doctor Death Stars ⭐️
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I’ve been debating how I feel about this for a while and was flipping between a 3 and 4-star rating for the longest time. While I devoured this (which means it has some addicting qualities) and enjoyed the aspects it was missing that extra oomph that would have made it perfect.
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Remy, eager for a new start, moves into her uncle's dilapidated mansion with her 20-year-old brother. They have inherited the house, intending to repair it and flip it for a profit after Remy left her fiancé, who was cheating on her. The house is located in a creepy little seaside town called Grimstone, with vibes that are a little eerie, and townsfolk that are a little too nosy. Very soon after moving in, she encounters her grumpy neighbour Dane Covet, AKA Dr. Death, according to the town, since it's rumoured he murdered his wife and son. Dane, who is incredibly hot but also an incredible arsehole, blocks her from using the only road to her new house and then blackmails her into fixing his fence so she can use it. One afternoon, when she is hacking away at the wood, she unfortunately hacks her leg open, and good thing she has a doctor so close by... Dane stitches her up, kisses her, and nearly rips her nipple off. Soon, Remy and Dane find they can't keep their hands off each other, even though Remy believes Dr Death might be breaking into her house and playing tricks on her at night... because there's no way it's haunted, right?
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
This book was a little unhinged in the best way, and I loved that it had elements of an "unreliable narrator." As the reader, you are not really sure what is real or not. The town is spooky, the mansion just as eerie, and you're not really sure if Remy is being haunted, if she's being pranked, or if she is actually crazy and it's all in her mind. You are almost put into the role of detective.
Remy is determined and stubborn to make things work, and she feels very alone and like a failure. She has been devoted to raising her brother since the fatal boat accident that killed both her parents years ago. She is plagued by discombobulated, repeated nightmares of her parents' accident and very often puts herself down, belittles herself, or condescends herself and her intelligence. She feels that, because she never really had the chance to go to college, she never really had the chance to be an adult, because she's always been looking after her brother, and the only thing she knows is construction. However, she is resourceful, and she doesn't let the opinions of other people sway her beliefs and her gut feelings toward people and situations.
Dane is troubled and a little disturbed, though I still feel like, even after reading the whole book, I don't know him as a character. Dane is cold, calculating, and aloof. He does not like people and is a little messed up in the head... I did like that he was slightly older, though. I am so over reading about an MMC who is 19.
One of my issues with Dane is we are given his POV a couple of times, but his internal mind is never really elaborated on, so you have to make your own deductions on whether he is haunted or just hallucinating. His chapters don't go too much into his emotional trauma in dealing with his wife's death, and you never see him grieving; you just see short snippets of his anger. I think it would have made the revelation of what happened to his wife and son a little more impactful to see how he processed it, as it just felt like, as a reader, you're told about it and not shown. Mostly, his POV is just his lustful and obsessive thoughts about Remy and how he can't wait to take her clothing off. Every comment is just about her looks, her nipples, her clothing, her hair... everything based on her physical appearance. It just felt very insta-lovey.
Even though he talks about Remy having the same brokenness as him and being just as troubled and disturbed, I still feel like I have no idea who Dane is or what his personality is like outside of the surface-level aspects I have mentioned.
The writing was okay. It kept me hooked, but there were aspects of it that just didn't work for me, and I can't explain why. It might have been that I needed more development in the relationship between Remy and Dane. The more I kept thinking about this, the more I felt like it was lacking something. It wasn't spooky enough, it wasn't eerie enough, it wasn't mysterious enough, it wasn't mind-fuckery enough. It is very much centred on two very damaged people who have their problems, trauma, and demons. But I felt absolutely no relationship development between the two of them because their entire relationship was founded on lust. Every interaction between the two of them was explosive, domineering, and forceful, and I never actually saw them have any heart-to-hearts.
Then there is the aspect that THIS IS A STANDALONE... but there are SO MANY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS! And because of that, I will never get the answers I need...
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Dual POV
▶ Rich Guy X Poor Girl
▶ Small Town Romance
▶ Mystery, Spooky, and Gothic
▶ Rivals to Lovers
▶ Doctor x Patient
▶ Neighbours
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Touch Her You Die
▶ Fast Burn
Kinks: BDSM elements, Bondage, Mirror/Reflection Sex, Begging, Degradation and Praise, Hypnotism Sex, Medical Spicy Scene
𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Good Girl
▷ Chin Lift
▷ He Takes Care of Her
▷ He Gives Her Lovvies (Combo of forehead, eye, cheek, or nose kisses)
▷ Tattoos
Overall, this is a perfect read for the upcoming spooky season. While it wasn't perfect, it was still enjoyable, spicy, and fucks around with your mind a bit...
Thank you to Netgalley, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and Sophie Lark for the gifted copy.
All thoughts and opinions are my own
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I’ve been debating how I feel about this for a while and was flipping between a 3 and 4-star rating for the longest time. While I devoured this (which means it has some addicting qualities) and enjoyed the aspects it was missing that extra oomph that would have made it perfect.
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
Remy, eager for a new start, moves into her uncle's dilapidated mansion with her 20-year-old brother. They have inherited the house, intending to repair it and flip it for a profit after Remy left her fiancé, who was cheating on her. The house is located in a creepy little seaside town called Grimstone, with vibes that are a little eerie, and townsfolk that are a little too nosy. Very soon after moving in, she encounters her grumpy neighbour Dane Covet, AKA Dr. Death, according to the town, since it's rumoured he murdered his wife and son. Dane, who is incredibly hot but also an incredible arsehole, blocks her from using the only road to her new house and then blackmails her into fixing his fence so she can use it. One afternoon, when she is hacking away at the wood, she unfortunately hacks her leg open, and good thing she has a doctor so close by... Dane stitches her up, kisses her, and nearly rips her nipple off. Soon, Remy and Dane find they can't keep their hands off each other, even though Remy believes Dr Death might be breaking into her house and playing tricks on her at night... because there's no way it's haunted, right?
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
This book was a little unhinged in the best way, and I loved that it had elements of an "unreliable narrator." As the reader, you are not really sure what is real or not. The town is spooky, the mansion just as eerie, and you're not really sure if Remy is being haunted, if she's being pranked, or if she is actually crazy and it's all in her mind. You are almost put into the role of detective.
Remy is determined and stubborn to make things work, and she feels very alone and like a failure. She has been devoted to raising her brother since the fatal boat accident that killed both her parents years ago. She is plagued by discombobulated, repeated nightmares of her parents' accident and very often puts herself down, belittles herself, or condescends herself and her intelligence. She feels that, because she never really had the chance to go to college, she never really had the chance to be an adult, because she's always been looking after her brother, and the only thing she knows is construction. However, she is resourceful, and she doesn't let the opinions of other people sway her beliefs and her gut feelings toward people and situations.
Dane is troubled and a little disturbed, though I still feel like, even after reading the whole book, I don't know him as a character. Dane is cold, calculating, and aloof. He does not like people and is a little messed up in the head... I did like that he was slightly older, though. I am so over reading about an MMC who is 19.
One of my issues with Dane is we are given his POV a couple of times, but his internal mind is never really elaborated on, so you have to make your own deductions on whether he is haunted or just hallucinating. His chapters don't go too much into his emotional trauma in dealing with his wife's death, and you never see him grieving; you just see short snippets of his anger. I think it would have made the revelation of what happened to his wife and son a little more impactful to see how he processed it, as it just felt like, as a reader, you're told about it and not shown. Mostly, his POV is just his lustful and obsessive thoughts about Remy and how he can't wait to take her clothing off. Every comment is just about her looks, her nipples, her clothing, her hair... everything based on her physical appearance. It just felt very insta-lovey.
Even though he talks about Remy having the same brokenness as him and being just as troubled and disturbed, I still feel like I have no idea who Dane is or what his personality is like outside of the surface-level aspects I have mentioned.
The writing was okay. It kept me hooked, but there were aspects of it that just didn't work for me, and I can't explain why. It might have been that I needed more development in the relationship between Remy and Dane. The more I kept thinking about this, the more I felt like it was lacking something. It wasn't spooky enough, it wasn't eerie enough, it wasn't mysterious enough, it wasn't mind-fuckery enough. It is very much centred on two very damaged people who have their problems, trauma, and demons. But I felt absolutely no relationship development between the two of them because their entire relationship was founded on lust. Every interaction between the two of them was explosive, domineering, and forceful, and I never actually saw them have any heart-to-hearts.
Then there is the aspect that THIS IS A STANDALONE... but there are SO MANY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS! And because of that, I will never get the answers I need...
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ Dual POV
▶ Rich Guy X Poor Girl
▶ Small Town Romance
▶ Mystery, Spooky, and Gothic
▶ Rivals to Lovers
▶ Doctor x Patient
▶ Neighbours
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Touch Her You Die
▶ Fast Burn
Kinks: BDSM elements, Bondage, Mirror/Reflection Sex, Begging, Degradation and Praise, Hypnotism Sex, Medical Spicy Scene
𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▷ Good Girl
▷ Chin Lift
▷ He Takes Care of Her
▷ He Gives Her Lovvies (Combo of forehead, eye, cheek, or nose kisses)
▷ Tattoos
Overall, this is a perfect read for the upcoming spooky season. While it wasn't perfect, it was still enjoyable, spicy, and fucks around with your mind a bit...
Thank you to Netgalley, SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and Sophie Lark for the gifted copy.
All thoughts and opinions are my own
October 14, 2023
If you ever need a book that you will not want to put down, pick up a Sophie Lark book. I PROMISE YOUUUU!!
Not only does she create the most perfect and intense universes, but the most beautiful love stories. Her stories say so much between the lines. Each character always has a battle they faced or a tragic past, but in the end they wind up okay and stronger than ever. And that’s the story we need to be reminded of, time and time again. That we will make it through despite all life throws at us.
This book is the perfect spooky book for fall. It gives all the creepy haunted house and town vibes that had me wondering what the heck was going to happen. I couldn’t put this book down. And the SPICE??? Perfection!!! Dane is 🥵.
This book played out as a movie in my mind and I’ll never forget all the feels 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Not only does she create the most perfect and intense universes, but the most beautiful love stories. Her stories say so much between the lines. Each character always has a battle they faced or a tragic past, but in the end they wind up okay and stronger than ever. And that’s the story we need to be reminded of, time and time again. That we will make it through despite all life throws at us.
This book is the perfect spooky book for fall. It gives all the creepy haunted house and town vibes that had me wondering what the heck was going to happen. I couldn’t put this book down. And the SPICE??? Perfection!!! Dane is 🥵.
This book played out as a movie in my mind and I’ll never forget all the feels 🫶🏻🫶🏻
October 19, 2023
the perfect spooky, dark read for halloween szn 👻
i had so much fun with this one!!! a lil mystery, romance, the setting of the town + house really got me.
i love sophie <333333
i had so much fun with this one!!! a lil mystery, romance, the setting of the town + house really got me.
i love sophie <333333
October 15, 2023
This is painful to write because I really wanted Grimstone to be the IT book for spooky szn 2023. Insta lust is an instant turn off for me with romance and within the first few chapters d*cks are hard when the love interest cross paths and have a few conversations…
I didn’t like Dane.
The town on the other hand. The aesthetic/setting was phenomenal. I just felt absolutely nothing for the characters. I got bored and I got bored quickly.
I didn’t like Dane.
The town on the other hand. The aesthetic/setting was phenomenal. I just felt absolutely nothing for the characters. I got bored and I got bored quickly.
October 21, 2024
ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books.
Unfortunately my first Sophie lark book was a disappointment, it was so short yet I felt really underwhelmed reading it, I didn’t connect to both main characters at all, The plot was really ridiculous In my opinion. And since the book had a spooky, and an outline mystery I thought maybe at least this part will serve but no, it was bad as well.
Because picture this:
“Girl taking care of her brother moves to this creepy mansion in a small town, with a hot and apparently "psychopath" neighbor with some ongoing mystery”
It sounds so good! But yeah you saw it, the (ed, past tense) because it’s not anymore after the first chapter.
Let’s be real, I read romance books purely for the mmcs, but I was deeply disappointed by the lackluster male lead. His character felt flat and unengaging, which made it difficult for me to invest in the romance. The insta-love and insta-attraction trope, which I generally dislike, didn't help to create a convincing connection between the MCs and me.
The romance itself felt rushed and lacked development, with the mmc's chapters nearly always devolving into sexual fantasies about the fmc from the early stages of the book. To the fmc’s constant inner battles of how ”not good enough" she is for everyone and everything, The romance felt like chewing a Jean jacket.. What was most jarring, however, was the smut scenes, which I found to be cringe and literally uncomfortable lol.
Excuse me?
She also called his dick a "Cobra" i -
Bottom line: a painful read.
Unfortunately my first Sophie lark book was a disappointment, it was so short yet I felt really underwhelmed reading it, I didn’t connect to both main characters at all, The plot was really ridiculous In my opinion. And since the book had a spooky, and an outline mystery I thought maybe at least this part will serve but no, it was bad as well.
Because picture this:
“Girl taking care of her brother moves to this creepy mansion in a small town, with a hot and apparently "psychopath" neighbor with some ongoing mystery”
It sounds so good! But yeah you saw it, the (ed, past tense) because it’s not anymore after the first chapter.
Let’s be real, I read romance books purely for the mmcs, but I was deeply disappointed by the lackluster male lead. His character felt flat and unengaging, which made it difficult for me to invest in the romance. The insta-love and insta-attraction trope, which I generally dislike, didn't help to create a convincing connection between the MCs and me.
The romance itself felt rushed and lacked development, with the mmc's chapters nearly always devolving into sexual fantasies about the fmc from the early stages of the book. To the fmc’s constant inner battles of how ”not good enough" she is for everyone and everything, The romance felt like chewing a Jean jacket.. What was most jarring, however, was the smut scenes, which I found to be cringe and literally uncomfortable lol.
"I hear the distinct sound of her hot piss hitting the bowl. My cock hardens."
Excuse me?
She also called his dick a "Cobra" i -
Bottom line: a painful read.
September 12, 2024
3.5 Eerie ✨'s
Grimstone is a gloomy romance following Remi, as she moves into the rundown Victorian home her uncle left her in order to renovate and sell it with her brother. New to the town and people, Remi is met with open arms, except for the town's own Doctor Death and her neighbor, Dane. After learning the road leading up to her home belongs to him, they strike a deal to allow her passage. Despite their obvious hostility and chemistry, as the two get to know each other and secrets are revealed, Remi learns that the town and people around her may not be as black and white as she once thought.
This was a rather glum and mysterious read! I loved the small-town vibes and how the backdrop of the coastal town fit with the story and plot. Remi and Dane were so enraptured by each other, and the insta lust definitely fueled the romance and kinky times. I will say some of the side characters were rather abrasive and annoying, but, I think that contrasted well with the air surrounding Remi and Dane. While the mystery of the story was easy to solve, it absolutely kept me going and on the edge of my seat to see how it would end. I think this captivating gothic romance would be a great Halloween/Fall time book, for anyone craving a little dark, enthralling, and tension-filled read.
~Many thanks to Hambright PR and Sophie Lark for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Grimstone is a gloomy romance following Remi, as she moves into the rundown Victorian home her uncle left her in order to renovate and sell it with her brother. New to the town and people, Remi is met with open arms, except for the town's own Doctor Death and her neighbor, Dane. After learning the road leading up to her home belongs to him, they strike a deal to allow her passage. Despite their obvious hostility and chemistry, as the two get to know each other and secrets are revealed, Remi learns that the town and people around her may not be as black and white as she once thought.
This was a rather glum and mysterious read! I loved the small-town vibes and how the backdrop of the coastal town fit with the story and plot. Remi and Dane were so enraptured by each other, and the insta lust definitely fueled the romance and kinky times. I will say some of the side characters were rather abrasive and annoying, but, I think that contrasted well with the air surrounding Remi and Dane. While the mystery of the story was easy to solve, it absolutely kept me going and on the edge of my seat to see how it would end. I think this captivating gothic romance would be a great Halloween/Fall time book, for anyone craving a little dark, enthralling, and tension-filled read.
~Many thanks to Hambright PR and Sophie Lark for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
October 9, 2024
is this fun to read? kind of.
will this be my first and maybe last sophie lark read? yes.
i saw the ratings and skimmed some reviews before reading grimstone, so my expectations were very low heading into this. i’d rather come to terms with preconceived thoughts and feelings (and surprise myself, in the end, with an enjoyable book), than to be greeted with extreme unhappiness due to my astronomically high expectations being unmet, resulting in an abysmal reading experience.
i actually believed grimstone could’ve delivered a fantastic halloween story, full of decent amounts of spookiness and spiciness. a perfect addition to anyone’s october reads.
we have a female main character who’s devoted a significant amount of time into raising her younger brother, following the death of their parents. who’s inherited, from a deceased great uncle, a rundown haunted mansion in dire need of renovations, sharing a long stretch of road with its next door neighbour owned by an older, potentially murderous handsome doctor.
i realised earlier on in my reading that this book isn’t for me. i wanted to know who/what was behind the mansion’s haunting; the truth about the doctor’s son and wife, hence my decision to not lie down in defeat. i would’ve dnf’d this otherwise.
the writing was tragic. i’m not mad. i’m just disappointed.
the overuse of similes almost ended me. you know there’s an overabundance when you can see and remember how much it’s been used. it was criminally insane!! it left me feeling overwhelmed and frustrated and painfully bored. they were used too much and in the worst ways imaginable to describe anything and everything.
as an example—and fair warning, your eyes will bleed and you will be seeking compensation for your therapy bills.
brother, you want to know what’s fucking outrageous?? THIS. i’m so fucking gobsmacked, i fear my remaining brain cells have perished: when she closes the door, she doesn’t bother to run the water or the fan, so i hear the distinct sound of her hot piss hitting the bowl.
a few more core examples of simile overuse to hammer home my unfortunate experiences with reading this tragedy.
i—
this is supposed to be the love interest, dane covett, by the way. who said romance died? there’s nothing sweeter than your boyfriend thinking you’re ugly. he may as well have called her outright hideous.
besides starting off thinking remi is ugly before switching opinions, dane would’ve been better if this book didn’t have smut (or insta-lust, my 13th reason) in it. he doesn’t bother learning remi’s sexual desires, or understanding what her soft and hard limits are. the lack of care or desire to know frustrated me. the fact that dane refers to remi’s tits as “tiny tits” literally twice in one paragraph should be considered a crime against humanity.
the “haunted mansion” and spookiness was really inconvenient. it was obvious who was “haunting” blackleaf mansion; it was written like a budget horror film. imagine tommy wiseau’s the room but if it was horror themed. suffice to say, i was not spooked but rather bored and tired albeit somewhat entertained due to how terrible the execution was.
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˖⁺‧₊♡ pre-read review ⋙ a hot doctor next door who’s maybe a murderer. a haunted mansion. i’m in the mood for some spiciness and some spookiness. my first time reading sophie lark 🤭
follow me on: instagram
will this be my first and maybe last sophie lark read? yes.
i saw the ratings and skimmed some reviews before reading grimstone, so my expectations were very low heading into this. i’d rather come to terms with preconceived thoughts and feelings (and surprise myself, in the end, with an enjoyable book), than to be greeted with extreme unhappiness due to my astronomically high expectations being unmet, resulting in an abysmal reading experience.
i actually believed grimstone could’ve delivered a fantastic halloween story, full of decent amounts of spookiness and spiciness. a perfect addition to anyone’s october reads.
we have a female main character who’s devoted a significant amount of time into raising her younger brother, following the death of their parents. who’s inherited, from a deceased great uncle, a rundown haunted mansion in dire need of renovations, sharing a long stretch of road with its next door neighbour owned by an older, potentially murderous handsome doctor.
i realised earlier on in my reading that this book isn’t for me. i wanted to know who/what was behind the mansion’s haunting; the truth about the doctor’s son and wife, hence my decision to not lie down in defeat. i would’ve dnf’d this otherwise.
the writing was tragic. i’m not mad. i’m just disappointed.
the overuse of similes almost ended me. you know there’s an overabundance when you can see and remember how much it’s been used. it was criminally insane!! it left me feeling overwhelmed and frustrated and painfully bored. they were used too much and in the worst ways imaginable to describe anything and everything.
as an example—and fair warning, your eyes will bleed and you will be seeking compensation for your therapy bills.
...shows me the exact moment the cold water hits her face and her nipples harden like pencil points.
what i want to do is string her up in my basement and whip those tiny tits until they’re rosy as apples, and then i want to turn her around and do the same to her ample ass.
her slippery wetness is outrageous; it’s like a rainforest.
brother, you want to know what’s fucking outrageous?? THIS. i’m so fucking gobsmacked, i fear my remaining brain cells have perished: when she closes the door, she doesn’t bother to run the water or the fan, so i hear the distinct sound of her hot piss hitting the bowl.
a few more core examples of simile overuse to hammer home my unfortunate experiences with reading this tragedy.
his cock springs out like a white cobra, thick with veins.
the heat and weight of his load splashes down like a bucket of lava poured right on my clit.
i’m like a sock with a foot in it, stretched to his shape.
i—
this is supposed to be the love interest, dane covett, by the way. who said romance died? there’s nothing sweeter than your boyfriend thinking you’re ugly. he may as well have called her outright hideous.
her smile changes everything about her looks. without it, she’s barely pretty, but her grin throws the switch at the amusement park and her whole face lights up, neon bright.
besides starting off thinking remi is ugly before switching opinions, dane would’ve been better if this book didn’t have smut (or insta-lust, my 13th reason) in it. he doesn’t bother learning remi’s sexual desires, or understanding what her soft and hard limits are. the lack of care or desire to know frustrated me. the fact that dane refers to remi’s tits as “tiny tits” literally twice in one paragraph should be considered a crime against humanity.
the “haunted mansion” and spookiness was really inconvenient. it was obvious who was “haunting” blackleaf mansion; it was written like a budget horror film. imagine tommy wiseau’s the room but if it was horror themed. suffice to say, i was not spooked but rather bored and tired albeit somewhat entertained due to how terrible the execution was.
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˖⁺‧₊♡ pre-read review ⋙ a hot doctor next door who’s maybe a murderer. a haunted mansion. i’m in the mood for some spiciness and some spookiness. my first time reading sophie lark 🤭
follow me on: instagram
October 5, 2024
What a ride!
If you're here for the small town, creepy vibes, a dash of mystery, some twisted k!nk, and a twist you'll never see coming... this Sophie Lark is gonna hit the spot for you!
I was so excited to see what Grimstone would bring and it did not disappoint.
This tiny town with it's eclectic residents is ripe for a titillating story. When Remi and her brother, Jude, roll up to her late uncle's home, they are expecting a quick stay. They are hoping to flip the house for sale and be on their merry way. Remi isn't expecting the growly and enigmatic Doctor Death next door. Who can't go out in the sun and makes her tingly all over.
Dane keeps his head down but also doesn't give a crap about what this town thinks of him. He hides away in his mansion during the days and works the night shift at the hospital. The whole town thinks he's a murderer and he's fine with it...
Then Remi crosses his property line and he starts to feel things for the first time in ages. And boy.. do these two have BIG, dirty, epic feels for each other! ;)
Things got hot and wild pretty quickly between these two and they had an inexplicable draw that could not be stopped. It almost felt like a fated kind of love. While it wasn't always my cup of tea at times, I know fans of Sophie Lark will be very pleased by what we get from these two.
As for the mystery, I wouldn't spoil anything for the world, so I'll leave it to you to explore. See what Grimstone has to offer you. It's definitely a town I want to visit again soon!
4.5 Stars
4.5 on my spice scale.
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Scroll down for TW. Some are spoilers.
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TWs:
If you're here for the small town, creepy vibes, a dash of mystery, some twisted k!nk, and a twist you'll never see coming... this Sophie Lark is gonna hit the spot for you!
I was so excited to see what Grimstone would bring and it did not disappoint.
This tiny town with it's eclectic residents is ripe for a titillating story. When Remi and her brother, Jude, roll up to her late uncle's home, they are expecting a quick stay. They are hoping to flip the house for sale and be on their merry way. Remi isn't expecting the growly and enigmatic Doctor Death next door. Who can't go out in the sun and makes her tingly all over.
Dane keeps his head down but also doesn't give a crap about what this town thinks of him. He hides away in his mansion during the days and works the night shift at the hospital. The whole town thinks he's a murderer and he's fine with it...
Then Remi crosses his property line and he starts to feel things for the first time in ages. And boy.. do these two have BIG, dirty, epic feels for each other! ;)
Things got hot and wild pretty quickly between these two and they had an inexplicable draw that could not be stopped. It almost felt like a fated kind of love. While it wasn't always my cup of tea at times, I know fans of Sophie Lark will be very pleased by what we get from these two.
As for the mystery, I wouldn't spoil anything for the world, so I'll leave it to you to explore. See what Grimstone has to offer you. It's definitely a town I want to visit again soon!
4.5 Stars
4.5 on my spice scale.
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Scroll down for TW. Some are spoilers.
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TWs:
October 13, 2023
OH MY GOSH WHAT A RIDE!! I could not put this book down. This is the perfect read for spooky season. I was quite scared at times but I had to keep reading to know what happened next.
This book had me on the edge of my seat, it was not only a love story but a mystery that had me shocked at the end of almost every chapter. It was truly a masterpiece and it’s a one I will be thinking about for a very long time!
Sophie is a mastermind and everyone needs to read this book! 🖤
This book had me on the edge of my seat, it was not only a love story but a mystery that had me shocked at the end of almost every chapter. It was truly a masterpiece and it’s a one I will be thinking about for a very long time!
Sophie is a mastermind and everyone needs to read this book! 🖤
October 14, 2023
Sophie used to be one of my favorites and I don’t know what’s going on but these are not the books I fell in love with. Empowered heroines and strong leading characters, who don't need a man to feel their worth, used to be what Sophie was all about. Now it seems to have shifted to "heroines that are only empowered because a man is showing them the way" and that is just not my jam. Nor is it what I expect from Sophie Lark's brand. The past few books have felt different, almost as if they weren't written by a woman but more so by a man seeking a power trip.
Before reading this review further, please see the trigger warnings listed. Mental health is important and since the author didn't think to consider yours, I will:
Post-Pardom Depression, harm to an infant by a parent, filicide, suicide, stalking, sadism, violence, blood, gore, on page SA and attempted rape, murder, and parenticide.
Warning, the rest of this review contains spoilers.
Considering the triggers above, it's clearly too much. Most of the plot doesn’t make sense and is frankly just not there. Her house is broken into several times and nothing happens. Animals go missing in the town and it’s apparently a plot point but it’s given a few sentences mentioning it offhand. Her ex-fiance comes to find her and disappears and nothing happens. The sheriff and his deputies attempt to rape the fmc and mmc fight them off and the sheriff gets killed and… nothing happens. This book seems to have borrowed A LOT from other successful dark gothic romance books. Maybe that's why there are so many plot holes.
The main male character Dane suffers from some mysterious disease where he gets burned by the sun if he goes outside in the sun. No he isn’t a vampire - despite this book being listed in paranormal. There is nothing paranormal about it. I think Sophie might have been trying to make it mysterious, similar to RuNyx in Gothikana, but this falls way short.
Dane's condition causes his wife to become depressed, kill their baby and then herself. Later in the book he is somehow able to put prescription sunscreen to go out during the day with the female main character. Have I mentioned yet that Dane is a doctor? This is a huge plot hole. Dane also mysteriously looks identical to Vad in Gothikana, complete with white streaks in his hair. Again, borrowing from other books is a theme here.
The way mental illness is handled in this book is baffling and insulting. The wife clearly has severe postpartum depression and he has a doctor who should know that. At some level he does because it is stated that he stops going to work to watch her. He can do that but not take her to get the mental help she needs?
Speaking of mental health, this book does everything possible to cast people with real mental issues as the villains. Not all neurodivergent adults kill and not all depressed women kill and commit suicide. The psychopath word is thrown around a lot to describe the brother - but it's done as an insult. Which is never okay. Spoiler, the brother is very disturbed yet his actions are so unrealistic it's hard to suspend belief.
The icing on the cake here are the sex scenes. First of all, Remi and Dane are sexual together but it doesn't start out in any way that is okay. He hypnotizes her under the ruse of mental health and then, without her consent, is sexual with her. That's called date rape. That's assault by a medical professional. I love a good dark romance and am fine with dubcon, but this was good old fashioned rape.
It should then be no surprise that the sex in this book is just cringe. It reads like a man wrote it while watching porn. Sophie used to be about writing sex scenes that lift women up. In both Minx and Grimstone, they feel like a man writing what he would want and just hoping women will like it. I could include quotes but just use your imagination.
In all, the biggest transgression is that there are no trigger warnings listed. The blurb says this book contains dark content but it's not specific and it needs to be. I used to read Sophie for an escape. I don’t think I will be continuing with this author, which makes me sad because I did love her original books - but this is not her voice anymore.
Before reading this review further, please see the trigger warnings listed. Mental health is important and since the author didn't think to consider yours, I will:
Post-Pardom Depression, harm to an infant by a parent, filicide, suicide, stalking, sadism, violence, blood, gore, on page SA and attempted rape, murder, and parenticide.
Warning, the rest of this review contains spoilers.
Considering the triggers above, it's clearly too much. Most of the plot doesn’t make sense and is frankly just not there. Her house is broken into several times and nothing happens. Animals go missing in the town and it’s apparently a plot point but it’s given a few sentences mentioning it offhand. Her ex-fiance comes to find her and disappears and nothing happens. The sheriff and his deputies attempt to rape the fmc and mmc fight them off and the sheriff gets killed and… nothing happens. This book seems to have borrowed A LOT from other successful dark gothic romance books. Maybe that's why there are so many plot holes.
The main male character Dane suffers from some mysterious disease where he gets burned by the sun if he goes outside in the sun. No he isn’t a vampire - despite this book being listed in paranormal. There is nothing paranormal about it. I think Sophie might have been trying to make it mysterious, similar to RuNyx in Gothikana, but this falls way short.
Dane's condition causes his wife to become depressed, kill their baby and then herself. Later in the book he is somehow able to put prescription sunscreen to go out during the day with the female main character. Have I mentioned yet that Dane is a doctor? This is a huge plot hole. Dane also mysteriously looks identical to Vad in Gothikana, complete with white streaks in his hair. Again, borrowing from other books is a theme here.
The way mental illness is handled in this book is baffling and insulting. The wife clearly has severe postpartum depression and he has a doctor who should know that. At some level he does because it is stated that he stops going to work to watch her. He can do that but not take her to get the mental help she needs?
Speaking of mental health, this book does everything possible to cast people with real mental issues as the villains. Not all neurodivergent adults kill and not all depressed women kill and commit suicide. The psychopath word is thrown around a lot to describe the brother - but it's done as an insult. Which is never okay. Spoiler, the brother is very disturbed yet his actions are so unrealistic it's hard to suspend belief.
The icing on the cake here are the sex scenes. First of all, Remi and Dane are sexual together but it doesn't start out in any way that is okay. He hypnotizes her under the ruse of mental health and then, without her consent, is sexual with her. That's called date rape. That's assault by a medical professional. I love a good dark romance and am fine with dubcon, but this was good old fashioned rape.
It should then be no surprise that the sex in this book is just cringe. It reads like a man wrote it while watching porn. Sophie used to be about writing sex scenes that lift women up. In both Minx and Grimstone, they feel like a man writing what he would want and just hoping women will like it. I could include quotes but just use your imagination.
In all, the biggest transgression is that there are no trigger warnings listed. The blurb says this book contains dark content but it's not specific and it needs to be. I used to read Sophie for an escape. I don’t think I will be continuing with this author, which makes me sad because I did love her original books - but this is not her voice anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2023
Definitely a spooky and spicy read! I had a fun time with these characters and unraveling the hero and his past. I don't think the twist was too shocking, but I loved the town and the mystery surrounding these characters!
October 11, 2023
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: gothic, small town, romantic suspense
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Fan-fucking-tastic! If you're in the mood for an intense, gothic romantic suspense with small-town vibes and some great kink, I've got the book for you! Sophie Lark completely delivers in her newest book, Grimstone, about a young woman who inherits a spooky old house from a deceased uncle and plans on working the flip herself along with her younger brother. Remi has had some shit luck recently, between her cheating ex and her pain in the ass brother. That luck doesn't seem to change between her cantankerous neighbor who's too hot for his own good and the spooky old house which seems to have a mind of its own.
Just wow!! The storyline is interesting, the pacing is great, and by the end it's a totally heart-pounding ride and you feel like you're barely hanging on. Beautifully written. Sophie just has a special way with words that enables you to imagine the story like it's a tableau laid out in front of you. You can totally visualize it as its taking place and Grimstone is definitely the place you're not sure you want to be, lol. It has a wonderful cast of characters. We have the quirky bakery friend with a chip on her shoulder. The obnoxious sheriff who seems to have it out for Remi. The moody younger brother wrapped up in himself. And then we have our unlikely couple, Dane and Remi. The rich doctor who manages to look "haughty in pajamas" paired with the purple haired girl who works construction and has her body pierced, everywhere. You'd think they wouldn't work, but they do. The attraction was instantaneous and their chemistry super hot, but equally important, they both build each other up and help each other work through their pasts that have held them back.
