Author: Morgan Bridges

Genre: Dark Romance 

Summary: “Once You’re Mine” is a dark romance where a possessive, morally gray attorney named Hayden becomes obsessed with the daughter of a man he killed – Calista Green. Hayden inserts himself into her life under the guise of protection, despite his actions bordering on stalking and control issues. Calista, struggling after her father’s death, is drawn to Hayden’s intensity but also recognizes the danger he represents, leading to a complex, high-tension relationship covered with suspense and a cliffhanger ending. The novel is the first in the “Possessing Her” duology and features themes of control, trauma, and an obsessive stalker romance. 

Merca’s Rating: 🔪🔪🔪out of 5 

                              ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️out of 5

      🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 5

Merca’s Review:

I loved this story—I absolutely ate it up. Callie and Hayden were such a compelling duo, but it was the best friend who stole a few scenes for me. She was hilarious and actually reminded me of a friend I used to have, which made it feel even more personal.

I’m not sure if this book came out before or after the Haunting Adeline duo, but I adored that little cat-and-mouse reference. Hayden switching it up to a “little bird” was so cute and made it its own thing.

One of my favorite moments that always gets me giggling is when Callie finally gets a phone and the flirty banter starts flying. That scene gave me butterflies.

Now, I do have a small pet peeve, and it may just be a me thing… but when authors describe an action and then immediately have the character say what they just did, it pulls me out of the story. It almost feels like the author doesn’t trust their writing or thinks the reader needs extra help understanding (almost like we are stupid). 

For example, Hayden would act obsessed, and then say something like “Why am I so obsessed with her?”—not once, but multiple times. I get it! We get it! It just felt a bit redundant. Please let me know if I am being too harsh.

That being said, I loved the different POVs. And when it did switch (and what I mean by that is that it didn’t backtrack or rehash the same moment), which I seriously appreciate. That kept the story moving and added depth without slowing things down. I personally don’t need to know what the other character is thinking in every scene. If I am reading and following along, I know how the character is going to react in certain parts. For example, Callie with the cake pop. I know what Hayden was thinking without having to read his POV. Does that make sense? 

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and the characters. Can’t wait to see what the author does next!

If you want spoilers, keep reading.

I know it’s a story and they have to create a problem, but you are telling me Callie is smart enough to know she has a stalker, but not smart enough to know to put 2 & 2 together.

Hayden keeps showing up randomly, and now she has a stalker, but doesn’t think maybe it’s the man defending my honor and showing up at clubs, like girl, get it together. 

And Hayden is smart enough to stalk, kill, and be a lawyer, but didn’t get rid of the pearls or come up with a lie? “I dealt with the stalker and got back your pearls.”, ANYTHING!!!!

Masha’s Rating: 🔪🔪out of 5

                          ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5

                          🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 5

Masha’s Review: 

When it comes to dark romance, the anti-heroes are always my favorite. Hayden did not disappoint! Had me wishing I had a stalker throughout the entire book. 

Morgan Bridges definitely took a page out of H.D. Carlton’s handbook. The “little bird” reference was nothing more than an ordinary copycat of the cat and mouse duet, which didn’t appeal to me. But all the controlling and stalking masked by overprotection? Sign. Me. Up. 

Sometimes I couldn’t tell if Callie was actually smart or playing too hard to get. Either way, it was frustrating that she didn’t figure out it was him all along.

Harper, Callie’s best friend, is probably my favorite character. Besides the fact that she’s freaking hilarious, she has no filters and genuinely wants Callie to enjoy her life and be happy. We love a kind-hearted, supportive bestie. 

The last page had me so mad… those stupid pearls and the lingering mystery, I just had to read the next book! 

Stay tuned 👀