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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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:
Yes
Much like the first book, there are glaring problems and questionable character choices but maybe because I happen to like a few of these troupes already, angst, slow burn, childhood friends to lovers, I didn't really mind the fanfic-y nature of this book.
AH so good! I’m pretty sure this was only supposed to be a series of two books but I would really… love a couple more… EYES EMOJI…
Nicholas and Seiji are just the best, and I am the world’s number one fan of Seiji’s dad. Truly would love to see their story get a completed arc the way Harvard and Aiden’s has!
Nicholas and Seiji are just the best, and I am the world’s number one fan of Seiji’s dad. Truly would love to see their story get a completed arc the way Harvard and Aiden’s has!
amo mucho a aiden creo q me gustan los rubios dramaticos y creidos dios no puede ser
pero q mas les puedo decir, estos libros son perfeccion amo a todos (aunq no voy a negar las ganas tremendas de jalar a aiden de las greñas q tuve x un par de capitulos), y quiero irme a las piñas con robert coste pq el es el q tiene la culpa de TODO
pero q mas les puedo decir, estos libros son perfeccion amo a todos (aunq no voy a negar las ganas tremendas de jalar a aiden de las greñas q tuve x un par de capitulos), y quiero irme a las piñas con robert coste pq el es el q tiene la culpa de TODO
This book was a bit more enjoyable than the first, although it had the same pros and the same issues for me.
I loved reading about Nicholas and Seiji and couldn't stand Aiden and (to a lesser degree) Harvard's drama and miscommunication.
I mean, I loved their conclusion but all their path towards it...no.
Seiji's father knows more about Seiji than Seiji himself and it's endearingly hilarious.
I loved reading about Nicholas and Seiji and couldn't stand Aiden and (to a lesser degree) Harvard's drama and miscommunication.
I mean, I loved their conclusion but all their path towards it...no.
Seiji's father knows more about Seiji than Seiji himself and it's endearingly hilarious.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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:
Yes
4/5 stars
Cute enough, but the "miscommunication = plot & conflict" that impacted the first book was like 90% of this one and therefore not REALLY my favourite. I do love myself a vulnerable drama queen lashing out at other people so that was fun, but when half of your book could have been avoided by people talking to each other without narratively deliberate miscommunication it's a bit like... eh.
Some good moments, and I'll still grab the next in the series as soon as it's available (whatever format it ends up being), and Seiji had some good fun development.
Cute enough, but the "miscommunication = plot & conflict" that impacted the first book was like 90% of this one and therefore not REALLY my favourite. I do love myself a vulnerable drama queen lashing out at other people so that was fun, but when half of your book could have been avoided by people talking to each other without narratively deliberate miscommunication it's a bit like... eh.
Some good moments, and I'll still grab the next in the series as soon as it's available (whatever format it ends up being), and Seiji had some good fun development.
Spoiler
His growing relationship with his father in the novels is just... chefkiss.
funny
hopeful
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:
Complicated
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Why the fuck did I read this?
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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:
Yes
3.5/5
Picking up right where STRIKING DISTANCE left off, the Kings Row fencing team is heading to France for an exclusive training camp that's opened its doors to American teams for the first time. Though naturally that means they are not the only ones there, Jesse Coste and the Exton team are also going, much to the boys chagrin. Facing more experienced fencers, miscommunications, rivals, and potential expulsion, will the Kings Row boys grow stronger in their team bond or fall apart?
I found the plot of this sequel far more contrived than the first. While I love a good road trip/travel plotline and it was fun to see them interreact with more characters, some we've met before some new, there wasn't really a whole lot done to drive the plot. Despite being on the cover, Aiden and Harvard just circle the same pattern of miscommunication and hurt feelings leading to grating frustration. They get there in the end, but the route they take is almost unbearable.
Seiji and Nicholas’ dynamic, however, is flawless! Seiji’s chapters were easily my favorites in this instalment, I adored watching him reach out more to his father, grow truly attached in his bond with Nicholas, and recognize true friendship rather than his past with Jesse who only cared for his skill. It was also really interesting to watch their interactions with Jesse, unable to escape him at camp, and how different their relationships are. I also adored the moments when the entire team were together bonding, despite how rare it was this time.
All in all, mindless fun and very middle grade like the former. I didn't find it as successful as the first, but I still adore these characters and will continue to read whatever offshoots exist in the FENCE franchise.
SPOILERS FROM HERE ON
Another section of just ranting about these characters. Let's get the bad out of the way.
I absolutely HATED what was done with Aiden and Harvard this book. It was so ridiculously annoying. Aiden is hurt that he believes Harvard is not at all interested in him romantically so he feels not only abandoned in love, but in friendship (despite Harvard never saying that he doesn't want to be friends with him). Harvard is only made this decision as Aiden's friendship means the world to him and he sees how disposable all of Aiden's other flings are and he doesn't want that to be their fate. So because of this Harvard is super awkward around Aiden now, tiptoeing around his feelings which only exacerbates Aiden's hurt as he reads this as disgust in his feelings so he doubles down in his whoreish behavior from before. It's so freaking dumb. All they'd have to do is have one legitimate conversation and this could easily get sorted. Constantly Harvard just wants to be around Aiden and love him, but then thinks that's not what he wants so they just continue to hurt the other over and over again, it was beyond annoying. I'm glad they ended up FINALLY admitting their long harbored feelings, but the constant bullshit fighting almost made it not worth it. They're so cute together, but it makes me anxious if they ever have one fight, it seems like Aiden would just fall down a spiral. If there is another book I really hope they don't rehash the entire bullshit plot all over again and actually allow both boys to grow. Harvard in recognizing he's not responsible for everyone, just himself, and knowing that it's enough and Aiden in realizing he has to allow himself to be vulnerable and reach out to get that affection and acceptance he so desperately craves, but it may come with the risk of getting hurt and that's just how life is. Also that he has to bet on himself and know he is better than he believes, and to quote RuPaul, if you don't love yourself, the how are you gonna love somebody else? With such simplistic writing and plot I have doubts that this would actually be achieved, but I can dream.
Seiji and Nicholas however were chef's kiss. I absolutely loved that the only reason the boys are allowed to go to France in the first place is Seiji asks his dad to fund them. Also that he finances the entire trip, not just Nicholas, so he's not singled out. So freaking precious. Seiji has come so far in recognizing social ques, it warms my heart. Also that his dad thought Seiji was coming out to him and admitting his feelings for Nicholas was so freaking funny. I was unsure if Seiji/Nicholas's relationship was strictly platonic (in a book so gay it was hard to believe that there was such a thing as platonic friendship), but there were the SLIGHTEST little hints in this entry that it could spark into romance. I loved that when Aiden casually said someone had a crush on Seiji he immediately went to Nicholas and felt nervous, also that Seiji wanted to do his hair like him (so cute omg), and that Nicholas said Seiji was hotter than Aiden, so cute. Then how Seiji was so genuinely hurt when Nicholas ran out on the party and left him as his only request was for Nicholas not to leave his side. MY HEART! It was also genuinely super interesting to watch Jesse's interactions. At first he's as haughty and annoying as he's been in the past. Superiority complex and only wanting Seiji back because he challenges him. But then Eugene says he was super nice helping him get to the hospital wing and checking to make sure he was ok also one of the other Exton boys vouching that Jesse cares about his team a lot more than he lets on. I love that he's finally getting some depth. I also love that his father seems to be the reason he's such a jackass and how they compared his father to Seiji's. Seiji's dad doesn't get fencing, but understands being the best and just wants his son to be happy. While Jesse's father (Nicholas's as well) has insanely high standards and berates his son when he doesn't meet them to the point here Seiji's dad freaked out at him for doing so. It humanizes Jesse a lot and shows what could've become of Nicholas if he actually knew his father.
Seiji has grown to really love and rely on Nicholas as well. He doesn't say as much, other than he annoys him less and he's grown used to his presence, but it's clear that he's never had a legitimate friendship before. When Jesse is horrified he'd even equate himself with Nicholas, Seiji immediately defends him for more than fencing. I also adore that he remembers the little things, like bringing books and games for their plane ride home when Nicholas was bored the way there or grabbing an extra roll for him. Nicholas also never takes Seiji's mood swings to heart and is basically like a golden retriever that is just so pleased to be by his side. I utterly adore their friendship, they mean the world to me.
I do really wonder when Nicholas will finally tell Seiji of his true parentage. Seiji already sees the similarity in speed to both boys, so I don't think he'd be surprised at all. I also think it could be something they'd bond over and maybe in the future something Jesse and Nicholas can bond over as well. I just don't think it's as big of a secret as the series makes it seem, but I guess there's got to be some kind of tension.
Side note, Bobby sadly did not get his own POV this book, but I loved seeing more of him. I adore how much Dante blatantly loves him and that Bobby finally realized that he adores him as well and should put him over his silly crush on Seiji.
All in all, another super fun romp. It's not the best written and a bit contrived, but I adore these characters so I could read whatever silly misadventures they get up to. Seiji and Nicholas were by far the highlights, but I'd certainly read on if there's more.
Picking up right where STRIKING DISTANCE left off, the Kings Row fencing team is heading to France for an exclusive training camp that's opened its doors to American teams for the first time. Though naturally that means they are not the only ones there, Jesse Coste and the Exton team are also going, much to the boys chagrin. Facing more experienced fencers, miscommunications, rivals, and potential expulsion, will the Kings Row boys grow stronger in their team bond or fall apart?
I found the plot of this sequel far more contrived than the first. While I love a good road trip/travel plotline and it was fun to see them interreact with more characters, some we've met before some new, there wasn't really a whole lot done to drive the plot. Despite being on the cover, Aiden and Harvard just circle the same pattern of miscommunication and hurt feelings leading to grating frustration. They get there in the end, but the route they take is almost unbearable.
Seiji and Nicholas’ dynamic, however, is flawless! Seiji’s chapters were easily my favorites in this instalment, I adored watching him reach out more to his father, grow truly attached in his bond with Nicholas, and recognize true friendship rather than his past with Jesse who only cared for his skill. It was also really interesting to watch their interactions with Jesse, unable to escape him at camp, and how different their relationships are. I also adored the moments when the entire team were together bonding, despite how rare it was this time.
All in all, mindless fun and very middle grade like the former. I didn't find it as successful as the first, but I still adore these characters and will continue to read whatever offshoots exist in the FENCE franchise.
SPOILERS FROM HERE ON
Another section of just ranting about these characters. Let's get the bad out of the way.
I absolutely HATED what was done with Aiden and Harvard this book. It was so ridiculously annoying. Aiden is hurt that he believes Harvard is not at all interested in him romantically so he feels not only abandoned in love, but in friendship (despite Harvard never saying that he doesn't want to be friends with him). Harvard is only made this decision as Aiden's friendship means the world to him and he sees how disposable all of Aiden's other flings are and he doesn't want that to be their fate. So because of this Harvard is super awkward around Aiden now, tiptoeing around his feelings which only exacerbates Aiden's hurt as he reads this as disgust in his feelings so he doubles down in his whoreish behavior from before. It's so freaking dumb. All they'd have to do is have one legitimate conversation and this could easily get sorted. Constantly Harvard just wants to be around Aiden and love him, but then thinks that's not what he wants so they just continue to hurt the other over and over again, it was beyond annoying. I'm glad they ended up FINALLY admitting their long harbored feelings, but the constant bullshit fighting almost made it not worth it. They're so cute together, but it makes me anxious if they ever have one fight, it seems like Aiden would just fall down a spiral. If there is another book I really hope they don't rehash the entire bullshit plot all over again and actually allow both boys to grow. Harvard in recognizing he's not responsible for everyone, just himself, and knowing that it's enough and Aiden in realizing he has to allow himself to be vulnerable and reach out to get that affection and acceptance he so desperately craves, but it may come with the risk of getting hurt and that's just how life is. Also that he has to bet on himself and know he is better than he believes, and to quote RuPaul, if you don't love yourself, the how are you gonna love somebody else? With such simplistic writing and plot I have doubts that this would actually be achieved, but I can dream.
Seiji and Nicholas however were chef's kiss. I absolutely loved that the only reason the boys are allowed to go to France in the first place is Seiji asks his dad to fund them. Also that he finances the entire trip, not just Nicholas, so he's not singled out. So freaking precious. Seiji has come so far in recognizing social ques, it warms my heart. Also that his dad thought Seiji was coming out to him and admitting his feelings for Nicholas was so freaking funny. I was unsure if Seiji/Nicholas's relationship was strictly platonic (in a book so gay it was hard to believe that there was such a thing as platonic friendship), but there were the SLIGHTEST little hints in this entry that it could spark into romance. I loved that when Aiden casually said someone had a crush on Seiji he immediately went to Nicholas and felt nervous, also that Seiji wanted to do his hair like him (so cute omg), and that Nicholas said Seiji was hotter than Aiden, so cute. Then how Seiji was so genuinely hurt when Nicholas ran out on the party and left him as his only request was for Nicholas not to leave his side. MY HEART! It was also genuinely super interesting to watch Jesse's interactions. At first he's as haughty and annoying as he's been in the past. Superiority complex and only wanting Seiji back because he challenges him. But then Eugene says he was super nice helping him get to the hospital wing and checking to make sure he was ok also one of the other Exton boys vouching that Jesse cares about his team a lot more than he lets on. I love that he's finally getting some depth. I also love that his father seems to be the reason he's such a jackass and how they compared his father to Seiji's. Seiji's dad doesn't get fencing, but understands being the best and just wants his son to be happy. While Jesse's father (Nicholas's as well) has insanely high standards and berates his son when he doesn't meet them to the point here Seiji's dad freaked out at him for doing so. It humanizes Jesse a lot and shows what could've become of Nicholas if he actually knew his father.
Seiji has grown to really love and rely on Nicholas as well. He doesn't say as much, other than he annoys him less and he's grown used to his presence, but it's clear that he's never had a legitimate friendship before. When Jesse is horrified he'd even equate himself with Nicholas, Seiji immediately defends him for more than fencing. I also adore that he remembers the little things, like bringing books and games for their plane ride home when Nicholas was bored the way there or grabbing an extra roll for him. Nicholas also never takes Seiji's mood swings to heart and is basically like a golden retriever that is just so pleased to be by his side. I utterly adore their friendship, they mean the world to me.
I do really wonder when Nicholas will finally tell Seiji of his true parentage. Seiji already sees the similarity in speed to both boys, so I don't think he'd be surprised at all. I also think it could be something they'd bond over and maybe in the future something Jesse and Nicholas can bond over as well. I just don't think it's as big of a secret as the series makes it seem, but I guess there's got to be some kind of tension.
Side note, Bobby sadly did not get his own POV this book, but I loved seeing more of him. I adore how much Dante blatantly loves him and that Bobby finally realized that he adores him as well and should put him over his silly crush on Seiji.
All in all, another super fun romp. It's not the best written and a bit contrived, but I adore these characters so I could read whatever silly misadventures they get up to. Seiji and Nicholas were by far the highlights, but I'd certainly read on if there's more.