This is a reread because I love this series. Also, last time I listened to an audiobook while this time I went for the ebook. But yeah, I loved these This is a reread because I love this series. Also, last time I listened to an audiobook while this time I went for the ebook. But yeah, I loved these books and they basically lured me into reading historical romance again. Reading the book for the second time was a joy. Now that I had more to compare to, I realised just how well written it was, and how lovely and sweet it was, as well as it pulled at my heart strings. I think I liked it better this time around, actually. Four strong stars.
This book had a lot to like, and when I started out reading (listening), I thought it had the potential for four or five stars. The historical atmosphThis book had a lot to like, and when I started out reading (listening), I thought it had the potential for four or five stars. The historical atmosphere was great and the premise intrigued me. There were attractions and hot moments and lots of stuff I'm weak for. I really liked the audiobook narration, too.
I think the intention of this story was to introduce David Lauriston and Murdo Balfour as interesting and troubled characters with the potential to grow. Murdo was a bit of an asshole and narcissist and David was a bit passive, and even if it’s a classic trope in m/f romance, I wouldn’t have minded so much, if we got some twists on it. Or I wouldn't have minded it so much if David had called Murdo out for his aggressions and name-callings at least once. Or if Murdo had apologised. Maybe David had some explaining to do as well. I just needed them to talk, and connect, so I could believe their mutual interest more. Anyway. I’m sorry that I’m ranting, and this is probably mostly my own hangups talking (I suppose I'm provoked, hah). I hope some of these things will be addressed in the following book in the series, because I really want to read more good, smart and hot historical romance. And I really would love it if I could find that in these books.
All in all, I enjoyed a lot here. I'm a moody reader, though, and to be honest, I'm annoyed enough to want to give this book only 2 stars. Still, I know it deserves more, so I'll say 3 stars. ...more
This is the first book by Kris Ripper that I’ve read, and I loved it so, so much that it took me by surprise, to be honest. I fell in love with the maThis is the first book by Kris Ripper that I’ve read, and I loved it so, so much that it took me by surprise, to be honest. I fell in love with the main characters from the beginning, they were easy to relate to and I got very invested in their story. There were loads of attraction and hpt sparks flying between Declan and Sidney and it made me ridiculously happy. The background friendships were so good, and the found family vibe was off the charts. The bantery humour was very entertaining, at the same time as the emotional moments floored me, and Declan’s and Sidney’s insecurities and struggles were were written really well. Oh, and I liked how the MCs weren't much into traditional romantic gestures. That was so very relatable. I’m so glad I stumbled over this book, it was like a fresh breath of air, and now I’m definitely going to check out more books by this author. I’ve been curious about a couple of them, and now I know they’re worth checking out....more
If you love passion, pining and angst, this book has a lot of it. When I started to read this book, I realised that yes, I love the idea of turning anIf you love passion, pining and angst, this book has a lot of it. When I started to read this book, I realised that yes, I love the idea of turning an antagonist into the main character and using a POV switch to turn a story on the head, BUT then it needs to be done extremely well, preferrably shown and not explained.
Roan Parrish wrote some great prose here. There were issues with pacing, plot holes and repetitions (especially in the internal monologue and the hot scenes), but I didn’t mind much about that. However, I don’t think I was prepared for the level of angsty hurt/ comfort vibe in this book. All the queer characters seemed to have horribly tragic backstories, and even if that was believable, it felt like too much for me. I wasn’t prepared for Colin’s level of self loathing and destructiveness, and even if it was relatable, I’m sorry to say that I didn’t quite manage to connect to him.
Still, the author did a lot to make the story engaging, and I did like the moments with attraction and chemistry between Colin and Rafe, a lot of their development and the scenes with the volunteer work.
I might have felt better about the angst if the traumas were handled less dramatically, I think. I might also have felt differently about Colin if he took more responsibility for his actions, but it was too little, too late, and I sort of stopped caring or hoping for character development or redemption, basically. Also, I wish the book had trigger warnings for some of the things like the violence, self harm, alcoholism, drug abuse, bullying, external and internalised homophobia, implied SA, implied noncon, sexism and harmful gender roles. Some of those things probably influenced how I felt about this book....more
I just realised that I have read several of Roan Parrish’s books, but not really written any reviews before. I’m not sure why not, but I’ll have a go I just realised that I have read several of Roan Parrish’s books, but not really written any reviews before. I’m not sure why not, but I’ll have a go at this one. I liked the characters (well, mostly), the setting, and the witty dialogue, and I especially appreciated the glimpses of characters from other books by Roan Parrish, like Ginger, from “Small Change”.
I was surprised to realise that I found the pacing too fast in the beginning. One of my fave tropes are “one-night-stand-to-lovers" (when it is written well) and so it’s a bit strange that I felt like some things happened too quickly here. I think I didn't buy that the characters a) wanted/ thought they wanted something quick and easy, or b) were so attracted to or connected to each other that it felt natural. It might have helped if some of the attraction/ connection was amped-up, or if the characters were written a bit more consistent with their actions.
Daniel and Rex had Issues, and I liked that and how they worked through them. I would prefer if the main characters and their interaction was a bit more balanced and equal, though. Also, the book had quite a few pacing issues, plot holes and repetitions that should have been tightened up, as well as internal monologues that were a bit long and repetitive (these are things I struggle with in my own writing at the moment, so that may be why I can’t ignore it). The book was entertaining enough that I knew I would check out the other books in the series. I’m not sure about how I felt about the ending, but that might have been a pacing-thing, too. I liked the epilogue. I think some readers might not like how the epilogue was written, but I did - probably because I have a soft spot for Ginger....more
I liked the fresh feeling start of this book, with a pretty realistic breakup. I also liked the small-town vibe and a lot of the writing. However, it I liked the fresh feeling start of this book, with a pretty realistic breakup. I also liked the small-town vibe and a lot of the writing. However, it was a bit too angsty back-and forwards, and I never managed to believe that Owen could ever fall for his previous bully. At least, not that fast. This may be more about me than the book. I think I'll give this book 2,5 stars....more
I enjoyed parts of this book, but there were a bit too much dubious consent stuff for my taste and also too much deception/ misunderstanding. It helpeI enjoyed parts of this book, but there were a bit too much dubious consent stuff for my taste and also too much deception/ misunderstanding. It helped a little that the characters problematised the dubious consent things but I’m still not sure about how I feel about it. I should mention that these things may be more about me than about the book. ...more
It was nice to read romantic leads who differ from the norm, but I’m afraid some things in this book bugged me. I don’t quite know how to describe it It was nice to read romantic leads who differ from the norm, but I’m afraid some things in this book bugged me. I don’t quite know how to describe it but I think I struggled with how it felt like the weight issues and disability were these major plot points, and in a angsty way. I’m rounding up from 2-2,5 stars to 3 because of good intentions, diversity and a couple of sweet and funny scenes that I truly enjoyed....more
Gourgeoysly written book, both magical and painfully realistic at times. The characters were very likable, believable and fleshed out, and I could almGourgeoysly written book, both magical and painfully realistic at times. The characters were very likable, believable and fleshed out, and I could almost smell and taste the atmosphere, the surroundings were so well described. I enjoyed the overall story a lot. However, I was unprepared for some parts of the story that were a bit triggering to me personally (mostly in part 2 of the book). That made me struggle a bit. Still, I decided to push through it and I won’t regret that. Sometimes it’s worth it to face things that are hard, especially with a well written story like this. Also, this reaction was definitely a me-thing. I’m sometimes squeemish about certain types of angst in stories. Anyway. Great story and mostly satisfying ending. The book didn’t have too much deux ex machina to me - but other readers may disagree. I can mention that the ending perhaps was a bit over the top HEA and magical, but who am I kidding, I actually love that. A long and winding story like this needs a really really happy ending, anyway. Possible triggers that I can think of, if anyone reads this and wonders: examples of (realistic and not exhaggerated) trauma, trauma reactions, homophobia, sanism/ mentalism, discrimination, captivity, injustice, mistreatment, mentioned suicide, violence....more
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