mollyreadsandcrafts's Reviews (978)

•spoilers for book 1, Galen• 

The second half of this book was so good, even though the beginning was a little slow - similar to the first in the series. I liked that there was a lot more drama and angst with their relationship. I'm really enjoying the overall plot of the series and meeting all the new characters. 

Castor is one of the sons of the fallen angels and is cursed with the sin Greed. Kyo is Simon's coworker at the antique store, and also happens to be a rare water dragon. Ever since the night in the underworld they've had an awareness of each other, which soon turns into a friends with benefits situation. As they grow closer, family duties and rising demon activity threaten to tear their relationship apart before they truly be together. 

Castor and Kyo surprised me a little with how well they worked. Castor realizes early on that Kyo is his mate, but while there was an instant connection I still felt like they had that good emotional build up. They are two dominant guys but were able to open up and be vulnerable with each other. Castor is struggling with the psychological torture he endured, and they are both living with the consequences of their father's actions. Their understanding of one another made their banter and chemistry that much better. 

Castor represents the sin greed, but I wish he was more greedy. Galen's wrath is a huge part of who he is and how he lives his life. I was expecting Castor to have like, rooms of jewels and gold and be constantly stealing stuff like a hoarding dragon. But his greed was a little more low key which wasn't as fun. 

The plot gets more complicated as the son of the fallen angels try to find allies. We meet a lot of new characters in this story and some definitely play a huge part in future books (ahem Titan and Warrin). Warrin choosing Daman to marry "because he's the most beautiful" made me swoon and it isn't even his book! I'm too excited to read the rest of the fallen brothers stories.

Read if you like: 
• paranormal/fantasy 
• friends with benefits to lovers
• fated mates

Okay so overall I did like the book, I thought the plot was intriguing and I liked the characters. However, I was let down my the romance. As much as I liked Galen and Simon, I just didn't really feel their connection. 

Simon owns an antique store and comes across a weird box with an even weirder ring inside. Galen is one of 7 half fallen angels (Nephilim specifically - which was a new word I learned), who each embody a deadly sin. Galen, aka Wrath, tries to steal the ring before demons find it. This makes Simon a target, and Galen takes him under his protection. 

I liked Simon and Galen, individually. Simon was just trying to live his life like a normal nerdy guy before he's forced into this world of demons and angels. Galen is a class A grump, but of course he seems to have a magic soft spot for a certain nerdy human. While I liked both of them, I wasn't ever completely sold on their romance. They clearly have some feelings for one another, but it seems to jump from they're kinda crushing to falling in love. There was definitely insta-lust, I just wish there was a bit more of them falling for one another on a deeper level so I could feel a little more invested in them. 

What I really liked about this is the whole world building, though it was more just the explanation of angels/demons and their pasts. It was interesting and easy to follow, not too heavy that it bogged down the book. But it was really sad hearing about their past love lives as immortals. All the side characters (soon to be main characters in the rest of the series) had distinct personalities that made them endearing. I loved the relationships between all of them and with Simon as well as he was welcomed into the family. 

The plot really saved this for me. I'm a little bummed about the romance, but I'm going to continue the series and hope it picks up a bit. I like these characters a lot and I can't wait to see what's in store for them.

Read if you like:
• paranormal romance 
• grumpy/sunshine 
• fated mates

Audiobook - I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this audio!  Every character has their own voice and it works so well.  The narration is going to make for a great series reread. 

Aslan is ready to take the next step in his relationship with Quaid, if only he could get the timing right. Quaid knows something is up with his boyfriend but can't stop imagining all the negative things that it could possibly be. With Quaid's increasing anxiety after every failed attempt and Aslan being called out of town on a case, Aslan has to make his move before everything becomes even more of a mess. 

The title kind of gives away what's going on with Quaid and Aslan. Aslan is trying to propose and epically failing because he's trying so hard for the perfect moment. Every attempt just feeds into Quaid's insecurities until he's convinced of the absolute worst. It's a classic case of miscommunication that's slightly entertaining but it's also kind of sad to see how Quaid can still be so insecure. He loves Aslan and wants that perfect domestic future so much that any threat to it throws him into a spiral. Aslan normally understands Quaid so well but kind of misses exactly how much stress he's causing him. Honestly though, how it all ends up is perfect for them. Of course Quaid would turn it into whole big thing, and of course he would cry and need a moment, but at the end of it all they're both so happy and truly ready for this next step. Their relationship is easily the highlight of this series because their love is undeniable.

I didn't love the whole engagement miscommunication but the case was interesting. This was the first case in a few books where I didn't actually have a good guess as to who the unsub was. It was very classic murder mystery where the little hints that are easy to look over all added up in the end which is always fun. I'm also loving all the side characters, especially Torin and Ruiz in this book. I'm really looking forward to what insanity happens during their wedding, because you know it's going to be wild. But I am taking a little break until the last book comes out so I can binge both at the same time! 

Read if you like: 

• romantic suspense  

• established couple  

• opposites attract 

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•spoilers for the series• 

Aslan has spent the last two months trying to heal his mental health and tentatively preparing to get back into the field. Quaid has supporting him as much as he can while also figuring out the dynamics with a new partner. As Quaid gets caught up in a multiple missing persons case, Aslan is reminded how much he loves the thrill of his job if only he can overcome his mental blocks. 

Even though there's a case going on, the majority of this story is about Aslan as he battles with his PTSD and struggles with his sobriety. There was a lot of potential for angst - the will he/won't he relapse, PTSD, anxiety, the affect of it all on his relationship - but it never really got too intense. Aslan has his different, and not exactly healthy, coping mechanisms but for the most part he was self-aware and had great communication with Quaid, so it never felt he was on the edge of self destruction. Quaid was supporting him every step of the way, never pushing him outside his comfort zone. He was able to put his insecurities on the back burner and be there for whatever Aslan needed. I could go on and on about their relationship because they are so perfect for one another. When one is struggling, the other steps up with no judgement and nothing but love and support. 

Their relationship was the star of the show in this book because, again, the case felt like it had a lot of potential it never achieved. Either I've caught on to the Nicky James formula or it was kind of obvious because as convoluted as the case was, I had a pretty good idea of what happened. The last few books I didn't care that the length was a little longer because the plot was interesting enough, but because I felt like I knew what happened and nothing dramatic was going on this one just felt like it dragged a bit. I did like the addition of Quaid's new partner, it added a new dynamic that was missing in the series. I love these characters and they have such a great relationship, but coming off of two really great books it wasn't my favorite. Looking forward to the next few because if the titles are anything to go by, our boys are ready to take some big steps together! 

Read if you like: 

• hurt/comfort 

• romantic suspense 

• opposites attract 

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•SPOILERS• 

Aslan and Quaid are happily settling into their relationship now that Juniper's case has been settled, even if Quaid is feeling a little lost in what is next for his career. When Quaid's missing person case turns into a homicide, he joins Aslan and his partner in trying to untangle all the clues and figure out the truth to what happened. 

If the previous book was heavily focused on Quaid and his past, this story was more of establishing Quaid and Aslan's relationship. Quaid has moved past some of his insecurities, though not all of them, and is learning to trust in Aslan and his feelings. They are both dedicated to each other and ready to take things to the next level, but Aslan is having trouble saying exactly how he feels. It reminded me a lot of understanding a partner's love language. Quaid needs the words of affirmation and security of being told he's loved, while Aslan likes to prove his love in small acts of affection that he feels speaks louder than words. It's not a huge conflict, but it takes them a bit to figure out this balance. I absolutely adore them as a couple. They fit so perfectly together and truly want the others happiness above all else. They have the push and pull to keep each other on their toes but a deep affection for one another that's evident in everything they do. Quaid's confession, the musical, the cactus, it's just these things!! Love them. 

This case was one where I kind of guessed what was happening and I really hoped I was wrong. From the prologue you know something happens at the end, but it really is just a bad situation all around. There were a lot of suspects, some red herrings, twists, teenage drama, and just a bummer of an ending. My heart hurts for Aslan and what he went through, but I love how he (at least right now) hasn't blocked Quaid out and leaned on him for support in the immediate aftermath. I really like how everything is playing out with their relationship and the variety of cases in the series. It'll be interesting to see how they recover from here, but I'm really happy Quaid's staying with the MPU!

Read if you like: 

• hurt/comfort 

• romantic suspense 

• opposites attract 

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•SPOILERS• 

Not only are missing children turning up after months of being gone, but they all seem to have a connection to a *certain* case from almost 30 years ago. Quaid is working himself into the ground to find out what's happening now and what happened then, all while he and Aslan are figuring out the shaky and stressful start to their new relationship. 

Honestly, Quaid is going through a lot. He is still feeling the scars and insecurities from his last relationship and while it might not be the perfect time to start something new, he can't deny his strong feelings for Aslan. Even though he wishes otherwise, Quaid feels more vulnerable than ever and has a hard time trusting Aslan's intentions. While Quaid is feeling all these feelings, Aslan is patient and sure and constant. I started this whole series a little wary of Aslan but he's more than proved his dedication to Quaid and I love it. He knows the deep dark details of what Jack put Quaid through, and knows it's going to take time to gain his trust. He just gets Quaid like no other and wants Quaid to be his most open and comfortable self around him. What I love most about them is their understanding of one another that shows in all their sweet, small affectionate moments throughout the book.  

Contributing to all this emotional turmoil, Quaid is more stressed than ever with his current case's connections to his sister's disappearance. It's just a perfect storm of events that creates a difficult environment for him. He and his dad have to finally confront the past while searching for answers, gaining much needed if heartbreaking closure. The case really drew me in with so many leads, old and new, concluding with some twists and fast-paced action. 

I don't know why I keep choosing these slow burn, multi-book romances because I know there will always be a point where I get frustrated with the characters and just want them to love each other forever. As much as I love these two, they are no exception. At times I just wanted to yell at Quaid to just let Aslan love him! But it also gave them a chance to solidify their relationship and prove how deep their feelings go. The case, the romance, the characters - they were all exceptional and created an intriguing book. As one big mystery is solved, Aslan and Quaid can now move on the next part of their story. 

Read if you like: 

• hurt/comfort 

• romantic suspense 

• opposites attract 

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•spoilers• 

Dash and Co. are back to amateur sleuthing when an author visits Hastings Rock for a book signing and ends up being killed. Dash doesn't exactly want to be involved but when his nemesis asks for his assistance solving the murder to prove her innocence, he can't help but try to figure out the confounding mystery. Too many suspects, too many motives, but the biggest question of all is what Bobby seems to be avoiding Dash. 

I'm always going to enjoy a Last Picks book, but this one wasn't my favorite because lacked all the good Dash and Bobby content. Bobby has recently broken up with his ex, and as he has told us before he doesn't handle his feelings well. He tends to shut down and not talk, but this translates to ignoring Dash and pulling away from their friendship. Dash spends most of the book in his own head about it, drowning in his insecurities and feeling really down about losing his friendship with Bobby. It was a bummer because I was really excited to see if anything would start to spark between them now that they live together and are both single, but of course Ashe wasn't going to make it that easy. They do resolve everything and it was a necessary process and conversation, but I just wanted more of them being endearing and silly together. 

The case was fine, it did remind me a lot of another case from another series of Ashe's. Pippi is a wild and honestly annoying character, but is it weird I think her and her husband are cute? I love the setting of Hastings Rock and the kooky shenanigans the town gets up to, even amid a murder investigation. The Last Picks are the fun and loving supporting family as always, bringing lightness and affection to the story. Millie was very sweet this book, and I enjoyed seeing this caring side to her. Also I love a good Christmas/holiday story and the last little bit was really cute, so it gets some bonus points for appropriately place mistletoe. 

Read if you like: 

• cozy mystery 

• found family   

• slowest burn ever istg  

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