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Ly to Me
Lyra
Survival is what I know.
Before my mama left, she made it clear—you want something in life, a man can usually be used long enough to get it.
Ten years ago, I let that concept slip through my fingers.
Meeting Carver Roland changed my thinking.
Until the night I left.
Now that I’m back, he’s turned into nothing short of a monster. A beautiful devil disguised in tattoos and cowboy boots.
He promises to make me wish I’d never come back to Alliston Springs.
I didn’t want his attention all those years ago, but it seems like he’s been plotting for my return.
And I’m falling into his trap once again.
Carver
Ten years ago, my life got flipped upside-down.
It all started with a girl—Lyra Thomas.
There weren’t many good things known about her by anyone in Alliston Springs.
Showing them to me was her first deception.
Now, she’s returned, and my brain can’t stop thinking of all the ways I can use that to my advantage before I force her the hell back out.
She may have known the boy she left, but she’s not ready for the man I became.
I want the truth. I want to know the reason for my demise.
And giving her thirty days and a new title should be all I need to drag it out of her.
Survival is what I know.
Before my mama left, she made it clear—you want something in life, a man can usually be used long enough to get it.
Ten years ago, I let that concept slip through my fingers.
Meeting Carver Roland changed my thinking.
Until the night I left.
Now that I’m back, he’s turned into nothing short of a monster. A beautiful devil disguised in tattoos and cowboy boots.
He promises to make me wish I’d never come back to Alliston Springs.
I didn’t want his attention all those years ago, but it seems like he’s been plotting for my return.
And I’m falling into his trap once again.
Carver
Ten years ago, my life got flipped upside-down.
It all started with a girl—Lyra Thomas.
There weren’t many good things known about her by anyone in Alliston Springs.
Showing them to me was her first deception.
Now, she’s returned, and my brain can’t stop thinking of all the ways I can use that to my advantage before I force her the hell back out.
She may have known the boy she left, but she’s not ready for the man I became.
I want the truth. I want to know the reason for my demise.
And giving her thirty days and a new title should be all I need to drag it out of her.
500 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2025
129 people are currently reading
620 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
June 27, 2025
So, I don't usually go for dark romance. But there is something about a book from ES Portman that gets me hooked. And Carver, he had me in all my feels. What a man who you can love and hate at the same time. Lyra as well as one of those friends who you want to do good but at the same, she isn't cooperating lol these 2 are walking red flags but their relationships work very well. Really enjoyed this book. Recommended for sure.
July 17, 2025
ES Portman hit it out of the park !!
This is a COUNTRY dark romance not cowboy … just fyi
Lyra heads back to her home town after ten years and runs into her ex Carver… he strikes up a bet with her for a fake narrator for 30 days so he can get his inheritance. Now all the secrets from the part are coming to light
This is a COUNTRY dark romance not cowboy … just fyi
Lyra heads back to her home town after ten years and runs into her ex Carver… he strikes up a bet with her for a fake narrator for 30 days so he can get his inheritance. Now all the secrets from the part are coming to light
August 26, 2025
♦️That laugh was all I needed to know that she was the only one I wanted in this world. As long as Lyra Roland was by my side, I’d feel whole. As long as I had her, I needed nothing else. I was hers, and she was mine—just like it should’ve always been. She was my entire world, and for once, I had my world right where it should’ve always been— Home.♦️
i love love loveeee this book it took me out of my reading slump.
after 10 years leaving everything behind
Lyra decided to come back to Alliston
and guess who still lives there ?! Carver Roland her first and only lover
Carver is amazing at first i thought he's an asshole, a walking red flag but nopeee he's perfect i fell in love with him obviously😂🔥🌶️
wonder if Grant and Sophia will have their own book
i love love loveeee this book it took me out of my reading slump.
after 10 years leaving everything behind
Lyra decided to come back to Alliston
and guess who still lives there ?! Carver Roland her first and only lover
Carver is amazing at first i thought he's an asshole, a walking red flag but nopeee he's perfect i fell in love with him obviously😂🔥🌶️
wonder if Grant and Sophia will have their own book
July 26, 2025
Ly To Me by E.S. Portman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
This one’s dark, spicy, and full of bite. 😈🔥
The FMC is a total badass, and the MMC? Dangerously attractive—with a whole lot of metal… and I mean piercings, not playlists. 😉🧷
The story kept me hooked with its intensity, solid pacing, and just the right amount of unpredictability. The dynamic between the main characters swings from laugh-out-loud funny to why-is-it-so-hot-in-here kind of intense.
Loved it. Huge thanks to the author for the ARC!
⸻
Ly To Me de E.S. Portman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
Un roman dark, spicy, et plein de piquant. 😈🔥
La FMC est une badass assumée, et le MMC ? Dangereusement attirant… avec pas mal de métal… et je parle de piercings, pas de musique. 😉🧷
L’histoire est bien rythmée, intense, et pas trop prévisible. Et la dynamique entre les deux personnages principaux ? Un mélange parfait entre moments hilarants et scènes qui te donnent chaud pour de vrai.
Bref, j’ai adoré. Merci à l’autrice pour la copie ARC !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
This one’s dark, spicy, and full of bite. 😈🔥
The FMC is a total badass, and the MMC? Dangerously attractive—with a whole lot of metal… and I mean piercings, not playlists. 😉🧷
The story kept me hooked with its intensity, solid pacing, and just the right amount of unpredictability. The dynamic between the main characters swings from laugh-out-loud funny to why-is-it-so-hot-in-here kind of intense.
Loved it. Huge thanks to the author for the ARC!
⸻
Ly To Me de E.S. Portman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
Un roman dark, spicy, et plein de piquant. 😈🔥
La FMC est une badass assumée, et le MMC ? Dangereusement attirant… avec pas mal de métal… et je parle de piercings, pas de musique. 😉🧷
L’histoire est bien rythmée, intense, et pas trop prévisible. Et la dynamique entre les deux personnages principaux ? Un mélange parfait entre moments hilarants et scènes qui te donnent chaud pour de vrai.
Bref, j’ai adoré. Merci à l’autrice pour la copie ARC !
July 27, 2025
I absolutely loved this!
I don’t have much experience with reading dark country romance, but after Ly to Me, that might just change.
The story of Ly and Carver had me hooked from the very first page, and with every chapter, I was eagerly waiting to get more glimpses into their past. That’s what I fell in love with first – how it all began, all those sweet moments, watching their relationship grow and shift with every choice they made.
And then came the present timeline, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.
I honestly don’t have a single bad thing to say about this book. The chemistry between the main characters? Phenomenal.
The side characters? I need more of them, please!
And the spicy scenes? So well written – hot as hell!
I loved the way the author captured both the tender and the traumatic moments, and I’m beyond excited to see where this series goes next.
I don’t have much experience with reading dark country romance, but after Ly to Me, that might just change.
