I'm torn about how to review this book. The overall storyline was intriguing and the premises was definitely singular. The mystery kept me glued to thI'm torn about how to review this book. The overall storyline was intriguing and the premises was definitely singular. The mystery kept me glued to the pages, but my problem with the book concerns the characters...mainly Hadrian. I didn't particularly like him, nor did I like some of his actions in general and towards Thomas in particular. And Thomas, while endearing, wasn't a character that I came to love completely.
The only way to describe my feelings about the book is to say that I was intrigued by the plot and curious to see how it would end. Yet, while I'm glad that Hadrian and Thomas found each other, I wasn't one hundred percent invested in their relationship. Hence... I'm torn. But, I consider this an interesting story as a whole and worth a read....more
Although it treated hravy subjects as recovering from addiction, grief and living with a disability, this story was a wonderful treat with amazingly wAlthough it treated hravy subjects as recovering from addiction, grief and living with a disability, this story was a wonderful treat with amazingly warm characters. It was a book that made me feel love and affection from every bit of dialogue and from every interaction, and that made me believe that second chances and good things happen to good people. No unnecessary angst, just clever, kind people and their journey to happiness, leaving me with an immense feel-good buzz after reading their story. It was told solely from Greg's perspective, but the author's amazing writing made it incredibly easy to envision all the other characters and fall in love with all of them: his two precious twin girls, his family and friends, and especially Aiden.
I loved everything about this story. I felt loss and helplessness, surprise, confusion and determination, absolute joy and love, and every emotion in between, all wrapping up the beautiful romance between Greg and Aiden. A must read!
Written as a realistic depiction of life with brain damage, this book was in equal parts tragic and hopeful. It was tragic reading about Harrison's stWritten as a realistic depiction of life with brain damage, this book was in equal parts tragic and hopeful. It was tragic reading about Harrison's struggling each day, physically, mentally and emotionally, and hopeful seeing him heal more and more each day. Toby was a huge factor in Harrison's journey to getting better. The way their relationship developed was immensely affecting. A slow, day by day process of Toby caring touch and being present, and Harrison doing everything possible to cling to his memories. They were absolutely stunning together as they steadily grew closer and closer emotionally, despite the objective obstacles in their way.
I honestly read this with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. It was so heartwarming to see how Toby and Harrison's love might not have had healing powers and they had to work every day for their serenity, but watching these two special men happy with each other filled my heart with joy. ...more
Have you ever asked yourself what hides under a clown's smile? This story told me what Cho-cho hid under his huge painted smile, and it's been a reallHave you ever asked yourself what hides under a clown's smile? This story told me what Cho-cho hid under his huge painted smile, and it's been a really emotional journey.
After he's lost an arm in an accident two years ago, Niki/Cho-cho went from being an active, important part of the circus's life to working as a clown and doing menial jobs. The author gave a sensitive portrayal of the physical and emotional hurdles of being disabled, and my heart went to Niki, while at the same time being in awe at how he braved each day. When his childhood best friend, Connor, returned to the circus, I felt as if the whole story shifted. While before it emanated sadness, all of a sudden, Connor's smiles infused joy and excitement into the pages and Niki's life. It was magical, even if Niki and Connor didn't even kiss.
So, while not technically a romance, there was a dreamy hope of one, and immense hope for the brightest future for Connor and Niki. I wished for more on page between the two men, it's true, but I'm pretty happy with how the story closed. The story gave me plenty emotions to compensate and I definitely appreciated the tour behind the scenes of circus life.
There was one thing Adam said to Cam, soon after they've met, that brought tears to my eyes:
“Judge me for the bits you can’t see”
The phrase held meanThere was one thing Adam said to Cam, soon after they've met, that brought tears to my eyes:
“Judge me for the bits you can’t see”
The phrase held meaning to both of them, because both needed to be seen beyond the rubbles left of their lives.
And I loved that each saw the real heart of the other. Under the shame and guilt eating at him, Cam was kind and caring, and Adam had the brave soul of a hero, confined by the limitations of his broken body. They were two men who were trying to rebuild themselves and find a new direction for their lives. Cam also wanted a safe haven for his son, Finn, and Adam rarely experienced joy, living in a constant darkness of pain and anger. Strangers that immediately connected, recognizing the same loneliness and fears in the other's eyes, then friends that supported each other when the earth shook under their feet, to slowly grow in love, becoming tender lovers.
The author pulled no punches in writing this story. Everything was vividly and realistically written, yet with a sensitive touch: the fallout of embezzlement, the despair and ruin of so many, not only Cam. Adam's day by day, step by step battle for a semblance of normalcy. And, even if he didn't get his own POV, I really need to give a special mention to the bravest nine year old, Finn. His father's knight and first line of defense, almost an adult already, trying to let his walls down and being just a normal kid of his age.
I loved all three of them and seeing them finding home, safety and happiness together. Cam, Finn and Adam, broken but not shattered, imperfect pieces glued to form their own perfect family. And I loved their story, every page that broke my heart and all the moments that put it back together.
*happy sigh* I think I had a sappy smile on my face all the time it took me to read this book. Marsh and Shiro were just that cute and sweet together.*happy sigh* I think I had a sappy smile on my face all the time it took me to read this book. Marsh and Shiro were just that cute and sweet together.
The basic story is a classic, the prince meets the simple boy who changes his life...only in a sci-fi world. But, being together can't be easy in any way, because Shiro is a prince of the Imperial house and Marsh a mechanic on a Hansa station, so there's not only the class divide but also their belonging to different cultures.
Shiro who’s beautiful and Marsh is drawn to him, wanting to know him, to talk to him, touch him. To learn about the things have made afraid, to protect and hold him close. In Marsh, Shiro finds the person who for the first time can see him, and what he sees is exactly what he wants. Shiro with Marsh is liberated by being loved for the person he is, not the prince. Their connection is almost instant and grows in a tender, calm way. Although the action of the book happens in the span of only a few days, it seemed longer. For me, it was magical. The story plays out with a fair bit of sweet moments, doubts, drama and unexpected moments of hard-won joy. The plot is eventful, with lots of information, interesting characters and with the sweetest epilogue.
If you're looking for a well crafted scifi romance that's guaranteed to make you all gooey and happy, By Imperial Decree is the book for you....more
Although this book could be read as a standalone, it's better enjoyed after Liam Davis & The Raven, because the characters are already introd4.5 Stars
Although this book could be read as a standalone, it's better enjoyed after Liam Davis & The Raven, because the characters are already introduced there.
To say that Marc has previously acted as a bonafide jerk would be an understatement. But he wanted to make amends for his mistakes, and who doesn't love a redeemable s.o.b.?
I felt for his struggles, for the way guilt ate at his soul. He didn't take the easy way out, avoiding everyone he's hurt, and instead set out to better himself and then pulled all the stops to deserve their trust.
And I loved Marc with Hunter. They really SAW each other, understood one another on a deep level, and it's been beautiful to see them navigate through insecurities and fears. What they've built together, slowly and painstakingly, was swoon worthy and so darn adorable.
This book wasn't only about them, though. There was a gazebo to save from being bulldozed, and the fight to keep it standing involved characters I already knew and some pretty incredible new ones.
Marc Jillson & The Gazebo put me through an emotional wringer, but it also made me laugh and awe, and it definitely surprised me more than once. Loved it.
*ARC provided by the author via A Novel Take PR in exchange for an honest review...more
Anabela.M.
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