30something_reads's Reviews (820)

 As with any anthology, there are highs and lows with this collection. Overall I really enjoyed it even if I was hoping for a little more cohesion. But I appreciated the variety because while there were a lot of names I knew, I also got an introduction to some authors who I will be checking out more from in the future. 

These were some of my favorites:

KD Casey just knows how to write tenderness and vulnerability SO well. I really liked the way Matt and Jamie's relationship was explored. Matt-the aging ball player granted a second chance while facing down the imminence of retirement. Jakie- the anxious rookie spiraling in his first year of the majors. The two of them navigating their feelings and the optics of their power imbalance. I also love the depictions of mental health and chronic pain. 

My only issue with this book was the pacing. There were often times that the story felt like it dragged which is tough when it's less than 250 pages. 

But I love all of the references to characters from the Unwritten Rules series (and it was fun to see the backstory behind DeLuca's and Big Mack's story that was hunted at in Dirty Slide.)

Oops, I read Unwritten Runes earlier this week and now I'm looking for anything to fill the Zach Glasser sized hole in my heart (so I'm off to find more KD Casey that I haven't read yet) 

HOW DARE YOU BE THIS RIDICULOUS AND THIS CHARMING AT THE SAME TIME?!!

Look. This plot is absolutely banana-bonkers, like I don't even know how Sara Raasch came up with this craziness. But these characters are so delightfully EARNEST and charming that I could not put this book down- I read it in one go. Coal is such a romantic sap and Hex!!!! He deserves that big romantic sap being absolutely obsessed with him and his sexy vests. 

I NEED the second book. Kris was silently put through it and I need to see him get his HEA with a snarky Irish hottie, okay?

Ellis Evans did so great with this performance. 10/10 audiobook narration. I think his performance really helped this book land for me. I'm not certain if I'd have had the same reactions without him.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan for the advanced listener copy

I've finished my Alexis Henderson binge and I think this one is my favorite.

Excellent creepy patriarchal society. Very good witchy lore. Loved the hint of romance (Ezra is a LI that I believe in.)

I am disappointed to see that the supposed sequel is most likely not happening but this still works wonderfully as a standalone.

Well, well, well looks like I'm in need of more jaded hitman turned down-bad bodyguard romances in my life. The queerer, the better.

I really enjoyed this.

Vampirism as a vehicle for exploring colonization and feeling disconnected from one's cultural heritage.

I wish it had been a bit longer though. 

Fantastic give me 14 more of them!

I might be biased because I love the characters from the Unwritten Rules series with my whole heart and I would gladly read anything that they do. Ghost hunting it just a little cherry on top because it's perfect for the season.

So if you've read the series, hello, this is perfect for you.

If you haven't read the series, hello, this is your sign to go do so. (You could technically just read these if you want but it's so much more satisfying seeing all of the little nods to the original stories.) 

I actually lied on GR when I said I'd continue to give this a chance. I set it down yesterday and I now have no desire to pick it back up.