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amanda_reads13's reviews
447 reviews
Wild Lands by Stacey Marie Brown
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
After being betrayed by Warwick, Brexley is now in the hands of the Fae King.
Brexley changed hands so many times in this book that it became a bit difficult to follow at times. Who was she being held by now? What do they want from her?
Warwick continues to save her after trading her from something. Though we don't really know what he traded her for, we get a glimpsewhen Brexley calls for his help and he is with a woman and young boy. She assumes it is his family, yet we do not know.
We find out thatthe humans are manufacturing a drug to make humans into super soldiers. It works for a while, but after a few days the drug literally melts their brain. This happened to every test subject, except Brexley. So that makes us wonder, why is she so different from the other humans?
At points of this book we get some major info dumps. At one point sheis taken to the resistance by Warwick and finds out her "uncle" is alive and the head of the resistance. We find out that he was secretly in love with a fae and faked his own death to protect everyone. He figured out that the fae weren't the bad guys in this situation and he started the resistance against the humans. We also find out that Link, is actually Ling, his partner.
Later on, we find out thather father's brother, who is a a fugitive, is the leader of another resistance group and is working with the blue haired deamon she met in prison.
I found the plot line with Ash and the book to be really interesting.She somehow reached back in time through the book and saved not only Warwick, but Scorpion too. Here we learn a bit more about their connection. But we are still left with so many unanswered questions.
Brexley makes a lot of really dumb decisions. As a highly trained soldier, she should be able to protect herself, yet, she always needs Warwick to come and save her.
Tropes: enemies to lovers, slow burn
Brexley changed hands so many times in this book that it became a bit difficult to follow at times. Who was she being held by now? What do they want from her?
Warwick continues to save her after trading her from something. Though we don't really know what he traded her for, we get a glimpse
We find out that
At points of this book we get some major info dumps. At one point she
Later on, we find out that
I found the plot line with Ash and the book to be really interesting.
Brexley makes a lot of really dumb decisions. As a highly trained soldier, she should be able to protect herself, yet, she always needs Warwick to come and save her.
Tropes: enemies to lovers, slow burn
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Savage Lands by Stacey Marie Brown
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Brexley has grown up rich and privileged in a very divided world. There are the ruling fae, the wealthy humans, and then everyone else who must survive the savage lands.
Brexley is at the top of her class at the HDF academy. She is strong, fast, and can take down men twice her size. Unfortunately, her restless leads to recklessness as she convinces her best friend Caden to rob Fae trains. It is on one of these raids that she is shot and caught by the fae. Somehow she survives, but she gets thrown into the Halalhaz, the most notorious prison. She must learn to survive in the House of Death.
I really enjoyed the dystopian world created in this book. This book had me hooked. I am desperate to learn more about Warwick!
Brexley is known for her stealth and strength, but she gets pummelled in prison. It is the one inconsistency that really bothered me. The excuse is that she is caught off guard, but her training should kick in. It's like she lost all of her knowledge about how to protect herself in a second.
The tesnsion between Brexley and Warwick is palpable! My guess is thatthey are mates. They seem to be able to get into one another minds and feel each other's presence.
I feel like Warwick will redeem himself after hetraded Brexley for his freedom. He seem to understand that there is some kind of connection tethering him to Brexley
Her relationship with Caden leads me to believe that there will be a love triangle element in the book. She desperately wants to be with Caden because he is a safe choice, but we all know that this type of character never gets the girl. I am interested to see how his character develops in future books.
Opie stole the show for me. Can we just have a full book of Opie's antics, because he is hilarious.
Tropes: prison, enemies to ???
Brexley is at the top of her class at the HDF academy. She is strong, fast, and can take down men twice her size. Unfortunately, her restless leads to recklessness as she convinces her best friend Caden to rob Fae trains. It is on one of these raids that she is shot and caught by the fae. Somehow she survives, but she gets thrown into the Halalhaz, the most notorious prison. She must learn to survive in the House of Death.
I really enjoyed the dystopian world created in this book. This book had me hooked. I am desperate to learn more about Warwick!
Brexley is known for her stealth and strength, but she gets pummelled in prison. It is the one inconsistency that really bothered me. The excuse is that she is caught off guard, but her training should kick in. It's like she lost all of her knowledge about how to protect herself in a second.
The tesnsion between Brexley and Warwick is palpable! My guess is that
I feel like Warwick will redeem himself after he
Her relationship with Caden leads me to believe that there will be a love triangle element in the book. She desperately wants to be with Caden because he is a safe choice, but we all know that this type of character never gets the girl. I am interested to see how his character develops in future books.
Opie stole the show for me. Can we just have a full book of Opie's antics, because he is hilarious.
Tropes: prison, enemies to ???
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexual content, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
False Start by Kandi Steiner
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Kyle and Madelyn we high school sweethearts and haven't seen each other for years. Now, a chance on counter has brought them back together.
Honestly, I didn't love this one. I needed more. I think my issue is that so much of the story happens off of the page, that I don't get the depth and connection I was looking for. I would have loved to see flashbacks and more of their past together. We just get little snippets.
Kyle has obviously matured, but his character is almost unrealistic. He is too perfect. Does this man have a single flaw? He can't be this perfect.
Madelyn has had it rough, she is a single mom and her ex was a controlling and abusive asshole. He still controls her life because they share a son. She is such a strong and determined woman, but I found that Kyle sweeps in and does everything she couldn't. She has been working so hard to escape and be strong, I wish that was not swept away by Kyle being her White Knight.
But I adore this friend group and love how they took Madelyn in. I loved seeing where all the couples were and how their relationships have progressed.
Tropes: second chance, surprise pregnancy
Honestly, I didn't love this one. I needed more. I think my issue is that so much of the story happens off of the page, that I don't get the depth and connection I was looking for. I would have loved to see flashbacks and more of their past together. We just get little snippets.
Kyle has obviously matured, but his character is almost unrealistic. He is too perfect. Does this man have a single flaw? He can't be this perfect.
Madelyn has had it rough, she is a single mom and her ex was a controlling and abusive asshole. He still controls her life because they share a son. She is such a strong and determined woman, but I found that Kyle sweeps in and does everything she couldn't. She has been working so hard to escape and be strong, I wish that was not swept away by Kyle being her White Knight.
But I adore this friend group and love how they took Madelyn in. I loved seeing where all the couples were and how their relationships have progressed.
Tropes: second chance, surprise pregnancy
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Next to Never by Penelope Douglas
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Quinn has grown up with an over protective dad and brothers. Now that she is 17, can she finally figure out what she wants?
I feel deceived. I thought this was going to be Quinn and Lucas' book... But it wasn't. This was basically her parents story.
This was presented in a weird and interesting way. Quinn gets a mystery package containing a book. She quickly realizes it is her parents story. Turns out that her mother wrote this book to share her story and lessons with Quinn. Super awkward for her to include the sex scenes for her daughter to read.
That said, her parents relationship was super toxic. Her father controlled her mother's life and when things didn't go as she expected it to, her mother became an alcoholic. They both spent years angry, depressed, and missing each other. Eventually, they found their way back to each other.
I really enjoyed getting know Quinn and the 2nd generation of kids. I am intrigued about their books!
Tropes: second chance
I feel deceived. I thought this was going to be Quinn and Lucas' book... But it wasn't. This was basically her parents story.
This was presented in a weird and interesting way. Quinn gets a mystery package containing a book. She quickly realizes it is her parents story. Turns out that her mother wrote this book to share her story and lessons with Quinn. Super awkward for her to include the sex scenes for her daughter to read.
That said, her parents relationship was super toxic. Her father controlled her mother's life and when things didn't go as she expected it to, her mother became an alcoholic. They both spent years angry, depressed, and missing each other. Eventually, they found their way back to each other.
I really enjoyed getting know Quinn and the 2nd generation of kids. I am intrigued about their books!
Tropes: second chance
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Cancer, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Car accident, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Aflame by Penelope Douglas
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Two years after leaving to find himself, Jared returned home for the birth of his sister and finally faces Tate after breaking her heart.
I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book. I was pissed that Douglas took away their happy ending from the first book, but after reading it, I get that I was kind of necessary. Both of these characters grew and matured so much during he time they were apart.
Tate grew into her own skin and became such a strong and determined woman. I love that she pushed back and didn't just allow Jared to walk back into her life without earning it.
Jared was lost, just following along with what he thought Tate wanted. He left her to find himself, but never really left her behind. She was always at the forefront of his mind. He has always been very cocky, but now he seems to be more comfortable in his skin. He doesn't try to control Tate like he used to and he is able to understand and empathize with what she went through when he left.
Their relationship really seems stronger after they reunited.
I liked that we got a dual POV plus some flashbacks. I would have liked to see a bit more of Jared journey during those two years.
I always love that the other characters are so intertwined in these books. I enjoyed seeing how their relationships have evolved and developed. I especially loved seeing how Madoc chose to support Tate knowing that she needed him more. He is still the goofy guy we love, but he is such a incredibly supportive and caring friend. Also, I like that we get more of a connection between Jared and his mom, this baby seems to have given him a reason to reconnect with his family.
Tropes: second chance
I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book. I was pissed that Douglas took away their happy ending from the first book, but after reading it, I get that I was kind of necessary. Both of these characters grew and matured so much during he time they were apart.
Tate grew into her own skin and became such a strong and determined woman. I love that she pushed back and didn't just allow Jared to walk back into her life without earning it.
Jared was lost, just following along with what he thought Tate wanted. He left her to find himself, but never really left her behind. She was always at the forefront of his mind. He has always been very cocky, but now he seems to be more comfortable in his skin. He doesn't try to control Tate like he used to and he is able to understand and empathize with what she went through when he left.
Their relationship really seems stronger after they reunited.
I liked that we got a dual POV plus some flashbacks. I would have liked to see a bit more of Jared journey during those two years.
I always love that the other characters are so intertwined in these books. I enjoyed seeing how their relationships have evolved and developed. I especially loved seeing how Madoc chose to support Tate knowing that she needed him more. He is still the goofy guy we love, but he is such a incredibly supportive and caring friend. Also, I like that we get more of a connection between Jared and his mom, this baby seems to have given him a reason to reconnect with his family.
Tropes: second chance
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Grief
Falling Away by Penelope Douglas
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
KC is headed back home after an embarrassing breakup with her ex. She ended up moving into Tate's house while serving her community service. Jax, the boy who used to flirt with her, is now her very grown up neighbour.
There is a lot of trauma in this book. These characters have severe PTSD and need therapy. Jax was abused by his father and friends as a child and KC (Juliet) basically became her dead sister. How do you become a functioning adult without proper support and therapy?
I think that the beginning of this relationship is super toxic because they are both suffering and take it out on one another. Eventually it's becomes less toxic, but they never deal with their PTSD.
Jax doesn't feel worthy of love, so he pushes KC away and keeps her at arm's length. He suffered severe abuse as a child and as an adult needs to be in constant control of his environment and life. Yes, I realize that he is traumatized, but he gave me whiplash with his mood swings and his poor treatment of KC. She tried so hard to be patient and help him, but she was his punching bag.
KC has severe trust issues. Her boyfriend cheated on her twice and she suffered from constant emotional abuse, manipulation and gaslighting as a child.Before she was born, her father killed her sister thinking she was an intruder in the house. He suffered severe mental health issues after. To help him cope Juliet took on the "role and personality" of her dead sister KC. Along the way her true self, Juliet, died and she just became KC. So traumatic.
The storyline with his dad kind of took a back seat. When he finally showed up to follow through with his threats, it was over pretty quick. It was barely a blip in the story.
Tropes: boy next door, opposites attract
There is a lot of trauma in this book. These characters have severe PTSD and need therapy. Jax was abused by his father and friends as a child and KC
I think that the beginning of this relationship is super toxic because they are both suffering and take it out on one another. Eventually it's becomes less toxic, but they never deal with their PTSD.
Jax doesn't feel worthy of love, so he pushes KC away and keeps her at arm's length. He suffered severe abuse as a child and as an adult needs to be in constant control of his environment and life. Yes, I realize that he is traumatized, but he gave me whiplash with his mood swings and his poor treatment of KC. She tried so hard to be patient and help him, but she was his punching bag.
KC has severe trust issues. Her boyfriend cheated on her twice and she suffered from constant emotional abuse, manipulation and gaslighting as a child.
The storyline with his dad kind of took a back seat. When he finally showed up to follow through with his threats, it was over pretty quick. It was barely a blip in the story.
Tropes: boy next door, opposites attract
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Rival by Penelope Douglas
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Fallon comes homes after she disappeared from Madoc's life. Everything is thrown into disarray.
I have to say that I appreciate that they are not in HS, even if barely. I really liked Madoc in the first two books so I really enjoyed develing deeper into his story.
From the outside, Madoc has a perfect life. He is the rich kid with everything he ever wants. But the one thing he has wanted was torn from him: Fallon.
Fallon has a golddigging bitch for a mother and a criminal for a father, needless to say her childhood wasn't the best. She and Madoc love to hate each other and hate to love each other, but they can't stay away.
Their relationship is based on hate sex. They started at a young age and were torn apart when their parents found out. But they never forgot about each other. Madoc thought she told their parents that he made her uncomfortable, but really her mom sent her to private school andforced her to have an aborywhen she found out she was pregnant.
There is so much drama that could have been avoided had they communicated, but their relationship was so based on a sexual connection that they mostly avoided important conversations. Instead of just having a conversation with their parents, they make the "mature" decision to just get married. I do think that they have a lot of chemistry and work well together, I just wish that their communicated more.
I love the chemistry between this group of friends and Fallon fits in seamlessly.
Tropes: step siblings, forbidden, second chance, opposites
I have to say that I appreciate that they are not in HS, even if barely. I really liked Madoc in the first two books so I really enjoyed develing deeper into his story.
From the outside, Madoc has a perfect life. He is the rich kid with everything he ever wants. But the one thing he has wanted was torn from him: Fallon.
Fallon has a golddigging bitch for a mother and a criminal for a father, needless to say her childhood wasn't the best. She and Madoc love to hate each other and hate to love each other, but they can't stay away.
Their relationship is based on hate sex. They started at a young age and were torn apart when their parents found out. But they never forgot about each other. Madoc thought she told their parents that he made her uncomfortable, but really her mom sent her to private school and
There is so much drama that could have been avoided had they communicated, but their relationship was so based on a sexual connection that they mostly avoided important conversations. Instead of just having a conversation with their parents, they make the "mature" decision to just get married. I do think that they have a lot of chemistry and work well together, I just wish that their communicated more.
I love the chemistry between this group of friends and Fallon fits in seamlessly.
Tropes: step siblings, forbidden, second chance, opposites
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Abortion, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Until You by Penelope Douglas
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book Jared's POV which parallels Bully.
I appreciated that this was not just a retelling of Bully. We get many extra scenes and I like that we get to delve into Jared's minset. I felt like Jared's POV was a key element missing from Bully.
In this book, we get many scenes from Bully told from Jared's perspective, but we also get his flashbacks and interactions with his family which gives us valuable insight into his emotional state. We get to see the moment that changes everything from his perspective and how seeing Tate with her dad and his mom unleashed so much anger and jealousy. He couldn't fight back against his father, he couldn't protect Jax, he couldn't make his mother care, but he could make Tate, his one safe person, a target of his anger.
This gives such an interesting insight into the mind of a bully and what it takes to turn a sweet, kind boy into a mean and hurtful bully. It's pain. When you are in pain, you want everyone to hurt too. He saw Tate with her happy and perfect life and wanted to tear it apart like his had been.
Again, I have the same issue with this one as the first. I wish they weren't in HS....
To be honest, I didn't love the ending. Yes, it was cute and sweet that he was making such a grand gesture, but it was a bit cringy.
I enjoyed getting to know Madoc and Jax more in this book and am looking forward to their books.
Tropes: childhood best friends, enemies to lovers, bullying.
I appreciated that this was not just a retelling of Bully. We get many extra scenes and I like that we get to delve into Jared's minset. I felt like Jared's POV was a key element missing from Bully.
In this book, we get many scenes from Bully told from Jared's perspective, but we also get his flashbacks and interactions with his family which gives us valuable insight into his emotional state. We get to see the moment that changes everything from his perspective and how seeing Tate with her dad and his mom unleashed so much anger and jealousy. He couldn't fight back against his father, he couldn't protect Jax, he couldn't make his mother care, but he could make Tate, his one safe person, a target of his anger.
This gives such an interesting insight into the mind of a bully and what it takes to turn a sweet, kind boy into a mean and hurtful bully. It's pain. When you are in pain, you want everyone to hurt too. He saw Tate with her happy and perfect life and wanted to tear it apart like his had been.
Again, I have the same issue with this one as the first. I wish they weren't in HS....
To be honest, I didn't love the ending. Yes, it was cute and sweet that he was making such a grand gesture, but it was a bit cringy.
I enjoyed getting to know Madoc and Jax more in this book and am looking forward to their books.
Tropes: childhood best friends, enemies to lovers, bullying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual content, Grief, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Bully by Penelope Douglas
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Jared and Tate were joined by the hip as kids, but all that changed after the summer they turned 14.
I am torn. I literally tore through this book. BUT I really wish this hadn't been set in high school, for obvious reasons. Though the age of them could explain some of the dumb and ridiculous decisions they made.
You can't help but feel for Jared. Hesuffered horrific abused from his father. That said, it doesn't justify what he did to Tate. Yes, he was a kid and yes his reaction to be jealous of her "perfect" family was understandable, but you would think he would see the error of his ways as he grew up. Some simple communication would have mended their relationship years ago. Instead he allowed his jealousy to justify bullying her for years.
I do really like Jared. HE NEEDS THERAPY and has some growing up to do, but I think he truly loves Tate. He has not always shown it, but she has always been the constant in his life.
Tate has returned from a year in France and has finally grew a backbone. She has decided not ignore Jared's antics, but turns to retaliation instead. Her actions really demonstrated how young and immature she is. She makes so many dumb and unsafe choices that could jeopardize her future.
Why are all these parents so absent?! How are there zero consequences for these kids actions? How does a student release a sex tape of classmates and just get away with it? Wtf?! How does an entire school population basically gaslight Tate into thinking she is crazy for being angry with Jared?!
Can we talk about KC for a minute? She is a terrible friend! Who dates a guy who has been torturing your best friend. Nope. Drop her like a rock. She is the worst. Not only does she hook up with Jared but she then gaslights Tate. Nope. Bye.
Tropes: childhood best friends, enemies to lovers, bully
I am torn. I literally tore through this book. BUT I really wish this hadn't been set in high school, for obvious reasons. Though the age of them could explain some of the dumb and ridiculous decisions they made.
You can't help but feel for Jared. He
I do really like Jared. HE NEEDS THERAPY and has some growing up to do, but I think he truly loves Tate. He has not always shown it, but she has always been the constant in his life.
Tate has returned from a year in France and has finally grew a backbone. She has decided not ignore Jared's antics, but turns to retaliation instead. Her actions really demonstrated how young and immature she is. She makes so many dumb and unsafe choices that could jeopardize her future.
Why are all these parents so absent?! How are there zero consequences for these kids actions? How does a student release a sex tape of classmates and just get away with it? Wtf?! How does an entire school population basically gaslight Tate into thinking she is crazy for being angry with Jared?!
Can we talk about KC for a minute? She is a terrible friend! Who dates a guy who has been torturing your best friend. Nope. Drop her like a rock. She is the worst. Not only does she hook up with Jared but she then gaslights Tate. Nope. Bye.
Tropes: childhood best friends, enemies to lovers, bully
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
Leather and Lark by Brynne Weaver
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
After finding out her family wants to kill her best friends husband and his brothers, Lark marries his brother to try to save them.
Weaver does it again, she manages to write an absolutely hilarious book about serial killers. The banter and sass of these characters is top notch!
Lark is a singer, crafter, dog mom, and secret 'multiple deleter', she even turns a victim's "casket" into a coffee table! Lachlan is a leather worker and a killer for hire, working of his and his brothers debt.
I love all the little things Lachlan does to earn back Lark's trust after putting her in the trunk of a car when they first meet. There are so many little things, and creepy things (ie. The heart!), that he does to show her that he cares. I really enjoyed the development of their relationship. They were obviously attracted to each other, but Lachlan worked to earn her respect before allowing the relationship to progress.
Even though we didn't get a ton of background about the characters, I felt like they were pretty dynamic and well developed. I would have liked a bit more background.
I enjoyed all of side characters and revisiting Sloan and Rowan. Her aunt was a fantastic addition to the book. The spiked muffins were so spiteful, I loved it.
Tropes: enemies to lovers, marriage arrangement, serial killers
Weaver does it again, she manages to write an absolutely hilarious book about serial killers. The banter and sass of these characters is top notch!
Lark is a singer, crafter, dog mom, and secret 'multiple deleter', she even turns a victim's "casket" into a coffee table! Lachlan is a leather worker and a killer for hire, working of his and his brothers debt.
I love all the little things Lachlan does to earn back Lark's trust after putting her in the trunk of a car when they first meet. There are so many little things, and creepy things (ie. The heart!), that he does to show her that he cares. I really enjoyed the development of their relationship. They were obviously attracted to each other, but Lachlan worked to earn her respect before allowing the relationship to progress.
Even though we didn't get a ton of background about the characters, I felt like they were pretty dynamic and well developed. I would have liked a bit more background.
I enjoyed all of side characters and revisiting Sloan and Rowan. Her aunt was a fantastic addition to the book. The spiked muffins were so spiteful, I loved it.
Tropes: enemies to lovers, marriage arrangement, serial killers
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Sexual content, Torture, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail