Renee > Recent Status Updates

I did NOT see that plot twist coming at all!! Holy crap, talk about turning everything up on its ear. So little and so much left. I swear this book better not end on a cliffhanger.

Gah I do so love me a totally uptight and tightly wound MMC. Wells is that on steroids. Makes it that much more fun when they come undone. Love how much Gwyn knocks him off kilter. Also that Morgan is clearly up to no good.

So many revelations in the last few chapters. But I have an inkling as to a few things. Will be curious to see if I’m right. Plus Blackwell and his intentions are becoming a bit clearer. Although Ophelia really needs to be a bit less concerned with her feelings right now and more on the games. Girl, you’re losing the plot!

I can't decide what I think about Blackwell. Is he actually good or is this a ploy? It's kind of hard to tell and he does have his own ulterior motives at play here. Also, how many times did the author use the word insidious in this book??? Seems about six billion. So far, this is definitely keeping me guessing. The games are...interesting.

Interesting start. Confused by something though. I think they’re in the modern era aka the present. But the way she dresses - corsets, long gowns and dresses. Plus taking carriages everywhere. It makes it seem as though she’s living in the 1800s. Finding the contrast odd. Not sure if this is just part of the oddness of her and her family (sister) or if this is a sign of something else.

Reading this as a result of my socials' TBR Game. The viewers chose this for me. I have great hopes for it based on everything I've heard about it.

“You didn’t get cheekbones like that without oppressing some peasants.” Great line right off the cuff.

Continuing my cozy fantasy vibe I'm feeling right now.

Decided to go ahead and read the second book or rather listen to it on audiobook. All I can say is that burgeoning love triangle thing? Clearly she should NOT be with Ash. There’s upright and then there’s too upright. He’s clearly too uptight. Girl, clearly Rowan is the better choice.

After the ending of Iron Flame, of course I had to immediately read this one. This whole series is owning me lock, stock, and barrel.

I’m ready for the bad guys to stop winning so much now! I know this is all part of the process with the book. But I’ve loved all of these various characters through so many of these books and it sucks to see them down - although not out yet. Although looks like Kit and Lienna might be on the verge of discovering something.

So much has happened. But right now, I feel bad for Xaden. I wish Violet would be less judgmental and insecure. She needs to believe truly this man genuinely loves her and with his whole heart. But her own insecurities are what’s holding her back. I think in her heart, she sees him as so unattainable that she can’t understand why he would love her. Also why she keeps blaming herself for everything.

Since this is the last book in a very long interconnected series, looks like we’re revisiting several of the others and I’m here for it. Enjoying it so far even though things aren’t looking great for our characters- right now.

An odd book thus far. The slang used has taken some time to get used to. The prose is terse. Makes sense given the narrator but it means the book doesn’t flow. Still haven’t decided how I feel about this book yet. It’s interesting, yes, but perhaps it’s the style of writing or the sheer amount of world building but I don’t feel connected to any of the characters yet.

First impressions. It really dumps you right into the world with little explanation. Takes a minute to orient yourself. The colors, the vernacular, the basic societal organization. By chapter 3, I got the basic gist. Darrow, the narrator, is interesting in his presentation of things. He seems fine with everything and then the next minute will show an awareness that borders on bitterness of their miserable situation

Okay, so this week's TBR Game winner (check out my socials for details). I have downloaded the audiobook as well because I have loads of driving to do this week. So this will be a bit of an immersive read for this one.

Part I done. And holy crap what a dang ride it’s been and I’m only halfway through! Some of my preconceived ideas about certain people weren’t 100% true. But jury is still out because I still think certain people still suck. Just did one or two non-terrible things. Doesn’t mean they are fully good in my eyes. Getting to see Xaden and Violet back together again is awesome. I’ll say this. That man is devoted

Just finished Chapter 25 and Nolan’s “project” was just revealed. And WTF!!!!!!!!!!! I just totally lost it! Are you kidding me right now!?!?!

First of all, Tairn is such a badass and I love it! I was just sitting there wondering why hasn’t Tairn put Varrish in his place and then…he did. And it was epic. Now I think this may be more problematic for Violet later but it was nice to see happen nonetheless.

This book has been very slow to pick up for me but seems to be getting more interesting now. Also the scene when she gets drugged by the vampire and overshares with Reid is pretty damn funny.

This book has some cute and rather funny moments. My only complaint? The sentient phone. Feels too slapstick for my taste. Though everything else is working so far.

I would say so far this book is really setting up a whole lot of WTF this year. Also, Violet just needs to forgive Xaden already. She doesn’t get to see him much as is and with everything going on at Basgiath, she needs him more not less in her life. Also would like to note NONE of this crap would have happened if Dain had not been the absolute snake that he is and thus my very valid reason for still hating him

Okay so I hate both Dain and his father. Awesome. Gah.

Okay. Violet is kind of annoying me. She’s being a bit unreasonable about Xaden and his need to keep secrets. I mean, that’s something understandable and not sure why she can’t understand that. Sorry, on Xaden’s side in this.

I’m very curious to see how they will return to Basgiath. Because wont they know they didn’t return to the other location as instructed?? I’m confused on how this is going to work.

Getting more interesting but I wonder why she persists with the boyfriend she doesn’t seem to like and the job she likes even less.

Basically I could care less about these two characters right now. Wonder how much longer I give it?

I don’t know y’all. I’m not loving this book. Plus the FMC is pretty annoying. She’s like hey I’m going to wallow about this unresolved grief but I’m absolutely going to ignore every single effort to make me better. Ugh. See? This is why I avoid angsty books.

From the blurb, I thought this was more comedic but looking it’s going to be a bit more on the angsty side. Not my preferred but I’ll give it a go.