K R Conway

I received a copy from Netgalley.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It had everything I look for in a YA paranormal romance. A great start that captured my attention right off an immensely likeable female lead. Eila had a great personality and likeable tone (if a little snarky) which made me connect with her right off. (One of the best bits in the book is an incident fairly early on in the story when she holds her own against a right bitch of a cheerleader).

Eila moves to a new town under some show more fairly strange circumstances in gaining her new home and right off makes some friends and develops a crush on a hot boy. While that scenario in itself is nothing new in YA paranormal romance the way the story moves forward was well plotted and engaging.

Extremely well written, with a great cast of characters, and a no insta-love! A romance that builds throughout and becomes quite enveloping. And a good unique paranormal element. Not going into details due to spoilers.

That you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me access to view the title. A great read highly recommended.

And another square crossed off for Bookish BIngo - a YA book. show less

It should be noted that I received my copy of Undertow through Goodreads Giveaways. This, in no manner, affects my scoring method or review.

Story: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Re-read Value: 2.5/5
Bonus Point: THAT ENDING THOUGH
Overall: 3 stars!

While I did enjoy Stormfront, I didn't enjoy it as much as Undertow. There were several minor things that bugged me in this novel which collectively added together to annoy me. For one, my favorite character became a possessive, over-protective, murdering jerk. I show more loved Raef in Undertow but the turn he took in this novel really got on my nerves. I still liked him, but I couldn't stomach his lack of remorse for killing others nor his over-protective nature of Eila. His mannerism drove me away from becoming invested in their romance as well, which I hope I can get back into in the third book.

One matter I want to talk about that I really did like about this installment was getting to know Ana and Kian better. Half way through the book I began to focus on their relationship more than the leads. I feel like there is an air of mystery to their romance as its beginning to rekindle. I didn't focus much on it in Undertow simply due to Ana's apparent hatred for Kian. However, as she became more open to him, I did to. I'm so excited to read their story in Cruel Summer!

The last thing I really want to talk about is THAT ENDING. I don't want this review to have any spoilers so I won't say anything further. However, I feel like the ending made the entire book better for me. My eyes popped out of their sockets!

Overall, a nice sequel! show less

It should be noted that I received my copy of Undertow through Goodreads Giveaways. This, in no manner, affects my scoring method or review.

Story: 3.75/5
Characters: 4.5/5
Re-read Value: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.9 rounded up to 4 stars

I actually really, really enjoyed this book. I read it almost in one sitting, save for the hour long break I took to cook and eat my dinner. It was great in a manner I wasn't expecting. Actually, I think my favorite part of this book was the characters. I don't really show more have any specific reason as to why I loved them so much, I just did. They seemed slightly more real than the previous fantasy characters I've read recently.

A character I loved, without a doubt, was Raef. I mean, who wouldn't love a boy who says things like "You have entangled yourself in my heart" and vows to protect his girl with his everything? I mean, wow, that boy can make a girl swoon. Sure, his and Eila's romance was a bit insta-lovey but not to an extent where it wasn't plausible. There was a certain reason and purpose behind their connection the author took the time to insinuate which I appreciated.

Overall, I would say this is a great beginning with a unique concept to the series. I look forward to reading more! show less

It should be noted that I received my copy of Undertow through Goodreads Giveaways. This, in no manner, affects my scoring method or review.

Story: 3.5/5
Characters: 2/5
Re-read Value: 2.5/5
Bonus Point: Nikki in general
Overall: 3 stars!

Wow, so many things happened in this installment of the series! Firstly, I want to talk about my favorite part of the novel: NIKKI! I was waiting throughout the first two books for a character arc from her and finally received what I'd been waiting for! Not only show more that, but I love the friendship/romance between her and MJ. It was sweet and also made sense.

In addition to Nikki in general, I really liked the path this novel took. It seemed to have much more plot than romance which I favored. I didn't like Stormfront as much as Undertow since it seemed to ONLY revolve around romance. There was substance, but Eila and Raef's romance seemed to overpower it in Stormfront. I tried to get back into their romance story-line in this installment of the series but Raef still rubbed me the wrong way. I don't like how over-protective he is becoming of her. I'm hoping he loosens up in the next book because I feel like he's going to suffocate Eila and drive her over the edge.

Overall, I'm enjoying the series! I plan to look out for the fourth book when it comes out in the future! show less