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After the Rift #4
The Temple of Forgotten Secrets
Glancia is plunged into perilous times, but it's the events in her village that worry Josie more. A terrible fire puts the lives of those she loves at risk and threatens to shatter the uneasy peace.
Josie and the captain investigate the cause of the blaze, but powerful enemies try to stop them. As the dangers grow more intense, so do the feelings between Josie and the captain.
With nobles circling and plotting, new arrivals in the village cause a stir, for they recognize one of the servants. Those who've lost their memories are suddenly more hopeful of learning about their pasts, but this new discovery only throws up more questions than answers. Answers the captain will do anything to discover.
Josie and the captain investigate the cause of the blaze, but powerful enemies try to stop them. As the dangers grow more intense, so do the feelings between Josie and the captain.
With nobles circling and plotting, new arrivals in the village cause a stir, for they recognize one of the servants. Those who've lost their memories are suddenly more hopeful of learning about their pasts, but this new discovery only throws up more questions than answers. Answers the captain will do anything to discover.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2019
449 people are currently reading
827 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Archer
96 books5,642 followersC.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.
She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
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She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
December 7, 2023
For the life of me I just can’t understand how such an obviously talented author can write such fabulous characters and create such an intriguing, creative world and yet not understand the story has to MOVE FORWARD!! This is book number FOUR in a series for heaven’s sake and we are pretty much in the very same place we were in book two. It is absolutely unfathomable.
I still love the characters and SO want to be able to continue but with absolutely no forward momentum in any aspect of the main plot line OR the relationships, I’m afraid I may have to just tap out on this series. And that is such a disappointment, as there is so very much unused potential.
I still love the characters and SO want to be able to continue but with absolutely no forward momentum in any aspect of the main plot line OR the relationships, I’m afraid I may have to just tap out on this series. And that is such a disappointment, as there is so very much unused potential.
February 23, 2021
This book is the start to a big change in the series. So far the series has been set in Mull and the palace, but this book really starts off the fantasy side of the books. There is a lot more action and the characters start an epic journey.
Honestly, I felt really sad about leaving Mull. Its like my home! But if it can finally get us answers I am all here for it! I just need answers!
Honestly, I felt really sad about leaving Mull. Its like my home! But if it can finally get us answers I am all here for it! I just need answers!
October 6, 2021
I am loving everything about this series...the characters, relationship, universe...but the progression is being a tad tedious! Hopefully, the journey in this next novel uncovers more answers, not questions!
May 5, 2020
This was my least favorite book from the series so far. It wasn’t terrible, but the plot was weak. There wasn’t a district narrative with a beginning, middle, and end. As a result, the book’s ending was abrupt and felt more like the end of a chapter. It seemed to be setting the stage for the finale, but the majority of the book felt like filler. I don’t mind “fluff” in my stories, but repetitive, and tangential events described at length that do nothing to advance the plot become tiring. A string of events does not a story make. A specific example of a this within this book happens to correlate with a critique of something I often see authors doing which is...
Overall, it felt like Archer was just trying to fill up space and did so by reusing plot points. It seemed cheap and lazy. Perhaps Archer was under pressure from publishers to pump out another book quickly and this is the unfortunate result of that. I know Archer can do better.
The characters, dialogue, and overarching storyline are still great. I still love the series and am looking forward to the next installment!
Overall, it felt like Archer was just trying to fill up space and did so by reusing plot points. It seemed cheap and lazy. Perhaps Archer was under pressure from publishers to pump out another book quickly and this is the unfortunate result of that. I know Archer can do better.
The characters, dialogue, and overarching storyline are still great. I still love the series and am looking forward to the next installment!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2019
5 stars
For the life of me I can't understand why I love this book so much when the action is sooo slow. But I do. Every. Single. Page.
In this book there is a change of scenery. Josie and some people from the castle go in search of their identity. With some bumps and diversions along the way.
There are so many characters and more showing up with every book. And they feel like some big family that I love visiting from time to time.
Hell, I'm so obsessed with this series that I already pre-ordered the next one before reading this one, which I never do because you never know what might happen in the story.
But I like the author and her books so much that even if she breaks my heart I would somehow still read anything she writes.
For the life of me I can't understand why I love this book so much when the action is sooo slow. But I do. Every. Single. Page.
In this book there is a change of scenery. Josie and some people from the castle go in search of their identity. With some bumps and diversions along the way.
There are so many characters and more showing up with every book. And they feel like some big family that I love visiting from time to time.
Hell, I'm so obsessed with this series that I already pre-ordered the next one before reading this one, which I never do because you never know what might happen in the story.
But I like the author and her books so much that even if she breaks my heart I would somehow still read anything she writes.
March 11, 2023
On the hunt to find friends and family so that those from the palace with no memories might discover who they are and where they’re from. At every turn being met with some obstruction or a Deerhorn set on finding a gem and seizing more power. All the while Dane and Josie falling more in love but can they be together? What if Dane is already married?
December 6, 2019
Really enjoy this series but I think it’s about time to but an Amen to it. Not a lot of progression in this book.
January 2, 2020
This was my least favorite book of all of her books. Felt unnecessary. I’m still curious as to how the story ends, so I will be reading the next one. Just hope it’s more enjoyable.
December 17, 2019
Oh my stars!! This was so utterly suspenseful but absolutely loaded with tender and sweet moments! I couldn't put this down for very long! My mind was constantly turning over all the details both large and minuscule as my heart was screaming for me to quickly return to these captivating words. I so wish for Dane and Josie to do what couples do! Hold hands, embrace and steal a kiss or too without a touch of guilt. Solving the many issues that arise is keeping this entertaining and filled with non-stop intrigue! I absolutely adore these two, but there are so many other wonderfully detailed characters that you fall for as well. I was surprised by how much Balthazar pulled upon my heartstrings in this!! I feel protective of him and have serious doubts about his past connections! The pull between Max and Meg is touching and I long to see them happily matched as well. I'm excited to see the major characters discover just whom they are and how they came to be serving the king. As this series draws to a close I'm both thrilled and depressed to read the next book!! I do not want to say goodbye!! Ms. Archer is simply ah-mazing. She pens these very poignant themes and irresistible characters and plots that are so very easy to disappear into for hours at a time! I'd willingly read anything she writes and trip over myself to one click it!! Do yourself a favor and pick up any of her series starters, you'll thank me later! 😘
December 6, 2019
4.25 - 4.5 ⭐
I enjoyed this book. I'm so glad I didn't abandon the series.
King Leon is dead but before he died he admitted to using magic to gain his throne and create the palace. Unfortunately he didn't live long enough to reveal where all the palace servants came from or how they can recover their memories. While the nobles plot to get the throne life in Glancia is growing more perilous by the day. Dane, Josie, Balthazar along with others from the palace travel to Tilting hoping someone will recognize them. Balthazar learns he was a priest but learning the truth doesn't bring back his memories. The group decides to continue traveling hoping they will find more clues to who they are. Can't wait for the next book.
I enjoyed this book. I'm so glad I didn't abandon the series.
King Leon is dead but before he died he admitted to using magic to gain his throne and create the palace. Unfortunately he didn't live long enough to reveal where all the palace servants came from or how they can recover their memories. While the nobles plot to get the throne life in Glancia is growing more perilous by the day. Dane, Josie, Balthazar along with others from the palace travel to Tilting hoping someone will recognize them. Balthazar learns he was a priest but learning the truth doesn't bring back his memories. The group decides to continue traveling hoping they will find more clues to who they are. Can't wait for the next book.
April 18, 2024
This was the book where they FINALLY had something happen that was useful and moved things along. Legit could’ve skipped book 2&3 because of how little shifted.
The story and world is still being built with all its nuances but boy does it drag. Thankful it’s audio bc I can zone out and listen back in 5 minutes later and still know what’s going on.
I’m here to figure out what actually happened to their memories. Just.. waiting.
The story and world is still being built with all its nuances but boy does it drag. Thankful it’s audio bc I can zone out and listen back in 5 minutes later and still know what’s going on.
I’m here to figure out what actually happened to their memories. Just.. waiting.
July 22, 2022
Book 4 of the After the Rift series. The fantasy continues with this magical dark age setting. Fast paced, full of danger, tension, a touch of romance, and magical mystery. Book four was kind of like a soap opera with no beginning or end. Maybe book five will answer the questions.
November 24, 2022
I want to give this book a better rating but I feel like nothing much happened in the book. Still, I will be interested to know more about Dane and his past and hopefully, the next book will give me answers.
February 9, 2025
I'm enjoying the character development and the change of scene!
December 17, 2019
Way too drawn out!
I loved the first two boooks. The third was fair to good. This one is just okay. The characters are pretty well done with a couple of exceptions. Dane's refusal to have a relationship with Josie because he might be married seems stilted to me. I don't see that it would make anything worse if he does find he's married. They're both miserable now.
And the determination of the new doctor's wife and Lady and Xavier Deerhorn and Ivor to absolutely crush Josie just don't ring true. I don't see that people would spend that much time on that effort.
The plot is being drawn out way too much. This book could have been written in 50 or so pages. I see there's another in May 2020. I don't know if I'll read it or not. If I do I hope it's the last.
I loved the first two boooks. The third was fair to good. This one is just okay. The characters are pretty well done with a couple of exceptions. Dane's refusal to have a relationship with Josie because he might be married seems stilted to me. I don't see that it would make anything worse if he does find he's married. They're both miserable now.
And the determination of the new doctor's wife and Lady and Xavier Deerhorn and Ivor to absolutely crush Josie just don't ring true. I don't see that people would spend that much time on that effort.
The plot is being drawn out way too much. This book could have been written in 50 or so pages. I see there's another in May 2020. I don't know if I'll read it or not. If I do I hope it's the last.
July 26, 2020
This was probably the weakest in the series. If I wasn’t dead set on finishing it and finding out what happens this book might have gotten me to DNF the series. I’ve seen in other reviews critiques of how slow going the series is. Personally I never minded it until this book. While there was some progress in certain areas: Kitty faking her death, Bal finding out about his past, there just seemed to be so much lacking. It felt more like the first section of a novel rather than a novel itself.
I’m going to continue on with the series since the books are short and I’m intrigued but truly I don’t have the same excitement about continuing from this book as I did with others in the series.
I’m going to continue on with the series since the books are short and I’m intrigued but truly I don’t have the same excitement about continuing from this book as I did with others in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2021
Sadly, I think I'm done with this series. After Brant chokes Josie with no consequences, I just can't anymore. How can Hammer be so stupid? He is supposedly well respected by his men, yet he repeatedly allows Brant to behave abominably without punishment. It's not consistent with Hammer's character, and it's just annoying how Brant keeps getting away with being violent and stupid.
February 15, 2020
3.5 stars...all the same reasons. If I don't get answers in book 5 (final book), I'm going to riot. What's sad is this could have been one longer but amazing book with good tension and plot pacing, but was ruined by stretching it into a series. Not everything needs to be a series!
April 1, 2020
Still loving this series but this one was a tad slow.
Read
September 1, 2020Skimmed aggressively. The series started out so strong, but it's dragging, and I don't like that.
December 20, 2019
This book was a welcome breath of fresh air and turning point in the series. I'm glad we're finally heading somewhere!
I've been reading the previous books back to back these past few days and I'm really enjoying myself but I have to admit that it includes a lot of running around in circles. From the mystery to the romance, it's been moving oh so slowly since book one as we get a generous amount of side plots, secrecy, angst and turmoil but few auxiliaries and answers. This sounds like a recipe for writing a lot of books without providing resolution, doesn't it? It is. Thankfully, books 3 and 4 prevented the series from being formulaic and moved the plot along.
Still, we've truly learnt only a handful of things regarding the main mystery so far. The lack of progress is increasingly frustrating and discouraging because similar patterns and situations reoccur (Josie stumbling into danger at key points, the use of rape/assault and poison as a trope, the Deerhorns threatening her, plotting against her and/or kidnapping her, Josie's insistence at performing medicine when she knows better and is repeatedly warned against it, Ivor Morgrain's interest in Josie, Josie and Dane or Meg and Max sniffing each other's tails but not progressing towards courtship...) and make the overall cracks in the foundation growingly apparent. For instance, what is the point in writing more than one book if you write about one-dimensional, predictable and black-and-white characters who display little to no growth? The style and dialogues are fine but it's never ideal when you start to question the quality and validity of the writing in terms of plot, characters and pacing.
Why am I sticking with the series then? Simply put, After The Rift is different from most YA/fantasy/medieval series and retellings I've read.
I truly liked reading about life at the palace, women's condition, the very current and timeless issues in Mull or the poor vs. rich divide, and I was especially pleased to have a main character who faces hardships at a micro level and isn't the most special of snowflakes or fighting some faceless, behemoth government for a change. This makes for a rich, well-developed world building with believable and flawed characters. I'm always amazed when authors successfully create their own universe, however rooted in history they are. It likely kept me from burning out from the series despite being annoyed by Josie from time to time.
Most of all, I still find the story premise original and interesting (even if I'm reminded of "Once Upon a Time" now that I think about it...), hence I'm remain intrigued and curious to have answers after four books.
In a nutshell, I'm looking forward to book 5 but I hope it brings meaningful answers and progress. As much as I enjoy the premise and world building, I'm increasingly doubtful that the core plot and the characterization actually need (and can even sustain) that many installments. And, I didn't sign up for a long-winded quest.
I've been reading the previous books back to back these past few days and I'm really enjoying myself but I have to admit that it includes a lot of running around in circles. From the mystery to the romance, it's been moving oh so slowly since book one as we get a generous amount of side plots, secrecy, angst and turmoil but few auxiliaries and answers. This sounds like a recipe for writing a lot of books without providing resolution, doesn't it? It is. Thankfully, books 3 and 4 prevented the series from being formulaic and moved the plot along.
Still, we've truly learnt only a handful of things regarding the main mystery so far. The lack of progress is increasingly frustrating and discouraging because similar patterns and situations reoccur (Josie stumbling into danger at key points, the use of rape/assault and poison as a trope, the Deerhorns threatening her, plotting against her and/or kidnapping her, Josie's insistence at performing medicine when she knows better and is repeatedly warned against it, Ivor Morgrain's interest in Josie, Josie and Dane or Meg and Max sniffing each other's tails but not progressing towards courtship...) and make the overall cracks in the foundation growingly apparent. For instance, what is the point in writing more than one book if you write about one-dimensional, predictable and black-and-white characters who display little to no growth? The style and dialogues are fine but it's never ideal when you start to question the quality and validity of the writing in terms of plot, characters and pacing.
Why am I sticking with the series then? Simply put, After The Rift is different from most YA/fantasy/medieval series and retellings I've read.
I truly liked reading about life at the palace, women's condition, the very current and timeless issues in Mull or the poor vs. rich divide, and I was especially pleased to have a main character who faces hardships at a micro level and isn't the most special of snowflakes or fighting some faceless, behemoth government for a change. This makes for a rich, well-developed world building with believable and flawed characters. I'm always amazed when authors successfully create their own universe, however rooted in history they are. It likely kept me from burning out from the series despite being annoyed by Josie from time to time.
Most of all, I still find the story premise original and interesting (even if I'm reminded of "Once Upon a Time" now that I think about it...), hence I'm remain intrigued and curious to have answers after four books.
In a nutshell, I'm looking forward to book 5 but I hope it brings meaningful answers and progress. As much as I enjoy the premise and world building, I'm increasingly doubtful that the core plot and the characterization actually need (and can even sustain) that many installments. And, I didn't sign up for a long-winded quest.
May 19, 2021
The fourth installment of the “After the Rift” series starts four days after the end of the third book. Which means not much has happened. Josie is still broke, bored and lovesick.
Since only four days have passed in book time, it seems like Josie would have remembered that she’d already asked Dane about Brant’s whereabouts when they met in the graveyard. It’s really strange that she seems to have completely forgotten that Brant had returned to the castle and begged Dane’s forgiveness.
This book starts with action and continues to deliver throughout the story. Lots of storylines coming together nicely.
One of my favorite subplots involved Duchess Kitty and the many attempts on her life. Kitty finally realizes that she needs to fake her own death to avoid being assassinated. Now Kitty is just a commoner. No jewels, no fancy clothes, no servants. I’m anxiously anticipating the capers Josie, Meg and Kitty get into because Kitty’s grasp of real life for normal people is tenuous at best.
Erik continues to amuse me with his lack of filter and desire for any and every female in the room. Any room...every room. I’m half wondering if Erik and the dead Duchess will hook up. At this point, I’m rooting for them. We can all agree that Kitty deserves some happiness and time being worshipped. And Erik fits the bill to a t.
Some palace employees are starting to be recognized by outsiders - the story goes along the lines of the character randomly disappearing with no word or info to anyone else.
The plot is really driving the story, and it’s a relief because the first three books were character driven. Definitely recommend this 4th book in the “After the Rift” series! On to book 5!
Since only four days have passed in book time, it seems like Josie would have remembered that she’d already asked Dane about Brant’s whereabouts when they met in the graveyard. It’s really strange that she seems to have completely forgotten that Brant had returned to the castle and begged Dane’s forgiveness.
This book starts with action and continues to deliver throughout the story. Lots of storylines coming together nicely.
One of my favorite subplots involved Duchess Kitty and the many attempts on her life. Kitty finally realizes that she needs to fake her own death to avoid being assassinated. Now Kitty is just a commoner. No jewels, no fancy clothes, no servants. I’m anxiously anticipating the capers Josie, Meg and Kitty get into because Kitty’s grasp of real life for normal people is tenuous at best.
Erik continues to amuse me with his lack of filter and desire for any and every female in the room. Any room...every room. I’m half wondering if Erik and the dead Duchess will hook up. At this point, I’m rooting for them. We can all agree that Kitty deserves some happiness and time being worshipped. And Erik fits the bill to a t.
Some palace employees are starting to be recognized by outsiders - the story goes along the lines of the character randomly disappearing with no word or info to anyone else.
The plot is really driving the story, and it’s a relief because the first three books were character driven. Definitely recommend this 4th book in the “After the Rift” series! On to book 5!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2019
Mysteries still abound our heroes.
Simply put just love this series and wanting more. In this book we see our heroes, Dane, Theo, Max, Erik, Quentin, Josie and many others start to witness the evil actions of the Noble Deerborn family in trying to assume power of the Glacian kingdom after the King's death. Not content with their standing in the Noble world but wanting more power they drive the actions of a few to cause as much strike and trouble for all. Josie as usual seems to be the centre of their attention and certainly not in a good moral way, with Lord Xavier still wanting to have his way with Josie. But her true and loyal friends, both from the Captains men and villagers save her once again.
Erik one of the Captain's loyal men is an absolute gem of a character especially with his new relationship with Kitty the Duchess. In today's terms he might be regarded as a sexist barbarian but a truly lovable one. Some hilarous moments of conversation between him and the Duchess Kitty.
This chapter of the series we see some of the characters leaving the Palace to find answers to their true backgrounds with a few successes but still a great deal of mystery surrounding the bigger picture.
Simply put just love this series and wanting more. In this book we see our heroes, Dane, Theo, Max, Erik, Quentin, Josie and many others start to witness the evil actions of the Noble Deerborn family in trying to assume power of the Glacian kingdom after the King's death. Not content with their standing in the Noble world but wanting more power they drive the actions of a few to cause as much strike and trouble for all. Josie as usual seems to be the centre of their attention and certainly not in a good moral way, with Lord Xavier still wanting to have his way with Josie. But her true and loyal friends, both from the Captains men and villagers save her once again.
Erik one of the Captain's loyal men is an absolute gem of a character especially with his new relationship with Kitty the Duchess. In today's terms he might be regarded as a sexist barbarian but a truly lovable one. Some hilarous moments of conversation between him and the Duchess Kitty.
This chapter of the series we see some of the characters leaving the Palace to find answers to their true backgrounds with a few successes but still a great deal of mystery surrounding the bigger picture.
October 31, 2023
I like the characters, though most are clearly either good or evil. I like the settings of castle and village. But the plot moved so slowly in The Temple of Forgotten Secrets. It took 75% of the book to even get to the temple. And the romances are really going nowhere.
In this, Book 4 of After the Rift, Mull suffers a devastating fire, suspiciously fulfilling the desires of the governor and the hateful, power-crazed Deerhorns. The Deerhorns continue to try to squelch the protagonist (though I don’t quite get why Lady Deerhorn is obsessed with destroying a powerless commoner). A whole lotta unrest in the village.
Then our favorite (and some least favorite) characters journey to the capital city, Tilting, in search of their lost memories. A few discover their pasts, but again, the plot moves very slowly. We meet the warrior priests and enter their temple. Our favorite ditzy noble woman is in big trouble, and must significantly downsize her lifestyle. And where is that gem hiding?
The book ends with the decision to continue the journey to find lost memories--to Freedland, a lawless frontier, according to the high priest in Tilting. No doubt, bigger danger will follow in Book 5.
In this, Book 4 of After the Rift, Mull suffers a devastating fire, suspiciously fulfilling the desires of the governor and the hateful, power-crazed Deerhorns. The Deerhorns continue to try to squelch the protagonist (though I don’t quite get why Lady Deerhorn is obsessed with destroying a powerless commoner). A whole lotta unrest in the village.
Then our favorite (and some least favorite) characters journey to the capital city, Tilting, in search of their lost memories. A few discover their pasts, but again, the plot moves very slowly. We meet the warrior priests and enter their temple. Our favorite ditzy noble woman is in big trouble, and must significantly downsize her lifestyle. And where is that gem hiding?
The book ends with the decision to continue the journey to find lost memories--to Freedland, a lawless frontier, according to the high priest in Tilting. No doubt, bigger danger will follow in Book 5.
September 21, 2020
In this book, a group from the Palace set out to find their past lives, who they were and hopefully find people who knew them. Josie, Dane, Max, Meg, Quentin, Theodore, Erik, Kitty and Balthazar become closer as this pilgrimage continues with twists and turns, plots and different outcomes from what they were hoping for.
Danger lurks around every corner and as our weary travellers continue their path, all is not what it seems.
As Glancia is going through dangerous and perilous times and their lives are now at risk, they must all find out the truth.
The spark between Josie and Dane, the Captain, is igniting even more, but nothing can happen until he is sure of his past, but his past starts to take an unexpected turn.
C.J Archer very cleverly pulls you even deeper into this story with her web of intrigue, while really bringing her characters to life, even more so, in these final few books of the series. The story is full of emotion, humour, poignancy, wickedness and love and as you reach the end of this book, you will immediately want to start the next one.
I really enjoyed it!
Danger lurks around every corner and as our weary travellers continue their path, all is not what it seems.
As Glancia is going through dangerous and perilous times and their lives are now at risk, they must all find out the truth.
The spark between Josie and Dane, the Captain, is igniting even more, but nothing can happen until he is sure of his past, but his past starts to take an unexpected turn.
C.J Archer very cleverly pulls you even deeper into this story with her web of intrigue, while really bringing her characters to life, even more so, in these final few books of the series. The story is full of emotion, humour, poignancy, wickedness and love and as you reach the end of this book, you will immediately want to start the next one.
I really enjoyed it!
September 11, 2019
I didn’t think that this series could get any more intriguing, I was wrong. The story line has just expanded along with its home base and an unfolding of several side plot lines which although related to the original quest are interesting diversion, like a side salad to your main meal, very complimentary.
I enjoy CJ’s writing due to the character development, which is key for me. I also enjoy that the fact that even though this is a series, there is also a certain amount of satisfaction whereby some of the dramas/challenges are resolved or at least answered in the book, whilst others have opened up another playing field, so to speak, as mentioned earlier.
This book, for me, flows really smoothly. The story line is well thought out and there is a sense that it has been planned from the beginning without being contrived, but also has certain elements of spontaneity. The plot doth surely thicken and the adventure continues for all.
I enjoy CJ’s writing due to the character development, which is key for me. I also enjoy that the fact that even though this is a series, there is also a certain amount of satisfaction whereby some of the dramas/challenges are resolved or at least answered in the book, whilst others have opened up another playing field, so to speak, as mentioned earlier.
This book, for me, flows really smoothly. The story line is well thought out and there is a sense that it has been planned from the beginning without being contrived, but also has certain elements of spontaneity. The plot doth surely thicken and the adventure continues for all.
March 5, 2023
I genuinely enjoy this series but LORT is it slow going. I’m only on book 4 but I’m positive all 6 novels could easily be made into a single great book (trilogy at the very most).
That and will someone PLEASE teach this woman some damn self defense already?! I stg 99% of the action is just Josie being had in one way or another, walking into trap after trap while carrying around a scalpel for defense. And even the scalpel didn’t show up until attack 37296 🫠 I’m just really getting tired of her needing to be rescued constantly. Sometimes she comes off as so smart and self assured and other times she’s barely working out 1+1
I’m also annoyed Josie keeps throwing herself at Dane when he’s made it very clear that he doesn’t want to move forward until he knows if he’s married, which is respectable (if not a tad bit/super annoying in a romance novel). Some boundary pushing can be great but this isn’t one of those times for me.
That and will someone PLEASE teach this woman some damn self defense already?! I stg 99% of the action is just Josie being had in one way or another, walking into trap after trap while carrying around a scalpel for defense. And even the scalpel didn’t show up until attack 37296 🫠 I’m just really getting tired of her needing to be rescued constantly. Sometimes she comes off as so smart and self assured and other times she’s barely working out 1+1
I’m also annoyed Josie keeps throwing herself at Dane when he’s made it very clear that he doesn’t want to move forward until he knows if he’s married, which is respectable (if not a tad bit/super annoying in a romance novel). Some boundary pushing can be great but this isn’t one of those times for me.
September 11, 2023
I reread this series because I always enjoy C.J.‘s writing and couldn’t really find anything I was interested in reading at the time. I love this series and the little bit of magic that enters into C.J.‘s normally historical-only worlds (which I love just the same without magic). I loved the female lead in this (Josie) who was strong and desired to be independent. She was quirky and had a sense of humor that I loved. I loved the male lead, too (Hammer/Dane) who was noble, just, and so caring. Their journey of becoming a couple is beautifully written and believable, a slow burn across the series. And with a very happy ending 💕 There is some strong language from a select few characters. You know when to prepare for it when a certain character enters the scene. But it’s not an overwhelming amount throughout the whole series, so I can stand it for the story even if it makes me cringe.
January 17, 2022
3.50 / 4 Stars
***HOOPLA Audio***
MC's: Josie and Hammer (aka Dane, aka Captain)
Again, after reading the first 3 books I still feel CJA is a good story teller. My need to push it down to 4 Stars is because Josie does some some TSTL things and I just can't look past them.
I know Josie wants to help those that need medical attention, but she gets tricked into helping and then is arrested (in last book) and then she's doing it again knowing it will cause imprisonment. She's a naive women and lacks common sense. She knows she's being watched carefully, so why does she step in it all the time? Also, every time she turns around someone is trapping her and threatening her...and yet she doesn't pay attention to her surroundings. 🙄🙄🙄 She's told by Dane NOT to go anywhere alone, but she does. I don't understand why Josie can't be portrayed as a savvy, cunning woman....instead of a gullible one.
Still like Dane and the other characters.....
***HOOPLA Audio***
MC's: Josie and Hammer (aka Dane, aka Captain)
Again, after reading the first 3 books I still feel CJA is a good story teller. My need to push it down to 4 Stars is because Josie does some some TSTL things and I just can't look past them.
I know Josie wants to help those that need medical attention, but she gets tricked into helping and then is arrested (in last book) and then she's doing it again knowing it will cause imprisonment. She's a naive women and lacks common sense. She knows she's being watched carefully, so why does she step in it all the time? Also, every time she turns around someone is trapping her and threatening her...and yet she doesn't pay attention to her surroundings. 🙄🙄🙄 She's told by Dane NOT to go anywhere alone, but she does. I don't understand why Josie can't be portrayed as a savvy, cunning woman....instead of a gullible one.
Still like Dane and the other characters.....
March 27, 2020
I loved this book! I’m so glad that Josie seems to be fighting back more. I love that the characters have started to learn about their pasts. I am excited for the next book and don't know how I am going to wait until May. My impatience is one reason that I like to come late to a series, so there is no mandatory waiting between finishing one book and starting the next. Not only have I purchased the two current books in this series not currently available in eBook through the public library, I have even preordered the next one. That is something I just don't do, like ever. I am feeling hopeful that Dane, Max, Theo, and Quentin will learn about their pasts soon. You should read this!
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