4.75 stars. Well this was completely unexpected. Utterly flawed me. I thought it would be basically a re-telling of the story from the first book in t4.75 stars. Well this was completely unexpected. Utterly flawed me. I thought it would be basically a re-telling of the story from the first book in the duet, “Unrequited”, but from West’s perspective. Wasn’t I wrong!
This really is a book for anyone who’s experienced unrequited love. Especially the type that has gone for years. And if you have (ahem… yes I’m talkinThis really is a book for anyone who’s experienced unrequited love. Especially the type that has gone for years. And if you have (ahem… yes I’m talking from personal experience…), this is the book for you.
4.75 stars - the perfect wrap up to the series, although you love all the couples so much you don’t want to say goodbye. Lucky it never seems to be go4.75 stars - the perfect wrap up to the series, although you love all the couples so much you don’t want to say goodbye. Lucky it never seems to be goodbye in Cara Dee’s universe, and we know there’s a spin-off series on the way soon.
Favourite parts that made me teary were the progress of the freed captive boys, particularly when they went from non-verbal to “Daddy” and even chatting to grumpy River. Seeing Darius & Gray from the Auctioned series (my absolute fave from Cara) And the reunion between Shae, River & Reece, with the usually stoic Tenley twins showing the depth of their love? *Chefs kiss* Gaaaah I wish it could have gone for much longer…...more
E.M.Lindsey is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. You can always rely on finding a story that features an incredibly diverse cast,4.5 stars
E.M.Lindsey is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. You can always rely on finding a story that features an incredibly diverse cast, an MC with a disability that is represented authentically, and a love story that initially seems like it has no chance of succeeding but eventually is perfection.
As anyone knows who follows me, I’m a massive fan of Jessie & her writing. She has, yet again, given us a gift with this book. I think she’s one of thAs anyone knows who follows me, I’m a massive fan of Jessie & her writing. She has, yet again, given us a gift with this book. I think she’s one of the most exciting & talented new authors of the last couple of years.
One of the most comprehensive and fulfilling epilogues/novellas after the end of the duology “This Will Hurt 1 & 2”. You really get to see a truly satOne of the most comprehensive and fulfilling epilogues/novellas after the end of the duology “This Will Hurt 1 & 2”. You really get to see a truly satisfying HEA, with lots of future details. Sometimes, books focus too heavily on the angst & drama around a couple getting together, and you only get a brief glimpse of them being happy together. We wonder whether, in the long term, they would make it. In this, we get the opportunity to see Jake & Roe thrive together, achieve success together, blend their families together seamlessly, and start to grow old together. I couldn’t have wished for more. Seeing them enjoy the quiet moments as a couple, and truly as soulmates, after all the angst they went through when it seemed like they’d never be together… it’s just simply perfection.
Check out my reviews and MM content on Instagram, Facebook, StoryGraph & Bookbub, all under the same name! ...more
This is going to be one of my fave ever Tal Bauer books. Between the time in Cancun, that reminds you of every heartstopping holiday romance you’ve haThis is going to be one of my fave ever Tal Bauer books. Between the time in Cancun, that reminds you of every heartstopping holiday romance you’ve had, to the small town Texas close community vibes with people who know & support you, to the glamour of New York City high society living, this really has something for everyone.
This is the last book in the spectacular “Water, Air, Earth, Fire” series, and it’s just as brilliant as all the others. I’m a sucker for a redemptionThis is the last book in the spectacular “Water, Air, Earth, Fire” series, and it’s just as brilliant as all the others. I’m a sucker for a redemption story, and this sees the redemption of not one but two MCs from previous books in the series (Alek and Colson), & the introduction of another intriguing character, Benji, who you’ll definitely love. It’s a story of three damaged souls finding each other, and the inevitability of a relationship between all of them. While they all acknowledge they can't resist each other sexually, they're also realistic about the hidden parts of themselves that impact their long-term chances of staying together. Polyamory is another of my fave reads in queer romance, and this is one of the best I’ve read yet. The balance in the relationship between the three is perfect. They revel in their love for each other equally, & the qualities of each of them complements what the others need. And I PARTICULARLY love that the stigma around poly relationships isn’t a focus - it's easy to use this as a drama point, but this story is so much more profound than this.
For those of us who have a terrible memory, I appreciated how well the first 3 chapters introduced us to each of the MCs, giving us a little teaser of some mysteries about them, on top of orienting us to the story in relation to past events from the start of the series. They are complex characters, with depth that makes you really empathise with them, which of course leads to tears. So many times, my heart was breaking for Alek, being painted a villain by association, and believing it in himself, while also struggling with his sexuality & the realisation that he has denied himself for so long. Similarly, Benji has this childlike, impulsive innocence that's also mixed with this sassy vamp at times, but he's so love-starved & self-critical. Benji gives us lots of laughs, but also surprises us with a terribly sad back-story at times.
But of all of them, Colson is the most complex. His character arc is brilliant - from a deeply unlikeable, judgemental man who actively repels any connection to people, to this caring, protective guy who will do anything for his men. Even as we dislike his behaviour initially, we see a man who has this depth of misery, a self-loathing because of past mistakes, and when his ordered, controlled world is rocked by these boys, he falls for them despite all his efforts.
Lastly, I gotta talk about the heat…JFC Riley, you're really bringing the heat with this one!! A delicious first(ish) kiss between Alex and Benji, the art & science of BJs in a HOT AF scene between the three in a pool change room, Colson and Benji coaching Alex through his first sexual experiences with guys…cold shower alert!!
Loved seeing Victor from the first book, and Gray from the second, as well as mentions of many of the other MCs from the series. Could not have asked for more from a conclusion to a stellar series.
Check out my reviews and MM content on Instagram, Threads, StoryGraph, Facebook & Bookbub, all under the same name! I gratefully received an advance copy and this is my honest review....more
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