R.L. Mathewson

I have tried twice to re-read this book because it is the second in a series that I really liked. I hated this book the first time I read it, and should really just skip it because this is the second attempt at a re-read and again, I got stalled.

The Hero - Chris is an asshole. Which sucks because he was so lovable in the first book.

Chris was a teenager in the previous book but has grown up into an asshole who has opinions on what being a "Sentinel" should be (a born vampire hunter). Sentinels are born in "pairs" which are literal soul mates who are separated at birth by being born into different families. There are only seven (?) pairs born in every 100 years or so, and each pair is only sexually attracted to each other.

Basically Chris has been waiting and anticipating the discovery of his soul mate and has placed a lot of expectations on what she should be. He assumes that she will have been trained like he has, that she has been spending her life honing her vampire fighting skills and that she will fit into his paramilitary life like a seasoned veteran. Of course this isn't the case, and when Isabella turns out to have gone through her life without a clue as to what she is or even that there are vampires and other paranormal beings in the world, Chris takes her inability to fight or even to not stand up to a charging werewolf without literally crouching down in fear as being a coward.

Chris found his soul mate lacking and within hours of meeting has rejected her and basically has decided that she needs to be sent to the island where rejected soul mates and those who are unable to live in society because of their knowledge of paranormal or lack of family go. He decides this because he doesn't want to take the chance that her inability to be fierce will possibly cause harm to come to his family if she somehow lays down on the job and gets people hurt. Of course this is all decided before Isabella is even made aware of what she is and that vampires and werewolves are real. She was just taken to a melee and told to fight and when she passes out in fear the decision is made on the ride home while she is asleep in the back seat.

I can't remember what happens. I do remember that she gets pregnant (not a big plot reveal) and Chris spends the book giving her shit and basically making her feel miserable, while keeping her from getting killed while they get to their destination or do whatever it is they are supposed to do, or when he catches up to her after she takes off to parts unknown. Also, they can't stop screwing since they are the only chance at sex they have. On one hand Chris hates his soul mate, and takes every opportunity to tell her how much she annoys him and is causing him grief, but on the other hand he can't keep from screwing her.

I guess I should just say don't read this book. Skip it. You can go on in the series ok. You might miss something but in the end you won't miss anything major enough that reading it will totally shed light in motives and actions. Of course, since I haven't read the series since the first time back in 2015 I could be wrong. However, don't read this book. Seriously. It sucks. The series is great, but the hero in this book was so likeable in the last book that his complete transformation into an asshole in this book makes me want to just forget I read it, and hopefully just forget this entire arc in the series. I think is was redeemed at the end, but getting there just wasn't worth it.

Read what comes after this book.

Sorry to the author, but this is just my point of view, however after looking over other reviews, I am not the only one.… (mehr)

Perfection
Neighbor from Hell, Book 2

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: AudiblePlus
Dates Read: 2/21/23 - 2/23/23
Stars: 3
Narrator(s): Fran Jewelz

The Characters:

Zoe:
Trevor Bradford:

The Story:

I super disliked Trevor. He was superficial and shallow, and Zoe deserved better. I’m not saying he didn’t love her but the wait he fought it and didn’t think she was worthy of love because of her size.

Also, I will admit it feels a little unfair to judge Trevor the way I did. When he was written, jerk heroes were a hot thing. Now, not so much.

The Random Thoughts:

I’ve decided I won’t be continuing this series as the “heroes” seem to get progressively worse with each book.… (mehr)

Playing for Keeps
Neighbor from Hell, Book 1

I Picked Up This Book Because: Using up my free month of AudiblePlus

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: AudiblePlus
Dates Read: 2/17/23 - 2/20/23
Stars: 4
Narrator(s): Fran Jewels

The Characters:

Haley Blaine:
Jason Bradford:
Mitch, Jason’s other douchey friend

The Story:

Writing: Dated but good. I like the way the story flowed and how the relationship between Jason and Haley built even if I thought Haley should have had more gumption in the beginning. Also, the author did a great job with characters you love to hate with most of Haley’s family.
Forward Motion: Very good. No lulls or dragging at all.
Overall Interest: I had a hard time putting this one down.
Length of Reading Time: Good.
Re-read-ability: While I thoroughly enjoyed this read, I don’t feel the need to revisit this story but it’s a long series so maybe one day I will.

The Random Thoughts:… (mehr)