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jelliejam's review
5.0
Disclaimer: This title was given to me by the author in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
Now that we have gotten the disclaimers out of the way, The Goodnight Kiss is the first book in the Unseelie Court series that I foresee to be nothing short of a great ride.
Very loosely based on Sleeping Beauty, 16-year old Nic Rutherford lives with her two aunts and a mysterious past all while playing vigilante at night with her best weapon, a deadly kiss that can take down anyone the moment her lips make contact with them. She fears her blessing (or curse, depends on how you see it!) will inadvertently harm anyone that gets too close to her: her aunts, best friend, or the mysterious new boy, Aiden, that seems to have appeared nowhere and has strange abilities of his own. Aiden posseses the one thing Nic cannot resist -- information. Alongside Aiden, Nic slowly unearths answers about her murky past and unlocks a hidden world where magic thrives and the impossible becomes reality if one is willing to pay the price.
**********
Whew! Still with me? My good people, I had lots of FUN with this book. Complete disclosure, the book started off with a bit of a, “WTF?!” vibe. Here was a teenage girl who had a need to kill people with her deadly kiss and she collected their IDs as trophies AND her “aunts” got rid of the body via a woodchopper … yeah … that last part is a bit gross if you think about it too long. But in perfect vigilante style, Nic finds her victims amongst the rapists and abusers by seeking them out in nightclubs, bars, etc.
Nic finds out that she is being stalked by what possibly could be a werewolf in both his human and wolf form and you think that this could turn into your typical run-of-the-mill werewolf/shifter romance story. Instead, we are taken through so much more than that. Tragedy strike’s Nic’s world and this book quickly became a wonderful and exciting journey filled with mythos and fey magic with Nic easily becoming a protagonist I could get behind. At first you think you’re getting this badass character, which who doesn’t love a badass female lead, but she is so much more than that. Nic has vulnerabilities, still acts like a teenager (!!! This a big deal since sometimes I wonder if YA authors forget what age these kiddos are), and she’s not perfect in every step along the way. We need more of these multi-dimensional characters!
As for our Nic’s love interest, Aiden definitely one that I’m happy to see by our protagonist’s side. This easily could have turned into the dreaded insta-love trope or worse, Nic could have been that silly girl who stumbles all over herself for this too gorgeous to believe guy. Instead, she is immediately suspicious and knows when things don’t seem right. She makes it a point to not give into this enigmatic and hunky guy who appears out of nowhere and actually acts like any sensible person … In short … I love it! Aiden has to prove himself to be an ally and I appreciated the author for doing this so much more for it.
Lastly, we get a supporting cast of characters to go alongside this storyline. But I’ll hold back on going into detail as I hope you will get around to reading this and experience them yourselves. So do I recommend this book? YOU BET I DO! I have only read a handful of indie and self-published authors since I started doing book reviews and Jennifer L. Hart has hands down become my favorite indie author. I can hardly believe that this is her first YA (and first Fantasy book?), because she knocked it out of the park with this one!
**********
5/5 stars and definitely worth a reread!
**********
review can also be found on my blog: roamingreader.net
Now that we have gotten the disclaimers out of the way, The Goodnight Kiss is the first book in the Unseelie Court series that I foresee to be nothing short of a great ride.
Very loosely based on Sleeping Beauty, 16-year old Nic Rutherford lives with her two aunts and a mysterious past all while playing vigilante at night with her best weapon, a deadly kiss that can take down anyone the moment her lips make contact with them. She fears her blessing (or curse, depends on how you see it!) will inadvertently harm anyone that gets too close to her: her aunts, best friend, or the mysterious new boy, Aiden, that seems to have appeared nowhere and has strange abilities of his own. Aiden posseses the one thing Nic cannot resist -- information. Alongside Aiden, Nic slowly unearths answers about her murky past and unlocks a hidden world where magic thrives and the impossible becomes reality if one is willing to pay the price.
**********
Whew! Still with me? My good people, I had lots of FUN with this book. Complete disclosure, the book started off with a bit of a, “WTF?!” vibe. Here was a teenage girl who had a need to kill people with her deadly kiss and she collected their IDs as trophies AND her “aunts” got rid of the body via a woodchopper … yeah … that last part is a bit gross if you think about it too long. But in perfect vigilante style, Nic finds her victims amongst the rapists and abusers by seeking them out in nightclubs, bars, etc.
Nic finds out that she is being stalked by what possibly could be a werewolf in both his human and wolf form and you think that this could turn into your typical run-of-the-mill werewolf/shifter romance story. Instead, we are taken through so much more than that. Tragedy strike’s Nic’s world and this book quickly became a wonderful and exciting journey filled with mythos and fey magic with Nic easily becoming a protagonist I could get behind. At first you think you’re getting this badass character, which who doesn’t love a badass female lead, but she is so much more than that. Nic has vulnerabilities, still acts like a teenager (!!! This a big deal since sometimes I wonder if YA authors forget what age these kiddos are), and she’s not perfect in every step along the way. We need more of these multi-dimensional characters!
As for our Nic’s love interest, Aiden definitely one that I’m happy to see by our protagonist’s side. This easily could have turned into the dreaded insta-love trope or worse, Nic could have been that silly girl who stumbles all over herself for this too gorgeous to believe guy. Instead, she is immediately suspicious and knows when things don’t seem right. She makes it a point to not give into this enigmatic and hunky guy who appears out of nowhere and actually acts like any sensible person … In short … I love it! Aiden has to prove himself to be an ally and I appreciated the author for doing this so much more for it.
Lastly, we get a supporting cast of characters to go alongside this storyline. But I’ll hold back on going into detail as I hope you will get around to reading this and experience them yourselves. So do I recommend this book? YOU BET I DO! I have only read a handful of indie and self-published authors since I started doing book reviews and Jennifer L. Hart has hands down become my favorite indie author. I can hardly believe that this is her first YA (and first Fantasy book?), because she knocked it out of the park with this one!
**********
5/5 stars and definitely worth a reread!
**********
review can also be found on my blog: roamingreader.net
darquedreamer's review
4.0
The Goodnight Kiss is new and exciting! It is a unique mash up of mythology and faerie fantasy. If you love YA fantasy with a deadly twist, you will enjoy this one!
This one was definitely a surprise for me. It was very different than what I have been reading lately. It was unique, and captivating, and full of unpredictability. It was a little confusing at times, and sometimes felt like it had too much going on, but it was enjoyable and intriguing all the same.
The synopsis is what attracted me first. I was promised a teenager serial killer with a wild ability and magical past. I was not disappointed in Nic's character at all. She was wild and dangerous and very cunning. I really loved how she used her deadly power and who she chose to murder with it. Though her heritage and story were a little hard to follow at times, I was impressed at the development surrounding her and her past. I don't think I have met a character quite like her before.
The story was full of deadly twists and turns. It was mysterious and very complex. There was a lot of world and history building, and though it didn't always make sense to me, it was unique enough to keep me reading and wanting more.
I was also fascinated by Aiden's character. He was dark, and enigmatic at times, and really added a layer of depth to the story. His connection to Nic, and his character history, kept me intrigued.
I enjoyed the unpredictability, and the magical aspects of the story. There was never a dull moment. It was fast paced and thrilling, and definitely had some awesome twists. The only aspect I really didn't enjoy was the amount of sexual content thrown in involving Nic and her 16 year old friend Sarah. I'd say this would be more suitable for those over the age of 17. The book kept my interest, though and I am dying to get in to the next one! I'd rate it 3.5 stars.
This one was definitely a surprise for me. It was very different than what I have been reading lately. It was unique, and captivating, and full of unpredictability. It was a little confusing at times, and sometimes felt like it had too much going on, but it was enjoyable and intriguing all the same.
The synopsis is what attracted me first. I was promised a teenager serial killer with a wild ability and magical past. I was not disappointed in Nic's character at all. She was wild and dangerous and very cunning. I really loved how she used her deadly power and who she chose to murder with it. Though her heritage and story were a little hard to follow at times, I was impressed at the development surrounding her and her past. I don't think I have met a character quite like her before.
The story was full of deadly twists and turns. It was mysterious and very complex. There was a lot of world and history building, and though it didn't always make sense to me, it was unique enough to keep me reading and wanting more.
I was also fascinated by Aiden's character. He was dark, and enigmatic at times, and really added a layer of depth to the story. His connection to Nic, and his character history, kept me intrigued.
I enjoyed the unpredictability, and the magical aspects of the story. There was never a dull moment. It was fast paced and thrilling, and definitely had some awesome twists. The only aspect I really didn't enjoy was the amount of sexual content thrown in involving Nic and her 16 year old friend Sarah. I'd say this would be more suitable for those over the age of 17. The book kept my interest, though and I am dying to get in to the next one! I'd rate it 3.5 stars.
I received a free e-ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review per author request.
Jennifer L. Hart is also a member of #TheBookRobinHoods.
If you are an author looking for more reviews, or a reviewer looking to help out Indie/Self Published and Lesser Known Authors, make sure to click the link below and join us!
beckiebookworm1974's review
4.0
ARC BOOK REVIEW
Release Date-1/5/18
I really enjoyed The Goodnight Kiss; it totally managed to engage and hold my attention and I was hooked from the minute I opened this and started reading.
I initially was bouncing between a four or a five-star rating as there were some very slight issues here for me, but this did such a great job of entertaining me and was also glued to my hand throughout that I went with my initial gut feeling and awarded it its full five stars.
The plotline here revolves around sixteen-year-old Nic Rutherford a human with a strange ability to deliver a deadly death sentence with her kiss.
Adopted by her mysterious aunts and with no memories of her time before they entered her life Nic lives her life hidden in plain sight.
Covering up her inner nature with the help of teenage camouflage Nic embraces her inner killer all with a little help from her adopted family.
When a strange boy joins her school that only she recognises as out of place; Nic knows life as she knows it is about to take a huge side-step and Nic along with her new but strangely familiar friend is about to embark on a journey that she may or may not ultimately survive.
So this was a cool read that I found so easy to get lost in; it had great characters alongside a fantastic backdrop of mythology blended with fantasy.
I have a huge soft spot for anything that dabbles in the mythology ballpark and this went one step better blending into the mix Mythology, fantasy and the Fae so I was in heaven.
I found the fact that Nic herself claimed herself as A-Sexual; (a first for me in fiction) to be such a fascinating prospect, especially considering the backdrop of events here that later come to light.
Maybe that past even contributing to her current state of affairs.
I also loved Aiden Jager as well but did think that some past events could have been avoided if he had just stepped up to the plate and dealt.
He was not just a victim of others manipulations he also played a main role and the martyr mantle, in my opinion, is very overrated.
I understand the manipulations he was up against but he went in with his eyes wide open so totally new the score so to speak.
I guess what I'm trying to say is "The Goodnight Kiss" for me deals with imperfect individuals and nobody here was exactly blameless.
Trying to be vague here folks but it was the above that really made me consider dropping this a star.
So this was quite different to what I was initially expecting but in a totally positive way.
It had just the correct balance of ingredients to appeal and I'm really looking forward to the next instalment and seeing where this may actually go next especially in regards to the new tentative romance that is slowly blossoming between Nic and Aiden.
I was ecstatic this didn't conclude on a massive cliffhanger, we are just left with such anticipation for the next instalment.
This was for me a fantastic start to what looks to be a great new series.
So I was provided with an ARC of "The Goodnight Kiss (The Unseelie Court #1)" By Netgalley of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
literarymoonlight's review
4.0
I was given the eARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book so much! The plot was extremely driven and the world was constructed so beautifully and vividly! I can't wait to read the sequel! I'm legit shook!
I loved this book so much! The plot was extremely driven and the world was constructed so beautifully and vividly! I can't wait to read the sequel! I'm legit shook!
herasnook's review
5.0
This review can be read on my blog.
Monster, meet your match.
First of all, I have not devoured a book this fast for so long, I thought I was incapable of doing so anymore. That is until I read this book. To be honest, I didn’t have high expectations because I’ve never heard of this before, despite it not being published yet, but holy hell this blew me away! I was hooked from the first chapter.
To give you the gist of it, Nic is a badass teenager who is a judge, jury, and executioner of people who she thinks should be killed, and she does it by her Goodnight Kiss. Then something different happens, a new boy at school, that nobody has a specific memory of, shows up. Now, this isn’t the typical “Oh he’s so handsome, I will now proceed to behave out-of-character as I pine for this hunk of a man all the way through the school year,” because a) Nic doesn’t need no man, b) her senses tell her to be careful, c) this guy knows way too much about her, d) there are more pressing issues at hand, and e) the school storyline ends about 25% along the way.
You can tell that the author, Hart has fleshed this story out very carefully because there are twists, turns, and secrets that are revealed at just the right time. Not too soon to make your thoughts become dense with information, nor too late that you’ve already forgotten you want to know things.
The characters! At first sight, they all seem so perfectly badass. But the more I read, the more I realise they’re not as perfect as they seem, which is how it should be because it makes it all the more fun to see them behave irrationally with emotions instead of being predictable. I especially love how Nic realises she’s not actually a cold-hearted bitch, and that she actually has empathy, how it’s not only mentioned that she’s vegetarian, but she also packed a plant-based soap (love the detail!), and still behaves like a teenager despite her otherworldly powers.
I didn’t just kill them. I’ve damned their immortal souls.
Hashtag #Stillnotsorry.
I freaking love her. I also love how Aiden is so sneaky about getting away from following commands.
I love the incorporation of Nordic mythology in this book and how there’s no damning cliffhanger that just leaves me angrily waiting for the next one. Instead, it all comes round full circle, with some parts still unresolved, enough for me to feel satisfied but also eager to read the next one! There are some typos, but I’m sure it’ll be fixed by the release of the book this year.
In case you can’t tell, I highly recommend this book. Like, a lot.
I’ve received this book as an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
Monster, meet your match.
First of all, I have not devoured a book this fast for so long, I thought I was incapable of doing so anymore. That is until I read this book. To be honest, I didn’t have high expectations because I’ve never heard of this before, despite it not being published yet, but holy hell this blew me away! I was hooked from the first chapter.
To give you the gist of it, Nic is a badass teenager who is a judge, jury, and executioner of people who she thinks should be killed, and she does it by her Goodnight Kiss. Then something different happens, a new boy at school, that nobody has a specific memory of, shows up. Now, this isn’t the typical “Oh he’s so handsome, I will now proceed to behave out-of-character as I pine for this hunk of a man all the way through the school year,” because a) Nic doesn’t need no man, b) her senses tell her to be careful, c) this guy knows way too much about her, d) there are more pressing issues at hand, and e) the school storyline ends about 25% along the way.
You can tell that the author, Hart has fleshed this story out very carefully because there are twists, turns, and secrets that are revealed at just the right time. Not too soon to make your thoughts become dense with information, nor too late that you’ve already forgotten you want to know things.
The characters! At first sight, they all seem so perfectly badass. But the more I read, the more I realise they’re not as perfect as they seem, which is how it should be because it makes it all the more fun to see them behave irrationally with emotions instead of being predictable. I especially love how Nic realises she’s not actually a cold-hearted bitch, and that she actually has empathy, how it’s not only mentioned that she’s vegetarian, but she also packed a plant-based soap (love the detail!), and still behaves like a teenager despite her otherworldly powers.
I didn’t just kill them. I’ve damned their immortal souls.
Hashtag #Stillnotsorry.
I freaking love her. I also love how Aiden is so sneaky about getting away from following commands.
I love the incorporation of Nordic mythology in this book and how there’s no damning cliffhanger that just leaves me angrily waiting for the next one. Instead, it all comes round full circle, with some parts still unresolved, enough for me to feel satisfied but also eager to read the next one! There are some typos, but I’m sure it’ll be fixed by the release of the book this year.
In case you can’t tell, I highly recommend this book. Like, a lot.
I’ve received this book as an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
ladytook's review
3.0
3.5
This book definitely wasn’t what I was expecting, but that is a good thing. I’m not even sure what exactly I was thinking this book was going to be like, but I’m glad I gave it a shot, it was without a doubt the book I needed to read to finally get out of my book slump. One thing thought is that I don’t think this book is YA and more towards NA and while I do realize these kinds of things happens with younger people, I wish the MC was a little older, maybe 18/19, instead of 16/17, but it wasn’t enough for me to not enjoy the book. One thing that did surprise me, was the mythology on the book. While yes we have the common things that come with the Fae territory (courts, veil and etc), it was actually built around Norse Mythology (at first I thought it was actually going to be Greek, and that is my usual favourite, I liked this twist). I’m not all that versed in Norse mythology, but I know enough to like it when I find a book involving it (or any kind of mythology really), but I don’t think you need to really know anything about it to still be able to enjoy it. I enjoyed the characters, Nic seems like a cold-blooded killer at first, but the more we dive into the story, the more we learn about her the more I liked her and her development. I also really liked Aiden and even though I don’t agree with the way he did some things, I understand why he did it. And I really liked his relationship with Nic. There were some nice secondary characters, but I don’t think they actually got that much focus for me to say I properly liked them, I hope to see more of some of them in book 2 and I can’t wait to see what waits for these characters in the future.
* i received a copy of this book from Netgalley, but all thoughts and opinions are my own
This book definitely wasn’t what I was expecting, but that is a good thing. I’m not even sure what exactly I was thinking this book was going to be like, but I’m glad I gave it a shot, it was without a doubt the book I needed to read to finally get out of my book slump. One thing thought is that I don’t think this book is YA and more towards NA and while I do realize these kinds of things happens with younger people, I wish the MC was a little older, maybe 18/19, instead of 16/17, but it wasn’t enough for me to not enjoy the book. One thing that did surprise me, was the mythology on the book. While yes we have the common things that come with the Fae territory (courts, veil and etc), it was actually built around Norse Mythology (at first I thought it was actually going to be Greek, and that is my usual favourite, I liked this twist). I’m not all that versed in Norse mythology, but I know enough to like it when I find a book involving it (or any kind of mythology really), but I don’t think you need to really know anything about it to still be able to enjoy it. I enjoyed the characters, Nic seems like a cold-blooded killer at first, but the more we dive into the story, the more we learn about her the more I liked her and her development. I also really liked Aiden and even though I don’t agree with the way he did some things, I understand why he did it. And I really liked his relationship with Nic. There were some nice secondary characters, but I don’t think they actually got that much focus for me to say I properly liked them, I hope to see more of some of them in book 2 and I can’t wait to see what waits for these characters in the future.
* i received a copy of this book from Netgalley, but all thoughts and opinions are my own
multicoloredbookreviews's review
5.0
This book was SO. EFFIN'. GOOD!
Spoiler
Like, nothing -at all- ever went down like I expected it to. At every single turn, it kept surprising me. Do you know how rare that is nowadays? To not be able to predict what's gonna happen next? And not only that, but all throughout the book I was completely, 100% sucked into the story. No joke. I would look at the time, read a bit more, and by the time I looked again, 3 hours would have gone by.
Me. Except with a Kindle instead of a laptop. I'm so sleep dripreved RN it's not even funny.
I don't know what kind of sorcery went into making this book, but holy shit! I want more from where this came from.
Another thing I found to be absolutely fantastic was how the world building was done. It all kept unraveling and growing with each new sentence I read, and I was just amazed by it all. Again, I'm so surprised I wasn't even the tiniest bit bored during any of it. Jennifer certainly has a way with words.
It's true that fey aren't as overdone as werewolves and vampires in recent literature, but this book was just so different, original and unexpected.
And somehow, the author managed to make every single one of her characters unique and unforgettable in their own ways. The 'Aunts', Sarah, Aiden's grandmother and her lady love, not-Hel, Nahini and Freda. They're all memorable, and they're not even the main characters!
Nic was such an amazing heroine. Confident, strong and brave. At times selfish and reckless, but also calculating and compassionate. Stubborn, kickass, untrusting, but with such a big heart. She was so full of flaws and good qualities, it was impossible not to empathize with her and root for her.
And Aiden... lovely, loyal, burdened Aiden. Damn if I didn't fall a little in love with him. Every time he started talking feelings at Nic my heart melted. It also broke for all the horrible stuff he had to go through and endure. He deserves to be hugged, and loved, and cared for, and to just be happy.
The only thing I'd have to point out as a maybe downside is the fact that Nic is only 16. I would've liked it better if she were older, then again, part of the shock factor about her being a serial killer is the fact that she's not even out of HS yet. But because of all the mentions of nudity (oh, Aiden), how much rape and abuse is brought up throughout the story and the fact that she's an immortal Queen reincarnated, I kept forgetting how young she was. It was a bit of a shock every time I was reminded LOL.
Apart form that, I loved every aspect of this story so much. Then I found out the next book is scheduled to release August 1st.
Is there any way at all I can get an advanced copy? Pretty please? No?
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<3~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After reading this in preparation for book 2, I can honestly say it really holds up, though there's no mystery anymore.
This time around, and even though I know for a fact that's not what they look like, I couldn't help picturing Chloe and Addy as Sabrina's aunts, from the new-ish Netflix show. The personalities fit so perfectly, even if physically they're nothing alike! And from this moment onwards, I've decided Freda looks like a slightly younger version of Lagertha from Vikings.
adominiquereads's review
4.0
I received an ARC ebook copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review
This is also a non-spoilery review, so that you guys can go ahead and read everything.
“ ‘Dare airson aisling,’ Aiden says softly. Dare for a dream.”
The first thing that captured my interest in this book was that Jennifer L. Hart told me that I was going to love this one because it was a similar tone to ACOTAR. If you guys know me fully well, that alone would have made me read the book without even reading its blurb or asking what it would be about. But like the good reader that I am, I had to check out the synopsis of the book.
The Goodnight Kiss is the first book in The Unseelie Court series. The series title alone was more than enough for me to know that we would be dealing with the Fae and its 2 infamous courts. Our main character, Nic Rutherford is almost like your regular 16 year old teenager, living with her aunts who run a veterinary clinic and a best friend who likes to party. But she has a secret power - her kiss is deadly. Yes! Like Sleeping Beauty or Snow White's Prince Charmings but with a totally reverse effect. Nic hunts down sexual predators and essentially bad people, luring them into her trap until she gives them her deadly kiss which she calls the Goodnight Kiss. So she's basically like a vigilante-slash-grim reaper to the bad people in her area. She's pretty independent and badass, so I loved Nic already at the beginning.
I loved how this book was a mix of urban fantasy and mythology at the same time. For the fantasy lover in me, I adored how we finally get to explore here the inner happenings in the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. Most books I have read that tackle on the Fae don't usually delve much into this aspect of the stories (apart from Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter Chronicles) It is such a huge world that can give a lot of possibilities to a story to make it even better. So kudos to the author for giving us a new twist to the Fae courts and the world beyond it. Also, if you're a huge mythology fan, this book is worth check out. I didn't expect the Norse mythology to be mixed into it. That was actually why I couldn't give it the full 5 stars rating, because I don't know much about Norse mythology (aside from what I only know from Thor and Loki in the Marvel Universe). But I'm a bit glad that it came with a few stories here and there, so I wasn't completely confused most of the time.
If you're looking for romance in this book, you wouldn't be disappointed. The relationship between Nic and Aiden is very thrilling yet complicated. I'm actually surprised that this book is YA, and not New Adult because of the romantic scenes, aside from the violence, social issues, and trigger points that surrounded the whole book. This is not an insta-love story, which I love, especially at how young Nic was in the book, and I just hated the whole idea of teenagers quickly falling in love.
Also, the diversity in this book is epic! This is my first time to encounter an asexual character in a book, and I enjoyed viewing it from Nic's perspective a lot. While I'm very much open to all sexual identities in books, this pretty much took me by surprise - in a good way. We get to watch Nic try to solve the mysteries of her attraction to Aiden because she never felt anything like sexual attraction before. And Nic isn't the only LGBTQ character in the book.
Judging from what I've read so far, I did enjoy the book a lot, though there were only a few hints of ACOTAR in it. But even without it, I would have enjoyed reading it. I can't wait to read the next book, especially with that small cliffhanger at the end.
This is also a non-spoilery review, so that you guys can go ahead and read everything.
“ ‘Dare airson aisling,’ Aiden says softly. Dare for a dream.”
The first thing that captured my interest in this book was that Jennifer L. Hart told me that I was going to love this one because it was a similar tone to ACOTAR. If you guys know me fully well, that alone would have made me read the book without even reading its blurb or asking what it would be about. But like the good reader that I am, I had to check out the synopsis of the book.
The Goodnight Kiss is the first book in The Unseelie Court series. The series title alone was more than enough for me to know that we would be dealing with the Fae and its 2 infamous courts. Our main character, Nic Rutherford is almost like your regular 16 year old teenager, living with her aunts who run a veterinary clinic and a best friend who likes to party. But she has a secret power - her kiss is deadly. Yes! Like Sleeping Beauty or Snow White's Prince Charmings but with a totally reverse effect. Nic hunts down sexual predators and essentially bad people, luring them into her trap until she gives them her deadly kiss which she calls the Goodnight Kiss. So she's basically like a vigilante-slash-grim reaper to the bad people in her area. She's pretty independent and badass, so I loved Nic already at the beginning.
I loved how this book was a mix of urban fantasy and mythology at the same time. For the fantasy lover in me, I adored how we finally get to explore here the inner happenings in the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. Most books I have read that tackle on the Fae don't usually delve much into this aspect of the stories (apart from Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter Chronicles) It is such a huge world that can give a lot of possibilities to a story to make it even better. So kudos to the author for giving us a new twist to the Fae courts and the world beyond it. Also, if you're a huge mythology fan, this book is worth check out. I didn't expect the Norse mythology to be mixed into it. That was actually why I couldn't give it the full 5 stars rating, because I don't know much about Norse mythology (aside from what I only know from Thor and Loki in the Marvel Universe). But I'm a bit glad that it came with a few stories here and there, so I wasn't completely confused most of the time.
If you're looking for romance in this book, you wouldn't be disappointed. The relationship between Nic and Aiden is very thrilling yet complicated. I'm actually surprised that this book is YA, and not New Adult because of the romantic scenes, aside from the violence, social issues, and trigger points that surrounded the whole book. This is not an insta-love story, which I love, especially at how young Nic was in the book, and I just hated the whole idea of teenagers quickly falling in love.
Also, the diversity in this book is epic! This is my first time to encounter an asexual character in a book, and I enjoyed viewing it from Nic's perspective a lot. While I'm very much open to all sexual identities in books, this pretty much took me by surprise - in a good way. We get to watch Nic try to solve the mysteries of her attraction to Aiden because she never felt anything like sexual attraction before. And Nic isn't the only LGBTQ character in the book.
Judging from what I've read so far, I did enjoy the book a lot, though there were only a few hints of ACOTAR in it. But even without it, I would have enjoyed reading it. I can't wait to read the next book, especially with that small cliffhanger at the end.
marie_thereadingotter's review
4.0
Review:
http://pagestoexplore.blogspot.com/2018/05/review-goodnight-kiss-by-jennifer-l-hart.html
http://pagestoexplore.blogspot.com/2018/05/review-goodnight-kiss-by-jennifer-l-hart.html
bookgyrl's review
5.0
A teenage serial killer... mmmm. Not the usual Jennifer L. Hart-fare, right? I have been reading her books a couple of years now and she warned us this would different, darker. I thought I would skip it, but then it was on NetGalley and I couldn't keep myself from requesting it.
Nic is 16 years old and lives with her two adoptive 'aunts'. She has one friend, Sarah, and when she goes out she lures sexual predators and kisses them. Her kiss (the Goodnight Kiss) kills them and the aunts make sure the body disappears. And then one day at school a new boy (Aiden) approaches her and everyone acts as if he has been there all along. But Nic recognizes his eyes as those from a wolf she has seen before.
Soon we are on an adventure across the veil to a world of fey, giants and other creatures. I won't spoil any more, but I was engrossed in this story. Yes, it is a bit dark but not too dark for me. I really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next in the series. It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but not too big. Enough to want the rest of the story.
You could say this is YA as Nic is 16 and Aiden 17, but you will understand when you read it that it is not actually the case.
*** I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review. ***
Nic is 16 years old and lives with her two adoptive 'aunts'. She has one friend, Sarah, and when she goes out she lures sexual predators and kisses them. Her kiss (the Goodnight Kiss) kills them and the aunts make sure the body disappears. And then one day at school a new boy (Aiden) approaches her and everyone acts as if he has been there all along. But Nic recognizes his eyes as those from a wolf she has seen before.
Soon we are on an adventure across the veil to a world of fey, giants and other creatures. I won't spoil any more, but I was engrossed in this story. Yes, it is a bit dark but not too dark for me. I really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next in the series. It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but not too big. Enough to want the rest of the story.
You could say this is YA as Nic is 16 and Aiden 17, but you will understand when you read it that it is not actually the case.
*** I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley and this is my honest and voluntary review. ***
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