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nathanae88's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
book_lady_13's review
5.0
Another Amazing VRC Adventure!
I just love the VRC books and any story following Finn and Marcus. I am so impressed that these stories keep getting better and I love getting to revisit my other favorite characters (looking at you Claude!). I am also go happy that this series is going to continue, this doesn’t end on a cliff hanger per se but it is obvious there will be a continuation. Highly recommend reading the series in order.
I just love the VRC books and any story following Finn and Marcus. I am so impressed that these stories keep getting better and I love getting to revisit my other favorite characters (looking at you Claude!). I am also go happy that this series is going to continue, this doesn’t end on a cliff hanger per se but it is obvious there will be a continuation. Highly recommend reading the series in order.
jamie_w's review
5.0
I just don’t think I’ll ever get tired of Marcus and Finn!! I love them so much and I love how we got deeper into their relationship. I adore how much Marcus wants to give Finn even when Finn doesn’t ask or pressure. I love how they tease each other but how soft they are as well. Ooh I swoon!
And Claude and Alexi couldn’t be more opposite but totally amazing. So much fun! I also love how Claude babies Finn and how Finn not only lets him but enjoys it!!
The mystery in this was excellent and unresolved so we get more!!!
And Claude and Alexi couldn’t be more opposite but totally amazing. So much fun! I also love how Claude babies Finn and how Finn not only lets him but enjoys it!!
The mystery in this was excellent and unresolved so we get more!!!
aubreysmith9412's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
As the conclusion of this series, it stands to reason that it would be the most intense book. And it really, really was. My watch can attest to that, as it tried to get me to do breathing exercises for my elevated heart rate on multiple occasions.
Marcus' past comes into clear focus in this book, and yet, it's not his past that really sets the events of this book in motion. It's the intense corruption within the vampire council - the organization that's supposed to keep both vampires and humans safe. And clearly, as exhibited by Finn and River's experiences, they failed spectacularly in their supposed mission.
Ender fascinated me completely. He was truly morally bankrupt, but I couldn't help but sympathize with his goals. Could he have accomplished them without all the drama, murder, and bloodshed? Sure. But what would have been the fun in that?
As the events of the book bring our favourite VRC detective even closer together, I can't help but feel like there might be some unfinished business here. Just a little niggling at something that may come back for them. There aren't too many unanswered questions left, but I just have a feeling that we're not quite done with Finn, Marcus, Alexei, and Claude.
Of course, that could also just be wishful thinking on my part.
I absolutely loved this series. There were a lot of dark, grim, intense moments. But overall, I grew heavily attached to the detectives in the VRC, and they will always hold a special place in my heart. (And honestly, Briar needs a raise, putting up with the amount of pure chaos that she does.)
lilomo's review against another edition
4.0
Overall I enjoyed this book, but I feel like the end was rushed and did not finish off all that well.
jacqueleenthereadingqueen's review against another edition
5.0
This was a crazy entertaining book detailing some insane shenanigans consisting of the whole gang. Marcus, Finn, Claude, and Alexei. There were just so many hilarious moments of the four of them. Despite the laughter, there's some darkness to this one. Much of the book has a sense of foreboding to it. You know something bad is coming and it's killing you not to know what it is. And some bad shit happens. Some interesting things are also coming to light. Though this ended in a good place, it's obvious this book is not the last in the VRC series. Which is definitely something to be happy about.
enjodako's review against another edition
3.0
Defying what??? The title doesn't make sense
After having doubts in book 2. This book cemented some of the weird things I noticed about Marcus and Finn's relationship...
Claude and Alexei, Bentley and River. They touch. They kiss. They tell each other they love each other. Both of the other couples worry about each other, they have such cute and sweet moments and genuinely give off lovey dovey vibes.
Marcus and Finn have none of this.
It's odd to have a mention of a kiss or a touch even between them anymore. It's so weird!!! Even when he gets Finn back, he drives instead of holding him. Being there for him. It's terrible.
80% through we kinda get "Oh I love him" but then we get the same distance. They are so distant with each other.
And why does the sm*x always the the same? In 5 books it's the same style in order? It's so weird.
Most of the 30% at the beginning is Claude and Finn flirting and kissing more then the main couple?? It's really off putting.
Also...why do they just pick on each other? They treat each other terribly...it's such a weird relationship.
Then to talk about marriage and turning. Why?? What the hell for?? There isn't much between them. It's been lost over 3 books of their story. Eh??
After having doubts in book 2. This book cemented some of the weird things I noticed about Marcus and Finn's relationship...
Claude and Alexei, Bentley and River. They touch. They kiss. They tell each other they love each other. Both of the other couples worry about each other, they have such cute and sweet moments and genuinely give off lovey dovey vibes.
Marcus and Finn have none of this.
It's odd to have a mention of a kiss or a touch even between them anymore. It's so weird!!! Even when he gets Finn back, he drives instead of holding him. Being there for him. It's terrible.
80% through we kinda get "Oh I love him" but then we get the same distance. They are so distant with each other.
And why does the sm*x always the the same? In 5 books it's the same style in order? It's so weird.
Most of the 30% at the beginning is Claude and Finn flirting and kissing more then the main couple?? It's really off putting.
Also...why do they just pick on each other? They treat each other terribly...it's such a weird relationship.
Then to talk about marriage and turning. Why?? What the hell for?? There isn't much between them. It's been lost over 3 books of their story. Eh??
belle165's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
adventures_by_nessa's review against another edition
4.0
In the fifth installment of the VRC series, Marcus’ past comes back to haunt him and his partner, Finn. This book should definitely be read in order with the prior books giving knowledge and insight into the background of this installment.
Finn stumbles onto a crime in progress that kicks off the novel. Soon, we discover that Marcus’ past is closely related to the crime, but we don’t know how or why. We finally get a detailed peak into who Marcus used to be. There is a dynamic between our main couple that is so easy going. They are polar opposites, yet they always work well together. Neither are perfect, but that’s what makes then great together. They each have their flaws but they love and help each other anyway.
Very well written novel with Alice’s usual charm and wit. My favorite part of any Alice Winters book is the trademark humor she provides with every story. You will laugh, I always laugh. She has a way of drawing you into the story and keeping you coming back for me. Every time I start one of her novels, I can’t put it down and Marcus and Finn’ latest story is no different.
*Reader Note: I received a free copy of this book directly from the author and this is my honest review.
Finn stumbles onto a crime in progress that kicks off the novel. Soon, we discover that Marcus’ past is closely related to the crime, but we don’t know how or why. We finally get a detailed peak into who Marcus used to be. There is a dynamic between our main couple that is so easy going. They are polar opposites, yet they always work well together. Neither are perfect, but that’s what makes then great together. They each have their flaws but they love and help each other anyway.
Very well written novel with Alice’s usual charm and wit. My favorite part of any Alice Winters book is the trademark humor she provides with every story. You will laugh, I always laugh. She has a way of drawing you into the story and keeping you coming back for me. Every time I start one of her novels, I can’t put it down and Marcus and Finn’ latest story is no different.
*Reader Note: I received a free copy of this book directly from the author and this is my honest review.
vicki_williams's review against another edition
5.0
Marcus, Finn and the gang are back with more mayhem as foes from the past crash into the present.
There’s plenty of action and lots of hilarity as the intriguing mystery unfolds. A mystery which has Finn and Marcus second guessing who is a friend and who is a foe.
Of course Finn is once again in the thick of things which has Marcus threatening/terrifying everyone to protect his love. Although Finn once again shows not only his inner strength but also his “ability to con even a crazed murderer into trusting him.”
I laughed so much reading this book. From Christmas Eve sleepover traditions to Claude with his unique fashion choices and Finn, talking sexy dressed as Santa just to name a few!
As per usual for this author, the interesting plot is the main focus with just a couple of well placed steamy scenes where Finn and Marcus reconnect and show their love for each other.
There’s plenty of action and lots of hilarity as the intriguing mystery unfolds. A mystery which has Finn and Marcus second guessing who is a friend and who is a foe.
Of course Finn is once again in the thick of things which has Marcus threatening/terrifying everyone to protect his love. Although Finn once again shows not only his inner strength but also his “ability to con even a crazed murderer into trusting him.”
I laughed so much reading this book. From Christmas Eve sleepover traditions to Claude with his unique fashion choices and Finn, talking sexy dressed as Santa just to name a few!
As per usual for this author, the interesting plot is the main focus with just a couple of well placed steamy scenes where Finn and Marcus reconnect and show their love for each other.