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Second Chances #2
Survival is Hard
Death is Easy, Survival is Hard… but what comes after survival?
Nora had finally had enough. With her ex-mate opening old wounds and creating new ones, the overwhelming situation of having found more mates than she knows what to do with, and the shock of getting to reunite with her baby brother, she’d been pushed over the edge. However, her wolf disagreed.
Again.
Fighting her mind is hard enough, but fighting her wolf is even harder. Even with them being whole and fully mature, Nora’s lost the will to fight. Or has she.
She has a second chance at happiness with her six new mates, and if she can find the will to keep going for them, nothing will stand in her way.
Her journey is only starting, though. She still has to fight to survive the hunters determined to kill her, make the trip to her old pack for her baby brother’s mating, and now that she’s a full grown adult, her heat is on the horizon.
Yeah, Death is Easy, sure, but you don’t get a week of ridiculous pleasure when you’re dead.
Will Nora survive being hunted and tested at every turn?
Will she find the strength to keep going, complete her bonds, and find the happiness in life she thought she’d never have?
Survival is Hard is the second instalment in the Second Chances trilogy. This series is a slow-burn reverse harem romance, and there is a guaranteed HEA at the end of the third book.
Nora had finally had enough. With her ex-mate opening old wounds and creating new ones, the overwhelming situation of having found more mates than she knows what to do with, and the shock of getting to reunite with her baby brother, she’d been pushed over the edge. However, her wolf disagreed.
Again.
Fighting her mind is hard enough, but fighting her wolf is even harder. Even with them being whole and fully mature, Nora’s lost the will to fight. Or has she.
She has a second chance at happiness with her six new mates, and if she can find the will to keep going for them, nothing will stand in her way.
Her journey is only starting, though. She still has to fight to survive the hunters determined to kill her, make the trip to her old pack for her baby brother’s mating, and now that she’s a full grown adult, her heat is on the horizon.
Yeah, Death is Easy, sure, but you don’t get a week of ridiculous pleasure when you’re dead.
Will Nora survive being hunted and tested at every turn?
Will she find the strength to keep going, complete her bonds, and find the happiness in life she thought she’d never have?
Survival is Hard is the second instalment in the Second Chances trilogy. This series is a slow-burn reverse harem romance, and there is a guaranteed HEA at the end of the third book.
666 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2023
2280 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Letty Frame
45 books594 followersLetty Frame is an English paranormal and omegaverse reverse harem romance author who writes the kind of fated-mates stories every broken soul deserves. With big feelings, fierce men, and heroines who rise from the ashes, #whychoose has become her guiding motto.
Navigating chronic illness and mental health, Letty’s life is chaotic but perfect—and that messy, beautiful honesty lies at the heart of her stories. She writes broken characters, fate-driven romances, and hard-won happily-ever-afters that no one resents them for… except, arguably, their author.
After all, what could a mentally ill romance author want more than a happy ever after?
A traumatised, emotionally devastating journey to earning it.
Navigating chronic illness and mental health, Letty’s life is chaotic but perfect—and that messy, beautiful honesty lies at the heart of her stories. She writes broken characters, fate-driven romances, and hard-won happily-ever-afters that no one resents them for… except, arguably, their author.
After all, what could a mentally ill romance author want more than a happy ever after?
A traumatised, emotionally devastating journey to earning it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
March 15, 2023
For a series with a surprisingly strong start-this book absolutely crashed and burned for me to the point that I probably won’t continue the series. There’s a fine line between a character with trauma and trauma porn and this book jumped head first into trauma porn. Every single page was the about the character’s trauma and mental illness-which if you’re building a story, ok that can be understandable. As a reader you’re reading through the trauma, waiting for that uptick and there was no uptick. If anything it got worse the farther you read. Add in an additional mate with just as much trauma and a “female, mentally ill” friend…I started to get very annoyed and turned off to the series and characters. Which is unfortunate because Letty Frame has actually built a really great diverse, interesting harem around Nora. The main problem unfortunately is Nora herself as a character and her lack of growth and inability to move forward. I also started to get annoyed with the way she was treating her mates-she started treating them badly as she became more “bold” and there was no apology from her when she would do something like that. But the moment there was any sort of even perceived slight against her we had to deal with pages of her feeling sorry for herself and then groveling to her. It was a huge turn off in her character “development”. An example was when she snapped at Orson when she thought he was judging Ari-Orson is easily the most easy going, sweetest of her mates and she jumps on him for absolutely no reason. Even in the next paragraph she admits internally that she misunderstood his actions but there’s no apology from her to him.
There’s also some major plot holes happening in the midst of the trauma porn. It doesn’t seem clear what exactly the hunters are after or what their goal is or why Cevon can’t control them when he appears to be in charge. Even though their mates Nora has little to no problem literally hopping into bed with him despite his ties to hunters and the glaring fact that he was well aware that the hunters were going to kill his brother/her mate when he snatched her from the car. Either the mate bond is power or it’s not-the characters seem to go back and forth on this. The longer the book went the more flimsy the actual plot outside of Nora and her mates became until the point that it was beyond ridiculous. There’s also some shady sub plot happening with Nora’s ex mate and her brother that still isn’t clear. So much like Nora herself as a character this story/book isn’t really moving forward well at all.
There’s also some major plot holes happening in the midst of the trauma porn. It doesn’t seem clear what exactly the hunters are after or what their goal is or why Cevon can’t control them when he appears to be in charge. Even though their mates Nora has little to no problem literally hopping into bed with him despite his ties to hunters and the glaring fact that he was well aware that the hunters were going to kill his brother/her mate when he snatched her from the car. Either the mate bond is power or it’s not-the characters seem to go back and forth on this. The longer the book went the more flimsy the actual plot outside of Nora and her mates became until the point that it was beyond ridiculous. There’s also some shady sub plot happening with Nora’s ex mate and her brother that still isn’t clear. So much like Nora herself as a character this story/book isn’t really moving forward well at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2024
Had to skim the last hundred pages... It's just... It's nothing. 650 pages of practically nothing but regurgitation of the same thing over and over. We get it. She's depressed, in a bad place, suicidal. But besides that all she's doing is off handedly collecting mates like pokemon cards.
Between book 1 and 2 we're at around 1000 pages and there's little to no plot progress. But we get pages talking about her period.
The next book is 800+ pages. There's 0% chance I can force myself to even skim it. This entire trilogy could have been a single 400-500 page book. Maybe less.
Between book 1 and 2 we're at around 1000 pages and there's little to no plot progress. But we get pages talking about her period.
The next book is 800+ pages. There's 0% chance I can force myself to even skim it. This entire trilogy could have been a single 400-500 page book. Maybe less.
July 16, 2023
Dropped at 10%
I really really wanted some sort of happy resolution, so I decided to keep going with the series. I got only 10% into the book before I couldn't take the fmc's sh*t or sh*tty attitude and selfish woe-is-me I deserve for the world to resolve around me and f*ck everyone else personality anymore.
To see if there at least end up having a happily for now I read some reviews and saw people saying that it doesn't get any better, just like book 1. As the saying goes, you are what you say, and the same applies to books. I don't need to influence my poor mental health in the ways this book is encouraging so I'm walking away.
I really really wanted some sort of happy resolution, so I decided to keep going with the series. I got only 10% into the book before I couldn't take the fmc's sh*t or sh*tty attitude and selfish woe-is-me I deserve for the world to resolve around me and f*ck everyone else personality anymore.
To see if there at least end up having a happily for now I read some reviews and saw people saying that it doesn't get any better, just like book 1. As the saying goes, you are what you say, and the same applies to books. I don't need to influence my poor mental health in the ways this book is encouraging so I'm walking away.
March 3, 2023
Survival, at what cost?
When we last saw Nora she attempted to remove her presence from the pride. Determined that her sadness and mental illness was dragging everyone down with her she made the attempt. Her wolf saved her life but since she was the cause of her instability in the first place it wasn't an immediate happy fix. She's still struggling. And the guys are a mix of hopeful and heartbroken. But she still has her brother's mate ceremony to deal with and the trip proves more eventful than they'd planned on.
Spoilers ahead.
While I enjoy the fact that love isn't the perfect and immediate fix for mental health, other areas delved a little into standard tropes lock and step. If anyone thinks love is a magic pill they've never been in a relationship. It's hard. It's work. And with 6 men plus their animals, it's even harder. And I'm glad this series reflects that honestly instead of poofing it into happy land. There's a lot going on in this one. The 1st was mostly in Nora's head. This one is more external. And where it gets tropey. We get a new mystery added to the mix. They still haven't figured out the Seb/hunter issue. We meet a lost brother, who sheds light on 2 past issues. And no one has yet to investigate Kennedy and I don't know why. He's shifty, greedy and I don't know why Neve hasn't done something herself. Especially after what David reveals. And I'm not sure why the major focus on Ari for a while unless there's a spin off series coming up with her? Which, I'd be down for, honestly, but it is curious. Her situation raises all kinds of questions. If 1 bond rejected about kills a shifter, how does a person handle 3 rejections, after mating, after they created a child? And why would Atticus allow such people to remain in his pride without branding A for *rsehole on their foreheads as a warning to others? And her mercurial shift at the end bothered me. She didn't want to become a mom yet. Then bam she did. Like a switch flipping, no working towards it. That truly lowered it for me, honestly. I applaud authors who prefer to delay motherhood or even avoid it altogether as it seems like too many don't give their female characters the option out of that seemingly forgone state. I liked a decent selection of this sequel and applauded the honest emotional fluctuations. But the huge number of grammatical errors, the trope delving, and focus shifts in odd places dropped it some.
Trigger warnings for the mental health struggles, mentions of death while pregnant and so causing the death of the fetus. Also for mentions of abortion as I know some people would avoid it. A kidnapping happens, but definitely not the way it was planned. And warnings for mentions of parental abuse to their childhood selves. Plus a whole lot of betrayal being revealed.
When we last saw Nora she attempted to remove her presence from the pride. Determined that her sadness and mental illness was dragging everyone down with her she made the attempt. Her wolf saved her life but since she was the cause of her instability in the first place it wasn't an immediate happy fix. She's still struggling. And the guys are a mix of hopeful and heartbroken. But she still has her brother's mate ceremony to deal with and the trip proves more eventful than they'd planned on.
Spoilers ahead.
While I enjoy the fact that love isn't the perfect and immediate fix for mental health, other areas delved a little into standard tropes lock and step. If anyone thinks love is a magic pill they've never been in a relationship. It's hard. It's work. And with 6 men plus their animals, it's even harder. And I'm glad this series reflects that honestly instead of poofing it into happy land. There's a lot going on in this one. The 1st was mostly in Nora's head. This one is more external. And where it gets tropey. We get a new mystery added to the mix. They still haven't figured out the Seb/hunter issue. We meet a lost brother, who sheds light on 2 past issues. And no one has yet to investigate Kennedy and I don't know why. He's shifty, greedy and I don't know why Neve hasn't done something herself. Especially after what David reveals. And I'm not sure why the major focus on Ari for a while unless there's a spin off series coming up with her? Which, I'd be down for, honestly, but it is curious. Her situation raises all kinds of questions. If 1 bond rejected about kills a shifter, how does a person handle 3 rejections, after mating, after they created a child? And why would Atticus allow such people to remain in his pride without branding A for *rsehole on their foreheads as a warning to others? And her mercurial shift at the end bothered me. She didn't want to become a mom yet. Then bam she did. Like a switch flipping, no working towards it. That truly lowered it for me, honestly. I applaud authors who prefer to delay motherhood or even avoid it altogether as it seems like too many don't give their female characters the option out of that seemingly forgone state. I liked a decent selection of this sequel and applauded the honest emotional fluctuations. But the huge number of grammatical errors, the trope delving, and focus shifts in odd places dropped it some.
Trigger warnings for the mental health struggles, mentions of death while pregnant and so causing the death of the fetus. Also for mentions of abortion as I know some people would avoid it. A kidnapping happens, but definitely not the way it was planned. And warnings for mentions of parental abuse to their childhood selves. Plus a whole lot of betrayal being revealed.
May 6, 2024
DNF at 9%
I gave the first book 4 stars and was hopeful the second book would finally start moving forward relationship wise.
I could not push myself to keep going past 9% due to the sheer aggravation this book caused me.
This annoying brat is STILL trying to unalive herself.
Let’s talk romance book logic for a minute…
This Heffer suffered through a rejected mate bond and abandonment from her family. Kay’, totally get the depression and lack of will to live. Then she badasses her way through it and creates an awesome life for herself. Yay! She’s still sad because she’s lonely. That’s okay too.
BUT she was rejected by a mate that she knew for all of five seconds. Her family was shit and they weren’t close. It’s not that damn deep.
Then a GROUP of amazing and badass dudes come into her life and love the shit out of her. Treat her like the queen they tell her she is. What does she do? Try to unalive herself… even after her cuddle bear of a mate reveals his sister did that to heraelf and it hurts him.
her reason for wanting to finally end herself was because she was scared her wolf would be feral. well her wolf isn't and her wolf pushing through is what saved her.
So now her wolf is healthy and there for her and her mates are still there and loving her… she still wants to end herself! She says shes still going to do it.
She has ZERO reason to be depressed. All because some guy she didn't know rejected her? Lame. Especially when better MEN want her more than anything.
At this point it's just trauma porn, illogical trauma at that, and it's annoying.
She's just narcissistic and full of herself with the "woe is me" crap. She doesn't deserve them.
I gave the first book 4 stars and was hopeful the second book would finally start moving forward relationship wise.
I could not push myself to keep going past 9% due to the sheer aggravation this book caused me.
This annoying brat is STILL trying to unalive herself.
Let’s talk romance book logic for a minute…
This Heffer suffered through a rejected mate bond and abandonment from her family. Kay’, totally get the depression and lack of will to live. Then she badasses her way through it and creates an awesome life for herself. Yay! She’s still sad because she’s lonely. That’s okay too.
BUT she was rejected by a mate that she knew for all of five seconds. Her family was shit and they weren’t close. It’s not that damn deep.
Then a GROUP of amazing and badass dudes come into her life and love the shit out of her. Treat her like the queen they tell her she is. What does she do? Try to unalive herself… even after her cuddle bear of a mate reveals his sister did that to heraelf and it hurts him.
her reason for wanting to finally end herself was because she was scared her wolf would be feral. well her wolf isn't and her wolf pushing through is what saved her.
So now her wolf is healthy and there for her and her mates are still there and loving her… she still wants to end herself! She says shes still going to do it.
She has ZERO reason to be depressed. All because some guy she didn't know rejected her? Lame. Especially when better MEN want her more than anything.
At this point it's just trauma porn, illogical trauma at that, and it's annoying.
She's just narcissistic and full of herself with the "woe is me" crap. She doesn't deserve them.
April 29, 2023
Working Towards Happiness
Pick up where Book 1 leave off we see Nora and her wolf finally coming together. The thing I enjoyed most about this book was that the author included POV's from Nora's Wolf. The two of them have seen struggling for 6 years after her first mate rejected her. Nora's Wolf was the one having a hard time accepting new mates in Book 1 causing her and Nora to be at odds with one another.
This story was extremely long because it touched on Nora's ups and downs as she battles depression. It also focussed in how her depression and failed attempt of suicide affected each of her mates.
Everyone in the harem are dealing with issues. Nora has not only cultured the relationship between her 6 mates but in finding mate #7 she was able to help mend relationships as well as restore the love between Atticus and his estranged brother Cevon; who like Nora suffers from depression and suicidal thoughts.
Learning to grow into her own, battling depression and trying to keep the peace amongst her 7 mates; Nora has her work cut out for her. Now that the guys realize that there is a mole amongst them who is a hunter in disguise, the hunt is officially on and it's time for Nora and her men to fight to protect the Pride and earn the Happiness they've been fighting for.
There were a few typos and grammatical errors but they didn't take away from the overall story. I'm looking forward to book 3
Pick up where Book 1 leave off we see Nora and her wolf finally coming together. The thing I enjoyed most about this book was that the author included POV's from Nora's Wolf. The two of them have seen struggling for 6 years after her first mate rejected her. Nora's Wolf was the one having a hard time accepting new mates in Book 1 causing her and Nora to be at odds with one another.
This story was extremely long because it touched on Nora's ups and downs as she battles depression. It also focussed in how her depression and failed attempt of suicide affected each of her mates.
Everyone in the harem are dealing with issues. Nora has not only cultured the relationship between her 6 mates but in finding mate #7 she was able to help mend relationships as well as restore the love between Atticus and his estranged brother Cevon; who like Nora suffers from depression and suicidal thoughts.
Learning to grow into her own, battling depression and trying to keep the peace amongst her 7 mates; Nora has her work cut out for her. Now that the guys realize that there is a mole amongst them who is a hunter in disguise, the hunt is officially on and it's time for Nora and her men to fight to protect the Pride and earn the Happiness they've been fighting for.
There were a few typos and grammatical errors but they didn't take away from the overall story. I'm looking forward to book 3
February 6, 2025
3.5*
Second books’ are usually the most difficult ones for me. It normal for me to struggle with the story taking a slower pace and the build up that is necessary. However, this one was harder than normal, I had to pick up another read in between, so I could came back later and I almost never do that.
I still enjoyed the characters, but there was a lot that annoyed me. The pace seemed to be too slow and the story dragged without the plot really progressing. I know the heroine needed her journey to happen a certain way, but the back plot was almost forgotten and everything became kind of a waiting game. The developing relationships between the characters was actually really nice, despite the huge amount of passages that felt like filer scenes.
Honestly, I was hoping we were gonna get more action and less standing around. I’m still curious about the rest of the series, but I was expecting more. There was a lot that was just glossed over or told instead of shown. The first book was really good and this one unfortunately didn’t hit the same mark. I’m really hoping the last book doesn’t do the same, because I need more from this very interesting series.
Second books’ are usually the most difficult ones for me. It normal for me to struggle with the story taking a slower pace and the build up that is necessary. However, this one was harder than normal, I had to pick up another read in between, so I could came back later and I almost never do that.
I still enjoyed the characters, but there was a lot that annoyed me. The pace seemed to be too slow and the story dragged without the plot really progressing. I know the heroine needed her journey to happen a certain way, but the back plot was almost forgotten and everything became kind of a waiting game. The developing relationships between the characters was actually really nice, despite the huge amount of passages that felt like filer scenes.
Honestly, I was hoping we were gonna get more action and less standing around. I’m still curious about the rest of the series, but I was expecting more. There was a lot that was just glossed over or told instead of shown. The first book was really good and this one unfortunately didn’t hit the same mark. I’m really hoping the last book doesn’t do the same, because I need more from this very interesting series.
May 30, 2024
This book is another heavier read so please take the TWs serious. I will say that the mental illness aspect of the book is the main plot really for the first two books. I'm really hoping that in book three that we get to see the group really start to rely on each other more and to see them get closer with each other. And I would love to see the other smaller plots start to become the major plot line. Excited to read the last book.
edit: I was going to read the next book then I saw how long it was... not that interested so moving on.
edit: I was going to read the next book then I saw how long it was... not that interested so moving on.
April 13, 2024
We add another mate to her harem via kidnapping.
Then they come back after a weekend that lasted like, idk 40% of the book🤦🏻♀️😂Then there is chatting, doctors visits and then an orgy where they all claim her and get her pregs.
W three different babies.
The book is pretty much unnecessary. 🤷🏻♀️
More rambling and very little editing. What was dozens and dozens of chapters could have been 3 in the first book.
Then they come back after a weekend that lasted like, idk 40% of the book🤦🏻♀️😂Then there is chatting, doctors visits and then an orgy where they all claim her and get her pregs.
W three different babies.
The book is pretty much unnecessary. 🤷🏻♀️
More rambling and very little editing. What was dozens and dozens of chapters could have been 3 in the first book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2024
4 ⭐️ Golly I relate so much to Nora’s struggle with depression. Even from being happy one minute to a total mess the next - it’s so real. I often get confused in books that have lots of mates but I found this one easy to follow along. The only reason I didn’t rate it 5 was for personal reason but I’m enjoying this series so much!
October 17, 2025
Really good series. It's completely different from other reverse harem where they concentrate on super powers and vanquishing the big bad enemy force. Here it's more a look about her dynamic between her mates, the mental health journey.
P.s. thank god she's a hoe towards the end. At one point, we want our smut, ya know?
P.s. thank god she's a hoe towards the end. At one point, we want our smut, ya know?
March 6, 2024
Hella disappointing the heat was only from the guys pov
June 4, 2024
Great read
Thoroughly recommend this author. All her series have strong characters & detailed plots. Genuinely cant put them down until I finish all the available books.
Thoroughly recommend this author. All her series have strong characters & detailed plots. Genuinely cant put them down until I finish all the available books.
September 20, 2024
Luna
She finds herself kidnapped by a shifter that is her mate. And brings here 7 mates together to deal with her heat. Great follow up book.
She finds herself kidnapped by a shifter that is her mate. And brings here 7 mates together to deal with her heat. Great follow up book.
May 7, 2024
ok yea this one was weird. it was also long af with no major plot. also um her having 7 mates is fucking excessive. like. just no. like there were some really cute lovey and entertaining parts but like overall the plot line is so nonexistent it’s a dotted line in invisible ink written on a butterfly wing. that being said i have an inability to dnf books so i had to finish it. verdict is still out if i read the third once because i also hate not finishing book series but i think this will be the first after how much this bokn was a train wreck.
March 15, 2023
Sigh!
Four stars because whilst I did not love it, it really does have the potential to be an amazing story. It just falls short and flat. Bedroom scene was boring and incredibly similar to another scene that I've read like that. There was just something that didn't sit right and an abundance of plot holes that could have been brought into this book to get some of them solved. Instead we had a book about fighting in the group, her ever spiralling depression but she won't take tablets and her heat. Even when the brothers went at it it was like I punched him hard in the nose blood everywhere I win that round. Where's the build up, the drama, the description. I probably will if the 3rd book comes out read it at some point but I won't be desperate for it.
