Opinion Breakdown The Good: the uniqueness of storyline
The Not-So-Good: the characters were bland for me
The Bad: The pacing and lack of roma2.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: the uniqueness of storyline
The Not-So-Good: the characters were bland for me
The Bad: The pacing and lack of romance (even though tagged as such)
Overall: I don't think this should be tagged as a romance, let alone twice here on Goodreads. It is not a romance at all. They share a kiss but that's it and even that was out of nowhere and kinda awkward tbh. I was excited at first because it wasn't just an ACOTAR ripoff like many fantasy books seem to lean, but then....nothing was really happening. At all. I was bored and I did not feel even a second of urgency to read the next book. I'm obviously in the mega minority because many others raved about this series, so it very well could be a me thing.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Jude's story. Jude is human and her mother gets murdered by her ex husband, who then raises her and her sisters in Faerie. Her new father figure happens to be the main general for the High Fae King and raises her in a way that she wants to become a knight. There are noble Fae that she goes to trainings/school with that bully her because she is mortal. When there is some political unrest, she joins alliance with some unusual suspects and then there is a cliffhanger.
Point Of View (POV): This was told in Jude's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Slow. I never skimmed but this felt long and slow.
Instalove: No
H (Hero) rating: 2 stars. Idk how we're supposed to like him. He's just a bully and then forced ally that might share a mutual attraction with the h ...more
Quick Opinion: This was alright. I liked the premise and the characters but I felt like it was lacking something. I read this when I was on a t3 Stars
Quick Opinion: This was alright. I liked the premise and the characters but I felt like it was lacking something. I read this when I was on a trip and highly distracted by other things, so I didn't want to write my full review format in case I forgot something (especially because I read 2 other books since finishing this one too). I remember liking the idea of the women working together, and I also liked the idea of the H trying to solve a mystery, but it otherwise was not all that memorable or something that I will want to re-read. Bummer too, because I was in the mood for a good HR...
Safety: This should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences (view spoiler)[ No OW/OM drama or cheating (mild jealousy), Loss of a spouse that she finds out had a mistress, story ends with what I would call a HEA ending but the epilogue was mostly about setting up the next book (view spoiler)[ they're married(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)](hide spoiler)](hide spoiler)]...more
The Not-So-Good: The ending was cute but not the best.
The Bad: The lack of connection to anything (mcs2.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise
The Not-So-Good: The ending was cute but not the best.
The Bad: The lack of connection to anything (mcs, their connection, side characters, world, etc)
Overall: This was disappointing. I felt like it was just a ACOTR ripoff...and not in a good way. I'm fine with authors taking inspiration from other authors, because I think that just happens. But this was hard to follow or at least get into at first because the world wasn't presented in a smooth way -- enough that I was even wondering if I missed a book at one point. I just didn't feel the connection between the mcs and they didn't have hardly any enjoyable side characters to relate to either. I struggled to finish this tbh and I'm sad I'm in the minority yet again.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Opal and Dade's story. There is a war going on and it is between the two types of fae and, as a strategy to get more military help, Opal's dad offers her hand in marriage to a human prince. Only the other fae attacks and things go wrong. Opal finds herself with the other fae's king and they are connected in an unexpected way. There are some suspenseful scenes, some sexy times, and some big changes...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Opal and Dade's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good for the most part. I did skim some, but that was mostly because I was bored.
Quick Opinion:. I was disappointed in the ending tbh. I even skimmed a good bit because it felt like it was a never ending and repetitive inter3 Stars
Quick Opinion:. I was disappointed in the ending tbh. I even skimmed a good bit because it felt like it was a never ending and repetitive internal battle the h was going through with herself and I was over it. I felt like it was slow and stretched out to then end abruptly -- which if you follow my reviews, you know I hate! I wanted much more of a HEA. I would barely classify it as that because the ending sucked and was in the same chapter as the conflict resolution -- which, again, is something I also usually hate! Overall, it was an enjoyable trilogy. I liked the Greek mythology aspect. I know there is at least one more book (if not more) of side characters which could give me more closure should I read them, but I'm not super eager to do that rn.
