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A review by booksafety
Paladin by Onley James
5.0
Book safety, tropes and tags down below.
Admittedly, I haven't read too many Onley James book, but this one is definitely my favorite, and Ever has moved up on my list of favorite characters. The way Arsen describes him is perfect:
"Ever was a constant surprise, as sweet and pure and angelic as the day he'd found him, but he was also somewhat feral, prone to biting, swearing and was horny almost around the clock."
Arsen was a fantastic character as well. He was sensitive and vulnerable, and a perfect match for Ever. Their scenes together while streaming was the cutest darn thing I've read in a long time, and even though there's some serious subjects in this, I found myself smiling through most of it, and I honestly want to read it again asap. This hits most of my favorite tropes and include the type of characters I go crazy for, so definitely keep that in mind while considering my enthusiasm, lol.
Slightly/very damaged characters with a murderous found family. What's not to love?
The way Jericho's boys treated Ever was adorable and heartwarming. Cuddling him, bringing him candy for him to try, and protecting him against evil. I loved it.
When reading it you might think something along the lines of "this Ever dude seems awfully well-adjusted considering all the shit he went through", and most of the other characters in the book, including Ever himself would agree with you, but don't fret, it does go slightly downhill before it gets better again. The wonders of therapy (thank you, Onley).
The Mulvaney boys make a lot of appearances, but I've only read the first book in the Necessary Evils series (plus the blurbs of the others) and I handled it fine. Highly recommend if the tropes and tags agree with you!
Book safety
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Strict top/bottom or vers: Strict roles
TW/CW
Human trafficking, sexual assault (off-page, not highly detailed), slavery, forced prostitution, violence, murder, blood, parent in prison, murder of a parent (off-page, described), mild exhibitionism, arson, fire, corrupt police department
Trope and tags
Hurt/comfort, found family, murder-friends, mild exhibitionism, growing up in captivity, possessive and protective (and slightly feral tiny MC), size difference, gaming, streaming, twitch, mechanic
Admittedly, I haven't read too many Onley James book, but this one is definitely my favorite, and Ever has moved up on my list of favorite characters. The way Arsen describes him is perfect:
"Ever was a constant surprise, as sweet and pure and angelic as the day he'd found him, but he was also somewhat feral, prone to biting, swearing and was horny almost around the clock."
Arsen was a fantastic character as well. He was sensitive and vulnerable, and a perfect match for Ever. Their scenes together while streaming was the cutest darn thing I've read in a long time, and even though there's some serious subjects in this, I found myself smiling through most of it, and I honestly want to read it again asap. This hits most of my favorite tropes and include the type of characters I go crazy for, so definitely keep that in mind while considering my enthusiasm, lol.
Slightly/very damaged characters with a murderous found family. What's not to love?
The way Jericho's boys treated Ever was adorable and heartwarming. Cuddling him, bringing him candy for him to try, and protecting him against evil. I loved it.
When reading it you might think something along the lines of "this Ever dude seems awfully well-adjusted considering all the shit he went through", and most of the other characters in the book, including Ever himself would agree with you, but don't fret, it does go slightly downhill before it gets better again. The wonders of therapy (thank you, Onley).
The Mulvaney boys make a lot of appearances, but I've only read the first book in the Necessary Evils series (plus the blurbs of the others) and I handled it fine. Highly recommend if the tropes and tags agree with you!
Book safety
Spoiler
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Strict top/bottom or vers: Strict roles
TW/CW
Spoiler
Human trafficking, sexual assault (off-page, not highly detailed), slavery, forced prostitution, violence, murder, blood, parent in prison, murder of a parent (off-page, described), mild exhibitionism, arson, fire, corrupt police department
Trope and tags
Spoiler
Hurt/comfort, found family, murder-friends, mild exhibitionism, growing up in captivity, possessive and protective (and slightly feral tiny MC), size difference, gaming, streaming, twitch, mechanic