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thebiglittlelibrary's Reviews (622)
2.5 ⭐️ The worst book of the Zodiac Academy series
A whole lot happened, but also, hardly anything at all.
Honestly, what the fuck was this even about? There were so many unnecessary/random elements to this story. So much of the drama felt forced, like it was only there for drama's sake instead of actually pushing the story forward. Definitely a filler book.
And the fact this was an 800 page book is ridiculous. It should have been cut in half. I found myself putting the book down because I was bored because no matter how much drama this book has, it dragged on for so long that I couldn’t help but lose attention.
Everything that happens is predictable except one thing - Gabrielle’s origin. Besides that, yawn.
I did like how Tory and Darius are dealing with being star-crossed. Even though the pining was annoying, it’s refreshing that they’re both letting their guards down and being vulnerable with one another.
And the threesome scene, no. I’m really protective of the main couples I love in books and I hate when others get involved. Just my personal preference. BUT it also didn’t make sense knowing Darius and how Elysian Mate bonds work. Like, it just doesn’t seem realistic that either would want to or be okay with that shit. I understand that every couple is different but when your soul feels called to only one person and you get insanely jealous and possessive whenever other people suggestively get near them, a threesome doesn’t seem to be plausible. I get it was them trying to work around the curse but I still don’t see it happening. This scene was a cheap way to spice things, and that makes me angry because it lessens the value of Darius and Tory’s Elysian Mate Bond. Could you imagine Lance sharing Darcy? No, never in a million years. He’d rather not have her at all then share her, and they’re not officially Elysian Mates yet.
Clara calling Lionel 'daddy' had me wanting to vomit. I think that's the point but oh my god was it just so gross.
The drama with Lance at the end was predictable and dumb. I’m annoyed with him at the moment. I hate when people make idiotic decisions because they’re trying to be a fucking martyr.
I’m also still not sure why Geraldine is in this book at all and why Max is into her. Such an odd pairing, especially because she’s weird as shit. No one talks like that.
Can the authors just make Seth and Caleb get together? It’s been 5 books. . . Hurry the fuck up with their romance or just stop.
Will someone explain how Darcy escaped the shadows? Yeah, yeah, her phoenix flames but it just seems convenient for the plot that she broke free the moment Seth got stabbed and they all almost died. For once, I'd love an explanation but I bet we won't get one for another 2 books…that just seems to be how this series works.
I will be continuing to read this series because despite how awful it is, I'm hooked. It was just a boring and unnecessarily long book. It reminds me of every great show, how the first few seasons are awesome and then somewhere in the middle things sort of suck before the last season when things get wrapped up. Hoping the next book is better.
A whole lot happened, but also, hardly anything at all.
Honestly, what the fuck was this even about? There were so many unnecessary/random elements to this story. So much of the drama felt forced, like it was only there for drama's sake instead of actually pushing the story forward. Definitely a filler book.
And the fact this was an 800 page book is ridiculous. It should have been cut in half. I found myself putting the book down because I was bored because no matter how much drama this book has, it dragged on for so long that I couldn’t help but lose attention.
Everything that happens is predictable except one thing - Gabrielle’s origin. Besides that, yawn.
I did like how Tory and Darius are dealing with being star-crossed. Even though the pining was annoying, it’s refreshing that they’re both letting their guards down and being vulnerable with one another.
And the threesome scene, no. I’m really protective of the main couples I love in books and I hate when others get involved. Just my personal preference. BUT it also didn’t make sense knowing Darius and how Elysian Mate bonds work. Like, it just doesn’t seem realistic that either would want to or be okay with that shit. I understand that every couple is different but when your soul feels called to only one person and you get insanely jealous and possessive whenever other people suggestively get near them, a threesome doesn’t seem to be plausible. I get it was them trying to work around the curse but I still don’t see it happening. This scene was a cheap way to spice things, and that makes me angry because it lessens the value of Darius and Tory’s Elysian Mate Bond. Could you imagine Lance sharing Darcy? No, never in a million years. He’d rather not have her at all then share her, and they’re not officially Elysian Mates yet.
Clara calling Lionel 'daddy' had me wanting to vomit. I think that's the point but oh my god was it just so gross.
The drama with Lance at the end was predictable and dumb. I’m annoyed with him at the moment. I hate when people make idiotic decisions because they’re trying to be a fucking martyr.
I’m also still not sure why Geraldine is in this book at all and why Max is into her. Such an odd pairing, especially because she’s weird as shit. No one talks like that.
Can the authors just make Seth and Caleb get together? It’s been 5 books. . . Hurry the fuck up with their romance or just stop.
Will someone explain how Darcy escaped the shadows? Yeah, yeah, her phoenix flames but it just seems convenient for the plot that she broke free the moment Seth got stabbed and they all almost died. For once, I'd love an explanation but I bet we won't get one for another 2 books…that just seems to be how this series works.
I will be continuing to read this series because despite how awful it is, I'm hooked. It was just a boring and unnecessarily long book. It reminds me of every great show, how the first few seasons are awesome and then somewhere in the middle things sort of suck before the last season when things get wrapped up. Hoping the next book is better.
3.5 ⭐️ Entertaining but unnecessarily long so I got bored in a few spots
I've said it in every review - the writing isn’t great. But we’re finally getting somewhere in the story. The reckoning trials made things exciting but the descriptions were long and boring. I don't know why but I find myself constantly having to skim mostly anything that isn't dialogue or about the romance or nymph storyline.
I'm the multiple POVs included the Heirs and Orion. I was desperate for some insight into their minds to understand the contradicting behaviors. The multiple POVs helped me understand a little bit more what's going on politically and why the Heirs are under so much pressure.
I love Darcy and Lance. But can they just figure out they’re mates already? Same with Tory and Darius. But I did like that this book was a little more clear on the relationships.
PS: Diego is a little shit and I feel like he’s going to be trouble in the next book.
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Zodiac Academy Book Ratings:
Book 1: 3 ⭐️
Book 2: 4 ⭐️
Book 3: 3.5 ⭐️
Book 4: 4 ⭐️
Book 5: 2.5 ⭐️
Book 6: 4 ⭐️
Book 7: ? ⭐️
*I'd like to be clear that none of these books actually deserve anything more than 3-stars when it comes to the writing. These ratings are strictly based more on my enjoyment level of the drama. I know this is not good literature, but it keeps sucking me in!
I've said it in every review - the writing isn’t great. But we’re finally getting somewhere in the story. The reckoning trials made things exciting but the descriptions were long and boring. I don't know why but I find myself constantly having to skim mostly anything that isn't dialogue or about the romance or nymph storyline.
I'm the multiple POVs included the Heirs and Orion. I was desperate for some insight into their minds to understand the contradicting behaviors. The multiple POVs helped me understand a little bit more what's going on politically and why the Heirs are under so much pressure.
I love Darcy and Lance. But can they just figure out they’re mates already? Same with Tory and Darius. But I did like that this book was a little more clear on the relationships.
PS: Diego is a little shit and I feel like he’s going to be trouble in the next book.
————————
Zodiac Academy Book Ratings:
Book 1: 3 ⭐️
Book 2: 4 ⭐️
Book 3: 3.5 ⭐️
Book 4: 4 ⭐️
Book 5: 2.5 ⭐️
Book 6: 4 ⭐️
Book 7: ? ⭐️
*I'd like to be clear that none of these books actually deserve anything more than 3-stars when it comes to the writing. These ratings are strictly based more on my enjoyment level of the drama. I know this is not good literature, but it keeps sucking me in!
4 ⭐️ Much better than the first book!
FYI: My reviews won’t be as detailed as usual because I just don’t give a shit and I am desperate to read the next book in the series IMMEDIATELY.
So here are my quick thoughts:
The romance is more straightforward instead of manipulative like in the first book. There is one sex scene that was hot, but it's like a 2 our of 5 on the spice meter. Y'all told me this series is spicy so where is it???
There's a bit more world building and explanation as to what’s really going on in the world of the fae. I really wish there was even more of this. All we've seen is the academy when they're in this big fae world. Can we get a history or geography lesson? Seriously, please bore me with an info dump because I think I need it, and so do Tory and Darcy.
The writing still isn’t great but the story got more interesting. I loved that the Vega twins covertly fight back against the Heirs! Payback is a bitch! Also, wayyyyyy less bullying from the Heirs. Thank the gods!
While the descriptive pitball game was boring AF (seriously, I don't ever want to read another descriptive scene like this again), the battle at the end was epic!!! I need more fights like this!
And the way Darcy is so protective of Lance and how Tory freaks over almost losing Darius during the battle. . . y'all they are definitely Elysian Mates.
Predictions:
1. Tory and Darius / Darcy and Liam are Elysian mates.
2. Tory is a Dragon. Darcy is a Hydra.
3. Lionel is coordinating with the nymphs or let them loose in order to gain more power.
————————
Zodiac Academy Book Ratings:
Book 1: 3 ⭐️
Book 2: 4 ⭐️
Book 3: 3.5 ⭐️
Book 4: 4 ⭐️
Book 5: 2.5 ⭐️
Book 6: 4 ⭐️
Book 7: ? ⭐️
*I'd like to be clear that none of these books actually deserve anything more than 3-stars when it comes to the writing. These ratings are strictly based more on my enjoyment level of the drama. I know this is not good literature, but it keeps sucking me in!
FYI: My reviews won’t be as detailed as usual because I just don’t give a shit and I am desperate to read the next book in the series IMMEDIATELY.
So here are my quick thoughts:
The romance is more straightforward instead of manipulative like in the first book. There is one sex scene that was hot, but it's like a 2 our of 5 on the spice meter. Y'all told me this series is spicy so where is it???
There's a bit more world building and explanation as to what’s really going on in the world of the fae. I really wish there was even more of this. All we've seen is the academy when they're in this big fae world. Can we get a history or geography lesson? Seriously, please bore me with an info dump because I think I need it, and so do Tory and Darcy.
The writing still isn’t great but the story got more interesting. I loved that the Vega twins covertly fight back against the Heirs! Payback is a bitch! Also, wayyyyyy less bullying from the Heirs. Thank the gods!
While the descriptive pitball game was boring AF (seriously, I don't ever want to read another descriptive scene like this again), the battle at the end was epic!!! I need more fights like this!
And the way Darcy is so protective of Lance and how Tory freaks over almost losing Darius during the battle. . . y'all they are definitely Elysian Mates.
Predictions:
1. Tory and Darius / Darcy and Liam are Elysian mates.
2. Tory is a Dragon. Darcy is a Hydra.
3. Lionel is coordinating with the nymphs or let them loose in order to gain more power.
————————
Zodiac Academy Book Ratings:
Book 1: 3 ⭐️
Book 2: 4 ⭐️
Book 3: 3.5 ⭐️
Book 4: 4 ⭐️
Book 5: 2.5 ⭐️
Book 6: 4 ⭐️
Book 7: ? ⭐️
*I'd like to be clear that none of these books actually deserve anything more than 3-stars when it comes to the writing. These ratings are strictly based more on my enjoyment level of the drama. I know this is not good literature, but it keeps sucking me in!
3 ⭐️ If Harry Potter / Vampire Academy / The House of Night Series and Gossip Girl had a child, Zodiac Academy would be it
This story is super interesting and addicting, I could not put it down. Just because I don’t think it’s a 5-star doesn’t mean it isn’t hella entertaining.
However, the writing is not great. It’s like your average Wattpad story when it comes to the level of writing. Not bad enough to stop me from reading the rest of the series but I accept it for what it is and will move forward.
When it comes to the actual story, I’m annoyed AF that no one explains anything to the twins or helps them get acclimated to this new world. Like why the fuck aren’t teachers helping? Because it’s the way of the fae? What kind of cop out/lazy writing is that?
I have a love/hate relationship with stories where drama is created because the characters act instead of listen, and this happens on every page of this story. Can the twins just once again reiterate how they don’t want the throne and then the fae actually listen? Or explain to them the process of denying the throne and their birthright?
The bullying annoyed the fuck out of me. Yeah, I know, this is a bully romance. But it is constant and never ending. Like, give these girls a fucking break, I can’t handle this much psychological trauma and tension. Damn. And again, why the fuck aren’t the teachers stepping in?
And after all this, I’m still going to read the next one because it’s free on KU. Sue me.
This story is super interesting and addicting, I could not put it down. Just because I don’t think it’s a 5-star doesn’t mean it isn’t hella entertaining.
However, the writing is not great. It’s like your average Wattpad story when it comes to the level of writing. Not bad enough to stop me from reading the rest of the series but I accept it for what it is and will move forward.
When it comes to the actual story, I’m annoyed AF that no one explains anything to the twins or helps them get acclimated to this new world. Like why the fuck aren’t teachers helping? Because it’s the way of the fae? What kind of cop out/lazy writing is that?
I have a love/hate relationship with stories where drama is created because the characters act instead of listen, and this happens on every page of this story. Can the twins just once again reiterate how they don’t want the throne and then the fae actually listen? Or explain to them the process of denying the throne and their birthright?
The bullying annoyed the fuck out of me. Yeah, I know, this is a bully romance. But it is constant and never ending. Like, give these girls a fucking break, I can’t handle this much psychological trauma and tension. Damn. And again, why the fuck aren’t the teachers stepping in?
And after all this, I’m still going to read the next one because it’s free on KU. Sue me.
3 ⭐️ This is a generous rating
Hudson is the only reason why I finished this story. I hate love triangles and was super pissed when I realized that was the direction the author was headed. BUT, it turns out I actually love Hudson. He's sexy, smart, honest, and powerful. His sarcasm is entertaining and his banter with Grace gave me so much satisfaction. I actually cracked a smile a few times during some of their interactions. Plus, he's so supportive of Grace and treats her like an equal, while Jaxon is so caught up in protecting her because he doesn't think she's strong enough. I don't really have anything against Jaxon, but I hope Grace ends up choosing Hudson in the end.
Let's talk about Jaxon really quickly. At this point, Tracy Wolff is just changing his character to fit this love triangle's narrative. I get he's extra protective because Grace just came back after being gone for 4 months, but the author writes him as a misogynistic jerk, which he isn't. So while I understand why his character might be this way, I didn't really believe it.
I feel like Tracy Wolff is setting things up so Flint and Jaxon end up together in the most obvious way and it annoys the hell out of me. I don't want the author to use Flint's sexuality as a way to wrap up the fallout from the love triangle because we all know Grace is going to pick Hudson in the end, leaving Jaxon wounded and depressed. Flint deserves a better love story that's not just created to be a plot point!
Also, the love triangle between Grace, Jaxon, and Hudson feels like a lazy copycat of Elena, Stefan, and Damon from The Vampire Diaries. The guys are brothers. The first love interest is the youngest brother who's sweet but carries a lot of guilt for his past actions. The second love interest is the oldest brother who's the 'bad boy' and an asshole, but deep down he's actually a good guy. Again, I think Grace will choose Hudson based on how things ended in VD.
The additional world-building was interesting but still lacking. I still need more info on all the creatures as well as the politics and power dynamics. At least we got to finally meet Cyrus. I'm curious to see what other shady shit he pulls in the next books.
The writing continues to be so wordy that I have to skim. The story is readable but I just can't stand the writing. Not much else to say about it.
Overall, the storyline and romance development were interesting, but the writing still bothers me enough that I won't be reading the next book anytime soon (or most likely ever). I will however look up spoilers because I just want to know how Husdon and Grace's relationship develops.
A special thank you to Entangled Teen for sending me Crush. As always, all opinions are my own.
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Crave Series Book Ratings:
Crave: 2.5 ⭐️
Crush: 3 ⭐️
Covet: Did not read
Court: Did not read
Charm: Did not read
Cherish: Did not read
Hudson is the only reason why I finished this story. I hate love triangles and was super pissed when I realized that was the direction the author was headed. BUT, it turns out I actually love Hudson. He's sexy, smart, honest, and powerful. His sarcasm is entertaining and his banter with Grace gave me so much satisfaction. I actually cracked a smile a few times during some of their interactions. Plus, he's so supportive of Grace and treats her like an equal, while Jaxon is so caught up in protecting her because he doesn't think she's strong enough. I don't really have anything against Jaxon, but I hope Grace ends up choosing Hudson in the end.
Let's talk about Jaxon really quickly. At this point, Tracy Wolff is just changing his character to fit this love triangle's narrative. I get he's extra protective because Grace just came back after being gone for 4 months, but the author writes him as a misogynistic jerk, which he isn't. So while I understand why his character might be this way, I didn't really believe it.
I feel like Tracy Wolff is setting things up so Flint and Jaxon end up together in the most obvious way and it annoys the hell out of me. I don't want the author to use Flint's sexuality as a way to wrap up the fallout from the love triangle because we all know Grace is going to pick Hudson in the end, leaving Jaxon wounded and depressed. Flint deserves a better love story that's not just created to be a plot point!
Also, the love triangle between Grace, Jaxon, and Hudson feels like a lazy copycat of Elena, Stefan, and Damon from The Vampire Diaries. The guys are brothers. The first love interest is the youngest brother who's sweet but carries a lot of guilt for his past actions. The second love interest is the oldest brother who's the 'bad boy' and an asshole, but deep down he's actually a good guy. Again, I think Grace will choose Hudson based on how things ended in VD.
The additional world-building was interesting but still lacking. I still need more info on all the creatures as well as the politics and power dynamics. At least we got to finally meet Cyrus. I'm curious to see what other shady shit he pulls in the next books.
The writing continues to be so wordy that I have to skim. The story is readable but I just can't stand the writing. Not much else to say about it.
Overall, the storyline and romance development were interesting, but the writing still bothers me enough that I won't be reading the next book anytime soon (or most likely ever). I will however look up spoilers because I just want to know how Husdon and Grace's relationship develops.
A special thank you to Entangled Teen for sending me Crush. As always, all opinions are my own.
————————
Crave Series Book Ratings:
Crave: 2.5 ⭐️
Crush: 3 ⭐️
Covet: Did not read
Court: Did not read
Charm: Did not read
Cherish: Did not read
2.5 ⭐️ Twilight meets Zodiac Academy
If I was a teenager I would have enjoyed this more!
The story is interesting, but the writing style and immature characters are not for me (probably bc it’s YA are written for a younger audience).
Grace is a cliche. There doesn’t seem to be anything special about her. In fact, she doesn’t seem to think so either and often notes how plain and average she is. So when she arrives at a new school, she’s shocked how everyone seems to pay her attention and even more uncomfortable if people compliment her on her appearance. And of course, the hottest guy in school who never gives anyone the time of day is suddenly interested and can’t keep away. I experienced a lot of Twilight deja vu while reading this. Grace also quotes Shakespeare, plays the drums, and tells SUPER funny jokes, so you know she’s super fucking cool in a low-key way.
If I was a teenager I would have enjoyed this more!
The story is interesting, but the writing style and immature characters are not for me (probably bc it’s YA are written for a younger audience).
Grace is a cliche. There doesn’t seem to be anything special about her. In fact, she doesn’t seem to think so either and often notes how plain and average she is. So when she arrives at a new school, she’s shocked how everyone seems to pay her attention and even more uncomfortable if people compliment her on her appearance. And of course, the hottest guy in school who never gives anyone the time of day is suddenly interested and can’t keep away. I experienced a lot of Twilight deja vu while reading this. Grace also quotes Shakespeare, plays the drums, and tells SUPER funny jokes, so you know she’s super fucking cool in a low-key way.
??? ⭐️ Loved the story. Hated the delivery. So idk how the fuck to rate this!
It’s the best book of them all, but I’m over it. My enjoyment level was a 2.5 star bc of the writing. BUT it's the best story in the series so it probably deserves above 4 stars. See my problem?
If you love this series and the writing style, it’s an amazing book. But if you have found yourself skimming to get through the series, you may not have the patience for it. Truly, the series could have been wrapped up in this book. But no. The authors have decided to draw it the fuck out.
While I can admit that this story is addicting and I'm attached to these characters, this book (and the two before it) is unnecessarily long. It's so fucking wordy that I had to start skimming to keep my interest. At this point, I just want to read a summary of the last book to know what happens. Please, don’t make me read another wordy 800 pages for the conclusion.
It’s the best book of them all, but I’m over it. My enjoyment level was a 2.5 star bc of the writing. BUT it's the best story in the series so it probably deserves above 4 stars. See my problem?
If you love this series and the writing style, it’s an amazing book. But if you have found yourself skimming to get through the series, you may not have the patience for it. Truly, the series could have been wrapped up in this book. But no. The authors have decided to draw it the fuck out.
While I can admit that this story is addicting and I'm attached to these characters, this book (and the two before it) is unnecessarily long. It's so fucking wordy that I had to start skimming to keep my interest. At this point, I just want to read a summary of the last book to know what happens. Please, don’t make me read another wordy 800 pages for the conclusion.
3.5 ⭐️ A fun, light-hearted witchy rom-com!
I haven't read The Ex-Hex, but if it's as cute as this story, I may have to add it to my October TBR.
UPDATE: My review of The Ex Hex
-
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ witches and magic
✨ sassy, capable heroine
✨ broody, soft hero
✨ small town romance
✨ rivals to lovers
✨ LGBTQ rep
✨ banter
✨ mystery
✨ magical mayhem
What I liked:
Gwyn and Wells. I really enjoyed their characters. Gwyn is free-spirited, outspoken, and caring, while Wells is broody, serious, and loyal. He's hard to crack, but once Gwyn does, he's nothing but a soft-hearted simp.
The banter. Gwyn is sassy as hell, and Wells can dish it back but usually in a very posh manner, making their interactions very entertaining. Their tension definitely added to the romance.
"Gwyn had never thought of herself as a violent woman, but maybe, just maaaaybe, this man needed a good crack upside the head."
The small town setting. Someone mentioned on social media that this is like a magical Gilmore Girls, and I 100% agree! Graves Glen is basically Stars Hollow. This small town setting is incredibly charming and cozy that you'll want to curl up on the couch with some hot chocolate and a fuzzy blanket while diving into this adorable rom-com.
What didn't work:
If you haven't read The Ex-Hex, you may feel a little disjointed at first. There was a bit of info dumping in the first two chapters because we needed to be brought up to speed with the events and characters in book 1. But once that was out of the way, it was smooth sailing.
The conflict really starts to happen around 85% of the book. The main focus of the story is the romance, so there wasn't as much setup for the conflict. And by the time it's starting to unfold, the story ends. This was a really low-stakes romance when it could have easily had a little more plot.
Gwyn getting her powers back with zero explanation as to why. What was up with that? She was just so powerful she broke the curse on her own? I really would have liked some answers.
The bit about Wells' crushing on a girl with purple hair in college (Gwyn) was weird. How did he not know it was Gwyn? They go to a tiny college with an even smaller percentage of witches. Plus, they were in the same year! And once Wells tells Gwyn he had a crush on this 'purple-haired woman,' she doesn't even tell him that it's her. And then, the flashback of them in college (when she had purple hair) at the beginning didn't have any sort of significance besides showing us how irritated Gwyn was with Wells for setting up the "rivals-to-lovers" trope. It was a weak plot point.
Overall, this was a sweet rom-com that's perfect for reading during the fall season.
Thank you Harper Collins and Avon Books for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
I haven't read The Ex-Hex, but if it's as cute as this story, I may have to add it to my October TBR.
UPDATE: My review of The Ex Hex
-
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ witches and magic
✨ sassy, capable heroine
✨ broody, soft hero
✨ small town romance
✨ rivals to lovers
✨ LGBTQ rep
✨ banter
✨ mystery
✨ magical mayhem
What I liked:
Gwyn and Wells. I really enjoyed their characters. Gwyn is free-spirited, outspoken, and caring, while Wells is broody, serious, and loyal. He's hard to crack, but once Gwyn does, he's nothing but a soft-hearted simp.
The banter. Gwyn is sassy as hell, and Wells can dish it back but usually in a very posh manner, making their interactions very entertaining. Their tension definitely added to the romance.
"Gwyn had never thought of herself as a violent woman, but maybe, just maaaaybe, this man needed a good crack upside the head."
The small town setting. Someone mentioned on social media that this is like a magical Gilmore Girls, and I 100% agree! Graves Glen is basically Stars Hollow. This small town setting is incredibly charming and cozy that you'll want to curl up on the couch with some hot chocolate and a fuzzy blanket while diving into this adorable rom-com.
What didn't work:
If you haven't read The Ex-Hex, you may feel a little disjointed at first. There was a bit of info dumping in the first two chapters because we needed to be brought up to speed with the events and characters in book 1. But once that was out of the way, it was smooth sailing.
The conflict really starts to happen around 85% of the book. The main focus of the story is the romance, so there wasn't as much setup for the conflict. And by the time it's starting to unfold, the story ends. This was a really low-stakes romance when it could have easily had a little more plot.
Gwyn getting her powers back with zero explanation as to why. What was up with that? She was just so powerful she broke the curse on her own? I really would have liked some answers.
The bit about Wells' crushing on a girl with purple hair in college (Gwyn) was weird. How did he not know it was Gwyn? They go to a tiny college with an even smaller percentage of witches. Plus, they were in the same year! And once Wells tells Gwyn he had a crush on this 'purple-haired woman,' she doesn't even tell him that it's her. And then, the flashback of them in college (when she had purple hair) at the beginning didn't have any sort of significance besides showing us how irritated Gwyn was with Wells for setting up the "rivals-to-lovers" trope. It was a weak plot point.
Overall, this was a sweet rom-com that's perfect for reading during the fall season.
Thank you Harper Collins and Avon Books for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
2.5 ⭐️ Sadly, I couldn’t get into it
I read The Kiss Curse first and really enjoyed it. So I thought I’d give this book a go since it’s book 1 in the Ex Hex series. But unfortunately, it didn’t do it for me.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ witches and magic
✨ small-town setting
✨ second chance romance
✨ magical mayhem
✨ angst
✨ HEA
Unfortunately, the characters remained two-dimensional. The story was rushed but also forgettable. And the rekindled relationship between Rhys and Vivi was inconsistent and didn’t make much sense.
However, I love the atmosphere and vibe (who doesn’t love a witchy small town), and I thought the spice was pretty good.
Another reviewer said, "I felt like the entire thing was rushed. Kind of like we skimmed the surface of a fantastic story but never quite dove in." This is 100% how I felt. There was so much potential, but it just didn't quite get there.
Luckily, book 2 is a much better read, so if you don't enjoy this one as much but you like the atmosphere and themes, I highly suggest reading The Kiss Curse!
I read The Kiss Curse first and really enjoyed it. So I thought I’d give this book a go since it’s book 1 in the Ex Hex series. But unfortunately, it didn’t do it for me.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ witches and magic
✨ small-town setting
✨ second chance romance
✨ magical mayhem
✨ angst
✨ HEA
Unfortunately, the characters remained two-dimensional. The story was rushed but also forgettable. And the rekindled relationship between Rhys and Vivi was inconsistent and didn’t make much sense.
However, I love the atmosphere and vibe (who doesn’t love a witchy small town), and I thought the spice was pretty good.
Another reviewer said, "I felt like the entire thing was rushed. Kind of like we skimmed the surface of a fantastic story but never quite dove in." This is 100% how I felt. There was so much potential, but it just didn't quite get there.
Luckily, book 2 is a much better read, so if you don't enjoy this one as much but you like the atmosphere and themes, I highly suggest reading The Kiss Curse!