Very pleasantly surprising, this was a nice break from the oft serious side of this series. Never fear though, Goode does not shirk from the to4 Stars
Very pleasantly surprising, this was a nice break from the oft serious side of this series. Never fear though, Goode does not shirk from the tough topics, this time delving more into relationship dynamics and the questions that can inevitably arise with an established couple. How do two people progress to a more committed relationship? Should a couple join and mesh their lives for a deeper connection? Is there a shared future in 1, 5, 10 years?
Tyler and Matt have been together for awhile now, and though Tyler is obliviously content with the status quo, Matt longs for more. Tyler’s cluelessness hurts Matt deeply and in an effort to right some wrongs, Tyler books them a vacation of a lifetime and commandeers the help of their friends Sebastian and Robbie.
What stands out the most for me in this installment was the fun factor that is intermittently dispersed throughout the more sober/serious parts. I’ve never laughed so much with a Goode novel before, which says something about the typical, painful, no-holds-barred nature of his previous works (which is never a complaint). This had bite and snark, mostly in the form of the fabulous Robbie, that had me cheering emphatically for Matt and Tyler to get their shit together. Of course they do after going through many roadblocks, mistakes and fiascos, and one just has to sit back and enjoy their hilarious, but poignant ride, to happiness.
So it’s not all about how Tyler gets his ducks in a row. Matt too evolves and learns a few things, and inevitably they come out the better and stronger for it. As always, Goode brings the harsh truth to light. This time around, it was an entertainingly fabulous, good time....more
Roger and Jack and have b4 Historical Hearts - Team Review with Chelsea
Another win for this holiday series!
Prepare yourself for some heartache though…
Roger and Jack and have been boyhood friends for forever and at the cusp of adulthood, a shared kiss that could’ve possibly been the start of something never comes to full fruition as the world is soon thrown into war. Six years later and these two young men have seen and done much, suffered and grieved, and missed each other every day, surviving only through the hope of seeing one another again. Was that shared kiss all it was? A fleeting thing between friends or the start of something more?
This blends the best of friends who become lovers, set in a time where such was not accepted or condoned. Melancholy and full of longing, Roger and Jack are expected to carry on and move on, but neither can let that one memory go despite time, distance, and everyone else in their lives doing their damndest to keep them apart.
However, life’s too short and these two are about to lose the best thing, the only thing they want. They deserve happiness and they grab it for themselves regardless of the possible consequences.
A bittersweet but triumphant win for Roger and Jack, their love definitely bringing all the romantic contentment and feel good warmth to the heart!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review
A compelling sequel to Dark Rise, this continues with Will and company racing against time and formidable adversaries to stop the Dark King fro4 Stars
A compelling sequel to Dark Rise, this continues with Will and company racing against time and formidable adversaries to stop the Dark King from fulfilling what he set out to do many centuries ago.
This maintains the high stakes atmosphere, where the task set before these characters is nigh impossible to overcome, bringing harsh revelations, answering some questions while posing new ones to take their place. One can’t help but be filled with feelings of anxiety as this desperate crew works against all odds trying to be the very best versions of themselves and saving each other (as well as the entire world) from annihilation.
The parts I appreciate the most were the separate journeys each of these characters go through - painful discoveries and sacrifices that brutally hone their growth even more. Most alluring is the deeply rooted history that Will and James share from their past lives which blends into their current one, providing an inexplicable pull to each other that can’t be dampened or severed. They’re drawn together with a heady intense attraction and inevitable destiny that’s quite intoxicating.
Running parallel is an intricate thoughtful commentary that continues from the first book as Pacat explores good and evil and the many nuances influencing both. There’s reasonable understandable explanations for every character presented, and I definitely look forward to her concluding this smart, high stakes story. The finale can't come soon enough!
I cannot say that Ms. Z is a one note author when it comes to the various tropes she writes about, and though I’ve enjoyed her contemporaries 4 Stars
I cannot say that Ms. Z is a one note author when it comes to the various tropes she writes about, and though I’ve enjoyed her contemporaries a lot, it’s her fantasy worlds lately that have really hit the spot.
Admittedly, you’re not going to get a fully fleshed out world or story here. The reader is dropped in the middle and is presented with what has happened little by little. Snippets of a mad emperor bent on doing anything and everything to gain immortality, and his son Karran who used his secret magic to stop his father’s diabolical plan, turning himself into an incorporeal, all powerful god to mete out justice. We follow Karran’s lover Beniel, who’s on an endless futile search to find him, coming upon bodies who deserved to die a painful death.
This is probably the most graphically violent, brutal universe I’ve read from this author. It’s not kind or gentle or forgiving. There’s evil magic and creatures, sinister enemies plotting for the throne, corrupt feeding on fear and the weak, and Beniel is in the middle, sent on an impossible mission, all for the smidge of a chance at reuniting with Korran.
However, don’t worry your little heart. There’s a very satisfying win for Beniel and his love, and for me, that’s what counts the most!...more
A bit dark and twisty, this is no Santa Clause we’ve probably ever seen before...
For many many years, Kris has been bringing holiday cheer to3.5 Stars
A bit dark and twisty, this is no Santa Clause we’ve probably ever seen before...
For many many years, Kris has been bringing holiday cheer to those kids who believe. One Christmas Eve, battered boy Jake catches his eye, forever branding Jake on Kris’s brain. As years pass by, Jake inadvertently calls for Kris’s help sparking an obsession that can't be stopped.
This does border on creepy and does skirt the edge of non/dub con. However, Jake brings about a change in Kris’s reality and plight which reveals an interesting origin story and a very redeeming uplifting happily ever after. If you want something different from the usual sugary sweet offerings but still ultimately delivers holiday cheer, check this out (it’s on KU too)!...more
Despite my aversion to too much angst and despite Fleet pretty much always being angsty, I still end up appreciating the tough feels and situat4 Stars
Despite my aversion to too much angst and despite Fleet pretty much always being angsty, I still end up appreciating the tough feels and situations that she puts her MC’s through. Fleet never shies away from awful situations, and I’d say that this was my first that truly had some trauma and abuse to it.
Sasha has gone through a lot in his short 17 years, not to say the least the abandonment by his own mother. As he struggles to get through each day and stay in school, he can’t seem to dodge fellow art student Thomas, who always makes an effort to engage with him. As Thomas slowly worms his way under Sasha’s skin, Sasha also slowly realizes that maybe there’s more to life than avoidance and shutting down.
Despite the harsh topics (sexual abuse, harmful exhibitionism, piss poor parents) this was still a super sweet YA that shows the burgeoning friendship between Sasha and Thomas and then the slowly burgeoning sexual and romantic feels they develop along the way. I always hesitate when starting a Fleet book but despite the pain, I’m always left satisfied. ...more
I’m finding these books harder and harder to digest because the topic matter is tough. It’s depressing and sad, where the very existence of the4 Stars
I’m finding these books harder and harder to digest because the topic matter is tough. It’s depressing and sad, where the very existence of the Bureau is designed to help humanity from the monsters out there, but in reality, more often than not, it’s the very humans they’re trying to save that are the true horrors. It’s not a pretty picture at all.
Here, poor John is one of those sad realities. Created and left in a cell for decades, not deemed even worth anyone’s time or attention but ”kept” just in case he should be deemed useful in the future. One day, he’s set “free” to lure another human monster trying to thwart mortality and push his own perverse agenda.
My heart twittered and cried and hurt so much for John. Not one ounce of kindness was given to him and yet he still was grateful and in awe for any bit of sunlight, new experience, or knowledge. If only we all had a smidge more of his outlook and hope - every single one of us could take a lesson from him, and I’m just grateful John got his happy ending that he truly deserved and risked his life for....more
It has certainly been a wild, mind blowing ride! This series, featuring a widowed president falling for his secret service agent, kept me on 4.5 Stars
It has certainly been a wild, mind blowing ride! This series, featuring a widowed president falling for his secret service agent, kept me on my toes and consistently brought so much heart stopping action and twists and turns, along with some fabulous epic love!
No doubt Jack and Ethan have been to hell and back several times, and it really does seem the enemy has all the advantages, but never fear that they won’t come out on top. What also made this a standout series are the other two love stories that run parallel, each with their own challenges, heartbreak, and swoony triumphs.
For me, the second book was the best installment in terms of shocking developments, the angst and life threatening situations, and the brutal testing of Jack and Ethan’s love that brought them out of the fire, stronger than ever. The finale is all you could ever want and then some, but it will often require huge feats of suspending belief. That didn't ruin my enjoyment at all, as everything ties up so very neatly and perfectly that I couldn’t ask for more.
This story will not soon be forgotten and is highly recommended! ...more
Chosen for a specific reading challenge, admittedly, this isn’t my typical reading fare as Greek mythology and the ar3.5 Stars
Unpopular opinion alert!
Chosen for a specific reading challenge, admittedly, this isn’t my typical reading fare as Greek mythology and the arrogant gods who love to meddle, as well as this being a tragedy doomed from the start, will never be my first choice.
Vivid in its rendering of one destined for greatness, Gods touched for the promise of glory but with such a promise, there’s always a steep price. Ultimately, there's no glory here. Achilles may be remembered for eternity but wasting a decade fighting a pointless war only to succumb and fall was quite pointless to me.
Regardless, I do see what all the fuss is about. This is no doubt a beautifully written book, rich with nuance and a detailed retelling of the doomed Patroclus and his equally doomed Achilles. The story between these two stands the test of time as their love is loyal, devoted, and unwavering, despite any and all (including fate and prophecy) that conspire against them.
I appreciate this for what it is, and I’m not surprised that it has won many accolades and awards. Miller obviously has a way with words but when it comes down to it, ultimately for me, this was just not personally enjoyable despite the stellar, talented prose.
”…what someone was is less important than what they could be…”
Pacat deftly delivers on the complexity and nuance as the line separating evi4 Stars
”…what someone was is less important than what they could be…”
Pacat deftly delivers on the complexity and nuance as the line separating evil and good blurs.
In this historical alternate reality, a compelling layered tale is told, full of magic and a lost world, with a resurrection of the Dark King, destined to destroy all and rule completely with just a speck of a bare chance of maybe being defeated.
Beware there’s plenty of sacrifice and pain and more death than you could ever want or expect. There’s betrayal and fear and hopelessness too. One wonders how the protagonists will win, let alone survive with everything, including the kitchen sink, stacked against them. However, there’s a common theme here and that’s eschewing convention and tradition which looks to be the one thing that might give an advantage.
Again, the cast may be young, and they certainly don’t have fully formed ideas of who they are or who they should be, but I’m confident they will continue to take on the difficult weighty challenges that will surely come their way.
This first book was shockingly devastating with plenty of twisty angsty reveals, and I’m anxious to see what’s in store next for Will and his friends!
Don’t fear. Turner remains consistent with the high stakes drama as Alpha Team continues their dangerous game of subterfuge in order to infilt4 Stars!
Don’t fear. Turner remains consistent with the high stakes drama as Alpha Team continues their dangerous game of subterfuge in order to infiltrate themselves in an international terrorist organization hell bent on creating their own metahuman army.
Be prepared for plenty of action, plenty of twists and turns, and some seriously intense and gruesome heart stopping situations as the lives of the team hang in the balance. I was legit scared and horrified with what they’re put through, but this military group of devoted, loyal, resourceful, and of course, kick ass members, pull out all the stops to save each other and the mission. Though this is mainly another entry for Jaime and Kyle, the standout stars are obviously Sean and Alexei.
This is easily fast becoming a top favorite because Turner effortlessly weaves her complex compelling storytelling with plenty of explosions and violence taking the reader through a roller coaster ride of terror and thrills while never shirking on the smexy swoony and profound feels.
Wow. Talk about an intense emotional roller coaster ride!!
Despite this being the 4th interval book between the first and the second main no4.5 Stars!!
Wow. Talk about an intense emotional roller coaster ride!!
Despite this being the 4th interval book between the first and the second main novels, this was for me the best of the bunch - the most fully realized story regarding the nebulous relationship that has slowly been forming between assassin Ethan and government spy Jack.
Action suspense, life threatening situations, all entwined with several awful punches in your gut feels. Quite the painful point in their story but one that plays out beautifully to finally start anew!...more
Seriously? Could Bauer put his two protagonists through any more angsty scenarios than they already have been? The answ4.5 Stars
Well fuck me sideways.
Seriously? Could Bauer put his two protagonists through any more angsty scenarios than they already have been? The answer is YES and then some.
Every few chapters ratchets up the intensity and just when you think there’s nothing else that could go wrong, it becomes an absolute shit show of epic proportions as Bauer pulls the reader along watching the train wreck unfold in mind blowing reveals and setbacks.
The character development, the complexity of emotions, the heart stopping terror and insanity that Jack and Ethan go through?? Fucking hell! Add an intricate, ingenious plot of a madman hell bent on destroying the world and not only is this the ultimate in romance but action suspense to the max as well. It doesn’t hurt that the supporting cast is superbly fleshed out and equally captivating - especially enigmatic Russian president Sergey and his faithful pilot Sasha, as well as swoony soldier Adam and his forbidden love with Saudi prince Faisal.
The world is literally on fire and on the brink of mass annihilation. My brain was taxed. I had palpitations. I teared up as proclamations were made throughout. Though this is mainly about Jack and Ethan, there’s actually six men involved here who converge together and will have to pull out all the stops to save humanity. Again, this is London Has Fallen and every Jack Ryan and Mission Impossible movie all rolled into one with 3 stand out love stories. Overall, fucking compelling story telling! Bring the alcohol and a defibrillator! You’re gonna need it here and no doubt for the conclusion!!
This was quite the angsty holiday piece just so you know....
Mario is basically ostracized from his family for being trans, where the only jo3.5 Stars
This was quite the angsty holiday piece just so you know....
Mario is basically ostracized from his family for being trans, where the only joy he may get is from his work as a chef. Viktor is basically a poor refugee who has no other resources or help other than his job as a dishwasher, desperate to suffer indignities to eke out another day of barely surviving.
Though these two have noticed each other from afar for years, a small series of events reveals their hurts and vulnerabilities where two very very very lonely souls finally connect. Do they dare hope to find happiness in the other?
I read this for a challenge not realizing that this is part of a series and overall, I was not lost as this stands on its own merits. For readers of this series, be reassured that you’ll see previous couples happy and whole. Overall, this is hurt comfort to the max where a HEA is made that much sweeter as it’s nudged by Christmas and Jewish traditions to take a chance on more!...more
The end game is nearing, and I’m on tenterhooks as to how Hale will wrap this all up with a happy ending (or her life will be in peril *wink*) 4 Stars
The end game is nearing, and I’m on tenterhooks as to how Hale will wrap this all up with a happy ending (or her life will be in peril *wink*) in just two more installments! Eeeeeek!
This spans from absolute shameless ridiculousness in the Rapunzel retelling featuring Gary as the titular 3.5 Stars
For me this was a total mixed bag.
This spans from absolute shameless ridiculousness in the Rapunzel retelling featuring Gary as the titular heroine, to the classic Jack (aka Sam) and the beanstalk with so many warm fuzzy feels, to an odd bdsm Cinderella with Todd as the beleaguered hero, to ending with a tragic legendary tale of how Castle Lockes came to be.
Michael Lesley narrating only further elevates the storytelling, making this a win no matter what. Just be forewarned that this runs the entire gamut of emotions which affected my enjoyment factor most erratically, as is evident by my average score. Regardless, this is Klune, and you know he can bring the laughs as well as the tears!...more
* A Reader Obsessed *
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