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cobaltbookshelf's review against another edition
1.0
I read Ella Fields books so I know what to expect but this is yikes .... 1 star is generous.
courtney_saba's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this so much. Overall rating: 4.5, rounded up.
In a nutshell: Obsession. Cruelty. Need. Yearning.
I will admit, I felt a kinship with the heroine of this story. Her obsession, her love for her obsessions, and her all-or-nothing approach were things that I could really relate to. Maybe not to the extent of stalking and creating a shrine, but I can understand how her obsession became so intense. This was unique to me, because most of the time obsessions are only seen as a mental health problem and are portrayed that way. Sometimes, all an obsession is is just an intense desire for something, and the yearning that comes with it. Obsessions don't always have to include psychopathic or nonfunctional tendencies. I really liked this twist, and that's why this book is rated so highly for me.
I will say, I have read many bully romances and new adult romances, but this one was a little different. Most of the time it's the hero and the heroine fighting each other, doing a hate-love type of thing, hot and cold sort of relationship, with some pranks, hot make out sessions, jealous situations, at least one attempted assault scene thwarted by the alpha hero to the rescue, "no, I don't want you" "oh, yes you effing do, let me prove it," and embarrassing circumstances. This story, however, didn't follow this recipe. I found that it wasn't a typical bully type of story. They both wanted each other and they weren't afraid to put that into words or actions. Jude wasn't a player or an alphahole (he had only ever been in one long-term relationship and he was still portrayed as a wickedly charming bad boy, with real emotions and an appreciated maturity). There wasn't any angst or miscommunication. There wasn't a "traitorous body" or "oh my god, how could I want him so much." Even after Jude did horrible things to her, they still both were 100% certain that the want was still there. It was clear to the reader and to themselves how much passion Jude and Fern had for each other. Neither were ever judged by the other. Neither made assumptions or jumped to conclusions. There weren't annoying ass or immature fights or withholding secrets. It was just pure in the sense that "you want me so much and I want you so much, so let's not even talk at this point and just let us see this through right now. Let's be vulnerable in the late night and exchange secrets, and even though I'll use this against you later, let's live in the now and let us enjoy each other before reality returns." It was intoxicating to read this type of thing when I'm used to a recipe and checklist for this genre. So, well done, Ella Fields. I fucking loved the honesty. It was refreshing and much needed in this angst filled genre.
This is where the "bully" trope doesn't necessarily fit. Jude was cruel. He used something vulnerable about Fern that she shared in confidence (when he was vulnerable with her too) to humiliate her thoroughly. I believe this is different than just embarassing or pranking someone to get a laugh. Jude was 100% cruel. He hurt Fern so much, and she didn't deserve it. She didn't try to retaliate, she never hurt him in any way, shape, or form, before or after the humiliating events, she was never malicious or vengeful. She was honestly just so pure, with so much intensity and longing, knowing exactly what she wanted and being steadfast about it. I never blamed her for continuously giving into Jude. It's all she ever wanted, and Jude was so good at being with her. The chemistry was fire. He was his true self with her. And he treated her with so much reverence and had so much need for her. It was no wonder she kept trusting him. They were so open with each other and wanted each other so much. So it honestly hurt my heart to see how cruel Jude was to Fern, despite how much he wanted her. He took her vulnerable secrets and humiliated her with them in the most severe ways. It was to the point where I didn't think that there was any redemption for Jude. He had broken Fern's heart so intensely that I had no idea how the author would bring him back and continue on with a love story. Obviously, this is a new adult romance, so the author found a way. I wasn't disappointed. Fern grew some claws and Jude grew some balls. Honesty and sexual tension galore. Delicious.
The flaws:
I did think the addition of the secret society came out of left field after the 50% mark. Yes it was mentioned throughout the beginning in bits and pieces, but it was never fleshed out the way I wanted it to be. I wanted more detail, more history, more evidence that membership in this secret society was something worth giving up your love for. And I wasn't given that, and therefore, I was disappointed in this plot point. I never really thought it was worth all the hype or fear, and that is a shame since it was so prominent in this story and had been so intricately weaved into Jude and Fern's history.
