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The Brightest Light #2
The Darkest Corner of the Heart
Forbidden.
That's what they are to each other.
Maddie Stevens has never felt good enough.
Not good enough to keep her parents’ love. Not good enough to be independent and stop being her brother’s problem. Not good enough to build the future she wants.
When she injures her ankle before a ballet audition that could change her career forever, she’s convinced her life is over at twenty-one. What’s the point of having dreams when they can go down the drain at any moment?
And because the universe has a cruel sense of humor, her physical therapist turns out to be a tank-shaped grouch who doesn’t even seem to like her that much. It’s totally unfair that, for six weeks, she’s forced to look at that handsome beard and listen to that deep voice that makes her head all dizzy. Top that with the fact that he’s ten years her senior, and falling for James Simmons is a recipe for disaster.
But when their forced proximity makes the lines start blurring, the forbidden temptation becomes impossible to resist.
Content This book contains themes of alcoholism, drugs, profanity, death, and explicit sexual scenes. Recommended for mature readers only.
That's what they are to each other.
Maddie Stevens has never felt good enough.
Not good enough to keep her parents’ love. Not good enough to be independent and stop being her brother’s problem. Not good enough to build the future she wants.
When she injures her ankle before a ballet audition that could change her career forever, she’s convinced her life is over at twenty-one. What’s the point of having dreams when they can go down the drain at any moment?
And because the universe has a cruel sense of humor, her physical therapist turns out to be a tank-shaped grouch who doesn’t even seem to like her that much. It’s totally unfair that, for six weeks, she’s forced to look at that handsome beard and listen to that deep voice that makes her head all dizzy. Top that with the fact that he’s ten years her senior, and falling for James Simmons is a recipe for disaster.
But when their forced proximity makes the lines start blurring, the forbidden temptation becomes impossible to resist.
Content This book contains themes of alcoholism, drugs, profanity, death, and explicit sexual scenes. Recommended for mature readers only.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2024
1083 people are currently reading
27359 people want to read
About the author
Lisina Coney
5 books1,542 followersLisina Coney is a Spanish international bestselling romance author in her twenties.
She’s a lover of slow-burn stories with happy endings and main characters who help readers feel less alone in their journeys.
When she’s not reading or writing, Lisina can be found fighting people over the last French fry, spending too much time on social media (Gen Z habits die hard), and pestering her two very patient cats.
She’s a lover of slow-burn stories with happy endings and main characters who help readers feel less alone in their journeys.
When she’s not reading or writing, Lisina can be found fighting people over the last French fry, spending too much time on social media (Gen Z habits die hard), and pestering her two very patient cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,729 reviews
February 8, 2024
honestly this was closer to a three star read since i didn’t LOVE this, but it’s getting an extra star to counteract all the losers review-bombing the book solely from a doctored “excerpt”. whoever wrote that shit is jobless, lifeless and clearly illiterate. find a hobby i beg, you’ll be less miserable.
maybe put this nasty energy into Zionist, racist and downright horrible authors who circulate the book space (like there are so many to choose from) and leave Lisina alone :)
maybe put this nasty energy into Zionist, racist and downright horrible authors who circulate the book space (like there are so many to choose from) and leave Lisina alone :)
February 21, 2024
I was really excited to read this after loving the first one, but this fell flat for me 😭 The first half of the book was alright, but the second half lost my interest and I started skimming towards the end as I grew bored.
I can’t be bothered doing a full review but my main thoughts were that Maddie and James lacked chemistry. It felt pretty lacklustre. The pacing of their relationship felt off. The conflicts were unnecessary. The use of tropes didn’t flow into the story well. And I skipped the spicy scenes. It all just felt a bit clunky.
I can’t be bothered doing a full review but my main thoughts were that Maddie and James lacked chemistry. It felt pretty lacklustre. The pacing of their relationship felt off. The conflicts were unnecessary. The use of tropes didn’t flow into the story well. And I skipped the spicy scenes. It all just felt a bit clunky.
September 27, 2025
post re read
ofc i ate this book AGAIN. rtc
pre re read
i hate my reading slump so why don’t we re read this one
ofc i ate this book AGAIN. rtc
pre re read
i hate my reading slump so why don’t we re read this one
April 16, 2024
sorry, its a DNF for me. way too repetitive and a little bit cringey. it kept repeating and pushing this "forbidden" trope when he was literally just her physical therapist for 6 weeks and shes an adult? I know there was an age gap, and that trope would have been fine alone. But he kept mentioning how conflicted he was like she was 10? The FMC was pretty much infantalised throughout the book by everyone around her...I just couldnt get into what this story was trying to achieve. First DNF of 2024 I'm afraid :(
February 21, 2024
This was way emotional, heartbreaking, but full of healing at the same time. I loved that this was a slow burn again and showed how the MCs slowly built their relationship.
I liked the friendship stage, but then it was ruined when he ghosted her for two weeks, all because he was "terrified." I have to say, I lost my interest for awhile and only picked up around 85% of the story. That was quite a long time for me to be pissed at his radio silence (58%–85%), and I'm not really a forgiving person at the moment.
Aside from his lame reasoning, he only apologized and didn't do anything to deserve her forgiveness. He was all words and no action to back up his apology, and I couldn't buy that crap back then—well, technically, I didn't believe him for a very long while. As for Maddie, I didn't know what to feel when she folded so fast and forgave him immediately. 🤷♀️
Let's not forget the constant reminders of their age gap. Dear Lord, does it really have to be mentioned in every chapter? Readers got it the first time, but the repetitiveness of it was annoying; it's not even funny anymore. I don't see the need for it to be dropped in every conversation, scene, and inner monologue, honestly. It was exhausting. 😩
But then the last 15% made me feel less annoyed and marginally better. There were confrontations, honesty, and the start of healing for every character.
I loved Maddie the most, and I loved the journey it took for her to become the person that she is now. The growth and learning that she had in this story were so amazing to read, and I can't help but be proud of her. She's the one who has so much character development, and I'm just really overwhelmed by her. 😍
Overall, this was good. I think story-wise, I liked this book better than the first one, not that the first was bad by any means. It's just that there's been so much improvement in the characters here, be they the main or supporting ones. I loved the epilogue too, which was 10 years later. It's heartwarming to read that they're still happy and in love more than ever, and that they have grown their family. ❤️
Can't wait for the last book. 😍
Book info:
- Grumpy-sunshine
- Doctor-patient
- Ballerina/PT
- Age gap (21/31)
- Parent abandonment
- Mention of substance abuse
- Injury recovery
- Abandonment issues
- No cheating, opd
- Semi-breakup??? (Twice)
- Non-virgin MCs
- HEA
- Epilogue (10 years later, married with children)
I liked the friendship stage, but then it was ruined when he ghosted her for two weeks, all because he was "terrified." I have to say, I lost my interest for awhile and only picked up around 85% of the story. That was quite a long time for me to be pissed at his radio silence (58%–85%), and I'm not really a forgiving person at the moment.
Aside from his lame reasoning, he only apologized and didn't do anything to deserve her forgiveness. He was all words and no action to back up his apology, and I couldn't buy that crap back then—well, technically, I didn't believe him for a very long while. As for Maddie, I didn't know what to feel when she folded so fast and forgave him immediately. 🤷♀️
Let's not forget the constant reminders of their age gap. Dear Lord, does it really have to be mentioned in every chapter? Readers got it the first time, but the repetitiveness of it was annoying; it's not even funny anymore. I don't see the need for it to be dropped in every conversation, scene, and inner monologue, honestly. It was exhausting. 😩
But then the last 15% made me feel less annoyed and marginally better. There were confrontations, honesty, and the start of healing for every character.
I loved Maddie the most, and I loved the journey it took for her to become the person that she is now. The growth and learning that she had in this story were so amazing to read, and I can't help but be proud of her. She's the one who has so much character development, and I'm just really overwhelmed by her. 😍
Overall, this was good. I think story-wise, I liked this book better than the first one, not that the first was bad by any means. It's just that there's been so much improvement in the characters here, be they the main or supporting ones. I loved the epilogue too, which was 10 years later. It's heartwarming to read that they're still happy and in love more than ever, and that they have grown their family. ❤️
Can't wait for the last book. 😍
Book info:
- Grumpy-sunshine
- Doctor-patient
- Ballerina/PT
- Age gap (21/31)
- Parent abandonment
- Mention of substance abuse
- Injury recovery
- Abandonment issues
- No cheating, opd
- Semi-breakup??? (Twice)
- Non-virgin MCs
- HEA
- Epilogue (10 years later, married with children)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2024
(54% dnf)
maddie girl you deserve SOOOO MUCH BETTER
maddie girl you deserve SOOOO MUCH BETTER
March 14, 2024
2.5 stars
This book is mid.
It’s mostly boring. It’s also weird that it’s being advertised as ‘forbidden’, he’s her physical therapist for a few weeks (by the time they get together he’s not anymore) and 10 years older. None of these issues I would classify as ‘forbidden’, and the author seems to think these are insurmountable problems. The fmc and mmc are very much on the same level emotionally, in that they both act like 21 year olds and he’s still not over his college girlfriend.
I mean, that was nuts. I’m in my thirties and I can’t imagine still being hung up on a breakup that happened while I was still in college. I can’t even remember the name of the guy I dated back then..Tim? Ted…? He cheated on me. I was very sad at the time, but… Mark? I didn’t close my self off to relationships after that forever like this guy did. Because that would be crazy.
I think the fmc dealing with the loss of her passion (ballet) and then finding a new dream would have been a more compelling story, and that aspect was more of an after thought to the main drama which was:
They are both single, attractive and want to date each other. I struggle to see how that’s forbidden.
WILL! I remembered! His name was Will.
Phew! that was gonna drive me crazy.
This book is mid.
It’s mostly boring. It’s also weird that it’s being advertised as ‘forbidden’, he’s her physical therapist for a few weeks (by the time they get together he’s not anymore) and 10 years older. None of these issues I would classify as ‘forbidden’, and the author seems to think these are insurmountable problems. The fmc and mmc are very much on the same level emotionally, in that they both act like 21 year olds and he’s still not over his college girlfriend.
I mean, that was nuts. I’m in my thirties and I can’t imagine still being hung up on a breakup that happened while I was still in college. I can’t even remember the name of the guy I dated back then..Tim? Ted…? He cheated on me. I was very sad at the time, but… Mark? I didn’t close my self off to relationships after that forever like this guy did. Because that would be crazy.
I think the fmc dealing with the loss of her passion (ballet) and then finding a new dream would have been a more compelling story, and that aspect was more of an after thought to the main drama which was:
They are both single, attractive and want to date each other. I struggle to see how that’s forbidden.
WILL! I remembered! His name was Will.
Phew! that was gonna drive me crazy.
May 27, 2025
27/05/2025: 4.75 stars because it is an absolutely fantastic book!! I loved the whole story but especially the characters. the book is so beautiful that you struggle to put it down (literally I stayed awake at night just to continue it). I already miss maddie and james but I'm sure I'll read it again.
ᝰ.ᐟ ⊹ pre - read
a year ago i read the first book in the series and i'm so happy i can continue it by reading the maddie book. i really hope it's as good as the first one.
﹒⌗ 🔖﹒౨ৎ˚₊‧ you are my light, maddie. you have been since the moment i met you. i admire you in so many ways i would be breathless if i dared to list them all.”
ᝰ.ᐟ ⊹ pre - read
a year ago i read the first book in the series and i'm so happy i can continue it by reading the maddie book. i really hope it's as good as the first one.
November 6, 2025
I read, and LOVED, ‘The brightest light of sunshine’ last month and finally got my hands on the rest of the trilogy 📚
My first impression was shock 😮 SO many years have passed between books 1 and 2, but seeing Maddie as an adult, rather than a 4 year old, was a total game changer. This book had a completely different vibe to it than book 1, and….I LOVED IT!
Nothing says romance like forced proximity, a kind gentleman, and a connection from a place of shared understanding ❤️🔥
What a great sequel this was. I was so happy that Maddie got a book of her own because I adored every single scene of her in The Brightest light of sunshine. She was a literal ray of sunshine ☀️, a bright spark, and I just knew that her brother would help her grow into a strong and compassionate young woman.
And this story follows just that: Maddie at 21 years old. She is such a brave and resilient character given all she has been through. In this story, we delve into her dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer, along with the trauma that her past has scarred her with.
“Seventeen years ago, I made a promise to my first ballet teacher, Grace—who is now my sister-in-law—that I wouldn’t stop dancing for as long as it made me happy.” 🩰 💖 ✨
Just days away from her 'big ballet' audition, she injures herself during practice and her brother, Sammy, seeks out the best physiotherapist in the area…Enter: Dr. Simmons aka James; our grumpy 31 year old MMC.
James. If anyone is deserving of someone as great as Maddie, it’s this guy ☝🏽 He may be ten years her senior, but the connection between them felt so real and grew from a place of mutual understanding. They made SUCH a sweet couple and I really enjoyed how their relationship progressed. Also, he is a cat daddy so that is a win 🐈⬛
"It’s taken me too long to realize what I feel for her is a strong, deep-rooted sense of admiration and protection. Because I see myself in her. Because the darkness in my heart recognizes hers." 💔❤️🩹✨
I also love how Lisina included Cal/Sammy, Grace, Lila (their daughter), and Maddie’s mum in this book. It really helped to form a connection between the first book and this one. I absolutely adore Cal and Grace so reading about them in any capacity is a privilege. I remember the heartwarming connection, between Maddie and Grace (now sister-in-law), that Coney captured so beautifully in the first novel and it only blossomed in this book. However, it changed from adorable sweetness, to a deeper, more mature comforting expression of love 💖
Lisina does a fantastic job at covering sensitive topics such as mental health, trauma and alcoholism. It seems to be a pattern that runs throughout the series and I am totally here for that 🙇🏻♀️ I connected so deeply with both Maddie and James’s sports injury stories as I was a long distance runner before I became unwell. It really hit home but Lisina handled these topics beautifully and with great care.
I absolutely love this community that Lisina Coney has created and I am already demolishing book 3 🙈
"I don’t regret my past, the things I’ve said and done, because every significant and seemingly insignificant decision led me to the happiest, fullest version of myself. Life is a constant battle of choices, and you won’t know if you’ve made the right one until you dare to take a leap of faith." 😌 ❤️✨
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
My first impression was shock 😮 SO many years have passed between books 1 and 2, but seeing Maddie as an adult, rather than a 4 year old, was a total game changer. This book had a completely different vibe to it than book 1, and….I LOVED IT!
Nothing says romance like forced proximity, a kind gentleman, and a connection from a place of shared understanding ❤️🔥
What a great sequel this was. I was so happy that Maddie got a book of her own because I adored every single scene of her in The Brightest light of sunshine. She was a literal ray of sunshine ☀️, a bright spark, and I just knew that her brother would help her grow into a strong and compassionate young woman.
And this story follows just that: Maddie at 21 years old. She is such a brave and resilient character given all she has been through. In this story, we delve into her dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer, along with the trauma that her past has scarred her with.
“Seventeen years ago, I made a promise to my first ballet teacher, Grace—who is now my sister-in-law—that I wouldn’t stop dancing for as long as it made me happy.” 🩰 💖 ✨
Just days away from her 'big ballet' audition, she injures herself during practice and her brother, Sammy, seeks out the best physiotherapist in the area…Enter: Dr. Simmons aka James; our grumpy 31 year old MMC.
James. If anyone is deserving of someone as great as Maddie, it’s this guy ☝🏽 He may be ten years her senior, but the connection between them felt so real and grew from a place of mutual understanding. They made SUCH a sweet couple and I really enjoyed how their relationship progressed. Also, he is a cat daddy so that is a win 🐈⬛
"It’s taken me too long to realize what I feel for her is a strong, deep-rooted sense of admiration and protection. Because I see myself in her. Because the darkness in my heart recognizes hers." 💔❤️🩹✨
I also love how Lisina included Cal/Sammy, Grace, Lila (their daughter), and Maddie’s mum in this book. It really helped to form a connection between the first book and this one. I absolutely adore Cal and Grace so reading about them in any capacity is a privilege. I remember the heartwarming connection, between Maddie and Grace (now sister-in-law), that Coney captured so beautifully in the first novel and it only blossomed in this book. However, it changed from adorable sweetness, to a deeper, more mature comforting expression of love 💖
Lisina does a fantastic job at covering sensitive topics such as mental health, trauma and alcoholism. It seems to be a pattern that runs throughout the series and I am totally here for that 🙇🏻♀️ I connected so deeply with both Maddie and James’s sports injury stories as I was a long distance runner before I became unwell. It really hit home but Lisina handled these topics beautifully and with great care.
I absolutely love this community that Lisina Coney has created and I am already demolishing book 3 🙈
"I don’t regret my past, the things I’ve said and done, because every significant and seemingly insignificant decision led me to the happiest, fullest version of myself. Life is a constant battle of choices, and you won’t know if you’ve made the right one until you dare to take a leap of faith." 😌 ❤️✨
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
March 6, 2024
4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s only now that I realize a haunting truth—Maddie Stevens, my twenty-one-year-old patient, has me wrapped around her little finger.
The Darkest Corner of the Heart was such a wholesome romance with swoon-worthy moments and steamy scenes that'll make you sweat.
If I had a list of books that I think are perfect palate cleansers in between long and heavy books, this would be definitely be on it.
I adored The Brightest Light of Sunshine which follows the beautiful love story of Grace and Cal, and that's where our main heroine, Maddie, makes her first cameo.
I'm a sucker for forbidden and age-gap (done right) romances, so I'm pleased to say I'm sated.
The romance wasn't extremely forbidden since Maddie is 21 and James is 31, but they had to navigate and deal with their mutual attraction outside a professional setting since James was her physical therapist.
I've always had such a soft spot for Maddie, and living through her POV and seeing how badly her parents' neglect and abandonment deeply scarred her even if her brother replaced their love a hundred fold, it really made my heart hurt for her. It might be a point of frustration to some readers how Maddie reacted in some situations but I think they made sense as a result of her trauma. Fear of abandonment has always been a haunting ghost all her life.
I highly recommend reading TBLOS before this book for better context.
James was sweet and so tender with her, but damn wasn't he something else once they both hit the sheets *wink* *wink*.
What I loved about both of them was the more they got to know to each other, the more they felt like kindred spirits. Their feelings towards each other were so pure and it melted my heart.
I could've done without the constant age gap reminder. It was something important for both of them to deal with realistically but it was a tad too repetitive.
Overall, another lovely and swoon-worthy romance from Lisina Coney!
Content warnings: mention of parental neglect/ abandonment, childhood trauma, anxiety attack, mention of alcoholism, mention of drugs, mention of death.
It’s only now that I realize a haunting truth—Maddie Stevens, my twenty-one-year-old patient, has me wrapped around her little finger.
The Darkest Corner of the Heart was such a wholesome romance with swoon-worthy moments and steamy scenes that'll make you sweat.
If I had a list of books that I think are perfect palate cleansers in between long and heavy books, this would be definitely be on it.
I adored The Brightest Light of Sunshine which follows the beautiful love story of Grace and Cal, and that's where our main heroine, Maddie, makes her first cameo.
I'm a sucker for forbidden and age-gap (done right) romances, so I'm pleased to say I'm sated.
The romance wasn't extremely forbidden since Maddie is 21 and James is 31, but they had to navigate and deal with their mutual attraction outside a professional setting since James was her physical therapist.
I've always had such a soft spot for Maddie, and living through her POV and seeing how badly her parents' neglect and abandonment deeply scarred her even if her brother replaced their love a hundred fold, it really made my heart hurt for her. It might be a point of frustration to some readers how Maddie reacted in some situations but I think they made sense as a result of her trauma. Fear of abandonment has always been a haunting ghost all her life.
I highly recommend reading TBLOS before this book for better context.
James was sweet and so tender with her, but damn wasn't he something else once they both hit the sheets *wink* *wink*.
What I loved about both of them was the more they got to know to each other, the more they felt like kindred spirits. Their feelings towards each other were so pure and it melted my heart.
I could've done without the constant age gap reminder. It was something important for both of them to deal with realistically but it was a tad too repetitive.
Overall, another lovely and swoon-worthy romance from Lisina Coney!
Content warnings: mention of parental neglect/ abandonment, childhood trauma, anxiety attack, mention of alcoholism, mention of drugs, mention of death.
February 7, 2024
Really not cool to see a viral tweet going around of a fake (and quite frankly, offensive) “excerpt” written by someone who’s never read it and seems to enjoy poking fun at romance authors. Well I read it, and thoroughly enjoyed it! Like its predecessor, the author thoughtfully and carefully delves into mental health topics and the delicate process of healing from trauma, all with a great slow burn romance. Would definitely recommend picking it up come release day!
February 21, 2024
why was she talking to me
July 12, 2025
4⭑
This book was so cute, I can’t cope🥹😭
This book was so cute, I can’t cope🥹😭
absolute-dnfs
February 7, 2024balleraggot
February 8, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
💗 Age Gap
💗 Slow Burn
💗 Grumpy Cat Dad
💗 Forbidden Romance
Lisina, you wrote a masterpiece; I couldn't put this book down. James and Maddie went way beyond my expectations, and they were high. 😅
I loved knowing that Maddie would have her book, because I loved every scene of her in the brightest light of sunshine.
Now Maddie is a woman, and we delve a little deeper into the character's dreams and insecurities, we can see how much her past has built who she is today. After Maddie suffers an injury, she needs to undergo physical therapy, and we are introduced to James, who will be her physical therapist, but he is handsome, grumpy cat dad and 10 years older, the perfect combination, isn't it?
James is a character that grabbed me from the beginning, and it was very easy to fall in love with him. Lisina built the characters very well, and I can recognize myself in a little of each one. Their insecurities are so real, and I think a lot of people can identify with them, especially with Maddie.
The chemistry between them is absurd and James is a cat dad, I have a theory that cat daddies are always the best and Lisina proved me right. 🔥🔥🔥
Like the brightest light of sunshine, this book entered my list of all-time favorites.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review, and believe me, I screamed with joy when it hit my Kindle. (All opinions are my own; this book is just perfect)
🌶🌶🌶
💗 Age Gap
💗 Slow Burn
💗 Grumpy Cat Dad
💗 Forbidden Romance
Lisina, you wrote a masterpiece; I couldn't put this book down. James and Maddie went way beyond my expectations, and they were high. 😅
I loved knowing that Maddie would have her book, because I loved every scene of her in the brightest light of sunshine.
Now Maddie is a woman, and we delve a little deeper into the character's dreams and insecurities, we can see how much her past has built who she is today. After Maddie suffers an injury, she needs to undergo physical therapy, and we are introduced to James, who will be her physical therapist, but he is handsome, grumpy cat dad and 10 years older, the perfect combination, isn't it?
James is a character that grabbed me from the beginning, and it was very easy to fall in love with him. Lisina built the characters very well, and I can recognize myself in a little of each one. Their insecurities are so real, and I think a lot of people can identify with them, especially with Maddie.
The chemistry between them is absurd and James is a cat dad, I have a theory that cat daddies are always the best and Lisina proved me right. 🔥🔥🔥
Like the brightest light of sunshine, this book entered my list of all-time favorites.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review, and believe me, I screamed with joy when it hit my Kindle. (All opinions are my own; this book is just perfect)
Read
October 17, 2024DNF@20%
Look. I adore Lisina. But this book BORED ME TO TEARS😭 I've spent DAYS trying to finish reading it until I finally decided to give up. I had high expectations for TDCOTH - especially since TBLOS was an easy read for me. Unfortunately, I couldn't through with it no matter how much I wanted to. James' character was promising thus far and the only reason why I even made it to 20%. But then again, idk how much I would've liked him further on in the story since I've read a couple of reviews saying that he ghosted her. So that's a no for me lolz. As for Maddie...I won't lie, homegirl annoyed the shit outta me right from page one. Like, I get it. You're unsure whether you'll be able to achieve your dreams because you've injured yourself. It's a shitty thing to happen to anyone. But there's only this much I can take of her repetitive monologue ya know? Her attitude was bordering on selfish and reeked of entitlement. All her chapters were either about her injury or about how she was attracted to James but shouldn't be. Pls stop. Seriously, Maddie. Maybe I'll pick this book up again in the future who knows (read: I'm gonna forget about this book and def won't pick it up again). But for now, I ain't gonna force myself to read it :)
Look. I adore Lisina. But this book BORED ME TO TEARS😭 I've spent DAYS trying to finish reading it until I finally decided to give up. I had high expectations for TDCOTH - especially since TBLOS was an easy read for me. Unfortunately, I couldn't through with it no matter how much I wanted to. James' character was promising thus far and the only reason why I even made it to 20%. But then again, idk how much I would've liked him further on in the story since I've read a couple of reviews saying that he ghosted her. So that's a no for me lolz. As for Maddie...I won't lie, homegirl annoyed the shit outta me right from page one. Like, I get it. You're unsure whether you'll be able to achieve your dreams because you've injured yourself. It's a shitty thing to happen to anyone. But there's only this much I can take of her repetitive monologue ya know? Her attitude was bordering on selfish and reeked of entitlement. All her chapters were either about her injury or about how she was attracted to James but shouldn't be. Pls stop. Seriously, Maddie. Maybe I'll pick this book up again in the future who knows (read: I'm gonna forget about this book and def won't pick it up again). But for now, I ain't gonna force myself to read it :)
February 28, 2024
This reads like fan fiction :( unpolished, immature, and repetitive
I’ve had a few days to think about this and I’m actually so sad this fell flat for me because I really enjoyed the first one.
The third act breakup was blown so far out of proportion and really reinforced how immature Maddie is. You shouldn’t pursue an “adult relationship” if you’re not prepared for adult conversations, and that includes not shutting your partner out when you were day dreaming about loooove 24 hours before. The 10 year age gap might seem significant on paper (21 vs. 31) but Maddie and James are both so unbelievably immature on their own that they’re actually a perfect match - they are equally insecure, self-deprecating, and lacking healthy communication skills. I could even entertain that the doctor/patient relationship could have been an issue if he was her PCP or even her surgeon, but as her PT, what ethical boundaries were they really crossing? He was helping her stretch and flex, let’s be real. There is nothing forbidden about this romance, and the more I keep thinking about it, this may just be written for a different demographic and as a late-twenty something woman, I’m just not that demographic.
I’ve had a few days to think about this and I’m actually so sad this fell flat for me because I really enjoyed the first one.
The third act breakup was blown so far out of proportion and really reinforced how immature Maddie is. You shouldn’t pursue an “adult relationship” if you’re not prepared for adult conversations, and that includes not shutting your partner out when you were day dreaming about loooove 24 hours before. The 10 year age gap might seem significant on paper (21 vs. 31) but Maddie and James are both so unbelievably immature on their own that they’re actually a perfect match - they are equally insecure, self-deprecating, and lacking healthy communication skills. I could even entertain that the doctor/patient relationship could have been an issue if he was her PCP or even her surgeon, but as her PT, what ethical boundaries were they really crossing? He was helping her stretch and flex, let’s be real. There is nothing forbidden about this romance, and the more I keep thinking about it, this may just be written for a different demographic and as a late-twenty something woman, I’m just not that demographic.
dnf
February 23, 2024DNF/on hold @ 55%
I honestly feel like he doesn’t like her, but maybe that’s just me and he’s just not my type of H 🤷♀️
Maybe it’s not that big of a deal, but I don’t like that when she spent the night at his house, he just let her leave and didn’t even offer to drive her home, knowing she doesn’t have a car so she either had to walk or Uber
And also the fact that she’s poured her life story out to him, and yet if she asks a question about him, he literally tells her he’s not going to answer…
“Can I ask why you don’t get along?” I give her an apologetic smile. “You can, but I’m not going to answer.”
Idk I just don’t like him, so maybe I’m looking for things that piss me off but he really rubs me the wrong way. Any time they’re together I just cringed it felt so awkward
I honestly feel like he doesn’t like her, but maybe that’s just me and he’s just not my type of H 🤷♀️
Maybe it’s not that big of a deal, but I don’t like that when she spent the night at his house, he just let her leave and didn’t even offer to drive her home, knowing she doesn’t have a car so she either had to walk or Uber
And also the fact that she’s poured her life story out to him, and yet if she asks a question about him, he literally tells her he’s not going to answer…
“Can I ask why you don’t get along?” I give her an apologetic smile. “You can, but I’m not going to answer.”
Idk I just don’t like him, so maybe I’m looking for things that piss me off but he really rubs me the wrong way. Any time they’re together I just cringed it felt so awkward
February 16, 2024
3/5 ⭐️
I was super excited for this one because I absolutely loved The Brighest Light of Sunshine but sadly it fell a bit flat for me. I really enjoyed the beginning but then it started dragging and I just lost a bit of interest. I loved the concept of Ballerina x Physical Therapist but it wasn’t exactly what I expected or wanted. It was definitely still enjoyable though and I did love certain aspects. Overall it felt a bit drawn out and longer than it should be and that’s why I couldn’t love it as much as I loved the first book. I still recommend for anyone who is interested in the following:
- Ballerina x Physical Therapist
- Who did this to you
- Age gap
- Slow burn
- Forbidden romance
I was super excited for this one because I absolutely loved The Brighest Light of Sunshine but sadly it fell a bit flat for me. I really enjoyed the beginning but then it started dragging and I just lost a bit of interest. I loved the concept of Ballerina x Physical Therapist but it wasn’t exactly what I expected or wanted. It was definitely still enjoyable though and I did love certain aspects. Overall it felt a bit drawn out and longer than it should be and that’s why I couldn’t love it as much as I loved the first book. I still recommend for anyone who is interested in the following:
- Ballerina x Physical Therapist
- Who did this to you
- Age gap
- Slow burn
- Forbidden romance
July 4, 2024
Está bien para pasar el rato, pero pensé que iba a ser mejor de lo que fue realmente. La dinámica de la relación me pareció lenta y repetitiva, podrían haber hecho mucho más con lo de la relación prohibida, pero no… De todas maneras, se lee rápido, es entretenido y tiene escenas muy bonitas.
April 6, 2024
4 stars <3
This was about an injured ballerina and her physical therapist!! (nothing happens until he isn't her physical therapist anymore though.)
Maddie, the sister of Cal from the first book, has fought her whole life to be enough. To be independent. She wanted to get out of her brother's hair, and she finally had that chance when given the opportunity to audition for her dream ballet school. But the day before the audition, she shatters her ankle.
Her dreams crush in front of her, and she is forced to endure grueling physical therapy. Worse? Her PT is a dreamboat. A grumpy, aloof dreamboat.
James pretended to be a lot grumpier than he was because he cared too much. Maddie was a patient, for god's sake, and ten years younger than him on top of that. He shouldn't care about her the way he does. It shouldn't hurt him to see her in pain. And most of all, he shouldn't give her his personal number to use if she needs help. But the lines continued to be blurred, and when she falls while attempting to practice ballet for the first time in weeks, calling him in tears, there was absolutely nothing that would stop him from getting to her. (He's also a cat dad. Which gets him a lot of bonus points from me)
Together, they found solace. He made her feel safe. She made him feel, period.
There was also a bit of suspense sub-plot, which was interesting. It also meant we got to see him acting all protective🤭🤭🤭
Quotes:
"Because I see myself in her. Because the darkness in her heart matches mine."
"I know I'm safe here."
"You are." "I hope she understands the meaning behind the hidden words I'm too scared to say out loud. That she'll always be safe as long as I'm here"
"No, it's okay. You didn't sign up for all of this."
"I signed up for you, Maddie. The whole package."
Overall, a very cute forbidden romance with angst. I recommend!! <3
This was about an injured ballerina and her physical therapist!! (nothing happens until he isn't her physical therapist anymore though.)
Maddie, the sister of Cal from the first book, has fought her whole life to be enough. To be independent. She wanted to get out of her brother's hair, and she finally had that chance when given the opportunity to audition for her dream ballet school. But the day before the audition, she shatters her ankle.
Her dreams crush in front of her, and she is forced to endure grueling physical therapy. Worse? Her PT is a dreamboat. A grumpy, aloof dreamboat.
James pretended to be a lot grumpier than he was because he cared too much. Maddie was a patient, for god's sake, and ten years younger than him on top of that. He shouldn't care about her the way he does. It shouldn't hurt him to see her in pain. And most of all, he shouldn't give her his personal number to use if she needs help. But the lines continued to be blurred, and when she falls while attempting to practice ballet for the first time in weeks, calling him in tears, there was absolutely nothing that would stop him from getting to her. (He's also a cat dad. Which gets him a lot of bonus points from me)
Together, they found solace. He made her feel safe. She made him feel, period.
There was also a bit of suspense sub-plot, which was interesting. It also meant we got to see him acting all protective🤭🤭🤭
Quotes:
"Because I see myself in her. Because the darkness in her heart matches mine."
"I know I'm safe here."
"You are." "I hope she understands the meaning behind the hidden words I'm too scared to say out loud. That she'll always be safe as long as I'm here"
"No, it's okay. You didn't sign up for all of this."
"I signed up for you, Maddie. The whole package."
Overall, a very cute forbidden romance with angst. I recommend!! <3
February 20, 2024
I had the absolute honor of beta reading this for Lisina. Maddie's story is one of hope, love and healing, I want to wrap her in bubble wrap and keep her safe.
TBLOS was a top favorite of the year for me, and the second I read it I knew Lis was going to have a fabulous career. Some writing and stories just click with you, and her writing does that for me.
Maddie & James are achingly adorable, and just the most beautiful pairing. I am a sucker for a man with hot arms and is willing to do anything for his girl. This story, imo is less fluffy and cute than TBLOS. It's a little darker and a little more emotional, but the core romance still had me kicking my feet.
Also Cal in his 40's??? please I just about had a mental breakdown over that. Very excited for everyone else to meet him in this new stage of his life, not sure he's enjoying it but I sure am.
Lisina is an author to look out for, and if you haven't added it to your tbr yet, do it right now.
In short notes, read if you like:
- Cat daddies
- Age gaps
- Forbidden Romance
- Granddaddy cal at age 47
I can't wait for this to come out, you all are in for treats with TDCOTH. Trust me on this.
TBLOS was a top favorite of the year for me, and the second I read it I knew Lis was going to have a fabulous career. Some writing and stories just click with you, and her writing does that for me.
Maddie & James are achingly adorable, and just the most beautiful pairing. I am a sucker for a man with hot arms and is willing to do anything for his girl. This story, imo is less fluffy and cute than TBLOS. It's a little darker and a little more emotional, but the core romance still had me kicking my feet.
Also Cal in his 40's??? please I just about had a mental breakdown over that. Very excited for everyone else to meet him in this new stage of his life, not sure he's enjoying it but I sure am.
Lisina is an author to look out for, and if you haven't added it to your tbr yet, do it right now.
In short notes, read if you like:
- Cat daddies
- Age gaps
- Forbidden Romance
- Granddaddy cal at age 47
I can't wait for this to come out, you all are in for treats with TDCOTH. Trust me on this.
May 25, 2024
“Before I know what the fuck I’m doing, I wrap my hand around her high ponytail and pull at it softly.If this isn't The most Nanami kento Core thing to do 🌝🤌 In fact, James simmons is the epitome of what Nanami from JJK would be in real life and damn that's a sight I would love to see (ehm🤧)
My mouth lowers to her ear, her heavy breathing reaching my own, and I mutter, “I’m not your doctor anymore, Maddie.””
P.s: I know for a fact that from now on, I'll read anything by Lisina coney.
April 25, 2025
Proprio come il primo libro della serie, l'ho amato tantissimo: mi sono innamorata follemente della storia di Maddie e James!🫀
La trama parte con Maddie che, a causa di un infortunio durante una lezione di danza, è costretta a seguire delle sedute di fisioterapia… ed è proprio lì che incontra James, il medico che si prenderà cura di lei. Un uomo più grande di lei di ben dieci anni!🫀
Fin da subito tra loro si crea una tensione fortissima, che cercano entrambi di reprimere per via della differenza d’età, visto che lei ha 21 anni e lui 31… ma è chiaro che non riescono a stare lontani l’uno dall’altra. Il modo in cui si avvicinano, si scoprono e si lasciano andare è raccontato con una delicatezza che mi ha completamente catturata!🫀
Una cosa che ho apprezzato moltissimo è che, oltre alla storia d’amore, il libro affronta anche tematiche molto importanti e delicate, come gli infortuni nel mondo dello sport e, soprattutto, i problemi mentali. L’autrice, secondo me, è riuscita a parlarne con estrema dolcezza, senza mai appesantire la lettura.🫀
Ora non vedo l’ora di leggere il terzo e ultimo volume della serie, sperando venga presto tradotto in italiano!🫀
La trama parte con Maddie che, a causa di un infortunio durante una lezione di danza, è costretta a seguire delle sedute di fisioterapia… ed è proprio lì che incontra James, il medico che si prenderà cura di lei. Un uomo più grande di lei di ben dieci anni!🫀
Fin da subito tra loro si crea una tensione fortissima, che cercano entrambi di reprimere per via della differenza d’età, visto che lei ha 21 anni e lui 31… ma è chiaro che non riescono a stare lontani l’uno dall’altra. Il modo in cui si avvicinano, si scoprono e si lasciano andare è raccontato con una delicatezza che mi ha completamente catturata!🫀
Una cosa che ho apprezzato moltissimo è che, oltre alla storia d’amore, il libro affronta anche tematiche molto importanti e delicate, come gli infortuni nel mondo dello sport e, soprattutto, i problemi mentali. L’autrice, secondo me, è riuscita a parlarne con estrema dolcezza, senza mai appesantire la lettura.🫀
Ora non vedo l’ora di leggere il terzo e ultimo volume della serie, sperando venga presto tradotto in italiano!🫀
September 20, 2024
this felt a bit more superficial than the first one but i still thought it was pretty cute!!!!!
December 12, 2024
Şiştim yemin ediyorum şiştim. Tamam en çok sizin yaş farkınız var anladık 😮💨 ilk kitaptan sonra bayılarak okuyacağımı sanmıştım ama elimde süründü resmen. Çok üzgünüm ama maalesef bu olmadı.
August 7, 2025
I was enjoying the beginning of this one, much more than book two, but there's just too much slice of life in these books and the "forbidden" aspect only lasted a few weeks, so there was nothing really hooking me in this story.
February 23, 2024
The only good thing about this book was it's cover.
December 6, 2024
🩰- “She’s my light, my world, my everything, and I’m tired of feeling bad about it.”
🌼 🢒 age gap,
🌼 🢒 slow burn,
🌼 🢒 forbidden love,
🌼 🢒 grumpy x sunshine,
🌼 🢒 ballerina x physical therapist
📍The Darkest Corner of the Heart was a comfortable read for me. While I enjoyed the cameos of Cal, Grace, and their daughter, this book didn’t quite stand out. The age-gap trope, heavily emphasized throughout, felt more annoying than angsty, and the chemistry between Maddie and Jamies didn’t meet my expectations. Despite being marketed as a slow burn, the story moved too quickly, and the conflict after the 60% mark fell flat.
📍On a brighter note, the spice was unique compared to The Brightest Light of Sunshine, though I still preferred the first book. The epilogue was a sweet highlight, and while this book didn’t meet its potential for me, I’m still excited to read the final installment of the series.
🩰- “She's the only women he shouldn't want.”
🌼 🢒 age gap,
🌼 🢒 slow burn,
🌼 🢒 forbidden love,
🌼 🢒 grumpy x sunshine,
🌼 🢒 ballerina x physical therapist
📍The Darkest Corner of the Heart was a comfortable read for me. While I enjoyed the cameos of Cal, Grace, and their daughter, this book didn’t quite stand out. The age-gap trope, heavily emphasized throughout, felt more annoying than angsty, and the chemistry between Maddie and Jamies didn’t meet my expectations. Despite being marketed as a slow burn, the story moved too quickly, and the conflict after the 60% mark fell flat.
“Our age difference could be a problem, maybe, or maybe not. I don’t know, Maddie, but I’m tired of fighting this when all I’ve wanted since I laid my eyes on you was to be in your life. Take care of you, love you like you deserve. And if that means quitting my job to move somewhere else with you, or have a bunch of kids, or adopt a dozen cats, then I’ll do it with a smile on my face because it’ll mean I get to have you.”
📍On a brighter note, the spice was unique compared to The Brightest Light of Sunshine, though I still preferred the first book. The epilogue was a sweet highlight, and while this book didn’t meet its potential for me, I’m still excited to read the final installment of the series.
🩰- “She's the only women he shouldn't want.”
April 7, 2025
James y Maddie se apoyan mutuamente, desvelando gradualmente los secretos de su pasado y ayudándose a enfrentar sus problemas. Es fascinante ver cómo interactúan; hay química y una fuerte atracción entre ellos. La forma en que se desarrolla su relación es lenta, sin embargo, todo transcurre con pasión. Al mismo tiempo, es una historia que profundiza en la autoconfianza y la búsqueda de la verdadera identidad. Es un viaje de personajes que aprenden a ser independientes, a sanar sus traumas pasados y a finalmente creer en sí mismos.
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