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Wildflower
Bad habits are hard to break.
And Liliana's worst habit by far is surrounding herself with toxic men. Now she’s alone and on the run, with a chip on her shoulder and nobody to trust.
She finds escape and solace working at an underground club where her identity is as fluid as her performance around the pole. That is, until her roommate kicks her out and she's left with no other choice than to move into the local hostel.
Where she meets her next bad habit. Or two.
Iseul and Ambrose, the owners of the hostel and long-time best friends. They’re kind, selfless, and too good to be true.
Liliana is determined to keep both men at arm’s length, unwilling to let herself be indebted to anyone. Iseul and Ambrose are relentlessly patient, their own understanding of trauma giving them an edge in navigating those who need help. All they want is her trust, and to keep her safe.
They’re going to need that trust when her past finally catches up with her…
And demands retribution.
Wildflower is a standalone Canadian MFM romance about overcoming trauma and finding family, HEA guaranteed!
And Liliana's worst habit by far is surrounding herself with toxic men. Now she’s alone and on the run, with a chip on her shoulder and nobody to trust.
She finds escape and solace working at an underground club where her identity is as fluid as her performance around the pole. That is, until her roommate kicks her out and she's left with no other choice than to move into the local hostel.
Where she meets her next bad habit. Or two.
Iseul and Ambrose, the owners of the hostel and long-time best friends. They’re kind, selfless, and too good to be true.
Liliana is determined to keep both men at arm’s length, unwilling to let herself be indebted to anyone. Iseul and Ambrose are relentlessly patient, their own understanding of trauma giving them an edge in navigating those who need help. All they want is her trust, and to keep her safe.
They’re going to need that trust when her past finally catches up with her…
And demands retribution.
Wildflower is a standalone Canadian MFM romance about overcoming trauma and finding family, HEA guaranteed!
288 pages, ebook
Published June 27, 2025
9 people want to read
About the author
Iris Trovao
8 books100 followersEmily S Hurricane writing romance as Iris Trovao!
Emily is an east-coast Canadian thirtysomething mom of two humans and a furbaby. Her lumbersexual husband doesn’t actually work in lumber anymore, but he still wears the plaid and the beard.
As well as authoring, she’s a freelance editor and ghostwriter. Her books range in genre from Romance and Erotica to Horror and Science Fiction, and everything in between. When she’s not writing and/or momming, she’s sipping espresso, crocheting, and listening to audiobooks.
You can find Emily and her collected works at emilyshurricane.com.
Emily is an east-coast Canadian thirtysomething mom of two humans and a furbaby. Her lumbersexual husband doesn’t actually work in lumber anymore, but he still wears the plaid and the beard.
As well as authoring, she’s a freelance editor and ghostwriter. Her books range in genre from Romance and Erotica to Horror and Science Fiction, and everything in between. When she’s not writing and/or momming, she’s sipping espresso, crocheting, and listening to audiobooks.
You can find Emily and her collected works at emilyshurricane.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 13, 2025
This is my first "Why Choose" book, and I was a bit skeptical going into it. However, I ended up really liking the characters.
They all brought in a different dynamic to the story with their pasts and personalities.
This is a very slow burn, and it centers more around the characters themselves, their struggles, and their development, and halfway through, it gets real good real fast.
We have Liliana, who is fierce and can hold her own, Iseul, who is kind and passionate and Ambrose, who's strong. They're flawed, they are dealing with the traumas and discovering themselves..
This is written in the third person, which is not my usual as I prefer first person, but it worked.
They all brought in a different dynamic to the story with their pasts and personalities.
This is a very slow burn, and it centers more around the characters themselves, their struggles, and their development, and halfway through, it gets real good real fast.
We have Liliana, who is fierce and can hold her own, Iseul, who is kind and passionate and Ambrose, who's strong. They're flawed, they are dealing with the traumas and discovering themselves..
This is written in the third person, which is not my usual as I prefer first person, but it worked.
July 7, 2025
I walked into this blind. I knew a bit about the blurb and that it was romance, but I've read other works by this author and I felt confident that I'd enjoy it to some degree, so blind it was. I wanted the story and the characters to do all the work for me. I'm not a that much of a romance reader at the moment (but I've read a fair whack in my time), nor do I really read open door romances or erotica.
This is so much more than a simple 'open door romance.' The scenes involving the spice were spicy indeed, but this is truly a love story.
Right, so lets start with the premise:
Liliana has escaped from a toxic relationship and for the moment, has found solace working as a stripper in an illegal club (I did not realise strip clubs were illegal in Canada, so this was interesting.) It's perfect for her as she can work without ID to compromise her anonymity. Perfect until her colleague's leery boyfriend decides she's no good and kicks her out. She starts the novel really vulnerable and walking the streets looking for somewhere safe to stay.
This was a good start and I am so very glad that this was in third person, not first like a lot of contemporary romance these days. I was in Liliana's head enough to be able to get what her issues were without having to listen to every single thing that crosses her mind. She is in defence mode, she is broken, she sees dancing as the last thing she has that she is in complete control of. I love that the author chose to distance us in third, so we can see for ourselves what her world is like.
I also feel that seen as this is a polyamorous love story (because it is a love story through and through) the author did an amazing job of introducing us to all three main characters in this story (again, by using third person POV!) and helping the reader see why these men are so bloody delightful and wonderful and come to think of it, Liliana is quite selfish here. Man hog. If Trovao had gone 1st on this, we would have missed out on so much of the story, and the characters within it. I am therefore incredibly grateful.
But anyway, she throws herself into this situation where she could have friendship--real friendship. She could be a role model to other vulnerable people. She finds herself around children and people from all walks of life. She is welcome, and she really struggles with that to begin with. Again, I'm really glad we only got a peppering of Liliana's self doubt and not some first person swan song about her pain.
We see everything she feels, and we see how she appears to the characters around her. I thought Trovao's portrayal of her vulnerability and her experience of being an abuse victim was sensitively handled.
As for Ambrose and Iseul- they are two clearly distinct characters and each offers something different. One is more reserved, great in the kitchen, smaller in frame, but he is kind and an excellent dancer. The other, Ambrose, is also kind (of course, they both run a hostel for goodness' sake) but is more of a night owl, plays his guitar and reads epic fantasy. I've never read a book about a polyamorous relationship and if I'm being honest, I wasn't sure how it was going to work, but when you learn about how these characters love and depend on each other, you see that no one is going to come between them (well, unless it's between the sheets).
For a lot of the book, it's a really slow burn before the confessions of feelings and truth about pasts come along, but I don't think it was a disservice to the story. Liliana works on herself, and flourishes like the garden she so desperately wants to grow at the hostel.
There was a massive turn in the story which honestly had me worrying for the outcome. I was shocked at how severe the abuse had been, and not because Liliana finally talked about it. There's a part of the novel where things progress and Liliana realises she's attracted the wrong attention and she won't get away. Marcus is an exceptional portrayal of a romance villain. He had my skin crawling. What was all the more horrifying about the abusive ex is that this is reality for so many people out there. Not once did I feel the author forgot that. Even the new relationship and the happy ending was so real, and so down to earth with its authenticity. This was about trust, it was about vulnerability and when making yourself vulnerable is the way to loving and accepting love from another.
Again, I'm not really a romance reader nor do I ever really think about polyamorous relationships, but I thoroughly enjoyed this world and the story that developed within it.
Now, coffee and brownies anyone?
Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC.
This is so much more than a simple 'open door romance.' The scenes involving the spice were spicy indeed, but this is truly a love story.
Right, so lets start with the premise:
Liliana has escaped from a toxic relationship and for the moment, has found solace working as a stripper in an illegal club (I did not realise strip clubs were illegal in Canada, so this was interesting.) It's perfect for her as she can work without ID to compromise her anonymity. Perfect until her colleague's leery boyfriend decides she's no good and kicks her out. She starts the novel really vulnerable and walking the streets looking for somewhere safe to stay.
This was a good start and I am so very glad that this was in third person, not first like a lot of contemporary romance these days. I was in Liliana's head enough to be able to get what her issues were without having to listen to every single thing that crosses her mind. She is in defence mode, she is broken, she sees dancing as the last thing she has that she is in complete control of. I love that the author chose to distance us in third, so we can see for ourselves what her world is like.
I also feel that seen as this is a polyamorous love story (because it is a love story through and through) the author did an amazing job of introducing us to all three main characters in this story (again, by using third person POV!) and helping the reader see why these men are so bloody delightful and wonderful and come to think of it, Liliana is quite selfish here. Man hog. If Trovao had gone 1st on this, we would have missed out on so much of the story, and the characters within it. I am therefore incredibly grateful.
But anyway, she throws herself into this situation where she could have friendship--real friendship. She could be a role model to other vulnerable people. She finds herself around children and people from all walks of life. She is welcome, and she really struggles with that to begin with. Again, I'm really glad we only got a peppering of Liliana's self doubt and not some first person swan song about her pain.
We see everything she feels, and we see how she appears to the characters around her. I thought Trovao's portrayal of her vulnerability and her experience of being an abuse victim was sensitively handled.
As for Ambrose and Iseul- they are two clearly distinct characters and each offers something different. One is more reserved, great in the kitchen, smaller in frame, but he is kind and an excellent dancer. The other, Ambrose, is also kind (of course, they both run a hostel for goodness' sake) but is more of a night owl, plays his guitar and reads epic fantasy. I've never read a book about a polyamorous relationship and if I'm being honest, I wasn't sure how it was going to work, but when you learn about how these characters love and depend on each other, you see that no one is going to come between them (well, unless it's between the sheets).
For a lot of the book, it's a really slow burn before the confessions of feelings and truth about pasts come along, but I don't think it was a disservice to the story. Liliana works on herself, and flourishes like the garden she so desperately wants to grow at the hostel.
There was a massive turn in the story which honestly had me worrying for the outcome. I was shocked at how severe the abuse had been, and not because Liliana finally talked about it. There's a part of the novel where things progress and Liliana realises she's attracted the wrong attention and she won't get away. Marcus is an exceptional portrayal of a romance villain. He had my skin crawling. What was all the more horrifying about the abusive ex is that this is reality for so many people out there. Not once did I feel the author forgot that. Even the new relationship and the happy ending was so real, and so down to earth with its authenticity. This was about trust, it was about vulnerability and when making yourself vulnerable is the way to loving and accepting love from another.
Again, I'm not really a romance reader nor do I ever really think about polyamorous relationships, but I thoroughly enjoyed this world and the story that developed within it.
Now, coffee and brownies anyone?
Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2025
What truly captivated me about this book was how it gently lulled me into a false sense of calm, taking its time to explore the budding trust and emotional bonds between the three central characters. From the start, we know Liliana is on the run, hiding from something dark in her past, but the story is so immersed in the day-to-day rhythm of her new life that it’s easy to forget danger might be just around the corner. When her roommate unceremoniously kicks her out, thanks to an insufferable boyfriend, Liliana seeks refuge at the only place she knows she might find safety: the Valley Street Hostel. Run by Iseul (Izzy) and Ambrose, the hostel is a sanctuary for the vulnerable, offering a warm bed and a hot meal on a pay-what-you-can basis. These two men are absolute standouts. I admired their quiet heroism, the way they’ve built a life around helping others, making their corner of the world a little kinder. The relationship between Izzy and Ambrose was especially refreshing. It’s not romantic or sexual, but deeply intimate, a rare and beautiful portrayal of platonic male closeness. Izzy, with his gentle heart and open spirit, balances Ambrose’s quiet strength and protective instincts in a way that just feels right. They’re opposites in all the best ways. When Liliana turns up, prickly and wary, Izzy welcomes her with open arms, perhaps because of a fledgling crush. But Liliana is used to fending for herself. She resists help, determined not to be a burden, and she’s guarded against trust. Still, little by little, Izzy and Ambrose chip away at her walls with quiet kindness and patience. She begins to earn her keep at the hostel, getting to know the people who live and pass through, finding a fragile sense of belonging. What made this book so special was its pace—unhurried and grounded in the small, meaningful moments of life at the hostel. The community there, the rhythm of shared meals and quiet conversations, was as comforting to me as it was to Liliana. That’s what made the eventual turn so shocking. When Liliana’s past finally catches up to her, it doesn't just threaten her, it puts everything and everyone she’s come to love in danger. The warehouse scene was heart-pounding, a jarring burst of adrenaline that contrasted so sharply with the story’s earlier stillness. Ultimately, though, this is a story about healing. It’s about the transformative power of safety, of chosen family, and the courage it takes to believe in a future that’s better than your past. Emotional, deeply human, and quietly powerful, I won’t be forgetting these characters anytime soon.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 27, 2025
Wildflower is a polyamorous romance, with a character-driven story that unfolds like a cosy unraveling—slow and gentle, with a careful exploration of healing, found family, and the quiet way trust can build through a connection with dance and music.
Liliana works at an underground club. She’s fiercely guarded and on the run, trying to survive and stay hidden from a dangerous past. But when she gets kicked out of her home by her roommate's (a**hole) boyfriend, life spins her into the orbit of two men—Ambrose and Iseul—who run a hostel.
Ambrose and Iseul. Utter sweethearts. Total cinnamon rolls. Soft, patient, observant, and respectful. Not only with Liliana, but with each other, and those offered lodging within the safety of their hostel.
Ambrose and Iseul run their hostel on a donation basis, using what they can to feed and shelter people in need. Liliana finds it incredibly difficult to accept help, and is determined to earn her keep and not be anyone’s burden. ‘Accept the chocolate, Liliana.’
Both Iseul and Ambrose have their own trauma and know what it means to struggle. Their bond is deep, and they live their lives to help others. But the violent past catches up to Liliana. And when it arrives, it threatens not just her, but the people she loves.
I spent most of my winter evenings curled up with this book, sinking into the world of Liliana, Ambrose, and Iseul. Iris has created a rich, heartfelt world filled with characters who are flawed, overcoming trauma, and deeply inspiring. Her care for them shines through in the gentle pacing and the sensitive way she handles the heavier themes woven throughout the story. She intentionally peels back the emotional layers, slowly and thoughtfully.
The romance is a slow burn (but definitely steamy when it arrives), and it’s just one part of a much bigger journey for Liliana—a transformation I absolutely loved—filled with found family, emotional healing, and soft-hearted heroes.
Liliana works at an underground club. She’s fiercely guarded and on the run, trying to survive and stay hidden from a dangerous past. But when she gets kicked out of her home by her roommate's (a**hole) boyfriend, life spins her into the orbit of two men—Ambrose and Iseul—who run a hostel.
Ambrose and Iseul. Utter sweethearts. Total cinnamon rolls. Soft, patient, observant, and respectful. Not only with Liliana, but with each other, and those offered lodging within the safety of their hostel.
Ambrose and Iseul run their hostel on a donation basis, using what they can to feed and shelter people in need. Liliana finds it incredibly difficult to accept help, and is determined to earn her keep and not be anyone’s burden. ‘Accept the chocolate, Liliana.’
Both Iseul and Ambrose have their own trauma and know what it means to struggle. Their bond is deep, and they live their lives to help others. But the violent past catches up to Liliana. And when it arrives, it threatens not just her, but the people she loves.
I spent most of my winter evenings curled up with this book, sinking into the world of Liliana, Ambrose, and Iseul. Iris has created a rich, heartfelt world filled with characters who are flawed, overcoming trauma, and deeply inspiring. Her care for them shines through in the gentle pacing and the sensitive way she handles the heavier themes woven throughout the story. She intentionally peels back the emotional layers, slowly and thoughtfully.
The romance is a slow burn (but definitely steamy when it arrives), and it’s just one part of a much bigger journey for Liliana—a transformation I absolutely loved—filled with found family, emotional healing, and soft-hearted heroes.
June 27, 2025
I enjoyed this book!
I really liked the three main characters and I was so invested in finding out more about them and their past traumas, insecurities and experiences.
Liliana is feisty and fiercely protective of herself and is trying to escape something from her past.
Iseul is kind and very caring and passionate about the well-being of others.
Ambrose is tall, strong and loyal to those he loves and protective over those who are vulnerable and who he cares for.
I found the plot to be very interesting and intriguing. It strongly emphasises on the day to day struggles, loneliness, poverty, vulnerabilities and exploration.
I thought it was beautifully written. This is my first read that has been written in the third person it took me a little while to get used to but once I adjusted to it, it then flowed well.
It is very slow paced within the half as there is a lot of characters building between the three and small scenes of their day to day life. But then when I hit the 55% mark the book really took off and it really gripped and excited me and I just couldn't put it down. I had to keep reading on the find out more.
It was a nice change and a pleasure to read and I would definitely read more books like this but preferably in the first person ideally for me as I think I just prefer that style of writing.
I would recommend it! I am so glad to have discovered this author and I look forward to reading more from her.
I really liked the three main characters and I was so invested in finding out more about them and their past traumas, insecurities and experiences.
Liliana is feisty and fiercely protective of herself and is trying to escape something from her past.
Iseul is kind and very caring and passionate about the well-being of others.
Ambrose is tall, strong and loyal to those he loves and protective over those who are vulnerable and who he cares for.
I found the plot to be very interesting and intriguing. It strongly emphasises on the day to day struggles, loneliness, poverty, vulnerabilities and exploration.
I thought it was beautifully written. This is my first read that has been written in the third person it took me a little while to get used to but once I adjusted to it, it then flowed well.
It is very slow paced within the half as there is a lot of characters building between the three and small scenes of their day to day life. But then when I hit the 55% mark the book really took off and it really gripped and excited me and I just couldn't put it down. I had to keep reading on the find out more.
It was a nice change and a pleasure to read and I would definitely read more books like this but preferably in the first person ideally for me as I think I just prefer that style of writing.
I would recommend it! I am so glad to have discovered this author and I look forward to reading more from her.
December 13, 2025
I admittedly don’t have a broad range of experience with romance novels, so when I picked up Wildflower by Iris Trovao I was pleasantly surprised with how much it resonated with me. Not in a relationship sense, but the characters in this novel spend a lot of time helping one another through their trauma or trauma responses, gently and mindfully in a way that can only be cultivated through a lot of self-reflection, awareness, and determination. As a man who has wrestled with his own shitty past many times over, that softened me up and endeared me to the characters more than anything. Because that’s what Wildflower is really about above all: the characters.
Troubled Liliana is on the run from her abusive past; emotional walls high and a brave mask firmly in place. When she is taken in by a local hostel run by the kind and compassionate Ambrose and Izzy, things soon turn from sweet and flirty to saucy and steamy...
Wildflower is undoubtedly a character-driven story, but I was also pleasantly surprised by how many other hats it manages to wear. Romance obviously, but also a slice of life, a healing journey, a dramedy, a touch of erotica, and (in a shocking twist) a bit of a thriller as Liliana’s past starts to catch up with her in a violent clash with her new life.
Check out my full spoiler free review on my Substack: The Word Dump
Troubled Liliana is on the run from her abusive past; emotional walls high and a brave mask firmly in place. When she is taken in by a local hostel run by the kind and compassionate Ambrose and Izzy, things soon turn from sweet and flirty to saucy and steamy...
Wildflower is undoubtedly a character-driven story, but I was also pleasantly surprised by how many other hats it manages to wear. Romance obviously, but also a slice of life, a healing journey, a dramedy, a touch of erotica, and (in a shocking twist) a bit of a thriller as Liliana’s past starts to catch up with her in a violent clash with her new life.
Check out my full spoiler free review on my Substack: The Word Dump
June 16, 2025
*3.5 stars
I enjoyed this one more that I thought I would when I started reading it.
This novel has a slow start and the romance is not the biggest part of the book, in fact it's a super slow burn poly romance.
Although the romance is really good and well done, the part I liked more about the novel was Liliana's arc, her fight, her past and her growth.
The book talks about difficult choices and how to feel like yourself again after being in a terrible abusive relationship. All the trauma is written with care and in a very realistic way and it's what I liked most about the novel.
I really liked all the characters and how well they were written, the romance was good tho a bit slow and the ending was just perfect.
Read this if you like:
- Polyamorous Relationships
- Found Family
- Story that talks about trauma and how to overcome it.
- Spicy scenes
Thanks so much to the author for providing me with a copy of this novel, all opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this one more that I thought I would when I started reading it.
This novel has a slow start and the romance is not the biggest part of the book, in fact it's a super slow burn poly romance.
Although the romance is really good and well done, the part I liked more about the novel was Liliana's arc, her fight, her past and her growth.
The book talks about difficult choices and how to feel like yourself again after being in a terrible abusive relationship. All the trauma is written with care and in a very realistic way and it's what I liked most about the novel.
I really liked all the characters and how well they were written, the romance was good tho a bit slow and the ending was just perfect.
Read this if you like:
- Polyamorous Relationships
- Found Family
- Story that talks about trauma and how to overcome it.
- Spicy scenes
Thanks so much to the author for providing me with a copy of this novel, all opinions are my own.
June 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Thank you for the ARC copy Iris Trovao - I loved the characters in this book 💕.
You know if there is a why choose trope I am absolutely there for it!!! This is a slow burn and although there is some darker aspects to the plot and the story, the romance aspects of this story are not. The love story is filled with emotionally intelligent MMCs, kindness and consideration.
The MMCs Iseul and Ambrose are lovely. They are both kind, thoughtful and emotionally intelligent. They really care for each other and then share this with Liliana. She is tough and managing her life experiences and trauma as well as overall just focussing on survival.
The book covers some really heavy topics such as domestic abuse and trauma but this is explored really sensitively throughout.
If you like a book with a why choose romance trope but lots of wider exploration of emotions and a plot which doesn’t just focus on romance this would be a good book to pick up.
🌶️🌶️
Thank you for the ARC copy Iris Trovao - I loved the characters in this book 💕.
You know if there is a why choose trope I am absolutely there for it!!! This is a slow burn and although there is some darker aspects to the plot and the story, the romance aspects of this story are not. The love story is filled with emotionally intelligent MMCs, kindness and consideration.
The MMCs Iseul and Ambrose are lovely. They are both kind, thoughtful and emotionally intelligent. They really care for each other and then share this with Liliana. She is tough and managing her life experiences and trauma as well as overall just focussing on survival.
The book covers some really heavy topics such as domestic abuse and trauma but this is explored really sensitively throughout.
If you like a book with a why choose romance trope but lots of wider exploration of emotions and a plot which doesn’t just focus on romance this would be a good book to pick up.
July 22, 2025
It's always such a pleasure reading Iris's words. Her characters are delightful, her voice and style are crisp and honed - a rarity nowadays where I personally feel so many romance writer's voices feels stiff and uniform, impossible to distinguish from the masses of author's who forwent learning about their writing and jumped straight into publishing it.
Wildflower is a sexy, sweet, gooey story with two leading men you can just MELT OVER (such cinnamon roles, omg) and a feisty heroine with a past to hide that, of course, comes back to bite her in the ass in a climax that will have you FLIPPIN' THOSE PAGES.
If you're looking for a story to disassociate from the horrors of reality and delve into a world with men who are quirky, sexy, and nothing but sweet, a healthy dose of humor, and a pinch of angst - this is the book for you!
TW!!! There's animal harm, so be warned. It's not until near the end-ish and isn't described, but a sweet little pet is harmed so beware of that.
Wildflower is a sexy, sweet, gooey story with two leading men you can just MELT OVER (such cinnamon roles, omg) and a feisty heroine with a past to hide that, of course, comes back to bite her in the ass in a climax that will have you FLIPPIN' THOSE PAGES.
If you're looking for a story to disassociate from the horrors of reality and delve into a world with men who are quirky, sexy, and nothing but sweet, a healthy dose of humor, and a pinch of angst - this is the book for you!
TW!!! There's animal harm, so be warned. It's not until near the end-ish and isn't described, but a sweet little pet is harmed so beware of that.
July 9, 2025
The book was a slow start for me, but when it picked up, I couldn't put it down.
I really liked Liliana. Her past was awful, so she mainly kept to herself, but it was good to see how she slowly opened up to Ambrose and Iseul. Ambrose and Iseul ran a hostel to help feed and shelter people who needed it. Lili ended up there one day and kept going back. It was hard for her to accept help, but she did, a little at a time.
I enjoyed reading how they came together (romantically and otherwise) and became a strong unit. There is some excitement later in the book when Lili's past catches up to her. Ambrose, Iseul and Lili did get a well deserved HEA.
This was my first Iris Trovao book and I will be going to check out her other books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really liked Liliana. Her past was awful, so she mainly kept to herself, but it was good to see how she slowly opened up to Ambrose and Iseul. Ambrose and Iseul ran a hostel to help feed and shelter people who needed it. Lili ended up there one day and kept going back. It was hard for her to accept help, but she did, a little at a time.
I enjoyed reading how they came together (romantically and otherwise) and became a strong unit. There is some excitement later in the book when Lili's past catches up to her. Ambrose, Iseul and Lili did get a well deserved HEA.
This was my first Iris Trovao book and I will be going to check out her other books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 18, 2025
I received this book as an ARC from BookSirens, this is my honest review💗
I didn’t know how much I was going to like this book based on the initial 10%. What likely was my own brain, I found myself wanting to skim read a ton because it felt heavy on the background information. However! This is why I don’t DNF early in books because this story needs that background information. These characters deserve their background information and the emotion it builds pays off heavily in the end. While I don’t know that I consider this a dark romance it is a romance with a character who is running from a toxic and dangerous past. A past that eventually refuses to disappear. I highly recommend checking trigger warnings, but this was a great book.
I didn’t know how much I was going to like this book based on the initial 10%. What likely was my own brain, I found myself wanting to skim read a ton because it felt heavy on the background information. However! This is why I don’t DNF early in books because this story needs that background information. These characters deserve their background information and the emotion it builds pays off heavily in the end. While I don’t know that I consider this a dark romance it is a romance with a character who is running from a toxic and dangerous past. A past that eventually refuses to disappear. I highly recommend checking trigger warnings, but this was a great book.
July 8, 2025
I loved the flow of this story since Lili was so hesitant and careful. We know something was not good, but no details with Lili being so guarded.
The developing friendship with the 2 men that became part of her story
just kept me turning the pages. I had to see what happened when strange things started to occur. I loved the HEA and how everything just resolved into an ending that made me just smile!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The developing friendship with the 2 men that became part of her story
just kept me turning the pages. I had to see what happened when strange things started to occur. I loved the HEA and how everything just resolved into an ending that made me just smile!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 5, 2025
This is like a kitten playing with a ball of yarn and you just stand by watching because of how cute it is. Good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews