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4.68 AVERAGE
4.68 AVERAGE
Had no idea what this was about going in, other than a continuation of Jav's story. Ostensibly, that is what it is. But good lord this was a tough read. Challenging from the very beginning. I still haven't read the synopsis but I don't want to give anything away if it is sparse with details. Jav is a side character. This is Geno's story.
4.5 stars
Well, this book ripped my heart out, stomped on it, and then put it back into my chest. This book is emotionally exhausting. I highly recommend it. You do have to read the first book in this series though (which I also recommend and although it is pretty much nothing like this book, it is also wonderful). This book absolutely deserves it's current 4.78 avg rating, and I went ahead and put this series on my 'favorite series' shelf. I'll definitely be re-reading in the future.
Oh and this line in the blurb for this book is terribly misleading:
"Over the course of a year, Jav, Stef and Geno form an unexpected and unconventional triangle, revealing how men make love in times of war and how love is a great wisdom made up of small understandings."
This is NOT a book about some kind of love triangle.
Very strong trigger warning:
Well, this book ripped my heart out, stomped on it, and then put it back into my chest. This book is emotionally exhausting. I highly recommend it. You do have to read the first book in this series though (which I also recommend and although it is pretty much nothing like this book, it is also wonderful). This book absolutely deserves it's current 4.78 avg rating, and I went ahead and put this series on my 'favorite series' shelf. I'll definitely be re-reading in the future.
Oh and this line in the blurb for this book is terribly misleading:
"Over the course of a year, Jav, Stef and Geno form an unexpected and unconventional triangle, revealing how men make love in times of war and how love is a great wisdom made up of small understandings."
This is NOT a book about some kind of love triangle.
Very strong trigger warning:
Spoiler
this book has a very large focus on boys and men being raped
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Unputdownable. Glad Javier got more of a story. Gino’s story was rough to read about but I think he came through in the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence
This is a book about survivors and recovery. The main subject matter is one that still doesn't get talked about much: male rape and sexual assault. The story is heavy and messy and yes, it made me a little uncomfortable at times. Through it all, though, I trusted in Laqueur's sensitive and emotionally intelligent writing. She's definitely one to keep an eye on.
I dig this novel a bit more than the first in the Venery series. 4.5 stars!
(Side note: it's a little funny to me how her characters all have such significant names, and how literally every main male character has meaningful tattoos. Seems quite emblematic of her style - packing meaning into every little facet.)
I dig this novel a bit more than the first in the Venery series. 4.5 stars!
(Side note: it's a little funny to me how her characters all have such significant names, and how literally every main male character has meaningful tattoos. Seems quite emblematic of her style - packing meaning into every little facet.)
Bold. Invoking. Heart-breaking.
Not a stand alone. While you wouldn't be confused about anything, as all circumstances and characters are explained and reintroduced, half of this book's happiness would be dimmed without the depth of Book 1 to stand on. Considering that this ISN'T a very happy book in the first place you should fully appreciate the scraps it offers you. We return to the life of Jav as he tries for the third time to have a romantic relationship with a man. He suffered a lot in book 1 and this time around he gets to experience those teenage jitters of dating someone you like for the first time. As cute as Jav's small moments of happiness with Steph Finch are, it felt dwarfed by the radiating waves of sadness that was Geno's life. Geno is officially my Sad Boy #3.
Also Finch works with rape victims so RAPE WARNING.
This book had the thorny theme of rape. Not only does a character endure a horrid span of days getting raped, but this book goes in depth into the psychological and emotional pain of that experience. I admit it made it hard for me to want to keep reading. Its an uncomfortable subject I instinctively want to turn away from. The book made a heavy point of acknowledging male rape. Not just one instance, but men in general and throughout history. It's an important message and one that I will forever carry as this book has burned itself into me. Like a really sad depressing brand that I can't undo. I credit the author with ability to weave a complex, heartfelt tale with a cast of well thought out and profound characters. But it's journey that left my heart raw with a deep shadow of melancholy and thus NOT a journey I would want to repeat.
***
Also as a personal note I did volunteer for a short time at a victim's hotline and the hotline workers in this book broke absolutely every rule in the book. The negative and positive scenes. I realize this was done as a plot device and not to realistically depict my own experiences with one specific organization, but it was grating on me and it had to be said.
Not a stand alone. While you wouldn't be confused about anything, as all circumstances and characters are explained and reintroduced, half of this book's happiness would be dimmed without the depth of Book 1 to stand on. Considering that this ISN'T a very happy book in the first place you should fully appreciate the scraps it offers you. We return to the life of Jav as he tries for the third time to have a romantic relationship with a man. He suffered a lot in book 1 and this time around he gets to experience those teenage jitters of dating someone you like for the first time. As cute as Jav's small moments of happiness with Steph Finch are, it felt dwarfed by the radiating waves of sadness that was Geno's life. Geno is officially my Sad Boy #3.
Also Finch works with rape victims so RAPE WARNING.
This book had the thorny theme of rape. Not only does a character endure a horrid span of days getting raped, but this book goes in depth into the psychological and emotional pain of that experience. I admit it made it hard for me to want to keep reading. Its an uncomfortable subject I instinctively want to turn away from. The book made a heavy point of acknowledging male rape. Not just one instance, but men in general and throughout history. It's an important message and one that I will forever carry as this book has burned itself into me. Like a really sad depressing brand that I can't undo. I credit the author with ability to weave a complex, heartfelt tale with a cast of well thought out and profound characters. But it's journey that left my heart raw with a deep shadow of melancholy and thus NOT a journey I would want to repeat.
***
Also as a personal note I did volunteer for a short time at a victim's hotline and the hotline workers in this book broke absolutely every rule in the book. The negative and positive scenes. I realize this was done as a plot device and not to realistically depict my own experiences with one specific organization, but it was grating on me and it had to be said.
A beautiful, tragic, haunting, stunning book. I wish I could rate this higher than 5 stars. It deserves all the stars. An entire Galaxy filled with stars.
if I could give this book 10 stars I would. This book is now one of top five books ever written, Stef and Jav are one of my favorite couples, and Geno is one of the strongest characters I have ever read.
I really don't think I can write a review to do this book justice. I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to read it, and I know that this book, with its characters will stay with me forever.
What I Loved...
I'm gonna start with the writing style of the book, he craftsmanship and the sheer beauty of the words that just flew out of the pages. the words in this book were their own entity, their own character, and they were truly powerful to read, to think about and absorb, to understand and assess. The words were as simple as they were complex, as easy as they were hard, flowing and crashing and bombarding. It was simply magnificent. The analogies, the imagery, the history, the social problems... everything was just on point, researched to death and then written in the most beautiful way.
Nos, Mos and Dos... the henhouse and the chicks, the fox...
Stef explaining gay sex and how it different from straight sex...
I have no words for how spectacular the writing is.
The Characters...
Jav...
After everything he endured in Larks, Jav needed a happy ending, he needed someone just for him, someone who will care for him, love him, put him first and be 100% his. being inside Jav's head was fascination and painful...fascinating in its working and creativity, painful in his insecurities, vulnerability and hesitation. he was beautiful in his surrender and strong in his presence. i just adored him from the moment i met him in Larks, and he broke my heart in that book. Here though... it was his moment in the sun. He was loved and cherished, he healed and became a better man...no only for himself, but for Stef as well. #IveBeenWaitingForYou
Stef...
Stef is basically the perfect man anyone can dream of. he is a pillar of strength for everyone in his life. he never tires, never gives up and never surrenders. He is there whenever he is needed, lending love, strength and hope. From his youngest patient to his oldest, he was able to make a difference and give hope for a better life. For Jav in particular he was understanding and patient, loving and THERE. #IWannaCherishYou
The Plot...
there ae two overarching plots in the book... Stef and Jav's relationship, and Geno's journey towards healing. They eventually overlap and both men take Geno under their wing in their own special way. when that happens, Geno confronts all his fears, lays it all on Stef and Jav's doorstep, purges his darkest demons and slays them. Stef is there al the way, a knight protecting the ream, protecting the little orphan chick, and keeping all the sly foxes away. #HereForYouBoth
The Romance...
This is probably the most organic, authentic, real relationship I have ever read. two mature men, who know what they want, are comfortable in their own skin, who communicate and talk and dish it out. two men who had no expectations and said so, but then found themselves falling and instead of getting spooked or holding back, went all in and embraced the fall. No drama, no secrets, no hidden agendas ad no festering insecurities. everything was out in the open, discussed and agreed upon. Their love story was a direct contrast to the hell Geno was going through all the time... it was both refreshing and important. Ultimately, their relationship, the way they were together, helped Geno understand alot of his fears and overcome them. #NoDrama
The Heat...
Even though the sex scenes aren't really explicit, they are actually very erotic. It all goes back to my first comment... the writing style, the words used and how they were molded to create the perfect sentences in the right times. #LessIsMore
The HEA...
It was the cherry on top of the most delicious Sundae. Geno in particular is healing and happy. He has taken his life back and making a new life for himself. Stef and Jav are in love as ever, swoony as ever and dorky as ever. #IDontWantItToEnd
I really don't think I can write a review to do this book justice. I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to read it, and I know that this book, with its characters will stay with me forever.
What I Loved...
I'm gonna start with the writing style of the book, he craftsmanship and the sheer beauty of the words that just flew out of the pages. the words in this book were their own entity, their own character, and they were truly powerful to read, to think about and absorb, to understand and assess. The words were as simple as they were complex, as easy as they were hard, flowing and crashing and bombarding. It was simply magnificent. The analogies, the imagery, the history, the social problems... everything was just on point, researched to death and then written in the most beautiful way.
Nos, Mos and Dos... the henhouse and the chicks, the fox...
Stef explaining gay sex and how it different from straight sex...
I have no words for how spectacular the writing is.
The Characters...
Jav...
After everything he endured in Larks, Jav needed a happy ending, he needed someone just for him, someone who will care for him, love him, put him first and be 100% his. being inside Jav's head was fascination and painful...fascinating in its working and creativity, painful in his insecurities, vulnerability and hesitation. he was beautiful in his surrender and strong in his presence. i just adored him from the moment i met him in Larks, and he broke my heart in that book. Here though... it was his moment in the sun. He was loved and cherished, he healed and became a better man...no only for himself, but for Stef as well. #IveBeenWaitingForYou
Stef...
Stef is basically the perfect man anyone can dream of. he is a pillar of strength for everyone in his life. he never tires, never gives up and never surrenders. He is there whenever he is needed, lending love, strength and hope. From his youngest patient to his oldest, he was able to make a difference and give hope for a better life. For Jav in particular he was understanding and patient, loving and THERE. #IWannaCherishYou
The Plot...
there ae two overarching plots in the book... Stef and Jav's relationship, and Geno's journey towards healing. They eventually overlap and both men take Geno under their wing in their own special way. when that happens, Geno confronts all his fears, lays it all on Stef and Jav's doorstep, purges his darkest demons and slays them. Stef is there al the way, a knight protecting the ream, protecting the little orphan chick, and keeping all the sly foxes away. #HereForYouBoth
The Romance...
This is probably the most organic, authentic, real relationship I have ever read. two mature men, who know what they want, are comfortable in their own skin, who communicate and talk and dish it out. two men who had no expectations and said so, but then found themselves falling and instead of getting spooked or holding back, went all in and embraced the fall. No drama, no secrets, no hidden agendas ad no festering insecurities. everything was out in the open, discussed and agreed upon. Their love story was a direct contrast to the hell Geno was going through all the time... it was both refreshing and important. Ultimately, their relationship, the way they were together, helped Geno understand alot of his fears and overcome them. #NoDrama
The Heat...
Even though the sex scenes aren't really explicit, they are actually very erotic. It all goes back to my first comment... the writing style, the words used and how they were molded to create the perfect sentences in the right times. #LessIsMore
The HEA...
It was the cherry on top of the most delicious Sundae. Geno in particular is healing and happy. He has taken his life back and making a new life for himself. Stef and Jav are in love as ever, swoony as ever and dorky as ever. #IDontWantItToEnd
This book THIS FREAKING BOOK!!! WOW just WOW really no words I say or teaser I make will ever do it justice. Suanne has this incredible ability to shred your heart to pieces but then slowly but surely and beautifully puts it all together again with her words. This book hurt. This book healed. This book was love and it was absolutely heartbreakingly beautifull.
You never just read a Suanne Laqueur book her words are an experience, you lived it, you feel it down to your core. I hope we get more of the Venery Series.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
It’s been more than a year since I’ve read An Exaltation of Larks, but I needed that break. It was a very emotional experience for me, and I felt drained. I wanted Jav’s story, but at the same time I was scared of what it’d do to my heart, you know?
I finally put on my big girl pants, though, and decided to start 2022 with a bang. I was ready for those feels.
Then Geno came along… And his story just about broke me. It’s like I’ve been preparing myself for a gut punch, and got kicked in the balls instead.
Reading Geno’s POV felt visceral on many levels. I had to put the book down several times. (And when I sighed or sniffled randomly, or stared off into space frowningly — and it was often — you bet I was thinking about it real hard.) Add to that the issue of the invisibility of male rape victims that Suanne raised here in her sensitive, but ‘no-bullshit’ way, and it made for some emotional reading. I was tearing up and cursing aloud. Probably made some weird faces, too. It was exhausting, but somehow empowering at the same time.
There’s just something so beautiful and authentic about Suanne’s writing, like oh my god how does she even do that?? It’s like she knows some secret language, and talks directly to your soul? Such a powerful feeling… Ah, this book made me an emotional wreck.
Just like Suanne’s other work, this book was wonderfully quotable and I wanted to highlight like 80%+ of it. Not only gems such as these:
I finally put on my big girl pants, though, and decided to start 2022 with a bang. I was ready for those feels.
Then Geno came along… And his story just about broke me. It’s like I’ve been preparing myself for a gut punch, and got kicked in the balls instead.
Reading Geno’s POV felt visceral on many levels. I had to put the book down several times. (And when I sighed or sniffled randomly, or stared off into space frowningly — and it was often — you bet I was thinking about it real hard.) Add to that the issue of the invisibility of male rape victims that Suanne raised here in her sensitive, but ‘no-bullshit’ way, and it made for some emotional reading. I was tearing up and cursing aloud. Probably made some weird faces, too. It was exhausting, but somehow empowering at the same time.
There’s just something so beautiful and authentic about Suanne’s writing, like oh my god how does she even do that?? It’s like she knows some secret language, and talks directly to your soul? Such a powerful feeling… Ah, this book made me an emotional wreck.
Just like Suanne’s other work, this book was wonderfully quotable and I wanted to highlight like 80%+ of it. Not only gems such as these:
“Love is a big wisdom made up of small understandings.”
“You still have the best parts of you. I don’t think they’re lost. I think you put them away somewhere really, really deep inside, where no one can ever touch or hurt or betray or fuck them again.”
“You’re the last chapter. I went from the prologue to you. I skipped everything in the middle and now I’m in love with you and I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”
but also the silly, heartwarming bits:
“I haven’t been laid in so long, the other day I gave a box of tampons my phone number.”
“What about that auditory specialist you were nailing?”
“I haven’t heard from her.”
“Weren’t you dating a speech therapist for a while?”
“Her conversation sucked.”
“Then there was the ENT nurse.”
“She kept ramming her political views down my throat.”
“And the proctologist.”
“She had a real stick up her ass.”
“What about that male stripper you picked up?”
“I couldn’t get his clothes off.”
I. ATE. IT. UP. Every word.
In other news, Jav and Stef were absolute perfection. I want a love like theirs, sometime, maybe.
I’ll probably take a couple months’ break before continuing this series, but I will come back to it. And then I’ll tackle Suanne’s other work. Later. Right now all I want to do is cuddle with my cat, and maybe do some light reading until the book hangover passes.
ETA: This book broke my heart even more the second time but somehow Suanne still was able to make me smile through the tears. Amazing.
It's going to take me awhile to get over this book. SO good.
It's going to take me awhile to get over this book. SO good.