nigmatillium

Major spoiler ahead!!!

This is such a shot book and I even considered dropping it, but I kept reading because, well, it's so short. So, here I am, reading about the first encounter between these two people, only to get to the freaking twist!!!

While reading I thought any feelings between Kyle and Beau would be forced in such a short story, but then I really get into it and nothing felt forced. Their attraction was obvious and their lovemaking (is that the right word?) was believable.

And, of course, Beau was the ex Kyle was talking about!

Definitely took me by surprise and enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

It's been a while since I started a book and couldn't wait to keep reading. I also haven't read Garrett Leigh in a while, and this book hit all the right spots. For one, I was delighted that both Luis and Polo were pan. I can't recall reading a book where both MLs were pan, so this was awesome!

Still, the possibility that Polo had once been in his life and he'd been too distracted by slinging to notice burned. How engrossed did a man need to be to not notice him?

I enjoyed this story so much, both Luis and Polo were great, I loved them together. I also felt for Luis's situation and I'm so glad Paolo made him a more... rational man, lol. (He for sure would have gotten caught by the police again if it weren't for Paolo.)

I so wanted to read this, but I apparently cannot do slow burn.

Exactly two paragraphs into this book I knew I was going to love it.

Ethan laughed genuinely, and Clay almost wanted to call him pretty when he smiled like that. Strange to think of a bloke that way.

I enjoyed Ethan and Clay getting to know each other so much. Their little talks, the natural way they gravitated towards each other, Ethan's patience, and Clay's attentiveness made me like them both so much. They make such a great pair!

So yes, thoroughly enjoyed this, it is fun and sometimes hurting, but there's a lot of right too. And it is all worth it!

I will say, though, that I want to know what happened to Tony. He wasn't even a character, only someone Ethan knew as a kid, but his story made me sad. I would like to think he was well, although the alternative is very plausible too. I would so like to find out he's well.

The 1st person narration in this book put me off completely. I already knew I prefer 3rd person, but I do enjoy the occasional 1st person story. The only reason I didn't drop this book is because it was so short. Even so, it took me too long to read it.

The story itself was neat, though. The murder-mystery part was not bad, and I had some fun with my own "investigation".

The relationship part was okay, I guess. I might have liked something more than Tim being scared and overthinking Jack's behaviour. And maybe I would have liked Jack using his words sooner because, when they finally cleared things up (in the last few pages), it was a lot all at once. Made me wonder when the fuck did they get to that point.

Anyway, I may skip the next 1st person book I come across.

And what was that accident about after all? Got zero context.

For the most of this book, I got melodramatic anime vibes.

J: You could just say that I don't want to go home.

S: Like that would convince him. In the worst case, I'd end up accused of kidnapping you.

J: Then how about you say it's kindnapping? [...]

S: Are you sane?

J: I'm not going home, okay, and I need money. I'm ready to do anything.

S: I think I see. Might I recommend you a cold shower?

The first chapter gave a very good introduction of the main character, and I could not say, for one second, that I liked Sakuma. I actually experimented an odd thing towards him, not linking, but acknowledging him, and understanding his POV. Going back to the anime bit, while reading this, some scenes reminded me of Death Note (not what was described as much as the vibes, you know?), and, similarly to Light Yagami, it seems to me like Sakuma had a serious god complex. It was obvious he thought highly of himself, superior to everyone else, and he played the game with all he had.

Because Sakuma was this kind of character, I didn't think much of Juri at first, she felt more like a means for Sakuma to advance his own plot, but reading further, I started suspecting Juri of playing her own little game.

Now, when it comes to Sakuma's "rival", Katsutoshi, the guy felt odd from the start. He played his part beautifully, but there still was something that didn't fully make sense to me, and, of course, by the end of the book I had discovered he was also playing a game.

For the story itself, I actually found it to be well crafted. I enjoyed seeing how Sakuma was playing this game he made up. It felt both very well thought through and silly. The fact that Sakuma lost at a game he himself made up is almost hysterical. But, to be frank, I did not even care much about the end of the game, I was mostly in disbelief about the ridiculousness of it.

That being said, I did like the book, it kept me interested, just the logistics of it was entertaining enough. But, once I read it, I was left with the question "What the fuck was the point of all this?" Like, seriously, what was the point of it all? Yes, I get each character's motivation, I get what they got out of it, but at the same time, the book did not bring me any sense of fullfilment once I was done with it. Was that by design? Is it just not my cup of tea? Because, regardless, I find it somewhat brilliant.

I got this book, along with a few others, from a Gallavich vibes book recs reddit post.

This was a nice enough book, I liked both the main characters and their families (well, with a few obvious exceptions), but the length of the book was so deceiving. I kept expecting stuff to happen, only to find out that there were a few short stories featuring the characters at the end. I skimmed through the short stories because even though I enjoyed the book, I did not enjoy it that much.

About the Gallavich vibes if anyone is interested, yeah, there are some elements, but it is not as intense.

The only reason I read this book was to see the differences between the novel and the drama. The only reason I finished reading it was sheer stubbornness.

One thing I have to remember on future books is this: if the author themselves says that the novel is not good and you’re better off watching the drama, I must listen to them. I don’t remember ever reading a book that made me feel so awful. I knew from the start that every single character is not a good guy, but oof, they were terrible.

Which is why it’s surprising that the first thing that stood out to me in the novel is that Yue Yue was not as heartless as she was in the drama. Sure, she was mean and her goal was to get a rich guy by almost any means, but somewhere in there she genuinely cared about Suo Wei once upon a time. At the same time, I have to give it to Suo Wei for this line:

“Careful not to dirty those noble chicken claws of yours.”

There were quite a few differences between the novel and the drama, and I understand and agree with the director’s changes, they made the characters much more likeable, but I didn’t understand why they omitted the fact that Suo Wei was colourblind. That’s the only thing that doesn’t make sense to leave out. To me at least.

Anyway, I was saying the characters are terrible. The one I was the most disappointed about is Suo Wei. I got his idiotic revenge plot, his twisted mind, and all that, but the fact that he would 100% cheat on Chi Cheng if he wouldn’t have known Chi Cheng would find out, was awful to realise.

I also did not enjoy his stinginess. I understand it, but I felt it was over the top. I also did not like how locked in Suo Wei was on marrying a girl while in a full on relationship with Chi Cheng. Granted, he may have had a hard time coming to terms with his orientation/feelings for Chi Cheng, but after, dunno, a year of relationship, why was he still thinking about marrying someone else??

When it comes to Chi Cheng, him being awful is a given. The introduction to him made that very clear, but I got to like him during the novel, then I came to realise he is absolutely nuts. In some instances he was cruel for no reason (or just the tiniest bit of a messed up reason which offered absolutely no justification), and I didn’t enjoy how he treated Suo Wei. He was possessive, obsessed and sometimes straight up tyrannical.

The relationship between Suo Wei and Chi Cheng was not good no matter which angle you look at it. I took a note: chapter 160 is the first time Chi Cheng stopped when Suo Wei told him to and if that doesn’t say abusive relationship, then I don’t know what does. The consent left the novel and didn’t even look back.

There were also moments when I liked them together. It was like they had a language of their own and were amazing when on the same wavelength, but, sadly, that did not happen as often as I would have liked.

I enjoyed Xiao Shuai and Guo Cheng’s relationship a bit more. More accurately, I liked how Guo Cheng treated Xiao Shuai. He was attentive, kind, spoiled him and being intimate did not result in Xiao Shuai not being able to move the next day (aka realistic compared to whatever that was between Suo Wei and Chi Cheng).

Of course, I have to also mention the friendship between these people. Suo Wei and Xiao Shuai are indeed friends, they can rely on each other when it actually matters, but, ugh, the envy between them, and the readiness to screw each other over petty things was offputting. On the other hand, Chi Cheng and Guo Cheng’s relationship was slightly better, they were better friends than the aforementioned, but they had their own… stuff going on too.

And there are so many things I left out, so many aspects that are just not okay, but I am ready to move on from this novel. It kept me stuck for a long while and I need to find something better to read.

I think I started reading this book before, but stopped. I didn't save it as dropped, so I wasn't sure, but after I started reading it, it's the pony play that made me skip it. Now, after having a failed attempt with a series, and after enjoying Everything that Kills Me so much, I thought I'd go ahead with it.

Not the best Barbara Elsborg I read so far, but okay. Some parts I feel like I read before, I think some very similar scenes were in the Jonty Bloom series, which definitely took away from the enjoyment. Made the book feel like a slightly recycled story (although apart from the very similar scenes, there's nothing in common with Jonty Bloom).

I liked the two main characters, though. I liked their relationship and how they slowly got to trust each other. The plot on the other hand was alright, not the best. I think that Henry and that a-hole got away too easy, they really didn't have to put Tag in that situation. And the epilogue was unnecessary, it didn't add anything.

I went through and read this book, but I'm dropping the series. Things are moving extremely slow between Ellery and Jack. There was a sparkle at the end of the first book, but everything came pretty much undone here (I'm exaggerating, it just left me dissapointed after waiting a long while for the series to be completed so I can read it).

When it comes to the mystery, it is entertaining enough, but it doesn't make me want to come up with my own theories. The villain is seemengly revealed out of nowhere. Ellery definitely knows more about the other characters than the reader does and I felt a bit robbed. It's fun when I try to come up with my own ideas on who did it, but in this book, there were not enough clues for me to pick up.

I also went ahead and read some reviews from other readers which got me really confused. There's apparently a book missing, or publishing out of order. And also, about the relationship itself, things move forwards at some point. In this book we got a date and a pretty chaste kiss, anything deeper than that seems to be only implied in later books.

I wanted to read this series since the release was announced, and I did enjoy it. The mystery was quite strong, and while Ellery and Jack's relationship moved along very, very slowly, there are other books in the series to look forward to.

So, since there is not much in terms of a relationship (at the same time, I can't call it slow burn, there was barely any smoke), the mystery took the stage, and it was okay too.

The premise of the series is definitely interesting. I was confused about the TV show format at first, but I get it now. It's amazing that something like this exists, kudos to Cole McCade.

I liked the characters almost instantly, I was intrigued by them. This is not something I read before as far as I can remember, so it was something new. I also liked the case they were handling. Learning that McCade's parents were cops gave this book bonus points. I also think it's fantastic to be able to come up with a new case for every new book (and with over 20 books, it's truly impressive).

Like in a TV show, there's little progress between the two main characters in the first book, which I didn't mind, I loved seeing how things move along, spending time with their feelings and opinions. At the same time, I'm not continuing reading this series because:

• series is currently on hiatus, don't want to fully commit then just not get an ending;
• there are soooo many books! I want to read something else too.

I actually did drop a Josh Lanyon book which is sad. I found the plot to be quite interesting, but something about it just didn't get my attention. Mostly, the narration got on my nerves and could not continue past 3 chapters.

The way this book gripped me! I love, love, love Barbara Elsborg.

There is so much happening in this book (like in most of Barbara Elsborg's books, tbh), and I was so worried and hopeful for Jack and Zeph. These two are meant to be. The story spans a very long period of time (can't remember how many years) so it's expected a lot of things happen, but had it to be so angsty and painful and aaaah? (Yes, yes it had to.)

I liked the exitenment, the complications, and all the reveals. Barbara Elsborg has a way of putting her characters through so many challenges while still keeping the hope burning hot. This is what I most like about these books, I'm right there with the characters, feeling upset and angry and sad, but at the same time still hoping everything will somehow turn out okay.

The book ended how I expected, but not how I wanted. Which is fine, I won't take any stars away from my rating for it because the journey there was so, so well executed.

I skipped the second book of this series because I really wasn't interested in that pairing. Can't say I love the two characters individually either, so I picked up the third book instead.

Now, when it comes to David and Richard, my senses tingled since I first came across them in the first book. I just knew there had to be something between these two, and I was so intrigued. Mostly because of David (he was Cyprian only, up until this book). The guy has an aura of mystery enveloping him. He's so straight forward, decisive. I also liked how mischevious he was.

Richard was a bumbling fool for most of the book, but I get it, so I will let it slide. It was a learning process for him, and, okay, I admit it, I found the situation to be funny at times.

The relationship between these two was not smooth, but it was so good. The chemistry was off the charts even before we were supposed to know about them.

Tell him I'm in need of his skills. That I require him, and a gentleman will not do at all. Tell him I am quite specifically in a desperate need of a redheaded bastard.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. Pretty early on I caught on that the characters are from the same family as the ones in a different series by K.J. Charles, but from a different time period, which I found to be quite interesting.

I wasn't crazy about the main characters of this book (each book in the series focuses on a different pairing), although I did like them well enough. It was an okay read, but yeah, don't think it'll leave a lasting impression.

J: Out of interest, Cyprian, how much information do you have on me?

C: What would you like to know?

I genuinely can't remember the last time I read a Romanian book and that's a shame because we have such great authors. I'm ready to redeem myself, and I'm glad I picked up this book. To be completely honest, I picked it up because I liked the cover. I read the first few pages and thought Ilinca was hilarious so I went on and bought it.

To my dissapointment, Ilinca was not the main character, and while that bummed me out a bit, I thought, fine, let's see what's happening either way.

Diana was in no way as funny as Ilinca, but I found myself relating to her, which hardly comes as a surprise. At the same time, I believe Diana was too much of a child, too naive sometimes, but I understand her choices. She was confused, with no self esteem, desperately looking for a place of her own. But speaking of her choices, girl... What are you doing? Thoroughly enjoyed Ilinca's view, I like her a lot despite her not being the main character and hardly getting any page time.

I also thought the amount of people interested in Diana to be unrealistic, but considering Diana herself and the way the story was told, it's reasonable to believe that these things were not exactly accurate. She saw what she wanted to see.

Overall, I enjoyed the book more than I thought I would. I was genuinely curious to see what will happen to Diana.

It was a great deal easier to hold one's country sacred if you didn't have anywhere to compare it to.

Loved the conclusion to the series, and I actually would love to read about Stephen and Lucien's new adventures. Well, mostly Stephen, because as much as I liked them as a couple, individually I really love Stephen.

Well, this short story did not go at all in the direction I thought it would when reading the title, and that's kind of a shame. But I still enjoyed it.

There's also a hint to a spinoff, featuring Pastern, but as much as I enjoyed reading this series, and while I think I would enjoy Pastern's story too (I think there are only 2 books or so), I don't feel like reading it. Maybe at one point, but really not feeling it rn.

While reading this, I thought that Stephen and Lucien have really adult fights. I maybe could have done without it, but I couldn't help noticing that they are adults while fighting, and that's such a refreshing take. Yes, please!

The book overall was delightful, and while the second book can be read as a standalone if you are not too into the series, this third book ties up the events in the first book so nicely. Well, the second book is important too to understand how it gets to that point, but I'm just saying, it can be skipped without missing any major elements.

S: And furthermore-

M: I like the way he says "furthermore". Cos you can tell he means "wankers".

L: I like to think I've had an influence on him.

I was fully expecting this to be just Stephen and Lucien being in love with each other, but instead got extra mystery. I quite liked it in the sense that I got to see what Stephen does on a daily basis at work. By now it's fairly obvious that I love Stephen.

I was very interested in this short story, and as I was getting more settled into reading, I reached the last page. Very happy there's more of the series to read.

I mean, he likes blokes and he is sodding dangerous. Right up your alley, that is. In a manner of speaking.

Very nice interlude, got a glimpse at what troubles may reach Stephen and Lucien next. But also, love to see their relationship developing further! At this point, there's no way Lucien would be anywhere in the world than right next to Stephen and I love that for them.

You're a fool and I'm another. Between us, we'd barely male a village idiot.

Seeing Stephen and Lucien's relationship continue to develop, and them having stronger and stronger feelings for each other, is great! Their relationship is definitely the focus of the series, but everything else happening around them is very entertaining too! I mean, the mystery and how Stephen does his job, I enjoyed it so much.

I'm also glad to meet Stephen's coworkers, I liked their introduction.

This was a really good book, but that doesn't come as a surprise looking at the author. I just love K.J. Charles.

I really liked Stephen and his powers. I was impressed with him as a justiciar, but right from the start I thought Stephen is so cool and powerful.

I also enjoyed the relationship developing between Stephen and Lucien, although, addmittedly, there is once scene in particular that may turn readers away. Their relationship developed quite fast, but it did not feel rushed somehow.

I really wanted to enjoy this book. I loved the concept, I understood the character, it has all the elements of a great book, a thought provoking book, raw, unconfortable book even, but it is so bland. Nothing happens, I could probably find more entertainment on the back of cough drop medicine.