Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the banter, and the side characters.
The Not-So-Good: The closure. I wanted more even though I know I c3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the banter, and the side characters.
The Not-So-Good: The closure. I wanted more even though I know I can probably get them again in other books, but even the fact that the epilogue was about a side character and not them, left me disappointed.
The Bad: The lack of depth in the emotions. There was potential for it in some of the baggage they both had, but I felt like it was disappointing in a way, because it just didn't go there (if that makes sense ...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise & road trip adventures.
The Not-So-Good: The lack of steam. I get why it didn't have it, but I think i2.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise & road trip adventures.
The Not-So-Good: The lack of steam. I get why it didn't have it, but I think it could've helped with the chemistry.
The Bad: The ending was too abrupt and I wanted more closure.
Overall: This was a Disney movie. Not that this is bad! I just didn't think it was going to be so tame and fluffy. I have read retellings before and didn't seem to have this struggle, so I was kind of disappointed overall. Great for a recommendation for a reader new to the genre and is still scandalized by sex scenes, but also was kinda too fluffy for an old veteran like me ...more
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
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The banter and chemistry.
The Not-So-Good: How the h allowed others to treat her at the beginning (she does come arou3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The banter and chemistry.
The Not-So-Good: How the h allowed others to treat her at the beginning (she does come around though)
The Bad: The H's attitude at first (he does give good grovel at the end)
Overall: This definitely was more morose than I had expected. It has a big trigger of a parent with cancer, so if you are like me and had that experience yourself, consider yourself warned! I enjoyed parts of it, but others not so much. I didn't necessarily love the H's POV at first since he was so deep in his denial that he even thought like a douche and not only acted like it. I'm honestly kind of torn on how to rate this one, so I'm going with middle of the road 3 "just okay" stars.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Maddie and Chase's story. Maddie is trying to move on with her date when she comes home to find her ex on her doorstep. Chase's dad is sick and he needs Maddie to pretend to still be with him because his family (and he) needs her, so he uses her sweet nature to ask her to pretend for a while. Maddie reluctantly agrees because she still cares for him and his family even though things ended bad between them. There are some sad moments, some funny scenes, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between (mainly) Maddie and Chase's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: I did find the beginning a little slow, but otherwise it was good. I never skimmed.
Instalove: No, but residual feelings were there from when they were together before the book.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Chase. He was pretty damaged from his past relationship (see trigger spoiler tag below), but I really wanted to shake him because he was in such strong denial for most of the book.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Maddie. I liked her and I appreciated her growth as a character, but I wanted her to be stronger in the beginning.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I shed some tears but it was mainly because I had lost my mom to cancer and this brought up some feels.
Push/Pull: Yes (view spoiler)[ they both push away 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: Yes (view spoiler)[the h is casually dating OM when the H approaches her for help, but she was open in communicating what the situation with the H was with the OM (hide spoiler)]
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not technically (view spoiler)[ see trigger spoiler tag below and the h was kind of dating OM that she kissed but was open with him about her situation with the H (hide spoiler)]
Separation: Yes, they are separated before the story begins (view spoiler)[They are separated (off page). The h dated OM (but only kissed him and was forcing it) and the h's coworker that's also the H's neighbor told her that there were different OW coming and going from his home during this time (hide spoiler)]
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[Loss of a parent/parent with cancer (on page), the h thinks he H cheated on her (view spoiler)[she was waiting in his apartment for him and he knew it and allowed her to believe he was with another woman that he brought with him because he was having cold feet about the relationship they had when he realized how deep they were getting (hide spoiler)], and the H was cheated on by his ex fiancé that married his cousin that was raised like his brother (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ends in a good place with what I would call a HEA ending (view spoiler)[they're married with a baby (hide spoiler)]
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences (view spoiler)[ - Does Not have cheating (see above) - 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 before the story starts - Does Not have abuse - Does have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the side characters, the emotions, and the paper rings.
The Not-So-Good: The vague details of their dat4 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the side characters, the emotions, and the paper rings.
The Not-So-Good: The vague details of their dating lives while separated and I wanted the H's POV.
The Bad: The length of their separation and horrible communication.
Overall: This was a fun surprise! I'll fully admit that I do judge a book by its cover! While this illustration is perfectly cute and nothing aesthetically wrong with it per se, I've come to be cautious with these types of covers. I've found that the cutesy illustrated covers are usually over hyped and often disappointing reads. Don't hate me ...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The overall premise, the side characters (the h's friends from the previous book and the H's sister mainly), and 3.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The overall premise, the side characters (the h's friends from the previous book and the H's sister mainly), and the steamy scenes.
The Not-So-Good: There was something about the first part of the story (not the prequel) and characters that felt extremely familiar. I even double checked at one point to see if I had read it before, but I hadn't. It was the bully being a bully because of his Dad forcing him to work for him by blackmailing him about the h when all he wants to do is work on cars (that's a secret), and he has a emotionally checked-out mom and a younger sister that he fiercely protects. If anyone knows what book that was, please let me know ~ it's driving me crazy!!
The Bad: The pacing towards the end and overall amount of conflicts.
Overall: This was enjoyable and had a lot going on that I didn't expect. I think the author did mostly well with it all, but at about the 2/3 mark, I felt like I was done. I'm not even sure why! I guess I just felt like it was too much thrown in at that point and while I understand the need to give closure for (view spoiler)[the Dad stuff (hide spoiler)], I wasn't feeling it. I also understand that Reed needed to (view spoiler)[realize he loved Callie (hide spoiler)], but that made it feel a little too stretched out for me. I didn't get as emotional as I hoped, but that seems to be par for the course lately with this funk I'm in. I liked it, but because of the last 1/3ish, I am going to rate it just a little better than just okay 3 stars.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Callie and Reed's story. Reed and Callie's older brother are enemies, so her crush on him isn't anything she feels she do anything about it until she meets Reed's younger sister and gets taken to his party. At the party, she talks to Reed for the first time and his pursuit of her begins. Reed is damaged and dysfunctional and Callie is sweet, innocent, and overprotected by her 4 older brothers. There are some conflicts, some sexy times, and some sweet moments...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between (mostly) Callie and Reed's POV. I wanted more of Reed's tbh.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the last 1/3ish where it seemed to get super slow (for me at least). I struggled not to skim but I didn't.
Instalove: No, this is more like a bully/forbidden romance that takes a while.
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Reed. I liked him but then I didn't sometimes. He was damaged and an ass but also redeemable. OTT protective/possessive for those reader that like that!
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Callie. I liked her and I appreciated her growth through the story, but I wanted her to sometimes push a little more.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed (sadly)
Push/Pull: Yes (view spoiler)[They both push away (H emotionally more so) and I'd say that the H is the main pursuer of the relationship (hide spoiler)]
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and some scenes -- but not so many (only towards the end) and not so much it takes away from the story. (view spoiler)[definitely some breeding/pregnancy kink goin' on and dirty talk (hide spoiler)]
Separation: Yes (view spoiler)[They are separated for about 2 years, and there was mention of one OM that the h kissed and the H says he tried to get over the h but couldn't get past kissing OW either (hide spoiler)]
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[Blackmail/bully/assault (on page), the h was a virgin (on page), and unexpected pregnancy (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ends in a good place and what I would call a HEA ending (view spoiler)[they're married with their baby (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 both the h and H pushing away - Does have a ~2 year separation between the h and H - Does Not have abuse (though can probably be considered borderline emotional abuse) - Does have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the humor, the characters, and the steamy scenes.
The Not-So-Good: The fact that in order to get the ex4 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the humor, the characters, and the steamy scenes.
The Not-So-Good: The fact that in order to get the extended epilogue, I had to sign up for the author's newsletter-- pet peeve of mine for sure.
The Bad: If anything would be considered "bad" I'd say that it's the fact that we don't get the H's POV. I think this prevented me from fully connecting with him. I know we got other people's opinions on him to help shape our opinion, but I didn't feel like it was enough-- I wanted to know what he was thinking many times.
Overall: This was much better than expected! There were a few things that I think could've brought it to a higher rating for me (more closure in the end, the H's POV, and more connection with side characters). That being said, I liked it! Good surprise as it tapped into my emotions, had some hot steamy times, and left me with a smile.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Jamie and Jackson's story. Jamie has been working for a matchmaking agency and on Jackson's case for over 8 months when she and her coworkers decide to send her on a date incognito to see what really was the problem. Only Jackson finds out who she really is and she finds out that her initial thoughts of him sabotaging the dates was true. Jackson's aunt is basically blackmailing him into using the service, and now she demands that he work with Jamie on what they call an immersion program that requires her to be his shadow, living with him and being his dating coach, for a month. There is some butting of heads, some secrets revealed, some funny moments, and some sexy times....and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This was told in Jamie's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, more like a hate-to-friends-with-benefits-to-more
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Jackson. I liked him but I really wanted more into his psyche and I think having his POV could've really helped with that, because I don't feel like we got as deep into his character as I would've liked.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Jamie. I liked her. She was sassy and said it like it was but not in an annoyingly bitchy way.
Sadness level: Moderate. I shed some tears but never needed any tissues -- this was a surprise!
Push/Pull:Yes (view spoiler)[ They both push away and I'd say the H is the main pursuer of the relationship (hide spoiler)]
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot 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)[there are a few OW that the H goes on dates with (per his requirement) that cause some jealousy, and one OW tries to kiss him but he doesn't allow it (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ends in a cute place with what I would call a HEA ending (view spoiler)[they're married (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 both the h and H pushing 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
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
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the voice of the author, and the H.
The Not-So-Good: The unanswered questions in the end (not many, but3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the voice of the author, and the H.
The Not-So-Good: The unanswered questions in the end (not many, but I had a few)
The Bad: The h's pushing away and bitchy attitude got old quick.
Overall: This was enjoyable but I felt like something was missing. I think I always like this author's ideas for books and her voice, but I also think I always get that same feeling of something missing too. I'm really not sure what it is, but I don't connect as much as I'd like to. Overall, I just thought it was okay.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Natalia and Hunter's story. They meet when their best friends get married and Hunter overhears Natalia talking about hooking up with her wedding partner and he offers to take his place. They dance around things with some wrong numbers given, and months later, Hunter is showing up to Natalia's mom's house for their weekly dinner. After some major work, Hunter talks Natalia into a temporarily fling while he is in town since neither of them feel like a relationship is good for them at the moment. There is some past baggage they have to work through, some sweet and funny moments, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Natalia and Hunter's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good, I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No. Instalust? Yes
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Hunter. I liked him. His trauma was pretty heavy but I liked how he cared for others regardless.
h (heroine) rating: 2.5 stars. Natalia. I struggled with her. I kind of liked her towards the end but she had gotten on my nerves with how bitchy she was with the H for the first half.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I shed some tears but never needed any tissues.
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. Kind of a slow burn since they are not intimate until ~61% in my kindle app.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes (view spoiler)[the h's ex husband wants her back, there is a few OM that want the h and causes jealousy, and there is an ex hookup/coworker of the H that shows up at his place (naked) when the h is there alone but the H hadn't seen/talked to her for a year (hide spoiler)]
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes (view spoiler)[They are separated for ~week/s/month?, but there was no mention or suggestion of other partners during this time. (hide spoiler)]
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[Loss of a loved one/suicide (side character)/Huntington's Disease/Ponzi Scheme (h's ex husband) (off page) and the h has as step daughter with her ex husband that is incarcerated (on page) (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ends in a good place with what I would call a HEA ending (view spoiler)[they're married and have a baby (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 both the h and H pushing away - Does 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 humor, the side characters
The Not-So-Good: The epilogue being right after the conflict was resolve3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the humor, the side characters
The Not-So-Good: The epilogue being right after the conflict was resolved -- which always bothers me
The Bad: The H's switch (see below)
Overall: This was better than I thought it'd be, but still was not as good as I now think it could've been. I was really bothered by the lack of on page work on the H's issues and how a switch just seemed to be flipped and it was all okay. I get that we were getting to the ending of the book and the author needed to tie things up, but it felt waaay too easy and kinda unbelievable. It tapped into my emotions at times, which was unexpected, but that switch had me frustrated in the end. I thought it was overall 3 "just okay" stars
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Lynsey and Josh's story. They meet when Josh confronts Lynsey for working in the hospital cafeteria for months on her thesis where he a doctor. They meet later that day through mutual friends and end up having a hate filled ONS. Only months later after an epically failed tinder date, they meet again when Lynsey is in the ER and they find out that she's pregnant with his baby. There is a lot of life changes, a bunch of personal baggage they have to work though, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Lynsey and Josh's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, more like hate-to-lust-to-friends-with-benefits-to-more
H (Hero) rating: 2.5 stars. Josh. I struggled with him. I understood he had trauma but I didn't like how he was so detached and then did a complete 180.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Lynsey. I liked her a little more than the h but I also wanted her to be a little more understanding at times (especially as a psychologist) or at least demand better from the H for their child.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I shed some tears but never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes (view spoiler)[ they both push away (H more) and also pursue the relationship at times (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: Yes (view spoiler)[They are separated shortly (few days?), but there was no mention or suggestion of other partners during this time. (hide spoiler)]
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[Loss of a loved one/psychological trauma (off page), unexpected pregnancy (on page), and the H is ~7(?) years older than the h (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ends with a cute epilogue and what I would call a HEA ending (view spoiler)[they're married and with their baby (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 both the h and H pushing away - Does have a short separation between the h and H - Does Not have abuse - Does have a HEA ending (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.
Quick Opinion: This was alright. It was a typical 2nd book in a trilogy that was full of filler. Adventures and trials, but not much else tbh. 3 Stars
Quick Opinion: This was alright. It was a typical 2nd book in a trilogy that was full of filler. Adventures and trials, but not much else tbh. It was okay. I'm hoping the final book will give me good closure......more
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
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise and Holden's (side character) relationship with the h
The Not-So-Good: The lack of connection I felt tow3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise and Holden's (side character) relationship with the h
The Not-So-Good: The lack of connection I felt towards the characters.
The Bad: The ending was very much focused on setting up the next book, which is a pet peeve of mine (and I ended up skimming tbh)
Overall: This was alright. It took me a while to read and I think that alone says a lot. I wasn't all that eager to get back to it when I would get distracted. I guessed pretty much right away who the bad guy was and his motives, so that took away from it for me too. I felt indifferent towards the characters, and that became a struggle when being motivated to finish this. It seems like I'm in the minority yet again, so it very well could be the book funk I find myself in where I'm not feeling all that inspired...
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Evangeline and Phoenix's story. Phoenix surprises Evangeline by showing up at her parents' party for her birthday after being in prison for years. They have a past together that makes her all of a sudden having to marry him complicated. Phoenix is out for revenge after Evangeline put him in prison and forcing her to marry him is one of the first steps. They also have a mysterious stalker that is very much contributing to their relationship. Some major secrets get revealed, some old feelings come rushing back, and there are some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Evangeline and Phoenix's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good for the most part. I did end up skimming here and there because I wasn't really engaged.
Instalove: No, but residual feelings are there from before.
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Phoenix. I liked him more than the h, but barely.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Evangeline. She was alright. I think I didn't really feel one way or the other about her.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes (view spoiler)[ they both push away 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: Not between the mcs on page
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[Blackmail/Assault/Kidnapping/Drugging/Attempted Murder (on page), murder/loss of a loved one/imprisonment (off page), and the H was going to marry the h's sister (view spoiler)[more of a help a friend out thing and not romantic/intimate (hide spoiler)](hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ends in a good place with what I would call a HEA ending (view spoiler)[they're married (hide spoiler)]
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences (view spoiler)[ - Does Not have cheating - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM - Does have both the h and H pushing away - Does Not have an on-page 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 potential for an angsty read.
The Not-So-Good: The closure, it felt lacking.
The Bad: The sexy times and golden2.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The potential for an angsty read.
The Not-So-Good: The closure, it felt lacking.
The Bad: The sexy times and golden dick syndrome going on.
Overall: This was a little bit less than just alright for me. I wanted an angsty unrequited love type story and I hardly got emotional tbh. I went in knowing that the OW drama would be OTT, and it was, but I also thought it felt disjointed at times especially when they would be so obsessed with their sex. Sex does not always equal love, and I kept on thinking this with the constant reminders of how hard she made him and how wet she got ...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise and the story's potential.
The Not-So-Good: The ending. I know I didn't sign up for the extended epilogu3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise and the story's potential.
The Not-So-Good: The ending. I know I didn't sign up for the extended epilogue because I'm stubborn like that, but it wasn't enough closure the way it was written for me.
The Bad: The lack of emotional connections to both the characters and the story itself.
Overall:This was alright. I wanted more of an emotional connection to the story than I got, because this had some great potential to be a pretty angsty read. I liked the characters, but they too felt lacking. I wanted more depth all around I guess. I didn't hate it, but I definitely am part of the minority, yet again it seems, in not loving it ...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise and the characters.
The Not-So-Good: The mcs didn't really have a conflict to overcome.
The Bad: Not ne3.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise and the characters.
The Not-So-Good: The mcs didn't really have a conflict to overcome.
The Bad: Not necessarily bad, but the main reason for not giving a higher rating is my lack of emotional connection to the story.
Overall: This was enjoyable. I like the mob/bad guy theme every once in a while and this was good enough that I think I'll look into the rest of the series. If any of you have a recommendation as to which other book from this series to read next, please share! I liked the characters and it's no secret I'm a sucker for both arranged marriage and disabled mc themes, so this worked for me. I just wanted more depth of feelings while reading it. Especially because I felt like there was the potential for them!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Sienna and Drago's story. Sienna gets forced into an arranged marriage by the Don of a crime family that her older brother works for. Drago wants the relationship with the Italian mob boss to improve after previous issues. Sienna is expected to spy on the Serbian mob boss, but she quickly realizes that she likes his family and him too much to put them in danger, so this causes some conflict for her. There are some suspenseful scenes, some sweet moments, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Sienna and Drago's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, but instant attraction (view spoiler)[he claims he fell in love at first sight later, but he wasn't saying or thinking it at that point (hide spoiler)]
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Drago. I liked him. He was OTT possessive and might not be everyone's favorite, but I liked him.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Sienna. I liked her. She was quirky and funny, but I think I wanted her to allow herself to be more vulnerable with the H.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes, but mild (view spoiler)[ the h pushes away emotionally for a while, but it was pretty mild (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)[Arranged marriage/blackmail/criminal activity/murder (on page), loss of loved ones (off page), the h was a virgin (on page), the H has partial hearing loss (on page), and the H is ~15ish (?) years older than the h's 20 (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This has a few jump ahead epilogues that we're cute and gave good closure, so I would call this a HEA (view spoiler)[they're still married with 3 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 emotionally - Does Not have a separation between the h and H - Does Not have abuse by mcs - Does have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more
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