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Best Served Cold #1
Heart Stopping
I walk the line between avenging angel and monster.
Let me tell you, it's a fine f*cking line. My honest desire is to save the innocent. To do that, I have to surrender to the darkest parts of my soul. I'm okay with letting the darkness consume me, but when four attractive men start to get involved in my crusade, it makes me twitchy.
Conspirators are also witnesses.
Hot Englishman, Edward 'Boner' Bonegard; adorable geek, Cassius Titmus; uptight, untrusting, Archer Hardwick; and grumpy, cynical Jules Titmus are either going to cause me a world of hurt, or get into it themselves.
Maybe because of me. Maybe from me.
I should walk away, but vengeance threatens to consume me, and I don't think I can do this alone.
Or maybe I don't want to.
This a dark RH, please heed the TWs.
Let me tell you, it's a fine f*cking line. My honest desire is to save the innocent. To do that, I have to surrender to the darkest parts of my soul. I'm okay with letting the darkness consume me, but when four attractive men start to get involved in my crusade, it makes me twitchy.
Conspirators are also witnesses.
Hot Englishman, Edward 'Boner' Bonegard; adorable geek, Cassius Titmus; uptight, untrusting, Archer Hardwick; and grumpy, cynical Jules Titmus are either going to cause me a world of hurt, or get into it themselves.
Maybe because of me. Maybe from me.
I should walk away, but vengeance threatens to consume me, and I don't think I can do this alone.
Or maybe I don't want to.
This a dark RH, please heed the TWs.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 8, 2026
This book was a slow burn. We didn’t even meet the 4th guy in the harem until the last few chapters. I do like the mmc’s and think Harlow is great but I read another review and see that there’s MM in the other books, therefore I will not be continuing the series. There’s nothing against MM, it’s just not my cuppa when I read reverse harem’s and I wish it was disclosed in the blurb.
March 31, 2026
March 2026
Kindle edition
I lost interest, took a break and considered whether to finish or not. Probably not one I'll continue. I did like Archer. Boner was a bit of a repetition and Cass was the sweet dom that didn't really work and brought Jules into the mix. It's a surprise that any of them haven't been caught yet.
Kindle edition
I lost interest, took a break and considered whether to finish or not. Probably not one I'll continue. I did like Archer. Boner was a bit of a repetition and Cass was the sweet dom that didn't really work and brought Jules into the mix. It's a surprise that any of them haven't been caught yet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2026
Heart stopping by Maggie Alabaster book 1 in Best Served Cold series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶💀💀💀
This book was so much fun. The humour, the sass, the back-and-forth banter was perfect. I was laughing, giggling and kicking my feet in absolute joy.
Harlow is our hardened justice unaliver. Boner, our English not so gentle man had my squealing with laughter. Cassius, "Geek in the streets, freak in the sheets," absolute cinnamon roll. Archer, quiet, stoic friend that shows his interest with a "heart". Then Jules, grumpy, unsure where he stands or wants.
Exciting unpredictable unputdownable masterpiece. I am obsessed! Need book 2 now!
Tropes:
Serial unaliver. Why choose. Slow burn. Friends to lovers. Triggers. Rom com.
Quotes:
"Women don't want flowers and chocolates, they want the hearts of their enemies and a cottage in the woods. I'll have to work on the second one." "I don't need a cottage in the woods," I said with a laugh.
"Salad," he echoed, his lip turned up in a sneer. "Do I look like a rabbit?" "Rabbits can mate multiple times a day, so I'd say no, you don't," I said sweetly.
"Because you're lack toes intolerant?" Archer deadpanned.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶💀💀💀
This book was so much fun. The humour, the sass, the back-and-forth banter was perfect. I was laughing, giggling and kicking my feet in absolute joy.
Harlow is our hardened justice unaliver. Boner, our English not so gentle man had my squealing with laughter. Cassius, "Geek in the streets, freak in the sheets," absolute cinnamon roll. Archer, quiet, stoic friend that shows his interest with a "heart". Then Jules, grumpy, unsure where he stands or wants.
Exciting unpredictable unputdownable masterpiece. I am obsessed! Need book 2 now!
Tropes:
Serial unaliver. Why choose. Slow burn. Friends to lovers. Triggers. Rom com.
Quotes:
"Women don't want flowers and chocolates, they want the hearts of their enemies and a cottage in the woods. I'll have to work on the second one." "I don't need a cottage in the woods," I said with a laugh.
"Salad," he echoed, his lip turned up in a sneer. "Do I look like a rabbit?" "Rabbits can mate multiple times a day, so I'd say no, you don't," I said sweetly.
