Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost from the publisher/author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. I am lDisclaimer: I received this book at no cost from the publisher/author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. I am leaving a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
I have been a superfan of S. Massery since her Fallen Royals series was in its infancy and I decided to give the first book a try. It completely hooked me and I have been a goner ever since. I was super excited to try this new venture with author S.J. Sylvis. I am basically on cloud nine right now, folks!
I was completely blown away by this book! The combined writing style of these two authors was so seamless and fluid. It held S. Massery's signature dark style with gritty undertones. These two authors complimented each other so well. I am definitely going to have to pick up some of S.J. Sylvis's solo works in the near future. If you are looking for a compelling plot then look no further because this book was unputdownable. These authors will hook you and keep you intertwined in the story until the last page. I loved the plot and the way the authors crafted their story. I was very impressed with the vivid imagery in the world-building that made me feel so immersed in every single detail.
These characters were so multi-dimensional and distinct. There is some fantastic character development as well. It's easy to fall in love with these characters because they are so vibrant and they stand out. The characters were complex but also relatable. I adored the cast of supporting characters and I can't wait for more of them in future books.
I love a romance with tons of witty banter and this one did not disappoint. Wren and Stone had it in spades. The two of them are very well-matched. I liked that they had a past together where things took a bad turn because it made the emotions really intense. Their love story is a true journey. Once Stone softens to Wren he doesn't play around. He is hardcore protective and loving. Wren and Stone's chemistry was undeniable and the sexual tension was a tangible thing.
On a side note, I am totally in love with this cover! Gah! It is absolutely perfect.
Overall, this is the enemies-to-lovers hockey romance that you didn't know you needed until it existed. S. Massery really knows how to get your emotions in a tizzy and now I know that S.J. Sylvis does as well. These authors brought all of their strengths to play in this book and combined them to create an outstanding hockey romance with plenty of originality. This book needs to be your next one-click!
Okay, I get what the hype is all about now. I'm not going to lie, this book was addicting! I picked it up and absolutely devoured it.
I think that allOkay, I get what the hype is all about now. I'm not going to lie, this book was addicting! I picked it up and absolutely devoured it.
I think that all the tension in the story is what made me go so ga-ga for it. There was this palpable tensity that limned the story from beginning to end. It made for really exciting reading.
I loved the characters and all of the different dynamics between them. The main characters were so relatable and it was easy to walk in their shoes while reading this book. The rest of the characters are so mysterious that you can't help but get hooked when you start reading this.
There is a mystery at the root of the story and I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what the truth of everything was. The storytelling is so compelling and has such finesse. The world-building was interesting but I thought that there could have been a bit more detail about the world as a whole.
The romance is up in the air at the moment. There is definite potential for love interests but at this point in the story, the main characters are still trying to figure out who they can and cannot trust. I think that there will be some interesting developments in the romance department. This book definitely has hate-to-love vibes going on.
Overall, this book sucked me right in and wouldn't let me go. I am so over the moon for this book and I can't wait to dive into the second book of the series. If you are looking for a read that is going to grab your attention, entertain you, and give you some feels then you'll want to pick this one up.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
I loved every moment of thisDisclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
I loved every moment of this book! This is such a great bully romance. This series has really improved from the first book. I thought that the first book of this series was okay, the second I liked much more, and this one is damn near perfect. This one really exceeded my expectations and I couldn't be happier about that.
The author's writing style is so smooth and natural. It was so easy to fall into the story. The author's narration is effortless and inviting. I really loved the plot of the story. There was so much emotion in the story.
I enjoyed these characters so much. They were so relatable and I felt an immediate connection to both Ethan and Rae. Both of them had a lot of feelings that they had to deal with because of the situation they find their lives in. Ethan is angry and he takes his anger out on Rae. Rae hasn't had the easiest life and she is just trying to cope with her new lifestyle. Both Ethan and Rae had plenty of depth and incredible character growth. I really loved seeing all the secondary characters from the first two books as well as a few new ones.
This was a straight-up bully romance and I think that the author really pulled it off well. The author built such intense tension between Rae and Ethan. Their chemistry was explosive. I loved their banter. I also loved that Rae never backed down from Ethan even when he was being a dick.
Overall, this was a story that I couldn't get enough of. I was totally captivated by this book. There is a compelling plot, incredible characters, and a writing style that is dream-like. I can't recommend this book enough and I am excited for the next book from this author!
This series has been absolutely brilliant. It has been ages since I was this completely obsessed over a book series. It has also been ages since I breThis series has been absolutely brilliant. It has been ages since I was this completely obsessed over a book series. It has also been ages since I breezed through a book this quickly.
Rina Kent is a damn good storyteller. I don't know how she does it but she is able to capture my attention effortlessly. I have come to love her natural and inviting writing style with smooth and flawless narration. When it comes to plotting stories, I have to applaud her because I don't know how she comes up with this stuff. The drama is on overload but it's the kind that you can't take your eyes off of. Her stories are compelling and enthralling. I honestly didn't know what to expect while reading this book but the plot twists and revelations in this book kept me on my toes.
I absolutely love the characters in this series and the author writes them in such a way that the reader feels totally invested in their lives. They are such raw and real characters. I love how relatable they are. I love how they are not without flaws and how their flaws only make them that much more likable. I felt that Aiden and Elsa had a lot of character growth in this book. I really loved how I felt such a connection with the characters in this series. This series has an incredible cast of secondary characters and they bring so much to the story.
The romance really blossoms in this final part to Aiden and Elsa's story. They both finally come to terms with their pasts and sort through their feelings for one another. Their chemistry is still dynamite in this book. There is so much steam in this book that you'll have to wipe it from all the hard surfaces.
Overall, Rina Kent totally slayed me with this book. I have such a girl crush on this author's unforgettable stories. These characters have lodged themselves in my heart and I am eagerly awaiting the rest of the books in this series about the rest of the Horsemen.
What did I just read? My jaw is on the floor right now. This book surpassed any expectations that I had. This book is serious kindle crack. I was so aWhat did I just read? My jaw is on the floor right now. This book surpassed any expectations that I had. This book is serious kindle crack. I was so addicted to this story.
Rina Kent has a very natural and inviting writing style. I feel so at home when I dive into one of her books. The flow is always on point and the narrations is always smooth and natural. Rina Kent is seriously the queen of plot twists. I never knew what to expect with this book. I loved the mystery and the suspense that was embedded into the story. It kept me on the edge of my seat.
I don't think that I have ever felt as frustrated with a character as I am with Aiden. There are times when I can't stand him and want to knock him in the head and other times he surprises me and I can't help but love him. He is also one of the most mysterious characters that I have read about before. I never know what to expect with him. Elsa frustrated me a bit in this book as well. There were many times when she stood up to Aiden and made my heart soar, but when she would give in too easily I was a little disappointed. I liked the character development in this book for both Aiden and Elsa. Aiden seemed to open up more and Elsa seemed to grow more of a backbone. I really love all of the secondary characters in this book. They add so much depth to the story. I am really looking forward to their individual stories later on in the series.
As messed up as their relationship is, I think that Aiden and Elsa are pretty perfect for each other. Aiden's possessiveness was both infuriating and hot as hell. He had me all twisted up. Their relationship is definitely volatile but it works.
Overall, this is one of the most intense series that I have ever read. This series has me totally captivated. That cliffhanger really threw me for a loop and I need the next book pronto like. There are still so many secrets and I have so many questions. Rina Kent really delivered a powerful story and I excited to see where it goes.
The title of this book truly represents the heart of this story. It's just perfect. I was expecting a typical high school bully romance in this story The title of this book truly represents the heart of this story. It's just perfect. I was expecting a typical high school bully romance in this story but I got so much more than that.
I really enjoyed the author's writing style. It pulls you in and absorbs you into the story. The storytelling was very natural and effortless. The plot of the story was very intriguing. I am going to be honest and say that I don't think that the premise of the story was all that realistic, but it was definitely entertaining. The overall story had a great flow but I felt that there could have been a little more conflict in the story. The ending of the story left a lot of unanswered questions but I am hoping that they will be answered in future books in this series.
The characters were very relatable. I loved that these characters were very authentic. They both had flaws and neither of them was perfect. I also like how they both stayed true to themselves and fought for what they wanted. I liked the character growth from both Dalton and Piper in the story. They are both different people at the end of the book from the people at the start of the story.
The romance in this story was a complicated one. Dalton used to bully Piper relentlessly but can't remember a thing after the accident. He tries to prove to Piper that he is different and that he is sorry for everything that he put her through. Piper is dealing with this new Dalton who is kind to her while still remembering all the things he used to do to her. They both have to overcome all these feelings while falling in love with the other.
Overall, this is a compelling story about forgiveness. This is a powerful story that touches on bullying and self-harm so it isn't an easy read by any means. I was totally invested in this story and I can't wait to read the second book in this series!
09/02/2022: Reread! (Audiobook.) (view spoiler)[I decided to reread this series because I still needed to finish the last three books and wanted the ch09/02/2022: Reread! (Audiobook.) (view spoiler)[I decided to reread this series because I still needed to finish the last three books and wanted the characters fresh in my mind. I think that one of the things that I loved most about Margot and Caleb's trilogy was the WTF-ness of it. I mean, this author kept me on the edge of my seat for three entire books. I was salivating for more and absolutely obsessed with the story. It is addicting. The unpredictable plot isn't the only great thing about it though. The characters really have an intense chemistry that is so explosive. I loved all the secondary characters and how they fit into the story as well. Rereading this really sparked my love back to life for the bully romance genre. There is so much drama and so many emotions and it is never dull. Massery also has a fantastic writing style that really calls out to me. I can't wait to read the books about the secondary characters from Margot and Caleb's trilogy. I know I won't be disappointed. (hide spoiler)]
*ORIGINAL REVIEW* Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
Oh my stars, this book completely consumed me! My book hangover will be substantial. I can't remember the last time a book series made me feel this way. I can feel it in my bones.
I think that Massery's writing gets better with each book. I can't get over how inviting her writing style is. Reading one of her books just feels so natural. The narration is smooth and welcoming. I find myself racing through the pages with no effort. The way that she plots out her stories is something that I have to applaud her for. This book, and each of the books in this series, kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. She weaves mystery and suspense into her stories effortlessly. You can't help but feel compelled to keep reading. Her writing is clever and mapped out so well.
These characters sink down into your bones. I don't know how else to put it. They get inside your head and under your skin. I love how relatable and likable the characters are. You can't help but love them and root for them. Even at the beginning of the series when Caleb was being a douchebag, he was still such an intriguing character. I also loved the character development for both Caleb and Margo. They change so much from the characters that we meet in the first book of the series and I loved watching their evolutions. I adore the secondary characters in this series and what we did get to see of them and their lives really makes me excited to read their stories when the series continues.
The development and progression of the romance in this series has been a delight to read. I love that Caleb and Margo are childhood best friends. Their past is full of a lot of trauma but they are able to hang on to each other while they weather the storm of their past and present. When they were finally a united front it was truly a beautiful thing. I loved Caleb's devotion to Margo. The connection that they shared was so intense. Their chemistry was off the charts.
Overall, this is such a raw and edgy series that is full of epic suspense and unforgettable characters. You will feel so drawn to the story and you won't want to put it down. I am so excited for the rest of the books in this series and whatever is next from this author! I am now officially a fangirl.
12/08/2021: Reread! Listened to the audiobook this time. (view spoiler)[I really missed this book so much. I really love the transformation of Caleb an12/08/2021: Reread! Listened to the audiobook this time. (view spoiler)[I really missed this book so much. I really love the transformation of Caleb and Margo's relationship in this book. Their love and hate, back and forth relationship has been intense. In this book, they both finally admit to themselves which emotion holds more sway over them when it comes to the other. Because they have both done things to the other that makes them hate the other but there is also more there. Their deep childhood friendship that has turned into more is something that they can't run from. There are still so many secrets and mysteries. I absolutely love the storytelling in this series because it is so addictive. And I also love the secondary characters and I am excited for when I finally get to their books. (hide spoiler)]
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
Well, the secrets just keep on coming in this second installment of the Fallen Royals series. And that cliffhanger! The author really must be trying to kill me.
I have totally fallen in love with this author's writing style. She pulls you into the story effortlessly. I love that I never know what to expect. She keeps pulling shocking plot twists out of the woodwork like it's nothing. Her narration is so smooth and inviting that I fall right into it like it's the comfiest bed known to man.
I loved the character development for both Margo and Caleb in this book. Margo's evolution was such a delight. She finally finds her confidence and sticks up for herself. She vows to not let anyone break her. Caleb's change was in a different way. His hatred was strong at the start of the book but he succumbs to his other feelings for Margo eventually. We get to learn more about their pasts even though there is still a lot we don't know. I liked the glimpses that we got into the secondary characters along the way.
The romance really takes a turn in this book. After what happened at the end of the first book, Margo is determined to hate Caleb just as much as he hates her. Their convoluted past is full of both good and bad so it's hard for them to pinpoint their true feelings for each other. There is a lot of back and forth between them before they realize that they care more about each other than they thought. There are still secrets between them but they finally find some harmony between them. Their chemistry is still on fire. Their connection is so heated and raw and full of so many emotions that can only come from knowing someone so intimately for so long.
Overall, this is a suspenseful series that will leave you mindfucked. This story will get under your skin and you will get addicted to the angst and the raw emotion in the story. The mystery and suspense will keep you on your toes. This book was absolutely brilliant and I can't wait to see the conclusion in Wicked Promises....more
12/04/2021: Reread! Listened to the audiobook this time. (view spoiler)[I am glad that I decided to reread this series before I finished the last thre12/04/2021: Reread! Listened to the audiobook this time. (view spoiler)[I am glad that I decided to reread this series before I finished the last three books in the series. When I first read this series I fell so in love with it. The reread is the same. I really love Massery's storytelling. There is so much drama and shocking twists in the story to entice me to keep reading. I really loved these characters. Margo and Caleb have a history together that makes things interesting in their relationship. I really love the suspense in the story. The reader really doesn't know who can be trusted or who may have a hidden agenda. And the mystery surrounding what happened in Margo and Caleb's past still needs to be unveiled. I am so glad that I already have all the books in this series because after that ending I need the next book pronto! (hide spoiler)]
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
This book was a total mindfuck. And I mean that in the best way. Like, what did I just read? It has been a while since I have felt so gripped by a book. I think that this book took a little piece of me.
The writing was fantastic. The author's writing voice was warm and inviting. The narration was smooth and welcoming. This book was so addicting. Once I sunk my teeth into this one I couldn't let go. The plot is kind of mind-blowing because of all the suspense in the story. At this point, I have no idea what was foreshadowing or what could have been red herrings. Everything is up in the air at this point. And with that shocking ending, I am chomping at the bits to read the second book.
These characters really jump out at you right away. I felt that Margo's character was very relatable and likable. She was a very vulnerable character. Caleb's character was a bit of a mystery throughout the book. You could never really tell what his intentions were. His character was very fascinating. The secondary characters were really intriguing but I really wished that we got more of their personalities. I really wanted to get to know them more thoroughly. It felt like we only got bits and pieces of them and the bits we got didn't feel substantial.
I don't even know what to think about the romance in this book. It starts out like your typical bully romance but turns into I don't even know what. Margo and Caleb were childhood best friends so you could feel their connection through the pages of the book. Even when Caleb was being terrible. Their chemistry was palpable. And when things heat up between them it gets hot.
Overall, this is a raw story that is full of secrets and intrigue. The suspense in this book is biting. It will leave you a mess. If you like shocking stories full of angst then I suggest picking this one up. This book is brilliant.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
This book, ya'll. I'm tellinDisclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
This book, ya'll. I'm telling you. I can't even formulate a proper review right now. My head and heart are spinning right now. Rina Kent really knows how to make me feel a plethora of emotions.
I've said this in my other reviews, but Rina Kent's writing style is just awesome. I always feel so at home reading one of her books. She makes the story so inviting and the narration is always so smooth. She is also the queen of plot twists, I am coming to realize. I don't know where she gets her ideas from but she always knows how to shock me and bring the drama to a story. When I start reading one of her books I never want to put it down. They are so compelling.
These characters blew me away. Kim and Xander had so much depth and personality. Their characters elicited such intense emotion. They both had incredible character growth in the story. These characters were heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I also really love all the secondary characters in this series. I have fallen in love with each and every one of them and I can't wait for the books in this series that have not been released yet!
The romance in this was so damn beautiful. I love a story where childhood friends become lovers and this one was full of heartache and drama. Xander and Kim had such an intense connection that seemed to transcend everything else. This couple certainly had their ups and downs. Their love story is an emotional one that really makes your heart bleed.
Overall, this book will open your heart right up. This book does not hold back on the feels and trust me, there are plenty of them. This is such a raw and gritty story that doesn't hold back. There are many sensitive topics in this book and the author does not shy away from them at all. The story feels like a very truthful and poignant account of the issues and I think that the author handles them gracefully. This book does a great job of breaking you apart and then piecing you back together again. I dare say that I liked this book more than Elsa and Aiden's story. If you haven't already, jump on the Rina Kent bandwagon. You won't want to miss out!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
From the bits and4.5/5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
From the bits and pieces of Mason and Camila that we got in the first book of this series, I knew that their story was going to be special. I am really glad that I decided to continue this series because I was really impressed with this book.
When I read the first book in this series I didn't fall in love with the writing style. I can't say the same for this book. Where I felt that there was a spark missing from the storytelling in the first book, this book really delivered. The narration was smooth, inviting, and engaging. I enjoyed the plot of this book. It was a very emotional story that I couldn't read fast enough.
Mason and Camila were just stellar characters. I was immediately drawn in by their personalities. They were so likable and I connected with them straight away. I loved how much depth the characters had. The secondary characters in this book are great. I loved seeing the characters from the first book. Having so many awesome secondary characters added so much weight to the story.
I loved this romance so much. I am such a fan of the childhood friends to lovers trope and the author really pulled it off well in this book. The depth of the emotional connection between Mason and Camila was so evident. They had such electric chemistry. They were so right for each other and everyone saw it.
While I suppose it doesn't much matter, I did notice many British English phrases and words throughout the book that an Amerian would not say or use. It only bothered me because I knew that story was set in America. It just brought the world-building down a few pegs for me.
Overall, this is a raw and emotional story that enchanted me from the first page. I really fell in deep with these characters and I am so thrilled to read the next book in this series. Bring on Ethan's story!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
Bully romances ar3.5/5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
Bully romances are usually hit or miss with me. This one got a lot of things right but there were just as many things that didn't work for me.
I really didn't click with the author's writing style. There were things about it that I liked and some that I didn't. I liked how inviting that narration was. It felt very natural and was very smooth. Unfortunately, for me, it just wasn't very compelling. It didn't grip me with feels. While I liked some of the plot points in the book, I felt that the overall plot could have used some work. This is a bully romance novel and the bully's reason for hating the heroine so much was a little ludicrous. The reason just felt too loose and immature. There were definitely some good scenes in the book but there were also some that felt unrealistic.
The characters in this book were definitely interesting. Both Amalie and Jake were characters with a lot of baggage. They had a lot of depth and some great character growth. It took me a while to warm up to Jake's character. He may have been dealing with his pain but he made some immature decisions while doing so.
The romance in this one didn't really work for me for the most part. Amalie and Jake definitely had chemistry and formed a connection with one another but their coming together just didn't feel natural to me. It was a little rushed and felt unrealistic, even for a bully romance story. I just didn't feel that sense of urgency that you want to feel about a romantic couple in a book.
Overall, this was a bully romance with plenty of angst and drama. I felt that the romance could have been a little bit more believable and the narration could have used a more intimate style but other than that the story is pretty solid. I really got into the characters and I am excited to read the next book in the series.
02/24/2023: Reread. (Audiobook!) Raising my star rating to 5 stars! (view spoiler)[I really want to finish this series so a reread was in order. I am g02/24/2023: Reread. (Audiobook!) Raising my star rating to 5 stars! (view spoiler)[I really want to finish this series so a reread was in order. I am glad that I got around to rereading it. I really loved these characters from the get-go. While I wouldn't say that I personally connected with them, they did feel very genuine and real. I love all the depravity in this book and the plot twists. The author's writing style delights me. I always feel so comfortable in all the words. Now I need to reread the second book so that I can finally read book three and cross this series off my list. (hide spoiler)]
-ORIGINAL REVIEW- 4.5/5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
When I first started this book I honestly didn't know if this was going to be a story that I meshed well with. I am glad that I kept reading though because I was pleasantly impressed with this story.
I think that what felt lacking, in the beginning, was the pace of the story. It was just a little too slow for my taste. The overall story kept the same pace but once the plot twists started appearing I was a goner. I was hooked on the pages as if my life depended on it. This story definitely had a lot of drama but everything falls together nicely in the story. I enjoyed the storytelling. Again, a bit slow but with a writing voice that was very relatable and easy to get into.
I really liked these characters. I wasn't sure about Wren at first but damn, did he sure grow on me. I really loved his personality. All the pieces that we pick up through the story that make up who he is. We caught glimpses of the real Wren more and more and the story progressed. Both Wren and Elodie had some great depth and character development. I loved how relatable their characters were and how distinct their personalities were. I also very much adored the secondary cast of characters and I hope that we get to see more of them in future books in this series.
The romance in this book was an enemies-to-lovers trope that I think that author pulled off convincingly. Wren and Elodie certainly didn't care for one another at the start but slowly getting to know the other turns their feelings into something else entirely. Even when they were hating on each other there was always a heated connection between the two of them. When the two of them were together there were always sparks of some kind. And some of the things that Wren does for Elodie were just romantic af. I loved his protective vibe once he realizes how he feels about her.
Overall, this was a book that kept me on the edge of my seat with anticipation. The plot twists and secrets were riveting and I couldn't get enough. These characters really worked themselves into my heart. This is an awesome start to a series and I can't even fathom where Carrie Hart takes us next. I can't wait for more!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
This is a story t4.5/5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
This is a story that I really enjoyed from start to finish. It really surprised me in all the best ways.
The characters were great. The reader really gets a sense of their motivations and their lives. The characters were very relatable and were written very realistically. I loved how the author shows both good and bad traits in her characters to make them authentic. I was really sucked into these characters' lives and breathed this story because of the characters. I also enjoyed the secondary characters and I can't wait to get to know more of them in future books in this series.
The romance in this book was pretty hot. It had so many elements and tropes that I love. Childhood friends, bully romance, enemies-to-lovers, and I just at them all up. I was so addicted to Savannah and Grayson's love story. They had this tangible and electric chemistry that can only be attained from having known someone so deeply. Their childhood friendship really played into the romance quite a bit.
I enjoyed the writing style and the author's voice. The author has a very smooth way of telling the story. I liked the way that the story was presented. We get small flashbacks in time to when Savannah and Grayson were children during some pivotal moments. I liked that they were sprinkled into the story but they didn't overwhelm it.
The plot was engaging and kept my interest. I liked the direction that the author took the story in. I wasn't quite sure what was going to happen which enticed me to keep on reading.
Overall, this is such a mesmerizing love story that will be sure to put a smile on your face by the end. I couldn't get enough of Savannah and Grayson. I can't wait for the subsequent books in this series. This is my first time reading this author's work but I am now smitten with her storytelling. Her writing style really suits the mature young adult genre. I can't wait for more!
10/22/2022: Reread on audiobook! Changed my rating to 4.5 Stars! (view spoiler)[I remember this book being so addicting the first time that I read it. 10/22/2022: Reread on audiobook! Changed my rating to 4.5 Stars! (view spoiler)[I remember this book being so addicting the first time that I read it. I was definitely remembering it right because I couldn't pull myself away from this book. I like that I enjoyed this book so much even though I didn't necessarily like the main character. I could empathize with her and I could definitely see where she was coming from but I didn't totally embrace everything about her. It is normally hard for me to enjoy a book if this is the case but not with this book. This book was like crack. I was A-D-D-I-C-T-E-D. I loved the secondary characters and I really hope to learn more about them in the remaining books in this series. I reread this book because I wanted to try and finish up the series and I needed a refresher. I am definitely jonesing for the second book now! (hide spoiler)]
ORIGINAL REVIEW/RATING - 3.5/5 Stars I am going to be completely honest and admit that I have no idea how I well and truly feel about this book. There are parts of this book that perplexed me and irritated me and then there were parts of this book that I was hanging on to tightly. It's kind of maddening and this review will probably be helpful to no one but here it goes.
These characters were frustrating at the best of times. I couldn't pinpoint if that made me like them more or less though. A little bit of both honestly. I could not stand Raven, the female lead character, at all at the start of the story. And really, I felt the same way about the other main characters, Maddoc, Royce, and Captain. As the story progressed I warmed up to them a little bit though. Enough not to hate them, at least. I think that what I liked most was the camaraderie and friendship that formed between this odd quartet. The four of them together just had this intense chemistry that was undeniable. Even if the push and pull could be headache-inducing at times.
The romance in the story was hit and miss for me. Maddoc's character was possessive to the extreme. At times, it was pretty hot. Other times, it felt excessive. The balance was just a little off with it. Though the chemistry between Raven and Maddoc was super electric and palpable. There was a lot of back and forth with these two. They definitely kept things interesting.
The story was a little bit hard to follow in the beginning. There is a rivalry that the reader doesn't know much about so it's hard to get a grasp on what is really happening in the story. I felt that the male dominance was a little much. Even with some confusion, the story is still compelling enough that the reader desperately wants to know what happens next. I wanted to throw this book at the wall at times but I still wanted to read more after raging.
Overall, this was certainly an entertaining read that kept me on my toes. It had a lot of elements that I enjoyed and some that didn't really work for me. Just keep in mind that my opinion should be taken with a grain of salt. I only just finished the book and it could very well be that I need more time to sit and think about it before throwing my opinions out into the world. I am just going to shrug now and say that I didn't hate it but I didn't completely love it either. I think that this story is definitely an acquired taste. I don't know what that says for me since half the time I wanted to gobble it up and the other half I wanted to spit it out. So I guess I'm calling a draw with this one. If you are on the fence about this one then I would recommend reading it. There are definitely some good things inside the pages and the things that didn't quite work for me could very well be amazing for someone else.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
Wow. This book ha4.5/5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
Wow. This book has shaken me and I honestly don't know up from down right now. I am kind of a mess at the moment. This story has thrown me for a loop.
A.M. Brooks is a great storyteller. She has a very immediate way of telling her stories. Her narration is very welcoming and it just pulls you right in. I was so impressed with the plot of this story. This is such a suspenseful story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There were so many plot twists that had my head spinning. I never knew what to expect. I found the plotting of the story clever and exciting. The book ends on a cliffhanger and I don't know how I am going to be able to wait for the next book in this series after that ending.
These characters really get under your skin. I was immediately drawn to Saylor's character. The reader gets to experience a traumatic event with her at the very start and it really warms the reader to her instantly. I loved how both Saylor and Ciaran's characters were very distinct with clear personalities. There was some really great depth for Saylor's character and Ciaran's character had some great character growth in the story. I really loved this cast of secondary characters. They really come alive and give the story so much more depth.
While I liked the romance between Ciaran and Saylor, I felt that it progressed a little too quickly. It felt way too sudden and like it didn't happen naturally. That aside, they both had amazing chemistry. I really loved Ciaran's protective and possessive streak when he finally realized how he felt about Saylor.
Overall, this is a gripping story that pulls you in and refuses to let go. This is a story that will keep you on your toes from start to finish. These characters will imprint on you so quickly and this story will get lodged in your heart effortlessly. I can't even express my intense eagerness to read the next book in this series. The next book can't come soon enough!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
This book had a little bit oDisclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
This book had a little bit of everything that I love in a bully romance. This book had a compelling story, plenty of suspense, interesting characters, and a forbidden romance that scorched.
I fell into this story straight away. I was very receptive to the writing style. It was smooth and I was easily transported into the story. I did find the flow at the beginning a little disjointed because of the way the story begins but it flows easier as the story goes on. I loved the plot of this story. I really loved the side of suspense that the author added to the story. It definitely kept me turning the pages. I was so consumed with this story and I wanted to know everything.
I had a love and hate relationship with these characters. Well, one in particular. I found all of the characters very relatable. Thayer was a character that I had a hard time connecting with. I just didn't really feel a pull with him. I didn't have any issues connecting with any of the other characters. I actually really loved this cast of secondary characters. I felt that they added a lot of depth to the story. I am really excited to read the rest of the books in this series because of the secondary characters in this book. While I may not have felt overly attached to Thayer's characters, I did think that he and Shayne both had great character development.
The romance in this book was definitely hot. I didn't really feel that invested in it though, to be honest. I think that the reason for that is just because of the way the story is told. Thayer and Shayne have already fallen in love and are separated and then come back together. We only get the prologue of the story to see them in the before stage and the rest of the book is after. Even though I didn't feel the romance as much as I would have liked, I still enjoyed it.
This book doesn't really end on a cliffhanger but I really didn't feel like I got enough closure with the things that were going on in the book. I can only guess that the next book will cover some of these loose ends, but I was just left waiting.
Overall, this was a very enthralling story that I couldn't get enough of. I felt the flow of the story was a little off in some places but as a whole, I really enjoyed the book. I am really looking forward to the rest of this series!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
This was book was so addictiDisclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
This was book was so addicting! I really don't think that I will ever tire of the high school bully romance trope. I was so impressed with this book. Aiden has absolutely no moral center. The book was aptly titled because deviant just fits him. Some of the things that he did to Elsa had my mouth gaping open. I honestly didn't know how to feel about his character half of the time and if I am being honest I still don't know what to truly think of Aiden. For good or bad though, I am definitely interested and intrigued by his character. Aiden and Elsa have a very complicated relationship but their chemistry was undeniable. It was hotter than Hades. Aiden's interest in Elsa was really obsessive and he was possessive to the extreme. The characters were complex and I also really loved the secondary characters in this book. I am ready to see more of them in other books in the series. The writing was amazing. The flow of the story was perfect. The plot of the story was very riveting. There was a lot of mystery and suspense added in, which I loved. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire book and it felt like a rollercoaster ride. If you enjoy this trope then you should definitely pick this book up. It won't disappoint you.
Vanessa Gayle ⚔️
>
Books:
bully-romance
(24)
Loading...
