I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
From Air is the debut novel in the Wildfire series.
As a forty-something avid I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
From Air is the debut novel in the Wildfire series.
As a forty-something avid reader, I was pleased to read a novel from a mature standpoint, not only chronologically aged (Fitz) but emotional maturity, while Jamie brought in a healthy amount of levity.
Jewel E Ann is a favorite author of mine, but the blurb intrigued me, especially when I read that traveling nurse, Jamie, was moving in with a houseful of smoke jumper firefighters. This book pretty much pinged all of my favorite tropes across the board. Age-gap. Enemies-to-lovers. Firefighters. Angst. Past trauma. Opposites attract. Roommates. Forced Proximity. Banter.
I'm not going to give a rundown of what happened in the novel as I went into the novel blind and it made the experience all the more fulfilling because of it. This novel had my emotions running the gamut, which is my favorite type of entertainment- masterfully plucking my emotions for hundreds of pages.
Both narrators resonated with me, personality-wise, in different ways. Fitz's gruffness, a solid character who loves large but has been burnt so he tends to understandably lash out and have trust issues. Jamie's analytical side was a draw for me, her playful antics adding much-needed levity to balance out the angst. Not only do opposites attract but they also balance each other out perfectly.
I am looking forward to the audiobook, because I cannot wait to hear this novel brought to life....more
Utterly unique, unlike anything I've read before. As a fan of Morganville, this series is so mature in juxtaposition, reveaListened on Audible via KU.
Utterly unique, unlike anything I've read before. As a fan of Morganville, this series is so mature in juxtaposition, revealing the breadth & width of Rachel Caine's talent, may she rest peacefully....more
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Triggering Stars. If you are a survivor of domestic violence, it will be up to yoI received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Triggering Stars. If you are a survivor of domestic violence, it will be up to you to judge whether or not you are capable of reading. It's an accurate portrayal, you need to know that before going in.
Avylinn Winter is a new-to-me author.
I'm not entirely sure how to review Toxic. Mostly due to the subject matter being too close for comfort. I spent a great deal of the book being thrust into the past, not that that was necessarily a bad thing per se. I could completely empathize with Adam during 90% of the pages. There was just too much mirroring with my past, similar situations dealing with a childhood best friend turned partner, turned abuser.
Gabriel was Adam's protector growing up, his next door neighbor. When they went to college together, they roomed together, until Adam told Gabriel his true feelings. After being tossed out, cut to six months later, where Adam is trying to make amends and get his friend back.
What was a relationship built on safety and security turned toxic.
Toxic was written with compassion, accuracy, and the classic trajectory of an abusive relationship.
Gabriel's gaslighting, possessive behavior being seen as love, the 'I'm sorry' attention afterward, the isolation from all those who would notice a difference... even how the abuser begins to hate their victim because their victim was weak enough to change into the creature they created...
The feelings of guilt and shame the victim feels- but worst of all, the feeling as if you're betraying your abuser's trust and love by getting help, by leaving, by moving on. Surely you should do something to get them help. Then another set of guilt and shame settles due to judgement cast by people not in your shoes. Why didn't you leave sooner? Why didn't you get help immediately? It's layers upon layers of emotional damage, especially during the healing process. & those feelings never truly cease to exist.
Followed by hope, by opening your eyes, by realizing you're never going to be the same person again, and things that would have never bothered you have you phasing out for a few moments in time at random. It's written on the very fabric of what makes you who you are. Your mind and emotions don't operate on the same wavelength they did prior to the abuse. The feeling of safety and security never truly returns.
But one day, you'll realize you're not a victim but a survivor.
I apologize that I can't leave a true review of the book because it hit too close to home.
Just in reality, Toxic was an arc- a progression from normalcy, to victim, to survivor.
Merged review:
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Triggering Stars. If you are a survivor of domestic violence, it will be up to you to judge whether or not you are capable of reading. It's an accurate portrayal, you need to know that before going in.
Avylinn Winter is a new-to-me author.
I'm not entirely sure how to review Toxic. Mostly due to the subject matter being too close for comfort. I spent a great deal of the book being thrust into the past, not that that was necessarily a bad thing per se. I could completely empathize with Adam during 90% of the pages. There was just too much mirroring with my past, similar situations dealing with a childhood best friend turned partner, turned abuser.
Gabriel was Adam's protector growing up, his next door neighbor. When they went to college together, they roomed together, until Adam told Gabriel his true feelings. After being tossed out, cut to six months later, where Adam is trying to make amends and get his friend back.
What was a relationship built on safety and security turned toxic.
Toxic was written with compassion, accuracy, and the classic trajectory of an abusive relationship.
Gabriel's gaslighting, possessive behavior being seen as love, the 'I'm sorry' attention afterward, the isolation from all those who would notice a difference... even how the abuser begins to hate their victim because their victim was weak enough to change into the creature they created...
The feelings of guilt and shame the victim feels- but worst of all, the feeling as if you're betraying your abuser's trust and love by getting help, by leaving, by moving on. Surely you should do something to get them help. Then another set of guilt and shame settles due to judgement cast by people not in your shoes. Why didn't you leave sooner? Why didn't you get help immediately? It's layers upon layers of emotional damage, especially during the healing process. & those feelings never truly cease to exist.
Followed by hope, by opening your eyes, by realizing you're never going to be the same person again, and things that would have never bothered you have you phasing out for a few moments in time at random. It's written on the very fabric of what makes you who you are. Your mind and emotions don't operate on the same wavelength they did prior to the abuse. The feeling of safety and security never truly returns.
But one day, you'll realize you're not a victim but a survivor.
I apologize that I can't leave a true review of the book because it hit too close to home.
Just in reality, Toxic was an arc- a progression from normalcy, to victim, to survivor....more
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 depraved, disturbing Stars
READER DISCRETION ADVISED
This collection contains threeI received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 depraved, disturbing Stars
READER DISCRETION ADVISED
This collection contains three edited second editions stories that were previously individually published, plus one all-new story, by Lisa Henry writing as Cari Waites.
________
Part #1: Gamble Everything- 5 stars.
Truthfully, I believe Gamble Everything would have been an excellent standalone title sold by itself to fans of MM dark and taboo reads. 5 Stars, hands down. It's hard to find a fully developed shorter novella, but this was perfectly executed.
Without knowing how the rest of the titles in the anthology read, Stealing Innocents is well-worth the purchase price just for a reader to get their hands on Gamble Everything. I was floored, and I read a ton of MM, dark, and taboo reads. Hell, I even write some. I basically clicked the pages with my jaw hanging open and my eyes bugging from my skull. "Dayum! was always on the tip of my tongue. I loved Danny/Daniel's inner monologue, bringing about some ironic hilarity in an otherwise brimming to the max book where everything was just so creepy... C-R-E-E-P-Y.
OMG! That bedroom... the clothing... the teddy bear. The innocent stuff was worse than the enema/fist/sound/cage. So much more mortifying. I need a shower. ASAP. I need to wash my brain. I was seriously titillated by how warped and cerebral this book was. So I worry about coming down from this high to find the rest of the stories not up to par.
__________
Part 2: Crazy 4 Stars.
Crazy was an interesting read, especially for its short length. I'm rating on my enjoyment level and against other stories of this length and type. While I was floored and frustrated while reading Drew's story, a boy in a mental ward held against his will, being drugged and abused by his psychiatrist, I wasn't blown away. The writer has talent, and if this particular story had been expanded slightly in the character development, it would have been an outstanding read.
However, I do believe it's a worthy part of the anthology. Intriguing and thought-provoking.
Disturbing.
_________
First and Only 5 Stars
In a disturbing, yet oddly enjoyable change, First and Only was written in the predator's voice instead of that of the prey like in the previous stories.
David. David. David. The predator is written in a way that the reader could empathize with him, and wanted him to get his revenge against his cheating wife. Sage was the type of person who is a walking victim, easily culled from the herd, never knowing which is the worst predator to have their sights set on him.
First and Only was very developed for so few pages. The story was complete, leaving a cliffhanger ending for the reader to make of it what they will. Definitely a fitting, disturbing contribution to the anthology.
_________
Falling Angels 5 Stars
Falling Angels was without a doubt was the most disturbing story of the anthology, and a punch to the throat way to end the book. Darker than the rest, more sociopathic and taboo, but scarily the most realistic of all the tales.
Instead of feeling skeeved out for being not only physically but cerebrally turned on while reading the predecessors, I was heartsick and sickened while reading Falling Angels.
___________
In conclusion, if you are a twisted puppy who gets off on a mind phuck, Stealing Innocents has 4 stories to warp your already depraved mind. Good luck washing it away for a while, because I fear each and every story has made a permanent impression on my psyche.
Merged review:
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 depraved, disturbing Stars
READER DISCRETION ADVISED
This collection contains three edited second editions stories that were previously individually published, plus one all-new story, by Lisa Henry writing as Cari Waites.
________
Part #1: Gamble Everything- 5 stars.
Truthfully, I believe Gamble Everything would have been an excellent standalone title sold by itself to fans of MM dark and taboo reads. 5 Stars, hands down. It's hard to find a fully developed shorter novella, but this was perfectly executed.
Without knowing how the rest of the titles in the anthology read, Stealing Innocents is well-worth the purchase price just for a reader to get their hands on Gamble Everything. I was floored, and I read a ton of MM, dark, and taboo reads. Hell, I even write some. I basically clicked the pages with my jaw hanging open and my eyes bugging from my skull. "Dayum! was always on the tip of my tongue. I loved Danny/Daniel's inner monologue, bringing about some ironic hilarity in an otherwise brimming to the max book where everything was just so creepy... C-R-E-E-P-Y.
OMG! That bedroom... the clothing... the teddy bear. The innocent stuff was worse than the enema/fist/sound/cage. So much more mortifying. I need a shower. ASAP. I need to wash my brain. I was seriously titillated by how warped and cerebral this book was. So I worry about coming down from this high to find the rest of the stories not up to par.
__________
Part 2: Crazy 4 Stars.
Crazy was an interesting read, especially for its short length. I'm rating on my enjoyment level and against other stories of this length and type. While I was floored and frustrated while reading Drew's story, a boy in a mental ward held against his will, being drugged and abused by his psychiatrist, I wasn't blown away. The writer has talent, and if this particular story had been expanded slightly in the character development, it would have been an outstanding read.
However, I do believe it's a worthy part of the anthology. Intriguing and thought-provoking.
Disturbing.
_________
First and Only 5 Stars
In a disturbing, yet oddly enjoyable change, First and Only was written in the predator's voice instead of that of the prey like in the previous stories.
David. David. David. The predator is written in a way that the reader could empathize with him, and wanted him to get his revenge against his cheating wife. Sage was the type of person who is a walking victim, easily culled from the herd, never knowing which is the worst predator to have their sights set on him.
First and Only was very developed for so few pages. The story was complete, leaving a cliffhanger ending for the reader to make of it what they will. Definitely a fitting, disturbing contribution to the anthology.
_________
Falling Angels 5 Stars
Falling Angels was without a doubt was the most disturbing story of the anthology, and a punch to the throat way to end the book. Darker than the rest, more sociopathic and taboo, but scarily the most realistic of all the tales.
Instead of feeling skeeved out for being not only physically but cerebrally turned on while reading the predecessors, I was heartsick and sickened while reading Falling Angels.
___________
In conclusion, if you are a twisted puppy who gets off on a mind phuck, Stealing Innocents has 4 stories to warp your already depraved mind. Good luck washing it away for a while, because I fear each and every story has made a permanent impression on my psyche....more
I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Star | Read in one sitting | Totally engrossed |
Spectacularly Broken was a spectI received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Star | Read in one sitting | Totally engrossed |
Spectacularly Broken was a spectacular read. Well-written, the narration flowed smoothly, and the situations were realistic and surprisingly deep. Lysander is a rich, gay kid with absolutely no direction in life. He's lost. The narrator was written in such a way to remove the vapid, arrogance which would have been expected, but in its place was a compassionate kid, who was realistic, and easy to understand and love.
Without giving the entirety of the plot away, Lysander is sent to Naughty camp for misfit teenagers, where we meet a mishmash of broken teens who were a pleasure to read. Each and every character was unique and multifaceted.
What I loved the most about the book: it took a long while for a romance to appear, as friendship, familial bonds, and the characters' issues were in the foreground. The bond between Lysander and Finn was refreshing, as was the bond between Lysander and Cai. The reader could feel the familial bonds, even from the grave.
Spectacularly Broken didn't use tricks, action sequences, or excesses of romance to cover the fact that it was lacking in story, because it perfectly showcased the human condition.
Very deep read, yet light-hearted with the age group and Lysander himself. I'm not one who enjoys an endearment in a book (in fact, it's my biggest pet peeve) but when he called his cousin Cupcake, I couldn't help but smile. The endearment spewing was so Lys, that I found it darling. My favorite line of the book is when he called his older cousin 'sweetheart' and told him to go step on a Lego!
I also really, really want pancakes now.
Genre: Young adult (but there is swearing, sexual situations, drug use, yet they were not unrealistic to the age group) | New Adult | Coming of Age | Dark | LGBTQ Gay Romance M/M | Contemporary Romance | HEA | Standalone | Recommend: Contemporary LBGTQ Romance fans | Those who like a deep read, who aren't afraid of the realistic pains in everyday life | Would I read more by this author: will be checking to see what other works the author has written as soon as I push send on this review.
Merged review:
I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Star | Read in one sitting | Totally engrossed |
Spectacularly Broken was a spectacular read. Well-written, the narration flowed smoothly, and the situations were realistic and surprisingly deep. Lysander is a rich, gay kid with absolutely no direction in life. He's lost. The narrator was written in such a way to remove the vapid, arrogance which would have been expected, but in its place was a compassionate kid, who was realistic, and easy to understand and love.
Without giving the entirety of the plot away, Lysander is sent to Naughty camp for misfit teenagers, where we meet a mishmash of broken teens who were a pleasure to read. Each and every character was unique and multifaceted.
What I loved the most about the book: it took a long while for a romance to appear, as friendship, familial bonds, and the characters' issues were in the foreground. The bond between Lysander and Finn was refreshing, as was the bond between Lysander and Cai. The reader could feel the familial bonds, even from the grave.
Spectacularly Broken didn't use tricks, action sequences, or excesses of romance to cover the fact that it was lacking in story, because it perfectly showcased the human condition.
Very deep read, yet light-hearted with the age group and Lysander himself. I'm not one who enjoys an endearment in a book (in fact, it's my biggest pet peeve) but when he called his cousin Cupcake, I couldn't help but smile. The endearment spewing was so Lys, that I found it darling. My favorite line of the book is when he called his older cousin 'sweetheart' and told him to go step on a Lego!
I also really, really want pancakes now.
Genre: Young adult (but there is swearing, sexual situations, drug use, yet they were not unrealistic to the age group) | New Adult | Coming of Age | Dark | LGBTQ Gay Romance M/M | Contemporary Romance | HEA | Standalone | Recommend: Contemporary LBGTQ Romance fans | Those who like a deep read, who aren't afraid of the realistic pains in everyday life | Would I read more by this author: will be checking to see what other works the author has written as soon as I push send on this review....more
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Stars.
What a deliciously angsty treat...
Hell on Wheels is the 3rd installment ofI received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Stars.
What a deliciously angsty treat...
Hell on Wheels is the 3rd installment of the Bluewater Bay series. I can attest to the fact that this can be read as a standalone, or completely out of order within the series. I've been reading from both ends- the newest releases, while starting at the beginning to catch up. Also, the installments are written by different authors.
Yet again, I decided to take a walk on the wild side by going in blind- I didn't read the blurb, nor did I check out to see who authored the title. I was hooked from the get-go, and wasn't surprised in the least to find out it was written by ZA Maxfield, an author whose titles I look forward to reading.
Nash is a family man- the one who stays in his hometown to take care of his widowed father and disabled sister, while his twin excels at higher academia. Content, Nash is the backbone of the family, taking care of the family business while helping his loved ones reach for their dreams. The only problem, no one helps Nash reach for his dreams, dreams he doesn't even entertain.
Out for a ride in the fog, Nash comes upon a broken down car on the side of the road. Going with the flow, he's used to the baseball cap and sunglasses routine by the roaming celebrities of Wolf's Landing. Sparks ignite, and the angst begins.
Spencer is wounded with some serious ex-husband-to-be baggage, after being manipulated and used and abused by his ex and the industry of his craft. As an actor in a hit tv series, he's more down-to-earth than most celebrities, wanting a quiet home life without the flash of cameras invading his privacy. But he's torn with whom and what he wants out of life.
Nash and Spencer had a ton of banterific playfulness, chemistry and tension, and scorching heat between them. It's fast on lust, a gradual build on friendship, and a slow-burn on the romance.
The side characters were equally darling to read- the father was hilarious, the sister the usual teenage angst (which makes an adult reader shake their head while simultaneously wanting to shake the child) but she's also disabled. Spencer's PA and bodyguard were intriguing characters, and I'm curious if we ever hear their stories.
Overall, this was an amazing addition to the Bluewater Bay series, one I feverishly read, entertaining me until the wee hours of the morning. I look forward to both more in the series and more by this author.
Merged review:
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Stars.
What a deliciously angsty treat...
Hell on Wheels is the 3rd installment of the Bluewater Bay series. I can attest to the fact that this can be read as a standalone, or completely out of order within the series. I've been reading from both ends- the newest releases, while starting at the beginning to catch up. Also, the installments are written by different authors.
Yet again, I decided to take a walk on the wild side by going in blind- I didn't read the blurb, nor did I check out to see who authored the title. I was hooked from the get-go, and wasn't surprised in the least to find out it was written by ZA Maxfield, an author whose titles I look forward to reading.
Nash is a family man- the one who stays in his hometown to take care of his widowed father and disabled sister, while his twin excels at higher academia. Content, Nash is the backbone of the family, taking care of the family business while helping his loved ones reach for their dreams. The only problem, no one helps Nash reach for his dreams, dreams he doesn't even entertain.
Out for a ride in the fog, Nash comes upon a broken down car on the side of the road. Going with the flow, he's used to the baseball cap and sunglasses routine by the roaming celebrities of Wolf's Landing. Sparks ignite, and the angst begins.
Spencer is wounded with some serious ex-husband-to-be baggage, after being manipulated and used and abused by his ex and the industry of his craft. As an actor in a hit tv series, he's more down-to-earth than most celebrities, wanting a quiet home life without the flash of cameras invading his privacy. But he's torn with whom and what he wants out of life.
Nash and Spencer had a ton of banterific playfulness, chemistry and tension, and scorching heat between them. It's fast on lust, a gradual build on friendship, and a slow-burn on the romance.
The side characters were equally darling to read- the father was hilarious, the sister the usual teenage angst (which makes an adult reader shake their head while simultaneously wanting to shake the child) but she's also disabled. Spencer's PA and bodyguard were intriguing characters, and I'm curious if we ever hear their stories.
Overall, this was an amazing addition to the Bluewater Bay series, one I feverishly read, entertaining me until the wee hours of the morning. I look forward to both more in the series and more by this author....more
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Kissing Stars.
Jesus. I am so glad I was alone as I read this novella. My eyes wI received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Kissing Stars.
Jesus. I am so glad I was alone as I read this novella. My eyes were popping out of my skull and I'm still wearing a perma-blush as I type out this review.
Susan Laine is a new-to-me author, so I'll be checking out more of her work.
Merry & Boone may be 17 years old, but I can't classify this as a young adult novel (I have no idea what the publisher is classifying this as) From a 17 yo's standpoint, I'd want to read it. From the standpoint of a 38 yo, I wouldn't want my child reading it, but I totally get why they'd take to it like a fly to flypaper. Dayum!
Merry & Boone have been best buds since kindergarten, doing everything together. Merry is a bit socially awkward and totally innocent, whereas Boone is basically a stud. Merry asks his bud for help with kissing, because their prom was coming up and he didn't want to look like a fool when he kissed his date goodnight.
The novella was sweet, and adorable, and hotter than Hades. For something so short, it didn't have a feeling of insta-love/lust, and had one helluva tension-filled buildup. The entirety of the novella, save a few short pages at the prom, all take place in Boone's bedroom. Kissing lessons. The ever-masterful Boone rocked both Merry's and his own world.
... I'm pretty sure Boone was just making up kisses as he went along, which was adorable and hilarious.
Two warnings: if you're not in a cutesy mood, you may find the book hard to swallow (we all get that way sometimes, especially me) and some of the language (both dialogue and inner monologue) sounded decades older than 17- I didn't care, because I was too busy blushing, but someone else might.
Recommended for MM Romance fans. Alright, I'd let my fictitious teenager read the novella, just not when I knew they were reading it, and not in the same room with me, because that's kinda skeevy. *fans self* Yeah, for something so innocent, Kissing Lessons was a scorching read.
Merged review:
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Kissing Stars.
Jesus. I am so glad I was alone as I read this novella. My eyes were popping out of my skull and I'm still wearing a perma-blush as I type out this review.
Susan Laine is a new-to-me author, so I'll be checking out more of her work.
Merry & Boone may be 17 years old, but I can't classify this as a young adult novel (I have no idea what the publisher is classifying this as) From a 17 yo's standpoint, I'd want to read it. From the standpoint of a 38 yo, I wouldn't want my child reading it, but I totally get why they'd take to it like a fly to flypaper. Dayum!
Merry & Boone have been best buds since kindergarten, doing everything together. Merry is a bit socially awkward and totally innocent, whereas Boone is basically a stud. Merry asks his bud for help with kissing, because their prom was coming up and he didn't want to look like a fool when he kissed his date goodnight.
The novella was sweet, and adorable, and hotter than Hades. For something so short, it didn't have a feeling of insta-love/lust, and had one helluva tension-filled buildup. The entirety of the novella, save a few short pages at the prom, all take place in Boone's bedroom. Kissing lessons. The ever-masterful Boone rocked both Merry's and his own world.
... I'm pretty sure Boone was just making up kisses as he went along, which was adorable and hilarious.
Two warnings: if you're not in a cutesy mood, you may find the book hard to swallow (we all get that way sometimes, especially me) and some of the language (both dialogue and inner monologue) sounded decades older than 17- I didn't care, because I was too busy blushing, but someone else might.
Recommended for MM Romance fans. Alright, I'd let my fictitious teenager read the novella, just not when I knew they were reading it, and not in the same room with me, because that's kinda skeevy. *fans self* Yeah, for something so innocent, Kissing Lessons was a scorching read....more
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Angsty, Young Adult Stars
Young Adult age range: 14+ Kissing. Bullying/bigotry. PaI received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Angsty, Young Adult Stars
Young Adult age range: 14+ Kissing. Bullying/bigotry. Past violence (not shown)
J. Leigh Bailey is a new-to-me author, and I could seriously fan-girl right now. I do plan on checking out the author's past works ASAP. I love the innocence of the young adult genre, and I believe this book would be a comfort to both children who are contemplating coming out, and to their parents to get their child's perspective.
Connor is his rural mid-western town's Golden Boy, with his sights set on playing baseball in college as a way to get out of his hometown. He's dating the couch's daughter, has a 4.0, a hard-working family, and is the oldest of 5 siblings. His entire life implodes, while working out in the weight room for practice, his eye catches the school's new eyeliner-wearing soccer star.
Connor's characterization was accurate and realistic, how he is so hyper-focused on his future, trying to make his father proud, he barely notices the present. The way of life makes it possible for Connor to live in denial about his sexuality, when he never realized in the first place.
Graham is a complex character to Connor's open book. Graham has a tragic past, with its bits and pieces of information dolled out at a steady pace to keep a mystery surrounding it. Graham is what Connor is not- confident in knowing who he is and owning it, even if no one else accepts it. But Graham is patient when it comes to friendship, as long as he's treated with respect when it comes to more than friendship.
I don't want to give the plot away, but there are ups and downs and a ton of delicious angst in this page-turning, young adult read. After reading the book in one sitting, I was satisfied with the ending, but wanted more from other characters in the book's universe, as I wish to know more via other's narration on our couple. Sadly, however, I do believe this is a standalone. But my voracious need for more is a sure sign on how much I enjoyed the story.
Recommended to fans of MM Romance and Young Adult MM.
Merged review:
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Angsty, Young Adult Stars
Young Adult age range: 14+ Kissing. Bullying/bigotry. Past violence (not shown)
J. Leigh Bailey is a new-to-me author, and I could seriously fan-girl right now. I do plan on checking out the author's past works ASAP. I love the innocence of the young adult genre, and I believe this book would be a comfort to both children who are contemplating coming out, and to their parents to get their child's perspective.
Connor is his rural mid-western town's Golden Boy, with his sights set on playing baseball in college as a way to get out of his hometown. He's dating the couch's daughter, has a 4.0, a hard-working family, and is the oldest of 5 siblings. His entire life implodes, while working out in the weight room for practice, his eye catches the school's new eyeliner-wearing soccer star.
Connor's characterization was accurate and realistic, how he is so hyper-focused on his future, trying to make his father proud, he barely notices the present. The way of life makes it possible for Connor to live in denial about his sexuality, when he never realized in the first place.
Graham is a complex character to Connor's open book. Graham has a tragic past, with its bits and pieces of information dolled out at a steady pace to keep a mystery surrounding it. Graham is what Connor is not- confident in knowing who he is and owning it, even if no one else accepts it. But Graham is patient when it comes to friendship, as long as he's treated with respect when it comes to more than friendship.
I don't want to give the plot away, but there are ups and downs and a ton of delicious angst in this page-turning, young adult read. After reading the book in one sitting, I was satisfied with the ending, but wanted more from other characters in the book's universe, as I wish to know more via other's narration on our couple. Sadly, however, I do believe this is a standalone. But my voracious need for more is a sure sign on how much I enjoyed the story.
Recommended to fans of MM Romance and Young Adult MM....more
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Swoon-worthy Stars (okay, Highley, where are my unicorns? Just proving I read thI received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Swoon-worthy Stars (okay, Highley, where are my unicorns? Just proving I read the note at the end. LOL)
Young Adult age-range: 12+. Kissing & adult language.
The Perfectly Imperfect Match is the 3rd installment of Suttonville Sentinels, and can easily be read as a standalone. While the hero and heroine from book 2 do make an appearance on the pages, their previous story doesn't make an impact on the current one. Although, I was happy to see them, reconnect with them.
If you're not reading this as a standalone, you no doubt will remember Dylan. Uptight. Obsessed with his future plans, to the point he isn't living in the now. He's hitched all of his dreams, hopes, and aspirations with singular focus, to the point it's unhealthy and could be a detriment should things not go according to plan.
Fate and destiny and things happen, just because you plan it or want it, doesn't make it so. This is a lesson Dylan needs to learn, and in a way that doesn't leave lasting damage.
Dylan's an amazing pitcher, but he's even better at teaching the next generation of ballplayers during summer camp, which leads us to Lucy...
Lucy is an interesting character. Free-spirit, chicken savior, and colorful rebel. She's the daughter of a serviceman who is deployed and a quilt shop owner. To help her family, Lucy stitches/embroiders various items to bring in side money and bring new clientele into the shop, all the while helping raise her nine-year-old brother.
Otis enrolls in summer camp- the budding pitcher is placed under the tutelage of Dylan, and that's how Dylan and Lucy meet.
Opposites attract.
Without giving a book report, the pair have some angsty bumps and bruises along the way. There's heat and intensity, bucket loads of chemistry. Dylan has a 'no girls' policy, and fears Lucy is throwing him off his game. Lucy is worried about Otis' relationship with his pitching coach, so she doesn't want to come between her baby brother and his idol.
The Perfectly Imperfect Match was a delightfully sweet read, full of crushing and budding love, and it put a smile on my face. Until the epilogue- boom- emotional extortion by the author. Mad props to Highley for making me cry (happy tears, of course)
Definitely recommend to lovers of the Young Adult genre, no matter if they are actual young adults or the young at heart. I look forward to more in this series and more by this author.
*I will say, from my own experience, grown men and boys alike do believe the 'no girls' nonsense. My grandfather, who was old enough to be my great-grandfather, was always bringing up failure in the baseball world due to his son getting a girlfriend- (I can't remember what team he played for) unable to be apart from her, he made her his wife and had children. Blaming my aunt, of course. Is it true? I have no idea- it was a generation or three before my time, but adult me knows the misogynistic blame-game is a great way to explain away what really happened. But boys and men do believe that nonsense, so I could relate to both Dylan and Lucy as I read the book. & it brought up the memory of my grandfather, enough so I could even hear his voice.
Swoon- still waiting on those unicorns.
Merged review:
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Swoon-worthy Stars (okay, Highley, where are my unicorns? Just proving I read the note at the end. LOL)
Young Adult age-range: 12+. Kissing & adult language.
The Perfectly Imperfect Match is the 3rd installment of Suttonville Sentinels, and can easily be read as a standalone. While the hero and heroine from book 2 do make an appearance on the pages, their previous story doesn't make an impact on the current one. Although, I was happy to see them, reconnect with them.
If you're not reading this as a standalone, you no doubt will remember Dylan. Uptight. Obsessed with his future plans, to the point he isn't living in the now. He's hitched all of his dreams, hopes, and aspirations with singular focus, to the point it's unhealthy and could be a detriment should things not go according to plan.
Fate and destiny and things happen, just because you plan it or want it, doesn't make it so. This is a lesson Dylan needs to learn, and in a way that doesn't leave lasting damage.
Dylan's an amazing pitcher, but he's even better at teaching the next generation of ballplayers during summer camp, which leads us to Lucy...
Lucy is an interesting character. Free-spirit, chicken savior, and colorful rebel. She's the daughter of a serviceman who is deployed and a quilt shop owner. To help her family, Lucy stitches/embroiders various items to bring in side money and bring new clientele into the shop, all the while helping raise her nine-year-old brother.
Otis enrolls in summer camp- the budding pitcher is placed under the tutelage of Dylan, and that's how Dylan and Lucy meet.
Opposites attract.
Without giving a book report, the pair have some angsty bumps and bruises along the way. There's heat and intensity, bucket loads of chemistry. Dylan has a 'no girls' policy, and fears Lucy is throwing him off his game. Lucy is worried about Otis' relationship with his pitching coach, so she doesn't want to come between her baby brother and his idol.
The Perfectly Imperfect Match was a delightfully sweet read, full of crushing and budding love, and it put a smile on my face. Until the epilogue- boom- emotional extortion by the author. Mad props to Highley for making me cry (happy tears, of course)
Definitely recommend to lovers of the Young Adult genre, no matter if they are actual young adults or the young at heart. I look forward to more in this series and more by this author.
*I will say, from my own experience, grown men and boys alike do believe the 'no girls' nonsense. My grandfather, who was old enough to be my great-grandfather, was always bringing up failure in the baseball world due to his son getting a girlfriend- (I can't remember what team he played for) unable to be apart from her, he made her his wife and had children. Blaming my aunt, of course. Is it true? I have no idea- it was a generation or three before my time, but adult me knows the misogynistic blame-game is a great way to explain away what really happened. But boys and men do believe that nonsense, so I could relate to both Dylan and Lucy as I read the book. & it brought up the memory of my grandfather, enough so I could even hear his voice.
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
SEASON'S CHANGE is the debut in the Trade Season series, as well as appears tI received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
SEASON'S CHANGE is the debut in the Trade Season series, as well as appears to be the author's debut novel. Congratulations, Cait Nary.
First things first, I struggled at the beginning for several reasons, which I'll state below. But as you can see by the 5-Star rating, once I overcame the hurdle, I was effectively hooked until the last word. I started the novel at bedtime, deciding to read a handful of chapters, struggled a bit but was curious, and ended up finishing at almost 5 am. This review is written while I'm dog tired.
Shout out to all the PA locations from this Pennsylvanian. I got a good chuckle from that, especially with Duncannon as one of those places. The funny ribs about DC and Virginia as well.
