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Memento Vivere #2
Tough Soul
He almost killed me this time.
Almost.
All the struggles have made me tough, but I will come back stronger.
Opening up did not go as planned, and my feelings are all over the place. I finally found someone to rely on, someone who is made for me.
So why can’t I stop thinking about his two best friends?
Despite all the warnings, my search for the truth continues. I need to know what happened the night my parents died, even if it means I might meet the same fate.
With hints of involvement from people I least expect, I will have to fight harder than ever for myself and my family. And if I fail… the consequences could be deadly.
Is my need for justice worth jeopardizing my new life? Or will my path to the truth be the last twist of the knife?
***TOUGH SOUL is the final installment of the Memento Vivere Duet by Blake Black. A slow burn, MMFM spicy ‘why choose’ contemporary romance. Contains violence, graphic killing, bad language, and sexual content. Some parts may be triggering. ***
Almost.
All the struggles have made me tough, but I will come back stronger.
Opening up did not go as planned, and my feelings are all over the place. I finally found someone to rely on, someone who is made for me.
So why can’t I stop thinking about his two best friends?
Despite all the warnings, my search for the truth continues. I need to know what happened the night my parents died, even if it means I might meet the same fate.
With hints of involvement from people I least expect, I will have to fight harder than ever for myself and my family. And if I fail… the consequences could be deadly.
Is my need for justice worth jeopardizing my new life? Or will my path to the truth be the last twist of the knife?
***TOUGH SOUL is the final installment of the Memento Vivere Duet by Blake Black. A slow burn, MMFM spicy ‘why choose’ contemporary romance. Contains violence, graphic killing, bad language, and sexual content. Some parts may be triggering. ***
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2023
526 people are currently reading
695 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
November 29, 2023
There is this feeling I get, i don't know how to explain it but it has you off center. The cliffhanger from book 1 had me that way. And now Tough Soul wrecked my soul and put me back. It starts immediately where we left off from Brittle hearts, yes you need to read that first to get to this. How much i love my boys in this book. They are the true testament to no one gets left behind . The men are off to a rocky start but ,boy do they band together to be the shelter and home that Carolina needs.
Such a perfect ending for such an amazing story. Safe to say Gabby and I are completely in love with these men and the strength they give Carolina and the bond they share. No words absolutely no words!!
Forever Love!
Such a perfect ending for such an amazing story. Safe to say Gabby and I are completely in love with these men and the strength they give Carolina and the bond they share. No words absolutely no words!!
Forever Love!
March 8, 2024
4.8 stars.
*le sigh*
🫣🥹🫢😻…😏
*le sigh*
🫣🥹🫢😻…😏
December 12, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“You keep pretending to be mean, and I’ll keep pretending not to be in love with you.”
I loved this emotional read! It’s the ending to an excellent found family, hurt/comfort duet. I was so affected by the characters’ journeys that even the happy moments brought tears to my eyes.
The FMC, Caroline, is that perfect combination of strength and softness. While she has suffered severe traumas and had to be selfless for years to protect her sister, she learns to relax her barriers for the men who come to love her. All-in MMCs are my favorite; the guys here were some of the best.
I loved the realistic communication between the MMCs regarding their feelings toward Carolina. Not only did Joshua need to learn to share her affections and that she had enough love for them all, but the dynamic duo of Xander and Clay learned that including her in their already strong relationship bound them tighter. She did not detract from their love for one another. This isn’t an instant progression to a poly relationship; Carolina takes time to accept that loving them all is ok, and she fights her feelings, thinking she is betraying Joshua’s love.
Continuing from part one of the duet, Tough Soul is medium/fast burn with building spice. There are MF, MMF, and group scenes with multiple first-time experiences.
This is the duet for you if you love hurt/comfort reads with all in MMCs! Highly recommended.
Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance
Tropes/Features: Hurt/comfort, he falls first, snarky curvy virgin FMC, sweet and supportive MMCs, established MM relationship, abused FMC, found family
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Why Choose MMFM (established MM), medium/fast burn, spicy
Book Type/Ending: Book Two Memento Vivere Duet, HEA
TW/CW: Available on author’s website
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“You keep pretending to be mean, and I’ll keep pretending not to be in love with you.”
I loved this emotional read! It’s the ending to an excellent found family, hurt/comfort duet. I was so affected by the characters’ journeys that even the happy moments brought tears to my eyes.
The FMC, Caroline, is that perfect combination of strength and softness. While she has suffered severe traumas and had to be selfless for years to protect her sister, she learns to relax her barriers for the men who come to love her. All-in MMCs are my favorite; the guys here were some of the best.
