kewlkat70's Reviews (250)

I actually liked this book but giving it a lower rating just because it's such an extreme bully trauma RH romance.   I liked it for personal reasons but it's not a book I would recommend unless the reader is looking for something specific. 

This book crosses the line into non con and SA and should not be read by anyone who finds finds the bullying in zodiac academy to be much. 

What sort of reader likes this sort of trauma romance?  I can only speak for myself but as a woman who has experienced a fair amount of what would be termed non/dub con and actual rape that sent the perpetrator to jail (so dealing with the system as a SA victim).  I have processed the trauma over many years and reading this doesn't trigger flashbacks (the real thing is indescribably different).  But what it does is remind me of the contradictions and confusion and the compartmentalism and other actions i needed to do to survive.  I thought I was weak and blamed myself for being a doormat, for not "just walking away", for being stupid, for being desperate,for feeling immense guilt, for finding any enjoyment in intimacy. I was reassured by my therapist that I was resourceful and a survivor and worthy.  

Reading this book sets me back to that time and instead of being re-traumatized I actually can embrace my former self and remind myself that I was a badass in the way I survived and that I was also able to change the script of my life and overcome the "bullies" and gain back the freedom and autonomy and happiness I love. 

Dammit this series is so good but this book ends on such a cliffhanger! 

The final book is expected soon. 

Very spicy and funny. 

I like an alpha male asshole reverse harem. 

I'm not sure if these are novels, novellas or stories as they are shorter than I'm used to and could probably read through 2 in an evening.

However they are highly enjoyable.  Murderbot is clever and engaging and curious and endearing.  I am looking forward to how it continues to learn about interacting with humans and what it discovers about itself in the process.

Plus, I have missed reading hard SF space stories.  

I feel like I have accepted? Understood? Overcome? The premise of this series it's getting to be a more enjoyable read.  The main character is so adorable and the story is more about Dom learning to believe in himself and watching him build his self confidence and accept his own worth. 

When I look at the story in that way the complaints I had before about the writing and the lack of storyline fall way.  

This is more about Dom's psychological growth and how his friends deal and heal from their trauma. 

As someone who has been sexually assaulted, experienced PTSD from the trauma and done the work to bring myself back from victim to survivor to thriving, the journey of the side characters is the most realistic I've read in this genre. 

Writing is lovely and there is a bittersweet element that winds its way through the story that pulls on your heartstrings. 

I want to give it a 5 but I just don't think it will have a long lasting effect.  There isn't anything new here just a story about time and love that is well written.