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cutenanya's review
2.0
I hate Sam Kage, he's one of the worst love interest I have ever read in a fiction.
I hate the plot as I was expecting a crime novel and got a peak into the life of Jory instead (and even that's not particularly interesting as he's not a cop or politician or anything like that BUT an assistant to a famous ARCHITECT. I'm not saying life as an assistant to an architect is dull (but truly nothing much happens here... so sorry to all architect PAs, I don't want to read about your work, truly).
The only reason I'm giving two stars is because I like Jory (despite his flaws or particularly because of his flaws) and I adore his brother
I hate the plot as I was expecting a crime novel and got a peak into the life of Jory instead (and even that's not particularly interesting as he's not a cop or politician or anything like that BUT an assistant to a famous ARCHITECT. I'm not saying life as an assistant to an architect is dull (but truly nothing much happens here... so sorry to all architect PAs, I don't want to read about your work, truly).
The only reason I'm giving two stars is because I like Jory (despite his flaws or particularly because of his flaws) and I adore his brother
imme_van_gorp's review
4.0
|| 3.5 stars ||
This story is about Jory, a well-liked personal assist to an architect, who just so happens to have witnessed a murder and is now being protected as a witness by the police detective working on the case.
The main thing we get to see in this book is just Jory living his life, interacting with many different people, among which his boss, Dane, and the police detective, Sam, are the most important.
All his interactions with every person he meets is a fun and captivating thing to read about, since Jory just seems to be the kind of person that enamors every person he comes in contact with. People fall over backwards to get his attention, and I personally have a weak spot for seeing a character get completely adored and obsessed over by other people.
Anyway, there is obviously a romance going on between Jory and Sam, and I’m not sure how to feel about it. At first, I was totally into their relationship, and I adored how devoted and obsessed Sam was when it came to Jory, but that all came to a grinding halt near the end. Sam did something that made me change my entire perspective on the guy and on his love for Jory.
I really hope Jory will not just take him back: this man needs to grovel hard and he needs to do it now. I will be extremely pissed if that doesn’t happen. I kind of want Jory to find someone else altogether, but I’m guessing that that’s not going to happen. Unfortunately.
When it comes to Dane I have to say that I am a little more confused about what the author’s intentions are. I genuinely cannot tell if Dane is meant to have romantic feelings for Jory, or if he really just sees him like a little brother. I have no idea… It’s intriguing, though, and I can’t wait to find out. I definitely like their dynamic regardless, but I truly wish they could just end up together. They’d be cute.
Also, judging by other reviews I might be the only person who thinks this, but I honestly did not feel like Jory treated the many men in his life unfairly at all. He owed his exes or previous hook-ups absolutely nothing. He was quite obviously not interested, and most of them just kept pushing. That’s on them, not Jory.
I just wanted to say this because I feel like a lot of people hated Jory for his “attitude”, so the fact that I did not might be one of the reasons I was able to enjoy this much more than some others were.
Long story short, this wasn’t realistic in the slightest and everyone here was way too “perfect”, but I still had lots of fun with it. Seeing Jory get carried on hands and knees by every single person he meets was among my highlights.
'A Matter of Time' series:
1. Book I - 3.5 stars
2. Book II - 3.5 stars
3. Book III - 2.5 stars
4. Book IV - 4.0 stars
5. Bulletproof - 4.5 stars
6. But for You - 2.0 stars
7. Parting Shot - dnf
8. Piece of Cake - 2.5 stars
Short Stories:
5.5. Just Jory - 4.0 stars
6.5. Ears, Eggs and Bunnies - 3.0 stars
This story is about Jory, a well-liked personal assist to an architect, who just so happens to have witnessed a murder and is now being protected as a witness by the police detective working on the case.
The main thing we get to see in this book is just Jory living his life, interacting with many different people, among which his boss, Dane, and the police detective, Sam, are the most important.
All his interactions with every person he meets is a fun and captivating thing to read about, since Jory just seems to be the kind of person that enamors every person he comes in contact with. People fall over backwards to get his attention, and I personally have a weak spot for seeing a character get completely adored and obsessed over by other people.
Anyway, there is obviously a romance going on between Jory and Sam, and I’m not sure how to feel about it. At first, I was totally into their relationship, and I adored how devoted and obsessed Sam was when it came to Jory, but that all came to a grinding halt near the end. Sam did something that made me change my entire perspective on the guy and on his love for Jory.
I really hope Jory will not just take him back: this man needs to grovel hard and he needs to do it now. I will be extremely pissed if that doesn’t happen. I kind of want Jory to find someone else altogether, but I’m guessing that that’s not going to happen. Unfortunately.
When it comes to Dane I have to say that I am a little more confused about what the author’s intentions are. I genuinely cannot tell if Dane is meant to have romantic feelings for Jory, or if he really just sees him like a little brother. I have no idea… It’s intriguing, though, and I can’t wait to find out. I definitely like their dynamic regardless, but I truly wish they could just end up together. They’d be cute.
Also, judging by other reviews I might be the only person who thinks this, but I honestly did not feel like Jory treated the many men in his life unfairly at all. He owed his exes or previous hook-ups absolutely nothing. He was quite obviously not interested, and most of them just kept pushing. That’s on them, not Jory.
I just wanted to say this because I feel like a lot of people hated Jory for his “attitude”, so the fact that I did not might be one of the reasons I was able to enjoy this much more than some others were.
Long story short, this wasn’t realistic in the slightest and everyone here was way too “perfect”, but I still had lots of fun with it. Seeing Jory get carried on hands and knees by every single person he meets was among my highlights.
'A Matter of Time' series:
1. Book I - 3.5 stars
2. Book II - 3.5 stars
3. Book III - 2.5 stars
4. Book IV - 4.0 stars
5. Bulletproof - 4.5 stars
6. But for You - 2.0 stars
7. Parting Shot - dnf
8. Piece of Cake - 2.5 stars
Short Stories:
5.5. Just Jory - 4.0 stars
6.5. Ears, Eggs and Bunnies - 3.0 stars
hellishlyawkward's review against another edition
dark
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
The blurb reads like a romantic thriller, but this is a story about how beautiful, charming, and lucky the MC is. There is also a cop.
(There may be some minor spoilers ahead)
At first I didn't mind so much that Jory was the most beautiful man in the world and every person he encountered absolutely loved him immediately - it just felt like this author hard at work in her usual way. But it got old, fast. So much of the story is taken up by Jory being adored and obsessed over by side characters, while comparatively little time is devoted to interesting plot points that could have easily been further explored.
Everyone constantly touching Jory, pawing at him, grabbing him, pulling at his clothes...urgh! It's not that I don't get the obvious point here: our main character is so utterly bewitching that people can't help themselves, and at the same time - look how sweet and wonderfully easy-going he is with all these randos who like him... But is that really the first instinct when you see someone you find beautiful - rush over and touch them in a familiar and proprietary way? If a bunch of semi-strangers did that to me I'd be a screaming rage cloud.
Jory's continual nonchalance about the danger he's in has to be mentioned. It would be a much shorter story without it, but like - really? I was first interested in this book because of the blurb. I expected Jory being witness to a murder and then refusing protective custody to make for an interesting read with some good tension and action. But it was just Jory being ridiculous, a lot of pointless back and forth, Jory switching his living situation up multiple times at the drop of a hat, and some truly inept bad guys. There were almost no points in the book where Jory couldn't have been easily taken out, and the fact that it never happened just made the story even more of a mess as the threat the plot was predicated on didn't feel like it existed.
I ultimately found Sam awful, and awfully dull. I would struggle to find anything to recommend him. Despite knowing he was the main love interest, I felt completely indifferent towards him at their first meeting, and for some time after. It was as if he was superfluous to the story next to Jory's much dwelled upon shining brilliance. I also didn't feel the romantic connection between Sam and Jory at any point during the story. The romance aspect of this took a complete backseat for me almost immediately and then became an irritation as things moved along. I continued to read entirely for other elements in the book, and as the story progressed I only came to dislike Sam more and more. His behaviour towards Jory came across as selfishly domineering and possessive, rather than protective, which is what Jory's situation called for.
Jory claims to be submissive, but he was never really conveyed as such, rather, he was generally strong willed and stubborn about his own freedom of choice. He repeatedly did what he wanted throughout the story, despite what his circumstances or general common sense should dictate, or, what the more dominant Sam demanded of him. It seemed like we were being told about his submissive nature, but not shown it. When he did go along with the requests/demands of other characters, it felt like it was in keeping with his easy-going personality, rather than true submissiveness. Because of this, Sam's continual physical handling of Jory was unappealing and seemed almost jarring at times. If a character is into that, then it's hot, sure, but Jory was written in a way that felt like this treatment was at odds with his personality.
Sam constantly manhandling Jory, physically dragging him around every time they encountered each other publicly, felt like he was just bulldozing over Jory's often valid protests and doing what he wanted regardless. For example, Jory has a twisted ankle, is in pain, and repeatedly expresses his desire to go home - totally valid - but Sam instead insists on dragging him to a restaurant first, along with his beard/girlfriend that he previously left Jory for...seriously?! And yes, again, I get it, I get that Sam couldn't bear to part with him and that this kind of occurrence is nothing new in their relationship. I suppose the sticking point for me is why you would want a relationship with someone who can't get their shit together enough to even treat you with the most basic consideration? There were sweet moments between them, but they felt hollow beside the rest of the mess.
Although a full grown adult being adopted as a brother by a spectacularly handsome billionaire is largely implausible, and is fully in keeping with the rest of the madness that made up this plot, I still did enjoy Jory and Dane's relationship. It was of more interest and had significantly more feeling than anything going on between Sam and Jory. Dane's part in this book gives you the happy but wistful feels that always come with fairytale-like situations where someone is plucked out of the crowd by a benevolent (and wealthy) hand, lifted effortlessly above their station, and provided with everything they could ever need or want. What's not to like about that?
This did keep me entertained enough to read it through to the end, but so much of this story was just plain ridiculous and the relationship between the MCs was completely unappealing to me. I find that I have no real urge to continue the series, and feel confused as to why this is recommended by so many readers - perhaps the series takes a sharp turn into the logical in the following books?
(There may be some minor spoilers ahead)
At first I didn't mind so much that Jory was the most beautiful man in the world and every person he encountered absolutely loved him immediately - it just felt like this author hard at work in her usual way. But it got old, fast. So much of the story is taken up by Jory being adored and obsessed over by side characters, while comparatively little time is devoted to interesting plot points that could have easily been further explored.
Everyone constantly touching Jory, pawing at him, grabbing him, pulling at his clothes...urgh! It's not that I don't get the obvious point here: our main character is so utterly bewitching that people can't help themselves, and at the same time - look how sweet and wonderfully easy-going he is with all these randos who like him... But is that really the first instinct when you see someone you find beautiful - rush over and touch them in a familiar and proprietary way? If a bunch of semi-strangers did that to me I'd be a screaming rage cloud.
Jory's continual nonchalance about the danger he's in has to be mentioned. It would be a much shorter story without it, but like - really? I was first interested in this book because of the blurb. I expected Jory being witness to a murder and then refusing protective custody to make for an interesting read with some good tension and action. But it was just Jory being ridiculous, a lot of pointless back and forth, Jory switching his living situation up multiple times at the drop of a hat, and some truly inept bad guys. There were almost no points in the book where Jory couldn't have been easily taken out, and the fact that it never happened just made the story even more of a mess as the threat the plot was predicated on didn't feel like it existed.
I ultimately found Sam awful, and awfully dull. I would struggle to find anything to recommend him. Despite knowing he was the main love interest, I felt completely indifferent towards him at their first meeting, and for some time after. It was as if he was superfluous to the story next to Jory's much dwelled upon shining brilliance. I also didn't feel the romantic connection between Sam and Jory at any point during the story. The romance aspect of this took a complete backseat for me almost immediately and then became an irritation as things moved along. I continued to read entirely for other elements in the book, and as the story progressed I only came to dislike Sam more and more. His behaviour towards Jory came across as selfishly domineering and possessive, rather than protective, which is what Jory's situation called for.
Jory claims to be submissive, but he was never really conveyed as such, rather, he was generally strong willed and stubborn about his own freedom of choice. He repeatedly did what he wanted throughout the story, despite what his circumstances or general common sense should dictate, or, what the more dominant Sam demanded of him. It seemed like we were being told about his submissive nature, but not shown it. When he did go along with the requests/demands of other characters, it felt like it was in keeping with his easy-going personality, rather than true submissiveness. Because of this, Sam's continual physical handling of Jory was unappealing and seemed almost jarring at times. If a character is into that, then it's hot, sure, but Jory was written in a way that felt like this treatment was at odds with his personality.
Sam constantly manhandling Jory, physically dragging him around every time they encountered each other publicly, felt like he was just bulldozing over Jory's often valid protests and doing what he wanted regardless. For example, Jory has a twisted ankle, is in pain, and repeatedly expresses his desire to go home - totally valid - but Sam instead insists on dragging him to a restaurant first, along with his beard/girlfriend that he previously left Jory for...seriously?! And yes, again, I get it, I get that Sam couldn't bear to part with him and that this kind of occurrence is nothing new in their relationship. I suppose the sticking point for me is why you would want a relationship with someone who can't get their shit together enough to even treat you with the most basic consideration? There were sweet moments between them, but they felt hollow beside the rest of the mess.
Although a full grown adult being adopted as a brother by a spectacularly handsome billionaire is largely implausible, and is fully in keeping with the rest of the madness that made up this plot, I still did enjoy Jory and Dane's relationship. It was of more interest and had significantly more feeling than anything going on between Sam and Jory. Dane's part in this book gives you the happy but wistful feels that always come with fairytale-like situations where someone is plucked out of the crowd by a benevolent (and wealthy) hand, lifted effortlessly above their station, and provided with everything they could ever need or want. What's not to like about that?
This did keep me entertained enough to read it through to the end, but so much of this story was just plain ridiculous and the relationship between the MCs was completely unappealing to me. I find that I have no real urge to continue the series, and feel confused as to why this is recommended by so many readers - perhaps the series takes a sharp turn into the logical in the following books?
moodiereads's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This is a re-read for me. My new thoughts are:
Likes:
- I love how good a conversationalist Jory was. He always had something to say and had a story of knowledge tidbits that he uses during conversations. Everyone just loves him.
- I’m not sure if Jory has OCD but he got things organized and in their proper places which is adorable
- Jory and Dane’s relationship was so moving. They love and treat each other like family and Dane actually gives his last name to him to make him his real brother.
- Sam met Dane for lunch and he just grilled Sam I wish Mary Calmes could have written that part in the novel.
Dislikes:
- During the first part, I just dislike how hyperactive Jory was and he seemed to be lost inside his head all the time. When he became a witness to a murder, the danger did not sink into him which was just stupid. He still continued to be careless and going clubbing with no regards to his safety.
leelee68's review
5.0
Okay, I'm loving this book so far. I love Jory and Sam. It didn't bother me the way it ended lol....Well the only reason it didn't bother me is because I have all the parts of the book, hehe. So if you want to read this book make sure you have all of the parts of the book...
eversummer's review
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
charmed's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
camsou's review
3.0
Urgh. Yesterday, after finishing Frog and Acrobats, I decided I unmistakably loved Mary Calmes' writing. Today, after the first two books of the Matter of Time series, I'm not so sure.
I was expecting something sweet and a bit wholesome with still the thrill of a good mystery/he prottecs romance and was just disappointed to find a rushed narrative and the constant push and pull of the two main characters. They are exhausting. Really. I loved Jory at the beginning (I actually really love the story at the beginning but the insta-love and the absurdities killed it for me), because he was so easy going and refreshing... But the kid is so damn illogical and absurd I wanted to smack him in the face to give him some clarity.
And Sam... Jesus Christophe. I don't understand the appeal. Like, really, he is infuriatingly hotheadish, but turns into a nice puppy whenever Jory is around? He doesn't make any sense!! I wanted to feed him some uncooked veal at times. Still want to.
I want to know how it ends but reading this is painful. Jesus. I'm a mess. Also, Dane. Dane saved the whole thing for me. Gotta love Dane. He's wonderful and sweet and I LOVE HIM.
Was it good? Meh.
Would I re-read it? Nope.
Would I marry Dane? Yes.
Do I still love Mary Calmes? Damn yes, this was published ten years ago and some gems where created from her hands, I'll just have to tread carefully in her territory.
Is it okay to read at night, when insomnia keeps you up? Yup. Not scary. You can mostly put it down whenever.
I was expecting something sweet and a bit wholesome with still the thrill of a good mystery/he prottecs romance and was just disappointed to find a rushed narrative and the constant push and pull of the two main characters. They are exhausting. Really. I loved Jory at the beginning (I actually really love the story at the beginning but the insta-love and the absurdities killed it for me), because he was so easy going and refreshing... But the kid is so damn illogical and absurd I wanted to smack him in the face to give him some clarity.
And Sam... Jesus Christophe. I don't understand the appeal. Like, really, he is infuriatingly hotheadish, but turns into a nice puppy whenever Jory is around? He doesn't make any sense!! I wanted to feed him some uncooked veal at times. Still want to.
I want to know how it ends but reading this is painful. Jesus. I'm a mess. Also, Dane. Dane saved the whole thing for me. Gotta love Dane. He's wonderful and sweet and I LOVE HIM.
Was it good? Meh.
Would I re-read it? Nope.
Would I marry Dane? Yes.
Do I still love Mary Calmes? Damn yes, this was published ten years ago and some gems where created from her hands, I'll just have to tread carefully in her territory.
Is it okay to read at night, when insomnia keeps you up? Yup. Not scary. You can mostly put it down whenever.