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Vicious Feast #1
Savor
Mature and explicit content. Not recommended for readers below 18-years-old. Yup, you've got to be that old to read my story. Consider yourself warned.
I’m Dakota Collins, a tough talking, eye patch wearing, workaholic photography student. Why am I important? Well, maybe because I get to spend an entire month with Vicious, only the sickest indie rock band out there.
You see, I needed a subject for my Spring Showcase introspective in order to graduate. During a chance encounter at a club I’d been sent to cover for the Daily Gossip, our ironically named college paper, the features writer I usually teamed up with introduced me to the band—by accident, I might add. It involved a run in with a scary, bald bodyguard. Anyway, long story short, I signed a contract to take pictures of Vicious.
I should have known their handsome, yet way too serious for his own good bassist, Luka Visraya, wouldn't be able to keep his hands to himself. He’s gorgeous and all, but the way he smiles spells trouble with a capital L. I’m in for a long month with him around.
Crazy shit happens and then some. So, if you want the skinny on Vicious and the events revolving around my stay at Lunar Manor, read my story.
Again, refer to the warning above.
I’m Dakota Collins, a tough talking, eye patch wearing, workaholic photography student. Why am I important? Well, maybe because I get to spend an entire month with Vicious, only the sickest indie rock band out there.
You see, I needed a subject for my Spring Showcase introspective in order to graduate. During a chance encounter at a club I’d been sent to cover for the Daily Gossip, our ironically named college paper, the features writer I usually teamed up with introduced me to the band—by accident, I might add. It involved a run in with a scary, bald bodyguard. Anyway, long story short, I signed a contract to take pictures of Vicious.
I should have known their handsome, yet way too serious for his own good bassist, Luka Visraya, wouldn't be able to keep his hands to himself. He’s gorgeous and all, but the way he smiles spells trouble with a capital L. I’m in for a long month with him around.
Crazy shit happens and then some. So, if you want the skinny on Vicious and the events revolving around my stay at Lunar Manor, read my story.
Again, refer to the warning above.
324 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
6 people are currently reading
1456 people want to read
About the author
Kate Evangelista
15 books876 followersKate Evangelista is a young adult writer, creative writing teacher, and a mother to six rambunctious cats. Born in the Philippines, she attended college in De La Salle University – Manila and holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Literature and a Master’s in Creative Writing. She got her start publishing with small presses like the now defunct Crescent Moon Press until she moved on to medium presses like Entangled Teen and eventually being selected as part of Swoon Reads’ third season of authors. Her debut novel, TASTE, even became an Amazon bestseller. Her latest novel, THE BOYFRIEND BRACKET (Swoon Reads, 2018), was well received by NPR and is now in the running for a movie adaptation with the A&E Network.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
March 28, 2020
4.5 Stars
January 17, 2014
My first Kate Evangelista book was Taste, you can read what Tanja and I thought about it over on Ja čitam, a ti? - so when I got invite to join Savor blog tour, it was a done deal. What I did not know is that Savor is non-sequel for Taste. What does that mean? First, you don't have to read Taste before Savor. Story is completely different no matter the fact that it's about same characters. Second, Taste is young adult, and Savor is not. Third? I believe in Kate and I know that her sequels will explain how Luka and the gang went from where we left them in Taste and ended up like members of Vicious.
I don't usually have theme songs for my current reads, but I've been listening Lianne La Havas last few days I think her song Lost & Found kind of perfectly fits as background for Luka and Dakota's relationship - especially that last scene.
As I were saying at the beginning of this post, Savor is kind of a sequel, but it is not sequel for Kate's young adult novel Taste. I do not recommend you to read book summary for previous novel if you do not plan to read it, because it might spoil reading Vicious Feast series for you. First of all, I have to say that Kate Evangelista became much better writer since her debut novel. Everything I found lacking in that one, I couldn't find in Savor.
When I started reading, I thought it would something like The Devil's Metalby Karina Halle, but other than a outsider girl ending up with the famous band, there is nothing else that connects this two books. While I found Halle's novel sometimes hard to get into, I had no troubles instantly falling far characters and atmosphere of Kate's gothic world.
Prepare yourself for... Luka. Seriously, this guy can put Adrian Ivashkov to shame. He is like Adrian, but with more alpha male instincts. One look on Dakota and he pretty much makes her part of his life. I have no idea how that girl resisted whole blonde, bad boy/rock star, singing his heart out and sleeping next to you without touching scenarios. Well, Dakota has one more thing in common with pirates other than her eye patch - she is a bad ass and even Luka, spoiled rich boy, can't get away with his antics when he is with her.
Reading all of those things about photography, made me want to take pictures too. It was interesting to read about the whole process. My favorite, scene with Dray, band's drummer. You will see...
I seriously hope that next novel, Relish, will be published soon because I can not wait to see what happens next.
image:
If you want second opinion about Savor, you should read Tanja's review on Ja čitam, a ti?
I don't usually have theme songs for my current reads, but I've been listening Lianne La Havas last few days I think her song Lost & Found kind of perfectly fits as background for Luka and Dakota's relationship - especially that last scene.
As I were saying at the beginning of this post, Savor is kind of a sequel, but it is not sequel for Kate's young adult novel Taste. I do not recommend you to read book summary for previous novel if you do not plan to read it, because it might spoil reading Vicious Feast series for you. First of all, I have to say that Kate Evangelista became much better writer since her debut novel. Everything I found lacking in that one, I couldn't find in Savor.
When I started reading, I thought it would something like The Devil's Metalby Karina Halle, but other than a outsider girl ending up with the famous band, there is nothing else that connects this two books. While I found Halle's novel sometimes hard to get into, I had no troubles instantly falling far characters and atmosphere of Kate's gothic world.
Prepare yourself for... Luka. Seriously, this guy can put Adrian Ivashkov to shame. He is like Adrian, but with more alpha male instincts. One look on Dakota and he pretty much makes her part of his life. I have no idea how that girl resisted whole blonde, bad boy/rock star, singing his heart out and sleeping next to you without touching scenarios. Well, Dakota has one more thing in common with pirates other than her eye patch - she is a bad ass and even Luka, spoiled rich boy, can't get away with his antics when he is with her.
Reading all of those things about photography, made me want to take pictures too. It was interesting to read about the whole process. My favorite, scene with Dray, band's drummer. You will see...
I seriously hope that next novel, Relish, will be published soon because I can not wait to see what happens next.
image:
If you want second opinion about Savor, you should read Tanja's review on Ja čitam, a ti?
Read
October 19, 2017Erm, what the what?!
I mean, what was this actually about?! I thought I liked it until the end and then I was like...
...where did that come from. I know this is supposed to be a non-sequel to some other book, but literally in the last 5 pages we have this element come into play and now I have no answers to questions I didn't even know existed. And I'm left confused because what was the point in this whole book?! Apart from her taking pictures with the band that we don't get to know and a few kisses and lots of talk about an eye patch and the (mildly boring) mystery that is Luka, NOTHING HAPPENS!
None of the characters developed anything, no love grew, there was no plot and there wasn't even any sex! WHAT THE FUCK is going on. Fuck knows. I'm so lost. I don't get it.
January 4, 2014
If Alice thought Wonderland was twisted, it had nothing on Lunar Manor.
***
Oh. Stupid. Me. Stupid, brainless me. I went through this whole entire book absolutely in love with the story. Couldn't have asked for a better read. In fact I really looked forward to this one because the author's other book TASTE was so darn amazing. I knew I would get a fabulous, well written read with this one, too, and I did. But why am I so clueless? Because I didn't link SAVOR and TASTE together until after I finished the read. I blame that one the countless books that have fell in between the time I read TASTE and up until SAVOR. Too many to name. I hate when that happens, too. UGH! I am seriously in need of a reread.
I kept praying that the author would continue on with TASTE. And it seems I got my wish without even knowing it. Consider TASTE as a prequel to SAVOR. But the thing is...I think readers (who haven't read TASTE yet) should read this one first. There was such suspense about this one. Especially if you have forgotten some of the characters from TASTE. Shaking my head at how I could forget them. Again, I blame all those books I've read since then.
As the book is moving along and you think it is just another Chick Lit read, but something along the way keeps nudging you in the back every so often whispering "Hey, that's not normal. Something fishy is going on here." And low and behold, that little voice is right. But I thought the author did one heck of a job introducing the paranormal aspect to the story. Word by word you realize it was there all along. And it is like a slap in the face. A good slap, of course. Oh and prepare yourself for the yummy scenes. There are lots of them. Lots!
I look back at my review of TASTE and saw how I loved Demitri and Luka. Gah! I wish to hell I could remember them better. I just remember loving the story so stinkin much . Yes, as soon as I find me so downtime I am rereading that book. But I was wholeheartedly in love with Luka this time around for sure. I don't think I will be forgetting that boy anytime soon. Actually I adored all the characters. Well, except for Calixta. I still didn't care much for her. But all the secondary ones were fabulous.
Now that brings me to Dakota. I do believe this is the first time I have read a story about a girl with an eye patch. At first you are probably thinking that the author is crazy for thinking such a thing. And that I am utterly crazy for liking such a character. But honestly? That is real to me. And you will see what I mean as the story continues on. The whole back story around Dakota is such a mystery. I do believe you are going to love the realness of this girl. She is definitely not letting her disability hamper her life. She makes the most of it. And in just the short time she is with Vicious her confidence is really boosted.
I am desperately in need of book 2, RELISH. Like now. Right this second. This is a must, must read folks!
February 16, 2014
I read this up to 44% and then skimmed the rest
The fact that this is the continuation of Taste but in another person's point of view while showing us how their lives have changed since their zombie days is really cool, but the book ended up being quite dull :(
I also really liked the author's decision on making this a New Adult book but when I finished I felt like it wasn't quite New Adult, more like a Young Adult book trying to be a New Adult.
I missed the Paranormal aspect of the first book; I don't know why people tag this as Fantasy/Paranormal/Zombies when none of that is really mentioned.
Overall it was okay, just a typical romance story
The fact that this is the continuation of Taste but in another person's point of view while showing us how their lives have changed since their zombie days is really cool, but the book ended up being quite dull :(
I also really liked the author's decision on making this a New Adult book but when I finished I felt like it wasn't quite New Adult, more like a Young Adult book trying to be a New Adult.
I missed the Paranormal aspect of the first book; I don't know why people tag this as Fantasy/Paranormal/Zombies when none of that is really mentioned.
Overall it was okay, just a typical romance story
January 15, 2014
Review also posted at Ja čitam, a ti?
First of I shall start with the cover. Kate Evangelista's books never fail when it comes to the covers. All that I've seen and read had this amazing art on them. But for me the best thing is that they're always connected to the story itself. So, yes this beautiful dress appears in the story.
But we'll get to that. At the start we meet Dakota our main character in this story. She is a photography student who has a great eye for a photography and extraordinary talent, but she manages that with one eye only as she always wears eye patch. Once for the project she must do for her school newspaper, she gets to take photos of Vicious, the band that's been on the top of every music chart. When she sees the potential she never fails to chase it. So she decided to go all in and ask them to be her models for her final school project, with that she knows if she goes thing rightly, many doors will open for her. Once she gets them to accept her offer she finds her self in different world one that she doesn't know much about. Only how far will she go and how much is she willing to sacrifice.
Firstly Dakota is a character that I grew to admire through this book. She is independent, strong-willed young woman who takes care of herself. Well until she meats Luka, the bassist of Vicious who is hard to resist I must say. He is a rockstar so what else do I have to say. It was great to see how conflicted the two of them were and how Luka was more complicated than you'd thought. Secondly you already get an excerpt of the writing from the blurb and I must say it fits Dakota's character fully.
There are some things that made me gave this book fours star even though it was truly addicting. Mostly this is the was Ms Evangelista always works with her series and that's it doesn't offer you answers. Not all of them for the matter. You're usually left with many unanswered questions at the end. I'm used to it, to some extend. From one point it's great cause it makes you want more, but then again agony is an old friend of mine who I still haven't grown to love.
Now, I'm eagerly waiting for more.
In case you're in need for the second opinion you can check Glass' review for this book. Head over to Way Too Hot Books.
First of I shall start with the cover. Kate Evangelista's books never fail when it comes to the covers. All that I've seen and read had this amazing art on them. But for me the best thing is that they're always connected to the story itself. So, yes this beautiful dress appears in the story.
But we'll get to that. At the start we meet Dakota our main character in this story. She is a photography student who has a great eye for a photography and extraordinary talent, but she manages that with one eye only as she always wears eye patch. Once for the project she must do for her school newspaper, she gets to take photos of Vicious, the band that's been on the top of every music chart. When she sees the potential she never fails to chase it. So she decided to go all in and ask them to be her models for her final school project, with that she knows if she goes thing rightly, many doors will open for her. Once she gets them to accept her offer she finds her self in different world one that she doesn't know much about. Only how far will she go and how much is she willing to sacrifice.
Firstly Dakota is a character that I grew to admire through this book. She is independent, strong-willed young woman who takes care of herself. Well until she meats Luka, the bassist of Vicious who is hard to resist I must say. He is a rockstar so what else do I have to say. It was great to see how conflicted the two of them were and how Luka was more complicated than you'd thought. Secondly you already get an excerpt of the writing from the blurb and I must say it fits Dakota's character fully.
There are some things that made me gave this book fours star even though it was truly addicting. Mostly this is the was Ms Evangelista always works with her series and that's it doesn't offer you answers. Not all of them for the matter. You're usually left with many unanswered questions at the end. I'm used to it, to some extend. From one point it's great cause it makes you want more, but then again agony is an old friend of mine who I still haven't grown to love.
Now, I'm eagerly waiting for more.
In case you're in need for the second opinion you can check Glass' review for this book. Head over to Way Too Hot Books.
May 26, 2014
The book took my interest from the begining!
I read it in the blink of an eye.
It was over so soon...
I loved how Dakota didn't give a damn about other people's opinions. I loved her sassiness and how she accepted herself.
And Luka.. My poor Luka. He messed up big time with Dakota and I hope he will realise that Pheonix is with Demitry and that there is nothing he can do about it so he can move on and apologise to Dakota and live happily ever after with her.
Loved how Pheonix accepted herself and her body and how she let Dakota capture her and Demitry in their passion. The photoshoot was able to give me a glimpse of Dakota's shyness even if it was not much of it.
I loved every character in the book and I can't wait for the next one.
Thank you Kate Evangelista for making such amazing books. From "Romancing the bookworm" to "Taste" to "Savor" you are officially one of my most time favourite authors!
I read it in the blink of an eye.
It was over so soon...
I loved how Dakota didn't give a damn about other people's opinions. I loved her sassiness and how she accepted herself.
And Luka.. My poor Luka. He messed up big time with Dakota and I hope he will realise that Pheonix is with Demitry and that there is nothing he can do about it so he can move on and apologise to Dakota and live happily ever after with her.
Loved how Pheonix accepted herself and her body and how she let Dakota capture her and Demitry in their passion. The photoshoot was able to give me a glimpse of Dakota's shyness even if it was not much of it.
I loved every character in the book and I can't wait for the next one.
Thank you Kate Evangelista for making such amazing books. From "Romancing the bookworm" to "Taste" to "Savor" you are officially one of my most time favourite authors!
December 29, 2013
Review to come soon during blog tour.
LOVED this book and am only pissed that I have to wait for book 2. I NEED it, Kate!!! Like, now!
Whoa! Updated to say now I'm more confused than ever. I just finished reading Taste by Evangelista which is the story of Phoenix, Dimitri and Luka while they are still in high school. I am terribly confused with how Taste ended and how Savor ended. There is apparently a ton of angst and strife that occurs between Phoenix, Luka and Dimitri between Taste and Savor. So confused now.....
LOVED this book and am only pissed that I have to wait for book 2. I NEED it, Kate!!! Like, now!
Whoa! Updated to say now I'm more confused than ever. I just finished reading Taste by Evangelista which is the story of Phoenix, Dimitri and Luka while they are still in high school. I am terribly confused with how Taste ended and how Savor ended. There is apparently a ton of angst and strife that occurs between Phoenix, Luka and Dimitri between Taste and Savor. So confused now.....
Want to read
January 13, 2013The cover looks gorgeous!
I'm so excited to read it's blurb. *SQUEEE*
Forever team LUKA! :)
I'm so excited to read it's blurb. *SQUEEE*
Forever team LUKA! :)
January 5, 2014
Noooooooooooo... *wails* Book two please!!!!
August 4, 2014
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Savor by Kate Evangelista
Book One of the Vicious Feast series
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Publication Date: December 1, 2013
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC provided for the blog tour
Official Summary:
I’m Dakota Collins, a tough talking, eye patch wearing, workaholic photography student. Why am I important? Well, maybe because I get to spend an entire month with Vicious, only the sickest indie rock band out there.
You see, I needed a subject for my Spring Showcase introspective in order to graduate. During a chance encounter at a club I’d been sent to cover for the Daily Gossip, our ironically named college paper, the features writer I usually teamed up with introduced me to the band—by accident, I might add. It involved a run in with a scary, bald bodyguard. Anyway, long story short, I signed a contract to take pictures of Vicious.
I should have known their handsome yet way too serious for his own good bassist, Luka Visraya, wouldn’t be able to keep his hands to himself. He’s gorgeous and all, but the way he smiles spelled trouble with a capital L. I’m in for a long month with him around.
Crazy shit happens and then some. So, if you want the skinny on Vicious and the events revolving around my stay at Lunar Manor, read my story.
Again, refer to the warning above.
What I Liked:
Ooo, I honestly did not expect to like this book as much as I did! I mean, I LOVED Taste, the "prequel" to this novel (and series), but I was scared to read this one, after the disaster that was Romancing the Bookworm (no offense or anything). But I truly enjoyed this book!
Dakota is a photographer, and miraculously, she lands a job with Vicious, a famous, highly popular, and talented band of young adults about her age. Guess who is in the band? Demitri, Phoenix, Dray, and... Luka. Assistants to the band are Yana, the band manager, and Calixta, the band's makeup artist. If you didn't read Taste, or don't remember much from Taste, don't sweat it! All the characters are introduced and explained, as well as relationships previously established in Taste. It's just a lot easier to know what's going on between whom, by reading Taste.
Dakota goes to live with the band in Lunar Manor, in order to get all access to the band members. She needs ten shots for her portfolio (and she's getting paid), and Yana wants shots to promote the band. Win win! Except, Dakota gets so much more than for what she bargains. Each band member is complicated - especially the ever-mysterious and super-hot Luka. Because, who wouldn't fall for Luka? He IS dreamy.
At first glance, the plot seems kind of simple. And it is. This book lasts a tiny bit over a month - I know this because Dakota signed the contract to live with the band for exactly one month. So much happens in that month. The chemistry between Luka and Dakota sizzles. Dakota discovers so much about each band member. Dakota fights her own personal demons - sometimes literally, it seemed.
The chemistry between Luka and Dakota was ever-present, but I like that Evangelista didn't make it over the top, like she did in Romancing the Bookworm. I can't help but compare these two books, even though they are in no way related, because that was Evangelista's latest release, before Savor. I'm just glad the heroine wasn't too lust- and love-struck. I could read this book and breathe.
And the romance ended up being quite complex. Not really in a love triangle way, because there really was not a love triangle at all (thank goodness), but because everything was not rainbows and sunshine throughout the ENTIRE book. Like, Luka and Dakota never catch a break. Yet, the scenes between them are often steamy and sometimes tender and then intense.
The pace of this book was really meandering at best, but it totally worked, in this book. I loved watching Luka and Dakota fall for each other, frustrate each other, and try to figure out each other. I really could not wait to see how the book ended... and what an end it was. Suffice it to say, I MUST read book two as soon as possible. This series is in no way a companion series, you all. TRUST ME.
What I Did Not Like:
There wasn't much that I didn't like - I genuinely enjoyed this story, cover to cover. Occasionally, the heroine pissed me off. Sometimes, she just seemed stupid and shallow. Other times, I was totally cheering her on. In general, I had little problems with her. Not like Evangelista's other New Adult book (Romancing the Bookworm), where I ripped that book apart in my review. Oops? At times, it seems like Evangelista's heroines are the same, or have the same characteristics or qualities. Mix it up, lady!
Would I Recommend It:
I would definitely recommend this book to paranormal addicts! Or New Adult fans. Or fans of paranormal romance. Or people who loved Taste. Or anyone that wants a great romance with a strange heroine and super hot hero. I highly recommend this book to all Kate Evangelista fans.
Rating:
4 stars. What a lovely start to a new series! I loved the opportunity to get to know Luka better. Book two, please!
Savor by Kate Evangelista
Book One of the Vicious Feast series
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Publication Date: December 1, 2013
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC provided for the blog tour
Official Summary:
I’m Dakota Collins, a tough talking, eye patch wearing, workaholic photography student. Why am I important? Well, maybe because I get to spend an entire month with Vicious, only the sickest indie rock band out there.
You see, I needed a subject for my Spring Showcase introspective in order to graduate. During a chance encounter at a club I’d been sent to cover for the Daily Gossip, our ironically named college paper, the features writer I usually teamed up with introduced me to the band—by accident, I might add. It involved a run in with a scary, bald bodyguard. Anyway, long story short, I signed a contract to take pictures of Vicious.
I should have known their handsome yet way too serious for his own good bassist, Luka Visraya, wouldn’t be able to keep his hands to himself. He’s gorgeous and all, but the way he smiles spelled trouble with a capital L. I’m in for a long month with him around.
Crazy shit happens and then some. So, if you want the skinny on Vicious and the events revolving around my stay at Lunar Manor, read my story.
Again, refer to the warning above.
What I Liked:
Ooo, I honestly did not expect to like this book as much as I did! I mean, I LOVED Taste, the "prequel" to this novel (and series), but I was scared to read this one, after the disaster that was Romancing the Bookworm (no offense or anything). But I truly enjoyed this book!
Dakota is a photographer, and miraculously, she lands a job with Vicious, a famous, highly popular, and talented band of young adults about her age. Guess who is in the band? Demitri, Phoenix, Dray, and... Luka. Assistants to the band are Yana, the band manager, and Calixta, the band's makeup artist. If you didn't read Taste, or don't remember much from Taste, don't sweat it! All the characters are introduced and explained, as well as relationships previously established in Taste. It's just a lot easier to know what's going on between whom, by reading Taste.
Dakota goes to live with the band in Lunar Manor, in order to get all access to the band members. She needs ten shots for her portfolio (and she's getting paid), and Yana wants shots to promote the band. Win win! Except, Dakota gets so much more than for what she bargains. Each band member is complicated - especially the ever-mysterious and super-hot Luka. Because, who wouldn't fall for Luka? He IS dreamy.
At first glance, the plot seems kind of simple. And it is. This book lasts a tiny bit over a month - I know this because Dakota signed the contract to live with the band for exactly one month. So much happens in that month. The chemistry between Luka and Dakota sizzles. Dakota discovers so much about each band member. Dakota fights her own personal demons - sometimes literally, it seemed.
The chemistry between Luka and Dakota was ever-present, but I like that Evangelista didn't make it over the top, like she did in Romancing the Bookworm. I can't help but compare these two books, even though they are in no way related, because that was Evangelista's latest release, before Savor. I'm just glad the heroine wasn't too lust- and love-struck. I could read this book and breathe.
And the romance ended up being quite complex. Not really in a love triangle way, because there really was not a love triangle at all (thank goodness), but because everything was not rainbows and sunshine throughout the ENTIRE book. Like, Luka and Dakota never catch a break. Yet, the scenes between them are often steamy and sometimes tender and then intense.
The pace of this book was really meandering at best, but it totally worked, in this book. I loved watching Luka and Dakota fall for each other, frustrate each other, and try to figure out each other. I really could not wait to see how the book ended... and what an end it was. Suffice it to say, I MUST read book two as soon as possible. This series is in no way a companion series, you all. TRUST ME.
What I Did Not Like:
There wasn't much that I didn't like - I genuinely enjoyed this story, cover to cover. Occasionally, the heroine pissed me off. Sometimes, she just seemed stupid and shallow. Other times, I was totally cheering her on. In general, I had little problems with her. Not like Evangelista's other New Adult book (Romancing the Bookworm), where I ripped that book apart in my review. Oops? At times, it seems like Evangelista's heroines are the same, or have the same characteristics or qualities. Mix it up, lady!
Would I Recommend It:
I would definitely recommend this book to paranormal addicts! Or New Adult fans. Or fans of paranormal romance. Or people who loved Taste. Or anyone that wants a great romance with a strange heroine and super hot hero. I highly recommend this book to all Kate Evangelista fans.
Rating:
4 stars. What a lovely start to a new series! I loved the opportunity to get to know Luka better. Book two, please!
February 8, 2014
3.5 stars
Review first published at Ex Libris.
As soon as I heard that Kate Evangelista was writing a NA novel I just knew I had to read it! It's not just that I was dying to read something new and fresh in this genre that seems to recycle the same topics again and again, it was also the fact that Kate Evangelista managed to grab my attention even from her very first novel so reading her new story was a must for me!
And yes, Kate just blew me away once more with Savor! I have to admit that I didn't even read the blurb before accepting to review Savor. I just knew that since Kate was writing it, I had to read it. So imagine my surprise when I realised that this story was set in the same universe as Taste!!! But you can as well forget everything you knew about our beloved set of characters from Taste. In Savor everything and everyone has changed and matured. Well, it's only natural since it's taking place around 4 years after the events from Taste. But fear not, even if you haven't read Taste, you won't have a single problem adjusting with the story. And it might be even better reading Savor with no prior knowledge because in that way you will be able to appreciate the mystery and the element of surprise of the story that much more.
Where can I possibly start with listing all the things I liked about Savor. Well, my favorite part must be Kate's writing style! Her ability to describe vivid images and the emotions she can communicate to her readers is just incredible! Needless to say, I devoured Savor is one sitting. I just couldn't help myself. Even if for the better part of the story nothing crucial really happens, still I wasn't able to put this book down.
My next favorite thing about Savor is Dakota and the fact that she's a photographer. The way Evangelista build her character and described her love for photography just made me fall in love with an art I have no talent in or knowledge whatsoever.Dakota's passion for what she does is truly inspiring!
As far as the plot is concerned, like I said, nothing really crucial happens for the better part of the story. To be exact, until the final chapters where everything changes. And here I must note that I'm still not sure how I feel about that spin in the end. Granted it makes you want to read the next book right away but still, the whole story took a very abrupt turn I'm not sure whether I don't like or I'm just fine with it.
That spin in the end along with a couple more reasons is why even though I really loved Savor I can't rate it higher. Let me explain. Apart from the ending, I found myself feeling a little bit awkward towards Luca, the main hero of the story. His tantrums just threw me off along with the easy way everyone went along with them and especially Dakota. I get it, Luka is important, he's the hero and something bad happened to him but still, that doesn't explain why he's entitled to act like a spoiled brat while everyone shuts it and play along.
So, my feelings towards Luca where in a constant fight: I adored him in one chapter while in the next one I would like to slap some sense into him.
And Luca's behavior leads me to the next thing I had a problem with Savor and that is the chemistry between Dakota and Luca. There were moments it felt natural and explosive (the video shoot is probably one of the most intense scenes I've ever read!) while at other times it felt forced or rushed. Lucas's advances towards Dakota where a bit creepy at times...
Verdict: Kate Evangelista is one of those authors who you should really keep an eye on! Her writing style and passion for telling stories are just two of her many qualities as an author. Savor is an incredible story, one you'll have a hard time putting down and you'll love every minute of it. Granted, I had a few problems with the book but they weren't enough to make my love it any less!
Review first published at Ex Libris.
As soon as I heard that Kate Evangelista was writing a NA novel I just knew I had to read it! It's not just that I was dying to read something new and fresh in this genre that seems to recycle the same topics again and again, it was also the fact that Kate Evangelista managed to grab my attention even from her very first novel so reading her new story was a must for me!
And yes, Kate just blew me away once more with Savor! I have to admit that I didn't even read the blurb before accepting to review Savor. I just knew that since Kate was writing it, I had to read it. So imagine my surprise when I realised that this story was set in the same universe as Taste!!! But you can as well forget everything you knew about our beloved set of characters from Taste. In Savor everything and everyone has changed and matured. Well, it's only natural since it's taking place around 4 years after the events from Taste. But fear not, even if you haven't read Taste, you won't have a single problem adjusting with the story. And it might be even better reading Savor with no prior knowledge because in that way you will be able to appreciate the mystery and the element of surprise of the story that much more.
Where can I possibly start with listing all the things I liked about Savor. Well, my favorite part must be Kate's writing style! Her ability to describe vivid images and the emotions she can communicate to her readers is just incredible! Needless to say, I devoured Savor is one sitting. I just couldn't help myself. Even if for the better part of the story nothing crucial really happens, still I wasn't able to put this book down.
My next favorite thing about Savor is Dakota and the fact that she's a photographer. The way Evangelista build her character and described her love for photography just made me fall in love with an art I have no talent in or knowledge whatsoever.Dakota's passion for what she does is truly inspiring!
As far as the plot is concerned, like I said, nothing really crucial happens for the better part of the story. To be exact, until the final chapters where everything changes. And here I must note that I'm still not sure how I feel about that spin in the end. Granted it makes you want to read the next book right away but still, the whole story took a very abrupt turn I'm not sure whether I don't like or I'm just fine with it.
That spin in the end along with a couple more reasons is why even though I really loved Savor I can't rate it higher. Let me explain. Apart from the ending, I found myself feeling a little bit awkward towards Luca, the main hero of the story. His tantrums just threw me off along with the easy way everyone went along with them and especially Dakota. I get it, Luka is important, he's the hero and something bad happened to him but still, that doesn't explain why he's entitled to act like a spoiled brat while everyone shuts it and play along.
So, my feelings towards Luca where in a constant fight: I adored him in one chapter while in the next one I would like to slap some sense into him.
And Luca's behavior leads me to the next thing I had a problem with Savor and that is the chemistry between Dakota and Luca. There were moments it felt natural and explosive (the video shoot is probably one of the most intense scenes I've ever read!) while at other times it felt forced or rushed. Lucas's advances towards Dakota where a bit creepy at times...
Verdict: Kate Evangelista is one of those authors who you should really keep an eye on! Her writing style and passion for telling stories are just two of her many qualities as an author. Savor is an incredible story, one you'll have a hard time putting down and you'll love every minute of it. Granted, I had a few problems with the book but they weren't enough to make my love it any less!
March 7, 2015
If you do not have enough time to read my review, I can summarize it for you in six words:
You. Have. To. Read. This. Book.
Savor is amazing and very addictive. I kid you not when I say it’s difficult to suck me in a book completely these days, but this one did just that. It may be the author’s awesome writing, or the interesting concept of the book, or the badass heroine, or just simply all of the above.
I find Dakota Collins a badass character. It’s the way she sounds in the book. It’s very easy to get lost in it. She’s very sassy, too, which I liked very much.
I liked the way the author executed this book. I like it that Savor did not focus on just Dakota and Luka’s chemistry, but also on the Dakota’s project, which is photography. The descriptive way Kate Evangelista wrote the photo shoots and all of Dakota’s ideas are very vivid, which made it easy to visualize. It felt like I was the one looking through the camera’s lens. It felt like I was looking at the picture itself, not merely reading words describing it.
I also liked the all characters’ interaction with each other. Their friendship had a very natural feel to it and it made me think of my own friends.
What dampened my enthusiasm in this book is Luka, the lack of back-stories, and not enough conversations/moments to build the intense chemistry between Dakota and Luka.
Okay, so Luka is your typical rock star who oozes sex appeal. He’s hot, he can be intense, and he . . . can be very unreasonably violent, too. There was a time when I really hated him because he came across as childish and deranged. He had his moments, though, and there was also a time when he was really sweet and I can see why the readers would fall in love with him. Still, I think his violent side overshadows the sweet one—or at least for me, anyway.
I understand that Savor is mostly about Dakota’s photography project, but there was no back-story to make me know the characters a little more, be it Dakota’s or the band’s. This is something that raises a red flag for me.
I hate it that the chemistry between Luka and Dakota is there just because the book says it’s there. There’s no build up of whatsoever. There wasn’t a getting-to-know you conversation and no back-stories were mentioned. The only thing they have is sexual chemistry, but when it comes to the romantic department, they have none. The only thing there is attraction, but no emotions.
Also, during the whole book there was no mention of anything paranormal except in the epilogue, which made me a little confused. It’s a very interesting build up for the sequel, but it’s just a little weird to me, reading something paranormal so suddenly after seeing none during Dakota’s time in Lunar Manor. The disclaimer is readers do not have to read Taste before Savor (and I didn’t), but if these two are closely related and the other is paranormal, I think there should have been a mention of something unusual in this book, even just a little (and I mean not just in the epilogue).
If you’re looking for an awesome read and a good writing style, I recommend this book and author to you.
~ Zee
Savor is amazing and very addictive. I kid you not when I say it’s difficult to suck me in a book completely these days, but this one did just that. It may be the author’s awesome writing, or the interesting concept of the book, or the badass heroine, or just simply all of the above.
I find Dakota Collins a badass character. It’s the way she sounds in the book. It’s very easy to get lost in it. She’s very sassy, too, which I liked very much.
I liked the way the author executed this book. I like it that Savor did not focus on just Dakota and Luka’s chemistry, but also on the Dakota’s project, which is photography. The descriptive way Kate Evangelista wrote the photo shoots and all of Dakota’s ideas are very vivid, which made it easy to visualize. It felt like I was the one looking through the camera’s lens. It felt like I was looking at the picture itself, not merely reading words describing it.
I also liked the all characters’ interaction with each other. Their friendship had a very natural feel to it and it made me think of my own friends.
What dampened my enthusiasm in this book is Luka, the lack of back-stories, and not enough conversations/moments to build the intense chemistry between Dakota and Luka.
Okay, so Luka is your typical rock star who oozes sex appeal. He’s hot, he can be intense, and he . . . can be very unreasonably violent, too. There was a time when I really hated him because he came across as childish and deranged. He had his moments, though, and there was also a time when he was really sweet and I can see why the readers would fall in love with him. Still, I think his violent side overshadows the sweet one—or at least for me, anyway.
I understand that Savor is mostly about Dakota’s photography project, but there was no back-story to make me know the characters a little more, be it Dakota’s or the band’s. This is something that raises a red flag for me.
I hate it that the chemistry between Luka and Dakota is there just because the book says it’s there. There’s no build up of whatsoever. There wasn’t a getting-to-know you conversation and no back-stories were mentioned. The only thing they have is sexual chemistry, but when it comes to the romantic department, they have none. The only thing there is attraction, but no emotions.
Also, during the whole book there was no mention of anything paranormal except in the epilogue, which made me a little confused. It’s a very interesting build up for the sequel, but it’s just a little weird to me, reading something paranormal so suddenly after seeing none during Dakota’s time in Lunar Manor. The disclaimer is readers do not have to read Taste before Savor (and I didn’t), but if these two are closely related and the other is paranormal, I think there should have been a mention of something unusual in this book, even just a little (and I mean not just in the epilogue).
If you’re looking for an awesome read and a good writing style, I recommend this book and author to you.
~ Zee
December 19, 2014
For anyone thinking of reading this book, let me save you the time. Absolutely nothing happens in this book....or better stated, nothing is REVEALED in this book. So little happens through the entire thing, and what kept me going was finally getting some answers in the end. What do you get in the end? A bunch of loose strings and no more information than you had to begin with.
First, you get to meet Dakota and she is super mysterious because she has an eye patch and scars all over her body. And yes, she is also the world's most amazing photographer. Literally EVERYTHING she touches turns to gold. She wants to photograph the band, Viscious, for her final photography project and miraculously she is allowed to do so. She literally has dreams the ENTIRE book of someone chasing her in the woods and cutting her with a knife (thus the eye patch I'm guessing because this really happened even though she just sees it as this dream she keeps having, but has no real memories of it herself). In the end, you STILL don't know who the guy is chasing her or why he cut her up. Super disappointing.
Then you have Luka, who I really liked in 'Taste', but whom I did not care for in 'Savor'. He acts like he likes Dakota, but is obviously still in love with Phoenix. Usually when there is a romance in a book there is some kind of relationship build. Save your time, it's not here. He touches her a few times, she uses him when she wakes up from a horrible nightmare, they kiss like 3 times and that is about it. To me, it wasn't even sexy or romantic or enjoyable to read. I felt more spark in her YA books than in this one. They never really have any kind of bonding moment or relationship development. So in the end, I didn't even care when she left the house...and Luka. Actually, I cared enough that I was happy that she left. He was an idiot.
Finally the photography project, that is basically the basis of this whole story...you NEVER even get to hear about the final product. Super annoying. They describe every shoot in great detail, and then she keeps talking about how she is going to put them all together for her final submission, but the book never gets that far.
Ultimately I am interested enough, because I was strung along for the entire novel, to read the next book just so I can hopefully get some answers. But if you read my review before you buy the book, just save yourself some time and skip to the next book. It's honestly mostly "does Luka really like me? Should I like him? Everyone always stares at my eye patch and it's annoying. Wow, EVERYONE in this band is SO hot (we are reminded of this on every other page) and I'm so lucky to be able to take their picture. My project is going to be so awesome because I've perfectly captured each person's personality through my images. Why do I keep having these dreams?" The end.
First, you get to meet Dakota and she is super mysterious because she has an eye patch and scars all over her body. And yes, she is also the world's most amazing photographer. Literally EVERYTHING she touches turns to gold. She wants to photograph the band, Viscious, for her final photography project and miraculously she is allowed to do so. She literally has dreams the ENTIRE book of someone chasing her in the woods and cutting her with a knife (thus the eye patch I'm guessing because this really happened even though she just sees it as this dream she keeps having, but has no real memories of it herself). In the end, you STILL don't know who the guy is chasing her or why he cut her up. Super disappointing.
Then you have Luka, who I really liked in 'Taste', but whom I did not care for in 'Savor'. He acts like he likes Dakota, but is obviously still in love with Phoenix. Usually when there is a romance in a book there is some kind of relationship build. Save your time, it's not here. He touches her a few times, she uses him when she wakes up from a horrible nightmare, they kiss like 3 times and that is about it. To me, it wasn't even sexy or romantic or enjoyable to read. I felt more spark in her YA books than in this one. They never really have any kind of bonding moment or relationship development. So in the end, I didn't even care when she left the house...and Luka. Actually, I cared enough that I was happy that she left. He was an idiot.
Finally the photography project, that is basically the basis of this whole story...you NEVER even get to hear about the final product. Super annoying. They describe every shoot in great detail, and then she keeps talking about how she is going to put them all together for her final submission, but the book never gets that far.
Ultimately I am interested enough, because I was strung along for the entire novel, to read the next book just so I can hopefully get some answers. But if you read my review before you buy the book, just save yourself some time and skip to the next book. It's honestly mostly "does Luka really like me? Should I like him? Everyone always stares at my eye patch and it's annoying. Wow, EVERYONE in this band is SO hot (we are reminded of this on every other page) and I'm so lucky to be able to take their picture. My project is going to be so awesome because I've perfectly captured each person's personality through my images. Why do I keep having these dreams?" The end.
July 19, 2014
More Reviews Here: Readers Live A Thousand Lives
So I honestly had no idea what I was getting into when I picked up this book. From what I now understand it is a spin off from her Young Adult book Taste. I haven’t read Taste so I really had no clue what to expect from Savor, but good thing is you don’t need to read Taste to understand the events in Savor. However, I definitely want to go back and read Taste now because Savor was such a good read. I was hooked from beginning to end. Also did I mention it is New Adult paranormal? Cause that was a HUGE draw for me!
Dakota is not your normal heroine. For one she wears and eye patch and she rocks that eye patch! It’s very clear that something terrible happened to her, but exactly what isn’t clear. Dakota is so strong and focuses on living her life to the fullest. She doesn’t let her past and limited eyesight stop her. She is a kickass photographer and is determined to be the best photographer she can possibly be. So when the opportunity to photograph Vicious Feast lands in her lap, she can’t let that opportunity pass her by.
Luka is a complicated creature. There were moments where I absolutely loved him and wanted to keep him forever, but then there were moments where I wanted to knock some sense into him. He clearly has demons he is hiding and I’m dying to pull his layers apart. His secrets have secrets and I want to know them all!
While I really came to love all the characters, I can easily say Dray is my favorite secondary character. He is just so sweet and such a cutie. He has so many random facts and I could listen to him list them off all day long. I love every single scene he was in and I want more of him!
Savor was the kind of read with a very slow buildup. I love when this is done well and Savor does it well! The story moves along with pieces and clues being dropped here and there and you have to try and put the whole picture together. I’m still not entirely sure what kind of paranormal being I’m dealing with and the anticipation is killing me. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book! The only thing is I felt like the book climaxed at the end and then the book was just over. I’m left with a lot of questions and I felt like all of Savor was buildup but then I never fully came down from the buildup. It succeeded in leaving me wanting more, but at the same time I’m just like: where are my answers?!?!
Savor is a good read and it is one that keeps you glued to the pages. I loved the characters and the whole world this book created. It’s like a magical world in the middle of our normal one. I am eagerly anticipating the follow up to Savor.
So I honestly had no idea what I was getting into when I picked up this book. From what I now understand it is a spin off from her Young Adult book Taste. I haven’t read Taste so I really had no clue what to expect from Savor, but good thing is you don’t need to read Taste to understand the events in Savor. However, I definitely want to go back and read Taste now because Savor was such a good read. I was hooked from beginning to end. Also did I mention it is New Adult paranormal? Cause that was a HUGE draw for me!
Dakota is not your normal heroine. For one she wears and eye patch and she rocks that eye patch! It’s very clear that something terrible happened to her, but exactly what isn’t clear. Dakota is so strong and focuses on living her life to the fullest. She doesn’t let her past and limited eyesight stop her. She is a kickass photographer and is determined to be the best photographer she can possibly be. So when the opportunity to photograph Vicious Feast lands in her lap, she can’t let that opportunity pass her by.
Luka is a complicated creature. There were moments where I absolutely loved him and wanted to keep him forever, but then there were moments where I wanted to knock some sense into him. He clearly has demons he is hiding and I’m dying to pull his layers apart. His secrets have secrets and I want to know them all!
While I really came to love all the characters, I can easily say Dray is my favorite secondary character. He is just so sweet and such a cutie. He has so many random facts and I could listen to him list them off all day long. I love every single scene he was in and I want more of him!
Savor was the kind of read with a very slow buildup. I love when this is done well and Savor does it well! The story moves along with pieces and clues being dropped here and there and you have to try and put the whole picture together. I’m still not entirely sure what kind of paranormal being I’m dealing with and the anticipation is killing me. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book! The only thing is I felt like the book climaxed at the end and then the book was just over. I’m left with a lot of questions and I felt like all of Savor was buildup but then I never fully came down from the buildup. It succeeded in leaving me wanting more, but at the same time I’m just like: where are my answers?!?!
Savor is a good read and it is one that keeps you glued to the pages. I loved the characters and the whole world this book created. It’s like a magical world in the middle of our normal one. I am eagerly anticipating the follow up to Savor.
January 7, 2014
4.5 Stars
'Savor' is the first book in a New Adult paranormal/horror romance series that follows leading lady Dakota Collins as she follows the indie rock band Vicious around and takes their picture. Dakota needed a subject for her Spring Showcase in order to graduate from college, and when she laid eyes on the sexy bass player, Luka Visraya, she knew she wanted nothing but him for her subject of the project. Miraculously, Luka said 'yes' to her proposal and now she's signed a contract to photograph the band for the next month. Luka is sexy and dangerous - something that spells trouble to Dakota. But will she be able to stay away from him? Then there's all the strange and crazy things that begin to happen while they are at Lunar Manor. Just what exactly is going on - and how are the band members - including Luka - involved?
This was a phenomenal start to what promises to be an awesome series! It teams up some of my favorite genres (paranormal and horror) with some New Adult romance - and something altogether amazing is created. I loved everything about this book! The characters are all well written and easy to feel like you know them (or get to know them). Especially main character Dakota. She's a badass chick - smart, witty, and a great photographer. She's the narrator of the story and I immediately related with her from the beginning of the book. Luka is sexy as all get out, along with the standard dangerous, bad boy, mysterious qualities that all these types of guys must have. I loved watching Dakota and Luka get to know each other and see where things went with them. The plot was fun and steamy and creepy at certain points too. This type of mash-up might not appeal to all readers, but it was definitely right up my alley and I got completely sucked in from the start. I ended up reading the entire book in one sitting because I had to find out all the secrets and what was really going on - and to see where things went with the romance. The author writes with such detail and vivid descriptions that I felt like I was right there alongside the characters for the whole book. Overall, this was an amazing first book that fans of paranormal romance and horror need to get their hands on. I'm already impatiently awaiting the next book to come out - which is the only bad part. Very highly recommended!!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
'Savor' is the first book in a New Adult paranormal/horror romance series that follows leading lady Dakota Collins as she follows the indie rock band Vicious around and takes their picture. Dakota needed a subject for her Spring Showcase in order to graduate from college, and when she laid eyes on the sexy bass player, Luka Visraya, she knew she wanted nothing but him for her subject of the project. Miraculously, Luka said 'yes' to her proposal and now she's signed a contract to photograph the band for the next month. Luka is sexy and dangerous - something that spells trouble to Dakota. But will she be able to stay away from him? Then there's all the strange and crazy things that begin to happen while they are at Lunar Manor. Just what exactly is going on - and how are the band members - including Luka - involved?
This was a phenomenal start to what promises to be an awesome series! It teams up some of my favorite genres (paranormal and horror) with some New Adult romance - and something altogether amazing is created. I loved everything about this book! The characters are all well written and easy to feel like you know them (or get to know them). Especially main character Dakota. She's a badass chick - smart, witty, and a great photographer. She's the narrator of the story and I immediately related with her from the beginning of the book. Luka is sexy as all get out, along with the standard dangerous, bad boy, mysterious qualities that all these types of guys must have. I loved watching Dakota and Luka get to know each other and see where things went with them. The plot was fun and steamy and creepy at certain points too. This type of mash-up might not appeal to all readers, but it was definitely right up my alley and I got completely sucked in from the start. I ended up reading the entire book in one sitting because I had to find out all the secrets and what was really going on - and to see where things went with the romance. The author writes with such detail and vivid descriptions that I felt like I was right there alongside the characters for the whole book. Overall, this was an amazing first book that fans of paranormal romance and horror need to get their hands on. I'm already impatiently awaiting the next book to come out - which is the only bad part. Very highly recommended!!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2014
I decided to read this book for the blog tour basically because I liked Taste, which is not a part of the series but it does feature a lot of the characters from that book, like Phoenix, Demitri, Dray, Yana and of course Luka but not the main character. Do you have to read Taste to read Savor? No, but it's nice to have read about these characters when they were younger.
I really, really liked this book. I actually liked it more than Taste to be honest. Is it because Kate's books are getting better or because it's an adult novel? I have no idea. Maybe a little bit of both. There's a huge difference between both books but I enjoyed Savor way more. I liked the main character, Dakota. I loved getting to know the other characters all over again and I loved the story and writing.
Dakota has definitely grown into one of my favorite female characters of all time. She has an eye patch, people! Yes, it's obvious she's been through really bad stuff, things that haven't been revealed except in some sort of dream/memory things but it's still cool that Dakota's character isn't perfect in the physical sense with the way she only has one eye and those awful scars. Aside from that she's just plain awesome and I love how she's really her own person with a lot of confidence and basically says, 'here I am? Don't like it? Screw you.' I love that about her.
And Luka? Oh my rock god! He was delicious. I have to admit he was very different from the person he was in Taste but it seems like they have all changed. It's normal I guess, since four years have past but it's still a bit to take in. It also left me a little bit confused as to what happened to get them from the end of Taste (and everything that happened in that book) to Savor. Also with knowing Taste, I had expected more paranormal aspects since I know what the characters are. The paranormal aspect did came, although it was very minor but it was a huge twist. But this book was so awesome overall that all that stuff I was confused about didn't really matter as much. But anyway, Luka... Much much love for him.
Hot, funny and so entertaining, Savor by Kate Evangelista made for a great read. I really enjoyed reading this book and I must say that I think it's this author's best book so far (of the ones I have read). If you're looking for a fun book that's fast-paced with awesome writing, you definitely need to read it. Oh and it has Luka. You'll definitely want to read Savor!
I really, really liked this book. I actually liked it more than Taste to be honest. Is it because Kate's books are getting better or because it's an adult novel? I have no idea. Maybe a little bit of both. There's a huge difference between both books but I enjoyed Savor way more. I liked the main character, Dakota. I loved getting to know the other characters all over again and I loved the story and writing.
Dakota has definitely grown into one of my favorite female characters of all time. She has an eye patch, people! Yes, it's obvious she's been through really bad stuff, things that haven't been revealed except in some sort of dream/memory things but it's still cool that Dakota's character isn't perfect in the physical sense with the way she only has one eye and those awful scars. Aside from that she's just plain awesome and I love how she's really her own person with a lot of confidence and basically says, 'here I am? Don't like it? Screw you.' I love that about her.
And Luka? Oh my rock god! He was delicious. I have to admit he was very different from the person he was in Taste but it seems like they have all changed. It's normal I guess, since four years have past but it's still a bit to take in. It also left me a little bit confused as to what happened to get them from the end of Taste (and everything that happened in that book) to Savor. Also with knowing Taste, I had expected more paranormal aspects since I know what the characters are. The paranormal aspect did came, although it was very minor but it was a huge twist. But this book was so awesome overall that all that stuff I was confused about didn't really matter as much. But anyway, Luka... Much much love for him.
Hot, funny and so entertaining, Savor by Kate Evangelista made for a great read. I really enjoyed reading this book and I must say that I think it's this author's best book so far (of the ones I have read). If you're looking for a fun book that's fast-paced with awesome writing, you definitely need to read it. Oh and it has Luka. You'll definitely want to read Savor!
March 28, 2021
Let me just cry myself a river.
So that I can drown myself... From this terrible disappointment.
It's been about three years since I've read Taste, and back then, I absolutely loved it. I didn't care much for the protagonist, but I literally obsessed over Luka for more than weeks after finishing the book. (You can imagine how irritated one of my best friends was, whose name also happens to be Luka.)
So when the author planned Savor, I praised her like a goddess and thought that my prayers had been answered.
That was before Sarah J. Maas wrote A Court of Mist and Fury.
Unfortunately, it was only about a week ago that I decided to pick these up again. And what a let down it was.
Maybe, had I read Savor immediately after publication, I might have enjoyed it more. Maybe, had I read it when I was still fully in that Luka daze, I might have appreciated it more.
I probably shouldn't have reread Taste before I started this one. First of all, I felt like I had grown out of the appeal the story had to offer. Second of all, it added to my disappointment for Savor.
Savor is not the sequel of Taste, which became clear when pretty much everything in Savor failed to match up with what I had read in Taste. Except for the character names, everything else seemed like a parallel universe to the one in Taste. The setting was different, the characters were completely out of character and the total change of atmosphere from fantasy to contemporary was the strangest thing I've ever read. I couldn't make the transition from Taste to Savor smoothly, and apparently, neither could the author.
Kate, in the beginning, made me believe that I was reading about a completely different universe from the one in Taste, and yet she eventually started incorporating all kinds of references to Taste throughout the rest of the novel. It didn't make any sense and only added to the confusion and awkwardness I felt while reading Savor.
The protagonist was, once again, unlikable. The language was... odd. ('Chewed up and spit out like Chinese food gone sour.' What?!) The plot wasn't engaging and the characters lacked development. The worst part? Luka lost more than half of his appeal.
Well, if that didn't piss me off.
So that I can drown myself... From this terrible disappointment.
It's been about three years since I've read Taste, and back then, I absolutely loved it. I didn't care much for the protagonist, but I literally obsessed over Luka for more than weeks after finishing the book. (You can imagine how irritated one of my best friends was, whose name also happens to be Luka.)
So when the author planned Savor, I praised her like a goddess and thought that my prayers had been answered.
That was before Sarah J. Maas wrote A Court of Mist and Fury.
Unfortunately, it was only about a week ago that I decided to pick these up again. And what a let down it was.
Maybe, had I read Savor immediately after publication, I might have enjoyed it more. Maybe, had I read it when I was still fully in that Luka daze, I might have appreciated it more.
I probably shouldn't have reread Taste before I started this one. First of all, I felt like I had grown out of the appeal the story had to offer. Second of all, it added to my disappointment for Savor.
Savor is not the sequel of Taste, which became clear when pretty much everything in Savor failed to match up with what I had read in Taste. Except for the character names, everything else seemed like a parallel universe to the one in Taste. The setting was different, the characters were completely out of character and the total change of atmosphere from fantasy to contemporary was the strangest thing I've ever read. I couldn't make the transition from Taste to Savor smoothly, and apparently, neither could the author.
Kate, in the beginning, made me believe that I was reading about a completely different universe from the one in Taste, and yet she eventually started incorporating all kinds of references to Taste throughout the rest of the novel. It didn't make any sense and only added to the confusion and awkwardness I felt while reading Savor.
The protagonist was, once again, unlikable. The language was... odd. ('Chewed up and spit out like Chinese food gone sour.' What?!) The plot wasn't engaging and the characters lacked development. The worst part? Luka lost more than half of his appeal.
Well, if that didn't piss me off.
January 17, 2014
(Mature and explicit content. Not recommended for readers under 18yo)
Holy cliffhanger, Batman! I didn’t see that ending coming and that’s what made it so thrilling. I cursed in shock then I saw the epilogue and hoped for some answers and found none. The sneak peak for book #2 followed and by then I was pacified. In all, Ms Evangelista’s evil scheme (just kidding) worked because no reader in their right mind would stop at this book and not find out what happens next.
I don’t know what to make of the leading characters. If I’d met Luka in real life I’d run. Run the other way, very very fast! His possessiveness screamed trouble, as in signs of potential domestic abuse kind of relationship. But as a fictional character, his sexiness forgave any and all flaws. Then there’s Dakota. A woman scarred, literally and figuratively, exuded obscurity. Confident in projection but in truth was a lost soul. Mix the two and you’ve got chemistry gone awry! They were insanely likeable. So that made for a swift page turning experience. Plus, their mysterious past that needed to surface got me hooked to the end. The entire story was too stinking off that it was brilliant!
Oh that's not all. My memory is incredibly bad. So much so that I completely forgot how this ties in with the author's young adult book, "Taste", which I absolutely loved. No wonder certain characters and places seemed familiar. I looked back at my review of "Taste" and sure enough three of the characters showed up. Good golly. I need extra strength dose of Gingkoba! Even so this book took in a new life. The paranormal aspect wasn't secured until the very end so before then the read had the adult romance fiction feel to it. Then that ending. Can't talk about it enough. That just sealed the deal. I may have found some scenes racy and language vulgar but all that was forgiven and forgotten. I'm so ready to ready book #2, NOW!
Girl, Ms Evangelista. You. Can. Write! Therefore. I. Am. Still. A. Big. Fan!
Jinky is Reading
Holy cliffhanger, Batman! I didn’t see that ending coming and that’s what made it so thrilling. I cursed in shock then I saw the epilogue and hoped for some answers and found none. The sneak peak for book #2 followed and by then I was pacified. In all, Ms Evangelista’s evil scheme (just kidding) worked because no reader in their right mind would stop at this book and not find out what happens next.
I don’t know what to make of the leading characters. If I’d met Luka in real life I’d run. Run the other way, very very fast! His possessiveness screamed trouble, as in signs of potential domestic abuse kind of relationship. But as a fictional character, his sexiness forgave any and all flaws. Then there’s Dakota. A woman scarred, literally and figuratively, exuded obscurity. Confident in projection but in truth was a lost soul. Mix the two and you’ve got chemistry gone awry! They were insanely likeable. So that made for a swift page turning experience. Plus, their mysterious past that needed to surface got me hooked to the end. The entire story was too stinking off that it was brilliant!
Oh that's not all. My memory is incredibly bad. So much so that I completely forgot how this ties in with the author's young adult book, "Taste", which I absolutely loved. No wonder certain characters and places seemed familiar. I looked back at my review of "Taste" and sure enough three of the characters showed up. Good golly. I need extra strength dose of Gingkoba! Even so this book took in a new life. The paranormal aspect wasn't secured until the very end so before then the read had the adult romance fiction feel to it. Then that ending. Can't talk about it enough. That just sealed the deal. I may have found some scenes racy and language vulgar but all that was forgiven and forgotten. I'm so ready to ready book #2, NOW!
Girl, Ms Evangelista. You. Can. Write! Therefore. I. Am. Still. A. Big. Fan!
Jinky is Reading
January 8, 2014
Okay first I have to say that Kate is freaking amazing like totally amaze balls with this series. If you have not read any of her books you are doing yourself a disservice because she is one hot smoking mama when it comes to writing paranormal. If you have read her other book TASTE you will thoroughly enjoy this one because my friends the bassist Luka from this book is one and the same from TASTE and if you loved him in that book he is even more yummy in this book because it is his story with a girl I have grown to love Dakota. Holy amaze balls Dakota is the bomb with just the right amount of mystery to her that will leave you wanting more and Kate is so cruel but in a good way I love my cliff hangers because it keeps me stalking the author for the next book.
So here are some deets with out giving away anything because this book is so dam amazing you have to read it yourself to enjoy it I promise!
Dakota is a photography student and she needs to do a showcase for her class in order to graduate. She wears a patch over her eye due to an accident but that does not stop her from taking pictures and capturing the essence of her subjects. So she goes to this club to see the Indie Rock Band Vicious play and do a report and take pictures when her life changes and for better I might add because she gets the chance of a lifetime by being able to spend a month with the band and taking pictures of them! Holy mother lover is she excited but when she meets Luka she knows she is in for a big surprise and she is not sure what it is but she knows her life is about to change. And you know what she was right but you have to read this book to see what happens because Kate my friend you are brilliant and I needed more of my mysterious boy Luka and you gave it to me thank you so much. I need book two like yesterday!
So here are some deets with out giving away anything because this book is so dam amazing you have to read it yourself to enjoy it I promise!
Dakota is a photography student and she needs to do a showcase for her class in order to graduate. She wears a patch over her eye due to an accident but that does not stop her from taking pictures and capturing the essence of her subjects. So she goes to this club to see the Indie Rock Band Vicious play and do a report and take pictures when her life changes and for better I might add because she gets the chance of a lifetime by being able to spend a month with the band and taking pictures of them! Holy mother lover is she excited but when she meets Luka she knows she is in for a big surprise and she is not sure what it is but she knows her life is about to change. And you know what she was right but you have to read this book to see what happens because Kate my friend you are brilliant and I needed more of my mysterious boy Luka and you gave it to me thank you so much. I need book two like yesterday!
