Alexander Palomino is a man defined by the ghosts of his past, of which there are his parents, his daughter, his wife…, and Jess.
He’s a man defined by the promises he’s made. To never be like his abusive father, to never love again, never trust again, and to sever their ties for good.
In the wake of their heart-wrenching end, Alex’s rash decision throws lives into chaos, including his own. It has him questioning all his beliefs, all the promises he’s made, and all the walls he’s built.
But the ghosts are there. Always there. Haunting him, haunting them.
Can Alex find freedom from the chains of his past…or, is he doomed to let history repeat itself?
This series… this book more specifically… MY ROMAN EMPIRE. If you take any book recommendation from me ever, I’m on my knees absolutely begging you to let it be this one.
Have you ever full on SOBBED during a spicy scene? I’m talking ugly cried with fat tears streaming down your face & snot running down your nose. Yeah me neither… until this book.
This was by far my most anticipated read for 2025 and it was better than I could’ve ever expected. I went into this book thinking it would go a certain way and boy was I COMPLETELY wrong. And to my surprise, the way this book actually panned out was so much better than what I thought I had wanted. I had no clue what was in store. I went in with a million questions hoping to be answered and left with about a million & one more.
The emotional rollercoaster Beth takes you on in her books never ceases to amaze me. And I’m not quite sure what it says about me that I love the pain so much. The fact that she was able to take a character who I loved so much in previous books & made me absolutely hate them in this one was actually mind boggling.
I was emotionally distraught throughout pretty much this entire book yet I never wanted it to end. These characters hold such a huge piece of my heart.
I know it’s only March, but I’m calling it now. This WILL BE my top read of 2025. My heart physically hurts & I’ll need no less than a full week to recover. But I’m absolutely ready for what’s to come.
Thank you so much to EL Stevens for the ARC🧡
*This is NOT a standalone — you will need to read the other books in the series to understand what’s going on. I highly recommend this entire series. CHECK TW’s before diving in — lots of extremely heavy topics are discussed*
- Small Town - Marriage of Convenience - Found Family - Broken Hero - Hurt/Comfort
Five million stars! This series is EVERYTHING. Beth has a way of writing real and raw and messy characters. This book is no exception. Soooo emotive and angsty. This is the reason we read! For stories like this one. Obsessed
This book was hard for me to read at the beginning. In the emotional way. It was heavy. Messy. But so good. Sometimes we need to see the heavy stuff so we can have true empathy for others, ignorance isn’t always bliss.
This story, in true Beth fashion, was a rollercoaster and I was just along for the ride. It didn’t go in the direction that I expected, at all, and I loved that. I liked characters that I didn’t think I’d like, and completely fell in love with side characters that I’m hoping to see more of in later books. It was full of heartbreak, angst, drama, and intrigue.
I still have so many questions, just like everyone else who got the privilege to read Alexander already, and I can’t wait to see where Beth takes it!
What to expect: 💗 the unexpected 💗 a wild ride 💗 angst 💗 leaking eyeballs, probably
*This is not a standalone. Begin this story with book 1 (Georgia).
I am having a hard time with my feelings with this book. In some regard, I have alot of emotions and that’s a good thing when reading a book. But at the same time, I’m just unhappy and sad. I don’t know where next book will go.
I feel unhappy at the Jess hate. I don’t get it? I don’t think we are reading the same book. We are all flawed beings especially the MMC. Did we forget Alex and Jess in past book. At this point I’m not sure if this was the authors intent. And if it is, I truly feel confused . Why was Jess brought out to show she’s still in love with Alex if they aren’t getting a reconciliation. And how will the author do this? All I see is so much Emma and Alex scenes that I wonder if it can be even done. Alex and Jess as couple was destroyed for me and even Jess character. It’s like you can love Emma without bashing Jess. Did we forget Emma and Blanks and their relationship and how she fantasies about him? Or the possible ending? I’m just over this.
I can’t forget the book before this (June) and the deep love Jess and Alex had for one another . For me Emma was great, I just didn’t see her with Alex. Emma to me was amazing with Blanks. So I dunno where the author will go. I really hope we get some reconciliation for Alex and Jess. Otherwise, a lot of things in June just don’t add up after reading this book. It’ll be the greatest series or the worst for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I needed some time to marinate on what I wanted to say about this book. It was one I was highly anticipating, specifically because of how June ended. That being said, I went into this book team Alex and Jess and left team Jess.
I understand this is a story following Alex but in order to fully accept this story and everything we are being told, we need to forget the story of June. Alex is a man plagued by his past and life choices up until this point. He has experienced a lot of hardship and in turn has lashed out at those closest to him in order to cope. Specifically, in order to fully push Jess away, he married Emma. (Emma is the FMC of this story) Marrying Emma was his way of permanently severing his connection to Jess because he did not know how to properly communicate.
I had trouble reconciling the version of Alex we are being shown in this book with the one deeply in love with Jess in the previous book. It was a complete 180 and not in a good way. Also, if Jess is truly happy and in love with Damian (her husband), this book did not do a good job at portraying that. As a reader, I find it difficult to believe Jess truly got her HEA. And I have seen many reviews bashing Jess which I find to be shocking. The threshold for being flawed is somehow greater for Alex than it is for Jess. This is disappointing because in comparison, Jess is very much innocent. I’m not sure what the purpose of the book June was if this book leads the reader to dislike Jess. At this point it just seems as though Jess was used for the purpose of added plot to persuade the reader to switch their support from Alex and Jess to Alex and Emma.
Either way, this book left a bad taste in my mouth and my dislike for Alex greater. I don’t think I will continue the series. This book left my trust in the author nowhere to be found.
Where do I even start? Saying I loved this book feels like an understatement.
This was an unexpected roller coaster of a ride—angsty, heartbreaking, sexy, and filled with so much tension that I wanted to scream. Beth has this incredible way of keeping you on the edge of your seat, and she did not hold back.
Some thoughts that immediately come to mind: • Sassy FMC • Lust, heartbreak, and so much tension • Miscommunication that makes you want to gouge your eyes out—but somehow, it always makes sense • WHAT THE HECKKKKKKK!!!!!! • Hot. As. Fck. • I want to be Emma • Did not see that coming
And speaking of things I didn’t see coming… why do I suddenly hate Jess and Damian? How did Mathias win me over? What kind of sorcery is this?!
Reading this felt like stepping into a whole new series, even though we already knew most of the characters. It was fresh, unpredictable, and so well done.
And that ending?!?!?!? I need the next book immediately.
Alexander, you silly, amazing, hot, pain-in-my-butt, broken man—I adore you.
Beth has such a way of keeping you on the edge of your seat time and time again. I love her writing so much.
Everyone who has read the first three Spearhead Lake books knows there's really only one thing you can expect from an E.L. Stevens' story, and that's the unexpected. Book 4 definitely delivers on that in every way. This book has our favorite MMC, Alex, GOING THROUGH IT, and we see him and his struggles through the eyes of the only people that are close to him. The writing and points of view had me questioning so many things from June, and I ended up wanting nothing more for Alex than for him to find happiness and what was right for him - no matter what form that took. That's 100% credit to E.L. Stevens' writing and the amazing story she weaves for Alex and the other characters in this book. This is NOT a surface level bubblegum romance. Alexander's story is full-throttle emotional depth, complex, frustrating, messy and flawed - just like him. The writing and story are classic Spearhead - maybe even Spearhead on steroids - because these characters are real - they struggle with their pasts, with navigating life and finding (or failing to find) the right choices, and with their friendships and relationships. She has you second guessing everything right from chapter one and dying for more the entire time. I was lucky enough to beta read Alexander and I had a heavy book hangover after this read. I'm so ready for it to be live so I can discuss it with everyone. I can't wait for book five!
Is it weird to say I loved AND hated every minute of this?
I’m a fiercely loyal person, both in real life and to book characters, but this one made me flip top back and forth with all of the characters. (Well, all but Blanks and Constantine. They were PERFECTION.)
I even had to go back to June and reread parts because I think this book made me gaslight myself?!?
I will be 100% honest when I say I didn’t think I’d enjoy this book. I was WRONG.
There was a lot going on. There was so much drama. So much heartbreak. But I ate it up in one sitting practically. I feel like I’m extremely attached to Alex’s character & I want nothing but love and happiness for this broken man 🥺 He deserves it.
There were questionable things that occurred that I can’t give away without spoilers, but I will say they really pissed me off. I really can’t put into words how much I’ve come to dislike a character from a past book in this one, but here we are. No thanks. Goodbye miss ma’am 👋
Now Emma. This woman was an angel & she deserves all the good things in life. Her patience and kindness towards others despite her own trauma was really heartwarming. She’s exactly the kind of love this man needed.
Blanks. Lord I’m so obsessed with him and I truly have zero negatives to say. He deserves the world too.