The story of Ly and Carver had me hooked from the very first page, and with every chapter, I was eagerly waiting to get more glimpses into their past. That’s what I fell in love with first – how it all began, all those sweet moments, watching their relationship grow and shift with every choice they made.
And then came the present timeline, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.
I honestly don’t have a single bad thing to say about this book. The chemistry between the main characters? Phenomenal.
The side characters? I need more of them, please!
And the spicy scenes? So well written – hot as hell!
I loved the way the author captured both the tender and the traumatic moments, and I’m beyond excited to see where this series goes next.
August 1, 2025
From the moment they met there was an undeniable connection. Lyra and Carver were meant to be- and they were also meant to go through some messed up stuff... This is a story about second chances and true love but trust none of it comes easily.
This book was fun. The spice was great and I adored this couple so much. It felt longer than necessary and the timeline jumps and reveal were drawn out a bit too far. I would have liked it to be condensed with a bigger payoff. There were also a couple story points that were not fully fleshed out imo. With that said I read this book in 2 days. The banter, spice, and setting were throughly entertaining and I’ll absolutely be reading more from this world. There are several scenes I’ll be thinking about forever 😮💨🫠
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book was fun. The spice was great and I adored this couple so much. It felt longer than necessary and the timeline jumps and reveal were drawn out a bit too far. I would have liked it to be condensed with a bigger payoff. There were also a couple story points that were not fully fleshed out imo. With that said I read this book in 2 days. The banter, spice, and setting were throughly entertaining and I’ll absolutely be reading more from this world. There are several scenes I’ll be thinking about forever 😮💨🫠
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 4, 2025
A dark cowboy romance? Idk about that. Personally I don’t think a man that owns a 100,000 acre pot plant should be considered a cowboy just because he wears a cowboy hat and rides a horse around the plant. This book wasn’t really my cup of tea but I’ll try anything. Made me really sad because when it was advertised as a dark cowboy romance I was really interested. But I feel like it was poorly advertised. Read the Content Warnings at the beginning. Please!
With all that being said, let me talk about the specifics of this book. First of all the characters. Lyra and Carver are the most infamous red flags I have ever read about and I cannot read these characters without wishing them absolute hell of a life. I understand there was trauma and whatever in their lives but they are really not good people and I don’t care to witness their happily ever after.
The plot. Was so slow. I understand that this was labeled a dark romance so most of it was going to be smutty but seriously I don’t even think the plot even mattered to the book which I just can’t get behind either.
The author’s writing is really well done which is the only thing that kept me going with the book. She does have a talent! I just think that two grumpy black cats in a relationship is not fun. All personal opinion.
With all that being said, let me talk about the specifics of this book. First of all the characters. Lyra and Carver are the most infamous red flags I have ever read about and I cannot read these characters without wishing them absolute hell of a life. I understand there was trauma and whatever in their lives but they are really not good people and I don’t care to witness their happily ever after.
The plot. Was so slow. I understand that this was labeled a dark romance so most of it was going to be smutty but seriously I don’t even think the plot even mattered to the book which I just can’t get behind either.
The author’s writing is really well done which is the only thing that kept me going with the book. She does have a talent! I just think that two grumpy black cats in a relationship is not fun. All personal opinion.
July 2, 2025
I had the privilege of being a BETA and ARC reader for this book and it blew me away. When a book can have me feeling such strong emotions about the characters and their story it’s an automatic five star read. The dual POV and dual timeline kept me invested from start to finish. Totally recommend this book but check the trigger menu as this is a dark romance book.
Let’s talk characters!
Lyra, our FMC. I loved her sass, DGAF, let’s just light it on fire attitude. Out of the two main characters she definitely had the most growth in regard to breaking down walls she built from her past trauma. And though Lyra can lie, she never tries to be like anyone else but Lyra.
Now Carver, he can see through every one of Lyra’s lies. He has no problem telling anyone how it is and has no problem getting physical if he has to in order to get his point across. Did I like him right out the gate? No. BUT by chapter 16 his red flags were pink and I was rooting for him and Lyra. His ability to communicate and his desire to truly listen to Lyra and understand where she was coming from in her words and actions was so sexy. This was my number 1 favorite thing about him.
Let’s talk story!
With two timelines we get the past which is how our two main characters meet and how they fall apart. While the present has our MCs coming together and having to confront their past head on. The bounce between timelines kept me guessing as to why Lyra and Carver hate each other and how/if they would resolve their issues. I’ve read books with flash backs but this is a full blown deep dive in to the past which made me more emotionally attached to the characters especially Lyra. There is a bit of a miscommunication trope, and though it can be one of the most frustrations to read it works SO WELL for this book. As I read Lyra’s past and saw how her life has played out it totally made sense why certain topics or events were not discussed immediately.
Let’s talk spice!
It’s spicy. I had at least 2 chapters where I could hear my heart beat in my ears. I was sweating. My blood pressure jumped up. And I had to put the book down at the end of the chapter because I needed to come down from the high.
Let’s talk series!
This is book 1 of the Alliston Springs series. From the mention of the side characters throughout the book Carver’s friends, Hayes and Grant, will be our MMC in the other 2 books. Will 100% be reading these!
Let’s talk characters!
Lyra, our FMC. I loved her sass, DGAF, let’s just light it on fire attitude. Out of the two main characters she definitely had the most growth in regard to breaking down walls she built from her past trauma. And though Lyra can lie, she never tries to be like anyone else but Lyra.
Now Carver, he can see through every one of Lyra’s lies. He has no problem telling anyone how it is and has no problem getting physical if he has to in order to get his point across. Did I like him right out the gate? No. BUT by chapter 16 his red flags were pink and I was rooting for him and Lyra. His ability to communicate and his desire to truly listen to Lyra and understand where she was coming from in her words and actions was so sexy. This was my number 1 favorite thing about him.
Let’s talk story!
With two timelines we get the past which is how our two main characters meet and how they fall apart. While the present has our MCs coming together and having to confront their past head on. The bounce between timelines kept me guessing as to why Lyra and Carver hate each other and how/if they would resolve their issues. I’ve read books with flash backs but this is a full blown deep dive in to the past which made me more emotionally attached to the characters especially Lyra. There is a bit of a miscommunication trope, and though it can be one of the most frustrations to read it works SO WELL for this book. As I read Lyra’s past and saw how her life has played out it totally made sense why certain topics or events were not discussed immediately.
Let’s talk spice!
It’s spicy. I had at least 2 chapters where I could hear my heart beat in my ears. I was sweating. My blood pressure jumped up. And I had to put the book down at the end of the chapter because I needed to come down from the high.
Let’s talk series!
This is book 1 of the Alliston Springs series. From the mention of the side characters throughout the book Carver’s friends, Hayes and Grant, will be our MMC in the other 2 books. Will 100% be reading these!
July 2, 2025
This was my first (dark) country romance and definitely not my last!
I don't think we can call it a cowboy romance cause the MMC is not really a cowboy, but he is a weed farmer, southern and wears cowboy boots so... tomayto tomahto? (btw thank you for that new kink Elsa! I thought I hadn't any left to unlock but here we are adding cowboy boots and horse reins to my list!)
I ate this book up! I absolutely loved Lyra! Her sassiness was everything! The banter between her and Carver was amazing and had me chuckling multiple times! And the way he stayed so calm against her feistiness was swoonworthy!
Though he definitely was an asshole and I would have the same reactions as Lyra, there's just something about a man asserting dominance in that kind of way that is super sexy.
I also loved the dual timeline. It really added another dimension, making you relive there history with them instead of just "hearing" about it. It lets you learn about them and their character developement from a whole different angle.
We go back and forth between ten years ago and now. Between before Lyra just left Carver without a word and when she comes back ten years later. Lyra is not who she is trying to come off as and Carver can see right through her but hasn't quite been able to get her secrets out. Not to mention him having his own secrets too.
Of course the answer to that problem is a marriage contract, a little hate f*cking and bondage or at least in Carvers mind and I loved every minute of it!
Who can blame him when it works and the spice is spicing!
For me the butterflies were really the cherry on top. Butterflies are special to me and them being special to Lyra too was amazing to read.
Can't wait to have the physical copy as a trophy on my shelves!
I don't think we can call it a cowboy romance cause the MMC is not really a cowboy, but he is a weed farmer, southern and wears cowboy boots so... tomayto tomahto? (btw thank you for that new kink Elsa! I thought I hadn't any left to unlock but here we are adding cowboy boots and horse reins to my list!)
I ate this book up! I absolutely loved Lyra! Her sassiness was everything! The banter between her and Carver was amazing and had me chuckling multiple times! And the way he stayed so calm against her feistiness was swoonworthy!
Though he definitely was an asshole and I would have the same reactions as Lyra, there's just something about a man asserting dominance in that kind of way that is super sexy.
I also loved the dual timeline. It really added another dimension, making you relive there history with them instead of just "hearing" about it. It lets you learn about them and their character developement from a whole different angle.
We go back and forth between ten years ago and now. Between before Lyra just left Carver without a word and when she comes back ten years later. Lyra is not who she is trying to come off as and Carver can see right through her but hasn't quite been able to get her secrets out. Not to mention him having his own secrets too.
Of course the answer to that problem is a marriage contract, a little hate f*cking and bondage or at least in Carvers mind and I loved every minute of it!
Who can blame him when it works and the spice is spicing!
For me the butterflies were really the cherry on top. Butterflies are special to me and them being special to Lyra too was amazing to read.
Can't wait to have the physical copy as a trophy on my shelves!
July 7, 2025
Ly to Me is book 1 in the Devils of Alliston Springs series’s by E.S. Portman. This is a dark country romance with a with a sassy/fiery FMC and an OTT revenge driven MMC. And… oh my goodness, from the first page till the very last, you are pulled into our MCs 10yr history… So much angst, drama, banter, fire & off the charts spice! You’ll laugh, cry, roll your eyes, swoon and probably blush!
With 2 timelines, with the past, you get how they met, fell in love and how it all came crashing dow. With the present, we see how they are confronting & dealing with that past. Both are hurt. The stuff they went through causes your heart to hurt and I was literally rooting for their HEAs.
𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤/𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙚 = Carver Roland and Lyla Thomas
𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 = No
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚 = Yes
𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙚(𝙨) = Dark Romance • Second Chance • Enemies to Lovers • Small Town • High School Sweethearts • Touch her & d!e • Obsessive/possessive/dominant MMC • Alternating bw past & present • Bully / Revenge • Marriage of.. “Convenience”? • Dual POVs • Hard fought but well earned HEA.
𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨 = Language • Explicit Sexual Scenes (I.e.
Dub-Con, hand necklaces, Bondage & Restraints, Knife play, Primal Play, Leashing of the FMC by the MMC, etc.) • Drug Use & Sales • Physical Violence/Fighting • Retelling of Sexual Harassment & Sexual Assault (mildly described) • Parental Death • and a lot more!!
Content Warnings are listed in the book and on the author's website. It is suggested to check the warnings before reading.
𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 = 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With 2 timelines, with the past, you get how they met, fell in love and how it all came crashing dow. With the present, we see how they are confronting & dealing with that past. Both are hurt. The stuff they went through causes your heart to hurt and I was literally rooting for their HEAs.
𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤/𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙚 = Carver Roland and Lyla Thomas
𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 = No
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚 = Yes
𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙚(𝙨) = Dark Romance • Second Chance • Enemies to Lovers • Small Town • High School Sweethearts • Touch her & d!e • Obsessive/possessive/dominant MMC • Alternating bw past & present • Bully / Revenge • Marriage of.. “Convenience”? • Dual POVs • Hard fought but well earned HEA.
𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨 = Language • Explicit Sexual Scenes (I.e.
Dub-Con, hand necklaces, Bondage & Restraints, Knife play, Primal Play, Leashing of the FMC by the MMC, etc.) • Drug Use & Sales • Physical Violence/Fighting • Retelling of Sexual Harassment & Sexual Assault (mildly described) • Parental Death • and a lot more!!
Content Warnings are listed in the book and on the author's website. It is suggested to check the warnings before reading.
𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 = 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 3, 2025
First of all I want to preface this review to say that this is a DARK COUNTRY ROMANCE not a COWBOY romance so if this is not your cup of tea then move on. That being said, I LOVED this book! I had the wonderful opportunity to BETA read and ARC read this book and it had me in a chokehold from the first page. Carver and Lyra had this instant banter and connection even when they couldn’t stand each other.. snippets of time within the book told the story of how they became who they were today… great banter and wit. Lyra was sassy and fiercely independent. Carver was the type of obsessive that you might balk at BUT it worked for him. He only was that obsessive with HER. There were moments that made me melt, moments that made me sigh and moments that made me cry with these two.. I can’t wait to see more of this series from Elsa! Bravo!
July 30, 2025
“Neither one of us spoke…our bodies were saying it all..” OH MY HEART! This book pulled me in and never let go. A dark country romance that had it ALL and so much more.
•Marriage Contract
•Touch her and …
•Forced Proximity
•High school sweethearts turned Enemies to lovers
..and the SPICE!! Ooooh the spice! She brought the HEAT on this one! (Check the content warnings) ;)
Lyra and Carver are a force to be reckoned with. Fiery banter and their love/hate relationship kept me hooked and wanting more page after page! They haven’t seen each other in 10 years and the build up between them leads them on a journey back to each other, but not without some hurdles along the way. Beautifully written with flashbacks woven throughout make this a nice paced read that you don’t want to miss out on! I will definitely be picking up more of E. S. Portman’s books.
•Marriage Contract
•Touch her and …
•Forced Proximity
•High school sweethearts turned Enemies to lovers
..and the SPICE!! Ooooh the spice! She brought the HEAT on this one! (Check the content warnings) ;)
Lyra and Carver are a force to be reckoned with. Fiery banter and their love/hate relationship kept me hooked and wanting more page after page! They haven’t seen each other in 10 years and the build up between them leads them on a journey back to each other, but not without some hurdles along the way. Beautifully written with flashbacks woven throughout make this a nice paced read that you don’t want to miss out on! I will definitely be picking up more of E. S. Portman’s books.
July 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ARC READ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have the pleasure of arc reading ly with me and was no disappointed this was the first book I have read of ES Portman and it will not be the last.
The story follows Lyra and Carver and how they went from childhood sweethearts to enemies to husband and wife(in contract). The twists and turns were so good I could not put it down. The spice was spicing the plot was plotting I could not ask for a better story was so good from beginning to end.
Highly recommended 10/10
I have the pleasure of arc reading ly with me and was no disappointed this was the first book I have read of ES Portman and it will not be the last.
The story follows Lyra and Carver and how they went from childhood sweethearts to enemies to husband and wife(in contract). The twists and turns were so good I could not put it down. The spice was spicing the plot was plotting I could not ask for a better story was so good from beginning to end.
Highly recommended 10/10
July 11, 2025
“She was the very core of my existence, the bright light at the end of a dark tunnel, and the smell of sunshine in the air I breathed. She was my everything.” -Carver 🦋
Holy hot hell! I am head over heels for these two. Carver and Lyra are a match made in Feral Heaven! Did Lyra think coming back to a town, she spent years running from, would be easy? Absolutely not. Did she think she would run into the man that hurt her in high school? Fuck no! But once Carver sees Lyra for first time in 10 years, this man is not letting go. This crazy man puts together a marriage contract with promised money. Money that could give Lyra the life she desperately craves. But when old feeling resurface, she’s got decisions that need to be made fast…. The pure chaos of this story was one of the best bully/second chance romances I have ever read. And the SPICE!?! Please check the trigger warnings, but if you are like me LIVE FOR the unhinged OTT obsessive/possessive behavior? You will fall in love faster than Lyra’s smart mouth 🥵
Bully/Second Chance Romance, Forced Marriage, He Falls First and Hard, “it’s always been you”, 1st person POV, dual
Holy hot hell! I am head over heels for these two. Carver and Lyra are a match made in Feral Heaven! Did Lyra think coming back to a town, she spent years running from, would be easy? Absolutely not. Did she think she would run into the man that hurt her in high school? Fuck no! But once Carver sees Lyra for first time in 10 years, this man is not letting go. This crazy man puts together a marriage contract with promised money. Money that could give Lyra the life she desperately craves. But when old feeling resurface, she’s got decisions that need to be made fast…. The pure chaos of this story was one of the best bully/second chance romances I have ever read. And the SPICE!?! Please check the trigger warnings, but if you are like me LIVE FOR the unhinged OTT obsessive/possessive behavior? You will fall in love faster than Lyra’s smart mouth 🥵
Bully/Second Chance Romance, Forced Marriage, He Falls First and Hard, “it’s always been you”, 1st person POV, dual
July 19, 2025
If you have one book to read this year, believe me you want to read this one!
It was my first time reading a book from this author and also my first time reading an ARC.
I’m usually a fast reader but I wanted to take my time reading this one. Glad I did it!
This book follows Lyra Thomas and Carver Roland from their high school sweetheart days to their present days.
The plot was so good and the spicy scenes were well written and they were fitting with the plot. Who doesn’t like a good spicy scene within a good story?
I can guarantee that you will cry, you’ll be mad and you’ll laugh reading this book. And that you’ll not be able to put the book down!
It was my first time reading a book from this author and also my first time reading an ARC.
I’m usually a fast reader but I wanted to take my time reading this one. Glad I did it!
This book follows Lyra Thomas and Carver Roland from their high school sweetheart days to their present days.
The plot was so good and the spicy scenes were well written and they were fitting with the plot. Who doesn’t like a good spicy scene within a good story?
I can guarantee that you will cry, you’ll be mad and you’ll laugh reading this book. And that you’ll not be able to put the book down!
July 31, 2025
I loved how this story started out. I enjoyed the build up of characters and the setting of the scenes and past history to create the story as it unfolded. The grudge that was carried before the contract was struck. I felt like the MMC switched from scorned ex lover to soft hearted obsessed lover a bit too quickly. It went from darkish romance to lovey with no real compelling reason. Then you bounced back into darker areas when her past and reasoning was brought forth. All in all it was a good story, would have loved it to have a bit more lead up but I have recommended to plenty of fellow cliterature club members as it is a nice palette cleanser.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2025
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. Beautiful story line and just enough dark spice to keep the reader fully engaged. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what comes next!!!!!
Read
November 1, 2025dnf at 92%
I know I should have just finished it, but I just didn’t care at all. I find that the spice overpowered the plot. I really had to push through this one and should have dnf it before, but I've always had a hard time not finishing a book.
I think I'm the only one who didn’t enjoy it as much, so maybe it's just a me problem.
I know I should have just finished it, but I just didn’t care at all. I find that the spice overpowered the plot. I really had to push through this one and should have dnf it before, but I've always had a hard time not finishing a book.
I think I'm the only one who didn’t enjoy it as much, so maybe it's just a me problem.
September 7, 2025
3/5 ⭐️ but rounded up since we can rate half stars on here. I struggled through this one unfortunately. I can’t quite put my finger on it, maybe story dragged on when it wasn’t necessary.
July 6, 2025
Perfect dark enemies to lovers high school sweethearts. Absolutely loved this book! As soon as I picked this book up I did not put it back down till I finished it. You won’t regret this read!
December 12, 2025
Spice: 4
Tropes:
marriage contract
small town
second chance
possessive MMC
weapon play
hand necklaces
primal kink
Dual POV
Trigger Warning:
references to abuse
assault
bully themes
childhood trauma
Well never in my life did I ever ship two things together as much as I do now. Country themes and dark romance? What? Yes, give me more!!! Now, I do want to say, this is NOT a cowboy romance, however it does take place in the Southern US in a small town and on a farm... of sorts. I really enjoyed this one! It gave me the movie She's All That vibes mixed with The Notebook but thrown in with some dark themes and bdsm lol. Yes, I recommend it haha
Carver had his whole life planned out. Graduate and join the Marines. Then he met Lyra and she filled his world upside down. Falling in love, they quickly made plans to run away from their small town and starting a life together after graduation. Only Lyra isn't there when Carver goes to pick her up. 10 years later, Lyra walks back into his life... and boy is he holding a grudge.
Lyra had an awful childhood and Carver is the first person to truly see her. But we don't always get what we want and Lyra had to flee town instead of running off with Carver. She's back to face her past but will Lyra and Carver both put aside the past to move forward together?
I loved Lyra. She's a woman who's been shown she has to protect herself first and everyone else be damned. She's strong, and the things she does to Carver when she's pissed made me chuckle. You do you girl! I'm not judging lol. I always love a good bonfire myself ;) Carver on the other hand... yeah I loved him too. Even when he was being a prick, I was drawn to him. Then as the story went on and we saw his layers get peeled back, I was like OH he's a super dark Noah (The Notebook) and now I'm obsessed with him lol. They're both two firey tornadoes just ripping thru town and instead of praying it'll stop, you just sit on your back porch watching the show with a glass of sweet tea. Just the perfect storm to watch!
Tropes:
marriage contract
small town
second chance
possessive MMC
weapon play
hand necklaces
primal kink
Dual POV
Trigger Warning:
references to abuse
assault
bully themes
childhood trauma
Well never in my life did I ever ship two things together as much as I do now. Country themes and dark romance? What? Yes, give me more!!! Now, I do want to say, this is NOT a cowboy romance, however it does take place in the Southern US in a small town and on a farm... of sorts. I really enjoyed this one! It gave me the movie She's All That vibes mixed with The Notebook but thrown in with some dark themes and bdsm lol. Yes, I recommend it haha
Carver had his whole life planned out. Graduate and join the Marines. Then he met Lyra and she filled his world upside down. Falling in love, they quickly made plans to run away from their small town and starting a life together after graduation. Only Lyra isn't there when Carver goes to pick her up. 10 years later, Lyra walks back into his life... and boy is he holding a grudge.
Lyra had an awful childhood and Carver is the first person to truly see her. But we don't always get what we want and Lyra had to flee town instead of running off with Carver. She's back to face her past but will Lyra and Carver both put aside the past to move forward together?
I loved Lyra. She's a woman who's been shown she has to protect herself first and everyone else be damned. She's strong, and the things she does to Carver when she's pissed made me chuckle. You do you girl! I'm not judging lol. I always love a good bonfire myself ;) Carver on the other hand... yeah I loved him too. Even when he was being a prick, I was drawn to him. Then as the story went on and we saw his layers get peeled back, I was like OH he's a super dark Noah (The Notebook) and now I'm obsessed with him lol. They're both two firey tornadoes just ripping thru town and instead of praying it'll stop, you just sit on your back porch watching the show with a glass of sweet tea. Just the perfect storm to watch!
July 30, 2025
Get ready, because "Ly to Me: A Second Chance Dark Country Romance" by E.S. Portman is about to hijack your reading schedule in the best way possible! This book is an absolute firecracker – dark, spicy, and packed with so much bite, it'll leave you breathless. The dual POV and dual timeline hooked me from the very first page and didn't let go until the explosive end. Just a heads-up to check the trigger warnings though, because this is definitely a dark romance!
Let's talk characters, because Lyra, our FMC, is a total force of nature. Her sass, her DGAF attitude, her willingness to burn it all down – I loved every bit of it. Watching her break down the walls she built from past trauma gave her incredible growth, and even though she's a master liar, she's always authentically Lyra. Then there's Carver. Oh, Carver. He sees through every single one of Lyra's lies, isn't afraid to tell it like it is, and will get physical if he needs to make a point. Did I like him immediately? Nope. But by chapter 16, those red flags were practically neon pink, and I was full-on rooting for him. His ability to truly listen and understand Lyra, even through her feistiness, was so unexpectedly sexy. That's a new favorite kink unlocked for sure!
The dual timeline in this book is pure genius. We get a full-blown deep dive into the past, showing you how Lyra and Carver met and ultimately fell apart, while the present forces them to confront that history head-on. This back-and-forth kept me guessing, desperately trying to piece together why they "hate" each other and if they could ever fix it. Even the infamous miscommunication trope works perfectly here, making complete sense given Lyra's traumatic past. And the spice? Oh my god. There were chapters where my heart was pounding in my ears, my blood pressure spiked, and I literally had to put the book down to recover. It's hot, it's intense, and it's everything you want. This is Book 1 of the Alliston Springs series, and based on the glimpses we got of Carver's friends, Hayes and Grant, I'm already clearing my schedule for the next two books. If you're looking for a dark country romance (even if Carver's more "weed farmer with cowboy boots" than traditional cowboy!) that's packed with phenomenal chemistry, a badass FMC, and a dangerously attractive MMC, you HAVE to pick up "Ly to Me."
Let's talk characters, because Lyra, our FMC, is a total force of nature. Her sass, her DGAF attitude, her willingness to burn it all down – I loved every bit of it. Watching her break down the walls she built from past trauma gave her incredible growth, and even though she's a master liar, she's always authentically Lyra. Then there's Carver. Oh, Carver. He sees through every single one of Lyra's lies, isn't afraid to tell it like it is, and will get physical if he needs to make a point. Did I like him immediately? Nope. But by chapter 16, those red flags were practically neon pink, and I was full-on rooting for him. His ability to truly listen and understand Lyra, even through her feistiness, was so unexpectedly sexy. That's a new favorite kink unlocked for sure!
The dual timeline in this book is pure genius. We get a full-blown deep dive into the past, showing you how Lyra and Carver met and ultimately fell apart, while the present forces them to confront that history head-on. This back-and-forth kept me guessing, desperately trying to piece together why they "hate" each other and if they could ever fix it. Even the infamous miscommunication trope works perfectly here, making complete sense given Lyra's traumatic past. And the spice? Oh my god. There were chapters where my heart was pounding in my ears, my blood pressure spiked, and I literally had to put the book down to recover. It's hot, it's intense, and it's everything you want. This is Book 1 of the Alliston Springs series, and based on the glimpses we got of Carver's friends, Hayes and Grant, I'm already clearing my schedule for the next two books. If you're looking for a dark country romance (even if Carver's more "weed farmer with cowboy boots" than traditional cowboy!) that's packed with phenomenal chemistry, a badass FMC, and a dangerously attractive MMC, you HAVE to pick up "Ly to Me."
July 8, 2025
Ly to Me hit me like a punch to the gut… in the best possible way.
I had the privilege of reading this book as an ARC and, honestly, the moment I finished it, all I wanted was to go back and read it again as if it were the first time.
This is a dark country romance featuring a heroine who doesn’t take crap from anyone and a hero who’s a walking red flag — the kind you say “yes” to even when you know you really shouldn’t.
Lyra and Carver are two grumpy messes — broken, sarcastic, explosive — but deeply tethered to each other. Also? They’re the reason my heart still hasn’t recovered.
The story unfolds across two timelines: the past that explains their downfall, and the present that dares to rebuild. This alternation doesn’t just keep the suspense alive — it builds emotional and sexual tension so sharp it hurts. Yes, there’s miscommunication, but rarely have I seen the trope used this well. It matters, it’s grounded, it’s earned — never lazy.
The writing is fluid and visual, packed with lines I mentally underlined. The chemistry is off the charts — there were scenes that made me drop my Kobo just to catch my breath. And no, I’m not exaggerating.
The trigger warnings are extensive and should be read carefully. This book is intense — emotionally, physically, narratively.
But if you crave romance with scars, razor-sharp banter, deliciously toxic possessiveness, and a heroine who hits back harder — you’ll want to visit Alliston Springs.
And me? I’m already counting down the days until I return to this universe in the next books.
🦋💙🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you love:
✔️ Enemies to lovers
✔️ Second chance romance
✔️ Dual POV
✔️ Small town drama
✔️ Protagonists who hate and crave each other in equal measure
✔️ Spice that leaves you breathless
…then Ly to Me will mess with you. Promise.
Thank you, E. S. Portmann, for the ARC. My opinion is honest and 100% overheated.
I had the privilege of reading this book as an ARC and, honestly, the moment I finished it, all I wanted was to go back and read it again as if it were the first time.
This is a dark country romance featuring a heroine who doesn’t take crap from anyone and a hero who’s a walking red flag — the kind you say “yes” to even when you know you really shouldn’t.
Lyra and Carver are two grumpy messes — broken, sarcastic, explosive — but deeply tethered to each other. Also? They’re the reason my heart still hasn’t recovered.
The story unfolds across two timelines: the past that explains their downfall, and the present that dares to rebuild. This alternation doesn’t just keep the suspense alive — it builds emotional and sexual tension so sharp it hurts. Yes, there’s miscommunication, but rarely have I seen the trope used this well. It matters, it’s grounded, it’s earned — never lazy.
The writing is fluid and visual, packed with lines I mentally underlined. The chemistry is off the charts — there were scenes that made me drop my Kobo just to catch my breath. And no, I’m not exaggerating.
The trigger warnings are extensive and should be read carefully. This book is intense — emotionally, physically, narratively.
But if you crave romance with scars, razor-sharp banter, deliciously toxic possessiveness, and a heroine who hits back harder — you’ll want to visit Alliston Springs.
And me? I’m already counting down the days until I return to this universe in the next books.
🦋💙🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you love:
✔️ Enemies to lovers
✔️ Second chance romance
✔️ Dual POV
✔️ Small town drama
✔️ Protagonists who hate and crave each other in equal measure
✔️ Spice that leaves you breathless
…then Ly to Me will mess with you. Promise.
Thank you, E. S. Portmann, for the ARC. My opinion is honest and 100% overheated.
July 22, 2025
I had the privilege of being a BETA and ARC reader for this book and it blew my freaking brain!! This book literally makes you feel every emotion known to man because it’s just that good! It has dual pov and a dual timeline as well which I have not read a lot of but it gives you the information and everything correctly that it flows so good. I 1000 % recommend this book as I would recommend and book from E.S. Portman the way she writes never ceases to amaze me and it never disappoints me she will always stay on my buy list !
Now let’s talk about characters:)
Carver: this man right here is just chefs kiss. And he can definitely see through all of Lyras lies but that’s the fun part about the book. But he has definitely always been a sucker for her and it’s the cutest thing.He was a little bit of a red flag to start out with but after a few chapters I absolutely loved this man.. He loves getting physical but he does it to get things handled. I loved how much he grew in the book his story his life it was amazing. I think he is my favorite book boyfriend by E.S Portman.
Now Lyra: where do I even begin with her she is like a Beth Dutton but crazy. I would not want to piss her off. She had so much trauma from her childhood I understand why she is the way she is. I mean who wouldn’t be. And she is always true to herself as well. But it makes her an amazing strong character. And let me tell you this girl will lie her butt off to. And when she loves she loves hard.
The story is so well written and I love how it shows you past events in the book so we get a full understanding of the book and their backstory. The tropes are amazing I feel like it was a friends to lovers to enemies to lovers I just freaking loved it so much and I can’t wait for more :)
THANKYOU FOR LETTING ME READ THIS BOOK 💙💙
Now let’s talk about characters:)
Carver: this man right here is just chefs kiss. And he can definitely see through all of Lyras lies but that’s the fun part about the book. But he has definitely always been a sucker for her and it’s the cutest thing.He was a little bit of a red flag to start out with but after a few chapters I absolutely loved this man.. He loves getting physical but he does it to get things handled. I loved how much he grew in the book his story his life it was amazing. I think he is my favorite book boyfriend by E.S Portman.
Now Lyra: where do I even begin with her she is like a Beth Dutton but crazy. I would not want to piss her off. She had so much trauma from her childhood I understand why she is the way she is. I mean who wouldn’t be. And she is always true to herself as well. But it makes her an amazing strong character. And let me tell you this girl will lie her butt off to. And when she loves she loves hard.
The story is so well written and I love how it shows you past events in the book so we get a full understanding of the book and their backstory. The tropes are amazing I feel like it was a friends to lovers to enemies to lovers I just freaking loved it so much and I can’t wait for more :)
THANKYOU FOR LETTING ME READ THIS BOOK 💙💙
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2025
I was lucky enough to be both a beta and now an ARC reader, and wow—what a ride. This book started strong and somehow evolved into something really special, and watching that growth unfold was incredibly satisfying.
Ly To Me is a second-chance, angsty romance that hits you right in the heart (and maybe a few other places, let's be honest haha).
It’s emotionally intense, deeply character-driven, and doesn’t shy away from pain, healing, or raw vulnerability. The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable—charged, complicated, and so well-developed.
The story delivers:
A gritty rural backdrop with just enough cowboy boots and horse riding to ground it
A believable balance between drama and action
Past/present timelines that are purposeful and emotionally resonant without feeling disjointed
Dual POVs that give each of our morally grey leads a strong, distinct voice and emotional depth (get tissues ready)
Side characters with enough intrigue to make you crave more
And yes—the spice. It's bold, kinky, and unforgettable. Some scenes genuinely made me pause and catch my breath
But beyond the heat, there’s a fleeting sense of fragility and beauty woven into the pages—like watching a butterfly land on your palm. Brief, intense, and impossible to forget.
So if you're looking for a romance that’s messy, emotional, a little unhinged, and unapologetically filthy—with heart? Pick this one up. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
TL;DR: This book made me fall hard for the characters, root for them through every (unhinged) mistake, and close the final page already hungry for more. A raw, filthy, and satisfying read I’ll be thinking about for a while.
Ly To Me is a second-chance, angsty romance that hits you right in the heart (and maybe a few other places, let's be honest haha).
It’s emotionally intense, deeply character-driven, and doesn’t shy away from pain, healing, or raw vulnerability. The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable—charged, complicated, and so well-developed.
The story delivers:
A gritty rural backdrop with just enough cowboy boots and horse riding to ground it
A believable balance between drama and action
Past/present timelines that are purposeful and emotionally resonant without feeling disjointed
Dual POVs that give each of our morally grey leads a strong, distinct voice and emotional depth (get tissues ready)
Side characters with enough intrigue to make you crave more
And yes—the spice. It's bold, kinky, and unforgettable. Some scenes genuinely made me pause and catch my breath
But beyond the heat, there’s a fleeting sense of fragility and beauty woven into the pages—like watching a butterfly land on your palm. Brief, intense, and impossible to forget.
So if you're looking for a romance that’s messy, emotional, a little unhinged, and unapologetically filthy—with heart? Pick this one up. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
TL;DR: This book made me fall hard for the characters, root for them through every (unhinged) mistake, and close the final page already hungry for more. A raw, filthy, and satisfying read I’ll be thinking about for a while.
August 3, 2025
🦋Dark country romance
🔪Dual POV
♠️♥️Dual timeline getting past and present throughout the book♦️♣️
🚩Check the trigger warnings🚩
🌶️Bondage/ knife play/ pierced/ hand necklaces
❤️🔥Lord send me my own Carver Rowland😍🔥 This man is something else. He knows what he wants and how to get it. Boy, is he SPICY! Just the way I like’m. I love me a walking red flag; possessive, dominant, obsessive, equipped with a hand necklace… yes please! He will stop at nothing for her and is so protective over her, makes me want a Carver of my own and makes me want to be a BAD girl😆
The FMC Lyra; is a SPITFIRE. She has an attitude and is not afraid to use it. She doesn’t give a flying f**k what others think. Her feisty little self is always keeping Carver on his toes… and anyone else around her.
These two are high school sweethearts with a second chance. They are both walking red flags however; I couldn’t help but to root for them. They are perfect for each other in every way.
Everything about this book was amazing! The SPICE, oh the spice 🤌🏻
This book is perfectly written with a dual point of view and a dual timeline. This is my first dual timeline read and I loved it. I enjoyed learning what happened in the past little by little, it kept me hooked all the way to the end. When I tell you I couldn’t stop reading this book… I had a book hangover for days.
🔥This is book 1 in the Devils of Alliston Springs series by E.S. Portman. I will RUN to read the rest of this series as soon as they are available. E.S. Portman is a new favorite author for me and Ly To Me is a new favorite book! Read it, you won’t be disappointed (after you check your trigger warnings)
🔪Dual POV
♠️♥️Dual timeline getting past and present throughout the book♦️♣️
🚩Check the trigger warnings🚩
🌶️Bondage/ knife play/ pierced/ hand necklaces
❤️🔥Lord send me my own Carver Rowland😍🔥 This man is something else. He knows what he wants and how to get it. Boy, is he SPICY! Just the way I like’m. I love me a walking red flag; possessive, dominant, obsessive, equipped with a hand necklace… yes please! He will stop at nothing for her and is so protective over her, makes me want a Carver of my own and makes me want to be a BAD girl😆
The FMC Lyra; is a SPITFIRE. She has an attitude and is not afraid to use it. She doesn’t give a flying f**k what others think. Her feisty little self is always keeping Carver on his toes… and anyone else around her.
These two are high school sweethearts with a second chance. They are both walking red flags however; I couldn’t help but to root for them. They are perfect for each other in every way.
Everything about this book was amazing! The SPICE, oh the spice 🤌🏻
This book is perfectly written with a dual point of view and a dual timeline. This is my first dual timeline read and I loved it. I enjoyed learning what happened in the past little by little, it kept me hooked all the way to the end. When I tell you I couldn’t stop reading this book… I had a book hangover for days.
🔥This is book 1 in the Devils of Alliston Springs series by E.S. Portman. I will RUN to read the rest of this series as soon as they are available. E.S. Portman is a new favorite author for me and Ly To Me is a new favorite book! Read it, you won’t be disappointed (after you check your trigger warnings)
October 3, 2025
LY TO ME BY E.S. PORTMAN
RATING: 4/5 STARS
TROPES:
marriage contract
small town
second chance
possessive MMC
weapon play
hand necklaces
primal kink
Dual POV
—-----------------------
Trigger Warning:
references to abuse
assault
bully themes
childhood trauma
“She was the very core of my existence, the bright light at the end of a dark tunnel, and the smell of sunshine in the air I breathed. She was my everything.” -Carver 🦋
Holy hot hell! I am head over heels for these two. Carver and Lyra are a match made in Feral Heaven! Did Lyra think coming back to a town, she spent years running from, would be easy? Absolutely not. Did she think she would run into the man that hurt her in high school? Fuck no! But once Carver sees Lyra for the first time in 10 years, this man is not letting go. He is not letting her go again… never again and he will fight for her. No matter what she is his and no one will step between them again, no amount of time will ever be enough again!
This crazy man puts together a marriage contract with the promise of money. More money then she can think of or that could give Lyra the life she desperately craves. But when old feelings resurface, she’s got decisions that need to be made fast…. The pure chaos of this story was one of the best bully/second chance romances I have ever read. It will put you in your feelings and it will make you question things about love. But overall it's a beautiful romance. And the SPICE!?! Please check the trigger warnings, but if you are like me LIVE FOR the unhinged OTT obsessive/possessive behavior? You will fall in love faster than Lyra’s smart mouth!!!!
RATING: 4/5 STARS
TROPES:
marriage contract
small town
second chance
possessive MMC
weapon play
hand necklaces
primal kink
Dual POV
—-----------------------
Trigger Warning:
references to abuse
assault
bully themes
childhood trauma
“She was the very core of my existence, the bright light at the end of a dark tunnel, and the smell of sunshine in the air I breathed. She was my everything.” -Carver 🦋
Holy hot hell! I am head over heels for these two. Carver and Lyra are a match made in Feral Heaven! Did Lyra think coming back to a town, she spent years running from, would be easy? Absolutely not. Did she think she would run into the man that hurt her in high school? Fuck no! But once Carver sees Lyra for the first time in 10 years, this man is not letting go. He is not letting her go again… never again and he will fight for her. No matter what she is his and no one will step between them again, no amount of time will ever be enough again!
This crazy man puts together a marriage contract with the promise of money. More money then she can think of or that could give Lyra the life she desperately craves. But when old feelings resurface, she’s got decisions that need to be made fast…. The pure chaos of this story was one of the best bully/second chance romances I have ever read. It will put you in your feelings and it will make you question things about love. But overall it's a beautiful romance. And the SPICE!?! Please check the trigger warnings, but if you are like me LIVE FOR the unhinged OTT obsessive/possessive behavior? You will fall in love faster than Lyra’s smart mouth!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2025
This is my first dive into a dark country romance and it did not disappoint. The grit, the angst, and the spice were absolutely top tier.
Lyra and Carver come from the same small town but live in completely different worlds. She’s the guarded girl with a broken home and a reputation clouded by rumors. He’s the golden boy with everything going for him. From their first meeting in a field behind their high school, it’s clear they’re opposites—but fate had other plans.
Carver knew from the start that Lyra was his person, and their young love quickly turned into plans for a future beyond their small town. But Lyra’s life was never simple, and when things spiraled, she disappeared without a word.
Fast forward ten years—Lyra returns, and Carver pulls her into a marriage of convenience that’s anything but. The pain of the past simmers beneath every look, every touch. But can love survive betrayal, heartbreak, and all the lies that still linger?
This book gave me everything: heartbreak, suspense, steam, and intense emotional pull.
The dual POV and dual timeline were chef’s kiss, and the push-pull tension kept me flipping pages way past bedtime.
Carver's protective, possessive, and unrequited love for Lyra is next level. And Lyra self perseverance, resilient, and stubbornness makes them the perfect couple.
If you love a spicy, second-chance romance with high stakes and small-town secrets, Ly to Me needs to be on your TBR ASAP.
Lyra and Carver come from the same small town but live in completely different worlds. She’s the guarded girl with a broken home and a reputation clouded by rumors. He’s the golden boy with everything going for him. From their first meeting in a field behind their high school, it’s clear they’re opposites—but fate had other plans.
Carver knew from the start that Lyra was his person, and their young love quickly turned into plans for a future beyond their small town. But Lyra’s life was never simple, and when things spiraled, she disappeared without a word.
Fast forward ten years—Lyra returns, and Carver pulls her into a marriage of convenience that’s anything but. The pain of the past simmers beneath every look, every touch. But can love survive betrayal, heartbreak, and all the lies that still linger?
This book gave me everything: heartbreak, suspense, steam, and intense emotional pull.
The dual POV and dual timeline were chef’s kiss, and the push-pull tension kept me flipping pages way past bedtime.
Carver's protective, possessive, and unrequited love for Lyra is next level. And Lyra self perseverance, resilient, and stubbornness makes them the perfect couple.
If you love a spicy, second-chance romance with high stakes and small-town secrets, Ly to Me needs to be on your TBR ASAP.
July 7, 2025
Lyra & Carver 🦋💙 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is one of my top favorites for 2025. There's something about being broken and having a strong man that can pick up the pieces over and over again without question.
Carver is ✨ wild ✨ but damn does he love hard and strong. Lyra matches him at every beat and never fails to keep him on his toes. The banter and humor had me laughing. The touch her and die/ you're mine had me swooning and kicking my feet because I was falling in love with Carver too.
Lyra is an amazing FMC. She's fiesty and funny. She loves with her whole heart. Just like some of us girls - she jumps to conclusions and gets dramatic but she's been through hell and did what she could to protect the pieces of her. I relate to her in so many ways.
I love the dual timeline - present and flashbacks. It builds the world up so much and keeps you wanting to know more. The writing flows so beautifully and is easy to read and visualize. *I read the whole book in a southern accent in my head 🤣*
One of my favorite quotes (THERE ARE MANY!)
🦋"I'd never seen a prettier pair of brown eyes than hers before. They were warm like the shade of honeycombs submerged in a jar of honey, yet darker in the center like the earth turned when you dug too deep. And I didn't want to stop digging."🦋
I cannot wait to return to Alliston Springs 💙
This is one of my top favorites for 2025. There's something about being broken and having a strong man that can pick up the pieces over and over again without question.
Carver is ✨ wild ✨ but damn does he love hard and strong. Lyra matches him at every beat and never fails to keep him on his toes. The banter and humor had me laughing. The touch her and die/ you're mine had me swooning and kicking my feet because I was falling in love with Carver too.
Lyra is an amazing FMC. She's fiesty and funny. She loves with her whole heart. Just like some of us girls - she jumps to conclusions and gets dramatic but she's been through hell and did what she could to protect the pieces of her. I relate to her in so many ways.
I love the dual timeline - present and flashbacks. It builds the world up so much and keeps you wanting to know more. The writing flows so beautifully and is easy to read and visualize. *I read the whole book in a southern accent in my head 🤣*
One of my favorite quotes (THERE ARE MANY!)
🦋"I'd never seen a prettier pair of brown eyes than hers before. They were warm like the shade of honeycombs submerged in a jar of honey, yet darker in the center like the earth turned when you dug too deep. And I didn't want to stop digging."🦋
I cannot wait to return to Alliston Springs 💙
July 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
A huge thank you to E.S. Portman for the ARC of this incredible and unforgettable book!
Ly to Me is a dark country romance (not a cowboy romance, I promise you can be country without being a cowboy) please be sure to read the TW and disclaimer at the beginning. This book is intense and very heavy at times with topics that can be triggering. As always remember your mental health matters more than finishing a book!
Told through both dual POV and dual timeline, this second-chance romance is immersive and emotionally layered. It feels like reading a prequel and sequel at the same time, seamlessly woven into one powerful narrative.
Let’s talk about the characters.
Carver. At first, I hated you. Now? You’ve climbed your way onto my book boyfriend list.
Lyra. There were moments I wanted to shake you, but I couldn’t stop rooting for you.
These two are walking red flags. They’re both messy, moody, and stubborn, but their dynamic works. They challenge each other and never settle. I loved every minute of it.
What makes this book truly special is watching both Carver and Lyra confront and heal from their trauma. That emotional depth adds something truly meaningful to the dark romance genre.
The balance between plot and spice is flawless. The writing is rich, visual, and effortlessly fluid. E.S. Portman delivers an intense, beautifully raw story that stays with you long after the final page.
A huge thank you to E.S. Portman for the ARC of this incredible and unforgettable book!
Ly to Me is a dark country romance (not a cowboy romance, I promise you can be country without being a cowboy) please be sure to read the TW and disclaimer at the beginning. This book is intense and very heavy at times with topics that can be triggering. As always remember your mental health matters more than finishing a book!
Told through both dual POV and dual timeline, this second-chance romance is immersive and emotionally layered. It feels like reading a prequel and sequel at the same time, seamlessly woven into one powerful narrative.
Let’s talk about the characters.
Carver. At first, I hated you. Now? You’ve climbed your way onto my book boyfriend list.
Lyra. There were moments I wanted to shake you, but I couldn’t stop rooting for you.
These two are walking red flags. They’re both messy, moody, and stubborn, but their dynamic works. They challenge each other and never settle. I loved every minute of it.
What makes this book truly special is watching both Carver and Lyra confront and heal from their trauma. That emotional depth adds something truly meaningful to the dark romance genre.
The balance between plot and spice is flawless. The writing is rich, visual, and effortlessly fluid. E.S. Portman delivers an intense, beautifully raw story that stays with you long after the final page.
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