The Hordes of the Elthika have arrived and I was not one bit disappointed. Being a huge fan of the Horde Kings of Dakkar series I feel like especiallyThe Hordes of the Elthika have arrived and I was not one bit disappointed. Being a huge fan of the Horde Kings of Dakkar series I feel like especially when you've read them from the beginning following along for each release.. you may have some expectations coming into this series. It's a little unfair really but also human nature is what it is and it's really the consequences of this author being far too good at what she does. Therefore expectations are sky high right alongside the anticipation for the possibility of greatness.
Lucky for everyone I can confirm this book surpassed them all.
Did I love this more than the OG? nope.. That would be unfair because they are different and that's the whole point. Did I love this as a series that is connected to a great love of mine with amazing potential and endless possibilities and most importantly.. A story that stood on it's own merit with sweet peaks into a love from long ago? YUP. This was a fucking great first book. One that had me hungry for all the things in this new world. The new faces, the unique history... the language. DRAGONS.
Oh baby this served new but with HISTORY. It had an old familiarity that felt like coming home but also everything so new and fresh at the same time.
Klara is a sweet overlooked and most definitely a underappreciated gal. She minds her business and keeps out of trouble but despite it she still ends up with the shit end of every stick. Haunted in her sleep. Envied in reality. My girl could not catch a break. So when she's put in a position where her choices are taken it's sadly not even a surprise and she takes it like a champ despite the fear and anger. She embodied grace and kindness. She was never and would never be a warrior, all sweet and subtle as she was but that was fine because she was exactly who she needed to be and never tried to be anything else. That also didn't mean her quiet strength and determination was anything less than great. She is such a likeable character that shows relatability and growth through her journey.
Sarkin is everything I wanted and expected in a warrior. Formidable and unwavering in his beliefs. At first he's wrapped up tighter than Fort Knox appearing unfeeling so cool, calm and collected. Obviously that is not the case.. Our man here is an onion with layers but it's not smooth pealing for him. The journey of finding what lurks below his hard surface was bountiful to say the least. But let me tell you this sweet? frankly is was almost too much. He had to learn to gentle himself and compromise. He had to find a way to not look at his more fragile wife and expect everything he was always accustomed to. He learnt and grew but it was slow going and not without a few turbulents along the way that is for sure. There truly is something so special in seeing these big strong men bend and break at the foot of a tiny woman. He was delectable.
Them together was a interesting journey. They both were so far out of their own comfort zones.. Her in a new world with a husband and him with a little wife who is so far from everything he's ever known or thought for himself. The chemistry was always there. As was this undeniable connection neither could really explain at first but fate is a funny thing and no matter what, they were always going to be. It was written in the stars. I adored their journey of getting to know one another whilst navigating all the things that came along with their journey. The moments of vulnerability and sweet. The tension and torment. The times where they fought and bickered liked they'd been married for a decade despite their reality being very not that. It was everything. They just fit even when they tried hard not to and I really felt that through the pages.
This world is a magical one to be in. One that felt familiar and yet entirely strange. I loved how Zoey connected the worlds so seamlessly whilst maintaining their own sense of self at the same time. It was exciting and filled me with curiosity and anticipation over what's to come and how this world would evolve. Then we have the DRAGONS... how freaking exciting but also my ghasts were flabbered at how those bonds were made and I may have shivered in my timbers because the fear was real for a hot minute there. But also... SO FUCKING GOOD.
So to wrap it but I loved it. Zoey yet again did a phenomenal job at creating yet another world with endless possibilities and so many new faces to love. so many what, where and who's .... So many questions yet to be answered. I'm excited and ready for it all....more
keep your friends close and your enemies closer, right?
This was an interesting one for me. I'm currently on my fantasy binge but need romance so it's keep your friends close and your enemies closer, right?
This was an interesting one for me. I'm currently on my fantasy binge but need romance so it's been a trickier task finding reads that tickle my pickle. This was a win for sure.
Oraya was a young human girl found in rubble surrounding by death and destruction by no other than the vampire king. Interestingly enough that little girl showed nothing but fight when faced with was appeared to be death. So the obvious choice was for the king to keep his little serpent with sharp teeth. Keep her he did. Oraya grew up to be the daughter of the vampire king. The human daughter. Her life was not an easy one though being a human amongst only vampires. Essentially she's swimming in a shark tank and she was the food. Now she new how to fight and survive but she never really lived. Her entire live was spent being on edge looking for danger because unfortunately for her she lived with it behind her every given moment.
I liked her character. I do feel on times she was spiting herself with her stubbornness but then considering the fact that she has had to grow up that way.. Being a teammate is not something she's ever had to do. Selfish meant safer. She was strong despite the odds against her and when you delve under the curtain you see the sweet that's never really been nurtured.
Raihn I just loved him. Now did the end have me gaping? YUP. But his character is delicious. He was a sarcastic witty vampire who understood what it meant to be a human and a vampire. Who never forgot them or the enjoyments of human life. He was also super protective and sweet despite being hissed at by our girl and her non existent fangs.
I really enjoyed their slow burn journey. Opposites attract and all that. Their chemistry blossomed in surprising ways I really enjoyed and I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers. This has a little that to it. The world itself it's refreshingly unique and for a foundation I feel like the world building was nicely paced and built well without giving us everything all at once. I was intrigued, excited and frustrated all at once. Then there is that ending?! betrayals, heartbreak and anger is a heavy way to start the next read but boy and I excited to and to get some damn answers.
I hate writing reviews for continuous series' because it isn't well formed because there is no whole picture. JusI feel like I'm middle ground here..
I hate writing reviews for continuous series' because it isn't well formed because there is no whole picture. Just a snippet in the moment. At least until the end anyway. At that point at least for me I can look back at choices and get a real feel on how impactful that was to the full picture.
So with that being said.. This is the first in the series and fantasy so it goes without saying the world building and development from the foundation up is a little more girthy on the information overload. A lot is unknown and only fragments of information is fed to us throughout. Enough to enthral but not enough to guess what's going on so as not to ruin the entire series. It's hard to find the balance and for me I feel like it's difficult to have a solid feel of it until I'm in book two.. Obviously this only matters in cases where I'm intrigued enough to continue.
All that to say..
I don't have a set feeling on this series yet having just finished book 1. I have never read anything by this author so I have no idea of any other written works from her. I did very much enjoy her writing style though. Even in parts where characters did things I did not like I could still continue through because the writing is great.
Now I have read plenty of dark romance... So bully asshole alphas do not turn me off. However I struggle to feel much when it comes to Theon. I just felt like he came across like he had no clue what he was doing. Having a tantrum over not being able to control a woman who did not want what he choose for her. Belittling her in the name of it is the way it is... Throwing her into situations where she would fail then being angry because she proved them all right... He gave immature trying to be grown whilst also pleading its for the good of the world which honestly didn't read well for me. It made feel indifferent towards him. Did he have a saucy mouth on times? yup. Did he give glimpses of dark and delicious and sweet hoty? yup. But nothing consistent enough for me to feel more that hmm about him.
Tessa I liked a whole lot more than Theon because at least she was true to herself in her actions. Her mind made sense. The distrust, the fear, the hate, the want but the need to be free. I got it all from her. Did she act like a brat on times? yup but again valid given the situation. She was the most clear cut character for me and the most relatable.
I enjoyed both Luka and Axel even if on times they did stupid shit. I'm also intrigued to know more about them..
As a whole some parts where long winded whilst others so brief I wanted more time there. I did enjoy the world building and I'm curious about the magic system of sorts and how that's all going to pan out in book 2. Especially given Tessa's reveal.
I will definitely be going into book two because I feel like this was just the foundation and that is where the fun will begin and the characters will start to come into their own more. I'm sat in the middle on this first one but honestly that means nothing in the world of fantasy for me.. many a first book were not a huge hit whilst the rest of the series became an absolute favourite. It's got to start somewhere. I also think the first book makes more sense once you've read the second and have more information on why certain things happened or why they the characters acted the way they did.....
Honestly people are getting wild with their defensiveness on what they perceive to be slow burn, enemies to lovers... fantasy.. it's a damn book.
For Honestly people are getting wild with their defensiveness on what they perceive to be slow burn, enemies to lovers... fantasy.. it's a damn book.
For me personally because of the types of books I most often read.. this would be and I do consider it to be a slower burn. That being said.. action happens before 50%. Do with that what you will and if you fancy it .. happy reading.
I'm a mood reader through and through and I'm most definitely in my fantasy cravings era and this gives that.
Why not a 5? because its single POV. I hate not getting the perspective of at least the two main characters. No matter how great the writing, It will always leave me feeling a little disconnect to the character who's head I don't get to dig into.
Saeris I found to be very likeable. She's a young woman who's been through way to much in her few years of living. She has a chip on her shoulder and an attitude to match. Did that get her into trouble more often then not? absolutely. However it's also the thing that saved her in many other ways. She loved hard, fought with everything in her and never gave up. I also just found her ability to wind everyone up hilarious.
Kingfisher aka fisher is a foul mouthed grump. The man has zero chill. Zero manners and no fucking patience to be seen. But the more you dig beneath the layers the more you find why he has walls built so high and why his life has become a fighting pit of despair and destruction. Did he do shitty things? yup but does he also have a sweet side that for me personally made up for it?... YUP. I love an asshole what can I say. Would having his POV made a huge difference? for me .. YES. I want to know his thoughts and feelings and how he processed everything. I wanted to know him from him not from the biased few of another perspective.
The world building I found to be really good for the foundation. This is book one so laying the bones means an overload of information and most times that doesn't always make a whole lot of sense or can leave you with more questions. I feel like Callie did a good job of building the world and making it palatable to digest without giving too much all at once.
I really enjoyed the development of Fisher and Saeris. I liked the whole enemies to lovers I hate you but want to fuck you vibes. The bickering and pushing boundaries only served to stir the pot building the tension for the inevitable explosion and it was worth it. I ate it up and believed every minute of them and that connection.
The side characters are fun and have me very intrigued which in itself is a great thing. It means more to look forward to and love and hopefully more stories outside of F+S to be had. Now there are some great revelations as well as a cliffhanger at the end which because I went in blind I had no idea about.. stupid on my part, I fucking hate cliffhangers. so I'm no sure where this series is going but I have to say I'm excited to see it grow and flourish into what could be something great.
I really enjoyed this read and now the sad wait for what's next must commence. ...more
There is so much to say and yet I don't want to because I don't want to spoil anything.
The epic tale of Finley and Nyfain reached a climatic ending iThere is so much to say and yet I don't want to because I don't want to spoil anything.
The epic tale of Finley and Nyfain reached a climatic ending in book three and what a journey to that it was.
Finley is loyal to a fault. My girl put herself through literal hell to protect the man she loves and the kingdom he protects and honours. She was steadfast in her determination to protect him from all costs. Even from himself. She stayed true to who she was not taking the easy way out and showing everything her worth.
Nyfain oh my man had it rough in this one. Enduring the love of his life suffering was the last straw. Until the end of the book that is.
This book took us on a rollercoaster of revelations whilst dragging us along for the outrageous, hilarious and downright dysfunctional. The characters are truly the gift that kept giving here and i was so curious about so many of them and what laid in their fate.
I loved how the plot took a few interesting turns making what was already a tricky story even more so. I really enjoyed the pace of the journey and the multiple POVs.
The ending wasn't a crazy surprise but one nonetheless. I and very intrigued to see how the author spins this for Nyfain and Finley in the last book.
Honestly I loved this. I felt like it gave me everything I needed and then some and now I find myself ready for their conclusion because if anyone deserves a HEA it's this pair.
Now on to the last story.. after ill round off my thoughts about the whole series. I'm to in my head about whats happened thus far to have clear thoughts....more
It's not often I read twists of fairy tails but I do know I love this authors writing. Her characters are something else.
Finley is a great character.It's not often I read twists of fairy tails but I do know I love this authors writing. Her characters are something else.
Finley is a great character. I will say with certainty that she is a character you will either love or hate. I genuinely don't think there is an in-between. She's blunt abrasive and rubs people like sand paper. She reacts with passion and of course that is not always the best way. but she is unapologetically herself and that is something I will always favour in characters.
Nyfin is of course our tortured hero with the sad boy complex. I mean it's not without reason but non the less he gives emotional whiplash through out fighting his feelings for, his anger at the world and his need to protect his kingdom. I was here for it.
Book one is UNHINGED to say the least. We have a Hadriel our shame filled mediocre butler. He is just something else. Then we have Leala our little pain seeking loves to be punished lady's maid. The two together ... hysterical. I cannot.
K F Breene knows how to right a story, build a layered world and develop complex characters. She had me hook line a sinker not knowing where it was all going but fully invested nonetheless. I laughed so hard I was crying. I sat in shook more times than I care to count truly flabbergasted at the antics. I swooned, I craved, I got frustrated and celebrated the wins. It was a roller-coaster but so worth the ride.
If you're looking for series this may not be for you.. The sarcasm is potent and the crazy high. But its a world I became fully immersed in and truly I was so excited to read what came next....more
This series is an absolute must for PNR lovers. It's also great for those looking to read pnr but not wanting anything to crazy. Plus... it is spicy iThis series is an absolute must for PNR lovers. It's also great for those looking to read pnr but not wanting anything to crazy. Plus... it is spicy in all the best ways and I'm not talking those TikTok pg Y/A recommendations. I'm talking nasty, don't read in public kind of dirty goodness.
Bael our sulking grumpy hates all humans Demon finally falls for a lowly human and least expectantly a history nerd librarian. Oh, how the tables turn huh. I loved Bael. He at the beginning appears to be polite and curious but obviously that is a front to get information. I loved getting in his head and hearing his actual thoughts whilst he played the curious professor who wants to set up a cool app to help the youngsters learn. It was hilarious watching him to hold his grumpy self in but when he let loose letting all those nasty fantasies seep out into reality. GOOD LORD. I was not ready for that library scene. I had to go back and read it twice. For educational purposes of course. Man, he is nasty in all the good ways. Plus, I'm a sucker for a hero who only really likes his woman.
Charlotte, our sweet librarian whose head is forever in the past. Fun fact, I love history, so it was so cool to read about a heroine who loves that equally. Her love for all things the past literally made her into the woman she is, and that woman is the non-socialising, happy on very little sleep and coffee drunk forever with her face stuffed in piles of books kind of woman. I love her. Very little fazed her and even when it seemed like the craziest thing and her books and myths literally came to life, she reacted with more restraint than most. She really was a pleasure to read. Sweet, relatable, strong in her own way and helpful, even in the face of danger.
These two are so freaking hot. I love the natural connection that blossomed into something special. They had crazy chemistry that burned through the pages and honestly, they bounced off one another so organically everything about them just felt right. Even when truths are exposed there was no rushing into something, I really loved that about Charlotte. She wasn't being pushed into something forever and Bael gave her the space to make the choice on her own. I live for that kind of love right there.
I love this series. I love that the world is evolving in a way that's unpredictable and exciting. I LOVE all the characters, but I am so excited to see what comes from the latest faces to arrive at the demon's mansion. It is safe to say things are about to get wild and poor Jessy is about to be bombarded with millions of messages for one character in particular, he does have that devilish appeal I must say. Exciting times are coming, and I'm so invested in where she takes this with the gods. I feel like there is endless possibilities.
This was so damn good I may have to do another re-read just to soak it all back in again. Now the painful wait until the next!!.
Merged review:
This series is an absolute must for PNR lovers. It's also great for those looking to read pnr but not wanting anything to crazy. Plus... it is spicy in all the best ways and I'm not talking those TikTok pg Y/A recommendations. I'm talking nasty, don't read in public kind of dirty goodness.
Bael our sulking grumpy hates all humans Demon finally falls for a lowly human and least expectantly a history nerd librarian. Oh, how the tables turn huh. I loved Bael. He at the beginning appears to be polite and curious but obviously that is a front to get information. I loved getting in his head and hearing his actual thoughts whilst he played the curious professor who wants to set up a cool app to help the youngsters learn. It was hilarious watching him to hold his grumpy self in but when he let loose letting all those nasty fantasies seep out into reality. GOOD LORD. I was not ready for that library scene. I had to go back and read it twice. For educational purposes of course. Man, he is nasty in all the good ways. Plus, I'm a sucker for a hero who only really likes his woman.
Charlotte, our sweet librarian whose head is forever in the past. Fun fact, I love history, so it was so cool to read about a heroine who loves that equally. Her love for all things the past literally made her into the woman she is, and that woman is the non-socialising, happy on very little sleep and coffee drunk forever with her face stuffed in piles of books kind of woman. I love her. Very little fazed her and even when it seemed like the craziest thing and her books and myths literally came to life, she reacted with more restraint than most. She really was a pleasure to read. Sweet, relatable, strong in her own way and helpful, even in the face of danger.
These two are so freaking hot. I love the natural connection that blossomed into something special. They had crazy chemistry that burned through the pages and honestly, they bounced off one another so organically everything about them just felt right. Even when truths are exposed there was no rushing into something, I really loved that about Charlotte. She wasn't being pushed into something forever and Bael gave her the space to make the choice on her own. I live for that kind of love right there.
I love this series. I love that the world is evolving in a way that's unpredictable and exciting. I LOVE all the characters, but I am so excited to see what comes from the latest faces to arrive at the demon's mansion. It is safe to say things are about to get wild and poor Jessy is about to be bombarded with millions of messages for one character in particular, he does have that devilish appeal I must say. Exciting times are coming, and I'm so invested in where she takes this with the gods. I feel like there is endless possibilities.
This was so damn good I may have to do another re-read just to soak it all back in again. Now the painful wait until the next!!....more
Ok this is a quick rough review I'll come back to. I just need to purge my thoughts before going to work. Excuse the crazy.
Well let's bFINALLY!!!!!!.
Ok this is a quick rough review I'll come back to. I just need to purge my thoughts before going to work. Excuse the crazy.
Well let's be honest here, the anticipation is REAL.
Did it live up to expectations??
IT SURPASSED THEM. BY A FUCK TONNE.
Minos is a demon. Dale is a demonslayer.
It's not only forbidden because HELLO!!!!!. It's her job to kill him. But also because years of old minded people say it's wrong. The expectations. Trying to not disappoint yourself because you're trying to prove everyone wrong. Prove that you're capable as a woman and just as deserving.
IT'S A HOT MESS.
My mind was split between feeling hatred towards Dale because she was hurting Minos and being selfish. But also feeling hurt for her and the pressure to live up to the expectations she build for herself. To see her fracturing under the uncontrollable pressure she felt.
It a ALOT.
Minos is perfect. He's sweet, he understands and he doesn't judge despite having right to. He wasn't perfect, there was only so much he could take before he broke but even in those times it was her he worried about. She was his priority long before she made him hers.
Dale is such a depthy character. She didn't choose her life it basically got driven into her before she could ever be prepared for it. She didn't have a choice. She lived her life to prove to others that she was capable, that she was just as worthy as a woman. I respected her strength and perseverance through that. I seen the fear she felt because Minos was everything she shouldn't want, couldn't have. She was selfless even when she was selfish and strangely enough that made my heart hurt for her because whilst she went out protecting people against unknown monsters. She hurt herself and Minos by denying them.
It was a cruel joke to set them together but it worked in ways it shouldn't. He softened her hard exterior, he was patient even when he didn't have to be and he showed her through time that he could be reliable and was in it just for her. She could be herself. It was nice not to have the big demon reveal and instead have a different kind of tension between the characters. I feel like whilst their journey wasn't easy it was well worth it in the end. They had undeniable chemistry and a connection that was built through the toughest barriers. I ranted and raved and their stupidity, I swooned at the sweet moments of vulnerability and I was SWEATING at their nasty wall breaking shenanigans.
They were it. It was hard and not even a little pretty but it was worth it to see their happy.
Oh let's talk about the fantastic world building we have here. Jessica is growing this world in ways I didn't see coming and I am all here for the journey. Minos and Dales story extends a few olive branches opening this world to endless possibilities and it's so freaking exciting. The series brought us many characters that add so much personality and keep things interesting and dynamic but now we have more to look forward to and so many questions about the characters and the world and what it will become.
We don't get as much of the other gals and guys in this story but we get some new faces and some real unexpected happenings that will for sure change the direction of this series. I'm excited. I want to know more about Gideon and Marsh and the others. Of course I want more of Arick the handsome high warlock and I definitely need to know what the hell is going on with Red and you know who.
I got questions. But also.... I'm so happy with this book. With Dale and Minos's journey. It wasn't all hearts and flowers and it's a little different to the other but in the best ways and with the most satisfying ending. As per with these stories you get to laugh and swoon and rant and rave like a crazy woman. It's a really cool world that's masterfully build with all the feels and endless potential. What's not to love.
Merged review:
FINALLY!!!!!!.
Ok this is a quick rough review I'll come back to. I just need to purge my thoughts before going to work. Excuse the crazy.
Well let's be honest here, the anticipation is REAL.
Did it live up to expectations??
IT SURPASSED THEM. BY A FUCK TONNE.
Minos is a demon. Dale is a demonslayer.
It's not only forbidden because HELLO!!!!!. It's her job to kill him. But also because years of old minded people say it's wrong. The expectations. Trying to not disappoint yourself because you're trying to prove everyone wrong. Prove that you're capable as a woman and just as deserving.
IT'S A HOT MESS.
My mind was split between feeling hatred towards Dale because she was hurting Minos and being selfish. But also feeling hurt for her and the pressure to live up to the expectations she build for herself. To see her fracturing under the uncontrollable pressure she felt.
It a ALOT.
Minos is perfect. He's sweet, he understands and he doesn't judge despite having right to. He wasn't perfect, there was only so much he could take before he broke but even in those times it was her he worried about. She was his priority long before she made him hers.
Dale is such a depthy character. She didn't choose her life it basically got driven into her before she could ever be prepared for it. She didn't have a choice. She lived her life to prove to others that she was capable, that she was just as worthy as a woman. I respected her strength and perseverance through that. I seen the fear she felt because Minos was everything she shouldn't want, couldn't have. She was selfless even when she was selfish and strangely enough that made my heart hurt for her because whilst she went out protecting people against unknown monsters. She hurt herself and Minos by denying them.
It was a cruel joke to set them together but it worked in ways it shouldn't. He softened her hard exterior, he was patient even when he didn't have to be and he showed her through time that he could be reliable and was in it just for her. She could be herself. It was nice not to have the big demon reveal and instead have a different kind of tension between the characters. I feel like whilst their journey wasn't easy it was well worth it in the end. They had undeniable chemistry and a connection that was built through the toughest barriers. I ranted and raved and their stupidity, I swooned at the sweet moments of vulnerability and I was SWEATING at their nasty wall breaking shenanigans.
They were it. It was hard and not even a little pretty but it was worth it to see their happy.
Oh let's talk about the fantastic world building we have here. Jessica is growing this world in ways I didn't see coming and I am all here for the journey. Minos and Dales story extends a few olive branches opening this world to endless possibilities and it's so freaking exciting. The series brought us many characters that add so much personality and keep things interesting and dynamic but now we have more to look forward to and so many questions about the characters and the world and what it will become.
We don't get as much of the other gals and guys in this story but we get some new faces and some real unexpected happenings that will for sure change the direction of this series. I'm excited. I want to know more about Gideon and Marsh and the others. Of course I want more of Arick the handsome high warlock and I definitely need to know what the hell is going on with Red and you know who.
I got questions. But also.... I'm so happy with this book. With Dale and Minos's journey. It wasn't all hearts and flowers and it's a little different to the other but in the best ways and with the most satisfying ending. As per with these stories you get to laugh and swoon and rant and rave like a crazy woman. It's a really cool world that's masterfully build with all the feels and endless potential. What's not to love....more
I have to take a moment to pray to the lords above because GOD KNOWS I DONT HAVE THE PATIENCE TO WAIT THIS GODDAMN CLIFFHANGER OUT!
I AM IN DESPAIR.
DEI have to take a moment to pray to the lords above because GOD KNOWS I DONT HAVE THE PATIENCE TO WAIT THIS GODDAMN CLIFFHANGER OUT!
I AM IN DESPAIR.
DESPAIR GODDAMIT.
I FUCKING HATE CLIFF HANGERS.
BUT ALSO.. THIS BOOK. FAB-U-LOUS.
Astrid is a really likable heroine with great progression through her journey. She starts off a lowly commoner with only one person in the world by her side. Her best friend August. She has powers she shouldn't and more secrets than even August knows. Yet she landed up facing the one man she did not want. Her mate. I loved her spunk and inability to be anything but herself even surrounded by royals completely overwhelmed by power and prestige. I loved that her mouth ran away from her. The stubborn attitude was relatable, she was cornered and acted accordingly. Did she fuck up? yup. But she never claimed perfection. If anything she relished in the fact she was flawed. In her opinion she was surrounded by royals who where surrounded by everything they could ever want and yet they were still jaded and shitty. I loved that for her.
Rave is quite perfect really. WELL. I KNOW HE FUCKING AIN'T BUT WE AINT GETTING INTO THAT MOMENT OF UTTER MADNESS RIGHT THERE.
As I was saying before the end made my brain explode.. Rave is perfect. He seen her, took her and protected everything that was Astrid.. even from herself. This man showed sweet, he gave tender and understanding even when it hurt him. He was patient, he was dirty and man did he know his ways in seduction. Honestly I want to bask in all that perfection before I think about flaying all their nut sacks and choking them with it.
Their journey whilst having a insta connection was not insta love by any means. It is also important to note that this is book one of two?... So this is literally the foundation. With that being said I loved the path of them getting to now one another. Her light to his dark. Her snark to his swoony. I enjoyed everything part of their clashing, tension and jealous shenanigans.
This world as a whole is a pretty exciting place to be not only because of the main characters. But also because there are so many great standout side characters that I absolutely want more of already and Astrid and Raves journey isn't even done yet. I love the chemistry and dynamics of the side characters. There was Enemies, frenemies, friends and lovers. There is so much laughter, dysfunction and excitement of the unknown. There was also suspense, a little action, So dirty nasty goodness, lots of sweet and a whopping giant WHAT THE EVER LOVING FUCK JUST HAPPENED?!.
Safe to say I loved it.. Also safe to say I'm fucking traumatised. For those who I do not wish to fall victim to the same atrocities I experienced.. THIS HAS A HUGE FUCKING CLIFFY AT THE END MY FRIENDS. READ AT YOUR OWN PERIL.
This series as a whole is not an easy pill to swallow. If you have triggers be careful.
I loved Aran even when I didn't like her. It is easy to say onThis series as a whole is not an easy pill to swallow. If you have triggers be careful.
I loved Aran even when I didn't like her. It is easy to say on the outside all of the things a person needs to do to fix themselves but the reality is when you are so broken you don't think your worth saving.. It is so very hard too fight that feeling or to accept that you deserve more. That was always the case for her and the journey she went on with her men.
I truly do love the dynamics of them all by the end. That being said I also believe there are parts that are long winded and very filler like that felt unnecessary. Parts that are repetitive or just felt like they should not of been in there. It did take away a little from the gratification on them finally all being together. Especially considering you don't get much of that when their journeys span three books. It didn't feel like enough for me personally slow burn or not.
Why 5 star.. because it is 5star. I'm being picky but make no mistake this story is great and from a emotional standpoint this book wrecked me seven ways from Sunday. I fell back in love with characters that quite frankly are unredeemable in their action. Including Aran. Yet this author found a way the pull the pieces together and make me love them again. I adored the quirks to each character and the dynamic of the relationships. I laughed harder than I should have and I cried like a baby. It truly was a rollercoaster wrapped in a dysfunctional bow at the end that I was here for.
Frankly I'm terrified for Jinx's story and what that would bring.
So to wrap this up its been crazy, emotional and at points had me questioning my choices. But that's the wonderful thing about books. How a stranger can make you feel all those things. It is wild. I'm looking forward to what else comes from this author but she for sure comes with a warning sign. ...more
I should probably start with the fact that I have already read all of Aran's stories. So I'm coming back to write this afOkay where do I start here..
I should probably start with the fact that I have already read all of Aran's stories. So I'm coming back to write this after the fact. Be patient with me whilst I try not to jumble everything up.
I think going in I already knew this would be a slower more painful burn. I did not anticipate just how slow. That being said it fit the characters and how their journey evolved.
John - The new bestie Aka the support system for Aran whilst Sadie can't be there. I loves him.
Orion - Creepy stalker. 100% the one playing in sheepskin whilst actually being a wolf. Cant speak (sort of). Corvus - Control freak dominant temper tantrum bully boy. The face leader. Lights on fire anytime. Scorpius - sadistic pain lover with creep stalker vibes with no shame. Also blind.
This one is a bitter pill to swallow because there were so many parts to every character that I just didn't like but I also understood the honesty for what it was. These characters are all painfully scarred and not in the least in their right minds for one reason or another. When I say it like that, it looks like I didn't like the story however that is not the case. I just need to be honest in the fact this book is tough and the contents are not for the faint of heart. It has severe abuse, torture, teasing and tension. It's a lethal combination. Especially given that this is book one of the three parts to Aran's journey and let me tell you in gets worse before better.
Saying that I did love this journey. I love Aran and just how broken she is and the fact she doesn't hide it. There are so many parts to her that you barely scrape in this book but this is the foundation of her and what becomes her rebirth. And baby, it is painful.
the tension and chemistry is insane and I really do love this weird world and all the possibilities it comes with.
Side note I under stand why Demetre and the boys where hinted at it the last book however I do feel like the narrative that is pushed is very wrong to the reality of the situation and it felt like a filler of sorts.
Ok this is probably my favourite book's ever from this author and I've read them all, bar 1.
I'm a straight up pnr whorebag. Pnr is what made me love Ok this is probably my favourite book's ever from this author and I've read them all, bar 1.
I'm a straight up pnr whorebag. Pnr is what made me love reading. It was the first books I ever did read and to this day are my favourite. Period. And let me just say I am a fussy bitch with pnr because it is my favourite and its hard to live up to the expectations of that on times.
But this took me back to what it was like when I first picked up a pnr book. Not because they are alike, but, Because the feeling I had when reading them felt the same. That feeling of the magical unknown. The excitment. The curiosity. The feeling of being able to imagine the crazy world as if it were right in front of your eyes. It's why I love pnr.
Amara is a human with a big secret. I mean is she a human ... What is the secret. There is ALOT going on with her character. She's shy but she had this fierce side that wills her to protect. Even when the people she protects don't always deserve it. She has a strength that shines through her shy personality, it makes you want to look further below the surface to see what lurks below. I love that she was loyal to a fault. She underrated herself despite being freaking fantastic and that she had to capacity to forgive even when I damn sure would of held a grudge a whole book longer. She was sweet and loving but also a certified badass when necessary. Oh and her crazy?.... That was epic.
Levi is our sweet loving flirtatious Lion. He has growl and claws but honestly he was the soft heart of the bunch. The caretaker, laugh maker orgasm giving extraordinaire. His larger than life personality floated through the pages like a honest to god loving caress. Reading Levi was like having a hug, all warm sweet and protective.
Silas is our grump dragon. The silent observer with smoke puffs seeping out at his frustrations. He was definingly the quiet one of the bunch but don't mistake that for him being more submissive of unwilling. He had layers you had to peal back but once you got to him he made you feel all the good feels. He just wasn't as in your face about it as Levi or as outwardly aggressive as Kincaid. But lord this was a power on his own with his greedy possessiveness and dirty shenanigans.
Then we come to Kincaid. The arrogant angry vampire of this merry foursome. The leader. The one who had a chip on his shoulder a mile wide and a real short sense of patience. Kincaid is easily the hardest one to love simply based off of the fact he is an actual dickhead head for a hot minute. But like Silas under his protective behaviour and his guards.. there truly is a man made of a thousand sins and worth every single one of them. Kincaid had been through and done some shit that does explain his behaviour and I mean I do love myself an antihero.
These four have quite the rollercoaster of a journey. It's a slow burn with each character having their own moment of realisation and again a different moment of surrender to their inevitable coupling. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of them fighting their attractions all the whilst trying to figure out what the heck was going on with their shy but feisty maid who did more than any of them every expected. I laughed my ass of at some of their antics. They all had their own journey alongside the one the had together. It was a real treat. I lived for the bickering and the banter. The chemistry is SPICY. The connection super sweet and as it grows it continued to get better.
To wrap this up I freaking loved it. I laughed, I ranted and raved and I swooned and the dirty nasty shenanigans they got up to. It was wholesome as fuck. I loved the world building and plot progression. I freaking adored the characters and their journey to their HEA. As a whole it was a freaking rollercoaster I loved the shit out of. It just made me happy.
I read to escape reality and this done exactly that and then some for me. I can't wait to see what comes next.
Also Gus. I mean .. Where so I find a grumpy crazy out bat dragon?. I want one....more
Just like I predicted with book one... book two hit it out of the park. Book one always lays the foundation but book two packs the heat. It also helpsJust like I predicted with book one... book two hit it out of the park. Book one always lays the foundation but book two packs the heat. It also helps that these characters are my favourite kind. The kind that are a whole lot of dysfunctional with so much crazy and all the laughs.
Ana is a strong take no shit, can fight with the best of them woman. She is hilarious and doesn't try to be anything but herself. I freaking loved that she gave better than she got and brought her beast down a peg or 20. She gave me snark and woman power by the boat load.
A.D is a cocky self assured dragon who normally gets his way. He wasn't expecting a tiny beast of a female to wreck havoc in his world. Tiny toes taking charge. I adored him. He was like a puppy. All sweet with a side of naughty and smidge of sad when he wasn't getting his way.
These two cracked me up. They crazy they came out with had my stomach hurting I was laughing so hard. They just bounced of eachother. The chemistry is explosive, the growth of their relationship is a thing of beauty. I lived for the banter and the bickering. I loved the moment of vulnerability they had with one another. I feel like they were eachothers safe place and even though it all happened fast... nothing felt rushed. It was like they were always them.
These two pocket munchers made my heart happy. Their journey is filled with so much laughter, a good dose of sweet and a few surprises just to keep thing interesting.
I can't forsee anything beating my love for Peanut butter and Tiny toes.
It has been a whole minute since I read this book. 2014 to be exact although I first read it in 2013. But still it's been a minute. And damn do I missIt has been a whole minute since I read this book. 2014 to be exact although I first read it in 2013. But still it's been a minute. And damn do I miss books like this. The character development, the plot progression. That feeling of wonder when reading a book that's so different and yet everything you want in a book. It's better than the first time. Honestly I think as I've grown and my preferences have become more honed, I appreciate more in books I read back years ago that I liked but didn't take in as well as I do now.
So my thoughts.
Ahh. Lucas is EVERYTHING. THE PERFECT BOOK HUSBAND.
As a character he's just so well rounded. As a man perfectly flawed. As an alpha he had the right intentions for his pack despite the connection he had to Sascha. He embodies strength and integrity but he also had this playful teasing side to his personality that quick frankly had me melting into a puddle of swoon. I just fucking loved him.
Sascha is such an interesting character. She has this cult like mentality which given her circumstances is understandable and fitting. But she curious, she's broken and she's more than a little unsettled. Her journey intrigued me so much more this read around because I found myself hurting for her. For the life she lived and the pain she had to conceal to protect herself. Also the strangle hold that kind of upbringing had on her mentally and what it took to break through that way of living. I couldn't help but love her cold front and secret little sweet moments. She for sure has so much growth in this journey.
I loved them together. It's legit fire meets ice and even when it shouldn't of worked, it just did. I loved that Lucas slowly chipped away at her had exterior allowing her to learn and explore slowly. I appreciate how Nalini didn't rush the development of their relationship but instead slowly built the tension allowing the chemistry to burn between the characters until they were positively combustible. Everything about them just felt right together and I could feel that connection through the pages.
This world is so well developed and written honestly it's hard to put into worlds just how good it is. Everything from the detailing of this world to the character development and plot execution is utter perfection and that's not including the world building here because whilst this book is focused on Lucas and Sascha. The journey doesn't end here and it only gets better with each book and every character.
It's been a long time since I dipped my toes into this series and I feel like I'm seeing it with fresh eyes all over again and that to be is the best feeling ever. I'm so excited to reread this series and I'm going to take my damn time and draw it out sucking up every bit of information I can like it's the first time all over again. It's been awhile since I've felt this kind of anticipation reading a series. ...more
There truly is something so special about the way Nalini writes books. The way she creates these crazy depthy worlds and larger than life characters tThere truly is something so special about the way Nalini writes books. The way she creates these crazy depthy worlds and larger than life characters that completely consume me as a reader. I feel like i can see every detail and imagine this world as if it's in front of my eyes.
Elena is fierce. She is the kind of character I love. The kind of character so raw, relatable and totally true to herself.
Raphael is the anti hero. He's arrogant, in your face and just doesn't have a fuck to give. But tell me why this man had me in a choke hold though.
Obviously I'm not right. But also... Raphy baby. YUM.
This book is phenomenal. The way it develops is just perfection. The character growth, the progression of their own personal journeys as well as together. Even in the times where I don't like certain choices, I still loved them.