Roberta Blablanski's Blog, page 2
April 25, 2023
Season’s Change
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
On the whole., Season’s Change is a decent mm sports drama. I wouldn’t call it a romance because the romance between Olly and Benji seems very much secondary to everything else going on. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, just not what I expected. The blurb conveyed more of a romance aspect to me, but that could be my interpretation.
What we get with Cait Nary’s novel is all the hockey. So much hockey. Hockey games, hockey training, hockey positions. Hockey line-ups. Hockey team structure. How hockey relates to everything in these characters’ lives. If you’re a big hockey fan with a good handle of hockey terminology and the rules of the game, you’ll have no problem getting immersed in the story. I have no hockey knowledge and had to stop reading to do some internet research in order to figure out what was happening.
I found both Olly and Benji to be very well developed characters with interesting backstories. Some of the backstories didn’t work for me, such as Olly’s legal issues and Benji’s sister. I did very much enjoy the other characters, especially the other team members. These side characters rounded out the story.
One thing that did bother me was the constant use of “buddy” and “bud” by the hockey players, including Olly and Benji, to refer to one another. Maybe that’s how those guys talk to each other? I dunno.
As this is a series, I’m hoping the next book follows Olly and Benji as they navigate their relationship. The book ends just as they are getting together and I feel like I need more of them as a couple. If the next book follows a different couple, I’m not sure I’ll continue the series.
If you’re looking for a total hockey immersive experience featuring gay/bi characters and a rich supporting cast, I recommend Season’s Change. But, take heed; this is a hockey story secondary to romance.
***Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.***
April 23, 2023
Second Chance
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Jay Northcote is a new-to-me author, and Second Chance is my first read by him. This is also my third read featuring a trans MC.
Reconnecting with a high school crush after 20+ years makes for a good story. Throw in a radical transformation by one of the main characters, and you’ve got a great twist.
The radical transformation comes in the form of Nate (previously Nat) who, when we meet him, is five years into his transition. He has returned to his childhood village and runs into his former best friend, Jack, who has also returned to the village. Both are dealing with the aftermaths of major life events and don’t expect to run into each other again.
The MCs lives between school and the present were briefly touched upon, just enough to provide context for the progression of the story and the characters’ personalities. Though, I would have liked more details of those missing years.
The author is very frank in presenting Nate’s struggles and journey as a trans person. I appreciated how Nate’s transition was addressed through jake’s questions and their intimate moments.
I felt I got to know Nate very well, but Jake not as much. Again, maybe more details from those missing years would have helped.
All in all, this was an enjoyable and informative, while not being preachy, read.
Disbanded Kingdom
The writing was reminiscent of Bret Easton Ellis, namely his novel The Rules of Attraction. There are many parallels in Disbanded Kingdom to The Rules of Attraction: a rag-tag, privileged group of young people looking for a purpose in life, unrequited romantic feelings, reappearance of an ex-lover.
I had some difficulty with the writing style–painfully introspective and patronizing at times–and it took me about a third of the book to really get into the story. Different ethnicities and cultures are heavily mentioned throughout– some not so flattering. Politics is also a major talking point.
The story is told from Oscar’s perspective. He’s very obviously depressed and that comes through every page. I wanted him to find happiness or, at the very least, get to a better place. He has many luxuries and conveniences at his disposal, but doesn’t think he is worthy of those privileges.
I’d be interested in reading a sequel to get further insight to Oscar’s further discovery of himself.
**Copy provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and impartial review.**
Life of Bliss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stories don’t get any sweeter than this. Victor and Todd are perfect for each other even if they initially fight it. They don’t hold back with the snarky comments that fuel their passion for one another. I immediately loved Victor from Life on Pause, with his bright personality and penchant for gifting sex toys. I had my misgivings about Todd but he more than redeemed himself.
“I’ve liked you all along too. Even when I didn’t like you at all.”
The author takes frenemies to lovers (Todd refers to Victor as “Cutie McFuckFace”.), fake boyfriends, and accidental marriage to the next level. Usually with fake boyfriends, there’s a long, drawn-out lead-in but this story jumps right into it without hesitation, and it works. Boy, does it work. The circumstances leading up to the fake relationship seem believable and fit the personalities of the characters.
Of course, lots of alcohol is involved.
“Wine made him want to slow dance and make out.”
(Same, Victor. Same.)
We all know alcohol lowers inhibitions. Pair that with “Eureka Springs–Wedding Capital of the South,” and it’s inevitable that these two would get married.
The morning after is a big shock, of course, but the fun and sexy times don’t stop. The author hits the reader with hilarious tidbits here and there (Victor’s sex toy box labeled “Important Documents” comes to mind.) while not taking away from the characters’ struggles to accept their feelings and make their relationship work. They recognize in each other the things they are missing in life that the other can provide: Todd’s desire to belong, and Victor’s need for love and companionship.
