See, the issue with making your MC do despicable, unforgivable things is that sometimes, the reader won't forgive him. The grovel in this book starts See, the issue with making your MC do despicable, unforgivable things is that sometimes, the reader won't forgive him. The grovel in this book starts 40% in and it's still not enough to change my mind on Taylor.
I'm convinced that this was so long in the hope that if the basic bitch apologies and justifications didn't work, time would have us forgetting all the fuckery Taylor's been up to.
Bitch, I didn't forget.
I've never really got the 'nobody can hurt him but me' thing, and this book takes it the extra mile. I get stepbrothers who have a history of antagonizing each other. I get squabbling. I even get a few physical altercations.
Breaking the other's arm though? He'd not even done anything, really. Just tried to protect himself against the other threatening to out him to his dad. It's not romantic. It's bullying.
These two making love declarations at 14 because they'd been together 'a while now and it was time' These two making love declarations at 14 because they'd been together 'a while now and it was time' ...more
'Lars questioned if he was relationship material.' So did I. Many, many, many times. Yet, not once did Ryan. Blind as a bat, our Ryan.
First things fi'Lars questioned if he was relationship material.' So did I. Many, many, many times. Yet, not once did Ryan. Blind as a bat, our Ryan.
First things first. It's been a really long while since I got so invested in an MM hockey romance. Reading (and loving this) felt like coming home.
I'm going to say something that sounds bad but really isn't. There's nothing over the top dramatic about this book (that hasn't happened in other hockey MM romances before) but this book was really good.
Diving into the review.
I'll be the first to admit that I sort of boxed Ryan into this personality where I NEVER would have called him bringing up the Juniors thing, but I was so delighted that he did!
Surprised, because this man never stands up for himself, but so happy that he was confident enough in their budding friendship to feel like he could speak up about something bothering him rather than just roll over like he ordinarily would.
Because we don't get to see anything about Ryan pre-Juniors, it's easy to assume from the little we do see that the incident played a part in why he's the way he is, why he has so little self-esteem.
Must have been a mind-fuck to have the person who forgot your existence telling you how amazing you are. Like okay, then why don't you remember? I love dual POV for these kinds of stories because the way I cackled when Ryan said, "I know I'm not worth the effort." and Lars had the GALL to be offended ...more
Plane crash? Tropical island survival? Separation of 5 years from husband back home who thinks he's dead? Rescue just in time to find him 3 weeks awayPlane crash? Tropical island survival? Separation of 5 years from husband back home who thinks he's dead? Rescue just in time to find him 3 weeks away from marrying again? Exquisite. No notes.
For me, the standout here was how the author was able to make me feel such gut-wrenching grief on Sam's behalf for a man I knew wasn't dead.
"Dear Henry, I want you to know that I tried—" in reference to being unable to move on from your husband's death even though when he was still alive, you'd promised him you'd find a way to be happy again in the event he died before you. I wanted to wail.
Him struggling to let go of that small glimmer of hope that maybe Henry was still alive, even two years after the plane crash, it killed me.
Meanwhile on the deserted island, Henry struggling with himself because much as he didn't want Sam to die pining for him, he also couldn't stomach the idea of Sam moving on and finding happiness with someone else, especially since he'd been the one that asked him to make that promise.
Goodness, the emotions in this book! I used to pray for times like this.
And then Sam fell in love again.
'It felt incredibly good, finally, fully keeping that promise he’d made to his dead husband so many years before.'
Yikes.
The reunion scene with Sam, Sam's fiancé and Sam's husband?
I was worried that my love for Joanna Chambers' writing wouldn't translate from historical to contemporary (looking at you, McNaught) but I'm glad to I was worried that my love for Joanna Chambers' writing wouldn't translate from historical to contemporary (looking at you, McNaught) but I'm glad to say I was wrong.
This one was a hoot. I loved the audiobook narrator! I loved the MCs! I loved even the side-plot! Imagine that...more
Every time I read a 'shipwrecked on an island', my first thought is... Oh, great, more weird lube decisions.
Alas. No anal sex here. BUT, the story reEvery time I read a 'shipwrecked on an island', my first thought is... Oh, great, more weird lube decisions.
Alas. No anal sex here. BUT, the story really was fantastical and lighthearted, even if the romance progressed just a tad too fast.
Given the length, though, that was to be expected.
“I see a major flaw in this plan.” “You would. You’re the most pessimistic man I’ve ever met.”
Enemies to lovers where they're not really enemies. More of Romeo/Juliet where they're from warring factions(countries in this case).
Suffice it to say, the enmity doesn't last long. Tarik gets over himself soon enough and literally 3 days later has become Sander's biggest defender(and lover).
This was just the sweetest. I love how even at the end, they were still kind of nervous around each other. So adorable....more
I found this one surprisingly sweet. And I went in ready to hate Henry.
I do feel like he was forgiven too easily, the pain he caused was immeasurable.I found this one surprisingly sweet. And I went in ready to hate Henry.
I do feel like he was forgiven too easily, the pain he caused was immeasurable. BUT. It had been eighteen years, and he'd paid for his foolishness, although Kit paid for it, too.
And he WAS willing to pay a shocking price for it(and Kit's better than me because I wanted to see him pay it), but I'll take the willingness.
Also, a DUKE! Finally!
I'm wary of historical MM romance because there's a lot of potential for sadness, because let's face it, the 1800s were not a great time, but this had none of that, and in spite of how unrealistic that is, I appreciated it.
That said, I'll be glad if I go the rest of my life without having to ever picture one MC saying 'Make me spend' to another.
Like, I KNOW what you mean, but I kept imagining retail therapy....more
If you think you've met delusional, but you haven't read this book, then you've not met delusional. But also, is it delusion if it works?
And I specifiIf you think you've met delusional, but you haven't read this book, then you've not met delusional. But also, is it delusion if it works?
And I specifically mean Mack. This man is that friend that would change their entire personality, do ANYTHING for their man. And I don't mean that with any positive connotations whatsoever.
That said.
I've never read a book where I genuinely love them equally until this. And I went in thinking I'd hate Davey. They're both at fault. And paradoxically, neither has done anything wrong.
But also, they're both stupid. Their issue isn't stupid. But their approach to it definitely is.
So we have Mack, who issues an ultimatum to his workaholic husband of more than two decades(except he's bluffing). Gag is, this man loves Davey more than life itself.
And then we have Davey. Frustrated by his work that has him away from home more than half the time so he misses his husband and their two little kids all the time, but it's a really good job, and it pays the bills that enable Mack and the kids to lead the life he wants to give them. Gag is, he'd give Mack anything he asks for(except leave his job). And that includes a divorce.
Cue a series of unfortunate events where two people that are still insanely in love with each other have now been divorced for two years, but unable to move on, and unable to reconcile.
These two are like parallel lines. Their reasons are both valid, and I can see both sides, but it just adds to the delicious frustration of how will they fix this?
For Mack, all he sees is that his husband is never around, he has to raise the kids alone, and even when he's home, he says he's too tired to have sex. Naturally he assumes the worst. And it doesn't help when he tries to shock him into a mindset shift by asking for a divorce and instead, he gets immediate acceptance.
Bit of side eye to Davey on that one. Doesn't even ask why. Doesn't suggest an alternative. Just immediate agreement. Had to hurt like a son of a bitch.
Buuuuuuuut,
For Davey, what he sees is that he works himself ragged to provide the best life for the man he loves and their kids, a big house in the suburbs, insurance, medical coverage, college fund and discretionary income. It frees Mack up to be hands on with the kids as they can afford for him to work a part time job. And he tries to spend all his time with the kids when he's around. And he'd give Mack anything, ANYTHING he asks for (minus that one thing ...more
“I can explain.” Three favorite words of people who've been caught doing something that REALLY needs no explanations. Clearest shit ever and they're o“I can explain.” Three favorite words of people who've been caught doing something that REALLY needs no explanations. Clearest shit ever and they're offering to talk you through it.
These two make it seem like they're into each other in spite of the taboo but I'd like to disagree and insist that they're also into it because of the taboo.
“I don’t wanna leave it.”(his asshole. Just to be clear) Marshall clamped down around him. “So don’t.”
“You know who’s fucking you, don’t you? You’re riding your baby brother’s dick.” Marshall shuddered, ass muscles going crazy.
Ass muscles going crazy. Huh.
Like.... C'MON. It's clearly part of the appeal for them.
Also, I liked the family drama. Part of the appeal with this kind of taboo is getting to see people lose their shit when they find out lol.
“No matter what happens with this—” He motioned at the bed. “—I will always be your brother.” ...more
Lesson #1. The love of your life could be a homicidal veteran convict. The signs are there for those with eyes to see.
Lesson #2. Your Jail Bae™ will pLesson #1. The love of your life could be a homicidal veteran convict. The signs are there for those with eyes to see.
Lesson #2. Your Jail Bae™ will probably spend a longer time on foreplay than the average guy. On account of having literally nowhere else to go and nothing else to do. Besides 4am roll call.
Lesson #3. You'd always have the moral high ground in the relationship. Like, yes, sure, I didn't do my allotted chores but you know what else I didn't do? Rip out a man's intestines while he was still breathing so really, who's the worse person here?
"All I have in here is time, and I use it thinking of you. I’ve lived lives with you in my head."
I'm not going to hold y'all. I'd have folded faster than Alfie. (And in more positions, too.)
"These fantasies we talk about aren’t fantasies to me. They’re promises for when I get out. They’re futures.”
I know it's unhinged but this murderer, guys!!! ...more
So here's the thing. Jeff was an arsehole in the previous book. And he's still an arsehole. BUT. With context? Kind of a forgivable arsehole? So here's the thing. Jeff was an arsehole in the previous book. And he's still an arsehole. BUT. With context? Kind of a forgivable arsehole? ...more
This book poses the question, 'Is it an oopsie when the love of your life has a two month long affair?' The answer, apparently, is yes. Fuck that.
RatThis book poses the question, 'Is it an oopsie when the love of your life has a two month long affair?' The answer, apparently, is yes. Fuck that.
Rating this 4* even if I disagreed with almost everything printed therein.
"I just don't know what I did," Jake said. "I keep going over it, the whole day, and I don't know what I did that made you so mad you didn't walk away from him."
This. Right here. This is what always kills me about the cheating thing because one person fucks up, and then the other is left second guessing everything and wondering what THEY did, like they somehow carry part of the blame for what their partner did.
The fact that their marital rings were cock rings, and that sick fuck had another man licking all up on it? Fucking him with it in? Nah, that's diabolical.
Convinced that man to get captive bead rings on their literal dickheads and then this? Immediately, jail.
And there's something especially heinous about Tor saying 'I love you' to Jake only after being caught. Four years, zilch. But now, NOW he loves him? Right.
My biggest thing about this one is that I was just as blindsided as Jake when he found Tor cheating on him. I mean, sure, they had issues. A few fights here and there, hardly anything really. Mostly Tor getting mad at stuff in his head then taking it out on Jake.
But Tor was the giddy one in their dynamic. The one who was down bad. The one suggesting marital cock rings since they couldn't legally get married. The one kissing him in public and claiming him whenever he could. The one who literally got whatever he wanted 80% of the time in their relationship. The one who wore him down even though all Jake wanted at the onset was a strictly sexual relationship.
What do you mean you cheated because sometimes your partner (who happens to be your boss) acts like your boss at work?
Tor is really something. He gets mad at Jake because it's been 20 years and he forgot the death anniversary of his ex. Jake's got fuck all to do with that!
And the excuses!!!!
What do you mean, “I know it means nothing—it can’t—but I never once went to him, Jake, and I said no a few times, promised myself that it was done and I’d never…but I did."
This means less than nothing, actually.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU FUCKED ANOTHER RANCH HAND WHO LIVES ON THE SAME RANCH AS Y'ALL?!
It's the multiple layers of disregard and disrespect for me.
I will say that I did love the spurt of vindictiveness when Jake asked the boss to fire them both. I thought he'd wuss out and be all self-sacrificing.
And the worst bit of it all is that everyone around them acts like Tor has put in the work to earn forgiveness. Lol ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!
I don't care if that man moped silently around the ranch house for 5 months after Jake kicked him out of their room. Silence and guilt is not an apology. I'd even go so far as to say it's bare minimum because he worked there! Basically he shut up and did his job so where's the grovel?
Boo hoo, you cheated on a good man and now you're sad because he won't talk to you. Should we call the police?
The fact that Jake eventually got brainwashed into apologizing?! WHAT!!?
"And I’m sorry I hurt you so bad you looked somewhere else.”
YOU HAVE GOT TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME?!
“Ain’t nothing without you. I ache all the time, I miss you. I want…hell, I want to see if there’s a way we can get it back.”
Nobody's ever needed to stand the fuck up more than this man.
Y'all. I couldn't believe my eyes. It's NORMAL to ache if someone cheats on you?! It doesn't mean you have to take them back,it just means you're a human being who got fucked over and it's taking a while to process OMG OPEN THE SCHOOLS!!!
We need a course in Emotional Intelligence because apparently people think that if you feel bad about something then you must have done something wrong.
I read a review about this when I first got this book and the person said by the time they'd finished this they hated both Tor and Jake and had lost respect for them both and honestly whoever you are, all I have to say is you were so right and your feelings are valid.
Love when I specifically seek out books that will make my blood boil then I have a shocked pikachu face when they actually make my blood boil....more
I finally found it y'all. The best book with cheating between MCs.
First things first. Fletcher is a hobosexual. He invited himself to live with this I finally found it y'all. The best book with cheating between MCs.
First things first. Fletcher is a hobosexual. He invited himself to live with this man in the smoothest way ever. And poor Roger was just excited to be considered ...more
Seriously, when I first saw the 8 acts these two had to fulfill before they'd be considered legally married, I Ridiculous premise. Flawless execution.
Seriously, when I first saw the 8 acts these two had to fulfill before they'd be considered legally married, I thought to myself, 'oh great. Now I have to read these outlandish things get woven into the story in various implausible ways.' Nope. Wrong.
It was done so seamlessly that each time it actually happened, I was just as gobsmacked by how natural it was-just like these two MCs.
Honestly some of these came to pass so easily that I'm surprised more residents of this town don't find themselves married to each other all over the place.
Underpinning all this is a sweet love story of a man within whom hope springs eternal and another who's afraid to hope, and about a hundred meddlesome townsfolk. And a precocious yet conniving 7 year old.
Seriously. These people CAN NOT MIND THEIR BUSINESS. Good thing, too, because as sweet as these MCs are, sometimes they're dumber than rocks and need meddling to see what's right in front of them.
But eventually they get there. And all is right in the world....
"I want my descendants to be your descendants, Webb.” (awwww...more
Serious question. Why do authors keep saying 'blunt cock'? Are there some that are......not? *asking for academic purposes.
Anyway. These two continue Serious question. Why do authors keep saying 'blunt cock'? Are there some that are......not? *asking for academic purposes.
Anyway. These two continue to adore tf out of each other and it's such a delight to read.
Having their initial love declaration in front of Thomas' ex wife that's trying to get back with him is the level of peak petty I aspire to.
Being older than the father of the man you're dating is wildddddddd lol. No wonder Cooper asked if Thomas was any good at self-defense.
I love how when Thomas gets something....not quite right, Cooper makes him try, try, try again until he gets it right. He had to ask this man to move in like 82 times...more
"The guy you've been seeing for six weeks was my dad? The one you said sucked dick like a Dyson?!""The guy you've been seeing for six weeks was my dad? The one you said sucked dick like a Dyson?!"...more
Alpha x Alpha pairing in a world where even just two men together is unheard of? Really liked.
Them both being grumps also worked for me because they jAlpha x Alpha pairing in a world where even just two men together is unheard of? Really liked.
Them both being grumps also worked for me because they just kept baiting each other and like.....if you hate each other so much why do you end up cuddling every night?
The angst over the bi-awakening was also well written. Hilariously too, because at some point one MC thought the gods were leading him to the other's ass and he COULD NOT for the life of him figure out why—or what to do with it.
'What could all this mean?' lol it's very clear what this means, my good man. But hey. Maybe more religious people can advise on whether there's a deeper spiritual meaning buried beneath the intense desire to rim your rival.
Loved the unexpected plot twist. You know how you think you have the MCs and their motivations and capabilities figured out, and it turns out you're just really fucking delusional in general? Yeah. Loved that for me...more
I have a tendency to word vomit but this is still so new and everyone deserves to (and should—no, must) experience it spoiler-free so I'll holdChrist.
I have a tendency to word vomit but this is still so new and everyone deserves to (and should—no, must) experience it spoiler-free so I'll hold off on an extended review for now.
I'll just post some of my favorite bits from this instead ...more
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