I waited so long to read this series that I think I have a good idea what the endgame is. Some of the big plot twists didn't take me by surprise which is entirely my own fault, but I can see how someone reading this for the first time would be shocked and excited by the plot. The opening of this novel really set the tone in a chilling way. I love stories of fae, and getting to explore new author's reimagining's of these lands and creatures keeps me coming back for more. I'm also really enjoying a MC who is a little bit of a villain, and not relying on the male love interest to guide her decisions or keep her safe.

I have really mixed feelings about this series, and most of them are my own fault.

I waited years to get to this backlist series. I heard the hype, I've seen the incredible fan art of Jude and Cardan. So I went in with certain expectations: expectations for the romance, and for the characters' personalities.

I understand how this story would take readers on an incredible journey when they read it for the first time, completely blind and with no inkling of the end game or character biases. I can see how you get swept up in the world and the characters.

But somehow, knowing Jude and Cardan were end game, and knowing they were this great enemies to lovers fairytale, I was ready to fall head over heels for their chemistry and I never really did.

Don't get me wrong, I was rooting for them and I felt really strong emotions for the plot twists and brutality of these creatures, but I never felt the epic, heart pounding romance? They barely had time together: interacting, speaking, or scheming. So much of this was Jude on her own, thinking of Cardan.

I guess I'm a reader who needs to see more interaction before I'm fully sold on relationships. I'll never know what it's like to have the experience of reading this series completely blind and without bias. Despite that, it's a story I won't soon forget. I just wish I could fall in love with Jude and Cardan the way everyone else seems to. Maybe one day I will.

Y'all. Katee Robert is one of my new favorite authors. I cannot wait to make my way through her entire backlist this year. The representation in this story was so good. These books feel like such a safe space. Whenever I think a line I'm not comfortable with is about to be crossed, the characters reaffirm consent or reevaluate 'beauty standards'. Gosh this was just fun to read. And getting a few glimpses of Hades and Persephone from book one was really nice.

Sadly this one was not meant for me. For more than 50% of the book my anxiety was really triggered by how trapped Jasmine felt. The only reason this got 3 stars was for the HEA ending, and Jasmine finding her power in the last 2 chapters. I can see how a lot of people enjoy this one, and wouldn't discourage readers from giving it a try. I hope the rest of the books in this series give me the same feels as Neon Gods and Electric Idol. Cross your fingers for me!!

4.5/5

Trigger warnings: rape, physically & mentally abusive parents/partner

I've read other reviews and criticisms of this book, and I absolutely get where they are coming from. If I had gone into this story with a different mindset I think this review and rating could be different. But I came to The Deal wanting to read about a college hockey player trying to help his tutor snag the college quarterback. I think the difference for me comes from the fact that I was able to separate these fictional characters from real life men. That's not to pat myself on the back or anything, but just to try and define why my experience with this novel may have been positive.

I really liked our female MC. She was tough, firm, smart, and talented. A big portion of her story includes the fact that she was raped in high school. There are a lot of discussions surrounding the incident, and rape culture in general. So that's a huge trigger warning for this story. For me, I think it was handled really well, and I at no point wanted to put the book down from disappointment over that discussion. Our male MC is a no strings attached kind of guy. He takes his grades seriously because they keep him on the ice, and he treats his college hockey career as if he's already gone pro.

I loved the chemistry between these two characters, and I loved that these books have dual POV. This was spicy and sweet and hilarious and serious in all the right ways. I'm so happy Hoopla was offering this book during the February Bonus Deal. It was such a surprise and such a treat.

Trigger warnings: rape, physically & mentally abusive parents/partner

While my library has almost all of Kennedy's books available, I've already reached my maximum digital check out limit for the month. It's February 5th....ROLLS EYES. How am I supposed to live, laugh, love...I mean...binge a series with these terms and conditions y'all???

Anyways. This was the only other book I could find for free (if I could afford to purchase the Briar U and the Off Campus series I would) so I'm reading things a little out of order. This series follows the next class of students after the Off Campus series. It was so exciting to get little glimpses into the future of those characters and hear about what they've been up to. It definitely made me excited to go back and read their individual books.

Our female MC for this story is a sorority girl who comes from a very privileged family of lawyers. While I did find it a little hard to connect to her at times (I literally can't afford to buy a series of books but she gets sent designer items on a whim from her grandmother) I did appreciate the character development and the chance to gain a little more insight into her as a person. She spends the entire novel trying to convince herself and those around her that she is more than her looks or her money, and by the end I could mostly agree with her. Our male MC is described as a unicorn in the sports world. He's a nerdy guy who designs video games. He codes them and draws them all digitally. I don't know that I personally fell into that stereotypical thinking that all jocks are dumb or just big muscle bags. I knew plenty of athletes who were really into books/games/art.

I think this book lost a star rating from me on the fact that I didn't particularly click with either main character. He's supposed to be some super rare jock, and she's supposed to be more than just her money an appearance, but I didn't really buy into it for either of them. This story also has a MUCH slower burn than The Deal does, with a majority of the steam happening after 70% of the book.

This one was just okay. I still liked reading it, and I still like Kennedy as a writer. I just didn't love the characters as much. But once I get my monthly digital downloads for March I know what books I'm choosing.

I did enjoy this one more than Jafar and Jasmine’s story. With this book I didn’t have to worry about my personal triggers rearing their ugly heads. The reviews were right, Hercules really is a good character who helps heal some deep wounds between Meg and Hades. While I am enjoying this series, I do prefer Neon Gods and Electric Idols, but I can’t quite put my finger on why…? I’m excited to dive in with Tink and Hook next!

I really enjoyed Hook and Tink's story. I think this is my favorite from this series so far. While there was an instance in the beginning of the book where the feeling of being trapped was slightly overwhelming I really appreciated how it got resolved so quickly. There's a line in this book about trying to start a family, and if that fails getting a small pack of dogs that hit me in the feels.

I really enjoyed Logan and Grace's story. This was a sweet redemption arc that had all the characteristics I love in an Elle Kennedy novel. It was funny, sweet, relatable family struggles, and downright sexy. I can't wait to continue this series of standalone novels.

Trigger warning for a parent with alcoholism.