"Did I go overboard by switching out her pills? Probably. But I don’t seem to have a moral compass when it comes to this woman. Most of the
1/5
"Did I go overboard by switching out her pills? Probably. But I don’t seem to have a moral compass when it comes to this woman. Most of the time, I’m acting on pure instinct like a fucking animal"
You don't act like an animal, you are an animal. Sorry, animals are actually much smarter than you, Kyle....more
I was really looking forward to the continuation of this trilogy, but it turned out that I completely lost interest in the story and, above all, 2.5/5
I was really looking forward to the continuation of this trilogy, but it turned out that I completely lost interest in the story and, above all, in the characters. I don't know why this happened, because I liked the first part - I didn't love it, but I liked it - but the sequel completely lost its appeal to me. I wanted to be obsessed with this series, but sadly I won't read the last part because the plot didn't interest me enough and was quite predictable.
Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad book per se, but unfortunately for me the main characters are not that extraordinary and the story is not engaging enough for me to read three books about it. ...more
The author really said, "Let's make readers cry!" because after finishing this book, I needed a moment to collect myself. The final chapters were p5/5
The author really said, "Let's make readers cry!" because after finishing this book, I needed a moment to collect myself. The final chapters were painful and heartbreaking to say the least. This does not change the fact that I almost immediately moved on to the second book.
I don't know what the author put in this series, but it's addictive. It's rare for me to get so caught up in a story that I can't stop reading it, but that's the case with this series. Ever since I started reading the first book, I can't stop thinking about anything else. I read, then I go to sleep and think about it, then I wake up and read it again. Honestly, the plot in this series is not even that dense and full of unexpected events. There's a lot going on, but if you really think about it, not much is actually happening. I mean, all they do is practice Exy, go to the club once or twice, and play a match against some rival team. Plus, two or three unexpected twists. And I’m still eating it up.
The characters in this series stole the show though. I’m officially obsessed with Foxes. Honestly, they are a hot mess, they hate each other, they fight each other as much as they can, but they would still kill if someone hurt another.
A few more characters made it to my favorites list, like all the women of the Fox Court, because they are all iconic and amazing.
"Some of the strongest people I've known are women."
Also Coach Wymack, who has been on this list since the first book. I just love this man.
"How can you stand having a team like ours, Coach? Isn't it exhausting dealing with us and our problems day after day?" Wymack emptied his coffee with one big gulp. "Nope."
And Nicky. He is such a sweetheart. I had mixed feelings about him in the first book but I have a feeling he will end up being one of my favorite characters here. He made me laugh every single time.
"Neil hit Riko," Matt said. "It was beautiful." "What?" Nicky squawked. "Not fair! I missed it! Go do it again. Or not," he added quickly when Wymack leveled a death glare at him. "You can't blame a guy for dreaming, right, Coach?" "Shut up." Wymack returned his glower to Neil."
I don’t even want to talk about Neil and Andrew characters here, because I will cry. I need to see them happy. That’s it. The pain needs to stop.
Moving to the romance part. There are many amazing couples in this series, or rather couples in the making, but I will focus on Neil and Andrew. They couldn't be further from being a couple, but their moments in this book satisfied me enough that I can wait until the third book where something finally happens between them.
"When Neil started to argue, Andrew hooked a finger under his chin and forced his mouth closed again with an easy jerk of his hand."
*swooon* in Neil and Andrew way.
"Why are you so special?" Matt asked. "I'm not," Neil said, confused. "Andrew doesn't give ground to anybody. Why does he keep saying yes to you?" "He's high," Neil said, twirling a finger near his temple. "He thinks it's funny." Matt eyed him a bit longer,"
Andrew saying 'yes' only to Neil. It has no reason making me want to cry.
"You're very interesting, Neil." She wasn't the first to say that, but Neil wondered if Andrew's opinion of him would change when he was off his medication."
A girl hitting on Neil and him thinking about Andrew first. Stop being in denial Neil.
Honestly, I don't know if I'm ready for the final book, but I need these characters to finally find their happy ending. There seems to be no end to these characters' problems, so I hope everything works out for them in the end.
Also, can Riko, The Ravens and all people in this stupid organization die? Someone should get rid of them. Preferably now.
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I'll write a proper review when I stop crying...more
Why did I wait so long to read it?!? I hate, hate, hate myself sometimes. I've seen this series several times over the years on various apps and4.25/5
Why did I wait so long to read it?!? I hate, hate, hate myself sometimes. I've seen this series several times over the years on various apps and I've never had that thought "This looks interesting, let's read it!". What a huge, even enormous mistake that was. You know those types of regrets that you know will haunt you for the rest of your life because you regret so much that you didn't do that thing sooner and you lost so much of the life that you could have already lived with that thing? That’s me with this series.
I won't lie here, when I picked up The Foxhole Court I expected a strong found-family trope, with sport as the main theme and a hint of romance, definitely not a bunch of troubled mafia-connected teenagers playing Exy as if their lives depended on it. Not that I'm complaining about it, I ate it up, and I sense a new addiction here.
I can honestly say that this series won't be for everyone and that's completely understandable, but as it turns out, I'm definitely not in that group. If you overlook some — or maybe actually more than "some" — things that could never happen in real life, you'll probably enjoy it. Look, is this book questionable? Yes. Do these characters need lifelong therapy? Yes. Is the writing style here the most beautiful thing I have ever read? No, but does that change the fact that I'm already obsessed with this series? No.
There are many reasons why I end up loving this series so much, even though it was quite depressing at times (or rather all the time), so let's get into them.
The found family trope that is, and I think will always be, one of my favorite things in books. You know you're going to love the development of relationships and friendships between characters when they at the beginning think like this
"So much for family, hm?" "I don't believe in family." "Neither do I."
Foxes are just such a unique and interesting group of people that entire long essays could be written about each of them. I know they're far from perfect, but it doesn't change anything for me as I like them anyway. Do they hate each other, do they like each other? Who knows, but when the other needs help, they are there. At first I was a little confused and had to read slower and look at their fanarts on the internet — quiet embarrassing, but whatever — so as not to get confused as to who was who, that's why I'm glad that the book was told from the point of view of only the main character — Neil Josten. Probably one of the best characters I've ever read about. Seriously. He has gone through hell in his life and still lives as if every day was to be his last, but he does not give up and keeps going. I know it's still a long way — probably a painful and heartbreaking way, since it's only the first book, but I can't wait to see him happy.
I've seen spoilers so I know who will he end up with, but I'm glad I did because the crumbs in this book did not disappoint me. There weren't many of them, because romance isn't the main plot here, but I enjoyed them — I highlighted every possible moment between Neil and Andrew. This is only the first book, but I already know that these two will be the death of me. I mean — former mafia kid on the run and five-foot psycho? This combination is just so bizarre that I literally love it. The way Andrew was basically into Neil since the first time he saw him? Maybe he did something quiet questionable to him, although he had his reasons, which I kind of understood, but the clothes, "I just didn't think they were fashion lenses until Andrew said so.", the
"Neil tensed as Andrew's fingers wrapped around the back of his neck, but Andrew only wanted to pull Neil's head down. Neil focused on Andrew's cheekbone so as not to go cross-eyed and let Andrew study his eyes."
this man was whipped. I actually screamed every time Andrew pulled Neil's neck or collar to look him in the eyes.
"We were just talking about you," Riko said. "With your fists, it seems," Andrew said. "Don't touch my things, Riko. I don't share." He reached back without looking and pushed at Neil's shoulder. Neil took the hint and skirted around Andrew and Riko."
This scene had no reason being this hot.
There were other characters that will definitely become my favorites, or already are, like Coach Wymack. This man was such a grumpy, but he had the biggest heart of them all. I loved him. How could I not, when he was dealing with a group of teenagers who would drive most people crazy after just one day spent with them? As for the rest,
Andrew — I still can't believe I'm an inch taller than him, Dan — a female captain who is also strong, kind and caring? I love her, Kevin — Kevin is.. Kevin, I like him though, Mat — I liked him a lot, one of the kindest Foxes, but he was a bit forgettable, Aaron — literally don’t know what to say about him, Allison — "Rumor had it she lost her inheritance when she chose Exy and public schools over joining the family business, but Allison still looked like a catwalk star." how could I not like her, Nicky — not my type of character, I honestly don't like him, the club scene only confirmed it, although I know he apologized Renee — I LOVE HER
As for the Exy, I'll be honest here and say that I'm not the biggest fan of reading game descriptions in books — I find it a bit boring and I usually skip to the end to see who won, but when reading about these guys playing Exy? I could never. I was literally stressed out reading the chapter where the Foxes were playing. I'm still not sure how it works exactly, it's very similar to lacrosse, but it keeps me entertained so I don't care.
I don't know what I was doing all my life without this series and these characters, but I'm extremely happy I finally decided to read it. I know the next books will hurt, but I'm ready.
I never thought I would rate JT Geissinger's book so low, but this one was hard for me to read. Mainly because it was kind of boring. I usually r2.5/5
I never thought I would rate JT Geissinger's book so low, but this one was hard for me to read. Mainly because it was kind of boring. I usually reach for this author when I want to read a funny and sometimes ridiculous stories as I always get a good laugh reading them. Unfortunately, even though I had fun reading it at times, I almost forced myself to finish it.
While I liked the characters and the fact that the heroine had some backbone, the plot didn't sucked me in at all. Killian had some good and swoon worthy moments though. This man just knew what to say.
"He says softly, “It’s not inexplicable. I like you the way Newton liked gravity.” “I don’t know what you mean.” “Once he found it, everything else in the universe made sense.”
Their banter was entertaining too.
“If you try to unzip your pants right now, mister, I’ll punch you in the throat.” His voice turns husky. “God, you’re sexy when you’re threatening me. I like it even more than when you’re stealing things I own.”
There were moments that I laughed at the lines in this book, because I didn't know if it was written seriously, or to make the reader laugh. The example.
"Between my legs, Killian makes animal grunts of approval."
Animal grunts? Was he barking or what?
I regret to say that I liked the first book more. At least a year ago. I don't know if I would like this book now. However, that doesn't change the fact that I will continue to read this author's books. Some of them are amazing.
The fact that I was fully ready for this book two or three times in 2023, and then in January and March of this year, because it kept being postpon4/5
The fact that I was fully ready for this book two or three times in 2023, and then in January and March of this year, because it kept being postponed and postponed, so when I finally saw it on my Kindle, I was beyond happy. Seriously, I couldn't believe it was here. I know this series is far from perfect, it has many flaws and some of the mentions of character dynamics from other books by this author make me feel deeply uncomfortable, but fortunately the main characters of The Smoky Vale Alliance are exactly how I like my fictional men, so I can definitely see myself reading their stories again in the future.
To be honest, this series isn't something I would normally reach for because its covers aren't exactly my cup of tea — I’m not the biggest fan of men on covers as I never picture the model as the character, but after devouring the first book and becoming overly attached to the main characters, especially Bloom and Dr. Logan Collier, I kind of became addicted to it. I'm still not sure why I've become so obsessed with Bloom and Logan, maybe because I love reading about two completely different people falling in love, or maybe because I'm pretty sure I am sapiosexual — meaning that I'm really attracted to highly intelligent people, which Dr. Collier most certainly is, and that's why I found him so hot, not to mention Bloom, who I couldn't help but fall in love with as a cold-blooded killer with a too dark past who in reality is a cutie who wears too much piercings and who you won't see in any other color than black. In the two previous book they basically become the main even for me — even though I still liked the main characters from Bay and Gunner, but Dr. Collier and Bloom somehow just outshone all of them.
From the previous books I expected that Doctor Collier would continue to ignore Bloom due to his lack of interest in him — which was also the case here at the beginning, but from different reasons — and Bloom would eventually break his shell and make his doctor fall in love with him, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that Logan was actually struggling with his attraction to Bloom, but for some reason he didn't want to give in to his feelings. Their relationship may not have started in the most genuine way and they didn’t gotten involved for the right reasons, but I loved how their relationship developed over the course of the book and that they started to truly love each other at the end. Logan was so gentle with Bloom and did everything in his power to make him feel safe and like he belonged somewhere, when he called him "sweetheart" and "baby" it melted my heart every time, and the fact that he didn't say that they were fucking but that they were making love made me just
[image]
"You have no idea how special you are, Bloom, but I swear I’ll show you. I will spend the rest of my life showing you."
Bloom couldn't have made a better choice in choosing a partner. This guy deserves the whole world after what he's been through because his story is one of the most heartbreaking I've ever read about, so I was extremely happy that he found Logan. I know they still have a few secrets between them, especially from the doctor's side, but I hope Bloom understands them because Logan couldn't tell them to anyone to protect himself from his past.
The book also couldn't exist without their banter, which was part of what made me fall in love with these two.
“Are you hurt in any other places?” “Yes.” I snapped my head up. “Where?” He pressed a hand to his chest. “In here every time you ignore me.”
“If I went to prison, would you visit me?” “No,” he said without missing a beat. Scowling, I smacked him in the chest and stepped back. “Why the fuck not? I’d be digging a tunnel to get you out.” “I wouldn’t do anything to go to prison in the first place. If you want to be with me so badly, stay out of prison.”
“I am serious, Bloom.” I stopped at the door with my hand on the handle. “If you disobey me, I swear to you that you will have no chance with me.” His face split into a grin. “What I’m hearing is that I have a shot.”
I literally can't wait to read more of this in the second part of their story.
As I already said, I know this series isn't perfect, but I'm having such a good time reading it because sometimes it's just pure comedy, so I hope the second book about Logan and Bloom doesn't disappoint me either!
I’m basically dying to read it now.
*I received a free copy of this book from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.* ...more
Not finished series: *just exists* Cora: whatever *starts different one*
Hmm, this book certainly wasn't that bad, but it felt like a combination 1.75/5
Not finished series: *just exists* Cora: whatever *starts different one*
Hmm, this book certainly wasn't that bad, but it felt like a combination of previous Cora's books, but made it Irish. The story wasn’t original at all. If you read mafia romances, you've probably read books like this at least ten times, but still somehow I liked some parts of it. Probably the action at the beginning, because it was ridiculously pathetic and typical, to the point where I wanted to keep reading to see if I would witness something funnier here.
But, let's start with our main characters, specifically Aislinn. Aislinn was simply stupid. I can’t find a different word to describe her. She was the perfect example of a heroine who is told one thing, and does another.
Mom tells her not to go and ask the Irish mafia for help? She goes and asks for help.
Her mom tells her to stay away from her Uncle? She goes straight to him.
People tell her to avoid going to Sodom? She drives there as soon as she can.
Some guy informs her that if she goes inside she will be basically sold for sex? She goes inside thinking she will be "different" and that will avoid her. Spoiler. It doesn’t.
She is warned to not go to police? Police tell her to install bugs in their home and she does that.
[image]
“You made the only possible choice, Aislinn.” “If there’s only one choice, it’s not really a choice.”
No girl, it was your choice to fly to New York and get yourself into this mess. Live, Laugh, Love Cora’s heroines. Not Kiara though.
Moving to our, the most original, amazing, lovely hero. Just joking. He was your topical wattpad, alpha, mafia boss with too much money but at least he liked to eat your kitty. That’s something! He saw the heroine for two seconds, saw her putty when she basically sold herself and boom
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I don't know what else to say because this man had no personality.
Finally, let's move on to the questionable sentences and names in this book, because I was wondering who allowed it to be published.
“What are you doing?” “Isn’t that obvious? I’m trying to make you sing hallelujah.”
Please at least not the Shrek version.
“The Cunt Yard is over there,”
[image]
A WHAT?!? How did she come up with that name?
"her wanton cries and desperate moans while she spilled her juice into my mouth."
Spilled her juice? I hope it’s at least the orange one. Vitamin C is quite important.
In overall do I regret reading it? Maybe. I mean, it was funny and ridiculous, but why so long? It could easily be two hundred fifty pages, not four hundred....more
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