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
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
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
This book was just not...for me. It felt like this book was just constantly running in circles and I was honestly very bored through a maj2⭐️
DNF @ 71%
This book was just not...for me. It felt like this book was just constantly running in circles and I was honestly very bored through a majority of this book. It wasn't unique or special and I tried to stick it out as much as I could, but at this point, I don't want to continue wasting my time.
I would also like to say that the writing in this book was so confusing and it wasn't written very well. I struggled so much trying to figure out which POV was whose, as it wasn't labeled and it didn't make it clear when a new chapter started.
The 2 stars are simply for the plot twist in Part 1 and the fact that this book is short and quick to read. I thought that it would get better in parts 2 and 3, but for me, it did not. I was very disappointed by this book. I could not subject myself to reading this anymore.
This would be my first DNF of the year and y'all know I HATE DNFing books and will avoid it at all costs, but I truly did not want to waste my time anymore reading this. ...more
Words can't even begin to explain how much I loved this book. I swear this was the most emotional book I have ever read, and I mean that in the bes5⭐️
Words can't even begin to explain how much I loved this book. I swear this was the most emotional book I have ever read, and I mean that in the best way possible.
When I read Saving 6, I wasn't the biggest fan of Joey and Aoife's story. I was really scared I was gonna end up not liking this from how I felt about that book. But I can confidently say...I am a believer. Everything about Joey and Aoife's story was gut wrenching and beautiful at the same time. I could not ask for a better book and story than this one. I lost count of how many times this book made me cry and I'm not ashamed to admit it.
Hearing Joey's side of the story about the domestic violence and the way it impacted him just hit so much harder than it did with Shannon. I think that might be because I could relate a bit to some level. Either way, this book truly holds such a special place in my heart. I could not imagine this being told better in any way, shape, or form.
Joey and Aoife deserved the world and I will continue to think about this book until the day I die. This story was unique and handled with such care. Chloe Walsh, you did amazing. I think the fact that this hit so much harder was because of how raw and real it was. This is actually a very unfortunate reality for some people and I really do think this highlighted such a hard topic but was handled very well.
This book was over 750 pages and I would read more of it if I had the chance. Amazing through and through ...more
Sigh...this book just didn't hit for me. I know I'm in the minority here, but just hear me out okay.
I did not feel connected to this book as I th3.5⭐️
Sigh...this book just didn't hit for me. I know I'm in the minority here, but just hear me out okay.
I did not feel connected to this book as I thought I would. Don't get me wrong!! I love Joey and Aoife with my whole heart; they are so special to me and I loved getting more of an insight to their relationship. However, for a big chunk of this book, I felt there was no direction of the plot.
When this book starts out, it just feels like we're going in circles before we've even started. Joey and Aoife had such lackluster depth to them the first like 60% of this book. I was so disappointed. And on top of that? Most of Joey and Aoife's problems were just completely glazed over. We didn't start getting into the thick of it until about 70% in. It was much slower and didn't pack the punch that the first 2 books did. I wish the problems that Joey was having, such as the abuse and addiction, weren't played down so much. It's a massive part of the plot and it just felt like it was totally looked over.
While this didn't hit for me, I know it does for a lot of others and I COMPLETELY understand why!! This book really did a good job of giving you the backstory to Joey and Aoife and really hit hard on addiction and how it impacted everyone. I am still holding out hope that the 4th book will hit deeper and grab my attention more. However, this one just did not do it for me.
I think I went into this with different expectations than what actually happened, and, again, that's on me. I just happened to be one of those people who waS easier drawn into Shannon and Johnny than I was to Joey and Aoife (based on this series SO FAR).
This series has me in a chokehold at this point. It's amazing just how fast Johnny and Shannon grew on me and how much I began to care for them. I 5⭐️
This series has me in a chokehold at this point. It's amazing just how fast Johnny and Shannon grew on me and how much I began to care for them. I thought the first one was emotional...I was NOT prepared for this. ...more
"Since the first day we met, I think a piece of my heart has belonged to you. Every year, it just got bigger and bigger."
THE PLOT
When Lucy 4⭐️
"Since the first day we met, I think a piece of my heart has belonged to you. Every year, it just got bigger and bigger."
THE PLOT
When Lucy visits Prince Edward Island to have a vacation with her best friend Bridget, the last thing she expected was to end up hooking up with her brother...only she didn't know it was her brother, Felix. Their chemistry is off the charts and no one can deny that. Each year, Lucy has this vacation. And every year, Lucy and Felix just cannot keep their hands off each other. However, Bridget suddenly flees to PEI a week before her wedding and Lucy drops everything to follow her. Little does she know that Felix is along for the ride as well. As long as she follows Bridget's rule of not falling in love with her brother, she'll be okay...right?
"Dream big with me, Lucy."
MY THOUGHTS
I had an unbelievably good time reading this book!! I was actually shocked at just how much I enjoyed this. This has to be one of the best summer reads not just for the plot, but the setting and the world they live in is just so picturesque you can only imagine yourself being there.
I really loved Lucy as a character! I thought she was relatable and down to earth and her development throughout the book was so refreshing to read. You really couldn't deny the chemistry between her and Felix it was so good. Their conversations were witty and funny and you couldn't help but laugh and giggle at their interactions. These characters, however, are pretty shallow. There's not much history to them besides a little her and there. It would have been nice to get a little more but I'm not going to complain because I still had a good time nonetheless. I thought that Bridget was a pretty immature character at times and could be a bit selfish. I understand the reason for not wanting to tell Felix or Lucy the reason for the trip, but to make a grown woman drop her entire business for a trip for an undisclosed reason just seemed like a far stretch for me. However, the loyalty between them was beautiful and one can only dream to have a relationship like that.
Live your life for you, and no one else." But what if you aren't sure what you want? Or what a full life looks like?
I really liked the plot of this book; it wasn't the most unique plot ever was man was it written so well!! A relationship from a tourist and a local is a bit cliché but throw in best friend's brother and you get yourself a deal Ms. Carley Fortune. I loved riding along with their little adventures and all their ups and downs through this trip. It was truly like being with them with how detailed it was in the book. The third-act breakup was kind of justified in this case I must say. I know I know, I am usually a hater, but I understood this time it made sense. Do I wish it wasn't in there because it it kinda killed the vibe? Yes. Will I hold it against the book? No.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book for a quick summer read!! It's so easy to read, it's funny, it's cute. I would love to read this on the beach and now I am in desperate need for a vacation after finishing this. ☀️...more
"The thing I love best about reading fiction is that it gives you a way to connect the experiences of your own life to the larger world."
THE3⭐️
"The thing I love best about reading fiction is that it gives you a way to connect the experiences of your own life to the larger world."
THE PLOT
Hollis Shaw's life seems perfect. She has the perfect husband who is a heart surgeon, a beautiful, bright daughter, and a successful food blog. But one morning, when Hollis and her husband get into an argument, he leaves for the airport and is killed in a car accident. The cracks in Hollis's life begin to grow deeper. Then, she hears of an idea called the Five-Star Weekend, a weekend where she invites one best friend from each stage in her life to come together. As great of an idea this seems to be, it doesn't turn out rather ideal. All of her friends hold secrets that threaten to shatter the magic of this weekend, and may even change the way they are perceived all together.
What was it like? It was like being suspended over a deep, dark endless hole knowing you were going to fall in and never get out.
MY THOUGHTS
I ended up having a good time reading this!! People weren't kidding when they said Elin Hilderbrand does a beautiful job of writing books that'd be perfect to read by the beach. The world of Nantucket is just described so beautifully and in so much detail. I could actually picture myself there on the island myself. This book is beyond beautiful and magical in it's descriptions and it's wording. I was captivated from the very start. I did find some parts of this book to be very slow, and I found myself reading slower in this just to take in the plot, characters, and world. I'm not saying this is a bad thing by any means!
While I did have a good time reading this, something just didn't click for me. I didn't find myself wanting to pick this up constantly or obsess over reading this. It was fun and it was magical, but I just felt some connection...missing. Maybe it could have been that I couldn't fully relate to the characters and their dilemmas, but I just did not feel the urge to binge this. I found that once I put it down, it took a bit of effort to pick it back up.
The characters themselves were so beautifully written as well. There was SO much character depth and backstory; the characters felt real. I could picture these characters as real people. These characters all had their own secrets and they were on a very wide scale from self-discovery to completely life-altering. I found it very easy to follow along with everyone and I didn't get overwhelmed by the amount of character information there was to know and remember. The journey of these characters just felt so raw and real, and I really liked it.
Overall, this book was really fun to read, but also got deep and a little heavy at times. This book would mainly be about self-discovery after a traumatic loss, rekindling relationships, and finding love again. It had so many amazing, beautiful moments that I'd absolutely recommend you read, particularly a good summer read.
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I am living for these summer reads lately they're hitting different ...more
I actually had an okay time reading this; It was fun, but I am far from loving it.
This book follows Isobel and Roly, a typical couple, whose daught2⭐️
I actually had an okay time reading this; It was fun, but I am far from loving it.
This book follows Isobel and Roly, a typical couple, whose daughter, Lola, was kidnapped in broad daylight. We follow the dual POV's of Isobel and Emma. Emma is the woman who kidnapped their daughter and is trying to leave the country with her claiming that she is actually Lola's mother. Two women claiming they are Lola's mother...and we don't know who's telling the truth. There are plenty of deep, dark secrets that Emma and Isobel will do whatever possible to keep from surfacing.
While I did have fun reading this, it definitely had it's issues. The thing I had problems with is some of the plot itself. I found the plot and events that happened to at times be so far-fetched and so unrealistic. The different ways Emma was able to avoid being caught and the things she did to keep Lola safe just...didn't feel all too realistic. As much as I love the vibe when reading, it was really hard to overlook the unrealistic aspects.
The main thing, however, that I really couldn't get past was Isobel as a person. I truly could not get past the fact that the entire book was Isobel being a human doormat. I understand that it was all explained later, but we're talking like 85% of the book and Isobel was nothing but insufferable. I didn't click with any of the characters and, like I mentioned earlier, it didn't help that they played into a beyond unrealistic plot line. The whole time I was reading this, I was like, "For the love of God please just develop SOME sort of backbone." It was so hard to tolerate.
Onto better news, I liked that the story was interesting and it was such a fast and bingeable read. It was engaging enough to keep your attention and want to keep reading I will say that. However, I did not find the plot twists all that surprising and it's not hard to guess what's actually going to happen. I was not on the edge of my seat and it wasn't as gripping as I'd hoped.
Overall, I, personally, wouldn't fully say I'd recommend this. It was fast and easy to read and the plot had just enough substance to keep your attention, but it didn't go much beyond that.
Thank you to Lauren North, Bookoture, and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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I need a gripping thriller to break up the heavy content I've been reading ...more
Avril, Lily, and Sandy move into the new community, Westford Park, thinking it is going to be this perfect new development that will 3.5⭐️
THE PLOT
Avril, Lily, and Sandy move into the new community, Westford Park, thinking it is going to be this perfect new development that will be a new and fresh start for everyone. It has a country club, a tennis court, a large pool; it's own security system; what's not to love? These 3 ladies have a close budding friendship and soon they are inseparable. However, they're all running from something. When, their pasts start to catch up with them and off things start happening within the complex, friendships are strained and loyalties are questioned. Can you really trust your neighbors?
MY THOUGHTS
I had a good time reading this! I really did have a good time. There was a lot to like about this book. One of them being the characters. They were so well developed and they each had such a unique backstory and background that wasn't shallow and made each of them so different! I loved Avril's healing relationship with her daughter throughout this story. Not just hers, but all 3 of the FMC's and their children and family. One of the things I didn't really love was how the children were written. It was VERY hard to like them in any sense. Their personalities are just not very likable and I couldn't actually see myself relating to any of them despite myself being closer to their age.
The plot itself I thought was a bit lackluster. I really enjoyed the thriller elements of the book, however! I was on the edge of my seat with this book and the plot had its juicy points. Although, I was expecting more. I think it under-delivered in the thriller department and the plot twists didn't really shock me. On a better note, this book was very bingeable I was able to finish it in less than 24 hours! This isn't a very fast-paced thriller/mystery but once you're in it, you're in it you don't wanna put it down. The point of loyalties to friends and families is most prevalent in this book. I think that was put above the actual thriller/mystery aspect of the book.
Overall, this book has it's positives and negatives. I would recommend this to anyone who likes more in depth characters and more of a slow-paced thriller with more mystery elements. Personally, this was good enough to keep my attention and I am honored I got an ARC because I truly did have a good time reading this!!
Thank you to Natasha Boydell, Boldwood Books, and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!! <3
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I am ready to put all of my adult tasks to the side for the day to binge this ...more
Who didn't like to be needed? Being needed meant we were good at and good for something. People didn't leave those they needed. It wasn't the sa4⭐️
Who didn't like to be needed? Being needed meant we were good at and good for something. People didn't leave those they needed. It wasn't the same as being loved, but it was better than nothing.
THE PLOT
Xavier Castillo has no interest in taking over his family's business once his father passes away; they have always had a strained relationship. Sloane Kensington runs her own PR firm that is now the best in the country, but she didn't get there without stepping over her family. She also happens to be the one representing Xavier in her firm. After a tragic event that rocks both of their worlds, Sloane and Xavier find comfort in each other. They both can't deny the bubbling feelings blooming and devise a trial to date for 2 months to see how it goes. They must navigate their feelings, family, tragedy, and opportunity just to stay afloat, so can they do it in the time allotted?
"Not everyone get closure. Sometimes, the wounds run too deep, and the end of the road looks just as shitty as the miles that came before it."
MY THOUGHTS
This has got to be my favorite book in this series so far!! I enjoyed this so much. The chemistry between Xavier and Sloane was just undeniable. They may be opposites, but they fit together so well. What I really appreciated was the depth of these characters. The one thing I always criticized about this series is that the characters were so shallow and there was no depth to them. This one delivered the exact opposite and I absolutely loved it!! Sloane's cold exterior went so deep into her past and her family problems that it made sense she was the way she was. I could also say the same about Xavier. I liked the family drama and I liked the detail of depth that each other these characters had.
"I promise, there are better places to live than in delusion." "Better? Maybe. More fun? I doubt it."
This book also delivered something the others did not: a solid plot line besides the romance. The romance was NOT the biggest thing in this book and I cannot express how much it made this book better. The inheritance that Xavier needed to work for and the reporter that Sloane needed to take down; there was never a dull moment in this book. I was hooked every chapter. I think the romance in this book was written so well, too! It was very slow-burn and the tension that built up between Xavier and Sloane? You could cut it with a knife and I was eating up every bit. One thing that Ana Huang does so well is write spicy scenes! The spice was turned up in this one and, again, I was eating up every last little bit.
However, my biggest ick with this book was the third-act breakup. It was childish and so out of character for these two. They spent the ENTIRE book communicating properly and you're telling me that during this one scene they just suddenly...couldn't? Make it make sense. I couldn't help but roll my eyes during the whole thing. It was a cute reconciliation but I really disliked the way it was written here.
Overall, Ana Huang really hit it with this book! It is so far my favorite in the series and I couldn't help feeling the wheel of emotions that came with reading this book. Honestly, if you could skip the rest of the series and read just this one, I'd do it. Since it is best to read them in order, however, just know that the series gets better with this one (as someone who wasn't the biggest fan of the others). ...more
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