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thereadinghammock's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
And the Grims have it folks! These dark, mysterious harbingers of all those dark thoughts and impulses aren't all brooding and brimstone. Ok, so there's still a fair amount of brooding (looking at you Henry!) but they're also total softies underneath with hearts of gold!
We return to NOLA and the Savoie sisters, following Lavinia (Livvy) this time as she goes toe-to-toe with Grim Gareth Blackwater in a PR competition to benefit the supernatural community. Each of the 3 finalist contestants brings an idea forward before deciding which to go forward with as a team, but Gareth is determined to see his win, as it's a personal mission too. Don't want to spoil too much, so you'll just have to read too very <i>those</i> details.
Meanwhile, the competition liason is an older warlock trying to make moves on Livvy. While she can put the best misogynist in their place, Gareth's Grim senses are saying there's more than just a sleezy old lech there and will make sure nothing happens to Lavinia on his watch. A few social run-ins turned dates, and these one-time rivals can't keep their hands off each other.
Once their rivalries got out of their way, I loved seeing dark, broody Gareth turn into heart-eyes Gareth. Seeing his "tough scary Grim" exterior get chipped away with every chapter was so rewarding, especially after a 3 book lead up to the question, "So what exactly do Grims <i>do?</i>" First learning he was a foster kid who was bounced around until his magic came in. Then his 3-legged mop dog Queenie. On top of owning Livvy's favorite club, being an active and vocal feminist, wicked smart, and being devastatingly handsome?? I think my ovaries exploded several times while reading this book.
And the kink. 🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥 there were definitely things that weren't for me (the shaving scene, while hot, didn't quite do it for me), I also didn't know I would enjoy a bit of the primal and restraint scenes. Oh lawdy, Grims do not mess around!
I was so excited to finally learning their background/origin! And there's still so much we don't know, like if Gareth is in an elite class as a Grimlock, what is the extent of Henry's power that he can communicate with the dead, but that he felt he needed to cut himself off from his magic for 10 years?!?!? And is Sean going to be a Grimlock too, or is he just a dumb teenage boy growing into his magic? And I want more Aunt Lucille!!
CW/TW: sexual harassment/sexual assault on page. The assault was minor for me, but you know yourself best and please be safe with yourself
We return to NOLA and the Savoie sisters, following Lavinia (Livvy) this time as she goes toe-to-toe with Grim Gareth Blackwater in a PR competition to benefit the supernatural community. Each of the 3 finalist contestants brings an idea forward before deciding which to go forward with as a team, but Gareth is determined to see his win, as it's a personal mission too. Don't want to spoil too much, so you'll just have to read too very <i>those</i> details.
Meanwhile, the competition liason is an older warlock trying to make moves on Livvy. While she can put the best misogynist in their place, Gareth's Grim senses are saying there's more than just a sleezy old lech there and will make sure nothing happens to Lavinia on his watch. A few social run-ins turned dates, and these one-time rivals can't keep their hands off each other.
And the kink. 🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥 there were definitely things that weren't for me (the shaving scene, while hot, didn't quite do it for me), I also didn't know I would enjoy a bit of the primal and restraint scenes. Oh lawdy, Grims do not mess around!
I was so excited to finally learning their background/origin! And there's still so much we don't know, like if Gareth is in an elite class as a Grimlock, what is the extent of Henry's power that he can communicate with the dead, but that he felt he needed to cut himself off from his magic for 10 years?!?!? And is Sean going to be a Grimlock too, or is he just a dumb teenage boy growing into his magic? And I want more Aunt Lucille!!
CW/TW: sexual harassment/sexual assault on page. The assault was minor for me, but you know yourself best and please be safe with yourself
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Minor: Car accident, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
bookishaffair's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Violence, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Gaslighting
claracavanaugh's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Death of parent
The sexual assault is attempted but thwarted.lovelynovellas's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I shed a few tears while reading this. It was everything I wanted and more. I am so happy to have received this arc from the author. Here’s why I read romance. The intimacy and trust shared between Gareth and Livvy.
✨“One day we were at each other’s throats, ready to annihilate the enemy- aka each other. Then we were reluctant but cooperative partners of the campaign. And somehow, we had transitioned into smitten lovers. It all happened so fast. But at the same time, felt so right”
✨Gareth sees himself as evil due to his demon. He had a dark childhood. His parents died when he was young and he was thrown into foster care. He’s felt unwanted and alone ever since. His only family are his two cousins and aunt. Livvy is a dominant woman who’s used to being in control. She’s a workaholic and determined to make things right between supernaturals and werewolves. Gareth and Livvy are forced to work together as rivals to win the campaign and help supernatural orphans. So, forced proximity and rivals to lovers romance.
✨Gareth believes that he is evil due to his demon. Grims have a darkness inside them and if it’s not controlled, they can kill in an instant. However, Livvy sees the real him.
Livvy: “Then hear me how, Gareth Blackwater. You are not evil. You’ve shown me your worst. And I’m still here”
✨Livvy has shown Gareth that he is deserving of love. She grew up with a huge family and brings Gareth in. She showed him that even though he closed himself up, he can open up for her. He almost killed for her when she experienced sexual harassment.
Gareth: “My heart nearly burst from the combination of hope and love I never dared to even dream I’d experience in my lifetime”
Rating: 5⭐️
Plot: 5⭐️
Tw: death of both parents, workplace sexual harassment, foster care abuse, murder
✨“One day we were at each other’s throats, ready to annihilate the enemy- aka each other. Then we were reluctant but cooperative partners of the campaign. And somehow, we had transitioned into smitten lovers. It all happened so fast. But at the same time, felt so right”
✨Gareth sees himself as evil due to his demon. He had a dark childhood. His parents died when he was young and he was thrown into foster care. He’s felt unwanted and alone ever since. His only family are his two cousins and aunt. Livvy is a dominant woman who’s used to being in control. She’s a workaholic and determined to make things right between supernaturals and werewolves. Gareth and Livvy are forced to work together as rivals to win the campaign and help supernatural orphans. So, forced proximity and rivals to lovers romance.
✨Gareth believes that he is evil due to his demon. Grims have a darkness inside them and if it’s not controlled, they can kill in an instant. However, Livvy sees the real him.
Livvy: “Then hear me how, Gareth Blackwater. You are not evil. You’ve shown me your worst. And I’m still here”
✨Livvy has shown Gareth that he is deserving of love. She grew up with a huge family and brings Gareth in. She showed him that even though he closed himself up, he can open up for her. He almost killed for her when she experienced sexual harassment.
Gareth: “My heart nearly burst from the combination of hope and love I never dared to even dream I’d experience in my lifetime”
Rating: 5⭐️
Plot: 5⭐️
Tw: death of both parents, workplace sexual harassment, foster care abuse, murder
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Death of parent