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rainjrop's review against another edition
1.0
I really enjoy some AJ Sherwood books, but I just can't get into the Jon's Mysterious series or these spin-offs. My issues with this book (and the previous novella) are this: the events and emotions are perfunctory.
perfunctory, adjective
performed merely as a routine duty; hasty and superficial:
lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; indifferent or apathetic:
The events are so matter of fact that nothing is exciting or dramatic. The relationship between Mack and Brandon is immediately lovey dovey and their development is infantesimal. Most of the novel is people booking hotel rooms and having conversations on the phone. Everything is practical to a fault - there is no chance for miscommunication, misunderstandings, or even a private thought or feeling because every emotion and passing thought is spelled out to both the readers and the characters. Yes, there is such a thing as characters being too transparent and understanding with each other - that point is when it robs the book of any interest.
Every time you think the plot might be ramping up to create some actual tension, Mack or Brandon calls their boss, they pull back from the ghost, book another hotel, and wait for more backup. I've had more titillating reading experiences with a grocery list. For a novel that purports itself as a tale about ghost hunting, the ghosts played second fiddle the MCs extreme understanding of each other and the author's unbearable smugness about how perfect her characters are and how great they are together.
From here on out, I'm only reading AJ Sherwood when she has a co-author.
perfunctory, adjective
performed merely as a routine duty; hasty and superficial:
lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; indifferent or apathetic:
The events are so matter of fact that nothing is exciting or dramatic. The relationship between Mack and Brandon is immediately lovey dovey and their development is infantesimal. Most of the novel is people booking hotel rooms and having conversations on the phone. Everything is practical to a fault - there is no chance for miscommunication, misunderstandings, or even a private thought or feeling because every emotion and passing thought is spelled out to both the readers and the characters. Yes, there is such a thing as characters being too transparent and understanding with each other - that point is when it robs the book of any interest.
Every time you think the plot might be ramping up to create some actual tension, Mack or Brandon calls their boss, they pull back from the ghost, book another hotel, and wait for more backup. I've had more titillating reading experiences with a grocery list. For a novel that purports itself as a tale about ghost hunting, the ghosts played second fiddle the MCs extreme understanding of each other and the author's unbearable smugness about how perfect her characters are and how great they are together.
From here on out, I'm only reading AJ Sherwood when she has a co-author.
polineezia's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
sickler13's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
stormking_cos's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
bookpimpfairy's review against another edition
5.0
Gets better and better
Mack and Brandon are now full fledged FBI agents and for their first cases have the not so joy of heading South to Mack's hometown. Gotta say love some of his family but most can eat rocks. Our two men are navigating their relationship before officially bonding and with all the Havili love , Brandon is proving just how much Mack deserves this and he's worth it.
When things don't go to plan at one of the cases backup is brought in and oh boy do I love Eli, Booker and Quinn and cannot wait to see more of this wild trio!
Diving right in to the next book can't wait to see what these 2 groups get up to in Scotland!
Mack and Brandon are now full fledged FBI agents and for their first cases have the not so joy of heading South to Mack's hometown. Gotta say love some of his family but most can eat rocks. Our two men are navigating their relationship before officially bonding and with all the Havili love , Brandon is proving just how much Mack deserves this and he's worth it.
When things don't go to plan at one of the cases backup is brought in and oh boy do I love Eli, Booker and Quinn and cannot wait to see more of this wild trio!
Diving right in to the next book can't wait to see what these 2 groups get up to in Scotland!
anana3322's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bronwynheeley's review against another edition
DNF/PAUSED @43%
this has very little to do with the book and a lot of me.
I don't care about the 2 MC's*
I don't care about the story line
which on a whole doesn't really help at all.
i don't mind them and I hope they show up in Jon's Mysteries but I just don't think I'll pick up another in the series. or i could and end up finishing this, who knows.
*this isn't to say i didn't like, i didn't care either way
this has very little to do with the book and a lot of me.
I don't care about the 2 MC's*
I don't care about the story line
which on a whole doesn't really help at all.
i don't mind them and I hope they show up in Jon's Mysteries but I just don't think I'll pick up another in the series. or i could and end up finishing this, who knows.
*this isn't to say i didn't like, i didn't care either way
kaitlin_durante's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
It took me a while to get through this book. It wasn't the writing because I really enjoy AJ Sherwood it was more the story itself. The characters were great and I really liked the side characters introduced too. There was just something I didn't connect with.
It took me a while to get through this book. It wasn't the writing because I really enjoy AJ Sherwood it was more the story itself. The characters were great and I really liked the side characters introduced too. There was just something I didn't connect with.
teresab78's review against another edition
5.0
I love this spin off to Jon and Donovan’s stories. There’s an edge of intensity during the paranormal battle that balanced the humour perfectly. I loved getting to know where Mack came from and the introduction to new friends. I hope there’s more to come.