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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
I absolutely love the variety of characters in this Boardgame Cafe series! In this story we have Mason who is gender fluid, and we have Hunter who is a sweet biracial man. These two wounded souls are so drawn to each other but with everything they are each going through they have hard time opening up and expressing it correctly! The love story is beautifully written from both of their POV's. I could vividly picture them, especially Mason's different punky looks! Loved seeing Julien and Cal again! I recommend this sweet story if you love insecure men finding strength in supporting each other!
Mason and Hunter's characters are written in such a way that can make you forget they're fictional. Dealing with past hurts, trying to navigate these emotions and learning how to communicate with another.
A long road to finding love after so much pain.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
A long road to finding love after so much pain.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
A great start as poor Mason wasn't having a good day finding their car needs to be fixed.
Working at the Tavern and without transport for a week but that was until Hunter helps them out.
A great love secret crush that neither of them telling of their feelings.
A sexualities for They pronouns for Mason. Sexy banter and flirting between the two work colleagues.
Hunter has baggage with his parents that he tries to deal with but they cause problems a long the line. Comfort and healing for these friends to lovers couple. There romance wasn't a smooth one but they get there for their happily ever after. Includes dual povs for this gorgeous book. .
Working at the Tavern and without transport for a week but that was until Hunter helps them out.
A great love secret crush that neither of them telling of their feelings.
A sexualities for They pronouns for Mason. Sexy banter and flirting between the two work colleagues.
Hunter has baggage with his parents that he tries to deal with but they cause problems a long the line. Comfort and healing for these friends to lovers couple. There romance wasn't a smooth one but they get there for their happily ever after. Includes dual povs for this gorgeous book. .
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book had a sweet romance that had some obstacles to power through for a happy ending. But the MC’s were reasonably good at communicating so issues didn’t linger for long. But as usual with this series there is so much external drama.
I listened to the audiobook, and I don’t know if there is a way to advise people to go check trigger warnings somewhere, but there was parental neglect last and present. Dangerous and deadly drug use. Overdose death in recent past of family member.
Also, about the audiobook, I think this was my first listen to Brennan Rossi. I think he portrayed the characters well. But there needs to be some considerable editing. It cuts out, drops words, skips, stutters, you hear random clicks. It was very frustrating and made me want to dnf.
I listened to the audiobook, and I don’t know if there is a way to advise people to go check trigger warnings somewhere, but there was parental neglect last and present. Dangerous and deadly drug use. Overdose death in recent past of family member.
Also, about the audiobook, I think this was my first listen to Brennan Rossi. I think he portrayed the characters well. But there needs to be some considerable editing. It cuts out, drops words, skips, stutters, you hear random clicks. It was very frustrating and made me want to dnf.
I loved the rep and the characters were lovely (4 stars). Something fell a bit flat for me though, I am not sure. Maybe I need to read the other books?
- coworkers
- friends to lovers
- hurt x comfort, ish
CW: substance abuse/addiction (not MCs), grief
NB babe Mason has had a crush on their aloof coworker Hunter from the moment they saw him, but after being turned down once are doing their best to just crack the tough nut that Hunter is to become his friend.
Hunter keeps everyone at arms length as a defense mechanism, even though he is as equally enamored with the NB cutie who he thinks is way out of his league. Due to his past and the things he had to do to get by, he does not feel like he is good enough for Mason.
Things change between the two though when Mason needs a ride to work and classes after their car kicks the bucket, and the pair grow closer. Sparks fly between Mason and Hunter, but while their story was super sweet, it was also a lot heavier and emotional than I was expecting.
All in all though, I think their story might be my favorite of the series so far!
- friends to lovers
- hurt x comfort, ish
CW: substance abuse/addiction (not MCs), grief
NB babe Mason has had a crush on their aloof coworker Hunter from the moment they saw him, but after being turned down once are doing their best to just crack the tough nut that Hunter is to become his friend.
Hunter keeps everyone at arms length as a defense mechanism, even though he is as equally enamored with the NB cutie who he thinks is way out of his league. Due to his past and the things he had to do to get by, he does not feel like he is good enough for Mason.
Things change between the two though when Mason needs a ride to work and classes after their car kicks the bucket, and the pair grow closer. Sparks fly between Mason and Hunter, but while their story was super sweet, it was also a lot heavier and emotional than I was expecting.
All in all though, I think their story might be my favorite of the series so far!
Intelligence Check is a touching story. Two men who have both been affected by addiction and drug use. For Hunter it was his father and stepmother who were deep into their addiction, leaving him feeling disconnected and unworthy.
Mason lost his sister from a bad dose - it’s left him reeling. But still, he is a vibrant personality and the perfect compliment to Hunter’s more guarded one.
It’s a sweet story that is tentative and charming, and a bit of a slow burn.
I listened to the audiobook version which is performed by Brennan Rossi. It was first by them for me, which I enjoyed very much.
emotional
lighthearted
sad
slow-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
The core of this story is great.I love all the characters and Mason and Hunter are unique and real feeling. They have both had difficulties in their lives and this is a big pat of the book. This book has a heavier feel then the previous books, but that topic is well handled. A slow building and blow burn story that has everything going for it, but still has some problems. The biggest are that it's wordy and repetitive. It makes parts of the book drag and feel monotonus.
The Narration by Brennan Rossi is good though. The characters and setting felt real and the narration was nice to listen to.
I received a copy of this audiobook and this is my honest opinion.
The Narration by Brennan Rossi is good though. The characters and setting felt real and the narration was nice to listen to.
I received a copy of this audiobook and this is my honest opinion.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Wonderful book. Very touching. Both Hunter and Mason's backstories were heartbreaking and I ached for them but the book was hopeful and it gave me joy to see those two happy and together and thriving. They deserve it more than anyone. I really liked them as individuals and I adored them together. They warmed my heart.
The found family theme in the book was brilliant. I just love this group of friends.
I loved the narrator. Very expressive and I liked how he voiced each character. Especially Mason.
Great story and great audiobook.
The found family theme in the book was brilliant. I just love this group of friends.
I loved the narrator. Very expressive and I liked how he voiced each character. Especially Mason.
Great story and great audiobook.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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