So Blake is Dylan's ex's little brother, whom Dylan knew, grew up with, talked to and had physical Holy crap, plot holes galore!
(Spoilers to follow.)
So Blake is Dylan's ex's little brother, whom Dylan knew, grew up with, talked to and had physical contact with for years, plus drunkenly slept in the same bed with him once, yet he doesn't recognize his face, voice, body, scent, or anything...alriiiiiiiiight.........not buying that.
Blames isn't surprised/offended/anything except amused at the above development and makes it into a sort of game.
Dylan turns up with no clothes or personal possessions and doesn't mention any, yet the pack just buys that story. Yeah, sure, someone would travel who knows how far with nothing (not even the clothes on their back--even if they're a shifter), and no one even questions it. Not buying that.
After their first run together (and several other times), there is no mention of sexual desire, each other's physicality (ehem, I'm talking about erections), their mutual nakedness, etc., even when they are pressed bodily together while naked and waking up after a run and the full moon that would happen spurred sexual urges like crazy. Hmmm, things being overlooked seems to be a theme in this book.
There is little mention of scenting or other parts of their shifter natures that would have played a bigger part in everyday life and their spying. Things were a bit half-assed and conveniently left out or put together to further the plot, instead of strictly making sense.
Some editing mistakes, like them sneaking somewhere and only seeing the room at night, yet Dylan thinking about how it looked in the day, etc.
Also, minor other grievances, like Blake knowing that there weren't any cameras in Arulean's study but not explaining how he knew.
But, I liked the premise, the storyline, Dylan and Blake (even though Blake was, in a certain situation, rape-y), and how the rest of the story was executed. Too bad there wasn't better editing, or it could have been a solid, great read....more
Ugh, one of the most disappointing books I've ever read. I had such high expectations from the first chapter, the very high rating, and others' reviewUgh, one of the most disappointing books I've ever read. I had such high expectations from the first chapter, the very high rating, and others' reviews, but very early on things start to bug me, and it just continued in that manner.
Bad dialogue--especially flowery, silly crap during the sex scenes that didn't feel like it would be consistent with their rather grizzled characters, reused and recycled insults even though much ado was repeatedly made about each others' creativity with insults, plot twists and turns that I saw coming from the first chapter or two, a lot of telling instead of showing and talking down to the reader by over explaining and repeating so many things...
"He watched as two young children sprinted across the space, a harried young mother chasing after them as they squealed in delight. The sight made him smile. They were part of the reason he was going through with this marriage. Of course, not those children in particular, but all the children across the two empires." No sh*t. I didn't think for one second that it was because of those two random children whom Jecks didn't know, in city he'd never been to, in a country he'd never been in, that were the reason. Author, you don't have to explain it as if I were moon-touched!
...and just so many things that made me scan sections, roll my eyes, and look forward to finally being done with this read. Plus, all the grammatical errors bothered me, like the frequent use of "was" where "were" should have been. (Author, please see an example of the corrected usage above.)
Also, I wish so much that this would have been slow-burn, with the wanting and wishing building up, and with long, scorching looks and tortured longing wrenching my heart instead of them getting together so quickly [even though Jecks is engaged to someone else (major spoiler-->(view spoiler)[Dorane's own brother (hide spoiler)])] and them being totally upfront and long-winded repeatedly about how much they want...no, need each other. *rolls eyes*
I gave it three stars because of the decent world-building, that I was curious enough about how things would work out to skim/read to the end and not stop and return it early on, the insults and camaraderie between the characters were fun, and I liked their creative names.
Overall, it was a huge letdown from the time Dorane came in until the end. Not really recommended, but hey, I am in he minority. *shrugs*
P.S. Here's an example of the ridiculously overdone, flowery dialogue:
(It's from towards the end of the book, so please pay attention to the spoiler tag.)
(view spoiler)[
"'Let me be the bright spark in the dark, the part you cling to. Let me take you to the stars and back. Let me love you, the only way I know how… with everything that I am. Let me into your innermost thoughts. Lean on me, use me as a support. Let me bring a smile to your face, let me hold you when things get too much. Let me give you advice, help you through the troubled times, the good and the bad. But, most importantly, let me love you, forever.' 'As long as you walk by my side, not as a prince, but as a consort, on the same level as me. Stand beside me, not behind me. I’ll need you every step of the way, there is little doubt about that. But I want to be needed too. When you’re missing your life in Tefaulst, tell me. When you want to fly with firebirds, battle with the men, tell me. Share with me your innermost thoughts, your hopes, and your dreams. I want us to be equals. This won’t work any other way. I love you, now and for an eternity.' Jecks sealed his lips to Dorane’s, a soft, gentle promise." (hide spoiler)]...more
One of the most passionate short books I have read. Both times reading this I felt fully under its spell.
Since my first read, every time I saw this cOne of the most passionate short books I have read. Both times reading this I felt fully under its spell.
Since my first read, every time I saw this cover or thought of this story I told myself that I had to reread it soon, and what better time than today?
And, I loved it just as much as the first time. Inventive and beautiful world. Lovely characters and touching scenes. Sexy. It felt true and right....more
Hmm...this is a bit of a hard one to rate and a dichotomy.
Some parts were wonderful: --that reveal of the unexpected thing (no spoilers lol) --the purHmm...this is a bit of a hard one to rate and a dichotomy.
Some parts were wonderful: --that reveal of the unexpected thing (no spoilers lol) --the pure, hectic feeling of armed forces life in the desert
But, some parts made me roll my eyes and scoff: --the love felt underdeveloped due to the choppy narrative and their abrasive relationship (and I wonder if some of it due to the thing that I shall not spoil?) --unrealistic stamina after much blood loss/injuries/food and water deprivation --plot holes (jump from killing (view spoiler)[prisoners in 24 hours to 3+ days (hide spoiler)]?!)
Overall, it was a good and intriguing read that had my jaw hanging once or twice, but had some editing issues--including calling a main character by another name, "Zach," at one point!--and the above issues.
Recommended, though, if you like these tropes. ...more
I liked this, thought it had moderately good depth, fun characters, and a nice story...but I just didn't connect to it. I enjoyed it for sure, but I wI liked this, thought it had moderately good depth, fun characters, and a nice story...but I just didn't connect to it. I enjoyed it for sure, but I wasn't super invested, and would have liked more of a play up with Kai's agoraphobia and fear of not controlling a situation. Seriously, one touch, and he's completely comfortable with Garrett in pretty much every way? It could have been longer and more involved in the issues, and then I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more.
But the vast majority adore this one, so maybe these are just my thoughts :)
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