Scan barcode
pissylissy666's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is easily one of the darker books I’ve ever read. The triggers are serious and I was truly not prepared for how deep this gets (luckily this stuff isn’t triggering for me) but I ATE THIS UP. I love the dark stories of both women, the plot twists (meh kind of predictable) but still a couple got me gooooooood! I was VERY VERY worried I wouldn’t get a happily ever after in this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Religious bigotry, Murder, and Sexual harassment
sapphicstars's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
vvalley's review
Won’t lie will never finish this book and will most likely avoid this author again this was a DNF book and my biggest criticism for real is that the author needs to learn other words than fuck // Edit Mar 29,2024 : just going through my reviews and just had to say getting to 43% of this book was a challenge every other word was fuck I started highlighting every fuck or an iteration of the word I came across over 250 in the first 40 percent it’s excessive really just for that reason alone I can’t and will not finish this book the rape scene was not needed as well but maybe that’s just me I will not pick up a book by Liza James in the future but I wish her luck 0 ⭐️
ohthatellie's review
5.0
This book took me on such a roller coaster ride. I suspected a few plot points but nothing prepared me for the onslaught of reveals we received. I was so shocked, so surprised. I don't surprise easily so when it happens it truly is a special thing. I highly recommend that you go into this book as blindly as possible. You will get more satisfaction in just letting the story unravel naturally and go through all the emotions our heroines experience throughout. Please be aware though, that there are quite a few trigger warnings with this book. It's been a long time since I read a book that defined the genre "dark" and this one fits the bill.
The thing I loved the most about this book is that both Ruby and Aura have been through so much in their lives. They both have suffered in the hands from those that should have loved and protected them but they found those things with each other. They fought so hard to keep it doing unimaginable things, damn the consequences and what society or religion or anyone else thinks about them and their relationship. The book is not afraid to take things to the next level and really makes you think about what you would do in those situations and question things about yourself that you are too scared to face. I have to say that's a true testament to Liza James' writing. She's not afraid to go there and I respect any author that makes you face the truth that life is never truly black and white, including our heroines.
As an aside, while I was reading Vibe, I started thinking about how people really look down on the romance genre. They think that the genre is full of formulaic and cliché writing. That it's nothing but cheesy dialogue and written for bored housewives. They have no idea that some books have so much depth and nuance and not afraid to delve into the deep and dark side of humanity like this book does. The satisfaction of going through a journey of self discovery with our heroines together amidst obstacle after obstacle. But hey, their loss is my gain.
The thing I loved the most about this book is that both Ruby and Aura have been through so much in their lives. They both have suffered in the hands from those that should have loved and protected them but they found those things with each other. They fought so hard to keep it doing unimaginable things, damn the consequences and what society or religion or anyone else thinks about them and their relationship. The book is not afraid to take things to the next level and really makes you think about what you would do in those situations and question things about yourself that you are too scared to face. I have to say that's a true testament to Liza James' writing. She's not afraid to go there and I respect any author that makes you face the truth that life is never truly black and white, including our heroines.
As an aside, while I was reading Vibe, I started thinking about how people really look down on the romance genre. They think that the genre is full of formulaic and cliché writing. That it's nothing but cheesy dialogue and written for bored housewives. They have no idea that some books have so much depth and nuance and not afraid to delve into the deep and dark side of humanity like this book does. The satisfaction of going through a journey of self discovery with our heroines together amidst obstacle after obstacle. But hey, their loss is my gain.
sydnienovareads's review
5.0
This book was truly amazing! The "vibe" between the two main female characters was UNREAL, chemistry off the charts, and sexy as all get out. BUt this isn't just a love story between two women who "vibe" well together...no, no. This is a story rooted in trauma. Aura comes from a cult background which indoctrinated her from a young age and from which she escaped and is constantly running from the memory of. Ruby is a sexy as sin exotic dancer who offers Aura a chance to break free from her rigid constraints of "getting by" from life after The Nation. There is danger in their attraction--not just because it challenges Aura's earlier indoctrination and preconceived idea of her sexual identity, but also because with every new person she meets, she risks letting someone from The Nation sneak into her life. Is Ruby safe in her life? Is anyone? But the more they become entangled with one another, the question no longer becomes whether Aura is safe from Ruby, but whether Aura can keep Ruby safe as well.
auraleres's review against another edition
1.0
well that was terrible. i couldn't help but think about other works i've read which dealt with similar themes that were handled miles better. ALSO? not a single non-white character in this book. they're living in brooklyn and you think i'm supposed to believe that there's not a single POC in sight? yeahhh.. right..
i'll give it one thing tho, it was an easy read.
i'll give it one thing tho, it was an easy read.
sydnienovareads's review against another edition
5.0
This book was truly amazing! The "vibe" between the two main female characters was UNREAL, chemistry off the charts, and sexy as all get out. BUt this isn't just a love story between two women who "vibe" well together...no, no. This is a story rooted in trauma. Aura comes from a cult background which indoctrinated her from a young age and from which she escaped and is constantly running from the memory of. Ruby is a sexy as sin exotic dancer who offers Aura a chance to break free from her rigid constraints of "getting by" from life after The Nation. There is danger in their attraction--not just because it challenges Aura's earlier indoctrination and preconceived idea of her sexual identity, but also because with every new person she meets, she risks letting someone from The Nation sneak into her life. Is Ruby safe in her life? Is anyone? But the more they become entangled with one another, the question no longer becomes whether Aura is safe from Ruby, but whether Aura can keep Ruby safe as well.
kennedyvaughan's review against another edition
5.0
This was the exact book I needed that I didn’t know I needed. The storyline, the freedom, it’s entirety. It starts with a girl that was raised in a cult and follows her story as she blossoms into something new and electric. The path she takes to find herself in a wild that wants to morph her into their own expectations makes you question who you are and what you are looking for. It makes you ask yourself “who do you want to be?”.