this weeks countdown with Frayed
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A breathtaking blend of heartbreak, healing, and sizzling chemistry!
5 STARS
Max Monroe absolutely shattered me—in the best way possible—with What I Should’ve Said. From the very first page, I was hooked by Norah Ellis, a runaway bride with a closet full of designer regrets and a heart aching for something real. Her escape to Red Bridge, Vermont, sets the stage for one of the most emotionally rich love stories I’ve read in ages.
And Bennett Bishop? Whew. The grumpy artist with a soft heart and a fierce love for his daughter Summer stole every scene. Their slow-burn enemies-to-lovers arc was packed with banter, tension, and moments that made me laugh, swoon, and cry (yes, actual tears). Summer’s presence added depth and warmth that made the story unforgettable—she’s the soul of this book.
The writing is sharp, witty, and deeply moving. Monroe doesn’t shy away from grief or vulnerability, and that’s what makes this story so powerful. It’s not just about falling in love—it’s about choosing love, even when life is messy and painful.
If you’re craving a romance that will wreck you and then stitch you back together with hope and heart, this one’s a must-read. I CANNOT WAIT TO READ WHEN I SHOULD'VE STAYED-JOSIE AND CLAY'S STORY-THAT IS ON THIS WEEKS TBR LIST
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ A darkly tender romance with just the right amount of heat.
4.5 STARS
Sara Cate’s Keep Me delivers a deliciously messy marriage of convenience between Sylvie Devereaux—a sharp-tongued New Yorker with emotional scars—and Killian Barclay, a brooding Scottish recluse drowning in grief and secrets. Their forced proximity inside a gothic manor sets the stage for a slow unraveling of defenses, trust, and desire.The emotional depth is what truly shines. Sylvie’s journey from guarded independence to vulnerable connection is beautifully mirrored by Killian’s transformation from emotionally frozen to fiercely devoted. Their chemistry simmers at a solid 3-spice level—intimate scenes are steamy but always rooted in character growth.Cate balances trauma, healing, and romance with finesse. While a few plot twists felt slightly rushed, the emotional payoff more than makes up for it. The Scottish setting adds moody charm, and the side characters bring just enough chaos to keep things interesting.If you love your romance with grit, heart, and a touch of gothic drama, Keep Me is a must-read. It’s the kind of story that lingers long after the last page..
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A twisty second-chance romance with emotional grit and messy charm.
4.0 sTARS
Samantha Christy’s Purple Orchids kicks off the Mitchell Sisters series with a rollercoaster of heartbreak, betrayal, and redemption. Gavin and Baylor’s love story spans years, secrets, and one very manipulative “Karen” (yes, the name fits). Told mostly from Gavin’s POV—a refreshing shift in romance—it dives deep into his emotional wreckage and slow climb back to love. The plot leans heavily on miscommunication and dramatic reveals, which sometimes feel over-the-top, but the emotional payoff is satisfying. Baylor is a mix of vulnerability and fire, and Gavin’s grovel game? Strong. Their chemistry builds through flashbacks and present-day tension, making the reunion feel earned. While the pacing dips in the middle and some twists are predictable, the story’s heart shines through. It’s angsty, a little chaotic, and packed with feels—perfect for readers who love messy love and emotional growth.A solid 4-star read that sets the tone for a series full of passion and drama.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ A beautifully heartbreaking journey of love, loss, and fate..
4.5 STARS
Samantha Christy’s White Lilies is a gut-wrenching yet tender exploration of forbidden love wrapped in emotional complexity. Skylar Mitchell agrees to be a surrogate for her best friend Erin and Erin’s husband, Griffin Pearce. What begins as a selfless act quickly spirals into a tangled web of grief, guilt, and undeniable connection when tragedy strikes.Told in dual POV, the story masterfully captures Skylar and Griffin’s emotional evolution. Christy doesn’t shy away from the moral tension—she leans into it, crafting a romance that feels both impossible and inevitable. Skylar’s transformation from reckless party girl to emotionally grounded woman is raw and believable, while Griffin’s journey through grief to acceptance is quietly powerful.The writing is evocative, the pacing tight, and the emotional beats land with precision. While some readers may crave a more detailed epilogue, the story’s impact lingers. It’s not just a romance—it’s a meditation on healing, sacrifice, and the messy beauty of second chances.If you believe in fate, or want to, White Lilies will make you feel every twist of the heart.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Raw, redemptive, and utterly unforgettable.
5.0 STARS
Samantha Christy’s Black Roses is the emotional crescendo of the Mitchell Sisters trilogy, and it doesn’t hold back. Piper Mitchell returns to New York for her sister’s wedding, carrying the weight of trauma and secrets that have kept her away for years. Enter Mason Lawrence—a single dad and football star whose own scars run deep. Their collision is electric, and their healing is hard-won.This isn’t just an enemies-to-lovers romance—it’s a story of survival, trust, and the quiet power of being seen. Piper’s journey from broken to brave is beautifully layered, and Mason’s unwavering patience and protectiveness make him one of Christy’s most compelling heroes. Their chemistry is intense, but it’s the emotional intimacy that steals the show.The pacing is tight, the writing evocative, and the symbolism—especially the black rose tattoo—is hauntingly perfect. Christy doesn’t shy away from the darkness, but she also doesn’t let it win. The ending delivers a gut-punch of hope that feels earned and deeply satisfying.If you’re looking for a romance that blends grit with grace, Black Roses is a five-star knockout.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A soul-shattering love story that left me in tears—and awe..
5.0 STARS
Sheridan Anne’s Remember Us This Way is not just a book—it’s an emotional experience. From the very first page, Zoey and Noah’s story grips your heart and refuses to let go. Their connection is raw, intense, and tragically beautiful. Childhood friends turned soulmates, their journey is filled with love, loss, and the kind of heartbreak that makes you feel every word deep in your bones.I cried through most of this book—not because it was sad for sadness’ sake, but because it was real. The pain, the forgiveness, the moments of quiet hope… it’s all written with such emotional precision that you can’t help but be swept away. Anne’s writing is lyrical and immersive, and the way she explores grief and healing is nothing short of masterful.This is a story that lingers. It’s the kind of book you clutch to your chest when it’s over, wishing you could unread it just to experience it all over again. If you’re looking for a romance that will wreck you—in the best possible way—Remember Us This Way is it
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A devastatingly beautiful ode to heartbreak, healing, and the chaos of timing.
5.0 STARS
.Kandi Steiner’s A Love Letter to Whiskey is the kind of book that grabs you by the soul and doesn’t let go. Told entirely from B’s perspective, it’s a raw, emotionally charged journey through years of missed chances, magnetic pull, and the kind of love that burns too hot to hold. Jamie and B’s connection is intoxicating—equal parts passion and pain—and watching them circle each other through life’s twists is both mesmerizing and gut-wrenching.I cried. A lot. Not just because of the heartbreak, but because Steiner captures the ache of wanting something you can’t have with brutal honesty. The metaphor of whiskey—addictive, dangerous, irresistible—is woven through the narrative with poetic precision. Every chapter feels like a shot to the heart.This isn’t a tidy love story. It’s messy, flawed, and emotionally raw. But that’s what makes it unforgettable. If you’ve ever loved the wrong person at the wrong time, this book will feel like a mirror. And when it’s over, you’ll need a moment to breathe—and maybe a drink.An absolute masterpiece of angst and vulnerability.