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katyanaish's review against another edition
3.0
**2.5**
I just don't like Aryal. Quentin was okay, but nothing to really write home about.
I also don't like that Aryal can be a complete bitch for a year to Pia, two years to Quentin, and then just decide not to be a bitch anymore and there are no consequences. Pia should hate her. Dragos shouldn't like her so much, given how shitty she is to his mate. And the bitchiness is just fucking petty. Pia stole A PENNY. She even left a penny in exchange. It is bizarre to hold on to utter hate over that, especially now knowing she did it to save her own life, and she also has saved Dragos's life several times. Pia has done more than enough, by now, to earn some trust and respect.
And then, when she does decide to stop being a bitch to Pia, she asks her if she'd at least consider cutting off the cheerleader ponytail. So, is that the reason she hated Pia then? Purely superficial, petty bitchiness? Gross.
Then she's inconsistent. Despite loathing Pia over a penny, when she finds out what Quentin did, she literally does not care. To be clear, I'm not talking about the Pia thing he did - I think he did the best he could in a bad situation there, and while it was the wrong call, he needs to let it go. I'm talking about the petty criminal stuff. So she hated Pia with fiery passion for A PENNY but doesn't care about this?
Real consistent character, here. And by consistent, I mean consistently a complete asshole.
Bleh.
I read it because I wanted the progression of the series. I'll never read it again.
I just don't like Aryal. Quentin was okay, but nothing to really write home about.
I also don't like that Aryal can be a complete bitch for a year to Pia, two years to Quentin, and then just decide not to be a bitch anymore and there are no consequences. Pia should hate her. Dragos shouldn't like her so much, given how shitty she is to his mate. And the bitchiness is just fucking petty. Pia stole A PENNY. She even left a penny in exchange. It is bizarre to hold on to utter hate over that, especially now knowing she did it to save her own life, and she also has saved Dragos's life several times. Pia has done more than enough, by now, to earn some trust and respect.
And then, when she does decide to stop being a bitch to Pia, she asks her if she'd at least consider cutting off the cheerleader ponytail. So, is that the reason she hated Pia then? Purely superficial, petty bitchiness? Gross.
Then she's inconsistent. Despite loathing Pia over a penny, when she finds out what Quentin did, she literally does not care. To be clear, I'm not talking about the Pia thing he did - I think he did the best he could in a bad situation there, and while it was the wrong call, he needs to let it go. I'm talking about the petty criminal stuff. So she hated Pia with fiery passion for A PENNY but doesn't care about this?
Real consistent character, here. And by consistent, I mean consistently a complete asshole.
Bleh.
I read it because I wanted the progression of the series. I'll never read it again.
ohnoitskylie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
masquerader888's review against another edition
3.0
This review also posted at A Bookish Compulsion
I feel that this review might not be as helpful as I would like it to be simply because a large part of my reaction to this book had nothing to do with what was between its pages but rather with current social culture and how it has affected the books I have recently read. Also, I ramble quite a bit in my attempt to explain my views.
I wanted to love this book. I love Thea Harrison and have loved most of the entries thus far in the Elder Races series, so I was expecting to love Kinked as well. But I just couldn’t. I eventually got to the point where I could separate out my own issues enough to like the book and enjoy the plot and characters but that complete abandonment to the story…the ability to lose myself and trust that the author would see me to the end without my help, was impossible.
Now to try and explain why…
A couple years ago my husband and I were going to see a movie and had arrived quite a bit early (maybe it was opening night of a big blockbuster or maybe it was just way too hot to wait outside, I don’t remember.) in either case we talked for a bit then both dug out our electronic devices to help pass the hour or so until the movie would begin. I, of course, opened up my reader and stared a book and after a few minutes I realized that while I was immersed in the text another couple had sat next to us because the girl leaned over and asked me what I was reading. After a quick look-up (it was a new book by a new author) I told her I was reading [b:Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea|13446443|Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (Niki Slobodian, #1)|J.L. Murray|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1328048703s/13446443.jpg|18958728]. She nodded enthusiastically and then blurted something along the lines of “Isn’t this reading thing just fantastic?” I smiled and made a positive reply, somewhat taken back and her fiery excitement but approving of any love of books. She then went on to gush about how she had just discovered it after some of her friends had insisted that she read Fifty Shades of Grey which she had loved and now she is just reading everything. She was so excited, describing the satisfaction of making it from one dot to the next on her Kindle reading progress bar and how wonderful it was to have just so many books out there that she could read, like…whenever she wanted to.
I should probably point out that this woman was probably somewhere around twenty (a good few years younger than myself) and not exactly book worm material but much closer to the party-girl who went club hopping on the weekends. She would not have been someone I expected to bond over books with, and yet sitting in that theater for the twenty or so minutes that were left before the movie that is exactly what happened. And while our taste in books were not compatible, seeing the fire of such a love and excitement for reading that was discovered in this girl was pretty darn amazing, a memory that even years later has stuck with me. It is this memory, this conviction, that has led me to defend against anyone who would naysay books like Fifty Shades of Grey and Twilight and even those crazy few who were against the Harry Potter books as unworthy or bad or shouldn’t have ever been. Because these books, whether you like them or you don’t, have gotten people who otherwise might never have discovered the wonder that is the written word to read. And that is a beautiful, magical, incredible thing.
I truly believe that there is a kind of magic in any book that can spark a mass revolution of new readers to discover the wonder of books.
That said…can we please be done with the Fifty Shades thing already? I am SO over BSDM invading my books as the “in” kink. I have no problem with the lifestyle, even though it isn’t the one I choose, and can even see some amount of sexy in the complete trust and giving thing. But over the last couple of years it had just gotten to be too much. I am so very done. Just like with vampires invading everywhere so that I was half-afraid that any paranormal would stuff one in just to play to the market, the bondage and dom/sub thing has just gotten on my very last nerve. Not necessarily because of what it is, but because everyone seems to be trying to write it to get a piece of the Fifty Shades pie and that’s just sad. And unoriginal. And it makes me as a reader feel like I have to dodge landmines and figure out whether if there is BSDM in a story it is because it belongs there or whether it was put there because publishers have decided that’s what sells.
Which was my main problem with Kinked. While I actually liked how the relationship and even sexual give and take was handled, the bad taste in my mouth that began with the “oh no, not another one” feeling never really let up. And while by the end I was thrilled and invested in the happy ending for two very distinct characters, too much of my reading time was spent dreading a downward spiral.
I feel that this review might not be as helpful as I would like it to be simply because a large part of my reaction to this book had nothing to do with what was between its pages but rather with current social culture and how it has affected the books I have recently read. Also, I ramble quite a bit in my attempt to explain my views.
I wanted to love this book. I love Thea Harrison and have loved most of the entries thus far in the Elder Races series, so I was expecting to love Kinked as well. But I just couldn’t. I eventually got to the point where I could separate out my own issues enough to like the book and enjoy the plot and characters but that complete abandonment to the story…the ability to lose myself and trust that the author would see me to the end without my help, was impossible.
Now to try and explain why…
A couple years ago my husband and I were going to see a movie and had arrived quite a bit early (maybe it was opening night of a big blockbuster or maybe it was just way too hot to wait outside, I don’t remember.) in either case we talked for a bit then both dug out our electronic devices to help pass the hour or so until the movie would begin. I, of course, opened up my reader and stared a book and after a few minutes I realized that while I was immersed in the text another couple had sat next to us because the girl leaned over and asked me what I was reading. After a quick look-up (it was a new book by a new author) I told her I was reading [b:Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea|13446443|Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (Niki Slobodian, #1)|J.L. Murray|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1328048703s/13446443.jpg|18958728]. She nodded enthusiastically and then blurted something along the lines of “Isn’t this reading thing just fantastic?” I smiled and made a positive reply, somewhat taken back and her fiery excitement but approving of any love of books. She then went on to gush about how she had just discovered it after some of her friends had insisted that she read Fifty Shades of Grey which she had loved and now she is just reading everything. She was so excited, describing the satisfaction of making it from one dot to the next on her Kindle reading progress bar and how wonderful it was to have just so many books out there that she could read, like…whenever she wanted to.
I should probably point out that this woman was probably somewhere around twenty (a good few years younger than myself) and not exactly book worm material but much closer to the party-girl who went club hopping on the weekends. She would not have been someone I expected to bond over books with, and yet sitting in that theater for the twenty or so minutes that were left before the movie that is exactly what happened. And while our taste in books were not compatible, seeing the fire of such a love and excitement for reading that was discovered in this girl was pretty darn amazing, a memory that even years later has stuck with me. It is this memory, this conviction, that has led me to defend against anyone who would naysay books like Fifty Shades of Grey and Twilight and even those crazy few who were against the Harry Potter books as unworthy or bad or shouldn’t have ever been. Because these books, whether you like them or you don’t, have gotten people who otherwise might never have discovered the wonder that is the written word to read. And that is a beautiful, magical, incredible thing.
I truly believe that there is a kind of magic in any book that can spark a mass revolution of new readers to discover the wonder of books.
That said…can we please be done with the Fifty Shades thing already? I am SO over BSDM invading my books as the “in” kink. I have no problem with the lifestyle, even though it isn’t the one I choose, and can even see some amount of sexy in the complete trust and giving thing. But over the last couple of years it had just gotten to be too much. I am so very done. Just like with vampires invading everywhere so that I was half-afraid that any paranormal would stuff one in just to play to the market, the bondage and dom/sub thing has just gotten on my very last nerve. Not necessarily because of what it is, but because everyone seems to be trying to write it to get a piece of the Fifty Shades pie and that’s just sad. And unoriginal. And it makes me as a reader feel like I have to dodge landmines and figure out whether if there is BSDM in a story it is because it belongs there or whether it was put there because publishers have decided that’s what sells.
Which was my main problem with Kinked. While I actually liked how the relationship and even sexual give and take was handled, the bad taste in my mouth that began with the “oh no, not another one” feeling never really let up. And while by the end I was thrilled and invested in the happy ending for two very distinct characters, too much of my reading time was spent dreading a downward spiral.
snance's review against another edition
3.0
This started out as a 5 star read. Then halfway, they just sort of lost me. I thought this was really going explore Aryal and Quentin's dark sides, and we only got a touch of that and lots of promises for later. Later never really came. I still love Harrison's writing and the world of the Elder Races, but this wasn't my favorite, and it could have been!
gartoy's review against another edition
4.0
Ok with a title like Kinked, was a little apprehensive of this book. While the series so far has not been shy on spice, these characters really brought it in spades with anticipation. I also love the idea of fated mates isn't ONLY fate, there is choice. This makes all these books so much better than others in the genre. Choosing your mate and finding your kindred kink makes this book WELL worth reading. Actually put it on the top of your list!
romancejunkie1025's review against another edition
5.0
hilariously dark, sexily twisted, and marvelously sweet...can u get any better than this? I loved this story of two very messed up people finding their perfectly kinked match. can't go wrong with this author and this story just reaffirms that belief. wonder what'll come next? ;)
cassandra67b07's review against another edition
5.0
I didn’t think I wanted Aryal’s story because she has been a difficult character in the series, but I was so surprised by how much I loved her once I got inside her head. Her uncompromising, fierce character was well matched with Quentin’s driven nature and they just wouldn’t fit with any one else. I will subtitle this one as the camping trip.
Sophie Eastlake’s narration really brought this book to life. Highly recommend!
Sophie Eastlake’s narration really brought this book to life. Highly recommend!
angels_gp17's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing!
I was not sure if I would like Aryal’s story. I hated her from the moment I meet her in [b:Dragon Bound|9637479|Dragon Bound (Elder Races, #1)|Thea Harrison|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1312822853l/9637479._SY75_.jpg|14524855]. She is such a bitch with a capital B and the way she treats Pia. Ahhh!
Wow, Thea changed my mind on her character with this novel.
Kinked blew me away! I loved the humor, action, adventure, and the massed up love/connection; between Quentin and Aryal. The main characters complement each other and it worked beautifully. I see Aryal in a new light now.
The Elder Races series is one of my favorite paranormal romance series and I highly recommend it for paranormal romance lovers.
Rated: 5 Kinked Stars
Audio 2021: The audio was splendid. I very much enjoyed listening to Kinked. The adventure, suspense, and characters came out to play. Sophie Eastlake did a great job with her narration. I'm enjoying the series more the second time around and more with the audio re-read.
Some of my favorite quotes from Kinked:
"Her life was one eternal rampage. Maybe it was time someone turned the tables on her and went after her with the same kind of relentlessness with which she went after the entire world."
"And maybe it was past time that someone took that harpy down a peg or two, and showed her who was boss.”
“As the panther found peace, the harpy stroked his hair and discovered tenderness.”
“You really do poop sparkly rainbows."
I was not sure if I would like Aryal’s story. I hated her from the moment I meet her in [b:Dragon Bound|9637479|Dragon Bound (Elder Races, #1)|Thea Harrison|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1312822853l/9637479._SY75_.jpg|14524855]. She is such a bitch with a capital B and the way she treats Pia. Ahhh!
Wow, Thea changed my mind on her character with this novel.
Kinked blew me away! I loved the humor, action, adventure, and the massed up love/connection; between Quentin and Aryal. The main characters complement each other and it worked beautifully. I see Aryal in a new light now.
The Elder Races series is one of my favorite paranormal romance series and I highly recommend it for paranormal romance lovers.
Rated: 5 Kinked Stars
Audio 2021: The audio was splendid. I very much enjoyed listening to Kinked. The adventure, suspense, and characters came out to play. Sophie Eastlake did a great job with her narration. I'm enjoying the series more the second time around and more with the audio re-read.
Some of my favorite quotes from Kinked:
"Her life was one eternal rampage. Maybe it was time someone turned the tables on her and went after her with the same kind of relentlessness with which she went after the entire world."
"And maybe it was past time that someone took that harpy down a peg or two, and showed her who was boss.”
“As the panther found peace, the harpy stroked his hair and discovered tenderness.”
“You really do poop sparkly rainbows."
ameretet's review against another edition
3.0
Skipped a lot.
LOVE Quentin.
Still don't like Aryal. Felt that her defrosting happened too fast.
LOVE Quentin.
Still don't like Aryal. Felt that her defrosting happened too fast.
nelsonseye's review against another edition
3.0
This was more of a three and a half star rating. I liked the chemistry between Aryal and Quentin and some of their exchanges were quite amusing. I also liked Aryal's challenge for lack of better way of putting it. Now, if only their encounters had been more in line with what they'd discussed...