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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
This turned out to be longer than I planned, so if you're not a fan of long reviews I start with a short and quick one, but if you want to know all my thoughts on the characters and story I have my full review below it—
Short review:
I loved it, but I'm still conflicted on how I feel and what I want my final rating to be. It wasn't what I expected and it was a good reminder to not let reviews get in your head but rather to read it and decide for yourself—I would encourage you to do the same.
Full review:
First and foremost; this is most definitely NOT for everyone, especially with how the book starts. If anything remotely involved with dark romances triggers you—STAY AWAY FROM THIS BOOK!—However, if you're an avid reader of the darker themes than the only warning you need is that it starts off with a brutal bang!
Now, I was extremely apprehensive going into this, especially since it sat on my tbr for 3 years. Based on reviews I read, I believed I wasn't going to enjoy this or worse dnf it completely—that could not have been further from the truth and I would suggest referring to what I said in the short review.
I understand what my friends said when they told me I would question why I like Carter, but if I'm being honest—I loved him (sorry not sorry). He has the charm of Damon Salvatore, that's the best analogy I can come up with but for me it's 100% true. Everything he does is selfish, cocky and completely assholery but he is also charming, sexy and possessive. I found myself laughing several times throughout the book because of his male audacity, and swooning at his alpha moments (yes I'm a sucker for "you're mine" and "no one touches you but me" lines, sue me!).
Zoey on the other hand...I found it took me a little longer to like her. Which confused me more than my feelings towards Carter. I definitely had more moments of liking her, but I personally couldn't connect with her as easily as I typically do with heroines. I did however love her wittiness, and her bravery to stand up for herself, but I think her constant indecisiveness is what got on my nerves more than I would have liked. Nevertheless, I truly believe she was the perfect match for Carter and not once throughout the story did I not believe that.
Something I absolutely consumed and loved was the banter between Zoey and Carter. It was so enjoyable and addicting to read, and I found myself looking forward to their interactions and made up stories of their future. It made them real in my opinion, and definitely added to the the list of why they belong together.
Below isn't necessarily spoilers, it is more so why I'm conflicted with what to rate and feel for this book. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed Carter and Zoey, and I would only recommend this to a select few because it is definitely not for the faint of heart. So if you consider yourself a dark romance reader, and/or you are brave enough to look past the flaws (because there is many) of these characters, you might just enjoy this too.
• • • • • ⚠️ KINDA SPOILERY ⚠️ • • • • •
What I didn't like:
This book is categorized as a dark romance, and to an extent it deserves to be. However, for majority of this book it was like any other typical bully romance; I would even say it was on the lighter scale of bully romances. I personally believe the first interaction between Carter and Zoey, as well as what happened to Carter wasn't needed. I think these were added for a plot device and to be completely honest I'm not a fan of that. Especially when both issues were swept under the rug and never spoken of in a serious manner again. The story didn't need it, and would have still been enjoyable without them.
Had this been dark throughout the story I would have understood putting these in the book, but since 85%-90% of the book isn't dark at all but a typical new adult enemies to lovers romance, it felt unnecessary and poorly done. And this is where I understand many reviews and why readers didn't like it.
This definitely plays a huge part in why I'm conflicted on what to rate it. I feel like these two things could have been done so much better. I'm settling for a 4 star but it could easily be a 4.5 star too considering my enjoyment of both MCs. I don't know, but I'm going to leave it at that until I know for sure.
Short review:
I loved it, but I'm still conflicted on how I feel and what I want my final rating to be. It wasn't what I expected and it was a good reminder to not let reviews get in your head but rather to read it and decide for yourself—I would encourage you to do the same.
Full review:
First and foremost; this is most definitely NOT for everyone, especially with how the book starts. If anything remotely involved with dark romances triggers you—STAY AWAY FROM THIS BOOK!—However, if you're an avid reader of the darker themes than the only warning you need is that it starts off with a brutal bang!
Now, I was extremely apprehensive going into this, especially since it sat on my tbr for 3 years. Based on reviews I read, I believed I wasn't going to enjoy this or worse dnf it completely—that could not have been further from the truth and I would suggest referring to what I said in the short review.
I understand what my friends said when they told me I would question why I like Carter, but if I'm being honest—I loved him (sorry not sorry). He has the charm of Damon Salvatore, that's the best analogy I can come up with but for me it's 100% true. Everything he does is selfish, cocky and completely assholery but he is also charming, sexy and possessive. I found myself laughing several times throughout the book because of his male audacity, and swooning at his alpha moments (yes I'm a sucker for "you're mine" and "no one touches you but me" lines, sue me!).
Zoey on the other hand...I found it took me a little longer to like her. Which confused me more than my feelings towards Carter. I definitely had more moments of liking her, but I personally couldn't connect with her as easily as I typically do with heroines. I did however love her wittiness, and her bravery to stand up for herself, but I think her constant indecisiveness is what got on my nerves more than I would have liked. Nevertheless, I truly believe she was the perfect match for Carter and not once throughout the story did I not believe that.
Something I absolutely consumed and loved was the banter between Zoey and Carter. It was so enjoyable and addicting to read, and I found myself looking forward to their interactions and made up stories of their future. It made them real in my opinion, and definitely added to the the list of why they belong together.
Below isn't necessarily spoilers, it is more so why I'm conflicted with what to rate and feel for this book. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed Carter and Zoey, and I would only recommend this to a select few because it is definitely not for the faint of heart. So if you consider yourself a dark romance reader, and/or you are brave enough to look past the flaws (because there is many) of these characters, you might just enjoy this too.
• • • • • ⚠️ KINDA SPOILERY ⚠️ • • • • •
What I didn't like:
This book is categorized as a dark romance, and to an extent it deserves to be. However, for majority of this book it was like any other typical bully romance; I would even say it was on the lighter scale of bully romances. I personally believe the first interaction between Carter and Zoey, as well as what happened to Carter wasn't needed. I think these were added for a plot device and to be completely honest I'm not a fan of that. Especially when both issues were swept under the rug and never spoken of in a serious manner again. The story didn't need it, and would have still been enjoyable without them.
Had this been dark throughout the story I would have understood putting these in the book, but since 85%-90% of the book isn't dark at all but a typical new adult enemies to lovers romance, it felt unnecessary and poorly done. And this is where I understand many reviews and why readers didn't like it.
This definitely plays a huge part in why I'm conflicted on what to rate it. I feel like these two things could have been done so much better. I'm settling for a 4 star but it could easily be a 4.5 star too considering my enjoyment of both MCs. I don't know, but I'm going to leave it at that until I know for sure.
This book surprised me a bit. It ended up being a little bit deeper than what I thought it'd be, but at the same time, still surface level too. I get the reasoning behind Carter's tendencies, but I just don't get why at the weirdest times, Zoey would suddenly give in when he pushed. Like what was the reason? The main problem is that the writing didn't convey this sudden shift, she just suddenly do something odd.
For example, they'd be arguing about something but then unexpectedly Zoey initiated sex. There's nothing, not even a short description of what she's feeling or why before doing this. Just bad writing maybe? Would really love to give this a 4 star if this weird point didn't happen. This completely broke the immersion for me. Just ODD.
Also, some detail about the state of Zoey's and Grace's friendship was just completely left out by the time the books finished.
For example, they'd be arguing about something but then unexpectedly Zoey initiated sex. There's nothing, not even a short description of what she's feeling or why before doing this. Just bad writing maybe? Would really love to give this a 4 star if this weird point didn't happen. This completely broke the immersion for me. Just ODD.
Also, some detail about the state of Zoey's and Grace's friendship was just completely left out by the time the books finished.
So very, very dark. It makes you uncomfortable yet is also impossible to put down. Expertly crafted. It's rare I give a 5-star rating, but this book earned it. This passage is a great example of why this book is so compelling.
If you love dark reads the push ALL the boundaries, this book is for you!
Yeah, right. I can only imagine the torment he would inflict on a guy I admitted to liking who isn't him.
"Don't worry," I assure him. "Apparently I only go out with guys I DON'T like."
"Oh good, well then I'm all set," he replies.
I toss the phone down on my bed and turn to the closet, looking for a shirt he won't try to open while we're sitting in a theater with a small child. To stay on the safe side, I select a cranberry 3/4 sleeve ribbed sweater. The material is thin, but with the sleeves, it's more fitting for cooler weather. Today is a hot day, but it shows no cleavage and shouldn't tempt him. I can't believe I have to pick outfits based on what won't tempt my date. This is terrible. Good lord.
Shoving away that swell of common sense, I tug the top on and pick up my phone to see what Carter's last text says. "Your reluctance to go there has made me also want Chick-fil-a. You wanna meet there, or should I pick you up?"
"As always, I am bowled over by your concern for what I want," I reply.
"You're welcome," he replies.
I roll my eyes. "I'll meet you there."
If you love dark reads the push ALL the boundaries, this book is for you!
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
i read the entire book, and this may be the longest review i've ever written. i was initially going to DNF after the first 200 pages, especially after their first time (will touch on that below) but then i started reading out of genuine curiosity -- i wanted to know how is carter going to somehow redeem himself?
this book romanticizes SA, and i found it extremely triggering at times. i do appreciate the author's initial note with trigger warnings. i knew coming in that this was a bully romance, but THE MMC DOES NOT LEARN FROM HIS MISTAKES!! HE NEVER ONCE APOLOGIZES FOR IT. HE LITERALLY DOUBLES DOWN AND THE FMC JUSTIFIES IT TO HERSELF. the beginning starts off strong, with the FMC aware that the MMC is terrible news. not just terrible, but like legitimately evil. she continues to make poor decision after poor decision. even by the end of the story, he's still doing a LOT of crazy/abusive shit (taking jealousy to another level, isolating her from any guy friends and harassing them, spreading rumors about her, refusing her break-up). don't even get me started on their first time. S*X WITHOUT AN ENTHUSIASTIC YES IS STILL R*PE!! S*X IF YOU SAID "NO" IS R*PE!! S*X WITHOUT A CONDOM WHEN YOU DON'T CONSENT TO THAT IS R*PE!!! I hate the way this author handled it. this author could've handled this more sensitively by the FMC taking a stand and educating the MMC about this. instead, it turns into more of her being worried she might be pregnant. like no girl -- he r*ped you. i genuinely felt so triggered reading this and hate-read the rest of the book, bc the MMC could not redeem himself in my eyes after this.
i know that people react to traumatic situations in different ways, and i think this book could've touched upon that and handled the topic more sensitively. it is common for people to go back to their perpetuators as a trauma response, but in this book, it was handled without any sensitivity (becoming almost a kink between them). the MMC may say he loves the FMC by the end of the book, but i did not like the romance bc i still did not trust the MMC to not hurt the FMC. like seriously.. the first three chapters were insane!! and i would've rated this book higher IF he learned from his mistakes. but no.. he continues being a r*pey a**hole through the very end. ugh.
this book romanticizes SA, and i found it extremely triggering at times. i do appreciate the author's initial note with trigger warnings. i knew coming in that this was a bully romance, but THE MMC DOES NOT LEARN FROM HIS MISTAKES!! HE NEVER ONCE APOLOGIZES FOR IT. HE LITERALLY DOUBLES DOWN AND THE FMC JUSTIFIES IT TO HERSELF. the beginning starts off strong, with the FMC aware that the MMC is terrible news. not just terrible, but like legitimately evil. she continues to make poor decision after poor decision. even by the end of the story, he's still doing a LOT of crazy/abusive shit (taking jealousy to another level, isolating her from any guy friends and harassing them, spreading rumors about her, refusing her break-up). don't even get me started on their first time. S*X WITHOUT AN ENTHUSIASTIC YES IS STILL R*PE!! S*X IF YOU SAID "NO" IS R*PE!! S*X WITHOUT A CONDOM WHEN YOU DON'T CONSENT TO THAT IS R*PE!!! I hate the way this author handled it. this author could've handled this more sensitively by the FMC taking a stand and educating the MMC about this. instead, it turns into more of her being worried she might be pregnant. like no girl -- he r*ped you. i genuinely felt so triggered reading this and hate-read the rest of the book, bc the MMC could not redeem himself in my eyes after this.
i know that people react to traumatic situations in different ways, and i think this book could've touched upon that and handled the topic more sensitively. it is common for people to go back to their perpetuators as a trauma response, but in this book, it was handled without any sensitivity (becoming almost a kink between them). the MMC may say he loves the FMC by the end of the book, but i did not like the romance bc i still did not trust the MMC to not hurt the FMC. like seriously.. the first three chapters were insane!! and i would've rated this book higher IF he learned from his mistakes. but no.. he continues being a r*pey a**hole through the very end. ugh.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A nice bully romance- but the bully part lasted only the first 5-9% ?!!
After my reread now I understand the hype of this book 🙏🏻