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booksafety's Reviews (586)
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Will I turn to ice without your warmth? Will I shatter on the wind? Will every atom blow away? If there’s a part of me that remains, I’ll find you again. I’ll be the snowflake on your eyelash. The wind in your hair, the breeze that caresses your cheek.
I’ve said it a hundred times and I’ll likely say it a hundred more, but Tal Bauer really is in a league of his own. His writing is just beyond beautiful and so very emotional, even when nothing particularly emotional is happening.
I wasn’t actually all that excited about reading the continuation of Sasha and Sergey’s story, because they had such a rough time during the Executive Office series (which you should read first to get the whole story). It was hard to see how they could make things work without emotionally wrecking the reader. But, I was pleasantly surprised by how low angst this was. I don’t actually think I cried more than once, which is miraculous and unprecedented for me.
It was very much focused on Sasha’s spiritual journey and him accepting his sexuality, which was equally heartbreaking and beautiful. I had no idea about the extent of his trauma and the abuse he’d endured, and although that sucked, it was nice to finally get to know the angry Russian.
As I understand it I’m in for a helluva time in terms of action and suspense in Stars, which I’m mega stoked about.
Anyway, Tal is best and everyone else sucks. That’s how I feel whenever I try to read something else after one of his books anyway, lol.
Until the sun swallows the planet, and their long-dead particles were absorbed into the nuclear furnace of the star. Until they were spat back out, remade as elements. Until they found each other in another life, on another planet. Until they fell in love again, and again, and again. Until time stopped, and their elements came together in perfect union. And he was never parted from Sergey ever again.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Russian president
Hard-fought HEA (after book 2)
Age gap
Duology
Read the Executive Office series first
Loves giving blowjobs
Coming before getting inside
Epic love
Romantic suspense
Past trauma
Intercrural sex
Spiritual journey
Hands-free orgasm
Aspiring astronaut
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Intense internalized homophobia (MC)
Alcohol consumption (on-page intoxication)
Panic attacks
References to past sexual abuse/rape of MC (off page, no details)
Self-hatred (MC)
Explicit sexual content
Mention of and references to past hate crime against MC (severe beating)
Self harm — punching wall, ice baths, exercise to point of injury
Mention of animal cruelty (lab animals, died off page)
Graphic corpse details
Brief mention of parent death (past)
MC hospitalized — surgery
MC orally raped and beaten by cousin (past, some details)
Gun violence
On-page murder
Drinking animal urine
Details of butchered animal carcass
Use of homophobic slurs
Homophobia
Indirect ingestion of shrooms (on-page intoxication)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, multi
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 32 and 52
Series: Series (must read Executive Office first)
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 282
Happy ending: HFN
Whatever Sasha wanted, whatever he needed, Sergey would give him. He’d give in, if just for one more chance at loving Sasha.
Sasha’s expression fractured. He grabbed Sergey, held on like he was falling and Sergey was the only anchor in the world. “I always came back.”
Two nights, and the agony of abandonment, lay between them. He had oceans of hope, enough dreams to hang from every star in the sky, but the blackness beyond was his fear, his doubt, and he dreaded waking up alone in the morning. Would Sasha be there when his eyes opened?
I’ve said it a hundred times and I’ll likely say it a hundred more, but Tal Bauer really is in a league of his own. His writing is just beyond beautiful and so very emotional, even when nothing particularly emotional is happening.
I wasn’t actually all that excited about reading the continuation of Sasha and Sergey’s story, because they had such a rough time during the Executive Office series (which you should read first to get the whole story). It was hard to see how they could make things work without emotionally wrecking the reader. But, I was pleasantly surprised by how low angst this was. I don’t actually think I cried more than once, which is miraculous and unprecedented for me.
It was very much focused on Sasha’s spiritual journey and him accepting his sexuality, which was equally heartbreaking and beautiful. I had no idea about the extent of his trauma and the abuse he’d endured, and although that sucked, it was nice to finally get to know the angry Russian.
As I understand it I’m in for a helluva time in terms of action and suspense in Stars, which I’m mega stoked about.
Anyway, Tal is best and everyone else sucks. That’s how I feel whenever I try to read something else after one of his books anyway, lol.
Until the sun swallows the planet, and their long-dead particles were absorbed into the nuclear furnace of the star. Until they were spat back out, remade as elements. Until they found each other in another life, on another planet. Until they fell in love again, and again, and again. Until time stopped, and their elements came together in perfect union. And he was never parted from Sergey ever again.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Russian president
Hard-fought HEA (after book 2)
Age gap
Duology
Read the Executive Office series first
Loves giving blowjobs
Coming before getting inside
Epic love
Romantic suspense
Past trauma
Intercrural sex
Spiritual journey
Hands-free orgasm
Aspiring astronaut
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Intense internalized homophobia (MC)
Alcohol consumption (on-page intoxication)
Panic attacks
References to past sexual abuse/rape of MC (off page, no details)
Self-hatred (MC)
Explicit sexual content
Mention of and references to past hate crime against MC (severe beating)
Self harm — punching wall, ice baths, exercise to point of injury
Mention of animal cruelty (lab animals, died off page)
Graphic corpse details
Brief mention of parent death (past)
MC hospitalized — surgery
MC orally raped and beaten by cousin (past, some details)
Gun violence
On-page murder
Drinking animal urine
Details of butchered animal carcass
Use of homophobic slurs
Homophobia
Indirect ingestion of shrooms (on-page intoxication)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, multi
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 32 and 52
Series: Series (must read Executive Office first)
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 282
Happy ending: HFN
Whatever Sasha wanted, whatever he needed, Sergey would give him. He’d give in, if just for one more chance at loving Sasha.
Sasha’s expression fractured. He grabbed Sergey, held on like he was falling and Sergey was the only anchor in the world. “I always came back.”
Two nights, and the agony of abandonment, lay between them. He had oceans of hope, enough dreams to hang from every star in the sky, but the blackness beyond was his fear, his doubt, and he dreaded waking up alone in the morning. Would Sasha be there when his eyes opened?
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
My legs shook hard. Tyler bit my shoulder and laughed softly. His fingers kept pressing on that spot. Prostate, my mind spat out. Prostate. I’d thought it all sounded too good to be true. Some magic button. Yeah right.
If Tal Bauer decided to write exclusively erotica, a lot of other erotica authors would have some pretty steep competition right off the bat. Mix Talbert’s writing chops with his ability to create intimacy and a palpable connection in a short amount of time, and you get this book: three short stories of men having sex with another man for the very first time, and it was hot as hell.
The stories all share the same basic concept, but all the characters were distinguishable and the actual stories felt very different. Spring Break Fever was my personal favorite. It was sweet, super duper hot, and it had a bit of a happy ending where you know the MCs keep seeing each other (Business Class also ends this way).
You was quite different. First off, while all the other stories were written in 1st person, this one was written in 2nd person. I really liked the effect it had. This short had a bittersweet ending, tho, and it actually made me quite emotional in a very short amount of time.
Anyway. Tal is brilliant. Tiny slap on his wrist for making me read the word ‘assgasm’ twice, unironically.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Spring Break Fever:
19 y/o
Spring break hookup
Erotica
Short story
First times
Football player
Sexual awakening
Deep-thrusting
Throat-fucking
Lawyer x college athlete
Hopeful and happy ending
1st person
Single POV
Natural-born bottom
Hands-free orgasms
Strict roles
Business Class:
First times
1st person
Single POV
32 y/o
Stranded at the airport
Sexual exploration
Bar hookup
Executive bossed around
Prostate discovery
‘It won’t fit’
Hopeful and happy ending
Strict roles
Hairy
Hands-free orgasms
You:
First times
Single POV
Closeted MC
2nd person
Car hookup
Size difference
Bittersweet
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Spring Break Fever:
Denial/minor internalized homophobia
Vomiting
Alcohol consumption
Explicit sexual content
Throat-fucking
Business Class:
Explicit sexual content
Alcohol consumption
Mild bondage
You:
Explicit sexual content
Alcohol consumption
Unsafe sex
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person and 2nd person, single POV
Genre: Erotica
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Varied
Series: Standalone short stories
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 62
Happy ending: Happy and hopeful, but not ‘HEA’ endings
He grabbed my thighs and pushed, rolling me up onto my shoulders. My ass was in the air, exposed, my cock pointing toward my face. He pulled my thighs apart. I was so fucking open. My asshole was right there, in his face. I clenched. Gasped. “Do that again, baby,” Michael purred. “Let me see that hole.” He groaned, biting his lip as I shivered again.
He was melting my bones, sending fire through my muscles. The burn, the stretch, had turned to agonizing glory, to liquid gold spreading from my ass through my cock. I was on fire, I was fireworks exploding in the sky.
Ropes shot up my chest, painted my pecs, my chin. One landed on my lips. Every muscle went taut, electrified, my whole body screaming as my orgasm kept going and going, a never-ending cycle of my cock erupting and my asshole seizing around Michael’s cock.
If Tal Bauer decided to write exclusively erotica, a lot of other erotica authors would have some pretty steep competition right off the bat. Mix Talbert’s writing chops with his ability to create intimacy and a palpable connection in a short amount of time, and you get this book: three short stories of men having sex with another man for the very first time, and it was hot as hell.
The stories all share the same basic concept, but all the characters were distinguishable and the actual stories felt very different. Spring Break Fever was my personal favorite. It was sweet, super duper hot, and it had a bit of a happy ending where you know the MCs keep seeing each other (Business Class also ends this way).
You was quite different. First off, while all the other stories were written in 1st person, this one was written in 2nd person. I really liked the effect it had. This short had a bittersweet ending, tho, and it actually made me quite emotional in a very short amount of time.
Anyway. Tal is brilliant. Tiny slap on his wrist for making me read the word ‘assgasm’ twice, unironically.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Spring Break Fever:
19 y/o
Spring break hookup
Erotica
Short story
First times
Football player
Sexual awakening
Deep-thrusting
Throat-fucking
Lawyer x college athlete
Hopeful and happy ending
1st person
Single POV
Natural-born bottom
Hands-free orgasms
Strict roles
Business Class:
First times
1st person
Single POV
32 y/o
Stranded at the airport
Sexual exploration
Bar hookup
Executive bossed around
Prostate discovery
‘It won’t fit’
Hopeful and happy ending
Strict roles
Hairy
Hands-free orgasms
You:
First times
Single POV
Closeted MC
2nd person
Car hookup
Size difference
Bittersweet
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Spring Break Fever:
Denial/minor internalized homophobia
Vomiting
Alcohol consumption
Explicit sexual content
Throat-fucking
Business Class:
Explicit sexual content
Alcohol consumption
Mild bondage
You:
Explicit sexual content
Alcohol consumption
Unsafe sex
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person and 2nd person, single POV
Genre: Erotica
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Varied
Series: Standalone short stories
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 62
Happy ending: Happy and hopeful, but not ‘HEA’ endings
He grabbed my thighs and pushed, rolling me up onto my shoulders. My ass was in the air, exposed, my cock pointing toward my face. He pulled my thighs apart. I was so fucking open. My asshole was right there, in his face. I clenched. Gasped. “Do that again, baby,” Michael purred. “Let me see that hole.” He groaned, biting his lip as I shivered again.
He was melting my bones, sending fire through my muscles. The burn, the stretch, had turned to agonizing glory, to liquid gold spreading from my ass through my cock. I was on fire, I was fireworks exploding in the sky.
Ropes shot up my chest, painted my pecs, my chin. One landed on my lips. Every muscle went taut, electrified, my whole body screaming as my orgasm kept going and going, a never-ending cycle of my cock erupting and my asshole seizing around Michael’s cock.
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“Everything we shared, all the moments we stole, pretending there was nothing else in the world except the two of us—how could I not fall head over heels for you? And for the world you gave me glimpses of, what life would be like if I was cherished by you?”
Nothing makes me happier than reading a romantic suspense novel by Tal Bauer, graphic, gory details included. Actually, maybe even because of the gory details. I love that he doesn’t shy away from all the grit and gore in his books. It’s one of the things that sets his suspense books apart from everyone else.
I avoided this book for such a long time, purely because of the second chance trope, but I had nothing to fear. This was about as painless as it gets with this trope.
I guessed who the bad guy was pretty much right away but it was all because of a hunch or just a wild guess. I had a lot of fun finding out all the other details as the story went on, and I was, as per usual, impressed by the mystery.
Sean and Jonathan aren’t Tal’s most memorable couple, but they were both sweet and good men. I enjoyed how there was a bit of (unofficial) D/s exploration as well. The president, a former high-ranking military man, wants to be held down and dicked to death? Literally always hot.
My only gripe with this book is the fact that the blurb lists age gap as a trope, yet their ages aren’t specified and it’s not in any way a part of the story. I love the age gap trope a lot so that’s just annoying, lol.
