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ladymacbeth2024's reviews
428 reviews
Brace and Chase by Hinsel Meyer
5.0
5 stars
I'm so in love with Santa! I adored this character since he appeared in the first book and I was waiting for his story. He's so easygoing, funny, he has an awesome relationship with his teammates, so seeing him grumbling and complaining about Charlie was very interesting.
Charlie is adorable and lovely and my heart broke for him every time Nikolay was an asshole to him.
Their bi awakening was very well done and I appreciated that they kept teasing and each other
I also really really appreciated Charlie being honest with Nikolay: I hate miscommunication, but luckily, both of them, despite their differences, were able to resolve their issues (I loved how Charlie was shocked when Nikolay revealed where his animosity came from).
Some of my favourite things: Charlie being the only one calling Santa "Nik" and Nikolay being possessive of Charlie's nickname "Sweetheart"; Charlie finally finding his own family between the Pirates; Nikolay's banter with Charlie's brothers at their parents house; Nikolay mending things with his brother.
As usual, Gab Darnell knows more than us mere mortals so I gave upe questioning her choices. She's just awesome.
I hope Hinsel Meyer won't make us wait long for another story, I'm in love with her characters and I can't get enough of them!
I'm so in love with Santa! I adored this character since he appeared in the first book and I was waiting for his story. He's so easygoing, funny, he has an awesome relationship with his teammates, so seeing him grumbling and complaining about Charlie was very interesting.
Charlie is adorable and lovely and my heart broke for him every time Nikolay was an asshole to him.
Their bi awakening was very well done and I appreciated that they kept teasing and each other
I also really really appreciated Charlie being honest with Nikolay: I hate miscommunication, but luckily, both of them, despite their differences, were able to resolve their issues (I loved how Charlie was shocked when Nikolay revealed where his animosity came from).
Some of my favourite things: Charlie being the only one calling Santa "Nik" and Nikolay being possessive of Charlie's nickname "Sweetheart"; Charlie finally finding his own family between the Pirates; Nikolay's banter with Charlie's brothers at their parents house; Nikolay mending things with his brother.
As usual, Gab Darnell knows more than us mere mortals so I gave upe questioning her choices. She's just awesome.
I hope Hinsel Meyer won't make us wait long for another story, I'm in love with her characters and I can't get enough of them!
Breaking You Open by Ally Avery
2.5
2.5 stars
I'll start by saying that I liked the two main characters: Sparrow is young and naive and he just needs to be loved, while Louis is older and has a protective and possessive nature.
Dark themes are not my favourites, but I knew beforehand about the violent side of this story so I was prepared.
What didn't work for me was Louis and Sparrow' insta love and connection: the dynamic of their physical relationship is understandable, they both offer what the other craves, but it was the emotional one that left me unsatisfied.
I honestly think that Sparrow was too much immature to handle a balanced relationship with Louis and that he didn't grow up at all through the story. He's too impulsive and he relies too much on others about his own safety. About Louis, he was tormented about what he did to his ex, but it the ends it all felt anticlimatic (I expected so much worse, considering the vibes of the book). I would have loved to see more about his past to understand him.
I also didn't like the scene when both of them have their revenge on Aaron: besides being unhinged, it gave me the vibes that Louis was showing off in front of Aaron, letting him see he stolen his toy, but that Sparrow was still being used. It didn't feel like revenge at all on his part.
I like this author's style and I'll definitely get back to her books if she'll move from dark themes to something more romantic.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review
I'll start by saying that I liked the two main characters: Sparrow is young and naive and he just needs to be loved, while Louis is older and has a protective and possessive nature.
Dark themes are not my favourites, but I knew beforehand about the violent side of this story so I was prepared.
What didn't work for me was Louis and Sparrow' insta love and connection: the dynamic of their physical relationship is understandable, they both offer what the other craves, but it was the emotional one that left me unsatisfied.
I honestly think that Sparrow was too much immature to handle a balanced relationship with Louis and that he didn't grow up at all through the story. He's too impulsive and he relies too much on others about his own safety. About Louis, he was tormented about what he did to his ex, but it the ends it all felt anticlimatic (I expected so much worse, considering the vibes of the book). I would have loved to see more about his past to understand him.
I also didn't like the scene when both of them have their revenge on Aaron: besides being unhinged, it gave me the vibes that Louis was showing off in front of Aaron, letting him see he stolen his toy, but that Sparrow was still being used. It didn't feel like revenge at all on his part.
