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marianpattechat's review
5.0
Whoa, the plot of this book was even more gripping than that of the first in the series! Loved it. It was like I was scared of what might happen next, because everything was so unpredictable, but at the same time I couldn't stop reading. Dark and seductive, this book takes hold of you and doesn't let up. Can't wait for the third book to come out!
kbbibliomania's review
4.0
4.5 ⭐️. This series is soooo good! This book wasn’t as good as the first one only because I knew what the expect with all the demons now, but there were some plot twists that I was NOT expecting. I can’t wait for the third book to come out!
cnorris19's review
5.0
I was lucky enough to get an Arc copy of this and boy am I glad I did. This book just keeps me on the edge if my seat. I'm never able to guess what direction this is going and I love that.
In this book we really see Leah come into herself and become more confident. The ending of book what left off on a cliffhanger and book two ends on one as well. Can't wait for the third book in this installment.
In this book we really see Leah come into herself and become more confident. The ending of book what left off on a cliffhanger and book two ends on one as well. Can't wait for the third book in this installment.
maebeebookish's review
1.0
*No spoilers* I was an ARC reader for this book, so I was provided a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I’ve really struggled with writing this review because I hate writing negative reviews, especially for indie authors. However, I promised an honest review, so here it goes.
I want to preface this by saying that nearly all of the issues I had with this book could’ve been solved with a proper editor. The author’s concept for the story is really interesting, but I feel like the execution didn’t do it justice at all.
I’m not going to go into great detail, but I did want to list some of the main issues I had that made this book difficult for me to read and enjoy.
On a surface level, there were multiple spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. While the general sentence structure and flow had improved from the first book, it was still unnatural, and even confusing in many places. That made it hard to remain engaged in the story, especially when I had to stop to decipher what the author was trying to say.
The larger issues I had were with character and plot development. The main character frequently contradicted herself with regards to her feelings about situations and other characters. While the author may have been intending to write a character who was conflicted and frequently changing her mind, there was no explanation or seeming cause for it. Within a couple of sentences, she would express two thoughts or emotions that would be completely opposed, with no explanation, which left me as the reader incredibly confused. It made it hard to understand or connect with the character, and was honestly just really frustrating.
Additionally, while I understand and appreciate the dark/horror romance genre, one particular sex scene made no sense. He rips through her cervix to her internal organs, and she’s described as bleeding profusely and experiencing excruciating pain that she does not enjoy. Then, with nothing described as changing, a sentence or two later, she orgasms. It would be different if she was described as having enjoyed it despite the pain, with a buildup to the orgasm, but that is not how it was written. As a reader, I was not experiencing any of the emotions I would expect from a sex scene. I was confused and turned off, and because it wasn’t believable, it read almost comically, but not in a good way.
Lastly, the plot development was oddly paced and had a lot of holes. There were incredibly important plot points that simply were not explained, yet the book continued on as though the reader should know exactly what was being referred to. There were major, dramatic scenes that didn’t have enough description for me to feel as though the scene made sense, or for me to be able to imagine it. This was confusing, as there were many places where the author did a great job of describing scenes and elaborating on points, but few of those were actually important comparatively. The pacing was jarring as well. Over half of the book moved slowly, with little advancement to the overall plot, and then suddenly it’s going so fast that the plot isn’t fleshed out enough, and it feels rushed.
Overall, I had an incredibly hard time getting through this book, and I didn’t enjoy it. But I’ll state again that these issues should have been pointed out and corrected by an editor before the book was finalized. This is a really interesting story premise, but even the greatest concept has to be executed well in order to be enjoyable. Unfortunately, this was not.
I want to preface this by saying that nearly all of the issues I had with this book could’ve been solved with a proper editor. The author’s concept for the story is really interesting, but I feel like the execution didn’t do it justice at all.
I’m not going to go into great detail, but I did want to list some of the main issues I had that made this book difficult for me to read and enjoy.
On a surface level, there were multiple spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. While the general sentence structure and flow had improved from the first book, it was still unnatural, and even confusing in many places. That made it hard to remain engaged in the story, especially when I had to stop to decipher what the author was trying to say.
The larger issues I had were with character and plot development. The main character frequently contradicted herself with regards to her feelings about situations and other characters. While the author may have been intending to write a character who was conflicted and frequently changing her mind, there was no explanation or seeming cause for it. Within a couple of sentences, she would express two thoughts or emotions that would be completely opposed, with no explanation, which left me as the reader incredibly confused. It made it hard to understand or connect with the character, and was honestly just really frustrating.
Additionally, while I understand and appreciate the dark/horror romance genre, one particular sex scene made no sense. He rips through her cervix to her internal organs, and she’s described as bleeding profusely and experiencing excruciating pain that she does not enjoy. Then, with nothing described as changing, a sentence or two later, she orgasms. It would be different if she was described as having enjoyed it despite the pain, with a buildup to the orgasm, but that is not how it was written. As a reader, I was not experiencing any of the emotions I would expect from a sex scene. I was confused and turned off, and because it wasn’t believable, it read almost comically, but not in a good way.
Lastly, the plot development was oddly paced and had a lot of holes. There were incredibly important plot points that simply were not explained, yet the book continued on as though the reader should know exactly what was being referred to. There were major, dramatic scenes that didn’t have enough description for me to feel as though the scene made sense, or for me to be able to imagine it. This was confusing, as there were many places where the author did a great job of describing scenes and elaborating on points, but few of those were actually important comparatively. The pacing was jarring as well. Over half of the book moved slowly, with little advancement to the overall plot, and then suddenly it’s going so fast that the plot isn’t fleshed out enough, and it feels rushed.
Overall, I had an incredibly hard time getting through this book, and I didn’t enjoy it. But I’ll state again that these issues should have been pointed out and corrected by an editor before the book was finalized. This is a really interesting story premise, but even the greatest concept has to be executed well in order to be enjoyable. Unfortunately, this was not.
authoralli's review
5.0
This story is absolutely riveting. The way you are kept on the edge of your seat is exactly what I'm looking for when I read. I am hooked and can't wait for book 3 in this series. I have to know what happens next!
readinginvelaris's review
5.0
I received this book as an ARC. Through High Waters, similar to After the Bees, is definitely a dark romance and contains dark material so make sure to CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS ahead of time.
I absolutely loved Through High Waters! I could not put the book down! I found this take on a post apocalyptic/demon world interesting and unique. The story seamlessly continues from the first book, After the Bees, and I have read many books in the last couple of years, but believe me when I say when I did not see a lot of things coming. This book is definitely high pace and unpredictable!
Leah is a badass female main character and her emotional and physical journey throughout this book is a rollercoaster. I loved seeing the nuances of Raum and Leah’s relationship develop over the course of the book and I cannot wait for the next book because the ending cliffhanger should be illegal… haha.
Overall, if you like dark romance and want to be kept on your toes, definitely pick up Through High Waters.
I absolutely loved Through High Waters! I could not put the book down! I found this take on a post apocalyptic/demon world interesting and unique. The story seamlessly continues from the first book, After the Bees, and I have read many books in the last couple of years, but believe me when I say when I did not see a lot of things coming. This book is definitely high pace and unpredictable!
Leah is a badass female main character and her emotional and physical journey throughout this book is a rollercoaster. I loved seeing the nuances of Raum and Leah’s relationship develop over the course of the book and I cannot wait for the next book because the ending cliffhanger should be illegal… haha.
Overall, if you like dark romance and want to be kept on your toes, definitely pick up Through High Waters.
lazybotanist's review
3.0
Dystopian ✔️
Demons✔️
Forced proximity✔️
This continues the journey of Leah and Raum, which the first book had as a spicy whirl of survival. This one expanded on the plot in terms of content but not entirely in weight. Though more was happening I felt like A. I was watching from too far away to follow or B. The stuff we were doing now wasn’t as exciting as it was being made out to be. Increase diversity of characters was a plus.
Overall it was not as good as the first. Maybe the next one will bring it back.
Demons✔️
Forced proximity✔️
This continues the journey of Leah and Raum, which the first book had as a spicy whirl of survival. This one expanded on the plot in terms of content but not entirely in weight. Though more was happening I felt like A. I was watching from too far away to follow or B. The stuff we were doing now wasn’t as exciting as it was being made out to be. Increase diversity of characters was a plus.
Overall it was not as good as the first. Maybe the next one will bring it back.
chaoticbookgoblin's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
4.5
With a love interested that you rotating between hating and loving this book sends you on a wild ride. You never know what’s going to happen next or what the outcome ultimately will be. The original plots line, and engrossing world building really keeps you fully invested until the last page.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Rape
yanetsreadingcorner's review
5.0
The only reason it took me “so long” to finish this book was because I had to drive to Texas (10 hours) on Friday. Stepson’s birthday was Saturday, and drove back Sunday (another 10 hours). I was finally able to finish it today. I was upset I couldn’t finish it Friday before we had to leave.
“There is no one else except Raum, beautifully wicked. Sinfully mine. All mine.”
Tropes:
✔️Angels and Demons
✔️Enemies to lovers
✔️Bada$$ FMC
✔️Dark fantasy
Triggers:
“There is no one else except Raum, beautifully wicked. Sinfully mine. All mine.”
Tropes:
✔️Angels and Demons
✔️Enemies to lovers
✔️Bada$$ FMC
✔️Dark fantasy
Triggers: