Reviews with content warning for Murder - Souls and Sorrows

I actually think this one is my favorite so far in the series. The story is based off of Eros and Psyche - which is another favorite Olympian couple. The two main leads revolve two characters we seen previously- Ariana (Elena’s younger sister) and Cash (Lenny’s older brother.) It can be read as a stand alone, although best be read with the previous four books beforehand.

To me, Cash and Ariana has had the best chemistry so far. I liked their banter and their soft moments. It was fun to read Arianna push Cash’s buttons.

While sex was a big topic and eventually quite a handful of smut scenes- they did have a nice build up to it. Also, their time together wasn’t just sex driven. Cash tries to prove that this isn’t all a big charade and indulges in his sweet side by acts of services.

I personally really liked this one is because I didn’t get lost or find bits of information confusing like I did in the previous two books.

The only time I had to stop and go back and reread a few previous chapters was when the final plot twist came in. Going back to reread Cash’s perspective on certain scenes again really helped and made thinks click altogether. I also noticed lines, I didn’t pay much attention to before. Which helped with overall plot twist.

I liked Ariana, but her decision not to see go see the body or go through with the autopsy. Was kind of a stupid move and her father was right pointing it out. Looking back, it makes the plot twist a little predictable.

As usual, I love seeing Kal and Elena again. It was interesting to see Elena in this light. Their little sisterhood needs mending.

It was so heartwarming seeing Kal in father mode. I actually like the brother-in-law role that Kal has for himself. He cares not just for Elena, but for her loved ones.

Ariana, I liked her spunk. She was definitely afraid to be a little bratty. She definitely is the person to call out as it is. But her backstory, I get why her and Kal have that connection.

Cash, I think he has to be one my faves MMC Along with Alistair. The whole smart, clean-cut lawyer vibe-with the glasses who is actually possessive and a little crazy. Kinda did it for me. ̶(̶H̶e̶ ̶k̶e̶p̶t̶ ̶s̶a̶y̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶h̶o̶w̶ ̶h̶e̶ ̶w̶a̶s̶ ̶g̶o̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶p̶u̶t̶ ̶A̶r̶i̶a̶n̶a̶ ̶o̶v̶e̶r̶ ̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶k̶n̶e̶e̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶b̶o̶y̶,̶ ̶I̶ ̶w̶a̶s̶ ̶w̶a̶i̶t̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶f̶o̶r̶ ̶i̶t̶)̶

“𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘱 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘦, 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥'𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥'𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯: 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦”

The only thing I wished the author should have maybe expanded on was why Ronnie, the driver was the first notified that Ariana’s dad was dead. Even Cash seemed confused as to why. There was a slight explanation, but it didn’t clear the issue entirely as Cash was still suspicious.

The epilogue- eh. A little gorey for me. But Cash and Ariana were sweet at the end.

Overall, I liked. It was an interesting read and the story worked. The book was dark and gritty but there was so much depth to the romance, obsession,and the hurt/comfort that it balanced out. This one is my favorite so far, but I’m interested in how the last book will pan out and compare to the others.

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sm_ash's review

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

What the fuck was this book even about? What was the plot??? Cash's entire "reasoning" for marrying Ariana wasn't explained throughout. It was all just their whining and sex.

the "surprise" factor of keeping Papa alive was so obvious. Also - I love dark romance to its core but Cash constantly referring to Ariana as his property and how she needed to "behave" before they had even set any ground rules or expectations gave me the instant ick. I just couldn't like either of them

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chelsearose's review

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

5.0

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charbookchar's review

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dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

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tguccione's review

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challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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thesmutsister_emma's review

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dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Timeline? What Timeline?
Alright, I'm going to start this one off with I truly was just burnt out when I read this book and my brain might have just been fried beyond belief. Despite this, what the actual hell was the timeline in this book? I'm going to need someone to draw it out for me because I was so lost.

The Characters
Ariana: Is Ari bat shit crazy? Yes. Do I relate to her more than I have any of the other FMCs in this series? Also yes. Something y'all don't seem to realize is that we "crazy bitches" take care of shit. What needs to get done will be done and we will have a wonderful time ruining everything (hey, Taylor). Ari really said, "Oh there's a problem? Here. Solution," even if the solution is literally framing her own death. ( THAT IS NOT IN THE BOOK. THAT IS NOT A SPOILER. )
Cash: Cash. Oh, Cash. Bless his little heart. He tries. He really does. Half the time he is just like any man I have ever met and is just clueless and wandering around with no aim. Again, bless his heart. He honestly was a great MMC though. I was honestly was rocking with Cash because Cash is rocking with us. Poor thing did everything he could to keep Ari happy and safe.

Things I Loved
I honestly loved like. Most of the book. I loved the dynamic between Ari and Cash even if it did get on my nerves at times and I was screaming at my Kindle or laptop for them to just get it over with and fuck already 😅 It was pretty good. This one felt more plot heavy than the others, which I am not complaining, just wasn't expecting.

Things I Didn't Love
I truly think it wasn't just me when it came to the timeline. I wish that part had been more clear but otherwise it was great.

The Final Verdict
I feel like those of you who love Sad and can do with the more plot heaviness of this book will really enjoy it. I do feel like getting the timeline straightened out first will help most and trying to record the timeline while reading will be beneficial as well.

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sabsboutin's review

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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lyssalandart's review

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

One of my absolute favorites in the series! Eros and Psyche inspired stories are some of my favorite books to read and Miller did not disappoint. Loved it. Excited for the next one.

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