Damn. I knew this series was gonna get angsty at some point but I still wasn’t prepared. This author does such a great job of showing how com4.5 stars
Damn. I knew this series was gonna get angsty at some point but I still wasn’t prepared. This author does such a great job of showing how compatible Levi and Dominic are, despite all the relationship issues popping up. And BOY did they pop up. Dominic’s gambling issues were front and center and being inside his head as he spirals was heartbreaking. Despite wanting him to recover, I think his characterization needed this moment. He had almost been too perfect compared to Levi (which was also addressed in the book!! We love self-awareness). Levi’s anger management situation…listen. I’m just so glad he’s trying to figure himself out, even though I’m here for the ass kicking lol.
But yeah, even when Levi and Dominic are going through it, they still worked together as professionals so well. Despite them coming at each other verbally, their connection couldn’t have been more clear. Ugh, I just love them. Excited (and scared) to see how they move past this.
Also the Seven of Spades lowkey dragging Dominic at the end?? I mean I’m not on their side but…..I understand
Merged review:
4.5 stars
Damn. I knew this series was gonna get angsty at some point but I still wasn’t prepared. This author does such a great job of showing how compatible Levi and Dominic are, despite all the relationship issues popping up. And BOY did they pop up. Dominic’s gambling issues were front and center and being inside his head as he spirals was heartbreaking. Despite wanting him to recover, I think his characterization needed this moment. He had almost been too perfect compared to Levi (which was also addressed in the book!! We love self-awareness). Levi’s anger management situation…listen. I’m just so glad he’s trying to figure himself out, even though I’m here for the ass kicking lol.
But yeah, even when Levi and Dominic are going through it, they still worked together as professionals so well. Despite them coming at each other verbally, their connection couldn’t have been more clear. Ugh, I just love them. Excited (and scared) to see how they move past this.
Also the Seven of Spades lowkey dragging Dominic at the end?? I mean I’m not on their side but…..I understand...more
I'm exhausted. Ms Cordelia literally wrung out every emotion possible from me. .
I've said this before but it bears repeating. My absolute fa4.5 stars
I'm exhausted. Ms Cordelia literally wrung out every emotion possible from me. .
I've said this before but it bears repeating. My absolute favorite thing about this series is that Levi and Dominic are clearly meant for each other. Not in a shallow kinda way, but in a "we fulfill each other, no one knows you like I do, we deeply care about each other even at our worst" kinda way. And nothing could've shown that off better than this angsty ass book.
I mean, we open with examples of the extensive measures Levi takes to limit Dominic from gambling, even while being pissed at him. They still have immaculate sexual tension and chemistry. Dominic is so accurately tuned into Levi's emotional state and needs, even while struggling with his addiction. When they work together, they're a well oiled machine. Along with all the angst, Ms Cordelia is so skilled at showing their connection rather than just spelling it out and I love every bit of it.
And this isn't to say they don't hurt each other because good lord, they do. I mean, Levi did something to Dominic that made me give him a MAJOR side eye... but Dominic said it best: "When you love someone, you know better than anyone else how to cause them the most pain". And while they have definitely, deeply hurt each other, there is also a level of accountability, communication, and acceptance that I appreciate. Even through all the bs, their relationship somehow still feels healthy?? Idk
I also don't feel like I give enough love to the action/fighting moments in this series, but I loved their incorporation here. The way action is written is very....physical? Idk how to describe it but it is the sort of writing that makes me not only visualize a movie in my head but also feel the impact of the hits and tension of dangerous moments in my chest. So good. The smaller mystery in this book was fine, but all the Seven of Spades stuff?? Whew... I'm pretty sure I know where it's going but I'm excited to see how it all plays out.
Also the last line? Iconic behavior from Levi.
I don't know when I'll bring myself to read the last book
Merged review:
4.5 stars
I'm exhausted. Ms Cordelia literally wrung out every emotion possible from me. .
I've said this before but it bears repeating. My absolute favorite thing about this series is that Levi and Dominic are clearly meant for each other. Not in a shallow kinda way, but in a "we fulfill each other, no one knows you like I do, we deeply care about each other even at our worst" kinda way. And nothing could've shown that off better than this angsty ass book.
I mean, we open with examples of the extensive measures Levi takes to limit Dominic from gambling, even while being pissed at him. They still have immaculate sexual tension and chemistry. Dominic is so accurately tuned into Levi's emotional state and needs, even while struggling with his addiction. When they work together, they're a well oiled machine. Along with all the angst, Ms Cordelia is so skilled at showing their connection rather than just spelling it out and I love every bit of it.
And this isn't to say they don't hurt each other because good lord, they do. I mean, Levi did something to Dominic that made me give him a MAJOR side eye... but Dominic said it best: "When you love someone, you know better than anyone else how to cause them the most pain". And while they have definitely, deeply hurt each other, there is also a level of accountability, communication, and acceptance that I appreciate. Even through all the bs, their relationship somehow still feels healthy?? Idk
I also don't feel like I give enough love to the action/fighting moments in this series, but I loved their incorporation here. The way action is written is very....physical? Idk how to describe it but it is the sort of writing that makes me not only visualize a movie in my head but also feel the impact of the hits and tension of dangerous moments in my chest. So good. The smaller mystery in this book was fine, but all the Seven of Spades stuff?? Whew... I'm pretty sure I know where it's going but I'm excited to see how it all plays out.
Also the last line? Iconic behavior from Levi.
I don't know when I'll bring myself to read the last book...more
Cole McCade’s writing is some of my fave in romance, period. I mean, he’s my most read author so far this year for a reason. But even I thou3.5 stars
Cole McCade’s writing is some of my fave in romance, period. I mean, he’s my most read author so far this year for a reason. But even I thought this book was overwritten.
It’s a shame because there were parts of this romance I absolutely loved. First of all, Damon is one of my fave heroes by Cole. I think this is my first romance with an Indigenous MC, and I loved how his relationship with his heritage was thoughtfully woven into the story. One of my fave moments with him was how he nurtured the young boys on his football team…idk something about it just made my heart sing. I definitely connected to Rian less than Damon but I liked him well enough. They had some classic “dislike to lovers” moments that are always fun, the steam was great, and I loved how devoted they were to caring for their students.
But yeah, there was no reason for this to be 100 pages longer than the first book in this series. It felt like the writing was either overly purple or meandering without a purpose at some moments. I wish there had been more focus on right after they got together rather than a small section and then a big time jump in the epilogue. Also, the final reveal of what was happening with the student was somewhat anticlimactic, but that might just be because I’d built it up a lot in my head? Idk it didn’t give what I wanted it to give.
Unfortunately, the Albin Academy duet has been my least fave stuff from McCade. Not terrible books, just good characters written in somewhat underwhelming romances. Back to the Criminal Intentions series for me!
Merged review:
3.5 stars
Cole McCade’s writing is some of my fave in romance, period. I mean, he’s my most read author so far this year for a reason. But even I thought this book was overwritten.
It’s a shame because there were parts of this romance I absolutely loved. First of all, Damon is one of my fave heroes by Cole. I think this is my first romance with an Indigenous MC, and I loved how his relationship with his heritage was thoughtfully woven into the story. One of my fave moments with him was how he nurtured the young boys on his football team…idk something about it just made my heart sing. I definitely connected to Rian less than Damon but I liked him well enough. They had some classic “dislike to lovers” moments that are always fun, the steam was great, and I loved how devoted they were to caring for their students.
But yeah, there was no reason for this to be 100 pages longer than the first book in this series. It felt like the writing was either overly purple or meandering without a purpose at some moments. I wish there had been more focus on right after they got together rather than a small section and then a big time jump in the epilogue. Also, the final reveal of what was happening with the student was somewhat anticlimactic, but that might just be because I’d built it up a lot in my head? Idk it didn’t give what I wanted it to give.
Unfortunately, the Albin Academy duet has been my least fave stuff from McCade. Not terrible books, just good characters written in somewhat underwhelming romances. Back to the Criminal Intentions series for me!...more
I'm so glad this finale stuck the landing. Books weren't all 5 stars but this is a 5 star series for me.
Ok so. I'm literally the worst at fig4.5 stars
I'm so glad this finale stuck the landing. Books weren't all 5 stars but this is a 5 star series for me.
Ok so. I'm literally the worst at figuring out mysteries like these, so I wasn't surprised that I didn't get who the Seven of Spades was. At first, I was lowkey underwhelmed?? But the emotional toll it took on Levi and other side characters, the way the reveal made the whole situation much more complicated and emotional and messy...idk Cordelia won me over on that front. The pacing in this book was bananas, the stakes felt convincingly high, and a lot of (the very well developed) side characters really got to shine. It felt like the scale of a finale that this series deserved, and I loved it.
Though the romance took a backseat in this book, its presence was definitely there. Levi and Dominic's relationship felt very lived in and it shone through their verbal and non-verbal interactions, the way they thought/spoke about each other, the steamy scenes, etc. Loved how they were both bettering themselves individually and how that translated to their relationship. I deeply appreciate that Dominic's addiction did not turn into a "love will conquer all" situation but is realistically portrayed as a daily struggle. Also loved that Levi and Dominic got a moment to breathe after the chaos of this book, they fucking deserved it!
Some of the action moments towards the back half of the book kinda dragged for me, but besides that this was a great ending to one of my favorite series of all time. So glad I got Kill Game as a Secret Santa gift and started my journey with these books. The sheer quality of the writing, plotting, characterization, and romance in all 5 books is not something I take for granted. I'm really gonna miss this series
Merged review:
4.5 stars
I'm so glad this finale stuck the landing. Books weren't all 5 stars but this is a 5 star series for me.
Ok so. I'm literally the worst at figuring out mysteries like these, so I wasn't surprised that I didn't get who the Seven of Spades was. At first, I was lowkey underwhelmed?? But the emotional toll it took on Levi and other side characters, the way the reveal made the whole situation much more complicated and emotional and messy...idk Cordelia won me over on that front. The pacing in this book was bananas, the stakes felt convincingly high, and a lot of (the very well developed) side characters really got to shine. It felt like the scale of a finale that this series deserved, and I loved it.
Though the romance took a backseat in this book, its presence was definitely there. Levi and Dominic's relationship felt very lived in and it shone through their verbal and non-verbal interactions, the way they thought/spoke about each other, the steamy scenes, etc. Loved how they were both bettering themselves individually and how that translated to their relationship. I deeply appreciate that Dominic's addiction did not turn into a "love will conquer all" situation but is realistically portrayed as a daily struggle. Also loved that Levi and Dominic got a moment to breathe after the chaos of this book, they fucking deserved it!
Some of the action moments towards the back half of the book kinda dragged for me, but besides that this was a great ending to one of my favorite series of all time. So glad I got Kill Game as a Secret Santa gift and started my journey with these books. The sheer quality of the writing, plotting, characterization, and romance in all 5 books is not something I take for granted. I'm really gonna miss this series...more
This is just as good as everyone says it is. Yamilet and Cesar were both really loveable characters with great arcs through the story, and I loved theThis is just as good as everyone says it is. Yamilet and Cesar were both really loveable characters with great arcs through the story, and I loved the progression of their dynamic. Also appreciated the cultural conversations that came up with Bo, as an adopted POC w white parents. Yami's friend group at her new school made me so happy and ofc I was living for the cute romantic development. I tend to want a good mix of messiness and hard hitting topics in YA books, and this one hit those beats perfectly.
I feel like this is the first YA book I've read with a main LGBTQ+ character making active plans in case they got kicked out. Something about seeing Yamilet working long hours to save money, looking at apartments, and making sure her and her brother had a contingency plan...idk I feel like perspectives like this are important. Because while I'll never be against a positive queer story, I do think there are a significant number of children out there who can relate to Yamilet's experience and their stories deserve to be told as well.
Per usual, I was left feeling unsatisfied with the resolution of familial relationships. Idk I don't think I'm a particularly vengeful person, but I feel like these books have parents, particularly moms, saying horrible and hurtful things to their children...only to have a fast switch-up at the end that just doesn't feel like enough. Idk maybe there's something I need to unpack there lol.
Between this book, The Poet X, and Confessions of an Alleged Good Girl, I'm living for young girls of color unpacking their experiences with purity culture and religion, especially with how those ideals shape their relationships with their parents. On a personal level, it's almost too hard to read sometimes because of how close it hits to home. But I am so grateful that books like this exist....more
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