What do you think?
Rate this book
Any Means Necessary
Callum Russo is a meticulous man all about information, leverage, and control. Known only in the most exclusive circles, Callum is the man with the plan and he gets results by any means necessary. That is, until a blonde bombshell walks into his carefully curated life like a pretty, pink wrecking-ball. She has the potential to break through every one of the carefully constructed masks he’s spent years hiding behind.
Lexie West knows who she is and where her life is going. As a plus-size ER nurse working in New York City she thought she was prepared for anything that could be thrown at her. When she trades her travel contract at the hospital for a job house-sitting a luxury penthouse apartment, her only plans are to drink margaritas, try a few recipes, and find a good karaoke bar.
Until one night, when she rounds the corner to find a dangerously attractive giant standing in the penthouse kitchen who claims to own the apartment she is staying in.
She’s seen it all.
But she never could have expected him.
A knock on Lexie’s bedroom door in the middle of the night changes everything. Suddenly, she’s being swept into a world of violence, crime, and influence by a man who solves impossible problems for powerful people.
She’s an unexpected wildcard in his perfect game but he’ll do anything he can to have her… by any means necessary.
**This is a stand alone dark romance with a confident, plus size main character and a dangerous, tattooed, bearded male lead. Please be sure to read the trigger warnings!**
Lexie West knows who she is and where her life is going. As a plus-size ER nurse working in New York City she thought she was prepared for anything that could be thrown at her. When she trades her travel contract at the hospital for a job house-sitting a luxury penthouse apartment, her only plans are to drink margaritas, try a few recipes, and find a good karaoke bar.
Until one night, when she rounds the corner to find a dangerously attractive giant standing in the penthouse kitchen who claims to own the apartment she is staying in.
She’s seen it all.
But she never could have expected him.
A knock on Lexie’s bedroom door in the middle of the night changes everything. Suddenly, she’s being swept into a world of violence, crime, and influence by a man who solves impossible problems for powerful people.
She’s an unexpected wildcard in his perfect game but he’ll do anything he can to have her… by any means necessary.
**This is a stand alone dark romance with a confident, plus size main character and a dangerous, tattooed, bearded male lead. Please be sure to read the trigger warnings!**
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 942 reviews
August 26, 2023
a new fave curvy girl romance.
lexie’s on a break from nursing after a particularly traumatic night in the ER and thinks she has it made housesitting a gorgeous apartment… only to come out of her room to find a tall, tattooed, sexy man finishing cooking her steak (the dream). long story short, if she wants a place to stay, she has to agree to be a mafia-adjacent man’s on call nurse.
this was so cute and definitely falls under my category, cozy dark romance. you never doubt for one single second that callum is OBSESSED with her and will do anything for her. he literally reupholsters his car because her thighs stuck to his old seats.
lexie’s a great plus size lead - confident and sure of herself and callum sureeee loves every inch of her.
so good, i hope we get some other stories for callum’s associates.
lexie’s on a break from nursing after a particularly traumatic night in the ER and thinks she has it made housesitting a gorgeous apartment… only to come out of her room to find a tall, tattooed, sexy man finishing cooking her steak (the dream). long story short, if she wants a place to stay, she has to agree to be a mafia-adjacent man’s on call nurse.
this was so cute and definitely falls under my category, cozy dark romance. you never doubt for one single second that callum is OBSESSED with her and will do anything for her. he literally reupholsters his car because her thighs stuck to his old seats.
lexie’s a great plus size lead - confident and sure of herself and callum sureeee loves every inch of her.
so good, i hope we get some other stories for callum’s associates.
July 7, 2023
I received an ARC for this book, and I was so excited to read it! I unfortunately didn't like it as much as I hoped. I'm a plus size lady and I love a good plus size romance but something about this book just didn't click with me. It had everything I love in a darker romance book; sexy MMC, steamy scenes, protective MMC, jealousy, banter, violence but not too over the top.
There were moments in the violence that I thought were a little over the line for me but that's my personal line. The writing was done well, there were a few errors in the book but nothing too crazy. The only thing I want to mention about the writing is that the author used the word boobs, tits, and breasts 92 times in this book. I searched it because I was curious. It was on practically every other page. I only mention it so perhaps it can be something that's monitored for future books.
I'm truly sorry I didn't love this but it's just one person's opinion and I want to be truthful!
⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5
There were moments in the violence that I thought were a little over the line for me but that's my personal line. The writing was done well, there were a few errors in the book but nothing too crazy. The only thing I want to mention about the writing is that the author used the word boobs, tits, and breasts 92 times in this book. I searched it because I was curious. It was on practically every other page. I only mention it so perhaps it can be something that's monitored for future books.
I'm truly sorry I didn't love this but it's just one person's opinion and I want to be truthful!
⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5
September 18, 2023
i think my rating for books is getting A LOT harsher. bc i read like 7 books and all of them got 3 stars…
maybe my book standards increased or im just in a slump that makes me rate my books harder.
this book wasn’t too bad and i appreciate the change of scenario because all mafia romances are very similar but this was a little different so i liked that. it just dragged on for too long. i also liked that the h was holding off on hooking up w the H but at the same time, when she finally gave in, it wasn’t as great of a scene as i was looking forward to. also, so many things were swept under the rug until the rug became so lumpy that the h finally had to talk with the H about the violence she witnessed in the mafia world. the sub plot of the mafia storyline was so boring too so all in all i enjoyed some parts but it dragged on and was a little boring
safety: no virgins, no owd, curvy h
OMD: h meets a guy on tinder, about to go on date but the H kills him before the date lol
maybe my book standards increased or im just in a slump that makes me rate my books harder.
this book wasn’t too bad and i appreciate the change of scenario because all mafia romances are very similar but this was a little different so i liked that. it just dragged on for too long. i also liked that the h was holding off on hooking up w the H but at the same time, when she finally gave in, it wasn’t as great of a scene as i was looking forward to. also, so many things were swept under the rug until the rug became so lumpy that the h finally had to talk with the H about the violence she witnessed in the mafia world. the sub plot of the mafia storyline was so boring too so all in all i enjoyed some parts but it dragged on and was a little boring
safety: no virgins, no owd, curvy h
OMD: h meets a guy on tinder, about to go on date but the H kills him before the date lol
September 6, 2023
Dnf @ 87%
He calls her Dewdrop (bc she likes Mountain Dew) constantly including while they fuck.
Also her tits or breasts might as well be a main character in the story bc we hear abt them way too much. They’re big we get it but every single character at some pt mentions her boobs it’s odd.
Lastly both of them act to stupid and not like real people for me I’m sorry. Like ok u quit ur job and the person u recommended said they’re housesitting (which y do u have house sit like ever these days) some rich guys appt and u just were like sure let’s switch. Then said rich man comes home and ur like not scared when he and other random men just come in and out of the house like huh. And then for him he just immediately lets this girl stay here where like she could’ve snooped and he’s a big bad fixer how did he not know that someone else had been living in his place like idk. Also their relationship goes way too fast escpacially on his end where he’s like oh yo we’re together now at like page 60 with no build up. Like what if she’s a spy idk. Not for me
He calls her Dewdrop (bc she likes Mountain Dew) constantly including while they fuck.
Also her tits or breasts might as well be a main character in the story bc we hear abt them way too much. They’re big we get it but every single character at some pt mentions her boobs it’s odd.
Lastly both of them act to stupid and not like real people for me I’m sorry. Like ok u quit ur job and the person u recommended said they’re housesitting (which y do u have house sit like ever these days) some rich guys appt and u just were like sure let’s switch. Then said rich man comes home and ur like not scared when he and other random men just come in and out of the house like huh. And then for him he just immediately lets this girl stay here where like she could’ve snooped and he’s a big bad fixer how did he not know that someone else had been living in his place like idk. Also their relationship goes way too fast escpacially on his end where he’s like oh yo we’re together now at like page 60 with no build up. Like what if she’s a spy idk. Not for me
June 30, 2023
I requested an ARC for..
Any Means Necessary
HERO /HEROINE Callum, “The Fixer”, grew up in a mob family. After a devastating accident that happened to his mother, Callum separated himself from the family business and became what he is today. “The Fixer”, powerful men and women pay him to fix their problems. Callum has a lot of power and influence, not just in NYC but around the world. He is serious, quick to violence, and not afraid to get his hands bloody.
Lexie is a travel ER nurse. She is in NYC and after a life changing event she has decided to take a step back and relax. Focus on her art, new kitchen recipes, and watching reality shows. Lexie is fun and loving. Everyone she meets warms at her smile and she can make friends quickly. She’s in therapy and overall has a good head on her shoulders.
REPRESENTATION fat rep
OVERALL THOUGHTS I praise all authors who give trigger warnings and post them EVERYWHERE. And I was so happy to see a nice page at the front of the book that has a long fleshed out list of warnings for people like me who dive whole heartedly into a new world.
Ooooh baby the first smut scene where Callum just has his hands in her hair and he is going to town with the “eyes on me” attitude. Hot as heck. Callum is serious and passionate even when it comes to sex and it shows. The smut was good.
The banter was fun as well. I LOVE when Lexie was in the club and she was absolutely roasting the guy who was hitting on her in the worst way.
“If your dick is too small to get past my ass, that’s all you had to say.”
Even if I did want you, with your low IQ and receding hairline, I’m obviously too much woman for you. So take your short, balding ass, and cherub chub and go find less.”
The ending was perfect. I loved that after the big event in the book, the one we were resolving the entire story, nothing huge happened to Lexie. No kidnapping or attempted murder or anything too dramatic. We got an event where Lexie needed support from Callum. The reader and Lexie were able to see a more calmer, sweeter, less possessive side of Callum and how he can support our heroine when times are tough.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE For the first 50ish% Callum is a jerk, even to Lexie. The only time we see him being sweet or cuddly is when she’s opening up about a past traumatic event or when he’s cuddling her boobs while in bed. Other than that, he’s frowning at her constantly. I love grumpy x sunshine just as much as the next person but I guess it only works for me if he’s grumpy to everyone else BUT the person he’s obsessed with. And that’s what Callum is, he is obsessed with Lexie. Which I love, but it leads him to jealousy and that leads him to saying some fucked up stuff to her to dim her shine. And that part really miffed me and made me not like him as the morally grey hero.
”Why do you insist on talking to everyone who gives you the time of day? Are you really that desperate for attention?” I snap.
No one respects ridiculous women who try so hard to be the center of attention
bffr just because she lights up a room you gotta be a dick about it and blame her?? ugh .
There is a moment where Lexie isn’t too serious about Callum and she has a chance to go on a date with someone from a dating app. Callum intervenes and our first POV of that event is Callum The reader and Lexie are immediately like what the hell is happening. And Callum is ruthless in his treatment towards her. Almost using this as a sick way to teach her a lesson.
”You didn’t take me seriously the first time. I’m sure you won’t make that mistake again.” and then
Lexie is now standing in an alley watching this gory sight, traumatized, and is pleading with Callum, telling him she’ll never look at a man again. Like, this was a sad moment. And as hot as dark romances can be, this kind of crap isn't fun for me. Especially when the man we’re rooting for is supposed to be the one safe place for our heroine and even though he isn’t acting physically dangerous to our heroine at this moment, he’s doing this to emotionally hurt her because she made a decision he didn’t like. A decision btw that seemed natural to Lexie because nothing was set in stone between Callum and her. Callum is grouchy as hell and up until that moment frowned and yelled at her daily just for being herself. Of course she wanted to go on a date with someone who actually acted like they like her.
Now in the next chapter we get Callums POV. We find out Lexie's date was not a good guy. A sleazy guy on a dating app who used humor and lies to get a date with her and what tipped Callum over was I think the author planned that out really well. Most readers will be understandable against how violent he was because now they know the whole story and Callum went into action to protect Lexie. But I don’t see it that way. He still texted Lexie to meet in the alley to see if she would meet somewhere sketchy, scolded her for it, and then proceeded to scare her in an alleyway and which had her in hysterics and had her running away from him in the end. He wasn’t sorry about it. What made it worse, she came back the next day and basically thanked him for it. :( idk man that’s toeing the line of manipulating and emotional abuse for me. I like villains but I like when they do that to everyone else and not the one they are obsessed with.
The book was long, a little over 400 pages and it felt like it. The reader gets a lot of information and a lot of different moments for the couple. The first 50% Callum is a total dick and It was hard for me to like him tbh. I would have loved it if we didn’t get any of the scenes where Callum was mean to Lexie. mean to everyone else idc. I love when he put his family in place when they were calling her Barbie. I loved the club scene. And I loved everything after he started laughing out loud with her and just bonding with her.
Another thing that irked me, is although Lexie was written as “plus size”, as someone who is plus size I search out these books because I love reading about fat and fabulous women. Most of the time, I’m not happy with the result.
I feel like authors focus on midsize bodies, bodies that are what most society sees as “acceptable fat” or “pretty fat” and that’s what Lexie was. She was a size 18-20, the national average is a 16, so not really far off from normal America, and 232 lbs. 5’4 with big tits. Like just Google those measurements and you can see those women and they are all an acceptably plump size. And I know, at least for me, and the fat communities I’m a part of, a lot of women 300+ feel this way, that they don’t fit into the standard beauty of plus size. Plus size fashion is now larger than it has ever been but it all is really tailored for the “acceptable” fat size. The skinny fat. The fat woman who has hips and tits and a small waste. The women who are big everywhere but their face. Society accepts the pretty fat, and shuns the women who have bigger bellies and no tits. Or fat back, large arms, and no waste. There are so many combinations of fat women that are SEXY, more than just the hourglass bombshell.
FAVORITE QUOTES: Not a distraction, she’s a devastation. A tornado of beautiful chaos determined to leave my life in ruins. And I’m nothing short of a storm chaser praying for disaster.
SAFETY
AGE: Lexi is 26 and Callum is 32
SEXUAL HISTORY: Both are not virgins. They don’t really go into detail on past lovers.
CONDOMS: Yes and towards the end Lexie established she has an implant and then no condoms after that. Yaaas safe king and queen
HEAT LEVEL: 3/5 baby. So passionate and Callum has staminaaaa. But not really filthy sex. Just hard and demanding.
PUSH/PULL: Lexie, the entire fucking book lmao
SEPARATION: A few times yes. But not for long.
CHEATING: No
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Lexie attempts to go on a date with another man.
SEX SCENE WITH OW/OM: No
ABUSE: Past Parental Neglect,
POSSIBLE PET PEEVES/TRIGGERS
Trigger warnings given by author. (bless you bby)
Death
Use of Guns and Violence
Knife Violence
Explicit Physical Violence Including Blood and Murder
Mention of Drugs and Drug Use
Fatphobia
Mental Health Topics Such as Panic Attacks and Past Trauma
Threats of Violence
Organized Crime
Torture Used in Interrogation
Kidnapping
Child Abduction
Mention of Underage Sex Trafficking
Explicit Sex Scenes
Mention of Infant Death
Explicit Language
Mention of Child Abuse and Neglect
Alcohol Consumption
Mention of Intended Rape and Date Rape Drugs
Body Dysmorphia
HEA/HFN: HEA
Any Means Necessary
HERO /HEROINE Callum, “The Fixer”, grew up in a mob family. After a devastating accident that happened to his mother, Callum separated himself from the family business and became what he is today. “The Fixer”, powerful men and women pay him to fix their problems. Callum has a lot of power and influence, not just in NYC but around the world. He is serious, quick to violence, and not afraid to get his hands bloody.
Lexie is a travel ER nurse. She is in NYC and after a life changing event she has decided to take a step back and relax. Focus on her art, new kitchen recipes, and watching reality shows. Lexie is fun and loving. Everyone she meets warms at her smile and she can make friends quickly. She’s in therapy and overall has a good head on her shoulders.
REPRESENTATION fat rep
OVERALL THOUGHTS I praise all authors who give trigger warnings and post them EVERYWHERE. And I was so happy to see a nice page at the front of the book that has a long fleshed out list of warnings for people like me who dive whole heartedly into a new world.
Ooooh baby the first smut scene where Callum just has his hands in her hair and he is going to town with the “eyes on me” attitude. Hot as heck. Callum is serious and passionate even when it comes to sex and it shows. The smut was good.
The banter was fun as well. I LOVE when Lexie was in the club and she was absolutely roasting the guy who was hitting on her in the worst way.
“If your dick is too small to get past my ass, that’s all you had to say.”
Even if I did want you, with your low IQ and receding hairline, I’m obviously too much woman for you. So take your short, balding ass, and cherub chub and go find less.”
The ending was perfect. I loved that after the big event in the book, the one we were resolving the entire story, nothing huge happened to Lexie. No kidnapping or attempted murder or anything too dramatic. We got an event where Lexie needed support from Callum. The reader and Lexie were able to see a more calmer, sweeter, less possessive side of Callum and how he can support our heroine when times are tough.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE For the first 50ish% Callum is a jerk, even to Lexie. The only time we see him being sweet or cuddly is when she’s opening up about a past traumatic event or when he’s cuddling her boobs while in bed. Other than that, he’s frowning at her constantly. I love grumpy x sunshine just as much as the next person but I guess it only works for me if he’s grumpy to everyone else BUT the person he’s obsessed with. And that’s what Callum is, he is obsessed with Lexie. Which I love, but it leads him to jealousy and that leads him to saying some fucked up stuff to her to dim her shine. And that part really miffed me and made me not like him as the morally grey hero.
”Why do you insist on talking to everyone who gives you the time of day? Are you really that desperate for attention?” I snap.
No one respects ridiculous women who try so hard to be the center of attention
bffr just because she lights up a room you gotta be a dick about it and blame her?? ugh .
There is a moment where Lexie isn’t too serious about Callum and she has a chance to go on a date with someone from a dating app. Callum intervenes and our first POV of that event is Callum The reader and Lexie are immediately like what the hell is happening. And Callum is ruthless in his treatment towards her. Almost using this as a sick way to teach her a lesson.
”You didn’t take me seriously the first time. I’m sure you won’t make that mistake again.” and then
Lexie is now standing in an alley watching this gory sight, traumatized, and is pleading with Callum, telling him she’ll never look at a man again. Like, this was a sad moment. And as hot as dark romances can be, this kind of crap isn't fun for me. Especially when the man we’re rooting for is supposed to be the one safe place for our heroine and even though he isn’t acting physically dangerous to our heroine at this moment, he’s doing this to emotionally hurt her because she made a decision he didn’t like. A decision btw that seemed natural to Lexie because nothing was set in stone between Callum and her. Callum is grouchy as hell and up until that moment frowned and yelled at her daily just for being herself. Of course she wanted to go on a date with someone who actually acted like they like her.
Now in the next chapter we get Callums POV. We find out Lexie's date was not a good guy. A sleazy guy on a dating app who used humor and lies to get a date with her and what tipped Callum over was I think the author planned that out really well. Most readers will be understandable against how violent he was because now they know the whole story and Callum went into action to protect Lexie. But I don’t see it that way. He still texted Lexie to meet in the alley to see if she would meet somewhere sketchy, scolded her for it, and then proceeded to scare her in an alleyway and which had her in hysterics and had her running away from him in the end. He wasn’t sorry about it. What made it worse, she came back the next day and basically thanked him for it. :( idk man that’s toeing the line of manipulating and emotional abuse for me. I like villains but I like when they do that to everyone else and not the one they are obsessed with.
The book was long, a little over 400 pages and it felt like it. The reader gets a lot of information and a lot of different moments for the couple. The first 50% Callum is a total dick and It was hard for me to like him tbh. I would have loved it if we didn’t get any of the scenes where Callum was mean to Lexie. mean to everyone else idc. I love when he put his family in place when they were calling her Barbie. I loved the club scene. And I loved everything after he started laughing out loud with her and just bonding with her.
Another thing that irked me, is although Lexie was written as “plus size”, as someone who is plus size I search out these books because I love reading about fat and fabulous women. Most of the time, I’m not happy with the result.
I feel like authors focus on midsize bodies, bodies that are what most society sees as “acceptable fat” or “pretty fat” and that’s what Lexie was. She was a size 18-20, the national average is a 16, so not really far off from normal America, and 232 lbs. 5’4 with big tits. Like just Google those measurements and you can see those women and they are all an acceptably plump size. And I know, at least for me, and the fat communities I’m a part of, a lot of women 300+ feel this way, that they don’t fit into the standard beauty of plus size. Plus size fashion is now larger than it has ever been but it all is really tailored for the “acceptable” fat size. The skinny fat. The fat woman who has hips and tits and a small waste. The women who are big everywhere but their face. Society accepts the pretty fat, and shuns the women who have bigger bellies and no tits. Or fat back, large arms, and no waste. There are so many combinations of fat women that are SEXY, more than just the hourglass bombshell.
FAVORITE QUOTES: Not a distraction, she’s a devastation. A tornado of beautiful chaos determined to leave my life in ruins. And I’m nothing short of a storm chaser praying for disaster.
SAFETY
AGE: Lexi is 26 and Callum is 32
SEXUAL HISTORY: Both are not virgins. They don’t really go into detail on past lovers.
CONDOMS: Yes and towards the end Lexie established she has an implant and then no condoms after that. Yaaas safe king and queen
HEAT LEVEL: 3/5 baby. So passionate and Callum has staminaaaa. But not really filthy sex. Just hard and demanding.
PUSH/PULL: Lexie, the entire fucking book lmao
SEPARATION: A few times yes. But not for long.
CHEATING: No
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Lexie attempts to go on a date with another man.
SEX SCENE WITH OW/OM: No
ABUSE: Past Parental Neglect,
POSSIBLE PET PEEVES/TRIGGERS
Trigger warnings given by author. (bless you bby)
Death
Use of Guns and Violence
Knife Violence
Explicit Physical Violence Including Blood and Murder
Mention of Drugs and Drug Use
Fatphobia
Mental Health Topics Such as Panic Attacks and Past Trauma
Threats of Violence
Organized Crime
Torture Used in Interrogation
Kidnapping
Child Abduction
Mention of Underage Sex Trafficking
Explicit Sex Scenes
Mention of Infant Death
Explicit Language
Mention of Child Abuse and Neglect
Alcohol Consumption
Mention of Intended Rape and Date Rape Drugs
Body Dysmorphia
HEA/HFN: HEA
June 6, 2023
4.3 stars
Now let me tell you the way I traded sleep just to finish this book. I finally had the time after a strenuous weekend to sit down and read this book and there are a couple of things I have to say with no structural way to tell you.
FINALLY, a plus-size romance novel that I can get behind. While I will admit that there are plus size romances that are all cute and fluff, this one goes to show that us girlies who live on the larger end of life can have some sweet utter filth in the bedroom. I have read many plus size romances in my day because I was so desperate to find an fmc I can truly identify with and this is it. While I don’t live life as large as Lexie, I can relate to the amount of confidence she has with her self image. She gives “yeah I may not be your cup of tea but it doesn’t negate the fact that I’m still scalding asf” energy. Like we love a confident girl (and so does Callum), I am so tired of plus size romances having the, “no I want to see you, I think you’re perfect” fluff. Like no, I want a primal need for our fmc. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fluff, I love the warmth and consideration, but I also need the carnage.
Okay, Callum. Thank you. Just thank you. I finally have a morally grey guy in the list of fictional men that doesn’t try to fluff the curve. Like let me tell you that there is praise, but then there is worship and Callum might as well pray at Lexie’s feet (I wouldn’t be so surprised if he hasn’t). I enjoy how the spicy bits were dirty sex, I just don’t think anyone understands that we need this too and Ms Lila Herron understood the assignment for this one. I hope my twirl is waiting for me as much as I’m waiting for it. Also, the pride Callum has in having Lexie by his side even though they weren’t even official. Ugh just kill me now.
Also can I talk about the way I had no idea this was going to be a Grumpy x Sunshine? Like I definitely read the excerpt as we all did but how come it only clicked in my mind that this trope was at play until I reached the last page of the book. It was truly no wonder why I was such a sucker for this relationship. Filthy Grumpy x Sunshine with a hint of the rich boy spoiling our fmc? Best know my name will always be on that list.
I got this book as an ARC (and it was my very first ARC ever) and I’m leaving this review or rather fan-girl moment because I loved it so much. What an amazing debut novel for Lila. Keep slaying queen.
[I will also be editing this review after the release of this book so that I can include all the juicy bits that made me scream and swoon into my pillow]
Now let me tell you the way I traded sleep just to finish this book. I finally had the time after a strenuous weekend to sit down and read this book and there are a couple of things I have to say with no structural way to tell you.
FINALLY, a plus-size romance novel that I can get behind. While I will admit that there are plus size romances that are all cute and fluff, this one goes to show that us girlies who live on the larger end of life can have some sweet utter filth in the bedroom. I have read many plus size romances in my day because I was so desperate to find an fmc I can truly identify with and this is it. While I don’t live life as large as Lexie, I can relate to the amount of confidence she has with her self image. She gives “yeah I may not be your cup of tea but it doesn’t negate the fact that I’m still scalding asf” energy. Like we love a confident girl (and so does Callum), I am so tired of plus size romances having the, “no I want to see you, I think you’re perfect” fluff. Like no, I want a primal need for our fmc. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fluff, I love the warmth and consideration, but I also need the carnage.
Okay, Callum. Thank you. Just thank you. I finally have a morally grey guy in the list of fictional men that doesn’t try to fluff the curve. Like let me tell you that there is praise, but then there is worship and Callum might as well pray at Lexie’s feet (I wouldn’t be so surprised if he hasn’t). I enjoy how the spicy bits were dirty sex, I just don’t think anyone understands that we need this too and Ms Lila Herron understood the assignment for this one. I hope my twirl is waiting for me as much as I’m waiting for it. Also, the pride Callum has in having Lexie by his side even though they weren’t even official. Ugh just kill me now.
Also can I talk about the way I had no idea this was going to be a Grumpy x Sunshine? Like I definitely read the excerpt as we all did but how come it only clicked in my mind that this trope was at play until I reached the last page of the book. It was truly no wonder why I was such a sucker for this relationship. Filthy Grumpy x Sunshine with a hint of the rich boy spoiling our fmc? Best know my name will always be on that list.
I got this book as an ARC (and it was my very first ARC ever) and I’m leaving this review or rather fan-girl moment because I loved it so much. What an amazing debut novel for Lila. Keep slaying queen.
[I will also be editing this review after the release of this book so that I can include all the juicy bits that made me scream and swoon into my pillow]
April 20, 2024
This one goes out to the big titty committee
September 11, 2023
3.75 🌟 just for the cuteness. 💗
This was an absolute 💯 adorable debut novel.
I know that this is a dark romance but I still thought it was cute, could've been more dark but I liked it.
Plus sized FMC ✔️ (Representation 💓)
Hot Tattooed obsessed MMC ✔️
I did think it was longer then it should've been and there wasn't any actual conflict in it, not really, but I definitely enjoyed this and would love to read more from this author. 💟💟💟
This was an absolute 💯 adorable debut novel.
I know that this is a dark romance but I still thought it was cute, could've been more dark but I liked it.
Plus sized FMC ✔️ (Representation 💓)
Hot Tattooed obsessed MMC ✔️
I did think it was longer then it should've been and there wasn't any actual conflict in it, not really, but I definitely enjoyed this and would love to read more from this author. 💟💟💟
September 17, 2023
dnf at 56%
this was so unbearably bad and he is just a straight up psychopath i have no idea how someone can read this and find it romantic
this was so unbearably bad and he is just a straight up psychopath i have no idea how someone can read this and find it romantic
October 26, 2023
I’m overwhelmed but underwhelmed. I feel so much yet so little. It gave everything, and nothing at the exact same time.
January 4, 2024
DNF @ 70%.
I am so bored.
I am so bored.
January 23, 2024
the amount of times her boobs were mentioned was ASSSSSTRONOMICAL
April 23, 2024
love my babies lexie & callum 🤞💘
anyways this book took me long to read mostly because I was lazy hehehe honestly that miscommunication could’ve easily been communicated 😀 yeah that’s that
anyways this book took me long to read mostly because I was lazy hehehe honestly that miscommunication could’ve easily been communicated 😀 yeah that’s that
June 3, 2024
Lexie: signs a contract to work for a murderer
Also Lexie, every time he murders someone: 😮
Also Lexie, every time he murders someone: 😮
June 2, 2024
0 stars but I have to drop a rating so 0.5 stars.
I struggled to finish this, it was so boring. I did not like either of the mcs, which is crazy cause I really did try to love Lexie if only for the plus sized rep at least. The mmc is a controlling psychopath with no idea what boundaries are and he continues this behavior even after she tells him about her childhood and how controlling her parents were, how she doesn't ever want to feel like that again. He acts like he understands her pain only to continue being a controlling piece of shit. It was so infuriating.
The pacing is also really fast?? Why are we 60 pages in and he just springs on her that she belongs to him?? No prior tension or feelings??
Another major issue I have with the book is how every single person in the book is always talking about her boobs. boobs, tits and breasts are probably used like a hundred times, at some point you begin to wonder if that's all the author wants her to be seen for; a plus size girl with huge tits.
So many things wrong with the story I can't even remember most of them, I would not recommend reading.
I struggled to finish this, it was so boring. I did not like either of the mcs, which is crazy cause I really did try to love Lexie if only for the plus sized rep at least. The mmc is a controlling psychopath with no idea what boundaries are and he continues this behavior even after she tells him about her childhood and how controlling her parents were, how she doesn't ever want to feel like that again. He acts like he understands her pain only to continue being a controlling piece of shit. It was so infuriating.
The pacing is also really fast?? Why are we 60 pages in and he just springs on her that she belongs to him?? No prior tension or feelings??
Another major issue I have with the book is how every single person in the book is always talking about her boobs. boobs, tits and breasts are probably used like a hundred times, at some point you begin to wonder if that's all the author wants her to be seen for; a plus size girl with huge tits.
So many things wrong with the story I can't even remember most of them, I would not recommend reading.
June 9, 2023
If you love grumpy men & a sunshine plus-size FMC, you’ll love this. I’ve been following this book while she was writing & I can honestly say this book gave me so many warm fuzzy feelings. Callum and Lexie are perfectly made for each other!
Thanks to the author for letting me be a part of her ARC team❤️
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
HEA guaranteed!
Thanks to the author for letting me be a part of her ARC team❤️
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
HEA guaranteed!
March 2, 2024
lexie is allergic to standing on business.
she is also allergic to common sense apparently
she is also allergic to common sense apparently
September 30, 2023
Me not seeing this book absolutely everywhere is actually criminal!
We love a confident plus size queen that embraces her femininity and a man that’s loves all of her too!
This had the perfect build up and tension with no unnecessary drama. Callum was a dream!
I do think there was a few missed opportunities with some scenes which could have really made this a 5star read but apart from that I had no issues with this book at all.
It was a super easy read that I read in a day!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Plus size fmc
Grumpy mmc
Forced proximity
We love a confident plus size queen that embraces her femininity and a man that’s loves all of her too!
This had the perfect build up and tension with no unnecessary drama. Callum was a dream!
I do think there was a few missed opportunities with some scenes which could have really made this a 5star read but apart from that I had no issues with this book at all.
It was a super easy read that I read in a day!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Plus size fmc
Grumpy mmc
Forced proximity
July 12, 2023
The things I read for book bingos
#JOMC
#JOMC
Read
April 22, 2024DNF @ 213/326
I couldn't like either of the MCs, hence, no rating.
I couldn't like either of the MCs, hence, no rating.
June 20, 2023
What a pleasant debut novel!!
Any Means Necessary introduces us to Callum and Lexie. A dark, mysterious, and ruthless man who seeks the assistance of a smart, funny, gorgeous plus-sized woman/nurse.
One thing leads to the next and before we know it, we’re submerged into a world where light and dark mix and there’s a great love story at the end.
For this to be the first book from our author, it was written really well. I was pleasantly surprised to know that both characters had a thorough back story to them that wasn’t overpowering throughout the book.
I was well aware that this book is in the dark mafia romance category, and as such, I was expecting some graphic scenes when it comes to the mafia aspect and I was actually surprised that these scenes were actually very graphic. It literally felt like a movie was playing in my head when Callum was exercising what he’s good at.
The pace went very well and it felt pretty realistic. Personally, for me, I had a very hard time connecting with the idea of a plus-sized female main character because it doesn’t just happen. Even though I was aware of how gorgeous our FMC is, I just couldn’t picture myself in a similar situation, but this is more on me than the actual work. It did take a while for me to be truly able to enjoy the book as someone who is also plus size because I’ve been programmed that big girls simply aren’t loved by the handsome, tattooed guy. So, I truly applaud the author in creating this work to create more representation.
I know we receive a background for Lexie, but I kind of wished we could’ve gotten some type of interaction with her family and not just towards the end. I did feel that Callum had a bit more “screen time” than Lexie, but that also cemented the possessiveness and roughness of his character.
The spice in this book was VERY good and quite spicy. I may or may not have fanned my face a couple of times 🤣.
Overall, this book was very well rounded and could be the basis of a series if the author chooses to. I’d definitely love to see a story with Roscoe and Liam!
As always, this review is given voluntarily in exchange for an ARC.
Any Means Necessary introduces us to Callum and Lexie. A dark, mysterious, and ruthless man who seeks the assistance of a smart, funny, gorgeous plus-sized woman/nurse.
One thing leads to the next and before we know it, we’re submerged into a world where light and dark mix and there’s a great love story at the end.
For this to be the first book from our author, it was written really well. I was pleasantly surprised to know that both characters had a thorough back story to them that wasn’t overpowering throughout the book.
I was well aware that this book is in the dark mafia romance category, and as such, I was expecting some graphic scenes when it comes to the mafia aspect and I was actually surprised that these scenes were actually very graphic. It literally felt like a movie was playing in my head when Callum was exercising what he’s good at.
The pace went very well and it felt pretty realistic. Personally, for me, I had a very hard time connecting with the idea of a plus-sized female main character because it doesn’t just happen. Even though I was aware of how gorgeous our FMC is, I just couldn’t picture myself in a similar situation, but this is more on me than the actual work. It did take a while for me to be truly able to enjoy the book as someone who is also plus size because I’ve been programmed that big girls simply aren’t loved by the handsome, tattooed guy. So, I truly applaud the author in creating this work to create more representation.
I know we receive a background for Lexie, but I kind of wished we could’ve gotten some type of interaction with her family and not just towards the end. I did feel that Callum had a bit more “screen time” than Lexie, but that also cemented the possessiveness and roughness of his character.
The spice in this book was VERY good and quite spicy. I may or may not have fanned my face a couple of times 🤣.
Overall, this book was very well rounded and could be the basis of a series if the author chooses to. I’d definitely love to see a story with Roscoe and Liam!
As always, this review is given voluntarily in exchange for an ARC.
June 8, 2023
as soon as i saw this on tiktok i knew i needed to get an arc
Lila Herron’s debut novel is a good start for dark romances that have plus-size woman as the FMC. although the book was not as dark as i expected, it's a good starting point for readers who are new to the mafia/dark romance verse. the plot is well thought out, and the book features great representation of plus size women who are confident in their bodies but still have those bad days.
the only negatives i have is that the book was a little much on the fat-shaming. i get that it’s supposed to be relatable but i found myself rolling my eyes at the overuse of it. the characters, Lexie and Callum, have a complex relationship that is both protective and caring but also immature at times. i found Lexie to be a little naive when it came to Callum and his business. especially when she found out what he was capable of… she got mad at him knowing who he was proceeded to have sex with him..… multiple times then got mad again. whereas Callum was very protective and caring of Lexie, but that does not erase the fact that he came off as emotionally intelligent as an immature 20 year old at times. he never talked about his feelings and constantly used sex instead. Overall, the book has potential, but there's room for growth.
🌟thank you Lila and her team for giving me an ARC 🌟
Lila Herron’s debut novel is a good start for dark romances that have plus-size woman as the FMC. although the book was not as dark as i expected, it's a good starting point for readers who are new to the mafia/dark romance verse. the plot is well thought out, and the book features great representation of plus size women who are confident in their bodies but still have those bad days.
the only negatives i have is that the book was a little much on the fat-shaming. i get that it’s supposed to be relatable but i found myself rolling my eyes at the overuse of it. the characters, Lexie and Callum, have a complex relationship that is both protective and caring but also immature at times. i found Lexie to be a little naive when it came to Callum and his business. especially when she found out what he was capable of… she got mad at him knowing who he was proceeded to have sex with him..… multiple times then got mad again. whereas Callum was very protective and caring of Lexie, but that does not erase the fact that he came off as emotionally intelligent as an immature 20 year old at times. he never talked about his feelings and constantly used sex instead. Overall, the book has potential, but there's room for growth.
🌟thank you Lila and her team for giving me an ARC 🌟
June 7, 2023
This couple will now be one of my ultimate favorites. Was the spice good? Oh yes. But what topped the cake was just a man who was obsessed with this very beautiful and genuine woman. I couldn’t get enough. I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy and it did not disappoint. I look forward to anything else that Lila may write in the future.
June 5, 2023
This book is the first from debut author Lila Heron. It features a MC that is curvier and I loved it!!!!
Lexie is spunky, hilarious, and witty. She was beyond relatable and was a wonderful POV to read. It was so refreshing to get a story that was about a curvy woman and a rugged tatted man. It’s definitely unconventional from what is considered “mainstream” romance books.
Can’t wait to read more from Lila!
Lexie is spunky, hilarious, and witty. She was beyond relatable and was a wonderful POV to read. It was so refreshing to get a story that was about a curvy woman and a rugged tatted man. It’s definitely unconventional from what is considered “mainstream” romance books.
Can’t wait to read more from Lila!
January 15, 2024
read Jan 15, 2024 - Jan 15, 2024: 1 star
March 21, 2024
Overall REALLY loved this morally grey mafia curvy romance.
Slow at times but honestly love how infatuated Cal is with Lexie.
Slow at times but honestly love how infatuated Cal is with Lexie.
Read
April 27, 2024good gawd, i can't with this book anymore. IT DRRRAAAAGGGGGGGGGSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS on and on and on and I can't hang with this annoying book.
she is burned out being a ER nurse so she moves and gets lucky moving to a penthouse to....housesit? AGAIN. Another book like fool me once by kyra parsi and the same premise. UGH.
he comes home to find her there and it was just....such a snoozer. No chemistry, no talking really, no banter, no emotions.
I think people like the fact that shes curvy and not the usual model type? I don't care what they look like. I want some romance and this aint it son.
i'm fucking bored. DNF
she is burned out being a ER nurse so she moves and gets lucky moving to a penthouse to....housesit? AGAIN. Another book like fool me once by kyra parsi and the same premise. UGH.
he comes home to find her there and it was just....such a snoozer. No chemistry, no talking really, no banter, no emotions.
I think people like the fact that shes curvy and not the usual model type? I don't care what they look like. I want some romance and this aint it son.
i'm fucking bored. DNF
June 6, 2023
This was an ARC read, courtesy of Ms Lila Herron and BookFunnel - though all thoughts, feelings, and opinions are completely my own.
Devoured within a day thank you very much! Now this book had me in knots, and you’ll see why with my highlights at the bottom of this review that I kept for this book (first review with them in!) However what you won’t find in this review, is spoilers.
The plot - enemies to lovers, forced proximity, grumpy X sunshine, mafia romance, a medical romance too, a HEA and smut which was a good 3.5/5 on the spice scale. However, as always, CHECK YA MF TRIGGERS PEOPLE. THERE’S A LOT IN HERE. Morally grey men? Yes sir thank you very much. It was also hilarious at points, which trumps all of the above if you ask me.
The MC - I love Lexie. She’s everything I want, including being plus sized! She had her insecurities but is working on it, and we love a Queen who wants to get better. I’m addicted to her, I’d read more books with her in it.
The male counterpart - Callum is our morally grey mafia man and I want ALL of him. Tall, tattoos, beard, he’s got everything. Okay so sometimes he was a bit pushy, and he misreads situations occasionally, but damn if that didn’t make me love him more.
The quotes:
“I want to bury myself in those gorgeous tits of yours while I pound into your pussy until I’m balls deep and you’re screaming my name.”
~~ That’ll fuckin do it yup. Thank you Callum for your love of bigger ladies
“Oh, you wouldn’t die. I’d stitch you up.” I offer him a smile that’s sugar and spice and everything nice, batting my eyelashes. “But only once you said please.”
~~ My kinda girl - badass with brilliant retorts!
“This greedy, demanding man will take everything I freely give him without question or pause, just as long as I’m sober and willing. And god, am I willing.”
~~ Amen sister, better women than us have done more for less.
“..looks exactly like one of her sundresses but isn’t. This one has pockets, something she gets very excited about every time she remembers. Even now as we stand in the store where I buy my custom suits, Lexie’s hands keep finding her pockets as she looks around.”
~~ Pockets are a luxury few companies can afford - POCKETS! Gotta bloody love them.
“The seats are different. I thought they were leather.” My fingers run over the fabric covering the seats. It’s smooth as butter and feels expensive. “They were. I had them reupholstered.”
~~ Screaming, crying, throwing up. What a man - I’m gonna be sick how fucking cute is that?!
Devoured within a day thank you very much! Now this book had me in knots, and you’ll see why with my highlights at the bottom of this review that I kept for this book (first review with them in!) However what you won’t find in this review, is spoilers.
The plot - enemies to lovers, forced proximity, grumpy X sunshine, mafia romance, a medical romance too, a HEA and smut which was a good 3.5/5 on the spice scale. However, as always, CHECK YA MF TRIGGERS PEOPLE. THERE’S A LOT IN HERE. Morally grey men? Yes sir thank you very much. It was also hilarious at points, which trumps all of the above if you ask me.
The MC - I love Lexie. She’s everything I want, including being plus sized! She had her insecurities but is working on it, and we love a Queen who wants to get better. I’m addicted to her, I’d read more books with her in it.
The male counterpart - Callum is our morally grey mafia man and I want ALL of him. Tall, tattoos, beard, he’s got everything. Okay so sometimes he was a bit pushy, and he misreads situations occasionally, but damn if that didn’t make me love him more.
The quotes:
“I want to bury myself in those gorgeous tits of yours while I pound into your pussy until I’m balls deep and you’re screaming my name.”
~~ That’ll fuckin do it yup. Thank you Callum for your love of bigger ladies
“Oh, you wouldn’t die. I’d stitch you up.” I offer him a smile that’s sugar and spice and everything nice, batting my eyelashes. “But only once you said please.”
~~ My kinda girl - badass with brilliant retorts!
“This greedy, demanding man will take everything I freely give him without question or pause, just as long as I’m sober and willing. And god, am I willing.”
~~ Amen sister, better women than us have done more for less.
“..looks exactly like one of her sundresses but isn’t. This one has pockets, something she gets very excited about every time she remembers. Even now as we stand in the store where I buy my custom suits, Lexie’s hands keep finding her pockets as she looks around.”
~~ Pockets are a luxury few companies can afford - POCKETS! Gotta bloody love them.
“The seats are different. I thought they were leather.” My fingers run over the fabric covering the seats. It’s smooth as butter and feels expensive. “They were. I had them reupholstered.”
~~ Screaming, crying, throwing up. What a man - I’m gonna be sick how fucking cute is that?!
November 26, 2023
2.5 ⭐️⭐️ rounded up
This was just another in a long line of recent reads that haven’t hit the mark for me.
The mafia plot was pretty weak, and I didn’t feel like it really added much to the story. The main conflict between Callum (H) and Lexie (h) centred around his violent work life and morally gray (probably more like black to be honest) nature. I think maybe the grumpy-sunshine dynamic didn’t really work for me because Lexie came across as a distinctly unlikable heroine. She was like a caricature of what I assume is meant to be a kind, bubbly character. I can appreciate the adversity she had faced, but her actions often left me wondering how she managed to get through life as such a naive yet stubborn person. Also, despite picking this book because I love to see stories with plus sized heroines, I genuinely could not believe how many times the characters in this book said something about her f*cking “gigantic boobs”. I think you can exist in a plus sized body without having to constantly sexualise yourself. I did love her confidence though, and her take downs of people who tried to belittle her were pretty great.
The romance was let down by the constant push and pull between the characters, and the fact that despite Lexie’s hesitations about Callum as a person, she often fell prey to body betrayal syndrome. Callum was pretty unfeeling up until 40%, and even then some of his moral decisions were incredibly questionable, if not confronting. I ended up liking Callum for the most part, and felt his obsession with and love for Lexie was genuine.
Safety:
No virgins, no ow drama and H didn’t seem to be a manwhore. Not much mention of his past, other than to say that he usually went for women who looked exactly like the h (I don’t particularly like hearing this).
Om drama when h tries to go on tinder date but it’s ruined by H before anything happens.
Lots of jealousy from H.
This was just another in a long line of recent reads that haven’t hit the mark for me.
The mafia plot was pretty weak, and I didn’t feel like it really added much to the story. The main conflict between Callum (H) and Lexie (h) centred around his violent work life and morally gray (probably more like black to be honest) nature. I think maybe the grumpy-sunshine dynamic didn’t really work for me because Lexie came across as a distinctly unlikable heroine. She was like a caricature of what I assume is meant to be a kind, bubbly character. I can appreciate the adversity she had faced, but her actions often left me wondering how she managed to get through life as such a naive yet stubborn person. Also, despite picking this book because I love to see stories with plus sized heroines, I genuinely could not believe how many times the characters in this book said something about her f*cking “gigantic boobs”. I think you can exist in a plus sized body without having to constantly sexualise yourself. I did love her confidence though, and her take downs of people who tried to belittle her were pretty great.
The romance was let down by the constant push and pull between the characters, and the fact that despite Lexie’s hesitations about Callum as a person, she often fell prey to body betrayal syndrome. Callum was pretty unfeeling up until 40%, and even then some of his moral decisions were incredibly questionable, if not confronting. I ended up liking Callum for the most part, and felt his obsession with and love for Lexie was genuine.
Safety:
No virgins, no ow drama and H didn’t seem to be a manwhore. Not much mention of his past, other than to say that he usually went for women who looked exactly like the h (I don’t particularly like hearing this).
Om drama when h tries to go on tinder date but it’s ruined by H before anything happens.
Lots of jealousy from H.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 942 reviews