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A review by _isabel_
Secrets and Sake by C.J. Ravenna
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.5
Well, where do I start?
There were so many things I enjoyed about this book, from the compelling main characters, to the wonderful atmosphere and the fabulous writing, but I think something was probably missing for me: maybe it was a smidge too insta-love for my tastes?
Anyway, first things first, this was my first C.J. Ravenna romance and I can already see it won't my last. I really enjoyed the writing! And the way this author writes steam was *chef's kiss*
The two main characters were fabulous. I adored Jinta, and his insecurities were so damn relatable. And Raiden! Gah. He was a surprise! I was expecting a hunk of a werewolf, an uber protective and possessive one at that, and I was right, but oh god, his more vulnerable and hurt side left me nearly sobbing more than once. I hope Jinta treats him right! And vice versa too. Both MCs, despite one of them being a violent criminal and the other a reporter with a slightly skewed morality, are sweethearts and they deserve all the happiness.
The plot was fantastic too, it left me hooked, and that ending! How am I supposed to wait now?!
Unfortunately, like I said, this book was a smidge too insta-love: as a trope, it rarely works for me, as fated mates. I think it's just too lovey dovey for my tastes? Idk, it's jarring and it takes me right out of the book. I probably would have loved this book more if it had a more slow-burn vibe. Also, Jinta's characterization at times felt a bit flakey. I wasn't too impressed with a few twists at the end, but like I said, all in all it was a enjoyable read and I really cannot wait to read the conclusion to this duet!
That ending was CRUEL, and the blurb for the second book is already making me want to scream and/or cry.
TWs/CWs: emotional abuse, grooming (and hinted at domestic/sexual abuse), torture, death, violence.
Thanks GRR for the ARC.
There were so many things I enjoyed about this book, from the compelling main characters, to the wonderful atmosphere and the fabulous writing, but I think something was probably missing for me: maybe it was a smidge too insta-love for my tastes?
Anyway, first things first, this was my first C.J. Ravenna romance and I can already see it won't my last. I really enjoyed the writing! And the way this author writes steam was *chef's kiss*
The two main characters were fabulous. I adored Jinta, and his insecurities were so damn relatable. And Raiden! Gah. He was a surprise! I was expecting a hunk of a werewolf, an uber protective and possessive one at that, and I was right, but oh god, his more vulnerable and hurt side left me nearly sobbing more than once. I hope Jinta treats him right! And vice versa too. Both MCs, despite one of them being a violent criminal and the other a reporter with a slightly skewed morality, are sweethearts and they deserve all the happiness.
The plot was fantastic too, it left me hooked, and that ending! How am I supposed to wait now?!
Unfortunately, like I said, this book was a smidge too insta-love: as a trope, it rarely works for me, as fated mates. I think it's just too lovey dovey for my tastes? Idk, it's jarring and it takes me right out of the book. I probably would have loved this book more if it had a more slow-burn vibe. Also, Jinta's characterization at times felt a bit flakey. I wasn't too impressed with a few twists at the end, but like I said, all in all it was a enjoyable read and I really cannot wait to read the conclusion to this duet!
That ending was CRUEL, and the blurb for the second book is already making me want to scream and/or cry.
TWs/CWs: emotional abuse, grooming (and hinted at domestic/sexual abuse), torture, death, violence.
Thanks GRR for the ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Torture, and Violence