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imme_van_gorp's Reviews (702)
Jeez.. That was definitely a whole lot of sex.
This book started out quite alright. Nothing too spectacular, but it was fine.
Tate and Logan definitely had a 'lust at first sight' thing going on, which isn't my favourite, but the chase was entertaining enough.
However, once Tate gave in to Logan, it all went incredibly downhill. They started to have sex, which in their case meant that they started to only have sex. Everything was about sex in their relationship and I was so bored with it.
Not to mention, the sex scenes were so bland yet soooooo dragged out. These scenes went on forever and it drove me mad, and not in a good way.
None of these characters are very well-developed or interesting, but their initial chemistry was good enough for this novel to have the potential to be somewhat enjoyable. The sex just ruined it. It took over the entire plot and makes this book a failure. Sex in books is perfectly fine, it can even add a lot to some relationships, but there needs to be a foundation. There wasn't one here and it's just a no from me. It's all so freaking repetitive.
This book started out quite alright. Nothing too spectacular, but it was fine.
Tate and Logan definitely had a 'lust at first sight' thing going on, which isn't my favourite, but the chase was entertaining enough.
However, once Tate gave in to Logan, it all went incredibly downhill. They started to have sex, which in their case meant that they started to only have sex. Everything was about sex in their relationship and I was so bored with it.
Not to mention, the sex scenes were so bland yet soooooo dragged out. These scenes went on forever and it drove me mad, and not in a good way.
None of these characters are very well-developed or interesting, but their initial chemistry was good enough for this novel to have the potential to be somewhat enjoyable. The sex just ruined it. It took over the entire plot and makes this book a failure. Sex in books is perfectly fine, it can even add a lot to some relationships, but there needs to be a foundation. There wasn't one here and it's just a no from me. It's all so freaking repetitive.
This book was just pure sweetness. There is no drama, no conflict, no jealousy or insecurities: this book is basically as low-angst as can be.
Of course, I prefer my books to be a little bit more angsty than that, but if that is not your cup of tea, then this story is absolutely perfect.
Thus, whereas I was missing some more big moments, others might like the easy-breazy nature this novella's got going on.
However, aside from the angst part, there was also some development missing for me: although I could see the connection between these two guys very clearly, I would have preferred for them to have a little bit less of an insta-love going on. As it was now, Casey was already in love with Rylan years before the book even started, and Rylan practically fell in love with Casey the very first time he saw him again in this particular book. So yea, that was definitely a bit fast for me.
It does need to be said, though, that although their feelings were already present way too fast for my liking, their relationship did go at quite a slow pace. They did not rush into anything and they actually didn't get together until rather late in the book.
I also really love that they truly seemed to get to know each other (even if a lot of that happens off page as well). Their bond and connection is definitely there, I just wish it would have been shown a bit more explicitly.
And, of course, I would have personally also loved a bit more drama in the relationship rather than the incredible sweetness that could make your teeth ache if you get too much of it.
I also just want to get off my chest how much I disliked the 'brother' in this. He was the world's worst best friend ever and completely overbearing when it came to his younger brother. I do not quite understand why Rylan was even besties with someone who thought so little of him and spoke in such a degrading way towards him, but hey, whatever. I guess the guy sort of redeemed himself in the end. So happily ever after, right?
Of course, I prefer my books to be a little bit more angsty than that, but if that is not your cup of tea, then this story is absolutely perfect.
Thus, whereas I was missing some more big moments, others might like the easy-breazy nature this novella's got going on.
However, aside from the angst part, there was also some development missing for me: although I could see the connection between these two guys very clearly, I would have preferred for them to have a little bit less of an insta-love going on. As it was now, Casey was already in love with Rylan years before the book even started, and Rylan practically fell in love with Casey the very first time he saw him again in this particular book. So yea, that was definitely a bit fast for me.
It does need to be said, though, that although their feelings were already present way too fast for my liking, their relationship did go at quite a slow pace. They did not rush into anything and they actually didn't get together until rather late in the book.
I also really love that they truly seemed to get to know each other (even if a lot of that happens off page as well). Their bond and connection is definitely there, I just wish it would have been shown a bit more explicitly.
And, of course, I would have personally also loved a bit more drama in the relationship rather than the incredible sweetness that could make your teeth ache if you get too much of it.
I also just want to get off my chest how much I disliked the 'brother' in this. He was the world's worst best friend ever and completely overbearing when it came to his younger brother. I do not quite understand why Rylan was even besties with someone who thought so little of him and spoke in such a degrading way towards him, but hey, whatever. I guess the guy sort of redeemed himself in the end. So happily ever after, right?
Aww, I am so happy this was about Beck and Jacobs. They are undoubtedly my favorite couple in this series, and although this was incredibly short, I still enjoyed seeing them together for one last time. They are a great way to end this series as a whole. Especially when they're getting freaking married!! Love it.
This was honestly not all that. The premise definitely had potential, but I was unfortunately not really feeling it.
I did not connect with the characters, and I think it had a lot to do with their completely erratic and inconsistent behaviour. One time they act a certain way, and then another they act entirely different. I could not get a good grip on their personality. It was jarring and annoying.
The language also wasn’t exactly for me and there is a lot of narration rather than dialogue. The latter doesn’t have to be a bad thing, but it certainly made the story more likely to be boring. Which, in this case, it kind of was.
Everything was a bit abstract and although the main character, Griffin, had a lot of feelings, he hardly ever acted on them. He was insecure about every single thing, even though he is apparently the hottest and most amazing person ever.. He just doesn’t know that himself for some inexplicable reason. *sigh*
I did not connect with the characters, and I think it had a lot to do with their completely erratic and inconsistent behaviour. One time they act a certain way, and then another they act entirely different. I could not get a good grip on their personality. It was jarring and annoying.
The language also wasn’t exactly for me and there is a lot of narration rather than dialogue. The latter doesn’t have to be a bad thing, but it certainly made the story more likely to be boring. Which, in this case, it kind of was.
Everything was a bit abstract and although the main character, Griffin, had a lot of feelings, he hardly ever acted on them. He was insecure about every single thing, even though he is apparently the hottest and most amazing person ever.. He just doesn’t know that himself for some inexplicable reason. *sigh*
This book can honestly be best described as.. aggressively average. With this description I mean to say that the book is just 'fine'; nothing more, nothing less.
The story and characters do not contain anything that particularly stands out to me, and although they are not exactly boring, they are also not exactly interesting. Thus: it is a painfully average book, which, while not bringing much joy, does have the vague capabilities of entertainment.
I must say that I do think the novel got better over time, and I enjoyed the latter part a lot more than the beginning. The story appeared to have picked up the pace quite a bit by then, and the characters were showing their emotions more often and more visibly than before.
What I cannot really get over though, was how much I was not feeling the romance between the heroine, Margaret, and Mr. Thornton. If I had not known of their relationship before entering into this book, I dare say I might have possibly not even thought of them ever getting together or of either of them having any kind of feelings towards the other until very late into the book. It was all so... timid. And it still eludes me entirely as to why Mr. Thornton was even so infatuated with Margaret to begin with. I guess he thought she was pretty? Okay. Cool.
Anyway, it was all fine. Average. Fine.
The story and characters do not contain anything that particularly stands out to me, and although they are not exactly boring, they are also not exactly interesting. Thus: it is a painfully average book, which, while not bringing much joy, does have the vague capabilities of entertainment.
I must say that I do think the novel got better over time, and I enjoyed the latter part a lot more than the beginning. The story appeared to have picked up the pace quite a bit by then, and the characters were showing their emotions more often and more visibly than before.
What I cannot really get over though, was how much I was not feeling the romance between the heroine, Margaret, and Mr. Thornton. If I had not known of their relationship before entering into this book, I dare say I might have possibly not even thought of them ever getting together or of either of them having any kind of feelings towards the other until very late into the book. It was all so... timid. And it still eludes me entirely as to why Mr. Thornton was even so infatuated with Margaret to begin with. I guess he thought she was pretty? Okay. Cool.
Anyway, it was all fine. Average. Fine.
This book has such an interesting premise and sets out a very unique, thought-provoking and also sad concept.
Mostly because of the idea behind this book, I do still like it, even if I found it to be boringly written and slowly paced most of the time.
I couldn’t really connect with the characters, not even Charlie, who is devastatingly pathetic and piteous, and really should invoke a lot more sympathy than I was able to muster up.
However, I do like the way this novel was set out with the progress reports, mainly in how Charlie’s mental state and capabilities were reflected in the way he writes.
Anyway, long story short: I could have loved this book due to what it was about, but didn’t because of its (in my opinion) lacking execution, especially in terms of the emotional factor.
Mostly because of the idea behind this book, I do still like it, even if I found it to be boringly written and slowly paced most of the time.
I couldn’t really connect with the characters, not even Charlie, who is devastatingly pathetic and piteous, and really should invoke a lot more sympathy than I was able to muster up.
However, I do like the way this novel was set out with the progress reports, mainly in how Charlie’s mental state and capabilities were reflected in the way he writes.
Anyway, long story short: I could have loved this book due to what it was about, but didn’t because of its (in my opinion) lacking execution, especially in terms of the emotional factor.
Oh god no. This was so freaking cringe-worthy. I do not even know where to begin, since everything was just regrettably terrible.
I mean, not only is it uncomfortable how badly and stiffly written this is, the characters are also absolutely dreadful.
First and foremost, the main character, Mark, was honestly so annoying; he literally just hated on everything and everyone for no reason whatsoever. Like, what even is his deal?? He also needs to mind his own business, because he is far too involved in his sister's life-choices. Just be happy for your sister, dude, and calm down. This judgemental alpha macho man needs to take several seats. Please, and thank you.
The 'love interest' in the form of Asher seems fine enough, but only if you ignore the fact that he did not even seem like a real person. Even though we read from his perspective a few times, it did not humanize him, as he sounded more like a robot than anything else.
I guess the only redeeming factor was that I really am a sucker for pining, and at least Mark seemed quite enamoured with Asher, so that was somewhat fun. Sort of? I guess not really, though.. Because honestly, not even that was done right, as it was constantly mixed with Mark being annoying as hell. I don't know, I'm really just grasping at straws here to find something I kind of liked. I’m coming up empty.
Anyway, it is all just so incredibly superficial and weird and stupid and eye-roll-worthy. Just bleh. Not for me, nope. Nope. NOPE.
I mean, not only is it uncomfortable how badly and stiffly written this is, the characters are also absolutely dreadful.
First and foremost, the main character, Mark, was honestly so annoying; he literally just hated on everything and everyone for no reason whatsoever. Like, what even is his deal?? He also needs to mind his own business, because he is far too involved in his sister's life-choices. Just be happy for your sister, dude, and calm down. This judgemental alpha macho man needs to take several seats. Please, and thank you.
The 'love interest' in the form of Asher seems fine enough, but only if you ignore the fact that he did not even seem like a real person. Even though we read from his perspective a few times, it did not humanize him, as he sounded more like a robot than anything else.
I guess the only redeeming factor was that I really am a sucker for pining, and at least Mark seemed quite enamoured with Asher, so that was somewhat fun. Sort of? I guess not really, though.. Because honestly, not even that was done right, as it was constantly mixed with Mark being annoying as hell. I don't know, I'm really just grasping at straws here to find something I kind of liked. I’m coming up empty.
Anyway, it is all just so incredibly superficial and weird and stupid and eye-roll-worthy. Just bleh. Not for me, nope. Nope. NOPE.
Ugh, why did this have to be so short?? I am such a sucker for childhood friends to lovers, especially if one of them has been pining and longing for his friend this entire time, while the other was completely oblivious until now. Like, yes please, I love that!
And Jacks and Marchie definitely had the potential to really make that trope work, as they were both likable and could have had quite a lot of chemistry, while also being in a rather dramatic and serious situation with Jackson's health crisis.
Unfortunately, this novella was so short, I could not really get attached to the relationship or the characters as individuals (although it helped that I already liked Jacks in the previous book). Thus, this novella did not live up to its potential.
However, it was enjoyable and kind of sweet, and consequently worth the quick read.
And Jacks and Marchie definitely had the potential to really make that trope work, as they were both likable and could have had quite a lot of chemistry, while also being in a rather dramatic and serious situation with Jackson's health crisis.
Unfortunately, this novella was so short, I could not really get attached to the relationship or the characters as individuals (although it helped that I already liked Jacks in the previous book). Thus, this novella did not live up to its potential.
However, it was enjoyable and kind of sweet, and consequently worth the quick read.
This book is a mix of a lot of things I love, and also a few things I don't. Fortunately, the positive aspects win out by far, and I really enjoyed this novel.
My favourite thing was Ellison's undying love and desire for Grey. I was quite literally obsessed with Ellison's obsession for this man: it was unwavering and steadfast. The tension between them was also absolutely palpable.
However, I do not think these two are particularly special characters on their own, although they weren't exactly bad either. They were kind of just average; not that that really bothered me or anything. After all, they were plenty engaging enough when they were together and were bouncing off of each other, which was basically always.
I can imagine some people might not like all the drama vibes in this book, as it really does take Grey a long ass time to get over the past and start trusting Ellison again. However, I kind of appreciated this part, as it would have seemed a bit odd to me if he suddenly jumped head over heels into a relationship with a guy who caused him some serious trauma.
I also really liked that Ellison acknowledged this and never begrudged Grey for still being mad at him and having difficulties with getting over it. It made me have more respect for Ellison, and also made me feel more connected to them and their drama.
The setting and story of this novel were quite alright, nothing that will blow you away or anything, but it worked well enough for these characters and their relationship. I mean, I am not the biggest fan of big corporate workplace related stories about rich people, but it wasn't too cumbersome in this case.
To be fair, I was actually much more intrigued by the prologue than the rest of this novel. I honestly would have loved it if this story would have taken place when Grey and Ellison were still in college, because it just sounded so cute from what we did hear about it. And then, instead of them reconnecting 15 years later, like what actually happened in this novel, they could have kept in contact in college and work their shit out then. I don't know, but I truly think that would have been even more amazing than what we got now.
My favourite thing was Ellison's undying love and desire for Grey. I was quite literally obsessed with Ellison's obsession for this man: it was unwavering and steadfast. The tension between them was also absolutely palpable.
However, I do not think these two are particularly special characters on their own, although they weren't exactly bad either. They were kind of just average; not that that really bothered me or anything. After all, they were plenty engaging enough when they were together and were bouncing off of each other, which was basically always.
I can imagine some people might not like all the drama vibes in this book, as it really does take Grey a long ass time to get over the past and start trusting Ellison again. However, I kind of appreciated this part, as it would have seemed a bit odd to me if he suddenly jumped head over heels into a relationship with a guy who caused him some serious trauma.
I also really liked that Ellison acknowledged this and never begrudged Grey for still being mad at him and having difficulties with getting over it. It made me have more respect for Ellison, and also made me feel more connected to them and their drama.
The setting and story of this novel were quite alright, nothing that will blow you away or anything, but it worked well enough for these characters and their relationship. I mean, I am not the biggest fan of big corporate workplace related stories about rich people, but it wasn't too cumbersome in this case.
To be fair, I was actually much more intrigued by the prologue than the rest of this novel. I honestly would have loved it if this story would have taken place when Grey and Ellison were still in college, because it just sounded so cute from what we did hear about it. And then, instead of them reconnecting 15 years later, like what actually happened in this novel, they could have kept in contact in college and work their shit out then. I don't know, but I truly think that would have been even more amazing than what we got now.
This might not be the most original or most thrilling story ever written, but it manages to incorporate many aspects I like in a fantasy novel.
Starting with the main characters, Kazi and Jase, I must say I think both of them had well-developed and strong personalities. I actually liked both of them, although I wouldn't go as far as to say that I loved them or anything.
Kazi is a determined girl, who has had to endure some severe trauma ever since she was six years old and has worked herself up to now be part of a super elite club sworn to serve the queen. She is kind of a bad-ass, and I definitely admired her emotional strength. I do think it would have been cool if her personal skills (such as the ability to move around as a shadow or steal anything unnoticed) had been used more. Her fighting skills were also used only once or twice.
Jase on the other hand is pretty straight forward in his power and strength: he is a tall and broad guy, who can usually hold his own in a fight, but doesn't have any special skills or anything. His strength lies more in his prowess as a leader and authority figure. It was actually interesting to see the dynamic of him being a proud ruler yet still being open to learning things along the way, which, in turn, made him a fair ruler as well.
Jase and Kazi start off as enemies until they are (literally) bound together for survival, resulting in them growing to have mutual respect and admiration for the other. I liked their relationship well enough, although I do think they turned into 'lovers' a bit too quickly (even though I suppose it lasted longer than a lot of other 'enemies-to-lovers' books do, so that's something). I would have liked to see their animosity be explored a little bit more before they started developing romantic feelings. However, I do like that they never truly started trusting each other out of nowhere: when they did trust each other it had a reason, and beyond that, they remained wary of the other's intentions (mostly Kazi of Jase’s though).
What makes their relationship truly good is that they were actually well-suited together, and honestly seemed to understand each other. They also appeared to be able to read the other's emotions quite well and Jase often did sweet things to make Kazi feel more at ease. This was especially the case during the first half of the book when they were on the run (for example, when Jase helped Kazi to sleep in the open fields while she was scared). I also liked how they continually tried to keep each other safe.
I also liked all of the other characters in the book; specifically Wren, Synové and the entire Ballenger family. Their dynamics were all rather sweet and cute, and it gave a heart-warming vibe to the book. I always like close-knit friend groups or big families, and this book had both. I actually wish it had focused a bit more on that.
The story changes settings quite a few times, and I appreciated the frequent change of pace and 'vibe'. My favourite setting was the one where it was just Jase and Kazi in the wilderness, trying to survive. Nothing really topped that for me, even though I enjoyed all of the other settings as well.
The world-building surprisingly didn't bother me at all here, and I found everything quite easy to understand and I was actually rather interested in some of its aspects (which unfortunately weren't that much further explored).
Apparently some people have had some difficulties with it though, as this book is actually a spin-off series from the 'The Remnant Chronicles'. I have, of course, no idea of the subtle things I might have missed that referenced to the first series, but I never felt like I was out of the loop or confused about what was happening in this story. So, honestly, I personally don't think you need to read anything else in order to enjoy this book, and you can totally treat it as a standalone series.
Starting with the main characters, Kazi and Jase, I must say I think both of them had well-developed and strong personalities. I actually liked both of them, although I wouldn't go as far as to say that I loved them or anything.
Kazi is a determined girl, who has had to endure some severe trauma ever since she was six years old and has worked herself up to now be part of a super elite club sworn to serve the queen. She is kind of a bad-ass, and I definitely admired her emotional strength. I do think it would have been cool if her personal skills (such as the ability to move around as a shadow or steal anything unnoticed) had been used more. Her fighting skills were also used only once or twice.
Jase on the other hand is pretty straight forward in his power and strength: he is a tall and broad guy, who can usually hold his own in a fight, but doesn't have any special skills or anything. His strength lies more in his prowess as a leader and authority figure. It was actually interesting to see the dynamic of him being a proud ruler yet still being open to learning things along the way, which, in turn, made him a fair ruler as well.
Jase and Kazi start off as enemies until they are (literally) bound together for survival, resulting in them growing to have mutual respect and admiration for the other. I liked their relationship well enough, although I do think they turned into 'lovers' a bit too quickly (even though I suppose it lasted longer than a lot of other 'enemies-to-lovers' books do, so that's something). I would have liked to see their animosity be explored a little bit more before they started developing romantic feelings. However, I do like that they never truly started trusting each other out of nowhere: when they did trust each other it had a reason, and beyond that, they remained wary of the other's intentions (mostly Kazi of Jase’s though).
What makes their relationship truly good is that they were actually well-suited together, and honestly seemed to understand each other. They also appeared to be able to read the other's emotions quite well and Jase often did sweet things to make Kazi feel more at ease. This was especially the case during the first half of the book when they were on the run (for example, when Jase helped Kazi to sleep in the open fields while she was scared). I also liked how they continually tried to keep each other safe.
I also liked all of the other characters in the book; specifically Wren, Synové and the entire Ballenger family. Their dynamics were all rather sweet and cute, and it gave a heart-warming vibe to the book. I always like close-knit friend groups or big families, and this book had both. I actually wish it had focused a bit more on that.
The story changes settings quite a few times, and I appreciated the frequent change of pace and 'vibe'. My favourite setting was the one where it was just Jase and Kazi in the wilderness, trying to survive. Nothing really topped that for me, even though I enjoyed all of the other settings as well.
The world-building surprisingly didn't bother me at all here, and I found everything quite easy to understand and I was actually rather interested in some of its aspects (which unfortunately weren't that much further explored).
Apparently some people have had some difficulties with it though, as this book is actually a spin-off series from the 'The Remnant Chronicles'. I have, of course, no idea of the subtle things I might have missed that referenced to the first series, but I never felt like I was out of the loop or confused about what was happening in this story. So, honestly, I personally don't think you need to read anything else in order to enjoy this book, and you can totally treat it as a standalone series.