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Gemini #3
Hell or High Water
Gemini, Book 3
Camille Ellis has gone rogue agent, and there’s no turning back now. The conclave might have put the Charybdis case to bed, but Cam isn’t willing to let it lie. No badge doesn’t mean no backup these days.
As mate to an alpha warg, she has access to new and lethal resources. A whole pack full of them. And they all want justice for the sins committed against them.
But the stakes are higher than she knows, the secrets exposed darker than she feared, and the cost of winning higher than she ever imagined.
Camille Ellis has gone rogue agent, and there’s no turning back now. The conclave might have put the Charybdis case to bed, but Cam isn’t willing to let it lie. No badge doesn’t mean no backup these days.
As mate to an alpha warg, she has access to new and lethal resources. A whole pack full of them. And they all want justice for the sins committed against them.
But the stakes are higher than she knows, the secrets exposed darker than she feared, and the cost of winning higher than she ever imagined.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2016
977 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
About the author
Hailey Edwards
104 books2,834 followersHailey 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.
Hailey isn't on Goodreads.
Please email her via her website:
https://haileyedwards.net/contact-form/
Hailey isn't on Goodreads.
Please email her via her website:
https://haileyedwards.net/contact-form/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
June 25, 2019
Hell! or High Water by Hailey Edwards and narrated by Stephanie Einstein takes the story of the half fae / half human but alpha female to the wolf pack further and deeper into the fantastic lived of these characters! Secrets are reveled, an evil is to be dealt with, many side issues that end up to be intriguing, and more! Lots of action with the weres, fae, trolls, and more! Great characters,plot, and world. Love this series!
Narration is excellent!
Narration is excellent!
March 26, 2019
It just didn't work for me.
Firstly, there were some personality changes that seemed inconsistent. Like ... the heroine was suddenly really TSTL. That hasn't been the case throughout the series, and I don't know why it was here. She was not seeing obvious, anvil-to-the-head things (). She was making terrible decisions about Charybdis... and leaving everyone constantly exposed to attack. I not impressed. This is not the Cam Ellis of books 1 and 2.
Graeson was more or less sidelined. The whole arc felt bandaided together from unbelievably thin happenstance.
What. The. Actual. Fuck?
So yeah. I really didn't like it. And that's not even getting into the ending, which was ridiculous. Not the resolution on Charybdis, but
Firstly, there were some personality changes that seemed inconsistent. Like ... the heroine was suddenly really TSTL. That hasn't been the case throughout the series, and I don't know why it was here. She was not seeing obvious, anvil-to-the-head things (). She was making terrible decisions about Charybdis... and leaving everyone constantly exposed to attack. I not impressed. This is not the Cam Ellis of books 1 and 2.
Graeson was more or less sidelined. The whole arc felt bandaided together from unbelievably thin happenstance.
What. The. Actual. Fuck?
So yeah. I really didn't like it. And that's not even getting into the ending, which was ridiculous. Not the resolution on Charybdis, but
May 8, 2022
This is third (and last) in an Urban Fantasy series so the character and story arcs from the previous two books culminate here. I recommend reading them in order.
This turned out better than I expected, but only just. Also, my expectations weren't high. I'm a little disappointed the pack dynamics passed by so fast. We spent all that time in the last book with a dysfunctional pack so I kinda wanted to see the differences with Graeson in charge. Only, not so much.
Some of that is because the bad guy could, and did, strike pretty much any time he wanted to. Which has me wondering how much of my discontent with this series has been that the bad guy is so ill defined. That doesn't really improve here. Indeed, the final confrontation had a huge amount of supposition and guessing attached to it that made it hard to buy the eventual resolution until the author made it fit.
A piece of the ending has Cam spending time in the same institution they visited in book two and that actually improved my opinion of the story more than a little. Like, we're actually going to address how hurtful her self-loathing is? Also, the psychological healing was fairly well-portrayed, saving us from too-easy answers and getting to a solid place at the end.
That raised this a full half star from the three it was heading for. But without enough oomph to push me to round up. It's never a good sign when being relieved it's over is your strongest response in the end.
A note about Steamy: They finally do it. And we have a single scene with explicit sex putting this on the low end of my steam tolerance. It's actually pretty well-done and integrated into the main romance arc very well. Which was gratifying as I had concerns going in based on their misreads in the past.
This turned out better than I expected, but only just. Also, my expectations weren't high. I'm a little disappointed the pack dynamics passed by so fast. We spent all that time in the last book with a dysfunctional pack so I kinda wanted to see the differences with Graeson in charge. Only, not so much.
Some of that is because the bad guy could, and did, strike pretty much any time he wanted to. Which has me wondering how much of my discontent with this series has been that the bad guy is so ill defined. That doesn't really improve here. Indeed, the final confrontation had a huge amount of supposition and guessing attached to it that made it hard to buy the eventual resolution until the author made it fit.
A piece of the ending has Cam spending time in the same institution they visited in book two and that actually improved my opinion of the story more than a little. Like, we're actually going to address how hurtful her self-loathing is? Also, the psychological healing was fairly well-portrayed, saving us from too-easy answers and getting to a solid place at the end.
That raised this a full half star from the three it was heading for. But without enough oomph to push me to round up. It's never a good sign when being relieved it's over is your strongest response in the end.
A note about Steamy: They finally do it. And we have a single scene with explicit sex putting this on the low end of my steam tolerance. It's actually pretty well-done and integrated into the main romance arc very well. Which was gratifying as I had concerns going in based on their misreads in the past.
March 1, 2022
Great ending to the series!
I am sticking to the Criminal Minds description in my book 2 review....Reminder there is limited heat in this series but the mystery and suspense definitely make up for the lack of spice.
Love how this ended with the foundation of future novels based on this trilogy. I can not want to see what is in store for Dell!
Happy reading,
DD 💕
I am sticking to the Criminal Minds description in my book 2 review....Reminder there is limited heat in this series but the mystery and suspense definitely make up for the lack of spice.
Love how this ended with the foundation of future novels based on this trilogy. I can not want to see what is in store for Dell!
Happy reading,
DD 💕
July 31, 2016
4 Stars – Wargs and Family and Fae, oh my!
Camille Ellis’ search for a missing friend and diabolical killer continues. She may not have a badge but she’s not alone, which causes a new sense of commitment and responsibility on Cam’s part. The changes in her life also fill a need she’s had since her twin sister drowned as a child.
Cord Graeson is now the alpha of a new warg pack with Cam as his alpha mate. Understanding warg pack structure and social behavior is a “learn as you go” process for this Fae. As always, Camille faces her fears. Her fear of water has been confronted through several murder cases. This time it’s deeper and darker than anyone expects.
“Hell or High Water" effectively concludes the Gemini series in this third book. Camille’s journey from self-punishing Conclave agent and exiled family member to rogue agent and warg mate includes poignant trials and tribulations. The overarching storyline that began with Dead in the Water wraps up with a strong finish with the exception of the epilogue, which I wish had continued with Cam’s point-of-view.
This series is the first I’ve read by Ms. Edwards. Camille Ellis’ character and the premise of her story intrigued me. As the Gemini series is set in the same world as the author’s Black Dog series I found it easy to navigate through this world despite my ignorance. (This has not always been the case for me in reading other authors’ spin-off series.) For the most part, the other series’ characters popping in from time to time didn’t bother me or throw me out of the story. For fans of the Black Dog series, Thierry’s appearance may be satisfying. Her role makes sense given Cam’s investigation yet I felt ‘out of the loop’ even though more of Thierry’s backstory is revealed in “Hell or High Water.” This is only for a moment and near the end. Black Dog series fans please feel free to share your opinion.
Now, let’s get back to the main characters. Cord Graeson – What a man! What a warg alpha too! He’s an alpha that knows how to give a woman space. He’s protective of Cam yet he’s not toxic to her well-being. Cam can take risks! The reader knows it’s not always the hero that saves the day, which adds nail-biting variables to Cam’s perilous investigation. Yes! Yes! Yesss! Male or female – each character has a good balance of strengths and vulnerabilities. And Camille…her character development felt rewarding. All the pieces of her puzzle fit perfectly! This urban fantasy book brought tears to my eyes, which made me realize my emotional investment into her character. I look forward to more books set in this world!
This ARC was provided by CrushStar Multimedia LLC via Netgalley.
Camille Ellis’ search for a missing friend and diabolical killer continues. She may not have a badge but she’s not alone, which causes a new sense of commitment and responsibility on Cam’s part. The changes in her life also fill a need she’s had since her twin sister drowned as a child.
Cord Graeson is now the alpha of a new warg pack with Cam as his alpha mate. Understanding warg pack structure and social behavior is a “learn as you go” process for this Fae. As always, Camille faces her fears. Her fear of water has been confronted through several murder cases. This time it’s deeper and darker than anyone expects.
“Hell or High Water" effectively concludes the Gemini series in this third book. Camille’s journey from self-punishing Conclave agent and exiled family member to rogue agent and warg mate includes poignant trials and tribulations. The overarching storyline that began with Dead in the Water wraps up with a strong finish with the exception of the epilogue, which I wish had continued with Cam’s point-of-view.
This series is the first I’ve read by Ms. Edwards. Camille Ellis’ character and the premise of her story intrigued me. As the Gemini series is set in the same world as the author’s Black Dog series I found it easy to navigate through this world despite my ignorance. (This has not always been the case for me in reading other authors’ spin-off series.) For the most part, the other series’ characters popping in from time to time didn’t bother me or throw me out of the story. For fans of the Black Dog series, Thierry’s appearance may be satisfying. Her role makes sense given Cam’s investigation yet I felt ‘out of the loop’ even though more of Thierry’s backstory is revealed in “Hell or High Water.” This is only for a moment and near the end. Black Dog series fans please feel free to share your opinion.
Now, let’s get back to the main characters. Cord Graeson – What a man! What a warg alpha too! He’s an alpha that knows how to give a woman space. He’s protective of Cam yet he’s not toxic to her well-being. Cam can take risks! The reader knows it’s not always the hero that saves the day, which adds nail-biting variables to Cam’s perilous investigation. Yes! Yes! Yesss! Male or female – each character has a good balance of strengths and vulnerabilities. And Camille…her character development felt rewarding. All the pieces of her puzzle fit perfectly! This urban fantasy book brought tears to my eyes, which made me realize my emotional investment into her character. I look forward to more books set in this world!
This ARC was provided by CrushStar Multimedia LLC via Netgalley.
November 9, 2024
Hell or High Water is the third and finally book in the Gemini series, but it is not the last of the black dog world and characters.
The black dog world is awesome, entertaining, and has so much to fall in love with. I have been enjoying all the books created in this world by Ms. Edwards. I was first intraduced to the world in the Black Dog series. I don’t feel it’s necessary to read the Black Dog series; before the Gemini series, but you may be more informed if you do. The Gemini series does need to be read in order, since our plot continues from one book to another.
WOW! Cam’s journey as a self-punishing Conclave agent, exiled family member, to a rogue agent and warg mate includes several trials and hardships along the way. She really opens up her heart, makes new friends, and faces her fears in this installment. Cord, what a man. He’s an alpha warg, has a new pack to run, and a women to show that he will never leave her. He knows how to give Cam space and be protective, yet not overly; which could be harmful to her characters growth. He doesn’t smoother who Cam is or will be. Both Cam and Cord have a great balance with each other. Their strengths and vulnerabilities balance out nicely.
Fans will enjoy seeing Theirry pop in to help and the little backstory on her. We are also treated to surprises that leave you breathless. The ending wrapped up Cam’s story nicely, but also set us up for another character to get it’s own series. I’m psyched about the new series and can't wait to read it.
Their is a lot to enjoy in this urban fantasy series.
Rated: 4 Stars
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by CrushStar Multimedia LLC via NetGalley with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
The black dog world is awesome, entertaining, and has so much to fall in love with. I have been enjoying all the books created in this world by Ms. Edwards. I was first intraduced to the world in the Black Dog series. I don’t feel it’s necessary to read the Black Dog series; before the Gemini series, but you may be more informed if you do. The Gemini series does need to be read in order, since our plot continues from one book to another.
WOW! Cam’s journey as a self-punishing Conclave agent, exiled family member, to a rogue agent and warg mate includes several trials and hardships along the way. She really opens up her heart, makes new friends, and faces her fears in this installment. Cord, what a man. He’s an alpha warg, has a new pack to run, and a women to show that he will never leave her. He knows how to give Cam space and be protective, yet not overly; which could be harmful to her characters growth. He doesn’t smoother who Cam is or will be. Both Cam and Cord have a great balance with each other. Their strengths and vulnerabilities balance out nicely.
Fans will enjoy seeing Theirry pop in to help and the little backstory on her. We are also treated to surprises that leave you breathless. The ending wrapped up Cam’s story nicely, but also set us up for another character to get it’s own series. I’m psyched about the new series and can't wait to read it.
Their is a lot to enjoy in this urban fantasy series.
Rated: 4 Stars
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by CrushStar Multimedia LLC via NetGalley with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
September 11, 2016
Hailey Edwards Gemini series is always a joy to continue. Camille and Cord have a quarky relationship that is getting more stable and loving as the series has progressed. Even though Charybdis, the elusive serial killer fae is still trying to destroy their lives. The tie in to Edwards other series adds so much to each story.
I received a copy from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
I received a copy from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
March 1, 2018
Good trilogy, but I'm not going to read more in this universe.
April 12, 2020
Not bad, but it kinda got boring after a while.
Maybe I'll get back to it at one point, but for now, I'll take a break from the series.
Maybe I'll get back to it at one point, but for now, I'll take a break from the series.
July 2, 2017
*Source* Amazon
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Full Review Pending*
Nope, I'm not crying, I have allergies ::sniff sniff:: Anyway! I guess I have to go back and read Thierry's series now. After all, she does play curious and important roles in this series. I probably should also think about reading Adele's new series as well since it picks up right after this series ends. Yeah, I'll just keep going and going and going.....
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Full Review Pending*
Nope, I'm not crying, I have allergies ::sniff sniff:: Anyway! I guess I have to go back and read Thierry's series now. After all, she does play curious and important roles in this series. I probably should also think about reading Adele's new series as well since it picks up right after this series ends. Yeah, I'll just keep going and going and going.....
May 10, 2020
4.5 stars
Another satisfying read from Hailey Edwards!
Though there are more books in the Gemini series, this is the last in Cam's arc and I think the story wrapped up nicely. It centers on the search for Cam's aunt and cousin and her final confrontation with Charybdis.
I've got to say, there were a few plot twists that took me by surprise, particularly where it came to Cam's parents, but I'm not going to spoil it.
I will say that I love Cam and Graeson more now than ever. There romance hit my happy buttons and I adore them as the alphas of their own pack. They finally have a chance to be together as a mated couple, and while they had real obstacles to overcome, they faced them together.
The plot moved fast, but not too fast to follow...the characters are great... and the ending satisfied. I'm excited to see where the author takes Dell's story in the books ahead.
Another satisfying read from Hailey Edwards!
Though there are more books in the Gemini series, this is the last in Cam's arc and I think the story wrapped up nicely. It centers on the search for Cam's aunt and cousin and her final confrontation with Charybdis.
I've got to say, there were a few plot twists that took me by surprise, particularly where it came to Cam's parents, but I'm not going to spoil it.
I will say that I love Cam and Graeson more now than ever. There romance hit my happy buttons and I adore them as the alphas of their own pack. They finally have a chance to be together as a mated couple, and while they had real obstacles to overcome, they faced them together.
The plot moved fast, but not too fast to follow...the characters are great... and the ending satisfied. I'm excited to see where the author takes Dell's story in the books ahead.
July 12, 2016
Cam has finally got some back up in her hunt for the Charybdis, a pack and a mate of her own, but is she willing to risk them in this quest?
We continue where the last book left us, Cam´s Aunt and cousin is missing, Graeson and his motley crew of wargs need shelter, and the threat of Charybdis is ever present. When they get a new lead Cam needs to follow through, but is she ready for what this will bring up from the past?
PNR romance, action and suspense in a great combo, an awesome conclusion to Cam´s series, and a great lead into Dell´s own. Can´t wait for more!
Disclaimer; I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
We continue where the last book left us, Cam´s Aunt and cousin is missing, Graeson and his motley crew of wargs need shelter, and the threat of Charybdis is ever present. When they get a new lead Cam needs to follow through, but is she ready for what this will bring up from the past?
PNR romance, action and suspense in a great combo, an awesome conclusion to Cam´s series, and a great lead into Dell´s own. Can´t wait for more!
Disclaimer; I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2016
This was a Hell of a ride. I loved the conclusion to Ellis and Graeson's story, but I am also sad that it's over.
I am happy as a clam that I found a new author that I enjoy to read.
I am happy as a clam that I found a new author that I enjoy to read.
January 3, 2021
I was never one for mystery stories. But ahhh, this one was super good. I'm excitted to read more.
June 6, 2021
Wow! Talk about a surprise ending!
I wasn't expecting some of the twists and turns this story took. As with the previous two books in the series, there's lots of action, interspersed with pack politics and intrigue.
This book concludes Cord and Cam's story bringing their overall arc to a close. But what happens along the way, is what kept me entranced. So many unexpected things happen that I was continually surprised and entertained. I'd elaborate but that would give too much away. No spoilers here. What I can say is you DO NOT want to miss this book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes urban fantasy or paranormal romance. The narration was superb and the heat level was low. I'd let my teenage nieces read it.
I wasn't expecting some of the twists and turns this story took. As with the previous two books in the series, there's lots of action, interspersed with pack politics and intrigue.
This book concludes Cord and Cam's story bringing their overall arc to a close. But what happens along the way, is what kept me entranced. So many unexpected things happen that I was continually surprised and entertained. I'd elaborate but that would give too much away. No spoilers here. What I can say is you DO NOT want to miss this book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes urban fantasy or paranormal romance. The narration was superb and the heat level was low. I'd let my teenage nieces read it.
March 30, 2019
0.5*
What a bad read. Really disappointing. The relationship between Ellis and Greason is sad and unbalanced. She, as heroine, a detective to booth, is a failure: slow, missing the obvious, passive to everything Greason does behind her back... But all interpersonal interactions are unrealistic. And hardly acceptable. The supposedly big revelation was predictable - and my suspicions were a bit more intriguing, at least!
Ellis' way of ending the case was a "classic" with supernatural beings used to possess bodies, and there wasn't a definite resolution: at the end we still don't know what the villain really wanted to achieve: a vegetative body?!
So much so that there was need for an epilogue from a different POV, trying to retell the crucial events.
The only redeeming facts are Thierry's origins and Theo's way of stating things as they really are: unfortunately Theo has not enough screen time to save the series.
What a bad read. Really disappointing. The relationship between Ellis and Greason is sad and unbalanced. She, as heroine, a detective to booth, is a failure: slow, missing the obvious, passive to everything Greason does behind her back... But all interpersonal interactions are unrealistic. And hardly acceptable. The supposedly big revelation was predictable - and my suspicions were a bit more intriguing, at least!
Ellis' way of ending the case was a "classic" with supernatural beings used to possess bodies, and there wasn't a definite resolution: at the end we still don't know what the villain really wanted to achieve: a vegetative body?!
So much so that there was need for an epilogue from a different POV, trying to retell the crucial events.
The only redeeming facts are Thierry's origins and Theo's way of stating things as they really are: unfortunately Theo has not enough screen time to save the series.
September 17, 2022
“Hell or High Water” is an epic installment in the Gemini series. While this book is not the end of the series it is a changing of the guard so to speak because the first three book are written from Cammie Ellis’ perspective and the next three installments are written from Dell’s point of view.
Cam is now on leave from the Conclave, mated to Grayson and on the process of leaving the Chandler pack lands to start the Lorimar Pack when she receives word that her cousin Isaac’s truck and trailer is missing and Aunt Dot is no where to be found. Her greater fear is materializing that Carybdis is behind the abductions. However, before her new pack can even leave Chandler land Aunt Dot’s truck explodes.
Now, Cam and Grayson need to find a temporary home, determine pack hierarchy, look for her lost relatives including her parents and find a way to kill Carybdis. The clock is ticking and one thing for sure is Cam has decided to stop wasting time running away from Grayson and embrace her feelings for him.
This is going to be important if she is to survive all of the treachery, deceit and subterfuge that she is about to face.
This read was jammed pack with so many emotional moments, surprises and action. It’s important to savor each word or you just might miss something important. While this book marks the end of Cam’s point of view I am looking forward to to continue to read about her antics with Grayson in future installments. This series is quickly becoming a new favorite of mine.
Cam is now on leave from the Conclave, mated to Grayson and on the process of leaving the Chandler pack lands to start the Lorimar Pack when she receives word that her cousin Isaac’s truck and trailer is missing and Aunt Dot is no where to be found. Her greater fear is materializing that Carybdis is behind the abductions. However, before her new pack can even leave Chandler land Aunt Dot’s truck explodes.
Now, Cam and Grayson need to find a temporary home, determine pack hierarchy, look for her lost relatives including her parents and find a way to kill Carybdis. The clock is ticking and one thing for sure is Cam has decided to stop wasting time running away from Grayson and embrace her feelings for him.
This is going to be important if she is to survive all of the treachery, deceit and subterfuge that she is about to face.
This read was jammed pack with so many emotional moments, surprises and action. It’s important to savor each word or you just might miss something important. While this book marks the end of Cam’s point of view I am looking forward to to continue to read about her antics with Grayson in future installments. This series is quickly becoming a new favorite of mine.
February 21, 2023
Sooo, are we just gonna ignore the complete personality change of the MC?? The first two books held promise but this one left a bad taste in my mouth. Prickly, smart Cam who keeps everyone at an arms length is suddenly the gushiest, most infuriatingly ignorant person. Graeson was basically a side thought in this book, despite the two being oh so perfectly in love.
Also, can we please stop with the “she won’t like this so I’m gonna just do it/force her into it blindly because it’s what I want” bullshit that Graeson keeps pulling?
Don’t even get me started with the bullshit that is her parents and Lori. Let’s see, should we tell our daughter what’s going on or should we abandon our 8 year old daughter right after the “death” of her twin sister and let her think that it’s all her fault and we hate her for taking our favorite daughter away? Hmm.
This felt like a sloppy way to “tie off” all the loose ends in the story. If you’ll excuse me. I need to go thump my head against a wall.
Also, can we please stop with the “she won’t like this so I’m gonna just do it/force her into it blindly because it’s what I want” bullshit that Graeson keeps pulling?
Don’t even get me started with the bullshit that is her parents and Lori. Let’s see, should we tell our daughter what’s going on or should we abandon our 8 year old daughter right after the “death” of her twin sister and let her think that it’s all her fault and we hate her for taking our favorite daughter away? Hmm.
This felt like a sloppy way to “tie off” all the loose ends in the story. If you’ll excuse me. I need to go thump my head against a wall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2020
2.5 stars
I found the epilogue to be a bit too "stay tuned" for comfort. It also seemed to me like there was a bit more romance in this entry to the series, and sex. It was a bit on the uninspired side for me, though.
I'm enjoying the series well enough to continue to follow it, but it's not a compelling series.
I found the epilogue to be a bit too "stay tuned" for comfort. It also seemed to me like there was a bit more romance in this entry to the series, and sex. It was a bit on the uninspired side for me, though.
I'm enjoying the series well enough to continue to follow it, but it's not a compelling series.
January 1, 2023
This is the third book in the Gemini series. Camille Ellis and Cord are really on the offensive in this book. I enjoyed reading this book as they began unravelling so of the mystery and capturing the big bad. Some of the things revealed in this book caught me off guard. The things you will do to save the ones you love! I would recommend this book.
May 9, 2023
The conclusion of this part Cam’s story was fine. Cord almost did a personality change, which seemed weird but okay. Secrets are revealed and some actions taken by Cam’s parents a decade ago was just mean. To have her unnecessarily take on the burden of her sister’s death at 8 years old 😒😒😒 that Cam seemed to forgive so easily, yeahhh nope not buying it.
September 6, 2023
I enjoyed this series very much! It was a fun read with characters that were not perfect, which I like.
June 21, 2020
3.5 / 5 Stars
I'm not going to lie, I spent a fair bit of this book re-reading passages and wondering if I'd accidentally skipped something but I hadn't... The story just goes down a twisty and confusing rabbit hole that's hard to follow. Needless to say, that hampered my enjoyment.
The pace was also problematic as for such a short book (~ 200 pages) it felt like it took forever to read!
However, I liked that the bad guy finally got booted (even if it was confusing af) and I enjoyed seeing the formation of Cord and Camille's pack and the developments in their relationship. Camille has come quite the distance from the beginning of this series and I like that she finally got to grips with her power and settled into her own skin (so to speak).
All in all, I don't think I'd be rushing to recommend this series. It'll appeal to some I'm sure but Edwards has better series than this and if you're looking for a fae fix there are other series, by other authors, that are much better than this.
I'm not going to lie, I spent a fair bit of this book re-reading passages and wondering if I'd accidentally skipped something but I hadn't... The story just goes down a twisty and confusing rabbit hole that's hard to follow. Needless to say, that hampered my enjoyment.
The pace was also problematic as for such a short book (~ 200 pages) it felt like it took forever to read!
However, I liked that the bad guy finally got booted (even if it was confusing af) and I enjoyed seeing the formation of Cord and Camille's pack and the developments in their relationship. Camille has come quite the distance from the beginning of this series and I like that she finally got to grips with her power and settled into her own skin (so to speak).
All in all, I don't think I'd be rushing to recommend this series. It'll appeal to some I'm sure but Edwards has better series than this and if you're looking for a fae fix there are other series, by other authors, that are much better than this.
January 1, 2017
I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
After my reservations about the preceding book, we now come to the end of the Gemini trilogy. Camille 'Cam' Ellis and her mate, the Warg Graeson Cord, have left the Chandler pack and set up their own pack. Still searching for Harlow, Cam's aunt and cousin Isaac have now also been kidnapped by Charybdis and Cam is desperately trying to find them. She is also worried about the fate of her parents, they left when Cam was only young and she fears they may also fall victim to Charybdis' plot.
This book is fast paced and frenetic as Charybdis jumps from vessel to vessel taunting Cam and committing atrocities which will haunt their unknowing perpetrators. There are also shocks and surprises aplenty (I didn't see one of them coming AT all).
Overall, while I did enjoy this series I didn't like it as much as the Black Dog series and I didn't engage as much with Cam as I did with Thierry. I found the ending to be a little abrupt, in fact until I saw that there was going to be a spin off series I didn't realise that this was the end of the Gemini series. Having said all of that Hailey Edwards still manages to bring a fresh perspective on the fae/ shifter genre.
Bumped for release.
After my reservations about the preceding book, we now come to the end of the Gemini trilogy. Camille 'Cam' Ellis and her mate, the Warg Graeson Cord, have left the Chandler pack and set up their own pack. Still searching for Harlow, Cam's aunt and cousin Isaac have now also been kidnapped by Charybdis and Cam is desperately trying to find them. She is also worried about the fate of her parents, they left when Cam was only young and she fears they may also fall victim to Charybdis' plot.
This book is fast paced and frenetic as Charybdis jumps from vessel to vessel taunting Cam and committing atrocities which will haunt their unknowing perpetrators. There are also shocks and surprises aplenty (I didn't see one of them coming AT all).
Overall, while I did enjoy this series I didn't like it as much as the Black Dog series and I didn't engage as much with Cam as I did with Thierry. I found the ending to be a little abrupt, in fact until I saw that there was going to be a spin off series I didn't realise that this was the end of the Gemini series. Having said all of that Hailey Edwards still manages to bring a fresh perspective on the fae/ shifter genre.
Bumped for release.
August 5, 2016
One BIG request for this author.
We've all read books where the author spends to much time recapping previous events, right? Well the Gemini series has the opposite issue. I've read many other books since the last Gemini story came out, so a quick reminder about the characters, the issues, what a Gemini is and the world they're in would have been extremely helpful. But the author gives us nothing like that.
Right away, the action starts with talking about characters without explaining who they are. "Oh no, it was Harlow? Where's Isaac and Dot? Dell are you ok?" And I'm thinking, did I skip an entire book? Who are these people and what's going on?
It didn't help that there's a very large cast of characters whose backstories, relationships and personalities we're supposed to remember. (Some like Thierry are from the Black Dog series.) The most the author does is offhandedly say something like, "of course we don't get along because she tried to kill me." O...kay?
I gave two and a half stars because I think, if you read the previous books immediately before this one, you'd probably enjoy them. Otherwise you'll need to take notes or buy the Cliffnote version. It's seriously that big an impediment.
We've all read books where the author spends to much time recapping previous events, right? Well the Gemini series has the opposite issue. I've read many other books since the last Gemini story came out, so a quick reminder about the characters, the issues, what a Gemini is and the world they're in would have been extremely helpful. But the author gives us nothing like that.
Right away, the action starts with talking about characters without explaining who they are. "Oh no, it was Harlow? Where's Isaac and Dot? Dell are you ok?" And I'm thinking, did I skip an entire book? Who are these people and what's going on?
It didn't help that there's a very large cast of characters whose backstories, relationships and personalities we're supposed to remember. (Some like Thierry are from the Black Dog series.) The most the author does is offhandedly say something like, "of course we don't get along because she tried to kill me." O...kay?
I gave two and a half stars because I think, if you read the previous books immediately before this one, you'd probably enjoy them. Otherwise you'll need to take notes or buy the Cliffnote version. It's seriously that big an impediment.
July 30, 2016
Hailey Edwards’s HELL OR HIGH WATER (Gemini #3) takes place where book two, HEAD ABOVE WATER, left off. Camille Ellis and Cord Graeson are now the alphas of the Lorimar pack. Aunt Dot and Isaac have been abducted, and there is still a case to solve. This urban fantasy is suitable for adults.
I think it is great that Cord and Camille break off from the Chandler Pack to start the Lorimar Pack. I like how Cord came up with the name. I love that the Lorimar pack is open-minded and willing to break tradition. I love that Cammie finally feels like she fits in somewhere. The pack has some interesting and dangerous obstacles to overcome.
I like that Isaac’s twin Theo helps with Aunt Dot and Isaac’s rescue. I’m glad that Camille and Theo are able to work some things out. We discover some fascinating things about Camille’s twin and parents. The plot was well done. I love how all the details are falling together. I like how the story ended, and I look forward to reading Dell Preston’s story in the first book of the Lorimar Park Series.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I think it is great that Cord and Camille break off from the Chandler Pack to start the Lorimar Pack. I like how Cord came up with the name. I love that the Lorimar pack is open-minded and willing to break tradition. I love that Cammie finally feels like she fits in somewhere. The pack has some interesting and dangerous obstacles to overcome.
I like that Isaac’s twin Theo helps with Aunt Dot and Isaac’s rescue. I’m glad that Camille and Theo are able to work some things out. We discover some fascinating things about Camille’s twin and parents. The plot was well done. I love how all the details are falling together. I like how the story ended, and I look forward to reading Dell Preston’s story in the first book of the Lorimar Park Series.
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 28, 2018
This author is ALMOST as good as Ilona Andrews and that is saying something.I read all three books (first three anyway) in the Gemini series and am now going to read the books about Thierry. I'm not stopping till I've read everything by her...she's that good.
I liked the slow building romance that spanned all three books, the characterizations, the world building, and the relationships between the characters. I could have used a bit more humor but that is the only thing missing really.
I liked the slow building romance that spanned all three books, the characterizations, the world building, and the relationships between the characters. I could have used a bit more humor but that is the only thing missing really.
May 13, 2020
I almost didn’t finish this book due to the “woe is me” mantle that Ellis seemed to wear like a her favorite blanket. Everything was her fault and her responsibility and I just wanted to say, “get over yourself and deal with it”. Not every tragedy has to be internalized. Put on your big girl pants and deal with it instead of shutting down. So annoying.
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