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A review by josb
Next of Kin by Jae
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Rounding down because for the length there were some parts left incomplete with the other characters.
It's an early Jae book so there is a little less polish than her current stuff. Its funny how this was a police drama and yet felt like it had less things happening than many of her contemporary romances.
It expanded on a few of the story lines left hanging from the first book, and added more depth to Dawn and Aiden's relationship. Unfortunately, Aiden was ridiculous this book so the storyline fell a little flat at times. I was constantly reminded why Aiden loves Dawn, but didn't really understand why Dawn still chose to stay with Aiden. Also, Dawn being a connector for a new character named Evan, meant that most of her private moments and thoughts were about Evan rather than Aiden.
Del and Cade did have some great moments, but also some awkward interactions compared to how book 1 ended. I would say it did take about 50% of the book to have the chemistry feel organic. I liked the side storyline of a stalker but the suspense didn't build how I hoped, causing it to feel like the pacing was off. I suspect the pacing was just fine, I am just more used to urgency and danger when stalkers are brought into the mix.
I wouldn't say this book alone was worth getting into the series. But if you're a Jae fan and looking for a well written lesbian romance with multiple sapphic characters it is certainly worth trying. This one certainly has more of an early 2000s cop drama feel, where the characters are a little more broody and overdramatic.
It's an early Jae book so there is a little less polish than her current stuff. Its funny how this was a police drama and yet felt like it had less things happening than many of her contemporary romances.
It expanded on a few of the story lines left hanging from the first book, and added more depth to Dawn and Aiden's relationship. Unfortunately, Aiden was ridiculous this book so the storyline fell a little flat at times. I was constantly reminded why Aiden loves Dawn, but didn't really understand why Dawn still chose to stay with Aiden. Also, Dawn being a connector for a new character named Evan, meant that most of her private moments and thoughts were about Evan rather than Aiden.
Del and Cade did have some great moments, but also some awkward interactions compared to how book 1 ended. I would say it did take about 50% of the book to have the chemistry feel organic. I liked the side storyline of a stalker but the suspense didn't build how I hoped, causing it to feel like the pacing was off. I suspect the pacing was just fine, I am just more used to urgency and danger when stalkers are brought into the mix.
I wouldn't say this book alone was worth getting into the series. But if you're a Jae fan and looking for a well written lesbian romance with multiple sapphic characters it is certainly worth trying. This one certainly has more of an early 2000s cop drama feel, where the characters are a little more broody and overdramatic.