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my8ltters's Reviews (211)
I’ll be honest... I was leaning towards giving this book around a 3-star rating for most of the time I spent reading this. The pacing felt slow, especially in the first half, and I didn’t really feel any strong chemistry between Mare and the princes. I thought it was setting up to be a love triangle, which is not my favorite trope.
But then the last few chapters happened, and WOW. That plot twist completely caught me off guard. I couldn’t stop reading, I was hooked. The tension, the betrayal, the chaos, all of it was so well done that it bumped this up to a solid 4 stars for me.
Might read the second book real soon because I'm so damn curious about where the story will take me to.
But then the last few chapters happened, and WOW. That plot twist completely caught me off guard. I couldn’t stop reading, I was hooked. The tension, the betrayal, the chaos, all of it was so well done that it bumped this up to a solid 4 stars for me.
Might read the second book real soon because I'm so damn curious about where the story will take me to.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.75 (round up)
Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was definitely a true enemies to lovers story with a lot of tension, banter, and miscommunication... Honestly, a bit too much of miscommunication, which isn't really my favorite trope and got a bit frustrating.
That said, I really loved the dynamic between Runa and Victor. Their interactions were fun and the chemistry was definitely there. But as individual characters? They both kind of drove me a little nuts. Runa was so stubborn, and Victor was just out here being indecisive and confusing for most of the book. It felt quite repetitive at times.
The second half of the book picked up a lot in terms of pacing, which I liked. Things started moving quickly, and it was much easier to stay engaged once the plot really kicked in. The worldbuilding was intriguing, the side characters were entertaining, and there were some genuinely funny moments throughout. If you're into enemies to lovers and vampire love interests, I’d definitely say give this book a shot.
Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was definitely a true enemies to lovers story with a lot of tension, banter, and miscommunication... Honestly, a bit too much of miscommunication, which isn't really my favorite trope and got a bit frustrating.
That said, I really loved the dynamic between Runa and Victor. Their interactions were fun and the chemistry was definitely there. But as individual characters? They both kind of drove me a little nuts. Runa was so stubborn, and Victor was just out here being indecisive and confusing for most of the book. It felt quite repetitive at times.
The second half of the book picked up a lot in terms of pacing, which I liked. Things started moving quickly, and it was much easier to stay engaged once the plot really kicked in. The worldbuilding was intriguing, the side characters were entertaining, and there were some genuinely funny moments throughout. If you're into enemies to lovers and vampire love interests, I’d definitely say give this book a shot.
Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for the early advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Okay, this book was so much better than I expected. It completely hooked me from the start and never let go. The romance and the tension was incredible. It’s that perfect slow burn where nothing feels rushed or forced. And honestly it gave more villain gets the girl vibes and enemies to lovers and I was so here for it.
Raphael is the kind of morally gray villain character who I always root for in this type of dark romantasy books. He would absolutely kill anyone who even thinks about touching Samara, his chosen one.
The worldbuilding was another highlight. I loved how we got this dark and immersive look into the species and everything felt fresh. And like mentioned that I was completely hook with the story, most of it is because of the pacing that was very fast. I flew through this book and was actually shocked it was under 500 pages, it felt like so much happened without ever dragging.
The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars is because I started getting a little annoyed at Samara near the end. Her indecisiveness in those final chapters really left me a bit frustrated, especially considering where it led things. But I’m still very intrigued by the direction the story’s going, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.
Okay, this book was so much better than I expected. It completely hooked me from the start and never let go. The romance and the tension was incredible. It’s that perfect slow burn where nothing feels rushed or forced. And honestly it gave more villain gets the girl vibes and enemies to lovers and I was so here for it.
Raphael is the kind of morally gray villain character who I always root for in this type of dark romantasy books. He would absolutely kill anyone who even thinks about touching Samara, his chosen one.
The worldbuilding was another highlight. I loved how we got this dark and immersive look into the species and everything felt fresh. And like mentioned that I was completely hook with the story, most of it is because of the pacing that was very fast. I flew through this book and was actually shocked it was under 500 pages, it felt like so much happened without ever dragging.
The only reason this isn’t a full 5 stars is because I started getting a little annoyed at Samara near the end. Her indecisiveness in those final chapters really left me a bit frustrated, especially considering where it led things. But I’m still very intrigued by the direction the story’s going, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. Hands down the best one in the series.
I was completely hooked from start to finish. I’ve honestly never been super obsessed with Tessa and Corrick's romance so the fact that there were fewer scenes with them together didn’t bother me at all. In fact, it allows a lot of character development and relationship development among different characters in the story. (LOCHLAN AND CORRICK?????)
Harristan's chapters were everything. I was already so invested in him, but this book just took it to another level and OMG?? The love interest?? I screamed. And don’t even get me started on Erik and Tessa. T^T. Thank you for also introducing Olive and Mouse, two of my other favorite side characters in this story.
This book delivered everything, stakes, character growth, emotional twists. I’m genuinely sad to leave this world behind. But if we had to end it, this was the perfect way to do it.
I was completely hooked from start to finish. I’ve honestly never been super obsessed with Tessa and Corrick's romance so the fact that there were fewer scenes with them together didn’t bother me at all. In fact, it allows a lot of character development and relationship development among different characters in the story. (LOCHLAN AND CORRICK?????)
Harristan's chapters were everything. I was already so invested in him, but this book just took it to another level and OMG?? The love interest?? I screamed. And don’t even get me started on Erik and Tessa. T^T. Thank you for also introducing Olive and Mouse, two of my other favorite side characters in this story.
This book delivered everything, stakes, character growth, emotional twists. I’m genuinely sad to leave this world behind. But if we had to end it, this was the perfect way to do it.
This was a fun, quick read that I flew through. I really appreciated how the book explored Imogen’s inner conflict, questioning whether she’s straight or bi and slowly figuring things out. It felt real and messy in the best way, as a bi girl myself I loved being on that journey with her.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the friend dynamic. Imogen’s friends are supportive, open, and just genuinely refreshing to read about. The way they talk about sexuality so comfortably and respectfully was a huge highlight.
Though, Gretchen really tested my patience. I was so annoyed with her through most of the book. The way she talked over people, made everything about her, and tried to control the narrative around Imogen just UGH.
I also didn’t totally love how Tessa and Imogen’s relationship developed. Most of their getting to know each other happened over text messages, and within like… nine or ten days? It just felt a little rushed and lacked the emotional build up I wanted.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the friend dynamic. Imogen’s friends are supportive, open, and just genuinely refreshing to read about. The way they talk about sexuality so comfortably and respectfully was a huge highlight.
Though, Gretchen really tested my patience. I was so annoyed with her through most of the book. The way she talked over people, made everything about her, and tried to control the narrative around Imogen just UGH.
I also didn’t totally love how Tessa and Imogen’s relationship developed. Most of their getting to know each other happened over text messages, and within like… nine or ten days? It just felt a little rushed and lacked the emotional build up I wanted.
I think this book is a solid follow up that builds so well on the first book, and honestly, the expanded world building is what kept me super hooked. We’re finally stepping outside of just the palace and Kandala, which makes me really excited for the finale.
Now, I have to say I was a little annoyed with the dynamic between Corrick and Tessa in this one. The tension and miscommunication dragged on a bit too long for me. Like, I get it, they’ve got issues, but wow it felt like they kept circling the same argument. Though, I did appreciate that things finally started to smooth out toward the end...
The ending definitely left me intrigued. There’s so much to unpack there, and I love that it sets things up without feeling like a total cliffhanger, similar to the first book. And don’t even get me started on Rain! I did not see that reveal coming. One of the stronger twists in the series so far.
And of course, Harriston. My favorite. I love every single time he’s on the page, and I need more of him in the next book, period.
Now, I have to say I was a little annoyed with the dynamic between Corrick and Tessa in this one. The tension and miscommunication dragged on a bit too long for me. Like, I get it, they’ve got issues, but wow it felt like they kept circling the same argument. Though, I did appreciate that things finally started to smooth out toward the end...
The ending definitely left me intrigued. There’s so much to unpack there, and I love that it sets things up without feeling like a total cliffhanger, similar to the first book. And don’t even get me started on Rain! I did not see that reveal coming. One of the stronger twists in the series so far.
And of course, Harriston. My favorite. I love every single time he’s on the page, and I need more of him in the next book, period.
Yeah… Tempest of Tea just wasn’t it for me.
Honestly, this might be my biggest disappointment of the month. I’d seen so many mixed reviews before picking it up, and I was really hoping I’d land on the good side of them but nope.
I genuinely tried to get into it. I tried reading the physical copy, switching to the audiobook, even trying to push through by telling myself the heist would save it. And while the heist part was fun, it took up such a small chunk of the book that it couldn’t make up for everything else that fell flat.
I couldn’t connect with Arthie at all as a main character. She felt distant and hard to root for, and honestly? I didn’t feel much chemistry between any of the main characters. The emotional stakes just weren’t hitting the way they were supposed to. The only one I really enjoyed reading about was Jin. Everyone else kind of felt one dimensional.
Really wanted to love this, but it just didn’t work for me. Pacing felt off, characters didn’t click, and the fun parts were few and far between. Sad to say this one just wasn’t my cup of tea...
Honestly, this might be my biggest disappointment of the month. I’d seen so many mixed reviews before picking it up, and I was really hoping I’d land on the good side of them but nope.
I genuinely tried to get into it. I tried reading the physical copy, switching to the audiobook, even trying to push through by telling myself the heist would save it. And while the heist part was fun, it took up such a small chunk of the book that it couldn’t make up for everything else that fell flat.
I couldn’t connect with Arthie at all as a main character. She felt distant and hard to root for, and honestly? I didn’t feel much chemistry between any of the main characters. The emotional stakes just weren’t hitting the way they were supposed to. The only one I really enjoyed reading about was Jin. Everyone else kind of felt one dimensional.
Really wanted to love this, but it just didn’t work for me. Pacing felt off, characters didn’t click, and the fun parts were few and far between. Sad to say this one just wasn’t my cup of tea...
I honestly thought there’d be more actual progress after how wild the second book was. Yeah, Kamran, Hazan, Deen, and Omid finally show up in Tulan, but aside from that? Not a whole lot really happened. I kept waiting for things to pick up or shift in a big way… and it just didn’t.
Also...Kamran. I was so annoyed with him this book. Most of his chapters were kind of a drag, and it felt like filler most of the time, and I found myself skimming through just to get back to the parts I actually cared about. I kinda expected some character development from him but I saw none.
Now, let’s talk about the yearning. Because Cyrus and Alizeh? The tension, the heartbreak. It was everything. Their relationship basically carried the book for me. That slow-burn angst? So good. Easily the reason this got over 4 stars from me.
And Cyrus?? I just wanted to hug him the entire time. He goes through so much and still keeps pushing forward, trying to do the right thing. My heart hurt for him in nearly every chapter. Other than some pacing issues and the frustration with the characters, Cyrus and Alizeh made it worth it
Also...Kamran. I was so annoyed with him this book. Most of his chapters were kind of a drag, and it felt like filler most of the time, and I found myself skimming through just to get back to the parts I actually cared about. I kinda expected some character development from him but I saw none.
Now, let’s talk about the yearning. Because Cyrus and Alizeh? The tension, the heartbreak. It was everything. Their relationship basically carried the book for me. That slow-burn angst? So good. Easily the reason this got over 4 stars from me.
And Cyrus?? I just wanted to hug him the entire time. He goes through so much and still keeps pushing forward, trying to do the right thing. My heart hurt for him in nearly every chapter. Other than some pacing issues and the frustration with the characters, Cyrus and Alizeh made it worth it
Is there any Ann Liang book I don’t adore? No. Not even close. But this one? This one is my absolute favorite. The found family, angst, emotional tension, and unforgettable characters, I devoured every page.
Let’s start with the side characters because Oliver and Daisy. Their friendship with Leah is the kind of bond that feels so real it hurts. Them together gave me all the feels pure perfection. And don’t get me started on the found family. THIS WAS PERFECT. The whole trip healed Leah in so many ways, and made her discover what real friends truly meant. I was also healed in the process of reading this as well.
Of course, I’ve always trusted Ann Liang when it comes to book boyfriends and Cyrus did not disappoint. (Ignore the fact that he did get her kicked out of school once hahahahaha). I also did highlighted so. many. quotes. No surprise there, this happens with all of her books. Ann Liang just knows how to write lines that punch you in the gut and then kiss it better. Especially a few of her chinese quotes since I was a chinese language learner before so I understand so many of the struggles Leah had faced and also how much many of the quotes hit in Chinese (If that makes any sense).
I've always been able to relate to all of Ann Liang's main characters which is why I fell in love with all of her books and Leah here. But let me tell you that this book might be her best one yet!
Let’s start with the side characters because Oliver and Daisy. Their friendship with Leah is the kind of bond that feels so real it hurts. Them together gave me all the feels pure perfection. And don’t get me started on the found family. THIS WAS PERFECT. The whole trip healed Leah in so many ways, and made her discover what real friends truly meant. I was also healed in the process of reading this as well.
Of course, I’ve always trusted Ann Liang when it comes to book boyfriends and Cyrus did not disappoint. (Ignore the fact that he did get her kicked out of school once hahahahaha). I also did highlighted so. many. quotes. No surprise there, this happens with all of her books. Ann Liang just knows how to write lines that punch you in the gut and then kiss it better. Especially a few of her chinese quotes since I was a chinese language learner before so I understand so many of the struggles Leah had faced and also how much many of the quotes hit in Chinese (If that makes any sense).
I've always been able to relate to all of Ann Liang's main characters which is why I fell in love with all of her books and Leah here. But let me tell you that this book might be her best one yet!
