A Brush of Blue

4 stars for the “reform of the rake” trope, 3 stars for the rest of it. I love a good “jerk is redeemed and turns into a decent guy” arc, but Langdon seemed like a different person once he was in love with Montrell, which made their relationship lose a lot of its energy. For an example of a great jerk, you don't have to go much farther than Locey's own Vic Kalinski, starting with the [b:Point Shot Trilogy Box Set 34416357 Point Shot Trilogy Box Set V.L. Locey https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1488244408l/34416357.SX50.jpg 55077345]). He cleans up his act once he falls in love with Dan Arou, but he is still a hot-headed, loud-mouthed guy, not a pod person. Montrell's big secret, and the fallout once it comes out, dominates the second half of the book. I'm not saying it isn't portrayed accurately or poignantly (including the sad truth of homophobia within the queer community), but it wasn't as interesting to me as watching a former fuckboy learn that his past doesn't have to define him and trusting someone else with his feelings for the first time. Bonus points for Langdon falling in love with Montrell's cat at the same time as he falls for the man.