Gypsy Origins

All the Pretty Monsters #3

by Kristy Cunning, Shaun Grindell (Narrator), Melissa Moran (Narrator)

I'm like a snowball rolling downhill.

That's the first thing that pops into my mind when I try to explain my life. I don't know exactly 'what' I am, but I do know who I am.

At least...I did.

Sometimes life sends things your way that upend everything you thought you knew, and then slings you in another direction without any sort of harness or warning.

Sometimes it drops someone like me off in the path of four wildly different monsters, who all used to be best friends, but now sort of hate each other and compete over absolutely everything, including...me.

Life would be easier if I wasn't already attached to those four monsters, but they occasionally let their guard down around me, and I get a glimpse of what has to stay hidden under all those snowball layers, since they already rolled downhill a long time ago.

I'm tired of losing people I care about. I'm tired of searching aimlessly for answers. I'm tired of not having the right questions to ask.

I'm really tired of feeling like my vagina is cursed, but that's obviously lower on the list of priorities. But in my vagina's defense, it may not do tricks, but I keep it pretty. It shouldn't keep scaring men/monsters off so easily, and it's honestly starting to make me feel a little insecure.

Anyway, I'm finally closer than ever to having all the answers. So long as no new secrets emerge.

**Reverse Harem Romance

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Vampires, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Magic

Audible Audio

First published January 25, 2019

About the author

Kristy Cunning always loves a good laugh, and lives and breathes the emotions of the characters she becomes attached to.

Though she came from a family of musicians, she has zero abilities with instruments; she sounds like a strangled cat when she sings; and her dancing is downright embarrassing. Just ask anyone who knows her. Her creativity rests solely in the written word. Her family is grateful that she gave up her quest to become a famous singer.
​
Kristy Cunning is one of the pen names C.M. Owens writes under.

Reviews

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm still very disappointed in this book, and I seriously considered giving it two stars.

Here's why I'm really not sold on this series.

✴️ It's hella confusing. Suddenly Violet is an omega - when did that happen? How did she recognise that? What the hell was that stuff at the end, about Marta? What was all that stuff about Neopry monsters, and sacrifice, and JUST WHAT I DON'T GET ANY OF IT PLEASE TELL ME I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE!!!!

✴️ Violet is super weak. I mean, she says it herself countless times, but she never does anything about it. Like, she was mad at Damien for a very legitimate reason, but all he had to do was look at her and she was putty in his hands. I'm really beginning to wish she'd grow a f*cking backbone around these men.

✴️ At least one of the four is massively obsessed with another woman. Also, I'm not a fan of how much of the entire plot rests on the men having once been madly in love with another woman.

✴️ WHY IS VIOLET SO SELF-SACRIFICING!?!?!? LIKE BITCH, YOU LITERALLY WANT TO RAISE THE WOMAN YOU KNOW WILL KILL YOU!!!!

AURGHHHIRHJGHUJ I just needed to vent this... also this series is going to have at least 6 books so there's no end in sight yet...

[Blog] - [Bookstagram]

[Cece ❀Rants, Raves &Reviews❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's play a game.

What are all the super special snowflake things we know about Violet?



She is Portocale gypsy ? Omega ? Neopry ? Simpleton ?

And yet with all of these cool titles, I still am not quite sure what any of them each mean and powers they give her

“It’s a big fucking deal that there’s a Portocale gypsy with Neopry Simpleton blood.”

okay… but whyyyyyy

This book highlights the difference between a heroine needing to figure out how to handle the problem VS a heroine that creates problems she then needs to solve.... Guess which one this book is.

It is official, Violet has 0 survival skills. Yes, it is often fueled by a caring nature of wanting to help people. And I understand being a monster with no knowledge WILL lead to mistakes.

But my god, some common sense or survival skills could at least help

Like what if she chose NOT to raise someone she knew wants to kill her.



And yet despite all this, I still enjoy this series and sure yeah Violet is cool too

Now to the best part of this series. ANNA THE THIRSTY GHOST BFF!

Nah haha its the Reverse Harem

Damien ❀succus❀ is pure temptation

“What does an idiot buy when roses are offensive and you’ve essentially ruined a girl’s trust?” Damien asks in a very serious tone.


Emit❀first werewolf❀ is iconic growly alpha

Arion❀original vampire❀ is sexy psycho who wants real love

Vance❀Van Hasling hunter❀ is the overworked businessman in a Hallmark who needs to learn how to enjoy life

And they each bring out amazing dynamics among each other and with Violet

When Violent is with Damien then she acts based on all her devious delicious desires. Emit shows her how to depend and trust on other people. She is basically Arion's conscious. And with Vance, she just wants to give him shit 24/7 till he pushes his work off his desk and throws her on it instead.

Now that's a great mental picture, you are fucking welcome.



The highlight of this book is definitely that the whole reverse harem finally came to play. Before it was all just a massive courting situation .... but now we allll in thisss togetherrrrr

I quickly found my favorites, but generally liked them all and it was brilliant how we got more insight into their hilarious group dynamic. They all hate each other but have wayyy 2 much history to ever escape the "friend" group.

“I’m going to kill Emit, directly after I kill Damien. Then I’m going to kill them again in twenty-eight years when they come back. Then I’m going to punch both their fucking faces when they return the next time.
I’m undecided if I’ll kill them again or not.”

I've seen a lot of reviews talking about how they recognize this series is a hot mess.... but they can’t stop. And I absolutely agree. Every time I think UGH THATS ENOUGH, there is great banter or sexy scene or interesting info dump or action sequence. I kept telling myself okay I’m stopping after this book but now I’m hooked that I just wanna know what happens in the end even if I didn’t understand what was happening in the moment.

With every mystery solved, three more take its place with Anna the Thirsty Ghost providing amazing commentary throughout it all. So how could I say no to her?

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 - 3*

It’s a confusing mess which is strangely addictive.


I discovered half way through this book that the whole series isn’t out yet. Yes I know it’s the kind of thing I should check before I actually start reading. And yes I’m annoyed that I didn’t.

This book was hard going in the beginning. I was really struggling with the fact that Violet is an idiot. In the previous book she described herself for us.

Sometimes I can’t tell if I’m really dumb or just too damn stupid to live. Then I remember I can’t die, so option number one it is.

She goes on a hunting trip with Emit and Vance. They’re hunting rogue wolves and it’s dangerous. So they leave Violet behind with orders to stay inside. Safe. Her scent is so potent they need her out of the way.
So what does she do?
She goes in the outside hot tub of course.

That hot tub out there in that cold air would feel so good… But I’m supposed to stay inside and chew my nails off, worrying what happens to them.....
What are the odds these wolves would just end up here if I go out in the tub?” I ask myself. I decide very low....

She’s an idiot, in fact she’s a Simpleton.

At the first mention of Neopry Simpletons we all knew that was Violet. I can picture the imaginary hands of all the readers shooting into the air with shouts of.. “her it’s her”

I don’t know if it’s just easier now I know she’s a Simpleton. My expectations are so low that she didn’t annoy me as much in the second half.

I’m intrigued so I’m going to continue reading. It’s a confusing mess so I’m not particularly happy with this decision.

[Brittain *Needs a Nap and a Drink*]

My thoughts on this book:

*coughs delicately*



WHY DOES IT HAVE TO END IN A FUCKING CLIFFHANGER OH MY GOD

I was so mad when I finished this last night. So mad. Because it is so good and I wanted more and there wasn't more and GIVE ME MORE DAMMIT

[Jessica ❥Chatterbooks Book Blog❥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

I have been nonstop binging this series, and I'm loving it so much! 😍

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mysteries unraveling!

Gypsy Origins by Kristy Cunning is book three in the series. This book really starts expanding some mysteries and starts clearing up others partly. Great secrets hidden from our gal! Readers want to know! Lol!

[Denisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still like it

I will dodge all the virtual tomatoes people will throw at me for this statement

Ok, so people started hating this series. Most people complain that Violet is an idiot and that she does stupid things.
Normally, this is the sort of thing that would annoy me, I hate stupid people. But I don't think that Violet's stupid, she's just being herself.
I mean, she's been this way for the whole series. She does something and realizes that oops, she shouldn't have done that. And she says that she was 'dumb' for doing it. That's acceptable, in my book. We all do stupid stuff from time to time and realize it too late, and she does the same.
Yes, her mistakes are bigger than ours (usually), but hey, she's a monster with little information about the world around her. Mistakes are bound to happen.


Sorry about that rant over there, but I feel like Violet is being mistreated by readers. It's the same series, and I actually feel like she gets smarter (although slowly). Plus, I like how she treats the guys. It's definitely a complicated situation.

Ok, this time I really will stop with all my ranting and I will talk about the book.
It's still fun and fast-paced and interesting and cute and funny. We finally get more background information and yay, 'Ace' isn't the bad guy. I think I like him the most.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keep those Pretty Monsters coming... 😉

I guess I'm in the mood for a drawn-out series...OR...the author is just that good she's got me wanting more and I don't mind waiting. Ok, I might mind just a smidge but I'm going to pretend that I'm one of those patient kinds of reader. I'm invested in All The Pretty Monsters and I know I will keep coming back for more.

Gypsy Origins sucked me in from the very first page to the last. I THINK we've finally got our answer as to what Violet is and what her purpose is. But, to tell you the truth, I wouldn't be surprised if we've all got it wrong and she's a fairy... angel... brownie... or something else that's badass and smells really pretty? This last earth-shattering announcement wasn't entirely convincing. I'm not sure I believe Tom. Or, maybe it's that I don't want to believe him. Now the announcement before the last one, I really could get behind that one.

I have to admit a little secret here...Vance is my favourite. Sure, Damien is tempting, Emit is growly sexy and Arion, well, he's just so affectionate. But, Vance is just so tortured, hard-working, put-together, sexy and strong. I can't even pinpoint my favourite bit about him but I just wanted to give him a cuddle and take away his burdens for a little while.

Now...HUBBA HUBBA...we get to the "group action". I actually thought it was pretty tastefully done. It doesn't go into overly explicit details but you definitely get the connection between the three involved. I'm not going to tell you who's getting the action, but I will tell you that it was BLOODY HOT!! Violet is getting the ACTION!!!

The story is progressing well and I completely understand why Kristy Cunning felt a need to spread it out over numerous books. They are long enough to give you a decent read and don't feel like they're being drawn out for the sake of lining the author's pockets. Which is a BIG CALL for me. I'm not normally a huge fan of a story being drawn out over numerous books, but this one works for me. Probably because it's fairly well priced, a decent length, and each instalment packs a punch.

I'm still a fan of All The Pretty Monsters and I wait with bated breath for Gypsy Moon.

[Maraya21 (The Reading Dragon) · Rating 3 out of 5]

😈 Pretty Monstrously Monstrous February BotM over at the Reverse Harem Revolution 😈


#1 Gypsy's Blood ★★★★★
#2 Gypsy Freak ★★★★
#4 Gypsy Moon ★★★
#5 Gypsy Rising ★★★
#6 Gypsy Truths ★★★½


I don't remember what the day was like outside where I was but I do remember what I was doing, vaguely.


After leisurely strolling GR I decided to sit down in a beautiful gazebo-like structure to do some GR Librarian work. And to eat cause food is love, food is life.


As I was eating and working I heard a very soft pop. I knew the sound to be the one a notification makes. I looked to my left and found it waiting there, a yellow slightly scorched piece of paper from the Asylum, letting me know some of the inmates jumped the gun and started reading something earlier than it was scheduled. Cause of course they would. A heavy sigh escaped my lips. I will deal with it...not at all. Yeap.


I went back to my working, finished and as I was ready to start eating I heard another soft pop. Another sigh escaped right before confusion set in. There was no paper of notification. First I turned to my left, then to my right, then I turned to look behind me and after that I looked to my immediate low. As I was turning to look up I saw it, a piece of soft pink paper that appeared in the middle of nothing, was just slowly drifting down to land on top of my sandwich.


The evidence (which consisted of dried drool, cake & glitter) suggested it was a Revolution note. I frowned at it as I reached to pick it up with one hand while I lifted the sandwich to my lips with the other, wondering from who and where it was from.


The note came from someone I didn't know but from a place I did. It had come from the Purple living room, which last time I checked was filled to the brim with Fangirling Dust since Gaby had been practically living there for the past few weeks. I didn't realize I made a grave mistake until it was naturally too late.


My mistake? I took a big bite out of my sandwich. The sandwich that cursed little piece of paper sat on, a paper drenched in Fangirling Dust. Cause naturally it was mixed in with the glitter hence escaping my notice.



I started feeling hot and the sense I should flatter around and gush about stuff was so strong. I honestly don't remember what the paper said exactly but the gist of it was that Gypsy Origins was live on Amazon. I flew out of my sit, abandoning my stuff, raced to the nearest message board and proceeded to send out notifications to people like it was going out of style. After the fact I learned I basically screamed at them that the book was out.


It was only one bite so the effect didn't take that long to dissipate. Somehow I had ended up in the Revolution's House Release room when Gaby poofed in next to me. She had that look on her face, you know the one. That smile and look in ones eyes that are a combo of pride in you for doing what they do, semi guilt for tricking you into it, the Cheshire Cat vibe, smugness and amusement.


She just sat there smiling at me. "It isn't my fault" I said. Her smile grew an inch. "It's yours. I don't do this kind of thing. Ugh! I must have copy/pasted the same message at least 10 times all around. Unbelievable!" I say as I lift my hands in a frustraded motion.


I can see she is fighting not to outright laugh in my face as she simply says "I know. I noticed". She asked me something book related and I answered but I wasn't feeling too good so I got up to leave.


"When are you starting?" she asked my back. I wanted glared at her over my shoulder but I couldn't do it. So I smiled a bit half hearted as I responded "I don't know. I have other stuff to do for now. As soon as possible I guess" before waving and walking out.


Time passed and I finally sat down to read the book. What I read didn't justify what I went through above. I generally liked the story but the actual writing was goddamn awful. Words were missing and then words randomly appeared where they didn't belong. The whole structure of this was crumbling at the seams. It felt like someone took stuff and pieced them together all haphazard like.


The story was good. I actually got the gist of quite a few things once my brain stopped hurting from the word abuse. Although it could have done a whole lot better. The characters continue to be are a great blend of frustrating enough for me to punch them in the face and loveable enough for me to want to ride them into a coma.


There were a couple of things/situations that got on my nerves with how they were set up/played out/dealt with and a couple of character actions/reactions/way of thinking that made me want to punch them in the face. More than once.


And no, the cliffhanger didn't bother me like it did everyone else. I didn't even read the first chapter of the next book even though it was included. I never do, I can wait.


Overall this book was lacking, it wasn't edited and that ruined everything. Not sure if it was because the author wanted it to be out earlier or because she thought/was told it is ok to be published as is so she should move on to the next books in the series or both.


Whatever it was I sincerely hope it ain't happening again! Let us all get our collective shit together before Book #4 comes out.

[Lucie V. · Rating 2 out of 5]

✅🆗 The alphas
🆗 Violet
🆗❌ Pace
🆗❌ Plot
❌ Too much going on and nothing clearly explained
❌ Info dumps
❌ I just don't care anymore

DNF at 65%

I am pulling the plug. I am done with this messy, unclear, dragged-on plot.

Soooo..... After being in the dark for 2 books, we now have info dumps left and right... And I am still confused about parts of it. If I have to read an info dump, can it be clear and straight to the point? 😖

Informations are dropped on us, without much context or explanation, only to be randomly mentioned again a few pages or chapters later. It felt all over the place. I am still confused about the timeline and the sacrifices… I get the gist of it, but I also feel that I am missing details and relevant information, and I am not sure if it’s because it’s not properly explained, or because I am too dumb to understand what is being explained.

The more we learn about Violet, the more confused I am. She is a Portocale gypsy with Simpleton Neopry blood but I am still unsure which abilities each of those parts of her heritage give her, and why it’s such a big deal. I am also still waiting for Violet to grow a backbone. She is this badass monster, but she is so weak at the same time, and I don’t just mean physically. I feel that she lets herself be pushed around by the 4 guys over and over again. She does get mad at times, but never for long, and she never puts her foot down, despite the fact that she is certain they are using her as a plan B while they wait for the love of their life to come back.

Even if she is eventually reassured that it’s not the case, I never felt that she was a strong character. She is a special snowflake, with self-sacrificing tendencies and a bland personality.

There is still no chemistry between Violet and the 4 alphas, only some smut here and there, their obsession with her, and her inability to resist them.

I read a few reviews saying that this series was a hot mess, but they couldn’t stop reading it. Well, it is indeed a hot mess, but I do think that I will stop reading it for now because I have way too many books on my TBR to waste time on a series with a plot that is still confusing and still doesn’t catch my interest after 3 books.


1. Gypsy Blood ⭐⭐⭐.5
2. Gypsy Freak ⭐⭐⭐


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[Al *the semi serial series skipper* · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is frustrating the hell out of me. I am tempted to stop reading but I just can't help myself. What kind of sorcery is this.

This book did not answer any of the questions the previous books left, it got even more confusing. To top it all, it ends on a cliffhanger. I'm about to start tearing out my hair.

I hope we get the gist of what is going on in this next book because I legit can't take it anymore.

[Miftahul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally we get to know what the hell Violet is in this book, i had so many theories.... but all of them were wrong 😶😂. I am pretty impressed by this author’s story line and writing cuz i am so hooked to the series that after i finish one book i start the next one instantly which i never do.

Vance who is a van hasling is my favourite, he is so calm and reserved than the other guys and i think he is the one who actually loves Violet for who she is and not her purpose. I have a hate- love relationship with Damein cuz he can be a jerk and also uses Violet a lot but then he claims he likes her. Then there is Emit whom we see in this book with Violet a lot, he is kind with her and i like his character A LOT. Arion on the other hand, i dont know his motives 😂😂 even the guys and Violet doesnt trust him but he is really affectionate towards the heroine which makes me think he genuinely likes her but i still dont know 😂 ( vampires can be confusing ).

And finally the group gets together in this book, the action scene was amazing and i kinda was hoping that Violet will show her monster side and slaughter all the bad wolves like she did in the second book but that didnt happen 😶.....I loveee this series so much, its so funny and creepy at the same time, suspenseful too. Ugh! I hope Violet gives Arion a chance to prove that he really wants her.

[★Me Myshelf and I★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I not sure if I should be

1) More angry at that cliff hanger. It was doosey. The added chapter 1 of book 4 didn’t even soften the blow- it added to the hanging.

2) More confused by the whole premise and all the conversations had. I’m not a simpleton (haha get it simpleton) but I found myself having to reread most of the dialogue because it just didn’t flow for me. The story is evolving backwards - which is clever - but it means we’ve been in the dark for the past 3 books and it’s getting old. Granted we do get answers here but up to 50% I was ready to throw the towel in.

Kirsty seems to have this lovely way of confusing me. She runs with the same metaphors throughout the book, the same way as “selfishly selfless” in four psychos, this time we have “put a pin in it” “c-average” and “going under”. The first time it’s said it makes sense, then looses me after the 4th time. I can’t explain why really it just doesn’t make sense anymore. And then I start to reread the convos and get lost again. Let’s not even start on the whole omega/beta/alpha dynamic the whole thing need simplified!!

3) More amazed at the revelations we get on Violet. I was so impressed at how clever Cunning’s was to leave the breadcrumbs but I never guessed the outcome before it happened. Genius!

4) More impatient to get the results on the harem I want. They are moving at a snails pace. The most seemingly hopeless harem I’ve ever come across. I always want the “happy harem” family and this is so far from that I think Kesh Lasota will probably get there first and that is saying something .

And finally

5) More impressed with the speed Kirsty is coming out with this series. Despite the cliffhanger we’re promised book 4 in February! So at least we haven’t long to hang.

I’m frustrated with this series but at the same time it’s complex, interesting and there’s no doubt I’ll continue

Ps
#teamVanHelsing #teamDamien

[Eva ✧ ࣪ ⋆ ⁺₊ ⋆ evathedreamer ₊˚.⋆ ☾ ⋆⁺₊ ✩ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third book done ✔️ The first book in the "All the Pretty Monsters" series was definitely the funniest, but this one might be the spiciest 👍
Violet still doesn’t know exactly what she is, and both she and her monster companions keep trying to figure it out. While seeking answers, their relationships unfold, and they grow closer despite competing over her and keeping secrets.
Great read, 4.5⭐️’s

[Alaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gypsy Origins was a pretty good book but I feel like I have so many questions. I want to meet Idun.. which is probably weird af because she's beyond evil. Yet, after finishing this and book 4 of this series.. still haven't met her. I feel like I barely know the girl and I want to see all her craziness for what it's worth.

Violet and the guys definitely have communication problems. Plus, I feel bad for the girl because of how much crap is on her shoulders. I really want her and the guys to have a happy ending but I doubt that i'm going to get that.

The romance is always growing with this group and I love it. However, some scenes were just meh to me. I like them and these books but I feel like they aren't being edited correctly? Maybe it's my KU version? No idea.

Overall, I flew through this series and I'm a bit disappointed because I've yet to meet this crazy psychotic bitch.

[Alissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weaker than the previous installments. But it’s also the most ambitious to date. The puzzle comes together and it’s appreciable because the pieces come from all the 3 books, but the execution is disjointed. A good editor would have made wonders with this material. Still, a nice read; and I’m going to follow through.

[Princess J. Antoinette · Rating 3 out of 5]

****** I'm going to try really hard to be nice about this book review okay... Here goes!********

So whereas I really enjoyed the first 2 books of this series this 3rd book kinda bored me to death. I mean for example if I catch myself a few times throughout the day falling asleep reading a book then it's either to slow or boring as hell or both.

Now, even though this book had some LOL moments and some nice sex scenes, it still didn't seem to out weight the bad and boring long ass moments. I mean I kinda got lost in this back story because the author wants to make it all mysterious and crap. Just give us the damn story and get it over with. I hate all the back and forth and everybody keeping secrets. I mean it could have been interesting and entertaining if the author would have written this better and gave it a little more thought, or maybe I'm just nick picking... Hmm... Nope!

Well, I will not be jumping into the 4th book of this series just yet. I think I need a break and find something else a little more entertaining in the meantime but maybe I will come back to this series a little later on in the year to complete it... Damn, that's a strong maybe though!

Overall rating:

3*~ Alright!

*** I was nice right?****

[Just Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of mysteries got solved!

New ones was added and I am still as invested as when I started.

Violet is so enjoyable to follow and I love how she interacts with the 4 alphas.

I think the one thing I like the most about this RH, is that we actually got a plot.
A plot that’s extremely captivating and I cannot wait when Idun enters the picture!!
It’s also the perfect amount of sexy and keeping the attraction intense.

Read: 02/07/2020
1st rating: 4 stars
Genre/tropes: RH/romance/paranormal/vampire/shifters/incubus
Cover: 3 stars
POV’s: Multiple -1st person
Will I recommend: Yes

[TMI-Tammy Tammy Insoft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved. Miss Anna the Ghost though.

[Allons-y · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an actual picture of me reading Gypsy Origins.



How are these books getting this much better as they progress? They are blowing my mind.



We get so much more back story in this book. I feel like almost everyone is in the know...ish.
I don't know why I love Arion so flipping much but I do. He is so oblivious sometimes. I swear he just can't get his point across! Arion is just misunderstood. I love him and his crazy sliver of soul ass. It is magical.



Emit, Emit, Emit. I mean finally right? Ooolala
His personality seems to be a bit more dimensional this time around. It makes me so happy.



Damian and Vance.... woah... I can't even do the words.
I mean C.M. Owens/Kristy Cunning just rocks my literary world. She manages to get the right amount of smut, plot, and intrigue to keep me coming back for more.



I know people are losing their shit about the cliff hanger but I freaking love it. She is not making us wait very long (it just feels that way) The suspense is freaking amazing.

[Tanja · Rating 2 out of 5]

We finally find out what Violet is, although I'm sure there is a lot more we still have no clue about.
This book was all over the place, and a bit confusing. Too many things mixed without any deeper explanation or context, just sort of randomly dropped to the pages.
Ends on a nice cliffhanger though.

[Cee · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, things are starting to get a bit convoluted, but still liking it. I do wish Violet had more chances to be a badass. I'm glad we are finally getting some answers, but wth is up with even more questions?!

AND THE CLIFFHANGER!!! I need the next one in my life!

[Katyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really a fabulous series, and as the complicated story weaves together I am just utterly impressed and riveted.

My one concern is that ... as we get some details on why the guys are cursed in this book ... I just don't know that it SHOULD be lifted. I'm really torn. Because what they did is fucking horrible, you guys. And the thing is, if this horrible act of mass murder is what gave them immortality, then isn't it justice that their immortality is a little bit tainted with paying for the horrible act of mass murder? The torture is horrible, unquestionably. But can a crime like that ever really be paid for? Hearing the details about it - and about the poor Neopry Simpletons who did NOTHING wrong and have been tortured for more than a thousand years, that everyone just fucking forgot about and could care less for - makes me understand why grudges like this are so complicated, because can there ever be anything that makes up for what they did?

See, if it was something their family did, and they are just descendants, then I'd agree this is bullshit ... and consequently, I feel like others of their line that are cursed without actually participating, is fucking bullshit and needs to end. But they did these things themselves. How long is long enough to punish someone for shit this horrific? It made me queasy to read about, tbh. Also, the implication through the previous books is that all these ancient assholes cursed each other - that these guys did curse the Portocales too. So how would it be right for the curse on our guys to be lifted, but not the curse on the Portocales?

Tough, complicated, really engaging storytelling. I love our guys - even as they sometimes make me nuts - but I don't know what the right answer is. Especially because, even though it happened a long ass time ago, the perpetrators and the victims are STILL ALIVE. Still dealing with the consequences. And the perpetrators profited hugely from their horrible action ... though there's other coin for that - the individual curses related to their actions, making them vampire, etc. - and maybe that's enough? I don't know. I don't know what the right answer is. I'm so torn.

Re-read May 2019
The reveal of the backstory - and the explanation of what Violet is - is really well done. The first time through, I was dealing with my jaw on the floor, and I didn't have the perspective to appreciate that as much as I should have. It was emotional and perfect, and it continues threading that very fine needle with Violet - vulnerable without being pathetic, brave without being stupid, determined without being ridiculous. Man, I really enjoy this series.

Upon re-read, I'm still just as torn over the curse being lifted, and I was able to pinpoint a little more about why. Primarily, because the guys see themselves as the ultimate victims. There's an exchange with Damien, in particular, where he's lamenting that the Portocales screwed them over much more than they screwed over the Portocales. Between those comments and their utter lack of care about other - completely innocent - victims, I'm just not buying that they don't still deserve some punishment. Because here's the thing:

They are lying to themselves. The Portocale curse causes pain (we're told that since the Portocales can't kill them, pain was the only option) but the guys committed mass murder in order to steal immortality. The guys, despite their complaints and rationalizations, were not fucked over worse. In response to them cashing in the lives of the entire Portocale family for immortality, the surviving family members cursed the douchebag alphas with horrible pain whenever a Portocale dies. It is the perfect response, frankly, because it ensures not only that the alphas don't just kill the rest of the surviving Portocales, but also that they actually protect the survivors because their deaths would torture the other fucking selfish families. Basically, the Portocales understood that the only way to survive is to ensure it would hurt the alphas to see them hurt. Funnily enough, that's literally the same lesson Violet herself teaches them in book 5.

If the guys can't see that, then they don't deserve to have the curse lifted - not when they act like they're the real injured party. If I were the Portocales, I'd worry that the guys would kill all remaining Portocales immediately after the curse was lifted, since they happily paint their mass murdering selves as the victim ... so I'd never lift it.

And that is underscored by their complete lack of care for the Simpletons. They only care when they themselves are directly impacted, and that's why the curse is necessary. The Simpletons, innocent victims all, are entirely ignored by the rest of the immortals even as they undergo 1000+ years of torture. It makes all the alphas/immortals look like utter self-serving trash without a single moral compass between the entire lot.

It makes me understand why the universe created Violet - the monsters need a moral center. If not, it will soon be chaos.

Re-read Sept 2019 (after completing series)
I'm more firm than ever about the update I made on my first re-read, about them acting like they are the biggest victims. They are Idun's victims, yes. But I've finished the series, and the Portocales and Simpletons are definitely the biggest victims. Nothing the Portocales did - which just sounded political until the mass murder - justifies their mass murder. And the Simpletons have never hurt anyone, but have suffered the most, and these overpowered assholes don't care.

I love the guys, I really do. And I love wrestling with this complicated theme. But I'm just not sure that I believe their punishment would end when they are still so adamant that they are the true victims here.

[TrulyDeeplyBookishly_708456 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as readers get reunited with Violet and her pretty monsters, she is going off to hunt rogue wolves. Well actually she's being dragged on this hunting trip with Vance and Emit. While the men goes off to handle the killing, they leave Violet behind so she can stay clear of any danger. 

That hot tub out there in that cold air would feel so good… But I’m supposed to stay inside and chew my nails off, worrying what happens to them.....
What are the odds these wolves would just end up here if I go out in the tub?” I ask myself. I decide very low....

This question shouldn't even be debated by the strange Portocale gypsy, especially not when her scent is so strong and alluring that the local monsters use it to find her. Once bitten, twice killed doesn't exactly make Violet the most clever gypsy in town!! But here's the thing, Violet is not dumb, not really!! But she is a Simpleton. No I'm not being mean, she's part of the Neopry Simpleton blood line, and according to how the monsters described them they are... well... simple. That actually made me love Violet even more.

Gypsy Origins is, if possible, an even bigger mess than the previous two books in the series, but it's still incredibly addictive and enjoyable. Maybe I have some Van Helsing blood in me because I swear I'm just as obsessed with finding the answers, as those hunters are with finding their prey. Every time I think I have it all figured out, Kristin zig when I expect her to zag, then she suddenly, and unapologetic, name-drop another bomb into the mix. I can't figure out whether I'm just not picking up on the clues, or if I've missed something, because at the end I found myself almost chanting: "who the f is Marta" - much like when you're out clubbing and the DJ plays Smokie's hit "Living Next Door To Alice" and the crowd sings "who the f is Alice". Except I was sat alone in my living room and the only reaction I got was my cat, who looked at me like I'd finally lost it! And maybe I have!! 

One thing is certain, Kristy choose her pen name wisely when she decided the last name should be Cunning - because she's nailing it. This book ended on an even worse cliffhanger, which now has me scared. Because I started this series now, because I assumed it was finished. That's what I get for not doing my research, because "only" five books are out yet, and I don't actually know if anyone knows how long this series will be. The cliffhangers are increasingly annoying with each book, so I won't even try to predict how bad the one for book five is. But I've gone too far into the madness to be able to stop now!!! 

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[Camila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somebody get these characters a damn glass of water. They state everything dryly so often, I’m starting to get concerned.

C’mon Kristy, find a better fucking word than “dryly.”

A N Y W A Y S.

We are starting to finally get some answers mid-book, that I finally feel like I’ve accomplished something. And then the plot just complicates even further.
*eye roll*
Now I’m back to square one.

Violet’s persona is slowly starting to piss me off. Especially when she discovers she’s a Simpleton.
Also, she’s so hot and cold with the men.

This is hardly a harem. Arion hasn’t even screwed her.
She throws Emit in the back burner again.
This is more like... daddy issues. Daddy issues everywhere.

I am glad to see her and Vance get some more action though.

PLEASE let there be more of Shera + Isaiah in the next book. And by that I mean I hope she either finds someone new and awesome to throw in his face or he dramatically leaves Emily to run to Shera’s rescue and commit to her.
I may be Emily. I need the drama.

So many twists and turns and book 4 is already about to be released. This smells like a 6-booker at the pace it’s going.

WILL THE OMEGA WOLVES FINALLY GET A HOLD OF DADDY DEAREST?
These are pressing questions people.

I’m Team Emit. I have converted.
Then Damien.
Then Vance.
Not Arion.

I just hope Violet puts on her horribly stitched big girl panties and gets over herself.

I also need some damn answers.
*takes large gulp of water*
This book was so dry.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You never explained the part about when you can all die at once," I say as I shed my robe and start pushing my pajama shorts down my legs.
Emit's eyes flick to the mirror, and suddenly the vehicle jolts when he runs off the road.
Vance curses, and I make an embarrassing shrieking noise.
A strong hand catches me before my head can smash the window closest to me. It takes me a second to realize that Vance is suddenly in the backseat with me, holding me against him, as Emit manages to right the car on the road.
"Forget how to fucking drive?" Vance gripes at him as he continues holding me against him, cradling my head to his chest like he's protecting it.
My breaths stagger when my body becomes acutely aware of how close I am to him. I can hear his heart beating quickly with my ear pressed so close, and smell the subtle, refined scent of the cologne he wears.
Why does him touching me always mess with my head? I liked it better when I thought he was gay.
"I wasn't expecting her to be stripping in the backseat," Emit mutters, bristling.
Focusing on Emit's words and not Vance's touch, I cut my gaze toward the front.
"You run around naked all the time, so I didn't think modesty was an issue. Vance has seen me naked before. I didn't think it'd be a big deal, since I at least have on underwear," I defend. "I can't go inside a store wearing my Hungry Hippo pajamas."
Emit scrubs a hand over his face and then tilts the mirror up toward the roof.
Vance's hand on my head slowly moves down my back, as we drive on steadily. I immediately try to put some distance between us, since like I said, touching him fucks with my head.
His gaze dips between us to my homemade panties that are not symmetrical or pretty. I immediately start tugging on my jeans, since my embarrassing underwear is causing a spectacle.


I am really loving this series, but damn…this one ended on a bitch of a cliffhanger. I knew about it going in, so I won't complain about it. But damn, I did not want this end. All I'll say is that I love Violet, and I'm loving all the guys more and more as the series progresses. I'm liking Shera more and more, but I still miss Anna, I really hope she makes a miraculous reappearance. There's lots of answers, but still plenty of questions left. I already got the next one, so I'll be moving on to that one very soon.
Maybe spoilers below, I tried to choose carefully to avoid them, but still…be warned.


Just as a wolf launches itself at me from the back of the circle, a silver glint catches my eye, and a sword lands in the wolf's chest, pinning it to the ground.
Vance Van Helsing lands in front of me in the next instant, yanking the sword out of the wolf, as he breathes heavily, eyes bright and pupils small, like he's someone else entirely.
Wolves scramble back from him just like they did Arion.
"Well, this brings back memories," Arion chimes, as he carelessly and effortlessly rips out a couple of hearts like it's his night job.
I can't watch Arion fight. It's too bloody, and his sounds of enjoyment are slightly terrifying.
Vance doesn't acknowledge Arion. The Van Helsing starts slicing through the wolves that keep charging us.
"They want her," Arion says close to my ear, breathing me in as his arm goes around my waist. "It's like her blood drives them insane, and they want a taste. They think her to be our weakness they can exploit. Perfect lure," he murmurs, dragging his lips up my throat and to my ear. "I'll kill them all for making you bleed," he adds in a quiet whisper just for me.
I'm not sure what anyone is supposed to say to that.
His idea of romantic gestures is really, really disturbing, and I never find the appropriate fear I should have in his presence.
I hold my silence, as he resumes enjoying the violence, while he pretends it's some sort of vengeance for me. Whirling around, I spot Emit's dark wolf as he boulders through a thick line of wolves.
He backs his way to us, completing the circle around me. His tail is swishing in obvious agitation, and another vicious growl rumbles from his chest.
"San Rio Passage?" Damien asks, twirling his bloody sword as he glances over at Arion.
Arion smirks.
"This is a little bigger than San Rio Passage," Van calls out absently. "And these are fucking pureblood omegas instead of human soldiers."
"Should be easier," Arion states, as he picks up a discarded axe and twirls it. "We were just men then, and I had a bible instead of an appetite."
As if they set up a cue I missed, all four of them lunge forward and go on the attack. Arion becomes a beast with an axe, his eyes fully pulsing red as his pupils try to disappear.
Me? I'm still working on remaining calm and not panicking.

~

Vance is down to his boxer-briefs when I look over at him and find him opening one of my suture packs.
"How fortunate you had all those," Arion muses as I go brush Vance's hands away and take over, feeling like this is the one small contribution I can make tonight.
It's almost a little too intimate when I kneel in front of him. I probably should have at least hesitated before simply dropping to my knees between his legs.
"My omegas packed for her," Emit says gruffly. "They probably thought I'd spend time trading blows with Vance."
The crafty omegas failed to pack healing potions that could have cut out all this intimate care that forces me to be hands-on.
Diabolical wolves.
"It's almost the full moon. You always fuck or fight," Arion says dismissively. "It makes sense they'd pack accordingly."
I feel three heavy stares settle on me, and I stitch Vance's leg a little quicker, as he fingers a lock of my hair.
"Oh, so the wolf has had his turn. You crafty bastard. You got a fuck and a fight. Very interesting," Arion says with a slightly alarming - and certainly offensive - tone. "Guess that just leaves me then."
I resist the urge to glare at the vampire I just saw shred through wolves. The only injuries he has are the bullets he took for me, which really pisses me off, because I feel at fault for them.
Arion is…the most complex being I've ever known. A soulless monster able to keep me safe. Even as he enjoyed the bloodshed immensely, I felt less and less threatened, and struggled less with the impending panic, because I didn't doubt he'd keep me safe.
I'll never forget that dark, sadistic grin on his lips or that twisted, sinister look in his eyes. Yet, the moment he stepped in front of me like a human shield, with zero hesitation, he turned it into another one of his creepy romantic gestures.
I'm entirely too screwed up, this night has been…seriously fucked up, and I really shouldn't be thinking about anything at all. I need to process.
A. Lot.

~

The impatient, alpha vampire pushes through the door when he hears Violet laughing. Violet startles, as Arion claps his hands, already smiling as his eyes drink her in. She's holding a sheet over her, no longer surprised by our interruption.
Damien grabs a discarded robe from the floor, covering his bare body that is practically glowing from the fresh feeding. I idly note the destruction to Vance's room. He doesn't seem bothered by it in the least, and that speaks for itself.
I hate both those fuckers more than I already did.
"I do hope you remember she's fragile," Arion says as he glances around at the damage.
"It looks worse than it was," Vance assures us as he clears his throat, cracks his neck, and starts pulling on his fucking Thursday pajama pants.
"Not really ready to be done just yet, but sure, come on in," Damien says with a heavy dose of sarcasm, as he goes to take a seat on the couch and lights one of his cigars.
"If you didn't want us over here, then you shouldn't have sent the pictures. Though, I do admit I love the technology at my fingertips these days," Arion says as he holds up his phone, smiling like the ass he is.
The color drains from Violet's face.
"I was in a good mood and trying to be nice, and this is how you repay me?" Damien asks with narrowed eyes, glaring at the vampire.
"You sent them pictures?" Violet asks Damien on a shriek, certainly sounding horrified.
Vance continues to keep his back to us as he pours himself a drink.
"Just a few," Damien tells her dismissively.
"Do you really not understand the word privacy?" Violet asks.
"I'm a sexual deviant by nature, and you crack a window open for me. How am I to know what your boundaries are?" he asks her with a grin, as she shakes her head.
"I told you not to reward bad behavior," Vance says idly, as he passes her a glass of champagne.
She takes the glass from him and berates Damien a little longer. The entire dynamic between the three of them has Arion and I both staring in from the outside of their bubble.
It annoys me how much I feel left out, because it makes me sound too similar to Arion's ridiculous self.

~

With some really terrible underwear stitching that is tickling me in all the wrong places under my clothes, causing me to walk a little wonky, I head into my house.
Lemon and Leiza both sniff the air and arch an eyebrow at me, before twin grins form.
"I had two showers," I say, holding up just as many fingers.
"I smell Emit, but not sex with Emit," Lemon says on a long inhale, frowning at me.
"Sex with Vance and someone else," Leiza adds.
"Damien," I supply dryly.
They both grin. "It's always the sweet girls you don't suspect," Leiza manages to say with a semi-straight face.
"Rolling downhill. This direction just happens to have less complicated blockades…for the time being. I'm sure that charges soon," I state, not saying the I-word they all hate hearing.
Their smiles fall away.
"With Arion, maybe things will be different," Leiza says with very little conviction.
"Has Ingrid warmed up to Dad yet, or does he still think there are large mice in the walls?" I ask in deflection.
"They played cards today," Lemon states, glancing toward me as her eyes light up a little. "We've been good with your father. Are you sure we can't just have a little-"
"No. You cannot have sex with my father," I hiss, having already said this too many times to count.
"I just don't know if I've met someone more adorably normal than him," she tells me on a wistful sigh.
"Was it the first time you've been with two men at once?" Leiza randomly inserts.
"I'm going to go make myself some breakfast. It's been a long night," I tell them, listening to them giggle at my back.
"Did Emit watch?" I hear Tiara ask around a yawn from the couch, like she's just now trying to get in on a finished conversation.
I ignore her and walk faster, moving toward the coffee. I'll be skipping sleep today, since I'm finally able to work in my own store.
I can't help but let my mind wander back to the way it felt to have their hands on me…at the same time…
It's the first time I've truly enjoyed being a monster.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much, yet so little, happens in this third book in the series. The good thing is that we get a lot of questions answered within the first half of the book. Some of what happened in the past is explained, some of the curses are explained, there even seems to be a plan of action for the future - Yay! But the rest of the plot can be summed up by saying "rogue wolves keep trying to harm Violet" and leave it at that. Other readers keep making a big deal about the cliffhanger, but it really didn't bother me and wasn't a surprise at all. I know Violet will get out of whatever situation she is put in. Have some faith people!

I can't quite put my finger on what it is about this series that has totally hooked me. I like the characters, sure, but that isn't all. There are some plot points that are similar to other stories that I've liked, but that isn't it either. I think it is Violet. She knows she has some purpose in this story, but part of her doesn't want anything to do with it. She's going through the motions but is resisting it at the same time. I feel for her and want to know how she will manage what is to come. Even though we got lots of answers in this book, there are still plenty of questions - on to the next book!

Almost forgot - smut factor 3.5 out of 5.

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

There is something about this series that just draws you in and keeps you reading, even when the answers aren’t coming as fast as you hoped. In this book, we finally learn more about Violet and the Alphas, but you know there is still A LOT to figure out - both for ya and for Violet.

You need, repeat NEED to read the other two before you dive into this novel... this is far from s standalone and nothing will make sense if you jump ahead.

Pros:
- Violet: she’s flat out amazing, and has a compassionate heart big enough to unravel a mystery a thousand years in the making.
- the dialogue: quick, witty and highly entertaining, the words fly between explanations, confusion and insults. Perfect.
- The picture is getting clearer, though still foggy to the reader.
- bombshells drooped, bombshells dropped!!!!
- book 4 in February!

Cons:
- some parts were confusing and I felt I missed a few things previously?
- it’s convoluted.... but so are the gypsies.
- book 4 is not till February. 🥺🙇‍♀️🙀

[sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure how she does it, I’m not even entirely sure if she’s even human! This author BLOWS MY FREAKIN MIND!! 🤯

Kristy created a world filled with monsters, secrets, lies and deception that forced me to leave my family to fend for themselves whilst I devoured her most recent instalment of this sensational series!
The boys are both endearing and frustrating in equal parts but I just can’t help but be absolutely enamoured by each one of them....yes, even Arion!
While Violet is a sweet and caring heroine, this book proves once again that she can hold her own with the alphas and is not a typical damsel in distress! She knows exactly what she wants and takes chances when she needs to!

I love the direction this book has taken and each instalment leaves me desperate for more answers, more insight and more alphas!

Also: I reaaalllyyyyy need to buy a hot tub! 😏

[Arushi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better with each book. This time, we finally learn most of the gypsy history - that of the alphas, of the monsters - and of what Violet is. I love her more with each book. She is so so amazing. And the guys are definitely growing on me.

I also love the alternate POVs as well. Especially Arion - he is totally nutso and its amazing as well as scary.

She had sex with Emit. And she had sex with Vance and Dorian together. And it wasn't TMI, it wasn't too much sex and too little plot, it was just right! And the reactions of Emit and Arion afterwards...priceless!

And the author has said that she isn't sure how many books in the series there will be. Which means definitely more than four as was initially said. I am so happy!