Thank you so much to Merry Mischief Maker for gifting this to me during the 2021 Secret Santa Exchange! === Pretty much everybody I know who read this tThank you so much to Merry Mischief Maker for gifting this to me during the 2021 Secret Santa Exchange! === Pretty much everybody I know who read this thought it was fine, but not as good as they were hoping, and sure enough, that was my experience as well. There were some interesting things here--despite not being a horse person myself I enjoyed Fenn's obvious love of them, the magic and political intrigue had potential, older MCs was a nice touch, I liked that Fenn was allowed to be both gruff/dominant and also soft/vulnerable--but ultimately I just didn't feel like any of it quite landed. The world-building here was a little lacking, not in a way that made me feel particularly lost/confused, but more like it felt that the author hadn't really built a fully-developed world and the gaps were a little frustrating. The ~big climatic event~ particularly coming right on the heels of another reveal/acceptance felt a little forced, and I'm still not entirely sure about how they managed to push off this inevitable war--there was a kind of fuzziness to a lot of the plot/world-building for me. Which was particularly noticeable because the romance was just sort of okay for me. The smut/sexual dynamics here did absolutely nothing for me and felt a little forced/at odds with the rest of the book. I love reading kink, but it felt really forced here, like the author really wanted to write kink and decided she'd do it in this book regardless of if it meshed well. It just didn't land and it ended up sort of tainting the romance for me, because after they started sleeping together I just didn't totally feel their relationship anymore. Basically, this was a fine read, if a little underwhelming.
Merged review:
Thank you so much to Merry Mischief Maker for gifting this to me during the 2021 Secret Santa Exchange! === Pretty much everybody I know who read this thought it was fine, but not as good as they were hoping, and sure enough, that was my experience as well. There were some interesting things here--despite not being a horse person myself I enjoyed Fenn's obvious love of them, the magic and political intrigue had potential, older MCs was a nice touch, I liked that Fenn was allowed to be both gruff/dominant and also soft/vulnerable--but ultimately I just didn't feel like any of it quite landed. The world-building here was a little lacking, not in a way that made me feel particularly lost/confused, but more like it felt that the author hadn't really built a fully-developed world and the gaps were a little frustrating. The ~big climatic event~ particularly coming right on the heels of another reveal/acceptance felt a little forced, and I'm still not entirely sure about how they managed to push off this inevitable war--there was a kind of fuzziness to a lot of the plot/world-building for me. Which was particularly noticeable because the romance was just sort of okay for me. The smut/sexual dynamics here did absolutely nothing for me and felt a little forced/at odds with the rest of the book. I love reading kink, but it felt really forced here, like the author really wanted to write kink and decided she'd do it in this book regardless of if it meshed well. It just didn't land and it ended up sort of tainting the romance for me, because after they started sleeping together I just didn't totally feel their relationship anymore. Basically, this was a fine read, if a little underwhelming....more
Rating this a two stars despite not finishing, because it wasn't as awful as most of the books I have to stop reading. I just wasn't pulledDNF at ~20%
Rating this a two stars despite not finishing, because it wasn't as awful as most of the books I have to stop reading. I just wasn't pulled in and reading it felt like a bit of chore. Which was probably partially influenced by my mood, because I think normally I would have kept reading.
Merged review:
DNF at ~20%
Rating this a two stars despite not finishing, because it wasn't as awful as most of the books I have to stop reading. I just wasn't pulled in and reading it felt like a bit of chore. Which was probably partially influenced by my mood, because I think normally I would have kept reading....more
Enjoyable update to the series and I found the plot overall quite engaging, but despite the fact that this was told entirely from "Dante's" POV, I nevEnjoyable update to the series and I found the plot overall quite engaging, but despite the fact that this was told entirely from "Dante's" POV, I never really connected to him or really liked him much at all. The romance part was entirely a miss for me, and I was frankly more interested in the background potential pairings that I'm hoping she'll focus on in a spin-off.
Merged review:
Enjoyable update to the series and I found the plot overall quite engaging, but despite the fact that this was told entirely from "Dante's" POV, I never really connected to him or really liked him much at all. The romance part was entirely a miss for me, and I was frankly more interested in the background potential pairings that I'm hoping she'll focus on in a spin-off....more
Not sure why, but I just couldn't with this one. The concept was so much more up my alley than the first, but the writing here seemed waaaaay DNF ~10%
Not sure why, but I just couldn't with this one. The concept was so much more up my alley than the first, but the writing here seemed waaaaay worse. The dialogue was awkward and stilted and made me think the author had never been around anybody from Texas... They were already beginning their first sex scene when I stopped reading and it was utterly boring and unsexy.
Merged review:
DNF ~10%
Not sure why, but I just couldn't with this one. The concept was so much more up my alley than the first, but the writing here seemed waaaaay worse. The dialogue was awkward and stilted and made me think the author had never been around anybody from Texas... They were already beginning their first sex scene when I stopped reading and it was utterly boring and unsexy....more
I really wanted to love this one, and there was definitely some interesting stuff here, but ultimately it didn't quite work for me. Th2.5 rounded down
I really wanted to love this one, and there was definitely some interesting stuff here, but ultimately it didn't quite work for me. The world-building here was interesting, if a little unclear, and I enjoyed the characters a lot, but I just sort of felt confused/like I wasn't quite on the same page as the author. This happens sometimes in books and I always have a hard time articulating exactly what the issue is, but it's almost like the author has such a clear picture of the characters and their backstory and motivations and past interactions etc that they forget we're not in their head and can't actually glean all of that information from the sparse and jumpy dialogue. Actually, I'm *just* now realizing that I had a very similar issue with one of this author's earlier books, but it's been nearly a decade since that one was written, the genre is quite different, and I've read/enjoyed so many of their books since that I only just now made that connection, so clearly this (for me) something to keep an eye on with this author. Again, it's such a shame, because there were definitely some cool concepts here and I did enjoy the characters and their dynamic, but the plot and the way things developed between them was really confusing and hard to follow because I just didn't feel like the author was really completing their thoughts/giving us enough information to really follow the threads.
Merged review:
2.5 rounded down
I really wanted to love this one, and there was definitely some interesting stuff here, but ultimately it didn't quite work for me. The world-building here was interesting, if a little unclear, and I enjoyed the characters a lot, but I just sort of felt confused/like I wasn't quite on the same page as the author. This happens sometimes in books and I always have a hard time articulating exactly what the issue is, but it's almost like the author has such a clear picture of the characters and their backstory and motivations and past interactions etc that they forget we're not in their head and can't actually glean all of that information from the sparse and jumpy dialogue. Actually, I'm *just* now realizing that I had a very similar issue with one of this author's earlier books, but it's been nearly a decade since that one was written, the genre is quite different, and I've read/enjoyed so many of their books since that I only just now made that connection, so clearly this (for me) something to keep an eye on with this author. Again, it's such a shame, because there were definitely some cool concepts here and I did enjoy the characters and their dynamic, but the plot and the way things developed between them was really confusing and hard to follow because I just didn't feel like the author was really completing their thoughts/giving us enough information to really follow the threads....more
Thanks to my 2020 Secret Santa for the gift! === Trying to actually read through some of my backlog this year, and so far, so good!
I thought this was a Thanks to my 2020 Secret Santa for the gift! === Trying to actually read through some of my backlog this year, and so far, so good!
I thought this was a solid read overall, but I didn't absolutely love it. The characters were interesting and compelling, but second chance romance is one of my least favorite tropes, and it was particularly toxic/difficult to get behind here. The main characters parted really acrimoniously in a way that makes it difficult to really feel like they could fully get past it, particularly as we don't actually see them do much of the needed work in this book. They don't even really fully hash out what happened until past the 3/4 mark in the book, and then there is a one page very skimmed-over summary of how they "lanced the painful wounds" but I just really needed more to feel like I could really buy them together long term. Though that also might be my own issues--there was extremely hurtful and arguable infidelity (they were non-monogamous, but that doesn't mean you just get to fuck whoever, whenever, and I'd say that whatever they'd agreed upon, Angel absolutely violated it) with a reason that was understandable, but I don't think you can just justify that level of pain caused because you were also hurt and couldn't put on your big boy pants and figure out how to handle things like an adult. The author *does* get into some stuff in a satisfying way, it just wasn't as much as I wanted.
Beyond that, the ~mystery~ was so painfully obvious to me that it detracted from my enjoyment. I'm talking like... second chapter I know whodunit, which is really early on. I don't normally mind when I figure things out before the characters, but this was SO early, that even though it made sense that the characters didn't figure it out, it made the plot feel like it dragged because I was just like, COME ON!!
I know this author tends to gravitate towards more fucked-up dynamics, which sometimes works for me, but here, while I did enjoy the book overall, it didn't quite nail it.
Merged review:
Thanks to my 2020 Secret Santa for the gift! === Trying to actually read through some of my backlog this year, and so far, so good!
I thought this was a solid read overall, but I didn't absolutely love it. The characters were interesting and compelling, but second chance romance is one of my least favorite tropes, and it was particularly toxic/difficult to get behind here. The main characters parted really acrimoniously in a way that makes it difficult to really feel like they could fully get past it, particularly as we don't actually see them do much of the needed work in this book. They don't even really fully hash out what happened until past the 3/4 mark in the book, and then there is a one page very skimmed-over summary of how they "lanced the painful wounds" but I just really needed more to feel like I could really buy them together long term. Though that also might be my own issues--there was extremely hurtful and arguable infidelity (they were non-monogamous, but that doesn't mean you just get to fuck whoever, whenever, and I'd say that whatever they'd agreed upon, Angel absolutely violated it) with a reason that was understandable, but I don't think you can just justify that level of pain caused because you were also hurt and couldn't put on your big boy pants and figure out how to handle things like an adult. The author *does* get into some stuff in a satisfying way, it just wasn't as much as I wanted.
Beyond that, the ~mystery~ was so painfully obvious to me that it detracted from my enjoyment. I'm talking like... second chapter I know whodunit, which is really early on. I don't normally mind when I figure things out before the characters, but this was SO early, that even though it made sense that the characters didn't figure it out, it made the plot feel like it dragged because I was just like, COME ON!!
I know this author tends to gravitate towards more fucked-up dynamics, which sometimes works for me, but here, while I did enjoy the book overall, it didn't quite nail it....more
Standard Marina Vivancos; promising concept, meh execution. This one was shorter and definitely felt pretty rushed, particularly the l2.5 rounded down
Standard Marina Vivancos; promising concept, meh execution. This one was shorter and definitely felt pretty rushed, particularly the last half or so. I enjoyed it enough for what it was, but I went in expecting what I got....more
I tend to enjoy this author and her lighter takes on mm fantasy, but this didn't do it for me. I didn't think the characters had much chemistry, nor dI tend to enjoy this author and her lighter takes on mm fantasy, but this didn't do it for me. I didn't think the characters had much chemistry, nor did the build between them really feel natural. Folly's traumatic history wasn't really explored in any kind of depth, and Yarrow went from a playboy to committed in the blink of an eye. Meh and phoned-in....more
I was looking forward to Cross's book, but the whole thing lacked depth. Which isn't exactly new for this author, but there wA little disappointing :/
I was looking forward to Cross's book, but the whole thing lacked depth. Which isn't exactly new for this author, but there was so much exposition and the whole thing felt really shallow, even though I generally liked the characters. The concept was great, but the execution didn't deliver. Even the smut, which was kinkier than the previous books, felt kind of *yawn*...more
I enjoyed this one, but I do wish it had a tighter edit. The dynamic here was right up my alley, and I really liked both of the characte3.5 rounded up
I enjoyed this one, but I do wish it had a tighter edit. The dynamic here was right up my alley, and I really liked both of the characters and their chemistry, though the kink aspects felt really shoehorned in. Like, what is the point of mentioning that they've played with Daddy kink if you're not actually going to write it? I also thought it was kind of weird that once they introduced switching, every anal scene after that involved flip-fucking, as if it needed to be perfectly equal, which is sort of odd enough on its own even without the fact that it didn't actually fit the dynamic and preferences established in the first 2/3 of the book. Minor quibble, but because this book was heavier on the smut that the average MM, it also played a bigger role in my enjoyment, and I felt the inconsistencies were distracting. There is also a LOT of cameos from previous couples, which does make sense given the setup of this series, but got a little bit exhausting. I did like this one, but not quite as much as I wished I did given there is a lot here that worked for me. Honestly probably should be rounding down, but ehh, I had fun even with the annoyances....more
Honestly a little underwhelming. Not bad, but I think too short and surface-level to really satisfy. Literally no backstory for either character is giHonestly a little underwhelming. Not bad, but I think too short and surface-level to really satisfy. Literally no backstory for either character is given, which is particularly noticeable given both of them clearly have very relevant and unusual backstories to be given. There just wasn't enough depth here to give the smut the character it needed to truly sizzle....more
In what has felt like a sea of mediocrity in the genre over the past few years (most heartbreakingly even from authors whom I really lov4.5 rounded up
In what has felt like a sea of mediocrity in the genre over the past few years (most heartbreakingly even from authors whom I really loved and enjoyed), KJ Charles is a beacon of light and hope! This was just as delightful and charming as one would expect, fully of engaging characters, lovely emotion, and a plot that toes the line of zany in the best way. The kink stuff did feel a little out of left field, even for being relatively tame--it didn't bother me and I could see what the author was going for, but it didn't really feel like it totally fit with the vibe. But truly this was a joy, and a welcome reminder that it's not just *me* who has gotten more critical of books lately, because clearly I'm still very much capable of reading and loving a book in the genre....more
I saw in somebody's review of Riley Hart's new book On the Mountain, that this one by Nicky James was a similar vibe but more thoughtfully executed, sI saw in somebody's review of Riley Hart's new book On the Mountain, that this one by Nicky James was a similar vibe but more thoughtfully executed, so I figured I'd give it a go! And I do think this one had a bit more teeth and depth. Huxley's paranoid personality disorder (PPD) was really interesting to read about, and though it did feel a little too neatly tied up at the end, I did appreciate that it was hard work. I enjoyed Aspen a lot, and while I did sometimes find his reactions to Huxley to be a bit frustrating--understandable that he would lose patience, but he often felt a little contradictory and just to really underestimate how hard things were for Huxley and his own ability to help him deal with those problems--on the whole I thought the build was solid between them. I do wonder if I'd have enjoyed it as much if I hadn't just come off of a similar read that I thought did these similar themes in a much weaker way (making this one look all the better for it) but I enjoyed it regardless....more
I enjoyed this one on the whole. Interesting concept, and though the writing was predictably average, and there was a lack of real depth to the contenI enjoyed this one on the whole. Interesting concept, and though the writing was predictably average, and there was a lack of real depth to the content, I went in kind of expecting that from this author, and I like it for what it was....more
What it says on the tin, LOL. I enjoyed the writing and dynamic, but it definitely felt rushed and I wished this had been a full-length novel to reallWhat it says on the tin, LOL. I enjoyed the writing and dynamic, but it definitely felt rushed and I wished this had been a full-length novel to really flesh out the build between them....more
I think I may be cursed... or, more likely, every writer is phoning it in right now to take advantage of holiday buying... ANYWAY
This series iDNF ~38%
I think I may be cursed... or, more likely, every writer is phoning it in right now to take advantage of holiday buying... ANYWAY
This series is problematic and unrealistic, which I am fully aware of, but this book was just so fucking lazy, it didn't even try to put any effort in. The stereotyping and racism here were super uncomfortable to read and entirely unnecessary--there was no reason this had to take place in the Middle East, and her lack of any care or research was offensive. I feel like the author was trying to make Zain seem... idk, not that bad because he maybe feels guilty about BUYING a human, but not actually that guilty?? Aiden's reactions at every turn felt so unbelievable and moved in such a quick and bizarre direction that I couldn't even enjoy the smut because I could not make any sort of emotional leap for myself in buying these interactions. If the author is going to ask me to suspend my belief SO much in this series, I need her to meet me halfway.
Merged review:
DNF ~38%
I think I may be cursed... or, more likely, every writer is phoning it in right now to take advantage of holiday buying... ANYWAY
This series is problematic and unrealistic, which I am fully aware of, but this book was just so fucking lazy, it didn't even try to put any effort in. The stereotyping and racism here were super uncomfortable to read and entirely unnecessary--there was no reason this had to take place in the Middle East, and her lack of any care or research was offensive. I feel like the author was trying to make Zain seem... idk, not that bad because he maybe feels guilty about BUYING a human, but not actually that guilty?? Aiden's reactions at every turn felt so unbelievable and moved in such a quick and bizarre direction that I couldn't even enjoy the smut because I could not make any sort of emotional leap for myself in buying these interactions. If the author is going to ask me to suspend my belief SO much in this series, I need her to meet me halfway....more
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