enjodako's review against another edition
3.0
Defying what??? The title doesn't make sense
After having doubts in book 2. This book cemented some of the weird things I noticed about Marcus and Finn's relationship...
Claude and Alexei, Bentley and River. They touch. They kiss. They tell each other they love each other. Both of the other couples worry about each other, they have such cute and sweet moments and genuinely give off lovey dovey vibes.
Marcus and Finn have none of this.
It's odd to have a mention of a kiss or a touch even between them anymore. It's so weird!!! Even when he gets Finn back, he drives instead of holding him. Being there for him. It's terrible.
80% through we kinda get "Oh I love him" but then we get the same distance. They are so distant with each other.
And why does the sm*x always the the same? In 5 books it's the same style in order? It's so weird.
Most of the 30% at the beginning is Claude and Finn flirting and kissing more then the main couple?? It's really off putting.
Also...why do they just pick on each other? They treat each other terribly...it's such a weird relationship.
Then to talk about marriage and turning. Why?? What the hell for?? There isn't much between them. It's been lost over 3 books of their story. Eh??
After having doubts in book 2. This book cemented some of the weird things I noticed about Marcus and Finn's relationship...
Claude and Alexei, Bentley and River. They touch. They kiss. They tell each other they love each other. Both of the other couples worry about each other, they have such cute and sweet moments and genuinely give off lovey dovey vibes.
Marcus and Finn have none of this.
It's odd to have a mention of a kiss or a touch even between them anymore. It's so weird!!! Even when he gets Finn back, he drives instead of holding him. Being there for him. It's terrible.
80% through we kinda get "Oh I love him" but then we get the same distance. They are so distant with each other.
And why does the sm*x always the the same? In 5 books it's the same style in order? It's so weird.
Most of the 30% at the beginning is Claude and Finn flirting and kissing more then the main couple?? It's really off putting.
Also...why do they just pick on each other? They treat each other terribly...it's such a weird relationship.
Then to talk about marriage and turning. Why?? What the hell for?? There isn't much between them. It's been lost over 3 books of their story. Eh??
belle165's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
adventures_by_nessa's review against another edition
4.0
In the fifth installment of the VRC series, Marcus’ past comes back to haunt him and his partner, Finn. This book should definitely be read in order with the prior books giving knowledge and insight into the background of this installment.
Finn stumbles onto a crime in progress that kicks off the novel. Soon, we discover that Marcus’ past is closely related to the crime, but we don’t know how or why. We finally get a detailed peak into who Marcus used to be. There is a dynamic between our main couple that is so easy going. They are polar opposites, yet they always work well together. Neither are perfect, but that’s what makes then great together. They each have their flaws but they love and help each other anyway.
Very well written novel with Alice’s usual charm and wit. My favorite part of any Alice Winters book is the trademark humor she provides with every story. You will laugh, I always laugh. She has a way of drawing you into the story and keeping you coming back for me. Every time I start one of her novels, I can’t put it down and Marcus and Finn’ latest story is no different.
*Reader Note: I received a free copy of this book directly from the author and this is my honest review.
Finn stumbles onto a crime in progress that kicks off the novel. Soon, we discover that Marcus’ past is closely related to the crime, but we don’t know how or why. We finally get a detailed peak into who Marcus used to be. There is a dynamic between our main couple that is so easy going. They are polar opposites, yet they always work well together. Neither are perfect, but that’s what makes then great together. They each have their flaws but they love and help each other anyway.
Very well written novel with Alice’s usual charm and wit. My favorite part of any Alice Winters book is the trademark humor she provides with every story. You will laugh, I always laugh. She has a way of drawing you into the story and keeping you coming back for me. Every time I start one of her novels, I can’t put it down and Marcus and Finn’ latest story is no different.
*Reader Note: I received a free copy of this book directly from the author and this is my honest review.
vicki_williams's review against another edition
5.0
Marcus, Finn and the gang are back with more mayhem as foes from the past crash into the present.
There’s plenty of action and lots of hilarity as the intriguing mystery unfolds. A mystery which has Finn and Marcus second guessing who is a friend and who is a foe.
Of course Finn is once again in the thick of things which has Marcus threatening/terrifying everyone to protect his love. Although Finn once again shows not only his inner strength but also his “ability to con even a crazed murderer into trusting him.”
I laughed so much reading this book. From Christmas Eve sleepover traditions to Claude with his unique fashion choices and Finn, talking sexy dressed as Santa just to name a few!
As per usual for this author, the interesting plot is the main focus with just a couple of well placed steamy scenes where Finn and Marcus reconnect and show their love for each other.
There’s plenty of action and lots of hilarity as the intriguing mystery unfolds. A mystery which has Finn and Marcus second guessing who is a friend and who is a foe.
Of course Finn is once again in the thick of things which has Marcus threatening/terrifying everyone to protect his love. Although Finn once again shows not only his inner strength but also his “ability to con even a crazed murderer into trusting him.”
I laughed so much reading this book. From Christmas Eve sleepover traditions to Claude with his unique fashion choices and Finn, talking sexy dressed as Santa just to name a few!
As per usual for this author, the interesting plot is the main focus with just a couple of well placed steamy scenes where Finn and Marcus reconnect and show their love for each other.
fernandafatio's review against another edition
4.0
A good instalment. Way toned down if compared to the first 2 books in series. We still get snarky humour, but this time it felt more forced and, in certain moments, not really appropriate. Smut-wise was also way less, but there’s a reason for it with Finn being kidnapped and hurt. Some of the best scenes involves Orin and I really wanted to see him more in the books.
We dig into Marcus past and how it eventually mix with Finn’s past as well. We have Alexei and Claudius as an integral part of the story while DeGrey is back being a less than a secondary character. After the last book I thought we would see more of him and River, but alas, we do not. Briar is a non-character and I don’t see the need for her in the series, honestly.
Then, the plot. Finn is kidnapped- again. The big bad villain has a somewhat redemption arc that we are not really sure if it’s for real. The Council is in shambles and we don’t know who to trust there. Probably no one. Marcus announces he will claim the city to keep Finn save but I have no idea of this means. The end of book still leaves many questions unanswered so my guess we will see more books down the road.
We dig into Marcus past and how it eventually mix with Finn’s past as well. We have Alexei and Claudius as an integral part of the story while DeGrey is back being a less than a secondary character. After the last book I thought we would see more of him and River, but alas, we do not. Briar is a non-character and I don’t see the need for her in the series, honestly.
Then, the plot. Finn is kidnapped- again. The big bad villain has a somewhat redemption arc that we are not really sure if it’s for real. The Council is in shambles and we don’t know who to trust there. Probably no one. Marcus announces he will claim the city to keep Finn save but I have no idea of this means. The end of book still leaves many questions unanswered so my guess we will see more books down the road.
bfdbookblog's review against another edition
4.0
**Audiobook review**
I love this cast of characters but this one was hard to follow along. There are a LOT of new characters (or maybe I just don’t remember them) which made this confusing a lot of the time. Between the history as told by Marcus, the council and all its members, the new bad guy (but maybe not so bad), and all the confusion around what happened with Finn I was a bit lost through most of this.
The story isn’t complete, just at a stopping point so I’m assuming there will be another book (or several more).
This definitely wasn’t my favorite, but it is always nice to check in with this crew.
Michael Ferraiuolo does a fantastic job with the vocal performance as always!
I love this cast of characters but this one was hard to follow along. There are a LOT of new characters (or maybe I just don’t remember them) which made this confusing a lot of the time. Between the history as told by Marcus, the council and all its members, the new bad guy (but maybe not so bad), and all the confusion around what happened with Finn I was a bit lost through most of this.
The story isn’t complete, just at a stopping point so I’m assuming there will be another book (or several more).
This definitely wasn’t my favorite, but it is always nice to check in with this crew.
Michael Ferraiuolo does a fantastic job with the vocal performance as always!
flo77k's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
bookishmadhatter's review
5.0
Can always count on Alice's books to make me laugh and keep me entertained.
ollie_again's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Sexual content
Minor: Torture, Abandonment, and Stalking