Ugh this book was like the New Year's Eve Time Square ball of ratings for me. I started off with 5 stars...then 4...3...2...
If it wasn't for the flasUgh this book was like the New Year's Eve Time Square ball of ratings for me. I started off with 5 stars...then 4...3...2...
If it wasn't for the flashback scenes this would have dropped to 1 star. Let me explain why. I adored the first part of the book. I liked the amnesia plot line and thought that the book was going in a really cool direction. All until Noah got his memory back. Then the book went waaaay down hill. It started with the irritatingly constant "angel" and "sweetheart" talk, and just turned to the ridiculous when it was revealed how Noah and Clark split in the first point (view spoiler)[ WTF Noah! Clark is a moron for forgiving you so easily for your stupid actions and you are moron for doing something for such a stupid reason in the first place. It makes absolutely no sense. I was expecting anger and angst not instant forgiveness. What a waste Cardeno C. (hide spoiler)]. Then, Noah's totally over the top and aggressive possessiveness (which, BTW, would be considered just sick in a M/F book but for some reason is acceptable here?? I don't think so). Also, for some reason, I had a hard time following who was narrating each chapter. The POV changes were difficult for me.
Thankfully, the flashback scenes were sweet and lovely. I wish the story was more in that tone. I might read the next book in the series because I have heard good things about it. Unfortunately, this one was a miss for me.
Merged review:
Ugh this book was like the New Year's Eve Time Square ball of ratings for me. I started off with 5 stars...then 4...3...2...
If it wasn't for the flashback scenes this would have dropped to 1 star. Let me explain why. I adored the first part of the book. I liked the amnesia plot line and thought that the book was going in a really cool direction. All until Noah got his memory back. Then the book went waaaay down hill. It started with the irritatingly constant "angel" and "sweetheart" talk, and just turned to the ridiculous when it was revealed how Noah and Clark split in the first point (view spoiler)[ WTF Noah! Clark is a moron for forgiving you so easily for your stupid actions and you are moron for doing something for such a stupid reason in the first place. It makes absolutely no sense. I was expecting anger and angst not instant forgiveness. What a waste Cardeno C. (hide spoiler)]. Then, Noah's totally over the top and aggressive possessiveness (which, BTW, would be considered just sick in a M/F book but for some reason is acceptable here?? I don't think so). Also, for some reason, I had a hard time following who was narrating each chapter. The POV changes were difficult for me.
Thankfully, the flashback scenes were sweet and lovely. I wish the story was more in that tone. I might read the next book in the series because I have heard good things about it. Unfortunately, this one was a miss for me....more
I KNOW what you guys are thinking. Puppy play?? Really? But little innocent me (winks) is intrigued by the more offbeat side of BDSM, and *3.5 stars*
I KNOW what you guys are thinking. Puppy play?? Really? But little innocent me (winks) is intrigued by the more offbeat side of BDSM, and since pain isn't my bag, puppy play falls right into my zone. Yes, puppy play.
I didn't read the blurb very well, however, and didn't realize this was an established couple story, which I usually hate. I'm just not into a couple where the intimacy is already there prior to the reader meeting the two MCs. However, with Stay, the established couple aspect was adorable! I mean, this is a low-angst, super-lovey couple, and I stanned them so hard. Very low angst story, people.
I'd say this is a cute intro to puppy play, but it isn't a very hard-core story, for those who are afraid of delving into the unknown. The majority of the story is the two MCs working on their communication and dynamics and exploring the kink, but the kink parts are mostly playful and not sexual. I was a little disappointing by that, actually, because I was hoping for some nookie in the puppy play state, but it was mostly cuddling and trying on clothes.
I really, really liked the first part of the story. Getting to know the two guys and seeing them together and with their friend was my favorite part. I was hoping for some more intense kink-play, but it was a little too tame and grew a bit dull for my tastes. I still really enjoyed the story, and I think even kink-averse people who want to try something outside of their comfort zone would enjoy it.
I have been SO impressed with this author's stuff lately. She is fairly new to the published author world yet her stories are good. This wa*3.5 stars*
I have been SO impressed with this author's stuff lately. She is fairly new to the published author world yet her stories are good. This was another enjoyable story from her that could have been FANTASTIC with a few changes.
"Where Least Expected" is a sort of opposites attract/enemies-to-lovers story, though it is more reluctant acquaintances-to-lovers than true enemies. From reading the blurb, I had no idea that this was a GFY story and, let me tell you, THAT was a pleasant surprise! I'm hugely (HUGELY) obsessed with GFY and a GFY where the newbie is the (view spoiler)[bottom (hide spoiler)]? I'm was in HEAVEN!
Though I usually read GFYs for the tension and the whole agonizing process of coming to terms with your changing sexuality sort of deal, I sort of loved that Bob was relaxed about himself. Bob is a hippie, liberal type with long dreads, a curiosity about same sex hanky-panky, and very few hangups. He was a good counterpoint to the more bratty but likeable Blake.
Overall, this story is pretty wonderful. However, I think this author needs to fully commit to either sex on page or sex off page. I loved the sexual teases but I wanted so much MORE! It was killing me each time the sex faded to black. What's more, I think this author has the potential to write some hot stuff. Her language is really sexually charged and I got some good heat between the two guys, even with most of the sex scenes being abbreviated or off page.
I also wasn't a huge fan of the ending. I found it to be sort of rushed, with Blake having too much of a revelation too quickly. It needed some more finesse or more pages to be truly impactful for me. Finally, I'm not even going to get into that cover. The MCs don't quite look like that so please don't let it dissuade you from trying this story.
I left this story wanting more from this author, which is always an excellent sign of things to come.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**...more
Warning: Only read this book if you are absolutely okay with reading LOTS of on page sex between two 16 year old boys, one of which is a personal slavWarning: Only read this book if you are absolutely okay with reading LOTS of on page sex between two 16 year old boys, one of which is a personal slave to the other. If you are not cool with that, stop right now!
Woah, this book was a hot read! While I don't read any books that have underage teens having sex with of age adults, I seem to make exceptions for books where both MCs are of the same age. And while this was a slave fic, I don't think anyone reading it would call what happen between Henry and Martin anything but consensual. However, there is some dub con and non con with side characters, just so you know. If this book sounds like something you'd be interested in, I think you will be VERY pleased.
I don't read much AU stuff but I always seem to like it when I give it a go. This book takes place in an alternate 1900s New York, where personal slaves are commonplace. Interestingly, race has almost no part in this book. Black teens have white slaves and vice versa, whatever they choose. The slaves are all trained by professional, classy slave houses and are like polished butlers... that are also used for sex.
Ah, the sex. I guess in this AU world it is considered natural to have sex with your personal slave, but it is considered unnatural to be gay. Meaning, you can practice on your slave, but you aren't supposed to want it. Unfortunately for slave owner and shy teen Henry, kissing and making love to his slave is all he can think about doing.
I'm not going to lie, part of this book were 5 stars. This book is about 60% buildup and sexual tension and then 40% banging like bunnies. DAMN these guys... so hot together. Pages and pages of explicit sex. It was SO yummy and squirmalicious. I loved this book at times. It was so intense and so hot.
I also really liked the AU world. I think the author did a nice job creating something that felt complete and well thought out. I found myself getting really into the world and losing myself in the story.
However, not all was dreamy slave sex and rimming...
The main problem that I had with this book was a lack of focus with the plot. I think this book needed a good, solid editor to bring it under control. There were about 100 pages of repetition here that killed me. Eating, yearning, going to school... nothing happened! For awhile I enjoyed it, because I LOVE sexual tension, but after pages and pages of nothing, I started skimming a bit. There was so much that could have been edited out.
There was also not much to the story. There isn't a lot of plot here, folks. aside from going to school and having sex or wishing they were having sex, nothing happens. And 460 pages of nothing happening is a LONG time of nothing happening.
Finally, the ending, which really dropped my rating down. I kept wondering how everything was going to resolve itself until I realized that it WASN'T going to! The story just... ends. It is going along and then it just stops. I'm assuming that the two guys just live happily ever after in their master/slave arrangement but I guess we'll never know. I would have liked some sort of story arc, some sort of ending that felt complete. *Edited to add that apparently the couple's story continues on in the next three books and the MCs don't change. I still think it should have ended on something more finished feeling.
I think that if you read this for what it is (aka hot slave fic), you'll be very pleased. I adored the majority of the story but I think I was wanting and expecting so much more.
**Copy provided in exchange for an honest review** ...more
Edmond Manning is the author I turn to when I want something offbeat, something a little different than the average M/M romance fare. His stories are Edmond Manning is the author I turn to when I want something offbeat, something a little different than the average M/M romance fare. His stories are unique, quirky, and funny.
This is my forth book by him, and I'd say it's the most mainstream. While it still has that "Edmond touch," it is a book that will appeal to just about everyone. Everyone who is interested in a story about a guy collecting serial killer art for a wealthy patron, that is.
Keldon is just the kind of MC I like to read about. He is in a rut, having spend most of his 20s being a pretty boy hanger-on to older rich men, he is now desperate, poor, and confused. Used to using his good looks and powers of manipulation to get what he wants, Keldon has to fight to keep his own desires and morals from disappearing while doing a job that he secretly loathes.
Josh, the nurse of the wealthy, older woman, who possesses the art that Keldon must buy, was one of the most refreshing characters that I've read about in a long time. It isn't often that I read about MCs that are crunchy granola, Luddite-ish men. Sure, it's trendy now to buy organic and local, but Josh takes it to the extreme, living by the sun's cycle, using candles, not owning a car, and being devoted to gardening. Though he splurges with electricity and modernity from time to time, I really got the sense that it would be hard for him to find a guy that wants to live his kind of lifestyle.
These two guys were nice together. They had a tender, sweet chemistry and a lovely emotional connection. Though there was only one sex scene (this book is light on sex content), there was still a good amount of heat between them.
Now come my little niggles. Though the story had a really interesting, unique concept, I saw how the whole thing was going to play out, almost from the beginning. I think I've been spoiled by Edmond's King Perry and its sequel, because I was expecting something a little less predictable from this author. Something out of left field, something totally bizarre and wonderful and perfect. However, that might just be me and my tastes.
Also, though the writing was polished and thoughtful, as Edmond's writing always is, it had the tendency to veer towards the stiff or formal. This is something that I often contribute to a lack of contractions, which I noticed throughout the book. It made the story feel a little less personal and intimate for me.
Overall, this was a high quality, very enjoyable story from an author that I've come to depend on. If you've never read Edmond Manning or you are a die-hard fan, I think you'll be happy with this lovely story.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**...more
If this book was a man, I'd lick its no-no! I feel I owe it some lovin' after making my afternoon infinitely more entertaining!
Some people thought thIf this book was a man, I'd lick its no-no! I feel I owe it some lovin' after making my afternoon infinitely more entertaining!
Some people thought that this book was over the top. Me? Naaaah. If I didn't think Tell Me It's Real was too over the top, I'm NEVER going to find anything that is too much for me!
On the other hand, I think I'm the only one that doesn't like that cover. Sure, the guy is hot, but it in no way let's you know that this book is super fluffy and fun. It seems kind of dark and angsty and generic, if I'm being honest. If it wasn't for my fabulous friends and their reviews, I would have never tried this one.
I'm just going to put it out there: I ADORED this book. It was too short and it wasn't perfect, but I think I'd give it 4+ stars just for poking fun at M/M romance. I DIED at all of the hilarious shifter/closeted cop books that Mason read. I think I've read some of those gems... And when he asked the old man boxer for a safe word, I almost choked on my lunch!! I think I need a safe word at the gym!
This story was pure FUN. If reading a super light story about a butch lesbian grandma, a geeky, slightly spastic librarian, and a hot personal trainer appeals to you, then you MUST buy this book! No, it's not as impressive as War and Peace but it's a hell of a lot more entertaining!
I'm mildly disappointed by this book but I think that has largely to do with the fact that Duncan has been a favorite of mine forever and s*3.5 stars*
I'm mildly disappointed by this book but I think that has largely to do with the fact that Duncan has been a favorite of mine forever and so this book was hyped to the nth in my head.
Duncan was his usually sexy, charming self but I thought that Emma was only so-so. She wasn't nearly as engaging as Cyn and I found her to be a bit TSTL. I almost put the book down when I read that she has "violet eyes" (<--- never again do I want to read that!) but I'm glad I continued. Though I didn't feel the love between Emma and Duncan, the bad ass vampires and tight writing made up for it.
I think that Duncan could have used a more formidable opponent, but I enjoyed how the mystery played out. It kept me guessing and had a few unforeseen twists and turns.
All in all, another well done book by one of the most underrated paranormal authors, the fabulous D.B. Reynolds.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review** ...more
Readers, don't be fooled by that ugly cover: This is a well written, nicely edited collection of erotic M/M shorts. They vary from the ver*3.5 stars*
Readers, don't be fooled by that ugly cover: This is a well written, nicely edited collection of erotic M/M shorts. They vary from the very vanilla to the very kinky, and there is a wide range of genres- historical, paranormal, mystery, contemporary... you name it, this collection has it. Some of these are stories are amazing and some are duds (my rating is the numerical average) but I really enjoyed this collection.
"In the Studio," by Max Reynolds- 4 stars Awesome, sensual, atmospheric erotica. This was weirdly romantic for a story that is pretty impersonal, but there are some strikingly meaningful moments there. Basically, a college student starts modeling nude for some cash and uses it as an outlet to explore some of his fantasies. The dynamic between him and the photographer felt charged and meaningful. A really sexy, interesting story.
"The Adventure of the Ragged Youth" by Aaron Travis- 5 stars Oh. My. Effing. God. Sherlock Holmes gone dirty! Picture Holmes and Watson double teaming an 18 year old. Now picture it with dirty talk. Exactly...
"Private Dance in Rio" by Jay Starre- 3 stars Well, this was a gang bang story, literally. A sexy Brazilian stripper gets nailed by a bunch of gang members and I saw my first book (view spoiler)[double penetration (hide spoiler)] scene. Hot, but has some of my biggest pet peeves. This author needs to cut out all exclamation marks. I hate them 95% of the time and there was no need for them in this story. It made a hot scene morph into something cartoonish.
"The Last Goodbye" by Jeffrey Ricker- 4 stars Really interesting and beautiful story about a psychic sex surrogate, whose clients' past loves inhabit his body for a short while. This was way deeper and more moving than I had expected. Really well done.
"Penthouse" by Jeff Mann-3 stars Strange writing style but some HOT BDSM scenes. This is pretty hard core stuff, with (view spoiler)[water sports, caning, humiliation (hide spoiler)] but it is also incredibly sweet, almost to the point of sappy. I liked it and I had a great emotional connection to the characters.
"Paris Euros Giles" by Davem Verne- 1 star I hated this one. Super strange story about a 5'3" male model (wha???) that wasn't sexy, wasn't believable, and was hard to finish, even being a short story. Way worse than the rest of the collection thus far.
"Revenge of the 97 Pound Weakling" by Rob Rosen- 3 stars The MC in this one is a major douche, banging muscular guys as sort of a revenge fantasy for the bullies he lusted after as a child. Hot in a twisted way, a good story if you don't mind hating the MC.
"Haven's Rest" by Nathan Sims- 2.5 stars Not bad, just disjointed and a bit strange. A ghostbuster visits a gay rehab ranch and trouble and sexual tension ensues. I sort of liked it but I was happy when it was over.
"Gigolo lessons" by Jay Starre- 2 stars This could have been way better but the sex scenes weren't hot and, again, there were too many exclamation marks (!!!). This author needs to edit his scenes and really work on making them more erotic and less cartoonish.
"Marked" by Haley Walsh- 3 stars I liked it, I think, but that ending was weird. It reminded me a little of Bone Deep, which is far superior and deeper, but this was still interesting and strangely sexy.
"The Conductor" by Luke Oliver- 5 stars Loved this so hard! It was geeky and funny and sexy... just awesome! It really also helps that the guy in this one did the exact commute that my husband does. I've ridden that late train out of NYC countless times. I'll be looking for more from this author in the future.
"Debtors' Prison" by William Holden- 4.5 stars Holy. God. This was a non-con/dub-con prison bitch story where a man's wife essentially sells him to pay off his debts. It was kind of historical and silly but HOT as hell. If you are into dirty talk and dub-con, this story is for you. It was so wrong it was right.
"A Few Dollars More" by Dale Chase- 3.5 stars Super hot cowboy, western/historical story involving a rent boy and lots and lots of sex. Almost no plot, just the rent boy getting it on with everyone in town, including our hung cowboy. Smoking!
"Holiday" by Felice Picano- 3 stars Cute and vaguely autobiographical seeming, I liked this New Year's Eve story. It was a short one, only a few pages long, but it had a complete story, A-hole boyfriend included. A nice addition to the collection.
"Pity Fuck" by Lawrence Schimel- 4 stars This one was ultra short, too, but I adored it. It is the kind of story we don't often see in gay romance or gay erotica: The ugly guy. I loved how everything changed for the MC during the course of the story. It was powerful, but had the least amount of sex content in the series. I would have loved to see "Ugly Hustler" getting it on.
"Anything for a Dollar" by Greg Herren- 3 stars A nice sweaty stripper story but with sort of a bitter, downer vibe. I thought it was mildly sexy and well written, but it wasn't as exciting as some of the other stories. A pleasant ending to a hot, varied collection.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**...more
This book kept me company all day long during Jury Duty. It was an escape from the little world of grumpy people, hard plastic chairs, an**4.5 stars**
This book kept me company all day long during Jury Duty. It was an escape from the little world of grumpy people, hard plastic chairs, and a room that had to be at least 95 degrees. In the middle of winter. I soooo needed that escape!
The second book in the series picks up where the first left off. The new mystery in this story was interesting and brought about some MAJOR developments in the personal lives of our Tony and Mac. On one hand, I kept thinking, (view spoiler)[why can't Tony catch an F-ing break!? All of his friends drop like flies! He is like the death curse! (hide spoiler)] and it really bordered on unbelievable. However, I loved the push that the plot twists forced upon Tony and Mac's relationship.
I feel so invested in these wonderful characters. I love the way that Kaje Harper made these characters come alive for me. Moving right on to the third in the series!
Perfection! Perfection! Alert the presses!! This book is both Elemental AND (view spoiler)[M/M (hide spo**Price drop to $2.99 at Amazon US, 8/20/14!**
Perfection! Perfection! Alert the presses!! This book is both Elemental AND (view spoiler)[M/M (hide spoiler)]!!!! My dreams have come true!!!!
I'll assume by now that you have read Breathless and know that Nick is (view spoiler)[gay (hide spoiler)]. Again, I will claim that Brigid Kemmerer is a magical mindreader who knows just what I want to read. And boy did she deliver! "Secret" was serious YA perfection.
I loved the twist in this book of giving Quinn her own story within this story. It was amazing how the author wove the duel plots together in a way that fit like two puzzle pieces. Everything came together so seamlessly. I was riveted and read this book from midnight until I finished at 3:30 am. I didn't care at all about my lack of sleep because the story was so completely satisfying.
The author dealt with Nick in a way that showed incredibly sensitivity and realism. Each detail in both Nick's relationship with his love interest and his brothers was done in a way that was simultaneously tender and painful. Nick's journey to accept himself and share himself with others was full of strife and anxiety. I felt for Nick so completely. My heart ached for him and sang for him. Also Nick's struggle with sharing himself with Gabriel was very emotional for me. Nick's story is one that I won't soon forget.
I even grew to like Quinn, who often borders on belligerent. She is a hard girl to get to know and this book showed us why. SHOWED us, not TOLD us, another incredible skill of this author.
I felt like a happy, lazy cat at the end of this book. Though these Merrick boys have many difficult struggles ahead of them, I was so incredibly pleased by this book, so much so that it made my favorites list. Slam dunk, Brigid!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**...more
So I got about 10% into the book when I decided that this will have to be a DNF for me. The blurb sounded so interesting that I was motivated to try tSo I got about 10% into the book when I decided that this will have to be a DNF for me. The blurb sounded so interesting that I was motivated to try this one, but the style isn't clicking with me. It is a lot of telling and not a lot of showing, and I don't like the way that the book feels like an instruction manual about Thai boxing and Thai culture. It might get better as it goes along, but I'm not interested enough to keep going. ...more
I'm usually not a super harsh rater, but this book was just a hot mess. Like, I had to force myself to finish it, even thoReally, really, really bad.
I'm usually not a super harsh rater, but this book was just a hot mess. Like, I had to force myself to finish it, even though I wanted to punch the characters.
I've heard many people call certain M/M books "chicks with dicks" but I've never really seen that term in action before this story. I'm usually pretty loose with my definitions of what constitutes a man or manly because, IMO, a man can be everything from super traditionally masculine to super fem, but in this story you could LITERALLY replace "dick" with "vagina" and not have to change anything else. Avery could have very easily been a girl and the story wouldn't have to be altered at all. Not only would he be a girl, but a girl that I wouldn't like very much.
The way that Avery was treated by the author was disgusting. He was infantilized throughout the story, with the manly A.J. calling him "baby" or "sweetheart" constantly. Avery skipped and blushed, and looked wide-eyed throughout the book, and allowed A.J. to treat him like a doormat. And the sex was a mess. Avery was a pure innocent (of course), and A.J. takes Avery's maidenhood virginity, with a few whispered words and pats on the back of "shhh baby" and then Avery just orgasms away. Gag me.
A.J. was also a total douche. He goes out of his way to pamper and baby Avery, then (view spoiler)[when he finds out that there is a 13 year age gap between them, A.J. dumps Avery on his BIRTHDAY (hide spoiler)]. Then, when on A.J.'s own terms (view spoiler)[he decides to get back together with Avery, Avery takes him back with no questions or qualms (hide spoiler)]. Just NO.
I wanted to slap this book in the face. Everything from the writing to the characters just rubbed me the wrong way. The secondary characters are the only ones interesting enough to make this book reading, and even that is a reach. Not a good way to start my 2016 reading year. ...more
This book should be way, way more popular. It deserves a cult following, honestly. And ignore that cover... it makes the book seem too ma**4.5 stars**
This book should be way, way more popular. It deserves a cult following, honestly. And ignore that cover... it makes the book seem too mature. It is really fresher and lighter than that. This book is the whole package- edited well, a great story, and really, really funny.
I read a lot of paranormals and they often can feel tired or cheesy. This was paranormal romance done right. In fact, it reminded me a bit of "PsyCop" (<---- huge complement!) in terms of the world-building and the element of mystery in the story.
I think the thing that struck me the most about this one was how unexpectedly funny it was.
I managed to swallow and swig some chai before he returned, a steaming cup of black coffee in one hand and a bagel in the other, without cream cheese or jam or even any butter, which made me wonder if he was an alien or something and cost him a point.
Justin bit his dry unbuttered bagel. I watched to see if he's implode but he seemed to survive. Weird. I guess some people have invulnerable stomachs or something.
The Kieran's voice was one that I immediately smitten with. I found him to be adorable and relatable... his character and his actions just made perfect sense to me. And I am crazy about the love interest. I think that they had great chemistry. This brings me to my only real gripe- the lack of sex content. Maybe it's just me, but I would have appreciated some very, very, very detailed descriptions of those two men in action.
This book was a great blend of action, romance, and a nice sneak-peak into Ottawa's Pride scene. Any paranormal lover should give this a try.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**...more
Do you like annoying MCs? MCs that are so snarky that you're not sure if you want to laugh or push them down*3.5 stars*
Meet Lucky Lucklighter:
[image]
Do you like annoying MCs? MCs that are so snarky that you're not sure if you want to laugh or push them down a flight of stairs? If you have a weakness for a mouth that doesn't quit it (and not in the sexy way), then Lucky is the MC for you! Me? I sort of liked him. I found him amusing and entertaining, I'll say that. But did he work for me fully as a lead for a romance? *meh*
This book will be a winner for a lot of readers. Eden Winters did a great job with a suspenseful, angsty story with a two very damaged MCs. I was really hooked on the plot of this story, which I don't say that often. I was interested in the whole prescription drug trafficking and abuse storyline (maybe because I'm in the medical field and I'm a drug prescriber), and I was really into Lucky as kind of the super secret spy of this niche underworld. He was cocky and confident and knew his stuff.
What I wasn't into was the romance. I'm sorry folks, but I just wasn't buying what these guys were selling! I didn't feel the vibe between these two. It wasn't that ZING, that electric sexual tension, though this book is a slow burn, which I tend to love. I think the chemistry just fell a little flat for me. Part had to do with Lucky being a tough nut to crack. He has a lot of defense mechanisms, a lot of shields up, and most of them manifest with him acting like a jerk. Now, while I don't mind that in principle, I didn't really understand how Bo saw anything in Lucky as a romantic interest. I got kind of a buddy vibe, but I didn't feel the *love* vibe.
I still liked this book a great deal, even though it won't be a favorite of mine. It was really entertaining and a good enemies-to-lovers story for all fans of an atypical MC.
Oh, and can we burn that new cover?
The 80s called. It wants that cover back.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Ugh, I had such high hopes for this book. Aliens, naughty backroom boutiques, and the possibility of tail sex! What's not to like? Apparently, many thUgh, I had such high hopes for this book. Aliens, naughty backroom boutiques, and the possibility of tail sex! What's not to like? Apparently, many things.
This book was fluffy to the extreme. Insta-love (they knew nothing about each other- nothing!), schmaltzy writing, rapid POV shifts from paragraph to paragraph (sometimes sentence to sentence!), and a alien plot with absolutely no back story... to say I was disappointed is a vast understatement.
At first I thought it was cute and kind of went with it, but then I grew annoyed with the style and characters. Everything just barely skimmed the surface, there was nothing deeper. And, though it was only 100 pages, I found myself growing bored by the end.
I have to admit, I was nervous when I started this book. An indie chick-lit book with a low budget cover? Odds are that this book was goi**3.5 stars**
I have to admit, I was nervous when I started this book. An indie chick-lit book with a low budget cover? Odds are that this book was going to be a poorly edited mess. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
Zoe is at odds with her controlling future mother-in-law and her fiance doesn't seem to give a crap. She is at the end of her rope when something just makes her snap and reassess everything that she is doing with her life. After calling off her wedding, she takes a weekend getaway to escape her worries and think about her next move. While there, she meets a handsome man that she immediately recognizes as her high powered, billionaire (of course, right??) boss, Angus Creed. Sparks fly between them, but when she fesses up that she works for him, they both shut down and go their separate ways. However, will Zoe be able to maintain her distance when the pull to Angus is so strong?
I'll be the first to admit that I am SICK of billionaire bosses. So so sick of them. However, I didn't hate it here. I liked that Angus was at least in his 30s (a HUGE pet peeve of mine is self-made billionaires in their 20s in books ::cough cough 50 Shades::). I liked that there wasn't insta-love between Angus and Zoe. It develops very slowly over the course of the book. The romance was sweet and I was really rooting for them as a couple.
The heat level here is pretty non-existent, but it didn't bother me as much as I would have guessed. There is a few hand brushes and heated looks, but very little of anything else. Still, because the story was so engaging, I didn't mind the chaste-ness of the romance.
Overall, I liked the author's style. I think she did a great job for her debut book and I'll be looking for more of her stuff in the future.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**...more
I think by now I know what I am going to get with a Jet Mykles story: It will be sweet, light, fluffy, and hot with very little angst. I'**3.5 stars**
I think by now I know what I am going to get with a Jet Mykles story: It will be sweet, light, fluffy, and hot with very little angst. I'm okay with that, but I don't know if it is exactly my taste. Still, I enjoyed this book for what it was: A cute little story without much substance. I thought that having the more effeminate guy (Justin) be the top was a nice change. I could have used more plot and more... something... but I had fun reading this one.
I was very excited about this book based on the killer prequel. Though this book was good and very very readable, I had some issues with **3.5 stars**
I was very excited about this book based on the killer prequel. Though this book was good and very very readable, I had some issues with it. I'm not a big fan of menage or partner switching in books. I tend to lean more towards the romantic side so when a character waffles around and carries on a physical relationship with multiple characters, it doesn't really work for me. I wouldn't really call this book a romance for that reason, something I wasn't aware of when I started this series. This book is more of UF erotica to me. I just didn't click as much with the characters as a result. These issues are largely personal taste so I can see why many people would give this book more stars than me.
Writing-wise, this book was great. The pacing and plot development were spot on and I really dug the world-building. Shifter and vampire books are like comfort reading for me so this was an easy book to enjoy. I will certainly move forward with the series, especially priced the way it is. I just hope Sam gets more romantic focus in the next book.
**Oh, and this is just a little thing, but from a dentist's perspective, why would the people who were trying to look like vampires have implants to make their canines look like fangs? Implants are for when teeth are missing, not to change the look of existing teeth. Those vamp wannabees would just get crowns. Just a tiny little detail but it bugged me each time that I read it. Dorky comments are over now :) **...more
Loved it as much as the first time! It is about 1,000 times better than the first and I'm BEYOND pumped to start The Art of Breathi**Re-read 6/16/14**
Loved it as much as the first time! It is about 1,000 times better than the first and I'm BEYOND pumped to start The Art of Breathing now. So much love for this one, so much love.
**Original review from 3/9/13**
Okay, I didn't just love this book. I LOVED THIS BOOK. I think I'm in the minority here when I say that I liked it even more than the first. Like I kind of want to make this book my boyfriend and snuggle it at night.
Why did I love this book so much? It is like a more amped up version of "Bear, Otter, and the Kid". It is funnier, sexier, more emotional... it make me laugh and it made me cry. I thought to myself before I started this book, "What else is there to be said about Bear and Otter? What else could they possibly give me?" What they gave me was a passage into their lives. I became inexplicably, totally invested in their story. I felt their tension, their love, their grief. I finished this book wanting to know more and more, which is a wonderful thing. I'm telling you, T.J. Klune has done magic with this book. It was made just for my tastes, apparently. I feel like I am in mourning that there isn't a 3rd book in this series. I swear to you T.J., if you don't write another book with Tyson's story I will haunt you for the rest of your life! That isn't over the top, is it?
Oh, I can't leave this review without casting photos for Bear and Otter. The pictures of them on the book cover made me throw up in my mouth a little. That is in no way what they are supposed to look like. Otter is supposed to be MUCH bigger than bear and both are supposed to be very hot. Better covers, PLEASE!
Heather K (dentist in my spare time)
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