jan35104974's reviews
283 reviews

This was my first shifter romance and A. Knightley knocked it out of the park!
The way Finn had been OBSESSED with Jamie is honestly just goals to me. He truly stuck by Jamie through thick and thin, and he remained in love with him for months! I loved them, loved the story, and loved their progress with each other. And when Finn gave Jamie those little nicknames? That just about killed me🫠. The way both of their inner monologues had me giggling with how unserious they were, really tied the story together.

*Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Let me start off by saying I loved the cover for this book. It was, quite honestly, the first thing that caught my attention.
 
Overall, I thought the book was extremely well written, and the characters seemed to be fairly realistic. There had been a good chunk of the book explaining history and the whole setting of where everything was taking place. Which, quite honestly, was done well, because I was able to pin point where the characters were and what they were doing. There were also pretty vivid character descriptions, which really allowed me to feel connected with the characters. Each character had their own personality, and no two felt the same. I absolutely ADORED Isa, and she is absolutely my favorite in this series. 
 
Now for the actual plot of the story. It was good! I enjoyed the journeys that the characters went on with each other as well as the ones they went on individually. There had also been the addition of numerous plot twists, which truthfully kept me entertained throughout the book. 
 
I will say it is a fantastic book for those who love the Shadow and Bone series and want something with similar vibes. It's also pretty perfect for those who love intense world-building with queer characters whose whole identity isn't focused on them being queer in a high fantasy setting.

Overall, I give it 3 stars ⭐⭐⭐

Let me start off by saying I am absolutely IN LOVE with Leland. The sheer amount of unexpected humor he brought to the book was so much fun to read! The relationship that formed between him and Jackson definitely started off unconventional, but you know what? Leland is absolutely persistent in what he wants, and I love that for him. The way there's a whole 360° flip from Hitman Leland to "house husband" Leland is so hilarious. Jackson and him are most definitely the definition of a chaotic couple, but they balanced each other in the best way possible.  

I thought this story was incredibly adorable! Rory and Gabriel's whole dynamic was just so sweet and the way that gave takes care of Rory is just goals 🫶🏼

I absolutely love the difference perceptive that we've been given to the Initiation series through these novellas 🙌🏼

holding out hope that we get a couple of MMMM scenes between gold and bronze mask wink wink

It doesn't get better than this series. It quite literally felt like I was being transported into the halls of Saint-Laurent; it just played in my head like a movie. I loved Arthur and how he showed he cared in his own unique ways, as well as Régis (my sweet angel). I wanted nothing more than to go into the book and comfort him. I adored the way that these two characters balanced each other out in the most beautifully twisted way possible. 

What's going on with Mister Montague and Louis?? Who volunteered to take Régis place?? Who's behind the blue mask?! Also Maxime, Jo and maybe Amadou?!

I will always love a book that has me giggling and smiling whenever the main characters interact, and you know what?? This book right here has that and so much more. Archie and Jamie are the epitome of the grumpy x sunshine trope, with just the right amount of banter. Yes, Archie is a huge brat (kinda), but I absolutely loved the way Jamie was there for him and took care of him in his own little ways. Truthfully, I also got a little teary-eyed realizing the book started and ended with Jamie and his dream of skating.

Honestly, this book is eeriely beautiful, and I loved it?? The first half of the book had me clinging to the next chapter desperately, trying to understand what was happening between Gaël and Dominique. But dear Lord, their tension and chemistry?! Phew. The characters? The world building? *Chiefs kiss* I quite honestly had no other thoughts in my head besides Gaël and Dominique the entire time.

Ugh this book is absolutely perfect for people who want a mesh of spicy, sweet and just overall comforting vibes. I loved Sebastian and Maeve from the start and the fact that they stayed in Aiden's corner throughout the entire book, just supporting and loving him, you couldn't ask for anything better honestly. Don't even get me start on the nicknames that Sebastian has for the both them as well 😩 dare I say dream relationship dynamic???

I though this book was adorable! It was nice to see how quickly Jesse and Ash's relationship flourished rather quickly, with a very minor third act break up along the middle of the book. One of my favorite scenes was near the end when ash kept asking Jesse to hold his ring for him when he worked 🥹. I also thought jesses anxiety was a written pretty good and the way it calms down whenever he's with ash.

For me it's a 3.75 stars ⭐⭐⭐💫