Scan barcode
florpauttazzo's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
secret_librarian's review
4.0
Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
I feel like I've waited so long for Andrew's story, and it didn't disappoint - Crushed but not Defeated was a story full of passion, steam and hopefulness!
I loved the initial tension between Andrew and Miles, their past together making Andrew a bit hostile towards Miles before they resolved things. Even if they started out with a fake relationship, it was easy to see that it wouldn't stay fake very long with their history and chemistry. They fit so well together, and I loved to see the affection and sweetness between them.
It was a pretty fast paced and short story, I struggled a bit with the timeline and knowing how much time had past between the chapters, and a few things felt a little rushed though. It was a low angst and feel-good story despite dealing with heavier themes, similar to the other books in the series. I liked the found family that these guys had and how great they all were at supporting each other, so heartwarming and sweet to read!
I really liked to get the continuation of Evan's story from Abandoned but not Alone, he had such a heartbreaking backstory and I loved the direction Nicole went with his character arc. I hope he'll get his own story some day.
This has been a lovely series and it was a bit bittersweet knowing that this was the last book - but it sure ended on a high note!
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
I feel like I've waited so long for Andrew's story, and it didn't disappoint - Crushed but not Defeated was a story full of passion, steam and hopefulness!
I loved the initial tension between Andrew and Miles, their past together making Andrew a bit hostile towards Miles before they resolved things. Even if they started out with a fake relationship, it was easy to see that it wouldn't stay fake very long with their history and chemistry. They fit so well together, and I loved to see the affection and sweetness between them.
It was a pretty fast paced and short story, I struggled a bit with the timeline and knowing how much time had past between the chapters, and a few things felt a little rushed though. It was a low angst and feel-good story despite dealing with heavier themes, similar to the other books in the series. I liked the found family that these guys had and how great they all were at supporting each other, so heartwarming and sweet to read!
I really liked to get the continuation of Evan's story from Abandoned but not Alone, he had such a heartbreaking backstory and I loved the direction Nicole went with his character arc. I hope he'll get his own story some day.
This has been a lovely series and it was a bit bittersweet knowing that this was the last book - but it sure ended on a high note!
kaydanielsromance's review
5.0
Can this series make my heart grow any bigger or beat any faster...after reading this book I can say...yes, yes it can.
Andrew has been a staple from the beginning and he has the biggest, sweetest heart. As a therapist he is already attuned and sensitive to people and their feelings, but sometimes he misses being attuned to his own. While he was the one to come up with the idea to the Spark of Hope meetings and convinced Ben to hold it at his gym, thus being the sort of behind the scenes fairy godmother in a way to the beginning of several happy and successful relationships, Andrew is obvious when it comes to the man who not only helps him out, but also is standing right beside him, pining after him, wanting him desperately, Miles.
Miles is a criminal prosecutor, which is sort of the opposite spectrum of what Andrew does, but personally Miles is a pretty great guy. However, Andrew is still holding a grudge from years ago so whenever these two have been in a room together Andrew instantly prickles up. However, when Andrew needs Miles help, even thought these two have a lot of water under the bridge Miles steps up and and helps. He's been waiting for the right moment to make things right and this is finally his chance. He's not about to screw it up.
This book is emotional, steamy, and emotional, yeah I said it again...because not only is it heartfelt, but it's also the last one in the series. There are special moments with all of the past characters and Andrew has been there for each of them in some small way. Miles was a total surprise, but in the best way possible. These two guys together were really great and as a couple, Nicole saved the best couple for last, in my opinion. I'm going to miss reading about this world.
Andrew has been a staple from the beginning and he has the biggest, sweetest heart. As a therapist he is already attuned and sensitive to people and their feelings, but sometimes he misses being attuned to his own. While he was the one to come up with the idea to the Spark of Hope meetings and convinced Ben to hold it at his gym, thus being the sort of behind the scenes fairy godmother in a way to the beginning of several happy and successful relationships, Andrew is obvious when it comes to the man who not only helps him out, but also is standing right beside him, pining after him, wanting him desperately, Miles.
Miles is a criminal prosecutor, which is sort of the opposite spectrum of what Andrew does, but personally Miles is a pretty great guy. However, Andrew is still holding a grudge from years ago so whenever these two have been in a room together Andrew instantly prickles up. However, when Andrew needs Miles help, even thought these two have a lot of water under the bridge Miles steps up and and helps. He's been waiting for the right moment to make things right and this is finally his chance. He's not about to screw it up.
This book is emotional, steamy, and emotional, yeah I said it again...because not only is it heartfelt, but it's also the last one in the series. There are special moments with all of the past characters and Andrew has been there for each of them in some small way. Miles was a total surprise, but in the best way possible. These two guys together were really great and as a couple, Nicole saved the best couple for last, in my opinion. I'm going to miss reading about this world.
kjnrose's review
5.0
I have loved every part of this series and was so excited to finally read about Andrew. Throughout the series we have seen him and his interactions with Miles has been keeping us in suspense. Great way to end it all.
bookpimpfairy's review
5.0
I'm sad to see the men of Spark of Hope to leave and hope to visit them again someday. This series is what brought me to the amazing author that is Nicole Dykes.
The trauma of all these mens life is dealt with in a real and beautiful way. CBND we finally finally get to see Andrew and Miles story! It's been brewing for a while, but with the hopes of helping Caleb (met him in abandoned but not alone), not continually be beat in the system, they find their second chance for something beautiful.
What a perfect way to end an amazing series. Cannot wait to see what Nicole has for us next.
The trauma of all these mens life is dealt with in a real and beautiful way. CBND we finally finally get to see Andrew and Miles story! It's been brewing for a while, but with the hopes of helping Caleb (met him in abandoned but not alone), not continually be beat in the system, they find their second chance for something beautiful.
What a perfect way to end an amazing series. Cannot wait to see what Nicole has for us next.
bookloversofantastic's review
5.0
4,5⭐️
I received an ARC Copy of this book from GRR, this review is from my own thought
I received an ARC Copy of this book from GRR, this review is from my own thought
cheyenneslibrary's review
4.0
i’ve said this before but i’ll say it again. anything nicole writes, i devour.
i had a hard time putting this down, as always. andrew and miles have such a tragic background with the things they’ve been through individually as well as together. i really loved that miles kept fighting for what he wanted and was consistent about pursuing andrew again. they were together when they were kids but circumstances broke them apart and after years apart, they are willing to work on their relationship together and it’s magical. the love and devotion these two characters have for one another as well as the people in their life was just amazing. they’ve been through so much and just work to do better
i had a hard time putting this down, as always. andrew and miles have such a tragic background with the things they’ve been through individually as well as together. i really loved that miles kept fighting for what he wanted and was consistent about pursuing andrew again. they were together when they were kids but circumstances broke them apart and after years apart, they are willing to work on their relationship together and it’s magical. the love and devotion these two characters have for one another as well as the people in their life was just amazing. they’ve been through so much and just work to do better
beastreader's review
5.0
This is one of my favorite series by Nicole. With each book, I have grown very close to each of the couples. Past characters do sometimes appear in the books but with this one, it felt like I was visiting family. It was great to get to see everyone again and their new expanded families of their own.
With this book, it felt more person as Miles and Andrew knew each other. I could tell that they both were hurt before, but they recognized their second chance and did not waste it. These two make a cute couple. Yes, I used the word "cute". Yet, they brought the heat as well. Fans of this series will enjoy this final book in this series.
With this book, it felt more person as Miles and Andrew knew each other. I could tell that they both were hurt before, but they recognized their second chance and did not waste it. These two make a cute couple. Yes, I used the word "cute". Yet, they brought the heat as well. Fans of this series will enjoy this final book in this series.
asteroula_t's review
4.0
Fast-paced and emotional read!
Miles and Andrew were my favorite characters. It was definitely Miles' fun side that made me like this book a tad more.
Their interactions even though quite loaded from their past, they were hilarious sometimes.
What I do not enjoy so much with these books, is that everything seems to work out with any situation rather fast.
The characters just wake up and everything is right in the world. It is a way of telling a story, with just a positive vibe all the way through it.
P.s. the 4 stars review is mostly because Miles is a hoot!
Thank you @gayromancereviews for the copy!
Miles and Andrew were my favorite characters. It was definitely Miles' fun side that made me like this book a tad more.
Their interactions even though quite loaded from their past, they were hilarious sometimes.
What I do not enjoy so much with these books, is that everything seems to work out with any situation rather fast.
The characters just wake up and everything is right in the world. It is a way of telling a story, with just a positive vibe all the way through it.
P.s. the 4 stars review is mostly because Miles is a hoot!
Thank you @gayromancereviews for the copy!