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Against the Autumn Pines
Ember
The bakery is the only thing in my life that truly matters—at least that’s true until I let a man I don’t know chase me through the woods in an act of defiance. The rules are simple. The masks stay on and the word ‘no’ doesn’t exist. Now my life is spiraling out of control and the only thing that makes sense is the man in the mask. But eventually when the mask has to come off, where will that leave us?
Wyatt
The job is simple; set up security on this high-end club’s new app. Or at least, it was simple until my boss told me to create a profile and participate. It was supposed to be one night, but one night wasn’t enough. Anonymous fun wasn’t enough. I needed more, and I didn’t care what it costed me. She’d be mine, no matter who tried to stop it.
The bakery is the only thing in my life that truly matters—at least that’s true until I let a man I don’t know chase me through the woods in an act of defiance. The rules are simple. The masks stay on and the word ‘no’ doesn’t exist. Now my life is spiraling out of control and the only thing that makes sense is the man in the mask. But eventually when the mask has to come off, where will that leave us?
Wyatt
The job is simple; set up security on this high-end club’s new app. Or at least, it was simple until my boss told me to create a profile and participate. It was supposed to be one night, but one night wasn’t enough. Anonymous fun wasn’t enough. I needed more, and I didn’t care what it costed me. She’d be mine, no matter who tried to stop it.
- GenresDark RomanceBDSM
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
24 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
November 16, 2025
dammit now I need a stalker and a pine forest asap 🤷🏻♀️
Wow this book was so yummy 😋
Wyatt Carragan in grey sweats and slutty glasses, lying on the couch, reading comic books, with those eyes, that smirk, those dimples, that dirty mouth - dear lord Kelsey Lee you just ain't playing fair here 🥵
Add in super sassy Ember Rae and their chemistry is off the charts!! their spice is out of control and their banter is fabulous
The story line is great with plenty of twists and turns and a brilliant cast of characters. I could not put this book down and I can't wait for the next brothers book 😍
Just go read it!!! you will not be sorry
Thank you Kelsey Lee for the ARC opportunity and such a fabulous read 🖤
Wow this book was so yummy 😋
Wyatt Carragan in grey sweats and slutty glasses, lying on the couch, reading comic books, with those eyes, that smirk, those dimples, that dirty mouth - dear lord Kelsey Lee you just ain't playing fair here 🥵
Add in super sassy Ember Rae and their chemistry is off the charts!! their spice is out of control and their banter is fabulous
The story line is great with plenty of twists and turns and a brilliant cast of characters. I could not put this book down and I can't wait for the next brothers book 😍
Just go read it!!! you will not be sorry
Thank you Kelsey Lee for the ARC opportunity and such a fabulous read 🖤
December 1, 2025
I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH!! Wyatttttt! Wyatt forever. And Ember is the perfect Venn diagram of brat and goddess. Also I will burst out in feminist laughter every time I see a motorcycle now.
November 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
It has happened. Again.
I did not realize this ARC was book two in the series, so the curse continues — my toxic trait is apparently picking up a book smack in the middle of a series like it’s a personality trait. Naturally, I had to go back and read book one first and… dear God. Rowan became my new husband in Delusionville immediately. I was ready to settle down, buy property, and take his last name.
And then I met Wyatt.
And suddenly? Rowan who? (Just kidding — he’s still safely in my harem of book boyfriends. They can share.)
Now, onto Ember, the FMC who completely stole my heart. She is everything I love in a heroine: fiery, stubborn, clever, soft in hidden ways, and running on pure survival instinct thanks to family trauma that made me want to throw hands. She’s hardworking, independent, and so full of chaotic sass that I adored her every second.
Wyatt Carragan, though… holy hell.
Grey sweatpants. Slutty glasses. Crop tops. Comic-loving, cybersecurity-genius stalker with a dirty mouth and a soft heart. He’s possessive in the most deliciously healthy-but-still-red-flag-adjacent way, and once he decides Ember is his? GAME OVER. He gives big “I’ll protect her, support her, and ruin her life in the hottest way possible” energy. And I, for one, support him.
Their chemistry is feral.
Their banter? The kind that makes you kick your feet.
The spice? Cold shower. Hydrate first. Stretch. This man does not play.
And their anonymous kink-app hookup???
Batman mask + Poison Ivy mask + chase through the pines = the spiciest meet-cute known to mankind. And the moment each one realizes the other’s identity? Priceless chaos.
Watching Ember finally let someone show up for her while Wyatt unravels at the speed of light over her was chef’s kiss. Their emotional growth, the primal tension, the humor, the obsession, the found family, the absolute tenderness under all the heat — perfection.
Kelsey once again writes characters that feel alive — messy, funny, flawed, protective, and deeply lovable. The Carragan family dynamic is elite. Mama Carragan deserves her own fan club.
This book is everything:
🔥 slutty glasses
🔥 stalking-but-make-it-sexy
🔥 crawling
🔥 masks
🔥 brat + patient menace dynamic
🔥 chapter 31 (I WILL NEVER RECOVER)
Kelsey, thank you so much for the ARC — I loved every unhinged, spicy, emotional second of it. Book three cannot get here fast enough.
It has happened. Again.
I did not realize this ARC was book two in the series, so the curse continues — my toxic trait is apparently picking up a book smack in the middle of a series like it’s a personality trait. Naturally, I had to go back and read book one first and… dear God. Rowan became my new husband in Delusionville immediately. I was ready to settle down, buy property, and take his last name.
And then I met Wyatt.
And suddenly? Rowan who? (Just kidding — he’s still safely in my harem of book boyfriends. They can share.)
Now, onto Ember, the FMC who completely stole my heart. She is everything I love in a heroine: fiery, stubborn, clever, soft in hidden ways, and running on pure survival instinct thanks to family trauma that made me want to throw hands. She’s hardworking, independent, and so full of chaotic sass that I adored her every second.
Wyatt Carragan, though… holy hell.
Grey sweatpants. Slutty glasses. Crop tops. Comic-loving, cybersecurity-genius stalker with a dirty mouth and a soft heart. He’s possessive in the most deliciously healthy-but-still-red-flag-adjacent way, and once he decides Ember is his? GAME OVER. He gives big “I’ll protect her, support her, and ruin her life in the hottest way possible” energy. And I, for one, support him.
Their chemistry is feral.
Their banter? The kind that makes you kick your feet.
The spice? Cold shower. Hydrate first. Stretch. This man does not play.
And their anonymous kink-app hookup???
Batman mask + Poison Ivy mask + chase through the pines = the spiciest meet-cute known to mankind. And the moment each one realizes the other’s identity? Priceless chaos.
Watching Ember finally let someone show up for her while Wyatt unravels at the speed of light over her was chef’s kiss. Their emotional growth, the primal tension, the humor, the obsession, the found family, the absolute tenderness under all the heat — perfection.
Kelsey once again writes characters that feel alive — messy, funny, flawed, protective, and deeply lovable. The Carragan family dynamic is elite. Mama Carragan deserves her own fan club.
This book is everything:
🔥 slutty glasses
🔥 stalking-but-make-it-sexy
🔥 crawling
🔥 masks
🔥 brat + patient menace dynamic
🔥 chapter 31 (I WILL NEVER RECOVER)
Kelsey, thank you so much for the ARC — I loved every unhinged, spicy, emotional second of it. Book three cannot get here fast enough.
November 23, 2025
"Oh, little flame. If only you knew how untrue that really was. After that first night? You couldn't have gotten rid of me if you tried."
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
What starts as his job (signing up for the app he's working on) quickly turns into an obsession when Wyatt Carragan falls for his anonymous/masked match - who just so happens to be his brother's girlfriend's friend, and owner of a local bakery - Ember Brady.
Ahh I loved this!! Wyatt and Ember have such a connection from the start and I loved their reasons for joining the app (Wyatt for his job, Ember to spite her mother). And then the fact that they are so in-sync with their mask choices, I was hooked from the start. Their chemistry was absolutely steaming, and the way they both met later and were wondering - I loved the parts where they were figuring out who each other were.
Both Wyatt and Ember had such great moments - Ember has had a tough life and pours her soul into her bakery, enough that she has trouble taking time for herself or letting go on control. Enter Wyatt, who help her loosen her hold (and maybe learns to loosen his own hold a little - iykyk), as well as doing everything he can when some local men start threatening her in connection to her father. There's plenty of snark and banter along the way, even if they can't stop thinking about each other - and getting to read them falling in love had me swooning and sighing.
The found family moments in this was everything as well, I may have teared up when Ember called Wyatt's mom 'mom' as well - as well as the friendship she finds with Aspen and Ivy. (And as a little batman fan myself I LOVED all the costume and character winks and nods, that was so fun - as so agree about Ivy and Bruce! 💖)
This is definitely a must-read for anyone who loves an fmc that knows how to turn her brain off, an mmc that falls completely head-over-heels and will do anything for his girl, sweet moments of found family woven in with the spice (and those who wouldn't mind a little chase through the woods!) I definitely am looking forwarding to reading more in this series!
Tropes & Tags:
🌲 dark romance
🥐 anonymous/masked play
🖤 s3x club
🌲 small town romance
🥐 primal play
🖤 stalking
🌲 found family
[I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much Kelsey Lee! 📖]
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
What starts as his job (signing up for the app he's working on) quickly turns into an obsession when Wyatt Carragan falls for his anonymous/masked match - who just so happens to be his brother's girlfriend's friend, and owner of a local bakery - Ember Brady.
Ahh I loved this!! Wyatt and Ember have such a connection from the start and I loved their reasons for joining the app (Wyatt for his job, Ember to spite her mother). And then the fact that they are so in-sync with their mask choices, I was hooked from the start. Their chemistry was absolutely steaming, and the way they both met later and were wondering - I loved the parts where they were figuring out who each other were.
Both Wyatt and Ember had such great moments - Ember has had a tough life and pours her soul into her bakery, enough that she has trouble taking time for herself or letting go on control. Enter Wyatt, who help her loosen her hold (and maybe learns to loosen his own hold a little - iykyk), as well as doing everything he can when some local men start threatening her in connection to her father. There's plenty of snark and banter along the way, even if they can't stop thinking about each other - and getting to read them falling in love had me swooning and sighing.
The found family moments in this was everything as well, I may have teared up when Ember called Wyatt's mom 'mom' as well - as well as the friendship she finds with Aspen and Ivy. (And as a little batman fan myself I LOVED all the costume and character winks and nods, that was so fun - as so agree about Ivy and Bruce! 💖)
This is definitely a must-read for anyone who loves an fmc that knows how to turn her brain off, an mmc that falls completely head-over-heels and will do anything for his girl, sweet moments of found family woven in with the spice (and those who wouldn't mind a little chase through the woods!) I definitely am looking forwarding to reading more in this series!
Tropes & Tags:
🌲 dark romance
🥐 anonymous/masked play
🖤 s3x club
🌲 small town romance
🥐 primal play
🖤 stalking
🌲 found family
[I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much Kelsey Lee! 📖]
November 18, 2025
Reseña the Autumn Pines
Against the Autumn Pines es uno de esos romances oscuros que te atrapan desde la primera escena y no te sueltan.
Lo que empieza como un encuentro anónimo, salvaje y lleno de adrenalina, termina convirtiéndose en una conexión imposible de ignorar, donde dos personas rotas se encuentran justo en el caos que intentan evitar.
Ember es una protagonista que sin querer te gana. Su vida está centrada en la panadería, en sobrevivir, en mantenerse firme… hasta que una noche lo cambia todo. Ese juego a ciegas, esas reglas peligrosas y ese hombre enmascarado despiertan una parte de ella que llevaba tiempo dormida.
Y lo peor (o lo mejor): ahora ya no puede olvidarlo.
Wyatt… qué decir de él. Intenso, posesivo, decidido. Cumple el arquetipo de hombre oscuro que sabe lo que quiere y no está dispuesto a soltarlo, aunque tenga que cruzar todas las líneas. Su obsesión no es sana, pero justo por eso funciona: es una tormenta que arrasa, pero que también promete seguridad en medio del desastre.
Lo que más me ha gustado es cómo la historia mezcla lo emocional con lo carnal, lo peligroso con lo vulnerable. No es un romance suave ni tierno: es una relación marcada por la tensión, los límites borrosos y esa sensación constante de que algo podría explotar en cualquier momento.
El ambiente del pueblo de Raven Creek le da ese toque oscuro y cerrado que hace que todo se sienta aún más intenso.
Si te gustan los romances oscuros, con protagonistas un poquito desequilibrados, juegos anónimos, obsesión, tensión sexual que quema y ese tipo de relación que es una mala idea pero aún así no puedes soltar… este libro te va a ENCANTAR.
Mi nota: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Adictivo, oscuro y con una química que se sale de las páginas.
Against the Autumn Pines es uno de esos romances oscuros que te atrapan desde la primera escena y no te sueltan.
Lo que empieza como un encuentro anónimo, salvaje y lleno de adrenalina, termina convirtiéndose en una conexión imposible de ignorar, donde dos personas rotas se encuentran justo en el caos que intentan evitar.
Ember es una protagonista que sin querer te gana. Su vida está centrada en la panadería, en sobrevivir, en mantenerse firme… hasta que una noche lo cambia todo. Ese juego a ciegas, esas reglas peligrosas y ese hombre enmascarado despiertan una parte de ella que llevaba tiempo dormida.
Y lo peor (o lo mejor): ahora ya no puede olvidarlo.
Wyatt… qué decir de él. Intenso, posesivo, decidido. Cumple el arquetipo de hombre oscuro que sabe lo que quiere y no está dispuesto a soltarlo, aunque tenga que cruzar todas las líneas. Su obsesión no es sana, pero justo por eso funciona: es una tormenta que arrasa, pero que también promete seguridad en medio del desastre.
Lo que más me ha gustado es cómo la historia mezcla lo emocional con lo carnal, lo peligroso con lo vulnerable. No es un romance suave ni tierno: es una relación marcada por la tensión, los límites borrosos y esa sensación constante de que algo podría explotar en cualquier momento.
El ambiente del pueblo de Raven Creek le da ese toque oscuro y cerrado que hace que todo se sienta aún más intenso.
Si te gustan los romances oscuros, con protagonistas un poquito desequilibrados, juegos anónimos, obsesión, tensión sexual que quema y ese tipo de relación que es una mala idea pero aún así no puedes soltar… este libro te va a ENCANTAR.
Mi nota: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Adictivo, oscuro y con una química que se sale de las páginas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 — Dark, Delicious, and Absolutely Unhinged in the Best Way
Against Autumn Pines by Kelsey Lee is the kind of dark romance that slinks into your bloodstream and stays there. If you thought book one was wild, book two laughs, throws on a mask, adjusts its slutty glasses, and drags you straight into the shadows with a grin.
This sequel is filthy, feral, and addictive, leaning hard into everything readers love about Kelsey Lee’s signature chaos:
✨ bratty little menace of an FMC
✨ patient, calculating brat tamer MMC
✨ mask kink, stalking tension, and delicious primal play
✨ a sx club setting that is written so vividly it feels illegal to read in public*
The chemistry? Unhinged.
The tension? Off the charts.
The smut? Crisp, creative, and absolutely feral.
There’s something intoxicating about watching a bratty heroine push every boundary and a dangerously patient man wait her out, corner her, and tame her without ever losing his cool. Their dynamic hits every dark-romance craving—possession, cat-and-mouse, obsession, and masks that hide absolutely nothing.
Kelsey Lee’s writing is atmospheric, sharp, and fast-paced, making this installment impossible to put down. You’ll devour it in one sitting and immediately need a cold drink.
This is book two in the series, so definitely read book one first—you’ll want the full emotional and spicy context before diving into this feral masterpiece.
If you love:
🔥 stalker vibes
🔥 brat x brat-tamer dynamics
🔥 masked encounters
🔥 primal tension
🔥 dark, unapologetically spicy storytelling
…then Against Autumn Pines will absolutely ruin you in the best way.
Against Autumn Pines by Kelsey Lee is the kind of dark romance that slinks into your bloodstream and stays there. If you thought book one was wild, book two laughs, throws on a mask, adjusts its slutty glasses, and drags you straight into the shadows with a grin.
This sequel is filthy, feral, and addictive, leaning hard into everything readers love about Kelsey Lee’s signature chaos:
✨ bratty little menace of an FMC
✨ patient, calculating brat tamer MMC
✨ mask kink, stalking tension, and delicious primal play
✨ a sx club setting that is written so vividly it feels illegal to read in public*
The chemistry? Unhinged.
The tension? Off the charts.
The smut? Crisp, creative, and absolutely feral.
There’s something intoxicating about watching a bratty heroine push every boundary and a dangerously patient man wait her out, corner her, and tame her without ever losing his cool. Their dynamic hits every dark-romance craving—possession, cat-and-mouse, obsession, and masks that hide absolutely nothing.
Kelsey Lee’s writing is atmospheric, sharp, and fast-paced, making this installment impossible to put down. You’ll devour it in one sitting and immediately need a cold drink.
This is book two in the series, so definitely read book one first—you’ll want the full emotional and spicy context before diving into this feral masterpiece.
If you love:
🔥 stalker vibes
🔥 brat x brat-tamer dynamics
🔥 masked encounters
🔥 primal tension
🔥 dark, unapologetically spicy storytelling
…then Against Autumn Pines will absolutely ruin you in the best way.
November 15, 2025
Ohh I just love Kelsey’s books, and this one was as delicious as a freshly baked cinnamon roll.. hehe IYKYK.
Let’s start with the characters. Our FMC, Ember, completely stole my heart. She’s a total spitfire independent, strong as hell, clever, and the sweetest bakery owner you could imagine. Her family… well, no spoilers, but let’s just say my heart ached for her more than once. And then we have our stalker MMC, Wyatt. Holy. Hell. That man is hot as sin. Grey-sweatpants-wearing, glasses, comic-loving, possessive, swoon-worthy perfection. He is obsessed with Ember in the best way, and honestly? I adored him for it. Together? Fire. Absolute fire.
Their banter, their chemistry unmatched. And the spice? My goodness. Scorching. Like “take-a-cold-shower” level scorching.
They meet through a high-end sex club’s app as anonymous users, each there for very different reasons, and some of my favourite moments were their realisations: Wyatt discovering who his Poison Ivy really was, and Ember figuring out her Batman. So fun, so deliciously tense, and so satisfying.
Both characters are workaholics, so watching them finally prioritise themselves and yeah each other was incredibly rewarding. And can I just say… I need a Carragan brother for myself (even with the stalking tendencies, lol).
As for the writing and pacing, Kelsey absolutely nailed it. The story was addicting, the pages flew by, and I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
I seriously cannot wait for the next book in this series!!!
Thank you, Kelsey, for this amazing ARC read. Loved, loved, LOVED it!
Let’s start with the characters. Our FMC, Ember, completely stole my heart. She’s a total spitfire independent, strong as hell, clever, and the sweetest bakery owner you could imagine. Her family… well, no spoilers, but let’s just say my heart ached for her more than once. And then we have our stalker MMC, Wyatt. Holy. Hell. That man is hot as sin. Grey-sweatpants-wearing, glasses, comic-loving, possessive, swoon-worthy perfection. He is obsessed with Ember in the best way, and honestly? I adored him for it. Together? Fire. Absolute fire.
Their banter, their chemistry unmatched. And the spice? My goodness. Scorching. Like “take-a-cold-shower” level scorching.
They meet through a high-end sex club’s app as anonymous users, each there for very different reasons, and some of my favourite moments were their realisations: Wyatt discovering who his Poison Ivy really was, and Ember figuring out her Batman. So fun, so deliciously tense, and so satisfying.
Both characters are workaholics, so watching them finally prioritise themselves and yeah each other was incredibly rewarding. And can I just say… I need a Carragan brother for myself (even with the stalking tendencies, lol).
As for the writing and pacing, Kelsey absolutely nailed it. The story was addicting, the pages flew by, and I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
I seriously cannot wait for the next book in this series!!!
Thank you, Kelsey, for this amazing ARC read. Loved, loved, LOVED it!
November 22, 2025
I preferred this to the first book I liked the anonymous side of it and if you put to the side they obviously would have known each other it was a good plot point.
Ember has had a rough childhood her father was a con man that didn’t like or love her because she was a girl. Her mother and brothers supported this and cut her out of the family by leaving her with her grandfather. Thankfully her grandfather was lovely and when he died left her some money to open her own bakery.
Wyatt the twin brother of Rowan has similar tendencies of stalking and possessiveness and not wanting a relationship until he meet the MFC. He is great with computers and is a workaholic. He has just built the new app for the local sex club and now has to try it out.
Ember is fed up with her mother trying to set her up so she signs up to the sex app. Wyatt and Ember match and end up meeting up twice a week for anonymous sex however it starts to feel like more.
In the meantime Ember has had her identity stolen and Wyatt is enlisted to help her figure out who is doing it but he puts his foot in it and Ember kind of hates him. He really likes Ember and wishes she is the same woman from the app.
This is all kind of sweet and funny and once they both figure it out Wyatt moves in to protect Ember as her father is in a mess and they are coming after her instead.
You meet both Embers brothers and start to see a bit more of Theo, another of Wyatt’s brothers he is mysteriously back from the army and they are not sure why. Possibly the next book…
Ember has had a rough childhood her father was a con man that didn’t like or love her because she was a girl. Her mother and brothers supported this and cut her out of the family by leaving her with her grandfather. Thankfully her grandfather was lovely and when he died left her some money to open her own bakery.
Wyatt the twin brother of Rowan has similar tendencies of stalking and possessiveness and not wanting a relationship until he meet the MFC. He is great with computers and is a workaholic. He has just built the new app for the local sex club and now has to try it out.
Ember is fed up with her mother trying to set her up so she signs up to the sex app. Wyatt and Ember match and end up meeting up twice a week for anonymous sex however it starts to feel like more.
In the meantime Ember has had her identity stolen and Wyatt is enlisted to help her figure out who is doing it but he puts his foot in it and Ember kind of hates him. He really likes Ember and wishes she is the same woman from the app.
This is all kind of sweet and funny and once they both figure it out Wyatt moves in to protect Ember as her father is in a mess and they are coming after her instead.
You meet both Embers brothers and start to see a bit more of Theo, another of Wyatt’s brothers he is mysteriously back from the army and they are not sure why. Possibly the next book…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2025
This was my first Kelsey Lee book, and let me tell you I’m hooked. Her writing is captivating and the depth of her storytelling had me not wanting to put the book down. The way Kelsey writes made me feel immersed into the story like I was right there watching everything unfold. I can’t wait to read more by her.
This story follows Ember, who is just trying to get away from all of the family drama that surrounds the Dunagan name. After changing her name and following her dreams, she finds herself in an unusual predicament, trying to find a way out of a date with someone her mom wants to set her up with. So that only leads Ember to do one, okay maybe two, questionable decisions. One of those decisions leads her right in the path of a mysterious masked man "Batman".
Wyatt, who is just trying to make a name for himself in the cyber-security app development world, gets caught up in “Poison Ivy” , this mystery woman he encounters through the app he created and is overseeing for a local club. At some point Ember finds herself falling for her mysterious man “Batman” who is helping her in more ways than one.
When Ember’s friend suggests Wyatt help Ember with a problem she’s having with her bank, Ember finds herself in the company of the one man who managed to insult her the very first moment they met.
Will Ember figure out who “Batman” is? What will happen when Wyatt finds out who his mysterious woman is? Can their worlds truly mesh in the day time when they are from under the cover of darkness? Read Against the Autumn Pines to find out! Out Now!!
This story follows Ember, who is just trying to get away from all of the family drama that surrounds the Dunagan name. After changing her name and following her dreams, she finds herself in an unusual predicament, trying to find a way out of a date with someone her mom wants to set her up with. So that only leads Ember to do one, okay maybe two, questionable decisions. One of those decisions leads her right in the path of a mysterious masked man "Batman".
Wyatt, who is just trying to make a name for himself in the cyber-security app development world, gets caught up in “Poison Ivy” , this mystery woman he encounters through the app he created and is overseeing for a local club. At some point Ember finds herself falling for her mysterious man “Batman” who is helping her in more ways than one.
When Ember’s friend suggests Wyatt help Ember with a problem she’s having with her bank, Ember finds herself in the company of the one man who managed to insult her the very first moment they met.
Will Ember figure out who “Batman” is? What will happen when Wyatt finds out who his mysterious woman is? Can their worlds truly mesh in the day time when they are from under the cover of darkness? Read Against the Autumn Pines to find out! Out Now!!
November 16, 2025
ARC.
This book brought Roman back into the mix and I was so excited to see him again—plus all the Carragan siblings and their mom. Truly felt like coming home to this world.
Our MCs this time are Ember and Wyatt, and honestly… I adored them.
Ember is 24, a redhead with a family reputation she never asked for thanks to her dad. She was incredibly close to her grandpa Joe, who left her the money to open her coffee shop her pride, joy, and practically her entire personality. Her mom, on the other hand, is the classic meddler who wants Ember to settle down with a “successful man.”
Wyatt, 26, is a tech guy with zero time for relationships. He’s busy developing an app for the smex club he works for, and his boss basically forces him to create a profile and test it. He does… and that’s how these two end up matching for a primal, anonymous hookup. One night turns into two… then more… even though neither knows who the other actually is.
Then comes the costume party where Wyatt realizes his mystery girl is the coffee shop owner he already kinda has a crush on. The way it clicks for him? Perfection.
And THAT scene in the coffee shop when a customer asks her out and his phone goes “buzz buzz”… if you know, you absolutely know. I was kicking my feet.
The suspense in this one was wild. I knew something was off, but not even close to how off. Kelsie really said “plot twist” and meant it. She delivers every single time in this series.
This book brought Roman back into the mix and I was so excited to see him again—plus all the Carragan siblings and their mom. Truly felt like coming home to this world.
Our MCs this time are Ember and Wyatt, and honestly… I adored them.
Ember is 24, a redhead with a family reputation she never asked for thanks to her dad. She was incredibly close to her grandpa Joe, who left her the money to open her coffee shop her pride, joy, and practically her entire personality. Her mom, on the other hand, is the classic meddler who wants Ember to settle down with a “successful man.”
Wyatt, 26, is a tech guy with zero time for relationships. He’s busy developing an app for the smex club he works for, and his boss basically forces him to create a profile and test it. He does… and that’s how these two end up matching for a primal, anonymous hookup. One night turns into two… then more… even though neither knows who the other actually is.
Then comes the costume party where Wyatt realizes his mystery girl is the coffee shop owner he already kinda has a crush on. The way it clicks for him? Perfection.
And THAT scene in the coffee shop when a customer asks her out and his phone goes “buzz buzz”… if you know, you absolutely know. I was kicking my feet.
The suspense in this one was wild. I knew something was off, but not even close to how off. Kelsie really said “plot twist” and meant it. She delivers every single time in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2025
When anonymity turns addictive, a masked stranger becomes the only truth she can trust. 🍁🔥
Dear Readers,
Filing an ARC today: Against the Autumn Pines by Kelsey Lee, a spicy, masked-stranger fall romance where one night of anonymous temptation turns into an obsession neither of them can walk away from.
I read this one incredibly fast. Something about it hooked me from page one and did not let go. I could not put it down, and I was much more invested than I expected to be.
This is technically book two, but I went in without reading book one and had zero issues. It felt like a true interconnected standalone (references to the earlier book existed, but I never felt lost or like I missed crucial information).
The masked-club premise is addictive, atmospheric, and perfect for fall romance readers who want something darker and more sensual without slipping into full dark romance territory. Ember’s mix of control and vulnerability worked beautifully with Wyatt’s steadiness and determination. Watching their anonymous obsession bleed into real-world tension was gripping in the best way.
If you like fall vibes, secret identities, masked chemistry, and romance that balances tension with tenderness, this one is worth picking up.
✨ ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Rating: ⭐ 3.7 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
Until the next chapter,
Lady TBR 💌
🍂 Fall Romance Book
😈 Masked Primal Play
🍞 Small-town
💻 Protective MMC
🔥 Spicy Romance Recs
Dear Readers,
Filing an ARC today: Against the Autumn Pines by Kelsey Lee, a spicy, masked-stranger fall romance where one night of anonymous temptation turns into an obsession neither of them can walk away from.
I read this one incredibly fast. Something about it hooked me from page one and did not let go. I could not put it down, and I was much more invested than I expected to be.
This is technically book two, but I went in without reading book one and had zero issues. It felt like a true interconnected standalone (references to the earlier book existed, but I never felt lost or like I missed crucial information).
The masked-club premise is addictive, atmospheric, and perfect for fall romance readers who want something darker and more sensual without slipping into full dark romance territory. Ember’s mix of control and vulnerability worked beautifully with Wyatt’s steadiness and determination. Watching their anonymous obsession bleed into real-world tension was gripping in the best way.
If you like fall vibes, secret identities, masked chemistry, and romance that balances tension with tenderness, this one is worth picking up.
✨ ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Rating: ⭐ 3.7 / 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5
Until the next chapter,
Lady TBR 💌
🍂 Fall Romance Book
😈 Masked Primal Play
🍞 Small-town
💻 Protective MMC
🔥 Spicy Romance Recs
November 16, 2025
Kelsey doesn’t just write she makes artwork and she sure did it with this book! I thought I was obsessed with Rowan??? Enter the other twin none other than Mr. Wyatt Carragan him and his slutty glasses!! She writes the most amazing characters we have Ember Rae the FMC she is independent, strong willed, super hardworking and sassy as hell we love a girl full of sass! She’s got her fair share of the damn family drama too. Enter our MMC Wyatt Mr masked stalker who will be everyone’s favorite so far. He’s just as hardworking also owns his own business he’s full of fun, sweet, loves his family hot as all hell specially with his grey sweatpants and his crop tops and those slutty glasses !!! Can’t forget that dirty mouth of his!!! I loved the whole story line the way it was written and the plot ugh!!! Sooo good the banter between ember and Wyatt phenomenal the spice??? Cold shower worthy take a minute spice like I said the mouth on that man!! It had me cracking up when they both found out who the other was at different times both by aspen too their reactions were priceless. Also don’t give Ember a bat!!! It was amazing seeing them both get their happy ever after specially for ember she deserved nothing but the possessive, swoon worthy obsessed love from Wyatt!! Can’t wait to see what book 3 entails and continue the amazing journey of these Carragan brothers!!!
November 17, 2025
****ARC REVIEW****
STFU RIGHT NOW, KELSEY. 😂😂
This book?????? OMG. Did I inhale it in one sitting? Absolutely. Do I now have to return to the real world and fold laundry like some tragic actual human? Unfortunately yes while manifesting my own Wyatt Carragan.
These Carragan boys, lord help me. First Rowan, now Wyatt?? The instant connection, the obsessive protection, the “that’s my woman and I’ll continue to show up to show her I care” energy is INSANE. I’m just over here jealous of fictional FMCs like it’s a full-time job.
Ember is a fiery, independent queen who says whatever the hell she wants. Dad didn’t want her, mom was a whole disaster, but thank God for Grandpa stepping in. Her whole life taught her to rely on no one until Wyatt walks in and flips her entire world upside down.
Wyatt is the intelligent, determined, protective MMC you feel in your soul. He’s the brother who chose brains over brawn, diving into cybersecurity so he could protect the people he loves. And once he gets one taste of Ember? Yeah… this man is DONE. Fully gone. Unrecoverable.
Huge shoutout to Mama and Papa Carragan for creating these men. And to Mom Carragan specifically for having elite-level advice. JUST WOO HER 😭😍
This book has EVERYTHING: slutty little glasses, crawling, masks, a chase through the woods, him letting her take charge, and so. much. more.
And chapter 31?😳❤️
STFU RIGHT NOW, KELSEY. 😂😂
This book?????? OMG. Did I inhale it in one sitting? Absolutely. Do I now have to return to the real world and fold laundry like some tragic actual human? Unfortunately yes while manifesting my own Wyatt Carragan.
These Carragan boys, lord help me. First Rowan, now Wyatt?? The instant connection, the obsessive protection, the “that’s my woman and I’ll continue to show up to show her I care” energy is INSANE. I’m just over here jealous of fictional FMCs like it’s a full-time job.
Ember is a fiery, independent queen who says whatever the hell she wants. Dad didn’t want her, mom was a whole disaster, but thank God for Grandpa stepping in. Her whole life taught her to rely on no one until Wyatt walks in and flips her entire world upside down.
Wyatt is the intelligent, determined, protective MMC you feel in your soul. He’s the brother who chose brains over brawn, diving into cybersecurity so he could protect the people he loves. And once he gets one taste of Ember? Yeah… this man is DONE. Fully gone. Unrecoverable.
Huge shoutout to Mama and Papa Carragan for creating these men. And to Mom Carragan specifically for having elite-level advice. JUST WOO HER 😭😍
This book has EVERYTHING: slutty little glasses, crawling, masks, a chase through the woods, him letting her take charge, and so. much. more.
And chapter 31?😳❤️
November 16, 2025
Against the Autumn Pines (Raven Creek Book 2)- Kelsey Lee
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 Stars
🌶🌶🌶 - Spice Level
From anonymous kink app hookup to finally Batman and his Posion Ivy getting together for real, PERFECT! I absolutely enjoyed the spicy scenes before they knew who each have other were and then once they did, it was all in for Wyatt as he immediately started being her real life stalker only Ember isn't going to just take his Alpha maleness lying down. He starts to do the sweet things that will help her in the long run instead of just dates, flowers, and pretty words spoken. He gives her the primal play she wants against the trees in the woods and absolutely everything else in between, even if he does get cameras placed anonymously in her business and apartment.
Something about the CyberSecurity aspect, but still getting down and dirty just stroked my brain for this book. I loved that Ember was the brat he adored even when he wanted to flip her over his knee and have her obey him. Yes, yes, yes Batman and all your red flags 🚩🚩🚩. Now Kelsey did write her bad mom and a good mom into the story and achieved me feeling some kind of way with each of them, the creating the found family trope.
I enjoyed the story, the spice, and can't wait for the next book with Oliver and Ivy. I'll move into Raven Creek as the nosey neighbor as I wait for each Carragan to fall for theirs.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 5 Stars
🌶🌶🌶 - Spice Level
From anonymous kink app hookup to finally Batman and his Posion Ivy getting together for real, PERFECT! I absolutely enjoyed the spicy scenes before they knew who each have other were and then once they did, it was all in for Wyatt as he immediately started being her real life stalker only Ember isn't going to just take his Alpha maleness lying down. He starts to do the sweet things that will help her in the long run instead of just dates, flowers, and pretty words spoken. He gives her the primal play she wants against the trees in the woods and absolutely everything else in between, even if he does get cameras placed anonymously in her business and apartment.
Something about the CyberSecurity aspect, but still getting down and dirty just stroked my brain for this book. I loved that Ember was the brat he adored even when he wanted to flip her over his knee and have her obey him. Yes, yes, yes Batman and all your red flags 🚩🚩🚩. Now Kelsey did write her bad mom and a good mom into the story and achieved me feeling some kind of way with each of them, the creating the found family trope.
I enjoyed the story, the spice, and can't wait for the next book with Oliver and Ivy. I'll move into Raven Creek as the nosey neighbor as I wait for each Carragan to fall for theirs.
November 21, 2025
“Come out, come out wherever you are, fiery girl,”
Batman and Poison Ivy name a better duo. Wyatt and Ember Rae are a perfect match. Wyatt the spicy quick witted nerdy controlling hacker with a heart of gold in his grey sweatpants and slutty glasses. Ember, the fiery brown eyed bakery owner workaholic who also likes to be in control, meet on an anonymous sex app for rendezvous in the woods, all while keeping their identities unknown. Until one night, they end up at the same halloween party as Batman and Poison Ivy. The shock was apparent, and Wyatt, the sneaky one already has his suspensions on who his Poison Ivy is. When they both come to the realization... Fireworks. I could not get enough of these, too. Their chemistry was off the charts. And when Wyatt gave up control. Hot. Ember, when she figured out the cameras. Also hot. The motorcycle scene,love. This book has great thriller aspects, which makes for a perfect story. Kelsey girl, this book was an absolute banger. I can't wait for the 3rd one.
“You can’t run forever, little flame,”
“I can talk, I just save my words for things worth saying.”
"I don’t want to hear another man’s name on your lips tonight, little flame, fictional or otherwise.”
“I’d pick you in every multiverse, Rae. The writers never got it right anyway. It’s always been you and me.”
"I swore I could marry the woman just based on her pastry-baking ability."
"She tasted of rum and cinnamon and everything I never wanted to be without."
Batman and Poison Ivy name a better duo. Wyatt and Ember Rae are a perfect match. Wyatt the spicy quick witted nerdy controlling hacker with a heart of gold in his grey sweatpants and slutty glasses. Ember, the fiery brown eyed bakery owner workaholic who also likes to be in control, meet on an anonymous sex app for rendezvous in the woods, all while keeping their identities unknown. Until one night, they end up at the same halloween party as Batman and Poison Ivy. The shock was apparent, and Wyatt, the sneaky one already has his suspensions on who his Poison Ivy is. When they both come to the realization... Fireworks. I could not get enough of these, too. Their chemistry was off the charts. And when Wyatt gave up control. Hot. Ember, when she figured out the cameras. Also hot. The motorcycle scene,love. This book has great thriller aspects, which makes for a perfect story. Kelsey girl, this book was an absolute banger. I can't wait for the 3rd one.
“You can’t run forever, little flame,”
“I can talk, I just save my words for things worth saying.”
"I don’t want to hear another man’s name on your lips tonight, little flame, fictional or otherwise.”
“I’d pick you in every multiverse, Rae. The writers never got it right anyway. It’s always been you and me.”
"I swore I could marry the woman just based on her pastry-baking ability."
"She tasted of rum and cinnamon and everything I never wanted to be without."
November 23, 2025
I am actually OBSESSED.
Ember and Wyatt??? I cannot cope. I genuinely cannot. 🔥
Ember is this soft, stubborn, overwhelmed sunshine who just wants to run her bakery and stay in her safe little bubble… until she steps into this dark, masked world and lets a stranger chase her through the woods. AND THAT STRANGER IS WYATT. The moment those masks go on, the chemistry becomes actual wildfire. I swear my Kindle started overheating.
And Wyatt??? LORD HELP ME.
This man signs up for the app as “just part of the job” and then immediately loses every shred of sanity the second he finds Ember. One night should have been enough. But no. He’s fixated. Possessive. Determined. And absolutely gone for her from the second she runs and he follows. The man is down BAD and I loved every unhinged second of it.
The masked tension?? Off the charts.
The real-life connection when the masks come off?? Even HOTTER.
The way they understand each other deeper than anyone ever has?? I melted.
Their chemistry is explosive, but the quiet moments where they actually see each other?? Those gutted me in the sweetest way possible. Ember deserves someone who chooses her every time, and Wyatt is like “say less, I’m already here.”
This book was addictive, intoxicating, and SO MUCH FUN. Ember and Wyatt are pure fire together and I loved every page.🔥💀❤️
Ember and Wyatt??? I cannot cope. I genuinely cannot. 🔥
Ember is this soft, stubborn, overwhelmed sunshine who just wants to run her bakery and stay in her safe little bubble… until she steps into this dark, masked world and lets a stranger chase her through the woods. AND THAT STRANGER IS WYATT. The moment those masks go on, the chemistry becomes actual wildfire. I swear my Kindle started overheating.
And Wyatt??? LORD HELP ME.
This man signs up for the app as “just part of the job” and then immediately loses every shred of sanity the second he finds Ember. One night should have been enough. But no. He’s fixated. Possessive. Determined. And absolutely gone for her from the second she runs and he follows. The man is down BAD and I loved every unhinged second of it.
The masked tension?? Off the charts.
The real-life connection when the masks come off?? Even HOTTER.
The way they understand each other deeper than anyone ever has?? I melted.
Their chemistry is explosive, but the quiet moments where they actually see each other?? Those gutted me in the sweetest way possible. Ember deserves someone who chooses her every time, and Wyatt is like “say less, I’m already here.”
This book was addictive, intoxicating, and SO MUCH FUN. Ember and Wyatt are pure fire together and I loved every page.🔥💀❤️
November 16, 2025
Against the autumn pines by @kelseylee.author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
It’s everything you want it to be and so much more. I absolutely loved book 1 in this series but Against the Autumn Pines was even better. I was obsessed from the minute I started reading until the last page (and I am gutted it’s over). @kelseylee.author you have set the highest bar for book 3 but that sneak peak at the end is 👌.
Ember and Wyatt are the FMC and MMC are amazing. Wyatt with his slutty glasses and mask collection is 🥵 and Ember is just perfect, independent, full of sass, hard working and so determined. I loved her, she made me laugh out loud and I really empathise with her too.
We need to talk about the 🌶️ - it is bang on!! We have masks, we have primal play, we have a private members app and club. It’s just hot!!!! Add in an obsessed Wyatt and a bratty Ember and it’s the perfect combination.
Linked with book 1 but following a completely different story line, the plot is belting. The story may be 🌶️ but it’s not taking anything from the plot either.
The series is a must read!! Thank you so much for the ARC @kelseylee.author and @lunaliterary.management - I am not quite sure what to do now this is over 🙈.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
It’s everything you want it to be and so much more. I absolutely loved book 1 in this series but Against the Autumn Pines was even better. I was obsessed from the minute I started reading until the last page (and I am gutted it’s over). @kelseylee.author you have set the highest bar for book 3 but that sneak peak at the end is 👌.
Ember and Wyatt are the FMC and MMC are amazing. Wyatt with his slutty glasses and mask collection is 🥵 and Ember is just perfect, independent, full of sass, hard working and so determined. I loved her, she made me laugh out loud and I really empathise with her too.
We need to talk about the 🌶️ - it is bang on!! We have masks, we have primal play, we have a private members app and club. It’s just hot!!!! Add in an obsessed Wyatt and a bratty Ember and it’s the perfect combination.
Linked with book 1 but following a completely different story line, the plot is belting. The story may be 🌶️ but it’s not taking anything from the plot either.
The series is a must read!! Thank you so much for the ARC @kelseylee.author and @lunaliterary.management - I am not quite sure what to do now this is over 🙈.
November 18, 2025
I loved this book! The Raven Creek Series is what happens when you combine the L.O.R.D.S. series with the Chestnut Spring’s series. You get small town gossip, and family ranches with hard working cowboys. You also get sex clubs, black mail, primal play, arson, and murder. The best of both worlds!
Wyatt Carragan is a workaholic who specializes in cyber security. While developing a hook up app for club, his boss has tasked him with creating a profile and using the app to ensure there are no glitches. In a hilarious scene, local bakery owner Ember hears about the app and decides to join to piss off her mother. They match and decided to meet anonymously in the woods for some primal fun.
Wyatt is the ultimate playboy, no girlfriends, no comments, pierced, only loves his sister and his mama. Until… he can’t get the masked woman in the woods out of his mind. Ember is a fiery and passionate female main character and Wyatt falls first and falls hard. He loves her bratty mouth and all! When they get together their spice is explosive! 🧨 🌶️
The banter in this book is witty and hilarious. The Carragan family provides nonstop commentary and comedy. The bothers debating who has better girlfriend stalking techniques had me cracking up. I can’t wait for book 3!
Wyatt Carragan is a workaholic who specializes in cyber security. While developing a hook up app for club, his boss has tasked him with creating a profile and using the app to ensure there are no glitches. In a hilarious scene, local bakery owner Ember hears about the app and decides to join to piss off her mother. They match and decided to meet anonymously in the woods for some primal fun.
Wyatt is the ultimate playboy, no girlfriends, no comments, pierced, only loves his sister and his mama. Until… he can’t get the masked woman in the woods out of his mind. Ember is a fiery and passionate female main character and Wyatt falls first and falls hard. He loves her bratty mouth and all! When they get together their spice is explosive! 🧨 🌶️
The banter in this book is witty and hilarious. The Carragan family provides nonstop commentary and comedy. The bothers debating who has better girlfriend stalking techniques had me cracking up. I can’t wait for book 3!
November 29, 2025
Top tier dark thriller romance book! If you love the worlds of Elsie Silver and Devney Perry, but wanted something a little darker and spicier… well this is the book/series for you!!!
Thanks to the author for sending me a copy of the book. This is my honest review.
Kelsey’s writing is spectacular! The story kept me guessing and there were multiple layers to the plot.
Batman and Poison Ivy are the ultimate!! IYKYK!!
Wyatt is strong, full of boyish charm and makes Mr. Grey look like an amateur! Ember is fierce, independent and full of sass! Not only did I love their multiple meet cute moments, but I fell head over heels for all the characters in Raven Creek!!!
I cannot wait for Oliver’s story! It will defined be a sleepless night for me when it hits the Kindle!
Tropes:
🩶Dislike to Lovers
🖤Anonymous Encounters
💚Running through the woods 😉
🩶Unhinged Stalker
🖤Touch her and Die vibes
💚Independent FMC
🩶Tech Savy MMC
🖤Bakery Bitches
💚Danger
🐈 CC
Blurb:
Against the Autumn Pines by @kelseylee.author is book two of the Raven Creek series. When two workaholics find themselves on a schmexy app, the most they’re worried about is time away from their job, but anonymous fun can be pleasing. Until they both crave more.
#kelseysheathens #kelseyleeauthor
Thanks to the author for sending me a copy of the book. This is my honest review.
Kelsey’s writing is spectacular! The story kept me guessing and there were multiple layers to the plot.
Batman and Poison Ivy are the ultimate!! IYKYK!!
Wyatt is strong, full of boyish charm and makes Mr. Grey look like an amateur! Ember is fierce, independent and full of sass! Not only did I love their multiple meet cute moments, but I fell head over heels for all the characters in Raven Creek!!!
I cannot wait for Oliver’s story! It will defined be a sleepless night for me when it hits the Kindle!
Tropes:
🩶Dislike to Lovers
🖤Anonymous Encounters
💚Running through the woods 😉
🩶Unhinged Stalker
🖤Touch her and Die vibes
💚Independent FMC
🩶Tech Savy MMC
🖤Bakery Bitches
💚Danger
🐈 CC
Blurb:
Against the Autumn Pines by @kelseylee.author is book two of the Raven Creek series. When two workaholics find themselves on a schmexy app, the most they’re worried about is time away from their job, but anonymous fun can be pleasing. Until they both crave more.
#kelseysheathens #kelseyleeauthor
December 28, 2025
🌲💻ARC Review💻🌲
Thank you for this ARC of Against the Autumn Pines!! I am completely addicted and obsessed with this small town and the characters and intertwining stories‼️
I am down bad for Wyatt, this MMC was Delicious with a capital D! Ember was his perfect counterpart, with her sass and temperament!
I loved there low key bond of super hero’s and supernatural and the way everything came to light and how they discovered who one another were was epic‼️
The spice in this one was SPICY, and you add in a sec club, and anonymity not knowing who your partner is, but then it all clicks and the MCs still have that spark! The way that Wyatt was so obsessed with his “Poison Ivy” and Ember that he was tempted to ask if either one would do a why choose relationship, but then he didn’t have to choose because the stars aligned and he figured out they were the same person!
I am so excited for Ivy and Oliver and for Ivy to dump Todd, I mean Todd wasn’t really mentioned in this one but Ugh this a nanny trope? Yes please!
Tropes:
🌲Anonymous Sexcapades
💻Cyber Security MMC
🌲He Falls First
💻Stalker MMC
🌲Batsman x Poison Ivy vibes
💻SPICY
🌲NO third act break up
💻Primal Play
🌲Found Family
💻Baker FMC
Thank you for this ARC of Against the Autumn Pines!! I am completely addicted and obsessed with this small town and the characters and intertwining stories‼️
I am down bad for Wyatt, this MMC was Delicious with a capital D! Ember was his perfect counterpart, with her sass and temperament!
I loved there low key bond of super hero’s and supernatural and the way everything came to light and how they discovered who one another were was epic‼️
The spice in this one was SPICY, and you add in a sec club, and anonymity not knowing who your partner is, but then it all clicks and the MCs still have that spark! The way that Wyatt was so obsessed with his “Poison Ivy” and Ember that he was tempted to ask if either one would do a why choose relationship, but then he didn’t have to choose because the stars aligned and he figured out they were the same person!
I am so excited for Ivy and Oliver and for Ivy to dump Todd, I mean Todd wasn’t really mentioned in this one but Ugh this a nanny trope? Yes please!
Tropes:
🌲Anonymous Sexcapades
💻Cyber Security MMC
🌲He Falls First
💻Stalker MMC
🌲Batsman x Poison Ivy vibes
💻SPICY
🌲NO third act break up
💻Primal Play
🌲Found Family
💻Baker FMC
November 18, 2025
WOW! Loved. Every. Second.
Kelsey Lee’s Against The Autumn Pines is all you’ll need to stay warm this winter. It’s filled with family drama, bratty banter and next level kinks! 😈
Fair warning, it’s hard not to fall in love with our main characters. When you strip back their layers, all you’ll find are two souls who were destined to be together. Simply put, they are couple goals! 👩❤️💋👨
Here’s a small taste to whet your appetite…
Soooo… Rowan, a security consultant, and Ember, a bakery owner, use a sex app to hook up for an anonymous fun time. Rowan wears a Batman mask whilst chasing Ember, who’s wearing a Poison Ivy mask, through the pines. Spiciest meet-cute ever!
First communication:
ImVengecock: Hey Scream-Pies. Was just looking over your profile, and I’m interested in f****** you against a tree. Let me know when and where.
Scream-Pies: I know I have no room to judge on the name choice, but you’re hot, so I’ll let it go and catch the story behind that choice at a later date. Wednesday night good? I’m off that day.
Now that I have your attention, be a good boy or girl and start reading!!
Oh, and be on the lookout for Mr. Coffee Crumbles (CC) and Toaster Strudel. They’re the cherry on top of this delicious sundae!
⚠️ Please read the trigger and content warnings. ⚠️
I received an advanced copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Kelsey Lee’s Against The Autumn Pines is all you’ll need to stay warm this winter. It’s filled with family drama, bratty banter and next level kinks! 😈
Fair warning, it’s hard not to fall in love with our main characters. When you strip back their layers, all you’ll find are two souls who were destined to be together. Simply put, they are couple goals! 👩❤️💋👨
Here’s a small taste to whet your appetite…
Soooo… Rowan, a security consultant, and Ember, a bakery owner, use a sex app to hook up for an anonymous fun time. Rowan wears a Batman mask whilst chasing Ember, who’s wearing a Poison Ivy mask, through the pines. Spiciest meet-cute ever!
First communication:
ImVengecock: Hey Scream-Pies. Was just looking over your profile, and I’m interested in f****** you against a tree. Let me know when and where.
Scream-Pies: I know I have no room to judge on the name choice, but you’re hot, so I’ll let it go and catch the story behind that choice at a later date. Wednesday night good? I’m off that day.
Now that I have your attention, be a good boy or girl and start reading!!
Oh, and be on the lookout for Mr. Coffee Crumbles (CC) and Toaster Strudel. They’re the cherry on top of this delicious sundae!
⚠️ Please read the trigger and content warnings. ⚠️
I received an advanced copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.
November 16, 2025
This book was truly amazing! I absolutely loved it!!❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 I couldn’t put it down!! The relationship between the FMC Ember and the MMC Wyatt was toooo good!!! Their first encounter was definitely unconventional but blossomed into something special!! I will definitely be adding this book my reread list!! I thought that the interaction with her mother about the date she set up for Ember was sooo funny I laughed out loud. Like sorry mom I can’t go to the date you set up for me cuz I’ll be too busy getting RAILED up against a tree in the woods! 😂😂 Even though they didn’t know each others names at that point, only their screen names Mr. Wyatt over here definitely does not disappoint! He had me fanning myself all throughout this book. If you are looking for something fast paced and super spicy the Against the Autumn Pines is just for you!! But please remember that this is a dark romance and there are dark themes throughout and you mental health matters the most!!❤️ but nonetheless happy reading pookies!!❤️ Keep your eyes peeled for this amazing read releasing November 18th, 2025!!! Thank you Kelsey Lee for this amazing opportunity!! You truly are amazing!! Thank you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2025
*ARC*
Well dang ...I absolutely loved this book!!! Move aside Rowan, your twin Wyatt is taking the spotlight!! The love and devotion and just kinks this man has for Ember??? Delicious. I ate it up!
The banter between Ember and Wyatt both when they are anonymous to each other and as each other was just beautifully written! Kelsey absolutely knows how to write swoon-worthy men. And boy does Wyatt make you swoon!!
I really loved Ember as well in this story because while her past is full of sadness, she knows what she wants and let's just say Wyatt absolutely matches her freak. The spice in this book is yummy and delicious and I could not get enough of it! Wyatt is a little unhinged and Ember is totally there for it. I just ate up the spicy scenes!!!
CC is also the cutest most adorable cat ever and I need more of him!
If you miss Rowan and Aspen from Book 1, they for sure make appearances as do the rest of the family and honestly I loved it so much because the found family that the Carragans bring out is just amazing. The love and support they all have for each other is beautiful.
Well dang ...I absolutely loved this book!!! Move aside Rowan, your twin Wyatt is taking the spotlight!! The love and devotion and just kinks this man has for Ember??? Delicious. I ate it up!
The banter between Ember and Wyatt both when they are anonymous to each other and as each other was just beautifully written! Kelsey absolutely knows how to write swoon-worthy men. And boy does Wyatt make you swoon!!
I really loved Ember as well in this story because while her past is full of sadness, she knows what she wants and let's just say Wyatt absolutely matches her freak. The spice in this book is yummy and delicious and I could not get enough of it! Wyatt is a little unhinged and Ember is totally there for it. I just ate up the spicy scenes!!!
CC is also the cutest most adorable cat ever and I need more of him!
If you miss Rowan and Aspen from Book 1, they for sure make appearances as do the rest of the family and honestly I loved it so much because the found family that the Carragans bring out is just amazing. The love and support they all have for each other is beautiful.
November 21, 2025
Wyatt is a cyber-security genius working on a discreet little project…an app for a smexy club. Naturally, he has to test the product, you know....strictly for work purposes! So he dives into the app and sets up an anonymous meet-up with a woman who sparks the kind of curiosity one has with poison ivy (😉)…is it safe or not?
Enter Ember…bakery owner and survivor of a family that deserves zero cinnamon rolls from her shop. She’s built her life and her business with grit, sweetness, and a whole lot of sass, but she wants to explore the side of herself that doesn’t come dusted in powdered sugar. Anonymous, kinky sexy time...Yes, please.
Their first encounter was nothing short of primal. Freaking. Perfection. I mean…holy forking shirt balls. That scene, and then all of the others had my Kindle overheating and begging for an iced bath.
This book is a scorcher, but it also delivers a plot filled with found family, healing, and chemistry that knocks you flat. Wyatt is protective and commanding and Ember is soft…and BRATTY.
This is my second Kelsey Lee book and holy smokes, Batman, she knows how to balance filthy and feels so damn well.
Enter Ember…bakery owner and survivor of a family that deserves zero cinnamon rolls from her shop. She’s built her life and her business with grit, sweetness, and a whole lot of sass, but she wants to explore the side of herself that doesn’t come dusted in powdered sugar. Anonymous, kinky sexy time...Yes, please.
Their first encounter was nothing short of primal. Freaking. Perfection. I mean…holy forking shirt balls. That scene, and then all of the others had my Kindle overheating and begging for an iced bath.
This book is a scorcher, but it also delivers a plot filled with found family, healing, and chemistry that knocks you flat. Wyatt is protective and commanding and Ember is soft…and BRATTY.
This is my second Kelsey Lee book and holy smokes, Batman, she knows how to balance filthy and feels so damn well.
November 17, 2025
Move over Rowan! I officially have a new favorite Carragan brother, and his name is Wyatt Drew! From the moment he was introduced in book 1, I knew he would be the best kind of trouble wrapped up in good looks and dirty words. But what I didn’t expect was to fall for him as hard as I did! Or, to want to take a run in the woods with this man!!
He and Ember complimented each other perfectly from the start. Their chemistry was off the charts and I’m surprised I have any skin left on my bottom lip from biting it so hard! Loved that they each knew what the other needed, whether they wanted it or not. Hot as sin- or cinnamon roll- IYKYK!
I also loved the relationship Ember developed with Aspen and Ivy, and how she was able to find the family she always craved in them and the rest of the Carragan clan. I seriously love this cast of characters so damn much!
It looks like Oliver is up next! And I cannot wait to find out what’s going on in the mind of our quiet, broody, oldest brother, and the trouble he and Ivy can get into!
He and Ember complimented each other perfectly from the start. Their chemistry was off the charts and I’m surprised I have any skin left on my bottom lip from biting it so hard! Loved that they each knew what the other needed, whether they wanted it or not. Hot as sin- or cinnamon roll- IYKYK!
I also loved the relationship Ember developed with Aspen and Ivy, and how she was able to find the family she always craved in them and the rest of the Carragan clan. I seriously love this cast of characters so damn much!
It looks like Oliver is up next! And I cannot wait to find out what’s going on in the mind of our quiet, broody, oldest brother, and the trouble he and Ivy can get into!
November 21, 2025
Cozy Vibes, Dark Desires... I’m Obs€ss€d
Besties… put on your comfiest sweater and brace your ovaries because "Against the Autumn Pines" is the definition of cozy-dark chaos and I devoured it like Wyatt does with Ember's pastries.
Ember? Sarcasm queen. Wyatt? Walking Doberman energy with stalk€r tendencies and I was HERE. FOR. IT. Their banter had me giggling, the suspense had me clutching my poor Kindle, and the STEAM? Yeah… let’s just say plot and spice were fighting for dominance like a primal chase through the woods.
Fast burn. Masks. Anonymous s€x club. “No” doesn't exist. My jaw was on the forest floor. Kelsey Lee flawlessly blends small-town autumn vibes with unhing€d obs€ssion and delicious tension. This was fun, spicy, slightly twisted, and exactly what my seasonal depression ordered.
Final verdict: Cozy-dark romance perfection. Read it, scream about it, then DM me.
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 4/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Besties… put on your comfiest sweater and brace your ovaries because "Against the Autumn Pines" is the definition of cozy-dark chaos and I devoured it like Wyatt does with Ember's pastries.
Ember? Sarcasm queen. Wyatt? Walking Doberman energy with stalk€r tendencies and I was HERE. FOR. IT. Their banter had me giggling, the suspense had me clutching my poor Kindle, and the STEAM? Yeah… let’s just say plot and spice were fighting for dominance like a primal chase through the woods.
Fast burn. Masks. Anonymous s€x club. “No” doesn't exist. My jaw was on the forest floor. Kelsey Lee flawlessly blends small-town autumn vibes with unhing€d obs€ssion and delicious tension. This was fun, spicy, slightly twisted, and exactly what my seasonal depression ordered.
Final verdict: Cozy-dark romance perfection. Read it, scream about it, then DM me.
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 4/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
November 18, 2025
Deliciously addictive.
I don't even know where to begin to express how much I enjoyed this small-town dark romance. It was such a fun/steamy read. I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. I absolutely loved the entire premise of this plot and these characters were so well written. Ember and Wyatt are sizzling hot together. I couldn't get enough of how their relationship developed. I'm obsessed with how they met and every encounter between them was so delicious.
This book had me laughing, swooning, giddy with anticipation, and melting from the scorching heat.
Tropes:
Stalker
He falls first
Possesive
Fast burn
Anonymous Primal Play
Adult club
Found Family
Forced proximity
Small town
Dual POV
Check TW
This is book two in the Raven Creek series and can be read as a standalone though characters are interconnected.
Thank you Kelsey Lee for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.
I don't even know where to begin to express how much I enjoyed this small-town dark romance. It was such a fun/steamy read. I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. I absolutely loved the entire premise of this plot and these characters were so well written. Ember and Wyatt are sizzling hot together. I couldn't get enough of how their relationship developed. I'm obsessed with how they met and every encounter between them was so delicious.
This book had me laughing, swooning, giddy with anticipation, and melting from the scorching heat.
Tropes:
Stalker
He falls first
Possesive
Fast burn
Anonymous Primal Play
Adult club
Found Family
Forced proximity
Small town
Dual POV
Check TW
This is book two in the Raven Creek series and can be read as a standalone though characters are interconnected.
Thank you Kelsey Lee for the opportunity to read this advanced copy.
November 21, 2025
Buckle up buttercup cause this ride is a slippery slope to the small town-dark romance book of your dreams!
I don’t know what we did to deserve this cozy little dark romance but here we are and I’m done. Cooked. Served on a silver platter. I can never look at dark romance the same way again because this was fun, sexy, infuriating, and so so sweet.
You’re going to find strangers in a small town, that quickly become engaged in secret rendezvous that will have you saying where’s the safe word and maybe buying some monster toys. Even with the mafia after her, nothing compared to the deceit and secrets coming from her own family and with her life hanging in the balance, Wyatt had no choice but to step in and be the stalker of her dreams and maybe even someone willing to kill for her.
This is book 2 in Raven Creek Boys but you don’t need to read book 1 to enjoy it. However, reading book 1 first will give you a richer experience.
I don’t know what we did to deserve this cozy little dark romance but here we are and I’m done. Cooked. Served on a silver platter. I can never look at dark romance the same way again because this was fun, sexy, infuriating, and so so sweet.
You’re going to find strangers in a small town, that quickly become engaged in secret rendezvous that will have you saying where’s the safe word and maybe buying some monster toys. Even with the mafia after her, nothing compared to the deceit and secrets coming from her own family and with her life hanging in the balance, Wyatt had no choice but to step in and be the stalker of her dreams and maybe even someone willing to kill for her.
This is book 2 in Raven Creek Boys but you don’t need to read book 1 to enjoy it. However, reading book 1 first will give you a richer experience.
November 22, 2025
* Anonymous
* Masked man
* Primal play
* Feisty FMC
* Banter
This is the second book in the Raven Creek series. It is best to read "Beneath the Midnight Sky" first for a better reading experience.
Ember is smart, feisty and the owner of Buns of delight. She is committed to her job and has trust issues. She decides to join a "dating" app anonymously for a one time hookup, but she gets more than she bargained for when she meets Wyatt.
Wyatt is a cyber security tech nerd and Rowan's twin brother. When he meets Ember he falls fast and hard, pun intended. He's sweet and charming mixed with possessiveness and "I will kill you" vibes. He is there for Ember a way nobody else has been.
Overall, I was quite surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It was better than I expected and I liked it even more than the first book. Thank you to Kelsey Lee for this ARC and I am very excited for the next book in the series.
* Masked man
* Primal play
* Feisty FMC
* Banter
This is the second book in the Raven Creek series. It is best to read "Beneath the Midnight Sky" first for a better reading experience.
Ember is smart, feisty and the owner of Buns of delight. She is committed to her job and has trust issues. She decides to join a "dating" app anonymously for a one time hookup, but she gets more than she bargained for when she meets Wyatt.
Wyatt is a cyber security tech nerd and Rowan's twin brother. When he meets Ember he falls fast and hard, pun intended. He's sweet and charming mixed with possessiveness and "I will kill you" vibes. He is there for Ember a way nobody else has been.
Overall, I was quite surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It was better than I expected and I liked it even more than the first book. Thank you to Kelsey Lee for this ARC and I am very excited for the next book in the series.
November 29, 2025
Check Content/Trigger Warnings
5/5 Stars. 5/5 Spice
Omg another New to me author and a story that MOST DEFINITELY WILL NOT BE MY ONLY, HOLY GREAT STORY WITH HOT SPICE!
I absolutely devoured this book, the story, plot, characters, the writing, world building, character building, EVERYTHING about this book was AMAZING & as with pretty much every book I've read I LOVED IT SO FREAKING MUCH THAT I WANT TO KNOW WHERE THE HECK CAN I FIND ME A WYATT LOL & I WANT TO BE LIKE EMBER WHEN I GROW UP. There's just so much to say about this book that I can't write everything here so to sum it up. If you're in bdsm, consent to be chased in the woods by a masked stranger & then having spicy time in said woods after, and into bdsm, then meeting a hott sexy nerdy computer guy that you want also but he’s kinda arrogant but something about him seems familiar THEN YOU WILL MOST DEFINITELY WANT TO READ THIS MUST READ TODAY, DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS AWESOME BOOK.
5/5 Stars. 5/5 Spice
Omg another New to me author and a story that MOST DEFINITELY WILL NOT BE MY ONLY, HOLY GREAT STORY WITH HOT SPICE!
I absolutely devoured this book, the story, plot, characters, the writing, world building, character building, EVERYTHING about this book was AMAZING & as with pretty much every book I've read I LOVED IT SO FREAKING MUCH THAT I WANT TO KNOW WHERE THE HECK CAN I FIND ME A WYATT LOL & I WANT TO BE LIKE EMBER WHEN I GROW UP. There's just so much to say about this book that I can't write everything here so to sum it up. If you're in bdsm, consent to be chased in the woods by a masked stranger & then having spicy time in said woods after, and into bdsm, then meeting a hott sexy nerdy computer guy that you want also but he’s kinda arrogant but something about him seems familiar THEN YOU WILL MOST DEFINITELY WANT TO READ THIS MUST READ TODAY, DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS AWESOME BOOK.
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