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Valkyrie �'s Reviews > The War of Two Queens
The War of Two Queens (Blood and Ash, #4)
by
by
**SPOILERS**
I was just going to have a good time celebrating how good this book was. But noooo, people had to be gross and piss me off. The fact that some readers are insulting and attacking “middle aged Facebook moms”� Let me be clear:
- Using “middle aged moms� as an insult is very sexist and ageist and just fucking gross.
- I can't believe I have to explain this, but here we fucking go: Women exist and have their own interests and desires and ambitions past their 30s and after having kids, too. Your mom? Yeah buddy, she is a person. Shocking, I know.
- Trying to insult someone for something they can’t change (like their body, age, sexuality�) is fucking disgusting and you should be ashamed.
- The blatant misogyny makes me sick to my stomach.
- Slut shaming women (“horny soccer moms�) is nasty. Don't pretend like we aren't all reading these spicy romance books for anything but what it is. So if those women are horny, so are you.
- And lastly: those old FB moms have better reading comprehension than you do so why don’t you show some respect, huh?
So here’s my analysis of the series for those saying the Joining and Poppy's feelings for Kieran came out of nowhere. Because, honestly? It’s hilarious to see people complaining about JLA pandering to some readers when, who do you think got the idea in our heads to begin with? This is JLA’s world we are living in, and she stuffed it full of hints and foreshadowing pointing straight to the Joining from the very beginning. Don’t believe me? Here are the receipts.
FBAA FORESHADOWING
“You shouldn’t be in here, and I shouldn’t have to explain that.�
“You have nothing to fear from me.�
“Why? Because of him?�
“He would be annoyed to find me in here.� A ghost of a smile appeared. “And then he’d be� intrigued .�
-
“Kieran said you dozed off in the bath.�
“Did he tell you that he came into the bathing chamber?�
Ԩ.�
Surprised, my gaze shot to his.
“I trust Kieran,� he said.�
The first book only had a subtle hint, but it was there, regardless, proving JLA wrote this series with this relationship in mind from the start.
AKOFAF FORESHADOWING
The Joining is introduced. And it’s said the exchange of blood between the three can become very intimate, leading to sex. Poppy says she’s not repulsed or disgusted by the idea. She just doesn’t know how it would work. And she keeps bringing it up. To Casteel and even Vonetta. She’s intrigued, to quote the book.
Then Casteel has to feed and Kieran stays in the room with them to make sure he won’t hurt Poppy. JLA made a conscious choice here to have Kieran behind Poppy, touching her, while Casteel fed from her. And even to make Cas press them both against the wall, trapping them together.
“Kieran moved behind me, and then I felt his fingers along the right side of my neck. I jumped a little, telling myself not to think about the Joining.
-
I didn’t know how I was still standing or if Casteel or Kieran held me up.
-
[Casteel] pressed into me—pressed me back against Kieran with unexpected strength. The wolven hit the wall behind us with a grunt as Casteel trapped us both. His mouth moved against my neck as his hips jerked against my belly�
-
I didn’t know when I’d stopped thinking about the fact that it wasn’t just Casteel’s body that touched mine, it wasn’t his chest that my head fell back against.�
But the scene that made me realize we were getting a throuple in this series was when the three slept together and this happened.
“I’d turned to Casteel in my sleep. He was on his back, and I’d all but climbed halfway on top of him. [...] Heat pressed against my back. A heavy arm lay over my waist and a leg was tucked between mine.
If I had turned to Casteel in my sleep, Kieran had also turned, as if Casteel were a magnet that drew both of us.�
“[...] Casteel’s arm curled, tightening around my shoulder, drawing me closer. My breath snagged as his movement triggered Kieran. He shifted behind me, and my pulse felt like a trapped bird. A sleek, muscled thigh slid between mine, pressing in. I had no idea if it was Casteel’s or Kieran’s.�
The line about Casteel being a magnet that drew them both made me realize this wasn’t going to be just about Poppy. These two men had a connection, too. I wasn’t sure if things would be platonic or not between them, but I knew if Kieran joined their relationship, it’d include Cas too.
TCOGB FORESHADOWING
People without reading comprehension: Casteel is too possessive to share.
Meanwhile Casteel in this book:
“I…I tried to eat Kieran.�
“He won’t hold it against you.�
“I tried to eat Kieran while I was naked.�
“That’s probably why he won’t hold it against you.�
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to seeing that,� I whispered.
“Which part?� Casteel asked. “The shifting, or Kieran stripping?�
“Neither,� I admitted.�
“Would you like to try a casserole?� Kieran offered. “That’s something we can share.�
“What’s a…casserole?�
Casteel looked over at me, a slow grin spreading across his lips. “Poppy…�
“W?�
“You’ve never had a casserole before?�
My eyes narrowed. “Obviously, not.�
“It’s good,� Kieran explained. “I think you’ll like it.�
“Casteel tugged on a loose strand of my hair. “Especially if there’s a lot of� meat in it.�
“You’re the only person I truly trust Poppy with. Only you.� Casteel to Kieran.
In this book, JLA increased the tension and sexuality of their scenes together. And this scene is a perfect example. In the previous book, Cas fed from Poppy while Kieran held her. In this book, Poppy feeds from Cas while they have sex and Kieras holds her, too.
“I felt [Kieran’s] arm clamp down on my waist as his fingers pressed into the skin under my jaw. He pulled my head back [...] [Casteel] reached around the wolven’s grip, fisting my hair as he pressed his forehead to mine. Under me, he moved his magnificent body at a furious rhythm. My entire body stiffened and then lightning flew through my veins. My muscles clamped down on him, spasming. My cry mixed with his rough shout as his hips pumped furiously, and he followed me into the wild, mindless bliss that wracked my entire body. [...] I didn’t know how much time passed, but finally, the hand under my jaw eased, and one of the arms slid away from me.�
Right after this scene, Poppy and Cas thank Kieran for his help, and this intimate scene happens.
“I reacted without much thought, pitching forward [...] [Kieran] caught me [...] He folded his arms around me without a heartbeat of hesitation, holding me just as tightly as I held him. I felt Casteel’s hand on my lower back, just under Kieran’s arms, and the three of us stayed like that for a little while.
[Kieran] dragged a hand up to the back of my head and leaned away enough that his gaze met mine. “It was the least I could do.�
“But that wasn’t all you did,� Casteel said, reaching over and clasping a hand on [Kieran]’s shoulder. “You made sure we got here safely and kept watch. You did everything we needed and more. I owe you.�
Kieran lifted his hand from the back of my head and clasped Casteel’s forearm as his pale gaze met my husband’s amber one.�
Poppy is upset about the bond between Cas and Kieran being broken. They reassure her it’s okay because their relationship was more than the bond. And this foreshadowing happens:
“Most of us [wolven] have fostered friendships that can’t break. So, we just…we just made room for you.�
Made room for me.
“I…I like the sound of that,� I whispered hoarsely.
Kieran patted my shoulder, or rather Casteel’s hand. Maybe both.�
To me, this symbolizes the idea that Poppy, Kieran and Cass could love each other without diminishing the love they have for the other, and how they could just “make room� for the other.
Kieran starts to be a lot more touchy-feely with Poppy, too: “Kieran reached over, tugging gently on a strand of my hair.� / “He leaned over so we were eye-to-eye and there was barely any space between us.� / “[Kieran] reached over and tugged gently on the strand of hair Casteel had tucked back earlier�
And of course, things escalate even more when Casteel gets Poppy off while she watches Kieran getting head.
“Are they�?� I sucked in a sharp breath as Kieran’s head fell back. My eyes widened.
[...]
“Are you watching them?� Casteel asked, his voice full of smoke.
[...]
“Have you ever done that? What they’re doing under the canopy?�
“I have. […] Does that bother you?�
“You’re over two hundred years old, Cas. I imagine you’ve done all manner of things.�
[...]
Casteel: “I never found myself constantly hungering, and I believe you need that to find yourself exploring those things with someone you’re committed to.�
[...]
“Do you…do you want to do that with me?�
“I want to do everything imaginable, and things no one has ever thought of with you,� he said. “But I only need you, Poppy. Now. Always.�
Later on, Casteel’s father says they should choose an advisor and Poppy says she already knows who she wants, referring to Kieran.
“He is a good choice. For both of you.� There was a pause as he looked at his son, clearing his throat.�
What could this be hinting at, I wonder? lol
Later on, Willa even offers Poppy to answer her questions if she becomes “curious enough.� Come on, y’all. This is starting to be too obvious.
-
So yeah, this review turned into an essay on How JLA Planned The Joining From The Start And Filled 3 Books With Blatant Foreshadowing But Apparently Some People Don’t Know How To Read. You’re allowed to dislike ménage romance, of course. But don’t insult others and don’t lie about this coming out of nowhere. It’s that simple. You are allowed to disliking this simply because it messes with your PoppyCas OTP. There’s no need to bash the author or other readers, or to say this came out of nowhere with no foreshadowing or build up.
Saying this is fanservice and JLA betrayed her story is ridiculous. Look at the rating of this book compared to the others. In any case, it is the other way around and JLA stayed true to her vision, even though she knew the consequences would be ugly af. So many of the 1 star ratings are from people who haven’t even read the books. Grow up. Learn from those soccer moms you are trying to insult. Be a better person.
Jesus f Christ.
---
March 19th 2022: Apparently people think the Joining was a one time thing and there won’t be a throuple. Which baffles me because, nothing changed after the Joining because things had already started changing before it.
And I bring receipts to back this up:
BEFORE THE JOINING
We all agree Cas and Poppy are madly in love with each other. But let’s establish their feelings for Kieran and vice versa at this point in the story.
Kieran: “Don’t forget what he means to me, Poppy. I’ve known him my whole damn life [...] He was and still is a part of me [...] What he means to me has nothing to do with a damn bond [...] I need to go as badly as you do, and he needs me there just as badly as he needs you.�
Casteel: “But she has Kieran. He would be there for her. And she would be there for him. Knowing that made it a little easier to breathe [...] They had each other, no matter what.�
Casteel about Kieran: “In a lot of ways, we’re two halves of the same whole. Different than Poppy and me, but not that much different.�
Casteel on Kieran’s feelings for Poppy: “I knew his face well enough to know when he looked upon someone he cared deeply about. Those fine, barely noticeable lines of tension around his mouth disappeared. Kieran softened. He’d done that when he looked at Elashya—whenever he spoke of her. He softened in almost the same way now when he looked upon Poppy.�
The fact that Casteel compared Poppy to Elashya is monumental to me.
“I can taste [Kieran’s] blood on your tongue [...] What does his blood taste like to you?�
[...]
“His blood tastes like a fall morning.�
“I’m a little envious of that.� I slid my hand over the soft flesh of her ass, slipping a finger between the cheeks and into the tight flesh there.�
Did Casteel just ask Poppy how Kieran’s blood tastes like while butt fingering her for the first time?? This can’t even be labeled as subtext. Also, is Casteel envious of Poppy because he hasn’t tasted Kieran’s blood before?
Poppy: “[The Joining] would be intimate. Intense. Life-altering. None of us would be the same afterward in any way.�
Poppy on her feelings for Kieran: “I fought the urge to ask him what kind of love he felt for Casteel. For me. I knew it wasn’t a familial one and that it went beyond what one felt for friends. I also thought that it wasn’t the same as what he’d felt for Elashya or what Casteel and I felt for each other. But I also knew that what I felt for Kieran wasn’t the same as what I felt for Delano or Vonetta or Tawny. It was…more.�
To me, this book shows Kieran and Poppy at the beginning of feeling something “more� for each other. It’s still not the same as what Poppy feels for Cas, but it's already “more� than. And there are still two more books left in the series.
“You love me, right?�
Ԩ.�
“I love you. And you love Kieran.�
[...]
“I don’t know how to explain what I feel. Because I don’t understand it.�
If Poppy doesn’t understand her own emotions, it’s because they are “more,� like previously stated.
I’VE GOT A THEORY THAT LINKS THE THROUPLE WITH THE MAIN PLOT: Both Malik and Millie told Casteel he was the only one who could stop Poppy. But by then, Poppy had already asked Kieran to do just that if she ever lost control. And the fact that Kieran brought up this moment when she asked what kind of love he felt for her� I think it’s very relevant, because a Primal’s only weakness is love. The same love Poppy feels for Casteel� and for Kieran.
There are also several mentions of “Casteel’s and Kieran’s warmth� reaching the cold place in the center of Poppy’s chest.
And the most important scene before the Joining: “The strangest urge to reach out and stop [Kieran] swept through me. I didn’t understand where that want had come from. Or if it was mine or Casteel’s. And I didn’t know why it felt wrong not to act on it.�
DURING THE JOINING
The Joining could’ve been sexual without any feelings being involved. But instead, it focused heavily on their emotions and how right it felt.
Antis: “Why have Poppy and Casteel get married and be heartmates and then ruin them with the Joining?�
Meanwhile Casteel, right after fucking his best friend and his wife: “I feel honored, meyaah Liessa. Humbled [...] Awed. Relieved. Chosen. Yes, I feel chosen. Loved [...] Intrigued.�
And Poppy: “All that counted was what [...] we felt. And that was something good. Right. Peaceful. Beautiful.�
AFTER THE JOINING
Casteel’s POV: “I only became aware of [Poppy] because my heart stuttered. I wasn’t sure if that came from Kieran or me. Because he too stared as I did.�
Why would Kieran’s heart stutter at seeing Poppy? Moreover, why would JLA choose to include that if this wasn’t heading into a throuple romance?
“Nothing and everything had changed between the three of us since the Joining. Our relationship remained as it had been, but there was an intimacy now that hadn’t been there before. A closeness. A bond we were reminded of every time I felt our hearts beating in tandem.�
Again, to me this book ends with them at the beginning of feeling something “more� for each other. So of course nothing and everything has changed, because the romance is still developing. The same way that the intensity of their relationship has escalated in each book, it will continue to do so in the next ones.
“I’m going to get what I want. You. In the armor.�
“Gods,� Kieran half sighed, half laughed.
“It’s not like you aren’t thinking it.�
Kieran sounded as if he choked on his breath.
And like I’ve always suspected, Kieran shields his emotions so Poppy doesn’t know he’s, in fact, turned the fuck on. But the fact that Casteel says this clearly opens the door for at least more sexual encounters in future books.
-
Let’s talk about the infamous “emotional cheating.�
It pisses me off to hear people saying Poppy cheated on Cas, when both her and Kieran were completely devoted to rescuing him. The only person who could understand what Poppy was going through was Kieran, because he was going through the same. And twisting this into something ugly, saying they cheated on Cas “while he was being tortured� is so wrong in so many levels.
It’s funny because it’s Casteel who basically tells us readers Kieran and Poppy love each other. So where’s the cheating? Casteel sure as fuck doesn’t see it. There are so many moments where Casteel is the one bringing the three of them physically together. All this imagery is in my opinion coded as romantic. Same as when both of them hold Poppy’s face at the same time, showing they are both halves of a whole for her.
They had a reason to do the Joining. But think about this: Kieran chose Cas and Poppy over everyone else. He’ll outlive his parents and sisters. This shows how much Kieran loves them.
Like Sheena said in the comments: “love isn’t a finite source.� And JLA shows this beautifully in how bright and strong PoppyCas love is before, during and after the Joining. They can love each other, and still have space and love for Kieran. And that doesn’t take from their love, only adds more. Their mutual love for Kieran is beautiful, even if it’s different. But different doesn’t mean less. In fact Poppy says so herself: “Nothing about Kieran was less.�
I present my last evidence:
Poppy: “I love you, Cas.�
Casteel: “Aɲ?�
Poppy: “And forever.�
Kieran to Casteel: “You got me. You got Poppy. We’re both here. Always and forever.�
Poppy: “I’m safe with both of you.�
Kieran: “Aɲ.�
Casteel: “And forever.�
In conclusion, I think the emotions were already there before the Joining and only intensified afterwards. And we are getting a throuple.
So, quoting Cas:
Brace yourselves, my Queens.
I was just going to have a good time celebrating how good this book was. But noooo, people had to be gross and piss me off. The fact that some readers are insulting and attacking “middle aged Facebook moms”� Let me be clear:
- Using “middle aged moms� as an insult is very sexist and ageist and just fucking gross.
- I can't believe I have to explain this, but here we fucking go: Women exist and have their own interests and desires and ambitions past their 30s and after having kids, too. Your mom? Yeah buddy, she is a person. Shocking, I know.
- Trying to insult someone for something they can’t change (like their body, age, sexuality�) is fucking disgusting and you should be ashamed.
- The blatant misogyny makes me sick to my stomach.
- Slut shaming women (“horny soccer moms�) is nasty. Don't pretend like we aren't all reading these spicy romance books for anything but what it is. So if those women are horny, so are you.
- And lastly: those old FB moms have better reading comprehension than you do so why don’t you show some respect, huh?
So here’s my analysis of the series for those saying the Joining and Poppy's feelings for Kieran came out of nowhere. Because, honestly? It’s hilarious to see people complaining about JLA pandering to some readers when, who do you think got the idea in our heads to begin with? This is JLA’s world we are living in, and she stuffed it full of hints and foreshadowing pointing straight to the Joining from the very beginning. Don’t believe me? Here are the receipts.
FBAA FORESHADOWING
“You shouldn’t be in here, and I shouldn’t have to explain that.�
“You have nothing to fear from me.�
“Why? Because of him?�
“He would be annoyed to find me in here.� A ghost of a smile appeared. “And then he’d be� intrigued .�
-
“Kieran said you dozed off in the bath.�
“Did he tell you that he came into the bathing chamber?�
Ԩ.�
Surprised, my gaze shot to his.
“I trust Kieran,� he said.�
The first book only had a subtle hint, but it was there, regardless, proving JLA wrote this series with this relationship in mind from the start.
AKOFAF FORESHADOWING
The Joining is introduced. And it’s said the exchange of blood between the three can become very intimate, leading to sex. Poppy says she’s not repulsed or disgusted by the idea. She just doesn’t know how it would work. And she keeps bringing it up. To Casteel and even Vonetta. She’s intrigued, to quote the book.
Then Casteel has to feed and Kieran stays in the room with them to make sure he won’t hurt Poppy. JLA made a conscious choice here to have Kieran behind Poppy, touching her, while Casteel fed from her. And even to make Cas press them both against the wall, trapping them together.
“Kieran moved behind me, and then I felt his fingers along the right side of my neck. I jumped a little, telling myself not to think about the Joining.
-
I didn’t know how I was still standing or if Casteel or Kieran held me up.
-
[Casteel] pressed into me—pressed me back against Kieran with unexpected strength. The wolven hit the wall behind us with a grunt as Casteel trapped us both. His mouth moved against my neck as his hips jerked against my belly�
-
I didn’t know when I’d stopped thinking about the fact that it wasn’t just Casteel’s body that touched mine, it wasn’t his chest that my head fell back against.�
But the scene that made me realize we were getting a throuple in this series was when the three slept together and this happened.
“I’d turned to Casteel in my sleep. He was on his back, and I’d all but climbed halfway on top of him. [...] Heat pressed against my back. A heavy arm lay over my waist and a leg was tucked between mine.
If I had turned to Casteel in my sleep, Kieran had also turned, as if Casteel were a magnet that drew both of us.�
“[...] Casteel’s arm curled, tightening around my shoulder, drawing me closer. My breath snagged as his movement triggered Kieran. He shifted behind me, and my pulse felt like a trapped bird. A sleek, muscled thigh slid between mine, pressing in. I had no idea if it was Casteel’s or Kieran’s.�
The line about Casteel being a magnet that drew them both made me realize this wasn’t going to be just about Poppy. These two men had a connection, too. I wasn’t sure if things would be platonic or not between them, but I knew if Kieran joined their relationship, it’d include Cas too.
TCOGB FORESHADOWING
People without reading comprehension: Casteel is too possessive to share.
Meanwhile Casteel in this book:
“I…I tried to eat Kieran.�
“He won’t hold it against you.�
“I tried to eat Kieran while I was naked.�
“That’s probably why he won’t hold it against you.�
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to seeing that,� I whispered.
“Which part?� Casteel asked. “The shifting, or Kieran stripping?�
“Neither,� I admitted.�
“Would you like to try a casserole?� Kieran offered. “That’s something we can share.�
“What’s a…casserole?�
Casteel looked over at me, a slow grin spreading across his lips. “Poppy…�
“W?�
“You’ve never had a casserole before?�
My eyes narrowed. “Obviously, not.�
“It’s good,� Kieran explained. “I think you’ll like it.�
“Casteel tugged on a loose strand of my hair. “Especially if there’s a lot of� meat in it.�
“You’re the only person I truly trust Poppy with. Only you.� Casteel to Kieran.
In this book, JLA increased the tension and sexuality of their scenes together. And this scene is a perfect example. In the previous book, Cas fed from Poppy while Kieran held her. In this book, Poppy feeds from Cas while they have sex and Kieras holds her, too.
“I felt [Kieran’s] arm clamp down on my waist as his fingers pressed into the skin under my jaw. He pulled my head back [...] [Casteel] reached around the wolven’s grip, fisting my hair as he pressed his forehead to mine. Under me, he moved his magnificent body at a furious rhythm. My entire body stiffened and then lightning flew through my veins. My muscles clamped down on him, spasming. My cry mixed with his rough shout as his hips pumped furiously, and he followed me into the wild, mindless bliss that wracked my entire body. [...] I didn’t know how much time passed, but finally, the hand under my jaw eased, and one of the arms slid away from me.�
Right after this scene, Poppy and Cas thank Kieran for his help, and this intimate scene happens.
“I reacted without much thought, pitching forward [...] [Kieran] caught me [...] He folded his arms around me without a heartbeat of hesitation, holding me just as tightly as I held him. I felt Casteel’s hand on my lower back, just under Kieran’s arms, and the three of us stayed like that for a little while.
[Kieran] dragged a hand up to the back of my head and leaned away enough that his gaze met mine. “It was the least I could do.�
“But that wasn’t all you did,� Casteel said, reaching over and clasping a hand on [Kieran]’s shoulder. “You made sure we got here safely and kept watch. You did everything we needed and more. I owe you.�
Kieran lifted his hand from the back of my head and clasped Casteel’s forearm as his pale gaze met my husband’s amber one.�
Poppy is upset about the bond between Cas and Kieran being broken. They reassure her it’s okay because their relationship was more than the bond. And this foreshadowing happens:
“Most of us [wolven] have fostered friendships that can’t break. So, we just…we just made room for you.�
Made room for me.
“I…I like the sound of that,� I whispered hoarsely.
Kieran patted my shoulder, or rather Casteel’s hand. Maybe both.�
To me, this symbolizes the idea that Poppy, Kieran and Cass could love each other without diminishing the love they have for the other, and how they could just “make room� for the other.
Kieran starts to be a lot more touchy-feely with Poppy, too: “Kieran reached over, tugging gently on a strand of my hair.� / “He leaned over so we were eye-to-eye and there was barely any space between us.� / “[Kieran] reached over and tugged gently on the strand of hair Casteel had tucked back earlier�
And of course, things escalate even more when Casteel gets Poppy off while she watches Kieran getting head.
“Are they�?� I sucked in a sharp breath as Kieran’s head fell back. My eyes widened.
[...]
“Are you watching them?� Casteel asked, his voice full of smoke.
[...]
“Have you ever done that? What they’re doing under the canopy?�
“I have. […] Does that bother you?�
“You’re over two hundred years old, Cas. I imagine you’ve done all manner of things.�
[...]
Casteel: “I never found myself constantly hungering, and I believe you need that to find yourself exploring those things with someone you’re committed to.�
[...]
“Do you…do you want to do that with me?�
“I want to do everything imaginable, and things no one has ever thought of with you,� he said. “But I only need you, Poppy. Now. Always.�
Later on, Casteel’s father says they should choose an advisor and Poppy says she already knows who she wants, referring to Kieran.
“He is a good choice. For both of you.� There was a pause as he looked at his son, clearing his throat.�
What could this be hinting at, I wonder? lol
Later on, Willa even offers Poppy to answer her questions if she becomes “curious enough.� Come on, y’all. This is starting to be too obvious.
-
So yeah, this review turned into an essay on How JLA Planned The Joining From The Start And Filled 3 Books With Blatant Foreshadowing But Apparently Some People Don’t Know How To Read. You’re allowed to dislike ménage romance, of course. But don’t insult others and don’t lie about this coming out of nowhere. It’s that simple. You are allowed to disliking this simply because it messes with your PoppyCas OTP. There’s no need to bash the author or other readers, or to say this came out of nowhere with no foreshadowing or build up.
Saying this is fanservice and JLA betrayed her story is ridiculous. Look at the rating of this book compared to the others. In any case, it is the other way around and JLA stayed true to her vision, even though she knew the consequences would be ugly af. So many of the 1 star ratings are from people who haven’t even read the books. Grow up. Learn from those soccer moms you are trying to insult. Be a better person.
Jesus f Christ.
---
March 19th 2022: Apparently people think the Joining was a one time thing and there won’t be a throuple. Which baffles me because, nothing changed after the Joining because things had already started changing before it.
And I bring receipts to back this up:
BEFORE THE JOINING
We all agree Cas and Poppy are madly in love with each other. But let’s establish their feelings for Kieran and vice versa at this point in the story.
Kieran: “Don’t forget what he means to me, Poppy. I’ve known him my whole damn life [...] He was and still is a part of me [...] What he means to me has nothing to do with a damn bond [...] I need to go as badly as you do, and he needs me there just as badly as he needs you.�
Casteel: “But she has Kieran. He would be there for her. And she would be there for him. Knowing that made it a little easier to breathe [...] They had each other, no matter what.�
Casteel about Kieran: “In a lot of ways, we’re two halves of the same whole. Different than Poppy and me, but not that much different.�
Casteel on Kieran’s feelings for Poppy: “I knew his face well enough to know when he looked upon someone he cared deeply about. Those fine, barely noticeable lines of tension around his mouth disappeared. Kieran softened. He’d done that when he looked at Elashya—whenever he spoke of her. He softened in almost the same way now when he looked upon Poppy.�
The fact that Casteel compared Poppy to Elashya is monumental to me.
“I can taste [Kieran’s] blood on your tongue [...] What does his blood taste like to you?�
[...]
“His blood tastes like a fall morning.�
“I’m a little envious of that.� I slid my hand over the soft flesh of her ass, slipping a finger between the cheeks and into the tight flesh there.�
Did Casteel just ask Poppy how Kieran’s blood tastes like while butt fingering her for the first time?? This can’t even be labeled as subtext. Also, is Casteel envious of Poppy because he hasn’t tasted Kieran’s blood before?
Poppy: “[The Joining] would be intimate. Intense. Life-altering. None of us would be the same afterward in any way.�
Poppy on her feelings for Kieran: “I fought the urge to ask him what kind of love he felt for Casteel. For me. I knew it wasn’t a familial one and that it went beyond what one felt for friends. I also thought that it wasn’t the same as what he’d felt for Elashya or what Casteel and I felt for each other. But I also knew that what I felt for Kieran wasn’t the same as what I felt for Delano or Vonetta or Tawny. It was…more.�
To me, this book shows Kieran and Poppy at the beginning of feeling something “more� for each other. It’s still not the same as what Poppy feels for Cas, but it's already “more� than. And there are still two more books left in the series.
“You love me, right?�
Ԩ.�
“I love you. And you love Kieran.�
[...]
“I don’t know how to explain what I feel. Because I don’t understand it.�
If Poppy doesn’t understand her own emotions, it’s because they are “more,� like previously stated.
I’VE GOT A THEORY THAT LINKS THE THROUPLE WITH THE MAIN PLOT: Both Malik and Millie told Casteel he was the only one who could stop Poppy. But by then, Poppy had already asked Kieran to do just that if she ever lost control. And the fact that Kieran brought up this moment when she asked what kind of love he felt for her� I think it’s very relevant, because a Primal’s only weakness is love. The same love Poppy feels for Casteel� and for Kieran.
There are also several mentions of “Casteel’s and Kieran’s warmth� reaching the cold place in the center of Poppy’s chest.
And the most important scene before the Joining: “The strangest urge to reach out and stop [Kieran] swept through me. I didn’t understand where that want had come from. Or if it was mine or Casteel’s. And I didn’t know why it felt wrong not to act on it.�
DURING THE JOINING
The Joining could’ve been sexual without any feelings being involved. But instead, it focused heavily on their emotions and how right it felt.
Antis: “Why have Poppy and Casteel get married and be heartmates and then ruin them with the Joining?�
Meanwhile Casteel, right after fucking his best friend and his wife: “I feel honored, meyaah Liessa. Humbled [...] Awed. Relieved. Chosen. Yes, I feel chosen. Loved [...] Intrigued.�
And Poppy: “All that counted was what [...] we felt. And that was something good. Right. Peaceful. Beautiful.�
AFTER THE JOINING
Casteel’s POV: “I only became aware of [Poppy] because my heart stuttered. I wasn’t sure if that came from Kieran or me. Because he too stared as I did.�
Why would Kieran’s heart stutter at seeing Poppy? Moreover, why would JLA choose to include that if this wasn’t heading into a throuple romance?
“Nothing and everything had changed between the three of us since the Joining. Our relationship remained as it had been, but there was an intimacy now that hadn’t been there before. A closeness. A bond we were reminded of every time I felt our hearts beating in tandem.�
Again, to me this book ends with them at the beginning of feeling something “more� for each other. So of course nothing and everything has changed, because the romance is still developing. The same way that the intensity of their relationship has escalated in each book, it will continue to do so in the next ones.
“I’m going to get what I want. You. In the armor.�
“Gods,� Kieran half sighed, half laughed.
“It’s not like you aren’t thinking it.�
Kieran sounded as if he choked on his breath.
And like I’ve always suspected, Kieran shields his emotions so Poppy doesn’t know he’s, in fact, turned the fuck on. But the fact that Casteel says this clearly opens the door for at least more sexual encounters in future books.
-
Let’s talk about the infamous “emotional cheating.�
It pisses me off to hear people saying Poppy cheated on Cas, when both her and Kieran were completely devoted to rescuing him. The only person who could understand what Poppy was going through was Kieran, because he was going through the same. And twisting this into something ugly, saying they cheated on Cas “while he was being tortured� is so wrong in so many levels.
It’s funny because it’s Casteel who basically tells us readers Kieran and Poppy love each other. So where’s the cheating? Casteel sure as fuck doesn’t see it. There are so many moments where Casteel is the one bringing the three of them physically together. All this imagery is in my opinion coded as romantic. Same as when both of them hold Poppy’s face at the same time, showing they are both halves of a whole for her.
They had a reason to do the Joining. But think about this: Kieran chose Cas and Poppy over everyone else. He’ll outlive his parents and sisters. This shows how much Kieran loves them.
Like Sheena said in the comments: “love isn’t a finite source.� And JLA shows this beautifully in how bright and strong PoppyCas love is before, during and after the Joining. They can love each other, and still have space and love for Kieran. And that doesn’t take from their love, only adds more. Their mutual love for Kieran is beautiful, even if it’s different. But different doesn’t mean less. In fact Poppy says so herself: “Nothing about Kieran was less.�
I present my last evidence:
Poppy: “I love you, Cas.�
Casteel: “Aɲ?�
Poppy: “And forever.�
Kieran to Casteel: “You got me. You got Poppy. We’re both here. Always and forever.�
Poppy: “I’m safe with both of you.�
Kieran: “Aɲ.�
Casteel: “And forever.�
In conclusion, I think the emotions were already there before the Joining and only intensified afterwards. And we are getting a throuple.
So, quoting Cas:
Brace yourselves, my Queens.
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April 25, 2021
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March 15, 2022
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Comments Showing 1-50 of 529 (529 new)
message 1:
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LainieTuesday
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rated it 2 stars
May 11, 2021 01:03AM
Lmao yes please 😂😂
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Wink wink nudge nudge 🤣
the joining?? Yes please.
@C M yes! In this house we are hoping to read the Joining or just these 3 having a healthy, consensual, steamy moment together 🙌🏻
Istg if we don't get it in this book I don't know what I'll do jgkjlsk
@Katie I have hopes we will get something in the next book, maybe it’ll be more build up, I don’t know, but I’m almost sure we are getting a 3some before the series ends... fingers crossed 🤞🏻😜
the joining and threesomes are mentioned one too many times for it not to happen. I know some readers are against the idea but it’s the authors fault for hinting at it in every single book to begin with, she’s practically obligated to make it happen now.
@Michela Completely agreed with what you said. The author has been hinting at the idea of the threesome since the first book (bathtub scene and “Cas would be intrigued�). I want to believe she’s been developing their relationship toward the threesome and not just baiting us for no reason whatsoever 🤷🏻♀�
Yah but the joining was also said not to be sexual. Now you got poppy catching feelings for K, who is now the 3rd wheel.
Irene wrote: "Yah but the joining was also said not to be sexual. Now you got poppy catching feelings for K, who is now the 3rd wheel."Read my review, this has been happening from the beginning.
By far the best review I’ve read yet! I love that you added all the foreshadowing because this has literally been foreshadowed since the very beginning 😭😭 These people are acting like they didn’t expect it well maybe if they actually read the book properly they would understand. The joining was always going to be sexual
@Matilda Thank you! I'm just so mad at people saying this happened out of the blue, or how the Joining being sexual was a surprise. Or even Poppy developing feelings for Kieran was unexpected. They've been slowly falling for each other since the second book, come ooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!! I added the big foreshadowing and hint moments, but there are so many more!! Whenever we get Poppy's POV, the text is focused on Kieran whenever he's on the scene. She notices his muscles, where he is situated, if he's touching her... The same way she focuses on Casteel. The paralels are all there lolAnd sure, I understand some people may hate this. I respect that. But don't come after us readers who love it. Or the author. I mean, people are even slut shaming Poppy now. Big yikes.
Lara wrote: "good review 👏🏼"Thank you 😭
Not to be negative or start an argument but I'd like to see what you think of this. My issue is:� Why then make Poppy and Casteel heartmates and married if making the three of them a throuple is what she planned all along? Heartmates are soulmates that are exclusive about each other (whether it's two, three, or more people). That already sets their love apart from Kieran. Sorry it makes for an unbalanced trio.
� She kept reminding readers that the Joining doesn't have to be sexual. People were divided and she gave hope to those that didn't want it to be sexual. I read it, it happened, it didn't bother me like I thought it would. I knew it was coming because it had plot relevance.
� I'm among the readers that didn't expect Kieran and Poppy to actually catch feelings for each other. I've been a longtime fan of the series and I know what I read, yes they had a special bond and love for each other but I didn't interpret it as them actually falling for one another. Until now JLA didn't confirm what type of dynamic they're going to be, she only said Casteel and Poppy are endgame. Promising the main couple are endgame means you are setting up the expectation that those two are the main couple.
Whatever you have to say I'll respect it, but it doesn't mean that the people that didn't interpret this way didn't read the book right.
I don’t think this happened out of the blue at all - we all knew it was coming as you pointed out with your examples. But she had said the joining didn’t have to be sexual, and she set up their dynamic to be the three of them being extremely close. To me it came off as a family bond but with sexual jokes because Kieran and Cas thought it was funny that Poppy would get so flustered. The part I did not see coming was having Kieran and Poppy develop sexual tension and flirting (which Tawny even commented on) while her husband is being tortured. They all brought up the concept of the joining, but it was never actually decided and Cas never told Poppy she as free to explore that connection with Kieran without him. Agreeing to a threesome with your partner (which they hadn’t actually agreed on at that point) is not the same as flirting, being touchy, growing intimacy and allowing sexual tension to develop with someone when your partner isn’t around.
There was 100% hints that the joining would be sexual since the beginning! Though, I don’t think there will be a poly relationship between the 3 of them. JLA already confirmed that Poppycas are endgame and Kieran will get his own love interest.A LOT of these people just read spoilers that made the book seem more sus than it was. I’m only 27% but I have been sent some scenes from my friends that people thought were ‘sus� and I saw no love interest between Poppy and Kieran. They definitely love each other, but it’s in a protective way. A love like they’re ‘friendmates� (as some people have been calling them)
Slut shaming poppy is hilarious honestly 🤣🤣
@Yaz I didn't comment on your review because we don't agree and I want to avoid confrontations if possible. But I'll answer your questions. And I also want to point out, my complaint is with people who are saying disrespectful things about other readers. If you're not complaining about "horny soccer moms from FB" or saying similar stuff, then I have no issue with you.Like you said, we don't know if this is going to end up being a menage relationship, or just a couple with a close friend who "sometimes" joins them, or only joined them once. There's no way JLA will tell us this since this is a major spoiler point in the next book(s). Same way she couldn't confirm or deny the Joining, and why she gave hopes to both sides. This is a common issue with authors who interact a lot with their readers and create a very popular series. It’s hard to talk to readers without giving away plot points. Did she lie? I guess so. Was that in a malicious way? No, I don’t think so. She was just doing her job, keeping the mystery until the book was out. Maybe it’s harsh, I don’t know. But it’s realistic.
That being said, this is all interpretation and theories. But answering your question about Poppy and Casteel. I think JLA just wanted to take the soulmates trope and play with it. Why would their marriage and heartmates' connection be diminished by their love for a third person? It doesn’t change the fact that they are in love with each other and are actively choosing each other and taking care of each other. And on top of that, JLA has been adding more and more obvious hints about Poppy’s feelings for Kieran, and even Casteel’s connection with him, since the second book.
We can’t know if this will be an unbalanced trio, because we don’t know what’s happening next yet. It’s obvious their relationship with Kieran is still evolving and changing. It could end up being something more serious or it could end up being just a strong friendship. We can’t know yet. Saying “poor Kieran, he deserves better� is based only on speculation about what’s to come in next books.
As for Kieran and Poppy catching feelings for each other. I don’t know what else to say. I shared quotes (and there are many more, but ŷ has a character limit for their reviews and I had to choose). For me, personally, it was pretty damn obvious Kieran had feelings for Poppy in the third book already. He started touching her more, in places classically coded as romantic in romance books. Like her cheek, neck, hair�
Re: “it doesn't mean that the people that didn't interpret this way didn't read the book right.�
I was referring to those saying the Joining was unexpected. That there was no foreshadowing or evidence before this book. That’s just a lie. And sure, you can interpret things differently, but saying Cas wouldn’t share because he’s too possessive for example, is just wrong. And the books are there to prove this.
Remember when Cas� father said this about Kieran: “He is a good choice. For both of you.� There was a pause as he looked at his son, clearing his throat.�
Why did he clear his throat? Come on, the subtext was right there.
That being said, I respect your opinion Yaz and I know you're disappointed. We can express our opinions without attacking the others, and that's my main complain and what fueled this review lol
Thank you for your response and sorry for bringing this energy here. I still disagree with some points and things have been vague enough for readers to interpret them in different ways and I'm pretty sure JLA was aware of that and left it that way leading up to the backlash—and I disagree and despise the wording of many 1-star reviews. With that being said, thank you again and this was in no way intended to be confrontational.
If my friends ever point out that a guy is acting like my husband because he (view spoiler) then I'm 100% sure that guy is flirting with me and there's a sexual tension between us. This is just like when people act like girls and boys can't be good friends. (I'm only talking about Tawny's comment over here btw)
I agree with everything you said Valkyrie. Great review ❤️
@Melissa JLA saying the Joining didn’t have to be sexual isn’t a confirmation that it wouldn’t be sexual. It just meant they had a choice and it could go either way.You think Cas would’ve been okay with someone else who wasn’t Kieran sharing “sexual jokes� with his wife? lol I think it was obvious in previous books that it was only okay because it was the three of them. There’s nothing platonic or “familiar� about that. Cas and Kieran teamed up many times to joke with Poppy about sexual stuff to fluster her, sure. Because it was funny? Probably. But also because it was hot af, come on. And the fact that in this book we find out Cas was also watching Kieran while Poppy watched him getting head only proves this. The sexual jokes were only okay because the three share a connection.
I don’t see the cheating in any of the scenes between Kieran and Poppy. Like I said, I think Kieran especially was very conscious of not crossing the line. But their relationship already had some tension and sexual undertones since the third book.
“Kieran reached over, tugging gently on a strand of my hair.�
“He leaned over so we were eye-to-eye and there was barely any space between us.�
“Kieran suggested as he reached over and tugged gently on the strand of hair Casteel had tucked back earlier�
(Some quotes from the third book)
And losing Cas made them grow closer, too. Because they found support and comfort in each other. No one else could understand what they both were going through. Because no one else loves Cas the way they both do.
Poppy didn’t explore the connection with Kieran without Cas. In fact, she ignored what was happening between them the whole time until they found Cas. She even stated this a few times. How she didn’t want to think about their relationship. I think both knew it wasn’t the moment and they’d rather focus on finding Cas and get him back.
So like I said, I’m okay with what happened and I don’t see the cheating�
@Matilda we may get a four-some with Kieran's new partner included. Can you imagine the way the fandom would react to that? LOL I'm sorry, I need to joke or I'll go crazy, this is all very intense and some people are being really nasty to other readers over fictional characters.
this is a fantastic review. well done. i think people can dislike this book but they need to stop being disrespectful.
@Yaz please, don’t apologize. I think we had a very interesting convo without being disrespectful. I wish everyone else could do the same. I follow you for your Gwynriel theories and admire you in many ways. We just don’t see things the same way when it comes to this series. And that’s okay! :) If you want to talk, my DMs are always open. About JLA, I think she left things open to interpretation because that’s what an author should do to keep readers coming back. I can’t blame her for that. I don’t agree with everything she does or says, but in this case, I don’t see how she should’ve dealt with this without giving away a big spoiler (which no author would ever want to do). I’m sure she knew the backlash was coming, of course. But the way people are choosing to react to this book is only on them.
THANK YOU. The outrage is so ridiculous. Did they read the previous books? THIS offends them so much? SMH.
@ Ishika thank you for making me LOL That was fantastic. But yeah, I think Tawny’s comment, same as Casteel’s father’s comment, both were there for the reader to pick the message “this is happening and it is a good thing, see??� But of course, those against the trio are going to dislike that. I totally get it. But there is no cheating, IMO. JLA tried so hard to keep things platonic, it’s like Kieran’s body didn’t exist from the waist down lmao
gloria ◦○ ° wrote: "this is a fantastic review. well done. i think people can dislike this book but they need to stop being disrespectful."Exactly my point. Thank you <3
I haven't read this book yet but got spoiled, just wanted to say thanks for pointing out the hints of this happening in earlier books.
♡tanaz� wrote: "YOU CAME WITH THE RECEIPTS YESSS GIRL 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽"I'M DONE, GIRL. I CAME PREPARED lmao
Kelli wrote: "THANK YOU. The outrage is so ridiculous. Did they read the previous books? THIS offends them so much? SMH."While gathering all the quotes, all I could think of was exactly this. Did they even read the previous books?? lol
Sophia Alexis wrote: "I haven't read this book yet but got spoiled, just wanted to say thanks for pointing out the hints of this happening in earlier books."I'm so sorry you got spoiled 😔
This is amazing - I was just going to add I did a little word search on my kindle for those who thought this was out of the blue - consider the 'cave cat' which became a HUGE plot point being her father. Between the first mention and when we find out what it was forshadowing the 'cave cat' was mentioned a total of 13 times - 'The Joining' has been mention 56 times (if broken down into instances (conversations/groups of thoughts) that goes down to 23) this was going to happen. It was planned, It was foreshadowed, and it wasn't even a spoiler IMO because it was so set up that it was 100% going to happen
Yessssss 👏👏 and the love for Kieran is different than the love for Cas. Just like Cas and Kierans love is different than theirs for Poppy. I don't think the threesome will happen again, I'd be disappointed if it did, but the fact that the joining got sexual isn't surprising at all.
@Kate damn, the dedication to search for this on your Kindle is commendable. I salute you, my friend �
@Rachel I personally would love to read a true poly relationship but we'll see. I don't mind either way, to be honest with you. I like what JLA is doing with her story so far, and all I want is more Kieran lol
My god, you have no idea how happy I am that you wrote this review. I couldn't yet read the book (the damn paperback took forever to order in Europe), but I obviously saw what happened yesterday with the influx of negative reviews and was absolutely flabbergasted. Personally I was neutral on the joining - would have loved if it happened, wouldn't have cared if it didn't. But the hints towards it happening were so so clear in the first three books. So I couldn't for the life of me understand why so so many people were disappointed by something that was so strongly hinted at? The examples from the text you chose were perfect, because I also thought that there was always that undercurrent of tension between all three, and I was so looking forward to that getting explored. The one thing I was thrown by is what people called "emotional cheating" because I would actually have had an issue with that; but the way you explain it it seems like people are seriously dramatising those scenes. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks, cause I was super anxious about the book being terrible based on these reviews, but your review and explanations of the previous books (which I absolutely agree with) gave me back all of the excitement I had for reading this!!
@Ella honestly, don't trust anyone lol wait until you read the book to decide. Especially about the "emotional cheating" aspect, because I believe this is very personal for each reader and, even though I think it's pretty obvious no cheating happens, I think readers are only human and biased and they are prompt to personal interpretations when it comes to things like cheating in books.I can DM you with some examples from the book for you to decide. But I'd recommend waiting and reading the whole thing without spoilers. In my opinion this book is ten times better than the third, which was my least favorite so far.
girl there are people that are crying crying because of the joining and their character characters being “ruined� 💀 I agree with what you said, these ppl need to go outside and touch some grass cause they forgot that these characters don’t exist
@Valkyrie: thank you for the offer with the examples, but I'm just gonna let myself be surprised and enjoy the book without any more spoilers. and yeah you are absolutely right that different people will react differently to what is and what isn't emotional cheating, I just thought your review was super encouraging, cause other reviews made it lowkey seem as if Poppy was not as focused on rescuing Cas in favour of flirting with Kieran. Anyway, the one bonus of all of this is that I have seen virtually no spoiler or even a mention of the actual plot, cause everyone is so focused on the joining, so I'm gonna enjoy reading this and knowing absolutely nothing about the plot lmao
Come on! Even I that have only read the first book knew there will be something between Kieran and Poppy. I thought it’d be a love triangle with unrequited love and I hated it. Glad the author made something interesting instead of the same boring love triangle full of angst.
@Matilda is that dramatic of them? For sure. But let’s not pretend the whole reason we read is either to be entertained or to feel something for the characters and the story. I love when a book evokes my emotion. So the “they forgot that these characters don’t exist� aspect is like well why even read a book if we’re not going to get invested in the story
I love you so much for this! Thank you for all the work you did showing receipts. This review is everything!
@Melissa I feel bad for those who are crying. I don't like to think there are people truly upset about this out there. I get being invested in the story. I mean, I spent the day gathering quotes from the previous three books and putting together this review, I think we can all agree that I'm invested lol That being said, I wouldn't have cried if the Joining didn't happen lolBut in the end, people crying are only affecting themselves. But those "invested in the story" who are lashing out to other readers and being nasty and rude to real people are the problem. Insulting readers for their age, or for being a mom, or for being horny (my favorite) is just disgusting.
Same as saying the problem is the poorly written poly representation. When we all know these people couldn't care less about this. They are just mad JLA ruined their OTP. Which, fair enough! There's no need to stir shit trying to justify your opinion.
@ Ella Re: "other reviews made it lowkey seem as if Poppy was not as focused on rescuing Cas in favour of flirting with Kieran."I can promise you this is not the case. They are both 100% focused on rescuing Cas. They are suffering and missing him. Especially Poppy, because we get her POV. And she's constantly thinking about him. She's madly in love with her husband, there's no doubt about it.
And Kieran is a comfort because he's the only one who understands her, because he's hurting and missing Cas just as much as she does. So they find strength in each other and comfort but there’s no flirting, at all.
I clapped while reading this entire review! People have been so nasty towards JLA and other readers and I was a little shocked. I loved this book and I'm glad there are others who have seen and gotten out of the other books what I did as well! Thank you for putting it all so eloquently!
The Dark One wrote: "I love you so much for this! Thank you for all the work you did showing receipts. This review is everything!"hahaha you're welcome. I was so frustrated, I had to do something. I'm really happy to see so many people liking the review and leaving a positive comment! I needed this after all the nasty comments I had seen so far...
@Mikaela thank you!! I was feeling really down after reading so many nasty comments. Finding people who feel the same way that I do helped me a lot. So I'm glad I could do the same for you <3
Melissa, there’s nothing wrong with crying for a character, I probably should have elaborated more. I AM making fun of the people that are crying when all they did was read spoilers that weren’t true. JLA already made a post on FB regarding what they’re upset about.She said Kieran and Poppy were NOT flirting and even said “ew�. These people are believing what random people on booktwt, that never read the book, are saying and changing their entire opinion on a character and series. It’s sad to see people get manipulated by people that pretend like they’re advocating for a book when they never read, all for clout
I hope that cleared my statement up
