4.5 stars. Holy crap, I am about pulling my hair out trying to figure out the SoS!! Only one person makes sense, and they also don't make sense.
Yes, 4.5 stars. Holy crap, I am about pulling my hair out trying to figure out the SoS!! Only one person makes sense, and they also don't make sense.
Yes, this book did break my heart, but mostly it made me mad. With it being set in Vegas, I guess what happened was inevitable but that didn't take away from how bitter it felt to see it unfold. (view spoiler)[Though I know it's an addiction, I was so, so disappointed that Dominic broke so easily, as hard as he has fought it up to now. I had sympathy for his position on the first night, he would have busted himself by walking out immediately. But he should have called Levi, right away. Instead he fed himself that bullshit about having to do it for the case. Yes, I know this is how addiction works but it didn't make it any less shitty to watch the things he did and thought. (hide spoiler)] It broke my heart, for both of them. and also made me furious, dammit!!
Levi is about getting ready to crack. The pressure on him is enormous, from all sides. But the worst is the pressure he's under from himself. Working this case, letting it and, to some extent, SoS into his life is making him see and fear his own darkness. It's making Levi question everything about himself. I hate that worst of all, because yes, Levi does have darkness, everyone does. With the things he's seen and lived through, it can hardly be expected that he wouldn't. But Levi has too much light for the dark to take over, his heart is too good. He's always fighting for the right thing, even when he's fighting himself.
The investigation and the action continue to be nail-bitingly exciting and exceedingly well done. All of this has made Seven of Spades one of my drop-everything-and-read series. I don't know how I can stand it til the next one is out!
Both Levi and Dominic deserve happiness and I hope they'll get there. I just hope Cordelia Kingsbridge plans on leaving at least a little piece of my heart intact in the process.
Merged review:
4.5 stars. Holy crap, I am about pulling my hair out trying to figure out the SoS!! Only one person makes sense, and they also don't make sense.
Yes, this book did break my heart, but mostly it made me mad. With it being set in Vegas, I guess what happened was inevitable but that didn't take away from how bitter it felt to see it unfold. (view spoiler)[Though I know it's an addiction, I was so, so disappointed that Dominic broke so easily, as hard as he has fought it up to now. I had sympathy for his position on the first night, he would have busted himself by walking out immediately. But he should have called Levi, right away. Instead he fed himself that bullshit about having to do it for the case. Yes, I know this is how addiction works but it didn't make it any less shitty to watch the things he did and thought. (hide spoiler)] It broke my heart, for both of them. and also made me furious, dammit!!
Levi is about getting ready to crack. The pressure on him is enormous, from all sides. But the worst is the pressure he's under from himself. Working this case, letting it and, to some extent, SoS into his life is making him see and fear his own darkness. It's making Levi question everything about himself. I hate that worst of all, because yes, Levi does have darkness, everyone does. With the things he's seen and lived through, it can hardly be expected that he wouldn't. But Levi has too much light for the dark to take over, his heart is too good. He's always fighting for the right thing, even when he's fighting himself.
The investigation and the action continue to be nail-bitingly exciting and exceedingly well done. All of this has made Seven of Spades one of my drop-everything-and-read series. I don't know how I can stand it til the next one is out!
Both Levi and Dominic deserve happiness and I hope they'll get there. I just hope Cordelia Kingsbridge plans on leaving at least a little piece of my heart intact in the process....more
It's a fact that I love everything I've read from Cole McCade/Xen Sanders so far. His characterizations and his writing are among the very best that IIt's a fact that I love everything I've read from Cole McCade/Xen Sanders so far. His characterizations and his writing are among the very best that I've read, and that applies here as well.
I really loved Summer and Fox. They are true opposites in every way, age, experience, outlook and personality. I enjoyed the way they played off each other and the development between them, both individually and as a couple, (view spoiler)[though the "couple" thing wasn't exactly established, it just sort of happened in their bubble (hide spoiler)]. I loved Summer, how despite his anxiety in a group, he was bright, warm and caring. The dichotomy of his shyness balanced against how damn bold he could be when it was important was charming and sometimes pretty damn funny. Fox was painful to read at first. The kind of black grief he had lived and isolated himself with for so damn long was devastating. He had encased himself in ice for years and simply existed that way, and the thaw Summer caused had him somewhat bewildered *and terrified* by all he began to feel.
The way CMcC writes this and shows how this progression plays out is brilliantly done. It brings out all the feels, while still using terrific humor, which I loved. However, I did have a couple of niggles that kept me from giving it the full five stars that I wanted to. Given how well Fox's grief and frozen emotions are portrayed, I had trouble believing he would have agreed to Summer's reward for bravery, though I was totally there for it, because hot. Fox was into it also *again, whoo hot* and it wasn't so much that he was, just that he was so quickly. (view spoiler)[And the drama at the end just didn't seem like something Fox would be able to do. I get that people under stress make bad decisions and act out of character. But he was so damn terrified of water, driving through a flooded bridge *which even sounded scary to read* in a freaking Camry, I just didn't see how he could make himself do that. (hide spoiler)] Still, as I said, those are minor things and didn't keep me from enjoying the story.
And it must be mentioned, the chemistry between the two, and the sex scenes were blazing. This is something this author does particularly well. it isn't just the sex, it's the sizzle and UST and the palpable intimacy that he writes so astonishingly well. I don't just believe it, I feel it. *swoon*
I'll be reading any and everything that Cole writes, so I'm definitely looking forward to Just Like This!
Merged review:
It's a fact that I love everything I've read from Cole McCade/Xen Sanders so far. His characterizations and his writing are among the very best that I've read, and that applies here as well.
I really loved Summer and Fox. They are true opposites in every way, age, experience, outlook and personality. I enjoyed the way they played off each other and the development between them, both individually and as a couple, (view spoiler)[though the "couple" thing wasn't exactly established, it just sort of happened in their bubble (hide spoiler)]. I loved Summer, how despite his anxiety in a group, he was bright, warm and caring. The dichotomy of his shyness balanced against how damn bold he could be when it was important was charming and sometimes pretty damn funny. Fox was painful to read at first. The kind of black grief he had lived and isolated himself with for so damn long was devastating. He had encased himself in ice for years and simply existed that way, and the thaw Summer caused had him somewhat bewildered *and terrified* by all he began to feel.
The way CMcC writes this and shows how this progression plays out is brilliantly done. It brings out all the feels, while still using terrific humor, which I loved. However, I did have a couple of niggles that kept me from giving it the full five stars that I wanted to. Given how well Fox's grief and frozen emotions are portrayed, I had trouble believing he would have agreed to Summer's reward for bravery, though I was totally there for it, because hot. Fox was into it also *again, whoo hot* and it wasn't so much that he was, just that he was so quickly. (view spoiler)[And the drama at the end just didn't seem like something Fox would be able to do. I get that people under stress make bad decisions and act out of character. But he was so damn terrified of water, driving through a flooded bridge *which even sounded scary to read* in a freaking Camry, I just didn't see how he could make himself do that. (hide spoiler)] Still, as I said, those are minor things and didn't keep me from enjoying the story.
And it must be mentioned, the chemistry between the two, and the sex scenes were blazing. This is something this author does particularly well. it isn't just the sex, it's the sizzle and UST and the palpable intimacy that he writes so astonishingly well. I don't just believe it, I feel it. *swoon*
I'll be reading any and everything that Cole writes, so I'm definitely looking forward to Just Like This!...more
Another great story in this amazing, colorful world! Owen and Mal didn't click for me as a couple as well as I'd want, but I did like them. They were Another great story in this amazing, colorful world! Owen and Mal didn't click for me as a couple as well as I'd want, but I did like them. They were both sweet and sexy together, added in with a little kink that definitely bought the heat!
I'm genuinely looking forward to more from this series and another of my favorite authors!
Merged review:
Another great story in this amazing, colorful world! Owen and Mal didn't click for me as a couple as well as I'd want, but I did like them. They were both sweet and sexy together, added in with a little kink that definitely bought the heat!
I'm genuinely looking forward to more from this series and another of my favorite authors!...more
A great introduction to the world of witches, their familiars and hexmakers! I would have loved more from Dominic and Rook though. Maybe later, hhmmm?A great introduction to the world of witches, their familiars and hexmakers! I would have loved more from Dominic and Rook though. Maybe later, hhmmm?
Merged review:
A great introduction to the world of witches, their familiars and hexmakers! I would have loved more from Dominic and Rook though. Maybe later, hhmmm?...more
Though not my favorite Christmas story by KA, she still knows how to deliver all the feels. I enjoyed Jeremy and Max and the family Christmas on the fThough not my favorite Christmas story by KA, she still knows how to deliver all the feels. I enjoyed Jeremy and Max and the family Christmas on the farm, and loved the tie in to Santa Daddy. There was just a little angst in the form of denial and Jeremy's parents *who I wanted to smack really hard* but to balance that out, Max's family was aweome, I loved them all.
Overall, sweet holiday read by a favorite author.
Merged review:
Though not my favorite Christmas story by KA, she still knows how to deliver all the feels. I enjoyed Jeremy and Max and the family Christmas on the farm, and loved the tie in to Santa Daddy. There was just a little angst in the form of denial and Jeremy's parents *who I wanted to smack really hard* but to balance that out, Max's family was aweome, I loved them all.
Overall, sweet holiday read by a favorite author....more
Hot damn, can Josh Lanyon write...well, every-damn-thing, but she writes outstanding crime/suspense and Elliot and Tucker are among my very favorite cHot damn, can Josh Lanyon write...well, every-damn-thing, but she writes outstanding crime/suspense and Elliot and Tucker are among my very favorite characters! Best of the series so far, and all the reviews are saying the series is finished but I really hope not.
Great story with tense, terrific plot that held on all the way to the end. Elliot had a lot of time to think about just what was truly important here, and he really broke my heart (view spoiler)[while Tucker was missing (hide spoiler)]. One of Elliot's more annoying traits *to anyone dealing with him* is the way he just cannot leave something alone, even when he says he will, and even when he knows he should, but holy hell was I cheering that on this time. I missed Tucker being on page as much but he more than made up for quantity with quality, because if he wasn't making me swoon, he was making me sweat! *fans self* I love how he loves Elliot and I was genuinely happy with how each of them seemed to be so much easier expressing it.
And now there's Sheba, which makes everything better! So even if it is the end, I'm going to pretend it's not. :) Loved it!
Merged review:
Hot damn, can Josh Lanyon write...well, every-damn-thing, but she writes outstanding crime/suspense and Elliot and Tucker are among my very favorite characters! Best of the series so far, and all the reviews are saying the series is finished but I really hope not.
Great story with tense, terrific plot that held on all the way to the end. Elliot had a lot of time to think about just what was truly important here, and he really broke my heart (view spoiler)[while Tucker was missing (hide spoiler)]. One of Elliot's more annoying traits *to anyone dealing with him* is the way he just cannot leave something alone, even when he says he will, and even when he knows he should, but holy hell was I cheering that on this time. I missed Tucker being on page as much but he more than made up for quantity with quality, because if he wasn't making me swoon, he was making me sweat! *fans self* I love how he loves Elliot and I was genuinely happy with how each of them seemed to be so much easier expressing it.
And now there's Sheba, which makes everything better! So even if it is the end, I'm going to pretend it's not. :) Loved it!...more
Another gift from one of the elves most determined to spoil me rotten, the amazing Elf sleuthing a la Elmer Fudd! Thank you so much sweet elf. *hugs*
MAnother gift from one of the elves most determined to spoil me rotten, the amazing Elf sleuthing a la Elmer Fudd! Thank you so much sweet elf. *hugs*
Merged review:
Another gift from one of the elves most determined to spoil me rotten, the amazing Elf sleuthing a la Elmer Fudd! Thank you so much sweet elf. *hugs*...more
*scrrreeeeams* SPECTR 2 is finished!!! *Runs off to read Mocker of Ravens* *dustcloud*
*edit*
This is one review for all 5 novellas in the SPECTR Series*scrrreeeeams* SPECTR 2 is finished!!! *Runs off to read Mocker of Ravens* *dustcloud*
*edit*
This is one review for all 5 novellas in the SPECTR Series 2, posted on each novella in this series, because I am wiped out.
I waited 3 years for this second series of SPECTR stories to be finished and they were completely worth the wait. And here I am, already waiting for Series 3. *sigh*
A lot happens with John, Caleb and Gray, and some of it is damn hard to read. All of them are hurt in this series, and worse, they hurt each other. For a while, it seemed like they might actually lose against the bad guy, who seemed, unbelievably, to be much stronger than Gray. There were times when I thought Gray and Caleb were actually done, it was pretty freaking scary. But the thing that hurt most was John losing faith in Caleb and Gray, (view spoiler)[however temporarily it was (hide spoiler)].
The love and the bond between the three of them isn't something that's easily destroyed, though JLH made us suffer for it this time. I loved the additions to the series, namely Kurt & Zahira, though Barillo can GTFO as far as I'm concerned.*I'd be ok with Gray eating him* And I'm super excited about the direction SPECTR 3 seems to be going. I CANNOT WAIT!!! *sigh* *sits down to wait*
Merged review:
*scrrreeeeams* SPECTR 2 is finished!!! *Runs off to read Mocker of Ravens* *dustcloud*
*edit*
This is one review for all 5 novellas in the SPECTR Series 2, posted on each novella in this series, because I am wiped out.
I waited 3 years for this second series of SPECTR stories to be finished and they were completely worth the wait. And here I am, already waiting for Series 3. *sigh*
A lot happens with John, Caleb and Gray, and some of it is damn hard to read. All of them are hurt in this series, and worse, they hurt each other. For a while, it seemed like they might actually lose against the bad guy, who seemed, unbelievably, to be much stronger than Gray. There were times when I thought Gray and Caleb were actually done, it was pretty freaking scary. But the thing that hurt most was John losing faith in Caleb and Gray, (view spoiler)[however temporarily it was (hide spoiler)].
The love and the bond between the three of them isn't something that's easily destroyed, though JLH made us suffer for it this time. I loved the additions to the series, namely Kurt & Zahira, though Barillo can GTFO as far as I'm concerned.*I'd be ok with Gray eating him* And I'm super excited about the direction SPECTR 3 seems to be going. I CANNOT WAIT!!! *sigh* *sits down to wait*...more
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