Was there anything that stood out with the storyline to you?
Stephanie: It was unique compared to My co-review with Christina from Booklover's Teaparty
Was there anything that stood out with the storyline to you?
Stephanie: It was unique compared to other books in general because there are letters that Lily wrote to Ellen DeGeneres when she was younger. This was super interesting because 1. I love Ellen and 2. this way we could find out what happened all those years between Lily and Atlas.
Christina: The fact that it basically involved two love stories one in the past and one in the present made it different. The past love story were journal entries or letters that Lily wrote to Ellen DeGeneres about her life and a boy, Atlas she befriends. Lily in the present reads these in between her present life so we experience both stories.
What are your thoughts on Lily and Ryle and also Lily and Atlas in the book?
Stephanie: Lily & Ryle: It's hard to say because I don't want to reveal any spoilers for future readers but my heart hurt so much for them with everything that went on between them and all the things Ryle did. I do believe he was story but that obviously didn't make up for it all. Lily & Atlas: I can't deny it, my heart hurt for them too. We got to know Atlas through the letters Lily wrote to Ellen and I loved him right away so I was always hoping he'd show up. I won't say if he does or not, though. ;)
Christina: It is really a rollercoaster on your emotions with Lily and Ryle. You love them, but then...(must not reveal) and yet you love them Then as you get to know Atlas you love him, too and just wonder how can all this even end well. It is just really hard to say much since saying too much would reveal the big dark secret and the twist. I hurt for both Lily and Ryle and Lily and Atlas.
Favorite secondary character?
Stephanie: There weren't that many secondary characters but I was really fond of Allysa and Marshall because even though this book was a little tough to read sometimes, they provided a comic relief that was definitely needed.
Christina: Since there weren’t many secondary characters or ones that had much time in the book it’s kind of hard. I did like Alyssa, she seemed like a good friend to Lily and added some fun to the book. Her and her husband were adorable actually.
What's your favorite quote of the book?
Stephanie: “All humans make mistakes. What determines a person's character aren't the mistakes we make. It's how we take those mistakes and turn them into lessons rather than excuses.”
Christina:
“All humans make mistakes. What determines a person's character aren't the mistakes we make. It's how we take those mistakes and turn them into lessons rather than excuses.”
And sorry also gotta add this short one, “I hope you defy the odds of most dreams and actually accomplish yours.”
Did it turn out how you expected?
Stephanie: In a way it did, and in a way it didn't. I expected that this book would've made me cry and it did like the amazing writer that Colleen Hoover is. And it was unexpected because I didn't expect how hard this book was at times and the relationship it was about concerning Lily and Ryle.
Christina: Actually no. But then again as I was getting into the book I couldn’t really tell how it end to be honest. You start and think, oh it’s gonna end this way and such, but that just kept changing for me and in the end I just really didn’t know what to think. I was happy with the end though, even though it made me cry.
What are your overall thoughts about the book?
Stephanie: I knew right from the start that It Ends With Us was a bit different from this author's usual work. I don't want to reveal too much but I gotta say that some things that happened between Lily and Ryle were a bit hard to read. And yet, on the other hand the way Colleen Hoover wrote it made it a pretty incredible read even it was tough and sad at times.
Christina: Overall I think it was an amazing book. Had some things that were hard to read at times, heartbreaking even, but at the same time it’s a book that really makes you think and has an important message. Beautiful, beautiful book that really plays with all your emotions. ...more
Was there anything that stood out with the storyline to you?
Christina: Probably the fact that we got two stories Co-Review with Christina @ Booksane!
Was there anything that stood out with the storyline to you?
Christina: Probably the fact that we got two stories in one. We had Tate’s POV which took place in the present and then there were Miles’ POV, but his took place six years earlier, which of course does not bode well. I really loved that it was done like that, it was different, in the best way.
Stephanie: Definitely! The thing that stood out the most to me was how there was a “normal’ POV for Tate but there was also a POV for Miles, but this one took place six years ago. You just know something bad is going to happen because of that. It was like two storylines in one. It was so unique! But that was probably my favorite thing in the book.
What are your thoughts on Miles and Tate and also Miles and Rachel in the book?
Christina: It was actually weird kind of cheering for Miles to get both girls almost, but yeah kind of did. Even when things with him and Rachel could not end well I was still somehow hoping for the best, even though him being like he is in Tate’s POV in the present, then it really could not go well for them. I loved him and Tate, just from the moment they met, so hilarious. It was also sort of different to know more about Miles and the way he acted than Tate did. For her it is them having sex and her hoping maybe he will open up meanwhile we discover more and more about his past and I really feared that he would never come around.
Stephanie: Well, I loved Miles and Tate, obviously… but I also liked reading about Rachel and Miles. I liked Miles and Tate’s relationship because it started as just sex and you just know it wouldn’t stay just sex. And like I said before the Miles chapters were really unique. And the thing was I kind of shipped both Miles and Tate and Rachel and Miles. I don’t know if this makes any sense to anyone but still. Of course I knew this could never happen since Rachel and Miles were in the past.
How would you describe Ugly Love in one or two words?
Christina: Beautifully emotional.
Stephanie: Heavy emotional.
What's your favorite quote of the book?
Christina: He shakes his head. “I didn’t fall in love with you, Tate I flew.” Love this, it is so sweet!
Stephanie: “I didn’t fall in love with you… I flew.”
What did you think of the writing in the book?
Christina: So beautiful! One of my favorite things were actually the little thoughts both characters had. Miles had more of that, I could pretty much feel I was in a teenage mind, it was amazing and even more obvious when we actually get a POV from him that is in the present, totally different, loved that detail.
Stephanie: The writing was simply perfection to me. There were quite a few gorgeous quotes and passages in this book and the Miles chapters (yes those again…) were written a little differently but it was so beautiful!
What are your overall thoughts?
Christina: Loved it! I was so eager to read it when I got it and then it was over so fast! Too fast! Truly amazing and so emotional.
Stephanie: I loved loved loved this book! Ugly Love was my first (full) Colleen Hoover book and I’m definitely not disappointed. I tried to be critical about the book because there’s a lot of hype around it, but honestly, it’s so worth the hype. It’s definitely one of my favorite books of the year. I also like how the cover is linked to the story, with the water and all. And I’m very excited for the movie with Nick Bateman. He’ll do great, I’m sure! ...more
Was there anything that stood out with the storyline to you?
Christina: Other than the pure awesomeness of it? As Co-review with Christina of Booksane!
Was there anything that stood out with the storyline to you?
Christina: Other than the pure awesomeness of it? As the others this one was amazing. Really couldn’t know what was gonna happen next, the surprises kept coming.
Stephanie: I wouldn't say there was just one thing that stood out to me because there were several amazing moments. Into The Still Blue was a pretty intense book and managed to also tie up some loose ends. And also, there were quite a few deaths that took me aback a little.
What are your thoughts on Aria and Perry in the book?
Christina: Those two are one of my favorite couples of all time. I just love them together. They just have this connection between them that’s very unique. Their love doesn’t have to be at the center all the time, but it’s still there and in between there’s some pretty great moments between them.
Stephanie: Well, I love them. I really do. They're different from other characters in other books, in my opinion. The romance doesn't overtake the story but is more in the background and I really liked it that way. There are some sweet and intense moments with them, though.
What was the best moment of a secondary character?
Christina: Roar. Roar. Roar. No matter what he does, it’s good. There’s a a great moment where one little fact ruins it for Soren, so it’s kind of both a good moment of Roar, but also Soren actually: "Oh, one other thing you should know," Roar said. "She was with Perry for a while." "Nooooo," Soren groaned. "You just ruined it for me." Agreed, Aria thought. Ruined it for me, too. "So, he got Brooke and her," Soren continued, indignant. "How does that even happen? He barely talks!"
Stephanie: This is a hard question. I want to say Roar because he's my favorite secondary character but I think I'm gonna go with Soren, weirdly enough. He changed a lot from the guy he was in the first book and he actually changed for the better. And I also loved seeing him trying to impress Brooke and at the end that they were starting something.
What's your favorite quote of the book?
Christina: This one is so beautiful, Perry to Aria: "What I was trying to say," he whispered, "is that I see you in everything. There isn't a word for you that means enough, because you're everything to me."
Stephanie: “Did I ever tell you that my home in Rim was bigger than the whole of your compound?" Sable asked. A jab, but Perry couldn't have cared less. His house always offered enough space. Even when the Six had slept wall to wall across the floor, there had always been enough room for everyone. "You want to compare sizes Sable? I bet I win.”
Did you think it was a good way to end the series?
Christina: I was really happy with the end actually. I felt happy and relieved after and thought the characters got the good end that they deserved. Of course there were some less happy things, but overall I thought it ended well.
Stephanie: I thought the ending was pretty perfect. I don't think I could've seen any other ending than that. It's left slightly open to interpretation but that's good. I did think some characters (not saying any names) who had died would not be dead after all but of course I was wrong. Boo. But still, a good ending to an amazing series!
What are your overall thoughts?
Christina: All started with the amazing book trailer for the first book and now it’s the end.. Already after finishing I miss the books. I miss the characters, I miss the world. I miss everything about it. It’s such an amazing universe and some of my favorite characters. The last books was just as good as the others and gave a worthy end to the end of the story. Veronica Rossi’s writing is amazing and I can’t wait to read more of her books.
Stephanie: I loved this series so much. It all started with watching the book trailer of the first book and I've been a fan ever since. I'm pretty sad that it has ended but it was a great ride to get to know Perry, Aria, Roar and the others. And I also can't wait to read more books by Veronica Rossi. I loved her writing in this series....more
Was there anything that stood out with the storyline to you?
Christina: I thought it was so good! After the previCo-Review with Christina from Booksane
Was there anything that stood out with the storyline to you?
Christina: I thought it was so good! After the previous book I was really scared about it being another not so great book, but seemed like it was just a fluke and this book really measured up with the others. Storyline was so great, not one dull moment! Loved how the story evolved and the turns it took. Have to add this because I saw it as the first good sign to me, previous book I used the joker’s image with “Why so serious?” and early on in the book, Vlad kills one dressed as the joker all while with a smile on his face. I liked that, almost as if he was getting rid of that Vlad from the previous book and getting back to his old self.
Stephanie: Well, it was a whole lot better than the previous book, Twice Tempted. I don't know what it was about that book but I really was disappointed with it and especially with Vlad. He was so lame. But this book? It was fantastic and the Vlad I know and love is back, baby!
What are your thoughts on Leila and Vlad in the book?
Christina: First off, phew! Vlad in the previous book really pissed me off. He was so grumpy and not at all fun, but luckily in this one he came back- Vlad smiling when he’s killing someone who annoys him then everything is right. Leila continues to surprise me, the things she had to go through, don’t know how she did it. Thought that their relationship really evolved in this, Vlad realized that he can’t shield her from everything, even though he’ll try, but he also came to terms with having her with him because she can actually help fight his enemies. Also helped make Vlad “good” again and not the grumpy Dracula from before.
Stephanie: LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM! I must admit I was never a big fan of Leila. I liked her but in the two other books I never really liked her much as a main character but this book was so good that I can say that I actually do love her. Everything she goes through - WOW! And Vlad, he was just fantastic. In this book he was (unlike the previous one) the Vlad I know and love from the Night Huntress books. And together they're just one badass power couple!
What was the best moment of a secondary character?
Christina: Hard one. Marie was there and she’s always so fun and evil and this was no exception. Cat and Bones were there, shortly but they were there, just have to mention that and loved that the usual “hate” from Bones towards Vlad was there, “Why the bloody hell did you bring him here?”. However Maximus… Honestly at times, just like Vlad and Leila, I wasn’t really sure what side he was on or what he was gonna do. A lot because of the end and the moment him and Vlad has which were so cute and just wanted to tell them to kiss and get it over with. Besides that then this: “Twelve guys, no women, and they’re not allowed to leave?” Maximus’s snort was scornful. “Someone’s got lube.”
Stephanie: Marie a.k.a. Majestic, the vodoo queen of New Orleans. I knew right away when Vlad and Leila were in New Orleans that they were going to visit Marie. I've always loved her character in the Night Huntress series and I loved the little showdown between her and Vlad. It was awesome!
What's your favorite quote of the book?
Christina: “Now that we’ve compared the equivalent of our supernatural dicks, why don’t you answer my question?” Vlad said, tone as cold as the fire had been hot.
Stephanie: I'm gonna cheat and pick two quotes. One from Leila and one from Vlad
Leila - “Compromise Lesson One: Pull a dick move, and your dick gets denied. Every woman knew that, and now, so did the vampire sitting next to me.”
Vlad - “You aren’t just my weakness, Leila.” Vlad drew me next to him, one hand sliding along my jaw while the other caressed my back. “You are my destruction, because if I were to lose you, it would finish me.”
What were your thoughts on the ending?
Christina: Just for the fun of it, I’ll have it like there’s two ends, because there’s the end to what’s going on in the book and what they’re working towards and then there’s the end end which is just a few pages of calm after everything. The end brought us a surprise that basically has you thinking, well guess it isn’t over yet then, actually surprised me how it all turned out and now just eagerly waiting for the next book. The end end is epic! Funniest thing ever and a huuuge surprise.
Stephanie: My thoughts were literally like, LOL! People who have read the book will know why.
What are your overall thoughts?
Christina: Overall I loved the book. Vlad was back, Leila continues to be awesome, storyline amazing and as always Frost’s writing is the best. I were hoping for it to be good of course, yet scared it was gonna continue like the last and end up maybe being worse maybe, but happy to say that it wasn’t and that was really a big relief. So after finishing all I could think was phew and awesome.
Stephanie: What more can I say than I loved Bound by Flames. Jeaniene Frost really did a good job with this one. Especially since I didn't have much high expectations considering I didn't like the previous book. But everything from the characters to the writing to the plot to the steamy scenes were fantastic. Bring on the next book I say!
Born Wicked was a perfect example of a book that has both good as bad qualities to it. I really did like the book but in the end it wasn't enough to mBorn Wicked was a perfect example of a book that has both good as bad qualities to it. I really did like the book but in the end it wasn't enough to make me love it. This review will be a little different from my usual reviews because there was 50% of good stuff and 50% of bad stuff, in my opinion.
The good:
The setting - I absolutely loved the setting. I think it may be the best part of the book. I didn't actually know this book was historical until I started reading it. It's actually an alternate history, which made me love the setting even more. In this history it's well known that there are witches around and the brotherhood is hunting them, looking especially for three sister witches. One of these sisters is supposed to be the most powerful witch to have been born according to a prophecy.
Finn - He was one of my favorite characters. He was just really cute and although I wasn't a fan of Cate, I did want them to end up together even though I think he can do much better than Cate. But anyway, he was a great character and I honestly wanted to read more about him. He brought a smile on my face whenever he was around. AND he actually has a bookstore, with his mother, that he works in after his father passed away.
Tess - She was probably my favorite character in the book. She's Cate's 12 y/o sister and I just wish I had a sister like her. She was a joy to read about. She loves baking and she loves books. I honestly wish she was the main character in this book because I liked reading about her way more than I did about Cate.
The bad:
Cate - Cate, Cate, Cate... where do I start with her? I disliked her from pretty much the beginning. She just didn't feel like a nice person at all. Sure, she loves her sisters and she's doing everything she can to protect them, as anyone would but honestly? She should've let them practice more magic in case the brotherhood would come for them. Her 15 y/o sister pointed out once how Cate never listens to her and I agree with Maura, she doesn't really listen to her sister even though I can tell she loves them very much. All Cate did was judge other people when she should've looked at herself first. And then there was the romance. I love Finn, I really really do but I didn't like how Cate suddenly fell in love with him so fast. She's known him for years but now suddenly these feelings come, right when her old childhood friend Paul returns to court Cate. Hmm... And also Cate was so judgy about using her sisters using magic while she does it a few times herself. I just hope she'll make better decisions in the next book.
Elena - I wasn't sure what to think about Elena. At first I thought she wasn't so bad but after a little while I was ready for her to go. I didn't like how she led on Cate sister, Maura because I actually liked Maura, even though she does and says some questionable things too but I understand it. Yeah, I really disliked Elena. I don't think she liked hurting Maura's feelings but she did it so that deserves a slap to the face from me.
Lack of magic - For a book that's supposed to be about magic there wasn't much of it. I wanted to see more spells from Cate, Maura and Tess. I really think Tess would be a fantastic witch if only Cate would let her. But anyway, yeah needed more magic.
Overall:
So this book has a bit of good and bad. There's also the Brotherhood and Sisterhood. I'm full on hating the Brotherhood for hunting witches and supressing women. But the Sisterhood sure can give them a run for their money. Just like with Elena I didn't think they're so bad at the beginning, especially when it's clear they're all witches but turns out they're also pretty insane. I obviously hated them but I didn't count the Brotherhood and Sisterhood with "the bad" part of this review because as far as bad guys go they're pretty villainous both in their own ways. And a good book just sometimes needs villains, you know.
All in all, Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood was a pretty quick read that had good as well as bad elements to it and the writing wasn't too shabby either + it was a fun buddy read with Jennifer from Book Bird Reviews!...more
Stephanie (Bookfever)
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