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mardell's review
5.0
As ever, Aveda delivers one of my favourite tropes, Scent of Pining Hero, but now in a kind of polyam technicolour. There is sooooo much wanting and waiting in a book where there is also lots of explicit sex. No mean feat. But Vice does it every time. The novel feels both like a natural progression of their monsterf*cker brand and a new departure. When they published Yours, Insatiably just a couple of years ago, the author wrote how daunting they found the idea of producing a full-length novel (a wonderful one, btw). From that perspective, what they've attempted with this book is not only incredibly impressive but also part of a wonderful writing arc. Four difference POVs? Time slip for all four POVs (and not just dual timeline)? Setting up two other polyam romances? It's a lot. In a good way. A really good way. It goes without saying this is one for fans of Enemies to Lovers (the captivity situation gave me all sorts of classic medieval romance vibes) but that trope doesn't encompass all the types of relationships going on here. My favourite dynamic was the stoic leadership of Len and Aren versus the damaged chaos agents that are Caius and Pheir. This is definitely one I can imagine rereading to fully appreciate its complexity.
**The author always compiles comprehensive trigger warning and I really encourage people to check them out. Not only do we have abusive romantic and familiar relationship backgrounds here, but also a very disturbing cult situation.
**The author always compiles comprehensive trigger warning and I really encourage people to check them out. Not only do we have abusive romantic and familiar relationship backgrounds here, but also a very disturbing cult situation.
winterfairy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
meghannreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
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
If you are a fan of Harley Laroux and their Losers Duet, you HAVE to read this book!! If you love books with found family at its heart, YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!! This one is a monster MMFF romance and each character is written with so much depth and care, it was actually emotional to see how their different relationships developed with one another, especially Pheir with the rest of the pact. It was also just such a fun read with a really interesting plot and some insane smut!! Vice got really creative with some of these scenes they wrote š¤š«£š„µ
marcegum's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
5.0
If Aveda Vice has 1000 fans im one of the them. If Aveda Vice has 100 fans im still one of them. If Aveda Vice has 1 fan thats ME. If Aveda Vice has 0 fans i am no longer on this earth. FANTASTIC BOOK
ravenofthesea's review against another edition
5.0
In another lifetime, a different kind of blood would be spilled. This time, though, blood mingles on their tongues, lost in the scent of arousal and assurance and devotion. Beneath them, the ground hums a symphony.
This is the kind of book that brilliantly conquers a part of your mind! Iāll certainly be thinking about it for quite some time. It focuses on four unique, complex, and completely alluring individuals. Each goes through their own journey, that being self-discovery, freedom, or salvation. These four characters grow such intense relationships and throughout the story, they grow and unite with each other to create an intricate web. I really loved that there was a subtle hint of the āfatedā and the āmeant-to-beā. As like their souls were meant to collide.
This book is essentially multiple stories merging with each other. There is the cult (kind-of) trope, abandonment issues, self-doubt and so much more. The book is also as hot and steamy as Vestaās breath! Hint: she is a phoenix.
The writing was amazing. I donāt think the book would have worked out if the writing wasnāt so good. There are four dynamic characters with secrets and sorrows that demanded time and talent to present their growth individually, as a pair, and all together. Along with that, there are interesting world-building and side characters. The idea of the residual magic really stuck with me.
I do think that the book was a bit longer than I wouldāve liked. It stretched more than necessary in certain parts, and although its length the last few chapters were a bit hurried. They left me a bit confused as the story was rushing to the finish line. Also, I couldnāt connect with Lev as much as I desired. Donāt get me wrong, I liked her. Sheās an Alpha fmc! Whatās not to like? But, it felt like the adoration for her was a fact. As though the reader meant to love her because it was stated that she was kind and whole-hearted. Fortunately, there were actions to back up those claims.
I would love to read the stories of the side characters. If this book was any indication, any following stories will be a blast. Take into account that this story is about were-creatures, harpies, dryads, and other magical beings.
ARC Review
Did I like it? Yes! Like a sirenās kiss.
Would I reread it? Probably yes.
4.5/5ā
4.5/5
This is the kind of book that brilliantly conquers a part of your mind! Iāll certainly be thinking about it for quite some time. It focuses on four unique, complex, and completely alluring individuals. Each goes through their own journey, that being self-discovery, freedom, or salvation. These four characters grow such intense relationships and throughout the story, they grow and unite with each other to create an intricate web. I really loved that there was a subtle hint of the āfatedā and the āmeant-to-beā. As like their souls were meant to collide.
This book is essentially multiple stories merging with each other. There is the cult (kind-of) trope, abandonment issues, self-doubt and so much more. The book is also as hot and steamy as Vestaās breath! Hint: she is a phoenix.
The writing was amazing. I donāt think the book would have worked out if the writing wasnāt so good. There are four dynamic characters with secrets and sorrows that demanded time and talent to present their growth individually, as a pair, and all together. Along with that, there are interesting world-building and side characters. The idea of the residual magic really stuck with me.
I do think that the book was a bit longer than I wouldāve liked. It stretched more than necessary in certain parts, and although its length the last few chapters were a bit hurried. They left me a bit confused as the story was rushing to the finish line. Also, I couldnāt connect with Lev as much as I desired. Donāt get me wrong, I liked her. Sheās an Alpha fmc! Whatās not to like? But, it felt like the adoration for her was a fact. As though the reader meant to love her because it was stated that she was kind and whole-hearted. Fortunately, there were actions to back up those claims.
I would love to read the stories of the side characters. If this book was any indication, any following stories will be a blast. Take into account that this story is about were-creatures, harpies, dryads, and other magical beings.
ARC Review
Did I like it? Yes! Like a sirenās kiss.
Would I reread it? Probably yes.
4.5/5ā
4.5/5
gwv1993's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
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
5.0
wolfeyreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Omgosh first long book in a long ass time. So good. Iām so happy I tackled this beast.
imaginejolls's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
earthtonadia's review
4.0
4.5 stars
When I want a solid read, I know Aveda Viceās books will always hit the spot, and this was no exception.
This was the full-length follow up to Bound, where we met our four main characters: Pheir, Lev, Aren, and Caius. Their enemies with benefits relationship was absolutely delightful, and it had a depth that I really enjoyed. Pheir was unstable, uncooperative, and resistive to every single one of their demands due to her unwavering loyalty to her slain Alpha, while her evil captors tried to tame her. She was given an ultimatum: live for 3 months with the rival pack and assimilate, or face execution. She really put up a fight against those three, but couldnāt seem to resist when it came to their (explosive) spicy times.
It was really quite the journey to see Pheir slowly transform from the wild and uncontrollable captive to the trioās equal. I loved seeing the growth in Lev, Aren, and Caiusās relationship as well: there were so many little hidden grudges that were swept under the rug but were finally discussed once Pheir joined them.
There was never a dull moment, which I absolutely loved. It was a very captivating read. Though I did feel like it moved a little slow at times, the action, character development, and spice definitely made up for it.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When I want a solid read, I know Aveda Viceās books will always hit the spot, and this was no exception.
This was the full-length follow up to Bound, where we met our four main characters: Pheir, Lev, Aren, and Caius. Their enemies with benefits relationship was absolutely delightful, and it had a depth that I really enjoyed. Pheir was unstable, uncooperative, and resistive to every single one of their demands due to her unwavering loyalty to her slain Alpha, while her evil captors tried to tame her. She was given an ultimatum: live for 3 months with the rival pack and assimilate, or face execution. She really put up a fight against those three, but couldnāt seem to resist when it came to their (explosive) spicy times.
It was really quite the journey to see Pheir slowly transform from the wild and uncontrollable captive to the trioās equal. I loved seeing the growth in Lev, Aren, and Caiusās relationship as well: there were so many little hidden grudges that were swept under the rug but were finally discussed once Pheir joined them.
There was never a dull moment, which I absolutely loved. It was a very captivating read. Though I did feel like it moved a little slow at times, the action, character development, and spice definitely made up for it.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.