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Retrograde #1
Relapse
Chase,
I f*cking loathe you.
Nah, that's putting it mildly. I hate your very existence.
I hate that your emerald eyes draw me and every other clueless girl in.
I hate that when your lips quirk into that devilishly sexy smile, my heart skips a beat.
Most of all? I hate that you want me.
Because the truth is, I'm not good enough for you.
I lie.
I steal.
And I break anyone who dares to get close.
So the question is, why do you?
And more importantly, why do I keep coming back for more?
Sincerely,
Addy
P.S. F*ck off.
I f*cking loathe you.
Nah, that's putting it mildly. I hate your very existence.
I hate that your emerald eyes draw me and every other clueless girl in.
I hate that when your lips quirk into that devilishly sexy smile, my heart skips a beat.
Most of all? I hate that you want me.
Because the truth is, I'm not good enough for you.
I lie.
I steal.
And I break anyone who dares to get close.
So the question is, why do you?
And more importantly, why do I keep coming back for more?
Sincerely,
Addy
P.S. F*ck off.
Unknown Binding
Published March 28, 2026
About the author
Harper Ray
21 books355 followersHarper Ray is a Texas woman who loves everything about the book world. She is an author of dark, paranormal, and contemporary romances. Along with reading, writing is her passion and she loves giving readers a chance to escape from their own world, into a new one. Her imagination is the creative tool that helps her come up with several intriguing story lines that she hopes to share with the world. Her fans call her the "page turner author" because with each story she sucks you in, instantly hooking you from page one.
When she's not busy typing away at her computer, she's in school full-time earning her degree, spending time with family and friends, and building a future with her boyfriend and their pup.
When she's not busy typing away at her computer, she's in school full-time earning her degree, spending time with family and friends, and building a future with her boyfriend and their pup.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
May 27, 2020
Addy has never had an easy life. She grew up in and out of foster homes and even when she was with her mother her life was nothing but misery. Her life has been nothing but one big fight to survive.
Chase grew up in a very loving home and had a relatively easy life. His life was the complete opposite of the life Addy lived.
Addy ends up getting a job working at Chase’s tattoo shop as a receptionist and from the moment they saw each other they both wanted each other. Little did either of them know Addys past would creep up on them and end up putting Addys life in danger.
I so totally loved this book and couldn’t put it down until I was finished!! This book absolutely blew me away! Like HOLY WOW!! This story has everything.....tears, angst, humor and lots of nail biting moments! The struggle is real as these two try to navigate their relationship while also dealing with all of Addy’s issues with her mother. It’s a real roller coaster ride the whole way through this book. You never know what’s going to happen next and that’s what glued me to this book until the end. I loved loved loved this story and can’t wait to read more from this author!
Chase grew up in a very loving home and had a relatively easy life. His life was the complete opposite of the life Addy lived.
Addy ends up getting a job working at Chase’s tattoo shop as a receptionist and from the moment they saw each other they both wanted each other. Little did either of them know Addys past would creep up on them and end up putting Addys life in danger.
I so totally loved this book and couldn’t put it down until I was finished!! This book absolutely blew me away! Like HOLY WOW!! This story has everything.....tears, angst, humor and lots of nail biting moments! The struggle is real as these two try to navigate their relationship while also dealing with all of Addy’s issues with her mother. It’s a real roller coaster ride the whole way through this book. You never know what’s going to happen next and that’s what glued me to this book until the end. I loved loved loved this story and can’t wait to read more from this author!
February 5, 2021
Wow
Well this was a good book up until that ending. Not really sure what to say about that but I definitely wish that it was mentioned that there was a cliffhanger. I really did think this was a standalone but I guess I will just make up what happens next in my head. Lol.
This was the first book I have read from this author and I have to say she has some real potential in the writting business. If it wasnt for that ending this would be a 5 star read for me. I absolutely loved Chase and Max. Talk about some awesome dudes! Hopefully I sont have to wait long for the next book.
Well this was a good book up until that ending. Not really sure what to say about that but I definitely wish that it was mentioned that there was a cliffhanger. I really did think this was a standalone but I guess I will just make up what happens next in my head. Lol.
This was the first book I have read from this author and I have to say she has some real potential in the writting business. If it wasnt for that ending this would be a 5 star read for me. I absolutely loved Chase and Max. Talk about some awesome dudes! Hopefully I sont have to wait long for the next book.
July 17, 2023
I loved how this book got right into it, no long introduction and it was one of those you couldn’t put down because it was so intriguing. And the twists at the end??? Crazy, I didn’t see it coming at all.
Hoping we get the next book soon because I want to read more of Chase & Addy!
