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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
I should probably caveat this review upfront - I'm not a big dark romance (hockey, college etc) person. Have never quite got into the Rina Kent or Shantal Tessier type books; they're just not my type. I picked this one up as there was quite a bit of talk on Instagram/BookTok + I just thought I'd give the genre another go. Verdict: Still not my cup of tea but this was one wasn't half bad.
I felt like this book was a good in between line between dark DARK romance and a little bit of college fiction, reverse harem, why choose, hockey woven in there. I liked how the different MCs all started at different points in their relationship with Sydney; Carter has dated her before, Penn starts obsessing about her & she is a bit of an enigma to Oliver, that grows into something more. So it almost feels like 3 seperate relationships that converge into a mutually conducive scenario, which sets different paces within the book, as compared to your typical RH books.
My general challenge with dark romance is that I don't quite feel like I understand the characters and motivations (esp with the MC's obsessions & how quickly they grow) - and it was a similar situation here. Oliver felt like he was treating her like a f*ck toy in the beginning, it grew into something more meaningful - and for reasons I don't quite understand, he does something so terribly triggering and hurtful that Sydney literally falls apart (luckily, there are 2 other super hot hockey players to save her).
Similarly, Sydney frustrated me a ton. She's already in a very compromised situation - her mom goes missing, she's been forced out of her college as a traitor and finding her place in the new college that makes her a sitting duck in enemy territory - and it feels like she does very little to help herself. I know it can all be very overwhelming but she felt like she didn't have much of a backbone or real character strength. She tended to disappear into these inner worlds of darkness & would wait for these boys to come save her (which they did quite frequently & happily).
So overall - decent read & it's a good one if you're just looking for a change in pace & dark romance isn't your usual deal.
I felt like this book was a good in between line between dark DARK romance and a little bit of college fiction, reverse harem, why choose, hockey woven in there. I liked how the different MCs all started at different points in their relationship with Sydney; Carter has dated her before, Penn starts obsessing about her & she is a bit of an enigma to Oliver, that grows into something more. So it almost feels like 3 seperate relationships that converge into a mutually conducive scenario, which sets different paces within the book, as compared to your typical RH books.
My general challenge with dark romance is that I don't quite feel like I understand the characters and motivations (esp with the MC's obsessions & how quickly they grow) - and it was a similar situation here. Oliver felt like he was treating her like a f*ck toy in the beginning, it grew into something more meaningful - and for reasons I don't quite understand, he does something so terribly triggering and hurtful that Sydney literally falls apart (luckily, there are 2 other super hot hockey players to save her).
Similarly, Sydney frustrated me a ton. She's already in a very compromised situation - her mom goes missing, she's been forced out of her college as a traitor and finding her place in the new college that makes her a sitting duck in enemy territory - and it feels like she does very little to help herself. I know it can all be very overwhelming but she felt like she didn't have much of a backbone or real character strength. She tended to disappear into these inner worlds of darkness & would wait for these boys to come save her (which they did quite frequently & happily).
So overall - decent read & it's a good one if you're just looking for a change in pace & dark romance isn't your usual deal.
Dark!
So this goes along with the regular hockey theme- men are super hot, intense and oh they have some kinks…… oh yes and the drama! So the story does street off interesting with the FMC breaking into rival hockey coach’s home which he thinks is a prank because was dating a rival hockey player. She doesn’t find what looking for but comes across playbook and takes pics…… everything unravels from there!
Check your triggers because there is betrayal- more than the stealing, mean girl behavior, and from the boys dubcon, SA, somnophelia (yes my spelling off, either way h00000t) knife/blood play, just wowsers but never a dull moment that just wanted to breeze through. The tie ups were something else, there is stalking that Sydney gets hit from from both lovers as well as enemies, and one twist where a mystery stalker that I totally would’ve put money on someone else! The ending to another story line was rough, and I gave 4 instead of 5 as it did give some flashback of SA so more on my feelings than writing style, nailed it. A very emotional and spicy read.
So this goes along with the regular hockey theme- men are super hot, intense and oh they have some kinks…… oh yes and the drama! So the story does street off interesting with the FMC breaking into rival hockey coach’s home which he thinks is a prank because was dating a rival hockey player. She doesn’t find what looking for but comes across playbook and takes pics…… everything unravels from there!
Check your triggers because there is betrayal- more than the stealing, mean girl behavior, and from the boys dubcon, SA, somnophelia (yes my spelling off, either way h00000t) knife/blood play, just wowsers but never a dull moment that just wanted to breeze through. The tie ups were something else, there is stalking that Sydney gets hit from from both lovers as well as enemies, and one twist where a mystery stalker that I totally would’ve put money on someone else! The ending to another story line was rough, and I gave 4 instead of 5 as it did give some flashback of SA so more on my feelings than writing style, nailed it. A very emotional and spicy read.
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
dark
emotional
tense
I definitely didn’t read what this book was about to color me shocked ahhahaha
This story is a mess. It is violent, mean, and trigger warning happy. The main story plot is lost in execution and laced together with filth.
This book delves into the intricate lives of characters entangled in a web of intense emotions, forbidden desires, and fierce rivalries. Set against the backdrop of the high-stakes world of competitive sports, where every move is scrutinized and every victory is hard-won, the story explores the complexities of human relationships pushed to the brink. Readers who are captivated by dark romance, where passion and danger intertwine, will find themselves drawn into the morally gray areas that the characters navigate. The power dynamics, the secrets, and the betrayals will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth and witness the consequences of choices made in the heat of the moment. The emotionally charged narrative and the exploration of the darker side of human nature make this book a compelling read for those who crave stories that challenge conventional notions of love and morality.
There are books like this that make you feel as if you were on a roller coaster of emotions but also of relationships.... At the same time for the first time with a why choose I would have chosen them all, they all had that something special which made me say while I was reading... I want you... I can't say what happens but believe me I became fond of Sidney, I suffered with her... A woman but I mean a person shouldn't have to go through everything she goes through .... And the boys, oh my God.... If I really have to choose one of them, I choose Oliver for how he is, for how he is with Sidney... But in a parallel world I want them all because you will understand by reading it that it is impossible choose... I didn't know this writer but now she is one of my favorites for how she writes and how she puts elements of suspense and mystery into a romance. I never wanted enough... In fact I couldn't put the book down. Vote
I have no words for this book, other than PERFECTION. I was hooked 2 chapters in. I could not put this book down, and I know I will be coming back to read this again and again. This book is DARK, but oh so good. If you’re looking for a DARK hockey romance with spice, this book is for you. Thank you @valentine_pr_ and @authorsmassery for the advanced copy!
How do I express my love for this book... It was a great read, and I could not put it down. I had it finished in less than two days, and was hooked from the beginning. The entire book pretty much went full circle, and I loved it. I truly don't think I can get all of my love and feelings into a review for this book...but I will try. (I will probably come back to update multiple times lol)
Spoilers Below!!
Spoilers Below!!
Spoilers Below!!
It was so easy to feel all the emotions Sydney was experiencing. The bullying and pain she endured was heartbreaking. I was mad, sad, hurt, annoyed, and everything in-between. I fell for all three guys, just as she did. And when she felt hurt by their actions, so did I. As dark as this book was, I truly was taken into the pages and felt like I was going through all of this with her.
Carter was my fav at the beginning. I thought it would be perfect for a second chance romance story line. And it was for sure, just not in the way I was thinking lol. Once he turned stalker I knew there was more to him.
Oliver seemed to be the... nicest?... of the three, but after what he did, I too felt like I couldn't for give him.
Then there was Penn... I loved this character. I instantly liked him, and that never stopped. I think he definitely had Sydneys best interests at heart, he just didn't show it how most would....
The entire book was FAST passed. Every chapter something new was happening. I think that is what helped make it such an addicting read. That, and most chapters were short.
While reading this, I knew it was a dark-staler romance, but I DID NOT expect to be a mushy mess in the last two chapters with Oliver.
Overall this book deserves more than 5 stars. I am obsessed. Thank you again for the ARC. I cannot wait to read it over and over and over again.
adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
How do I express my love for this book... It was a great read, and I could not put it down. I had it finished in less than two days, and was hooked from the beginning. The entire book pretty much went full circle, and I loved it. I truly don't think I can get all of my love and feelings into a review for this book...but I will try. (I will probably come back to update multiple times lol)
Spoilers Below!!
Spoilers Below!!
Spoilers Below!!
It was so easy to feel all the emotions Sydney was experiencing. The bullying and pain she endured was heartbreaking. I was mad, sad, hurt, annoyed, and everything in-between. I fell for all three guys, just as she did. And when she felt hurt by their actions, so did I. As dark as this book was, I truly was taken into the pages and felt like I was going through all of this with her.
Carter was my fav at the beginning. I thought it would be perfect for a second chance romance story line. And it was for sure, just not in the way I was thinking lol. Once he turned stalker I knew there was more to him.
Oliver seemed to be the... nicest?... of the three, but after what he did, I too felt like I couldn't for give him.
Then there was Penn... I loved this character. I instantly liked him, and that never stopped. I think he definitely had Sydneys best interests at heart, he just didn't show it how most would....
The entire book was FAST passed. Every chapter something new was happening. I think that is what helped make it such an addicting read. That, and most chapters were short.
While reading this, I knew it was a dark-staler romance, but I DID NOT expect to be a mushy mess in the last two chapters with Oliver.
Overall this book deserves more than 5 stars. I am obsessed. Thank you again for the ARC. I cannot wait to read it over and over and over again.
adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated