I ADORED this book. Yes, some of the plot points were pat, but on the whole, Pocket was delightful, kind, snarky, and hilarious. (And apparently, very...moreI ADORED this book. Yes, some of the plot points were pat, but on the whole, Pocket was delightful, kind, snarky, and hilarious. (And apparently, very well hung.) The satire was awesome, the woven plot with Shakespeare's King Lear was clever, and the ending was far more fair than the original. I loved this bawdy, riotous look at the world of Lear from the eyes of it's smallest (but by no means least) denizen.(less)
I really enjoy watching a writer deepen her craft, and I think that's something that's apparent in Trusted Bond. Mary Calmes is the master of charming...moreI really enjoy watching a writer deepen her craft, and I think that's something that's apparent in Trusted Bond. Mary Calmes is the master of charming and witty dialog and the HAWT sex scene, and we see that here, but we also see a flawed character, a hurt, frightened man, and a terrible enemy, all in the sarcastic, likable person of Jin Rayne. Logan Church, his mate has flaws as well--but just enough to make him a dream guy, and like Jin, I can't get enough of 'looking' at him on the page. The plot was tight and frightening in places, and the ending was highly satisfying, and the prose smooth and flowing and always utterly engaging. This book was fun and entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed myself(less)
**spoiler alert** As others have said, this was beautifully written. The characters were perfectly drawn, and both Max and Robert were highly sympathe...more**spoiler alert** As others have said, this was beautifully written. The characters were perfectly drawn, and both Max and Robert were highly sympathetic. I loved them both--and, of course, wanted the HEA for them, just like every one else. I think the artistry of the ending IS that we can dream, though. It may not be very realistic of us, we may all concede that we're only fooling ourselves, but having just the slightest bit of wiggle room to imagine that these two engaging protags can end up together is one of the things that makes this such a lovely read.(less)
Luminous, absolutely luminous. Cole and Jonathan are so terribly wrong for each other, and, in the end, exactly what the other one needs. Cole's emoti...moreLuminous, absolutely luminous. Cole and Jonathan are so terribly wrong for each other, and, in the end, exactly what the other one needs. Cole's emotional fragility is heartbreaking, and Jonathan's dedication to his pride (while irritating) is completely understandable. Their slow, subtle immersion from a purely sexual relationship of convenience to something sublime and painful is a joy to read.(less)
Mary's Warder universe is a stunning combination of kick-ass fun and almost winsome heartbreak. She's so good at showing us the intricacies and distin...moreMary's Warder universe is a stunning combination of kick-ass fun and almost winsome heartbreak. She's so good at showing us the intricacies and distinct characters within a multi-cast ensemble that the moments when all of the warders get together are both rollicking and joyous. We REMEMBER Ryan and Julian, so when we see Ryan dressed up in an impossible outfit for an op, we can laugh in layers, having all of his backstory in our minds, because we know who he is. That being said, Marcus and Joe are perhaps her most nuanced, understated couple of the five warders. Marcus is quietly self-effacing, all of his confidence is in his actions, and his absolute vulnerable hearted devotion to his hearth is incredibly touching. Joe on the other hand is a feisty, fearless man who is so confident in his lover that it is only his lover's shame that undoes him. I enjoyed this fifth book in the series very much, and I am selfish enough to look forward to seeing more of the five of them together. (less)
Classic Mary, with a first person hero and extensive world building, but also a demonstration of expanding skill. Domin's voice is growly, irritable,...moreClassic Mary, with a first person hero and extensive world building, but also a demonstration of expanding skill. Domin's voice is growly, irritable, floundering and wise, and while the action and pacing is nonstop because that's what Mary does, the dynamic of Domin and Yuri is very, very different than the Jin/Logan dynamic. Domin *isn't* sure everything he does is right, and he does NOT commit to action first and take counsel later. He's wise enough to listen to the people around him and to do what's best for everyone else before thinking about his own ego. (As much as I loved Jin, that was Jin's big failing.) He needs his mate simply because that's what married people DO--they yearn for the other half of their souls. The sex is scorching, and the promise for new adventures is delightful. (less)
Mary's craft continues to grow. The only person in love with Sivan in this narrative was Walter, and Sivan wasn't always right. Whereas an earlier cha...moreMary's craft continues to grow. The only person in love with Sivan in this narrative was Walter, and Sivan wasn't always right. Whereas an earlier character like Jory might have jumped into family situation with two feet, Sivan had a foot and a half out the door. The relationship was patched up vignette by vignette, and not in one fell crisis, and the feeling of middle age was skillfully done. This was a novella, so there were some moments of growth that were off page, but we could see the growth from on-screen moment to on-screen moment, which is a storyteller's best trick.
I loved this. It was sweet, and short, and it made me happy. (less)
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