mlinder18's Reviews (632)

I am not a huge fantasy reader, but I couldn't put this down. Took me a bit to get into the reading style, which really forces you to slow down while reading. The author does such a fantastic job with imagery, describing some very powerful scenes. Laughs were had, tears were shed, and lessons were learned.

A slow start turns into an addictive unputdownable book! I've never read a "vampire" book like this before. It's clever, inventive and exciting. A little too descriptive in some areas, especially when it came to the body horror but I did love the story. I thought the pay-off at the end was wonderful. The book is set in the south in the 90's and so there is racism and sexism but if the author ignored that it wouldn't be realistic to the time period. I thought Hendrix did a wonderful job and he blew me away again with a great novel. 

Wonderful YA read! It was diverse, funny, emotional and at times challenging. The characters were very well developed and lovable (mostly, minus a few problematic individuals!). This was my first read that focused on a trans individual and adored it and learned so much! I will continue to look for more diverse reads and will definitely check out more from this author. 

A compelling and in depth look at the #MeToo movement, heartbreaking first-hand accounts of sexual assault and genius reporting. The main focus is on Weinstein but covers the Kavanaugh trial and touches on Trump, Cosby, Clinton, Turner and more. A must read if you are an avid Times reader. 

Was there some hot/spicy moments, heck yes! But I couldn't connect with the story at all. I didn't find the characters lovable and had no connection to them. Also I didn't really feel like this was a Hades/Persephone story. Other than the characters names, it made no sense! There were real life mentions of places like Ohio, no real mythical/Greek things played out, and the characters weren't "gods." Would have enjoyed more if it were in a different world, maybe a political storyline or a historical kingdom. Not for me, and I won't continue with the series. 

I both hated and loved this book! 

It is infuriatingly slow. The chapters seem to drag on for the longest time and are very repetitive. I think the book could have been edited down by about 100-150 pages and nothing would be lost. I also didn't feel like there was any real "problem" for the MC's to overcome. They spend the first half of the book going back and forth about an issue you know is going to be solved based on the title! However, the time spent in Spain feels short and just focused on them falling in love (way to easily for an enemies to lovers in my opinion). I didn't think there was any "breakthrough" moment for the characters. 

With all those negatives in mind, I still came to enjoy the book. Although not very original for a romance, it's cute! The characters are lovable and Aaron Blackford is my new book boyfriend. I love him and he can do no wrong. 

I can definitely say I've never read a thriller like this before! It is quite the slow burn, but leaves the reader feeling uneasy and tense throughout. 

Truthfully though, I just don't think this book was for me, and that is ok. I found the topic so intriguing and the overall plot was great but found it to be a little heavy-handed for most of the story. I like to discover things as a reader and this just told me everything without there being any mystery. 


Not a bad read. Wonderful to pick up and learn more about social issues/gentrification through a fiction book. I just didn't connect. 

Beautifully written but not for me. 

A fast-paced immersive adventure that never lets up! Was this book wild and unrealistic, oh totally. Will I cherish it to no end and turn to it when I need a laugh, cry or to feel something, DEFINITELY! Rom-Com books tend to be light on the Comedy and just go really deep into the Romance and while that is lovely and has its place, that is not what this book does. It's full of belly laugh moments, as well as some sweet romance, a beautiful friendship and sobbing, lots and lots of sobbing. I love Olive, I never wanted her adventure to end and I hope to see more of her in a book in the future. 

Dare I say, best book of the year?!? 

I adored this book, devoured it, and am already planning a reread. Hendrix just knows how to write a great horror book that delivers on action, comedy and emotion. The ending had a wonderful (and unpredictable!) payoff!