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B0DWW3MCVM
| 4.81
| 90
| unknown
| Aug 22, 2024
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really liked it
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OMG this was so good! I am giving this a 4.5. If you want a forbidden/taboo romance with step siblings, this is a great choice but make sure to check
OMG this was so good! I am giving this a 4.5. If you want a forbidden/taboo romance with step siblings, this is a great choice but make sure to check your triggers because this can get a little intense with their interrogation methods. This book had so many elements I enjoy with an asshole MMC, a sassy/bratty FMC who isn't afraid to push back and the MMC loves her for it, great chemistry and tension and of course the MMC doing some underhanded things to keep the FMC around and torture her but reminding everyone that is only allowed for him and he will unalive anyone who looks at her wrong. All that combined with some truly good spice made this a really fun read that I had a hard time putting down. I loved Saraya who went through some things all in an effort to keep Pheonix (Nix) safe and she suffered in silence for it until finally she snaps and takes back her power but that does end up with her ending up on Nix's porch asking him for help when he thinks that she betrayed him. Takes a lot of courage to survive all that and then turn up where she knows she won't be welcomed to ask for help. But now that she is free of the constraints that held her back, she is not letting anyone make decisions for her anymore even if it means trying to run from the man she still loves because she won't be controlled anymore. I just really liked her as a person and found her really entertaining to read. Now with Nyx a lot of this book is done from his POV, but I personally liked that because I liked reading how his mind worked when it came to Saraya and him coming to terms with his feelings. At first, he sees her as the woman who got away and betrayed him and now, she is back so he is going to get his pound of flesh so to speak. I just loved reading this stubborn man try to reason his way out of how he doesn't still love her but eventually coming to realize his true feelings especially after he learns the truth of what happened in their past. It just made him a lot of fun to read as well. Now for the plot I really enjoyed that as well with the hidden secrets that came to light more than you think at first but they all center around Saraya and I just loved reading as they are all uncovered. There were also a lot of other characters introduced that will have their stories told in other books and I am so excited to read them and find out what happens to everyone because they are .... interesting to say the least. ---------------------- This book is about Saraya who returns home to Pheonix to beg for his help after she does something horrible. But this return home brings up memories and feelings from the past the truly never went away for either of them. That is because they were each other's first love a forbidden love because they were step siblings. But they didn't care and just wanted to be with one another after they graduated and to screw the world and what everyone thought. They were going to run away together and start a new life away from Nyte and Nix's father and the expectations he had for his son. But until they could make that happen, they had to be careful to not get caught. But they got sloppy one night and were discovered by their parents. This discovery led to threats, punishments and of course demands that they were to end things. But nothing not even their families were going to get in the way of their love for one another at least that's what Nyx thought until Saraya betrayed him and married another. But now she is back and at his mercy because she needs his help, and he will help her, but the price of that help may be too much for her. But if she decides to give into his demands like a good girl maybe he will just keep her for himself reclaiming what has always been his. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 26, 2025
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Jul 28, 2025
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Jul 26, 2025
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ebook
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9781777853242
| B09X4VKJ2X
| 4.31
| 1,113
| May 22, 2022
| May 24, 2022
|
really liked it
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This is a 4.25 for me and I had such a great time reading this book! I was really curious how these two characters were going to come together as they
This is a 4.25 for me and I had such a great time reading this book! I was really curious how these two characters were going to come together as they seemed like such oil and water from previous interactions in the other books. What I mean by that is both characters are bogged down from some real trauma in their own way and are dealing with it in their own ways that aren't the healthiest. For Meph the torture and treatment he received in Hell left a mark in its own way and tries to play it off with a non-serious jokester attitude and just allows everyone to treat him and think him as a screw up. But like all the demons he has turned that buried down pain and funneled it into some type of art form and for Meph that is building sculptures mostly depicting the tortures he went through. For Iris she has the trauma of knowing and witnessing a demon killing her parents and going on the run with her sister when they were 18 to a new country and living under the fear of someday being found and what could happen to them all while keeping everything a secret from her sister so that she could have peace. She justifiably hates demons and is just filled with so much pent-up anger, fear, and even resentment that she hasn't always made the best decisions especially when it came to men which just built up her walls even higher. Then to find out her sister is with a demon and his brothers are also demons and she is just expected to let all is just fueling her anger even more and at times she just lashes out usually at Meph who she does feel an attraction for but that just seems to make her angrier. But like everyone says it is a fine line between anger and passion and eventually the two give into their passion and become a sort of friends with benefits (working on the friend's portion) because they recognize they are not emotionally in the place to have a real relationship with each other. Now for some this would be a backwards way of going about a relationship but for these two characters it made sense, and it allowed them to eventually start to work past their issues because they are being intimate with each other and start to open up to each other and become friends. I enjoyed their progression from taking swipes at each other, to essentially hate fucking, to friend fucking to realizing their feelings where yes there were some missteps but that eventually they get to a really strong place in their relationship where they truly have let their guards down and laid everything about themselves bare and have a really strong relationship. I just again really enjoyed that progression and it made sense for these characters. For the plot I loved the story, and everything made sense for the story and the characters involved and the pacing was great. Now I think this is technically a standalone I am not sure I personally would recommend reading the series in order because there are some other plot points going on in the background from previous books as well as there are easter eggs in this book that I think will play out in future books. Had a blast reading this book and can't wait to see what happens in the next book. Overall, these are two damaged characters that were deserving of love and were standing in their own way they eventually found their way past their issues to find love and acceptance not just with each other but also their rag tag family of demons, witches, angels and everything in between. This book is about Meph who jokester amongst his demon brothers is but behind his grins and jokes is a lot of pain that he uses as a mask. But lately it's been harder and harder to keep up the facade especially with Iris around taking jabs at him all the time. Iris who is the twin sister to his brothers GF and she is just vicious with her anger towards him and his demon brothers. But still, something about her just calls to and soothes the darkness deep within him. But he is not going to have some blue haired witch try and save him from that darkness because there is no way to save him after everything he has done. But Meph is not the only dealing with pain and darkness as Iris is haunted with her own past where her parents were murdered by demons to keep her and her sister safe and hidden from his kind. So, you can imagine it's been a little hard for her to accept the demons that are now in her life. But with Meph who with his devilish smile and jokester attitude and sexy as sin tattooed body it's hard to not give into her attraction. But she is done with relationships and commitments especially after her last toxic relationship she is not looking for any more Mr. damaged. At least that was the plan until their denied desire gets the best of them one night where they end up kissing and it's off to the races as they give into their passions with the understanding that this is just a friend with benefits situation as they are not good for one another. But eventually all good things have to come to an end especially when enemy from both their pasts come knocking and they are forced to confront not just their pain but also the feelings they have been suppressing in order to make it out alive of the situation they are in. But that will mean Meph exposing all his darkness to avoid being swallowed by it while Iris overcoming her own fears. If she is unable to overcome those fears and embrace darkness in him or she will lose him forever. I received an ARC Copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 23, 2025
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Jul 25, 2025
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Jul 23, 2025
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Kindle Edition
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9798989118502
| B0CM2LYVCT
| 4.30
| 341
| unknown
| Nov 01, 2023
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really liked it
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okay this one is a weird one for me. What I mean by that is that I was really interested and intrigued by the plot but when it comes to the MCs, I wil
okay this one is a weird one for me. What I mean by that is that I was really interested and intrigued by the plot but when it comes to the MCs, I will admit I didn't quite vibe with them for 75-80% of the book. It was the last couple chapters when shit was going down that I was started to enjoy them. Now that's not to say they were poorly written they just weren't characters I typically enjoy. What I mean by that is the FMC Arianna is a softer FMC and that is not to say that she was a weak FMC she actually had a quiet strength and determination and a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of her family but for me I tend to lean towards FMCs that are more take charge and more in your face. But towards the end of the book, we definitely see that below the surface is an anger just waiting to burst out and she is probably done playing nice. For the MMC Silas I also didn't completely vibe with him because while he did some admirable things that I liked especially when it came to Arianna, but he was so closed off and keeping secrets that for me I didn't quite believe the romance between them. Now for some this would be perfect to build up the tension but for me I just needed more. I wish there had been more moments where they were together and felt the tension buildup, but it would seem like anytime, they were together, and the tension would start to build he would dip out because he didn't want to give into his feelings/desires. Again, this will work for a lot of readers but for me combined with how closed off he was just made it harder for me to get into the romance between the two of them. Now towards the end when he like Arianna finally let out in the open and broke down all the walls, I was definitely intrigued by the man. Now for me what really kept me going was the plot. Because I wanted to find out more about the cursed because something was not adding up and that was revealed as the book went on and it led to an a really cool ending that combined with the cliff hanger makes me intrigued about the next book. Another aspect of the plot that kept me going was not just the cursed and the conspiracy going on but also the personal aspect of Arianna and her ex-fiancé who along with his father for each of their own reasons were searching for her high and low and it was only a matter of a time until they found her and I was curious how that would unfold. Overall, I enjoyed the plot and while I didn't vibe with the two MCs for most of the book I did start to enjoy them to the end. Which means I will be continuing the next story and perhaps in the next book I will start to fall in love with the characters. This book is about Arianna who has been loathed and feared for most of her life. Why...well she is one of the cursed and what that means is that deep within her is a dark magic with the power to destroy anyone who gets in its path if it were unleased. So, she like other cursed beings with the help of the priestesses wear an enchanted porcelain mask to contain the curse anytime she leaves her room which has been made into a magical safe room. She had resigned herself to a life of misery and being a burden to her family when to the surprise of everyone someone makes an offer of marriage to her and her family jumps at the chance to not just get rid of her but also save themselves from destitute. But the man she is to marry is a venomous man who will make every day with him worse than the next. But leading up to the wedding she runs into handsome man who wants to safe her from this fate worse than death. The reason he is also suffers from the same curse and has learned to master and control it that he doesn't need a mask to shield others from the darkness. Now he says that he just wants to save a kindred spirit so she could have the life she deserves. At least that is what he tells his sister rather than mentioning he is captivated by this intelligent but naive lady who he wants to save. But the time comes for when they must run to keep Arianna safe after incurring the wrath of her betrothal and the best way to keep her safe is for them to marry. But what started out as a marriage of convivence has started to break down Silas's walls as he gets to know her and train her. But with his walls crumbling it is not just losing his heart that he fears but also his secrets coming to light that could end up dooming them both. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 20, 2025
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Jul 22, 2025
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Jul 20, 2025
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Paperback
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1525804723
| 9781525804724
| 1525804723
| 3.80
| 5,607
| Aug 29, 2023
| Aug 29, 2023
|
really liked it
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So, this was a 4 for me but it comes with some caveats. This is marketed as a Witchy Rom Com but this marketing for me is not correct. NOW I knew this
So, this was a 4 for me but it comes with some caveats. This is marketed as a Witchy Rom Com but this marketing for me is not correct. NOW I knew this going in with this book because I had the same issues with the first book, so I was prepared but it still irks me because nothing about this book was a comedy, and the romance honestly was a subplot that wasn't really impactful to the story at least in my opinion. But having read both books I don't think the object of the book is to be a romance or center the romance of the characters. Instead, this the focus of the series so far is on the women and their journeys of learning the truth about their magic, combing together with their friends/coven and uncovering the corruption within their governing witch body. If this book was marketed as a contemporary paranormal/witchy fiction about women finding their inner power and acceptance of themselves, I think that would be a better fit. Take out the mismarketing and focusing on the story/plot as is I really enjoyed this book. There were even some scenes at the end that got me a little chocked up because of what was going on. It's because of the plot/story line that I plan to continue the series because I want to find out what happens to the coven and their town. Now for Rebekah, I really enjoyed her. Honestly, she got the raw end of the deal for what the adults did to her growing up in high school personally setting her up not only for failure but isolation as well. She worked hard to move past it on the outside but even with all the recovery programs she was in it left a really big scar in her that never quite healed. Then coming back home to the place that hurt her so and the hoops she has to jump through for the people who hurt not just her but her sister and possibly others that she loves gives her the fire to expose witches' council's treacherous actions. But along the way there is a focus on the support of found family, forgiveness and the bonds of sisters and that helped her actually start to heal and reclaim her power, identity and truth. Now for Nicholas he is definitely the mysterious immortal on the hill who when he is in the room captivates Rebekah. But I just never really felt like he or their romance was a large enough part of the story until the very end that I actually remembered him. When he was off page I honestly forgot about him sometimes as the focus was on Rebekah. So, I was left wanting more for his character just so I could remember him, but I will say when he was interacting with Rebekah there was some chemistry that I could see it, but it just wasn't super-hot for me. This book continues the story in St. Cyprian after it's been saved from a flood by Rebekah's sister and her coven. This deed however has forced Rebekah home after being exiled 10 years prior when she was 18 where her magic was stripped from her after failing their coming-of-age magic test. While she is happy to reunite with her sister and friends, she now has to face the powerful Joywood Coven who want to hold her accountable for using magic she was forbidden to use. In fact, the Joywood Coven wants to use the magic they used to stop the flood as proof the magic she and the others used make them a danger to witchkind and should face the consequences of their actions which in their laws is the harshest sentence possible... death. However, their efforts were thwarted for the time being where they can prove they are not a danger to their community by retaking the test she and her sister failed in high school. But this time Rebekah is going to seek help from the only person powerful enough to go toe to toe with the Joywoods and that is the mysterious immortal Nicholas Frost. He had tried to tutor when she was younger in secret which help to fuel her crush on him, but she was never able to get a read on him due to his remote and arrogant nature that makes it impossible to tell if he cared for her then or now or if he even cares about witchkind and their survival. But now they need his help more than ever to not only pass the test but to prove that it is the Joywoods and their corrupt nature are the true danger to their community if they pass that is. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 16, 2025
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Jul 19, 2025
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Jul 16, 2025
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Paperback
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9798990787551
| B0FBGXVS2Y
| 4.05
| 344
| unknown
| Aug 01, 2025
|
liked it
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This book is not bad. I think this book is the start of a cool idea that at a later date should be developed into a full-length novel (which the autho
This book is not bad. I think this book is the start of a cool idea that at a later date should be developed into a full-length novel (which the author indicated at the end if there is enough interest). This book just feels like a lot was cut out or not developed because it was a novella. There was not much in the way of character development outside of she is a girl stuck in a tower, and he is a powerful bad guy who let himself get captured because he has plans. There also wasn't much in the way of world building there was enough to understand the dynamics that were going on between the two groups. So, you're not lost. I was just left wanting more from the characters and the story but that just means there was enough here to intrigue me to come back if this is ever developed into a full-length book. I did enjoy the tension being built between the two MCs with their letter writing and their scent matching was really fun especially with her being clueless to what that meant for her. As for the characters of what I saw of them and their personalities I liked them and thought they had some great chemistry with her being a woman who is not willing to be used as a pawn and knows herself or at least know what she doesn't want and won't settle and with him being powerful and confident and falling first because he recognizes the signs of fated mates but even though he is a being surrounded by darkness he already cares enough about her to try and shield her from the really dark parts of the his world. He was just doing what he could to take care of her. But if you're looking for a quick book to finish is probably one sitting this is one you check out as I can see for people who look for those types of books really enjoying it. For me I am just a little particular when it comes to my novellas, but I feel like they are usually great introductions into an author's writing style without the investment of a full-length novel, and this is an author I would invest the time in should they expand on this book. This book is about Victoria who is locked in a tower as she refuses to be used as a pawn by her adopted father. He is looking to use her as a tool to be married off to whoever he sees fit and just smile and obey and that is not who she is, and she is certainly not interested in any of the men lining up to claim her. At her age she is just done with the games and wants to live her life how she sees fit for herself. Which is why she decides to write a letter to one of the most powerful prisoners in her father's prison. The man is none other than Kane the infamous and powerful unseelie high lord who has become an obsession for her. Her letter was meant to be a form of rebellion for her and the cage she is in, but she didn't expect it to turn into a risky game that will have dangerous consequences for her when he writes back. So now she is playing with fire with the risk of her father finding out, but she is finding out that she doesn't care and she is falling into the flames for their rising desire. An e-ARC was provided by The Nerd Fam in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions remain my own. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 15, 2025
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Jul 15, 2025
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Jul 15, 2025
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Kindle Edition
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B0CDQS3WSQ
| 4.04
| 49,699
| Oct 26, 2023
| Oct 26, 2023
|
really liked it
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This is a 4.5 for me. I actually liked the plot of this book a smidge more than the first one, but this book has such a bitter sweetness to the ending
This is a 4.5 for me. I actually liked the plot of this book a smidge more than the first one, but this book has such a bitter sweetness to the ending because there is a happy ending, but it does come with heartache which was such a surprise to me with its twist, but I really appreciated the surprise and feelings it brought out of me. But it wasn't just the ending the whole book has some bitterness to it that with other things that were going on or were uncovered in the book that definitely added some layers to this book. But this is one of the better duets that I have read in a while as it felt complete. Some duets I have read recently either feel like there should have been a 3rd book or that the 2nd book was unnecessary but with this duet it was done really well not leaving anything unfinished but definitely continued the plot and added to it that the 2nd book definitely added to the story. As for the characters you saw some real growth especially with Galantia who after learning the truth about her life could have crumbled under it decided to take the truth and grab it with two hands and do everything, she could claim her power and once she had it work to improve upon it. There were some stumbles, and it took a lot of hard work, but she was determined. So, I really appreciated that growth because that strength of will & character became necessary for her survival as the book continued. With the men Maylr also had to grow and change once he actually stops hiding and accepted what he knew deep down about Galantia and he knew he had to change and adjust otherwise he would lose her. Now he tried to play it off as he couldn't lose her because of the loss of power by their mating, but it was obvious that was just an excuse because he truly wanted her and cared about her. You see this when he tempers some of his initial thoughts/actions when it came to humans who he has a justified hatred for, but he changed because he knew to do otherwise could lose him Galantia. Now with Sabian he was still the sweet and kind man that helped guide Maylr and Galantia to each other. In a way he was the glue that brought them together but even as he was happy, he was filled with regret and sadness that made you just want to hug him. Overall, this was a dark bittersweet book that will give you a HEA, but it will come with some pains, but it fits so well with the story that it's worth the heartbreak. This book continues the story of Galantia who just discovered that everything she thought about her life was a lie. So, after escaping the clutches of the Maylar and the court of ravens she ends up returning home to confront the mother who lied to her, her whole life. But she still has to keep the truth about herself hidden from her father who if he found out is sure to let his hatred of the ravens override what little if any love he might have for his daughter. But as she tried to uncover the truth about her life, the two men she flew away from are hard at work trying to recover their sweet dove so that they fix the mistakes they made not just for their sakes but for the sake of their kingdom as she might hold the power to fix the wrongs in the past that can help them win the war. But there are those on both sides who seek to destroy their bond but that won't stop them because she is theirs and they will get her back. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 10, 2025
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Jul 12, 2025
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Jul 10, 2025
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Kindle Edition
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B0C5VVHG1F
| 4.41
| 9,794
| Jun 20, 2023
| Jun 20, 2023
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really liked it
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This is a 4.5 for me. This was such a fun read and the PERFECT representative of grumpy/sunshine and the I hate everyone but you tropes. The I am grum
This is a 4.5 for me. This was such a fun read and the PERFECT representative of grumpy/sunshine and the I hate everyone but you tropes. The I am grumpy, and I am putting up kind of begrudgingly with you to then slowly evolve into I hate everyone else, but I would do anything for you but not come out with my feelings for you just made for some really sweet moments that also had me giggling. Of course, because the MCs are not just different species (duskwalker/elf), but they are from different realms, so they are some adjustments/misunderstandings that were cute as well. Some did fall under the miscommunication trope which usually I hate but these didn't feel unnecessary and fit the story and were resolved quickly before they got annoying. I love the way Opal writes the duskwalkers so they are some similarities bc they share a lot of the same experiences but are still different and have different personalities. I just mean that it doesn't feel like I am reading the same character who has been repackaged. Having read books now I honestly don't know which duskwalker is my favorite as I have liked them all for different reasons but I know Merikh is in the top 3 which I know out of 4 doesn't mean much but it's so hard to choose and at heart I am always a why choose girlie but I think a why choose with any number of duskwalkers would be impossible (something the author addresses for their next book at the end of this book). But in the grumpy/sunshine trope I am always going to lean more towards the grumpy partner. For Raewyn I LOOOVED her and while I usually lean more towards the grumpier side, I loved her cheerful self but that's because she was more than just cheerfulness and all sugar. She was a super smart, driven and capable woman with her abilities in stem and magic, she had a position of power being on the council. While I am not from the blind community, I see her representations as bring a good one because even though she was in a new world with no support system or tools in place to help her, she didn't let that stop her and she had a mission and goal, and she was going to make it happen. She was also a very sassy character and her mentally as a scientist was to basically keep poking something until she learned everything, she could about it and I loved when that mentally came to her interactions with Merikh literally just reminded me of a bunny poking a bear who puts up with it bc the bunny is cute which I think was referenced in the book but is so true. Now for the plot I really enjoyed it, and I loved the two worlds. I am excited to see how these will collide and play out in the series going forward as I don't think this is the last we will see of these two and the elf realm. (view spoiler)[I will say I do wish there had been a moment Raewyn saw Jabez so that he could have the "You're dating my sister" moment with Merikh. I just think it would have been really funny to read. I do hope they are reunited in the future and can have a meaningful relationship after her relationship is revealed. (hide spoiler)] Overall, I am loving this series, and I love the characters and can't wait to find out what happens next. This book is about Raewyn who due to an accident with one of her experiments is far from home. In fact, she is on a different planet in a different realm, and she just wants to get home. Earth is a struggle for a lot of reasons mostly due to the demon infestation and the lack of magic in the realm which makes it all the much harder for her to return home as she will need magic to open a portal. But there is hope of a temple of those who might have the ability to help her. The problem is they are in a different town, and it is a dangerous journey for anyone with the demons that run wild but especially for someone unfamiliar with the lands who happens to be blind. Thankfully, she finds someone who will help her to the next town but on their journey, she quickly learns not is all that it seems with her new companion and that there are scarier things in this world than the demons and this one has her in his grasp and won't let her get away. Her companion is Merikh and he is a duskwalker who is looking to escape this plane by any means necessary. So, when he stumbles upon a lost elf he sees this as his ticket off this world. But he has to be careful because she is supposed to be just a means to an end, but she is most beautiful being he has ever met, and she is getting hard to resist. But resist her he must because he can't risk destroying her like he has others in the past with his hated and anger. So, he will do everything he can to keep this angel by his side and not give into his feelings as they work towards their goal of getting them both back to her home... if they can that is. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 08, 2025
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Jul 10, 2025
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Jul 08, 2025
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Kindle Edition
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1496752422
| 9781496752420
| 1496752422
| 4.21
| 37,385
| Sep 24, 2024
| Sep 24, 2024
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really liked it
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This is a 4.5 for me. I have been dying for Poppy's story with Lukas and Colton after they were introduced in the first book. Now this book seems to b
This is a 4.5 for me. I have been dying for Poppy's story with Lukas and Colton after they were introduced in the first book. Now this book seems to be going on at the same time as the previous books so I would recommend you read them in order so you can understand some of what is going on. I just want to say I loved Poppy. I am a Libra as well and very much type A and always coordinating something, so I just really appreciated her and everything she was going through trying to do her job but not only not having all the tools you need but having so many factors working against you. She is a better woman than me because I probably would have quit after the first issue came up with the building. She also had amazing chemistry with each of the MCs but in different ways. With Colton it was a gently growing fire between them that started at least for her as friendship. He had the biggest crush on her for the longest time because they came from the same team/company previously and he follows her. Then With Lukas it was fire and sparks from their banter and snipping back and forth. So, in a way both guys gave her the best of both worlds and together they had some great chemistry. Oh, as a side note her whole family SUCKS ASS some sort of redeem themselves a little in the end, but they still sucked monkey balls and I don't know how the boys held back when they did because I would have done more and worst sooner. Now when it comes to the MCs you first have Colton who was just a sweetheart who was so kind but had his moments of grit mostly when it came to Poppy and mostly wanting her for himself at first but then just wanting her to be happy and though sharing her with Lukas who he is closest too took some adjusting. Then with Lukas he is a jokester take nothing seriously and kind of a womanizer but after meeting poppy he doesn't see anyone but her. Both guys have things in their past that affect them. With Colton it was health issues and recent loss that not only pushed him to work as hard as he did but also recognize that life is short and to seize the day. Then there is Lukas who has abandonment issues who puts up walls by hiding behind his carefree attitude. They were interesting and I loved seeing them come into their feelings for first Poppy and then each other and they all just balance each other but I do wish we had gotten a little more in terms of romance and relationship with Lukas and Colton. For the plot to be a lot of fun just like the last ones and because it was a workplace romance let's keep it a secret from those at work as well as the public because no one will understand meant there were a lot of funny moments of almost being caught or antics to try and hide what was going on. Along with catching other in the act who were in the same moment were doing the same thing for almost the same reasons. It just had me giggling or shaking my head. Overall, this was a spicy good time book with some great characters, and I can't wait to see what the next book has in store for us. I also want to say the Jacksonville Rays sounds like an amazing organization to work for with all the team and management support with all these different people finding different types of love in their workplace. Outside the infrastructure issues that is. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 06, 2025
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Jul 07, 2025
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Jul 06, 2025
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Paperback
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9798992765625
| B0FF3NYR5C
| 4.79
| 57
| unknown
| Jul 25, 2025
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really liked it
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This is a 4.5 for me and is my first time reading a book by Stacy Rush, but I have been meaning to for a while and what a great introduction into her
This is a 4.5 for me and is my first time reading a book by Stacy Rush, but I have been meaning to for a while and what a great introduction into her writing and storytelling. I went into this knowing it was a bully mafia dark romance, but I didn't realize we would be starting out in High school, and I LOVE bully academia settings. While we are not in the high school setting for long it gave me just a taste and I loved it so much and that was all due to Jerek. The moment she caught his attention he was hooked and he didn't know why and certainly didn't know how to show it so he decides he is going to bully her into being his assistant and the whole time he is like I don't know why I want her but she is mine even though I can't have her because of my family situation with the Mafia but one way or another she is going to be mine in some way. He was just single minded and obsessive about her and I was eating it up like catnip. I just loved the way Stacy wrote him not just in high school but as an adult as well and once he got his hands Liliana that possessiveness and obsessiveness also took on scheming because he was never going to let her go no matter what she thought. Now with Liliana, I loved her too because even when she was under the thumb of Jerek she wasn't completely meek as much as she wished she was because she would try to push back or sassy comments would sneak through but she was so deep in survival mode because of the bulling and her foster parents so they were just peeks into who she could potentially be. But following that she went into hiding and became homeless and what she did to survive showed real strength and smarts. All because she was trying to hide from multiple people really including Jerek who for the most part controlled the city. I just love a strong, smart and sassy FMC but I will say I as someone from a litigious family I cringed and screamed at her when she signed the contract without reading it. These two had amazing chemistry even if they were both a little clueless (for Jerek on how to actually show someone you care about them and for Liliana recognizing that actions sometimes tell you more about a person's feelings than their words). As for the story itself I found it engaging and I had trouble putting it down and just when you think the story is over there would be a surprise or twist to keep the story going and I was happy that I got to spend more time with the characters I was enjoying so much. Now I don't know if this is a start to a series or single book, but I hope it's a start to series because there are at least two other couples that I would like their story from their perspective. But this book does not end on a cliff hanger this is just me being greedy. This book is about Liliana who back in high school caught the eye of Jarek Falcon who is the heir to a maria empire. She was the girl with nothing, so she had nothing to lose. When Liliana can't take Jarek's obsession and cruelty she runs into the arms of someone who she thought she would be safe with. But even the people you trust can betray you and end up not being who you thought they were, so she has to run again and ends up living on the streets to escape everyone who wants to use her for their own purposes. Years pass and even with all the precautions she takes ends up once again catching the eye of Jerek by pure chance. But this time is different because he has an offer that will get her off the streets and have a chance for a better life. The offer well he needs an heir to fully claim not just his inheritance but also his Mafia title and who better than the woman he has never stopped looking over. So, a deal is struck for a child in exchange for a lifetime of security. But while this may have started out as deal it is quickly becoming more where Jarek starts to realize he can't live without Liliana because she is more than just a means to an end but there is a small problem. Liliana still hates him for everything he did in high school and everything that happened after and she also can't look passed his Mafia dealings. But he is not going to let that stop him because one way or another he is going to keep his little pauper. I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 04, 2025
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Jul 05, 2025
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Jul 04, 2025
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ebook
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1956764291
| 9781956764291
| 1956764291
| 3.60
| 1,113
| unknown
| Nov 28, 2023
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really liked it
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This was 4.25 for me. IMMEDIATELY sucked into this book from page 1. I found the FMC Rhea to be super interesting from the start because of her situat
This was 4.25 for me. IMMEDIATELY sucked into this book from page 1. I found the FMC Rhea to be super interesting from the start because of her situation with her mom and how they were surviving. I found Rhea to be smart, cunning, resourceful, and strong. She had a shit situation because of what she and her mother were forced to do to survive and then one day she is on her own and because of her situation and how she grew up she really is limited in what she can do so she continues to con to survive as well as engage in sex work on occasion. Neither of which are safe endeavors so there have been many times from when she was a child until now as an adult where shit got real and she got hurt. Because of that she has these massive walls around her and major trust issues of course which combined with an unconventional job means that it would take a special kind of individual to be on her level and damn if the author didn't write the perfect counterpart for her. Honestly Rhea just needed someone to choose her for her and to not give up on her no matter how much she pushed them away and Alaric's to the T for her. He was sent to find her but the moment he saw her that was it for him and he was all in, but he didn't immediately grab her for himself. He stalked her for years! This is a dual POV, and I loved his POV because I just loved how his mind worked when it came to Rhea because that was literally all he thought about. He was so obsessive when it came to her and some of the things he did when he couldn't keep his possessiveness under control just had me giggling. But he was also really sweet when it came to her and what he wanted to do to make her happy and make her dreams come true and how he kept himself hidden while also giving her a safe person to talk to. I just thought he was perfect for her even if he had to blackmail her into staying with him with something he did.... read to find out but I love when a plan comes together. Along with enjoying the characters separately they had really good banter and chemistry, and I enjoyed the plot that went along with their story. I will say the ending felt a little rushed, but I still enjoyed the book as a whole and will definitely be checking out the author's other works. This book about Rhea Thorn who is a survivor and always has been. Life has been hard, but she has survived usually by conning and swindling other people. But what started out as a normal con by spending the night with him so that she could empty his wallet, but things take a turn when the man turns out to be a total psycho and is now coming for her. How does she know well the 17 missed calls and eventual broken window where a not saying "You can keep what you stole, but I get you in return." was a pretty good indicator. So now she is trying to stay one step ahead of him, but he is everywhere she turns and the things he is doing is starting to blur the lines between right and wrong all while pulling her in with every look he gives her. She fears that if she gives into him that he will never let her go and you know what... she just might be right. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 02, 2025
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Jul 03, 2025
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Jul 02, 2025
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Paperback
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0446610380
| 9780446610384
| 0446610380
| 4.32
| 77,884
| 1998
| Nov 01, 2001
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it was amazing
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I honestly wasn't sure going into this book if it was going to top what I felt after the first one and it did. I had to put down the book at times jus
I honestly wasn't sure going into this book if it was going to top what I felt after the first one and it did. I had to put down the book at times just to absorb what I just read or to take a moment because my stomach was in knots over what I just read. I am once again struck by how history just rinses, recycles and repeats because some of the passages from the book remind me so much of what is going on now economically and politically especially with this administration and this book was written prior to his first term. Like within in the first couple pages, they were talking about how the presidential candidate Jarret was using the slogan Make America Great again and now I know this 2016 or 2024 are not the first times this slogan was used, and it's been used in the past before but that just proves my point about rinse, recycle and reuse. Also, the same feelings as to why people voted for Jarret in the book are why some people voted for this administration outside of misogyny for a female candidate. Honestly when I think of the future and what could happen this if we don't course correct this is what I think of what our future could be. But also, the reasons why in the end it was just a terrible time at least with the presidency in this book give me hope for our own situation we just have to keep pushing back and fighting because we are in a better spot as a country now to fight back. Heck there was even a war with Canada in this book and that just made me think of this 51st BS. There are so many things that caught my attention because of the overlaps with what is going on today. For example the privatization of everything in this book which people are trying to do today or have you pay a subscription for and in this book you couldn't even get any news let alone accurate news unless you paid a subscription and they talk about missing free broadcast radio and how today they are trying to get rid of PBS and NPR. The reasoning is anything worth doing should be done for profit and should not be on the burden of the taxpayers but like so many things a society needs they shouldn't be done for profit and just for the betterment of a taken care of and educated society. I think the most impactful part however was chapter 11 at the start of the Earthseed passage and how it talks about leaders. Don't know if I can post it here bc of copywrite but if you read the book, you know which passage I am talking about and if you haven't, I hope it resonates. Honestly, there is so much I could talk about this book, but this is a review and not a dissertation, but I highly recommend this book/series. This book continues the story of Lauren Olamina in the 2030s California where socially and economically the country is collapsing. She and her like-minded followers have built Acorn, a community that is slowly growing as they take in few members and built around her Earthseed movement so that they can prepare to survive this time and one day colonize the stars. But as everything continues to deteriorate within the country it responds by electing President Jarret whose America First and Make America Great rhetoric along with the Christian American church have given rise to fanatics and the Jarret Crusaders who are going after everyone the deem to be heretics or criminals and either burning them or enslaving them until they have been deemed to have been properly converted. And a small community built about a religion no one else has ever heard of and not their almighty God is why their community ends up being targeted by the Crusaders that has the older members collared and enslaved and all of their children taken away from them and to be sent to live with good Christian American families to be raised property. But in Earthseed, God is Change and change can be redirected so now Lauren must fight back to bring about change so that they can save themselves, their community and their future. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 25, 2025
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Jun 28, 2025
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Jun 25, 2025
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Mass Market Paperback
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B0DTN6BSZ6
| 4.29
| 193
| unknown
| May 29, 2025
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really liked it
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This book was a wild and intense read as it had my stomach in knots. I gave this 4.5 and I can't wait to read the next book. When I say my stomach was
This book was a wild and intense read as it had my stomach in knots. I gave this 4.5 and I can't wait to read the next book. When I say my stomach was in knots it was from start to finish. First with the frustration of Bryson because he was just so arrogant and letting his ego get in the way and you as the reader know what's on the line and what could happen if he doesn't get his shit together. But even as a character he was aware to some degree of what could happen which made it even more frustrating because again ego and eventually he has a wakeup call to what is going on, but this wakeup call comes at the expense of one of his "brothers". This just pissed me off because even follow the "wakeup" while he was more aware of what was going on he STILL had instances of his arrogance coming into play. It sucks the only time he learned and progressed in the book was always at the expense of someone else. So, he definitely got my blood pressure up. Then with the story as it progressed things kept building and building and I knew there was going to be a twist at the end but there were so many ways this could have happened, and I just loved that because I had no idea which it could be. I don't want to give it away but there were so many people who had their own plans in place that they were working to achieve their goal that which one was going to be the one that succeeded and then how was it going to be thwarted. Because along with everyone having their own plans and schemes almost everyone had something on the line if they failed so the stakes were high. I also really enjoyed that this was a book centered around a female Domme. I will admit that I have not read a lot of those, and the 1 or 2 I have read I just didn't like the way they portrayed the FMCs. But with this book I loved the way the author portrayed Adria that it actually makes me want to look into more books with that type of dynamic. The ones in the past had the FMC trying so hard to prove that they are dominate or strong enough to do this and get the men to submit to them that it felt awkward and forced but Adria was the perfect blend of strong, competent in her own skills, not trying to break her subs in to just break them in as roughly as possible but to break them and rebuild them in a way that would have them grow as a sub/person but we also got points in the book where we got to see her vulnerable side not just in her stories of the past but also things she goes through in the book. She along with the MMCs were just very layered characters that I really appreciated. Now for the MCs you have Bryson who like I said at the start frustrated me for so much of the book but who he was at the end of the book is 100% a different man and actually became someone I liked and respected for the grownup choices he was having to make. Now for the next two Kayden and Seth and I really liked them. I think of the Three MMCs Seth might be my favorite bc I think he was in some ways the most damaged but also the most dangerous. It was remarked many times because he had less unalivings to his name he was the one everyone should keep an eye on bc he was the darker of the three and I agree. Kayden was dedicated but also had a joke to crack so I appreciated him when the tension was getting too much. Now along with the complex characters and great plot there was some great spice that went on as well. With the FMC or with the MCs and even a little with the FMC and MMCs. All of really well done and very enjoyable. So, like I said had a great time reading it and can't wait to see what happens next. This book is about Adria who doesn't kneel for anyone as she is the one who commands it. It took a lot of work to get here as she inherited her father's position in the nine when she was barely an adult. As a result, she was pushed down in the secretive and violent organization. So, she had to crawl and fight her way back to the top in an organization where power is everything and trust is a luxury none can afford. She is close to making it back to her family's old spot when a past deal made by her father may put it all her plans into jeopardy and she is boxed into a corner and has to take three men into her home to train as one of her subs. But ideal subs they are not as they are reckless, arrogant boys playing at being men too volatile to see what is truly going on. But she has to train them and break them so that she can mold them to her will because failure is not an option in this dangerous game of power. But as their training progresses lines become blurred and the cost of it might be her control or at least the feelings of wanting to for the first time in her life. For a woman with everything on the line the thing she never thought she would lose is her heart. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 22, 2025
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Jun 24, 2025
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Jun 21, 2025
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Kindle Edition
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1685450482
| 9781685450489
| 1685450482
| 3.89
| 86,697
| Nov 20, 2019
| Jan 31, 2025
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really liked it
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this was a 4.5 for me This was such a fun read, and I can see why Rina Kent is so popular. I am really excited to continue the series because I am hook this was a 4.5 for me This was such a fun read, and I can see why Rina Kent is so popular. I am really excited to continue the series because I am hooked. I will say that FOR ME PERSONALLY this is light on the bully trope but there is a little but the dark obsessiveness and possessiveness of the MMC was off the charts and I loved it sooo much. Definitely enjoyed those vibes which is why I stayed up super late (for me) to finish it which i was able to do in a day. I really enjoyed the plot and tension and chemistry between Astrid and Levi, and I will say I was surprised who was the "villain" at the end of the book. But it really fit and made sense, just wasn't who I thought it was. Now along with the main MCs being entertaining to read about this is the prequal/start of a series and so other characters in this book that have their own stories as well. Now this book just gives you a taste of who they are but not the full story, but I am definitely intrigued and can't wait to read the next book. Now I will say I loved Levi and his OTT obsessiveness and I loved the chemistry between Astrid and Levi who not only had great chemistry but also had great banter but I will say that Astrid really come alive as a character in the incidents where she was usually interacting with another character usually Levi or her best friend Dan because then she usually had some great banter going on or she was fighting back against Levi and his BS but there were times in the book when she felt a little flat and one note. I would say I liked her 75% of the time and the other % I was just wanting the character I had seen on the other pages to come back out. I am going to say I have super mix feelings about the dad like I get the whole social trappings, and upbringing doesn't make for the most warm and loving parenting mentality but damn giving her shit bc she calls you dad over father. Just a lot of mixed feelings about him Overall, enjoyed the book and I can't wait to read the next one. This book is about Astrid who is just trying to survive her school by flying under the radar and staying invisible. But things change after she is dragged to a party by her best friend that have her getting drunk/drugged and stumbling into the off-limits pool house where the soccer team likes to hang out. She ends up stumbling in the captain of the team that is none other than Levi who is not just King of the school but is actually from the King family. A family that when her father gave her two rules 1) being don't embarrass the Clifford and 2) STAY AWAY FROM THE KING FAMILY. Well, that encounter now has put her on the radar of Levi and he is shining a light on her because now he is coming for her, and he has three rules for her 1) bow, 2) break and 3) bend the knee but what he doesn't realize is that she is going to be the one to bring the king to his knees. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 20, 2025
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Jun 20, 2025
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Jun 20, 2025
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Paperback
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B0C5K4RCNR
| 4.00
| 34,904
| unknown
| Sep 29, 2023
|
really liked it
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This is a 4.25 for me. I had a blast reading this, but I will say that I did misunderstand one of the triggers which was cheating (but not the MCs on e This is a 4.25 for me. I had a blast reading this, but I will say that I did misunderstand one of the triggers which was cheating (but not the MCs on each other), but I took that to mean one of the MCs was cheated on, but I was incorrect. But that was a misunderstanding on my part and while cheating is usually a hard no for me even if I had fully understood the trigger I probably would still have picked up the book because I really really enjoyed book 1. But it's still an element I didn't enjoy in the book so that is why it wasn't a 4.5 for me. What I really enjoyed was how OTT Ari was in this book. If I had to compare Lincoln and Ari, I think Ari was a little more OTT but Lincoln was a little darker in what he did. I say Ari was a little more OTT because he had himself traded and hoped that he would still play well enough that his team would still want him back. To risk your whole career like that is really OTT and I loved it so much. Now that's not to say Ari didn't have his own dark impulses when it came to Blake so you will still get your darkness fix if that is what you're looking for. I also want to say I LOVE THE BROMANCE that was going on in this book with not just Lincoln and ARI but also with Walker too and I am so looking for his story and I wonder how he will be dark in his actions since he is so sweet and puppish. Now as to Ari and Blake themselves I loved how Ari was when it came to Blake because of everything Blake had been through she actually needed someone like Ari with his level of crazy when it came to her because damn this girl had it rough growing up and just needed someone to show up and be there for her and choose her constantly and love her for who she is as she is because damn what happen with her family and then with her adoptive family shows she needed Ari and his level of crazy. With Blake I just wanted to give her hug because damn this girl had it rough. Make sure you are okay reading someone who is going through it mentally and emotionally because my heart just hurt for her so much. Now the chemistry was off the charts between Ari and Blake not just between the sheets or in whatever closet they could find but also the banter between the two because of Ari's sense of humor had me chuckling a lot throughout the book. Overall, I had a blast reading this book from the humor and OTT actions of the MC and I am so excited to continue this series because I love MCs like Ari and Lincoln, and I can't wait to see what the next one does. This book is about Blake who moved to LA for a fresh start away from her suffocating toxic adoptive parents. While she was looking for a fresh start she didn't expect someone from her past to come blazing into her life, especially not the boy from the group home she was in that she had a crush on when she was a child. But he is no longer a child as he has grown up to be an over 6 ft tatted hockey star living out his dreams. Or at least most of his dreams as he never forgot about her and had been looking for her as she is the one for him and now that he has found her, he is never letting her go again. But as much as she wants to give into him, she is scared that he will break her heart something she is not sure could survive but what if in the end he has always been the right guy for her. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 19, 2025
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Jun 19, 2025
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Jun 19, 2025
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Kindle Edition
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B0F9LDRDVT
| 4.24
| 285
| unknown
| Jun 26, 2025
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really liked it
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4.25 for me. I really enjoyed the vibes of this book with the inspiration from john wick, but the organization has a Greek mythology motif (not sure if 4.25 for me. I really enjoyed the vibes of this book with the inspiration from john wick, but the organization has a Greek mythology motif (not sure if that's an accurate way to describe it but that's what I got). I just really enjoyed the mashup. I really enjoyed the plot with the twists and turns and as this is a start of a new series, I also became invested in some of the side characters as well who were just as enjoyable as the MCs that I can't wait to get their stories next. There are already 2 that I need their stories NOW! Now for these MCs as always, the author has a great way of writing their couples to truly be counterpoints to one another to balance them out for what they need. I will say while this book is a dual POV a lot of it is done from Luka's POV and the story is really centered around him with Vincent being along for the ride and helping and supporting Luka. I really enjoyed Luka who was this charming kind of goofy assassin who likes gummy worms and who came up with the real housewife's drama when it came to Vincent's plants. But as the story unfolds and you learn about him and what has happened to him made me both angry and sad. But his obsession with Vincent and not giving into the order started him down a path that led to him starting to heal and ending in a place he never thought was possible and I was just cheering him on all the way. And that was due to Vincent's training as a therapist and his experience with Cult survivors. He was able to support Luka and claw back his life and really stuck by his side which is all Luka wanted. Is someone who would stay and fight for him even though he saw himself as a monster undeserving of love. I think my favorite scene though was essentially his goodbye scene bc the way Luka opened himself up and claimed his past and shared that with Vincent was really touching that had me tearing up. Overall, I really enjoyed the plot and inspirations used to build this world and I am so excited to explore it more and the characters that inhabit it. I loved the two MCs as well and they had not just emotional chemistry but spicy chemistry as well that I thoroughly enjoyed. Can't wait to find out what happens next. This book is about Luka who is an assassin who with 48 confirmed eliminations under his belt should have been able to carry out his current mission no problem. But what he didn't expect was to fall for the plant obsessed therapist that has left him "stalking" his target for a couple and not completing his contract. Something that has never happened with him as he is the best in the business. Well, his handlers are tired of waiting and now the contract has gone out to anyone with a gun and other members in his organization are now coming not just for his therapist for him as well. So, the best thing he can do for both of them is to kidnap Vincent his target and taking to one of the few safe cities for those in his field while they figure out their next move. But that next move looks like it will have him confronting the man who spent the last 26 years molding Luka into the perfect weapon. His mentor is Prometheus, and he was not just his mentor, but he is also a director in the organization with more power at his disposal that going against him is fool's mission. But for the man who has captured Luka's heart and saw him for the man he is and not the weapon he was made into he will take on any of the gods to keep him safe even if it costs him, is life. I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 17, 2025
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Jun 18, 2025
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Jun 17, 2025
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Kindle Edition
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B0DWV1Y257
| 4.22
| 6,861
| Sep 12, 2019
| Sep 12, 2019
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really liked it
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This was a 4.25 for me. I had a blast reading this and finished it in a day. In this book we continued where book 1 left off so you do have to read th
This was a 4.25 for me. I had a blast reading this and finished it in a day. In this book we continued where book 1 left off so you do have to read these in order. In this book we have moved past the bully stage, and we are at the MCs realizing they don't really hate her and while they are fighting their feelings in some cases as this is a why choose but in other cases, they are acting on their feelings. Now I do wish there had been some groveling on the MCs part on the way they treated her but there was so much going plot that has them working together and showing up for her when she needed them showed they had moved pasted the hard feelings and working on building trust between them. Now this book is spicier than the first because like I said some are recognizing their feelings and acting on them. Now because this is a why choose this brings out tension between the men who know Daisy is sleeping with other people within the group as well as tension from Daisy that she is so drawn to each of these men and giving in to that desire. So, this book still had some good but different tension from the first as well as the chemistry was out in full force not just physically but also emotionally as well because as I mentioned they are starting to open up to one another. I think that is the aspect I enjoyed most about this book other than the plot was the emotional connection they are starting to build because for most of the MCs they have some trauma and while the guys do have their little friendship group Daisy brings another level to the connection that can help them all heal and find peace which as troublesome as these boys have been I truly believe they deserve peace from their pain. For the plot there were a lot of twists that were happening with the god, knights, their fellow students and other things going on (don't want to give it away) and this book again ends on a cliff hanger as it is an ongoing story. I enjoyed the plot, and it kept me entertained and that cliff hanger makes me excited for the next book. This book continues the Story of Daisy who is the only Norm at the Gifted Academy and her time there has not lessen the danger she faces. So, when she is magically thrown out the window by an idol at the school it wasn't a huge Suprise. But what was surprising is one of her bullies from the Magnificent Four rescued her! But it wasn't just broken bones that Bryce managed to heal but he also managed to bring her back from the brink of death. His actions have broken through my defenses and now it's getting hard to resist him. But he wasn't only the one affected by the incident as Daisy's near-death experience has affected the guys, and it has caused them to treat her differently, so much so they are also trying to work their way into Daisy's heart as well. But as if a potential romance with some of the most powerful and ruthless idols wasn't enough for her to worry about there are other powerful beings and idols who are trying to do whatever they can to destroy or use her for their own purposes and she doesn't know which she fears more. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 16, 2025
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Jun 16, 2025
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Jun 16, 2025
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ebook
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B0DNR9G6JQ
| 3.78
| 72,762
| Apr 01, 2022
| Jun 24, 2025
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it was amazing
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I loved the book and gave it a 4.75 but now having listened to the audio book took it to a 5 for me. All the things I loved about the physical copy we
I loved the book and gave it a 4.75 but now having listened to the audio book took it to a 5 for me. All the things I loved about the physical copy were just amplified now that they were being described by voice actors. The humor and banter just hit so much harder when there is a real person delivering them and the scenes really came alive. This book has 4 narrators! And they each did an amazing job, but I have to say my favorite actor is the one who did Cobra's voice (sorry I don't know which actor it was) but he just seemed to embody Cobra, and I hope with the next book if they do another audiobook, they bring him back bc he gave me chills. I loved this as a physical, but the audio was just the cherry on top. I received this as an ALC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 14, 2025
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Jun 21, 2025
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Jun 15, 2025
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Audible Audio
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1525804715
| 9781525804717
| 1525804715
| 3.32
| 14,825
| Aug 23, 2022
| Aug 23, 2022
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liked it
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This is a 3.75 for me. I think this was an interesting book with a lot of potential, but I don't think it's being marketed correctly to target the rig
This is a 3.75 for me. I think this was an interesting book with a lot of potential, but I don't think it's being marketed correctly to target the right kind of readers or to set up the readers correctly for the right experience. On amazon this book is categorized as a romance as well as the witch rom-com. The romance in this book was a subplot and even as a sub plot to me it wasn't very prevalent. The book really relies on their friendship and past history of what could have been, but we don't get a lot of the tension build up during those friends to lovers' tropes because a lot of her feelings have been suppressed by her mind wipe, so she just knows that there was the potential for more than just never happened but even then she is not lamenting that fact too much for it to be a focus. Just commented on it one or two times and moved on. Maybe if this was a dual POV and not all done from the FMC's point we could have gotten that tension of the love that could not be because he actually remembers and seems more broken up about it because of it. Also, with this being a romance to be a romance and not a love story there has to be a HAE and while they do end up together at the end it doesn't feel like a true HEA and I think that is due to how this book ends which the moment they make their declaration for one another a big conflict happens and the book ends. Which is fine except the next book seems to be focusing on the next couple who will obviously be the focus of the next book. None of that is a bad thing but I just don't feel like this lived up to the romance characterization. This book was also described on amazon as a ROM-Com and what that means is a romantic comedy (so a comedy with romance), and I honestly don't know how this book would fall into a romantic comedy because nothing except a brief anecdote about pranks gone wrong when they were children was funny and again the romance was very minimal in this book at least for my tastes. Now this also has tropes listed of found family, witchy and chosen one and I agree 100% those were correct tropes for this book and that is because this books main focus is about saving the town from this impending crisis coming their way and how the FMC Emerson finds out she is a witch and may be one of the few people who can fight back along with her friends as they form a coven to fight against back. So, I feel if this book had been marketed focusing on those aspects and as a contemporary paranormal fiction then I would have had a better time reading this book. (Now I may be getting that classification incorrect but the point I am trying to make is that this is not a romance comedy). For me I just kept waiting for this book to be funny and cute and romantic and it just never got there. But if I had different expectations going into the book then I would have enjoyed this book a lot more. I do think the plot was interesting with the conflicts and issues that arose because of past decisions. I am also not a big lover of small-town setting, but I did enjoy that with this book as it gave me star hallow vibes from Gilmore girls. I also liked the characters as they were all different with their own issues that I am excited to explore in following books as I do plan to continue the series at least for one more book because when I put aside my expectations, I did enjoy this book, and I want to find out what happens next. this book is about Emerson who is not only small bookstore owner in her small town but is also the chamber of commerce president and loves doing whatever she can to help her town from helping out her neighbors to helping draw in tourists with all the festivals they hold. One such festival is coming up and she is doing whatever she can to bring in the crowds but as usual she is running into issues mostly due to her rival Mayor Skip who is resistant to anything she tries to do to help the town. But this rivalry has gotten out of hand because seemingly Mayor Skip sent literal paranormal creatures which should not exist after her to hurt her which surprisingly she is able to fight off though how she was able to do it she doesn't know. That is until her friends come clean that she is a witch. While she knew she had descended from a woman who was hung during the witch trials that doesn't mean she ever thought witches existed. But the crazy thing is that she has always been a witch or at least she always had the potential to be one, but she failed the coming-of-age test, so her memory was altered as a result. But now her powers stronger than ever before come roaring back and with little memory of her previous teachings she is left stumbling about while trying to figure out this great evil that has been unleashed and is coming for everything she loves. Thankfully she not only has her friends at her side to help her and the town but with the resurgence of her powers brings about feelings that had been ignored when it came to her longtime childhood friend Jacob. But will they have time to explore and act on these feelings before this great evil comes for them? ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 14, 2025
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Jun 15, 2025
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Jun 14, 2025
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Paperback
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B0F24W8ZGQ
| 4.21
| 24
| unknown
| May 22, 2025
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really liked it
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This is a 4.25 for me. I was really excited to get Lucian's story, and it didn't disappoint me. I think my favorite part is around 40% when Lucian doe
This is a 4.25 for me. I was really excited to get Lucian's story, and it didn't disappoint me. I think my favorite part is around 40% when Lucian does some really possessive things that I love in an MMC. I will say this book is a little spicier than the last, but it makes sense since there is an element of there being a sex club that is frequently attended. I think the spice in this book was really well done and I definitely felt the chemistry between the two MCs. As for the characters first, you have Lucian who was definitely the morally grey type of character who does questionable things when it comes to the FMC, and I loved every moment of it. This is a type of character who won't say or even give a name to what his feelings are but god help anyone who even things to take her from him or touch her in any way even as innocently asking her to dinner. Now not all of his reactions were unhinged but his responses were not proportional to the "offense", so they had me giggling. He is also the type of character that due to his age, the situation and who doesn't think he is good enough for the FMC, so he pushes her away and doesn't commit while still not giving her up. Which means the FMC Sienna has to get creative to make him realize his feelings. Now Sienna is a softer FMC, but she is smart and sassy and as she builds up her confidence she pushes back more and more when it came to Lucian, and I loved seeing her grow into herself and I was just cheering her on so hard when she was essentially poking the bear. Now for the story and plot I found it to be entertaining and had a lot of fun reading it. Not just the romance aspect but the conflict points as well. I am excited to continue the series, and I wonder whose story will be next. I can also attest this is a true standalone as the previous book/plot had nothing to do with this one, so they don't have to be read in order. This book is about Sienna whose life has gotten really difficult. Her boyfriend cheated on her and broke up with her and has left her locked in a lease that she can't afford throwing her into debt. She really can't afford to lose her job so when one of her supervisors starts hitting on her and insinuating that her job and any promotions are on the line unless she does some favors. Well, she doesn't take very kindly to that and reacts accordingly that happen to catch the eye of a very attractive older man who not only rescues her from her supervisor but also offers her a business card telling her to show up if she wants a job. With no other options she decides to see what the job is all about. Little does she know she has stepped into the devil's playground, and he is never going to let her leave. Lucian the mystery man who offered her the job built The Black Ledger which offers escorts to powerful men for whatever their needs might be. These are highly trained women who offer companionship contracts be it for long term, short term, sex or no sex. The women set their limits and agree to the contracts that the men offer. When Sienna walked through the doors, she had no experience and was reckless and untrained when it came to the power, she wielded. So, she decides to stay through the training program, but the problem is that her trainer is none other than Lucian. It is under his training that she learns the art of seduction and how to use her powers to control the room and client. But soon the lessons turn intimate and eventually have Lucian breaking his rules of never touching one of his employees. But when a client tries to claim Sienna for himself it has Lucian breaking all his rules because Sienna is his and no one will touch her or take her from him, or he will burn everything to the ground. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 12, 2025
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Jun 13, 2025
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Jun 12, 2025
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Kindle Edition
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B0DWW9YGFS
| 4.04
| 59,580
| Aug 24, 2023
| Aug 24, 2023
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really liked it
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This is a 4.25 for me. This book was a crazy ride and at times I wondered how these characters are going to get passed all the shit that has happened t This is a 4.25 for me. This book was a crazy ride and at times I wondered how these characters are going to get passed all the shit that has happened to them personally and to their country/people because they are at war and so much has happened on both sides and so much had been done by both parties. A big thing is sexual assault (r@pe), and both sides do this so make sure that you are okay with that. So really neither side is the Hero side. But I will say that the humans are the worst offenders as based on descriptors in the book they commit more R@pes/SA's against children. So, make sure that you are comfortable with that. But when you have the human daughter of not just one of the worst prevelars/perpetrators but also the fiancé to the other fall into the hands of the king of the opposing side who was held captive by her father and his best friend whose family/mate who were unalive by the fiancé the whole time I was just wondering how are they going to move passed and get to a happy ending. So, this whole book you just have this building and building of tension because of the plotting, the will they/won't they and are they actually able to move passed this and finally the betrayal. All resulting in a cliff hanger that was so good and makes me so excited for the ending. There is also some really good spice that goes along with the tension, so this book definitely had me on the edge of my seat at times. Now for the characters you have three Galantia the FMC human, Malyr the Raven King and Sebian who is the best friend of the king also kind of the bodyguard to Galantia. Now with Galantia this is a woman who is starving for anything and everything. Be it knowledge or more so affection and love as she has basically been ignored and isolated for most of her life with only her nursemaid for love. This in some ways has made her very susceptible to manipulation due to her ignorance as well as desire for love. At times I did shake my head because how can you not see the signs in front of you, but it also makes your heart break for her but at the same time she was not a weak or dumb character. So, while she was captive under the Malyr's care she was actually allowed more freedom and allowed to grow that you got to see actually come into herself even as everyone around her even those who should care for her are plotting against or betraying her. For Malyr and Sebian I can't really choose between the two of them as Sebian was the gentle caring side that Galantia needed but Malyr was the fire and passion that she also needed to feel alive as well. But both men are horribly damaged one from the actions of her father and the other from the actions of the fiancé as well as some of the things they have done themselves which means for Sebian while he doesn't fully lie to Galantia he really holds himself back from her and Malyr well let's just say he had me fooled and I was surprised. Now I do wish at the start of the book there had been a better break down of these raven shifters and how they work as I was confused at times as apparently, they shift into multiple ravens, and each raven has a particular purpose. I never fully grasped that and just wish that had been better explained at the start. I can't wait for the next book as I need to see what happens next as that cliff hanger was so good and I need some serious grovel. This book is about Galantia whose kingdom is at war against the Court of Ravens/Raven Shifters. She is the daughter of the 2nd most powerful man in the kingdom 2nd only to the king. So, when she is betrothed to the prince to strengthen the relationship, she knows this is a political marriage, but she is hoping for the best and that affection can grow between the two of them. But when they stop for the night in a village while traveling for the wedding the village is attacked by the crow shifters who kidnap her and bring her before the Maylr King of the ravens who decides that he is going to keep her while they try to negotiate with her father for a prisoner swap but for her to continue to hold her value she must remade untouched and pure... but there are ways around that and while they wait for her father's response there is no reason that that we can't play with our new prisoner. For we are beasts in her eyes. Wicked and evil, vicious and cruel and we are all that and more. Because while one of us will offer safety and pleasure the other will break her into pieces while seeking his revenge. But even as she surrenders to their darkness will that be what truly breaks her or the plots and schemes, they have in store for her and her father for she is at our mercy...if we even have any? ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 08, 2025
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Jun 09, 2025
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Jun 08, 2025
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ebook
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my rating |
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4.81
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really liked it
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Jul 28, 2025
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Jul 26, 2025
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4.31
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really liked it
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Jul 25, 2025
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Jul 23, 2025
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4.30
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really liked it
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Jul 22, 2025
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Jul 20, 2025
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3.80
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really liked it
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Jul 19, 2025
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Jul 16, 2025
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4.05
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liked it
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Jul 15, 2025
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Jul 15, 2025
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4.04
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really liked it
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Jul 12, 2025
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Jul 10, 2025
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4.41
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really liked it
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Jul 10, 2025
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Jul 08, 2025
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4.21
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really liked it
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Jul 07, 2025
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Jul 06, 2025
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4.79
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really liked it
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Jul 05, 2025
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Jul 04, 2025
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3.60
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really liked it
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Jul 03, 2025
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Jul 02, 2025
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4.32
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it was amazing
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Jun 28, 2025
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Jun 25, 2025
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4.29
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really liked it
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Jun 24, 2025
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Jun 21, 2025
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3.89
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really liked it
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Jun 20, 2025
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Jun 20, 2025
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4.00
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really liked it
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Jun 19, 2025
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Jun 19, 2025
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4.24
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really liked it
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Jun 18, 2025
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Jun 17, 2025
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4.22
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really liked it
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Jun 16, 2025
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Jun 16, 2025
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3.78
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it was amazing
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Jun 21, 2025
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Jun 15, 2025
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3.32
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liked it
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Jun 15, 2025
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Jun 14, 2025
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4.21
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really liked it
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Jun 13, 2025
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Jun 12, 2025
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4.04
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really liked it
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Jun 09, 2025
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Jun 08, 2025
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