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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
2.5✨
I wanted to love it. I did.
(Disclaimer: I have no desire to bash the book or the author at all. Genuinely.)
The first part (up until 70%ish) was…fine? It very much felt like we were dropped into the center of a universe that requires previous reads. This is absolutely not a standalone.
Between part 1 and part 2 is a month where SO much stuff happens but we are not told. We are given vague references that only make sense had you read the first book. A prominent side character straight up vanishes with another character and we aren’t given any hint of an explanation but they talk about it all the time. Most of the second part felt like listening to a group of friends talk about an inside secret. You could probably pick up the gist of it, but it would be better if someone explained it.
From the jump, it feels like you’re missing so much. The background of any of the side characters and how they interact with the MC is entirely left up to the reader to infer. AND once you guess, the rules change and new info is added.
I was lost for a cumulative 40%. I nearly DNFd at 85% because it just quit making sense and I stopped caring. It was a struggle to pick it back up every time I had to stop and do something.
The best part, I 100% believe the author when they say that these two weren’t supposed to get a book. It’s written as stereotypical as you can make an MM bi awakening. The only reason I stuck it through was because their ACTUAL relationship was good. Jesse and Kia alone were great, but that’s unfortunately where it ends.
I am not one to trash books and I don’t think that this is a “BAD” book at all. I just think that this is a book that NEEDs to be read in order which is unfortunate since most MM readers I know don’t read MF and won’t read the first book. If the plot holes were filled, this would be a 4 star easily.
I wanted to love it. I did.
(Disclaimer: I have no desire to bash the book or the author at all. Genuinely.)
The first part (up until 70%ish) was…fine? It very much felt like we were dropped into the center of a universe that requires previous reads. This is absolutely not a standalone.
Between part 1 and part 2 is a month where SO much stuff happens but we are not told. We are given vague references that only make sense had you read the first book. A prominent side character straight up vanishes with another character and we aren’t given any hint of an explanation but they talk about it all the time. Most of the second part felt like listening to a group of friends talk about an inside secret. You could probably pick up the gist of it, but it would be better if someone explained it.
From the jump, it feels like you’re missing so much. The background of any of the side characters and how they interact with the MC is entirely left up to the reader to infer. AND once you guess, the rules change and new info is added.
I was lost for a cumulative 40%. I nearly DNFd at 85% because it just quit making sense and I stopped caring. It was a struggle to pick it back up every time I had to stop and do something.
The best part, I 100% believe the author when they say that these two weren’t supposed to get a book. It’s written as stereotypical as you can make an MM bi awakening. The only reason I stuck it through was because their ACTUAL relationship was good. Jesse and Kia alone were great, but that’s unfortunately where it ends.
I am not one to trash books and I don’t think that this is a “BAD” book at all. I just think that this is a book that NEEDs to be read in order which is unfortunate since most MM readers I know don’t read MF and won’t read the first book. If the plot holes were filled, this would be a 4 star easily.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
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
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved this book! After reading Battle Scars I was so excited for Kai and Jesse's story and it did not disappoint! Both these characters were so real and relatable and I loved that about this story! Kai and Jesse come from two very different backgrounds and I liked seeing how they overcame that in their relationship throughout the story. I love how all of these characters' worlds all connect, and I cannot wait for Romeo and Kendall's book next! I definitely recommend this series!
challenging
dark
emotional
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
🩵“Kai is mine. He belonged to me the second our lips touched. It hasn’t been a game since then because he’s not something I’m prepared to lose”💙
I’m in awe at this book you guys! It’s giving found family, double bî-awãken!ng, hurt/comfort, insta obsession, rich boy/ poor boy, forced proximity, mental health rep, “MINE”, broken boy/golden retriever, & NO 3RD ACT BREAKUP!
I’m in absolute love with Jesse & Kai! These two captured my heart in a way that no other book couple ever has. I loved their relationship from the very beginning to very end of the book. They have a push and pull dynamic that made their love story angsty & hot. But they also have some really heavy and heartbreaking things to face. Kai has been through things that no one should ever have to go through. Things that have broken him in a way that he’s still dealing with when Jesse comes into his life. They both have to navigate the confusion that they’re facing because of the feelings they have for each other. But despite the confusion, Jesse meets Kai where he’s at & wants to be his safe space. I loved how Jesse would do ANYTHING to protect Kai, (because Kai must be protected at all costs!! That’s my baby!) and help him to put himself back together again. They are just everything together! And the sẽxuâł energy between them will have you panting, fanning yourself, and melting all at the same time. When i say the spîce in this book is top tier spïce, I MEAN IT!! These two are so hőt for each other they might as well be on fire! If I didn’t combust at their flirtation with each other, I dămn sure did when it came for them to finally give in to each other! Like I said, they are EVERYTHING, their story is everything, and this book is everything! You would be doing yourself a disservice by not reading this book. This one felt like it changed my brain chemistry in the best way possible and I can’t tell you guys enough to go read it. I will forever rec this book to anyone who will listen!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Alcoholism, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-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
Something so Strong is the second book by J.J. Asher in her British Invasion series. It was released July 29th.
General: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫 Spice: 🫦🫦🫦🫦🫦
Tropes:
👄 MM
👄 Forced proximity
👄 Found family
👄 Possessive
👄 Touch him and ☠️
👄 Workplace romance
👄 Double bi-awakening
👄 Serious past trauma
👄 Rich/Poor
👄 Hidden secrets
👄 Forced proximity
👄 Found family
👄 Possessive
👄 Touch him and ☠️
👄 Workplace romance
👄 Double bi-awakening
👄 Serious past trauma
👄 Rich/Poor
👄 Hidden secrets
The story of the second book in this series let me feel the internal struggle of the MCs myself. Can’t wait to continue with the third book.
But first of all, before you start with this book, be sure to check out the TWs, because your mental health always comes first.
J.J. tells us the story of three boys from Great Britain who want to escape their rich life for one year and work at a ski resort in Canada.
This book is about Jesse and Kai, Jesse is a future Lord, but disguises his identity to enjoy the anonymity of a normal life. Kai on the other hand had to deal his whole life with hate, abuse and degradation. J.J. describes this in a way that I could feel the pain by myself. When the both meet the first time, its like nothing exists around them anymore. But this feeling is so confusing for both of them.
The spice in this book is soo exciting - it leaves you hot and bothered and squirming on your couch.
So grab your book now! Link is in my 🔗🌳
Quotes:
Fųçk. I'd do it just to see his freckles up close. I bet they'd look even sweeter coated in my çųm. His face flushed. His mouth still open and panting from where I just pulled out of it.
"I'm meant to be taking care of you," he barks and grabs beneath one of my knees for leverage as the other hand wraps around my shąft. "Only I get to make you çome." He leers down at me, pumping my çock and forcing himself deeper.
"God. What the fuck have they done to you?" Jesse grabs the sides of my head and holds me firm. "You are enough, Kai. Just as you are. Just standing here breathing. You chose me, out of everyone you've ever met. Do you have any idea how amazing that makes me feel?”
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
ARC REVIEW
"Not a one sided love, but a true, once in a lifetime— I’ll let you have the door floating in the icy Atlantic while I freeze to death— kind of love."
5 ⭐
3 🌶️
And she's done it again what a fantastic continuation of the British Invasion series.
Something so strong is an emotional, supportive and beautiful romance.
Kai has had a difficult upbringing culminating in a severely traumatic event that ultimately sees him leave his small town behind. He's all about getting lost in one nighters until he lays eyes on Jesse.
Jesse is the privileged pretty boy from the other side of the pond with long blonde hair, piercing blue eyes and a reputation with the ladies.
They get off to a rocky start before being forced to work together. Casual flirting progresses into something more but can Kai truly let go of his past and will Jesse still feel the same once he finds out exactly what's happened to Kai.
This is a fabulous example of forced proximity with fantastic MH representation.
These two make me melt into a big pile of goo. Everyone needs a Jesse in their lives.
Another must read.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO READ RESPONSIBLY
"Not a one sided love, but a true, once in a lifetime— I’ll let you have the door floating in the icy Atlantic while I freeze to death— kind of love."
5 ⭐
3 🌶️
And she's done it again what a fantastic continuation of the British Invasion series.
Something so strong is an emotional, supportive and beautiful romance.
Kai has had a difficult upbringing culminating in a severely traumatic event that ultimately sees him leave his small town behind. He's all about getting lost in one nighters until he lays eyes on Jesse.
Jesse is the privileged pretty boy from the other side of the pond with long blonde hair, piercing blue eyes and a reputation with the ladies.
They get off to a rocky start before being forced to work together. Casual flirting progresses into something more but can Kai truly let go of his past and will Jesse still feel the same once he finds out exactly what's happened to Kai.
This is a fabulous example of forced proximity with fantastic MH representation.
These two make me melt into a big pile of goo. Everyone needs a Jesse in their lives.
Another must read.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO READ RESPONSIBLY
Fantastic first chapter. I was excited. Then it just got.. odd.
dark
emotional
tense
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:
No
After reading book 1 and getting little glimpses of Jesse and Kai I was really excited to read their book. And it did not disappoint.
We got to know the boys more and learn their backstories and Kai, he has a lot of trauma. I really liked how Jesse helped him overcome his trauma and how much of a safe space he was for Kai. I loved how natural it all felt. Their dynamic is ever changing and I really liked their give and take. I loved how smitten they were with each other from the start, and the tension at the beginning was very good. Jesse and Kai will both be on my list of favorite characters. And they are truly hot together and that van has seen things.
Loved the banter between the main characters and between them and their friend group.
Can't wait to come back to Vistas Resort and read about the next couple.
We got to know the boys more and learn their backstories and Kai, he has a lot of trauma. I really liked how Jesse helped him overcome his trauma and how much of a safe space he was for Kai. I loved how natural it all felt. Their dynamic is ever changing and I really liked their give and take. I loved how smitten they were with each other from the start, and the tension at the beginning was very good. Jesse and Kai will both be on my list of favorite characters. And they are truly hot together and that van has seen things.
Loved the banter between the main characters and between them and their friend group.
Can't wait to come back to Vistas Resort and read about the next couple.