Ich kenne sie besser, als sie sich selbst kennt. Ihre tiefsten Geheimnisse, ihre verborgensten Sehnsüchte. Sie weiß es nicht, doch ich beobachte sie – ohne je Fußspuren im Schnee vor ihrem Haus zu hinterlassen.
Chloe Hallman, Influencerin, ist daran gewöhnt, die Feiertage allein zu verbringen, doch dieses Jahr ist alles anders. Jack, der Feuerwehrmann, geht ihr nicht mehr aus dem Sinn. Sie spürt die Dunkelheit, die er in sich trägt – und kann sich ihr nicht entziehen. Sie weiß nicht, ob sie sich nach ihm sehnt oder sich vor ihm fürchten sollte. An diesem Weihnachtsabend wird sie jedoch eine Entscheidung treffen müssen. Wird es ein Fest voller brennender Leidenschaft … oder der Beginn eines tödlichen Spiels mit einem Mann sein, dessen Liebe keine Grenzen kennt? Es ist die Nacht vor Weihnachten, und ich bin (nicht) allein im Haus...
Alta Hensley is a NYT & USA Today bestselling author of dark romance where the villain always gets the happily ever after.
Twisted, clever, and occasionally unhinged, her books deliver morally gray anti-heroes, sharp-tongued heroines, and happily ever afters that taste even sweeter after a little ruin. With a signature blend of grit, wit, and heat, Alta’s stories prove one thing: Villains deserve love too.
Alta lives on the foggy coast of Oregon with her husband, two daughters, and a pair of dogs who think they’re in charge. When she’s not writing redemption for the irredeemable, she’s walking the coastline or sipping craft beer in eccentric little bars that feel like they belong in her books.
smutty brain rot to get me out of this reading slump
spoilery below 👇 (but not really)
did find it odd that he confessed to all the stalking but never mentioned the nanny camera he place in her fire alarm… like that was fr supposed to be the icing on top
Did you love Lights Out by Navessa Allen and wished for a holiday version? Well this author did, so she hurriedly wrote a holiday look alike, except without the witty banter and a thesaurus.
The FMC (dual POV for this book) can’t seem to understand the consequences of her actions when she moonlights as a camgirl when her big girl job has a morality clause. And she DOES IT FOR FREE, like why risk your mortgage for your kink? Speaking of kink, did the author just google BDSM and pick the easiest search result? This is tame- a few spankings and “growling YOU ARE MINE” are not hardcore.
And let’s not forget the “good guy” MMC, who we have to hear his internal conflicting thoughts on being a stalker EVERY CHAPTER, but he “can’t seem to stop”. I hate that she suddenly okay with him confessing to stalking her for years once he “stalks” her again (after she told him to get lost), just because he HAPPENS to be in the neighborhood to stop her boss from assaulting her.
If you’re looking for a subpar plot and lazily written smut, then this one’s for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for providing me this copy in exchange for an honest review.
🎄Before I start this review, I'd like to make a very important distinction:
Christmas Stalking<<<<<< Christmas Stocking
Interestingly enough, the thing that bothered me the most, wasn't the stalking (although that was pretty creepy and problematic) it was the inconsistency of both characters. Their motivations are all over the place and that made connecting with them difficult. For instance, Jack is supposed to be this noble and brave firefighter, but he relentlessly stalks Chloe with absolutely no remorse. What's more, he knows it's wrong, yet continues to stalk her.
Hear me out, I don't mind a stalker romance once in a while, but it has to fit the vibe of the book. You know, when everything is a little morally gray and that kind of behavior is semi acceptable. This did not feel like the case. A holiday setting does not prepare me for this type of topic. I was actually hoping that the author would do something creative with this concept but it missed the mark and ended up creepy as hell.
I 100% think that Chloe's reaction to finding out that Jack stalked her was valid. The problem I had, was the way that she took him back to quickly. She should have turned him into the cops because someone who works for the city as a firefighter should not be walking free after stalking an innocent woman. Of course I'm not shaming Chloe for her decision to take Jack back, but there was certainly a healthy amount of side eye. 👀
Anyway, this book is a no for me. I wouldn't recommend this personally, but if it sounds interesting to you, you should try it because this is just my opinion and my opinion is not gospel.
🚨also if you disagree with me that’s fine, keep your comments respectful I have a right to my own opinion. If you have nothing kind to say, say nothing at all. refrain from accusing me of not actually reading the book just because you disagree with me, that’s just rude and disrespectful
He’s such a sweet stalker 🥹… always making sure that Chloe’s safe and no one else watches her secretly like he does 🥹, shovels her snow and even orders his coffee just like her 👀.
I mean. Swooooon 🫠🤡.
Chloe and her family were in an accident two years before. Unfortunately, her parents passed away and she was hospitalized from it after losing consciousness. One of the first responders, Jack, kept tabs on her after because he was concerned about her recovery.
And then he kept keeping tabs on her 😅. For two years 😬 without her knowing 👀🫣.
One day, she’s helping her elderly neighbor that has taken a fall when Jack walks by with a dog in tow and helps them out. He introduces himself to her and they hit it off. In fact, he even frequents the coffee shop she visits 😉👀. Little does she know, he goes there JUST because of her 👀.
And one day when he’s spying *cough cough* I mean “looking out for her”, he sees she takes part in an adult website where she exhibits herself for free 👀. Once he becomes a subscriber to her, they connect.
And now Chloe has feelings for two different men… one knows her secret desires and the other one is just a sweet, GREEN flag type of guy.
If only she knew that they’re not so different after all 😅.
What I liked/loved: —the sweet stuff 🫶. Jack does so many things for Chloe, and he makes her a priority in his life 🫶 even if she doesn’t know it 🤣
—the tension 👀. I love the buildup
—the 🔥. Ufffff. This book has all the 🔥 needed and so many k!nks 🫠. It all begins at about 40% and it continues to the end. Sure. At first, she doesn’t know who the secret man watching her is, but since she’s into being watched, she’s okay with it 😅. And I love that Jack is all about her pleasure too 😮💨 and gets to know her likes and dislikes 🥵💦
—the connection ❤️. They both have experienced loss and can help each other mourn 🫶🙏
—found family 🫶. I love that Chloe connects with the firehouse members and their families ❤️
—the OMD 😜. Although the OM was creepy, I still loved how Jack’s protective side came out 👏🏻
What I wanted more of: —an epilogue 😭. We don’t get one. This could’ve been a 5 star read otherwise
—also, I wish Jack had acted sooner 😅 but I’m also not that upset he didn’t, cause he was nice and celibate for her 😮💨 my kind of man
Overall, I loved it
⚠️ safety squad ⚠️ -no cheating/sharing/owd -aftermath of parents’ deaths -parents’ deaths recounted -attempted SA- OM gets aggressive with the h in an attempt to SA her -OMD: the h’s coworker/boss wants her -exhibitionism/voyeurism/dirty talk/sexting/anal play/praise kink/spanking/anal -no epilogue 😒
This book didn’t do much for me…… I’ve never read a holiday romance before, as a general rule I stay away from this kinda of cuteness, lol ! But since this is a stalker spice holiday romance AND i was buddy reading with a doll of girl, i decided to give it a try. It is ok…. Not super bad but not good…. I got a little annoyed with the MMC in the first 30% of the book because he was giving little bitch creepy stalker instead of hot Zade Meadows stalker you know what I mean? He’s been stalking our FMC for 2 FUCKING YEARS without making any move….. he is a firefighter and a good person but felt content in just watch her 😒 It takes a series of events and the identity of another persona he created to get the courage to let her know. Our FMC is cool, she’s a social media influencer for jewelry and in her spared time she does what she really loves it which is being a cam girl for a dark website. She is hot and fun. Her friend is great and Tyler one of her bosses is an asshole creep…… So yeah I didn’t hate but also didn’t love it. It was ok. My happiest time was chatting with Catherine the girl I was buddy reading with 😍
What claimed to be a dark romance was really just two bland people falling in love. The plot of this book was hardly relevant and there truly wasn’t much thought given to it at all. That, in addition to the cringe worthy fact that main female character continued to insist how “dark” she was and how she had so many “secrets” when she was pretty bland, just made for a meh book.
I want a Jack... enough said he was obessed with his girl since he saved her from a car crash. And she doesn't remember him. He's been loyal for 2 YEARS!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 THAT'S WHAT IM SAYING!! Chloe took a while to like she was, eh? She was more focused on work than life. Since she is still grieving her parents' death. Like she doesn't wanna do anything. But work and do her side hustle as a Cam girl that no one knows about, not even Jack because he always leaves before that happens.
And when he finds out his innocent Chloe does that, he is even more obessed. He makes an account and gets jealous of himself when Chloe talks more to his online personality 😆😆😆 Which makes me laugh. Then Chloe does stupid stuff and pushes Jack away when she finds out his secret of stalking her. 🙄
Ugh, Chloe girl blocked out those tinted shades. Jack, I'll take your red flags any day.
No ow/ tiny Om drama, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️ Heat level-🌶🌶.5
Slowinsta Pinning Anal play Spankings Cam girl Praise kink Voyeurism Hea
🎄 Bookish Thoughts This was my first stalker romance and I loved every second of it. I actually really liked both the FMC and MMC, which surprised me. He was sweet, protective, and oddly endearing even while being a stalker 🤣 The audiobook narration was fantastic, and I enjoyed both voices. It felt surprisingly lighthearted for the theme and made for such an easy, entertaining listen. Guess I’m now a stalker romance fan!
🖤 What to Expect • Stalker romance • Fireman MMC • Christmas setting • Morally grey MMC • He falls first • Dual POV _ _ _
I wasn't supposed to start reading christmas books now but saw the cover and read the blurb and instantly wanted to read it. Spicy and fun christmas book with stalking yet a lot of affection and not just spice.
Tremenda decepción. ¿Es una lectura rápida y ligera? Sí ¿Es mamarracha? Sí, pero ya.
Igual esto es ya algo personal pero las lecturas cortas con tanto spicy se me quedan en nada. Pero eso no es lo malo de este libro, es que la historia no se sostiene. La vida de él se basa en mirar por la ventana de ella y ya. El trabajo de influencer de ella está fatal contando.
Hay romantización del acoso y te ponen situaciones de “no es tan malo lo que hace porque hay otros más malos” terrible. También te venden que subir contenido explicando sexual a internet es una forma de sentirse liberado y que es maravilloso.
Me gusta cuando un dark romance te dice: esto está mal y punto, no hay justificaciones ni romanticismo.
Jack has been taking care of Chloe from the shadows for years. When an opportunity presents itself for him to move things to the next level, despite some hesitation, he takes it.
Y’all know I’m a sucker for a stalker. I’ve yet to meet one I didn’t fall for. Jack is no different, in that I fell for him. This take on a stalker romance was quite different, however. It’s also considerably less spicy, in my opinion, than what I’ve come to expect from Alta. While not my favorite, He Sees You, is an enjoyable sweet, steamy, holiday read.
I love a cute holiday romance. This one showed up horny instead, but Christmas is about giving anyway ;)
It did feel like the author was trying to mash Lights Out with The Salacious Players Club, but the flow never quite comes together enough to make it fully work. The characters are lovable, even if they’re a little dumb at times, and I still had fun with it overall. Not a standout, but a harmless, spicy holiday read if you know what you’re signing up for.
Listen, this was actually a really fun time. Reading it in October kind of ruined the holiday vibe, but if you're looking for a spicy stalker Christmas romance, then I'd definitely recommend this.
It was kind of funny because they'd be in the middle of a very serious or spicy scene, and then all of a sudden someone would randomly mention Christmas or the holidays. It’s not just a single Christmas-y moment but a full-on commitment throughout the book.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it. At first, I didn’t think the male narrator really fit the stalker role because he has a more sweet, innocent voice. However, as the story progressed, it made sense because the MMC really is a sweet character, and it worked for me.
—Thank you to NetGalley, Alta Hensley, and HarperAudio Adult for the ARC audio of He Sees You When You're Sleeping—
This was extremely addicting. Once I started this, it was hard to want to do anything else. I loved that it was a stalker romance, but Christmassy. And how the stalker MMC is basically a cinnamon roll. (We need more of those in romances!)
