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What Left #1
What's Left of Me
Trilogy following Jo and Vinny, the owners of the Sins and Secrets Club in Denver, Colorado. This is their story that takes place back in Florida, happening at the same time as books 4 & 5 in the S&S world.
- GenresWhy ChooseDark Romance
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2025
119 people are currently reading
491 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
May 5, 2025
⭐️ 4/5 stars –This one’s dark, emotional, and honestly kind of wild—think trauma, obsession, and a love that’s messy but ride-or-die. Jo and Vinny? Filthy, loyal, and so damn intense together.
🌶️3/5 Spice Rating – high heat, kinky dynamics (think collars, plugs, dom/sub, public scenes), and emotionally charged intimacy.
🖤 4/5 Darkness Rating – heavy trauma themes, explicit violence, and graphic psychological content throughout. It’s dark and doesn’t apologize for it.
⸻
What I Loved:
The writing style here is super voicey and emotional—you’re in these characters’ heads the whole time. It’s intense, it’s messy, and it doesn’t pull punches. What really stuck with me was Jo and Vinny. They’re gritty and loyal and kinky as hell—totally obsessed with each other in that ride-or-die, a-little-bit-deranged-but-make-it-devoted kind of way. And the trauma—it’s not just background noise. You feel every scar, every moment of hesitation, every “oh god this still hurts” kind of silence. Honestly… even the villain had me feeling some kind of way. Like, why am I emotionally spiraling over the serial killer. (Don’t judge.) And the spice. Whew. It’s not here to flirt. It’s here to wreck. Plug, lube, public teasing, pain/pleasure, full-on dom/sub tension—zero fade to black, full steam ahead. And somehow, it’s all wrapped in deep emotion too.
⸻
The Story (No Spoilers!):
Okay, so here’s the vibe:
You’ve got a survivor.
A husband who would absolutely burn the world down for her.
And a serial killer from their past who’s locked up… but very much still lingering like a ghost with unfinished business.
It’s messy. It’s intense. It’s emotional in that “oh damn, I didn’t expect to feel that” kind of way.
What’s Left of Me is all about reckoning—with trauma, with love, with the kind of twisted connection that doesn’t untangle easily. There’s no sugarcoating here. No clean arcs or pretty healing. Just true, tangled emotion and a story that doesn’t ask for your comfort—it demands your attention.
⸻
Final thoughts:
This one’s technically part of a larger universe (Sins & Secrets), and I definitely felt like I was missing some deeper connections along the way. I have a strong feeling I’d be way more locked in if I’d read that backstory first.
This wasn’t fully my kind of read—but that’s totally a personal preference, not a knock on the writing. The storytelling is solid, the character work runs deep, and if you love dark, emotionally heavy romance with layered spice and twisted dynamics? This will absolutely hit.
For me, I’ll be picking up Sins & Secrets next—I want that emotional foundation, and I know it’ll only make this series land even harder
🌶️3/5 Spice Rating – high heat, kinky dynamics (think collars, plugs, dom/sub, public scenes), and emotionally charged intimacy.
🖤 4/5 Darkness Rating – heavy trauma themes, explicit violence, and graphic psychological content throughout. It’s dark and doesn’t apologize for it.
⸻
What I Loved:
The writing style here is super voicey and emotional—you’re in these characters’ heads the whole time. It’s intense, it’s messy, and it doesn’t pull punches. What really stuck with me was Jo and Vinny. They’re gritty and loyal and kinky as hell—totally obsessed with each other in that ride-or-die, a-little-bit-deranged-but-make-it-devoted kind of way. And the trauma—it’s not just background noise. You feel every scar, every moment of hesitation, every “oh god this still hurts” kind of silence. Honestly… even the villain had me feeling some kind of way. Like, why am I emotionally spiraling over the serial killer. (Don’t judge.) And the spice. Whew. It’s not here to flirt. It’s here to wreck. Plug, lube, public teasing, pain/pleasure, full-on dom/sub tension—zero fade to black, full steam ahead. And somehow, it’s all wrapped in deep emotion too.
⸻
The Story (No Spoilers!):
Okay, so here’s the vibe:
You’ve got a survivor.
A husband who would absolutely burn the world down for her.
And a serial killer from their past who’s locked up… but very much still lingering like a ghost with unfinished business.
It’s messy. It’s intense. It’s emotional in that “oh damn, I didn’t expect to feel that” kind of way.
What’s Left of Me is all about reckoning—with trauma, with love, with the kind of twisted connection that doesn’t untangle easily. There’s no sugarcoating here. No clean arcs or pretty healing. Just true, tangled emotion and a story that doesn’t ask for your comfort—it demands your attention.
⸻
Final thoughts:
This one’s technically part of a larger universe (Sins & Secrets), and I definitely felt like I was missing some deeper connections along the way. I have a strong feeling I’d be way more locked in if I’d read that backstory first.
This wasn’t fully my kind of read—but that’s totally a personal preference, not a knock on the writing. The storytelling is solid, the character work runs deep, and if you love dark, emotionally heavy romance with layered spice and twisted dynamics? This will absolutely hit.
For me, I’ll be picking up Sins & Secrets next—I want that emotional foundation, and I know it’ll only make this series land even harder
May 20, 2025
*ARC Reader*
I sadly just did not connect with this book the way I thought I was going to! I tried over several days to get into this; I read 45% of the book then decided to DNF. The characters were hard to connect with as well as the story. Yes like the other reviews say it is very dark but that was not the issue at all - matter of fact I signed up to ARC this one due to the darkness of it. Maybe I will come back to this one later.
I sadly just did not connect with this book the way I thought I was going to! I tried over several days to get into this; I read 45% of the book then decided to DNF. The characters were hard to connect with as well as the story. Yes like the other reviews say it is very dark but that was not the issue at all - matter of fact I signed up to ARC this one due to the darkness of it. Maybe I will come back to this one later.
May 30, 2025
What a wild ride. I am shocked at the twist, I genuinely didn’t see it coming and threw me completely. I am so invested in these characters and their story 🖤
May 2, 2025
What’s Left of Me is a haunting, sultry, and compulsively readable start to H.N. DeFore’s newest trilogy. Set in a sleepy Florida town still scarred by a string of brutal murders, this book drags you by the throat into the psychological wreckage left behind by a serial killer—and the twisted connections between three people who should have left this town behind forever.
Jo and Vinny survived Alastair Constantine. Or at least, they thought they had.
Fifteen years after the Citrus Grove Slayer was locked away, the killings start again—and no one can get Alastair to talk. The FBI sends Agent Sterling Gideon into the chaos, but to get answers, he needs to reunite the one woman who got away and the two men who can’t stop orbiting her: a mafia heir turned husband, and a killer who once called her his muse.
This isn’t just a murder mystery—it’s a deep, delicious dive into trauma, toxic love, unhealed wounds, and the magnetic pull of people you should’ve run from long ago. Told through multiple POVs and layered with shocking twists, it blends dark romance and thriller in a way that will leave your heart racing for very different reasons.
The pacing is sharp, the heat is high, and the characters are deliciously broken. Alastair is both repulsive and compelling—equal parts threat and enigma. Jo is a survivor in every sense, tough but haunted. And Vinny? Ride-or-die doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Just when you think you’ve figured out what’s going on… you haven’t.
The cliffhanger hits like a punch to the chest—and I need book two immediately. Thankfully, it comes out later this summer.
Please be sure to check the trigger warnings! There are intense themes including trauma, violence, and psychological manipulation. DeFore doesn’t shy away from the dark.
If you’re into dark spicy thrillers with complicated relationships, What’s Left of Me belongs on your TBR right now.
Thank you to the author for providing me this ARC.
Jo and Vinny survived Alastair Constantine. Or at least, they thought they had.
Fifteen years after the Citrus Grove Slayer was locked away, the killings start again—and no one can get Alastair to talk. The FBI sends Agent Sterling Gideon into the chaos, but to get answers, he needs to reunite the one woman who got away and the two men who can’t stop orbiting her: a mafia heir turned husband, and a killer who once called her his muse.
This isn’t just a murder mystery—it’s a deep, delicious dive into trauma, toxic love, unhealed wounds, and the magnetic pull of people you should’ve run from long ago. Told through multiple POVs and layered with shocking twists, it blends dark romance and thriller in a way that will leave your heart racing for very different reasons.
The pacing is sharp, the heat is high, and the characters are deliciously broken. Alastair is both repulsive and compelling—equal parts threat and enigma. Jo is a survivor in every sense, tough but haunted. And Vinny? Ride-or-die doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Just when you think you’ve figured out what’s going on… you haven’t.
The cliffhanger hits like a punch to the chest—and I need book two immediately. Thankfully, it comes out later this summer.
Please be sure to check the trigger warnings! There are intense themes including trauma, violence, and psychological manipulation. DeFore doesn’t shy away from the dark.
If you’re into dark spicy thrillers with complicated relationships, What’s Left of Me belongs on your TBR right now.
Thank you to the author for providing me this ARC.
April 25, 2025
Joelle, Vinny, and Alastair were inseparable in high school, caught in a complicated love triangle until Alastair took on the persona of the Citrus Grove Slayer. Oh, and did I mention that Joelle was the final intended victim and the only one to survive?
“I didn’t do this for fame,” I snap, but I realize it’s a mistake right away. -Alastair
“Then why did you do it?” -FBI Agent Gabriel
Ah, the question with no answer. There are so many theories out there I’ve lost count, and I’ve never confirmed or denied anything about my motive for killing fifteen women. -Alastair
So, why did Alastair kill all those women? And more crucially, why did he plan to kill Joelle, the woman he professed to love?
The story centers on the former trio of Joelle (FMC), Vinny (MMC), and Alastair (MMC). Now going by Jo or Josephine, Jo and her husband Vinny own a club in Colorado. They return to Florida when copycat murders of past Citrus Grove Slayer resurface - Jo, after all, is the single survivor of the original killings. Forced to undergo intense FBI interrogations, they hope to uncover the motive behind the new attacks and get back to Colorado without having to face Alastair who residing, not by his choice of course, at Citrus Grove Penitentiary.
DeFore masterfully creates characters that resonate deeply, revealing their strengths, weaknesses, hopes, dreams, and fears. While I felt for every character—including the supporting characters - Jo struck a chord with me most. She’s so vividly written that I could almost see her standing in front of me, sharing her story. Jo’s journey of self-discovery as she grapples with past traumas is poignant, illustrating that healing and personal growth are attainable despite one’s history. Vinny’s unwavering support, rooted in love and protection, enhances the story, showcasing their vulnerabilities both as individuals and as a couple.
What’s Left of Me pulls readers in with its intense sense of urgency and quick pacing. It immerses you in the story, creating an emotional investment in Jo’s safety as she faces the distress of being back in Florida. The narrative flows seamlessly between chapters and scenes, maintaining a smooth rhythm throughout. DeFore has an extraordinary talent for captivating her audience, compelling readers to keep turning pages until they reach the end.
I must emphasize the importance of reading the trigger warnings if you’re sensitive to certain topics – these are listed in the front of the book before the prologue. While I didn’t find the book triggering despite my own experience with trauma, it’s worth noting that your experience may differ. The trigger warning list is thorough, and DeFore handles these darker themes with care; she’s sensitive to her readers while not shying away from detail when the scene demands intensity.
Did you think I would forget to mention the thrilling drive she took us on through twists and turns? I had an inkling about part of the outcome from the beginning, and I can proudly say I was right. Yet, I was continuously surprised; just when I thought I had it all figured out, a new twist emerged. By the end, I was shocked to find I had reached the finale - cue cliffhanger! I can tell you this much, I am already anticipating the next installment in the trilogy!
DeFore connects with her readers on a rare emotional level in this dark romance with psychological thriller elements. She allows us to experience their pain, fear, past traumas, and paths to self-discovery while confronting taboo topics head-on. Though some content may be triggering, I found it to be a therapeutic journey for someone who has faced physical and mental trauma.
Thank you to H.N. DeFore for allowing me the opportunity to be an ARC reader on What’s Left of Me. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author, present or future, for my review.
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“I didn’t do this for fame,” I snap, but I realize it’s a mistake right away. -Alastair
“Then why did you do it?” -FBI Agent Gabriel
Ah, the question with no answer. There are so many theories out there I’ve lost count, and I’ve never confirmed or denied anything about my motive for killing fifteen women. -Alastair
So, why did Alastair kill all those women? And more crucially, why did he plan to kill Joelle, the woman he professed to love?
The story centers on the former trio of Joelle (FMC), Vinny (MMC), and Alastair (MMC). Now going by Jo or Josephine, Jo and her husband Vinny own a club in Colorado. They return to Florida when copycat murders of past Citrus Grove Slayer resurface - Jo, after all, is the single survivor of the original killings. Forced to undergo intense FBI interrogations, they hope to uncover the motive behind the new attacks and get back to Colorado without having to face Alastair who residing, not by his choice of course, at Citrus Grove Penitentiary.
DeFore masterfully creates characters that resonate deeply, revealing their strengths, weaknesses, hopes, dreams, and fears. While I felt for every character—including the supporting characters - Jo struck a chord with me most. She’s so vividly written that I could almost see her standing in front of me, sharing her story. Jo’s journey of self-discovery as she grapples with past traumas is poignant, illustrating that healing and personal growth are attainable despite one’s history. Vinny’s unwavering support, rooted in love and protection, enhances the story, showcasing their vulnerabilities both as individuals and as a couple.
What’s Left of Me pulls readers in with its intense sense of urgency and quick pacing. It immerses you in the story, creating an emotional investment in Jo’s safety as she faces the distress of being back in Florida. The narrative flows seamlessly between chapters and scenes, maintaining a smooth rhythm throughout. DeFore has an extraordinary talent for captivating her audience, compelling readers to keep turning pages until they reach the end.
I must emphasize the importance of reading the trigger warnings if you’re sensitive to certain topics – these are listed in the front of the book before the prologue. While I didn’t find the book triggering despite my own experience with trauma, it’s worth noting that your experience may differ. The trigger warning list is thorough, and DeFore handles these darker themes with care; she’s sensitive to her readers while not shying away from detail when the scene demands intensity.
Did you think I would forget to mention the thrilling drive she took us on through twists and turns? I had an inkling about part of the outcome from the beginning, and I can proudly say I was right. Yet, I was continuously surprised; just when I thought I had it all figured out, a new twist emerged. By the end, I was shocked to find I had reached the finale - cue cliffhanger! I can tell you this much, I am already anticipating the next installment in the trilogy!
DeFore connects with her readers on a rare emotional level in this dark romance with psychological thriller elements. She allows us to experience their pain, fear, past traumas, and paths to self-discovery while confronting taboo topics head-on. Though some content may be triggering, I found it to be a therapeutic journey for someone who has faced physical and mental trauma.
Thank you to H.N. DeFore for allowing me the opportunity to be an ARC reader on What’s Left of Me. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation by the author, present or future, for my review.
IG: thetxlitchic Pinterest: thetxlitchic FB: TheTxLitChic
Goodreads LinkTree Website: The Tx Lit Chic Amazon: The Tx Lit Chic
#thetxlitchic #bookreviewsandmore #bookstagram #booktok #bookcommunity #readersofinstagram #booklover #arcreader #bookreview #bingeworthy #tbr #supportindieauthors #bookobsessed #instareads #books #bookaddict #bookreviewer #bookreviews #keepreading #indiebooks #indieauthors #Supportyourlocalbook #genrewhore #ilikebigbooksandicannotlie #mentalhealthmatters #findsupportforyourmentalhealth #iwilllisten #deforesdeviants #hndefore #whatsleftofmetrilogybookone #whatsleftofme
May 4, 2025
POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD
RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Luna Literary and H.N DeFore for selecting me for this Arc review. I am writing this review completely unbiased. I feel I may have benefited from reading the recommended reading order before this Arc as this was my first book by the author. I will now be going back to read these as it seems everyone suggests this. However I feel this book can be read as a standalone you just might have more by reading these previously books according to others who have read it. This was such a quick read but I am a bit of a reading demon when I get stuck into a book 📕 .
I enjoyed that this wasn't your standard serial killer romance the fact that we were learning about the crimes after the fact. Having to deduce what was going on between Alistair, Jo and Vinny and learning the way in which Alastair became who he was. I figured out early on that there was more to Alistair every-time he was interviewed. I loved the way the story was unravelling with the different POV's of everyone close and involved. It was difficult knowing there was more to the story and Alistair not being seen practically slapping people with the answers every-time they spoke to him.
What can I say Jo and Vinny the spice certainly hit with these two 🌶️. One of my favourite quotes from Vinny showing his possessive spice nature 'I'll f**k the dark thoughts out of your head until you can't think straight, darling. You only need to ask.' The chemistry between them and the way in which they knew how to interpret one another's needs was on point. It was so juicy knowing that Jo had snippets in her brain that we're not quite right and it all hitting in that huge plot twist at the end! Our man Vinny was certainly throwing off some touch her and die vibes over his wife and I am a sucker for this. I cannot believe we have a cliff hanger like that but thankfully not long to wait. I'm sensing some impending connections with Sterling due to his very obvious pining for our Jo to come in book 2 but we shall have to wait and see. For now I will say damn **** absolute psychopath what will happen next?
Looking forward to seeing more character developments in the next book and more much needed answers to some burning questions 🔥. Available on KU make sure to check your trigger warnings before reading.
RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Luna Literary and H.N DeFore for selecting me for this Arc review. I am writing this review completely unbiased. I feel I may have benefited from reading the recommended reading order before this Arc as this was my first book by the author. I will now be going back to read these as it seems everyone suggests this. However I feel this book can be read as a standalone you just might have more by reading these previously books according to others who have read it. This was such a quick read but I am a bit of a reading demon when I get stuck into a book 📕 .
I enjoyed that this wasn't your standard serial killer romance the fact that we were learning about the crimes after the fact. Having to deduce what was going on between Alistair, Jo and Vinny and learning the way in which Alastair became who he was. I figured out early on that there was more to Alistair every-time he was interviewed. I loved the way the story was unravelling with the different POV's of everyone close and involved. It was difficult knowing there was more to the story and Alistair not being seen practically slapping people with the answers every-time they spoke to him.
What can I say Jo and Vinny the spice certainly hit with these two 🌶️. One of my favourite quotes from Vinny showing his possessive spice nature 'I'll f**k the dark thoughts out of your head until you can't think straight, darling. You only need to ask.' The chemistry between them and the way in which they knew how to interpret one another's needs was on point. It was so juicy knowing that Jo had snippets in her brain that we're not quite right and it all hitting in that huge plot twist at the end! Our man Vinny was certainly throwing off some touch her and die vibes over his wife and I am a sucker for this. I cannot believe we have a cliff hanger like that but thankfully not long to wait. I'm sensing some impending connections with Sterling due to his very obvious pining for our Jo to come in book 2 but we shall have to wait and see. For now I will say damn **** absolute psychopath what will happen next?
Looking forward to seeing more character developments in the next book and more much needed answers to some burning questions 🔥. Available on KU make sure to check your trigger warnings before reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2025
Joelle and Vinny Arjello thought they escaped their ghosts when they left Citrus Grove, Florida all those years ago. Little did they know, those ghosts would come back to haunt them. Now, new bodies are showing up even though the Citrus Grove Slayer is locked away in the local penitentiary. Vinny and Joelle will do whatever it takes to stay alive and protect the safety of the members of the Sins and Secrets Club back in Denver, Colorado. Even if it means coming face to face with the one who started it all. Alastair Constantine.
This book is part of the What’s Left Trilogy while also taking place at the same time as books 4 & 5 of the Sins & Secrets Club Series. This is my first H.N. DeFore book and I loved it! I will be reading the rest of the Sins & Secrets Club Series because now I have too many unanswered questions! This book was easy to follow and piece together. I was really rooting for Jo & Vinny. I love how Vinny protects her. The fact that they’re high school sweethearts makes it even better. I really enjoyed the true crime element and the suspense it brought into the book. I had a lot of theories and I was correct about most of them but that CLIFFHANGER?! I was so upset when it was over. There is so much suspense and mystery packed into every page. I felt like I was right along with them trying to figure out who the Copycat CGS was.
Let’s not forget about the spice! There wasn’t a lot of it but I definitely see more coming in the other 2 books in this trilogy. What we were given was so caring and coming from a place of love. But it was also filled with lust and desire. The dynamic between Jo & Vinny is unmatched and I see some more people joining in the future!
Overall, I gave this book a 5. The writing was great and left you hanging on wanting more in every chapter. I give the spice a 3 because like I said, there wasn’t a lot of it, but what was written was fantastic. I can’t wait to fully dive into Sins & Secrets Club Series and i’m super excited for book 2 of the What’s Left Trilogy!
5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
This book is part of the What’s Left Trilogy while also taking place at the same time as books 4 & 5 of the Sins & Secrets Club Series. This is my first H.N. DeFore book and I loved it! I will be reading the rest of the Sins & Secrets Club Series because now I have too many unanswered questions! This book was easy to follow and piece together. I was really rooting for Jo & Vinny. I love how Vinny protects her. The fact that they’re high school sweethearts makes it even better. I really enjoyed the true crime element and the suspense it brought into the book. I had a lot of theories and I was correct about most of them but that CLIFFHANGER?! I was so upset when it was over. There is so much suspense and mystery packed into every page. I felt like I was right along with them trying to figure out who the Copycat CGS was.
Let’s not forget about the spice! There wasn’t a lot of it but I definitely see more coming in the other 2 books in this trilogy. What we were given was so caring and coming from a place of love. But it was also filled with lust and desire. The dynamic between Jo & Vinny is unmatched and I see some more people joining in the future!
Overall, I gave this book a 5. The writing was great and left you hanging on wanting more in every chapter. I give the spice a 3 because like I said, there wasn’t a lot of it, but what was written was fantastic. I can’t wait to fully dive into Sins & Secrets Club Series and i’m super excited for book 2 of the What’s Left Trilogy!
5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
June 21, 2025
Make sure u read TWs before u read this book. This is Jo and Vinny's story in the S&S series, and this is takin place at the same time as books 4 and 5
16 years after they arrested 18 year old Alastair, who unalived 15 women, now a copycat unaliver, or the true unaliver is at it again. Alastair is 33 years old now and one month after the copycat, Jo as in Joelle and her husband Vinny get called to go visit Alastair since she was one of his lucky ones that got away so their usin her as a blackmail tactic to their BDSM Club in Colorado called Sins and Secrets. Jo was with Alastair and Vinny in high school before Alastair got caught they all dated. Emeric is a long-time friend of Vinny and Jo's and in control of the club along with Jo's cousin Serenity until they get back. At the prison, they have nominated grad students in the psych program come and speak with the people at the asylum/penitentiary to help with them learning about the human mind, and Jace has been visiting Alastair for credits. FBI agents Sterling and Jensen want Alastair, Jo, and Vinny's help to catch the copycat. Emeric is Alastair's foster brother, but they haven't talked since he got into trouble. And female agent Tyler followed Sterling to Florida to help out, too. This is a very good book, and I loved how the story unfolds with all the different POVs and so much more to Alastair's story that u find out with each interview. This book does end on a cliffhanger.
16 years after they arrested 18 year old Alastair, who unalived 15 women, now a copycat unaliver, or the true unaliver is at it again. Alastair is 33 years old now and one month after the copycat, Jo as in Joelle and her husband Vinny get called to go visit Alastair since she was one of his lucky ones that got away so their usin her as a blackmail tactic to their BDSM Club in Colorado called Sins and Secrets. Jo was with Alastair and Vinny in high school before Alastair got caught they all dated. Emeric is a long-time friend of Vinny and Jo's and in control of the club along with Jo's cousin Serenity until they get back. At the prison, they have nominated grad students in the psych program come and speak with the people at the asylum/penitentiary to help with them learning about the human mind, and Jace has been visiting Alastair for credits. FBI agents Sterling and Jensen want Alastair, Jo, and Vinny's help to catch the copycat. Emeric is Alastair's foster brother, but they haven't talked since he got into trouble. And female agent Tyler followed Sterling to Florida to help out, too. This is a very good book, and I loved how the story unfolds with all the different POVs and so much more to Alastair's story that u find out with each interview. This book does end on a cliffhanger.
May 4, 2025
I was waiting I REPEAT waiting for Jo & Vinny’s story since SOD!! Do you hear me?! I screamed again like last year every damn time Daddy Emeric was mentioned and now it’s Alastair who’s throwing a whole tantrum over it 🤣
A couple that fought for a new beginning gets yanked right back into chaos. An FBI agent crushing on Jo 🕵️♂️ A serial killer ex locked up, still obsessed 🩸 And a damn copycat out there leaving a bloody trail behind ☠️
This was 98% plot—medium-paced, sharp, intense—and 2% spice. Completely different from S&S but it kept me hooked start to finish. I figured out the copycat halfway through but the tension still slapped.
And let’s talk about Alastair… my poor murderous baby. Always pulled into the dark, completely helpless 🖤 If life hadn’t wrecked him, he would’ve been an incredible artist 🎨 The kid was damaged, not heartless. I wanted to hug him and also scream into the void. Check TW/CW unless you like to choke on your own tears.
Tropes:
⛓️ BDSM Club Owners
🩸 Murder Mystery Romance
⛓️ Enemies to Lovers
🩸 Starts as MF (full trilogy will end in MFMM)
⛓️ Touch Her and dìe
🩸Alpha Hero/Anti Hero
⛓️ Serial Unaliver
🩸 Found Family
⛓️ Who hurt you?
🩸 Hidden Truth/Secret Past
This is my honest opinion for the ARC I received. Thanks Haley and Luna Literary for this opportunity!
A couple that fought for a new beginning gets yanked right back into chaos. An FBI agent crushing on Jo 🕵️♂️ A serial killer ex locked up, still obsessed 🩸 And a damn copycat out there leaving a bloody trail behind ☠️
This was 98% plot—medium-paced, sharp, intense—and 2% spice. Completely different from S&S but it kept me hooked start to finish. I figured out the copycat halfway through but the tension still slapped.
And let’s talk about Alastair… my poor murderous baby. Always pulled into the dark, completely helpless 🖤 If life hadn’t wrecked him, he would’ve been an incredible artist 🎨 The kid was damaged, not heartless. I wanted to hug him and also scream into the void. Check TW/CW unless you like to choke on your own tears.
Tropes:
⛓️ BDSM Club Owners
🩸 Murder Mystery Romance
⛓️ Enemies to Lovers
🩸 Starts as MF (full trilogy will end in MFMM)
⛓️ Touch Her and dìe
🩸Alpha Hero/Anti Hero
⛓️ Serial Unaliver
🩸 Found Family
⛓️ Who hurt you?
🩸 Hidden Truth/Secret Past
This is my honest opinion for the ARC I received. Thanks Haley and Luna Literary for this opportunity!
May 22, 2025
Don't judge a book by its cover
I had 0 expectations going into this book and perhaps that's what left me pleasantly surprised by it.
A trio of childhood lovers is broken apart by one of them being a serial killer, extreme I know.
Alastair is in prison serving 15 life sentences (one for each murder) when a string of copycat murders starts up. Now, the FBI assuming he's involved somehow felt a bit far reaching or that he had somehow been communicating with someone outside the prison and they were acting on his behalf. Little stretch of the imagination required to make it work. Bringing Jo and Vinny back to help with the investigation also didn't quite make sense to me, but obviously we need a way to reunite the 3 of them.
The flashbacks were done well and were useful to the plot line. The twist toward the end isn't necessarily predictable, but you will likely figure it out in advance of the book revealing it given all the hints/clues dropped along the way. The why is even pretty clear which makes me curious as to how the next 2 books will play out.
There are some grammatical/spelling errors peppered throughout, a few distracting enough I had to reread sentences but not enough to affect the rating.
I had 0 expectations going into this book and perhaps that's what left me pleasantly surprised by it.
A trio of childhood lovers is broken apart by one of them being a serial killer, extreme I know.
Alastair is in prison serving 15 life sentences (one for each murder) when a string of copycat murders starts up. Now, the FBI assuming he's involved somehow felt a bit far reaching or that he had somehow been communicating with someone outside the prison and they were acting on his behalf. Little stretch of the imagination required to make it work. Bringing Jo and Vinny back to help with the investigation also didn't quite make sense to me, but obviously we need a way to reunite the 3 of them.
The flashbacks were done well and were useful to the plot line. The twist toward the end isn't necessarily predictable, but you will likely figure it out in advance of the book revealing it given all the hints/clues dropped along the way. The why is even pretty clear which makes me curious as to how the next 2 books will play out.
There are some grammatical/spelling errors peppered throughout, a few distracting enough I had to reread sentences but not enough to affect the rating.
May 4, 2025
What an interesting start to this trilogy! I can't wait for the next two books!! So this is a romantic suspense, why choose romance, although there's only 1 couple in this particular book. But seeing as we are able to see the other two men's POV, I think it's safe to say they will join the clurb 😉😉😉
Jo and Vinny came back to their hometown after making home far, far away to help the FBI catch a killer. A copycat killer of someone who they are *intimately* familiar with, but who is already sitting behind the bars.
In this book, we are obviously stepping into an established world, but it didn't really hinder the reading experience, at least not for me.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns, how their relationships evolve, Jo and Vinny's coping mechanisms (I mean, the DO own an alternative lifestyle club, if you catch my drift) and how smart Alastair was. I did sort of figure out the main plot twist, though, so it didn't really come as a surprise 😬😂
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary Management for including me in the ARC team. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jo and Vinny came back to their hometown after making home far, far away to help the FBI catch a killer. A copycat killer of someone who they are *intimately* familiar with, but who is already sitting behind the bars.
In this book, we are obviously stepping into an established world, but it didn't really hinder the reading experience, at least not for me.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns, how their relationships evolve, Jo and Vinny's coping mechanisms (I mean, the DO own an alternative lifestyle club, if you catch my drift) and how smart Alastair was. I did sort of figure out the main plot twist, though, so it didn't really come as a surprise 😬😂
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary Management for including me in the ARC team. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 4, 2025
*Received as an ARC*
Alistair Constantine, a man who had taken 15 lives, has spent the past 15 years in prison, but now a copycat killer is emerging in Citrus Grove, bringing new hope to the community. In a bold move, the FBI brings in his last victim and her husband, both former lovers of the notorious Citrus Grove Slayer, to shed new light on the case and unlock the secrets of Alistair's twisted mind.
———————————————
Initially, I found myself getting slightly frustrated with the wealth of information presented, but with little apparent progress. However, after refreshing my memory that this is a trilogy, I am now thrilled to see the incredible depth and detail provided, with multiple POVs from all leading characters.
If the remaining two books maintain this impressive formatting and depth, this trilogy will be truly amazing. I absolutely loved the flashbacks that offered valuable insight into the past, shedding light on how we arrived at this point with all the characters.
I eagerly look forward to seeing where the next books will take us in this captivating story, especially after that heart-stopping cliffhanger...
Alistair Constantine, a man who had taken 15 lives, has spent the past 15 years in prison, but now a copycat killer is emerging in Citrus Grove, bringing new hope to the community. In a bold move, the FBI brings in his last victim and her husband, both former lovers of the notorious Citrus Grove Slayer, to shed new light on the case and unlock the secrets of Alistair's twisted mind.
———————————————
Initially, I found myself getting slightly frustrated with the wealth of information presented, but with little apparent progress. However, after refreshing my memory that this is a trilogy, I am now thrilled to see the incredible depth and detail provided, with multiple POVs from all leading characters.
If the remaining two books maintain this impressive formatting and depth, this trilogy will be truly amazing. I absolutely loved the flashbacks that offered valuable insight into the past, shedding light on how we arrived at this point with all the characters.
I eagerly look forward to seeing where the next books will take us in this captivating story, especially after that heart-stopping cliffhanger...
May 18, 2025
This book is emotional, intense, and messy in all the best ways. There’s so much trauma woven into the story, with the past creeping in and refusing to be buried—it creates this dark, suspenseful atmosphere that completely pulled me in.
I loved the investigation angle—it gave major Criminal Minds vibes, which I was all about. Having Sterling’s POV as the investigator added an extra layer of depth to the plot that made it more than just a story about the criminal element. It grounded everything and added nuance to the way the mystery unfolds.
Now, let’s talk about Jo and Vinny—goals. Their relationship is just so wholesome and unshakable. Vinny’s dedication to her is swoon-worthy, and the way they support each other through everything? Pure. They're the cutest high school sweethearts turned power couple, and I can't wait to learn more about how Alistair fit into that dynamic before everything fell apart—and what it’ll look like when they come back together.
Also, I’m so intrigued to see how Sterling plays into the mix. I’m already crossing my fingers for a polyamorous quad situation because the potential is chef’s kiss.
If you like your romance with serious emotional depth, complex relationships, and a side of crime investigation, What’s Left of Me should be on your radar. The cliffhanger leaves you hanging in the best (and most frustrating) way—I need the next book, and I cannot wait for the rest of the trilogy!
I loved the investigation angle—it gave major Criminal Minds vibes, which I was all about. Having Sterling’s POV as the investigator added an extra layer of depth to the plot that made it more than just a story about the criminal element. It grounded everything and added nuance to the way the mystery unfolds.
Now, let’s talk about Jo and Vinny—goals. Their relationship is just so wholesome and unshakable. Vinny’s dedication to her is swoon-worthy, and the way they support each other through everything? Pure. They're the cutest high school sweethearts turned power couple, and I can't wait to learn more about how Alistair fit into that dynamic before everything fell apart—and what it’ll look like when they come back together.
Also, I’m so intrigued to see how Sterling plays into the mix. I’m already crossing my fingers for a polyamorous quad situation because the potential is chef’s kiss.
If you like your romance with serious emotional depth, complex relationships, and a side of crime investigation, What’s Left of Me should be on your radar. The cliffhanger leaves you hanging in the best (and most frustrating) way—I need the next book, and I cannot wait for the rest of the trilogy!
May 2, 2025
𝕊𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕟𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕨𝕖 𝕕𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕞 𝕠𝕗, 𝕓𝕖 𝕚𝕥 𝔸𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕣, 𝕍𝕚𝕟𝕟𝕪, 𝕠𝕣 𝕊𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘.
I love this authors work, this one is so different and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! It’s so intense, fast paced and I love a good mystery!
This is a why choose romance! It’s dark, spicy and unhinged. Criminal minds vibes. There’s twists and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
"𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞? 𝐘𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧-𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐠𝐞."
It’s like I want to love the bad guy, and I’m not sure I’m supposed to..but I do anyways. I’m eager to see how all of this is going to play out! Also really can’t wait to see the relationships develop.
"ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴇʟʟɪꜱʜ ᴘᴀʀᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴍᴇ. ɪᴛ'ꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱɪᴅᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʙᴜʀɴꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅɪʀᴛʏ ᴛʜɪɴɢꜱ ʏᴏᴜ ᴅᴏ ᴛᴏ ᴍᴇ."
🇹🇷🇴🇵🇪🇸
🧡murder mystery
✨dark romance
🔪slow burn
🧡why choose MFMM
✨trilogy that starts as MF
🔪enemies
🧡violent crime
✨fighting what the heart truly wants
🔪first in trilogy
🧡will have a happy ending
I love this authors work, this one is so different and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! It’s so intense, fast paced and I love a good mystery!
This is a why choose romance! It’s dark, spicy and unhinged. Criminal minds vibes. There’s twists and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
"𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞? 𝐘𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧-𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐠𝐞."
It’s like I want to love the bad guy, and I’m not sure I’m supposed to..but I do anyways. I’m eager to see how all of this is going to play out! Also really can’t wait to see the relationships develop.
"ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴇʟʟɪꜱʜ ᴘᴀʀᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴍᴇ. ɪᴛ'ꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱɪᴅᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʙᴜʀɴꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅɪʀᴛʏ ᴛʜɪɴɢꜱ ʏᴏᴜ ᴅᴏ ᴛᴏ ᴍᴇ."
🇹🇷🇴🇵🇪🇸
🧡murder mystery
✨dark romance
🔪slow burn
🧡why choose MFMM
✨trilogy that starts as MF
🔪enemies
🧡violent crime
✨fighting what the heart truly wants
🔪first in trilogy
🧡will have a happy ending
May 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
If Criminal Minds was in spicy book form, What’s Left of Me would be an episode! There’s mystery and serial unalivers and spice and a twist and I really enjoyed the start to this new series.
THOUGHTS 💭
🔪 The events of this book are happening alongside another of H.N. DeFore’s series, so we know some of the players.
🔪 The vibes in this book are a lot different than the Sinners & Secrets series… AND I LOVED IT! Dark undertones and a cereal unaliver from Jo and Vinny’s past? YES, please.
🔪 Amidst the mystery, there is some H O T spice; with the owners of a schmex club, that was to be expected! I’m excited to see this series turn into a MFMM.
🔪 There are just so many questions - what’s real and what’s not? What happened and what is conjecture.
🔪 That. Ending. 😱 H.N. went pedal to the metal for the last 10% of this book and I can’t wait for more!
Thanks so much to H.N. DeFore for the ARC of this book!
If Criminal Minds was in spicy book form, What’s Left of Me would be an episode! There’s mystery and serial unalivers and spice and a twist and I really enjoyed the start to this new series.
THOUGHTS 💭
🔪 The events of this book are happening alongside another of H.N. DeFore’s series, so we know some of the players.
🔪 The vibes in this book are a lot different than the Sinners & Secrets series… AND I LOVED IT! Dark undertones and a cereal unaliver from Jo and Vinny’s past? YES, please.
🔪 Amidst the mystery, there is some H O T spice; with the owners of a schmex club, that was to be expected! I’m excited to see this series turn into a MFMM.
🔪 There are just so many questions - what’s real and what’s not? What happened and what is conjecture.
🔪 That. Ending. 😱 H.N. went pedal to the metal for the last 10% of this book and I can’t wait for more!
Thanks so much to H.N. DeFore for the ARC of this book!
May 3, 2025
I read all of the Sins and Secrets books and so I liked that this book taking place in this world between books four and five of the S&S books. While the S&S books are really spicy, this one is more about the storyline and character driven. As if I was not going to read the next book but now, I really have to with the cliffhanger ending.
I liked this new tone that this book takes with it being more emotional and bits of dark undertone. Jo and Vinny are great. What they went through with Alastair, you could really feel the emotions...anger, fear, sadness, and love. If anything, it felt like Jo and Vinny were brought closer together.
I like Sterling. He is a nice addition to the story. I look forward to seeing more of how he comes into play with the group dynamics. Alastair, what can I say about him. He is the wild card and while I would love to hate him, I am drawn to him.
I liked this new tone that this book takes with it being more emotional and bits of dark undertone. Jo and Vinny are great. What they went through with Alastair, you could really feel the emotions...anger, fear, sadness, and love. If anything, it felt like Jo and Vinny were brought closer together.
I like Sterling. He is a nice addition to the story. I look forward to seeing more of how he comes into play with the group dynamics. Alastair, what can I say about him. He is the wild card and while I would love to hate him, I am drawn to him.
May 2, 2025
Holy bananas.....the author has done it again! Compared to some of her other books, it has less spicy parts but the spicy parts don't disappoint! This book definitely didn't need it though, there were so many twists and turns. I absolutely loved the story, but I hate cliffhangers. I'm glad the series is going to be released quickly because I can't wait for the rest of the story. Jo and Vinny are club owners in CO, but have to return to FL to face things from their past. This book is intertwined with the Sins & Secrets series and is happening around and after book 4, but it also gives details of the past that is haunting them again. When Jo has to face her ex lover and attempted murderer, she is faced with conflicting feelings, especially since she doesn't clearly remember what happened.
May 4, 2025
UHM wth was that cliffhanger?!
I really enjoyed this book - Jo, Vinny and Alastair's past is coming back to haunt them... Alastair has been in custody for over a decade and Jo and Vinny are brought back into his life when a copy cat criminal brings their past back into the focus. As high school sweethearts, the trio went through extreme trauma. However, I felt like we only got a small taste of the pain they have all been in for the last 15 years. There is a lot to uncover!
This is my first book by the author and I do feel like reading the other series that works in parallel to this one would be beneficial. I will be going back and reading them in the suggested order before book 2 comes out! I can't wait for book two and we learn more about how Sterling integrates.
I really enjoyed this book - Jo, Vinny and Alastair's past is coming back to haunt them... Alastair has been in custody for over a decade and Jo and Vinny are brought back into his life when a copy cat criminal brings their past back into the focus. As high school sweethearts, the trio went through extreme trauma. However, I felt like we only got a small taste of the pain they have all been in for the last 15 years. There is a lot to uncover!
This is my first book by the author and I do feel like reading the other series that works in parallel to this one would be beneficial. I will be going back and reading them in the suggested order before book 2 comes out! I can't wait for book two and we learn more about how Sterling integrates.
May 11, 2025
This book 🤯
It is classed as a dark romance and I can see the entire series being a dark romance, however I do feel like this first book is more of a thriller / suspence romance.
We follow Jo, Vinny and Alastair. Three lovers ripped apart in when they were 18 and planning on a life together away from Citrus Grove.
It is a dark and gruesome story about jealousy and a cereal unaliver (if you get what I mean). The book will have you on the EDGE of your seat and keeps you guessing what the storyline is. Part of it will be clear near the end.
As a reader you get fully immersed in guessing what the story is and how it will develop.
Will definitely read the rest of the series, really curious how the story ends.
It is classed as a dark romance and I can see the entire series being a dark romance, however I do feel like this first book is more of a thriller / suspence romance.
We follow Jo, Vinny and Alastair. Three lovers ripped apart in when they were 18 and planning on a life together away from Citrus Grove.
It is a dark and gruesome story about jealousy and a cereal unaliver (if you get what I mean). The book will have you on the EDGE of your seat and keeps you guessing what the storyline is. Part of it will be clear near the end.
As a reader you get fully immersed in guessing what the story is and how it will develop.
Will definitely read the rest of the series, really curious how the story ends.
June 18, 2025
As a huge fan of the Sins & secrets world I was dying to know Jo and Vinny's story! This book dug deep into the trauma of their past and brought it into their present. It's packed with emotions and soo many questions! It took me a minute to really get into this one, but once I did there was no stopping. I NEED ANSWERS!!!
Jo and Vinny: the dynamic between these two is perfection. The way Vinny cares for Jo in whatever way she needs at the time had my heart squeezed. the possibilities of how the relationships will evolve with the other characters keeps you guessing.
Alistair....the jury is still out on him at this point. This man is clearly full of secrets of his own and I don't know if I love him or hate him yet, but that's half the fun!
Jo and Vinny: the dynamic between these two is perfection. The way Vinny cares for Jo in whatever way she needs at the time had my heart squeezed. the possibilities of how the relationships will evolve with the other characters keeps you guessing.
Alistair....the jury is still out on him at this point. This man is clearly full of secrets of his own and I don't know if I love him or hate him yet, but that's half the fun!
May 12, 2025
ARC Review:
AHHHHH! Cliffhanger heart attack! This was the first book I read in this world, and I can't wait to dig into all of these characters! A serial killer that may not actually be the killer? An apparition that comes and goes - and maybe in real life too?? And what is going on with the four-way relationship of Vinny-Alastair-Sterling-JO??
Look - the cliffhanger about made me throw my kindle, but also race to pick it up and see when the next book comes out.. soon thankfully! In the meantime, I hope to go back and read the books in the Sins and Sinners series to understand the background of some of these other characters!
AHHHHH! Cliffhanger heart attack! This was the first book I read in this world, and I can't wait to dig into all of these characters! A serial killer that may not actually be the killer? An apparition that comes and goes - and maybe in real life too?? And what is going on with the four-way relationship of Vinny-Alastair-Sterling-JO??
Look - the cliffhanger about made me throw my kindle, but also race to pick it up and see when the next book comes out.. soon thankfully! In the meantime, I hope to go back and read the books in the Sins and Sinners series to understand the background of some of these other characters!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2025
Wow. A combination of a suspense thriller with Romance. Dark Romance. Main character is the survivor of a serial killer. This starts off with just being MF, but there's past history with another character and lots of sexual tension with a separate character. Excited to see how this turns out... maybe a why choose or reverse harem, either would be good.
This is the first book of a trilogy, looks like the next 2 will be released within 2025. A quick read, I really enjoyed this and wish I could binge the next two.
Tropes:
Suspense Thriller Romance
BDSM club owners
Dark Romance
Serial killer survivor
This is the first book of a trilogy, looks like the next 2 will be released within 2025. A quick read, I really enjoyed this and wish I could binge the next two.
Tropes:
Suspense Thriller Romance
BDSM club owners
Dark Romance
Serial killer survivor
May 16, 2025
In a small town in Florida, a serial killer lurked in the shadows.
15 years later, the original killer has been in prison, but a new terror has returned to the same town.
Is his only survivor the key to unraveling the new murders?
What’s left of me is a fast paced thriller that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. DeFore builds a suspenseful story that keeps you guessing through several twists. The characters throughout the story are all intriguing and will keep you reading just to see where their story lines take them. I can’t wait to see what happens in the rest of the series.
If you are a big fan of shows like Criminal Minds and CSI, you will like this one as much as I did.
15 years later, the original killer has been in prison, but a new terror has returned to the same town.
Is his only survivor the key to unraveling the new murders?
What’s left of me is a fast paced thriller that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. DeFore builds a suspenseful story that keeps you guessing through several twists. The characters throughout the story are all intriguing and will keep you reading just to see where their story lines take them. I can’t wait to see what happens in the rest of the series.
If you are a big fan of shows like Criminal Minds and CSI, you will like this one as much as I did.
May 2, 2025
When I tell you that this book left me shook… I mean it.
My thoughts:
-I immediately felt such sympathy for Jo and Vinny and I wanted justice to be served
-I was immediately intrigued by Alastair and his allure… you knew there was more to the story than what meets the eye
-All of these characters and moving parts have you in a choke hold
-And how this couple decides to blow off steam… is super steamy!
-And then just when you think you have it all figured out…GASP.
-Author H.N. Defore literally drops a bomb and then casually walks away.
-I NEED the next book ASAP!
My thoughts:
-I immediately felt such sympathy for Jo and Vinny and I wanted justice to be served
-I was immediately intrigued by Alastair and his allure… you knew there was more to the story than what meets the eye
-All of these characters and moving parts have you in a choke hold
-And how this couple decides to blow off steam… is super steamy!
-And then just when you think you have it all figured out…GASP.
-Author H.N. Defore literally drops a bomb and then casually walks away.
-I NEED the next book ASAP!
May 2, 2025
What’s Left of Me by H. N. DeFore
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was absolutely wild. Honestly I kinda had a difficult time rating it bc on one hand, it felt very slow and almost boring at times? But on the other hand it was wild and a relatively quick read, and the plot and mystery around it were very cool. Am happy to report that I figured it out before the big reveal, so it’s not a particularly complex case, though there are a lot of twists and turns and just kinda messed up stuff that happens and makes the book so captivating. This is book one in a trilogy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was absolutely wild. Honestly I kinda had a difficult time rating it bc on one hand, it felt very slow and almost boring at times? But on the other hand it was wild and a relatively quick read, and the plot and mystery around it were very cool. Am happy to report that I figured it out before the big reveal, so it’s not a particularly complex case, though there are a lot of twists and turns and just kinda messed up stuff that happens and makes the book so captivating. This is book one in a trilogy!
May 17, 2025
The whole story had me hooked from the start! I knew something was off with the whole Alastair situation—it couldn’t have been that simple. I definitely need more... all the gritty, twisted details.
I wasn’t totally surprised about Jo’s mom, but still—what on earth?! That reveal was wild. And don’t even get me started on the tangled web between Sterling, Alastair, Vinny, and Jo—I loved that dynamic and wanted even more of it.
The cliffhanger ending was perfect in the most frustrating way. I need the next part ASAP!
I wasn’t totally surprised about Jo’s mom, but still—what on earth?! That reveal was wild. And don’t even get me started on the tangled web between Sterling, Alastair, Vinny, and Jo—I loved that dynamic and wanted even more of it.
The cliffhanger ending was perfect in the most frustrating way. I need the next part ASAP!
May 19, 2025
"What’s Left of Me" takes readers back to where the Sins and Secrets journey began, diving deep into Jo and Vinny’s raw and emotional story. H.N. Defore masterfully unearths the ghosts of their past, bringing long-buried traumas to light in a way that feels honest and impactful. This installment offers the kind of rich backstory that fans of the series will appreciate adding depth, understanding, and even more connection to characters we already know and love. It's a powerful, character driven read that leaves a lasting impression.
December 26, 2025
Gah. I had this book series on my TBR and was so excited to read it, but just couldn't get into it. So many characters to keep track of. So much just wading through muck essentially. Honestly I was disappointed. Things happened, but it was just tedious to get through. It ends on a cliffhanger, but I won't be continuing the series.
Jo and her husband Vinny, both are old friends of Alastair who is serving life in prison for brutal serial murders. The FBI is calling them both in for questioning when a copycat starts murdering women.
Jo and her husband Vinny, both are old friends of Alastair who is serving life in prison for brutal serial murders. The FBI is calling them both in for questioning when a copycat starts murdering women.
April 29, 2025
A serial unaliver is locked in prison but suddenly a copy cat is on the loose. The FBI return to the small town to interview the unaliver and his only surviving victim, his ex lover. She owns a BD$M club with her husband, who was their 3rd wheel lover.
This book is full of twists and turns, lots of Smut & 4 different POVs. The story ends with a shock and on an epic cliff hanger with a 2nd book in store but no date yet at this time.
If you enjoy a smutty thriller, this one is for you.
May 2, 2025
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Boy... since I was introduced to the Sins and Secrets world and characters, I wanted to know about Jo and Vinny. Especially when Jo and Vinny head back to Florida. Now I've gotten the first part of their story, and I want so much more! I can't wait for the sequel! Not only do I like Jo and Vinny and their dynamic, but I like Sterling and Alistair and I can't wait to see what happens next!
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