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The Hunted #3
Eruption
New York was supposed to be our fresh start. Our happily ever after. But James is hiding something from me.
Secrets from James' past, his scheming ex, and unsupportive parents make it hard to breathe in this city that barely feels like my home.
I thought I wanted to marry him. I thought he was the man of my dreams. I thought we'd be happy as soon as we got away from all the rumors. But now? I don't think I ever really knew Professor Hunter. And I can't walk down the aisle until I know the truth.
Secrets from James' past, his scheming ex, and unsupportive parents make it hard to breathe in this city that barely feels like my home.
I thought I wanted to marry him. I thought he was the man of my dreams. I thought we'd be happy as soon as we got away from all the rumors. But now? I don't think I ever really knew Professor Hunter. And I can't walk down the aisle until I know the truth.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2016
10844 people are currently reading
6099 people want to read
About the author
Ivy Smoak
96 books8,165 followersIvy Smoak is the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon #1 bestselling author of The Hunted Series. Her books have sold over 4 million copies worldwide.
When she's not writing, you can find Ivy binge watching too many TV shows, taking long walks, playing outside, and generally refusing to act like an adult. She lives with her husband in Delaware.
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Join Ivy Smoak's newsletter for a sexy FREE story and exclusive material: https://www.ivysmoak.com/newsletter
Empire High
The Hunted & Light to My Darkness
Made of Steel
When she's not writing, you can find Ivy binge watching too many TV shows, taking long walks, playing outside, and generally refusing to act like an adult. She lives with her husband in Delaware.
Learn more about Ivy on:
Amazon ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakAMZ
Facebook ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakFacebook
Instagram ➜ http://bit.ly/IvySmoakInsta
TikTok ➜ https://bit.ly/3F6QML7
BookBub ➜ https://bit.ly/2VOZycg
Website ➜ bit.ly/IvySmoakWebsite
Reader Group ➜ bit.ly/IvySmoakGroup
Join Ivy Smoak's newsletter for a sexy FREE story and exclusive material: https://www.ivysmoak.com/newsletter
Empire High
The Hunted & Light to My Darkness
Made of Steel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 630 reviews
October 9, 2016
Penny the 'heroine' of this book has got to be the most needy female to grace the pages of 2016 literature.She is beyond a doormat.More like a toilet mat.The ambiguous behavior of her fiancee James is made all the more horrible by a single point of view narrated by a woman in her twenties who sounds more like a twelve year old convent girl.This series can only be redeemable if the following book is told from James POV which should clarify the antics of his psychotic ex wife & his continuous defense of her & the various women he has been photographed having sex with while engaged.
July 14, 2020
I just.... what the hell did I just read?
To begin with there were suddenly a lot more characters than I remember being in the first two books, all friends of the engaged couple which I assume were meant to expand the world, however they quickly became jumbled as I tried to keep track of who was who.
Next - for a group of older people (James, his parents, Isabella, and Mason) and young adults (everyone else) all of these characters were extremely immature to the point I kept forgetting they were supposed to be adults with jobs and kept expecting them to talk about their day in high school.
But what really killed this for me were the main characters themselves. James is a manipulative, emotionally abusive asshole and Penny is so damn pathetic that I spent the majority of this novel wishing I could reach into my kindle and smack the pair of them. Seriously - what is it about these two that people find so endearing or attractive?
At one point Penny even admits that he uses sex to manipulate her, and that she allows it, but she does absolutely nothing to stop it or even question him about it. In fact, she does nothing about anything that he says or does (some examples? He sabotages her chances of getting an internship at any other company by telling them she's working for him. She talks about having to take the subway which she knows he doesn't like, but - and I'm quoting here - "he also refused to let me drive any of his cars while we were in the city because he deemed it unsafe. Which didn't bother me at all. However, Ian was our only driver, which usually resulted in me saying James could take the car." And then there is my absolute personal favorites (note the heavy sarcasm here), when Penny thinks to herself "Every now and then I found James' behavior frustrating. But for the most part, I liked that he always knew what he wanted and what was best for me." What was best for her? Sabotaging her chances to work for a company he doesn't own, not allowing her to drive a car, not liking her to wear certain things or talk to certain people is all what is best for her? Get the fuck out of here.
While we are on the subject of Penny - has she always been so horribly pathetic that even when provided with photographic "evidence" that James is being unfaithful, not only does she NOT want to confront him about it, but she also starts blaming herself with thoughts of "Was it something I did? Of course it was. I had been stressed out for weeks. I hadn't had sex with him in days" and crying herself to sleep thinking even more pathetic thoughts of "And I certainly didn't want to confront him about cheating on me. There was no way I could ever let him go. If he was cheating on me, we could work through it. I couldn't live without him. And I couldn't let him end it with me." SERIOUSLY? CAN YOU PLEASE GROW A DAMN BACKBONE AND STOP LETTING HIM WALK ALL OVER YOU?
Of course, when her so-called friends treat her like shit and she won't stand up for herself with them either what did I expect? For her bachelorette party, they take her to a bar where they proceed to bully her into doing a bunch of shit she doesn't want to do (including touching a strangers abs). During this her "best friend" Melissa starts acting like a major bitch and freaking out because the friend is jealous that Penny had sex with Tyler THREE YEARS AGO when she (the friend) now is banging him. One of the things the group made her do was rank the men she had sex with. Penny purposely doesn't say Tyler because she doesn't want to upset Melissa. But of course, instead of just letting it go, this happens:
Melissa: "So, he's not as good as James? You're such a bitch."
Penny: "No, Tyler's really good in bed. I just...I'm in love with James."
Melissa: "So, you think Tyler's great in bed? What, do you still fantasize about him or something? You're the worst friend ever."
I'm sorry, what the hell did you want her to say?
The final straw in this debacle of bullshit was finding out that someone his ex-wife has managed to slip the world's smallest camera/recorder onto her phone (it apparently looks like a piece of tape) and is now blackmailing her. Which of course, Penny gives in and does absolutely everything she says not even thinking that HEY I CAN'T TELL JAMES BUT I CAN TELL HIS BROTHER - which backfires in her face like I knew it would.
And when James finds out (because apparently Penny didn't realize that liquidating twenty-MILLION dollars worth of his stocks wouldn't warrant a message from his stock broker) - he thinks the worst and won't even give her a chance to explain before he is calling her names, breaking her spirit even more, and kicking her out of the apartment. Because that's a totally normal reaction.
*sighs* ONE MORE BOOK. I just have to make it through ONE MORE BOOK and then I can forget about this series forever.
To begin with there were suddenly a lot more characters than I remember being in the first two books, all friends of the engaged couple which I assume were meant to expand the world, however they quickly became jumbled as I tried to keep track of who was who.
Next - for a group of older people (James, his parents, Isabella, and Mason) and young adults (everyone else) all of these characters were extremely immature to the point I kept forgetting they were supposed to be adults with jobs and kept expecting them to talk about their day in high school.
But what really killed this for me were the main characters themselves. James is a manipulative, emotionally abusive asshole and Penny is so damn pathetic that I spent the majority of this novel wishing I could reach into my kindle and smack the pair of them. Seriously - what is it about these two that people find so endearing or attractive?
At one point Penny even admits that he uses sex to manipulate her, and that she allows it, but she does absolutely nothing to stop it or even question him about it. In fact, she does nothing about anything that he says or does (some examples? He sabotages her chances of getting an internship at any other company by telling them she's working for him. She talks about having to take the subway which she knows he doesn't like, but - and I'm quoting here - "he also refused to let me drive any of his cars while we were in the city because he deemed it unsafe. Which didn't bother me at all. However, Ian was our only driver, which usually resulted in me saying James could take the car." And then there is my absolute personal favorites (note the heavy sarcasm here), when Penny thinks to herself "Every now and then I found James' behavior frustrating. But for the most part, I liked that he always knew what he wanted and what was best for me." What was best for her? Sabotaging her chances to work for a company he doesn't own, not allowing her to drive a car, not liking her to wear certain things or talk to certain people is all what is best for her? Get the fuck out of here.
While we are on the subject of Penny - has she always been so horribly pathetic that even when provided with photographic "evidence" that James is being unfaithful, not only does she NOT want to confront him about it, but she also starts blaming herself with thoughts of "Was it something I did? Of course it was. I had been stressed out for weeks. I hadn't had sex with him in days" and crying herself to sleep thinking even more pathetic thoughts of "And I certainly didn't want to confront him about cheating on me. There was no way I could ever let him go. If he was cheating on me, we could work through it. I couldn't live without him. And I couldn't let him end it with me." SERIOUSLY? CAN YOU PLEASE GROW A DAMN BACKBONE AND STOP LETTING HIM WALK ALL OVER YOU?
Of course, when her so-called friends treat her like shit and she won't stand up for herself with them either what did I expect? For her bachelorette party, they take her to a bar where they proceed to bully her into doing a bunch of shit she doesn't want to do (including touching a strangers abs). During this her "best friend" Melissa starts acting like a major bitch and freaking out because the friend is jealous that Penny had sex with Tyler THREE YEARS AGO when she (the friend) now is banging him. One of the things the group made her do was rank the men she had sex with. Penny purposely doesn't say Tyler because she doesn't want to upset Melissa. But of course, instead of just letting it go, this happens:
Melissa: "So, he's not as good as James? You're such a bitch."
