I ADORED this book!

From the moment I read an early copy of The Brightest Light of Sunshine in December 2022, I knew I had fallen in love with Lisina’s writing. Not only does she write such heartfelt characters, but they are so full of depth that you can’t help but become invested in their stories.

The Darkest Corner of the Heart has been one of my most anticipated releases of 2024 and to say it did not disappoint is an understatement. I was so excited to jump into Maddie’s story, especially after reading her experiences in Cal’s book. She was such a lovable character and her relationship with James was so wholesome. I loved the pacing of their relationship, it had everything I could ask for: some built-up tension, heated exchanges, and the most perfect moments of adoration for each other.

It was also so fun to get an extended glimpse of Cal and Grace. The family that they have created warms my heart so much. I don’t read too many “second gen” books and I’m not sure if this exactly counts as one, but I have loved my experience reading these books so far and I cannot WAIT for book three! 🫶

“𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒈𝒊𝒇𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅, 𝑴𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒊𝒆. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒔𝒐 𝒈𝒐𝒅𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒏 𝒍𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒚 𝑰’𝒍𝒍 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒑 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚, 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅. 𝑰’𝒎 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒆.”

Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥
Relationship: MW
Tropes/content: Age gap (10 years), physical therapist/ballerina, slow burn, grumpy mmc
Series: The Brightest Light #2

⚠️Check triggers⚠️

When Maddie injures her ankle during a ballet audition, her world is turned upside down. She's referred to a physical therapist with hopes of a quick recovery so she can dance again. Maddie knew physical therapy would be hard, but she wasn't expecting her doctor, James, to be grumpy and oh-so-hot. Now Maddie isn't just focused on healing, but also making sure she doesn't fall for her doctor. That proves to be harder than she thought when she realizes he's falling for her, too.

The Brightest Light of Sunshine, book one in this series, was one of my top reads of 2023. I was, and still am, obsessed with Cal. When I found out Maddie, Cal's sister, was getting a book, I was so excited. Unfortunately, I was let down by this book.

The story had promise, especially with the doctor and patient dynamic between Maddie and James. The problem is that the story fell flat, and the plot was kind of boring. The pacing of the story was off, and it felt disconnected. The forbidden feeling had so much promise, but it flopped because there was no pull or tension between them.

Something about Lisina's writing style was off with this book, which I wasn't expecting since the previous book was her debut and was done well. I'm hoping with book three that we see her return to the style in book one. I think that was a solid debut, and I'd love to see her continue to build off that style. I'm very excited to read about Cal's daughter falling in love.

Thank you to Lisina Cooney for the early copy.

Darkest Corner of the Heart by Lisina Coney offers an exploration of grief and healing, but it falls short in a few areas for me.

The novel's premise is intriguing and Coney's emotional depth is quite evident throughout. However, the pacing is uneven with certain sections dragging and others feeling rushed.

The characters sometimes lack the development needed to fully connect with the reader. Despite these issues, there are moments of beauty and insight that make the book worth finishing.

The first book of this writer is still my favorite but I loved this one a lot as well. An injured ballet dancer and her physical therapist. Although there a problem, he is not allowed to date a patient. But that does not stop the attraction from developing. He is incredibly protective of her. They made a lovely couple. I personally did not get the big deal about the age gap.

It's been a while since I read a romance book this adorable. It had me invested since the starting lines. Can't wait to read the previous book. Lisina Coney you have just got yourself a stan.

ARC Rating 5/5 ⭐️

Absolute PERFECTION. Gutrenching. Soul healing. Stunning. This was just so fucking amazing, and I loved it even more than the first.

I really really enjoyed this book and the characters growth and development throughout. I just want to wrap them both up.

Maddie, is a ballet dancer who injures her ankle and James is her PT who is helping her rehabilitation.

It's angsty, its slow burn, its multi layered characters, and it's a really cute storyline. The story touched on real life issues and feeling, really well.

Overall, it was an amazing read, and I cannot CANNOT wait for Lila and Reed.

Check the content notes as this has a few deep topics.

Thank you, NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Lisina Coney, for sending this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.

This one was not for me, as at 33%, I could not finish this book. It read juvenile, with overly dramatic emotional thoughts, and relationships, akin to a teenager writing in a journal. The author tried to create intrigue and mystery, but it just came off Facebook status update from 2008– I was not hooked enough to see how this unfolded.

Beyond that, I prefer a subtle build of affections, as opposed to instantly (and constantly) noticing his big hands and bulging biceps.

Maddie is a ballerina who has just suffered from an accident while she was preparing for her dream job. She is now forced to take time to rest and go through physical therapy with Dr James Simons who she is immediately attracted to and vice versa.

I loved Maddie's character so much and really enjoyed reading her interactions with her brother. I'm told that I should read his book where Maddie is still a kid and I definitely think I am going to pick that up soon. I already know that I'm going to eat it up.

I personally felt that the relationship between James and Maddie was quite rushed and I wish there was more time spent building the bond between them rather than the pacing that I saw, but that very well could just be a me thing.

Overall, it was a fun read and I can't wait to see what this author does next!

Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really adored the 1st book, but everything about this one felt different. The writing didn’t feel as emotional and powerful, and I really thought the age gap was too heavily focused on with this book.
(I will not be sharing a review of this on social media)

"Darkest Corner of the Heart" by Lisina Coney is a heart-wrenching new adult romance that delves into themes of self-worth, healing, and forbidden love. The story follows Maddie Stevens, a 21-year-old ballerina who feels perpetually inadequate. Struggling with feelings of abandonment and dependence, she faces a critical blow when an ankle injury jeopardizes her ballet career just before a pivotal audition. Maddie believes her dreams are shattered and her future is bleak.

Enter James Simmons, her physical therapist. At 31, James is a brooding, tank-shaped man with a gruff exterior that hides his own emotional scars. Despite their ten-year age difference and his initial reluctance, James becomes an integral part of Maddie’s recovery process. As they spend more time together, the tension between them intensifies, and their professional relationship begins to blur into something much more personal.

James, who believes he's too broken to deserve love, finds himself irresistibly drawn to Maddie. Their connection deepens, and the forbidden nature of their relationship only adds to the scorching tension between them. Both must confront their past traumas and insecurities if they hope to build a future together.

Review:
"Darkest Corner of the Heart" is a beautifully written, slow-burn romance that captivates from the first page. Lisina Coney masterfully explores the complexities of forbidden love, making readers feel every ounce of the characters' longing and internal conflict. Maddie and James are deeply flawed yet incredibly relatable protagonists whose personal growth is as compelling as their romance.

Maddie’s journey from self-doubt to empowerment is inspiring. Her struggle to find her own worth and independence resonates deeply, especially with readers who have faced similar battles. James, on the other hand, is a character shrouded in mystery and pain, whose gruff exterior gradually peels away to reveal a deeply caring and protective nature. Their chemistry is palpable, and the slow build-up of their relationship adds to the intensity and authenticity of their connection.

The author’s portrayal of physical and emotional healing is both realistic and poignant. The scenes where Maddie and James confront their fears and vulnerabilities are particularly moving, showcasing Coney’s talent for writing heartfelt, emotionally charged moments. The balance between romantic tension and personal growth is perfectly maintained, making the story deeply satisfying.

Tropes/Themes:
-Forbidden Romance
-Age Gap
-Slow Burn
-Healing and Recovery
-Forced Proximity
-Insecurity and Self-Worth

Overall, "Darkest Corner of the Heart" is a must-read for fans of emotionally rich, character-driven romances. Lisina Coney delivers a powerful story that leaves a lasting impression, making this novel a standout in the new adult genre.

In a world where they’re forbidden to each other, Maddie Stevens finds herself grappling with feelings she never expected. Struggling with a sense of inadequacy and thwarted dreams, she faces a pivotal ballet audition that could define her future. But when an injury threatens to derail her aspirations, fate throws her into the orbit of James Simmons, her gruff but handsome physical therapist. Despite the age gap and professional boundaries, their forced closeness ignites an undeniable attraction. As desire collides with restraint, Maddie and James must navigate the treacherous waters of forbidden love. Yet, with each passing day, resisting temptation becomes increasingly futile.

Repetition was a major problem because of the age difference and her mental health problems. Though it is officially a stand-alone novel, this book is the second in the series. The writing of Maddie and James is exquisite, and the subjects are tenderly touched upon without skirting the edges. This book tells us that it’s acceptable for life to not go as planned.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and finished it in a few days. I like that the author chose to depict the connection truthfully rather than using clichés that are frequently connected to forbidden romances in fiction. Although there are issues in this book that are better suited for mature readers, the author handled those delicate subjects very well, in my opinion, and the book was handled with care. I can’t wait to read The Brightest Light trilogy’s third and final instalment.

Note: This book contains mature themes and explicit content. Recommended for adult readers.

I obviously LOVED this book. I fell in love with Lisina's writing after I read The Brightest Light of Sunshine. That book is still in my top 10 favorite books. Getting to read little Maddie's story now!?!?!?

I devoured the book! Seriously, devoured it!

This is one of those books where I know I'll find myself rereading time and time again because I just will not get tired of it. Just like I did with TBLOS.

If you haven't read this book, or the one before it, what are you even doing?????

Honestly, what are you waiting for? Do yourself a favor and pick up this series. I accept absolutely no criticism on either of the books in this series, just like I'm sure I'll accept no criticism on the upcoming book.

You will not regret reading this book. And if you do, well I'm not sure what to tell you because my brain can't wrap around that possibility.

LOVE THIS BOOK, LOVE THIS AUTHOR, LOVE THIS SERIES! I cannot wait for the next one. 5 stars all around!

I absolutely loved this book! Definitely going to read it again. Lisina Coney does an amazing job connecting to the characters and I was invested in them all through book! I definitely need a new book immediately.

I absolutely loved reading the Darkest Corner of the Heart! After reading the Brightest Light of Sunshine this was one of my most anticipated reads. This book had some of my favourite book tropes slow burn, dual pov and forbidden romance.

Maddie and James book was such a cute story and I loved reading about them both. I also seeing the snippets of Cal and Grace from the first book too.

I so wanted to love this! Especially because I did enjoy book one, and I was excited for these characters. But unfortunately I didn't-and parts of it fell super flat. I found the pacing to be off, it was hard for me to dig into the characters and their story, the chemistry felt rushed and not fully developed, and the 3rd act break-up just felt really unecessary and immature, which highlighted our heroine's lack of emotional maturity. Book 1 had some pacing issues (it def felt like wattpad writing in places) but the characters were so charming, the chemistry palpable, and the ending cute, and this follow-up had similar issues without the charm of the first. There's still a lot to like here and a great set-up, just didn't quite live up to my expectations.

I really loved this book, the characters were very interesting. I really loved their background and how their relationship developped with one another. Overall, really great book with great character and a great story. I recommend.

Lisina's writing is beautiful and I really enjoyed the second book in this series. This book has both age gap and a little forbidden aspect and I really enjoyed the chemistry between the characters. The mental health representation was great as well!

Thank you #netgalley for an early read of #darkestcorneroftheheart in exchange for my honest review!

In the pages of this book, Maddie's journey resonated deeply with me, especially seeing her struggle with self-doubt and the pressure to conform to expectations. As we get to know Maddie through her journey, her emotional turmoil felt so real to me, and her strength to persevere even when facing such a huge injury really stuck out to me.

I really enjoyed how the author crafted the intimate scenes with the two main characters. These scenes were sensual and vulnerable and did a good job showing the complex feelings the characters had.

As someone who appreciates a well-crafted romance, I found myself wholly engrossed in Maddie and James's forbidden love story.

4⭐️

Maddie had always had a dream of becoming a professional dancer and when she gets the opportunity to dance for Norcastle Ballet she is ecstatic. Until right before auditions, when she pushed herself practicing too hard and hurt her ankle, her dreams vanished right in front of her.

Dr. Simmons aka James is Maddie’s physical therapist and he immediately can see himself in Maddie when he got injured years ago and could no longer play football.

Slowly they build a relationship outside of PT, even though they shouldn’t and once she’s no longer his patient the only thing that’s truly keeping them apart is the belief that their age difference is too much.

My thoughts:
I enjoyed this, I really liked the characters and the storyline was decent but I idk why I just couldn’t completely get into it. I’d also say I enjoyed the first book a little more (The Brightest Light of Sunshine).
And I still couldn’t believe the one line when Cal finds out and he’s like you know how much older you are than her. And I was thinking dude I can’t believe you just said that since him and Grace from TBLOS are 8 years apart


-age gap romance (10 years)
-slow burn
-he’s her physical therapist

I really enjoyed this second book in the series! While I enjoyed the first book more, and felt more connected to the characters, I still really enjoyed Maddie’s story.