Olly is struggling, mentally and emotionally suffering, having been traded after a series of murky events the reader isn't privy, (the gist is there but not truly). Olly fears making a home for himself, truly connecting with the team, feeling as if there is a constant anvil over his head where he will be kicked from the team or his teammates will reject him. He's an emotional ball of constant turmoil and angst, hurting and angry.
I need to state that Olly isn't a difficult to relate to character. I applaud Nary for the characterization, as it was flawlessly executed. Realistic. Where the characters are subject to the human condition, their actions and reactions befitting the personalities they were given, versus acting out of character to propel the plot. This is definitely a character-driven novel, and Olly stays true to character during his journey.
Rookie and new roommate, Benji is a strong influence, a calming presence for Olly. Steady and protective. Perpetually in a chill mood, always friendly, always understanding, always attempting to "heal" Olly. Benji has his own demons with his family, but he shows a healthy way of slaying those demons.
The dynamic between Olly and Benji was lovely. The friends/teammates/roommates-to-lovers, hurt-comfort, with a slow-burn journey from reluctant roommates to true friends to lust-fueled lovers. The pacing on the connection (friendship and romance) was just right, which is what kept the pages turning all through the night, which is why I handed out a rare 5-Star rating, despite the issues I had with the novel itself.
SEASON'S CHANGE was a hockey romance, and I felt both the romance and the hockey were realistic and engaging. There was a snarky, French-speaking side character in particular that I'm positive returning readers are ravenous to read. I do recommend to fans of those genres, but please note the cons below.
The struggle was real. That sensation that you're missing something that happened previously, as if you were dropped smackdab into the middle of book 3, where I actually checked to make sure this was the debut in a new series, and discovered it was the author's first book. That settled me down some, but it didn't erase the confusion until I was halfway into the novel.
Most of this confusion centered on Olly, where past events are talked "around" more than explored. I understood the need for Nary not to do a massive info-dump, as well as attempting to create a bit of a mystery surrounding Olly's past, but it only led to disinterest and confusion. The reader has a front row seat via Olly's narration, to where he becomes an unreliable narrator by somehow closing his mind off to events. I battled through it, knowing eventually all the pieces would be unveiled, but there were still much missing from the overall puzzle of what caused Olly's mental and emotional struggles. It didn't need to be a mystery with so much angst and emotional turmoil. Olly needed the reader in his corner, not frustrated with the evasions. I didn't believe this was executed well, even if it was a solid plot point.
Another factor that created the "am I missing a previous book?" sensation was due to name-dropping. I am no hockey expert, so I just rolled with that info, but I wasn't sure who all these random names belonged. If they were actual hockey players, characters from other novels, or whatnot. The names were dropped all over the place, to where I couldn't keep up, no matter the role in the novel, they were named, and I was missing a reference. I finally just catalogued (mentally) who the small grouping of actual side characters were and just glossed over those random names to avoid any confusion.
This is a hockey book, and I appreciate that there was a strong focus on actual hockey. Not a romance novel using hockey as a plot device that got left to the wayside. There was a ton of hockey, hockey references and influences. Did I understand all of it? No. As I said, I'm not a hockey enthusiast, but I appreciated the authenticity.
Season's Change was an average length novel that read long. I can appreciate a long novel when the scenes produce character building and connections between characters, but there seemed to be a ton of redundancy that effected the flow, slowing the pacing down to molasses. If the reader wasn't emotional invested in the lives of the characters, I could see how they could become disinterested, as it did become tedious in parts.
Merged review:
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
SEASON'S CHANGE is the debut in the Trade Season series, as well as appears to be the author's debut novel. Congratulations, Cait Nary.
First things first, I struggled at the beginning for several reasons, which I'll state below. But as you can see by the 5-Star rating, once I overcame the hurdle, I was effectively hooked until the last word. I started the novel at bedtime, deciding to read a handful of chapters, struggled a bit but was curious, and ended up finishing at almost 5 am. This review is written while I'm dog tired.
Shout out to all the PA locations from this Pennsylvanian. I got a good chuckle from that, especially with Duncannon as one of those places. The funny ribs about DC and Virginia as well.
Olly is struggling, mentally and emotionally suffering, having been traded after a series of murky events the reader isn't privy, (the gist is there but not truly). Olly fears making a home for himself, truly connecting with the team, feeling as if there is a constant anvil over his head where he will be kicked from the team or his teammates will reject him. He's an emotional ball of constant turmoil and angst, hurting and angry.
I need to state that Olly isn't a difficult to relate to character. I applaud Nary for the characterization, as it was flawlessly executed. Realistic. Where the characters are subject to the human condition, their actions and reactions befitting the personalities they were given, versus acting out of character to propel the plot. This is definitely a character-driven novel, and Olly stays true to character during his journey.
Rookie and new roommate, Benji is a strong influence, a calming presence for Olly. Steady and protective. Perpetually in a chill mood, always friendly, always understanding, always attempting to "heal" Olly. Benji has his own demons with his family, but he shows a healthy way of slaying those demons.
The dynamic between Olly and Benji was lovely. The friends/teammates/roommates-to-lovers, hurt-comfort, with a slow-burn journey from reluctant roommates to true friends to lust-fueled lovers. The pacing on the connection (friendship and romance) was just right, which is what kept the pages turning all through the night, which is why I handed out a rare 5-Star rating, despite the issues I had with the novel itself.
SEASON'S CHANGE was a hockey romance, and I felt both the romance and the hockey were realistic and engaging. There was a snarky, French-speaking side character in particular that I'm positive returning readers are ravenous to read. I do recommend to fans of those genres, but please note the cons below.
The struggle was real. That sensation that you're missing something that happened previously, as if you were dropped smackdab into the middle of book 3, where I actually checked to make sure this was the debut in a new series, and discovered it was the author's first book. That settled me down some, but it didn't erase the confusion until I was halfway into the novel.
Most of this confusion centered on Olly, where past events are talked "around" more than explored. I understood the need for Nary not to do a massive info-dump, as well as attempting to create a bit of a mystery surrounding Olly's past, but it only led to disinterest and confusion. The reader has a front row seat via Olly's narration, to where he becomes an unreliable narrator by somehow closing his mind off to events. I battled through it, knowing eventually all the pieces would be unveiled, but there were still much missing from the overall puzzle of what caused Olly's mental and emotional struggles. It didn't need to be a mystery with so much angst and emotional turmoil. Olly needed the reader in his corner, not frustrated with the evasions. I didn't believe this was executed well, even if it was a solid plot point.
Another factor that created the "am I missing a previous book?" sensation was due to name-dropping. I am no hockey expert, so I just rolled with that info, but I wasn't sure who all these random names belonged. If they were actual hockey players, characters from other novels, or whatnot. The names were dropped all over the place, to where I couldn't keep up, no matter the role in the novel, they were named, and I was missing a reference. I finally just catalogued (mentally) who the small grouping of actual side characters were and just glossed over those random names to avoid any confusion.
This is a hockey book, and I appreciate that there was a strong focus on actual hockey. Not a romance novel using hockey as a plot device that got left to the wayside. There was a ton of hockey, hockey references and influences. Did I understand all of it? No. As I said, I'm not a hockey enthusiast, but I appreciated the authenticity.
Season's Change was an average length novel that read long. I can appreciate a long novel when the scenes produce character building and connections between characters, but there seemed to be a ton of redundancy that effected the flow, slowing the pacing down to molasses. If the reader wasn't emotional invested in the lives of the characters, I could see how they could become disinterested, as it did become tedious in parts....more
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Stars
Second Heart is the second installment in the Bones of Eden trilogy, and canI received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Stars
Second Heart is the second installment in the Bones of Eden trilogy, and cannot be read as a standalone. I would strongly suggest against reading individual books or out of order.
In the continuation, the stormy season is upon the refugees from Eden, and they must learn to work together. With ignorance and past biases, it's with great difficulty, causing many issues as they struggle to survive without enough food to feed them all.
I was intrigued with the world Zaide Bishop created. Most of the time, it feels like I'm picking up book after book of the same, where every book either has a similar theme or leaves me feeling as if I've read the entire storyline before. That is not the case with the Bones of Eden series.
Innovated and fresh, I had no idea what was going to happen next. It's hard to believe but this installment was more savage, more thrilling, as the reader learned the genesis of Eden right along with the characters. There was no endless inner monologue-ing, or info-dumpage, as the necessary information was slowly delivered in a fast-paced read, as the characters discovered who they are, how they began, and how to survive with the knowledge.
I don't wish to ruin the story by giving out spoilers, so I won't highlight a specific thread, as it shocked me, and I respect the author and the readers enough not to spoil it for them. As I said, this installment was a bit more savage, with prehistoric animals, remnants of the world we know today, and the flex of the human condition.
Human nature is what Bones of Eden is most certainly about. How, no matter what conditioning we receive, what knowledge we learn, it's unavoidable how we will react and adapt.
With a handful of narrators, several romantic/erotic threads are played out on the pages as well, written in a fresh way that also removes the feeling of 'I've read that before'.
Merged review:
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Stars
Second Heart is the second installment in the Bones of Eden trilogy, and cannot be read as a standalone. I would strongly suggest against reading individual books or out of order.
In the continuation, the stormy season is upon the refugees from Eden, and they must learn to work together. With ignorance and past biases, it's with great difficulty, causing many issues as they struggle to survive without enough food to feed them all.
I was intrigued with the world Zaide Bishop created. Most of the time, it feels like I'm picking up book after book of the same, where every book either has a similar theme or leaves me feeling as if I've read the entire storyline before. That is not the case with the Bones of Eden series.
Innovated and fresh, I had no idea what was going to happen next. It's hard to believe but this installment was more savage, more thrilling, as the reader learned the genesis of Eden right along with the characters. There was no endless inner monologue-ing, or info-dumpage, as the necessary information was slowly delivered in a fast-paced read, as the characters discovered who they are, how they began, and how to survive with the knowledge.
I don't wish to ruin the story by giving out spoilers, so I won't highlight a specific thread, as it shocked me, and I respect the author and the readers enough not to spoil it for them. As I said, this installment was a bit more savage, with prehistoric animals, remnants of the world we know today, and the flex of the human condition.
Human nature is what Bones of Eden is most certainly about. How, no matter what conditioning we receive, what knowledge we learn, it's unavoidable how we will react and adapt.
With a handful of narrators, several romantic/erotic threads are played out on the pages as well, written in a fresh way that also removes the feeling of 'I've read that before'....more
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
Twincerely Yours is the 8th installment in the Franklin U 2 Series. While I'vI received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
Twincerely Yours is the 8th installment in the Franklin U 2 Series. While I've read all of the installments in the original Franklin U series, I have not read any others in the FU2 series. I was able to read the novel as a standalone with little to no confusion, out of series order.
Note: the twins, Ben & Emmett, were first introduced in the CU Hockey series by Eden Finley & Saxon James. Line Mates & Study Dates and Puck Drills & Quick Thrills (CU #4 & #5) where their brothers, Asher & Westly narrated, whom are cameoed heavily in this novel.
I devoured Twincerely Yours in one sitting, and it just ignited my appetite to reread the CU series, FU series, and tackle the FU2 series anew. Adorable and engaging, I enjoyed every single word, thoroughly entertained, sparking all the feel-good emotions within me.
Identical twins, Emmett and Ben share mirrored learning disabilities. Emmett struggles with dyslexia, whereas Ben struggles with dyscalculia, which is similar to dyslexia but with numbers. This part of the story truly resonated with me as someone who has similar issues.
Emmett is sweet, compassionate, self-sacrificing, and endlessly giving. He's humorous and good-natured with a go with the flow vibe. As part of an identical twin pairing, Emmett struggles with codependency on his twin. Since I didn't read Ben's novel yet, I did struggle with liking Ben because I had to keep reminding myself that Emmett was voluntarily being selfless, none of it asked by Ben.
Emmett is helping Ben with his statistic's class where he briefly meets Professor Jonah, when the twins decide to no longer switch and take each other's classes. Emmett is currently pretending to be Ben 24/7 after his expulsion from another local college.
Jonah is a solid guy, a first-year professor struggling with who he wants to be as a teacher. He's kind and compassionate, but has a black and white world view, a view that Emmett upends entirely.
Emmett is struggling to hide his great love of hockey from his twin, spending his hours coaching youngsters at the local rink. Uncle Jonah is picking up the slack left by his nephew's deadbeat daddy, volunteering to take the little to all sorts of extracurriculars until one sticks, and he's hoping hockey won't. Hockey sticks for the tyke just as strongly as the coach does for Jonah.
An instant connection, a spark of recognition and lust, ignites into a realistic friendship and enduring love story loaded with delicious angst. While Emmett is not Jonah's student, and there is only a 4-year age difference between the two, this simmers beneath the surface waiting to be exposed.
A delightful read, I thoroughly enjoyed every page. All the characters were lovely to read. Humorous. Realistic. Adorable. Endearing. From start to finish, I never wanted the story to end. Now I will have the pleasure of starting at the beginning with the CU series again, working my way through all of the Franklin U stories....more
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Stars
Young Adult age-range: 12+, includes kissing, alcohol-use not by the MCs, I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Stars
Young Adult age-range: 12+, includes kissing, alcohol-use not by the MCs, and profanity.
Molly E. Lee is a new-to-me author, which means I read the third installment of the Grad Night series as a standalone, with no confusion at all. I am beyond curious to read the first two installments and others by this author.
The events of Love Beyond Opposites takes place within a singular night, with a prologue and an epilogue set during freshman year in high school and freshman year in college.
Teenagers believe girlfriend and boyfriend means someone you think is hot that you go on dates with, not realizing there is a more important part of that compound word, other than girl or boy... friend.
The Rock Star & the Mathlete.
Lennon spent the whole of his high school career avoiding the girl he truly wanted, fearing he'd hurt her when he reached for rock-stardom. He fell into the trap of how a rock star should/would behave/act/react, instead of being himself, which only made him all the more of a broody heartthrob.
Jade is the quintessential geeky, awkward, one-of-a-kind girl. Born with the gift of numbers, the mathlete has a creative streak for illustration, particularly for graphic novels.
Both of them feeling pressure to fit into the boxes their parents try to fit them into, over their high school career, the math teacher's son and the math teacher's best student bonded, becoming friends over interactions three times a week, while ignoring their attraction.
A series of calamities on graduation night draws Lennon and Jade closer together, in a yummy, angsty page-turner of a novella, which I devoured in a single sitting.
Highly recommend to young adults and those young at heart, looking for an injection of the addictively sweet rush of first love.
Merged review:
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 Stars
Young Adult age-range: 12+, includes kissing, alcohol-use not by the MCs, and profanity.
Molly E. Lee is a new-to-me author, which means I read the third installment of the Grad Night series as a standalone, with no confusion at all. I am beyond curious to read the first two installments and others by this author.
The events of Love Beyond Opposites takes place within a singular night, with a prologue and an epilogue set during freshman year in high school and freshman year in college.
Teenagers believe girlfriend and boyfriend means someone you think is hot that you go on dates with, not realizing there is a more important part of that compound word, other than girl or boy... friend.
The Rock Star & the Mathlete.
Lennon spent the whole of his high school career avoiding the girl he truly wanted, fearing he'd hurt her when he reached for rock-stardom. He fell into the trap of how a rock star should/would behave/act/react, instead of being himself, which only made him all the more of a broody heartthrob.
Jade is the quintessential geeky, awkward, one-of-a-kind girl. Born with the gift of numbers, the mathlete has a creative streak for illustration, particularly for graphic novels.
Both of them feeling pressure to fit into the boxes their parents try to fit them into, over their high school career, the math teacher's son and the math teacher's best student bonded, becoming friends over interactions three times a week, while ignoring their attraction.
A series of calamities on graduation night draws Lennon and Jade closer together, in a yummy, angsty page-turner of a novella, which I devoured in a single sitting.
Highly recommend to young adults and those young at heart, looking for an injection of the addictively sweet rush of first love....more
I recieved a free copy of this title to read & review for Wicked Reads
Cold Hearted Casanova is the third & final installment in the Cruel Castaways sI recieved a free copy of this title to read & review for Wicked Reads
Cold Hearted Casanova is the third & final installment in the Cruel Castaways series.
Can the novel be read as a standalone? Yes
Should the novel be read as a standalone? No.
While no confusion would be had for a new reader, you'd miss out on the backstory of our 3 cruel castaways & their cameos in each other's novels.
Having read & listened to the previous installments, Ruthless Rival (Christian) was a hook for me, while Fallen Foe (Arsene) wasn't my cuppa. I was on the fence about Cold Hearted Casanova because of the previous installment.
From page one, I was hooked. This novel could have been read in one sitting but life called me back to reality. That being said, I'm glad, as I was able to stretch out the delightful escape for 3 days.
Riggs is different from his Alpha-Hole friends. Riggs brought levity to every page, no matter the content. No hard edges. No cruelty. This made for a warmer, fluffier, sweeter yet more emotionally impacting read. Hyper-realistic.
Fake marriage for a visa. Duffy, the self-proclaimed gold digger. Riggs, the vagabond billionaire.
While Duffy & Riggs appear to be opposites attract or opposite personalities balance, I didn't see it that way. They had similar personalities, similar traumas, & they reacted differently. Riggs was breezy while Duffy was regimented but their core personalities were similar.
The story was delightful, humorous, yet evocative. The humor didn't lessen the deeper emotions but it did bring much-needed levity to brighten the darkness.
The family interactions shined brightly. Particularly Riggs & Duffy's twin. Heartwarming & hilarious. Riggs engaging in text battles with his boss. Just as I said aloud, are we ever going to see this man... all of this created a well-rounded reading experience.
I am beyond curious to listen to the audiobook to hear Riggs & Duffy's interactions.
Highly recommend this trilogy. Books 1 & 3 will be on my reread & re-listen list....more
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
Stings & Stones is an anthology collection of short stories from the ElementaI received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
Stings & Stones is an anthology collection of short stories from the Elemental Assassin's universe, narrated by several of the main cast.
Note: these stories are not new shorts, featured on Jennifer Estep's website and within multi-author anthologies. For the first time ever, all the shorts are bundled into one handy location.
Spider’s Bargain: narrated by Gin Blanco. Web of Death: narrated by Gin Blanco. Web of Deceit: narrated by Fletcher Lane. Poison: narrated by Finnegan Lane. Wasted: narrated by Finnegan Lane. Tangled Dreams: narrated by Jo-Jo & Sophia Deveraux. Tangled Schemes: narrated by Bria Coolidge. Spider’s Nemesis: narrated by Mab Monroe. Haints and Hobwebs: narrated by Gin Blanco. Parlor Tricks: narrated by Gin Blanco.
I would suggest only reading this collection of shorts if you have read at least the first 10 full-length novels to avoid spoiling the plot, as well as it would help to avoid confusion since the world building would be established.
Even though I had read every single one of these shorts previously, it was delightful to revisit the series again. Gin's sarcastic flair and how she views the world eradicated my reader's block. It was nice to sit down, enjoy a short story for a few minutes of escapism without the long-term commitment of reading a novel from start to finish. I read this during the Thanksgiving holiday while hosting guests, where I took a few minutes to myself to read a short or two at a time.
As soon as I hit post on this review, I have Spider's Bite already queued up. Time to go back to the very beginning and reexperience everything. My name is Gin, and I kill people. ...more
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