What do you think?
Rate this book
Just Me
She’s soft, scared, and so sure she’s unlovable. He’s about to prove her wrong.
Ava Harrington runs a cozy little bookstore café, keeps her head down, and avoids anything—or anyone—that might hurt her again. But the tattoo artist next door makes that almost impossible.
Elijah Blacksmith is older, rough around the edges, and far too observant. And he’s been quietly waiting for her to be ready…
for him.
Their friendship is laced with heat, their stolen moments toe the line, and when that line finally breaks—he’s more than willing to take control.
She thinks she’s too much.
He knows she’s everything.
Ava Harrington runs a cozy little bookstore café, keeps her head down, and avoids anything—or anyone—that might hurt her again. But the tattoo artist next door makes that almost impossible.
Elijah Blacksmith is older, rough around the edges, and far too observant. And he’s been quietly waiting for her to be ready…
for him.
Their friendship is laced with heat, their stolen moments toe the line, and when that line finally breaks—he’s more than willing to take control.
She thinks she’s too much.
He knows she’s everything.
- GenresDark Romance
437 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2025
5 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Dahlia A. Wolf
2 books26 followersDahlia A. Wolf is an indie author living in sunny Barcelona. When she’s not writing, she works full-time and spends her spare hours reading and reviewing books by her favorite authors.
She started writing during the pandemic as an artistic outlet for her thoughts, and her imagination hasn’t stopped since. Now, she’s always dreaming up new characters and stories she hopes to one day share with the world.
Dahlia’s stories feature strong women who grapple with self-esteem and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, men who genuinely adore their girls, and happy endings—with or without marriage, but always without children.
For book updates, behind-the-scenes snippets, and the occasional caffeine-fueled ramble, follow her on:
@authordahliawolf
She started writing during the pandemic as an artistic outlet for her thoughts, and her imagination hasn’t stopped since. Now, she’s always dreaming up new characters and stories she hopes to one day share with the world.
Dahlia’s stories feature strong women who grapple with self-esteem and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, men who genuinely adore their girls, and happy endings—with or without marriage, but always without children.
For book updates, behind-the-scenes snippets, and the occasional caffeine-fueled ramble, follow her on:
@authordahliawolf
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 7, 2025
I dnf this book at 30%. The daddy kink just isn't for me🫣
November 25, 2025
*** ARC Review ***
Just me is the debut novel from author Dahlia A Wolf and Book 1 in the Den of Sins Series.
First off, the writing for a debut novel is SO GOOD! The scenes are painted perfectly, there was no second guessing about what’s happening or who’s talking… everything was read so smoothly and just enhanced the reading experience so much!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes include:
Mental health rep
Small town
Friends to lovers
Dark themes - kidnapping / mafia ties /stalking
Tattoo artist MMC
Book shop owner FMC
Healing
Slow burn
Soft for her
Touch her & 💀
Daddy Dom
Ava is living for her. She left her mother and ex-husband who have been emotionally abusing her, her whole life, to open her dream bookshop/cafe she’s always dreamt about. Her inner monologue is damaged due to this emotional trauma and she struggles to believe she is worthy of anything good.
Enter in Elijah, a tattooed hot af golden retriever who looks intimidating in n the outside, but is soft for her. Don’t get it twisted though, he will walk through fire for Ava.
Their chemistry is like a live wire, and even though it kills them to start off as friends with “will they or won’t they” vibes, when the tension and longing breaks it’s worth it.
Elijah is just what the doctor ordered. A Daddy Dom in the making! He settles Ava’s panic, he reassures her and worships her like the goddess she is.
When danger comes lurking, Elijah brings out the big guns, and that’s where we meet the Kingston brothers. (I’m dying to get a book about them! It’s a dark why choose waiting to happen!)
Overall a beautiful story about healing, heartbreak, loving again and finding your person.
Happy Reading
😊📚☕️
Just me is the debut novel from author Dahlia A Wolf and Book 1 in the Den of Sins Series.
First off, the writing for a debut novel is SO GOOD! The scenes are painted perfectly, there was no second guessing about what’s happening or who’s talking… everything was read so smoothly and just enhanced the reading experience so much!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes include:
Mental health rep
Small town
Friends to lovers
Dark themes - kidnapping / mafia ties /stalking
Tattoo artist MMC
Book shop owner FMC
Healing
Slow burn
Soft for her
Touch her & 💀
Daddy Dom
Ava is living for her. She left her mother and ex-husband who have been emotionally abusing her, her whole life, to open her dream bookshop/cafe she’s always dreamt about. Her inner monologue is damaged due to this emotional trauma and she struggles to believe she is worthy of anything good.
Enter in Elijah, a tattooed hot af golden retriever who looks intimidating in n the outside, but is soft for her. Don’t get it twisted though, he will walk through fire for Ava.
Their chemistry is like a live wire, and even though it kills them to start off as friends with “will they or won’t they” vibes, when the tension and longing breaks it’s worth it.
Elijah is just what the doctor ordered. A Daddy Dom in the making! He settles Ava’s panic, he reassures her and worships her like the goddess she is.
When danger comes lurking, Elijah brings out the big guns, and that’s where we meet the Kingston brothers. (I’m dying to get a book about them! It’s a dark why choose waiting to happen!)
Overall a beautiful story about healing, heartbreak, loving again and finding your person.
Happy Reading
😊📚☕️
November 26, 2025
Arc Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Just Me is the Debut Novel from the Author Dahila A Wolf.
This debut novel of Dahilas was amazing I was hooked from the very first page until the end I couldnt put it down
The way Dahila writes the characters in this book was like u was feeling every emotion along side the them.
My heart broke for Ava in the book and i shed some tears along side with herbut my heart swooned for the love and caring Elijah showed and gave her at every single point in the book and how Elijah calms ava just by being near her.
The chemistry is off the charts between Elijah and ava
Daddy Elijah yes please.🥵🥵
You completely had me on the edge of my seat for the last 20% of the book but you absolutely redeemed yourself before the ending of the book
Thankyou Dahila for allowing me to be an arc reader for this amazing book and i can't wait for everyone to see why I loved this book so much and can't wait for book 2 💜💜
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Just Me is the Debut Novel from the Author Dahila A Wolf.
This debut novel of Dahilas was amazing I was hooked from the very first page until the end I couldnt put it down
The way Dahila writes the characters in this book was like u was feeling every emotion along side the them.
My heart broke for Ava in the book and i shed some tears along side with herbut my heart swooned for the love and caring Elijah showed and gave her at every single point in the book and how Elijah calms ava just by being near her.
The chemistry is off the charts between Elijah and ava
Daddy Elijah yes please.🥵🥵
You completely had me on the edge of my seat for the last 20% of the book but you absolutely redeemed yourself before the ending of the book
Thankyou Dahila for allowing me to be an arc reader for this amazing book and i can't wait for everyone to see why I loved this book so much and can't wait for book 2 💜💜
November 25, 2025
I started this yesterday after work and I was loving every minute of it
You have everything…. St@lkers; secrets; untrustworthy people, trauma, a man that will not only burn the world down for her but also build a better one for her
Our FMC has sooo much growth and actually learns along the way which in my opinion made her a better character
Her man? Perfect; simply perfect and he falls. Oh so perfectly and that possessiveness of his? I swoon, I swoon.
And the end. Literally said the end but I mean it was happy for them apart from unanswered questions.
Highly recommend
You have everything…. St@lkers; secrets; untrustworthy people, trauma, a man that will not only burn the world down for her but also build a better one for her
Our FMC has sooo much growth and actually learns along the way which in my opinion made her a better character
Her man? Perfect; simply perfect and he falls. Oh so perfectly and that possessiveness of his? I swoon, I swoon.
And the end. Literally said the end but I mean it was happy for them apart from unanswered questions.
Highly recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2025
Just Me....debut book from Author Dahlia A. Wolf. One word comes to mind..... perfection!
Just Me is an emotional rollercoaster of feelings. How someone can relate to the FMC is mind-blowing. The depths that Dahlia writes, the way your heart breaks for Ava, but also the way your heart glows for her and Elijah's love.
I am seriously at a loss for words, because no matter what I write, it will never be enough to describe how much I loved this book!
I can't wait to see what Dahlia has cooking next.
Just Me is an emotional rollercoaster of feelings. How someone can relate to the FMC is mind-blowing. The depths that Dahlia writes, the way your heart breaks for Ava, but also the way your heart glows for her and Elijah's love.
I am seriously at a loss for words, because no matter what I write, it will never be enough to describe how much I loved this book!
I can't wait to see what Dahlia has cooking next.
November 14, 2025
♾️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
She thinks shes too much but shes everything to Elijah 😍😍
Okay first off this book is perfection its like having a warm hug you didnt know you needed
The book has quickly became one of my favorites and its everything ive been looking for in a book!
The story is easy to follow and you really get to know the characters.
I was rooting for Ava and Elijah throughout the entire book.
Elijah had me completely swooning over him he is every girls dream and I really could relate to Ava with my own life.
The spice is TOP TEIR. 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🤤🤤
This book was a total page turner for me and I could not put it down i had to know what was going to happen next.
This book is beautifully written and I really loved reading this book and i cant wait to read book two!
I would highly highly recommend this book to everyone 💕💕💕
And thank you Dahlia for having me as your arc reader and writting this beautiful masterpiece 💜
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
She thinks shes too much but shes everything to Elijah 😍😍
Okay first off this book is perfection its like having a warm hug you didnt know you needed
The book has quickly became one of my favorites and its everything ive been looking for in a book!
The story is easy to follow and you really get to know the characters.
I was rooting for Ava and Elijah throughout the entire book.
Elijah had me completely swooning over him he is every girls dream and I really could relate to Ava with my own life.
The spice is TOP TEIR. 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🤤🤤
This book was a total page turner for me and I could not put it down i had to know what was going to happen next.
This book is beautifully written and I really loved reading this book and i cant wait to read book two!
I would highly highly recommend this book to everyone 💕💕💕
And thank you Dahlia for having me as your arc reader and writting this beautiful masterpiece 💜
September 5, 2025
Such a great debut novel, thank you for letting me beta read 🫶🏼
Spicy, beautiful, raw… everything you could want in a romance novel with two MC’s that you could feel had a connection right from the start
Spicy, beautiful, raw… everything you could want in a romance novel with two MC’s that you could feel had a connection right from the start
November 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Just Me by Dahlia A. Wolf tore into my emotions from page one and didn’t let go. This book is about Ava, a woman who’s survived more than her fair share of heartbreak and pain, trying to rebuild her life after years of emotional damage. She’s running her own bookstore, living quietly, trying to heal but life has other plans. Enter Elijah, the tattooed, broody artist who’s been orbiting her world for years, hiding his own scars and a secret love he’s carried for her all along.
Their story is slow-burn perfection. It’s two broken souls finding each other in the wreckage, learning to trust again, and realizing that love doesn’t always come easy, but it’s worth the fight. The emotional pull between them is intense raw pain, healing, and a chemistry that just crackles.
The plot is layered with trauma, recovery, and growth. Ava’s past isn’t glossed over; it’s something she actively fights through, and watching Elijah be both her peace and her chaos made this such an addictive read. There’s a push and pull that keeps you clinging to every page, rooting for them through every setback.
And the spice? Absolute fire. Every scene is packed with emotion and heat, the kind that feels earned after everything they’ve been through.
Dahlia delivers another emotionally charged, deeply human story that makes you feel every heartbreak, every touch, every piece of hope. Just Me isn’t just about romance it’s about survival, love that heals, and finding strength in the ruins.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Just Me by Dahlia A. Wolf tore into my emotions from page one and didn’t let go. This book is about Ava, a woman who’s survived more than her fair share of heartbreak and pain, trying to rebuild her life after years of emotional damage. She’s running her own bookstore, living quietly, trying to heal but life has other plans. Enter Elijah, the tattooed, broody artist who’s been orbiting her world for years, hiding his own scars and a secret love he’s carried for her all along.
Their story is slow-burn perfection. It’s two broken souls finding each other in the wreckage, learning to trust again, and realizing that love doesn’t always come easy, but it’s worth the fight. The emotional pull between them is intense raw pain, healing, and a chemistry that just crackles.
The plot is layered with trauma, recovery, and growth. Ava’s past isn’t glossed over; it’s something she actively fights through, and watching Elijah be both her peace and her chaos made this such an addictive read. There’s a push and pull that keeps you clinging to every page, rooting for them through every setback.
And the spice? Absolute fire. Every scene is packed with emotion and heat, the kind that feels earned after everything they’ve been through.
Dahlia delivers another emotionally charged, deeply human story that makes you feel every heartbreak, every touch, every piece of hope. Just Me isn’t just about romance it’s about survival, love that heals, and finding strength in the ruins.
August 27, 2025
Love this book!
Absolutely love Elijah and Ava
Elijah has been through a lot himself, yet always puts Ava first! He loves her wholeheartedly, flaws and all!
They help each other stay grounded. They make each other stronger.
Together they can get through anything.
I’m not giving anything away so you will have to read it!
Absolutely love Elijah and Ava
Elijah has been through a lot himself, yet always puts Ava first! He loves her wholeheartedly, flaws and all!
They help each other stay grounded. They make each other stronger.
Together they can get through anything.
I’m not giving anything away so you will have to read it!
December 17, 2025
LOVED our tattooed protector, Elijah! He has the patience of a saint and is willing to do whatever it takes to get a chance to keep a piece of Ava’s heart!
Ava has been through it, from a crappy ex to a horrible relationship with her own body, she’s closed herself off. She loves her friends deeply and wants nothing more than to make it on her own!
This slow burn is a treasure of building trust in a relationship and meeting your partner where they are! Soft and sweet meets sinful and spicy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Ava has been through it, from a crappy ex to a horrible relationship with her own body, she’s closed herself off. She loves her friends deeply and wants nothing more than to make it on her own!
This slow burn is a treasure of building trust in a relationship and meeting your partner where they are! Soft and sweet meets sinful and spicy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
December 13, 2025
Just Me by Dahlia A. Wolf is her debut and Book 1 of the Den of Sins Series. This is a Friends to Lovers Dark Romance following Ava Harrington and Elijah Blacksmith 🚩This is for adult readers only (18+) as it has mature content and not suitable for underage readers. There are dark themes that can be triggering so please check out the content warning before you dive in 🚩
My thoughts 💭
✨BE STILL MY HEART!!!!!! Dahlia A. Wolf, wow…I was given the blessed opportunity to be a BETA reader for her DEBUT book and I cannot scream louder that she is an author to watch!! Thank you for trusting me with this opportunity and for wrecking me to then put me back together in a little over 400 pages. 🥀 Ava, man her past and everything she experienced growing up and in her marriage is so heartbreaking yet completely relatable. Her insecurities are absolutely warranted and the fact that she continues to work on overcoming all the emotional trauma she has experienced is amazing. Elijah 🖤 wow!!! To everyone else he’s a broody and intimidating hunk of a man but to Ava he is the best man and person to ever come into her life. The way he treats her and loves her 🥹 I have no words. This is definitely falling in my top reads list for the year, if I could give it ♾️⭐️ I would. And the spice 🥵 Elijah wow. Such a great book! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
✨I would like to thank author Dahlia A. Wolf, for the opportunity to Beta Read and Review Just Me.
My thoughts 💭
✨BE STILL MY HEART!!!!!! Dahlia A. Wolf, wow…I was given the blessed opportunity to be a BETA reader for her DEBUT book and I cannot scream louder that she is an author to watch!! Thank you for trusting me with this opportunity and for wrecking me to then put me back together in a little over 400 pages. 🥀 Ava, man her past and everything she experienced growing up and in her marriage is so heartbreaking yet completely relatable. Her insecurities are absolutely warranted and the fact that she continues to work on overcoming all the emotional trauma she has experienced is amazing. Elijah 🖤 wow!!! To everyone else he’s a broody and intimidating hunk of a man but to Ava he is the best man and person to ever come into her life. The way he treats her and loves her 🥹 I have no words. This is definitely falling in my top reads list for the year, if I could give it ♾️⭐️ I would. And the spice 🥵 Elijah wow. Such a great book! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
✨I would like to thank author Dahlia A. Wolf, for the opportunity to Beta Read and Review Just Me.
November 1, 2025
This book touched me on such a deep emotional level, and I loved every single page of it. Just Me is book one in the Den of Sins series, but it’s also Dahlia A. Wolf’s debut novel and ohh my goodness what a debut it is.
We follow our FMC, Ava who is beautiful, strong, and so painfully real and relatable. She’s survived a failed marriage, emotional abuse from the people who should have loved her, and she’s convinced herself love isn’t something meant for her anymore. Now she runs a cozy indie author bookstore and wants nothing more than peace and a quiet life.
Enter Elijah a morally grey, tattooed, swoony MMC who is somehow both intense and the biggest cinnamon roll when it comes to Ava. He owns the tattoo shop next door, and he’s been absolutely smitten with her for years. They’ve been friends for so long, both stubborn, both scared, pretending they’re fine with just friendship… but we all know that can’t last forever. And when things finally start to heat up? Oh, they heat up. The spice was so good intense, emotional, and ohh so good spicy!!
One of the things I loved most was how Dahlia wrote Ava’s insecurities. You don’t just read them, you feel them. Her healing arc is so raw and honest. It’s not a straight line, and I appreciated that so much. And Eli? He’s a walking love letter. He’s strength when Ava breaks, calm when she spirals, and he treats her like she deserves to be worshipped. He doesn’t “fix” her, he stands beside her while she finds the strength to fix herself. That’s the kind of love that stays.
This book was a journey, and in many ways, it reflected my own. I still struggle with self-doubt, and reading a story that treats healing with such care meant so much. The character growth, the romance, the pacing, the writing everything was chef’s kiss.
I feel so lucky to have been able to ARC read this. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, and honestly, anything Dahlia A. Wolf writes after this.
We follow our FMC, Ava who is beautiful, strong, and so painfully real and relatable. She’s survived a failed marriage, emotional abuse from the people who should have loved her, and she’s convinced herself love isn’t something meant for her anymore. Now she runs a cozy indie author bookstore and wants nothing more than peace and a quiet life.
Enter Elijah a morally grey, tattooed, swoony MMC who is somehow both intense and the biggest cinnamon roll when it comes to Ava. He owns the tattoo shop next door, and he’s been absolutely smitten with her for years. They’ve been friends for so long, both stubborn, both scared, pretending they’re fine with just friendship… but we all know that can’t last forever. And when things finally start to heat up? Oh, they heat up. The spice was so good intense, emotional, and ohh so good spicy!!
One of the things I loved most was how Dahlia wrote Ava’s insecurities. You don’t just read them, you feel them. Her healing arc is so raw and honest. It’s not a straight line, and I appreciated that so much. And Eli? He’s a walking love letter. He’s strength when Ava breaks, calm when she spirals, and he treats her like she deserves to be worshipped. He doesn’t “fix” her, he stands beside her while she finds the strength to fix herself. That’s the kind of love that stays.
This book was a journey, and in many ways, it reflected my own. I still struggle with self-doubt, and reading a story that treats healing with such care meant so much. The character growth, the romance, the pacing, the writing everything was chef’s kiss.
I feel so lucky to have been able to ARC read this. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, and honestly, anything Dahlia A. Wolf writes after this.
November 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ava completely stole my heart. She’s the kind of heroine who feels so real—all she wants is a peaceful life running her cozy indie bookshop, far away from chaos and expectations. After surviving a toxic childhood and an even worse marriage, she’s convinced romance isn’t in the cards for her anymore. But then comes Elijah, the dangerously attractive tattoo artist she absolutely did not plan on letting into her world. Years of quiet friendship slowly turn into something deeper… but will she be able to keep her guard up against the man who sees right through her ?
Elijah, our beautifully complicated MMC, carries shadows from his past—but none of that stops him from being head-over-heels devoted to Ava. He’s kept those feelings buried for years, but he’s finally ready to show her what she means to him. The question is: can he help her heal, or will the pain she’s endured keep her from embracing what they could have together ?
OH. MY. HEART.
Dahlia A. Wolf—what an incredible debut!! I had the absolute honor of being a arc reader, and I’m still not over the emotional roller coaster she put me on (and stitched me back together from) in just over 300 pages.
Ava’s history is gut-wrenching and so relatable. Every insecurity she has makes sense, and watching her push through everything she’s survived was beautiful. And Elijah… good grief.
The world might see him as a cold, intimidating giant, but with Ava ? He’s pure tenderness. The way he loves her left me speechless.
And the spice ? ELIJAH. That’s all I’m saying.
This book is absolutely landing on my favorites list for the year. If I could give it more than five stars, I absolutely would.
Such an incredible read—I’m counting the days until the next installment in the series!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Ava completely stole my heart. She’s the kind of heroine who feels so real—all she wants is a peaceful life running her cozy indie bookshop, far away from chaos and expectations. After surviving a toxic childhood and an even worse marriage, she’s convinced romance isn’t in the cards for her anymore. But then comes Elijah, the dangerously attractive tattoo artist she absolutely did not plan on letting into her world. Years of quiet friendship slowly turn into something deeper… but will she be able to keep her guard up against the man who sees right through her ?
Elijah, our beautifully complicated MMC, carries shadows from his past—but none of that stops him from being head-over-heels devoted to Ava. He’s kept those feelings buried for years, but he’s finally ready to show her what she means to him. The question is: can he help her heal, or will the pain she’s endured keep her from embracing what they could have together ?
OH. MY. HEART.
Dahlia A. Wolf—what an incredible debut!! I had the absolute honor of being a arc reader, and I’m still not over the emotional roller coaster she put me on (and stitched me back together from) in just over 300 pages.
Ava’s history is gut-wrenching and so relatable. Every insecurity she has makes sense, and watching her push through everything she’s survived was beautiful. And Elijah… good grief.
The world might see him as a cold, intimidating giant, but with Ava ? He’s pure tenderness. The way he loves her left me speechless.
And the spice ? ELIJAH. That’s all I’m saying.
This book is absolutely landing on my favorites list for the year. If I could give it more than five stars, I absolutely would.
Such an incredible read—I’m counting the days until the next installment in the series!
December 7, 2025
📚🖤ARC Review🖤📚
Thank you Dahlia A Wolf for this ARC of Just me! WHAT.A.DEBUT!!!
Ok OMG!!! This book GRIPPED ME!
I loved Ava and Elijah! I love their friendship and how he was quietly waiting for Ava to remove him from the friend zone, because they BOTH knew that they were down bad for each other, shoot EVERYONE knew!
When Elijah took the first move to show her, I understood Ava’s hesitation because their friendship was so special.
I really wanted to slap Ava for a hot minute, when she signed up for that dating app, when she had Elijah, but by her setting that in motion, when something happened she called Elijah and that’s when it all clicked!
The friendship and passion and lust that these two entwined themselves in was glorious!! The way he knew how to treat Ava and how Ava knew that she could let Elijah take control of what she wasn’t comfortable and or confident with, initiating their sex life.
The way Elijah took care of his baby girl, and the dynamic between the two with him becoming daddy, more than just in the bedroom was the sweetest transformation of Ava’s trauma.
I will say the precision and love and detail that Dahlia gave to the healing portion of Ava’s story, I really appreciated and loved how the book didn’t just end. I love that you showed in the last chapters how Ava’s mental health and PTSD stuck with her and when it finally clicked that she needed to talk to someone. Then how Elijah never pushed her to do anything, how it was her coming to him, vulnerable and in need of her Daddy again.
I can’t wait to read more of your books!
Tropes:
📚Friends to Lovers
🖤Daddy K!nk
📚Curvy FMC
🖤Good Girl
📚SPICY AF
🖤Touch her and Die (literally)
📚PTSD
🖤No Third Act Break Up
📚Mental Health Rep
Thank you Dahlia A Wolf for this ARC of Just me! WHAT.A.DEBUT!!!
Ok OMG!!! This book GRIPPED ME!
I loved Ava and Elijah! I love their friendship and how he was quietly waiting for Ava to remove him from the friend zone, because they BOTH knew that they were down bad for each other, shoot EVERYONE knew!
When Elijah took the first move to show her, I understood Ava’s hesitation because their friendship was so special.
I really wanted to slap Ava for a hot minute, when she signed up for that dating app, when she had Elijah, but by her setting that in motion, when something happened she called Elijah and that’s when it all clicked!
The friendship and passion and lust that these two entwined themselves in was glorious!! The way he knew how to treat Ava and how Ava knew that she could let Elijah take control of what she wasn’t comfortable and or confident with, initiating their sex life.
The way Elijah took care of his baby girl, and the dynamic between the two with him becoming daddy, more than just in the bedroom was the sweetest transformation of Ava’s trauma.
I will say the precision and love and detail that Dahlia gave to the healing portion of Ava’s story, I really appreciated and loved how the book didn’t just end. I love that you showed in the last chapters how Ava’s mental health and PTSD stuck with her and when it finally clicked that she needed to talk to someone. Then how Elijah never pushed her to do anything, how it was her coming to him, vulnerable and in need of her Daddy again.
I can’t wait to read more of your books!
Tropes:
📚Friends to Lovers
🖤Daddy K!nk
📚Curvy FMC
🖤Good Girl
📚SPICY AF
🖤Touch her and Die (literally)
📚PTSD
🖤No Third Act Break Up
📚Mental Health Rep
December 8, 2025
"And I wait. Because when you love someone the way I love her, you don’t demand. You don’t push. You stay close enough to catch them if they fall… but far enough to let them fly if that’s what they need."
Ava is a quiet book store owner who is silently in love with her tattoo artist neighbor. Elijah is the tattoo artist neighbor who's been in love with his best friend Ava for years. As time has passed his feelings have bubbled over the top and now he will do anything to get out of the friend-zone. Ava never expected her life to turn out the way it has but as long as she has Elijah next to her, she knows she's safe.... especially when someone starts stalking her and trying to destroy the life she is fighting for.
Daddy Elijah is what soft dom's are made of. This man has the patience of a saint. He never pushes more than he should, he is more than happy and willing to prove himself to Ava and when he needs to tap into his old life to keep Ava safe, he does it without hesitation. You could feel the love coming right off the page. Ava struggles with her self confidence due to her past; so while she is trying to heal old wounds Daddy Eli is there every step of the way. And the spice?! Get your fan ready because Daddy is not messing around!
Daddy kink, best friends to lovers, healing rep, 1st POV, dual
Ava is a quiet book store owner who is silently in love with her tattoo artist neighbor. Elijah is the tattoo artist neighbor who's been in love with his best friend Ava for years. As time has passed his feelings have bubbled over the top and now he will do anything to get out of the friend-zone. Ava never expected her life to turn out the way it has but as long as she has Elijah next to her, she knows she's safe.... especially when someone starts stalking her and trying to destroy the life she is fighting for.
Daddy Elijah is what soft dom's are made of. This man has the patience of a saint. He never pushes more than he should, he is more than happy and willing to prove himself to Ava and when he needs to tap into his old life to keep Ava safe, he does it without hesitation. You could feel the love coming right off the page. Ava struggles with her self confidence due to her past; so while she is trying to heal old wounds Daddy Eli is there every step of the way. And the spice?! Get your fan ready because Daddy is not messing around!
Daddy kink, best friends to lovers, healing rep, 1st POV, dual
December 18, 2025
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Elijah is the lover, friend, Daddy, boyfriend, fiancé, and future husband that we all secretly desire. He is loyal, protective, possessive, sexy, funny, intentional, and patient. He helps Ava discover her true self. He, also helped her see herself as the people who care for her do. He serves as a reminder that she is worthy, not too much, and brightens the room.
I really felt for Ava. She’s been through so much, and it seems like she’s been struggling to shake off her old ways. Her defenses were up, and she was constantly walking on eggshells, feeling unworthy, unloved, and less than she deserved. It was tough for her to find happiness. Eli came in and helped turn those negative feelings around. I even wanted to fight her sometimes (💀), but I’m so glad she’s finally making progress! It wasn’t easy getting there, but growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a challenging journey with ups and downs, and there are always external forces trying to pull you off course. Maybe that’s what this is all about?
Anyways, the smut was there! I lost count of how many times they did it, so if that’s your thing, you’re welcome. I also think the Daddy/Baby Girl was done extremely well. So if that is also your thing, you’re welcome!
Thank you, Dahlia, for the arc. These thoughts are entirely my own.
Elijah is the lover, friend, Daddy, boyfriend, fiancé, and future husband that we all secretly desire. He is loyal, protective, possessive, sexy, funny, intentional, and patient. He helps Ava discover her true self. He, also helped her see herself as the people who care for her do. He serves as a reminder that she is worthy, not too much, and brightens the room.
I really felt for Ava. She’s been through so much, and it seems like she’s been struggling to shake off her old ways. Her defenses were up, and she was constantly walking on eggshells, feeling unworthy, unloved, and less than she deserved. It was tough for her to find happiness. Eli came in and helped turn those negative feelings around. I even wanted to fight her sometimes (💀), but I’m so glad she’s finally making progress! It wasn’t easy getting there, but growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a challenging journey with ups and downs, and there are always external forces trying to pull you off course. Maybe that’s what this is all about?
Anyways, the smut was there! I lost count of how many times they did it, so if that’s your thing, you’re welcome. I also think the Daddy/Baby Girl was done extremely well. So if that is also your thing, you’re welcome!
Thank you, Dahlia, for the arc. These thoughts are entirely my own.
December 31, 2025
3.75 Stars 🌟
Rediscovering Yourself From Past Trauma ❤️🩹
Never believing you are good enough by the very people who should value you the most. Ava makes her dream of becoming a business owner a reality when she opens a coffee shop/bookstore. She meets Elijah who has a neighboring tattoo shop. After four years of friendship they decide to start a relationship. Ava is trying to come to terms with her self worth after years of trauma. Elijah has been patiently waiting for Ava to see herself as he sees her, a woman who is strong and capable that deserves to be cherished and loved. They both define themselves with a DD/Bbygrl relationship set with boundaries ensuring there’s nothing wrong with what they’re doing or comfortable with. As Ava and Elijahs relationship develops someone doesn’t like it. They start to threaten and frighten her but Elijah promises to keep her safe and protected from harm. This story focuses on self worth, mental health, self imagery, psychological abusive behavior, emotional angst and trust issues. There are elements of stalking, hidden secrets, mafia ties, kidnapping, captivity and gun violence that makes the book edgier. The explicit scenes were heightened by the DD/Bbygrl theme🔥 A good debut slow burn novel of rediscovering your worthiness.☺️
Rediscovering Yourself From Past Trauma ❤️🩹
Never believing you are good enough by the very people who should value you the most. Ava makes her dream of becoming a business owner a reality when she opens a coffee shop/bookstore. She meets Elijah who has a neighboring tattoo shop. After four years of friendship they decide to start a relationship. Ava is trying to come to terms with her self worth after years of trauma. Elijah has been patiently waiting for Ava to see herself as he sees her, a woman who is strong and capable that deserves to be cherished and loved. They both define themselves with a DD/Bbygrl relationship set with boundaries ensuring there’s nothing wrong with what they’re doing or comfortable with. As Ava and Elijahs relationship develops someone doesn’t like it. They start to threaten and frighten her but Elijah promises to keep her safe and protected from harm. This story focuses on self worth, mental health, self imagery, psychological abusive behavior, emotional angst and trust issues. There are elements of stalking, hidden secrets, mafia ties, kidnapping, captivity and gun violence that makes the book edgier. The explicit scenes were heightened by the DD/Bbygrl theme🔥 A good debut slow burn novel of rediscovering your worthiness.☺️
December 1, 2025
This was an emotional, heartfelt ride from start to finish. Dahlia's debut novel hits a sweet spot: she gives us characters with real depth, raw vulnerability, and a connection that feels like they were meant to find each other. Ava runs a cosy bookstore-café and mostly keeps to herself — she’s wary of love, life, and the possibility of getting hurt again. Then she meets Elijah , a tattoo-covered artist with a rough exterior but a deeply loyal heart. what starts as a cautious attraction between them slowly becomes something intense, real, and deeply emotional. It’s a story about healing, trust, and two very different people finding peace (and love) in each other’s chaos. The chemistry between Ava — shy, soft, full of insecurities — and Elijah — older, tall, tatted, mysterious — is magnetic and absolutely delicious. There were so many moments where I just wanted to give Ava a big hug when her self-doubt crept in, but also shake her and push her straight into Elijah’s arms, because Elijah is one hell of a book boyfriend. He’s got that heart of gold, completely head over heels for Ava from the get-go — and that devotion? Pure perfection. The writing hits you right where it counts. The emotions — longing, fear, hope — pull you deeper into their world and make you root for them so hard.
Huge thanks to Dahlia for the ARC opportunity — this one’s a keeper.
Huge thanks to Dahlia for the ARC opportunity — this one’s a keeper.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Angst Had Me Screaming!
Besties… the ANGST in this book had me feral. "Just Me" absolutely dragged my emotions across the floor... in the best cozy-dark way. Ava is soft, wounded, and so tangled in her own fear that at one point I legit almost chucked my Kindle. Girl, you have a man who has adored you for FOUR YEARS, and you go on a dating app to “figure it out”? GURRRL. PLEASE.
But Elijah… my God. This man is the blueprint. Older, tattooed, patient, and so desperately in love with Ava that every lingering look had me kicking my feet. The mutual pining? Torture. The way he waits for her, protects her, praises her, claims her? I melted. And then their pasts and a stalker start creeping in, shaking up their little bubble? SPICE + CHAOS = I was locked in.
This cozy-dark romance fed my angst-loving soul, and now I absolutely need an Elijah in my life. Make sure to add this to your TBR!
My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 4/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Besties… the ANGST in this book had me feral. "Just Me" absolutely dragged my emotions across the floor... in the best cozy-dark way. Ava is soft, wounded, and so tangled in her own fear that at one point I legit almost chucked my Kindle. Girl, you have a man who has adored you for FOUR YEARS, and you go on a dating app to “figure it out”? GURRRL. PLEASE.
But Elijah… my God. This man is the blueprint. Older, tattooed, patient, and so desperately in love with Ava that every lingering look had me kicking my feet. The mutual pining? Torture. The way he waits for her, protects her, praises her, claims her? I melted. And then their pasts and a stalker start creeping in, shaking up their little bubble? SPICE + CHAOS = I was locked in.
This cozy-dark romance fed my angst-loving soul, and now I absolutely need an Elijah in my life. Make sure to add this to your TBR!
My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 4/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went through every emotion with this book — I cried, laughed, smiled, fell in love, and breaking all at once. My heart's still trying to recover ❤️🩹
Imagine being told you're less or not enough your whole life by the people who were supposed to love you. She learned to mask the hurt, to smile through the ache, to bury the parts of her that felt too loud or too soft. She breaks quietly, in places no one sees, because that's the only way she was taught to survive 💔
But in the midst of all her pain, she finds a light — someone who makes her feel seen, worthy, and safe. Yet she's afraid… afraid to let herself fall, afraid to trust love when she's never known it before 💔🥺✨️
That twist?? I was already happily falling in love, minding my own heart, maybe getting soft 😂 and then it just crawls out and kicks me in the feelings. My poor heart—twisted, crushed. I hate it. I love it. I'm sobbing and swooning at the same time 😂😭
A 5☆ read. Sometimes love shows up quietly, and you don't even realize it's giving you the strength to keep going 💖
Imagine being told you're less or not enough your whole life by the people who were supposed to love you. She learned to mask the hurt, to smile through the ache, to bury the parts of her that felt too loud or too soft. She breaks quietly, in places no one sees, because that's the only way she was taught to survive 💔
But in the midst of all her pain, she finds a light — someone who makes her feel seen, worthy, and safe. Yet she's afraid… afraid to let herself fall, afraid to trust love when she's never known it before 💔🥺✨️
That twist?? I was already happily falling in love, minding my own heart, maybe getting soft 😂 and then it just crawls out and kicks me in the feelings. My poor heart—twisted, crushed. I hate it. I love it. I'm sobbing and swooning at the same time 😂😭
A 5☆ read. Sometimes love shows up quietly, and you don't even realize it's giving you the strength to keep going 💖
December 13, 2025
Absolutely obsessed!
This book absolutely consumed me in the best possible way. From the very first chapter, I was already swooning. Elijah? Yeah… he is every girl’s dream man — the kind of character who makes your heart race, your cheeks warm, and your standards skyrocket.
Once I started reading, there was no going back. I was drawn to Ava and Elijah’s story like a moth to a flame — completely captivated, totally invested, and utterly unwilling to put the book down for even a second. Their chemistry, their connection, their moments… it all pulled me in so deeply that real life just stopped existing for a while.
And honestly? I didn’t want their story to end. I wasn’t ready to give them up yet. I wanted more of their tension, more of their tenderness, more of them.
This was the story I never knew I needed, but I’m so incredibly glad I got to experience it. Dahlia A. Wolf gave me everything I crave in a romance and then some. I’ll be thinking about Ava and Elijah for a long, long time. 💫
This book absolutely consumed me in the best possible way. From the very first chapter, I was already swooning. Elijah? Yeah… he is every girl’s dream man — the kind of character who makes your heart race, your cheeks warm, and your standards skyrocket.
Once I started reading, there was no going back. I was drawn to Ava and Elijah’s story like a moth to a flame — completely captivated, totally invested, and utterly unwilling to put the book down for even a second. Their chemistry, their connection, their moments… it all pulled me in so deeply that real life just stopped existing for a while.
And honestly? I didn’t want their story to end. I wasn’t ready to give them up yet. I wanted more of their tension, more of their tenderness, more of them.
This was the story I never knew I needed, but I’m so incredibly glad I got to experience it. Dahlia A. Wolf gave me everything I crave in a romance and then some. I’ll be thinking about Ava and Elijah for a long, long time. 💫
December 13, 2025
Ava and Elijah had a connection from the moment they met four years ago. While they both wanted more than friendship, Ava had kept her walls up as she wasn’t willing to lose him as her best friend. She knew if she let him in, he’d get sick of her and leave…like everyone else has. Elijah was not oblivious to these walls and he could tell Ava had not been treated how she deserved. But he knew she would be worth the wait…if only he could convince her to take a chance on them.
This was such a healing read for me. Personally, I relate to Ava a lot. I think being able to witness how she was surrounded by love and yet still felt the way she did really made me take a step back and wonder “Am I blind to love in my own life?”. To anyone else who may feel the same way, Elijah is here to bring us all hope and show us that we DESERVE to be cherished for who we are at our core.
Thank you Dahlia for bringing Ava and Elijah to life. Their story was one I wasn’t expecting to hit home for me, and I’m thankful it did.
This was such a healing read for me. Personally, I relate to Ava a lot. I think being able to witness how she was surrounded by love and yet still felt the way she did really made me take a step back and wonder “Am I blind to love in my own life?”. To anyone else who may feel the same way, Elijah is here to bring us all hope and show us that we DESERVE to be cherished for who we are at our core.
Thank you Dahlia for bringing Ava and Elijah to life. Their story was one I wasn’t expecting to hit home for me, and I’m thankful it did.
December 8, 2025
What an adventure! The first thing I'd like to acknowledge is the dom/sub dynamic showcased. It was beautifully portrayed. I loved how attentive, devoted, patient, and understanding Elijah was. He gave Ava the time and space she needed to trust him and fully willingly submit herself. This is the dynamic I long for. This kind of partnership is unparalleled. The trust and confidence this relationship builds is one that transcends time and space itself. The spiciness aside, this book had a suspenseful plot and a nice bit of action. Elijah and Ava were clearly well thought out and I saw real growth in their characters. The storyline was easy to follow and I feel like I was able to connect emotionally. Overall, this story was very well written. I'm excited to see what happens in the next installment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review:
Just Me is the kind of book you want to savor and devour at the same time. 🍰
Dahlia’s debut novel is emotionally raw and impressively polished. The main character’s struggle with feeling “not enough” is portrayed with painful honesty, making her journey through doubt and healing deeply relatable. The chemistry between the leads feels natural and compelling, while the side characters are given such thoughtful attention that I’m already hoping for their stories in future installments.
The plot flows smoothly and keeps you hooked until the very end—I devoured the final chapters, desperate to know how it all unfolds.
For a first novel, Just Me is astonishingly cohesive and emotionally mature. I warmly recommend it to anyone looking for a winter read that blends vulnerability, tension, and found family with tropes like friend-to-lovers, age gap, praise kink, and healing.
December 14, 2025
Just me is a roller-coaster of crazy emotions, that you will fall in love with. Thank you Dahlia for letting me be part of this arc for this debut!
Elijah(mmc) has been through a lot, but always makes sure to put Ava(fmc)first, no matter what.
I absolutely love that the fmc is a curvy girl! We dont see enough curvy characters. Ava struggles with herself image being a curvy girl but Elijah shows her she has nothing to worry about. He loves her no matter what.
I dont like giving too much details aways, so go and get this book when it comes out. Its well written and you wont be disappointed!! Cant wait for the rest of the series.
Tropes
Tattooed mmc
Curvy fmc
Friends to lovers
Daddy kink
Dom/sub
Touch her & die
Triggers
Mental Health rep
Trauma healing
Stalking(not maint characters)
Elijah(mmc) has been through a lot, but always makes sure to put Ava(fmc)first, no matter what.
I absolutely love that the fmc is a curvy girl! We dont see enough curvy characters. Ava struggles with herself image being a curvy girl but Elijah shows her she has nothing to worry about. He loves her no matter what.
I dont like giving too much details aways, so go and get this book when it comes out. Its well written and you wont be disappointed!! Cant wait for the rest of the series.
Tropes
Tattooed mmc
Curvy fmc
Friends to lovers
Daddy kink
Dom/sub
Touch her & die
Triggers
Mental Health rep
Trauma healing
Stalking(not maint characters)
December 18, 2025
DNF at 39%
I really wanted to like this book. I honestly did!
I felt like the book started off well, there was a storyline and i really was invested in Ava, her hustle for her bookstore, her past with her ex-boyfriend and how it left her feeling unworthy, how her family contribute to her self depreciation. Eli is such a good strong MMC. BUT I feel like there was such a hesitation on the slow burn and it felt like one minute she was palming him off but wanting him and afraid to admit she wants him to the second minute shes calling him daddy at the end of every sentence.
LIKE HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT?
The switch into the daddy kink happened far too quick with no real build up or yearning and it honestly just felt uncomfortable.
I dragged few a few chapters but really couldn’t finish this book.
I really wanted to like this book. I honestly did!
I felt like the book started off well, there was a storyline and i really was invested in Ava, her hustle for her bookstore, her past with her ex-boyfriend and how it left her feeling unworthy, how her family contribute to her self depreciation. Eli is such a good strong MMC. BUT I feel like there was such a hesitation on the slow burn and it felt like one minute she was palming him off but wanting him and afraid to admit she wants him to the second minute shes calling him daddy at the end of every sentence.
LIKE HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT?
The switch into the daddy kink happened far too quick with no real build up or yearning and it honestly just felt uncomfortable.
I dragged few a few chapters but really couldn’t finish this book.
December 22, 2025
Just Me is a secret identity and tattoo artist/coffeeshop bookstore romance. This is Ava and Elijah’s story filled with unexpected kinks and touch her and die vibes. Ava is tarting over and finally following her dreams. Elijah has been pining for her since they met but he didn’t want bring his past into her life. I love how they meet and slowly became best friends. Until she was ready to put herself out there again. I love how they finally tried and it was more than what they expected. That twist in the middle really made the story more interesting and the way they handled the situation is really pulled me in. I love their chemistry and how they both would do anything for each other. I really enjoyed their story and can’t wait to read more.
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advance readers copy.
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advance readers copy.
December 15, 2025
4 Stars
3 Chili Peppers
Den of Sins Book 1
Ava and Elijah's Story
Ava and Elijah are *chef's kiss*
Ava has ventured out on her own to escape her POS ex and her mom who isn't much better. Enter Elijah, a sweet golden retriever on the outside, until you mess with his girl and then watch out! These two met by happenstance when Ava opened her own bookstore but the key was wonky and when her real estate agent told her to go next door and ask Elijah at the tattoo shop, it was over.
I am not usually a fan of slow burn but this was slow burn done right!
Tropes:
Mental health rep
Small town
Friends to lovers
Dark themes - kidnapping / mafia ties /stalking
Tattoo artist MMC
Book shop owner FMC
Healing
Slow burn
Soft for her
Touch her & 💀
Daddy Dom
3 Chili Peppers
Den of Sins Book 1
Ava and Elijah's Story
Ava and Elijah are *chef's kiss*
Ava has ventured out on her own to escape her POS ex and her mom who isn't much better. Enter Elijah, a sweet golden retriever on the outside, until you mess with his girl and then watch out! These two met by happenstance when Ava opened her own bookstore but the key was wonky and when her real estate agent told her to go next door and ask Elijah at the tattoo shop, it was over.
I am not usually a fan of slow burn but this was slow burn done right!
Tropes:
Mental health rep
Small town
Friends to lovers
Dark themes - kidnapping / mafia ties /stalking
Tattoo artist MMC
Book shop owner FMC
Healing
Slow burn
Soft for her
Touch her & 💀
Daddy Dom
December 26, 2025
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book, wowsers. I really enjoyed this read. Both of the main characters, Ava and Elijah, are amazing. And not to forget the other characters in the book that are close to the main characters, they were also great.
It’s mind blowing how I can relate in a way to the FMC Ava. Ava’s insecurities, I kinda felt that.
With Elijah being the guard dog and so protective of Ava. Giving her everything she needs. Just love the way he’s being so protective and the encouragement he had to leave his past behind him.
Ava being so insecure, scared and soft. But with having Elijah by her side she’s coming out of her shell. He shows her that she’s loveable. It did made me a bit sad how Ava’s mom made her feel.
This book, wowsers. I really enjoyed this read. Both of the main characters, Ava and Elijah, are amazing. And not to forget the other characters in the book that are close to the main characters, they were also great.
It’s mind blowing how I can relate in a way to the FMC Ava. Ava’s insecurities, I kinda felt that.
With Elijah being the guard dog and so protective of Ava. Giving her everything she needs. Just love the way he’s being so protective and the encouragement he had to leave his past behind him.
Ava being so insecure, scared and soft. But with having Elijah by her side she’s coming out of her shell. He shows her that she’s loveable. It did made me a bit sad how Ava’s mom made her feel.
October 31, 2025
This is Dahlia A. Wolf her debut, and what a debut it is! The character build in the book is amazing, every word fits, the experiences feel reel, the struggles are relatable. It's a friends to lovers, where the characters have a strong bond. The main female character struggles with her self image and worth, but the main male character is there to help her, guide her and makes her stronger.
Besides the emotional growth, there is some really burning hot spicy in the book. When I say Daddy, you all know what I mean.
You must read this book when it comes out. I was lucky enough to review a beta copy and let me tel you. It was hot, emotional, thrilling and beautiful.
Besides the emotional growth, there is some really burning hot spicy in the book. When I say Daddy, you all know what I mean.
You must read this book when it comes out. I was lucky enough to review a beta copy and let me tel you. It was hot, emotional, thrilling and beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews