A review by luminescify
The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

dark mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 Ugh. I have so many thoughts about this book. I'm rating it a 3 purely because of the mystery and puzzles - the drama took about 10 years off my life.

I agree with many others who have said that Avery was worried entirely too much about someone she wasn't ever dating. I get that she cares about Grayson like she does Jameson but holy crap just let him go. Her obsession made this book frustrating to read - especially so being someone that's always been team Grayson over team Jameson. Speaking of...

JUSTICE FOR GRAYSON HAWTHORNE. I really hope this next book gives him some kind of happiness because it's the absolute least he deserves after the shit show that was his storyline throughout these first three books. I knocked this two stars simply because this third book lacked the intrigue and excitement that the first two made me feel. That never-put-it-down feeling. It was a chore to get through the first 2/3rds of this book and I hate that I'm saying that because I really love these characters, the way Barnes writes, and her storytelling skills. Absolutely no shade to her as an author, I will absolutely be reading more of her work - I'm just being salty about this ending.

Long story short: Grayson deserved better. I'm upset about what happened to Toby, and I really hate Eve. With a firey, burning, all-consuming passion. I hope a cow eats her hair on her granddad's stupid ranch. 

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