This book was absolutely amazing- I was so obsessed from beginning to end. I immediately wanted to pick this up the moment I finished...and that's sayThis book was absolutely amazing- I was so obsessed from beginning to end. I immediately wanted to pick this up the moment I finished...and that's saying something right now for me, in the state I am in.
I unfortunately read this at a time where I was at a difficult point in my life, so I read it in 10% chunks after devouring the first in a mere two daI unfortunately read this at a time where I was at a difficult point in my life, so I read it in 10% chunks after devouring the first in a mere two days.
It had its issues, to be sure, but overall it kept the same tone and had the same passion and love and depravity (my favorite) seeping from every page that the first installment did....so, somehow, I still feel-even in my detached state- that this was a 5 star read that I'll have to re read in the near future....more
This book had so much to love - it was easy, it had enemies who inevitably fell for one another, it didn't shy away from baBooksta Rec Request #1
*3.5*
This book had so much to love - it was easy, it had enemies who inevitably fell for one another, it didn't shy away from bad things happening, the HERO, and it was a STANDALONE! *heart eyes*
That being said, it was cute, but not an absolute favorite. I think I will ALWAYS love Cass's writing, but I think I'll save them for my rainiest days-they make you feel great, but, unfortunately, you forget about them when you put them down. If you're looking for *light* enemies to lovers, this would be great :)
*****
One of the enemies to lovers recommendations my friends on bookstagram suggested for me when I begged people to help me find some TRUE enemies to lovers...never would have guessed, but let's give it a go! :)...more
I stormed into the elevator, facing a frantic, frazzled Cara. “Sir, you have never, in the eleven years I’ve known you, missed an appointment.”
I stormed into the elevator, facing a frantic, frazzled Cara. “Sir, you have never, in the eleven years I’ve known you, missed an appointment.” “I have never, in the eleven years you have known me, chained my destiny to that of a beautiful psychopath.”
I always feel restless and twitchy when I haven’t reviewed in a while, especially when I read so many amazing, explosive stories. I don’t know why Romeo was the straw that broke the camel’s back, but when I got on the computer and gave myself carte blanche to choose whatever book to write a review for I wanted…this one came to my mind first.
If you had to change yourself to be accepted, you didn’t need that person in your life in the first place. Because it wasn’t you they wanted to be with. It was their version of you.
I know Shen isn’t always the most popular -but her All Saints High is my absolute FAVVVOORIIIITTEEEE by her, and they’ll always hold a special place in my heart, right alongside The Kiss Thief, Vicious, and, now, My Dark Romeo. I guess it says more about me than any asshole male lead could that I ENJOY these ridiculous, vicious men- but only certain things work for me and when Shen is on, she. Is. ON. But that’s why only this set of books work for me-no cheating, loyalty, never taken TOO far, and when it IS far-fetched or crazy, I find it enhances the story to the point of making a book a literal obsession. So sue me, I like what I like.
“My meeting is cancelled.” Cara scurried after me. “Mr. Costa-“ “The answer is no.” “What should I tell Mr. Reynolds?” “That something urgent came up. Family-related.” This wasn’t a fabrication. Something had come up. My blood pressure.
And this one had LOTS I like, trope wise. I didn’t know I liked arranged marriage, but it has been a recurring theme in a lot of my favorite stories so I’d say it has made it's mark. And then there is the fact that MDR has my absolute all-time favorite trope- enemies to lovers. And they REALLY don’t like each other, for real, at first. But, with all of these tried and true stories, the pay off is the slow-burn. The way the hero falls first without even knowing it-all possessive and ish (I know, I’ve already scared you off but *heart eyes*), the way we see the progression of how he’d deny her nothing, would literally do ANYTHING for her, the way he’d do anything to protect the heroine, the way we get a ‘MY WIFE’ scene…it’s all just so top tier.
“I’m sure there is logic behind your words, though for the life of me, I cannot find it.”
And, can I just say, this cold-hearted man does the sweetest, warmest thing for her….he literally (view spoiler)[goes and stands in line to get her a first edition all night outside Barnes and Noble when she falls very ill (hide spoiler)] and it just….slayed me. And, when the inevitable third act fight comes, it is taken care of so quickly and it’s done so well. Or, ya know, I think so.
I wondered what kind of heinous crimes I’d committed against the human race in a previous life to deserve these two nutjobs as my love interests.
The inevitable negative, as I’m always fair in my reviews, is that this book is far and away not for everyone. It has some content that many would find offensive-Romeo IS cruel in several moments, and I’m not sure how people feel about fictionalized ‘God of War trade’ heroes, but I imagine this might bother some. And, ya know, he tells her what to do and he just won’t compromise on the one thing she wants most (what she wants will be ‘small’ to a lot, and the other side won’t understand why he won’t just give in and give her the one thing she covets most and there is a big divide and an easy way for lots to not like that want or need or rejection, however you see it). The other inevitable factor? I love it all.
“We don’t choose our traits. We merely endure them.”
I am a bit of a special case, but when you like the way an author (or authors) writes and they nail your favorite type of storyline, you can’t help but fall. I am just SO damn picky, so I don’t get many darker romances (or even romances) I fall hard for...so when an author I’ve found a connection with writes one of her storylines I LOVE, I can’t help but become obsessed. That being said, this is my favorite LJ Shen work to date (I mean the All Saints High is absolute horrendous perfection) as it just covers so many bases. And…just…Romeo. The way he falls, in the end? PERFECTION. That confession? Chef’s Kiss. I didn’t want to do a fangirl review surrounding the hero, but the more I recall, the harder I fall all over again. There was just SO MUCH I loved about this story…and it also brought me out of a SEVERE depression and book slump. So…there ya go.
“You’re going to be a headache, aren’t you?” “A headache?” I cocked my head. “You kidnapped me, you psycho. I’m not gonna be a headache. I’m going to be, at the very least, a deadly brain tumor.”
Oh! And, just a small note- I LOVED THE HUMOR.
“What are you doing?” “Hanging up our wedding portrait.” “In my office?” “Where else would I hang it?” She nodded for Vernon to hike up the left edge, then signaled for him to stop with a raised cookie. “Perfect.” I studied the image, noting one important fact. “I’m not in this.” She beamed. “I know. Isn’t it perfect?”
The heroine is funny, quirky, and I loved their back and forth-their banter. The way she never stopped giving him grief and never let him have one over on her. Her inner thoughts were hilarious and totally my brand of humor, and I loved everything about how they interacted. He pretends to be so grumpy, all the while he's giving into things he doesn't want to and doesn't believe in behind her back and she is none the wiser. He is obsessed with her from the start, which is where all our back and forth comes from (him tolerating her and engaging with her about the silliest things), and I just love getting the 'I-hate-you-but-really-am-obsessed-with-you' content-
“I’m not jealous. I’m protective of her. Dallas did nothing wrong, other than existing.” “Denver did plenty wrong.” A sad smile stretched across Zach’s face. “You just keep forgiving her for everything.”
it may be my favorite kind of banter, almost Jacks and Eva-ish. They pretend like they can hardly stand the heroine, when really, inside, their dead hearts are beating again for their true loves. Okay, this is a stretch, as Jacks may say some mean things but he would NEVER say or do the things Romeo does. BUT this IS a dark romance so I get that it will be different -though one must admit there are a LOT of parallels that Jacks matches...just saying. Maybe that's why I loved this so much.
“Sometimes, when I read, I realized I was happiest in a world that wasn’t mine.”
This review was rusty, I could tell, as its been so long since I sat down and wrote one, but I am so so happy I chose THIS book to bring me out of my review slump to try and bring me back from the dead. It was effortless-as many of my reviews are-because I love doing it. And I just loved this book so much and didn’t have much to think about. It just made sense. I hope a lot of people will find something to love about this book, but I also hope those that weren’t sure and WON’T like it saw my review and it helped them to decide to not read it and move on. And, wouldn’t you know it, I’m sick and this was difficult with all the fog in my brain so I’m sure you saw a lot of that in my review, too. Still, I’m so glad to have finally written one, good or bad.
I swear to God she is my new favorite 'I Need Cute' author. Is she unforgettable? No...but every book so far has been WHY. IS. SARAH. ADAMS. SO. CUTE.
I swear to God she is my new favorite 'I Need Cute' author. Is she unforgettable? No...but every book so far has been a slam dunk and just made me so happy, laugh out loud (THIS IS UNHEARD OF-I hate chick/lit/romantic comedies), and just...altogether resonated with me.
I can't explain how it works...how she writes such light reads that make you feel weightless yet she throws in deeper moments that hit you deep within about your own internal struggles. Yet here we are.
Three books in...and she is now an author I will always trust with my heart ♥...more
**I wrote this review in different spurts so my moods shifted….it’s a mess but it’s MY obsessive mess so…here we are. Editing was a joke. This is a cl**I wrote this review in different spurts so my moods shifted….it’s a mess but it’s MY obsessive mess so…here we are. Editing was a joke. This is a cluster, just know I'm aware**
He’d just told her goodbye. He’d said he wished their story could have had a different ending, as if they’d already reached the final page. But Evangeline wanted more pages.
It is absolutely NO secret how obsessed I am with this series. It is also no secret how HARSH of a critic I am when a series comes to an end-no one is harsher than I when I have invested time, money (in this series’ case I have risked life and limb and my marriage to attain every edition known to man), my heart, and every waking moment thinking and obsessing over my favorite characters and their most iconic scenes. There was a lot at stake here when Curse released…and I am so so glad I have taught myself to go in with a calmness and level head so I can truly immerse and not *expect* every little thing my heart made canon as that is not how it works lol Thanks to that aforementioned mindset this book was as close to perfect as I could have asked for and for that I am eternally grateful.
Jacks’s back hit the ground as Evangeline flung herself at him. “You monster!” she cried, and cursed. He’d never heard her curse properly before. She wasn’t very good at it, but she was trying furiously.
I won’t lie and say the beginning just blew me away…on the contrary, a morally gray Apollo made my skin crawl with ick. As time progressed, though, I saw the picture Stephanie was trying to paint and though it tore my soul up from the inside out, I understood it and I trusted the process. I am just one who believes that the best ends come from those that are not easily won and are hard fought and earned. Too many times problems are solved so quickly that the build up and anticipation falls flat and, in my experience, the more delayed the gratification, the better the story.
She was truly elsewhere, and it seemed she had been for long enough to meet heroes and villains, and to find herself in a battle between them.
But then we slowly began seeing our ‘mysterious third figure’ watching from the shadows…and I seriously combusted. I love a slow burn, a slow ache, an agonizing love unfulfilled pining from the shadows. It feeds my chaotic soul and after FINALLY meeting Stephanie in person- 10/10 can confirm that is and was and always will be her goal. She isn’t into easy ends and beginner level romances… she makes them AND YOU work for it…and that is why she is my favorite. Evil blends well with masochistic, ya know.
But the problem with wanting something you can’t have, or shouldn’t have, is that the second it seems possible, all reason flees. Reason and wanting go well together only when the reason encourages a person to get what they want. Any reason opposed to this want becomes the enemy.
From the moment I began this series it has been like a demented fairytale and a dream come true all in one. Never in 100 million years would I have guessed what this series about a chaotic cruel fate and hopeful romantic who believes in hope and goodness and happy endings would come to mean to me. But the minute my eyes found page one I was GONE. It was just a feeling, you know? I just KNEW…and I inhaled OUABH so quickly my head was spinning. It still is, really.
Maybe it merely meant she was a fool, or maybe it meant that her heart remembered things her mind did not.
Jacks. Eva. Luc. Marisol. Apollo. CHAOS, even. I just…this STORY. It unraveled in a marvelous string of whimsy and effervescence and HOPE and, my personal favorite, masochism, deception-TENSION. AHHH the TENSION-Never in my LIFE has tension stretched me so thin I thought my seams would burst as I took my next breath but Stephane DID that. She made a story without kisses hotter than a sex scene and I am SO here for it because I’d much rather read a YA written in oozing intent and want and need and desperation than pages and pages of smut- I realize I am in the minority here but the HEAT in these three books-emphasis on one and two-they were my perfect blend of torture and I have read the first two books no less than 5 times each. Well...Ballad more like 3 or 4 but IT HASN’T BEEN ON MY SHELVES AS LONG, OKAY.
Evangeline knew that Jacks had told her heroes didn’t get happy endings. But that didn’t mean they were supposed to give them to the villains.
And shelves… let us talk about that. Stephanie is now home to probably 3 rows of shelves because of my complete (as they roll in) OUABH collection and I’d love to say I’m sorry but I just am not. There is no way. Never have I felt so fulfilled and happy and utterly COMPLETE than when I’m dropping these editions in my cart. And, even better, the minute those pastel colors hit my shelves, the earth stops spinning, the sun shines brighter, and the world goes quiet. There is just something so beautiful and sacred about it and I am so sad it’s all coming to an end.
Once a bit of hope had come to life, it was difficult to kill.
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All that aside…perhaps it’s also because Jacks and Eva have such a chokehold on my soul. Cardan and Jude are and have been my heart for as long as I can remember but now, the fact remains, Jacks and Eva own my heart, my soul, my entire being. They have touched me in ways that are so out of my realm that I haven’t been the same since. I can’t say why…other than maybe it’s when an author just gets me. Sees me. Writes everything I never knew I needed and everything I have ever wanted in a story-I just love the peril, the way things are never okay, the way it takes just. So. MUCH. To even get from point A to B. And, most of all, when the characters satisfy your cravings and sing to your soul-when they speak to you on all levels, both good and bad…and that’s what Jacks and Eva were to/for me.
She tried to pull away, but Jacks held tight, knotting her hair in his fist and keeping his forehead pressed to hers. “Please, Little Fox, remember."
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Eva was a heroine I could root for, cry for, relate to. I have always been hopeful and I always always try to see the good in everyone…and I have been prone to naivety in my 33 years. Like…a LOT. So not only was I obsessed with Eva for her sweetness, but her absolute bravery in all moments. Anyone can hope, but it takes more to act on that bravery. Time and again Eva proved that she was courageous based on her own personal beliefs and what she knew to be ‘right’ even as others called her out for it. The growth from book one to three is evident, going from a naïve girl who was easily manipulated to a stubborn, scorned foe, to reluctant allies, to a girl who would sacrifice it all for the love of her life even knowing it may go up in flames or end in failure-because she knows in her heart it’s right.
“I know I seem naive,” Evangeline pressed on. “I know my faith in love might appear foolish. I also know it might not be enough. But I’m not doing this because I believe I’ll win. I’m actually a little afraid I’m going to lose. I no longer think love is a guarantee of victory or of happily ever after. But I think it’s a reason to fight for those things. I know my attempt to save Jacks could end in a fiery explosion, but I’d rather go up in flames with him than watch while he burns.”
But I suppose I’d risk everything, too, for my all-time favorite book husband (omg I am so fucking sorry, Cardan. Jesus I never thought I’d see the day…but he cries boy tears…tears of literal BLOOD OKAY…I just….I can’t. I’m too weak). When I started this series -NO JOKE HERE- I. Didn’t. Even. Like. Jacks. THERE. I SAID IT.
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MY BIG SECRET REVEALED. That’s right- I thought old boy was problematic af! He was terribllleee in the Caraval trilogy and I just…BLEH! Why would I want a story about the guy who tried to kill Tella when we all knew he was just a distraction for Dante. Sad. But then….because I am who I am and I do not like to miss out on things, I just had to pick OUABH up. And let me tell you….my whorish book heart literally started beating out of my chest the minute his ass showed up on the page-friends…that was chapter one. Literally. My treacherous heart gave out on. Chapter. ONE.
Look, can you blame me? It was love at first. And I am not one to deny myself something that is so clearly a piece of my heart-and that’s what Jacks is now, a piece of my heart, and he always will be. From the moment he showed ‘lukewarm’ interest in his church of pain and sadness to the first time he saved her life to the first time he sacrificed himself to the end when he would do anything for her even at the cost of everything he has ever held dear, I was done for. Did you catch how depraved it all is??? MY HEART. HOW WAS I NOT SUPPOSED TO BECOME OBSESSED? (*Side note. After having finished ouabh I went back to get more Jacks because I was OBSESSED and thought 'well maybe I was looking at things wrong'-to say I was a squeeing mess would be an understatement- I was all 'Poor Jacks, he’s just misunderstood’, 'Aw, Jacks, I know you’re hurting but why’d you have to do that?’, to ‘LEAVE MY BABY ALOOOONEEEEEEE’ I had a whole new perspective, inexplicably)
“I just saved your life,” he said, but the words came out with a bit of a growl. “I’m not going to hurt you.” “I feel as if that’s what people always say just before they hurt you.”
Jacks went from being a person who thought of literally no one but himself to a guy who would literally walk into a burning building to save Evangeline and I just cannot FATHOM how anyone could not be obsessed with him. The way he’s always there lurking (stalking lol) in the shadows, always ready to jump in and save her from herself (among 100 other people who want her dead), the way he would cut out the tongue of someone merely looking at her funny, hurting her feelings, or even mildly threatening her well-being. Some may call this toxic…I guess?? Lol. But the fact remains he is intense and morally gray and he legitimately never pretended to be anything else. And I love that so much about him.
“Yes, I am a murderer. I enjoy hurting people. I like blood. I like pain. I am a monster, but whether you remember it or not, I’m your monster, Evangeline.”
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sorry not sorry I had to add my favorite newly discovered monster, Tommy Shelby (wish I'd have known him for past reviews)
One of my favorite things about this series is the illusion Jacks is forever trying to paint to Eva that he doesn’t care for her, that he’s not into her, that he won’t change and can’t change, that his goal is his alone and he won’t alter his course for her-he is selfish and always will be and she needs to stop trying to look at him differently or change him….this is all a farce, of course. He’s obsessed with her, okay lol as if the jealous antics and absolute unhinged protective nature and constant bickering and teasing Eva didn’t make that clear, his actions and seriousness in the face of danger for her sake did. And, I’m sorry, I lived for the moments when he’d give her the unspoken dry look like, ‘C’mon Evangeline, Really.’ haha I love how he responded to her with such familiarity and sarcasm-not to mention the way he always called her ‘Little Fox’ both out loud and when he’d talk to her in her mind.
But the blood left behind looked something awful—she probably looked awful as well. “You could never look awful,” he said faintly.
And…again…Little Fox is my favorite nickname of all time and that’s a no negotiation truth. It’s up there in “I’ll die thinking of this” territory alongside ’I hate you I hate you I hate you/JudeJudeJude’ territory. IFYKYK. When he calls her that? My heart stutters, I melt into a puddle of goo, and I feel like I’m home all at once. I can’t explain the hold this series has on me perhaps besides the mix of utter devastation repeatedly, the peril, the heartbreaks, Evangeline’s sense of everlasting hope, and the fact that Jacks doesn’t change the fact that he’s a morally gray ‘vero’ (yes, I’ve coined this myself, thank you, he’s a mix of hero and villain and I’ll die on that hill) and he owns it with every thread and fiber of his being. We need more of this. Though…hearing it all laid out like that, I sound quite deranged….but we already knew that so oh well.
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I don’t know, guys…my heart is just so full. I’m happy, I’m content. I’m pining to re-read already. I am so harsh as I stated before and I think I’m just so happy I enjoyed it that I can’t help but feel this utter sense of peace. This book and this series is so beyond heartwarming to me and it has become my happy place-I love to read it. I love to collect. I love reading quotes and finding new fanart artists and I could just live in this world forever…and I hope I get to, if you catch my drift ;) All that aside, no one will ever top EvaJacks and their tremulous story. The way he looks at her….the subtle looks and glances and utter devotion (I added this out of sheer will and madness but don’t worry it’s canon lolol) made it clear he is always pining for her and won’t stop or move on until she is safe and happy-even if it’s without him …nothing short of a masterpiece. Slow-burn is my favorite, paired with the fact I can’t stand when couples get together too early, so this series was a balm to my senses and truly made my heart beat. It’s no wonder TFOTA and OUABH are forever favorites, as I just love the characters having to work for their love and it not being easy…and there was no way this could be classified as easy or smooth.
Two simple words. Only they did not feel simple at all. They felt like falling. They felt like hope. They felt like the most important words in the world. The words made her blood rush and her head spin until once again it was only her and Jacks. Nothing existed except for the press of his cool forehead, the feel of his strong hand tangling in her hair, and the pleading, broken look in his quicksilver blue eyes.
So, whether you liked the end or didn’t, this series still was a very solid addition to the Caraval world (way way WAY better in my opinion, though I may be biased and I freaking LOVE fairytales, especially demented ones) and a great stepping stone to expand with other characters (HELLLOOOOOO ‘alternate’ endings). And, in all honesty and in true Chelsea fashion, I loathe super wrapped up and cheesy and overly descriptive epilogues. I KNOW I KNOW burn me at the stake- but more often than not, for me, they take away from the story and I just don’t love them. I don’t know…for such a terrible and difficult path it all feels so easy and contrived, you know? I’d much rather have a small ending suited to the characters and an open path for them to travel. Because guess what? If something happens that makes me cringe or I don’t like or I didn’t envision for them or it’s too over the top…guess who loses a little love for the story? This Gal lol. Either way though…she answered most of my questions and I followed the breadcrumbs enough to figure out what I needed to know so I am so happy and I know that she will continue to answer things with her next installment….so yes, I’d have loved to have known a couple key things I always wanted to know, but the apples were obvious and it was confirmed by her when I met her so I am more than happy.
Her heart still hurt, as if it had been broken and only jagged bits remained.
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I hope anyone who has any issues can see it was a choice-like it or not-and Stephanie has always been about wonder and hope. For those who didn’t love it-I’m truly sorry for you…but I just can’t be anything other than ecstatic. I love Jacks and Eva more than is socially acceptable and I already can’t wait for my next re read. #JacksandEva4eva
Yeah yeah....I read this to get over my Jacks hangover. Tried to shock my system. And shock it, it did. Holy Triggers, Batman...BUT....yes, the hardbaYeah yeah....I read this to get over my Jacks hangover. Tried to shock my system. And shock it, it did. Holy Triggers, Batman...BUT....yes, the hardback may be in my amazon cart waiting on me to become weak (which happens often). Noah may be the most amazing (albeit a tad far-fetched) hero everrrrr.....
Again, I have to agree with others at the length of these and how it is severely hindering the rating, but as it's the twisted sisters they still prodAgain, I have to agree with others at the length of these and how it is severely hindering the rating, but as it's the twisted sisters they still produce an epic romance that has captured my heart between Montana and Erik. Though, I do need more length-book three seems to finally be expanding all the ways this series could become great....more
*ARC Provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review*
My whole life I'd done the chasing, the people-pleasing. No one had ever chased me. No
*ARC Provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review*
My whole life I'd done the chasing, the people-pleasing. No one had ever chased me. No one had ever prioritized me the way I was willing to prioritize them.
This poor soul of a book had the unfortunate circumstance of being read in a year where 95% of the time I’ve rated every book 5 stars. That is to say, I’ve had almost a full year of perfection and this book was just not…that.
It was cute, sweet, and a typical romance, but I just never truly got into it fully. I can’t say it was bad, but I can’t say it was extremely well-written either….and, again, I don’t think it was poorly written. This book was just maddeningly average and I didn’t feel much depth and I am honestly scrabbling for what to say. And while I sometimes don’t mind quick romances with a hero I really enjoy (and I really really truly did like him), sometimes it doesn’t work out that I fall as easily for it as I normally would. That is the case here, unfortunately.
A tad too predictable, a bit lacking in side characters I cared about, and just…I didn’t believe it, no matter HOW choked up a few of the hero’s quotes made me. And that’s the part that really stinks is there were some great things mentioned about self-worth and embracing who you are, about loving someone for who they are and not what they DO. There was a lot of good to unpack here, just not a lot to follow it up…and that’s where, unfortunately, the story fell short for me.
So while this book will likely appeal to a lot of people, I just couldn’t fall for it. Maybe a different time, maybe a different place in my life…but I just highly doubt it. If you’re looking for a cute, fun, quick read, then I highly recommend it for that. Otherwise, if you perhaps want more to happen, maybe save this for a rainy day.
Literally such a cute, sweet romance that explores anxiety and autism in the face of friendship and romance so well... Review to come when I get the tLiterally such a cute, sweet romance that explores anxiety and autism in the face of friendship and romance so well... Review to come when I get the time!
Honestly I'm on book three and these aren't perfect, but I am LIVING for Erik.Honestly I'm on book three and these aren't perfect, but I am LIVING for Erik....more
I looked right back, drinking her in, taking in the fire that burned in her soul and the heat which seemed to simmer between us. This girl wa
I looked right back, drinking her in, taking in the fire that burned in her soul and the heat which seemed to simmer between us. This girl was going to be trouble. I could tell already. The best kind of trouble there was.
Not many series impress me enough that their male POV counterparts amount to much or grab my attention enough to read them. And perhaps to many this one didn’t either. But, we’re talking groundbreaking measures here, people-I HATE long series because, honestly, most authors just can’t make them interesting or well-written enough that they keep my interest. But, for some reason, this series stole my heart and it never really let it go-from the first hot mess of an awakening where the celestial heirs met the lost Vega twins who tipped their world on it’s axis, through the tremulous fights, bullying, and romantic endeavors-both good and tortuous (Which is to say, EXCELLENT), all the way to the absolutely breath-taking and soul-crushing Heartless Sky where all our most coveted desires came to fruition, but with a cost almost too high to bear. The tears, people…the absolute wrecked soul-wrenching tears.
Green eyes peering into my soul and the brush of lips against mine so hot and powerful that I could taste that kiss right down to my core. A name in the dark which sounded like a plea or a promise and words which hung in my mind like they'd been spoken from the stars themselves. Choose wisely, Dragon born. The greatest treasure is the hardest won.
*Don't mind me and my bb Dragon* [image]
So, when I finished book seven and knew there was a book from their POV, one where we can get some iNsIgHt into these assholes’ minds during their reign of terror over the girls, I was all for it. But, like many things, I wanted to savor it and keep it for a rainy day when I would need my Dragon feels and, honestly, I didn’t want to rush into it and not have it to look forward to. Though we had six books with all the boys’ perspectives, it left far too much Darius out and it was literally never enough-it will NEVER be enough when it comes to this absolute book HUSBAND.
How much easier my life would be if this really was just the end of me.
Shh. I don’t care that he’s a walking, talking red flag-he. Is. EVERYTHING. And to say that is such a monumental thing. I know-I KNOW-I get obsessed with my fictional men.
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I KNOW THIS. But it is far and few between they get under my skin so desperately that it feels like I would have to surgically peel my skin back to remove them from my veins-my bones-my very marrow….and I can’t really say why other than perhaps morally gray men with super toxic but totally purely devoted and in love [but in denial] men MAY be my own special wheel-house and anything less than ‘red flag’ may bore me, nowadays. What it do, baby.
I slid a hand up her spine, moving it towards the back of her neck as I watched her mouth and prepared to claim it. Claim her. Claim everything that went with that choice, because it didn't even feel like a choice at all, more like an urgent need which demanded to be answered.
I only say this because Jacks from OUABH is also my current obsession and he’s nothing less than a red flag and absolute trollop, as well, so I think I may have a top tier *type*. That also being said, lest we forget Cardan is my top book boyfriend? The salt? The nixies? The sneers and *light* bullying? Literally the entirety of the company he keeps? Though, I must say, he is so mild and tame, comparatively lol. Poor little sugar bb prince.
“Maybe you should have picked an easier House to join,” I warned in a low tone, pushing her a little more. “I don’t get the feeling you’re cut out for the trials of this one.” “Well you made it in,” she said with a shrug, her gaze flicking over me dismissively and making my blood heat. “So it can’t be that hard.”
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I digress. This is supposed to be about the boys’ POV, and it is…kind of. But keep in mind I have all these emotions I haven’t truly been able to express because I read all these so quickly in a violent haze of obsession that I didn’t and couldn’t make time to write a review for all seven books. So, honestly, this is the review to end ALL reviews for books 2-7 of Zodiac Academy, and I can’t help but gush because, really, I have to wait until December for the end and that is just BULLSHIT.
There was a question hanging between me and her. A want which we both felt and ached to satisfy. But there was a whole chasm full of reasons for us to deny that need too. Not that I gave a shit. Because every fibre of my being was screaming for me to claim her and make her mine with an urgency that made my head spin.
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Basically what we have here is the heart of all the books: the boys. Don’t get me wrong, but the Vega girls are truly good souls-one fiery and stubborn AS FUCK, and one sweet and kind, but fierce in a way the boys absolutely and severely underestimated. No, truly, these guys may have been the cause of so much pain and heartache and turmoil, but their arc from book one to seven really is a showcase of how being put in a position to defend all you know, the people who are in danger around you, how being under a dark coercion and put in a position that has other lives at stake if you don’t follow those dark commands, how it changes a person and brings out the worst of what they can be.
I swear I could practically hear the universe holding its breath like there was so much hanging on the choice we made now.
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I will admit that you have to have that darkness inside you and be inclined to do it for such ‘support’ of friends to work (I stand by the dark coercion not being a fair shake to my dragon but, again, I’d die for him, so) and to commit such heinous acts (here’s looking at you, Seth and Max), but I loved seeing what they were willing to do for their friend. And, more than that, even though it hurts now, you get to see how they really did like the Vegas,
One of the seniors used his earth magic to seal the way closed behind her and I had to grit my teeth against the desire to tell him to stop so I could keep watching her walk away. Damn this girl. Damn this fucking girl. She was clawing her way under my skin and I was almost certain she wasn't even trying to do it.
we get to experience these moments knowing full well what is to come, how they bond, become best friends, how they all work together for the greater good….and, I’m going to betray every woman out there when I say this, all of this enhances the good moments that are earned in the future. What?!!! iT aDdS fLaVoR !
"You made a mistake picking my House. You won't be able to escape me now."
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YOU DO NOT GET TO JUDGE ME. NONE OF YOU. There would not be a whole ass support group for each book and each series these evil women create if there were not a bajillion other people who agreed with me. All this being said, though, it’s very hard to see when we are first reading the series. Why do they do what they do? Why do they HAVE to? Who even cares? Well, even though I find it to be a cop out and an after the fact excuse, it doesn’t make it any less canon and they wove it so seamlessly that no one can call that out because, frankly, it just makes sense. This series and it’s plot holes are always filled (sometimes books later!!!) so well that you can’t help but shrug and say, whatever. It works. This is just what is is.
She had been a pretty dream for a foolish moment, but now I was waking up to my reality and the bruises staining my flesh were a stark reminder of what that was. The Vegas had to go. And I had to make that happen.
Another of my favorite things ever-moments or actions or sayings or things being hinted at AND NOT FORGOTTEN-being expanded on so well in later books that the breath gets knocked from your lungs and you physically can’t breathe. If you’re into that sort of thing, that is. (Ya know, just epic LOVE declarations in various forms, and the like.) Frankly, I judge you if your heart didn’t palpitate at 'there is only her, there is only him’, Darius’s Phoenix and Dragon tattoo, Star-Crossed love, and so. Many. Other. Things. I judge you. Openly. How even dare you if this shit doesn’t light your fire.
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I raised my eyes to look at Roxy Vega, finding her wary attention still very much fixed on me and liking that a little too much. What was going on beyond those big green eyes? What thoughts filled that pretty head of hers when she set her gaze on me?
Sure, there were some repetitive moments-we ARE in the minds of simple men, really, but I couldn’t help but love that we got to see how quickly Darius and Orion were attracted and-honestly-truly interested in a relationship with Tory and Darcy from the beginning. It’s pretty clear in the original story from the girls’ perspective that they have *starry eyes* for them, despite all the pomp and posturing, but to see their inner struggles and absolute obsession with them…it made things so much grander. Brighter. So much more fun to look at through those lenses.
That girl was my downfall in the making. I just had to make sure she never reached that potential.
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Also, another reason everyone needs to save this story for after they read book seven-they are honestly hilarious. I don’t know that I’d have smiled so much or laughed as loud or as often had I not truly known the heirs as I do in later books. There is something truly special in watching their weird brother bond and the way they interact with one another behind the scenes. How they bicker and fight and what they truly think of their lives and what they are expected to do. I loved it-even if I had to read from freaking Max and Seth’s perspectives back when they were total douche canoes.
And for some strange reason, her calling me an asshole was the highlight of my damn week.
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And, here, I wondered if seeing it from their POV might change my mind about them earlier than, say, book five for Seth and book six for Max. But…no. Alas, they are still assholes and I still do not forgive them for being book 1-5’s most obnoxious heirs. Though, many may be shocked to see my current ranking as far as the heirs go, if we’re talking book five on:
*~*DARIUS*~*(C’mon now) Seth (wHaAaAaAt) Caleb (dude got boring once Tory moved on) Max (Still not my favorite, but I do like him) And, if Orion was an heir, he’d be seated right below Darius. Have no fear, friends.
My head snapped up and I glared at my reflection again, drinking in the similarities between the man in the mirror and the one who had haunted my nightmares for too fucking long. He'd wanted me to become a monster? Fine. I'd be his monster.
So, I don’t know-is it obvious I was going to love this when 90% of it was from Darius and Orion’s POV? Yes. But the fact is that it’s well written, too, much like the other books and it fills in so many fun holes (ugh. You know what I mean) that you can’t help but cherish those early feels you were developing when you see how things were on the other side in some of your favorite moments (the mail scene, the dance scene, the woods scene where they are plotting to ambush Tory)
I didn't want to fall into the trap of arguing with her again while I was holding her like this. I just wanted to steal this moment from the universe and forget about all the shit that was hanging between us outside of right now.
so many small moments amplified into something amazing…and I just loved seeing it. I loved seeing Darius soften when he looked at Tory (or get all lusty, but that was more predictable, to be fair). I loved Orion’s grumpy ass trying to theorize why Darcy was a siren (both of them, utter morons ‘aLmOsT lIkE a PuLl)
“Any ideas on their Orders?” he asked. “I think Darcy might be a Siren,” I said and his brows arched. “Oh yeah? Why do you think that?” he asked. “It’s just a vibe. Like she’s trying to manipulate my feelings or something,” I muttered and he nodded slowly. “Yeah now you say it, Roxy could be one too,” he said thoughtfully. “Really? You felt it from her as well?” I asked hopefully, latching onto this explanation with both hands. “Yeah, like a sort of pull...” “Exactly,” I agreed and relief fell between us.
and it was just a balm to my shattered soul. I literally could not be happier that I found this series and I got to experience it with my best friend. Even though she took forever-shame. Shame on you.
Fran Scale:
Doesn’t matter if I think you’ll like it or not-I’m guna book push it on you anyway and smile about it
Chelsea ✨Arielle’s Nebular Ally and Team Acrux✨
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