hotmesslibrary's reviews
270 reviews

"Still, if there is one thing the history of the Greater United States tells us, it’s that such territory matters. And not only for the people who live in colonies or near bases. It matters for the whole country. World War II began, for the United States, in the territories. The war on terror started with a military base. The birth control pill, chemotherapy, plastic, Godzilla, the Beatles, Little House on the Prairie, Iran-Contra, the transistor radio, the name America itself—you can’t understand the histories of any of these without understanding territorial empire."

This was a fascinating history lesson that filled in some major gaps in my U.S. History knowledge. Of course there are many known and unknown supervillains discussed in this work on how the empire came to be and continues today, but this book's focus continued to come back to why are US citizens so ignorant of the US colonialism? It was a friend willing to give you the how, but continuously scolding you for not caring about the why until now. I enjoyed the tone and voice which helped it not be as dry as a textbook, but it still had moments where even the personality couldn't save it from sounding like a dispassionate lecture. Overall though, I enjoyed the learning and know I will keep bringing up these facts every chance I get! 

Literally insane people who deserve each other!! Excited about all the side characters and the potential stories that can unfold!! 

Insane. Psychotic. Menace. These are not strong enough words for Mason Neiman. Tylee all them words too because the way his shenanigans only gave her pause hahaha Cannot believe that finale! Time to crack open the next book quickly. 

THAT ENDING?! WHAT IS GOING ONNNNN

I'm sooo over y'all man. It's not even funny! If Iron Flame was everyone provoke Violet, then Onyx Storm was everyone provoke Xaden. To no one's surprise, while Violet rose above, Xaden absolutely did not.  

Anywhooo shout-out to the Iron Squad. Thank you for looking after my girl when she refused to look after herself. Ridoc💕 A king! 

Rebecca. Please. Don't take forever hahaha 

A PERFECT Mafia💕 I knew I would love Sergei's unhinged self since the last book and he did not disappoint at all. His past and present were so interesting and cleverly pieced together. Love how Angelina was his peace, my little nerdy Mafia princess. A queen! That ending could have taken a turn. Shout-out to Felix for being an MVP! 

I love my Mafia books straight to the point with loveable characters. Broken Whispers checks both boxes! Mikhail being a single dad was such a fun surprise for me. Also love how Bianca was always ready to go to bat for her hubby. Bianca's family though....garbage! Wish we really would have gotten into some things as far as that plot point went, but had a blast overall

Reread Update: it's been less than a month, but what can I say? I am obsessed! Javier is my fave and I love him and his little family! It stays at 4.75⭐ only because Brielle's reaction at the end was insane. How you questioned his feelings after constantly saving you and your daughter's life several times and just the daily routines y'all created together MADE NO SENSE?! Javier deserved a crumb of benefit of the doubt. Still got my happy ending thankfully. We love a "you can't leave me" Mafia man. Came in clutch 💕

OG Review: I've been so excited about Javier's book and it did not disappoint. The stakes were so high and this plot had me freaking out so much. I loved Brielle and Chloe so much. They were the purest souls and I am so happy Javier knew that and moved accordingly. That third act did almost break me. I could not believe that my heart was being put through the WRINGER on so many fronts. The series ended with a nice little bow and I loved it💕 Excited for more from this author!!

The way I knew I was gonna love Lexie from Book 1 and she did not disappoint! QUEEN OF BE HIS PEACE AND HIS PROBLEM!  Dante is also exactly who I thought he would be. Very charming and also very dumb. I was STRESSSEDT  that last 30%. I had a great time with them and racing to get to Javier😍

A very nonsense story with great characters. That third act was so so so dumb. Thankful that Mackenzie is THAT girl and not as scary as Noah. Fun time! 

I liked Kiara and Adrian, but there arrangement was not the easiest to get into. The constant whiplash of the state of their relationship got a little tired. By the time they got around to actually confessing their feelings, the delay felt like woeful ignorance and not the trauma responses the author seemed to want it to be. 

That being said, the last 40% had the mafia nonsense I love. It also made characters, I already enjoyed, even more intriguing. I need more Dante and Lexie. Even Javier! Can't wait to read the rest! This author has a nice set up now, so hoping each book is better and better.