That ending….. well I just don’t even know. I feel like I need alcohol at this point to cope 😅😅
I’m curious what’s going to happen in the next & final book to tie this series up. I truly have no clue because 9/10 times I’ll be wrong when it comes to this series haha
Was so disappointed and I’m still annoyed now after finishing days ago. Emma and blanks are perfect for each other. Alex was an asshole in this and Emma was too much of a pushover! Won’t be finishing this series either. I should have left it at June. Alex and Jess are end game for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I 1000% do not recommend this book. Since this book only came out 2 days ago, I assume all these 5 star reviews are ARC reviewers that feel as though they have to give a high rating.
This book was just as poorly written as book 3 was. The MMC was repeating the same things over and over that he already had with his previous relationships (he has to do something unforgivable so that the FMC will hate him and leave). It felt very childish and not enjoyable at all. Way too much unnecessary drama (and I love drama!!). This whole series has been a waste of time. I will not be continuing on with this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
♾️⭐️ series! if you have not yet started this series, what are you waiting for! just finished and omg!!! So many emotions! So many questions!!! Main one being: how long do I have to wait for the next book?!? I need a few hours to process!!
UPDATE: This book is a true roller coaster of emotions—packed with angst, unexpected turns, and powerful character development. Just when you think you understand where the story is headed, Beth challenges your expectations, making you question everything you assumed about the characters and their fates.
This book definitely did not go the way I thought it would or wanted it to go, nevertheless it was amazing. The depth of emotion in Alexander is remarkable. It doesn’t just tell a story; it makes you feel pain, love, loss, and hope (for my girl! iykyk).
If you love thought-provoking, emotionally charged reads that stay with you long after you turn the last page, this book and series is a must-read!!!
I knew from the instagram teases this book wasn’t going to go the way I hoped - I was team Jess and Alex all the way !! But after reading Alexander - I’m just team Jess. She deserved so much better. I just couldn’t like Emma enough to want a hea for her (with Alex) - and Alex just plain frustrated me. I need to go back and re-read June again as nothing is as it seemed (even the Alex pov chapters it seems)
Such a Great book though and will constantly checking for updates on book 5 after that ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If I can give it 10stars I would. Everyone that has ever read her other books in this series knows the emotional roller coasters that is spearhead lakes.
Alex - omg I hurt so deep in my heart for you. Deep in my core. I wish I could just hold you and shake you and slap some sense into you and just scream SHE LOVES YOU WITH HER ENTIRE MIND BODY AND SOUL U BIG IDIOT !
Em- you my sweet child are so kind love and caring. The way you love him, care for him. Handle and maneuver him and forgive him. God the strength you have is empowering! I wish I had even an oz of ur strength in myself.
Beautiful- GUT WRENCHING- HEART BREAKING - soul crushing - hopeful - lustful … it’s everything and more… And this big reveal 🫣 I cnt wait for the nxt one…
Do I think the Spearhead Lakes series can emotionally control me, destroy me and piece me back together anymore than it already has?
E.L. Stevens is a literary genius and boy do I enjoy the trauma she imposes on my heart and brain. If you love a book that absolutely makes you hurt, but secretly or not so secretly love it?
Then this series is for you.
I recently finished my ARC read of Alexander; the fourth book in the Spearhead Lake Series and god I have no notes, just a spirally brain with endless theories and tears.
I went into this book thinking I would absolutely despise our FMC Emma who we briefly met at the end of June (book 3). But boy oh boy was I wrong in so many ways. From the first chapter you can’t help but fall in love with this girl and her own traumatic background. Like WTF BETH?!
Beth you will be hearing for my therapist…
🖤 Marriage of convenience 🤍 Love triangles 🖤 Angst & Tension 🤍 Small towns 🖤 Emotional damage 🤍 Wounded MMC 🖤 Found family
Please note this is the fourth book in the series and need to read Georgia, Constantine & June prior.
So buckle up and buckle in for a WILD ROLLERCOASTER OF EMOTIONS 😭
Small town romance Marriage of convenience Broken MMC
Have I read this 2 in less than 2 weeks? Yes and honestly I’m tempted to a 3rd time.
the depth to these characters is unmatched. It’s evident how much time & detail Beth puts into these characters.
only Beth could make me love tropes & characters that I wouldn’t typically gravitate towards.
Alexander is such a character I feel like we have barely tapped into the surface of. His grief and pain are evident in his choices made. I simply want healing for this man. And I’m so happy he has someone like Constantine in his life to redirect him when he is heading down a dark path.
& my sweet emmaline! Before starting this book I was so dead set that I wouldn’t love her. And wow I was blown away with her character. Again I think this is why Beth’s writing is just so unique. She gives her characters & situations so much depth and at some point I have loved every character in her books…. Well except Gina 🤣🤣🤣 Emma is the sweetest soul and if you would have asked me prior to reading Alexander I would have said she doesn’t belong with Alexander. My heart truly felt like Jess and Alex were made for each other. but I have had a change of heart and now i deeply believe that Emma is the one for Alex 🥹💖.
Man this one hurt so good and I loved every minute of it. Beth’s writing is unmatched and I just adore this world and her characters so much!!!
Thank you so much Beth for the eARC!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
WHY BETH WHY. Why do we keep letting you hurt our feelings like that?!?!
In all seriousness, I absolutely love Beth’s writing style and the amount of tension & emotion & angst she puts into her books. Nothing and no one is perfect and that’s real life. I felt ALL the emotions reading Alexander & dear god after that cliffhanger I need the next book in my hands asap!!! I laughed, I cried, I swooned & I definitely wanted to throw my kindle a time of two. Will I be coming back for more?! YEP. Every time.
To summarize: you will experience pain & suffering. But you’re gonna be happy about it. 😅
🤍 healing after trauma 💍 marriage of convenience ❤️🔥broken love & broken people 🫠 wounded mmc 🏡 small town 🥵 spicy spice 👏🏻 age gap 🤭love triangle(s)
Thank you @e.l.stevens for this early review copy! If you haven’t read this series yet, what are you even doing?!?
♾️⭐️!! Wow….just…wow! Alexander, just like the rest of the series, is a rollercoaster of emotions. Beth has the ability to write these amazing characters that are flawed & messy but you are still rooting for them. This book is hands down my favorite in the series. I was immediately hooked in the first chapter and I couldn’t put it down until I finished. So much happened that I’m still wrapping my head around but I loved it so much! You get to know Alexander so much more. He has gone through so much trauma and tragedy in his life. I loved getting his perspective on some things that happened earlier in June also. Beth did an amazing job intertwining all the different POVs and timelines between June & Alexander. It answered so many questions but also gave me so many more. I’m ready for Emma’s book so I can get even more questions answered!
Alexander | E.L. Stevens | Book 4 in the Spearhead Lake Series | 3•20•2025 ✨Marriage of convenience ✨Friends to lovers to enemies ✨Wounded MMC ✨Redemption (probably not what you think )
I’ve really had to sit in my feelings of this book to be able to write a review about it. This book was one of my most anticipated reads of this year and I was left so disappointed at the end of it. Now I may have some bias as Jess is one of my favorite characters in this series. The way she is villainized this book when both her and Alex made a mistake left me feeling angry and frustrated throughout this book. She deserved more in the same fashion that Emma does. Now much like the other books in this series we were taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions however the trajectory of this story really makes me question the purpose of everything in the book June as the characters just don’t align. I found Alex’s character to be completely unredeemable and while Emma was nice and seems to have overcome her trauma in a positive way that helps Alex there wasn’t much of her character that enthralled me. If it weren’t for the cliffhanger at the end I can’t say that I would continue reading this series. At this point I’m really rooting for these characters to find their HEA away from each other. This book certainly brings on all the feels but not in a way I think I could recommend.
ARC Review: Alexander Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
What a mind f*ck! One thing you know you’re going to get with the Spearhead Lake series is a whole lot of angst. Alexander definitely lived up to that expectation, plus more. My emotions were a roller coaster the entire time and I could NOT put this book down. I loved the FMC, Emma, a lot more than I thought I would. She proved herself to be strong and capable despite her circumstances.
This series must be read in order! If you’re a fan of Magnolia Parks and The Favorites or anything else that causes anxiety and angst and is messy….read this!
If you’re expecting rainbows and butterflies, this ain’t it. I love how different this series is than anything else I’ve read!
Let me start off by saying I loved her first 2 books in the series. June gutted me so I was excited to finally see Alex have closure. Unfortunately, there was no closure at all. I genuinely hate Alex now. He kept doing the same thing over and over. He was the problem. There was such a great opportunity to him to grow and heal. But it never happened. I love Emma though, but I wish she wasn’t a pushover. Emma deserves to be happy and find love on her own. So I have hope that she finally has a happy ending next book. Blanks was the star of the book, that was the only redeeming quality of this book. Don’t go into it expecting closure or you will be sorely disappointed.
Alexander absolutely wrecked me in the best way. I am obsessed with these people and this world she’s created. They are so deeply flawed, and I love that these books don’t shy away from the messy, complicated parts of life. The angst? Top notch, through the roof, level 10 (because, let’s be real, what Stevens book isn’t?), and my mind is still reeling, trying to piece everything together.
Beth is a master at crafting characters that feel real, and Emma? I adore her. I think so many of us can see parts of ourselves in her. She and Alexander are both so broken, and their story is just a rollercoaster ride. They both have so much depth!! And my man Constantine always coming through 😭wahhhhhh. Blanks was an added bonus I didn’t know I needed! I can’t wait to find out more! Where is she taking these characters? Where is she taking this story? I don’t know but I’m 100% here for every twist and turn the ride has to offer.
I seriously got mad every time I had to set this book down. I inhaled it. Stevens is a creative (and slightly evil) genius, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Already counting down the days until book 5!
Top read of 2025!! Love is messy but oh so worth the ride!!
Infinite Stars!!!!
I don't even know where to begin to review this book. I am still staring at the wall!! If you have not jumped into the Spearhead Lake world than my question to you is WHY NOT?? E.L Stevens has created a world where the loyalties are fierce, family is loved, friendships are true and hearts break and mend. She has created a set of characters that you as a reader can relate to and see yourself in them. She writes about real life love, loss, failures, tragedies, triumphs, fears and hopes. Alexander is the 4th book in the series, you MUST read Georgia, Constantine, and June before diving into Alexander. It CANNOT be read has a standalone. What makes E.L. Stevens so masterful is all the characters are interconnected, and all the books are from different character viewpoints.
Alexander, I don't even know where to start..He is a broken man but oh how he draws you in. You will first meet him in Georgia, and you slowly begin to learn about his past. In June the 3rd book you really dive in and get to see who he is and what made him the way he is. He is a man tormented by his past and present. By the end of book 3 you the reader are left starring into space for days or if you are like me, you throw the book across the room and sob.
Alexander starts out with a punch to the gut and the roller coaster of emotions the reader goes on is just brilliant. Stevens is a master of twist and turns, laughs and tears. She brings you to the highest of highs and then there is the sudden drop that leaves you screaming and when you think it is over...it isn't.
Life is messy, love is messy but oh boy does it hurt so good!! Highly recommend this book and the entire series!!!!
Each book in this series gets better - and more painful. I don’t know how Beth does it, but I feel the searing emotional trauma with these characters …but I also feel their joy, their relief, their acceptance.
Alex is such a broken, tortured hero - and he meets Emma at exactly the right time. These two embark on a new life together and we think that maybe finally, Alex has found his happy ending. Emma is now my favorite character in the Spearhead Lake universe and that’s really saying something after the end of June.
Leave it to Beth to take us on a rollercoaster ride and leave us constantly guessing. Alex’s best friend, Blanks, play a large part in this book, Jess makes an appearance and there’s the twist of all twists at the end of the book. Cliffy of the century. I can’t read any quote, see any edit on IG, or think about this series and these characters without wanting to cry. Happy and sad tears. If you’re into hurting your own feelings and navigating emotional trauma, these books are for you. Bravo on another banger, Beth!
Honestly two weeks later and I’m still thinking about this book and these characters. I refer to Beth’s books as getting on the tilt a wheel but never being let off!! From the minute you open the book until the second you close it you are on the wildest, raw, emotional, beautiful and heartbreaking ride!! I don’t know how she does it but she does it every. single. time. She has a way with words and storytelling that isn’t like any other and that’s what keeps us coming back for more, even through the hurt!
I can’t say much about the story because spoilers but just know these beautifully flawed characters have so much to tell and I can’t wait to see where all of their stories fall🖤
*Alexander is book four of a series where you MUST read in order. Check out Georgia, Constantine and June!
Marriage of Convenience | wounded mmc small town | found family | emotional
“I miss you with every fiber of my being, ****. I miss you while you lie beside me because I know you’re not mine. But I don’t hate that I miss you; sometimes missing you is the only thing that reminds me I’m still alive.”
My favorite in the entire series so far! Emotional and magnetic. A non stop rollercoaster of emotions & beth knows how to write such depth in all of her characters that you are still thinking of them long after reading! Flawed and messy people but leaves you thinking about love, forgiveness, how trauma largely plays a role in how we love others (sometimes not always in the right way) & how everything might not always be how it seems…
I’m so conflicted! I wanted to love Alex so much but holy hell is he ever a self sabotaging loof!!! I really don’t even know how to review this book yet… I have more questions than answers!! And take note. It’s a total cliffhanger of a dumpster fire!!! But the one you can’t look away from. The writing was great, don’t get me wrong there. Just holy smokes the characters themselves seek regular counselling thank goodness! I mean. Except Emma. And she is truly a saint as of this point!
If you have invested in book 1-3 of spearhead lakes. You can’t turn back now!!!!