But yeah, it’s Talbert, so of course five stars and of course I recommend.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Second chance
President
Secret Service agent
Murder mystery
Romantic suspense
Oval office blowjob
D/s dynamic in bed
Rough sex
Felching
Blindfold during sex
Age gap
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mention of past suicidal ideation
Believed suicide of side character
Suicidal thoughts
Gun violence
Death of MC’s friend — graphic details
Grief
Detailed autopsy
Explicit sexual content
Injured MC — explosion
Throat-fucking
Mild bondage
Occasional spankings during sex
Unsafe sex
MC severely injured
MC hospitalized
On-page death of bad guy
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Not specified
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 288
Happy ending: Yes
“I never thought it was possible to want anyone like I wanted you—because I never thought it was possible for a man like you to exist.”
“I know I let you down the last time. But I promise, I’m going to be the man you need. So don’t bury what you need or hide when you need it. I’m here, and I’ll take care of you.”
“What was your dream?” I didn’t think I’d ever known. We’d never talked about dreams. We’d been too scared to ask each other about future plans, too timid to find out if we weren’t already inside the castles of each other’s hearts and hopes.
Nothing makes me happier than reading a romantic suspense novel by Tal Bauer, graphic, gory details included. Actually, maybe even because of the gory details. I love that he doesn’t shy away from all the grit and gore in his books. It’s one of the things that sets his suspense books apart from everyone else.
I avoided this book for such a long time, purely because of the second chance trope, but I had nothing to fear. This was about as painless as it gets with this trope.
I guessed who the bad guy was pretty much right away but it was all because of a hunch or just a wild guess. I had a lot of fun finding out all the other details as the story went on, and I was, as per usual, impressed by the mystery.
Sean and Jonathan aren’t Tal’s most memorable couple, but they were both sweet and good men. I enjoyed how there was a bit of (unofficial) D/s exploration as well. The president, a former high-ranking military man, wants to be held down and dicked to death? Literally always hot.
My only gripe with this book is the fact that the blurb lists age gap as a trope, yet their ages aren’t specified and it’s not in any way a part of the story. I love the age gap trope a lot so that’s just annoying, lol.
But yeah, it’s Talbert, so of course five stars and of course I recommend.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Second chance
President
Secret Service agent
Murder mystery
Romantic suspense
Oval office blowjob
D/s dynamic in bed
Rough sex
Felching
Blindfold during sex
Age gap
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mention of past suicidal ideation
Believed suicide of side character
Suicidal thoughts
Gun violence
Death of MC’s friend — graphic details
Grief
Detailed autopsy
Explicit sexual content
Injured MC — explosion
Throat-fucking
Mild bondage
Occasional spankings during sex
Unsafe sex
MC severely injured
MC hospitalized
On-page death of bad guy
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Not specified
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 288
Happy ending: Yes
“I never thought it was possible to want anyone like I wanted you—because I never thought it was possible for a man like you to exist.”
“I know I let you down the last time. But I promise, I’m going to be the man you need. So don’t bury what you need or hide when you need it. I’m here, and I’ll take care of you.”
“What was your dream?” I didn’t think I’d ever known. We’d never talked about dreams. We’d been too scared to ask each other about future plans, too timid to find out if we weren’t already inside the castles of each other’s hearts and hopes.
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Your love is imprinted on this universe, in all its intricacies, all its perfections, its imperfections, all the ways it twists and turns. And when you reach the end of time, your love will still be there with you. Because he is of you, and you are of him.
How do you even review something as huge and epic as this book? The whole series and Sasha and Sergey’s journey has been filled with challenges, heartbreak, incredibly strong love, spiritual journeys, literal space adventures, and so much more. Even the cast of characters is huge and epic, with so many beloved people showing up again and again.
Sasha and Sergey’s love story started during the Executive Office series (remember to read that first), and it positively ripped my heart out. I didn’t think there was any way they could have a happy ending. A lot of hurts were healed in Ascendent, and it became clear that these men were pretty much soulmates. Which is probably why I struggled in the beginning of this book. That is in large parts because of me projecting my own feelings and insecurities on the MCs. The kind of long distance situation they’ve got going on would wreck me. It’s slowly wrecking Sergey and Sasha as well, but they know it’s not forever, and it’s giving Sasha his dream. It’s all worth it in the end.
How, after billions of years, had he been graced with a life entwined with Sergey’s, given seconds and minutes and days and hours and years to love him?
Not long after all of the relationship-related pain, the action kicks in and you won’t have time to worry about any long-distance trouble. I really loved watching the various loose threads slowly come together and finally explain everything going on. It was so fucking neat and well done, and it made me happy.
The book is also magically graphic, gory and violent, and I fucking loved it. The best, most gruesome scenes made me smile because it was so well written.
Again. This book and the couple’s entire story is so epic and I can’t possibly recommend it enough. So happy I finally read this.
Kissing Sergey was touching the stars, losing gravity’s hold on his soul.
Picking quotes for this review made me cry.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Established couple
Astronaut MC
Space travel
President of Russia
Suspense & action
Long-distance relationship
Age gap
Thriller
Political thriller
Hard-fought HEA
Soulmates
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Gun violence
Themes of terrorism
Alcohol consumption
Mention of mass murders (off page, past)
Graphic corpse details
Themes of biological warfare
Vomiting
On-page autopsy
Graphic gory details
MC sedated by SC (panic attack)
Medical emergency
Death of side characters (on page, traumatic and graphic)
SC shot on page
Homophobia (societal and individual)
MCs forcibly outed against their will
Homophobic slurs
Injured and sick MC
Non-explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, multi
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 34 and 54
Series: Duology, connected series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 512
Happy ending: Yes
Sergey blew a toothpaste kiss at the screen and bent to spit. “And I came out.” Sergey froze. Sasha had the brain-splittingly annoying habit of blurting out gigantic news at the most inopportune time, with no preparation and no forewarning.
Sasha opened his eyes. He nodded, a hopefully miserable twist to his face. It was a uniquely Sasha expression that was the closest to a pout Sergey had ever seen on his lover. As if Sasha didn’t know how to be optimistic—he tried, but he could only imagine everything that could go wrong.
I will return to you, Seryozha. I will return to you in any way I can, even if that is only dust and atoms when my orbit decays and I fracture apart, my body burning through the sky as my soul tumbles free. I will gather my ashes and bring them down to you, wipe your tears and kiss your lips with what is left of me. And I will nestle in your hands and live there for the rest of your life. Until you are dust once more and we are together again, our particles conjoined until they are one.
*sobs uncontrollably*
How do you even review something as huge and epic as this book? The whole series and Sasha and Sergey’s journey has been filled with challenges, heartbreak, incredibly strong love, spiritual journeys, literal space adventures, and so much more. Even the cast of characters is huge and epic, with so many beloved people showing up again and again.
Sasha and Sergey’s love story started during the Executive Office series (remember to read that first), and it positively ripped my heart out. I didn’t think there was any way they could have a happy ending. A lot of hurts were healed in Ascendent, and it became clear that these men were pretty much soulmates. Which is probably why I struggled in the beginning of this book. That is in large parts because of me projecting my own feelings and insecurities on the MCs. The kind of long distance situation they’ve got going on would wreck me. It’s slowly wrecking Sergey and Sasha as well, but they know it’s not forever, and it’s giving Sasha his dream. It’s all worth it in the end.
How, after billions of years, had he been graced with a life entwined with Sergey’s, given seconds and minutes and days and hours and years to love him?
Not long after all of the relationship-related pain, the action kicks in and you won’t have time to worry about any long-distance trouble. I really loved watching the various loose threads slowly come together and finally explain everything going on. It was so fucking neat and well done, and it made me happy.
The book is also magically graphic, gory and violent, and I fucking loved it. The best, most gruesome scenes made me smile because it was so well written.
Again. This book and the couple’s entire story is so epic and I can’t possibly recommend it enough. So happy I finally read this.
Kissing Sergey was touching the stars, losing gravity’s hold on his soul.
Picking quotes for this review made me cry.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Established couple
Astronaut MC
Space travel
President of Russia
Suspense & action
Long-distance relationship
Age gap
Thriller
Political thriller
Hard-fought HEA
Soulmates
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Gun violence
Themes of terrorism
Alcohol consumption
Mention of mass murders (off page, past)
Graphic corpse details
Themes of biological warfare
Vomiting
On-page autopsy
Graphic gory details
MC sedated by SC (panic attack)
Medical emergency
Death of side characters (on page, traumatic and graphic)
SC shot on page
Homophobia (societal and individual)
MCs forcibly outed against their will
Homophobic slurs
Injured and sick MC
Non-explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, multi
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 34 and 54
Series: Duology, connected series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 512
Happy ending: Yes
Sergey blew a toothpaste kiss at the screen and bent to spit. “And I came out.” Sergey froze. Sasha had the brain-splittingly annoying habit of blurting out gigantic news at the most inopportune time, with no preparation and no forewarning.
Sasha opened his eyes. He nodded, a hopefully miserable twist to his face. It was a uniquely Sasha expression that was the closest to a pout Sergey had ever seen on his lover. As if Sasha didn’t know how to be optimistic—he tried, but he could only imagine everything that could go wrong.
I will return to you, Seryozha. I will return to you in any way I can, even if that is only dust and atoms when my orbit decays and I fracture apart, my body burning through the sky as my soul tumbles free. I will gather my ashes and bring them down to you, wipe your tears and kiss your lips with what is left of me. And I will nestle in your hands and live there for the rest of your life. Until you are dust once more and we are together again, our particles conjoined until they are one.
*sobs uncontrollably*
dark
emotional
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
He knew this man like he knew his own soul. Maybe even better. Which was why this, this fracture, this splinter of their lives, was like something inside of him had ripped down the center.
Those were the most intense 161 pages I’ve read in a long time. It was actually scary at times (yay) and more than enough angsty. It played out in my head like a horror movie and I loved it. Tal is pretty much unmatched when it comes to writing anything romantic, but he isn’t praised enough for the way he writes horror and gore. There was a scene that actually made me go ‘eww’ which is fantastic. Rarely happens anymore.
It is — obviously — light on the romance with everything going on and it being a ‘relationship in crisis’ situation, buuuut I was disappointed by the ending. We never got any closure on what started the big conflict to begin with, because of everything that went down after. Don’t get me wrong, they get a happy ending that is as good as it gets and was realistic after all that trauma, but *I* really needed some closure, even if the situation wasn’t relevant anymore by the end. If you’re reading this review without having read the book I’m sure all the vagueness is annoying, but it would be too easy to spoil a massive part of it.
A solid book for sure, one I hadn’t heard shit about until I picked it up myself, but an ending that was really abrupt and dissatisfying.
As per usual the writing was stunning, tho.
Do you think the Devil could do that? Could the Devil trick you so well you can’t tell if someone is who you love or not?
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Horror romance
Established couple
Semi-closeted MC
High school teacher
Paranormal
Relationship in crisis
Religious themes
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Alcohol consumption
Medical emergency and health issues
Injured MCs
Auditory hallucinations
Vomiting
Prescription drug use (anti-psychotics, anti-depressants)
MC harming himself with sex toys (bleeding, not mentally fit at the time)
MC choking, scratching and hitting other MC (not aware of his actions, not in control)
Self-inflicted cut (off page)
Forced psychiatric hospitalization of MC
MC forcibly restrained by medical personnel
MC forcibly restrained by SC and other MC
Injured SC
Threats of violence against self and other MC
Crisis of faith
Explicit sexual content
Self harm
MCs’ home burning down
Long-term psychiatric hospitalization
*none of the violence between MCs happens on purpose on the MC’s part. He is not aware of doing it.
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, single
Genre: Horror romance, paranormal elements
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: Not specified
Series: Standalone, multi-author series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 161
Happy ending: Yes
This slow death was the worst, the atrophy of love, the wasting away of affection.
Ben stared at the bedroom ceiling, tracing the thoughts he’d painted overhead, the imaginary lines connecting points and arguments, rants and accusations and devastations. Words he wanted to shout at Evan, pleas, cries he’d let leak from his eyes as tears fell down his temples while the sun rose.
He’d been afraid. He’d struggled. He’d gotten lost. And he’d splintered apart. The answer, then, was to love. To love Evan as hard, as deeply, as fully as he ever had, and to never, ever let that love go.
Ben caught himself looking over his shoulder in his own home. Or twisting on the stairs and staring behind him. Looking upward. Closing his eyes and holding his breath.
He knew this man like he knew his own soul. Maybe even better. Which was why this, this fracture, this splinter of their lives, was like something inside of him had ripped down the center.
Those were the most intense 161 pages I’ve read in a long time. It was actually scary at times (yay) and more than enough angsty. It played out in my head like a horror movie and I loved it. Tal is pretty much unmatched when it comes to writing anything romantic, but he isn’t praised enough for the way he writes horror and gore. There was a scene that actually made me go ‘eww’ which is fantastic. Rarely happens anymore.
