Scan barcode
A review by talknerdybookblog
Aria's Desire by Stacy Jones
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
No strong representations of diverse characters or minority identities.
Originally I thought Aria’s Desire would be 4.75-stars because Aria was pushing Sin and Rellik away (and spinning in circles) when all she needed was to have an honest conversation with them and her mates. Yet, surprisingly, Aria’s arc throughout the book was realizing how she had been projecting her insecurities onto her relationships, and coming to terms with the fact that she was the one creating barriers between her love interests. I loved how Aria was honest with herself. Even better was how her mates (Tirox and Kix) apologized to her for not taking into consideration RH relationships aren’t normal for humans — I liked how once any of the main characters realized they were making a mistake, they owned their part in it and actively worked at fixing it.
Also, this whole book is a blast and so freaking awesome. The world-building is stunning and the plot is engaging. I cannot wait for the rest of the books in the Taken series, although this is the last to feature Aria and her men as main characters. But, the number of supporting and side characters whose story I want told has now doubled! I cannot wait to see whose story is next.
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• Does kinda have OW drama
— the Queen the group ends up visiting is Rikell’s ex-lover. The Heroine feels possessive and jealous of Rikell’s relationship with the Queen but it doesn’t cause any problems between Aria and Rikell. Also the Queen isn’t interested in Rikell.
• No OM drama
• Does have the Heroine pushing Sin and Rikell away
• Does have Sin and Kix pushing Aria away
• Does have Aria briefly separated from Triox and Kix
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Discussion of slavery
• Reference to sexual assault and r@pe
• Inference of physical assault of a minor (teenager)
• Non-descriptive beheading of women who r@ped and enslaved men
• Violence
Ending:HFN
Originally I thought Aria’s Desire would be 4.75-stars because Aria was pushing Sin and Rellik away (and spinning in circles) when all she needed was to have an honest conversation with them and her mates. Yet, surprisingly, Aria’s arc throughout the book was realizing how she had been projecting her insecurities onto her relationships, and coming to terms with the fact that she was the one creating barriers between her love interests. I loved how Aria was honest with herself. Even better was how her mates (Tirox and Kix) apologized to her for not taking into consideration RH relationships aren’t normal for humans — I liked how once any of the main characters realized they were making a mistake, they owned their part in it and actively worked at fixing it.
Also, this whole book is a blast and so freaking awesome. The world-building is stunning and the plot is engaging. I cannot wait for the rest of the books in the Taken series, although this is the last to feature Aria and her men as main characters. But, the number of supporting and side characters whose story I want told has now doubled! I cannot wait to see whose story is next.
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• Does kinda have OW drama
— the Queen the group ends up visiting is Rikell’s ex-lover. The Heroine feels possessive and jealous of Rikell’s relationship with the Queen but it doesn’t cause any problems between Aria and Rikell. Also the Queen isn’t interested in Rikell.
• No OM drama
• Does have the Heroine pushing Sin and Rikell away
• Does have Sin and Kix pushing Aria away
• Does have Aria briefly separated from Triox and Kix
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Discussion of slavery
• Reference to sexual assault and r@pe
• Inference of physical assault of a minor (teenager)
• Non-descriptive beheading of women who r@ped and enslaved men
• Violence
Ending: