Make Me by Alina May Review

Rating: 5/5

On KU: Yes

Publication Date: February 11, 2025

HEA: Yes

Version: e-book

Did I go into this book thinking I would cry? No. Did I in fact cry? Yes. 

Did one of the times have to do with a talking stuffed Highland Cow? Yes, yes it did!

This baby took me for a RIDE!!! I always try to go in with as little information about a book as possible so I don’t spoil anything for myself. So naturally, I assumed I was getting a spicy MMM romance with two serial killers and a cop basically getting it on constantly and kicking the justice systems ass. 

Well… I’m obviously not saying that didn’t happen, but this book far exceeded any expectations I could’ve come up with. 

This story follows Ronan, Logan and Dakota and the process of coping after they have all been impacted by the failures of the justice system. Ronan is an ex cop who specialized in juvenile sex crimes. He witnessed the system fail one too many times and couldn’t do it anymore. He is best friends with a talking stuffed animal who is arguably my favorite character. Logan is a tattoo artist who is constantly plagued by his past and the possibility to make things right. Dakota is a cop who is hopeful of the justice system. His past might be plagued with injustice, but he wants to make a difference and help change the system. It may not play out exactly how he was thinking, but some justice is definitely served. 

Guys, this book had me in my FEELS!!!!!!

When I say feels, I mean gut wrenching in that uncomfortable far to relatable kind of way. Then you get these beautiful dashes of sarcasm and inappropriate humor, and I swear I’ve never felt more seen. I was laughing one moment and getting teary eyed the next. It was perfect. 

I loved how chaotic and messy their healing was, because it was real. Healing IS messy. Trauma IS messy. It’s not always or even often going to be rainbows and butterflies. That doesn’t mean you won’t heal. That doesn’t mean you won’t find your happiness. Watching them deal with their pain, battle their trauma, and help one another hold their broken pieces together was beautifully cathartic. 

Please just read this book. I could talk about this book for days, but I have no self control and I’d spoil the entire thing. 

Before I freaking forget, there is some DELICIOUS spice. It’s not like me to not focus on spice in a book, but dammit the plot freaking got me on this one! With that being said, some of the scenes definitely had me panting. The degradation and good boy kink get me every time!

This book isn’t a light read and has some very heavy content that can be triggering. I always recommend protecting your mental and looking up the content warnings beforehand. A full list can be found on the author’s website.

If you have no triggers, then as always I suggest going in blind and enjoying the ride! This was definitely one of my favorites so far this year!

Tropes:

Dark Romance 

Enemies to Lovers 

Serial Killers

Stalking 

Kidnapping 

Cop x Ex Cop x Tattoo Artist