Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
I've had this on my TBR list for quite some time and I finally was able to get to it. I really enjoyed seeing the portrayal of a neuroatypical MC. Jude suffered from severe ADHD and dyslexia. As with many others whom have these conditions, including my little brother, it is hard for them to concentrate leading to difficulty in school and other situations which call for strict attention. It isn't that they are not as smart, it is just that they learn differently. I loved that Sloane Kennedy was able to show this MC succeeding in college and flourishing in the work force. Jude still struggles, but the man has made himself a very successful career despite it.
Nikolai never judged Jude for this. He may have judged him poorly before meeting him thinking the man had grown up with a silver spoon in his mouth, but he was disabused of this thinking early on. Not once did he try to change Jude or brush off his issues. In fact, when he found he had no words to make things better during particular difficult times, he used his body to comfort. Just wrapping Jude in his arms was enough. No he couldn't fix Jude, but he could show him he was there. That he wasn't alone anymore.
I loved how Nikolai's family were so open and kind. They saw Jude with Nikolai and immediately welcomed him, even though he repeatedly told them he was just a client. It didn't matter. It was also lovely to see Jude interact with them and drop down his guard. Jude deserved to be loved, just like everyone else. It was just lucky he met Nikolai because that is exactly what Nikolai did. He loved him, just as he is. And Jude loved him right back.
Nikolai never judged Jude for this. He may have judged him poorly before meeting him thinking the man had grown up with a silver spoon in his mouth, but he was disabused of this thinking early on. Not once did he try to change Jude or brush off his issues. In fact, when he found he had no words to make things better during particular difficult times, he used his body to comfort. Just wrapping Jude in his arms was enough. No he couldn't fix Jude, but he could show him he was there. That he wasn't alone anymore.
I loved how Nikolai's family were so open and kind. They saw Jude with Nikolai and immediately welcomed him, even though he repeatedly told them he was just a client. It didn't matter. It was also lovely to see Jude interact with them and drop down his guard. Jude deserved to be loved, just like everyone else. It was just lucky he met Nikolai because that is exactly what Nikolai did. He loved him, just as he is. And Jude loved him right back.
I loved the start of this novel. But something happened in the middle making these characters do a 180. I feel like the balance was off. The first half they were practically enemies. I liked their conflict but I didn’t like how they got together. Jude started to become annoying. the 2nd part was just overly sweet. I’m not explaining this right. It wasn’t believable.
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
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
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
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:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Mental illness, Sexual content, Abandonment
Minor: Cancer, Gun violence, Homophobia, Violence, Xenophobia, Medical content, Car accident, Classism
emotional
tense
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:
Complicated
2.5 stars. I was too annoyed by the drama, it felt like such a stretch a lot of the time, especially Jude’s reaction to finding out about the “keep him happy” thing. It got to the point where I started rolling my eyes, and that’s never a good sign.
The threats and how that was resolved was very obviously just something thrown together in order to bring the MCs together. But I do like the bodyguard/protectee thing a lot, so that was something at least.
The threats and how that was resolved was very obviously just something thrown together in order to bring the MCs together. But I do like the bodyguard/protectee thing a lot, so that was something at least.
Couldn’t put it down and I’ve been struggling my way through a lot of good books lately. Loved Nikolai and Jude!
Ok...
4 stars for the story
2 stars for the narration.. and that's me being generous
The story is classic Sloane... angst, instalove, some suspense, breakup and an HEA. Hot sex thrown in and it's a good book. Sloane is my catnip and I'm #proud. You know what you expect with her books and this is oddly comforting, at least when you have an idea of what you want to read.
Nikolai and Jude are lovable, relatable and hot together. Nikoli and his family are genuinely nice people, who have been dealt a bad hand in life.
Jude hasn't had the best life either and it shows in his adult life. He's desperate to prove himself and works himself to the bone.
All in all, it was a good book. Not her best, but good.
Now the audiobook....
It was BAD. Dude... I may have finished this book sooner if it weren't for the narration. I've tried several, audiobooks by Mr. Dean... and he is not for me. This will be the last audiobook I'll try by him, and it's really sad because alot of my favorite authors use him exclusively. Bummer...
You know a good narrator has to at least use the basics...
- different tones
- holding an accent
- pausing at a period
4 stars for the story
2 stars for the narration.. and that's me being generous
The story is classic Sloane... angst, instalove, some suspense, breakup and an HEA. Hot sex thrown in and it's a good book. Sloane is my catnip and I'm #proud. You know what you expect with her books and this is oddly comforting, at least when you have an idea of what you want to read.
Nikolai and Jude are lovable, relatable and hot together. Nikoli and his family are genuinely nice people, who have been dealt a bad hand in life.
Jude hasn't had the best life either and it shows in his adult life. He's desperate to prove himself and works himself to the bone.
All in all, it was a good book. Not her best, but good.
Now the audiobook....
It was BAD. Dude... I may have finished this book sooner if it weren't for the narration. I've tried several, audiobooks by Mr. Dean... and he is not for me. This will be the last audiobook I'll try by him, and it's really sad because alot of my favorite authors use him exclusively. Bummer...
You know a good narrator has to at least use the basics...
- different tones
- holding an accent
- pausing at a period
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated