Jessica
Huh. I read all the quotes to, you know, get a drift about what's going to happen I guess. Oh, who am I kidding? I read the quotes because I WANT THE FOURTH BOOK BUT I DON'T HAVE IT AND THAT JUST MAKES ME SAD WHICH LED TO SPOILERS I FOUND IN THE QUOTES. .-. Huh. Eh. But I also found out that IT'S GOING TO BE IN BOTH DAEMON AND KATY'S POVS. I CAN'T EVEN.
Me:
UPDATE
So I finished it. And I'm pretty much mind-blown at this point. I might not be able to survive the next book. I mean, WHAT WAS THAT? Why? Why is everything being so...bleh? Why is is that every time the characters think about their paradise future together, stinky poo hits the fan?
Lots of...what should I call it? Important events? Travesties? Happy times? Hopes? Deaths? Dreams? Either way, this book has all of that. Man, why did everything turn dystopian? I did not sign up for this, but I've been hooked since book 1. My addition to this series was added to by the novellas I might've sort of read already, which included spoilers, which led to me wanting to finish this book. But that doesn't mean I'm going to be happy about the countless stressful and life-endangering moments the last book is sure to be chockfull of.
4.5 stars because plot line has become somewhat depressing and daunting. They have no choice...if they don't do this, this person will suffer or die...so many things could go wrong...etc etc. I miss the wit, the hilarity, the comedy, the flipping offs. And then there's that ending...AND I DON'T HAVE THE NEXT BOOK. Those are basically the things that pissed me off or just didn't let me LOVE this book like the first one in the series, in a nutshell.
So a while back, I started reading this book...and I haven't been able to finish it. For some reason, I'm just not “clicking” with this book. Normally, I drool and chomp at the bit to read one of Sherrilyn Kenyon's new releases. However, I oddly find this one somewhat redundant. I even did the unthinkable-I skimmed forward. Honestly, I was looking for one thing specifically...I wanted to see Nykyrian witness how much Julian has changed. Despite going all the way to around the 600s of the hardcover edition, I've only seen a few encounters between Nykyrian and his brother. In one of them, Nykyrian doesn't even recognize Julian! ASKDJFHALKSJDHGAKSDJHG this is all I ask for .-. I mean, Julian has already gotten together with Ushara before even 50% of the book. So the rest is just filler at this point. Plus, there's one release for every one of Kenyon's series each year in addition to there already being so many characters in each series already; I've forgotten a lot of people's names and their stories, sadly. -sigh- I'm pretty certain I'll finish this book someday...just so I can continue on with the series. However, that may be later rather than sooner.
I think...I might be in love.
This was...basically perfect. There was wit.
There were MANY lol moments that caused people to look at me funny.
Why didn't I find this book earlier?
Can't...write...decent...review...let...the...gifs...do...the...gifing (or is it giffing?)...I...need...the...next...BOOOOOOOOOK.
3.5
WHAT. IN. THE. WORLD?! You can't just END a book like that! WHAT IS THIS?! I don't understand why authors do this to us .-. . If you're an author, chances are, you're a book fanatic too, right? And that means you've got to hate cliffhangers too RIGHT?! So that should mean we readers don't have to suffer cliffhangers RIGHT?! Well...WRONG...apparently.
Well...I think I'll just keep this spoiler free, otherwise I'm just going to dissect every little event that pissed me off in this book, and believe me-there were a lot. All I can really say is I think this book could've been so much better than it actually was. But I do have to rant a little, or at least proclaim to the world my dissatisfaction at that one person dying. I mean, why? I don't understand. What purpose did that serve in the grand scheme of things? And now that other person's going to be basically having sex with everything with a pulse because the aforementioned person is dead and the former-former person isn't what we thought that person was this whole time-anyways, that whole thing was just crappy. DO YOU READ ME?! I DIDN'T LIKE IT.
-sigh- At least Ryder and Syn have come a long time...kind of. Maybe. Sort of? Though I'm still doubting whether or not I should pick up the next book. On one hand, that CLIFFHANGER. On the other, all that suffering that seems pretty pointless to me right now. Oh I'm more or less sure that that person's death serves some bigger purpose (maybe) in all this, but right now, I don't see any reason for why the author killed that person off. I DON'T UNDERSTAND.
So...eh. Who knows. Maybe I'll read the next book. Maybe I won't.
Oh, my God. Oh, my GOD. First of all, I ACTUALLY GOT THE BOOK...FINALLY! Secondly, I ACTUALLY FINISHED THE BOOK...FINALLY! Thirdly, I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS ENDING. This-this CLIFF HANGER. I CAN'T EVEN. I also can't even stop myself from dropping and dissecting spoilers so I'll just check this box here...ahem. Alright then.
WHAT WAS THAT?! All of a sudden, MAXIMUS HAS A MATE. Yeah, I know that wasn't the main point of the story but that was basically the only thing that ticked me off about the book. I really hope that his sorta-bitchy mate was how the Fruits Twins were going to get Max (reference from Mischa). Then Jessa or someone can kill her and I won't be so mad anymore. But yeah, I'm kind of mad that he was doing the dirty with this chick while Jessa and Braxton were missing. Yeah it's mostly likely because he was stressed by their disappearance and needed a “release.” But my GOD. The way Jessa found out about them. :( I just...don't like it. I'm more of a traditional gal I guess. Sue me for being troubled about how he was having sex who I didn't approve of. I'm trying not to think too much about it because it hurts and makes me angry so I'm not ranting as much and as eloquently as I want to. But yeah, GET AWAY FROM MAXIMUS U BIYATCH.
The rest...well, I don't think I have to explain why I like this book so much; it “speaks” for itself. Although, I think I like the first book more, even though this one shows Braxton and Jessa together (finally!). In both books, Jessa was a badass. But I guess I miss that innocence without the close-friends-having-sex-with-someone-else thing (ahem MAX). And I miss when Mischa wasn't quite as stupid as she was in this book (I know she was blackmailed with Max's well-being but [i]she[/i] was the one to run to those stupid-ass Fruit Twins in the first (and not last) place. By GOD, woman, could you being any more naive?
I think the only relationships I approved of here were Louis and Jessa's, Jessa and Braxton's, and Grace and Tyson's impending one (though, really Tyson, you brought this on yourself-SUFFER).
-sigh- I miss my innocent and funny reverse-harem. Yeah yeah yeah they'll always be friends yada yada yada but I don't need to read about Max getting all horny around that woman I haven't had the time to properly dissect yet (metaphorically, of course).
I have such mixed feelings about this book...There were positives and negatives...but mostly negatives. I'm going to try to keep this spoiler free or else I”ll just keep on ranting until the world ends.
So this book is supposed to be set in the world of motorcycle clubs, and the definition of a motorcycle club to the author is a bunch of buff, sexist he-men dominating slutty women. Who knows? Maybe that IS the definition of a motorcycle club. But this...is just not my cup of tea. Things are so dysfunctional I can't even...There were orgies, and lap dances (that were considered nothing psh). The line between cheating and staying true was blurred...A LOT. There was some question about whether this or not was considered rape, but really, if it's even close to rape then you probably shouldn't do it.
And then the author tried to incorporate a mystery into the plot, though it wasn't much of a mystery. Of COURSE that guy was a jackass. It's not a stretch he would do anything to come out on top, even double cross his supposed brothers.
I wouldn't say I completely regretted picking up this book, what with that ending, but this...is far from my favorite.
3.5
I've come to judge James Pattersons' books (as far as the NYPD Red series goes) before reading them. I knew the writing would be...different from other authors'. How should I describe it? I guess I would call it really cut-and-dry. The characters seem to keep talking in clipped sentences, though maybe that was a point since the main characters are cops. However, the civilians spoke in clipped sentences too. I guess it was just too...clinical. I didn't get many feels from this book. :/
And then...there's Zach. I'm trying not to spoil anything, but I guess I've got to say that he's pretty much a dick. His indecision between Cheryl and Kylie is frustrating and gives a bad name to men. Kylie wasn't completely innocent either, the way she put the vibes out. All around annoying. GET OVER EACH OTHER. GET BETTER PERSONALITIES-maybe then you'll get better and more dating options.
The first thing I thought during the first interval of this book was, “GAWD Gemariah is a DICK!” And I'm sorry but he was. For a majority of the book. Annoyingly. I realize now this rant wouldn't be complete without spoilers so there's nothing to save you here, Gemariah.
First, HE'S SUCH A SLUT. Now, I don't make a habit of accusing people of being such...how should I put this...beings labeled with uncouth names. HOWEVER, Gemariah did not have any excuse for this (he wanted fun...really?! He couldn't control that dick of his?!) highly sexualized lifestyle. Okay, some might argue that he lives until the day his heart is destroyed, he's not tied down, and no one should fault him for doing whatever he wants to. HOWEVER, he has hurt Nicci with that “carefree” (to put it mildly) attitude enough times. He not only took her virginity roughly (I'm still unsure-did he even make her come that first time? Or did he honestly just take what he wanted without waiting for her?); he also freaking CHEATED ON HER. Granted, nothing “serious” happened. But still. He kissed that also-highly-sexualized (I'm trying to refrain from calling her a slut-oops too late) “woman” with the same mouth he kissed Nicci with. The same mouth that told her he wanted to be with her.
Please. I'm so proud of Nicci for not running back to him, even after such a long period of time.
And that wasn't her only epic moment either. I am HIGHLY impressed with how she stopped herself/Ramiel from killing her babies and Gemariah. And then there was that time when she shielded Shane with her body against his stepdad (may you spend an eternity stepping on legos you jackass). And I guess I can't fault her for being so annoying by not accepting the truth Gemariah was telling her; after all, he broke her trust...more than once actually. Anyhow, if Gemariah in any way fucks up what he has with Nicci, I will personally animate him from the book to clobber him for his stupid decisions. And I'm betting I won't be the only one to want a crack at him.
All in all, a decent book. But...Gemariah...ugh.
Eh there were some parts of this book that kind of threw me.
One of the main things was when everything had basically gone to hell, Gideon had been kicked out from the team, and all that jazz. During that brief intermission, Trinity and Malachi had a sexcapade. And there was a lot. So I guess I was just ticked off that while Gideon was suffering alone (highly probable), Trinity and Malachi were off having fun together.
And then let's not forget that period before all that delightful hiatus from reality. Things between Trinity and Malachi were...not going smoothly, to say the least. A lot of hateful things were said, everyone was in a bad mood, and the situation was becoming more and more daunting. For some reason, this pissed me off. Maybe it was because everything had been going so well between Malachi and Trinity on their dates and all, then all of a sudden everything was wrecked. But that happens in every romance book out there, so I don't know why this particular one ticked me off. Maybe it's because I was lead to believe things would be fairly light, and that obviously didn't last.
And then...that ending. I was sincerely hoping it wasn't going to be another Divergent/Allegient ending. Literally, that scene where Trinity runs to her parents when she died...and Tris had run to her mother when she died...seriously? That. Would've. Been. Annoying.
Now...for that next book...I haven't seen that summary yet but I'm guessing it's between Nicci and Gemariah? GIVE ME. I WANT. I hope it will be filled with wit and hilarity. .-.
OH that reminds me. Why? Why did Nicci have to get sick Ms. Daniels, hm? I seriously thought she was becoming sick because she was turning corrupt due to a demon. Hopefully, I will be wrong. But still...what was that point? What is your plan/plot twist here? =.= I'm on to you...
This. Book. Was. Freaking. AWESOME. My only regret: the next book isn't here yet. Let us commence with the praise and fangirling!
I admire how “real” Harper is. She's more or less pragmatic, she's not too predictable, and she's incredibly hilarious. I also like how independent she is. She doesn't cry, even when things are just going up...poop's...creek. She made this book so refreshing. It's been a while since I've read a book where the characters don't cry every time their relationship is heading the wrong direction. There also wasn't any of that relationship drama where she heard something about him but he never said that and then some other chick appears...yeah. This book didn't have that-which was awesome! And might I mention that it was also extremely gratifying that Harper is such a kick ass heroine?!
And then there's Knox. You would think such a controlling and dominant person couldn't stand such a stubborn and independent person like Harper. But then you'd be WRONG. To me, they're basically made for each other. I like how Knox would continuously make compromises with Harper. You don't get to see that often in many relationships, fictional or otherwise.
And then there's no hating the mystery of who's responsible for all the conflict brewing in the story. Keeps you guessing.
I could go on and on with praises about this book but I'll refrain for now and just tell you, whoever you may be, to READ THE BOOK. You might not like it, not that I'm saying the book is bad, but people just have different tastes, but that's pretty darn unlikely. Either way, READ IT. Expand your horizons. Add another book to your read list on Goodreads. Do it to FANGIRL WITH ME.
I wouldn't say this is a bad book by any means. I guess it just lacked the oomph (sorry, but I think this word best describes what I'm looking for) I'm used to. I don't get many feels from this book. Maybe it's just because the book is so short. We, or at least I, didn't really get to bond with the characters all that much. When a certain someone was feeling sad, I just didn't feel my heart jerk. And all these characters the author keeps throwing out...well, they just don't have a very noticeable impact on me. It was sort of like, “Enter So-and-So's-Name,” which led to, “And then So-and-So cracked the Earth with his bare fist.” I'm not saying this happened, of course, and I'm not saying that things were as exaggerated as this example, but still, that was the kind of impression I got. I hope the next book will be better. Mind you, Miss Author, this does not mean I want a tragic ending where I end up crying and doubting the world and the entire human/mermaid (pardon to you Syrena) population.
3.5 stars
WHAT. JUST. HAPPENED?
Seriously. What?
Ok so the beginning was kind of a rocky start. Or, I should say, it was completely disorienting. I've come to realize that I will not be able to keep this review spoiler free so let's just jump into things. Oh god. That beginning. The whole time, I just kept wondering how Jesse ever found Ava, and I was wondering if the author forgot to include it in the book when I got through 60% of the story without a reason as to how they got together in the first place.
Next, there was the whole running away-then coming back-then running away again thing going on. Really? Yeah, I guess that's how things would flow, psychologically, but still. It kind of got old after a while, especially when it became clear that Ava's just going to get back with Jesse one way or another (or maybe I should just say one way. Ahem-Jesse-ahem).
And then that leads me to Ava. Ava is...so...how should I say this? I wouldn't say she has zero personality. But I guess it's just that she doesn't have that many traits. A trait the author tried to establish for Ava was that she's incredibly untidy in her personal life to the point that she lost her birth control pills not once, but twice. However, I still think Jesse was the one taking her pills; I don't believe she lost them at all. BUT I WON'T KNOW THAT FOR SURE UNTIL I READ THE NEXT BOOK NOW WILL I?
And then there was that ending...what in the world? It was like the author tried to cram a whole lot of drama into that last 10% of the book. I'm not kidding. As it became clear that the book was ending soon (by the number of increasingly decreasing pages left), more things just KEPT HAPPENING to drive Ava and Jesse apart and to heartbreak. And that's just another thing I'm ticked about. Really? We couldn't have a happy ending? The author just HAD to muck it all up, presumably for a plot twist to play with her fans and as a way to get us to buy the next book? Really? Is a happy ending with hope for more happy stories with the same characters so much to ask for? Dang.
And I'm not through ranting about that ending either. What kind of pissed me off was Jesse's behavior. Ok, Ava was pretty darn shocked by the true purpose of the Manor. So he decides to “fix” that by getting drunk? He couldn't have thought of anything else? He couldn't have, oh I don't know, sold it or demolished it or whatever? Yeah, okay so he won't have a job anymore. But I'm pretty sure the man's wealthy enough to go on living quite extravagantly without working. And okay it was apparently his uncle Carmichael's “baby.” Is that “baby” worth more than Ava, Jesse sweetie? IS IT? Because really, it's half the reason (50% all right? 50%) Ava ran away from Jesse in the first place. Plus, if he got rid of the Manor, and told Ava, wouldn't that have moved her so much that they'd have this weird breakthrough (I'm not saying immediately but yeah I'm pretty sure things would've led that way). But NOOOOOOO, he just went and did a truly progressive action: he got drunk. Yes, ladies and gentleman, Jesse got drunk. He got so drunk, in fact, that he denied that he was an alcoholic! And no, that wasn't all; he even yelled at Ava for running away and then coming back so often. And he's telling her to make up her mind.
‘
Wonderful job, sir. Awesome. And he keeps wondering why she runs away so much.
Now, I'm not saying this book was all bad. There were the sex scenes. The sex scenes were, to put it mildly, very good (more like, incredibly erotic, but let's just stay with the somewhat PG-13 version, shall we?). And let's not forget about all that comic relief. Still pretty darn shocked that Jesse bought a new van for Kate just so Ava won't get a bruised butt from holding up cakes in the backseat over roads with an insipid number of speed bumps on it. And that was just one thing I laughed my butt all over. And I guess I can't hate the relaxing sorta-dates Jesse and Ava go on. But yeah. I guess this book just wasn't my cup of tea. I don't know. It could've been so much better. But yeah, there's always hope for the next books right (don't tell me I just jinxed myself because I'm already hooked on reading the other books).
4.5 stars
This book wasn't particularly bad or anything, but it was just a little too predictable. Though, that might've been intentional, but I miss those plot twists that make me go, “What? What just happened? WHAT?!” and cause be to flap my arms around. The rest of these stars were mostly for the feels this book gave me. I didn't cry or anything, but I got to feel that pang in my chest where...well, I'm trying to keep this spoiler-free so there'll be no more of those heart-to-heart gushing moments of mine in this review. So yeah. A nice standalone.
WHAT IS THIS?! I'LL TELL YOU WHAT THIS IS. IT'S A FREAKING CLIFFHANGER. I CAN'T EVEN RIGHT NOW. THIS FREAKING PLOT TWIST. WHAT IN THE WORLD.
Okay, let's start with the things I like. I like how the book wasn't overly obvious about its “surprises,” as evidenced by my rant in the beginning of this review (let's shout it again: PLOT TWIST). Anyways, it wasn't obvious in the way that one phenomenal thing is mentioned, and that phenomenal thing is obviously applied to the former phenomenal thing that just happened. I know you know what I'm talking about. So when people started talking about a prince (I'm trying not to spoil anything here), it wasn't immediately applied to that fae that was introduced right before the mentioning of said prince. And then there was that other incident that is related to the plot twist. I reiterate: WHAT IN THE WORLD?! THIS PLOT TWIST. flaps arms around I can't even. .-. Plus, I don't have the second book immediately on me now so I'm pretty much just thinking, “Should I get it? Of course, I want to know what happens, but I have a feeling things are going to take a downturn. But then again, I do want to know what happens. But on the other hand, I have a feeling I know what's going to happen...” And so it goes on. Book nerd dilemmas, people.
And then there was that traitor. Eh this is one of the things that was a little bit too conspicuous. While the hints Armentrout was dropping weren't blaring out who the culprit was, it was enough to sweep away any doubts about who the traitor was. At least she put an effort in putting the suspicion on other people, so kudos to her for that. PREDICTION: the culprit is in love or something with one of the fae. Am I right or am I right?
And let's not forget the bloodshed. WARNING: be wary of deaths, because while they might or might not all be super personal to whomever (you, the main character, a random dog, etc), it is important to note that there will be gore. The gore isn't completely specified to the point of causing nausea, but I just thought it'd be a fair warning to be wary of the dark parts of this book. It's not going to be a light and fun read, obviously, but it's not exactly going to be clean, either (and I'm not just talking about the romance, of course).
This concludes my rant, for if I delve any further into this, I'm just going to circle back to my previous statements. No need to brainwash you future readers anymore than this review is going to.
Well, Colleen Houck certainly wasn't exaggerating when she said this story would be much different than her Tiger Saga series.
To start, instead of a Kelsey in quiet Oregon, we have a Lilliana, born and raised in the bustling city of New York City. And the differences don't just stop there. Unlike Kelsey, a pretty much completely independent girl, Lilliana has obeyed her pragmatic parents for her whole life. But ever since she discovered Amon, she has decided what she has dubbed an “Egyptian adventure” slash teen rebellion.
The differences between the two series don't just stop there. Oh no, this series was much gorier than Houck's Tiger Saga series. I will try not to delve too much into things, so as to not spoil too much, but I will say that there were eyeballs being gouged, crocodile bites, missing fingers, and so much more so be prepared when you read this book.
I would also like to comment that I sorely miss Asten and Ahmose, what with this deadline everyone has. I sincerely hope they show up again (hint hint Colleen Houck, if you're reading this).
And then there's the inevitable romantic relationship between Amon and Lilliana. Again, I will try not to disclose too much. Amon and Lilliana's relationship was unlike Ren and Kelsey's story. Ren kept trying to pursue Kelsey while Kelsey tried to pull away (at least in the beginning; I'm also hoping I'm not spoiling anything for people that haven't read the Tiger Saga yet). However, in this series, it is Amon that tries to push Lilliana away, though of course it is obvious he likes her as much as she likes him (this can be foreshadowed from just the summary so I do not consider this a spoiler). But yes, readers, there will be much frustration on your/our parts while you/we sit on the edge or your/our seats, waiting for that inevitable first kiss...among other things (just kidding; but you don't know I'm kidding, do you? You'll just have to finish the book to find out ;)).
And then, there's that cliffhanger. And the second book isn't out yet. And I'm just left here, waiting. Do you see my dilemma? Yeah, this is not fun, contrary to unpopular belief. GIMME MORE!
Anyone else realize there's a pattern going on? At the end of each book, Sara gets separated from Nikolas so for like 20% of the book, there's no Sara-Nikolas time (I need to come up with a ship name for them). I NEED MORE SARA-NIKOLAS TIME, especially after that last book with all those hot make-out scenes and heart-to-heart moments.
I like how Karen Lynch wasn't overly obvious about who the culprit/traitor was. I guess it was kind of obvious who it was, though, because Michael was pretty much the only one who was both away from most situations, and conspicuously suspicious.
It was also kind of obvious Nate got turned into a vampire, though maybe that was Karen Lynch trying to get us ready for the next horrific thing to happen; maybe she made it a little more predictable to make sure our hearts don't crack and break into a million piece (thanks for that, by the way).
I really like these books because the main character isn't really stupid. We didn't have to go through the whole introduction-to-the-supernatural-world in the first book where they just spent 10 pages going on and on about how “Yes werewolves are real. Oh, I'm a werewolf but I'm still your best friend. I couldn't tell you because it was for your safety...yada yada yada...” We get it.
And that was just the first book. I can't say that I'm not pleased with this second book, either. Sara became even more badass, we saw more of Roland and Peter (the wonder werewolves), lots of comedy relief, and so much more. I could gush on and on about how amazing this book was but it basically boils down to the fact that it was the book I looked forward to the most from my next batch of books to read.
PREDICTION: Madeleine is the Master
WHAT?! This ending..WHAT HAPPENED?! WHAT IN THE WORLD?! This cliffhanger. Why, why, why would you do this to us, Tammy Blackwell? What in the world have I ever done to you? This is abject cruelty. I recognize that it's a way to get other readers to get the rest of the series, but still. SERIOUSLY?!
I'm pretty sure this is the only book I've read about werewolves that doesn't keep delving into werewolf/wolf politics (ex: “I'm the alpa, stand down”-again and again and again. I get it. The alpha is the leader). And I'm proud of this book for not doing that. However, that means the majority of the book consisted of a love triangle and whatnot. And I'm guessing we all feel the same way about love triangles.
For the life of me, TAMMY BLACKWELL, you might've just cracked my heart for a second with that plot twist. Then you just bewildered me with that second plot twist. WHAT IS THIS?!
But I guess I'm moving onto the next book. I hope that in that said book, the love triangle drama will lessen, Jase and Charlie will get their heads out of their butts, and Amanda will fall into a ditch to never come back out. ASDFGHJKL these demands have to be met...or else =.= .
WHATTTTTTTT???!!!!!!! That can't be it! What?! No. NO! That can't POSSIBLY BE IT! I'm going to keep saying it until it becomes true. What is this?! Now I have to wait until I can get my hands on the other books in the series to see more of Joe, Eric, Nathan, and the guys at work. I don't think I can survive the wait. I'm suffering from a book hangover. I need relief.
Alright, time to start the discussion. When I first started this book, I thought Joe was a guy. Can you blame me? She got introduced as Joe. Then I found out Joe and Eric were opposite-gender best friends. Admittedly, Joe and Eric's relationship was somewhat odd in the beginning. I mean, they were super close physically, always touching each other, doing all but sexually related activities wink wink.
Sudden Response was a pretty quick and light read (my apologies to anyone offended; I was reading another darker book while simultaneously reading this one, so my judgement may be skewed). I'm not saying there was no depth to the book. Quite the opposite. We got to journey along with Joe and Eric as they tried to solve all their problems, whether they were financially, emotionally, or whatever.
In other words, this book was pretty much the bomb. It was adorable and I. Want. MORE.
P.S. WHERE ARE THE OTHER BOOKS?!
I'll write a review after I take a shower. I didn't have the courage to get up and do somewhat important things like clean my smelly body in favor of finishing this book.
EDIT: I am now rejuvenated. Physically...from the shower. I know what you guys are thinking-get your minds out of the gutter. Okay, anyways, emotionally and mentally I am rejuvenated by this book. Seriously. Give me more. Well, actually this is the only book I haven't had a serious book hangover from. Don't get me wrong-this book is AMAZING. But Samantha Young just ended it so nicely. She really wrapped up the ending that left you, or at least me, not needing more.
Okay, so to start my gushing, I'd like to fangirl about the character development and everything. It was so cool-and that's putting it mildly-to be with Joss as she psychologically gets better. It made me swoon during the times Braden would confront her and make her face her feelings and such. Things usually got pretty hot around then...ahem. fans face
Alright now. So I just realized I'm not going to be able to leave spoilers out because I NEED, or supremely want to rant about Adam and Ellie's relationship. Seriously, Adam? Really? Did you have to take so freaking long to get your head out of your butt? It was so freaking FRUSTRATING. GOD! I was so sorry for Ellie for a majority of the book. GodDAMMIT, man. You beat up all her boyfriends and didn't allow yourself to get close to her romantically. Where did that leave Ellie? Pretty much alone, drowning in platonic relationships, and most likely sexual frustration. And it took a freaking tumor for him to finally man up? Well, DAMN. I know it'd be too late now to lecture him about taking so damn long, because what's done is done and they're together now. But I will always be pissed off at Adam for TAKING SO DAMN LONG. Great. Look at what he did. I ended up ranting more than usual. Plus my review isn't completely clean anymore. THANKS ADAM.
Gosh. sighs I'd better get to other topics, otherwise I'll just keep going on about What-Shall-Not-Be-Reminded-To-Me. Now it's time to commence the actual gushing. There was much swooning involved for me while reading about Braden taking control (not about Joss' outfits, mind you; no, I mean about how Joss acts about her issues). giggles When Braden steals Joss' ticket home and shreds it, I just cracked up. I can't even. It was pretty darn adorable. And Joss was so angry! Oh my dear lord. wipes tear away Oh good times.
And then there were the bad times. I really love how Braden understood that Joss was just afraid to lose anyone else, which is why she pulls away from people eventually. There wasn't any of that whoops-there-was-a-huge-misunderstanding-now-we-have-to-wait-until-SOMEONE-does-something-about-it-since-they're-avoiding-each-other. I freaking HATE THOSE. Especially when authors know it's killing us readers to know what really happened but not be able to jump into the book to scream at the characters. Yeah, no. This book was way better in that regard. Samantha Young didn't waste our time with all that garbage.
I understand I'm mostly going on about my favorite parts of the book, which I would apologize for if they weren't so DARN GOOD. But I'll try to get back at the concepts. But really, there was only one big concept: Joss' issues. The book was pretty much about Joss' journey to closure about her family and her demons. We were there in the beginning where she tried to keep everyone at arm's length (and she was suffering from denial and sexual frustration over Braden hehe). Then things changed until Braden came up with his “friends with benefits” arrangement. But then things change again! Joss finally came to realize she loved Braden and Ellie. There was no more denying that. And the rest was history. Mind you, there were humungous bumps (more like mountains, really) along the way. But Joss and Braden finally got there. FINALLY DANG IT.
So although it might sound a little boring to read along as Joss makes her way to closure, I assure you, it was pretty darn awesome. What's there to get bored about? There was drama, but it was, how do I say this-it was real. It wasn't a stupid soap opera with the usual problems arising. Or maybe it is. I can't make an impartial judgement since I adore this book. The main point is-it just seemed a little different than other books. So if you're reading this, and you read the book already too, FANGIRL WITH ME!
My heart just shattered...BECAUSE I FINISHED THE BOOK! And now I have no more Nox and Lily time. Really. I would be weeping right now but I'm wearing contacts and don't want to blind myself.
But seriously, I guess you could say I pretty much love this book. THANK YOU BELLE AURORA! You have gifted me a piece of heaven with your Friend-Zoned series and with this lovely standalone.
Okay, so where do I start in listing what I like about this book? I guess there's the obvious Nox and Lily connection. It's hot. As in, so hot you don't want to do anything else until you finish this book. As in, the kind of hot that makes you all hot and bothered. As in, the state of hot that you want to remain in for the rest of your time; or, at least, until your hormones die or something. Simply put, this hotness makes you combust...metaphorically, of course.
Another point I would like to fangirl about is that LILY ISN'T COMPLETELY ANNOYING. Shocking, I know. Especially since her dad's so rich. I'm so proud of you Lily -wipes tear away-. I have to admit, there are times where her attitude kind of makes me think she's spoiled. However, make no mistake, I'm not saying she's an uber...female cat. In fact, her so-called snobbishness, for lack of a better word, is so minuscule that I can hardly remember certain instances where I thought for a second she was sort of annoying.
And then, there's the ending. I won't fangirl too hard about it, so no spoilers will be brought to light. But that ENDING. I don't think I really have any complaints. This book is already pretty darn perfect. My only complaints would probably be: I need more sex scenes, this book was too short, and I. NEED. MOREEEEEEEE. So yeah, if someone's reading this, not sure if they want to pick up this book, I'm telling you here, do it. Do it...so you can fangirl with. :D ;)
It was strange how infrequent the Hex Boys showed up. I missed them. Though Aurora's interactions with “Armani” were certainly humorous as well. But still, I miss the full Hex Boys experience, complete with Aurora's “exhausting, million-words-in-one-breath babbling explanations.” I miss Blake's hilarious...everything. I miss Logan and Tristan's adorable shyness (though the part where Tristan showed just how defensive he could be was a nice touch). I miss Jayden's big words (there weren't enough of his beautiful basically-soliloquies). I miss Matthias and Aurora's verbal spars, which bring me such pleasure. And then...Ayden. Need I say/type more?
Bottom line: I MISS THE HEX BOYS.
And then, there are the many questions.
WHY did the Waiting World change? Is Armani actually Aurora's Bellator? What IS Armani's power? What will happen next? Is Dubois still alive (personally, I think she IS)? Why didn't Gloria show up at all throughout the book (WHY?!)? Oh my dear lord, will a love triangle become utterly apparent, if it isn't already? And then will a love triangle BATTLE ensue? Who is Van Helsing REALLY (please, he can't be just a cat...or can he?)?
Andandand...I should finish this review when I'm not distracted with a TV show.
OH another question: When's the next book going to come out?