Merry Cherry Christmas was a perfectly nice Christmas story from one of my favorite authors, Keira Andrews, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I shMerry Cherry Christmas was a perfectly nice Christmas story from one of my favorite authors, Keira Andrews, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I should have liked it more.
The story had everything that I normally eat up like ice cream. We get a shy virgin MC, a holiday romance, a jock/nerd dynamic, and a sweet love story. However, I kept putting it down, and it took me over four days to finish (unheard of for a Keira Andrews book!).
I think I struggled with how incredibly insecure Jeremy acted all the time. I get feeling unattractive, but it was every. single. interaction. I think it just wore me out. The physical relationship also moved a little quickly for me (I prefer lots of sexual tension and buildup), but that's just personal preference.
I enjoyed the snowy Canadian setting and the maple syrup farm, the non-white MC, and Max's adorable family dynamics, but it never moved above just pleasant for me.
Though this wasn't a home-run for my tastes, I would recommend it to friends who want to read a light holiday romance, which is more important this year than ever. Ho, ho, ho, everyone!
Merry Cherry Christmas was a perfectly nice Christmas story from one of my favorite authors, Keira Andrews, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I should have liked it more.
The story had everything that I normally eat up like ice cream. We get a shy virgin MC, a holiday romance, a jock/nerd dynamic, and a sweet love story. However, I kept putting it down, and it took me over four days to finish (unheard of for a Keira Andrews book!).
I think I struggled with how incredibly insecure Jeremy acted all the time. I get feeling unattractive, but it was every. single. interaction. I think it just wore me out. The physical relationship also moved a little quickly for me (I prefer lots of sexual tension and buildup), but that's just personal preference.
I enjoyed the snowy Canadian setting and the maple syrup farm, the non-white MC, and Max's adorable family dynamics, but it never moved above just pleasant for me.
Though this wasn't a home-run for my tastes, I would recommend it to friends who want to read a light holiday romance, which is more important this year than ever. Ho, ho, ho, everyone!
Sarah M. Anderson's first M/M book was a little rough going for me. While it seems like this author has lots of experience writing cowboy books, her sSarah M. Anderson's first M/M book was a little rough going for me. While it seems like this author has lots of experience writing cowboy books, her stilted writing made me feel disconnected from the story.
I had a major issue with how Paulo was written. The story is told in alternating POVs, so for half of the time we are inside Paulo's head. Now, why on earth would Paulo speak in odd, hesitant language in his own head? I would expect him to have difficultly speaking out loud in dialogue, but in his head it should be smooth. I have a pet peeve when authors write without contractions, and, in this case, it made Paulo sound stiff and formal.
Paulo had not paid attention to the names of the riders. He did not speak much English and there were no other Brasilians around.
I also had issues with how Portuguese words were inserted into dialogue and then defined right afterwards. Also, it is like the author looked up a few words in Portuguese and then used those same words over and over again, just to make the character more authentic. I didn't like the repetition, and I thought that the insertion of Portuguese words when the character was speaking inside his own head was distracting. I could see if he used Portuguese in dialogue, but inside his head felt... odd.
This was interesting, this cowboy who had much curiosidade. His curiosidade was making Paulo more than a little curioso on his own.
Aside from those little issues, I found the relationship between the two MCs to be lacking in chemistry a bit. I didn't like the rush to call each other boyfriends, and the jump to the epilogue at the end. Mitch goes from this terrified, closeted character to suddenly... not. I was left scratching my head.
While not a bad story, I wouldn't call it good either. I won't be continuing on in this series.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
Merged review:
Sarah M. Anderson's first M/M book was a little rough going for me. While it seems like this author has lots of experience writing cowboy books, her stilted writing made me feel disconnected from the story.
I had a major issue with how Paulo was written. The story is told in alternating POVs, so for half of the time we are inside Paulo's head. Now, why on earth would Paulo speak in odd, hesitant language in his own head? I would expect him to have difficultly speaking out loud in dialogue, but in his head it should be smooth. I have a pet peeve when authors write without contractions, and, in this case, it made Paulo sound stiff and formal.
Paulo had not paid attention to the names of the riders. He did not speak much English and there were no other Brasilians around.
I also had issues with how Portuguese words were inserted into dialogue and then defined right afterwards. Also, it is like the author looked up a few words in Portuguese and then used those same words over and over again, just to make the character more authentic. I didn't like the repetition, and I thought that the insertion of Portuguese words when the character was speaking inside his own head was distracting. I could see if he used Portuguese in dialogue, but inside his head felt... odd.
This was interesting, this cowboy who had much curiosidade. His curiosidade was making Paulo more than a little curioso on his own.
Aside from those little issues, I found the relationship between the two MCs to be lacking in chemistry a bit. I didn't like the rush to call each other boyfriends, and the jump to the epilogue at the end. Mitch goes from this terrified, closeted character to suddenly... not. I was left scratching my head.
While not a bad story, I wouldn't call it good either. I won't be continuing on in this series.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*...more
I'm always looking on the bright side. Call me an optimist, but I'm always trying to see th*1.5 stars*
**Review may contain some minor plot spoilers**
I'm always looking on the bright side. Call me an optimist, but I'm always trying to see the positive in everything. However, with this book... it was hard to find anything that I enjoyed about it.
I want to talk about a few things that bothered me a great deal. First of all, the editing. I'm not usually one to notice grammar or editing mistakes unless they are really obvious, but I couldn't get past all of the errors.
"Good, good," Quinn said twice.
Wait, he said "good" twice or "good, good" twice?
Darting in and out and each thrust deeper than before, warm tears prickled the backs of Ethan's eyes as Quinn's hands massaged his buttocks and thighs.
I dare you to figure out what was darting in and out. The warm tears? His hands? You can't figure it out, can you?
There were SO many sentences that just plain made no sense or felt wrong. While I can overlook some mistakes, many of these really took me out of the reading experience. In addition, there were a lot of plot inconstancies that threw me for a loop. I was sure that Ethan said that he and Randall were broken up, that Randall moved out and cheated on him, but then he says they were dating all along? And he said something about being out of a job, but then that was murky too. Also, there is a scene where Ethan says he is going to buy some new clothes so he can help with the farming, then complains later that he has nothing to wear to do dirty work in. It was just sloppy feeling, all around.
In addition, I haven't hated a character as much as I've hated Ethan in a LONG time. He is a snobby, pretentious slut-shamer, and not in a way that is meant to show how much he can grow over the course of the book. He was loathsome, to be honest, and he was until the very end of the story.
"Nooo," Ethan said on a long exhale. "That's Shelly 'The Slut' Sanderson? She hasn't changed a bit, except maybe for a few extra pounds and an even trashier wardrobe. Just look at that top. It leaves nothing to the imagination."
Ethan turned his attention to his Range Rover and Randall's Mercedes parked side-by-side, gleaming in the morning sun, the two vehicles complementing each other. They spelled success, accomplishment, and triumph to anyone who saw them. He was now like the people in the magazines that he had once combed over, and he intended to stay that way.
Ethan never really changed any of his ways, only sort of ending up with Quinn because... I'm not sure exactly. I didn't really get them together and didn't see why they even liked each other. And Randall... ugh. He was like a bad parody of a snobbish gay man.
"You are sadly mistaken." Randall raised his chin and looked down his nose at Quinn. "I only sweat when a personal trainer who I'm paying a hundred dollars a session is involved."
All in all, I just didn't get this book. The plot seemed to go nowhere, I didn't like the characters, and I didn't feel the chemistry. A miss for me.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Merged review:
*1.5 stars*
**Review may contain some minor plot spoilers**
I'm always looking on the bright side. Call me an optimist, but I'm always trying to see the positive in everything. However, with this book... it was hard to find anything that I enjoyed about it.
I want to talk about a few things that bothered me a great deal. First of all, the editing. I'm not usually one to notice grammar or editing mistakes unless they are really obvious, but I couldn't get past all of the errors.
"Good, good," Quinn said twice.
Wait, he said "good" twice or "good, good" twice?
Darting in and out and each thrust deeper than before, warm tears prickled the backs of Ethan's eyes as Quinn's hands massaged his buttocks and thighs.
I dare you to figure out what was darting in and out. The warm tears? His hands? You can't figure it out, can you?
There were SO many sentences that just plain made no sense or felt wrong. While I can overlook some mistakes, many of these really took me out of the reading experience. In addition, there were a lot of plot inconstancies that threw me for a loop. I was sure that Ethan said that he and Randall were broken up, that Randall moved out and cheated on him, but then he says they were dating all along? And he said something about being out of a job, but then that was murky too. Also, there is a scene where Ethan says he is going to buy some new clothes so he can help with the farming, then complains later that he has nothing to wear to do dirty work in. It was just sloppy feeling, all around.
In addition, I haven't hated a character as much as I've hated Ethan in a LONG time. He is a snobby, pretentious slut-shamer, and not in a way that is meant to show how much he can grow over the course of the book. He was loathsome, to be honest, and he was until the very end of the story.
"Nooo," Ethan said on a long exhale. "That's Shelly 'The Slut' Sanderson? She hasn't changed a bit, except maybe for a few extra pounds and an even trashier wardrobe. Just look at that top. It leaves nothing to the imagination."
Ethan turned his attention to his Range Rover and Randall's Mercedes parked side-by-side, gleaming in the morning sun, the two vehicles complementing each other. They spelled success, accomplishment, and triumph to anyone who saw them. He was now like the people in the magazines that he had once combed over, and he intended to stay that way.
Ethan never really changed any of his ways, only sort of ending up with Quinn because... I'm not sure exactly. I didn't really get them together and didn't see why they even liked each other. And Randall... ugh. He was like a bad parody of a snobbish gay man.
"You are sadly mistaken." Randall raised his chin and looked down his nose at Quinn. "I only sweat when a personal trainer who I'm paying a hundred dollars a session is involved."
All in all, I just didn't get this book. The plot seemed to go nowhere, I didn't like the characters, and I didn't feel the chemistry. A miss for me.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**...more
Guys, don't crucify me for this, but I just don't see what the hype is about! I had the hardest time getting through this one.
Sometimes a book [image]
Guys, don't crucify me for this, but I just don't see what the hype is about! I had the hardest time getting through this one.
Sometimes a book that clicks for everyone else just whooshes right over my head. This was my first Allison Cassatta book and my third Kade Boehme, and despite the positive press around this one I just didn't feel it.
The beginning of this book is really compelling. Riley getting kidnapped and then rescued was a very powerful start to the story. However, I didn't really get why his parents abandoned him after he was found, and I felt like that was an avenue that could have used more exploring.
Once Riley and Hunter meet in Hartfield I was expecting the story to really get going. Instead, my pet peeves seemed to just pile up. I don't like when characters are constantly reading emotion in each other's eyes, like "sadness" or "hunger" or "longing." It just seems like a cop-out way of telling instead of showing emotions. There was a lot of that here. I also felt like Riley trusted Hunter way too easily and that their relationship grew too intense over such a short period of time. With Riley's painful past, I was expecting him to be much more guarded and less open. It didn't feel right with his character.
Sometimes, I can attribute my lack of connection to the audio reading, but I think that the narrator, Michael Ferraiulo, did a nice job. It wasn't the best audio I've heard, but I liked the differentiation between the two voices and his effort overall.
I'll admit, because I was so disconnected from the story, I sped up the narration quite a bit in an effort to finish. With an audiobook that is 7+ hours long, if you aren't interested after 3 hours of listening, it is hard to stay motivated to listen.
I know I'm in the very, very minority with this one. Some of my most trusted friends loved this. However, it just didn't mesh well for me.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Merged review:
[image]
Guys, don't crucify me for this, but I just don't see what the hype is about! I had the hardest time getting through this one.
Sometimes a book that clicks for everyone else just whooshes right over my head. This was my first Allison Cassatta book and my third Kade Boehme, and despite the positive press around this one I just didn't feel it.
The beginning of this book is really compelling. Riley getting kidnapped and then rescued was a very powerful start to the story. However, I didn't really get why his parents abandoned him after he was found, and I felt like that was an avenue that could have used more exploring.
Once Riley and Hunter meet in Hartfield I was expecting the story to really get going. Instead, my pet peeves seemed to just pile up. I don't like when characters are constantly reading emotion in each other's eyes, like "sadness" or "hunger" or "longing." It just seems like a cop-out way of telling instead of showing emotions. There was a lot of that here. I also felt like Riley trusted Hunter way too easily and that their relationship grew too intense over such a short period of time. With Riley's painful past, I was expecting him to be much more guarded and less open. It didn't feel right with his character.
Sometimes, I can attribute my lack of connection to the audio reading, but I think that the narrator, Michael Ferraiulo, did a nice job. It wasn't the best audio I've heard, but I liked the differentiation between the two voices and his effort overall.
I'll admit, because I was so disconnected from the story, I sped up the narration quite a bit in an effort to finish. With an audiobook that is 7+ hours long, if you aren't interested after 3 hours of listening, it is hard to stay motivated to listen.
I know I'm in the very, very minority with this one. Some of my most trusted friends loved this. However, it just didn't mesh well for me.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**...more
I'm not sure what to make of this strange GFY/OFY, cinder-fella story.
First of all, the GFY part was barely that. The MC practically ret**2.5 stars**
I'm not sure what to make of this strange GFY/OFY, cinder-fella story.
First of all, the GFY part was barely that. The MC practically retched at the sight of lady parts so that was a BIG giveaway.
I didn't love the saintly characters, the strange way Gabe said "shitfire" all the time (sounded kind of old-manish), and the storyline with Todd's parents. Everyone seemed a little bit like caricatures, too perfect, too convenient. It didn't have the real quality. To top it off, the sex scenes missed the mark.
Despite my issues, there was something about this story that kept me up late at night reading. It was easy to soar through the pages, and I found charming elements amidst all the trouble spots. At times I even liked it a lot but then a scene would come along that was so eye-roll-inducing that all of my issues with the story would come rushing back.
I think perhaps cinder-fella isn't my favorite theme. I don't love a damsel in distress story so maybe this one started at a disadvantage? Either way, despite a nice cover this one wasn't a win for me. Sad face.
Merged review:
**2.5 stars**
I'm not sure what to make of this strange GFY/OFY, cinder-fella story.
First of all, the GFY part was barely that. The MC practically retched at the sight of lady parts so that was a BIG giveaway.
I didn't love the saintly characters, the strange way Gabe said "shitfire" all the time (sounded kind of old-manish), and the storyline with Todd's parents. Everyone seemed a little bit like caricatures, too perfect, too convenient. It didn't have the real quality. To top it off, the sex scenes missed the mark.
Despite my issues, there was something about this story that kept me up late at night reading. It was easy to soar through the pages, and I found charming elements amidst all the trouble spots. At times I even liked it a lot but then a scene would come along that was so eye-roll-inducing that all of my issues with the story would come rushing back.
I think perhaps cinder-fella isn't my favorite theme. I don't love a damsel in distress story so maybe this one started at a disadvantage? Either way, despite a nice cover this one wasn't a win for me. Sad face....more
I can't believe I'm DNFing this one at 60%. This has been on my to-read list forever! I just didn't connect with the characters.
This book has a 4.41 I can't believe I'm DNFing this one at 60%. This has been on my to-read list forever! I just didn't connect with the characters.
This book has a 4.41 rating with my Goodreads friends. That is a crazy high rating from a group of very discerning people (yes I'm talking about you, friends!). Perhaps take my review with a grain of salt then. I am one of the few that didn't love this book.
My issues with this one started pretty much right out the gate. For a guy who is used to working with some pretty shady people and has to watch his back, Danny is one careless mo-fo. Starting with letting the police manipulate him (come one, this can't be your first interrogation room! I wasn't even fooled by the stupid police ploys and I'm not a hardened criminal!). Leaving a safe-house to meet up with a friend on the street in the middle of the day?? Don't you think someone could be watching for that? The drug lords want you dead, man, you should be paranoid as $hit! Drawing a gun on some random guy walking his dog and then just standing there like a dummy while your FBI guy has to scramble for a lame cover story? Just plain stupid. It is no surprise the bad guys were onto you. I couldn't help myself compare this one to Zero at the Bone, and you can bet that D wouldn't step one foot in broad daylight for any reason while he was watching his man.
However, for me, the real killer was the lack of chemistry between the two guys. I didn't get why they all of the sudden went for each other. I didn't see the spark. The awkward sex-scenes didn't help either. I could definitely tell that this is Brooke McKinley's first M/M book. I felt a strange lack of heat between the two guys... it was like anti-sexy. Also, for someone as deep in the closet as Miller, he sure went from 0-60 in no time! He went from denial to love so quickly... it just didn't ring true for me.
I don't know, I thought that this book would be an easy 4 or 5 stars for me... I'm really disappointed that it was a miss.
Merged review:
I can't believe I'm DNFing this one at 60%. This has been on my to-read list forever! I just didn't connect with the characters.
This book has a 4.41 rating with my Goodreads friends. That is a crazy high rating from a group of very discerning people (yes I'm talking about you, friends!). Perhaps take my review with a grain of salt then. I am one of the few that didn't love this book.
My issues with this one started pretty much right out the gate. For a guy who is used to working with some pretty shady people and has to watch his back, Danny is one careless mo-fo. Starting with letting the police manipulate him (come one, this can't be your first interrogation room! I wasn't even fooled by the stupid police ploys and I'm not a hardened criminal!). Leaving a safe-house to meet up with a friend on the street in the middle of the day?? Don't you think someone could be watching for that? The drug lords want you dead, man, you should be paranoid as $hit! Drawing a gun on some random guy walking his dog and then just standing there like a dummy while your FBI guy has to scramble for a lame cover story? Just plain stupid. It is no surprise the bad guys were onto you. I couldn't help myself compare this one to Zero at the Bone, and you can bet that D wouldn't step one foot in broad daylight for any reason while he was watching his man.
However, for me, the real killer was the lack of chemistry between the two guys. I didn't get why they all of the sudden went for each other. I didn't see the spark. The awkward sex-scenes didn't help either. I could definitely tell that this is Brooke McKinley's first M/M book. I felt a strange lack of heat between the two guys... it was like anti-sexy. Also, for someone as deep in the closet as Miller, he sure went from 0-60 in no time! He went from denial to love so quickly... it just didn't ring true for me.
I don't know, I thought that this book would be an easy 4 or 5 stars for me... I'm really disappointed that it was a miss....more
Keira Andrews, why did you do this to me?? I want the full story, NOW!
Swept Away is NOT a short story or novella, it's just the beginning of a longerKeira Andrews, why did you do this to me?? I want the full story, NOW!
Swept Away is NOT a short story or novella, it's just the beginning of a longer story (that Keira HAS to write). It's like the first few chapters of a full book. It was such a tease, such a taste of greatness that it almost made me mad.
I read this eagerly in one sitting, and I almost cried when I got to the last page and there wasn't more. Write fast, please!
Keira Andrews, why did you do this to me?? I want the full story, NOW!
Swept Away is NOT a short story or novella, it's just the beginning of a longer story (that Keira HAS to write). It's like the first few chapters of a full book. It was such a tease, such a taste of greatness that it almost made me mad.
I read this eagerly in one sitting, and I almost cried when I got to the last page and there wasn't more. Write fast, please!
Holy crap Amy Lane, you did NOT go easy on these guys!! Cheating, friends and family dying, child abuse, countless life threatening inju**4.5 stars**
Holy crap Amy Lane, you did NOT go easy on these guys!! Cheating, friends and family dying, child abuse, countless life threatening injuries... this is the most ANGSTY Amy Lane book I have read to date! It is a wonder the MCs made it out alive!!
I am already an Amy Lane fan-girl, so I went into this book expecting greatness. Did I get greatness? I think I did, despite my issues with this book.
I actually didn't like the beginning. I wasn't into the way the characters were introduced. I wanted to know more about Parish and Deacon and they were kind of just thrown in there. I actually debated putting this one down for a little while but my inner voice said, "Heather, come on, it is AMY LANE. Push through, girl!" And I am so glad that I did.
What Amy Lane does better than anyone else is create these EPIC romances that feel so so real. You get a sense of the absolute depth of the love that these guys have for each other. These two fought tooth and nail for their love and their relationship and it left me feeling haggard and in awe of them as a couple. Amy Lane manages to create this affect, time and time again.
She also creates characters that are deeply flawed yet honorable. I love that she made Deacon not a saint (he is stubborn, proud, and has substance abuse issues), and Crick is rash and insecure. It makes the character feel REAL.
On the negative side, this book was almost teetering on the edge of angsty to the point of being ridiculous. I mean, what these characters went through was just unbelievable. However, Amy Lane's incredible skill as a storyteller allows her to pull this story off.
I want to keep going in the series because I want to see what happens with the secondary characters. I also want to give a shout out to Jon. I can't tell you how much I loved his relationship with Deacon. These characters all stole my heart and made me want more and more.
**Find this review and more like it on myfictionnook.com**
Merged review:
**4.5 stars**
Holy crap Amy Lane, you did NOT go easy on these guys!! Cheating, friends and family dying, child abuse, countless life threatening injuries... this is the most ANGSTY Amy Lane book I have read to date! It is a wonder the MCs made it out alive!!
I am already an Amy Lane fan-girl, so I went into this book expecting greatness. Did I get greatness? I think I did, despite my issues with this book.
I actually didn't like the beginning. I wasn't into the way the characters were introduced. I wanted to know more about Parish and Deacon and they were kind of just thrown in there. I actually debated putting this one down for a little while but my inner voice said, "Heather, come on, it is AMY LANE. Push through, girl!" And I am so glad that I did.
What Amy Lane does better than anyone else is create these EPIC romances that feel so so real. You get a sense of the absolute depth of the love that these guys have for each other. These two fought tooth and nail for their love and their relationship and it left me feeling haggard and in awe of them as a couple. Amy Lane manages to create this affect, time and time again.
She also creates characters that are deeply flawed yet honorable. I love that she made Deacon not a saint (he is stubborn, proud, and has substance abuse issues), and Crick is rash and insecure. It makes the character feel REAL.
On the negative side, this book was almost teetering on the edge of angsty to the point of being ridiculous. I mean, what these characters went through was just unbelievable. However, Amy Lane's incredible skill as a storyteller allows her to pull this story off.
I want to keep going in the series because I want to see what happens with the secondary characters. I also want to give a shout out to Jon. I can't tell you how much I loved his relationship with Deacon. These characters all stole my heart and made me want more and more.
**Find this review and more like it on myfictionnook.com**...more
This was a nice read by new-to-me author S.A. McAuley. I think this was at one point two stories that has since been merged together to m**3.5 stars**
This was a nice read by new-to-me author S.A. McAuley. I think this was at one point two stories that has since been merged together to make one book. I can't imagine a logical break point in the story so I'm happy that it was reworked into one cohesive work.
Do you like geeky boys and hot men with disabilities? If so, this story is for you. I really dug the character of Alex. He is a Maker geek, designing a technologically advanced robot, and has little time for a personal life. I had never heard of the "Maker" movement, but it isn't hard to follow along with the story if you haven't either (if you want to check out the wikipage, here it is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maker_cu...). I happen to have a weakness for geeky men (my husband is a computer nerd!) so I automatically get all squishy inside when I read about hot geeks looking for their HEA. I also liked the character of Christian, the hot ad exec has trouble opening up after his accident. He was a character with a lot of potential and a past that I wanted to know more about.
What do I wish the author had done differently? Well, I would have liked more buildup to the romance. Things moved along quite briskly for the two guys, which isn't really my taste. I also wanted to know much more about Christian's emotional scars from his accident. For someone who claims that he has problems with intimacy, I was surprised at how quickly and easily he trusted Alex. I just could have used more tension there, more deep emotions.
I think overall this was a very enjoyable story and I am pumped to see what this author can come up with for our guys next. I also am extremely curious about Micah's relationship. I could use a whole story about how that came to be!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Merged review:
**3.5 stars**
This was a nice read by new-to-me author S.A. McAuley. I think this was at one point two stories that has since been merged together to make one book. I can't imagine a logical break point in the story so I'm happy that it was reworked into one cohesive work.
Do you like geeky boys and hot men with disabilities? If so, this story is for you. I really dug the character of Alex. He is a Maker geek, designing a technologically advanced robot, and has little time for a personal life. I had never heard of the "Maker" movement, but it isn't hard to follow along with the story if you haven't either (if you want to check out the wikipage, here it is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maker_cu...). I happen to have a weakness for geeky men (my husband is a computer nerd!) so I automatically get all squishy inside when I read about hot geeks looking for their HEA. I also liked the character of Christian, the hot ad exec has trouble opening up after his accident. He was a character with a lot of potential and a past that I wanted to know more about.
What do I wish the author had done differently? Well, I would have liked more buildup to the romance. Things moved along quite briskly for the two guys, which isn't really my taste. I also wanted to know much more about Christian's emotional scars from his accident. For someone who claims that he has problems with intimacy, I was surprised at how quickly and easily he trusted Alex. I just could have used more tension there, more deep emotions.
I think overall this was a very enjoyable story and I am pumped to see what this author can come up with for our guys next. I also am extremely curious about Micah's relationship. I could use a whole story about how that came to be!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**...more
I usually like Annabeth Albert's books, but Up All Night was hard to finish. It just felt... bland, emotionless, and didn't do it for me. It 2.5 stars
I usually like Annabeth Albert's books, but Up All Night was hard to finish. It just felt... bland, emotionless, and didn't do it for me. It took me ages to finish, which is a shame because it doesn't get me pumped up for the rest of the series. ...more
I've been complaining for awhile that Roe Horvat's books have been just sex, sex, and more sex lately, and I've been wanting a slAm I... the problem??
I've been complaining for awhile that Roe Horvat's books have been just sex, sex, and more sex lately, and I've been wanting a slow-burn romance. But then I get one and I'm grumpy??
Good grief...
I think Fool's Spring is a nice book, a fine book, but I was confused as to why it took these men forever to get to the inevitable. There is a lot of slow-burn action and small town living, but very little else happens in the story. There is no drama (like, zero), and not much else to hold a reader's attention. I didn't even quite understand why it took so long for Björn to make a move (I know, clueless Swedish man), but there was really not enough plot for my tastes. I think I like it when Roe gives us ANGST in a contemporary romance. I'm not much of a masochist, but maybe I am with his romance??
I was almost scared to read Until You by Briar Prescott as it's one of the books most universally liked by my friends. And I have to say, I don't alwaI was almost scared to read Until You by Briar Prescott as it's one of the books most universally liked by my friends. And I have to say, I don't always have the best track record with books that are the "hot" book, though I think I'm a couple years too late from catching this book at *peak* trendy.
I really, really enjoyed Until You, but it's one of those books that lets you know there is a twisty twist from the beginning. There is a set-up for some serious drama, right from the beginning, so I feel like I spent the whole book waiting for the other shoe to drop. I could just sense it coming.
I loved how the romance was slow burn, and we saw the MCs walls come slowly down and the love develop over time. I STILL knew that some $hit was going to come, so part of me was cringing and waiting for it to happen. I even predicted it, but it still didn't make it any easier to read.
I LOVEEEEE a good grovel, and I think the author sufficiently made amends for these characters. There were some sad and tense moments, and I couldn't put the story down some nights. I love how things came together by the last chapter.
Perhaps not my *favorite* book, like some of my friends, but a moving, romantic, slow-burn romance that I can fully endorse.
I have a lot of thoughts about Oyster by the wonderful Fearne Hill. Most are good, some are critical, so I'm going to share with you the good, bad, anI have a lot of thoughts about Oyster by the wonderful Fearne Hill. Most are good, some are critical, so I'm going to share with you the good, bad, and ugly.
I went into this book knowing it was a queer romance with a trans female MC, and I was excited about that. I very much enjoy reading romances with trans characters, though I usually seek them out from trans authors. I tend to find that non-trans authors treat their MCs with kid gloves, which I found to be true a bit here as well.
First of all, Fearne Hill is a beautiful writer, and she wrote this book with expressive, evocative language. I felt like I was right there in the story, on the French coast. I very much enjoyed the descriptions of everyone, especially the side characters, who are all falling apart due to the mom's impending death from cancer. The emotions were heightened, for sure, and the author really allowed the readers to feel everything.
For the romance, I enjoyed the slow-ish burn and the evolving physical and emotional aspects of their relationship, but I felt like it was a bit... shmoopy. There was no real tension or disagreements between the MCs, and it felt like Eti could do no wrong. Nico was just smitten and showered constant flattery on Eti, and it all felt very... one note. I can't describe it, but I wish the couple had something more gritty about them. It was very fairytale, and I wanted a bit more realism. Yes, I know this is romance, but the other characters were all flawed and had issues, so I wish we got more of that with the main couple. Don't get me wrong, I think their romance was lovely, but it was almost too smooth for me.
I also can't really make up my mind as to how Eti was received at the end by her family and friends without giving away spoilers, but I know if the situation was analogous to the US, it would have been a huge deal and not nearly as smooth, I fear. I'm curious if the telling was just wishful thinking or if Europe is just more evolved than we are.
I found the overall plot of the story to be very compelling. I didn't want to put it down, and I read it quickly. I still think Fearne Hill's "Surfing the Waves" series to be my favorite, but this was a very lovely read.
I'll go with 3.5 stars here. A nice story but it didn't wow me like it did most of my GR friends. Sorry guys!! :(
I'll start with the fact that I'm noI'll go with 3.5 stars here. A nice story but it didn't wow me like it did most of my GR friends. Sorry guys!! :(
I'll start with the fact that I'm not crazy about menages in general, but I really loved Fun with Dick and Shane so I figured I would give a true m/m/m book a go.
My initial reaction to the writing style was what the heck is going on here? I felt like how the guys got together was so weirdly brought about. I didn't even feel like they liked each other before that initial sex scenes where Caleb watched Chris and Scott hook up. I had no sense that they were falling for Caleb as a person, that they wanted to seek a relationship with him. I think the writing style just felt disconnected to me.
Aside from that, I think this just might be me, but I got a bit...confused... during their sex scenes. I spent half the time trying to figure out who was where. I kept going back and rereading the scenes to puzzle out the arrangement. I needed a diagram half the time!
Once the threesome got together, I felt like the book improved. It was more emotional and sexier. However, still never felt "in" their relationship. Partially, admittedly, because of my own prejudices about polyamory: Like Chris's mom, I have my doubts about its long-term success (don't get mad at me folks!). I like leaving my men assured in their happily ever after.
Well, my foray into 3-way relationships was a mild success! I certainly enjoyed this book, even if it doesn't make my "love it" list.
Merged review:
I'll go with 3.5 stars here. A nice story but it didn't wow me like it did most of my GR friends. Sorry guys!! :(
I'll start with the fact that I'm not crazy about menages in general, but I really loved Fun with Dick and Shane so I figured I would give a true m/m/m book a go.
My initial reaction to the writing style was what the heck is going on here? I felt like how the guys got together was so weirdly brought about. I didn't even feel like they liked each other before that initial sex scenes where Caleb watched Chris and Scott hook up. I had no sense that they were falling for Caleb as a person, that they wanted to seek a relationship with him. I think the writing style just felt disconnected to me.
Aside from that, I think this just might be me, but I got a bit...confused... during their sex scenes. I spent half the time trying to figure out who was where. I kept going back and rereading the scenes to puzzle out the arrangement. I needed a diagram half the time!
Once the threesome got together, I felt like the book improved. It was more emotional and sexier. However, still never felt "in" their relationship. Partially, admittedly, because of my own prejudices about polyamory: Like Chris's mom, I have my doubts about its long-term success (don't get mad at me folks!). I like leaving my men assured in their happily ever after.
Well, my foray into 3-way relationships was a mild success! I certainly enjoyed this book, even if it doesn't make my "love it" list....more
Ugh this book was like the New Year's Eve Time Square ball of ratings for me. I started off with 5 stars...then 4...3...2...
If it wasn't for the flasUgh this book was like the New Year's Eve Time Square ball of ratings for me. I started off with 5 stars...then 4...3...2...
If it wasn't for the flashback scenes this would have dropped to 1 star. Let me explain why. I adored the first part of the book. I liked the amnesia plot line and thought that the book was going in a really cool direction. All until Noah got his memory back. Then the book went waaaay down hill. It started with the irritatingly constant "angel" and "sweetheart" talk, and just turned to the ridiculous when it was revealed how Noah and Clark split in the first point (view spoiler)[ WTF Noah! Clark is a moron for forgiving you so easily for your stupid actions and you are moron for doing something for such a stupid reason in the first place. It makes absolutely no sense. I was expecting anger and angst not instant forgiveness. What a waste Cardeno C. (hide spoiler)]. Then, Noah's totally over the top and aggressive possessiveness (which, BTW, would be considered just sick in a M/F book but for some reason is acceptable here?? I don't think so). Also, for some reason, I had a hard time following who was narrating each chapter. The POV changes were difficult for me.
Thankfully, the flashback scenes were sweet and lovely. I wish the story was more in that tone. I might read the next book in the series because I have heard good things about it. Unfortunately, this one was a miss for me.
Merged review:
Ugh this book was like the New Year's Eve Time Square ball of ratings for me. I started off with 5 stars...then 4...3...2...
If it wasn't for the flashback scenes this would have dropped to 1 star. Let me explain why. I adored the first part of the book. I liked the amnesia plot line and thought that the book was going in a really cool direction. All until Noah got his memory back. Then the book went waaaay down hill. It started with the irritatingly constant "angel" and "sweetheart" talk, and just turned to the ridiculous when it was revealed how Noah and Clark split in the first point (view spoiler)[ WTF Noah! Clark is a moron for forgiving you so easily for your stupid actions and you are moron for doing something for such a stupid reason in the first place. It makes absolutely no sense. I was expecting anger and angst not instant forgiveness. What a waste Cardeno C. (hide spoiler)]. Then, Noah's totally over the top and aggressive possessiveness (which, BTW, would be considered just sick in a M/F book but for some reason is acceptable here?? I don't think so). Also, for some reason, I had a hard time following who was narrating each chapter. The POV changes were difficult for me.
Thankfully, the flashback scenes were sweet and lovely. I wish the story was more in that tone. I might read the next book in the series because I have heard good things about it. Unfortunately, this one was a miss for me....more
I'll admit, I'm a dedicated romance reader, but I think to mix it up every now and then with some women's fiction. This book is a mash-up between the two, heavy on the self-discovery and light on the romance. There are also multiple narrators, which took some getting used to.
I kind of like that this book took me to some unexpected places. As a romance reader, you kind of have an inkling as to where the story might take you, but this author kept me on my toes. I found the romance parts to be less impactful than I was hoping, but the flashbacks and the side characters were WAY more impactful. The story made me actually sob at times. It reminded me as to why I went into dentistry when I originally was going to be a physician: sickness and death are freaking horrifically sad.
The setting was also pretty magical to me. I'm writing this review on my way to the Cape (we go to Nantucket every summer), so the setting really hit home for me. I could picture every single aspect of the story.
I couldn't put this one down (even when I wanted to, at times). Heed the content warnings, and be prepared to be wow-ed by this one.
I really enjoy all of Fearne Hill's books, and Salt was no different. But you have to be in the mood for a more emotional, heavier read.
I think that I really enjoy all of Fearne Hill's books, and Salt was no different. But you have to be in the mood for a more emotional, heavier read.
I think that the author handled the difficult topic of mental illness and depression very well. It was hard, as a reader, to feel when Charles went off the rails, and I think Fearne really brought us into his mental state. I felt the stress, the loneliness, and the desperation of Charles, and I thought Florian's connection to him was quite beautiful. Florian was also pretty great, and the deep love he has for his grandfather and friends shines through. The side plot with his ailing grandfather was also very compelling, and I found myself getting emotional at times while reading.
The book was for sure a moodier read, and I don't know if the romance quite balanced the heavier side of the book, but I enjoyed it nevertheless. I wanted to be in France, tasting the different salts and watching shirtless men rake it in the Mediterranean sun.
I love Lisa Henry, and it pains me to not love one of her books, but Full Throttle was hard for me to get through. Maybe I shouldn't read booksEhhhhh
I love Lisa Henry, and it pains me to not love one of her books, but Full Throttle was hard for me to get through. Maybe I shouldn't read books about sports I have less than zero interest in???
I think my biggest issue with this #totallyfine story was that the romance was extremely tepid. Like, it was the cottage cheese of romances. It existed, but the chemistry just didn't click for me. The story was fine and mildly interesting, and nothing was wrong with the rest of the book, but I felt totally indifferent about the romance.
I haven't read the other books in this collaborative series (and I'm probably not going to read them), but this book was underwhelming.
Gorgeous sequel to "My Brother's Husband," but I was left still wanting more. Recommended for all ages. Really moving series. Gorgeous sequel to "My Brother's Husband," but I was left still wanting more. Recommended for all ages. Really moving series. ...more
Okay.... OMG, guys. I can't stop thinking about this graphic novBRB, going to scream everywhere about how much I loved My Brother's Husband, Volume 1.
Okay.... OMG, guys. I can't stop thinking about this graphic novel/manga. The storyline is just so incredible. I don't know how the author got just the right mix of painful, moving, and hopeful, but Gengoroh Tagame nailed it.
I know this might sound trite to say, but I really learned a lot from this story. It's eye-opening how gay people are viewed in Japan, which is still a very traditional country. This story is the journey towards acceptance, told through the lens of a widower and his husband's brother. Touching doesn't even begin to describe this one. Such a powerful graphic novel with so few words.
But the ILLUSTRATIONS... *fans self.* This is an all-ages story, and I'm giving it to my teenage daughter next, but the drawings will make you swoon. Trust me, I've never been so attracted to a drawing before. You will want to read this author's less family friendly offerings next (after finishing this series of course).
I'm over the moon that I have this in hardcover. 1000% recommend.
Heather K (dentist in my spare time)
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