It is — obviously — light on the romance with everything going on and it being a ‘relationship in crisis’ situation, buuuut I was disappointed by the ending. We never got any closure on what started the big conflict to begin with, because of everything that went down after. Don’t get me wrong, they get a happy ending that is as good as it gets and was realistic after all that trauma, but *I* really needed some closure, even if the situation wasn’t relevant anymore by the end. If you’re reading this review without having read the book I’m sure all the vagueness is annoying, but it would be too easy to spoil a massive part of it.
A solid book for sure, one I hadn’t heard shit about until I picked it up myself, but an ending that was really abrupt and dissatisfying.
As per usual the writing was stunning, tho.
Do you think the Devil could do that? Could the Devil trick you so well you can’t tell if someone is who you love or not?
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Horror romance
Established couple
Semi-closeted MC
High school teacher
Paranormal
Relationship in crisis
Religious themes
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Alcohol consumption
Medical emergency and health issues
Injured MCs
Auditory hallucinations
Vomiting
Prescription drug use (anti-psychotics, anti-depressants)
MC harming himself with sex toys (bleeding, not mentally fit at the time)
MC choking, scratching and hitting other MC (not aware of his actions, not in control)
Self-inflicted cut (off page)
Forced psychiatric hospitalization of MC
MC forcibly restrained by medical personnel
MC forcibly restrained by SC and other MC
Injured SC
Threats of violence against self and other MC
Crisis of faith
Explicit sexual content
Self harm
MCs’ home burning down
Long-term psychiatric hospitalization
*none of the violence between MCs happens on purpose on the MC’s part. He is not aware of doing it.
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, single
Genre: Horror romance, paranormal elements
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: Not specified
Series: Standalone, multi-author series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 161
Happy ending: Yes
This slow death was the worst, the atrophy of love, the wasting away of affection.
Ben stared at the bedroom ceiling, tracing the thoughts he’d painted overhead, the imaginary lines connecting points and arguments, rants and accusations and devastations. Words he wanted to shout at Evan, pleas, cries he’d let leak from his eyes as tears fell down his temples while the sun rose.
He’d been afraid. He’d struggled. He’d gotten lost. And he’d splintered apart. The answer, then, was to love. To love Evan as hard, as deeply, as fully as he ever had, and to never, ever let that love go.
Ben caught himself looking over his shoulder in his own home. Or twisting on the stairs and staring behind him. Looking upward. Closing his eyes and holding his breath.
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
This book isn’t very long, but it took me a while to finish because it was so heavy. In true Tal Bauer fashion, it does not sugarcoat anything, and his work and life experience brings a level of realism you don’t get much of elsewhere. This book deals heavily with racism (in many forms), and it was handled really well.
He could love this man. He could love him until the end of time. Maybe he already did and was just uncovering a love that was already there and waiting for him. Did you fall in love with someone unknown, or did you find the person who completed you and paired your soul to theirs?
You of course get the usual edge-of-your-seat suspense and great action that you expect from Tal Bauer, and the descriptions of the Congo and its people were beautiful. In the middle of the heavy topics there’s a really sweet and genuine-feeling romance (of course).
31 years after the genocide in Rwanda and five years after this book was published, and there’s still war and conflict in DR Congo. There’s not a single theme or situation in this book that isn’t highly relevant today. Can’t recommend this book enough.
Evacuate. The region is about to be plunged into violent conflict. But this is when we need you most. What about us, who can’t evacuate? Where should we go when the fighting starts?
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Set in The Democratic Republic of the Congo
Navy SEAL Lieutenant
Black MCs
Congolese doctor
Romantic suspense
Hunting terrorists
First times
Sexual awakening
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Vomiting
Graphic details of a child getting sick and dying (on page)
Themes and details of displacement
Themes of war and conflict
Details of illness and death from infectious diseases)
Gun violence
Graphic gore (bodily fluids, dismembered bodies, etc.)
Gun violence
Injured side character (gunshot wound)
On-page graphic murder
Details of MC being racially profiled (past)
Themes of racism
Mentions of past racial profiling and physical assault/police brutality against MC
Epidemic outbreak
Themes of occupation and war
Refugee camp attacked and bombed
Injured MCs
Use of homophobic slur
Explicit sexual content
MC abducted and forced to be a child soldier (past)
Brief mention of minor character suicide (off page)
Attempted terrorist attack/suicide bombing
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, multi
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 32 and not specified
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 254
Happy ending: Yes
There were rights and there were wrongs. He knew it. Everyone knew it, even if they turned their backs and pretended they weren’t involved. Ignorance only went so far before it became complicity.
It clawed at him, scraped him raw inside every time the mzungus wanted to photograph their tragedies. Take pictures of their lives and send them to the West, glorifying their agony and calling it art.
The light and Ikolo’s touch revealed the truth Elliot had grasped in the dark and laid bare the answer to his question. He kissed Ikolo and felt his soul catch fire.
He was one man, but he was his own man, and he would not be complicit in the world’s hate.
This book isn’t very long, but it took me a while to finish because it was so heavy. In true Tal Bauer fashion, it does not sugarcoat anything, and his work and life experience brings a level of realism you don’t get much of elsewhere. This book deals heavily with racism (in many forms), and it was handled really well.
He could love this man. He could love him until the end of time. Maybe he already did and was just uncovering a love that was already there and waiting for him. Did you fall in love with someone unknown, or did you find the person who completed you and paired your soul to theirs?
You of course get the usual edge-of-your-seat suspense and great action that you expect from Tal Bauer, and the descriptions of the Congo and its people were beautiful. In the middle of the heavy topics there’s a really sweet and genuine-feeling romance (of course).
31 years after the genocide in Rwanda and five years after this book was published, and there’s still war and conflict in DR Congo. There’s not a single theme or situation in this book that isn’t highly relevant today. Can’t recommend this book enough.
Evacuate. The region is about to be plunged into violent conflict. But this is when we need you most. What about us, who can’t evacuate? Where should we go when the fighting starts?
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Set in The Democratic Republic of the Congo
Navy SEAL Lieutenant
Black MCs
Congolese doctor
Romantic suspense
Hunting terrorists
First times
Sexual awakening
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Vomiting
Graphic details of a child getting sick and dying (on page)
Themes and details of displacement
Themes of war and conflict
Details of illness and death from infectious diseases)
Gun violence
Graphic gore (bodily fluids, dismembered bodies, etc.)
Gun violence
Injured side character (gunshot wound)
On-page graphic murder
Details of MC being racially profiled (past)
Themes of racism
Mentions of past racial profiling and physical assault/police brutality against MC
Epidemic outbreak
Themes of occupation and war
Refugee camp attacked and bombed
Injured MCs
Use of homophobic slur
Explicit sexual content
MC abducted and forced to be a child soldier (past)
Brief mention of minor character suicide (off page)
Attempted terrorist attack/suicide bombing
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, multi
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 32 and not specified
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 254
Happy ending: Yes
There were rights and there were wrongs. He knew it. Everyone knew it, even if they turned their backs and pretended they weren’t involved. Ignorance only went so far before it became complicity.
It clawed at him, scraped him raw inside every time the mzungus wanted to photograph their tragedies. Take pictures of their lives and send them to the West, glorifying their agony and calling it art.
The light and Ikolo’s touch revealed the truth Elliot had grasped in the dark and laid bare the answer to his question. He kissed Ikolo and felt his soul catch fire.
He was one man, but he was his own man, and he would not be complicit in the world’s hate.
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
4.5 rounded up
Surprise surprise, Roan Parrish wrote a beautiful and emotional book. I recently listened to Rend and that one blew me away, so I was a bit worried about starting this one. Rend is still my favorite, but Raze was great too.
I especially loved Felix. Just everything about his character tugged on my heart, and I wanted him to be happy. For a good part of the book I was afraid I wouldn’t be happy with Felix having his happy ending with Huey, simply because Huey wasn’t a very good boyfriend for Felix.
Huey’s entire life is based on routines that have helped him stay sober, and on assuaging his guilt by helping others. Thankfully he’s not a bad person, and I could — eventually — let go of my annoyance and understand where he was coming from. He turned into a good boyfriend for Felix.
Anyway. Definitely read this if you want amazing writing, fantastic intimacy and spice, as well as a kick to the nuts emotionally. Roan is a great writer.
Loses half a star for annoying me to death by having a lot of focus on the age gap between the MCs, including having the older MC’s birthday in the story, and still not saying his actual age. Best guess from context is a 10 year age gap.
The narrators also did a fab job with this. Great casting.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Big size difference
Age gap (10 ish years)
Hurt/comfort
Strangers to lovers
Recovering addict
Lonely MC
Desperate bottom
Begging
Penetration after orgasm
Hands-free orgasms
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
MC recovering addict (sober, no relapse)
Alcohol consumption
Explicit sexual content
Vomiting
Excessive exercise to deal with cravings
Mention of suicidal ideation (parent)
Mention of parent death (past)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 25 and not specified
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 284
Happy ending: Yes
4.5 rounded up
Surprise surprise, Roan Parrish wrote a beautiful and emotional book. I recently listened to Rend and that one blew me away, so I was a bit worried about starting this one. Rend is still my favorite, but Raze was great too.
I especially loved Felix. Just everything about his character tugged on my heart, and I wanted him to be happy. For a good part of the book I was afraid I wouldn’t be happy with Felix having his happy ending with Huey, simply because Huey wasn’t a very good boyfriend for Felix.
Huey’s entire life is based on routines that have helped him stay sober, and on assuaging his guilt by helping others. Thankfully he’s not a bad person, and I could — eventually — let go of my annoyance and understand where he was coming from. He turned into a good boyfriend for Felix.
Anyway. Definitely read this if you want amazing writing, fantastic intimacy and spice, as well as a kick to the nuts emotionally. Roan is a great writer.
Loses half a star for annoying me to death by having a lot of focus on the age gap between the MCs, including having the older MC’s birthday in the story, and still not saying his actual age. Best guess from context is a 10 year age gap.
The narrators also did a fab job with this. Great casting.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Big size difference
Age gap (10 ish years)
Hurt/comfort
Strangers to lovers
Recovering addict
Lonely MC
Desperate bottom
Begging
Penetration after orgasm
Hands-free orgasms
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
MC recovering addict (sober, no relapse)
Alcohol consumption
Explicit sexual content
Vomiting
Excessive exercise to deal with cravings
Mention of suicidal ideation (parent)
Mention of parent death (past)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 25 and not specified
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 284
Happy ending: Yes
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
“Being queer isn’t the part that scares me.”
“No?” I ask, throat tight. “What scares you?”
“The thought of losing you,” he answers, just about doing me in. “I couldn’t stand to lose you, Joey.”
ARC review
This book is 328 pages long but it felt like half, at most. This was incredibly easy to read, beyond sweet and entertaining, and just made me smile a lot. I genuinely believe it’s way harder to pull off a low angst book such as this than something full of trauma and angst. I was invested from the very first page and didn’t want to put it down, which, considering I prefer more action, external angst and less humor, is really impressive.
Brad is a golden retriever himbo of epic proportions who communicates entirely in unintentional innuendo, and he is probably the kindest person ever. When he (finally) realizes his gym bro Joey’s cum gutters and juicy pecs make him a bit more excited than they would if he were completely straight, his worry isn’t about his sexuality, but about not wanting to hurt Joey or lose him as a friend, and I just love him to death for it.
Brad for sure steals the show a lot, but Joey is a strong character as well. He goes along with all of Brad’s antics and lets him be himself fully, and indulges Brad’s need for closeness and cuddles, pre and post sexual awakening. He was pining so damn hard for a while there that it almost made me cry.
The only thing I wasn’t stoked about was Brad and Jason’s friendship in this book. To be fair I haven’t read Himbo, but I’ve seen a lot of quotes, and those + the way Brad talks about his best friend, I was surprised by how very unfriendly Jason seemed. Yeah, Brad’s a lot and he makes Jason uncomfortable and embarassed sometimes, but all the time?? He ended up coming across as a pretty bad friend, imo.
“But orgasms don’t last. They just don’t. It’s all well and good to want someone’s body. To enjoy getting off with them. But wanting someone past that? Outside of that? Wanting to share a moment of connection? I think that’s pretty great.”
Anyways. Please read this, chances are you’ll freaking love it.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Never-ending puns
Himbo
Gym bros
Sexual awakening
Innuendo for days
Boudoir photoshoot
Failed wingmanry
Pining
Size difference
Itty bitty shorts and crop tops
First times
Intercrural sex
Jerking it while inside him
Golden retriever
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Brief mention of death of parent (past)
Alcohol consumption
MC abandoned by parents (past)
Mention of homophobic parent (past)
Explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Brad sets Joey up on a handful of dates, trying to be a wingman. Joey isn’t interested in anyone but Brad and nothing comes of the dates (Brad third-wheels most of the dates anyway).
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 25 and 29
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 328
Happy ending: Yes
“This list is quite possibly the best thing I’ve accomplished in my entire life. Because, as it turns out, it was ten ways to accidentally fall in love. And every step led me to you.”
Fuck. This man. I barely know him, and I’m already wondering what kind of fence he’d like around his backyard. White picket?
“He’s like… If niceness were a man,” I say. “His eyes are warm like brownies. And he’s all muscly in a kinda soft way? Like a loaf of challah. Add some chocolate sprinkles on top for his hair, and there you have it.”
Turns out floating in place is fucking hard. But Joey makes it fun. After several attempts, I manage it for about three seconds before grabbing for Joey’s arm. “You’re getting the hang of it,” he says. “Sure,” I agree. “Now I know if I go overboard at sea, I’ll have just enough time to panic before slipping under.”
“No?” I ask, throat tight. “What scares you?”
“The thought of losing you,” he answers, just about doing me in. “I couldn’t stand to lose you, Joey.”
ARC review
This book is 328 pages long but it felt like half, at most. This was incredibly easy to read, beyond sweet and entertaining, and just made me smile a lot. I genuinely believe it’s way harder to pull off a low angst book such as this than something full of trauma and angst. I was invested from the very first page and didn’t want to put it down, which, considering I prefer more action, external angst and less humor, is really impressive.
Brad is a golden retriever himbo of epic proportions who communicates entirely in unintentional innuendo, and he is probably the kindest person ever. When he (finally) realizes his gym bro Joey’s cum gutters and juicy pecs make him a bit more excited than they would if he were completely straight, his worry isn’t about his sexuality, but about not wanting to hurt Joey or lose him as a friend, and I just love him to death for it.
Brad for sure steals the show a lot, but Joey is a strong character as well. He goes along with all of Brad’s antics and lets him be himself fully, and indulges Brad’s need for closeness and cuddles, pre and post sexual awakening. He was pining so damn hard for a while there that it almost made me cry.
The only thing I wasn’t stoked about was Brad and Jason’s friendship in this book. To be fair I haven’t read Himbo, but I’ve seen a lot of quotes, and those + the way Brad talks about his best friend, I was surprised by how very unfriendly Jason seemed. Yeah, Brad’s a lot and he makes Jason uncomfortable and embarassed sometimes, but all the time?? He ended up coming across as a pretty bad friend, imo.
“But orgasms don’t last. They just don’t. It’s all well and good to want someone’s body. To enjoy getting off with them. But wanting someone past that? Outside of that? Wanting to share a moment of connection? I think that’s pretty great.”
Anyways. Please read this, chances are you’ll freaking love it.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Never-ending puns
Himbo
Gym bros
Sexual awakening
Innuendo for days
Boudoir photoshoot
Failed wingmanry
Pining
Size difference
Itty bitty shorts and crop tops
First times
Intercrural sex
Jerking it while inside him
Golden retriever
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Brief mention of death of parent (past)
Alcohol consumption
MC abandoned by parents (past)
Mention of homophobic parent (past)
Explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Brad sets Joey up on a handful of dates, trying to be a wingman. Joey isn’t interested in anyone but Brad and nothing comes of the dates (Brad third-wheels most of the dates anyway).
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 25 and 29
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 328
Happy ending: Yes
“This list is quite possibly the best thing I’ve accomplished in my entire life. Because, as it turns out, it was ten ways to accidentally fall in love. And every step led me to you.”
Fuck. This man. I barely know him, and I’m already wondering what kind of fence he’d like around his backyard. White picket?
“He’s like… If niceness were a man,” I say. “His eyes are warm like brownies. And he’s all muscly in a kinda soft way? Like a loaf of challah. Add some chocolate sprinkles on top for his hair, and there you have it.”
Turns out floating in place is fucking hard. But Joey makes it fun. After several attempts, I manage it for about three seconds before grabbing for Joey’s arm. “You’re getting the hang of it,” he says. “Sure,” I agree. “Now I know if I go overboard at sea, I’ll have just enough time to panic before slipping under.”
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn’t fool myself. Cash hadn’t magically changed my sexuality. I would always be some flavor of ace. But he’d given me the space to enjoy our intimacy when it happened.
There were things about this book I really enjoyed and a couple things I didn’t like as much. I was happy to learn that there’s more to Cash than it seems, and I definitely looked at him differently by the end, but — and a huge but — the fact that he used to parade his hookups in Declan’s face on purpose is such an ugly thing to do to someone you supposedly have feelings for, not to mention borderline harassment. I don’t understand that at all.
It was angstier than I expected. I actually really enjoyed that, and it was a slow process for Declan to trust Cash. I loved everything that had to do with Declan’s sexuality. It was done so well, and I adored how supportive Cash was — truly making sure Declan never had to do something he wasn’t comfortable with.
Another thing that really stuck out to me in a bad way was how the book makes a point of including the small-town gossip thing, making the town’s worst gossip Cash’s neighbor, and you’re telling me he’s been keeping a massive family secret from the entire town and his closest friends? I don’t buy it, lol.
This book is also guilty of making a huge-ass production of the MCs’ age gap, but not once specifying how old Declan is or how many years difference there is. It drives me absolutely fucking insane.
Again. Lots of good things but a couple things I couldn’t ignore or let go of for a higher rating.
3.5 rounded up
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Endless puns
Age gap (supposedly)
Graysexual/asexual
Hurt/comfort
Former manwhore
Pansexual MC
Grumpy/sunshine
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Homophobia and bi-erasure (SC)
Alcoholic parent
Alcohol consumption
MC and SC verbally abused by parent (on page)
Brief mentions of past bullying and homophobia
Vandalism and theft of MC’s property
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: The book starts with Cash going home with a hookup. He leaves/is kicked out before any hooking up happens. Later on, he shares a kiss with his friend Sawyer to prove a point. It is not sexual or romantic.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 25/26 and not specified
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 359
Happy ending: Yes
“I’m sorry.” I reached for his arm. “Can I, uh, give you a hug?” He smiled dryly. “I’m fine.” “I’m not.”
“You…” His breath caught and his hand went to his crotch, hovering uncertainly. “You actually want me to?” “I want to see you feel good,” I murmured in his ear. “Touch yourself for me?” “Fuck.” He sucked in a sharp breath. “Okay. Damn. Anything you want.” “Then open your pants.”
There were things about this book I really enjoyed and a couple things I didn’t like as much. I was happy to learn that there’s more to Cash than it seems, and I definitely looked at him differently by the end, but — and a huge but — the fact that he used to parade his hookups in Declan’s face on purpose is such an ugly thing to do to someone you supposedly have feelings for, not to mention borderline harassment. I don’t understand that at all.
