Home, Then is A.E. Jensen's début novel and it was a privilege for me to receive the ARC. I was curious to discover what would characterize the writinHome, Then is A.E. Jensen's début novel and it was a privilege for me to receive the ARC. I was curious to discover what would characterize the writing of this new author.
One of the things that stood out for me was how Jensen was able to convey a wide range of emotions throughout her story. There was a gentleness and something deeply human in the way she brought us into the heart of what was troubling Colton. We really lived it with him. She also made us feel Henry's helplessness to see the man he loved fighting his demons day after day. She has a natural talent for taking care of her readers while also making them connect with what is most vulnerable in her characters.
I also felt that reading Home, Then was a bit like getting a hug. There was warmth and it was comforting. Maybe it was the small town vibes that gave me that feeling. Or maybe it was the secondary characters that brought so much kindness to the story. It was surprisingly low angst for a book that is about PTSD among other things.
The only thing that slightly bothered me was that at times I felt like I was reading two stories in parallel. The romance between Colton and Henry and also Colton who was struggling with his PTSD. There were some moments where the two story lines interconnected, but in my humble opinion they could have interconnected more often. I would have liked to have seen the PTSD come to the forefront a bit more and at the same time I totally respect the author's narrative choice to keep the book on the lighter side.
The conclusion sort of reconciled me with my need for angst. I also loved the epilogue, which is practically a feat in my case. It was really perfect and fitting for Colton and Henry.
Love, pain, and hope all came together perfectly in this novel. I have no doubt that A.E. Jensen has a bright future ahead of her and I am already looking forward to her next book.
Merged review:
Home, Then is A.E. Jensen's début novel and it was a privilege for me to receive the ARC. I was curious to discover what would characterize the writing of this new author.
One of the things that stood out for me was how Jensen was able to convey a wide range of emotions throughout her story. There was a gentleness and something deeply human in the way she brought us into the heart of what was troubling Colton. We really lived it with him. She also made us feel Henry's helplessness to see the man he loved fighting his demons day after day. She has a natural talent for taking care of her readers while also making them connect with what is most vulnerable in her characters.
I also felt that reading Home, Then was a bit like getting a hug. There was warmth and it was comforting. Maybe it was the small town vibes that gave me that feeling. Or maybe it was the secondary characters that brought so much kindness to the story. It was surprisingly low angst for a book that is about PTSD among other things.
The only thing that slightly bothered me was that at times I felt like I was reading two stories in parallel. The romance between Colton and Henry and also Colton who was struggling with his PTSD. There were some moments where the two story lines interconnected, but in my humble opinion they could have interconnected more often. I would have liked to have seen the PTSD come to the forefront a bit more and at the same time I totally respect the author's narrative choice to keep the book on the lighter side.
The conclusion sort of reconciled me with my need for angst. I also loved the epilogue, which is practically a feat in my case. It was really perfect and fitting for Colton and Henry.
Love, pain, and hope all came together perfectly in this novel. I have no doubt that A.E. Jensen has a bright future ahead of her and I am already looking forward to her next book....more
I really enjoyed reading the very, very steamy story of Calix and Atticus. It was practically smut from start to finish and I lived for it. There was I really enjoyed reading the very, very steamy story of Calix and Atticus. It was practically smut from start to finish and I lived for it. There was little plot and the story was essentially based on the relationship between the two MCs and their great sexual appetite for each other. Personally, I enjoy reading this kind of book from time to time, especially when it's so well written. Odessa Hywell knows how to write sex scenes, vary them and make sure they're not repetitive.
I also have a thing for morally gray characters, so Atticus was a fascinating one for me. I don't want to say too much about him, but let's just say that his obsession with Calix drove him to do a lot of questionable things. This is the year of the sex worker, there are so many books coming out on that very subject. I think Calix, our sweet camboy, is one of the sex worker character that I've enjoyed reading about the most so far. He was frankly adorable, a little naive and although he was aware that his relationship with Atticus wasn’t healthy, he could only follow his instincts and his heart. Atticus and Calix were truly pure fire together.
I absolutely must mention in closing how the first chapter of the book completely hooked me. It was such a strong debut and probably the best on camera solo scene yet. So hot and sensual!
I definitely recommend Lovely In Red when you have a craving for something smutty!
Merged review:
I really enjoyed reading the very, very steamy story of Calix and Atticus. It was practically smut from start to finish and I lived for it. There was little plot and the story was essentially based on the relationship between the two MCs and their great sexual appetite for each other. Personally, I enjoy reading this kind of book from time to time, especially when it's so well written. Odessa Hywell knows how to write sex scenes, vary them and make sure they're not repetitive.
I also have a thing for morally gray characters, so Atticus was a fascinating one for me. I don't want to say too much about him, but let's just say that his obsession with Calix drove him to do a lot of questionable things. This is the year of the sex worker, there are so many books coming out on that very subject. I think Calix, our sweet camboy, is one of the sex worker character that I've enjoyed reading about the most so far. He was frankly adorable, a little naive and although he was aware that his relationship with Atticus wasn’t healthy, he could only follow his instincts and his heart. Atticus and Calix were truly pure fire together.
I absolutely must mention in closing how the first chapter of the book completely hooked me. It was such a strong debut and probably the best on camera solo scene yet. So hot and sensual!
I definitely recommend Lovely In Red when you have a craving for something smutty!...more
Insatiable Hunger by Ashley James is book 3 in the Hidden Affairs series.
Damn, this book was steamy! Elias and his stepdaddy Zeke burned everythi4.5⭐️
Insatiable Hunger by Ashley James is book 3 in the Hidden Affairs series.
Damn, this book was steamy! Elias and his stepdaddy Zeke burned everything in their path. I love that each book in the series had a really different vibe. In this one, the two words that come to mind to describe the atmosphere are uncomfortable and sexy.
Stepson/Stepfather is the trope I now want to read more of. Zeke and Elias's relationship was deliciously forbidden, and Ashley took great pleasure in reminding us of this throughout the book. Infidelity and the guilt that comes with it for both MCs was central to the plot. At times, I wanted to jump out of my skin, it was so unsettling to witness all this...and at the same time, I wanted more and more of this push and pull.
Zeke's possessiveness towards Elias was intense and sometimes even extreme. It was really hot. But what really pushed the smut to another level for me was the dirty talk and degradation of which Zeke was a true master. The daddy kink was present, but just like in Storm Clouds and Devastation, it was really light.
I loved reconnecting with Katie and remembering what a great character she is. I'm so ready to finally get her full story with Enzo and Weston. Stop teasing us Ashley! I was also excited to reunite, albeit very briefly, with some of my favorite characters from The Deepest Desires series.
It was a more than satisfying end to the series. Ashley writes age gap to perfection and I really hope this is a trope she explores again in the future.
Merged review:
4.5⭐️
Insatiable Hunger by Ashley James is book 3 in the Hidden Affairs series.
Damn, this book was steamy! Elias and his stepdaddy Zeke burned everything in their path. I love that each book in the series had a really different vibe. In this one, the two words that come to mind to describe the atmosphere are uncomfortable and sexy.
Stepson/Stepfather is the trope I now want to read more of. Zeke and Elias's relationship was deliciously forbidden, and Ashley took great pleasure in reminding us of this throughout the book. Infidelity and the guilt that comes with it for both MCs was central to the plot. At times, I wanted to jump out of my skin, it was so unsettling to witness all this...and at the same time, I wanted more and more of this push and pull.
Zeke's possessiveness towards Elias was intense and sometimes even extreme. It was really hot. But what really pushed the smut to another level for me was the dirty talk and degradation of which Zeke was a true master. The daddy kink was present, but just like in Storm Clouds and Devastation, it was really light.
I loved reconnecting with Katie and remembering what a great character she is. I'm so ready to finally get her full story with Enzo and Weston. Stop teasing us Ashley! I was also excited to reunite, albeit very briefly, with some of my favorite characters from The Deepest Desires series.
It was a more than satisfying end to the series. Ashley writes age gap to perfection and I really hope this is a trope she explores again in the future....more
These novellas are soooo good!! They don’t read like novellas…they are so much more! I’m so impressed with Arden Long writing. Everyone who loves BDSMThese novellas are soooo good!! They don’t read like novellas…they are so much more! I’m so impressed with Arden Long writing. Everyone who loves BDSM and darker stories needs to read these! And the SPICE!! ...more
Who knew L.A. Cannon could write such a sweet, low-angst story? This novella was exactly what I needed after several darker reads. It was the perfect Who knew L.A. Cannon could write such a sweet, low-angst story? This novella was exactly what I needed after several darker reads. It was the perfect palate cleanser.
I loved that in only 135 pages Dylan and Jared's story was so well detailed and fleshed out. It's not always that easy to accomplish in so few words. It really helped that they had such a strong connection right from the start and that they were friends and colleagues. The friendship between these two was so precious and I really felt it was something they wanted to preserve at all costs. I loved how Dylan was there for Jared in the difficult times he was going through. Nothing was rushed. The slow progression of the story really highlighted how their relationship was one of a kind. They really felt like soul mates.
The chemistry between Dylan and Jared was all consuming and so natural. They were definitely made for each other. L.A. Cannon always bring the heat. She kept us waiting for almost half the story, but when the spice hit, it was with a big explosion. These guys were really hot together! ...more
Our Sweet Revenge by A.V. Shener is book 1 in the Unbreakable Ties series.
When I read the blurb for this book I was intrigued by this revenge plot thaOur Sweet Revenge by A.V. Shener is book 1 in the Unbreakable Ties series.
When I read the blurb for this book I was intrigued by this revenge plot that takes place between a group of four friends. I didn't know exactly what to expect, and damn...I never thought it would be so twisted and unsettling. I really loved the feeling of discomfort that crept up on me the further I got into the story.
It was fascinating to see all the layers of the relationships between these four friends gradually revealed. Some of the things that happened between them led to this revenge plan and OMG it was something to witness. Definitely a book for those who like their stories dark. The second part which takes place in the cabin......more
This was my first time reading Abigail Hunter's writing and she definitely left a spicy impression on me.
For a small novella, Afterglow still managesThis was my first time reading Abigail Hunter's writing and she definitely left a spicy impression on me.
For a small novella, Afterglow still manages to pack a punch. Two models and a chaise longue...and damn did some things happen on it! Most of the novella is devoted to this scene, and I must say it was a beautifully written sex scene. It was sensual, languorous and the build up was oh so perfect. I loved that you could feel everything that was going on inside Thorn and Luca. Their hesitations, their fears, their desires. Abigail Hunter has incredible skills for delivering emotionally charged steam.
There were moments when I wanted to shake both MCs, especially Luca, with whom I had more trouble to connect. At first glance, he wasn't a particularly likeable character. I had serious doubts that I'd be able to appreciate him more by the time the book was over, and in the end I did. I really liked that we got to understand a bit more about where he came from, and why he was the way he was. I would have been curious to see what growth he could have had if we'd had more time with him. Thorn was simply a big teddy bear who was too much in his head. I had a soft spot for him.
It was all around an enjoyable read and I definitely recommend it for anyone who likes their smut with a good dose of emotion and sensuality....more
HOLY SHIT!!! This was the hottest thing I’ve read recently! Sunshine sub jock with a dark, brooding, grumpy, dom jock. North and Mal are soooo hot togHOLY SHIT!!! This was the hottest thing I’ve read recently! Sunshine sub jock with a dark, brooding, grumpy, dom jock. North and Mal are soooo hot together. They literally burned everything around them. This novella gave me strong Upending Tad by Kora Knight vibes, but make it darker. I’m obsessed with Mal and I want to know so much more about him. So mysterious…he is captivating. I’m going straight to the second part of their story!! ...more
This book was a journey like no other. Super kinky and really quite intense. The initial encounter between Oliver and his three men in ghostface4.5 ⭐️
This book was a journey like no other. Super kinky and really quite intense. The initial encounter between Oliver and his three men in ghostface masks was one of the sexiest things I've read this year. I have high hopes for the full length novel. As much as I loved that the novella was so sex heavy, I hope the novel will be a little better balanced with more plot. I'm curious to know more about each of the MCs. It's the perfect novella for when you feel the need to take a trip to the wild side....more
August Jones has once again charmed me with her writing, and this time with a kind of story that might not have worked for me. I read MM almost e4.5⭐️
August Jones has once again charmed me with her writing, and this time with a kind of story that might not have worked for me. I read MM almost exclusively, so I wasn't sure her polyamorous series would do it for me. I loved the story of Theo, Evan, Josie and Sarah. At this point, I'm pretty sure August could write anything and I'd be there to read it.
For such a short book, there was a lot of depth to the characters and to the relationships between them. I wondered how August would manage to deal with so many characters and make the dynamic between them work. She succeeded, and brilliantly so.
Theo, that man, won me over so quickly. I loved his quirkiness and his intensity. I really liked all the characters. Sarah was the one who took me a little longer to appreciate. That's something I like about August, that her characters aren't perfect. It makes them much more human in my eyes.
The sex scenes were sizzling and very diverse. I loved that we explored different combinations between the MCs and it's exciting to know that there's more to come that we haven't seen yet.
I'm curious to see how the story progresses in books 2 and 3. Clearly, having a four-way relationship comes with its own set of challenges. I'm definitely not ready to let go of these four MCs....more
Insatiable Park Avenue Princes by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine is book 2 in the Park Avenue Princes series.
This series is a ton of fun! I loved h4.5⭐️
Insatiable Park Avenue Princes by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine is book 2 in the Park Avenue Princes series.
This series is a ton of fun! I loved how book 2 is completely different from the first, while staying true to the vibe of the series. Ella and Brooke have given us some serious steam for Donovan and Kelly's story. This book burned hot from the very first chapters, and that's no exaggeration. I was literally hot. Very, very hot. ...more
Infamous Park Avenue Prince is book 1 in the Park Avenue Princes series.
This book was so much fun and a perfect palate cleanser between more angsty rInfamous Park Avenue Prince is book 1 in the Park Avenue Princes series.
This book was so much fun and a perfect palate cleanser between more angsty reads. It gave me a good dose of nostalgia. It was literally like Gossip Girl and Cruel Intentions had a baby.
I loved JT and West, two such different MCs. West could have been a character to which it wouldn’t have been easy to get attached, but he won me over with his charisma, humor and free-spirited attitude. JT, the Golden Boy, was more serious yet adventurous. They balanced each other perfectly.
I felt fully invested in their romance, which was really sexy. It took them a while to take their relationship to the next level, but when they did...it was so hot.
The plot didn't reveal any big surprises and was even a little predictable. I didn't mind, though. It was a bit like sitting in front of the fireplace with a blanket and hot chocolate. It was comforting.
It could have been easy to get lost among all the characters, there are 7 princes after all. Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine did an excellent job of introducing them all without making it too heavy. They all had very distinct personalities and that made me very curious about each of their upcoming books.
It was a great start to this new series. I'm more than ready for the next book.
Merged review:
Infamous Park Avenue Prince is book 1 in the Park Avenue Princes series.
This book was so much fun and a perfect palate cleanser between more angsty reads. It gave me a good dose of nostalgia. It was literally like Gossip Girl and Cruel Intentions had a baby.
I loved JT and West, two such different MCs. West could have been a character to which it wouldn’t have been easy to get attached, but he won me over with his charisma, humor and free-spirited attitude. JT, the Golden Boy, was more serious yet adventurous. They balanced each other perfectly.
I felt fully invested in their romance, which was really sexy. It took them a while to take their relationship to the next level, but when they did...it was so hot.
The plot didn't reveal any big surprises and was even a little predictable. I didn't mind, though. It was a bit like sitting in front of the fireplace with a blanket and hot chocolate. It was comforting.
It could have been easy to get lost among all the characters, there are 7 princes after all. Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine did an excellent job of introducing them all without making it too heavy. They all had very distinct personalities and that made me very curious about each of their upcoming books.
It was a great start to this new series. I'm more than ready for the next book....more
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