I also believed there were some loose ends at the end of the book that weren't addressed. Mainly, Silas and Cory, along with Jude and Fern's life within the secret society before the epilogue.
Would I reread this? Yes.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, if you're ready for a cruel hero and some serious obsession (even though I wanted just a little more groveling and vulnerable bits in there due to the harshness of the hero's previous actions), along with a seriously hurting heart during one of the scenes midpoint in the book. It hurt my heart so much just because I know what Fern went through.
Was I entertained? Obsessively.
Happy reading, my Goodreads fiends.
In a nutshell: Obsession. Cruelty. Need. Yearning.
I will admit, I felt a kinship with the heroine of this story. Her obsession, her love for her obsessions, and her all-or-nothing approach were things that I could really relate to. Maybe not to the extent of stalking and creating a shrine, but I can understand how her obsession became so intense. This was unique to me, because most of the time obsessions are only seen as a mental health problem and are portrayed that way. Sometimes, all an obsession is is just an intense desire for something, and the yearning that comes with it. Obsessions don't always have to include psychopathic or nonfunctional tendencies. I really liked this twist, and that's why this book is rated so highly for me.
I will say, I have read many bully romances and new adult romances, but this one was a little different. Most of the time it's the hero and the heroine fighting each other, doing a hate-love type of thing, hot and cold sort of relationship, with some pranks, hot make out sessions, jealous situations, at least one attempted assault scene thwarted by the alpha hero to the rescue, "no, I don't want you" "oh, yes you effing do, let me prove it," and embarrassing circumstances. This story, however, didn't follow this recipe. I found that it wasn't a typical bully type of story. They both wanted each other and they weren't afraid to put that into words or actions. Jude wasn't a player or an alphahole (he had only ever been in one long-term relationship and he was still portrayed as a wickedly charming bad boy, with real emotions and an appreciated maturity). There wasn't any angst or miscommunication. There wasn't a "traitorous body" or "oh my god, how could I want him so much." Even after Jude did horrible things to her, they still both were 100% certain that the want was still there. It was clear to the reader and to themselves how much passion Jude and Fern had for each other. Neither were ever judged by the other. Neither made assumptions or jumped to conclusions. There weren't annoying ass or immature fights or withholding secrets. It was just pure in the sense that "you want me so much and I want you so much, so let's not even talk at this point and just let us see this through right now. Let's be vulnerable in the late night and exchange secrets, and even though I'll use this against you later, let's live in the now and let us enjoy each other before reality returns." It was intoxicating to read this type of thing when I'm used to a recipe and checklist for this genre. So, well done, Ella Fields. I fucking loved the honesty. It was refreshing and much needed in this angst filled genre.
This is where the "bully" trope doesn't necessarily fit. Jude was cruel. He used something vulnerable about Fern that she shared in confidence (when he was vulnerable with her too) to humiliate her thoroughly. I believe this is different than just embarassing or pranking someone to get a laugh. Jude was 100% cruel. He hurt Fern so much, and she didn't deserve it. She didn't try to retaliate, she never hurt him in any way, shape, or form, before or after the humiliating events, she was never malicious or vengeful. She was honestly just so pure, with so much intensity and longing, knowing exactly what she wanted and being steadfast about it. I never blamed her for continuously giving into Jude. It's all she ever wanted, and Jude was so good at being with her. The chemistry was fire. He was his true self with her. And he treated her with so much reverence and had so much need for her. It was no wonder she kept trusting him. They were so open with each other and wanted each other so much. So it honestly hurt my heart to see how cruel Jude was to Fern, despite how much he wanted her. He took her vulnerable secrets and humiliated her with them in the most severe ways. It was to the point where I didn't think that there was any redemption for Jude. He had broken Fern's heart so intensely that I had no idea how the author would bring him back and continue on with a love story. Obviously, this is a new adult romance, so the author found a way. I wasn't disappointed. Fern grew some claws and Jude grew some balls. Honesty and sexual tension galore. Delicious.
The flaws:
I did think the addition of the secret society came out of left field after the 50% mark. Yes it was mentioned throughout the beginning in bits and pieces, but it was never fleshed out the way I wanted it to be. I wanted more detail, more history, more evidence that membership in this secret society was something worth giving up your love for. And I wasn't given that, and therefore, I was disappointed in this plot point. I never really thought it was worth all the hype or fear, and that is a shame since it was so prominent in this story and had been so intricately weaved into Jude and Fern's history.
I also believed there were some loose ends at the end of the book that weren't addressed. Mainly, Silas and Cory, along with Jude and Fern's life within the secret society before the epilogue.
Would I reread this? Yes.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, if you're ready for a cruel hero and some serious obsession (even though I wanted just a little more groveling and vulnerable bits in there due to the harshness of the hero's previous actions), along with a seriously hurting heart during one of the scenes midpoint in the book. It hurt my heart so much just because I know what Fern went through.
Was I entertained? Obsessively.
Happy reading, my Goodreads fiends.
blvelances's review against another edition
4.0
This one really took me for a ride... i could never really predict what was going to happen. The characters seemed to switch personalities quite fast, and the pace of the story wasn’t linear, sometimes things dragged and sometimes it was just over way too fast ? anyway, i was annoyed multiple times but when i think back on it, i find i had a good time reading this. it was surprising and a bit different and passionate and thus - good
nadine_booklover's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
You know, we ask and Ella Fields delivers. She's surely a guarantor for angsty stories that will make your heart beat faster and hit every emotional nerve, playing them like a pro.
Evil Love is another masterpiece by Ella Fields giving you all the feels.
You know, we ask and Ella Fields delivers. She's surely a guarantor for angsty stories that will make your heart beat faster and hit every emotional nerve, playing them like a pro.
Evil Love is another masterpiece by Ella Fields giving you all the feels.
hannahwantstoread's review against another edition
4.0
Wow…
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where I dislike all the characters. The story was great. I really enjoyed the narrative, but the characters were all awful to each other. I liked how they grew over time but I would have noped out and left the island long ago! It’s the sign of a good author being able to evoke such strong feelings.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where I dislike all the characters. The story was great. I really enjoyed the narrative, but the characters were all awful to each other. I liked how they grew over time but I would have noped out and left the island long ago! It’s the sign of a good author being able to evoke such strong feelings.
bluebarryhoneybee's review against another edition
4.0
I loooove hating characters, and FUCK JUDE! But this was delightfully angsty and I liked it a lot.
sg3638's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Did I read this in one 24-hour sitting? Yes. Did I think the redemption arc was in fact redeeming? No. Did I enjoy the book? It’s complicated.
Overall I wasn’t convinced that he should have been in love with her. Like it didn’t make a ton of sense. I also wish he groveled more and that the outside dynamics that put pressure on them was more…. Robust?
Not my favorite but it was ok!
Overall I wasn’t convinced that he should have been in love with her. Like it didn’t make a ton of sense. I also wish he groveled more and that the outside dynamics that put pressure on them was more…. Robust?
Not my favorite but it was ok!
blackstairs's review against another edition
3.0
“Love me.”
She whispered my favorite words. “All through the night.” Her lips brushed over mine. “And every second of daylight.”
very surprised that i managed to squeeze in one more book before 2020 ends. the epilogue was really cute ella fields just succeeds at giving me the most heartwarming endings.
olovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Wow
This book was nothing like I expected. I went in completely blind and next thing I know, I was at the end. I couldn’t put it down. This was my first read by this author and definitely not my last!
Fern is my girl. Like yes sis, be you unapologetically. And Jude? Wellllll, guess you’re all just gonna have to read it to find out. Just know...I plotted out how I would throw this book at him if he didn’t get himself together
This book was nothing like I expected. I went in completely blind and next thing I know, I was at the end. I couldn’t put it down. This was my first read by this author and definitely not my last!
Fern is my girl. Like yes sis, be you unapologetically. And Jude? Wellllll, guess you’re all just gonna have to read it to find out. Just know...I plotted out how I would throw this book at him if he didn’t get himself together
keyyylo's review against another edition
2.0
...what the actual fuck?
I swear to god this is one of the weirdest novels I’ve ever read and, let me tell ya, I’ve read some weird shit.
It’s a mixture of clichés (I’ve nothing against clichés when they’re well executed I actually enjoy them). We have the physically perfect bully asshole, the teenage girl desperate for his attention, a fake marriage... that kind of stuff. Just add up to the mixture a bunch of Illuminati wannabes and a lot of psychological problems.
Because, god bless her soul and everyone defending her behavior, she really does have a problem. I mean, that was why I even kept reading—it was an interesting twist, but the topic wasn’t treated as seriously as I think it should’ve been.
By saying she has a problem I mean an obsession problem. She does weird shit like take photos of the before-mentioned bully asshole while he’s asleep and then print them and hang them up in her dresser. You know the bitch is a psycho mainly because of the fact she fucking printed those photos. Who the fuck prints photos nowadays? (Bad joke but seriously). Anyways, my point is, the girl literally made me cringe all through this book with those obsessive traits of hers.
Not to mention that her love interest is another kind of fucking psycho and, in all honesty, I quite understood why the hell they were attracted to each other. They’re just fucking insane. She’s a masochist and has a serious issue with managing her feelings and thoughts, and he’s a pseudo-melancholic asshole who enjoyed torturing her.
I won’t even comment about the secret society because, in all honesty, that shit made me laugh my ass off with all the absurdity of it.
Now, after that gorgeous rant of mine, I do have to relax and openly admit that the story was written in a way that both infuriated me and intrigued me because even though I was hating both main characters, I couldn’t stop reading. It was an addicting read. So kudos for that.
Anyways, maybe I’m just a judgmental bitch and this story is actually good, based on all the good reviews—but well, that’s my thinking.
2/5 stars.
I swear to god this is one of the weirdest novels I’ve ever read and, let me tell ya, I’ve read some weird shit.
It’s a mixture of clichés (I’ve nothing against clichés when they’re well executed I actually enjoy them). We have the physically perfect bully asshole, the teenage girl desperate for his attention, a fake marriage... that kind of stuff. Just add up to the mixture a bunch of Illuminati wannabes and a lot of psychological problems.
Because, god bless her soul and everyone defending her behavior, she really does have a problem. I mean, that was why I even kept reading—it was an interesting twist, but the topic wasn’t treated as seriously as I think it should’ve been.
By saying she has a problem I mean an obsession problem. She does weird shit like take photos of the before-mentioned bully asshole while he’s asleep and then print them and hang them up in her dresser. You know the bitch is a psycho mainly because of the fact she fucking printed those photos. Who the fuck prints photos nowadays? (Bad joke but seriously). Anyways, my point is, the girl literally made me cringe all through this book with those obsessive traits of hers.
Not to mention that her love interest is another kind of fucking psycho and, in all honesty, I quite understood why the hell they were attracted to each other. They’re just fucking insane. She’s a masochist and has a serious issue with managing her feelings and thoughts, and he’s a pseudo-melancholic asshole who enjoyed torturing her.
I won’t even comment about the secret society because, in all honesty, that shit made me laugh my ass off with all the absurdity of it.
Now, after that gorgeous rant of mine, I do have to relax and openly admit that the story was written in a way that both infuriated me and intrigued me because even though I was hating both main characters, I couldn’t stop reading. It was an addicting read. So kudos for that.
Anyways, maybe I’m just a judgmental bitch and this story is actually good, based on all the good reviews—but well, that’s my thinking.
2/5 stars.