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selenajean's review against another edition
1.0
I only finished it for my books read goal. No depth to the characters, the character building that was there made them unlikable. The paranormal element was interesting but there was not enough detail to make a good story. There was also insta-love too which for me is not always a bad thing but she was bitchy and he was an ass so it sucked. "Why would he like her or her him" was all I could think while reading it. Plus the guy trapped her with him with sex without her knowing which was yucky.
sarah_reads_things's review against another edition
1.0
I'm not exactly sure what I assumed this book would be like based on the blurb+cover art, but I'm fairly certain I wouldn't have spent any time reading this had I known what was lurking in the pages. I mean - misogynistic, xenophobic, classist, sexist, coerced consent, kind of exploitative books might be some people's cup of tea, but not mine.
The Premise:
Just-graduated-from HS headstrong chic decides to road trip it w/ her bestie from NY to NOLA to work a summer with her dad at this shiny hotel he bought. She discovers the supernatural world exists and her world is forever changed with the help of a hot guy (and lots of alcohol).
The Good:
I did appreciate the voice of the protagonist Allison (aka Aly, aka Al, aka couldn't land on a name or even a nickname) - I didn't get 30 pages describing her own body or groping her own breasts in order for the reader to ascertain that the female lead looked OMG PERFECT. The author instead let the little descriptive bits drop in where story-appropriate. Read like a naive 18 year old's world view (completely assured of herself and confident that everyone else was wrong ... while knowing absolutely nothing at all), and I'm going to give benefit of the doubt to the author that it was intended to read this way and not accidental characterization.
The Bad:
The secondary characters were ... there. No really - I know there were other characters in this book but they all existed only to drive the plot and half the time didn't actually dig into what would have been interesting to dig into. Even Levi was one-dimensional and existed because he was hot, apparently. Also, an utter idiot - he wasn't even a classic 'bad boy' - he was just flat out a pig and had zero emotional growth over the book. But mostly because he's hot.
There were random bad guys. Sort of. I think they were supposed to be bad - they were poor (important in this book - did I mention the classism? Yeah...) and didn't know how to bathe and totally into rapey ways to make sure the reader knows they're Bad Guys. Not really sure ultimately who they were or what point there was other than to create a damsel in distress moment ... but there were bad guys who showed up. Tick that external conflict box.
There was plot! ... sort of. I'm still not quite sure what the point was or even if there was a point. And it led up to the end of the book, which stories should do. End, I mean. This one ended, thank goodness, but I don't think it was because the sort-of-plot resolved itself. I know based on the title that this is book one of a series, but the ending should be a springboard into the next book after resolving the first, not a trip-and-bellyflop-into-the-deep-end-of-the-pool accidental ending.
The most disappointing thing about this (okay, there was a lot disappointing, see the first paragraph) was how little world-building there was in the building of a supernatural world. It had so much promise and ways it could have delved into the politics, into the life and beauty and character of New Orleans (I do wonder if the author has ever even looked at a picture of New Orleans and rather just googled the city to find the Wiki page which was then forgotten among lots of open tabs and closed without reading), into the supernatural themselves (brief mention of genetics and then Ms Protagonist who really wants to study bio in school - not business - is all 'booooring' when supernatural genetics comes up. Really?! Aren't genetics ... no, nevermind. I'm trying to apply reason to a brain!candy-book.)
Instead, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina is used as a gimmick, there are sort-of-plot arcs but no story arcs, and then all the 'isms of the opening paragraph. So. Many. 'isms. It'd be one thing if the author intended to delve into classism/racism/sexism with the foundations of a supernatural world - that would be super interesting and I'd read the hell out of that.
However, that doesn't happen. At all. The wealthy use prejudice and discrimination to stay wealthy (with no consequence), the boy figuratively owns the girl and literally coerces her into giving up everything because he really really likes her and can't help himself from acting like a chauvinistic meathead (with no consequence), and every single male dude is basically a patronizing jerk. Except her dad. Who is really a non-issue but might know about the supernatural? Maybe?
Read at your own peril, and definitely don't listen to the audiobook version of this because the narration is pretty much just dreadful.
The Premise:
Just-graduated-from HS headstrong chic decides to road trip it w/ her bestie from NY to NOLA to work a summer with her dad at this shiny hotel he bought. She discovers the supernatural world exists and her world is forever changed with the help of a hot guy (and lots of alcohol).
The Good:
I did appreciate the voice of the protagonist Allison (aka Aly, aka Al, aka couldn't land on a name or even a nickname) - I didn't get 30 pages describing her own body or groping her own breasts in order for the reader to ascertain that the female lead looked OMG PERFECT. The author instead let the little descriptive bits drop in where story-appropriate. Read like a naive 18 year old's world view (completely assured of herself and confident that everyone else was wrong ... while knowing absolutely nothing at all), and I'm going to give benefit of the doubt to the author that it was intended to read this way and not accidental characterization.
The Bad:
The secondary characters were ... there. No really - I know there were other characters in this book but they all existed only to drive the plot and half the time didn't actually dig into what would have been interesting to dig into. Even Levi was one-dimensional and existed because he was hot, apparently. Also, an utter idiot - he wasn't even a classic 'bad boy' - he was just flat out a pig and had zero emotional growth over the book. But mostly because he's hot.
There were random bad guys. Sort of. I think they were supposed to be bad - they were poor (important in this book - did I mention the classism? Yeah...) and didn't know how to bathe and totally into rapey ways to make sure the reader knows they're Bad Guys. Not really sure ultimately who they were or what point there was other than to create a damsel in distress moment ... but there were bad guys who showed up. Tick that external conflict box.
There was plot! ... sort of. I'm still not quite sure what the point was or even if there was a point. And it led up to the end of the book, which stories should do. End, I mean. This one ended, thank goodness, but I don't think it was because the sort-of-plot resolved itself. I know based on the title that this is book one of a series, but the ending should be a springboard into the next book after resolving the first, not a trip-and-bellyflop-into-the-deep-end-of-the-pool accidental ending.
The most disappointing thing about this (okay, there was a lot disappointing, see the first paragraph) was how little world-building there was in the building of a supernatural world. It had so much promise and ways it could have delved into the politics, into the life and beauty and character of New Orleans (I do wonder if the author has ever even looked at a picture of New Orleans and rather just googled the city to find the Wiki page which was then forgotten among lots of open tabs and closed without reading), into the supernatural themselves (brief mention of genetics and then Ms Protagonist who really wants to study bio in school - not business - is all 'booooring' when supernatural genetics comes up. Really?! Aren't genetics ... no, nevermind. I'm trying to apply reason to a brain!candy-book.)
Instead, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina is used as a gimmick, there are sort-of-plot arcs but no story arcs, and then all the 'isms of the opening paragraph. So. Many. 'isms. It'd be one thing if the author intended to delve into classism/racism/sexism with the foundations of a supernatural world - that would be super interesting and I'd read the hell out of that.
However, that doesn't happen. At all. The wealthy use prejudice and discrimination to stay wealthy (with no consequence), the boy figuratively owns the girl and literally coerces her into giving up everything because he really really likes her and can't help himself from acting like a chauvinistic meathead (with no consequence), and every single male dude is basically a patronizing jerk. Except her dad. Who is really a non-issue but might know about the supernatural? Maybe?
Read at your own peril, and definitely don't listen to the audiobook version of this because the narration is pretty much just dreadful.
clgaston31's review against another edition
5.0
I picked up this book by Alyssa Rose Ivy because it was recommended by another book lover! Let me tell you, I became a huge fan of Alyssa Rose Ivy from this book!
Allie... Trying to get away from her crazy obsessive ex, she goes to New Orleans to work at her fathers hotel. She wanted a fun summer that was free from boys. As soon as she landed her eyes on Levi, she knew that was going to change.
Levi... He is the mysterious and sexy stranger Allie met at her fathers hotel in New Orleans. She thought she would have a little fun this summer before heading off to college in the fall. Little did she know, but Levi changed all those plans after the first time they hung out.
This book had me hooked! I have read one other book from Alyssa Rose Ivy, but this book is what made me become a huge fan. Of course after reading this book, I immediately purchased book 2 to continue the series.
Allie... Trying to get away from her crazy obsessive ex, she goes to New Orleans to work at her fathers hotel. She wanted a fun summer that was free from boys. As soon as she landed her eyes on Levi, she knew that was going to change.
Levi... He is the mysterious and sexy stranger Allie met at her fathers hotel in New Orleans. She thought she would have a little fun this summer before heading off to college in the fall. Little did she know, but Levi changed all those plans after the first time they hung out.
This book had me hooked! I have read one other book from Alyssa Rose Ivy, but this book is what made me become a huge fan. Of course after reading this book, I immediately purchased book 2 to continue the series.
mommydavis11's review against another edition
5.0
At first I thought the book was too predictable, to easy but then the plot Thickened and I LOVE it.
chelsea2020's review against another edition
3.0
I have to say, I was highly unimpressed with the overwhelming amount of teen-angst going on in this book. Thank the lord it didn't take me more than a day to finish!! I could hardly stand another moment of eye-roll-inducing comments. I swear, I spent more time rolling my eyes at the clichéd and just downright obnoxious comments through the majority of this book.
For those of you who adore angsty, ridiculous, young adult drama, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU. If you were hoping for any kind of action/entertainment then you are SOL, since there were maybe 3 total drama-ish scenes in this entire book. Overall, not real happy with my decision to read this book, but I've started the series and there's only 2 more left (both out already), so I may as well finish. Here going everything.
For those of you who adore angsty, ridiculous, young adult drama, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU. If you were hoping for any kind of action/entertainment then you are SOL, since there were maybe 3 total drama-ish scenes in this entire book. Overall, not real happy with my decision to read this book, but I've started the series and there's only 2 more left (both out already), so I may as well finish. Here going everything.
cala_p's review against another edition
5.0
I haven't read a book this amazing in a long time. Every aspect of this novel took my breath away. I read it in under two hours; I couldn't put it down!
I could say so much, but I'll stop here because I'm excited to start book two, especially after that cliffhanger....
This book is worth every second of someone's time. It does not disappoint.
I could say so much, but I'll stop here because I'm excited to start book two, especially after that cliffhanger....
This book is worth every second of someone's time. It does not disappoint.
klarybelmillo's review against another edition
3.0
OKAY. WHO EVEN HAS A NEW LIKE LEVIATHAN. THAT'S HOT.
celjla212's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 STARS
Allie thinks she is embarking on an adventure by going to New Orleans the summer before she starts college to work in her father's hotel. But when she meets the fun and sexy Levi, she has no idea just how much adventure she is getting into.
By getting involved with Levi, she also learns about the secret he hides. Allie never expected to spend her summer like this.
This book was pretty short and the synopsis was vague, so I didn't really know what to expect when I started it. But the supernatural aspect was pretty unique.
At the beginning it is noted that Allie is pretty structured, and definitely not looking for a boyfriend since she's just gotten out of a relationship. But when she meets Levi, her protests are feeble at best and she agrees to go out with him rather quickly.
I'm not saying this was insta-love, exactly, but the relationship between Levi and Allie seemed to progress rather quickly. And then, once he revealed what he really was, it seemed to intensify. I know the book was short but I wish the relationship would have gone through a bit more development.
We get to know Allie somewhat, since the story is told through her first person perspective. But we hardly learn anything at all about Levi. Maybe in the next book of the series we will go deeper into his character, and also learn more about his history and the history of his family.
The end was kind of a conundrum for me...I saw some things coming, but I appreciated the way Allie dealt with them. Let's just say if a guy had done to me what Levi had done to her, I'd probably be a lot more livid than she was though. I was very disappointed in Levi for his actions.
I flew through the book quickly and I'll probably read the next one. This was a unique take on the supernatural, but I wish the plot itself had a little more originality.
Allie thinks she is embarking on an adventure by going to New Orleans the summer before she starts college to work in her father's hotel. But when she meets the fun and sexy Levi, she has no idea just how much adventure she is getting into.
By getting involved with Levi, she also learns about the secret he hides. Allie never expected to spend her summer like this.
This book was pretty short and the synopsis was vague, so I didn't really know what to expect when I started it. But the supernatural aspect was pretty unique.
At the beginning it is noted that Allie is pretty structured, and definitely not looking for a boyfriend since she's just gotten out of a relationship. But when she meets Levi, her protests are feeble at best and she agrees to go out with him rather quickly.
I'm not saying this was insta-love, exactly, but the relationship between Levi and Allie seemed to progress rather quickly. And then, once he revealed what he really was, it seemed to intensify. I know the book was short but I wish the relationship would have gone through a bit more development.
We get to know Allie somewhat, since the story is told through her first person perspective. But we hardly learn anything at all about Levi. Maybe in the next book of the series we will go deeper into his character, and also learn more about his history and the history of his family.
The end was kind of a conundrum for me...I saw some things coming, but I appreciated the way Allie dealt with them. Let's just say if a guy had done to me what Levi had done to her, I'd probably be a lot more livid than she was though. I was very disappointed in Levi for his actions.
I flew through the book quickly and I'll probably read the next one. This was a unique take on the supernatural, but I wish the plot itself had a little more originality.
viviennemorgain's review against another edition
3.0
This book is so bad, you simply have to read it. It's totally inane and at some point it gets to be a twisted Twilight. And it has some laugh out loud awful lines.
Jess, our heroine's best friend is the stupidest flirt and the worst possible friend.
Levi has the worst ever pick up lines, he's a very bad imitation of a very twisted Edward and Jace rolled into one.
And at some point the author forgets the age of the heroine and gets her into some pretty mature mess.
I picked the book because of the setting. It was a big mistake. Just like anyone else this author couldn't exploit the potential of a special setting either. So why pick a special setting if you don't make anything of it?!
If it didn't become a twisted Twilight it actually could be a very entertaining bad book.
Jess, our heroine's best friend is the stupidest flirt and the worst possible friend.
Levi has the worst ever pick up lines, he's a very bad imitation of a very twisted Edward and Jace rolled into one.
And at some point the author forgets the age of the heroine and gets her into some pretty mature mess.
I picked the book because of the setting. It was a big mistake. Just like anyone else this author couldn't exploit the potential of a special setting either. So why pick a special setting if you don't make anything of it?!
If it didn't become a twisted Twilight it actually could be a very entertaining bad book.
sallashelves's review against another edition
3.0
2,5 stars
One of those books you read through in one sitting. The plot grips you, but leaves you hanging from a cliff.
One of those books you read through in one sitting. The plot grips you, but leaves you hanging from a cliff.