I also was obsessed with the fact that he’s a fire fighter. 😍 I’m pretty sure this is my first romance involving a fire fighter, and now I feel like I’ve been missing out.
The FMC is also an influencer that makes content about jewelry by day and is a cam girl by night. And the sexy, fire fighter MMC has been stalking her and doing little things to take care of her for two years.
It was honestly everything that I wanted it to be.
And I just have to say that I’m so glad this author didn’t name the FMC “Holly” or “Noel” just because this book is set during Christmas time.
Lastly, I’ve been seeing a lot of reviews saying this feels too similar to “Lights Out.” I didn’t notice it at first because it’s been awhile since I read “Lights Out” and basically that entire book fell right out of my head immediately after I read it. But after reading the reviews, I do agree. It started to come back to me a little after that was pointed out to me.
But it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story at all. I was ridiculously addicted to this. And apparently in my “Lights Out” review, I said it was my favorite stalker romance back when I read it, so it makes sense I’d love this too.
Anyways, if you still vividly remember “Lights Out,” I’d maybe suggest waiting a while to read this so you don’t compare them too much. Apparently it affected a lot of people’s enjoyment of it.
cackling bc i totally dont remember soft dnfing this last year, i was about to come into this review like well that was fine but wasnt reread worthy 😂. ~~~ soft dnf, good but not what i’m in the mood for anymore
Gah I really enjoyed this book so much. The christmas vibes combined with darker elements turned out to be a brilliant combination and made the book a joy to read.
The book starts with Chloe being busy with being a brand ambassador for a jewelry brand. She has a huge social media presence and works for a jewelry company. She is bubbly and vibrant and such a great character.
When she sees her elderly neighbour Mr. Haven shoveling his driveway and falling she instantly comes over to help him. Another neighbour, a big guy, comes to help as well. That big man is Jack and he is a firefighter and super kind. Chloe tells Mr. Haven that their landlord always shovels their driveway. He has been shoveling hers for years. Mr. Haven tells her that he never shovelled his and that she maybe has a secret stalker. She shoves the idea away. But Mr. Haven planted a seed in her mind and it got her thinking.
Because she sure as hell has a stalker. Unbeknownst to her, Jack has been stalking her for two years. He is obsessed with her and cannot stop himself from taking things further and further.
When Jack helps Chloe out of an uncomfortable situation with a male co-worker they exchange numbers and start to chat and hang out here and there. Jack is a gentleman and treats her like a goddess face to face. And the thing is! I really felt his kindness and kind heart. He truly is a gent. But he is also a creeper who takes things way too far.
And when he watches Chloe and suddenly is confronted with her dark hidden desires. A flame ignites in Jack as well. And his dark heart yearns to truly touch her and make all her desires come true.
And that is what this delicious book is about. It starts out as such a slow burn and with bubbly and kind characters. But the farther we go the darker it gets. And I just love how perfectly well Alta made those two elements intertwine.
It's about how far can you go? And how far are you willing to forgive a partner? And once they get touchy feely... oh this book is so hot!! I love their desires and I love how electric the both of them are together.
I did wish Mr. Haven had a bit of a bigger presence in this book. I got instantly attached to his character and I just hoped that that sweet old grandpa got a bit of a bigger part in this book.
But all in all a fantastic read. If you love christmas and dark romance, then this is a must read! 4 huge stars from me for this gorgeous book!
While I truly enjoyed the narration, the book itself fell a bit flat for me. The writing was lacking, and the plot was subpar. I love me a good smutty book, and a good holiday themed stalking was right up my alley, so I was truly excited about reading this one. However, I was left quite disappointed.
I received this audiobook from HarperAudio Adult and NetGalley to listen/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully listening to this audiobook.
ARC Review He Sees You When You’re Sleeping (Thanks NetGalley for the ARC. This title is available now 🎄✨)
This was such a sweet yet dark holiday romance, and I had such a fun time with it. First, kudos to the author the concept is adorable. The MMC, Jack (probably a play on Jack Frost since he’s always shoveling snow so cute! !!☃️❄️), and Chloe as the FMC was such a pleasant surprise. Chloe felt like a different kind of heroine than what you usually find in dark romance, and without giving spoilers, let’s just say she has her own secrets that make her stand out. 💕
✨ Tropes I loved: ✔️ Dark stalker vibes 🖤😈 ✔️ Possessive/obsessive hero ❤️🔥 ✔️ Holiday spice 🌶️🎄 ✔️ Good-girl persona 💕 ✔️ Christmas joy with a dark twist ☃️❄️
The story was super addictive. I couldn’t stop reading and flew through it quickly. 🥵.The author’s writing style is fun and engaging, and I especially enjoyed the backstory woven into both main characters. The way Jack and Chloe are brought together made me smile, laugh, and enjoy every bit of the holiday spice sprinkled in. 😍🎄🔥
Verdict: Jack got me. I want that like Chloe’s BFF Solane said, the “insane asylum kind of love.” 😈🖤❄️ I enjoyed this book so much that I already ordered my own copy. 🥰📚 It was a super cute, quick holiday read with just enough dark spice to leave me ruined in the best way. 🎄☃️❄️🥵🌶️ Definitely one I’ll reread around the holidays.
You know, I was ready to dnf this book on page 20. But I was on vacation and this was the only book I had to entertain me. Anyways, really kind of regretting myself even buying this book. I hate being harsh on here but this book was a mess.
I feel like this book is plot was just a bunch of tropes thrown together. It’s also so very much dialogue driven that it lack background information, imagery, etc. I had a hard time imagining the characters, setting, etc. The dialogue I found bad. It was corny at times.
Also the writing was very amateurish. This felt like this was directly off wattpad. The author would describe footprints as “large and masculine” since when are footprints masculine or feminine?
We start off with Jack who gets off on shoveling on this random girls sidewalk. Why is he so obsessed with this girl? It’s far too late in book for my liking for an explanation. Even a hint in the beginning would be sufficient.
Chloe, I liked a little better. But I thought she was a little oblivious. I connected to her a bit because holidays are a hard time for her and I feel the same. (As reading this book was my few attempts trying to get into the holiday spirit)
Honestly not even the smut can save this book. The smut was just okay. Everything in book was super fast paced that just hardly even cared for it.
The only good I actually liked about the storyline was that couple didn’t get together in like the first hundred pages. There was actually a build up. Which I like. So there’s that.
I think if you want a dark romance, look else where. This book feels like it’s trying to give Lights Out but in reality it’s more hallmark. Was it the worst book I ever read? No. But it was very disappointing. Don’t recommend.
This book is LITERALLY a why choose between naughty and nice and it was super cute. Think of a contemporary romance with a side of stalking. I will say it’s not dark romance (in my opinion) but a fun read nonetheless. Jack is give golden retriever, sweet obsession vibes.
#Firefighter MMC #Stalker #Christmas Romance #Sex Club #Golden Retriever
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Readability: 📖📖📖📖 Feels: 🦋🦋🦋 Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔 Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡ Romance: 💞💞💞💞 Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋 Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑����🍑 Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥+ Humor: A touch Perspective: first person from both the hero and heroine More character focused or plot focused? character How did the speed of the story feel? medium When mains are first on page together: they are on page together almost immediately, about 1% (Chapter 1) Cliffhanger: This ends with a happy for now Epilogue: No Format: voluntarily read an e-book version through Kindle Unlimited Why I chose this book: It popped up as a suggested read on goodreads after I finished A Very Stalker Christmas (Layla Fae) and I was tempted! Mains: This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine (Descriptions found at end of my review)
Oh hey, Chloe. Guess what? I’ve been stalking you for years. Yeah, no big deal. I’m not a psychopath. Promise. But anyway, wanna date now?
Should I read in order? I think this is a standalone?
Basic plot: Chloe is tempted by two men – Jack the sweet fire fighter, and Winter Watcher that seems to know all her darkest desires. Both men hold a secret though...
Give this a try if you want: - contemporary romance - New York setting (Manhattan) - holiday romance - heroine is a social media influencer - hero is a fire fighter - mask play - tattooed hero - dubious consent elements – the hero is a stalker and uses in home cameras - kink includes exhibitionism, spanking, anonymous sex, praise, light edging - higher steam – 7ish full scenes
Ages: - I didn’t see them mentioned
First line: Fa la la fucking la.
My thoughts: I grabbed this one because I’m in my stalker era. And I loved so much about it!
This one though, it does have a bit more of a ‘real’ feel to it? There was quite a bit of introspection from the hero, feelings of wrong doing, and it made the whole stalker thing a bit more cringey to me than a usual….you know, ravishment fantasy read. But it also gave it some more depth and I felt like made their story more real and believable.
I enjoyed the build up of this one. I loved that it took a bit for them to really get involved with each other and we got to know both mains. I adored the spicy scenes, and the tension building. I loved the dual personality sides of both mains – the sweet fire fighter of the hero and the naughty Winter Watcher. The professional Chloe and the dark side of exhibition loving DarkAsChlo…
I enjoyed Hensley’s writing and want to try more!
Few random reading stats for this author # of books read: This is my first Average rating: 5 stars Favorite book: This one
Quotes
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story: Safe sex: Condoms used How’s the consent? Well – it’s questionable because the hero is a stalker, sets up cameras in the heroine’s home and manipulates situations where he is at an advantage. So if consent and honesty is important to you, I would forgo this novel. But the sex itself is consensual (the heroine agrees to have sex anonymously, so she doesn’t realize who’s she’s fucking at first Pregnancy/children in story? (Please note this is the best to my memory/note taking. If you see something I missed please feel free to message!) No children or pregnancy within the story, but brief mention of possibly wanting children in the future
32% - 🔥 heroine self pleasure As I touch myself, I imagine it’s Jack’s fingers, rough and demanding. In my mind, he takes control, pushing me to my knees, fisting his hand in my hair.
41% - 🔥 sexting and heroine self pleasure that turns into mutual masturbation Make yourself come, pretty girl. Come for me. 50% - the start of a sexting scene that’s interrupted by the fire alarm for the hero 54% - 🔥 oral for her, bj (complete) at a sex club in a room with viewers (exhibitionism) ”I’m going to make you swallow every last inch of me,” I say, my voice low and full of promise. “And they’re all going to watch you do it like the good girl you are.”
67% - 🔥 heroine blindfolded, oral for her, missionary I hear the door open, then close. Footsteps, slow and measured, make their way through my house. My heart pounds so loudly I’m sure he can hear it. The footsteps pause, then continue, growing closer. He’s in the bedroom now. I can sense his presence, feel his eyes on me. “Good girl,” he says, his voice low and husky. It almost sounds as if he needs to clear his throat or cough. It’s not natural. His voice is familiar, but different than when I heard it at the club. I can’t quite put my finger on - The bed dips as he sits beside me, his warmth radiating against my skin.
71% - 🔥 exhibitionism sex in front of her viewers, spanking Jack’s hand slides down my back, his touch both gentle and commanding. “Bend over,” he orders, his voice low and authoritative.
80% - 🔥 anal A growl escapes me as I turn her around and capture her lips in a fierce kiss. She responds eagerly, her fingers tangling in my hair. I lift her, and she wraps her legs around my waist as I carry her to the bedroom.
98% - 🔥 sex against the pillar at the sex club (exhibitionism) then they go home, followed by heroine self pleasure while Jack watches through the window Without another word, Jack spins me around so my back is to his chest. His hand snakes under my dress, pushing my thong aside. I gasp as he slides two fingers inside me, finding me already wet and ready. “So eager,” he growls, nipping at my earlobe. “Such a naughty girl.”
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Full break down on what my ratings above mean here: Overall: How I felt about it everything considered! Readability: How ‘readable’ was the book? Did I fly through it? Did I have to tell myself to pick it back up repeatedly? Were any passages confusing? (I will probably score like (1) is literally unreadable due to formatting/typing errors, etc (2) There were lots of errors that made it difficult to read OR It was extremely confusing and I had to reread passages to make sense of it OR I disliked it so much I had to bribe myself to keep reading (3) I didn’t really want to keep reading and would have preferred to abandon the read and start something else OR some minor continuity issues/confusion (4) I liked it fine, maybe a minor error or 2. I was happy to pick it up when I had time. (5) I never wanted to put this down. I thought about it when I wasn’t reading it. I hid in the bathroom from my kids to read. I threw inappropriate food at my children for dinner so I could read instead.) Feels: Totally subjective to each person but did the book give me any tingles? Any butterflies? Did it rip my heart out (in a good way?) Emotional depth: How well do I feel I know the characters at the end? How much did I feel their emotions throughout the story? Sexual tension: Again, subjective, but how strong was the wanting and longing to me between the characters? A book might have strong sexual tension without a single touch. Romance: Was there romance? Did romantic things happen? This can be actions/words/thoughts of the characters and again is subjective. Sensuality: This is how the intimate scenes are written. Kisses and sexual scenes – how sensual were they? Were they on the mechanical side? Was there emotional pull tied in? Were the details explicit or flowery? These are subjective but generally (1) too short to get a good judgement (2) not all what I'm looking for - very vague or flowery prose (3) either not explicit enough or not enough emotional pull (too mechanical/physically descriptive without the emotions) (4) what I love in a scene (5) absolute perfection - perfect balance of emotional longing and explicit descriptions Sex Scene Length: How long the bedroom scenes are (generally (1) is 1-3 sentences (2) is a few paragraphs to a page-ish (3) is about average, a few pages (4) more well developed scenes, quite a few pages with descriptions (4) the majority of the book takes place in the bedroom. This is always hard to tell for me on audio! Steam Scale: Generally, each flame is a scene. If scenes are super close together I sometimes combine them. If a scene is super short or so vague I don’t know what’s happening, I don’t count it. There’s some levels of grey but generally the number of flames is how many sex scenes there are (I max out at 5 so I’ll put a + after if there’s more than that)
Hallmark Christmas meets Dark Alta. A cinnamon roll hero with a stalker edge and a female main character that’s sweet as pie with an after kick.
I really enjoyed this smutty and surprisingly twisty read. Both characters were perfect for each other and I loved both the story development and the romance.
I received an ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
SIGH. Okay, the premise is solid, otherwise I wouldn't have requested this ARC. We have Chloe, a jewelry influencer, who recently lost her parents in an accident. We have Jack, the fireman who saved Chloe and who's been secretly keeping an eye on her...until the line between concerned fireman and creepy stalker starts to blur.
Honestly, I was into this book in the beginning, despite Jack constantly struggling with his good fireman act and his creepy stalker behaviour. But then, I don't know, the book just lost me. Chloe may be an influencer, but she struggles to afford her parents' home. What does she do? She risks her career to publish anonymous camgirl videos. But here's the kicker...she does these videos for FREE! Girl, what?? She's already struggling with money, she's already risking her career, yet she refuses to get paid for her camgirl videos! What even?? The logic escaped me.
I was also tired of Chloe going on and on about vanilla men not doing it for her. My expectations for her kinky self were high. And while this did not exactly end up being a Devil In Spring situation, it did end up being pretty tame LOL. This is what happens when the characters are all talk. The action usually does not live up to the talk.
In addition to Chloe's (volunteer) side gig, Jack has been meeting up with her in real life as himself, but also messaging her on the kink app under the username of Winterwatcher. There are three major revelations that are set up: Chloe's (volunteer) side gig on the kink app, Jack's double identity as a fireman and Winterwatcher, and lastly, Jack's long-time stalking. I was keen to find out how the final act would play out and...boy, was I disappointed LOL. I liked how Jack's double identity was revealed, but the rest was a complete circus. My theories about how Chloe's (volunteer) side gig would be revealed are 10 times more interesting than how it actually ended up playing out. I was shook at how terrible the ending was. Not to mention that there were certain things that were not revealed or explained properly.
Anyway, I cannot recommend this book. I'm surprised people are comparing this to Lights Out. The only good thing about this book was the build up leading to Jack and Chloe's first couple of meetings. That's it.