No crazy drama, no existential crisis, no tears, just pure giggle & kick your feet feels. This author hit “somewhat Gilmore gTHIS. BOOK. IS. SO. CUTE.
No crazy drama, no existential crisis, no tears, just pure giggle & kick your feet feels. This author hit “somewhat Gilmore girls vibe� right on the head with this book and THEN SHE ADDED SPICE.
I was shooketh to the core. I read a lot of spice so that’s not weird for me but having that false sense of security in such a cozy book & following it up with those descriptions I was like oooooo Laurie Gilmore u nasty and I love it.
I do think I would have liked a bit more character development and maybe a lil more tea to sip on (drama) but this story was exactly what it needed to be. A cozy, cute, mildly spicy love story in an adorable hallmarkish small town. The MMC had a lot of growth and both main characters deal with identity and trust issues so that’s was an interesting plot line to read. This was an easy to read, great palette cleanser and it may have been just what I needed to pop me out of my slump.
Will def venture into the other books bc I need to know more about Mr mermaid tattoo fisherman
I’m not gonna lie, I don’t know how to rate this book because I’m not completely sure what I listened to.
I’m in a bit of a slump and have jumped towarI’m not gonna lie, I don’t know how to rate this book because I’m not completely sure what I listened to.
I’m in a bit of a slump and have jumped towards audiobooks and not to nag on the narrator because I do think he acting in this story was good for the FMC but for the male counterparts it was just weird. Overall interesting story � angels / demons / spice & intrigue. I did like the back and forth with the FMC past and present lives etc but I’ll probably read the next book instead of listening because I literally JUST finished and I don’t think I retained anything actually tangible.
One thing I can say I DIDNT like was the stalking element which I know a lot of people love. I’m fine with it as adults but it felt creepy with younger characters even though it didn’t come to anything
Will maybe re read at a future date bc I love how Keri lake does dark romance and the MMC possessiveness is definitely dark.
**Check your trigger warnings bc there’s a lot**...more
This is hysterical. On par with the tv show “What we do in the shadows� comedy. What happens when you die unexpectedly and turn into a vampire? Meh idThis is hysterical. On par with the tv show “What we do in the shadows� comedy. What happens when you die unexpectedly and turn into a vampire? Meh idk you gain super speed and super strength, the sun is deadly but why not just keep doin the same thing ...more
I really enjoyed this book actually. It took a bit for me to get fully invested, but I’m pleasantly surprised and excited to continue to the next one.I really enjoyed this book actually. It took a bit for me to get fully invested, but I’m pleasantly surprised and excited to continue to the next one. This is my Ted Talk (because I’m in full explanatory letter mode right now and I feel this book deserves it).
Something of note before you read :
- this book is not easy to read. It is solely in letter format which I loved and it is written very eloquently and verbose. Dense vocab. If you’re looking for something fun and easy to read, I’d pass.
Things I loved :
- This is a beautiful story of such a unique world. Throughout the letters you get a feel of multiple characters, their struggles within themselves and their lives, as well as a full mystery of what lurks in the deep dark abyss of the sea.
- Super inclusive, lgbtq friendly (I love love love) - A couple absolutely ADORABLE romances develop which made me giggle and kick my feet a multitude of times - immense sarcasm and verbal sparring in a *scholarly* fashion which was hilarious because at some points I was trying to tell if they were serious or not and then with context clues I audibly chuckled. - Unique world building that you sort of have to form yourself by putting the pieces of letters together - Descriptions & sketches of different sea forms that had me actually googling to see if they were real because of how specific things were explained - The beautiful kindling of friendships through tragedy - The most incredible and accurate and heartwarming representation of OCD I have ever read.
Not so loved :
- The beginning of this story kind of drags. It’s incredibly important for the backstory of all the characters and to give each character more depth, but it took me forever to get into it because I wanted to read E & Henerey’s the whole time instead of their siblings. - The mystery is very cool, but I feel like it took very long to get to it. - I consider myself not to be very well versed in a lot of vocabulary so I had to google a lot of words I didn’t know (Kindle comes in handy here with definitions). - The structures in the book made me forget that the entire world was underwater quite a bit which I understand was the point but i maybe would have liked more descriptions about the water (which now as I’m writing this I do however realize that people accustomed to living their entire life under water would not so much comment on that often)
Overall I honestly did love this, however I definitely feel like it will not be everyone’s cup of tea because it’s something you need to take time to read and digest. I would recommend this book to my fantasy loving friends who don’t mind a dense read / anyone who likes to fantasize about the mysteries of the ocean.
I will be reading the next book I will just need to prepare myself for it as I’m sure it will be just as complex (but wonderful) as the first.
**spoiler alert** Rating 2 stars *specifically* for the spice. I’m really struggling with the romance aspect of this story now. Don’t get me wrong, th**spoiler alert** Rating 2 stars *specifically* for the spice. I’m really struggling with the romance aspect of this story now. Don’t get me wrong, this one definitely had more drama and we can see the FMC fully get out of the confines of her religion / mothers perfect ideal for her but she turns into a complete pick me girl which I guess falls in line with the theme but it bothered me a little.
Also, our MMC is so back and forth with his emotions. The miscommunication leading to such detriments in their relationship was frustrating but what actually killed it for me is the ending and the reconciliation?? How do you flip personalities like that and then ignore everything the other person did?
It just took away all the built up tension from book 1 for me. They literally only like each other because of sex it seems and I don’t understand how our FMC can just hop around like that and then forget about the two other characters she ACTUALLY built a relationship with. Right now I’m for sure on team Ronan, I think our FMC should have to work a lot harder to get back in our MMCs good graces honestly. Not just lure him with her “tightness� or whatever.
Plus WTF? You just completely write off Michael/Aspen � I need more from him. From this. The explanation at the end wasn’t it.
Idk this was a solid meh
BUT the spice was top tier can’t complain abt that part....more
This story is about a hard topic that unfortunately far too many people have had to endure - domestic violence leading to death/the de3.5 rounded up �
This story is about a hard topic that unfortunately far too many people have had to endure - domestic violence leading to death/the death of a family member. Through grief counseling a group of women find the spark they lost with their sisters when they had brutally passed due to their abusive significant others who got no more than a slap on the wrist for their crimes. It’s about fighting back and obtaining the justice these women’s sisters deserved —albeit in an equally brutal way.
As someone who has way more experience than I’d like I think this book can be beneficial and possibly to women who have had to endure these situations in a non triggering way.
The writing itself is very simply structured, with no major plot twists. I feel like the character development was quite lacking as well since it focuses on 6 or 7 women but it is entertaining, somewhat empowering and also angering as to the statistics presented. It’s a glimpse into the “what if� and an indulgence into the intrusive thoughts and I did enjoy it, but not enough emotional connections were made for me within the characters for me to rave about it. � I do believe that is purposeful, as to be cautious about potential triggers. This is an easy read, despite the hard topic and an ode to Hitchcock. Not original per se, but still good....more
This was a fun, super quick read. Tension is thick for big boss man in his high end hotel & our innocent FMC finds herself iOOOOF the spiceeeeeeeeeeee
This was a fun, super quick read. Tension is thick for big boss man in his high end hotel & our innocent FMC finds herself in a precarious position.. literally lmao
I’m rating 3.5 because I definitely enjoyed the buildup to the relationship & the story line is pretty good but I’m not big on the virginal trope. I do like the cliffhanger ending & I most likely will be continuing this series...more
This was so good! This is a story full of politics. I’m talkin scheming government, war between two types of magic users and everywhere you turn you aThis was so good! This is a story full of politics. I’m talkin scheming government, war between two types of magic users and everywhere you turn you aren’t sure who to trust.
The characters were definitely likable with a bit of depth but not too touched on in this story (I’m assuming more to come).
The plot had a lot of interesting side moments that helped shape the outcome of everything and the side characters also shine. We also have culture throughout the story as well as lgbtq+ representation in a casual way which I loveeeee.
There are a few characters I’m excited to learn more about and hoping the next book touches on & the plot twists were mildly predictable but it didn’t take away from the book and I was EXCITED waiting for the big reveal on some.
Rating 4 stars because I don’t know if this story will live rent free in my mind, as not super amounts of emotions were brought out but it was really good and I am looking forward to the next installment in the series....more
Okay so my final answer on this series is : cute, dangerous, political plot with lots of action, rebellion & a nice epic love story. � all great makinOkay so my final answer on this series is : cute, dangerous, political plot with lots of action, rebellion & a nice epic love story. � all great makings of a great series
However, I felt like this read very childish and predictable.
If I’d have read this series in middle school I would definitely have been obsessed I think, but as an adult it fell very flat for me....more
This one was a bit slower to me but definitely still getting a little better as the FMC grows up a bit. She is still self centered, selfish and childiThis one was a bit slower to me but definitely still getting a little better as the FMC grows up a bit. She is still self centered, selfish and childish but small bits of maturity are somewhat showing through.
I’m also entertained by the building up of the Gods and their details & I enjoy the references to TV shows irl.
I’m hoping that this series ends on a good note bc I’m kind of just reading for mindless nonsense at this point ...more
OK OK this one was actually super entertaining. I like the action we received and the bit more romance. I still can’t really stand the FMC but we had OK OK this one was actually super entertaining. I like the action we received and the bit more romance. I still can’t really stand the FMC but we had a nice Leon section and he’s been my fav character. The ending was a bit insane, I somewhat expected it but still the way it played out was exciting.
I still feel the wording / characters in this book are a bit childish & predictable but I’m used to it by now ...more
I feel like I’m compelled to finish series and I wish I wasn’t because this just reads so childish. The FMC gives me brain rot. The storyline is interI feel like I’m compelled to finish series and I wish I wasn’t because this just reads so childish. The FMC gives me brain rot. The storyline is interesting but my roll my eye counter was at 32 ...more
I feel awful for this but I feel like I fully hate read this book. I don’t know why I didn’t DNF. Potentially because the plot did intrigue me alt2.5
I feel awful for this but I feel like I fully hate read this book. I don’t know why I didn’t DNF. Potentially because the plot did intrigue me although it’s incredibly predictable. The romance was cute but the FMC was awful. She’s a sex crazed teen essentially, willfully disobedient and she never stops whining. I genuinely wanted to punch her the entire time.
The actual storyline definitely has potential and I may read the next books in the series � I hope it gets better but this one was a no for me ...more
OH MY GOD HOW IN THE HECK AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT FOR BOOK 6 WITH THAT ENDING??!!!
I can’t think enough to write a full review rn so here’s a quick recapOH MY GOD HOW IN THE HECK AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT FOR BOOK 6 WITH THAT ENDING??!!!
I can’t think enough to write a full review rn so here’s a quick recap of my thoughts
- spicier than the others - side characters I didn’t love much (which kind of was the point I think - THE SCHEEEEMES ARE SCHEMEEEINGG - The only one of the four that gave me an emotional reaction and that was specifically bc of the last couple chapters - I am stressed now...more
I think out of all of them this was my favorite so far.
I thoroughly enjoy the way Keri’s� brain works. I like reading about the gears turning and all I think out of all of them this was my favorite so far.
I thoroughly enjoy the way Keri’s� brain works. I like reading about the gears turning and all the political intrigue within. This book presented with more worldbuilding and lies / manipulations coming to a head with the added bonus of a super deadly prison with mild cannibalism. - trigger warning.
I didn’t guess the major battle plots happening, but the other plot twists were pretty on brand and predictable again - these books are solid, definitely entertaining. They have an added element of romance and spicyness mostly closed door but they also stand alone as gripping adventures with kings and queens.
I think the added element of both IS necessary however, to give full value because otherwise both would be a little underwhelming.
I do like this series, but it’s not something I would be screeching or kicking my feet over.
I had thought the series could end well after book 2 and feel like it can end here also but I suspect next book may be Ana’s story? I’m not sure where the author is going with it because this had a good conclusion for almost everyone so we shall see!...more
I knew I’d love his character from the last book but I was so excited to get this POV. I was a bit more invested in his lovOkkaaaaaayy Kerisssss bby.
I knew I’d love his character from the last book but I was so excited to get this POV. I was a bit more invested in his love story because of the forbidden vibe but still not completely blown away. I will say, learning all of the mental games & politics behind the decisions that went into book 2 was awesome & I did enjoy the huge plot twist at the end.
3.5 stars I think � maybe .75 for Keris only.
I found out there’s a tandem read?? For this book & book 2 but idk that I would have loved it because it was nice to be left in the dark and figure out the plot holes after.
There’s more love / spice in this one which I enjoyed. A lot more politics, less world building but it was a decent build up and elaboration for book 2...more
I liked this book sooo much more than the first!! We kept up with the politics, more world building and a lot more action.
Loved seeing the sisters worI liked this book sooo much more than the first!! We kept up with the politics, more world building and a lot more action.
Loved seeing the sisters work together & seeing all of their talents put to work. Finally got a bit more time with our FMC & MMC and I loveeee the back and forth bc of all the hurt. I really enjoyed that she wasn’t just forgiven & the one spicier scene was nice hehe
Closed door spice, lots of battles, lots of inner workings. A lot of this was still predictable but the author definitely kept me on my toes a bit towards the end. ...more
I’m honestly not fully certain how I want to rate this one. Not quite a 3 star, not quite a 4 star for me.
The book was very engaging and it was definiI’m honestly not fully certain how I want to rate this one. Not quite a 3 star, not quite a 4 star for me.
The book was very engaging and it was definitely an enjoyable read. There’s a small amount of spice & a medium amount of world building which I definitely enjoyed. I liked the pacing of it even though it kind of slows down a bit in the middle.
For the romance portion it felt a bit lacking to me - it was definitely enjoyable, forced marriage, kind of enemies to lovers ish but I could have definitely done with a bit more moments with the FMC & MMC.
I loved that it is multi POV & the action parts were really entertaining but for an assassin / morally gray / bad ass FMC I wish there was a little more of it from her specifically � I do anticipate this happening in book 2 though.
The plot twists were pretty logical in the progression, definitely a bit predictable but the way the story was executed I didn’t mind one bit because it was for sure entertaining and I’m eager to continue the series to see what comes next.
I definitely liked the book � just not jumping around excited about it.
Also - I followed along with the audiobook & the narrators do a good job IMO....more
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