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mistaaay17's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
exquisite_tragedy's review
3.0
Tropes/Themes:
-MF new adult contemporary romance
-University setting
-Hate to love
-Opposites attract (Rich Frat Boy x Bad Girl Heroine)
-Other Woman drama (mild)
-Dual POV
-Book #1 in an interconnected standalone series
This was the first installment to Julia Wolf’s spin-off series within the “Savage” universe. I’ve already binge read and loved The Savage Crew series, so I was super stoked to finally see Helen get her HEA. I really enjoyed this one! I don’t normally like the “bad girl heroine” trope (mostly because a little wimp and can’t relate), however there was something super endearing about Helen that it made it impossible for me not to like her. I loved how devoted she was to her little sister and how she was doing everything within her power to give her the life she deserves.
Theo was a super soft and doting hero for the most part. Even he’s been through his fair share of struggles as well, I liked how he was able to balance out Helen’s sharper edges without compromising her character or personality. I have to say though…I didn’t like the relationship discord caused my Theo later in the later (no spoilers but the issues caused by his stubbornness and ego). I found it super frustrating and hypocritical, which made me like him a teeny bit less, luckily, I was already so invested in the relationship and plot that I was able to push through and make it to the other side.
We got plenty of cameos from beloved Savage Crew characters. I’m also super excited and intrigue by the set up we got for Zadie and Amir’s book. Overall, I really enjoyed this and am hopeful that I’ll like the rest of the series even more!
CWs for loss of a loved one, cystic fibrosis, grief, substance use, drug dealing, gun violence, sexual assault (in conversation and on page), absentee parent, child abuse
Story: 3/5
Audiobook: 5/5 (narrated by Valentina Ortiz & Nelson Hobbs)
Length 10h27min
-MF new adult contemporary romance
-University setting
-Hate to love
-Opposites attract (Rich Frat Boy x Bad Girl Heroine)
-Other Woman drama (mild)
-Dual POV
-Book #1 in an interconnected standalone series
This was the first installment to Julia Wolf’s spin-off series within the “Savage” universe. I’ve already binge read and loved The Savage Crew series, so I was super stoked to finally see Helen get her HEA. I really enjoyed this one! I don’t normally like the “bad girl heroine” trope (mostly because a little wimp and can’t relate), however there was something super endearing about Helen that it made it impossible for me not to like her. I loved how devoted she was to her little sister and how she was doing everything within her power to give her the life she deserves.
Theo was a super soft and doting hero for the most part. Even he’s been through his fair share of struggles as well, I liked how he was able to balance out Helen’s sharper edges without compromising her character or personality. I have to say though…I didn’t like the relationship discord caused my Theo later in the later (no spoilers but the issues caused by his stubbornness and ego). I found it super frustrating and hypocritical, which made me like him a teeny bit less, luckily, I was already so invested in the relationship and plot that I was able to push through and make it to the other side.
We got plenty of cameos from beloved Savage Crew characters. I’m also super excited and intrigue by the set up we got for Zadie and Amir’s book. Overall, I really enjoyed this and am hopeful that I’ll like the rest of the series even more!
CWs for loss of a loved one, cystic fibrosis, grief, substance use, drug dealing, gun violence, sexual assault (in conversation and on page), absentee parent, child abuse
Story: 3/5
Audiobook: 5/5 (narrated by Valentina Ortiz & Nelson Hobbs)
Length 10h27min
lexi_gt's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
meggkey08's review against another edition
3.0
This was a perfectly good college
- romance book but because I loved Helen in the first 3 books (Savage Crew) I was expecting a little more.
Trigger Warnings:
-Addiction
-Sexual Assult
-Parental Abuse
-Derogatory names for the sex work industry
-Violence
- romance book but because I loved Helen in the first 3 books (Savage Crew) I was expecting a little more.
Trigger Warnings:
-Addiction
-Sexual Assult
-Parental Abuse
-Derogatory names for the sex work industry
-Violence
tee_tee_lou_lou's review against another edition
5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This books was so good and I shouldn't even be surprised because Julia wolf's savage crew series was amazing, start a fire was one of my favourite high school bully romance books, this book is a continuation of that series and I'm so happy we got Hell's books.
This book was not exactly what I was expecting based on that prologue... I was thinking bully, arrogant rich jerk falls for our girl Helen but I was pleasantly surprised, I was so happy to see that Theo wasn't a bully and really was there for Helen from the start and it wouldn't have worked any other way because Helen couldn't be with anyone that was not good to her, she wouldnt be able to tolerate it.
Theo was only really a jerk that once when he got into her about her job and Hell's took her time to forgive him for it, as she should!
Helen hurt my heart, she's had such a hard life and it's made her create this hard exterior to protect her heart from shattering and it was so good to be inside her head after only having snippets of her in the savage crew series... I remember when she was first introduced and I though she might be the "other woman" queen B who causes issues for grace but of course she turned out to be awesome and solid as a rock.
Other things I loved in this book...
•Luc was so cute ❤️
•No real big other woman drama... there was Abby but honestly she played a fairly minor role and Theo was NOT interested at all.
•Loved the sub characters... ~Zadie, I can not wait to read about her and Amir...
~Lock, i really hope he gets a book because he was cool but we didn't get too much from him only that he is fiercely loyal and so sweet.
~I was never a fan on Elena, of course she was the Queen B in high school and caused issues, we saw a slightly different side of her in Pen's book but honestly I still wasn't a fan but in this book she really redeemed herself alot in my eyes, she was there for Helen in some of her darkest moments in a way that Helen could relate too and tolerate, having said that I'd be happy to read a book about Elena as well... hoping it's not her and Lock though but I'll read it either way.
All in all this book was deep and heartfelt and dealt with real and serious issues and my heart felt the stress of Helens situation and life and I'm so glad she got a happy ending... and that epilogue
This books was so good and I shouldn't even be surprised because Julia wolf's savage crew series was amazing, start a fire was one of my favourite high school bully romance books, this book is a continuation of that series and I'm so happy we got Hell's books.
This book was not exactly what I was expecting based on that prologue... I was thinking bully, arrogant rich jerk falls for our girl Helen but I was pleasantly surprised, I was so happy to see that Theo wasn't a bully and really was there for Helen from the start and it wouldn't have worked any other way because Helen couldn't be with anyone that was not good to her, she wouldnt be able to tolerate it.
Theo was only really a jerk that once when he got into her about her job and Hell's took her time to forgive him for it, as she should!
Helen hurt my heart, she's had such a hard life and it's made her create this hard exterior to protect her heart from shattering and it was so good to be inside her head after only having snippets of her in the savage crew series... I remember when she was first introduced and I though she might be the "other woman" queen B who causes issues for grace but of course she turned out to be awesome and solid as a rock.
Other things I loved in this book...
•Luc was so cute ❤️
•No real big other woman drama... there was Abby but honestly she played a fairly minor role and Theo was NOT interested at all.
•Loved the sub characters... ~Zadie, I can not wait to read about her and Amir...
~Lock, i really hope he gets a book because he was cool but we didn't get too much from him only that he is fiercely loyal and so sweet.
~I was never a fan on Elena, of course she was the Queen B in high school and caused issues, we saw a slightly different side of her in Pen's book but honestly I still wasn't a fan but in this book she really redeemed herself alot in my eyes, she was there for Helen in some of her darkest moments in a way that Helen could relate too and tolerate, having said that I'd be happy to read a book about Elena as well... hoping it's not her and Lock though but I'll read it either way.
All in all this book was deep and heartfelt and dealt with real and serious issues and my heart felt the stress of Helens situation and life and I'm so glad she got a happy ending... and that epilogue
1bookobsessionconfessions's review against another edition
5.0
Great story, strong characters (with flaws) and so very smart.
Entertaining, hot and emotional.
I love this series and author so much.
Enjoyable story with depth, but not “too heavy”
Perfectly balanced, memorable characters that are so likable.
Secondary characters are amazing as well and get their own books. I’m in love with this “world.”
LOVE!
Entertaining, hot and emotional.
I love this series and author so much.
Enjoyable story with depth, but not “too heavy”
Perfectly balanced, memorable characters that are so likable.
Secondary characters are amazing as well and get their own books. I’m in love with this “world.”
LOVE!
kaydanielsromance's review against another edition
5.0
This new Savage U series is AMAZING, fantastic, and so friggin' good!!!! Helen was everything I'd been waiting for and Theo was absolutely delicious.
Theo was unexpected in his own form of broken, but also the perfect knight in unshiny armor for bada$$ Helen. Their perfect storm of a little bit crazy fit perfectly together and I loved this story which was perfect for both of them from start to finish.
Helen is a character that I've grown to know through Julia's Savage High books. She's fierce, loyal, and doesn't take crap from anyone. Growing up on the wrong side of town, scraping by, with a mother that gave up, Helen grew up at a young age and eventually took over care of her younger sister too. With her take charge attitude I was anxious to know what boy would be up to the challenge of being perfect for Helen. Interestingly enough it was a boy who shot through her sharp defenses, tore down her tall walls, and poked into her soft center. Helen is a beautiful creature whether she's soft or hard and Theo was the boy who discovered all of her sides.
Theo is so beautifully broken in his own way. He seems like the perfect, beautiful rich boy, but there are deep, deep layers to his facade. Just like Helen wears her sharp, pointy layers as armor, Theo wears his twinkly eyes and sweet smile to hide things too. He's under his father's thumb, recently out from a long term relationship and trying to figure out his life after wrestling. Theo is going through the motions of school and a beautiful Tiger named Helen just might lead him on the right path, or she might lead him down the wrong one.
It takes a certain level of trust to let someone in and not let that trust go unwarranted. Secrets can be scattered and trust can be broken. It's hard to gather those secrets once they've been let loose or glue up broken trust. You will always see the crack and the wind always carries words. Neither Theo or Helen trust easily, but together they are stronger than they are apart.That is if they really want to be together.
Soft Like Thunder is the perfect introduction to this new university world. It not only links the past high school characters for fan favorites, like me, but is a total standalone introducing new characters and a new world to fall in love with. Julia's writing just continues to get better and better and this book is proof of that.
Theo was unexpected in his own form of broken, but also the perfect knight in unshiny armor for bada$$ Helen. Their perfect storm of a little bit crazy fit perfectly together and I loved this story which was perfect for both of them from start to finish.
Helen is a character that I've grown to know through Julia's Savage High books. She's fierce, loyal, and doesn't take crap from anyone. Growing up on the wrong side of town, scraping by, with a mother that gave up, Helen grew up at a young age and eventually took over care of her younger sister too. With her take charge attitude I was anxious to know what boy would be up to the challenge of being perfect for Helen. Interestingly enough it was a boy who shot through her sharp defenses, tore down her tall walls, and poked into her soft center. Helen is a beautiful creature whether she's soft or hard and Theo was the boy who discovered all of her sides.
Theo is so beautifully broken in his own way. He seems like the perfect, beautiful rich boy, but there are deep, deep layers to his facade. Just like Helen wears her sharp, pointy layers as armor, Theo wears his twinkly eyes and sweet smile to hide things too. He's under his father's thumb, recently out from a long term relationship and trying to figure out his life after wrestling. Theo is going through the motions of school and a beautiful Tiger named Helen just might lead him on the right path, or she might lead him down the wrong one.
It takes a certain level of trust to let someone in and not let that trust go unwarranted. Secrets can be scattered and trust can be broken. It's hard to gather those secrets once they've been let loose or glue up broken trust. You will always see the crack and the wind always carries words. Neither Theo or Helen trust easily, but together they are stronger than they are apart.That is if they really want to be together.
Soft Like Thunder is the perfect introduction to this new university world. It not only links the past high school characters for fan favorites, like me, but is a total standalone introducing new characters and a new world to fall in love with. Julia's writing just continues to get better and better and this book is proof of that.
icecoffeebookqueen's review against another edition
4.0
I thought this book was good. I kinda had a hard time reading the beginning. I just personally felt a disconnect with the characters. But as the story went on, I really started to like the relationship dynamic that they had. Theo treated her well even with everything she had done. That quote I chose was because when Theo said that to Helen, I just knew everything was going to be okay, and he finally truly came to terms with what he wanted in life. Also, I can say the spice was good. They definitely connected there. It was a bit slow, but I liked it.