Yes, I'm going to talk about the romance AGAIN! The author is intentionally keeping them from getting together and married. Why? I have no reason maybYes, I'm going to talk about the romance AGAIN! The author is intentionally keeping them from getting together and married. Why? I have no reason maybe to make you buy the next book. Well, jokes on you these are free at my library. Seriously there is no reason for them not to be married yet. I also didn't realize till they went to dinner that they never go on dates.
I will say the mystery was one of the more enjoyable ones. Charlie is clever with her detective tactics. Ugh, I am so ill at Lincoln. He has a mother and all these half-siblings and still acting like a closed-off prick face. Alice's magic also doesn't fit the narrative well and seems forced. But this is an easy read and I'm invested.
Oh, you thought I was done talking about the romance well you were wrong. We now just get to watch this hot and cold relationship till the end of time. Kiss. No wait too much. Kiss. No, we shouldn't. Repeat. The romance has dragged on so long there is not even any more meat on the bone omg. I think I'm just hate reading at this point....more
Well, I'm definitely not here for the romance anymore. It's simmered so long that it's just a big dried clump. I will say the ending made up for a litWell, I'm definitely not here for the romance anymore. It's simmered so long that it's just a big dried clump. I will say the ending made up for a little bit of it but not much. Still, it was blush-worthy.
Omg, could Lady Dick Harcourt just drop off the face of the earth already? Yeah let's help her I mean she only almost got you killed, threw herself at your man, got you sent away, and only wants someone more titled than herself because she is power-hungry. There is definitely no one else more deserving. We should pity her. "Okay just breath" I'm over it. Totally over it.
I do like Andrew Buchanan for some reason. Even though he is an idjoit just like Seth and Lincoln. But he is real and it's a breath of fresh air. Charlie and Lincoln have grown but they still bother me..... a lot. I feel like it will be a cold day in hell before they get married. I am loving the gang back together though. The family banter is what I read for now....more
Yes! Not-going-to-put-up-with-your-crap Charlie is back. We missed you. I was really getting upset with how weak she had become compared to book one. Yes! Not-going-to-put-up-with-your-crap Charlie is back. We missed you. I was really getting upset with how weak she had become compared to book one. Charlie let Lincoln kick her out of the house and stuff her into some school far away. That was not the girl I met in The Last Necromancer. That Charlie was clawing her way to survival. Literally shooting at Lincoln for kidnapping her.
Lincoln had his reasons I know but I was so glad Charlie became cold to him. You can't expect to be trusted after something like that. Charlie was right your promises mean nothing anymore. The found family keeps growing and growing. Doyle and Lady Vickers was a lovely addition. And Lady Vickers meddling is hilarious and much appreciated haha.
I know the points in history announced here can be scrutinized till the cows come home but I think they are enjoyable and aren't essential enough to the story to be complained about. Again I am in no way waiting on the romance anymore. I realized I've already thrown my chips in and am here till the end. Oh, also Lady Harcourt can go f*ck herself....more
This was a short glimpse into Lincoln's head. While nothing major occurred I still enjoyed this. Gus, Seth, and Cook made me so proud. Every opportuniThis was a short glimpse into Lincoln's head. While nothing major occurred I still enjoyed this. Gus, Seth, and Cook made me so proud. Every opportunity they rubbed it in that Charlie was gone. They also stood up to Lincoln, which before Charlie, were too scared to do. In the end, Charlie's family was completely loyal to her.
I swear Lincoln is so obtuse sometimes to pull off investigative work. Granted He was plagued by intrusive thoughts of Charlie. And yaaaaas to finally see how he feels about Lady Prick Harcourt will forever stay with me. I really needed this.
I'm still upset with Charlie though. The girl I knew would never be talked into leaving her home and never returning. She could have easily run away or gone to the safe house that Gus's family runs. Anything other than being thrown far away from all that she loved....more
Well, it took a long time to get here but Lincoln has finally given in..... or has he. Maybe he did maybe not. He obviously can't be trusted. Lincoln Well, it took a long time to get here but Lincoln has finally given in..... or has he. Maybe he did maybe not. He obviously can't be trusted. Lincoln has a lot of red flag behavior but luckily Charlie's new family stood behind her.
Also, the freaking witch is back and whispering into Lincoln's ear. Ugh, Charlie needs to punch her in the face already. I was very disappointed in Lincoln this book but the romance was finally developing so I probably gave him too much of a pass. Someone help me I still like this flipping book even though I'm complaining haha.
