Overall, this book was delightfully goofy and really kinda sweet. Chapter 2, the first from The Nøkk's perspective, gets five stars on it's own. He laOverall, this book was delightfully goofy and really kinda sweet. Chapter 2, the first from The Nøkk's perspective, gets five stars on it's own. He lands in the US from Norway, and navigating the airport and Monster Customs was really well done and almost gave me Beetlejuice-esque undead bureaucracy vibes.
There's a lot of talk about accepting yourself as you truly are, and some felt more affecting than others. I have had some difficulties finding monster romance books that I can get on with, as the humor tends to be way over the top, but I felt the level here was just right for me. Genuinely amusing without making me roll my eyes once.
Up until 40-50%, I thought the whole book might be five stars, but the second half didn't quite maintain the same level as the first, but I still had a fun time. (Specifically, the (view spoiler)[name reveal (hide spoiler)] was a bit of a letdown, and the non-epilogue 'bonus scene' was a bit bizarre.)
I hope that Brandon's friend Clay gets a book, but in either case, I could be easily persuaded to check out other books in this series.
I kindly received a review copy from GRR; all opinions are my own....more
3.5 stars, rounding up - I'm a young adult librarian, so I went into this knowing it is aimed at a younger audience, specifically as a hi-lo title for3.5 stars, rounding up - I'm a young adult librarian, so I went into this knowing it is aimed at a younger audience, specifically as a hi-lo title for readers who might be struggling to tackle more complex material and have tried to rate/review it as such. I think this is my third or fourth book from this particular line from Lorimer Publishing and while this one not my favorite, I do think it has some good points.
My favorite thing was the book group, X-Libris, and their journey to find a new space. Mr. Jenkins was an awesome role model (love non-teacher adults who have hidden depths). Jordan's dad was also a nuanced character who we can see trying to be a good dad, but also dealing with his own grief. (Speaking of dads, I feel like Nathan's backstory was given short shrift, but it didn't bother me too much.)
The main thing that I think may stop younger readers from immersing themselves in this book is Jordan himself. Not because of his quirks or panic attacks, but because I just didn't get a good sense of why he was so anti-technology. Kids use phones and computers and I think having a character who is so young and deliberately avoids tech needs to be given more on page explanation. It stood out more than it had to, and I wondered if maybe the book should have been set in an earlier decade.
To end on a positive note (because I truly did enjoy the book overall), I liked that there was a sprinkle of romance between Jordan and Nathan, but to me, the friend group was the shining star of this book....more
**spoiler alert** I will admit, I went into this book with a modicum of trepidation. Conservative/Tory politics and policies have gotten more and more**spoiler alert** I will admit, I went into this book with a modicum of trepidation. Conservative/Tory politics and policies have gotten more and more dystopian, so the mere idea of an across the aisle romance was hard to imagine, let alone accept. I read the first couple of chapters and then paused for a week, because I wasn't sure how much was going to be politics.
That being said, after I picked it back up, Calder does a decent job of making Harry seem like the best version of the Tory party, and a lot of his drive to become PM as head of the Conservatives is the weight of familial expectation. He's had to subsume his own feelings and desires in the pursuit of this legacy goal, which does make him more sympathetic, even from the outset.
But where this book shines is the attempted capture/kidnapping and their months long fight for survival in the Finnish wilderness. There, the political standoff is stripped away and they have to rely on one another utterly. (It's also kind of heartbreaking that the reason Harry is so adept at the skills needed to survive in the wild is because he was tortured alongside his classmates at boarding school.)
Toby is given a couple of chances to save Harry right back, and honestly, I felt very similar to Beyond the Sea by Keira Andrews, in that I was kind of disappointed when they got rescued, because their bubble is literally burst.
The story inevitably loses some steam at that point, but I did like the opportunity for both of them to examine their feelings away from one another. However, the eleventh hour drama with Harry's father and Toby's dead mom having had an affair was kind of unnecessary. The more I think about it, the less it makes narrative sense other than to provide a literal momentary gasp. The ending felt a bit rushed, but it was somewhat satisfying for Harry to rebuke the radical fascist wing of his party, step away from the Conservatives, and become Independent.
