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Thunder Ridge
This Violent Reckoning : The Thunder Ridge Series
He never stopped loving her.
She never stopped believing she didn’t deserve it.
Sheriff Henry Wilder holds together a town full of broken lives and bitter secrets, but none of the damage cuts deeper than the woman who lives just thirty-six yards away—who hasn’t dared meet his eyes in ten years.
Louisiana Wright never left Thunder Ridge. She left him.
Because she’s convinced she’s poison—a barren woman with nothing left to give, a heart hardened by pain, a future shattered before it began. She’s convinced Henry deserves better than her broken pieces.
But when Henry finds Dallas—a kid standing on the same ground where his own family damn near fell apart—everything cracks wide open. Dallas isn’t marked by bruises, but by desperate silence—waiting for someone to fight for him, to claim him, to not let him vanish.
In a move no one saw coming, Henry claims Lou as his fiancée. One lie. One ring. One reckless gamble to hold on to the only family they have left.
Now they’re forced together in the wreckage of their past—under a town’s watchful gaze, with a boy who sees too much, and a slow-burning rage between them that never really died.
Every glance is a battle. Every word, a knife-edge. Every touch threatens to shatter the fragile peace they barely hold.
This isn’t about forgiveness.
This isn’t about closure.
This isn’t about second chances.
It’s a slow burn soaked in gasoline.
And someone’s bound to strike the match.
This Violent Reckoning is a brutal Southern slow burn—about grief that lingers, family that’s found in fire, and a love that never died... just waited for the right moment to explode.
She never stopped believing she didn’t deserve it.
Sheriff Henry Wilder holds together a town full of broken lives and bitter secrets, but none of the damage cuts deeper than the woman who lives just thirty-six yards away—who hasn’t dared meet his eyes in ten years.
Louisiana Wright never left Thunder Ridge. She left him.
Because she’s convinced she’s poison—a barren woman with nothing left to give, a heart hardened by pain, a future shattered before it began. She’s convinced Henry deserves better than her broken pieces.
But when Henry finds Dallas—a kid standing on the same ground where his own family damn near fell apart—everything cracks wide open. Dallas isn’t marked by bruises, but by desperate silence—waiting for someone to fight for him, to claim him, to not let him vanish.
In a move no one saw coming, Henry claims Lou as his fiancée. One lie. One ring. One reckless gamble to hold on to the only family they have left.
Now they’re forced together in the wreckage of their past—under a town’s watchful gaze, with a boy who sees too much, and a slow-burning rage between them that never really died.
Every glance is a battle. Every word, a knife-edge. Every touch threatens to shatter the fragile peace they barely hold.
This isn’t about forgiveness.
This isn’t about closure.
This isn’t about second chances.
It’s a slow burn soaked in gasoline.
And someone’s bound to strike the match.
This Violent Reckoning is a brutal Southern slow burn—about grief that lingers, family that’s found in fire, and a love that never died... just waited for the right moment to explode.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2025
18 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Tuesday James
2 books121 followersI'm just your average mom of four. I spend most days hitting on my husband and concocting the next thirst trap in head. I've been an avid reader and writer for most of my life. Book's served as an escape from reality when I was younger and I find there's nothing like slipping into worlds we create with words. I'm fueled by 90's grunge, LOTR, tattoos, and Coke Zero. I have an emotional support chicken, her name is Frodo. I spent most of my childhood sneaking my grandmother's romance novels off her shelf. There was just something captivating about a shirtless Fabio embracing some damsel in destress while his long locks blew in the wind. I write characters who've dealt with the grittier side of life and still blossomed like a rose in concrete. So, if you read my work and find yourself connecting with any character within the pages just know, this was for you. Always for you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
November 12, 2025
5⭐️
3🌶️
🔥Second Chance Romance
🔥Slow Burn
🔥Fake Engagement
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥Enemies to Lovers
🔥Found Family
🔥Hurt/Comfort
🔥Mutual Pining
🔥Infertility/Barren Rep
🔥Dual First Person POV
I don’t know what Tuesday puts in her books that make you crave emotional damage and be thankful for it. All her characters are unforgetable and they’re unapologetically their messy selves. I was tearing up from the prolouge, then pratically every chapter after, and I kept going back for more. More of the heartbreak, healing, and messy love these characters have for each other. Sheriff Henry Wilder has been in love with Louisiana Wright since before he knew what love was. But ten years ago he made the biggest mistake of his life when he told her she needed to go and live her life. Louisiana has always thought she wasn’t worthy of love. When she had to have a hysterectomy she knew she would never be enough for Henry because she wouldn’t be able to give him children. She has been burying the hurt under sass and anger ever since. Henry has decided that enough is enough and isn’t going to back down. He’s going to do whatever it takes to break through her walls because he doesn’t want a future where she isn’t in it. Henry is out on a call and finds a child living in the woods. Dallas Murphy is nine years old and has ran from every group home he’s been placed in. Henry sees a young boy in the need of help and love. Since they would never place Dallas with a single man, he says he’s engaged…to Louisana. She agrees to the fake engagement only to help give Dallas a home. The Wilder clan is loud and loves fiercely. They all come together to help. Dallas, oh boy, that boy has just been surviving and doesn’t trust that anything will be permanent. Henry and Lou are the first to ever let Dallas just be a child and love him unconditionally. I absolutely loved seeing Evie and Maddox. When it was revealed that they were having a baby girl, my heart somehow broke and stitched itself back together simlultanesouly. The banter and arguments between Henry and Lou were laced with anger with an undertone of white-hot chemistery. How Lou struggles with her feelings of jealousy towards Evie’s pregnancy while also being happy for her is something that I have felt for others. This is a very slow burn, but ignites quicker than a flash fire. There is submission, handcuffs, and improper usage of a flashnight. Henry knows how to wield his nightstick and his hands are magic. Tuesday James has a special talent for weaving heartbreak you feel deep in your bones and beautifully chaotic love.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.
Plot: 5
Engaging: 5
Character: 5
Thank you Tuesday James and Luna Literary for the ARC. I look forward to returning to Thunder Ridge.
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“Wildflower better get ready because I am coming for her, and this time I’m not walking away.”
“Henry Wilder has always been handsome, but f* €k me if he didn’t grow into a fine f* €king man.”
“You keep looking at me like a piece of meat, and I’ll handcuff you to my bed and f* €k you like one.”
“Make no mistake, Lou,” he rasps against my skin, “this will happen again. And you better be ready… because it’s going to be a f* €king reckoning. A violent reckoning.”
“He looks like exactly what he is—a commanding lawman and a God damn pu$$y-wrecker.”
“I meet him thrust for thrust, letting it tear me open—because that’s what this has always been. Not tenderness. Not mercy. A violent reckoning. And I wouldn’t survive it for anyone else.”
3🌶️
🔥Second Chance Romance
🔥Slow Burn
🔥Fake Engagement
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥Enemies to Lovers
🔥Found Family
🔥Hurt/Comfort
🔥Mutual Pining
🔥Infertility/Barren Rep
🔥Dual First Person POV
I don’t know what Tuesday puts in her books that make you crave emotional damage and be thankful for it. All her characters are unforgetable and they’re unapologetically their messy selves. I was tearing up from the prolouge, then pratically every chapter after, and I kept going back for more. More of the heartbreak, healing, and messy love these characters have for each other. Sheriff Henry Wilder has been in love with Louisiana Wright since before he knew what love was. But ten years ago he made the biggest mistake of his life when he told her she needed to go and live her life. Louisiana has always thought she wasn’t worthy of love. When she had to have a hysterectomy she knew she would never be enough for Henry because she wouldn’t be able to give him children. She has been burying the hurt under sass and anger ever since. Henry has decided that enough is enough and isn’t going to back down. He’s going to do whatever it takes to break through her walls because he doesn’t want a future where she isn’t in it. Henry is out on a call and finds a child living in the woods. Dallas Murphy is nine years old and has ran from every group home he’s been placed in. Henry sees a young boy in the need of help and love. Since they would never place Dallas with a single man, he says he’s engaged…to Louisana. She agrees to the fake engagement only to help give Dallas a home. The Wilder clan is loud and loves fiercely. They all come together to help. Dallas, oh boy, that boy has just been surviving and doesn’t trust that anything will be permanent. Henry and Lou are the first to ever let Dallas just be a child and love him unconditionally. I absolutely loved seeing Evie and Maddox. When it was revealed that they were having a baby girl, my heart somehow broke and stitched itself back together simlultanesouly. The banter and arguments between Henry and Lou were laced with anger with an undertone of white-hot chemistery. How Lou struggles with her feelings of jealousy towards Evie’s pregnancy while also being happy for her is something that I have felt for others. This is a very slow burn, but ignites quicker than a flash fire. There is submission, handcuffs, and improper usage of a flashnight. Henry knows how to wield his nightstick and his hands are magic. Tuesday James has a special talent for weaving heartbreak you feel deep in your bones and beautifully chaotic love.
🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.
Plot: 5
Engaging: 5
Character: 5
Thank you Tuesday James and Luna Literary for the ARC. I look forward to returning to Thunder Ridge.
📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦🔥
A Few Favorite Quotes:
“Wildflower better get ready because I am coming for her, and this time I’m not walking away.”
“Henry Wilder has always been handsome, but f* €k me if he didn’t grow into a fine f* €king man.”
“You keep looking at me like a piece of meat, and I’ll handcuff you to my bed and f* €k you like one.”
“Make no mistake, Lou,” he rasps against my skin, “this will happen again. And you better be ready… because it’s going to be a f* €king reckoning. A violent reckoning.”
“He looks like exactly what he is—a commanding lawman and a God damn pu$$y-wrecker.”
“I meet him thrust for thrust, letting it tear me open—because that’s what this has always been. Not tenderness. Not mercy. A violent reckoning. And I wouldn’t survive it for anyone else.”
November 1, 2025
FMC - Louisiana: 5 🌟
MMC - Henry: 5 🌟
SPICE- 🌶 🌶 🌶
LIKES: One of the things I loved most about this book is how real these characters felt. They're not perfect, and their family is messy, and Lou and Henry fight a lot. The emotions that all of these characters feel are powerful and sometimes explosive, which all comes from experiencing true love and heartbreak. So it's refreshing to read a book that doesn't feel like a Hallmark love story
I also really loved the overarching theme that family is not just blood but also people that you choose as family. And the ones you choose aren't any less important and vital
As far as Lou and Henry's relationship, their chemistry is palpable from the very beginning. They really know how to get under each other's skin, but they also know how to break through each other's walls as well. Their relationship is messy, but it felt real and beautiful and full of hope and love. I genuinely enjoyed their story
DISLIKES: The only critique I have is that the writing for the characters felt a little similar collectively, whether it was their inner monologues, their inspirational speeches, and even the way they cursed (which I don't mind cursing, but there are other words to use besides "damn" so much lol). In that way, it can feel repetitive when most of the characters talk and behave in a similar fashion
Thank you to Luna Literary for the opportunity to read this ARC 💕
MMC - Henry: 5 🌟
SPICE- 🌶 🌶 🌶
LIKES: One of the things I loved most about this book is how real these characters felt. They're not perfect, and their family is messy, and Lou and Henry fight a lot. The emotions that all of these characters feel are powerful and sometimes explosive, which all comes from experiencing true love and heartbreak. So it's refreshing to read a book that doesn't feel like a Hallmark love story
I also really loved the overarching theme that family is not just blood but also people that you choose as family. And the ones you choose aren't any less important and vital
As far as Lou and Henry's relationship, their chemistry is palpable from the very beginning. They really know how to get under each other's skin, but they also know how to break through each other's walls as well. Their relationship is messy, but it felt real and beautiful and full of hope and love. I genuinely enjoyed their story
DISLIKES: The only critique I have is that the writing for the characters felt a little similar collectively, whether it was their inner monologues, their inspirational speeches, and even the way they cursed (which I don't mind cursing, but there are other words to use besides "damn" so much lol). In that way, it can feel repetitive when most of the characters talk and behave in a similar fashion
Thank you to Luna Literary for the opportunity to read this ARC 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2025
If Tuesday’s goal was to rip me apart and stitch me back together again-She successfully did that! This is hands down one of the best books I’ve read of 2025. I wondered all while reading it why I love Lou so much and then she dropped the line “I can’t whoop his a**, but I can whoop yours”. I have said that line. She is irrational, lovely, she feels will the volume all the way up. She is me, and while those are flaws to some I’ve used them to get through my life. I love this book because I also had a Lou. And Henry, the man he is reminds me of my own Henry here at home. You have crafted the most wonderful and sometimes horrible chaos that is life onto these pages. You made me feel. BRAVO! Thanks for the advanced copy Luna Lit & Tuesday!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2025
✨eARC review✨
This Violent Reckoning by @authortuesdayyjames
Book 2 in Thunder Ridge Series
Available Now
5/5⭐️
I needed a few business days to recover from this book. It’s emotional, overflowing with sexual tension, and filled with that aching sense of never being enough for someone to stay. Tuesday James tackles heavy, painful themes with writing that flows so effortlessly. I’m honestly in awe.
Henry and Lou’s story is crafted with such depth and complexity. From Jagged Edges, I knew these two had a tangled past, but I wasn’t prepared for how deep their bond truly ran. It’s like there’s been an invisible string tying them together since childhood, always pulling them back to each other through every high and low. And then, ten years ago, Lou, shattered by grief,built walls so high she thought she was protecting Henry by shutting him out. But Henry stayed.❤️
Their love is raw and unwavering, accepting each other without judgment, without trying to force change, simply loving the real, imperfect person in front of them.
I adored the messages woven throughout this story, and that epilogue? Perfection. This series has my whole heart, and I cannot wait to dive into Mercy’s story next.❤️
Huge thank to @lunaliterary.management and Tuesday James for allowing me to receive an eARC copy of This Violent Reckoning in exchange for my honest opinion.
This Violent Reckoning by @authortuesdayyjames
Book 2 in Thunder Ridge Series
Available Now
5/5⭐️
I needed a few business days to recover from this book. It’s emotional, overflowing with sexual tension, and filled with that aching sense of never being enough for someone to stay. Tuesday James tackles heavy, painful themes with writing that flows so effortlessly. I’m honestly in awe.
Henry and Lou’s story is crafted with such depth and complexity. From Jagged Edges, I knew these two had a tangled past, but I wasn’t prepared for how deep their bond truly ran. It’s like there’s been an invisible string tying them together since childhood, always pulling them back to each other through every high and low. And then, ten years ago, Lou, shattered by grief,built walls so high she thought she was protecting Henry by shutting him out. But Henry stayed.❤️
Their love is raw and unwavering, accepting each other without judgment, without trying to force change, simply loving the real, imperfect person in front of them.
I adored the messages woven throughout this story, and that epilogue? Perfection. This series has my whole heart, and I cannot wait to dive into Mercy’s story next.❤️
Huge thank to @lunaliterary.management and Tuesday James for allowing me to receive an eARC copy of This Violent Reckoning in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 30, 2025
My heart will never be the same after finishing this book. It was so raw and so real in ways that you don’t truly appreciate unless you’ve felt a similar pain. It broke my heart, then stitched it back together again. Sure, it’s a romance with a sassy and fierce FMC fighting feelings for a MMC as strong and steady as a 300 year old oak. But it’s also so much more than that. It’s a story of resilience and finding your self worth, when the demons in your head tell you there’s nothing to love. It’s a story that focuses on the importance of found family, because the one you’re born into doesn’t have to be your home.
This book is gritty and beautiful and you can tell that the author poured her soul into writing it. It’s not sunshine and daisies, but storm clouds and chaos that leave fresh perspective when they clear. I loved Louisiana and Henry’s story. I loved that he met her where she was and refused to leave even when she all but pushed him out the door. I loved that he saw her for all she was despite all the things she thought she wasn’t. This Violent Reckoning was just that and it was incredible.
This book is gritty and beautiful and you can tell that the author poured her soul into writing it. It’s not sunshine and daisies, but storm clouds and chaos that leave fresh perspective when they clear. I loved Louisiana and Henry’s story. I loved that he met her where she was and refused to leave even when she all but pushed him out the door. I loved that he saw her for all she was despite all the things she thought she wasn’t. This Violent Reckoning was just that and it was incredible.
November 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
😭😭😭😭
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
The way I was bawling my eyes reading this book is criminal!
Louisiana and Henry’s love story is so wholesome. She thought the fact that she’s unable to have children is a reason to push Henry away and out of her life, dismissing their love.
The fact that Henry told her they were a mistake after they hooked up on her dad’s funeral did not help the case.
Now there is a nine-year-old child, homeless and traumatized that needs a home. So when Henry brings him and ask Lou for help to be able to foster him instead of sending him in the system.
They agree to a fake engagement to be able to get approved by the social worker to keep Dallas- the nineyearold- under their care.
Lou’s past trauma with her own mother and abandonment issues was her strong suit to deal with Dallas and his insecurities and fear of abandonment.
In all honesty, Tuesday, writing style will have you in a chokehold and touch you so deeply you can’t help but feel connected to these characters .
This is booked two of the thunder Ridge series.
If you missed book one go back and grab it, it’s just another emotional heartbreaking read, and the spice hit just right.l
Thank you Tuesday and Lunaliterary management for this ARC.
😭😭😭😭
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
The way I was bawling my eyes reading this book is criminal!
Louisiana and Henry’s love story is so wholesome. She thought the fact that she’s unable to have children is a reason to push Henry away and out of her life, dismissing their love.
The fact that Henry told her they were a mistake after they hooked up on her dad’s funeral did not help the case.
Now there is a nine-year-old child, homeless and traumatized that needs a home. So when Henry brings him and ask Lou for help to be able to foster him instead of sending him in the system.
They agree to a fake engagement to be able to get approved by the social worker to keep Dallas- the nineyearold- under their care.
Lou’s past trauma with her own mother and abandonment issues was her strong suit to deal with Dallas and his insecurities and fear of abandonment.
In all honesty, Tuesday, writing style will have you in a chokehold and touch you so deeply you can’t help but feel connected to these characters .
This is booked two of the thunder Ridge series.
If you missed book one go back and grab it, it’s just another emotional heartbreaking read, and the spice hit just right.l
Thank you Tuesday and Lunaliterary management for this ARC.
October 29, 2025
I am utterly gutted as I write this. I have read plenty of books with pregnancy and the mention of infertility but it is rare to find one that actually comes close to the profound grief, heartbreak, and overall feeling that you are lacking as a woman, Tuesday James absolutely knocked this far outside the ball park.
This was my first book by her and I can’t wait to read more. You just made yourself an auto buy author, congratulations, and thank you so much for the opportunity to arc read this beautifully written and real story.
This book is raw, deals with all of the real emotions and hurt, has some darker sides to it as well so please check your triggers but I can’t recommend it enough!
This was my first book by her and I can’t wait to read more. You just made yourself an auto buy author, congratulations, and thank you so much for the opportunity to arc read this beautifully written and real story.
This book is raw, deals with all of the real emotions and hurt, has some darker sides to it as well so please check your triggers but I can’t recommend it enough!
November 12, 2025
This book ripped me open and put me back together. Louisiana is such an amazing and strong character. She loved hard but was so guarded. Henry saw the real Lou and never backed down. Everything they had to go through was heartbreaking but Henry made sure she knew they'd get through it. Dallas was the perfect addition to the crazy Wilder family, he was so strong as well. Their happily ever after was hard fought for sure. It showed that family isn't always blood, it's who you choose and who chooses you, no matter what.
October 31, 2025
Tuesday James, ma’am… you’ve done it again.
Everything I loved about These Jagged Edges the found family, the healing, the emotional gut punches is back, and did I cry yes did I scream yes and did I laugh yes. Tuesday you are such an amazing author and human.
This book is all about choice choosing love, choosing healing, and choosing each other. And lord, it is a reckoning.
Louisiana? A walking hurricane. Frustrating, stubborn, real. Did I want to shake her? Yes. Did I also cheer her on while she clawed her way toward healing? Absolutely.
Henry Wilder hot. Damn. Broody, responsible, radiating “I can fix it” energy and still a total simp. Accountability king, certified heart and pantie melter
The balance of angst, humor, and heart is perfection. Banana hammock scene and everything that Mercy throws at Maddox will live rent-free free in my head.
Tuesday writes characters who are flawed, messy, and real and by the end, you don’t just root for them, you believe in them.
Now… bring on Mercy. I’m ready.
Everything I loved about These Jagged Edges the found family, the healing, the emotional gut punches is back, and did I cry yes did I scream yes and did I laugh yes. Tuesday you are such an amazing author and human.
This book is all about choice choosing love, choosing healing, and choosing each other. And lord, it is a reckoning.
Louisiana? A walking hurricane. Frustrating, stubborn, real. Did I want to shake her? Yes. Did I also cheer her on while she clawed her way toward healing? Absolutely.
Henry Wilder hot. Damn. Broody, responsible, radiating “I can fix it” energy and still a total simp. Accountability king, certified heart and pantie melter
The balance of angst, humor, and heart is perfection. Banana hammock scene and everything that Mercy throws at Maddox will live rent-free free in my head.
Tuesday writes characters who are flawed, messy, and real and by the end, you don’t just root for them, you believe in them.
Now… bring on Mercy. I’m ready.
November 11, 2025
If you are wanting an emotional, gritty and raw story with an fmc with her own inner flames and an mmc who is reading to get burned then this book is for you. Henry and Lou worked well together and that flashlight scene? It was perfect! The spice and banter was also so good! I am really looking forward to book three and seeing where the next Wilder brother takes us!
October 30, 2025
This book made me bawl my eyes out. It’s so god damn good in its own incredibly unique way. And Henry… that man. 🔥🫠🙌🏼
October 31, 2025
⭐ Overall rating: 5/5
🌶️ Spice rating: 3/5
TW: childhood trauma, infertility, grief, on-page violence (not between MCs), Consensual Non-consent
Tuesday James, you have done it again. What I loved about These Jagged Edges (the found family, the healing, the deep emotional connections?) is all still here, but This Violent Reckoning dials everything in tighter and ramps it up to the next level. The focus of this book is choice. Two people choosing love, choosing healing, and most importantly, choosing each other every single day… even when it’s hard (even when you kinda hate them but love them anyway; that’s Henry and Lou in a nutshell). As a reader, I don't think you're supposed to love them, but fall in love with their story, which ultimately, I really do feel is beautiful.
Louisiana is a firecracker; stubborn, unyielding, and so frustrating that I wanted to shake her. Would I be her friend irl? Honestly, probably not. But that’s what makes her real. Watching her unpack her trauma and realize her past doesn’t define her was genuinely inspiring. She’s not perfect, she’s human, and I think that’s exactly what Tuesday wanted us to see. Did I agree with her choices? Absolutely not. I thought she was mean, punishing a man who was young and made a mistake. But did I also realize she was also young, and grieving? Yes. Of course someone in that mindset would act in ways that others wouldn't agree with. But that's what I genuinely think is Tuesday's superpower. She writes characters intentionally, where their flaws are there on purpose and by the end of it, we see a light at the end of the tunnel (whether we're close to the end or not).
Henry Wilder? My favorite Wilder brother (so far... Mercy might dethrone him, but time will tell). I am such a sucker for the older-brother type who takes on everyone’s burdens, has control issues, and still manages to be a total simp for the woman he loves. Sure, he makes some questionable “for the greater good” choices, but he also owns them. Accountability king, I'm here for it. Plus, his words of affirmation? Lou needed those, and I loved seeing him give them so freely. For a man so hardened by what's happened and the pressure he puts on himself, seeing him open up to Lou is beautiful.
As for the the rest of the book, I've got nothing but praise. There’s never a dull moment. I felt that the heavy emotional beats were balanced with just the right amount of humor and banter so it never feels overwhelming (banana hammocks, I'm looking at you). As a die-hard romantic comedy reader, this definitely leans heavier than my usual, but I was so invested I didn’t care. I wanted to know more, what is Lou going to do? How is Henry going to react? Ultimately that's the whole book in a nutshell, and yet, it is gripping. I just wanted to know how it would end.
That said… greedy me would’ve loved more from the fake dating subplot. It was very much a subplot but I thought it wrapped up fast, and I would’ve traded a toe for a few more domestic, fluffy moments between them. Still, it didn’t take away from how strong their development was.
I think it's no surprise to anyone, that the side characters in this one were on fire. Every single member of this found family has depth, heart, and purpose. Tuesday created a family in the previous book, so we knew who everyone was, but in this one? She actually made a family. Dallas is 100% the key to this book, the reason it all works, and the way that everyone heals. Sure, Lou heals (and that's the obvious one), but so does Henry. We see this in how he changes, and while I think it's more subtle, it's definitely there. It's one of those books where, on every re-read, I'd have a new favorite character. My heart still hurts.
Now what a lot of people were here for. The spice...
It was spicy in the best way!!! Not just the scenes themselves (flashlight scene? yes sir, please and thank you), but the teasing, the tension, the banter. They’ve got chemistry for days, and it made every intimate moment feel earned.
TL;DR
This book is completely a continuation of These Jagged Edges and like the title, its a lot more emotionally raw and well.... violent. It’s a story about choosing love even when it’s hard, healing even when it hurts, and holding on even when everything feels broken. Come for the Wilders, stay for the banter, cry for the found family, and prepare to be wrecked in the best way.
I absolutely cannot wait to see what Mercy's book is saying, because it's gonna be goooooood.
🌶️ Spice rating: 3/5
TW: childhood trauma, infertility, grief, on-page violence (not between MCs), Consensual Non-consent
Tuesday James, you have done it again. What I loved about These Jagged Edges (the found family, the healing, the deep emotional connections?) is all still here, but This Violent Reckoning dials everything in tighter and ramps it up to the next level. The focus of this book is choice. Two people choosing love, choosing healing, and most importantly, choosing each other every single day… even when it’s hard (even when you kinda hate them but love them anyway; that’s Henry and Lou in a nutshell). As a reader, I don't think you're supposed to love them, but fall in love with their story, which ultimately, I really do feel is beautiful.
Louisiana is a firecracker; stubborn, unyielding, and so frustrating that I wanted to shake her. Would I be her friend irl? Honestly, probably not. But that’s what makes her real. Watching her unpack her trauma and realize her past doesn’t define her was genuinely inspiring. She’s not perfect, she’s human, and I think that’s exactly what Tuesday wanted us to see. Did I agree with her choices? Absolutely not. I thought she was mean, punishing a man who was young and made a mistake. But did I also realize she was also young, and grieving? Yes. Of course someone in that mindset would act in ways that others wouldn't agree with. But that's what I genuinely think is Tuesday's superpower. She writes characters intentionally, where their flaws are there on purpose and by the end of it, we see a light at the end of the tunnel (whether we're close to the end or not).
Henry Wilder? My favorite Wilder brother (so far... Mercy might dethrone him, but time will tell). I am such a sucker for the older-brother type who takes on everyone’s burdens, has control issues, and still manages to be a total simp for the woman he loves. Sure, he makes some questionable “for the greater good” choices, but he also owns them. Accountability king, I'm here for it. Plus, his words of affirmation? Lou needed those, and I loved seeing him give them so freely. For a man so hardened by what's happened and the pressure he puts on himself, seeing him open up to Lou is beautiful.
As for the the rest of the book, I've got nothing but praise. There’s never a dull moment. I felt that the heavy emotional beats were balanced with just the right amount of humor and banter so it never feels overwhelming (banana hammocks, I'm looking at you). As a die-hard romantic comedy reader, this definitely leans heavier than my usual, but I was so invested I didn’t care. I wanted to know more, what is Lou going to do? How is Henry going to react? Ultimately that's the whole book in a nutshell, and yet, it is gripping. I just wanted to know how it would end.
That said… greedy me would’ve loved more from the fake dating subplot. It was very much a subplot but I thought it wrapped up fast, and I would’ve traded a toe for a few more domestic, fluffy moments between them. Still, it didn’t take away from how strong their development was.
I think it's no surprise to anyone, that the side characters in this one were on fire. Every single member of this found family has depth, heart, and purpose. Tuesday created a family in the previous book, so we knew who everyone was, but in this one? She actually made a family. Dallas is 100% the key to this book, the reason it all works, and the way that everyone heals. Sure, Lou heals (and that's the obvious one), but so does Henry. We see this in how he changes, and while I think it's more subtle, it's definitely there. It's one of those books where, on every re-read, I'd have a new favorite character. My heart still hurts.
Now what a lot of people were here for. The spice...
It was spicy in the best way!!! Not just the scenes themselves (flashlight scene? yes sir, please and thank you), but the teasing, the tension, the banter. They’ve got chemistry for days, and it made every intimate moment feel earned.
TL;DR
This book is completely a continuation of These Jagged Edges and like the title, its a lot more emotionally raw and well.... violent. It’s a story about choosing love even when it’s hard, healing even when it hurts, and holding on even when everything feels broken. Come for the Wilders, stay for the banter, cry for the found family, and prepare to be wrecked in the best way.
I absolutely cannot wait to see what Mercy's book is saying, because it's gonna be goooooood.
November 12, 2025
✨ ARC REVIEW✨
5 ⭐️ |3.5 🔦 I mean 🌶️
I’ve read some very emotional, heart breaking, and soul changing books in my lifetime. But, this one take the whole d*mn cake and it’s probably because it’s personal for me.
This is possibly the most hardest spoiler free review I’ve ever wrote…
It’s no secret this book is a rep for infertility. I chose to read this looking to finally be seen. To be felt and understood. The way infertility is represented in this book was so emotional and raw. I understood the feeling of not being worthy enough for love. “To have a garden that will never bloom.” This book healed cracks in my heart that I didn’t know I hard buried so deep.
I have never laughed so hard, gasped, cried my eyes out, got angry and happy all in the course of one book. But, Tuesday James wrote it and I be d*mn if she didn’t make me feel every single emotion she poured into it.
The great detail that was put into each character is phenomenal. The way she explains what each character is thinking and their emotions they feel are described on such a deep, raw and personal level that really makes you feel exactly what the characters are feeling. The stories that are written really reflect and connect to real life.
Henry (Henny) is one tough, bada$$ sheriff with a heart bigger than his chest. He’s held on for years, quietly loving Lou but also living with the weight of what happened between him and Lou when they were young. Knowing he had to find a way to make it right again. To break down the sky high walls Lou has built up. But amongst all of it something drastic happens and it changes Henry & Lou’s entire life. Louisiana (Lou) is has more grit and toughness mixed with a kind of gentle and easy loving you won’t find in anybody else. She’s carrying around the weight of something so heavy that only certain other women would ever understand. I know that weight she carries, I’ve personally carried it for 10 years now and it doesn’t get any lighter. Lou thought she was unworthy of love because she wasn’t “whole”. She was unable to give the man she loved a family so she kept pushing him away for years. Until when one broken, adorable, stubborn, smart mouth and loving little boy. Who’s got a gritty and wild, feral animal look in his eyes like this cruel world owed him justice for just existing, comes storming into their lives like a violent reckoning. It forces Henry & Lou to close that 36 yard gap between their houses and come together in a time of need. Old wounds are splayed open and raw. Emotions run high and hearts are rekindled. A family is found, not by blood but by being chosen.
This book made me feel so many emotions. But that epilogue swallowed me up. Tuesday wrote the epilogue in HIS POV. I won’t say who he is but she knew EXACTLY what she was doing by writing it his point of view and I IMMEDIATELY CRIED SO HARD. Because after this freaking emotional roller coaster I needed that other side for closure. To understand and know just how he felt.
To the wonderful and talented Author Tuesday James,
Thank you for letting me ARC read this. I needed this book like I need my next breath. Thank you for making me feel seen, heard and understood. Thank you for bringing infertility out into the open because not enough light is shed upon it. And thank you for bringing the boys of Thunder Ridge to life. I absolutely loved Maddox, Henry & Mercy. I definitely can’t wait for Mercy’s book. 💙
5 ⭐️ |3.5 🔦 I mean 🌶️
I’ve read some very emotional, heart breaking, and soul changing books in my lifetime. But, this one take the whole d*mn cake and it’s probably because it’s personal for me.
This is possibly the most hardest spoiler free review I’ve ever wrote…
It’s no secret this book is a rep for infertility. I chose to read this looking to finally be seen. To be felt and understood. The way infertility is represented in this book was so emotional and raw. I understood the feeling of not being worthy enough for love. “To have a garden that will never bloom.” This book healed cracks in my heart that I didn’t know I hard buried so deep.
I have never laughed so hard, gasped, cried my eyes out, got angry and happy all in the course of one book. But, Tuesday James wrote it and I be d*mn if she didn’t make me feel every single emotion she poured into it.
The great detail that was put into each character is phenomenal. The way she explains what each character is thinking and their emotions they feel are described on such a deep, raw and personal level that really makes you feel exactly what the characters are feeling. The stories that are written really reflect and connect to real life.
Henry (Henny) is one tough, bada$$ sheriff with a heart bigger than his chest. He’s held on for years, quietly loving Lou but also living with the weight of what happened between him and Lou when they were young. Knowing he had to find a way to make it right again. To break down the sky high walls Lou has built up. But amongst all of it something drastic happens and it changes Henry & Lou’s entire life. Louisiana (Lou) is has more grit and toughness mixed with a kind of gentle and easy loving you won’t find in anybody else. She’s carrying around the weight of something so heavy that only certain other women would ever understand. I know that weight she carries, I’ve personally carried it for 10 years now and it doesn’t get any lighter. Lou thought she was unworthy of love because she wasn’t “whole”. She was unable to give the man she loved a family so she kept pushing him away for years. Until when one broken, adorable, stubborn, smart mouth and loving little boy. Who’s got a gritty and wild, feral animal look in his eyes like this cruel world owed him justice for just existing, comes storming into their lives like a violent reckoning. It forces Henry & Lou to close that 36 yard gap between their houses and come together in a time of need. Old wounds are splayed open and raw. Emotions run high and hearts are rekindled. A family is found, not by blood but by being chosen.
This book made me feel so many emotions. But that epilogue swallowed me up. Tuesday wrote the epilogue in HIS POV. I won’t say who he is but she knew EXACTLY what she was doing by writing it his point of view and I IMMEDIATELY CRIED SO HARD. Because after this freaking emotional roller coaster I needed that other side for closure. To understand and know just how he felt.
To the wonderful and talented Author Tuesday James,
Thank you for letting me ARC read this. I needed this book like I need my next breath. Thank you for making me feel seen, heard and understood. Thank you for bringing infertility out into the open because not enough light is shed upon it. And thank you for bringing the boys of Thunder Ridge to life. I absolutely loved Maddox, Henry & Mercy. I definitely can’t wait for Mercy’s book. 💙
November 12, 2025
Thank you for this arc @authortuesdayyjames and @lunaliterary.management
This book literally tore my heart out and then restitched it back together at the very end. The amount of tissues I went through!!
This follows MMC Henry a sheriff and FMC Louisiana (Lou) the love of his life. These two have a past and it's not pretty. Lou has had no one that has loved her and stood by her so when tragedy happens and Henry hurts her with saying that it was a mistake, she takes it the wrong way and boy does she hold onto that anger and hurt!!
Henry has never stopped wanting or loving Lou but they spend years apart because she was so hurt by his words.
Henry has a wonderful family and wants one of his own.
Lou is unable to have children. But she loves their foster son to the moon and back and would fight the world for him. She is very emotional, vocal, loving, sassy AF, not afraid to scrap when necessary, and so very strong.
Things change when they end up fostering Dallas, whose family life was horrible. His mother was mentally not able to be there for him or his little brother, and his bio dad took off knowing the conditions that he was leaving his boys in..... Read this book you'll find out everything!
There are so many quotes that I highlighted, but will share a few.
Henry to Lou:
"I don’t want you dimming anything. Feel it all—loud, hard, messy. Just know that from now on, I won’t be giving you any room to run. I’ll be right here, pushing you to see beyond your tunnel vision.”
But how could I stay mad at the girl life kept knocking flat, the one who had love yanked from her hands every time she got close to it, and still... still she got up swinging? That kind of strength? That kind of fight? You don’t punish it—you honor it. I choose to see what matters—that she finally looked up and saw what had been standing in front of her all along. Me. Us. This messy, hard-won thing we built.
“I didn’t know where you went,” he murmurs. His breath is shaky. “I thought maybe you left.” I shake my head against him, my voice a cracked whisper. “I didn’t know where else to fall.” He closes his eyes, jaw tight. “Into me baby,” he says, wrapping his arms around me pulling me onto his lap as he sits on the cold ceramic bathroom floor. “Always into me, I’ve got you Lou.”
Lou to Henry:
“I told you,” I breathe, barely above a whisper but sharp as glass. “I told you I couldn’t take it—not again. I told you I couldn’t handle having something else ripped out of me! I told you—”
“I didn’t know where you went,” he murmurs. His breath is shaky. “I thought maybe you left.” I shake my head against him, my voice a cracked whisper. “I didn’t know where else to fall.” He closes his eyes, jaw tight. “Into me baby,” he says, wrapping his arms around me pulling me onto his lap as he sits on the cold ceramic bathroom floor. “Always into me, I’ve got you Lou.” And this time, I do. I let go. I let myself sob into his chest, clutch at his shirt like a lifeline, like maybe if I hold tight enough, the storm outside won’t reach us. He holds me through it. Every breath, every tremble. His hands stroke my back, his lips press to the top of my head, and he doesn’t say it’ll be okay—because he knows better. He just says, “We’ll fight.” Damn right we will. Even with my heart in pieces and the future clawing at our door, I know we will. Because if there’s one thing we’ve always done— It’s fucking fight.
Story: 6⭐️
Characters: 6⭐️
Character growth: 6⭐️
Spice: 3.5🌶️
This book literally tore my heart out and then restitched it back together at the very end. The amount of tissues I went through!!
This follows MMC Henry a sheriff and FMC Louisiana (Lou) the love of his life. These two have a past and it's not pretty. Lou has had no one that has loved her and stood by her so when tragedy happens and Henry hurts her with saying that it was a mistake, she takes it the wrong way and boy does she hold onto that anger and hurt!!
Henry has never stopped wanting or loving Lou but they spend years apart because she was so hurt by his words.
Henry has a wonderful family and wants one of his own.
Lou is unable to have children. But she loves their foster son to the moon and back and would fight the world for him. She is very emotional, vocal, loving, sassy AF, not afraid to scrap when necessary, and so very strong.
Things change when they end up fostering Dallas, whose family life was horrible. His mother was mentally not able to be there for him or his little brother, and his bio dad took off knowing the conditions that he was leaving his boys in..... Read this book you'll find out everything!
There are so many quotes that I highlighted, but will share a few.
Henry to Lou:
"I don’t want you dimming anything. Feel it all—loud, hard, messy. Just know that from now on, I won’t be giving you any room to run. I’ll be right here, pushing you to see beyond your tunnel vision.”
But how could I stay mad at the girl life kept knocking flat, the one who had love yanked from her hands every time she got close to it, and still... still she got up swinging? That kind of strength? That kind of fight? You don’t punish it—you honor it. I choose to see what matters—that she finally looked up and saw what had been standing in front of her all along. Me. Us. This messy, hard-won thing we built.
“I didn’t know where you went,” he murmurs. His breath is shaky. “I thought maybe you left.” I shake my head against him, my voice a cracked whisper. “I didn’t know where else to fall.” He closes his eyes, jaw tight. “Into me baby,” he says, wrapping his arms around me pulling me onto his lap as he sits on the cold ceramic bathroom floor. “Always into me, I’ve got you Lou.”
Lou to Henry:
“I told you,” I breathe, barely above a whisper but sharp as glass. “I told you I couldn’t take it—not again. I told you I couldn’t handle having something else ripped out of me! I told you—”
“I didn’t know where you went,” he murmurs. His breath is shaky. “I thought maybe you left.” I shake my head against him, my voice a cracked whisper. “I didn’t know where else to fall.” He closes his eyes, jaw tight. “Into me baby,” he says, wrapping his arms around me pulling me onto his lap as he sits on the cold ceramic bathroom floor. “Always into me, I’ve got you Lou.” And this time, I do. I let go. I let myself sob into his chest, clutch at his shirt like a lifeline, like maybe if I hold tight enough, the storm outside won’t reach us. He holds me through it. Every breath, every tremble. His hands stroke my back, his lips press to the top of my head, and he doesn’t say it’ll be okay—because he knows better. He just says, “We’ll fight.” Damn right we will. Even with my heart in pieces and the future clawing at our door, I know we will. Because if there’s one thing we’ve always done— It’s fucking fight.
Story: 6⭐️
Characters: 6⭐️
Character growth: 6⭐️
Spice: 3.5🌶️
November 4, 2025
After reading book one in the Thunder Ridge Series, These Jagged Edges, I was so excited to get to Henry and Lou's story in This Violent Reckoning. This was definitely a highly anticipated read for me after all the breadcrumbs we got of them in the first book and Tuesday did not disappoint.
I will say I was not expecting this story to be so heartbreaking and heavy as it was, but I appreciated the way Tuesday wrote their story and dived deep into Lou's trauma and struggles with her past and sense of self-worth. I am not going to spoil anything, but it is very important to know going into this book that grief and infertility are major themes surrounding their story. I have so much respect for how Tuesday approached these topics and while I was near tears for them especially Lou, it was so worth it.
Henry and Lou's story is very much second chance and it is done very well. They grew up together when Lou basically lived with them due to her mother being an absent parent and her father dying. Henry and Lou have a major falling out years prior to the beginning of this book and are stuck within close proximity of each other now. There is a bit of an enemies to lovers vibe but regardless of their back and forth for a while it is so clear they both deeply care for each other, but Lou has her walls up for her own reasons. Henry is determined to knock them down and boy does he. Lou and Henry are forced to come together due to an unexpected occurrence that ends up being exactly what they need and more importantly what Lou needs.
I absolutely loved the bond Henry and Lou have. They care so deeply for each other, and Lou is so strong and selfless. Meanwhile Henry is basically the father figure to his family and truly takes care of the entire town as sheriff. He is an incredible guy and is determined not to lose Lou for a second time. Their chemistry was electric, and you could've cut the tension with a knife it was so intense. I absolutely loved their romance, and the spice was so good.
The found family aspect of this story was done so well, and I love the bond between Henry and his brothers, Lou and Evie, and Lou and Sophie. This story touched my heart and really made me feel like I was going through all of this right alongside them. I love how it ended and all of the revelations that Lou experienced by the end. There are some very important life themes in this story that I think everyone can benefit from especially women such as you are worth so much more than what your body can provide and that you don't have to birth a child to be a mother (same goes for men and being a father). Family is thicker than blood.
The story relies heavily on character development which I love but it does still have a solid plot that has some very intense moments. All of it felt necessary and I am so glad I got the closure that was needed. I love how the whole Thunder Ridge crew played a role.
I am so excited to read the next book especially because of who it will be about. I won't say who but if you read this then you will know whose story is next. I would also love to get more of Henry and Lou in the future, but I think we will be considering we got so much of Maddox and Evie in this one.
Thank you so much Tuesday James and Luna Literary for the ARC.
I will say I was not expecting this story to be so heartbreaking and heavy as it was, but I appreciated the way Tuesday wrote their story and dived deep into Lou's trauma and struggles with her past and sense of self-worth. I am not going to spoil anything, but it is very important to know going into this book that grief and infertility are major themes surrounding their story. I have so much respect for how Tuesday approached these topics and while I was near tears for them especially Lou, it was so worth it.
Henry and Lou's story is very much second chance and it is done very well. They grew up together when Lou basically lived with them due to her mother being an absent parent and her father dying. Henry and Lou have a major falling out years prior to the beginning of this book and are stuck within close proximity of each other now. There is a bit of an enemies to lovers vibe but regardless of their back and forth for a while it is so clear they both deeply care for each other, but Lou has her walls up for her own reasons. Henry is determined to knock them down and boy does he. Lou and Henry are forced to come together due to an unexpected occurrence that ends up being exactly what they need and more importantly what Lou needs.
I absolutely loved the bond Henry and Lou have. They care so deeply for each other, and Lou is so strong and selfless. Meanwhile Henry is basically the father figure to his family and truly takes care of the entire town as sheriff. He is an incredible guy and is determined not to lose Lou for a second time. Their chemistry was electric, and you could've cut the tension with a knife it was so intense. I absolutely loved their romance, and the spice was so good.
The found family aspect of this story was done so well, and I love the bond between Henry and his brothers, Lou and Evie, and Lou and Sophie. This story touched my heart and really made me feel like I was going through all of this right alongside them. I love how it ended and all of the revelations that Lou experienced by the end. There are some very important life themes in this story that I think everyone can benefit from especially women such as you are worth so much more than what your body can provide and that you don't have to birth a child to be a mother (same goes for men and being a father). Family is thicker than blood.
The story relies heavily on character development which I love but it does still have a solid plot that has some very intense moments. All of it felt necessary and I am so glad I got the closure that was needed. I love how the whole Thunder Ridge crew played a role.
I am so excited to read the next book especially because of who it will be about. I won't say who but if you read this then you will know whose story is next. I would also love to get more of Henry and Lou in the future, but I think we will be considering we got so much of Maddox and Evie in this one.
Thank you so much Tuesday James and Luna Literary for the ARC.
November 11, 2025
Oof, this book is intense. We get the warnings but OOF. Our protagonists are AGRESSIVE. And very sad. Because who is Tuesday James without making me cry. Multiple times.
Tropes:
🔹Found Family
🔹Infertility
🔹Sheriff x Bartender
🔹Adoption
🔹2nd chance
🔹Grumpy x grumpy
🔹Fake engagement
🔹Flashlight scene
Oof, this book is intense. We get the warnings but OOF. Our protagonists are AGRESSIVE. And very sad. Because who is Tuesday James without making me cry. Multiple times.
Louisina is a woman with fangs because she doesn't know how to recieve love, she thinks she is unloveable because she feels incomplete due to her infertility. Everything has abandoned her, and what loved her, passed away. She is terrified of losing things after loving them, hence she doesn't love them. Or she thinks.
Henry, the stubborn mule that he is, chooses her everytime throughout the story. THAT'S what i liked the most. No matter what he felt, he felt for, and WITH her. 😩 The way he doesn't care about her "flaws" because he simply can't see them, he only sees how maternal she is towards everybody around her, and especially the kids of the first couple, Maddox and Evie.
This is an interconnected series and I'd suggest you read book 1 to thoroughly enjoy book 2.
I loved the first couple's cameo because I got to see Maddox after therapy 🥹 and Evie being more assertive, and her children just being happier 😭 after everything that family has seen, they deserve the happiness.
There are so many things I loved in this story, the infertility rep, the fact that Lou was jealous of women around her, she was absolutely terrified of choosing Henry, the female friendships OHHH the found family trope is EVERYTHING. I really like that some things can only be talked and healed when they're done with women. It's very realistic. Men can only console you as a lover, but a sister is always a sister. The complexity of the characters were done brilliantly. And somehow amongst all this angst, I'm laughing too. The redemption arc, the crying, the absolute slow burn, I was annoyed that the story ended too early. I wish we saw more of them being a couple and the side characters from the previous books. I missed them. And I also wanted more of her adopted kid!! 😩🩵
Fav quotes:
👮🏻“You have so much love to offer and if you decide you want more kids, we’ll rescue the ones hidden in the darkest corners and raise them with grit and unconditional love. If you don’t, I don’t give a damn. Me, you, Dallas—that’s everything I need.”
🍾“I’m also thankful for my dad,” Charlie says, and his voice wavers just enough to make the room hold its breath again. “I know some people see him as this big, scary guy—but when I look at him, I see someone who chose to love us when he didn’t have to. I hope when I grow up, I get to be that kind of man too.”
👮🏻“You didn’t teach me how to be a man. You taught me how to survive being a boy. You taught me to swing, even when I couldn’t win, just so they knew I’d never go down easy.”
🍾I don’t want you dimming anything. Feel it all—loud, hard, messy. Just know that from now on, I won’t be giving you any room to run. I’ll be right here, pushing you to see beyond your tunnel vision.”
👮🏻“Do you have any idea what it’s like to grieve someone who’s still alive?
🍾"Then I was a stupid kid, now I’m a man starved for just a glimpse of her."
👮🏻"I watch my brother soften like a damn stick of butter as she traces the scar across his lips. A twinge of jealousy rockets through me. I’d give my left nut to have what they have. To share that kind of love and watch my woman swell with my baby."
Thankyou to @lunaliterary.management and the author for the e-ARC 🖌️
3.5 ⭐
Tropes:
🔹Found Family
🔹Infertility
🔹Sheriff x Bartender
🔹Adoption
🔹2nd chance
🔹Grumpy x grumpy
🔹Fake engagement
🔹Flashlight scene
Oof, this book is intense. We get the warnings but OOF. Our protagonists are AGRESSIVE. And very sad. Because who is Tuesday James without making me cry. Multiple times.
Louisina is a woman with fangs because she doesn't know how to recieve love, she thinks she is unloveable because she feels incomplete due to her infertility. Everything has abandoned her, and what loved her, passed away. She is terrified of losing things after loving them, hence she doesn't love them. Or she thinks.
Henry, the stubborn mule that he is, chooses her everytime throughout the story. THAT'S what i liked the most. No matter what he felt, he felt for, and WITH her. 😩 The way he doesn't care about her "flaws" because he simply can't see them, he only sees how maternal she is towards everybody around her, and especially the kids of the first couple, Maddox and Evie.
This is an interconnected series and I'd suggest you read book 1 to thoroughly enjoy book 2.
I loved the first couple's cameo because I got to see Maddox after therapy 🥹 and Evie being more assertive, and her children just being happier 😭 after everything that family has seen, they deserve the happiness.
There are so many things I loved in this story, the infertility rep, the fact that Lou was jealous of women around her, she was absolutely terrified of choosing Henry, the female friendships OHHH the found family trope is EVERYTHING. I really like that some things can only be talked and healed when they're done with women. It's very realistic. Men can only console you as a lover, but a sister is always a sister. The complexity of the characters were done brilliantly. And somehow amongst all this angst, I'm laughing too. The redemption arc, the crying, the absolute slow burn, I was annoyed that the story ended too early. I wish we saw more of them being a couple and the side characters from the previous books. I missed them. And I also wanted more of her adopted kid!! 😩🩵
Fav quotes:
👮🏻“You have so much love to offer and if you decide you want more kids, we’ll rescue the ones hidden in the darkest corners and raise them with grit and unconditional love. If you don’t, I don’t give a damn. Me, you, Dallas—that’s everything I need.”
🍾“I’m also thankful for my dad,” Charlie says, and his voice wavers just enough to make the room hold its breath again. “I know some people see him as this big, scary guy—but when I look at him, I see someone who chose to love us when he didn’t have to. I hope when I grow up, I get to be that kind of man too.”
👮🏻“You didn’t teach me how to be a man. You taught me how to survive being a boy. You taught me to swing, even when I couldn’t win, just so they knew I’d never go down easy.”
🍾I don’t want you dimming anything. Feel it all—loud, hard, messy. Just know that from now on, I won’t be giving you any room to run. I’ll be right here, pushing you to see beyond your tunnel vision.”
👮🏻“Do you have any idea what it’s like to grieve someone who’s still alive?
🍾"Then I was a stupid kid, now I’m a man starved for just a glimpse of her."
👮🏻"I watch my brother soften like a damn stick of butter as she traces the scar across his lips. A twinge of jealousy rockets through me. I’d give my left nut to have what they have. To share that kind of love and watch my woman swell with my baby."
Thankyou to @lunaliterary.management and the author for the e-ARC 🖌️
3.5 ⭐
November 15, 2025
⋆.𐙚 ̊ ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ⋆.𐙚 ̊
ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴠɪᴏʟᴇɴᴛ ʀᴇᴄᴋᴏɴɪɴɢ ʙʏ @authortuesdayyjames
5★
ᴍʏ ᴏᴘɪɴɪᴏɴ -
“𝔗𝔥𝔞𝔱’𝔰 𝔴𝔥𝔞𝔱 𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔰 𝔥𝔞𝔰 𝔞𝔩𝔴𝔞𝔶𝔰 𝔟𝔢𝔢𝔫. 𝔑𝔬𝔱 𝔱𝔢𝔫𝔡𝔢𝔯𝔫𝔢𝔰𝔰. 𝔑𝔬𝔱 𝔪𝔢𝔯𝔠𝔶. 𝔄 𝔳𝔦𝔬𝔩𝔢𝔫𝔱 𝔯𝔢𝔠𝔨𝔬𝔫𝔦𝔫𝔤. 𝔄𝔫𝔡 ℑ 𝔴𝔬𝔲𝔩𝔡𝔫’𝔱 𝔰𝔲𝔯𝔳𝔦𝔳𝔢 𝔦𝔱 𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔞𝔫𝔶𝔬𝔫𝔢 𝔢𝔩𝔰𝔢.”
