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kyshakitty's review against another edition
5.0
I'm not sure what I was expecting but it wasn't what this book is. The cover only tells me its a romance.
Spectra is something, not even she is sure what exactly. And she has a boyfriend who is angelic and an ex who is not some what as ex as a sometimes who has magic. But in reality she is just a college senior about to graduate who had the teen years from hell and now wants to move on a create a new life. But she meets another guy who has magic and is ancient and a predator and he sets her panties on fire. Great!
I don't usually like love triangles or quadrangles as this is but this one works. We see Spectra growing because of the guys in her life. Alexander, the magical almost ex, is using her. I figured that out pretty quickly. I saw other reviewers bashing him for what he does. I don't like it but he is the actual age he is represented as. He is a young adult and how many young adult men keep their first love at arms reach but have many other women. TONS! It's pretty common for young men to push away the girl they love for the freedom of playboy life. The fact that Spectra lets him is also pretty common. He was her best friend and she wants to be good enough for him eventually. It is sad but realistic. Mercury, her actual boyfriend, is awesome. He has secrets from her too but he means well and lets her have her space. I'm not into open relationships but I get the feeling Merc needs things that Spectra can't give him. I am not surprised that she didn't know the truth of her own feelings until someone pointed them out to her. Bay starts out as a client. He is the one thing she hates most, a predator, but he peaks an interest in her that she can't deny. And she brings him out of a long long celibacy. The fact that he is centuries old and she is early twenties is a little off putting but this is a paranormal world and everyone stays young and hot. From the beginning he seems different than I would expect a predator to act and he is. Their sex scenes put her and Merc's to shame.
The living arrangement at the end is a weird but it is for her protection. I don't know how she is going to manage two men in her bed but hey a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!
I'm looking forward to book 2 and this kinkiness we heard about from Mercury.
Spectra is something, not even she is sure what exactly. And she has a boyfriend who is angelic and an ex who is not some what as ex as a sometimes who has magic. But in reality she is just a college senior about to graduate who had the teen years from hell and now wants to move on a create a new life. But she meets another guy who has magic and is ancient and a predator and he sets her panties on fire. Great!
I don't usually like love triangles or quadrangles as this is but this one works. We see Spectra growing because of the guys in her life. Alexander, the magical almost ex, is using her. I figured that out pretty quickly. I saw other reviewers bashing him for what he does. I don't like it but he is the actual age he is represented as. He is a young adult and how many young adult men keep their first love at arms reach but have many other women. TONS! It's pretty common for young men to push away the girl they love for the freedom of playboy life. The fact that Spectra lets him is also pretty common. He was her best friend and she wants to be good enough for him eventually. It is sad but realistic. Mercury, her actual boyfriend, is awesome. He has secrets from her too but he means well and lets her have her space. I'm not into open relationships but I get the feeling Merc needs things that Spectra can't give him. I am not surprised that she didn't know the truth of her own feelings until someone pointed them out to her. Bay starts out as a client. He is the one thing she hates most, a predator, but he peaks an interest in her that she can't deny. And she brings him out of a long long celibacy. The fact that he is centuries old and she is early twenties is a little off putting but this is a paranormal world and everyone stays young and hot. From the beginning he seems different than I would expect a predator to act and he is. Their sex scenes put her and Merc's to shame.
The living arrangement at the end is a weird but it is for her protection. I don't know how she is going to manage two men in her bed but hey a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!
I'm looking forward to book 2 and this kinkiness we heard about from Mercury.
aly36's review against another edition
4.0
Lies, intrigue, and characters full of mystery and suspense. This book was is a paranormal romance and I do like these type of books. This book was just as exciting and full of magic and sex. This book was full of many things. I did want more at the end. * I received this book from the author---this is my honest review*
june_mel's review against another edition
4.0
[Spoiler free]
4.5 ⭐
I received this as an ARC from Inkitt in exchange for an honest review.
I usually don't read this kind of genre, however I was pleasingly surprised. The beginning is very strong and as the story continues a lot of things happen you wouldn't have expected. At first it was a little bit difficult to understand the world Ebony Olson created here, but the more you read the more you'll understand and a certain wow-effect happens. (That's the only 'minus-point' here, also I wished there would have been more background information)
The story of Spectra and the decisions she has to make is truly enthralling because you never know what's going to happen next (I really couldn't stop reading it). The characters were round and had a lot of sarcasm/humour, which I loved, because sometimes characters can be pretty boring, because they just don't develop throughout the story. I did also enjoy the different character perspectives this story was told. It was like a perfect fanfiction ;). Due to the fact that this story contains explicit sexual content I would recommend this book to 18+ readers.
4.5 ⭐
I received this as an ARC from Inkitt in exchange for an honest review.
I usually don't read this kind of genre, however I was pleasingly surprised. The beginning is very strong and as the story continues a lot of things happen you wouldn't have expected. At first it was a little bit difficult to understand the world Ebony Olson created here, but the more you read the more you'll understand and a certain wow-effect happens. (That's the only 'minus-point' here, also I wished there would have been more background information)
The story of Spectra and the decisions she has to make is truly enthralling because you never know what's going to happen next (I really couldn't stop reading it). The characters were round and had a lot of sarcasm/humour, which I loved, because sometimes characters can be pretty boring, because they just don't develop throughout the story. I did also enjoy the different character perspectives this story was told. It was like a perfect fanfiction ;). Due to the fact that this story contains explicit sexual content I would recommend this book to 18+ readers.
si0bhan's review against another edition
4.0
My feelings towards Spectra by Ebony Olson are rather mixed. I’m not quite sure how I feel about it. As shown by the four star rating I have given the book, I enjoyed it. However, I didn’t come to love it in the way I had expected I would. It was completely different from what I had imagined it would be, and whilst this is a great thing, I’m not entirely sure how I feel about everything that unfolded in the story. It was different but I’m not sure if it was right for me.
Okay, so I’m not making much sense. I’ll try to amend that now, in a full review.
Spectra has a number of great aspects to it, things that leave you wanting more of the story. The main thing is the world building. It is very different to what you see in most paranormal romance stories nowadays. You can see glimmers of the norm, but this is very much a story unlike any other. The creatures we’re introduced to have aspects of their own, allowing us to see a new kind of paranormal system unfold. Or so it seems until you start to understand the world properly, at which point you realise quite a lot of what we’re seeing is just new names and altered details of creatures we already know. This is perfectly fine, though, as we’re pulled into the story and the creatures slowly come to light as we make our way through the story.
At the same time, this did cause me some issues. For quite some time I felt as though I didn’t quite understand the creatures in the world. Things weren’t quite as clear-cut as I usually like them to be, which distracted me from the story more than it should have. Once things clicked into place in my mind, I found I enjoyed the way the world worked; I just wish the world building had been clearer at the start so that I could understand all that was happening. I understand the lack of clarity in regards to our female lead, as an air of mystery is intended for her, but I wanted to understand the world a little bit better than I did. It was such a quick read, that I really do feel as though the details pertaining to the creatures of the world could have been a bit more clear-cut at the start.
This is just my opinion, though, as I’m a stickler for understanding worlds down to the tiniest details. Many will love the world building – and whilst I’m not saying it was bad, it simply wasn’t for me.
This brings me nicely to my next point: the romance. I’m not entirely sure if the romance was for me. I really enjoyed how it went against the norm. Honestly, it was so interesting to see romance done in the way it was in this story. However, I’m extremely picky when it comes to my romance reads. The way the romance developed within this story wasn’t quite for me. I’ve put that aside when rating the book, though, hence why it was given a four star rating. Despite not falling head over heels for the way in which the romantic aspect of this story played out, I really did enjoy how different it was to most of the romance stories out there. It was something new, something refreshing, and I really appreciate that.
Honestly, I know the story won’t be for everyone because this isn’t your usual romance story. Throughout you’re left curious as to how things will play out, and the ending wasn’t at all what I expected. I really do appreciate how the author went against the conventional in her choices, and it certainly makes for an interesting read. Whether people will enjoy it or not is another matter. I appreciated it, I liked how it was different, but I wasn’t crazy about it. Nevertheless, as a whole, it made for an interesting story. I just think people should be aware before going into this story that the romance does not play out the way it so often does.
Overall, though, it was an interesting read. I found myself addicted, curious as to what would come next. I feel as though it was set up in such a way that it is unclear whether we will get any more stories with this cast, but I would like to see another one. After all, there are certain details I want to know more about and I feel as though more adventures with this cast could make for a lot of fun.
An interesting read, for sure. Very much something different.
As a final note, I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for a review.
Okay, so I’m not making much sense. I’ll try to amend that now, in a full review.
Spectra has a number of great aspects to it, things that leave you wanting more of the story. The main thing is the world building. It is very different to what you see in most paranormal romance stories nowadays. You can see glimmers of the norm, but this is very much a story unlike any other. The creatures we’re introduced to have aspects of their own, allowing us to see a new kind of paranormal system unfold. Or so it seems until you start to understand the world properly, at which point you realise quite a lot of what we’re seeing is just new names and altered details of creatures we already know. This is perfectly fine, though, as we’re pulled into the story and the creatures slowly come to light as we make our way through the story.
At the same time, this did cause me some issues. For quite some time I felt as though I didn’t quite understand the creatures in the world. Things weren’t quite as clear-cut as I usually like them to be, which distracted me from the story more than it should have. Once things clicked into place in my mind, I found I enjoyed the way the world worked; I just wish the world building had been clearer at the start so that I could understand all that was happening. I understand the lack of clarity in regards to our female lead, as an air of mystery is intended for her, but I wanted to understand the world a little bit better than I did. It was such a quick read, that I really do feel as though the details pertaining to the creatures of the world could have been a bit more clear-cut at the start.
This is just my opinion, though, as I’m a stickler for understanding worlds down to the tiniest details. Many will love the world building – and whilst I’m not saying it was bad, it simply wasn’t for me.
This brings me nicely to my next point: the romance. I’m not entirely sure if the romance was for me. I really enjoyed how it went against the norm. Honestly, it was so interesting to see romance done in the way it was in this story. However, I’m extremely picky when it comes to my romance reads. The way the romance developed within this story wasn’t quite for me. I’ve put that aside when rating the book, though, hence why it was given a four star rating. Despite not falling head over heels for the way in which the romantic aspect of this story played out, I really did enjoy how different it was to most of the romance stories out there. It was something new, something refreshing, and I really appreciate that.
Honestly, I know the story won’t be for everyone because this isn’t your usual romance story. Throughout you’re left curious as to how things will play out, and the ending wasn’t at all what I expected. I really do appreciate how the author went against the conventional in her choices, and it certainly makes for an interesting read. Whether people will enjoy it or not is another matter. I appreciated it, I liked how it was different, but I wasn’t crazy about it. Nevertheless, as a whole, it made for an interesting story. I just think people should be aware before going into this story that the romance does not play out the way it so often does.
Overall, though, it was an interesting read. I found myself addicted, curious as to what would come next. I feel as though it was set up in such a way that it is unclear whether we will get any more stories with this cast, but I would like to see another one. After all, there are certain details I want to know more about and I feel as though more adventures with this cast could make for a lot of fun.
An interesting read, for sure. Very much something different.
As a final note, I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for a review.
chymerra's review
4.0
When I started reading Spectra, I went into it thinking that it was going to be one of those paranormal romances that focuses more on the sex than the story. Boy, was I wrong. While sex does get mainlined for a while, the real story ends up being the relationships that Spectra has with Bay, Merc and Alexander and, of course, the Essence storyline (which was fascinating).
Spectra was a tough chick. She was dealt a crap hand in life. Her sister was killed by a predator (think vampire/were animal), her mother just couldn’t deal and committed suicide when Spectra was 14. Then she is date raped after her college boyfriend slips her a Rufie and she dies from an allergic reaction to it. She is brought back to life and she makes it her life’s mission to help those who can’t help themselves (victims be it of abuse or other things).
Alexander was so sweet at first and then he morphed into a jerk. I was kinda taken aback when he did the 180 because it went against how he was portrayed. But when it was revealed why he morphed into a jerk, I wanted to reach into the book and smack him. Put it this way: Can’t have your cake and eat it too!!!
Next to Spectra, Merc was my favorite character in the book and he was a perfect fit with Spectra. They’re relationship was a little strange (totally open, both were able to see/sleep with other people) but it worked for them because they didn’t get jealous. I mean, the first time we meet Merc, he is nailing a girl in Tommy’s bar……lol.
I wasn’t too sure about Bay at first. But the more I read, the more I started to like him and by the end of the book, I loved him. He also was a good fit with Spectra but, and stress but, because he was a predator (aka vampire) and a sorcerer (which is the first time I think that I have read those two being combined). He was the one the uncovered the wrongs that Alexander was doing to her, thinking that he was protecting her, and he was the one that was there, along with Merc, when Spectra needed him the most.
The whole storyline as to who Spectra’s father was and the storyline about exactly what she is was played out beautifully. I kinda felt bad for her when it was revealed who her father was, and a little shocked to be honest. Then when Bay finds out exactly what she was, again it was a huge surprise to me. There were hints dropped throughout the book but I didn’t exactly put two and two together until Bay found out.
I would be a fool if I didn’t address the sex scenes. They were all hot. Very hot but what ruined them for me is that Spectra would go from one man’s bed to another in the same day. Also, the whole cumming in her until she was married. It was great (and that she insisted on condoms was awesome) until well, you have to read the book. I wish that it was carried out until the end because it was kinda different.
The ending was good but I couldn’t tell if there was going to be a book 2? I am so torn because there was so much left in the air.
How many stars will I give Spectra: 4
Why: A great paranormal/fantasy with hot sex scenes. The ending I was a little torn on and I wish there was better clarification on if there is going to be a book 2.
Will I reread: Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes
Age range: Adult
Why: Sex, violence and language
**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**
Spectra was a tough chick. She was dealt a crap hand in life. Her sister was killed by a predator (think vampire/were animal), her mother just couldn’t deal and committed suicide when Spectra was 14. Then she is date raped after her college boyfriend slips her a Rufie and she dies from an allergic reaction to it. She is brought back to life and she makes it her life’s mission to help those who can’t help themselves (victims be it of abuse or other things).
Alexander was so sweet at first and then he morphed into a jerk. I was kinda taken aback when he did the 180 because it went against how he was portrayed. But when it was revealed why he morphed into a jerk, I wanted to reach into the book and smack him. Put it this way: Can’t have your cake and eat it too!!!
Next to Spectra, Merc was my favorite character in the book and he was a perfect fit with Spectra. They’re relationship was a little strange (totally open, both were able to see/sleep with other people) but it worked for them because they didn’t get jealous. I mean, the first time we meet Merc, he is nailing a girl in Tommy’s bar……lol.
I wasn’t too sure about Bay at first. But the more I read, the more I started to like him and by the end of the book, I loved him. He also was a good fit with Spectra but, and stress but, because he was a predator (aka vampire) and a sorcerer (which is the first time I think that I have read those two being combined). He was the one the uncovered the wrongs that Alexander was doing to her, thinking that he was protecting her, and he was the one that was there, along with Merc, when Spectra needed him the most.
The whole storyline as to who Spectra’s father was and the storyline about exactly what she is was played out beautifully. I kinda felt bad for her when it was revealed who her father was, and a little shocked to be honest. Then when Bay finds out exactly what she was, again it was a huge surprise to me. There were hints dropped throughout the book but I didn’t exactly put two and two together until Bay found out.
I would be a fool if I didn’t address the sex scenes. They were all hot. Very hot but what ruined them for me is that Spectra would go from one man’s bed to another in the same day. Also, the whole cumming in her until she was married. It was great (and that she insisted on condoms was awesome) until well, you have to read the book. I wish that it was carried out until the end because it was kinda different.
The ending was good but I couldn’t tell if there was going to be a book 2? I am so torn because there was so much left in the air.
How many stars will I give Spectra: 4
Why: A great paranormal/fantasy with hot sex scenes. The ending I was a little torn on and I wish there was better clarification on if there is going to be a book 2.
Will I reread: Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes
Age range: Adult
Why: Sex, violence and language
**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**
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