Reviews

Cruel Stakes by Nina Walker

bandp0601's review

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adventurous challenging emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

pinkmaibooks's review

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emotional tense medium-paced

4.25

kennys's review

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3.0

If I'm being honest I liked this book a bit more than the first book, but it was still kind of meh. Once again I was expecting a little more romance than there was in this book. Cruel Stakes has a bit more of a plot than the previous one, as there was more depth to it, rather than just having someone train to be a vampire hunter for the sake of training.

3/5 stars.

speculationss's review

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4.0

A cliffhanger that leaves you begging for more...
If you love paranormal, slow burn, enemies to lovers romance then this is a must read for you. Our protagonist is a vampire hunter who has found her place and is finally with the boy she's been pining after for since she was a kid. But then Adrian one of the vampire princes walks back into her life, or more accurately Eva walks back into his with the plan to betray him. But Eva can't deny the attraction they have even if she desperately wants to hate him. Their relationship grows more complicated than either of them want it to be, but when the vampire queen summons Adrian and his new fledgling neither can say no without risking their lives. Now both must play this game to keep themselves and each other safe until Adrian must turn Eva.
The ending of this book is just devastating and leaves you begging Nina to publish the next book in this series. The tension between these two characters is beautifully written and has you itching for the moment they stop denying their feelings for each other. I started this book with the intention of reading the first few chapters in one sitting but ended up binging this delicious book. Its a quick and intriguing young adult paranormal romance that will bring you back to your teenager vampire phase.

jojofergy's review

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This one was even better then the first book. I love the twists and can’t wait to read the next book. 

asternyx's review

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adventurous emotional funny tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

holsarmstrong's review

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3.0

combined review for book one & two.

book one: 3.5 stars
book two: 3.25 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up this book but I can honestly say I didn’t put it down. It’s the definition of a trashy, paranormal romance and I was here for it.
This is the kind of book you need to read it you’re in a reading slump!

- the characters were memorable enough and I liked the dynamic between our two heroes. the slow burn romance is honestly done so well, I am literally begging for this both to realise their feelings for each other.
- the setting is interesting and I think the casino idea is really unique. I liked how we had relatable conflicts in this book such as her mums gambling addiction.
- I really like nina’s writing and I would definitely read more from her as a solo author.
- the biggest issue with these books are: they are trashy, but trashy is addicting.

I will definitely be reading book three when it’s out!

kimberlyyyreads's review

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3.0

Eh Ngl I’m not sure how I feel about this one :/

tosleepperchancetoread's review

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4.0

Wow is this book bingeable! I’m so glad we got to see more of Adrian in this book, and I’m hoping for more of his backstory in book 3. Those little glimpses of him being vulnerable with Eva were just wonderful. I was a little sad we didn’t get more discussion of what Tate is, but I can see Nina is setting up for an epic finale. Overall this was super fun and perfect for those urban fantasy lovers out there! I could easily get lost in this world!

bookishle's review

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adventurous challenging tense fast-paced

4.5