Jenna
It killed me every time I had to put this one down. I was glued to every page. How will I survive until the next book? 😩
I'm pretty sure this was the first m/m I read years ago that wasn't part of an m/f series. It's been so long that I don't remember enough about it to rate it, though I know it was at least a 3 star for me. Perhaps someday I'll reread it for the nostalgia factor if nothing else.
Well written, but too Alice in Wonderland for me. I surprisingly enjoyed her other fae book, but this one had too much of what I don't like. I like how it ended though.
This book didn't work for me. There was too much telling rather than showing. I felt like someone was telling me about a book instead of experiencing it myself. I also didn't sense any chemistry between the MCs. Those who've read my review of Trouble & the Wallflower know my thoughts on the dilemma these two guys found themselves facing.
Now that was a great book. You definitely wouldn't want to read it before reading the Hell or High Water series first. This story had intriguing characters with a unique way of interacting (not necessarily so unique IRL, but I've not seen it done in a book), and the ending was just awesome. Looking forward to reading more about these two!
I really liked this sweet and fluffy BDSM except for one thing that I simply could not ignore! And that is Alex being referred to as Leo's “boy” eleventy billion times - ok 356 times to be exact - in a 289 page book. That is just excessive, and it felt creepy, especially when Alex kept yelling, “Fuck your boy!” during sex. Not only was it weird that he referred to himself in the 3rd person, but it was just...disturbing. I was trying to figure out why it bothered me so much, besides the sheer number of times the word was used, especially since I remember liking it when side character Devon called Nicky “boy” in [b:Power Play: Resistance 13484184 Power Play Resistance (Power Play, #1) Rachel Haimowitz https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1329195964s/13484184.jpg 19019159]. So tonight I also read [b:Master Class 12323810 Master Class (Master Class, #1) Rachel Haimowitz https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1312768976s/12323810.jpg 17302195] about how Devon and Nicky met, and I figured out the difference. It's all about the context. Devon used it when he was making demands or reprimanding during scenes, and he still often referred to Nicky by his name. Leo, however, used it with affection, and at all times, rarely calling him Alex. I guess the word “boy” used with an affectionate tone in my mind sounds like a creepy old man and just made me feel uncomfortable, especially when it was being drilled into my brain.Aside from the whole “boy” thing, it was a great book. Alex is a truly adorable character, and I loved his shy personality. Leo knew just what to do to draw him out of his shell, and it was lovely to see them gradually take their relationship to new levels. I thought this book was similar to [b:Duck! 8178400 Duck! (Avian Shifters, #1) Kim Dare https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1273661196s/8178400.jpg 13024937], except it is better written with more likable characters and has no bird shifters, which is a plus for me because I just can't find birds sexy at all. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wouldn't be put off by Leo calling Alex his boy every 5 seconds.
First half was great with some very hot and kinky scenes between Stiles and Rafe. However, once Derek came into the picture, the story went downhill, which is surprising because I typically love Sterek! I lost interest with the introduction of canon material, as I do not watch the show. It got a little better toward the end but felt like a chore to finish. With the uninteresting second half, I'm left feeling I can't give it more than 2.5 stars. I would only recommend the first few chapters if you're considering reading it, unless you watch the show.
2.5 stars
This story was ok, but a few things kept me from really enjoying it. The first was the scarcity of contractions in the dialogue. I probably wouldn't have been quite as annoyed if I hadn't come across this problem several times recently, and this time was the straw that broke the camel's back. It makes for very stilted conversations because no one talks like that unless they're a robot. Most of the times I deliberately don't use them is when I'm emphasizing something. For instance: I do not find corduroy pants sexy. This is what came to mind when I read that:
shudders
Just, no. I'm sure there are probably sexier versions out there, but I only know one guy who wears corduroys and they look like the above pic, so that's the image in my head. Instant turn-off. Also, why was Malachi wearing corduroys and flannel in Florida??
Another thing that bugged me was Seth's OTT begging. I get that some people actually do that, but I find those people annoying. They're like yippy little terrier puppies. If I had been Malachi, I would have stared, rolled my eyes, and told him if he kept it up I'd walk away.
Other than those things, the story was fine with a sweet ending. I just couldn't ignore the other stuff (mainly the contraction thing) enough to enjoy it.
2.5 stars
It was alright, but I struggled to stay interested. The writing wasn't bad, but it wasn't the sort that hooks me.
I thoroughly enjoyed this enemies to lovers slave fic. I loved the dynamic between Mathais and Reve, and the plot was interesting enough that I had trouble putting this one down. The gradual development of their feelings for one another, particularly on Reve's part, was well done. The writing was top notch, especially considering it's free. It's quite similar to Captive Prince in several ways, but is by no means the same book (CP has a more clever plot IMO). The HFN ending left me wanting more, but I was grudgingly happy with it since I would have found a fully resolved HEA too unrealistic and disappointing in its own way.
So to sum up, if you enjoy strong-willed slaves and the enemies to lovers trope, and can handle a HFN ending, this is a must read.
3.5 stars
There's nothing unique about this story, but it was surprisingly good. It had plenty of funny moments and one sex scene in particular had me panting.
This book is good if you're looking for a light and entertaining read.
Side note: I discovered that “hon” might be the only endearment that doesn't annoy me.
3.5 stars
The first half was brutal, and the second half seemed a bit slow. It's definitely in need of editing, but the story is pretty good.
Dharsha's progression from rebellious slave to completely and utterly broken animal, then to confident hunter is very well done. I'd like to have seen more development of his relationship with Caled though.
I was in the mood for something difficult to handle, and this worked nicely.
This book is all about making tough choices and surviving the consequences. It makes you question your own ideas of right vs. wrong and good vs. evil.
There are several points where the story doesn't flow, like when it switches from a memory to the present from one sentence to the next without any indication that the memory is over. It could definitely benefit from an editor, but it's a really great story despite the technical weaknesses of the writing.
Wish the writing were better, but I liked this one more than the first. Finally had some plot progression. Hopefully Riley will stop crying about everything now that he's coming into his own.
This series does have gorgeous covers.
The amazing thing about this serial is its ability to work its way so deep inside you that it consumes all your thoughts. I find myself thinking about these characters all hours of the day, wondering and worrying and theorizing about what is to come, and desperately hoping for everything to turn out ok. I don't want to say too much in reference to what happens because pretty much anything I say would be a spoiler. I will say that the prevailing thought in my head upon finishing this season was “Oh, fuck.”
My one gripe about this season was that there was way too much Dougie and not nearly enough Mat. The bastard Nikolai has turned Dougie into the thing I hate, a mindless simpering uber-submissive. I get so frustrated with Dougie's weakmindedness and selfishness, and frankly, I'm sick of reading about him. Every time his true self tried to come out, he shoved it back in favor of becoming what Nikolai wanted, knowing he is a monster. I got so angry that he was so focused on feeling sorry for himself in regards to what he thought Mat felt about him that he didn't even consider that Mat had no one, that he was forcing Mat to selflessly give up everything for his sake. He didn't even stop to wonder whether Nikolai had done something to force Mat not to interfere with the abusive client, as Dougie himself was forced to hurt Mat at the auction to keep them together. And now...ugh. I'm disgusted with what he allowed himself to become, although I know that it still may be for the best in the end because it will again keep them together. I just hope his true self isn't lost forever. And I hate Nikolai even more now, if that's possible.
Although it is difficult to read, I am so invested in these characters that I would not be able to stop even if I wanted to. A book that can accomplish that deserves no less than 5 stars in my opinion.
I'm intrigued. One thing that really bugged me, though, is how often the characters talk out loud to themselves, once when they weren't even alone.
Suffers a bit from the typical problem with short stories - not enough pages to really develop the characters and their relationship, so there are several instances of too much telling and not enough showing.
I am really glad, though, that Kyle's love didn't magically cure Dalton's drug addiction. Makes it much more believable and real.
Fade is best book I've ever read, hands down. No other book has emotionally affected me on such a deep level. Prior to this, I had been moved to tears by one other book (and even then it was just 1 or 2 tears), but this time I was sobbing, red-faced, and snotty. It takes true talent to make the reader care so deeply for the characters that they react as if those characters and their world are real. I have fallen in love with so many of the people in this series, including and especially Emilio, who I wasn't sure about when he first showed up. I can't wait to read more about him, and I am totally craving a Vega sandwich!
So to sum up, AMAZING - Best. Series. Ever.
Not sure what to think about this one yet, need to sleep on it
After sleeping on it:
I love a good mind fuck, but Miller was a little too creepy for me. I wanted to feel good or at least ok with how it ended, but couldn't because of Miller. Maybe the fact that I kept trying to like a sociopath despite who he was and what he was doing proves that my mind was well and truly fucked! I was left feeling unsettled because Miller never felt any remorse for torturing and raping Rho, and even in the end, Rho was not left with any real choice but to stay with Miller because he had been psychologically broken. Gotta hand it to Henry for writing such a thought provoking story!