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30something_reads's Reviews (820)
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4 ⭐
Still super compelling (even if I'm still not loving Oli as a character). I just am not a fan of the sulky, self-obsessed teenaged attitude... But, she's 19 so I guess that's what I signed up for? 🤷🏻♀️
Really enjoying the progression of the story though. This book really added to the world building and gave us a lot more insight into the depths of the Resistances foothold in their society.
Continuing to rank the guys after each book.
Bonded Rankings:
1. Gryphon (💞)
2. North
3. Gabe
4. Atlas
5. Nox (still hasn't redeemed himself & added major gaslighting to the list of his BS. Honestly, I'll be really disappointed if that doesn't all get addressed.)
Still super compelling (even if I'm still not loving Oli as a character). I just am not a fan of the sulky, self-obsessed teenaged attitude... But, she's 19 so I guess that's what I signed up for? 🤷🏻♀️
Really enjoying the progression of the story though. This book really added to the world building and gave us a lot more insight into the depths of the Resistances foothold in their society.
Continuing to rank the guys after each book.
Bonded Rankings:
1. Gryphon (💞)
2. North
3. Gabe
4. Atlas
5. Nox (still hasn't redeemed himself & added major gaslighting to the list of his BS. Honestly, I'll be really disappointed if that doesn't all get addressed.)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Violence, Gaslighting
Minor: Death of parent
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4 ⭐️
Honestly, this was a really compelling start to this series. I'm shocked that I binged this book in a single day.
My only complaint (and probably why I wouldn't give this 5 stars) is that the FMC, Oleander, was pretty insufferable throughout like 70% of this book. I'm not sure if it was the writing style or the narrator (I listened along via audio book while reading on KU). It might have been the narrator that gave Oli an overly petulant characterization. But I often found myself agreeing with North in that Oli was acting like a child.
Hopefully her character will grow with the series (especially with where this one leaves off).
Honestly, this was a really compelling start to this series. I'm shocked that I binged this book in a single day.
My only complaint (and probably why I wouldn't give this 5 stars) is that the FMC, Oleander, was pretty insufferable throughout like 70% of this book. I'm not sure if it was the writing style or the narrator (I listened along via audio book while reading on KU). It might have been the narrator that gave Oli an overly petulant characterization. But I often found myself agreeing with North in that Oli was acting like a child.
Hopefully her character will grow with the series (especially with where this one leaves off).
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 ⭐
Overall this was good and it was exactly what I was looking for in the moment.
This is a dark fairy tale reimagining of Rapunzel with a Why Choose romance. It's friends-to-enemies/enemies-to-lovers. It does end on a bit of a cliff hanger and part two is not out yet.
Honestly, I was expecting it to be a bit darker in the romance aspects of the story. With the exception of one interaction between Wren and Rapunzel early on, I didn't really feel like the romance was overly dark. I think the plot of the story itself is where more of the dark elements come in.
I liked the MMCs. They were pretty well defined and had their own unique backstories and personalities that worked well together as a whole. Wren brought the angst, Dax brought the humor, and Quinn brought the demons (literally).
I'll definitely check out Part 2 when it's out.
TWs: (pulled from author's website) Graphic sex. Group sex. Rough sex. Dubious sexual consent. Graphic violence. Graphic language. Captivity. Kidnapping. References to suicide.
Overall this was good and it was exactly what I was looking for in the moment.
This is a dark fairy tale reimagining of Rapunzel with a Why Choose romance. It's friends-to-enemies/enemies-to-lovers. It does end on a bit of a cliff hanger and part two is not out yet.
Honestly, I was expecting it to be a bit darker in the romance aspects of the story. With the exception of one interaction between Wren and Rapunzel early on, I didn't really feel like the romance was overly dark. I think the plot of the story itself is where more of the dark elements come in.
I liked the MMCs. They were pretty well defined and had their own unique backstories and personalities that worked well together as a whole. Wren brought the angst, Dax brought the humor, and Quinn brought the demons (literally).
I'll definitely check out Part 2 when it's out.
TWs: (pulled from author's website) Graphic sex. Group sex. Rough sex. Dubious sexual consent. Graphic violence. Graphic language. Captivity. Kidnapping. References to suicide.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.25 ⭐
I had such a great time reading this, especially considering I don't typically read Noir. I also listened along on audio while reading, and I think that really helped set the tone.
Dark, gritty, and very violent. This is the story of, Atl, a young Tlahuihpochin vampire who is on the run from a Necros vampire clan. She reluctantly teams up with a street kid from Mexico City, Domingo, in order to evade vampires, cops, and all matter of criminals that are looking to take her down.
The vampire lore in this was just freaking fantastic. I loved the descriptions of the species and different subspecies and how the author wove it all together in this world.
I can imagine this being a fantastic movie or graphic novel.
I had such a great time reading this, especially considering I don't typically read Noir. I also listened along on audio while reading, and I think that really helped set the tone.
Dark, gritty, and very violent. This is the story of, Atl, a young Tlahuihpochin vampire who is on the run from a Necros vampire clan. She reluctantly teams up with a street kid from Mexico City, Domingo, in order to evade vampires, cops, and all matter of criminals that are looking to take her down.
The vampire lore in this was just freaking fantastic. I loved the descriptions of the species and different subspecies and how the author wove it all together in this world.
I can imagine this being a fantastic movie or graphic novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Murder
Minor: Child death, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Grief, Death of parent
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
5 ⭐
This book is such a little gem!
A dark and twisty fairytale filled with dry humor and a sprinkle of romance that scratched an itch I didn't know I had.
A third-born princess sets out on an impossible quest to kill the evil prince and save her sister. Along the way she gathers a dog of bone, an old woman who can speak with the dead, a knight entrapped by the fair folk, and a peculiar fairy godmother. Together, they set off on this "fool's errand in which they will probably die."
This book is such a little gem!
A dark and twisty fairytale filled with dry humor and a sprinkle of romance that scratched an itch I didn't know I had.
A third-born princess sets out on an impossible quest to kill the evil prince and save her sister. Along the way she gathers a dog of bone, an old woman who can speak with the dead, a knight entrapped by the fair folk, and a peculiar fairy godmother. Together, they set off on this "fool's errand in which they will probably die."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, Pregnancy
Minor: Animal death, Child death, Miscarriage
fast-paced
Friends to lovers with a heaping amount of primal play 🫠
vo.EROS narrating anything always gets me blushing 😳🥵
vo.EROS narrating anything always gets me blushing 😳🥵
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
adventurous
fast-paced
5 ⭐
Doing a series reread to prepare for the newest book...... yes, I just love this series so frickin much.
My initial review simply said, "HOLY BIONIC DING DONG, BATMAN" and, while I still stand by that, I do have a few other thoughts:
Plot Summary:
Vanessa doesn’t have the luxury of building a happily ever after on a new planet like her fellow alien abduction survivors. She must get back to Earth. Her family needs her, and she can’t afford to let them down again. So, she’ll find a way to break Clecanian law and get home—even if she has to marry (and betray) a sexy space pirate to do it.
Fejo can’t believe his luck when Vanessa, a gorgeous human with a sharp tongue, chooses him as her husband. He doesn’t know what he did to win her favor, but he’s determined to do everything in his power to make her happy. If only he could figure out why his alien bride is so reluctant to accept the kindness—and pleasure—he’s so eager to offer.
Vanessa’s plan was simple. Until she started falling for her ridiculously charming husband. Now, she has to figure out how to get home without breaking Fejo’s heart—or her own. Easy, right?
✔️Marriage of Convenience (one-sided)
✔️Grumpy lady/Sunshine love interest
✔️Sexy rakish pirate with major himbo energy and a heart of gold
Thoughts:
I loved this book on the first read and, damnit, I still love it the second time around. Honestly, Fejo deserves the world. My love for him is equal to the love I have for Theo.
OH, AND I HAVE TO GO READ THE MALADEK NOVELLA FROM Claimed Among the Stars BECAUSE HOW CAN I NOT??? Maladek redemption!
Pregnancy on page? (view spoiler)
Series Ranking
Book 1: Choosing Theo -(Jade/Theo) 5⭐
Book 2: Freeing Luka -(Alice/Luka) 3.25⭐
Book 3: Saving Verakko -(Lily/Verakko) 4⭐
Book 4: Tempting Auzed -(Alejandra/Auzed) 4.5 ⭐
Book 5: Using Fejo -(Vanessa/Fejo) 5 ⭐
Doing a series reread to prepare for the newest book...... yes, I just love this series so frickin much.
My initial review simply said, "HOLY BIONIC DING DONG, BATMAN" and, while I still stand by that, I do have a few other thoughts:
Plot Summary:
Vanessa doesn’t have the luxury of building a happily ever after on a new planet like her fellow alien abduction survivors. She must get back to Earth. Her family needs her, and she can’t afford to let them down again. So, she’ll find a way to break Clecanian law and get home—even if she has to marry (and betray) a sexy space pirate to do it.
Fejo can’t believe his luck when Vanessa, a gorgeous human with a sharp tongue, chooses him as her husband. He doesn’t know what he did to win her favor, but he’s determined to do everything in his power to make her happy. If only he could figure out why his alien bride is so reluctant to accept the kindness—and pleasure—he’s so eager to offer.
Vanessa’s plan was simple. Until she started falling for her ridiculously charming husband. Now, she has to figure out how to get home without breaking Fejo’s heart—or her own. Easy, right?
✔️Marriage of Convenience (one-sided)
✔️Grumpy lady/Sunshine love interest
✔️Sexy rakish pirate with major himbo energy and a heart of gold
Thoughts:
I loved this book on the first read and, damnit, I still love it the second time around. Honestly, Fejo deserves the world. My love for him is equal to the love I have for Theo.
OH, AND I HAVE TO GO READ THE MALADEK NOVELLA FROM Claimed Among the Stars BECAUSE HOW CAN I NOT??? Maladek redemption!
Pregnancy on page? (view spoiler)
Series Ranking
Book 1: Choosing Theo -(Jade/Theo) 5⭐
Book 2: Freeing Luka -(Alice/Luka) 3.25⭐
Book 3: Saving Verakko -(Lily/Verakko) 4⭐
Book 4: Tempting Auzed -(Alejandra/Auzed) 4.5 ⭐
Book 5: Using Fejo -(Vanessa/Fejo) 5 ⭐
adventurous
fast-paced
4.5 ⭐
Doing a series reread to prepare for the new book.
Plot Summary:
Alejandra is a survivor. Abduction, a near drowning, and being lost in an alien forest? Easy. Things were finally starting to go her way when the most intense, grumpy, and insanely tempting man she’s ever seen rescues her from a monster. And then things get infinitely more complicated.
Auzed has his orders. He is to find the missing human and deliver her to Tremanta. Getting caught trespassing in Sauven territory was not part of the plan. Neither was pretending to be the sexy beauty’s fiancé to protect her from forced marriage to a Sauven stranger…but here they are.
✔️Fake Dating
✔️Forced proximity
✔️Grumpy/Sunshine
Thoughts:
Oooh I love Auzed and Alex's dynamic even more the second time around! They are total opposites and delightfully confounded by the other.
And, unrelated- but OMG the insights into Maxu in this book are DELICIOUS. Such a trouble-maker and I cannot wait for his book!
Pregnancy on page? No
Series Ranking
Book 1: Choosing Theo -(Jade/Theo) 5⭐
Book 2: Freeing Luka -(Alice/Luka) 3.25⭐
Book 3: Saving Verakko -(Lily/Verakko) 4⭐
Book 4: Tempting Auzed -(Alejandra/Auzed) 4.5 ⭐
Doing a series reread to prepare for the new book.
Plot Summary:
Alejandra is a survivor. Abduction, a near drowning, and being lost in an alien forest? Easy. Things were finally starting to go her way when the most intense, grumpy, and insanely tempting man she’s ever seen rescues her from a monster. And then things get infinitely more complicated.
Auzed has his orders. He is to find the missing human and deliver her to Tremanta. Getting caught trespassing in Sauven territory was not part of the plan. Neither was pretending to be the sexy beauty’s fiancé to protect her from forced marriage to a Sauven stranger…but here they are.
✔️Fake Dating
✔️Forced proximity
✔️Grumpy/Sunshine
Thoughts:
Oooh I love Auzed and Alex's dynamic even more the second time around! They are total opposites and delightfully confounded by the other.
And, unrelated- but OMG the insights into Maxu in this book are DELICIOUS. Such a trouble-maker and I cannot wait for his book!
Pregnancy on page? No
Series Ranking
Book 1: Choosing Theo -(Jade/Theo) 5⭐
Book 2: Freeing Luka -(Alice/Luka) 3.25⭐
Book 3: Saving Verakko -(Lily/Verakko) 4⭐
Book 4: Tempting Auzed -(Alejandra/Auzed) 4.5 ⭐
4 ⭐
Doing a series reread to prepare for the new book.
Plot Summary:
When Lily is freed from alien captivity, she refuses to wait for rescue—or recapture. She’ll take her chances in the forest. Then, an enormous alien falls into her camp and makes her question everything. He’s rude, grumpy, and annoyingly sexy.
Verakko was supposed to liberate the kidnapped humans, then return home to fulfill his obligations. Getting dropped into the forest at the feet of the most confounding female he’s ever met was not on the agenda. So, he’ll help her, then they’ll go their separate ways. That’s the plan…until he starts to suspect that Lily is his mate.
Thoughts:
I am at such a loss because part of me loves Verakko and Lily but another part is so annoyed at his lying by omission throughout their time together in the jungle.
But GOD the absolute tension between these two while they are alone in the jungle is such perfection! I love the forbidden romance and forced proximity. I love that SHE is the one with survival skills and he has to reevaluate everything he thinks he knows about women and what it means to be in a relationship while he is with her.
I'm such a sucker for the "surviving the wilderness together" and the "its a cold night so we need to share body heat to stay alive" tropes. Yes. Always.
And the spice in this one is immaculate. I'll forgive Verakko for his idiocy. But only this once.
Series Ranking
Book 1: Choosing Theo -(Jade/Theo) 5⭐
Book 2: Freeing Luka -(Alice/Luka) 3.25⭐
Book 3: Saving Verakko -(Lily/Verakko) 4⭐
Doing a series reread to prepare for the new book.
Plot Summary:
When Lily is freed from alien captivity, she refuses to wait for rescue—or recapture. She’ll take her chances in the forest. Then, an enormous alien falls into her camp and makes her question everything. He’s rude, grumpy, and annoyingly sexy.
Verakko was supposed to liberate the kidnapped humans, then return home to fulfill his obligations. Getting dropped into the forest at the feet of the most confounding female he’s ever met was not on the agenda. So, he’ll help her, then they’ll go their separate ways. That’s the plan…until he starts to suspect that Lily is his mate.
Thoughts:
I am at such a loss because part of me loves Verakko and Lily but another part is so annoyed at his lying by omission throughout their time together in the jungle.
But GOD the absolute tension between these two while they are alone in the jungle is such perfection! I love the forbidden romance and forced proximity. I love that SHE is the one with survival skills and he has to reevaluate everything he thinks he knows about women and what it means to be in a relationship while he is with her.
I'm such a sucker for the "surviving the wilderness together" and the "its a cold night so we need to share body heat to stay alive" tropes. Yes. Always.
And the spice in this one is immaculate. I'll forgive Verakko for his idiocy. But only this once.
Series Ranking
Book 1: Choosing Theo -(Jade/Theo) 5⭐
Book 2: Freeing Luka -(Alice/Luka) 3.25⭐
Book 3: Saving Verakko -(Lily/Verakko) 4⭐