At first glance, this is a short story bringing an end to a popular series. It could be seen as a quick conclusion for a HEA and just for the demograpAt first glance, this is a short story bringing an end to a popular series. It could be seen as a quick conclusion for a HEA and just for the demographic of RJ Scott, and V. L. Locey committed readers.
But, it is far, far more.
I've been invested in the several Hockey series', wonderfully written by both Scott and Locey, since they began with Changing Lines. I enjoy that the protagonists' character development continues in subsequent books and then crosses through the various series. We met Ryker, as a teenager, in that very first story about Ten and Jared. He then appeared in several of the following books, which gave us further insight. Ryker was developed far more deeply with his own story in the Owatonna series, which then introduced us to Jacob. This flow effect creates a real-world which the reader continuously revisits, which develops a feeling of family and community. It becomes a three-dimensional world. It becomes an emotive investment.
This story isn't a romance; nor is it a happy let's-finish-the-series-with-a-wedding story; it's the portrayal of the love built between Ryker and Jacob and how it then develops a deeper strength and a stronger base.
I certainly wasn't expecting the way the story played out, the concepts which were introduced and developed. Though, knowing this team, the writers and the protagonists their muses mould, I wasn't surprised. Yes, there was angst but, not for the sake of the story. It's the genuine portrayal of a situation that could make or break a relationship. It's a topical issue where we generally only ever see the tip of the iceberg when it's in the news. However, we know it's more prevalent, no matter the gender. The inclusion of a significant gender-conforming trope was a sheer stroke of genius and drove home a significant message to us all.
I'm almost sorry that there was an intimate scene....almost...though, was there more than one scene??? I was so invested in the story; I only recall one loving moment. Why??? Well, this would be a perfect story for the young adult reader but, these moments would preclude it from that genre, unfortunately. However, this scene gave the entire story an authentic, very touching conclusion to the harrowing situation and its effect on the relationship.
I'm torn in recommending that this should be read after reading several of the previous books first. That, it isn't a stand-alone story. WHY? Well, it could very much be a stand-alone book for the story it tells and the message it reveals regarding flaws in our perception of men.
I must finally comment on the crossover inclusion to a completely different series, with completely different world-building. Again, these authors show a touch of genius, as I'm sure we have a new series in the wings. A new series that readers will love and which will raise further topical issues. ...more
Firstly, this is not a stand-alone book, it must be read as part of the BeMo's series. It's a wonderful lil' interlude for Jex's h-u-u-u-u-ge fan-baseFirstly, this is not a stand-alone book, it must be read as part of the BeMo's series. It's a wonderful lil' interlude for Jex's h-u-u-u-u-ge fan-base while they're waiting for the 4th book in this series to be released. It's hard to believe it's just on 18 months since the first book, Captive was consumed in a reading frenzy, and we are now at 3.5 and eagerly awaiting number 4, Blood Prince, which is due out early-ish 2018.
Stone Sentinel, though just a short story, is as brilliantly written and detailed as the previous books in the BeMos series. It's packed with teasers and snippets of information for readers of the Beautiful Monsters books, to mull over and then fit into the amazing world Jex has created for us. Written in the entirely alien point of view of Jet; a gargoyle and minor character in the series; this story deftly weaves further intricate detail into an immense alternate, paranormal reality.
This series is incredibly complex, brilliantly so, and Stone Sentinel; with the deft twist of the gargoyle's tale (pun intended); the hidden, rocky strata of the Earth Mother's world has now been thrust into a paranormal mailstrom. These battles certainly won't be shadowed by those of Mordor or Westeros....more
Ok, sooooo, somewhere, somehow I saw a reference to a freebie book by Rj Scott which beggars belief that I'd not read it.... seriously, stated, by theOk, sooooo, somewhere, somehow I saw a reference to a freebie book by Rj Scott which beggars belief that I'd not read it.... seriously, stated, by the author, as an unedited short story, penned with lil' finesse. I can't find the original post to comment on, so I'll have to yell very loudly (or tag) to get some attention. (...or tell everyone here how much I enjoyed it and loved the twists)
I just want to state, unequivocally, that it's NOT a short story but a brilliant first chapter of a book, which doesn't need editing....but, I gotta ask....where the hell is the rest of it?????...more
I normally only review a book if it's absolutely brilliant (for me) or it tanks badly. This one is definitely very mid-stream on my rating list but afI normally only review a book if it's absolutely brilliant (for me) or it tanks badly. This one is definitely very mid-stream on my rating list but after reading some of the reviews, the lack of research by the author and after looking for a sequel, I felt I had to comment.
Yes, I looked for a sequel as I thought the story showed relative promise and I thought I'd like to get to know more...maybe the characters would be fleshed out and the native American aspect would come to the fore....especially when a major archaeological find was part of the story's premise.
However, first, let's get one thing straight.... (*cough* 'scuse the pun) although this is book one in the Van Zant Siblings series, there is NO sequel, it's a stand alone book. Any connection to the next book is only in the name of the family and as there is no introduction to the MC's featured the next 3 books in this one, I fail to see how it is even part of a series. Even the genres are completely different. There is no BDSM, this is M/M romance and it's monogamous.
The story shows promise in the beginning with some self-depreciating humour and angst on the part of Brian, who then proceeds to almost kill himself. The rescue by and introduction of Tobias is also well done. The native American aspect was introduced but just never developed.
After Brian recovers, the story then starts to fail as he's shown to be so competent later on in the story...I mean, he has all the skills which were lacking in his earlier bad judgement so his knowledge and abilities are just too convenient a plot foil for the main story.
When a stealth helicopter was introduced, I seriously started to think about tanking this story. The author did not do her homework. Yes, stealth helicopters do exist but the actual utilisation of the technology is NOT going to happen on the top of a mountain, in snow. Stealth for helicopters involves radar reduction through the use of composite materials plus non-reflective/angled surfaces which minimise the airframe's physical signature. Blade noise can also be reduced but not to the extent as stated in this story. Noise reduction also depends upon map-of-the-earth flying techniques...this jest ain't gunna happen on top of a mountain in blizzard conditions. The bad guys were so incompetent that one phrase comes to mind; all the gear but no idea. Seriously, military grade equipment in the hands of idiots does NOT a good story make. ....*sigh*....
This has promise, I did enjoy the few hours it took to read but in hindsight, disappointing for what it could have been with a little more work. My opinion is of little consequence but I would suggest the author removes its 'series' tag and considers a sequel to expand on the world building already done and th eplot lines already developed but not utilised.
My first love has always been science fiction and finding a story where the science is fully credible is reasonably rare. Mario doesn't go into deep sMy first love has always been science fiction and finding a story where the science is fully credible is reasonably rare. Mario doesn't go into deep scientific detail but what he writes is concise, logical, sound and believable as it fleshes out and supports the romance base of the story. (There were parameters to this series that authors had to fulfill and the story is well formed within the framework required. It's not an easy task to fit your imagination into constraints set by a publisher.)
Being a short story, there isn't the chance to do in-depth character development or world building but with almost anecdotal references between the characters, Mario does provide the reader with real 3 dimensional personalities with faults we are all subject to. We might not know as much as we want to about Jacob and Ivo, but we do get a good rounding of who they are.
There is one other thing I highly respect about this story and its author. Mr Lipinski is German and writes in English which, of course, is not his primary language..... this is NOT an easy thing for anyone to do. What results is a slightly quirky style which is very different to the mainstream romance story we have all read. The syntax and descriptive words are slightly different to your standard English language as text but I found this imparted a unique flavour which enhanced the world building. It's set in Germany and the culture, though 'western', 'Eurocentric' etc is not American, British or Australian. This cultural difference is there in the writing and it is an asset for the reader. This book has been well edited, well thought out and logically presented but the style is different...it presents diversity on many levels, both within the story and in its creation.
I was given a ARC of this book but I was under no obligation to write a review. I'm also one of those superficial people who will only write reviews if the book is brilliant or absolutely 'tanks'. I believe we need honest reviews which highlight both ends of the reviewing scale but they are still my own personal opinion and a reflection of what I enjoy....more
N.R. Walker has the consistent ability to breathe such amazing life into her characters and I have never been disappointed when reading any of her booN.R. Walker has the consistent ability to breathe such amazing life into her characters and I have never been disappointed when reading any of her books. This is no exception and Henry, with his snarky, self-depreciating jokes, kept a smile on my face throughout the entire story.
Don't get me wrong though, Henry is obviously wounded by the ex's actions but it becomes very apparent that the relationship had been long-term in its effect on Henry. His realisation of this, his reflection on those relationship issues we are all blind to, plus his growth to heal, has lessons for us all.
I also love the Australian-isms which crop up often enough to bring a little of the Aussie culture to life in your mind's eye. Most of the M/M genre is edited for the American reader; as that's frankly where the mass market leans when doing the demographics; and many of N.R Walker's books are based in, and edited for, that commercial market. Here though, the editing is consistent with the setting and gives a unique feel to the entire reading experience. To enjoy the distinct differences in the spelling of words, turns of phrase etc lends a great deal of strength to the realism in this story.
So, if you are after an easy, comfortable read; where you meet some people you'd be so happy to have as friends IRL; this is the book for you. There are times when you may want the paranormal, the angst, the suspense, the erotica with assorted hawt bits, the riveting can't-put-down read.... well, this isn't it. This is the warm, comfortable blanket ( or sun-bed next to the pool) type of read which will leave you feeling all the warm fuzzies at the end. Enjoy!...more
All I can really say is the story was OK..... but...... The story ticked a few boxes for what I was wanting to read and it was doing reasonably OK untAll I can really say is the story was OK..... but...... The story ticked a few boxes for what I was wanting to read and it was doing reasonably OK until it finished...just finished. There were plot bunnies bounding around aimlessly within the story that could have been expanded upon..... this could have been an all round, satisfying contemporary romance but it just didn't deliver.
Why mention that Brad and his partner were on cold cases (1st mention)???? and enjoying them (2nd mention)???? Then, why mention one case in particular which could ohhhh sooooo easily be the ONE involving the last man to abuse Davie????? (3rd mention)
Stating that the story had been revised and edited and with a new publisher leads to some expectation of any untidiness in the story being fixed. I've read better free stories than this and THAT's why I'm so annoyed. I paid for an incomplete story which, really, seriously, I'm sorry, IMHO....it just isn't finished...not even to go into a second book.... A second book would be a continuation, this one just didn't go into enough depth or detail to even lead into another book ...possibly involving the Brad's partner.
As an example of this author's 'paid' work, I have really no confidence to look at any further works published and consider buying them. ...more
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