Excuse me for a second, while my racing heart slows and my tummy stops fluttering. Black Number Four is the epitome of a new adult novel. It’s got it all, plus some. While many focus on only the angst or shock factor in the new adult genre, Steiner has written a well-rounded novel that will cover all of the emotions, from heartbreak to frustration, romance to humor, and a whole lot of excitement.
Skyler and Kip couldn’t have been more perfect for each other. They’re both so witty, so sarcastic, and they play off of each SO well. For much of the book, I had a smile on my face or found myself laughing out loud at things they would say to one another. They’re adorable, and their relationship is one of my favorites in recent history. Their connection is smoking hot, yet also so tender and loving. You can feel it and breathe it in from the very first time they meet. They just work. I do wish we had a smidge more of Skyler’s background since we do end up learning so much about Kip, but it worked as it is. The games they play and the lies that are told are frustrating (in a fabulous way), but seeing how those issues are handled is even better. You just sort of know it’ll be okay, because it’s Skyler and Kip. It has to be.
The storyline is out of this world. You know the same ole same ole where you have two broken characters who fix one another? Uh yeah, that’s not this book. While these characters do find their true selves in one another and really step back to reevaluate everything they thought they knew, the tale of Skyler and Kip is so far beyond that. At the core, it’s about two people who both discover what truly matters the most in life. And that story? It’s beautiful. It’s touching and will make you think.
Skyler and Kip couldn’t have been more perfect for each other. They’re both so witty, so sarcastic, and they play off of each SO well. For much of the book, I had a smile on my face or found myself laughing out loud at things they would say to one another. They’re adorable, and their relationship is one of my favorites in recent history. Their connection is smoking hot, yet also so tender and loving. You can feel it and breathe it in from the very first time they meet. They just work. I do wish we had a smidge more of Skyler’s background since we do end up learning so much about Kip, but it worked as it is. The games they play and the lies that are told are frustrating (in a fabulous way), but seeing how those issues are handled is even better. You just sort of know it’ll be okay, because it’s Skyler and Kip. It has to be.
The storyline is out of this world. You know the same ole same ole where you have two broken characters who fix one another? Uh yeah, that’s not this book. While these characters do find their true selves in one another and really step back to reevaluate everything they thought they knew, the tale of Skyler and Kip is so far beyond that. At the core, it’s about two people who both discover what truly matters the most in life. And that story? It’s beautiful. It’s touching and will make you think.
But let’s talk about the OTHER part of this one, shall we? The thrill, the originality, and the unique additions that will make Black Number Four stand out amongst so many other books on your Kindle right now. The biggest being how poker plays into the story. Like it’s a BIG deal in this book. What I loved the most is that she will turn anyone into a poker enthusiast, even if only for a few hours. It’s so easy to get caught up in the game and the adrenaline will be pumping right along with the characters. I use the phrase “edge of the seat” often, but I don’t think it’s ever been truer than it is with Black Number Four. Even if you don’t think you enjoy poker, I can assure you, you will after this one.
Another part of this book is the amount of greek life included, and how it plays into the story. (Ahh, okay…Kandi, don’t hate me right now. I love you. Remember that.) In my opinion, it was too much. I understood that the very tight knit group of friends that Skyler is a part of is a major component to this story. They lift her up, they believe in her, they’re very loyal to her, and they love her. That wasn’t the issue. I felt like the sorority life and all that it entailed was mentioned too much. I felt like we could have gotten the same feel for the story and felt the same emotions amongst this group of friends by mentioning it, but not overdoing it. It also felt like for a large part of the first half, the story of Skyler and Kip took a backseat. When those two characters are together, it’s perfection. I just found myself wishing for more of them and their story. The sorority is a very large part of the book though, and things wouldn’t have flowed or ended as they did without it. So I understand, I just wish it had been a tad bit less. I also think if you aren’t familiar with greek life, I could see some people becoming confused or a bit lost. It’s not hard to keep up, but I could see the Big, Little, Grand Little, etc causing some to scratch their heads.
In the wise old words of my friend Cassie, Kandi can “write like a mother*cker.” I agree, Cass. I agree. She can and will make you feel all of those emotions that you keep all bottled up, just waiting for a story like this. She pulls them all out, but handles them with care. She writes very realistic books, if that makes sense. Every thought, every description, and every conversation seemed to be well thought out, but never seemed fake or like something out of your greatest fantasy. Her characters call each other out on being cheesy, and aren’t afraid to tell you like it is. She writes THOSE types of books, and I love her so much more for it.
Overall, this is Kandi’s best yet and my new favorite of hers. This story has so many subplots and you will never be bored. It flows smoothly, and you’ll find yourself getting lost in their story. There are a lot of words I could use to describe it but the one I keep coming back to is exhilarating. Whether it’s with the lies, the games, the poker, or the chase, there’s no doubt your heart will be racing with every page of Black Number Four.
<3 Erin
Another part of this book is the amount of greek life included, and how it plays into the story. (Ahh, okay…Kandi, don’t hate me right now. I love you. Remember that.) In my opinion, it was too much. I understood that the very tight knit group of friends that Skyler is a part of is a major component to this story. They lift her up, they believe in her, they’re very loyal to her, and they love her. That wasn’t the issue. I felt like the sorority life and all that it entailed was mentioned too much. I felt like we could have gotten the same feel for the story and felt the same emotions amongst this group of friends by mentioning it, but not overdoing it. It also felt like for a large part of the first half, the story of Skyler and Kip took a backseat. When those two characters are together, it’s perfection. I just found myself wishing for more of them and their story. The sorority is a very large part of the book though, and things wouldn’t have flowed or ended as they did without it. So I understand, I just wish it had been a tad bit less. I also think if you aren’t familiar with greek life, I could see some people becoming confused or a bit lost. It’s not hard to keep up, but I could see the Big, Little, Grand Little, etc causing some to scratch their heads.
In the wise old words of my friend Cassie, Kandi can “write like a mother*cker.” I agree, Cass. I agree. She can and will make you feel all of those emotions that you keep all bottled up, just waiting for a story like this. She pulls them all out, but handles them with care. She writes very realistic books, if that makes sense. Every thought, every description, and every conversation seemed to be well thought out, but never seemed fake or like something out of your greatest fantasy. Her characters call each other out on being cheesy, and aren’t afraid to tell you like it is. She writes THOSE types of books, and I love her so much more for it.
Overall, this is Kandi’s best yet and my new favorite of hers. This story has so many subplots and you will never be bored. It flows smoothly, and you’ll find yourself getting lost in their story. There are a lot of words I could use to describe it but the one I keep coming back to is exhilarating. Whether it’s with the lies, the games, the poker, or the chase, there’s no doubt your heart will be racing with every page of Black Number Four.
<3 Erin
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