I'm a huge, huge fan of the entire Winterbourne series, and I know I could have lovedThe Labours of Lord Perry Cavendish if it had another 100 pages I'm a huge, huge fan of the entire Winterbourne series, and I know I could have lovedThe Labours of Lord Perry Cavendish if it had another 100 pages of content... but, unfortunately, it didn't.
This book had SO much potential! Gah! I love an opposites attract story (a fussy, neurotic MC is my jam), and I'm a TOTAL sucker for a neurodiverse MC (readers will easily pick up that Perry is dyslexic), PLUS a virgin (!!), but this book really needed more time for the romance.
My issues with novellas are that they are extremely hard to pace correctly, and often the relationship development suffers as a result. However, here, the pre-relationship parts and conflict were done well, but the actual resolution and romance were rushed at the end. I found that Jonny was too uncommunicative with Perry, and Perry assumed too much about Jonny's feelings, and that lead to too much page-time spent on miscommunications and not enough time building them as a couple.
I'm in love with Jonny and Perry as characters, but I don't think this story *quite* did them justice.
It's rare that I read that far into a book and leave it with no rating, but I didn't feel right about rating Against the Grain.DNF at 54%. No rating.
It's rare that I read that far into a book and leave it with no rating, but I didn't feel right about rating Against the Grain. Sometimes, Jay Hogan work for me, and sometimes they linger on my shelf for months, half read. This is one of those cases.
In theory, I should have loved Against the Grain. I recently ADORED Off Balance, which featured a chronically ill MC, and I've been fascinated with wheelchair rugby since I watched Murderball all those years ago (I actually re-watched prior to reading this book because I was so excited). But, alas, this book and I weren't meant to be.
When I have issues with a Jay Hogan book, it's always because they start to feel too long and too unfocused. Her books tend to be very long, over 350 pages, and I often wish the editing was tighter so 50 pages or so could have been trimmed off. Against the Grain felt like it meandered for a long time with no direction, and I found my mind wandering for so much in the middle of the book that I totally lost the motivation to pick it back up again.
Would I have been able to read through the whole thing in a non-Covid time? Maybe. That's why I hesitate to give this book a rating. It takes a snappy plot and a very well-written story to hold my attention right now, especially because alone-time is non-existent at the moment. Do I think many readers would enjoy this book, especially if they have read this whole series? For sure.
Not the book for me at this point in time, but I'm not discounting it for the future.
I really like K.M. Neuhold, but I don't think poly romances are my thing, especially when they are as schmoopy as this one.
Unexpected was like a instI really like K.M. Neuhold, but I don't think poly romances are my thing, especially when they are as schmoopy as this one.
Unexpected was like a insta-lovey, cuddly teddybear of a romance. I found it both adorable and 100% unbelievable.
Once this triad got together (and, seriously everyone and their mother is in a throuple in this book), it was all heart faces and kissing and no jealousy. I mean... none! I was expecting some adjustment from going from a married couple to three people, but it was insta love, insta rainbows. Come. On.
Lots of packing lunch for each other, lots of kisses and cuddles, and, to be honest, I don't really remember if anything else happened... lots of selling clothing?
Cute story, especially if you like this sort of thing, but it wasn't my bag. Bonus points for a femme MC, though.
Tough Guy is a very different book from Heated Rivalry, which was one of my favorite books of 2019. It's a more... angsty story, a lot we*3.75 stars*
Tough Guy is a very different book from Heated Rivalry, which was one of my favorite books of 2019. It's a more... angsty story, a lot weightier, and though I enjoyed it, I didn't adore it like the second in the series.
I loved the fact that we get a confident, femme MC. I'm always into books with MCs who play with gender and blur the lines, and so Fabian was a real pleasure to read. I adored his confidence, and though he edged towards too judgmental and unsupportive of Ryan at times, he was a sweet character with an amazing group of friends. In fact, I think he had the best friend group I've read about in a long time.
Ryan really touched me. As an anxious person with a child who suffers from anxiety, I really related to him and his struggles. He is a gentle giant, even with his job as an enforcer. I loved that he was so very different from the typical male romance MC. He was so sweet and so earnest that my heart really went out to him. Also, his sexual difficulties aren't usually discussed in romance, which I found to be refreshing. Real relationships have challenges and aren't all sex, all the time (well, most of the time!).
While I found the pairing to be really lovely and with great chemistry, I found the plot to be slightly slow. I read the book quickly, but I didn't feel that urgency to finish that I do with a 5-star read.
If you want an opposites attract romance with some hockey angst to boot and MCs that you don't usually see in romance, this will be the story for you. I think Rachel Reid is on a great roll with this series.
Look, I'm a daddy-kink aficionado, but this book rubbed me in all the wrong ways.
Poly books aren't my thing, but I'm legit obsessed with the Fun WitLook, I'm a daddy-kink aficionado, but this book rubbed me in all the wrong ways.
Poly books aren't my thing, but I'm legit obsessed with the Fun With Dick and Shane series (Gilli-fans, FOREVS) so I figured I'd enjoy this one. Right? Not so much...
I don't think I like sadist daddy doms, and, to be honest, the book didn't feel very daddy to me. Just too much regular BDSM, which isn't my thing. I didn't think the kink was very well established, and I thought many, many more discussions were needed before these three jumped into their lovey arrangement.
I also felt like Lucas was an afterthought and Colt was a dick. Yeah, I said it.
I think daddy/little books have to be done just right, and this wasn't it for me.
I had forgotten how much I truly love Barbara Elsborg but this book brought it right back. Edge of ForeverRussian cowboy, opposites-attract nirvana.
I had forgotten how much I truly love Barbara Elsborg but this book brought it right back. Edge of Forever is all that is good and special about Barbara Elsborg's writing, wrapped up in one glorious package.
If you haven't read this author before, you are in for a treat. Her books are a unique mix of really funny and really angsty, which is an unusual combination. I'll admit, sometimes her books veer too dark for me (and this book should have a *trigger warning* for sexual abuse of minors), but Edge of Forever really was a perfect balance of pain and pleasure.
What Barbara Elsborg does better than almost any other author is her absolutely dead-funny banter. This book is witty, and sarcastic, vulnerable, lovely Pasha was a perfect example of a Barbara Elsborg main character done right. I adored Pasha... like, REALLY loved him, and I loved his chemistry with Levi.
You should also know that the angst in this book is real and it will punch you in the guts. I struggled through a couple sections, but most of the book is focused on Pasha and Levi's relationship development in the cold, tough environment of the Russian wintery countryside. The details were lovely and real, and it made me want to ride horses and make out in the middle of a snowdrift (probably an idea that is better in my mind than in real life...).
From about 50% on, I couldn't put this book down. I sat for a VERY long time in my local coffee shop reading with tears in my eyes because my EMOTIONS were just overflowing. It isn't a sad or scary book, but the story will make you push with all your soul for these characters to get their HEA.
I loved the story from start to finish, and that epilogue made me *squee* out loud. I could have read a thousand pages of this couple and never get bored. A total winner.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*...more
I loved, loved, loved Femme by the very witty Marshall Thornton, but Masc didn't quite have the same effect on me, though I enjoyed it overall.
LionelI loved, loved, loved Femme by the very witty Marshall Thornton, but Masc didn't quite have the same effect on me, though I enjoyed it overall.
Lionel and Dog are a great couple. They are complete opposites, and they really balance one another. There is always that great wit and humor between them, especially from Lionel, however, this book was a lot less funny and a lot more serious than Femme.
Just a couple things to get out of the way:Masc cannot be read as a stand-alone. It just can't. It's a continuation of Femme, so you really need that background information. Also, those who don't like their HEAs messed with in any way might not like the ups and downs in Dog and Lionel's relationship in this story. Finally, trigger warnings for sexual harrassment and unwanted touching.
There were a lot of deep parts in Masc, mostly about being true to who you are, similar to the messages from Femme. I liked the overall story, but I was really hoping for something more funny and light and less intense, though there were some really amusing moments.
I enjoyed this book, but, if I'm being completely honest, I almost wish I stopped at Femme. I like my HEAs to stay undisturbed.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*...more
I'm obsessed with the At First Sight series, and The Queen & the Homo Jock King is one of my comfort **Warning: Gratuitous gifs ahead**
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I'm obsessed with the At First Sight series, and The Queen & the Homo Jock King is one of my comfort reads. It is pure FUN- just outlandish, ridiculous, yet insanely heartfelt FUN. It strikes the perfect balance for me, and this book and Tell Me It's Real are my go-tos when I'm feeling down.
I won't fully recap the book because I've reviewed it before (check out my original review here), but I will say that it is a story for lovers of the style of Tell Me It's Real. If you like a slow-burn love story that is full one one-liners, characters exploding with personality, and sexual tension like WOAH, then you MUST read this series.
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However, because this series is so near and dear to me, I avoided the audiobooks for a long time.
I am a huge audio lover, but sometimes an imperfect narrator will ruin a favorite book of mine, and the book is never the same again for me. And I actually get MAD about that, and I kick myself for spoiling something that I loved.
However, there was a TON of buzz around this series in audio, and I decided to dip my toe in with Tell Me It's Real. And, truthfully, Michael Lesley simply crushed it, just absolutely owned that narration, and so I decided to take a chance and move on with the series.
Between listening to TMiR and TQatHJK, I met Michael Lesley in person, and I was a teeny, tiny bit worried that meeting him would ruin my ability to get into the story. I was concerned that I would picture Michael Lesley talking instead of, say, Helena, which would be a bummer. Honestly, I shouldn't have worried because Michael Lesley so thoroughly throws himself into each character that it is hard to picture anyone but the characters themselves talking. His voices were DIVINE! Simply inspired, and I don't say that lightly. I can't picture anyone else reading those voices, and the fact that T.J. Klune picked him was pure fate.
The audio is long and insane in the best way (I knew it would be). Don't read this book if you don't want to experience a fabulous queen who is more than just a diva, BFFs who will dress in disguise for their friends, Nanas with floggers, old people exploring their sexual preferences, and some very interesting sex in some very interesting locations.
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However, if you love T.J. Klune, and I know you do, then you MUST check this audiobook out. You'll thank me later.
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*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*...more
A sweet story with two likable MCs, I think with a little tweaking this one could have knocked my socks off.
This book isn't my first rodeo with a genA sweet story with two likable MCs, I think with a little tweaking this one could have knocked my socks off.
This book isn't my first rodeo with a genderqueer MC, and I was excited to try another one. I think Annabeth Albert did a great job with the characterization of Kendall, but I had some issues that I feel pretty conflicted about.
A lot of the book is focused around Kendall's gender identity and how he is perceived and treated by others. On the one hand, the author really had to devote a bunch of time explaining and delving into being genderqueer because, even in the QUILTBAG community, it isn't that well understood or accepted, in my opinion. Hell, I'd wager that a big portion of my friends don't even know what genderqueer is. I think that page time talking about Kendall's feelings about his outward presentation and gender were warranted, even needed. However, in a novella-length book, I think that it was a tough squeeze. Though I felt like I understood Kendall as a person, I didn't feel like enough page time was spent on the chemistry between Kendall and Todd.
Similarly, I felt like I understood Todd and his struggles growing up and with addiction a great deal, but I didn't fully feel the pull between him and Kendall. The start of something was there, but there needed to be more something for me to get the depth of emotion that I craved.
The dancing was super sweet, and I love, LOVED how Kendall was the bossier, more in charge one (*wink, wink*) in a lot of ways. I wish I even got more heat out of the story because the sex scenes felt a little meh to me, but that's also more expected in a novella-length story with a slow build-up to sex.
Though Kendall and Todd were good complements, the story felt very heavy, like the two didn't have a lot of light moments together. Things felt serious to me, and I wish I had a longer book where the two MCs could just enjoy one another a little more.
In addition, I had some issues with the little miscommunications back and forth and the seemingly pointless drama near the end. Things also wrapped up very neatly and abruptly, which I also didn't love.
Though I'm sort of nitpicking, the story overall left me with a positive feeling. I love that Annabeth Albert, one of my favorite authors, is taking some real chances and stepping outside the box, and I hope I see more diverse characters from her in the future.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*...more
Marshall Thornton is a great writer, and though he isn't as popular as some of the big-name M/M autho*Price drop to $0.99 today at Amazon US, 1/25/19*
Marshall Thornton is a great writer, and though he isn't as popular as some of the big-name M/M authors, he always wows me every time I read one of his books. Sure enough, as soon as I started Femme, I knew it was going to be an awesome read. In fact, I couldn't put it down all weekend!
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This book was FUN! I really enjoy Marshall Thornton's sense of humor, and it was out to shine in this story. Our MC, Lionel, is femme and fearless, not afraid to rock heals and a pink crop top and let his queer flag fly. I adored Lionel, and I found him to be strong, interesting, and so, so funny. Doug (aka, Dog), was dense and clueless at first (you will all want to smack him), but through trial and error (after error, after error), he finally gets his act together. I was rooting for Doug, even when he was an ass, and I liked him and Lionel together.
What I found really interesting is that while this book is primarily funny and light, it also had some more serious moments, some instances that made me really stand back and think. I ended up highlighting a bunch of quotes as I read that I found to be particularly profound.
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If you don't mind a mostly sex-free book with one of my FAVORITE dynamics with a femme guy (you'll see, near the end), and you are looking for something light and funny, but with some really thoughtful content, pick up Femme. You won't be sorry.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
OH, I forgot to mention, but this is important: Marshall, you need to get yourself a better editor. I found the editing errors to be really distracting. I managed without it, but the book could be a LOT cleaner. ...more
I must be missing something crucial here, guys, because EVERYONE loves this but me! I had to push myself through it, andDissenting opinion, alert!
I must be missing something crucial here, guys, because EVERYONE loves this but me! I had to push myself through it, and I still couldn't muster up enough motivation to finish this one. Feel free to ignore me, guys, because something HAS to be off with me. Right??
Where do I even start? I'm really shocked at how much everyone else seems to love this one, whereas I was nearly banging my head in frustration. I'll try to break down my issues for all interested parties. I WISH I could have loved this one too.
To start, yes, this book is a GFY. Now, it's no secret that I love what most people classify as GFY. Now, my definition of GFY may or may not be the same as yours. I absolutely don't believe that a magic penis can turn a straight guy gay, or that you can be "gay" just for one person. What I like is really a sexual discovery story, more like a later-in-life bisexuality discovery, or the realization that your sexuality is more fluid than you once thought. I like stories where an intense friendship turns into something deeper, or feelings develop over a period of time and an attraction builds. Either these men have always been interested in men and just repressed it, or these guys just didn't see the possibility before, but I like stories where something new emerges.
This story was NOT the type of GFY/BFY story that I like. First of all, I found it nearly impossible to believe that Fitch was 100% straight without any hint of attraction to a man, but at just a glance at Ansel made Fitch want him more than any woman, ever. I just didn't buy it. I WISH, and I mean wish so hard, that the author had made Fitch just a closeted gay man so I could have bought that initial attraction story. I just couldn't fit my brain around the GFY set up. And Fitch not having an inkling of attraction to other men while watching porn but couldn't get enough of Ansel's business when they were naked... nah.
I also really hated the insta-love (or intense insta-lust, I guess you could call it).
His arms shook as he looked down at this stranger who was fast becoming as familiar as his own heart.
<--- that line of the book was ON THE FIRST DATE. As familiar as your own heart?? Wha?? Please, you don't even know each other!
I didn't get the level of emotional intensity that these two men had for each other. Other than Ansel's looks, I really didn't see why Fitch was so enamored with him. I really struggled to find the dialogue to explain their connection, but I didn't see it other than with sex.
These two guys were all over each other with sex, sex, sex and constant hard cocks, and I was just rolling my eyes the whole time. Everyone else found these sex scenes very hot, so my hotness meter must just be busted! First of all, I still found it hard to believe that someone who considered himself straight, up until the moment he saw Ansel (and still refers to himself as straight, I might add), would attack gay sex with such gusto. No hesitations, really? I honestly found it hard to fathom.
The story-line with Ansel's family and addiction issues is one that I've read time and time again, and while I'm a sucker for this type of plot, it wasn't enough to hold my interest here. It doesn't help that I've recently read a few stories with similar plot lines, either.
Finally, and this is a very minor issue, but I could tell that the author wasn't from the NYC area, or if she is, she doesn't know it well. There were a few minor missteps with location details that bugged me, but I think very few readers would pick up on them.
I was so tired of this story that I DNFed at 72%. I was not motivated at all to see what happened between Ansel and Fitch, and I finally gave in and put the book down. I'm giving this book the benefit of the doubt and giving it 2 stars, but I honestly didn't enjoy it.
Sorry, friends. I'll go hide out on my island of haters now.
I absolutely love stories with drag queens, first and foremost, because I think a man who can dress up and strut his stuff is braver than I'll ever beI absolutely love stories with drag queens, first and foremost, because I think a man who can dress up and strut his stuff is braver than I'll ever be. However, I've read a number of stories about men going in their drag outfits to "fool" someone else, whether it is family or friends or whoever, for a love interest. This was a cute story, but, to be honest, didn't really stand out for me.
Boone is attracted to women, and has a very close connection with his gay best friend, Rob. And though he isn't sure, Boone starts to have a sneaking suspicion that he might be attracted to Rob, too. I love same-sex attraction discovery stories or GFY/OFY/BFY stories (however you want to classify them), so I was interested in this book for that reason as well. The bisexual part of the story was nicely done, with Boone not angstying too much about it. I wish there was a little more build-up, some more sexual tension between Boone and Rob, but that is hard to get in a novella.
If you like a sweet, mostly drama-free story about accepting Southern families and friends-to-lovers, then you should try this one. It isn't anything super memorable, but I think it'll be a crowd-pleaser.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I'm going to Meryl Streep the CRAP out of this review!
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OMG, guys. Like, for real!
I read ****Only $0.99 today at Amazon US! 5/1/19!***
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I'm going to Meryl Streep the CRAP out of this review!
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OMG, guys. Like, for real!
I read Tell Me It's Real almost exactly three years ago. Almost to the day. It was my first T.J. Klune book, and I had NO idea what I was getting myself into.
I made the unfortunate (fortunate??) mistake of reading Tell Me It's Real on an airplane, and I laughed so hard that I snorted coffee out of my nose while crammed in a coach seat between my husband and a stranger. I'm a very classy lady, I know.
This time around was probably going to be different, I thought. I prepped myself to not get my expectations up too high. I mean, I've read a LOT of books between then and now, and sometimes T.J.'s books can get a little OTT for me.
So I started reading The Queen & the Homo Jock King, casually with minimal expectations (yeah, right). But then it hit me... I looked at WHERE I was reading.
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IT WAS MEANT TO BEEEEEEEEEE.
This book was one delicious, cracked-out treat. And I ADORED it!
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If you didn't like the first book, don't even think about reading this one. It is just as crazy, hilarious, and insane as the first, and I mean that in the best possible way. We get more conversations with Nana and Paul's parents (love them!), more uncomfortable foot-in-mouth moments, and more Sandy than ever before. The plot was pretty nonsensical, but I honestly couldn't have cared less. It was touching, sexy (yes, we get the sexiest T.J. Klune sex-scene to date, but you have to wait until the end for it), and completely memorable. I didn't burn my nostrils with coffee this time, but I kind of wanted to because it was so good.
And we get all of that, PLUS DRAG QUEENS.
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I couldn't get enough of Helena Handbasket, and I loved how she made Darren wait for it! Their relationship was full of sexual tension and it was slow-burny enough to satisfy me.
This series has a total soft spot in my heart. I thought that the length was perfect (though it is really long), and I didn't think that it was too unfocused or that too much time was spent on side characters.
It was that unique blend of utterly hilarious and totally heartfelt that only T.J. Klune can pull off. If you were a fan of Tell Me It's Real, run (don't walk) to buy this one.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
So much to say about this one! I have to just start spewing things out before I forget!
I want to talk about the narration of the audiobook firs[image]
So much to say about this one! I have to just start spewing things out before I forget!
I want to talk about the narration of the audiobook first because I think that that was key to my overall feeling/rating for the book. This was a very difficult book to narrate, both because of the range of voices required and how much they needed to differ in tone. John-Paul Barrel did a very nice job differentiating between voices. In fact, I was really impressed how he managed to go from the super deep voice of six foot seven inch, 300 pound Jamal Jones to the higher register of Trixie LaRue. This narrator tried soooo hard to get it right! I want to really applaud him on his effort.
However, though his range of voices was really good, I didn't really like his cadence. The narration was very choppy feelings with lots of pauses and hesitations. It didn't sound like normal conversation, more like someone trying to read a book, if that makes sense. I like when my audiobooks sound more fluid and less forced. I think I would listen to this narrator again, if only to see if the way he narrated was due to the difficulty of this particular book or if that is his style.
In terms of content, I partly loved the story, partly hated it. I love the theme of closeted jock and more femme guy, so based on that alone I was biased towards it. I liked how Jamal fell for Trixie and Trevor, and how supportive Jamal's family was. It was a sweet story, and I was rooting for all the MCs. I also didn't mind Jamal being in the closet because I really understood his POV.
But some of the parts of the story just irked me. I HATED the character of Lavinda, who was the typical EVIL (with horns!) female character. It was sooooo not what would happen in real life. Girl was legit insane, and I had no idea why anyone humored her.
I also HATE when author's use a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING as a plot point. Just NO. It is one of those things that makes me want to bash my head on a wall. That coupled with the "I'm breaking up with you because I know what's best for you/I don't want to communicate" is just the worst.
This book also had a lot of plot points that sort of trail off into nowhere's land. Some peter out, but others feel like ideas that the author just threw in there but didn't fully flesh out. Things like Trevor's family and Jamal's teammates could have used more depth.
Overall, I enjoyed this book but recognized its flaws.
But that cover tho... me likey.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*...more
A gay virgin story, my holy grail. Praise thee who creates delicious st**WOAH! FREE today for a limited time at ARe, 10/8/15 https://t.co/7dpQ4ebnsi**
A gay virgin story, my holy grail. Praise thee who creates delicious stories of men discovering the joys of gay sex. Forever and ever, amen.
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When I saw the blurb for this story, I was ALL OVER IT. I get crazy when I see a story that falls into the GFY/OFY umbrella! This is certainly an out-for-you story, or maybe a gay discovery story, or a "face the facts" kind of story. Either way, I'm a Neanderthal when it comes to these kinds of reads. I get all drooly and happy.
But just because I like the idea behind something, doesn't mean it's an automatic home run. The author still has to execute. It just so happens that Tara Lain did just that. The author created a loveable, believable, squee-worthy story that I think most readers will adore.
First of all, who wouldn't love the combo of a construction worker and a stylist? I love a good opposites-attract story! Also, I always enjoy when we see a MC that is a little more on the effeminate side. I liked how Shaz wasn't another burly guy. I like some hip swaying and some snazzy dressers in my stories! It was a sweet combo, and I immediately GOT the chemistry between Shaz and Billy.
My one complaint, and it sort of irked me more and more over time, was the cheesy dialogue during the sex scenes. First-timer sex can be so HOTTTTT (extra Ts needed!), and I feel like some of that oomph was taken away by the strange chatter during nooky time.
Still an easy, surprisingly low angst read that was JUST what the doctor ordered. I'd read more in this series any day of the week!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Some stories work better in audiobook than in print, and I think this is one of them. The main complaint of most readers seems to be[image]
*3.5 stars*
Some stories work better in audiobook than in print, and I think this is one of them. The main complaint of most readers seems to be the over-the-top language of Justin, but in audiobook form, he was positively charming. If sweet, family-centric love stories with a butch/fem pairing are your thing, than this is the audiobook for you!
This was an unusual Amy Lane for me. It has almost no sex content whatsoever, which is REALLY rare for this author, and it was pretty low angst. Apparently, this is Amy Lane: Holiday edition. And, I'll admit, I enjoyed it. It was an adorable, quick listen (nicely narrated by Gomez Pugh), and while it lacked a bit of relationship development and a lacked a lot of steam, it was a very satisfying novella.
If you are looking for a little something to put you in the holiday spirit, then you can't go wrong with this one.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
What an interesting, creative little book this was! While the world-building was top notch, the romance left a lot to be desired.
This is *3.5 stars*
What an interesting, creative little book this was! While the world-building was top notch, the romance left a lot to be desired.
This is a complex book about a mysterious psychic prostitute, a shapeshifting policeman, and a series of gruesome murders. It reminded me in vague ways of Hell & High Water: It is like its less snarky, more intense older brother.
What this book does exceedingly well is atmosphere. This was an awesome and somewhat terrifying futuristic world where people have been irrevocably altered during a fictional WWIII. The concept was really well executed. You could tell that Lissa Kasey did some serious brainstorming with this one. I was pretty surprised by both the thoroughness of the plot and the uniqueness of the concepts throughout the story. The mystery had a lot of twists and turns, but made total sense at the end. Though there were a few plot elements left dangling and issues that went unresolved, overall the storyline was very strong.
The characters were interesting too. Aki, with his sparkly shoe fetish and his affinity for pretty things, and Shane, with his gruff masculinity, made an odd but wonderful match. This is a book for lovers of men on the more femme side of the gender spectrum, to be sure.
While this book was incredibly fascinating, it didn't quite work for me as a romance. I never really got a sense of why Aki and Shane liked one another. Aki felt distant and dispassionate, and I was never sure if he actually liked Shane as more than just a sexual partner. Also, I HATED the BDSM element. I thought it felt like an awkward fit for the story and it felt like it was just thrown in there to add a sexual element that wasn't really needed.
In the end, I liked this story a great deal, but had some issues with it that kept my rating below 4 stars. I think Lissa Kasey's imagination shone in this book, and fans of Sci-fi and fantasy will really get into this one.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**...more
Of course I loved this one! I mean, it's Greg Tremblay and Rhys Ford! Greg Tremblay is a MASTER at audiobooks and Rhys was on her game, giving [image]
Of course I loved this one! I mean, it's Greg Tremblay and Rhys Ford! Greg Tremblay is a MASTER at audiobooks and Rhys was on her game, giving him a kick-ass story. It was blissfully, awesomely perfect.
I swear, Greg Tremblay gives me a book hangover each time I listen to him. The next audiobook after one of his can just never, ever compare! He is at the tippy top of his game, and he shows off his skills here in book #4 of the Cole McGinnis series. I know I always fan-girl all over this narrator but he is just that good! Chills, honestly chills. Why can't all M/M audiobooks be at this level?
Okay, now that my gushing is over, I'll talk a little about the story. For the first time since I started reading this series I knew each character and didn't get anyone confused! <--- huge milestone. I followed the mystery easily, and I loved every second of it. It is amazing how attached I've become to these characters. I feel like they are my little, insane, zany M/M romance second family. Does that make me weird?
I think that Cole and Jae's relationship reached a new level of maturity in this book. They felt in sync, cohesive, and it was lovely to witness. I'm also obsessed with Bobby and what the next book has in store for him *rubs hands gleefully*.
I give up. I don't think I'll ever be able to say anything critical of this series because it has such a huge chunk of my heart. Rhys Ford has made a die-hard fan out of me and Greg Tremblay has ruined me for other narrators. And I love them both for it.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**...more
Gorgeously, perfectly done. I adored it... even if the book really isn't my genre.
K.J. Charles is changing the face of M/M, I'm telling you. She keepGorgeously, perfectly done. I adored it... even if the book really isn't my genre.
K.J. Charles is changing the face of M/M, I'm telling you. She keeps coming up with this brilliant, well written stuff that elevates the whole genre. Think of England is another exceptional book and I loved it almost as much as her The Magpie Lord series.
Is it a GFY? No, I wouldn't say so. This book is sort of like a coming of age or sexual awakening, only the person waking up is way past adolescence. Curtis was glorious in his discovery of his same-sex tendencies. Deliciously hot. I was also obsessed with Daniel, who was flawlessly written.
It was strange for me seeing a character openly mocked for being Jewish. I'm so spoiled living where I live, both geographically and in this period of history. I've never encountered outright antisemitism. I'll admit, reading some of the insults against Daniel stung a little. It just made me admire him eons more. He had the triple whammy of being Jewish, Portuguese, and obviously gay in a time where none of those things were tolerated. I was in awe of his strength, resilience, and his ability to adapt. I could read books and books about Daniel.
Though this book was nearly perfect in many respects, it still, at it's core, isn't the type of book that I can easily give 5 stars to. I simply don't enjoy mysteries and suspense that much. Too much danger makes me impossibly anxious and sweaty, and no one likes a sweaty Heather! This book gave me the cold sweats, and I found myself rushing it a bit because I had too much anxiety about what was to happen next.
Oddly enough, I can tolerate suspense and danger in my paranormal book much easier. I think in those types of reads, I KNOW the hero is going to pull some magic out of his arse and get the bad guys. But with real people? Real situations, like in this book? Yeah, I'm not strong enough.
So, yes, this book was amazing. Yes, all of the reviews are correct. And, YES, I'm happy that sweat-fest is over....more
I'm beginning to think Cop Out was a fluke. I loved that book and was SO excited to read all the others in the series. Sadly, neit[image]
**2.5 stars**
I'm beginning to think Cop Out was a fluke. I loved that book and was SO excited to read all the others in the series. Sadly, neither of the two other books lived up to the first.
I'll start with the positives. I have a thing for the audiobook narrator for this series, Tristan James, and his wide range of voices. Though he was slightly off his game in this book (kind of lacking emotion), I still enjoyed his take on this story. I also liked re-visiting the Toronto Tales world, seeing the MCs from the first in the series, and seeing Ian's big family again. It felt sweet to me, like coming home.
I think that the story was pleasant enough, with lots of potential, but it had some missteps that made my rating go way down.
First of all, I hated the whole "mystery" element. It was dumb and, in the end, really made light of a serious series of criminal acts. It also came out of left field, and I was left with more than a few questions about logistics and motivations. I won't say much more because I don't want to give away spoilers, but it just didn't work for me.
Aside from that, I wasn't feeling Rick and Ian together. I'm all for slow burn romances (they are my favorite) but this book dragged on and on for me. It took forever for anything real to happen between the two MCs, and I was a bit bored, to be honest. I thought that all of Rick's hangups were irritating, and I know he was supposed to be a sympathetic character but I didn't really "get" him. In reality, I really felt bad for Ian for having to maneuver through all of Rick's crap.
Though it wasn't a bad story, I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I was expecting to. Rick was too immature and Ian was too "blah" for me to get emotionally connected.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*...more
Heather K (dentist in my spare time)
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