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readingnesting's Reviews (70)
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
One of my most reread books of 2024. And I reread it today again.
Sam works for Lucifer. Only, it’s not as cool and satanic as it sounds. He is an admin assistant and the only human in the office for the Government of Species. Gideon Bailey is the demon he had a one-night stand with right before he took this job. Totally awkward. They try to ignore that and each other. But Sam just got promoted and they need to work together.
Louisa's books are as much trouble as Hellhound.
-Way too funny. I cannot share entire chapters to show you what I mean, unfair!
I laughed so much and loudly that I had to explain to my partner what the 'world of wangs' was. A dildo collection with all the different species 'peen'. In combination with a demon who loves to organize when he is stressed.
“Color or species?” “Just—” .... I can’t fucking believe he wants to organize my dildos. He shrugs. “Okay. If you decide you want them arranged by frequency of use, that’s fine too.” Then, shocking me so much I lose the power of speech, he winks and adds, “I noticed the grip on the demon one is starting to get worn."
-Way too addictive. The pull is strong to go into the rest of the Hidden Species series and the Here Be Dragons and Demons In Law books. And not just once!
My tbr is not mad, but just disappointed in me.
I love how this book is plot and character driven. There is spice, but it is definitely not the main element. I love the world building. But what I love most is how hard the writing is making me laugh.
Sam works for Lucifer. Only, it’s not as cool and satanic as it sounds. He is an admin assistant and the only human in the office for the Government of Species. Gideon Bailey is the demon he had a one-night stand with right before he took this job. Totally awkward. They try to ignore that and each other. But Sam just got promoted and they need to work together.
Louisa's books are as much trouble as Hellhound.
-Way too funny. I cannot share entire chapters to show you what I mean, unfair!
I laughed so much and loudly that I had to explain to my partner what the 'world of wangs' was. A dildo collection with all the different species 'peen'. In combination with a demon who loves to organize when he is stressed.
“Color or species?” “Just—” .... I can’t fucking believe he wants to organize my dildos. He shrugs. “Okay. If you decide you want them arranged by frequency of use, that’s fine too.” Then, shocking me so much I lose the power of speech, he winks and adds, “I noticed the grip on the demon one is starting to get worn."
-Way too addictive. The pull is strong to go into the rest of the Hidden Species series and the Here Be Dragons and Demons In Law books. And not just once!
My tbr is not mad, but just disappointed in me.
I love how this book is plot and character driven. There is spice, but it is definitely not the main element. I love the world building. But what I love most is how hard the writing is making me laugh.
adventurous
funny
reflective
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
Devoted by Lark Taylor. Book 2 of the Hopeless Blessed series.
This is an ARC review. Book comes out 19th of February.
Lark Taylor is an autobuy author for me. I read every single book and they are all amazeballs. (If you haven't read anything yet, start with Devil's Mark! You won't regret it.)
Devoted is special. Not only does this give us fated mates, possessiveness, found family and 'touch him and perish'... the mental health rep is exeptional.
Ezekiel is an angel with anger issues.
"I blew out an exasperated breath, reminding myself that Micah would be pissed if I killed his mate. Even temporarily."
Sam is a human with OCD. He is struggling, but so powerful!
If anyone would come after Sam, I'll have to agree with Ezekiel and get a bit murdery.
The way this book is written gives not only a beautiful and accurate depiction of what OCD can look like. But I suspect that this book will also be a safe haven for many people. To have a story about love and to be loved when your brain is telling you ugly things about yourself and the future, is healing.
"Fine, but I can guarantee there will come a day when your brain cells tell you to stab one of them." "I have OCD, Zeke, that's just a regular Tuesday for me."
This book is full of dark humour, cameos of characters from the other books (hurrah!) and love & spice.
This is an ARC review. Book comes out 19th of February.
Lark Taylor is an autobuy author for me. I read every single book and they are all amazeballs. (If you haven't read anything yet, start with Devil's Mark! You won't regret it.)
Devoted is special. Not only does this give us fated mates, possessiveness, found family and 'touch him and perish'... the mental health rep is exeptional.
Ezekiel is an angel with anger issues.
"I blew out an exasperated breath, reminding myself that Micah would be pissed if I killed his mate. Even temporarily."
Sam is a human with OCD. He is struggling, but so powerful!
If anyone would come after Sam, I'll have to agree with Ezekiel and get a bit murdery.
The way this book is written gives not only a beautiful and accurate depiction of what OCD can look like. But I suspect that this book will also be a safe haven for many people. To have a story about love and to be loved when your brain is telling you ugly things about yourself and the future, is healing.
"Fine, but I can guarantee there will come a day when your brain cells tell you to stab one of them." "I have OCD, Zeke, that's just a regular Tuesday for me."
This book is full of dark humour, cameos of characters from the other books (hurrah!) and love & spice.
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
It is dark, gritty and beautiful.
Tobias:
'I wasn’t the type of person to sit around daydreaming about being swept off my feet by some guy who would keep me safe. Because there’s no such thing. ‘Safe’ is a fragile, fictional concept and people are inherently unreliable.‘
Also Tobias:
‘He (Gunnar) bats my hand away from his shirt gently, looking at me with a powerful combination of annoyance and indulgence that I kind of want to soak up like a sad, underwatered little houseplant.‘
After reading this book, my respect for Erin Russell went up again. Which is an achievement. Stupid Dirty -the first book of this series- is one of my all time favourites.
Again, the writing was sublime. Tobias and Gunnar burrowed their way into my heart and I feel very protective of them.
What stood out to me is the careful and delicate way Erin treated the topic of intimate partner violence. It breathed respect and understanding.
To me it is a powerful story that shows how difficult it is to navigate love and relationships during and after trauma.
The town feels real to me and like I know the people in it. I can't wait to read more of them and I know it is coming soon!
Favourite quote:
'I understand where you’re coming from.” I beg your finest fucking pardon, Officer Bumblefuck, but you clearly don’t.‘
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexual violence
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Bad news for my tbr. I need to read more Lily Morton books.
I am a total book slut for authors that make me laugh and feel at the same time.
This book was funny, clever, sweet with a snarky bite. And just the right amount of spice!
I love it when I am right there with them in the story.
Honestly if someone is asking "Where's my backup confetti bomb?" you know it is good.
Jed and Artie work together in the wedding business. Dealing with all kinds of situations like a fighting bride and mother in law:
"You're such a f*cking cow," comes Esme's shout. "And your Yorkshire puddings are terrible." There's an outraged gasp. "Take that back, you..you, Jezebel." Artie knows how to calm everything down. Including Jed.
When Artie comes to Jed with a problem, Jed moves heaven and earth to help, which is how he finds himself entering a fake marriage with the younger man and catching feelings. Too bad it’s all pretend. Or is it?
Favourite quote: "I smell disaster." "In all honesty that might be the cows."
I am a total book slut for authors that make me laugh and feel at the same time.
This book was funny, clever, sweet with a snarky bite. And just the right amount of spice!
I love it when I am right there with them in the story.
Honestly if someone is asking "Where's my backup confetti bomb?" you know it is good.
Jed and Artie work together in the wedding business. Dealing with all kinds of situations like a fighting bride and mother in law:
"You're such a f*cking cow," comes Esme's shout. "And your Yorkshire puddings are terrible." There's an outraged gasp. "Take that back, you..you, Jezebel." Artie knows how to calm everything down. Including Jed.
When Artie comes to Jed with a problem, Jed moves heaven and earth to help, which is how he finds himself entering a fake marriage with the younger man and catching feelings. Too bad it’s all pretend. Or is it?
Favourite quote: "I smell disaster." "In all honesty that might be the cows."
Content Warnings
Minor: Grief, Car accident
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am a big fan of Saxon James (and the Other One 😉, Eden Finley). These ladies write the best banter, top notch dirty talk, and low angst swoony MM romance. Shit, I don't know how to put it in words, but they poor something in their characters that make me root for them so hard. You want them to find their love. Saxon and Eden give them their imperfectly perfect matches. And surround them with found family.
Their books have giving me comfort during times of loss. These stories reminde me that I deserve love and respect like that, even in messy times with messy feelings.
The most special series for me is Accidental Love series by Saxon James. All the boys have their baggage, quirks and lot of love to give. They have each other.
I don't want this series to end, but it is. (It is very chaos gremlin style to review the last book first, but eh.) I want to riot, but change is the logical thing. All the boys grew so much and they earned their next stage. It is done beautifully.
This book gave everything what I love about this series.
Xander has attachment trauma. Derek is a nurse that needs to learn not to put his own life on hold for others. They grow and figuring stuff out. And it glorious to see them to be surrounded by so much love and support that from the characters I already know from the other books.
I went through this book like an unhinged feral addict, snorting up the words. And now it is done.
So I propose a toast: to snark, to therapy and to love where you are not a burden but a breath of fresh air.
Their books have giving me comfort during times of loss. These stories reminde me that I deserve love and respect like that, even in messy times with messy feelings.
The most special series for me is Accidental Love series by Saxon James. All the boys have their baggage, quirks and lot of love to give. They have each other.
I don't want this series to end, but it is. (It is very chaos gremlin style to review the last book first, but eh.) I want to riot, but change is the logical thing. All the boys grew so much and they earned their next stage. It is done beautifully.
This book gave everything what I love about this series.
Xander has attachment trauma. Derek is a nurse that needs to learn not to put his own life on hold for others. They grow and figuring stuff out. And it glorious to see them to be surrounded by so much love and support that from the characters I already know from the other books.
I went through this book like an unhinged feral addict, snorting up the words. And now it is done.
So I propose a toast: to snark, to therapy and to love where you are not a burden but a breath of fresh air.
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Hayden Hall is an excellent writer. It is nice to find a m/m story written by a man, in a market that is flooded with female authors.
I love when characters find love, when they believe they are unlovable. This book gave that to me!
Loved the message that when others can't reciprocate the love you give, that it doesn't mean that you weren't enough.
Read this when you are in the mood for something swoony and spicy!
This can be read as a standalone, but I do feel like it would be best to read it in order.
Why a 3.5 star rating? I can't put my finger on it, but I long for something deeper or more emotive.
This book makes me smile, but not laugh. And I think this is true for me with every emotion it touched in me, for this book.
I love when characters find love, when they believe they are unlovable. This book gave that to me!
Loved the message that when others can't reciprocate the love you give, that it doesn't mean that you weren't enough.
Read this when you are in the mood for something swoony and spicy!
This can be read as a standalone, but I do feel like it would be best to read it in order.
Why a 3.5 star rating? I can't put my finger on it, but I long for something deeper or more emotive.
This book makes me smile, but not laugh. And I think this is true for me with every emotion it touched in me, for this book.
dark
emotional
sad
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
This the second book of Far From Ruined and you need to read in order.
Flirting and tension between Silas en Ben is building up. And finally they are boyfriends!
" "Oh my God, that's my dad!" I shrieked flailing as I lost balance crashed on to the floor. "Oh f***, get dressed, Ben. Don't let my dad see your nipples." Why that seemed important, I didn't know."
We see the boys awkward, cutesy, funny, supportive and messing up. How fragile and vulnerable love is.
But the secrets come out and it puts a strain on everything and everyone.
I love these boys intensly.
I keep repeating myself, but Nik Knight is amazing with writing realistically about trauma. The softest spot in my heart is for people finding love that are afraid that they are unlovable. For the jagged edges of both partners to rub together and get smoother in the process. To love, not take bullshit, challenge and support each other. This book gives that representation.
"We were bent and bruised disfigured and damaged, but we were not ruined."
I was a bit scared of what to expect, but it was the right mix of funny, light with the messy and painful and healing.
Flirting and tension between Silas en Ben is building up. And finally they are boyfriends!
" "Oh my God, that's my dad!" I shrieked flailing as I lost balance crashed on to the floor. "Oh f***, get dressed, Ben. Don't let my dad see your nipples." Why that seemed important, I didn't know."
We see the boys awkward, cutesy, funny, supportive and messing up. How fragile and vulnerable love is.
But the secrets come out and it puts a strain on everything and everyone.
I love these boys intensly.
I keep repeating myself, but Nik Knight is amazing with writing realistically about trauma. The softest spot in my heart is for people finding love that are afraid that they are unlovable. For the jagged edges of both partners to rub together and get smoother in the process. To love, not take bullshit, challenge and support each other. This book gives that representation.
"We were bent and bruised disfigured and damaged, but we were not ruined."
I was a bit scared of what to expect, but it was the right mix of funny, light with the messy and painful and healing.
dark
emotional
sad
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
Every Mended Heart by Nik Knight.
The last book of the trilogy. You can't read these books out of order. And before you begin this series, please check trigger warnings.
This one hurt. It is beautifully written and I couldn't put it down. These boys will probably live in my heart. It is very real.
Read if you want to feel. Read if you want to understand trauma or want it represented well. Read if you want the real, the vulnerable and the messiness of life.
This time not a quote from the book, but a quote that came to my mind after finishing reading.
"There's always a home for you here in my heart. I'll leave the light on." -Ben Maxfield
The last book of the trilogy. You can't read these books out of order. And before you begin this series, please check trigger warnings.
This one hurt. It is beautifully written and I couldn't put it down. These boys will probably live in my heart. It is very real.
Read if you want to feel. Read if you want to understand trauma or want it represented well. Read if you want the real, the vulnerable and the messiness of life.
This time not a quote from the book, but a quote that came to my mind after finishing reading.
"There's always a home for you here in my heart. I'll leave the light on." -Ben Maxfield
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Abandonment, Sexual harassment
emotional
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
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
Of course you are going to kiss the annoying goalie at your brother's wedding to prove you're straight. Fool proof plan!
Errr, okay. Not straight. But you don't have to do anything with it and get on with your life.
Until that same goalie gets traded to your team and he is your responsibility now.
Get ready to meet (and love):
Conner O'Shea. A grumpy, responsible hockey captain. Divorced dad.
Jesse Webber. Goalie. A sunshine brat. Sometimes he brings the chaos, sometimes the chaos finds him.
It is a bit tricky to say why I love this book and these boys, because I don't want to post spoilers. But I loved their journey. Some beliefs had to be examined and unpacked. The strength to choose again. The struggles of co-parenting. And love in all different colours and flavours. Not only queer or even romantic, but also family, friends and coworkers.
It is a first book of a new series, but it is set in same world as Rules of the Game series and Relationships Goals series.
For me it is a happy reunion to see some characters that I love. It gives me all the comfort of something that I know and given me a whole new story!
Brigham Vaughn weaves snippets of the other stories in this story. And does this so well! It gives depth to the story and the characters. It makes me feel greedy! I want to get to know the others too! What is going on for them?! I know this book isn't even out yet, but I would love to have the rest of the series now. Thank you.
Errr, okay. Not straight. But you don't have to do anything with it and get on with your life.
Until that same goalie gets traded to your team and he is your responsibility now.
Get ready to meet (and love):
Conner O'Shea. A grumpy, responsible hockey captain. Divorced dad.
Jesse Webber. Goalie. A sunshine brat. Sometimes he brings the chaos, sometimes the chaos finds him.
It is a bit tricky to say why I love this book and these boys, because I don't want to post spoilers. But I loved their journey. Some beliefs had to be examined and unpacked. The strength to choose again. The struggles of co-parenting. And love in all different colours and flavours. Not only queer or even romantic, but also family, friends and coworkers.
It is a first book of a new series, but it is set in same world as Rules of the Game series and Relationships Goals series.
For me it is a happy reunion to see some characters that I love. It gives me all the comfort of something that I know and given me a whole new story!
Brigham Vaughn weaves snippets of the other stories in this story. And does this so well! It gives depth to the story and the characters. It makes me feel greedy! I want to get to know the others too! What is going on for them?! I know this book isn't even out yet, but I would love to have the rest of the series now. Thank you.