Dude...LITERALLY, I don't KNOW how I feel. This is gonna be a hard one to rate...
[image]
Cause here's the thing: Book 1? FabHmm...I don't know, y'all.
Dude...LITERALLY, I don't KNOW how I feel. This is gonna be a hard one to rate...
[image]
Cause here's the thing: Book 1? Fabulous. Amazing. Wouldn't change a word of it. And you would THINK the vibes and energy of Book 1 would flow into Book 2...but they don't, really. SOMETHING is off and I think I'm having trouble pinning it down because it's more than just one thing.
The book starts strong af; right where Silk & Sand left off. And I was even excited because Seth and Raider IMMEDIATELY communicated any and all misunderstandings which was a FUCKIN' RELIEF cause if that carried through the whole book, I would've literally died. But then that conversation seems to just happen over and over and over again throughout the book? As in, they have small disagreements/arguments but talk and come back together. Which, like, DUH, that's the definition of a relationship, but it felt like EVERYTHING ELSE in the book took a back seat to those conversations? And also their make-up sex?
Like even Seth and Raider as characters seemed to take a backseat to all the fucking and crying and FEELINGS.
[image]
DO NOT GET ME WRONG, I still love those two with my whole fucking heart and I love a good Soft Dom/Brat Sub sex scene (more than you know) but there were SO MANY OF THEM that it overshadowed everything else. There is a reason why this book is on my "cliterature" shelf and Silk & Sand was not.
Guys. Girls. Gays. If I, Sarah the Smut Slut™, am saying there are too many sex scenes!? That means something.
And where that gets difficult is that all of these scenes are STILL SO SO SOOO GOOD. But the quantity and timing of them all makes for a book that lacks...finesse.
Though, what I'm truly most upset about is Raider (my fav character, obvs). I know that he goes through a lot more because he's confronting his past for most of the book but it made me sad that a lot of his vibrancy and sassiness was lost in this one. Again, after all the trauma he's been through, I can understand some of a difference in behavior and personality but he almost seemed like a different person. Because of that, we hardly get any of the banter and humor between him and Seth that we got in the first book.
Everything outside of their relationship (i.e. the plot lol) was still REALLY good - I liked the things that happened but because of the PACING of those things and how it all became background noise(?), it didn't quite reach the potential that was outlined in Book 1. Things happened fast and the ending, especially, felt SUPERRR rushed.
UGHGH, I'm on the verge of rambling but BASICALLY, if I had to summarize it, Silk & Sand contained and promised a lot of depth that Silver & Gold just didn't quite deliver.
BUT AGAIN, I still very much love these books and these characters which is why I'm so torn between ratings. I might end up changing my rating after letting it settle more but for now...
Rating: 3.5 rounded up to 4!
✧While I received a free e-arc from GRR, all thoughts are my own.✧...more
Drinking Game: Take a shot every time the MCs get lost in each other's eyes.
And if you need something to soak up all the booze, don't worry - you canDrinking Game: Take a shot every time the MCs get lost in each other's eyes.
And if you need something to soak up all the booze, don't worry - you can make a pretty impressive charcuterie board with ALL THE CHEESE.
[image]
Honestly, it probably would've helped if I was drunk for this one. It's all the social anxiety and awkwardness of losing your virginity for the first time but on steroids because the MCs are in their 30s. Which, by the way, I'm not judging. What I AM judging is the awkwardness paired with CLOYING SWEETNESS that makes me want to book a dentist appointment. I've read many a low-angst/insta-love book, but this one...wow. It's a Hallmark Christmas movie minus the Christmas & heavy on the Hallmark.
[image]
(view spoiler)[How was no one mad!? At any point?? The one moment of contention/angst was brushed under the rug like it never happened. I get that Drew had his reasons and if Zach chose to forgive Drew for LITERALLY LEAVING HIM ALONE IN A HOTEL ROOM WITH NO EXPLANATION AFTER LOSING THEIR VIRGINITIES TO EACH OTHER AND FUCKING MERGING SOULS OR WHATEVER, fine. But not even Jen, his guard-dog BFF, is going to be REASONABLY upset with Drew on his behalf!?? I'm all for her being #TeamDrew but AT LEAST BE MAD AT FIRST!? (hide spoiler)]
Is it still a cute story and did I at least avoid DNFing? Yeah, sure. But, authors, listen up. NEW RULE: A scene where a character *says an awkward thing* and then goes "Oh my god, did I say that out loud?" SHOULD ONLY HAPPEN ONCE IN AN ENTIRE BOOK. I don't give a FUCK. If it happens more than once, YA LOST ME. You had me at "hello" and you lost me at "omg I didn't mean to verbalize my thoughts but you're just so hot, look how cute and quirky I am."
Tl;dr Gay Virgins with Big Feelings.
Rating: 2.5 but, I'm sorry, I have to round down on this one cause I'm not feeling 3 energy.
✧While I received a free e-arc from GRR, all thoughts are my own.✧...more
"sMuT iS jUsT poRN, iT's NOt inTElLecTuALly stIMulATiNg nOr dOeS iT hAVe tRuE suBStAnCe blah blah blah" Well TODAY, I learned what docking is, so you "sMuT iS jUsT poRN, iT's NOt inTElLecTuALly stIMulATiNg nOr dOeS iT hAVe tRuE suBStAnCe blah blah blah" Well TODAY, I learned what docking is, so you can go fuck yourself (the vanilla way, you square). Just cause it's porn doesn't mean you can't LEARN somethin'. Alexa, play A Whole New World on max volume.
If you think I DIDN'T google it immediately to get a visual on what the fuck I just read (and to make sure it's physically possible), GUESS AGAIN, BITCH AHAHAHAH
[image]
If nothing else, I did it so you don't have to. You're welcome.
OKAY FINE, we like Tristan. Love him, actually. Fuckin' adorable ass psycho. AND WHO BETTER to be paired with this emotionally stunted jack-of-trades-you've-never-even-heard-of (WHY DOES HE KNOW THAT THE POSSUM IS AMERICA'S ONLY NATIVE MARSUPIAL LOL) than an even more emotionally stunted scarily large and scarily hot mute mechanic whose maladaptive coping mechanisms seem to match his JUST RIGHT!?
Lord have mercy, the way in which a "Your crazy matches my crazy, let's be crazy together" plotline gets me off is fucking unreal. Signed with my blood, Sealed with my tongue, and Delivered straight to the little folder marked "NOT PORN" in my brain that hides all my weird quirks and kinks.
AND AS IF ERIN RUSSELL WASN'T ALREADY SPEAKING MY KINK-LANGUAGE, we're gonna throw in emergency med references left and right!? Hi, my name is Sarah, BSN, RN and THIS IS MY SHIT. Every reference to trauma-induced compartmentalization, constant dehydration, and THE FUCKING BANE OF MY EXISTENCE THAT IS HYDROGEN PEROXIDE spoke straight to my fucking soul. Erin...lovebug...my sibling in Christ - if there's a hill you chose to die on in this book, I was right there with you, babe. Blood in, blood out.
[image]
Maybe will come back to write a legit non-word-vomit review, but until then I hope you enjoyed the ravings of a mad woman. Til next time, sluts.
✧While I received a free e-arc from GRR, all thoughts are my own (clearly lol).✧...more
Not only is Roe the absolute KING of all things dirty-nasty-delicious-smutty-smuCause of Death: Cuteness Overload
Roe, you BRILLIANT ass motherfucker.
Not only is Roe the absolute KING of all things dirty-nasty-delicious-smutty-smut, APPARENTLY, he has another jewel in his crown (that I was not yet aware of) in the form of the CUTEST WRITING I'VE EVER READ!?!
And, yeah, we've all read cute ass books but HERE's where it gets fuckin' wild - not a SINGLE line in this book even encroaches into cringe territory. This is MILES away from cringe. DO YOU KNOW how talented an author has to be to make my heart feel like it's hemorrhaging sparkly pink goo at every page turn WITHOUT including at least one line that makes me flinch from secondhand embarrassment?? THIS CHEESE HAS NO MOLD. THIS FLUFF WILL NOT CLOG YOUR LINT TRAP.
It's cute, it's cozy, it's charming, it's sweet BUT, true to every Roe classic, the SEX IS SEXING. It's not as wild or cum-guzzly as some of his other books but (in my totally unbiased opinion), I think the heat level matches the story PERFECTLY. Wouldn't change a word of it.
This is just one of those books that makes you LOVE love, ya know?
Toxic, Turbulent, and fuckin' Tasty with a Capital T.
YOU'RE TELLING MEEE THAT THIS IS A DEBUT NOVEL!?!?!
FUCKIN- [image] [image]
This is a work of fucToxic, Turbulent, and fuckin' Tasty with a Capital T.
YOU'RE TELLING MEEE THAT THIS IS A DEBUT NOVEL!?!?!
FUCKIN- [image] [image]
This is a work of fucking art and honestly, probably one of the best debut novels I've EVER read. THE FIRST PANCAKE RULE DOES NOT APPLY HERE.
Not only is the writing just stunning on its own, but the characters, the plot elements, the little details, even just the way the story unfolds - EVERYTHING is so unique and refreshing and different and frankly, I could go on and on and on about the things I loved about it.
I FUCKING LOVE ALEK AND IAN WITH MY ENTIRE HEART AND SOUL. If you look up "codependency" in the dictionary, their relationship should be the first example you see and y'all already know how I feel about codependent relationships. [image]
And this isn't any of that sweet, soft, subtle codependency that mentally stable people claim to enjoy, no, no, no, no, this is more akin to something like [image] AND I WOULDN'T CHANGE A SINGLE LETTER OF IT. FUCKING AMAZING. It's deliciously toxic (at least at first) because they're human and they're flawed and imperfect but they're perfectly imperfect TOGETHER and it's so beautiful and so sweet and just GO FUCKING READ IT, it's phenomenal....more
LOL I'm sorry, low hanging fruit, I know. But it had to be said.
Ever since the Las Vegas Grand Prix last yI'll show you where to position your pole.
LOL I'm sorry, low hanging fruit, I know. But it had to be said.
Ever since the Las Vegas Grand Prix last year, I have been foaming at the mouth at the very idea of an F1 romance book and not only did the MM book gods answer my prayers by putting this book in my sights, Rebecca Caffery absolutely delivered.
I love when a sensible, ambitious, fastidious MC (Kian) is paired off with a character that is, essentially, chaos incarnate (Harper) and their entire groove veers completely off track (hehe, racing jokes). Better yet when that chaos goblin is a closeted superfan but a very out, cheeky stud.
Kian's subsequent dismissal of Harper's adorable attempts at friendship leads to a delicious rivalry and NOTHING breeds sexual tension quite like competitiveness. I will say, though, that I wish that fight for dominance translated to the bedroom just a little bit more. More on that later.
The balance between their relationship development versus the developments in the actual sport was spot on for me. I'd say it was like 50/50 and normally, I'd want more on the relationship side, but I actually really appreciated the focus on the racing; it's the core of who our MCs are and it made me that much more invested in their individual development as well.
I am an absolutely sucker for all the tropes and mini tropes Caffery chose to include: forced proximity, hurt/comfort (I salivate for all things nightmares/injury/illness), mental health, found family, only one bed motorhome. A LOT happens in this book - so much so that I think some key plot elements were either forgotten or glossed over...
∘₊✧─── possible spoilers ahead ───✧₊∘
Okay, time for some critiques cause I do have a few.
I think the thing that I desperately wanted (and expected) the most and didn't get was a higher spice level. Both overall and with particular scenes. For one, there's only one actual (read: anal) sex scene (which is fine cause that's totally preferential) but if you're only going to have the one, it should be REALLY good. The scene felt kind of quick? Idk, it just felt like there was a lot of lead up and sexual tension and when they FINALLY fuck, you want it to REALLY pack a punch. The particularities come in with the dynamic between them. There's a scene earlier on in the book where Harper implies that he sees something in Kian relating to what he's into sexually - the implication being that Kian is a boring gentleman in the streets but a dominant freak in the sheets. Enough of a freak that Kian is all paranoid and thinks something like "there's no way Harper knows, right?" THAT SCENE is a promise to the readers that there is fun stuff to come and sadly, we get NONE OF THAT. There's plenty of lower-tier sex scenes that are still very, very hot but even those don't fall in line with Kian's supposed hidden sexual deviance.
Another huge plot hole for me was the whole thing with Kian's dad. NOT ONCE does Kian have an interaction with his dad - there's zero closure there. I get that Harper's part to play in telling Tyler not to come to the funeral was important, but when did Harper even realize that the dad was a piece of shit? His character goes from idolizing Tyler to suddenly telling him to fuck off at the airport and there should have been some type of conversation where Kian talks to Harper about why his dad is shit and is a trigger for him during interviews. Even if it's implied that it happens off-page, with how much Harper brings Tyler up to Kian alone, that was a conversation that needed to happen on page. And if there was never going to be any type of closure with Tyler's character, he shouldn't have made an appearance on page at all.
This isn't really a criticism per say, but I've seen a lot of people compare this book to Red, White, & Royal Blue - I think this is actually WAY more similar to Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall. Kian is Oliver and Harper is Luc almost to a tee. I guess the criticism part comes in because it is slightly derivative (especially with their personality traits and Harper's negative portrayal in the media), but I think Caffery really went out of her way to make it her own so that critique doesn't hold much weight.
Lastly, the ending. The last 2-3ish chapters (including the epilogue) are primarily written in summaries. I feel like this is more common with authors who aren't quite sure how to end the book? So it comes off as very quick and choppy and just a tad bit cringey? I still love all the things that happened and I LOOOOVE how much Kian and Harper love each other, but those last few chapters just needed a bit of polishing.
But FOR THE RECORD, all of these critiques come from a place of deep love because I still VERY MUCH enjoyed reading this and I would honestly come back to it again to reread some of my favorite scenes. I will also be getting myself a physical copy, cause I need it in my grubby little hands.
✧While I received a free e-arc from NetGalley, all thoughts are my own.✧...more
I feel like the story has a solid foundation but there are a lot of things that didn't quite work forBad Things Happen Bingo but it's all in one book.
I feel like the story has a solid foundation but there are a lot of things that didn't quite work for me. The plot, at its core, is Safe Haven (The Gay Remix). Our MC, Bodhi, runs away from his abusive, law enforcement shitstain boyfriend and finds love, family, and safety in a small town.
As a whole, it's just okay.
When you take a closer look, though, there's quite a few plot/character inconsistencies, odd punctuation choices, cringe-worthy moments, and (in my opinion) excessive injury occurrence.
This is one where I have to just list everything out to keep my thoughts organized, so...
∘₊✧─── possible spoilers ahead ───✧₊∘
Okay, so, the first and biggest thing that I found to be pretty jarring (like, literally, I heard my brain come to a screeching halt) was when Atticus undressed Bodhi and literally bathed him naked WITHIN 24 HOURS OF MEETING EACH OTHER!?! I GET that Bodhi has an injured arm and leg but STILL!? I think Bodhi keeping his underwear on while in the bath would've made more sense for PERFECT STRANGERS, tbh. And what makes it worse is that Atticus didn't even stick around to help him get dressed afterwards??? So you're saying it was necessary for Atticus to help Bodhi get undressed but he's not needed for putting his clothes back on, which, arguably, is HARDER TO DO!? Idk, man...it was just weird...very unsexy.
Speaking of unsexy - I'm a little confused by the sex scenes where Atticus is more dominant. I'm all for some dirty talk but it felt like it came out of nowhere. It felt like the author just wanted to write a spicier scene (which is fine and more than welcome) but it has to make sense for the character.
Another character thing that didn't make sense, but for Bodhi, was how he would occasionally be a little bratty or throw some 'tude. There's plenty of examples throughout the book but the one that I can't get out of my head is probably the smallest one. It's the scene where (on their first day of meeting) after spending all day at the hospital, they get some food and Bodhi has to take his pain med. And the line basically says something about Bodhi drinking Atticus' Coke to take his med and looking at Atticus like he's "daring him to protest"? I feel like this is so small and silly, but like, this kid, who has been FREAKING OUT about not having money to pay for hospital bills and not having a job and not being able to pay Atticus back for all his help and who seems so humble, is suddenly like "I'm gonna drink your Coke and I dare you to say something about it!"??? LOOOL I feel so dumb cause it's SO SMALL but again, it is SO not in line with his character and even though it's a literal fucking SIP OF A DRINK, it somehow made ALL of his previous concerns about imposing on Atticus seem insincere. It just seemed bratty and NOT in a cute way.
Omg, SEB GETTING SHOT? And HAVING A STROKE?! And his brother literally describing him as "a shadow of his former self"? JESUS LOL I'm not an idiot - it's abundantly clear that this is the set up for Seb's future romance with his PT but woof, TOO MANY BAD THINGS. I love hurt/comfort more than anything so if I'm the one saying that?! There's literally a scene where the whole fam comes to the hospital because of Atticus' accident and everyone is distraught and all fucked up (poor Theo omg), and then WE HAVE TO DO IT ALL AGAIN FOR ANOTHER BROTHER!? TOO. MUCH. And as sweet as it is that Seb got hurt protecting Atticus from Derek, why the FUCK is Seb getting pulled into their plot? It felt like the closure we got for Derek wasn't true closure because of it and it threw off the entire ending for Atticus & Bodhi's story.
Another thing that I noticed is that there was a lot of telling instead of showing. I find that this is pretty common in most debut novels but basically, instead of writing out a scene with either inner or spoken dialogue to show the MCs growing closer, an author writes something along the lines of "and then we talked for hours".
I'm getting tired of typing so we're just gonna rapid-fire the last few small nit-picky comments.
○ overuse of the word "bro" ○ overuse of exclamation points ○ use of "yes" instead of "yeah" made the dialogue more formal than it needed to be
Rating: 2.5 rounded up to 3
✧While I received a free e-arc from GRR, all thoughts are my own.✧...more
Not to be dramatic (narrator: she couldn't remember the last time she wasn't dramatic), but if Lee McCormick asked me to slit my throat so they could Not to be dramatic (narrator: she couldn't remember the last time she wasn't dramatic), but if Lee McCormick asked me to slit my throat so they could use my blood as ink for their next book, I would strongly consider it.
HNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGHHHH. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph - this one did things to me. Things I should probably run past a licensed psychiatrist. Like, should I probably unpack the fact that my immediate reaction to a serial killer dicing up a guy because he had the audacity to touch the killer's love interest (possession? obsession?) be "Awww, that's so sweet!"? Most likely. But I've been raw-doggin' life for 30 years so...
But why am I talking about homicidal codependency as my preferred love language instead of this GLORIOUS. ASS. BOOK!?!
I'd call it a guilty pleasure but there's ZERO guilt and ALL the pleasure. Jonah and Levi really ticked all the right boxes for me (and then some). There's touch-him-and-die and then there's so-much-as-look-in-his-direction-and-you'll-wish-you-were-born-without-eyes.
I LOOOOOVE the way the story hits the ground running and it's a fucking ALL OUT SPRINT to the finish line the whole way through. Jonah is just the cutest most adorablest murderous psychopath I ever did see & Levi is a brilliant, beautiful BRAT and I love him with my whole heart.
The set up for the plot and the way everything played out was perfection. Better yet, it was even more than I expected. Cause here's the thing - I am my own worst nightmare when it comes to plot twists; most of the time I guess the plot twist WELL before it's revealed (or even hinted at in some cases). But this time?! Even AS THE PLOT TWIST WAS UNFOLDING I was like "Wait, literally what is happening right now and where the FUCK is this going!?" Levi's confusion was my confusion and I haven't had that feeling in a loooooong time. I ate that shit up.
AND ALL THE LITTLE THINGS!? Levi's relationship with his dad (MYYY HEAAARRTTTT ...more
∘₊✧─── POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOR BOOK 1 AHEAD!! ───✧₊∘
I can't begin to tell you how ecstatiGroveling 101.
THAT IS HOW YOU WRITE BETRAYAL AND FORGIVENESS.
∘₊✧─── POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOR BOOK 1 AHEAD!! ───✧₊∘
I can't begin to tell you how ecstatic I was when Jem didn't instantly forgive Cador in the first book. I am so sick of MCs forgiving their love interest after 0.2 seconds with little to no groveling. Jem makes Cador WORK FOR IT and WORK HE FUCKING DOES.
The same obsession I felt with the first book now extends to this one. I looooove that in Book 1 we see Ergh and Cador's world and culture and now Cador is thrown into Jem's world. Jem is holding the reigns in MORE WAY THAN ONE CAUSE OUR BABY BOY CAN RIDE A HORSE NOW MOTHER FUCKERS.
There's some amazing character development in this one and I just ate it all up. There's also some minor plot twists that I didn't see coming. Keira does an amazing job anticipating what kind of plot twists a reader would normally expect and sets the scenes up to follow that line of logic and then diverts at the last second; literally feints left then shoots right. The twists aren't anything crazy; they're honestly very, very minor parts of the plot - but I just had to point it out because it's refreshing when a book isn't wholly predictable. And actually, the resolution to the entire plot seemed a little too easy but, I had such a good time, I honestly can't find it in myself to care or be critical.
UGH, I'm just obsessed with this world and I'm OBSESSED WITH JEM AND CADOR. They're so fucking precious I wanna scream. There's so many little details that I love about this book and series - I wouldn't even know where to start in writing a more coherent review so I hope you enjoyed my word vomit. Brain isn't braining.
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite comfort series.
I looove this world!! Every time I pick up a Perfect Pixie book, I know I'm in for some serThis is quickly becoming one of my favorite comfort series.
I looove this world!! Every time I pick up a Perfect Pixie book, I know I'm in for some serious cuteness and coziness paired with just the right amount of angst.
Parsnip and Vander are just as adorable as I expected and I'm SO HAPPY that our previous couples still play significant parts in the plot. Seeing all our pixies together made my heart so happy! Omg and Vander joining Sedrick and Lucroy's Partners of Pixies Support Group!? EEEEP, I LOVE THEM and I love how much they love their pixies.
The main plot was just as fun and engaging as the previous volumes but this time we also get quite a lot of subplot and background stuff - not to mention the hints at what's going to happen in the next book. I know it's probably not going to happen but I just want to put this out there: IF PHIL AND SEDRICK GOT ANOTHER BOOK/NOVELLA, I WOULD BE OVER THE FUCKING MOON There's stuff that happens in this volume that kiiiind of makes me feel like it's a possibility but I'm trying really hard not to get my hopes up. Waaah, I just want more Phil so bad!!
While I (clearly) really loved this one, I do have some small critiques too. First off, there was a bit more...cheesiness to some of the dialogue than I'd like. Not a huge issue cause this is just a very fluffy series in general but it definitely toed the line of cringey this time around. Second, while I SOOO appreciate and love that as the series progresses, the characters are a little more open with their horniness for each other, I do wish that Parsnip and Vander had a little bit more of an emotional connection too. I get the whole "one and only" fated mate thing kind of makes up for it, but I do wish there were more "this is WHY you're my mate" moments.
Regardless, I'm super eager for the next book cause we're shifting over to FAIRIES. I've loved Ray's character since the first book, so I can't wait to see what happens with him and Wendall!
Just two hot ass men in a hot ass desert makin' me hot 'n bothered.
[image]
I FUCKIN' LOVED THIS, lemme tell ya. I loved the world-building, I loved theJust two hot ass men in a hot ass desert makin' me hot 'n bothered.
[image]
I FUCKIN' LOVED THIS, lemme tell ya. I loved the world-building, I loved the magic, I loved the characters, I loved the writing, and I would straight-up die for Jasmine the boy dog with the flowery name.
[image]
The verbiage was a lot more informal and casual than you usually get with books written in this type of setting but yoooo, I was vibin' with it. Especially cause, if the entire book is written like that, it makes it a-ok to say things like
"Who the fuck cares what's normal? I like your aggression. I like your dick. Give me both of them."
[image]
And don't even get me started on the BDSM-lite stuff. Just...*chef's kiss*. The attraction between Seth and Raider starts from the moment they lock eyes and it's all just fire and heat and BURNY BURNY GOODNESS from there.
"This is mine now. Hold the railing."
[image]
LIKE, GUYS. HEAR ME OUT: KINKY. ARCANE. HANDCUFFS.
[image]
I love that Seth and Raider are complete opposites and yet seem to complement each other so perfectly. Seth sees the world in black & white, Raider sees a world bursting with color. Seth is quick to scowl, Raider is quick to grin. Seth has a stick up his ass, Raider likes Seth's stick up his ass. It's all about balance, really.
[image]
I could say more but I think you get it & really, I just wanna go read Silver & Gold, byeeeeeee.
P.S. not that it needs it by any means, but this book gets my horny brown girl stamp of approval.
[image]
P.P.S. I literally loved this arc so much, I went and bought physical copies of both Book 1 & 2 before I even finished this one - so that should tell you how much I loved it.
✧While I received a free e-arc from GRR, all thoughts are my own.✧...more
Oh, you thought this was gonna be a neat 'n tidy lil trilogy where the villains are thwarted and our MCs get their happily ever after? PSYCH - the ploOh, you thought this was gonna be a neat 'n tidy lil trilogy where the villains are thwarted and our MCs get their happily ever after? PSYCH - the plot thickens.
That intro may have an air of reproach but I assure you it is nothing but the highest praise. I previously found it refreshing that MJ May chose to write a series that follows the same couple and I am once again newly refreshed in that she is not restricting herself to the conventional story structure of a trilogy. The story will take as long as it takes and I'm here for that kind of energy.
In this one, we're back to the main mystery arc and the chess pieces start to fall off the board and into place. I'm sure it's not for everyone, but I actually really enjoy a mystery where the audience already has most of the answers and we're waiting for the characters to catch up. I feel like that's what differentiates between a more traditional mystery/thriller and a cozier mystery. Because we (the audience) already have the answers, it lets us focus on our MCs, their relationship, and how the story unfolds through their eyes.
I knew MJ wasn't going to let me down with some of the much needed spice! It's clearly not the focus of the story but I'm still grateful to see the development in Perry & Nate's relationship. Which, by the way, I am obsessed with. These two are so stinkin' soft for each other and I'm soft for them. I'm also SOOO grateful that we are avoiding any possibility of a miscommunication trope. Perry and Nate are, thankfully, expert communicators; even considering the impediments of Nate's job.
Speaking of characters I love, I was initially very wary of Malcolm and Delia but I've come to absolutely adore them too - especially Delia, that fucking badass of a woman. I would kiss her right on the lips.
I'm both desperately inpatient and very excited for the next in the series! ...more
Which, btw, I don't hate...but idk if I necessarily like it either? The mystery that was the "big revHeads up, this one is more mystery than romance.
Which, btw, I don't hate...but idk if I necessarily like it either? The mystery that was the "big reveal" in the first book takes a massive backseat in this one, and sitting in the back along with it is Perry & Nate's romance. They did not have enough time together - there's a little bit more heat between the two, though (especially towards the end), and for that I am eternally grateful.
I will say, I'm also grateful for the fact that the MCs lack of one-on-one time is part of the plot and addressed in the story. It's not that the author just didn't write enough scenes; it's because Nate is the Superman of detectives and he's busy keeping the world a safe place for Perry to live in.
I love a slow burn but this book brought us to a pace that's damn near glacial. But again, everything that the author is doing makes sense for the characters so I'm not super mad. Regardless, I'm desperately hoping that the next book picks up the pace on the romance front. ...more
Idk about anyone else but I am constantly craving a contemporary mm-romance series that follows the same couple/storyAn excellent start to the series!
Idk about anyone else but I am constantly craving a contemporary mm-romance series that follows the same couple/story in every book. Maybe it's just my selections, but I find that most of the books I read in this particular genre tend to have a different couple featured in each book - and while that's always fun and refreshing, I adooooore a slower burn where we get to see more of the same couple in depth. We all love a one-and-done, but sometimes it feels sooo good to take your time with some literary foreplay.
And that's exactly what this book is: foreplay - for both the MCs and the plot itself. While the plot has legs to stand on its own, its definitely set up as a HFN that hints (read: screams) at much bigger things to come. It's slower going with our MCs relationship development too and truly, I love it. Because of how their Perry & Nate's relationship started and how it's building, it makes sense for them to take their time growing their relationship/learning each other and it makes the story all the sweeter and will (hopefully) make the inevitable spice all the hotter.
I'm actually not usually drawn to mystery stories, but because of the inclusion of most of my favorite tropes, it made this waaay more palatable for me than a mystery/thriller normally would.
As far as the writing goes, I enjoyed the simplicity of it but I also think it made the story slightly predictable and, at times, a little repetitive. I don't mind a bit of predictability in a mystery, though; especially when it's clear that the reader should intuit more than the protagonists and that's part of what makes it thrilling. But I will say, there was a slight naiveté in Perry that encroached juuust past the line of being charmingly naive into more "You can't be this stupid" territory. But also, fuck it; it's for the plot - I get it and I'm not mad at it.
All in all, like I said, a wonderful start to the series! I think there's a perfect balance between the relationship building and the background plot and I can't WAIT to see where both will take our MCs in the next book!...more
Oh, so we're just going to casually change the trajectory of my life and then just fuck off into the ether, leaving me a broken shell of a person? OkaOh, so we're just going to casually change the trajectory of my life and then just fuck off into the ether, leaving me a broken shell of a person? Okay...cool, cool, cool...
HOW THE FUCK am I supposed to operate as a functioning member of society until MAY, K.D.!? EXPLAIN TO ME THAT. And you're telling me there's going to be SIX of these *shakes book violently* motherfuckers!? MY HEART CAN'T TAKE IT. IT'S TOO MUCH GOOD. TOO MUCH JOY.
This one put me well over the limit of how much amazingness I can take before I start to short circuit and my brain implodes in on itself like a dying star. I big-time ugly cried. Fergie was so, so very wrong. Big girls do cry. And not just a dainty, ladylike tear or two - no, no, no, we're talking full on wiping-copious-amounts-of-snot-on-my-sleeve-because-I-am-too-distraught-to-get-up-and-get-a-tissue crying.
There is magic in these books that cannot be explained and I am viciously honored that I got the chance to meet these characters and take a peek into this world.
Catch me in May when The Misfit Caravan comes out. Or don't, actually, because if this one was anything to go by, all signs point to me falling apart once again and I am so looking forward to it....more
The author really said Gay Awakening but make it neurodivergent and with two of the most endearingly oblivious cWhat's a bit of anal between friends?
The author really said Gay Awakening but make it neurodivergent and with two of the most endearingly oblivious characters to ever exist. Like two disoriented and blindfolded people playing Pin-The-Cock-On-The-Hole (first to hit the target realizes they're queer af) but instead of taking turns, they go at the same time, stumbling 'round, arms outstretched, until they inevitably bonk heads and fall into an adorable gay heap.
∘₊✧─── possible spoilers ahead ───✧₊∘
If Cade and Silas weren't so fucking loveable, I'd be throwing my arms in the air in exasperation at how long it took for them to realize. Cause it's definitely NOT GAY AT ALL to rub one off shoulder-to-shoulder in the middle of the night, ay, boys?
It's the blind leading the blind out here but keep in mind, I say all of this with nothing but fondness because the first half of the book is, frankly, the best part. Cade's one-eighty from heated, one-sided rivalry to I-am-now-your-bestest-friend-and-fiercest-protector-and-also-lets-kiss was THE SWEETEST THING IN THE WORLD. The very second he realized that Silas is just wildly misunderstood, he was so quick to change the narrative and I LOVE HIM FOR IT. AND DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON SILAS. ME SEE BROKEN BOI. ME HAPPY. ME LOVE.
Where it starts to feel like our metaphorical dirt bike starts to go off-track is, ironically, when they finally pin the cock on the hole. Because sweet, guileless, inexperienced, socially awkward Silas is SUDDENLY A PROSTATE-PROFICIENT CUM-KING SEXUAL PRODIGY? Mmmmmm, me-thinks not. It was still hotter than the ninth circle of hell (in which I'm sure I have an eternal reservation), as evidenced by my pressing need to do laundry, but it just didn't make sense for his character. In fact, I think I would have preferred his attempt to be endearingly awkward and naive - as he is with social interactions. Can we LEAD UP to the sex-god-status & cum-play? ABSOLUTELY. But we don't START there, fellas.
Beyond all that, I still wouldn't describe my reading experience as anything but amazeballs. I loved the mental health elements and the depth that every single character had (even Cade's adorable sailor-mouthed-gremlin sisters stood out in the story). Not a huge fan of Tristan but I'm pretty sure my dislike is aimed at his antagonism towards codependent relationships which, historically, are my bread and butter (lol) soooooo, we'll let that one go until we get more of his character.
Another thing that I LOOOOVED was not only the fact that Cade is an EMT but that the mild medical elements were accurate as fuck. As a medical professional myself, I get off when an author either did their research or clearly knows what they're talking about. I saw the word "chuck" and nearly came in my pants (iykyk).
Like I said, the first half of the book really did it for me. The second half was still good but left me wanting more....more what? I honestly don't know. But the author has implied a return to Cade & Silas' story, so I will choose to wait patiently for a more gratifying continuation/conclusion.
All hurt, no comfort. Jk, there's comfort but goodness, there's a lotta hurt to get through first.
If you came here for sexy-fun-times, look elsewhere.All hurt, no comfort. Jk, there's comfort but goodness, there's a lotta hurt to get through first.
If you came here for sexy-fun-times, look elsewhere. This book is about trauma and healing. (okay, fine, a smidge of spiciness but it's spiciness painted in the shade morally-grey) It's emotional and sad but also so, so, sooo sweet because it's also about finding unconventional love in the darkest of circumstances.
Dakota and Allister's characters were written beautifully! I'm so glad that it's dual POV because getting both of their inner thoughts and seeing how they viewed the other and how their relationship developed was so charming.
If you're a fan of hurt/comfort and you want a book that is essentially just hurt/comfort from cover to cover, this is the book for you. But for the love of god, check your triggers....more
*Eternally waiting for the day I get abducted by sexy aliens that just wanna take care of me and rail me six ways to Sunday*
Until that glorious day, I*Eternally waiting for the day I get abducted by sexy aliens that just wanna take care of me and rail me six ways to Sunday*
Until that glorious day, I guess I'll just have to settle for living vicariously through amazing stories.
In this particular story, Reuben gets abducted (lucky bastard) and shipped off to the planet of U'suhk which, while technologically primitive, is abundant in natural resources and sexy red lizard aliens (who, by the way, scratch my itchy lizard brain juuust right).
While this is a story that has been told before, Eryn Hawk makes it her own with bright and colorful characters and a fascinating world built on the wonderfully underutilized concept of: just having fun. From the physical attributes to the nomenclature (the pleasure planet F'ukyuu was a particular favorite of mine), she clearly just let her imagination run silly and rampant in the streets and I think the book was all the better for it.
I LOVE when a book feels like you've fallen into a character's stream of consciousness and are just here for the amusingly chaotic loop-de-loop ride. Partly because I particularly like it when authors drop all sense of propriety in favor of letting loose and partly because Reuben's entire inner dialogue sounds exactly like mine. I already enjoy when a book allows me to turn off my brain, so it's even more gratifying when that book's verbiage gives me a feeling of comfortable familiarity.
As far as the plot goes, it had everything that I could've wanted in an alien romance. It's traumatized-broken-boi meets hard-exterior-soft-interior alien with a cinnamon roll heart and y'all knoooow how I feel about broken bois (myyyy preeecciiouuuussss). Vo'ak was fucking adorable and I loved that he was emotionally intelligent & perceptive and not just a primal caveman. Though, his primal parts are nothing to scoff at either - you won't hear me complaining...especially when it comes to anything involving a knot.
If you're looking for all the fun and all the tropes (no thoughts, just vibes) - look no further.
Rating: 4.5 rounded up to 5!
✧While I received a free e-arc from GRR, all thoughts are my own.✧...more