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_isabel_'s review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
3.5
Well, that was the perfect conclusion to this series. Brian and Rob were utterly adorable.
"Daily Grind" was my least favourite book in this series, even though I did enjoy it a fair amount. It's the most light-hearted book out of the four, and it's also the least intense: sure, there is angst (relationship and work related), but it's not on the same level of any of the previous books. Plus, there's little to no kink, so I guess the chemistry, the steam and Brian and Rob's whole relationship felt less intense, less all-consuming. I think I probably would have loved it more if I hadn't read any of the previous books: Mx. Zabo has spoiled me with their kinky and wonderfully angsty stories.
On the other hand, I really loved the whole premise of the story and its themes: burnout is such a bitch, and Anna Zabo managed to portray Brian's struggles and his deteriorating health in a realist, gut-wrenching way. Even when I wanted to strangle him for acting like a jerk, I still felt for him. Rob was absolutely wonderful too, and far more patient and kind than I would have been.
I also loved the way Brian's struggles with his bisexuality were portrayed: as a fellow (kind of closeted, "what if I'm faking it, but no", "what if people will judge me") bi myself, his journey made me feel so seen.
So yes, even though Brian and Rob's romance was not my favourite (Sam and Michael are pretty much unbeatable), I really loved some bits of it and I thoroughly enjoyed following their journey towards their HEA. Plus, the cameos were always on point *chef's kiss*
I'm off to read all the extras on Anna Zabo's websites: I'm already missing all their wonderful characters so damn much.
"Daily Grind" was my least favourite book in this series, even though I did enjoy it a fair amount. It's the most light-hearted book out of the four, and it's also the least intense: sure, there is angst (relationship and work related), but it's not on the same level of any of the previous books. Plus, there's little to no kink, so I guess the chemistry, the steam and Brian and Rob's whole relationship felt less intense, less all-consuming. I think I probably would have loved it more if I hadn't read any of the previous books: Mx. Zabo has spoiled me with their kinky and wonderfully angsty stories.
On the other hand, I really loved the whole premise of the story and its themes: burnout is such a bitch, and Anna Zabo managed to portray Brian's struggles and his deteriorating health in a realist, gut-wrenching way. Even when I wanted to strangle him for acting like a jerk, I still felt for him. Rob was absolutely wonderful too, and far more patient and kind than I would have been.
I also loved the way Brian's struggles with his bisexuality were portrayed: as a fellow (kind of closeted, "what if I'm faking it, but no", "what if people will judge me") bi myself, his journey made me feel so seen.
So yes, even though Brian and Rob's romance was not my favourite (Sam and Michael are pretty much unbeatable), I really loved some bits of it and I thoroughly enjoyed following their journey towards their HEA. Plus, the cameos were always on point *chef's kiss*
I'm off to read all the extras on Anna Zabo's websites: I'm already missing all their wonderful characters so damn much.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
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