The last time and first time I read this was over 15 years ago in middle school! Even then I loved it and the heartbreaking story resonated with me. The second time around, I know more history of WW2, so I was able to better understand the leading up to the second book in terms of history. I once again enjoyed the use of animal cartoons to portray certain populations (ex. Mouse, pig, cat) and it led me to read this book understanding the use of those characters. The fact this is now a banned book is blasphemous to me! I recommend this to any reader of most ages!

So let me start by saying, I am very confused by my feelings for this book and possibly this series. The world building itself is amazing and well thought out, and it reminded me of Harry Potter world building. This series is definitely a good alternative to that popular but controversial world. Where I am confused about my feelings is that I was never drawn to pick up this book. Could be the mindset I'm in right now. I spent much of my time getting confused with all the orders, character names, astrology, and all those other details. Should've taken notes! But in the end, I am still going to read the other books. Just not in the mood to binge though. Not a bad book, but didn't pull me in like some other stories.

This book has been on my tbr since it was released, and I finally picked it up since I’ll be reading Wrobel’s new book next month!

For the first 20% of the book, I didn’t have high hopes that I’d really enjoy this book because much of the information was heavily influenced by the Gypsy Rose case, which I am very knowledgeable about. I was very happy when the book suddenly took a turn and started having its own plot points! I was happy that the author didn’t just copy completely the Gypsy Rose case, because my rating would be a lot lower if it had. I enjoyed this book a lot with all the twists and turns at the end. I loved how dark Rose Gold’s character was. Reading her thoughts sent a chill down my spine sometimes.

Overall, I gave it 4 stars because a chunk of the book was way too similar to the Gypsy Rose case, but about halfway through the book it did give its own plot.

One of my favorite things about Colleen Hoover books is how easy they are to read. Even though a majority of them have difficult plots such as loss, they are quick to read through. I was intially not in love with the characters of this book because I felt Ledger fell too hard, too quickly, and Kenna seemed to whiny. But I enjoyed the plot and about 50% through I could appreciate the twists and turns of the story. I don't normally get emotional while reading books, but the ending ALMOST made me cry! That's telling you something!! If you are new to Colleen Hoover books, then I think this is a good starting point to get an idea of her books. 

Thank you to the publisher and author for a copy to read and review!

My main reason for wanting to read this book stems from the fact I was on systemic (full body) testosterone for a year due to the birth control pill blocking my production of testosterone in my body. Essentially, I was without testosterone for who knows how long!

I wanted to read a book detailing what testosterone does to the body, and really wanted to be picky and see if this book detailed females being on testosterone. Unfortunately, there wasn't many examples of the type of testosterone treatment I was on, but instead focused on transitioning females to males, as well as hormonal deficiencies in fetuses that affect later life. 

This was a very knowledgeable book though about bodily functions, sexual drives, and hormonal changes that testosterone can cause. I recommend reading this book if you have any interest in hormones.

I’m giving this a generous 4 star review. After having a thorough discussion with my bookclub about this one, I have changed some of my initial thoughts. The overall consensus with us was that we felt it was more likely a murder than a suicide. Some details of the book seemed unnecessary as well. I did enjoy the first 2/3 of the book but lost interest once it entered into the trial portion of the book. I kept interested in this book though, hence my rating.

When I first finished this book, I had given it a 5 star rating. But after a thorough conversation at book club with others, we discussed the many plot holes throughout the book that left me feeling more so of a rating of 4 stars.

That being said, this was a really enjoyable read for me. It was slower in the first fifty or so pages, and then I sped through it and didn't want to put it down. The last 100 pages are the best part of it since it becomes action packed and fast paced. I think my favorite thing about the book was the location and the fact is was a forced proximity sort of setting and plot.

With the plot holes, which there were quite a lot, I think this book could have been amazing if those holes could have been explained. Overall, I really want to read Hawkins' other books now.

This was recommended to me by a close friend and I will begin by saying that I don’t regret reading this one. I didn’t love it though. I think it was a good starter thriller for someone maybe just getting into the genre. It was more-so focusing on the growth of a victim and how they dealt with their kidnapping and trauma. It had some darker parts that I appreciated and it was done tastefully. Overall, I think if you’re into domestic thrillers with some heartfelt moments of a victim, then this is the book for you!

So in Flock, I loved the reverse harem element and it kept my attention. I struggled with this one a bit more once the harem element was taken away. I also lost a little bit of interest in the main action/mystery plot of the story. I wanted more steam. Overall I will still always recommend this entire series. I could have been becoming burnt out on the series for instance and I wouldn’t want to take away from this great series.