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The Cardinal #2
Cardinal Caged
Callie is temporarily with the Cardinals while she tries to figure out what it is that she wants from life. Her childhood was dictated and decided without her, and now she has to learn who she is as a person without someone telling her what to do. On top of that, her captor is still out there, running free and--if she knows him like she thinks she does--he won't be happy until he has killed her, or worse. It's a good thing that she has so many Delta people looking out for her.
441 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2019
544 people are currently reading
266 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 120 reviews
October 31, 2019
Rating: 5 stars
Read it, loved it.
Cardinal Caged takes place a few weeks after the end of Cardinal Bird. Callie is fully healed and getting used to live with her new team, the Disney princesses of Delta. She is starting to bump into the Emerson and Tate teams again and is sent to Brazil with the Cardinals, as her first mission as a team.
Cardinal Caged did not have the high paced races from the first book but wasn't lacking in action and intensity. The book started to focus on Callie's past and we are very slowly learning about her and how she ended up working for Ivanov.
My favorite part about this series is how non invested I am with the romance. For a reverse harem, we have to admit that it is really rare to not be romance orientated and focus on other aspects of the story; I simply love seeing Callie try to learn about herself and embrace Free-Callie, as much as I loved her new team. The dynamics between her and the Cardinals were by far my favorite, especially in a genre that lack female bonding.
It also makes me laugh to see the Emerson and Tate teams extremely invested into courting Callie and have her join their ranks as I do not see them as really important factors of Callie's current life. And if it were up to me, I would get rid of some of them to let her grow by herself without a horde of overprotective creepily flirtatious mama bears.
I cannot wait for the next book!
Read it, loved it.
Cardinal Caged takes place a few weeks after the end of Cardinal Bird. Callie is fully healed and getting used to live with her new team, the Disney princesses of Delta. She is starting to bump into the Emerson and Tate teams again and is sent to Brazil with the Cardinals, as her first mission as a team.
Cardinal Caged did not have the high paced races from the first book but wasn't lacking in action and intensity. The book started to focus on Callie's past and we are very slowly learning about her and how she ended up working for Ivanov.
My favorite part about this series is how non invested I am with the romance. For a reverse harem, we have to admit that it is really rare to not be romance orientated and focus on other aspects of the story; I simply love seeing Callie try to learn about herself and embrace Free-Callie, as much as I loved her new team. The dynamics between her and the Cardinals were by far my favorite, especially in a genre that lack female bonding.
It also makes me laugh to see the Emerson and Tate teams extremely invested into courting Callie and have her join their ranks as I do not see them as really important factors of Callie's current life. And if it were up to me, I would get rid of some of them to let her grow by herself without a horde of overprotective creepily flirtatious mama bears.
I cannot wait for the next book!
November 6, 2019
Buddy Read with the cakeaters @RHR
I was really lazy and didn’t review book 1 The Cardinal Bird and therefore as usual I forgot everyone. There are quite a lot of names in this book and the recap is a little thin. With the next one not due out until spring 2020 the main purpose of this review is so I can remember who is who.
This one was a little less exciting and a little less dark, more about the Cardinals and Delta. There are a lot of flashbacks to Callie’s past and her kidnapping which gave us a bit more of her background.
The burn is slow.... so don’t have high hopes for .... well anything really
Will it go into adult territory?? I’m hopeful, it doesn’t completely read as YA and there is a lot of innuendo flying about in an effort to dirty Callie's innocent mind! The competition for her affection is underway between the Tate and Emerson team.
The little alternative POV at the end was most enlightening and it’s that that’s making me exited for book 3.
I really think this series has potential to be one of my favourites and it will hit the 5 star mark for me when we get into the relationships more and I can cement these characters in my mind. I kept having to stop to remember who was who and also who was speaking to whom. With a lot of main characters, group dialogue was very confusing.
Now if someone could actually sit Callie down and write out all the languages she knows instead of just talking about doing it
Tate Team
Jace - Twin to CJ
CJ - the Tech Geek Twin
Aleks - The abrupt Russian bear.
Emerson Team
Payton - English smooth 007 type
Bryce - The Rich one with the clothes
Brock - the Aleks of the Emerson team, big burly with a soft centre
Dr Duane - Errr the creepy inappropriate Doctor/Vet
The Cardinals
Yolo - Belle
Darcy - Merida
Sabre - Tiana
Natasia- Elsa
Triz - Moana
Callie - Wendy Darling
I was really lazy and didn’t review book 1 The Cardinal Bird and therefore as usual I forgot everyone. There are quite a lot of names in this book and the recap is a little thin. With the next one not due out until spring 2020 the main purpose of this review is so I can remember who is who.
This one was a little less exciting and a little less dark, more about the Cardinals and Delta. There are a lot of flashbacks to Callie’s past and her kidnapping which gave us a bit more of her background.
The burn is slow.... so don’t have high hopes for .... well anything really
Will it go into adult territory?? I’m hopeful, it doesn’t completely read as YA and there is a lot of innuendo flying about in an effort to dirty Callie's innocent mind! The competition for her affection is underway between the Tate and Emerson team.
The little alternative POV at the end was most enlightening and it’s that that’s making me exited for book 3.
I really think this series has potential to be one of my favourites and it will hit the 5 star mark for me when we get into the relationships more and I can cement these characters in my mind. I kept having to stop to remember who was who and also who was speaking to whom. With a lot of main characters, group dialogue was very confusing.
Now if someone could actually sit Callie down and write out all the languages she knows instead of just talking about doing it
Tate Team
Jace - Twin to CJ
CJ - the Tech Geek Twin
Aleks - The abrupt Russian bear.
Emerson Team
Payton - English smooth 007 type
Bryce - The Rich one with the clothes
Brock - the Aleks of the Emerson team, big burly with a soft centre
Dr Duane - Errr the creepy inappropriate Doctor/Vet
The Cardinals
Yolo - Belle
Darcy - Merida
Sabre - Tiana
Natasia- Elsa
Triz - Moana
Callie - Wendy Darling
November 6, 2019
I´m conflicted with this book, there are parts I loved and parts that for the life of me I couldn´t understand. I like the general idea and the fact that SOME aspects are really detailed such as Callie´s experience with codes and all that, we can see with detail that the author knows what she is talking about. BUT the whole Delta thing is like a joke, you are telling me that a secret organization of the government doesn´t have a clue of how far a villain is capable of going? They are like so innocent and it bothers me, the jobs we hear about are about connecting schools and making sure a building is suitable for a business, you are telling me that the government has a secret branch of agents just to do that? Seems like a waste of resources to me, because that can be done by literally so many people legally...
Also, I get that Callie has been kidnapped and tortured for years and doesn´t really know how to interact socially, what´s the guys´ excuse? They are supposed to be this super secret agents but they are so childish... IDK, as I said I like the general idea but maybe the development wasn´t my cup of tea... It´s similar to what I think of the Ghost bird, the characters are so childish and it makes literally no sense to me why the government would create a clandestine agency with kids. Maybe if those kids were disciplined, mature and all that it would be plausible, but it certainly isn´t the case.
Also, too many guys! I get that it is reverse harem but more than 6 guys for one MC is overachieving in my opinion.
Also, I get that Callie has been kidnapped and tortured for years and doesn´t really know how to interact socially, what´s the guys´ excuse? They are supposed to be this super secret agents but they are so childish... IDK, as I said I like the general idea but maybe the development wasn´t my cup of tea... It´s similar to what I think of the Ghost bird, the characters are so childish and it makes literally no sense to me why the government would create a clandestine agency with kids. Maybe if those kids were disciplined, mature and all that it would be plausible, but it certainly isn´t the case.
Also, too many guys! I get that it is reverse harem but more than 6 guys for one MC is overachieving in my opinion.
February 6, 2020
The plot of this story is thin at best. What is the point of this Delta organization? They are performing work that would be done by NGOs for the most part and is rather small-time. It doesn't make sense that they are going and spending weeks to set up one school in a small neighborhood while only surveilling the local gangs, etc. Then we have people that pull multiple duty performing tasks that make no sense. I guess Dr. Scott is a vet to make it fun and quirky, but it makes. no. sense. to have a top secret governmental organization that doesn't have operatives with actual human medical training actually performing those functions. Likewise, they don't have people with actual psychological training doing therapy with Callie, but rather people who just have taken some classes or have interest in it. WTF? Then we have the fact that all of these people are truly terrible at their jobs. They are constantly playing pranks on each other or getting in each other's ways rather than acting professionally. I wouldn't want to date any of these men after they kept treating me more like a chew toy than a person. Not. sexy. ESPECIALLY not sexy when we still don't really see them getting to know Callie as a person. They are still just hanging out with her, seeing her being naïve, blushing, and clamming up. This is not a basis for an actual meaningful relationship. As another example of their inability to do their jobs... they basically write off Callie as untrainable AND DECIDE TO SEND HER ON A MISSION ANYWAY. I'm sorry, but no. That's not how that works. But then, they find out that Callie, of course, is a badass that can, in fact, fight with skill. They are surprised in the moment and then this never comes back up again for the rest of the book. No, instead, rather than focus on information important to work, we need to focus on things like rose gold dresses and half-up hairdos.
And I STILL don't know how old anyone is but Callie. I know they are all "about" the same age as her, but that's as close as I've gotten. How are all these supposedly highly trained and educated individuals in their late teens and/or early twenties?
I really hate books where the FMC loses her mind around hot men, and Callie is constantly losing her mind around the men she's around. They look her in the eyes, and she's lost her train of thought. They hug her, and she's lost her train of thought. They smile at her, and... you get the idea. This poor woman will have no brain left if she gets with these men on a permanent basis. It's almost good that several of them are barely in the book at all. They are all basically caricatures.
I also really hate the back story the author created where Callie basically turns on her mom and decides she hates her when her father tells her that her mom cheated on her dad and lied about her being his child for years. She just accepts it without question immediately, even though she was just reflecting on how her father never really liked her or treated her all that well. She now wants to leave her mom - who was always there for Callie, stood up for Callie, and loved Callie - and live with her dad, because he says he had a vasectomy - which can fail, by the way.
The author does not keep her story straight. At one point in the book (65%), Callie is excited to be taking a motorcycle class, because she once rode a scooter in an escape. A scooter. She was looking forward to learning how to do it safely in controlled circumstances. Fast forward 2%, and Callie is just sitting on the motorcycle in her class reflecting on how she has ridden several different models in a pinch. Then she's caught out knowing more than she should, and it's several scooter models, not a scooter like she said before. Okay, fine. She doesn't reflect in plurals. I'll accept it. However, scooters are not the same as motorcycles. Scooters have automatic transmissions; motorcycles don't (typically) - so the scooters have no clutch that she so easily recognized and pointed out on the motorcycle.
Just as with the first book, there are numerous missing words, extra words, wrong words, and spelling/grammar errors throughout the book.
Why, oh why, is non-heteronormative sexuality treated like a dirty secret in this book (and the last one)? There is this ongoing rumor about the Cardinals' sexuality, which they help feed a couple of times in this book too. Why should anyone care? I was incredibly turned off and upset that just because women may prefer other women it was "a thing".
I am so over the repetitive character descriptions. How many times do I need to be told that Tiana has a strong, muscular body? Also, the phonetic spelling of the accents is incredibly offensive and makes the characters into a parody, and it needs to stop. This is something that has been discussed for years in the writing community. Here's one example and another. The author does use the other options of idioms, diction, and syntax, particularly with Aleks, but the author is inconsistent with that application across characters.
We have a FMC that is incredibly detail-oriented and sees and notices things that no one else does, and yet she cannot put together what the A, C, and J mean on the keys she and her team receive from Aleks, CJ, and Jace to the apartment in the building that is impossible to get into, that they happen to live in? These sort of character inconsistencies are not charming, nor do they highlight character naiveté, which I imagine is the point. Rather, it just makes her seem stupid.
Ah, the author is fiiiiiinally having Callie able to pick up on basic sexual innuendo. She picks this up, according to Callie, because she's been around it so much now. Does this mean to suggest that there was no sexual innuendo during the years she was kept in captivity by Russian (and Albanian) gangs? Because I find that hard to believe. So why is being around it for a month in America enough to make her decipher it, but not years in Russia, despite her already noting Russian men tend to be sexually aggressive?
I will not be continuing this series.
And I STILL don't know how old anyone is but Callie. I know they are all "about" the same age as her, but that's as close as I've gotten. How are all these supposedly highly trained and educated individuals in their late teens and/or early twenties?
I really hate books where the FMC loses her mind around hot men, and Callie is constantly losing her mind around the men she's around. They look her in the eyes, and she's lost her train of thought. They hug her, and she's lost her train of thought. They smile at her, and... you get the idea. This poor woman will have no brain left if she gets with these men on a permanent basis. It's almost good that several of them are barely in the book at all. They are all basically caricatures.
I also really hate the back story the author created where Callie basically turns on her mom and decides she hates her when her father tells her that her mom cheated on her dad and lied about her being his child for years. She just accepts it without question immediately, even though she was just reflecting on how her father never really liked her or treated her all that well. She now wants to leave her mom - who was always there for Callie, stood up for Callie, and loved Callie - and live with her dad, because he says he had a vasectomy - which can fail, by the way.
The author does not keep her story straight. At one point in the book (65%), Callie is excited to be taking a motorcycle class, because she once rode a scooter in an escape. A scooter. She was looking forward to learning how to do it safely in controlled circumstances. Fast forward 2%, and Callie is just sitting on the motorcycle in her class reflecting on how she has ridden several different models in a pinch. Then she's caught out knowing more than she should, and it's several scooter models, not a scooter like she said before. Okay, fine. She doesn't reflect in plurals. I'll accept it. However, scooters are not the same as motorcycles. Scooters have automatic transmissions; motorcycles don't (typically) - so the scooters have no clutch that she so easily recognized and pointed out on the motorcycle.
Just as with the first book, there are numerous missing words, extra words, wrong words, and spelling/grammar errors throughout the book.
Why, oh why, is non-heteronormative sexuality treated like a dirty secret in this book (and the last one)? There is this ongoing rumor about the Cardinals' sexuality, which they help feed a couple of times in this book too. Why should anyone care? I was incredibly turned off and upset that just because women may prefer other women it was "a thing".
I am so over the repetitive character descriptions. How many times do I need to be told that Tiana has a strong, muscular body? Also, the phonetic spelling of the accents is incredibly offensive and makes the characters into a parody, and it needs to stop. This is something that has been discussed for years in the writing community. Here's one example and another. The author does use the other options of idioms, diction, and syntax, particularly with Aleks, but the author is inconsistent with that application across characters.
We have a FMC that is incredibly detail-oriented and sees and notices things that no one else does, and yet she cannot put together what the A, C, and J mean on the keys she and her team receive from Aleks, CJ, and Jace to the apartment in the building that is impossible to get into, that they happen to live in? These sort of character inconsistencies are not charming, nor do they highlight character naiveté, which I imagine is the point. Rather, it just makes her seem stupid.
Ah, the author is fiiiiiinally having Callie able to pick up on basic sexual innuendo. She picks this up, according to Callie, because she's been around it so much now. Does this mean to suggest that there was no sexual innuendo during the years she was kept in captivity by Russian (and Albanian) gangs? Because I find that hard to believe. So why is being around it for a month in America enough to make her decipher it, but not years in Russia, despite her already noting Russian men tend to be sexually aggressive?
I will not be continuing this series.
March 22, 2020
3.5 stars!
November 3, 2019
4.5 Stars
Was a good read. We get to know the Cardinals a bit better and dig a little into Callie's past.
So far this is a great series.
Looking forward to book 3
Was a good read. We get to know the Cardinals a bit better and dig a little into Callie's past.
So far this is a great series.
Looking forward to book 3
June 2, 2021
I will admit to having confused many of the characters... Did all of the guys from the first book make an appearance here? I'm... not sure. This series has way too many guys for my liking, but it is so dang cute, funny, and gripping that I can't put it down. I'm eager to read the next book!
Oh! and I love her relationship with the girls. I'm glad she has healthy relationships with people other than the ones she might end up with.
...I already want to re-read books 1 and 2, the wait for book 3 is going to be rough.
Oh! and I love her relationship with the girls. I'm glad she has healthy relationships with people other than the ones she might end up with.
...I already want to re-read books 1 and 2, the wait for book 3 is going to be rough.
January 17, 2020
3,5 stars
noo the only reason i am regretting reading the second book is cuz now i have to wait months until the next book! :((
noo the only reason i am regretting reading the second book is cuz now i have to wait months until the next book! :((
November 29, 2020
I'm so conflicted with this series. There is just so much wrong with it and annoying about it, but I'm probably going to continue reading it anyway.
There are just too many guys. Callie is pathetic and annoying, but everyone loves her because she is so talented and pretty and whatever. Same with Corbin. Least favorite of the guys and except Aleks, Brock and maybe the twins, I don't even care enough to say either way for the other guys (especially because I can barely recall all of them).
I do like that there is more female friendships/bonding than in other RH books, but the girls have to be in love with each other to make that possible.
Plot for this was a bit more sedated than the first one, less action and more training and settling in at Delta and that was good, but Callie absolutely fails at all training exercises and is still heralded as this golden girl and taken with them on a mission and that's simply not how it should work.
Some moments were well done with highlighting Callie's difficulty deciphering social cues, but my good will was kind of destroyed again when Callie's inner monologue about the guilt she was feeling went in circles and repeated itself constantly whenever she talked to someone.
There are just too many guys. Callie is pathetic and annoying, but everyone loves her because she is so talented and pretty and whatever. Same with Corbin. Least favorite of the guys and except Aleks, Brock and maybe the twins, I don't even care enough to say either way for the other guys (especially because I can barely recall all of them).
I do like that there is more female friendships/bonding than in other RH books, but the girls have to be in love with each other to make that possible.
Plot for this was a bit more sedated than the first one, less action and more training and settling in at Delta and that was good, but Callie absolutely fails at all training exercises and is still heralded as this golden girl and taken with them on a mission and that's simply not how it should work.
Some moments were well done with highlighting Callie's difficulty deciphering social cues, but my good will was kind of destroyed again when Callie's inner monologue about the guilt she was feeling went in circles and repeated itself constantly whenever she talked to someone.
July 11, 2020
Wow talk about broken.. jeesh she cried about a date! Okay, I'm not heartless here, I know this chick has gone through hell and back but I need Mia, to move this story along especially the romantic parts. I mean the girl has 8 guys she needs to get through and shit I'm on the fence with the other chicks she's associated with too. There are just too many moving parts and I need some type of resolution here. Call me impatience if you like but slow burns that are really damn slow causes me to lose interest in a book and whereas I love this storyline I can see myself losing interest, unfortunately. So Mia, if by chance you come along and read my review I'm asking you now let's get this show on the road, please!
Overall rating:
4* ~ A Good Read
Overall rating:
4* ~ A Good Read
October 30, 2019
I have been looking forward to Cardinal Caged ever since I finished Cardinal Bird. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed. I honestly think that this could be a top 5 favorite ever series. Yeah that good. Mia has everything with this series that I look for in a good book. The female lead is funny, strong, smart, witty, and she grows as a character. The guys, yeah I freaking adore each and every one. The way that they argue, their banter back and forth, how freaking protective that they are. The plot, the delivery, the pace, the writing style are all on point. Mia has found a fan for life.
In Cardinal Caged, Callie is with the group The Cardinals. An all female team. She is trying to figure out which direction she wants to go in her life. Finally able to be making her own decisions. She can figure out what she likes and does not like. Since she was kidnapped when she was young she has missed out on a lot of things. She is not very social, but is learning. There are two other teams vying for her. The Tate and Emmerson teams. She counts each of them as her friends. They have protected her, and offered her friendship where she has not known kindness before. But what if they want more? And what is she to do when the man that kidnapped her still wants her dead, and will stop at nothing to make sure that happens?
I will admit I devoured this second book just as fast as I did the first one. The pace of the book is fast, and yet we get a very descriptive picture. Callie is just as inquisitive, honest, funny and strong as she was in the first. She is getting stronger, and finding her voice. We actually get to see glimpses of her past with her first kidnapper and then her second. The more I find out about her, the more I love her. The guys, omg, the guys!! There are so many to name, and honestly I want her with them all. Each and every one has won my heart. They are protective, alpha, and freaking have me rolling all the damn time. The banter between them all, and just their personalities makes me happy. The Cardinals, this all girl team is freaking the bomb!! The girls are hilarious, tough and don't need a man on their team. They have taken Callie in and deemed her one of them. The guys are going to have their hands full if they want to take Callie away.
Overall, this was so freaking awesome, and I would highly recommend reading this series!!!
In Cardinal Caged, Callie is with the group The Cardinals. An all female team. She is trying to figure out which direction she wants to go in her life. Finally able to be making her own decisions. She can figure out what she likes and does not like. Since she was kidnapped when she was young she has missed out on a lot of things. She is not very social, but is learning. There are two other teams vying for her. The Tate and Emmerson teams. She counts each of them as her friends. They have protected her, and offered her friendship where she has not known kindness before. But what if they want more? And what is she to do when the man that kidnapped her still wants her dead, and will stop at nothing to make sure that happens?
I will admit I devoured this second book just as fast as I did the first one. The pace of the book is fast, and yet we get a very descriptive picture. Callie is just as inquisitive, honest, funny and strong as she was in the first. She is getting stronger, and finding her voice. We actually get to see glimpses of her past with her first kidnapper and then her second. The more I find out about her, the more I love her. The guys, omg, the guys!! There are so many to name, and honestly I want her with them all. Each and every one has won my heart. They are protective, alpha, and freaking have me rolling all the damn time. The banter between them all, and just their personalities makes me happy. The Cardinals, this all girl team is freaking the bomb!! The girls are hilarious, tough and don't need a man on their team. They have taken Callie in and deemed her one of them. The guys are going to have their hands full if they want to take Callie away.
Overall, this was so freaking awesome, and I would highly recommend reading this series!!!
May 24, 2022
Kindle Unlimited.
3 stars
I was disappointed with this.
It wasn't because of the writing, that was consistent. It was because I wanted to further the plot along, and I got frustrated with the main character and was no longer able to suspend my disbelief. It's not fair to categorize this as a Reverse Harem series, because it's more teen young adult at this point.
At the end of book one, Callie decides to be a part of the all-girl Cardinal team to figure out who she is, and to grow as a person before becoming involved with the guys of either the Tate or Emerson teams. I was all about this decision, and it gave me hope for the series. With Callie's growth, we could speed time along and move her from her sheltered doormat status, into something stronger. Someone with some spunk to match her crazy intelligence and world experience. But then, in Cardinal Caged. NONE OF THAT HAPPENS. Time is still moving at a snail's pace. Callie's growth is basically stunted. She's painfully awkward and blushes all.the.time. It's so uncomfortable that it makes the teams feel like sexual predators instead of love/lust interests. I'm disappointed that the author didn't take this opportunity to move the plot and character development along. By the end of the book, Callie is just starting to understand the concept of innuendo. That's all I'm saying.
The other thing that kind of killed this for me was my inability to suspend my disbelief in the Delta organization. If you have an unknown asset, the first thing you do is have it analyzed and tested. There is no way you'd go months without knowing what languages she spoke, or without demanding time with a counselor for psychological help. You definitely wouldn't send her on an international mission and put the whole team up with a member's family. It was just...too much for me. I probably would've gotten over it if Callie had wised up some, and developed a spark, but I couldn't invest any more time in her wet blanket ways.
3 stars
I was disappointed with this.
It wasn't because of the writing, that was consistent. It was because I wanted to further the plot along, and I got frustrated with the main character and was no longer able to suspend my disbelief. It's not fair to categorize this as a Reverse Harem series, because it's more teen young adult at this point.
At the end of book one, Callie decides to be a part of the all-girl Cardinal team to figure out who she is, and to grow as a person before becoming involved with the guys of either the Tate or Emerson teams. I was all about this decision, and it gave me hope for the series. With Callie's growth, we could speed time along and move her from her sheltered doormat status, into something stronger. Someone with some spunk to match her crazy intelligence and world experience. But then, in Cardinal Caged. NONE OF THAT HAPPENS. Time is still moving at a snail's pace. Callie's growth is basically stunted. She's painfully awkward and blushes all.the.time. It's so uncomfortable that it makes the teams feel like sexual predators instead of love/lust interests. I'm disappointed that the author didn't take this opportunity to move the plot and character development along. By the end of the book, Callie is just starting to understand the concept of innuendo. That's all I'm saying.
The other thing that kind of killed this for me was my inability to suspend my disbelief in the Delta organization. If you have an unknown asset, the first thing you do is have it analyzed and tested. There is no way you'd go months without knowing what languages she spoke, or without demanding time with a counselor for psychological help. You definitely wouldn't send her on an international mission and put the whole team up with a member's family. It was just...too much for me. I probably would've gotten over it if Callie had wised up some, and developed a spark, but I couldn't invest any more time in her wet blanket ways.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2021
Good
This is a decent slow burn RH, one that is building the tension while dancing the line of spy thriller and mystery. It’s interesting, if a bit emotionally fast. Some things are hard to swallow, especially when this is a contemporary novel - but there is still something about it that just hooks you and keeps you turning the pages.
Pros:
- Callie is fascinating.
- Her history is slowly coming to light.
- The Cardinals. Love them.
- Two... three? Elite teams, all vying for a place in get life.
Cons:
- Unrealistic.
- Emotions are Fast, very fast. Or rather, the flirting, considering the situation, is fast and somewhat misplaced.
- Ok.... I need to know more about Bridget.
This is a decent slow burn RH, one that is building the tension while dancing the line of spy thriller and mystery. It’s interesting, if a bit emotionally fast. Some things are hard to swallow, especially when this is a contemporary novel - but there is still something about it that just hooks you and keeps you turning the pages.
Pros:
- Callie is fascinating.
- Her history is slowly coming to light.
- The Cardinals. Love them.
- Two... three? Elite teams, all vying for a place in get life.
Cons:
- Unrealistic.
- Emotions are Fast, very fast. Or rather, the flirting, considering the situation, is fast and somewhat misplaced.
- Ok.... I need to know more about Bridget.
November 17, 2019
Disappointed
Loved book 1, it had the right balance of action, romance and plot twists. Book 2 seemed far too heavy on the competition between the boys. Why is it attractive to see who can make Callie blush, mess with her or harass her in some school boy way that’s all poking fun at her innocence. This seemed like a constant theme. The 2 short action scenes were by far the best of the book and showed more caring from her friends/boys than all other scenes put together. I’ll keep working my way through this series in hopes that the author finds her balance again. I really wanted to love book 2...
Loved book 1, it had the right balance of action, romance and plot twists. Book 2 seemed far too heavy on the competition between the boys. Why is it attractive to see who can make Callie blush, mess with her or harass her in some school boy way that’s all poking fun at her innocence. This seemed like a constant theme. The 2 short action scenes were by far the best of the book and showed more caring from her friends/boys than all other scenes put together. I’ll keep working my way through this series in hopes that the author finds her balance again. I really wanted to love book 2...
March 4, 2022
4/5 stars
*Sigh.... *
So much to say so little time... I obviously loved this book, but I don't know, something about the first book just hit different. This book was really good though. I was a little hesitant with the Cardinal team, but I've made up my mind, I love them (maybe not YOLO, but whatever) ... I hate how the two teams are like fighting over her, like just work together obviously...
Throughout this book I was wondering if Callie really was actually that dense, or just, I don't even know, there's no way that she is that stupid about EVERYTHING that they are doing for her.
NO ONE better get hurt or else I'm beating Nikolai (????) up. This is not ok, he's an awful person, and we need to band together to riot against him.
Out of everyone my favorite person probably has to be Alexi, (is that how you spell his nickname), I just absolutely love him, and his personality, and his sense of humor, and his height, etc. etc. I just love all scenes with him.
I'm also a little skeptical about Dr. Duane, I don't know he's not my favorite, and sort of rubs me the wrong way....
Also of course Callie is still perfect in this book, she can't do anything wrong, yada yada.... but surprisingly, it's not bothering me too bad, except when they are in a life-or-death situation and need something specific, and Callie is like, "oh yeah I can do that." That's what bothers me about it.
I'm excited to start the next book, but I'm just waiting for it to hit the fan. I will not be ok... Only what like 3 books left? Wish me luck...
*Sigh.... *
So much to say so little time... I obviously loved this book, but I don't know, something about the first book just hit different. This book was really good though. I was a little hesitant with the Cardinal team, but I've made up my mind, I love them (maybe not YOLO, but whatever) ... I hate how the two teams are like fighting over her, like just work together obviously...
Throughout this book I was wondering if Callie really was actually that dense, or just, I don't even know, there's no way that she is that stupid about EVERYTHING that they are doing for her.
NO ONE better get hurt or else I'm beating Nikolai (????) up. This is not ok, he's an awful person, and we need to band together to riot against him.
Out of everyone my favorite person probably has to be Alexi, (is that how you spell his nickname), I just absolutely love him, and his personality, and his sense of humor, and his height, etc. etc. I just love all scenes with him.
I'm also a little skeptical about Dr. Duane, I don't know he's not my favorite, and sort of rubs me the wrong way....
Also of course Callie is still perfect in this book, she can't do anything wrong, yada yada.... but surprisingly, it's not bothering me too bad, except when they are in a life-or-death situation and need something specific, and Callie is like, "oh yeah I can do that." That's what bothers me about it.
I'm excited to start the next book, but I'm just waiting for it to hit the fan. I will not be ok... Only what like 3 books left? Wish me luck...
September 3, 2022
4 stars (again for it being a clean book). Okay, I’m ready for things to heat up in this series. Especially with Aleks. I love that crazy Russian. Hoping that starts in book 3 because after 2 books, still not even a kiss. If this ends up being a clean series (and I haven’t been able to tell by the reviews) then I’m gonna be pissed. Me and clean books don’t get along well. I have to have love and passion, that deeper connection between the characters. Sure, there are innuendos here and there, so I know the guys are thinking it, but we aren’t getting it! And I’m REALLY disappointed that she had her very first kiss and that’s all we were told! We aren’t even given the scene! So, that makes me nervous to the fact that it could possibly be a clean series. And the lack of all of that has caused me to read the last 2 books over a week. A WEEK! I will usually have the whole series read in that timeframe. But I keep putting it down to play games on my iPad, which is rare. So, I’m going to do some asking around in my fb book groups to see if I can find out if there’s even any making out. If not, then I will probably drop the series 🤷🏻♀️It’s just not for me.
If you read this review and can tell me yes or no on that then I would appreciate it. Don’t want to waste my time when I could be reading something that brings it all to the table. And no shade thrown at the author of it is a clean series. If that’s what someone wants to write then more power to them and keep going. I just prefer the added spice 🔥😉
If you read this review and can tell me yes or no on that then I would appreciate it. Don’t want to waste my time when I could be reading something that brings it all to the table. And no shade thrown at the author of it is a clean series. If that’s what someone wants to write then more power to them and keep going. I just prefer the added spice 🔥😉
August 8, 2021
I am not sure where exactly it went downhill for me. Maybe the fact that first 20% of the book is a stealthy recap and reading it felt callous. It was hard. Then the Cardinals girls. I don't know how the writer thinks she can manage to develop love between guys and mc aaaand Cardinal's whatever it is will be between them. It's just not enough time. And if we will be time jumping like in this book, then I don't look forward to it, because – this was one hell of a mess for me.
Time jumps...I don't usually have anything against it, but with them the story felt a bit empty. There was no particular plotline to hold on to, it was blurry. Relationships were...meh. Didn't feel a thing really. The Epilogue and the way sharing system suddenly pops up...I don't feel it. It came out of nowhere, they are not that close and yet they do this.
Callie is missing her spark and spunk. There are no action here in comparison to the first book that was amazing. Callie here is... empty, dependant, boring.
The mission in the middle of the book is a joke. Why? Why is it even there. Cross it out and I won't even notice. Sure we added some new bad guy that would be after her or something, but was that all? That is the action? Her teammates suck. Especially Yolo. Callie is more lost with them. I am missing badass Callie.
This character right here is not my Callie. I am disappointed (
Time jumps...I don't usually have anything against it, but with them the story felt a bit empty. There was no particular plotline to hold on to, it was blurry. Relationships were...meh. Didn't feel a thing really. The Epilogue and the way sharing system suddenly pops up...I don't feel it. It came out of nowhere, they are not that close and yet they do this.
Callie is missing her spark and spunk. There are no action here in comparison to the first book that was amazing. Callie here is... empty, dependant, boring.
The mission in the middle of the book is a joke. Why? Why is it even there. Cross it out and I won't even notice. Sure we added some new bad guy that would be after her or something, but was that all? That is the action? Her teammates suck. Especially Yolo. Callie is more lost with them. I am missing badass Callie.
This character right here is not my Callie. I am disappointed (
May 25, 2021
I LOVED the first book. This one though? It’s so cringey, I scrolled through so many pages to force myself to finish. This author really excels when writing fast paced, high action drama. But romance? No.
-Is this a top secret government organization or a frat house? These “dude-bros” can’t stop pawing at a 19YO trauma victim and it’s kindve gross. There’s a way to do an office romance, and this ain’t it.
-speaking of trauma: we really don’t have a liscenced psychologist in staff? Just an art histor major who sorta like taking psy classes? And a doctor who is a vet?!
-somehow Callie goes from being great at everything in book 1 to being terrible at everything in book 2. She can’t fight, she can’t shoot, she can’t hold a conversation, she can’t pick out what she wants to eat for lunch...and she was basically raised by the Russian mafia. Are you really telling me she’s some doe eyed babe in the woods?! She can’t figure out innuendos?
The book would really work if it was just a CIA thriller with no romance. The romance part is just so junior year of high school and it doesn’t work. As of right now, I have no desire to keep reading this series.
-Is this a top secret government organization or a frat house? These “dude-bros” can’t stop pawing at a 19YO trauma victim and it’s kindve gross. There’s a way to do an office romance, and this ain’t it.
-speaking of trauma: we really don’t have a liscenced psychologist in staff? Just an art histor major who sorta like taking psy classes? And a doctor who is a vet?!
-somehow Callie goes from being great at everything in book 1 to being terrible at everything in book 2. She can’t fight, she can’t shoot, she can’t hold a conversation, she can’t pick out what she wants to eat for lunch...and she was basically raised by the Russian mafia. Are you really telling me she’s some doe eyed babe in the woods?! She can’t figure out innuendos?
The book would really work if it was just a CIA thriller with no romance. The romance part is just so junior year of high school and it doesn’t work. As of right now, I have no desire to keep reading this series.
June 18, 2020
Taking place a few weeks after the last book Calli is settling in with Team Cardinal and picking up some training with members from the Emmerson and Tate teams. Going on her first mission with the Cardinals we learn a bit more about Triz as they go to Brazil to help ID gang members while helping her family build a school. After Triz is kidnapped they return to the states where an incident has them moving to Delta accommodations.
I enjoyed the interactions amongst the 3 teams and think she Is well placed with the Cardinals and would hate to see this change as I think she can gain a lot from this. Yolo is a bit much but i think she cares in her own way.
Again I think some editing could go a good ways to improving the flow a bit but otherwise it was an ok installment to the series. I felt Callie disappeared a bit and would have liked for her smarts to come out a bit more. Hopefully this happens in the next book.
I enjoyed the interactions amongst the 3 teams and think she Is well placed with the Cardinals and would hate to see this change as I think she can gain a lot from this. Yolo is a bit much but i think she cares in her own way.
Again I think some editing could go a good ways to improving the flow a bit but otherwise it was an ok installment to the series. I felt Callie disappeared a bit and would have liked for her smarts to come out a bit more. Hopefully this happens in the next book.
December 24, 2019
Wow just wow
So, I hate to admit it..but I totally judged this book by its cover. I have rarely seen this series mentioned and the cover looks kind of amateur and messy when it's on my paperwhite in black n white. And it's a shame! This book is a hidden gem. I have been riveted. Lots of action. Lots of intrigue. And I really want to know what happens on all the fronts (action and relationships). The writing is great and it does not skimp on story.
A must read!
So, I hate to admit it..but I totally judged this book by its cover. I have rarely seen this series mentioned and the cover looks kind of amateur and messy when it's on my paperwhite in black n white. And it's a shame! This book is a hidden gem. I have been riveted. Lots of action. Lots of intrigue. And I really want to know what happens on all the fronts (action and relationships). The writing is great and it does not skimp on story.
A must read!
March 27, 2020
Not going to lie, I really liked the first one, yet I'm 67% in and NOTHING has happened except one case of hand holding.
This can't be classed as a RH as there is no romance just flirting I'd you can call it that.
The young, naive, childlike needs rescuing heroine act for old in the first book and this time it's really grating on me. As is the whole insta infatuation with her. Everyone is fawning over her and interested with one look and it's a annoying.
This can't be classed as a RH as there is no romance just flirting I'd you can call it that.
The young, naive, childlike needs rescuing heroine act for old in the first book and this time it's really grating on me. As is the whole insta infatuation with her. Everyone is fawning over her and interested with one look and it's a annoying.
May 30, 2022
I really love Mia Smantz way of telling this story. It’s both light and funny as well as deep and intriguing. I just want more of Callie and her lost boys (great nickname btw). I like the mystery and all the little nuggets of answers we get that keep me invested and smiling all along. Those characters put a smile of my face and I want more of them !
December 18, 2019
Amazing read!
So much mystery is involved in Callie's adventure! I love finding out something new about Callie. Not sure what's happening with the lost boys, can 8 men share just 1 girl? I can't wait to read what happens next!
So much mystery is involved in Callie's adventure! I love finding out something new about Callie. Not sure what's happening with the lost boys, can 8 men share just 1 girl? I can't wait to read what happens next!
January 18, 2020
Great series
I loved reading this series. Following Callie on this trip, it has been funny,sad, and happy. Great story. I have enjoyed the twists in the plot. Can’t wait for the next one
I loved reading this series. Following Callie on this trip, it has been funny,sad, and happy. Great story. I have enjoyed the twists in the plot. Can’t wait for the next one
July 24, 2021
This book wasn't as good as the first one, but it was still really good. I loved how the heroine is slowly coming out of her shell, and what all she kids to do. I can't wait for more.
July 9, 2020
Yum! Another great slow-burn addition to the The Cardinal series.
Callie is currently healing, emotionally and physically, from her past horrors. She’s currently living with the Cardinals, an all girl group within Delta, and trying to find the free-Callie. It’s a work in progress and she still struggles, but you can see she’s putting real thought into her future and trying to trust those around her.
In Cardinal Caged, we get to see some more background from Callie and insight into her first kidnapping and her subsequent meeting of Ivanov. I was happy to see that Callie is still guarded and unknowing of some things in the world, but still also growing to learn new things as well. For instance, she now gets *some* sexual innuendos but not all. Callie is still a blushing modest lady, but it’s not from naivety. We also still don’t know everything about her. I love getting a new nugget of information about her and not feeling like the plot is rushing or that the revelations feel forced. The plot in this book, although a little less action-packed, was still good and centered more on the healing and trusting aspect for Callie.
I LOVED that we got to see some god damn female bonding. Like Jesus Christ. Thank you. Even if one of them is kind of bitchy at times, she still has good intentions at heart for the Cardinals. I can’t wait for their relationship with Callie to develop even further. It’s hilarious how the guys think that the Cardinals are all in a lesbian relationship together and the Cardinals just fucking egg them on. Girls can be affectionate with each other without sexualizing it!
The boys are definitely getting more time in the spotlight here. I loved each of the interactions we saw between them and Callie. They obviously really like her and are competing between the two teams to see who she will eventually join once her time with the Cardinals comes to an end. However, Callie is still unsure. She wants to keep everyone safe and doesn’t want to have to choose, especially since she thinks they’re all just friends, and still believes staying with the Cardinals is a good choice. The Emerson team and the Tate team, all eight boys... are just so swoon worthy. I love them all. Seriously, even the pervy vet. I can’t help but grow more attached as they have their one-on-one moments together, and their group moments. Precious.
It’s not even that much of a romance. Yes, there are some tender moments here and there, but it really is about building a relationship first. Trust. Callie has been through a lot and she’s still healing. It’s not going away overnight, especially when her worst nightmare is still out there trying to kill her. It’s not about boyfriends for her here yet, and I respect that and love it. The boys are ready and are already committed to courting her as teams, but she hasn’t gotten to that level yet. Nope. Not even close. Callie sees them as people she cares about, friends, but definitely not at the romantic partnership yet. I am a sucker for slow burn and this is why. The character development.
I can’t wait to see how they all come together in later books. For now, I’m just content seeing their subtle interactions within their teams and how their maneuvering their relationship to work with Callie. That epilogue gave me life. So cute, I’m ready for all the feels in the next book!
Callie is currently healing, emotionally and physically, from her past horrors. She’s currently living with the Cardinals, an all girl group within Delta, and trying to find the free-Callie. It’s a work in progress and she still struggles, but you can see she’s putting real thought into her future and trying to trust those around her.
In Cardinal Caged, we get to see some more background from Callie and insight into her first kidnapping and her subsequent meeting of Ivanov. I was happy to see that Callie is still guarded and unknowing of some things in the world, but still also growing to learn new things as well. For instance, she now gets *some* sexual innuendos but not all. Callie is still a blushing modest lady, but it’s not from naivety. We also still don’t know everything about her. I love getting a new nugget of information about her and not feeling like the plot is rushing or that the revelations feel forced. The plot in this book, although a little less action-packed, was still good and centered more on the healing and trusting aspect for Callie.
I LOVED that we got to see some god damn female bonding. Like Jesus Christ. Thank you. Even if one of them is kind of bitchy at times, she still has good intentions at heart for the Cardinals. I can’t wait for their relationship with Callie to develop even further. It’s hilarious how the guys think that the Cardinals are all in a lesbian relationship together and the Cardinals just fucking egg them on. Girls can be affectionate with each other without sexualizing it!
The boys are definitely getting more time in the spotlight here. I loved each of the interactions we saw between them and Callie. They obviously really like her and are competing between the two teams to see who she will eventually join once her time with the Cardinals comes to an end. However, Callie is still unsure. She wants to keep everyone safe and doesn’t want to have to choose, especially since she thinks they’re all just friends, and still believes staying with the Cardinals is a good choice. The Emerson team and the Tate team, all eight boys... are just so swoon worthy. I love them all. Seriously, even the pervy vet. I can’t help but grow more attached as they have their one-on-one moments together, and their group moments. Precious.
It’s not even that much of a romance. Yes, there are some tender moments here and there, but it really is about building a relationship first. Trust. Callie has been through a lot and she’s still healing. It’s not going away overnight, especially when her worst nightmare is still out there trying to kill her. It’s not about boyfriends for her here yet, and I respect that and love it. The boys are ready and are already committed to courting her as teams, but she hasn’t gotten to that level yet. Nope. Not even close. Callie sees them as people she cares about, friends, but definitely not at the romantic partnership yet. I am a sucker for slow burn and this is why. The character development.
I can’t wait to see how they all come together in later books. For now, I’m just content seeing their subtle interactions within their teams and how their maneuvering their relationship to work with Callie. That epilogue gave me life. So cute, I’m ready for all the feels in the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2020
4 Stars,
I think that this book was still great, the first one to me was stronger, but this one did a good follow up.
Callie did get on my nerves just a bit with her innocence, and how she didn't catch on to many things that were being said. Even after being with the 3 teams for so long I would have assumed that the girls would have helped her out. Also how she thought she was doing things for the greater good of the group when she wasn't. Those are kind of the main reasons that I took off a star.
Overall the action within the first and second book are great they keep me on the edge of my seat, and getting through these books very quickly.
Can wait to read the third book!
I do want to make myself a cheat sheet for the different groups so I can remember them since there is like a million and two people all vying for Callie:
Delta/CIA
Karl-works for both Delta and CIA, was the lead for the mission to get Callie out of Russia.
Tate Team
Jace - Twin to CJ, Lead of the Tate team.
CJ - the Tech Nerd. First one in contact with Callie.
Aleks - Big Tough guy,with a soft center, speaks Russian with Callie
Emerson Team
Payton (aka Emerson)- English smooth talker, psychologist, Lead of the Emerson Team
Bryce - Rich, misunderstood, has lots of piercings, feels like he is two different people with his rich background and his shy personality.
Brock - the Aleks of the Emerson team, big tough guy with a soft center.
Dr Duane - aka Doc Scott, Vet... yet also Callies Self appointed Doctor...?
Corbin- The jokester of the team, loves to pull pranks on all teams.
The Cardinals aka Disney Princesses
Yolo - Belle- not really a fan of Callie, but I feel like that is all for show
Darcy - Merida- Irish, spitfire, who takes no crap from anyone
Sabre - Tiana, Lead of the Cardinals. Mama bear to the team
Natasia- Elsa, Cold but has a heart of gold
Triz - Moana, most open, always happy.
Callie - Wendy Darling- for her love of her "Lost Boys"
I think that this book was still great, the first one to me was stronger, but this one did a good follow up.
Callie did get on my nerves just a bit with her innocence, and how she didn't catch on to many things that were being said. Even after being with the 3 teams for so long I would have assumed that the girls would have helped her out. Also how she thought she was doing things for the greater good of the group when she wasn't. Those are kind of the main reasons that I took off a star.
Overall the action within the first and second book are great they keep me on the edge of my seat, and getting through these books very quickly.
Can wait to read the third book!
I do want to make myself a cheat sheet for the different groups so I can remember them since there is like a million and two people all vying for Callie:
Delta/CIA
Karl-works for both Delta and CIA, was the lead for the mission to get Callie out of Russia.
Tate Team
Jace - Twin to CJ, Lead of the Tate team.
CJ - the Tech Nerd. First one in contact with Callie.
Aleks - Big Tough guy,with a soft center, speaks Russian with Callie
Emerson Team
Payton (aka Emerson)- English smooth talker, psychologist, Lead of the Emerson Team
Bryce - Rich, misunderstood, has lots of piercings, feels like he is two different people with his rich background and his shy personality.
Brock - the Aleks of the Emerson team, big tough guy with a soft center.
Dr Duane - aka Doc Scott, Vet... yet also Callies Self appointed Doctor...?
Corbin- The jokester of the team, loves to pull pranks on all teams.
The Cardinals aka Disney Princesses
Yolo - Belle- not really a fan of Callie, but I feel like that is all for show
Darcy - Merida- Irish, spitfire, who takes no crap from anyone
Sabre - Tiana, Lead of the Cardinals. Mama bear to the team
Natasia- Elsa, Cold but has a heart of gold
Triz - Moana, most open, always happy.
Callie - Wendy Darling- for her love of her "Lost Boys"
February 7, 2021
Things pick right off from The Cardinal Bird and it was similarly packed with action for Callie and her Delta team. This book, rightfully, focused a lot on Callie being trained as a future operative and we see her getting integrated with her temp Cardinal team. With the exception of Yolo, I think her team members are great and an important influence for Callie.
Many books often don't clarify the passing of time, but Ms. Smantz emphasizes for example, 'weeks of training' or how it was several months since she last saw someone. I appreciate this strategy because it creates a realistic feel to Callie's world. One doesn't suddenly pick up defense training and be stellar at it after just a few weeks; and importantly, it paces her relationships with the men. It's a lot clearer here who her love interests are and there's a sweet amount of flirting in here. We're definitely still at a slooowww-burn, but from what the Tate team discussed near the end.. I think things will take a step to the next level in book 3. I'm so excited!!
Callie is a strong, sweet character and so very naive with social interactions. I think Ms. Smantz is doing a great job with her development. It would be unrealistic, really, if based on her history, Callie jumped right in to Delta and relationships as if she wasn't so sheltered. It's hard to pick a favorite H but the members that rescued Callie in book 1 definitely stand out; although, Emerson.. *fans self*. There's just not enough interaction with all of them! It's a build of anticipation, for sure. I thoroughly enjoyed this and will definitely move on to book 3. I highly recommend giving this series a try.
Many books often don't clarify the passing of time, but Ms. Smantz emphasizes for example, 'weeks of training' or how it was several months since she last saw someone. I appreciate this strategy because it creates a realistic feel to Callie's world. One doesn't suddenly pick up defense training and be stellar at it after just a few weeks; and importantly, it paces her relationships with the men. It's a lot clearer here who her love interests are and there's a sweet amount of flirting in here. We're definitely still at a slooowww-burn, but from what the Tate team discussed near the end.. I think things will take a step to the next level in book 3. I'm so excited!!
Callie is a strong, sweet character and so very naive with social interactions. I think Ms. Smantz is doing a great job with her development. It would be unrealistic, really, if based on her history, Callie jumped right in to Delta and relationships as if she wasn't so sheltered. It's hard to pick a favorite H but the members that rescued Callie in book 1 definitely stand out; although, Emerson.. *fans self*. There's just not enough interaction with all of them! It's a build of anticipation, for sure. I thoroughly enjoyed this and will definitely move on to book 3. I highly recommend giving this series a try.
March 29, 2024
TITLE - Cardinal Caged
AUTHOR - Mia Smantz
TYPE - Series, #2 of 6 in "The Cardinal"
POV - 1st Person - Callie
GENRE - Dark Romance, Reverse Harem, Thriller
READ DATES - 3/24/2024 to 3/25/2024
RATINGS
Overall: 3.7/5⭐️
Characters: 3.5/5👀
Plot: 3/5🧩
Romance: 0/5💘
Spice: 0/5🌶️
Pacing: 5/5⌛️
Editing/Consistency: 2.5/5🔍
MAIN CHARACTERS - Callie, Brock, Aleks, Jace, CJ, Bryce, Duane, Emerson, Corbin
INITIAL REACTION - I struggled with where to rate this one (so far) because it felt really drawn out for very little to actually have happened. I'm also not loving how blasé some of the characters are towards the threats surrounding them vs. overreactions for their crushes on Callie. It feels really immature. Don't get me wrong, there's some gems in there but as a whole it's not really feeling natural to the danger that they're all in. At this point I have no clue who the mole is. There may be more than one for all we know. Kind of challenging myself in the next one to figure it out better before the big reveal.
Last note, I dropped the score lower than initially because the editing in this series so far has been really bad. There's a lot of inconsistencies, misgendering (and I'm not being alphabet/politically), etc. It makes it difficult to follow along sometimes and I've had to reread things more than I can count to try and make sense. I know some was intentional with dialog because not every character's first language is English. What I'm pointing out feels like the final product is more of a draft edition.
Full review at: Cardinal Rose.
AUTHOR - Mia Smantz
TYPE - Series, #2 of 6 in "The Cardinal"
POV - 1st Person - Callie
GENRE - Dark Romance, Reverse Harem, Thriller
READ DATES - 3/24/2024 to 3/25/2024
RATINGS
Overall: 3.7/5⭐️
Characters: 3.5/5👀
Plot: 3/5🧩
Romance: 0/5💘
Spice: 0/5🌶️
Pacing: 5/5⌛️
Editing/Consistency: 2.5/5🔍
MAIN CHARACTERS - Callie, Brock, Aleks, Jace, CJ, Bryce, Duane, Emerson, Corbin
INITIAL REACTION - I struggled with where to rate this one (so far) because it felt really drawn out for very little to actually have happened. I'm also not loving how blasé some of the characters are towards the threats surrounding them vs. overreactions for their crushes on Callie. It feels really immature. Don't get me wrong, there's some gems in there but as a whole it's not really feeling natural to the danger that they're all in. At this point I have no clue who the mole is. There may be more than one for all we know. Kind of challenging myself in the next one to figure it out better before the big reveal.
Last note, I dropped the score lower than initially because the editing in this series so far has been really bad. There's a lot of inconsistencies, misgendering (and I'm not being alphabet/politically), etc. It makes it difficult to follow along sometimes and I've had to reread things more than I can count to try and make sense. I know some was intentional with dialog because not every character's first language is English. What I'm pointing out feels like the final product is more of a draft edition.
Full review at: Cardinal Rose.
April 28, 2025
I gave this series a second chance and I’m just not enjoying it, there are numerous plot holes and honestly by the end of this book I like one character and that’s all.
Callie has a flashback at some point in this book and she’s extremely and unbelievably smart but when we’re in the current timeline she’s so naive and dumb. She knows multiple languages but has no idea about anything else whatsoever, it’s just stupid. She’s oblivious to all sexual innuendo but you’re telling me just lived with thugs and criminals for over 7 years and never heard or saw anything of the like it’s just irritating at this point. She gets crazy stupid infront of all these ‘hot’ men and it’s just annoying. She’s got the hots for guys who are fighting over her like she’s a goddamn toy and not an actual person. Don’t even mention her parents, that was a bullshitty part if I read one.
The guys are just annoying, the Tate team seem kind of decent but the others are just desperate lil hoes if you ask me. The FMC has been kidnapped, tortured and manipulated for years and instead of letting her grow and heal, they’re just shameless flirting and trying to fuck her, it’s gross. Just to clarify we have no idea how old the guys are either but Callie is a very immature 19 so it’s just coming across as skeevy, no doubt in the next book she’s fucking them. Also what’s with the only doctor being a vet??? Why can’t they have a real doctor, it’s just weird - also the therapist guy is completely inappropriate flirting with her whilst trying to get her to talk about her trauma - where’s the line here?
Callie has a flashback at some point in this book and she’s extremely and unbelievably smart but when we’re in the current timeline she’s so naive and dumb. She knows multiple languages but has no idea about anything else whatsoever, it’s just stupid. She’s oblivious to all sexual innuendo but you’re telling me just lived with thugs and criminals for over 7 years and never heard or saw anything of the like it’s just irritating at this point. She gets crazy stupid infront of all these ‘hot’ men and it’s just annoying. She’s got the hots for guys who are fighting over her like she’s a goddamn toy and not an actual person. Don’t even mention her parents, that was a bullshitty part if I read one.
The guys are just annoying, the Tate team seem kind of decent but the others are just desperate lil hoes if you ask me. The FMC has been kidnapped, tortured and manipulated for years and instead of letting her grow and heal, they’re just shameless flirting and trying to fuck her, it’s gross. Just to clarify we have no idea how old the guys are either but Callie is a very immature 19 so it’s just coming across as skeevy, no doubt in the next book she’s fucking them. Also what’s with the only doctor being a vet??? Why can’t they have a real doctor, it’s just weird - also the therapist guy is completely inappropriate flirting with her whilst trying to get her to talk about her trauma - where’s the line here?
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