This bullying got at times quite exhausting. Around 50% I questioned how much bullying is too much and wondered where this story is leading.
However, This bullying got at times quite exhausting. Around 50% I questioned how much bullying is too much and wondered where this story is leading.
However, Lily gave as good as she got from Cayden and I was intrigued by their push and pull. I loved that Lily and Cayden were such carefully layered characters who somehow pushed the other to be a better version of themselves. But that part I only realised later in the book.
This book was my first by Mila Kane and for sure wasn't my last!...more
2.5 stars Tbh I'm still wondering why I didn't dnf this one. I had so many issues with it right from the beginning and it didn't get better. Somehow I 2.5 stars Tbh I'm still wondering why I didn't dnf this one. I had so many issues with it right from the beginning and it didn't get better. Somehow I pulled through but I'll definitely won't be back. I guess this was the typical "it's not the book, it's me" kind of thing....more
I never had this before, but I can't simply review these two books on their own but only as a duet. So I'll post my thoughts at both books.
I definitelI never had this before, but I can't simply review these two books on their own but only as a duet. So I'll post my thoughts at both books.
I definitely hadn't on my bingo card for 2025 finding favorite read(s) this early on. Nor that I would fall for raven shifters. Two nonetheless!
I accidentally stumbled over a recommendation for the Court of Ravens duet by and was drawn to them. I can't explain this feeling and I've never experienced this before. I had no idea what to expect and went in blind with an open mind.
Ooh, what a beautiful, brutal, emotional journey it was. I don't give 5 stars easily, but here's no question that these books deserve a medal!
How will I recover from this? Well, I guess I don't.
This dark, spicy romantsy, enemies to lovers with 2 morally grey heroes gives the meaning "dark" a run for its money. The heroine might be sheltered and naïve at the beginning but I loved her development along the story and what a strong person she became in the end. Even though my heart broke along with hers. ...more
I don't know what really bugged me with this story, that I wasn't into it like I was into the first three books. Maybe because at one point i3.5 stars
I don't know what really bugged me with this story, that I wasn't into it like I was into the first three books. Maybe because at one point it got too predictable to me and I anticipated the twists and turns ahead of time. And I had trouble feeling the chemistry between Ares and Fawn. I somehow missed the point were Ares fell for her and that made his actions quite questionable to me....more
This was my first book by Eden O'Neill and I really really liked reading it.
Yes, there is so much going on, but I enjoyed the pace and the chemistry bThis was my first book by Eden O'Neill and I really really liked reading it.
Yes, there is so much going on, but I enjoyed the pace and the chemistry between all the characters. Knowing the first three books of this series are a trilogy, centering around the same couple, I expected the cliffhanger at the end and was ready to dive into book two right away....more
Lola King was a new to me author that I chose to read for RARE London. The tropes: dark-romance, secret-society, OTT possessive H: touch her a3.5 stars
Lola King was a new to me author that I chose to read for RARE London. The tropes: dark-romance, secret-society, OTT possessive H: touch her and die vibes - SAY NO MORE!
Even though I really enjoyed reading it, there was something about the story that didn't grab me like I thought it would. I can't pin point it though. Nevertheless, I'll definitely plan to continue this series!...more
Thorn was my first book by Tracy Lorraine and definitely won’t be my last.
Jake is the kind of bully you can't help but fall for, the more yo3.5 stars
Thorn was my first book by Tracy Lorraine and definitely won’t be my last.
Jake is the kind of bully you can't help but fall for, the more you get to know him. With his POV you could get to know the person behind the mask, the hurt and uncertainty he was hiding and the urge to play the role he created for himself. As usual (with almost every bully romance I've read), the reason for his hate for the the heroine is kind of stupid. But Jake kind of redeemed himself, realizing his mistake (with more than one nudge from his best friend Mason).
Amalie's story is heartbreaking. I can't imagine going through such a loss and at the same time to get uprooted from the place you grew up in. Starting somewhere new while grieving must be hard and requires lost of strength. Specially when you encounter a bully that seems to hate you for no obvious reason. I love that she pulled herself together with the right nudges of her friend Camila and Jakes best friend Mason, and stood up to Jake. No matter what he threw at her.
Jake and Amalie for sure have chemistry and I loved their moments together at the times when Jake allowed himself to really feel.
And even though I couldn’t put this one down, there is just an overall feeling that this book didn't reach it's full potential. For sure I'll continue this series some time, because I really need to know Camila and Mason's story....more
This was my first book in 2024. My mind just wasn't in the right space for reading, so it took me a while to pick up a book. I'm glad I started my reaThis was my first book in 2024. My mind just wasn't in the right space for reading, so it took me a while to pick up a book. I'm glad I started my reading year with AVP by Kristy Marie. I had it on my tbr list ever since she first posted about it.
And let me tell you, Kristy did not disappoint. This book totally got me out of my reading-slump and I was sucked into the story right from the beginning. Van and Reese have a fantastic dynamic and I loved their banter. Reese is another well crafted heroine who stands her ground and gives as good as she takes.
AVP is a great enemies to lovers, forced marriage story with a grumpy anti-hero and a sassy heroine. I absolutely recommend reading this and I'm looking forward to read more stories set in this world!...more
I had this book on my tbr pile since it was first released in 2021. I tiptoed around it because I wasn't sure if ff would be my cup of tea. But seeingI had this book on my tbr pile since it was first released in 2021. I tiptoed around it because I wasn't sure if ff would be my cup of tea. But seeing that Five Brothers will be released soon, I thought it might be a good idea to read TSV first. I had a feeling, that TSV will give me a good first impression and overall vibes of Olivia's brothers which will prepare me for Five Brothers.
And yes, it was absolute right decision to do so. Not only because I got already a good picture of the 5 brothers, but also because TSV is a fantastic book with a story that really challenged me at times.
Even though I had some trouble getting into the story, because I felt like I was thrown right into the middle of something which took me some time to understand. It also took me some time to understand this complicated dynamic between Clay and Olivia and therefore I didn't feel the chemistry. But the more I read, the more I got to know Clay and Olivia, the more I could connect to both.
What I mostly did not expect from this book was how well deeper topics were explored and woven into this slowburn. TSV is not only about love and relationships. It's also about loss, abandonment and fear. It portraits characters that struggle with the social differences and social society expectations. This story is about daily battles one has to fight, learning that it's ok to step out of boundaries and not limiting yourself.
Well done, Mrs. Douglas! Looking forward to see more of Clay and Olivia in 5 Brothers!...more
Trick Me Twice was my first book by Becca Steele and will definitely not be my last. I can't wait to read more of her stories.
First I was sol3.5 stars
Trick Me Twice was my first book by Becca Steele and will definitely not be my last. I can't wait to read more of her stories.
First I was sold to this book, seeing the cover for the first time, then the blurb sealed the deal. The blurb is super promising and I was really looking forward to reading it. However, I think my expectations got quite ahead of me. Therefore I was a little disappointed when the story didn't fully live up to it. But that's quite the thing with expectations, isn't it?
Trick Me Twice is a wonderful written book, that will catch your attention from the very first page. It's intriguing and a little thrilling. It takes some twist and turns that stop you from putting this book down.
What's preventing me from giving it more stars? To me, the reasons why Carter hates Raine are not strong enough or at least they haven't been explored on a deeper level, making me believe his actions towards her are "valid". Both characters are interesting but have way more potential to them than we get. I think it's just a scratch on the surface.
If you are into light bully stories, this the perfect book for you.
An amazing story that runs deeper than I initially thought. You know, don't judge a book by its cover. Both main characters will surprise you, the wayAn amazing story that runs deeper than I initially thought. You know, don't judge a book by its cover. Both main characters will surprise you, the way the story unfolds will surprise you. The pace is perfect and the story line intriguing. An absolute perfect addition to this brilliant series! ❤️...more
"We were best friends...but our demons were kindred spirits."
So, first of all, this was my first book by Ashley Jade and now I'm wondering wh4.5 stars
"We were best friends...but our demons were kindred spirits."
So, first of all, this was my first book by Ashley Jade and now I'm wondering where I was with my head all this time? How could I miss out on such a talented writer? Wow, seriously... this book is a thrilling ride from the first word to the last. After Bully by Penelope Douglas, THIS one here is one of the best bully romance I've read so far.
""I see you," I breathe between kisses. "You're my favorite color."
The characters in this book are everything. Easy to love, easy to hate, easy to care for. The way they work together, the dynamic they create, the push and pull, the chemistry. Even the side characters fit in so flawlessly.
"I guess my broken pieces missed yours as much as I missed you."
This author has a talent to swing words at you, creating an emotional mine field that will set of one bang after the other. You feel everything itensified: the hate, the love, the shame, the grief, the loss. I could picture everything so clearly like watching a movie. And this alone indcates to me as a reader that this book is full of awesome stuff that keeps your mind spinning.
"I can't change the past, but I can change the future...and mine includes you."
Cruel Prince will hit you with a force you didn't see coming. A thrilling bully romance to be reckoned with....more
I haven't been this conflicted about a book for a while now. On one hand, I want to give all the stars, because I pulled an all-nighter. I couldn't puI haven't been this conflicted about a book for a while now. On one hand, I want to give all the stars, because I pulled an all-nighter. I couldn't put it down. On the other hand I have so many issues, specially with the characters, that I don't know where to begin.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of dark romance/bully romance/morally gray heroes etc. and I have only few triggers that I stay away from reading. I knew what I was about to read. And yet I didn't. Specially the first few chapters. They might be enough for some to stop reading this book right away. It was hard to read and endure the pain Carter inflicted on Zoey. Mostly mentally.
I know this is fiction. And I had to remind myself of that a lot of times while reading. Nevertheless I can't shake the feeling, that this book also romanticizes sexual abuse. What Carter did to Zoey and kind of continues doing to her (just on another level) is a very dark red flag. No matter how hard Zoey tries to understand Carter. Doing research to find out where this urge is coming from etc.. I didn't find a reason good enough for me to justify his actions. And Zoey? She seems smart, sassy and strong willed. Yet, she just takes it all. Which had me shaking my head a lot of times. At the same time I felt Zoey's curiosity towards Carter, I was drawn to him like she was, even though I was aware of all the red flags. So, I guess I can kind of understand why Zoey did what she did.
Nevertheless, Sam Mariano did a great job painting two very well developed characters that you can't help but be curious about, no matter their flaws. I think that was mostly the reason what kept me reading. I wanted to know how it ends.
This book is obviously a matter of taste. Either you'll love it or not. I suggest to read it and judge for yourself....more
4.5 stars “He made himself the cure, which wouldn’t have been necessary if he hadn’t also created the disease.”
I’ve written and re-written this review 4.5 stars “He made himself the cure, which wouldn’t have been necessary if he hadn’t also created the disease.”
I’ve written and re-written this review countless times in my head since finishing this book at 3am this morning, trying to catch some sleep and actually sitting here writing it. And I still have no idea where to begin. It’s like this book sucked my soul right into this epic world, glued it to the pages and has no intention of letting it go. I might have done a deal with the devil. 😉
”Because I can’t feel guilt, sadness, anger or shame as strongly as I can feel fear anymore, and there’s no stronger fear than when I scare myself.”
Corrupt is my absolute favourite in this series and to me it set very high standards which are hard to meet. Kill Switch almost did it. Whereas Corrupt lived form the thrive of angst and thrill of the hunting that made my blood boil and my heart racing, Kill Switch is a slow burn angst that concentrates even more on mind games. You keep on reading because you want to know more, want to dive deeper into the past. The want to understand what makes the characters tick is the drive that lets you turn page after page
”In fact, he was kind of an angel at the end. An angel with really black batwings.”
The character development is phenomenal. I can’t describe this with any other word. The way their past shaped these characters and the way – no matter how wrong it might be – they fight it, is what this story thrives off.
Damon is the perfect bad boy, his soul broken in thousand fragments. Driven by hate hat might have also blindsided him many times, he’s looking for the one thing that was either denied to him or taken from him. Inside he’s still the 11 year old boy that wants to be understood and being loved.
Winter is the perfect antidote for his hate. She’s pure with a strong mind and a golden heart. She can see in Damon what others can’t (well most can’t). She always did, with her heart. Even if she didn’t acknowledged it all those years ago and mistook her love for him as hate.
”You won’t make me dirty. There is no you. There is no me. This is us. Us.”
Damon and Winter danced a dangerous choreography. Push and pull – action and reaction. Always close to the edge of destruction. But watching this dance from the side-lines and getting inside their minds was fascinating. They created a beauty you only understand if you open your mind for it.
”I hated him. He was everything had that happened to me. But he was the time – other than dancing – that I felt alive, too. Being with him was like dancing. Dancing with death.”
Kill Switch should have had a very same one. Penelope Douglas, again, worked her magic blending hate, love, angst, thrill, love, friendship into a smooth dance of black and red. This story makes you see those colours vividly, getting you drunk on their dangerous but fascinating mix, wanting to dance all along without thinking about possible consequences. After Corrupt, this is her next biggest masterpiece of mind games you can’t escape from.
”I’d changed her forever. I’d bent and twisted and broken everything that made her the most beautiful thing that ever happened to me.”...more
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