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jamieb_19's Reviews (273)
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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:
Yes
“Bravery is being unafraid of something other people are afraid of. Courage is being afraid, but strong enough to do it anyway.”
Well, that was an experience! I'm still feeling a little emotionally wrung out hours after finishing it. The ending was quite the rollercoaster and left me with tears streaming down my face. If you've ever watched the show For All Mankind and wished there was a book that captured those same vibes, this is it. It captured all the history, drama, action, suspense, and emotions you'd find in that show and added a beautiful love story.
The events of the book take place in the early 1980s, which isn't all that long ago, and it's crazy to see how different things were then. There were a lot of thought-provoking conversations in this book about the importance of women in these programs and how their success or failures would reflect on women all over the country. It was an added layer of pressure that men never had to deal with. We've come so far over the last 40+ years in some regards, and in others, women are still saddled with similar pressure even today.
I wouldn't call this book a romance, but there is certainly a love story, and it was a beautiful one. I loved Joan and Vanessa and seeing their relationship form and grow over time. It was heartbreaking at times, though, because they weren't able to be out in the open with their relationship. Seeing how much they loved each other and how they longed to be able to love each other the way their friends and families could, tugged at my heartstrings. Once again, it was crazy to see how far LGBTQ+ rights have evolved since this time. But on the other hand, seeing these rights coming under attack again in the current day and age makes me sad. It makes no sense to me how anyone could see a love as strong and pure as the love Joan and Vanessa had and think there was anything wrong with it.
There's a lot more I could say about the book, but I won't spoil anything, and I won't be able to do it justice with anything I say anyway. It was a fast-paced read that I didn't want to put down. It was emotional and thought-provoking, exciting, romantic, and suspenseful. I'm glad it was recommended to me!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I picked up this audiobook when I saw Joshua Jackson was one of the narrators. He did such a good job bringing Mike Martin to life. I loved listening to him. Emily Ellet was also great as Aurora, and together, the duet narration was what made this most enjoyable for me.
The story itself was cute. The fact that Aurora ALWAYS referred to Mike as Mike Martin in her internal dialogue was a little tiresome, but once you got past that, it was sweet listening to Mike and Aurora become friends and then start to blur the lines a bit as they grew closer. Aurora was a bit of a doormat at the start, but it was nice to see her learn to stand up for herself and grow a backbone as the story progressed. I thought the topic of Mike's widowhood and subsequent struggles as a single parent to a grieving tween was handled well. Both characters were well-developed, and I enjoyed their journey of falling in love.
The angst could have been largely avoided, but at least it didn't last long and the ending was very cute.
The story itself was cute. The fact that Aurora ALWAYS referred to Mike as Mike Martin in her internal dialogue was a little tiresome, but once you got past that, it was sweet listening to Mike and Aurora become friends and then start to blur the lines a bit as they grew closer. Aurora was a bit of a doormat at the start, but it was nice to see her learn to stand up for herself and grow a backbone as the story progressed. I thought the topic of Mike's widowhood and subsequent struggles as a single parent to a grieving tween was handled well. Both characters were well-developed, and I enjoyed their journey of falling in love.
The angst could have been largely avoided, but at least it didn't last long and the ending was very cute.
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
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
He’s going to be the thing that takes me down. He’s going to be the one to figure out my secret. I can feel it.
What a fantastic book! I loved everything about it, even the hard parts. Ethan and Hayden were so wonderful together, and whenever I reluctantly had to set it down, I was always thinking about when I’d be able to get back to it. This was my first book from this author, and I had never heard of this series before, but saw the book recommended somewhere and thought I’d give it a try. I’m so glad I did because it was just so wonderfully written and pulled so many emotions out of me. It was heartbreaking at times, but it was also sweet, funny, and had amazing spice. I’d love to see this book get on more people’s radar!
He makes me laugh. The kind of laugh that makes my cheeks hurt and my stomach sore and my chest light. Not a lot does that these days. Ice baths and cherry juice are worth that.
Athletic trainer, Hayden Wallace, has moved to Upper Michigan as a favor for his friend, Ian, to be the AT for a year for the minor league hockey team that Ian coaches. It’s here he meets Ethan Pope, a young hockey phenom who was supposed to be playing in the major league until a mysterious incident at training camp blew it all up. Ethan is a little cagey and full of secrets, but Hayden can’t stop trying to figure him out, and he also can’t stop the growing attraction. Especially as a friendship forms between them, and he learns the attraction he feels isn’t one-sided. Ethan’s determined to keep his secrets, though, but Hayden may be the one person to get through to him and show him that he’s got a team of people behind him who love him and want to help.
"I was drowning and then I looked up and you were there and now I can breathe again.”
“Anytime you need a shot of oxygen, I’m here, baby.” He smiles, lifting a hand to wipe my tears away. “I’ll always be right here.”
I loved the slow burn in this one. Ethan was very skittish at first, understandably, given everything he’s dealing with and given how desperately he’s trying to keep his secrets. The way Hayden saw through a lot of his defenses would be unsettling for anyone. But I’m glad he couldn’t stay away. The friendship they formed was the sweetest, such great banter, and I loved the mutual pining (even if Ethan wasn’t fully aware it was pining at the time). Ethan’s awakening was done really well, too. He was a little unsure but all-in and very eager. It was adorable, and the chemistry these two had was incredible. I loved the light D/s thing they had going on, too. The spice was both endearing and scorching hot.
This book also dealt with some heavy topics. Ethan had spent many years and a lot of effort hiding away his mental illness. I understood his motivations, but it was heartbreaking. The chapters from his POV where he was trying to hold it all together, but oftentimes struggling to do so, were so sad. The scenes toward the end, where he finally comes clean absolutely broke my heart. You’ll want to keep some tissues handy. They were so well written, they were raw and completely realistic. Seeing the way everyone rallied around him, though, was just beautiful. He had so many people who loved him: Hayden, his parents, and his teammates. I’m getting a little misty-eyed now just thinking back on those chapters.
There were a lot of great secondary characters in this book, too. Special shout out to Jules, though, he was the best friend and teammate, and was pivotal in getting Ethan to finally let people in and help. I’m so glad Ethan found him, and I loved the way Hayden and Jules teamed up to support Ethan in his journey. And, just saying, I wouldn’t be opposed to Jules getting his own book someday. He was a great character!
I hope more people discover this book because I really do feel like it deserves more hype. I’m glad I came across it and won’t soon forget it!
"It’s all skates on ice and wind on my face, just you and me, the world falling away.” He tilts his head down, forehead pressing to mine. “You’re my breakaway, Hayden Wallace.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Vomit, Death of parent
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
After seeing all the tension between Boden and Hugo in Zero Pucks, I was interested to see the story there. It was obvious there was more going on than just Boden being upset that Hugo was able-bodied and coaching a team of people with disabilities. I liked their first anonymous hookup and the shock of seeing each other again a few weeks later when Hugo shows up as the new coach for Boden’s sled hockey team. They had a few fiery exchanges in the days after the discovery. But then Boden completely pushes Hugo away, and they spend very little time together for a good chunk of the story. It made it hard for me to root for them as a couple. Boden was so angry and self-sabotaging, even when it came to his friends. And the thing is that if you hadn’t read the first book, you didn’t get to see a lot of the self-destructive behavior in this one, just the fallout or him lashing out over things that happen off-page. Which made it even harder to understand his motivations.
I liked the way Hugo and Boden ended up together, even if there wasn’t much of a clear path that got them there. I would have liked more romance and maybe more push and pull between them along the way. As it was, there was only push (Boden pushing Hugo away) and not any pull that would bring them back together.
Hugo was a good character, though. His past was sad, and I liked seeing the way his experiences shaped the way he approached Boden and life in general now. I may not completely understand why it was Boden for him, but I’m glad that Hugo found love again.
Honestly, the side characters are where this book shone. We didn’t see a ton of Tucker, though he did make a few appearances, but we got lots of Ford, and I love that guy! I’m very excited for his book, especially now knowing the setup. That one’s bound to be juicy!! I also loved Micah and hope he gets a book somewhere along the line. He’s a riot, and it’s clear he’s a bit misunderstood, so I’d love to see more of what makes him tick.
Overall, the book was a little up and down for me, but I still liked spending time in this universe with this ragtag group of characters and look forward to what’s next.
I liked the way Hugo and Boden ended up together, even if there wasn’t much of a clear path that got them there. I would have liked more romance and maybe more push and pull between them along the way. As it was, there was only push (Boden pushing Hugo away) and not any pull that would bring them back together.
Hugo was a good character, though. His past was sad, and I liked seeing the way his experiences shaped the way he approached Boden and life in general now. I may not completely understand why it was Boden for him, but I’m glad that Hugo found love again.
Honestly, the side characters are where this book shone. We didn’t see a ton of Tucker, though he did make a few appearances, but we got lots of Ford, and I love that guy! I’m very excited for his book, especially now knowing the setup. That one’s bound to be juicy!! I also loved Micah and hope he gets a book somewhere along the line. He’s a riot, and it’s clear he’s a bit misunderstood, so I’d love to see more of what makes him tick.
Overall, the book was a little up and down for me, but I still liked spending time in this universe with this ragtag group of characters and look forward to what’s next.
emotional
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
“You’re really pretty,” I hear myself say, completely unbidden. “Like my horse.”
I’ve enjoyed this series so much, and this latest addition was just as wonderful. Nate and Marcos were adorable. I loved how Nate had zero chill when it came to Marcos. He saw him, he wanted him, and he put his all into winning him over. Marcos was wary, naturally, but Marcos wasn't immune to Nate’s charms for very long. It was nice seeing Marcos find someone outside of Max that he could lean on. Nate helped Marcos in so many ways, a lot like Luke helped Max in Save the Game. This book was a great complement to Max’s book, and I’m glad we got to see both him and Marcos heal after the trauma that happened when they first transferred to SCU.
I’m shaky with the realization that I am completely fucked. I don’t want to be friends with Nate. Not even a little bit. Friends is nowhere near good enough.
In this book, we get to see exactly how much what happened to Max affected Marcos, too. It was heartbreaking seeing the guilt he carried and how he felt like he needed to protect everyone. It was a heavy burden on his shoulders, and he had no one to talk to about it. I was glad that he sought help in this book and that he and Max finally talked about it now that Max was in a better place.
I also thought Marcos’ touch aversion was handled very well. Here you have Nate, who by nature is a touchy-feely, friendly guy, and he’s head over heels for Marcos, who can barely stand anyone touching him on a good day, and you have a bit of a conflict. But I thought the way they talked through it and the way Nate was patient and understanding were great. There was a lot of great communication between these guys when it came to all sorts of topics. I loved to see it.
All the bits on Nate’s uncle’s ranch were also fun. Seeing the way Marcos took to baby Tuna was the sweetest, and I think the slower lifestyle there was good for him, too. I’m glad we had another epilogue and a bonus chapter so we could see a bit into the future! I already miss these guys and look forward to reading book 5 when it comes out!
Falling in love with Nate was a little like stumbling while walking down a hill. I tried to catch myself, but eventually gravity won.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Just a Fling
Well, I wasn't expecting a 6-chapter short story to make me cry, but here we are. This was the sweetest! Tate and Sully were perfect for one another. Both of them were a little sad and very lonely when they met, but quickly hit it off and found something special together. With a backdrop of a family wedding in Tuscany, the setting and atmosphere added an extra level of romance to this sweet story. And the look into the future during the epilogue warmed my heart!
Snapshots
I hadn't realized all three stories revolved around the same wedding, but it was fun to revisit it from a different perspective! This time from the POV of the wedding photographers, Nash and Rory. These guys had a one-night stand the night of Rory's brother's (and Nash's best friend/business partner) wedding, but a miscommunication the next morning left them feeling like one night was all it would be. Paired up to take wedding photos in Italy when Rory's brother can't make it, these guys finally figure out their situation and decide to give it a go. The story was sweet, and I liked seeing them realize they actually both liked each other and wanted to be together.
It's Italy, Not Love
If you wondered about the bartender flirting with the guy mentioned in Snapshots, well, you’re in luck. Roman is in Italy attending his co-worker’s wedding and meets flirty bartender Niilo. The two hit it off and embark on a 2-week tour of Italy and, in the process, fall in love. Roman and Niilo were so cute together. I loved following their adventures and seeing Roman’s unbridled wonder at all the sights they were seeing. Roman taking a million photographs was adorable and so relatable. I loved how it wrapped up, too. There was a line in the second-to-last chapter that took my breath away. So romantic!
Well, I wasn't expecting a 6-chapter short story to make me cry, but here we are. This was the sweetest! Tate and Sully were perfect for one another. Both of them were a little sad and very lonely when they met, but quickly hit it off and found something special together. With a backdrop of a family wedding in Tuscany, the setting and atmosphere added an extra level of romance to this sweet story. And the look into the future during the epilogue warmed my heart!
Snapshots
I hadn't realized all three stories revolved around the same wedding, but it was fun to revisit it from a different perspective! This time from the POV of the wedding photographers, Nash and Rory. These guys had a one-night stand the night of Rory's brother's (and Nash's best friend/business partner) wedding, but a miscommunication the next morning left them feeling like one night was all it would be. Paired up to take wedding photos in Italy when Rory's brother can't make it, these guys finally figure out their situation and decide to give it a go. The story was sweet, and I liked seeing them realize they actually both liked each other and wanted to be together.
It's Italy, Not Love
If you wondered about the bartender flirting with the guy mentioned in Snapshots, well, you’re in luck. Roman is in Italy attending his co-worker’s wedding and meets flirty bartender Niilo. The two hit it off and embark on a 2-week tour of Italy and, in the process, fall in love. Roman and Niilo were so cute together. I loved following their adventures and seeing Roman’s unbridled wonder at all the sights they were seeing. Roman taking a million photographs was adorable and so relatable. I loved how it wrapped up, too. There was a line in the second-to-last chapter that took my breath away. So romantic!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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:
Yes
What kind of idiot follows their armed stalker to an unknown location? Oh, right—me.
