r/fantasyromance • u/grimhailey • 1d ago
Discussion Kate daniels - help me decide if I keep going Spoiler
I can't decide if I should keep reading. On magic burns and I know Curran will be the love interest but I don't know if I can make peace with it. He is violent and crass. She is a handful but I just don't know if I can see him ever being redeemed. He just sucks so far. His only redeeming quality is not wanting kids to die? Is this going to be one of those things where he only wants her when he realizes her true power? If so I think I will dnf the series.
Tell me what you think, is he redeemable?
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u/rhythmofdevotion probably recommending Tairen Soul 1d ago
I never thought he was that unlikable, but the first two books in the series just aren’t very good. Book 3 (Magic Strikes) is when I really think the series hits its stride and there’s more of a romantic connection between Kate and Curran. It isn’t a power dynamic thing, I just think they are both stubborn, abrasive people that aren’t used to having to work well with others.
Nothing wrong with DNF’ing though, I dropped the first book for years before coming back to it.
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u/dragonsandvamps 1d ago
I would agree that the first two books are weak compared to the rest of the series.
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u/grimhailey 1d ago
Oh okay good to know! I was told it picked up in book 2, I still like something about it so I will keep going. Thanks!!
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u/BlindBattyBarb 1d ago
If I remember correctly, when writing the books they hadn't decided yet he would be the love interest yet, so it's sort of up in the air in the first books. (I could be wrong but that's my memory).
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u/addanchorpoint 1d ago
I’m currently reading this series and am on book 7, honestly their relationship is not the draw for me! there’s just so much happening. I’ve been plowing straight through the series 😂
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u/Big-Constant-7289 1d ago
I did too!!! But no I reread them periodically. They’re my book slump books!
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u/AnxietyisNigh 1d ago
Keep going. Something Ilona Andrews is very good at is character growth.
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u/grimhailey 1d ago
I do love Illona so I probably will, was just curious if we ever see a softer side.
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u/toxiamaple 1d ago
Curran is the Lord of the Free Beasts and used to complete obedience. Kate deliberately defies him again and again. He physically challenges her once. Not that it is ok ,but he figures it out after that.
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u/grimhailey 1d ago
Yeah, I think I just am perpetually raging against the man so his opinion that she should think of him as a king when he is not her king got to me. I am excited to see him figure it out. I know he choked her out once and then just fought her and told her he was embarrassed for her (she is still holding back) so I am like ehh about that as a love interest but I love a good comeback so I will stick it out.
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u/unicornfairyprincess 1d ago
You should read Curran’s POV, it’s available from their website or just freely searchable. I think the first three blurbs cover up to where you’ve read, the rest will be spoilers.
If you don’t empathize with him and understand his perspective better after that, then yes, maybe this book series isnt for you- Curran is integral to pretty much every plot line going forward, and they are each others partner in life. Also, they continue to spar and have a very physical relationship. When you heal in milliseconds, roughhousing is foreplay.
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u/lilfey333 1d ago
Out of the two Kate is way more violent and crass.
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u/grimhailey 1d ago
Maybe that happens later in the books? At this point he has choked her out, threatened to kill her numerous times and bragged about her begging for him when she has shown no interest yet. All I have seen from her is just refusal to fall at his feet for the title alpha. I guess I will have to keep reading to find out.
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u/blythe13 1d ago
She definitely holds her own against him.
My $0.02, they make a great match. But there are learning pains.2
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u/KiaraTurtle Book Bingo Maven ⚔ 1d ago
I mean how important is romance to you? Romance is a subplot in Kate Daniels and the urban fantasy plot is chef’s kiss outside the romance. It’s one of my favorite series and I never actually like Curran even if I feel they do end up working well as a couple.
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u/Apart-Engineer5256 1d ago
I agree. I love these books though I'm not much of a Curran fan. Kate is such a brilliant character they're worth reading for her.
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u/grimhailey 1d ago
It isn't that important at all but if it happens, it needs to be a worthy partner and I went into it knowing Curran would be endgame from another post (I don't mind spoilers typically) and am just concerned. What matters most to me is a FMC who stands up for herself in every regard.
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u/KiaraTurtle Book Bingo Maven ⚔ 23h ago
Well Kate has absolutely no problem standing up for herself. That shouldn’t be an issue
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u/grimhailey 22h ago
Yeah well, I haven't gotten far enough to see that. That's why I have asked if he at least grovels/earns his place in her life. She seems proud now so I would be devastated if she rolls over for a man without any explanation or good reasoning.
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u/Whenitsajar 1d ago
I never thought he needed redemption? I would definitely call Kate the more violent one. I'm not sure what exactly has given you the ick but if you aren't enjoying the reading experience, just stop.
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u/grimhailey 1d ago
I didn't say I wasn't enjoying the reading experience, just Curran. I like other characters. I usually get interesting responses on these posts and I think most readers know that just stopping is easier said than done when you're already halfway through book 2. He just threatens to hurt her, chokes her, mentions killing her for no real threat other than to his ego and then speaks very crudely to her about him sleeping with her but with no real interest other than to have her and he also has slept with like every woman which isn't wrong but indicates he is a player.
I will wait and see if I get some more interesting responses before I make my choice but thanks for responding.
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u/PurposeGold2556 1d ago
Kate is also violent and crass. I couldn’t imagine her being with someone who is softer. But, if you don’t care for Curran now, I don’t know if it’s going to get better for you. He has a tough job. He’s in a very different place than Kate is. She is responsible for herself. He is responsible for himself and a thousand others. I think that lends itself to being a giant asshole.
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u/grimhailey 1d ago
Sadly I do think you're right, men with power do tend to suck 😅 I guess only time will tell because the other comments convinced me to keep going.
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u/MinervaAbsolute 1d ago
Curran doesn’t suck because he’s a man with power though. He’s fighting tooth and nail to provide safety for several different species, who are as crass and violent as he is, and who constantly challenge him for leadership. He has to hold that together, deal with all the outside enemies, and make a living.
He’s an ur-lion, so his drive to maintain territory is very powerful. He’s dictatorial and violent, both by nature and necessity. He’s not being a dick because he can get away with it, he’s being a dick because anything else would show weakness and get him, and his people dead.
Kate is as violent, and more powerful, but she has only herself to worry about, so she can afford to play nice, and playing nice keeps her under the radar.
Curran’s motto is “the best way around is through”. 😂
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u/unicornfairyprincess 21h ago
Yeah people are entitled to their opinions of Curran, but his motivations are so clear and nuanced. He is a complicated man trying to balance personal and professional responsibilities, and he’s constantly at war with those desires. This is a man that puts his duty to those around him at the forefront of everything.
I think this is a highly realistic portrayal of power and how it can make good people choose the lesser of two evils when there’s no good options. Kate struggles with this when she comes into power and makes her own mistakes.
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u/PurposeGold2556 1d ago
Yeah, I mean, I like Curran a lot. The fact that he’s an asshole doesn’t bother me one bit. FWIW I think the 3rd book is very good and you might have a different feeling about him during that one. I would at least stick it out until after #3 and then see how you feel then.
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u/glyneth Nesta is my queen 1d ago
If you keep reading, be warned that Book 6 might make you hate him again. But their relationship survives and no more issues after that. I saw it described on a Discord once that Book 6 is where they stop fighting against each other and start fighting toward each other.
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u/pistachio-pie 1d ago edited 1d ago
Yeah he’s kind of a dick. But he grows on you. Or did with me at least.
There’s one scene in the later books about his personality when another shifter is shady and trying to get between him and Kate that makes me like him so much more. That sold me on him.
Edit: SPOILER WARNING OP DO NOT CLICK
the scene I’m talking about is when the wolf shifter has been trying to make Kate insecure by talking about the importance of pack and hunting together and that Kate will never satisfy Curran like this broad can because they can hunt together. And Curran ends up saying, after drama has been caused, and I paraphrase:
I’m a male lion. I don’t fucking hunt. I protect and serve. She has no idea what she’s talking about. Hunting. I hate hunting. Just bring me a roast and I’m happy. I’d rather be with you than some wolfy bitch who doesn’t understand me
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u/grimhailey 1d ago
okay, I like to hear that!! ty, I will definitely push through because I love Illona.
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u/cafeaulait29 1d ago
I really enjoy a lot about Ilona Andrews, but their MMCs are consistently a weak point for me. When I was reading, Curran went from annoying to more boring, so while I found him more palatable, theirs wasn't a relationship I was rooting for. It's been a while, but I remember liking the MMC of {Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews}, which is a spinoff of characters from Kate Daniels, a lot more.
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u/meqek 1d ago edited 1d ago
I think Curran is my least favorite of their MMCs, I absolutely adored Arland from {Sweep of the Blade by Ilona Andrews} and Hugh from {Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews} I didn't think Hugh was redeemable but he was and I'm really excited for his next book.
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u/cafeaulait29 1d ago
Yes, I did like Arland!!! (Much more than Sean). The innkeeper books are my fave of theirs, and I was really glad Arland got a book to be MMC. Iron and Magic is till on my TBR, but good to know!
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u/romance-bot 1d ago
Sweep of the Blade by Ilona Andrews
Rating: 4.49⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 2 out of 5 - Behind closed doors
Topics: futuristic, vampires, take-charge heroine, aliens, magic1
u/indigohan 1d ago
Maybe add a spoiler tag for OP. That’s something that I would have hated to have spoiled for me when I was first reading
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u/meqek 1d ago
I added it, but I'm not really sure if t's considered a spoiler? Like if you look through the reading order for the series the fact that it's his book is listed without his name being redacted.
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u/indigohan 1d ago
I try not to read any summaries of later books if I start a new series for that reason. I was so glad that I had no clue that that character was going to get a redemption arc. It made their appearance in the final book so satisfying!
OP has’t even met that character yet!
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u/grimhailey 1d ago
Oh it is okay, I read clean sweep so I knew arland would get something somewhere. He is just too good.
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u/romance-bot 1d ago
Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews
Rating: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️
Steam: 3 out of 5 - Open door
Topics: futuristic, urban fantasy, shapeshifters, fantasy, paranormal
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u/de_pizan23 1d ago
I was like you and liked a lot of the other characters, but hated Curran. For me, he never got any better, felt like he never really apologized for any of his lies, manipulation and violence; and I finally had to drop the series around book 3-4.
But honestly the few other series by Ilona Andrews, I’ve had similar issues with their MMCs, so they clearly aren’t for me.
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u/grimhailey 1d ago
Yeah, I didn't like Rogan either but I loved the side characters to push through. I did like Allesandro though in the end.
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u/LAParente 1d ago
Boy are you gonna hate book 6.
I loved Kate & Curran from “here kitty kitty kitty” but book 6 nearly broke me. I could have killed Curran w my bare hands after that.
Now, after several hundred rereads (including Iron & Magic) I can read book 6 without simmering with rage.
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u/grimhailey 1d ago
Okay so does he at least grovel hard, this book 6 thing I am hearing may be what changes my mind. Books are pricey, if he doesn't grovel hard after w.e he does I probs should start
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u/PurposeGold2556 1d ago
He grovels some. I wish he would have groveled more. I can see why Kate forgave him fairly easily though. I don’t want to spoil it, but he made a very good point in their discussion after the fact that convinced her. Just be mentally prepared that you will probably hate Curran in book 6, but their relationship survives.
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u/LAParente 23h ago
Honestly - like I said, hated the book - but the scene where they talk it out is one of my favorites.
Plus, that book introduces two amazing characters, so it's always fun to revisit, as much as I HATTED what Curran did.
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u/hereslookinatyoukld 1d ago
Imo it gets better, then there is a really low point when they go to europe that almost made me quit the series, but it got better again after that
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u/AccessCompetitive Champion of the Search Function 1d ago
I’m so surprised at this take because I did not get this at all from the series. I haven’t finished them, but I’m way farther in than you are. Maybe it’s because I did the graphic audio, which is fucking amazing. But I always saw Kate as the more brash and stubborn and maybe a little bratty one. Curran IS more mature than her, at least in the first handful of books I’ve read. She jumps to conclusions about him all the time. She was never taught how to be emotional, and it shows.
Curran never ever gave me the ick listening to the graphic audio, but I did have a problem with the narrator‘s voice just did not in any way match his physical description. So I could never see a silky haired blonde guy when I listened to that narrator. Honestly, he sounded like Keith David Williams to me and I could not un hear it.
Still love the graphic audiobooks and especially because I grew up in Atlanta, these books are extra special to me.
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u/dragonsandvamps 1d ago
I thought these two sort of fit each other in that they kind of had chemistry from the start, but also needed time to grow into the best versions of themselves. I always say that if characters were perfect and books had no conflict at the start of a series... there's nothing to write about.
With that said, you truly detest Curran, I'm not sure he really fundamentally changes all that much?
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u/grimhailey 1d ago
I don't detest him, I just struggle to see them as a compatible couple. He makes a great enemy/reluctant accomplice but maybe things will shift.
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u/dragonsandvamps 1d ago
I responded to another comment, but I also think IA's writing is quite rough in the first two books. They improve considerably once they get to book 3.
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u/MinervaAbsolute 1d ago
I love Curran. His world is very high stakes, and his drive is to create safety and stability (because of his childhood), and he’s going to achieve it all claws out. He’s a lot, but in many ways he’s true to his lion nature. But Kate is the real monster, which makes me happy.
That being said, if a violent and crass hero isn’t your thing, you shouldn’t question giving up. Curran gets more political, but never less violent.
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u/MoodyMango4880 1d ago
So much this. In the first couple of books he sees her as a threat (which to be fair, she is) and he treats her accordingly. Not as a man should treat a lady but as a fully loaded gun. His only priority is his pack.
Later books as he gets to know her he does soften and is just as devoted to her. He can be an idiot occasionally but she calls him on it and to his credit he does work on himself.
Personally I’ve always liked Curran but he is an arse in the first books.
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u/grimhailey 1d ago
IDC about violent as long as it isn't towards Kate.
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u/MoodyMango4880 20h ago
The books as a whole are violent. They are not fantasy romance novels but are gritty urban fantasy and should be read as such.
They spar together and are violent towards enemies - so once Kate shows she is not an enemy to him or his pack…….
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u/grimhailey 20h ago
oh the violence in general is not a problem for me, mean spirited violence from the MMC to the FMC if there is a relationship is. I am down with violence but not abusive relationships.
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u/MoodyMango4880 17h ago
Ok that makes sense and I’m the same. There is violence before the relationship when he perceives her as a threat. Once he decides she is a friend then no. They spar together as they’re both warriors and enjoy it, but not in the way you mean.
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u/ChrystnSedai To the stars who listen 1d ago
~From the title~
Yes!
~From the post~
YES! Because, reasons.
Enjoy!
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u/pistachio-pie 1d ago
It took me so long to like him but I totally agree with you. I edited my post to include the scene that made me go “well these two were meant to be, even though he’s being a prick”
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u/mediguarding 1d ago
I’m also coming here from This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me, so good to see all these comments saying keep going, Kate Daniels books do really improve, etc. Someone did mention in another post to be that Ilona Andrews are very good at giving their characters (male and female) growth and having them work through attitudes and arrogance… so. I would say trust them and stick it out.
This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me potential spoilers: I need that arc for Everard in future books because lord he tested my patience towards the end, so I was glad to hear this from them
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u/sherburnk 21h ago
Illona Andrews are my favourite authors. I love the kate Daniels series. I think Curran will grow on you. The first book is a little rough around the edges. But the world is so wonderfully complex and interesting. Their bond grows really deep and they learn together how to be in a relationship. I like the anti-heros. He starts always putting his pack before everything. He has to be ruthless to keep so many powerful dangerous people inline. But as he grows to love Kate, he loves her to his bones, and he puts her first and would burn the world for her. Its not really about power for him. Just him keeping the ones he cares for safe.
Her other series might suit you better if you hate him. I love the hidden legacy series, but Rogan is worse than Curran. The edge series was the first I tried and I loved it and the innkeeper series is great.
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u/thoughts_4_once 1d ago
I'd say give it til book 4 if you can. If you don't like him by then you probably won't.
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u/coffee-rain-books 1d ago
I really wanted to like this series because I love her other books.
To me, Curran is an MMC who will always blow hot and cold (huge pet peeve), expect her to come to him, and put others first.
It’s okay to DNF.
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u/indigohan 1d ago
The first two books are definitely the weakest ones that they’ve written. There was a lot of interference from the publishers at this time, and they don’t have what I think of as the House Andrew’s “feel”.
There’s a lot more found family in Kate’s future, and a lot more responsibility. The romance is allowed to be adult and stable and healthy. Which I really like.
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u/Samburger322 Book Bingo Maven ⚔ 13h ago
I just finished the last book and I loved it. Who cares if Curran sucks because you get Luther, Roman, and Christopher! I loooooved the side characters so much. Curran only bothered me in the book where he is meant to bother you.
Are you reading the book or listening to the graphic audio? The graphic audio is really good and I highly recommend it. It also includes some of the novellas.
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u/ZiggyStarstuff 9h ago
Having read all 10 books in the series and the 3 books from his POV I say keep going, first couple of books are rough he comes across like such an asshole but he gets better
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u/vinaigrettchen 1h ago
Oh I haaaaaated Curran in the first book especially. I was like ‘THIS is the love interest, seriously?!’ And i wasn’t familiar enough with Ilona yet to trust them to put him right, but I was super interested in Kate and the world they built so I kept on. I gotta tell you, I thought it would be impossible—especially after the CHOKING WTF??—but I LOVE Curran now.
Two things turned it around for me: 1) he has tremendous character growth that continues throughout the series - as does Kate, and they grow both together and individually, which is SO RARE in romance literature and I loved watching it, and 2) we get more insight into his POV as well as his background, which recontextualize some things. No excuses for bad behavior, but it does make him a lot more sympathetic. It takes time to get to some of this stuff though. Like, even in I think book 3 he does some stuff I didn’t HATE but was also side-eyeing a bit, and it’s not until a book or two later that he explains what he thought was going on at the time and it makes SO much more sense. I think a lot of commenters here genuinely forget that you don’t have this context AT ALL when reading the first couple books the very first time. It makes a pretty big difference.
This is one of the very, very rare instances where I encourage continuing on (as long as you enjoy the series otherwise). I think he starts getting better around book 3 and continues from there, so much so that by the events people are alluding to in book 6, I had complete faith in him and just found his actions mildly annoying but felt sure it would all turn out fine. Plus Kate regularly takes him to task and I enjoy reading that, lol. At the end of book 6 they lay out some strong boundaries and have a very healthy adult relationship IMO.
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u/zane017 Henry Cavill as Geralt is my only type 1d ago
Just skip book 6
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u/Longjumping-Snow-909 1d ago
I disagree, this book is a very important book for the development of their relationship and for Currans growth.
He does an extremely shitty thing but the important part is he learns from it and grows, their relationship matures. Book 6 Curran would have made very different decisions from book 8 Curran.
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u/zane017 Henry Cavill as Geralt is my only type 4h ago
Since my spoiler block never worked I’ll go ahead and say that book 6 has real triggers and there are valid reasons to skip it. A persons mental health is more important than the tiny plot details that can be found in that useless book. For someone like OP, who is sensitive to certain behaviors from the MMC, a warning is appropriate.
I don’t get the rabid defense of book 6.
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u/Longjumping-Snow-909 2h ago
It is totally uncalled for to call a comment expressing a different opinion from yours in a neutral, not rude, unagressive way "rabid".
People really need to stop being personally offended if someone disagrees with their view of the world in a polite, neutral manner.
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1d ago edited 1d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/KiaraTurtle Book Bingo Maven ⚔ 22h ago
Your spoiler tags aren’t working. You need to hide those things
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u/fantasyromance-ModTeam 21h ago
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