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riri8 's review for:
The Initiation
by Nikki Sloane
Original (12/2020): 3 stars
Reread (1/2022): 3.5 stars
Nando's Spice Rating: Medium (but the scene in dining room - Hot - not because it was spicy but just based on what actually happens)
When I originally read this series, I wasn't the biggest fan. I didn't hate it but it wasn't my thing. However since I read the initial trilogy, a fourth book was released for H's father's story which I do want to read... so as part of ReRead Season I decided to give this book another shot.
AND... I must say I actually liked this book a lot more than when I first read it. I think after I got over the initial shock of the actual content of this book, it wasn't that bad and I did really enjoy it.
(Side Note: I think my tastes have changed and I have also read some wayyyy more darker and/or questionable books than this so it almost seems milder in comparison)
I will say this book could've delved deeper into who Marist and Royce were beyond their public personas which they have having said that I do know this improves in the series but I think more foundation could've been laid out here. For this whole series, I think a lot of it could've been trimmed down but that's more of a personal preference.
Another thing, this book isn't going to be for everyone and I can see why so many people dislike it because it is definitely a "I wasn't expecting that" kind of book. It takes a bit of time for things to get moving in this book but I think you have to read it all to judge it first and decide if you want to continue the series.
All in all, if you are looking for a fluffy romance, this is just not going to be the book for you, but it is a good middle book if you are looking for more darker/twisted themes that don't involve things like kidnapping.
Reread (1/2022): 3.5 stars
Nando's Spice Rating: Medium (but the scene in dining room - Hot - not because it was spicy but just based on what actually happens)
When I originally read this series, I wasn't the biggest fan. I didn't hate it but it wasn't my thing. However since I read the initial trilogy, a fourth book was released for H's father's story which I do want to read... so as part of ReRead Season I decided to give this book another shot.
AND... I must say I actually liked this book a lot more than when I first read it. I think after I got over the initial shock of the actual content of this book, it wasn't that bad and I did really enjoy it.
(Side Note: I think my tastes have changed and I have also read some wayyyy more darker and/or questionable books than this so it almost seems milder in comparison)
I will say this book could've delved deeper into who Marist and Royce were beyond their public personas which they have having said that I do know this improves in the series but I think more foundation could've been laid out here. For this whole series, I think a lot of it could've been trimmed down but that's more of a personal preference.
Another thing, this book isn't going to be for everyone and I can see why so many people dislike it because it is definitely a "I wasn't expecting that" kind of book. It takes a bit of time for things to get moving in this book but I think you have to read it all to judge it first and decide if you want to continue the series.
All in all, if you are looking for a fluffy romance, this is just not going to be the book for you, but it is a good middle book if you are looking for more darker/twisted themes that don't involve things like kidnapping.