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Liaisons #4
Fall Apart
Dodging his ex, giving the Best Man speech, and smuggling home extra slices of wedding cake are Damon Wright’s only plans on his buddy’s wedding day. Capturing the attention of a renowned photographer with twice the sexual magnetism of James Bond doesn’t even make the list. Accustomed to a life spent keeping his head down, managing family obligations, Damon is unprepared for even a lukewarm pursuit, much less the hot, focused advances of a man like Alarik whose sophistication leaves Damon reeling.
Tired of the vapid, morally bankrupt and grasping fellows so common in his line of work, Alarik is through serving as just another step for mercenary men on the ladder to success. Damon’s kindhearted reserve excites a profound response within him, enticing him with the idea of an honest future. Compelled to dig beneath the surface in search of something lasting, Alarik can’t help but wonder if falling in love can be as easy as breathing.
Yet, fairytales don’t exist in the pace of real life; they disappear in shadow. Absorbed by the happiness of finding one another, Damon and Alarik never see the darkness coming…
Tired of the vapid, morally bankrupt and grasping fellows so common in his line of work, Alarik is through serving as just another step for mercenary men on the ladder to success. Damon’s kindhearted reserve excites a profound response within him, enticing him with the idea of an honest future. Compelled to dig beneath the surface in search of something lasting, Alarik can’t help but wonder if falling in love can be as easy as breathing.
Yet, fairytales don’t exist in the pace of real life; they disappear in shadow. Absorbed by the happiness of finding one another, Damon and Alarik never see the darkness coming…
482 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2013
2 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Culpepper
4 books246 followersS. E. Culpepper currently splits time between writing and her full-time job. She wishes writing were the full-time job.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
May 11, 2023
Damon esta decidido a no volver a caer en la trampa de Andrew, pero se siente solo, y es la boda de uno de sus mejores amigos, y apenas puede manejar estar frente a tanta gente. Asi que cuando conoce a Alaric, el fotografo amigo de Maddy (la novia), tiene miedo de tener algo de una noche. Pero Alaric quiere mucho mas, y Damon debe aceptar que el es capaz de amar a otra persona y que Alaric puede ser esa persona.
Mientras tanto Zane y Mark estan viviendo su vida de casados tranquilos, con Zane en un nuevo proyecto con su amigo Max, debe enfrentar los ataques publicos de su "archienemigo", mientras continua con su trabajo y su vida.
Casi hasta despues de la mitad del libro estuve por abandonarlo, me estaba resultando aburridisimo, el uso de dos parejas, el drama de Max-Alaric y su no relacion, mas la tension de Zane cada vez que hablaban del "que no debe ser nombrado", me parecio extremadamente lento y sin sentido. Sin embargo, despues de la muerte de cierto personaje, el dolor de Damon y el drama con Alaric fue lo que me mantuvo en la lectura hasta terminarlo.
Sin embargo, no le vi mayor sentido a la inclusion de la pareja Zane-Mark, mas que la introduccion de dos nuevos personajes (que si entendi bien, van a ser la pareja del proximo libro de la serie), todas sus historias eran mas tipo epilogo, mas que contenido para este libro. Asi que el libro se me hizo muy largo, y muy lento de leer.
En fin, este es el ultimo libro publicado de la serie, y no estoy muy segura de querer saber que va a pasar en el otro, quizas mas adelante, me atreva a leerlo, pero por ahor no creo que ni siquiera este pendiente de buscarlo cuando salga.
Mientras tanto Zane y Mark estan viviendo su vida de casados tranquilos, con Zane en un nuevo proyecto con su amigo Max, debe enfrentar los ataques publicos de su "archienemigo", mientras continua con su trabajo y su vida.
Casi hasta despues de la mitad del libro estuve por abandonarlo, me estaba resultando aburridisimo, el uso de dos parejas, el drama de Max-Alaric y su no relacion, mas la tension de Zane cada vez que hablaban del "que no debe ser nombrado", me parecio extremadamente lento y sin sentido. Sin embargo, despues de la muerte de cierto personaje, el dolor de Damon y el drama con Alaric fue lo que me mantuvo en la lectura hasta terminarlo.
Sin embargo, no le vi mayor sentido a la inclusion de la pareja Zane-Mark, mas que la introduccion de dos nuevos personajes (que si entendi bien, van a ser la pareja del proximo libro de la serie), todas sus historias eran mas tipo epilogo, mas que contenido para este libro. Asi que el libro se me hizo muy largo, y muy lento de leer.
En fin, este es el ultimo libro publicado de la serie, y no estoy muy segura de querer saber que va a pasar en el otro, quizas mas adelante, me atreva a leerlo, pero por ahor no creo que ni siquiera este pendiente de buscarlo cuando salga.
