The first words of a book are of utmost importance. The moment of encounter, when a reader turns to that first page and reads those opening words, The first words of a book are of utmost importance. The moment of encounter, when a reader turns to that first page and reads those opening words, it's like locking eyes or touching someone's hand for the first time, and we feel it, too. Books don't have eyes or hands, it's true, but when a book and a reader are meant for each other, both of them know it...
Before I get to my thoughts on the actual story, let me say this. I read along to the narration of Kerry Shale, and even though in general he did a decent job, his voices for the main characters - Annabelle and Dr. Melanie, in particular- were absolutely horrendous. He cannot, and should never again be allowed to, do female voices. I physically cringed every time a woman spoke and had to completely skip past the dialogue if she happened to be crying while speaking. He also managed to make Benny, a troubled yet sensitive teenager, sound like a petulent whiny 8 year old. It was very off-putting, and I'm shocked that the author was okay with it.
It didn't necessarily ruin the story, but I'm certain I would've enjoyed this more had I just read it without the narration. I did, in fact, try to at around the 30% mark; but by then, the narrator's obnoxious voices were stuck in my head, and I couldn't unhear them anymore. They became the characters' voices.
The story itself started off brilliantly. I liked the format - a sort of conversation between the book and Benny... both of whom are trying to convey the story, and the writing was beautiful. There were many passages that made me stop and ponder the deeper meaning of what was said or the unusual way of looking at the world and our connection to the things within it.
The first section really sucked me in, and I was there for the long haul (546 pages? No problem!), but starting in section two, the plot slowed to a crawl, and it never really picked up. Metaphors and thought-provoking passages aside, the story lost me, and I found it difficult to motivate myself to continue reading. I'm genuinely interested in finding out what happens to the characters, but I'll settle for reading a plot summary. I kind of have a feeling I already know how this ends, but I'll see. DNF @ 45%, no rating....more
Since this book had an actual plot, I liked it more than book 2 - but only barely. Said plot revolved about Sean and Xander trying to get Bailey to foSince this book had an actual plot, I liked it more than book 2 - but only barely. Said plot revolved about Sean and Xander trying to get Bailey to forgive them for having the audacity to fall in love with each other and not get his approval. It was frustrating to read and I can't say that I enjoyed any of it.
That they felt obligated to explain and justify their love to him and Henri annoyed the hell out of me. Every time Bailey accused them of going behind his back and lying to him, I wanted to scream! Especially when they made it clear that they just wanted to make sure that their feelings were genuine and that they really wanted to actually be in a relationship first.
He was so childish and unreasonable; it really destroyed my image of him. He had his own fiancée, who he supposedly wanted to spend the rest of his life with, and he's all pissy about his ex getting with his brother. I can't imagine what Henri was feeling. He was trying to be supportive, but he had to be wondering why he was acting that way.
I hate that this was the direction this story took. It felt so manufactured and unnecessary. Leave it to EF to turn what began as a great story into something exhausting. 2.5 stars
What a beautiful conclusion to Xie Lian and Hua Cheng’s story! I loved it so much! Probably my favorite series this year… most definitely, my favoriteWhat a beautiful conclusion to Xie Lian and Hua Cheng’s story! I loved it so much! Probably my favorite series this year… most definitely, my favorite couple.
“My beloved is a brave, noble, gracious special someone... He saved my life, and I’ve looked up to him ever since I was young. But I wanted to catch up to him and become even stronger for his sake. Although he might not remember me well - we never really talked - I want to protect him.”
I’m surprised by how often I think about this series, considering how I felt about the first book. I wasn’t really impressed with it and only started book two because of how much I liked the donghua. By the end of that second book, I was completely hooked. I binge read the next five books, then eagerly awaited the release of book eight. The story placed so much emphasis on figuring out who Xie Lian was and how, throughout the last 800 years, he impacted the various characters around him that I didn’t really think of this series as being a romance until halfway through. Lurking in the background of those 800 years was Hua Cheng. From the first time he interacted with Xie Lian, he was entranced.
His devotion to Xie Lian was mind-boggling. Everything he did in life and in death was for him, his thoughts were always focused on him, his relentless pursuit of power and influence was fueled by his desire to protect him, nothing existed but him, and he would literally raze every city to the ground if it meant keeping him safe. It was truly something, and I was completely addicted. And don’t even get me started on the GORGEOUS manhwa for this series. My God, Hua Cheng is depicted as everything sensuous in this world. ...more
I only read this story because the audiobook was included with my audible membership and Kirt Graves was the narrator. I had never heard of this authoI only read this story because the audiobook was included with my audible membership and Kirt Graves was the narrator. I had never heard of this author or this story before, so I went into it without any expectations.
I didn't like the beginning, but once the story got going, I really liked it. The ending was unrealistic, but sometimes you just want to read something sweet and uncomplicated. My only criticism is that the sex scenes were rushed and written awkwardly; like the author didn't feel comfortable writing them and wanted to get past them as quickly as possible. That kind of thing usually bothers me, but this story was cute enough that I was able to look past it. 3.5 stars...more
**spoiler alert** *siiiiigh* This was fine, I guess... definitely better than the previous story, but what the hell was up with the last 1/4 of the st**spoiler alert** *siiiiigh* This was fine, I guess... definitely better than the previous story, but what the hell was up with the last 1/4 of the story? I didn’t understand why Bailey needed to push Henri away because of what he confessed to him. He was the one who wanted to know about his past, and so when Henri finally tells him he... what? Ghosts him for almost two weeks?! Wtf? I didn't understand what he was even agonizing about. He understood why Henri did what he did, and after experiencing his own version of that same situation, his behavior made no sense to me. The conclusion was really sweet, though, so I can just pretend that part doesn't exist. ...more
As much as I liked Brad and Raul's relationship, it felt more like a farce than anything else. Devon and Constantine's relationship comes across as moAs much as I liked Brad and Raul's relationship, it felt more like a farce than anything else. Devon and Constantine's relationship comes across as more believable, and I really liked their more realistic and toned down story. Not that I didn't enjoy how funny Bro and the Beast was; this was just more my jam. I can't wait for the next part to come out. 4.5 stars, rounded up ...more
This story made no sense. Keller was 42, and Will was 27. They lived in the same house, were attracted to each, wanted each other, but refused to do aThis story made no sense. Keller was 42, and Will was 27. They lived in the same house, were attracted to each, wanted each other, but refused to do anything about it because Keller's 26 year old son, Molly, who lived on the other side of the country and was doing his own thing, might have a problem with it.
Sure, there was pining on Will's end, but his daily interactions with Keller were boring, and the way they went about trying to relieve their sexual tension, weak as it was, was beyond ridiculous. Two grown men, sitting in the same room, trying to get off while not touching each other so as to not upset someone who doesn't even know what's happening is too much. ...more
Not bad! I'm impressed by Mr. Diaz's ability to tell a story in such an unconventional way, yet maintain the ability to make it feel sophisticated, smNot bad! I'm impressed by Mr. Diaz's ability to tell a story in such an unconventional way, yet maintain the ability to make it feel sophisticated, smart, acessible, and, most importantly, interesting.
The book is divided into four sections. The first, Bonds by Harold Vanner, is a novel (within a novel ...more
Book 1.5 had everything that book 1 was missing: actual feelings of love, character and relationship development, a meaningful plot! Why the author haBook 1.5 had everything that book 1 was missing: actual feelings of love, character and relationship development, a meaningful plot! Why the author hasn't re-released book 1 and incorporated the contents of this book into it is beyond me. It adds so much depth and believability to the original story that I actually feel bad giving it only 2 stars. 3.5 unexpected stars, rounded up ...more
Most people are not going to like this. It was the most unbelievable "love story" I've read all year. So unbelievable, in fact, that that love doesn'tMost people are not going to like this. It was the most unbelievable "love story" I've read all year. So unbelievable, in fact, that that love doesn't even make an appearance. I like the fated mates trope, and I have no problem with the insta-love that comes along with the territory, but this story didn't even have that; just lust and a desire to possess.
What makes it truly unbelievable is that, in less than three days, Carson, the human fated to be with the two bear shifters, goes from being this super straight vanilla dude who's never been attracted to men and isn't even comfortable with ass play... to being this perfect sub, who likes being tied up, spanked and spit roasted by two muscular men with cocks so big he can barely fit them in his mouth.
My incredulousness was so high that it actually fueled my desire to keep reading, just to see what happened next, and for some strange reason, I ended up not hating it. ...more
Thank you Drusilla and Kati for reading and rating this so highly. I needed a good age-gap story to get me through this weird slump I'm in, and this wThank you Drusilla and Kati for reading and rating this so highly. I needed a good age-gap story to get me through this weird slump I'm in, and this was the perfect story. Quick, sexy, and sweet, I definitely look forward to reading more from this author. 4 stars...more
Hitsuji had a crush of his high school friend, Hatoyama, but never acted on it. Years later, he finds out that Hatoyama's son is in his class and haviHitsuji had a crush of his high school friend, Hatoyama, but never acted on it. Years later, he finds out that Hatoyama's son is in his class and having a hard time fitting in with his classmates. He decides to do a home visit in order to discuss it with his father and he learns that Hatoyama is a single father who only recently started caring for his son and is having a hard time getring used to everything he has to do. Hitshuji offers to temporarily help out around the house but in the process starts falling in love with Hatoyama all over again.
As sweet as this story could have been, I just found it incredibly boring. There was never any indication that Hatoyama thought of Hitsuji as anything more than a friend, then out of the blue, he tells him that he loves him. There wasn't any buildup to that moment, so not only did it seem out of place, but there was no emotional impact whatsoever. My only response was frustrated confusion and annoyance that I actually spent money on this mess. 2 stars
***** If you want to read a much better version of this type of story, I recommend Papa Datte, Shiti by Celina Seo. The romantic relationship between Naruse and his housekeeper/babysitter, a fourth year college student named Asumi, builds up more naturally, it's hella steamy, there's lots of drama, and you really become emotionally invested in what's going on in their relationship. You can find it online free. You won't be disappointed....more
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