The second the three of us are wrapped around each other, it’s relief and happiness. It’s sunshine after a rainstorm.
3⭐️ I wanted to punch
The second the three of us are wrapped around each other, it’s relief and happiness. It’s sunshine after a rainstorm.
3⭐️ I wanted to punch someone for the first 200 pages of this book. Like… BRADY TALON DESERVES A MEDAL FOR DEALING WITH THESE MEN.The guy is a gd Saint. S A I N T. Seriously. I loved Prescott and Kit, sure. The banter was on point, so was the heat.
BUT- and this is a *big* but- THE MISCOMMUNICATION KILLED ME. Full disclosure, this- my inability to get past this v specific thing- is nothing new. I didn’t know I was coming into this trope though to be fair, so I had prepared zero percent. And I had no chill. No. Chill.
The whole “I can’t tell him I love him because it will ruin our friendship so I’m gonna move away / remove myself from his proximity instead & ruin things *anyways*” is a HARD PASS FOR ME. UNBEARABLE.
Eden’s writing is great - entertaining, full of snark, wit, a large chaotic family / found fam vibe that grabs you - and it had me laughing my ass off with all the overbearing family moments, sass, & more. If anyone else had written this book it’d have been a DNF for me for sure. But because it was so entertaining and despite wanting to smash the MMCs heads together I genuinely loved them, I was able to stay lost in the (frustrating) illusion and make it to the HEA....more
MMC Professor Decker made some really stupid choices. He was annoying.
The climatic conflict came out of *nowhere* and at theOkay REAL quick thoughts:
MMC Professor Decker made some really stupid choices. He was annoying.
The climatic conflict came out of *nowhere* and at the wrong time IMO (late, past the point of resolution).
I loved the FMC.
That said, I still enjoyed this book. The characters despite their lack of clarity in regards to prioritization and the big picture, we’re still easy to root for & their supporting characters banter kicked it up a notch.
✅ Babysitter / Single Dad ✅ Grumpy Sunshine ✅ Teacher / Student ✅ Age Gap ✅ Forced Proximity
"You shot Leo and threw him away. He's my son now," Silas said, and Leo's entire world shifted.
Yeah. Silas is hott as ever. Full throttle
"You shot Leo and threw him away. He's my son now," Silas said, and Leo's entire world shifted.
Yeah. Silas is hott as ever. Full throttle daddy. Will always be a 10/10.
Unfortunately, I can't say the same about the book in general. Somewhere along the line, Deepest Cut missed the mark for me. Before I get to that though, let's start out on a positive note with a random list of things I liked / cackled out loud at while reading: - Ballsacs on family crests - Athena just being herself and still obsessed with Kon - Silas.. cuz, obvs. Daddy is king. - Iz is soooo much the glue. - Altun could rule the world tbh - Julian is the perf partner for a woman with the power to rule the world but doesn't - Kon being hot and everyone knowing it - Gianna unexpectedly being a sneaky evil (smart) genius - Rodrigo and Dario. Surprisingly v enjoyable.
Now, back to the real talk - the missed mark for me, and yeah it really pains me to say that. Even more so since I can't exactly pin point where the missed mark was for me. I guess it wasn't what I'd expected. Maybe it was bc Leo #Deo had so much heat as side characters that I expected more... passion(?) drama(?) conflict (?) for / from them. Maybe it was the low conflict... the way something that was a huge baddie in previous books was resolved in a way that wasn't cataclysmic? Not that I think the squad doesn't deserve a break....Or maybe I built them up too much in my mind. One thing I can say with out a doubt, is the ending in particular hit me like an unexpected b!tchslap... probably bc that's exactly what it (metaphorically) was!
But, yeah. If I had to try and pinpoint the exact cause of the disconnect, if I had to put it all on one thing, it would be how short it was. Now hear me out!
Leo in the beginning, he was set on protecting the Edgeworth's. So much so that he's ready to leave them behind over risking their involvement with his family. He's terrified something will happen to him, and he's terrified of his mother. Dante notices he seems to 'cower', lose confidence in her presence. He's also dealing with an onslaught of panic / anxiety attacks, spiraling while surrounded by his triggers (his mom).
Leo's chest grew tight, and his breathing went shallow. The panic attack that Dante had stopped that morning was returning with a vengeance. Just breathe and breathe and breathe, Leo told himself. As long as he kept breathing, it would pass like it always did.
Clearly Leo is well versed in his attacks. Dante calms him, and he knows when one is coming. Dante recognizes them as well, so yea. They're not new. And these types of things don't just fix. I was prepared for a lot of hyperventilation at inopportune times. Decisions made to avoid the risks to ppl he loved, no matter how dumb they were... and ya you get the idea. That's what I *expected*.
Dante meanwhile, struggled with (the idea of) being left behind. His v obvious abandonment issues are showing, & he thinks back to his childhood, being left with his aunt, etc.
He was going to walk away without a word. Just like everyone else does. Dante punched the tiles in the shower in sheer frustration and powerlessness. He wasn't the little orphan boy anymore who could be thrown away like trash. He wouldn't let Leo walk away from him… from all of them.
Like, that's some serious stuff! Emotional turmoil. Insecurities. He's vulnerable. Relatable AF and made me wanna snuggle the merc and ply him with comfort foods. And again, another thing, life long, that wouldn't just fix...
Except I guess it did. For both of them - fix I mean. I guess they just somehow got over this internal trauma thing, I mean he must have because he just stops getting hung up on it. No. Development. And Just like Dante, Leo seems to be miraculously free of this vulnerability at some point as well.
How? How did they grow? Was Dante no longer fearing abandonment simply because he decided he'd never allow Leo to leave? Even though later on Leo is the unhealthily possessive one which is v hot (& a character trait, along with other things his bros day, that were intriguing but not built upon). And how was Leo no longer "spiraling" or losing himself to anxiety triggered by the V CLOSE proximity of his mother and her expectations? Maybe it was due to feeling more confident with his people at his back. Having Dante, specifically. That would make sense, after being proven.
But none of that matters because we simply do not know. Because the development just wasn't there. It just all of a sudden... was. Both had the normal self doubt in the beginning - until they simply didn't. Then, Deo was a thing. They loved each other. It was straight forward and to the point. No more vulnerabilities. The only relatable human thing from there was a moment of jealousy on Dante's part, but that didn't happen on page, only mentioned in passing.
And on top of their budding romance, there was also the issue of a magical villain, Athena and Altun's trauma, trying to solve a Colleoni mystery, and a few new discoveries along the way. THAT'S A LOT OF STUFF FOR ONE BOOK - one that's just over 2oo pages at that! Not much development can be had never mind the climax of a long feared villain/puppet master/momster mob boss.
I've enjoyed all Alessa's other books, and this isn't so much a comment on writing so much as it is personal preference, and I just need to make sure that's said first. Now, moving on.
To be clear, I'm not saying I didn't enjoy it. Of course I did. You'd have to be a person of completely no taste nor sense of humor to not soak up any Edgeworth interaction you can get, and enjoy it no matter how measly. So, yeah. Duh. I enjoyed this book for the one very specific fact that I knew and loved this fvcked up found family before I even opened it. They were there bringing the banter and the side public displays of love and funny horny jokes. Without having read the previous books in the series, this would have gone a lot differently.
Overall, Deepest Cut reads like a novella. It was easy, low/no angst, lots of two love birds being obsessed with each other, a side dish of mercenary shenanigans and snarky found fam banter. Recommend for any who do enjoy the lighter side of romantic suspense. That's just not me, but I know there will be many who love this all the same. And I won't talk about the ending because that's the only time I really felt like something was stolen from me vs my very objective review based on personal preference that won't apply to everyone. Straight up it was robbery. End of.
Regardless, #deo still deserve the whole world, despite the ending which made me want to snap my kindle in half.
Oh, and Iz is a queen.
I leave you with this tender moment - on that I swoon for without fail every time it happens in any book I’ve ever read - the secret pinky lock of solidarity. LOVE IT.
Under the table, Dante's pinkie finger reached over and hooked around Leo's.
This book wasn't terrible - it was just lacking in small ways that added up to me being unable to connect with the characters - but it was en2.5 stars
This book wasn't terrible - it was just lacking in small ways that added up to me being unable to connect with the characters - but it was enough that I didn't attempt the rest of the series bundle. Which is a shame because I really LOVE Omegaverse reads. Maybe I'll try others another time, I know reviews of the bundle had ratings that varied.
I would recommend this to anyone looking to dip their toes into the OV genre though. It was easy enough, uncomplicated plot, low angst, etc....more
Dios mio, he’s no angel. He’s the devil incarnate, and I’ve never wanted to sin so badly in my life.
⭐️3.5 for Hearts and Halos!!!
TROPES!!
Dios mio, he’s no angel. He’s the devil incarnate, and I’ve never wanted to sin so badly in my life.
⭐️3.5 for Hearts and Halos!!!
TROPES!! ✔️ Monster / Human romance ✔️ Crisis of Faith ✔️ Hurt / Comfort ✔️ Telepathic Mates ✔️ Found Family ✔️ Forced Proximity ✔️ Prince Albert & more ...more
Alexei was a fucking goner. And it wasn’t just the revelation of sex with Jay that had him spiraling. It was the mind-blowing realization that
Alexei was a fucking goner. And it wasn’t just the revelation of sex with Jay that had him spiraling. It was the mind-blowing realization that Jay was so much more than he had seemed (and what he’d seemed to be had already been captivating enough). Jay may have looked like a literal doll, but he wasn’t delicate; he was strong—vastly stronger than Alexei. Jay may have looked more than a decade younger than Alexei, but he had multiple centuries of life experience. And Jay may have been good and kind and the type of person who made everyone around him smile, but he also had a quite literal thirst for blood. The contradictions only made him that much more alluring.
⭐️4 codependent cuddly cozy stars
Q: What do you get when you put together Johann - a touch/love/ LIFE starved 200+ year old vamp with a love for snuggly things and cozy nudity; and Alexei - crime family escapee who has never been allowed to show emotion let alone love openly because #mobsterlife ?
A: The perfect couple!!!! Johann is the purest soul to ever live. He thinks EVERYTHING IS NICE. He’s innocent in a way that comes from years of isolation and restriction, able to find joys in the simplest and most pure things like fuzzy pants, someone smiling at him, and snow on the ground.
But, after years in the toxic den that he and Soren escaped, Johann needs reassurance. He needs to feel like he’s wanted. Part of a family. He also held onto the habit of serving others, not demanding anything for himself getting satisfaction from other people’s happiness.
Enter Alexei. Alexei not only gives Jay the praise and constant affection / companionship he never thought he’d find, but LOVES to do so. Jay can’t believe he found someone who doesn’t get annoyed with his constant awe or questions during movies or unusual wardrobe.
Jay finally has someone he’s not afraid to voice his wants to, and so he does. And it’s amazing. Hilarious. Endearing. So wholesome.
“You want to, um, show me sex stuff?” Alexei let out a long, slow breath. “Yes. I would very much like to show you sex stuff, if you like.” Jay’s eyes flashed, and his hands moved up to clutch at the collar of Alexei’s shirt. “And let me bite you?” “Yes.” “And teach me how to make syrniki?” Alexei blinked. He’d forgotten he’d said that, honestly. But he would take literally any excuse to get closer to this creature, even if it was in the kitchen. “Yes.” “It’s like Christmas,” Jay whispered, toying with Alexei’s collar.
Danny and Soren are his closest friends and have his back through drama - and that means so do Gabe and Roman by association.
It honestly never gets old seeing Roman through other characters eyes. Especially how he melts from ice cold intimidation to puppy eyes when it comes to Danny.
The crew was awesome as always, I missed Luc and Jamie but like maybe we’ll get there some day.
Jesus Fvck. THIS BOOK was a freaking ride. A rollercoaster of twists+turns&TWIZZLERS, full of angsty dislike, jock scowls, hormones, and unrelenting rJesus Fvck. THIS BOOK was a freaking ride. A rollercoaster of twists+turns&TWIZZLERS, full of angsty dislike, jock scowls, hormones, and unrelenting rage at the start- then the ride picked up so much it jumped off the track completely plunging straight into an ocean of swoony love-boating.
Yes that’s the best I can do as far as analogies go rn. I’m still reeling. And swooning. I lived 100 lifetimes reading Aviel & Kyran’s story.
So… all that tracks. On par with Nyla.
Tropes you can expect in FTF: ✔️ Hate to reluctant sex to lovers ✔️ Forced Proximity ✔️ Step Bros ...more
"Show me the shadows that keep you up at night. Kiss me with your darkness."
3.75⭐️ ---> And, first of all - if someone said that^^ to me I
"Show me the shadows that keep you up at night. Kiss me with your darkness."
3.75⭐️ ---> And, first of all - if someone said that^^ to me I'd be dropping down on one knee proposing before they could blink. Second of all - SOMEBODY SEDATE ME I CAN’T STOP CRYING.
Bc....HOly hell. Imagine the worst traumatic event / loss a person can suffer through, then like… double that. The fact these characters grew into something leading to an HEA and not cynical balls of projectile rage was astounding and somehow believable.
These two used the edges cut into themselves from trauma and pain and fit themselves together in ways that may be considered unhealthy coping but like as far as I'm concerned there is NO healthy or normal when it comes to stuff like this. There just IS.
She undressed me and made love to her past. I slid into her and made love to my ghosts. It wasn’t right, yet somehow it made sense. Her soul was scarred, and mine was burned. But when we were together, the hurting hurt a little less.
There ya go. One small tidbit of the romantically inclined... coping - that brings Elizabeth and Tristan together.
I will say, that there was times I skimmed or had to go back a reread. The plot did jump a lot from one wild circumstantial thing to another in addition to the dual-tragedy it starts out with. Probs didn’t NEED some of those events to build the story, and then there’s a plot twist which I didn’t see coming…. I can’t tell if I appreciate that for its mystery or if it only surprised me because it was SO out of left field…. BUT with all that said, the fact is I was able to look past those things and fall into this story. Tristan and Elizabeth were enjoyable, Elizabeth’s BFFL Faye was honestly TOP TIER bffl material.
And all the above is the recipe Cherry used to slaughter my soul and then rebuild it from the pile of salty tears and rubble. The end.
Drying my tears and I’ll be back for the real review deal.
I loved everything about him, from his snow-white scales to his pink eyes, to the way he’d cried over that fish the first night. I loved his a
I loved everything about him, from his snow-white scales to his pink eyes, to the way he’d cried over that fish the first night. I loved his anxiety, and the secret smiles when he found a new song to be obsessed with. I’d loved watching him make friends with Axel, and the way he’d saved me so many times.
What I loved in one sentence: two beings from different literal worlds-one unable to fit in to regular life in his world, the other outcast by his kind because of physical traits-are brought together and see nothing but beauty in the other. THAT TYPE OF SWOONY "NO ONE ELSE SEES YOU, YOU DON'T SEE YOU, BUT I DO AND I LOVE YOU" IS MY LIFE BLOOD.
3.75 stars rounded up, because, duh.
Scales and Song is on KU! #2 in a series of standalones. I did not read book one and felt totally fine/didn't feel confused at any point... though being introduced to the Krampus, Ollie, and his mate Chris Kringle (literally. hilarious.) left me intrigued. The whole friend/monster squad overall was awesome.
MMC's Phoenix: Human. Male he/him Bud: Verrid. Intersex species. He/they
SUMMARY Phoenix is back in the US after an adventure (not at all the good kind) while on a mission. He's in the military, a special forces division that is so far under wraps 'not even most gov officials know about it'. Essentially - they confine monsters they find and experiment on them. CLASSIC military weaponization MO. He is assigned as facility guard, a grunt job, because they don't so much trust him anymore. This is where he finds Bud - AKA subject One-Thirteen. Bud is confined in a glass cell like all the other monsters. According to their file, they are responsive to sound - positive and negative. They can become peaceful, or aggressive - though their overall countenance is a peaceful one. These two connect, and Phoenix can't let it go. Bud clearly doesn't deserve to be locked up and experimented on - in fact NONE of the monsters do. Not in our world anyways. He gets Bud out. They run away together. Bud is a cinnabun roll of adorable reptilian sweetness and Phoenix is a recovering combat veteran in need of someone loving and for the first time he is loving openly.
Repeating myself because I really mean it - Bud is freaking adorable.
One thing I had a problem with.. THE COVER. It's not a terrible cover, that's not that I mean. What I MEAN is the fact our Verrid, Bud, aka the lizard guy, is humanoid in description (of his face aside from his nose) has pretty but unusual white scales, and overall NOTHING LIKE THE COVER. This is a very personal problem and has nothing to do with the story and had no bearing on my rating... just an overall annoyance because I love that fantasy/monster character art!...more
I mean… there’s really no going wrong with a Beauty and the Beast retelling. I got exactly what I came here for. Every cliched and unpredictable momenI mean… there’s really no going wrong with a Beauty and the Beast retelling. I got exactly what I came here for. Every cliched and unpredictable moment.
Solid, easy, ⭐️ 3.75
Highlight reel - Perfect cleanser, easy read, low angst, shifters, a curse, a modern world setting. A beloved grandfather who marched to the beat of his own artistic drum.