Penny: "No, Tyler's really good in bed. I just...I'm in love with James."
Melissa: "So, you think Tyler's great in bed? What, do you still fantasize about him or something? You're the worst friend ever."
I'm sorry, what the hell did you want her to say?
The final straw in this debacle of bullshit was finding out that someone his ex-wife has managed to slip the world's smallest camera/recorder onto her phone (it apparently looks like a piece of tape) and is now blackmailing her. Which of course, Penny gives in and does absolutely everything she says not even thinking that HEY I CAN'T TELL JAMES BUT I CAN TELL HIS BROTHER - which backfires in her face like I knew it would.
And when James finds out (because apparently Penny didn't realize that liquidating twenty-MILLION dollars worth of his stocks wouldn't warrant a message from his stock broker) - he thinks the worst and won't even give her a chance to explain before he is calling her names, breaking her spirit even more, and kicking her out of the apartment. Because that's a totally normal reaction.
*sighs* ONE MORE BOOK. I just have to make it through ONE MORE BOOK and then I can forget about this series forever.
January 7, 2022
I'VE NEVER HATED A BOOK MORE!
This was the most infuriating, maddening, annoying, frustrating book I've ever read in my life! Penny is THE most annoying, immature, childish, naive, nittwitted, spineless, stupid, maddening character I've literally ever encountered in a book! She is too stupid to learn from her mistakes and keeps repeating the same one OVER AND OVER AGAIN! She never learns that being presumptuous is always a bad idea, and that she's ALWAYS wrong about her assumptions! Instead, she damages her relationship with James, hurts him, and damn near gives herself mental breakdowns because she flippantly believes literally anything said or shown to her from disreputable or unverifiable sources instead of being a mature adult and just talking to James first! She acts like a grade school child about everything! All her problems would be so easily resolved by just having a freaking conversation with James! She KNOWS what a manipulative liar Isabella is! She KNOWS Isabella is actively trying to break them up, and yet she purposely keeps playing right into it! I absolutely despise books like this that portray women as spineless, stupid, emotionally stunted idiots! I actually began to hate Penny somewhere around chapter 24 or 25. I hope she loses James because he deserves somewhere better than an immature baby who makes stupid assumptions all the time! If you can let a notorious viper like Isabella make you have no self-esteem and no faith in your fiance in a space of 48 hours, then you don't deserve him! I've literally never hated a book more than this one and don't even care whether they get a happily ever after because Penny creates her own problems by refusing to just have a simple conversation with James and show him what Isabella sent her and point blank ask him about her concerns...like an actual adult would do! Good riddance to this series! Probably won't read anything else from this author either because I can't stand books that center around misunderstandings that are super simple to resolve, but the author uses the worn-out trope of the characters being too stupid to talk it out as a plot device! I read to escape my problems, not be frustrated to the point of cussing and throwing the book across the room! This is not my idea of relaxation!
This was the most infuriating, maddening, annoying, frustrating book I've ever read in my life! Penny is THE most annoying, immature, childish, naive, nittwitted, spineless, stupid, maddening character I've literally ever encountered in a book! She is too stupid to learn from her mistakes and keeps repeating the same one OVER AND OVER AGAIN! She never learns that being presumptuous is always a bad idea, and that she's ALWAYS wrong about her assumptions! Instead, she damages her relationship with James, hurts him, and damn near gives herself mental breakdowns because she flippantly believes literally anything said or shown to her from disreputable or unverifiable sources instead of being a mature adult and just talking to James first! She acts like a grade school child about everything! All her problems would be so easily resolved by just having a freaking conversation with James! She KNOWS what a manipulative liar Isabella is! She KNOWS Isabella is actively trying to break them up, and yet she purposely keeps playing right into it! I absolutely despise books like this that portray women as spineless, stupid, emotionally stunted idiots! I actually began to hate Penny somewhere around chapter 24 or 25. I hope she loses James because he deserves somewhere better than an immature baby who makes stupid assumptions all the time! If you can let a notorious viper like Isabella make you have no self-esteem and no faith in your fiance in a space of 48 hours, then you don't deserve him! I've literally never hated a book more than this one and don't even care whether they get a happily ever after because Penny creates her own problems by refusing to just have a simple conversation with James and show him what Isabella sent her and point blank ask him about her concerns...like an actual adult would do! Good riddance to this series! Probably won't read anything else from this author either because I can't stand books that center around misunderstandings that are super simple to resolve, but the author uses the worn-out trope of the characters being too stupid to talk it out as a plot device! I read to escape my problems, not be frustrated to the point of cussing and throwing the book across the room! This is not my idea of relaxation!
April 22, 2022
Recensione in Review Tour sulla mia pagina Bookstagram
https://www.instagram.com/p/CcpR5fvse...
Nonostante Penny non sia più una studentessa universitaria ma una donna che ha trovato la propria dimensione nel lavoro, il professor Hunter continua a seguirla passo passo in ogni scelta e in ogni cammino che intraprende. Questo perché non riesce in alcun modo fare a meno di lei, ma anche, e soprattutto, perché ha necessità di esercitare il controllo sulla donna di cui è ossessionato.
Un legame il loro ormai consolidato, insieme infatti ne hanno passate tante, come l’aver affrontato gente bigotta che da quando si sono messi insieme li ha giudicati senza conoscerli. Il loro amore, potente, devastante e passionale, in questo terzo volume verrà messo a dura prova a causa di segreti non svelati e dalla presenza ingombrante e impertinente di Isabella. Elementi questi che rischiano di mandare in frantumi la loro relazione, creando scompiglio ma soprattutto dubbi.
James è una persona dal carattere ermetico, un uomo intricato e risoluto spesso preda di insicurezze che lo destabilizzano ma che fanno parte del suo mondo complicato da molto tempo. Penny lo ama profondamente in un modo che non credeva possibile, e devo dire tra i due risulta essere quella più tenace e determinata a risolvere i loro problemi di coppia.
Riusciranno a superare anche questa volta le mille difficoltà che sono riuscite ad insinuarsi con prepotenza nella loro storia d’amore?
🖋️Suspence e mistero accompagnano questo terzo volume della serie, che risulta scorrevole e avvincente e che non annoia. Il finale è aperto con colpi di scena. Curiosa di sapere come andrà a finire questa storia d’amore tormentata e lastricata di ostacoli, ma passionale e carica di erotismo.
*Ringrazio la CE per la copia ARC in Anteprima e il blog Tre gatte tra i libri per avermi coinvolta nel Review
https://www.instagram.com/p/CcpR5fvse...
Nonostante Penny non sia più una studentessa universitaria ma una donna che ha trovato la propria dimensione nel lavoro, il professor Hunter continua a seguirla passo passo in ogni scelta e in ogni cammino che intraprende. Questo perché non riesce in alcun modo fare a meno di lei, ma anche, e soprattutto, perché ha necessità di esercitare il controllo sulla donna di cui è ossessionato.
Un legame il loro ormai consolidato, insieme infatti ne hanno passate tante, come l’aver affrontato gente bigotta che da quando si sono messi insieme li ha giudicati senza conoscerli. Il loro amore, potente, devastante e passionale, in questo terzo volume verrà messo a dura prova a causa di segreti non svelati e dalla presenza ingombrante e impertinente di Isabella. Elementi questi che rischiano di mandare in frantumi la loro relazione, creando scompiglio ma soprattutto dubbi.
James è una persona dal carattere ermetico, un uomo intricato e risoluto spesso preda di insicurezze che lo destabilizzano ma che fanno parte del suo mondo complicato da molto tempo. Penny lo ama profondamente in un modo che non credeva possibile, e devo dire tra i due risulta essere quella più tenace e determinata a risolvere i loro problemi di coppia.
Riusciranno a superare anche questa volta le mille difficoltà che sono riuscite ad insinuarsi con prepotenza nella loro storia d’amore?
🖋️Suspence e mistero accompagnano questo terzo volume della serie, che risulta scorrevole e avvincente e che non annoia. Il finale è aperto con colpi di scena. Curiosa di sapere come andrà a finire questa storia d’amore tormentata e lastricata di ostacoli, ma passionale e carica di erotismo.
*Ringrazio la CE per la copia ARC in Anteprima e il blog Tre gatte tra i libri per avermi coinvolta nel Review
September 26, 2016
I’m enjoying this series but I thought this was a trilogy so I was surprised to discover a part four coming out in October.
Looking forward to part four and James and Penny’s HEA! A more in depth review to come in Part four.
Looking forward to part four and James and Penny’s HEA! A more in depth review to come in Part four.
September 13, 2020
First book I loved!
Second was repetitive
Third book..... I'm calling it! 9.12pm it is dead at 34%
I can not read one more single word for fear I will stab myself in the eye with a fork just so I no longer have to see what a lame weak 'girl' Penny is and what a controlling arrogant piece of shit James is.
I'm done
Second was repetitive
Third book..... I'm calling it! 9.12pm it is dead at 34%
I can not read one more single word for fear I will stab myself in the eye with a fork just so I no longer have to see what a lame weak 'girl' Penny is and what a controlling arrogant piece of shit James is.
I'm done
September 24, 2020
Long story
This story is really a drag. Penny is such a weak girl and I can’t stand it.. how to you think it was ok to transfer 20 million dollars in the first place? Like that is not your money.. it wasn’t thousands it was millions.. why do u care if the photos were leaked? You guys are already a known couple so so what? She got slapped by issabella and didn’t do nothing lol how weak can u get girl? U let that woman do anything to you because you are weak. You see photos cry about it but don’t bring it up when you are asked what’s wrong? Like really? The fact that she continues to choose to lie about small things kills me. Mellissa was wrong for sleeping with Tyler and I don’t care how anybody would think it’s ok ITS NOT.. like he literally was obsessed with Penny and u thought it was ok to go and sleep with someone who already slept with your bestfriend? I would have cut Mellisa off PERIOD. Then Mellissa got the nerve to be mad at penny, girl bye. You would of been beat up if you were my friend..but Penny is weak and seems she’ll take anything and blames herself for other wrong doings.. Even when she thought James was wrong she make excuses for him. She’s such a weak person. So scary and just weak.
This story is really a drag. Penny is such a weak girl and I can’t stand it.. how to you think it was ok to transfer 20 million dollars in the first place? Like that is not your money.. it wasn’t thousands it was millions.. why do u care if the photos were leaked? You guys are already a known couple so so what? She got slapped by issabella and didn’t do nothing lol how weak can u get girl? U let that woman do anything to you because you are weak. You see photos cry about it but don’t bring it up when you are asked what’s wrong? Like really? The fact that she continues to choose to lie about small things kills me. Mellissa was wrong for sleeping with Tyler and I don’t care how anybody would think it’s ok ITS NOT.. like he literally was obsessed with Penny and u thought it was ok to go and sleep with someone who already slept with your bestfriend? I would have cut Mellisa off PERIOD. Then Mellissa got the nerve to be mad at penny, girl bye. You would of been beat up if you were my friend..but Penny is weak and seems she’ll take anything and blames herself for other wrong doings.. Even when she thought James was wrong she make excuses for him. She’s such a weak person. So scary and just weak.
March 14, 2022
Ugh!
Evil, evil, evil! I know how this ends, but I freaking hate the ex wife!
Can't stop binging, so moving on to the next right now.
Evil, evil, evil! I know how this ends, but I freaking hate the ex wife!
Can't stop binging, so moving on to the next right now.
July 16, 2016
Penny has issues. So James doesn't get on with his mum and dad. They are evil. So just leave it the hell alone woman. Irritating heroine. She only has herself to blame for all this.
May 24, 2021
What a rollercoaster this one was! I honestly think this was my favorite one of the series!
In this book, Penny and James are getting ready to share their life, forever, but of course, it won’t be easy. With unaccepting in-laws and a crazy ex-wife, they have to trust each other more than they have ever done.
I loved this one! Penny stands up for herself and I applaud her for that. She doesn’t want her relationship to be beneficial for her career and desires to marge to the rhythm of her drum. The ending broke my heart and I can’t wait to read the next one! Also, can I just say Rob 😍.
In this book, Penny and James are getting ready to share their life, forever, but of course, it won’t be easy. With unaccepting in-laws and a crazy ex-wife, they have to trust each other more than they have ever done.
I loved this one! Penny stands up for herself and I applaud her for that. She doesn’t want her relationship to be beneficial for her career and desires to marge to the rhythm of her drum. The ending broke my heart and I can’t wait to read the next one! Also, can I just say Rob 😍.
January 5, 2018
Omg i wouldnt be so easy to forgive people after hearing them say those awful things about me. It was baaaad. Stupid bitch of an ex in here causing so much drama i just cant deal... i’ve been skipping hours of studying today and that was so worth it. I’m starting on book 4 ASAP. I even registered myself on scribd so i could read this book. I usually dont buy ebooks but hell i really had to with this series
18+ book.
18+ book.
July 24, 2019
Immature read
Painful to read. The first book was ok. It seems to get progressively worse. Characters present very juvenile. Wanted to like it but fell short.
Painful to read. The first book was ok. It seems to get progressively worse. Characters present very juvenile. Wanted to like it but fell short.
July 29, 2021
i’m sad. that’s it, that’s the review.
February 27, 2021
What The Heck!!! I was warned I would be angry and possibly throw my kindle! Safe to say, I didn’t, I threw my phone instead. (It has a better protected case) this one was soooo frustrating!! There are characters in this one that could have a foot shoved where the sun don’t shine! I really hated some of these characters! So much I almost didn’t want continue reading the next book.... but I did! Stay tuned!
November 24, 2019
OMG, that ending!!!
Every book keeps getting better in this series! I've been hooked since book one and read Eruption in one day, finishing it at 3:35 am, and I HAD to jump right into Devotion straight away. I wouldn't have been able to sleep if I didn't get into a better state of mind first. My emotions were wrecked!
Eruption begins 2.5 years after Addiction, and I wasn't happy about that. I felt cheated out of seeing James and Penny's relationship grow and develop in New York City. Even so, the author hooked me, and I quickly got over it.
James and Penny can't catch a break. I loved seeing them so happy early on in the book, but dang it if it didn't last long! I don't know how Penny was even functioning at all in the end; she was but just barely. And James, boy did he piss me off. I get it. I understand his 'issues,' but the things he said to Penny, I was shattered right along with her.
There were so many stupid, stupid choices made by both MCs, and now they are paying for it. God, they need to communicate better with each other! My heart hurts, and I HATE Isabella, the ex-wife so much. James' parents fall right behind her, they are awful, but I'm hoping they come around. I want to see them finally do the right thing and let James live his own life.
Now I must get back to Devotion!
Every book keeps getting better in this series! I've been hooked since book one and read Eruption in one day, finishing it at 3:35 am, and I HAD to jump right into Devotion straight away. I wouldn't have been able to sleep if I didn't get into a better state of mind first. My emotions were wrecked!
Eruption begins 2.5 years after Addiction, and I wasn't happy about that. I felt cheated out of seeing James and Penny's relationship grow and develop in New York City. Even so, the author hooked me, and I quickly got over it.
James and Penny can't catch a break. I loved seeing them so happy early on in the book, but dang it if it didn't last long! I don't know how Penny was even functioning at all in the end; she was but just barely. And James, boy did he piss me off. I get it. I understand his 'issues,' but the things he said to Penny, I was shattered right along with her.
There were so many stupid, stupid choices made by both MCs, and now they are paying for it. God, they need to communicate better with each other! My heart hurts, and I HATE Isabella, the ex-wife so much. James' parents fall right behind her, they are awful, but I'm hoping they come around. I want to see them finally do the right thing and let James live his own life.
Now I must get back to Devotion!
January 30, 2021
Honestly, these books are trash. I thought it was cute at first, but Penny is pathetic and annoying. All the characters are annoying. Penny follows James around like a puppy and constantly says she isn't anyone without James. That is NOT how it's supposed to be in a relationship. All this stuff about James being addicted to her blah blah blah...if someone is addicted to anyone it's Penny who is addicted to James. I'm finishing the series because I need to wrap this story up for my sanity, but the series is entirely infuriating. I can't wait to finish the last book and it's not out of excitement - it's out of a need to see the end of all the issues that surround this toxic relationship.
In the second book I started "fast forwarding" through the sex scenes. They're always the same. Enough of having 1 minute vapid conversations and then immediately having sex in entirely inappropriate places or at inappropriate times. I'm tired of having Penny fold to him and open her legs when he literally just touches her neck or he swallows his g damn throat. Penny needs to grow a spine. Ivy Smoak needs to add a 5th book called "Rehabilitation" because they both need therapy.
In the second book I started "fast forwarding" through the sex scenes. They're always the same. Enough of having 1 minute vapid conversations and then immediately having sex in entirely inappropriate places or at inappropriate times. I'm tired of having Penny fold to him and open her legs when he literally just touches her neck or he swallows his g damn throat. Penny needs to grow a spine. Ivy Smoak needs to add a 5th book called "Rehabilitation" because they both need therapy.
September 3, 2016
OH MY GOD. THERE'S ANOTHER INSTALLMENT?! I WASN'T READY FOR THAT!!
NOOOOOOO! I. NEED. TO. KNOW. WHAT. HAPPENS.
—
Okay. Now that I've calmed down, I'm finally able to do an actual review.
The emotions in this book is indescribable. I'm so going to share this series w EVERYONE.
I was super drawled into this book that I've finished it so quickly! I could not believe how devastated I got when Penny and James didn't work out. I literally sobbed.
I really recommend this book to EVERY. ONE.
How Ivy Smoak was able to instil so much emotions, plot and character development throughout the three books in this series still continues to amaze me.
—
No news on the next instalment, devastated, shocked and freaking out, I'm looking forward to it. Even joined Ivy Smoak's ARC team!! <3
NOOOOOOO! I. NEED. TO. KNOW. WHAT. HAPPENS.
—
Okay. Now that I've calmed down, I'm finally able to do an actual review.
The emotions in this book is indescribable. I'm so going to share this series w EVERYONE.
I was super drawled into this book that I've finished it so quickly! I could not believe how devastated I got when Penny and James didn't work out. I literally sobbed.
I really recommend this book to EVERY. ONE.
How Ivy Smoak was able to instil so much emotions, plot and character development throughout the three books in this series still continues to amaze me.
—
No news on the next instalment, devastated, shocked and freaking out, I'm looking forward to it. Even joined Ivy Smoak's ARC team!! <3
September 17, 2020
Pathetic main character
The 1st 2 books were a lot better than this one. The main female character is way to simple headed. The author made main character unbelievably stupid, immature and insecure. Her character was just getting to be redundant. She whine's and cries practically the whole book. I'd say the end of the book was intriguing and thats why I gave this 2 stars instead of 1.
The 1st 2 books were a lot better than this one. The main female character is way to simple headed. The author made main character unbelievably stupid, immature and insecure. Her character was just getting to be redundant. She whine's and cries practically the whole book. I'd say the end of the book was intriguing and thats why I gave this 2 stars instead of 1.
October 17, 2020
So emotional
Okay, this book really put me through the ringer emotionally. This next book better fix all my problems, because I'm a crying wreck over this couple. Ugh.
Okay, this book really put me through the ringer emotionally. This next book better fix all my problems, because I'm a crying wreck over this couple. Ugh.
May 5, 2021
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 Stars! All the back and forth is killing me! Communicate already!
March 9, 2023
Wow, this series just keeps getting better and better.
November 22, 2022
Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui:
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
December 25, 2020
Another amazing read by Ivy Smoak!! I loved this third book
December 9, 2017
Isabella, Isabella, I could not stand Isabella, Professor Hunters Ex! Right when you think James (Professor Hunter) and Penny can have a smooth transition to marriage, in swoops James’ ex-wife to attempt to ruin it all. Lies, Blackmail, and Sadness plague the couple as the past seems to not want to disappear as much as Penny and James would like it too.
I was positively frustrated after this book was over. I could not believe how things went and begged the powers that be that it would get better in the next book. James….he transferred over to my “Dead List.” His reactions to events out of his control were downright ridiculous. There is a point to dwell on the past and keep secrets but jeeze, time to move ahead.
I was positively frustrated after this book was over. I could not believe how things went and begged the powers that be that it would get better in the next book. James….he transferred over to my “Dead List.” His reactions to events out of his control were downright ridiculous. There is a point to dwell on the past and keep secrets but jeeze, time to move ahead.
November 17, 2021
wasn’t too gone on the start of the book but the ending was good
July 28, 2022
The least spicy but the best when it came to Penny's actions 👀
First of, loved the time jump and the lovey-dovey Penny and James. My favourite trope of student/teacher changed into boss/employee and I'm here for it. Penny became more adult in her thinking and acting. I noticed, when it comes to her, that the cringy writing sometimes seeps through but it only occurred a few times this time around and I will happily ignore it because we have progress. Even though there was a time jump, the span of this book is only around 2+ weeks.
The new/old characters are all so fun. They are truly their family. Definitely loving Rob (missing Brendan though) and Bee + Mason. Even James's sister is amazing. Tyler had quite the character arc and I was so happy seeing him move on. Melissa on the other hand acted like a true shit friend but I hope she will be better after apologizing. Even the work friends are kind of cool, mostly Zach with his protective behaviour. Now, James's parents? Atrocious. But my God, can Isabella (and Austin) just go and die somewhere? They bring the drama and Isabella succeeded in setting James and Penny against each other and gave space to another fifty-shades scene with the blackmailing. I do hope James won't give her more chances.
This was the tamest when it comes to smut out of the three so far. They had this celibacy bet which only made space for a few scenes, one of which was explicit and then faded to black. And apart from that desk and phone cable restriction nothing exciting in comparison to what we are used to when it comes to these two. I hope the next book delivers! 🔥🔥🔥
I know this book series isn't the best out there but I honestly just inhale these books. It's just like 50 Shades again!
Another little thing I wish was different was Penny being the true it girl. Every (not even) second guy just seems to be wanting her and I hope it slows down a bit. The second book might be my favourite so far (apart from that beginning).
3.5 stars ✨
Leaning towards 3.25 IF I DO QUARTERS
First of, loved the time jump and the lovey-dovey Penny and James. My favourite trope of student/teacher changed into boss/employee and I'm here for it. Penny became more adult in her thinking and acting. I noticed, when it comes to her, that the cringy writing sometimes seeps through but it only occurred a few times this time around and I will happily ignore it because we have progress. Even though there was a time jump, the span of this book is only around 2+ weeks.
The new/old characters are all so fun. They are truly their family. Definitely loving Rob (missing Brendan though) and Bee + Mason. Even James's sister is amazing. Tyler had quite the character arc and I was so happy seeing him move on. Melissa on the other hand acted like a true shit friend but I hope she will be better after apologizing. Even the work friends are kind of cool, mostly Zach with his protective behaviour. Now, James's parents? Atrocious. But my God, can Isabella (and Austin) just go and die somewhere? They bring the drama and Isabella succeeded in setting James and Penny against each other and gave space to another fifty-shades scene with the blackmailing. I do hope James won't give her more chances.
This was the tamest when it comes to smut out of the three so far. They had this celibacy bet which only made space for a few scenes, one of which was explicit and then faded to black. And apart from that desk and phone cable restriction nothing exciting in comparison to what we are used to when it comes to these two. I hope the next book delivers! 🔥🔥🔥
I know this book series isn't the best out there but I honestly just inhale these books. It's just like 50 Shades again!
Another little thing I wish was different was Penny being the true it girl. Every (not even) second guy just seems to be wanting her and I hope it slows down a bit. The second book might be my favourite so far (apart from that beginning).
3.5 stars ✨
Leaning towards 3.25 IF I DO QUARTERS
September 17, 2024
The dedication: “To everyone I've ever hated. My inspiration for Isabella.”
2.5 year gap between the end of the previous book and the start of this one. Penny is just graduating from NYCU and getting ready for her wedding to James. I felt so many emotions while reading this and shed a few tears. Melissa was almost as bad in this book as Isabella (boo), I’m definitely not rooting for her and Tyler.
2.5 year gap between the end of the previous book and the start of this one. Penny is just graduating from NYCU and getting ready for her wedding to James. I felt so many emotions while reading this and shed a few tears. Melissa was almost as bad in this book as Isabella (boo), I’m definitely not rooting for her and Tyler.
April 7, 2021
It took me a whole month of avoiding the ending, but I finally finished it! And UGH! I hate Isabella SO MUCH. I don’t think I’ve ever hated a character in a book as much as I hates her.
4.5 stars. I want to one star it, because Isabella is so flipping AWFUL, but also I picked it up after a whole month, so obviously it’s not a one star kinda read.
4.5 stars. I want to one star it, because Isabella is so flipping AWFUL, but also I picked it up after a whole month, so obviously it’s not a one star kinda read.
August 3, 2020
I see James’ parents are cut from the same cloth as Isabella. Which isn’t surprising. My heart broke for Penny at that debacle of an engagement party. Money doesn’t equal class. Those people are trash. But the way Rob handled it was lovely, I really like that guy.
WTF is Melissa’s deal? Could you pick a worse time to be a shit friend? But it was still cool to be there for the bachelorette party? What a bitch!
I’ve only been to one bachelorette party, but are they always that mortifying? Her friends suck.
I swear to god I think this book was written just to ruin my day. But it’s like a train wreck, you just can’t look away.
Everyone’s saying she’s a doormat and maybe she is. But I also think she’s trying to keep the peace for the sake of the wedding. We’ve seen her stand up for herself. But put yourself in her shoes, all these things coming at you, trying to bring you down. Also you know Isabella has done this before so why wouldn’t she question James’ infidelity, if it was true or not? I think it’s just one big shit show and she’s trying not to drown.
Have I mentioned how much I love Rob, he’s the best!
Quotes:
"I just want to fix it," I whispered. I put my hand on the side of his face. "Please let me try." "You can't make them love me." His Adam's apple rose and fell. He shook his head, making my hand fall from his face.
"So, he's addicted to me. I can't..." "No, Penny. He's devoted to you. There is a huge difference."
WTF is Melissa’s deal? Could you pick a worse time to be a shit friend? But it was still cool to be there for the bachelorette party? What a bitch!
I’ve only been to one bachelorette party, but are they always that mortifying? Her friends suck.
I swear to god I think this book was written just to ruin my day. But it’s like a train wreck, you just can’t look away.
Everyone’s saying she’s a doormat and maybe she is. But I also think she’s trying to keep the peace for the sake of the wedding. We’ve seen her stand up for herself. But put yourself in her shoes, all these things coming at you, trying to bring you down. Also you know Isabella has done this before so why wouldn’t she question James’ infidelity, if it was true or not? I think it’s just one big shit show and she’s trying not to drown.
Have I mentioned how much I love Rob, he’s the best!
Quotes:
"I just want to fix it," I whispered. I put my hand on the side of his face. "Please let me try." "You can't make them love me." His Adam's apple rose and fell. He shook his head, making my hand fall from his face.
"So, he's addicted to me. I can't..." "No, Penny. He's devoted to you. There is a huge difference."
November 5, 2020
Loving the story and characters, I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
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