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annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review
5.0
Ever since I discovered the Reverse Harem genre, an entire new world has opened for me. A world I don't know, where I have to look for the authors I like, where I have to stumble over some books I dislike to find those hidden pearls I wouldn't have wanted to miss. One of those hidden pearls was the Nevermore Bookshop Mysteries series. All books were five star reads for me, so I had to check out the other books by this author too. And since I love the musical Rebecca and fell in love with this cover, this was my next read.
I started this morning and just couldn't stop anymore. The story sucked me in and refused to let me go. Holmes is amazing when it comes to pacing. She gives more than enough detail to make the world come to life, to give the characters backstories and complicated personalities, but she also adds excitement and mystery and small pieces of a complicated puzzle at the right moments. There are so many questions and only a few are answered. I can't wait to get the rest of the information and will buy the next book as soon as I can.
It also helps that the main character in this story, Faye, was amazing. It was easy to identify with her, to root for her and to feel for her. Along the way I realized how much I cared about her when bad things kept on happening to her and I just wished it would stop. And the more bully reverse harems I read, the more I discover that I like those if they're well done. And Holmes does them well. The three guys have their reasons for pulling their crap and even though good reasons don't make it all okay, it's impossible to not feel for them a little too.
The biggest star of this story however was the music and I'm pretty sure the music is half the reason I didn't wanna stop reading. Holmes, even though she was never that into classical music before discovering it, really managed to bring the emotions of all those pieces to life. I could almost hear the notes and feel the slight trembling of the strings of the violin. As a classical trained flutist I felt my fingers and heart itch to start playing again, to dive into those pieces and to see if I can pour much more of my soul into them now I'm older and opener than I used to be when I learned how to play.
By the way, that cliffhanger was absolutely brutal, but luckily I do well with cliffhangers. But, you can be sure I'll read the next book as soon as it's there!
ps. I never recovered from Klaus smashing the violin in The Originals. Holmes just added ANOTHER shattered violin to that trauma. Great.
I started this morning and just couldn't stop anymore. The story sucked me in and refused to let me go. Holmes is amazing when it comes to pacing. She gives more than enough detail to make the world come to life, to give the characters backstories and complicated personalities, but she also adds excitement and mystery and small pieces of a complicated puzzle at the right moments. There are so many questions and only a few are answered. I can't wait to get the rest of the information and will buy the next book as soon as I can.
It also helps that the main character in this story, Faye, was amazing. It was easy to identify with her, to root for her and to feel for her. Along the way I realized how much I cared about her when bad things kept on happening to her and I just wished it would stop. And the more bully reverse harems I read, the more I discover that I like those if they're well done. And Holmes does them well. The three guys have their reasons for pulling their crap and even though good reasons don't make it all okay, it's impossible to not feel for them a little too.
The biggest star of this story however was the music and I'm pretty sure the music is half the reason I didn't wanna stop reading. Holmes, even though she was never that into classical music before discovering it, really managed to bring the emotions of all those pieces to life. I could almost hear the notes and feel the slight trembling of the strings of the violin. As a classical trained flutist I felt my fingers and heart itch to start playing again, to dive into those pieces and to see if I can pour much more of my soul into them now I'm older and opener than I used to be when I learned how to play.
By the way, that cliffhanger was absolutely brutal, but luckily I do well with cliffhangers. But, you can be sure I'll read the next book as soon as it's there!
ps. I never recovered from Klaus smashing the violin in The Originals. Holmes just added ANOTHER shattered violin to that trauma. Great.
halffast's review
DNF @ 56%. Brilliant violinist struck by tragedy enrolls at a prestigious yet spooky musical academy, but the other students try to drive her off and the ruthless headmistress is hiding secrets. The setting was creepy and the storyline was decently unique, but I just lost interest after awhile.
kaydawn's review against another edition
I think I wasnt In the mood so potentially could pick up again another day
rose0608's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
apark1186's review against another edition
2.0
Not for me, and that stupid ass ending?! Give me a break!
I don’t mind super spicy, but none of these people made any sense.
I don’t mind super spicy, but none of these people made any sense.
cityofstarlightt's review against another edition
2.0
The premise is interesting, and I enjoy paranormal/gothic books so points to that. The mystery going around at the Academy is what kept me curious. Overall, this was mediocre, and the writing isn't the best.
I will, although, finish the trilogy because I need to know all those secrets and mysteries and how the story finishes.
I will, although, finish the trilogy because I need to know all those secrets and mysteries and how the story finishes.
macks_book_nook's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
jreadsdarkromance's review against another edition
5.0
This is my first book by Steffanie Holmes and I am loving the spooky vibe! I love academy bully books, but this one has a new spin on the trope by being an exclusive musical academy. Everyone that attends is a top tier classical musician looking at world wide careers.
There is a lot of mysterious things happening in and around Manderley, as well as Faye and her mother's lives. I keep thinking that I've figured things out, only to have more questions.
This book gives off lots of ghosty vibes and I am here for it. This book has had me on the edge of my seat, while also giving me chills. I was not expecting it to end like it did and now I need answers! What is happening at Manderley and why?!?
There is a lot of mysterious things happening in and around Manderley, as well as Faye and her mother's lives. I keep thinking that I've figured things out, only to have more questions.
This book gives off lots of ghosty vibes and I am here for it. This book has had me on the edge of my seat, while also giving me chills. I was not expecting it to end like it did and now I need answers! What is happening at Manderley and why?!?