lorenh's review against another edition
5.0
There were a couple of the Sterling Shore books that I really, really enjoyed, and Loving War was definitely one of them. I keep going back to it since I'm a sucker for a good enemies-to-lovers. I will say their chemistry is SUPER hot.
Seeing a different side of Kode from his typical characterizations earlier in the series helped me believe in his and Tria's feelings for each other--you get to hear from his perspective why he does the things he does. (Not saying I always agree with him, but the context was helpful.) And Tria--I'm definitely the type that wants to know what's going on behind the scenes with an antagonist (probably why I loved [b:Heartless|18584855|Heartless|Marissa Meyer|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1477740245s/18584855.jpg|26322524] so much!) It really humanized her so I could root for her and Kode to work out.
C.M. Owens did a fantastic job of highlighting the insecurities two characters who have always lived in their siblings' shadows would have in a relationship with each other, even when everything inside them is telling them they found their person in shouty caps. Seeing how those emotions played out, and how they became increasingly more accepting of their own feelings and more secure in their relationship even when others questioned it was definitely my favorite part!
Spoiler
I do think that Tria is too quick to give herself so completely to her former tormentor in an emotional sense, butSeeing a different side of Kode from his typical characterizations earlier in the series helped me believe in his and Tria's feelings for each other--you get to hear from his perspective why he does the things he does. (Not saying I always agree with him, but the context was helpful.) And Tria--I'm definitely the type that wants to know what's going on behind the scenes with an antagonist (probably why I loved [b:Heartless|18584855|Heartless|Marissa Meyer|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1477740245s/18584855.jpg|26322524] so much!)
Spoiler
so I loved reading about how leaving for school and meeting Leo helped her find a career she was passionate about, and how much her relationship with Rain had come to mean to her.C.M. Owens did a fantastic job of highlighting the insecurities two characters who have always lived in their siblings' shadows would have in a relationship with each other, even when everything inside them is telling them they found their person in shouty caps. Seeing how those emotions played out, and how they became increasingly more accepting of their own feelings and more secure in their relationship even when others questioned it was definitely my favorite part!
izziede's review against another edition
4.0
This is almost like a second part to the previous book as certain things are revealed in this book that make the story complete.
Tria Noles and Kode Sterling.
It's an interesting insight in to family dynamics.
Love/hate relationship.
Tria Noles and Kode Sterling.
It's an interesting insight in to family dynamics.
Love/hate relationship.
jackyda_neer's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
kayleebooks's review against another edition
5.0
Okay so before I start this review, I did not read the previous books in this series.
Okay so wow.
This book was everything I wanted it to be, personally I don't need to read about Dane and rain. The bit they were involved in with This book is enough of them for me. Because there story sounded so stupid and dramatic. "Oh hey Dane I love you and well ig your brother loves me too, anyways here's a letter you never got so haha I'ma not talk to you for 6 years??" Like okay... Not at all dramatic. (I literally could be talking out my ass because I didn't read their book but I really don't want too)
Now let's talk about the Superior people I'm this whole weird group. Tria and kode.
First the group leaving Tria out like that was just annoyed. She was always the invite because of rain, which is ironic considering the nature of there relationship. I really just want another book of kode and tria thriving. Tria has her own friend group (ofc vm involving Kody) and just happy and away from those nasty people. (Beside dale and the one dude with the c name I can't remember) the whole pity party the group had for Tria was so nasty to read. "hey she looks sad and lonely lol let's make an effort *literally makes no effort, doesn't even invite her to a group party and she only comes because of Kody* but this is where I think the author fucked it up, because for Tria to be so strong and independent, she gave into Kody hella fast. I kind wished she put up more of a fight. I feel like the only development I'm Tria life was dating Kody and her makeup line. Anyways this review is all over the place just read the book lol.
Okay so wow.
This book was everything I wanted it to be, personally I don't need to read about Dane and rain. The bit they were involved in with This book is enough of them for me. Because there story sounded so stupid and dramatic. "Oh hey Dane I love you and well ig your brother loves me too, anyways here's a letter you never got so haha I'ma not talk to you for 6 years??" Like okay... Not at all dramatic. (I literally could be talking out my ass because I didn't read their book but I really don't want too)
Now let's talk about the Superior people I'm this whole weird group. Tria and kode.
First the group leaving Tria out like that was just annoyed. She was always the invite because of rain, which is ironic considering the nature of there relationship. I really just want another book of kode and tria thriving. Tria has her own friend group (ofc vm involving Kody) and just happy and away from those nasty people. (Beside dale and the one dude with the c name I can't remember) the whole pity party the group had for Tria was so nasty to read. "hey she looks sad and lonely lol let's make an effort *literally makes no effort, doesn't even invite her to a group party and she only comes because of Kody* but this is where I think the author fucked it up, because for Tria to be so strong and independent, she gave into Kody hella fast. I kind wished she put up more of a fight. I feel like the only development I'm Tria life was dating Kody and her makeup line. Anyways this review is all over the place just read the book lol.
hmb86's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
pandaiore's review
3.0
Never hated anyone as much as Rain. I wish Tria stood up to her. She needed to do that.
Also, lack of a HEA epilogue? Sure they're HFN but I'd love to have seen Kode and Tria's proposal and future!!! I wanna see how Tria's business does!!!!!
Ended up really loving Kode tho. That was such a surprise! The other Sterlings aren't bad either, other than the eternal devotion that have towards Rain *cue eye roll* As someone who understands what it's like to always be second best and always a replacement but never an original, I understand where Tria is coming from. I don't understand how these grown men were still so angry at her for her OWN relationship with her sister, their goddess I guess. Rain is selfish and annoying and so much like a Mary Sue.
That's it, that's the review. Just a Rain hate-vent.
Also, lack of a HEA epilogue? Sure they're HFN but I'd love to have seen Kode and Tria's proposal and future!!! I wanna see how Tria's business does!!!!!
Ended up really loving Kode tho. That was such a surprise! The other Sterlings aren't bad either, other than the eternal devotion that have towards Rain *cue eye roll* As someone who understands what it's like to always be second best and always a replacement but never an original, I understand where Tria is coming from. I don't understand how these grown men were still so angry at her for her OWN relationship with her sister, their goddess I guess. Rain is selfish and annoying and so much like a Mary Sue.
That's it, that's the review. Just a Rain hate-vent.
maikemoon's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25