July 12, 2016
I adored Taste, Evangelista's novel about zombies and the human girl who found her way into their world. Well, Savor brings back some of those characters - only now they're in a rock band, topping the charts, but still keeping secrets. That being said, it isn't necessary to read Taste to enjoy Savor.
Savor is told from the perspective of the eye patch wearing, tell it like she sees it, passionate Dakota. We follow her as she falls down the rabbit hole, falls into the strange, crazy, addictive world that is Vicious. I thought she was a very original character, I mean, she's got an eye patch, but she's so interesting and admirable. I also thought it was fabulous the way Evangelista used photography, not only for what it means to Dakota, but for a way to show the readers the world and how through Dakota's camera we see who the characters really are deep inside.
I loved seeing all the characters from Taste, Dray, the mad scientist, fabulous Phoenix, t-shirt repellant Demetri, fashion crazed Yana and moody Luka. I had a soft spot in my heart for Luka and was excited to see more of him. He's a complicated guy and in some ways I feel like I understand him even less now. Through Dakota's eyes we get to see his many facets - especially the sexy side as Dakota and Luka share hungry looks and covert touches.
There was a lot to keep me turning the pages, dying to know what happens next. Along with the drama and romance, there's a bit of mystery, what's up with Dakota's dreams? Exactly what happened to her? and an element of the paranormal.
And the ending? Huh? What just happened? Phoenix and ? What in the world is going on? And when is book two, Relish, releasing?
Disclosure: ebook provided in exchange for an honest review
Savor is told from the perspective of the eye patch wearing, tell it like she sees it, passionate Dakota. We follow her as she falls down the rabbit hole, falls into the strange, crazy, addictive world that is Vicious. I thought she was a very original character, I mean, she's got an eye patch, but she's so interesting and admirable. I also thought it was fabulous the way Evangelista used photography, not only for what it means to Dakota, but for a way to show the readers the world and how through Dakota's camera we see who the characters really are deep inside.
I loved seeing all the characters from Taste, Dray, the mad scientist, fabulous Phoenix, t-shirt repellant Demetri, fashion crazed Yana and moody Luka. I had a soft spot in my heart for Luka and was excited to see more of him. He's a complicated guy and in some ways I feel like I understand him even less now. Through Dakota's eyes we get to see his many facets - especially the sexy side as Dakota and Luka share hungry looks and covert touches.
There was a lot to keep me turning the pages, dying to know what happens next. Along with the drama and romance, there's a bit of mystery, what's up with Dakota's dreams? Exactly what happened to her? and an element of the paranormal.
And the ending? Huh? What just happened? Phoenix and ? What in the world is going on? And when is book two, Relish, releasing?
Disclosure: ebook provided in exchange for an honest review
November 2, 2015
So, what can I say about Savor? Let me give you an example of me finishing this AWESOME book with a little help from Sulley...
Savor is told by Dakota Collins, our photography student and eye patch wearin' MC as she prepares to graduate from college. On a job for the school paper, Dakota has a once in a lifetime meeting with the world famous rock band, Vicious whose bassist Luka Visraya is smokin' hot (okay, the whole band is smokin' hot) and difficult to figure out and she ends up getting the chance to photograph the band for her final project which means she'll be spending a month at Lunar Manor.
The story is really an all-around fun way to pass the time, the banter between everyone kept me cracking up and the sexual tension between Dakota and Luka was hot and sweet but Savor is a great deal of romance and you don't really start to learn of anything paranormal until the very end of the book so I am definitely looking forward to Relish because of that. Also, fair warning, there are some smexy, smexy scenes in Savor peeps, lots of swooning and fanning will commence for you when reading this.
In conclusion, Savor has everything you need for the perfect book, loveable characters, hot rockers, beautiful music and an ending to keep you hooked.
Savor is told by Dakota Collins, our photography student and eye patch wearin' MC as she prepares to graduate from college. On a job for the school paper, Dakota has a once in a lifetime meeting with the world famous rock band, Vicious whose bassist Luka Visraya is smokin' hot (okay, the whole band is smokin' hot) and difficult to figure out and she ends up getting the chance to photograph the band for her final project which means she'll be spending a month at Lunar Manor.
The story is really an all-around fun way to pass the time, the banter between everyone kept me cracking up and the sexual tension between Dakota and Luka was hot and sweet but Savor is a great deal of romance and you don't really start to learn of anything paranormal until the very end of the book so I am definitely looking forward to Relish because of that. Also, fair warning, there are some smexy, smexy scenes in Savor peeps, lots of swooning and fanning will commence for you when reading this.
In conclusion, Savor has everything you need for the perfect book, loveable characters, hot rockers, beautiful music and an ending to keep you hooked.
January 11, 2014
Hi guys!!! you can view my review now! Home of a Book Lover
Before I proceed to my review, I want to praise the cover of the book, personally, I am very attracted to it. I like the color scheme and the designs, I love this just like Taste I really thought this book is the next sequel but I was wrong. I fell in love with the cover right away and now to deal with the content, I don’t know exactly how I am going to describe my feelings (to Luka? Just kidding haha). This book has a good story and a good concept. I honestly can relate with photography and the band, maybe because I am dreaming to have both professions. I just love photography and editing photos (isn’t it obvious on my blog?) and it’s my dream to have my own band or join a band. Enough of my background LOL. I like the roles of each character it really stands out, not just hey she’s the photographer and here’s the band, every person has different side story. I like how the author gave focus on each one and I enjoyed the photo shoot part, I was like watching a movie and I can imagine them doing the photo shoot, it was so clear in my head, their poses and facial expressions.
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I love Luka here but he's a bit stupid too,.. No space for Demitri this time :))
Review will be up soon! :)
Before I proceed to my review, I want to praise the cover of the book, personally, I am very attracted to it. I like the color scheme and the designs, I love this just like Taste I really thought this book is the next sequel but I was wrong. I fell in love with the cover right away and now to deal with the content, I don’t know exactly how I am going to describe my feelings (to Luka? Just kidding haha). This book has a good story and a good concept. I honestly can relate with photography and the band, maybe because I am dreaming to have both professions. I just love photography and editing photos (isn’t it obvious on my blog?) and it’s my dream to have my own band or join a band. Enough of my background LOL. I like the roles of each character it really stands out, not just hey she’s the photographer and here’s the band, every person has different side story. I like how the author gave focus on each one and I enjoyed the photo shoot part, I was like watching a movie and I can imagine them doing the photo shoot, it was so clear in my head, their poses and facial expressions.
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I love Luka here but he's a bit stupid too,.. No space for Demitri this time :))
Review will be up soon! :)
March 15, 2015
Love it then! Love it now! I read this last year and since Relish is here I wanted to reread this in order to get more Luka fix, since Relish with be the last book. I love the story and the mystery that surrounds it. It's not really paranormal IMO (well not until the end or if you have a background of Taste) it's more of a love story. And yes, it's for the mature audience as compared to Kate Evangelista's other books but it's not that "mature" wherein you get to read sex in every chapter. It has a good story, likeable characters and no cliffhanger ending (well not really).
First chapter in I LOVE DAKOTA. Love her. And Luka my Luka! I love the guy tho he was an douche in the end of the story for saying that to Dakota and I might have sided with Dakota on that one. Not gonna make this long....on to Relish. =)
First chapter in I LOVE DAKOTA. Love her. And Luka my Luka! I love the guy tho he was an douche in the end of the story for saying that to Dakota and I might have sided with Dakota on that one. Not gonna make this long....on to Relish. =)
December 17, 2014
I have mixed feelings about this book. Clearly, the author's prose has improved since Taste, and there were some moments of awesomeness in this story *coughDraycough*. However, my annoyance with Luka and Dakota kind of gets in the way of me liking this book. I can't keep track of how many times Luka was describes as a rock god, and how childish, creepy, and annoying he could be at the same time. Dakota, on the other hand, started strong for me, but ended up being indecisive and weird. I didn't really believe the chemistry between the two of them (I think the POV used to tell the story was what set me off--there was a lot of telling than showing). A huge chunk of Dakota's background was left untold and it irked me that the story had to end in a cliffhanger to reveal that thing. I was more frustrated and annoyed rather than satisfied and happy after reading. But strange enough, I want to read Relish just to get those answers. I just hope they're worth it.
April 22, 2014
Evangelista’s novel is an emotional ride wrought with snappy conversations, a realistic family dynamic between the bandmates, and a heroine so strong-willed yet vulnerable that one roots for her happiness.
Read full review in the 2014 April issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 April issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read
January 5, 2014That was a killer ending. how am I suppose to wait for book 2
January 6, 2025
Hmmm..How do I start this review??I'll try to make this as coherent as possible without gushing about how much I loved it.As the blurb says Dakota Collins our protagonist is "a tough talking, eye patch wearing, and workaholic photography student".
She takes photos for her college paper Daily Gossip.During one such assignment she goes to a club opening where she meets the enigmatic bassist of Vicious - Luka Visraya. She immediately decides that her camera loves him and wants to use him as a subject for her Spring Showcase introspective. Yana-Luka's sister and Vicious band manager offers Dakota a deal after being impressed by Dakota's talents.So Dakota signs a contract of a one month duration to take pictures of Vicious and she plans to use all the bandmates as subjects for her Spring Showcase.
I loved Dakota.She is truly one of those rare protagonists who are snarky,witty and strong.She is extremely talented in photography.I loved how she uses the camera lens to see the world.
My response coaxed a shy smile from Luka. Using quick reflexes, I captured the moment before it disappeared. Who knows when it would happen again?
Luka chuckled. “You really treat that camera like an extra limb, don’t you?”
My gaze dropped to my constant companion. The only thing in my life that truly understood me. I didn’t know why, but I said, “After I lost my eye, my camera became like my window to the world. I wouldn’t trade what I see through its lens for anything else.”
“Even for your eyesight back?”
The seriousness of the question took me aback. I had to think about it for a long minute. Would I really trade my camera for a chance to get my eye back?
She didn't wallow in self-pity or like most of the other heroines have any issues about her appearance.She wears her eye-patch without shame and accepts her situation.
And Luka..*sigh* Who cannot love him??I agree with one of the other reviewers who said that he is a little bit like Adrian Ivashkov.Except he is a thousand times more intense and charismatic.He is charming and sexy but at the same time has an air of mystery around him which draws you in.I loved the banter between him and Dakota.The chemistry between them was so good!!
He glanced up at me without straightening from his bent position over the sheets of paper scattered all over the coffee table. “What part of ‘not gonna happen’ don’t you understand?”
I threw up my hands. The seriousness in his voice deflated my temper. Another thing I began to understand? How much of a pushover I’d become since coming to Lunar Manor. Shoulders drooping, I sank down into the couch.
“What? A knee to the family jewels not enough of a deterrent for you?” I challenged half-heartedly.
He merely snorted, returning his attention to the music sheets. “I’d say low blow if it didn’t sound so pathetic right now.”
The book was beautifully written with hints and touches of paranormal happenings.As this is the first book I guess the author in't telling us everything.And the ending Oh my!!I can't wait for Relish.I badly need to know what happened to Dakota.In the meantime I am going to go and read Taste to have an idea about what is happening.
**I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
She takes photos for her college paper Daily Gossip.During one such assignment she goes to a club opening where she meets the enigmatic bassist of Vicious - Luka Visraya. She immediately decides that her camera loves him and wants to use him as a subject for her Spring Showcase introspective. Yana-Luka's sister and Vicious band manager offers Dakota a deal after being impressed by Dakota's talents.So Dakota signs a contract of a one month duration to take pictures of Vicious and she plans to use all the bandmates as subjects for her Spring Showcase.
I loved Dakota.She is truly one of those rare protagonists who are snarky,witty and strong.She is extremely talented in photography.I loved how she uses the camera lens to see the world.
My response coaxed a shy smile from Luka. Using quick reflexes, I captured the moment before it disappeared. Who knows when it would happen again?
Luka chuckled. “You really treat that camera like an extra limb, don’t you?”
My gaze dropped to my constant companion. The only thing in my life that truly understood me. I didn’t know why, but I said, “After I lost my eye, my camera became like my window to the world. I wouldn’t trade what I see through its lens for anything else.”
“Even for your eyesight back?”
The seriousness of the question took me aback. I had to think about it for a long minute. Would I really trade my camera for a chance to get my eye back?
She didn't wallow in self-pity or like most of the other heroines have any issues about her appearance.She wears her eye-patch without shame and accepts her situation.
And Luka..*sigh* Who cannot love him??I agree with one of the other reviewers who said that he is a little bit like Adrian Ivashkov.Except he is a thousand times more intense and charismatic.He is charming and sexy but at the same time has an air of mystery around him which draws you in.I loved the banter between him and Dakota.The chemistry between them was so good!!
He glanced up at me without straightening from his bent position over the sheets of paper scattered all over the coffee table. “What part of ‘not gonna happen’ don’t you understand?”
I threw up my hands. The seriousness in his voice deflated my temper. Another thing I began to understand? How much of a pushover I’d become since coming to Lunar Manor. Shoulders drooping, I sank down into the couch.
“What? A knee to the family jewels not enough of a deterrent for you?” I challenged half-heartedly.
He merely snorted, returning his attention to the music sheets. “I’d say low blow if it didn’t sound so pathetic right now.”
The book was beautifully written with hints and touches of paranormal happenings.As this is the first book I guess the author in't telling us everything.And the ending Oh my!!I can't wait for Relish.I badly need to know what happened to Dakota.In the meantime I am going to go and read Taste to have an idea about what is happening.
**I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
January 4, 2018
This book is very moving. It literally caught me. I rushed to a bookstore to grab the book 2 the same day I finished it. It was the first book, I finished reading this new year. Hooray!
Like Dakota, I want answers as well. I hope I'll have them in a relishing way ;)
Like Dakota, I want answers as well. I hope I'll have them in a relishing way ;)
September 10, 2016
(I was given an e-copy of this book by the author, in exchange for an honest review.)
Having reviewed Taste a couple of years ago, I was intrigued by the premise of this novel, wondering how it tied into it, and what role would the characters play in it. I'll get back to this at the end of my review, but for the moment, I'd simply advise that: if you haven't read the "prequel" yet, it's probably best not to do it right now, and focus on Savor instead.
I'm going to start with one problematic thing for me: sometimes I thought the story was going too slowly. It's nothing too definite, just a feeling I had. Perhaps because of some of the descriptions? But then, I've always had a love/hate relationship with descriptions—and in a paradoxical way, I can appreciate a detailed description while still finding it too long. Don't ask.
On the other hand, those make the photo shoots very easy to picture, and in turn, you realise they must be absolutely gorgeous. At the end of each shoot, I wished I could see Dakota's photos IRL.
I liked Dakota as a protagonist. She's the right amount of sassy, refuses to be victimised and behave like a victim, in spite of what happened to her, she doesn't wallow in safe-pity, and she does her best to place the job she wants to do first... although the temptations around her are pretty strong. She's not perfect, and has her shortcomings. There's that one scene, for instance, where Luka does to her what she did to him before, and she flips out because it's unacceptable to her: double standard alert. However, she also realises that her reaction is unfair, acknowledges it, which made her likeable again after that, uh, unglorious episode. (I really don't do well with double standards.)
The other characters: they all had their little quirks. I really liked Dray and his "fact of the day" attitude, which was funny and ador(k)able. I wish we had known more about Calixta, though. She seemed to have the part of "the one who resents the new arrival in the family", but I didn't really understand why. Was it just instant dislike the way, well, the way it sometimes happens in real life? Or something else? (If the latter, then it wasn't too clear.)
The mysterious aspects: very lightly spread throughout the story. You have to pay attention and not miss them. Once I reached the ending, I started to think in retrospect: "OK, so maybe this and that part actually hinted to that, I must check and re-read those." Personnally, I like when I find myself having to do that.
The romance itself: if you like this genre, you'll probably enjoy it. There's a rather twisted edge to it, but the characters are aware of it, and I didn't feel like they were trying to make excuses, or to pretend everything was perfectly OK. I much prefer when they face the potential consequences, rather than when they're presented as perfect models but are in fact pompous self-righteous judgmental people. There's not mistaking it here: something fishy's going on, we know it, they know it, and I didn't feel myself cheated like I did with many other romance stories.
The writing: I found it more mature than in the previous book I read from this author. (In that book, I thought she used a lot of weird similes; it's not the case here.)
One thing that confused me highly, but that I won't hold against the story nor the author because, frankly, I just didn't do my research about it, didn't read her blog or whatever; maybe this was explained somewhere, maybe not. I'm mentioning it because others might have felt the same, but I want to make one thing clear: this is because I read Taste first. It doesn't bear in any other way on Savor, and the latter is enjoyable regardless. Heavy spoiler ahead.
Conclusion: I'm giving it 3.5 to 4 stars. A little too slow at times for my taste, but with beautiful descriptions and ideas for the photos, and an interesting protagonist, flawed in a believable way.
Having reviewed Taste a couple of years ago, I was intrigued by the premise of this novel, wondering how it tied into it, and what role would the characters play in it. I'll get back to this at the end of my review, but for the moment, I'd simply advise that: if you haven't read the "prequel" yet, it's probably best not to do it right now, and focus on Savor instead.
I'm going to start with one problematic thing for me: sometimes I thought the story was going too slowly. It's nothing too definite, just a feeling I had. Perhaps because of some of the descriptions? But then, I've always had a love/hate relationship with descriptions—and in a paradoxical way, I can appreciate a detailed description while still finding it too long. Don't ask.
On the other hand, those make the photo shoots very easy to picture, and in turn, you realise they must be absolutely gorgeous. At the end of each shoot, I wished I could see Dakota's photos IRL.
I liked Dakota as a protagonist. She's the right amount of sassy, refuses to be victimised and behave like a victim, in spite of what happened to her, she doesn't wallow in safe-pity, and she does her best to place the job she wants to do first... although the temptations around her are pretty strong. She's not perfect, and has her shortcomings. There's that one scene, for instance, where Luka does to her what she did to him before, and she flips out because it's unacceptable to her: double standard alert. However, she also realises that her reaction is unfair, acknowledges it, which made her likeable again after that, uh, unglorious episode. (I really don't do well with double standards.)
The other characters: they all had their little quirks. I really liked Dray and his "fact of the day" attitude, which was funny and ador(k)able. I wish we had known more about Calixta, though. She seemed to have the part of "the one who resents the new arrival in the family", but I didn't really understand why. Was it just instant dislike the way, well, the way it sometimes happens in real life? Or something else? (If the latter, then it wasn't too clear.)
The mysterious aspects: very lightly spread throughout the story. You have to pay attention and not miss them. Once I reached the ending, I started to think in retrospect: "OK, so maybe this and that part actually hinted to that, I must check and re-read those." Personnally, I like when I find myself having to do that.
The romance itself: if you like this genre, you'll probably enjoy it. There's a rather twisted edge to it, but the characters are aware of it, and I didn't feel like they were trying to make excuses, or to pretend everything was perfectly OK. I much prefer when they face the potential consequences, rather than when they're presented as perfect models but are in fact pompous self-righteous judgmental people. There's not mistaking it here: something fishy's going on, we know it, they know it, and I didn't feel myself cheated like I did with many other romance stories.
The writing: I found it more mature than in the previous book I read from this author. (In that book, I thought she used a lot of weird similes; it's not the case here.)
One thing that confused me highly, but that I won't hold against the story nor the author because, frankly, I just didn't do my research about it, didn't read her blog or whatever; maybe this was explained somewhere, maybe not. I'm mentioning it because others might have felt the same, but I want to make one thing clear: this is because I read Taste first. It doesn't bear in any other way on Savor, and the latter is enjoyable regardless. Heavy spoiler ahead.
Conclusion: I'm giving it 3.5 to 4 stars. A little too slow at times for my taste, but with beautiful descriptions and ideas for the photos, and an interesting protagonist, flawed in a believable way.
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