Been dreaming about and so looking forward to rereading this! I could recall almost every scene before I began reading--thaReread, September 21, 2017:
Been dreaming about and so looking forward to rereading this! I could recall almost every scene before I began reading--that's how much I loved this book, it was indelibly imprinted in my memory like no other--and that made me treasure everything I felt even more. I swear, Valero is perfect...if I could but pluck out a hero to be mine in real life...
Original review, December 28, 2014:
Almost perfectly and entirely what I would have imagined and wanted if I wrote the story myself. Imaginative world-building; awesome characters (most of the book our MC is without sight, too); developed and touching backstories; alternately felt pain, pleasure, freaking hot and tingly sex, claustrophobic uncertainty, a believable change of perspective by our MC, fear, love, ecstasy; and PIRATES!
The fast pacing and sometimes frantic changes (it was set over only 20-odd days) lent to Tristan's experience of having the world turned upside down on him more often than not during this time period. When reading, I felt like I was on this ship, not only in blind, black, wide-open space, but sightless within that, too. The characterization of Tristan, Valero, and the others fleshed them out fully, allowing me into their midst. I adored the parallels between what (view spoiler)[Stanton and Tristan both "did." (hide spoiler)] That's what I had imagined earlier on and was hoping for.
I basically loved everything about this book from start to finish, and already want to re-experience it. I highly recommend it. (And no, it's not really non-con or dub-con.) One of my favorite "space age/space faring" stories....more
OH MY GOD, THAT WAS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THINGS EVER. So, so preciously sweet and so, so insanely hot. My mind is blown up. I could not stop smilOH MY GOD, THAT WAS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THINGS EVER. So, so preciously sweet and so, so insanely hot. My mind is blown up. I could not stop smiling and having my eyes pop out of my head. And I am proud to say that I only had to look up one Spanish word--I understood the rest from my years of school classes.
Mateo, Mateo, Mateo. Doesn't need words to speak the sweetest fucking words ever heard.
And Elias, an adorable creature, who I can totally identify with (really hot people I'm attracted to=a bit of a blank mind for me too, hun) and am so happy for. Sugar water to capture Mateo's love.
I was beaming from the opening lines of this to the end--well, except for when I was open-mouthed and panting in wonder and heat at the sex scene, but that's another matter--and I deeply felt each and every honey-coated moment. And I can just imagine how honey could easily be lasciviously worked into a scene with them.
As you can no doubt see, this really got down into the romantic heart of me as well as the lustful little beast.
Highly, highly recommended. For when you want that little bit of perfectly sweet and passionate love. And floor sex.
P.S. I still do want to read a sequel though. I want to see these two entwine their lives....more
As I said in my update: In a totally non-kinky, non-sexualized, non-eccentric kind of way, can I worship at the alter of Josh Lanyon? There are many rAs I said in my update: In a totally non-kinky, non-sexualized, non-eccentric kind of way, can I worship at the alter of Josh Lanyon? There are many reasons why Lanyon could very well be my hands-down favorite author. This book exemplifies those reasons perfectly.
"He released my hands and turned to the watchful gathering. 'You must meet my family. Not readers, I'm afraid. Not one of them can read.' A tall, blond man who looked like a younger, slimmer version of Lorenson rose. 'Father, of course we can read!' he sounded exasperated. I suspected that was how he usually sounded at family gatherings. I felt and instant affinity. 'You're right, Nord,' Lorenson said. 'It's worse. You choose not to read.'"
Firstly, the humor embedded in this series added years to my life from all the happy neurotransmitters it released. Since the first of this series I have been enraptured by Kit's attitude, one-liners, and reclusive tendencies. "I kind of thought 'exactly me' was more like a sprawling California ranch style with a leaky bathroom tap and a wasp nest in the tree shading the pool." And the things he said in this book made me laugh so much that I cried--and that was not a byproduct of delirious hysteria from it being 4 in the morning, but because he is hilarious. [It is now after 6am, but once I started this book sometime around midnight*, I knew there was no way I'd stop to sleep. I love my Friday nights :)]
Secondly, the plot was once again brilliant; filled with action, stalkers, twists, turns, and romantic drama as Kit and J.X. try to merge their lives, I didn't know quite what to expect next at any point during this book.
Thirdly, Lanyon's writing is phenomenal. For the most part grammatically correct, educated, quirky, alludes to other artists' works or ideas so that I have to look things up to fully enjoy the complex flavors at play, uses big words...I always know I'm in for a treat when I open up one of his books.
As an added bonus, this was set in my back yard. I get a kick when books are set somewhere in the Bay Area. I can get extra excited and exclaim to myself, "Oh, I've been there! There too! I love that park or zoo or street!" Yes, I have fun.
And I was so happy (translate to quivering with pleasure, wearing a silly grin, and wanting to get inside the story NOW) with the cameos by Adrien and Jake...they are one of my favorite couples, so seeing them happily bumping along--and from an outsider's POV--years later pushed me over the moon.
Basically, reading this book was me in heaven :D
*Ehm, any fans of The Airborne Toxic Event?...more
Brava! That was an absolutely glorious and original story! Romantic, stressful, full of twists and turns, lies and discoveries, and such an authentic Brava! That was an absolutely glorious and original story! Romantic, stressful, full of twists and turns, lies and discoveries, and such an authentic feel to the setting; it was nothing short of amazing--one of the best Regencies I have ever read.
"In a way, holding him said more than words could."
And oh my god, the passionate sex scenes...they had me tingling and ecstatic in a way I very rarely become while reading books. I had to stop and ah...(this is embarrassing to say after being immersed in 1807 England, but) take care of needs...if you know what I mean. Which almost never happens during a book. *laughs and blushes in an embarrassed manner*
Moving right along...I honestly did not know how Henry and Richard were going to get out of the twisted situation they were in there for a while. And it was so wonderful to read a story in which the plot and characters are not cliches and do not follow convention, so that I had no idea where the story was going to go. I loved reading about this whole world, as well as the secondary characters, and I cannot wait for the the follow up book. Yay!
This work was utterly brilliant and engrossing, and just what I love in my historical romance! Highly recommended to all!...more
Oh god, the chills, the tears, the warmth in my chest...this one was an absolute beauty beyond compare.
The writing was gorgeous, descriptive, transporOh god, the chills, the tears, the warmth in my chest...this one was an absolute beauty beyond compare.
The writing was gorgeous, descriptive, transportive. "They all seemed to live in a cotton candy cloud." It took me back to '49 as a still-growing young man, to first love and the magic Stardust brought, then took away. There were surprises that followed that I didn't see coming (Danny!) and lingering pain. And then, 1961...
"'Do you feel it?' Stardust asked. 'Every step in the darkness is exhilarating. I love and fear it and want more of it.' Yes. I felt it. Like being tickled with feathers until there was nothing but sensation."
This story was genuine, and I was there every second sharing in the nostalgic wonder.
"His stories collected dust. Were eventually forgotten. Just another day. Then there was me. His duster, polishing his memories and making them shine. I wanted to be whatever he needed me to be. So I was."
This is not a story to miss. It is potent and it is great. One of my all time favorites. I don't even know if I'll be able to fall asleep now for all the thoughts and pictures in my head.
P.S. Looking back through my notes I found: "Thought I felt you there." Find it in both "Then" and in "And Then."
Also: If you're a member of the group, go look at the picture prompt for this story. They go perfectly together.
And finally...the gilded cage...I love the cover....more
Ah, so GOOD! Had me crying tears from laughter, caught up in this magical world; I didn't guess what things were going to be revealed before they wereAh, so GOOD! Had me crying tears from laughter, caught up in this magical world; I didn't guess what things were going to be revealed before they were, there was wonderful world-building, and I loved and adored Jasen as a MC. This was an absolute joy to read, and has the important message that we don't have to be perfect little copies of all that is idealized in high society to be good and loved.
(I finished this at 6:18am<--that's how much I loved reading this!)...more
Holy sh*t, yes! This book is an in-depth, emotional, sexy as had-me-tingling-all-over hell, beautiful read with dynamic characters and a damn good, reHoly sh*t, yes! This book is an in-depth, emotional, sexy as had-me-tingling-all-over hell, beautiful read with dynamic characters and a damn good, realistic plot.
This is not just another bad boy book. This is the best portrayal of a realistic and actually good-hearted bad boy, Gage, with many issues from the past that explain his behavior, but a desire to change--once he gets motivation, aka, Joseph. He was a character that I liked and understood throughout the book. I didn't agree with everything and knew that he was often in the wrong, but he eventually learned to make the right choices, and though he scared me plenty, I loved him. But, I did identify more with Joseph, since I am the more submissive one in my own sexual relationships. Joseph was hot and strong; a perfect home for Gage, giving him what he needed, and being there to help him change. Love him too, I might just wanna be him ;)
I also loved the law aspect, the motorcycle racing, Gage's blue collar job, the issues with Joseph's family, the secondary characters, and all the rest that rounded out this story to keep me locked in from the beginning to end. I was so into this, that I ignored my essay for school that I have to write, due tomorrow morning, and it's now 11pm. (Procrastination is lovely.)
And I also love that this book was so hot! There were so many sex scenes, but they were all different and so involved and so intimate that I was completely caught up in them and getting chills all around my body. I didn't get bored for a second, and actually want to read more of Gage and Joseph now!
And, lastly, I liked how they actually had to work and change--together and as individuals--to get through the book. There weren't any deus ex machina endings or unrealistic make-ups and smooth-overs in this book. It was all hard work and actual improvement, something I don't get to see all that often in stories.
My advice is simple: if you like the premise, then definitely read this book.
P.S. I am very excited for both Nate's and Max's stories. If they are anything like this story, they are going to rock. I don't how they'd be able to top this book, but I still am very primed and curious. Release them soon, please!...more
OH MY GOD! I cannot wait another year--or even another minute--to read what happens next!
That ending. The questions and anticipation and excitement iOH MY GOD! I cannot wait another year--or even another minute--to read what happens next!
That ending. The questions and anticipation and excitement it left me with! This series is definitely going down as one of my all time favorites! This book is exponentially better than the first, and I five-starred that one.
I can't stop freaking out over this book!
WHY DIDN'T ANYONE TELL ME TO WAIT UNTIL THE THIRD WAS OUT TO READ THESE?!
That ending-->ahhhhhhh! So powerful! Beautiful fucking imagery! :D
And all the heightened emotions in this one. Ahhhhhhh! (I feel like I'm going to be having that reaction often for a while, randomly freaking out and jumping around in front of everyone.)
I am so pumped, even though it is 3:57am, and I just read books 1&2 straight through. SO GOOD! I am so ready for book 3! More exclamation points, yay!
On a more sober note: this series is so full of the unexpected, of mind boggling intrigue and betrayal and horror, and little bits of pleasure and hope eked out between the harshness. So unlike other books I've read. Incredible world building, masterful plot, such complicated characters, a slow build, explosive action...mhmm, so many reasons that I love this story....more
Okay, officially my favorite retelling of a fairy tale (even better than Ella Enchanted, which I have read over and over since I was little)! This wenOkay, officially my favorite retelling of a fairy tale (even better than Ella Enchanted, which I have read over and over since I was little)! This went beyond the classic story and cleverly branched off in so many different directions, that I was never quite sure where it was going to take me.
I smiled, I laughed, and I cheered Cinderella on every second. I loved all of the characters, was so happy that they were not just copies of the originals, and loved the universe in which this story took place. There were so many life lessons and beautiful quotes in this book as well (too many to go through right now).
I am going to get a hard copy of this book, because I know I want to read it over and over. I stayed up all night reading this (it is now 6:34 AM) and I don't regret that in the least.
This story was perfectly crafted. Just do yourself a favor and read it....more
"A jay walker darted across the road and I swerved, barely hitting her big purse with my rear view mirror. It sucked that I hadn't hit her properly, b"A jay walker darted across the road and I swerved, barely hitting her big purse with my rear view mirror. It sucked that I hadn't hit her properly, but my mind was on other things."
I loved this book! Having a demon as our heroine is endlessly entertaining and hilarious--I have so, so many highlighted blocks of writing--and the story is very inventive and has my mind spinning all over trying to guess where this series is going to go. If it keeps up like this, I'm sure it'll become one of my favorite series. I really don't know what more to say than READ THIS BOOK! It rocks.
"By now, the middle part of the kitchen was on fire, there were holes blown through most of the house, and the fridge door was handing off its hinges. None of the beer fell out, though. I took it as a positive omen."...more
I am so happy there is going to be more to this series!
First off, the world-building is amazing! Most books with aliens ultimately portray the aliensI am so happy there is going to be more to this series!
First off, the world-building is amazing! Most books with aliens ultimately portray the aliens as acting at their base level roughly the same as humans. But how Ms. Gala creates not only an alien world, but a completely foreign way of thinking, and then sticks to that, explains it enough for readers to comprehend and experience, and constantly proves it more and more complex and brilliant is a wonderfully novel experience. This series is incredibly detailed and consistent, and I enjoyed this second offering more than I have almost any other book recently.
I love Liam and Ondry--their connection and how they are perfect together, their society as a whole, and think humans could probably learn a lot from them. How I wish they were real.
Highly, highly recommended. Beautiful writing, excellent descriptions and explanations causing full immersion into this world, great characterization, and a surprising plot that will leave you more impatient than a human as compared to a Rownt....more
"'Have you considered words for the wake, Spence?' I shrug. 'I was thinking along the lines of "Wherever he is, may he stub his toes daily so that when"'Have you considered words for the wake, Spence?' I shrug. 'I was thinking along the lines of "Wherever he is, may he stub his toes daily so that when I make it to heaven I'll recognize him from his limp." Then I would do an interpretative dance, maybe a musical number. Do you know where I can get my hands on a feather boa?'"
Seriously, an absolutely brilliant, funny, and magical story that just kept going on. I cannot guess or wait to see what will come for Spencer and everyone else next. Just read this.
"'If I turned you, our days together would be finite,' he murmured as he pulled Jayden's erection into the night air. 'This way, we have eternity.'"
Oh"'If I turned you, our days together would be finite,' he murmured as he pulled Jayden's erection into the night air. 'This way, we have eternity.'"
Oh my God; tears, beauty, sadness felt soul deep, but with that came hope and assurance in their eternal cycle. If I could give this story more than five stars I would, because this is my favorite type of story: a time-lapse story flowing over 3,354 years, where the MCs are reborn over and over to come together and carry out their missions to balance each other, to have the warrior stop the vampire. And because of that, they only have a very small amount of time with each other before they both die and wait to be reborn and reunited again. It is a heart-wrenching and tragically beautiful fate that they are led by.
I most highly recommend this book because it shows all of the effects of their constant cycle--the longing, the love, the lust, the pain, the heartbreak, the acceptance. I felt every single emotion and felt like I was the narrator, there in each time and place. The dialects and writing also changed authentically from time to time. It is absolutely beautifully written in its nostalgic way. And the sex scenes were some of the hottest that I've read. This is going on my "my all time favorites" list, and I will treasure it....more
I loved this again, maybe even more than the first time through! The details, the world building, the imagination that went into thSecond read 6/5/17:
I loved this again, maybe even more than the first time through! The details, the world building, the imagination that went into this amazing story...I loved every second of rediscovering this world. Favorite again for year.
I've thought about this book many times in the years since I read it the first time, so it definitely left a great impression, and, to me, is the height of this particular sub-genre.
I still adore Dex beyond belief (I totally want to absorb his personality!), and love the slow-burn between him and Sloan. Also looking forward to the other couples' stories later this series.
Original review 11/19/14:
"'Your pupils are dilated. Does that mean you want to fuck me or eat me? Because I might have a problem with one of those.'"
Hell f*cking yes!
The action=faced-paced awesomeness The humor=had me laughing my ass off The music references=that's the way aha, aha, I like it, aha, aha The blood, murder, mayhem, and mystery=super engaging The world building=completely engrossing and wonderful-->why is our world not like this? The writing=a little long-winded, but beautiful The attraction and love component=a bit fast, but very nicely (and hotly) done The build up for the next book=left me panting for more
And that's just a quick summary. Loved this story, was completely wrapped up in it and finished this in one day (and yes, at 1am when I have work early in the morning). But it was 100% worth it....more
Best fantasy ever by far. It's 5am, so I need some sleep!
Okay, the morning after:
Wow, I was stunned by this book so many tWhen finished with the book:
Best fantasy ever by far. It's 5am, so I need some sleep!
Okay, the morning after:
Wow, I was stunned by this book so many times in so many ways. From about 60% onwards! I kept on looking at the percentage creeping up and it made me sad. I was dreading this book ending. It was really long (probably 600-ish pages I'm thinking? The Kindle countdown said 18 hours, but I think it was more like 15-16), but I did not want it to end! I never really knew what was coming next, it was filled with brutality in one form or another, and I just loved it. It is one of my favorite fantasy books ever.
Besides the great world-building, the intricate and long plot, the harsh realities of their world, one of the best things in this story was Yhalen and Bloodraven's tempestuous relationship. This is one of the most realistically drawn relationships that I have read of. There is no sudden and overwhelming bond between the two, Yhalen doesn't succumb to a bout of Stockholm Syndrome, neither casts away their pride and ingrained beliefs/superstitions/hatred of the other's race too quickly. Instead, they have to actually build feelings through subtle actions stretched over several months, until they actually tolerate each other, and then, finally, begin to love. It is hard, for there is no word for love in the ogre language, let alone room or temperament for the feeling. And Yhalen has been hurt so deeply, on top of all the learned fear and hatred for a great many changes that he experiences. Yet, they steadily build a relationship, and we get to see it happen, and believe in it, rather than it slamming us upside the head and us just being told to believe in it.
The fantastical world built here is so believable. It is gorgeous and horrible and bountiful and mean. But is one of the most consistent and thoroughly wrought ones that I have read in memory. All the characters add something to the tale, and as you are thrust into this world you understand and truly experience it with them.
Yes, the torture scenes were horrific, but the one that made me squirm most wasn't the first rape and attempted murder, but the much later ritual killing with the birds. Oh God, that made me squint my face and feel a bit nauseous. But all that is just a part of this world, and it felt necessary to the story.
I am sad that I don't get to read this again as a first time experience, because it was so, so good and unpredictable (my guesses were often wrong :D), but I will enjoy rereading now that I know some things. Anyway, I HIGHLY recommend this. It is well worth the read, and if you have a strong stomach, you will really enjoy it. Bravo!...more
Not quite as full of the same magic as the first story--Lassen and Rohyr are still by far my favorite couple from this series--but this was a touchingNot quite as full of the same magic as the first story--Lassen and Rohyr are still by far my favorite couple from this series--but this was a touching and wonderful story that showed even more of this world (which again had thorough and completely immersive world-building that I adored becoming lost in).
There were so many characters in Rohyr's circle in the first book, that I don't remember these two, but was very happy (and sometimes pained) to read their story. It really was a mirror held to our own world--showing the prejudice, the class distinctions, the insensate hatred that plague us and that separated these two for so long. Very accurate and well-done.
I love how their story was also drawn out and natural. Upon being reunited they didn't fall together easily; no, it was slow and convincing, and I wholly felt both Dylen's and Riodon's emotional roller coasters.
"He tightened his legs around Dylan's waist. 'Except you, Dy. I am yours when you want me, however you want me, whether you want me or not.'"
For me, this series is the paragon of mpreg. The ability of men to bear children is explained physically and is greatly imaginative. I will spread out and savor the rest of this series.
I highly, highly recommend this series. This world and the people who populate it are amongst my favorites.
Hands down one of the most beautiful and moving stories I've read, about not only the contemporary romance between Fitz and Ari, but also another betwHands down one of the most beautiful and moving stories I've read, about not only the contemporary romance between Fitz and Ari, but also another between the ghosts who help Fitz, Julian and Serge, who met in 1924. This is also a bildungsroman story centering on Fitz's journey from a sheltered, unhappy life to growing into his adult skin.
I read this on the plane trip back from my vacation, from Florida to California, and I was so captured from the first page, obsessed, and I just put my noise-cancelling headphones on, blocked out the world, and became fully engrossed in this story for the two flights, then back at home until I finished. It is beautiful, it is tragic, it is magical, it is hopeful, and it is a story I will keep in my heart forever; all the MCs in this wonderful book touched my heart deeply, and my mind is still swirling with a maelstrom of emotion. I want to do something very strange for me, and now not read another book tonight so I can savor this story.
From the title to the cover to the plot to the writing to the characters...everything was so beautiful, and I have so many quotes highlighted, but I can't pick just one or a few to share, and I don't want to spoil anything (some of the most heartbreaking and heartwarming parts are what I highlighted whole sections of). This book has twists and turns, and you don't know quite what will come, but it will touch your heart like no other. I have so much love for this book, I can't even write any more, I just have to go relive this story in my head. I feel really sad that I've already read it, and won't be able to experience it in all its glory for the first time again. This is definitely at the top of my reread list. I completely adore it. Highly recommended. The power of love is unlimited....more
I read this in less than a day, didn't want to put it down, loved it from beginning to end. The cover fist caught my attention on Amazon, then I read I read this in less than a day, didn't want to put it down, loved it from beginning to end. The cover fist caught my attention on Amazon, then I read the synopsis, got the sample right away, and was buying the book before halfway through the sample.
The only weird moments were the scenes with Jake's rude attitude to his freaking employer at the beginning. I mean, I really don't think he would have gotten away with that. But, he and Patrick soon became friends then lovers, so that bit blew over quickly. And the rest of the book was fabulous--emotional, heart-warming, hilarious, enlightening. It was a pleasure to read, felt genuine, and made me so happy. Jake was such an incredible guy, raising his sisters from the time he was still a child himself, supporting them and his drunkard mother still, and then dealing with the twists (that I guessed early on). I loved him and Patrick as a couple, and Patrick fit Jake perfectly as needed someone to care for him, and Jake needed to care for someone, in both the physical and emotional sense, now that Jake's sisters were moving on with their lives. This book just worked in every sense, and it will stick with me. The plot was also original and flowed very naturally.
This is the second book I've read from Renae Kaye (I also loved Loving Jay), and I definitely hope there are more coming. Highly recommended, especially if you like books with an MC with a disability. The other I've read with the narrator having a blind love interest was N.R Walker's Blind Faith series, and I actually liked this book better than that. It felt more genuine and less construed and formulaic than Walker's series....more
"'I like the way he says "furthermore,"' Merrick observed quietly. 'Cos you can tell he means "wankers."' Dan Gold chocked. Crane said, 'I like to thin"'I like the way he says "furthermore,"' Merrick observed quietly. 'Cos you can tell he means "wankers."' Dan Gold chocked. Crane said, 'I like to think I've had an influence on him.'"
First off I have to say (since I love the words "furthermore" and "wanker," especially "wanker") that this is one of the best quotes ever :D Now, anyway...
I adore this series, Stephen and Crane, I have from the first book, and this just facilitated an even bigger love. This book had another life and death situation to get the blood flowing, more mystery, and my favorite part: the nitty gritty, realistic aspects of Steph and Lucien's relationship coming out to play. They had to get through trust issues, questions of the future, the push and pull and sacrifice necessary to any lasting relationship, the balance of love versus work...you get the picture. And it all was just fabulously drawn for our enjoyment and fluctuating feelings alongside theirs.
"He had been alone, and then there had been Lucien."
I loved reading of every moment they spent together; the butting of heads, where everything they talk about turns into a yelling fight that ends with a slamming door; the sex and the foreplay; the protection and love that is evident between them without question; the most beautiful and touching moments where they declare their feelings (location 2202 for those with the Kindle version is the star); every moment was golden, and I'll be sad to not read anymore (that is what the ending implied, correct?), but I understand how this is a clear ending to their story, with room for others' now, and part of being a good artist is knowing when to stop.
In summary, everything was done wonderfully in this book, nay, in this whole series, and KJ Charles is definitely up there on my list. Read and enjoy, and my heartfelt thanks to KJ for this wonderful love story!...more
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