After what went down with Oliver in book 1, I was skeptical that he could be redeemed. However, Mell Bright hit me right in the feelings early on with Oliver's chilling dreams of his childhood, helping to show why he is the way he is, and by the end he's redeemed in a satisfying way. He and Jude are at each other's throats early on, and their enemies-to-lovers journey was intense (and steamy). Oliver is a flawed and complicated person, seems easily influenced by those he cares for, and is quick to jump to violence. His bloodthirst is tempered as the story progresses, and slowly shifts into protectiveness and a willingness to burn the world down for Jude. We saw him as a monster with Helios in book 1, but he's not just a monster. Similarly, Jude is more than the prickly captor threatening Oliver at the beginning, or the sweet friend he was to Helios in book 1. From a rocky start, Oliver and Jude grow to work so well together. Here are a couple passages I loved where Oliver compares them:

"His hatred is strangely casual and familiar, as if it’s something he’s used to. Something he has tamed. Mine has always been a wild thing."

"We’re two hateful bastards, starved for touch. I’m the monster nobody can love, and he’s the jellyfish that stings anyone who gets close. Thankfully, I’m immune to his venom."

This book was fast paced, and action packed. There was a ton of (quick) physical travel between landmarks to progress the story, and more side characters introduced than in book 1 (plus some familiar faces). Oliver and Jude's story felt complete, but I am still left wanting more and for the book to be longer so we can see more of this fascinating world. I am already looking forward to book 3 with Stellan and Perri!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.5 s1 comment michaela ?382 22

We’re two hateful bastards, starved for touch. I’m the monster nobody can love, and he’s the jellyfish that stings anyone who gets close.”

I said before Mell is climbing my list of favorite authors — and The Whims Of Hate made that ring true even more.

Oliver is a mutant climbing from the depths of hatred and learning he doesn’t have to live life believing he can’t be happy. And, Jude, in turn is learning he doesn’t have to run when things get too close for comfort for him.

You have two characters who want to kill one another they need to breathe but after time spent being forced together lust starts to swirl into that hate. It’s a steady, slow thing — but it’s done so beautifully.

Mell has written such a gorgeous story filled with enemies to lovers, forced proximity, tons of adventure and two snarky bastards getting their happy ever after. This was a perfect second installment to this book and I am so excited for book three!!2024 arc favorites ...more3 s1 comment Nikki Irwin95

Oh gosh I absolutely devoured this book. It's was freaking phenomenal!! Mell just has an absolute way with words, the world building and story telling are top notch and the spice is top tier!

This is definitely a redemption story and a true enemies to lovers, they legit threaten to kill each other every 5 minutes in the beginning
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