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roksyreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I was really invested in the characters from the start and the story drew me in deep. The action is well written, and even though I ultimately worked out who the secret bad guy was before the reveal, there was enough tension and suspense to keep it interesting in the lead up. The romance is a tantalising slow burn that is deeply emotional, with the forbidden aspect upping the stakes, and the dynamic between all the characters—especially Ethan and his friends/fellow agents—made for plenty of moments where I was either laughing or having to deal with vicarious embarrassment.
Overall, I got the same vibes from Bauer's writing as I do from Jonathan Maberry's action/thriller Joe Ledger/Rogue Team International series. In my books, that's a huge compliment: Maberry is hands down my favourite writer, with Joe Ledger being a much loved character.
Graphic: Murder, Sexual content, Gun violence, Grief, Torture, Car accident, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Outing, Homophobia, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Religious bigotry
hex_meghead's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Outing, Kidnapping, Biphobia, Homophobia, Sexual content, Violence, and Torture
Moderate: Gun violence, Car accident, War, and Injury/Injury detail
therainbowshelf's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
Graphic: War, Car accident, Violence, Grief, Sexual content, Homophobia, and Gun violence
so_many_books's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Enemies of the Stare is a high stakes, action-packed romantic suspense. The president of the US and the head of his secret service security detail falls in love. You couldn't come up with a messier combination.
The story was romantic and heartwarming while at the same time full action and politics and military operations. There's a dash of treason, conspiracies, and international relations just to make it even messier.
I absolutely adore Jack and Ethan. Their tentative friendship and love are soooooo wonderful. And Tal has a way to show that love and break your heart at the same time. I was rooting for these two the whole time.
The storyline with all the action and politics was actually pretty engaging. I wanted to keep reading and reading just to see how this all turns out. The actual twists were not unpredictable, but that didn't take away from the enjoyment.
There were some pretty hilarious moments when I laughed out loud. But there were also moments when I was nervous, sad, and devastated. The balance between all these emotions is a pretty big pro in the book. It makes you happy while at the same time keeps you on your toes.
I can't wait to see how this story moves forward.
Graphic: Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Cursing, Violence, War, Death, Sexual content, and Blood
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Homophobia
20sidedbi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Murder, Blood, Genocide, Grief, Violence, Death, Sexual content, Kidnapping, Gun violence, War, Mass/school shootings, Torture, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Outing and Homophobia
pawtory's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Homophobia, Xenophobia, Gun violence, and Violence
Moderate: Racial slurs, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Murder, and Mental illness
Minor: Torture, Suicidal thoughts, and Medical trauma
peppermint_pink's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, and Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia and Violence