It was angstier than I expected. I actually really enjoyed that, and it was a slow process for Declan to trust Cash. I loved everything that had to do with Declan’s sexuality. It was done so well, and I adored how supportive Cash was — truly making sure Declan never had to do something he wasn’t comfortable with.
Another thing that really stuck out to me in a bad way was how the book makes a point of including the small-town gossip thing, making the town’s worst gossip Cash’s neighbor, and you’re telling me he’s been keeping a massive family secret from the entire town and his closest friends? I don’t buy it, lol.
This book is also guilty of making a huge-ass production of the MCs’ age gap, but not once specifying how old Declan is or how many years difference there is. It drives me absolutely fucking insane.
Again. Lots of good things but a couple things I couldn’t ignore or let go of for a higher rating.
3.5 rounded up
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Endless puns
Age gap (supposedly)
Graysexual/asexual
Hurt/comfort
Former manwhore
Pansexual MC
Grumpy/sunshine
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Homophobia and bi-erasure (SC)
Alcoholic parent
Alcohol consumption
MC and SC verbally abused by parent (on page)
Brief mentions of past bullying and homophobia
Vandalism and theft of MC’s property
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: The book starts with Cash going home with a hookup. He leaves/is kicked out before any hooking up happens. Later on, he shares a kiss with his friend Sawyer to prove a point. It is not sexual or romantic.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 25/26 and not specified
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 359
Happy ending: Yes
“I’m sorry.” I reached for his arm. “Can I, uh, give you a hug?” He smiled dryly. “I’m fine.” “I’m not.”
“You…” His breath caught and his hand went to his crotch, hovering uncertainly. “You actually want me to?” “I want to see you feel good,” I murmured in his ear. “Touch yourself for me?” “Fuck.” He sucked in a sharp breath. “Okay. Damn. Anything you want.” “Then open your pants.”
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
There were definitely good bits in this book and overall I enjoyed, but there were a couple things that kept it from being great. It was fun seeing the improvements from the author’s debut tho.
Okay, so, the book felt about 100 pages longer than it really needed to be. When the plot was over there was still nearly 50 pages left and most of it was just smut, so I ended up skimming all of it. The plot was also dragged out a lot simply because the MCs refused to communicate, which, plot relevant or not, gets annoying really fast.
I did really enjoy the dynamic between the MCs tho. Their relationship was cute, and their connection felt solid. The spice was good too, just too much of it in a short amount of time at the end for my tastes. I know many will love that tho.
My final grievance, and I don’t know how many times I’ll complain about this before I stop reading shifter books for good, is WHAT IS THE POINT OF WRITING A SHIFTER BOOK IF THE DUDE ISN’T GONNA SHIFT INTO A FUCKING WOLF. Once at the end to fight the bad guy just doesn’t count. Shift and cuddle the human MC ffs. We’re all reading shifter books because we want to read about shifting. Cuddles and animal traits. All that jazz. Having his wolf ears out while being human just doesn’t cut it for me.
3.5 rounded up for making me feel something a couple times with the pining, rejection and fear.
Bonus note: my brain refused to not be confused by the MCs’ names. Silas and Sam. Could not get it right.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Size difference
Wolf shifter
Shifter x human
Jealousy
Fated mates
Forced proximity
Only one bed
Paranormal
Sex worker (erotic audio)
Lies and secrets
Purring
Stomach-bulging penis party
Knotting
‘I don’t think it will fit’
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Graphic violence
Explicit sexual content
Mention of alcoholic parent (past)
Brief mention of pet death (past)
MC briefly hospitalized (minor injuries)
Attempted murder of MC
Brief mention of death of parent (past, cancer)
Vomiting
References to past child neglect
Knotting
Erotic spanking (minor)
MC kidnapped
On-page murder and decapitation of bad guy
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: PNR, shifter romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: (maybe) 32 and 33
Series: Interconnected series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 359
Happy ending: Yes
Silas whined. He actually whined. How could such a cute noise come out of a man so big and burly?
Would it be worse to not remember the warm tenderness that Silas had shown him, or to have it burned in his memory forever, haunting him with a taste of what could never be his?
He’d told himself one more day. One more good fucking day. The memories of making love with Silas would probably haunt him forever, but at least they’d be good ones.
Okay, so, the book felt about 100 pages longer than it really needed to be. When the plot was over there was still nearly 50 pages left and most of it was just smut, so I ended up skimming all of it. The plot was also dragged out a lot simply because the MCs refused to communicate, which, plot relevant or not, gets annoying really fast.
I did really enjoy the dynamic between the MCs tho. Their relationship was cute, and their connection felt solid. The spice was good too, just too much of it in a short amount of time at the end for my tastes. I know many will love that tho.
My final grievance, and I don’t know how many times I’ll complain about this before I stop reading shifter books for good, is WHAT IS THE POINT OF WRITING A SHIFTER BOOK IF THE DUDE ISN’T GONNA SHIFT INTO A FUCKING WOLF. Once at the end to fight the bad guy just doesn’t count. Shift and cuddle the human MC ffs. We’re all reading shifter books because we want to read about shifting. Cuddles and animal traits. All that jazz. Having his wolf ears out while being human just doesn’t cut it for me.
3.5 rounded up for making me feel something a couple times with the pining, rejection and fear.
Bonus note: my brain refused to not be confused by the MCs’ names. Silas and Sam. Could not get it right.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Size difference
Wolf shifter
Shifter x human
Jealousy
Fated mates
Forced proximity
Only one bed
Paranormal
Sex worker (erotic audio)
Lies and secrets
Purring
Stomach-bulging penis party
Knotting
‘I don’t think it will fit’
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Graphic violence
Explicit sexual content
Mention of alcoholic parent (past)
Brief mention of pet death (past)
MC briefly hospitalized (minor injuries)
Attempted murder of MC
Brief mention of death of parent (past, cancer)
Vomiting
References to past child neglect
Knotting
Erotic spanking (minor)
MC kidnapped
On-page murder and decapitation of bad guy
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: PNR, shifter romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: (maybe) 32 and 33
Series: Interconnected series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 359
Happy ending: Yes
Silas whined. He actually whined. How could such a cute noise come out of a man so big and burly?
Would it be worse to not remember the warm tenderness that Silas had shown him, or to have it burned in his memory forever, haunting him with a taste of what could never be his?
He’d told himself one more day. One more good fucking day. The memories of making love with Silas would probably haunt him forever, but at least they’d be good ones.