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daniela_endless_tbr's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/6.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5.
* Annotated paperback done by Jenn from The Book Refuge.*
I had a conversation with a friend after reading this and that made me appreciate this book even more. One could have really good and powerfull conversations just surrounding the themes of this book and the characters.
Elena is like a version of me and i loved her. I had an idea of who she was in High School but seeing how and why she became who she is now really made sense to me. I loved how unshakable she is when its stuff that people do or say to her even if others don't understand how she can be like that. Most would call her a bitch just because she doesn't take shit and tell them how it is. To me that's being sure of who you are while also being aware of yourself and making sure no one messes with what you consider your people. That's being strong. Not giving what bullies want which is a reaction is exactly what you should do. Held your head high, chin up and be a badass bitch like you know you can be. Showing emotion is a reaction no matter what kind so why play their games? If people wanna call you ice queen or a bitch just because you're you, let them. They don't enter the equation of what you are. In the great schemes of things people like that appear on your life just to teach you how to take on the world and have thick skin. Like Elena said: Fuck the patriarchy! Be true to yourself always and don't let others tell you how to be you or how to live your life. Keep it real with people that matter and knows the real you, like Elena did, and you will be for sure feel better about everything in my humble opinion.
I basically loved everything Elena and i loved Lock and their connection. It was a beautiful romance between them that i simply couldn't stop reading and listening. The narrators were really good.
I loved how down to earth Lock was and that he means what he says. You just have to pay attention and not put words in his mouth much like Elena did. I very much loved that about him. I also loved that it didn't take him long to realize when he fucked up and apologize no matter what Elena said, over and over again. Yes , he messed up a couple times but he was mature enough to realize his mistakes and rectify them.
He's also very protective of his Elsa and i was goo over it! When he took gum out of her hair? I was a puddle! I'm very much like Elena, you can mess with everything i have except my hair. And my books.
Misunderstandings happened along the way but that's just because they are similar in some ways but Lock was a pillar, unshakable when it came to get his Elsa back. I also loved how Elena just didn't give in when sense was knocked into Lock, she made him work for it and i appreciated that.
Lock breathing life into Elena bit by bit was beautiful to see.
Julien was a highlight in all of this. Truly. I loved the man and he's a side character but i bet his book is next. If not i will be disappointed.
I also liked that both their parents got their shit together, it was about time.
I'm regretting a bit not reading about Elena's journey from the very beginning cause i'm sure i would've love her even more. Even without all of that knowledge she's still a Top Female Character of all time. I think Lock could be a book boyfriend for sure, i'll have to do one of those.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5.
* Annotated paperback done by Jenn from The Book Refuge.*
I had a conversation with a friend after reading this and that made me appreciate this book even more. One could have really good and powerfull conversations just surrounding the themes of this book and the characters.
Elena is like a version of me and i loved her. I had an idea of who she was in High School but seeing how and why she became who she is now really made sense to me. I loved how unshakable she is when its stuff that people do or say to her even if others don't understand how she can be like that. Most would call her a bitch just because she doesn't take shit and tell them how it is. To me that's being sure of who you are while also being aware of yourself and making sure no one messes with what you consider your people. That's being strong. Not giving what bullies want which is a reaction is exactly what you should do. Held your head high, chin up and be a badass bitch like you know you can be. Showing emotion is a reaction no matter what kind so why play their games? If people wanna call you ice queen or a bitch just because you're you, let them. They don't enter the equation of what you are. In the great schemes of things people like that appear on your life just to teach you how to take on the world and have thick skin. Like Elena said: Fuck the patriarchy! Be true to yourself always and don't let others tell you how to be you or how to live your life. Keep it real with people that matter and knows the real you, like Elena did, and you will be for sure feel better about everything in my humble opinion.
I basically loved everything Elena and i loved Lock and their connection. It was a beautiful romance between them that i simply couldn't stop reading and listening. The narrators were really good.
I loved how down to earth Lock was and that he means what he says. You just have to pay attention and not put words in his mouth much like Elena did. I very much loved that about him. I also loved that it didn't take him long to realize when he fucked up and apologize no matter what Elena said, over and over again. Yes , he messed up a couple times but he was mature enough to realize his mistakes and rectify them.
He's also very protective of his Elsa and i was goo over it! When he took gum out of her hair? I was a puddle! I'm very much like Elena, you can mess with everything i have except my hair. And my books.
Misunderstandings happened along the way but that's just because they are similar in some ways but Lock was a pillar, unshakable when it came to get his Elsa back. I also loved how Elena just didn't give in when sense was knocked into Lock, she made him work for it and i appreciated that.
Lock breathing life into Elena bit by bit was beautiful to see.
Julien was a highlight in all of this. Truly. I loved the man and he's a side character but i bet his book is next. If not i will be disappointed.
I also liked that both their parents got their shit together, it was about time.
I'm regretting a bit not reading about Elena's journey from the very beginning cause i'm sure i would've love her even more. Even without all of that knowledge she's still a Top Female Character of all time. I think Lock could be a book boyfriend for sure, i'll have to do one of those.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Rape
rape that happened with h exviksbooksandlifestyle's review
5.0
Wasn't sure about Elena at the beginning but I grew to like her.
And Lachlan
And Lachlan
rayne_99's review
5.0
4.5 stars!!
These books are just getting better and better. This is about two people who kind of hate each other but also really want to hook up so they decide to have a fun, no strings, relationship. This book has convinced me that the brooding but a sweetheart MMC x asshole to everyone but those she loves FMC is the best trope.
Elena is a badass. She was a typical high school mean girl who now only dishes it to those who deserve it. (She was a bully and she feels remorse for what’s she’s done but doesn’t try to fix it or apologize). She shows her love for her friends in a different way than is typical. She’s cold and blunt but she’s never actually cruel or mean. Lock constantly only sees her as this cold hearted person who doesn’t care for anyone but time and time again he is proven wrong.
Lock was a broody, possessive, mountain and the best kind of MMC. He was also a sweetheart and was so good for Elena. He brought out the best in her. He would always do these small, seemingly normal things for her that may not seem like a big deal but had me smiling the whole time. We love a man who takes control and you know will take care of you.
I liked how their conflict didn’t feel like it came out of no where. You could see hints of the issues they had woven into their entire relationship. Then when the MMC messed up, there was some well deserved grovelling. Elena it not a doormat and stood up for herself. I don’t think I’ve ever been so satisfied by how a character has handled their SO messing up. But Lock was not discouraged for a second.
This was a great book and my favourite so far! It was just exactly what I like in a typical contemporary romance and I ate it up.
These books are just getting better and better. This is about two people who kind of hate each other but also really want to hook up so they decide to have a fun, no strings, relationship. This book has convinced me that the brooding but a sweetheart MMC x asshole to everyone but those she loves FMC is the best trope.
Elena is a badass. She was a typical high school mean girl who now only dishes it to those who deserve it. (She was a bully and she feels remorse for what’s she’s done but doesn’t try to fix it or apologize). She shows her love for her friends in a different way than is typical. She’s cold and blunt but she’s never actually cruel or mean. Lock constantly only sees her as this cold hearted person who doesn’t care for anyone but time and time again he is proven wrong.
Lock was a broody, possessive, mountain and the best kind of MMC. He was also a sweetheart and was so good for Elena. He brought out the best in her. He would always do these small, seemingly normal things for her that may not seem like a big deal but had me smiling the whole time. We love a man who takes control and you know will take care of you.
I liked how their conflict didn’t feel like it came out of no where. You could see hints of the issues they had woven into their entire relationship. Then when the MMC messed up, there was some well deserved grovelling. Elena it not a doormat and stood up for herself. I don’t think I’ve ever been so satisfied by how a character has handled their SO messing up. But Lock was not discouraged for a second.
This was a great book and my favourite so far! It was just exactly what I like in a typical contemporary romance and I ate it up.
doyouevenread's review
5.0
Elena & Lock! What can I say but WOW!!!! I love this whole crew so much!!!
reading4_ash's review
4.0
I am so thankful I got an opportunity to receive an arc for this. It was such a good read and I am so sad It’s over. I’ll probably reread it cause I really enjoyed it. It’s an Enemies to lovers so the $exual tension and banter are
nyla_reads's review
5.0
I loved this book and I wasn’t expecting to! It was a 5 star read for me!
This book follows Elena (previously known to be a bully) and her relationship with her broody neighbour, Lachlan Kelly - who is not her biggest fan! When the tensions rise and sparks fly, they can’t keep away from each other!
Firstly, what an incredible couple, the chemistry was palpable and I loved the enemies to lovers element of this title! I loved the way Elena was unashamedly direct, her blunt and rebellious nature was a force to be reckoned with and I love the way she didn’t let her past trauma (please read trigger warnings before beginning!) tear her down.
Lachlan was a dream, the way he tried to resist Elena at every turn and the way in which he reassured and empowered Elena was incredible. I specifically loved his persistent nature, the way he consistently showed Elena that he was worth the trouble was enough to win me over.
This book follows Elena (previously known to be a bully) and her relationship with her broody neighbour, Lachlan Kelly - who is not her biggest fan! When the tensions rise and sparks fly, they can’t keep away from each other!
Firstly, what an incredible couple, the chemistry was palpable and I loved the enemies to lovers element of this title! I loved the way Elena was unashamedly direct, her blunt and rebellious nature was a force to be reckoned with and I love the way she didn’t let her past trauma (please read trigger warnings before beginning!) tear her down.
Lachlan was a dream, the way he tried to resist Elena at every turn and the way in which he reassured and empowered Elena was incredible. I specifically loved his persistent nature, the way he consistently showed Elena that he was worth the trouble was enough to win me over.
gemma_leigh1995's review
emotional
funny
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
4.5
nobmkay's review
5.0
5/5 ✰ — i want a lachlan today. now. please. elena was the badass i needed and lachlan was the soft grump i needed. the beach scene between the girls damn near made me hysterical. elena and lachlan were the grumpy x grumpy couple that i needed. reaching the end. i can’t rank these couples or characters. i love them all, i want an epilogue novella
romancebookinreview's review
4.0
This is just such a solid series, I love this dark college world!
I haven’t read the Savage Crew series, so I don’t have any background on Elena from that. But she’s closed off unless you’re close to her and she attracts Lock who’s standoffish. To be together, they have to break through to each other and find that they have something solid and worth fighting for.
These two are spicy from the start of their fling. They aren’t looking for forever, but sometimes forever finds you. Elena’s growth, and so much of that is contributed to the good Lock provides for her, is the highlight of this book. She finds herself and Lock being along for the ride is just the sweetest.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I haven’t read the Savage Crew series, so I don’t have any background on Elena from that. But she’s closed off unless you’re close to her and she attracts Lock who’s standoffish. To be together, they have to break through to each other and find that they have something solid and worth fighting for.
These two are spicy from the start of their fling. They aren’t looking for forever, but sometimes forever finds you. Elena’s growth, and so much of that is contributed to the good Lock provides for her, is the highlight of this book. She finds herself and Lock being along for the ride is just the sweetest.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
shadowwolf9331's review
5.0
This book was everything and more! I loved getting to know Elena and Locks more. When I first met Elena in Savage Crew I couldn’t stand her but grew to love her in Savage U and this book brought it out even more. Her and Lock are so cute together and I couldn’t be happier for them Thank you so much for the ARC, Julia!!!