I'm a tough critic when it comes to historical romance, but Courtney Milan always delivers. I'm serious. Always. Her latest book begins a new series, I'm a tough critic when it comes to historical romance, but Courtney Milan always delivers. I'm serious. Always. Her latest book begins a new series, The Worth Saga, which follows a family who have been ruined by a scandal. It is typical Courtney Milan stuff, and by that I mean a very high quality, slow-burn romance, an intelligent, independent female MC, and a host of multidimensional and interesting characters.
This is a second-chance romance, which sometimes is tricky for me. I tend to like my characters to meet each other during the course of the story, and when characters already know each other, sometimes I feel like the authors can get lazy and insinuate intimacy without having to write it into the plot-line. However, Courtney Milan cut no corners with this one. There is a lot of uncomfortable history between Judith and Christian, and they have to work their way into each other's trust again. I loved the dynamic between Judith and Christian. When their guards are down, they have a relationship built on humor and silly debates, and their banter was really enjoyable to read.
If I had to pick a favorite MC, Christian would easily win. I really loved the depth of his character. He would probably be diagnosed with mild OCD today, or social anxiety, but Christian was even more complex than what meets the eye. I liked everything about how Courtney Milan imagined him, and even more as the book went on.
Judith was a strong, resourceful character, even if I didn't connect with her quite as much. I loved how passionate she was about her family, and how she pulled herself up from nothing to try to take care of her eccentric siblings. I was a little confused at how easily she reached out to Christian for help, even with the animosity between them, and the separation between her and Camilla, but it mattered less and less as the book went on. Courtney Milan's awesome writing swept me away in the story, and the details became less important.
This book doesn't end on a cliffhanger (we get a HEA, folks), but it does end on a dramatic note that leads into the next story in the series. I, for one, can barely wait.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review* ...more
Eli Easton is one of my favorite authors and The Mating of Michael is one of my favorite books, so when the book came out in audio I was very interested in trying it. This alone is a little unusual for me. I tend to not listen to the audio of books that I've read before because I never want the audiobook to change my opinion of a book that I've previously loved. However, I've listened to many narrations by Michael Stellman, and so I was wiling to give it a shot.
First of all, let me say that this story is impossibly beautiful. Interestingly enough, it didn't make me cry or feel as turned on as I felt when I was reading the paperback version. I'm not sure if it is because I already knew what was going to happen, but I think my feelings were a little more... muted this time around. The story still sang to me, however, and I fell in love with Michael and James all over again.
Michael is tender, sensual, giving, and loving, and James is acerbic, slow to trust, and dying for someone to love him for who he is. They moved slowly as a couple, developing their relationship over time. I love how this story just perfected the hurt-comfort theme, and made Michael and James's romance feel absolutely epic.
In terms of the narration, I think Michael Stellman did a very nice job. I always sort of feel the same way about this narrator: he has a sexy, young voice that works well for M/M, but he is also totally incapable of creating different voices for different characters, which usually is one of my biggest pet peeves. Michael Stellman gets a pass from me on the vocal range because he just has such a freaking sultry voice, but I wish he was able to stretch a bit more. Still a very wonderful job, and with great understanding of the characters.
If you are looking to try this book out in audio, don't hesitate. It was a great listening experience that will touch the most jaded of M/M readers.
**Copy provided in exchange for an honest review** ...more
Annabeth Albert, I KNEW you had this book in you! I freakin' KNEW IT.
This is my 4th book from this author, and she keeps getting better and better. SAnnabeth Albert, I KNEW you had this book in you! I freakin' KNEW IT.
This is my 4th book from this author, and she keeps getting better and better. Status Update was so awesome that it easily made my favorites list for this year!
How do you craft an amazing coming-out story with a slow burn relationship? It's not easy, let me tell you. I've read many a story about the closeted man from an ultra-conservative background, and they don't all pan out. But I think Annabeth Albert has a special way with words because she made it look easy.
