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gracerichards11's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
night_owl_84's review
5.0
As soon as the preorder went live for this book I bought it...
I want to start out by sharing a little bit about my Max Ellendale reading history, before I go in depth with the review...
Over the past 3 or 4 years I was a heavy kindle unlimited reader. I would read at least 5 -7 books a week, but was never truly satisfied. Thankfully, during that time, I found Max Ellendale! I found that instead of reading the newest arrivals to kindle unlimited I had a desire to reread her books. I've reread them so much that I took a break from my subscription to kindle unlimited and bought every e-book she's released.
Her books are so satisfying that I often need time to process my thoughts and feelings after the experience...and reluctantly...rejoin reality. (Side note: After reading Mermaid (my favorite...just saying) I didn't want to join reality ever again. If the day comes where I have the opportunity to live out a fictional romance I choose that! Side note over.)
Let's dive in...
For me as a reader my desire is to have an understanding/connection with the main characters. Even if I don't relate on a personal level I love to empathize and put myself in their shoes. To experience what they go through and the process as they live out their journey... this is my reason for reading...period. I'm a strong believer in growing on a personal level myself while reading fiction/romance that I love.
Maya is a character that I've had my eye on. She's been mentioned in previous books, so I was excited to see from her perspective. Which was brilliantly done in first person. Her cousin Nora has always had a soft spot in my heart for many reasons (Don't worry, I know I'm already over sharing...I won't go into details). I honestly loved seeing previous characters from the eyes of someone close to them. Her interactions with Caroline, Molly, and Rebecca were some of my favorite scenes. I also loved the new introductions that Maya had with well known characters from previous books.
As for Vivian...I wish I could quote a tweet that I sent while reading this book, but I don't want to mark this review as having spoilers...let's just say she has a beautiful heart and the way she loves and connects with Maya is very desirable...and if someone wanted to do that to me in real life I wouldn't say no....
I would definitely call this a fast romance. But, the healing is a slow burn that amplifies the love sparked from the fast ignition of their attraction and magnetic beginning...
There were some heavy moments in the book that I needed to process before continuing to read...but that's why I read... I want the heavy, because it helps me to grow as a person.
The intimacy (sexual and non-sexual) is outstanding! And that's a common feature when reading books written by Max Ellendale.
In conclusion... I highly recommend everything written by Max Ellendale.
I want to start out by sharing a little bit about my Max Ellendale reading history, before I go in depth with the review...
Over the past 3 or 4 years I was a heavy kindle unlimited reader. I would read at least 5 -7 books a week, but was never truly satisfied. Thankfully, during that time, I found Max Ellendale! I found that instead of reading the newest arrivals to kindle unlimited I had a desire to reread her books. I've reread them so much that I took a break from my subscription to kindle unlimited and bought every e-book she's released.
Her books are so satisfying that I often need time to process my thoughts and feelings after the experience...and reluctantly...rejoin reality. (Side note: After reading Mermaid (my favorite...just saying) I didn't want to join reality ever again. If the day comes where I have the opportunity to live out a fictional romance I choose that! Side note over.)
Let's dive in...
For me as a reader my desire is to have an understanding/connection with the main characters. Even if I don't relate on a personal level I love to empathize and put myself in their shoes. To experience what they go through and the process as they live out their journey... this is my reason for reading...period. I'm a strong believer in growing on a personal level myself while reading fiction/romance that I love.
Maya is a character that I've had my eye on. She's been mentioned in previous books, so I was excited to see from her perspective. Which was brilliantly done in first person. Her cousin Nora has always had a soft spot in my heart for many reasons (Don't worry, I know I'm already over sharing...I won't go into details). I honestly loved seeing previous characters from the eyes of someone close to them. Her interactions with Caroline, Molly, and Rebecca were some of my favorite scenes. I also loved the new introductions that Maya had with well known characters from previous books.
As for Vivian...I wish I could quote a tweet that I sent while reading this book, but I don't want to mark this review as having spoilers...let's just say she has a beautiful heart and the way she loves and connects with Maya is very desirable...and if someone wanted to do that to me in real life I wouldn't say no....
I would definitely call this a fast romance. But, the healing is a slow burn that amplifies the love sparked from the fast ignition of their attraction and magnetic beginning...
There were some heavy moments in the book that I needed to process before continuing to read...but that's why I read... I want the heavy, because it helps me to grow as a person.
The intimacy (sexual and non-sexual) is outstanding! And that's a common feature when reading books written by Max Ellendale.
In conclusion... I highly recommend everything written by Max Ellendale.
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