Perfection in a book, I said what I said.
The way I was sucked in and didn't stop reading till it was 5 AM should be studied.
Let's start with my hatred for Vivian. Not even two chapters in, I already felt such hatred towards her that I couldn't contain it. She truly made Violet's life her problem. What do you mean you hate your sister because she's actually sweet and nice...while you are a mean psycho. No wonder people liked Violet more, with that attitude, you were lucky you didn't get beat up once or twice (by me, if I could, you would catch these hands Vivian!). She deserved everything she got, even if Violet was, of course, way too nice even in the end.
Now, onto my sweet baby Violet. She was the cutest kid; her interests didn't match those of her sister, but even then, she still tried for her. She was so creative with her bracelets and embroidery, starting from a young age, to know what she would do when she was older. She was so thoughtful and caring, while also knowing how to have fun, and once she opened up, she was sarcastic and a prankster. Her getting her heart broken made mine hurt; she was too selfless for her own good. There's honestly nothing I dislike about her, even her merciful streak was fine with me because if not, Roman would have killed way more people.
And Roman, the unhinged man that you are. You wanted to kill a chicken the second Violet was 'hurt' - if that doesn't scream down bad, he did a hundred other things that did (I'm trying really hard to be good and not spoil it, but he has propelled to my number one book boyfriend...overall!) He was loyal to the death, willing to fight mystical, unknown gods that could befall the whole continent for her...he's just THAT guy for real. Not content with winning over Violet's heart, he had to have mine too, greedy man, but I forgive you.
Let's not forget about his mom. The best queen I could have asked for. She was where Roman got the 'crazy' gene from. Her being like: “People disappear all the time,” validating his son murdering his competition? Gagged!“I’m so sorry. We’ll kil—” Double gagged! Her skipping over Roman and running to hug Violet had me crying laughing. She was an icon, and I pray we get more of her in the future. (Props to the king for attempting to balance her, key word attempting).
The secondary characters really stole a bit of the show. Griff, Ares, Slayton, Babs (a literal chicken), and War had me laughing, and I was so happy for everyone in the epilogue.
This love story was so well done and paced out. How it started innocently with them passing notes in class, being friends, and falling for each other, knowing it couldn't be. The angst, the pain, the following obsession because the girl he loved was not next to him. Their flowing so easily into lovers after the obstacle was 'broken' was perfect. The way he never tried to stop her from living her dream, how he supported her, and even accompanied her in any way he could. And the spice?
Chapter 31? I have no words. Only moans (JK or not). And I know Jamie said this was purely romance, but the whole plot twist on who was who and why things were going on was so unexpected and well done.
I didn’t think I could like someone more than I liked Rennick but fucking Roman had me, hook, line and sinker, and I don’t see myself getting over him…unless Jamie outdoes herself once again in the next book…
The gods were blacked out drunk or something while making their decision because in what world would Vivian and Roman fit?
Outside of the story, a technical thing I loved was 'the underarm crystal', which was such a smart adjustment for deodorant. I love it when fantasy is done right.
The little crumbs about Fawn and Dean/ Amos and Clover just made me feral for the next books. Gods, I love this series so much. Jamie, please, please, please never stop writing these unhinged, obsessed men.
Oh, and while I’m here…a small itty bitty novella about Roman’s parents, please? Pretty pretty please?
Beyond grateful for this e-arc, thank you so, so much, Jamie!
Quotes:
He was hers completely and irrevocably, and he would do whatever it took to make her his, too.
Nothing would stop him from having her, not even the gods themselves.
"When she sees something that makes her happy, call for me. I want to see her happy, too."
"You won't miss anything, Roman. I swear it."
P.S. Don't fall in love with someone else. Come back to me.
You're my obsession, Violet Maekin. You always have been, and you always will be. You have owned me completely since we were children running through the palace halls.
"Keep those pretty lips on mine and no one will know that your needy pussy is riding my hand."
"Spread for me, princess. Let me look at the pretty cunt I'll be eating tonight."
"Your greedy little cunt needs me."
He'd always wanted to be the one to hold her bucket.
And now he was.