2.25 stars

I really struggled with this book because there were moments that I was really invested in the story, and other parts that were a total bore or left me confused and wanting more. There are times in fantasy books where it's ok to leave some of the world building unexplained and let the reader piece things together and if it's been done well, then it really can work without making the story lacking in any way. Unfortunately I feel like there was SO MUCH left out on the basic of the world building here that I really struggled.

Many things were left unanswered or not properly explained, which made following along with the basics of this world very difficult. Much of this book follows political plots, focus on different countries and how they operate magic, and just overall relations within characters that when things aren't properly explained it really does make this disjointed reading experience and that's what ultimately ended up happening for me. I want to support Indie authors and trying to break into the book market, but I really do think that this would have been more polished if it had an editor.

The Lucien comes into the story LITERALLY WITHIN THE FIRST 2 CHAPTERS and then we spend so much time with this back and forth within Chloe's inner thoughts about how she shouldn't be thinking about him that it felt almost juvenile for these characters over the age of 30. I think the conflict between the two leads was interesting, but I just wish that it was executed better. I feel like maybe the author had an idea but then saw how big "enemies to lovers" blew up and forced them into this mold that didn't really fit. Their bond with each other is complicated and dynamic and if we focused more on that it would have been a much stronger love story.

It's also odd that it wasn't until the very end that Chloe decided to really lean into the whole "he's my husband" and attached to his hip that was basically nonexistent throughout the whole story and felt jarring there at the end. Overall I feel like there were so many moments that I was hooked but then would come out of that because of the book's flaws.

Once again I really do feel like this was written mostly by AI because there literally was almost no plot to be found here. Successful woman from the city that had to pick herself up from a bad relationship (same name as the guy from the first book, but apparently it's a different Damon) meets a secluded mountain man that is hiding away because he doesn't wan to get attached to people after his brother dies (what we are led to believe is by suicide? maybe? I honestly couldn't even really be sure that is correct because I'm pretty sure it was never explained - just mystery "my brother died") and they basically find instant love.

And when I say instant I mean OVER THE COURSE OF ONE NIGHT. I understand that this was a novella and things had to move along pretty quickly, but really?! ONE NIGHT?! And even if it was one night, did we really have to end it with "I love you" and that these people were made for each other? It wasn't like an open ended knowing that they are going to be together (which I honestly would have preferred more), instead we get this story that just wraps up neatly without any real conflict, any real plot, and any real character development.

I honestly think it's time to take a break away from AI read books and come back to these later, because while yes they are short and fast the quality is exactly what you would get with that content which is lacking in every way.

4.25 stars

WOW! What a fun campy horror novel that I feel like are perfect for fans of the Scream franchise or even someone looking for a good murder mystery with a splash more death.

I found myself really flying through this book! I was easy to read, tons of fun, and honestly the cast of characters and trying to figure out how the murders were all tied together with the killer was so entertaining. Near the end I was second guessing all my thoughts on who could possibly be the killer, and NEVER saw the reveal coming (I audibly gasped) which just made the book that much more enjoyable of an experience.

I could appreciate that this author did an AMAZING job of writing women (yes it's a male author but no part did I feel like it was coming from someone who was trying to sexualize or demean women), and I found it so interesting to have a lead character be so filled with trauma that was basically depression and suicidal ideation also be in a horror plot trying to survive which just added to the level of complexity of Hannah's character.

Pick this up for sure if you are wanting a fun horror book that doesn't take itself too seriously but puts the readers enjoyment at the forethought of this experience.