The Bad: The romantic closure, or even lack of time with them as3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise.
The Not-So-Good: The romance in general
The Bad: The romantic closure, or even lack of time with them as a couple.
Overall: This was alright. I think it was alright that I hadn't read the other books in the series, because I didn't necessarily feel lost. What I did feel was disappointed in the romance part of this "romantic suspense" book. I like these every once in a while, especially the serial killer types (so if anyone has a recommendation ~ please share!), but I need the good balance between the romance and suspense to have it work. This also had the whole "I've loved you secretly years before the story begins" type of dynamic, which absolutely isn't my favorite. I like to experience the development of feelings, and when they are already feeling strongly, I don't get that.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Nicole and Emmett's story. They are small town police detectives that are always competing against each other. When a seemingly suicide ends up being a homicide, they are yet again working closely together to solve the case. When things aren't adding up and there is a threat that comes after Nicole, there is a shift in their dynamic. There is some suspense, some sexy times, and some mysteries solved...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Nicole, Emmett, and a side character, Cassandra, in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, but they had feelings for each other already when this starts.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Emmett. He was just alright.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Nicole. She was just alright too.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes, but mild (view spoiler)[ they both push away and pursue the relationship at times (hide spoiler)]
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes, but mild (view spoiler)[ the h was (kind of) dating OM during the beginning of this (hide spoiler)]
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[ Murder/drug and alcohol addiction (side characters off page) and kidnapping/assault/attempted murder (on page) (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ends in an okay place but with what I would call a HFN ending (view spoiler)[they've shared "ILYs" and figured out their work situation (hide spoiler)] but I would have liked more of them as an actual couple
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers (view spoiler)[ - Does Not have cheating - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM - Does Not have the h or H pushing away - Does Not have a separation between the h and H - Does Not have abuse by mcs - Does Not have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more
Quick brief opinion: This felt like filler to me. I think it's the stereotypical cursed 2nd book in a series. It felt like not that much happen3 Stars
Quick brief opinion: This felt like filler to me. I think it's the stereotypical cursed 2nd book in a series. It felt like not that much happened except the h being a little annoying with holding her anger way too long, a bunch of steamy scenes, and a climactic cliffhanger to get us to get the next book. Was it still enough for me to go on to read the next book now? Yes. But I feel like I'm toeing that line of calling it quits if it doesn't pick up soon...
Safety This should be safe for my safety gang gals...more
Quick brief opinion: This was a fun start into the fantasy series. It was a little too much smut for me and I wanted more to happen. I predic3.5 Stars
Quick brief opinion: This was a fun start into the fantasy series. It was a little too much smut for me and I wanted more to happen. I predicted the big twists that are revealed at the end, but not in a way that I found it annoyingly easy. The characters and world are good. There are definite parallels to other wildly famous fantasy series, but again, not in a way that was annoying. Ig was just different enough to feel new and interesting. This ending leaves me on a cliffhanger, so I'm ready to start the next book, A Kingdom of Blood and Betrayal...
Safety: (view spoiler)[the h is betrothed to the H's half brother, so you can technically call it cheating because she develops feelings for the H and is intimate with him. But, it is a forced betrothal and she doesn't hide that it isn't what she wants, so there is that (hide spoiler)]...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise and the side characters.
The Not-So-Good: The lack of chemistry.
The Bad: The lack of emotional connect2.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise and the side characters.
The Not-So-Good: The lack of chemistry.
The Bad: The lack of emotional connections. The abrupt ending.
Overall: This had the potential of being a fun fantasy story but I struggled to connect to the characters and I don't think it was all that romantic. Yes, they form feelings for each other. But I didn't feel any emotional connection to those feelings. I didn't feel anything past entertained by the fantasy aspect/different world/kingdom politics of it. It might be because of the lack of steamy scenes, but I don't think so. Even the kissing scenes were very meh. Since the scenes are towards the end and the whole book had mostly been told by that point, I would expect some tension or feelings of something with those kisses! Nope, just meh, they kissed ...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the suspense, the pacing up until the very end.
The Not-So-Good: The chemistry/romantic connection. I g3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the suspense, the pacing up until the very end.
The Not-So-Good: The chemistry/romantic connection. I get that they had a lot going on otherwise, but I would've liked some more tender moments for the romantic connection to shine through.
The Bad: The ending and lack of closure.
Overall: This was an enjoyable duet. I didn't feel like it was enough though tbh. I was drawn to this because it looked like it was 2 books for their story to be told (which it seems isn't al, that usual for fantasy), but I didn't get nearly enough closure and I definitely wasn't happy with their ending. I guess I could continue on with the series, but I'm disappointed that it didn't end in a place where I felt that was necessary! Any recommendations for a fantasy stand-alone or short series would be appreciated!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Lara and Aren's story. It continues where the last book ended and Lara is now the "traitor queen." When she finds out that Aren has been taken by her father in a more than likely attempt to lure her to him, she is eager to save him. There are some secrets revealed, some kingdom politics they have to navigate, and some suspense...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Lara and Aren's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the end. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: They're already in love when this begins.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Aren. He was the king of mixed signals. He didn't know what to do with the h and I found it a little frustrating at times.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Lara. She was a fighter for sure! "Little cockroach," while such an ugly nickname, was pretty well suited!
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes (view spoiler)[ the H pushes away for most of the story and I'd say the h is the main pursuer (hide spoiler)]
Heat level: Alright. They have one scene.
Descriptive sex: Yes and No, not super descriptive.
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes (view spoiler)[They are separated for a while, but there was no mention or suggestion of other partners during this time. (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ends kind of abruptly and with what I would call a HFN ending (view spoiler)[they've shared "ILYs," the H's kingdom is in an alright place, and the H has said he wants her to stay (hide spoiler)]. I was worried when I hit the 91% mark on my kindle app and it wasn't looking like I was going to get the closure I liked (especially after 2 books), and I was sadly right. Nowhere near enough for me!
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers (view spoiler)[ - Does Not have cheating - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM - Does have the H pushing the h away - Does have a separation between the h and H - Does Not have abuse by mcs - Does Not have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise and the side characters.
The Not-So-Good: The ending and amount of closure for the couple.
The Bad: The r3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise and the side characters.
The Not-So-Good: The ending and amount of closure for the couple.
The Bad: The romantic development and relationship.
Overall: This was just alright for me. I wanted a good suspenseful romance and I've had pretty good luck with Ms. Griffin in the past, so I thought I'd try out this new (to me) series. I was confused because while this is the first book in the series, I felt like I was missing something. This is because the mcs knew each other and referenced past encounters in their inner thoughts. Maybe in another series? I didn't realize this was a spin-off if that is the case. I actually didn't like that. It also made it so the relationship development felt lacking and only based on a few sexual experiences. Overall kind of meh ...more
The Not-So-Good: The ending. I wanted much more in the romance in terms of closure. Also, it wo3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The suspense/mystery
The Not-So-Good: The ending. I wanted much more in the romance in terms of closure. Also, it would've been nice to hear more about her job too! That cover kinda sucks too...just sayin' ...more
The Not-So-Good: The end. It was good for the suspense but not for the relationship. Also the POVs we2.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise.
The Not-So-Good: The end. It was good for the suspense but not for the relationship. Also the POVs were a little too much.
The Bad: The romance. I needed more explanation as to why they did what they did in the past and why they felt so strongly for one another.
Overall: This was underwhelming. I was intrigued enough to finish the 473 pages in my kindle app, so that says something I guess! I just had figured out the mystery pretty early on and I didn't really like either main character all that much. I think it might have been because there were also too many of the side characters' perspectives that the story focused on to connect with them. I guess I'm just staying in my reading rut because this was a little less that "just okay" 3 stars for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Paris and Dean's story. Paris is a late night radio host and she gets an odd call from a fan that concerns her enough to alert the police about a potential crime against an unknown victim. Dean is the new psychologist for the department and he gets brought in to profile the caller. They have a messy history that gets messier as they interact more while trying to find out if the call was a prank or a real threat on a short deadline. There are some suspenseful scenes, a mystery that is solved, and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on many characters (including the mcs) in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good for the most part. I didn't like how quickly it ended after the mystery was solved (especially considering how long it was), but I never skimmed.
Instalove:No, but feelings were still there when they are reunited.
H (Hero) rating: 2 stars. Dean. I struggled with him. First, (view spoiler)[he backhanded his son on page (hide spoiler)]. Then , he (view spoiler)[went along with what the woman he was with was saying (about marriage, kids, and being in love) even though he wasn't feeling it even before reuniting with the h (hide spoiler)]. Just didn't have the morals I like in a H, I guess.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Paris. She was okay. I didn't quite understand why every single man wanted her and the eye issue though...
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes (view spoiler)[ The h pushes away and I'd say the H is the main pursuer of the relationship (hide spoiler)]
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes (view spoiler)[the H was with OW for 2 years before reunited with the h (hide spoiler)]
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes (view spoiler)[scenes with side characters on page and a not very descriptive scene with the H and OW at the beginning before reunion with h (hide spoiler)]
Cheating: Yes (view spoiler)[the H is with OM when reunited with the h and kisses the h and the h was engaged to the H's college best friend and they cheated on him with each other (in the past, but memories on page) (hide spoiler)]
Separation: No, because they weren't considered together
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[Sexual assault/Rape/Kidnapping/Sex with a minor/child pornography/sex addiction/murder/assault/drunk driving/drug use (side characters mostly off page), the h was engaged to the H's best friend and they cheated on the OM (memories on page), loss of a fiancé (off page), and the H is divorced with a ~16 year old son (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ends right after finding closure for the mystery but with not as much closure for the relationship that I would've liked (view spoiler)[they briefly talk about getting married but I'm not sure if it was an actual proposal (hide spoiler)]. I would call this a HFN ending.
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers (view spoiler)[ - Does have cheating - Does have a (not very) descriptive sex scene with the H and OW - Does have the h pushing the H away - Does Not have a separation between the h and H - Does have abuse - Does Not have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The banter, the H, and the epilogue!
The Not-So-Good: The depth. I think this could've gotten much more deep with th3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The banter, the H, and the epilogue!
The Not-So-Good: The depth. I think this could've gotten much more deep with the H's grief and the h's family issues but it just remained pretty surface level.
The Bad: The development of feelings. I needed much more on page. Maybe some backstory or experiencing them meeting for the first time in the prologue? Maybe it was in the first book...
Overall: This was cute and I really wanted to love it, but sadly, I didn't. I always love Ms. Bailey's banter and that was still the case here. I just had this weird feeling throughout that I was missing something. Like maybe I did need to read the first book about the h's brother or something, because their development seemed to be mostly off page before this story begins. That, I think, is what made me struggle the most and with this rating. The H was confessing his feelings of love (internally at least) at like 38ish%! Way too soon for me because it made the rest of the book, while sweet, a little too mushy for my liking. I definitely didn't hate it, but I just didn't love it either -- so yet again, I'm going with a middle of the road rating here with 3 stars. I'm sure others will absolutely love this!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Natalie and August's story. They are enemies and like to rile each other up when Natalie realizes that they might be able to both benefit from a marriage of convenience to get her trust fund and a small business loan for his struggling vineyard. They agree but they soon realize that they don't hate each other after all and that they just might need each other in ways they didn't imagine. There are some laugh out loud moments, some sexy times, and some sweet scenes...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Natalie and August in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: Yes. I feel like this started with them already having feelings -- which, not gonna lie, is not my favorite.
H (Hero) rating: 4.5 stars. August. I really liked him! He was a great mix of funny, sweet, and possessive in a not too psycho way.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Natalie. I liked her but I wanted to shake her to communicate better.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes (view spoiler)[the h pushes away a good bit and I'd say the H is the main pursuer of the relationship (hide spoiler)]
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No, other than mild jealousy
Closure: This ends with a super cute jump ahead epilogue! I haven't said that in a long time, so I count this as a big win for this read! I would call it a HEA ending.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers (view spoiler)[ - Does Not have cheating - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM - Does have the h pushing the H away - Does Not have a separation between the h and H - Does Not have abuse - Does have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the steam, the side characters.
The Not-So-Good: I would've liked a farther glimpse into their future w3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the steam, the side characters.
The Not-So-Good: I would've liked a farther glimpse into their future with maybe (view spoiler)[kids (hide spoiler)] but that's probably me being greedy again.
The Bad: My lack of emotional connection. It had the potential but I just didn't feel it. It also could be my mood reading lately in this slump ...more
I brushed off a lot of political talk because while I don't agree with a lot of what was being said, the fact that he's a politician hDNF @ 38%
Uggh!!!
I brushed off a lot of political talk because while I don't agree with a lot of what was being said, the fact that he's a politician had me expecting some. I'm a teacher, so I was even feeling pretty good about the idea of her fighting for more budgeting in schools!
I just drew the line when all the social justice warrior stuff became a little too excessive. It felt like a book about those subjects and how this previously coined "mousy" librarian becomes an advocate instead of a romance book. I read romance to escape and, as I've said before, I don't want to be reading a book that is focusing so much on politics-- especially when they aren't in line with my own political beliefs...
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the mystery and clues throughout, the flow.
The Not-So-Good: The ending. It ended right after the big su3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the mystery and clues throughout, the flow.
The Not-So-Good: The ending. It ended right after the big suspenseful climax and I was just to accept that half-assed HEA?! Yeah...not my favorite!
The Bad: The connection. The connection to the characters, the connection I felt between them, and my connection to my emotions from reading this were all lackluster.
Overall: This was alright. I really wanted to like it, because I love Ms. Sheridan's works and her overall voice. I think I struggled the most with a lack of connection, and sadly, this is where I think she has always done so well! That expectation might contribute to my lower rating tbh.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Sienna and Gavin's story. Sienna is a new detective for Reno PD when she gets pushed out of the NYPD for sticking to her morals. Reno is where she grew up and when a case leads her to her ex-fiancé, she is not that thrilled. As the case heats up and they see more of one another, they find that they both are connected to the case in some way and that their feelings hadn't gone away like they had thought. There are some suspenseful scenes, some secrets revealed, some mild sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between mostly Sienna and Gavin's POV (with one chapter in a side character's POV)
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the ending. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: No, but strong feelings are still there when they're reunited.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Gavin. I liked how he cared for the h and his mom, but I don't feel like we got to know him very well.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Sienna. I liked her loyalty and determination to do the right thing, but I also felt like I didn't really get that deep into her character.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes (view spoiler)[ the H pushed away in the past to cause their separation and the h pushes away some when they reunite (hide spoiler)]
Heat level: Mild. They have a scene, but I felt like was more about the emotional connection rather than the physical
Descriptive sex: Not very, but also not fade to black either
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes, but mild (view spoiler)[ the h has a long-distance boyfriend in NY when she returns to Reno (hide spoiler)]
Separation: Yes, but off page before the story starts (view spoiler)[They are separated for ~11 years. There is an OM that the h is thinking about marrying back in NY, but there was no mention or suggestion of other partners during this time for the H. (hide spoiler)]
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[Violence/murder/kidnapping/semi-detailed rape of a child/child abandonment/domestic violence (on page) (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ended with what I would (reluctantly) call a HEA ending, but I need much more closure on page to feel satisfied (view spoiler)[they're married and talking about adopting a son (hide spoiler)]
Safety: This one should be either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences (view spoiler)[ - Does have cheating - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM - Does have both the h and H pushing away - Does have a separation between the h and H (off page) - Does have abuse - Does have a HEA ending (see above) (hide spoiler)]...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the side characters, and the banter.
The Not-So-Good: The ending. It definitely could've been much bett3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the side characters, and the banter.
The Not-So-Good: The ending. It definitely could've been much better with a farther glimpse into their future.
The Bad: The lack of an emotional connection. I wanted to feel more.
Overall: This was enjoyable, but just not as angsty as I was hoping. While I definitely felt bad for the horrors and pain the H suffered, I don't think I connected enough to get emotional for him. I just wanted to shake him a few times when he was continuing to push the h away. Overall, this was just an okay read for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Callie and Sin's story. Sin turns his life around when he spares the King of England from an ordered assassination attempt that Sin was supposed to hand out, and he becomes a trusted advisor to the King as years go on. Only now the King is asking him to return to Scotland, which he has sworn never to do, and marry their political prisoner, Callie, to help mend relations with her clan. Callie soon realizes that marrying Sin is the only option for peace for her clan has and she reluctantly agrees. Once they start to spend more time together, Callie realizes that the horrible rumors about her betrothed are not true and they start to care for one another despite the unlikely pairing. There is some political drama, some sexy times, and some sweet moments...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Callie and Sin in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I thought it flowed well and I never skimmed.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Sin. While I liked him for the most part, his inner self-deprecating thoughts got old quick.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Callie. I liked her. I appreciated her strength and how she cared for the H.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes (view spoiler)[The H pushes away a good bit and I'd say the h is the main pursuer of the relationship (hide spoiler)]
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[ Parental neglect/abuse/abandonment (off page but discussed), violence/murder (off page but discussed), and both the h and H were virgins (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ends in a pretty good place and what I would call a HEA, but I'm greedy and I wanted much more! Maybe something like (view spoiler)[experiencing Sin with his children (hide spoiler)]
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers (view spoiler)[ - Does Not have cheating - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM - Does have the H pushing the h away - Does Not have a separation between the h and H - Does Not have abuse by mcs - Does have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise and blurb. The sisters.
The Not-So-Good: The ending. It was one of those that has the conflict "resolved"3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise and blurb. The sisters.
The Not-So-Good: The ending. It was one of those that has the conflict "resolved" then jumps right into the epilogue that gives us a stamp of closure and that was it. I needed to understand more about how they worked out those major issues (...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise. The mystery. The buildup.
The Not-So-Good: The progression to deeper feelings. I get the physical an3.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise. The mystery. The buildup.
The Not-So-Good: The progression to deeper feelings. I get the physical and the overall connection, but it seemed to jump to deep feelings with off page interactions before it ends that I think would've been so much better if we had some of those on page!
The Bad: The ending. I wanted more closure with these two!
Overall: This was better than I thought it would be. I'm in a weird suspenseful romance mood, so this was a great find. While I didn't love the book, I was pleasantly surprised and I enjoyed it enough to seek out the author and her other works for future reads.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Ava and Grant's story. Ava inherited her game warden dad's dog and has taken an active roll in helping find missing people. While searching for a missing boy, she comes across an old abandoned campsite that doesn't sit right with her. When she is blown off by the local sheriff for her concerns, a sheriff's detective, Grant, gets wind of her find and looks into it. She soon realizes that there are some strange happenings in the national park and new town she moved to, because there has been a string of missing women that haven't been found. There are some suspenseful scenes, some sexy times, and some mysteries solved...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Ava and Grant in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Grant. I liked him. I appreciated how he approached pursuing the h.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Ava. I liked her but I thought she was a little cold at times and had too much projection of her father's doings on the H.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes (view spoiler)[ The h pushes away a good bit and I'd say that the H is the main pursuer of the relationship (hide spoiler)]
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Closure: This ends in a good place for the suspense/mystery, but just an alright place for the couple. I would call it a HFN ending for them because I needed more (view spoiler)[they share "ILYs" (hide spoiler)]
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers (view spoiler)[ - Does Not have cheating - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM - Does have the h pushing the H away - Does Not have a separation between the h and H - Does Not have abuse by mc - Does Not have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more
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