When Flynn Carter left his home in Ireland to start a new life in London, becoming marked by a demon in his third week there was not part of the plan. Neither was coming under the protection of a centuries-old vampire and his ragtag crew of other supernatural beings. But that’s exactly what happened.
Sebastián Salazar already had his hands full trying to figure out who or what was behind the mysterious deaths plaguing his city; the last thing he needs is a human with very little sense of self-preservation coming under his protection. But, Seb’s not one to shirk his duties and vows to keep Flynn safe and figure out a way to save him. And in the process, try not to lose his heart to this man who makes him feel more alive than he’s felt in centuries.
“You taste like salvation,” I breathed, the words carrying the weight of truth. “Perfect beyond measure. Beyond anything I’ve known in all my years.”
I liked this story a lot. I liked the mystery and the action as the story unfolded, and I like the world this author is building. The Killigrew Street crew was a lot of fun. I loved their little found family and how they welcomed Flynn into the fold. The antics of this crew added humor to the story, which I appreciated. They’re certainly a group I look forward to returning to in future books!
I also enjoyed the romance between Flynn and Seb. I thought Seb’s struggles to maintain distance and control were portrayed well, as well as the burden of being immortal and becoming involved with a human. But Flynn brought a certain lightness and youthfulness that pulled Seb in, and I thought they worked very well together. There was no shortage of romantic moments between these two! And, of course, the stakes were quite high because it wouldn’t matter how much they wanted each other if they couldn’t figure out a way to save Flynn. The situation certainly will keep you flipping the pages to see how it all turns out!
"You make me feel so alive, like everything before was just leading me here, to you, to right now.”
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I arrived here a mess, no better than a weather vane caught in a windstorm, blown about by poor decisions and regrets. But something about this place spoke to me. The animals. The land. The people. Boone.
I thought this was a sweet and cozy little novella and a nice way to kick off the Rainbow Ranch series! Featuring Boone Adams, the ranch cook, and Wylie Anderson, a mysterious, broody cowboy just passing through. The two hit it off almost immediately, and as they grow closer, Wylie begins to consider finally setting down some roots.
It was easy to be drawn to Boone, with his sunshiny demeanor and his penchant for caring for everyone around him. Wylie was instantly drawn to him, and I enjoyed watching them grow closer. This being a novella, things progress rather quickly, but it was still believable. I loved all the swoony moments, like their date under the stars. The backdrop of the ranch and the vivid way M.A. Wardell describes it lent a dreamy quality to the whole thing.
The story was very low angst, mostly just good vibes and queer joy. It’s a quick and easy read full of warmth, family, and happiness. Plus, there are lots of cute animals (loved Dennis the mini horse!) and lots of yummy sounding food!
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a reread for me, this time I went with the audiobook and it was really great! Loved the narrator and it was nice revisiting this sweet story.
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
I’m certain the real Atlas behind the walls is worth knowing, as long as I can get past the Atlas guarding the gate.
Henri Vasel loves his friends and loves hockey. As a perpetual people pleaser, he also loves to make other people happy, and for the most part, he’s very good at it. But then he’s paired with Atlas Kaiser for a class project and is bewildered by the fact that Atlas doesn’t like him. Atlas may be rude and prickly toward Henri, but it only serves to make Henri work harder at befriending him. He slowly wears Atlas down, and they form a tentative friendship that ultimately leads to more. Atlas has been conditioned to expect people to hurt him, though, and his fears may end up costing him the one relationship that has the power to go the distance.
I can’t believe I’ve devolved into finding a man wearing khaki pants and polo shirts attractive. It’s disgusting.
Henri was a total sweetheart, which I already knew from his appearances in the first two books, but it was nice seeing him in the spotlight in this book. I’m not sure some of his language struggles were completely believable after having been in the US for 4 years (and speaking 4 other languages fluently), but the formal way he spoke was very endearing.
We got to see a lot of the guys from the first two books throughout this one. Henri was such a good friend to them; he loved his little group of friends so much and was always so kind and supportive. It was adorable how perplexed he was when he first met Atlas, who was outright mean to him. Of course, his general friendliness and persistence wore Atlas down before long, and they made a cute, albeit unlikely, pair.
Although it was never explicitly labeled, Henri was definitely on the ace spectrum, and I liked how understanding Atlas was of Henri’s wants/needs. I would have loved to see a conversation between the two about it, though, especially since Atlas was allosexual and being with Henri would be an adjustment for him. It seemed like he made whatever adjustments he needed because he never seemed dissatisfied with their dynamic, but it would have been interesting to learn more about that.
This one was fairly low angst. There was some in the last quarter of the book, thanks to Atlas’ fears, but we’re not left hanging for too long. The ending was cute, and I was thrilled to see an epilogue with a glance into the future for them (as well as a little info on the other couples in the series).
I was doing fine before a big, goofy, floppy-haired German brought me an apple.