Professional killers had a purpose. They didn’t act on impulse. They planned, and they had a set of rules. The rules might be theirs, but they fol Professional killers had a purpose. They didn’t act on impulse. They planned, and they had a set of rules. The rules might be theirs, but they followed them. Bullies had no purpose and they had no rules. People like Lenny were infected with a type of emotional rabies, fueled by fear. It left them reacting in unpredictable ways.
Seriously. FVCK Lenny. 24 hours later and I’m still tearing up… but at least I’m not hiccuping and heaving through endless sobs anymore. Well, for now anyway- but the day still isn’t over yet.
Now, the book(s). The writing was well done and despite personal issues with the series I love the characters. Rudy’s POV specifically was unexpected & my personal favorite moments of these books. He of all the others, really reached into my soul and latched on.
I sobbed & felt pain, but there was also a ton of swooning & tenderness alongside that as Jon & Ellis’s love/relationship built, the devotion of Ellis to Rudy, & the bond between Rudy & Jon. Rudy’s openness & positivity was a welcome change from the dark negative undercurrent of the plot. He brightened things whether it was his POV where we got the image of Ellis & Jon from his perspective, or the seeing him from the perspective of the other two. For example:
”I’m gay.” Jon made a strangled sound and sprayed a mouthful of coffee all over the table. Ellis grabbed a few napkins from the holder in the center of the table. When he had the puddle covered, he turned back to Rudy. “What are you talking about?” “I’m gay. Gay means happy. And you and Jon are happy and that makes me happy too, so that makes me gay too.” Ellis said the only thing he could think of. “Go to bed.” “I’m going to my room now.” “Great. Hurry up and go.” “I’ll be being gay in my room.”
This conversation, Rudy’s words, are included in other points as well, and in one particularly amazing moment used to stand up to an ignorant person that he ends up leaving utterly speechless and repentant despite their being three times his cognitive age. Ellis often wished Rudy would get mad especially during times where he was feeling guilty after losing his patience or something - a feeling most (all) caretakers can relate to - but he doesn’t which makes his words that much more meaningful. A true innocent & unbiased opinion that has the power to stop any argument (unless the person is truly fucking evil. But ya)
For three people who knew more than their fair share of loss, you’d expect they would only need to find their way to happiness through their own demons, but external forces were truly horrific & the true antagonist force here. Enough so that you scratch your head wondering what in the actual f is happening.
I’d recommend this series only to those who are read to be torn apart & feel totally helpless as they read.
Below is something I’ve included - exactly the same word for word - in my reviews for all 3 books in My Brothers Keeper, because I need to. Because… ya
Honestly, darkness is my jam, but it wasn’t until now that I’ve realized it was darkness in a characters traits, accepted, that I tend to chase. This is not that. This isn’t just dark it’s about WORST possible levels of ‘bad’ humanity can reach.
My Brothers Keeper is straight up tragic, horrific, with themes that slowly begin to unfurl as something along a paranormal theme as you go - which I had NO IDEA was coming. DO NOT go into this series lightly. It’s full of unjust treatment, tragedy, ableism, every single form of bigotry you can think of - which tracks with the underlying theme of a battle against *pure fvcking evil* I cannot say specifically what it was took issue with - a v specific standard and general (personal) rule as far as plots of any story - because it is a spoiler. That said, the CW & themes should not be taking lightly. I recommend any person going into these books read them, think about it in detail, maybe for an entire day, before diving in....more
”Want a piece of gum?” Can’t wait until a totally unsuspecting person asks me that question in the future and I just instantly burst into tears. Ex”Want a piece of gum?” Can’t wait until a totally unsuspecting person asks me that question in the future and I just instantly burst into tears. Excellent. Totally fine.
3.75⭐️ for Rudy, Jon, & Ellis bc they deserve the world & I almost snapped my kindle on half so many times reading, it was frightening.
Everything below is included word for word in each of my reviews for the 3 books of My Brothers Keeper, because …. Ya. This is serious sh!t, bruh.
Honestly, darkness is my jam, but it wasn’t until now that I’ve realized it was darkness in a characters traits, accepted, that I tend to chase. This is not that. This isn’t just dark it’s about WORST possible levels of ‘bad’ humanity can reach.
My Brothers Keeper is straight up tragic, horrific, with themes that slowly begin to unfurl as something along a paranormal theme as you go - which I had NO IDEA was coming. DO NOT go into this series lightly. It’s full of unjust treatment, tragedy, ableism, every single form of bigotry you can think of - which tracks with the underlying theme of a battle against *pure fvcking evil* I cannot say specifically what it was took issue with - a v specific standard and general (personal) rule as far as plots of any story - because it is a spoiler. That said, the CW & themes should not be taking lightly. I recommend any person going into these books read them, think about it in detail, maybe for an entire day, before diving in....more
I feel it’s important to continue acting normal during the day, at all costs. I can’t begin to say how much I’d love it if I didn’t have to ac
I feel it’s important to continue acting normal during the day, at all costs. I can’t begin to say how much I’d love it if I didn’t have to act normal. If I just was normal.
4.25 ⭐️ Oh my heart. I connected with David right off the bat. Was soooo very invested in his journey to feeling comfortable in his own skin throughout this entire book.
Unbreak Me is 1st POV, but it's through the MMC's journal that we read his story - a unique medium that I might have skipped thinking it may be hard to follow / connect with had it been a different author - but I couldn't have been more wrong! Jesse H. Reign you have done it again! Emotionally charged, layered, and hot all in one.
PLOT SUMMARY David is an adult man having a hard go of it - it being life in general. He's depressed. We don't know why and nothing is said outright, but his feelings and conversations with his parents etc. are all recorded in his journal, which starts as he is ending his journey from his home in England, to a South African farm, Mooi Kranz, where Jonathan, whom he does not know, will somehow be good for him. Jonathan 'helps people like' or so he overheard his parents saying one night. David has no clue what any of this means, but as he's generally feeling pretty apathetic, he rolls with the metaphorical punches.
Arriving at the farm and meeting Jonathan is an adventure.... because Johnny boy is a whole damn snack. A whole meal. Beautiful apparently beyond words.
It’s strange to think that Jonathan was ever anything other than a man. He’s such a man now. All man. Every inch of him is manly. Testosterone from head to foot. A big man. A sweet man.
I’m not sure I’ve adequately described just how good-looking Jonathan is. Honestly, it’s really quite something.
The boys spend more time together... David starts to notice more about Jonathan. Andddd cue the angst!
I hope to God he doesn’t notice the way I’m looking at him.
And then cue the denial and confusion because how could David possibly be feeling this way about the person responsible for his stay in such am unfavorable place (farm) doing such unfavorable work (farm work).
I’ve come to suspect that I’ve developed a very, very mild case of Stockholm Syndrome. I really can’t think of any other explanation. I’m trying not to do this. Not to be like this. I’m doing my best, but I can’t seem to stop gathering information on Jonathan. I can’t stop making minute observations about him. There’s no getting around it. I seem to have developed a fixation on him.
Except, Jonathan isn't responsible for anything negative at all. If anything Johnny is the light in otherwise has been a very dark and trying time in David's life. He is all sunshine and happiness - he has the kind of energy that makes people happy, want to be around him. Brightens things and that doesn't only apply to people, David observes, but even the animals. And what's more, Jonathan doesn't make seem annoyed by David's incessant questioning. Which happens often - he's got lots of questions, and he is insecure about it. Johnny takes all the questions happily, and this helps Davey on his road to self discovery.
“D-do all animals like you? I mean, I-I mean, is it just domestic animals, or, or is it wild animals too?” I wished I could stop. I wished with all my heart that someone or something could make me stop talking. “I don’t know, Pommie. I can’t say I’ve ever asked any of the Big Five how they feel about me.” “What do you…? I mean, why do they love you?” He stopped in his tracks and turned slightly, looking back at me over his shoulder. His eyes creased deeply. “You tell me, Davey,” he said, shrugging broadly, teasing, not trying to stop the smile that was taking over his face. “What’s not to love?”
Oh also, Jonathan calls David, Davey, because of course he does. Because he's just a giant cinnabun hottie farming lad who flirts hard. SO HARD. In v obvious ways. Because he wants Davey to know he's flirting, but Davey is insecure in himself and it takes him a bit. But they get there guys. THEY. GET. THERE. AND IT'S EVERYTHING.
AND THE WORDS. JONATHAN'S WORDS TO DAVEY. I AM CRYING REREADING THIS
“There’s nothing wrong with you.” “I know,” I said quickly. “You’re not wrong.” “I know.” “You’re not bad.” “I know. I do know that.” I did know it. I knew it in words. Of course I knew it. It’s not like I have any negative feelings towards anyone else who is gay. I don’t think there’s a thing wrong with it for them. I just didn’t know it for me. I knew it in words, but I didn’t know it in feelings. He got up off his chair and crouched at my feet, looking up at me. “You’re not something that’s bad.” “I…” I started but faltered. An unbearable avalanche of dread and shame and sadness rose in me. I blinked fast and took a quick, shallow breath. “You are not something that’s an insult.”
Like. Holy hell. This moment. And it's only 35% into the book you guys. The emotion only gets heavier.
David goes home, he and his sister grow closer and that's part of his healing journey. She becomes hi best friend. He also reconnects with his childhood bestfriend with whom he had a falling out with years prior - another step to self acceptance. This book is a journey of self discovery (repetitive I know) in every sense of the word. It's beyond a romance. It's beautiful and real and raw.
The final 1/4 of the book was a ride that had my heart SLAMMING. I feel like I've given more than enough insight and any more will take the mystery away, so I'll end here. Wanna know more?! READ UNBREAK ME. READ IT NOW.
“I knew it was big, this thing with you, Davey."
As always, check CW as this book does include heavy topics (self harm, depression, and more)...more
“They call it falling in love for a reason, don’t they? Because that’s what you do. You fall and if the object of your love isn’t there to cat
“They call it falling in love for a reason, don’t they? Because that’s what you do. You fall and if the object of your love isn’t there to catch you, you shatter into a million pieces. Or you burn to ash.”
4 SOLID stars!!! Ambri and Cole, demon and human - my bread and butter. I LOVE a demon in love. 10/10 times, demons and their 'screw the rest of the world' persona and devotion when they do find something to love is unmatched. Period. And Ambri is no different.
MMC's, Summary, + Review
Ambri was hanging onto the hurt and pain inflicted upon him in life just like Cole was suffering in the moment, despite the fact the former hadn't actually been alive in over 200 years. Holding onto that bitterness, that reminder so he never forgot the *truth* about humanity, was his fuel. It kept him going in his life as a demon, rationalized his actions - essentially a coping skill unhealthy as it is, that many of us can relate to.
Cole is an artist, and BFFL of book 1's FMC, Lucy Dennings. His relationship with her is how Ambri knew of him and his... emotional vulnerabilities in the first place. Cole graduated years before from the art academy, and despite his v real and superior talent, hasn't had any luck. He's still working in a bar, living in a run down apartment barely making ends meet. Depression and hopelessness is beginning to swallow him hole, and he refuses to bother anyone with it.
And that's where Ambri comes in. Cole dreams of the beautiful man (Ambri) he saw in the park one day, and the dream is lucid as hell so that he's able to remember the demon and human form of the guy when he wakes up. Despite feeling a bit crazy feeling like his dream demon is real, Cole can't stop thinking about it. He sketches everything. The dream beings hands, wings, whole body, face - it's very clear to him that he's been been lucky enough to find his muse - dream or not. So when Ambri reveals himself at a moment of near tragic consequences, Cole agrees to a deal with the demon, in exchange for painting his portrait.
One of my favorite details about this story was Scott's use of literal demons as symbols the personal demons we face. Cole can't get over his spinning negative thoughts, telling him he can't do anything, he won't succeed, etc. and so he cannot escape his depressed state, unable to find a sliver of silver lining. And that's because there are literal demon twins whispering in his ear. There are also demons of corruption, appearing with substances, encouraging risky/self destructive behavior like partying night after night, and overall not caring about his art.
Reading the Authors Word after the last page, Scott explained her process in coming up with this story, and my soul hurt. My heart goes out to her - the strength it must have took to put this out there. Her personal feelings are evident, not explicitly in the writing, but through how the writing makes you feel - it touched a part of my heart I hadn't been expecting. I know I'm being vague but I don't want to digress too far not do i want to say anything that spoils the whole story. So, you'll just have to read to find out!
The Muse is the 2nd book in this series of standalones. I started book one (Lucy's book) after, and didn't feel lost at all while reading as if I'd missed important points by going out of order. Everything is explained, and very much independent from the 1st plot. That said, if you do want to read both I would start with book one as you will get spoiled for that one if not.
In conclusion - this was my first Emma Scott book, but it will absolutely NOT be my last!
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