Hoping we get the next book soon because I want to read more of Chase & Addy!
May 27, 2020
Everyone has to read this book on release day. Go crazy. I was lucky to receive and arc, and I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I am totally in love with Chase and Addy! Harper did an amazing job at bringing this book and the characters to life, and i can't wait for the next book! Highly recommend this amazing book! I wish I could read it for the first time all over again!
August 15, 2021
My goodness, the things this poor girl went through in life are certainly things no one wants to endure. She definitely did not ever have it easy and having to fend for yourself pretty much your whole life probably sucks when you don't have the skills or a degree to get you at least a decent paying job out there in the real world.
When Addy runs into a mysteriously hot man in an ally while contemplating on walking in to a strip club to ask for a job, you could pretty much say he saved her life from living a life she did not want to continue living.
She was given a job as a receptionist at a tattoo parlor and she meets the co-owner, Chase and Max had already warned her that he was a grumpy, broody guy but Addy doesn't take crap from anyone, she has lived a hard life and she knows how to defend herself so the last thing she's going to do is take crap from the co-owner. Little did she know that this man was the one who was going to flip her life upside down (in a good way). But Addy isn't making things easy for Chase, she is so guarded with her heart that she finds it impossible to hand it over to just anyone even when that said person has been pursuing her relentlessly and he's trying to be patient with her because he knows she's fragile and deserves nothing but the best.
But Addy has her enemies lurking and waiting to strike. Will Chase be able to help her get freed from these monsters or will she be forever damned to live a life that no human being would want to live!
This book pretty much had me holding my heart in my hands for this poor girl. I would never dream of wishing this kind of life on anyone, no matter how much I despise them (lol)!
Addy certainly has won 5 golden stars for her courage, wisdom and her strength in this novel. I loved her character and everything she was.
4.5 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
When Addy runs into a mysteriously hot man in an ally while contemplating on walking in to a strip club to ask for a job, you could pretty much say he saved her life from living a life she did not want to continue living.
She was given a job as a receptionist at a tattoo parlor and she meets the co-owner, Chase and Max had already warned her that he was a grumpy, broody guy but Addy doesn't take crap from anyone, she has lived a hard life and she knows how to defend herself so the last thing she's going to do is take crap from the co-owner. Little did she know that this man was the one who was going to flip her life upside down (in a good way). But Addy isn't making things easy for Chase, she is so guarded with her heart that she finds it impossible to hand it over to just anyone even when that said person has been pursuing her relentlessly and he's trying to be patient with her because he knows she's fragile and deserves nothing but the best.
But Addy has her enemies lurking and waiting to strike. Will Chase be able to help her get freed from these monsters or will she be forever damned to live a life that no human being would want to live!
This book pretty much had me holding my heart in my hands for this poor girl. I would never dream of wishing this kind of life on anyone, no matter how much I despise them (lol)!
Addy certainly has won 5 golden stars for her courage, wisdom and her strength in this novel. I loved her character and everything she was.
4.5 Stars
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
October 14, 2021
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and voluntary review
This was an amazing story!! It definitely gives you the big picture of the ups and downs of life and love. Both Addy and Chase didn’t have really good childhoods. My heart broke for Addy repeatedly 💔 The subject matter could be tough to read at times, but I had to know what was going to happen next!! Chase and Addy were fantastic together ♥️ I was rooting for them through the entire story!! I really enjoyed this book 🖤
Addy has been on her own her whole life. She’s been in some very difficult and terrifying situations. She doesn’t trust easily and she definitely doesn’t hand out her heart. She’s hoping to get a job at a strip club, but in the alley, she sees this hot man. He ends up giving her a job as a receptionist in his tattoo shop. She’s warned Chase, the shop’s co owner, isn’t the easiest to get along with. Addy never backs down though. Chase and Addy just might learn they may be able to save each other from their demons…..
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 🖤💙
This was an amazing story!! It definitely gives you the big picture of the ups and downs of life and love. Both Addy and Chase didn’t have really good childhoods. My heart broke for Addy repeatedly 💔 The subject matter could be tough to read at times, but I had to know what was going to happen next!! Chase and Addy were fantastic together ♥️ I was rooting for them through the entire story!! I really enjoyed this book 🖤
Addy has been on her own her whole life. She’s been in some very difficult and terrifying situations. She doesn’t trust easily and she definitely doesn’t hand out her heart. She’s hoping to get a job at a strip club, but in the alley, she sees this hot man. He ends up giving her a job as a receptionist in his tattoo shop. She’s warned Chase, the shop’s co owner, isn’t the easiest to get along with. Addy never backs down though. Chase and Addy just might learn they may be able to save each other from their demons…..
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 🖤💙
March 31, 2026
Wow- I couldn't put this one down.
Addy was not handed an easy life. A mother that used and abused her to feed her own drug addiction, never seeing what it was like to be loved, or feel safe enough to let her guard down.
Chase, the pretty boy retired model, tattoo artist who grew up in a stable environment but was screwed over by his ex.
When his business partner Max meets Addy and offers her a job as their receptionist, he offers her so much more, the chance at being part of a family.
What a roller-coaster. Addy & Chase's relationship isn't easy. She doesn't understand love, she pushes, he pulls, she doesn't see her worth, he's claimed her as his.
I did not see the twists and turns in this one and it kept me wondering. I want more Addy & Chase.
I was so proud of her at the end and how far she had come.
I am excited to read more on Max and Hollie too!
Addy was not handed an easy life. A mother that used and abused her to feed her own drug addiction, never seeing what it was like to be loved, or feel safe enough to let her guard down.
Chase, the pretty boy retired model, tattoo artist who grew up in a stable environment but was screwed over by his ex.
When his business partner Max meets Addy and offers her a job as their receptionist, he offers her so much more, the chance at being part of a family.
What a roller-coaster. Addy & Chase's relationship isn't easy. She doesn't understand love, she pushes, he pulls, she doesn't see her worth, he's claimed her as his.
I did not see the twists and turns in this one and it kept me wondering. I want more Addy & Chase.
I was so proud of her at the end and how far she had come.
I am excited to read more on Max and Hollie too!
March 30, 2026
The story is one emotional roller coaster of a ride. There are definitely some possible triggers as this story has a lot of darker moments. Addy has been through so much in her life. She doesn’t trust easily and has a lot of baggage that has brought her down throughout her journey. But yet, through it all she remains strong and resilient. She doesn’t let anything stop her. Her meeting Max and then Chase brings changes to her life. She isn’t quick to let people get to know her because she has been through so much starting at a young age. The story pulled me in from the very beginning and causing me unable to put it down. I had to find out how it ends. The journey with Addy is one that will make you laugh and cry at the same time. Harper Ray wrote a story that has you feeling Addy’s pain and happiness throughout her journey. This was an amazing, emotional, and outstanding story that doesn’t disappoint.
May 28, 2020
I loved this book, I didnt want it to end I was glued to the pages throughout.
It has everything sad parts, love , humor, anger and happiness.
You didn't know what was going to happen next. I loved the story and relationship between chase and Addy. Harper did a amazing job with this book and bringing it to life.
It felt like I was in the story in a good way!!!
I cant wait for more releases from Harper!!!
5* by a 5* author!!!🖤🖤🖤
It has everything sad parts, love , humor, anger and happiness.
You didn't know what was going to happen next. I loved the story and relationship between chase and Addy. Harper did a amazing job with this book and bringing it to life.
It felt like I was in the story in a good way!!!
I cant wait for more releases from Harper!!!
5* by a 5* author!!!🖤🖤🖤
April 4, 2026
This book has just been re released. I went through this so fast. I loved everything about it. It has everything I love in a book:
Tropes: Dark romance, Enemy to Lovers, Possessive MMC, Strong FMC with some past trauma, He falls first, Who hurt you and a bit of spice.
"I was doing fine. I kept to myself and did what I loved. Then Addy walked into my life. I wasn't ready for her, but fate had other plans."
"A girl like me didn’t deserve a knight in shining armor. No, a girl like me deserved to be alone for the rest of her life."
Tropes: Dark romance, Enemy to Lovers, Possessive MMC, Strong FMC with some past trauma, He falls first, Who hurt you and a bit of spice.
"I was doing fine. I kept to myself and did what I loved. Then Addy walked into my life. I wasn't ready for her, but fate had other plans."
"A girl like me didn’t deserve a knight in shining armor. No, a girl like me deserved to be alone for the rest of her life."
June 8, 2020
What in the ever loving...holy macaroni....AHHH!!!! Once again I am blown away and could not put this book down!!! I know I’ve said before about various books and authors, “I need more now!!!” But y’all, for real, I NEED MORE NOW!!! This book was so easy to get sucked into. It was angsty and lovely, suspenseful and twisty, and everything you could want! I’ll be honest in that I wasn’t really sure about just how much I was going to love this book because I don’t generally care much for sex trafficking story lines but this book was seriously everything. Did I mention that I. NEED. MORE??
May 28, 2020
Addy and Chase love to hate each other. Addy is such a sassy smartass and I love her! Harper makes you fall in love with these two and leaves you wanting more!! They both deserve love after the childhood Addy had and the crazy ex Chase had. Harper Ray you write amazing words and really bring us into Addy and Chases world and I didn't want to leave!
June 6, 2020
An absolutely compelling read!
Do not let the Candy coloured graphic of this cover fool you! Because it hides a secret...
This story is anything but sweet and light but it will as surely suck you in as a bag of your favourite lollies.
Relapse is a compelling read, high on emotion and heavy on subject matter, and I absolutely loved the characters that Harper Ray has created. Addy and Chase are complex and multifaceted, and they feel very real, along with their friends and family.
Relapse is another book that I don’t feel I could write a review worthy enough, and I believe it would appeal to a wide range of reading tastes. It’s a romantic suspense about the darkest side of humanity. It’s heavy on the subject matter, but has life’s lighter moments in it. There’s an overbearing heavily tattooed alpha male character who is a pussy in the face of his mother, and a heroine who has a hard-working ethic in spite of her childhood, and hides her vulnerability behind a prickly solid coat of armour. She refuses to be a victim. An Ankylosaur would be proud of her.
Simply put, Chase, Addy and their friends and family are characters you need to meet.
If you cynically refuse to believe that insta-love exists, Ms Ray will convince you it’s true. That’s if Chase can convince Addy it does! Hell, the chemistry between them is another character on its own, but a lifetime of conditioning means that Addy made circumstances difficult for herself and those around her wanting to support and protect her. Essentially, Chase is just perfect, and I loved everything about this man who would bend over backwards to show his skittery woman just how precious she is to him.
And if there was ever a mother who deserves to die a long and slow painful death, you’ll be meeting her too. Luckily for Addy, whether she acknowledges it or not, families who offer unconditional love and support do exist, and they will go to the wire for her. Hell’s teeth, I could go on about this book, but, again I just urge you to read Relapse.
This is Harper Ray’s second published book, and I think she has outdone herself, so I’ll just say that Relapse deserves every one of it’s 5 Stars. Go get it 🌷
Do not let the Candy coloured graphic of this cover fool you! Because it hides a secret...
This story is anything but sweet and light but it will as surely suck you in as a bag of your favourite lollies.
Relapse is a compelling read, high on emotion and heavy on subject matter, and I absolutely loved the characters that Harper Ray has created. Addy and Chase are complex and multifaceted, and they feel very real, along with their friends and family.
Relapse is another book that I don’t feel I could write a review worthy enough, and I believe it would appeal to a wide range of reading tastes. It’s a romantic suspense about the darkest side of humanity. It’s heavy on the subject matter, but has life’s lighter moments in it. There’s an overbearing heavily tattooed alpha male character who is a pussy in the face of his mother, and a heroine who has a hard-working ethic in spite of her childhood, and hides her vulnerability behind a prickly solid coat of armour. She refuses to be a victim. An Ankylosaur would be proud of her.
Simply put, Chase, Addy and their friends and family are characters you need to meet.
If you cynically refuse to believe that insta-love exists, Ms Ray will convince you it’s true. That’s if Chase can convince Addy it does! Hell, the chemistry between them is another character on its own, but a lifetime of conditioning means that Addy made circumstances difficult for herself and those around her wanting to support and protect her. Essentially, Chase is just perfect, and I loved everything about this man who would bend over backwards to show his skittery woman just how precious she is to him.
And if there was ever a mother who deserves to die a long and slow painful death, you’ll be meeting her too. Luckily for Addy, whether she acknowledges it or not, families who offer unconditional love and support do exist, and they will go to the wire for her. Hell’s teeth, I could go on about this book, but, again I just urge you to read Relapse.
This is Harper Ray’s second published book, and I think she has outdone herself, so I’ll just say that Relapse deserves every one of it’s 5 Stars. Go get it 🌷
April 4, 2023
DNF
Chapter 1 is Addy telling us she needs a job before she’s homeless. That she’s the product of drug addicted mother. And despite having no money, she’s spends her nights in bars drinking before going home to change then spending the day job hunting….Like, when does she sleep?
Chapter 2 we meet Chase. A tattoo artist with an ego as big as a continent. What kind of man calls out a young girl for ‘ogling’ him while he’s tattooing her friend, and then proceeds to tell her she’s not a real friend anyway because her focus was on him instead of holding her hand… 🤔🤔Nah. Instant dislike for me.
Then Addy gets a job working for Chase & the insta love starts. Chase has known her for less than a day and he already knows her soul. 💀💀💀 She’s going to be the death of him. They are a match made in heaven and whenever he’s around her all he can think about is making her his. 😳 Dude, you’ve known her 3 hours…3 freaking hours. 🙄🙄
I didn’t care for either MC, they were both unlikable. There was zero build up between them. My teaspoon has more chemistry than these two. She came across as a bitch who turned him into a simp the moment they met and all by 20% in.
Yeah…that was my cue to exit this book. 🤷♀️
Chapter 1 is Addy telling us she needs a job before she’s homeless. That she’s the product of drug addicted mother. And despite having no money, she’s spends her nights in bars drinking before going home to change then spending the day job hunting….Like, when does she sleep?
Chapter 2 we meet Chase. A tattoo artist with an ego as big as a continent. What kind of man calls out a young girl for ‘ogling’ him while he’s tattooing her friend, and then proceeds to tell her she’s not a real friend anyway because her focus was on him instead of holding her hand… 🤔🤔Nah. Instant dislike for me.
Then Addy gets a job working for Chase & the insta love starts. Chase has known her for less than a day and he already knows her soul. 💀💀💀 She’s going to be the death of him. They are a match made in heaven and whenever he’s around her all he can think about is making her his. 😳 Dude, you’ve known her 3 hours…3 freaking hours. 🙄🙄
I didn’t care for either MC, they were both unlikable. There was zero build up between them. My teaspoon has more chemistry than these two. She came across as a bitch who turned him into a simp the moment they met and all by 20% in.
Yeah…that was my cue to exit this book. 🤷♀️
March 31, 2026
Relapse is book one of the Retrograde Series.
Addy has a horrible past and try as hard as she can to get past everything, there is something that always brings her back to her past. There are some dark and troublesome things we read about as the story progresses. She finally gets a break in life with a job, but then she meets Chase and things just don't go over well with them. These two are at each other all the time, but we see Chase is very invested almost from the start. Even through all of the hot and cold, and the push and pull, he remains invested and caring. He is there for her through everything and is willing to do anything to keep her safe and make sure she knows she is loved. I appreciated everything about Chase. There were times when he was distant, but we see the struggle he is also going through knowing that he has to keep fighting for Addy, even though he is saddened about her own distance. Chase was a great person for Addy to have in her corner, as he never gave up on her. He let her make her own decisions, but made sure she knew he was there for her no matter what she decided.
Addy has a horrible past and try as hard as she can to get past everything, there is something that always brings her back to her past. There are some dark and troublesome things we read about as the story progresses. She finally gets a break in life with a job, but then she meets Chase and things just don't go over well with them. These two are at each other all the time, but we see Chase is very invested almost from the start. Even through all of the hot and cold, and the push and pull, he remains invested and caring. He is there for her through everything and is willing to do anything to keep her safe and make sure she knows she is loved. I appreciated everything about Chase. There were times when he was distant, but we see the struggle he is also going through knowing that he has to keep fighting for Addy, even though he is saddened about her own distance. Chase was a great person for Addy to have in her corner, as he never gave up on her. He let her make her own decisions, but made sure she knew he was there for her no matter what she decided.
April 6, 2026
Addy & Chase - oh boy do I love them!!!
This books starts off with Addy’s horrific backstory at the hands of her addict mother and let’s just say her mother does not get better as story goes on.
Addy gets through her nightmare of a childhood to barely scraping by as a young adult. Luckily, she gets a break and lands a job working with Max and Chase at their tattoo shop. Chase tries to hate Abby, but she gets under his skin. Abby and Chase are incredibly attracted to each other, but know exactly what buttons to push with the other and they burn hot and fast.
Abby struggles with independence and control and a lot of self worth struggles and feels like she’s not good enough for Chase who grew up in the exact opposite of how she had.
Chase fights for Abby and gets Abby to fight for him also. It’s not all smooth sailing and so much happens that they more than deserved the HEA they get.
Tons of action and plot twists with spicy and swoony yummyness! Wonderful character and plot development that sucks you in right away and I wasn’t ready to let these characters go!
I need more of Max and Holly as well!!
This books starts off with Addy’s horrific backstory at the hands of her addict mother and let’s just say her mother does not get better as story goes on.
Addy gets through her nightmare of a childhood to barely scraping by as a young adult. Luckily, she gets a break and lands a job working with Max and Chase at their tattoo shop. Chase tries to hate Abby, but she gets under his skin. Abby and Chase are incredibly attracted to each other, but know exactly what buttons to push with the other and they burn hot and fast.
Abby struggles with independence and control and a lot of self worth struggles and feels like she’s not good enough for Chase who grew up in the exact opposite of how she had.
Chase fights for Abby and gets Abby to fight for him also. It’s not all smooth sailing and so much happens that they more than deserved the HEA they get.
Tons of action and plot twists with spicy and swoony yummyness! Wonderful character and plot development that sucks you in right away and I wasn’t ready to let these characters go!
I need more of Max and Holly as well!!
April 1, 2026
Am I..... Am I becoming a dark romance girlie?! For personal triggers, I never read a dark romance book. However, there is something powerful in reading something similar to a traumatic experience and turn it into a story that gives strength and meaning to victims. This was my first & will NOT be my last.
For starters, where do I find a man that’s built like Chase, willing to fight anyone who wrongs me, and goes on a spree with his dad to find me after being kidnapped (by my own mother and his psycho ex, but I digress.)
Max? 10/10- someone get this man his own book because WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE IS ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY AND TAKING ACCOUNTABILITY.
Addy? What a bad ass FMC. I’m sorry but for all she encounters how is she not a bigger bitch? She is a far better human than I (& if I found out someone’s mama has wrong them like her mama- I’ll adopt you, I got an extra bed).
Overall rating:
Spice:
PS- you’ll be seeing more of her books.... I promise..
For starters, where do I find a man that’s built like Chase, willing to fight anyone who wrongs me, and goes on a spree with his dad to find me after being kidnapped (by my own mother and his psycho ex, but I digress.)
Max? 10/10- someone get this man his own book because WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE IS ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY AND TAKING ACCOUNTABILITY.
Addy? What a bad ass FMC. I’m sorry but for all she encounters how is she not a bigger bitch? She is a far better human than I (& if I found out someone’s mama has wrong them like her mama- I’ll adopt you, I got an extra bed).
Overall rating:
Spice:
PS- you’ll be seeing more of her books.... I promise..
April 4, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
A solid 3.5-star read! ✨
I originally read this as an ARC, and it is officially OUT NOW!
I really enjoyed the story and the connection between Chase and Addy, though I would personally classify this as a gritty enemies-to-lovers story with trauma elements rather than a "dark" romance. 🖤
What I loved: The plot kept me moving and the emotional weight of Addy's trauma was handled with care.
What I wanted more of: Time! The pacing felt a little rushed, jumping from one scenario to the next without much "breathing room" in between. At under 250 pages, if the book had been a bit longer to let the moments settle, it easily would have been a 4-star read for me.
I am definitely not ready to say goodbye to these two! I’m crossing my fingers for a follow-up—I want to see more of Addy’s healing journey, their relationship growth, and I decidedly want to see the physical chemistry between her and Chase turned up a little 🔥🌶️
A solid 3.5-star read! ✨
I originally read this as an ARC, and it is officially OUT NOW!
I really enjoyed the story and the connection between Chase and Addy, though I would personally classify this as a gritty enemies-to-lovers story with trauma elements rather than a "dark" romance. 🖤
What I loved: The plot kept me moving and the emotional weight of Addy's trauma was handled with care.
What I wanted more of: Time! The pacing felt a little rushed, jumping from one scenario to the next without much "breathing room" in between. At under 250 pages, if the book had been a bit longer to let the moments settle, it easily would have been a 4-star read for me.
I am definitely not ready to say goodbye to these two! I’m crossing my fingers for a follow-up—I want to see more of Addy’s healing journey, their relationship growth, and I decidedly want to see the physical chemistry between her and Chase turned up a little 🔥🌶️
April 5, 2026
Ok trigger warning on this book. There a lot of stuff in this book that might trigger some people. So please read it. But this book is about trauma from a drug addict mother that would do anything for the next one. So this is about Abby, whose life was never the best because of her mother and the issue she had. In the beginning you read about what happens to her and then it goes to when she escaped and what she does to try not to be homeless and not to be with her mother. It's an interesting story but like I said do read the trigger warnings because it does talk about human trafficking and if you extra stuff in there. But you get to meet Chase which is a tattoo owner that is a little hard-headed. Let's just say that him and Abby tend to finally find a way to be themselves after everything. I don't want to say too much because I rather you get the experience of the story. The story was great, I honestly can't wait to read Holly and Max's story next because I need that one too.
June 21, 2023
The ending of this book. I swear I wanted to smash things. Why did you have to leave me hanging like that. I needed just a little more to push off the wait for book 2. I lie. There’s not pushing off the wait. Addy is one strong female who has a horrible like. But she makes the best of it. Not going to lie I love her fire and sass. She sounds like someone I could be best friends with and get in a lot of trouble with. Chase is a holy hotness in one package. Model turn tattoo artist. Yes please. Though he knows all to well the feeling of getting burned in the end. Both spend way to much time keeping their walls up. Also the Addy’s mother and Chase’s ex is someone who needs to be dealt with in the most horrible ways ever. They are truly the dirtiest horrible people and permanently on my I hate characters list.
June 30, 2020
Packed full of fire!!
This book was crazy! This is not your typical boy meets girl, they fall instantly in love and live happily ever after. No, Chase and Addy's story is a little.different. They come from different worlds and backgrounds in life but somehow make things work between them. I admire Addy so much. She's brutally honest and has so much spitfire in her! She gives Chase so much attitude in this book but he has a way of breaking down her walls. I loved Chase! He was a great character who has been thru a lot in his life but finally is following his passion and his love. Addy's mom is a head case and needs some professional help along with some other people in this book. This was a short read but it packed a punch!!
This book was crazy! This is not your typical boy meets girl, they fall instantly in love and live happily ever after. No, Chase and Addy's story is a little.different. They come from different worlds and backgrounds in life but somehow make things work between them. I admire Addy so much. She's brutally honest and has so much spitfire in her! She gives Chase so much attitude in this book but he has a way of breaking down her walls. I loved Chase! He was a great character who has been thru a lot in his life but finally is following his passion and his love. Addy's mom is a head case and needs some professional help along with some other people in this book. This was a short read but it packed a punch!!
March 30, 2026
That was fantastic! My first read by this author and won’t be my last! Read you triggers! This will be a hard read for some! This deals with some very rough situations that would easily trigger someone.
I’m couldn’t put it down and stayed up late just to finish it! The trauma and emotion are felt so mush throughout this book. He falls hard and fast but she doesn’t feel worthy and has such a hard time.
They come from two separate worlds and places in life. One who struggles and never has had anything or anyone and the other who has money and family.
How can they make it work? That’s all she keeps seeing…
Emotional book. Heartfelt book. Great story and lots of set backs
April 6, 2026
Strength, Chaos, and That Push-Pull We Love
This book is for anyone who loves a strong FMC who can take everything life throws at her and keep going. Her resilience and growth throughout the story were honestly one of my favorite parts—she doesn’t just survive, she owns it.
And Chase… whew. He brings that perfect mix of golden retriever energy with a bad boy edge, which made him impossible not to love (and maybe a little frustrating in the best way).
The push and pull between these two? Absolutely addictive. The tension, the back-and-forth, the almost moments—it kept me hooked the entire time.
If you’re into strong characters, emotional tension, and a dynamic that keeps you invested from start to finish, this one is definitely worth the read.
This book is for anyone who loves a strong FMC who can take everything life throws at her and keep going. Her resilience and growth throughout the story were honestly one of my favorite parts—she doesn’t just survive, she owns it.
And Chase… whew. He brings that perfect mix of golden retriever energy with a bad boy edge, which made him impossible not to love (and maybe a little frustrating in the best way).
The push and pull between these two? Absolutely addictive. The tension, the back-and-forth, the almost moments—it kept me hooked the entire time.
If you’re into strong characters, emotional tension, and a dynamic that keeps you invested from start to finish, this one is definitely worth the read.
June 4, 2020
All the stars!!
I’m a ball of emotions that’s unsure how to deal with this book hangover. I want more more more!!
I absolutely, 1000% LOVED this book!!!!!!!
New to me author Harper Ray has wowed me in a big way. Relapse is one of those reads you just can’t put down.
They bicker, they tease and they can’t stand each other. With a past so dark and a future unknown, will Addy be good enough for more?
This book holds so much depth, I cried, I laughed and I smiled for the girl inside. It was so heartfelt at times I felt so heartbroken. It’s raw and invigorating.
I can’t wait to see what else this author has and I’ll be wasting no time in finding out.
This comes highly recommended.
I’m a ball of emotions that’s unsure how to deal with this book hangover. I want more more more!!
I absolutely, 1000% LOVED this book!!!!!!!
New to me author Harper Ray has wowed me in a big way. Relapse is one of those reads you just can’t put down.
They bicker, they tease and they can’t stand each other. With a past so dark and a future unknown, will Addy be good enough for more?
This book holds so much depth, I cried, I laughed and I smiled for the girl inside. It was so heartfelt at times I felt so heartbroken. It’s raw and invigorating.
I can’t wait to see what else this author has and I’ll be wasting no time in finding out.
This comes highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Relapse is Chase and Addy's story. This story absolutely snatched my heart out and trampled all over it. This is an intense, gritty, profoundly emotional journey and I strongly recommend getting plenty of kleenex before you start. Addy's upbringing was completely horrific. First with her mother then with foster care, this girl could not catch a break. Then there's Chase. His upbringing was great, he had a loving home and pretty easy life. Their journey, from start to finish, pulled me in and still hasn't let go. Relapse is one of those stories and Chase and Addy are some of those characters that will stick with me for a long time to come. This is an absolute must read journey!
March 26, 2026
It took me a little while to get into this book but once I did I was hooked. Addy lives in a world where the people who are supposed to love and care for her are the monsters she must deal with every day. Chase may come across as a golden retriever but he too has faced his own problems, although not to the same degree. A chance encounter means Addy is about to have her whole world turned upside down. I loved the relationship between Chase & Addy, the banter back and forth was really good, and the tension between the two was on fire 🔥. This book was very well written and although the topics in it were dark, ultimately it was a book about love coming out on top. Such a good read!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an ARC copy of this book.
It was a very easy read.
I enjoyed the story, but calling it a "dark romance" is a bit of a stretch.
Spice level: 1/2 🌶️ (This may even be a stretch, I debated putting ZERO chili peppers. But graced it with a half of one).
Plot: 3 ⭐
Characters: 4 ⭐
I found certain parts very redundant.
There was about 200 pages of build up on the story, the. bam the author rushed through the end. It kinda left the story a bit unfinished. I am curious if they will continue parts of it within the next book.
The twists/plot mysteries were good.
I will read the next book to this series when it's released because I did like the characters.
It was a very easy read.
I enjoyed the story, but calling it a "dark romance" is a bit of a stretch.
Spice level: 1/2 🌶️ (This may even be a stretch, I debated putting ZERO chili peppers. But graced it with a half of one).
Plot: 3 ⭐
Characters: 4 ⭐
I found certain parts very redundant.
There was about 200 pages of build up on the story, the. bam the author rushed through the end. It kinda left the story a bit unfinished. I am curious if they will continue parts of it within the next book.
The twists/plot mysteries were good.
I will read the next book to this series when it's released because I did like the characters.
April 1, 2026
Thank you to Hambright PR and Harper Ray for this ARC
Addy has had a horrible childhood. Down on her luck, she gets a job working for Chase at his tattoo parlor. Addy and Chase drive each other crazy. But their attraction is unmistakable. When Addy's past come back to threaten her, Chase steps in with touch her and die vibes.
I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers, he falls first with a bit of touch her and die. I have enjoyed Harper Ray's other books, and Relapse did not disappoint. The chemistry between Addy and Chase was hot! I really liked their friends, Max and Holly as well. And Chase's family was great. I highly recommend.
Addy has had a horrible childhood. Down on her luck, she gets a job working for Chase at his tattoo parlor. Addy and Chase drive each other crazy. But their attraction is unmistakable. When Addy's past come back to threaten her, Chase steps in with touch her and die vibes.
I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers, he falls first with a bit of touch her and die. I have enjoyed Harper Ray's other books, and Relapse did not disappoint. The chemistry between Addy and Chase was hot! I really liked their friends, Max and Holly as well. And Chase's family was great. I highly recommend.
April 6, 2026
Chase and Addy
Addy's life has been a grueling test of endurance, with one challenge after another. But when she stumbles upon a mysterious and attractive stranger in an alley, her fate takes an unexpected turn. He offers her a lifeline in the form of a job at a tattoo parlor, where she meets Chase, the co-owner, who is as rough around the edges as he is kind at heart. As Addy begins to rebuild her life, she must confront the demons of her past and the enemies that threaten to destroy her future. Will Chase be able to help her overcome her struggles, or will she remain forever trapped in a life she despises?
Addy's life has been a grueling test of endurance, with one challenge after another. But when she stumbles upon a mysterious and attractive stranger in an alley, her fate takes an unexpected turn. He offers her a lifeline in the form of a job at a tattoo parlor, where she meets Chase, the co-owner, who is as rough around the edges as he is kind at heart. As Addy begins to rebuild her life, she must confront the demons of her past and the enemies that threaten to destroy her future. Will Chase be able to help her overcome her struggles, or will she remain forever trapped in a life she despises?
June 12, 2020
“I dare you to kiss me, kitten.”
Gah! Chase was the kind of hero you love to hate. I’m not usually one for an enemy to lovers story, but this one drew me right in. Even when everything was telling Addy not to fall for the former model, hot-as-hell Chase, she couldn’t help how she felt.
The emotion, the real ness and vulnerability of the characters, and the intrigue of the love between them made for a perfect love story- even if it was the love-to-hate-you kind. I didn’t want this one to end.
Gah! Chase was the kind of hero you love to hate. I’m not usually one for an enemy to lovers story, but this one drew me right in. Even when everything was telling Addy not to fall for the former model, hot-as-hell Chase, she couldn’t help how she felt.
The emotion, the real ness and vulnerability of the characters, and the intrigue of the love between them made for a perfect love story- even if it was the love-to-hate-you kind. I didn’t want this one to end.
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