I had a better time than I initially expected, and was pleasantly surprised that the politics were boiled down a bit, but still felt the pall of the actual political landscape from time to time. I do think that books like this, that show the best version of our world and dream that compromise and diplomacy is possible when it so often feel out of reach in reality, can give us a bit of hope in darker times. ...more
On the one hand, this was a capital R Romance, but it was also too long for the conflict presented. I requested this because I love snowed in/forced pOn the one hand, this was a capital R Romance, but it was also too long for the conflict presented. I requested this because I love snowed in/forced proximity, and I was hoping this could be another fun one. I had a decent time, but we get so much (view spoiler)[intricately detailed physical intimacy and multiple sex scenes in the middle third that I almost felt claustrophobic about it.
I still don't know about making them both virgins, because they were also both instantly great at sex (and of course both decided to jump straight into no condoms with a virtual stranger SIGH). The instalove was also a bit too much for me, but it wasn't bad . . . just kind of ... par for the course.
I think this will work for many readers better than it did for me, but I was hoping for some emotional intimacy and getting to know each other in more ways than physically, but by the end, they just had a couple of inside jokes. It did make sense for Drew to bolt, and the reunion was pretty Romantic, too, but I wish I hadn't been as exhausted by the middle section. (hide spoiler)]...more
**spoiler alert** This book doesn't waste any time, after a brief prologue, we're thrown right into the set up: Edwin mistakes the person he was suppo**spoiler alert** This book doesn't waste any time, after a brief prologue, we're thrown right into the set up: Edwin mistakes the person he was supposed to meet for a blind date/connection through the campus Love Letters personal ads. He had a vague description and approached someone who might fit the profile, and they immediately hit it off and end up on an epically long date (or connected series of activities, depending who you ask.) Edwin never confirms with Leo that he is the date he was waiting for, but Leo is a very friendly and outgoing guy who's met lots of friends in strange circumstances.
When Edwin makes a move late that night at Leo's place, the truth comes out (not quite in the way you'd expect) and Edwin is mortified. They end up deciding to be friends, and when Edwin convinces his actual date to give him another chance, he asks Leo to double date with him.
Thus begins a pretty amusing, clumsy, stop-and-start sexual awakening for Leo. I see some other reviews unhappy with this part, but the book portrays this about at the level I would expect 19 and 20 year old dudes to behave, especially Leo, who is a virgin mainly because he finds physical intimacy to often be extremely embarrassing. Which, it definitely can be! And their first sexual encounters are, in my mind, adorably awkward. I have long wished for a bit of bumbling in these first time encounters, but it seems like we either get it completely played for laughs or we get virgins who are miraculously sex savants who intrinsically know what to do perfectly right out the gate. I thought this story handled this part with a great mix of humor and heart.
Yes, I was frustrated with Leo for ghosting, but I knew the character well enough at that point that I could understand why he did and believed his apology that he would do better by Edwin.
My actual main gripe is how abrupt the ending was; I really could have used another chapter or even a short epilogue with them after they patched things up.
I would read more in this series, because I think the author does do a great job of giving us realistic new adult characters who are still endearing. Not a perfect book, but one in which I found a lot to enjoy....more
Ruebins has become a really solid comfort author, which I don't know that I would have predicted a couple of years ago. I genuinely look forward to thRuebins has become a really solid comfort author, which I don't know that I would have predicted a couple of years ago. I genuinely look forward to the new releases, and am glad when I can get an advanced copy from Gay Romance Reviews.
With this one, I'll admit I did have to suspend my disbelief about the fact that if Chase can clock Adam the minute he walks into his house/on to set, that he wouldn't have been discovered and his account announced on the internet super quick. But, I digress.
I really enjoyed the opposites attract and balance each other situation in this one. Chase is the too rare extrovert who really understands an introvert and supports Adam in ways that allow him to spread his wings a bit and try new things. Yes, they have excellent physical chemistry, but it doesn't end there, and the emotional side of things is just as satisfying to read.
Chase's staunch refusal to commit is actually rooted in some reason, and it is worn away at realistically until he has to admit that he doesn't have to worry about Adam doing what others have done before.
There was also a narrative trick I was expecting that didn't happen and I was a little disappointed about, but it didn't really diminish my enjoyment of the story, just a 'aw, that would've been neat' hiccup. (view spoiler)[ (I thought Adam would find that breakup letter/card that Chase reads at the beginning of the book and either tell him that was shitty or write him a letter telling him how great he was that WASN'T a breakup note.) (hide spoiler)]
I don't know if we're getting more in this series or a new one is coming up, but I definitely plan to keep reading this author's new releases!...more
Somehow, I didn't think I was going to cry. I made it through 75% of the book without shedding any tears, but then it got me three times. A tiny teariSomehow, I didn't think I was going to cry. I made it through 75% of the book without shedding any tears, but then it got me three times. A tiny tearing up to start, a 'hang on let me blink at the ceiling for a minute so i don't actually shed a tear' moment, and then just 'no, i'm crying i can't pretend i'm not crying' right near the end.
This book is a lot of things, and also incredibly focused. The premise, two boys, later men, meeting every seventeen years around the cicadas is almost . . . audacious. What a weird, wild premise. What a niche thing to do.
I loved it, partly because I currently live where these stupid cicadas do and have experienced the week of havoc they wreak, and partly because I am not too much younger than these fellows, and get a lot of the references. And also because this is just a freaking top notch example of what novels and narrative structure and storytelling in general can do.
Much of this book is improbable, but it is not implausible. It hovers in that sweet spot of 'this probably wouldn't happen but oh man what if it actually DID tho?' To paraphrase one of my favorite movies (L.A. Story) - "[It] may not be the truth, but is what we wish were true."
I will admit, the third section (by far the longest) started off a little rocky for me. There is a LOT of very visceral COVID stuff. There had to be, given the time (early 2021), but Joel's situation makes it all the more serious. We go through the January 6th stuff and get a considerable amount of political talk. I can understand if you don't want that in your romance, but I also think it is 1000% worth reading through that to get to one of the most satisfying and hopeful endings I've read since (oh shit, I guess it's since yesterday when I finished The Prospects by KT Hoffman, but listen . . . ) Ever Read. Folks . . . it's a banger. It does what I want more books to do . . . it goes big. It's is a Big Book about two guys who just might be soulmates who have to wait 34 years to get their chance. Aaaaannnnd, I'm tearing up again.
Books like this don't come along very often. I'm genuinely a bit upset that this book likely won't get the audience it deserves, but I will also recommend it to lots of people, so it will get at least a tiny fraction of the audience it deserves.
If any of this sounds intriguing, even if you don't like books to get political, and you don't want to dwell on this whole Panny-D we just experienced and are still reeling from . . . please try it. Skim a few bits, but make it to the end with these two. I really really think it's worth it.
The closest book I can think to compare it to is One Giant Leap by Kay Simone. It's not a perfect comp, but it has the same sort of Big Feels and Can Do Attitude (mostly courtesy of Danny/Dan/Daniel lol) and Casual Philosophizing (this is more Joel's department), which are all very my brand. Despite the (understandable, it's hard for indie authors!) clip art cover, I'm probably going have to buy this in paperback like tomorrow.
Copious thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC, but I'm glad I waited until it was on KU to start reading and now can keep my 55 highlights (and that was me holding back) to check on GR. ...more
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was looking forward to this book. While I still enjoyed a lot about this book, the things that buggI really enjoyed the first book in this series and was looking forward to this book. While I still enjoyed a lot about this book, the things that bugged me about the first book persisted and I didn't get the arc I was hoping for . . . which felt a bit frustrating and as if there were some missed opportunities in this story.
The multiple rapid-fire POV changes between our two characters' perspectives was still present. I don't mind a dual POV at all, but I do prefer to have the changes happen less frequently and have them swap at the chapter breaks.
I did quite like the house party aspect and Nate's cover story is played for some nice laughs. I had fun with Alex and Nate sneaking around and getting to know each other, and their late night flights/swims.
I agree with other reviewers who say the book feels too long, and I think that is because not enough is done with the set up and back stories for our two protagonists, not that the page count is too lengthy. This was a lot of set up with not quite enough pay off in the end. I would still be interested to read more in this world, but I would be wary to choose to read another as an advanced copy. Still, this is an intriguing world to inhabit, and the banter IS bantering. ...more
Once again, goodreads helpfully betrays me by posting a draft.
I love this series. It is so healing and therapeutic, but that does mean that we get somOnce again, goodreads helpfully betrays me by posting a draft.
I love this series. It is so healing and therapeutic, but that does mean that we get some difficult things on page, to make that feel authentic and true to the characters.
This one was anticipated, because we've seen Cross be this self-recriminating side character, but in this book, we see just how much he feels responsible for the actions of his old murderous coven. Professional help is required to help him try to heal, and that's where we meet Alex, who is hired to help Cross reengage with his dynamic and curtail the dangerous side effects of ignoring that part of himself.
Lines are blurred, and they have to figure out how to proceed. I liked that this book had some aspects that were addressed in other stories, but fleshed out/shown in a different light. (I felt some echoes of Rough Heat and (view spoiler)[the idea of sex work/intimate occupation burnout - it's still respected and important, but probably not sustainable for most people long term. (hide spoiler)] )
These books really do feel restorative. I don't know if the author has any more planned in this series, but I'd love to read more in this biokink universe.
I kindly received an advanced copy from Gay Romance Reviews....more
2.5 stars, rounding up. This book is perfectly fine, but I found it to be a tad overlong for what it is, and also pretty predictable.
The most intrigui2.5 stars, rounding up. This book is perfectly fine, but I found it to be a tad overlong for what it is, and also pretty predictable.
The most intriguing aspect of this book, for me, is Micah pulling up sticks and leaving his ex-boyfriend and family after years of trying to please them by suppressing himself. The abrupt abandonment of his old life could have been rich ground for some personal revelations. We do get some, but they didn't quite live up to the grand gesture that begins the book. I actually found myself taking a long break around the halfway mark before deciding to continue reading.
I did enjoy the found family aspect, but the family is a bit sprawling and the relentless banter got to me at times. I'm not sure whether I'll continue in this series, but it has a nice set up of interconnected characters to keep it going for a while.
I definitely wouldn't consider myself a kink connoisseur, but must have read more books with it than I thought, because this was a very by the numbers story for me. I could see what the final conflict was going to be from around the 30% mark (maybe earlier). However, I do think this book has merit and could be a wonderful introduction to this type of relationship/sexual dynamic for the right readers.
Looking forward to reading more in this author's Hot Under the Collar series, which has really worked for me. ...more
4.25 stars - After the last book being a bit of a hiccup in this series (still enjoyable, just had some personal issues with a few aspects), this one 4.25 stars - After the last book being a bit of a hiccup in this series (still enjoyable, just had some personal issues with a few aspects), this one was just . . . FUN. I didn't have many complicated feelings about it, although there are some serious themes in here, too.
I do love a 'we got married and THEN fell in love' story, and I also don't think we get healthy depictions of the general theme of "I really like this person but never acted on it because I wasn't in a place to do so and/or wasn't sure my feelings would be well received" Okay, that was a mouthful and also not sure if I nailed the vibe, either.
Basically, people are complicated and too often in romances, interest is ratcheted up to obsession and/or practically stalking when sometimes it's just, admiration and longing. So, basically, I enjoyed seeing Teddy's tendre for Kipp be allowed to grow into something more.
We do get Daddy lite, which is about the level I prefer, and I think it was executed well here.
I continue to be impressed with Sanders' casual way of weaving in the Elite 8 gang/family in a seamless way. I wish more authors had as light a touch in this regard.
Anyhow, I read this weeks ago, but largely re-read it on KU, so my review is a tad late, but would definitely recommend. Thanks to GRR for the review copy!...more
4.25 stars - I've read a number of books from this author, and in my mind, they continually get a little more thoughtful with each book. This is very 4.25 stars - I've read a number of books from this author, and in my mind, they continually get a little more thoughtful with each book. This is very much in keeping with the author's backlist of cozy fluffy romances, but I was pleasantly surprised about how the 'straight' MC thought about himself and his sexuality. Basically, Sawyer has never allowed himself to think about being anything other than 'normal' - he is the odd man out in his family and gets a lot of judgment from his mother in particular, so it makes sense that he would try to conform in other ways or not try to explore options that would make him more of a pariah (in his opinion.)
Harlan is Sawyer's steadfast champion, and they've been best friends for a long time (I admit the timeline was a little fuzzy for me, but I just rolled with it . . .); the relationship is solid and wonderfully depicted.
It possibly lingered the merest bit too long near the end, but since there was some freshness to the trope, I didn't mind. The (view spoiler)[ love confession under the influence of pain meds that was followed up by an almost identical confession the next day (hide spoiler)] was very cute. I highlighted quite a bit, which is my yardstick for something a cut above. Plenty of books slide right through my brain, perfectly fine but nothing stands out, but if lines snag on my attention and make me think "Yeah, that's a great way to say that" I'm happy.
I kindly received an advanced copy from Gay Romance Reviews....more
Not a draft posting without me knowing . . . oh goodreads whyyyy
This book has a lot of good and great moments, which carried me through. I teared up nNot a draft posting without me knowing . . . oh goodreads whyyyy
This book has a lot of good and great moments, which carried me through. I teared up near the end, because Malachai really is pretty well put through the wringer.
I have a soft spot for widower stories, and having the added weight of Sam's guilt about how his husband died, thinking he could have prevented the accident, made this especially poignant.
I think my biggest issue was the varying tone and pacing. The countdown to the festival (and wedding for Book 1's couple) was ostensibly a clever way to frame the story. It worked in some aspects, but I think it also made it so that we had to fill more of days with some sort of action, and a lot of it ended up involving townspeople who bear a grudge towards Malachai and cause him (maybe too much) grief. We kind of flit from witty banter to some really serious internal angst from Malachai, which felt like too much of a contrast.
That being said, the character work in the main cast was well done; these are not cardboard cutouts by any means, and being in a series, I got just enough information about the previous couple to follow along without having read book one. (They are getting married in this book and are present in the narrative, but do not overwhelm this couple's story.)
Any book that can wring tears from me is doing something pretty well, so I must salute it for causing me emotions. I do like the author's style and most of the choices worked for me, just possibly needed a bit of smoothing out of the plot's edges. Definitely intrigued by Christian's brother Colin and his best friend, who might be the next book?
Thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for providing a review copy....more
This is a high school new adult, which is not something I typically seek out. But I really enjoyed A Tent for Two by this author earlier this year, anThis is a high school new adult, which is not something I typically seek out. But I really enjoyed A Tent for Two by this author earlier this year, and thought I would try another book when this popped up on Gay Romance Reviews. Despite being #4 in a series, this truly reads as a standalone, with MCs from the previous books getting the merest passing mention.
This is a really sweet and fairly slow blossoming of a first relationship under . . . unusual circumstances. Yes, you have to suspend disbelief that they wouldn't have figured it out before they did, but people can be oblivious, particularly when not they're trying to see something.
I thought the two MCs had very distinct personalities and character voices, and we got the appropriate amount of teenage angst and doubt from both of them. They are refreshingly open with each other under cover of darkness, and their letters are also really sweet. It was also nice to see a character about to graduate and not shooting for college or stressing about it, in comparison to the other MC. That led to very plausible self-consciousness on Aaron's part later on.
I guess that's what I liked best about this book; once you get past the initial hurdle of buying them meeting up anonymously for so long, the rest is so charmingly real. They are fumbling around with each other, and the physical scenes are mostly amateur hour handjobs until near the end, and the first 'real' time starts off pretty awkwardly, which I appreciated. Of course, they quickly get the hang of things, but neither was a sexual prodigy.
Like I said, I don't often seek out many of these young new adult books, but there can be something magical about first loves and first times, and this book captured a little of that for me....more
4.5 stars - This was a really fun read! Less intense than I was perhaps expecting, but still hit a lot of different emotional beats.
We get a set up o4.5 stars - This was a really fun read! Less intense than I was perhaps expecting, but still hit a lot of different emotional beats.
We get a set up of how Tazãr and Inuel meet, and then we flash forward to when they've been apart/broken up for a couple of years. I can see the argument for giving us more of their initial relationship, but I also really enjoyed how in the sanctuǎrium Taz got to meditate on their past.
Is there such a thing as a locked room romance? This is probably the closest you'd get, and there is a lot of piecing together of clues from the past, as well. The fact that neither MC has access to their magic, nor the ability to lie, means that they have to either avoid or confront each other honestly (well, if they don't want to writhe in internal agony, that is).
Spoilery thoughts: (view spoiler)[To my mind, this is a slow-motion grovel by way of showing, not telling. Inuel is truthful and keeps showing Tazãr he's changed in lots of little ways, until Taz can't really deny or ignore it. And even the "what are the odds?" of them both ending up at the same sanctuǎrium is answered bc of course Taz's boss would manipulate the situation when the chance arose. (hide spoiler)] Overall, this is a really clever piece of writing that respects the reader's time. I've enjoyed everything I've tried from this author so far, I really need to get into the backlist!
I kindly received an advanced copy from Gay Romance Reviews....more
I loved The Anonymous Hookup when I read it a couple of years ago. While I didn't think I was missing too much by having it solely in Lane's POV, I waI loved The Anonymous Hookup when I read it a couple of years ago. While I didn't think I was missing too much by having it solely in Lane's POV, I was intrigued to see this alternate version pop up on Gay Romance Reviews.
I debated revisiting the first book before diving in, but decided to just read this one without re-reading, and I would recommend that. I think if I'd re-read the first book, this one would have been way too repetitious. There are certain moments that it was sweet to read from Sam's POV, but I would have loved to have gotten some more different scenes, or a different starting point. The thing I thought we might get was Sam scheming with Lane's students to pull of their surprise, but instead we get a very lovely ten years on epilogue. I did appreciate that, and how it tied in aspects of both MCs pasts was really well done, but I think I would have liked a bit more freshness to the story overall.
Calder is an adept author and one I plan to keep reading. While I had a fine time with this revision of an earlier work, I can't say that I'd be thrilled if we got more of these instead of wholly new work. 3.5 stars, rounded up affectionately.
(I did appreciate the nod to Tim and Jamie's story, as well, lol)
I kindly received an advanced copy from Gay Romance Reviews (as alluded above)....more
So there are a few things that made me pause/slightly worried before starting this book. Chief amongst them:
Four POVs.
Four FIRST PERSON POVs.
However, So there are a few things that made me pause/slightly worried before starting this book. Chief amongst them:
Four POVs.
Four FIRST PERSON POVs.
However, I am willing to admit my fears were mostly unfounded. The book did take several chapters to find its feet/rhythm, but once it did (around 15% just after I was like, I don't know if I like this Armand guy), I got really invested and the rest of the book flew by. (And the four POVs work really well, with distinct voices for each character. I suspect that is helped by the fact that is a writing duo, not just one author.)
This isn't a traditional romance, it's more like four characters weaving themselves together as their stories continue to intertwine until we get . . . an elaborate friendship bracelet? Huh, not the worst analogy for this book.
The other, tinier, hurdle is that we know from the blurb that Armand and Lucas don't meet for most of the book, despite sharing an apartment. I read (and enjoyed) The Flatshare, but I was a bit skeptical. The book mostly pulls it off, largely by giving itself up to the absurdity of the world, and it's almost like these are anti-coincidences that balance out how weirdly connected they are in lots of other ways.
The Robin/Skylar relationship/storyline is a bit messier (but the whole book is proudly messy, really), but they're both so young that I can forgive Robin for being a nervous wreck (he IS being stalked by a creepy high school bully, after all) and I also think that Skylar's desperate bid to keep a connection to Robin won't be taken advantage of . . . but even if there are hurt feelings and confusion later, well . . . that's life.
I think this is a book I'll return to and get more out of on a second reading, but I want to sit with the first read through for a while first. I highlighted a bunch, and was delighted to find multiple Red Dwarf references (though the show title is never actually mentioned.) Shout out to 90's nerds!
I do recommend this book, but ALSO recommend readers recalibrate their expectations. This isn't a straight up romance, though it does CONTAIN romance.
Many thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the advanced copy....more
Shawna (endemictoearth)
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