The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
gabbyisbaking's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Moderate: Murder and Kidnapping
michelle_my_belle's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Colonisation, Death, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Police brutality, and Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying and Cursing
Minor: Murder, Trafficking, and Stalking
hopecobblepotworld's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
"I'm too preoccupied with a second chance I never thought I'd get. Can it be called a second chance when there was never a chance before?" Maxim Cade
This references the line in the sand Maxim's character makes when he meets Lennix. He's stunned at the incongruity of the strength and power of her words and her maturity but her being only 17 and leading a group that includes her elementary school teacher. Again, as a writer Kennedy Ryan chose this line in the sand and I'm giving her an enthusiastic tennis clap.
This book has some things readers needs to be aware of:
-Death of Parent
-Colonialism
-Obsession/Stalking
-Rape/Murder (not described)
-Kidnapping/Violence
I am very glad I found out this book is part of a series. I thought it wasn't when I finished it leaving me quite stunned. I need more Kennedy Ryan books in my life. Her writing is exquisite.
Thank you to NetGalley and SourceBooks Bloom Books for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
This references the line in the sand Maxim's character makes when he meets Lennix. He's stunned at the incongruity of the strength and power of her words and her maturity but her being only 17 and leading a group that includes her elementary school teacher. Again, as a writer Kennedy Ryan chose this line in the sand and I'm giving her an enthusiastic tennis clap.
This book has some things readers needs to be aware of:
-Death of Parent
-Colonialism
-Obsession/Stalking
-Rape/Murder (not described)
-Kidnapping/Violence
I am very glad I found out this book is part of a series. I thought it wasn't when I finished it leaving me quite stunned. I need more Kennedy Ryan books in my life. Her writing is exquisite.
Thank you to NetGalley and SourceBooks Bloom Books for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Sexual content, Colonisation, and Violence
escapismforlife's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This is my first Kennedy Ryan book. And I finshed this in a day.
Partly because:
1. The native, relational, and family dynamic issues in this book are exceptional.
2. I adored and related to both leads guarded behavior in this intentional, meaningful story. And now understand the appeal of second chance romance.
3. It also had to due with the fact I got accepted for earc of The Rebel King in this duology from SOURCEBOOKS Bloom on Netgalley.
I'm so happy I did because I'm going right on with this series this weekend. With its ending but also through setup for the plot in Lennix's and Maxim's relationship it's hard not to.
Partly because:
1. The native, relational, and family dynamic issues in this book are exceptional.
2. I adored and related to both leads guarded behavior in this intentional, meaningful story. And now understand the appeal of second chance romance.
3. It also had to due with the fact I got accepted for earc of The Rebel King in this duology from SOURCEBOOKS Bloom on Netgalley.
I'm so happy I did because I'm going right on with this series this weekend. With its ending but also through setup for the plot in Lennix's and Maxim's relationship it's hard not to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Police brutality, Violence, Physical abuse, Racism, Death of parent, Abandonment, Colonisation, Death, and Sexual content
Moderate: Forced institutionalization
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
jessicamattingly's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
fast-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? Yes
5.0
Native American Culture. Politics. Fiery Collision. Angst. Burning Desire.
This seems to be a trend for me of writing a review before I've finished the book. Currently sitting at 60% on this one, and I'm only putting it down long enough to tell you to RUN to this title. Kennedy Ryan is a goddess with prose, pulling you in and making you lose sleep over Lennix and Maxim. I feel as if I am standing on the sidelines or a fly on the wall, watching this story unfold before my eyes. I am finding myself frantically reading at top speed trying to figure out if Lennix and Maxim can work through their challenges and what other obstacles they will face. Both characters are fierce and lovable, while dealing with their conflicting interests. Fate crossed lovers similarly to a Romeo and Juliet trope, I'm hoping for the HEA of their dreams!
This seems to be a trend for me of writing a review before I've finished the book. Currently sitting at 60% on this one, and I'm only putting it down long enough to tell you to RUN to this title. Kennedy Ryan is a goddess with prose, pulling you in and making you lose sleep over Lennix and Maxim. I feel as if I am standing on the sidelines or a fly on the wall, watching this story unfold before my eyes. I am finding myself frantically reading at top speed trying to figure out if Lennix and Maxim can work through their challenges and what other obstacles they will face. Both characters are fierce and lovable, while dealing with their conflicting interests. Fate crossed lovers similarly to a Romeo and Juliet trope, I'm hoping for the HEA of their dreams!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Sexual content, and Sexual assault
what_karla_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
4.5/ stars
3/5 spice
Fair warning... it ends on a cliffhanger. I had no idea and wasn't prepared. Besides that, OMG, this book was emotionally charged and had a great plot. The cliffhanger sets up the next book for some serious drama.
Tropes:
Insta lust
Soulmates
Political intrigue
Social justice
Secret identity
Friends to Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
Indigenous heroine
Non-toxic alpha MMC
Dual POV
Lennix and Maxim are true soulmates but have to go through so much before finally embracing their love. They both are ambitious in their pursuit of their goals and are the epitome of "right person, wrong time." Their story spans 14 years. Which, in my opinion, works well. Allowing them to grow as individuals and achieve their goals. Other than their romance, the political and social issues discussed were integrated very well. There are so many important topics that even if there wasn't romance and spice, I would recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Mentions violence against Indigenous women (MMIW), death of a parent, sexual content
3/5 spice
Fair warning... it ends on a cliffhanger. I had no idea and wasn't prepared. Besides that, OMG, this book was emotionally charged and had a great plot. The cliffhanger sets up the next book for some serious drama.
Tropes:
Insta lust
Soulmates
Political intrigue
Social justice
Secret identity
Friends to Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
Indigenous heroine
Non-toxic alpha MMC
Dual POV
Lennix and Maxim are true soulmates but have to go through so much before finally embracing their love. They both are ambitious in their pursuit of their goals and are the epitome of "right person, wrong time." Their story spans 14 years. Which, in my opinion, works well. Allowing them to grow as individuals and achieve their goals. Other than their romance, the political and social issues discussed were integrated very well. There are so many important topics that even if there wasn't romance and spice, I would recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Mentions violence against Indigenous women (MMIW), death of a parent, sexual content
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Colonisation, Cursing, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, and Death
kenziewol's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Colonisation
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Grief
sarah_thebooknerd's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-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? No
4.0
4 ⭐️
2 🌶️
I have a lot of thoughts about this book. I love Kennedys writing and her way to weave a story is superior. If you are a fan of Scandal I think you will like this book/ duet. Lennix and Maxim are both really strong characters that do not want to compromise! I liked that not going to lie.
Beware there is a cliffhanger and you are doing to want book 2 before diving into this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual content, Kidnapping, Racial slurs, and Police brutality
manoncrochan's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Murder, Racism, Sexual content, Physical abuse, Grief, Kidnapping, and Death
Moderate: Stalking, Rape, Sexual assault, and Trafficking
bookwormbullet's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Xenophobia, Violence, and Kidnapping