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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
It's better than the first one, but it's just as uninteresting because there's no plot at all. I liked Saint even more. I wanted him and Auden to be a couple. They don't need Proserpina who is so fucking annoying. The only thing that matters to her is fucking anyone in their group. No other thought goes inside her head. Seriously. Saint's POV is the only good thing. And overall, the internal monologues are much more intriguing, worthwhile and thought-provoking than their conversations which mostly revolve around sex.
I kind of expected the twist at the end, and yet EW!
I kind of expected the twist at the end, and yet EW!
I DONT KNOW HOW TO FEEL
I was anticipating this book so much. But a good portion of it dragged for me. And that ending? What? No bueno.
I was anticipating this book so much. But a good portion of it dragged for me. And that ending? What? No bueno.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’m not one who usually reads the content warnings if an author gives them. Two reasons for this: I generally do not need them, and I abhor spoilers. Oftentimes, content warnings give something of the book away. I don’t know why I read the content warnings at the front of this book before reading the book, but I did. I wish I hadn’t. Instead of reading the story as I usually would, I was anticipating something particular. Now, to be clear, there is a lot in this book that gives it away. I would have been suspecting certain things regardless, but I still wish I hadn’t read the warnings since I didn’t need the warnings. I’ll add that, as it seems everyone who has read this book feels, that ending sucked! There is a note from the author at the end of the book that addresses that fact and her knowledge that she did her readers dirty. She also promises to fix things for the characters.
Unlike the previous story, which was mostly told from Poe’s POV, each character gets more than a few paragraphs for their POV. In fact, I’d say this story is more from Saint’s and Auden’s POVs with a liberal helping of Poe. The other three, Rebecca, Delphine, and Becket, have quite a bit to say, too. The book starts where the previous book ended. Well, it starts 8 years ago, but those flashbacks to that time are interspersed throughout this book, so we finally get the story of Auden and Saint. That is actually one of my great annoyances of this story. I knew if these two would just talk about why they are so angry with each other there would be a thread of misunderstanding. And let me tell you, what Auden did to Saint is much worse than what Saint did to Auden. Reading this book with our current social/economic climate made me really despise what Auden did. Poor little rich boy, ugh!
Anyway, this book tips things from contemporary romance into the erotic romance realm. There is a lot more going on with that, but what is fantastic is how it is discussed. Both the group as a whole and the triad of Auden, Poe, and Saint are very aware of the unique relationship they all have. They don’t take for granted that everyone feels the same, so it’s discussed and limits are aired. There is also such a great decision by the triad that they have to figure out their shit before they give in to their desires in any romantic sort of way. They all realize it will be toxic to start a relationship on such shaky ground, and none of them are willing to choose one person over the other.
There is a lot of angst in this story. I mean, a LOT. I adore St. Sebastian. He speaks to me in a way none of the other characters do. I cannot tolerate him not getting an HEA by the time this series is over. It will be unacceptable to me.
This is a slow book. I love the flashback parts and the parts where the characters are actually interacting while not talking about Beltane. Frankly, the mystery of what their parents were doing in the past has gone from curious to annoying to now I don’t even care. Obviously, it’s important, but I just cannot bring myself to care too terribly much when the characters won’t even talk to their parents about it.
As angry as I was at the ending of this story, I enjoyed most of the book. I don’t know how the author is going to get out of the pickle she’s in with these characters, but I trust her to do so. There are still two more books after all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, Racism, Violence
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Sexual assault
The first book was definitely better but i just love saint, poe, and auden and will def read the whole series just for them. Idk what it is abt them but i cant get enough. This book was definitely weird and freaky and u felt it but idk it captures my attention. Hated the cliffhanger. I saw it coming but it was my worst fear going into this series (the incest. I just knew someone was related but im curious how itll all play out. Smut 4/5
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
HEY HI WHAT THE FUCK
a wonderful continuance of the first book. More secrets, more intrigue, more spice.