Everything Ana Sartori knows about herself, and her father, is a lie. Or so the Walsh clan would have her believe. Their claims are convincing, the details too vivid to dismiss outright, but she can’t imagine her father as the villain of her story.
Carmichael Sartori is a lot of things. Ruthless. Merciless. Pitiless. But alphas aren’t known for being pushovers. Ana knows pack law is brutal for a reason, and her father enforces the rules with tooth and claw to protect his people. Including her.
But the more time she spends with the Walsh clan, the wider her eyes open to the possibilities of what an alpha could be, what a pack should be, and it makes her wonder if the Walshes are right about other things. The only way for Ana to be certain is to face her father. She’ll have to throw herself to the wolves and hope she makes it out alive with her answers.
Hailey Edwards writes about questionable applications of otherwise perfectly good magic, the transformative power of love, the family you choose for yourself, and blowing stuff up. Not necessarily all at once. That could get messy.
So we get the next few chapters of what I’m guessing is a serialized story… but most definitely would have been SO much better had we just waited for it to be one full length novel to begin with. As is, the time between publication ( six months for this one, a YEAR until the next!)) of each short installment leaves the reader completely lost when picking the next book. This is especially hard because Ms. Edwards immediately drops us into the storyline as if we just turned the page to the next chapter - mid conversation! There is absolutely no tidbits that will remind us who the characters and their relationships are, no help in catching up with what has happened so far, etc. etc. And, for avid readers like myself, who can read 100 other books in between, there is just no way to remember everything and everybody enough to have ANY idea where we are.
That, along with a whole list of small annoyances such as a FMC that seriously does the most TSTL stuff that it is head rolling (that’s much bigger than eye rolling, let me tell ya). And a Big, bad dragon who acts more like a scared little lizard…. And * warning; the next bit might be kinda maybe spoilerish* what was with that “big” scene where she gets shot and he doesn’t do a THING? Where are the flames, the anger, the retribution, for hurting his MATE?!?!? Nope, let’s just pick her up and go home.
*sigh* Still love the author, just having a bit of trouble with this whole bit.
Three stars is probably an overly generous round up here, because I'm likely not continuing with this series.
On the one hand, it is interesting because this is basically a story following an FMC who has her entire life flipped on its head. Basically, nothing in her life was as she believed it to be.
The problem I have with it, though, is that the FMC is not only a total damsel, she's also utterly brainless. I'm not sure if it is the result of a lifetime of brainwashing (probably) or if she has a potato growing between her ears, but she constantly makes the dumbest possible choice in this book. She was insufferable, and nearly gets people who care about her killed as they follow along with her stupid bullshit.
And I don't get why But because this chick has the intelligence of a box of rocks, she doesn't do it, and just flounders around like a moron. I had secondhand embarrassment for most of this book, quite frankly.
I don't really like her, don't much care what happens with her, and so likely won't bother with the final book in this trilogy when it comes out.
So we're finally getting somewhere in this story, and then we end in a cliffhanger?! AND the next book won't be out for a year?! Come on. Deducted a star for that crap ending.
Loved this! My only wish is for the next to be longer so I don’t finish so quickly. Rian and Ana’s story just keeps me turning the pages. I hope these come out in a printed format for my keeper shelves
enjoyed book 1 better, thought this one lost it’s way
Rating: 3⭐️
The Goblin in the Sink (Groom and Doom Book 2) by Hailey Edwards is a good example of how a series can lose their initial momentum with the second book and all plot potential.
That seems to be a frequent element with some of Edwards writing in her various series. She can strike hot and the entire series is excellent all the way through or the first is promising but falters as it progresses.
Here it’s the later. The first novel had so many interesting moments and potentially intriguing characters that I wondered how Edwards’ next book was going to move the various plots and mysteries forward.
Then the 2nd book releases and the choices made for the characters and plot just end up frustrating and unlikely thought out from multiple standpoints.
Let’s have dragons but deny them the very characteristics and abilities that make them so powerful and memorable so that the villains can act without fear of retaliation for the majority of the story. They might as well be Guinea pigs.
Until boom, suddenly, dragons act sorta like dragons. Or one does. Kinda.
However, it’s turning the main character of Ana Sartori into a person who suddenly puts her own needs above the safety of others, even in the face of overwhelming danger and extreme stupidity. Where it’s clear to everyone it’s a highly threatening trap to do certain things, ones where she’s going to knowingly bring friends into a situation where they might not even survive, but she says , yep let’s go. SMH.
It’s the equivalent of that commercial where there’s choice to go for a garage with swinging horror equipment or a running car and the teenagers choose the garage. It’s like that. Over and over.
Oh no, do you think it’s a trap, trick. I just led my friend who’s now being tortured. Oh no. Wait I knew that was coming.
It’s a constant SMH from a main character who starts coming off as incredibly self absorbed and TSTL.
So it’s barely a 3. And not going forward.
I enjoyed Edwards last series. And I’ll check out the others. But this is a pass.
Groom & Doom (3 book series) The Vampire in the Potting Shed #1 The Goblin in the Sink #2 The Mermaid in the Shot Glass #3
Ana had her life upended when Rian and the Walsh clan moved into town and now she's trying to sort the truth from the lies over everything she's been told about her mother, her father, and what she is. Frankly, it's a lot. She doesn't quite trust the man who raised her, but she also isn't mentally ready to walk away from the only life she's known. As brutal and awful and constricting as it was.
She's also hesitant about trading one prison (her father's pack) with another (Rian's clan). Except, Rian doesn't rule his clan with fear. He's laidback and receptive to ideas that aren't his own. He's sweet and a little awkward and it's possibly his awkwardness that endears him to Ana the most. Well, that and his occasional shirtless state. To be fair, Rian also gets a little flustered when Ana shows any skin, so they have that in common.
When some of her human friends are made into unwilling pawns in this supernatural standoff, Ana can't let them suffer when she can do something about it. Since she needs to talk to the man who raised her anyway, she agrees to go back to the pack to save them while trying to get answers to some of the questions the Walsh's have raised in her.
Let's just say it doesn't go well and leave it at that.
BUT...Ana does get some of those answers. And she gets to see Rian in all his dragon-y glory. And then she gets to participate in a rescue, which gives her a chance to experience things she'd never experienced before. She also gets to make a choice on who she wants to stand with and I like where this is going!
I must say, I'm enjoying Ana and Rian and their sweet, awkward romance. I'm here to see how it plays out!
I’ve never read a book by this author that I didn’t completely love, and this latest in the Groom and Doom series is no exception. I just love the dynamic between Ana and Rian, and between Ana and Sloane. The first is, of course, our main character and her love interest, and he is so darn protective of Ana, but he knows he can’t smother her like Carmichael (new name for her father) did so she can learn to stand on her own. I also have a love of great female friendships, and the one between Ana and Sloane is just so tender, loving, and protective on both of their sides I wish every female had this. Add in a great plot, some great action, and interesting developments at the end, I read this in one setting. Oh, and yes, this is a great, fun, captivating, well-written good time. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
I enjoyed the previous prequel novella and was looking forward to this book answering some of the questions raised and the further development of the characters and world building. Sadly I was disappointed again with the length and incompleteness of this book. Again the story ends before we learn more of the Walsh clan and overall world. It seems the author either wants to drag out the story because she doesn't know what will happen or to make money from publishing incomplete books. looks like there will be a 3rd book in about a year, don't know if I will bother unless it is actually a complete book. it's a shame as I love dragons and shapeshifters and the series has potential but the books are too short to develop story or characters well.
This one picks up where the last one left off. Ana is trying to shore up her life so that her father is not a threat. Sadly she's not quite fast enough, but thankfully she has the help of Rian and his family. As they work to make the threat go away and make sure all of Ana's human people are ok, Ana learns quite a bit about her and Rian's family. Through some quick moves and sly actions they end up with everyone safe for now and have taken some of the people out of the game. Ana's father and his pack are still around and I'm sure causing trouble will not stop for them yet. But I loved the thing Ana discovered about herself right at the end. It will be fun to see where things go for her from here.
I liked this book a lot better than the first and m, it had good lore and stronger humor. It does still give serial novel vibes though which wouldn't be too bad if it wasn't for the cliffhanger ending and the year long wait till the next book. With how little we got over the length of 2 books in a series the feeling of satisfaction that keeps you waiting for the next book release just isn't there for me. 4 stars is probably me rounding up a bit as I wouldn't consider it very high among my other 4 star reads
Still part of this was my fault for not checking if the series was complete, so I do think I'll be giving the author another chance with one of her completed works
I’m loving this series. I feel just as clueless as poor Ana. Her whole life has been one big fat lie but she’s gradually adjusting to her new reality. The members of the Walsh clan are a delight as is her best friend, Sloane. Too bad the same can’t be said for the Sartori pack. Ana’s life is endangered when she and Rían confront one of her father’s allies.
She discovers that her father's second in command is making a play to be alpha and that he wants her out of the picture. Rían swoops in to rescue her. I hope Ana eventually grows to appreciate him.
I love how HE books always jump right back in, without all the “reminders” written in, like so many other authors. This book is such a quick but adorable read. I know her books are always slow burn, so I am fully expecting to not see the FMC have a change of heart until book 4 or 5, if these end up like her Savannah or ATL series. Loved the unexpected shifting magic. So cool! The cliffhangers KILL me. Dead. But adored this book. Now, please hurry up and write the rest of them!
So this second book/novella is as short as the first one, giving us only another 13 chapters and more questions about how cellular phones can use payment apps and yet be offline. However we aren’t stuck with an abrupt ending/semi-cliffhanger so I was tempted to give five stars, but we are still left with a whole lot of questions and almost no answers. To be perfectly honest, I definitely would have preferred that the author combined the first two books into one.
This book picks up right where the previous ended, with no reminders of how the characters got to this point. Excellent for those with good memory or few books read in between, a bit hard on the rest of us. Though skimming the first book as a reminder is not in any way painful.
Excellent story once I caught up, very much enjoyed. Actually lost track of time and reached the end before I expected. Very much looking forward to book three.
Enjoyed this second installment in the series. Ended far too quickly and on a cliffhanger! I just know I’m going to be on pins and needles waiting for what comes next. This book gives us more background and presents an emotional rollercoaster. We’ve also got UST and a sneaky grandma! I practically screamed when I turned the page and it was the end! Can’t wait for book 3.Can’t believe I have to wait a year!
Loved this second story in the Groom & Doom series, with Ana and Rian getting to know each other better, progress being made on dealing with her “father” and understanding that her whole life has been a lie, and Ana coming to terms with the truth of her being a dragon. My only complaint is that it was pretty short and now I have to wait for the next book to find out what happens next.
The plot keeps you interested and invested in the characters.
The funny stuff comes when you least expect it.
I laughed out loud in the gym today and had to go outside. Luckily no one noticed. No way was I going to explain what I’m listening to. Highly recommend this author. She weaves a lot of heart I to her stories.
Too repetitive. Right now Ana is a frustrating character. She keeps doing the same things over and over. Nothing really substantial happened in this one. I’m ready for the plot to move faster. Will read the next book.
Rian is a really sensitive soul. Ana has been through it and isn’t even sure what It is. Sloane is the Bestie everyone needs. Fayne is the Grandmother of my dreams and I can hardly wait for Goldie’s series, that will be Epic!
Not my favorite Hailey Edward’s series. Just not able to connect with the main female character as she is slow on the uptake and wishy-washy. Even when given good information, she makes dubious decisions and everyone else gets consequences. Nope. Not finishing this series. Sorry, Hailey. I have enjoyed several of your series prior to this one, just not this one. Not your fault.
Definitely loving these characters and their story - only wish it was going to be more than a trilogy!! Hailey Edwards, I don't suppose you'd consider a family series with Liam, Goldie and Fayne books too?!?! One can only hope!
Another hit from Hailey Edwards! I do love the central themes of slightly broken people with fantastic gifts and untapped capacity to love and slowly rebuild confidence and trust after years of being subjugated by intensely warped individuals - blood family or other.
Can't wait for the next one. All her books are amazing. You call in love with the characters and go on their journey with them. I have read and re-read all her series and they are just as good, if not better everytime!