Stephanie Oldeck

Exciting start to a new series!

Revisado: 03-15-25 El oyente recibió este título gratis

I was blessed to receive an ARC of Betrothed to the Emperor.

Kai Butler really blew my expectations out of the water. Betrothed to the Emperor is the beginning of the story of two men resigned to their fates yet startlingly attracted to one another and who desperately need the other.

Prince Airón of the Northern Kingdom is taken by surprise when Emperor Tallu chooses him to be his consort over his sister who had been trained for the position since birth. Airón knows his duty, that he must gain the trust of the Emperor, seduce him, and then kill him. It's the only way to protect the Northern Kingdom from the hostility of the Southern Imperium. Left alone after his sister's return to the North, Airón must use all his cunning and wits to not only win over Tallu but to discover where the real threats to the Imperium lie. And the more he learns about Tallu and the vipers' nest of the court, the more he finds himself charmed by Tallu's affection, the more Airón begins to questions his mission. When Airón is forced to accelerate part of his plan, everything goes off course until Airón must decide whether killing Tallu or keeping him alive is the better option. And if it's keeping him alive, well, then all they can rely on is each other.

I am still overcome by the end of this book. I don't think there was a single thing I disliked about it except that it wasn't longer! It's driving me crazy that I can't figure out which characters to trust, but it's slowly becoming clearer! The world building and plot were incredible, as always.

Overall I really, really loved this book. Kai is an auto-buy author from me, and never disappoints. The characters are well developed and unique, the writing is stunning, and the banter is incredible. There isn't a single thing I disliked, and I'm excited to see this full fantasy play out, and I can't wait to read more! 5/5.🌟

Edit 3/15/25 - The audio is narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo. The audio was good, but I didn't think the voices matched the characters as well as other books I've listened to. I also felt that there was a kind of sing-sing quality to a lot of the book. The different accents were very well done, though. 4/5 🌟

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It's like Shadowhunters meets The Covenant

Revisado: 03-08-25

Wow, I devoured this book! It's giving Shadowhunters meets The Covenant and I was here 👏 for 👏 it 👏!

Luke has just started attending St. Lawrence college, but he's already become the victim of Brad, a bully who constantly confronts him; Seth, who may or may not be a hypnotist; and Cody, who plays mind games. Luke just wants to lay low and embrace his place at St. Lawrence as a legacy attendee, but something inexplicable keeps drawing him into Brad's orbit, and being apart from him grows physically painful. While giving in to the attraction between them wasn't planned, Luke and Brad quickly settle their differences and become nearly inseparable. But Luke isn't stupid, and he knows something weird is happening and that Brad, Seth, and Cody have powers they shouldn't have. Determined to prove to them that he belongs at St. Lawrence, Luke vows to not give up his place there and promises to help stop the evil entity that Cody saw in a vision. Soon time is running out, the boys must learn to trust each other, and Brad and Luke must prepare for the worst. Despite the risks, it's the only way to protect the campus - and the world - from unspeakable evil.

I knew from the beginning of this book that it was going to be amazing. It smashed the demon hunting aspect of Shadowhunters with the magic of The Covenant and with a sprinkle of the occult. The Sinners' powers were cool and unique, and I enjoyed learning about their magic. I liked the mystery of Luke's own powers and wonder if his legacy is why he seems so strong. I liked seeing the training process and learning the history of the Sinners.

My favorite part, obviously, was Luke and Brad. While it first seemed that they were enemies, Brad was very sweet. He was so supportive of Luke once they started to realize they were better together than apart. And Brad was so patient while he was teaching Luke magic. Not to mention that the spice was absolutely scorching. These boys know how to bang! And basically every time they touched they were doing it, so there was never a dull moment!

I'm really intrigued about Alexei's strange behavior. Are we going to get a "fifth son of Ipswitch" moment? And then I can't wait to find out if Dan knows more than he is letting on. There are a few loose strings that have yet to be resolved!

If I had to complain about something, I would say that the fact Luke and Brad had to get it on for Luke to focus his powers was a liiiiiitle much. But it was also hot, so I guess I can't complain too much. And then I wish that the monster part had been more prevalent or longer in this book, but I'm hopeful that it will continue in the next one!

Overall I really loved this book. It was sweet and spicy with a unique spin on the magic elements. I'm excited to see what will happen next! 5/5 🌟

Tim Paige narrates and did an excellent job bringing Luke and Brad to life. 4.5/5 🌟

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Rin and Kel are explosive

Revisado: 12-09-24 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Ooh, this was a delicious read. Definitely dark, so check the trigger warnings. But I was invested from the very beginning.

In These Silent Stars, Rin, a student at the Planet of Vitality’s military school, catches the eye of Kelevra Diar, the crown prince of Vitality. One would think catching the attention of a prince is a good thing, but Rin has secrets – a lot of them – and Kel appears to have a way of seeing right through him. Kelevra also is a sociopath, and he has no qualms about taking what he wants and feeding his every desire, even if it is against Rin’s will. And as much as Rin fights him, Kel also satisfies every secret desire Rin has. Their relationship is unconventional, borderline nonconsensual, but as time passes, there’s no denying that they have become closer and that Rin’s feelings have changed. Together they must overcome all of Rin’s doubts about Kel’s motives, and Kel must prove himself trustworthy. When Rin’s twin brother, Sila, mistakes Rin’s resistance as abuse, it nearly destroys everything Rin and Kel have built. Can they overcome this severe betrayal of trust? Can Kel accept Rin’s feeling’s, even if he doesn’t agree with them? And perhaps most important of all, can Rin give up his secret life and be Kelevra’s for real?

This book really kept me guessing. The relationship between Rin and Sila was so interesting, especially because they didn’t give up their secrets easily. I was guessing the whole time what was happening between them. I predicted some of it, but that final plot twist still got me! The fact they switched places regularly was cool and intriguing. I loved that they were basically the opposite of each other but could so seamlessly step in the other’s shoes. That was really cool and I wish that we had gotten more of their story about that.

I really liked Rin. Honestly, he was stuck between a rock and a hard place with Kel demanding his attention on one side and having to be calm, cool, collected, and professional on the other. I liked that his outward emotions were hard for him to keep. It made it really interesting, especially when he lost his patience or got emotional and couldn’t hide his feelings. I felt bad for him at first because Kelevra’s obsession came out of nowhere. Their relationship began with dubious and not a fair bit of nonconsensual consent. That definitely made me uncomfortable, as I don’t normally read stuff like that. But their relationship changed as the book went on, and Rin liked the way that Kelevra took control. Despite his protestations, Rin loved letting control go under Kel’s touch. That was cool to see, especially once they started having real conversations and there was more affection in their interactions. I really liked that Rin was so different and that he defied Kel at every turn (at least at first). It was fun to see them try to outsmart each other.

I have mixed feelings about Kelevra. He obviously is crazy. He has feelings, but he doesn’t care how he makes others feel. I didn’t like how he took advantage of Rin at the beginning. I didn’t like that he forced himself on Rin several times. But on the other hand, as he told Rin, he took care of his things. Kel did have a soft side, and he did his best to pamper Rin afterward. Again, in real life, these things would be intolerable to me. But in this fictional world, I liked that juxtaposition. Kel did care for Rin and took care of him, even if it was for selfish reasons. I also really liked that Kel was the only person that could tell Rin and Sila apart. That was pretty cool, especially since Rin had never had someone see just him before. I liked that Kel could really see the real Rin, flaws and all, and still loved him and always gave Rin what he needed, even if he didn’t think he wanted it.

The spice in this book was really phenomenal if you can look past the non-con/dub-con aspects. That scene with the anti-gravity machine? Holy cow, that was so hot. I loved the worldbuilding and that it left so many options open for the related books. The characters were great, and I can’t wait to read more in this world.

My only complaints really are that I wish that the cadet murder assignment was a bigger part, especially after the reveal of who the “murderer” was. I wanted to see the school crown a victor and everyone be surprised about who it was. I wanted Kel to figure it out first. I also wish that Rin and Kel had done more to try to outwit the other. I think that could have been fun.

I did listen to the audiobook of this book. I, unfortunately, wasn’t a huge fan of the narration. The narrator had a cool accent. I couldn’t decide if it was Irish or Canadian or something else. I liked that it kind of fit the story of being on a foreign planet. However, the narration was a little stilted, and there was not a lot of variation in the characters. It made it difficult to figure out who was speaking, especially since the book was in third person. I believe this is one of this narrator’s first audiobooks, so I have high hopes that as he develops his skill, the variations will develop more. But I really wish this narration had been a little more refined for this reading.

Overall, I really loved this book, though. I can’t wait to read the rest and hope to see Rin and Kel appear as cameos in the other books! 4/5 stars!

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Hit me right in the feels

Revisado: 07-11-24

Wow. I was not expecting this book to be as good as it was. To start off with, it was hilarious. Everything from the clueless Alex to CRAPP to the Jameses Royce-Royce kept me laughing. I also really loved Luc's mom and Judy and their banter with Luc. Then this book hit me right in the feels with how obviously perfect Luc and Oliver were for each other. They balanced each other out and honestly were good for each other. I loved that Oliver was so patient and that he never gave up on being there for Luc. And Luc, although it took some convincing, was so obviously made better by Oliver's influence. I couldn't believe what terrible parents Oliver had, but I'm so glad that Luc stood up for him. Oliver needed that, needed someone in his corner who would defend and protect him, just like he had done for Luc. I loved that Oliver called Luc "Lucien." It was sweet and intimate and something special just between them.

Then I got double tapped by the FEELS. Oh my gosh, the turmoil Luc went through trying to figure out his own feelings and whether Oliver liked him. Then Oliver giving in and practically ravishing Luc in front of his friends. Then the crap Garden party, the emotions. Then making love and Oliver being so stubbornly stupid. And Luc's dad being a jerk and then poor Luc basically being rejected again and again and again. My eyes legit watered up.

I'm just glad that Oliver got his head out of his butt and Luc finally got everything he deserved. I have to give this a 5/5 stars (though I wish it wasn't closed door!) for the feels alone, plus the humor and the absolute relationship goals that is Luc and Oliver. Plus the narrator was fantastic. The way he said "Lucien"???? #swoon

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Read this if you want to cry

Revisado: 06-10-24

If you want to have a good cry the entire time you're reading a book, this is the one to do it to. The emotional turmoil you feel from page 1...it just pulls on your heartstrings. The grief Cannon and Easton feel is an almost tangible thing, and I love that they grieved so differently. Easton is definitely a hot mess, but Cannon balances him out by being calm and loving him in all the ways Easton needs. In the same vein, Easton brings out the fun and adventure-loving side of Cannon. I loved their interactions and how they so clearly loved each other from the beginning, even if it took them some time to figure it out themselves. I think I cried a dozen times reading this, but it was so, so good. I didn't think I would like Cannon, but I ended up really loving him. He was so sweet. And the spice was fiiiiiire, as delectable as it was heart wrenching. This was definitely a more serious book compared to Leighton U or Don't You Dare (though it ties in to DYD very nicely!), and I loved it all the same. The overall theme I got from the book was just blue, like the ocean, and the boys experienced happiness, grief, and love in a cycle like the crashing waves. I give this 5/5 stars.

The audio was really excellent, too. Michael Dean and Zachary Johnson are amazing narrators. They are so talented at getting the emotions out through the narration.

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Almost made me cry. 5/5 Stars

Revisado: 05-24-24

This book was fantastically done. I was expecting more of a rom com feel, but it was really an exploration of Mattie and Logan's personal traumas and self growth. I liked that it was set in the Hollywood scene and that it deviated from the normal tropes and that the conflict wasn't completely due to drugs and cheating, but rather because both characters needed to grow. I also appreciated the emphasis on mental health and that this book showed that even happy people struggle with mental health. I liked the ending, too, which showed that you don't necessarily get to choose who you love, but you do have control over how you show another person you love them. The emphasis on consent was also incredibly well done, and it added depth and made the spicy scenes even better. I really, really enjoyed this book, and the audio was fantastic. I liked the sound effects and full cast. I give this 5/5 stars

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Great story, excellent narration

Revisado: 04-15-24

This is easily a 5-star read. The plot and pacing were excellent. Chase is a perfect gentleman and really shows Bailey what it means to be in a relationship. The conflict was captivating and you really learn to hate Luke! And if the story doesn't get you, the narrators will. I wasn't sure about Stella Bloom at first, but she grew on me. and Gabriel Spires was an incredible voice actor. 5/5 stars

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So captivating!

Revisado: 03-26-24

Wow, I really, really loved this! The full cast audio was fantastic, and the story was fascinating and intriguing! I couldn't stop listening! Why isn't there more?! What happened in West Virginia?!?!?!?

Overall I have to give this 5/5 stars!

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Another 5 star book for Hailey!

Revisado: 09-18-23

This one started a little slow, but then it got do GOOD! I loved that this took readers back to the Spulbound series but also gave a fresh new perspective from Spencer's point of view. Takoma's slow seduction of Spencer was so hot, and I loved that Takoma was at once sweet and caring and also soooo possessive. The outfits he picked out for Spencer were fire! I also really loved how Spencer warred with doing the right thing but never hesitated to defend Takoma or the godpack shifters. Finally, I adored Wade, as always. He is my favorite Soulbound character and he did not disappoint! Fatima was great too. I loved how sassy and bossy she was but still defended Spencer at every turn. This was a great addition to the Soulbound series and I am really hoping we might get a second Spencer ans Takoma book! 5/5 🌟!

Plus a special shout out to Gary who always does an AMAZING job of bringing these characters to life. Spencer and Takoma's scenes were *chef's kiss* and Wade was spot on! 5/5 🌟 for Gary!

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The best part of romance

Revisado: 05-29-23

CONTAINS SPOILERS



Where to even begin with this one? I went in expecting Feyre to end up with Tamlin, but I ended up with the slowest slow burn of the century with ALL of my favorite tropes. Rhysand is clearly the best match for her. He never keeps her trapped and gives her the choice to do as she pleases. Yes, he often has alterior motives, but he always gives Feyre the choice. and that is essential to her recovery and the foundation of their relationship. I loved every second of the sweet and gentle understanding that turned into flirty banter that turned into a love worthy of a mate bond. Plus we had that one-bed trope and the trope where Feyre was furious about being kept in the dark about the mate bond. I just loved everything about her relationship with Rhys.

And that's nothing to say of the world building. Velaris is a stunning city and such a counter to the Court of Nightmares. I loved that Feyre fell in love with the city as much as she fell in love with Rhysand and that she was willing to risk her life to save it at a moment's notice. The water wolves were my favorite part of the battle.

The ending was just so heartbreaking. Azriel barely made it, Cassian's wings were shredded, and Feyre's sisters were collateral damage. Plus poor Rhys and Feyre having to break any bond between them was just tragic. Then we get Tamlin's betrayal, Lucien's mate being revealed, and Feyre's plan to being down the Spring Court and it's no wonder that I nearly threw this book across the room. 5/5 🌟 for sure!

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