And the chemistry…oh, man. These two are HOT. I’m shocked my Kindle didn’t burst into flames.
Without getting too heavy and preachy, the author’s analysis of marriage transcends sexuality. Marriage can be complicated even in the most ideal situations. Throw in opposite personalities (Victor with his Lisa Frank shirt, and Todd with his button up, preppy look is pretty much the epitome of how different these two are.) and you’ve got lots of mess to sift through. There’s no doubt throughout the story that Victor and Todd are meant for each other. They just take the long way to get to that realization.
This story is sweet (sticky notes!), funny (“I’m a sweet motherfucker.”), and romantic (Todd’s dedication to getting Victor’s overly complicated Starbucks order correct). What more can a reader ask for?
**Advance copy provided by author for honest review.**
Robbie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Either you love or you hate the throuple trope. I, for one, adore it when it’s done well. When it’s not done well…the relationship between the three characters can seem strained or unfairly imbalanced. With Robbie, the first book in the Confessions series, author Ella Frank knocks it out the ballpark.
This is the story of the princess (Robbie), the prick (Julien), and the priest (Joel). Julien and Joel have an already-established relationship and have a habit of inviting a third to their bed to quench cravings they are unable, for various reason, to satisfy for each other. They find in Robbie the perfect addition to their relationship to become their permanent third. All three have baggage they are shouldering and each has a unique ability of soothing another when the weight becomes overbearing.
My advice to anyone intending to read this book is to have a tall glass of ice water handy before cracking this one open. The writing is off-the-charts hot. I’m pretty sure I had to take a breather at several points during the story, it was that scorching. Having Julien speak French a majority of the time, and having Joel respond in kind, only adds to the hotness.
In the beginning, both Julien and Joel come across as difficult people with very strong personalities. Robbie acknowledges this and has misgivings about getting involved, not only because Julien and Joel are married, but because he has his own issues with their rough parts.
This was a satisfying read for me. And no, I’m not just referring to the fantastic sexual chemistry. The romance and emotional connections were just as strong as the physical attraction.
Past relationships and events are referred to in the book, and at times I felt a bit lost because I didn’t have the background knowledge for all the pieces to fit together. I now know that Robbie was a minor character in the author’s Temptation series, and Robbie, Julien, and Joel have prior connections. While reading the books in that series isn’t essential, per se, I think doing so would have added more dimension to Robbie and shed more light on the potential complications of his accepting Julien and Joel’s unconventional offer.
Robbie ends on a cliffhanger, and readers will have to wait until May for Book 2, Julian. In the meantime, I’ll be reading the six Temptations books.
The Pick Up
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5 out 5 stars
Hot for teacher! Cute single dad! Stoic love interest!
Guys, I didn’t want this story to end. Blabbermouth Kyle is too cute to dislike. He’s had a rough time when the story opens, raising his six year old daughter as a single dad. Adam, his daughter’s hot teacher, doesn’t have the time or patience for any of Kyle’s excuses.
I love how Kyle endears himself to Adam, and gets Adam to open up the teeniest bit. Adam has his own his issues he’s working through, though.
As a mother of a five year old, Kyle’s struggles with his daughter, Caroline, are totally relatable. I adore their relationship and Kyle’s determination to be the best father he can be. His love for Caroline comes through in all their interactions.
And the chemistry between Kyle and Adam…WOWZA! I felt the heat coming off the pages. These guys were meant for each other.
I really connected with Kyle. He’s a great character and was fleshed out well. Adam still felt like an enigma at the end of the story. I wanted to know more about him, get more insight to his reason for leaving his previous job and moving to Red Creek. I guess I needed more background on him to relate to him.
I also wanted to know more about Caroline’s mother’s family, and Caroline’s relationship with them. This was briefly touched on, but not enough to satisfy my curiosity.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and the characters. I’m looking forward to reading the next books in this series.
New Heights
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
James is a planner, a list maker. Mika is fly by the seat of his pants, a risk taker.
They meet up at the airport, where the story is set, both coincidentally headed for the same flight. Due to a series of unforeseen circumstances, they are thrown together at every turn.
The clash of their polar opposite personalities leads to some hilarious high jinks. One prank in particular had me rolling on the floor. With every snarky comment or cheap shot, the guys start developing real feelings for each other.
I loved both of these guys. The entire story is absolutely adorable. The dialogue is sharp and witty. The romance is sweet. This is a definite re-read for me when I’m feeling down.
Dirty Games
Dirty Games is the second book in the Dirty series, which follows the Drummond brothers. While I have not read the first book, Dirty Deeds, there was enough background in Dirty Games that I did not feel like I was missing anything.
This book features MCs Finn (the Drummond brother) and Justin, an employee of Drummond Charities, and is set mainly in Morocco. Justin runs the the charity at a camp site in Morocco that provides needed food, medicine, and other services and supplies to refugees. Justin is prickly and runs the camp with an iron fist. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t caring. He uses his own money to obtain supplies and services for the people who may not qualify through the charity but are in immediate need. When he notices some discrepancies in shipments, he sends for help from Alec, the eldest Drummond brother and Justin’s boss. Alec sends Finn, “the wrong brother”, to assist Justin in investigating the matter. Justin is immediately displeased, to put it lightly, and the two clash from the moment Finn sets foot on the camp site. Finn resents Justin’s hostility and lack of confidence in his ability to handle the matter.
Underneath all that tension is reciprocated attraction. The passion both feel for each other manifests in scorching sex. While they continue to bicker at each other, they also develop real feelings beyond just physical attraction. It doesn’t help that they have a history of sorts from six or so years ago that neither will admit to the other. When Finn finds himself in danger over and over again, those feelings can’t be denied.
Set in the backdrop of a country under political strife, these two men learn to navigate the tricky bureaucracy of being gay (Finn & Justin) in an unwelcoming climate and being tantalizing bait for kidnapping (Finn) while fostering a romance that, even in a perfect world, is hampered by their own personal baggage.
What worked for me was the setting of the book. I enjoy reading stories that take place in foreign countries, mostly because I get to learn something new about a place that I mostly likely will never visit. I also enjoyed the suspense. Just when I thought things were going smoothly, the author threw in a curve ball.
What didn’t work for me was Justin. He’s way too angry and down right mean to Finn, even when they seem to call a truce. I get that he has some major chips on his shoulder that make him extremely wary and his first instinct is to push people away, but I felt like he was way overdone. Finn, however, was very much likable, and I feel like he deserves someone better than Justin.
Overall, despite some flaws I had with one of the main characters, I did enjoy the suspense and the setting.
No Rulebook for Flirting
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5 stars
Super adorable and sweet and funny, this novella hit the spot! Aitor and Gabriel have a less than pleasant initial run-in in the parking lot of a board gaming convention. They end up at the same table, and Gabriel works his magical charm to smooth Aitor’s frazzled nerves. They end up connecting over a shared love of board games, and their quirky senses of humor find them going toe to toe in one-upmanship. Nothing like some good old competition to get the all the gooey feels going.
I love that the MCs don’t fit the norm of traditional romance characters. Gabriel isn’t perfect in the sense that he doesn’t have the fit, hard body and spectacular fashion sense. And while Aitor internally voices his concern about Gabriel’s potential response to his own body, he is confident enough to know what he wants and likes, and can give voice to that during an intimate moment with Gabriel. The characters are wholly accepting of the other’s quirks that aren’t necessarily found in this genre.
While I am not trans, I feel the author did an excellent job of addressing the unique circumstances that go along with being trans and hooking up with a potential partner. Gabriel handles his growing connection with and desire for Aitor with respect and sensitivity, checking in the Aitor along the way to ensure no boundaries are crossed. And Aitor takes it all in stride. The sex isn’t awkward and comes across as real and natural.
My only “complaint” (and I use that word hesitantly) is that this story wasn’t longer. I want to know more about Aitor and Gabriel individually, and Judith has her own story worth telling.
Overall, this was a great story for my introduction to this new-to-me author, and I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
Trick Roller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If I thought Kill Game, the first in the Seven of Spades series, was extraordinary, Trick Roller is phenomenal. Installment two continues to follow Levi and Dominic’s developing relationship. Their chemistry is off the charts and the sex is scorching. Levi’s obsession with the Seven of Spades reaches a critical point, and puts his job and relationship with Dominic in jeopardy.
The reader gets a further peak into Dominic’s neighbors and their family, which adds a wonderful dimension to the story without taking away from the thrilling suspense. Everyone thinks the Seven of Spades case was resolved with the death of the main suspect in the first installment. However, Levi knows in his gut the killer is still out there. Dominic also has his hands full as he starts a journey to his new career as a PI.
As the two grow closer, more of their personalities come out. Their feelings for each other are written so well that they come across as genuine. They are fiercely loyal to each other and perfectly compliment the other. As Levi and Dominic continue to deal with their own personal demons, they begin to lean on each other for support. Their vulnerabilities invoke empathy and there’s no way not to root for these two. The building romance hooked me and the suspense kept me on my toes.
The cliffhanger at the end of Trick Roller is even more awesome than the one at the end of Kill Game. I haven’t been this stoked about a series in a while, and now I have to wait patiently for April 30th when book 3, Cash Plays, is released.
