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Cruel #6
The Breaking Season
A sexy stand alone arranged marriage romance from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde...
I signed on the dotted line. A marriage contract to seal my union with the devil.
I thought I knew what I was doing. His money and name were mine for the taking. But Camden Percy always gets exactly what he wants. And what he wants is me—my body, my obedience, my surrender.
He wants to break me.
But I’m Katherine Van Pelt. I’ll never break. I’ll never beg. I’ll never give in.
Except I promised him one more thing—a baby. A Percy heir.
There’s no way out of this one. Either I comply or lose everything. Do I risk the husband I’m just learning to love or is this my breaking season?
I signed on the dotted line. A marriage contract to seal my union with the devil.
I thought I knew what I was doing. His money and name were mine for the taking. But Camden Percy always gets exactly what he wants. And what he wants is me—my body, my obedience, my surrender.
He wants to break me.
But I’m Katherine Van Pelt. I’ll never break. I’ll never beg. I’ll never give in.
Except I promised him one more thing—a baby. A Percy heir.
There’s no way out of this one. Either I comply or lose everything. Do I risk the husband I’m just learning to love or is this my breaking season?
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2020
379 people are currently reading
2577 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Linde
88 books11.1k followersK.A. Linde is the New York Times, USA Today, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wren in the Holly Library. She is prolific in both romance and fantasy and loves the blend of the two.
She has a Masters degree in political science and bachelors in philosophy from the University of Georgia. In her previous life, she was a head campaign worker for a presidential campaign and the coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, traveling to far-off destinations, and dancing in her spare time.
She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, and son.
She has a Masters degree in political science and bachelors in philosophy from the University of Georgia. In her previous life, she was a head campaign worker for a presidential campaign and the coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, traveling to far-off destinations, and dancing in her spare time.
She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, and son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 394 reviews
December 8, 2022
5 stars
If you would have told me that I would want to read about Katherine Van Pelt after meeting her in ‘Cruel Money’, I would have said no way. And if you would have told me she would become my favorite heroine of Linde’s, I would have laughed in your face… but here we are. This. Book. Was. Epic. Linde’s best work yet and Katherine is by far my favorite heroine she’s ever written. Trust me, no one is more surprised about this than me!
Katherine and Camden are married, but it’s a contract. It’s not a real marriage… or is it? Things between these two are complicated and tumultuous at times, but you can tell they feel for each other, even if they won’t admit it. And when they let themselves be together, the chemistry is sizzling. But the question is, will these two have a contractual marriage only or will they try to make it work for real. Is that even possible?
Through the last few books, Linde has made us care a little more about Katherine and Camden as we were shown a different side of them though the eyes of their best friends. How she managed to make these seemingly unredeemable villains not only characters I cared about, but characters I loved above all the others is beyond me. That is talent right there.
I ended up loving Camden Percy so dang much. He had a much bigger heart than I thought possible and was a loyal friend and managed to make a good husband. But Katherine, Katherine shocked me like no other. She’s a tough nut to crack, but once you see her for who she really is, you can’t help but to love her. She seems cold and hateful on the outside, but that is just a protective layer she wears. It’s not who she really is. I’m not saying she’s perfect, but I loved her so much and after seeing all she’d been through in her life I have a respect for her I didn’t before.
This was one of my most anticipated books of 2020 and it totally lived up to the hype. The Breaking Season was addicting and had that obsessive quality to it, I honestly could not put it down. K.A. Linde’s writing is impeccable and I still can’t believe how much I loved this book and these characters. The perfect mix of steam, emotion, angst, and heart. Honestly, this book was perfection for me and will be a top 2020 read! I can’t recommend it enough.
Villain Katherine and her Dark Prince.
If you would have told me that I would want to read about Katherine Van Pelt after meeting her in ‘Cruel Money’, I would have said no way. And if you would have told me she would become my favorite heroine of Linde’s, I would have laughed in your face… but here we are. This. Book. Was. Epic. Linde’s best work yet and Katherine is by far my favorite heroine she’s ever written. Trust me, no one is more surprised about this than me!
Katherine and Camden are married, but it’s a contract. It’s not a real marriage… or is it? Things between these two are complicated and tumultuous at times, but you can tell they feel for each other, even if they won’t admit it. And when they let themselves be together, the chemistry is sizzling. But the question is, will these two have a contractual marriage only or will they try to make it work for real. Is that even possible?
Through the last few books, Linde has made us care a little more about Katherine and Camden as we were shown a different side of them though the eyes of their best friends. How she managed to make these seemingly unredeemable villains not only characters I cared about, but characters I loved above all the others is beyond me. That is talent right there.
I ended up loving Camden Percy so dang much. He had a much bigger heart than I thought possible and was a loyal friend and managed to make a good husband. But Katherine, Katherine shocked me like no other. She’s a tough nut to crack, but once you see her for who she really is, you can’t help but to love her. She seems cold and hateful on the outside, but that is just a protective layer she wears. It’s not who she really is. I’m not saying she’s perfect, but I loved her so much and after seeing all she’d been through in her life I have a respect for her I didn’t before.
This was one of my most anticipated books of 2020 and it totally lived up to the hype. The Breaking Season was addicting and had that obsessive quality to it, I honestly could not put it down. K.A. Linde’s writing is impeccable and I still can’t believe how much I loved this book and these characters. The perfect mix of steam, emotion, angst, and heart. Honestly, this book was perfection for me and will be a top 2020 read! I can’t recommend it enough.
We were the villains of everyone else’s story. We were the hardened, darkened core that did whatever we had to in order to survive. To come out on top. But here, together, we were something else. Something more. Together, we could move mountains.
Read
November 25, 2022So obsessed with this story. The character growth is out of this world. Can't wait until July!
July 27, 2020
DNF
This book is not working for me. I tried to like Camden and Katherine. But I just can not connect with any of the characters nor the story. The more I listened to the audio book, the more I scroll down to the next book I want to read next.
I know for sure I do not like Katherine. I think she is a bitch. She is over dramatic. Anorexia is serious metal health issue. And in this book, Katherine's character makes the anorexia is a soap drama. I do not like it at all.
2 stars
This book is not working for me. I tried to like Camden and Katherine. But I just can not connect with any of the characters nor the story. The more I listened to the audio book, the more I scroll down to the next book I want to read next.
I know for sure I do not like Katherine. I think she is a bitch. She is over dramatic. Anorexia is serious metal health issue. And in this book, Katherine's character makes the anorexia is a soap drama. I do not like it at all.
2 stars
July 22, 2020
I have been anticipating the release of Breaking Season from the moment I met Camden and Katherine in The Lying Season and The Hating Season. There was an air of anger, dissension and sexual tension surrounding them, which made me curious to learn their story.
It is said that first impressions are the most lasting, and I was curious to see if the author could change my initial reaction to these two. Well, she did an excellent job. I found Katherine to be unstable, bitter, unlikeable and a social climber, while Camden was detached, cynical, intimidating and controlling. While reading the previous books I kept wondering why did these two got married as they were constantly angry with each other. Well, Breaking Season taught me there was more to these two than I initially thought. I had the honor of peeling away their layers and slowly learning that the facade they portrayed was a means to cover up the pain from their past. I witnessed their softer, caring and protective sides. Linde did such a marvellous job with them, that by the end of the story my initial impression of them took a 360-degree turn.
They both have been through a lot and they deserved happiness. I loved how it turned out for them both. I especially loved the twist the author created. A twist, which worked in Camden’s favour and it made me happy for him.
I enjoyed how their love for each other developed throughout the story. It was clear as day that they cared for each other, but their fears and pain from their past proved to be their biggest stumbling blocks.
The couples from the previous books in this series were present in this installment, and it was fun catching up with them.
The story addressed effects of anorexia. The struggle to maintain what one believes is the perfect body to the detriment of one’s health. It also touched on cancer in children. The story did not go in depth with these topics, but the author provided enough information for the reader to understand the effects of both diseases.
I had a splendid time with this story and was happy with how it ended. If you enjoy enemies to lovers’ romance, then The Breaking Season would be a great addition to your shelf.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
It is said that first impressions are the most lasting, and I was curious to see if the author could change my initial reaction to these two. Well, she did an excellent job. I found Katherine to be unstable, bitter, unlikeable and a social climber, while Camden was detached, cynical, intimidating and controlling. While reading the previous books I kept wondering why did these two got married as they were constantly angry with each other. Well, Breaking Season taught me there was more to these two than I initially thought. I had the honor of peeling away their layers and slowly learning that the facade they portrayed was a means to cover up the pain from their past. I witnessed their softer, caring and protective sides. Linde did such a marvellous job with them, that by the end of the story my initial impression of them took a 360-degree turn.
They both have been through a lot and they deserved happiness. I loved how it turned out for them both. I especially loved the twist the author created. A twist, which worked in Camden’s favour and it made me happy for him.
I enjoyed how their love for each other developed throughout the story. It was clear as day that they cared for each other, but their fears and pain from their past proved to be their biggest stumbling blocks.
The couples from the previous books in this series were present in this installment, and it was fun catching up with them.
The story addressed effects of anorexia. The struggle to maintain what one believes is the perfect body to the detriment of one’s health. It also touched on cancer in children. The story did not go in depth with these topics, but the author provided enough information for the reader to understand the effects of both diseases.
I had a splendid time with this story and was happy with how it ended. If you enjoy enemies to lovers’ romance, then The Breaking Season would be a great addition to your shelf.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
December 2, 2020
*** 3.75 - ish stars **"
So the blurb sounded so so good that I couldn't wait for the couple to fall in love coz I'm a sucker for arranged marriages kinda love storied but here I didn't get to feel the anticipation of their hatred, the whole arranged-marriage-scene thing or the fact that they were literally forced to get married. So I'll deduct points for that.
Otherwise the chemistry in them was okay. There was an understanding issue between them due to which some parts in the ending were bla bla bla ...some of which I even skipped.
The starting 2-3 chapters were full of angst which actually worked my mind up but when I reached the middle of the book that angst was long lost.
Side characters weren't that powerful (except the friend circle, that too because they're H&h in other books of this series).
Writing style was good. I must say author has put some good work in the writing department.
The story too could have been much better but I guess it's just me having way too expectations with every book I read.
So the blurb sounded so so good that I couldn't wait for the couple to fall in love coz I'm a sucker for arranged marriages kinda love storied but here I didn't get to feel the anticipation of their hatred, the whole arranged-marriage-scene thing or the fact that they were literally forced to get married. So I'll deduct points for that.
Otherwise the chemistry in them was okay. There was an understanding issue between them due to which some parts in the ending were bla bla bla ...some of which I even skipped.
The starting 2-3 chapters were full of angst which actually worked my mind up but when I reached the middle of the book that angst was long lost.
Side characters weren't that powerful (except the friend circle, that too because they're H&h in other books of this series).
Writing style was good. I must say author has put some good work in the writing department.
The story too could have been much better but I guess it's just me having way too expectations with every book I read.
July 8, 2020
➳ Rate: 4,5 / 5 stars
Boy, I have been waiting for this book ever since book one. I knew these two would be freaking amazing. And their story would be angsty. I did not read the Cruel series so there's probably a ton of backstory on Penn and Katherine that I don't know... but even from the little that this series has given us, I knew the story was pretty messy and emotional and all three or four parties involved must have residual feelings over it all. And it was plenty clear from what we got to see in previous books that Camden hated Penn and thought Katherine still loved him, which made him act out and ended up hurting Katherine and himself more.
We finally got to see it all happen first hand and even more important, see exactly what truly happened when they fought and Camden disappeared. And guys, there is so much more to Camden than he lets on. We already saw a little bit of his amazing heart in The Hating Season but now we got to see his whole heart, and how much he cared for his friends and for Katherine. It was impossible not love his crazy, possessive, alpha a**. He was frustrating, not very forthcoming with the truth and his feelings but he was freaking amazing. His life was not easy, he migh be filthy rich and have good friends but he had no real family, no one that ever showed him real love.
And then there's Katherine... there was so much hurt and betrayal in her past, she kept her feelings locked down and did not want to let them free. She faked it. She was the image of 'fake it til you make it'. And she was faking so much, she didn't even know who she really was or wanted out of her life but reality and Camden made her question it all and slowly she started letting the real her out of her shell. She invested time and money into real things that would help others and make them happy and in turn make herself happy too. I loved seeing her on that journey, by helping others, she was helping herself too, to change and grow and just be in a better place. There were still a lot of issues unresolved like her arrangement with Camden and other things she was still struggling with from her past but that little ray of sunshine made a difference in her life.
I'm not gonna lie... these two were very frustrating at times, their fights were stupid and it would have all worked out if they just had been honest about their feelings and what they were doing but nope they were both stubborn as all hell and too afraid to open their hearts and be rejected or get their heart broken. So they kept on fighting and having a fake relationship that was a complete mess until someone gave Camden some advice that he tried out and it made things better for a little while but most important of all, it made them both realise that they could be happy together if they gave it a real try.
The Breaking Season was everything I had expected it to be and SO much more. These two gave me all the angst I craved and so much more. There were so many sides of their story, with both their pasts and the people in their lives...it just really made it a wholesome book for me. I loved watching them grow together and as a person, they each had things to get over, to work on and to fight for. I loved watching them work on themselves and on their relationship. It was a frustrating, angsty book with some drama, some shocking revelations but most of all it was an amazing story of love between two people, of self-love and family love, blood related or not. It was just an amazing book with a wonderful group of friends I've grown to love and can't get enough of. I'm looking forward to the next book and to see everyone again, specially how these two are. I mean, that epilogue *Sigh*, I would love to see more of that.
➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.
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July 20, 2020
The author has teased us with this couple all through the series and I was really looking forward to reading their story.
But as is often the case it didn't for me turn out as good as I hoped.
It wasn't as angsty as I was expecting.
The book reveals secrets about them both.
Katherine has abandonment issues and has a secret history of anorexia.
Camden is never able to live up to his father's expectations.
But somehow it just didn't end up as good as I anticipated it to be.
They have a mostly hate relationship.
Basically they just needed to talk things out.
In the previous books there was other woman drama.
There was a scene where the Hero left with the other woman at a Halloween party.
I couldn't quite work out if he had cheated after their marriage but it is said although he and the other woman were involved in a sexual relationship, that stopped in August.
Was this after or before their wedding? I'm not sure....
So when the Hero left with the other woman at Halloween, nothing happened.
There are no intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
The heroine's other man drama is Penn, who is happily married to another woman and the heroine and he are just friends and have been for some time.
The drama is basically a misunderstanding by the Hero and he is jealous.
There was a bit of drama that I found completely contrived involving his mother.
It just seemed so ridiculous, his long lost mother turns up, that didnt work for me at all.
HEA.
Epilogue.
But as is often the case it didn't for me turn out as good as I hoped.
It wasn't as angsty as I was expecting.
The book reveals secrets about them both.
Katherine has abandonment issues and has a secret history of anorexia.
Camden is never able to live up to his father's expectations.
But somehow it just didn't end up as good as I anticipated it to be.
They have a mostly hate relationship.
Basically they just needed to talk things out.
In the previous books there was other woman drama.
There was a scene where the Hero left with the other woman at a Halloween party.
I couldn't quite work out if he had cheated after their marriage but it is said although he and the other woman were involved in a sexual relationship, that stopped in August.
Was this after or before their wedding? I'm not sure....
So when the Hero left with the other woman at Halloween, nothing happened.
There are no intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
The heroine's other man drama is Penn, who is happily married to another woman and the heroine and he are just friends and have been for some time.
The drama is basically a misunderstanding by the Hero and he is jealous.
There was a bit of drama that I found completely contrived involving his mother.
It just seemed so ridiculous, his long lost mother turns up, that didnt work for me at all.
HEA.
Epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2020
Exhausting and drawn-out
April 11, 2023
4.25 Stars / 3.5 Steam Fans
I didn't like Camden or Katherine in the rest of the series and felt like the two of them deserved each other. But as you read the reasons for their arranged marriage my dislike lessened as I learned their backstories.
CW: Eating Disorders, Arranged Marriage, OW/OM Issues, Control Issues, Trust Issues, Mental Illness, Childhood Illness
Video review available in Week 14: Apr 2 – Apr 8, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
I didn't like Camden or Katherine in the rest of the series and felt like the two of them deserved each other. But as you read the reasons for their arranged marriage my dislike lessened as I learned their backstories.
CW: Eating Disorders, Arranged Marriage, OW/OM Issues, Control Issues, Trust Issues, Mental Illness, Childhood Illness
Video review available in Week 14: Apr 2 – Apr 8, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
July 22, 2020
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
'The Breaking Season' is the third book of the 'Seasons' Series by the best selling author K.A. Linde. Told in dual perspectives, get ready to meet the most explosive villiana of all time!!
I have been waiting for Katherine and Camden's story for such a long long time!! They were such a mystery to most people and I could wait to see the world through their eyes and hear their story.
I will admit that I didn't like Katherine in the starting book and would have never expected for her book to become my favourite of this series!! K.A. linde has done such an amazing job of writing this book that I couldn't help but fall in love with Camden and Katherine.
Both of them had a complex relationship. They had a marriage contract and had a professional marriage. Things were complicated between them , but it was clear to everyone that they both felt for each other. Now the only question was to act on that chemistry! This book was the perfect mixture of steam and angst and I loved every word of it. How the author managed to make me love these unredeemable characters even shocked me. But somehow i love both Camden and Katherine so dang much!!
This book was my most anticipated book and it totally lived up to the hype it had made. It was perfection in the purest forms and is recommended to all the arranged marriage trope lovers , who would love to see a pair of non redeemable characters becoming the best freaking characters of all time!!
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July 19, 2020
Holy Smokes.....Camden & Katherine have become my favorite couple!! I had no idea what to expect going in AND let me tell you how blown away I was with this book.
Both Camden and Katherine have become masters at not showing their feelings or weaknesses with anyone but with each other it was harder because they both are playing the same game. Camden needs an heir and even though he could have had a contract with anyone else he knew Katherine needed his unlimited money, he knew her endgame and he's secretly loved her (even thought he hates to admit it). Their coolness toward each other was sad yet I knew sooner or later one of them would fold. There are villains, sweet moments, real issues and surprises that left me saying what just happened!! This story floored me and captured my heart and emotions so be ready for for an emotional rollercoaster!!! By far my favorite arranged marriage story! Kara~5 Stars
Both Camden and Katherine have become masters at not showing their feelings or weaknesses with anyone but with each other it was harder because they both are playing the same game. Camden needs an heir and even though he could have had a contract with anyone else he knew Katherine needed his unlimited money, he knew her endgame and he's secretly loved her (even thought he hates to admit it). Their coolness toward each other was sad yet I knew sooner or later one of them would fold. There are villains, sweet moments, real issues and surprises that left me saying what just happened!! This story floored me and captured my heart and emotions so be ready for for an emotional rollercoaster!!! By far my favorite arranged marriage story! Kara~5 Stars
December 27, 2020
Trigger Warnings:
I was super excited to read this after a friend recommended it since I've been hungover on The Unwanted Wife and am continuing to look for books that will make me feel the things I did while reading it. But so far, I haven't really succeeded in finding anything that beats it. This book had a good premise but I just hated how it was marketed as a standalone. You can try and read this as a stand-alone but I feel like you would enjoy this a lot more if you read the other books in the series, which I haven't. The other characters in this book play a major role and all have books for themselves, the previous books in this series. It seems that everyone was looking forward to this book since the main characters in this book stood out in the other books. There were inside jokes and stuff I wasn't able to catch on to. There were characters that just showed up and you didn't really know who they were until the character will kinda hint or say something. Things were confusing and jumbled up, which ruined the story for me since I feel like you would enjoy this a lot better if you read the previous books. It reminds me of the Beautiful Bastard series, where all of the characters show up in the other books and are this big friend group and there are so many funny inside jokes that you will only be able to understand if you've read the previous books in the series.
This follows Katherine who is in an arranged marriage with Camden. They hate each other but are marrying with a contract, Katherine offered to carry Camden's child when the time comes and he gives her money and a rich lifestyle. All is good except their relationship with one another and they are slowly growing to be fed up with one another. After a year, Camden finally asks for them to have their child but Katherine isn't ready. But she can't refuse since it's part of the contract and she can't leave the marriage either. But how can she raise a kid with a guy she doesn't even love?
Now for spoilers
Overall, this book was just a typical, cliche arranged marriage book with characters that I was not invested in at all. I think if you really did want to read this book, you would have to read the previous books to at least enjoy it a little more. But honestly, I wasn't a fan of this book either way so I don't think that I would've liked it even if I read the previous books, it was too boring. Anyway, I'll be off, stay safe folks!
I was super excited to read this after a friend recommended it since I've been hungover on The Unwanted Wife and am continuing to look for books that will make me feel the things I did while reading it. But so far, I haven't really succeeded in finding anything that beats it. This book had a good premise but I just hated how it was marketed as a standalone. You can try and read this as a stand-alone but I feel like you would enjoy this a lot more if you read the other books in the series, which I haven't. The other characters in this book play a major role and all have books for themselves, the previous books in this series. It seems that everyone was looking forward to this book since the main characters in this book stood out in the other books. There were inside jokes and stuff I wasn't able to catch on to. There were characters that just showed up and you didn't really know who they were until the character will kinda hint or say something. Things were confusing and jumbled up, which ruined the story for me since I feel like you would enjoy this a lot better if you read the previous books. It reminds me of the Beautiful Bastard series, where all of the characters show up in the other books and are this big friend group and there are so many funny inside jokes that you will only be able to understand if you've read the previous books in the series.
This follows Katherine who is in an arranged marriage with Camden. They hate each other but are marrying with a contract, Katherine offered to carry Camden's child when the time comes and he gives her money and a rich lifestyle. All is good except their relationship with one another and they are slowly growing to be fed up with one another. After a year, Camden finally asks for them to have their child but Katherine isn't ready. But she can't refuse since it's part of the contract and she can't leave the marriage either. But how can she raise a kid with a guy she doesn't even love?
Now for spoilers
Overall, this book was just a typical, cliche arranged marriage book with characters that I was not invested in at all. I think if you really did want to read this book, you would have to read the previous books to at least enjoy it a little more. But honestly, I wasn't a fan of this book either way so I don't think that I would've liked it even if I read the previous books, it was too boring. Anyway, I'll be off, stay safe folks!
July 20, 2020
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3 Stars
The Breaking Season is the third installment in the Seasons series, and it cannot be read as a standalone due to a continuation of the storyline. Even after reading all three novels in this series, I still experienced confusion when events are info-dumped, as if I am missing novels. Was this series a direct tie to another of KA Linde's series?
The buildup to this novel was epic, and I felt as if it would be hard to live up to all that anticipation. To be honest, it didn't quite hit the notes I needed.
I am a fanatic for angst. I crave angst. I will purposefully read a novel just to emotionally torture myself. Unless you're new to KA Linde, you know she spends a great deal delivering angst. Which is why I said what I said above about The Breaking Season missing the mark for me.
Katherine and Camden dance around their feelings, have been throughout the previous novels. There is true angst featuring Camden's family and a medical condition. But then there is manufactured angst featuring the relationship inside their arranged marriage, which was basically everything I read on the pages.
As I said, I crave angst. It's delicious and I could glut myself on it. I eat up flawed characters and will beg for another helping. But then there was Katherine and Camden. Their issues were self-created, the focus not on their true issues. The family and medical drama kept me glued to the pages, while the miscommunication had me rolling my eyes and getting frustrated.
The issues they had with each other were surrounded on miscommunication, purposefully misunderstanding, and game playing, all of which one single conversation 3 books ago would have resolved the entire plot and we wouldn't have read their novel. So I just felt that they needed a true reason to dance around one another. Something other than just purposefully leading the reader to think there is something deeper when there isn't.
The one who said there were to be no lies or game-playing, did nothing but lie and game-play. Petty. Jealousy. Envious of someone that was no threat, while making sure there was a miscommunication/misunderstanding to torture their spouse.
As I said, I love flawed characters, especially those who evolve over the pages of the novel and redeem themselves. Katherine tried to find her way outside of being a vapid socialite, and I enjoyed that evolution. Camden changed the most due to family, but just wiped away all of the pain he caused Katherine. After all this buildup, a short conversation fixed everything, and it didn't feel as if they earned or deserved it after the built-up, drawn-out dance.
I have to admit, the weakest part of the novel was the romance. Katherine finding her true worth for the charity, the relationship and loyalty toward friends, the evolution and maturity of Camden's growth with his family were where the novel shined. A half a page where the couple didn't act like toddlers- albeit, toddlers have no filter and would have told the truth and cleared up any misconceptions in one shout -I needed more to buy the HEA.
Not all books are a hit for every reader, and I still place Linde at the top of my recommend list in angsty reads. I can't wait to read what is in store for this series next, as well as read the series I haven't read yet, as that might be the tie that caused so much confusion for me.
3 Stars
The Breaking Season is the third installment in the Seasons series, and it cannot be read as a standalone due to a continuation of the storyline. Even after reading all three novels in this series, I still experienced confusion when events are info-dumped, as if I am missing novels. Was this series a direct tie to another of KA Linde's series?
The buildup to this novel was epic, and I felt as if it would be hard to live up to all that anticipation. To be honest, it didn't quite hit the notes I needed.
I am a fanatic for angst. I crave angst. I will purposefully read a novel just to emotionally torture myself. Unless you're new to KA Linde, you know she spends a great deal delivering angst. Which is why I said what I said above about The Breaking Season missing the mark for me.
Katherine and Camden dance around their feelings, have been throughout the previous novels. There is true angst featuring Camden's family and a medical condition. But then there is manufactured angst featuring the relationship inside their arranged marriage, which was basically everything I read on the pages.
As I said, I crave angst. It's delicious and I could glut myself on it. I eat up flawed characters and will beg for another helping. But then there was Katherine and Camden. Their issues were self-created, the focus not on their true issues. The family and medical drama kept me glued to the pages, while the miscommunication had me rolling my eyes and getting frustrated.
The issues they had with each other were surrounded on miscommunication, purposefully misunderstanding, and game playing, all of which one single conversation 3 books ago would have resolved the entire plot and we wouldn't have read their novel. So I just felt that they needed a true reason to dance around one another. Something other than just purposefully leading the reader to think there is something deeper when there isn't.
The one who said there were to be no lies or game-playing, did nothing but lie and game-play. Petty. Jealousy. Envious of someone that was no threat, while making sure there was a miscommunication/misunderstanding to torture their spouse.
As I said, I love flawed characters, especially those who evolve over the pages of the novel and redeem themselves. Katherine tried to find her way outside of being a vapid socialite, and I enjoyed that evolution. Camden changed the most due to family, but just wiped away all of the pain he caused Katherine. After all this buildup, a short conversation fixed everything, and it didn't feel as if they earned or deserved it after the built-up, drawn-out dance.
I have to admit, the weakest part of the novel was the romance. Katherine finding her true worth for the charity, the relationship and loyalty toward friends, the evolution and maturity of Camden's growth with his family were where the novel shined. A half a page where the couple didn't act like toddlers- albeit, toddlers have no filter and would have told the truth and cleared up any misconceptions in one shout -I needed more to buy the HEA.
Not all books are a hit for every reader, and I still place Linde at the top of my recommend list in angsty reads. I can't wait to read what is in store for this series next, as well as read the series I haven't read yet, as that might be the tie that caused so much confusion for me.
December 6, 2022
CRUEL MARRIAGE
● Katherine (30/31) & Camden
● socialite / businessman
● arranged marriage + marriage of convenience
● Katherine is supposed to give Camden an heir
● these two don't like each very much
● they decide to give this marriage a try by not arguing with each other
● they're feelings start to turn from hate to love
● Katherine battles anorexia
● Camden doesn’t like his dad
● Camden’s dad raised him because his mom “ran off”
● Camden learned the truth behind his mom leaving him
● standalone
● Katherine (30/31) & Camden
● socialite / businessman
● arranged marriage + marriage of convenience
● Katherine is supposed to give Camden an heir
● these two don't like each very much
● they decide to give this marriage a try by not arguing with each other
● they're feelings start to turn from hate to love
● Katherine battles anorexia
● Camden doesn’t like his dad
● Camden’s dad raised him because his mom “ran off”
● Camden learned the truth behind his mom leaving him
● standalone
Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Erin Mallon & Sebastian York
Length: 8H 30M
August 13, 2022
This is not a standalone. You need to read the cruel series and the 2 other books in this series. It’s a convoluted background where many pieces are missing or not fully fleshed out without that reading experience.
This author is also sloppy with details.
In Book2 of Cruel Series this H/h are married and her OM attends the wedding with his family, in this book the h tells us he was there with his h…not possible, that h was too busy fucking the OM’s BFF at that time in their book.
In Book3 of Cruel Series this H’s mistress OW says he broke up with her and they hadn’t had sex since BEFORE this H/h we’re married….yet this book makes it seem like they might’ve been fucking six months after the wedding but stopped 6 months before this book starts. But it also super sketchy with whether or not they did cuz the time line is fucked up. THIS IS IMPORTANT SHIT…WHICH IS IT?!?
This author is also sloppy with details.
In Book2 of Cruel Series this H/h are married and her OM attends the wedding with his family, in this book the h tells us he was there with his h…not possible, that h was too busy fucking the OM’s BFF at that time in their book.
In Book3 of Cruel Series this H’s mistress OW says he broke up with her and they hadn’t had sex since BEFORE this H/h we’re married….yet this book makes it seem like they might’ve been fucking six months after the wedding but stopped 6 months before this book starts. But it also super sketchy with whether or not they did cuz the time line is fucked up. THIS IS IMPORTANT SHIT…WHICH IS IT?!?
July 21, 2020
4.5/5
"Don't run from me," he said against my hair. "I've seen the worst of you, Katherine, and i'm still right here."
So this book has been one of my most anticipated 2020 books and oh boy did i loved it i think it's my favorite na romance book i've read so far this year. Something about complex characters made me fall in love with the book even more, the fact that we first saw Katherine and Camden through their friends eyes sometimes as the bad guys sometimes as the best people of the group made me want to read their story and finally find out what kind of people they are. This was not your typical arranged marriage book these two character had a history and a lot of baggage and i enjoyed every single page.
"I wasn't running from him, but..to him. The only person willing to save me."
Katherine and Camden...yeah that was a ride. Their banter, their lowkey flirting, the way these two people understood each other even their fights had me feeling nervous about what was gonna happen next. Not a single boring moment with these two every scene they had together gave me a serotonin boost. Of course there were moments when things were getting a little bit out of hand but i feel that's because both of them had problems and they didn't want to talk about them......Anyways it's kinda funny how much i love reading about rich people and their problems, the kind of drama they get into ugh LOVE IT.
"At the same time, society has decided what beauty is. And women have to fit into that mold." I nodded at her words. Lark shrugged. "Fuck it."
tw// anorexia
Except from the romance this book focuced on another parts too like plastic surgeries, anorexia and infertility. Katherine must be one of my favorite book characters she was so strong and so true to herself she didn't really care about other's opinion but she was struggling with anorexia and that book focused on her journey too trying to fight her battles. Let me tell you how much i loved the fact that our heroine did a plastic surgery FINALLY yes please more authors need to add these details too if you don't like something about yourself change it it's normal do it if you do like it then keep it it's okay f*ck society and their "rules" start loving your life. Another part i loved about this book was seeing Katherine with Jem such a sweet moment, Jem was a warrior and she gave our heroine all her strength.....also importan seeing rich people actually helping people that need money it's not all about social media and rts and likes.
tw// abuse
What Camden and his mom had to go through.....it broke my heart seeing how manipulative his dad was towards him. Fuck all the abusive men out there fuck them for destroying women's lives and giving all these traumas to their children they should be locked behind bars. Men and especially rich men get to go away with so many things it just makes me sick how this is people's reality.
So once again i was in love with the group dynamic i love these people so much and omg next book is about Whitley let's just say that i have a soft spot for her she's the group's clown making everyone smile my quirky doctor !!!
"Don't run from me," he said against my hair. "I've seen the worst of you, Katherine, and i'm still right here."
So this book has been one of my most anticipated 2020 books and oh boy did i loved it i think it's my favorite na romance book i've read so far this year. Something about complex characters made me fall in love with the book even more, the fact that we first saw Katherine and Camden through their friends eyes sometimes as the bad guys sometimes as the best people of the group made me want to read their story and finally find out what kind of people they are. This was not your typical arranged marriage book these two character had a history and a lot of baggage and i enjoyed every single page.
"I wasn't running from him, but..to him. The only person willing to save me."
Katherine and Camden...yeah that was a ride. Their banter, their lowkey flirting, the way these two people understood each other even their fights had me feeling nervous about what was gonna happen next. Not a single boring moment with these two every scene they had together gave me a serotonin boost. Of course there were moments when things were getting a little bit out of hand but i feel that's because both of them had problems and they didn't want to talk about them......Anyways it's kinda funny how much i love reading about rich people and their problems, the kind of drama they get into ugh LOVE IT.
"At the same time, society has decided what beauty is. And women have to fit into that mold." I nodded at her words. Lark shrugged. "Fuck it."
tw// anorexia
Except from the romance this book focuced on another parts too like plastic surgeries, anorexia and infertility. Katherine must be one of my favorite book characters she was so strong and so true to herself she didn't really care about other's opinion but she was struggling with anorexia and that book focused on her journey too trying to fight her battles. Let me tell you how much i loved the fact that our heroine did a plastic surgery FINALLY yes please more authors need to add these details too if you don't like something about yourself change it it's normal do it if you do like it then keep it it's okay f*ck society and their "rules" start loving your life. Another part i loved about this book was seeing Katherine with Jem such a sweet moment, Jem was a warrior and she gave our heroine all her strength.....also importan seeing rich people actually helping people that need money it's not all about social media and rts and likes.
tw// abuse
What Camden and his mom had to go through.....it broke my heart seeing how manipulative his dad was towards him. Fuck all the abusive men out there fuck them for destroying women's lives and giving all these traumas to their children they should be locked behind bars. Men and especially rich men get to go away with so many things it just makes me sick how this is people's reality.
So once again i was in love with the group dynamic i love these people so much and omg next book is about Whitley let's just say that i have a soft spot for her she's the group's clown making everyone smile my quirky doctor !!!
July 21, 2020
4 Stars
Finally the wait is over, the time has come to get to know the story of Camden Percy and Katherine Van Pelt characters who have intrigued me for their relationship since the Cruel trilogy. Here we have a story of arranged marriage that took me on a roller coaster of emotions. A great job from K.A.Linde without a doubt.
Camden and Katherine have an arranged marriage and for those who follow the author's other books and managed to see some of them in their previous books they have a dynamic that left me confused because it was clear that these two had feelings for each other, but here in this history we learn that both have traumas from their past and make them act as they do to protect themselves
Camden is a character I liked to meet here is to be able to understand what goes on in his head, since in previous books he always seemed to be a mysterious guy and often an idiot. But here we see that it is not quite like that and the author shows a protective side, vulnerable is passionate about him that was nice to see.
Katherine is a character I hate when I met her, but over the course of her appearances in the other books in this series I gradually became attached to her and in this book I think she proved to be a great character, who has traumas from the past, is fragile and only wanted to be loved. These two characters just worked together and it was nice to see their story unfold, I just wish there was a little more of them together as a passionate couple.
The Breaking Season brings an addictive story from beginning to end.
➖➖➖
Finalmente acabou a espera, chegou a hora de conhecermos a história de Camden Percy e Katherine Van Pelt personagens que me deixaram intrigados pelo seu relacionamento desde da trilogia Cruel. Aqui temos uma história de casamento arranjado que me levou a uma montanha Russa de emoções. Um ótimo trabalho da K.A.Linde sem duvidas.
Camden e Katherine tem um casamento arranjado e para aqueles que acompanham os outros livros da autora e conseguiram ver um pouco deles em seus prévios livros eles têm uma dinâmica que me deixava confusa porque era claro que esses dois tinham sentimentos um pelo outro, porém aqui nessa história aprendemos que ambos têm traumas de seus passados e que os fazem agir como fazem para se proteger.
Camden é um personagem que gostei de conhecer aqui é poder entender o que se passa na cabeça dele, já que nos livros anteriores ele sempre pareceu ser um cara misterioso e muitas vezes um idiota. Mas aqui vemos que não é bem assim e a autora mostra um lado protetor, vulnerável é apaixonado dele que foi bacana ver. Katherine é uma personagem que eu odeie quando conheci, mas ao longo de suas aparições nos outros livros dessa série aos poucos fui me afeiçoando a ela e nesse livro acho que ela mostrou ser uma personagem ótima , que tem traumas do passado, é frágil e só queria ser amada . Esses dois personagens simplesmente funcionaram juntos e foi bacana ver o desenrolar da história deles, só gostaria que tivesse um pouco mais deles juntos como casal apaixonado .
The Breaking Season traz uma história viciante do começo ao fim.
I Received an unreleased copy of this book
Finally the wait is over, the time has come to get to know the story of Camden Percy and Katherine Van Pelt characters who have intrigued me for their relationship since the Cruel trilogy. Here we have a story of arranged marriage that took me on a roller coaster of emotions. A great job from K.A.Linde without a doubt.
Camden and Katherine have an arranged marriage and for those who follow the author's other books and managed to see some of them in their previous books they have a dynamic that left me confused because it was clear that these two had feelings for each other, but here in this history we learn that both have traumas from their past and make them act as they do to protect themselves
Camden is a character I liked to meet here is to be able to understand what goes on in his head, since in previous books he always seemed to be a mysterious guy and often an idiot. But here we see that it is not quite like that and the author shows a protective side, vulnerable is passionate about him that was nice to see.
Katherine is a character I hate when I met her, but over the course of her appearances in the other books in this series I gradually became attached to her and in this book I think she proved to be a great character, who has traumas from the past, is fragile and only wanted to be loved. These two characters just worked together and it was nice to see their story unfold, I just wish there was a little more of them together as a passionate couple.
The Breaking Season brings an addictive story from beginning to end.
➖➖➖
Finalmente acabou a espera, chegou a hora de conhecermos a história de Camden Percy e Katherine Van Pelt personagens que me deixaram intrigados pelo seu relacionamento desde da trilogia Cruel. Aqui temos uma história de casamento arranjado que me levou a uma montanha Russa de emoções. Um ótimo trabalho da K.A.Linde sem duvidas.
Camden e Katherine tem um casamento arranjado e para aqueles que acompanham os outros livros da autora e conseguiram ver um pouco deles em seus prévios livros eles têm uma dinâmica que me deixava confusa porque era claro que esses dois tinham sentimentos um pelo outro, porém aqui nessa história aprendemos que ambos têm traumas de seus passados e que os fazem agir como fazem para se proteger.
Camden é um personagem que gostei de conhecer aqui é poder entender o que se passa na cabeça dele, já que nos livros anteriores ele sempre pareceu ser um cara misterioso e muitas vezes um idiota. Mas aqui vemos que não é bem assim e a autora mostra um lado protetor, vulnerável é apaixonado dele que foi bacana ver. Katherine é uma personagem que eu odeie quando conheci, mas ao longo de suas aparições nos outros livros dessa série aos poucos fui me afeiçoando a ela e nesse livro acho que ela mostrou ser uma personagem ótima , que tem traumas do passado, é frágil e só queria ser amada . Esses dois personagens simplesmente funcionaram juntos e foi bacana ver o desenrolar da história deles, só gostaria que tivesse um pouco mais deles juntos como casal apaixonado .
The Breaking Season traz uma história viciante do começo ao fim.
I Received an unreleased copy of this book
July 21, 2020
“We’re not a fairy tale. We’re just… us.”
Camden Percy has stolen my heart! I was drawn into the story immediately!
What a story full of angst, passion and raw emotion.
I couldn’t wait to read Katherine and Camden’s story!
I have to be honest and say that I was not a fan of Katherine to begin with but the author made me change my mind very quickly. Her character has multiple layers and once you get to know and understand her character , you can only experience a wave of emotion.
Camden my Camden- the ruthless businessman, the loyal friend , the fixer and the husband! I love all his personalities.
The Villain Katherine and her Dark Prince look like the perfect match but can they make it work?
Special mention to JEM who brought tears to my eyes.
Breaking Season is a beautiful, emotional, heart wrenching story full of desire, misunderstandings and most importantly love.
*Arc provided for an honest review
July 22, 2020
The BEST!!! I loved everything about it.
From the very beginning of this series I have hated Katherine. HATED her. I had no clue how her story was going to unfold but I wasn't interested in finding out. In true Linde form, she drew me in and I needed to know her story. I inhaled this book. It was everything I needed. It had angst, steam, and most important during this time it was a welcome escape.
If this grudge holder can turn her leaf on this character then so can you.
Buy this book!
From the very beginning of this series I have hated Katherine. HATED her. I had no clue how her story was going to unfold but I wasn't interested in finding out. In true Linde form, she drew me in and I needed to know her story. I inhaled this book. It was everything I needed. It had angst, steam, and most important during this time it was a welcome escape.
If this grudge holder can turn her leaf on this character then so can you.
Buy this book!
July 22, 2020
4.5 stars.
I knew that this book would be worth the wait, and I was right because it was probably my favorite one in the series. And to be honest who would've thought? I've waited for Katherine's book since I read about her, and I knew there was no way she wasn't going to get one.
Did I like Katherine before? Hell no. But did I end up loving her at the end of this one? Hell yes. And what a story from start to finish. Not going to give much away but if you're a fan of this series, you're going to love Katherine and Camden by the end of this book. And that transformation.
I knew that this book would be worth the wait, and I was right because it was probably my favorite one in the series. And to be honest who would've thought? I've waited for Katherine's book since I read about her, and I knew there was no way she wasn't going to get one.
Did I like Katherine before? Hell no. But did I end up loving her at the end of this one? Hell yes. And what a story from start to finish. Not going to give much away but if you're a fan of this series, you're going to love Katherine and Camden by the end of this book. And that transformation.
July 21, 2020
I‘ve been waiting for Katherine and Camden‘s story for forever.
Katherine is this fiery, strong women who doesn‘t give a s*** about what anyone thinks of her. She‘s the friend everyone wants and needs to have. But she also has a not so pleasant past.
Camden has always wanted Katherine and to get her he arranged a contract to give Katherine what she wants, enough money go spend in exchange for marriage. They are both stubborn to no end. He get‘s what he wants but he also has a past that not many know about.
I loved those two and my heart broke for them everytime they fought or struggled with something.
They both made many mistakes but in the end got out stronger than before.
Thanks to the two previous books we got glimpses of their relationship and their struggles but I‘m so happy to have finally read their story.
5⭐️
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Katherine is this fiery, strong women who doesn‘t give a s*** about what anyone thinks of her. She‘s the friend everyone wants and needs to have. But she also has a not so pleasant past.
Camden has always wanted Katherine and to get her he arranged a contract to give Katherine what she wants, enough money go spend in exchange for marriage. They are both stubborn to no end. He get‘s what he wants but he also has a past that not many know about.
I loved those two and my heart broke for them everytime they fought or struggled with something.
They both made many mistakes but in the end got out stronger than before.
Thanks to the two previous books we got glimpses of their relationship and their struggles but I‘m so happy to have finally read their story.
5⭐️
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2020
This gotta be most look forward couple since The Cruel Series. Everyone wants to know what Katherine the bitch is up to and why she did what she did.
Sadly I wasn't in the mood for this and this book fails to lift me off my gloomy mood proves that. Like u are dying to know whats going inside the villain head but turn out the villain is good. Oh Katherine is good but everyone just doesn't know it yet. For the most part good ppl are boring to read about.
We are in for some Katherine's secrets in this book. Her aneroxic struggles and her obsession with Penn. All of which I honestly couldn't care less about
Sadly I wasn't in the mood for this and this book fails to lift me off my gloomy mood proves that. Like u are dying to know whats going inside the villain head but turn out the villain is good. Oh Katherine is good but everyone just doesn't know it yet. For the most part good ppl are boring to read about.
We are in for some Katherine's secrets in this book. Her aneroxic struggles and her obsession with Penn. All of which I honestly couldn't care less about
July 23, 2020
You are missing out if you have not read this book. This author outdid herself with this book. An arranged marriage like no other.
If you love love-hate relationships, if you love unexlected twists and turns, then read this.
Katherine and Camden had such sizzling chemistry. I adored their banter, I love how Katherine was such a strong opinionated heroine. There is wonderful dialogue, great emotion and the writing is fantastic. It draws you right in.
I recommend it. I cannot wait to read more from this author. She is amazing.
If you love love-hate relationships, if you love unexlected twists and turns, then read this.
Katherine and Camden had such sizzling chemistry. I adored their banter, I love how Katherine was such a strong opinionated heroine. There is wonderful dialogue, great emotion and the writing is fantastic. It draws you right in.
I recommend it. I cannot wait to read more from this author. She is amazing.
July 11, 2020
* A review copy was provided by the author *
~ 5 Villainous Stars ~
What an AMAZING addition to the Seasons series by K.A. Linde.
I have to be honest I was nervous to read this book, I almost passed it up. I am so glad I didn’t and took a chance on Katherine and Camden being redeemed. I honestly thought that no matter what I read in this book, Katherine and Camden would always be villains in my mind. I have never been so happy to be wrong!!! I LOVE Katherine and Camden so much after reading their story. They are actually such a fantastic couple….Who would’ve guessed?!?!?!?
K. A. Linde knocked this one out of the park. I had my heart on such a roller coaster ride with the book. I was happy and laughing (thanks to Jem) and then I was mad and yelling at my kindle, but as the story played out my heart broke for both Katherine and Camden. I didn’t realize everything that went into their back stories.
Both of these characters were such complex characters and I loved unveiling everything about them. K.A. Linde actually touched on a subject that is a serious problem among our youth today. I don’t really want to say much more than that. This is a story that really needs to unfold for each reader.
The Breaking Season is the latest standalone novel in K.A. Linde’s Seasons series. It is the third book in this series but is a complete standalone. I would recommend reading these books in order….I feel the reading experience is better that way, especially since these characters are so intertwined in each others lives.
I don’t feel my review can do this story justice, so just trust me….You WANT to read this book. Make sure to add this to your TBR list and 1-click it once it releases. This is one of my favorites of 2020!!!
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~ 5 Villainous Stars ~
What an AMAZING addition to the Seasons series by K.A. Linde.
I have to be honest I was nervous to read this book, I almost passed it up. I am so glad I didn’t and took a chance on Katherine and Camden being redeemed. I honestly thought that no matter what I read in this book, Katherine and Camden would always be villains in my mind. I have never been so happy to be wrong!!! I LOVE Katherine and Camden so much after reading their story. They are actually such a fantastic couple….Who would’ve guessed?!?!?!?
K. A. Linde knocked this one out of the park. I had my heart on such a roller coaster ride with the book. I was happy and laughing (thanks to Jem) and then I was mad and yelling at my kindle, but as the story played out my heart broke for both Katherine and Camden. I didn’t realize everything that went into their back stories.
Both of these characters were such complex characters and I loved unveiling everything about them. K.A. Linde actually touched on a subject that is a serious problem among our youth today. I don’t really want to say much more than that. This is a story that really needs to unfold for each reader.
The Breaking Season is the latest standalone novel in K.A. Linde’s Seasons series. It is the third book in this series but is a complete standalone. I would recommend reading these books in order….I feel the reading experience is better that way, especially since these characters are so intertwined in each others lives.
I don’t feel my review can do this story justice, so just trust me….You WANT to read this book. Make sure to add this to your TBR list and 1-click it once it releases. This is one of my favorites of 2020!!!
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June 27, 2024
i was sold a lie. 3 hours of my life i’ll never get back.
July 27, 2020
Yes, this one was better than the other one.
Camden and Katherine are the villains in their group. They are the hardest to get to know. And most of their friends wonder why they got married. They are probably a match made in hell.
They spend a lot of time arguing and basically hating each other. Until they finally start talking and try to make their marriage work.
I liked their story. And I liked both main characters, as cold and manipulative as they were.
Camden and Katherine are the villains in their group. They are the hardest to get to know. And most of their friends wonder why they got married. They are probably a match made in hell.
They spend a lot of time arguing and basically hating each other. Until they finally start talking and try to make their marriage work.
I liked their story. And I liked both main characters, as cold and manipulative as they were.
did-not-finish
November 15, 2020I was not feeling it. DNF at 13%
August 15, 2020
Really good!
April 17, 2023
Definitely my fav of the series! It's just such a relief, when a couple that's been teased throughout the whole series delivers in their own book *ufff*
A bit of a disclaimer in the beginning, this one might not be suitable if you cannot stand OW drama or look for 100% "safe" romance. So it is mentioned in the story that MMC, Camden, has a mistress even after he and Katherine (FMC) have married. While I cannot stand cheating between MCs in my romance, and I was disappointed by this development (I prefer my fictional man wholly obsessed and dick-withered during separation, thank you very much), personally I was able to kind of logic my misery out of this one. The fact is, it IS an arranged marriage, both Camden and Katherine haven't been faithful before they get married, and afterwards, when they do try to make a go of it, there's this huge misunderstanding and Camden basically lashes out bc he's 100% that Katherine went after the man she's been in love with for years.
Could that have been resolved by honest communication? By Camden not acting like a spoiled little rich boy? By BOTH of them overcoming their pride?
Sure, but it's Upper East side, baby, let's not expect this much from these people 😅💁♀️
Highlights:
💅 Katherine was just a fabulous heroine - ruthless, guarded, flawed, self-sabotaging and extremely loyal to those close to her - she was just That Bitch™ and very much unapologetically herself.
“I’m not the first socialite you’ve met, Camden. You don’t have to be a little bitch about it.”
Camden just stared back at me. “You are in rare form tonight.”
“And you’re exactly the same as you always are,” I spat back.
💅 Camden was ok, I guess 😅 ok, but in all seriousness, I thought he was a great match for Katherine and I loved that there was more to him than the persona he presented to everyone; he didn't shy away from Katherine's problems and was so caring with her, even when things were bad between them.
“Don’t run from me,” he said against my hair. “I’ve seen the worst of you, Katherine, and I’m still right here.”
(when I say I have the type...I know this is contemporary and darklina is fantasy, but this reminded me of Darkling's “I've seen what you truly are and I've never turned away. I never will. ”, I can't help it 😭)
💅 Katherine and Camden's dynamic was just amazing - the push&pull, the emotional slow burn and how long it took them to open up to one another...It was just a really rough road to their happy ending, but I thought that was realistic somewhat (as realistic as romance usually gets in books, anyway). It felt earned, them being together, that's what I'm saying.
"Camden and I were not a straight line. We didn’t start at one point and end at another with a happily ever after. We were the road less taken. We meandered, found our way back to each other, and diverted again. I wished that things could stay like this forever."
💅 The golden rule: couple that schemes together, stays together 🔥
He assessed me then. “You’re not frightened that I’d do that?”
“Frightened? Me?” I laughed. “You know who you married. Let’s take him down together.”
“God, I love you.”
💅 One thing I also want to draw attention to is the portrayal of eating disorders in this story - I can't really speak for depiction of anorexia specifically, but overall I just thought that it was neatly done? It's not the focus of the story, but it's mentioned that Katherine was hospitalized for anorexia in her teens and throughout Katherine's pov it is made clear that it is something that she still struggles with. I did appreciate how it was all framed, to be honest - how Katherine sees herself vs. how everyone else sees her, how, when she gets worse, it's something that happens so gradually that she doesn't really see it even when she KNOWS what to look out for. How normal it still is that people praise you for losing weight and how these praises affect you and your perception of yourself. How you look for the smallest fluctuations of your weight and think it's normal to do so. It were the smallest things something, descriptions of how Katherine would deny herself food for whatever reason, quickly justify it to herself to normalize it and move on. Again and again. So yeah, thought that was realistic, even though it wasn't the main focus of the story.
💅 Found family trope / friend group dynamics were again strong in this one and it was just fun!
💅 I wish some things between Katherine and Camden were talked out more, like their past / what happened after their honeymoon (and damn, I NEED actual novella of their honeymoon, what happened there, like THE DETAILS???!), Katherine's feelings for Penn and how she moved on from them, Camden telling Katherine more about his childhood.
All in all, though? That book was pretty damn good and I think I could go back to this one again (same with Anna x Court book). If you can look past the OW drama and you're a fan of marriage of convenience / marriage in trouble tropes, I'd recommend this one.
Trigger/content warning: easting disorder (anorexia), mentions of emotional and domestic abuse (past), not entirely "safe" romance (it's mentioned that hero has been sleeping with OW)
"We were the villains of everyone else’s story. We were the hardened, darkened core that did whatever we had to in order to survive. To come out on top. But here, together, we were something else. Something more."
A bit of a disclaimer in the beginning, this one might not be suitable if you cannot stand OW drama or look for 100% "safe" romance. So it is mentioned in the story that MMC, Camden, has a mistress even after he and Katherine (FMC) have married. While I cannot stand cheating between MCs in my romance, and I was disappointed by this development (I prefer my fictional man wholly obsessed and dick-withered during separation, thank you very much), personally I was able to kind of logic my misery out of this one. The fact is, it IS an arranged marriage, both Camden and Katherine haven't been faithful before they get married, and afterwards, when they do try to make a go of it, there's this huge misunderstanding and Camden basically lashes out bc he's 100% that Katherine went after the man she's been in love with for years.
Could that have been resolved by honest communication? By Camden not acting like a spoiled little rich boy? By BOTH of them overcoming their pride?
Sure, but it's Upper East side, baby, let's not expect this much from these people 😅💁♀️
Highlights:
💅 Katherine was just a fabulous heroine - ruthless, guarded, flawed, self-sabotaging and extremely loyal to those close to her - she was just That Bitch™ and very much unapologetically herself.
“I’m not the first socialite you’ve met, Camden. You don’t have to be a little bitch about it.”
Camden just stared back at me. “You are in rare form tonight.”
“And you’re exactly the same as you always are,” I spat back.
💅 Camden was ok, I guess 😅 ok, but in all seriousness, I thought he was a great match for Katherine and I loved that there was more to him than the persona he presented to everyone; he didn't shy away from Katherine's problems and was so caring with her, even when things were bad between them.
“Don’t run from me,” he said against my hair. “I’ve seen the worst of you, Katherine, and I’m still right here.”
(when I say I have the type...I know this is contemporary and darklina is fantasy, but this reminded me of Darkling's “I've seen what you truly are and I've never turned away. I never will. ”, I can't help it 😭)
💅 Katherine and Camden's dynamic was just amazing - the push&pull, the emotional slow burn and how long it took them to open up to one another...It was just a really rough road to their happy ending, but I thought that was realistic somewhat (as realistic as romance usually gets in books, anyway). It felt earned, them being together, that's what I'm saying.
"Camden and I were not a straight line. We didn’t start at one point and end at another with a happily ever after. We were the road less taken. We meandered, found our way back to each other, and diverted again. I wished that things could stay like this forever."
💅 The golden rule: couple that schemes together, stays together 🔥
He assessed me then. “You’re not frightened that I’d do that?”
“Frightened? Me?” I laughed. “You know who you married. Let’s take him down together.”
“God, I love you.”
💅 One thing I also want to draw attention to is the portrayal of eating disorders in this story - I can't really speak for depiction of anorexia specifically, but overall I just thought that it was neatly done? It's not the focus of the story, but it's mentioned that Katherine was hospitalized for anorexia in her teens and throughout Katherine's pov it is made clear that it is something that she still struggles with. I did appreciate how it was all framed, to be honest - how Katherine sees herself vs. how everyone else sees her, how, when she gets worse, it's something that happens so gradually that she doesn't really see it even when she KNOWS what to look out for. How normal it still is that people praise you for losing weight and how these praises affect you and your perception of yourself. How you look for the smallest fluctuations of your weight and think it's normal to do so. It were the smallest things something, descriptions of how Katherine would deny herself food for whatever reason, quickly justify it to herself to normalize it and move on. Again and again. So yeah, thought that was realistic, even though it wasn't the main focus of the story.
💅 Found family trope / friend group dynamics were again strong in this one and it was just fun!
💅 I wish some things between Katherine and Camden were talked out more, like their past / what happened after their honeymoon (and damn, I NEED actual novella of their honeymoon, what happened there, like THE DETAILS???!), Katherine's feelings for Penn and how she moved on from them, Camden telling Katherine more about his childhood.
All in all, though? That book was pretty damn good and I think I could go back to this one again (same with Anna x Court book). If you can look past the OW drama and you're a fan of marriage of convenience / marriage in trouble tropes, I'd recommend this one.
Trigger/content warning: easting disorder (anorexia), mentions of emotional and domestic abuse (past), not entirely "safe" romance (it's mentioned that hero has been sleeping with OW)
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