Reviews

Cricket by Willow Hadley

cfletcher2319's review

4.5

Very happy and lighthearted series! 

grimisconfused's review

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

I’m going to read the sequel, but I feel like this whole book could have been so much shorter. Like legitimately it felt more like an introduction to a story than an actual story. The characters are definitely cool, but there’s absolutely no plot. Even worse it just ended in such an abrupt and awkward spot. The whole book is setting up for the climax being her birthday, and then it just suddenly ends before we even get there. I don’t mean to be rude, but I’ve always been told a story needs a beginning, middle, and end, and this book didn’t even get to the middle. It was 300 pages of filler content and fluff, and I mean fluff as in extra unnecessary content. Yes there was also the sweet/romantic fluff, but that’s not the point I’m making.

jcobaltt's review against another edition

5.0

R A T I N G  A N D  R E V I E W :
↪ 4.75 stars
‘’I just have this crazy, witchy feeling that we belong together.’’

PLOT
Cricket Kendall just moved to Colorado for her senior year of high school in the hopes her eccentric aunt might help her learn all she needs to know about becoming a full-fledged witch. After being introduced to the funny and charming Theo Ashbrooke, a werewolf from the local pack, Theo and Cricket connect right away and it doesn’t take long for them to spend almost all their time together. The only problem is, Theo has two equally hot best friends: Hollis Wakefield and Cas Seymour.

ROMANCE
I loved seeing all their relationships slowly build and how each relationship is different from the others and we can clearly see differences. This is something many writers often forget to include in reverse harems. Since this is the first book in a series, there wasn’t too much romance, but the foundation for it was built pefectly. It was nice to see that Cricket actually talked to them about the relationship aspect and didn’t just ‘’go with the flow’’.

WRITING/PACING
I noticed maybe a handful of spelling or grammatical errors, but that didn’t bother me or made me stop reading. I loved the writing and the author’s way of describing things. Note: This book has been previously published on Wattpad.

CHARACTERS
↠ Cricket Kendall. I absolutely loved Cricket. It was nice to see a female main character who sticks to her beliefs and doesn’t let anyone tell her what to do. The fact she’s open about her feelings and sexual experiences makes me like her even more. Cricket is an extremely compassionate person and I admire that about her. 
↠ Hollis Wakefield. Ugh, I just wanna cuddle him and never let go. Whenever he was mentioned, there was an immediate smile on my face. Who doesn’t love a book lover who loves to stargaze? Well, I certainly do. 
↠ Cas Seymour. Wow. Cas is a super well-written and complex character that I just wann know more about. We got glimpses of his life and backstory and I just wanna listen to him talk all night. I loved his grumpy behavior and reading his POV made me realize what a sweet personality he has, or what Cricket calls it ‘’mother-hen’’ he actually is.
↠ Side characters. We got a lot of representation in this book, not only for LGBTQ+ characters, but also for POC characters and I love that. Inluding the side characters’s POVs was an incredible idea that I think more people should include. I’m excited to read more bout Cricket’s twin brothers as well as the duo that is Erin and Brennan.
↠ Very realistic characters, POVs and situations.

WHY NOT MORE STARS?
– Repetitive words or phrases
– Predictability.
– Insignificant side character POVs.

CONCLUSION
I overall loved the book a whole lot and would recommend it to more people.
I am definitely going to re-read it-

B O O K D E T A I L S :
Title:  Cricket
Book 1 in the Cricket Kendall series
by:  Willow Hadley
POV(s): 1st person–multiple POVs
Standalone: No
Genre: Paranormal reverse harem
Tags/Tropes
– fated mates
– high school romance
– friends to lovers
– slowburn
– shifters / witches

rahzel's review

adventurous funny lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

phoenix_rising_4682's review

4.0

Writing was good but there was no plot. You kept thinking something was going to happen and nothing did.

colbiecam's review

5.0

Feels like a warm mug of cider

Cricket and her three werewolves, her brothers, her friends, and her aunt are all wonderful. If you could get a hug from a book, it’d be in these pages. I’ve been saving this one for a day I knew I’d need something comforting, and I am so glad I did. It is slow-burn without the angst, self-discovery without crippling trauma, and a perfecting blending of old and new family.

nafinaf's review

5.0

good lighthearted fun

Most lighthearted RH I’ve ever seen. Love cricket and her powers are cool. I love it’s not fate of the world stuff in they first pages. She’s learning and growing and we are learning each part of her RH slowly as she is. Although it’s been a big book for only week in terms of timeline

onepageatatime's review

5.0

Omg this series is off to an amazing!! If you like slow burn reverse harem books, you will love this series! All of the characters in this book are seriously amazing and the guys are swoon worthy. My favorite part of this series is that Willow Hadley addressed all the problems and scrutiny that a relationship like this would have. I cant wait for the next book in the series!

sandidev's review

5.0

So sweet

I loved this book. It is a slow burn but so sweet and heartwarming.

I love Cricket she is is strong and secure with herself. They guys are all really great with distinct personalities that are easy to distinguish.

I love the world building and can’t wait to read more about this group.

I also love all the side characters and how supportive they are to Cricket.

I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

rawlsreads's review

5.0

This is a sweet, sweet love story between a witch and her (possibly) destined wolf mates. There are so many good vibes in this book. It's such an easy, sweet read. I've used sweet three times already in this review, but honestly, it's the best word to sum it up.

I loved Willow's other book [b:Of Moons and Monsters|57197382|Of Moons and Monsters (Of Moons and Monsters, #1)|Willow Hadley|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1614209255l/57197382._SY75_.jpg|89517674], so I thought I'd dive into this one with the third book coming out later this month.

The FMC
Cricket is a witch who's just coming into her powers. She's moved to Colorado right before her 18th birthday - when a witch's full power comes out. Her vibe is: go with the flow, be her best self and screw everyone else - I'm here for it.

She's a bit of a jack of all trades, but we as the reader are not here for conflict - we just want a nice love story with some good ol group dynamics to work out.

The Guys
Theo, Cas, & Hollis - three best friends that have grown up together and formed a pack. They each have their flaws and pasts, but they are here for each other no matter what. Theo is the alpha outgoing one, Cas is the moody, pretty one, and Hollis is the shy, sweet one. Honestly, I'm here for all these personalities and how they weave together to make a perfect little harem.

There is 100% insta-love in this one, but I'm good with that as this is more of a fated mate plotline than anything. It's really just sweet how they get to know each other and start to work out the dynamics of a group relationship.

The Smut
Guys, this one is a super, super slow burn. You get some kisses and a lot of pining. It'll build over time, but this is more one for all the feels.