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misthios_pat's review
4.0
Made me remember of Laleh and Hope (IYKYK). And although I'm not usually into anything like this. I can surely say I liked both books very much. Books well written have this effect on me haha.
Rica and Cath are smoldering! It's been a while since I've read something with only one POV and it was nicely done, especially being in 1st person. But I'm going to be honest, I didn't love Cath at first, something didn't click on that first chapter and If I didn't have a policy of reading a few chapters before DNF a book (which is a rare occurrence with me for the exactly same reason - and because I know how to filter good stuff *smirking*) I was inclined to do so with this one. I'm glad I didn't, because I'd have skipped a really really beautiful story.
I'm not sure but I think this was my first book by KJ and even though I'm always reticent with that one aspect of this book that I'm not supposed to mention without spoiling things, I'm definitely going to read the other titles by same author.
Rica and Cath are smoldering! It's been a while since I've read something with only one POV and it was nicely done, especially being in 1st person. But I'm going to be honest, I didn't love Cath at first, something didn't click on that first chapter and If I didn't have a policy of reading a few chapters before DNF a book (which is a rare occurrence with me for the exactly same reason - and because I know how to filter good stuff *smirking*) I was inclined to do so with this one. I'm glad I didn't, because I'd have skipped a really really beautiful story.
I'm not sure but I think this was my first book by KJ and even though I'm always reticent with that one aspect of this book that I'm not supposed to mention without spoiling things, I'm definitely going to read the other titles by same author.
annastrom's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
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
5.0
mstaples98's review
emotional
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
3.5
jacemchale's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.5
judeinthestars's review
5.0
4.5* – KJ uses the word “lovely” a lot, not just in her books, and it’s very appropriate since that’s what her novels are. Her writing is alive and it clearly speaks to my emotions, as my mind feels very full when I read her. To the point that there’s so much noise, I sometimes need to take breaks to let it breathe (do minds breathe?). It may not sound like it, but it’s a good thing.
Cath Monroe (Sam’s best friend from [b:Coming Home|52070757|Coming Home|K.J .|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1566115888l/52070757._SX50_SY75_.jpg|72959067]) meets Rica Diamandis (remember Tal from [b:Kick Back|50879667|Kick Back|K.J .|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580634045l/50879667._SY75_.jpg|75749162]? Rica is their sister) at a teacher convention. They hit it off, have a drink together, flirt a little then part ways without exchanging phone numbers. Shortly after, Rica is introduced as the new Art teacher at the school where Cath teaches. They decide to put the flirting aside, without much success. At about the same time, Cath’s father is hospitalized with a possible brain tumour. Cath, who is very used to controlling her emotions, finds herself unable to keep them at bay when her heart insists on opening on all sides. Life gets messy and she doesn’t do messy.
I loved Sam because she’s the sweetest character ever while still being realistic. Cath is very different yet their being best friends makes total sense, as she is as kind and loyal as Sam. Cath is sensual and flirty and very much at ease with her body and her sexuality – she’s bisexual – and probably comes across as laidback to those who only know her on the surface. She’s passionate about her work and the people she loves yet closed off to the unknown. The feelings Rica brings out are very much unexpected and not completely welcome at first. Things get even more challenging when Cath finds out who Rica really is and what she triggers in her.
Art of Magic is KJ’s first attempt at first person. I remember reading on social media that she had first written this in third but Cath told her to change to first. In the beginning, it’s a bit wonky and you can still feel the third, but it doesn’t last more than a few pages. Another first, if I’m not mistaken (crappy memory and all), is how sexy this latest novel is from the start. I mean, like, really sexy. Hot.
In addition, KJ ventures into magical realism territory, which is both surprising since neither of her previous books even hints at it, as far as I remember, and not because it’s right there in the title (I’m borderline facepalming right now).
There’s something magical when you meet the right person for you, when the chemistry is so strong you can feel it when you touch, even in the most innocent touch. When you feel the energy flowing from their skin into yours. I was trying to explain this to friends the other day, how I hate to be touched (sensory stuff) except when it’s my wife doing the touching. When she touches me (and I’m not talking about sex, or not just sex), it’s like my skin relaxes into hers, the contact feeds my body and my heart and my soul. There’s undeniable magic there. In this book, KJ takes that magic to the next level.
As much as I have enjoyed what I’ve read by her so far, her books and the reviews she posts on Facebook and on the Les Rêveur website, I didn’t know if she could pull it off or if it would feel weird, but she absolutely did. There’s a measure of weirdness but she embraces it through Cath’s reactions to Rica’s “power” and what comes next, and something really beautiful comes out of it all.
There’s also (and that was really unexpected) one of the hottest fully-clothed scenes I’ve read in a while.
Discovering Cath’s story made me want to re-read Sam’s, and in the best timing ever, Coming Home was recently released in audiobook, with a brand new Australian narrator I can’t wait to hear.
Cath Monroe (Sam’s best friend from [b:Coming Home|52070757|Coming Home|K.J .|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1566115888l/52070757._SX50_SY75_.jpg|72959067]) meets Rica Diamandis (remember Tal from [b:Kick Back|50879667|Kick Back|K.J .|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580634045l/50879667._SY75_.jpg|75749162]? Rica is their sister) at a teacher convention. They hit it off, have a drink together, flirt a little then part ways without exchanging phone numbers. Shortly after, Rica is introduced as the new Art teacher at the school where Cath teaches. They decide to put the flirting aside, without much success. At about the same time, Cath’s father is hospitalized with a possible brain tumour. Cath, who is very used to controlling her emotions, finds herself unable to keep them at bay when her heart insists on opening on all sides. Life gets messy and she doesn’t do messy.
I loved Sam because she’s the sweetest character ever while still being realistic. Cath is very different yet their being best friends makes total sense, as she is as kind and loyal as Sam. Cath is sensual and flirty and very much at ease with her body and her sexuality – she’s bisexual – and probably comes across as laidback to those who only know her on the surface. She’s passionate about her work and the people she loves yet closed off to the unknown. The feelings Rica brings out are very much unexpected and not completely welcome at first. Things get even more challenging when Cath finds out who Rica really is and what she triggers in her.
Art of Magic is KJ’s first attempt at first person. I remember reading on social media that she had first written this in third but Cath told her to change to first. In the beginning, it’s a bit wonky and you can still feel the third, but it doesn’t last more than a few pages. Another first, if I’m not mistaken (crappy memory and all), is how sexy this latest novel is from the start. I mean, like, really sexy. Hot.
In addition, KJ ventures into magical realism territory, which is both surprising since neither of her previous books even hints at it, as far as I remember, and not because it’s right there in the title (I’m borderline facepalming right now).
There’s something magical when you meet the right person for you, when the chemistry is so strong you can feel it when you touch, even in the most innocent touch. When you feel the energy flowing from their skin into yours. I was trying to explain this to friends the other day, how I hate to be touched (sensory stuff) except when it’s my wife doing the touching. When she touches me (and I’m not talking about sex, or not just sex), it’s like my skin relaxes into hers, the contact feeds my body and my heart and my soul. There’s undeniable magic there. In this book, KJ takes that magic to the next level.
As much as I have enjoyed what I’ve read by her so far, her books and the reviews she posts on Facebook and on the Les Rêveur website, I didn’t know if she could pull it off or if it would feel weird, but she absolutely did. There’s a measure of weirdness but she embraces it through Cath’s reactions to Rica’s “power” and what comes next, and something really beautiful comes out of it all.
There’s also (and that was really unexpected) one of the hottest fully-clothed scenes I’ve read in a while.
Discovering Cath’s story made me want to re-read Sam’s, and in the best timing ever, Coming Home was recently released in audiobook, with a brand new Australian narrator I can’t wait to hear.
elvang's review
4.0
Nicely done. I'm a big Sam fan from [b:Coming Home|52070757|Coming Home|K.J .|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1566115888l/52070757._SX50_SY75_.jpg|72959067] so it was nice to see her best friend Cath get her own love story. Rica is the new art teacher at Cath's school. She and Cath hit it off following a quick exchange at a conference before discovering they would be working at the same school. Rica is tall, dark and handsome and has some amazing skills. I enjoyed the whole magic realism angle of the book. Seeing love in all it's colourful beauty was a sweet and clever concept. I also enjoyed the relationship conflict coming from a third party and not the mains. That was refreshing.
verumsolum's review
4.0
This was a good and really fun book. I don't know what to make of the gift Cath and Rica share, but there is so much to them beyond that, that I thoroughly enjoyed this story and their relationship
eiverlit's review
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? Yes
2.75
brennooth's review
5.0
I got oddly excited about this book when I realized that Cath was in fact Cath - Sam's best friend and teaching partner from 'Coming Home' and that already sold me on the story without even reading the blurb there. I already loved Cath in Sam and Abby's story, so there was no way I wouldn't like her in this book. Her talking to herself? Loved it. And that in the end she found her person to be happy with? Even better. Belinda is the worst and her behavior is incredibly problematic. I'm glad both Cath and Grace saw right through it and that Cath could convince Rica that she didn't do anything wrong the second time round and that she wouldn't let her go. Cath's parents? I adore them. I had my suspicions about Rica's sister being Felicity's partner and was even more excited when it was confirmed that Tal is her bigger sister. I already loved the idea of Tal and Felicity in the first book and even more so now. The fact that everyone is intimidated by the two of them? Perfect.
Sam being there for Cath, Rica being there for Cath. Cath's dad being alright in the end... and let's not forget the fact that Sam proposed? Yup. Loved it.
Sam being there for Cath, Rica being there for Cath. Cath's dad being alright in the end... and let's not forget the fact that Sam proposed? Yup. Loved it.
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