I loved the realistic communication between the MMCs regarding their feelings toward Carolina. Not only did Joshua need to learn to share her affections and that she had enough love for them all, but the dynamic duo of Xander and Clay learned that including her in their already strong relationship bound them tighter. She did not detract from their love for one another. This isn’t an instant progression to a poly relationship; Carolina takes time to accept that loving them all is ok, and she fights her feelings, thinking she is betraying Joshua’s love.
Continuing from part one of the duet, Tough Soul is medium/fast burn with building spice. There are MF, MMF, and group scenes with multiple first-time experiences.
This is the duet for you if you love hurt/comfort reads with all in MMCs! Highly recommended.
Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance
Tropes/Features: Hurt/comfort, he falls first, snarky curvy virgin FMC, sweet and supportive MMCs, established MM relationship, abused FMC, found family
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Why Choose MMFM (established MM), medium/fast burn, spicy
Book Type/Ending: Book Two Memento Vivere Duet, HEA
TW/CW: Available on author’s website
September 30, 2025
Reluctant harem or poly relationship?
🧩 Tropes: Found family, trauma recovery, messy poly dynamics, sibling drama, corrupt cops
I came in hot off the cliffhanger from book one, ready for answers and emotional payoff. What I got was a mixed bag of tension, trauma, and a reverse harem that felt more like emotional peer pressure than genuine connection.
Let’s talk Clay. He’s the one driving the harem dynamic fast, hard, and with tunnel vision. His desire to bring Carolina into the relationship feels more about fulfilling his vision than honoring the emotional realities of the people involved. Xander, who’s been through his own trauma and clearly sees Carolina’s pain, does have feelings for her. But he also questions Clay’s push, asking the raw, vulnerable question: “Are we not enough?” That moment hit hard. It showed that Xander’s bond with Clay is deep and possibly sufficient for him and that this expansion isn’t something he’s fully on board with.
Josh, meanwhile, is emotionally cornered. Still reeling from Clay’s confession to his girlfriend, still loyal to his BFF, and clearly not entering this poly setup with full enthusiasm. His love for Carolina is real, but his participation feels more like reluctant compromise than wholehearted choice.
Carolina’s trauma arc is compelling, but the realism falters. She’s survived years of abuse from her uncle, and now she’s working at a police station where no one notices her broken bones or haunted demeanor? It’s a stretch. And the reveal that her uncle was tangled up in police corruption and had everything to do with her parents’ deaths? Called it. That twist was telegraphed from book one, and while it added stakes, it didn’t deliver shock.
Her sister? A petulant, oblivious teenager who somehow missed the memo that her sister was working multiple jobs to keep them afloat. It’s frustrating, but also painfully true to life.
Despite all this, I did enjoy the book. Blake Black’s writing still pulls me in, and I was eager to see how it all wrapped up. But the emotional payoff didn’t quite land. The relationships felt more like concessions than connections, and the ending left me more aggravated than satisfied.
Still, if you’ve been riding with this series, it’s worth finishing. Just don’t expect every thread to be tied with a bow ome knots are left messy, and maybe that’s the point.
🧩 Tropes: Found family, trauma recovery, messy poly dynamics, sibling drama, corrupt cops
I came in hot off the cliffhanger from book one, ready for answers and emotional payoff. What I got was a mixed bag of tension, trauma, and a reverse harem that felt more like emotional peer pressure than genuine connection.
Let’s talk Clay. He’s the one driving the harem dynamic fast, hard, and with tunnel vision. His desire to bring Carolina into the relationship feels more about fulfilling his vision than honoring the emotional realities of the people involved. Xander, who’s been through his own trauma and clearly sees Carolina’s pain, does have feelings for her. But he also questions Clay’s push, asking the raw, vulnerable question: “Are we not enough?” That moment hit hard. It showed that Xander’s bond with Clay is deep and possibly sufficient for him and that this expansion isn’t something he’s fully on board with.
Josh, meanwhile, is emotionally cornered. Still reeling from Clay’s confession to his girlfriend, still loyal to his BFF, and clearly not entering this poly setup with full enthusiasm. His love for Carolina is real, but his participation feels more like reluctant compromise than wholehearted choice.
Carolina’s trauma arc is compelling, but the realism falters. She’s survived years of abuse from her uncle, and now she’s working at a police station where no one notices her broken bones or haunted demeanor? It’s a stretch. And the reveal that her uncle was tangled up in police corruption and had everything to do with her parents’ deaths? Called it. That twist was telegraphed from book one, and while it added stakes, it didn’t deliver shock.
Her sister? A petulant, oblivious teenager who somehow missed the memo that her sister was working multiple jobs to keep them afloat. It’s frustrating, but also painfully true to life.
Despite all this, I did enjoy the book. Blake Black’s writing still pulls me in, and I was eager to see how it all wrapped up. But the emotional payoff didn’t quite land. The relationships felt more like concessions than connections, and the ending left me more aggravated than satisfied.
Still, if you’ve been riding with this series, it’s worth finishing. Just don’t expect every thread to be tied with a bow ome knots are left messy, and maybe that’s the point.
December 15, 2025
DNF @69%
I was already struggling but the "cream pie" reference gave me the icks and made the choice to DNF easier for me."
Additionally, the TW did not include on page domestic violence which I feel is a very important TW to provide to readers.
I was already struggling but the "cream pie" reference gave me the icks and made the choice to DNF easier for me."
Additionally, the TW did not include on page domestic violence which I feel is a very important TW to provide to readers.
February 12, 2025
Not my cup of tea
July 10, 2024
Ironically enough this was a smoking hot but also sweet read. The duet touches on so much that I’m sad to be letting it go. I think I personally resonated with Carolina and just really wanted her life to turn around. Honestly it’s been a slow but amazing transformation to see her come into herself when she has love and support on her side. For so long she hustles to make her sister happy, she loses herself along the way. Luckily I’m so glad the guys’ made her sister see how shitty she was being towards Carolina and how much she gave up of her own life to care for her. On that note Carolina did also annoy me with her bad decision making skills and refusal at basic things such as gifts. I get she doesn’t want handouts but sometimes people just really like giving things and making them feel bad about it is also not cool. This quartet coming together as a unit is a slow progression but well deserved given how close everyone was before even meeting Carolina. Also glad they didn’t let things ruin their friendship or new poly relationship and instead communicated like adults (for the most part). Really enjoyed this duet.
January 24, 2024
So... here's the thing...
I can't sit here and say that this is the worst thing I've ever read, because I definitely don't think it is. But... I also can't say it was absolutely amazing.
Here are a few things about this story that stick out in my mind that I'd like to address:
1. The Banter
I genuinely enjoyed the banter between Lina & Clay throughout the entire duet, but especially towards the beginning of their relationship when they're first getting to know each other.
The quips and the back-and-forth are really funny, and I felt like this was an honest and realistic portrayal of this sort of dynamic.
2. The Relationships
I struggled with our relationships a bit, and in more ways than one.
First, we have to talk about the MM elephant in the room. Clay & Xavier have a long-term, preexisting relationship with each other before Lina ever comes along. This is totally fine! I ain't go no beef with that, and I appreciate the way the author makes out their relationship. They are genuinely so sweet together and so in love with each other that it's almost cavity inducing. I've read a lot of books with an MM aspect where the two men are practically battling for dominance, or they're struggling to admit their true feelings for each other, etc. But we don't get that here! They're just... in love with each other and it's super sweet to read.
My issue sort of comes with the way we get a lot of MM scenes early on, and it goes past establishing their relationship. It's a lot of smut and it kind of detracts from the story for me, because it's a lot with the two of them before Lina really is involved. I just think it felt unbalanced in the grand scheme of things.
I'd also like to discuss the relationship inequality throughout this duet. It's really written like Josh is Lina's main guy; her first guy; her first everything. But she honestly has much more of a connection to Xavier or Clay, and Josh sort of feels like an afterthought despite being pushed to the forefront in the inner monologues. It doesn't work and I think it needed to be reevaluated during editing to adjust for this.
3. The Fucking Sister
I can't remember the last time I felt so passionately hateful towards a character as I do with Lina's younger sister, Chiara. I mean,.. I get it. She's a 16 year old high schooler. She's moody and impulsive and not perfect by any means - no teenager is. But Chiara is so much worse than that, and I almost feel like her character is inconsistent and unrealistic throughout this duet.
At the start of book 1, we see Lina protect her sister from their drunk and abusive uncle, and she gets seriously hurt. Chiara is distraught and has tears in her eyes over seeing what happens to her big sister. It's an emotionally powerful scene and it seems to indicate a deep, loving bond between sisters.
Hah, you thought! SIKE!
Because as the story goes on, Chiara is a spoiled brat.
-She makes snide remarks towards Lina about how she's never home. (Lina is a college student working multiple jobs to pay the bills and feed her little sister, since their uncle does nothing but drink and she couldn't gain custody of Chiara and doesn't want her in foster care.)
-She throws a fit when she cracks her phone screen and can't get a new phone right away.(They live in a shitty neighborhood and share a bed. Lina works multiple jobs. She thinks she can get a new phone right away? And Lina still switches out their SIM cards and gives Chiara her phone, keeping the broken one for herself.)
-She fucks her boyfriend in her and Lina's bed. (They live in a shitty neighborhood and share a bed. Who does this?)
-She make rude remarks multiple times about Lina's lack of a relationship.
-She gets arrested/taken in for underage drinking. (Lina has to pay a $400 fine for this, which is basically all the money she had).
-She throws a pissy fit when Lina can't afford to give her $100+ to buy her boyfriend a skateboard for Christmas. She then steals the money from her uncle. (She gets caught, and Lina ends up basically in a coma after stepping in to defend her and getting pushed down a flight of stairs by the uncle.)
-While Lina is in the hospital, practically in a fucking coma and unconscious for days, she tries to steal Lina's laptop because she's upset she didn't get one from Lina for Christmas. (Lina didn't get her one for Christmas because she's in a fucking COMA!)
It's just... Insane? Not only does Chiara's behavior throughout not really fit what we initially see, it also doesn't make sense in general. Chiara's not an unknowing 10 year old causing drama. She's a 16 year old who is not only capable of comprehending their situation, but is well aware of Lina being abused for years and overworking herself to the bone to help her little sister.
4. Howie
I like Howie. There's not much else to say here. I like him and I'm glad he sticks around.
5. The Bullying
I can't be the only person who thought the the bullying was absolutely fucking insane? Like... the dude literally tried to kill Lina when they were kids and no one did anything?
Even as an adult... like just one comment, one time from him would have had him written up? I thought it was unhinged and unrealistic.
6. The E.D.
I appreciated the way the author tried to incorporate Lina's issues with eating. We see her struggle with using food as a crutch for her emotional trauma, and we see her fear of eating in front of others.
But this isn't fully realized and we don't consistently explore this throughout even just the first book, let alone the duet, so it really falls flat.
7. Found Family
I love a good found family story and we definitely get that here. Howie & Sophie, the guys, Lina, her sister, etc. It's sweet and I like that.
8. Please give me contractions! Please! I beg of you!!
The further I got into the story, the less contractions I saw. Please give me contractions. People use them every day when they speak. The dialogue felt so unnatural at one point because we didn't get any contractions!
Anyway...I think that's it. It was meh.
I can't sit here and say that this is the worst thing I've ever read, because I definitely don't think it is. But... I also can't say it was absolutely amazing.
Here are a few things about this story that stick out in my mind that I'd like to address:
1. The Banter
I genuinely enjoyed the banter between Lina & Clay throughout the entire duet, but especially towards the beginning of their relationship when they're first getting to know each other.
The quips and the back-and-forth are really funny, and I felt like this was an honest and realistic portrayal of this sort of dynamic.
2. The Relationships
I struggled with our relationships a bit, and in more ways than one.
First, we have to talk about the MM elephant in the room. Clay & Xavier have a long-term, preexisting relationship with each other before Lina ever comes along. This is totally fine! I ain't go no beef with that, and I appreciate the way the author makes out their relationship. They are genuinely so sweet together and so in love with each other that it's almost cavity inducing. I've read a lot of books with an MM aspect where the two men are practically battling for dominance, or they're struggling to admit their true feelings for each other, etc. But we don't get that here! They're just... in love with each other and it's super sweet to read.
My issue sort of comes with the way we get a lot of MM scenes early on, and it goes past establishing their relationship. It's a lot of smut and it kind of detracts from the story for me, because it's a lot with the two of them before Lina really is involved. I just think it felt unbalanced in the grand scheme of things.
I'd also like to discuss the relationship inequality throughout this duet. It's really written like Josh is Lina's main guy; her first guy; her first everything. But she honestly has much more of a connection to Xavier or Clay, and Josh sort of feels like an afterthought despite being pushed to the forefront in the inner monologues. It doesn't work and I think it needed to be reevaluated during editing to adjust for this.
3. The Fucking Sister
I can't remember the last time I felt so passionately hateful towards a character as I do with Lina's younger sister, Chiara. I mean,.. I get it. She's a 16 year old high schooler. She's moody and impulsive and not perfect by any means - no teenager is. But Chiara is so much worse than that, and I almost feel like her character is inconsistent and unrealistic throughout this duet.
At the start of book 1, we see Lina protect her sister from their drunk and abusive uncle, and she gets seriously hurt. Chiara is distraught and has tears in her eyes over seeing what happens to her big sister. It's an emotionally powerful scene and it seems to indicate a deep, loving bond between sisters.
Hah, you thought! SIKE!
Because as the story goes on, Chiara is a spoiled brat.
-She makes snide remarks towards Lina about how she's never home. (Lina is a college student working multiple jobs to pay the bills and feed her little sister, since their uncle does nothing but drink and she couldn't gain custody of Chiara and doesn't want her in foster care.)
-She throws a fit when she cracks her phone screen and can't get a new phone right away.(They live in a shitty neighborhood and share a bed. Lina works multiple jobs. She thinks she can get a new phone right away? And Lina still switches out their SIM cards and gives Chiara her phone, keeping the broken one for herself.)
-She fucks her boyfriend in her and Lina's bed. (They live in a shitty neighborhood and share a bed. Who does this?)
-She make rude remarks multiple times about Lina's lack of a relationship.
-She gets arrested/taken in for underage drinking. (Lina has to pay a $400 fine for this, which is basically all the money she had).
