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Girls Weekend #2
Parties
Several months after a weekend girls' trip, suburban elves Lurielle, Ris, and Silva are still affected by their experiences at the resort and the orcs they met there.
Lurielle discovers that being in a multi-species relationship presents its own unique challenges: meeting Khash's family, introducing him to hers, and facing the harsh realities that lie ahead if they stay together. A lifetime together or a lifetime apart — she must decide if she can bear all that the future holds.
When Ris returns to the resort on a whim, an unexpected encounter with a slightly familiar face upends this elf's desire to be a free as the wind. Ainsley is simultaneously everything and nothing that she's looking for - smart and sexy and completely unattached, and happy to stay that way . . . but how long can they "keep things casual?"
Silva struggles juggling her two halves: Daytime Silva, crushed beneath the expectations of her family and snobbish Elvish society, and Silva of the Nighttime, unfettered and free, seeing Tate in secret. When her web of lies tangles beyond her control, she must make a choice — will she follow the carefully mapped life of privilege her family has planned for her in their Elvish community . . . or throw it all away to follow her heart, for a man with his own heart full of secrets.
Parties is a multi-POV story, following all three girls through a succession of soirees, each one winding their separate storylines — and the work friends — tighter together.
Lurielle discovers that being in a multi-species relationship presents its own unique challenges: meeting Khash's family, introducing him to hers, and facing the harsh realities that lie ahead if they stay together. A lifetime together or a lifetime apart — she must decide if she can bear all that the future holds.
When Ris returns to the resort on a whim, an unexpected encounter with a slightly familiar face upends this elf's desire to be a free as the wind. Ainsley is simultaneously everything and nothing that she's looking for - smart and sexy and completely unattached, and happy to stay that way . . . but how long can they "keep things casual?"
Silva struggles juggling her two halves: Daytime Silva, crushed beneath the expectations of her family and snobbish Elvish society, and Silva of the Nighttime, unfettered and free, seeing Tate in secret. When her web of lies tangles beyond her control, she must make a choice — will she follow the carefully mapped life of privilege her family has planned for her in their Elvish community . . . or throw it all away to follow her heart, for a man with his own heart full of secrets.
Parties is a multi-POV story, following all three girls through a succession of soirees, each one winding their separate storylines — and the work friends — tighter together.
481 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2022
478 people are currently reading
2032 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Nascosta
34 books4,646 followersC.M. Nascosta is an author and professional procrastinator from Cleveland, Ohio. As a child, she thought that living on Lake Erie meant one was eerie by nature, and her corresponding love of all things strange and unusual started young. She’s always preferred beasts to boys, the macabre to the milquetoast, the unknown darkness in the shadows to the Chad next door. She lives in a crumbling old Victorian with a scaredy-cat dachshund, where she writes nontraditional romances featuring beastly boys with equal parts heart and heat, and is waiting for the Hallmark Channel to get with the program and start a paranormal lovers series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 400 reviews
July 13, 2022
Ok. How do I articulate this. You know how in a romcom movie, there’s an obvious visual/tonal/aesthetic/stylistic difference between the central, linear narrative and random interjected montages?
The central narrative is clear, includes exposition, establishes setting and relationship dynamics, introduces plot details, etc.
Montages, on the other hand, are there to communicate a VIBE, not clear information. Halfway through the movie, we may see a montage of the main couple— going to a coffee shop, laughing while they struggle to give their giant dog a bath, baking at home and making a huge mess with flour, holding hands in the car, etc.— to communicate that time is passing and they’re getting closer and falling in love. You feel me, right? We can all picture the difference. So—
This entire book reads like a romanticized, fragmented, flashback montage. The ENTIRE 476 PAGE BOOK. Non-stop, from beginning to end— the story is told in ‘movie montage’ format.
It's written in fragments— there’s no underlying, established, clear timeline to provide a structured foundation for the narrative. And you really feel it. It’s a lot of jumping from moment to moment, a little anecdote here, a little anecdote there.
There are Inception-level flashbacks within flashbacks within flashbacks. And we’re not even flashing back in time! It’s a lateral time jump!!!!! We’ll be mid-conversation, then ABRUPTLY jump to something that happened yesterday, THEN JUMP TO ANOTHER THING THAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK, only to circle back and be DROPPED back IN TO THE MIDDLE of the first conversation. And at that point, you’re sitting there like what the fuck just happened? Was she remembering those moments? Are we, the reader, just being shown those moments?
I get it. I’m not missing the point or missing the author’s creative choice. I think it’s a cool approach! But the execution needs to be a lot cleaner.
—
CM Nascosta seems like a total vibes and details person— she’s so good at including these small moments that really make the story personal and resonant. We’re all better at some things than at others. I think this needed a very structured brain to edit down the book and help CMN’s vision really shine.
The plot is not complex at all, but you feel like you’re in a fucking labyrinth because of how it’s organized. I really like what I’m reading— it’s just so unstructured that you’re never really rooted in the story. You’re just floating on top.
The central narrative is clear, includes exposition, establishes setting and relationship dynamics, introduces plot details, etc.
Montages, on the other hand, are there to communicate a VIBE, not clear information. Halfway through the movie, we may see a montage of the main couple— going to a coffee shop, laughing while they struggle to give their giant dog a bath, baking at home and making a huge mess with flour, holding hands in the car, etc.— to communicate that time is passing and they’re getting closer and falling in love. You feel me, right? We can all picture the difference. So—
This entire book reads like a romanticized, fragmented, flashback montage. The ENTIRE 476 PAGE BOOK. Non-stop, from beginning to end— the story is told in ‘movie montage’ format.
It's written in fragments— there’s no underlying, established, clear timeline to provide a structured foundation for the narrative. And you really feel it. It’s a lot of jumping from moment to moment, a little anecdote here, a little anecdote there.
There are Inception-level flashbacks within flashbacks within flashbacks. And we’re not even flashing back in time! It’s a lateral time jump!!!!! We’ll be mid-conversation, then ABRUPTLY jump to something that happened yesterday, THEN JUMP TO ANOTHER THING THAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK, only to circle back and be DROPPED back IN TO THE MIDDLE of the first conversation. And at that point, you’re sitting there like what the fuck just happened? Was she remembering those moments? Are we, the reader, just being shown those moments?
I get it. I’m not missing the point or missing the author’s creative choice. I think it’s a cool approach! But the execution needs to be a lot cleaner.
—
CM Nascosta seems like a total vibes and details person— she’s so good at including these small moments that really make the story personal and resonant. We’re all better at some things than at others. I think this needed a very structured brain to edit down the book and help CMN’s vision really shine.
The plot is not complex at all, but you feel like you’re in a fucking labyrinth because of how it’s organized. I really like what I’m reading— it’s just so unstructured that you’re never really rooted in the story. You’re just floating on top.
Read
April 2, 2022I loved Ainsley and I'm glad Ris found someone! I love how they're on the same page with everything.
Khash and Lurielle might still be my favorites, and it doesn't help that when Khash talks, I hear Patrick Warburton's voice (Kronk, Puddy, Brock Samson) which makes every line about 'buttering his biscuit' that much better.
Khash and Lurielle might still be my favorites, and it doesn't help that when Khash talks, I hear Patrick Warburton's voice (Kronk, Puddy, Brock Samson) which makes every line about 'buttering his biscuit' that much better.
April 12, 2022
While a decent continuation of book one, I was overwhelmed with how long and overly wordy it felt. It was a deep dive into all the characters insecurities and hang ups, when I was expecting a fun monster read.
I felt a bit like a therapist listening to the inner workings of these three different relationships. Loads of backstory into each species and their lives, with a dash of kinky sex in-between.
There are some great insights about society in general and how we all judge ourselves and each other in harmful ways. Despite the cliffhanger at the end of this one, not sure I’ll read the next.
A buddy read with the sweet Isabella!
I felt a bit like a therapist listening to the inner workings of these three different relationships. Loads of backstory into each species and their lives, with a dash of kinky sex in-between.
There are some great insights about society in general and how we all judge ourselves and each other in harmful ways. Despite the cliffhanger at the end of this one, not sure I’ll read the next.
A buddy read with the sweet Isabella!
May 5, 2022
I was first introduced to author CM Nascosta after reading and falling in love with Finley Fenn's orcs. I needed more orcs. Stat. And someone recommended Girls Weekend by CM Nascosta for a different sort of orc. I was skeptical at first because they're so much...nicer than Fenn's orcs but in the end I absolutely fell in love with the Hallmark vibes meets monsters meets contemporary world that Nascosta created.
Parties (and Girls Weekend) are so unique because they cover three relationships occurring simultaneously between three elven coworkers (and friends).
We have Lurielle, who is happily dating fan favorite orc Khash. Their relationship was solidified in book 1 but--and this is what makes this series so great--it doesn't end there. We get to see what happens after the HEA (happily ever after) which is pretty unique, even among romance novels. They're happy together and very much in love and pegging their lives away, but they aren't without their struggles. Lurielle is still in therapy working to improve her self-esteem and her body image, and she's finding it difficult to fit in among the close-knit orc species. I love the continued peek into their relationship and watching them work through things as a couple.
Silva and the terrifying, yet incredibly sexy, orcish, elven, fae creature Tate are trying to make places for one another in their lives, but it's hard when Tate works nonstop and Silva battles the harsh expectations placed on elven women to continue the pure bloodlines. She doesn't want to have to choose between the man who makes her truly happy for the first time in her life and the family she loves. And what the fuck is going on with Tate? Book three is gonna be wild.
Ris doesn't want to be in a relationship. Or getting married. Or have kids. But she does want really hot sex, so I'm sure many of us can relate to her. She's dating her way through various male species and being repeatedly disappointed by selfish, negging monsters who are more concerned with getting off than getting her off. But then she meets the adorable Ainsley who is just the right amount of fun and willing to be adventurous with her. I was genuinely pleased to get to know her more in this book! I wasn't the biggest fan of her chapters in book 1 (not through any fault of her own...just her sections were overshadowed by her friend's) so it was really great to learn more about her and her motives.
I put this off because everyone kept saying it was emotional and a little cliffhanger-y and it was. I mean, I definitely teared up a bit at a few points, but the cliffhanger wasn't so bad that I'm going to claw my face off unless book 3 lands in my hands immediately. Although, it'd be cool if it did...
Highly recommend this series if you want sweet monsters living as accountants and grocery store workers and Herd Resources and bistro owners. It's just plain fun.
Parties (and Girls Weekend) are so unique because they cover three relationships occurring simultaneously between three elven coworkers (and friends).
We have Lurielle, who is happily dating fan favorite orc Khash. Their relationship was solidified in book 1 but--and this is what makes this series so great--it doesn't end there. We get to see what happens after the HEA (happily ever after) which is pretty unique, even among romance novels. They're happy together and very much in love and pegging their lives away, but they aren't without their struggles. Lurielle is still in therapy working to improve her self-esteem and her body image, and she's finding it difficult to fit in among the close-knit orc species. I love the continued peek into their relationship and watching them work through things as a couple.
Silva and the terrifying, yet incredibly sexy, orcish, elven, fae creature Tate are trying to make places for one another in their lives, but it's hard when Tate works nonstop and Silva battles the harsh expectations placed on elven women to continue the pure bloodlines. She doesn't want to have to choose between the man who makes her truly happy for the first time in her life and the family she loves. And what the fuck is going on with Tate? Book three is gonna be wild.
Ris doesn't want to be in a relationship. Or getting married. Or have kids. But she does want really hot sex, so I'm sure many of us can relate to her. She's dating her way through various male species and being repeatedly disappointed by selfish, negging monsters who are more concerned with getting off than getting her off. But then she meets the adorable Ainsley who is just the right amount of fun and willing to be adventurous with her. I was genuinely pleased to get to know her more in this book! I wasn't the biggest fan of her chapters in book 1 (not through any fault of her own...just her sections were overshadowed by her friend's) so it was really great to learn more about her and her motives.
I put this off because everyone kept saying it was emotional and a little cliffhanger-y and it was. I mean, I definitely teared up a bit at a few points, but the cliffhanger wasn't so bad that I'm going to claw my face off unless book 3 lands in my hands immediately. Although, it'd be cool if it did...
Highly recommend this series if you want sweet monsters living as accountants and grocery store workers and Herd Resources and bistro owners. It's just plain fun.
April 30, 2025
2nd book in the Girls Weekend series. A monster bait romance. Interspecies couple falling in love. Orc MMC & an elf FMC. All the couples were super endearing. Sprinkled with fun spice! Kinky!
April 21, 2022
I'm disappointed to say I really struggled getting through Parties. As much as I enjoy C.M. Nascosta's work, I didn't love this sequel like I wanted to. There are some major differences between Girls Weekend and Parties.
GW is a novella, while Parties is a 400 page novel. Parties feels very drawn out, wordy, and unbalanced. While the pov is split between our three fmcs (with a random Tate pov to start us off and a Khash/Tate pov at the end), there isn't an equal amount of time between them. Similar to GW, it's obvious that this is Silva's story with a sprinkling of Lurielle and only brief mentions of Ris. Ris's story kind of fizzles to the background and doesn't end neatly like Lurielle or Silva, which is disappointing.
The timeline is disjointed and confusing from all of the flashbacks. There were flashbacks in nearly every chapter, starting in the middle of a scene, flashing back, sometimes flashing back within the flashback, and then jolting us right back into the action that started off the scene. I had a difficult time keeping up with what was supposed to happen and what was presently happening. Important events would be summarized and then mentioned in passing flashbacks chapters later. It was a lot to keep up with, and I think that's a major reason I struggled. Flashbacks are fine as a literary device, but it felt like overkill. I also struggled with sentence structure and the lack of varying sentences in each paragraph. A majority of the sentences ran on and on with multiple commas, description, and flowery language with no pause or breaths in between. In general, I felt like there needed to be some more editing done.
If you're looking for a fun, short monster boyfriend romp like GW, you're not going to find that in Parties. While Parties does dive into cute little moments of domesticity, it mostly deals with our fmcs' struggles to fit into society. There's a lot of self doubt, angst, and miscommunication in these pages that made it a lot less fun than GW. And while I love stories that delve into heavier issues, I wasn't necessarily expecting that in a GW sequel.
On a positive note: I really enjoyed getting to know more about Ris and Ainsley, and I hope we see more of them in the next installment. I love Lurielle and Khash so much. I'm also excited to see what happens next for Tate and Silva -- especially after that cliffhanger. I will definitely continue reading this series, despite the lull I felt from Parties.
GW is a novella, while Parties is a 400 page novel. Parties feels very drawn out, wordy, and unbalanced. While the pov is split between our three fmcs (with a random Tate pov to start us off and a Khash/Tate pov at the end), there isn't an equal amount of time between them. Similar to GW, it's obvious that this is Silva's story with a sprinkling of Lurielle and only brief mentions of Ris. Ris's story kind of fizzles to the background and doesn't end neatly like Lurielle or Silva, which is disappointing.
The timeline is disjointed and confusing from all of the flashbacks. There were flashbacks in nearly every chapter, starting in the middle of a scene, flashing back, sometimes flashing back within the flashback, and then jolting us right back into the action that started off the scene. I had a difficult time keeping up with what was supposed to happen and what was presently happening. Important events would be summarized and then mentioned in passing flashbacks chapters later. It was a lot to keep up with, and I think that's a major reason I struggled. Flashbacks are fine as a literary device, but it felt like overkill. I also struggled with sentence structure and the lack of varying sentences in each paragraph. A majority of the sentences ran on and on with multiple commas, description, and flowery language with no pause or breaths in between. In general, I felt like there needed to be some more editing done.
If you're looking for a fun, short monster boyfriend romp like GW, you're not going to find that in Parties. While Parties does dive into cute little moments of domesticity, it mostly deals with our fmcs' struggles to fit into society. There's a lot of self doubt, angst, and miscommunication in these pages that made it a lot less fun than GW. And while I love stories that delve into heavier issues, I wasn't necessarily expecting that in a GW sequel.
On a positive note: I really enjoyed getting to know more about Ris and Ainsley, and I hope we see more of them in the next installment. I love Lurielle and Khash so much. I'm also excited to see what happens next for Tate and Silva -- especially after that cliffhanger. I will definitely continue reading this series, despite the lull I felt from Parties.
July 5, 2022
Yeah I'm gonna need that next book like, right now.
I'm obsessed with Tate and just want to move into this little monster world.
I'm obsessed with Tate and just want to move into this little monster world.
May 10, 2023
After finishing Girls Weekend, I really wanted to see how things worked out for the characters (especially Silva and Tate). Unfortunately, this book also ended with a cliffhanger and I’m just done.
The book dragged so much and there was a ridiculous amount of filler. The same worries and concerns about interspecies dating and family expectations continued to pop up and there was almost no movement in the story. This could have easily been at least 150 pages shorter. I would have probably DNF’ed if I had known everything didn’t wrap up at the end. I wish I could get my time back.
The book dragged so much and there was a ridiculous amount of filler. The same worries and concerns about interspecies dating and family expectations continued to pop up and there was almost no movement in the story. This could have easily been at least 150 pages shorter. I would have probably DNF’ed if I had known everything didn’t wrap up at the end. I wish I could get my time back.
June 20, 2022
She was aight but she wasn't SERVING. I wanted something a little more lighthearted, like the the first. This book seemed longer than my life- expectancy at some points and more than once I skipped to Tate and Silva's storyline. What's anyone gonna do? Fight me? They're the most interesting couple by far. And for GODS' SAKE stop forcing me to survive through Khash's deeply questionable dirty talk. Let ANYONE refer to their penis as "the dragon" or "squirrel" they'll have to catch these hands AND these feet.
Tate, my sharp toothed, feral fae-boy, I love you and I want you to kill me. That is all.
Tate, my sharp toothed, feral fae-boy, I love you and I want you to kill me. That is all.
April 11, 2022
maybe i just wasn’t in the mood for this anymore….
BUT THIS WAS SO DRAGGED OUT!!! I dearly loved the first book, however this one just gotten me tired. I’m still going to read the third book 🫣 THE CLIFFHANGER WAS PAINFUL!!!
BUT THIS WAS SO DRAGGED OUT!!! I dearly loved the first book, however this one just gotten me tired. I’m still going to read the third book 🫣 THE CLIFFHANGER WAS PAINFUL!!!
September 15, 2022
Even better and more intricate than the first. I couldn’t love these characters any more than I already do!
This series is ESSENTIAL for all romance lovers.
This series is ESSENTIAL for all romance lovers.
February 11, 2024
I'm still screaming over Khash's euphemisms. That orc makes me laugh.
I enjoyed the idea of deep diving into each of these characters, their upbringings and issues, but it unfortunately felt drawn out and a touch redundant. The first pass over some topics, I get it, but after the next rehashing of XYZ? I GET IT.
Khash and Lurielle are darling. Ainsley, I adore! Thank fuck Ris found the person who fits the dynamic she wants. Tate, I wanted to hold him in that one scene where he visibly hunches (IYKYK). Silva, I understand her situation but I WAS SO FRUSTRATED WITH HER.
Overall, I feel like I got something I didn't really sign up for. I expected something fun, flirty, smutty (like the title: Parties) but this was much more emotionally taxing. I think if I went in with that understanding, it wouldn't have been such a let down, but it's still enjoyable for what it is. I wonder how much more complex the author is going to weave these worlds!
Rating: 2.5 rounded to 3 stars.
I enjoyed the idea of deep diving into each of these characters, their upbringings and issues, but it unfortunately felt drawn out and a touch redundant. The first pass over some topics, I get it, but after the next rehashing of XYZ? I GET IT.
Khash and Lurielle are darling. Ainsley, I adore! Thank fuck Ris found the person who fits the dynamic she wants. Tate, I wanted to hold him in that one scene where he visibly hunches (IYKYK). Silva, I understand her situation but I WAS SO FRUSTRATED WITH HER.
Overall, I feel like I got something I didn't really sign up for. I expected something fun, flirty, smutty (like the title: Parties) but this was much more emotionally taxing. I think if I went in with that understanding, it wouldn't have been such a let down, but it's still enjoyable for what it is. I wonder how much more complex the author is going to weave these worlds!
Rating: 2.5 rounded to 3 stars.
January 3, 2026
I thought with the way the book started, and the length of it, (the last one was more novella length), that we would be getting a fully flushed-out novel focusing on Silva and Tate. But, once again, the book oscillated poorly between all three couples, and the issues that I had with the first book still apply here. There were lots of plot holes, and a lot of things were just skimmed on the surface, and the plot, characters, and dynamics weren't as developed as they could have been.
I'm really surprised at my reaction to this series, because I enjoyed her "Cambric Creek" series; but, for some reason, I have found the other books I've tried to be lacking. So far, I've only read this series and "Run, Rabbit, Run," but I had the same issues regarding writing and plot with all of them, as well as with the poorly-developed, unlikeable characters, that don't get much of a redemption arc. In this book, that's mostly Silva, for me. She's pretty shitty, and I've not seen much personal growth happening at all.
Honestly, I would stop reading this series, if it wasn't for the cliffhanger at the end of this book--and Tate--who is arguably the only interesting character in this entire series.
I'm really surprised at my reaction to this series, because I enjoyed her "Cambric Creek" series; but, for some reason, I have found the other books I've tried to be lacking. So far, I've only read this series and "Run, Rabbit, Run," but I had the same issues regarding writing and plot with all of them, as well as with the poorly-developed, unlikeable characters, that don't get much of a redemption arc. In this book, that's mostly Silva, for me. She's pretty shitty, and I've not seen much personal growth happening at all.
Honestly, I would stop reading this series, if it wasn't for the cliffhanger at the end of this book--and Tate--who is arguably the only interesting character in this entire series.
August 23, 2024
Silva and Tate got on my LAST nerve. The lack of communication and lack of character growth made me want to DNF close to the end.
May 6, 2025
I have nothing intelligent to say about this other than I’m obsessed.
September 5, 2024
September 2024
Kindle edition
I wasn't ready for this one. I wanted to read Ladybug's second book, but this one was to be read first. More tiring than one love drama was three. Lurielle and Khash were a bit ugh with the opening family drama, but he did improve. Some bad family on both sides. Silva and Tate were cute but moving into the whole I'm not good for you thing. The best of the trio in this one was Ris and Ainsley, having fun and slowly finding their way. The after party vanilla declaration was funny. Couldn't move straight onto the third book.
Kindle edition
I wasn't ready for this one. I wanted to read Ladybug's second book, but this one was to be read first. More tiring than one love drama was three. Lurielle and Khash were a bit ugh with the opening family drama, but he did improve. Some bad family on both sides. Silva and Tate were cute but moving into the whole I'm not good for you thing. The best of the trio in this one was Ris and Ainsley, having fun and slowly finding their way. The after party vanilla declaration was funny. Couldn't move straight onto the third book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2022
Solid second installment of the Girls Weekend series, Parties picks up a few months after the events of the first novel. We follow coupled Lurielle + Kash and Tate + Silva as they discover and confront issues that arise in more serious relationships, and get to finally see Ris have some positive growth and development after the disappointing events in the first story that left her in a less-than-great place. I was so happy to see that she is not actually being used as a cautionary tale character as past me feared. My Nascosta reads since that first one were already assuaging that worry, as I got a better feel for the author and what their point of view is. If you were upset or put off because Ris was done dirty in the first story, you'll have plenty to be happy about in this one.
And it is a trip. One I purposefully dragged out so I could stay in it as long as I could tolerate without bingeing the rest. But I still totally binged the final 40% in just a couple of days. I knew I'd eventually be unable to resist doing that.
There's a lot to say about this story, but I'll stick to bullet points and save us all the time.
+ Every main character is a distinct and unique person. There's no lazy "all _____s are ____" going on in here with minor differences in physical attributes. All three orc leads have very different backgrounds and life experiences, and as such, they all have different personalities and ways they react. The same can be said about all three of our leading elven ladies. Each of them has had very different experiences in life and are easy to identify one from the other.
+ Related: all three relationships have different challenges, tones, and end goals. There's not going to be a one size fits all HEA here. Not all of them are going to have the tired romantic formula HEA either.
+ Nascosta has a knack for couching social, economic, and political commentary into her smutty monster Hallmark world.
+ And they're not afraid to write a lead with unflattering character traits and do it well. Everyone's darling, Silva, is absolutely a spoiled brat, but not written with any romance shorthand for the trope. I always appreciate an author who can write an annoying character type in a way that allows me to be irritated with them, but still invested in what their story arc is at the end of the day.
+ Believable conflict that organically arises.
+ There are going to be some serious lifespan issues that need to be discussed—nothing is getting magically wrapped up here.
+ And. Angst that is portrayed in an empathetic way that isn't there just for the sake of ✨draaaaaama✨. Nascosta is one of the rare authors who can write a fat character who feels insecurity and angst in a way that doesn't read as Thin Girl Fap material. It lacks the reductionist framing that goes along for the ride. And there are plenty of chubby authors or even fat ones who get this wrong too due to fatphobia and still being plugged into the Fantasy of Being Thin, but that's an essay in and of itself.
+ The fun little Easter eggs! There are nice little nods to other works in the CC universe in this story.
And more.
Now, we were told this book was a lot of smut and vibes—untrue. This is a hefty read with a lot of plot and world building and a healthy dose of smutty good times thrown in. If you're here only for the sexy times, it could be frustrating for you.
And.
This story does end at a point that can be considered a cliff-hanger. It's certainly not left in a comfortable place that feels resolved enough for now to take a breather. I absolutely can not wait for the final installment of this story.
Real rating: 4.5 stars rounded up
Minor quibble: lots of editing errors, especially in the final 25% of the book. Most of them are not too distracting but a few that are a case of missing words or an entirely incorrect word choice. Hopefully over time those will be found and fixed.
And it is a trip. One I purposefully dragged out so I could stay in it as long as I could tolerate without bingeing the rest. But I still totally binged the final 40% in just a couple of days. I knew I'd eventually be unable to resist doing that.
There's a lot to say about this story, but I'll stick to bullet points and save us all the time.
+ Every main character is a distinct and unique person. There's no lazy "all _____s are ____" going on in here with minor differences in physical attributes. All three orc leads have very different backgrounds and life experiences, and as such, they all have different personalities and ways they react. The same can be said about all three of our leading elven ladies. Each of them has had very different experiences in life and are easy to identify one from the other.
+ Related: all three relationships have different challenges, tones, and end goals. There's not going to be a one size fits all HEA here. Not all of them are going to have the tired romantic formula HEA either.
+ Nascosta has a knack for couching social, economic, and political commentary into her smutty monster Hallmark world.
+ And they're not afraid to write a lead with unflattering character traits and do it well. Everyone's darling, Silva, is absolutely a spoiled brat, but not written with any romance shorthand for the trope. I always appreciate an author who can write an annoying character type in a way that allows me to be irritated with them, but still invested in what their story arc is at the end of the day.
+ Believable conflict that organically arises.
+ There are going to be some serious lifespan issues that need to be discussed—nothing is getting magically wrapped up here.
+ And. Angst that is portrayed in an empathetic way that isn't there just for the sake of ✨draaaaaama✨. Nascosta is one of the rare authors who can write a fat character who feels insecurity and angst in a way that doesn't read as Thin Girl Fap material. It lacks the reductionist framing that goes along for the ride. And there are plenty of chubby authors or even fat ones who get this wrong too due to fatphobia and still being plugged into the Fantasy of Being Thin, but that's an essay in and of itself.
+ The fun little Easter eggs! There are nice little nods to other works in the CC universe in this story.
And more.
Now, we were told this book was a lot of smut and vibes—untrue. This is a hefty read with a lot of plot and world building and a healthy dose of smutty good times thrown in. If you're here only for the sexy times, it could be frustrating for you.
And.
This story does end at a point that can be considered a cliff-hanger. It's certainly not left in a comfortable place that feels resolved enough for now to take a breather. I absolutely can not wait for the final installment of this story.
Real rating: 4.5 stars rounded up
Minor quibble: lots of editing errors, especially in the final 25% of the book. Most of them are not too distracting but a few that are a case of missing words or an entirely incorrect word choice. Hopefully over time those will be found and fixed.
April 19, 2022
I had a mixed reaction to this one, 4 stars since it ended better than it started (for me):
1. The story jumps right in, which I usually appreciate since an author can waste 25% of a book rehashing how we got to where we are. But since it had been a while from reading book 1, I felt a little lost trying to connect all the people.
2. I had trouble at first with the transition between chapters, from character to character. Eventually got it. But somehow the story was not as compelling this time around.
3. I appreciated the humor sprinkled throughout:
Tate: "I don’t want to hear your chirping wee voices or see your precious fucking faces. Do you understand?"
Lurielle: "I'm not going to pretend this isn't enjoyable, but I'm not sure if this is foreplay or if you're trying to buy fruit."
and
"I have no doubt I will, but this doesn’t feel like we’re going camping, Khash. This feels like you’re either taking me to a pre-dug grave in the woods, or we’re going to impose on a woods witch, and I am surprisingly not okay with either scenario."
And the surprising heartbreak with Silva (or was this Lurielle? It does apply to them both):
"His lips were warm against hers, and she breathed in his bravery, stole his steadiness, and pressed her forehead to his."
Lurielle's shock at realizing the limited time she had with Khash was very moving. Khash is still SUPER funny and tender with his Bluebell.
4. It had lots of inner therapy, not sure if that helped the story or not but I got super tired of Silva and all her dreams with Tate but no follow-through. In real life, I can't take that kind of torture. I would have had a "come to jesus" talk MUCH sooner with Tate about expectations.
5. Sex party- hmmm. I loved Ainsley and am glad to see Ris catching "feels", discovering what intimacy can bring and developing that side of herself. I badly want her to eat her words and beg Ainsley to marry her, the whole open relationship makes me feel a panic attack coming on. I love how they can share so many interests and admit they may be "vanilla"!
6. I loved how each of the women could banter with the guys, the dialogue was great and better than the view of their inner thoughts and negative self talk.
7. LOVED the ending, it made it so very interesting! Now I really am looking forward to the next one, the mystery of Tate. What is he REALLY- we got quite a few breadcrumbs in this story.
8. The short story at the end, felt a little off like I had to step back to see where it fit in but loved how the guys can bond over something mundane. They still don't like each other but maybe that will be revealed in the next book?
1. The story jumps right in, which I usually appreciate since an author can waste 25% of a book rehashing how we got to where we are. But since it had been a while from reading book 1, I felt a little lost trying to connect all the people.
2. I had trouble at first with the transition between chapters, from character to character. Eventually got it. But somehow the story was not as compelling this time around.
3. I appreciated the humor sprinkled throughout:
Tate: "I don’t want to hear your chirping wee voices or see your precious fucking faces. Do you understand?"
Lurielle: "I'm not going to pretend this isn't enjoyable, but I'm not sure if this is foreplay or if you're trying to buy fruit."
and
"I have no doubt I will, but this doesn’t feel like we’re going camping, Khash. This feels like you’re either taking me to a pre-dug grave in the woods, or we’re going to impose on a woods witch, and I am surprisingly not okay with either scenario."
And the surprising heartbreak with Silva (or was this Lurielle? It does apply to them both):
"His lips were warm against hers, and she breathed in his bravery, stole his steadiness, and pressed her forehead to his."
Lurielle's shock at realizing the limited time she had with Khash was very moving. Khash is still SUPER funny and tender with his Bluebell.
4. It had lots of inner therapy, not sure if that helped the story or not but I got super tired of Silva and all her dreams with Tate but no follow-through. In real life, I can't take that kind of torture. I would have had a "come to jesus" talk MUCH sooner with Tate about expectations.
5. Sex party- hmmm. I loved Ainsley and am glad to see Ris catching "feels", discovering what intimacy can bring and developing that side of herself. I badly want her to eat her words and beg Ainsley to marry her, the whole open relationship makes me feel a panic attack coming on. I love how they can share so many interests and admit they may be "vanilla"!
6. I loved how each of the women could banter with the guys, the dialogue was great and better than the view of their inner thoughts and negative self talk.
7. LOVED the ending, it made it so very interesting! Now I really am looking forward to the next one, the mystery of Tate. What is he REALLY- we got quite a few breadcrumbs in this story.
8. The short story at the end, felt a little off like I had to step back to see where it fit in but loved how the guys can bond over something mundane. They still don't like each other but maybe that will be revealed in the next book?
December 8, 2024
2.4
the jumping back and forth gave me headaches.
--
1. Ains and Ris made me want a book just for them. I was always more curious about Ris to begin with, so I was glad to see her find someone she clicked with. They were entirely adorable, communicated healthily, and discovered so much of themselves - as you should when dating someone!
2. Tate and Silva made me wanna punch air because of the miscommunication. But I do like them, and I'm glad to see them FINALLY working shit out. Also to know more about Tate because there is sooooo much Lore to be had there. I was glad to learn more about him and why he is the way he is. Also glad to see Silva finally growing up a bit.
3. Lurielle and Kash had my least attention and most annoyance. I'm not a fan of the sex euphemisms or how judgy they can be, always assuming things about others. Her assumptions about his family, his assumptions about Tate, especially without either of them trying to get to know anything about anyone. They're just not my type of people.
The short story at the end felt unnecessary? like it should've been in the middle somewhere and not just tacked on to the end. It felt like taking 10 steps backwards after all the progress we just made.
the jumping back and forth gave me headaches.
--
1. Ains and Ris made me want a book just for them. I was always more curious about Ris to begin with, so I was glad to see her find someone she clicked with. They were entirely adorable, communicated healthily, and discovered so much of themselves - as you should when dating someone!
2. Tate and Silva made me wanna punch air because of the miscommunication. But I do like them, and I'm glad to see them FINALLY working shit out. Also to know more about Tate because there is sooooo much Lore to be had there. I was glad to learn more about him and why he is the way he is. Also glad to see Silva finally growing up a bit.
3. Lurielle and Kash had my least attention and most annoyance. I'm not a fan of the sex euphemisms or how judgy they can be, always assuming things about others. Her assumptions about his family, his assumptions about Tate, especially without either of them trying to get to know anything about anyone. They're just not my type of people.
The short story at the end felt unnecessary? like it should've been in the middle somewhere and not just tacked on to the end. It felt like taking 10 steps backwards after all the progress we just made.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2024
I’ve really been enjoying this series and the complex relationships between MCs. It deals with complicated cultural and familiar pressures, which I thought were handled quite well. Dating “the wrong kind of guy” because parents don’t approve for whatever reason is pretty relatable, I think, for more people. Relationships with parents that pressure their children to live a certain way or date a certain kind of person, even with love behind that pressure, are hard to navigate.
I enjoy how multi dimensional all the characters are. There’re no Prince Charmings or perfect princesses—just ordinary (but magical) people muddling through their relationships. All the FMCs had compassion for one another, even if they didn’t understand the choices their friends were making. The MMCs… well they were a work in progress when it came to making new friends and understanding different POVs. I’m really looking forward to the next book because THAT CLIFF! I need answers.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: emotionally and psychologically abusive parent, speciesism, fat phobia, discussion of bullying, violence (brief)
I enjoy how multi dimensional all the characters are. There’re no Prince Charmings or perfect princesses—just ordinary (but magical) people muddling through their relationships. All the FMCs had compassion for one another, even if they didn’t understand the choices their friends were making. The MMCs… well they were a work in progress when it came to making new friends and understanding different POVs. I’m really looking forward to the next book because THAT CLIFF! I need answers.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: emotionally and psychologically abusive parent, speciesism, fat phobia, discussion of bullying, violence (brief)
April 6, 2022
I loved the second installment of the Girl's Weekend series! I'm so happy we finally get to see Ris meet someone, and I love reading more about Lurielle and Khash and their easygoing relationship. I love the brief references to Lurielle's minotaur neighbor because we all know who that is! I could read 6 more books about Tate and Silva. Can't wait for the next one!
April 5, 2022
I am so happy to read more about these girls. I could read a whole book about just Tate and Silva. This ends on a bit of a cliffhanger so we’ll be getting more about this story
October 30, 2024
I have to agree with a lot of the other reviews that while it is definitely a stylistic...choice...all of the flashbacks, flashbacks within flashbacks, time jumps, time jumps within flashbacks, etc. are a little hard to get through. Also this was a CHONKY book - 400+ page novel - compared to the first installment, which was a 200 page novella. I have to mention - there are a TON of grammar mistakes, typos, wrong words or tense being used, etc. in the ebook (not sure if the print version has similar issues). Little mistakes are par for the course for ebooks (esp. Kindle Unlimited ones) so I usually just ignore it but it was hard to ignore so many. The ebook definitely needs a more thorough edit, there was something wrong like every couple of pages and it was wildly distracting.
Ris did manage to have more of a personality in this one and I adored Ainsley, but her storyline was definitely still overshadowed by her friends. Lurielle and Khash are precious but for the most part settled so it's not SUPER interesting. It's becoming increasingly clear this is Silva and Tate's story, because WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT ENDING AND WHAT HAS HE BEEN HIDING????
Ris did manage to have more of a personality in this one and I adored Ainsley, but her storyline was definitely still overshadowed by her friends. Lurielle and Khash are precious but for the most part settled so it's not SUPER interesting. It's becoming increasingly clear this is Silva and Tate's story, because WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT ENDING AND WHAT HAS HE BEEN HIDING????
January 6, 2025
4.5 stars
If you liked the first Girls Weekend, you will def like this one as well. We see all three of our FMCs are settling into their trlationships. They are seeing what compromises they have in their life to integrate their relalationships into their everyday life. I will say that Silva did come out as my fave in this one when I enjoyed Lurielle's storyline more in the previous. I'm looking forward to the next two novels in this series.
If you liked the first Girls Weekend, you will def like this one as well. We see all three of our FMCs are settling into their trlationships. They are seeing what compromises they have in their life to integrate their relalationships into their everyday life. I will say that Silva did come out as my fave in this one when I enjoyed Lurielle's storyline more in the previous. I'm looking forward to the next two novels in this series.
January 13, 2026
I liked some of the development of the stories, but it felt like this one dragged a little and definitely was the second book in a trilogy.
Penis weirdness: 3/10 - mean they are just big?
Penis weirdness: 3/10 - mean they are just big?
August 20, 2024
2 of 5
I didn’t liked this book as much as the first one, and I’m not sure why, I feel like something was left behind.
I didn’t liked this book as much as the first one, and I’m not sure why, I feel like something was left behind.
August 30, 2024
too long tbh and could be edited a bit
Did not finish
August 17, 2024I just realized I do not gaf about this book at all.
February 17, 2026
There are so many typos, misspellings, and missing words in this book, it totally took me out of the story.
The story was ok. Interesting enough to keep me reading and wondering how these relationships would progress.
There was a lot of time jumping. In chapter rememberings of things that happened in the past that the reader is being told in the present that made it very confusing.
The story was ok. Interesting enough to keep me reading and wondering how these relationships would progress.
There was a lot of time jumping. In chapter rememberings of things that happened in the past that the reader is being told in the present that made it very confusing.
January 1, 2025
3.5⭐️ RTC
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