3.5 stars. This was filled with a lot of snark and humor, which was definitely my favorite part. I’m conflicted about saying it’s a light read, becaus3.5 stars. This was filled with a lot of snark and humor, which was definitely my favorite part. I’m conflicted about saying it’s a light read, because there is some heavy subject matter as revealed in the blurb, but truthfully it didn’t feel heavy while reading it.
I realize it’s not categorized this way, but it felt pretty young/new adult despite the kink content. I suspect that was largely because of the POV of the relatively immature main character, David. On one hand, we had this pretty hot budding relationship between him and dom (not even loosely based on) Ron Swanson. Which, um… drool. On the other, David’s idealism and lack of life direction were the epitome of youth, regardless of his age. So it felt like I was Adult reading about Kid. It was a strange dynamic.
(Aside: For a kinkster, David sure had alllll kinds of judgment on other peoples' kinks. Lots of "weird," "freak," and "psycho" comments about what got other people off. That was one of the things that made him feel immature.)
Knowing that this is the first in a series of five books, I am allowing for the potential that there was more setup focus here — the backstory, the introduction of quite a few characters, etc. And the character building was very decent; I’m curious to see where their stories go. I’ll read at least the next one for sure, and we’ll see...
Merged review:
3.5 stars. This was filled with a lot of snark and humor, which was definitely my favorite part. I’m conflicted about saying it’s a light read, because there is some heavy subject matter as revealed in the blurb, but truthfully it didn’t feel heavy while reading it.
I realize it’s not categorized this way, but it felt pretty young/new adult despite the kink content. I suspect that was largely because of the POV of the relatively immature main character, David. On one hand, we had this pretty hot budding relationship between him and dom (not even loosely based on) Ron Swanson. Which, um… drool. On the other, David’s idealism and lack of life direction were the epitome of youth, regardless of his age. So it felt like I was Adult reading about Kid. It was a strange dynamic.
(Aside: For a kinkster, David sure had alllll kinds of judgment on other peoples' kinks. Lots of "weird," "freak," and "psycho" comments about what got other people off. That was one of the things that made him feel immature.)
Knowing that this is the first in a series of five books, I am allowing for the potential that there was more setup focus here — the backstory, the introduction of quite a few characters, etc. And the character building was very decent; I’m curious to see where their stories go. I’ll read at least the next one for sure, and we’ll see......more
I was disappointed in this one. It had a lot of elements that should have worked for me, but it just didn't land.
The writing style was okay... a bit aI was disappointed in this one. It had a lot of elements that should have worked for me, but it just didn't land.
The writing style was okay... a bit atmospheric (and could have used tighter editing), but I can embrace stylistic choices if they're executed well. However, I constantly felt like I was missing something. I expected the picture would gradually be filled in and come to life, but it never really did.
The concept of the story was interesting and creative. It had potential. Unfortunately, there was way too much to handle within a novella of this length. Instead of a few elements of quality world-building, backstory, and plot, scores of details were attempted but then either not fleshed out at all or conveniently wrapped up within a paragraph. Also, grand canyon sized plot holes.
Finally, the characters were pretty flat, and the few interesting tidbits about them were told not shown. (Honestly if the MCs had been developed well, I would have been more forgiving of the above gripes.) So yeah, I finished the book a bit agitated and I can't recommend it.
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I was disappointed in this one. It had a lot of elements that should have worked for me, but it just didn't land.
The writing style was okay... a bit atmospheric (and could have used tighter editing), but I can embrace stylistic choices if they're executed well. However, I constantly felt like I was missing something. I expected the picture would gradually be filled in and come to life, but it never really did.
The concept of the story was interesting and creative. It had potential. Unfortunately, there was way too much to handle within a novella of this length. Instead of a few elements of quality world-building, backstory, and plot, scores of details were attempted but then either not fleshed out at all or conveniently wrapped up within a paragraph. Also, grand canyon sized plot holes.
