nigmatillium

Suddenly a thought popped up in my head and that thought was I want to read a Garrett Leigh book. It's been a while since I read a book by this author so I looked into my library and this was the only one I have at the moment so I picked it up.

It's the middle of August so when I started reading and saw that the plot is set close to Christmas, I wanted to drop it and read it in the winter, but I instantly liked the characters so much I couldn't bring myself to put it down.

Jonah was great and charming, but Sacha stole the show, I adored him. His dry sense of humour was hilarious, his want of having things laid out clearly was both funny and hot depending on the context, and he was a general joy to have on the page to the point where I missed him when he was nowhere around for more than two and a half pages. It was instant love.

The story progressed so nicely, it had none of the typical tropes in a fake-boyfriend or friends-to-lovers type of story and that made me very happy. If I think about it I might have not even noticed them or at least not be bothered by them at all given how taken with the characters I was. Beside the two main characters, I liked Jonah and Sacha's co-workers too, as well as their families and friends (especially Eleanor and maybe sometimes I didn't like Lilly all that much, but she's good).

Angels in the City is a great read, maybe read it in December for a better immersion in the story. If I would have to pick something I was not thrilled about. is the length of the book, this book is one of those I would have loved to be a bit longer, I want more of Sacha's humour.

This is without doubt the funniest novel I read this year. It had me in stitches from the very first page. Nick and Dev's bromance is the best bromance there ever was. They are the best of bros and simply adorable. This is what true love looks like. Only in pure bro form.

Even the synopsis makes me all fuzzy and giggly now after I read the book.

So, okay. Nick is the perfect portrayal of an anxious teenager who has no idea what he's supposed to do. And I should know, I've been there. Kind of. He is incredibly bold and shy at the same time. He is very smart and lacks confidence. He is a nerd and a twink. He is all kinds of contradictions and all these make him so adorable and hilarious and, and, he's just great, okay? Gosh, he'll grow up into a wonderful man.

Jai is confident and hot and relatable. He's the type who got to see and learn things on his own, he rebelled, packed his bag and off he went to see the world. He doesn't want to settle, can't be tied down so he is pretty much itching for the next adventure. I liked him so much, his calmness and his support. He is all and so much more than Nick probably dreamed of.

Lisa Henry does an outstanding job at presenting the start of Nick and Jai's no-strings-attached/friends-with-benefits/definitely-no-feelings-at-all relationship, as well as Nick's worries and internal struggles about what lays ahead of him: college life and being apart from Devon. He is definitely just a kid, but I feel like he grew up a lot right in front of my eyes, with every turn of the page.

I loved the dynamics of both Nick's and Jai's families, very different, but both tight and caring. Nick's parents did everything right, they had Nick's best interest in mind at all times and they really did a great job. Jai's family is more laid back because of obvious reasons (once you read the book), but they are still ready to support each other no matter what.

Oh, how I loved that Jai and Ebony chatting. Gosh, I can tell all of them are going to remain tight and are going to have so much fun.

I've run out of words. Adulting 101—awesome read, I loved it so much!

I am so, so glad the second book in The Christmas Angel series was pretty great too. I absolutely love the idea of different authors writing their own version of a prompt, but at the same time I was wary because I am not familiar with some of these authors (one in particular I don't really like, but more about that when I get to their book) and the first book, Christmas Angel written by Eli Easton, was great. So I was a bit fearful that the next books won't rise up, perhaps, but I am glad to say that while I did like Easton's story more, I liked this one as well. There are really a few small things that make me rate it less.

While the plot was great, pretty solid, and well thought through, I felt like things were advancing too fast between the two main characters, next they came to a slower speed, and then took off again. I understood later why I thought that was happening and I have to say I would have benefited of Xeno's point of view as well. I liked Alby, but him alone wasn't quite enough for me since I think I actually like Xeno more, he was a ray of sunshine.

I liked Alby's story a lot, everything made sense, the events flowed nicely and it all came together to build up this nice character. All in all, Summerfield's Angel is a great story, I definitely enjoyed it and is, obviously, a great read for the holiday season.

I have to add that the title is pretty clever, too.

Second Louise Collins book I read and while it was a good read, it didn't throw me off like the first one I read, The Psychopath. I don't think one is better than the other, though. After you read one of them you kinda know what to expect since the setting is similar. I'm going to try and not compare them, instead focusing on just The Freshman.

There was not much character development, there are a lot of things left unexplained and I didn't quite feel it. There was definitely chemistry between Alfie and Nate, but it didn't get me riled up, so to say. It was pretty obvious from the start where things were going, but I'm not upset about that, I still enjoyed it; it would have benefitted some more mystery and tension, though.

I have questions for both Alfie and Nate, I didn't really get to know the characters, to know what made them who they are. Alfie still has a way to go, he just started his adventure into adulthood, but I would have liked some more background. The info was scarce. I did get enough to make an idea about both of them, but not enough to know them.

Despite all that, I did enjoy The Freshman. I especially liked the dialogue and Alfie's clever replies, as well as his reactions. The chap is pretty brave too. I don't have much to say about Nate, I have more questions about him than Alfie, but he did have some good moments too.

At some point I am planning on reading The Rat which has a similar setting, and if I learned something so far, it is that I should keep my expectations low, but there's a pretty good chance I would enjoy that one as well.

Half of this novel I wished Shaw and Lee wouldn't end up together. Despite the obvious attraction, I still was uncertain about Shaw. Then the last 10 chapters or so happened and I wondered how I did not pick up what was really going on earlier.

The plot is not the lightest, I mean there is torture and rape, but the writing is masterful and most of it happens off page, there's not much detail.

The first three quarters or so of the book happens on the island, but the last quarter is what really made me like this novel and boost my rating. Lisa Henry slipped in all kinds of hints and I almost want to read it all again, now that I have some clarity, and I probably would if there wouldn't be a big list of books awaiting for me. After everything that happened on the island, I liked to read about how everything affected the main characters and how they dealt with it. I found it to be realistic and that's a pretty big plus from me.

In the end I didn't get to really like Shaw, but I understand why he acted the way he did. I wish him and Lee met under different circumstances, and I bet they would have liked that too. I'm conflicted about Shaw, is he really bad or not? He has some morals, that's for sure, but is it enough? I don't want to condemn him, but I can't completely blame him either. Just by making me so conflicted this novel fully deserves all the five stars.

I liked the themes throughout the novel and I even liked the repetitions, they really set the tone of the story and it all came together in a intriguing, excellent novel.

Romance is not the first word I would use to label this novel. I'd first go to drama, then young adult, and then romance. That is to say the romance is not the focus of this novel and I for one am really happy about it, but other readers might expect it and be disappointed when there is not much of it.

Reading the synopsis I thought the novel sounds interesting, but finding out that the two main characters are only 15 years old put me to a halt for a while. Still, this being a Garrett Leigh novel I just couldn't ignore it so I went ahead and read it. I loved it from the very first pages. I'm always amazed by authors like Garrett Leigh, by their ability to express so clearly what the characters go through.

I felt for Leo, he witnessed something that no one ever should, and sadly these are things that happen all around us. Another reason why I appreciate these kind of novels is because they put things in perspective and help us better understand situations that are foreign to us and what people in those situations go through.

Focusing on the fact that Finding Home is, thankfully, a work of fiction, I enjoyed it a lot. While Lili didn't have as much trouble feeling comfortable in a new home, Leo kept himself on guard. There was a battle going on inside Leo and it was hard for him to accept the fact that he needed help. Luckily, Charlie, and the whole of Poulton family, were more than ready to patiently offer a hand. I liked seeing how Leo gradually started feeling more comfortable with his surroundings. It took some time and some fucking up, but his feelings didn't let him to entirely turn his back.

It goes without saying I loved Leo and Charlie, but I must say I was really happy for having Fliss around. She had a pretty tough mask on, but inside she was filled with warmth and care. Her and Charlie's relationship is that of two typical siblings and sometimes Charlie needed some pointing out to see that she is not all that bad. Well, she's not at all bad.

The plot is believable, the characters' journey is realistic and that only makes this an even more enjoyable read. But again, don't expect loads of romance when going into this, it won't happen (they are 15 years old, I would have felt uncomfortable if anything other than kissing would have happened between the two main characters), this focuses more on the characters and the situation they are going through.

Right from the start I liked Gil and Vikram a lot. Maybe I liked Vikram a little more because I may or may not have a thing for good-guy-lawyers, but who knows, really. Their story was so nice. Sad too, but the sad part was mostly off page so I got to enjoy them getting together and chatting and basically getting reacquainted with each other. And, of course, I liked Sa- erm, the cat named Satan, a quite strong willed cat if I may say so.

The plot was very interesting, I don't recall reading something similar and I would have been inclined to say it was all (or most of it) an invention until I read about the research K.J. Charles did (extra points there, I always love good research) and I must say... I'm not surprised, a sort of black market for prohibited books and pictures is not something I am surprised to know people did back in the day.

This short novella reads very easy, the story flows smoothly, and it is highly enjoyable. Unfit to Print is one of those books I would categorise as perfect for an evening in, all cosy, paired with a cup of your preferred drink.

And I reached the last volume of The Will Darling Adventures. My dears Will and Kim evolved beautifully along the how-many-pages, particularly Kim who turned, slowly and naturally, from a cold lying bastard to a warm lying swindler, all thanks to the wonder that is Will Darling.

During the first volume and half of the second, I didn't think Kim can show this much vulnerability and this much love, but with Will's influence and encouragements, he turned to be this wonderful character who I like even more. Will too evolved thanks to Kim, he got to see things in a broader way, to not be stuck in the now and dare to dream of what could be.

I said Kim is a lying bastard and while that is true as far as his job is concerned, I love him when he's open and honest. I love how he let Will fully in, how he kept all of his promises and how Will in turn faced his own shortcomings. They are perfect for one another, they truly belong one next to the other. One of the best type of couples are the ones where the partners lift and better each other, and Will and Kim are exactly like that.

The events from this volume are just as intense as the previous two. Surprising things happen, Will and Kim have to fight for the truth, but this time also for their relationship, and they do a great team. I was a little wary at having Kim's family involved, sometimes things tend to become theatrical and cliché when family drama ensues, but I am happy to say this didn't happen here. There was no hiccup in Subtle Blood, nothing that felt unreal or forced and it all flowed smoothly. There were a few situations that could have fallen in the 'ugh' area, but that did not happen. K.J. Charles planed and executed the trilogy perfectly.

I'm happy I joined The Will Darling Adventures and I plan on reading more books by the same author. It was a joy reading this, I can find no flaws.

I took a break in between the first and the second books of this series because I had this feeling I will want to jump right into the last book (that was not published yet at the time I started reading the series, a mistake of not looking it up on my part) once I finish the second one. I was right and now I'm in a rush to write this review so I can start reading the third book.

Will is, again, great. I liked him very much in the first book and I liked him very much in the second book as well. He's so straightforward, so honest, and so very clever. I could also resonate with his struggles vis-à-vis Kim and his worries because, same as Will, I felt hurt by Kim's attitude (or lack of) in the first few chapters. I already knew Kim can be very mean, that he lies to everyone with no effort at all and with seemingly no remorse, but I couldn't help not feeling a sense of abandonment when he was absent.

However, continuing reading I learned new things about Kim. His cold façade, his lying, and his lack of communication are meant to enable him to do the right thing. I learned that Kim is not without scruples, that he is not made of stone. It was obvious he cared a lot about Will (and also Phoebe), but I did fear a little that he might vanish for good at some point or that he would brutally reject Will. Instead, Kim's feelings for this brilliant bookkeeper seemed to grow stronger and the intimacy moments between them brought me so much joy. I could weep. In this book Will and Kim's relationship evolved into something deeper, something where one can lean on the other both literally and figuratively, where one can say a lot just by a squeeze of hand, and something where serious conversations take place. I loved their conversations a lot. It looks to me like Will and Kim are building a very strong and surprisingly honest relationship.

Apart from the development between these two stunning men, the book is very intense. In the first book Will managed to piss off Zodiac. Now, the adventure continues with intrigue and risky situations. It took me a while to figure out what was going on there and Will beat me to it, he's definitely more clever. K.J. Charles did a beautiful job of setting the plot and revealing just enough along the way so the reader could not guess too early what was happening.

With a new understanding about Kim, about his past and what made him... him, and curious about what else is in store for Will and Kim, I can't wait to get back to reading, my appetite is very strong. I will have to do a little detour, though, as I just found out there's an extra story in between the second and third book. Not an issue, extra reading material about my favourite couples are always welcome.

I was not expecting this short story to be this full with emotion. I liked Kim before, but after reading this I realised I liked him in a superficial way (I mean in the first book). He was this cold man, set on doing the right thing no matter the means and I liked how he was obviously besotted with Will. Now I like him because he gained more depth, he made progress and I got to really know him, to know what he's hiding, what his true feelings and motivations are. I guess he is what I was hoping for (that sounds a bit selfish of me), what I wanted for Will. He's a good man who made some bad things.

