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annabithebook's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
5.0
I cannot tell you how Arden-tly I love this series. If you love MM romance filled with witty banter, beautifully addressed trauma, deeply impactful messages of who gets to determine who and what you are, brilliantly strong character growth, and the absolute Best Manic Pixie Dream Gay™️ that has ever been. Caspian Hart and Arden St. Ives are for you.
This was my second read of the series and on reflection, there is actually quite a bit less on page sex and specifically much less heavy BDSM than I remember from the first read through. Not that it is not there, but the emotional growth and plot carries the bulk of the book, rather than being spice held together by the wisp of a plot. The way Alexis Hall makes you love these deeply flawed and imperfect characters through their imperfection is simply masterful.
Alexis Hall is my all time favorite author and this is one of, if not my favorite series from him. 👏🏻
This was my second read of the series and on reflection, there is actually quite a bit less on page sex and specifically much less heavy BDSM than I remember from the first read through. Not that it is not there, but the emotional growth and plot carries the bulk of the book, rather than being spice held together by the wisp of a plot. The way Alexis Hall makes you love these deeply flawed and imperfect characters through their imperfection is simply masterful.
Alexis Hall is my all time favorite author and this is one of, if not my favorite series from him. 👏🏻
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Drug abuse, Infidelity, and Drug use
Moderate: Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, and Sexual violence
Minor: Dysphoria and Rape
ingridmaria's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, Sexual assault, and Gaslighting
sarnacle's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-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
Does Alexis Hall wake up every morning thinking to himself, “Fuck! I’m a good writer!” Because, damn, this book!
This book was an absolute banger. And when it came to bangs, AH delivered aplenty! This book also wins the award for sexiest scene where they’re not even having sex.
Let’s talk about the little things. First up, George’s pet names for Arden. Next, Ellery’s snarky way she shows Arden she cares. Then we have the descriptions about wardrobe - chef’s kids. Lastly, Arden’s family being the absolute best (like, will they please adopt me?).
I’m going to sneak in the Joel Leslie appreciation commentary here. I will say that the writing is impeccable, but so is the audio performance. Truly, it’s so good I almost don’t have words for how delicious it is.
Now I will talk about the one thing I didn’t like about the series - the covers. I’m sorry, this is totally me, but the cover model doesn’t look anything like how I picture Caspian and I find him very distracting.
I’m not gonna lie. This book - and the series in general - was difficult at times. For sure check the trigger, er, Caspian doesn’t like that word… but you get what I’m saying. The content warnings. They are plentiful. But AH doesn’t shy away from the difficult and uses it to create a touching story of healing and finding (accepting?) what makes you happy.
Somewhere in the middle I think I would’ve been ok if the book had gone in a different direction. I was ok with Arden finding his happiness elsewhere. But hot damn! AH spins the story and makes it work. How? I will end how I began. Alexis Hall is a fucking amazing writer.
Now it’s over and I have the sads. 😔
This book was an absolute banger. And when it came to bangs, AH delivered aplenty! This book also wins the award for sexiest scene where they’re not even having sex.
Let’s talk about the little things. First up, George’s pet names for Arden. Next, Ellery’s snarky way she shows Arden she cares. Then we have the descriptions about wardrobe - chef’s kids. Lastly, Arden’s family being the absolute best (like, will they please adopt me?).
I’m going to sneak in the Joel Leslie appreciation commentary here. I will say that the writing is impeccable, but so is the audio performance. Truly, it’s so good I almost don’t have words for how delicious it is.
Now I will talk about the one thing I didn’t like about the series - the covers. I’m sorry, this is totally me, but the cover model doesn’t look anything like how I picture Caspian and I find him very distracting.
I’m not gonna lie. This book - and the series in general - was difficult at times. For sure check the trigger, er, Caspian doesn’t like that word… but you get what I’m saying. The content warnings. They are plentiful. But AH doesn’t shy away from the difficult and uses it to create a touching story of healing and finding (accepting?) what makes you happy.
Somewhere in the middle I think I would’ve been ok if the book had gone in a different direction. I was ok with Arden finding his happiness elsewhere. But hot damn! AH spins the story and makes it work. How? I will end how I began. Alexis Hall is a fucking amazing writer.
Now it’s over and I have the sads. 😔
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Infidelity
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Death of parent and Drug use
eicart_reads's review
challenging
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Suicide attempt, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, Emotional abuse, and Drug use
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