I like this author's style and I'll definitely get back to her books if she'll move from dark themes to something more romantic.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review
Rhett by Riley Hart
5.0
5 stars
When I read Morgan, I disliked Rhett a first sight for obvious reasons. I was honestly a little skeptical about his book because, come on, he was not that great, he behaved horribly with their brothers. But at the same time I really craved his book because if there is one author in this world who can make me change my mind and love imperfect men, well, it’s definitely Riley Hart.
After reading Easton I knew I would fall in love with Rhett too: his wall were starting to crumble and we had glimpses of his pain and also of his trueself.
I devoured his book in one sitting: I have no words to describe how wonderful Rhett is, it was like when the restorers finish working on a paint and under several layers of worthless paintings, they discover a masterpiece.
Rhett is like this, a wonderful soul, a caring brother, a loving partner, an imperfect man and so so much more.
I’m not going to spoil anything, but I need to say these two things:
First, I had conflicted feelings towards Rhett's mother since the first book and I loved that the author pointed them out here too: she was a victim of her narcissistic husband, but she still could have done more for her children and trying harder to let Rhett feeling that he was loved too.
Second, Rhett's relationship with Meadow is beyond wonderful and I really really loved that he had her in his life.
Absolutely worth all the tears. Highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review
When I read Morgan, I disliked Rhett a first sight for obvious reasons. I was honestly a little skeptical about his book because, come on, he was not that great, he behaved horribly with their brothers. But at the same time I really craved his book because if there is one author in this world who can make me change my mind and love imperfect men, well, it’s definitely Riley Hart.
After reading Easton I knew I would fall in love with Rhett too: his wall were starting to crumble and we had glimpses of his pain and also of his trueself.
I devoured his book in one sitting: I have no words to describe how wonderful Rhett is, it was like when the restorers finish working on a paint and under several layers of worthless paintings, they discover a masterpiece.
Rhett is like this, a wonderful soul, a caring brother, a loving partner, an imperfect man and so so much more.
I’m not going to spoil anything, but I need to say these two things:
First, I had conflicted feelings towards Rhett's mother since the first book and I loved that the author pointed them out here too: she was a victim of her narcissistic husband, but she still could have done more for her children and trying harder to let Rhett feeling that he was loved too.
Second, Rhett's relationship with Meadow is beyond wonderful and I really really loved that he had her in his life.
Absolutely worth all the tears. Highly recommended.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review
Midnight Promises by Addison Beck
4.5
4.5 stars
Why no one told me that this book was such a beautiful story? I can believe it took me so long to read it.
This book is full of so many feelings that, I believe, will get the readers different reactions.
For me it was a story of love, in different forms.
My favourite parts:
I really really appreciated that Matteo decided to leave the Church for himself and not for Theo. I loved their time apart and the fact that they really made an effort to learn to live for themselves.
I also adored the contrast between their tenderness and soft intimacy and their filthiness in the bedroom.
Marcy, she's the best.
What prevented me from giving 5 full stars:
First:I liked Clara very much until she begged Matteo to give up on Theo and tried to build a new life with him, without being honest and open about the cheating. Sweeping thing under the rug just made her more miserable
Second:they got really together too close to the end of the book, I would have loved to have more time with them. Also, I hoped they would bring little Billy with them.
Third:Theo's inability to put his feelings into words was too much sometimes.
I should never have read the preview of the next book in this series, Jacob's story, because it already broke my heart. I don't think I will be able to read it, the first scene hurt like hell. I'm happy that the author will give him his own happy ending, though.
Very recommended.
Why no one told me that this book was such a beautiful story? I can believe it took me so long to read it.
This book is full of so many feelings that, I believe, will get the readers different reactions.
For me it was a story of love, in different forms.
My favourite parts:
I really really appreciated that
I also adored the contrast between their tenderness and soft intimacy and their filthiness in the bedroom.
Marcy, she's the best.
What prevented me from giving 5 full stars:
First:
Second:
Third:
I should never have read the preview of the next book in this series, Jacob's story, because it already broke my heart. I don't think I will be able to read it, the first scene hurt like hell. I'm happy that the author will give him his own happy ending, though.
Very recommended.
Power Forward by Jodi Oliver
4.5
4.5 stars
Second chance at love for Hayden Cassidy and Jackson Wilde. We had a hint that thing were not good between them in the previous book and now we get to know what happened.
They played together in Boston and were very much in love, but also in the closet; their relationship lasted 3 years, but when Jackson was traded, Cass left him and instead of being mature about his fears, he hurt Jackson a lot by being awful and dumping him with harsh words.
After 14 years, Cass is retired from hockey because of a career ending injury and he's divorced and Jackson still plays, he's also divorced and has two children. They meet and have a chance to talk at Blaine and Alex's wedding: both of them are miserable and hurt but while Jackson is also angry and still confused about their breakup, Cass is completely heartbroken and regretful.
Despite since the first chapter is obvious that the end of their love story was Hayden's fault, it's impossible not to feel sorry for him: I think Jodi Oliver did an amazing job in describing his healing journey and all his mental challenges.
I loved how brave he was, putting himself out there and ask Jackson to be friends again. And I totally adored how tender and protective Jackson was towards him (especially in the scene with his ex wife).
What prevented me from giving 5 full stars:
Cass' suicide attempts are not described in detail, thankfully, but I wish he would have talked about them more with Jackson. Sometimes, their conversations about Cass' mental health seemed a little bit glossed over (like Hayden never explained the meaning of his tattoos).
Zara is one of the best ex wife ever, she is a wonderful woman and I appreciated that Cass still has her in his life.
The children are precious and I adored the epilogue, so romantic!
Finally, next book will be about Elliot, I can't wait to read it.
I received an ARC of this book from The Author Agency and this is my honest review
Second chance at love for Hayden Cassidy and Jackson Wilde. We had a hint that thing were not good between them in the previous book and now we get to know what happened.
They played together in Boston and were very much in love, but also in the closet; their relationship lasted 3 years, but when Jackson was traded, Cass left him and instead of being mature about his fears, he hurt Jackson a lot by being awful and dumping him with harsh words.
After 14 years, Cass is retired from hockey because of a career ending injury and he's divorced and Jackson still plays, he's also divorced and has two children. They meet and have a chance to talk at Blaine and Alex's wedding: both of them are miserable and hurt but while Jackson is also angry and still confused about their breakup, Cass is completely heartbroken and regretful.
Despite since the first chapter is obvious that the end of their love story was Hayden's fault, it's impossible not to feel sorry for him: I think Jodi Oliver did an amazing job in describing his healing journey and all his mental challenges.
I loved how brave he was, putting himself out there and ask Jackson to be friends again. And I totally adored how tender and protective Jackson was towards him (especially in the scene with his ex wife).
What prevented me from giving 5 full stars:
Cass' suicide attempts are not described in detail, thankfully, but I wish he would have talked about them more with Jackson. Sometimes, their conversations about Cass' mental health seemed a little bit glossed over (like Hayden never explained the meaning of his tattoos).
Zara is one of the best ex wife ever, she is a wonderful woman and I appreciated that Cass still has her in his life.
The children are precious and I adored the epilogue, so romantic!
Finally, next book will be about Elliot, I can't wait to read it.
I received an ARC of this book from The Author Agency and this is my honest review
With You: A Without You Novella by Marley Valentine
5.0
5 stars
This was incredible: when Marley Valentine dropped the announcement for this novella on her social media, I was stunned; I couldn't believe we could have met Deacon and Julian again (beside the little bits we found in her other books).
Their story was beautiful and heartbreaking in their book and it's still beautiful in this novella. It's still heartbreaking too, but in the best possible way.
I loved everything, even their struggles: their journey was not easy nor perfect, but they're still together, fighting for their happiness.
Vic's speech at the wedding made me cry ugly tears, it was so very beautiful.
The end is astonishing: the author will give us another precious story where we'll see Deacon and Julian again and I literally cannot wait for it!
If you loved Deacon and Julian in Without You you can't miss this. Highly recommended.
This was incredible: when Marley Valentine dropped the announcement for this novella on her social media, I was stunned; I couldn't believe we could have met Deacon and Julian again (beside the little bits we found in her other books).
Their story was beautiful and heartbreaking in their book and it's still beautiful in this novella. It's still heartbreaking too, but in the best possible way.
I loved everything, even their struggles: their journey was not easy nor perfect, but they're still together, fighting for their happiness.
Vic's speech at the wedding made me cry ugly tears, it was so very beautiful.
The end is astonishing: the author will give us another precious story where we'll see Deacon and Julian again and I literally cannot wait for it!
If you loved Deacon and Julian in Without You you can't miss this. Highly recommended.
On the Edge by J.J. Mulder
5.0
5 stars
Another fantastic story from JJ Mulder, she's so so good and I love her writing.
Henri Vasel is one of the most precious character in MM romance: he's so attentive, caring, thoughtful, even with strangers, like Atlas. I adored that his first thought was that maybe he needed a friend. Henri is a gentle soul and he deserves all the love his friends have for him (the way Carter is protective of him, gahh!).
I could easily connect with him and his struggles with the English language since it wasn't the language I was raised with, just like him. I felt every ounce of his embarrassment every time he chose the wrong word or his every hesitation to speak.
Atlas is really a feral stray cat: I hate that his past made him like that, I hate how much he suffered and I completely understand his struggles to let people in; despite being grumpy and feeling unworthy, though, he cares about people, we can see that when he spends time with his little brothers or when he bickers with Nate.
And Henri's kindness, care and affection will break the wall around his heart little by little.
I loved how the author described Henri's sexuality (he's ace) and especially how Atlas never, ever, pushed him or belittled him for that. I loved that Henri's sexuality was never an obstacle between them.
The epilogue is one of the most fantastic ever, it made me literally cry. It was perfect, so very perfect for their story!
And of course, seeing all the other guys has been awesome.
Sadly, I'm in withdrawal right now, I hope JJ won't make us wait a long time for her next story.
So so much recommended!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review
Another fantastic story from JJ Mulder, she's so so good and I love her writing.
Henri Vasel is one of the most precious character in MM romance: he's so attentive, caring, thoughtful, even with strangers, like Atlas. I adored that his first thought was that maybe he needed a friend. Henri is a gentle soul and he deserves all the love his friends have for him (the way Carter is protective of him, gahh!).
I could easily connect with him and his struggles with the English language since it wasn't the language I was raised with, just like him. I felt every ounce of his embarrassment every time he chose the wrong word or his every hesitation to speak.
Atlas is really a feral stray cat: I hate that his past made him like that, I hate how much he suffered and I completely understand his struggles to let people in; despite being grumpy and feeling unworthy, though, he cares about people, we can see that when he spends time with his little brothers or when he bickers with Nate.
And Henri's kindness, care and affection will break the wall around his heart little by little.
I loved how the author described Henri's sexuality (he's ace) and especially how Atlas never, ever, pushed him or belittled him for that. I loved that Henri's sexuality was never an obstacle between them.
The epilogue is one of the most fantastic ever, it made me literally cry. It was perfect, so very perfect for their story!
And of course, seeing all the other guys has been awesome.
Sadly, I'm in withdrawal right now, I hope JJ won't make us wait a long time for her next story.
So so much recommended!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review
The Prince and the Player by Nora Phoenix
4.0
4 stars
Very nice story! Since a famous book with an European Prince and an American boy came out, every MM books with prince/commoner trope has been compared with it and I find it very unfair.
Nora Phoenix's story has his original side and I enjoyed it very much.
I didn't connect with Farron at first but the I loved his development throughout the story: Tore's arrival on the team forced him to revaluate all his beliefs about rich people. Yes, he was terribly unfair and judgemental towards him and didn't always treat him right after their physical exploration, but after getting to know him better, he changed his mind and I adored how smitten he was with him. I also loved how he made himself vulnerable and open by showing Tore his home and introducing him to his family.
Tore was adorable: I loved his language, his openness, his kindness. I really liked how he showed nothing but tenderness and love to Farron and waited for him to give their relationship a chance. Sometimes he seemed a pushover, but in reality he was forgiving and mature.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate
I found a little unbelievable that Tore could keep his identity a secret: in times like these, where everything and everyone is on the internet, I honestly thought someone would have googled him.
Moreover, I didn't like Tore's poor decision to let his charade going that far.
I liked very much Farron's teammates and how they became friends with Tore's too. I don't know if we'll get to see them again, but I hope to.
I also loved the friendship between the four Princes and their banter and I'm surely going to read their books.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest review
Very nice story! Since a famous book with an European Prince and an American boy came out, every MM books with prince/commoner trope has been compared with it and I find it very unfair.
Nora Phoenix's story has his original side and I enjoyed it very much.
I didn't connect with Farron at first but the I loved his development throughout the story: Tore's arrival on the team forced him to revaluate all his beliefs about rich people. Yes, he was terribly unfair and judgemental towards him and didn't always treat him right after their physical exploration, but after getting to know him better, he changed his mind and I adored how smitten he was with him. I also loved how he made himself vulnerable and open by showing Tore his home and introducing him to his family.
Tore was adorable: I loved his language, his openness, his kindness. I really liked how he showed nothing but tenderness and love to Farron and waited for him to give their relationship a chance. Sometimes he seemed a pushover, but in reality he was forgiving and mature.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate
I found a little unbelievable that Tore could keep his identity a secret: in times like these, where everything and everyone is on the internet, I honestly thought someone would have googled him.
Moreover, I didn't like Tore's poor decision to let his charade going that far.
I liked very much Farron's teammates and how they became friends with Tore's too. I don't know if we'll get to see them again, but I hope to.
I also loved the friendship between the four Princes and their banter and I'm surely going to read their books.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest review
Ourselves and Immortality by Logan Sage Adams
4.5
4.5 stars
Another sweet historical love story from Logan Sage Adams and I really enjoyed it.
I immediately fell in love with John: he's gentle and kind, he loves working alone, he's quiet and reserved, he's very different from his brother Michael and, sometimes, he feels uncomfortable around him, like he's afraid to do the wrong thing, but he loves him deeply. John is not big on changes, but accepts to move away with him and 2 years later after the first chapter (1902) he becomes a mortician.
Calvin is the opposite: he's a con man used to trick people to survive, he's a thief, he's very good at reading people and he's openly friendly. Calvin is also very poor and lives in misery. He finds himself being offered a position as John's assistant and he accepts gladly (even if he's quite uneasy with Michael's attitude towards him).
So, John and Calvin live and work together and develop a solid friendship, helping each other and making the business grow. But they also learn how to be better and improve themselves: John becomes more confident about his job and being around people, while Calvin starts to value honesty more and to be aware of the consequences of his actions.
John and Michael's confrontation about their past and their grief was absolutely heartbreaking and wonderful at the same time: I'm so very glad that they could mend things and being close again.
Katherine is an amazing person: she's supportive and sweet and I really appreciated such a positive female character in a MM romance. Her friendship with Calvin is unique and beautiful, it was like Calvin had a loving sister to his own.
What prevented me from giving five full stars:
I completely understand why Calvin thought David so often, but I would have preferred to not still read about him that late in the story
This book has a very beautiful prose: I loved the pace (even if it took me a little while to get into it at first) and the slow burn between Calvin and John. I adored the way the author describes their physical interactions and all their sweet times together: those moments were always so intimate and precious and I felt like I was intruding, like I didn't want to disturb them.
I hope to read another story by this author soon. In the meantime I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Another sweet historical love story from Logan Sage Adams and I really enjoyed it.
I immediately fell in love with John: he's gentle and kind, he loves working alone, he's quiet and reserved, he's very different from his brother Michael and, sometimes, he feels uncomfortable around him, like he's afraid to do the wrong thing, but he loves him deeply. John is not big on changes, but accepts to move away with him and 2 years later after the first chapter (1902) he becomes a mortician.
Calvin is the opposite: he's a con man used to trick people to survive, he's a thief, he's very good at reading people and he's openly friendly. Calvin is also very poor and lives in misery. He finds himself being offered a position as John's assistant and he accepts gladly (even if he's quite uneasy with Michael's attitude towards him).
So, John and Calvin live and work together and develop a solid friendship, helping each other and making the business grow. But they also learn how to be better and improve themselves: John becomes more confident about his job and being around people, while Calvin starts to value honesty more and to be aware of the consequences of his actions.
John and Michael's confrontation about their past and their grief was absolutely heartbreaking and wonderful at the same time: I'm so very glad that they could mend things and being close again.
Katherine is an amazing person: she's supportive and sweet and I really appreciated such a positive female character in a MM romance. Her friendship with Calvin is unique and beautiful, it was like Calvin had a loving sister to his own.
What prevented me from giving five full stars:
I completely understand why Calvin thought David so often, but I would have preferred to not still read about him that late in the story
This book has a very beautiful prose: I loved the pace (even if it took me a little while to get into it at first) and the slow burn between Calvin and John. I adored the way the author describes their physical interactions and all their sweet times together: those moments were always so intimate and precious and I felt like I was intruding, like I didn't want to disturb them.
I hope to read another story by this author soon. In the meantime I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Love and Defects: perfectly imperfect series by West Greene
3.5
3.5 stars
This was a nice story of two best friends who are also roommates who fall in love.
Sterling has to deal with trauma due to a horrible past (read the TWs because it's a very heavy theme) and Graham helps him face his nightmares and panic attacks. They were crushing on each other for a long time and finally, after a kiss, they confess their feelings.
I liked both of them, but the story felt a little flat, I prefer other stories written by West Greene.
This was a nice story of two best friends who are also roommates who fall in love.
Sterling has to deal with trauma due to a horrible past (read the TWs because it's a very heavy theme) and Graham helps him face his nightmares and panic attacks. They were crushing on each other for a long time and finally, after a kiss, they confess their feelings.
I liked both of them, but the story felt a little flat, I prefer other stories written by West Greene.