Will is great as always, I can't find him any fault. He's so rational and patient. He is perfect for Kim and Kim better not screw this up because Will is without doubt the best thing that could happen to him. To paraphrase a line from the second book, they fit so well together.

This seems like an interesting book and I'd like to read it, I would, but there are no quotation marks for the dialogue and I'm not about to guess when a character stops talking for all of the 230 pages. I love myself more than that.

First of all, I didn't read the previous books in the series. I received this one and I didn't check to see if it was part of a series or not. Good news is that the 6th instalment can be read as a standalone. There are mentions to past cases, one in particular, but enough detail is given so that it's not too confusing. Bad news is that reading this book was such a chore.

What's good about it is that I got to know all of the characters. There is plenty about every one of them, some more than others, of course, but still. I liked the shifting perspectives and although at first I was confused about what's a coven doing in there, it ended up being quite an interesting touch to the plot overall.

I thought I have more good things to list, but that's about it. For the things I didn't enjoy as much, and the main reason why reading this felt like a chore to me, is the writing style. I couldn't get into it and I would lose focus so often. Every few pages or so I was not there. I don't know what is it about it, but it didn't grip my attention. I liked how the author took time to explain everything and familiarize us with the characters and situations, but at the same time that took the novel all over the place and slowed it down. Odd is that I actually enjoyed it more when the point of view settled on someone else rather than Kelly, the change was welcome and probably what helped me turn yet another page. I particularly liked it when it focused on Josie, although I didn't like Josie all that much. She was just okay.

To that I add that for the first 100 pages or so nothing is really happening. The focus is mostly on Kelly's former case. After 100 pages there's a murder and things look like going in an interesting direction. Only they aren't, quite.

I liked the plot overall and I think everything was well researched and well written, but I still have some questions. I wanted to know more about the murders, about how they happened, what triggered the criminal. And speaking of the criminal, I don't know how it took Kelly so long to figure out who it was. Wait, she didn't figure it out. It was obvious for the reader, not for the characters, I agree, but Kelly and her team, out of witch no one thought hey, something's off here, had plenty of information and hints to lead them to the criminal. And yet, even when it was revealed to her, Kelly didn't believe it at first. The last 20 pages alone made me want to drop the book, it was so annoying.

There's no thrill to this novel, it was not captivating as the back cover claims it to be, it was mediocre at best. Maybe readers who are familiar with the series are able to enjoy it more, but where I'm looking from, it's surprising I even finished reading it.

The second instalment of A Collar For His Brat was so much more satisfying than the first. I got to spend some more time with Ewan and see where his head's at, what's going on. I did not get a whole lot of answers, but I am excited to find out more. I did get a glimpse of what might be wrong and that got me going.

I liked how hard he tried to make thing work (silly boy, wasn't what he needed) with Laurence, although he knew very well they were not good for each other. He did well, though.

I'm not sure how to feel about Sadie. She had the best of intentions and I understood it before she knew what was actually going on in Ewan's life, but after that... Telling some random guy about a traumatic experience someone else went through (true or not), that's a no-no. I'm still being open about her, but at this point I really don't like her. I am willing to accept she is Ewan's best friend, but that doesn't mean I have to like her. Just, don't go talking about other person's sensible past. How hard can that be?

I really, really like Nate. I think, and hope, I'll see more of him in the third book and I am ready for that, but so far I like how demanding he is, how he makes Ewan talk to him and open up. Now that is a good Dom!

I am ready for the next novel, I'm pretty sure I will read the extra two stories too, and then I'm taking a break (maybe while dipping into His Boy Next Door by the same author) and try not to forget about it until I know for sure the series is complete.

Logging this with the read date instead of the three individual books because I feel like that's more fair on my stats for the year.

Review for each individual book: Crash | Override | Reboot [links to be inserted when possible]

Overall review: I liked the books a lot. I wasn't sure I wanted to continue reading when I found out the series is not complete, but I went ahead and read the first season in hopes that I would get an actual ending. Luckily for me, I did get one. There is still a lot to go on, but for now, until the series is complete (and I hopefully don't forget about it) I am satisfied.

I liked the main characters, Ewan and Nate make a great pair with Ewan being very bratty and Nate being very firm. I liked their dynamic and where this is heading. There is a good amount of anticipation and anxiety and the author spends time with both of the main characters so that you get to know them. I always like that.

The series is fun and kinky while being well written. I only have two complaints: (1) some age got mixed up at some point with a character getting, somehow, younger, and (2) if an editor decides that in a future release they want to erase every 'sidelong' in this, I stand by them. More often than not the word was unnecessary and so frequent it annoyed me.

I dropped this book at around... two chapters in, if I remember correctly. I forgot the names of the main characters instantly so I'm going to refer to them as The Taxidermist and The Bully.

At first, this book made me really, really sad. I was so upset for The Taxidermist, he was relentlessly bullied, he literally ran for his life, he was terrified about what his bullies might do to him if they catch him. And they did catch him. I was honestly so upset and so sad for him.

Then I got angry. After a life altering injury, The Bully told to The Taxidermist's parents that he was his friend while he was in the hospital in a coma. When he woke up, instead of calling him out on his bullshit, The Taxidermist asks the bully to blow him once a week (I think it was once a week) and at this point I forgot about my sadness and I was enraged. What kind of logic is that? The Bully should have been called out on it at least, not rewarded for almost killing someone!

After I talked about it with a friend who did read it, and I also checked out some reviews, it was clear to me that the toxicity levels in this book were way too high for me.

So there, I cannot read this. No, thank you.

I am so glad I decided to read up to the third book in this series. I got some sort of ending that's really satisfying and I definitely like the main characters. They make a great pair. Nate is so firm, I love it, and Ewan is the actual definition of a brat and I was delighted (bit sad about it too) to find out what exactly happened to Ewan.

The series has it all, a good plot, it's kinky, and good writing. Only there is one thing the author seems to have been confused about and that I can't overlook. In the second book, Cameron was sixteen years old, but here he was fifteen. I lowkey liked him better thinking he's sixteen, and not fifteen. I am going to take half a star down because of the inconsistency.

I like that the author took their time with the characters, to build up their relationship and didn't rush with whatever happened before, it was fun to read. Just enough anticipation to not make me climb up the walls and not delivering too soon so it would be a disappointment. Although I rate this half a star less, I enjoyed it just as much as the first two.

First of all, the cover is bloody awful. I almost didn't read this one because I dislike the cover so much. However, since I already had the novel, I thought it couldn't hurt to read the first few pages, but by doing so I really liked Asa so I wanted to know more.

This is one creative story in terms of BDSM play, it sure introduced some new concepts to me. At the same time it could have gone further, but it was pretty good. Not amazing, but okay.

Then there is the relationship. It didn't really work for me, I feel like I would have enjoyed it more if everyone was there just to have fun and nothing else, no feelings, no frustration, just fun. It's not like I didn't like them, because I did, but the whole relationship felt forced, it didn't fall in place and as far as Asa and Jav are concerned, I agree with another review saying they should have been more in sync, on top of things and better at communicating. And Drew was just Drew.

Overall, meh, it was okay, doesn't stand out to me.

I'm not quite sure how to review this one. I liked it. It's short. I wouldn't have minded for it to be longer, but I don't feel like it's incomplete, so there's that.

Aiden and Cole met quite by chance and I don't really want to wonder what the alternative would have been, I'm more than happy it turned out this way. Aiden's story is so sad, he's been through some awful stuff and I'm glad Cole could give him a ray of hope. Cole's side of things is sad too, they are both people who just need an anchor, a safe space.

I liked Lisa Henry's spin on the request, writing prompts are so great and I love seeing what one comes up with. I read the prompt after I read the story and good thing I did that because my expectations would have been so much different (not that I had any kind of expectations). Reversing the order worked out because otherwise I would have expected things that don't happen in the actual story and that would have taken away from my enjoyment.

It feels wrong to say I liked this story because it's so sad. I do feel sorry for the characters, but I also liked the writing, how Cole did the best he could given the situation, and how certain things were revealed.

I liked that the relationship between Aiden and Cole didn't feel forced or conditioned by the circumstances. It developed quite naturally. And I would have liked more of that, but I am happy with what I got as well.

Dropped it somewhere in the middle of chapter 15.

I have several issues with this novel. For the most part it was amusing enough to keep reading, but a lot of the plot didn't make sense. Reading other reviews I'm glad I didn't bother finishing it because there seem to be more questions than answers to the very end. There are also a lot of repetitive gags, at some point the whole knock on the door routine in some crucial moment gets old. And really annoying. There's just so many times I can stand it. The last one (that I read because I am pretty sure there were more) pissed me off so much!

But let's go back to the beginning.

Everything is peaceful, no wars for don't know how many hundreds of years, the kings and queen are supposed to participate in a festival of sorts. Although there are times of peace and the kingdoms are in good relations, everyone is so freaking jumpy, ready to draw their weapons and aim them at anyone, regardless of title. And speaking of titles, there are no kings in this novel. There is nothing in their behaviour and their companions' behaviour to indicate you are in the presence of a king. They don't have the respect a king has, they could more accurately be described as some young adults (I'd say teens, but they are about 25yo) who go on an adventure of some kind.

This is more like a bunch of kids playing pretend.

The centre... thing, a.k. because I don't know how to spell it, roams with magic apparently, yet no one else uses magic otherwise. It didn't make a lot of sense to me.

Crow and Tacho are instantly attracted to each other, so much that they can barely contain it, and yet they did a surprisingly good job at keeping their hands to themselves. I would have understood if it would have all started gradually, but no, it was already close to unbearable from the start. There are so many inconsistencies with these two I honestly don't know how I managed to read as much as I did.

Okay, okay, here's what I did like: Crow being absolutely furious at how much he liked Tacho. That was great, shame it only lasted as long as one interaction and that was basically the only funny bit in the book. Everything else is a mess and the plot is at best questionable.

Right off, after reading this short, but so very sweet story, I am more than interested in what else Eli Easton put out there. I loved everything about it. Christmas Angel is a perfect December story, complete with the holiday cheer and likeable, witty characters.

I liked Mr. Trent so much! He is anything Alec could have ever dreamed of and even more. He's kind, funny, and, oh, so subtle. The man has a real talent. Alec is a lonely lad who really needs to anchor on someone, and that someone can be no one but Mr. John Trent. And what a lovely pair they make!

What I also liked about Christmas Angel is that it's not over the top. You get a nice story with no unnecessary drama, and bonus points, it's true to the era. It is obvious the author properly researched the topic and did a very good job. I'm always amazed when contemporary authors write historically accurate, giving the reader the full experience.

The plot flowed smoothly, naturally, and did I mention I really liked John? I enjoyed John's approach, and how he carefully thought on what to do next. He's the type of character you dream of, he's calm, calculated, and clever, qualities that proved to be more than useful.

I liked the rest of the characters as well, they are all so warm and welcoming, even Dante. They are a joyous bunch and a wonderful company. Eli Easton crafted the characters so beautifully and wrapped them in a heart-warming story. Perfect read for the holiday season.

These days I suddenly felt like reading something military (still do), some serious stuff, maybe angst, tough guys, stuff like that, but this novel is so far away from that I am surprised I actually made it though all of it. There were okay parts too, but that doesn’t change the fact that I almost dropped it.

The novel started off pretty interesting. We get some military training, young boys learning what the army is all about, it was a good, decent start. We are introduced to the characters, they are likeable and none of them seem to have any flaws. They all are straight forward guys, funny, hot, very hot, as everyone and their mother stated countless times, super likeable, dedicated, later affected by the horrors of the war and⁠—in case I didn’t mention it⁠—so freaking hot. Like, hot hot.

The way one of the main characters is presented as being hot by most of the supporting characters was bordering really freaking close to sexual harassment. Ryan would just go in a room and instead of someone saying “hi, how are you” when introducing themselves, they would say “wow, you are so hot”. It’s so unrealistic and disturbing.

What also annoyed me was the mention of “girls”. Someone “moaned like a girl” or “sighed like a girl” or even freaking felt like “a virgin 16 year old girl on her prom night”. Look, if I wanted to read about sighing maids, under-age virgins and everything girl related, I wouldn’t be reading a military BL novel. I’ll give credit to the story for keeping me interested enough and making me laugh a few times, but I rolled my eyes way more often, so often that I thought I’d find another realm back there, one where authors don’t compare men to little girls. There were some instances of banter where I let the comparison slide, it fit, but when I’m reading a steamy sex scene between two guys, the last type of visual image I would ever want would be that of a girl a few years older than one of the character’s own daughter.

