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cluckieduck's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was...ok, I guess, but I found myself getting easily annoyed by the decisions made by the characters in this one. If you find the miscommunication trope grating - I beg you to turn around right now and run the other way, because this is chock-a-block with miscommunications around every corner and it gets old real, real fast, and all the build-up to the climax was such a let down in the end.
I must admit, I was drawn to this one by the cover and title in the hopes that there was some deeper meaning. There's not. Other than the fact that Hank is, indeed, quite soft emotionally. I appreciated reading about a broken MMC trying to put the pieces back together, and doing so quite messily. Reading other reviews that mention the Twilight dad fanfic parallels - I didn't grasp that while reading (thankfully), so it didn't influence my enjoyment. Esther was not as fully fleshed out, and I don't believe she experienced any character growth outside of her very stubborn, do-it-herself-without-trusting-her-witchy-instincts, which is unfortunate.
The best thing about this one is the chemistry between Hank & Esther, but how dare she tease us with one of the most combustible intimate scenes so early on and then let the slow-burn burn hard!
The world-building itself could have used some greater development as well. It felt like she just threw PNR stuff in a blender rather than creating a polished, fleshed-out setting. The side characters were intriguing, but some of the written-out accents were jarring to read. Just tell me they're Irish or Scottish, I don't need a dinnae or ken or verra thrown in to remind me of their background.
All in all, entertaining but underwhelming.
I must admit, I was drawn to this one by the cover and title in the hopes that there was some deeper meaning. There's not. Other than the fact that Hank is, indeed, quite soft emotionally. I appreciated reading about a broken MMC trying to put the pieces back together, and doing so quite messily. Reading other reviews that mention the Twilight dad fanfic parallels - I didn't grasp that while reading (thankfully), so it didn't influence my enjoyment. Esther was not as fully fleshed out, and I don't believe she experienced any character growth outside of her very stubborn, do-it-herself-without-trusting-her-witchy-instincts, which is unfortunate.
The best thing about this one is the chemistry between Hank & Esther, but how dare she tease us with one of the most combustible intimate scenes so early on and then let the slow-burn burn hard!
The world-building itself could have used some greater development as well. It felt like she just threw PNR stuff in a blender rather than creating a polished, fleshed-out setting. The side characters were intriguing, but some of the written-out accents were jarring to read. Just tell me they're Irish or Scottish, I don't need a dinnae or ken or verra thrown in to remind me of their background.
All in all, entertaining but underwhelming.
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Abandonment
Moderate: Grief, Violence, and Stalking
Minor: Police brutality, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Toxic relationship
erinrachelreads's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I loved this so much! I’m going to preface this by saying I don’t really read paranormal romances and I honestly hadn’t realised that this was one and had requested the ARC based solely on a recommendation. In that respect my focus throughout was more on the connection between the characters than the paranormal aspect of the plot. Whilst those paranormal elements are prevalent throughout (witches, vampires, magic) this story is also very much steeped in reality with police brutality, depression, therapy, divorce and estrangement playing a big part in Hank’s human experience and story.
The connections throughout are incredible. The chemistry between Esther and Hank is wonderful, leading to some almost immediate spice, but then we get the deepening of their relationship and it just got better as it went on. They’re both protective and determined and so loving and sweet, I adored them both. Hank’s journey was so beautiful and had me weeping on multiple occasions. In general the depiction of vulnerability in men was phenomenal; honest and genuine throughout and those friendships were some of my favourite parts of the story. The side characters added such richness to the story and I can’t wait to delve into their stories when they’re released too. All in all, this was joyous and Eliza’s writing is magic. Highly recommend.
The connections throughout are incredible. The chemistry between Esther and Hank is wonderful, leading to some almost immediate spice, but then we get the deepening of their relationship and it just got better as it went on. They’re both protective and determined and so loving and sweet, I adored them both. Hank’s journey was so beautiful and had me weeping on multiple occasions. In general the depiction of vulnerability in men was phenomenal; honest and genuine throughout and those friendships were some of my favourite parts of the story. The side characters added such richness to the story and I can’t wait to delve into their stories when they’re released too. All in all, this was joyous and Eliza’s writing is magic. Highly recommend.
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment and Stalking
Minor: Cancer, Death of parent, Gun violence, Police brutality, and Suicidal thoughts
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