In the end, Charlie gave up the fight. She has been very strong up to this point and I was shocked when she didn't stand up for herself. She could have run away or just flat-out refused. Honestly, I kept waiting for her to do something. I have never seen her so meek before. It was frustrating....more
This one almost done me in. My blood was boiling from the anger. Lincoln is hot and cold. Lady Harcourt is a money-grubbing wench who can't mind her oThis one almost done me in. My blood was boiling from the anger. Lincoln is hot and cold. Lady Harcourt is a money-grubbing wench who can't mind her own business. Honestly, the whole time I was waiting for Charlie to get in over her head so Lincoln would care for her at the very least. I will use most of this review to degrade Lady Prick Harcourt just so ya know.
Why are they helping this evil bitch anyway? Well, she has all the men under her thumb. Oh, and Harcourt doesn't want these men she is just using them and doesn't want anyone else to have them. If you're worried don't be the guys start to look above chest height after a while and start to not like what they see.
Charlie acts like a big child to which I forget that she kind of is. "No, I have to help" She just pushes and pushes when she doesn't need to. Again and again, I have to remember this is only the 3rd month of Charlie being in their lives. Still, I feel there could be more progression. Seth and Gus are getting more character growth but I still need more.
Not sure if I have some past trauma or something but people like Lady Harcourt make me unreasonably upset. Just because you know a man more than someone else doesn't mean you own him. And Lincoln rarely ever took up for Charlie because of Harcourt's claws in him. It was hard to watch. Harcourt even acted like she was better than Charlie because she got lucky and snagged a rich man. Bitch ya'll both practically came from the streets stop acting all hoity-toity.
Uggggghhhhh!!! I'm going to keep ready but I'm not happy right now. The author did this on purpose I know it....more
Ugh, I knew from the beginning this would be slow but still the romance has me hooked and I'm trying to be patient. I even did something I never do anUgh, I knew from the beginning this would be slow but still the romance has me hooked and I'm trying to be patient. I even did something I never do and looked up spoilers because I'm getting so agitated and let's just say that did not help the situation. I have to keep reminding myself that not much time has passed where the book is concerned.
But things are moving forward and the romance is blooming. Charlie doesn't need much character development so it is more about the attitude of Lincoln and boy does he need a lot of work. We get more backstory on him and everything else at a snail's pace. Still, I would prefer the side characters to be filled out some more. They are interesting and lovable and I am already attached.
At the end of this book, I did think about quitting but my friend talked me into giving book 3 a try now I'm in it to win it. Book 10 look out haha. Oh and Miss Harcourt and stick it where the sun don't shine.... bitch....more
The first book I read from C. J. Archer was The Watch Makers Daughter so I knew this series was going to be extremely drawn out. Still, The 3.75 star.
The first book I read from C. J. Archer was The Watch Makers Daughter so I knew this series was going to be extremely drawn out. Still, The Ministry of Curiosities started with a bag and was highly intriguing. Charlie's is an 18-year-old girl passing as a scrawny boy of 13. A little hard to believe? Well, not when you are constantly covered in mud and underfed.
I found this dynamic to be incredibly entertaining. Honestly just ate it up. I mean imagine how differently she was treated under this ruse. At first, she is manhandled by gentlemen then she becomes one of the boys. Haha, there might even be a single bedroom scene but Lincoln thinks it's okay at the time.
Still, this easy read is drawn out. There is a mystery to be solved and a romance that seems to never get to the surface but in the authors defense, every book is only a month of the character's lives. The side characters are lovely. There is found family, trust, and harmless fun.
I'm also writing this review after the 5th installment so I am past the point of no return. After book 2 I thought about quitting because I was getting annoyed. But a friend made me realize that if it annoyed me it meant I cared. So many books later I am part of the curious group and here to stay. You'll just have to be very patient. The characters don't start out flawless but they grow into a wonderful group of friends....more
This felt like a classic. Atmospheric, unpredictable, and raw. The switch between timetables while the story slowly unraveled made it all the more unnThis felt like a classic. Atmospheric, unpredictable, and raw. The switch between timetables while the story slowly unraveled made it all the more unnerving. Cult-like followings have always intrigued me and this was no different. It's almost like the lack of film has made it all the more interesting.
The story was trying not to reveal too much so it was difficult to connect with the characters but it also made it more creepy. I enjoyed the description of the movie and what each shot means or how it made the watcher feel. The pacing never hitched and I was interested to know where this craziness was leading me to. I also appreciated the confusion at times. In the end, it just didn't wow me, and like I said I couldn't connect with the characters....more
This story hooked me from the very beginning. Naomi and two friends survive a terrible ordeal in the woods. Characters keep getting introduced, intrigThis story hooked me from the very beginning. Naomi and two friends survive a terrible ordeal in the woods. Characters keep getting introduced, intrigue increases, and the mystery continues to build. I thought it was a great piece of storytelling.
I will say a few things were obvious but there were way too many twists to guess the ending. The idea of eyewitness testimonies was interesting. I just wasn't totally on the edge of my seat throughout the book. Also, the comparative descriptions got old as the story progressed. But all in all the plot didn't drag and the ending took me by surprise....more
Just your classic Hallmarky Summer romance with a business that gets saved from failure. Weirdly though that's what makes it good it's like a warn-outJust your classic Hallmarky Summer romance with a business that gets saved from failure. Weirdly though that's what makes it good it's like a warn-out blanket that can never be replaced. I grew up dreaming of going to summer camp. I probably watched every 90s camp movie under the sun. So when I read the summary about a camp for adults, well, you can understand my excitement.
This gave me all the feels and nostalgia. There is a second chance friendship and a grump and sunshine relationship. But unfortunately, everything was annoyingly perfect. It also seemed like the author was checking off a list to include in the book so they wouldn't offend. I even found the mediocre white man comment to be a little harsh for the setting. I mean the guy was just doing his job.
The book started to tell more than it showed. I always feel that this is the fault of the author not trusting their readers. The words just become fillers for what should be plot or character growth. So I thought the camp atmosphere was an absolute 10 but the repetitive inner monolog of the characters a 3.
Still not to be too harsh I did enjoy some aspects. Like the child-like pranks that infuriated Mr. Grumpy to know end. The atmosphere and watching adults relive the glory days. I was a bit jealous, to be frank. It just made me believe for a moment that anything was possible.
Then towards the end, the book got too whiney for my taste and generic. A white man corporation comes in and tries to tear down all they have worked so hard for. I dunno there was just something missing here. I began by complimenting the mundane but ended up just being underwhelmed by it....more
Well, it wasn't book one. It was slightly worse and all I could think about was Jennifer from Rules of Engagement saying "Ugh the Olds are arguing agaWell, it wasn't book one. It was slightly worse and all I could think about was Jennifer from Rules of Engagement saying "Ugh the Olds are arguing again". But on the bright side there is smut....more
Look no one is reading this for the plot or the far-fetched romance. It's for the smut. The possessive, dominating smut. Did I know I enjoyed this mucLook no one is reading this for the plot or the far-fetched romance. It's for the smut. The possessive, dominating smut. Did I know I enjoyed this much dirty talk until I read this story? Maybe. So moving on.
I knew everything that was going to happen before it happened. Still, there was a dirty mouth Italian and a sexy little minx attacking each other at every turn. Oh and get ready for a lot of "Why do I like him" and "He is such a jerk but he is hot". It will be annoying but just remember the smuuuuuut....more
My main takeaway from the story was the clever ending. Still, to get there we had to take a lot of side quests. I think the time jumping was meant to My main takeaway from the story was the clever ending. Still, to get there we had to take a lot of side quests. I think the time jumping was meant to be a way to build intrigue but it severely slowed down plot progression. So things were happening yet nothing was happening.
The first Lie was an interesting concept I had never thought about. And if you know anything about me to see from a different perspective is the greatest gift I can receive from a book. Unfortunately, all the characters were surface-level. That made it impossible to connect with them. Still, I was impressed with how well Evie read each situation.
So in the end I just don't think the story was for me. It was easy to guess a couple of things. Evie never got into a bind in her jobs so a little unbelievable. While I did enjoy parts they were few and far between. World-building and character depth are a big deal for me. The end was clever the story itself was just okay....more
What is it about British rom-coms? They are just so quirky, sassy, and fun. I absolutely love it. Laura is batshit crazy. Literally got secondhand embWhat is it about British rom-coms? They are just so quirky, sassy, and fun. I absolutely love it. Laura is batshit crazy. Literally got secondhand embarrassment from her. She accidentally picks up the wrong bag at the airport and believes it to be fate. So much so that Laura practically holds it for ransom.
This story was thought-provokingly beautiful and hilarious. It also didn't seem to follow the preordained plan that most romances do and that was very refreshing. Love isn't perfect or always a fairytale. It's a connection, a pull and it doesn't have to be forced. So even though Laura's eyes were elsewhere she had magic happening right beside her.
Ted was broken and grouchy but an absolute sweetheart. Laura blended into this new family so seamlessly I don't think she even noticed but it was a joy to watch. There were so many cute moments I was absolutely giddy by the end of it. Oh and let's not ever forget about the sex kebab haha! That had me rolling laughing.
----Quotes----
"I guess with me you get a different type of baggage and it won't look so great on a cover of a magazine."...more
This had the trappings of a whimsical warm story but it was unfortunately underdeveloped so was difficult to get fully immersed in. We begin with MariThis had the trappings of a whimsical warm story but it was unfortunately underdeveloped so was difficult to get fully immersed in. We begin with Marigold who does not fit in with society. She runs barefoot in the moonlight and couldn't care less about marrying. Que magical long lost grandmother.
The atmosphere was nice but not nearly as cozy as the cover. Still, talking to the bees and forest spirits this could have easily been a 5-star for me. Alas, the plot was stagnant and the foreshadowing was too obvious.
The romance was interesting and sweet at first. Lottie was a sour tart that Marigold wanted to pick apart and devour. It's not often I see a possessive woman and I very much enjoyed it. Although beautiful and hot at first the dialog turned childish when the romance began.
The plot was mostly about the Ash Witch Marigold would obviously encounter. The constant foreshadowing built up anticipation but when the book reached its destination it fell flat and was over in a flash.
----Quotes----
'What is so wrong with being a bitch? It's the closest a girl can be to a wolf....more
Heavenbreaker had some unconventional writing but I was all for it. You never knew what would happen next. Obviously, there were plot holes and world-Heavenbreaker had some unconventional writing but I was all for it. You never knew what would happen next. Obviously, there were plot holes and world-building could have been explained better but I'm hoping for more clarity in book 2. Let's just say I was so wrapped up in the outer space Pacific Rim jousting matches that the negatives were minuscule in comparison.
Synali is a suicidal vengeance machine. She doesn't care about the code and pilots like it's her last. Rax and her relationship blossomed without much input but still, I can see the connection between the two. One playing for the crowd and the other playing for herself. Both envious of one another. The main characters are pretty surface level, cut and dry but there is some nice character growth as well. Although Synali being so good so fast was farfetched.
The action scenes were of epic-level proportions. It reminded me of anime where there is a slight lull and the speeches of the characters are full of meaning with intense sparring in between. I will say the inner monolog gets repetitive toward the end though. Also, the offhand mentions of church and God were a bit weird. Almost like our character and the fictional world were on the fence about including it.
I found this story to be haunting and highly intriguing. In the end, I wanted to know more but I didn't feel slighted. The relationship is a slow burn. I don't know where anything is headed but I'm down to find out. Sadly though the massed produce sprayed edges need some work. It looked like the printer was out of ink and the book wasn't lined up right. Most stores are taking this approach and doing a poor job of it....more
**spoiler alert** In the beginning, I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. There were perfect body characters who were not so perfect and I appre**spoiler alert** In the beginning, I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. There were perfect body characters who were not so perfect and I appreciated the realism. People had anxiety, one was learning how to deal with a narcissistic partner, and there were even therapy sessions. And all this was relatable. So much so that I felt the hurt. The most shocking part was that women who were competitors of the main characters were not written as horrible human beings. Yeah, I know right I could hardly believe it.
Anastasia and Nate were cute together. I mean Ana was looking for a hookup and Nate loves anything that doesn't love him so it worked out. But needless to say, Anastasia's best friend/sleeping buddy was very unrealistic. There was a lot of info dumping too. The side characters started to blur. It seemed as if they were introduced as future side-story romances rather than furthering the plot or character growth.
Still, there was something about these two and the story that fueled me.... well up until they got together and there were still 100 pages to go. Honestly, I felt like I missed something because Anastasia and Nate skating together made no sense to me nor did it accomplish anything. And I'm not a professional but I do watch a lot of Olympics and it doesn't feel common for someone to go from pairs to single and win. I dunno I guess the novelty wore off after a while and I got bored and realized there was no plot....more
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