Four stars because whilst I did not love it, it really does have the potential to be an amazing story. It just falls short and flat. Bedroom scene was boring and incredibly similar to another scene that I've read like that. There was just something that didn't sit right and an abundance of plot holes that could have been brought into this book to get some of them solved. Instead we had a book about fighting in the group, her ever spiralling depression but she won't take tablets and her heat. Even when the brothers went at it it was like I punched him hard in the nose blood everywhere I win that round. Where's the build up, the drama, the description. I probably will if the 3rd book comes out read it at some point but I won't be desperate for it.
August 25, 2024
Mental health and fantasy. We love love love it!
September 19, 2025
I really like how real the depression she has... And now I realise how weird that sounds
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2025
2 ⭐️
Disclaimer: I’m going to review it without spoilers at the top, then create a line and anything below that line will be spoilers. Do with that what you will.
This was by far the best book of the series, mainly because the comedy in this one was pretty dang great. Without the comedic writing, this one doesn’t have much of a leg to stand on either. I just laughed a lot.
What I liked:
- As I mentioned, the comedy is great in this one. The author figured out outlandish things to say that were just hilarious. It gave the characters actual personalities. The other two books get TOO into the whole mental illness of it all and they become such dull books with a million small events and therapy sessions. This one at least knew to make things funny and not so series at times. The dark humor was great.
- Her saying she’s just kill herself if she was a main character in a book was funny af.
What I didn’t like:
- Nora can be so unbelievably whiny. Like we get it girl. But my god. She comes off very selfish, bratty, and whiny a lot of the time.
- Nora gains a backbone for once and then there’s an excuse for why she’s speaking up.
- Finally get sex scenes and they’re so glazed over and just meh for the most part.
- Like the other books, this needs editing severely. It’s a good premise, but it needs better structure, maybe eliminate some events or add more interesting ones, etc.
SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT
——————————————
What I liked:
- The inclusion of Cevon. He’s so depressing like with him calling his non-working dick a naked mole rat and it’s just so funny. Plus Nora gets her depressed friend.
- Nora meeting Cevon was so good because for once she wasn’t just the absolute most pathetic person. She was snarky, aggressive, murderous, etc. It was a nice color on her. Wish this would be more her ongoing.
- Cevon having dyslexia was such an interesting and unique characteristic that I’m really glad the author brought into the series. I wish it would have gotten more recognition, Cevon admitting it to the other mates, etc but still.
- Malachi periodically licking Cevon’s cock while eating Nora out and Mal grabbing Cevon’s balls was hot af. This was the one sex scene where I was like YES!
Favorite quotes:
- I shake my head, not sure why I’m having these thoughts when my dick is fucking broken. She can’t wrap them around my cock if it’s a soft, ugly mole rat. // So fucking funny 😆
- I’ve had her try to claw out my throat. I’ve had her stab me. I’ve been on the other end of her wicked tongue. But Nora on a period? I’m terrified. Maybe we do need to be around the rest of her mates. At least then I might have a chance at surviving. // Again, I love Nora in these scenes. And this was comedic writing that dark and mean Cevon was “scared” of her.
- “With a head as big as yours, are you really going to fat shame me?” Cevon counters, causing Micah to laugh quietly. // love the running fathead joke about Atty
- Nora looks down at my cock, shudders, and shakes her head. “Do not touch me with that.” // A proper reaction after how many dicks were slammed into her during her heat 😂
What I didn’t like:
- The sex scenes. The mating scene was just overall poorly done. We finally get sex and it seems out of order and just bleh. To add to this, there are constant undertones of some MM behaviors but nothing ever really happens for the most part. Voss pegs Griffin and it’s legit just casually glazed over. Why?? Like this was actually kind of hot to add to the dynamic and Nora ends up finding things like this hot…but it’s never properly explored and could have made sex scenes so much hotter. And Micah got jipped majorly!
- There’s mention of Orson being excited that Nora maybe being a domme. And again, it’s glazed over that he’s moaning instead of her during pre-heat stuff. But she never has a dominant scene really, when this would have been so great. Bossing her men around, seeing them be more subby, etc. Such a let down.
- Nora FINALLY gets a backbone and then the behavior is excused/reasoned to be her wolf. The one time Nora actually isn’t detestable and it’s not “really” her 🙄
Disclaimer: I’m going to review it without spoilers at the top, then create a line and anything below that line will be spoilers. Do with that what you will.
This was by far the best book of the series, mainly because the comedy in this one was pretty dang great. Without the comedic writing, this one doesn’t have much of a leg to stand on either. I just laughed a lot.
What I liked:
- As I mentioned, the comedy is great in this one. The author figured out outlandish things to say that were just hilarious. It gave the characters actual personalities. The other two books get TOO into the whole mental illness of it all and they become such dull books with a million small events and therapy sessions. This one at least knew to make things funny and not so series at times. The dark humor was great.
- Her saying she’s just kill herself if she was a main character in a book was funny af.
What I didn’t like:
- Nora can be so unbelievably whiny. Like we get it girl. But my god. She comes off very selfish, bratty, and whiny a lot of the time.
- Nora gains a backbone for once and then there’s an excuse for why she’s speaking up.
- Finally get sex scenes and they’re so glazed over and just meh for the most part.
- Like the other books, this needs editing severely. It’s a good premise, but it needs better structure, maybe eliminate some events or add more interesting ones, etc.
SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT
——————————————
What I liked:
- The inclusion of Cevon. He’s so depressing like with him calling his non-working dick a naked mole rat and it’s just so funny. Plus Nora gets her depressed friend.
- Nora meeting Cevon was so good because for once she wasn’t just the absolute most pathetic person. She was snarky, aggressive, murderous, etc. It was a nice color on her. Wish this would be more her ongoing.
- Cevon having dyslexia was such an interesting and unique characteristic that I’m really glad the author brought into the series. I wish it would have gotten more recognition, Cevon admitting it to the other mates, etc but still.
- Malachi periodically licking Cevon’s cock while eating Nora out and Mal grabbing Cevon’s balls was hot af. This was the one sex scene where I was like YES!
Favorite quotes:
- I shake my head, not sure why I’m having these thoughts when my dick is fucking broken. She can’t wrap them around my cock if it’s a soft, ugly mole rat. // So fucking funny 😆
- I’ve had her try to claw out my throat. I’ve had her stab me. I’ve been on the other end of her wicked tongue. But Nora on a period? I’m terrified. Maybe we do need to be around the rest of her mates. At least then I might have a chance at surviving. // Again, I love Nora in these scenes. And this was comedic writing that dark and mean Cevon was “scared” of her.
- “With a head as big as yours, are you really going to fat shame me?” Cevon counters, causing Micah to laugh quietly. // love the running fathead joke about Atty
- Nora looks down at my cock, shudders, and shakes her head. “Do not touch me with that.” // A proper reaction after how many dicks were slammed into her during her heat 😂
What I didn’t like:
- The sex scenes. The mating scene was just overall poorly done. We finally get sex and it seems out of order and just bleh. To add to this, there are constant undertones of some MM behaviors but nothing ever really happens for the most part. Voss pegs Griffin and it’s legit just casually glazed over. Why?? Like this was actually kind of hot to add to the dynamic and Nora ends up finding things like this hot…but it’s never properly explored and could have made sex scenes so much hotter. And Micah got jipped majorly!
- There’s mention of Orson being excited that Nora maybe being a domme. And again, it’s glazed over that he’s moaning instead of her during pre-heat stuff. But she never has a dominant scene really, when this would have been so great. Bossing her men around, seeing them be more subby, etc. Such a let down.
- Nora FINALLY gets a backbone and then the behavior is excused/reasoned to be her wolf. The one time Nora actually isn’t detestable and it’s not “really” her 🙄
July 30, 2023
Ahhhh!!! This series is soooo goood! Letty Frame is now one of my top five favorite authors and I can't wait to read some of their other books!
"Death is easy. Survival is hard. Happiness is earned. Family is found." book 3 pg. 1000
**Review shared for entire series**
Okay let's get into it! This series is.... long. The last book has 1000 pages... So, if you are starting it, be prepared for that. That being said, it isn't super slow like you would expect. There is a TON of stuff going on within the harem, and outside of the harem, throughout the series that keeps you enthralled the entire time. And despite there being a lot going on, it flows really well.
The men in the harem are... perfection. They are super protective, understanding, patient, and possessive. Probably one of the best harems I have read about! The FMC deals with depression (if you have triggers please don't go into this without checking that out) throughout the series and has a lot of her past that she needs to overcome. Luckily she meets her men and gets the support she so desperately needed.
My only complaints are... There were quite a few very confusing sentences in the first book, it wasn't enough to make me stop reading the series, but it was a little annoying. Luckily, this wasn't a problem I noticed for the second and third book! It's worth powering through. There were also some time jumps in the first book that weren't explained well.. I was well into one of the chapters at one point where all of a sudden it mentioned a week or two had passed meanwhile the whole time it felt like it had been the next day. Again, this isn't something I noticed in the next two books so that's good!
If you like strong-badass FMCs this book is NOT for you. The FMC is DAMAGED. She has a lot of trauma to work through. Her mates will protect her from anything dangerous physically AND mentally throughout the series. You will not see her leading people into battle or anything like that. It is not that kind of book. I saw a lot of reviews that complained about how depressing the books are. That's exactly right, they are depressing. It is misery porn. But it also EXTREMELY sweet. And sure, the FMC might not be leading people into battle, but she is dealing with her own internal battles, and that's a different kind of strength and level of badassness. If that sounds like something you'd like, then read it! It's so rare to find a well written book where the female lead is delicate (but not stupid) and treated like a princess instead of being pushed to not need anyone. These are those books! She needs her mates, they need her, they protect her, and don't push her. It's wonderful.
I definitely think that this is a series I will want to read again in the future, it was that good!
"Death is easy. Survival is hard. Happiness is earned. Family is found." book 3 pg. 1000
**Review shared for entire series**
Okay let's get into it! This series is.... long. The last book has 1000 pages... So, if you are starting it, be prepared for that. That being said, it isn't super slow like you would expect. There is a TON of stuff going on within the harem, and outside of the harem, throughout the series that keeps you enthralled the entire time. And despite there being a lot going on, it flows really well.
The men in the harem are... perfection. They are super protective, understanding, patient, and possessive. Probably one of the best harems I have read about! The FMC deals with depression (if you have triggers please don't go into this without checking that out) throughout the series and has a lot of her past that she needs to overcome. Luckily she meets her men and gets the support she so desperately needed.
My only complaints are... There were quite a few very confusing sentences in the first book, it wasn't enough to make me stop reading the series, but it was a little annoying. Luckily, this wasn't a problem I noticed for the second and third book! It's worth powering through. There were also some time jumps in the first book that weren't explained well.. I was well into one of the chapters at one point where all of a sudden it mentioned a week or two had passed meanwhile the whole time it felt like it had been the next day. Again, this isn't something I noticed in the next two books so that's good!
If you like strong-badass FMCs this book is NOT for you. The FMC is DAMAGED. She has a lot of trauma to work through. Her mates will protect her from anything dangerous physically AND mentally throughout the series. You will not see her leading people into battle or anything like that. It is not that kind of book. I saw a lot of reviews that complained about how depressing the books are. That's exactly right, they are depressing. It is misery porn. But it also EXTREMELY sweet. And sure, the FMC might not be leading people into battle, but she is dealing with her own internal battles, and that's a different kind of strength and level of badassness. If that sounds like something you'd like, then read it! It's so rare to find a well written book where the female lead is delicate (but not stupid) and treated like a princess instead of being pushed to not need anyone. These are those books! She needs her mates, they need her, they protect her, and don't push her. It's wonderful.
I definitely think that this is a series I will want to read again in the future, it was that good!
August 1, 2024
I loved everything about this book. I just knew Cevon was going to be one of her mates. I really enjoy the fact that we got to see a little bit of a different side to Nora in this book as well. Usually she’s an empathetic, very shy but strong willed woman. But it’s interesting to see a the bit of blood thirst that was shown from her when Cevon first kidnapped her. Kinda goes to show the trials and whatnot she’s been thru with her wolf and how far along they are coming together. I love it.
I mean even tho she didn’t go thru with anything and her wolf helped her realize they were in fact mates it was still great. Actually had a lol moment with the stabbing. Truly loving this series so far. It’s such a refreshing read. And it’s so raw too with the real problems and issues that ppl suffer from. That’s what really pushes it above and beyond for me.
Plus I’m loving the way each of her bonds finally, FINALLY progressed during this book. Nora and her mates: Atticus, Cevon, Griffin, Malachi, Micah, Orson, and Devoss were finally able to consummate their bond and mark each other. I love that and I love how she’s starting to be selfish and really stick her ground even if some of that is her wolf helping her.
One of the last things that really stuck out with me is how different her and her wolf seem to be. Makes you wonder what would’ve happened had she not been rejected and if she’d be the same type of person. Especially regarding the nature of the relationship she has with her parents. My god I hate Nora’s mother but looking at it thru the wolf’s perspective is interesting. Those insights are never very long but they bring so much to the story and really add to the struggles and disconnect we read about within Nora. Also I think they add to the progress we see. I mean depression never really truly goes away but as the chapters go and Nora continues living on you can really see the difference in her life and even in the way she tries to live, the moves she makes, the things she says. Just everything it’s fantastic.
I’m very excited to see where book 3 takes us on Anita’s adventure and what happens with her mates. And even what’s going on with this baby stuff. I really do hope her and Orson get things settled. I love how realistic these books are too what with her seeing a therapist, her mates and their dark pasts, the struggles with her wolf, and even the challenges that arise in their relationships. It really is just so great, I’m definitely enjoying it.
Onto the next one. :)
I mean even tho she didn’t go thru with anything and her wolf helped her realize they were in fact mates it was still great. Actually had a lol moment with the stabbing. Truly loving this series so far. It’s such a refreshing read. And it’s so raw too with the real problems and issues that ppl suffer from. That’s what really pushes it above and beyond for me.
Plus I’m loving the way each of her bonds finally, FINALLY progressed during this book. Nora and her mates: Atticus, Cevon, Griffin, Malachi, Micah, Orson, and Devoss were finally able to consummate their bond and mark each other. I love that and I love how she’s starting to be selfish and really stick her ground even if some of that is her wolf helping her.
One of the last things that really stuck out with me is how different her and her wolf seem to be. Makes you wonder what would’ve happened had she not been rejected and if she’d be the same type of person. Especially regarding the nature of the relationship she has with her parents. My god I hate Nora’s mother but looking at it thru the wolf’s perspective is interesting. Those insights are never very long but they bring so much to the story and really add to the struggles and disconnect we read about within Nora. Also I think they add to the progress we see. I mean depression never really truly goes away but as the chapters go and Nora continues living on you can really see the difference in her life and even in the way she tries to live, the moves she makes, the things she says. Just everything it’s fantastic.
I’m very excited to see where book 3 takes us on Anita’s adventure and what happens with her mates. And even what’s going on with this baby stuff. I really do hope her and Orson get things settled. I love how realistic these books are too what with her seeing a therapist, her mates and their dark pasts, the struggles with her wolf, and even the challenges that arise in their relationships. It really is just so great, I’m definitely enjoying it.
Onto the next one. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2023
Wow, this book was so raw in its approach to mental health and depression. Nora's situation was pretty dire in the last book, escalating to that final breaking point. This book is the aftermath of the decision she made and and her wolf's reaction to her suicide attempt. With Nora's wolf now being present again, it was nice seeing the POV from her wolf every now and then. It showed that they were more connected and that her wolf had her best interest in mind (for the most part) This change just built on Nora's issues because now even though she has felt more balanced than she has in years, she is still angry at her wolf for leaving her and doesn't really want to give in to her. It's a hard line to walk, but I'm really looking forward to when Nora accepts this piece of her completely.
The guys this time around were a bit back and forth for me. At times I got so annoyed by their reactions and how they handled certain situations and other times they had me swooning. However, there were a lot more issues going on that weren't dealing fully with Nora and it's understandable that emotions can run wild when things aren't going according to plan or if there is stress being added on from elsewhere. They do eventually get on track with everything, building bonds with each other as well as Nora and I can't wait to see how their relationships form even more.
So glad that we were able to get a certain scene in this book as it was well worth the wait. I knew it was coming but really wasn't sure how the characters were going to handle it, to be honest. Tons of set backs and emotions, dealing with Nora's suicide and her mental status, things with her family--It really was up in the air for me on whether we would see it or not, but I was very happy to be able to read it! Fingers crossed things just continue to build up from here!
The guys this time around were a bit back and forth for me. At times I got so annoyed by their reactions and how they handled certain situations and other times they had me swooning. However, there were a lot more issues going on that weren't dealing fully with Nora and it's understandable that emotions can run wild when things aren't going according to plan or if there is stress being added on from elsewhere. They do eventually get on track with everything, building bonds with each other as well as Nora and I can't wait to see how their relationships form even more.
So glad that we were able to get a certain scene in this book as it was well worth the wait. I knew it was coming but really wasn't sure how the characters were going to handle it, to be honest. Tons of set backs and emotions, dealing with Nora's suicide and her mental status, things with her family--It really was up in the air for me on whether we would see it or not, but I was very happy to be able to read it! Fingers crossed things just continue to build up from here!
July 9, 2025
Continuing on from the last book - this book really is all about working through the thoughts, finding something to live for and realizing why that was important for her and also finding someone else even more broken than her in order for her to keep fighting.
Personally - even though a lot of the narrative and the FMCs thought were repetitive - as someone with depression myself, I found myself seen and heard. I actually felt kinship with her, but that's solely because I liked how therapy and working through the process and struggling with explaining herself was portrait. Also, the spiraling that she went through was pretty close to what I still struggle with even after medication and therapy. I loved her support system and how they rallied around her, accepting that the depression was part of her life but wasn't her whole worth. Would I have enjoyed it as much if I wasn't so intimately familiar with the same thoughts - probably not in all honesty. It is a really heavy topic. Some of the writing didn't make sense, I think there were some story holes as well, though those might be resolved in book 3 to be fair. This book was really long and could probably have been reduced by a third without losing the important story elements.
What I do want to say - I did not find trigger warnings and I know those don't have to be there or maybe I just didn't "see" them, but just it might be helpful for people that are actually struggling, so here are some that I recognized:
Suicidal thoughts, abandonment, absolute hopelessness, fertility issues, talked about suicide of a sister of one of her MMCs, baby loss for one of the MMCs.
I personally loved this book and am looking forward to the happy ending they all deserve in book 3 - but be cautious if you want to read it and your mind is not on solid ground.
Personally - even though a lot of the narrative and the FMCs thought were repetitive - as someone with depression myself, I found myself seen and heard. I actually felt kinship with her, but that's solely because I liked how therapy and working through the process and struggling with explaining herself was portrait. Also, the spiraling that she went through was pretty close to what I still struggle with even after medication and therapy. I loved her support system and how they rallied around her, accepting that the depression was part of her life but wasn't her whole worth. Would I have enjoyed it as much if I wasn't so intimately familiar with the same thoughts - probably not in all honesty. It is a really heavy topic. Some of the writing didn't make sense, I think there were some story holes as well, though those might be resolved in book 3 to be fair. This book was really long and could probably have been reduced by a third without losing the important story elements.
What I do want to say - I did not find trigger warnings and I know those don't have to be there or maybe I just didn't "see" them, but just it might be helpful for people that are actually struggling, so here are some that I recognized:
Suicidal thoughts, abandonment, absolute hopelessness, fertility issues, talked about suicide of a sister of one of her MMCs, baby loss for one of the MMCs.
I personally loved this book and am looking forward to the happy ending they all deserve in book 3 - but be cautious if you want to read it and your mind is not on solid ground.
March 20, 2024
TREMENDA DECEPCIÓN DE LIBRO, después de leer este libro y el anterior creo que puedo decir que el reverse harem o el harem no es género de libros para mi. No sé si es solo esta trílogía o en general pero se me ha hecho cuesta arriba acabarme el libro.
Tengo varios problemas con este libro:
1. El primero es que la trama avanza a velocidad de caracol, se pasa 50 páginas en la misma situación y parece que nunca se va a continuar.
2.Repiten los mismo veinte veces por página, O SEA LA PAVA REPITE AL MENOS 800 VECES QUE TIENE DEPRESIÓN, VALE LO SÉ CÁLLATE LA PUTA BOCA YA COÑO. Sé que es un tema importante pero cuando te lo repiten tanto y lo hace su personalidad me HARTA.
3.Al principio del primero y en el segundo había un punto que era hombre que veo hombre que me quedo, PERO QUE ESTA PASANDO AQUÍ SE VA A QUEDAR CON TODOS LOS CHICOS QUE SE VA ENCONTRANDO UN POCO DE DECENCIA.
4.Solo pasa su tiempo con los mismos 3, yo no sé que lazo desarrolla porque la verdad es que NINGUNO PORQUE NO HAN PASADO NI TRES SEGUNDOS JUNTOS.
5. NO HAY TRAMA, o sea no hay puntos no hay investigacón no hay motivación. ZERO DE ZERO, pasaban las páginas y no se llegaba a ningún lado.
6.La escena de sexo final, voy a decir que la única cosa que me ha gustado de todo es que esta narrado por los chicos porque si lo hace ella me tiro por un puente. Pero después de estar esperando 800 páginas por su heat, solo puedo decir QUÉ VAYA MIERDA NO HAY NADA DE NADA TODO ES SUPER INSULSO Y NO HAY POSICIONES NO HAY SPICE ES TODO MECÁNICO E INECESARIO. ME SIENTO ESTAFADA.
La verdad es que esto son todos mis problemas, es decir, que todo el libro es un problema para mi. No recomiendo el libro para NADA, y por supuesto que NO VOY A LEER EL SIGUIENTE LIBRO.
Resumiendo, ¡vaya pérdida de tiempo!.
Tengo varios problemas con este libro:
1. El primero es que la trama avanza a velocidad de caracol, se pasa 50 páginas en la misma situación y parece que nunca se va a continuar.
2.Repiten los mismo veinte veces por página, O SEA LA PAVA REPITE AL MENOS 800 VECES QUE TIENE DEPRESIÓN, VALE LO SÉ CÁLLATE LA PUTA BOCA YA COÑO. Sé que es un tema importante pero cuando te lo repiten tanto y lo hace su personalidad me HARTA.
3.Al principio del primero y en el segundo había un punto que era hombre que veo hombre que me quedo, PERO QUE ESTA PASANDO AQUÍ SE VA A QUEDAR CON TODOS LOS CHICOS QUE SE VA ENCONTRANDO UN POCO DE DECENCIA.
4.Solo pasa su tiempo con los mismos 3, yo no sé que lazo desarrolla porque la verdad es que NINGUNO PORQUE NO HAN PASADO NI TRES SEGUNDOS JUNTOS.
5. NO HAY TRAMA, o sea no hay puntos no hay investigacón no hay motivación. ZERO DE ZERO, pasaban las páginas y no se llegaba a ningún lado.
6.La escena de sexo final, voy a decir que la única cosa que me ha gustado de todo es que esta narrado por los chicos porque si lo hace ella me tiro por un puente. Pero después de estar esperando 800 páginas por su heat, solo puedo decir QUÉ VAYA MIERDA NO HAY NADA DE NADA TODO ES SUPER INSULSO Y NO HAY POSICIONES NO HAY SPICE ES TODO MECÁNICO E INECESARIO. ME SIENTO ESTAFADA.
La verdad es que esto son todos mis problemas, es decir, que todo el libro es un problema para mi. No recomiendo el libro para NADA, y por supuesto que NO VOY A LEER EL SIGUIENTE LIBRO.
Resumiendo, ¡vaya pérdida de tiempo!.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2024
I can normally push past a lot of things when reading, and hate not finishing a book, but at 42% I just couldn't keep going.
Book one was great! I wanted to see the relationships between all the guys and Nora grow - but I don't feel like we really get that. Book two has mostly been her mental struggles - which I get! I've had my fair share, I've been there. But between that, repeating her same thoughts chapter after chapter, and some dumb decisions (an alpha and his mate leaving the pack with no protection??), I just had to stop.
I was left with more questions than answers - and reading other reviews, I don't think that will change. What happened with her brothers family/his mates family? What was up with Griffins eyes? How does everyone still have their jobs? Does we the readers ever get a chance to get to know these men, or does this turn into a gotta-catch-them-all situation where she keeps collecting men?
I love RH and I've read several with just as many guys - but the reader got to bond with those men. These men? Not so much. A couple of the characters became the same person in my mind simply because they didn't feel fleshed out enough to be their own person, or we didn't read much with them beyond others talking about them, or them talking about her.
I tried to push through, but when the book got to talking about Attys brother, and how he was starting to 'feel things again' I had to stop - I get it's a second chance book, but that chance was a little much for me. And it felt gross giving him that kind of talk (mentioning being turned on and such) without giving the other guys much first, given how much time they all spent with her and one of them being half bonded.
Book one was great! I wanted to see the relationships between all the guys and Nora grow - but I don't feel like we really get that. Book two has mostly been her mental struggles - which I get! I've had my fair share, I've been there. But between that, repeating her same thoughts chapter after chapter, and some dumb decisions (an alpha and his mate leaving the pack with no protection??), I just had to stop.
I was left with more questions than answers - and reading other reviews, I don't think that will change. What happened with her brothers family/his mates family? What was up with Griffins eyes? How does everyone still have their jobs? Does we the readers ever get a chance to get to know these men, or does this turn into a gotta-catch-them-all situation where she keeps collecting men?
I love RH and I've read several with just as many guys - but the reader got to bond with those men. These men? Not so much. A couple of the characters became the same person in my mind simply because they didn't feel fleshed out enough to be their own person, or we didn't read much with them beyond others talking about them, or them talking about her.
I tried to push through, but when the book got to talking about Attys brother, and how he was starting to 'feel things again' I had to stop - I get it's a second chance book, but that chance was a little much for me. And it felt gross giving him that kind of talk (mentioning being turned on and such) without giving the other guys much first, given how much time they all spent with her and one of them being half bonded.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2023
Surviving the Fight
This book was absolutely amazing! I love the story and the showing and depth of mental illness. The author takes us on a journey that is so true to the heart and so absolutely real that some parts of her thinking is heart wrenching. You feel for the character as she goes through her struggles. It's not made up. Nothing is glossed over, and she's not magically cured a few chapters in. It's raw, and it's real, and it's beautiful. This is a true journey of what depression looks like from book one where you think death is easy to here to book two where surviving is hard because you have to face everything and come to terms with your inner demons and darkness. To book three (coming soon) to your happiness being earned.
We start this book where book one left off, Nora is now struggling more than ever to come to terms with her survival. She has her mates helping her and being there for her, but she still has her own darkness and demons that she needs to come to terms. When she comes upon a new mate, one who no one sees coming, one with his own darkness and his own struggles that relate to Noras, does she start to see things different. They start to heal each other a way her other mates couldn't. She still loves them deeply, but its the shared emotions that really show how survival is hard and the need to fight pushes both of them. This book ends with the bonding of Nora and her mates after struggles and enduring the love of each other. There is a soft cliffhanger where new secrets and truths are revealed that set up to lead into the story of book three.
This book was absolutely amazing! I love the story and the showing and depth of mental illness. The author takes us on a journey that is so true to the heart and so absolutely real that some parts of her thinking is heart wrenching. You feel for the character as she goes through her struggles. It's not made up. Nothing is glossed over, and she's not magically cured a few chapters in. It's raw, and it's real, and it's beautiful. This is a true journey of what depression looks like from book one where you think death is easy to here to book two where surviving is hard because you have to face everything and come to terms with your inner demons and darkness. To book three (coming soon) to your happiness being earned.
We start this book where book one left off, Nora is now struggling more than ever to come to terms with her survival. She has her mates helping her and being there for her, but she still has her own darkness and demons that she needs to come to terms. When she comes upon a new mate, one who no one sees coming, one with his own darkness and his own struggles that relate to Noras, does she start to see things different. They start to heal each other a way her other mates couldn't. She still loves them deeply, but its the shared emotions that really show how survival is hard and the need to fight pushes both of them. This book ends with the bonding of Nora and her mates after struggles and enduring the love of each other. There is a soft cliffhanger where new secrets and truths are revealed that set up to lead into the story of book three.
July 19, 2024
The book was long for nothing.
70% of the novel could have been shortened by 2.
I felt like DNFing the novel a few times because it lacked rhythm.
Nora tends to annoy me. She is constantly crying. It’s okay for characters to cry, but when it becomes one of their only way to express their feelings it’s annoying to me.
She is constantly crying, it would be okay if Nora was 5, but she is a grown woman and has no idea how to deal with her emotions. In real life, I guess that can happen, but for a character to self pity so much is really boring.
Also, where is the office stuff? It doesn’t exist anymore. Atticus the boss (CEO?) of the company barely works. Same with the others. They have important jobs in the company but can all take, at the same time, very long vacations???
Some chapters are very long and nothing really happens. I especially think about the appointments with the psychiatrist. Okay, I get the whole healing journey. But she could have done some parts of this journey without having us, reader there.
I am disappointed because Atticus is kinda erased. For a long part of the novel he is barely there.
At first, I thought 7 mates would be too much and I would fail getting attached to them. But, at the end of the novel, I realized the relationships were pretty well built.
What’s the goal of Griffin eyes problems?
What does it add to the story?? I told myself it would have an impact on the plot, but it doesn’t. Felt unnecessary to me.
The last 15% of the novel is good. The rhythm is nice. If only it had been the same for the whole novel…
70% of the novel could have been shortened by 2.
I felt like DNFing the novel a few times because it lacked rhythm.
Nora tends to annoy me. She is constantly crying. It’s okay for characters to cry, but when it becomes one of their only way to express their feelings it’s annoying to me.
She is constantly crying, it would be okay if Nora was 5, but she is a grown woman and has no idea how to deal with her emotions. In real life, I guess that can happen, but for a character to self pity so much is really boring.
Also, where is the office stuff? It doesn’t exist anymore. Atticus the boss (CEO?) of the company barely works. Same with the others. They have important jobs in the company but can all take, at the same time, very long vacations???
Some chapters are very long and nothing really happens. I especially think about the appointments with the psychiatrist. Okay, I get the whole healing journey. But she could have done some parts of this journey without having us, reader there.
I am disappointed because Atticus is kinda erased. For a long part of the novel he is barely there.
At first, I thought 7 mates would be too much and I would fail getting attached to them. But, at the end of the novel, I realized the relationships were pretty well built.
What’s the goal of Griffin eyes problems?
What does it add to the story?? I told myself it would have an impact on the plot, but it doesn’t. Felt unnecessary to me.
The last 15% of the novel is good. The rhythm is nice. If only it had been the same for the whole novel…
June 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! It can be a tough read if you struggle with different TW's but overall I think they are portrayed in a positive and realistic manner. All of Nora's mates struggle in some form, just like she does. She has depression and PTSD, but others have depression, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness, or even just being able to connect to people. I feel like it gives them a unique bond. They are all damaged in their own way. However, they are family and are trying to navigate their new relationship and deal with the dangers they have of being shifters.
The one character that really bugs me is Atticus. He never opens up to Nora about what he calls "pride business". She is the Queen of the Pride but he never tells her anything. I feel like this is a mistake. He wants her to stand by his side as his queen but wants to keep her in the dark. She has proven she is stronger than even she realizes so I really hope he finally opens up and lets her help. She has so much compassion and empathy that I feel like she could do a lot of good, not to mention it would give her a purpose and a sense of accomplishment. She really likes helping people, so it would give her mind something additional to focus on.
Great book, great story. There are some minor grammatical issues, but nothing that threw me off the story. I wouldn't even have mentioned it except I know some people are super critical about it.
I can't wait for the final book! :)
The one character that really bugs me is Atticus. He never opens up to Nora about what he calls "pride business". She is the Queen of the Pride but he never tells her anything. I feel like this is a mistake. He wants her to stand by his side as his queen but wants to keep her in the dark. She has proven she is stronger than even she realizes so I really hope he finally opens up and lets her help. She has so much compassion and empathy that I feel like she could do a lot of good, not to mention it would give her a purpose and a sense of accomplishment. She really likes helping people, so it would give her mind something additional to focus on.
Great book, great story. There are some minor grammatical issues, but nothing that threw me off the story. I wouldn't even have mentioned it except I know some people are super critical about it.
I can't wait for the final book! :)
August 3, 2024
Nooo! Why?! The ONE thing that I didn't want to happen, of course happened. If you read my review of the first book, you would see that I was really hoping for there to NOT be a new mate that just pops up randomly. So, if they don't bond, do new mates keep popping up? What if you end up with like 85 of them? She was well on her way to that number already, and Hey! Here's another one!
Editing-wise, there were issues. One especially egregious error was using there's rather than theirs. I had to put the book away for a while while I pouted when I came across that one.
Story-wise... wait, was there a story? The first 20-25% of the book was just yet another slog through how she's mentally ill. Seriously... by now we totally get it.
Then she is kidnapped and finds a new mate, and after like 2 days, she loves him? Wait, what? Really? That was totally bizarre to me. What's also bizarre is how the guys seemed to be mostly OK with the guy, too. You know, after he plots his brother's death and kidnaps his mate.
After getting back home, very little happens, then the last 12%-ish of the book is a big orgy.
The writing is OK, but I really don't feel any emotion from anybody. There are hints here and there, but they could all die in a fire, and I wouldn't really feel bad. I have no emotional attachment to any of them (OK, maybe Orson).
I must be a big glutton for punishment, because I am going to read the last book, but I'm not holding out for much to actually happen.
Editing-wise, there were issues. One especially egregious error was using there's rather than theirs. I had to put the book away for a while while I pouted when I came across that one.
Story-wise... wait, was there a story? The first 20-25% of the book was just yet another slog through how she's mentally ill. Seriously... by now we totally get it.
Then she is kidnapped and finds a new mate, and after like 2 days, she loves him? Wait, what? Really? That was totally bizarre to me. What's also bizarre is how the guys seemed to be mostly OK with the guy, too. You know, after he plots his brother's death and kidnaps his mate.
After getting back home, very little happens, then the last 12%-ish of the book is a big orgy.
The writing is OK, but I really don't feel any emotion from anybody. There are hints here and there, but they could all die in a fire, and I wouldn't really feel bad. I have no emotional attachment to any of them (OK, maybe Orson).
I must be a big glutton for punishment, because I am going to read the last book, but I'm not holding out for much to actually happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2024
This book has some serious topics, so check trigger warnings!
"Survival is Hard" is, in my opinion, not quite as dark as "Death is Easy" in regards to possible triggers. In this book, Nora has chosen each day to live, to fight to survive. She's found new mates who love her, she's reconnected with her wolf, and she's decided that that's worth fighting for.
We do get introduced to a new character in this book, however, who has his own demons. He has a goal to reach, and after that, he's decided he's going to end himself, believing there's nothing else here for him. Then he meets Nora. They recognize the darkness in each other, and though only he can choose his own path, Nora plans on being there to help him through everything and to help him find his happiness.
My only slight disappointment in this book was that since it was Nora's and Micah's first time ever being intimate, it didn't showcase that a little more. However, since it happened during her heat, I mostly get it. She wasn't quite cognizant, though I figured Micah might be when his turn came. It's a tiny little thing I noticed, but it isn't a big deal!
I'm excited to read the final book, and I REALLY hope somehow her ex gets a beating!
"Survival is Hard" is, in my opinion, not quite as dark as "Death is Easy" in regards to possible triggers. In this book, Nora has chosen each day to live, to fight to survive. She's found new mates who love her, she's reconnected with her wolf, and she's decided that that's worth fighting for.
We do get introduced to a new character in this book, however, who has his own demons. He has a goal to reach, and after that, he's decided he's going to end himself, believing there's nothing else here for him. Then he meets Nora. They recognize the darkness in each other, and though only he can choose his own path, Nora plans on being there to help him through everything and to help him find his happiness.
My only slight disappointment in this book was that since it was Nora's and Micah's first time ever being intimate, it didn't showcase that a little more. However, since it happened during her heat, I mostly get it. She wasn't quite cognizant, though I figured Micah might be when his turn came. It's a tiny little thing I noticed, but it isn't a big deal!
I'm excited to read the final book, and I REALLY hope somehow her ex gets a beating!
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