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enayqueerbooklover's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
This is the last book in the spectacular “Water, Air, Earth, Fire” series, and it’s just as brilliant as all the others. I’m a sucker for a redemption story, and this sees the redemption of not one but two MCs from previous books in the series (Alek and Colson), & the introduction of another intriguing character, Benji, who you’ll definitely love. It’s a story of three damaged souls finding each other, and the inevitability of a relationship between all of them. While they all acknowledge they can't resist each other sexually, they're also realistic about the hidden parts of themselves that impact their long-term chances of staying together. Polyamory is another of my fave reads in queer romance, and this is one of the best I’ve read yet. The balance in the relationship between the three is perfect. They revel in their love for each other equally, & the qualities of each of them complements what the others need. And I PARTICULARLY love that the stigma around poly relationships isn’t a focus - it's easy to use this as a drama point, but this story is so much more profound than this.
For those of us who have a terrible memory, I appreciated how well the first 3 chapters introduced us to each of the MCs, giving us a little teaser of some mysteries about them, on top of orienting us to the story in relation to past events from the start of the series. They are complex characters, with depth that makes you really empathise with them, which of course leads to tears. So many times, my heart was breaking for Alek, being painted a villain by association, and believing it in himself, while also struggling with his sexuality & the realisation that he has denied himself for so long. Similarly, Benji has this childlike, impulsive innocence that's also mixed with this sassy vamp at times, but he's so love-starved & self-critical. Benji gives us lots of laughs, but also surprises us with a terribly sad back-story at times.
But of all of them, Colson is the most complex. His character arc is brilliant - from a deeply unlikeable, judgemental man who actively repels any connection to people, to this caring, protective guy who will do anything for his men. Even as we dislike his behaviour initially, we see a man who has this depth of misery, a self-loathing because of past mistakes, and when his ordered, controlled world is rocked by these boys, he falls for them despite all his efforts.
Lastly, I gotta talk about the heat…JFC Riley, you're really bringing the heat with this one!! A delicious first(ish) kiss between Alex and Benji, the art & science of BJs in a HOT AF scene between the three in a pool change room, Colson and Benji coaching Alex through his first sexual experiences with guys…cold shower alert!!
Loved seeing Victor from the first book, and Gray from the second, as well as mentions of many of the other MCs from the series. Could not have asked for more from a conclusion to a stellar series.
Check out my reviews and MM content on Instagram, Threads, Goodreads, Facebook & Bookbub, all under the same name! I gratefully received an advance copy and this is my honest review.
For those of us who have a terrible memory, I appreciated how well the first 3 chapters introduced us to each of the MCs, giving us a little teaser of some mysteries about them, on top of orienting us to the story in relation to past events from the start of the series. They are complex characters, with depth that makes you really empathise with them, which of course leads to tears. So many times, my heart was breaking for Alek, being painted a villain by association, and believing it in himself, while also struggling with his sexuality & the realisation that he has denied himself for so long. Similarly, Benji has this childlike, impulsive innocence that's also mixed with this sassy vamp at times, but he's so love-starved & self-critical. Benji gives us lots of laughs, but also surprises us with a terribly sad back-story at times.
But of all of them, Colson is the most complex. His character arc is brilliant - from a deeply unlikeable, judgemental man who actively repels any connection to people, to this caring, protective guy who will do anything for his men. Even as we dislike his behaviour initially, we see a man who has this depth of misery, a self-loathing because of past mistakes, and when his ordered, controlled world is rocked by these boys, he falls for them despite all his efforts.
Lastly, I gotta talk about the heat…JFC Riley, you're really bringing the heat with this one!! A delicious first(ish) kiss between Alex and Benji, the art & science of BJs in a HOT AF scene between the three in a pool change room, Colson and Benji coaching Alex through his first sexual experiences with guys…cold shower alert!!
Loved seeing Victor from the first book, and Gray from the second, as well as mentions of many of the other MCs from the series. Could not have asked for more from a conclusion to a stellar series.
Check out my reviews and MM content on Instagram, Threads, Goodreads, Facebook & Bookbub, all under the same name! I gratefully received an advance copy and this is my honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexual content, and Child abuse
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