The last thing I wanted to mention was how much I really loved this heroine. I mean, all of Sophie's heroines are strong, pretty kick ass women, but Remi will definitely hold a special place for me. She's a super hard worker, despite nothing coming easy for her. She's petite, but strong. She's constantly taken advantage of because she has a big heart, but she doesn't let it change her. She keeps her squishy center, never giving up hope that she can be loved and accepted exactly as she is. Amen, sister.
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
Trope: gothic, small town, romantic suspense
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Fan-fucking-tastic! If you're in the mood for an intense, gothic romantic suspense with small-town vibes and some great kink, I've got the book for you! Sophie Lark completely delivers in her newest book, Grimstone, about a young woman who inherits a spooky old house from a deceased uncle and plans on working the flip herself along with her younger brother. Remi has had some shit luck recently, between her cheating ex and her pain in the ass brother. That luck doesn't seem to change between her cantankerous neighbor who's too hot for his own good and the spooky old house which seems to have a mind of its own.
Just wow!! The storyline is interesting, the pacing is great, and by the end it's a totally heart-pounding ride and you feel like you're barely hanging on. Beautifully written. Sophie just has a special way with words that enables you to imagine the story like it's a tableau laid out in front of you. You can totally visualize it as its taking place and Grimstone is definitely the place you're not sure you want to be, lol. It has a wonderful cast of characters. We have the quirky bakery friend with a chip on her shoulder. The obnoxious sheriff who seems to have it out for Remi. The moody younger brother wrapped up in himself. And then we have our unlikely couple, Dane and Remi. The rich doctor who manages to look "haughty in pajamas" paired with the purple haired girl who works construction and has her body pierced, everywhere. You'd think they wouldn't work, but they do. The attraction was instantaneous and their chemistry super hot, but equally important, they both build each other up and help each other work through their pasts that have held them back.
The last thing I wanted to mention was how much I really loved this heroine. I mean, all of Sophie's heroines are strong, pretty kick ass women, but Remi will definitely hold a special place for me. She's a super hard worker, despite nothing coming easy for her. She's petite, but strong. She's constantly taken advantage of because she has a big heart, but she doesn't let it change her. She keeps her squishy center, never giving up hope that she can be loved and accepted exactly as she is. Amen, sister.
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
December 26, 2023
"People come to visit, but they don't stay… Because they feel something wrong with this place."
Remi Hayes just moved in to Grimstone.
A town as spooky as the name suggests.
She just wants to flip her uncle's house and then get her and her brother out of there.
There's only one thing stopping them.
The elusive mysterious neighbor.
But when Remi offers to do anything…
Well she doesn't know what she just walked into.
"Everything about her is wrong and not what I like. But that's exactly what keeps me craving her, like sour and spice."
Dane Covett is the town doctor.
But all of the people in Grimstone call him the Night Doctor.
Or more known as Doctor Death.
His wife and child are no longer living… and most of the town suspects him.
He is always in his house, can never go out.
But then his spunky new neighbor offers to do anything to get her house flipped.
And that is a dark fantasy the good old doctor just cannot resist.
"Time is a thief and a liar - until Remi showed up."
💫 4.75 stars💫
Ok ok yes I know that it is no longer Halloween but I want to do a spooky read!! And whoever says you cannot do a spooky read all year round is dead wrong!!
Also this is Sophie Lark and she always gets an exception because as I have said many times before she owns my soul at this point and my credit card information.
Grimstone was such a fun halloweeny read, while this was darker than Sophie Lark's usual work (in my opinion) it was not the darkest and I loved it!! I mean haunted manor, with a sexy older doctor and a spooky small town!! I'm signed up and I have been waiting in the queue at this point.
"When you want someone for a purpose, you see them in that role. When you want them just because you want them… you see so much more."
First we have Remi. All she wants to do is flip her uncle's house and get out of Grimstone. Oh and get her brother Jude to go to college. She has been raising him all of her life, way before her parents died. I liked how you never knew what was actually going on.
Let me explain…
Because of the two minds thing, and the stuff being left around the house and the Lila story, I felt like I was trying to hold so many strings that they got twisted and made for an amazing plot twist (personally). And having Remi understand that sometimes when you love someone you become blind to their flaws is a very important lesson (not to get sappy) but personally I wish someone had woken me up and made me realize that just because you love someone doesn't mean they feel the exact same way. Anyway she is a badass and she can handle her own. Like all of Sophie Lark's FMCs so she is amazing in my book!!
"Everything about Dane is a waving red flag, with flashing lights and sirens on top. But it also feels bright and burning and wildly arousing, the opposite of my usual instincts."
Moving on to the delicious course that is Dr. Dane Covett. Because "Yummy" by Justin Bieber was all that was playing in my head (yes I have issues, you do too if you are got up to here in my review 👀👀 so welcome bestie!! Let's be fucked up together!!) At this point you know that Doctor/Professors with this age gap and this broody mysterious vibes are my jam and Dane Covett is exactly that!! The vampire aesthetic, the assholishness, and the quips!! I was signed sealed and delivered people! And the protectiveness and dirty talk 🥵🥵🥵 just saying 😏😏
"I thought I wanted to make her scream, but now I want to make her smile, too. It doesn't matter what order. I want Remi to look at me like that. If fact, I might just make her."
On to the spooky playlist 🦇🦇
These are the songs that I added on top of the author's amazing playlist because Sophie Lark playlists are always the bomb.
(Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/40f... )
🎶 "HAUNTED" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "Morally Grey" - April Jai, Nation Haven
🎶 "Dirty Thoughts" - Chloe Adams
🎶 "American Money" - BORNS
🎶 "Cuckoo" - Adam Lambert
🎶 "Tattoos" - Renee Rapp
🎶 "Novocaine" - The Unlikely Candidates
🎶 "Creepin'" - Metro Boomin', The Weeknd, 21 Savage
🎶 "Cut You Off" - CHINCHILLA
🎶 "Blood" - In This Moment
🎶 "GOSSIP" - Maneskin, Tom Morello
🎶 "Drive You Outta My Mind" - Kassi Ashton
🎶 "Cravin'" - Stileto, Kendyle Paige
🎶 "Victim" - Halflives
🎶 "Moral Of The Story" - Ashe, Niall Horan
🎶 "Bring Me To Life" - Evanescence
🎶 "Like A Vampire" - Catrien
🎶 "Control" - Halsey
🎶 "Nightmares" - Ellise
🎶 "Do It For Me" - Rosenfeld
🎶 "eyes don't lie sped up" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "Stalker's Tango" - Autoheart
🎶 "Hypnotize" - Zella Day
🎶 "Le Monde" - Richard Carter
🎶 "Lay All Your Love On Me" - The Butterfly Effect
🎶 "Sick Thoughts" - Lewis Blissett
🎶 "Eat Your Young" - Hozier
🎶 "Dirty Laundry" - Carrie Underwood
🎶 "FINAL GIRL (too pretty to die)" - PI3RCE
🎶 "older sped up" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "Guys My Age" - Hey Violet
🎶 "Gangsta - Harley Quinn & Joker Flashback Version" - Kehlani
🎶 "Lightning" - Little Mix
🎶 "Haunting Me" - Loveless
🎶 "As They Bloom" - Unlike Pluto
🎶 "Good Enough" - Little Mix
🎶 "Hello" - Evanescence
🎶 "Antisocialist" - Asking Alexandria
🎶 "Castle" - Halsey
🎶 "In The Night" - The Weeknd
🎶 "Not Afraid Anymore" - Halsey
🎶 "EXTRA EXTRA" - Chandler Leighton
🎶 "Killer" - Valerie Broussard
And trust me you would want to read this book just for the dirty talk alone…
"Have you ever seen such a greedy little whore? How many times are you going to come?"
"You're not done - you can come harder than that… yes, you can… look at yourself…"
"Look at yourself. Look at your face. Watch how much you love this…"
🎃 Tropes 🎃
🕸️ Halloween Read
🕸️ Spooky Small Town
🕸️ Age Gap
🕸️ Dark Romance
🕸️ Neighbors to Lovers
https://www.instagram.com/p/C07DfSTtv-s/
Remi Hayes just moved in to Grimstone.
A town as spooky as the name suggests.
She just wants to flip her uncle's house and then get her and her brother out of there.
There's only one thing stopping them.
The elusive mysterious neighbor.
But when Remi offers to do anything…
Well she doesn't know what she just walked into.
"Everything about her is wrong and not what I like. But that's exactly what keeps me craving her, like sour and spice."
Dane Covett is the town doctor.
But all of the people in Grimstone call him the Night Doctor.
Or more known as Doctor Death.
His wife and child are no longer living… and most of the town suspects him.
He is always in his house, can never go out.
But then his spunky new neighbor offers to do anything to get her house flipped.
And that is a dark fantasy the good old doctor just cannot resist.
"Time is a thief and a liar - until Remi showed up."
💫 4.75 stars💫
Ok ok yes I know that it is no longer Halloween but I want to do a spooky read!! And whoever says you cannot do a spooky read all year round is dead wrong!!
Also this is Sophie Lark and she always gets an exception because as I have said many times before she owns my soul at this point and my credit card information.
Grimstone was such a fun halloweeny read, while this was darker than Sophie Lark's usual work (in my opinion) it was not the darkest and I loved it!! I mean haunted manor, with a sexy older doctor and a spooky small town!! I'm signed up and I have been waiting in the queue at this point.
"When you want someone for a purpose, you see them in that role. When you want them just because you want them… you see so much more."
First we have Remi. All she wants to do is flip her uncle's house and get out of Grimstone. Oh and get her brother Jude to go to college. She has been raising him all of her life, way before her parents died. I liked how you never knew what was actually going on.
Let me explain…
Because of the two minds thing, and the stuff being left around the house and the Lila story, I felt like I was trying to hold so many strings that they got twisted and made for an amazing plot twist (personally). And having Remi understand that sometimes when you love someone you become blind to their flaws is a very important lesson (not to get sappy) but personally I wish someone had woken me up and made me realize that just because you love someone doesn't mean they feel the exact same way. Anyway she is a badass and she can handle her own. Like all of Sophie Lark's FMCs so she is amazing in my book!!
"Everything about Dane is a waving red flag, with flashing lights and sirens on top. But it also feels bright and burning and wildly arousing, the opposite of my usual instincts."
Moving on to the delicious course that is Dr. Dane Covett. Because "Yummy" by Justin Bieber was all that was playing in my head (yes I have issues, you do too if you are got up to here in my review 👀👀 so welcome bestie!! Let's be fucked up together!!) At this point you know that Doctor/Professors with this age gap and this broody mysterious vibes are my jam and Dane Covett is exactly that!! The vampire aesthetic, the assholishness, and the quips!! I was signed sealed and delivered people! And the protectiveness and dirty talk 🥵🥵🥵 just saying 😏😏
"I thought I wanted to make her scream, but now I want to make her smile, too. It doesn't matter what order. I want Remi to look at me like that. If fact, I might just make her."
On to the spooky playlist 🦇🦇
These are the songs that I added on top of the author's amazing playlist because Sophie Lark playlists are always the bomb.
(Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/40f... )
🎶 "HAUNTED" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "Morally Grey" - April Jai, Nation Haven
🎶 "Dirty Thoughts" - Chloe Adams
🎶 "American Money" - BORNS
🎶 "Cuckoo" - Adam Lambert
🎶 "Tattoos" - Renee Rapp
🎶 "Novocaine" - The Unlikely Candidates
🎶 "Creepin'" - Metro Boomin', The Weeknd, 21 Savage
🎶 "Cut You Off" - CHINCHILLA
🎶 "Blood" - In This Moment
🎶 "GOSSIP" - Maneskin, Tom Morello
🎶 "Drive You Outta My Mind" - Kassi Ashton
🎶 "Cravin'" - Stileto, Kendyle Paige
🎶 "Victim" - Halflives
🎶 "Moral Of The Story" - Ashe, Niall Horan
🎶 "Bring Me To Life" - Evanescence
🎶 "Like A Vampire" - Catrien
🎶 "Control" - Halsey
🎶 "Nightmares" - Ellise
🎶 "Do It For Me" - Rosenfeld
🎶 "eyes don't lie sped up" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "Stalker's Tango" - Autoheart
🎶 "Hypnotize" - Zella Day
🎶 "Le Monde" - Richard Carter
🎶 "Lay All Your Love On Me" - The Butterfly Effect
🎶 "Sick Thoughts" - Lewis Blissett
🎶 "Eat Your Young" - Hozier
🎶 "Dirty Laundry" - Carrie Underwood
🎶 "FINAL GIRL (too pretty to die)" - PI3RCE
🎶 "older sped up" - Isabel LaRosa
🎶 "Guys My Age" - Hey Violet
🎶 "Gangsta - Harley Quinn & Joker Flashback Version" - Kehlani
🎶 "Lightning" - Little Mix
🎶 "Haunting Me" - Loveless
🎶 "As They Bloom" - Unlike Pluto
🎶 "Good Enough" - Little Mix
🎶 "Hello" - Evanescence
🎶 "Antisocialist" - Asking Alexandria
🎶 "Castle" - Halsey
🎶 "In The Night" - The Weeknd
🎶 "Not Afraid Anymore" - Halsey
🎶 "EXTRA EXTRA" - Chandler Leighton
🎶 "Killer" - Valerie Broussard
And trust me you would want to read this book just for the dirty talk alone…
"Have you ever seen such a greedy little whore? How many times are you going to come?"
"You're not done - you can come harder than that… yes, you can… look at yourself…"
"Look at yourself. Look at your face. Watch how much you love this…"
🎃 Tropes 🎃
🕸️ Halloween Read
🕸️ Spooky Small Town
🕸️ Age Gap
🕸️ Dark Romance
🕸️ Neighbors to Lovers
https://www.instagram.com/p/C07DfSTtv-s/
October 13, 2023
Atp I should just cut my losses short because whatever the author has been trying lately, doesn’t seems to be working for me.
September 16, 2024
The perfect spooky season read and I cannot wait to read the second book within this eerie town releasing next month☠️🖤
This book was so much fun from start to finish, and the setting of this story was what really set it apart for me. The (semi… maybe… 😉) haunted mansion was keeping me on edge throughout the book, and all of the misfortunes happening around the FMC was really having me creating a million different theories. this book is filled with all the good times & tropes, such as:
🖤Dark Romance
🖤 Creepy Small Town
🖤 Age Gap
🖤 Neighbors to Lovers
🖤 Haunted Mansion
This is going to be your next halloweeen OBSESSED 🥰 The new Trad published edition of this book is now out in bookstores!!
This book was so much fun from start to finish, and the setting of this story was what really set it apart for me. The (semi… maybe… 😉) haunted mansion was keeping me on edge throughout the book, and all of the misfortunes happening around the FMC was really having me creating a million different theories. this book is filled with all the good times & tropes, such as:
🖤Dark Romance
🖤 Creepy Small Town
🖤 Age Gap
🖤 Neighbors to Lovers
🖤 Haunted Mansion
This is going to be your next halloweeen OBSESSED 🥰 The new Trad published edition of this book is now out in bookstores!!
August 29, 2024
When I first picked up Grimstone, I was all set for a gothic, spine-chilling romance perfect for those cozy Halloween nights. Haunted mansion? Check. Mysterious doctor with a dark past? Double check. A town dripping with eerie vibes? Triple check! This book had all the makings of a spooky, deliciously creepy read… or so I thought. But then, oh boy, did things go downhill faster than a boulder rolling off a cliff. 💥
First off, the writing—yikes! 😬 I don't know who thought those bizarre metaphors were a good idea, but nipples harden like pencil points? Really? And don’t even get me started on whip those tiny tits until they’re rosy as apples. I nearly threw the book across the room! It wasn’t just weird, it was so over-the-top that it snapped me right out of any creepy mood the story was trying to build. I mean, come on, was the hero seriously obsessed with the heroine’s tiny, tight little tits? And the part where he gets turned on by the sound of her... you know what, nope, I’m out. 🚪✌️
Now, let's dive into the characters—or the lack thereof. The romance between Remi and Dane? A total miss. Insta-lust is already a hard sell for me, but this? This was insta-lust on steroids, and not in a good way. Dane was flat, uninspired, and honestly, kind of creepy. His initial thoughts about Remi? Shallow and just plain icky. Their chemistry was nonexistent, and their relationship development? What development? It was like someone hit the fast-forward button on their romance(if you can call it that). 🥴
And then there’s the plot. Oh dear, where do I begin? The spooky mansion, the mysterious deaths—it all had so much potential, but the execution was a hot mess. The story was all over the place, with random plot points that went nowhere. Like, what was the deal with the missing animals and the house getting broken into all the time? It felt like the author was borrowing bits from other dark romances but forgot to actually weave them together into something that made sense. Instead, I was left scratching my head and wondering what the heck was going on. 🤷♀️
Let’s not forget the portrayal of mental illness, which was not just poorly handled—it was downright offensive. Dane’s wife’s postpartum depression leading to infanticide and her own suicide? Treated more like a plot device than a serious issue. And Dane, a doctor, not doing anything to help her? It’s a huge plot hole that shows a serious lack of understanding and sensitivity towards mental health. This part just made me angry.
And then, we have the sex scenes. Look, I love a good steamy scene as much as the next person, but this was just cringe. The comparisons were ridiculous, and the consent? Yeah, that was sketchy at best. Dane hypnotizing Remi and then engaging in sexual activities without her full consent? That’s not romance, that’s assault. This was where the book crossed a serious line for me, and I found it deeply uncomfortable. 🚫❌
But hey, credit where it’s due—the setting was actually pretty cool. The town of Grimstone was spooky, eerie, and everything I wanted in a Halloween read. It’s just a shame the rest of the book didn’t live up to it.
So, in conclusion, Grimstone was a big ol' letdown. What could have been an atmospheric, haunting romance turned into a cringe-fest with poorly written characters, a messy plot, and metaphors that made me want to scream. The mishandling of sensitive topics and the lack of proper trigger warnings make this a book I definitely wouldn’t recommend. Sophie Lark, I know you can do better, but this one? It missed the mark completely. 👎📉
First off, the writing—yikes! 😬 I don't know who thought those bizarre metaphors were a good idea, but nipples harden like pencil points? Really? And don’t even get me started on whip those tiny tits until they’re rosy as apples. I nearly threw the book across the room! It wasn’t just weird, it was so over-the-top that it snapped me right out of any creepy mood the story was trying to build. I mean, come on, was the hero seriously obsessed with the heroine’s tiny, tight little tits? And the part where he gets turned on by the sound of her... you know what, nope, I’m out. 🚪✌️
Now, let's dive into the characters—or the lack thereof. The romance between Remi and Dane? A total miss. Insta-lust is already a hard sell for me, but this? This was insta-lust on steroids, and not in a good way. Dane was flat, uninspired, and honestly, kind of creepy. His initial thoughts about Remi? Shallow and just plain icky. Their chemistry was nonexistent, and their relationship development? What development? It was like someone hit the fast-forward button on their romance(if you can call it that). 🥴
And then there’s the plot. Oh dear, where do I begin? The spooky mansion, the mysterious deaths—it all had so much potential, but the execution was a hot mess. The story was all over the place, with random plot points that went nowhere. Like, what was the deal with the missing animals and the house getting broken into all the time? It felt like the author was borrowing bits from other dark romances but forgot to actually weave them together into something that made sense. Instead, I was left scratching my head and wondering what the heck was going on. 🤷♀️
Let’s not forget the portrayal of mental illness, which was not just poorly handled—it was downright offensive. Dane’s wife’s postpartum depression leading to infanticide and her own suicide? Treated more like a plot device than a serious issue. And Dane, a doctor, not doing anything to help her? It’s a huge plot hole that shows a serious lack of understanding and sensitivity towards mental health. This part just made me angry.
And then, we have the sex scenes. Look, I love a good steamy scene as much as the next person, but this was just cringe. The comparisons were ridiculous, and the consent? Yeah, that was sketchy at best. Dane hypnotizing Remi and then engaging in sexual activities without her full consent? That’s not romance, that’s assault. This was where the book crossed a serious line for me, and I found it deeply uncomfortable. 🚫❌
But hey, credit where it’s due—the setting was actually pretty cool. The town of Grimstone was spooky, eerie, and everything I wanted in a Halloween read. It’s just a shame the rest of the book didn’t live up to it.
So, in conclusion, Grimstone was a big ol' letdown. What could have been an atmospheric, haunting romance turned into a cringe-fest with poorly written characters, a messy plot, and metaphors that made me want to scream. The mishandling of sensitive topics and the lack of proper trigger warnings make this a book I definitely wouldn’t recommend. Sophie Lark, I know you can do better, but this one? It missed the mark completely. 👎📉
October 19, 2024
welp... I’m not sure how to feel about this book, but one thing's for sure: I am never getting hypnotized lmaooo
This book wasn’t all bad for me.. it was solid. But the dark themes and "mystery spooky vibes" just didn’t hit right for me. There were parts I enjoyed and others I didn’t, so I’m breaking it all down in this review. I hope it helps you decide whether this book is your vibe or not!
✼ things I liked ✼
✨short chapters
✨easy world buidling
✨the mystery sexy doctor
✨the spanking hehe
✨the need to know who did it
✨background story of sexy doctor
҉ things I did not like ҉
✨the insta love between them
✨the ghost that was truly not part of the story
✨the hypnotizing sessions
✨the similes and metaphors to describe sexy time
Again I did end up finishing the book, it was just not the type of book I expected. Thank you Hambright PR for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱:received this as an ARC 💓 and is giving off major fall vibes😌
This book wasn’t all bad for me.. it was solid. But the dark themes and "mystery spooky vibes" just didn’t hit right for me. There were parts I enjoyed and others I didn’t, so I’m breaking it all down in this review. I hope it helps you decide whether this book is your vibe or not!
✼ things I liked ✼
✨short chapters
✨easy world buidling
✨the mystery sexy doctor
✨the spanking hehe
✨the need to know who did it
✨background story of sexy doctor
҉ things I did not like ҉
✨the insta love between them
✨the ghost that was truly not part of the story
✨the hypnotizing sessions
✨the similes and metaphors to describe sexy time
Again I did end up finishing the book, it was just not the type of book I expected. Thank you Hambright PR for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱:received this as an ARC 💓 and is giving off major fall vibes😌
May 7, 2024
This is a book that wasn’t for me initially but I do want to try rereading it in the future :)
October 17, 2023
3.85 stars!
Read
October 17, 2023Edit October 17th -
A warning list has been put in silently into the book without anyone knowing unless you have read the book, it goes as follows -
This is an extremely dark romance with dark moods and themes. It contains on and off-page content that may be triggering for some, including kinky sex, assault, violence, death of a child, and suicide.
Kinky sex? ..... you are gonna have to be more specific here..
Where is the parent death? Attempted rape?
I'm beyond disappointed.
--
Where are the trigger warnings?
Why is no one talking about the lack of warnings?? I'm in shock.
I'm in absolute shock that there isn't even a single warning. Not for a place to go to find potential triggers, a website, link, list, or just a - This book may have content that can be triggering at the bare minimum.
There is nothing, and it is absolutely needed.
If you have any triggers, I would go to the author to confirm it isn't in the book.
I'm actually really upset there isn't any, and I have warned a few people away from it because if they did read it, they would absolutely be triggered and it's just not okay. And what is also not okay is the mental health rep in this book, it isn't good at all.
I don't leave reviews like this generally, but I just wanted to note that this book needs a warning, and doesn't come with one.
If you can organise and commission artwork for the book, you can write a trigger list.
Stay safe out there 🫡
A warning list has been put in silently into the book without anyone knowing unless you have read the book, it goes as follows -
This is an extremely dark romance with dark moods and themes. It contains on and off-page content that may be triggering for some, including kinky sex, assault, violence, death of a child, and suicide.
Kinky sex? ..... you are gonna have to be more specific here..
Where is the parent death? Attempted rape?
I'm beyond disappointed.
--
Where are the trigger warnings?
Why is no one talking about the lack of warnings?? I'm in shock.
I'm in absolute shock that there isn't even a single warning. Not for a place to go to find potential triggers, a website, link, list, or just a - This book may have content that can be triggering at the bare minimum.
There is nothing, and it is absolutely needed.
If you have any triggers, I would go to the author to confirm it isn't in the book.
I'm actually really upset there isn't any, and I have warned a few people away from it because if they did read it, they would absolutely be triggered and it's just not okay. And what is also not okay is the mental health rep in this book, it isn't good at all.
I don't leave reviews like this generally, but I just wanted to note that this book needs a warning, and doesn't come with one.
If you can organise and commission artwork for the book, you can write a trigger list.
Stay safe out there 🫡
Read
December 7, 2023DNF at 40%
Edit: After learning new info about an ableist term that is used in ch. 22 at the 64% mark. The phrase “like I’m an invalid” is used. This is an ableist slur and I’m SHOCKED this was used. I DNF’d before I came across this, thankfully, but wanted to include it in my review because I have a major problem with it and want more people aware of it.
I really tried to push through, but between the lack of CW’s for clear dubcon used at the start of the book, hinting at a dual personality (which I felt was done in a problematic way), and the atrocious dialogue during spicy scenes, I could not push through.
When writing dark romance it is VITAL that you warn your readers so they can be prepared if needed. Even if it’s just a link to the TW list on their website so readers can avoid possible spoilers.
I genuinely don’t know what happened with this one. I have enjoyed all of Sophie’s other books, but this one? Huge miss for me.
Edit: After learning new info about an ableist term that is used in ch. 22 at the 64% mark. The phrase “like I’m an invalid” is used. This is an ableist slur and I’m SHOCKED this was used. I DNF’d before I came across this, thankfully, but wanted to include it in my review because I have a major problem with it and want more people aware of it.
I really tried to push through, but between the lack of CW’s for clear dubcon used at the start of the book, hinting at a dual personality (which I felt was done in a problematic way), and the atrocious dialogue during spicy scenes, I could not push through.
When writing dark romance it is VITAL that you warn your readers so they can be prepared if needed. Even if it’s just a link to the TW list on their website so readers can avoid possible spoilers.
I genuinely don’t know what happened with this one. I have enjoyed all of Sophie’s other books, but this one? Huge miss for me.
October 18, 2023
4⭐️ literally everything written in this book is so purposeful.
at first i was like okay this is a fine book, i’m enjoying it enough. i like the chemistry and connection between these two but where’s the plot outside of them? and then holy christ on a cracker shit happened. like what in the criminal minds was fucking happening??? shit just went wild and crazy and the way queen sophie wrote it was sooo good. everything was for a reason. the lack of plot. glazed over plot points. everything came back screaming and i saw it all coming. i slowly started piecing things together and it all made so much sense.
though life situations are very different, i understood and related to remi’s self deprecation. i loved how she came off to strong and handy and idgaf, and she was, but beneath it all was someone in so much pain and struggling so deeply to try and keep everything together.
i love a doctor death moment 🥵 and dane delivered. sexy. mysterious. dark. he was giving. and the way he was obsessed with remi, the way hr wanted her, craved her, aches for her, was so delicious. i was obsessed with his instant attraction and how he describes and feels about her. honestly sometimes he was just so adorable. he had no right being that adorable while being so intimidating. loved it.
things developed quickly but it was entertaining. i can only imagine that the audio for this could be so great. i’m also so intrigued by all the side characters and want more.
”She draws an aggression out of me I thought was long gone. Until that kiss, I barely lived inside my body. I was trapped in my brain, tortured by thoughts, while the rest of me moved around cold as an automaton. Now I’m living, breathing, walking again, full of impulses and strange new purpose.”
• neighbours
• small (spooky) town
• enemies to lovers
• age gap
at first i was like okay this is a fine book, i’m enjoying it enough. i like the chemistry and connection between these two but where’s the plot outside of them? and then holy christ on a cracker shit happened. like what in the criminal minds was fucking happening??? shit just went wild and crazy and the way queen sophie wrote it was sooo good. everything was for a reason. the lack of plot. glazed over plot points. everything came back screaming and i saw it all coming. i slowly started piecing things together and it all made so much sense.
though life situations are very different, i understood and related to remi’s self deprecation. i loved how she came off to strong and handy and idgaf, and she was, but beneath it all was someone in so much pain and struggling so deeply to try and keep everything together.
i love a doctor death moment 🥵 and dane delivered. sexy. mysterious. dark. he was giving. and the way he was obsessed with remi, the way hr wanted her, craved her, aches for her, was so delicious. i was obsessed with his instant attraction and how he describes and feels about her. honestly sometimes he was just so adorable. he had no right being that adorable while being so intimidating. loved it.
things developed quickly but it was entertaining. i can only imagine that the audio for this could be so great. i’m also so intrigued by all the side characters and want more.
”She draws an aggression out of me I thought was long gone. Until that kiss, I barely lived inside my body. I was trapped in my brain, tortured by thoughts, while the rest of me moved around cold as an automaton. Now I’m living, breathing, walking again, full of impulses and strange new purpose.”
• neighbours
• small (spooky) town
• enemies to lovers
• age gap
October 22, 2023
TW Ableism, Nazispeech, Alcohol
This book is problematic af:
1. Ableism.
The bad guy is clearly written as neurodivergent - he has SO many autistic traits. We're used to being the bad folks.
It still hurts.
Mental illness is literally all over the book and not a single good representation is to be found.
2. Nazispeech.
"gestapo police" and "blitzkrieg" are no words you use in this kind of context. E-V-E-R
There are so many different ways to describe these two situations - no need to reproduce Nazispeech.
I can't believe I have to mention that in a review. I'm pissed.
3. Alcoholconsumption. Its all over the place and the FMC drives after drinking way too much alcohol on more than one occasion.
4. Hypnosis didn't work this way. Not at all and even if it did... Consens? Ever heard of? 🚩
Besides this: The love interest is toxic af and a walking 🚩 from the beginning. Not the s*xy kind of I ignore on the regular because he is beautifully broken. No, he is just the brightest 🚩.
And then, out of nowhere, they fall madly in love... But there's not a single connection between these two. Maybe that's on me but I feel no vibes.
Throughout most of the book, the FMC is referred to as a girl and calls herself that too... She is 27 🚩
I hate to leave this kind of review but this book is a NoGo.
This book is problematic af:
1. Ableism.
The bad guy is clearly written as neurodivergent - he has SO many autistic traits. We're used to being the bad folks.
It still hurts.
Mental illness is literally all over the book and not a single good representation is to be found.
2. Nazispeech.
"gestapo police" and "blitzkrieg" are no words you use in this kind of context. E-V-E-R
There are so many different ways to describe these two situations - no need to reproduce Nazispeech.
I can't believe I have to mention that in a review. I'm pissed.
3. Alcoholconsumption. Its all over the place and the FMC drives after drinking way too much alcohol on more than one occasion.
4. Hypnosis didn't work this way. Not at all and even if it did... Consens? Ever heard of? 🚩
Besides this: The love interest is toxic af and a walking 🚩 from the beginning. Not the s*xy kind of I ignore on the regular because he is beautifully broken. No, he is just the brightest 🚩.
And then, out of nowhere, they fall madly in love... But there's not a single connection between these two. Maybe that's on me but I feel no vibes.
Throughout most of the book, the FMC is referred to as a girl and calls herself that too... She is 27 🚩
I hate to leave this kind of review but this book is a NoGo.
October 19, 2023
This book had me CACKLINGGGGGGG!! Also, I could not put down the book at around 25% it had me hooked like nobody’s business.. it was giving criminal minds for sureeeee!! The theories that were going through my mind had me contemplating EVERYTHING.
What a fun Halloween read!! Loved Dane, Remi was super wild & the town was fcking insane! I swear everybody was was so unique & lowkey sucked. And so many people were AWFUL to the newcomers of their small town. But nobody sucked more so than Jude!!!!!! God he is what I called a lil bitch boy. what a terrible brother! His sister did so much for him & he just made her Reno a whole house by herself!!!
Spooky, haunted house, thrilling, & filled with secrets!! I love when there are haunted tales too AND BOY WERE THERE MANY!!
I will say I still feel like we didn’t get answers on a few things… BUT the ending had me shoooook. Lordt.
#nipplepiercings
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
What a fun Halloween read!! Loved Dane, Remi was super wild & the town was fcking insane! I swear everybody was was so unique & lowkey sucked. And so many people were AWFUL to the newcomers of their small town. But nobody sucked more so than Jude!!!!!! God he is what I called a lil bitch boy. what a terrible brother! His sister did so much for him & he just made her Reno a whole house by herself!!!
Spooky, haunted house, thrilling, & filled with secrets!! I love when there are haunted tales too AND BOY WERE THERE MANY!!
I will say I still feel like we didn’t get answers on a few things… BUT the ending had me shoooook. Lordt.
#nipplepiercings
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
October 13, 2023
So weird and hot. Didn't see the ending coming. + hypnosis ??? Yes, plz.
October 14, 2023
“I hear the distinct sound of her hot piss hitting the bowl. My cock hardens.”
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I want to wipe my memory off after reading that.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I want to wipe my memory off after reading that.
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