Rhapsodic

I love this story.

I like paranormal romances, but they are usually either insta-love or love after captivity. What I love about this book is that we get neither. Callypso and The Bargainer know each other, they spent a lot of time together and she fell for him over time.
Callie is also a victim, she has an awful past, one he never tries to take advantage of. I think what I really love about this story is that it doesn't have a single thing where I stop and go "this is isn't right" or "this wouldn't be right if it happened in real life".
Aside from the romance, which is really sweet, I also like the mystery. Women are being abducted and brought back in coffins, they are in a coma like state, and they have a child with them. ¿Who's taking show more them? ¿What's going on with the children?
All in all, I super recommend this book, it's probably my favorite of this author. It's based on consent, and that's something I really treasure. show less

i think the ONLY reason this one isn't scoring higher is the age difference. the fae/human age difference thing has never really bothered me before, but with this one, they met when she was SIXTEEN and he was acutely aware of her age becuase he said "I don't make bargains with children". so when he MET her he thought she was a child. and they were still mates? I mean i can get over it. I really can. But eek, it still gives me the heebie jeebies when i really start to think about it. I think heading into the next book now that we are mostly done with the flashbacks it will be better. And the story is actually really enticing. and the spice was good too. Just have to get over that age gap... not that they ever actually said his age? but show more we can assume he is a well matured adult i think show less

I ended up liking this much more than I thought I would.
The book starts off very cliche for the genre, with a tough-but-soft woman who just happens to have a supernatural ability and uses it in her career as a private PI. She has a token black best friend (whose dialogue feels more than a bit racist) and is dating a werewolf who is also in (supernatural) law enforcement.
When I first added the book my to-read list, I don't think I realised that it was more in the romance genre than general fantasy (and it's definitely not YA though was in a 'similar to' rec of one). There is a fair bit of graphic sex (including a vagina being referred to as her "core" several times) and curse words but the story itself was actually very interesting and show more I ended up really liking a few of the characters. The writing feels very fanfiction-y and I found a few misspellings or words missing in my copy, so I'm not sure how well-edited this is or if I ended up with an ARC and the final product is a bit different.
Overall, I ended up really entertained by it. If you like dark fantasy with a side of adult situations, check out this series. show less

I wasn't sure if I'd like this one but I enjoyed myself while reading it!
I liked that there was lots of romance but that it mixed well with the non-romance part of the plot. My only complaint is that I wish the characters were a little scarier. The Bargainer was supposed to be this super scary villain type guy and I didn't really see that. Same with when Callie releases her siren self. I was expecting just a little more badassery!

4.5

Reread: 01/31/2018
I think I love this book even more the second time. Gah. Des!

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Original reading: 08/26/2017

I picked this book up based upon a recommendation to help get through a terrible book hangover I was having. Boy, it did not disappoint!

At first, I was a little unsure of the chapters alternating via past and present, but began to increasingly enjoy the contrast between them as the novel progressed.

The Bargainer has quickly become one of my favorite fictional characters and if you are a fan of Rhysand and/or The Darkling, this character has many shades of both (perhaps the best parts, even). Callie herself is tough, witty and independent - a great female lead. Despite their history and the secrets she show more holds, Callie has found herself moving on and has created a good life for herself. However, she finds much of that upended when The Bargainer shows up unexpectedly after no contact with each other for years.

This story is fast paced, mysterious, sexy and even quite eerie at times. Absolutely one of my favorites now! show less

Okay this was so much better than I was expecting, the main characters remind me of Rhys/Feyre and then also similar to The Invisible Life of Addie La’Rue with the writing style and love interest/development.
I was at first slightly disappointed it isn’t based under the sea as a typical siren story is but is instead a unique take on mythology/faery/sirens that was quite refreshing.

Intrigued on where the story is going to go since at the moment it almost feels like a stand alone and none of the original plot has been dragged out like it normally is, with recent fantasy books making every novel 5 books long with endless filler. I finished this in a couple of hours without actually realising until I was already at the last page. show more



*minor spoilers*

Finally a gripping, fast paced book with the “evil, powerful dark lord to everyone except my mate” trope I fall for every single time. Also kudos for waiting for a comfortable age instead of the usual ~immortal show less

This story had its hooks in me from the beginning. And I must say that cover is absolutely gorgeous.


Callie aka. Callypso has endured some horrific things at the hands of someone who was supposed to care and love her yet she keeps plowing ahead and vows to never be a victim again. I liked that her character was relatable and had experienced some real life situations (deplorable as they are). It made the strides she made growing up and becoming a strong independent character much more believable.

The Bargainer aka. Des, helps Callie one fate filled night and can't seem to keep away from her as she keeps calling him back to make bargains for his company. Racking up IOUs! I think his character developed well. I appreciated how every time show more his character is angry with Callie, it comes from a place of love and caring. Though he is a horrible being, you can see how much he cares through his actions.

Spicy scenes were well done and pretty spicy. They weren't a big part of the story but they existed. There was more longing and sexual tension between the characters which made the story hotter in my opinion. Pepper scale: show less