i went into this with low expectations, and that ended up being the right move. it didn’t blow me away, but there were some enjoyable mo— 3.5 stars ☆
i went into this with low expectations, and that ended up being the right move. it didn’t blow me away, but there were some enjoyable moments. out of the whole series, this was my least favorite, but there was still enough to keep me interested. the fake-dating trope is always fun, and it worked well here. overall, it was okay, but it didn’t quite live up to the earlier books.
beau and bailey’s fake engagement was fun to follow. i’ve always liked this trope, and their dynamic had its moments. beau’s grumpy, protective side paired nicely with bailey’s shy, quiet nature, and while they had chemistry, it wasn’t as strong as the other couples in the series. i liked them both, but they didn’t stand out as much, so their romance didn’t hit as hard.
the pacing was fine, but it didn’t have the same excitement as the earlier books. the fake engagement kept things interesting, but it didn’t bring the twists or energy that made the other stories better. while the plot didn’t drag, it felt like it was missing that extra spark that set the earlier books apart.
there were still some sweet moments, especially when their relationship shifted from fake to real. beau’s struggle between keeping things fake and his growing feelings gave their dynamic some depth. you could tell he was having a hard time sticking to the plan as he got more protective of bailey, and that tension made things more interesting. their feelings developed naturally, and there were some genuinely touching scenes between them. it wasn’t the most memorable romance, but it had its charm.
as the last book in the series, it wrapped things up well enough, but i was hoping for a stronger finish. while it didn’t give me the ending i wanted, i’m glad i stuck with it. now, i’m looking forward to the spin-off and hoping it brings back some of the magic this one was missing.
going into this one, i really hoped it would make up for the last book—and it totally did. from the plot to the characters, everything jus— 5 stars ☆
going into this one, i really hoped it would make up for the last book—and it totally did. from the plot to the characters, everything just clicked, and i had such a good time reading it. i’ve been waiting for theo’s story since he first showed up, and it was so worth the wait. this book had the same fun energy as the earlier ones, and honestly, it’s my favorite of the series.
the balance between theo and winter’s romance and their personal growth was what really stood out. their love story was front and center, but it was also about them facing their pasts and healing. winter’s journey, especially, was so satisfying—seeing her grow after her toxic marriage and learn to trust again felt meaningful. and theo’s carefree nature was the perfect contrast to winter’s more guarded side, giving their dynamic just the right balance.
i’ve been curious about theo since the start of the series, and his story didn’t disappoint. his persistence and playful side really made him stand out, and watching him fall for winter was just so satisfying. he quickly became one of my favorite characters, with so much charm and depth.
the dynamic between theo and winter was definitely one of the best parts. their personalities balanced each other out perfectly—winter being more cautious and theo being laid-back created this tension that made every scene with them exciting. theo’s easygoing vibe helped winter open up, while her strength kept him grounded. their relationship felt real, and every moment between them just worked.
the pacing was great too. the plot moved fast without feeling rushed, and while theo and winter’s romance was a big focus, there was enough going on to keep the story interesting. their pasts played a big part in shaping who they were, and the twists only made their connection stronger.
by the end, this book gave me exactly what i was hoping for—a great mix of romance, personal growth, and a plot that kept me hooked the whole time. theo and winter were definitely the highlight, but the whole story reminded me why i love this series. i’m not as excited for the last book, but i’m hopeful it’ll wrap things up in a way that feels satisfying.
this was such a fun follow-up. after the first book, i wasn’t sure if this one would be able to top it, especially with new leads, but it — 5 stars ☆
this was such a fun follow-up. after the first book, i wasn’t sure if this one would be able to top it, especially with new leads, but it totally did. cade’s grumpy, guarded single-dad vibe mixed with willa’s carefree energy was such a great combo, and their dynamic made the story even more entertaining. the chemistry between them was undeniable, and every scene between them had that spark that kept me hooked.
the relationship between cade and willa felt so natural. the tension built up perfectly, so when they finally got together, it felt like the payoff the story needed. their banter added a lot of charm and kept things from getting too heavy, even when stuff got serious. their connection felt real, and that’s what made their journey so much fun to follow.
cade’s character development was a big part of what made the story work. at first, he was all gruff and closed-off, but willa slowly brought out his softer side, which made their moments together even more meaningful. his emotional baggage didn’t feel like drama for the sake of it—it gave him depth and made him a lot more interesting to read about.
what i really liked was how the book balanced the romance with their personal journeys. it wasn’t just about them falling for each other—it was about cade figuring out life as a single dad and willa finding her place in it. their individual growth made the whole story feel more complete, like it was about more than just the romance.
and willa’s bond with luke, cade’s son, really stood out. her relationship with him wasn’t just a side detail—it felt important to the family dynamic. watching them build their own connection made everything feel even more authentic. luke really influenced how things played out, and it added something special to the story.
even though it was a quick read, the character dynamics and relationships made it really compelling. the plot was entertaining, but it’s the way the characters connected that made it memorable. i don’t usually pick up books like this, but i’m glad i gave it a shot. i’m excited to see where the series goes next.
i went into this series expecting something light and fun, but wow, was i wrong. while i did have some okay moments reading this, i was— 3.25 stars ☆
i went into this series expecting something light and fun, but wow, was i wrong. while i did have some okay moments reading this, i was still bored so often that it felt like a drag. this book, just like the first one, didn’t need to be over 600 pages; the pacing was painfully slow, making it feel like barely anything happened. there was so much filler that i kept checking how much was left, just wishing it would end already.
shannon’s character didn’t improve in this book either. her constant need for reassurance, always asking if people were sure about things, drove me crazy. it was so repetitive and exhausting to read. every time she doubted herself or pushed people away, it became harder to tolerate her perspective. i understand why she’s insecure, but 1200 pages of it is just too much to handle. her povs were difficult to get through, and by the end, i was completely drained.
shannon’s constant self-doubt and relentless need for validation were beyond frustrating. every time she repeated the same questions or sought out reassurance for the hundredth time, it felt like being stuck in an endless loop of insecurity. it wasn’t just the frequency of her doubts; it was how little she seemed to grow or change despite everything happening around her. even when there were opportunities for her to develop some confidence, she’d immediately backtrack into the same patterns, making it hard to root for her. by the time i reached the end, any sympathy i had for her struggles had been worn down.
as for the story, while it tried to delve deeper into shannon’s trauma and johnny’s struggles with his injury, it often felt like the emotional depth was overshadowed by the sheer amount of repetitive scenes and slow pacing. the moments where their relationship progressed were nice, but they were buried under so much unnecessary detail that it was hard to appreciate them. i was hoping for a more engaging plot, but it ended up being a long, drawn-out continuation that didn’t add much to the characters or their journey. overall, it was okay, but it left me wishing for a story that actually moved forward rather than spinning in circles.
starting this book, i had high hopes after enjoying the first one, but it didn’t hit the same for me. the story continues with lore nav— 3.75 stars ☆
starting this book, i had high hopes after enjoying the first one, but it didn’t hit the same for me. the story continues with lore navigating the dangerous world of the sainted king’s court, but this time the stakes feel even higher as the court’s corruption deepens, and bastian, now king, changes in ways that left me both intrigued and frustrated.
i wasn’t as into this book as the first one. bastian’s change in behavior was a little shocking at first and took me a while to get used to, but i did like how it was explained later. gabe, though, was still a disappointment. he felt just as one-dimensional here as he did in the first book, and he didn’t bring much depth to the story. honestly, at this point, i’d be fine with all three of them ending up together because the romantic dynamics just didn’t really work for me.
despite with my issues with the characters, i still found some aspects of the plot interesting. the whole thing with gods was cool, and the dark, gothic vibe of the court is still as appealing as ever. even though i didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first, it’s done enough to keep me curious about what happens next. there’s something about this world that draws me in, even when certain elements fall short.
the foxglove king: 4 stars ☆ the nightshade god: ?? stars ☆...more
i didn’t really know what to expect going into this, but wow, i was completely blown away. the whole concept of gods throwing mortals into— 5 stars ☆
i didn’t really know what to expect going into this, but wow, i was completely blown away. the whole concept of gods throwing mortals into a competition to decide the next ruler hooked me right away, and the execution was perfect. the pacing was just right—fast enough to keep me engaged but not rushed—and the world-building was amazing. i loved how it mixed modern-day settings with mythological elements. the characters—gods and mortals—were great, and their relationships were developed really well. not to mention, the slow-burn romance with hades? i was hooked on every single moment between him and lyra.
speaking of lyra and hades, their romance was definitely one of the highlights. the tension between them added so much depth to the story and their characters. hades, despite all his power and control, shows vulnerability when it comes to lyra, and it made their dynamic even better. lyra, cursed to never be loved, struggles with her feelings for him, and watching that slow build felt natural and compelling. their chemistry was undeniable, and i can’t wait to see how their relationship grows in the next book.
lyra’s personal growth throughout the book was another major highlight. she starts off feeling trapped by her curse, but as the story progresses, you really see her develop into a strong, determined character. her relationships, especially with hades, play a major role in her evolution, and it was really satisfying to see her come into her own power. her journey wasn’t just about surviving the games, but also about figuring out who she is beyond her curse. by the end, she’s completely transformed, and i’m really excited to see where her story goes next.
even though i’m usually kinda over the whole “games and trials” thing, this book made it feel fresh. each trial was super creative, and i loved how the characters had to work together even though they were technically competing. the manipulation from the gods added a whole extra layer of tension, and it made the stakes feel so much higher. it wasn’t just about winning—it was about surviving, and that kept me hooked the whole time.
and then there’s the ending—completely insane. i wasn’t expecting this to be a series, but now i’m counting the days until the next book. the final twist threw me for a loop, and i’m so excited to see where the story goes from here. overall, the mix of action, mythology, romance, and humor totally hit the mark for me. honestly, i loved every part of this book....more
i’m no stranger to disliking main characters, and that’s exactly what happened here. the plot was decent, though billionaire romances ar— 1.5 stars ☆
i’m no stranger to disliking main characters, and that’s exactly what happened here. the plot was decent, though billionaire romances aren’t usually my thing, so i wasn’t too surprised when the storyline didn’t grip me. however, what really dragged this down for me were the characters—particularly vivian, who managed to annoy me throughout most of the book.
as for the romance? i was pretty much against it from the start. there was zero chemistry between dante and vivian, and i found myself rolling my eyes more often than not whenever they were on the page together. this was my first time reading anything by this author, and honestly, i don’t think i’ll be picking up another one. there’s nothing about this book that would make me want to revisit the series....more
i went into this book with pretty high expectations, especially after loving nocticadia. the first half didn’t disappoint—i— 3 stars ☆
dnf @ page 291
i went into this book with pretty high expectations, especially after loving nocticadia. the first half didn’t disappoint—i really enjoyed the gothic vibes, the dark, mysterious atmosphere, and the tension between isa and lucian. it was all so much fun, and i was completely hooked. but things took a turn when isa’s plan to steal from lucian came into play. that part just made me cringe so hard, and what happened in the chapters that followed didn’t help either.
i ended up stopping at 52% because i just couldn’t push through anymore. up until that point, i was really enjoying the story, but after that, it became harder to stay invested. the gothic elements and the plot had so much potential, but it lost me after that turning point.
i’m disappointed because the first half was really promising, and i wanted to love this book as much as i loved nocticadia. maybe one day i’ll try to finish it, but for now, i just don’t have the motivation to continue....more
while this series has been a bit of a rollercoaster for me, i have to say i liked this one the most. the story was pretty fun, and damon, — 4 stars ☆
while this series has been a bit of a rollercoaster for me, i have to say i liked this one the most. the story was pretty fun, and damon, who i didn’t care for much in the first book and who got slightly better in the second, really won me over here.
i also found winter to be a pretty cool character, even though she did annoy me at times. the dynamic between damon and winter was interesting, especially with the flashbacks, which were some of the best parts of the book—like that car scene where damon let winter drive. honestly, i preferred the flashbacks over the present-day storyline, just like in the last book.
i also heard this was supposed to be the best one in the series, and it didn’t disappoint. but seriously, why the hell is erika still in this book? it feels like i can’t escape her.
seeing banks was a nice touch, though i wish she had a bigger role. one thing that didn’t sit well with me was how erika and damon suddenly became cool with each other. like, when and why did that even happen? also, i made a joke about damon and will needing to just get it over with and hook up—and then they did??
overall, this book was a pretty fun ride, and even though i enjoyed it, i don’t think i’ll be reading the last book because, honestly, nothing could make me interested in will’s story.
this book had a better vibe than the first book, but it still didn't hit the mark for me. while the atmosphere in this was more engaging— 2.5 stars ☆
this book had a better vibe than the first book, but it still didn't hit the mark for me. while the atmosphere in this was more engaging, especially with the eerie setting of the hotel and the mystery surrounding it, the plot itself just didn't do much for me. i liked banks as a character, and kai was definitely an improvement over michael, but overall, i found myself getting pretty bored. the flashbacks were actually more interesting than the present-day storyline, which says a lot. and i still couldn’t stand erika—honestly, the book could’ve done with way less of her. as much as i tried to get into it, the story just didn't grab me, and i was left feeling pretty underwhelmed by the end.
there were moments in this book that i thought would really take it to the next level, but it just didn’t quite get there for me.
the se— 2.5 stars ☆
there were moments in this book that i thought would really take it to the next level, but it just didn’t quite get there for me.
the setup with the mafia world, the tension between tristan and morana, and the promise of a high-stakes plot all had potential, but it felt like everything fell flat.
the plot didn’t grab me, and the romance? not even close to hitting the mark. morana was supposed to be this brilliant hacker, but all i saw were dumb decisions and contradictions. one minute she’s supposedly a genius, and the next, she’s making choices that had me rolling my eyes.
the relationship between her and tristan felt more forced than anything, and honestly, i didn’t care enough about either of them to be invested.
the story just couldn’t hold my attention, and by the end, i was kinda wishing tristan had followed through and killed morana—at least it would have made the plot more interesting.
overall, it was an okay read, but nothing i’d be excited to revisit....more
so this was bad. there was a lot wrong with this and very few good things. let’s talk about the bad things.
first off, the romance.
the inst— 2 stars ☆
so this was bad. there was a lot wrong with this and very few good things. let’s talk about the bad things.
first off, the romance.
the insta-love ruined any potential tension. corvina and vad’s relationship moved way too fast for there to be any real emotional connection. from the moment they laid eyes on each other, it was like they were suddenly meant to be without any real build-up or chemistry. this kind of insta-love killed any tension or excitement the book could have had. instead of letting the relationship develop naturally, it jumped straight into intense feelings with no real foundation. it was hard to get invested in them when it felt like they barely knew each other, yet were acting like soulmates.
on top of that, vad’s character wasn’t explored enough either. he remained a mystery throughout the entire book, but not in the intriguing, brooding way you’d expect. instead, he just felt flat. there were hints of a backstory and moments where he seemed like he could be more than just the “dark, mysterious love interest,” but nothing ever came of it. for someone who’s supposed to be such a key part of the story, his motivations and inner thoughts were barely touched on. his character was all surface-level attraction without any substance to make the reader actually care about him.
finally, there were so many unanswered questions by the end of the book. after dragging out the mysteries and buildup for the entire story, everything was wrapped up so quickly and abruptly that it felt like the author was just trying to get it over with. things like the black ball disappearances were hinted at but never fully explained, and the rushed conclusion left so many loose ends. it was frustrating because there was so much potential for a dramatic resolution, but in the end, it felt half-baked and disappointing....more
the story had the potential to be an intriguing, dark revenge tale, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. erika’s obsession with michae— 3 stars ☆
the story had the potential to be an intriguing, dark revenge tale, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. erika’s obsession with michael was more cringy than compelling, and her decisions throughout the book often left me scratching my head. the revenge scheme had some interesting elements, but it ended up feeling a bit over the top, with michael and his friends coming off as more ridiculous than intimidating. while the plot had some good ideas, it ultimately fell short, and erika’s unbearable personality made it hard to fully enjoy the story.
i didn’t think it was possible, but diem has somehow managed to become even more intolerable in this book. i barely made — 1.5 stars ☆
dnf @ page 209
i didn’t think it was possible, but diem has somehow managed to become even more intolerable in this book. i barely made it 20% into the book before i had to throw in the towel—because, frankly, there’s only so much idiocy one person can endure. diem’s sheer incompetence has reached new, dizzying heights, and i found myself dreading every single page she was on.
the concept still has so much potential, but absolutely nothing can redeem a story that’s anchored by such an infuriating protagonist. the war, the intrigue, the ancient magic—all of it is completely overshadowed by diem’s hypocritical, self-righteous stupidity. she stumbles through every situation, making one bad choice after another, yet still plays the victim.
by the time i reached the 20% mark, i realized there was no point in subjecting myself to any more of her nonsense. diem has made what could have been an exciting fantasy into something hard to get through. she’s the kind of protagonist who makes you want to rip the book in half out of sheer frustration.
i’ve officially hit my limit. no matter how intriguing the plot might have been, diem’s idiocy has drained every ounce of enjoyment from this series. not even the promise of unraveling the mysteries or seeing the war’s outcome could tempt me to continue. i refuse to waste another minute on a character so utterly insufferable.
spark of the everflame: 2.75 stars ☆ glow of the everflame: 2.75 stars ☆...more
after enduring the first book, i didn’t think diem could possibly get any worse. but here she is, back in the second book, proving me w— 2.75 stars ☆
after enduring the first book, i didn’t think diem could possibly get any worse. but here she is, back in the second book, proving me wrong in the most infuriating ways.
the world-building and plot still have their strengths, with the intricate dance of descended royalty, ancient magic, and impending war holding enough intrigue to keep the pages turning. and then there's luther—by far the most interesting character—yet he’s continually dragged down by his connection to diem, who, let’s be real, doesn’t deserve him or anyone else’s help.
diem’s hypocrisy and idiocy are taken to new levels in this book. she barrels through the story, making one terrible decision after another, all while acting like she’s some tragic victim of circumstance. the reality? she’s the biggest cause of her own problems, and it’s exhausting to watch her make the same mistakes over and over again.
diem is so blinded by her self-righteousness that she can’t see how absurd and hypocritical she’s being. she’s still quick to judge and condemn those around her, especially luther, who does nothing but try to help her, despite her constant and unfounded accusations of betrayal. it’s like she’s on a mission to alienate everyone around her, and she’s succeeding spectacularly.
the romance between diem and luther is a mess, thanks entirely to diem’s relentless stupidity and inability to trust anyone. luther’s patience with her is mind-boggling—he bends over backward to protect her, even when she’s actively working against him.
and how does she repay him? by assuming the worst, pushing him away, and then whining when things inevitably fall apart because of her actions. she’s like a walking disaster, constantly making situations worse and then playing the victim when her poor decisions come back to bite her.
her behavior is so frustrating that it overshadows the few good things about this book. every time diem appears on the page, i brace myself for the inevitable wave of secondhand embarrassment and rage. whether she’s making a fool of herself, accusing luther of betrayal, or being so dense it’s almost painful, she somehow manages to top her previous stupidity with each new chapter.
i didn’t think it was possible, but she’s officially the most aggravating protagonist i’ve ever had the displeasure of reading. finishing this book felt like a chore, and i’m seriously questioning if i can stomach more of this series with diem at the helm.
spark of the everflame: 2.75 stars ☆ heat of the everflame: 1.5 stars ☆...more
after suffering through the first book, i thought things couldn't possibly get worse. i was wrong—this second book somehow manages to be e— 2 stars ☆
after suffering through the first book, i thought things couldn't possibly get worse. i was wrong—this second book somehow manages to be even more insufferable. the cringe is unbearable, the plot is stuck in quicksand, and the characters are nothing but aggravating. i didn't think it was possible, but i actually grown to hate every single one of them. they all sucked. and they're all stupid. especially elise.
elise is one of the most infuriating characters i’ve ever had the displeasure of reading about. we're supposedly on a mission to uncover her brother's killer, yet a whole book has passed, and she's no closer to the truth. it’s like she's actively avoiding progress. if she really cared about her brother's death, you'd think she would have achieved something by now. but no, she's too busy getting cozy with the very suspects she should be investigating. it’s beyond ridiculous.
and now, out of nowhere, she suddenly grows a conscience about possibly sleeping with her brother’s killer? where was this moral compass in the last book when she was ready to jump into bed with them? her inconsistency is mind-numbing. one moment she’s all about revenge, and the next, she’s swooning over these guys like her mission doesn’t even matter anymore. it’s a joke—how am i supposed to take her seriously when she can’t even remember why she’s there?
the rest of the characters are no better. gabriel, who i could almost tolerate in the first book, has turned into a complete ass. he's irritating, and i can't believe how far he's fallen. ryder is nothing but a walking cliché, and every word out of his mouth makes me cringe.
the pacing is a nightmare. two books in, and nothing significant has happened. and just when i thought things couldn’t get more pointless, i found out the big reveal about her brother’s killer doesn’t even happen until the end of the series—five books deep. five. there's no way i’m putting myself through three more of these disasters. this series is a total letdown, and i wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.
what a letdown. after trudging through the last few books, i was really hoping the final book would bring something exciting to tie ever— 2.5 stars ☆
what a letdown. after trudging through the last few books, i was really hoping the final book would bring something exciting to tie everything together, but it just didn’t. the story dragged, and the “big bad” fight was over so quickly it was almost laughable—definitely not the epic showdown i was expecting. i’m left feeling disappointed, though i might revisit this series in the future just to see if it hits differently. for now, though, i’m more than ready to move on.
the series is really beginning to drag, and this book didn't do much to keep me engaged. while i do appreciate how oli’s relationship w— 3.25 stars ☆
the series is really beginning to drag, and this book didn't do much to keep me engaged. while i do appreciate how oli’s relationship with her bonds has developed, everything else feels like it’s stuck on repeat. the only thing keeping me reading is their relationship, but i’m starting to wonder if there’s anything new left to explore. i’m hoping the final book will bring something fresh, but my expectations are pretty low at this point.
i liked this book better than the last one, but it was still slower compared to the others. not much new happened, aside from the endin— 3.25 stars ☆
i liked this book better than the last one, but it was still slower compared to the others. not much new happened, aside from the ending, which was at least interesting. i’m still left wondering what the resistance is actually resisting, and honestly, they don’t seem to be doing much of anything. the bonds are getting better, which i appreciate, but the slow pace made it hard to stay fully engaged. at this point, i’m not sure if we’ll ever get the answers we’ve been waiting for.
i didn’t like this book as much as the last one—or even the first. it was pretty boring overall, though the bonds are still improving, w— 2.5 stars ☆
i didn’t like this book as much as the last one—or even the first. it was pretty boring overall, though the bonds are still improving, which is a plus. but they keep talking about the resistance without ever explaining what they're resisting, which is really weird, especially since it’s a big plot point. overall, not as interesting as the last book, and i’m left with more questions than answers.
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