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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
I'm a little stuck between 3.75 stars and 4 stars. I did love it, and it was an addictive (was going to say enjoyed it, but for some scenes I don't think enjoyed is the right world). I also know that it is a dark romance, but I was not expecting some of those scenes. Like....wowwwwwwwwwwwww
dark
tense
medium-paced
dark
fast-paced
The predatory inner dialogue from the start almost made me DNF. Consulted my bestie about it, decided to see it through.
This one was not for me.
This one was not for me.
dark
mysterious
tense
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
dark
emotional
mysterious
4.25⭐️i swear emily mcintire can do me no wrong! i will forever be obsessed with this series but this one just made it better! i loved cade and amaya and the storyline of this one was so different from the others and i loved it! also the slow burn! omg when i say i want a slow burn this is what i mean!!
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 Stars☆
This book is definitely my favorite in the Never After series—everything about it embodies what I love in a dark romance. Not only do you get a hot, sexy priest, but you also get an atmospheric, Hunchback of Notre Dame modern European-inspired gothic town as the setting, along with what I perceived as a symbolic representation of faith within all of us.
A lot of people don’t really like the priest trope in romance, which is understandable. But as someone who grew up in a religious household, I see so much more than just a priest breaking his vows. This book was a representation of that deeper complexity. While Cade is VERY morally gray—scratch that, morally dark, obsidian black dark—Emily not only gives us insight into his backstory but also adds depth to the discussion of whether a monster is made or born. And in a sense, Cade is one of the only characters I’ve ever read who is both—without even knowing if he really is. That beauty and complexity is EXACTLY what I want to see in a romance book. And bringing Amaya into that discussion? She represents someone who is created and ultimately succumbs to the need for darkness.
Beyond that (because I could go on forever about it), the religious themes and moral dilemmas in this book are fascinating. As someone who grew up in both a contemporary Christian church and a Catholic household on my Mexican side, the idea of self-inflicted wounds—while depicted physically in this book—also serves as a metaphor for emotional damage. And while the way the book ends may not be morally justifiable from either a religious or purely human standpoint, within a fictional setting, it’s the perfect juxtaposition of people who live by a so-called "moral" code yet fail to treat others with decency—versus our two main characters, who are morally dark yet respect and crave respect as outcasts.
Anyway, I’m done with my ten-page philosophy essay, but to wrap this up: I love dark romance. I love that some people don’t get it. I love forbidden love. And I LOVE Father Cade. If you’re a dark romance reader and NOT religous, I definitely recommend this. Never thought the day would come when Scarred got dethroned, but here we are.
This book is definitely my favorite in the Never After series—everything about it embodies what I love in a dark romance. Not only do you get a hot, sexy priest, but you also get an atmospheric, Hunchback of Notre Dame modern European-inspired gothic town as the setting, along with what I perceived as a symbolic representation of faith within all of us.
A lot of people don’t really like the priest trope in romance, which is understandable. But as someone who grew up in a religious household, I see so much more than just a priest breaking his vows. This book was a representation of that deeper complexity. While Cade is VERY morally gray—scratch that, morally dark, obsidian black dark—Emily not only gives us insight into his backstory but also adds depth to the discussion of whether a monster is made or born. And in a sense, Cade is one of the only characters I’ve ever read who is both—without even knowing if he really is. That beauty and complexity is EXACTLY what I want to see in a romance book. And bringing Amaya into that discussion? She represents someone who is created and ultimately succumbs to the need for darkness.
Beyond that (because I could go on forever about it), the religious themes and moral dilemmas in this book are fascinating. As someone who grew up in both a contemporary Christian church and a Catholic household on my Mexican side, the idea of self-inflicted wounds—while depicted physically in this book—also serves as a metaphor for emotional damage. And while the way the book ends may not be morally justifiable from either a religious or purely human standpoint, within a fictional setting, it’s the perfect juxtaposition of people who live by a so-called "moral" code yet fail to treat others with decency—versus our two main characters, who are morally dark yet respect and crave respect as outcasts.
Anyway, I’m done with my ten-page philosophy essay, but to wrap this up: I love dark romance. I love that some people don’t get it. I love forbidden love. And I LOVE Father Cade. If you’re a dark romance reader and NOT religous, I definitely recommend this. Never thought the day would come when Scarred got dethroned, but here we are.
I absolutely love Father Cade! This retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame is exceptional. Emily has truly outdone herself with this one.
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes