I really did my best to stick with this book and to give it a fair shot and maybe try to finish as much as I could, but I truly ju1⭐️ (DNF @ page 186)
I really did my best to stick with this book and to give it a fair shot and maybe try to finish as much as I could, but I truly just could not subject myself to this any longer. This book was not bringing my joy and I could not justify the effort I tried to put into this.
The first big problem I had with this book was that the world building...sucked. For a book that had a lot (and I mean A. LOT.) of world building, it was pretty shitty. The world made zero sense and I felt myself having the biggest struggle trying to imagine and picture in my brain what the scenes were supposed to look like.
Another problem I had was the writing. Whyyyy did the author have to make this writing so confusing and clunky? Like was this properly read through and edited? I couldn't help but just cringe and sit here wondering what is actually going on. It was so hard to follow and I had to use every functioning braincell to make 2 and 2 equal 4 in this book.
I guess you could say that that was my main issue: WHY DID EVERYTHING IN HERE NEED TO BE SO CONFUSING? I am not new to complex fantasies. However, the problem I had with this book was that NOTHING was properly explained and there were times where an explanation would be perfect and you'd be left sitting thinking....what? And the things that WERE explained were done so poorly.
There is also supposed to be a romantic aspect to this and even at almost 200 pages....there wasn't even tension between the characters. I mean, not even a little. Their personalities clashed and they would have made no sense together and I didn't even need to get to the juicy romance.
I will confidently say that this book can be skipped. You're not missing anything even mediocre and there are much better and more well thought out fantasy books. You're not missing something spectacular here.
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To those who hold anger too deep to extricate, to those who feel too knife-edged to hold something soft, to those who are tired of holding up worlds.
Entering my fantasy era again with fall right around the corner ...more
I knew I was going to love Verity's story, but I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did!!! Gosh this book was just INCREDIBLE.
Verity and Alex5⭐️
I knew I was going to love Verity's story, but I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did!!! Gosh this book was just INCREDIBLE.
Verity and Alex's story was a wild one, but man...I was enjoying the ride. Their chemistry from the very beginning was amazing. There wasn't much build up, but it was written in a way that still made it feel as if you've read 100 pages on them. Their personalities just meshed so well and I quickly became enamored with them.
The plot of this book was absolutely WILDDD. It started off a bit slow but it quickly picked up and when I tell you the ball just kept on rolling...It was one thing after another after another and I was NOT ready for it, but I loved it. The plot twists just kept on coming and at no point could I guess what was going to happen next. It was like a thriller with magic and mystery. I loved the way the ending turned out and the journey this book took you to get there.
HOWEVER...it should be a crime that the next book in this series isn't coming until 2026. THAT IS CRIMINAL.
This book was beautiful and magical and mysterious and I could not recommend this series enough. I know it's not finished and it's a long wait but the endings don't leave off on cliffhangers (mostly) and they're SO easy to binge and become immersed. It took me over a year to get to this, and I'm just angry that I didn't read it sooner. ...more
"My love for you is not confined to time, nor fate. It is a love that I will hold with me for an eternity, which is why I am not afraid. I swear4⭐️
"My love for you is not confined to time, nor fate. It is a love that I will hold with me for an eternity, which is why I am not afraid. I swear to you that I will always be yours, even when I am not."
This book was so much better than I was expecting it to be. I had high hopes and I can confirm that this did not disappoint!! I wasn't the biggest fan of the first book, but this one??? THIS ONE? Loved it. So much!
This book was a lot more plot driven than the first book, and for that, I liked it so much more. The plot was gripping, it was thrilling, and it kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more and more and more. I was so sad to have finished this book because I just didn't want it to end. It was a page turner through and through.
I have always loved the relationship between Death and Signa, but I really do wish that there was more of them in this book. There just didn't seem to be much between them. However, I am giving it grace because the plot was so good. It kinda made up for the fact that there wasn't much of them in this one.
I think the smarted decision of this book was the addition of Blythe. That woman was AMAZING! I loved her as a character and I was so happy we got her POV in this book. The way this book ended was CRAZY and I can't wait for more of her in the third book.
Overall, this was an amazing addition to the first book and it just got better and better. If the third book is anything like or even better than this one? I am going on a wild ride. Thankfully, Wisteria was released 2 days ago and I got my copy YESTERDAY and I'm so excited to see where it takes us. ...more
Words cannot express just how disappointed I was by this book. I'm about to go on a full out rant review because I have so much to say.
The positive1⭐️
Words cannot express just how disappointed I was by this book. I'm about to go on a full out rant review because I have so much to say.
The positives about this book: The first half of the book was really really good. The book was set up for success! It seemed like it was going to be really really good; the plot was progressing and it was interesting. I liked the setup of what COULD HAVE BEEN regarding the MC's. However, the good stops there.
The first point I'd like to make about this book: The characters were shallow. So. Damn. Shallow. This was supposed to be a cute fluffy read with some dark undertones regarding alcoholism and drug use. It had the potential to be so good. But all of these issues were completely surface level to the point where you question why it was even included? It did not help the progression of the book! The characters literally had ZERO PERSONALITY!!! Ugh I felt more of a connection talking to rock then I did with anyone in this book. I think this takes the cake of being the most boring and simple-minded characters I've ever had the displeasure of reading about.
Secondly, there was ZERO chemistry and tension between the MC's. It started out having a lot of potential and I was really excited to see how their relationship would develop. WRONG. So wrong. They go from strongly disliking each other and only doing this for their siblings to suddenly MADLY IN LOVE within 2 months. I have never read of such a sudden change; it gave me whiplash. The connection they do have is completely all sexual, and that it SO DISAPPOINTING!! They say that they're in love with each other but all they talk about is sex, sex, sex. I'M ANNOYED PLEASE STOP.
Third, the insta-love in this book was INSANEEE. Holy crap. They go from hating each other to tolerating each other to LOVING each other in a matter of chapters. I kid you not that is exactly how it went. If you're a insta-love fan, then I assure you this is right up your alley. Unfortunately, I am the complete opposite.
Don't even get me started on the singing scene. I swear to god I will jump out of my window if I have to even think about that scene again. It was supposed to be romantic but it was SO CRINGEY.
The fact that this was my first HBY book and it ended up being like that? I've heard amazing things about Out on a Limb but if it's anything like this, I'm going to throw a fit. I cannot and will not subject myself to a book like this again. I will keep an open mind and give her another shot, but it's safe to say that this author and I are not starting off on the right foot.
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My first HBY book and I am SOO excited!! I've been wanting to read of book of hers since Out on a Limb was released and now is my chance ...more
I have been sitting here for a good 10 minutes trying to think of what to say through the tears pouring from my eyes. What a brilliant, heartbreaki5⭐️
I have been sitting here for a good 10 minutes trying to think of what to say through the tears pouring from my eyes. What a brilliant, heartbreaking end to this series. Brb while I spend the next 7-10 business days trying to wrap my head around what just happened here. ...more
I already knew that I was gonna enjoy reading this, but unfortunately, I was far from obsessed as I was with the first book. We get a brief glimpse3⭐️
I already knew that I was gonna enjoy reading this, but unfortunately, I was far from obsessed as I was with the first book. We get a brief glimpse into Luca and Valentina in the first book, but nothing prepared me for what I was gonna actually read in this book.
Right off the bat, this book had some problems. I understand going to great lengths to get someone to stay, but Luca in the beginning of this book was absolutely psychotic. ...more
While the first book in this series will have the same rating as this one, I thought this book was a bit better.
The huge thing I will praise about 3⭐️
While the first book in this series will have the same rating as this one, I thought this book was a bit better.
The huge thing I will praise about this book is it's plot. It's engaging. It's fun. It's thrilling. I was enjoying myself most of the time with this plot. The characters were solid and I found that they developed more depth in this one rather than the first book in this series. I also appreciate that these books don't end on crazy cliffhangers! They leave you with enough to keep guessing and wanting more, but won't have your heart absolutely broken.
However, this book had the same problem I noticed that the first book had: it was just so boring a lot of times and I found myself not really wanting to pick this up and avoiding doing so. We jump straight into the ending of book 1 and it seems so promising. While this book had more thrilling events and situations going on, I just found myself so...disconnected. I wasn't on the edge of my seat, and I just couldn't seem to root for any of the characters.
I definitely think this was a personal problem, as my heart just couldn't get connected to anything or anyone. It was SUPPOSED to be action packed and always trying to keep your attention, but that fell short for me. I couldn't help but rant to my friends about how I just don't vibe with this and I just want to move on to something else.
The ending though? It was amazing. Just like book 1, this book ended having me wanting more and needing to know what happens next. However, at the time of writing this, book 3 isn't out yet and I'm internally crying that I can't know what happens next. ...more
This book was beyond cute and adorable! This book was light and fluffy for the most part with just a hint of trauma that we actually get a slight d4⭐️
This book was beyond cute and adorable! This book was light and fluffy for the most part with just a hint of trauma that we actually get a slight deep dive into.
Right from the very start, I really loved Opal. I was very scared that she was going to end up being a character that acted as a human doormat but I was SO wrong. She's actually a very relatable character who is very bubbly and stands her ground against the people that aren't good for her. Pepper was very relatable as well, as we share some of the same neurodivergent traits. I really found myself relating to her and her mannerisms. I loved the representation in here and I thought it Pepper was written with a lot of care and knowledge on said representation.
One thing about this book is it's written in a way that feels very young adult, minus a few pretty spicy scenes throughout it. It has a very "modern" and "young" way of speaking that I find a lot of young people (teenagers mostly) saying, whether that be through certain terms or references. I'm not saying that's a bad thing!! I just don't think that that aspect was really for me.
I can definitely see why some people are put off by this, as it can look a little insta-lovey and things move very fast. But all in all, I was looking for a cute, fluffy book and this absolutely delivered. I will absolutely be reading more from the author; I had a lot of fun and I thought the relationship between Pepper and Opal was very cute and wholesome. Yes, it had it's issues. But I think that if you're reading this purely for the vibe and kinda keep your expectations around there, you'll end up enjoying this more. ...more
Ugh I can't believe this is over. Officially over. What am I going to do with my life now that I will never be able to get more from these characte5⭐️
Ugh I can't believe this is over. Officially over. What am I going to do with my life now that I will never be able to get more from these characters and their story? ...more
I swear to god, this series has a SERIOUS chokehold on me. Words cannot describe how much I absolutely love. This. Series.
I have grown so attached 5⭐️
I swear to god, this series has a SERIOUS chokehold on me. Words cannot describe how much I absolutely love. This. Series.
I have grown so attached to every single one of these characters. Tate James...THE ENDING OF THIS BOOK WAS EVEN MORE CRIMINAL THAN THE FIRST ONE. HOW DARE YOU?
I don't even know what to say other than I love this. I love Madison Kate, I love Kody, I love Steele, hell, I even love Archer. Not only am I crying from this ending, but I am also crying from grief of this series being over in one more book.
I cannot stress this enough...PLEASE read this series. I beg of you. If you love (or are curious about) reverse harem, a seriously thrilling and gripping plot, some serious spice, and anyone who touches the FMC dies (literally)? Trust me, this would absolutely be for you.
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I am thoroughly obsessed with this series I'm so sad just thinking I only have 1 more book left after this ...more
No one bother me I need 7-10 business days to process what the hell I just read.
I'm convinced Tate James put drugs in this series. Words cannot acc5⭐️
No one bother me I need 7-10 business days to process what the hell I just read.
I'm convinced Tate James put drugs in this series. Words cannot accurately describe how AMAZING this series is!!! This series is more thrilling than almost any thriller book I've ever read.
The characters, the plot, the angst, the tension, UGH I LOVE IT ALL! Every chapter never fails to surprise me with plot twists and hot, steamy scenes. It's everything you could want in a dark romance.
This series just gets better and better. I've never encouraged reading a series more than I am with this one. Tate James you absolute QUEEN!!
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This series has quickly become an obsession and I'm not even sorry ☺️...more
Lauren Asher you absolute queen you did it again!!!
When I tell you that I was OBSESSED with this book, I mean it with my whole heart. This book did5⭐️
Lauren Asher you absolute queen you did it again!!!
When I tell you that I was OBSESSED with this book, I mean it with my whole heart. This book did so many things right to the point where I was crying several times throughout this book.
I have never been able to relate more to a fictional book character than I have with Ellie. Her struggles and demons she had I sadly related to in more ways than one. I thought the chemistry between her and Rafa were off the charts and the tension? THE TENSION? Gag me please or else I will not shut up.
It was so beautiful to read of the mending relationship between Rafa and Nico. These two boys have bee through hell and back and in the end, they came out stronger than ever. Ellie and Nico's relationship was so wholesome and their countless scenes together just made my heart so full.
I'm telling y'all right now...RUN. Don't walk, run to read this series. I was very worried that there would be "second book syndrome" but that was not the case at all. I found this beautiful, deep, and warming. This is such a 5 star series for me!!
MY FAVORITE SCENES AND QUOTES
My son is the best part of my life, and I will slay every single one of my demons to make sure he doesn't have any of his own.
"You know, not everyone at Wisteria High was obsessed with you." "It's okay if you had a crush on me." "You weren't my type." "I was everyone's type."
Loneliness might be temporary, but heartbreak? That emotional damage can last a lifetime.
"What's the point of letting people get close, then?" "Because life is about finding the right people who want to stay and making sure neither of you ever let go."
"I love you more than pianos. superheroes, and Duke Brass." "Wow. That's a lot of love from such a little guy." "Papi says I have the biggest heart he knows." Second-biggest heart to exist, right after his father's.
"All I see is someone who chose to live. Someone who chose to keep fighting, even when they had reasons to give up. Someone who turned their scars into shooting stars."
I could get used to this. To her and the love she is so readily able to give. And to the love I want to reciprocate because she is the one I can't imagine life without.
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Words cannot express how EXCITED I am that this released yesterday and I got my copy ...more
Words cannot express...how much I hated this book. I'm gonna keep this short and straight to the point. I am going to be brutally honest. I had no 1⭐️
Words cannot express...how much I hated this book. I'm gonna keep this short and straight to the point. I am going to be brutally honest. I had no fun whatsoever and this felt like a chore to get through. I found the plot boring, the characters were unfathomably awful, save one person (bless the 82 year old famous actress she was amazing).
The biggest problem I had were these characters. ONE CHARACTER IN PARTICULAR. Bel. If I got the chance to write a formal letter to Bel, this is how it would go: Ahem... Dear Bel,
You were absolutely insufferable. You are probably the most shallow character I have ever gotten the chance to read and if it were up to me, you'd be completely discarded. You only care about yourself and had zero redeeming qualities. I would much rather watch paint dry than have to listen to one more word come out of your mouth. Do better.
Sincerely, Aeryn <3
Besides Bel absolutely ruining the light this book could have been, the rest of the book just didn't have many redeeming qualities to it. It felt bland and shallow and I reallyyyy struggled to pick this up. I felt zero attraction or chemistry between the two main characters. I know the author tried her best to give them thorough backgrounds and history...it just fell soooo flat.
It takes a lot for me to really dislike a book, but this just hit every mark for it. I do not recommend this. It's boring, shallow, EXTREMELY cringey, and just felt like it tried too hard. There are much better romance books out there, so I promise you you're not missing out on anything remotely amazing.
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Getting in my summer reads before its over ...more
What a beautiful end to such a beautiful series. This ended on such a high note, and I'm officially almost caught up with Elsie Silver's books.
Righ4⭐️
What a beautiful end to such a beautiful series. This ended on such a high note, and I'm officially almost caught up with Elsie Silver's books.
Right from the jump I knew I was going to love this. I mean, come on. Age gap? Brother's best friend? YES PLEASE!!! I wasn't a fan of Stefan and Mira's book, but Nadia's book? LOVED IT. The chemistry between her and Griffin was just so magical and special and it played out so well. It's a much slower pace romance, but I think the slowness of the build-up is one of the things I loved most about this book. It really felt like it was worth it. The tension between those two was off the charts. This book was not what I was expecting but it exceeded any expectations I could have had.
I'm so sad that this series is over, but I'm beyond happy to have had the chance to be in this universe. I was captured this entire book; I was never bored or uninterested. It's fast enough to keep you engaged, but slow enough to have you wanting more and more. The characters were deep enough to feel like this wasn't just some surface level connection or love. No. This was deep rooted and had you really rooting for them the entire book.
The third-act breakup in this book was THANKFULLY not from miscommunication or anything of the sorts. If I was ever going to read a book with a third-act breakup, it'd be the kind that was in this book. Of course, I wish it never had to happen, but I understand. Even during it I couldn't stop giggling from Nadia and Griffin's connection.
My heart is full but I'm so sad I will never get the chance to be with these characters anymore. These books hold such a special place in my heart and I can't imagine ever letting them go. If you have not read this series yet, this is your sign. Pick up the book and get started cause it's going to be fun, spicy, wild ride. ❤️
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Buddy reading the series finale with Taylor ☺️❤️ I can't believe that after this I won't be in the Gold Rush Ranch universe anymore ...more
This is going to be a rant review so just prepare yourself, grab some popcorn, and lay back ☺️
While reading this series, Mira and Stefan weren't li2⭐️
This is going to be a rant review so just prepare yourself, grab some popcorn, and lay back ☺️
While reading this series, Mira and Stefan weren't like these huge well known characters that you just HAVE to read about, very unlike Violet and Cole. I honestly found this pairing to be so random and it made absolutely no sense. I went into this blind, so from the very beginning I was skeptical...but I wanted to give it a chance.
From the beginning of this book, I wasn't hooked. Immediately, I could feel that something was off about this book. I couldn't pin what it was, but the seed of doubt was there. I thought, HEY maybe it'll get better and these characters would grow on me...WRONG!!! I was so wrong. The chemistry between these two was like two brick walls trying to talk to each other. The attraction between them just made no sense? Why put these two together? Where did this come from? There was nothing redeeming about Mira and Stefan.
Every chapter that was in Stefan's POV was him saying, "I need to prove to her that I'm not the asshole everyone thinks I am." Like okay my dude I heard you the first dozen times WE GET IT. MOVE ON. And to make it even worse, he goes and contradicts that statement a million times over.
This has been the least "Elsie Silver" book by Elsie Silver...if you know what I mean. The writing felt almost mechanical and robotic and it was forced the entire time. None of this book flowed well at all. The plot wasn't even apparent for a huge chunk of this book. I kept asking myself where all of this was going, and not once did I get an answer.
This would absolutely be a 1 star if it wasn't for the ending. I liked the way it wrapped up and I liked that we got more focused on Hank because that man barely showed up until the end, but wholeheartedly carried the rest of this book. I know this is a very unpopular opinion because this is the highest rated of all the books in this series, but I can confidently say...
When I tell you that Elsie completely delivered on Violet's story, I mean it with my whole heart. When I read the Chestnut Springs series and I saw5⭐️
When I tell you that Elsie completely delivered on Violet's story, I mean it with my whole heart. When I read the Chestnut Springs series and I saw Violet introduced, I knew I needed to read her story. And when I tell you I did NOT expect it to be this one? I was thrown for a loop but in the best way possible.
When we first meet Violet in this book, she's very shy but eagerly wants to prove herself and make it known she's not just the Eaton boy's baby sister. Her character development in this was so beautiful. She was overall just a beautifully written character. I liked the uniqueness of the plot, as Violet uploads a nude picture of herself and that's actually where she ends up meeting Cole.
Cole was very briefly introduced in the first book and he came off as a very broody, cold person. While reading this, though? He's actually the sweetest man. I LOVED seeing him come out of his shell and develop into the character he was. A huge reason I really like Elsie's books is because she adds so much depth to her characters that it actually feels like you know them. I really WANT to know them. I know that when I dive into these books, I'm ready to be transported and immersed.
Even just finishing the second book, I'm not ready for this to be over. I've said it before with the Chestnut Springs series and I will say it here. Although, I'm very eager to learn about Stefan ...more