#hqoe reviews things

[highqueenofelfhame]

big big BIG thank you to the lovely author herself for sending me an ARC of this baby for an honest review.

this has to be my new favorite book from rachel. y’all, i just CANNOT. she has been one of my favorite romance writers since i discovered her, i’ve read almost all of her books and plan to own them all in the future, and this one just took the cake for me. it’s about to live in my mind rent free in the coming weeks.

i absolutely adored and related to emelia so much. sometimes it felt like i was reading my own inner thoughts which is the absolute best feeling to stumble upon in a book. the way she kept so much of herself locked away and found it hard to trust— i understood in the depths of my heart. i tend to be the same way, having a hard time trusting people but the right person stumbles along and things just make sense and it make take a little time to get there, but you do. goodness. reading it was so satisfying and a good bit of positive self reflection for me.

jonathan— Y’ALL. HELLO? god, i adored this man. everything about his razor sharp exterior combined with how he treats emelia at the end just made my heart swoon so hard. how he knew what she wanted without having to ask but still looked for all signs of consent before taking. i’m such a sucker for those assholes that are only soft for their love and he is such an excellent example of that if you ask me.

the sexual tension and build up is just… *chefs kiss.* rachel absolutely nailed it (heh) and knocked it out of the park with this one. so many times i put the book down and out loud said “oh my god i need them to fuck already.” because the build was just TOO GOOD. more than once my boyfriend jokingly asked if i needed a minute (and i did. i really did.) their first ✨encounter✨ is so steamy and sexy i could have died. i would have liked to have a bit more spice but the build makes up for it tbh.

i already know i’ll be rereading this baby in the future to get my fix. all of the tropes and the lil kinks were absolutely perfect and i am so obsessed with this one.

thank you for yet another absolutely fantastic read, rachel!