Kendall

I wanted to like this book SO much, but it just missed the mark. This book had some really good elements. For instance, I really liked the dialogue. It was quirky and a little off, but I mean that in the best way. I found myself chuckling a lot especially during the scenes where the entire “team” got together. I also liked the characters (for the most part). They were all unique with full backstories and contrasting qualities. The one character that I found lacking was Jack. His whole vibe was “mysterious and suave”. While this is all great and dandy, the mystery never lifted. There was never a point where I really got to know more about him. I couldn’t get invested in his character and subsequent wellbeing when he would disappear and pop in with no explanation. Because of this, I didn’t really root for the “romance” between him and Simi. It seemed very superficial. At times, she seems to flip how she feels for Jack in a single moment, but it never made sense. If you are mad at someone, them flirting with you is not going to solve anything. She also didn’t ever learn anything about him, so I am not sure why she was so insistent that she wanted to be with him. Speaking of things that I am unsure about, there were a lot of logistical plot holes when it came to the “team” and the heist itself. It felt like it was all thrown together and just magically worked. I was expecting some sort of “Ocean’s 8” movie and instead I got a version that would be a Wish-app equivalent of a heist story.

I wanted to love this, but it was just too poorly written that I couldn’t get behind it. I also think there is a sequel, but I most likely won’t read it as I doubt I’ll remember half of what happened in this book and I certainly will not be re-reading this to refresh my memory.

I heard a lot of hype around this book, but unfortunately, it was the boy who cried wolf for me.

I will say that I normally don't read this type of romance (Alpha werewolves and the like), but I wanted to try something different. I want to give that disclaimer because it very may well be that I am just not knowledgeable to the genre and its tropes. I'm not sure if it was the nature of these types of books where the main characters are a "perfect match" or if it was the countless spicy scenes with little personal growth that turned me off this book. Regardless, it was a rough one for me. This book was pretty long, but I don't feel like I really saw WHY the characters liked it each other. It all seemed very superficially explained. They start out seeming to "hate" each other, but as soon as they smell each other... all is well? It may just be me, but I root for main couple to get together in books because their personalities match, not because pheromones say so. I will say that I liked being able to see each person's perspective. It made me realize that they did have some sort of personality, even if it didn't show itself very often. I also appreciated that they simply explained the whole werewolf Alpha/Omega lore. As a newbie, it all seemed to make sense. Overall, I found this book to be a trumped up spicy romance with little chemistry between the characters outside of the physical. They didn't have much banter or the "enemies" part to enemies to lovers. Maybe this book wouldn't have been so bad if the marketing for it hadn't been so off.

Ooof. This book was RoUgH. If I had to pinpoint a perfect example of trying too hard, I'd pick this book. To start off, the first couple chapters weren't actually that bad, and the premise of the whole book was pretty cool, but the execution was painful. I could honestly feel the author trying to be mysterious instead of BEING mysterious. As a reader, the last thing that I want when reading a suspense novel is to be constantly told by the main character's narration that someone is being weird. I should just inherently know that. There were also a LOT of plot holes that were just never explained. For instance, the entire time Mira, the main character, keeps getting these weird "gut feelings" about people or feeling suddenly nauseous, but there is not explanation. The "strangers" all also seemed to know each other, but how they did was never explained. The ending honestly felt like a shot in the dark. I wish that I could say that there were parts that I liked, but this was difficult to get through. I would NOT recommend.

I really wanted to like this book, but the ending didn’t match the beginning for me. I loved the premise. A surprise vampire as your roommate that you need to teach about the ways of modern life? SOLD! The beginning was a good mixture of fun, magic, and even plausibility (as much as one can have with a vampire book). Unfortunately, the middle lost steam. The world of vampires, how things work, and more importantly how Fredrick became a vampire isn’t really explained. I wanted more answers (even simple ones) than I actually got. The only thing that got explained were highly ridiculous like the mysterious coat closet she is forbidden to go into at the start of the book. By the end, I was still hoping that the characters I got invested in at the beginning would be able to salvage the book, but alas… nope. The end felt very rushed and not very well thought out. Overall, I liked the premise and the characters, but I think more time was spent editing/working on the start and idea of the book that ending got lost. If you like vampires and light-hearted contemporary romance, you’ll probably still like this book. I just wanted a bit more complexity outside of the overdone vampire tropes.

Woah… That was amazing. Heartbreaking. Wild. Addictive.

As we all know, this book is very popular on Booktok, but I keep seeing a lot of criticism for it. Unlike a lot of people out there, I really liked this book. The pacing was much different from the first book, but for me, I liked it. It was much more serious and slowed down than the first book which makes sense as Violet and the squad that we love so much enter into their second (and deadlier) year at Basgiath. They have more time to take stock of their surroundings and lives. I also keep seeing a lot of criticism about Violet and Xaden’s relationship, specifically their back and forth / “lack of growth”. I may be in the minority here, but it made sense to me. For a large portion of the book (minor spoiler!), they are separated and only see each other for less than 24 hours every couple weeks. Of course, you aren’t going to solve your major issues in your relationship that quickly. Especially with everyone watching you like a hawk. Also, while Violet isn’t 16 or anything, she also isn’t 30 year old with life/relationship experience and access to a good therapist. She is a general’s daughter… and Xaden is a war revolutionary’s son. That doesn’t say warm and cuddly communication, you guys.

Criticism that I disagree with aside…. there were also parts that I really loved. I loved Xaden and Violet’s snarky back and forth. I loved seeing the loyalty and found family vibes from the squard (Ridoc is the best!). I loved Tairn and his relationship with Adarna. AND I absolutely loved the plot of the “revolution” and what the government is hiding from the rest of the public. This book really has a bit of everything, and I can see how the author is laying the groundwork for future books.

Overall, I literally cannot wait for the next book! The cliffhanger was jaw-dropping, and I need answers!! 100% recommend reading this if you have read Fourth Wing. And if you haven’t read Fourth Wing… Go read it!

Elena Armas hit another one out of the park! I absolutely loved this book. As per usual, the book places you directly in the action, but I didn't feel confused as I played catch up. When the book opens up, Adalyn is almost immediately banished from her job as a high-up executive at her father's soccer team, and it takes quite a while to find out what exactly happened to cause this extreme punishment. The reward, however, for the reader is worth it as it brings many of the characters in the book together the more details about Adalyn's "incident" gets revealed. The viral incident (No spoilers!) is equal parts funny and heartbreaking as you realize the implications of what it means. The best part of the entire book is the characters. Adalyn is portrayed as an uptight, Type-A personality, but it becomes clear that she has just never been given the chance to be herself when she meets Cam. Cam is an ex-pro athlete hiding out, but he brings Adalyn's personality (and snark!) to the surface with each explosive, yet humorous encounter. This brings be to the second best part of this book: the dialogue or should I say the banter? Adalyn and Cam had such good quips and comments that I flew threw the pages. While both the main character's personalities are very unique and intense, I feel that everyone will be able to connect to a part of Adalyn's personal journey throughout this book. Overall, I highly recommend this book, and I can't wait to read the next one!