"Because you're lack toes intolerant?" Archer deadpanned.
April 16, 2026
Harlow is very much giving morally gray, “am I rooting for you or should I be concerned?” energy, and I loved that. She’s out here dealing justice and running her restaurant like it’s not one’s business. It definitely has Dexter type vibes with the whole justice vs. monster thing, but with a reverse harem twist in novella form.
And the men?? Such a mix. You’ve got Edward “Boner” Bonegard the hot Englishman energy, Cassius who gives adorable yet geeky golden retriever vibes, Archer who is uptight and suspicious of everyone, and Jules who is extremely grumpy and cynical. The different personalities just add to the chaos and tension, and I liked how none of it felt easy or overly soft. And the bather? It’s perfect.
It is a novella, so it’s fast and a little all over the place, but honestly that kind of worked with how chaotic the whole story is.
Overall, it’s messy, dark, and super entertaining. If you like morally gray FMCs, RH dynamics, and a little this is ridiculous but I can’t stop reading.
And the men?? Such a mix. You’ve got Edward “Boner” Bonegard the hot Englishman energy, Cassius who gives adorable yet geeky golden retriever vibes, Archer who is uptight and suspicious of everyone, and Jules who is extremely grumpy and cynical. The different personalities just add to the chaos and tension, and I liked how none of it felt easy or overly soft. And the bather? It’s perfect.
It is a novella, so it’s fast and a little all over the place, but honestly that kind of worked with how chaotic the whole story is.
Overall, it’s messy, dark, and super entertaining. If you like morally gray FMCs, RH dynamics, and a little this is ridiculous but I can’t stop reading.
March 18, 2026
Wow!
What a great book! I loved the characters and how amazingly well they were written. In some stories the characters can all blend into one another, or into set tropes but these characters in now way can ever behind for me! I especially loved Boner and his nicknames! Then Archer with his obsession with memes, and even Cass - did not expect that twist!
Honestly I can’t recommend this book enough!
Can’t wait to read the next one, and will be making sure to follow this author!
What a great book! I loved the characters and how amazingly well they were written. In some stories the characters can all blend into one another, or into set tropes but these characters in now way can ever behind for me! I especially loved Boner and his nicknames! Then Archer with his obsession with memes, and even Cass - did not expect that twist!
Honestly I can’t recommend this book enough!
Can’t wait to read the next one, and will be making sure to follow this author!
December 27, 2025
I do love a milkshake don’t you? However be weary of the specials at Angel’s Rest as you never know what ‘ingredients’ make it special.
This was non stop thrills from page one as we only get tidbits of information that left us wanting more.
This was non stop thrills from page one as we only get tidbits of information that left us wanting more.
December 29, 2025
3/5 stars
This book was pretty good! It was short, fast paced, and entertaining, which is all I can ask for in a book. I liked that I was able to get through it relatively fast, and that it kept me hooked the entire time.
This book was pretty good! It was short, fast paced, and entertaining, which is all I can ask for in a book. I liked that I was able to get through it relatively fast, and that it kept me hooked the entire time.
February 21, 2026
Gripping
Horrifying.
Sad..
Scary.
Funny.
Sexy as hell.
I started off thinking I might not enjoy this book as it's not my usual go to.
But I couldn't put it down. 😂🤣 was hooked.
I'm off to the next book so see what happens next.
I'm rooting for them... 🤞🏻🙏🏻🙄
Horrifying.
Sad..
Scary.
Funny.
Sexy as hell.
I started off thinking I might not enjoy this book as it's not my usual go to.
But I couldn't put it down. 😂🤣 was hooked.
I'm off to the next book so see what happens next.
I'm rooting for them... 🤞🏻🙏🏻🙄
December 8, 2025
Terrific
This was super fun, and strangely uplifting for a dark revenge, murder mystery, that includes cannibalism..
I enjoyed the dialog a lot as well.
Can't wait too read book #2!
This was super fun, and strangely uplifting for a dark revenge, murder mystery, that includes cannibalism..
I enjoyed the dialog a lot as well.
Can't wait too read book #2!
December 21, 2025
interesting menu
This was a fun change of pace for a Maggie alabaster book. I enjoyed the dark romcom and lobe Harlow’s unique perspective on food.
This was a fun change of pace for a Maggie alabaster book. I enjoyed the dark romcom and lobe Harlow’s unique perspective on food.
December 29, 2025
What a fun little read during a bomb cyclone.
February 8, 2026
This definitely was a laugh out loud dark humor. And I was starting to get squeamish every time she cooked. Make sure you have some dark humor reading this.
March 16, 2026
🔴 This is a poly romance, not a RH 🔴
1 star because the author failed to disclose in the blurb that the book/series contains MM.
1 star because the author failed to disclose in the blurb that the book/series contains MM.
March 20, 2026
This was a good book and a great story line. I just wasn't into the mood for a romantic comdey I was when i started the book.
April 22, 2026
Dont order the meat balls
Love a serial fmc revenge plot. Plus sexy harem? Even better. Murdery rom-com with dark plot. Fast burn 🔥 (chapter one🙌)
Love a serial fmc revenge plot. Plus sexy harem? Even better. Murdery rom-com with dark plot. Fast burn 🔥 (chapter one🙌)
April 25, 2026
you lost me at cannibalism. did not laugh once.
September 1, 2026
Heart Pounding
This book was freaking amazing. Had me laughing and ewwing at some parts. Mostly laughing. Love love Boner and his wit!
This book was freaking amazing. Had me laughing and ewwing at some parts. Mostly laughing. Love love Boner and his wit!
March 30, 2026
I will never look at a meatball the same way again that’s for sure.
January 28, 2026
Heart Stopping completely caught me off guard—in the best way possible. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going in, but Maggie Alabaster somehow managed to combine dark romance, murder, revenge, mystery, and laugh-out-loud humor into one story that never felt over the top. It’s one of those rare books that can have you grinning one minute and completely invested in solving the mystery the next.
At the center of the story is Harlow, a woman who’s determined to make monsters answer for their crimes in her own unconventional way. When her path collides with four very different men—Boner, Cassius, Archer, and Jules—their lives become intertwined as they’re pulled into a dangerous game of secrets, revenge, and trying to stay one step ahead of the people who would rather see them dead. I loved that the book wasn’t just about the romance. The mystery surrounding Harlow’s mission kept me guessing, and every new revelation made me want to keep reading.
The group dynamic was easily one of my favorite parts. The relationships weren’t rushed, and I appreciated watching the trust and chemistry build over time. Boner was an instant favorite with his sarcastic sense of humor and unpredictable personality, and the banter between him and Harlow had me laughing more than once. Each of the guys brought something different to the story, making the why choose romance feel believable rather than forced.
For anyone wondering about the spice level, I’d rate it around 4/5. There are definitely plenty of steamy moments, but they never take over the book. The mystery, revenge plot, humor, and relationships all get equal attention, which made the story feel well balanced.
The only thing I found myself wishing for—and this isn’t really a criticism—was a prequel. I’d love to learn more about Harlow’s life before this story began, especially everything that shaped her into the woman we meet in Heart Stopping. I also wouldn’t complain about getting more of Boner’s backstory because I have a feeling there’s a lot more beneath his chaotic personality than we’ve seen so far.
If you’re looking for a dark romantic comedy with morally gray characters, sharp humor, an engaging murder mystery, revenge, and a why choose romance that develops naturally, Heart Stopping is absolutely worth picking up. It was such a fun start to the series, and I couldn’t wait to jump into the next book.
At the center of the story is Harlow, a woman who’s determined to make monsters answer for their crimes in her own unconventional way. When her path collides with four very different men—Boner, Cassius, Archer, and Jules—their lives become intertwined as they’re pulled into a dangerous game of secrets, revenge, and trying to stay one step ahead of the people who would rather see them dead. I loved that the book wasn’t just about the romance. The mystery surrounding Harlow’s mission kept me guessing, and every new revelation made me want to keep reading.
The group dynamic was easily one of my favorite parts. The relationships weren’t rushed, and I appreciated watching the trust and chemistry build over time. Boner was an instant favorite with his sarcastic sense of humor and unpredictable personality, and the banter between him and Harlow had me laughing more than once. Each of the guys brought something different to the story, making the why choose romance feel believable rather than forced.
For anyone wondering about the spice level, I’d rate it around 4/5. There are definitely plenty of steamy moments, but they never take over the book. The mystery, revenge plot, humor, and relationships all get equal attention, which made the story feel well balanced.
The only thing I found myself wishing for—and this isn’t really a criticism—was a prequel. I’d love to learn more about Harlow’s life before this story began, especially everything that shaped her into the woman we meet in Heart Stopping. I also wouldn’t complain about getting more of Boner’s backstory because I have a feeling there’s a lot more beneath his chaotic personality than we’ve seen so far.
If you’re looking for a dark romantic comedy with morally gray characters, sharp humor, an engaging murder mystery, revenge, and a why choose romance that develops naturally, Heart Stopping is absolutely worth picking up. It was such a fun start to the series, and I couldn’t wait to jump into the next book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews