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A review by the_novel_approach
Rim Shot by Skylar M. Cates
4.0
~ 3.5 Stars ~
This book had quite a bit of a slower pace than I am used to from Skylar M. Cates, and it made it a little bit of a chore for me to get into, to be honest. It doesn’t mean I didn’t ultimately enjoy the book, it just took me a little more time to appreciate and become involved in everything. This wasn’t one of those stories that will grab hold of you from the beginning and won’t let go. Instead, it was one of those that sneaks up on you and slowly, little by little, grabs a wee bit more of your attention until you find yourself immersed and not sure when it happened.
I think the reason it took me longer to become invested was there was a lot of page time with internal dialogue, but without much else to move the plot forward in the beginning. I tend to enjoy first person narrative, as I am all for getting to know the inner workings of my characters—and I really got to know the inner workings of Kyle and Micah—but only when it occurs while there is progression in other plot points, or there is enough conversation breaking up the internal dialogue and keeping the story moving forward. In this case, those plot points were slow in appearing and took a while to start moving, and the dialogue with other characters felt minimal. Especially Kyle’s POV, as he is the shyer of the two and quite a bit more of an introvert when it comes to communication.
At some point the pace picked up a bit, and Kyle and Micah’s relationship started to develop at a quicker pace, with external concerns becoming more present, and that is when I found myself absorbed. Once the two finally started acting on the mutual attraction, things get hot and heavy. Readers who enjoy steamy scenes will not be disappointed; just be patient to get to them, because their relationship is as slow-burn as the pacing.
The external conflicts felt realistic, and I appreciated the genuine way everything was approached. There were a couple times where secondary characters’ actions and reactions surprised me, and I found it to be part of the reason I appreciated the story more. I was happy to see I had been proven wrong in some cases, and, in the case of Kyle, sad that the cookie crumbled the way it did in some areas. But it was real. It reflected a truth in life that although Micah and Kyle eventually get their HEA, not everything gets wrapped up in a pretty bow.
Interestingly, there were some areas which I thought would be more explored towards the end. In fact, I would almost say it felt a little unfinished. But, unfinished in a purposely done way. I expected an epilogue which would wrap it all up and deliver everything completed, but it wasn’t there, and as I think on it, that actually makes sense. No, not everything is wrapped up nicely, not every choice is made, because Micah and Kyle’s story is just beginning. There are a lot of paths these two could take, but the reader is left with a sense they will choose their paths together, and that to me is a true HEA.
Though slow to grab my attention, with likable and realistic characters facing relatable problems (except for the whole possible future NBA star thing), Micah and Kyle crept up on me. My patience in sticking through the slower start paid off and left me with a smile on my face.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
This book had quite a bit of a slower pace than I am used to from Skylar M. Cates, and it made it a little bit of a chore for me to get into, to be honest. It doesn’t mean I didn’t ultimately enjoy the book, it just took me a little more time to appreciate and become involved in everything. This wasn’t one of those stories that will grab hold of you from the beginning and won’t let go. Instead, it was one of those that sneaks up on you and slowly, little by little, grabs a wee bit more of your attention until you find yourself immersed and not sure when it happened.
I think the reason it took me longer to become invested was there was a lot of page time with internal dialogue, but without much else to move the plot forward in the beginning. I tend to enjoy first person narrative, as I am all for getting to know the inner workings of my characters—and I really got to know the inner workings of Kyle and Micah—but only when it occurs while there is progression in other plot points, or there is enough conversation breaking up the internal dialogue and keeping the story moving forward. In this case, those plot points were slow in appearing and took a while to start moving, and the dialogue with other characters felt minimal. Especially Kyle’s POV, as he is the shyer of the two and quite a bit more of an introvert when it comes to communication.
At some point the pace picked up a bit, and Kyle and Micah’s relationship started to develop at a quicker pace, with external concerns becoming more present, and that is when I found myself absorbed. Once the two finally started acting on the mutual attraction, things get hot and heavy. Readers who enjoy steamy scenes will not be disappointed; just be patient to get to them, because their relationship is as slow-burn as the pacing.
The external conflicts felt realistic, and I appreciated the genuine way everything was approached. There were a couple times where secondary characters’ actions and reactions surprised me, and I found it to be part of the reason I appreciated the story more. I was happy to see I had been proven wrong in some cases, and, in the case of Kyle, sad that the cookie crumbled the way it did in some areas. But it was real. It reflected a truth in life that although Micah and Kyle eventually get their HEA, not everything gets wrapped up in a pretty bow.
Interestingly, there were some areas which I thought would be more explored towards the end. In fact, I would almost say it felt a little unfinished. But, unfinished in a purposely done way. I expected an epilogue which would wrap it all up and deliver everything completed, but it wasn’t there, and as I think on it, that actually makes sense. No, not everything is wrapped up nicely, not every choice is made, because Micah and Kyle’s story is just beginning. There are a lot of paths these two could take, but the reader is left with a sense they will choose their paths together, and that to me is a true HEA.
Though slow to grab my attention, with likable and realistic characters facing relatable problems (except for the whole possible future NBA star thing), Micah and Kyle crept up on me. My patience in sticking through the slower start paid off and left me with a smile on my face.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach