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amanda_reads13's reviews
466 reviews
Between Never and Forever by Brit Benson
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-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
3.5
Savannah and Levi were childhood best friends who reconnect years after being torn apart.
I liked how we saw their relationship evolve over the three different time periods. We see their friendship as children, their budding relationship and contrasting lives as young adults, and finally their reunion as adults. I enjoyed seeing how much Sav grew into her own confident self. I feel like Levi never really evolved as a character, like he remained the same throughout the entire book.
I have some mixed feelings about Levi, which mostly revolve around Sharon and Brynn's mother. I do understand the choices that Levi made and appreciate the fact that those choices gave him Brynn. That said, in both situations it demonstrates his saviour complex, something we see consistently throughout the book. What Brynn's mother didwas extremely fucked up. Yes, she was in a really awful situation, but she claimed she was pregnant with Levi's kid, when it wasn't his. She effectively ruined his relationship with Sav and destroyed his dreams in one fell swoop of a lie.
When it comes to Sharon,I get the desire to help others, the she has cleaned up her act, and that she herself was a victim. BUT she was an abusive mother and allowed her boyfriend to abuse the woman you claim to love, effectively traumatizing her. Then you turn around and not only allow Sharon into your life knowing how much it would hurt the woman you claim to love, but allow her to care for you daughter?!?! THEN you spring her on Sav without warning her?!? Brutal.
Sav lived through an incredibly traumatic childhood. She was continually abused by her drugged up mother's boyfriend and her safe place was always Levi. I have emense respect for her, she had to save herself and start from nothing. Her persistence and determitation paid off as she built herself up to be a world famous musician. The road to get there and through it wasn't easy for her, but she made it through.I respected her even more after seeing her reaction to finding out the pregnancy. She made the incredibly self-less decision to turn Levi away, so that he wouldn't have to make that choice.
The ending was wrought with unnecessary conflict that really went nowhere and added nothing to the overall plot.Why bring back the abusive ex? Was the fire really necessary?
Tropes: childhood best friends, second chance, musician, single parent
I liked how we saw their relationship evolve over the three different time periods. We see their friendship as children, their budding relationship and contrasting lives as young adults, and finally their reunion as adults. I enjoyed seeing how much Sav grew into her own confident self. I feel like Levi never really evolved as a character, like he remained the same throughout the entire book.
I have some mixed feelings about Levi, which mostly revolve around Sharon and Brynn's mother. I do understand the choices that Levi made and appreciate the fact that those choices gave him Brynn. That said, in both situations it demonstrates his saviour complex, something we see consistently throughout the book. What Brynn's mother did
When it comes to Sharon,
Sav lived through an incredibly traumatic childhood. She was continually abused by her drugged up mother's boyfriend and her safe place was always Levi. I have emense respect for her, she had to save herself and start from nothing. Her persistence and determitation paid off as she built herself up to be a world famous musician. The road to get there and through it wasn't easy for her, but she made it through.
The ending was wrought with unnecessary conflict that really went nowhere and added nothing to the overall plot.
Tropes: childhood best friends, second chance, musician, single parent
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Cancer, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Rape
The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Frank hasn't spoken to his daughter in about 3 years. So, he is shocked when he receives a call from her telling him she is getting married.
Honestly, I predicted most of the plot from the start. The only thing I didn't pick up on was thatthe wife killed the mistress. I figured out the affair/fake marriage part pretty quickly.
I actually didn't like any of the characters in the book. I don't know if that was on purpose or not, but none of them were likable. Even the "good guys" were annoying. I would have liked a little bit more backstory on Maggie, we got a bit but not enough.
Frank is a single father in his 50s who doesn't realize that his daughter is a narcissistic sociopath who has manipulated and gaslit him for years. He constantly makes excuses for her and it takes a very drastic reality check for him to see her for who she is. Frank is way over his head as he realized things aren't quite as they seem. He continues to trust her even after she has proven, time and time again, that she cannot be.
Maggie is a puppeter. She has full control of those around her and manipulates everyone to get what she wants.After becoming her bosses mistress, she finds herself in the perfect position to wriggle her way into the family's money. After her bosses son and wife kill another of his mistresses, Maggie agrees marry the son to be his "alibi".... All the while continuing to sleep with his father. Fucked up. She doesn't care who she hurts or who dies, as long as she gets what she wants.
I don't really see the point of the Abigail plot. Yes, she causes some minor conflicts, but it doesn't add much to the overall point.
Then ending was unnecessary... He is still supporting her, or trying to, after all of that.
Honestly, I predicted most of the plot from the start. The only thing I didn't pick up on was that
I actually didn't like any of the characters in the book. I don't know if that was on purpose or not, but none of them were likable. Even the "good guys" were annoying. I would have liked a little bit more backstory on Maggie, we got a bit but not enough.
Frank is a single father in his 50s who doesn't realize that his daughter is a narcissistic sociopath who has manipulated and gaslit him for years. He constantly makes excuses for her and it takes a very drastic reality check for him to see her for who she is. Frank is way over his head as he realized things aren't quite as they seem. He continues to trust her even after she has proven, time and time again, that she cannot be.
Maggie is a puppeter. She has full control of those around her and manipulates everyone to get what she wants.
I don't really see the point of the Abigail plot. Yes, she causes some minor conflicts, but it doesn't add much to the overall point.
Then ending was unnecessary... He is still supporting her, or trying to, after all of that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexual content, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Chasing The Wild by Elliott Rose
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
After tracking down her deadbeat ex to his father's farm, Layla gets snowed in there.
This was a fun ride! The tension and chemistry between Colton and Layla kept me hooked. If you are looking for depth and characters development, this ain't it. But if you are looking for a fun and steamy book, this one is for you.
Layla is months away from graduation when she discovered that her ex, Kacye, took out a line of credit in her name. Now creditors are calling and she can't pay them back. So she goes to his last known location to find him, his dad, Colton's, ranch. Not only is he not there, but she gets snowed in there a day before her job (required hours to graduate) begins. Colton steps up and offers her a job on his ranch to help her.
These two are so hot together. They know they should stay away from each other, so they resist temptation, or at least they try to. They just can't resist, and when they give in, it is explosive. But their relationship goes beyond the purely physical, we see a real emotional connection between them. They balance each other out well.
The wholepregnancy and date rape neighbous was an unnecessary addition to the book.
Her best friend "Sarge" was a fun character, I hope she gets a book.
Tropes: age gap, ex's father, cowboy/vet, forbidden, forced proximity
This was a fun ride! The tension and chemistry between Colton and Layla kept me hooked. If you are looking for depth and characters development, this ain't it. But if you are looking for a fun and steamy book, this one is for you.
Layla is months away from graduation when she discovered that her ex, Kacye, took out a line of credit in her name. Now creditors are calling and she can't pay them back. So she goes to his last known location to find him, his dad, Colton's, ranch. Not only is he not there, but she gets snowed in there a day before her job (required hours to graduate) begins. Colton steps up and offers her a job on his ranch to help her.
These two are so hot together. They know they should stay away from each other, so they resist temptation, or at least they try to. They just can't resist, and when they give in, it is explosive. But their relationship goes beyond the purely physical, we see a real emotional connection between them. They balance each other out well.
The whole
Her best friend "Sarge" was a fun character, I hope she gets a book.
Tropes: age gap, ex's father, cowboy/vet, forbidden, forced proximity
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
The Last One by Will Dean
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Caz boards a cruise ship destined for New York, only to wake up and find she is the only one on the ship.
I thought this was a really interesting premise and I had a bunch of different theories. I was hoping that it was going to turn out to be something supernatural or super nefarious, unfortunately it was far less exciting. It took way too long to reveal the true nature of what was going ona game show where the TWO real contestants didn't sign up or know what was going on. All the danger was perceived, not real danger.
There were too many plot holes to allow me to buy this story. How did noone notice a giant cruise ship going in circles in the Atlantic Ocean? How was this legally allowed to happen? Why did noone fight to get them off the boat? Why pretend that everyone was dead? What was the point of having Michelle come out? How did she survive floating in freezing water?
What was with the dogs? That's all I could think about for half the book.
Honestly I think it would have been more believable had they stuck with the Red Room story or made it something supernatural.
I thought this was a really interesting premise and I had a bunch of different theories. I was hoping that it was going to turn out to be something supernatural or super nefarious, unfortunately it was far less exciting. It took way too long to reveal the true nature of what was going on
There were too many plot holes to allow me to buy this story. How did noone notice a giant cruise ship going in circles in the Atlantic Ocean? How was this legally allowed to happen? Why did noone fight to get them off the boat? Why pretend that everyone was dead? What was the point of having Michelle come out? How did she survive floating in freezing water?
What was with the dogs? That's all I could think about for half the book.
Honestly I think it would have been more believable had they stuck with the Red Room story or made it something supernatural.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Suicide, Grief, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Viciously Yours by Jamie Applegate Hunter
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
At the age of 13, Rennick is whispered the name of his mate, "Amelia". He will stop at nothing to keep her protected and make her his wife.
This book is exactly what it claims to be: a fun ride. The author isn't out to create a literary masterpiece, they say so themselves in the opening of the book. So, take it for what it is. A fast paced, fun, romance focused book. Yes, there was little plot, but I thought the world and the abilities granted to each group was really interesting. Of course, I would have loved a little more world building.
You need to put reality aside, this is a fantasy after all. After discovering his mate is in the human world, he begins to send him letters. He is unable to leave his kingdom until he is 25 years old. He is obsessed and counting down the days until he can get her. Meanwhile Amelia is living in an orphanage in the human world. She is unsure what to think about "Nick's" letters.
I did like that there were a few fun plot twists.Amelia isn't actually a human. She is the twin of the Spring kingdom king. She was brought to the human world to hide her from her father who would have killed her. Eddy was his familiar sent to keep watch over her (adorable). Her friend Fawn ended up being another kings mate.
Tropes: obsession, fates mates, morally black, fantasy,
This book is exactly what it claims to be: a fun ride. The author isn't out to create a literary masterpiece, they say so themselves in the opening of the book. So, take it for what it is. A fast paced, fun, romance focused book. Yes, there was little plot, but I thought the world and the abilities granted to each group was really interesting. Of course, I would have loved a little more world building.
You need to put reality aside, this is a fantasy after all. After discovering his mate is in the human world, he begins to send him letters. He is unable to leave his kingdom until he is 25 years old. He is obsessed and counting down the days until he can get her. Meanwhile Amelia is living in an orphanage in the human world. She is unsure what to think about "Nick's" letters.
I did like that there were a few fun plot twists.
Tropes: obsession, fates mates, morally black, fantasy,
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Sexual content, Blood, Stalking, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The story follows Kat and Heath as they navigate the world of completive figure skating.
This book was addictive, toxic, and messy AF. I loved every minute of it! It was over the top with the dramatics and there was a whole lot of miscommunication (which I hate), but I couldn't put it down. Apparently the world of figure skating is cutthroat and completely ruthless. So much backstabbing and sabotage! Fargo explores topics such as childhood trauma, classism, toxic relationships, manipulation, lies and betrayal.
Really, this is a story about ambition, obsession, and love.
This book is written from Kat's point of view, but also through interviews done for a documentary. So we get the input of many different characters. I actually really like the way it was written, I thought it was quite unique. Also, I like that we got an outsider view of what Kat was telling us. I do really wish that we got Heath 's point of view at some point though.
Kat and Heath have been each other's person since they were kids. Their history runs deep and their connection and chemistry is palpable. There is nothing more important to Kat than winning an Olympic gold and nothing more important to Heath than Kat. Their relationship is a toxic rollercoaster and both characters are flawed to the point of being unlikable... Yet, you can't help but root for them. They love each other one moment and stab each other in the back the next, but always find their way back. You're going to want to reach through the book and smack them or strangle them many times.
Bella lived for the drama. She was Kat's "friend" all the while stabbing her in the back at every turn. Like Kat, she would do anything to win, but she went way too far.Whether it was partnering with Heath, injuring Kat, waging psychological warfare against Kat (showing her at Heath had been in Russia those 3 years right before they went on the ice!!), or literally hooking up with/having a BABY with Heath. How these three co-exist in the end is beyond me.
The only somewhat likable character was Garrett. Even at that, he kind of sucked. When it comes down to it, all 4 of them were just puppets in Shelia's (Garrett and Bella's mom) dream of an Olympic legacy. She was the worst of all of them.
Tropes: childhood friends to lovers to enemies to lovers, love triange, figure skating, scandal, turbulent past, toxic relationship, interview style
This book was addictive, toxic, and messy AF. I loved every minute of it! It was over the top with the dramatics and there was a whole lot of miscommunication (which I hate), but I couldn't put it down. Apparently the world of figure skating is cutthroat and completely ruthless. So much backstabbing and sabotage! Fargo explores topics such as childhood trauma, classism, toxic relationships, manipulation, lies and betrayal.
Really, this is a story about ambition, obsession, and love.
This book is written from Kat's point of view, but also through interviews done for a documentary. So we get the input of many different characters. I actually really like the way it was written, I thought it was quite unique. Also, I like that we got an outsider view of what Kat was telling us. I do really wish that we got Heath 's point of view at some point though.
Kat and Heath have been each other's person since they were kids. Their history runs deep and their connection and chemistry is palpable. There is nothing more important to Kat than winning an Olympic gold and nothing more important to Heath than Kat. Their relationship is a toxic rollercoaster and both characters are flawed to the point of being unlikable... Yet, you can't help but root for them. They love each other one moment and stab each other in the back the next, but always find their way back. You're going to want to reach through the book and smack them or strangle them many times.
Bella lived for the drama. She was Kat's "friend" all the while stabbing her in the back at every turn. Like Kat, she would do anything to win, but she went way too far.
The only somewhat likable character was Garrett. Even at that, he kind of sucked. When it comes down to it, all 4 of them were just puppets in Shelia's (Garrett and Bella's mom) dream of an Olympic legacy. She was the worst of all of them.
Tropes: childhood friends to lovers to enemies to lovers, love triange, figure skating, scandal, turbulent past, toxic relationship, interview style
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
Moderate: Drug abuse
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Years after her brother has gone missing, Barbara goes missing from her family's summer camp.
This is both a mystery about what happened to the kids and an exploration of misogyny in the 1970s. We get to see the treatment of women in not only various stages of life, but also various social economic standings. In this, she explores generational wealth, gender, and misogyny. She also explores the idea of class divide between the rich who summer here and the townies who live here year round. We get an insight into the differing treatment of the two groups. There's also the exploration of dysfunctional parent-child relationships as seen through many of the women in this story. This theme is weaved throughout every storyline in this book.
It was an interesting choice to set this in the '70s because we get two very different groups of women, those who are the older generation and are still controlled and gaslit by men and the younger generation who are fighting against that. We have characters like Barbara, Judy, and TJ who don't fit into the stereotypical role of" a woman" in the '70s. Then we have women like Louise and Alice who are still being controlled by the men in their lives. It's a very interesting dichotomy.
All this leads to a very interesting plot, that said, there's a lot of unnecessary storylines and information in this book that doesn't add to it. For example, we get Louise's story and a lot of information about her family, but this story doesn't lead anywhere. It just acts as a distraction. I get it serves to highlight the preferential treatment that the rich gets from the police, but we don't get a resolution, so why is it there? There's too many questions left unanswered about her. The same can be said for Tracy.
I have mixed feelings about the ending of this book. I think the resolution of Bear's story was anticlimactic. The alcoholic mother took her son in a canoe on the lake when it was storming and he drowns. The grandfather, father, and groundskeeper cover it up, bury him in the woods, and lead police in the community on a goose chase pretending he is " lost ". All the while framing an innocent man for his "disappearance ". Where as I think Barbara's story led to a more thought-provoking ending. Barbara hates the life she has and spends the summer with TJ planning her escape. In the end, we find that she has escaped to TJ's family's cottage in the woods and is living on her own terms. I think this is a really interesting way to end her story, Barbara desires freedom from her family, from the misogyny, from the expectations, and the wealth of her family. She gets all those things in the end.
This is both a mystery about what happened to the kids and an exploration of misogyny in the 1970s. We get to see the treatment of women in not only various stages of life, but also various social economic standings. In this, she explores generational wealth, gender, and misogyny. She also explores the idea of class divide between the rich who summer here and the townies who live here year round. We get an insight into the differing treatment of the two groups. There's also the exploration of dysfunctional parent-child relationships as seen through many of the women in this story. This theme is weaved throughout every storyline in this book.
It was an interesting choice to set this in the '70s because we get two very different groups of women, those who are the older generation and are still controlled and gaslit by men and the younger generation who are fighting against that. We have characters like Barbara, Judy, and TJ who don't fit into the stereotypical role of" a woman" in the '70s. Then we have women like Louise and Alice who are still being controlled by the men in their lives. It's a very interesting dichotomy.
All this leads to a very interesting plot, that said, there's a lot of unnecessary storylines and information in this book that doesn't add to it. For example, we get Louise's story and a lot of information about her family, but this story doesn't lead anywhere. It just acts as a distraction. I get it serves to highlight the preferential treatment that the rich gets from the police, but we don't get a resolution, so why is it there? There's too many questions left unanswered about her. The same can be said for Tracy.
I have mixed feelings about the ending of this book. I think the resolution of Bear's story was anticlimactic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Grief, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Rook & Rebel by Kate Crew
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Regan has spent the last year trying to prove to her sick father that she is fit to take over the family business, with no success. Her seemingly perfect life is thrown on it head when she meets Rook.
Listen... if you take this for what it is, it could be a fun ride. That said... It was a pretty absurd and obvious plot with some major plot holes and not the greatest writing. The chemistry was lackluster and the character's behaviour gave me whiplash.
As a child Rook and his sister Evie lost their parents to a house fire, since then, he has been plotting his revenge against those responsible. Now, he is the head of a pack of bikers who find and trade information in the criminal world. Of course that man he is out to seek revenge on is Regan's father. He is a walking red flag... Minus the fun.
Regan (Rebel) is a privileged, rich kid who is bored with her life. She's tired of her father treating her poorly ...so she rebels by hooking up with the man who tried to rob her date? The start of the book makes absolutely no sense. Rook tries to rob her date at gunpoint and when the date runs away leaving her alone with the robber (Rook), she happily accepts a ride home from him? Make it make sense.
She's incredibly naive and whiny and puts herself in incredibly dangerous situations. You see a man murder somebody in front of you and you keep wanting to date him? Again, make it make sense. This girl has zero self-preservation ... she would be the first person to die in a slasher film.
If you are looking for darker romance with some humour, I would highly suggest Lights Out.
Tropes: biker/rich girl, found family, stalker, revenge
Listen... if you take this for what it is, it could be a fun ride. That said... It was a pretty absurd and obvious plot with some major plot holes and not the greatest writing. The chemistry was lackluster and the character's behaviour gave me whiplash.
As a child Rook and his sister Evie lost their parents to a house fire, since then, he has been plotting his revenge against those responsible. Now, he is the head of a pack of bikers who find and trade information in the criminal world. Of course that man he is out to seek revenge on is Regan's father. He is a walking red flag... Minus the fun.
Regan (Rebel) is a privileged, rich kid who is bored with her life. She's tired of her father treating her poorly ...so she rebels by hooking up with the man who tried to rob her date? The start of the book makes absolutely no sense. Rook tries to rob her date at gunpoint and when the date runs away leaving her alone with the robber (Rook), she happily accepts a ride home from him? Make it make sense.
She's incredibly naive and whiny and puts herself in incredibly dangerous situations. You see a man murder somebody in front of you and you keep wanting to date him? Again, make it make sense. This girl has zero self-preservation ... she would be the first person to die in a slasher film.
If you are looking for darker romance with some humour, I would highly suggest Lights Out.
Tropes: biker/rich girl, found family, stalker, revenge
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Amid Clouds and Bones by Ella Fields
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Mildred is a "half-breed" who is forced into an arrangement marriage with Atakan, a fae prince. In her world there are human, Seelie Fae, and Unseelie Fae. Her marriage is meant to bond the humans and Seelie Fae against a common enemy, the Unseelie Fae. The Unseelie Fae have been banished behind a barrier wall of magic and their king, Vane, is trying desperately to free them and get revenge.
I am torn, this book started off so strong and I was so intrigued, then it all went a bit downhill. I think this could have been a phenomenal series, but as a stand alone, it felt rushed, has too many plot holes, and too many things felt forced.
I really enjoyed banter and enemies to lovers/mates story between Mildred and Atakan. He was the best part of the book, by far. When she is taken by Vane, I was concerned this would be another Tamlin/Rys copy & paste. I was presently proven wrong. That said, I feel like the whole love triangle was pointless and its purpose was not flushed out at all.
Mildred (awful name choice) was made to be this strong and independent character, unfortunately she was pretty reliant on men to save her the whole time. I liked how witty and quick she was with the comebacks. BUT When she is taken by Vane, her naivety really shines as she is so easily manipulated by him.He needs her to fall on love with him to break the barrier and flat out tells her this is his goal! She doesn't really grow and get the depth of character I was looking for.
The only thing I didnt really see coming was thatAtakan was actually a shifter and could shift into the dragon thingy. This could have made for such an incredible climax to the story. Unfortunately the ending felt rushed, flat, and incomplete. The battle scene was lackluster and was over in a flash. What should have felt like a grand battle, felt more like some little boys arguing over a girl. I wanted more.
Tropes: enemies to lovers/mates, fae/human, fantasy, forced proximity, arrange marriage, one bed, love triange
I am torn, this book started off so strong and I was so intrigued, then it all went a bit downhill. I think this could have been a phenomenal series, but as a stand alone, it felt rushed, has too many plot holes, and too many things felt forced.
I really enjoyed banter and enemies to lovers/mates story between Mildred and Atakan. He was the best part of the book, by far. When she is taken by Vane, I was concerned this would be another Tamlin/Rys copy & paste. I was presently proven wrong. That said, I feel like the whole love triangle was pointless and its purpose was not flushed out at all.
Mildred (awful name choice) was made to be this strong and independent character, unfortunately she was pretty reliant on men to save her the whole time. I liked how witty and quick she was with the comebacks. BUT When she is taken by Vane, her naivety really shines as she is so easily manipulated by him.
The only thing I didnt really see coming was that
Tropes: enemies to lovers/mates, fae/human, fantasy, forced proximity, arrange marriage, one bed, love triange
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Death, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
The Second Husband by Kate White
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
2 years ago Emma's first husband was found murdered but the case was never solved. Now they're reopening the investigation and it's leading Emma to discover things she never saw before.
I think a three is generous for this one, there's just so many plot holes and the story branches out into unnecessary places. Emma's not really the most reliable narrator, she goes back and forth between thinking her husband, Tom, is guilty and not. Did he stalk her? Did he murder her first husband? Was he obsessed with her? Is he lying to her?Then she goes and makes very rash and stupid decisions that make her look guilty.
The author definitely wants us to think that Tom killed Derek. Based on how hard the author is pushing us to believe it's him, it's pretty obvious it's not. Once she brings up the fact that the paintings might be a forgery to Kyle and his reaction, it's pretty clear who the killer is. Kyle obviously sold the paintings and was trying to cover it up. Maybe Derek found out and Kyle attacked him out of anger or to keep him quiet.
The ending of this book was incredibly disappointing. You don't really get a resolution at all, you get an idea of one but not really. Who really killed Derek? Who really killed Taylor? How much is Tom actually lying about? There's too many answered questions.
I think a three is generous for this one, there's just so many plot holes and the story branches out into unnecessary places. Emma's not really the most reliable narrator, she goes back and forth between thinking her husband, Tom, is guilty and not. Did he stalk her? Did he murder her first husband? Was he obsessed with her? Is he lying to her?Then she goes and makes very rash and stupid decisions that make her look guilty.
The author definitely wants us to think
The ending of this book was incredibly disappointing. You don't really get a resolution at all, you get an idea of one but not really. Who really killed Derek? Who really killed Taylor? How much is Tom actually lying about? There's too many answered questions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, and Murder