These freaking two are everything and more. I devoured this book like it was no tomorrow I couldn’t but it down the tension and angst had me on my toes. I love me a good second chance story and this was no different. It felt so amazing with these two, they are literally soulmates
Lou and Sheriff chemistry was mind blowing I already knew these two was going to be the death of me and they certainly were. I just love these two so much and they deserve every bit of happiness
THE FLASHLIGHT!? I’ll never look at another flashlight again loll, the spice was definitely top tier
Henry is the Towns sheriff and the eldest brother of the wilder boys and he’s so zaddy loll. I love him down bad
This book was raw, emotional, and real but also amazing. I laughed, and cried my emotions was all over the place but I still couldn’t put it down, These two were written so beautifully and have such complex characters.
oh how I love Dallas he’s such an amazing kid, he’s been through so much at his age and I’m so glad that Henry and Lou can give him a loving and caring home
Lou is everything to me, she’s fierce, and tough and take no shit, but she’s also such a sweet girl who’s life has been hard. Lou has grieving and dealing with all type of things, she’s a walking hurricane and I will defend her with my life
Henry found Dallas living in an abandoned building because Dallas run away from his foster home. They both had an incredible bond with Dallas it was amazing I couldn’t get enough of their little family
This book had me going through all type of emotions and that epilogue in Dallas pov was something I didn’t know I needed it was just everything
⚡️ what to expect
-Second Chance
-One Bed
-Fake Fiancé
-Found Family
-Hurt/Comfort
-Forced Proximity
-infertility/Barren rep
Thank you for giving me this arc ⭐️
ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴠɪᴏʟᴇɴᴛ ʀᴇᴄᴋᴏɴɪɴɢ ʙʏ @authortuesdayyjames
5★
ᴍʏ ᴏᴘɪɴɪᴏɴ -
“𝔗𝔥𝔞𝔱’𝔰 𝔴𝔥𝔞𝔱 𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔰 𝔥𝔞𝔰 𝔞𝔩𝔴𝔞𝔶𝔰 𝔟𝔢𝔢𝔫. 𝔑𝔬𝔱 𝔱𝔢𝔫𝔡𝔢𝔯𝔫𝔢𝔰𝔰. 𝔑𝔬𝔱 𝔪𝔢𝔯𝔠𝔶. 𝔄 𝔳𝔦𝔬𝔩𝔢𝔫𝔱 𝔯𝔢𝔠𝔨𝔬𝔫𝔦𝔫𝔤. 𝔄𝔫𝔡 ℑ 𝔴𝔬𝔲𝔩𝔡𝔫’𝔱 𝔰𝔲𝔯𝔳𝔦𝔳𝔢 𝔦𝔱 𝔣𝔬𝔯 𝔞𝔫𝔶𝔬𝔫𝔢 𝔢𝔩𝔰𝔢.”
These freaking two are everything and more. I devoured this book like it was no tomorrow I couldn’t but it down the tension and angst had me on my toes. I love me a good second chance story and this was no different. It felt so amazing with these two, they are literally soulmates
Lou and Sheriff chemistry was mind blowing I already knew these two was going to be the death of me and they certainly were. I just love these two so much and they deserve every bit of happiness
THE FLASHLIGHT!? I’ll never look at another flashlight again loll, the spice was definitely top tier
Henry is the Towns sheriff and the eldest brother of the wilder boys and he’s so zaddy loll. I love him down bad
This book was raw, emotional, and real but also amazing. I laughed, and cried my emotions was all over the place but I still couldn’t put it down, These two were written so beautifully and have such complex characters.
oh how I love Dallas he’s such an amazing kid, he’s been through so much at his age and I’m so glad that Henry and Lou can give him a loving and caring home
Lou is everything to me, she’s fierce, and tough and take no shit, but she’s also such a sweet girl who’s life has been hard. Lou has grieving and dealing with all type of things, she’s a walking hurricane and I will defend her with my life
Henry found Dallas living in an abandoned building because Dallas run away from his foster home. They both had an incredible bond with Dallas it was amazing I couldn’t get enough of their little family
This book had me going through all type of emotions and that epilogue in Dallas pov was something I didn’t know I needed it was just everything
⚡️ what to expect
-Second Chance
-One Bed
-Fake Fiancé
-Found Family
-Hurt/Comfort
-Forced Proximity
-infertility/Barren rep
Thank you for giving me this arc ⭐️
November 12, 2025
I do not have enough words to describe how emotional and phenomenal this book was! Every character in this book has such a transformative journey of healing and strength. There was so many times that I just wanted to bawl my eyes out for some of them. Tuesday has a way of writing that not only pulls the readers in but allows them an opportunity to relate. The writing was absolutely profound and pace of the story was perfect.
First, Henry may be the sheriff but lord have mercy this man has the filthiest mouth. When you want a man to chase you, he is the one to call. His utter devotion and love for Louisiana was gut wrenching. So many times did this man pour his heart out for his woman to show her that he was apologetic. Ten years later and he knew he could never give up on the love of his life. When she pushes, he pulls even tighter. He took on all of her insecurities, heartbreak, and sadness like it was easy which was when I fell even harder.
Louisiana is such a strong, independent woman who has been dealt a life that would break most. Dealing with grief and sadness all while having the one thing she’s always wanted ripped away from her. The moments when she broke down and surrendered to everything were my favorite. They were not only genuine but emotional and raw. The bond that her and Henry have together is beautiful. Even though she fights him at every chance, her love for him is fierce and intense. The ending was one of my favorite parts as she was finally able to heal and get the life that she deserved.
Absolutely phenomenal book! Definitely top five for this year.
First, Henry may be the sheriff but lord have mercy this man has the filthiest mouth. When you want a man to chase you, he is the one to call. His utter devotion and love for Louisiana was gut wrenching. So many times did this man pour his heart out for his woman to show her that he was apologetic. Ten years later and he knew he could never give up on the love of his life. When she pushes, he pulls even tighter. He took on all of her insecurities, heartbreak, and sadness like it was easy which was when I fell even harder.
Louisiana is such a strong, independent woman who has been dealt a life that would break most. Dealing with grief and sadness all while having the one thing she’s always wanted ripped away from her. The moments when she broke down and surrendered to everything were my favorite. They were not only genuine but emotional and raw. The bond that her and Henry have together is beautiful. Even though she fights him at every chance, her love for him is fierce and intense. The ending was one of my favorite parts as she was finally able to heal and get the life that she deserved.
Absolutely phenomenal book! Definitely top five for this year.
November 18, 2025
This Violent Reckoning ARC Review
“I wanted him broken open and bleeding—because healing doesn’t mean a d*mn thing if there’s nothing to crawl back from.”
I’ve been putting off this review, because of how much I relate to Lou. Her feelings and emotions are how so many of us feel, the ones that can’t birth their own children, the ones asked repeatedly when they’re going to start a family, the ones with a constant reminder what a woman’s “purpose” is. It’s a constant thought in the back of my mind, a daily reminder that I won’t find love. I know it’s not the truth, but there’s always that doubt.
Dallas wrecked me. I cried so much during this read. I absolutely loved the love between Lou and Henry and getting to follow their love story. How they love Dallas and how they make him feel wanted and like he is their family. That no matter what, they would choose him and do everything in their power to make him feel that love.
Lou and Henry are messy, maybe slightly toxic 🤭, but their love runs deep. Henry knowing just what to give Lou is a perfect reminder that we’re all different and what is meant for us will always find away back to us. And the flashlight scene, ooof 🥵
Tropes
* Second Chance Romance
* Slow Burn
* Fake Engagement/Forced Proximity
* Enemies to Lovers (with history)
* Found Family
* Hurt/Comfort (but gritty)
* Mutual Pining
* Infertility/Barren Rep
Please be sure to check triggers. Sensitive topics are discussed in this book. Your mental health matters 💛
“I wanted him broken open and bleeding—because healing doesn’t mean a d*mn thing if there’s nothing to crawl back from.”
I’ve been putting off this review, because of how much I relate to Lou. Her feelings and emotions are how so many of us feel, the ones that can’t birth their own children, the ones asked repeatedly when they’re going to start a family, the ones with a constant reminder what a woman’s “purpose” is. It’s a constant thought in the back of my mind, a daily reminder that I won’t find love. I know it’s not the truth, but there’s always that doubt.
Dallas wrecked me. I cried so much during this read. I absolutely loved the love between Lou and Henry and getting to follow their love story. How they love Dallas and how they make him feel wanted and like he is their family. That no matter what, they would choose him and do everything in their power to make him feel that love.
Lou and Henry are messy, maybe slightly toxic 🤭, but their love runs deep. Henry knowing just what to give Lou is a perfect reminder that we’re all different and what is meant for us will always find away back to us. And the flashlight scene, ooof 🥵
Tropes
* Second Chance Romance
* Slow Burn
* Fake Engagement/Forced Proximity
* Enemies to Lovers (with history)
* Found Family
* Hurt/Comfort (but gritty)
* Mutual Pining
* Infertility/Barren Rep
Please be sure to check triggers. Sensitive topics are discussed in this book. Your mental health matters 💛
November 21, 2025
♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️
ARC Review
Tropes:
Frienemies to Lovers
Black Cat x Doberman
Infertility Rep
Second Chance
Forced Proximity/One Bed
Fake Fiance
I don’t know how else to describe this book except soul-crushingly PERFECT. In Turkish we say “Yüreğim paramparça oldu,” meaning “My soul has shattered into pieces”—and that is exactly what this book did to me. Tuesday James has such a beautiful way with words that will shatter your soul, but will also piece it back together with every word, sentence, and chapter!
Louisiana(Lou) and Henry have loved each other as long as they could remember. Until the day Henry broke Lou's heart in order for her to bloom and be free. He's waited years for her forgiveness and any glimpse of love from her, but with her walls growing higher with every day he's done waiting.
II know it’s controversial, but I absolutely have a love-hate relationship with characters who martyr themselves for each other. 😅🫣🙊 I wanted to shake them both for being idiots, yet I loved that they were willing to let each other go if it meant the other could truly live. Thank God they had people pushing them in the right direction.
Dallas couldn’t have been a more perfect mix of Lou and Henry if he were their biological child. My poor Dallas—the things he had to endure. 😭 HAVE YOUR TISSUES READY!🤧 He was the glue that brought Lou and Henry together as a family.
And a special thank-you for Chapter 29. No spoilers—but let’s just say we love a man who knows how to give up control. 🔥🤭 The spice in this book practically set the pages on fire.
We also learned a lot more about Sophie, with a glimpse of Mercy too. I’m so excited for their story next! I need to see Mercy’s vulnerability beneath that playboy charm. 🤭 I have a strong feeling Merc and Soph will end up together, but I still think Sophie deserves better than Mercy’s current ways!
ARC Review
Tropes:
Frienemies to Lovers
Black Cat x Doberman
Infertility Rep
Second Chance
Forced Proximity/One Bed
Fake Fiance
I don’t know how else to describe this book except soul-crushingly PERFECT. In Turkish we say “Yüreğim paramparça oldu,” meaning “My soul has shattered into pieces”—and that is exactly what this book did to me. Tuesday James has such a beautiful way with words that will shatter your soul, but will also piece it back together with every word, sentence, and chapter!
Louisiana(Lou) and Henry have loved each other as long as they could remember. Until the day Henry broke Lou's heart in order for her to bloom and be free. He's waited years for her forgiveness and any glimpse of love from her, but with her walls growing higher with every day he's done waiting.
II know it’s controversial, but I absolutely have a love-hate relationship with characters who martyr themselves for each other. 😅🫣🙊 I wanted to shake them both for being idiots, yet I loved that they were willing to let each other go if it meant the other could truly live. Thank God they had people pushing them in the right direction.
Dallas couldn’t have been a more perfect mix of Lou and Henry if he were their biological child. My poor Dallas—the things he had to endure. 😭 HAVE YOUR TISSUES READY!🤧 He was the glue that brought Lou and Henry together as a family.
And a special thank-you for Chapter 29. No spoilers—but let’s just say we love a man who knows how to give up control. 🔥🤭 The spice in this book practically set the pages on fire.
We also learned a lot more about Sophie, with a glimpse of Mercy too. I’m so excited for their story next! I need to see Mercy’s vulnerability beneath that playboy charm. 🤭 I have a strong feeling Merc and Soph will end up together, but I still think Sophie deserves better than Mercy’s current ways!
November 8, 2025
She watches us like we're something she lost before she ever had the chance to claim it.
Get your frikin' tissues ready because this book was a tear jerker!! I knew going into this that Tuesday James would be on a mission to tear me apart from the inside out *looks at all the emotions she made me feel while reading These Jagged Edges* and I was correct on my assumptions. Consider me fragmented after this (while I might've finished the book, it finished me, y'know?).
Anywho, James does a wonderful job portraying complex characters that are strong to the rest of the world, but falling apart on the inside. Every moment of emotional turmoil had me holding my breath or nodding along in agreement. Louisiana is carrying a truth that she feels makes her less than worthy of Henry's love, and Henry regrets letting her put walls up between them when all he's ever wanted was her.
Which sounds like another character we know... *clears throat* "Yeah, I'm lookin' at you Lou."
If you're looking for a book that is heartfelt, filled with stubborn but well-meaning characters, a romance that'll have you sweating from their activities, and a love that erases the scars we carry—both internally and externally, then look no farther!!
Get your frikin' tissues ready because this book was a tear jerker!! I knew going into this that Tuesday James would be on a mission to tear me apart from the inside out *looks at all the emotions she made me feel while reading These Jagged Edges* and I was correct on my assumptions. Consider me fragmented after this (while I might've finished the book, it finished me, y'know?).
Anywho, James does a wonderful job portraying complex characters that are strong to the rest of the world, but falling apart on the inside. Every moment of emotional turmoil had me holding my breath or nodding along in agreement. Louisiana is carrying a truth that she feels makes her less than worthy of Henry's love, and Henry regrets letting her put walls up between them when all he's ever wanted was her.
Which sounds like another character we know... *clears throat* "Yeah, I'm lookin' at you Lou."
If you're looking for a book that is heartfelt, filled with stubborn but well-meaning characters, a romance that'll have you sweating from their activities, and a love that erases the scars we carry—both internally and externally, then look no farther!!
November 16, 2025
After loving book one in the Thunder Ridge Series, I could not wait to finally get Henry and Lou’s story in This Violent Reckoning! All the hints we got in the first book had me excited and on the edge of my seat waiting for book two. And man did Tuesday James deliver.
I’ll start by saying this story is heavier than I expected, but the way Tuesday writes Lou’s trauma and grief is so powerful. It is important to know going in that infertility is a major themes. The emotional weight is worth it, but beware if that’s a trigger for you.
Henry and Lou’s relationship is a true second chance romance. They grew up together and were once inseparable, until a major fallout pushed them apart. When circumstances force them back together, their chemistry reignites fast. There is a slight enemies-to-lovers spark (with ALL the tension), but underneath it all, their love is painfully obvious. Lou’s walls are high for good reason, and Henry is determined to tear them down. Watching them come back together felt natural and so satisfying.
But my favorite parts? THE SPICE. Miss James! I was salivating over Henry by the end of this book. The mix of that mouth of his and his tender care for Lou? Green flags all around. I highly recommend for an equally sweet and spicy angsty romance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Thank you to Tuesday James and Luna Literary for the ARC!
I’ll start by saying this story is heavier than I expected, but the way Tuesday writes Lou’s trauma and grief is so powerful. It is important to know going in that infertility is a major themes. The emotional weight is worth it, but beware if that’s a trigger for you.
Henry and Lou’s relationship is a true second chance romance. They grew up together and were once inseparable, until a major fallout pushed them apart. When circumstances force them back together, their chemistry reignites fast. There is a slight enemies-to-lovers spark (with ALL the tension), but underneath it all, their love is painfully obvious. Lou’s walls are high for good reason, and Henry is determined to tear them down. Watching them come back together felt natural and so satisfying.
But my favorite parts? THE SPICE. Miss James! I was salivating over Henry by the end of this book. The mix of that mouth of his and his tender care for Lou? Green flags all around. I highly recommend for an equally sweet and spicy angsty romance.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Thank you to Tuesday James and Luna Literary for the ARC!
November 11, 2025
This was real and raw and emotional while still being spicy and intense AF. Tuesday somehow is able to make you cry one second and then being turned on the next, make it make sense.
I know a lot of people are going to feel some type of way about Lou, but honestly, i understand why she felt the way she did toward Henry. He fucked up. Big up. She was hurt by it. BADLY. I don't think there is anything wrong with her actions. She was guarded, but he gave her a reason to be. I admired her strength.
I loved Henry. He just wanted to love Lou and did everything he could think of to get into her good graces. Nothing else mattered but her and thats what every woman wants in a man, am I right?!
Dallas was their missing puzzle piece and I love how him joining the family came full circle for them. The relationship between him and Lou was so sweet.
This series is definitely not for the faint of heart and not always easy to read so please check your triggers! 🫶
I know a lot of people are going to feel some type of way about Lou, but honestly, i understand why she felt the way she did toward Henry. He fucked up. Big up. She was hurt by it. BADLY. I don't think there is anything wrong with her actions. She was guarded, but he gave her a reason to be. I admired her strength.
I loved Henry. He just wanted to love Lou and did everything he could think of to get into her good graces. Nothing else mattered but her and thats what every woman wants in a man, am I right?!
Dallas was their missing puzzle piece and I love how him joining the family came full circle for them. The relationship between him and Lou was so sweet.
This series is definitely not for the faint of heart and not always easy to read so please check your triggers! 🫶
November 9, 2025
“Da*n, who’s cutting onions in this b***h!”
I’m not crying you are! My god what a beautiful deliverance of trauma and self worth! I laughed out loud and I cried multiple times throughout this masterpiece! The side characters are top tier, I even felt a part of the Wilder family! “Not born from my body, but from my heart.” These two have been pining over each other for years from a distance. Lou is fierce and a spitfire! She takes no bs and calls everyone out on their sh*t! Henry the broody sheriff who takes on the world is tired of playing by Lou’s rules and a little boy just happens to be the game changer! Make sure you read your trigger warnings as in the last book Tuesday deals with heavy topics that can be triggering to some!
“Because I’ve spent years believing that broken meant unworthy. That love had to come with conditions”
“Not what you can give. Not what you can’t. Just you, wildflower, in every f***ing way I can get you.”
I love this series so so much and I cannot wait for the next book!
I’m not crying you are! My god what a beautiful deliverance of trauma and self worth! I laughed out loud and I cried multiple times throughout this masterpiece! The side characters are top tier, I even felt a part of the Wilder family! “Not born from my body, but from my heart.” These two have been pining over each other for years from a distance. Lou is fierce and a spitfire! She takes no bs and calls everyone out on their sh*t! Henry the broody sheriff who takes on the world is tired of playing by Lou’s rules and a little boy just happens to be the game changer! Make sure you read your trigger warnings as in the last book Tuesday deals with heavy topics that can be triggering to some!
“Because I’ve spent years believing that broken meant unworthy. That love had to come with conditions”
“Not what you can give. Not what you can’t. Just you, wildflower, in every f***ing way I can get you.”
I love this series so so much and I cannot wait for the next book!
November 11, 2025
The tears that I shed while reading this book is so unreal!!! Tuesday James has a way of writing that makes you feel the emotions in your soul. I could relate so much to Louisiana "Louis". The feeling of being inadequate and not enough. She is 100% a badass. She hides her hurting with attitude and sass.
I understand why Henry was tired of the chasing and of loving her from afar. He was such a strong character. He knew what he wanted and was willing to fight tooth and nail to get it. But her..... to love the people she has choosen as her family hard, but still feel like she isn't enough resonates within me i don't speak about. This book brought so many feelings out.
Then we add sweet, troubled Dallas. a 9 year boy who has been thru it at such a young age. His own story broke me. Not only does Henry know instantly, but Lou loves that boy even harder.
This world that the author is building is so real and so true. You feel like you're watching a show. totally immersed in their lives.
WARNING TISSUES NEEDED DURING BOOK!!!
I understand why Henry was tired of the chasing and of loving her from afar. He was such a strong character. He knew what he wanted and was willing to fight tooth and nail to get it. But her..... to love the people she has choosen as her family hard, but still feel like she isn't enough resonates within me i don't speak about. This book brought so many feelings out.
Then we add sweet, troubled Dallas. a 9 year boy who has been thru it at such a young age. His own story broke me. Not only does Henry know instantly, but Lou loves that boy even harder.
This world that the author is building is so real and so true. You feel like you're watching a show. totally immersed in their lives.
WARNING TISSUES NEEDED DURING BOOK!!!
November 24, 2025
“Love wasn’t gentle here—it was violent, relentless, and the only thing that could save them.”
Tuesday James delivers another gut-punch of a love story in This Violent Reckoning, the second installment of the Thunder Ridge series. Sheriff Henry Wilder and Louisiana Wright are not just childhood friends turned lovers, they’re two souls bound by emotional history, fractured by grief, and haunted by years in shared proximity but always just out of reach.
“He never stopped loving her. She never stopped believing she didn’t deserve it.”
What makes this book unforgettable is its raw emotional honesty. Lou believes she’s “poison” and is a barren woman hardened by loss, convinced she has nothing left to give. Henry, steady and relentless, refuses to let her retreat into that belief. Their dynamic feels unbreakable even when tested to the limit. It’s in Henry’s grumpy cowboy persistence and in Lou, who’s both bratty in her resistance and achingly vulnerable underneath.
“Every time she pushed him away, he stayed. Every time she broke, he held the pieces.”
This story thrives on feelings that are both familiar and devastatingly fresh. It’s a second-chance romance steeped in ten years of longing, where childhood friends are forced to confront the love they never truly lost. The fake relationship and engagement plotline pushes them into proximity, rekindling desire and dragging buried feelings into the light. And then there’s Dallas, the boy Henry and Lou take in, whose presence reshapes their bond, softens Lou’s defenses, and becomes the unexpected heart of their healing. The found-family thread is as powerful as the romance itself, reminding us that love often arrives in the most unexpected forms and that it is not forged in blood but in the choices we make.
“They were inevitable, no matter how hard they tried to fight it.”
What makes Henry & Lou’s story so magnetic is the chemistry that refuses to be denied. No matter how fiercely Lou fights against Henry’s devotion, or how stubbornly Henry tries to keep his heart guarded, they are inevitable. Every glance, every argument, every reluctant touch carries the weight of years of longing. They draw one another like gravity, an unstoppable pull that makes their reunion feel less like choice and more like fate. The tension between resistance and surrender is what makes their love story so devastatingly powerful.
James captures devastation and redemption in equal measure. The pain of Lou’s self-doubt, Henry’s unwavering devotion, and Dallas’s quiet need for belonging hit like tidal waves. It’s the kind of story that leaves you wrung out, yet grateful for the catharsis. It’s been a long time since a book left me absolutely wrecked. I found myself a sobbing, blubbery mess at times and couldn’t control the reaction that James’ writing evokes. If These Jagged Edges was about survival, This Violent Reckoning is about surrender; surrendering to love, to forgiveness, to the terrifying possibility that broken pieces can still make something whole.
Even through all the tears, there were times I smiled uncontrollably and laughed out loud due to the sweetness and brutal honesty of the found family. Through all the trials, and hardships they were there for one another and that is truly all that matters. This book is a reckoning that leave you breathless, tear-stained, and forever changed.
A huge thank you to Tuesday James and Luna Literary for the early copy!
Tuesday James delivers another gut-punch of a love story in This Violent Reckoning, the second installment of the Thunder Ridge series. Sheriff Henry Wilder and Louisiana Wright are not just childhood friends turned lovers, they’re two souls bound by emotional history, fractured by grief, and haunted by years in shared proximity but always just out of reach.
“He never stopped loving her. She never stopped believing she didn’t deserve it.”
What makes this book unforgettable is its raw emotional honesty. Lou believes she’s “poison” and is a barren woman hardened by loss, convinced she has nothing left to give. Henry, steady and relentless, refuses to let her retreat into that belief. Their dynamic feels unbreakable even when tested to the limit. It’s in Henry’s grumpy cowboy persistence and in Lou, who’s both bratty in her resistance and achingly vulnerable underneath.
“Every time she pushed him away, he stayed. Every time she broke, he held the pieces.”
This story thrives on feelings that are both familiar and devastatingly fresh. It’s a second-chance romance steeped in ten years of longing, where childhood friends are forced to confront the love they never truly lost. The fake relationship and engagement plotline pushes them into proximity, rekindling desire and dragging buried feelings into the light. And then there’s Dallas, the boy Henry and Lou take in, whose presence reshapes their bond, softens Lou’s defenses, and becomes the unexpected heart of their healing. The found-family thread is as powerful as the romance itself, reminding us that love often arrives in the most unexpected forms and that it is not forged in blood but in the choices we make.
“They were inevitable, no matter how hard they tried to fight it.”
What makes Henry & Lou’s story so magnetic is the chemistry that refuses to be denied. No matter how fiercely Lou fights against Henry’s devotion, or how stubbornly Henry tries to keep his heart guarded, they are inevitable. Every glance, every argument, every reluctant touch carries the weight of years of longing. They draw one another like gravity, an unstoppable pull that makes their reunion feel less like choice and more like fate. The tension between resistance and surrender is what makes their love story so devastatingly powerful.
James captures devastation and redemption in equal measure. The pain of Lou’s self-doubt, Henry’s unwavering devotion, and Dallas’s quiet need for belonging hit like tidal waves. It’s the kind of story that leaves you wrung out, yet grateful for the catharsis. It’s been a long time since a book left me absolutely wrecked. I found myself a sobbing, blubbery mess at times and couldn’t control the reaction that James’ writing evokes. If These Jagged Edges was about survival, This Violent Reckoning is about surrender; surrendering to love, to forgiveness, to the terrifying possibility that broken pieces can still make something whole.
Even through all the tears, there were times I smiled uncontrollably and laughed out loud due to the sweetness and brutal honesty of the found family. Through all the trials, and hardships they were there for one another and that is truly all that matters. This book is a reckoning that leave you breathless, tear-stained, and forever changed.
A huge thank you to Tuesday James and Luna Literary for the early copy!
November 13, 2025
———ARC Review—————
Here I was thinking this book was going to all twisted and spicy….
Believe me when I tell you that this book changed me. I feel like it saw right through me and split my soul in half. The words in these pages split me apart.
Don’t get me wrong, there was a lot of spice. Perfect, precious, naughty spice, and maybe there’s also a sheriff who owns handcuffs and a flashlight, and maybe they might or might not have safe words, and the edging might kill you… but these two MCs are fiery and protect what’s theirs with their whole breath.
I loved every minute of this book, even through the crying, and trust me, there was lots of that.
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book was life altering and had me saying “me too”
Here I was thinking this book was going to all twisted and spicy….
Believe me when I tell you that this book changed me. I feel like it saw right through me and split my soul in half. The words in these pages split me apart.
Don’t get me wrong, there was a lot of spice. Perfect, precious, naughty spice, and maybe there’s also a sheriff who owns handcuffs and a flashlight, and maybe they might or might not have safe words, and the edging might kill you… but these two MCs are fiery and protect what’s theirs with their whole breath.
I loved every minute of this book, even through the crying, and trust me, there was lots of that.
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book was life altering and had me saying “me too”
November 14, 2025
ARC review this violent reckoning
-2nd chance
-Forced proximity
-Infertility wrap
-Fake fiancé
-dual pining
This is my first book by Tuesday and it was so good. I really really enjoyed my time Reading this book and learning about the characters. I definitely will die back into book one so I can get a bit more backstory into Maddox’s story as well. 💕
The story follows Lou and Henry and you can tell from the start of the book that these two definitely have a past and were together previously but you can see the pull that they still have towards each other after all of these years and it does come out out of the book that Lou is not with Henry because she feels like he deserve better because she can’t have children
There is a big element of this book that is around fostering and I really thought that it was really written very well and you could see the connection that they had with Dallas and how they just wanted to take care of him and through that process their connection just kept building stronger and stronger as well 💕
Thank you to @pauthortuesdayyjames and @plunaliterary.management for an arc copy of this book. This book is out now and I feel I should add this to the TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️.5
-2nd chance
-Forced proximity
-Infertility wrap
-Fake fiancé
-dual pining
This is my first book by Tuesday and it was so good. I really really enjoyed my time Reading this book and learning about the characters. I definitely will die back into book one so I can get a bit more backstory into Maddox’s story as well. 💕
The story follows Lou and Henry and you can tell from the start of the book that these two definitely have a past and were together previously but you can see the pull that they still have towards each other after all of these years and it does come out out of the book that Lou is not with Henry because she feels like he deserve better because she can’t have children
There is a big element of this book that is around fostering and I really thought that it was really written very well and you could see the connection that they had with Dallas and how they just wanted to take care of him and through that process their connection just kept building stronger and stronger as well 💕
Thank you to @pauthortuesdayyjames and @plunaliterary.management for an arc copy of this book. This book is out now and I feel I should add this to the TBR.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️.5
November 2, 2025
This violent reckoning by @authortuesdayyjames
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you for the ARC read @authortuesdayyjames and @lunaliterary.management - it was amazing.
This book ripped my heart out, @authortuesdayyjames stomps on it and then rebuilds you. She tackles big subjects (as she did with these jagged edges) sensitively but she ain’t shying away. Read the triggers as although they aren’t dark, they are emotive. You feel the absolute pain, trauma and distress of every characters and it’s so beautifully done. Not only do we have the story of Louisiana and Henry but also Dallas, a little boy who needs a home.
In this series I have loved all the characters. Louisiana is such a beautiful person and I loved getting the chance to read her story. I wanted to give her the biggest hug - she is a queen who has built so many walls to protect herself and only Henry can break those down, even if he is idiot who caused some of them in the first place.
Everyone needs to read this series but don’t forget the tissues
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Thank you for the ARC read @authortuesdayyjames and @lunaliterary.management - it was amazing.
This book ripped my heart out, @authortuesdayyjames stomps on it and then rebuilds you. She tackles big subjects (as she did with these jagged edges) sensitively but she ain’t shying away. Read the triggers as although they aren’t dark, they are emotive. You feel the absolute pain, trauma and distress of every characters and it’s so beautifully done. Not only do we have the story of Louisiana and Henry but also Dallas, a little boy who needs a home.
In this series I have loved all the characters. Louisiana is such a beautiful person and I loved getting the chance to read her story. I wanted to give her the biggest hug - she is a queen who has built so many walls to protect herself and only Henry can break those down, even if he is idiot who caused some of them in the first place.
Everyone needs to read this series but don’t forget the tissues
November 7, 2025
⚠️CHECK TW’S⚠️
I cannot give this book enough stars. Seriously, Tuesday is such an amazing story teller. She taps into those fears, insecurities, heartaches, scars, and pain we all have and may try to hide at times. She spreads them out and then puts the back together. You go through the journey, like you are the main characters. You feel all of their emotions and their love.
Henry and Louisiana have always been meant to be. For the past 10 years Henry’s been trying to earn Louisiana’s trust, friendship and love back. What he doesn’t know is that Louisiana cannot give him the future she thinks he wants. Louisiana is so deep in pain she can’t see this wonderful man who’s been loving her for a decade in any capacity she will allow. She pushes him away so sure he will up and leave when he finds she’s missing pieces. These two go through it and I was right there along for that bumpy ride. But that ending 🥺… it healed me, it healed Henry, Dallas & Louisiana and I’m so happy for them!
I cannot give this book enough stars. Seriously, Tuesday is such an amazing story teller. She taps into those fears, insecurities, heartaches, scars, and pain we all have and may try to hide at times. She spreads them out and then puts the back together. You go through the journey, like you are the main characters. You feel all of their emotions and their love.
Henry and Louisiana have always been meant to be. For the past 10 years Henry’s been trying to earn Louisiana’s trust, friendship and love back. What he doesn’t know is that Louisiana cannot give him the future she thinks he wants. Louisiana is so deep in pain she can’t see this wonderful man who’s been loving her for a decade in any capacity she will allow. She pushes him away so sure he will up and leave when he finds she’s missing pieces. These two go through it and I was right there along for that bumpy ride. But that ending 🥺… it healed me, it healed Henry, Dallas & Louisiana and I’m so happy for them!
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