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The Grimm Cases #4
Hidden
I finally found somewhere to belong, only to be ripped from the four men who complete me. They are the only ones who’ve ever helped me feel normal.
This was my greatest fear—being locked away, alone with those who would call me crazy. No matter how much everyone tries to convince me otherwise, I won’t admit that there’s something wrong with me. But when the voices keep gaining strength, everything I fought to hide comes to light.
Everyone says I’m broken, but this time, things are different. I‘m different. It doesn’t matter that I don’t fully understand it myself. I refuse to let them win.
This was my greatest fear—being locked away, alone with those who would call me crazy. No matter how much everyone tries to convince me otherwise, I won’t admit that there’s something wrong with me. But when the voices keep gaining strength, everything I fought to hide comes to light.
Everyone says I’m broken, but this time, things are different. I‘m different. It doesn’t matter that I don’t fully understand it myself. I refuse to let them win.
451 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2020
76 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Lyla Oweds
18 books276 followersLyla Oweds is an Amazon Bestselling paranormal romance and urban fantasy author who resides in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. She grew up near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and has a deep appreciation for the paranormal, hauntings, and Edgar Allan Poe. As such, she loves all things fantasy, mystery, crime, and horror.
When not reading, writing, or working as a web programmer, Lyla can be found doing adult-y things such as being a single mom to a toddler and a bird. She also frequently enjoys makeup videos, massages, wine, and coffee.
When not reading, writing, or working as a web programmer, Lyla can be found doing adult-y things such as being a single mom to a toddler and a bird. She also frequently enjoys makeup videos, massages, wine, and coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 27, 2020
Honestly that cliffhanger felt like a joke, and I'm pretty mad about it. Other than that, my biggest complaint is that I had to wait so long for this book after absolutely binging on the first 3. I did NOT want to wait for this book, and then I had to wait 5ish months. So by the time I actually started this one, I couldn't remember alot of the stuff specific to this world, and the author really didnt do any worldbuilidng recap. I'm probably going to have the do a full series re-read after it's done. PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME WAIT SO LONG FOR THE NEXT ONE.
February 1, 2020
What even was that ending???
Review to come, i need to sit and really think about what happen in this book
Review to come, i need to sit and really think about what happen in this book
December 19, 2021
RTC
Slow burn, patience needed, love Bianca
Slow burn, patience needed, love Bianca
February 14, 2020
I don't do cover buys. I've never done them and I never will. But covers do catch my interest and help me to decide which blurbs to read and which to let go. Who could have thought when I saw the covers for this series and read the blurb of the first book that I would end up loving and enjoying this story this much? Well, I can assure you I didn't.
Now we're in the fourth book of this series I'm grasping more and more of the mythology and world building. The terms and names slowly start ringing bells and make sense. Pieces of the puzzle are slowly connecting and more and more I get the feeling that I understand this, that I have a sense of direction. It took a while, but Oweds really does it brilliantly and she takes her time. She doesn't overwhelm me with information and she doesn't believe it all sticks after only explaining it once. It's quite nice this way, even though it leads to repetition sometimes.
I also love how Oweds takes her time to craft all those complicated, layered relationships. This is the fourth book in the series and some kissing is happening and even though in a way it feels like finally, it also feels naturally that it only happens now and happens so slowly. It also ensures that it's never about lust or physical needs. This story really is about love, about people caring about each other, about people falling for each other.
The characters however are the true stars in this series. And most of all Bianca. Bianca is a unique character. Most likely a character like her wouldn't work in like almost every other book in the universe, but it works in this context. The circumstances fit, the world fits, the people surrounding her fit and the end result is an endearing, heartwarming, lovely character I wanna wrap in my arms and never let go again. It's nice to see that her guys agree with me.
I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Now we're in the fourth book of this series I'm grasping more and more of the mythology and world building. The terms and names slowly start ringing bells and make sense. Pieces of the puzzle are slowly connecting and more and more I get the feeling that I understand this, that I have a sense of direction. It took a while, but Oweds really does it brilliantly and she takes her time. She doesn't overwhelm me with information and she doesn't believe it all sticks after only explaining it once. It's quite nice this way, even though it leads to repetition sometimes.
I also love how Oweds takes her time to craft all those complicated, layered relationships. This is the fourth book in the series and some kissing is happening and even though in a way it feels like finally, it also feels naturally that it only happens now and happens so slowly. It also ensures that it's never about lust or physical needs. This story really is about love, about people caring about each other, about people falling for each other.
The characters however are the true stars in this series. And most of all Bianca. Bianca is a unique character. Most likely a character like her wouldn't work in like almost every other book in the universe, but it works in this context. The circumstances fit, the world fits, the people surrounding her fit and the end result is an endearing, heartwarming, lovely character I wanna wrap in my arms and never let go again. It's nice to see that her guys agree with me.
I can't wait for the next book in this series!
November 30, 2021
4.5 rounded up
After immersing myself in Bianca’s world for the last couple days (I enjoyed a reread) this book proved to be the cherry on top of that, somewhat confusing, cake. Here we find some answers and actually get somewhere, delving deep into the plot and discovering more about why things happened the way they did, misconceptions, misunderstandings, and even a couple resolutions. There is still far more to discover and secrets to unveil, and fair warning, though this is a reverse Harem, romance is NOT the prime focus.... and probably won’t be for quite some time. There’s interest, but for once, an author is actually respecting the backstory created for a character and is proceeding with aplomb and dutiful caution. There is trauma here, and Owens is respecting that deeply, presenting a story of strength and rebirth - while truly addressing that issues remain. Love doesn’t conquer all, not all the time, and fears linger long.
First person, multiple POV, Urban Fantasy, extreme slow burn RH. Cliffhanger.
Rating = PG-15 (NA)
Character age range = 18+
MMMMF
pros:
- Well written.
- Emotional, with a true focus of physiology, despite the Paranormal aspects.
- We get answers!
- Bianca... She is as flighty and as imaginative as always, but there is an understanding coming through.
Cons:
- Still Some confusing parts.
- Minor editing issues, does not detract from the tale.
- That final but if the epilogue.... seems out of character.
After immersing myself in Bianca’s world for the last couple days (I enjoyed a reread) this book proved to be the cherry on top of that, somewhat confusing, cake. Here we find some answers and actually get somewhere, delving deep into the plot and discovering more about why things happened the way they did, misconceptions, misunderstandings, and even a couple resolutions. There is still far more to discover and secrets to unveil, and fair warning, though this is a reverse Harem, romance is NOT the prime focus.... and probably won’t be for quite some time. There’s interest, but for once, an author is actually respecting the backstory created for a character and is proceeding with aplomb and dutiful caution. There is trauma here, and Owens is respecting that deeply, presenting a story of strength and rebirth - while truly addressing that issues remain. Love doesn’t conquer all, not all the time, and fears linger long.
First person, multiple POV, Urban Fantasy, extreme slow burn RH. Cliffhanger.
Rating = PG-15 (NA)
Character age range = 18+
MMMMF
pros:
- Well written.
- Emotional, with a true focus of physiology, despite the Paranormal aspects.
- We get answers!
- Bianca... She is as flighty and as imaginative as always, but there is an understanding coming through.
Cons:
- Still Some confusing parts.
- Minor editing issues, does not detract from the tale.
- That final but if the epilogue.... seems out of character.
January 18, 2021
Excellent
I love this series. It's been a new favorite of mine ever since I read Origin. I want more and more. We learn a lot in this book. A whole lot. I won't mention any of it because it would ruin the read for people. Suffice to say it, if you love this series and have been dying to confirm things about Bianca, you'll love this. It's very emotional at times since there's no action in it, but I loved all of that. I even don't hate Finn anymore, but Julian sure does. I already can't wait for the next book.
I love this series. It's been a new favorite of mine ever since I read Origin. I want more and more. We learn a lot in this book. A whole lot. I won't mention any of it because it would ruin the read for people. Suffice to say it, if you love this series and have been dying to confirm things about Bianca, you'll love this. It's very emotional at times since there's no action in it, but I loved all of that. I even don't hate Finn anymore, but Julian sure does. I already can't wait for the next book.
May 31, 2021
The Grimm Cases continues with Hidden, and I was eager to dive into this one after the ending of book three. As this is a developing story, you need to read the prior books before diving into this one – then, you can jump right in where things left off.
Hidden is another addictive addition to the series, hitting me with all the feels and ensuring I could not put it down. There was plenty packed into this one, expanding the backstory of our characters and allowing the world to grow. I could not put it down and was eager to see how all the pieces come together. Everything that was revealed pulled me in deeper and deeper, ensuring I could not get enough. There are more twists and turns, details revealed, leaving the reader curious about the overall mystery.
My only real complaint with this one was the ending. It felt a little bit out of character, and I hope it’s explained more in the next book. A part of me feels it was just a way to end on another cliff-hanger, so I’m certainly curious about the details.
Without a doubt, I’ll be diving into book five to see what comes next.
Hidden is another addictive addition to the series, hitting me with all the feels and ensuring I could not put it down. There was plenty packed into this one, expanding the backstory of our characters and allowing the world to grow. I could not put it down and was eager to see how all the pieces come together. Everything that was revealed pulled me in deeper and deeper, ensuring I could not get enough. There are more twists and turns, details revealed, leaving the reader curious about the overall mystery.
My only real complaint with this one was the ending. It felt a little bit out of character, and I hope it’s explained more in the next book. A part of me feels it was just a way to end on another cliff-hanger, so I’m certainly curious about the details.
Without a doubt, I’ll be diving into book five to see what comes next.
January 25, 2020
I am head over heals for this series!! Ever since Origins and we are introduced to Bianca. She can see the dead, but there is oh so much more to her. Once she is introduced to her best friends brother, everything changes for her. So much happens to her over the course of the series, and now we are on book four. Hidden picks up where Blood leaves off. I do not want to give anything away, as to the plot, developments, because there are some things revealed. Relationships get an "Ah" moment. So I am just going to offer some words of advice while you go into reading Hidden.
I would recommend reading at least Blood before reading Hidden. It had been awhile since I had read this series, and so much happens here. I had to go back and re-read in the beginning because I had forgot about a lot of the plot. This series is not your typical paranormal series. There is a lot of twists and turns, POV's, so much revealed and so much to piece together. This series is so intriguing to me, and will keep you on your toes. I love these types of reads.
Bianca, Damon, Miles, Julian, Titus and even Finn have a lot of character development. Honestly the pov's of each character, was very welcome. I love reading from different points of view. So overall, this is a great series and one I highly recommend.
February 10, 2020
For such a long awaited book, and such a horrible cliffhanger in the previous book, it was kind of a let down. I found myself midway through the book, very confused and frustrated and couldn't understand why. There is no story arcs, the characters bounce here and there with no rhyme or reason. The male main characters are exchangeable in this book (and they weren't in the previous ones). But which one of them is which chinese name? and which one represent which energy side? a little scheme table at the beginning to remind us of these details would have been good. The side characters from previous books are not described or reminded in any way, facts from two books ago are reintroduced without any reminder. I don't need a full description but simple reminder like, "this is a ghost of the guy that was killed" or "this was the professor of that topic" etc.
Despite all that, the book is still pretty enjoyable. I am still deep in love with the crazy thought process of the FMC, and her weird assumptions. It is a bit sad to know why she is that way, and I did cry here and there a few times for how horrible her history was.
I will keep reading the rest of this story to the end.
Despite all that, the book is still pretty enjoyable. I am still deep in love with the crazy thought process of the FMC, and her weird assumptions. It is a bit sad to know why she is that way, and I did cry here and there a few times for how horrible her history was.
I will keep reading the rest of this story to the end.
February 22, 2020
No. Just no. This book ruined me for the series. She was forced and used so many times that it made me sick to read what people were doing to her. She had no control and she just keep being used in some way shape or form. I despise Finn and what bond they have. I hate the heroine foster parents. Hell the only people I don't hate are the guys and despite them supposedly super powerful people they couldn't do anything for her for 1/3 of the book. I am so done. The horrible things she goes through and can't seem to get out of depress me. I also am heartbroken she was abused and raped as a child and the guy that did that is free out there doing it to other girls. I am irritated at the heroine for not talking about it or trying to get that guy into prison. This book just plan depresses me and I can't go any further. I would have really liked to seen some thing positive happen for once to make all the shitty things in the book more tolerable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2022
Free Kindle Read.
2.5 stars
The volume I picked up says Part One. But I discovered that it's actually four books in one. My review applies to all four installments.
I spent most of the (four) book(s) confused. I realize that this started off intentional, but then in later installments, the author wasn't paying attention to what characters were privy to what information. That was annoying.
This is not my kind of female lead. She's self-conscious and apologetic, nervous and overly naive. She's so naive, that it's not believable. I understand you were sheltered, and only had one friend. But am I expected to believe that the girl never watched TV or movies, or even paid attention that goings on around her at high school? Nope.
Book four was a LOT of past flashbacks, and ends on a terrible cliffhanger. I'm officially done with this series.
Minor grammatical errors (skipped words and such).
2.5 stars
The volume I picked up says Part One. But I discovered that it's actually four books in one. My review applies to all four installments.
I spent most of the (four) book(s) confused. I realize that this started off intentional, but then in later installments, the author wasn't paying attention to what characters were privy to what information. That was annoying.
This is not my kind of female lead. She's self-conscious and apologetic, nervous and overly naive. She's so naive, that it's not believable. I understand you were sheltered, and only had one friend. But am I expected to believe that the girl never watched TV or movies, or even paid attention that goings on around her at high school? Nope.
Book four was a LOT of past flashbacks, and ends on a terrible cliffhanger. I'm officially done with this series.
Minor grammatical errors (skipped words and such).
January 25, 2020
The story is progressing and we’re slowly learning more about Mu’s backstory. There wasn’t a ton of plot development in this one, but the book focused a lot more on the character development and establishing connections between all the players. This is definitely a slowwww burn story so keep that in mind if you’re looking for something a bit more fast paced.
My Goodreads Rating Key:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️= Great story, highly recommend. This book displays something original and doesn’t follow standard ‘trope’ expectations. Something stood out about this book and I probably couldn’t put it down. This book most likely has exceptional world building and character development. I’d most likely read this again, and will seek out other books by the author.
My Goodreads Rating Key:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️= Great story, highly recommend. This book displays something original and doesn’t follow standard ‘trope’ expectations. Something stood out about this book and I probably couldn’t put it down. This book most likely has exceptional world building and character development. I’d most likely read this again, and will seek out other books by the author.
April 21, 2020
I didn’t really care for this book and I couldn’t find it in me to finish it.
This book focused a lot on the past Chinese characters and I felt as though I couldn’t keep up with who was who.. nor did I really care too.
I also thought the things that happened to Bianca were to dark for this series.
This book focused a lot on the past Chinese characters and I felt as though I couldn’t keep up with who was who.. nor did I really care too.
I also thought the things that happened to Bianca were to dark for this series.
January 27, 2020
So much packed into this book and yet you are still left wanting more. Bianca is getting stronger and standing up for herself more. The Guys are learning their place slowly.
I’m still so intrigued on where this story is actually going.
I’m still so intrigued on where this story is actually going.
January 1, 2021
Bianca’s past is just wow. I loved learning more about her, why her reactions are the way they are, and what fae are like (her interactions with Bryce were once again a highlight for me). I kind of hate the ending but mostly because it made my heart sad. I can’t wait for the next book.
February 12, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 🌶️
I actually just really enjoy this series. It is super slow-moving but the characters and story are compelling. Don't read this if you're there for the smut because you'll be unhappy.
I actually just really enjoy this series. It is super slow-moving but the characters and story are compelling. Don't read this if you're there for the smut because you'll be unhappy.
November 15, 2021
Holy Wow Batman... That was almost a masterpiece.
The epilogue at the end though.... definitely ruined it (THIS AUTHOR NEEDS TO GET A GRIP, I promise I would've read the next book&had incentive to read the next book without it JFC).
It felt soooo good to have the book finish on such a great moving scene, with Bianca braver than she's ever been before.
Felt fitting.
THE WHOLE THING JUST MAKES ME WANT TO COMBUST cuz The book was right there! Right at Perfection's door! (I could've done without Bianca being in the hospital/psych ward whateverPlace for 90 pages- that felt very Time Wasty... Could've trimmed that down to 20 pages&the book would've been better off for it but that's neither here nor there).
Let me count the ways it was banging on The Door of the most perfect ~where are the flaws there are none~book I've ever read:
1. Bianca's first ever kiss scene
2. Bianca's second ever kiss scene (perfect PERFECT PEEEERRRRFECT I would change nothing about either scene, I would ask for nothing I am so content with how everything came about+it was always on Bianca's terms&I just want to cry tears of joy thinking about it)
3. How much more straightforward Bianca's men were with her, this time around.. I genuinely felt the growth of their interactions.
Much more mature, much more balanced.
4. THE ENTIRE ASTRAL/MIND PALACE ADVENTURE (°IT GOT SO DEEP, was so profound-so beautiful, I would change nothing THE SCENE WHERE HER MOM IS HOLDING HER, I WAS SO CLOSE TO BAWLING MY GOD **** EYES BRO! HOW DO YOU ESTABLISH IN JUST 2 SCENES THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BIANCA&HER MOM WITH SO MUCH DEPTH&MEANING THAT BY THE TIME YOU GET TO THE 2ND SCENE UR SO IN IT THAT YOU FEEL LIKE RIPPING UR OWN HEART OUT JUST TO NOT FEEL THE PAIN???HOW?? I FELT THE LOVE ALYSSA HAD FOR HER IN ONE SECOND OF A SCENE&WE'D NEVER EVEN MET THE BISH BEFORE THIS BOOK! HOW??????......°WHEN BIANCA'S IN THE TOWER LIKE RAPUNZEL&JULIAN IS CLIMBING UP LIKE HER KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR I WAS IN LITERAL LIIIIIIIITERAL BOOK HEAVEN... °WHEN SHE COMES FACE TO FACE WITH MU! GOD EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT EVERY SINGLE THING! I was so so soo terrified that Julian would go into her mind&get her out&she would never forgive him&that was gonna be the conflict for the next book&instead it went in this very wild&different&beautiful direction where Bianca grew as a character right before my very eyes&we saw the potential of what she could be once she conquers her fears&anxieties! I AM IN A GLASS CASE OF EMOTION!!!!)
I had a tiny problem with all the characters I don't like getting redeemed or having their actions appear different than what they were perceived as initially (Still hate Finn, still want to never see his face ever again) but I was finally ready&willing, despite it all, to give a book in this series a 5 star rating....
And then that stupid stupid STUPID epilogue happened&out of pure spite I don't want to give it 5 stars now.
It definitely DEserves 5 stars the most, out of any book in this series I've read so far but I can't stop feeling what I feel...
& all I feel, right at this moment in time, is that this author took a giant dump on what was going to be a very happy hopeful conclusion for nothing but ***** AND GIGGLES!
I don't even know how to truly describe, how tainted the book feels now....
What's the literary equalivent of someone rubbing slime over a chocolate cake?
Of someone handing you a check for a billion dollars no questions asked then gouging out a puppy's eyes in front of you?
I'm going to start reading book 5 (the second after I post this) let's not kid ourselves here...
But god that ending!
WHY??!!
😠
The epilogue at the end though.... definitely ruined it (THIS AUTHOR NEEDS TO GET A GRIP, I promise I would've read the next book&had incentive to read the next book without it JFC).
It felt soooo good to have the book finish on such a great moving scene, with Bianca braver than she's ever been before.
Felt fitting.
THE WHOLE THING JUST MAKES ME WANT TO COMBUST cuz The book was right there! Right at Perfection's door! (I could've done without Bianca being in the hospital/psych ward whateverPlace for 90 pages- that felt very Time Wasty... Could've trimmed that down to 20 pages&the book would've been better off for it but that's neither here nor there).
Let me count the ways it was banging on The Door of the most perfect ~where are the flaws there are none~book I've ever read:
1. Bianca's first ever kiss scene
2. Bianca's second ever kiss scene (perfect PERFECT PEEEERRRRFECT I would change nothing about either scene, I would ask for nothing I am so content with how everything came about+it was always on Bianca's terms&I just want to cry tears of joy thinking about it)
3. How much more straightforward Bianca's men were with her, this time around.. I genuinely felt the growth of their interactions.
Much more mature, much more balanced.
4. THE ENTIRE ASTRAL/MIND PALACE ADVENTURE (°IT GOT SO DEEP, was so profound-so beautiful, I would change nothing THE SCENE WHERE HER MOM IS HOLDING HER, I WAS SO CLOSE TO BAWLING MY GOD **** EYES BRO! HOW DO YOU ESTABLISH IN JUST 2 SCENES THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BIANCA&HER MOM WITH SO MUCH DEPTH&MEANING THAT BY THE TIME YOU GET TO THE 2ND SCENE UR SO IN IT THAT YOU FEEL LIKE RIPPING UR OWN HEART OUT JUST TO NOT FEEL THE PAIN???HOW?? I FELT THE LOVE ALYSSA HAD FOR HER IN ONE SECOND OF A SCENE&WE'D NEVER EVEN MET THE BISH BEFORE THIS BOOK! HOW??????......°WHEN BIANCA'S IN THE TOWER LIKE RAPUNZEL&JULIAN IS CLIMBING UP LIKE HER KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR I WAS IN LITERAL LIIIIIIIITERAL BOOK HEAVEN... °WHEN SHE COMES FACE TO FACE WITH MU! GOD EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT EVERY SINGLE THING! I was so so soo terrified that Julian would go into her mind&get her out&she would never forgive him&that was gonna be the conflict for the next book&instead it went in this very wild&different&beautiful direction where Bianca grew as a character right before my very eyes&we saw the potential of what she could be once she conquers her fears&anxieties! I AM IN A GLASS CASE OF EMOTION!!!!)
I had a tiny problem with all the characters I don't like getting redeemed or having their actions appear different than what they were perceived as initially (Still hate Finn, still want to never see his face ever again) but I was finally ready&willing, despite it all, to give a book in this series a 5 star rating....
And then that stupid stupid STUPID epilogue happened&out of pure spite I don't want to give it 5 stars now.
It definitely DEserves 5 stars the most, out of any book in this series I've read so far but I can't stop feeling what I feel...
& all I feel, right at this moment in time, is that this author took a giant dump on what was going to be a very happy hopeful conclusion for nothing but ***** AND GIGGLES!
I don't even know how to truly describe, how tainted the book feels now....
What's the literary equalivent of someone rubbing slime over a chocolate cake?
Of someone handing you a check for a billion dollars no questions asked then gouging out a puppy's eyes in front of you?
I'm going to start reading book 5 (the second after I post this) let's not kid ourselves here...
But god that ending!
WHY??!!
😠
March 21, 2022
I read the first four books in the series. I think that the books in this series are difficult to review individually because it is one continuous story. Each subsequent book picks up exactly where the last ends. In retrospect, I could of (and probably should have) just written a single review to cover the whole series (or what I've read of it). But I didn't realize that would be better until I was a couple books in and I felt like I'd already committed myself to the idea of individual reviews and I decided to stick with the plan. Plus, in retrospect, I kind of like how you can feel my frustration grow and attitude change from book to book.
Ok, four books in now and I can officially say that I'm tired of it. I still like the characters. I do. But no one is growing. The plot isn't moving...or it's moving so slow barely anything has happened even four books in. I know the author has called this a slow burn. But, as I previously said, that generally refers to the romance. I don't think it can be used as a catch-all for everything. The whole thing is starting to feel like it's stagnating. Which is ironic because one of the characters tells another that they are, in fact, stagnating with their lack of growth in this book. Hmmmm.
Also, I feel like the misunderstandings where Bianca blithely says something sexual and then doesn't understand why the guys are gaping are getting progressively more annoying. The whole scene where she asked Bryce to get her "rabbit" or the one where she chooses to use 69 in her screen-name because it's the 'yin-yang symbol' and not understanding why the guys get uncomfortable were too slap stick. It's too far into the series for such things to still play well. This is also part of what makes it feel like Bianca hasn't grown any.
The editing in this fourth book also seemed to be significantly sloppier than in previous books. For example, empathic became emphatic several times.
It's not that I'm uninterested in finding out how this series ends, because I do still like the characters. But I admit that I'm losing the will to stick it out. I'm not all together too sad to not have the next book and I'm not racing out to buy it either. It's time for a break.
Ok, four books in now and I can officially say that I'm tired of it. I still like the characters. I do. But no one is growing. The plot isn't moving...or it's moving so slow barely anything has happened even four books in. I know the author has called this a slow burn. But, as I previously said, that generally refers to the romance. I don't think it can be used as a catch-all for everything. The whole thing is starting to feel like it's stagnating. Which is ironic because one of the characters tells another that they are, in fact, stagnating with their lack of growth in this book. Hmmmm.
Also, I feel like the misunderstandings where Bianca blithely says something sexual and then doesn't understand why the guys are gaping are getting progressively more annoying. The whole scene where she asked Bryce to get her "rabbit" or the one where she chooses to use 69 in her screen-name because it's the 'yin-yang symbol' and not understanding why the guys get uncomfortable were too slap stick. It's too far into the series for such things to still play well. This is also part of what makes it feel like Bianca hasn't grown any.
The editing in this fourth book also seemed to be significantly sloppier than in previous books. For example, empathic became emphatic several times.
It's not that I'm uninterested in finding out how this series ends, because I do still like the characters. But I admit that I'm losing the will to stick it out. I'm not all together too sad to not have the next book and I'm not racing out to buy it either. It's time for a break.
November 19, 2020
I've just read books 1 - 4 back to back.
I struggled with book 1, not enjoying the writing much, but intrigued by the storyline I continued with book 2 and 3. The improvement was dramatic so I kept reading, but I feel the story took a downturn with book 4.
Unfortunately, the MFC has started to annoy me; my empathy for the empath is lacking! Yes, she is quirky and unpredictable, and in this book, we better understand why. But, I found her internal dialogue extreme at times and her treatment of Bryce in particular, uncomfortable due to her blatant disregard for his efforts on her behalf. She demonstrates her capacity for compassion and regret, so her treatment of others and overt self-centeredness is grating.
The relationship with her men doesn't move forward much in this book either. They all share a few moments of deeper mental connection, some resulting in a kiss, but I felt Titus opened up the most with the least reciprocation.
As other reviewers have mentioned, trying to keep track of who is who, which element they are and which Chinese original, is challenging even when reading the books back to back. There are many supporting characters, and you must remember them as there is no hint given when they appear. I do enjoy the convoluted plot and the anticipation of how all the different threads will come together; these books are certainly not predictable.
In conclusion, book 4 felt like a filler, leaving me in need of a break but I'll look forward to the release of book 5 (Note to self: Re-familiarising yourself with previous books will be required first).
I struggled with book 1, not enjoying the writing much, but intrigued by the storyline I continued with book 2 and 3. The improvement was dramatic so I kept reading, but I feel the story took a downturn with book 4.
Unfortunately, the MFC has started to annoy me; my empathy for the empath is lacking! Yes, she is quirky and unpredictable, and in this book, we better understand why. But, I found her internal dialogue extreme at times and her treatment of Bryce in particular, uncomfortable due to her blatant disregard for his efforts on her behalf. She demonstrates her capacity for compassion and regret, so her treatment of others and overt self-centeredness is grating.
The relationship with her men doesn't move forward much in this book either. They all share a few moments of deeper mental connection, some resulting in a kiss, but I felt Titus opened up the most with the least reciprocation.
As other reviewers have mentioned, trying to keep track of who is who, which element they are and which Chinese original, is challenging even when reading the books back to back. There are many supporting characters, and you must remember them as there is no hint given when they appear. I do enjoy the convoluted plot and the anticipation of how all the different threads will come together; these books are certainly not predictable.
In conclusion, book 4 felt like a filler, leaving me in need of a break but I'll look forward to the release of book 5 (Note to self: Re-familiarising yourself with previous books will be required first).
July 21, 2021
I decided it was time to catch up on this series I guess. I started it out thinking, "What the heck is going on with this girl?" to now being, "Poor Bianca, can't wait for her to become the baddest bitch in town."
This series has gotten progressively better. I wouldn't have thought I'd be this invested in the story coming out of Origin. Bianca had seemed like a crazy woman who somehow stumbled her way into the arms of four deliciously hot men. Somehow brought together beyond their own control to realize they're meant to be a quintet. They are surrounded by conspiracies left and right, trying to figure out the truth to the past and Bianca. I had freaking waited for so long to get to the part where *spoiler Bianca figured out Bryce and Brayden were her brothers. I just want all the wholesome family moments that they missed out on!
There is a little more romantic intention in this book, still very slow going, but I don't mind a good slow burn. It just gives more room to know each of them. I can't wait for Bianca to get more comfortable in her own skin and accept her desire to be with them. It'll be an interesting adventure for sure.
When I read the last chapter of this book, I couldn't even deal with Lyla Oweds. I felt that type of cliffhanger should be illegal. It's happened before in another book and it never bodes well. EVER. So, I'm voluntarily trapped into another book of this series.
This series has gotten progressively better. I wouldn't have thought I'd be this invested in the story coming out of Origin. Bianca had seemed like a crazy woman who somehow stumbled her way into the arms of four deliciously hot men. Somehow brought together beyond their own control to realize they're meant to be a quintet. They are surrounded by conspiracies left and right, trying to figure out the truth to the past and Bianca. I had freaking waited for so long to get to the part where *spoiler Bianca figured out Bryce and Brayden were her brothers. I just want all the wholesome family moments that they missed out on!
There is a little more romantic intention in this book, still very slow going, but I don't mind a good slow burn. It just gives more room to know each of them. I can't wait for Bianca to get more comfortable in her own skin and accept her desire to be with them. It'll be an interesting adventure for sure.
When I read the last chapter of this book, I couldn't even deal with Lyla Oweds. I felt that type of cliffhanger should be illegal. It's happened before in another book and it never bodes well. EVER. So, I'm voluntarily trapped into another book of this series.
April 16, 2020
I found that Hidden didn’t hold my attention as much as the other books in the series did. I felt that with this book and the previous one that nothing much happens the whole way through the book and it’s a bit blah and then right at the end there’s the action and a gut wrenching cliff hanger - it’s incredibly frustrating. I also found that this particular cliff hanger made absolutely no sense to the way that the book has been written so far. Miles adores Bianca and then we get to 98% of this book and he’s upset that she didn’t want to cement their bond right then and there so he just decides to run off?! I felt that was very out of character for him and thus didn’t make any sense and was completely random and just a way to add some unnecessary drama.
I do enjoy Bianca’s quirkiness but she can still be incredibly childish in her responses which is something I hoped would be rectified by this point now that we’re four books into the series. She does seem as though she’s ready to open up about her past now so hopefully we’ll see her becoming more confident in herself in the next book.
I do enjoy Bianca’s quirkiness but she can still be incredibly childish in her responses which is something I hoped would be rectified by this point now that we’re four books into the series. She does seem as though she’s ready to open up about her past now so hopefully we’ll see her becoming more confident in herself in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2021
While I was gifted the first 3 books in this series (in Mu: The Grimm Cases) in exchange for an honest review on it, I jumped at the chance to continue this series as soon as I could. I’m not kidding when I say I couldn’t get enough of this story.
The characters and their situations are truly engaging to me. The decisions they make and the way they think about things is fascinating. While I’ve always had a habit of devouring worlds that I enjoy being in, I can honestly say this is the fastest I’ve flown through a series in a long time. As in, I read the first 5 books – plus the side story Home – in four days total. The only reason I stopped was because I’d caught up to what’s been published.
Bianca and the guys go through a ridiculous amount in this series, but especially in this novel. At almost 500 pages long, that makes sense. But even for a novel this long it’s extremely action packed. A lot of clues are given to the reader, a lot of trickery goes on behind the scenes. If I hadn’t already devoured the next book in the series it would be my next read.
Full spoiler review here: https://phantomofthelibrarycom.wordpr...
The characters and their situations are truly engaging to me. The decisions they make and the way they think about things is fascinating. While I’ve always had a habit of devouring worlds that I enjoy being in, I can honestly say this is the fastest I’ve flown through a series in a long time. As in, I read the first 5 books – plus the side story Home – in four days total. The only reason I stopped was because I’d caught up to what’s been published.
Bianca and the guys go through a ridiculous amount in this series, but especially in this novel. At almost 500 pages long, that makes sense. But even for a novel this long it’s extremely action packed. A lot of clues are given to the reader, a lot of trickery goes on behind the scenes. If I hadn’t already devoured the next book in the series it would be my next read.
Full spoiler review here: https://phantomofthelibrarycom.wordpr...
September 1, 2022
This last month I was really on a paranormal & shifter RH romance kick - I read a LOT of paranormal earlier in the year and needed a break from it, and was ready to dive back in this month.
That being said, because so many of these books use similar tropes, plot devices, and mythical creatures, it becomes easy to see which books come out on top.
This series seemed like it would have some laughs for me and definitely seemed original in a multitude of ways.
However, this is an example of one of those series where I don't think the story is THAT good or interesting that it needs as many books as it already has, let alone the additional books that will be released here. I notice this is a pattern with some of these paranormal books, where they just keep going and going and releasing books without giving you a strong exposition. It's just not for me and I'm obviously not a fan. I made it through book four of this series and then just found myself tired of reading about these characters without moving forward significantly in the overall story. I hate feeling stagnant in a series; hard to keep interested for a long period of time.
It's okay. 3/5 stars but not my fav.
That being said, because so many of these books use similar tropes, plot devices, and mythical creatures, it becomes easy to see which books come out on top.
This series seemed like it would have some laughs for me and definitely seemed original in a multitude of ways.
However, this is an example of one of those series where I don't think the story is THAT good or interesting that it needs as many books as it already has, let alone the additional books that will be released here. I notice this is a pattern with some of these paranormal books, where they just keep going and going and releasing books without giving you a strong exposition. It's just not for me and I'm obviously not a fan. I made it through book four of this series and then just found myself tired of reading about these characters without moving forward significantly in the overall story. I hate feeling stagnant in a series; hard to keep interested for a long period of time.
It's okay. 3/5 stars but not my fav.
Read
September 14, 2022DNF @ 21%.
this is becoming too traumatic for the heroine, and i probably won't be able to forgive the heroes for letting her be institutionalized against her will.
one of the heroes literally thinks about how he Could break her out and they could start a new life elsewhere, and he chooses not to.
the heroine keeps getting new traumas added on top of her old ones.
two of the heroes now have jobs at the place she's institutionalized, and one of them is basically her doctor and sits in on psychiatric sessions. so fucking weird and gross.
the Hs are the most powerful of their magical races, one of them has officially taken responsibility for killing seven people with ZERO consequences, and yet they can't get her out of a psychiatric facility? nah.
this is becoming too traumatic for the heroine, and i probably won't be able to forgive the heroes for letting her be institutionalized against her will.
one of the heroes literally thinks about how he Could break her out and they could start a new life elsewhere, and he chooses not to.
the heroine keeps getting new traumas added on top of her old ones.
two of the heroes now have jobs at the place she's institutionalized, and one of them is basically her doctor and sits in on psychiatric sessions. so fucking weird and gross.
the Hs are the most powerful of their magical races, one of them has officially taken responsibility for killing seven people with ZERO consequences, and yet they can't get her out of a psychiatric facility? nah.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2021
Okay, seriously why oh why do these authors keep trying to drive me crazy? Another cliff hanger!!! And worse still is the next book in the series isn't released until the 19th of January. Eeeek!
I really love Bianca and the boys! I'm so happy to see Bianca growing and we get a glimpse of what happened in her past. We learn more about her life before the adoption and all I can say is wow.
Definitely a must-read!
I really love Bianca and the boys! I'm so happy to see Bianca growing and we get a glimpse of what happened in her past. We learn more about her life before the adoption and all I can say is wow.
Definitely a must-read!
May 31, 2021
What the heck????
Thank God there is another book out. If she had left me there... not knowing? Waiting? I would have chunked my phone through the dadgum window. I love the FMC in this series. Her thoughts are so whackado that it makes me giggle snort at all she doesn’t know, but then she spanks butt at first person shooter games... love love love. But only because the next book is already out.
Thank God there is another book out. If she had left me there... not knowing? Waiting? I would have chunked my phone through the dadgum window. I love the FMC in this series. Her thoughts are so whackado that it makes me giggle snort at all she doesn’t know, but then she spanks butt at first person shooter games... love love love. But only because the next book is already out.
May 14, 2020
Great book
I loved it. I can't wait for the next one. Bianca is getting so spunky and brave. It is great.
I loved it. I can't wait for the next one. Bianca is getting so spunky and brave. It is great.
May 26, 2020
It keeps getting better and better, can't wait for the next one! :)
July 19, 2021
Amazing
This series gets better with each book. The characters are complex and intriguing as is the storyline. I can’t wait to read the next
This series gets better with each book. The characters are complex and intriguing as is the storyline. I can’t wait to read the next
April 28, 2022
Great read
Thoroughly recommend this author. All her series have strong characters & detailed plots. Genuinely cant put them down until I finish all the available books
Thoroughly recommend this author. All her series have strong characters & detailed plots. Genuinely cant put them down until I finish all the available books
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