Freeing Adalyne

The overall plot of this story is one I haven’t necessarily seen before and it’s refreshing. I think this story is unique within its category, the addition of escaping a cult and a double layer in forbidden romances. Although I feel the story as a great plot line and concept I can’t say I’m the biggest fan of the execution. I found most of my distaste surround the pacing, I feel we could’ve taken our time just a little bit more. I found myself getting kind of tired around the 26/27 chapter and pushing myself to finish. You could say part of that is intentional to mimic the short turn around times in the story, but nevertheless it feels like the resolution wasn’t as well laid out and executed has the first half of the story. Even the climax of Adalyne getting taken back into the cult, it feels like it would be the huge moment, but instead it was kinda of brushed through. I also would’ve loved to see more of adalyne growing into her self rather than just being told. Again I love the concept and the base of the story, but I can’t help but wonder what more could possible be added in 8 more chapters let alone two more books. Furthermore the dialogue, I didn’t notice this much in the first half of the story but as the relationship really began to bloom the dialogue become unnatural and amateur for lack of better words which made it a little be harder to finish, but I did. And I enjoyed the ending I felt it was well executed and sets up the next book well it’s just the in between almost made me miss it.

From literally page one, I knew this would be good. And by good, I mean absolutely heart-wrenching, because "I practically begged her to f$ck me until I felt something" was a targeted attack on my psyche, and "why do I keep doing this to myself?" is a question I've asked about a billion times.

And let me tell you. I was still not prepared. I wasn't prepared for the middle, or the climax, or the end. I wasn't prepared for ANY of it. I saw what was coming and I purposefully put blinders on to ignore it.

I started this book at nearly 1 am. It is now 3:19 AM as I write this. I literally could not put this down to sleep. I couldn't bear to tear myself away from my phone. I kept telling myself I'd finish the chapter and go to bed, but no, I just read the entire damn thing in one sitting.

I feel very deeply for Adalyne. I've been near her position, though not in it exactly, and gods, that woman deserves all the best things the world has to offer. Jazmin does, too, really, even if she's made some bad choices.

They're both so wounded at the start of this, and I'm so glad they got to heal each other.

I received this book for free, and these are entirely my honest thoughts. If you like to be emotionally ruined, I recommend this one heavily.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC! I’m always grateful for the chance to read more sapphic stories early.

This one was a mixed bag for me. I flew through it in under six hours and stayed entertained the whole time, which says a lot. The mix of smut and plot progression was solid (and not always easy to find in WLW romances). I also know I’d probably pick up a sequel because I’m invested in where the characters end up.

That said, some areas felt rushed while others dragged, and the lack of character descriptions made it hard to fully picture them. A few plot choices also felt brushed over when they could have used more weight, which left things feeling a bit chaotic at times. And personally, the teacher–student trope just isn’t my thing.

Overall, a decent and engaging read, but not without its flaws.

Didn't know what to expect but I loved it. The end was a twist I didn't expect but it came back full circle to freeing her.

Appreciated the different povs and beliefs, especially in the name of love. A good read, I promise!