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nevclue's review against another edition
2.0
Genre mashup that should have been more fun than it was. Vibes and tropes without characterization or coherent plot. Not for me
teresab78's review against another edition
4.0
great start to new series.
This book had some unique twists on common tropes in paranormal romances. While I’m not sure the blend of Victorian/regency cast system with ladies and lords of the Ton having balls and worrying about clothes worked well with being set in modern times; It messed with my head a bit when there’s talks of cravats and waistcoats amidst cell phones, cars, and Christmas sweaters. However, I liked the mystery, was sadden by the opening tragedy, loved the characters, and found the book quite enjoyable. The sex was hot and the chemistry apparent between Cas and Saphir.
I’m not sure I have the full measure of how the shifter and humans co-exist but I’m sure I’ll learn more in the next book.
This book had some unique twists on common tropes in paranormal romances. While I’m not sure the blend of Victorian/regency cast system with ladies and lords of the Ton having balls and worrying about clothes worked well with being set in modern times; It messed with my head a bit when there’s talks of cravats and waistcoats amidst cell phones, cars, and Christmas sweaters. However, I liked the mystery, was sadden by the opening tragedy, loved the characters, and found the book quite enjoyable. The sex was hot and the chemistry apparent between Cas and Saphir.
I’m not sure I have the full measure of how the shifter and humans co-exist but I’m sure I’ll learn more in the next book.
haletostilinski1's review against another edition
5.0
An absolute triumph for this duo of authors.
I've read many Charlie Cochet pieces before, and loved so many of them. I've never read a Macy Blake before. But reading this, I wonder if this author balanced out Cochet's signature humor (which I absolutely love, no question) with a more serious tone. I don't know Blake's style, but knowing Cochet's, that's the feeling I got. That Cochet, in her amazing way, was able to keep this more light than it probably would be otherwise, while Blake might have brought more levity and seriousness to the piece.
If that's how Blake writes, then this is a wonderful combination for both authors. They balanced each other very well, and this is an amazing start to what I'm hoping is a fun, interesting series.
In a world where there are humans, but also shifters, the regular humans have had magic used on them to not remember or know of the shifters' existence.
The most powerful of the shifters are the Dragon shifters, and the Dragon shifter is King, with there being Dukes and Earls and Barons and so on down the line, in a modern day world. The shifter world is like a mix of both old customs and the new, modern world. They have cell phones and TVs but also old fashioned titles and they dress a little more regency era.
Caspian is known as a scoundrel, a rake, but also the best friend to the prince of shifters, the son of the King.
But soon into the beginning of this story, tragedy strikes, and a mystery that is going to definitely span several or all the books in this series is started.
9 months after the tragedy, Saphir, former Captain of the Royal Guard, and fiercely loyal to his king, who is now retired 6 years after the tragedy of losing his parents, and is now a Baron, a title given to him by the King himself, is called to a meeting with the King.
He is asked to let his younger sister, who he has been taking care of the past 6 years, to debut for the first time at the stat of the Season. But also he is tasked with protecting and looking after Caspian, the best friend of the Prince who is almost like a son to the King.
Additionally, on his own, Saphir has been investigating the tragedy that happened at the beginning of the book.
Caspian, meanwhile, is still grieving the tragedy, but is also part of a secret order of spies who protect the King, the Dahlias, and has to keep that secret. He's been training hard the last 9 months.
When the Season begins, they are also matched - the rules in this book are that couples are matched, and then they do a mating run, basically, where one partner tries to catch the other. If they manage to catch the other, they are "mates" for the next 8 months, and can choose to remain together or not after those 8 months of the "Season".
If the other doesn't catch the other during the run, then the other being chased can turn the other down right then and there.
Of course, Caspian and Saphir are chosen as mates, and of course, Saphir catches Caspian
I've read many Charlie Cochet pieces before, and loved so many of them. I've never read a Macy Blake before. But reading this, I wonder if this author balanced out Cochet's signature humor (which I absolutely love, no question) with a more serious tone. I don't know Blake's style, but knowing Cochet's, that's the feeling I got. That Cochet, in her amazing way, was able to keep this more light than it probably would be otherwise, while Blake might have brought more levity and seriousness to the piece.
If that's how Blake writes, then this is a wonderful combination for both authors. They balanced each other very well, and this is an amazing start to what I'm hoping is a fun, interesting series.
In a world where there are humans, but also shifters, the regular humans have had magic used on them to not remember or know of the shifters' existence.
The most powerful of the shifters are the Dragon shifters, and the Dragon shifter is King, with there being Dukes and Earls and Barons and so on down the line, in a modern day world. The shifter world is like a mix of both old customs and the new, modern world. They have cell phones and TVs but also old fashioned titles and they dress a little more regency era.
Caspian is known as a scoundrel, a rake, but also the best friend to the prince of shifters, the son of the King.
But soon into the beginning of this story, tragedy strikes, and a mystery that is going to definitely span several or all the books in this series is started.
9 months after the tragedy, Saphir, former Captain of the Royal Guard, and fiercely loyal to his king, who is now retired 6 years after the tragedy of losing his parents, and is now a Baron, a title given to him by the King himself, is called to a meeting with the King.
He is asked to let his younger sister, who he has been taking care of the past 6 years, to debut for the first time at the stat of the Season. But also he is tasked with protecting and looking after Caspian, the best friend of the Prince who is almost like a son to the King.
Additionally, on his own, Saphir has been investigating the tragedy that happened at the beginning of the book.
Caspian, meanwhile, is still grieving the tragedy, but is also part of a secret order of spies who protect the King, the Dahlias, and has to keep that secret. He's been training hard the last 9 months.
When the Season begins, they are also matched - the rules in this book are that couples are matched, and then they do a mating run, basically, where one partner tries to catch the other. If they manage to catch the other, they are "mates" for the next 8 months, and can choose to remain together or not after those 8 months of the "Season".
If the other doesn't catch the other during the run, then the other being chased can turn the other down right then and there.
Of course, Caspian and Saphir are chosen as mates, and of course, Saphir catches Caspian
jess_theinkspell's review against another edition
3.0
Non bello quanto mi aspettavo, ma sono curiosa di leggere ciò che verrà dopo.
jamiesbookaddiction's review
4.0
The Thirds series is one of my absolute favorites. And even though I've never read anything by Macy Blake, I knew that I needed to try out this new series. I really enjoyed it. There was a lot of info at the beginning and it was a little hard to follow, but I was able to pick it up relatively quickly.
I couldn't believe I had tears in the first chapter. My heart was in my throat for Cas and King Datura. Bravo to the authors for pulling me into the characters so very quickly.
Saphir and Cas are definitely opposites. Saphir is so serious and doesn't come across as though he cares, but he truly does. Cas is carefree and is mischievous. I loved how Saphir was with Cas. These two made me laugh and their chemistry.
Suri was so hilarious. I loved how she was with Cas. There was no doubt that Saphir loved his sister.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. I hope we still get to see these two!
I couldn't believe I had tears in the first chapter. My heart was in my throat for Cas and King Datura. Bravo to the authors for pulling me into the characters so very quickly.
Saphir and Cas are definitely opposites. Saphir is so serious and doesn't come across as though he cares, but he truly does. Cas is carefree and is mischievous. I loved how Saphir was with Cas. These two made me laugh and their chemistry.
Suri was so hilarious. I loved how she was with Cas. There was no doubt that Saphir loved his sister.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. I hope we still get to see these two!
mousegoddess's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
Aristocracy and intrigue, fun adventure with an overarching big bad to fuel future books
laurelleemarie's review
4.0
swooning for scoundrels!
I had such a blast reading this first in the new series! The Bridgerton vibes were excellent. I loved the delicious drama and gossip as a backdrop for mystery and adventure! Also I loved Suri! She’s the best. Sassy Cas and his protective man are so evenly matched and a joy to read about.
I had such a blast reading this first in the new series! The Bridgerton vibes were excellent. I loved the delicious drama and gossip as a backdrop for mystery and adventure! Also I loved Suri! She’s the best. Sassy Cas and his protective man are so evenly matched and a joy to read about.
ruthiedr89's review
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Gaslighting, Sexual content, Death, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Classism, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, and Kidnapping
ju_51's review
emotional
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? N/A
4.0