I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read Benjamin Stevenson's next book in this series coming later in 2023. Cover to cover, I had a blast reading and I loved every character. They were all the same but also so different in so many ways and it was so much fun reading and learning about all of them with how this book was set out.

There was also layers of misdirection paved through the writing and each time it came up I couldn't help but laugh. Numerous times I chuckled to myself and each time I got caught out by the phrasing or narrative I just smiled - it felt so silly but so obvious at the same time!

The only thing that could have given this book a negative mark was that I did guess who the killer was, quite significantly, before the end of the book. However, I loved every single word that it didn't take away from my enjoyment at all and I feel that is something worth keeping the star for.

This book was a slog! A positive one, but oh boy the content was so much to digest. I've constantly been surprised by the storyline throughout the entirety of this book which is amazing considering how long it is. One chapter could be explaining the scene and within a single paragraph towards the end of it, everything you knew could just unravel and change. The characters are complex and true to their own places in the world, even after revelations literally shake the foundation of an entire empires beliefs. Religion and belief systems are a huge frame of context for this book, and it was great watching characters firmly stick to their beliefs even when others they loved were of an opposing system. I find it too common characters change to fit the narrative and make telling stories easier rather than remaining complex and challenged. My only gripe with the book was with the conclusion. Fantasy books especially, boast so much adventure and character struggles through the meat of their books that a climax which is lacklustre feels like the entire journey to this point was overkill. Especially when the journey is 800 pages long AND there's an equally long prequel. I'm so heavily conflicted with how this book ended that I'm unsure if I want to spend another month trudging through the next book. However, if you want a book with great characters, incredible world building and you don't particularly care how it ends then this book would be perfect for you!

The Writing - Amazing
The Characters - Cute and Funny
The Romance - Spicy and Scandalously Fun

I relished in this book from beginning to end and I wish already that it wasn't over. Pippa and Jamie are a whirlwind of fun, and with the addition of the cutest sounding dog on the planet this book was adorable! I regret to say that I have not read any other books written by Stephanie Archer, and after finishing "Behind the Net" I will certainly be rectifying this.

Pippa was such a fun and amazing character. She went from being emotionally crushed after all she had gone through to then be swept up and protected by Jamie in his gorgeously masculine arms. It was a perfect romantic storm. Jamie is also so soft and sweet and my heart melted while he was talking about his mum.

I loved how the characters had history together, and the forced proximity really added to the undercover feelings the two characters shared between each other. I confess to being a huge Ice Hockey fan and thoroughly enjoyed imagining the teams on the ice and how the descriptions of the games played out. If you're a fan of dirty talk and professional Ice Hockey then this is definitely a book series worth checking out! (Or even just the dirty talk part, because, oh my...)

Thank you Stephanie, I can't wait to see what else comes out next!

TROPES
- Forced Proximity
- Spice Coach
- Sports (Pro Ice Hockey)
- Grumpy / Sunshine
- Position of Power (Employer/Employee)

I simply could not enjoy this book no matter how much I tried. The writing was fantastic and I give props to Ottessa wholeheartedly. This book just didn't resonate with me. I found it difficult to follow the character, I found it impossible to enjoy anyone or anything being talked about and the main characters abuse of meds was incredibly off-putting. I do believe this could have been better published as a novella, as the substance and repetition did also play a huge part in why I could not finish this book.

For a romance, this book was beautiful, steamy and spicy!

The relationship between Michael and Stella was adorable and his affection for her had me falling in love with them as a couple. This would also be my first read featuring a person who is, in story, diagnosed with autism and I have found myself learning a lot from Stella as a character.

Though this book was spicy, I loved the dynamic they shared as a couple. Most romance novels really make you feel like a fly on the wall, witnessing verbal drawl of intimacy. However, Helen really brought these characters to life with her writing and I felt invested in their relationship. When they were happy, sad, awkward or troubled I felt it with them and the experience of the book was so much more than what I expected.

Definitely will be looking into the other books Helen has written, and if she has made the others just like this one I'm in for a treat!

For the first book I've listened to in this series and from this Author I quite enjoyed the story. The writing was fine and the characters were also fine.

It was a lovely book and if you wanted something paranormal and very easy to read then this is the book for you! It's fun and the premise of the overall cause for the story is interesting, I'm keen to continue the series for the development of Cass and Jacob alone.

I think it's going to be an in-between series for me though - I'm not particularly compelled to rush to the next book. Though I'll happily read it if it's available and I can't think of anything else to pick up.

Excuse me!!

I can't believe Rebecca had the AUDACITY to write this book. I am completely and utterly floored by how good this book was, I am seriously considering re-reading it right now... even though I have just finished it.

The story - 5☆
The characters - 5☆
The writing - 5☆

It was an incredible read right from the beginning and I'm kicking myself the sequel is 6 months away! If you have any doubts at all about reading this book - do yourself a favour and don't listen to them and read it!

Honestly, it's been such a long time since I've had a book make me feel this way and I am so happy and excited to see what comes next. Thank you Rebecca for bringing this book into the World, I can't wait for Iron Flame!

Firstly I would like to thank whatever Deity of Luck I pleased to win a copy of this book in Audio from the Storygraph give-aways.

This book was simply divine! From start to finish I enjoyed the story, the characters and the writing. The narrator was fabulous and her telling of the story was wonderful.

It was also very easy to listen to and I found myself so relaxed when it was playing, it was hardly a challenge at all to want to keep going. The ending perfectly set up the series for ongoing books and I'm certain I'll be purchasing all of them in Audio form as soon as I've finished writing this review.

Personally I cannot find any fault with this Audiobook and I am thoroughly looking forward to reading the rest of Hannah's adventures.

Actually... one fault... Hannah didn't get her puppy!!

This book was a ride! The premise and basis for how the story could feasibly happen in reality were creative and seemed well thought out.

I was wary of how this book was going to go, considering it brings in multiverse theory. At the beginning, I did audibly complain this was VERY repetitive, and I understand why, I just think it did it one or two times too many before settling on the life changing scenario. I don't think it was until the last 100 or so pages that the book actually started to remove itself from a groundhog day situation.

That being said, I loved the writing, and I somehow love the main character in all her messy glory. Her concerns and fears are all human and relateable, which makes it very easy to sit there with her and wonder "what could have happened if I did this differently".

This book was also the first which made me genuinely wish to annotate and flag lines. I never annotate...

This book hit a lot of really good marks for me in terms of genre and writing. I also feel that in terms of length, it was spot on. My quarrel with rating this higher than I did comes down to the opening of the book and how it overall made me feel.

The characters were good, and I enjoyed the dynamic displayed between the sisters and their abusive father. Unfortunately the opening to this book in my opinion just tried too hard in terms of the Prose and descriptions. It took me a few chapters to get used to the writing style, which is not the fault of the author, and it felt like everything needed a comparison description rather than it just being what it is. There were also times the descriptors of items, environment and feelings tried to be too clever and ultimately just sounding silly.

The relationship between Marlinchen and Sevas also seemed very hollow. Sure enough they were attracted to each other, which I don't think Marlinchen could say anything else about Sevas other than how attractive he was. Sevas also seemed to like her for some reason, other than he being attracted to her kindness and physical body, there didn't seem to be much more there either. Another relationship which could have had depth and gave it more of a place in the story, but never did.

Ultimately I felt the writing was very strong as I got used to it, other than a few points in terms of descriptors. The premise and story did not overstay its welcome in terms of length and it was creative for a retelling, but did not blow my mind.

I am very keen to read more from Ava as I felt she has an amazing mind and one day she will, without a doubt, write something which will be my next favourite book.