Finally, the characters were pretty flat, and the few interesting tidbits about them were told not shown. (Honestly if the MCs had been developed well, I would have been more forgiving of the above gripes.) So yeah, I finished the book a bit agitated and I can't recommend it....more
My war with insomnia is kicking my ass this week, but at least last night I got something out of it — a one-sitting read of this book that I loved. I My war with insomnia is kicking my ass this week, but at least last night I got something out of it — a one-sitting read of this book that I loved. I was in the mood for something sweet and sexy, and it delivered.
Midway through, I already knew Superhero would be one I’d reread. Having stories like this on my shelves is like having my favorite blanket, tea, and bubble bath on hand. It’s a self-care thing. Some days (or sleepless nights), books like this are exactly the balm I need.
Just enough angst not to feel too superficial but not enough to raise my blood pressure. Very well-written — baby’s first Easton won’t be her last.
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My war with insomnia is kicking my ass this week, but at least last night I got something out of it — a one-sitting read of this book that I loved. I was in the mood for something sweet and sexy, and it delivered.
Midway through, I already knew Superhero would be one I’d reread. Having stories like this on my shelves is like having my favorite blanket, tea, and bubble bath on hand. It’s a self-care thing. Some days (or sleepless nights), books like this are exactly the balm I need.
Just enough angst not to feel too superficial but not enough to raise my blood pressure. Very well-written — baby’s first Easton won’t be her last.
Scant 2 stars, a bit meh. It started out kind of OTT and creepy, and honestly, that's why I kept going. I was hoping for a plot twist, but it ended upScant 2 stars, a bit meh. It started out kind of OTT and creepy, and honestly, that's why I kept going. I was hoping for a plot twist, but it ended up boring.
The narrative quality was decent, and I wouldn't be opposed to trying something else by this author.
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Scant 2 stars, a bit meh. It started out kind of OTT and creepy, and honestly, that's why I kept going. I was hoping for a plot twist, but it ended up boring.
The narrative quality was decent, and I wouldn't be opposed to trying something else by this author....more
I liked the premise, but this writing style is not for me. Lots of flat description and exposition, everyone is nice and saintly. I'm bored. :( Out atI liked the premise, but this writing style is not for me. Lots of flat description and exposition, everyone is nice and saintly. I'm bored. :( Out at 10%, no rating.
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I liked the premise, but this writing style is not for me. Lots of flat description and exposition, everyone is nice and saintly. I'm bored. :( Out at 10%, no rating....more
3.5 stars. I really liked the story, the premise, how well the locations came alive. I felt that it could have been better in the dimensionality of th3.5 stars. I really liked the story, the premise, how well the locations came alive. I felt that it could have been better in the dimensionality of the relationship and emotional elements. And some of the mundane parts could have been tightened up. Lastly, it was a fairly minor thing, but the dialogue between Ian and his children felt really stilted.
Thanks to Jan for the rec -- I especially loved the sidebars and rabbit holes it inspired (helloooo Robert Mapplethorpe, you were an absolute treasure), and I do want to read the author's other one. He has talent, for sure.
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3.5 stars. I really liked the story, the premise, how well the locations came alive. I felt that it could have been better in the dimensionality of the relationship and emotional elements. And some of the mundane parts could have been tightened up. Lastly, it was a fairly minor thing, but the dialogue between Ian and his children felt really stilted.
Thanks to Jan for the rec -- I especially loved the sidebars and rabbit holes it inspired (helloooo Robert Mapplethorpe, you were an absolute treasure), and I do want to read the author's other one. He has talent, for sure....more
It might not sound like a compliment, but this author made me feel like a complete idiot. Multiple times.
And it’s a very good thing.
Almost all books tIt might not sound like a compliment, but this author made me feel like a complete idiot. Multiple times.
And it’s a very good thing.
Almost all books that I love feel hard to review, but this one has some extra-large difficulties because of some masterful elements that would be spoilers to even try to explain. Let’s just say, I was surprised — outwitted — a couple of significant times and lots of other small ones. And delighted every time. Like, the kind of tickled that put a goofy grin on my face, making me want to look around and say “did anyone SEE that??”
This isn’t the sleepy story you might originally peg it for, but it also isn’t showy. It’s… quiet. Quietly sexy, quietly funny, quietly well-constructed, quietly brilliant. The characters nestled into my heart, and I could have easily read their banter for another couple hundred pages. But at the same time, it was perfectly enough. Just the right pacing and length for Rus and Adares’s tale.
Very, very highly recommended.
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It might not sound like a compliment, but this author made me feel like a complete idiot. Multiple times.
And it’s a very good thing.
Almost all books that I love feel hard to review, but this one has some extra-large difficulties because of some masterful elements that would be spoilers to even try to explain. Let’s just say, I was surprised — outwitted — a couple of significant times and lots of other small ones. And delighted every time. Like, the kind of tickled that put a goofy grin on my face, making me want to look around and say “did anyone SEE that??”
This isn’t the sleepy story you might originally peg it for, but it also isn’t showy. It’s… quiet. Quietly sexy, quietly funny, quietly well-constructed, quietly brilliant. The characters nestled into my heart, and I could have easily read their banter for another couple hundred pages. But at the same time, it was perfectly enough. Just the right pacing and length for Rus and Adares’s tale.
3 stars rounded up to 4. Yep, you read that right.
It’s a 3-star book (like/recommend). It is. Several things made it that. Most significant for me, th3 stars rounded up to 4. Yep, you read that right.
It’s a 3-star book (like/recommend). It is. Several things made it that. Most significant for me, the character development could have used some work. As likable as the MCs were, several times I actually forgot the POV of the current chapter because their voices were so similar. Also, the storyline in the last quarter of the book felt like it flew in outta nowhere. It was a huge chunk to bite off, complete with back story, and I’m sure I had a confounded look on my face for the length of your average sitcom.
But I just had so much damn fun reading it, and 3 stars would not reflect that. The 4th is a completely illogical move, and probably more than anything else, it reflects my love of reading about this coming of age time period. There’s just something so engaging about the raging emotions, hormones, cockiness, insecurities, and questions during this time of life. Life can change on a dime, and it does so all the time at that age, which is one of the things this story beautifully demonstrated.
So I guess the 4th star is basically for the intangibles that the author managed. I can't find it in black and white, but there’s fairy dust here. I couldn’t help but love it. #teambrightonandjay
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3 stars rounded up to 4. Yep, you read that right.
It’s a 3-star book (like/recommend). It is. Several things made it that. Most significant for me, the character development could have used some work. As likable as the MCs were, several times I actually forgot the POV of the current chapter because their voices were so similar. Also, the storyline in the last quarter of the book felt like it flew in outta nowhere. It was a huge chunk to bite off, complete with back story, and I’m sure I had a confounded look on my face for the length of your average sitcom.
But I just had so much damn fun reading it, and 3 stars would not reflect that. The 4th is a completely illogical move, and probably more than anything else, it reflects my love of reading about this coming of age time period. There’s just something so engaging about the raging emotions, hormones, cockiness, insecurities, and questions during this time of life. Life can change on a dime, and it does so all the time at that age, which is one of the things this story beautifully demonstrated.
So I guess the 4th star is basically for the intangibles that the author managed. I can't find it in black and white, but there’s fairy dust here. I couldn’t help but love it. #teambrightonandjay...more
Oh, man. I didn’t like this one, for reasons that I’m going to try not to rant too much about I apparently need to get off my chest. And while there wOh, man. I didn’t like this one, for reasons that I’m going to try not to rant too much about I apparently need to get off my chest. And while there were a couple of things that I enjoyed, I just can’t recommend it due to the amount of time I spent with my face scrunched up.
I felt like I was reading a cartoon. One with lots of caricatures, exclamation points, and melodrama. The characters all had a lack of emotional maturity and impulse control. And I mean all of them — from the MCs, to the parents and siblings, to the 4-year-old niece (who only appears on page a couple of times, even though I sometimes felt I’d been dropped into the child’s daycare). I would've been fine with this being a flaw in a character or two, but since it was universal it seemed like this is just what the author believes people are like.
The contrived plot was essentially based on this lack of maturity, so there was no escaping it. Then, color me shocked, there was a trite conflict around 80% that magically changed everything.
The kink element was one of the things that drew me to pick this one up. And yet, I found one of my least favorite kinky situations that I’ve read. Those who know me know that I am not a stickler for SSC* stories, but this was just off-putting, weird, and unrealistic. The way that “discipline” was attempted felt like being lectured by Donald Duck about not leaving the house without pants.
I did like the trans rep — especially the portrayal of the MC’s struggle accept himself and to be accepted by potential dating partners. This is ultimately the element that kept me going with the book, because I was engaged in his story arc and wanted to see how it turned out for him.
I have a few other works by this author, and despite what I’ve outlined above, I will try again. It's possible that my particular issues here may not transfer to his other stuff, and I’m down for finding out.
*safe, sane, and consensual
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Oh, man. I didn’t like this one, for reasons that I’m going to try not to rant too much about I apparently need to get off my chest. And while there were a couple of things that I enjoyed, I just can’t recommend it due to the amount of time I spent with my face scrunched up.
I felt like I was reading a cartoon. One with lots of caricatures, exclamation points, and melodrama. The characters all had a lack of emotional maturity and impulse control. And I mean all of them — from the MCs, to the parents and siblings, to the 4-year-old niece (who only appears on page a couple of times, even though I sometimes felt I’d been dropped into the child’s daycare). I would've been fine with this being a flaw in a character or two, but since it was universal it seemed like this is just what the author believes people are like.
The contrived plot was essentially based on this lack of maturity, so there was no escaping it. Then, color me shocked, there was a trite conflict around 80% that magically changed everything.
The kink element was one of the things that drew me to pick this one up. And yet, I found one of my least favorite kinky situations that I’ve read. Those who know me know that I am not a stickler for SSC* stories, but this was just off-putting, weird, and unrealistic. The way that “discipline” was attempted felt like being lectured by Donald Duck about not leaving the house without pants.
I did like the trans rep — especially the portrayal of the MC’s struggle accept himself and to be accepted by potential dating partners. This is ultimately the element that kept me going with the book, because I was engaged in his story arc and wanted to see how it turned out for him.
I have a few other works by this author, and despite what I’ve outlined above, I will try again. It's possible that my particular issues here may not transfer to his other stuff, and I’m down for finding out.
This was REALLY good. The whole time I thought there would be no way I'd be satisfied with the ending, yet when it arrived, I was. It took itself a taThis was REALLY good. The whole time I thought there would be no way I'd be satisfied with the ending, yet when it arrived, I was. It took itself a tad seriously with the prose at times, but I was captivated by the story and the characters anyway. My first experience with this renowned author won't be my last.
I was thoroughly entertained by The Last Stars in the Sky, my first read from Kate Hewitt. The post-apocalyptic survival trope (genre?) fascinates me,I was thoroughly entertained by The Last Stars in the Sky, my first read from Kate Hewitt. The post-apocalyptic survival trope (genre?) fascinates me, very The Walking Dead minus zombies — and since it's people that are the real enemy anyway, it feels similar to that.
At the beginning, the narrative was a little melodramatic and repetitive, working too hard to reinforce the family drama that set the stage for the story. And the characterization was often lacking; many of the secondary characters came to life much more than the main two. I still hung on the plot and was never bored. Can't wait til volume 2!
I laughed til hiccups. Twice. Possibly the last person alive to read this but I'm caught up now. I'm so glad I listened to the AB for this one — that I laughed til hiccups. Twice. Possibly the last person alive to read this but I'm caught up now. I'm so glad I listened to the AB for this one — that definitely took it to the next level....more
The Shoemaker's Wife held the potential for noteworthiness at the beginning. Adriana Trigiani is great at PLACE — her vivid descriptions adeptly enablThe Shoemaker's Wife held the potential for noteworthiness at the beginning. Adriana Trigiani is great at PLACE — her vivid descriptions adeptly enabled me to picture, hear, smell, even taste the scene I was reading. I saw early glimmers of conflict and it seemed like the coming story would be robust.
It tried to be? I'm sure the initial book outline promised an epic tale, spanning decades and continents, generations and travails. But the execution was lacking. It leaned on description and sacrificed characterization. The portrayal was overly sentimental, everyone cared about each other the absolute most, the peoples and places were exquisitely beautiful, etc. I became increasingly exasperated and couldn't wait for it to be over. (Had I not been reading as audiobook during my commute, it would have been a dnf midway through.) Plot points that could have been — should have been — emotional didn't land for me at all. Too much "this Bad Thing happened" but surrounded by trite, prettified narrative sucking out any lifeblood and grit.
Maybe there are times that third person omniscient works really well. This wasn't one of them — the more the author relied on that POV to tell me things she hadn't made me feel, the more annoyed I got.
Also. Also! I don't think kids said "what's the skinny" in 1930?? I'm not a stickler for zero anachronisms, but that one was like a bucket of cold water. [From my cursory etymological search, it seems likely to have come along not too long after that, so it's older than I assumed. But still.] To be fair, at this point I wasn't happy with anything that was unfolding, writing-wise.
Scorching! My 3-star rating probably belies how much I enjoyed this one, so don’t let it keep you away if you like your kink heavy on the SM. I recommScorching! My 3-star rating probably belies how much I enjoyed this one, so don’t let it keep you away if you like your kink heavy on the SM. I recommend it, even though there was a lot that could have been better.
The strengths here were the story arc and the connection between the MCs. I was looking for some smut with heart, and this one delivered in spades. Both the smut and the heart were palpably yummy.
The weaknesses were the dialogue and the lack of development outside the relationship. The latter wouldn’t have been as much of an issue if less had been bitten off by the author — elements of Rase’s and Gabriel's lives were included that didn’t strictly need to be, and then they weren’t really fleshed out.
Every once in a while, my jaw would drop because of a moment of brilliance. It’s very much worth reading; just don’t expect the tightness of a well-edited story.
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Scorching! My 3-star rating probably belies how much I enjoyed this one, so don’t let it keep you away if you like your kink heavy on the SM. I recommend it, even though there was a lot that could have been better.
The strengths here were the story arc and the connection between the MCs. I was looking for some smut with heart, and this one delivered in spades. Both the smut and the heart were palpably yummy.
The weaknesses were the dialogue and the lack of development outside the relationship. The latter wouldn’t have been as much of an issue if less had been bitten off by the author — elements of Rase’s and Gabriel's lives were included that didn’t strictly need to be, and then they weren’t really fleshed out.
Every once in a while, my jaw would drop because of a moment of brilliance. It’s very much worth reading; just don’t expect the tightness of a well-edited story....more
45% and it's time to admit I'm never going to finish this one. It's not poorly written but it's just not holding my interest, even during captive audi45% and it's time to admit I'm never going to finish this one. It's not poorly written but it's just not holding my interest, even during captive audience traffic times. ...more
This turned out better than I expected, and the allegory was adeptly executed. One of those that I'm trying to get a couple local friends to read so IThis turned out better than I expected, and the allegory was adeptly executed. One of those that I'm trying to get a couple local friends to read so I can talk about it! Beautiful story, at turns hopeful, melancholy, and inspiring. It struck me personally due to spoilery reasons, so I'll not only remember it but will keep actively thinking about it from different angles. High rec....more
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