Calypso's Heart

First and foremost, I edited and formatted this book. And woah, woah... before you write me off for having a biased opinion, please understand that I pride myself on relaying honest, unbiased reviews regardless of affiliation or non-affiliation. It’s a much better way to be in the world. (So here's to being honest in general but especially with our friends. They may not like it at first, but they'll likely respect and (grow to) appreciate it, if not immediately, at some later date... like when FB shows us an "on this day" picture from 10 years prior when we thought crimped/fried blonde hair, nude lipstick, and an orange tan were the look to beat! We wouldn't have listened but still could've used the honesty.) Back to the honest book review.

So I don’t want to give away too much but what I love about this book is the mix, the balance, between fiction and nonfiction. There are fictional characters, supernaturals, and settings, of course, but (most of) the relationships and problems are very much real world. And best of all? The advice to these issues is akin to what you might experience in a holistic therapy session. So while you’re transported into this new world, you also are learning about real ways to address interpersonal relationship issues and group dynamics. Stereotypes and stigmas. Gender roles and the “masculine” and “feminine.” Hell, you’ll even probably learn some new coping mechanisms. I think I actually stretch, meditate, and seek council from friends more as a subconscious side effect of reading this book.

The main character’s experiences are very relatable for me. From where she lives in the beginning of the story and the office politics she has to deal with, to the La La Land (LA) dating scene antics, the set up is very believable. Caly (the main character) however, I don’t share a lot of similarities with personally, being that I am someone who is regarded as rather “masculine” by societal standards. But she certainly reminds me of many of my friends: excited about things like coffee and tea, a good book, “girl time,” cute/comfy outfits, movies, and music. (P.S. for anyone who is a little more “masculine” like me, don’t worry. We get our female character represented in books 2 and 3!)

The Pace: I appreciate the pace of the book and for the most part, being shown, rather than told. The scene and settings unfold appropriately and you really delve deeper into the characters themselves as the story progresses (much of the first chapters are establishing who, what, where, when, and why). So if you are looking for a book that punches you in your face, right out the gate, with unrealistic action, tasteless sex scenes, and emotional turmoil, this won’t be it. Go watch Shameless instead. But if you are looking for something that unfolds at a pace that gives you time to decipher the characters, setting, and complexities of the story that is to come, then this is for you.

The Characters: Here’s the thing, at one point in the book, a group of characters are all introduced in a short amount of time. While this might not be standard protocol for fictional stories, it’s realistic. Trust that it was done with purposeful intent. Without giving away too much about the story, you get to learn about a pack of males in their environment, doing what males do. It actually reminds me of a group of my guy friends from college. Here’s how I like to think of it: it’s like when you walk into a small party (or as my friends affectionately call them, “kickbacks,”) and you meet the entire group at once. First you’re like, okay how am I going to remember these names? Then, as time goes on, you’re like, “Oh okay, W and X are the funny ones, Y is the Bawss Dogg, and Z is mysterious AF and maybe I’ll try to set him up with my friend Kaylee. She’s a weirdo like he is.” ...or whatever. You get the idea. That’s how I felt as I read this book. Characters develop and you learn more about them as time goes on. Again, this definitely isn’t a “quick-hit” book, where you get your fleeting pleasure placeholder of a temporary fix and then move on. It’s a balanced and realistic storyline that develops and progresses page by page.

The only thing I would have preferred without are the sex scenes themselves... But also, that’s a big contributing factor as to why you wanted to read this book in the first place. The actual genre of this book demands for it. That being said, even if you are like me and no matter how well-written they are, you would rather walk over the wood chips in your backyard barefooted than read sex scenes, you’ll still enjoy this book. The storyline is captivating. At one part, I actually did not realize I was holding my breath in suspense until the character released her breath… at which point, I released mine. Then a watery substance filled my eyes (I’m told these are tears). And I was like “wow... I rarely cry.”

Sheesh is she done with her review yet?!

Yes.

Thank you,
I relinquish the rest of my time to the speaker of the house… er, the fellow NetGalley-ers!

Marchesa

I really loved this book, it was a great cross between paranormal romance and new adult. I loved the world building.

I couldn’t put it down and despite the length and my dyslexia I read it in 3 days. With no sleep.

The closest other author I could think of comparing this writing style to is Nalini Singh.

I read the first draft of the second book also in record time and I can’t wait for book 3.

Absolutely loved this, the first couple of chapters were a touch slow, but even with that I was still hooked and needed to know what was going on. I love Caly andBlake so much, Caly is tough but in the real woman tough sense, strong but not invincible and with flaws, with what she goes through and doesn’t give up, I loved her so much. Who wouldn’t love and want their own Blake or either of the twins ! I loved this so much I rushed off and bought it in hardback because I needed a physical copy to love too ! This is a great start to a new series and I really look forward to future books. Highly recommended

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion