3.5 stars, rounded. This was the 2nd book by this author that I’ve been able to finish, and I quite enjoyed it. It had its angsty moments, its cute mo3.5 stars, rounded. This was the 2nd book by this author that I’ve been able to finish, and I quite enjoyed it. It had its angsty moments, its cute moments, and its frustrating ones. Hell, some moments were even cringey (as most showcases of power in PNR romances are), but overall, I liked this one. ...more
4 stars. My thoughts on the last book in the series could be summed up into: wow, I can’t believe it’s over. I remember first reading Ryan and Rory’s 4 stars. My thoughts on the last book in the series could be summed up into: wow, I can’t believe it’s over. I remember first reading Ryan and Rory’s story, and I can’t believe it’s all over now. Although I haven’t read Jamie and Madison’s book, I can safely say this is Cambria’s strongest series. Don’t get me wrong, her other ones are just as fun, over-the-top, and entertaining, but the character dynamics in this particular one really sell it for me. I liked this book, and while it’s not my favorite from the series, Bodhi’s one of my favorite characters. Did he surpass Win, Lars, and Jamie? Likely not, but seeing more into his thoughts and insecurities really hit me in my heart and feels. I wish we got more of Bodhi’s thoughts though because some of his chapters were mostly him observing the other Elite members. I get that it added to the isolation and ostracism he felt throughout the book, but I wanted more of his thoughts alone and also his time with Coach. Speaking of that whistle-blowing maniac, he was great as usual. He never failed to make me laugh in previous books, and he made me laugh here as well. Of course there were moments he annoyed me, but that comes with the territory. Embrace it, bro.
One thing about Cambria’s books is that they’re full of corny humor, which really sells the ages of the characters in my opinion. It worked especially well in this series, considering the cast of characters was so diverse in personality. Sure, they shared similarities with the whole “macho alpha grrr ...more
3 stars. This was cute with a little smidge of angst. But aside from the cutesy interactions, it was kind of boring. Even sitting here now, days later3 stars. This was cute with a little smidge of angst. But aside from the cutesy interactions, it was kind of boring. Even sitting here now, days later, I can’t really recall key moments in the book. Hell, I can barely remember the characters’ names (although, this is typical for me). Regardless, I do remember grinning and aww’ing to some scenes, and that’s enough for 3 stars for me ...more
4 stars. My thoughts on the last book in the series could be summed up into: wow, I can’t believe it’s over. I remember first reading Ryan and Rory’s 4 stars. My thoughts on the last book in the series could be summed up into: wow, I can’t believe it’s over. I remember first reading Ryan and Rory’s story, and I can’t believe it’s all over now. Although I haven’t read Jamie and Madison’s book, I can safely say this is Cambria’s strongest series. Don’t get me wrong, her other ones are just as fun, over-the-top, and entertaining, but the character dynamics in this particular one really sell it for me. I liked this book, and while it’s not my favorite from the series, Bodhi’s one of my favorite characters. Did he surpass Win, Lars, and Jamie? Likely not, but seeing more into his thoughts and insecurities really hit me in my heart and feels. I wish we got more of Bodhi’s thoughts though because some of his chapters were mostly him observing the other Elite members. I get that it added to the isolation and ostracism he felt throughout the book, but I wanted more of his thoughts alone and also his time with Coach. Speaking of that whistle-blowing maniac, he was great as usual. He never failed to make me laugh in previous books, and he made me laugh here as well. One thing about Cambria’s books is that they’re full of corny humor, which really sells the ages of the characters in my opinion. It worked especially well in this series, considering the cast of characters was so diverse in personality. Sure, they shared similarities with the whole “macho alpha grrr ...more
1.5 stars, rounded. You’ve gotta be kidding me…I didn’t even realize this book was releasing, but since I’ve enjoyed some of this author’s work, I dec1.5 stars, rounded. You’ve gotta be kidding me…I didn’t even realize this book was releasing, but since I’ve enjoyed some of this author’s work, I decided to give this a chance. The blurb was interesting, and I knew I’d get a buttload of angst. The only good thing about this story is the arrows it shot at my heart during some parts, and I liked the agony. Other than that, this was a mess. Not only was it 1 POV, but the perspective we were stuck with (Jude’s) was so annoying. I was yelling at him to stand tf up countless times, and don’t even get me started on Romeo. He had zero redeeming qualities imo. He was just bland and his whole whining about not having a kiss, not having sex, not having whatever tf felt lowkey manipulative in a way. It was like he knew Jude would offer to experiment with him (after that initial kiss). This was also full of miscommunication, and not even the type that’s semi-entertaining to read. This was just horrible because we only saw Jude’s view on it. And when Romeo finally told his side at the end, it left me with an “okay…?” expression. Like bruh, that’s it? You’re telling me they were best friends and couldn’t communicate their feelings? Then for Romeo to marry Selby just because he was told to…? That’s so pathetic. Anyways, I’m done ranting ...more
4 stars. This was on the verge of being phenomenal. It was great. Fantastic even, albeit not without flaws. Rowan and Zach were honestly beautiful tog4 stars. This was on the verge of being phenomenal. It was great. Fantastic even, albeit not without flaws. Rowan and Zach were honestly beautiful together with splashes of tragedy and angst between them. They were both strong, individually dealing with their demons (not the one Zach played in Godsent) and navigating problems as a couple. I loved the advocacy for therapy in this book and also the stance against abuse towards men. Eva was downright nefarious and vituperative, and I hated every scene she was in. It’s one of the reasons why I can’t rate this book higher: I simply had a hard time reading those scenes and seeing how much pain Zach was in. As most books do, this one left me frustrated during a few parts, particularly the ending. Don’t get me wrong—I liked the epilogue, but I honestly wish we got a second one to further explore the future…like parenthood, perhaps? It’s mostly because Zach wanted a family, and I wanted to see glimpses of Rowan becoming the parent she didn’t have for the majority of her life. But alas, we can’t have it all. ...more
2-2.5 stars, rounded. This was pretty long and sooooo melodramatic. Swan’s books are usually full of OTT drama, and this wasn’t exempt from that patte2-2.5 stars, rounded. This was pretty long and sooooo melodramatic. Swan’s books are usually full of OTT drama, and this wasn’t exempt from that pattern. However, it was a bit much here, and I can’t say I particularly liked either MC’s. Grace was very frustrating, and Gabriel was downright awful 85% of the time ...more
3 stars. This one was slightly better than the first, but that’s about it. I was still extremely frustrated with both Ashton and Callum, but I really 3 stars. This one was slightly better than the first, but that’s about it. I was still extremely frustrated with both Ashton and Callum, but I really think this book accurately explores enablers and alcoholism, with Callum exhibiting the first and Ashton representing the latter. A slightly satisfying epilogue to a very angst story. ...more
3 stars. Not even close to Gianni’s best work, but I didn’t hate it. Yes, Ashton and Callum were both far from flawless, and both of their actions irr3 stars. Not even close to Gianni’s best work, but I didn’t hate it. Yes, Ashton and Callum were both far from flawless, and both of their actions irritated me throughout the book, but it was still entertaining. I live for angst, and this book was full of it. ...more
1.5 stars, rounded. Bad. Skim-worthy. DNF-worthy, yet I somehow pushed through. This was quite atrocious, and I hated both of the main characters, plo1.5 stars, rounded. Bad. Skim-worthy. DNF-worthy, yet I somehow pushed through. This was quite atrocious, and I hated both of the main characters, plot, interactions, tropes, etc. Trace, a 38-year-old man, behaving the way he did was truly embarrassing to read. And Ivy? She was honestly also pathetic for lusting after his dumbass. I am not excited for the next book if it’s MFM, and I’m guessing it is. ...more
4.5 stars, rounded. This had me absolutely hooked and enthralled. First and foremost, I’d like to say that romanticizing the scenarios in this book ar4.5 stars, rounded. This had me absolutely hooked and enthralled. First and foremost, I’d like to say that romanticizing the scenarios in this book are a NO NO, but I also would like to admit that in fiction? This was really enjoyable. I do not care about the red flags Nate presented because he also had a few green ones. The way he cared for his Freshman had me GIGGLING. They were so adorable, and the tension between them was crazy. I love that direct, descriptive smut wasn’t the forefront of this book. The waiting, the tension, the banter—that was what really drew me in. Yes, the age gap was concerning considering Alfie was 18 and Nate was like 30+, but oh fucking well, I ate this up ...more
2.5-3 stars, rounded. This was by no means awful, but it did make me more uncomfortable than I expected to be. It’s just that some of the writing choi2.5-3 stars, rounded. This was by no means awful, but it did make me more uncomfortable than I expected to be. It’s just that some of the writing choices and scenes made me ...more
2.5-3 stars, rounded. It was alright…but that’s it. I wanted more emotional bonding between them because the majority of their interactions ended up b2.5-3 stars, rounded. It was alright…but that’s it. I wanted more emotional bonding between them because the majority of their interactions ended up being sexual in some manner. Their dynamic was pretty interesting and cute, but it was also extremely frustrating. Joey’s behavior, while understandable, was annoying since Nick seemed to yearn for him more openly. Also, I felt bad for Bryce because he seemed to want to be there for Joey, but Joey always brushed his concern to the side. It is what it is. At least we got a few snippets about Preston being a hardass again (he’s the best). ...more
3 stars. This wasn’t as good as Walker’s book, yet it felt so similar at the same time. Considering I didn’t read the first 2 books and immediately st3 stars. This wasn’t as good as Walker’s book, yet it felt so similar at the same time. Considering I didn’t read the first 2 books and immediately started with the 3rd makes it harder to compare every book with each other. However, what I can say is that Walker and Camden had striking similarities between them, and so did Anastasia and Olivia. It was still entertaining, don’t get me wrong, but I kind of wanted a different experience. The red flags and actions as usual were worrisome, but the group chat messages were pretty hysterical. I just wish each hero felt more unique, along with their heroines. It is what it is. It was fun, and that was it. Concerning, but decently fun.
Also, some of the scenes with Geraldine were uncomfortable. I hate when men’s discomfort is brushed off as a joke. She was a humorous character overall, but I wish the author hadn’t made Walker and Logan the target of her lowkey creepy comments, especially when it was clear they were not fully okay with it....more
**spoiler alert** 3.5 stars, rounded. This was a pretty HEAVY book—more so than I expected it to be. The topics around mental health, self-worth, and **spoiler alert** 3.5 stars, rounded. This was a pretty HEAVY book—more so than I expected it to be. The topics around mental health, self-worth, and depression as a whole were well-done, in my opinion. I truly sympathized with Drew and felt fond of his and Ollie’s relationship. However, even if I liked them together for the most part, I wasn’t a huge fan of them as individual characters. They each had an abundance of flaws, which I guess provided a sense of realism into the book. I also didn’t have any connection to side characters, so whenever they were introduced or discussed, I didn’t care…like at all. Especially with Jericho…her ability to forgive Drew? Idk, that threw me off completely.
Near the end of the book, when Drew was in therapy, the author blatantly wrote about how his mom visited and they talked…Why exactly wasn’t this SHOWN rather than TOLD? I feel like it would’ve added a lot to Drew’s character. I also was a bit disappointed that the majority of Drew and Olivier’s interactions were sexual or argumentative. They were cute but idk, I wanted MORE.
Regardless, I enjoyed the book for what it was, especially since this was my first book from this author. I liked most of the writing style too, aside from the telling-rather-than-showing dilemma. ...more
2 stars. This was respectfully atrocious. I was not only bored out of my mind, but I felt zero genuine connection between the main couple. It was all 2 stars. This was respectfully atrocious. I was not only bored out of my mind, but I felt zero genuine connection between the main couple. It was all over the place, and I had trouble resonating with anything and anyone in the book. ...more
4 stars. This was the longest book I’ve ever read. 940+ pages of angst, tension, anger, pain, everything—I don’t think I’ve ever felt this consumed by4 stars. This was the longest book I’ve ever read. 940+ pages of angst, tension, anger, pain, everything—I don’t think I’ve ever felt this consumed by a piece of fiction before. The fact that I read all of this (not skimming for even a second) in less than 24 hours speaks for itself: this book was all-encompassing and nearly…everything. So why is it not rated higher? Simple, really. Because regardless of the tears I nearly shed (and had to hold in for my lashes ...more
3 stars. This was okay. Similarly to Kruger’s book, this one didn’t hit me as hard as previous books. Prism and Arsen were very cute, and I enjoyed th3 stars. This was okay. Similarly to Kruger’s book, this one didn’t hit me as hard as previous books. Prism and Arsen were very cute, and I enjoyed their soft moments. However, their meet-cute moment was all over the place in emotions that it was weirdly overstimulating me. The plot wasn’t as interesting in this one either because it was less stalker-based with a mystery here-and-there and more past-trauma-based. And I felt as if Arsen’s ASMR channel thing was underdeveloped; it was mentioned a few times and then stopped near the end…same with most of his interests ngl. It was strange too that we never got to meet Prism’s grandma. Idk, it felt incomplete. There’s not much else for me to say here. It was alright—cute but not amazing.
*I just copy and pasted my previous review bc there’s 2 options when I click on this book. Idek anymore*...more
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