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2.88 AVERAGE
2.88 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I didn't like the main character. Then I discovered the author was pretending to be indigenous even though she isn't. That was more than enough reason to stop reading.
* I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. *
I try really REALLY hard to not DNF NetGalley ARCs just because I try to read the whole thing to be able to give an honest review. But UGGH…this book. I tried. I really did. Officially giving it a DNF at 54%.
The FMC is just an awful person. I’m all for an enemies-to-lovers trope but this was just SO beyond. Pen physically assaulted Neil by throwing a book at his FACE during a BookCon panel, made him bleed, and LEFT A SCAR. And we’re just supposed to believe that 4 months later they’re both just magically past that and have the hots for each other? Just no.
I try really REALLY hard to not DNF NetGalley ARCs just because I try to read the whole thing to be able to give an honest review. But UGGH…this book. I tried. I really did. Officially giving it a DNF at 54%.
The FMC is just an awful person. I’m all for an enemies-to-lovers trope but this was just SO beyond. Pen physically assaulted Neil by throwing a book at his FACE during a BookCon panel, made him bleed, and LEFT A SCAR. And we’re just supposed to believe that 4 months later they’re both just magically past that and have the hots for each other? Just no.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
I loved the entire premise of this book, and I can't resist a good enemies to lovers trope. The added layer of commentary on Native author representation and the whole premise of the conflict between Penelope and Neil made this book even better. I'm not usually a horror girl, but the combo of spooky and rom-com was really great. That being said, I did wish there was a little more character development. There were times where I felt really frustrated with Penelope and struggled to like her as the FMC. I also felt a little let down by the ultimate 'explanation' for the spooky goings-on, and thought it didn't quite fit for me. Still would recommend this book though! The writing was beautiful and descriptive and it was a quick read and kept me wanting to know what would happen next.
I loved the entire premise of this book, and I can't resist a good enemies to lovers trope. The added layer of commentary on Native author representation and the whole premise of the conflict between Penelope and Neil made this book even better. I'm not usually a horror girl, but the combo of spooky and rom-com was really great. That being said, I did wish there was a little more character development. There were times where I felt really frustrated with Penelope and struggled to like her as the FMC. I also felt a little let down by the ultimate 'explanation' for the spooky goings-on, and thought it didn't quite fit for me. Still would recommend this book though! The writing was beautiful and descriptive and it was a quick read and kept me wanting to know what would happen next.
If the protagonist’s physical assault of another character at the beginning had been used as a moment of growth or reflection, that’d be one thing. Instead, we are expected to root for Pen as she manipulates her way out of taking any sort of accountability. The gross double standard in a story that is meant to be progressive is overly ridiculous.
Ironically, the author has also apparently come under fire for allegedly lying about their Native heritage.
While the premise is fun, it’s really impossible to move past these two major strikes.
Ironically, the author has also apparently come under fire for allegedly lying about their Native heritage.
While the premise is fun, it’s really impossible to move past these two major strikes.
fast-paced