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Dirty Sparkle
I’ve spent my whole life being good.Good girl.
Good daughter.
Good at following rules that were never mine to begin with.
That girl is gone.
I made sure of it.
But Axel Calloway has always been my undoing.
He knows exactly how to push. How to provoke. How to look at me like he sees the parts I once hid beneath manners and restraint. Every touch threatens the version of myself I fought to become.
I tell myself I don’t want him.
I tell myself this is just history repeating.
But the more I try to hold on to who I am now, the more I realise she might not survive this.
And maybe… she isn’t meant to.
Some things don’t break cleanly.
They sparkle first.
Good daughter.
Good at following rules that were never mine to begin with.
That girl is gone.
I made sure of it.
But Axel Calloway has always been my undoing.
He knows exactly how to push. How to provoke. How to look at me like he sees the parts I once hid beneath manners and restraint. Every touch threatens the version of myself I fought to become.
I tell myself I don’t want him.
I tell myself this is just history repeating.
But the more I try to hold on to who I am now, the more I realise she might not survive this.
And maybe… she isn’t meant to.
Some things don’t break cleanly.
They sparkle first.
462 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2026
3 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Margaux Paris
4 books24 followersMargaux Paris is a Sydney-based indie author and lifelong romance enthusiast. She made her debut in 2025 with Broken, the first book in the Damaged Hearts Duet, followed by Flawed, released on Kindle in July 2025.
In November 2025, Margaux expanded the world with Wounded, a standalone spin-off set within the Damaged Hearts Universe, exploring the same emotionally charged themes of love, trauma, and resilience through a new lens.
Inspired by her love of romance in all its messy, intense forms, Margaux writes stories that blur the line between heartbreak and healing. Her next release, Dirty Sparkle, is scheduled for April 2026 and marks the beginning of the Unconventional Ink series.
When she’s not writing, Margaux is usually wrangling her three young sons or escaping into another romantic, spicy read.
In November 2025, Margaux expanded the world with Wounded, a standalone spin-off set within the Damaged Hearts Universe, exploring the same emotionally charged themes of love, trauma, and resilience through a new lens.
Inspired by her love of romance in all its messy, intense forms, Margaux writes stories that blur the line between heartbreak and healing. Her next release, Dirty Sparkle, is scheduled for April 2026 and marks the beginning of the Unconventional Ink series.
When she’s not writing, Margaux is usually wrangling her three young sons or escaping into another romantic, spicy read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 17, 2026
Dirty Sparkle
Tropes:
Childhood neighbours
Reformed playboy
Good girl turned bad
Enemies to lovers
Friends with benefits
Forced proximity
Banter
Heavy tension
Found family vibes
Tattooed mmc
Firstly thank you to the wonderful Margaux for the opportunity to read her book Dirty Sparkle which is the first book in the Unconventional Ink series. OMG this book had me hook line and sinker. Right from the first few pages I couldn't put it down.
Dirty Sparkle follows Axel and Elle. Now these two have known each other since childhood but they never got along. Axel was the playboy who lived next door and liked to terrorize Elle. Our girl Elle was the good girl who followed all the rules and did everything to please her parents. One day Axel leaves town before they graduate. Once school has finished Elle leaves town as well. Ready for a new start and new experiences.
Fast forward and fate has A surprise in store for these two. Will they survive it or will it change them forever.
These two have such intense attraction to each other, there chemistry is off the charts, they have great banter I was giggling so much, there's tension, a tattooed mmc who will leave you swooning, a prank war that has so many twists turns and ducks, and the spice oh lord my brain short circuited on chapter 20 🥵🥵🥵
Guys if your looking for your next read that has a prank war, enemies to lovers and tattooed mmc make sure you check out Margaux newest book baby Dirty Sparkle.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Breathe. Eat glitter. Thank me later.—Ax.
AXEL: …What the actual f*** is this?
AXEL: I leave for ONE HOUR.
AXEL: Did you put my stencils in a pool?
AXEL: The flamingo has a gang vest.
AXEL: They are the most realistic looking ducks I’ve ever seen.
AXEL: ARE YOU INSANE! YOU BROUGHT REAL DUCKS?!?!
I bite my lip to keep from laughing out loud, thumbs flying over the screen.
Elle: Quack Quack, Calloway.
“How many prank wars do you think I’m in?” I ask him as I shove my phone in my pocket. He tilts his head, grinning. “I don’t know where you found her but I think I’m in love.” “She used to be my neighbour.”
“Ahh, the girl next door,” he says with a knowing smile.
Tropes:
Childhood neighbours
Reformed playboy
Good girl turned bad
Enemies to lovers
Friends with benefits
Forced proximity
Banter
Heavy tension
Found family vibes
Tattooed mmc
Firstly thank you to the wonderful Margaux for the opportunity to read her book Dirty Sparkle which is the first book in the Unconventional Ink series. OMG this book had me hook line and sinker. Right from the first few pages I couldn't put it down.
Dirty Sparkle follows Axel and Elle. Now these two have known each other since childhood but they never got along. Axel was the playboy who lived next door and liked to terrorize Elle. Our girl Elle was the good girl who followed all the rules and did everything to please her parents. One day Axel leaves town before they graduate. Once school has finished Elle leaves town as well. Ready for a new start and new experiences.
Fast forward and fate has A surprise in store for these two. Will they survive it or will it change them forever.
These two have such intense attraction to each other, there chemistry is off the charts, they have great banter I was giggling so much, there's tension, a tattooed mmc who will leave you swooning, a prank war that has so many twists turns and ducks, and the spice oh lord my brain short circuited on chapter 20 🥵🥵🥵
Guys if your looking for your next read that has a prank war, enemies to lovers and tattooed mmc make sure you check out Margaux newest book baby Dirty Sparkle.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Breathe. Eat glitter. Thank me later.—Ax.
AXEL: …What the actual f*** is this?
AXEL: I leave for ONE HOUR.
AXEL: Did you put my stencils in a pool?
AXEL: The flamingo has a gang vest.
AXEL: They are the most realistic looking ducks I’ve ever seen.
AXEL: ARE YOU INSANE! YOU BROUGHT REAL DUCKS?!?!
I bite my lip to keep from laughing out loud, thumbs flying over the screen.
Elle: Quack Quack, Calloway.
“How many prank wars do you think I’m in?” I ask him as I shove my phone in my pocket. He tilts his head, grinning. “I don’t know where you found her but I think I’m in love.” “She used to be my neighbour.”
“Ahh, the girl next door,” he says with a knowing smile.
March 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (3/5 — and that’s me being generous)
Going into this, the MMC’s first description immediately gave “every boy I went to high school with” energy — popular, hot, massive ego, fully convinced he’s God’s gift. The cigarette behind the ear was maybe the only thing that didn’t hit 🚬😅
The FMC starts off as the perfect, deeply religious good girl, which set up the classic good girl / bad boy dynamic straight away.
The early “gentle bullying” really sets the tone. He gives her hell, she throws some genuinely great comebacks right back at him, and from page two it was obvious where this was headed.
But the nickname “Smelly Elli”? Absolutely not. Completely unoriginal and instantly made me dislike him 😩
I’ve realised if I don’t like a character early on, it’s so hard for me to come back from that, even with a redemption arc. And honestly, his whole thing of being cruel because he has feelings while also acting protective over women in every other context just gave me the ick.
The 9-year time jump could not have come fast enough. I’m not a huge high school romance person, so that whole first section was more frustrating than enjoyable for me, even if I understand why it was there.
Once we jump ahead, things definitely improve. She’s now full rebel/emo energy, no longer the church girl, while he’s somehow become the more stable adult with a job, health insurance, two living plants, and a tattoo artist career 🌿🖋️
Still… the total personality flip for both of them felt a little cliché.
The adult prank wars were more annoying than cute, but I’ll admit the first prank between them absolutely landed for me 👍🏻
One thing I did love? We got a “fuck it” moment from the FMC instead of the MMC, which felt refreshing.
Their relationship does become genuinely cute, and once he falls, he falls hard. But both of them spend way too long being annoying about their feelings instead of just admitting what’s obvious 🙃
The whole thing felt very romcom-coded, which worked in parts, but the story felt strangely split in two. The high school section and adult romance section felt really disjointed, and I honestly think the book would’ve flowed better if the present-day storyline stayed as the main focus with flashbacks woven in.
The medical subplot especially felt like it was thrown in, almost as if it was added to give the story emotional weight without ever being fully explored. It had potential to hit harder, but instead it felt random and underdeveloped.
Another thing that kept pulling me out of the story was the random friend constantly being brought into conversations for no real reason. It started to feel like their presence was meant to matter more than it actually did, but it never really added anything meaningful to the plot.
Overall, this was a fluffy romance with a slightly heavier subplot that never quite landed, and a lot of the more interesting emotional threads never fully went anywhere. Her shift away from religion, moving away, and the strained relationship with her parents were all hinted at but never properly explored, which left the story feeling unfinished in places.
Final thoughts: cute in parts, frustrating in others, cliché in places, and ultimately just meh for me. Still a solid 3⭐️ read, but definitely not one that fully delivered on its potential 💭✨
Going into this, the MMC’s first description immediately gave “every boy I went to high school with” energy — popular, hot, massive ego, fully convinced he’s God’s gift. The cigarette behind the ear was maybe the only thing that didn’t hit 🚬😅
The FMC starts off as the perfect, deeply religious good girl, which set up the classic good girl / bad boy dynamic straight away.
The early “gentle bullying” really sets the tone. He gives her hell, she throws some genuinely great comebacks right back at him, and from page two it was obvious where this was headed.
But the nickname “Smelly Elli”? Absolutely not. Completely unoriginal and instantly made me dislike him 😩
I’ve realised if I don’t like a character early on, it’s so hard for me to come back from that, even with a redemption arc. And honestly, his whole thing of being cruel because he has feelings while also acting protective over women in every other context just gave me the ick.
The 9-year time jump could not have come fast enough. I’m not a huge high school romance person, so that whole first section was more frustrating than enjoyable for me, even if I understand why it was there.
Once we jump ahead, things definitely improve. She’s now full rebel/emo energy, no longer the church girl, while he’s somehow become the more stable adult with a job, health insurance, two living plants, and a tattoo artist career 🌿🖋️
Still… the total personality flip for both of them felt a little cliché.
The adult prank wars were more annoying than cute, but I’ll admit the first prank between them absolutely landed for me 👍🏻
One thing I did love? We got a “fuck it” moment from the FMC instead of the MMC, which felt refreshing.
Their relationship does become genuinely cute, and once he falls, he falls hard. But both of them spend way too long being annoying about their feelings instead of just admitting what’s obvious 🙃
The whole thing felt very romcom-coded, which worked in parts, but the story felt strangely split in two. The high school section and adult romance section felt really disjointed, and I honestly think the book would’ve flowed better if the present-day storyline stayed as the main focus with flashbacks woven in.
The medical subplot especially felt like it was thrown in, almost as if it was added to give the story emotional weight without ever being fully explored. It had potential to hit harder, but instead it felt random and underdeveloped.
Another thing that kept pulling me out of the story was the random friend constantly being brought into conversations for no real reason. It started to feel like their presence was meant to matter more than it actually did, but it never really added anything meaningful to the plot.
Overall, this was a fluffy romance with a slightly heavier subplot that never quite landed, and a lot of the more interesting emotional threads never fully went anywhere. Her shift away from religion, moving away, and the strained relationship with her parents were all hinted at but never properly explored, which left the story feeling unfinished in places.
Final thoughts: cute in parts, frustrating in others, cliché in places, and ultimately just meh for me. Still a solid 3⭐️ read, but definitely not one that fully delivered on its potential 💭✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2026
Finding yourself often requireses losing the person everyone else expects you to be, but what happens when the one person who truly sees you is the very person you're supposted to stay away from? Dirty Sparkle is a captivating exploration of identity and the magnetic pull of a first love that refuses to be extinguished, proving that sometimes the messiest parts of our lives are where we find the most brilliance.
The story opens with a beautifully nostalgic look at Axel and Elle's younger years, establishing a foundation of teenage infatuation that feels incredibly raw and relatable. As the narrative shifts to the present, we find Eliana Thorne striving to shed her "good girl" persona, only to have her carefully constructed world thrown into chaos when Axel Calloway - her first love and the ultimate personification of trouble - re-enters her life. Together, they must navigate their new surroundings and decide if their connection is strong enough to survive the shadows of their past.
What I Loved
- The Banter and Humor: Axel and Elle's dynamic is absolutely electric. The witty back-and-forth kept me hooked, and honestly, the inclusion of the glitters, the ducks and the flamingo had me laughing out loud. It added such a fun, vibrant energy to the journey.
- The Heartfelt Beginning: I absolutely loved the opening chapters focusing on their younger years. It captured that specific, recognizable feeling of young love so perfectly that I found myself wishing we could have stayed in that timeframe just a little bit longer.
- Character Growth: Watching Eliana find her voice while Axel persistently (and charmingly) breaks down her walls felt very authentic. Their emotional development is the true heart of this story.
Things for Consideration
- Predictable Tropes: The story leans into familiar territory with the 'opposites attract' and 'second chance' tropes. While executed with a lot of heart, it follows a fairly traditional romance path.
- Supblot Potential: While the central romance is the star, I found myself craving a bit more development within the secondary characters and subplots to fully flesh out the world outside of Axel and Elle.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
Dirty Sparkle is a heart-tugging, humorous, and deeply emotional read that perfectly kicks off the Unconventional Ink series. It's a must-read for fans of slow(er)-burn romances who enjoy a mix of heavy emotional growth and laugh-out-loud moments. If you love a hero who is as charming as he is troublesome and a heroine finding her true self, you won't want to miss this journey.
Disclosure
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
The story opens with a beautifully nostalgic look at Axel and Elle's younger years, establishing a foundation of teenage infatuation that feels incredibly raw and relatable. As the narrative shifts to the present, we find Eliana Thorne striving to shed her "good girl" persona, only to have her carefully constructed world thrown into chaos when Axel Calloway - her first love and the ultimate personification of trouble - re-enters her life. Together, they must navigate their new surroundings and decide if their connection is strong enough to survive the shadows of their past.
What I Loved
- The Banter and Humor: Axel and Elle's dynamic is absolutely electric. The witty back-and-forth kept me hooked, and honestly, the inclusion of the glitters, the ducks and the flamingo had me laughing out loud. It added such a fun, vibrant energy to the journey.
- The Heartfelt Beginning: I absolutely loved the opening chapters focusing on their younger years. It captured that specific, recognizable feeling of young love so perfectly that I found myself wishing we could have stayed in that timeframe just a little bit longer.
- Character Growth: Watching Eliana find her voice while Axel persistently (and charmingly) breaks down her walls felt very authentic. Their emotional development is the true heart of this story.
Things for Consideration
- Predictable Tropes: The story leans into familiar territory with the 'opposites attract' and 'second chance' tropes. While executed with a lot of heart, it follows a fairly traditional romance path.
- Supblot Potential: While the central romance is the star, I found myself craving a bit more development within the secondary characters and subplots to fully flesh out the world outside of Axel and Elle.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
Dirty Sparkle is a heart-tugging, humorous, and deeply emotional read that perfectly kicks off the Unconventional Ink series. It's a must-read for fans of slow(er)-burn romances who enjoy a mix of heavy emotional growth and laugh-out-loud moments. If you love a hero who is as charming as he is troublesome and a heroine finding her true self, you won't want to miss this journey.
Disclosure
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘳𝘵? 𝘖𝘳 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘵𝘦𝘯-𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘵𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳?”
Meet Eliana, the chaotic whirlwind with a heart of gold and a killer sense of humor, and Axel, the charming troublemaker who could probably talk a cat off a fish wagon. They've got a history that reads like a series of mildly criminal shenanigans, separating and reuniting like a rom-com on steroids! The good girl vs. bad boy energy is off the charts as their lives crash back into each other like two cars in slow motion, only to discover that the chemistry simmering beneath their playful rivalry is now a full on volcano waiting to erupt!
Picture it: prank wars that escalate from tossing water balloons filled with glitter in the front yard to elaborate schemes involving rubber ducks and plastic flamingos. Their back and forth banter is like watching a tennis match but with more heart and less dignity. Eliana's fiery, reckless spirit meets Axel's loyal charm, creating a rollercoaster of emotions; sometimes you're screaming with laughter, other times you're clutching your chest from the feels. They both have more layers than an onion, and just when you think you've peeled away the last one, BAM! Another crazy twist. It's a wild ride, my friend, and you’ll have popcorn ready for this smackdown of witty one liners and dramatic revelations!
Okay, let’s talk about the side characters, which are like the sprinkles on top of this chaotic sundae! They shine so bright you might need shades. You'll meet the quirky best friends who give sage advice and also encourage the prank wars, and a work colleague who makes you wonder if she’s lived before. Seriously, it's like a live action soap opera, complete with side eye glances and plot twists that would make your grandma gasp!
And speaking of plot twists, the beginning was like an overzealous prologue where everyone’s teenage angst was flying around like confetti at a New Year’s Eve party. At first, I thought, “What is taking so long?!”, but then, as the story barreled forward, those early glimpses of their youthful shenanigans became the emotional glue holding it all together. By the end, I was practically rolling on the floor, ugly crying, and giggling like a maniac, all while Axel and Eliana reminded me that love can be loud, messy, and beautifully chaotic; just like life! So buckle up, buttercup; this is one wild ride you don’t want to miss!
Meet Eliana, the chaotic whirlwind with a heart of gold and a killer sense of humor, and Axel, the charming troublemaker who could probably talk a cat off a fish wagon. They've got a history that reads like a series of mildly criminal shenanigans, separating and reuniting like a rom-com on steroids! The good girl vs. bad boy energy is off the charts as their lives crash back into each other like two cars in slow motion, only to discover that the chemistry simmering beneath their playful rivalry is now a full on volcano waiting to erupt!
Picture it: prank wars that escalate from tossing water balloons filled with glitter in the front yard to elaborate schemes involving rubber ducks and plastic flamingos. Their back and forth banter is like watching a tennis match but with more heart and less dignity. Eliana's fiery, reckless spirit meets Axel's loyal charm, creating a rollercoaster of emotions; sometimes you're screaming with laughter, other times you're clutching your chest from the feels. They both have more layers than an onion, and just when you think you've peeled away the last one, BAM! Another crazy twist. It's a wild ride, my friend, and you’ll have popcorn ready for this smackdown of witty one liners and dramatic revelations!
Okay, let’s talk about the side characters, which are like the sprinkles on top of this chaotic sundae! They shine so bright you might need shades. You'll meet the quirky best friends who give sage advice and also encourage the prank wars, and a work colleague who makes you wonder if she’s lived before. Seriously, it's like a live action soap opera, complete with side eye glances and plot twists that would make your grandma gasp!
And speaking of plot twists, the beginning was like an overzealous prologue where everyone’s teenage angst was flying around like confetti at a New Year’s Eve party. At first, I thought, “What is taking so long?!”, but then, as the story barreled forward, those early glimpses of their youthful shenanigans became the emotional glue holding it all together. By the end, I was practically rolling on the floor, ugly crying, and giggling like a maniac, all while Axel and Eliana reminded me that love can be loud, messy, and beautifully chaotic; just like life! So buckle up, buttercup; this is one wild ride you don’t want to miss!
April 4, 2026
Dirty Sparkle is a contemporary, emotional new adult story that blends rom-com energy with banter and an enemies-to-lovers dynamic.
Meeting Axel and Eliana as teens, their frenemy dynamic really took me back to those high school years. There’s something very real in how young people present on the surface versus what they’re carrying underneath. Axel’s pranks come across as relatively harmless, but they create a confusing push-pull for Eli, especially when she’s left trying to make sense of why she’s the focus of it. Axel’s “bad boy” persona and the consequences that follow add another layer to who he is beneath that image.
When the story shifts forward almost ten years, I found myself sitting with Eliana’s transformation. I’m not usually drawn to dramatic makeovers, but I was curious about what sat underneath that change. In my mind, she felt more grounded in herself, with a style that reflected that shift, she was the conservative, religious girl who shifts to something like a casual goth vibe with piercings. When her path crosses with Axel again, their dynamic picks up in a way that still feels connected to who they were but shaped by who they’ve become.
I really enjoyed the humour threaded through their relationship. The pranks and banter aren’t just for fun; they also sit alongside the deeper layers both characters are navigating. Seeing Axel’s perspective added a lot, especially understanding what Eliana meant to him over time, and how that stayed with him.
Eliana carries a deeper, more vulnerable layer beneath everything she shows the world. She’s navigating uncertainty and trying to move through life on her own terms, while also holding a strong awareness of how her choices might impact others. I appreciated that Axel doesn’t push his way in but instead meets her where she is. The way their relationship develops feels gradual and respectful of those layers.
The ending really worked for me. It brought everything back around in a way that felt complete and aligned with the journey they’d both been on.
I received this book as an ARC, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings shared voluntarily.
Meeting Axel and Eliana as teens, their frenemy dynamic really took me back to those high school years. There’s something very real in how young people present on the surface versus what they’re carrying underneath. Axel’s pranks come across as relatively harmless, but they create a confusing push-pull for Eli, especially when she’s left trying to make sense of why she’s the focus of it. Axel’s “bad boy” persona and the consequences that follow add another layer to who he is beneath that image.
When the story shifts forward almost ten years, I found myself sitting with Eliana’s transformation. I’m not usually drawn to dramatic makeovers, but I was curious about what sat underneath that change. In my mind, she felt more grounded in herself, with a style that reflected that shift, she was the conservative, religious girl who shifts to something like a casual goth vibe with piercings. When her path crosses with Axel again, their dynamic picks up in a way that still feels connected to who they were but shaped by who they’ve become.
I really enjoyed the humour threaded through their relationship. The pranks and banter aren’t just for fun; they also sit alongside the deeper layers both characters are navigating. Seeing Axel’s perspective added a lot, especially understanding what Eliana meant to him over time, and how that stayed with him.
Eliana carries a deeper, more vulnerable layer beneath everything she shows the world. She’s navigating uncertainty and trying to move through life on her own terms, while also holding a strong awareness of how her choices might impact others. I appreciated that Axel doesn’t push his way in but instead meets her where she is. The way their relationship develops feels gradual and respectful of those layers.
The ending really worked for me. It brought everything back around in a way that felt complete and aligned with the journey they’d both been on.
I received this book as an ARC, however, this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings shared voluntarily.
March 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars but rounded it up!
This was such a fun, chaotic, and surprisingly heartfelt read!
Dirty Sparkle follows Axel and Eliana, who couldn’t be more different, he’s the troublemaker from the wrong side of the tracks, and she’s the church-going good girl. After a shared past filled with pranks, teasing, and undeniable tension, life pulls them apart… only to throw them back together years later in the most unexpected way.
What starts as unresolved chemistry quickly turns into something explosive, messy, and complicated. Their dynamic is full of hilarious prank wars, sharp banter, and undeniable attraction, but underneath it all is a deeper story about growth, trust, and facing the things we try hardest to hide.
I absolutely loved Eliana’s bold, unfiltered, and slightly reckless personality, she’s messy in a very real way, and you can feel how much life has shaped her. Axel, on the other hand, completely won me over with his patience, loyalty, and the way he shows up for her again and again, even when things get hard.
The balance between humour and heavier emotional moments was done really well, and the story kept me hooked the whole way through. It’s playful, a little unhinged at times, but also grounded in genuine emotion and vulnerability.
If you love:
✨ Second chance romance
🏡 Next door neighbour
🦩 Prank wars & banter
🚬 Tattooed, loyal MMC
❤️🔥 Messy, complex FMC
🖤 Emotional depth with humour
—then this one is definitely worth picking up.
Such a perfect mix of funny, chaotic, and heartfelt 💖
This was such a fun, chaotic, and surprisingly heartfelt read!
Dirty Sparkle follows Axel and Eliana, who couldn’t be more different, he’s the troublemaker from the wrong side of the tracks, and she’s the church-going good girl. After a shared past filled with pranks, teasing, and undeniable tension, life pulls them apart… only to throw them back together years later in the most unexpected way.
What starts as unresolved chemistry quickly turns into something explosive, messy, and complicated. Their dynamic is full of hilarious prank wars, sharp banter, and undeniable attraction, but underneath it all is a deeper story about growth, trust, and facing the things we try hardest to hide.
I absolutely loved Eliana’s bold, unfiltered, and slightly reckless personality, she’s messy in a very real way, and you can feel how much life has shaped her. Axel, on the other hand, completely won me over with his patience, loyalty, and the way he shows up for her again and again, even when things get hard.
The balance between humour and heavier emotional moments was done really well, and the story kept me hooked the whole way through. It’s playful, a little unhinged at times, but also grounded in genuine emotion and vulnerability.
If you love:
✨ Second chance romance
🏡 Next door neighbour
🦩 Prank wars & banter
🚬 Tattooed, loyal MMC
❤️🔥 Messy, complex FMC
🖤 Emotional depth with humour
—then this one is definitely worth picking up.
Such a perfect mix of funny, chaotic, and heartfelt 💖
April 6, 2026
ARC REVIEW!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+ 🌶️🌶️ rating.
I’m so glad I applied to be an ARC reader for this book. I absolutely loved it.
Being an Aussie, I love books that are base in our country. I love the language used, the dialogue, being able to relate to the places mentioned and knowing what it feels like to do certain things and go to certain places.
This book has given me a new found appreciation for flamingos I didn’t know I had
I loved the characters, Eliana (smelly Elli) and Axel (ashtray). I feel like the initial stages of this relationship really come from the typical Aussie schooling experience of being somewhat mean to the person you’re crushing on, you know really trying to make it look like you’re not interested.
The book follows a really fun story line from the early days of their relationship at school to fast forwarding a decade and the two pranking each other relentlessly. Things get serious and a little bit spicy and Eliana’s trauma and reality catch up to them. Fight or flight kicks in and we really come to see what kind of guy Axel is.
Loved this book. Would love to see a follow on. Maybe Sadie’s story even. She seems like an absolute vibe and great friend.
Can’t wait to read another one of Margaux’s books!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+ 🌶️🌶️ rating.
I’m so glad I applied to be an ARC reader for this book. I absolutely loved it.
Being an Aussie, I love books that are base in our country. I love the language used, the dialogue, being able to relate to the places mentioned and knowing what it feels like to do certain things and go to certain places.
This book has given me a new found appreciation for flamingos I didn’t know I had
I loved the characters, Eliana (smelly Elli) and Axel (ashtray). I feel like the initial stages of this relationship really come from the typical Aussie schooling experience of being somewhat mean to the person you’re crushing on, you know really trying to make it look like you’re not interested.
The book follows a really fun story line from the early days of their relationship at school to fast forwarding a decade and the two pranking each other relentlessly. Things get serious and a little bit spicy and Eliana’s trauma and reality catch up to them. Fight or flight kicks in and we really come to see what kind of guy Axel is.
Loved this book. Would love to see a follow on. Maybe Sadie’s story even. She seems like an absolute vibe and great friend.
Can’t wait to read another one of Margaux’s books!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Did I only discover Margaux’s books a month ago? YES!
Have I devoured her entire back catalogue in that time? YES!
Am I already bl*wing up her DM’s demanding more of her books immediately? Abso-fucking-lutely!!
If I could just copy + paste all my reactions during my read of Dirty Sparkle, trust me, I would. I’m pretty sure I spent 95% of it giggling and kicking my feet and the other 5% crying! The banter between Elle and Axel (hot name btw!) is so good and so perfectly Australian and the ensemble characters shine almost as much as the main two!
The first few chapters were like a prologue, where we get an insight in to the characters early lives as teenagers and initially, I felt that they dragged, however as the book progressed and I learnt more about them as adults, I realised that having a bit more knowledge of their teen years made sense in the long run.
Elle is so unapologetically herself and Axel knows *exactly* how to push her buttons (in more ways than one 😏)
⭐️: 5/5
🌶️: 3/5
✨ High school bully
🦩 Enemies to lovers
✨ Pierced nips
🦩 Pierced vulva
✨ Banter
🦩 Prank Wars
✨ Fuck it
🦩 Tattooist MMC
Have I devoured her entire back catalogue in that time? YES!
Am I already bl*wing up her DM’s demanding more of her books immediately? Abso-fucking-lutely!!
If I could just copy + paste all my reactions during my read of Dirty Sparkle, trust me, I would. I’m pretty sure I spent 95% of it giggling and kicking my feet and the other 5% crying! The banter between Elle and Axel (hot name btw!) is so good and so perfectly Australian and the ensemble characters shine almost as much as the main two!
The first few chapters were like a prologue, where we get an insight in to the characters early lives as teenagers and initially, I felt that they dragged, however as the book progressed and I learnt more about them as adults, I realised that having a bit more knowledge of their teen years made sense in the long run.
Elle is so unapologetically herself and Axel knows *exactly* how to push her buttons (in more ways than one 😏)
⭐️: 5/5
🌶️: 3/5
✨ High school bully
🦩 Enemies to lovers
✨ Pierced nips
🦩 Pierced vulva
✨ Banter
🦩 Prank Wars
✨ Fuck it
🦩 Tattooist MMC
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dirty Sparkle by @margauxparisau had me hooked completely, I genuinely could not put it down and finished it in one day.
Releasing March 30th
Remember that boy in primary school (or high school) who tormented you relentlessly and your friends would ‘he likes you?’
That is Axel Calloway.
He is exactly the kind of boy your mum warns you about in high school… and obviously that just makes him even better 😅 There’s something about that reckless, slightly chaotic energy that makes him impossible to resist. Ages like fine wine, one might say.
But what really made this book shine for me was the banter. The quick comebacks, the constant back-and-forth—it felt so natural and sharp, like every conversation had a spark to it. You can feel the tension building through their words alone, my cheeks hurt from smiling at their interactions.
And the chemistry?? Absolutely unmatched, those nicknames are fantastic - I won’t spoil the surprise, you’ll have to pick this gem up to find out. Every interaction had that electric, push-and-pull energy that leaves you wanting more. Hence I couldn’t stop.
Not sure why kinda parenting was done today, it wasn’t done by me💜
#booklover
Releasing March 30th
Remember that boy in primary school (or high school) who tormented you relentlessly and your friends would ‘he likes you?’
That is Axel Calloway.
He is exactly the kind of boy your mum warns you about in high school… and obviously that just makes him even better 😅 There’s something about that reckless, slightly chaotic energy that makes him impossible to resist. Ages like fine wine, one might say.
But what really made this book shine for me was the banter. The quick comebacks, the constant back-and-forth—it felt so natural and sharp, like every conversation had a spark to it. You can feel the tension building through their words alone, my cheeks hurt from smiling at their interactions.
And the chemistry?? Absolutely unmatched, those nicknames are fantastic - I won’t spoil the surprise, you’ll have to pick this gem up to find out. Every interaction had that electric, push-and-pull energy that leaves you wanting more. Hence I couldn’t stop.
Not sure why kinda parenting was done today, it wasn’t done by me💜
#booklover
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you again to Margaux Paris for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
I stopped reading spicy romance books a long time ago, and I’m not sure why. However, if the spicy novels coming out now are anything like Dirty Sparkle, sign me up.
Although I enjoyed all the adult spiciness of this novel, there was one aspect that felt a bit overdone. The constant back-and-forth pranks. I understand that it plays into their character development and ties back to their teenage years, but a little less would have gone a long way. It felt like the majority of their adult storyline revolved around that dynamic.
The teenage scenes were also a bit rough for me. These were kids talking, and I had to remind my adult self that, realistically, teenagers do speak that way. Once I made that mental shift, those scenes became easier to process.
Overall, it was a decent read with fantastic spice. Even with the strong chemistry and steamy moments, this one ultimately wasn’t for me. 🌶️💭
Tiktok: readingwithcarolann
I stopped reading spicy romance books a long time ago, and I’m not sure why. However, if the spicy novels coming out now are anything like Dirty Sparkle, sign me up.
Although I enjoyed all the adult spiciness of this novel, there was one aspect that felt a bit overdone. The constant back-and-forth pranks. I understand that it plays into their character development and ties back to their teenage years, but a little less would have gone a long way. It felt like the majority of their adult storyline revolved around that dynamic.
The teenage scenes were also a bit rough for me. These were kids talking, and I had to remind my adult self that, realistically, teenagers do speak that way. Once I made that mental shift, those scenes became easier to process.
Overall, it was a decent read with fantastic spice. Even with the strong chemistry and steamy moments, this one ultimately wasn’t for me. 🌶️💭
Tiktok: readingwithcarolann
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2026
ARC Review: Dirty Sparkle is book 1 in the Unconventional Ink series and gave me the “he’s mean to you because he likes you” trope, but grown up. Axel Calloway is that boy from school your mum warned you about… which, naturally, makes him even better. Eliana was the good girl at school, and Axel’s neighbour, leading to a childhood full of prank wars and nicknames.
After years apart, they find themselves back in each other’s lives and pick up right where they left off… bickering, scheming, and absolutely not ignoring the sparks. The banter is elite. Quick, sharp, and so natural it feels like a sport. I loved their back and forth and the chemistry? Amazing. Every interaction was a perfect push-and-pull, chaotic, electric, and impossible to ignore.
Throw in some ducks, a flamingo and endless pranks, I loved every page.
It was fun, messy, a little unhinged, but with real heart underneath. Read if you love:
🖤 reformed playboy x former good girl
💜 boy next door
🖤 enemies to lovers
💜 banter
After years apart, they find themselves back in each other’s lives and pick up right where they left off… bickering, scheming, and absolutely not ignoring the sparks. The banter is elite. Quick, sharp, and so natural it feels like a sport. I loved their back and forth and the chemistry? Amazing. Every interaction was a perfect push-and-pull, chaotic, electric, and impossible to ignore.
Throw in some ducks, a flamingo and endless pranks, I loved every page.
It was fun, messy, a little unhinged, but with real heart underneath. Read if you love:
🖤 reformed playboy x former good girl
💜 boy next door
🖤 enemies to lovers
💜 banter
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is not just a love story. This is a story about controlling your own life and being who you want to be.
When I started reading this story I thought it would be a cute romance with banter and pranks but instead I got a journey, a journey about self discovery,acceptance and growth.
Elle is a good religious girl turned bad girl and Alex is the neighbor that spent his entire childhood terrorizing her with pranks.
We get two moments of their story, their childhood and their adult life.
I loved both and I really liked how deep down they never stopped being those two menace kids.
There is a certain time in plot that actually gutted me, knowing what Elle is going through, it was impossible to not get emotional. The way Axel handled it was amazing and so supportive.
As someone with a mom that has HPV and with one of the worst strains, I felt this on a deeper level.
I want to thank the author for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When I started reading this story I thought it would be a cute romance with banter and pranks but instead I got a journey, a journey about self discovery,acceptance and growth.
Elle is a good religious girl turned bad girl and Alex is the neighbor that spent his entire childhood terrorizing her with pranks.
We get two moments of their story, their childhood and their adult life.
I loved both and I really liked how deep down they never stopped being those two menace kids.
There is a certain time in plot that actually gutted me, knowing what Elle is going through, it was impossible to not get emotional. The way Axel handled it was amazing and so supportive.
As someone with a mom that has HPV and with one of the worst strains, I felt this on a deeper level.
I want to thank the author for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Dirty Sparkle by Margaux Paris
They grow up as neighbours: Axel and Elle, with him bullying her whenever he gets the chance. She is not your average victim, though. She confronts him every time, which results in sharp dialogues that nevertheless reveal some affection.
They meet again several years after both of them have left home. Both of them changed, they soon find themselves in a lighter version of the dynamic between them. They take turns in pranking the other, going for public humiliation. As they go along, the dynamic changes again, into something softer. I really liked that.
Knowing a bit about public humiliation, I found it painful to read here and there. I also missed some background information about Axel and Elle. Their characters would have been more solid if they had been given more depth.
Having said this, I couldn’t put it down until the end. A very good read!
Lizzie Mac, author of Family Secrets
Dirty Sparkle by Margaux Paris
They grow up as neighbours: Axel and Elle, with him bullying her whenever he gets the chance. She is not your average victim, though. She confronts him every time, which results in sharp dialogues that nevertheless reveal some affection.
They meet again several years after both of them have left home. Both of them changed, they soon find themselves in a lighter version of the dynamic between them. They take turns in pranking the other, going for public humiliation. As they go along, the dynamic changes again, into something softer. I really liked that.
Knowing a bit about public humiliation, I found it painful to read here and there. I also missed some background information about Axel and Elle. Their characters would have been more solid if they had been given more depth.
Having said this, I couldn’t put it down until the end. A very good read!
Lizzie Mac, author of Family Secrets
April 7, 2026
I was lucky to be chosen to arc read Dirty Sparkle by the lovely author Margaux Paris. This book was quite fun to read.
This book was great and had me hooked into the story of Elle and Axel. The banter in this book is so good and funny and I would literally start giggling. Between the banter and intense attraction these characters have for each other was so good. Who doesn't love a good prank war that included glitter and more.
The chemistry between Elle and Axel was intense and off the charts. Plus who doesn't love a good tattooed mmc that will leave you swooning for more. I rated this a five star read and that is solely my own opinion of the book.
If your looking for something different to dive into then give this one a read as it has banter, enemies to lovers vibes and so much more.
This book was great and had me hooked into the story of Elle and Axel. The banter in this book is so good and funny and I would literally start giggling. Between the banter and intense attraction these characters have for each other was so good. Who doesn't love a good prank war that included glitter and more.
The chemistry between Elle and Axel was intense and off the charts. Plus who doesn't love a good tattooed mmc that will leave you swooning for more. I rated this a five star read and that is solely my own opinion of the book.
If your looking for something different to dive into then give this one a read as it has banter, enemies to lovers vibes and so much more.
March 26, 2026
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️First book read by this author and all I gotta say is it was so good!! It will be living in my head now rent free. This book made me laugh so much and at times get a little emotional because she is really going through it. I love the pranks that both Axel and Elle do on each other. I also love their relationship. Who would’ve thought that the goody two shoes church going girl would fall for the bad boy. The changes that both of them went through after not seeing each other for 9 years 🥹. And the sexual tension between the two sheesh so glad they both relieved that.
Thank you to the author for the Arc!!!
Thank you to the author for the Arc!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Pure chaos from start to finish!
Spice: ���🔥🔥🔥
I had very mixed feelings while reading this, but it won me over by the end.
After Elle’s shift from good girl to bad girl, she runs into her old school nemesis and chaos ensues. Think prank wars with constant tension😉
What stood out most was how the story handled grief. It showed how deeply it can change a person, and added more emotional weight than I expected.
Elle’s journey isn’t easy, but the way Axel supports her was honestly beautiful to read.
If you’re looking for unhinged characters with real emotional depth, this is definitely worth reading.
Pure chaos from start to finish!
Spice: ���🔥🔥🔥
I had very mixed feelings while reading this, but it won me over by the end.
After Elle’s shift from good girl to bad girl, she runs into her old school nemesis and chaos ensues. Think prank wars with constant tension😉
What stood out most was how the story handled grief. It showed how deeply it can change a person, and added more emotional weight than I expected.
Elle’s journey isn’t easy, but the way Axel supports her was honestly beautiful to read.
If you’re looking for unhinged characters with real emotional depth, this is definitely worth reading.
March 31, 2026
Thank you @margauxparisau for the opportunity to read this as an arc reader. To say I devoured this is an understatement. What is it about a bad boy that sucks me in. Remember when your mum warned you about that boy and your heart wanted him more, he was always joking, pulling pranks and doing things that he just shouldn’t. This is Calloway. He is her undoing.
Fast forward, high is over. Both have left their home town and moved interstate. Australia is huge. Prefect place to start fresh…. Well, they thought they’d never see each other again.
Fast forward, high is over. Both have left their home town and moved interstate. Australia is huge. Prefect place to start fresh…. Well, they thought they’d never see each other again.
April 13, 2026
Thank you to the author for giving me a copy in return for my honest review!
I loved this book! While I did find it frustrating for a while that the two love interests, Eliana and Axel, couldn't quite communicate for a bit, I then remembered what I was like in my 20s and decided they were better at it than I was back then, hahaha. Also, once you find out the root of the fear, it really all falls in place. The banter and pranks back and forth are so fun and epic that I found myself smiling in public while reading about their antics. I can't wait to read more by this author!!!!!!
I loved this book! While I did find it frustrating for a while that the two love interests, Eliana and Axel, couldn't quite communicate for a bit, I then remembered what I was like in my 20s and decided they were better at it than I was back then, hahaha. Also, once you find out the root of the fear, it really all falls in place. The banter and pranks back and forth are so fun and epic that I found myself smiling in public while reading about their antics. I can't wait to read more by this author!!!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one gave A Walk to Remember vibes (minus the heartbreak 😆).
Teen bad boy x Bible girl with banter that hits and tension you can feel from page one.
Fast forward 9 years and the chemistry is STILL there 👀
Second chance romance, same spark, just a little more grown-up.
This was a fun, tension-filled read I couldn’t put down.
If you love:
✨ childhood rivals to lovers
✨ second chance romance
✨ banter + unresolved tension
Teen bad boy x Bible girl with banter that hits and tension you can feel from page one.
Fast forward 9 years and the chemistry is STILL there 👀
Second chance romance, same spark, just a little more grown-up.
This was a fun, tension-filled read I couldn’t put down.
If you love:
✨ childhood rivals to lovers
✨ second chance romance
✨ banter + unresolved tension
Review of advance copy received from Author
Glitter, flamingoes, bible girl vs inked bad boy and flirting that makes you cackle. I fucking loved this book, start to finish. With the combination of drama, emotional roller coasters, angst and comedy this book has it all.. Elle and Axel aka Glitter dick guy, are possibly my favourite book characters that Margaux has written.
Very heavy on the Aussie slang and such an easy enjoyable read. I want and need more Elle and Axel please and thankyou!!
Very heavy on the Aussie slang and such an easy enjoyable read. I want and need more Elle and Axel please and thankyou!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2026
I really enjoyed this one, finished in one sitting, the banter between Elle and Axel is seriously top tier! From childhood enemies where Axel is the playboy screwup and Elle is the religious church goer, to a chance meeting years later where they have both changed drastically, but the unresolved feelings remain.
From glitter bombs to indoor duck ponds, inflatable flamingos and terrible karaoke, this book will have you laughing out loud! Exactly my brand of chaos!
From glitter bombs to indoor duck ponds, inflatable flamingos and terrible karaoke, this book will have you laughing out loud! Exactly my brand of chaos!
Review of advance copy received from Author
* ARC received for genuine review *
I enjoyed the story, but found I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I wanted to.
The story of overcoming religious trauma and finding yourself and your own identity was a story I can connect with. I think I wanted to see more to why and how the main character made her choices.
I really enjoyed the second chance random encounter, and the ending supportive role of Axel was the real standout for me.
But overall was left wanting a bit more.
I enjoyed the story, but found I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I wanted to.
The story of overcoming religious trauma and finding yourself and your own identity was a story I can connect with. I think I wanted to see more to why and how the main character made her choices.
I really enjoyed the second chance random encounter, and the ending supportive role of Axel was the real standout for me.
But overall was left wanting a bit more.
March 31, 2026
4.5⭐️3🌶️
As always Margaux Paris pulled me into Axel and Eliana’s world and made me feel all the feels…
This book was enemies to lovers, childhood neighbors who prank each other just for shits and giggles…. Oh and they just happen to have insane, intense chemistry….
I absolutely loved this book and I’m thinking it won’t be the last we hear of these 2 prankster lovers!
As always Margaux Paris pulled me into Axel and Eliana’s world and made me feel all the feels…
This book was enemies to lovers, childhood neighbors who prank each other just for shits and giggles…. Oh and they just happen to have insane, intense chemistry….
I absolutely loved this book and I’m thinking it won’t be the last we hear of these 2 prankster lovers!
April 5, 2026
Wonderful, Brilliant, I loved the smart talk and the anguish.. So real !!! This really tugged at the heart . Raw , to say it sparkled is an understatement, it took me to the moon and beyond. It will stay with me for along time.. What a wonderful story… Carnt wait to read another story for Margaux. Don’t stop writing!
April 8, 2026
The Boy Next Door vibes hitting hard with this one! The jokestar, the ratbag, the one your parents warned you about… this 'bad influence' is the sweetest, in a bad boy way.
The banter and the wit is spot on👌 Axel and Elle are so funny together. You will fall for these characters hard!
The pet names are hilarious, you'll have to find out yourself but they are not the norm.
And I loved how Elle goes from soft to full on bad bitch energy!
It didn't take me long to read this because the characters are just so loveable and playful 💜
The banter and the wit is spot on👌 Axel and Elle are so funny together. You will fall for these characters hard!
The pet names are hilarious, you'll have to find out yourself but they are not the norm.
And I loved how Elle goes from soft to full on bad bitch energy!
It didn't take me long to read this because the characters are just so loveable and playful 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the best time reading this, i couldn’t put it down. It was fun, chaotic and banter filled. The banter back and forth between Axel and Elle had me laughing. The pranks were hilarious. The soft moments were perfect.
April 2, 2026
This is a book that I devoured in one sitting.
So much deeper that I was expecting it is so much more than just a boy meets girl love story!!
This is my first book by this author however it certainly wont be my last!!
So much deeper that I was expecting it is so much more than just a boy meets girl love story!!
This is my first book by this author however it certainly wont be my last!!
April 3, 2026
A fun little read. Some great banter and laughs. I enjoyed the writing style and found depth in the character description’s. I like that he fell first and hard. I think I just struggled with the monotony of the pranks and the young vibes. 2.5/5 ⭐️ and 1/5🌶️
April 9, 2026
This book was an emotional read but so worth reading.
The love-hate relationship between Axel and Elle is so well written. You feel like you are there with them through all the pranks.
I can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes.
The love-hate relationship between Axel and Elle is so well written. You feel like you are there with them through all the pranks.
I can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes.
Read
March 31, 2026I received this as an Arc copy. I binged this in 24 hrs. Loved Elle and Axels journey. You go from young love to soulmates with a long road to get there. Thank you.
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