This was a definite improvement over the first book! I felt like I understood the world a lot better and really felt like I got to know more about eacThis was a definite improvement over the first book! I felt like I understood the world a lot better and really felt like I got to know more about each of the characters. I loved Sev and Ari. They felt so much more fleshed out in this.
Sev has been tortured wanting Ari since their one encounter six weeks earlier. Unbeknownst to him Ari has been struggling with the same longings. While their passion for each other is strong it isn't going to be that easy. Ari fears admitting he's gay to the homophobic people in his life and Sev has potentially deadly secrets of his own. Throw in their jobs, estranged fathers, pasts that are turning up wanting them dead, altogether there's a lot going on and it keeps the book interesting. Interesting, and well Hot! I felt like I understood a lot more about how Ms. Lynne has created her mating as well. I felt the concept was a little nebulous in book one, but here I really felt Sev and Ari's draw to each other. I was rooting for them. I loved how finding out Sev's secret is what really turned Ari around and then how his own insecurities almost ruined things. There was a great balance of angst/love.
This book definitely got me hooked on the series and I can't wait to read more. I'm still SOOOOOO curious about what's going to happen with Trace and the hints about future hook ups between secondary characters were great. They were much subtler here and left me wanting to know more. The introduction with Sev's father fit perfectly as well. With him joining the teams I can see their being more development of their relationship and I'm itching to find out. I'm still curious about the dynamic between the vampires and the drecks, but I'm sure I'll keep getting more and more information about the world as Ms. Lynne writes.
Actually one of my favorite things about this series might just be that it's not a straight hetero or m/m series. I love that each book is about that relationship regardless of the sexual preferences. Too many series seem to say every character has to fit within the chosen category, hetero or not. I hope more and more authors feel comfortable writing based on the characters preference and recognizing a world that has a lot more diversity. So thank you Ms. Lynne. This was great!
Merged review:
This was a definite improvement over the first book! I felt like I understood the world a lot better and really felt like I got to know more about each of the characters. I loved Sev and Ari. They felt so much more fleshed out in this.
Sev has been tortured wanting Ari since their one encounter six weeks earlier. Unbeknownst to him Ari has been struggling with the same longings. While their passion for each other is strong it isn't going to be that easy. Ari fears admitting he's gay to the homophobic people in his life and Sev has potentially deadly secrets of his own. Throw in their jobs, estranged fathers, pasts that are turning up wanting them dead, altogether there's a lot going on and it keeps the book interesting. Interesting, and well Hot! I felt like I understood a lot more about how Ms. Lynne has created her mating as well. I felt the concept was a little nebulous in book one, but here I really felt Sev and Ari's draw to each other. I was rooting for them. I loved how finding out Sev's secret is what really turned Ari around and then how his own insecurities almost ruined things. There was a great balance of angst/love.
This book definitely got me hooked on the series and I can't wait to read more. I'm still SOOOOOO curious about what's going to happen with Trace and the hints about future hook ups between secondary characters were great. They were much subtler here and left me wanting to know more. The introduction with Sev's father fit perfectly as well. With him joining the teams I can see their being more development of their relationship and I'm itching to find out. I'm still curious about the dynamic between the vampires and the drecks, but I'm sure I'll keep getting more and more information about the world as Ms. Lynne writes.
Actually one of my favorite things about this series might just be that it's not a straight hetero or m/m series. I love that each book is about that relationship regardless of the sexual preferences. Too many series seem to say every character has to fit within the chosen category, hetero or not. I hope more and more authors feel comfortable writing based on the characters preference and recognizing a world that has a lot more diversity. So thank you Ms. Lynne. This was great!...more
I'm a bit torn on this story. There was a lot I liked about it. But I really struggled feeling like the Io's characterization did a complete 3.5 Stars
I'm a bit torn on this story. There was a lot I liked about it. But I really struggled feeling like the Io's characterization did a complete 180. He was such a dick in the earlier novels, with his homophobia and his out and out bro-ness. He was pretty horrible to women and just was the sort of frat boy obnoxious you really didn't like. I understand the idea of finding your mate will change a vampire, but this was such an abrupt about face it felt like a whole different person rather than one changing.
That being said I did like Io (this version of him) and Miriam as a couple. I appreciated her willingness to defy her father and fight for what she wanted in life. Speaking of, her father's attitude was another obnoxious point for me. Like Io his about face was incredibly sudden and felt out of character. It felt like his obstinacy and obliviousness towards Miriam's wants and needs was going to be taken to the ridiculous extreme just to be an extreme. Things got pretty over the top in the land of punishments for all our favorite characters as the fact that he was the king took precedence over being a good and smart ruler. And like Io his about face was pretty abrupt and didn't seem to come from any sort of realization.
Still this story was entertaining and I am curious to see where things go from here. There was a lot of expanding of the world in this story with what the drecks are up to and I can't wait to find out more about Trace's father. Not to mention Trace and a certain female causing him fits. ;) I look forward to seeing where this series develops.
Merged review:
3.5 Stars
I'm a bit torn on this story. There was a lot I liked about it. But I really struggled feeling like the Io's characterization did a complete 180. He was such a dick in the earlier novels, with his homophobia and his out and out bro-ness. He was pretty horrible to women and just was the sort of frat boy obnoxious you really didn't like. I understand the idea of finding your mate will change a vampire, but this was such an abrupt about face it felt like a whole different person rather than one changing.
That being said I did like Io (this version of him) and Miriam as a couple. I appreciated her willingness to defy her father and fight for what she wanted in life. Speaking of, her father's attitude was another obnoxious point for me. Like Io his about face was incredibly sudden and felt out of character. It felt like his obstinacy and obliviousness towards Miriam's wants and needs was going to be taken to the ridiculous extreme just to be an extreme. Things got pretty over the top in the land of punishments for all our favorite characters as the fact that he was the king took precedence over being a good and smart ruler. And like Io his about face was pretty abrupt and didn't seem to come from any sort of realization.
Still this story was entertaining and I am curious to see where things go from here. There was a lot of expanding of the world in this story with what the drecks are up to and I can't wait to find out more about Trace's father. Not to mention Trace and a certain female causing him fits. ;) I look forward to seeing where this series develops....more
This was a great follow up vignette really allowing us into more of Micah and Sam's life. They're just getting established together and still have a lThis was a great follow up vignette really allowing us into more of Micah and Sam's life. They're just getting established together and still have a lot to learn about each other. The bond is there and they truly love each other, but there's a side of himself that Micah hasn't shared with Sam yet, and it's one he would like to. Opening up about being a Dom and showing her to his dungeon just intrigues Sam more and exploring this side of themselves leads to them learning more about Trace and what he deals with.
I loved how this all worked out and got Micah to learn more about what Trace was hiding. Trace needs Micah to help him maintain his balance and for me the way this all fell out made such perfect sense for the three of them. I'm more and more intrigued by Trace and can't wait for his story even though I know it's a ways down the line.
Merged review:
This was a great follow up vignette really allowing us into more of Micah and Sam's life. They're just getting established together and still have a lot to learn about each other. The bond is there and they truly love each other, but there's a side of himself that Micah hasn't shared with Sam yet, and it's one he would like to. Opening up about being a Dom and showing her to his dungeon just intrigues Sam more and exploring this side of themselves leads to them learning more about Trace and what he deals with.
I loved how this all worked out and got Micah to learn more about what Trace was hiding. Trace needs Micah to help him maintain his balance and for me the way this all fell out made such perfect sense for the three of them. I'm more and more intrigued by Trace and can't wait for his story even though I know it's a ways down the line....more
I think the hardest part of this story was placing it in the millennia of existence. I wasn't ever sure when things were taking place, and while I reaI think the hardest part of this story was placing it in the millennia of existence. I wasn't ever sure when things were taking place, and while I read the first book in this series awhile ago I really don't remember it. So a look at this as starting the series fresh. I enjoyed Jessamy and Galen as a couple though. She was sweet and truly cared for the work she did as a teacher to young angels, but her deformity was a source of pain for her even if she hid it well. Galen is harsh and a warrior through and through, but he sees the vulnerabilities she never shares with anyone and wants to give her more of the world.
After reading this story I am curious about where the series develops after this. I really liked the world being built and want to read more of it.
Merged review:
I think the hardest part of this story was placing it in the millennia of existence. I wasn't ever sure when things were taking place, and while I read the first book in this series awhile ago I really don't remember it. So a look at this as starting the series fresh. I enjoyed Jessamy and Galen as a couple though. She was sweet and truly cared for the work she did as a teacher to young angels, but her deformity was a source of pain for her even if she hid it well. Galen is harsh and a warrior through and through, but he sees the vulnerabilities she never shares with anyone and wants to give her more of the world.
After reading this story I am curious about where the series develops after this. I really liked the world being built and want to read more of it....more
This was a bittersweet, but oh so charming story. I loved Nana's voice in this one. He was exactly how I would expect a stray cat to sound. H4.5 Stars
This was a bittersweet, but oh so charming story. I loved Nana's voice in this one. He was exactly how I would expect a stray cat to sound. His devotion to Satoru was lovely. This was a lovely final trek of two friends closing out a chapter and reminiscing with all the past had to offer.
I loved seeing Japan through their eyes as well. It really brought the culture and the people alive as Satoru has led an eclectic life. I thought Nana's thoughts about all he was seeing for the first time were so much fun. I loved his interactions with the other animals they met along the way as well. He had such a distinct personality and it always made me smile.
This story is going to pull out the heartstrings, but it was beautifully told. I was utterly charmed throughout....more
I don't know what I was expecting going into this novel, but this story wasn't it. It may be that really I had no expectations so it was easy for it tI don't know what I was expecting going into this novel, but this story wasn't it. It may be that really I had no expectations so it was easy for it to be surprising. But this ended up being surprising in a good way. This was a book club pick and wasn't my choice for the month, but I'm happy I read it. I liked the budding relationship between the two women, Mia and Zoe. This story is really only tangentially related to Bradbury, other than the fact that it's his house and Mia's favorite author there really isn't much to connect it. Instead it's a story of finding strength and a muse in an unexpected place and discovering again one's creativity. I enjoyed the bond that developed between the women and liked how Mia grew as a person, one able to reach for new and different things.
This is a light summerish read really. It read fast and wasn't a story that was going to drown you in feelings. But I enjoyed it and left feeling refreshed and with a smile....more
This was an interesting way to tell a story. I enjoyed the book within the book as Eve tells her story of surviving the Nothing Man's attack. AlternatThis was an interesting way to tell a story. I enjoyed the book within the book as Eve tells her story of surviving the Nothing Man's attack. Alternating with Jim Doyle's perspective as he discovers that someone is bringing everything back up again kept things fresh and interesting. I enjoyed his thoughts as he read what she said about him.
This was an interesting take on a serial killer story. We know from the beginning who the killer is, but how everything is going to unwind is the whole point of the story. I wasn't surprised by the ending really, I figured that was where this was building to, but I was entertained throughout.
The author tells a really well-crafted story and has a really lovely flow to her writing. This is my first book by this author and I would definitely look to read another. It lead to some interesting discussions in my book club as well....more
This story was fascinating. There was so much in here that I was unaware of except as a peripheral idea. John Robinson was such a determined young manThis story was fascinating. There was so much in here that I was unaware of except as a peripheral idea. John Robinson was such a determined young man and faced off against so many things that should have kept him down. To achieve his dreams of becoming a pilot he stood against all odds, against all of the racism thrown at him, to not only become one of the first black pilots, but to have influenced so much of the history of aviation over the years.
I found the telling of his time in Ethiopia to be especially fascinating as it's a side of World War II that we hear little about. I knew Mussolini was in Italy and was a fascist dictator, but I didn't know much past that point. The atrocities he committed about the Ethiopian people were horrendous. The missions John flew and the work he did as a pilot in that war were incredible.
I'm so glad I was introduced to this novel and had it recommended to me. Definitely worth the read and opened up another level of understanding about the world and what was going on in the early part of the 20th century....more
This was a light pleasant read for me, but wasn't anything super inspiring. I liked it, but I can't say that I enjoyed it. One of my biggest pet peeveThis was a light pleasant read for me, but wasn't anything super inspiring. I liked it, but I can't say that I enjoyed it. One of my biggest pet peeve tropes in romance is insta-love, and that's what a lot of this book felt like, insta-love of place maybe, but still one magic moment that fixes everything.
I did enjoy the language of the piece though. The descriptions were lovely and did invoke a feeling of the beauty of the moment and the place. Each of the women had their positives and negatives, I think I maybe liked Rose best for al her seeming confidence she was perhaps the most nerve racked underneath. But there wasn't a lot of actual character development so much as the insta-love of the place magically fixed their lives and brought love home to them.
Still I took this book at a leisurely pace and didn't force myself through any of it. It was enjoyable to read and I appreciated being able to knock off another classic that I never previously got around to reading....more
I do love Vic and Jacob. I enjoy Vic's voice so much. He's such an interesting mix of capable and calamity. Nothing ever seems to go smoothly for the I do love Vic and Jacob. I enjoy Vic's voice so much. He's such an interesting mix of capable and calamity. Nothing ever seems to go smoothly for the poor guy, but together he and Jacob are such a strong couple. This series of shorts runs the gamut of time in their relationship, but all of them were fun little peaks in to their daily lives when some big ghost problem isn't cropping up.
I love how inept Vic can be with the most basic of tasks. He's never going to be Mr. Smooth, but he doesn't need to be. He's finally found with Jacob the one place he can trust that everything's going to be ok. It was kind of fun flipping back and forth in time with these stories as you could see how much more confident he became all based on where his relationship with Jacob was. Earlier on he was still hesitant about a lot of things, but as their relationship developed, sure he was still anti-social as all get out, but he didn't question his own desires or needs as much.
This series remains one of my favorites and I look forward to the next novel coming out soon. :)...more
3.5 Stars that I'm rounding up because I left things overall pleased.
I'm always a little picky with novels about actors as I live in that world, and 3.5 Stars that I'm rounding up because I left things overall pleased.
I'm always a little picky with novels about actors as I live in that world, and while this did feel glamatorized it wasn't so awfully wrong as to snag on my rage feelings. Hollywood does love to pigeonhole you into a particular box and it can be awfully hard to break out of or even live up to that expectation.
I did like Georgie and Bram's relationship once they got over the initial seemingly obligatory "I hate you" moments. There was bad blood between them, but a lot of it seemed like stupid kids doing stupid things when they were young. Sure he was an insensitive jerk, but she also put herself into a horrible spot and didn't exactly think through her actions. But their adult banter was fun and did show the kind of connection they were building between them. I really don't love the fake marriage trope, but it's only a mild annoyance here as the characters were entertaining and I liked getting to see what Bram was hiding as he attempted to rebuild his image. He was the more interesting of the two for me actually.
This wasn't my favorite novel, but it was entertaining as a read. ...more
I find it interesting how many people hated this book because they felt the characters had changed so much, or that there was too much angst and problI find it interesting how many people hated this book because they felt the characters had changed so much, or that there was too much angst and problems and all they wanted was HEA. Personally I appreciated that there were still problems for these young people to address. They're all young couples and just because you've solved one thing doesn't mean the rest of your life is smooth sailing. Maybe it's just because it's been so long since I read the rest of this series and my memories of these characters is more vague outlines than specifics, but I wasn't super bothered by any of their depictions. This was never my favorite series, but was one I enjoyed and I liked seeing all of these characters figure out the next stages of their lives. I especially liked the moments when they were all together as a group. That bachelor party was epic and wonderful, and just so exactly right.
All in all this gave me a satisfying conclusion to these characters and I'm left feeling like as they all grow they'll keep figuring out ways to have fun together and work through any problems that come up. Their relationships will always be stronger because of it....more
This series somehow just pulls you in. The descriptions are so rich and detailed. I really love how I feel like I can see the areas of India being desThis series somehow just pulls you in. The descriptions are so rich and detailed. I really love how I feel like I can see the areas of India being described. I like the characters and want to see them being successful in their lives. This is a slow moving story where the intrigue is slow to develop. (Even if you pretty much have what's going on figured out pretty early in the story)
I listened to this story on audio, which is a rarity for me, but I thought I'd give listening a try since I've been walking to work a lot and that's 30min or so both ways 2-3 times a week. This was really lovely to listen to as well. All three of the narrators were individual and really made each character stand out. The accents really brought the world to life as well. You had the sounds of India to accompany the imagery. I believe this series is planned to be a trilogy, I enjoyed listening to this so much I might just plan to listen to the third.
This story picks up twelve years after the first in the series and Malik and Laskshmi have made a life for themselves away from Jaipur in the mountain town of Shimla. Laskshmi is married to Dr. Kumar and together they care for the healing garden and treat patients at the clinic. Malik is all grown up, now an educated young man and no longer the urchin following Laskshmi around Jaipur. He has a love interest of his own and Nimmi is a widowed young woman with two children she's devoted to. She's had a hard life as one of the hill people and the loss of her husband so young changed the path of her life. Add in gold smuggling, corruption, and Malik returning to Jaipur to study construction with some recognizable faces and everything gets complicated quick.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I really enjoy the world and I'm curious to see what the author will bring to life next.
Man, I struggle a little bit rating this one. I'm going to round up in part for my love of the series as a whole. But this was a hard one. I 4.5 Stars
Man, I struggle a little bit rating this one. I'm going to round up in part for my love of the series as a whole. But this was a hard one. I love Gabe and Seiran together so much and it's hard to see them like this. Sure it's not entirely Gabe's fault, but I like my characters in love to all be good and happy even when the focus is on a new couple. Of course life can never be that easy for those two.
That being said I do like Sam, Con, and Luca together. There wasn't a lot of deep introspection of them as a couple. They're still really just all getting to know each other. But I liked the beginnings of the three of them. Sam really develops in this story though. He's starting to grow up and accept that a life as a vampire is better than the alternative being dead. He's coming into his own and his powers and finally making choices for what he wants in his life.
This book was all dark and twisty and if it was new characters not already established couples I probably would have adored it. But Gabe and Seiran have already been through so much. This book closes out the first chapter of the Pillars of Magic series. I'm happy that things will pick up in another arc because this is in some ways a major cliffhanger with no immediate resolution coming for Seiran. For Sam and his boys they have a lot to learn about each other, but I liked where they were headed....more
Ok this was just adorable and wonderful. I loved Jacob so much. He was so sweet and had so much bottled up inside him. His awe of the writer he'd builOk this was just adorable and wonderful. I loved Jacob so much. He was so sweet and had so much bottled up inside him. His awe of the writer he'd built up in his head for Rasul was one of the things he held onto to get him through hard times. But meeting his hero, that's never been something he's wanted, he'd rather keep him on the pedestal he'd built for him in his mind. But then Rasul shows up in town and seems to find Jacob's little bookshop and apartment the perfect place to write his long overdue third novel. How can he refuse?
I loved watching these two fall for each other. Rasul was so bound up in his head and didn't know how to move forward with his life other than to lose himself in booze and bad ideas. But being in Copper Point is showing him another way and is actually freeing him to be the writer he should be. His attraction to Jacob was unexpected for him. It was sweet watching them go through the slow burn of coming together.
This was a wonderful story dealing with a wider spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community. I liked that we had not only an interracial couple but also a loving relationship between MC's who were bi/pan. I can't wait to read more of the mini Main Street stories, they all deserve their HEA's. :)...more
This series is so absurd and over the top ridiculous, but at the same time it's charming as hell. This story just kept me amused and smiling throughouThis series is so absurd and over the top ridiculous, but at the same time it's charming as hell. This story just kept me amused and smiling throughout. I mean you have Maria and the von Trapp's frolicking through the hills in the background joined by an old friend, a certain orc we like.
Of course the whole point of this is Calarian and Benji figuring out that they have, oh my god shock...feelings for each other. And not just each other but Lars, the new cowherd they just met and incidentally made into a duke. These two seem to just stumble into trouble and also into the solution. I love Benji's anarchy tendencies and his love of gingerbread. I enjoyed meeting the new friends he made in town, I mean a female couple, blacksmith and baker. Yes please. Gretchen and Hannah were awesome.
This was just fun and takes me away from my everyday cares to just relax with entertaining characters and a world that doesn't take itself too seriously....more
I think this is my favorite book in the series so far. I just love Mack and Brandon! I love the quirky/spooky adventures that they get sent on workingI think this is my favorite book in the series so far. I just love Mack and Brandon! I love the quirky/spooky adventures that they get sent on working for the FBI's paranormal unit. This time around they've got an inn full of ghosts for Mack to deal with and some sort of big bad scaring all the ghosts into fleeing.
Eli and her men are back again and know they're facing something huge so immediately call for Mack and Brandon. When these five get together things are sure to be a good time. I liked their interactions so much, and the Scottish team they joined to help were nice as well. There's a certain Highland warrior type that I certainly hope we see more of. ;)
All together these books just make me happy. I smile while I read them and enjoy a little bit of spooky with some wonderfully sweet guys. Their relationship is still new, but they're adorable in their support for each other. I loved seeing Brandon work to ease Mack's monetary fears. Gah! They're just too cute and yet can still kick butt with the best of them....more
Overall I enjoyed this series. It's not one of my favorites, but as a whole it was enjoyable. It was a little slow on the action for most of the serieOverall I enjoyed this series. It's not one of my favorites, but as a whole it was enjoyable. It was a little slow on the action for most of the series, but the ending did build up nicely here. I think my least favorite part of the whole series was the up and down relationship between Gwen and Gideon. Gwen's whole world seems to be thinking about Gideon and a slight breeze sends her brain back to obsessing. But his love you/hate you back and forth was a bit arbitrary to force the story. I never really got behind their relationship.
Still the mystery of what was happening with the time travel and the Count was interesting. Nothing was too surprising, but I did like seeing everything come together in this finale. The epilogue was a little weird too as it was back with Lucy and Paul instead of what happens to Gideon and Gwen in the future with what their discoveries have changed for them. It also left questions instead of making things feel very conclusively wrapped up.
I'm happy to have read this series and finally have it completed. Took me a long time from the first time I read the first book to now finally having it done. But eventually I'll always get there. ;...more
So I just love this series. Fluke is as always adorable and makes me want a fox of my own. He's the best. Loved that in this one we finally get to seeSo I just love this series. Fluke is as always adorable and makes me want a fox of my own. He's the best. Loved that in this one we finally get to see Marron in action as well. Yes to the horse! Of course Sage and Gideon are just lovely together as well. Finally in this book we start to get some more information coming into Sage and Gideon's hands. They've been in the dark for so long and it's really been nothing but attempts on Sage's life so far. Now they've got a little breathing room, but someone's out to destroy the very town they live in and ultimately all the people along with it, just to destroy the power that feeds Sage his magic.
There's some new friends coming around in this one and their little group of trusted people is expanding. I enjoyed learning more of what the threat is to them all. I'm very curious about where things are going to go with Freddy too. I love how much Sage is growing into himself and the confidence in his magic. There's so much he still needs to learn, but he knows he's more than he ever let himself be before. Gideon is such a rock behind him as well. I'm totally loving this series and can't wait for more....more
Oh I really do enjoy this series. I love seeing Sage starting to find a little space to come into his own. He's realizing he can make decisions for hiOh I really do enjoy this series. I love seeing Sage starting to find a little space to come into his own. He's realizing he can make decisions for himself that require catering to no one else. Seeing him determined to have his father finally exorcised just made me smile.
This story picks up essentially immediately after the first one ends, but now Sage and Gideon know that there's a group out there that would like nothing better than to see them both dead. Of course they weren't just going to disappear when their first volley failed. Sage has so much to learn and it doesn't seem likely he's going to get much time to figure things out. I loved that Gideon was determined to protect him, but Sage is also learning how to save himself.
This story was fun and had plenty of action to keep things entertaining. I can't wait to see where our whole crew ends up next. Especially as there's a few new people added into their rag tag little band....more
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