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railway1721's reviews
186 reviews
Between the Pipes by J.J. Mulder
Plot: 4/5
Spice: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Overall reco: The last book was a 4.25, this is a more solid 4. This book had way more angst too it and I pined right along with Lawson. There was also more miscommunication in this book that wasn't immediately cleared up like the others, but I wasn't upset about it. It made sense, and wasn't the kind of an over dramatic main character, but just personal history clouding judgement, WHICH IS GOOD. That is good miscommunication! Anyway. This felt really close to a 5 star but..what the fuck was that ending? Like I'm used to JJ Mulder's epilogue's being not satisfying and that there is a branch off that comes from this series which I'm likely to devour immediately, but holy shit. That's it? I know we have another book but fuck.. the way the book ended felt like a series coming to an end and I wanted to throw up with how little we got. I feel actually really upset that I can't give Lawson 5 stars because it just fucking ended and I WAS NOT READY
(Other Notes)
Lawson is best boi of this series and I will fucking fight people about it.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
“You’d be easy to fall in love with, if I didn’t know what a spectacularly bad idea that would be.”
Plot: 4/5
Spice: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Overall reco: The last book was a 4.25, this is a more solid 4. This book had way more angst too it and I pined right along with Lawson. There was also more miscommunication in this book that wasn't immediately cleared up like the others, but I wasn't upset about it. It made sense, and wasn't the kind of an over dramatic main character, but just personal history clouding judgement, WHICH IS GOOD. That is good miscommunication! Anyway. This felt really close to a 5 star but..
If nothing else is accomplished this summer, please let me at least leave Carter Morgan with a fucking friend.
(Other Notes)
Lawson is best boi of this series and I will fucking fight people about it.
Square To The Puck by J.J. Mulder
(Other Notes)
Again the epilogue was lacking BUT now I know that's because these book appear to basically be right on top of each other in terms of timelines so its hard to find an epilogue that doesn't spoil things.
AND THE BANTER! Corwin and Nigel's chemisty in the bedroom was HOT but also so very real. There were jokes, pauses for laughter and other moments and honestly it was very refreshing.
And to add. I gave this book a 4/5 on spice, mostly because of the descriptions even though there was more foreplay that didn't always go anywhere, but not in a cockblocking way, just because of the relationship. JJ Mulder has a knack for just.. giving smut that really tickles my fancy.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Plot: 3/5
Spice: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Overall reco: I actually really enjoyed this more than the first. Nigel and Corwin are not the fluffy story that Troy and Sam were, there was more too it. More depth. Not super dark but mentions of past abuse, and the ramifications of that. I expected to really dislike Nigel and there to be more of a enemies to lovers thing but not more like reuniting. I did really enjoy the development of their relationship, and man.. Nigel is just.. great. I'm immediately considering jumping into the next book, that's how into this tory I am and I hardly ever stick with a series right through, usually bouncing between series and novellas.
Spice: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Overall reco: I actually really enjoyed this more than the first. Nigel and Corwin are not the fluffy story that Troy and Sam were, there was more too it. More depth. Not super dark but mentions of past abuse, and the ramifications of that. I expected to really dislike Nigel and there to be more of a enemies to lovers thing but not more like reuniting. I did really enjoy the development of their relationship, and man.. Nigel is just.. great. I'm immediately considering jumping into the next book, that's how into this tory I am and I hardly ever stick with a series right through, usually bouncing between series and novellas.
I stare at him. It’s laughable that he’s always telling me how attractive he thinks my face is when he looks like that. Perhaps Nigel has never been introduced to a mirror.
Corwin Sanhover is a national fucking treasure.
(Other Notes)
Again the epilogue was lacking BUT now I know that's because these book appear to basically be right on top of each other in terms of timelines so its hard to find an epilogue that doesn't spoil things.
AND THE BANTER! Corwin and Nigel's chemisty in the bedroom was HOT but also so very real. There were jokes, pauses for laughter and other moments and honestly it was very refreshing.
And to add. I gave this book a 4/5 on spice, mostly because of the descriptions even though there was more foreplay that didn't always go anywhere, but not in a cockblocking way, just because of the relationship. JJ Mulder has a knack for just.. giving smut that really tickles my fancy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia
Changing the Game by J.J. Mulder
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Spice : 5/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Overall a highly enjoyable read. There is very little tension or drama. It's a very cute fluffy story of 2 dudes falling in love. Its very fast and there is so little tension. I went into the blood very blind and I'm used to romance being a bit of a rollercoaster with miscommunication and lots of not talking and expectations. There was but these 2 guys handled everything like fucking adults. Which was kind of refreshing. They communicated easily and it was just a great fluffy romance.
Also, The spice in this book was almost a 5/5 (I generally only give 5/5 when the book is focused on or includes very specific level of kinks.) The scenes were clearly well thought out and highly detailed. They were a joy to read and There was just about the perfect amount of them.
My only complaint is that I wanted more of an epilogue! But Knowing my hockey romances, this isn't the end of their story just the end of their POV's.
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Overall a highly enjoyable read. There is very little tension or drama. It's a very cute fluffy story of 2 dudes falling in love. Its very fast and there is so little tension. I went into the blood very blind and I'm used to romance being a bit of a rollercoaster with miscommunication and lots of not talking and expectations. There was but these 2 guys handled everything like fucking adults. Which was kind of refreshing. They communicated easily and it was just a great fluffy romance.
Also, The spice in this book was almost a 5/5 (I generally only give 5/5 when the book is focused on or includes very specific level of kinks.) The scenes were clearly well thought out and highly detailed. They were a joy to read and There was just about the perfect amount of them.
My only complaint is that I wanted more of an epilogue! But Knowing my hockey romances, this isn't the end of their story just the end of their POV's.
A Pack for Winter by Eliana Lee
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
God of Fury by Rina Kent
(Other Notes)
I want to start this by saying I have not read any of the other books by Rina Kent, it was highly suggested I start with at least the LoG #1 but I didn't want to I only was looking for an MM story. So I think its important to note that if you are like me, and don't want to read the rest, you will be fine. Yes, reading the others will give you like all this extra knowledge but if you truly don't GAF about the rest then you will be fine.
I do want to say that it took me about 3 tries to start the book. Bran is the first chapter and it took me a few ttries to get used to his narrating style. Once I did it was off to the races. I didn't have as hard a time getting used to Niko's narration, but I really enjoyed how different they narration styles were. It made it EASY to tell and remember who I was 'in' in a chapter. I've read a bunch of multi-pov books that it doesn't change more from character to character. You get their internal thoughts but its not in their 'style'. If this is the case for the other books by Rina Kent she may become an author I will need to consume regularly.
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
(If you are thinking of wanting to read this but not the rest of the LoG books. It will spoil those books but if you don't care about that, you will not be lost. I wasn't)
Plot: 4/5
Spice: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Overall reco: Fantastic read. Absolutely one of my top 5 books. I can remember at one point when I was up late trying to find a point to stop for the nice and just so lost in the characters. Usually there is a level of disconnect between me and the page. I found that blurring often in this book. It wrenched my heart from my body and was absolutely what I was looking for.
This would easily be a 6 star for me. I will probably reread this book in the future.
Plot: 4/5
Spice: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Overall reco: Fantastic read. Absolutely one of my top 5 books. I can remember at one point when I was up late trying to find a point to stop for the nice and just so lost in the characters. Usually there is a level of disconnect between me and the page. I found that blurring often in this book. It wrenched my heart from my body and was absolutely what I was looking for.
This would easily be a 6 star for me. I will probably reread this book in the future.
“Because I never wanted a prince. I prefer an unhinged motherfucker.”
Tonight is just a fucked-up fucking case of fucking fuckery!
(Other Notes)
I want to start this by saying I have not read any of the other books by Rina Kent, it was highly suggested I start with at least the LoG #1 but I didn't want to I only was looking for an MM story. So I think its important to note that if you are like me, and don't want to read the rest, you will be fine. Yes, reading the others will give you like all this extra knowledge but if you truly don't GAF about the rest then you will be fine.
I do want to say that it took me about 3 tries to start the book. Bran is the first chapter and it took me a few ttries to get used to his narrating style. Once I did it was off to the races. I didn't have as hard a time getting used to Niko's narration, but I really enjoyed how different they narration styles were. It made it EASY to tell and remember who I was 'in' in a chapter. I've read a bunch of multi-pov books that it doesn't change more from character to character. You get their internal thoughts but its not in their 'style'. If this is the case for the other books by Rina Kent she may become an author I will need to consume regularly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Suicide attempt
Where There's a Will by Jessie Walker
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Dirty Deal by Mira Lyn Kelly
Plot: 3/5
Spice: 2/5
Characters: 3/5
(Other/longer/more notes)
In terms of Slayer series this one was.. disappointing. It felt a bit short both in page sizes and story. Sites have this book listed as being like 200-252 pages. My Kindle says 201 (but I'm also in the special edition covers which I THOUGHT just changed the cover but maybe not?). It felt like there were some places that the book could have been expanded on, little bits more. It was enjoyable but I just kind of felt a bit lackluster after the previous book with Harlow/Wade.
Spice was.. less. There were background things hinted at that never seemed to come forward. Like Axel made it seem like a few times that he wasn't as much of a playboy as everyone thought but that gets glossed over. Nothing happens with Nora's fucking family and we don't see any kind of a resolution about that, which is a crime. An absolute crime. MLK likes to give parents that are fucking monsters and that we never seem to get a good confrontation with. Harlow gets the most closure and it still wasn't enough.
Again, I still found it enjoyable, as like recentering. Easy and low risk. A nice in between before I jump into something that will surely rip my heart out.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
What happens when the playboy lifestyle catches up? Babies. And then hot live in Nannies.
Overall reco: Enjoyable, not the best of the series but it was still a lovely little heartwarming read with little tension.
Overall reco: Enjoyable, not the best of the series but it was still a lovely little heartwarming read with little tension.
Am I jealous of the wind?
Yes. Yes, I am.
Plot: 3/5
Spice: 2/5
Characters: 3/5
(Other/longer/more notes)
In terms of Slayer series this one was.. disappointing. It felt a bit short both in page sizes and story. Sites have this book listed as being like 200-252 pages. My Kindle says 201 (but I'm also in the special edition covers which I THOUGHT just changed the cover but maybe not?). It felt like there were some places that the book could have been expanded on, little bits more. It was enjoyable but I just kind of felt a bit lackluster after the previous book with Harlow/Wade.
Spice was.. less. There were background things hinted at that never seemed to come forward. Like Axel made it seem like a few times that he wasn't as much of a playboy as everyone thought but that gets glossed over. Nothing happens with Nora's fucking family and we don't see any kind of a resolution about that, which is a crime. An absolute crime. MLK likes to give parents that are fucking monsters and that we never seem to get a good confrontation with. Harlow gets the most closure and it still wasn't enough.
Again, I still found it enjoyable, as like recentering. Easy and low risk. A nice in between before I jump into something that will surely rip my heart out.
Dirty Talker by Mira Lyn Kelly
Plot: 3/5
Spice: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Straight laced banker with no interest in Jocks agrees to be the date of one hard working Hockey player for 10 days, and in a move that surprises no one, finds love.
Overall reco: The plot is simple, but that doesn't mean that Harlow and Wade won't steal your heart. MLK has a great writing style and take on plots that feel like you can get invested and enjoy without having to dread the 3rd act break up. I'd taken a break between the last and this one and honestly, felt a lot like coming home.
Overall reco: The plot is simple, but that doesn't mean that Harlow and Wade won't steal your heart. MLK has a great writing style and take on plots that feel like you can get invested and enjoy without having to dread the 3rd act break up. I'd taken a break between the last and this one and honestly, felt a lot like coming home.
“The thing is, I’m the reason my world was so small. I was so focused on this singular unattainable goal, I shut out everything else, telling myself I didn’t have time, I didn’t have room, I didn’t need a life. And then I met you. And you showed me what I was missing. And I want it. I want a life. I want love. And most of all, I want you.”
Plot: 3/5
Spice: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.
I really don't like the way Ali Hazelwood writes. I somehow didn't have an issue with it in The Bride, but I noticed it enough to bother me in the Winter Novella she wrote and this is like that times 1000. I just cannot stand it. It's like its obtuse on purpose.
Faking Ties by Alexis Gorgun
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.5
I received this as an ARC. Overall I thought the concept was cute but it sometimes felt disjointed. I did guess one of the big secrets and while I found the characters interesting, I did HATE the MMC in the beginning, which helped. It's heavily coded for Taylor Swift, like that was how the ARC was advertised and why I signed up