offmyredcarpet's reviews
791 reviews

What a disappointment this turned out to be. I only finished it for info on future installments. For all his posturing in previous books, Lothaire is boring. I definitely enjoyed him more as a secondary character than a main one. 

Extremely disappointed in the characterization of the FMC who is Appalachian. I began this book as an audiobook but quickly switched to print because the narrator’s voice was so bad and insulting I couldn’t continue in audio. The FMC’s cleverness doesn’t make up for the ridiculous caricature. The author used a stereotype of what non-southerners think people from Appalachia and the greater south are like. I understand that the author wanted someone completely opposite him in tone and personality; someone he wouldn’t expect and therefore underestimate and believe beneath him. But the contrast is forced to a ridiculous degree and it comes off extremely offensive.

The story is inventive and heartwarming with good emotional intimacy between characters. There’s solid character development but the relationship development is a bit lacking as the MCs come together somewhat suddenly. I actually flipped back a few pages thinking I had accidentally skipped through.

The world building is intriguing with an inventive alien main character who is almost immediately protective of the FMC—not a bad thing considering they can read minds and communicate via telepathy which gives him insight to her. There are some inconsistencies in the world building and holes in the writing which made the pacing choppy. There were also a few points that I thought were too convenient or unearned but I love a new author who shows promise in their storytelling and I’m definitely going to read book 2. 

I was not looking forward to this one because I’ve not been much of a fan of Regin from previous installments but dang if I didn’t absolutely love her story. Easily one of my faves in the series. Excellent character growth arc in this one but particularly for the MMC. The relationship development was great as well, especially considering the MMC’s back story that added a very interesting complication. And that ending! Nothing felt unearned. I loved it.

It was enjoyable. It’s age gap (a substantial one) and it delivers on the title aspect with the chase scenes and rougher fun times. The FMC’s inner monologue was somewhat repetitive for a 300 page read and some aspects of the plot felt forced. I didn’t feel any chemistry between the mains but there were fun moments. It’s a quick and easy read.