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julisbookshelf's Reviews (227)
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-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
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Well, damn me.
This was fucking gold. THIS WAS GOLD!
This will be—and I’m 100% sure now—my favorite book in the series. I just know it.
Gonna have to repeat myself, but FUCK. MIDAS. Fuck him, honestly? I wanted him gone from the start. I knew something was seriously twisted with him. I’ve never EVER hated a character as much as I hate him.
Now that that’s off my chest…
I screamed. A lot. I was living inside this book.
I. Couldn’t. Get. Enough.
We’ve got the hottest sexual tension, way more chemistry, connection, and communication here. Thank God.
Auren is so beyond her game now, and I’m so sat for it. YOU GO, GIRL!
The found family is starting to form, and I’m already comparing it to my ACOTAR family—even though I shouldn’t, because nothing, NOTHING will ever top that for me. But it’s cute that they’re trying 🤭
There’s huge potential here—I really hope it doesn’t flop.
I’m fully invested now, so you better not fuck with me.
And if I thought the cliffhanger in the previous book was wild?
You won’t believe how hard I screamed during THIS one.
You did me dirty, Ms. Kennedy. Pay for my therapy, please and thanks.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was so cool. I’m seriously glad I didn’t give up on this series!
I knew it would pay off—and now I’m damn ready for the next book like… WHAT DO YOU MEAN WITH THAT CLIFFHANGER?!?
The character development was sooo much better here, and I finally started to care about the characters 😅
The plot is finally going somewhere, and you better believe I’m sat for it 🙂↕️
The main character is still a piece of work, but she’s getting there—and I’m happy for her 🙂↕️
Now our male main character? Whew 🤭😮💨 I mean, I would 100% sell my soul to Rip. He’s just that type of character.
I’m not even going to talk about Midas because—yeah. F*ck that guy.
Overall, this was WAAAAY better than the first—just as expected. I do find myself wanting to rush through some parts since we spent so long dragging earlier, but we’re getting there, team!! Let’s freaking go!
Onto the next one—stay tuned 🙂↕️
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Okay, so… we’re now going through what I’d compare to ACOTAR Book 1.
I’m hoping—wishing—this is just the groundwork we needed in order to fully understand the rest of the series.
I get that this is the basement of the entire story. It needs to be detailed and carefully explained so we can truly understand our main character 🥲
But damn… that was so hard to get through 🫠
Things you should know (things I wish I’d known, to be honest 😅) before starting this series: this book contains explicit content and darker elements, including mature language, violence, and non-consensual sex.
But by all means, don’t think the book is bad—it’s just probably not what you’re expecting…
I’m hoping—wishing—this is just the groundwork we needed in order to fully understand the rest of the series.
I get that this is the basement of the entire story. It needs to be detailed and carefully explained so we can truly understand our main character 🥲
But damn… that was so hard to get through 🫠
Things you should know (things I wish I’d known, to be honest 😅) before starting this series: this book contains explicit content and darker elements, including mature language, violence, and non-consensual sex.
But by all means, don’t think the book is bad—it’s just probably not what you’re expecting…
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was… way better than I thought it would be 🤔
I was honestly a little scared going in, because the reviews are way more mixed than usual—but it actually surprised me.
The world-building was pretty damn cool. The setting, in my opinion, was fantastic. It really pulled me in—I felt like I was living there. And honestly? It even got me thinking about the real world a bit, with everything going on—crises, wars… so yeah.
10/10 on the world setting 🔥
The plot? Sure, it was a little predictable, but it was still good. And now that I’ve seen some of the harsher reviews, I don’t really get why people are coming down so hard on it 😂
The characters felt like a fresh breath. I see the inspiration behind them—we’ve met similar types in other books—but I really enjoyed Cross’s role, and Wren’s growth was great to follow.
Safe to say, I’m already looking forward to seeing them again in the next book.
The side characters were interesting too. The alliances, the villains—there were some really cool dynamics playing out in the background.
And of course, the romance. I think it had just the right amount of page-time for this stage in the story—especially if it’s going to become a big series. It kind of reminded me of ACOTAR in the sense that we don’t really get Feysand until the second book.
So yeah, I enjoyed the romance here 🙂↕️
With all that said—it was really good, and interesting enough to keep me wanting more.
Recommended. 👏🏻
I was honestly a little scared going in, because the reviews are way more mixed than usual—but it actually surprised me.
The world-building was pretty damn cool. The setting, in my opinion, was fantastic. It really pulled me in—I felt like I was living there. And honestly? It even got me thinking about the real world a bit, with everything going on—crises, wars… so yeah.
10/10 on the world setting 🔥
The plot? Sure, it was a little predictable, but it was still good. And now that I’ve seen some of the harsher reviews, I don’t really get why people are coming down so hard on it 😂
The characters felt like a fresh breath. I see the inspiration behind them—we’ve met similar types in other books—but I really enjoyed Cross’s role, and Wren’s growth was great to follow.
Safe to say, I’m already looking forward to seeing them again in the next book.
The side characters were interesting too. The alliances, the villains—there were some really cool dynamics playing out in the background.
And of course, the romance. I think it had just the right amount of page-time for this stage in the story—especially if it’s going to become a big series. It kind of reminded me of ACOTAR in the sense that we don’t really get Feysand until the second book.
So yeah, I enjoyed the romance here 🙂↕️
With all that said—it was really good, and interesting enough to keep me wanting more.
Recommended. 👏🏻
challenging
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
First of all, a huge thank you to the author and the publisher for trusting me with this ARC.
Now… let’s get down to business.
This book was an absolute blast! You just have to love a grumpy, tattooed bad boy with an attitude sharp enough to cut glass… and yet a soft spot for his girl that will make your knees weak. 😏
I had so much fun with the banter here.
I also felt so seen by the female lead, especially when it came to that internal pressure we put ourselves under.. this picture in our heads of where we “should” be by now. It can be such a brutal, suffocating thought, and watching Della navigate it felt refreshingly honest.
Della? Pure charm from the very first page. Hayes? Let’s just say he came to play… and he played very, very well. 🔥
Now, Liv? Absolutely awful as a “friend” — sorry, not sorry. You won’t be able to change my mind on that one. 😂
The pacing felt spot-on, the writing was effortless, and here’s the kicker: I had NO idea this was part of a huge (9?!?) book series until after I finished. The best part? It didn’t matter. Not one bit. This book shines as a standalone — so don’t worry about jumping in, you won’t feel lost for a second.
If you’re looking for grumpy-meets-sunshine with a lot of heart and a lot of sass, this one’s calling your name. 💋
Now… let’s get down to business.
This book was an absolute blast! You just have to love a grumpy, tattooed bad boy with an attitude sharp enough to cut glass… and yet a soft spot for his girl that will make your knees weak. 😏
I had so much fun with the banter here.
I also felt so seen by the female lead, especially when it came to that internal pressure we put ourselves under.. this picture in our heads of where we “should” be by now. It can be such a brutal, suffocating thought, and watching Della navigate it felt refreshingly honest.
Della? Pure charm from the very first page. Hayes? Let’s just say he came to play… and he played very, very well. 🔥
Now, Liv? Absolutely awful as a “friend” — sorry, not sorry. You won’t be able to change my mind on that one. 😂
The pacing felt spot-on, the writing was effortless, and here’s the kicker: I had NO idea this was part of a huge (9?!?) book series until after I finished. The best part? It didn’t matter. Not one bit. This book shines as a standalone — so don’t worry about jumping in, you won’t feel lost for a second.
If you’re looking for grumpy-meets-sunshine with a lot of heart and a lot of sass, this one’s calling your name. 💋
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
For god’s sake. Why, Ashley?? Why do you always make me cry like a child?? This is officially 4/4—and to be honest… I cannot wait for the next time ❤️
This was so emotional. And even though we had the magical side of it, I also think it felt a little different from her previous books.
Not in a bad way—in a refreshing way. 🫶🏻
I was deeply invested in Sebastian and Joni’s story from the very beginning—they caught my attention in just one chapter. I needed to know more. To know them. And I did.
Beautiful characters, each with their own distinct personalities.
And can I just say—I was so damn happy to hear about my dears Iwan and Lemon again? Thank you for that, Ashley. I really missed them 🥹
I cried so much during the last 30% of the book that I don’t think I have it in me to cry again for the rest of the month.
(Sorry, anxiety episodes, y’all are on hold.)
In every magical world Ashley Poston creates, this one might not be my all-time favorite (because that place will always belong to Iwan & Clementine)…
But this was a warm hug to my heart.
So, as a vocal fan of magical realism, I urge you: pick this one up and devour it now 😌
This was so emotional. And even though we had the magical side of it, I also think it felt a little different from her previous books.
Not in a bad way—in a refreshing way. 🫶🏻
I was deeply invested in Sebastian and Joni’s story from the very beginning—they caught my attention in just one chapter. I needed to know more. To know them. And I did.
Beautiful characters, each with their own distinct personalities.
And can I just say—I was so damn happy to hear about my dears Iwan and Lemon again? Thank you for that, Ashley. I really missed them 🥹
I cried so much during the last 30% of the book that I don’t think I have it in me to cry again for the rest of the month.
(Sorry, anxiety episodes, y’all are on hold.)
In every magical world Ashley Poston creates, this one might not be my all-time favorite (because that place will always belong to Iwan & Clementine)…
But this was a warm hug to my heart.
So, as a vocal fan of magical realism, I urge you: pick this one up and devour it now 😌
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Oh my god, that was so. fucking. cute. And hot. And CUTE!
Goddammit, Ali—you’ve done it again. You’ve created another love of my life 🫠
These two were so cute and funny, I can’t—I love them.
I loved Conor so much!!
I was nervous about how the age gap would be handled here, but honestly? It was actually really well done.
The development of their relationship—the yearning, the pining? Oh, I died. Period. Though I will say… it did feel a bit rushed right at the end 😞
Okay, so—Maya was sweet, funny, and hilarious, actually. I really liked her character.
And Conor… well, safe to say that man had me on edge the entire time. I was in the palm of his hands every second.
My thoughts are all over the place right now, but I had such a great time reading this—especially after binging so much fantasy lately 😂
This one had it all—slow burn, friends to lovers, women in STEM, age gap… deliciously executed 🙂↕️
Safe to say I’m now very curious about that 15-year age gap thing… I mean, I’m 27—I think I can make it safely? 😂
I’m babbling now so bye.
Goddammit, Ali—you’ve done it again. You’ve created another love of my life 🫠
These two were so cute and funny, I can’t—I love them.
I loved Conor so much!!
I was nervous about how the age gap would be handled here, but honestly? It was actually really well done.
The development of their relationship—the yearning, the pining? Oh, I died. Period. Though I will say… it did feel a bit rushed right at the end 😞
Okay, so—Maya was sweet, funny, and hilarious, actually. I really liked her character.
And Conor… well, safe to say that man had me on edge the entire time. I was in the palm of his hands every second.
My thoughts are all over the place right now, but I had such a great time reading this—especially after binging so much fantasy lately 😂
This one had it all—slow burn, friends to lovers, women in STEM, age gap… deliciously executed 🙂↕️
Safe to say I’m now very curious about that 15-year age gap thing… I mean, I’m 27—I think I can make it safely? 😂
I’m babbling now so bye.