What starts as seemingly any other cute romance novel quickly takes a turn for the worst.
Moving from Dallas, Texas to the Pacific Northwest into her late uncle's cabin home, Tatum is looking for independence and a place where her art will be appreciated. After leaving behind an ex-boyfriend with a dangerous temper, she finds freedom in the company of two new men. One is the town golden boy, and the other is the rich mystery man whose family has a reputation.
But nothing stays perfect forever. One man's secrets brings terror and danger into her life in the form of a secret stalker. When things go from bad to worse, Hayden and Anthony have to put their differences aside after a lifetime of not getting along. Then, when she suddenly goes missing, the two men have to work together to find her before it's too late.
Honestly I'm leaning more toward 2.5 but don't want to say a two. After I read I went through and checked other reviews because I feel like a crazy person who didn't like this since it seems everyone else did. Spoilers ahead.
Likes: Honestly I like some instalust if it's going to be a one book poly relationship. Sometimes if it takes a couple books I just tune out and hope for the best. This book gave me insta love and I wasn't mad. I think I started to like the plot in the beginning but see my dislikes for how that progressed. I like Anthony and Hayden. I think at times they fell almost into being too cliche. The standoffish rich boy who just never wanted to be his father? And a small town logger who has the potential for so much more? Meh.
Dislikes: at 55% or so it just stalled for way too long and we really don't see that change until 90% which I think for one book stand alone is too much filler without cause. I like the stalker situation and the suspense but the rest of the story and character development took a back seat to the almost rushed way it was set up.
I feel the story rushed then stalled, then rushed, then stalled. The pacing was enough of an issue for me that I almost dnfd at around 70%.
Overall I think it had potential and that the author has some ideas, but that when it was put together it just was chaotic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Painted Red is an amaaazing why choose/suspense romance which, by the way, needs to be done more often! (don't think it will top this one though, omg)
Tropes: Why choose MMF Love triangle/ poly relationship One bed Stalker Suspense Grumpy/sunshine Some violence
The book follows the FMC, Tatum, who has moved to a new town and lives in the forest (credence vibes???? and I'm HERE for it) One day, she sprains her ankle and in comes love interest numero uno. Anthony. And boy, he gave me the shits and giggles. He's rich, charming and calling her "Darling."
It's a need.
Then we meet Hayden, who is a complete gentleman- oh my. It turns out that, in Alina Harper's fictional world chivalry is NOT dead because this guy doesn't even kiss on the first date. Hayden is a dreamy guy for sure.
I honestly understand why Tatum could not choose.
This book is a rollercoaster of a ride which you mustttt read, right now. Like right now. (the playlist is also freaking killer too)
my rating: 3.5 stars
and a huge thank you to the author Alina Harper for the ARC :) she is truly the sweetest person out there.
Painted Red is about Tatum, Anthony and Hayden. Tatum moved to the Pacific Northwest to get away from the busy life in Dallas and her abusive ex who was just released from jail. Anthony is a software engineer and also does the grunt work for his dad. Which is sort of a mystery. Hayden is a logger. Meaning he’s a lumberjack! 😍
Tatum meets Anthony unexpectedly twice and they set up a date which he stands her up. Then we’re introduced to Hayden. They go to the grand opening of an art gallery in the next city over and Tatum runs into Anthony. Anyway, Tatum begins dating the both of them, while strange things are happening to her. She keeps getting weird notes and deliveries, and her house is being broken into. She officially being stalked and her and Hayden move into Anthony’s house. Anthony has a lot of secrets, and those secrets are the reason Tatum is being stalked.
I enjoyed this book so much; I just wish there was Tatum’s POV where she killed Benjamin. That would have been amazing! Also, I didn’t really like some of the parts of the guys POV while Tatum was missing, and I feel that them going to Texas was completely unnecessary. Anthony is supposed to be this amazing software engineer and he couldn’t find out that Lucas wasn’t in Texas 🤨
Again, I enjoyed this book! I loved the suspense and the mystery about who Anthony is. There’s great spice! Two guys and one woman! A why choose turned throuple! I loved it. I love the banter between all of the characters. I love Lenny, the cat! ❤️😺
Why you need to #ONECLICK this book… 🔥Thriller/Romance 🔥Why Choose Turned Poly Relationship (MMF) 🔥Childhood Enemies to Lovers 🔥Grumpy/Sunshine 🔥Opposites Attract 🔥Forced Proximity 🔥Hurt/Comfort 🔥Lots of Foreplay into Fade to Black
Set in a small town, we've got Tatum, who’s an artist. Moved away from home for a fresh start after an altercation with her abusive ex that lands him in jail. She wants to be alone; work on her art and is not ready for a relationship Until she falls in-love with two guys (Antony and Hayden)
Antony is a mysterious grumpy billionaire while Hayden is the calm voice of reason. I loved the relationship between the three; they’re protective of her and care so much for her.
Besides the relationships, the thrill of the danger around them in the form of a stalker- Who is it? What do they want? What will happen? Etc. Was very well done, in the unfolding of events and all the suspense and the build-up and tension - was just amazing.
Steamy scenes and the exciting stotyline really had me intrigued. Am a little dissapoibted cauz i really anticipated this release.The beginning was a little too slow for me. (Slow burn somehow really isn’t my thing) and also the ending wasn’t satisfying for me ….i felt like we jumped into it. Otherwise it’s a great book and just because afew things were’nt for me doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy it.
If the Tropes above are your kinda vibe feel free to read this; The books available. Thank you @theauthor.agency for this beautiful arc
I picked up the Painted Red audiobook and completely smashed it in one day—I just couldn’t stop listening. As a thriller lover, I was drawn to the blend of suspense, romance, and just the right amount of open-door smut—truly chef’s kiss. The dual narration did an excellent job capturing the three main POVs, bringing depth and tension that kept me hooked throughout.
I loved the contrast between the two strong male leads: Anthony, the rich, complex billionaire, and Hayden, the rugged, loyal lumberjack. Both were captivating in very different ways. And the fur baby Lenny was a sweet, brief touch I appreciated as a cat person.
⚠️ Spoiler Alert — Just a heads up! ⚠️ The slow burn between Tatum, Hayden, and Anthony was so real. But OMG, the tension between Hayden and Anthony while they were trying to figure things out? GIRL, I was on fire! Their feelings were raw, messy, and totally believable—and the narration brought every emotion to life. The steamy scenes? Perfectly timed and just enough to keep things spicy without going overboard.
I did catch a few twists early—typical thriller fan over here—but that didn’t kill the vibe one bit. My only tiny wish? I really wanted to be emotionally devastated by Hayden’s best friend’s death. A bit more backstory would’ve made it hit even harder—but even without that, it still packed a solid emotional punch.
Overall, a gripping, well-narrated thriller-romance that I’m definitely recommending.
So good! I was hooked from the first page, and so much was happening throughout that I just had to keep reading. At times my heart was beating really fast with all the suspense this book provided.
The FMC, Tatum, moves to a quiet small town after leaving a toxic relationship. In this new town she meets the MMC’s Anthony and Hayden, who grew up in this town, but by no means like each other. Tatum develops awesome relationships with the both of them, and even though the guys hate each other, Tatum refuses to choose between them. This makes for a very interesting dynamic in this sort-of-but-not-really love-triangle. Anthony and Hayden are very different, except when it comes to Tatum, then they are both all in and full-on protective mode activated!
Besides the relationships, there is danger lurking around in the form of a stalker. The whole plot of the stalker - Who is it? What do they want? What will happen? Etc. is very well done, in the unfolding of events and all the suspense and the build-up and tension - just amazing.
It was also interesting to read foreplay into fade to black, which takes me back to my earlier years of just starting reading romance. Nowadays I mostly read books with spice in them, but I really didn’t miss it here - perhaps because of the tension and the build-up? Anyway, I will say you should check this out and see if you are also getting hooked.
∆ Painted Red by Alina Harper is a thriller romance with tropes including enemies-to-lovers, poly relationship (MMF), one bed, grumpy×sunshins,hurt/comfort and opposites attract, etc. THIS BOOK IS OMG SO SO SO MUCH FUN! I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF ITTTTT. For the first time in a very long time, I enjoyed fade to black romance with loads of foreplay, I guess it had been 8 years since I read a fade to black romance and this one I enjoyed thoroughly. ALL OF YOU SHOULD READ IT ASAP!
∆ Tatum has moved away from a toxic situation and she is now in a place where has sprained her ankle and has met Anthony. And oh, the way he says "darling" has me melting🫠 And then we see Tatum and Hayden conversing and going out! THAT WAS ACTUALLY VERY EXCITING! What comes afterwards is the actual thriller!
∆ The way Hayden and Anthony get closer to each other and their first kiss is absolutely enrapturing. I will always want more of them.
I enjoy a clever story. A story that has me piece things together and lead me to a thrilling conclusion. Alina Harper, a new to me author, writes a “why-choose” romance that will take readers through some CSI-like maneuvers. “Painted Red” slightly differed from other “why-choose” stories I’ve read. “Painted Red” would be a first where I followed the story of how the main characters’ relationship developed from the beginning—how it was introduced, all the awkwardness of asking, weighing the pros and cons. Readers will get all three POVs, which I did find helpful.
Author Alina Harper provides enough background of each character for readers to grow attached to, where often I find it challenging to in other “why-choose” stories.
“Painted Red” offered steamy scenes and an exciting storyline that I found entertaining.
I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book WAS SO GOOD! It starts with Tatum moving to her late uncle’s cabin in the Pacific Northwest. She is looking for a safe space after leaving an abusive ex boyfriend behind. Shortly after arriving she meets two men, enter Hayden & Anthony (who have been enemies since childhood).
As she grows close to these two boys mysterious things start to happen and before you know it her life may be in danger. This book has you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next.
The relationship dynamic in this book is fantastic. You get the insta love with Tatum and the boys but then get to slowly see Hayden and Anthony figure out their feelings for each other. The spicy scenes do fade to black after the foreplay but that does not stop them from being hot as hell and full of tension! 🔥
You would never guess this is Alina’s debut novel and I never got bored reading this once. My only complaint is I wish we got a little more in the epilogue of the couple finally happily together after everything they went through.
PICK UP THIS BOOK! It’s perfect for spooky season 😉
What I like about Painted Red was the way Alina wrote the characters because she wrote them. My favorite character is Tatum because of how strong she is, the way she holds herself up even when there are strong powerful people in her way. What I also like about her is how kind hearted a person she is even though she doesn’t believe her art work will do great. What I also like about this story is the way that Tatum, Hayden, and Anthony all fit together. Then the way the Anthony character developments is amazing because he tries not to let people in because of his past but you get to see him slowly open up to Tatum and Hayden. Then you have Hayden a kind heart person that will do anything for the people he loves. I like this story very much and I like the way Alina writes it’s amazing.
This book shocked me in the best way! From page one I was on the edge of my seat! Tatum leaves her life in Dallas to start over in the small town in the Pacific Northwest. When Anthony and Hayden come into life everything feels right for the first time. She is finding happiness in her new life and two enemies are finding peace. Until she realizes she is being stalked. They will do anything to save her and she will do anything to protect them. This book is FULL of suspense that make your heart race and moments that will leave your jaw on the floor.
Tropes: •Why Choose turn Poly Relationship •Hurt/Comfort •Grumpy/Sunshine •One Bed •Opposites Attract •Thriller/Romance •Childhood Enemies to Lovers •Lots of Foreplay into Fade to Black •Multiple POV
Quote: “One is the Sun, and the other the moon, and together they create the perfect balance to keep me filled with life.”
I did however feel like the ending was rushed. I would have really liked to get more information on her injuries and recovery. It seemed like the author either hit her word count or deadline and then just ended the book without giving the readers follow through. And maybe one good group seen at the end. But the spice was good and the writing was great. The mystery and suspense was excellent! Would definitely read another book by this author.
Beautifully written. I absolutely adore the dynamic between Tatum and her men. The dynamic (and slight dislike) between Anthony and Hayden will keep you on your toes for sure. Two dominant MMCs and a strong, badass FMC make this story such a good read. I was not expecting this to have so much on the ‘thriller’ genre, but I love how it added to the story and brought the character closer.
Holy chapter 35 🫣🤤🥵 I was not expecting that, but LORD I’m glad I was there for it! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Spice, suspense, and a stalker! What starts out as a simple love triangle, turns into a bit of a thriller.
Tatum moves to the PNW to get a fresh start on her life, after a toxic relationship in Texas. But soon after moving, she meets Anthony and then Hayden. Both boys that grew up in the same town but couldn’t be more different. Add in that they hate each other, and it makes for some interesting dynamics when Tatum can’t and doesn’t want to choose between the two!
However, Tatum starts to get some interesting “gifts” left outside and INSIDE her house. Added security measures don’t prevent her stalker from getting to her. The big question is who is it and what do they want?
What is the 14 day countdown leading to?? Something will be painted red by the end, and it’s not gonna be one of Tatum’s paintings…
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Why choose MMF Love triangle/ poly relationship One bed Stalker Suspense Grumpy/sunshine Some violence
I was absolutely gripped by this book. From the beginning, I was intrigued. The characters were loveable and the story progressed at a good pace. I very much enjoyed the why choose turns poly relationship, though I wish there was more with Anthony and Hayden, their relationship seemed to get a little lost in the shuffle, but overall I very much enjoyed the suspense of this book.
The plot twists.. the spice.. the vibe.. the details.. everything about this book is absolutely amazing!! I could not put it down!! Tatum, Hayden, and Anthony have very different personalities and I fell in love with each one in their own special way. Lenny was the perfect edition to the book making everything fit together. The details about Maple Crest made me want to move there and live in a rainy forest town!! And the spice in this book 😍😍 10/10 recommend!!
This book was astonishing. One that had me never wanting to put it down and on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen next. It’s a must read.
Hayden, Anthony and Tatum were some of the most lovable characters I’ve read. I could read about these three until the end of time. Their care and love for each other was unbreaking.
Painted Red is wonderfully written. It’s not fast nor slow, but rather the story is told at the perfect pace. Never missing details and emotions. Never leaving you confused. It will have you happy, angry and heartbroken.
There’s not a single thing I would want different about this book (well maybe a certain someone’s death 😭) because it’s perfect.
This is now one of my favorite books and will be in my top ten for 2023 ♥️
I had the honor of beta reading this book and let me tell you....I fell IN LOVE. Hayden, Anthony, & Tatum have such a special bond and seeing their relationship grow throughout the book was so fun. Hayden was my personal favorite 🤭 he was such a sweetie but also so hot 🫠 I will recommend this to any and everyone ❤️❤️
This book is a great read! It is a thriller/romance and mystery. Tate has moved to get a fresh start on her own. She meets Anthony first, and then she is set up with Hayden on a blind date. This is an instalove romance, turned throuple, with twists and turns and danger. Please check the trigger warnings before diving in. I definitely recommend this book!
Painted Red was such a great read! This book follows, Tatum, who moved to a new town for a fresh start after a toxic situation. Along the way she meets both Anthony & Hayden and let me just tell you their chemistry is out of this world🥵 I absolutely love seeing how all of their relationships grow throughout the book especially Hayden & Anthony’s👀 I know everyone loves some good spice & this one definitely has it🔥🔥🔥🔥
This was a new author for me. I enjoyed the story line overall. The beginning was slow for me and I almost dnf’d because there really wasn’t anything going on. I pushed through and it became really interesting. When i got to 97% and just find out the ending it seemed really rushed. I wanted more of an epilogue with Tatum’s well being and what she went through. Overall still a good read.
Today I'm so excited to announce that Painted Red is on KU! This was such an interesting read! It has the perfect combo ovation of thriller, dark romance, and fabulous alpha men. This book had me trying to figure out the twists and turns and who's worth your trust! Do not wait on this fabulous read, get it asap!!!!
Based on other reviews, I am definitely in the minority for this one. It just didn't work for me. The relationships between the 3 of them needed to be fleshed out way more. I didn't feel that tension and chemistry I liked. It's also just too long. At many points, the story just lulls. It has a decent premise. It just wasn't executed that well, in my opinion.
Warning: This book is hard to put down and "Just one more chapter " is going to turn into three or four more chapters. Late nights ahead! The characters will draw you in and make you feel like you are part of their circle.
This one had me guessing all the way through. Tatum, Anthony and Hayden spiced things up....I love watching these three fall into their relationships. It had sexiness, great banter, love, suspense and a great kitty named Lenny.
Alina absolutely smashed it with her first book, I was getting so impatient while waiting to read this so I’m glad to say it didn’t disappoint. The found family in this made my heart so happy and I absolutely adore Lenny the furry little love bug.
The thriller wasn’t thrilling too much for me ( a little predictable) but i lovedddd the stalker/countdown plot. Also the characters and relationship development is insane, i enjoyed it so much 🫶 Overall a good book and worth the experience to read!! Rating: 3.5 ⭐️