Thanks so much to Lisina Coney, Page & Vine books for the eARC, all opinions expressed are my own!

I absolutely adore this author and I was ecstatic to learn that Maddie would be getting her own story, the plot started off strong, the introduction of James had me giggling and the underlying tension was excellent. Unfortunately the remaining story didn’t seem well paced, it seemed underdeveloped and the age gap between the two characters was constantly mentioned on every page, and as the main source of reluctance for the characters (when it didn’t seem like an issue at all).

Similarly the conflict and the backstory of the characters was not explored enough and tied up a little too quickly, in the same way the history between James and his brother was a bit random.


I really wanted to like this book, and whilst it started off strong, it didn’t quite meet expectations. Although I am looking forward to the next instalment.

I absolutely loved this book! Maddie and James romance really warmed my heart. The way the both supported each other through everything was so heartwarming. I can't wait to see whats next from Lisina Coney.

This story was truly beautiful. I admire Maddie so much. Her journey was hard and she is such a brave and loving person. James is my new favourite book boyfriend. He ticks all the boxes. This book is exactly what I am looking for in a romance. The writing is incredible and so genuine and authentic.
I will post my review on Goodreads and Instagram in the next couple of days.

“life is hard sometimes, but it doesn’t mean you have to live it miserably”

4.5⭐️

one of my most anticipated reads of 2024 and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC! After loving TBLOS, my expectations were high for maddie’s book and they were (very) easily met. I absolutely adored this! the forbidden romance, the age gap, the slow-burn, the hopeful and healing sentiment of this entire book had me all mushy inside. getting to revisit this universe and lisina’s writing was so lovely from the beginning to the end.

Maddie has never felt good enough. her dad left her, her mom chose alcohol, her older brother was forced to step up, and she’s felt like a burden since. With a dream of the National Ballet, Maddie gets the exclusive invitation to audition only to injure herself days before. She’ll have to rely on physical therapy, more importantly her grouchy (but hot as sin) PT James. not only is he ten years her senior, but she can’t seem to get her mind off him. he calls to check in, he drives her home after her late night shifts to make sure she’s home safe, and he seems to be the first one she wants to call. will they or won’t they… especially when she finds that the feelings might be reciprocated.

the 10-year age gap had me a little nervous at first, especially with a 21 - 31 year gap but this was done SO well. no professional boundaries were crossed, there’s no power dynamic, and Maddie is truly in control the entire time. I loved the protectiveness James had over Maddie. he was always there to ensure she was safe without being overbearing. I’m a sucker for a grumpy, burly, older man and then you add GLASSES to the mix…. swoon 🤩

Maddie was exactly who I thought she would be. Her resilient, strong, sassy (otherwise known as bratty) and kind personality made me fall in love with her. to know so thoroughly how her early childhood life was like in TBLOS, to how she is now was such a full circle moment. I’m glad she got her HEA and had James there to hold her steady while she found her footing. I also loved getting to know older Cal & Grace. If you think James is protective, just wait for Cal to find out Maddie may have a bf👀

This was a fantastic, swoon-worthy, slow-burn romance with raw vulnerability and realistic healing journeys for both main characters. let’s not forget the spice!!! I HIGHLY recommend!! Thank you NetGalley, Page and Vine, and Lisina Coney for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Releases in paperback and on KU February 20th, mark your calendars‼️

read if you like:
🌺 forbidden romance
🌺 age gap
🌺 slow burn/sexual tension
🌺 cat dad
🌺 healing journey
🌺 unique family dynamics

4.5 ⭐

I really enjoyed this, I love revisiting this universe and Lisina's writing

Im obsessed with how far gone they were for each other, even tho it took a while for them to be officially together and move past all the shit they needed to to actually be together, it had me hooked at how in love they were

- age gap
- forbidden - physical therapist x patient
- dual pov / 1st person

I love the journey that we went on with both characters but especially Maddie, seeing where she was in TBLOS to where she is now and the journey she went on in just this one book was so fun

Thank you to Page&Vine and NetGalley for the arc - all opinions are my own

One of my most anticipated books of 2024 and I was lucky enough to receive the ARC! Thank you so much NetGalley. First let me just say, I’m obsessed with Lisina Coney. I was completely blown away by The Brightest Light Of Sunshine and couldn’t wait for Maddie to get her story. I was NOT disappointed. Age gap, ballerina and physical therapist, slowwww burn. Definitely tugs on your heart strings!!! You learn a lot about Maddie in the first book (The first book is her older brother Cal & Grace). She goes through a lot super young which leaves her with a lot of baggage… in walks James. I’ll leave it at that. I loved seeing Cal and Grace’s story 17 years later too. It felt like coming home. Grace is still the voice of reason for the family and her quotes were iconic. This was overall a super cute slow burn romance! 4.5/5 ⭐️

“Listen to me, Maddie. I don’t care that she’s your mom, that she’s family—if you don’t feel comfortable around her anymore, you don’t have to see her. For now, or ever again. You’re an adult now. You’re the only one who can make that decision.”

I loved this book, I originally saw all the hate on Twitter about it and saw the tropes and there all ones I loved, so I gave it ago and I had no regrets, this book is written beautifully. I loved how the hight diffrence was only mentioned when nessersary, and that the age gap was handled really maturely and perfectly, I will be buying this for myself, and recommending to as many people as possible

Darkest Corner of the Heart by Lisina Coney is perfect for an age gap romance reader.

✅ Forbidden romance
✅ Slow burn
✅ Age gap
✅ Physical therapist/ ballet dancer
✅ Family issues
✅ High sexual tension
✅ Plenty of Spicy scenes: intense and explicit
✅ Angst
✅ Suspense
✅ Tear jerker

Maddie, an injured ballerina can't resist the attraction between her physical therapist, James even though he is a few years older than her. Despite a lot of family issues and dark past, Maddie are able to solve her problem by therapy and second chance.

I love the author mature writing style and the characters development. The storyline are addicting and the happy ending are adorable.

I'll definitely be waiting for another book by Lisina Coney.

Published On:

Goodreads - February 11, 2024
YouTube Short - February 13, 2024 3PM EST
Tumblr - February 12, 2024 2:00PM EST


Let me start off by saying that I didn’t read the 1st one but now I want to. (This book can be read as a stand-alone tho)

This trope was the grumpy guy / forbidden romance due to the fact that the love interest is her Physical therapist AND his older (10 years). I was annoyed with how obsessive James (love interest) was with the age gap between them that was brought up WAY more than necessary, especially with everything else that was happening that I wish was more focused on. HOWEVER, they were so cute together so I’m letting it slide.

Ultimately this was a four-star read because I didn’t like how the writing flowed there were parts that were rushed that I wish the author put more focus on and parts that dragged on that imo didn’t need to go on as long as it did.


Thank you Netgalley for this ARC read in exchange for an honest review!

A post from the author about ARCs being available for request came up on my instagram explore page and I RAN to netgalley after reading the description. Thank you to NetGalley & Lisina Coney for the ARC!
Grumpy cat dad PT
Sunshine-y ballerina
Age Gap (and they won't let you forget it lol)
Forbidden Dr/patient relationship (though the relationship starts post-care so it's not *really* forbidden)
Slow burn
Mental health discussions

Maddie and James' story was so sweet and I loved the character growth we got to see in both of them surrounding their family dynamics and life changes/goals. But for all the serious parts, we got plenty of pining and romance! And the epilogue?? *chefs kiss* tied up their story perfectly.
I hadn't read The Brightest Light of Sunshine prior to this but I will definitely be picking it up after having read this! I really enjoyed Lisina's writing and absolutely blew through The Darkest Corner of the Heart.

The hero is a grumpy cat dad. That’s all I needed to know. I loved his character and Maddie was someone anyone could identify with. Such a great read!

I loved The Brightest Light of Sunshine so I was very excited to receive this arc, and it did not disappoint. I finished it all in one day.

Darkest Corner of the Heart is a sweet romance that focuses on mental health, trauma, and healing.

Maddie and James are well-written and have good chemistry. I loved seeing Cal and Grace again, and getting to see the life they’ve made together. Some of the scenes featuring them made me tear up.

I’m excited for the next book in the series!

Such a good read - Lisina did not disappoint on this one!

Age gap, forbidden romance is always such a great concept. There were times when I would hear Maddie’s inner monologue and think “she’s acting so young” forgetting that she’s 21 and her thought process at that age makes sense. Other than forgetting that one little bit of information, this read was well done.

A fun time read for sure!

Rating: ★★★★★
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes
🩰Grumpy/sunshine
🩰Ballet dancer and her physical therapist
🩰Age gap (10 years)
🩰Forbidden romance
🩰Protective cat dad

I believe I've stumbled upon my favorite read of the year with 'The Darkest Corner of the Heart' by Lisina Coney, the second installment in 'The Brightest Light' series. Words escape me as I attempt to capture the magic this book has woven into my heart, undoubtedly securing its place among my all-time favorites.

Lisina's writing is a masterpiece; the emotions she paints are breathtakingly realistic, making every moment feel authentic and relatable. Maddie, the 21-year-old ballet dancer recovering from an accident, stole my heart. Her resilience, kindness, and humor in the face of adversity made her a character I yearned to hug. Her journey of self-discovery resonated deeply, navigating challenges with grace and unwavering determination.

Then enters James, the grumpy yet deeply caring physical therapist. His past betrayals and shattered dreams make him cautious, but his protective and loving nature toward Maddie melts any resistance. The palpable tension & love between them is riveting, creating a connection so strong that it's unparalleled in my reading experience.

The spice in their relationship is off the charts, adding a layer of intensity that kept me hooked. Watching Maddie and James grow individually and together, overcoming past traumas, was both heartwarming and inspiring. And, oh, the bond Maddie shares with her brother, his wife, and niece is portrayed as the epitome of familial support, leaving me in awe of its pure and unfiltered beauty.

I am genuinely at a loss for words to describe the perfection of this book. A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Lisina Coney for the privilege of reading this ARC. I eagerly anticipate delving into more of Lisina's creations, eager to be enchanted once again.

I was very excited to get an arc after having read her first book" The Brightest Light of Sunshine" and loving it! This one was just as good! It has an age gap, forbidden romance, grumpy cat dad, slow burn and the perfect spice. I loved reading about Maddie all grown up (21) and finding her way through some insecurities she has and figuring out what she wants after her dream comes crashing down. Which is how she meets James, her Physical Therapist. He is a grumpy cat dad who is all about showing her how amazing she is, the love she deserves, and protecting her even though he feels like he does not deserve or be allowed to have her because of his own struggles, being 10 years older and her Doctor. I love that Lisina keeps their relationship as just doctor and patient while he is treating her, while also showing us that they are both starting to feel something for each other. I love that we got to see Cal and Grace again along with their daughter Lila!! Lisina is amazing at writing heart-felt characters with so many layers. I hope another story is on the way soon!!
Thanks, Lisina Coney and netgalley for the eARC.

3⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

While I did enjoy this book, there were a few things that kept it from me rating it higher. One being the constant mentioning of their age gap. The other was the experience the fmc had with a therapist in her past, it just threw me off a bit too much. Over all this was quick read and I def will read the 3rd book!

📚 Darkest Corner of the Heart
✍ Lisina Coney
📖 Contemporary, Romance, Fiction
.
.
Following her heart and dreams, Maddie Steven's mind is set on be a professional ballerina. She keeps working hard for it, until one wrong move shatters all what she's been dreaming of..
James Simmons is a Physical Therapist. What he would never expect would be to find someone who will rattle all his walls, leaving nothing but raw emotions.. the very ones he thought long gone..
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Two broken hearts, a beautiful journey of healing, of sel-worth, regaing faith and to finding love when least expected..
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All the feels:
❤ forbidden romance
❤ age gap
❤ forced proximity
❤ slow burn
❤ journey of healing
❤ dating apps
❤ mandalas
❤ grumpy Dad cat

Darkest Corner of the Heart is about a girl named Maddie, she's a ballet dancer whose injury shattered her hopes of chasing her dreams. Because she's only 21 and wants to continue working towards her future, she decides to get some help from a physical therapist, James who is about 10 years older. I loved these characters; I think that they're well-written and their love story was great because it was forbidden. During the times they shared, lines blur, and their chemistry sizzles. The pacing is perfect, and the emotional depth keeps you engaged, the writing style is evocative, and it makes you feel like you're there. The setting adds to the charm and Maddie's determination and James's complexity adds to the romance. If you're a fan of intense romance, complex characters, age-gap romances, and slow-burn stories this is the book for you!
Also included that I forgot to mention: themes of alcoholism, drugs, profanity, and explicit scenes.

I just reviewed Darkest Corner of the Heart by Lisina Coney. #DarkestCorneroftheHeart #NetGalley

I adore the first one and all its beauty, but this one has my heart. I loved getting to see Maddie and James’ story. We love grumpy sunshine, workplace romance and age gap. James literally is the best protector and his dirty talk was everything. Maddie’s self doubts and anxious thoughts are something everyone with anxiety can relate to. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

4.75 ⭐️ I loved this book so much I finished it in one sitting. The premise of a ballerina injured and physical therapist was new to me and it was so interesting. I can’t wait for more books