Reviews

Pros & Cons of Desire by A.E. Wasp

spookieboogie's review

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3.0

2.5 stars

More ridiculous than the last, but that’s just fine with me. I’m beyond taken with this enjoyable series and its cast of characters. Despite that, this particular installment was just *okay*.

I’ve been looking forward to book 4 since the end of book 1 because Carson is my favorite of the bunch, and surely that's partially to blame for why Pros & Cons of Desire did not strictly spark joy. It was missing something as well, though. There's a bit of buildup in the customary Al perspective in the beginning of the book that is more or less an exaggeration. Ridge and Davis, the perspectives and main characters for Desire, have been foreshadowed since book one, if that's what you can call it when you already knew about a character before you even met them due to The Players' breakdown at the beginning of each book. No changes to that just yet, but we get to see that flushed out a little more. The overall plot and twist (is it a twist when you see it coming from a mile away? It's more like a twist for the characters than the reader) was easy to see coming. Other plot points become pretty obvious soon before they happen, so nothing here was novel or surprising.

In my opinion this installment was just a little bump to jump through so I could hurry up and get to Carson's book. A forgettable bit with very little Carson engagement, much to my dismay.

fleurette's review

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3.0

I love this series, but this book was the weakest so far.

There are few reasons for that. First of all, the whole scheme that our team carries out is not as interesting as in the previous books. I preferred the carefully planned cons from the previous books. Ridge is a professional thief, there was such potential in his character. I was expecting something spectacular, but the whole idea seemed hastily invented. And everything is basically completed in one day, without any careful preparations. In my opinion, this is a great missed opportunity.

Second, I wasn't impressed with the romance. It happens mostly outside the pages of this book. Ridge and Davis met at the end of the previous book. In this we learn that they have met regularly since then. And this is the moment when they are basically in love with each other. All the rest is just one day in their lives when they finally admit their feelings. We do not see any development of their relationship on the pages of this book. It is a pity because they make a unique couple with a nice dynamics. Again, this is untapped potential.

So I'm a bit disappointed. But I still love the series and these characters. I am very curious about the next book. I hope it turns out to be better.

isalaur's review

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5.0

Love this series and this is another entertaining addition

Book three in this series expands the story and the crew of players. This story centers on thief Ridge and the Diplomatic Security agent he met in book two, Davis.

The caper part of the story revolves around righting a wrong Charlie committed twenty years ago. The team has to find the proof that the scion of one of the wealthiest families in the area committed murder in order to get his hands on a fortune and as a result cheated another man and his family out of their inheritance. Of course there are complications and of course Davis gets wrapped up in things as has been the pattern with the first two books. It is amusing how this band of brothers/criminals keeps expanding.

The story is engaging and both MCs are people you want to root for. The crisis moment is suspenseful though I’d have preferred a much better downfall for the villain. The last part of the book actually gives us set ups for the next two books which will revolve around the two men still left from the original five. Unfortunately we’ll probably be in for a wait on those books. I’m ready to dive right in!!

terriaminute's review

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adventurous funny tense medium-paced

5.0

There are some improbable bits to this, but when real action starts, nothing goes right, and I quite enjoyed that. I like this cast, but Ridge? He's such an ornery get, I loved him. Plus, the Ridge and Davis dynamic? Delightful. I am happy I got sidetracked so now the next book or two's already out waiting for me. These are the kind of fun with emotional depth. My catnip. 

rainbowsandsunshinebookblog's review

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4.0

I love this series! I've been waiting for this book and I read it in a single setting. This is dual POV and I would recommend reading the series in order.

Ridge and Davis are so hot together. This is total opposites attract. And Davis is a total goner for Ridge. There's murder, drama, money and kinky sex of the lingerie variety.

Yes I adore their individual love stories. But more than that, I love the camaraderie between the guys. I mean is there a better found family than a group of vigilantes?

Some of the phrases in those hundred years old letters resonated deep within me. It's proof that they can't erase us. That
we exist. And those words almost brought me to tears.

I'm really looking forward to Carson's book and I cannot wait for it! And is Charlie really dead? I just suspect something (it's probably just my overactive imagination).

*ARC provided by the author via Gay Book Promotions in exchange for an honest and unbiased review

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