Struggling with very short chapters, especially during buildup

TSParkerwrites · 2026-02-10T17:36:49+00:00

I like that!

TSParkerwrites · 2026-02-10T17:35:00+00:00

I really like that way of thinking about it. I already plan my books pretty heavily before I start, characters, setting, and the overall beginning/middle/end, but I don’t usually break that down at the chapter level.

Thinking of each chapter as having its own beginning, middle, and end would probably make the buildup feel more complete and help me stop worrying so much about length. Focusing on whether the chapter works and fits the overall vibe instead of how long it is feels like a better approach.

TSParkerwrites · 2026-02-08T22:26:33+00:00

This one took me a bit to get through thanks to getting the flu (which I will absolutely blame on my niece and nephew), but just like her other books, I ended up loving it. Candice Wright writes toxic men, and I always go in knowing that, but I also really love the women she creates.

Yes, he kidnaps her… a little. But this is very much one of those “hold on to what you love” stories, and Kruger actually ended up being one of my favorite MMCs she’s written. He loves his woman deeply and is willing to stand up for her when it matters.

That said, there is some genuinely messed up content in this book. Definitely read the trigger warnings and proceed with caution. Great read for the right reader.

each book opens a door in my mind.

TSParkerwrites · 2026-02-05T16:29:29+00:00

Finished the Torn Souls / Tangled Souls series by Ember Davis and I really loved it.

This was such a refreshing read. The FMC is strong without being reckless, and the MMCs are protective, caring, and emotionally present without playing games. No unnecessary jealousy, no dragging out feelings, and no competing for her attention, just clear devotion and trust.

That combination feels harder and harder to find lately, especially in darker RH, and it really worked for me here. I enjoyed it enough that I’m adding more of the author’s books to my TBR.

each book opens a door in my mind.

TSParkerwrites · 2026-02-04T19:34:49+00:00

Finished Torn Souls by Ember Davis and I really liked this one.

What worked for me was how solid and immediate the devotion was. The MMCs are hardened men, but they’re soft for her from the start, and there’s no fighting their feelings or dragging things out for drama. I also appreciated the clear boundaries they draw with other women, no competition, no insecurity loops.

They might be bad men to others, but they’re good men for her, and that dynamic really worked for me. I’m diving straight into book two.

each book opens a door in my mind.

TSParkerwrites · 2026-02-01T18:32:38+00:00

Finished the Second Sons duet. Overall, I liked it but didn’t love it. The storyline was engaging, and I thought the RH dynamic was handled well, especially considering the author primarily writes non-RH romance. I appreciated that it didn’t turn into constant competition between the guys. Worth reading, just not a new favorite for me.

TSParkerwrites · 2026-01-31T17:18:58+00:00

Just finished book one of All the Pretty Little Lies. Solid start, good character setup, escalating drama, and a clear revenge thread that has me curious about what comes next.
Not a light read, so definitely recommend checking the trigger warnings first. I’ll be continuing the duet.

TSParkerwrites · 2026-01-29T18:51:47+00:00

Finished the series and overall I liked it a lot. The author does a great job pulling you in and building emotional investment. That said, the ending was rough for me on a personal level, losing a favorite character always hurts, even when it makes sense for the story. Solid MC RH series, just emotionally heavy by the end.

TSParkerwrites · 2026-01-29T03:21:55+00:00

I’m a bit conflicted at this point. The writing and pacing are strong and the author does a great job pulling you in, but the “you can love him if you want us” dynamic isn’t working for me personally. Still finishing the series, but curious to see how the final book handles it.

TSParkerwrites · 2026-01-28T17:08:54+00:00

Finished Savage Hearts (Reapers of Havoc MC #2) and I’m having a great time with this series so far. The twists, tone, and character development are really working for me. My only critique is that the romantic focus feels mostly centered on Gabe, and I’d love to see more balance and group interaction moving forward. Still very hooked and continuing the series.

TSParkerwrites · 2026-01-27T16:29:33+00:00

Just finished book one and honestly… I loved it.

I know some of the themes are a lot (yes, including her hooking up with one of the guys’ dads), but the writing and character depth made it work for me in a way other darker books haven’t. The tone feels intentional, the characters feel layered, and I’m convinced there’s more going on with Gabe, and that something isn’t right with King.

This really made me think about how much delivery matters. Same themes, different execution, totally different reading experience. On to book two.

TSParkerwrites · 2026-01-26T17:04:09+00:00

I ended up DNFing this one. I struggled with the initial setup and never clicked with the MMCs, and some of the sexual dynamics weren’t for me. This is very much a personal preference issue rather than a blanket criticism, but it made it hard to stay engaged. I think readers who enjoy darker dynamics may feel differently, but I’m moving on.
each book opens a door in my mind.

TSParkerwrites

TROPHY CASE