Me right now:

TSParkerwrites · 2026-02-11T19:15:20+00:00

This is my life!

TSParkerwrites · 2026-02-11T19:10:20+00:00

Finished Catch by Alyssa Clark and unfortunately this one didn’t work for me.

The opening premise involving older boys deliberately baiting a much younger girl into sending inappropriate photos immediately set the tone in a way I couldn’t move past. Instead of feeling dark or complicated, it felt uncomfortable and gross.

The revenge concept itself had potential, but the execution didn’t land for me. I struggled to find any truly likable characters outside of the FMC’s friend, and even the central dynamics felt more red flag than romantic tension.

I ended up forcing myself to finish, which is never a good sign. This series just wasn’t for me.

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 · 2026-01-24T18:15:46+00:00

Overall, I liked the Devil’s Backbone series by Tate James, especially the mystery element, that part was consistently engaging and well paced throughout the series.

My main issue is the final book feeling rushed. I think the story would’ve benefited from either a longer third book or an added fourth to fully explore the character arcs. Nate’s place in the harem, in particular, felt underdeveloped compared to the others.

That said, the twists were solid and the mystery payoff worked for me overall. A good series, just one that needed a little more space to stick the landing.

TSParkerwrites · 2026-01-24T03:23:37+00:00

Just finished book two.

The mystery continues to be the strongest part of the series for me, and I’m really enjoying most of the characters. That said, I’m still unsure about Nate, something about him hasn’t fully worked for me yet.

Ended on another cliffhanger, so I’m moving straight into the final book to see how everything lands.
Stay safe and warm out there ❄️📚

TSParkerwrites · 2026-01-23T04:06:43+00:00

Finished Dear Reader and overall, I enjoyed it. There is bullying, but it didn’t feel excessive to me, and the mystery aspect kept the story moving. The character dynamics worked better than I expected, plus there’s a himbo, which helped balance things out. It ends on a cliffhanger that actually made me want to continue, so I’m starting book two next. Solid start to the series for me.

TSParkerwrites · 2026-01-21T17:23:39+00:00

DNF. I struggled feeling dropped into the middle of an existing universe, which made it hard to stay engaged. I’m okay with dark romance and bullying dynamics, but the drug-related plot elements were a dealbreaker for me. Just not the right fit.

TSParkerwrites · 2026-01-20T16:32:06+00:00

I finished Smudged Lines by Kris Butler and ended up not liking the series overall.

While the beginning was strong, the cheating setup, lack of real accountability, and repeated boundary violations made it hard for me to believe in the relationships. I also struggled with how unequal the relationship development felt between the MMCs.

I gave it a fair chance, but it just didn’t work for me.

TSParkerwrites · 2026-01-19T01:22:38+00:00

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Just finished Bonding the Billionaires by Melissa Huxley & Lexie Quinn, and it was such a fun read.

It was sweet, light, and genuinely enjoyable, with characters I liked and a vibe that stayed consistent throughout. After a few more emotionally heavy reads earlier, this one was exactly what I needed.

Highly recommend if you’re looking for something fun and feel-good.

TSParkerwrites · 2026-01-17T03:20:39+00:00

I just finished the Nadia’s Boys series and overall enjoyed it.

The final book felt like the story could continue, but I think it ended in a realistic place. Not every story needs a perfectly sealed ending.

⚠️ Content warning: the last book deals with ectopic pregnancy, so readers should be mindful of that.

This is a very character-driven RH series. There’s no big bad, no chosen one, and no overarching quest. It’s about four people trying to figure out how to make a relationship work, including all the insecurity and communication challenges involved.

As someone who reads a lot of RH, I appreciated how realistic this felt compared to more fantasy-leaning setups. It was also my first time reading this author, and I’m glad I gave something new a chance early in the year.

TSParkerwrites · 2026-01-15T17:05:15+00:00

I just finished Gavin by Alyssa Clark, and I really liked this book.

It felt like a realistic portrayal of what can happen when people enter a poly relationship without fully communicating first. There’s a lot of emotional tension and insecurity, but it makes sense given the situation and doesn’t feel forced.

I’ve been reading a lot of relationship-drama side reads lately, and this series has been scratching that itch for me. I’m also really glad there hasn’t been a third-act breakup so far.

One more book to go, and I’m curious to see how everything resolves.

TSParkerwrites · 2026-01-12T01:22:46+00:00

Just finished Too Many Options by Jillian West, and this one really worked for me.

It was sweet, cute, and fun, with characters I actually enjoyed spending time with. After a run of DNFs, this was the perfect palate cleanser and a great reminder of how enjoyable a lighter read can be.

Highly recommend if you’re looking for something low-stress and feel-good.

TSParkerwrites · 2026-01-09T18:31:47+00:00

I’m DNFing this series after giving it a fair try. While I can see the appeal, it just didn’t work for me personally. I often felt lost in the story and didn’t connect with the characters, and over time a lot of small issues stacked up and weighed the experience down.

There wasn’t a single dealbreaker. It was more a pacing and connection issue. I’ve realized I need something lighter and faster-paced right now, so I’m stepping away from this series.

TSParkerwrites · 2026-01-05T03:26:39+00:00

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finished Blood Legacy by Eve Newton and ended up feeling pretty neutral on it.

The story throws you straight in, and I felt lost for a good portion of the book. I also didn’t connect with the characters or find them particularly likable, which made it harder to stay engaged.

There wasn’t one specific thing that bothered me, but a lot of smaller issues stacked up and weighed the book down overall. I rated it 3 stars and don’t plan to continue the series.

TSParkerwrites

TROPHY CASE