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ladymacbeth2024's reviews
446 reviews
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.
The Long Refrain by Maya Jean
5.0
5 stars
A couple of necessary clarifications:
Like clearly listed in the TWs at the start of the book, this story contains suicidal ideation and on page suicidal attempt (not graphic): if these topics trigger you, don't read this. If you still decide to read this, it's highly unfair to the author to rate this story low because of them.
Moreover, mental illnesses, coping mechanism and healing are a personal journey. You don't get to label the author's choices as not credible just because they don't match your own experiences.
This was the hardest story of the series, but also the most beautiful (sorry Beau and Trevor!).
Nolan and Benji's is a journey towards love for themselves, for each other, for their friends. It's a journey of healing, for both of them, even if in very different ways.
Nolan didn't have an easy childhood and teenage years, he wasn't able handle his huge success, he tried to cope with alcohol first and rough sex later, he had depression and suicidal thought. He's very talented but also so very lost.
Benji is easygoing and extroverted, he's friendly and caring, but he's also scared to lose the people he loves, because of a trauma in his past.
When they met each other, they have an instant connection, even if neither of them recognised it, they're like 2 pieces of a puzzle that fit perfectly.
Benji wants to erase all the pain from Nolan's life and finds a way to give him what he needs without hurting him, while Nolan feels like he can lean on Benji, he can open up to him, very slowly and with a lot of difficulty, but still he let Benji see the real him. With Benji, finally Nolan can feels safe.
The scene at the hotel is heartbreaking, highly emotional, painful, but also so very beautifully written: Beni and Nolan's feelings are intense and raw and all the situation made me cry ugly tears.
I really loved that, even when Nolan started therapy, he still had bad days and a lot of doubts, like it wasn't all suddenly resolved, like Benji's love wasn't the solutions to all his problems, but that he had to work hard to get better. Their HEA doesn't come out of the blue, neither their love declaration: when they finally say their I love yous, it's exactly the right time.
I also adored how supportive all the guys were: obviously, they were concerned about Benji, when he was on tour, but the moment they met Nolan, they took him under their wings and helped him getting the help he needed. They also offered something Nolan never had, a real friendship, with down to earth people who didn't care about fame or money (I really adored Nolan and Harper's relationship, Nolan was carefree with him).
Chris is worth mentioning too, he acted like a guardian angel over Nolan since he started working for him.
The series ends with this book, we don't know if Maya Jean will bring us back to Clay Springs again in the future. I'm sad but I'm also very curious to read what she'll write next. I hope we'll have a new story soon.
Highly recommended
A couple of necessary clarifications:
Like clearly listed in the TWs at the start of the book, this story contains suicidal ideation and on page suicidal attempt (not graphic): if these topics trigger you, don't read this. If you still decide to read this, it's highly unfair to the author to rate this story low because of them.
Moreover, mental illnesses, coping mechanism and healing are a personal journey. You don't get to label the author's choices as not credible just because they don't match your own experiences.
This was the hardest story of the series, but also the most beautiful (sorry Beau and Trevor!).
Nolan and Benji's is a journey towards love for themselves, for each other, for their friends. It's a journey of healing, for both of them, even if in very different ways.
Nolan didn't have an easy childhood and teenage years, he wasn't able handle his huge success, he tried to cope with alcohol first and rough sex later, he had depression and suicidal thought. He's very talented but also so very lost.
Benji is easygoing and extroverted, he's friendly and caring, but he's also scared to lose the people he loves, because of a trauma in his past.
When they met each other, they have an instant connection, even if neither of them recognised it, they're like 2 pieces of a puzzle that fit perfectly.
Benji wants to erase all the pain from Nolan's life and finds a way to give him what he needs without hurting him, while Nolan feels like he can lean on Benji, he can open up to him, very slowly and with a lot of difficulty, but still he let Benji see the real him. With Benji, finally Nolan can feels safe.
The scene at the hotel is heartbreaking, highly emotional, painful, but also so very beautifully written: Beni and Nolan's feelings are intense and raw and all the situation made me cry ugly tears.
I really loved that, even when Nolan started therapy, he still had bad days and a lot of doubts, like it wasn't all suddenly resolved, like Benji's love wasn't the solutions to all his problems, but that he had to work hard to get better. Their HEA doesn't come out of the blue, neither their love declaration: when they finally say their I love yous, it's exactly the right time.
I also adored how supportive all the guys were: obviously, they were concerned about Benji, when he was on tour, but the moment they met Nolan, they took him under their wings and helped him getting the help he needed. They also offered something Nolan never had, a real friendship, with down to earth people who didn't care about fame or money (I really adored Nolan and Harper's relationship, Nolan was carefree with him).
Chris is worth mentioning too, he acted like a guardian angel over Nolan since he started working for him.
The series ends with this book, we don't know if Maya Jean will bring us back to Clay Springs again in the future. I'm sad but I'm also very curious to read what she'll write next. I hope we'll have a new story soon.
Highly recommended
Closing Time by Maia Kinley
3.0
3 stars
Nice story set in the same universe as Camrose U: the two MCs work at Stella's, a popular cafè on campus.
It was nice, but it ends right after Xaden and Eli get together. I definitely wanted to have more of them, especially because there's just a little romance in the story and Eli's grumpiness is overwhelming. The repeated hints to previous hookups didn't help either.
Nice story set in the same universe as Camrose U: the two MCs work at Stella's, a popular cafè on campus.
It was nice, but it ends right after Xaden and Eli get together. I definitely wanted to have more of them, especially because there's just a little romance in the story and Eli's grumpiness is overwhelming. The repeated hints to previous hookups didn't help either.