Lay Your Sleeping Head (newer version of Little Death, published in 1986) is the first book of gay mystery series set in San Francisco in the 80s.
Lay Your Sleeping Head (newer version of Little Death, published in 1986) is the first book of gay mystery series set in San Francisco in the 80s.
‘The thing you have to ask yourself is this. If you’re in the business of saving people, are you going to let the next one die because you weren’t able to save the last one?’
The main character is Henry Rios, a very talented Latino criminal defense lawyer with a heart made of gold. After losing a case where his innocent client was sentenced to death, Henry’s struggling to see the point of his work when handsome Hugh Paris bursts into his life. Hugh is a mystery, a rich boy who's also a liar and a drug addict. Despite the different backgrounds, there is something in Hugh's eyes that Henry can’t stop thinking about. Soon, Henry is investigating a murder he only half believes in and is putting everyone around him in danger.
This is one of those books that start good only to get better and better.I wasn’t expecting so many things that happened here, I’m still in awe about how this ended-the author did us so dirty, I liked that character!! Henry is the type of person you can’t help but love. He always thinks the best of people without being too naïve and I can’t help but admire his sense of justice. You’ll spend half the time cheering on him and the other half worrying about him because he trusts people way too easily for my poor heart-but somehow he often chooses the good ones.
‘No guy has ever not wanted something from me.’ ‘I didn’t say I didn’t want something from you,’ I said. ‘It’s just isn’t sex.’
There is something about books set around the 80s that speaks to me. The fact that the original version was published during that time only makes it more genuine. You can’t help but feel along with the characters because that was the reality for queer people when the book was written. Michael Nava’s narrative is bold and in the face and I knew I wanted to read this series just because of that. I’ve said before that I’m tired of generic writing styles so this book and Two is a Pattern (set in the 90s, maybe that’s the trick) were both like breathing fresh air.
Overall, Henry Rios has the potential to be a new favorite gay thriller and you couldn’t imagine how excited that makes me feel. It’s not a mm romance or a romance-thriller, even if there is mm romance inside, so don't pick it up expecting a romance! I would highly recommend it if you like the genre and the historical period, it was very solid even if I wished the ending was a bit more romantic.
Thank you so much Shile for your amazing reviews that made me want to give this series a try!...more
I don’t know which one of the three hearts you broke hurts the most. But I get it, I get you. I un*slight spoilers for romance development*
Dear Jake,
I don’t know which one of the three hearts you broke hurts the most. But I get it, I get you. I understand not wanting to deal with everything that comes with being gay. That your dream is being someone you are not. That you think it’s best to fake it until you make it instead of facing it. I don’t hate you, but I hate that you are Adrien’s endgame, because he deserved better. You deserved better. Hell, I deserved better.
Hope you are happy following the consequences of your acts.
Adrien was trying to find some space, work in his book and enjoy the countryside. Instead, he found a dea*slight spoilers for the romance development*
Adrien was trying to find some space, work in his book and enjoy the countryside. Instead, he found a dead body, a missing employee and a long list of suspicious activities going on in his land. Now he’s stuck there, trying to figure out what is happening without getting killed in the process. So much for a relaxing getaway.
I don’t like history. I always try but my brain decides to disconnect when they start with the ‘decades ago…’ Maybe that’s why I wasn’t as invested in the mystery as I was in book one; but the action was good enough to make up for it. It felt like every breath Adrien took could be his last and everything I could do, besides wondering about his lack of self-preservation genes, was keep reading. There was a lot more romance than in book one, but for some reason it was a bit bittersweet. I love Adrien’s humor and Jake always gets the best out of him. How good they are together it’s exactly why reading it was killing me: because they are not really together.
It’s frustrating how Jake is the same person who treats Adrien like he’s most precious thing in the world, like he’s so in love with him he can’t stand not worshiping him, not being there for him every time Adrien needs him, and then goes back to his girlfriend like Adrien is nothing but a one-night stand. I can only admire how Adrien was able to handle the situation; I would be crying my heart out.
“I’ve nothing to offer you, Adrien.” “I don’t recall asking. () Hell, you came after me, Jake. Every step of the way.”
I’m extremely pissed at myself for not being able to hate Jake despite everything, how I melt like a loser every time he shows he cares-the bar is in hell. Maybe it’s the way he’s always ready to protect Adrien from everything-we know Adrien needs the help. Maybe it’s the fact that Adrien knew exactly what he was getting into, that he wasn’t a blind naive boy when he accepted the conditions. Sometimes I see myself wanting Adrien to be with other men too, to see if Jake wakes up, to balance things out a bit. I want them to be together, if only because Adrien seems to have his common sense button damaged, but I want Jake to work for it. Because, right now? Jake is a bomb ticking and Adrien should send him packing.
Overall, I may love Adrien enough not to care if the love of his life is a very sexy asshole, hope Jake redeems himself and I’m definitely too addicted to this to stop reading.
He sighed, a regretful sound like blowing into a beer bottle. “You’re probably the best looking guy I ever knew.” “No seriously. You are. Your eyes and everything. Not my type, but beautiful.” “What is your type?” “A girl.” “Bullshit.”
I just can’t understand how Adrien stands it ...more
“Well, fuck me sideways. This keeps getting better and better.”
There is nothing sweeter than having your most anticipated book of the year relea “Well, fuck me sideways. This keeps getting better and better.”
There is nothing sweeter than having your most anticipated book of the year released just after your finals (hi, guys! i’m back!)
In this fourth installment of the series, Nicky James shows she keeps knowing what to do to push all your buttons, make your brain hurt trying to figure out who was the killer while keeping your heart warm with the two most beautiful boys ever created.
One of the best things about having long series is to see our characters develop and learn how to communicate and make it work. Even though Aslan’s lack of ability to say a couple of words drove me crazy (does this really happen in real life?? I swear I’ve read too many heroes with this problem!), I was so absorbed in the story that half of the reason I read it on one sitting was my excitement to see Quaid’s reaction to them.
The other reason was, of course, the mystery. Mystery was my most read genre when I was younger, but lately all the ones I’ve tried have left me with a very bitter taste for being either too easy or a OTT mess that makes no sense. Not Nicky James’. She has nailed every single one of them in this series. Even though I was able to figure out part of the secret, the killer’s identity left me speechless.
Now onto the characters. As much as I keep wanting to hug my too-hard-on-himself Quaid, my crush on Aslan is bigger than ever (not my fault he’s perfect) and I will never get over how good they are together, this time Torin and Aslan’s bickering was my ultimate favorite thing. I could not stop laughing at this:
Torin whistled and shook his head. “Shit, man. Valor is a badass motherfucker in an interview. I’ve got goosebumps. () That kid’s gonna need new drawers when he’s done.” “I’m so turned on right now.” “Don’t be gross.” “Seriously. I’m getting hard.” () Torin shook his head good-naturedly. “Just try not to jizz in your pants.”
(and don’t even get me started with the swearing jar…)
I also love how Ruiz and Quaid are developing a very weird friendship and how Ruiz is making real attempts at not being an homophobe (baby steps). This series is the best thing that has happened to me since Criminal Intentions (hell, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I even like the mysteries a lot more) and I hope we have a lot more books coming because it’s never going to be enough!
They are the picture of the perfect family: a tennis-coach father, an organized, state agent mom and two siblings who are always bickering… Or are theThey are the picture of the perfect family: a tennis-coach father, an organized, state agent mom and two siblings who are always bickering… Or are they?
I cannot say anything about the plot because the first chapters are full of things you’ll not see coming. I think that’s the book's most unique feature: I was more surprised with the first chapters than the last ones. The author also did an incredible job making you don't hate the MC-and even care for them-, although they were far from a good person. You couldn’t help but blame their partner in crime because a lot of things they did/thought were so easy to understand that it was kind of difficult to differentiate between the ‘bad’ and ‘good’ parts.
While I was a bit bored in the middle, because both the start and the ending were far more interesting, I read it in one sitting thanks to the tiny chapters and the continuous hunger for more. Last but not least, the epilogue was amazing, hardly fair or what I was expecting. It leaves you questioning what the hell is going to happen next while closing the story-yes, it can be done!
I know I’d said that I was waiting for the season to be published so I can binge read it and avoid cliffhangers… but I’ve missed this series so badly,I know I’d said that I was waiting for the season to be published so I can binge read it and avoid cliffhangers… but I’ve missed this series so badly, I needed a hit. When I read how SJ signed a lullaby to Mal, I wanted to cry of happiness. How can I not miss them? They are so beautiful!! Guess I’m joining the club of suffering the waiting...
“It would take far more than this to shatter my faith in you and my love for you, Malcolm. I do not think there is a force on earth strong enough.”
I’m not going to say anything about the plot, because I’ll spoil S2 if I do, but it felt great to meet the side characters again. Cara is as rude and blunt as always. I’ll never get tired of her.
(The scene where Mal told her “the news”:)
“Are you angry at me?”
“...no, I’m trying really fucking hard not to laugh in your face when you’re a goddamned mess, but this is more entertaining than reality TV. (*spoiler deleted*) Don’t look at me like that,” she said innocently, and jerked her head at Seong-Jae. “He was thinking it, too.”
“Shut up,” Seong-Jae hissed, his eyes widening with a tinge of panic, he squeezed Malcolm’s hand tighter. “ I do not want to sleep on the sofa tonight.”
“It’s over,” Malcom said, and the only words he’d ever said in his life that were more perfect were I love you. I love you, Seong-Jae. “It’s over, “It’s over,” Malcom said, and the only words he’d ever said in his life that were more perfect were I love you. I love you, Seong-Jae. “It’s over, and we are going home.”
The White Rabbit is a roller coaster of emotions with a shock ending that leaves you wanting more. I can’t believe the second season is over! I’ll be short because I have already talked a lot about this series, but overall:
- It was way better than season one, which I didn’t expect after enjoying so much S1, and know I’m really curious about the third -and last...more
“How badly do I have to hurt you to make you go away?”
“Shouldn’t you be asking me how badly you have to hurt me to make 5 stars6 stars ALL THE STARS
“How badly do I have to hurt you to make you go away?”
“Shouldn’t you be asking me how badly you have to hurt me to make me stay?” Silas asked softly. “Isn’t that what love is?”
Divine Proportion is the 19th and the best episode in the whole series. Thank you, Seong-Jae! There is one ✨PERFECT scene✨ that I had to reread over and over again until I memorized it. I don’t have words to explain how breathtaking it was... until the White Rabbit came to spoil the joy *insert Lorraine's baseball bat*.
I loved everything -except for that interruption-, from Seong-Jae tricking Mal to go ‘untidy’ to meet his parents, to Seong-Ja calling Mal ‘hot daddy boyfriend’ and Mal telling her he might be her brother-in-law one day (pretty please?)
“It is a good thing we are both terrible enough to be perfect for each other.”
It felt less like Seong-Jae had tugged on his shirt and more like Seong-Jae had tugged on his heart. Malcolm’s grasp tightened, holding on to Seong-Jae almost convulsively, his chest resounding and ever-ringing bell of emotion. “You… think we’re perfect for each other?”
()
“We must be. I cannot think we are anything else, when I… I…” His voice dropped into a gutural, harsh break; he swallowed: “... I love you, Malcolm.”
The Maidens is a psychological thriller with dark academia vibes. While the mystery didn’t really catch my attention, this might be the first time I rThe Maidens is a psychological thriller with dark academia vibes. While the mystery didn’t really catch my attention, this might be the first time I read a book because I loved the atmosphere. It was like travelling to a mysty Cambridge for a couple of hours, immersing myself completely in a parallel reality.
To be honest, I didn’t really care about the rest of the book. My main problem is how unrealistic the mystery was. Am I supposed to believe that the daughters of the richest, most influential people of the planet are being murder and no one can stop it? There is no way in hell that murder could have done that in real life. There’s bodyguards, actual detectives and a lot of instrumentation that can be used to obtain DNA samples. Everyone around those girls would be watched and there’s no way they would be wandering through foggy streets all by themselves. And don’t even make me start with the fact that a group therapy teacher was supposed to be better than all these experts equipped with the most advanced technology. I’m not saying ordinary people can’t solve murders, I’ve liked a lot of books where they do. But in neither of them the victims were daughters of kings and USA Senators.
As for the main character, while her POV was okay and didn’t bore me to death, I didn’t really feel anything for her. I’d expect more compelling characters for what it was meant to be a psychological thriller.
Despite my problems with The Maidens, I liked it. It was easy to follow and, as I said, I really loved the vibes I was receiving while reading it....more
The Golden Ratio is the first episode of what promises to be a season full of brutal murders, action and more God Tier romance. I told myself I was goThe Golden Ratio is the first episode of what promises to be a season full of brutal murders, action and more God Tier romance. I told myself I was going to wait to read this one but it’s been a week and I already missed these two too much. This episode is a really strong beginning of the season and I’m looking forward to know what’s going to happen next!!
“Were you watching me sleep?”
“Maybe.”
Seong-Jae grimaced. “You do that quite often.”
Malcolm chuckled. “You’re pretty in your sleep.”
That earned him the filthiest possible look- quite a feat when Seong-Jae’s face was creased with sleep, his eyes still heavy-lidded and half closed. “Do not be...what is the word I want?”
“Romantic?” Malcolm offered.
“Creepy,” Seong-Jae retorted flatly.
I’m really sad they are not going to be in Baltimore this season, because the side characters there are awesome. But we are still going to have glimpses of them even though Seong-Jae and Malcolm won’t be there so that’s something.
“You are going to threaten me over one detective?”
Anjulie’s smile widened into a killing sickle. “Do you want to find out?”
“They warned me you were a pain in the ass.”
“Clearly, you didn’t listen."
For those who had finished the first season: (view spoiler)[
SPOILER
“Seong-Jae, what happens when we keep secrets?”
Seong-Jae hung his head with a groan. “...my obsessive ex-boyfriend kidnaps you, incites a city-wide riot, and attempts to force me back into narcotic dependence by trapping both of us in a sinking freighter in the harbor, but only leaving a viable avenue of escape for myself.”
I'm a bit frustrated about thriller authors making unnecessary long books that bore you to tears only to give an amazing plot twistTime of death: 27%
I'm a bit frustrated about thriller authors making unnecessary long books that bore you to tears only to give an amazing plot twist at the end. For the reviews I've read, the last 150 pages of this book are AWESOME but the remaining 550 pages could be condensed in a couple hundred pages less. Guess what? I'm tired of having to read a lot of boring stuff only to be surprised at the end. This starts good to get your attention and then relaxes with scenes of the 'love story' between a 15 year-old girl and a 34 year-old man who have nothing in common and whose romance is based on infatuation.
PS: To those with greater patience than me that have read this, I hope the ending was worth the wait (:...more
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