The characters were not completely terrible, like I said, they were just trying to make things right, they are all decent guys, there is some depth to them, albeit could be more, but they are not from this type of novel. I don’t know where they are from, they could be from something rose tinted, some suburban love story, but not this.

The last few chapters of the novel made me wish I would have dropped the novel the first time I thought about it. These two guys claim they can’t keep their hands off each other, and yet they go over two months barely touching because for some reason they want to take it slow after all that’s happened. I can’t figure how they both turned into virgins all of a sudden. There was a hint of something justifying it, I’ll say that, but it was poorly played to the point it didn’t make any sense. I can only describe the ending as a cheap soap opera, I don’t think I’ve ever read more crying and more uncontrolled emotions than from these military men for whom control means everything.

After a short no-read period I was more than ready to plunge right back into it. I had no idea what to pick from my list, but I've had this novel for a while now so I thought it was about time I see what it is all about, what adventures is this Will Darling engaging in. And oh, what an adventure!

I knew I was going to like the book from the first pages. This is my first K.J. Charles novel and I loved the writing style so much. It flowed so beautifully and it pulled me in so easily. Loved the description and I'm all in for that slow burn romance story. It's all so complicated too, I could weep with joy.

Will Darling is a regular man in a regular world trying to manage a regular business. After war and after going back into a society that had no use of him, he'd been blessed to inherit his uncle's bookshop. Or so he thought because things took quite a turn when a man came looking for something. What? Will had no clue, but he'd made up his mind and he's a stubborn man who sticks to his principles.

Then enter Kim Secratan, this cunning bastard who I inexplicably like. (I'm joking, it's not completely inexplicable.) Kim raised a few red flags from the start, but I wasn't sure what to make out of them. I had no choice but to keep reading. He is devious, a man who tries to do the right thing no matter what, and so great.

Will and Kim make an excellent pair. The chemistry was obvious and the air was sizzling when the two of them were in a room. I loved them together so much! But the whole situation made things so tough and when doubt creeps in there's just so much one can do. But the heart wants what the heart wants. Right?

The relationship between Will and Kim progresses slowly and tantalizing. It gives just enough to not frustrate the reader, but not too much so you would feel satiated. All in all, Slippery Creatures is a great first novel of the series, it pulls you in and promises a very good experience throughout.

The plot is definitely intriguing and fun to read. It is also pretty easy to figure out, but it's so good. I just really loved it, and I loved how brilliant both Will and Kim were. While the reader knows relatively early where this is going, in broad lines, there still is something there that keeps you glued to the pages. Like I already said, I loved the writing style, K.J. Charles knows how to use words and does it flawlessly.

Needless to say I am looking forward to the next books in this series.

I liked both of the main characters. They were regular people, trying to come to terms with their feelings, or the lack of, and generally doing their best. Enjoyment wise, I did enjoy it for the most part. This is the second Mary Calmes book (erm, I count the Marshals series as a book here) I read and I was expecting to enjoy it. I liked that the reason of the separation wasn't over the top or melodramatic, it was just two people not feeling the same. And that's fine, shit like that happens.

What I didn't like is that this is basically a case of miscommunication and I have some questions. These two people spent seventeen years together, they shared everything, they raised their kids together, they knew each other like the back of their hands and yet, how could Sivan not pick up, in all this time, that Walter is the showing his feelings type of guy instead of saying them? That part makes no sense to me.

The novel also felt in a rush to solve everything, to show what kind of life Sivan and Walter have (sadly that didn't leave a lot of space for just them two), how they interact with other people, and culminate in a family reunion. I am not sure why there was need for that.

The whole crazy guy obsessing over Sivan and shooting Walter was a stretch. Actually it was okay until the shooting happened. Throwing some punches, fine, but showing up with a gun on their front porch was an exaggeration.

Putting all that in balance, there were some parts I really liked too. Unfortunately, what I liked more is the start of their relationship. I liked Sivan and Walter more in the second and third chapter and I hoped they would remain as snappy and fun, but I guess a long marriage does that to people. I didn't actually see any of the possessiveness Walter mentioned and that is a loss.

Despite all that, I did enjoy the novel, even though the plots jumps high and low at times, I found Sivan and Walter to be depicted quite realistically and they are definitely a good fit for each other. What saves this novel for me is that I really liked Mary Calmes's writing from a technical point of view. It's almost impossible to not get caught up in the novel even a little bit.

I'm not even kidding when I say I've been wishing to read this type of novel for a really long time now. This is two of my favourite genres in one and it's written so well and more than compatible with my wants and taste. It's great!

In the previous book in the series, Josh Lanyon laid out the premise for this one so quietly and so smoothly. I didn't really think of Roland as anything more than Elliot's radical, but very caring father. I surely didn't anticipate the whole storm that was coming. I didn't even think much about his house smouldering until it became clear it was arson. This is also a perfect and beautiful example of why I don't read synopsis or why I hold onto a book until I can only vaguely remember that there was something I liked about it, but I can't say what.

The second book in the series is a mix of mystery and emotions just like the first one. Elliot is in a rush to find out who wants his father out of the picture, all the while trying to balance his relationship with Tucker and to understand his boyfriend's point of view.

I must say I was mostly on Tucker's side in this one, but I still (or maybe that's why) like Elliot. I understand where he's coming from and I understand it's hard for him to come to terms with his limitations, all the while navigating a new relationship (surely, the fact that he's never been in a serious relationship before doesn't help), and he is trying. I would like to say he is trying hard, but he's way too stubborn for that. If anything, Tucker's the one with the most awareness in this relationship.

And I love them both so much, they are so great together and I bet it's sometimes so frustrating for Tucker to make sense of what goes in Elliot's head, but at the same time he is so attentive and so compatible with Elliot. Elliot needs more time than Tucker on some matters, but he'll work it through at some point, of that I have no doubt. Good thing Tucker is so patient and seems to get a better grip of what Elliot needs and how he functions.

What I'm saying is that in almost every relationship there's one person who tolerates a bit more than the other, and in this one, that person is unequivocally Tucker.

Now, to take a break from me praising these two, I liked the mystery a lot. Roland surely did some stuff—bad, frowned upon, questionable stuff—in his youth and has his share of secrets that someone does not want to come uncovered. With a pretty impressive list of suspects, how could someone bring the truth to light? The answer to that is with some perseverance, stubbornness, and an ability to ignore warnings. Who is all that? That's right, Elliot.

Saying that Elliot cares about his father would be an understatement. They had their fair share of ruffled feathers, but there is no doubt of the love they carry for each other. Elliot tries to keep his father safe, and Roland tries to keep his son safe. Of course, those can't really co-exists, so more clashing ensues.

The novel took an interesting turn rather quick and I loved speculating and trying to figure out who was behind it. I can also see some hints to what might happen in the next one and I am equally excited to read the third and sad that it is the last book in the series.

While reading this I kept checking to see if I started with the right volume because there already is history for the two main characters (I tend to say only Elliot is a main character in this), and the book is written in such a way that made me think there is another book in the series. I definitely read books ‘out of turn' before and it's similar to that. However, I liked it a lot. Yes, there is history, but it's also exciting to try and figure out both what on earth happened between Elliot and Tucker and what on earth was happening right now.

About what happened, no worries, you get all the relevant info and a little bit more. About what was happening right now, I was not expecting this level of mystery crime and it was great! I had a list of suspects almost right from the start as well as a list of reasons why someone would go around kidnapping people and I am delighted to say I didn't even come close to it. This is my first Josh Lanyon book and if the next two are just as good, I see myself very close to expanding my favourite authors list and I love that for myself.

Elliot is great! He is an ex FBI agent turned professor and he has all the qualities for both jobs. I bet he was an amazing agent, and now he's turning into a great professor too. I liked how visible his job was, how we can see him trying to navigate his new life, how he tries to come to terms with him not being an agent anymore, that he is still dealing with an aching injury, a very throbbing proof of his past life.

And then there's Tucker, his ex who creeps into his new life. Emotions run wild for Elliot and it's a taxing time for him, all with the disappearances, his bitterness, and his feelings.

I am so excited to dive into the next book and see what else there is for Elliot. I am wondering what could ever happen next, and how his new new life is going. I really, really like Elliot, and while I am a bit sad that he's not an FBI agent after being obvious he worked hard for it, he's a great professor too. I love Josh Lanyon for not sparing any detail and showing every part of Elliot.

The novel focuses more on the mystery than on the romance, but there is plenty of that too. We get glimpses on Elliot and Tucker's past relationship, during the FBI, and then when they are forced to work together. I liked their conversations, I liked that they are flawed and so different and I really hope to see more of them together.

This first book of the series was a success and I really, really hope the series as a whole is going to claim a spot in my favourites.