-She throws a pissy fit when Lina can't afford to give her $100+ to buy her boyfriend a skateboard for Christmas. She then steals the money from her uncle. (She gets caught, and Lina ends up basically in a coma after stepping in to defend her and getting pushed down a flight of stairs by the uncle.)
-While Lina is in the hospital, practically in a fucking coma and unconscious for days, she tries to steal Lina's laptop because she's upset she didn't get one from Lina for Christmas. (Lina didn't get her one for Christmas because she's in a fucking COMA!)
It's just... Insane? Not only does Chiara's behavior throughout not really fit what we initially see, it also doesn't make sense in general. Chiara's not an unknowing 10 year old causing drama. She's a 16 year old who is not only capable of comprehending their situation, but is well aware of Lina being abused for years and overworking herself to the bone to help her little sister.
4. Howie
I like Howie. There's not much else to say here. I like him and I'm glad he sticks around.
5. The Bullying
I can't be the only person who thought the the bullying was absolutely fucking insane? Like... the dude literally tried to kill Lina when they were kids and no one did anything?
Even as an adult... like just one comment, one time from him would have had him written up? I thought it was unhinged and unrealistic.
6. The E.D.
I appreciated the way the author tried to incorporate Lina's issues with eating. We see her struggle with using food as a crutch for her emotional trauma, and we see her fear of eating in front of others.
But this isn't fully realized and we don't consistently explore this throughout even just the first book, let alone the duet, so it really falls flat.
7. Found Family
I love a good found family story and we definitely get that here. Howie & Sophie, the guys, Lina, her sister, etc. It's sweet and I like that.
8. Please give me contractions! Please! I beg of you!!
The further I got into the story, the less contractions I saw. Please give me contractions. People use them every day when they speak. The dialogue felt so unnatural at one point because we didn't get any contractions!
Anyway...I think that's it. It was meh.
December 16, 2024
"Being happy is easy. I can be happy with anyone. But I want to struggle with you. Have you ever seen the darkness in someone's eyes and loved them anyway?"
I finished TOUGH SOUL at the end of November & I'm just now reviewing, oops. So, while I don't remember every little detail, I do remember enjoying this duet and really liking these characters, the found family vibes and their banter. I will definitely continue to read this author in the future. 3.5 Stars!
Memorable Quotes
"That's a fucking silly question. You'll never lose me. You are my soulmate, the love of my life. There is no me without you."
"Clay's sweater is red and says, It's not going to lick itself, accompanied by an image of a candy cane. Xander's is green and reads, If you jingle my balls, I'll give you a white Christmas."
"You're a strong woman, but you never had the choice not to be. I hope they give you the luxury of letting yourself be weak for once."
I finished TOUGH SOUL at the end of November & I'm just now reviewing, oops. So, while I don't remember every little detail, I do remember enjoying this duet and really liking these characters, the found family vibes and their banter. I will definitely continue to read this author in the future. 3.5 Stars!
Memorable Quotes
"That's a fucking silly question. You'll never lose me. You are my soulmate, the love of my life. There is no me without you."
"Clay's sweater is red and says, It's not going to lick itself, accompanied by an image of a candy cane. Xander's is green and reads, If you jingle my balls, I'll give you a white Christmas."
"You're a strong woman, but you never had the choice not to be. I hope they give you the luxury of letting yourself be weak for once."
March 17, 2024
I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first book. It just felt like this one dragged on and not much actually happened in the 300+ pages. The actual plot and the mystery surrounding her parents deaths ended up being secondary and somehow feeling unimportant when compared to the development of her romantic and platonic relationships. There were also a couple of plot holes that made the reveals at the end of the book fall flat for me. I still ended up enjoying the overall relationship and how that developed between the four of them I just didn’t love the overarching plot and how that all played out.
October 7, 2025
**ALC Review**
After listening to the previous audiobook, I was really excited to receive the next in the duet. It didn't disappoint, and I really LOVE the narrator picked for the FMC. It was easy to feel her emotions through it. Being able to dive back into this duet was so fun, especially being able to listen to it.
**Ebook review**
Good ending to the duet, and I really do love how the author writes and the characters she creates. I will be honest and say this wasn't my favourite and I preferred the Soulful Seas duet. That felt more focused on the characters and their relationships, and this was a little more plot heavy. Whilst I enjoy mafia reads, I am not sure this quite did it for me. The gang just didn't feel overly threatening or well planned, surely there would have been more than 3 members we would have seen? It just came across slightly amateur and took away from the angsty plot.
The first installment in the duet we saw the FMC struggling with an ED, but it somehow disappeared in this book. It defintely felt a bit more fluffy, and the relationship just progressed along nicely. I think the author can write angsty emotional reads so well, that I just wanted more.
I do like that these characters are written a little more relatable though, their insecurities and thought processes. I think it was only Xander that I didn't get as much from, he just seemed so solid and sure and I think I wanted more vulnerability from him.
But honestly I just love reading from this author, there is a lot of depth and obvious thought that goes into creating the characters and their personalities.
After listening to the previous audiobook, I was really excited to receive the next in the duet. It didn't disappoint, and I really LOVE the narrator picked for the FMC. It was easy to feel her emotions through it. Being able to dive back into this duet was so fun, especially being able to listen to it.
**Ebook review**
Good ending to the duet, and I really do love how the author writes and the characters she creates. I will be honest and say this wasn't my favourite and I preferred the Soulful Seas duet. That felt more focused on the characters and their relationships, and this was a little more plot heavy. Whilst I enjoy mafia reads, I am not sure this quite did it for me. The gang just didn't feel overly threatening or well planned, surely there would have been more than 3 members we would have seen? It just came across slightly amateur and took away from the angsty plot.
The first installment in the duet we saw the FMC struggling with an ED, but it somehow disappeared in this book. It defintely felt a bit more fluffy, and the relationship just progressed along nicely. I think the author can write angsty emotional reads so well, that I just wanted more.
I do like that these characters are written a little more relatable though, their insecurities and thought processes. I think it was only Xander that I didn't get as much from, he just seemed so solid and sure and I think I wanted more vulnerability from him.
But honestly I just love reading from this author, there is a lot of depth and obvious thought that goes into creating the characters and their personalities.
October 10, 2024
Book 1: 4/5⭐️ 2/5🌶️
——• 🖤
Honestly I loved book one, Carolina’s story was heartbreaking but how she protected her sister Chiara was absolutely beautiful. Then came the three men Josh, Clay and Xander which I was all for and enjoyed getting to know their characters, including the side characters Sophia and Howie.
The over all story line and drama in this one was good and I freaking loved the sassy come backs she came out with. There was a few downsides to it, like the constant bullshit from that wanker bully cop. I get it, it’s fiction but fuck me as if he would get away with that shit in the office which erked the me and then it started to annoy me.
Overall I felt like this was fabulous despite ending on a very dramatic scene🙄
—————————————————• 🖤
Book 2: 3/5⭐️ 4/5🌶️
——• 🖤
This was good until it wasn’t and went to shit…
The storyline continued and yea it’s worth the read but my god Josh is a fucking whiny little bitch, I wanted to knock him out myself.
Just when I was getting excited for the big finale… for such a good strong storyline, it was honestly one of the worst endings I’ve ever read. I have never read a plot that was so FLAT that it was embarrassing, like did you run out of time?
The only thing I can say was Howie saved the actual ending ending… I loved that little old man!
Also the spice 🥵🤤🤤
——• 🖤
Honestly I loved book one, Carolina’s story was heartbreaking but how she protected her sister Chiara was absolutely beautiful. Then came the three men Josh, Clay and Xander which I was all for and enjoyed getting to know their characters, including the side characters Sophia and Howie.
The over all story line and drama in this one was good and I freaking loved the sassy come backs she came out with. There was a few downsides to it, like the constant bullshit from that wanker bully cop. I get it, it’s fiction but fuck me as if he would get away with that shit in the office which erked the me and then it started to annoy me.
Overall I felt like this was fabulous despite ending on a very dramatic scene🙄
—————————————————• 🖤
Book 2: 3/5⭐️ 4/5🌶️
——• 🖤
This was good until it wasn’t and went to shit…
The storyline continued and yea it’s worth the read but my god Josh is a fucking whiny little bitch, I wanted to knock him out myself.
Just when I was getting excited for the big finale… for such a good strong storyline, it was honestly one of the worst endings I’ve ever read. I have never read a plot that was so FLAT that it was embarrassing, like did you run out of time?
The only thing I can say was Howie saved the actual ending ending… I loved that little old man!
Also the spice 🥵🤤🤤
April 23, 2025
OBSESSED!’
I’m so freaking happy that Lina got her HEA, I would’ve rioted.
This duet is amazing, phenomenal, obsessive! Everything I just love it!
I devoured this complete duet in 24hrs and now I don’t know what to do with my life
This is an amazing story and this duet is a must read!!
I’m so freaking happy that Lina got her HEA, I would’ve rioted.
This duet is amazing, phenomenal, obsessive! Everything I just love it!
I devoured this complete duet in 24hrs and now I don’t know what to do with my life
This is an amazing story and this duet is a must read!!
December 14, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book is a direct continuation of Brittle Heart, so absolutely cannot be read without the first book, and goodness me, does it deliver on the same emotions as the first.
Tough Souls answers all the questions we had in book one - are they going to get together, are they going to make it work, what really happened to Carolina's parents, and can Carolina actually get her happily ever after. It's a rollercoaster of a ride again - something I've come to expect with books written by Black - full of twists and turns, and of course, my favourite character, Howie. (Don't ask why I love him so much, I just feel he's 100% integral and love his place in this second part. You'll understand when you read).
It was beautiful seeing not only Lina's growth in this book, but the growth of her men, of Sophia and of Chiara. Of seeing everyone work out their priorities, and make a few discoveries of themselves, over the course of the story.
My only niggle with this story is that I feel the investigation to the parents - and the conclusion of it especially - was almost forgotten about. We knew from the very start of book one that Lina's goal of her internship was to uncover the truth. It was mentioned a handful of times, but the focus truly was on the relationships, and then all of a sudden we're getting the resolution at around 80% in book two, which was over very quickly (and also somewhat predictable, to be honest). Also, to me, the entire PD aspect of the book just felt... off. I can't explain it other than that.
Overall, a great, emotional end to Carolina's story, and I'm so glad she got the happily ever after she deserved with everyone. I look forward to seeing what Black comes up with next!
Actual rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book is a direct continuation of Brittle Heart, so absolutely cannot be read without the first book, and goodness me, does it deliver on the same emotions as the first.
Tough Souls answers all the questions we had in book one - are they going to get together, are they going to make it work, what really happened to Carolina's parents, and can Carolina actually get her happily ever after. It's a rollercoaster of a ride again - something I've come to expect with books written by Black - full of twists and turns, and of course, my favourite character, Howie. (Don't ask why I love him so much, I just feel he's 100% integral and love his place in this second part. You'll understand when you read).
It was beautiful seeing not only Lina's growth in this book, but the growth of her men, of Sophia and of Chiara. Of seeing everyone work out their priorities, and make a few discoveries of themselves, over the course of the story.
My only niggle with this story is that I feel the investigation to the parents - and the conclusion of it especially - was almost forgotten about. We knew from the very start of book one that Lina's goal of her internship was to uncover the truth. It was mentioned a handful of times, but the focus truly was on the relationships, and then all of a sudden we're getting the resolution at around 80% in book two, which was over very quickly (and also somewhat predictable, to be honest). Also, to me, the entire PD aspect of the book just felt... off. I can't explain it other than that.
Overall, a great, emotional end to Carolina's story, and I'm so glad she got the happily ever after she deserved with everyone. I look forward to seeing what Black comes up with next!
February 20, 2025
3.5
Better than the first. We pick up right where we left off. The guys discover Carolina was admitted to the hospital after she “fell” down the stairs. All the abuse she has suffered and kept from them comes out. They take immediate action and I loved that they called her little sister out for being a brat. She was the absolute worst. Selfish and ungrateful and it was her actions that led to her sister being in the hospital.
A poly relationship wasn’t something Carolina, Josh, Xander and Clay ever set out to have. There was a lot of drama before everyone was on the same page. Betrayel, hurt, insecurities. I liked the growing pains before everyone realized they could make it work.
The suspense plot of her parents murders was bit underwhelming. If what happened and who did it was supposed to be a mystery, it really wasn’t. It’s not shocking when the characters who have been pieces of shit for the whole book turn out to be bigger pieces of shit.
Of the 3 Blake Black duets I have read this one had the strongest second half. There is a lot of character and relationship growth. The drama of them all figuring out how to be together felt authentic. This second book saves the series for me.
Better than the first. We pick up right where we left off. The guys discover Carolina was admitted to the hospital after she “fell” down the stairs. All the abuse she has suffered and kept from them comes out. They take immediate action and I loved that they called her little sister out for being a brat. She was the absolute worst. Selfish and ungrateful and it was her actions that led to her sister being in the hospital.
A poly relationship wasn’t something Carolina, Josh, Xander and Clay ever set out to have. There was a lot of drama before everyone was on the same page. Betrayel, hurt, insecurities. I liked the growing pains before everyone realized they could make it work.
The suspense plot of her parents murders was bit underwhelming. If what happened and who did it was supposed to be a mystery, it really wasn’t. It’s not shocking when the characters who have been pieces of shit for the whole book turn out to be bigger pieces of shit.
Of the 3 Blake Black duets I have read this one had the strongest second half. There is a lot of character and relationship growth. The drama of them all figuring out how to be together felt authentic. This second book saves the series for me.
December 5, 2023
I’m not even sure where to begin with this review. Once again I have ALL THE FEELS. I really felt as if I was in the story going through all of these hardships with Lina and her found family!
I am continually blown away by Blake and these stories. I loved that this book picked up right where book one left off. As always Blake does a wonderful job of portraying multiple complex situations when more than two people are involved. I loved that the guys had to sit down and talk and that each of her men were able to have those vulnerable and hard conversations!
I am continually blown away by Blake and these stories. I loved that this book picked up right where book one left off. As always Blake does a wonderful job of portraying multiple complex situations when more than two people are involved. I loved that the guys had to sit down and talk and that each of her men were able to have those vulnerable and hard conversations!
April 20, 2025
3.5-4 ⭐️
The final epilogue chapter felt a little off, especially being so far in the future of 5 year later. Anything more than 1 year later and it’s just too long and at that point I’m expecting like some next level reason; became famous, has a baby/is pregnant, etc. Like that’s the level of reason needed to be that far down the track. Otherwise it’s like a year tops for flash forwards epilogues.
Other than that one chapter rest was 👌✨
I don’t know why, that last chapter ending just really annoyed me for some reason 😅
The final epilogue chapter felt a little off, especially being so far in the future of 5 year later. Anything more than 1 year later and it’s just too long and at that point I’m expecting like some next level reason; became famous, has a baby/is pregnant, etc. Like that’s the level of reason needed to be that far down the track. Otherwise it’s like a year tops for flash forwards epilogues.
Other than that one chapter rest was 👌✨
I don’t know why, that last chapter ending just really annoyed me for some reason 😅
April 2, 2025
2⭐️ // kindle 📱
i couldn’t tell you why or how i managed to read this… it was somehow more cringey than the first book.
now i should disclaimer that i’m a lesbian so straight people things sometimes give me the ick too easily, but xander gives her the nickname “pumpkin” because she’s his favorite cream pie sent me too far i literally had to put my kindle down and come back.
i couldn’t tell you why or how i managed to read this… it was somehow more cringey than the first book.
now i should disclaimer that i’m a lesbian so straight people things sometimes give me the ick too easily, but xander gives her the nickname “pumpkin” because she’s his favorite cream pie sent me too far i literally had to put my kindle down and come back.
December 22, 2023
Loved Carolina and her new family!
I am so glad that I took the chance and read the Momento Vivere duet by Blake Black. Carolina was so strong to face everything that she has been through and she stills stands strong to protect those that she loves.
Great duet and I loved all of her men!
I am so glad that I took the chance and read the Momento Vivere duet by Blake Black. Carolina was so strong to face everything that she has been through and she stills stands strong to protect those that she loves.
Great duet and I loved all of her men!
April 1, 2024
It was just a fun little series
December 24, 2024
Should have been longer and a bit more developed in terms of relationships and the crime sub plot. Could’ve been 4/5 star series the parts are there.
February 12, 2025
They were so cute and understanding I love it
February 23, 2025
I was 90% right on where this was going
I enjoyed it
I enjoyed it
January 2, 2024
Book two picks up where one leaves off only with answers to all the questions and everyone finding their place in their found family. Last thought…I want more of their story! The dynamic is so different from most why choose I’ve read and I love that’s they found their normal in all the drama her past caused through no fault of her own. Last thought…I want more of their story! Spice level: 3.75.
March 12, 2024
Second book was sadly a little boring …
November 17, 2024
1.5
first i need a good night sleep.
second i will need a lot of coffee.
and third maybe, just maybe, i'll indulge in writing a review.
but for now, bye bye. don't want to talk about it.
soooooo, what to even say?
i just ended up really not liking the relationship between them all. it was unbalanced and for being a slowburn it felt as if they fell it love out of the blue, not that much time happens!! oh and the whole ordeal with them being angry and josh's jealousy......nope, didn't like. they have to be on board all of them and the emotional connection has to be there with them all. clay and xander's connection and love felt way superior than the one they had with her. 🤦
as for the rest of the book, it just kept dragging out. it became repetitive and honestly, carolina lost my interest. also, i understand that she had insecurities and everything, but enough is enough, and at the end it felt as if she needed constant validation and praising to feel confident and beautiful .
thruthfuly i skipped some chapters at the end soooo.....
good things about it: xander and clay's relationship and xander himself.
first i need a good night sleep.
second i will need a lot of coffee.
and third maybe, just maybe, i'll indulge in writing a review.
but for now, bye bye. don't want to talk about it.
soooooo, what to even say?
i just ended up really not liking the relationship between them all. it was unbalanced and for being a slowburn it felt as if they fell it love out of the blue, not that much time happens!! oh and the whole ordeal with them being angry and josh's jealousy......nope, didn't like. they have to be on board all of them and the emotional connection has to be there with them all. clay and xander's connection and love felt way superior than the one they had with her. 🤦
as for the rest of the book, it just kept dragging out. it became repetitive and honestly, carolina lost my interest. also, i understand that she had insecurities and everything, but enough is enough, and at the end it felt as if she needed constant validation and praising to feel confident and beautiful .
thruthfuly i skipped some chapters at the end soooo.....
good things about it: xander and clay's relationship and xander himself.
November 3, 2025
I loved Carolina’s story. From abused FMC to finding true happiness, and love of her own and answers about her parent’s death.
September 13, 2025
DNF. Great cover!
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