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
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
Jk, but that's how long it felt before I finally got my hands on this glorious volume.
Minato is petty and jealous and I love him wIT'S BEEN 84 YEARS.
Jk, but that's how long it felt before I finally got my hands on this glorious volume.
Minato is petty and jealous and I love him with my whole heart; I wouldn't change a hair on his head. I'M HERE TO VALIDATE YOUR FEELINGS BABY BOY. Shizuma is the absolute gold standard boyfriend and if ANYONE COMES BETWEEN THEM I WILL RIOT IN THE FUCKING STREETS, DO YOU HEAR ME!?!
Also, that plot twist? I FUCKING KNEW IT. AND I'M ANNOYED. Cause it just means more stress for me in future volumes. But as long as I get more of Minato/Shizuma being fucking adorable, I will take the bad with the good. This one made me messy-stressy-wessy so I'm hoping (read: begging on my hands and knees) that we get more fluff in the next volume. ...more
What book did the rest of you fucking read? (Disrespectfully)
Cause it can't be what I just suffered through.
On paper, this book should be everythingWhat book did the rest of you fucking read? (Disrespectfully)
Cause it can't be what I just suffered through.
On paper, this book should be everything that I look for in a palate cleanser - MM, Mpreg, dragons!? Fucking sign me up. I was SO excited about the eggs! Now, the only thing that I wish could be cleansed is my BRAIN. With BLEACH. In the hopes that I can forget the time it took to get through this book and endure these INSUFFERABLE. ASS. CHARACTERS.
Let's get into it, shall we?
Nate, our resident omega, initially comes off as confident and sarcastic and sexy and somehow turns into the whiniest, most aggravating person & any inkling of a personality just vanishes. And SAME THING with Alistair. In their first interaction, he seems mysterious and hot and then suddenly, he's speaking all formal and weird and does HARDLY ANYTHING to explain to Nate WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON. And APPARENTLY, him knowing FUCK ALL is true to character because we are reminded again and again and AGAIN what a fucking loser he is in the dragon world. WHY!?! Why is one of our MCs being constantly mocked and made to look like a two-bit moron?? There is NOTHING attractive or endearing about that! And those two TOGETHER? Omg, they hop between indifference, affection, and hostility like a fucking pinball machine.
And don't. even. get me started on Harry. If I had to choose one character in the history of ever that was the personification of NAILS ON A FUCKING CHALKBOARD it would be this annoying ass motherfucker.
And WHAT THE FUCK were the scenes of Alistair's brothers constantly walking in unannounced while they're having sex like we're in some poor attempt at a parodical Shakespearean play!?
Idk if it was the authors' goal to avoid any semblance of sensibility but this story is just so...ridiculous. And NOT in a good way. Listen, I've read many a book that are meant to be more fun than anything but there is a big difference between satire and juvenile absurdity. There's a place for everything if it's done right but the way the authors' chosen dramatization style mixed with this particular genre? Oil and water, babe.
Maybe it works for other readers but unfortunately, it didn't work for me at all. This falls right into the uncanny valley of serious vs. campy.
What really sucks is that the structure of the plot had SO MUCH POTENTIAL.
Ugh, I need to stop because any more time spent thinking about this book will drive me to smashing my head repeatedly against a brick wall....more
For the record, I'm not complaining; I can confidently say that this is my favorite of Roe's that I've read so far for tWho put this plot in my smut?
For the record, I'm not complaining; I can confidently say that this is my favorite of Roe's that I've read so far for that reason alone. But also, don't misunderstand me - we are still very much in the heart of Smut City, where cum rains from the skies and every store is dedicated to a different kink. If you're here for a PWP fix, I promise you'll still get your money's worth.
Lawrie & Ernest are adooooorable! I love the way their story unfolds and I especially love that even though it's a fated mates story, Lawrie reacts fairly realistically and, at first, is like "this is fucking crazy, I'm out." The way his character is written makes the "soulmate" thing waaay more palatable than it usually is for me. His sarcasm and sass carries the whole book and I fucking loved it.
I even really liked the background plot with Sullivan and Burnes - it added to the story and gave our MCs a lot more depth than these types of books usually provide.
Also, lover's milk!? Yeah, I fucks with it. ...more
You are cordially invited to my fucking funeral cause this book killed me.
And we're not talking peacefully and painlessly, no, no, no - Volume 8 realYou are cordially invited to my fucking funeral cause this book killed me.
And we're not talking peacefully and painlessly, no, no, no - Volume 8 really said (in a Mortal Kombat voice) "FINISH HER!!" And it did...it really did. I am finished. My eyes are swollen from crying and I don't know what to do with my hands.
Hualian is the peak, the pinnacle, the apotheosis of love.
There is literally nothing I can say that can summarize how fucking extraordinary this series is, so I won't even try.
If you'll excuse me...I need to go cling to my books like I'm in the middle of the ocean and they're the only life raft for miles....more
You get a plot twist, you get a plot twist, EVERYBODY GETS A PLOT TWIST!!
My heart rate was SKYROCKETING for this entire book - would not recommend foYou get a plot twist, you get a plot twist, EVERYBODY GETS A PLOT TWIST!!
My heart rate was SKYROCKETING for this entire book - would not recommend for those who want to stay in the world of the living. But, bitch, call me ghostie cause I have UNRESOLVED TRAUMA IN THE FORM OF VOLUME 8.
You know what I'm talking about. This volume is essentially that cluster of episodes in a show where the impromptu teamAh yes, the roadtrip episodes.
You know what I'm talking about. This volume is essentially that cluster of episodes in a show where the impromptu team goes on an adventure and absurdity ensues.
In other words: the calm before the storm. You always know shit's about to go down when an author throws some diverting hijinks atcha.
There are still moments of important plot development and FUCKING ADORABLE Hualian scenes, but my impatient ass was struggling a bit in this one cause (while I still loved it) my brain was like "GET TO THE GOOD STUFF."
However, my restlessness was soothed every time Xie Lian and Hua Cheng so much as looked at each other. ...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
Play-by-play of me finishing this book: *reads last page* *gently sets book down* *opens nearest window* *screams like a motherfucking banshee*
How. HPlay-by-play of me finishing this book: *reads last page* *gently sets book down* *opens nearest window* *screams like a motherfucking banshee*
How. How. HOW are these books so sickeningly good!?
There are certain physical manifestations that crop up when I am truly immersedpossessed by a book:
1. I get such an intense and constant adrenaline high that I'm legitimately forced to set the book down and take a break lest I experience heart palpitations and/or forget to breathe. 2. I catch myself reading the same scenes again and again and again in the hopes that I can somehow permanently affix them to the back of my eyelids. 3. My dogs get super-duper mad at me because, in the middle of the night, I either squeal or giddily kick my feet every 5 pages or so.
GOD FUCKING DAMNIT I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS AND I LOVE THIS WORLD SO MUCH. We somehow go from stupidly funny to scarily badass to heartbreakingly tender in a matter of SENTENCES and it somehow WORKS. It just FLOWS.
I could quite literally make a list of things I love about this book (one that, I swear, could end up being longer than the book itself) but one teeny-tiny little thing I absolutely HAVE to point out is the freely-given physical affection in this book. It's such a small thing to even focus on in the grand scheme of things but there's so much genuine tenderness between these characters, it brought tears to my eyes and made my heart SO FULL. How K.D. was able to write characters with so much warmth and life, I can't even put into words.
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
Now, normally, I see the words "frat boys," and my eyes roll so hard I'm afraid they're going to fall out of my skull - but this was surprisingly deliNow, normally, I see the words "frat boys," and my eyes roll so hard I'm afraid they're going to fall out of my skull - but this was surprisingly delightful.
I don't even know how it's possible but Keaton and Luke (polar opposites extraordinaire) are somehow both PEAK book boyfriend material. Keaton is an affectionate teddy bear that can't help but go above & beyond for fucking everything amd Luke is your classic sex-on-a-stick-bad-boy-with-a-heart-of-gold.
I LOVED the way their relationship unfolded - especially the initial juxtaposition of how they would talk on the Kink! app versus how they were with each other in person. WE LOVE DRAMATIC IRONY. Nothing gets my adrenaline going like a "It was you the whole time!?" reveal. Another lovely juxtaposition: Keaton's gay panic paired with Luke's domineering confidence. *chef's kiss*
My only qualm is that the ending didn't feel big enough and there was a CERTAIN SEX SCENE that very much should have been included instead of just mentioned. But otherwise, a great fucking time.
Avery + plushy werewolf pecs = Gay Panic and I am here for it.
These two could not be more adorable if they tried. They're just so horny for each otheAvery + plushy werewolf pecs = Gay Panic and I am here for it.
These two could not be more adorable if they tried. They're just so horny for each other and finallyyy we get a bit of spicy action on this one! It is taking everything in me to wait for physical copies instead of reading ahead on the webcomic but it just feels so good to read it in person. Delayed gratification and whatnot; it's all about the anticipation, no?
10/10 recommend getting a physical copy just for the little extras at the end. *wink wink*...more
I am LOVING all the characters that are being introduced in this series. They're all so different and adorable in their oYO, this shit is fun as fuck.
I am LOVING all the characters that are being introduced in this series. They're all so different and adorable in their own way I NEED MORE UGH, VOLUME 4 WHERE ARE YOUUU. ...more