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The Cardinal #3
Cardinal of Hope
Callie Jensen has officially taken a step into the world of romance, but even that can't be uncomplicated. She's pretty sure that more than one guy is showing interest in her, and with no experience on the matter, she's not sure how to handle it. It certainly doesn't feel normal. However, the harem she seems to be building with the Delta members is the least of her worries. Will she even have time for a relationship when so many dangerous people are still targeting her and the ones she is growing to care for?
The Cardinals are doing all they can to protect her, but will they be enough when her treacherous past won't stay where it belongs: in the past.
The Cardinals are doing all they can to protect her, but will they be enough when her treacherous past won't stay where it belongs: in the past.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2020
419 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Mia Smantz
20 books278 followersA little about me. I love to read, write, travel, and drink tea. I especially love it when I can do more than one of those at a time. I have too many different series started, but all of them are definitely reverse-harem. It took me years to finish my first book, and now I have started to publish them.
My style leans towards paranormal, mystery, thriller themes when I write and read. If I'm trying to write, and I don't have time to read until I get inspired, I like to listen to music. That'll usually get me out of a block and back to writing!!
My style leans towards paranormal, mystery, thriller themes when I write and read. If I'm trying to write, and I don't have time to read until I get inspired, I like to listen to music. That'll usually get me out of a block and back to writing!!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
dnf
April 16, 2020Putting it aside for the moment. Will eventually get back to it when the series moves on.
July 13, 2020
Well damn... what a serious cliffhanger... Okay, I'm kinda speechless!!
Overall rating:
4* ~ A Good Read
Overall rating:
4* ~ A Good Read
June 2, 2021
Okay, this time around I've been able to keep the guys separate very easily. btw there are 8... so far??? I'm pretty sure 8 will be the final number.
I do like that she is making progress socially and is gaining courage to kiss and do things with the guys even if she blushes like crazy. It is weird to me though that it feels like she barely speaks.
The ending is a HUGE cliffhanger though, so I'm glad I waited to read this series until it was completed. I swear to all the stars in the sky if what is being hinted happens actually happens imma murder someone. I mean... I don't think it will, buuuuut yeah.
I do like that she is making progress socially and is gaining courage to kiss and do things with the guys even if she blushes like crazy. It is weird to me though that it feels like she barely speaks.
The ending is a HUGE cliffhanger though, so I'm glad I waited to read this series until it was completed. I swear to all the stars in the sky if what is being hinted happens actually happens imma murder someone. I mean... I don't think it will, buuuuut yeah.
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February 6, 2021I just can’t get into it. It is moving to slow.
March 19, 2020
Not much really happens. I guess things do happen, but it's mostly filler.
March 15, 2020
Thank for you the epilogue.
And first two chapters of the next book. But omg!!! That other cliffhanger! And why won’t Grinley just DIE already! And... and... Bryce and Brock. And Aleks and his declaration with candied jewels. And the Jaces full Monty. Lots to unpack in this book! So bummed I have to wait until the fall for the next book! 😩
And first two chapters of the next book. But omg!!! That other cliffhanger! And why won’t Grinley just DIE already! And... and... Bryce and Brock. And Aleks and his declaration with candied jewels. And the Jaces full Monty. Lots to unpack in this book! So bummed I have to wait until the fall for the next book! 😩
May 4, 2020
It's not paranoia if they really are out to get you
Pulled from a vat of horrors, life has gotten better. Then again, it's also gotten worse. Before she was alone. Now she has 3 teams of people to worry about being caught in the cross hairs. The Cardinals have made her one of their own. The Emerson Team have been dividing time between protector mode and wooing. And then there's Team Tate, who've been in the same roles but also competing with Emerson. Each willing to share within the team, but will they be able to join forces? With all the bad guys after Callie it's going to take every one of them to keep her safe because her past refuses to let her go. And then another ghost comes out of the woodwork. One most unexpected.
Spoilers ahead.
Some burning questions are finally answered. How 11yo Callie came to be in a shipping container. Why she was turned down the path of hacking. Connections were revealed. I'm still not clear about why her dad/stepdad is so sure he's not biodad. Was that a lie to keep him distant? The truth behind why her mom self medicated herself to death, because of guilt? We get enough background to find out why she didn't want CJ finding them, though. We see how things evolve past the group date. How Callie handles learning about the interest in herself. I can handle the shy naive angle in this story. She was a savant as a child. It would have made her a loner early on. Then being tortured, while also being sheltered, would continue that distance. The men that use her skills can't break her, they need her mind. So, while shot, isolated, beaten and left in the tank of horrors, rape would be counterproductive to their plans. They can only go so far, so she remains very innocent in some ways. I'm enjoying seeing her become "Free Callie". And the reason for the RH theme is laid out in a plausible way. And, while naive, Callie isn't a Mary Sue. She's smart, but she isn't disgustingly perfect. She isn't the best fighter, or instant dead-eye, she doesn't learn the motorcycle course immediately. She may blush constantly but she gets on some great pranks on the guys. She doesn't go from naive to nympho in .03 seconds flat. This is a lovely slow burn. And while things are heating up, they aren't burning down beds yet. All the necessary bonding is going on around the madness that is her life. And the romance isn't the driving plot. There's a main plot (Callie becoming free), the Ivanov angle, the crazed Grinley angle, the newest mystery, her training, what's going on with the house bomb, and the last that I can't really name but tips the whole Delta program on its ear. It gets busy, but it isn't all getting busy *waggles eyebrows*. I've really enjoyed the way these books have been set up and executed.
Pulled from a vat of horrors, life has gotten better. Then again, it's also gotten worse. Before she was alone. Now she has 3 teams of people to worry about being caught in the cross hairs. The Cardinals have made her one of their own. The Emerson Team have been dividing time between protector mode and wooing. And then there's Team Tate, who've been in the same roles but also competing with Emerson. Each willing to share within the team, but will they be able to join forces? With all the bad guys after Callie it's going to take every one of them to keep her safe because her past refuses to let her go. And then another ghost comes out of the woodwork. One most unexpected.
Spoilers ahead.
Some burning questions are finally answered. How 11yo Callie came to be in a shipping container. Why she was turned down the path of hacking. Connections were revealed. I'm still not clear about why her dad/stepdad is so sure he's not biodad. Was that a lie to keep him distant? The truth behind why her mom self medicated herself to death, because of guilt? We get enough background to find out why she didn't want CJ finding them, though. We see how things evolve past the group date. How Callie handles learning about the interest in herself. I can handle the shy naive angle in this story. She was a savant as a child. It would have made her a loner early on. Then being tortured, while also being sheltered, would continue that distance. The men that use her skills can't break her, they need her mind. So, while shot, isolated, beaten and left in the tank of horrors, rape would be counterproductive to their plans. They can only go so far, so she remains very innocent in some ways. I'm enjoying seeing her become "Free Callie". And the reason for the RH theme is laid out in a plausible way. And, while naive, Callie isn't a Mary Sue. She's smart, but she isn't disgustingly perfect. She isn't the best fighter, or instant dead-eye, she doesn't learn the motorcycle course immediately. She may blush constantly but she gets on some great pranks on the guys. She doesn't go from naive to nympho in .03 seconds flat. This is a lovely slow burn. And while things are heating up, they aren't burning down beds yet. All the necessary bonding is going on around the madness that is her life. And the romance isn't the driving plot. There's a main plot (Callie becoming free), the Ivanov angle, the crazed Grinley angle, the newest mystery, her training, what's going on with the house bomb, and the last that I can't really name but tips the whole Delta program on its ear. It gets busy, but it isn't all getting busy *waggles eyebrows*. I've really enjoyed the way these books have been set up and executed.
April 11, 2020
This is a slow burn series. On a scale of burn from Ghost Bird to Four Psychos, I'd say it rates just below the Veil Diaries. Meaning, the MC was totally innocent and clueless (due to her background) in book 1, experienced her first date and first kiss in book 2, and experienced her first serious makeout session in book 3.
g a
The series is, overall, very interesting. I enjoy seeing the relationships between the MC Callie and the various people in her life develop. It seems very natural and realistic, especially considering her background.
I'm actually having a difficult time even choosing a favorite from her potential harem members! I like Corbin because of his sense of humor and the way he totally supports her in this book instead of ratting her out to the other team members. I like Aleks just because of his flirty personality. (And I can just hear his accent with the way the author writes his dialogue.) I like CJ because of his connection to Callie via their mutual love of technology. I like Doc Scott for being absolutely incorrigible.
If I were to write out the plot with the multiple kidnappings in her background, the spies, the mafia, the bad CIA agents, and even the RH plot, it would sound insane and completely implausible! (It really is pretty implausible...) Yet, I feel like the author makes it work. It does seem to help, in my opinion, that everything has been building so slowly. It adds to the realism and helps me to suspend my disbelief in other areas.
I will say that the MC ANNOYS ME at times. She is too darn stubborn and bull-headed. She is constantly doing things that she knows she shouldn't and trying to justify them to herself. I know she was kidnapped a lot and raised in a pitiful way and has trust issues. However, I still wish she would stop going rogue and just trust her new friends a bit more. She has TWO separate teams from Delta trying to create a RH with her and her own training team of the Cardinal women she lives with and has been building friendships with. She needs to let them into her life and let them help her and stop trying to do everything herself.
This particular book ended in quite the cliffhanger, and I see now that the author has planned for at least 6 books and the next book won't be out until December of this year.
Sigh. I really should look these things up before starting a new series. I hate waiting. : )
g a
The series is, overall, very interesting. I enjoy seeing the relationships between the MC Callie and the various people in her life develop. It seems very natural and realistic, especially considering her background.
I'm actually having a difficult time even choosing a favorite from her potential harem members! I like Corbin because of his sense of humor and the way he totally supports her in this book instead of ratting her out to the other team members. I like Aleks just because of his flirty personality. (And I can just hear his accent with the way the author writes his dialogue.) I like CJ because of his connection to Callie via their mutual love of technology. I like Doc Scott for being absolutely incorrigible.
If I were to write out the plot with the multiple kidnappings in her background, the spies, the mafia, the bad CIA agents, and even the RH plot, it would sound insane and completely implausible! (It really is pretty implausible...) Yet, I feel like the author makes it work. It does seem to help, in my opinion, that everything has been building so slowly. It adds to the realism and helps me to suspend my disbelief in other areas.
I will say that the MC ANNOYS ME at times. She is too darn stubborn and bull-headed. She is constantly doing things that she knows she shouldn't and trying to justify them to herself. I know she was kidnapped a lot and raised in a pitiful way and has trust issues. However, I still wish she would stop going rogue and just trust her new friends a bit more. She has TWO separate teams from Delta trying to create a RH with her and her own training team of the Cardinal women she lives with and has been building friendships with. She needs to let them into her life and let them help her and stop trying to do everything herself.
This particular book ended in quite the cliffhanger, and I see now that the author has planned for at least 6 books and the next book won't be out until December of this year.
Sigh. I really should look these things up before starting a new series. I hate waiting. : )
April 1, 2020
4-4.5 stars
Ummm EXCUSE ME MIA SMANTZ... when I finished reading this and find out that this ends in a FREAKING CLIFFHANGER WITH THE NEXT BOOK NOT COMING OUT UNTIL DECEMBER YOU BEST BELIEVE I HAVE SOME FRUSTRATED TEARS COMING OUT TO PLAY!
Okay I will calm down now.... (still piiisssed..) but this book was a lot more on the background of the characters. I think since there are 6 books in this series (for some reason just found out that tid bit of information) this book had to add to the backstory. Even though not too much happened in here, like in previous books, this book and Cardinal Caged are kind of blending together for me since I read them quickly back to back. We learn a lot more about what happened to Callie during her kidnappings, as well as some of the guys childhoods.
I wish there was more of the romance happening, this series is giving Mariana Zapata a run for her money being the slow burn queen! I will say reading 3 books and just getting to the romance should be the definition of slow burn!
I love all of the characters, the way that they all banter with each other is what I live for. This made family that they created is something I really enjoy reading about in books, it is one of my favorite things. I am really impressed with Mia's ability to make all of the characters unique, and that is saying something because in the core group of main characters there are at least 15 people and having them all shine through and leave a lasting impression I think is really impressive!
I am throughly enjoying this series and Mia's writing. I wish she had more books out because I would be devouring those until the next Cardinal book comes out. Unfortunately for us, she is a new author so this is looking like we are going to have to wait patiently until she releases the masterpieces that are these books!
Ummm EXCUSE ME MIA SMANTZ... when I finished reading this and find out that this ends in a FREAKING CLIFFHANGER WITH THE NEXT BOOK NOT COMING OUT UNTIL DECEMBER YOU BEST BELIEVE I HAVE SOME FRUSTRATED TEARS COMING OUT TO PLAY!
Okay I will calm down now.... (still piiisssed..) but this book was a lot more on the background of the characters. I think since there are 6 books in this series (for some reason just found out that tid bit of information) this book had to add to the backstory. Even though not too much happened in here, like in previous books, this book and Cardinal Caged are kind of blending together for me since I read them quickly back to back. We learn a lot more about what happened to Callie during her kidnappings, as well as some of the guys childhoods.
I wish there was more of the romance happening, this series is giving Mariana Zapata a run for her money being the slow burn queen! I will say reading 3 books and just getting to the romance should be the definition of slow burn!
I love all of the characters, the way that they all banter with each other is what I live for. This made family that they created is something I really enjoy reading about in books, it is one of my favorite things. I am really impressed with Mia's ability to make all of the characters unique, and that is saying something because in the core group of main characters there are at least 15 people and having them all shine through and leave a lasting impression I think is really impressive!
I am throughly enjoying this series and Mia's writing. I wish she had more books out because I would be devouring those until the next Cardinal book comes out. Unfortunately for us, she is a new author so this is looking like we are going to have to wait patiently until she releases the masterpieces that are these books!
May 22, 2021
Kidnap Callie is back! She has settled in with her team, the Cardinals, more or less. She has admitted to herself that she is interested in all of the men on Team Emerson and on Team Tate. And it seems they are all interested and willing to share her within their team. Now all she has to do is get the teams to work together instead of competing against one another. And of course, avoid getting kidnapped or killed.
I am starting to have mixed feelings about this series. I love the characters. I like Callie. I do not like the unrealistic agency aspects and I can't stand the poor decisions made by all, but especially Callie. For a smart girl who grew up in a criminal organization, she has no sense of self-preservation. I'm baffled how she managed to stay alive while in Russian captivity. I just wish it was more realistic, smarter. I wish Delta and its agents were more professional. And while I don't mind the slow/no-burn romance because it fits Callie's story, I do wish there was more relationship growth. Conversations. connections. With so many guys each scene needs to make an impact and it's faltering some. I would like a little less kidnapping, a little more relationship development.
I am starting to have mixed feelings about this series. I love the characters. I like Callie. I do not like the unrealistic agency aspects and I can't stand the poor decisions made by all, but especially Callie. For a smart girl who grew up in a criminal organization, she has no sense of self-preservation. I'm baffled how she managed to stay alive while in Russian captivity. I just wish it was more realistic, smarter. I wish Delta and its agents were more professional. And while I don't mind the slow/no-burn romance because it fits Callie's story, I do wish there was more relationship growth. Conversations. connections. With so many guys each scene needs to make an impact and it's faltering some. I would like a little less kidnapping, a little more relationship development.
July 24, 2023
There are some mistakes creating some plot holes but if you ignore those and correct them in your head this book is still great!! I was engrossed and can’t wait to read the next one!
August 2, 2021
Finally we get some action in this book. Callie experiences what she calls her "sexual awakening" with kisses from several of the guys, and a bit more with two in particular. No penetration but there's some heavy petting and dry humping and Callie discovers what an orgasm is. and also finds the courage to have a chat with Emerson about what it might mean to have a relationship with the whole Emerson team, since he had earlier hinted that they would all like to share her.
I was at first a bit disappointed in Callie's continually sneaking off and doing things by herself. I felt it was another example of being TSTL, but then I realised she has always been alone and had no one to count on, so she's used to acting autonomously.
The phone hijinks continue in this book and suddenly I'm wondering why all of these operatives don't lock their phones with a passcode? It seems like the bare minimum of security they would want to have, especially since they'd have sensitive data like team members' contacts on it? So how are people able to just grab each other's phones and get in and change various settings? I mean, my current phone unlocks with fingerprint authentication, but even before this technology was available, smartphones have had passcode / PIN locks forever. Callie hacking into phones is understandable but Jace and Corbin should not be able to just get hold of her phone and gain access that easily, because she, being a hacker, should be especially paranoid about security on her phone.
They find out that someone planted something in Callie's room before the Cardinal's house got blown up, and that it was still there after the explosion, but for some reason, no one seems very interested in finding out what it is. They finally figure out the identity of the man who planted the bomb (different from the man who planted the item in Callie's room) and more of Callie's past comes out, as well as the pasts of some of the other team members. Ex-CIA Agent Grinley, who had featured in the first book, makes a comeback and goes after Callie, which means three people are after her: the man from her past who bombed the house, Nikolai Ivanov, the man they had saved her from, and Grinley.
The Delta men all act very much like the 20-something-year-olds they are -- which is to say, immature -- rather than like seasoned operatives, and Callie even takes to referring to them as "boys". Out of all of them, I like Corbin the least and Doc a close second; Corbin because he's really so childish (I also don't like his nickname for Callie, "Callie-cat") and Doc because he's so pushy, has been from the start, totally disregarding Callie's boundaries and just horning his way in (I also don't like his name for Callie: he calls her "babygirl"). I think I like Emerson the best, because he's the most mature of them and levels with Callie, no playing games. He's careful and gentle with her, whereas I feel that almost all the others are more focused on what they want rather than what Callie might want, and they're jockeying for position, trying to outdo each other in getting close to her.
I was at first a bit disappointed in Callie's continually sneaking off and doing things by herself. I felt it was another example of being TSTL, but then I realised she has always been alone and had no one to count on, so she's used to acting autonomously.
The phone hijinks continue in this book and suddenly I'm wondering why all of these operatives don't lock their phones with a passcode? It seems like the bare minimum of security they would want to have, especially since they'd have sensitive data like team members' contacts on it? So how are people able to just grab each other's phones and get in and change various settings? I mean, my current phone unlocks with fingerprint authentication, but even before this technology was available, smartphones have had passcode / PIN locks forever. Callie hacking into phones is understandable but Jace and Corbin should not be able to just get hold of her phone and gain access that easily, because she, being a hacker, should be especially paranoid about security on her phone.
They find out that someone planted something in Callie's room before the Cardinal's house got blown up, and that it was still there after the explosion, but for some reason, no one seems very interested in finding out what it is. They finally figure out the identity of the man who planted the bomb (different from the man who planted the item in Callie's room) and more of Callie's past comes out, as well as the pasts of some of the other team members. Ex-CIA Agent Grinley, who had featured in the first book, makes a comeback and goes after Callie, which means three people are after her: the man from her past who bombed the house, Nikolai Ivanov, the man they had saved her from, and Grinley.
The Delta men all act very much like the 20-something-year-olds they are -- which is to say, immature -- rather than like seasoned operatives, and Callie even takes to referring to them as "boys". Out of all of them, I like Corbin the least and Doc a close second; Corbin because he's really so childish (I also don't like his nickname for Callie, "Callie-cat") and Doc because he's so pushy, has been from the start, totally disregarding Callie's boundaries and just horning his way in (I also don't like his name for Callie: he calls her "babygirl"). I think I like Emerson the best, because he's the most mature of them and levels with Callie, no playing games. He's careful and gentle with her, whereas I feel that almost all the others are more focused on what they want rather than what Callie might want, and they're jockeying for position, trying to outdo each other in getting close to her.
March 23, 2020
So good
I’m not usually into CIA type stories but this series is incredibly well written that I just get sucked right into it. When I saw that the next installment won’t come out until fall... I about cried!!! But, I know it will be a hell of a good continuation! Ugh, cannot wait!
I’m not usually into CIA type stories but this series is incredibly well written that I just get sucked right into it. When I saw that the next installment won’t come out until fall... I about cried!!! But, I know it will be a hell of a good continuation! Ugh, cannot wait!
March 30, 2020
I loved the first book, it was so good. Then with the second book nothing really happened. And the third book is even worse. If I were to write a summery it would basically be; she gets to know everyone a little bit better and then there is a cliffhanger. The first exciting thing and its immediately the end. I know this sounds really negative but if the whole series were to come out as one big book I would absolutely love it, this book and the previous book are perfect middle parts/beginnings of a book.
March 16, 2020
3,5 ish stars
i really like this series and world building. it just keeps getting interesting, even tho sometimes it´s a bit slow maybe
i really like this series and world building. it just keeps getting interesting, even tho sometimes it´s a bit slow maybe
March 27, 2020
I don’t know... first book, amazing. Second book...great! This book...meh. I can’t put my finger on it, but is it me? Maybe it’s just me. *shrugs*
July 24, 2021
This one was really good, and a whole lot happened in this one. I loved the suspense and drama. However, it ends on a crazy cliffhanger. I can't wait for more now.
February 9, 2024
Very action-packed and well-written.
August 4, 2020
Oof this cliffhanger tho!!!
Danger is coming at Callie left and right. However, so are members of Delta. The Emerson and Tate teams are more than motivated to protect Callie from the dangers and past that surround her, but also are circling in on their claim over her. Although they are competitive with their attention and time with Callie between the two teams, within the groups themselves, there seems to be no contest over who has complete claim over her. And Callie is starting to notice.
I can’t say enough how much I love the slow burn aspect of this series. It’s my favorite thing when we get to see characters develop naturally and backstories of characters we love slowly unfurl. There were plenty of moments where all the slow burn in the previous books paid off, like for instance, with Brock and Bryce. Dear god that was good. And more emotional ones as well between the guys and the Cardinals, especially with Yolo (who had not taken to Callie at all in the beginning). Callie is really starting to open up more to them.
I’m happy that Callie is starting to reveal her secrets to her circle. It shows how much trust she’s built between herself and them, but she also remains guarded in expected ways. She hasn’t fully unpacked in any place she has stayed, continues to not want to talk about her past (especially concerning emotions and deaths of people she held dear), and still has a hard time not trying to do things on her own. It makes her a very likable character as she still works on herself and grows into a more confident and comfortable version compared to when we first met Callie.
I’m so hype for the next book. Cardinal of Hope left off on a pretty big cliffhanger and I can’t wait to get my hands on the fourth book. So many questions that need to be answered!
Danger is coming at Callie left and right. However, so are members of Delta. The Emerson and Tate teams are more than motivated to protect Callie from the dangers and past that surround her, but also are circling in on their claim over her. Although they are competitive with their attention and time with Callie between the two teams, within the groups themselves, there seems to be no contest over who has complete claim over her. And Callie is starting to notice.
I can’t say enough how much I love the slow burn aspect of this series. It’s my favorite thing when we get to see characters develop naturally and backstories of characters we love slowly unfurl. There were plenty of moments where all the slow burn in the previous books paid off, like for instance, with Brock and Bryce. Dear god that was good. And more emotional ones as well between the guys and the Cardinals, especially with Yolo (who had not taken to Callie at all in the beginning). Callie is really starting to open up more to them.
I’m happy that Callie is starting to reveal her secrets to her circle. It shows how much trust she’s built between herself and them, but she also remains guarded in expected ways. She hasn’t fully unpacked in any place she has stayed, continues to not want to talk about her past (especially concerning emotions and deaths of people she held dear), and still has a hard time not trying to do things on her own. It makes her a very likable character as she still works on herself and grows into a more confident and comfortable version compared to when we first met Callie.
I’m so hype for the next book. Cardinal of Hope left off on a pretty big cliffhanger and I can’t wait to get my hands on the fourth book. So many questions that need to be answered!
March 29, 2024
TITLE - Cardinal of Hope
AUTHOR - Mia Smantz
TYPE - Series, #3 of 6 in "The Cardinal"
POV - 1st Person - Callie
GENRE - Dark Romance, Reverse Harem, Thriller
READ DATES - 3/25/2024 to 3/26/2024
RATINGS
Overall: 3.8/5⭐️
Characters: 3.5/5👀
Plot: 3/5🧩
Romance: 0/5💘
Spice: 1/5🌶️
Pacing: 5/5⌛️
Editing/Consistency: 3.5/5🔍
B>MAIN CHARACTERS - Callie, Brock, Aleks, Jace, CJ, Bryce, Duane, Emerson, Corbin
INITIAL REACTION -
Full review at: Cardinal Rose.
AUTHOR - Mia Smantz
TYPE - Series, #3 of 6 in "The Cardinal"
POV - 1st Person - Callie
GENRE - Dark Romance, Reverse Harem, Thriller
READ DATES - 3/25/2024 to 3/26/2024
RATINGS
Overall: 3.8/5⭐️
Characters: 3.5/5👀
Plot: 3/5🧩
Romance: 0/5💘
Spice: 1/5🌶️
Pacing: 5/5⌛️
Editing/Consistency: 3.5/5🔍
B>MAIN CHARACTERS - Callie, Brock, Aleks, Jace, CJ, Bryce, Duane, Emerson, Corbin
INITIAL REACTION -
Full review at: Cardinal Rose.
September 10, 2020
I really love this series and this book kept that love up. I'm so happy with how far Callie has come since the 1st book, now she has gained confidence and is becoming more of the kickass person she always was. I still love the guys so much, they are all so sweet and I love how they all interact with each other they really act like a family and Callie is the one who brings them all together. I really love the fellow Cardinals, I loved how close they became with Callie during this and I loved when they interacted with the guys, it was as if they shared custody of Callie it was a little funny at times. I really do love how fast-paced this series is, even when nothing really intense is happening the story flows perfectly and at a faster pace which moves the story along without rushing it at the same time. Overall I absolutely love this series so much and i really need to know what happens next especially with that ending (which so wasn't a cool thing to do, it just left us hanging).
June 28, 2020
Hey there cliffhanger
Things pick up in the 3rd book. We get more progress on Callie becoming stronger in who she is and letting go the doubts and fears. She still makes some poor choices but she is learning to trust the others. We get more background info as well on her and some of the guys. I had a feeling about her stepdad and it was confirmed. I was pretty surprised on who the bomber was. That was interesting development. Heat wise it begins to heat up.... Still slow burn but we get more kisses and making out. Callie is learning and becoming confident. The CIA is trash though. Geez they are not helping at all. Enjoyed this book a lot. Yolo becomes more engaged as well. The ending though.... Ugh. Thankful for the first few chapters of the next book at least so you aren't completely left hanging. Great continuation. Need more of this series.
Things pick up in the 3rd book. We get more progress on Callie becoming stronger in who she is and letting go the doubts and fears. She still makes some poor choices but she is learning to trust the others. We get more background info as well on her and some of the guys. I had a feeling about her stepdad and it was confirmed. I was pretty surprised on who the bomber was. That was interesting development. Heat wise it begins to heat up.... Still slow burn but we get more kisses and making out. Callie is learning and becoming confident. The CIA is trash though. Geez they are not helping at all. Enjoyed this book a lot. Yolo becomes more engaged as well. The ending though.... Ugh. Thankful for the first few chapters of the next book at least so you aren't completely left hanging. Great continuation. Need more of this series.
August 12, 2020
Yes Aleks, I will accept your candy bracelet....sigh
The intrigue spikes in this book as Callie starts to reveal her past, quite a bit of it shocking.
I am waiting to see if her elementary school bully from Book 1 will re-appear, since it seems he had a change of heart on the day of her original kidnapping... or did he?
I loved the slumber parties, especially to hear grown men on the floor and they way they are viewed while sleeping. I do think Callie has enough love interests to last her multiple lifetimes.
More kidnappings and reveals from the past, even surprises.
Her special time with Bryce and Brock, Aleks crazy innuendos, Jace and Corbin busted by Callie. I was laughing out loud during this book, several times.
UGH - now I have to wait for Book 4, only a couple of weeks.... How far will Callie get with the guys and girls (??) ?
The intrigue spikes in this book as Callie starts to reveal her past, quite a bit of it shocking.
I am waiting to see if her elementary school bully from Book 1 will re-appear, since it seems he had a change of heart on the day of her original kidnapping... or did he?
I loved the slumber parties, especially to hear grown men on the floor and they way they are viewed while sleeping. I do think Callie has enough love interests to last her multiple lifetimes.
More kidnappings and reveals from the past, even surprises.
Her special time with Bryce and Brock, Aleks crazy innuendos, Jace and Corbin busted by Callie. I was laughing out loud during this book, several times.
UGH - now I have to wait for Book 4, only a couple of weeks.... How far will Callie get with the guys and girls (??) ?
May 18, 2021
4.6 stars.
First off. Still no sex. Which makes my dirty mind sad. But also I understand that they’re all taking thing slow and that it’s complicated.
But.
Ugh.
A spot on her back?!? What the fuck? Who?? When?! And most importantly. How?!?
No. Just no. It was a good growth moment for everyone. But I will not accept that a spot on her back did THAT.
Nope. Absolutely not.
Now. The entire rest of the book. We’re still riding along on the bumpy plateau of the last book where things are mostly calm. At least compared to the action packed first book.
And everything is fun and just as entertaining as the other two books, even still.
Then that damn ending. Fuck man. I’m glad I found this series already completely written and released because I’d be pissed to have to wait after that cliffhanger.
I hate cliffhangers.
Just rude.
Now if you’ll excuse me.
I need answers.
Right now.
First off. Still no sex. Which makes my dirty mind sad. But also I understand that they’re all taking thing slow and that it’s complicated.
But.
Ugh.
A spot on her back?!? What the fuck? Who?? When?! And most importantly. How?!?
No. Just no. It was a good growth moment for everyone. But I will not accept that a spot on her back did THAT.
Nope. Absolutely not.
Now. The entire rest of the book. We’re still riding along on the bumpy plateau of the last book where things are mostly calm. At least compared to the action packed first book.
And everything is fun and just as entertaining as the other two books, even still.
Then that damn ending. Fuck man. I’m glad I found this series already completely written and released because I’d be pissed to have to wait after that cliffhanger.
I hate cliffhangers.
Just rude.
Now if you’ll excuse me.
I need answers.
Right now.
March 17, 2020
The sleep deprivation was worth it
I woke up in the middle of the night to read this book soon after it released at midnight and stayed up till 6am to finish it then spent the day feeling like a sleep deprived zombie, but it was worth it because Mia Smantz is a brilliant author and Cardinal of Hope was just as amazing as the other books in the series. If you like dangerous crime lord villains, secret government agencies, hot good guys, and surprisingly strong and resilient heroines, you have got to read this book (but read books 1-2 first). Also, just as a warning, there is an absolutely horrible, gut-wrenching cliff hanger, but the author was kind enough to provide a sneak peek of book 4 to alleviate the worst of reader fears.
I woke up in the middle of the night to read this book soon after it released at midnight and stayed up till 6am to finish it then spent the day feeling like a sleep deprived zombie, but it was worth it because Mia Smantz is a brilliant author and Cardinal of Hope was just as amazing as the other books in the series. If you like dangerous crime lord villains, secret government agencies, hot good guys, and surprisingly strong and resilient heroines, you have got to read this book (but read books 1-2 first). Also, just as a warning, there is an absolutely horrible, gut-wrenching cliff hanger, but the author was kind enough to provide a sneak peek of book 4 to alleviate the worst of reader fears.
March 16, 2020
I love this series so much!
I love this series! Callie is so sweet and smart. I was so excited to see her moving forward with the guys. I’m so ready for her to have real boyfriend/girlfriend relationships with them. Fingers crossed for the Tate team to combine with the Emerson team in the next book. Callie shouldn’t have to choose she deserves it all after what she’s been through. Also, if the author wanted to throw out some bonus POV’s from the guys that would be beyond amazing.
I love this series! Callie is so sweet and smart. I was so excited to see her moving forward with the guys. I’m so ready for her to have real boyfriend/girlfriend relationships with them. Fingers crossed for the Tate team to combine with the Emerson team in the next book. Callie shouldn’t have to choose she deserves it all after what she’s been through. Also, if the author wanted to throw out some bonus POV’s from the guys that would be beyond amazing.
March 18, 2021
The best thing I've read this year, well, so far anyway.
The best thing I've read this year, so far, and it's already mid March. My kindle tells me I'm on book 76, so it's a fair sized pool for comparison. (I may have to increase my reading goal for the year again!)
There is action and intrigue that's fast paced. There's romance that's agonisingly slow paced. There's character development that's captures your interest as each piece of person puzzle is revealed. There is so much going on that it's hard to put down.
The best thing I've read this year, so far, and it's already mid March. My kindle tells me I'm on book 76, so it's a fair sized pool for comparison. (I may have to increase my reading goal for the year again!)
There is action and intrigue that's fast paced. There's romance that's agonisingly slow paced. There's character development that's captures your interest as each piece of person puzzle is revealed. There is so much going on that it's hard to put down.
March 18, 2020
Love this series! It is not uncommon that I lose interest in a series after a couple books. But this one keeps me drawn in. I really appreciate the lightheartedness in the face of her serious situation. The humor pairs well with the life threatening situations, in my opinion. My only problem is having to wait so long for the next book to come out! I'll not only continue with this series but also read anything else the author releases.
April 9, 2020
Good book
I enjoyed the 3rd book and liked the MC and all of the people that surround her. There are a few too many romantic interests with 10 guys so no one gets enough story time for them or the relationship to develop. Also frustrating to see a team of super delta operatives who seem to constantly get out maneuvered by every bad guy. Still, liked the book enough to want to read the next one.
I enjoyed the 3rd book and liked the MC and all of the people that surround her. There are a few too many romantic interests with 10 guys so no one gets enough story time for them or the relationship to develop. Also frustrating to see a team of super delta operatives who seem to constantly get out maneuvered by every bad guy. Still, liked the book enough to want to read the next one.
April 11, 2020
💘
OMMFG I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!! Poor Callie. That ending was heartbreaking and then we get the first couple of chapter's for the next 📚coming out in December and talk about a rollercoaster!! I really cannot wait for the next 📚, so glad it will be out in December, but I wish it was sooner. I loved how she was experiencing new things with her 😋 (8, yes 8) men. 💘the characters in this series, except the baddies they can all fall in a pit of poisonous 🐍!! Can't Wait!!!!!
OMMFG I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!! Poor Callie. That ending was heartbreaking and then we get the first couple of chapter's for the next 📚coming out in December and talk about a rollercoaster!! I really cannot wait for the next 📚, so glad it will be out in December, but I wish it was sooner. I loved how she was experiencing new things with her 😋 (8, yes 8) men. 💘the characters in this series, except the baddies they can all fall in a pit of poisonous 🐍!! Can't Wait!!!!!
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