E. C. > Recent Status Updates

Liking this so far but don’t need Henry’s POV

2026 not off to a good start. A lot of bad books… No great ones.

I thought this would be darker based on the cover in the setting, but it’s trying to be cute.

I find the fmc’s tone so annoying. She obvs meant to be quirky and clever, but it’s not working for me.

Oh no. I had this whole plan to just immerse myself in this series. But my memories of book 1 didn’t hold up, and now I’m really struggling with book too. Resisting the urge to.DNF.

I am rereading this book because I see a lot of great reviews about book 3 and I’m kind of sick of picking up new authors and not liking the books. So I’m going to reread this, and then assuming everything is still on track, I’ll read book 2 and 3 too. I’m not a big series reader, but if the second and third book are as good as everybody says, then they should keep me occupied for a week or so. At least!

Already clear that this is a two star book. (if not one… TBD)

And yet I keep reading. For now.

This author has written a lot so I’m surprised this is the first book I’ve tried of hers.

The character names are ridiculous!

I like this but it sort of breaks the mood everyone she calls him a hipster?? Like, why does that keep happening… they are making out in a library and it’s hella hot. But hipster is a randomly outdated non-insult and it’s on every other page of this damn book.

Jeeezus this is hard to read. The trigger warnings are all there, it is dark. But it’s not the sort of twisted obsessive romance book that I’m used to. It’s straight up domestic violence. And the violence is intense. As in, I actually feel a little ill when I read it.

Interested in this story but feel weighted down by the writing.

Also would have preferred to see the blood king, whatever his name is, show a little more hesitation in this marriage! Feels more insta than i like. On his part at least.

The time jumps are super annoying

WHOA. Slowish (but good) start. And then BAM. CRAZY.

The first scene between these two has some of the worst dialogue I’ve ever read!

It can only get better…

Strange to read a book set in my city. It’s a little off and i know that will ultimately distract me from enjoying this book.

This is dumb

Some of the insecurities that were set in book one are starting to feel repetitive in this book.

“Hi Johnny”
“Really?”
“Are you sure?”

It’s on every page…

Also, i don’t understand the age thing! They are a year apart… is this really a concern? I refuse to google age of consent in Ireland like some perverted republican senator.

This seems … silly? Is that the right word?

This is just a straight up mafia story now. Which is not my thing.

I don’t love how the forced proximity just melts away to mutual obsession in this one. Why not push and pull a bit longer?

Candace isa solid author. I often pick up her books when i feel myself slipping into a slump.

This is really slow. Every time i read, my mind wanders. If it doesn’t pick up soon i might abandon.

Hollows Row was one of my favorite series in 2024. I like this author. But this book isn’t as engaging. I keep having to reread the last page because my mind is wandering. And it’s established right away that the characters are already obsessed with each other. Which is annoying – I liked the slow reveals in hollows row. We’ll see what happens, but so far it’s just not as interesting.

I like this story. But all the back and forth across this timeline is too much. why not just start at the beginning?

Also, this high school/college crossover campus thing needs to stop. It’s dumb and confusing.

Whoaaaaaa. Intense start. I love this writer. But she gets my insides all twisted up. It can be hard to read sometimes. And yet it flows so beautifully. Fucked up!

This is a slowwwwwwwwww burn

Funny to read an early mariano book. You can really see how much her writing has evolved. And yet, some things never change.

iiiiiiii dunno.

I’ve loved the other books on this series, but this one isn’t sitting right. Something about Arianna (or birthday girl). She’s whiny and indecisive. The other women in the series aren’t like this. They may be shy or immature. But they’re smart and know what they want/need. Arianna is supposed to be older and wiser. But she’s dumb and insecure and doesn’t take care of herself. And Marcus is so hot! Ugh.