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glynn_nr's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
If you're mostly looking for something spicy to read that's vaguely entertaining, then this will scratch that itch. It's a basic enemy to lovers trope. I was a bit startled by some of the early seduction scenes. They rubbed me the wrong way, but eventually I rather liked them together. I thought the side characters were a bit flat, but there were two I was interested in seeing more of. Maybe they'll be in other books, though, because they got too little play time in this book to really get developed.
The story could have benefited from some editing (some annoying consistently wrong words like adverse instead of averse, for example) and reworking of the plot to improve the flow and logic. There were some inconsistencies in logic that just didn't really make sense or weren't explained clearly (example: everyone wants her to go home immediately until she actually really wants to go home, then they can't let her leave?). There were also some good things that just weren't picked up on at all, like her homesickness in one scene was never followed up on even though as an immigrant myself I would have really liked it explored.
All in all, it's a fast read. The spicy scenes are well written, and the story is vaguely entertaining despite the issues.
The story could have benefited from some editing (some annoying consistently wrong words like adverse instead of averse, for example) and reworking of the plot to improve the flow and logic. There were some inconsistencies in logic that just didn't really make sense or weren't explained clearly (example: everyone wants her to go home immediately until she actually really wants to go home, then they can't let her leave?). There were also some good things that just weren't picked up on at all, like her homesickness in one scene was never followed up on even though as an immigrant myself I would have really liked it explored.
All in all, it's a fast read. The spicy scenes are well written, and the story is vaguely entertaining despite the issues.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Sexual assault, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
lindsay_co2bl's review against another edition
4.0
I put off reading this book for days because I wasn't sure that I would enjoy it, but I was pleasantly surprised when the book drew me in immediately and I got so into the book that I couldn’t put it down. I look forward to reading the other books in the Dark Lands series.
mezzahliah's review
4.0
A really great read for paranormal fantasy readers. I love Keilor still! He is gorgeous and awesome!
drumflipsusan's review
2.0
I started out enjoying this quite a bit, but after an event that should be traumatic and no emotion from Jasmine, I grew impatient. There were many opportunities for Dawn to show what is going on in the mind of the heroine yet more time was spent on things that I felt were less important. Knowing what Jasmine went through, even though the entire scene was pushed through quickly, I really don't see how any character can come out of it unscathed. I'm hoping that if I read the book to the end, I would see more of this. Keiler's character also bothered me.
The symbiont comes out of nowhere and I know it will play a large role in the story. I wish Dawn would have spent more time explaining and showing the story than quickly telling.
The symbiont comes out of nowhere and I know it will play a large role in the story. I wish Dawn would have spent more time explaining and showing the story than quickly telling.
anelson82's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second book I have read by Autumn Dawn, and just like my first, I loved it! The women are strong, the males alpha but very doting. In the Charmer, Jasmine is reluctantly brought in to a fantastical world/dimension(?) by Keilor, a shape-shifting Haunt. Of course, they argue and appear to not stand each other, but they have undeniable attraction, and not due to Jasmine's ability to charm men into doing her bidding. Very nice romance, and poor Jasmine cannot catch a break throughout the book. She is always in danger and in trouble with Keilor. The only thing I wish I got from the story was the reason the Wiley's mother did what she did to Jasmine, at the risk of losing her daughter. Or maybe I missed an explanation? I may need to go back and re-read since I devoured it the first time around. Good book; I can't wait to read more from Autumn Dawn!
tessla's review against another edition
Too spicy too soon; used sex as punishment
emilyb_chicago's review against another edition
1.0
Some interesting ideas on the world, but quite a bad book. The characters were worse than cliche and the story itself was random and wandering. Even the romance wasn't that great.
Definitely skip this one.
Definitely skip this one.
birdloveranne's review against another edition
3.0
A good sci-fi romance story, but it really didn't engage my emotions.
mezzahliah's review against another edition
4.0
A really great read for paranormal fantasy readers. I love Keilor still! He is gorgeous and awesome!
vikcs's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5