If you aren't cool with reading about a virgin in his mid-thirties with literally NO sexual experience, then put this book down right now! This is virginy virgin territory here, folks. For me, it was heaven because virgins are my jam, and Noah was made for me to read about.
This book has it all, IMO. A geeky (I LOVE geeks!), slow-burn, lots of sexual tension, low angsty, alternating POV story done in a way that very few authors know how. It was a sexy, fun, touching book that will work for fans of Annabeth Albert and people just getting to know her stuff for the first time.
It will make you want to snuggle with some puppies in an RV and pet a hairy chested man in the middle of a snowstorm. Just trust me on this one.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Utterly brilliant, perfectly done, with a flawless audiobook narration, the best I've ever heard from James Marsters. [image]
Freaking bananas amazing.
Utterly brilliant, perfectly done, with a flawless audiobook narration, the best I've ever heard from James Marsters.
One of the reasons that this book was narrated so flawlessly, I think, is that it was very recently re-done by Marsters after fans revolted when originally another narrator read this story. Marsters brought his A-game, and listening to this book was better than watching any movie. Marsters did an incredible range of voices, read with perfect inflections, and simply RUINED me for other narrators.
It was so good that I listened to almost 18 hours of audiobook in just under 3 days. Picture that, my friends.
The story... I have no words. Just flawless, woven brilliantly, and crafted expertly.
I bow down to you, oh Jim Butcher, for creating something so magical for me to enjoy.
I hate when a lot of time goes by between when I read a book and when I write my review, but sometimes life gets in the way. But this book.*4.5 stars*
I hate when a lot of time goes by between when I read a book and when I write my review, but sometimes life gets in the way. But this book... it deserves an awesome review, because ICE PENISES! Toppy twinks! I just adored this Heidi Cullinan story. It was everything I've come to expect from this series, which will always hold a place the squishy, mushy, kinky part of my heart.
Kyle was so fabulous. I love it when I get a twist in roles, and a skinny boy who can dominate a big guy... you get 'em Kyle, you nasty boy! Kyle may look small, but he can put his money where his mouth is... *wink, wink* Kyle wasn't just a talented penis-sculptor (I will never get tired to typing that), but he was also a loving brother, devoted friend, and an all around awesome guy. He was a good balance for Paul, who was a little too wishy-washy about the relationship in the beginning for my taste. Luckily, Paul decided to get with the program, and once Kyle and Paul got together the story really took off.
I think if you are a fan of the Minnesota Christmas series, you will really like this one. This series happens to be one of my favorites of Heidi Cullinan's, and I think she ended it on an awesome note.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
From the first few pages, I knew I would love this and I DID! Thank you, Eli Easton, for giving me a book worth staying up allGaahhhhh, I LOVED this!
From the first few pages, I knew I would love this and I DID! Thank you, Eli Easton, for giving me a book worth staying up all night for!!
I adore Eli Easton, so when I found the first book in her dog-shifter series, How to Howl at the Moon, lack-luster, I was terrified that I was in for an Eli Easton dry spell. Fear not, because this one was SO wonderful that it completely restored my faith.
I love reading the whole range of what M/M has to offer, but one particular sub-genre has a very special place in my heart. That's right, my friends, I'm talking about a sexuality discovery story. And this book featured a wonderful, glorious one, but it also had my second favorite thing...a virgin. And I don't just mean a technical virgin, but an inexperienced, sweetly innocent, huge, ex-military man figuring out his body for the FIRST TIME.
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Pervy stuff aside, this book also had a sweet, believable romance between a closeted man, Matt, and Roman, the shifter. I love a good coming out story also, but the coming out part is a minor aspect of the storyline. Most of the storyline is about developing the lovely, slow-burn quality of Matt and Roman's relationship... with the background of a DEA investigation of a drug operation.
Though Matt was truly awesome, Roman has a special place in my heart. I adored how he was still trying to figure out how to act and behave because it showed his smart, innocent, trusting personality so well. He was perfectly clueless in a way that made me fall in love with him, but also authoritative and sexy in a way that made me want to bone him. Also, his emotions about his time in the military also felt real in an achingly honest way. Eli Easton did a great job with him.
I also loved seeing more of the townsfolk and getting more of a feel for the community. I've fallen in love with this glorious small-town setting, and I fear dog-shifter books might become an addiction for me.
A charming, very sweet, adorable, and SEXY addition to what is shaping up to be one hell of a series. Don't miss this one!!
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**...more
Romantic suspense isn't really my thing, but DAMN, Barbara Elsborg makes it work! This book was funny, sexy, and well written- what more could you askRomantic suspense isn't really my thing, but DAMN, Barbara Elsborg makes it work! This book was funny, sexy, and well written- what more could you ask!?
I loved the first in the series, Falling, but this had a TOTALLY different vibe. It was much grittier and less humorous, though I was surprised as how funny this one was at times, considering what a hard-ass Conrad appeared to be in book 1.
I think if you are reading "hit man" types of stories, you have to suspend reality a little bit. I mean, I get that most of these things aren't likely to happen in real life, and I'm just fine with that. I still love the idea of the bad boy, super-controlled hit-man falling for a guy. Archer was a perfect match to challenge and push Conrad's buttons. Another toppy top, Archer was a lean, mean, sexy fighting machine. Purrrrr.
I loved how these guys fed off each other and grew to trust each other steadily over time. This is NOT insta-love, baby. This a sloooow burn, hurt/comfort book that makes the MCs WORK for their happily ever after. Both men have been burned badly in the past, both have childhood trauma's that they are still working through, and both aren't used to compromising for anyone. I really enjoyed seeing the guys struggle through all of their obstacles slowly over time.
The plot was a little bananas, and veered a little towards confusing for me at times. I sort of zoned out at a few parts, and I'm not sure how these guys bounced back from so many staggering injuries so quickly. However, despite a few flaws, this book was a very enjoyable, sexy, action-packed read.
Keep on writing these awesome stories, Barbara Elsborg, and keep your IMPECCABLE sense of humor. We love you for it!
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review* ...more
I get really overwhelmed when I'm faced with reviewing one of Courtney Milan's books.
I'm going to get really honest with all of you. I almost [image]
I get really overwhelmed when I'm faced with reviewing one of Courtney Milan's books.
I'm going to get really honest with all of you. I almost never buy books at retail price. I just don't. Most of my books are review copies, and the others? I'll wait for years for a book that I want to go on sale. YEARS. However, there are a few authors that I'll willingly shell out the big bucks for, and for Courtney Milan, I not only buy the ebook, but I also ALWAYS buy the audiobook too.
I have died over Rosalyn Landor's stellar narration of this series. In fact, when my daughter started listening to the audiobook of Mary Poppins, I screamed because I saw that Rosalyn Landor was the narrator. She simply KILLS it, just perfectly nailing the male and female voices. I wish most M/M narrators were up to her level, because she shows just flawlessly how it is supposed to be done.
But if the narrator didn't have such amazing writing to go from, none of what she does would be possible. And, let me tell you, Courtney Milan is a master at weaving tales of complicated woman, even more complicated men, and slow burn romances that take years to come to fruition. And I love her for it.
I've been waiting for Free's book since we were first introduced to her character many books ago, and it did not disappoint. She was an incredibly brave character, championing for women's rights when few other people were doing so. I loved her spunk, her disregard for society's rules, and the way she kept going, even when all odds were against her.
I loved Edward Clark even more. His story was heartbreaking, and I loved his character very deeply. I think that he wormed his way more and more into my heart over time, and I couldn't get enough of him.
And just when I thought that this book couldn't get any better, a F/F side story. Gah, introducing queer characters into a story is always a path to my good graces. I love that Courtney Milan went there.
If you are looking for strong, imperfect, interesting characters, look no further. If you want a narration that runs so seamlessly with the story that you forget that you are listening and instead you just FEEL the book, look no further. Courtney Milan does it again. ...more
This book is dangerous... no, like really dangerous.
If you are a book addict like me, don't start this book during any day where you have to leave theThis book is dangerous... no, like really dangerous.
If you are a book addict like me, don't start this book during any day where you have to leave the house. I started this book late at night and then continued reading all throughout my work day.
The dangerous part?
I might have read this book at each and every stop light while I was in the car. I might have read this book while crossing the street to get coffee. I might have read this book while it was pitch-black out, walking back to my car after work.
Dangerous!
This is the warm, fluffy, slow-burn-y side of Marie Sexton that I adore so much. I love most of my Marie Sexton books that I read, but this hit me right in the feelz. You have to have faith in Marie Sexton to make everything work out in the end because for the majority of the story, I had a pit in my stomach due to anxiety.
Winter Oranges is a love story between a man from the pre-Civil War era who is trapped in a snow globe, and a jaded C-list movie actor who wants to escape Hollywood. It is an impossible love story, but Marie Sexton makes it possible.
I loved so many things about this story. I loved Ben's enthusiasm, his optimism, and his spirit. I can't imagine what it would be like to be in his situation, and he handles everything is a way that is utterly charming. I was completely won over by him. I also adored Jason. He went from someone in love with his unattainable best friend and completely disillusioned by romance, to someone who fights for love and never gives up.
The way that the relationship between Ben and Jason developed slowly over time worked SO well for me. It was slow burn, very sweet, and believable, which takes talent to pull off (one of the MCs is stuck in a snow globe FFS!). It also gave me that fuzzy feeling inside like some holiday stories do.
A well thought out, well written romance-y romance for romance lovers! It will restore your faith in "love conquers all," and make you want to snuggle up by the fire with some soap opera reruns, old-fashioned movies, and some fresh oranges.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review** ...more
***Killer $0.99 deal right now at Amazon US! 3/14/19!*** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For my review of the audiobook from 2019, please click***Killer $0.99 deal right now at Amazon US! 3/14/19!*** ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For my review of the audiobook from 2019, please click here.
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*4.5 stars*
Woah, where do I begin with this one?? An asexual stoner, a socially awkward video-store owner, and three lesbians/possibly sisters walk into a bar....
For those readers who are afraid that this book isn't a classic T.J. Klune book (aka, really, really funny with lots of feelz), never fear! T.J. still brought the laughs (I dare you not to crack a smile at stoner scrabble), and still brought lots of emotion. However, this is a more subduedT.J. Klune. A little more... understated. I actually thought it was an awesomely refreshing change of pace, and though this book felt SO T.J., it also felt more mature in a lot of ways.
Gus was an interesting character. He is quiet, he likes routine, and he fiercely misses his deceased stoner dad. He also hates Michael Bay and pickles... a lot. Though Gus comes out of his shell throughout the course of the book, I really enjoyed how unique he was from other characters that I've seen.
Casey was... I mean, how could I not love a sexy (yes, asexuals can be sexy!), scruffy, hipster with a great sense of humor and an outgoing personality? He was fun and engaging, and I loved how persistent he was with Gus. I also have a weakness for a stoner, as my friends and I went through some... *cough cough*... phases in college. High logic always makes me smile.
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Normally T.J. Klune does awesome side characters, but here he really outdid himself. I ADOREDDDDDDD the lesbian/possibly sisters trio of tough motorcycle ladies that made up Gus's crew. I swear, they made the book for me in a lot of ways! What I wouldn't do to have a couple of tough bitches like them by my side. All of them, even Casey's friends, brought something interesting and fun to the table.
In terms of the romance, it was there and it was adorable! Casey brought out the personality and spark in Gus, and Gus was a quiet, loving rock for Casey. I loved their flirtations and their easy banter. The romance was lovely, very slow burn, and, as the blurb suggests, verrrryyyyyy G rated. In fact, if you are looking for something more explicit than a couple of kisses and some hugs, look elsewhere. I completely bought the romance, though I struggled a bit, if I'm being honest, with the whole asexuality aspect.
It is hard for me, being so far on the other end of the asexuality spectrum, to imagine a relationship with someone with whom even physical affection is difficult. A lot of the way I show and perceive love with my SO is through pats on the butt, spontaneous make out sessions, and feeling physical closeness to my husband. I'm a very affectionate, sensual person. Gus always asked permission to even hug Casey, and I simply could not imagine myself in that kind of situation. Now, I recognize that this is 100% my own issue and, in fact, this kind of incompatibility is discussed in the book, but it made the chemistry in the story feel a little less potent for me, if I'm being perfectly honest.
However, that being said, I think that Casey and Gus were a great match. Gus understood and respected Casey's limits implicitly and vice versa. I also appreciated how the book educated us readers a little on the sexuality spectrum without feeling too didactic. It flowed naturally with the story.
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I think if you are looking for an offbeat, well done, super funny, sweet romance, you've found your match with this story. Though it is relatively low angst and shows a more subdued style, it still leaves a big impact with characters you won't soon forget. ...more
The 4th book in the Lost and Founds series takes place in 2002 at Burning Man. Now, I was only vaguely familiar with Burning Man before thi*4.5 stars*
The 4th book in the Lost and Founds series takes place in 2002 at Burning Man. Now, I was only vaguely familiar with Burning Man before this book (I watched a very sandy flash mob marriage proposal there on youtube and that was the extent of it), but with a little help from Wikipedia, I got the gist. Burning Man is SO the logical place for Vin to be. It is eccentric and full of life and energy, so I wasn't surprised at all that he gravitated there. Through a set of unusual and fortuitous circumstances (duh, it's a Lost and Founds book), Vin meets a man named Alistar, who recognizes Vin and insists that Vin king him.
I think I start off every book in the series the same way. I always sort of loath the main character, the guy getting Kinged, for the first half of the book. The Lost Kings always seem so selfish, so indifferent to my man, Vin Vanbly, and his obvious sacrifices. I'm always indignant on his behalf, and with King John, it was no different. Alistar is eager, way too eager, and too big, too inquisitive, just too. I had trouble loving him, and I was impressed when Vin found a way to love him.
For about 40% of the book I was feeling a bit checked out. The writing was amazing, but I was getting frustrated with the back and forth between Vin and Alistar. Then, things took a turn for the worst. Something HAPPENS. Something big. After that point, when the action started really going, I could NOT put this book down.
Many things happened that really made me love this book. I learned to love Alistar, like really love him, which I doubted I could do at the start. We also learn so much about Vin, more than ever before, though everything we learn about him is heartbreaking. We see Vin's humor, his resilience, his self-loathing, his generosity, and his spirit. There are some magical elements in this one, to be sure, but I liked them a great deal more than in The Butterfly King.
That ending though... be prepared for a major cliffy. You'll finish this book not sure if you want to strangle Edmond Manning for leaving you in the lurch or love him for dreaming up such an emotional, well conceived story.
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**...more
Another awesome audiobook by Courtney Milan, narrated by the wildly talented Rosalyn Landor. This series is like my crack and I have[image]
*4.5 stars*
Another awesome audiobook by Courtney Milan, narrated by the wildly talented Rosalyn Landor. This series is like my crack and I have no intention of quitting any time soon!
For all of those who doubt that they could like historical romance, I implore you to try this series. It is a smart, funny, interesting romance in a really well conceived historical setting.
I loved that the main character was a doctor in this one. I have a weakness for books with factual medical content, and I have an even bigger weakness for plainspoken, somewhat geeky, sex-positive, feminist, beta heroes. Doctor Jonas Grantham is SO my type. I picture him with glasses and sort of curly hair (neither of which were in the book, but a woman can dream). *sigh*
What is awesome about Courtney Milan is that she makes me also love the female characters. No simpletons or annoying ladies here, folks. Lydia Charingford is determined, strong, and very easy to relate to. I loved her and I loved the slow relationship development between her and Jonas.
For a novella, this book is impressive in the slow burn aspect of the romance. It felt like a book of hundreds of pages, that is how well developed everything was. Though I don't know much about historical details, everything seemed right, which is all that matters to me.
The narration... I could have a hallelujah moment from that alone. I ADORE this narrator, and I'm obsessed with her ability to do a husky male voice.
I'm going to keep buying all of the books in this series because I have yet to experience a misstep from this author. ...more
So beautiful that it will make you cry. This is Kim Fielding's best work, I'm telling you.
I'm going to tell you folks a story about patience.
Once, I So beautiful that it will make you cry. This is Kim Fielding's best work, I'm telling you.
I'm going to tell you folks a story about patience.
Once, I started a book by one of my favorite authors. It was a little slow going at first, and I wasn't sure if I was going to connect to the main characters. I was pretty sure that it was going to be a middling read for me, despite the gorgeous prose. But I stuck with it and, little by little, it just grew on me.
At about 30% in I was feeling pretty good about it. By 50% in, I had a serious crush on the story. At 75%, it was love. By 100% I was crying because I didn't want to let it go.
This is absolutely not a razzle-dazzle story. It isn't in your face in any way. The sex is hot and sweet, but you wouldn't read it for that alone, and there is almost zero drama in the story. It is simply a character study of two men in a small town who have lived and lost and how they come to fit in each others lives.
I'm not kidding when I say it isn't action-packed. These guys spend most of their time tending bar, fixing things around the inn where the story takes place, doing mundane chores, really. But you know what? You will love reading about the mundane stuff because, at the same time, the real stuff is happening beneath the surface.
Jimmy... just such a complex, perfectly imagined character. He starts off the book coming across as a aloof drifter, but then he becomes so much more. We find out what shaped him, and I simply loved having only his POV. Sometimes single POV books can be tricky, but it worked here.
Shane, he just stole my heart. Disabled from an accident, he is still unflaggingly brave, loyal, interesting... I can't stop thinking of positive descriptors. I loved his sense of community and family and how willing he was to open his heart to Jimmy.
If you are a Kim Fielding fan or a fan of well-crafted, slow burn stories, you must pick this one up. I can't stop thinking about the characters and you won't be able to either.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**...more
No matter how many times my straight guy friends deny it, this is ALWAYS what my brain will think of when I think of guys living together inYAAASSSSS.
No matter how many times my straight guy friends deny it, this is ALWAYS what my brain will think of when I think of guys living together in college.
*cue bow-chicka-wow-wow music*
A few beers and you get a little handsy. What? It could happen! At least, in my GFY fantasies, it does...
Jay Northcote delivered and he delivered BIG TIME with this little number. Lots and lots of touching, slowwwly leading up to more... ugmph, does this author understand what gets me going or what?!
Jez and Mac were just DELICIOUS together. They were slow, hesitant at first (they make side-by-side masterbation excruciatingly hot), but as they got going it was just beautiful to see them get into it more and more. And as the physical stuff increased in intensity, so did the emotions. This book was sweet, pretty low angst, and gave me some really good feels.
But the sex... ohhh the sex. Every little baby step towards more intimacy was like freakin' candy-coated perfection! I loved how the author really dragged it out.
This one is a goodie, and if you are into hot, British college guys getting it on (WHO ISN'T???) then you are in for a REAL treat.
(Hint: the treat is a naked man. Or multiple naked men. I'm going to stop now. Just read it so I can stop my hyper-sexualized babbling.)
**Copy provided in exchange for an honest review**...more
This is my favorite Cardeno C. book. By far. My average rating for my previous CC books is 2.62. That is crazy low, and Loved it, loved it, LOVED IT!
This is my favorite Cardeno C. book. By far. My average rating for my previous CC books is 2.62. That is crazy low, and it isn't because I'm not a fan! I am, I just tend to feel passionately one way or another about this author! I loved Walk With Me (my favorite CC up to this point), but this book simply blew that out of the water.
When CC writes the slow burn romance, I'm just putty; melty, gooey putty. When you combine a slooow burn bisexuality discovery story with some heavy petting, naked cuddling, and some super hot mutual masturbation scenes all leading up to some SMOKING hot nookie... yeah, you got me.
This book is pure flufftastic. There are no misunderstanding, no drama, no scenes to make the reader frustrated. It is straight-up relationship development and 100% enjoyable.
I can see why this might not have worked for some readers. Jeremy is needy to the point of needing a full-time keeper, and the relationship is very skewed in the direction. But the characters know that fact and they own it. Jeremy knows he is high maintenance and Reg just loves him for it.
I loved Reg's easygoing, laid back demeanor. I loved the two guys together, and I loved watching their relationship blossom.
And the sex... just UMGHPH! I made the mistake of reading the majority of this book at work. Bad move.
This book is Cardeno C.'s best effort to date. It is everything you love about CC wrapped up in one smutty, sexuality discovery, sappy, perfect package.
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**...more
I never guess the bad guy and I guessed it here! *pats self on back* Though the simple solution is never[image]
I KNEW IT! Well... part of it at least.
I never guess the bad guy and I guessed it here! *pats self on back* Though the simple solution is never the entire answer, thanks to the brilliant mind of Jim Butcher.
What can I say that I haven't said before? This was another expertly narrated audiobook by one of my all time faves, James Marsters, who was in fine form.
Brilliant, moving, twisty and turny... just another excellent addition to the Dresden Files series, which has become one of my all time favorites.
I hope this series stretches on and on so I can get older with Harry Dresden by my side.
Woah, I SERIOUSLY adored this one! Low drama, lots of emotion, hot sex... what's there not to love?? Very nicely done, Annabeth Albert!
I th*4.5 stars*
Woah, I SERIOUSLY adored this one! Low drama, lots of emotion, hot sex... what's there not to love?? Very nicely done, Annabeth Albert!
I think books with an age gap between characters have a special place in my heart because they remind me of my relationship with my husband. We have 9 years between us, and when we started dating I was just a teenager that was a BIG gap. Now that we are older and have kids, it seems like small potatoes, but then... it was like, OMG (x 100!).
When it comes to insecurities about age differences, maturity levels, and all of those issues. I get it. And I loved how Annabeth Albert handled the topic. I read the bulk of this story over a long lunch break, and I just could NOT put it down until the very last page. My heart was squeezing SO hard during the final parts of the story. The author managed to get some very real emotions out of me, and she did it with a very natural plot flow, characters that spoke to me, and did I mention the hot sex???
And for readers that are concerned that this is book 3 of a series, I skipped book 2 and I still had no issues following along. I think this story works perfectly as a standalone.
If you are looking for a simple story that is focused on a relationship and its development rather than a lot of extraneous plot details, then this story is for you. It is a simple, charming novella, and I enjoyed it a crazy amount!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**...more
A gay virgin story, my holy grail. Praise thee who creates delicious st**WOAH! FREE today for a limited time at ARe, 10/8/15 https://t.co/7dpQ4ebnsi**
A gay virgin story, my holy grail. Praise thee who creates delicious stories of men discovering the joys of gay sex. Forever and ever, amen.
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When I saw the blurb for this story, I was ALL OVER IT. I get crazy when I see a story that falls into the GFY/OFY umbrella! This is certainly an out-for-you story, or maybe a gay discovery story, or a "face the facts" kind of story. Either way, I'm a Neanderthal when it comes to these kinds of reads. I get all drooly and happy.
But just because I like the idea behind something, doesn't mean it's an automatic home run. The author still has to execute. It just so happens that Tara Lain did just that. The author created a loveable, believable, squee-worthy story that I think most readers will adore.
First of all, who wouldn't love the combo of a construction worker and a stylist? I love a good opposites-attract story! Also, I always enjoy when we see a MC that is a little more on the effeminate side. I liked how Shaz wasn't another burly guy. I like some hip swaying and some snazzy dressers in my stories! It was a sweet combo, and I immediately GOT the chemistry between Shaz and Billy.
My one complaint, and it sort of irked me more and more over time, was the cheesy dialogue during the sex scenes. First-timer sex can be so HOTTTTT (extra Ts needed!), and I feel like some of that oomph was taken away by the strange chatter during nooky time.
Still an easy, surprisingly low angst read that was JUST what the doctor ordered. I'd read more in this series any day of the week!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I had started fearing everything that I had loved about Alexis Hall's Glitterland was a figment of my imagination.*4.5 stars*
I love it when I'm wrong.
I had started fearing everything that I had loved about Alexis Hall's Glitterland was a figment of my imagination. Perhaps I had dreamed the wonderful, squee-worthiness that was Glitterland? Stranger things have happened...
I tried, with epic failures, to read his other stuff (Iron & Velvet, Prosperity, Waiting for the Flood). Each of those books was a huge disappointment, and I decided to just throw in my Alexis Hall towel and snuggle down to dream my dreams of what Glitterland meant to me.
I was feeling really, really firm in my stance of NO MORE ALEXIS HALL. In all honesty, I hate to be a downer, and constantly posting somewhat negative reviews of his stuff was beginning to wear on me. Even when I read the synopsis for For Real and was oh so tempted by the age gap, the BDSM, and the return to contemporary romance, I reminded myself to be strong and RESIST.
But then... I caved.
Everyone and their mother seemed to be rec-ing this book to me. Everyone. People who know my tastes very well assured me that I would love this book, and so I went ahead and took the plunge.
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It was everything that I was hoping it would be and then some. Funny, endearing, lots of emotion, some surliness and some brattiness- I'm talking the entire, well-rounded package. The age difference was lovely and worked perfectly with the story. The relationship had a nice slow burn and felt organic. This is a very long book and it simply flew by.
Now, if you are a die-hard fan of BDSM, I'm not sure how you will enjoy this book. I like BDSM a great deal, but certain facets more than others. I'm a huge fan of power plays, humiliation, submissiveness, and cheeky bottoms. I'm not such a huge fan of pain and impact play. This book was certainly more towards my kind of BDSM in a lot of ways... but yet something wasn't quite right. Toby was a weird Dom for me. I LOVED, and I mean loved the idea of a young, skinny Dom with some insecurity issues, but I often felt like he was in the submissive roll. Now, I'm not talking about sexual positions, because I TOTALLY get how the receiver could be the one in charge (see every female Domme ever), but Toby just wasn't a powerful enough presence for me to get a Dom vibe from him. He had his moments, but I wish his actions mirrored the game he talked in his head.
Same with Laurie. He said he doesn't switch but I often found him to be the more dominant one. I loved the concept of him doing things he didn't want to do in order to please his Dom (a turn on of mine as well), but I think he didn't always follow that stance. It seemed like they were both a little switchy for my tastes.
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I also think that the sex could have been a bit dirtier. Maybe it is just my kinktastic side talking, but I love me some dirty, dirty, DIRRRRTY talking. I think the opportunities were there but just underutilized.
However, if you are interested in an offbeat, atypical BDSM book with some fantastic dialogue, multidimensional characters, and really well-paced plot, you MUST pick this one up. Don't let some bumps in the Alexis Hall road turn you off from this goodie.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Heather K (dentist in my spare time)
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