well… i am sorry to report that this was for sure my least favorite story by this author. and, before i typARC provided by the publisher via Libro.fm
well… i am sorry to report that this was for sure my least favorite story by this author. and, before i type anything else, disliking this has nothing to do with the kink / sexual content in this story. i didn’t find it sexy, nor did i particularly enjoy the vibe of this love interest’s dick being so good that it heals complex trauma that our mc needed to work through professionally, but i promise the constant ick i was feeling had nothing to do with the light bdsm content. sadly, it was just everything else.
this story follows scarlett, a stanford student who has been on the path her entire life to be an olympic diver. On top of the physical and mental stress on her body from that alone, she is also experiencing coming back into the water after a very traumatic dive that led to her almost never being able to dive again. she is very much still experiencing the ptsd from that competition, while trying to be able to dive like she once used to. and this is going to seem like whiplash of a premise, but her college best friend, pen, who is also on the dive team, suggests that scarlett should hook up with her soon to be ex boyfriend, the swim captain lukas, after a conversation where she was telling scarlett that her boyfriend has different sexual wants than her (and scarlett told her she has the exact same wants wow)! oh, and their relationship has been going on for over seven years, where they have very much trauma bonded over some really horrible things that have happened to them in the past.
which is obv why it is hard for them to break it off with one another after seven years, but… idk seven years is crazzzzzy, i am so sorry. but, also, maybe not as crazy as picturing having sex with your girlfriend’s friend while she is not your ex girlfriend yet. i should have known there to dnf this. because that premise alone is just insane to me. i just could never do that and i think most people wouldn’t do that. and i am all for insta-lust and just having an instant sexual and/or romantic collection with someone, but i could never enjoy the setup of even that because of how this book was set up. but i had so much faith in the author, and had the audiobook for free, so i continued on.
then we also get the lack of communication (every. single. chapter.), which i could totally understand because of the complex trauma this mc is navigating, but once it starts feeling like the magical first dom is healing every part of her, and she is still running away from every problem, while also simultaneously acting so naive, it is just exhausting. unbelievable and exhausting. like… no dom/sub relationship is going to completely heal the shit you need to actually work through, especially when your trauma has to do with abuse from a man who you should be able to trust. please also seek actual professional help, not just your bestie’s ex who just happens to be the perfect first dom for your very early exploring submissive journey.
plus, scarlett and lukas were so bland and boring even during their sexual encounters (that we constantly had to be told was such kinky bdsm >.<), i truly just could never actually care about them or see why they cared about each other besides the instant attraction they had been harboring while he was dating one of her best friends.
and the last thing i also want to note because it bothered me constantly was that i just found all the swedish stereotypes also very exhausting! like, they never felt good to read and always were at least borderline uncomfortable. (and i guess scarlett has never been to an asian-american's home either? but i promise she'd lose her mind over the shoes at a filipino party lol.) at this point, i am begging this author to just bring back adam driver shadows and also actual thought and empathy going into your characters once again.
i liked exactly two things about this book - 1) the stepmom and how family can look different but it doesn't matter as long as you show up for each other (even if the nepo-baby joke almost made me crash out more than i already have in this review) and 2) the discussions on how hard d1 athletes are pushed, both mentally and physically, while their goals are always hanging above their heads because one bad injury can take your entire dream, that you have worked for all your life, away. on top of the repercussions on the body that can come from intensely training your entire life. both of these things weren’t talked about in detail, but were brought up throughout and i did enjoy them every time.
(spoilers for this paragraph) 2.5 - pen. knowing that she had it pretty hard growing up, and then losing the only stable constant that she had in her life for the last seven years, a third of her whole life, and then lashing out and realizing that she’s really hurting and she wasn’t as cool as she thought about the situation… like.. she is 21 years old, that is realistic to me. but some of these reviews i’m reading, just ripping her character to shreds, is insane to me. like, i felt bad for her constantly while reading this story. and if i’m being for real, whatever she had going on with lukas in the past sounded a lot hotter than what he and scarlett had in the present day hahahaha that’s messy of me but also true! also, the ending was mature and nice of her? idk, but i felt the need to add a point-five and play devil's advocate for her.)
okay, i have already made this too long, but yeah, this sadly just didn’t work for me the way i really hoped that it would, especially considering how much i’ve enjoyed other works from this author. but i highkey cringed while reading this book more than all other books last year combined. i normally only give one star if i find the content offensive, and i don't necessarily want to say i’m offended, more off-put, but i just disliked this so much that i have to give it one star.
content warnings from the author (may have spoilers for your reading experience, so please use caution/only read if you need tw/cws): Exploration of kink and some aspects of BDSM (always consensual and always negotiated); the sexual relationship between the MMC and the FMC includes several power exchange scenarios/situations, Mentions of sports injuries and orthopedic surgeries, Mentions of an abusive relationship (coercive control) between the FMC and her father (off-page; in the past; no physical violence ever occurs), Death of a parent (off-page; in the past), Terminal illness (off-page; in the past), Bullying (off-page; in the past), Explicit and graphic sexual content, Cursing and vulgar language
additional trigger + content warnings i found while reading: drinking, mention of false positive drug testing, abandonment, mentions of student + teacher relationship dynamic, immense trauma and ptsd, unwanted touching, talk of cancer research, and… a really distasteful one sentence throwaway joke to the reader about how it seemed like the mc was about to say she had terminal cancer because she was taking so long to say something to her ex partner (which i will admit is just something i am personally just really sensitive about, but also it felt worse because i had more faith that this author would realize the impact of reading something like that considering so many of their stories involve the importance of cancer research, including this one!! truly the biggest icks in the whole world to me and something that can be so trigger to so many people that just didn’t need to be written) - can you tell this pissed me off lol >.< im sorry
"I just want you to know Seiji already has a rival, and it’s me."
This volume really felt like a new start to this series! Tryouts are officially over, and we get to finally see Kings Row Boys School Fencing Team try to be a team! Up until this point, we have seen all of these players dueling one on one with each other, but in this installment we get to see them finally trying to work together, during their first practice match!
And…. Fence is still the slowest burn romance(s) of all time. So many ships are so close, yet so far away, from sailing. From Nicholas and Seiji, to Harvard and Aiden, to (be still, my heart) Bobby and Dante! They are all precious, and I’m rooting for them all so very hard, but oh my gosh is the wait going to kill us all! But I trust it will so worth it. And meanwhile, we get all the great content whilst we wait.
I always do a breakdown on my thoughts and feeling of each individual issue for Fence. So, the next portion of this review will have SPOILERS! Please use caution if you haven’t read this installment yet, because I will be talking about some of the themes and events that each issue had inside.
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➽ CHAPTER THIRTEEN Truly a new start for this story, especially when this first chapter starts out with Jesse Coste coming to the school for Seiji. This whole bind-up is the “I want Seiji to be my rival” bind-up and I respect it. And Nicholas is truly having none of it. We also get to see the coach working a lot with Nicholas, and I’m rooting for him to truly be the best fencer to ever fence! Also, the Nicholas and Seiji heart to heart before bed, please, my heart. Oh! And they finally got uniforms and they have the most precious reactions to them!
➽ CHAPTER FOURTEEN Kings Row is officially going to understand that team fencing is different from individual fencing, because they are having their first practice match against MLC! This issue actually helped me learn a lot about Fencing and scoring and I was really impressed! Bobby is the most precious, and I’m rooting for my short baby always. Aiden ditches the match to go on a date, so Eugene is officially in!
➽ CHAPTER FIFTEEN We quickly learn that MLC is very smart, and Kings Row is very predictable! Harvard is the best boy in the world though, and after some advice from Aiden on his date, he subs Nicholas in for himself and MLC truly didn’t expect it!
➽ CHAPTER SIXTEEN Nicholas does amazing, and we get to see his practicing with the coach really playing off. But we also get to see the amazing results from just unconditionally supporting one another and being there for one another. And the boys start fencing like they are on a team! The end of this installment truly made me want to scream in the best way possible, but also cry because I have no idea when I’m going to get another installment in this story! But Seiji helping Nicholas was a lot, and Aiden and Harvard are always a lot a lot. Again, all the slowest burns to ever burn.
"Go Aiden’s teammate!"
Fence is truly just one of my favorite graphic series of all time. I am so in love, and I will read this slow burn until the end of my days, if CS Pacat allows me the honor. I am also very curious about the novelization that is coming out soon too, Fence: Striking Distance by Sarah Rees Brennan! I just want everything from this world, this school, this team, and these characters! But truly, if you’re looking for something funny, sweet, hopefully, and very angsty, I truly recommend you giving this series a try!
I truly feel like this graphic novel series just gets better and better each installment. I feel like after I finished the last page of this volume, I felt like the story (and real angst) is just now going to be starting and I truly cannot wait. This truly has been such a purely joyous serotonin ride getting to this point, and I already can’t wait to see what happens next. And I also predict the next issues will have a much different tone, as well.
But if you don’t know what Fence is all about, it basically follows some kids trying to join their boarding school’s fencing team! And some of the kids need to make the team in order to be able to stay at the school! And some kids are really just trying to live out their dreams of becoming famous fencers. In this installment in particular, we get to see so many of the kid’s families! And we also get to see some really pivotal matches that will dictate the future for some of these fencers!
The stars of this graphic novel are for sure Nicholas and Seiji, who are currently maybe having the slowest burn romance of all romance! But Bobby and Eugene must be protected forever and I vow to make it my new life mission. And Harvard is my favorite character, and not only would I give my life for his, I also want to remind this fictional character that he deserves the world and to never settle for the best. [rest]
I always do a breakdown on my thoughts and feeling of each individual issue for Fence. So, the next portion of this review will have SPOILERS! Nothing too pivotal, but I will talk about some of the themes and events that each issue had inside.
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➽ CHAPTER NINE Aiden lost to Harvard! Nicholas has a chance at making the team, he only has to win against Kally! Seiji is still very much still thinking about Jesse, and him and Nicholas get in quite the confrontation speaking about him.
➽ CHAPTER TEN Bobby has my whole entire heart. I love the seeing all the diverse families of color and their relationships! Yet, both Nicholas and Seiji do not have families there.
➽ CHAPTER ELEVEN Jay vs. Aiden (and maybe they hooked up before this match). I love Eugene and his family a lot. Truly like so much pure friendship going on this issue, please hold my bursting heart. And when coach says “I’m proud of you” I still can’t stop crying. I’m too attached to these kids.
➽ CHAPTER TWELVE Seiji and Nicholas and their dorm situation. Two reserves = friendship. “Welcome to the fencing team!” and the pure serotonin this issue gave me. And then Jesse shows up and makes me question everything and where this next part of the story is going to go.
Overall, this is really just a top tier graphic novel series if you’re looking for a diverse cast of sports gays! I really recommend it with my whole heart, and it is truly one of my favorites of all time! And again, I really can’t wait to see what happens in Vol. 4, because I truly suspect that the entire story has just now started to begin!
“It's about second chances, Neil. Second, third, fourth, whatever, as long as you get at least one more than what anyone else wanted to
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“It's about second chances, Neil. Second, third, fourth, whatever, as long as you get at least one more than what anyone else wanted to give you.”
First and foremost, I want to thank May for giving me the emotional support I needed while reading this book:
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Secondly, holy shit, I didn’t think I’d actually like this. What even is my life? Friends, I couldn’t put this down. I read it in 24 hours and no regrets were had. This was way darker than I expected, but I became so damn invested in this main character and I honestly fell in love with him and his story from day one. I know this is a bit of a polarizing read, but if you enjoyed Fence and The Wicker King then I think this story is for sure worth a try for you! Especially since it’s free on Amazon US!
Basically, this is a story about a boy that has been on the run practically his entire life. Neil is currently living in a small town in Arizona, trying to stay on the down low, but he can’t stay away from his one love; Exy, which is a sport that is sort of a mix of Lacrosse and Soccer. But Neil is homeless, able to fit all his possessions in a duffel bag and is currently sneaking into his school’s gym to sleep. But his Exy coach notices where he has been sleeping, but he also notices the pure talent that Neil harnesses on the Exy field and sends a video to possible college recruiters.
And the Foxes from Palmetto State University’s Exy team like what they see when they come and recruit Neil. PSU is a newly reformed and up-and-coming team, who are known for taking in kids who normally don’t get second chances, but they are even more hyped this upcoming season because they now have Kevin Day (AKA: The Son of Exy) playing for them. Neil knows the smartest move is to stay out of the spotlight, but he is so very tired of running, especially running from the only thing that brings him happiness.
➽ Neil Josten - Ready to fight for and protect at all costs. ➽ Andrew Minyard - Still sus and I’m still not sold on. ➽ Aaron Minyard - No opinion yet, but I know all my friends hate. ➽ Allison Reynolds - Badass princess that I stan. ➽ Nicky Hemmick - The actual best. ➽ Seth Gordon - My face when. ➽ Renee Walker - My chill pacifist who I already adore completely. ➽ Matt Boyd - My heartwarming boy. ➽ Dan Wilds - My actual queen. ➽ Kevin Day - My actual king. My favorite Fox. Also, the thing I am most invested with in this entire story is him and Riko and everything that went down and everything that is going to go down.
But besides these foxes, who I mostly adore, my favorite part of this book was just seeing Neil tired of feeling like he didn’t have a home, and finally not only accepting that fact, but willing to finally carve out something for himself, completely and utterly unapologetically. Again, I’m not saying that what Neil is doing is the healthiest of circumstances, but seeing him realize that he is worthy of a home, of a family, and of love, was just so damn beautiful. And I know that this is just going to increase during the next two books!
“Hope was a dangerous, disquieting thing, but he thought perhaps he liked it.”
Overall, I just really couldn’t put this down. This is for sure a very character driven book. And I’ll be the first to say that these characters are for sure mostly morally grey and they do a lot of questionable things. But… my love for Kevin and Neil just overpowered all the other questionable teammates.
Content and trigger warnings for a lot of drug use, talk of overdosing, underage drinking, loss of a loved one, talk of suicide, mention of cutting, drugging someone, jokes about rape, physical abuse, talk of past parental abuse, ableist insults, homophobic slurs (the f word), and use of the r word.
[image] This ARC was given to me by my beautiful friend Lilly from Lair of Books! (Thank you so much! I love you!)
You all, this was the cutest. No, sc[image] This ARC was given to me by my beautiful friend Lilly from Lair of Books! (Thank you so much! I love you!)
You all, this was the cutest. No, scratch that; Bitty is the cutest! And this graphic novel was nothing short of a joy to read! Hockey games, behind the scenes practices, a slow-burn attraction, an adorable romance, the most heartwarming main character ever. I mean, what else could you really ask for? Ngozi Ukazu has given us such a bright light of pure sunshine!
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So basically, this is a published version of a very popular webcomic that so many of my friends have been following and adoring for so very long. It stars a boy named Eric Bittle, AKA: Bitty, who is leaving his southern home to go to college in the north to play hockey, and he is gay and not yet out! He is also a very talented ice skater, but he has a little improving to do on the ice with hockey. And this book is broken up in two parts that are following him during his freshman year and sophomore year at Samwell University.
Bitty also makes video blogs where he talks about everything that’s going on his life. We get to slowly see the seasons change, and Bitty change as well during his vlogs. And he especially likes to talk about the captain of the hockey team, Jack, who he is pretty sure dislikes him, even though he is constantly helping him improve on the ice.
“Never fall for a straight boy.”
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But we also get to see Bitty interact with the rest of his team: Ransom, Shitty, Holster, Chowder, Nursey, Lardo, and Dex (ew)! And Bitty builds some really beautiful friendships. Shitty (Lord, I will never get used to typing that name) is such a sweetheart who was so accepting and wonderful. Easily my favorite side character and my favorite brewing side romance with a certain someone.
I also loved getting to see Bitty move into the team house his sophomore year and really embrace his love for cooking. While his team also embraces their love for eating his baking. Seriously, seeing him build friendships and bond with others was so pure and so wonderful.
Lastly, I really want to talk about Ngozi Ukazu’s banter and how it is so perfect and so realistic. I legit tried to read this in public, and I was smiling so big and giggling out loud while sipping my coffee. The dialogue is on a tier above most graphic work out here, and the art is so beautiful and lovely on the eyes, too. I am in awe.
Overall, I just thought this was adorable perfection. The only reason I’m giving it four stars is because I feel like the story just started to really begin right before it ended. But the slow burn m/m romance is very precious, and I will scream from the highest rooftop that Bitty deserves the entire world forever and ever. I have such high hopes for junior and senior year! This is easily the best sports graphic work I’ve ever read.
Oh my word, this was such a damn treat. I love these characters and this graphic novel series so very much. Vol. 1 completely stole my heart last year, and Vol. 2 was a wonderful addition. Even though the wait for Vol. 3 to get published is going to maybe be the death of me.
This bind up really focuses on how all of the fencers are still in tryouts, therefore they are being ranked based off their wins verses the other candidates. Harvard and Seiji are at the very top, while Nicholas is trying to climb his way back up the rankings. But we get to see so many match ups in this volume and I was absolutely living for it.
I just love this storyline and seeing all the students at this boarding school trying to live out their dreams with fencing. The conversations are perfect. The art is a new masterpiece on every page. The friendships and brewing relationships are beyond words. The only real negative thing I can say is that sometimes the pacing feels so very slow. But I have no doubts that it’s absolutely going to be worth the wait!
Okay, so like with every graphic novel that I review, I always do a breakdown on my thoughts and feeling of each individual issue. So, the next portion of this review will have SPOILERS! Obviously, I won’t give away anything too pivotal, but I will talk about some of the themes that each issue had inside.
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➽ CHAPTER FIVE Aiden vs. Seiji! Aka: be still, my freakin’ heart! Also, seeing everyone love Aiden just warms my damn heart every single time. Also, Nicholas is finally and officially back!
➽ CHAPTER SIX Why is Bobby the greatest character of all-time? We get to see a little bit more background on Jessie Coste! And we get to see that Nicholas is really ready to be back and he is even more ready to fence!
➽ CHAPTER SEVEN Nicolas vs. Aiden! Still, Aiden’s fans give me life. But the winner of this single issue is easily seeing Seiji through Bobby’s eyes! Also, Aiden leaving a cute guy because something more important came up? Good lord, OTP status incoming, I swear to everything.
➽ CHAPTER EIGHT Seiji vs. Harvard! But also, Seiji vs. Nicholas and their rubber ducky shower curtain divider! Slowest burn of all slow burns! And the next match is going to be Harvard vs. Aiden and I’m not sure I can handle it!
The quote above was taken from an ARC and is subject to change upon publication.
Content and trigger warnings for explicit sex, a lot of misogynistic comments (always challenged), talk of past loss of a loved one, drug addiction and substance abuse, talk of past miscarrying, and a panic attack.
Trigger and content warnings for sexual content, use of the term “spirit animal” (in 2018, really?), drug use, attempted sexual assault, a weird comment about audiobooks that had me side-eyeing, girls on girl hate (always challenged though), a lot of gross and judgmental comments, a little body shaming towards men in bathing suits and what “looks good” or whatever, a lot of rape culture comments (again, always challenged), and shitty parents....more
Friends, I love this story, this art, and these characters with the sum of my being. This is such a diverse cast, from sexuality (seriously, I [image]
Friends, I love this story, this art, and these characters with the sum of my being. This is such a diverse cast, from sexuality (seriously, I think everyone is queer), to race, from social and economic backgrounds, to different family dynamics; there is so much to love about Fence. Like, C.S. Pacat’s writing and Johanna the Mad’s art is honestly a match made in Heaven, and these four issues were absolutely perfection.
Fence surrounds a boy’s boarding school, where many of the students are trying out for the fencing team. They all come with different levels of experience, with different strengths and weakness, but they are all competing for one of three open spots on the varsity team. And even though everyone wants to make the team, it is absolutely dire for Nicholas Cox.
“I know I can fence.”
I so very easily fell in love with each and every single one of these characters. And I found these amazing character layouts on C.S. Pacat’s Twitter!
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And the “treasure” and “trouble” are honestly a gift from a higher power. And, don’t be me wrong, Nicholas and Seiji and their dynamic is perfection, but I honestly fell the most in love with Harvard and Aiden. Like, I can tell you all right now that that is going to be the ship I go down with. But my favorite character is easily Bobby! He completely made the comic for me, and everything about him just felt like a shining light at this boarding school!
Okay, so like with every graphic novel that I review, I always do a breakdown on my thoughts and feeling of each individual issue. So, the next portion of this review will be a little more SPOILER-Y! Obviously, I won’t give away anything too pivotal, but I will talk about some of the themes that each issue had inside.
Trigger and content warnings for minor bullying and for abandonment.
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➽ CHAPTER ONE - Oh my gosh, this first issue was everything! I loved being introduced to these characters, and I loved how Nicholas and Seiji literally first meet because they have to fence one another. I also loved getting to see a little more into Nicholas’ backstory and why he wanted to fence in the first place, and seeing him try to healthily fill that abandonment void with something positive.
➽ CHAPTER TWO - This issue lets the reader see the boarding school that is really going to be the starting point of this story. It is six months since chapter one, and Nicholas is finally at Kings Row Boys School, where he hopes to get a scholarship from making varsity fence. We are introduced to a ton of new amazing characters that completely captured my heart; Bobby, Harvard, Aiden. And seeing the juxtaposition of Nicholas and Jesse Coste was really moving and powerful. I just want the best for my fence babies. Oh, and Nicholas also finds out who his roommate is going to be, and I actually screamed with pure joy.
➽ CHAPTER THREE - We learn in this issue that there are only three available spots on the varsity team. And we also get to see all the people trying out’s different weaknesses and strengths. Nicholas is still hurting from an emotional wound that has never healed his entire life. Seiji still thinks he is God’s gift to fencing. We get introduced to Dante and Kally, who I easily fell in love with, too. And the round robin tournament for the three spots at stake begins.
➽ CHAPTER FOUR - We get to see the fencer’s matches and that’s all I really want to say. But the ending of this bind-up volume was so damn brutal. Like, I need so much more! And I don’t want to way for Volume Two in January. I loved this, and it is easily my favorite graphic novel of 2018, so far.
First and foremost, I really want to emphasize that this is a book about abuse and what it is like to be in a very dangerous and abusive relationship.First and foremost, I really want to emphasize that this is a book about abuse and what it is like to be in a very dangerous and abusive relationship. MAJOR trigger and content warnings for a lot of graphic rape, stalking, being trapped, and a lot of very graphic physical, emotional, and mental abuse. This read is not easy or light, but it very importantly talks about taking back your own body after someone has been forcefully taking it for so long. Also, if you need help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233.
“I spoke because maybe there’s some girl like me. Young. Vulnerable. Naïve. Flattered by his attention. Maybe she thinks his jealousy means he loves her more or that it’s cute. Does she realize that slowly, surely, she’s being cut off from her friends? Isolated from her family? Being molded into something she’s not? Into what he wants her to be?”
This book also puts on display how difficult it can be to leave an abusive relationship. We live in a world where people never want to believe a woman’s word, on top of the hundreds of other factors that come into play when someone is trying to leave their abuser. The author put in a lot of research and interviewed a lot of survivors, social workers, and women’s shelters and it shows on the pages. This book feels so real. But again, this is a book about reclaiming your body and your mind from your abuser. And if you are in the right mindset, I very much recommend this read.
“Strength. Dignity. Courage. All these things belong to you. Take them back. Your soul is yours. Your heart is yours. Your body is yours. Yours to keep and yours to share.”
Long Shot is a basketball, sort of second chance romance that starts with one night at a bar that changes two people’s lives forever. It is the night before August’s big college final game, and Iris is a basketball fanatic that came to the bar to catch her beloved Lakers play. August was just looking to blow off some steam, but he wasn’t planning on meeting someone who he would never forget. The chemistry is instant and so damn good. I truly believed that these two characters were real and were soulmates and it was a damn treat to be inside their heads.
This is also an ownvoices for the two black main characters that the points of view shift between. Actually, both August and Iris are biracial (white and black) and this book always holds an important discussion about growing up biracial and never feeling like you belong to either half of yourself.
Also, this book talks about Hurricane Katrina and how so many families were broken apart and forced to flee New Orleans, and become refuges in their own country. I’m telling you all, Kennedy Ryan packed this beautiful romance novel with some important topics and discussions that so many writers wouldn’t dare bring up. She’s made a fan for life.
But after having an amazing night just baring their souls to one another in a bar, Iris confesses that she has a boyfriend, so their relationship can go no further than friendship. And August is a standup guy and understands, until he realizes the next night at his game that Iris is dating his childhood nemesis.
From there we get to see how Iris and August’s lives go on different paths; him in the NBA and her with her abuser, but somehow their paths always connect back to one another. And the abuse I prefaced this review with? It starts out suddenly, with Iris being told what to wear, then telling Iris how her future should go, to eventually trapping Iris into something that changes her life forever. Again, this is a hard book to read, but I promise it is so rewarding.
“The heart speaks in whispers, but sometimes by the time we listen, it’s too late. I learned that the hardest way. And maybe that girl can change her course before it’s too late.”
The romance in this book is so damn swoon-worthy. August West is a God among men, and Iris is one of the strongest protagonists I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading about, and August is so deserving of her. And not only is the romance perfect and the sex amazing, Iris and August’s friendship is always on display and seeing it grow into something more was something more beautiful that I have words for.
“I’ll never take this for granted. Not his kindness, when I’ve known cruelty all too well. Not his tenderness, when I’ve been handled roughly in the past. Not his love, when I’ve been possessed and owned and mistreated.”
And this book is just a love letter to why it is so important to surround yourself with people who have your back and will always unconditionally love you. The love between Iris and her cousin, Lotus, was so important to me. And seeing Iris reconnect with her grandmother was also one of my favorite moments in the book. Yet, again, this book showcases the important of found family and how important it is to cut out toxic family members from your life, because blood is just that; blood, and nothing more.
This is a real and raw novel, and I know a lot of people won’t be able to read it because it is so triggering, but I also think this book has so much power to heal abuse victims. I will be forever thankful for Kennedy Ryan for creating this masterpiece and using her voice for so much good. And for somehow writing this novel that will evoke every emotion out of you, but will leave you believing in love again. If you are in the right mindset, and are looking for a good romance, I completely recommend Long Shot, and I anticipate it making many people’s best of 2018 lists. And I can’t wait to see if we get a story about Lotus. *crosses fingers forever* And girls? Make sure you always get a partner that always plays you at the five.
[image] ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a sexy, romantic, and downright adorable contemporary! It is such a d[image] ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a sexy, romantic, and downright adorable contemporary! It is such a delightful mix of humor, hockey, and hotness! And even though this is so swoon-worthy, it also talks about a lot of tough topics, like bullying and stalking and how it will always be easier for a girl to turn down a guy by saying she has a boyfriend, than just by saying no.
Use Me is set in Chicago, and stars two very different news anchors whose paths cross by complete fate. Another thing I really loved about this book is that the main protagonists are both into their 30s and it’s completely normalized that they had fun and focused on their careers in their 20s, and do not feel shame for not having children yet. Yet, both are thinking about marriage, for very different reasons.
➽ Ashtyn - In love with journalism! She now is the lead news anchor for her local nightly news station and is super popular among the community! She has a very bright future ahead of her.
➽ Rhys - Hockey obsessed! Has played his whole life, but didn’t make it pro. So, he did the next best thing and became somewhat famous for being the local hockey sportscaster.
And (*Yellowcard’s best song*) one October night, after both of these two have had their relationships ended right before their eyes, they decide to do what a lot of people would probably do: try to drink it away at the local pub.
The romance in this is so good. It starts out a 50/50 mix of relationship of convenience and just a blatant fake relationship, both of which are tropes that I utterly love. And it was beyond heartwarming to see these two slowly, but surely, realize that maybe there was a little something more there.
You all, this was so adorable. I swear, I had a smile on my face for most of this book. But, like I said above, it does touch on some super dark, but important topics that I actually wish I saw more of in the romance genre. Stalking happens way more than you think, and you don’t have to be a famous movie star to have it happen to you. I loved the normalization and I really respect Kimberly for taking her story there. This is for sure a romantic contemporary, but there is a constant thriller mystery going on, too.
The only negative thing I will really say is that sometimes the situations felt a little over the top for me. I totally understand that this is a book, so I am not that harsh of a judge when it comes to realisticness, but some of the things that went on were still a little much for me. Plus, there were a few homophobic terms that the villain used a few times that I really hated. Trigger/Content warnings: homophobic comments and slurs, cheating (always in a negative light), stalking, bullying, attempted rape (Rohypnol), and I suppose a little violence, but nothing too graphic.
Overall, this was such a delightful read that I absolutely adored! Seriously, if you guys are in a romantic mood for something that’s maybe a little on the naughty side, please pick this up! This was beautifully written, I couldn’t help but fall in love with both of these characters, the story was absolutely addictive, and the mystery was completely captivating. I’m so happy I was able to read this wonderful story!
First and foremost, this manga heavily talks about depression and suicide so major trigger and content warnings. This story starts out wiVol. 1: ★★★★★
First and foremost, this manga heavily talks about depression and suicide so major trigger and content warnings. This story starts out with our main character, Naho, receiving a letter from herself ten years in the future. She and her group of friends are sixteen and in eleventh grade in high school, but what her twenty-six-year-old self is trying to warn her of is imperative.
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Future Naho informs present day Naho that she will lose the boy she likes if she doesn't change some of the actions and choices she is about to perform and choose. This obviously makes Naho hyper aware of everything she and her friends are doing, because she is so scared she is going to repeat past mistakes and end up losing this boy anyway.
And this group of friends truly selflessly and unconditionally love each other. It’s truly the best aspect of this manga. Their willingness to do every and anything to save their friend is something so beautiful that I can’t even find words to describe it.
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➽ Naho Takamiya - Main protagonist, who receives the letter about what her life is going to be like in ten years, unless she changes some things. Very shy, very timid, a very sweet little cinnamon roll.
➽ Kakeru Naruse - The boy who will not be in their lives anymore if his friends do not change the past.
➽ Takako Chino - The more outspoken girl in the group. She always sticks up for Naho, since Naho is too shy for confrontation, and always just generally feels like the protector of the group.
➽ Azusa Murasaka - The happy-go-lucky one of the group, her parents own a bakery, and she's always super excited and supportive of Naho.
➽ Saku Hagita - Manga lover in the group, who is also totally in love with Azu!
➽ Hiroto Suwa - Honestly one of the best characters, and most selfless humans, I've read about in years. He's the leader of this group, one of the most popular boys in their school, an amazing soccer player, and proves his unconditional love over and love throughout this volume.
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And honestly that is probably another reason I had a problem with the ending of this duology series; Suwa deserved better! He was easily the star of this entire story. And his selflessness makes me weep. I honestly just want him, Naho, and Kakeru to have a polya relationship. Is that too much to ask for?
But my biggest problem with this concluding half is the way mental illness was handled. This entire story is about how this group of friends is trying to prevent Kakeru’s death, but everything they do it is to fix the turn of events, not trying to understand why their friend is hurting. I don’t know, it just kind of reads bad, especially with how the story ended.
Which the ending is the thing I truly disliked the most. Like, is this a parallel universe? Are they going to take steps to ensure that Kakeru is not only safe, but is also getting the help he needs? IS THE BABY THERE? So many questions left unanswered! Like, this ending was so open, and it truly ruined the story for me. And everything I loved about book one was still in book two, but it’s hard to truly love something when the ending just isn’t there.
Overall, I’m not even sure if I can recommend this in good conscience. I love the art style of this so much. From the drawings, to the color, to the text bubbles, I truly think this is a wonderfully crafted manga series. Plus, it’s cool to be able to pick up two big volumes and read an entire story. But the ending really was such a let down for me.
ARC provided to me by author Lex Martin in exchange for an honest review.
This was a super sweet, cute, summer/spring time read, with a mystery sub-ploARC provided to me by author Lex Martin in exchange for an honest review.
This was a super sweet, cute, summer/spring time read, with a mystery sub-plot that, even though it was pretty obvious, really pulls you into the story and makes it hard to put this book down.
Clementine is attending Boston University, where she is pursuing a degree in writing/english, even though she has already published a bestselling novel her freshman year, under a pen name. The story she had published is an account of real events that happened to her during her senior year of high school, but has changed all the names and tweaked the information. Yet, it would be absolutely devastating if people found out that she really wrote the book, because her and her family has been in the public eye for a long time.
Because of her apprehensiveness about being in the spotlight with the press, she is very averse to meeting new people. Also, because of the bad break up that she wrote about in high school, she is also very averse to dating anyone. That is, until she meets Gavin, a RA and journalist that is also the newest member of her friend's band.
Clementine, being apprehensive about relationships, doesn't want to give Gavin the time of day, but she is struggling with writers block and an assignment in her new romance class and he is the only thing that helps give her inspiration.
There is also a missing girl from Clementine's university and Gavin is writing piece after piece trying to help bring her home. Clementine is also feeling very unsafe on campus, because she was sexually assaulted by a college professor her freshman year. Even though she had gotten a restraining order, he is back and is making it very apparent that he isn't willing to stop pursuing Clementine.
We also are introduced to some amazing side characters that get their own spinoffs in this series, too! Jax, Clementine's twin brother and soccer star, gets to be the male lead in Finding Dandelion! And Darren, who is Clementine's ex, star quarterback of the rivaling university's football team, gets to be the male lead in Kissing Madeline! I loved Darren. Don't get me wrong, Gavin was pretty dreamy and Darren did mess up pretty inexcusably in high school, but I was low-key in love with Darren once he actually came into Clementine's story personally.
I really enjoyed it, and it's honestly such a good romantic contemporary that is perfect for this time of year. I only really have two negative things to say about this book:
The first being that, again, the abduction mystery, paired with the stalking professor, made for a really unexpected and enjoyable read, but it was also painfully obvious what was going on and how the situation was going to unfold.
The second thing is that there was a lot of "joking around" slut shaming in this book. I completely understand that I used to be very guilty of this, too, and this book was published in 2014, so I'm willing to give it some slack, but it still made for a jarring and unpleasant read when the girls/friends were talking to one another.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and I am so thankful that I was able to get a copy of this for free. I also fully plan to read both Finding Dandelion and Kissing Madeline, because all of these characters were so cute and so enjoyable to read about. Lex Martin did a wonderful job writing this story, and I have nothing but high hopes for her future.
Orange is a manga series that will definitely pull on your heartstrings. Heck, before even starting the actual story, the first Buddy Read with Cory ❤
Orange is a manga series that will definitely pull on your heartstrings. Heck, before even starting the actual story, the first two art pages at the beginning about broke my heart by themselves. This story starts out with our main character, Naho, receiving a letter from herself ten years in the future. She and her group of friends are sixteen and in eleventh grade in high school, but what her twenty-six-year-old self is trying to warn her of is imperative.
Future Naho informs present day Naho that she will lose the boy she likes if she doesn't change some of the actions and choices she is about to perform and choose. This obviously makes Naho hyper aware of everything she and her friends are doing, because she is so scared she is going to repeat past mistakes and end up losing this boy anyway.
The best part about this manga series is the phenomenal friendships. This book has one of the best circle of friends I've read about in years. They constantly are showing their unconditional love and support to each other, and are honestly a freakin' treat to read about. Seriously, friendship goals.
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➽ Naho Takamiya - Main protagonist, who receives the letter about what her life is going to be like in ten years, unless she changes some things. Very shy, very timid, a very sweet little cinnamon roll.
➽ Kakeru Naruse - The boy who will not be in their lives anymore if his friends do not change the past.
➽ Takako Chino - The more outspoken girl in the group. She always sticks up for Naho, since Naho is too shy for confrontation, and always just generally feels like the protector of the group.
➽ Azusa Murasaka - The happy-go-lucky one of the group, her parents own a bakery, and she's always super excited and supportive of Naho.
➽ Saku Hagita - Manga lover in the group, who is also totally in love with Azu!
➽ Hiroto Suwa - Honestly one of the best characters, and most selfless humans, I've read about in years. He's the leader of this group, one of the most popular boys in their school, an amazing soccer player, and proves his unconditional love over and love throughout this volume.
I could probably writes sonnets at this point about how much I love Suwa, and how I honestly just want him, Naho, and Kakeru to have a polya relationship where they all love each other, but this whole group of friends is amazing. I love their group dynamic and how they interact individually, too. They are all selfless, to be honest, and they all truly want what is best for their friends. They are a great support system for one another, and I love seeing them build and boost each other up.
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This manga series is also important, because it never shies away from the topic of suicide. It brings up great points, especially for high school aged kids, about how sometimes when friends joke about death, they aren't really joking and to always take them seriously. On the flip side, it is also important to understand that sometimes the saddest people will mask their feelings with smiles and laughter, so always check in on the ones you love and make sure they are feeling okay.
The art is beautiful, the story is lovely, and the messages are so very important. I loved everything about this, and I cannot wait to start the anime after I finish Vol. 2.