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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
#1 White Noise: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
After loving The Reckless Damned series I was excited to see what Lark Taylor could do in a contemporary romance. And, this hit all the right notes for me. (Get it? Notes...music? Haha.)
Ollie Winters is having a no good, very bad day when he finds himself trapped in an elevator with Luca Weston, the world famous lead singer of Caffeine Daydreams. So not only does he have to deal with missing the interview for his dream job right after finding out that his girlfriend and best friend have been knocking boots behind his back, he's got to deal with a dramatic shift in his sexuality when he finds himself unexpectedly attracted to Luca. Things get even more complicated when 5 months after their initial meeting, Ollie finds himself on tour with Caffeine Daydreams being pursed by the man he can't stop thinking about. While Ollie is struggling to maintain a professional distance, Luca is determined to find out if Ollie is the man of his dreams. And if he is? Luca will do whatever it takes to keep him.
I adored both of these characters. Ollie is a repressed mess who is scared to let anyone in and Luca is tired of people wanting him for his public persona rather than who he actually is. And, the way they compliment each other was really lovely. I also think the 5 month time jump right at the beginning was really important because it gave Ollie time to come to terms with his burgeoning sexuality while allowing him to grieve his last relationship. It kept this from feeling like a rebound fling, and instead allowed for a really meaningful relationship to develop between these two characters. And, Luca? He is such a sweetheart. I love the found family vibes between him and the rest of the band, and the way his fights for Ollie is *chef's kiss*.
Three Things:
1. Loved Ollie happening upon his ex-girlfriend and ex-best friend at the end of the book. That scene was perfection. It did my petty little heart good. Also, Luca is a real one for whatever he whispered to Callum.
2. I do wish we could have seen the band confronting Kevin cause I hate that little weasel, but for pacing reasons I understand why we don't.
3. I loved the Harlow and Baily cameo. (And this is exactly how I like my cameos done. It was unobtrusive, and wouldn't mean anything to those who haven't read the Reckless Damned series, but for those of us who love those books it was the perfect little easter egg.)
This book struck the perfect balance for me. Just the right amount of angst with plenty of steam and found family goodness. I know Kai and Silas's book is next (and I'm sure it is going to be fantastic), but I absolutely cannot wait for Jack and Arlo's book. I have a feeling it is going to break me in the best way possible.
content warnings: cheating (previous relationship), panic attacks, loos of parent by suicide (in the past), sex (on page), parental abandonment/estrangement
**I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.**
After loving The Reckless Damned series I was excited to see what Lark Taylor could do in a contemporary romance. And, this hit all the right notes for me. (Get it? Notes...music? Haha.)
Ollie Winters is having a no good, very bad day when he finds himself trapped in an elevator with Luca Weston, the world famous lead singer of Caffeine Daydreams. So not only does he have to deal with missing the interview for his dream job right after finding out that his girlfriend and best friend have been knocking boots behind his back, he's got to deal with a dramatic shift in his sexuality when he finds himself unexpectedly attracted to Luca. Things get even more complicated when 5 months after their initial meeting, Ollie finds himself on tour with Caffeine Daydreams being pursed by the man he can't stop thinking about. While Ollie is struggling to maintain a professional distance, Luca is determined to find out if Ollie is the man of his dreams. And if he is? Luca will do whatever it takes to keep him.
I adored both of these characters. Ollie is a repressed mess who is scared to let anyone in and Luca is tired of people wanting him for his public persona rather than who he actually is. And, the way they compliment each other was really lovely. I also think the 5 month time jump right at the beginning was really important because it gave Ollie time to come to terms with his burgeoning sexuality while allowing him to grieve his last relationship. It kept this from feeling like a rebound fling, and instead allowed for a really meaningful relationship to develop between these two characters. And, Luca? He is such a sweetheart. I love the found family vibes between him and the rest of the band, and the way his fights for Ollie is *chef's kiss*.
Three Things:
1. Loved Ollie happening upon his ex-girlfriend and ex-best friend at the end of the book. That scene was perfection. It did my petty little heart good. Also, Luca is a real one for whatever he whispered to Callum.
2. I do wish we could have seen the band confronting Kevin cause I hate that little weasel, but for pacing reasons I understand why we don't.
3. I loved the Harlow and Baily cameo. (And this is exactly how I like my cameos done. It was unobtrusive, and wouldn't mean anything to those who haven't read the Reckless Damned series, but for those of us who love those books it was the perfect little easter egg.)
This book struck the perfect balance for me. Just the right amount of angst with plenty of steam and found family goodness. I know Kai and Silas's book is next (and I'm sure it is going to be fantastic), but I absolutely cannot wait for Jack and Arlo's book. I have a feeling it is going to break me in the best way possible.
content warnings: cheating (previous relationship), panic attacks, loos of parent by suicide (in the past), sex (on page), parental abandonment/estrangement
**I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.**
I read an ARC of WHITE NOISE a couple of weeks ago and ooooooh, it's a fun one. I don't usually read a lot of contemporary – and what I do read usually involves the potential for people to get straight-up murdered – so this is a rarity for me. But, like the rest of Taylor's works, I kind of figured I'd enjoy this one.
Aaaaand, I did!
Luca loves being in a band with his closest friends, but he doesn't always love the fame that comes with it. He's never left alone, which means he has to be careful of what he's doing all the time.
Ollie's having the worst day. He's caught his long-term girlfriend in bed with his best friend, and on his way to a job interview that could change his life, he gets stuck in a lift with none other than the frontman of Caffeine Daydreams... who seems to be having a pretty shit time of things, too.
Still, days can turn around.
There are some heavy moments in this book, but it's really a lot of fun. We get a rollercoaster of angst and self-loathing, with Luca and Ollie pushing each other away, pulling away, and then coming back together because of course, they're just perfect for each other. Their chemistry is fantastic and although they've both got some growing to do, it's great to see the way Luca is always willing to give Ollie space to come back to him again.
I really enjoyed the last kind of sequence; I think because in contemporary it has to be so different to PNR. There's a real struggle for Ollie to open up (not that I can relate
Aaaaand, I did!
Luca loves being in a band with his closest friends, but he doesn't always love the fame that comes with it. He's never left alone, which means he has to be careful of what he's doing all the time.
Ollie's having the worst day. He's caught his long-term girlfriend in bed with his best friend, and on his way to a job interview that could change his life, he gets stuck in a lift with none other than the frontman of Caffeine Daydreams... who seems to be having a pretty shit time of things, too.
Still, days can turn around.
There are some heavy moments in this book, but it's really a lot of fun. We get a rollercoaster of angst and self-loathing, with Luca and Ollie pushing each other away, pulling away, and then coming back together because of course, they're just perfect for each other. Their chemistry is fantastic and although they've both got some growing to do, it's great to see the way Luca is always willing to give Ollie space to come back to him again.
I really enjoyed the last kind of sequence; I think because in contemporary it has to be so different to PNR. There's a real struggle for Ollie to open up (not that I can relate
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
10/10, 💥💥💥
Ollie and Luca, my babies 😭😭 Lark Taylor has done it again, I adored these two so much, their chemistry, how perfect for each other they were, the tenderness and care. I couldn't remember what their vibe was going in, but I had the idea is was a kind of enemies-to-lovers things, and I was completely wrong with that. Ollie is such an amazing person who has had his trust broken over and over again and has basically hit rock bottom when he gets stuck in an elevator with Luca during a massive power failure. Luca was ambushed by fans going for an interview, and when a mob broke out around him, he had a panic attack for the first time in public, during which he was promptly pushed into Ollie's elevator to escape it. That whole first encounter between the two of them is so sweet and caring and it takes a turn for the steamy real quick. I was curious how they were going to meet again, and I really enjoyed the forced proximity that came about.
Usually I have big complaints with miscommunication because it is often so childish, but in this story, we see their fear of communicating coming straight from major areas of insecurity and trauma for them, and it was so sad and hard to watch them dance around each other in the way they felt they had to to keep themselves safe. The love and affection and chemistry and care is there from the get-go, but they haver to fight their own insecurities if they don't want to destroy each other and their relationship. The whole 'third-act breakup' in this story was a really interesting take, and I liked seeing it handled in a different kind of way, even if it ripped my heart out seeing them both so destroyed from it. But of course, these two are basically soulmates and I adored watching them fight for each other. I also saw that sneaky Bailey and Harlow cameo and I'm living for the idea that they exist in the same world as Luca and Ollie.
I also can't not talk about the other band members. I am frothing at the mouth for the Kai and Silas story. I love the one-sided pining, best-friends-to-lovers trope so much, even if it always destroys me to read, and I am so so desperate to read their story and to watch Silas absolutely fall devastatingly in love with Kai. I am also so very curious about Arlo and Jack and what history they have. I'm assuming they're the 3rd book in the series, and I can't wait for whatever delicious angst there is between them. I can't believe Lark Taylor is out here releasing smasher after smasher and I frothing at the mouth for every books she releases. Please, I need Greenlight right now and I can't wait however long it will take to get it.
TL;DR, Luca and Ollie are non-demon soulmates, Kai and Silas will be the death of me, this book was amazing.
Ollie and Luca, my babies 😭😭 Lark Taylor has done it again, I adored these two so much, their chemistry, how perfect for each other they were, the tenderness and care. I couldn't remember what their vibe was going in, but I had the idea is was a kind of enemies-to-lovers things, and I was completely wrong with that. Ollie is such an amazing person who has had his trust broken over and over again and has basically hit rock bottom when he gets stuck in an elevator with Luca during a massive power failure. Luca was ambushed by fans going for an interview, and when a mob broke out around him, he had a panic attack for the first time in public, during which he was promptly pushed into Ollie's elevator to escape it. That whole first encounter between the two of them is so sweet and caring and it takes a turn for the steamy real quick. I was curious how they were going to meet again, and I really enjoyed the forced proximity that came about.
Usually I have big complaints with miscommunication because it is often so childish, but in this story, we see their fear of communicating coming straight from major areas of insecurity and trauma for them, and it was so sad and hard to watch them dance around each other in the way they felt they had to to keep themselves safe. The love and affection and chemistry and care is there from the get-go, but they haver to fight their own insecurities if they don't want to destroy each other and their relationship. The whole 'third-act breakup' in this story was a really interesting take, and I liked seeing it handled in a different kind of way, even if it ripped my heart out seeing them both so destroyed from it. But of course, these two are basically soulmates and I adored watching them fight for each other. I also saw that sneaky Bailey and Harlow cameo and I'm living for the idea that they exist in the same world as Luca and Ollie.
I also can't not talk about the other band members. I am frothing at the mouth for the Kai and Silas story. I love the one-sided pining, best-friends-to-lovers trope so much, even if it always destroys me to read, and I am so so desperate to read their story and to watch Silas absolutely fall devastatingly in love with Kai. I am also so very curious about Arlo and Jack and what history they have. I'm assuming they're the 3rd book in the series, and I can't wait for whatever delicious angst there is between them. I can't believe Lark Taylor is out here releasing smasher after smasher and I frothing at the mouth for every books she releases. Please, I need Greenlight right now and I can't wait however long it will take to get it.
TL;DR, Luca and Ollie are non-demon soulmates, Kai and Silas will be the death of me, this book was amazing.
emotional
lighthearted
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Ollie thought his day couldn’t get any worse until he’s gets stuck in a lift on his way to an interview for his dream job. When he realises he’s not alone he’s stuck with Luca Weston lead singer for Caffeine Dreams he knows his day has got worse . Love love loved this story Ollie & Luca were perfect and they overcame all the obstacles thrown at them to get their HEA I can’t wait for Kai & Silas and I really need to know what happened to Arlo.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Cute and sweet!
A quick and steamy morsel by Lark Taylor, but unfortunately it didn't totally work for me.
I'm a sucker for forced proximity and bi-awakening stories, so this one by all accounts should have worked for me: unfortunately, some things were missing.
But first things first, the positives:
1) I totally adored the fact that there was mental health rep. I applaud Lark Taylor for introducing a chronic sufferer of anxiety as a main character: more authors should follow her lead because the world desperately needs more diverse reads.
2) I loved the side characters. Arlo and Jack intrigued me to no end, and I cannot wait for their book. I hope the angst delivers! And Silas and Kai already made my heart bleed with the oblivious-bff-pining. I'm excited to see what will happen with them.
3) I loved Luca as a main character. He was really great: again, I found him relatable for the mental health rep, and in general, he was really lovable.
So why three stars?
I think my brain has had enough with the constant-banter- and-sexual-innuendos-fueled contemporary romances: I don't get why they have become the norm in the genre. I can't stand pointless banter anymore; I love funny books, don't get me wrong... But there's a difference between a good, snarky, funny book and the ones that seem to be dominating the MM genre recently. That's the reason why Ollie and Luca's dynamic didn't totally work for me: their initial meeting and getting-to-know-you phase were both great; but after that, it was mainly banter, sex and miscommunication, and I got a tiny bit bored. I needed more plot, more heart, more grit and more soul. I read it easily, don't get me wrong; I just felt like it was missing something.
I so wish I could have loved this more, especially considering it's an ARC generously provided by the author. But I cannot not be honest with my thoughts and feelings.
I also feel like I'm in the minority here; lots of people are loving this, and lots of people obviously love banter-fueled, light-hearted romances. I don't think this specific type of subgenre of MM is for me anymore, BUT I'll definitely be reading the next few books, if only for Arlo and Jack.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A quick and steamy morsel by Lark Taylor, but unfortunately it didn't totally work for me.
I'm a sucker for forced proximity and bi-awakening stories, so this one by all accounts should have worked for me: unfortunately, some things were missing.
But first things first, the positives:
1) I totally adored the fact that there was mental health rep. I applaud Lark Taylor for introducing a chronic sufferer of anxiety as a main character: more authors should follow her lead because the world desperately needs more diverse reads.
2) I loved the side characters. Arlo and Jack intrigued me to no end, and I cannot wait for their book. I hope the angst delivers! And Silas and Kai already made my heart bleed with the oblivious-bff-pining. I'm excited to see what will happen with them.
3) I loved Luca as a main character. He was really great: again, I found him relatable for the mental health rep, and in general, he was really lovable.
So why three stars?
I think my brain has had enough with the constant-banter- and-sexual-innuendos-fueled contemporary romances: I don't get why they have become the norm in the genre. I can't stand pointless banter anymore; I love funny books, don't get me wrong... But there's a difference between a good, snarky, funny book and the ones that seem to be dominating the MM genre recently. That's the reason why Ollie and Luca's dynamic didn't totally work for me: their initial meeting and getting-to-know-you phase were both great; but after that, it was mainly banter, sex and miscommunication, and I got a tiny bit bored. I needed more plot, more heart, more grit and more soul. I read it easily, don't get me wrong; I just felt like it was missing something.
I so wish I could have loved this more, especially considering it's an ARC generously provided by the author. But I cannot not be honest with my thoughts and feelings.
I also feel like I'm in the minority here; lots of people are loving this, and lots of people obviously love banter-fueled, light-hearted romances. I don't think this specific type of subgenre of MM is for me anymore, BUT I'll definitely be reading the next few books, if only for Arlo and Jack.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Domestic abuse, Suicide
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is my very first book by Lark Taylor and truth, I’m a new fan 💯!!! So I usually don’t like ANY romance with the miscommunication trope…and this one has heaps of it.
But it works, y’all.
Holy crap, does it work.
The tension, passion, jealousy, lust, and complete obsession Luca and Ollie have for each other is so heavy and complex I don’t think their story could’ve been written any other way.
Luca is a rockstar with debilitating anxiety and Ollie is a scorned journalist who just wants to make a life for himself. After a chance encounter in a stuck elevator, exposed truths, and a connection unlike any other, these two find themselves back together on a tour with lots of ups and downs and revelations.
My FAVORITE quote:
“ɪ ᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ʟᴏᴛ ᴏꜰ ʙᴀɢɢᴀɢᴇ.”
“ꜱᴏ ᴅᴏ ɪ. ʙᴜᴛ ɪ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ɪᴛ’ʟʟ ʙᴇ ᴇᴀꜱɪᴇʀ ɪꜰ ᴡᴇ ᴛᴀᴋᴇ ᴛᴜʀɴꜱ ᴄᴀʀʀʏɪɴɢ ɪᴛ.”
The setting is vivid, the smut is fire, the romance is swoon-worthy.
I think I’ve found another one-click author. I’m completely obsessed with Caffeine Daydreams from this moment forward. The ENTIRE band is important. Whatever is going on with Arlo and Jack. The whole Kai and Silas drama. I NEED IT ALL.
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
ANGST:💧💧💧
POV: 1st, Dual
𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚. 𝙈𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A