As readers we all know that feeling of excitement when a new book is released (specially when you hadn't realized yet!) and it's part of a series you As readers we all know that feeling of excitement when a new book is released (specially when you hadn't realized yet!) and it's part of a series you loved, one of your favorite series even. And because of that, we usually have high expectations. Whether they are valid or not, that's not the question. I'm sure it happens to all of us. Those high expectations are exactly why we sometimes experience utter disappointment. And that's exactly what happened to me while reading this book. I was completely taken by surprise when I saw this was released, and I was overjoyed when my request for an arc was approved. (And mind you, I hardly request arc’s these days) After reading, I can only honestly admit that I'm quite disappointed that the book did not live up to my mile high expectations. It just never reached the quality of the first 2 or 3 books that I loved so much, specially book 1 and 2, they are my absolute favorites! So, is it that the book is an all right written, enjoyable romance, or is it that my expectations are way too high based on the earlier books in this series and is it not fair to rate it with just 3 stars?
To me those 3 stars feel like an accurate rating, based on my enjoyment of the book. Or maybe lack of. It wasn't the writing, I suppose. Because Parker St. John knows how to write. I guess it's the story itself. It couldn't hold my attention, and I had a hard time connecting to either Derek or Briar. It felt like they were way too different in order to fall for one another. And of course I realize opposites attract is a trope, but part of the reason I wasn't sold on it was because Derek seemed to be a different person for the second half of the book. For most of the first part he was this unhappy, grumpy person, who even couldn't admit to enjoy having a stray dog around. And the way Briar acted around Derek didn't feel genuine to me either. The development of their attraction just didn't feel organic or natural to me. The L word came at a moment where I couldn't even believe they could be friends, let alone LOVE each other. I mean, a couple of rounds of good sex, where you might discover you are compatible, just can’t be confused with love, with wanting to spend the rest of your life with someone.
I can't exactly pinpoint why and where it went wrong, there's plenty of other readers who loved the way they were with each other, but I just could never really warm up to them or their relationship. So that might be on me, and that might have a lot to do with my high expectations, but the intensity of Cal and Eli, or Lane and Denver was only present in the first 2 books, (and a little bit still between Tucker and Nate from the 3rd book) and I guess that's what I loved most of their second chance romance. So is it that this isn't second chance romance? Is that just the kind of trope Parker St. John writes best? Anyway, yes, I am disappointed. So maybe even my 3 star rating seems generous after all I pointed out, but 2 stars seems very undeserved, specially since the writing is okay and since the author deserves some credit. But no, I guess I won't be reading the last book that's going to come after this one. I have peace with the fact that this series isn't my favorite series anymore, but I still cherish the first 2 books and they will certainly be keepers on my All Time Favorite Shelf.
I kindly received an advanced copy from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest, unbiased opinion....more
Nash Summers has written a book that’s been on my All Time Favorites list ever since I read it for the first time: Arrows through Archer. Many of my bNash Summers has written a book that’s been on my All Time Favorites list ever since I read it for the first time: Arrows through Archer. Many of my book friends have read that one and it’s a book I try to re-read every once in a year. It’s a book filled with angst and grief. It has the my best friends father trope, an age-gap and some of the most tender moments in mm romance. Sonic you are looking for something similar, this is not the book you should pick because it is something completely different. One thing both books have in common, though, is the writing, which is captivating and very well done. But that’s where any comparison stops. This book,is funny and sweet, very low on the angst and very high on the entertainment. It’s a bit OTT at times, but Asher is still a very sweet guy, who means well, and who’s greatest passion is to bring people together in the name of love. He’s a romantic at heart, and he calls himself a love guru, since he is convinced he has this gift to see love when it’s in front of him. Except for when he’s the main character himself. He doesn’t see what’s in front of him until his friends Red and Randy (great side characters by the way) point it out to him. Namely that his roommate seems to have a little more interest in him than usual. But Asher is too busy dreaming about a guy who seems to be Mr. Perfect, but in fact, isn’t.
I really enjoyed this book. It consists of 3 books that have been published before, and it’s nice to have them bundled into one book.
I received this book by the author and this is my honest review...more
I’ll admit that after having read book 5 in this series, which was the one I enjoyed least, I became a bit hesitant for this one. Of course Nicky JameI’ll admit that after having read book 5 in this series, which was the one I enjoyed least, I became a bit hesitant for this one. Of course Nicky James is a quality writer, she’s one of the best in the mm romance genre, to my opinion. But the 5th book seemed to lack the attention and enthusiasm it deserved and what I’m used to getting while reading a book written by Nicky. To me it felt a bit like a book written because readers wanted a new Valor&Doyle book as soon as possible, and I think it was an excellent idea of the author to take a break and write something else instead. Because when she got around to write this 6th book, it turned out to be one of my favorites in this series. It felt like Quaid and Aslan were back to being themselves again- the banter, the fun, Quaid’s insecurities and Aslan trying to take them away. Abraham, Quaid’s father, was present again too, and that was a treat on its own. It was quite an emotional read as well, got me all teary eyed at several moments, but it was funny too. And the mystery was so good! It kept me constantly on the edge of my seat and I didn’t guess the bad guy almost until the end of the story. It was very well done! All in all this new addition to the series is one that makes me look forward to the next book....more
The 5th book in the Valor&Doyle series and even though this series is still one of the best, I think it's good that the author is taking a break from The 5th book in the Valor&Doyle series and even though this series is still one of the best, I think it's good that the author is taking a break from writing the rest of the series. Even though this book was still a 4* read for me, it was my least favorite of the series, for several reasons.
What I loved: - The development of Quaid's and Aslan's relationship. It's going to the next level of trust and love and I have confidence that they can make it through any rough time now they were able to get Aslan through the rough period of PTSD since he had to kill Columbus - I loved how patient Quaid was and knew when to leave Aslan alone and when to push a little. - I loved Aslan and his bike rides, how it cleared his head, and how he loved to take Quaid. - As always, the banter and the lovable remarks. - Quaid's new partner, even though she had to grow on me. It took some time, but in the end I can't see why they wouldn't work. She's a great addition to the story, I think. - The side characters (though I did miss Quaid's father Abraham in this story)
The things I enjoyed less: - I get that Quaid and Aslan have a desire to grow their family, but as I'm not too fond of kids in books, I'm equally not too fond of animals that take the stage a little too often. So I'm sorry to be the odd one here, but I didn't really need the cat added to the story. - The mystery didn't put me on the edge of my seat like the previous ones did.
So, that's why I rated 4* instead of 5. Still, it's a great series and Valor&Doyle are still among my favorite mm romance couples!
I kindly received an advanced copy from the author and this is my honest review...more
LOVED IT! And what’s not to love? This is Fearne Hill at her best, the Britishness of the story, the kind of humour I love in all her books and set inLOVED IT! And what’s not to love? This is Fearne Hill at her best, the Britishness of the story, the kind of humour I love in all her books and set in the Rossingley world, with character cameo’s too, it was the best! I didn’t like Rob in the former books, he seemed like a closeted, self centred arsehole, but he easily won me over in this story without drama but filled with so much sweetness and joy that I swooned over the entire book. The way he cares for his cows, his dog Zeus and not to forget Watermelons, the bull, was just so endearing, it had me smiling the whole time. And Evan, well, he’s just one of the sweetest men I ever met in a romance book. I loved him right away, and he was perfect to Rob’s grumpiness and to his insecurity when it came down to romance and love. Because until Evan, love had been something foreign for a man as firmly in the closet as Rob. And that ending? It certainly left me wanting more!
Highly recommended! (Though it’s set in the Rossingley world, you can read this as a stand alone, but it’s a series I highly recommend as well)...more
I never read a Christmas story as early as October. I always fear that I won't be in the right mood for it and that the book won't have that magical fI never read a Christmas story as early as October. I always fear that I won't be in the right mood for it and that the book won't have that magical feeling it has as when I sit on the couch with the Christmastree in sight and the lights on and candles burning. But then Barbara asked me if I would like an advanced copy of her upcoming seasonal book and since I love her writing, how could I resist? Honestly? So I found myself reading about the magic of Santa in October and well... I loved it! I think that's totally due to Barbara's writing. Somehow she spread magic and sparkles over her words and turned this beautiful story into something special. There's a really shiny and sparkly atmosphere in this book and it drew me in completely. I was sold from the beginning and it warmed me as if I had a hot chocolate and a warm, fuzzy blanket to surround me.
There are some heavy, sad topics, but somehow they have a hopeful feeling to it. And that's all Alfie's doing. He shines brightly through the sadness. All he wants to do is make people happy, specially the children. And specially Kendall. He wants to make him smile. It's the reason he ended up at Kendall's garden center in the first place. Kendall has his reasons for not believing in Christmas. He doesn't celebrate. He doesn't put up a tree, he doesn't do gifts or decorate at all. And then he meets Alfie. And Alfie tries his best to put that smile on Kendall's grumpy face, how reluctant Kendall might be. And Alfie tries his best to make Kendall believe again.
This story was magical and sweet, just as a Christmas story should be. And within the sweetness of this story there's Alfie, a blue haired guy with tattoos and piercings and he fits perfectly!! I will certainly put this book on my yearly Christmas re-reads. I love how it gave me Christmassy feelings in October - think of what it will do when reading it in December!
Oh.My.God. This book... It messed with my head and my heart and I'm still not sure if I'm okay.
"You are the best boyfriend - ever. Now I need you to taOh.My.God. This book... It messed with my head and my heart and I'm still not sure if I'm okay.
"You are the best boyfriend - ever. Now I need you to take me home because I need to make your heart leap with the help of my watch." "Dare I ask doing what?" Tag put his mouth to Adam's ear. "I want to see how fast I can make you come." "I don't think that's one of the functions on the watch." "Then I'll count. I can get to twenty without getting confused."
Ah, this book...It left me feeling all kinds of things and even though the epilogue is the sweetest hea, I wasn't sure if I was okay. I mean, what a story! What a wilde ride, what unexpected adventures and kinks I never knew about turned up, so violent and unsettling that I was hardly able to catch my breath. This book put me on the edge of my seat, unable to put it down, not even for a much needed sleep. It's suspense and thriller in one, while the plot also doesn't overrule the romance. Because, yes, there's romance too. Of course there is. At first I didn't know how I felt about Delaney. Was he just using Tag, this sweet guy, for sex, for information, for an easy way to infiltrate in to organization he had to dismantle? And what was he exactly? Was he one of the good guys or was he driven by something else, something almost as bad as the organization he was after? Barbara Elsborg did a great job keeping me in the dark! Delaney didn't seem to be capable of feelings, he didn't allow himself to get involved with someone. So yes, he and Tag had great sex, they were very compatible in the bedroom. But that was all there was too it, wasn't it? Delaney had a dangerous job and it consumed him, it was all he lived for, whether that was by choice or not. Throughout the story I got the feeling it wasn't all voluntarily what he had chosen for, but that's also something the author cleverly hides behind insinuations and short, seemingly meaningless phrases. But Tag...This guy was so very special! He was the sweetest one around. Funny and courageous. If anything else determined. Determined to get a hold of his life again, even it was dangerous what he needed to do in order to achieve that. He was determined to break through Delaney's walls and show him that love wasn't something to be afraid of. That love wasn't as life threatening as all the guns and ammo he stored away. If there had been anyone who had the right tools and mind to break through Delaney's thick walls, it had to be Tag.
This book was such a well written story with a genius plot and it takes you all over the place. I had a tremendously good time reading this, as it's not only thrilling, but also has it's moments to make you laugh out loud. It's just the perfect mix of excitement and fun! If you enjoy an age gap romance and a thrilling story with twists and turns, with an adorable fun character and a grumpy one who guards his heart with every bit of armor available, I highly recommend you read this. Because I'm sure you will enjoy it just as much as I did, leaving you just as speechless as it left me. You wouldn't want to miss this one, I promise! What an amazing journey this was. Barbara Elsborg once again proves to be a genius author in both storytelling and creating the most adorable and broken mc's.
This was probably the easiest 5 stars of this past month.
I kindly received an advanced copy from the author and this is my honest, unbiased review
This was a sweet, low angst romance. An age-gap story with an employer-employee, grumpy-sunshine romance in the mix.
Scott is a romant3,5 ⭐️ rounded up
This was a sweet, low angst romance. An age-gap story with an employer-employee, grumpy-sunshine romance in the mix.
Scott is a romantic, whether he’s realistic or not, he wants someone who loves him wholeheartedly, someone who sweeps him off his feet, who wines and dines him and loves to make him swoon over declarations of love. Unfortunately he hasn’t found THE ONE yet, and after his last disastrous break up he starts to doubt if he’ll ever have what he longs for. When he meets Luke, a divorced father who hires him to be a temporary nanny for his daughter, he’s in desperate need of a job and a place to live, and when these problems seem to be solved, he allows himself to see Luke for what he is: a handsome gay man who seems to have everything he needs - except he doesn’t seem to be the romantic kind. And besides, he shouldn’t start having certain feelings for his boss anyway, should he?
Leslie McAdam wrote this lovely romantic story about these two men who find love and comfort when they least expect it. My only complaint is that it felt too much as insta love to me, and that’s a trope I really don’t like. But looking beyond that, this is just a well written, sweet and low angst addition to the new Vino&Veritas series, In Vino Veritas. It feels so good to be back in Vermont and the wine bar, annex bookshop!
I kindly received an ARC through Heart Eyes Press and this is my honest, voluntary review...more
I really don’t know how you do it every time I pick up one of your books, but Nicky James, you sure are the best! What a rollercoaster ride this was aI really don’t know how you do it every time I pick up one of your books, but Nicky James, you sure are the best! What a rollercoaster ride this was and Nick Russo nailed it again. RTC...more
I loved this book so much, I'm jumping right into the audio (with Amy-bookworm247)I loved this book so much, I'm jumping right into the audio (with Amy-bookworm247)...more
My only regret is that I didn’t read this sooner. An unforgettable story, leaving me speechless and shattered.
I've had quite some time to think about hMy only regret is that I didn’t read this sooner. An unforgettable story, leaving me speechless and shattered.
I've had quite some time to think about how to give words to my thoughts about this book, and I can't help but feel like I'll have a hard time with that anyway, no matter how long I'll put off this review. And honestly, reading other reviews, what else can I say that hasn't already been said?
I've had this book on my tbr since it was released in 2018 and tried to find the courage to read it ever since. Because I knew this book didn't end on a happy note. That this book had the potential to shatter me, to break my heart and who could guarantee me it would be put together again after that devastating experience? I hardly cry at books, it's just something I don't do easily. There's only a hand full of books that have managed to do just that. On the other hand, I do get touched by a book quite often. And it's all the feelings that come with that, that make me love reading so much. I want to feel. I NEED to feel. Even when it's a low angst book I need feelings. It's what makes reading worth while. Characters that hold my attention, story's that are gripping and maybe even grab me by my throat. That's what the real good ones tend to do. So what if this book would disappoint me in that matter? What if it wouldn't give me all the feelings I was expecting to feel? The longer I waited to read it, the higher my expectations became. And yes, I did read all these raving reviews, read how readers were heartbroken. And I really love Taylor Fitzpatrick's writing. But still...there have been books before that have been rated with many 5 star reviews that I didn't enjoy. I wanted to love this book! Maybe I even needed to love this book. I wanted to be devastated, I wanted to be left feeling like the world had shattered all around me.
So then I finally said to myself that this was the time to kick myself and stop being scared. Just read it already! And so I did. And it was everything I wanted. It was everything I feared it would be, and at the same time needed it to be so badly. And you know what the weird thing is? I can't even explain why this book worked so well for me. Because I had been warned that Mike was a character that was hard to like and he was. He was grumpy, he wasn't encouraging Liam to even like him, let alone love him. On the contrary, he tried to drive him away multiple times. But while reading, I had a feeling I needed to look passed that. I needed to take the things he said with a grain of salt. Because what came out of his mouth, wasn't what he really wanted to say. So why couldn't he give words to what he felt, just tell Liam what he meant to him. That he didn't want him to go, that he wanted him to move in with him. Oh yes, he made it happen anyway, but every question, every attempt of being nice was always followed up by something insulting or a cover up for his real feelings. Why? It isn't exactly explained, we don't get to know Mike that well. But there are a few hints. About how his father left him and his family. So maybe that was a reason for him to not believe in love anymore. Maybe it was a reason for him to protect himself, to not be vulnerable by falling in love with someone. I think it's a plausible explanation. He was never looking for love. Sex was all he really wanted. But Liam couldn't just keep away. Liam loved him anyway. What I found quite surprising in this matter was that first summer they were spending apart from one another. When Mike didn't want to hook up because of Liam, but Liam did. As a reader, you should think it would be the other way around. It's these little things that tell you much more about Mike than whole paragraphs of soul searching could.
And Liam...I was thinking that we all need a Liam in our lives. A fresh breath of air, youthfully energetic, just going after what he wants and accepting the consequences when he does. I loved how he wasn't afraid to be honest with Mike and still knew he wouldn't really lose him. Yes, they are on and off throughout the story, but I think Liam always knew they would be together again, and that there would come a time where there would be no breaking up again. That they belonged together. Infinity. And I'm sure Mike knew that too.
I felt so much for Mike when he got sick. When his life crumbled into a life he never wanted for himself. When the 4 walls of his home were suffocating him, imprisoning him, and even within these walls he couldn't be how he wanted to be. Everytime a little piece of him is taken away. Everytime he has to accept that the things that gave him joy, were taken away from him. I understand that at this point he didn't want Liam to take care of him. It's a hard thing to process and accept that you eventually will be needing someone's help to get through the day at the age of barely 35. That takes a lot of time. And maybe some people never get there. So it was a good thing Liam was so consistent, so set to be there for Mike, no matter what.
It's specially this last chapter (which is the only chapter we get from Liam's pov) that is heartbreaking. There is so much love there. So much anger too. But it's undoubtedly a love letter to Mike, and it's the most beautiful one.
Taylor Fitzpatrick's writing is different from most authors. There's not a lot of dialogue, but she still manages to write in a very touching way, making me feel so much! There's also some humor, there's the typical hockey banter, likable secondary characters as well. But Mike's and Liam's love story is just written so beautifully, these men got under my skin very deeply and I doubt if they will ever leave. It's been a while since I finished this book and I haven't been able to finish another book since. I don't know if Thrown off the ice is the exact reason for that, but it's certainly something new to me. One thing is certain, and that is that Mike and Liam will always be there in the back of my mind, as will this book. It's unforgettable and as devastating as I might have felt right after finishing it, I can't say I won't be reading it again. I guess pain and heartbreak is something I really need every now and then. ...more
New rating after another re-read: 5 full dirty ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
just re-read this wonderful novel bij N.R. Walker. When I read it before it was one of tNew rating after another re-read: 5 full dirty ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
just re-read this wonderful novel bij N.R. Walker. When I read it before it was one of the first m/m novels I read; I re-read it just to see if I still liked it as much as I did then, because I have a feeling that the things I look for in a good m/m romance have changed a bit since I started reading them. Back then I was overwhelmed by my discovery that m/m romances even existed, which made me enjoy most everything I read. I think that's changed since I read quite some since then. But I still liked Charlie and Travis very much. I appreciate Mrs. Walkers writing a whole lot; I haven't read all her books yet, but the ones I read I just loved! I enjoy her writing style, she creates great, lovable characters and I always have the feeling she does wonderful researching before she starts writing. Now I'm off to read Red Dirt #2; I'm usually not so much into series, but for this series I would love to make an acceptation :-)...more
Re-read in July 2019. I still love this book a whole lot. I didn’t write a review earlier but this was one of the first m/m romances I read a little ovRe-read in July 2019. I still love this book a whole lot. I didn’t write a review earlier but this was one of the first m/m romances I read a little over a year ago and I guess I was still trying to figure out what kind of story I was looking for in m/m romance that would push all my buttons. This one I rated 5 stars so it seems that at that time it certainly was one which did it for me. Right now, after having read quite a few, I think I would rate it with 4 stars, but I will leave my original rating. Still loved it though!!...more
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