J.F. Miev is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
This book is SOOOOOO unserious and I fucking loved every delectable second of it. Having a maJ.F. Miev is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
This book is SOOOOOO unserious and I fucking loved every delectable second of it. Having a mafia romance book with a double bi-awakening between two himbo-but-badass, kinky cinnamon roll MCs is the delicious chocolate cake that that I was craving and it's (YUM) frosted with the sweetest, whippiest lightheartedness.
Really, this book was just so much fun. I AM OBSESSED WITH LEO - THAT ADORABLE ASS MOTHERFUCKER WHO COULD ALSO IMPRESSIVELY BEAT THE SHIT OUTTA ANYONE. His character is just a riot of color and his golden retriever energy paired with Chai's wickedly-sexy-black-panther-but-is-really-just-a-cuddly-house-cat WAS SO STINKIN' ADORABLEEEEE.
Literally, this is Chai when he's on mafia duty: [image]
This is Chai when Leo is around: [image]
And this is Leo 24/7: [image] [image]
But if the adorableness is impressive, THE HEATTTTTTT IS- [image]
Even just reading these two FANTASIZING about each other was getting me all hot and bothered, GOOD LORD. And then we add the fact that both of these men are just immediately unbothered at how gay they are for each other and how they're so unapologetically eager to explore their interests and kinks?? [image]
Not to mention the banter and humor! It was so much fun and sweet without being cheesy and once you get past the "climax" (of the background plot cause Leo & Chai had more than one climax, rest assured *wink wink*), it just gets even more silly and ridiculous from there. It was really refreshing to read a book that has traditionally darker themes that isn't dark at all - it's a ray of fucking sunshine and I'm happy to bask in it any day.
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ALSOOOOOOOOOOOOO [image] Just gonna leave that there.....iykyk and if you DON'T know, go fucking find out if you wanna laugh your ass off.
(view spoiler)[THE ONLY TEENY TINY LITTLE ITTY BITTY part that I had a problem with is that Leo made Chai wait SIX FUCKING MONTHS before he finally topped him and that is a long fucking time to make him wait, Leo. Do better. (hide spoiler)]
Rating 4.5 rounded up to 5!
✧While I received a free e-arc from GRR, all thoughts are my own.✧...more
Dude...LITERALLY, I don't KNOW how I feel. This is gonna be a hard one to rate...
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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(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
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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.
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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
Whoever said fucking the guy that murdered your fiancée wasn't an effective coping mechanism can take a seat.
This is my first book by this author so Whoever said fucking the guy that murdered your fiancée wasn't an effective coping mechanism can take a seat.
This is my first book by this author so I really had no idea what to expect but what I truly did NOT expect was becoming ABSOLUTELY ADDICTED to this story.
Here's the thing - I have always, always, always had a thing for sci-fi romance books. Make it MM? Sign me up. Make it a unique & thrilling murder-mystery-meets-convoluted-intragalactic-coup-d'état? Fuck me up, fam. Throw in a dash of toxicity, a heaping scoop of vacillating power imbalances, and a limitless amount of uncontrollable attraction? Run that shit through my veins.
While we do get some higher heat towards the end, this is definitely a slooow burn as advertised. I actually really enjoyed the pacing of Aiden & Darren's relationship; I think it works for the plot and their characters and I like how hard Aiden tries to fight his growing attraction - it'll make their relationship development in the second book all the more satisfying. Especially since all Aiden really gives into is the physical side of the attraction so I'm eager to see how things change for them emotionally.
As far as the plot goes, I like to think I've read enough space operas to know when I've found something unique and this is definitely within that realm. While the details of the plot are delightfully innovative, the book still follows the traditional track of a true space opera in that it still has a considerable amount of non-romance elements. Which, in this case, I actually prefer. While I anticipate the second book being a lot more romance-heavy, I like that I kind of have to work for it.
In terms of critique, the only one I really have is that the writing could be a tad rough and, at times, repetitive. But it wasn't enough to discourage me from keeping the nit-picky part of my brain firmly in the "off" position and letting myself just enjoy the story.
I need the second book NOOOOOW.
✧While I received a free e-arc from GRR, all thoughts are my own.✧...more
“You ready for another mistake?” his deep voice whispers harshly in my ear.
Me: [image]
Well, this was a sweet lil firecracker of a story.
I really
“You ready for another mistake?” his deep voice whispers harshly in my ear.
Me: [image]
Well, this was a sweet lil firecracker of a story.
I really liked it! It's not anything complex, but the story is juuust detailed and long enough to be an excellent read. While I haven't read Immoral (yet), it wasn't hard to jump on to the love train and see the relationships and how everyone connects.
I loved Waylon & Justin as characters and I especially loved that, even though they've been pining for each other for the better part of a decade, the story starts off nice 'n quick with hardly any delay (especially in the spice department). I gotta say, there's something about a frantic fuck that really does it for me; nothing is hotter than characters who just can't keep their hands off each other.
Also, I don't know if this is common for Nicole Dyke's writing since this is the first of her work that I've read, but I really appreciated how, when one the boys felt hurt or rejected or scared, they'd react with a little bit of bitterness. Not only was it hot to see just the dashiest-dash of toxicity, but it made their characters feel all the more authentically imperfect. I looove a character with flaws!!
Overall, a cute lil read! And after seeing Waylon's relationship with Grady & Ryan, I will definitely be reading Immoral very soon!
✧While I received a free e-arc from GRR, all thoughts are my own.✧...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
A gorgeously feisty Brit and an American wet-dream walk into a bar...
And while neither of them end of being the butt of the joke, there's still plentyA gorgeously feisty Brit and an American wet-dream walk into a bar...
And while neither of them end of being the butt of the joke, there's still plenty of laughs and plenty of butts *wink wink*.
I had so much fun reading this! I loved how the story was a slow burn but still, somehow, hits the ground running. "Somehow" being the fact that Bowie is the most ostentatious flirt to ever exist. His character is only made better by the fact that, while he comes off as arrogant and cocky, he's actually a sweet little softie boi with imposter syndrome who just wants to be wanted. And WHO BETTER to want him that the fucking 6'4" tattooed Adonis that is Dr. James Sullivan PT, DPT (excuse me, just wiping the drool off my chin).
The banter between these two was absolutely DELECTABLE! Oftentimes, I find myself wanting or wishing that books had more casual dialogue between the MCs; just them talking and having fun. And this book has it in spades! There was something so pleasantly domestic about the way they spoke with one another, it had me grinning like a loon. AND DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE GROIN EXAM OR THE TROLLEY MUSEUM. Nothing in life is funnier than desperately trying to keep your composure when you want to laugh.
It was just so CUTE. If the book had cheeks, I'd pinch the shit outta them. The nicknames, the dates, the banter, the foreigner-confused-by-all-things-American thing, the DOG!?! UGH, ADORABLE. The cheese had me cheesin'. So cheesy that, if you're lactose intolerant, I highly recommend taking a Lactaid supplement before reading. I will say that the cheesiness borders on cringey at times, especially after they get together, but I'm not super mad at it. And at that point, I had already jumped on the bandwagon trolley, so *shrug*.
Aside from the cheese pizza with extra, extra cheese, the only thing I need to point out is WOW, was this book LONG. Somehow I both loved and hated it? I obviously love that we get more adorable moments and face time with the boys but wooooooooboy, this one is a marathon, not a sprint.
In summary, this book has left me horny as hell and unable to look at a shopping cart the same way ever again.
✧While I received a free e-arc from GRR, 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
Just two hot ass men in a hot ass desert makin' me hot 'n bothered.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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."
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LIKE, GUYS. HEAR ME OUT: KINKY. ARCANE. HANDCUFFS.
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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.
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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.
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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
*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
I always know I can depend on Karla Nikole to write a story that feels like wrapping yourself up in the coziest, snuggliestShe's done it again, folks.
I always know I can depend on Karla Nikole to write a story that feels like wrapping yourself up in the coziest, snuggliest blanket in the whole world; just a perpetual warm hug that makes reality dim and everything in your periphery go soft and hazy.
There is a certain atmosphere in Karla Nikole's writing that has become her signature and something that I have become exceedingly fond of. Oliver's story has all that same atmosphere & sweetness but with a uniqueness that stands apart from her previous works.
Oliver & Aries are everything that is good - the very definition of unconditional love. After an initial encounter that throws Oliver's sense of reality into a tailspin, their relationship grows slowly and beautifully; culminating into something absolutely magnificent. And the spice? Delicious.
I love the overall tone of freedom and artistry that's maintained in the story. I think I made a comparison in my review for Book 1 of Lore & Lust that Karla Nikole writes with a paintbrush - there's a visual aspect in her writing that is ever present and I continually find the most beautiful colors bursting in my imagination while the story progresses. It makes me want to paint. Nothing shows the value of art more than when a work of an artist in one medium inspires the work of another.
As far as plots go, I loved the way this story unfolded - especially Oliver's character development! While Aries was the conduit that sparked his fight for freedom, I really appreciate that he doesn't allow himself to become dependent on him in a way that may be unhealthy for either of them. They're just so careful with each other; it makes my heart melt. I also loved that while their romance was the focal point for the story, it didn't take away from Oliver's individual growth at all. Additionally, everything in the background and all the characters were still wonderfully complex.
Oh lord, and don't even get me started on Alexander. I am so absurdly excited to hear his story next. If I thought Oliver's character development was impressive, Alexander's was breathtaking. There were some subtle but not subtle hints, so I already have a theory on our love interest and I sincerely hope I'm right.
✧While I received a free ebook from the author, all thoughts are my own.✧...more
No one writes yearning, unconditional love quite like Sebastian Nothwell - this was an absolute masterpiece (arguably, his best yet).
Right off the cufNo one writes yearning, unconditional love quite like Sebastian Nothwell - this was an absolute masterpiece (arguably, his best yet).
Right off the cuff, Sebastian's resplendently lyrical prose throws us into a colorful world with even more colorful characters. The setting is beautiful and with every word I read I felt like I was being transported to a different realm all-together. Every new place we visit in the story had my jaw on the floor - what I wouldn't give to visit even one of these paintings-come-to-life. There were romantic little details and nods to history that I so appreciated. Nothing pleases me more than a writer who does their research - the medical accuracy alone left me delighted. Obviously, certain liberties are taken in a work of fiction, but the way that Nothwell interweaves those liberties with historical points of reference is seamless and is something that I've come to associate with his works specifically. Sometimes you can feel the author's enthusiasm through their writing and it just makes everything that much more enjoyable.
There is such sweetness in all of Nothwell's past characters and Fiore & Enzo are no different. I am in love with these two selfless, soft, sweet idiots. In every book he writes, there is a large emphasis on, rather than loving someone in spite of their faults, loving them faults and all. His characters are always so endearingly flawed (as is any person) and the unconditional love they have for each other makes my heart full to bursting.
Another similarity to previous works: Fiorenzo has some delicious bits of spice to balance out the sweetness that I ate up like a woman starved. There are BDSM elements in this one that are slightly more stark than his previous books and I am here for it. If Nothwell's books have taught me anything, it's that I need to invest in a proper sea chest (false bottom and all, iykyk).
NOT TO MENTION THE HURT/COMFORT. UGHHHH. Bury me with a copy of this book when I die because it's everything I could want and I must retain the ability to read it again and again until the end of time. I never wanted it to end. There are a few questions left unanswered but, if I know Nothwell's writing style like I think I do, we should hopefully be coming back to Fiore & Enzo's story and some of those questions will have answers.
The only thing that could eclipse my adoration for this book is Fiore & Enzo's adoration for each other, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
✧While I received a free ARC of this book from the author, all thoughts are my own.✧...more
Everything Chani has been putting out in the past year has become my new favorite flavor of book. It's liI never met a trigger warning I didn't like.
Everything Chani has been putting out in the past year has become my new favorite flavor of book. It's like when you walk into an ice cream shop and there's all these crazy new flavors but your eyes keep glancing back to your tried-and-true. You know you're gonna get it. You may ask for samples to flirt with some of the other flavors but come on, be real, you know what your heart really wants. For me, that's apparently literally anything that this woman writes. (Coincidentally, my actual tried-and-true ice cream flavor is mint chocolate chip - I implore you to read the book and find out why I would even bring that up; you won't regret it.)
Rabbit, a musician who plays a beautifully unique instrument called a beiska, catches the eye of Baikal, the planet's mafia prince and a wolf if I've ever seen one. The hunt begins before our little bunny even knows he's being pursued and by the time he catches on, it's far too late as the wolf chases him around the tree and straight down into his sweet little rabbit hole.
There is so. much. to the story - tons of tiny little details that I'm stupidly obsessed with: the gorgeous elements of the beiska, the planetary relationship between Imperials and the mafia, Baikal and his dad, the history of Shouts, the glowing trees, even the fucking school uniforms. I could quite literally go on and on about the attention to detail that Chani puts into all of her books and EVERYTHING is just fucking *chef's kiss*.
Idk who the real devil is, Baikal or Chani Lynn fuckin' Feener, cause listen, I would unquestionably sell my soul to her for nothing in exchange other than for her to continue writing these deliciously dark books. While not as dark as previous books, it still left me happily sated (yet inexplicably starving for more)....more
Even though this is a hockey romance, the way that the story unfolds is endearingly domestic. It’s givinMiss Mock has entered the hockey romance chat!
Even though this is a hockey romance, the way that the story unfolds is endearingly domestic. It’s giving slice-of-life but with spanking and sticks (hockey and…otherwise). And with the way these boys swing 'em around, there’s definitely a risk of someone getting their eye poked out both on and off the ice. Wouldn't have it any other way.
Jack, some time after ending an almost-engagement that he still can’t let go of, goes home one night with a man that causes sparks to fly. After a rough season, Jack is ready to start anew - new coach and all. And who does that coach happen to be? Ding, ding, ding! You guessed it, folks! The spank-master himself, Mercy Meyer a.k.a. the man who was supposed to be and remain Jack’s glorious one-night stand.
As hard as Jack tries to keep it that way, our resident brat can't help but bend the rules. Lucky for us, Merc is always ready to bend Jack over his knee.
I know this is a contemporary novel but to me there's just a touch of fantasy in that I hardly ever meet men as in touch with their feelings as the characters in this book. It's highly unrealistic but I don't find that I care very much. I would normally only attribute that quality to our MCs since they're the stars of the show but even our side characters wear their hearts on their sleeve and it's adorable. I'm already seeing MCs for future books in the series and lemme tell ya, I'm excited!
As Miss Mock says, her CW list is usually "the book before the book" so reading a work with hardly any warnings was definitely a surprise - but an entirely pleasant one! To me (in my totally unbiased opinion) that just shows how versatile she is as an author!
If you're looking for an MM hockey romance with low-angst but all the fluff and enough heat to melt all the ice in a rink, look no further.
Thank you to Mock for the ARC! All thoughts are my own....more
This book has a violent chokehold on me and all I can do is beg for it to squeeze tighter.
I am absolutely floored. Shadow Yor, a.k.a. Shade, is an intThis book has a violent chokehold on me and all I can do is beg for it to squeeze tighter.
I am absolutely floored. Shadow Yor, a.k.a. Shade, is an interplanetary detective with a loose hold on his empathic powers and an even weaker hold on his self-deprecating tendencies. Following the meager breadcrumbs left behind in a string of murders has him falling right into the alluring clutches of Apollo - a charming art reporter that just happens to moonlight as a psychopathic serial killer. I am dangerously enamored with flawed characters, so when these two living embodiments of a psychiatrist's wet dream come together? Holy-fucking-shit.
This book feels like a love letter to every sick, depraved, and filthy hidden desire I've ever had and I'm not afraid to admit it. What can I say, I like my romances how I like my coffee - dark, bitter, and strong enough to get my blood pumping. And this is just to my taste; there's a perfect balance of darkness and sweetness in this story. But listen, this is not traditional sweetness. It's not gentle touches and honeyed words; it's a white-knuckled grip - possessive and manipulative and fucked up. If that's not your jam, move right along. If it is: hi, let's be friends.
This is the second book I've read by Chani Lynn Feener (the first was also amazing) and after this delectable masterpiece, it most certainly will not be the last. I have been unquestionably conditioned - if Chani is ringing the bell, you better believe that I am salivating on command.
Thank you to BookSirens for the advanced readers copy. All thoughts are my own....more
Oof, where to begin...fair warning: I'm going to do my best not to sound outright mean, but that may be unavoidable.
The premise of this book, in addiOof, where to begin...fair warning: I'm going to do my best not to sound outright mean, but that may be unavoidable.
The premise of this book, in addition to the lovely cover, is what initially drew me in. Sadly, those ended up being the book's only redeeming qualities - the concept and the cover. The actual content? Not so much.
The main character, Bondi, is an 18-year-old - and I stress that point because beyond being excessively self-deprecating and distressingly obsessed with looks, everything about his countenance conflicts with his presumed age. Throughout the book, he speaks so formally, which wouldn't necessarily be an issue if his thoughts and inner monologue weren't so woefully naive. I'm sure the author wanted him to sound mature or maybe sophisticated or something, but when you combine that with immature behavior and a peculiar obsession with appearances, it just makes the character unrelatable and frankly, unlikeable.
Listen, there is a very fine line between low-self esteem and covert narcissism, and there was more than one occasion in this book where the narrative crossed that line. Like, seriously, the constant comments concerning Bondi's weight or appearance were not necessary to develop the plot. If the point of that was to show his insecurity and how he "grew" as a character - it was entirely off the mark. Not only did Bondi have little to no actual character development - he got a "better" and more attractive body because of MAGIC! And THAT'S what it takes for this poor kid to start to see that he has value and self-worth!? No. Just, no. Honestly, I don't even know why that scene was included in the book. It would have meant so much more to the story if he eventually (without a drastic magical insta-diet) learned that who he is is not dependent on what he looks like.
Oh, but what really pissed me off the most about his magical "transformation"? (view spoiler)[His fucking dick got bigger!? FOR WHAT? FOR WHO? Literally, in what way is that meaningful to the story!? To give us this moment of "clarity" when Blaze, the apparent narcissist who kept turning him down, gropes him and is all impressed with his humble-big-dick-energy but OH! NOW Bondi realizes that Blaze only wants him because now he's a "stud" with a massive dong!? As if the reader is supposed to cheer and feel vindicated when Bondi inevitably tells Blaze he's no longer interested!? Right, cause Blaze is the one that's obsessed with looks. Sure. And listen, I am not at all saying that Blaze was not a narcissist. He undoubtedly was. But what strikes me as ironic is that his inherent narcissism is the entire reason why his character exists. To act as this "lesson" for Bondi. And honestly, Bondi AND Blaze deserved more than that. (hide spoiler)]
I had such a hard time trying to get invested in this story. Things just happen, but they're not interesting, and neither are Bondi's reactions to them. He never seems genuinely invested in what's happening, making the whole story seem superficial. Evidently, I don't even know how to make this a review and not a rant. I just didn't like it, and there were so many upsetting issues with the plot. Not to mention the numerous spelling and grammatical errors.
Honestly, I really wanted to like this - the idea was there, but the execution was, regrettably, not.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ecstatic Self Inc Press, for the eBook in exchange for an honest review!...more