Adelaide ForrestBesprekingen
Auteur van What Lies Beyond the Veil
Besprekingen
What Lies Beyond the Veil (Of Flesh & Bone, #1) door Harper L. Woods
Let me first get to a few general criticisms I have.
The insta-lust was just so extreme that it stretched credulity a lot.
Don't get me wrong I am all for an interesting and spicy conflict between mind and body and all that but it just feels like it went too far too quickly too often in this one. Even among the bodice rippers, this falls on the strong side.
Next is the academia setting. This feels tacked on and only seems to serve two purposes. First, the protagonists need some kind of environment to interact in, and being forced to go to some sort of magic college is as good an excuse as any. Well, among excuses. But how about a setting that isn't just an excuse? Nothing in this story actually requires or even uses the academia setting for anything really. Second, it seems to me like the choice of academia was primarily driven by an attempt at baiting the target audience. On the one hand, this comes across to me as cheap if attracting a certain audience is indeed the primary motivation, but on the other hand, it's a good bet that just putting academia into the book leads to a lot more people finding this book that might thoroughly enjoy it.
Now I want to talk about the story beyond the insta-lust and the unnecessary academia.
The book already warns about this but this is not one of these ambiguous romances where the ML is a domineering alpha-hole that crosses lines but is kinda repentant at the end and is more or less redeemed in the end.
The ending of this book very much gave me the impression this could simply not end in any kind of HEA. This book made it actually plausible for this to end in tragedy and I LOVE it.
There are so many possible bitter-sweet endings I could see here but this might be the biggest downfall of this series in the end because the author can't possibly write an ending that even half of the readers will be happy with.
Call me a sadist all you like but I honestly wouldn't mind the FMC making the ultimate sacrifice, leaving the ML alive but mortal in the process, and having the last chapter be just him being eaten up by regret and futilely trying to work for forgiveness for all he has done despite knowing she is already lost to him until he dies.
On a side note, my bullshit radar went off quite a bit because of the wonky world-building. It's all incredibly vague and the author is careful to not establish any hard and fast rules that might get in the way later but despite that, I frequently had this nagging in the back of my head that all this doesn't quite work in terms of world-building or even plot. But I was so deeply invested in the story and the MC in particular that I never got hung up on any of these so I couldn't honestly tell you what was fishy exactly and why. Just be aware that if the story doesn't capture you there might be quite a bit of frustrating bs waiting for you.
The Lovely: Still loved the FMC and her powers. I would read more stories about her, especially her time growing up. The MMC is dark and at some points over the top in what he does, but that’s how his character is written. And, I love the cat.
Also Lovely: The flow and the tensions were much improved in this book compared to the first book of the duet (which at best was haphazard). The progression was more linear and made sense without feeling rushed. This made the book much easier and more enjoyable to read.
The Dreadful: I didn’t love . . . the ending. I want to be care not to spoil here. I actually pulled up the book online to confirm it was, at least originally, intended to be a duology. Will there be another series relating to future characters? What happens to two characters in particular whose story didn’t get a happily ever after? I don’t mind open items, but not in the final book of a series!
Rating: 4/5 Stars 5/5 Flames
Recommendation: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Looking back, a lot happened in this book, especially for only being 300 some pages. This concise story telling worked so much better. If you like very DARK paranormal romance and witches and demons, I think you’ll like this. If you also like dark academia, the. You will probably love this.
The Lovely: I loved the FMC and her powers. The scenes where she used those powers were some of my favorites. The spicy scenes were well-written. I liked the MMC as a character, but not as a person. I can’t say more without spoiling, but read the trigger warnings.
The Mundane: The FMC and MMC’s relationship was rather meh. It was insta-love and they don’t seem to have much chemistry outside of spice.
The Dreadful: The flow of the plot and the tension felt haphazard, like we were bouncing forward, then back, then way forward. This was very different from the author’s Of Flesh and Bone series which was much more consistent and evenly flowed from scene to scene. A lot of The Coven felt rushed and fast paced, like the author was struggling to cram too much into 300 pages.
Rating: 4/5 Stars 3/5 Flames
Recommendation: The underlying story is unique and the dark academia vibe fit the story so well. The execution plot wise was just a bit clunky. If you like DARK paranormal romance and witches and demons, I think you’ll like this. If you also like dark academia, the. You will probably love this. The book ends on a cliffhanger of sorts so I’m excited to dive into the second book of the duet next.
The Lovely: I’m still loving the characters. I love how Caelum and Estrella’s relationship changed over the course of this book with them becoming more of equals. I also really liked that Estrella’s development was really for her to become morally grey, something readers don’t usually see.
The Mundane: Book 2 was definitely more of a series of smaller events with the crossing of the Veil being what the story was ultimately building to. Thus, there wasn’t constant tension in the foreground, which I think made sense for the story. And wow the ending had a plot twist I did not see coming.
The Dreadful: The world/lore building was better this book but stil, would have liked to have seen more. And again, there are some hints at dubious consent in a couple of the explicit scenes.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Recommendation: Book two drew me in even more to this series and I can’t wait to continue into book three. This is truly romantic fantasy where the romance probably takes a front seat to the fantasy (although not by much). If possessive males or dark romance bother you, or a morally grey heroine, this is not the book for you.
The Lovely: The characters. I liked the FMC Estrella - her independence, stubbornness and drive (although her wishy-washy-ness regarding Caelum wasfrustrating at times). I loved Caelum at first and he quickly became book boyfriend material. However, as he changed, I found myself questioning him and their relationship. I know there was a reason for his change, but now I find myself missing their earlier relationship and what they had.
The Mundane: The plot and tension go off to a slow slow start but then flowed well for the rest of the book. The ending was a surprising cliffhanger and I have no idea of what will come next in book two.
The Dreadful: The world building could be fleshed out a bit more. Physically, the world is set in medieval times with not a lot of visible magic. However, the lore relating to the Fae/gods isn’t explained much (especially as what the humans say isn’t believable). Some of this builds suspense, but it’s also frustrating as the reader is trying to figure out how pieces fit together.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Recommendation: This is, so far, a solid fantasy series if you like Fae, a strong female main character and the fated mates trope. It is dark, mysterious, spicy and emotional, especially the closer you get to the end. If possessive males or dark romance bother you, this is not the book for you.
Not all spice is created equal - the spice falls so flat here, along with everything else. Also, calling the object of your carnal desires “little one” gives major ick!!! 🤮
ps calling your su "little one" is a bigger ick than saying "liberry" as a grown adult
This is a classic romance; Matteo was Ivory's first love in high school and it breaks her heart when he dumps her. Their reunion is business to her but for him, her reappearance is another chance. Can she trust him, and will her conscience allow her to be with a dangerous man? The push and pull between them is convincing, and the story is compelling. A stand alone within a series.
This author knows how to write dark Mafia. Each one of her books seems to be like the bottle titled "drink me" from Alice In Wonderland, and I find myself doing just that. If her stories keep enchanting me then I will gladly keep drinking them too, especially if they are like this book.
Stalking, Obsession, mafia violence are just a few of the things that drew me to Rafe. However, even though there is a darkness to him, there was a softness too, especially with his Isa. He was a man that knew what he wanted and did he ever go about making sure that things went his way. This was a real-life chess game and he was playing it well. If I had been Isa, I sure wouldn't have been able to stay away from his charm.
There were hints of what I have come to love from the preciously interconnected stories from the Bellandi Crime series. The first of those things that over the top hero and the urge to claim their women. So dang hot. The steam in this one was hot if not hotter than those previous books.
In this one, It starts with the prequel that has been previously published but quickly moves into the actual story. This one shows Rafe as the charming gentleman that he can be. However, there are glimpses to him that Isa starts to see. It leaves to the end with a whopper of a cliffhanger and the real, almost possessed, Rafael comes out to play. I need to find some therapy because he was hot as the charming Rafe but this darker obsessed guy? Yeah, give me all of him. The little "game" he plays at the end?!?!?!
There are still a lot of secrets to come out in this story. Something isn't sitting right with Isa's accident as well as Isa finding out about her friends, and finally What Rafe is going to do next. I am 1000% ready for what comes next. I highly recommend this author and anything that she writes. One of the best that I have read when it comes to Mafia. She always manages to show the good with the dark criminal, and often violent, undertones.
Off-topic, this cover takes on new meaning after a certain scene in the book. I am not sure I will ever look at chess the same way.
I have had a major crush on Rafe since he was first introduced. Getting to see the start of his future relationship with Isa was perfection. The only thing that I can even complain about is that I wanted more. I know it is coming but I didn't want to see this prologue end. I cannot wait to see the rest of their story.
This author turned up the darkness and heat in this book, and I LOVED it. This book picks up where the first one left off. Gone is the version of Rafael that was seen in the first book. He is no longer the debonair and charming gentleman that swept Isa off her feet. Instead, the monster that he kept hidden before has come out to play. LIKE, seriously came out to play. I didn't think I could like him more but I did. I know I should seek therapy for why I like anti-heroes like him but I cannot help it. Especially, when they are as well crafted as they are in this book. There were just the right amount of moments where he showed his tender side and I lived for those moments just as much, if not more so, than when he was questionable in his morals.
Isa. I felt for her. She was caught in an impossible situation. Like me, she also couldn't seem to resist the darker side of Rafe, even though she wanted to. I liked as the story progressed that she came to find a way to navigate from the girl that she once was to the woman that she would become. The connection between these two characters was hotter than a Las Vegas sidewalk in August. Some of the best scenes that I have read. I worried about my kindle overheating, especially as it is only days old.
The story made headway into what the next book is about. I can now see why this story needed four books because there is a lot left to be told. I fell in love with the way that she creates these over-the-top obsessed men that do pretty extreme things (Trackers for example) and thought she couldn't outdo her Belanndi Crime Syndicate men... I was wrong. Rafe is hands down the winner and I am here for it. I am glad she is letting the characters take control and doesn't shy away from the darkness or gore.
April 30th cannot get here fast enough for the next book.
Oftentimes, in series that have numerous books in them on the same couple, there is a tendency to let off the steam or have the quality of writing seem tedious because the story runs out of impact. I usually get frustrated at those stories because I wished that the story would have been condensed into fewer books. However, that is not the case with this series. If anything, the series is getting better and better.
The plots and twists, and push and pull between Rafe and Isa are everything. I wasn't sure that the Bellandi series could be topped in regards to the over-the-top personality of the leading male. I was wrong. I shouldn't love Raphael as much as I do but, sweet holy titfire, there is something about him that I LOVE. I, also, appreciate that Isa is the perfect match for him. These two are passionate and I love that.
This book continues the mystery of what has been plaguing this couple and the things that are discovered in this book are doozies. I thought I had it all figured out but nope, not even close. I like it when a book does that. I also love the possessiveness of Rafe that borders on almost obsession in regard to Isa.
I cannot wait to get answers in the final book. I cannot recommend this author enough. There is a reason that she is one of my favorites when it comes to Mafia-type romance. She isn't sugar coating anything and manages to show the fierce loyalty and passion for family mixed with the criminal underbelly that will do anything and everything to protect those that they love.
I am not sure how the author was able to write four books on the same couple while still making it a nail-biter. So often the story lags or feels too drawn out. However, in the case of this story, it was even more intense than it had started out. The author was exceptional at creating a story filled with suspense, action, and chemistry.
This book started off where the last book left off and kept on going in regards to the action. It was nonstop. Rafe and Isa couldn't seem to catch a break. Enemies were everywhere and no amount of preparedness could seem to make them safe. Even with all the intensity it never felt artificial or too over the top. It fit the story and I was 100% on board for the story to continue at this pace.
The suspense of the storyline and the secrets that continued to come out in regards to who Isa was and what had started the insanity in the first place was VERY well done. To get the answers to my questions as to why and how it started was such a relief. My heart hurt knowing that some of the plans that had been put into place for Isa as a young girl happen more than I care to stomach. There truly are some sick people in the world. I think that is why I was so okay with the gruesome violence of this series. Again, it offered an authenticity to the story that without it might have diminished the story.
However, what really made the story stick for me was this connection between the characters. I loved feeling the bond grow between them. Their relationship was intense. This shouldn't have been able to be a relationship that was healthy yet somehow it worked. Was Rafe intense, over-the-top, and obsessed? ABSOLUTELY. Yet, at no point did I ever doubt how much he loved his wife. The same could be said for Isa. Not once did I see her as weak or wishy-washy when it came to vacillating feelings concerning her husband. I felt her frustration at knowing he was not a good man in many ways but loving him despite that. The fact that this author was able to do that showed just how insanely talented that she is and is part of the reason that she is fast becoming one of my favorite authors ever.
Highly recommend this amazing series for anyone that loves an action-packed story, filled with suspense, and chemistry that is off the charts. It is part of my favorite books of 2021.
I love discovering new authors. This book was a pleasant surprise. I wouldn't call it dark as much as I would say it is intense. This comes from Mateo, who despite being possessive, does what he has to do in order to keep his Ivory with him. There was talk of other problem issues both in the past an the future but neither had anything to do with the Hero.
Some might consider the ways Mateo ensured Ivory belonged to him goes against feminism, but this is fiction, so the choice in their body is a moot point. In real life, I would have been angry. In this book, it was sexy because he truly loved her.
Definitely checking out the next book and anything else this author has written.l
I cannot believe that I had never heard of this author before now. Especially, considering Mafia is my favorite sub-genre. The perfect blend of loving but jealous and positive men, engaging female characters, an intriguing plot, and just the perfect blend of criminal underbelly makes this the perfect series.
Loved Lino and Samara. Their friendship and love were perfect. I loved how Angelino fought so hard to right the baggage she carried. Great secondary characters and the appearance of previous main characters. Highly recommend this author and these books.
I just discovered this author and series and it is now one of my favorites of 2020. This story definitely is the best of the bunch so far. Things have been building in regards to Ryker and Calla since the very first book. The steps Ryker was making to ensure that there was light in his dark world was set in motion in small increments but enough that my interest was piqued from the beginning. Finally getting to see just how far above and beyond he went with it had me counting the days until this book was released.
I was right to be excited. As mentioned, this was my favorite. Even though Ryker is SO over-the-top and borderline psychotic, he wasn't dangerous in regards to Calla and the kids. If anything by the end of the book, I was on the same page, even though he was a criminal, for every bad thing he did he did three deeds as well. I never doubted for even a second that he truly one hundred percent loved Calla. Calla, took me a little bit. I loved her devotion to her kids. However, there were times I wanted to strangle her and other times I admired her for hating that she had no control, even if she really did, she just didn't know how to play those cards. her decision toward the end that was pivotal in the story, that showed her faltering in her trust made me sad and a little angry because Ryker had more than shown her what was in his heart where she and the kids were concerned. The kids were cute, there were a few times that the way that Axel talked felt too mature but then I remembered how advanced he was. Ines was cute though.
The ending felt a little rushed with everything happening all at once while still needing to be wrapped up. The sneak peek into Sadie's story has me beyond excited because that girl truly is a fireball and was one of my favorite secondary characters throughout this series. I hope that eventually, Yavin and Scar get a story too. I highly recommend this series. Trigger warning for the violence. To me, it enhanced the story but others might object. However, this is Dark mafia, so that should be inferred.
I live for strong female characters, but in Mafia-style romance, they are often just fierce and sassy with the hero and not as a whole. That is not the case with this story. Sadie is my spirit sister. I loved that she was a literal warrior. She owned everything about her persona even down to her own insecurities. Enzo, sweet lord this beast of a man who saw everything when it came to Sadie. I loved that about him. She truly was his weakness. I liked that he took her compulsions and helped her own them. I wish that would have been addressed a little more toward the end and that he would have helped her realize with everyone that it was okay and nothing to be ashamed of. The steamy times in this book were FIRE. Lorenzo's dirty mouth was mm mm good and knowing that his muse was Henry Cavell made him even that much more delicious. However, the star of the show might have been Rebel. I fell in love with that sweet girl. There were humorous moments in the story as well, and I found myself laughing at the interactions and banter between the characters.
There were a few areas I wanted to be fleshed out such as what I already mentioned and more of a resolution in regard to the gym and Sadie's dad and how a certain conversation went. There were a couple of hints of what is in store for future stories. I can count three, for now, that I want to see. I am glad that this series is so fresh and exciting. I cannot wait to see what is next.
When I first discovered this author, I was surprised by how she fulfilled a need or secret desire for the type of men that she creates. There is just something about her jealous/possessive, birth-control tampering men. In real life, this would be a turn-off, but in the fictional worlds she creates, I LOVE it.
This story isn't as in-depth world-building wise and the steam definitely is the majority of the book but that doesn't mean that it still wasn't good. I liked how the author explained the NC, which in turn made it so that the story could be plausible. Landon and Everlee were perfect and the CNC moments were fire.
I am not usually a huge fan of age-gap romances but since I have discovered this author I am changing that mindset, I mean how could I not after reading Rafael and Isa's series. Highly recommend this book for anyone needing a quick titillating book. It isn't that long and will fit nicely in time restraints over the holiday season.
I had to mull this review over for a couple of days after finishing this story because it was, for lack of a better word, intense. It left me with a maelstrom of emotions. Since I first discovered this author, I have fallen in love with the characters and world that she has created. Every character has had a story to tell. Yet, I am not sure that any single character had as much of a story to tell as Scar did, and ultimately, Irina.
This story started out rough. Holy hell, did it start out rough. Finally, having the backstory of what had shaped this beautiful man almost broke me. I am so glad that he found his way into the Bellandi family. He deserved that.
This book, told in dual POV, shared insights into both of these characters. This made the story flow in a way that made sense of the spark or connection that Scar and Irina had and why it was a constant push-pull. Initially, it was Scar's baggage that doomed them because he was resigned to living life a certain way because he felt unworthy for a plethora of reasons. After Irina's trauma, it became apparent that no one was going to help her heal except for him because they mirrored each other in trauma and the guilt that was associated with that particular trauma. Sad, as that was, I don't think Scar would have ever come around until he actually saw that his broken pieces fit nicely around hers.
This book was a little different because it didn't have the main hero being all caveman and forcing a wedding or pregnancy on the heroine and that was okay because the author deviated from that in a way that was necessary for these two characters. Did I miss it in a way? Yes, because that is what I have come to expect from this author. However, after mulling this over for the past few days, these characters have stayed with me because of how they healed each other. It wouldn't have worked had Scar behaved like Mateo, Ryker, or most especially, Rafe. The love that Scar and Irinia had for each other was a reminder that from darkness comes light and that even beauty can shine in the darkest of places. There is power in that kind of love and these two characters sure deserved it.
I was pleased to see that the author took her time and carefully navigated the healing process for Irina instead of just glossing it over or moving at warp speed and she was miraculously healed. I think that this was, especially, important because this moment was pivotal for a plethora of reasons, and not just for Scar to have to come face to face to his demons. This moment, in particular, was a catalyst in forging Irina into becoming a force to be reckoned with. She was born from those ashes and it was a joy to watch her take ownership over her identity. Many women would have been crippled by what she endured but seeing her rise was everything.
I was SHOCKED by the twist at the end. It made my heart hurt for Irinia and her pure heart. It did leave me with a few questions that weren't answered but I have let those go because they weren't worth me stressing over. The pivotal moments towards the end of the book had me clutching my chest fearful of a certain outcome. I am not sure that I will forgive the author for that heart attack for a while.
It was great seeing cameos of some of my favorite characters of the past. They are all so different but I sure love their kind of crazy. I did have a few areas of the story that I struggled with, more so because I didn't feel like they added to the story itself, but they were not enough to not make this a great addition to this incredible world that this author has created.
I highly recommend this book, but please be advised; There are triggers. This wasn't an easy story to read. However, the bumpy ride was worth it to see how these two survived the unimaginable and not only persevered but took names. It was, again for lack of a better word, intense.
I am not going to lie, I struggle a lot of the time with fantasy/paranormal romance. More often than naught, I find it cheesy or over the top. Yet, I didn't hesitate to read this when I found out that one of my favorite authors was diving into this new world that was so vastly different than the other things I had read of hers. I was correct for following her down the rabbit hole because this? Yeah, this was hands down one of my favorite things that she has written.
The world-building in this was top-notch. Even though it was definitely not something that would be experienced in a contemporary romance it still felt like it was. What kind of sorcery does this author have that she can do that? From the first chapter until the very last, I was immersed in this world. It was laced with darkness and mystery. This was by no means an easy world to live in. The undertones of the story hinted at what lay beneath the surface and yet, I still would not call this story dark. The setting was dark but at the heart of the story, it was pure romance that was anything but dark.
Caelum and Estrella were fantastic characters. They both had their own backstory that added a dimension to their connection. Caelum is in a league of his own when it comes to the leading men that this author has written, and trust me when I say that is impressive because all of her men are delicious with a capital D. His flirtiness and mystique were incredible. I lived for those moments when he said the things that he did. He was not bashful about his intentions with Estrella. I didn't know whether to swoon or blush half the time. His devotion and dedication to protecting Estrella were inspiring and his possessive/protective nature of wanting to burn the world for any harm (past, present, or future) was the stuff of dreams. I couldn't have dreamt up a better book boyfriend if I tried. Estrella, good lord, this character. I admired her tenacity to make sure that she was free and in control of her own destiny. She truly didn't stand a chance against the charm of Caelum.
The author did an amazing job setting up the foundation of this new world. By way of stories, and hints of things that foreshadowed things to come, this author has created a place that I want to explore even more. I want to stay immersed here, that is how good the world-building is, and that says something because as I previously mentioned it is not an easy world.
This ends on a pretty brutal cliffhanger. The twist at the end both surprised me and it didn't if that makes any sense. It was the logical explanation. Yet, I was still left with so many questions and curiosity on how the author intends to bring this full circle. Seeing that the next book isn't until the end of August hurts. That wait might kill me. Even knowing that she has other books releasing between now and then doesn't lessen the agony of waiting which says something because I have been eagerly awaiting those books too. At this point, I am just going to need this author to clone herself so that she can write everything and everything.
This book is my all-time favorite of hers. It is in the best of 2022 and likely to go in my all-time favorites vault when the series is done.
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