October 23, 2013
I followed the series from the beginning and I really thought that book #3 was the last one. So I was curious and excited to see this story being listed as book #4.
Unfortunately, I don’t love it as much as the previous three. In fact, this one is my least favorite so far. Let me list down what I dislike first ...
WHAT I DISLIKE
+ The start was rather shaky – the whole cast being introduced in the beginning, with the wedding going on, became a bit too much for me. Too many names to keep up with.
+ The story also felt a bit all over the place. There were more than one occasions where I said to myself, “where is this story going, exactly?” – including one scene where the groomsmen deflowering a virgin BMW. It was fun but I just didn’t see it as important. I felt like too many times Damon’s friends became a bit too much of a focus instead of Damon and Alarik as a couple.
+ There was a bit heartbreaking twist in the middle – which indeed brought tears to my eyes – but at the same time, it made me a bit upset with how Alarik handled it. He was ‘playing’ with fire with his sudden indecisiveness regarding Damon and this other character named Max.
+ This story also had Mark and Zane (from book #2, Question Mark) as a secondary story. I felt that the sudden change from Damon/Alarik to Mark and Zane’s life didn’t go smoothly. It felt like there were two different stories happening at the same time. Especially because Alarik’s relationship with Zane was only as a friend – and I felt at times Mark/Zane even stole the book from the main couple.
+ Because of all that switch of focus, I wasn’t thoroughly convinced with Damon and Alarik as a couple! It was quite difficult to like a story about a couple, when I didn’t truly connected with them and liking them as a couple in the first place.
WHAT I DO LIKE
+ Having said that, I actually loved Mark/Zane scenes the best. It was wonderful reading about them again as married couple. Zane was lovely as a husband – I loved the part where he took care of Mark who was suffering from flu. So sweet.
+ The heartbreaking twist (about 2/3rd of the book) – I totally didn’t see coming and it was adding a different nuance to the story in overall.
+ I was also a bit intrigued and then excited about the possibility of redemption. See, the Max character, was set up a little bit like Christian from book #2. Max definitely needs his own redemption story told – and if he is paired against this homophobic actor (Zane’s nemesis!) it would be an explosive story, I’m sure. Especially because I think S.E. Culpepper does redemption stories amazingly.
So, I didn’t love it but I didn’t exactly dislike it as well. It might be because this seemed to be a set-up to a different cast of characters. I already get the information that Max’s story will be book #5, so I’m definitely be there for the next book.
The book is provided by the author in exchange for honest review.
Unfortunately, I don’t love it as much as the previous three. In fact, this one is my least favorite so far. Let me list down what I dislike first ...
WHAT I DISLIKE
+ The start was rather shaky – the whole cast being introduced in the beginning, with the wedding going on, became a bit too much for me. Too many names to keep up with.
+ The story also felt a bit all over the place. There were more than one occasions where I said to myself, “where is this story going, exactly?” – including one scene where the groomsmen deflowering a virgin BMW. It was fun but I just didn’t see it as important. I felt like too many times Damon’s friends became a bit too much of a focus instead of Damon and Alarik as a couple.
+ There was a bit heartbreaking twist in the middle – which indeed brought tears to my eyes – but at the same time, it made me a bit upset with how Alarik handled it. He was ‘playing’ with fire with his sudden indecisiveness regarding Damon and this other character named Max.
+ This story also had Mark and Zane (from book #2, Question Mark) as a secondary story. I felt that the sudden change from Damon/Alarik to Mark and Zane’s life didn’t go smoothly. It felt like there were two different stories happening at the same time. Especially because Alarik’s relationship with Zane was only as a friend – and I felt at times Mark/Zane even stole the book from the main couple.
+ Because of all that switch of focus, I wasn’t thoroughly convinced with Damon and Alarik as a couple! It was quite difficult to like a story about a couple, when I didn’t truly connected with them and liking them as a couple in the first place.
WHAT I DO LIKE
+ Having said that, I actually loved Mark/Zane scenes the best. It was wonderful reading about them again as married couple. Zane was lovely as a husband – I loved the part where he took care of Mark who was suffering from flu. So sweet.
+ The heartbreaking twist (about 2/3rd of the book) – I totally didn’t see coming and it was adding a different nuance to the story in overall.
+ I was also a bit intrigued and then excited about the possibility of redemption. See, the Max character, was set up a little bit like Christian from book #2. Max definitely needs his own redemption story told – and if he is paired against this homophobic actor (Zane’s nemesis!) it would be an explosive story, I’m sure. Especially because I think S.E. Culpepper does redemption stories amazingly.
So, I didn’t love it but I didn’t exactly dislike it as well. It might be because this seemed to be a set-up to a different cast of characters. I already get the information that Max’s story will be book #5, so I’m definitely be there for the next book.
The book is provided by the author in exchange for honest review.
October 31, 2013
I wanted to love this.
Sadly, I did not. I’m actually quite disappointed by that fact, as I simply adore this series. I will say that I liked Fall Apart, some bits much more than others.
I love the beginning. I’m always a fan of the “getting to know you” bits of a romance. I prefer that to last since it makes for some yummy character development and tension building. Culpepper definitely delivers on that end. Damon and Alarick are both dynamic characters that are just oozing personality. Alarick had me at his first cheeky comment. I find him hilarious. The shit that tumbles out of his mouth is just… OUTRAGEOUS. Damon is loveable, like a favorite stuffed animal that blushes a lot. His insecurities, and his shyness, are so endearing. The dynamic between the two is wonderful, I beyond love their interactions with one another. They have many great dialogue moments, and I pretty much giggled my way through the first chunk of the book. It’s amusing, fun, and (don’t worry) sexy. The sexual tension…drool inducing!
I was so ready to love the pages out of this book. And then it all sort of unraveled, and things started to feel aimless. For a book about Damon and Alarick, the two spend surprisingly little time together. Which makes the fact that some of that time together is glossed over, rather infuriating. So, let me back up a little. This is definitely not insta-luv. The first half of the book is dedicated, in large part, to Damon and Alarick’s amusing courtship. Loved that part. When that witches brew of testosterone, pheromones, and sexual frustration finally boils over, and they spend the weekend together, we get one scene. ONE SCENE. It is a great scene. BUT the rest of their weekend together is summarized. Hated that part. Honestly, this would not be such an issue if not for how the rest of the book plays out. So, I felt a bit cheated that weekend together was summarized, almost as an afterthought, and not shown. This is understandably a problem, telling not showing. This (and a few other moments) would have resonated on such a deeper level if shown. After reading a massive chunk of “will they, won’t they” I deserved every dirty and cheesy detail.
There is a huge cast of secondary characters in Fall Apart. These characters are all nicely developed with memorable personalities, and they contribute to the story. Oddly, they distract from it at the same time. Damon’s friends, in particular, take up a lot of focus. I feel crazy saying that though, because I really do love all the secondary characters. Some of them stick out in my head so vividly. They all make for more amazing dialogue, and amusing moments. However, I got so frustrated that it seemed like parts of Alarick and Damon’s story were sacrificed in order to show moments with these characters instead.
There is a second storyline with Zane and Mark (from book 2). I love it, because I love them. It was nice to catch up with them. They are adorable and perfect. I’ll probably go back and reread their book because I felt all nostalgic. But the thing is, they go from contributing to the plot to distracting from it. Towards the end they interrupt the pacing at the most unfortunate times. There are these intense moments in the second half of the book. All I wanted was to find out how things were going to go with Damon and Alarick, and BOOM…Zane and Mark tangent. They ended up adding to my overall frustration. Don’t get me wrong, their scenes are great, probably some of the best in the book. But I can’t help feeling like they take a little away from Damon and Alarick’s story, and most of their scenes would have worked great as a separate short story.
Overall, I loved the beginning of Fall Apart, and struggled between like and irritation for the last half (maybe a little less) of the book. S.E. Culpepper writes strong, unforgettable characters. She is great with dialogue, and interactions between the characters. My favorite moments are Alarick and Damon getting to know one another. She captures those awkward, and often comical, exchanges flawlessly. Fall Apart is often hilarious, and occasionally frustrating. I didn’t love it completely, but I liked it most of the time. And I did fall in love with the characters. The story has so much potential to be great. And even though there are a few things stopping that from happening, I do think it is worth the read. Particularly if you’re a fan of the series.
*ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.
3 Stars
Giveaway & more reviews at The Morning After Romance
Sadly, I did not. I’m actually quite disappointed by that fact, as I simply adore this series. I will say that I liked Fall Apart, some bits much more than others.
I love the beginning. I’m always a fan of the “getting to know you” bits of a romance. I prefer that to last since it makes for some yummy character development and tension building. Culpepper definitely delivers on that end. Damon and Alarick are both dynamic characters that are just oozing personality. Alarick had me at his first cheeky comment. I find him hilarious. The shit that tumbles out of his mouth is just… OUTRAGEOUS. Damon is loveable, like a favorite stuffed animal that blushes a lot. His insecurities, and his shyness, are so endearing. The dynamic between the two is wonderful, I beyond love their interactions with one another. They have many great dialogue moments, and I pretty much giggled my way through the first chunk of the book. It’s amusing, fun, and (don’t worry) sexy. The sexual tension…drool inducing!
I was so ready to love the pages out of this book. And then it all sort of unraveled, and things started to feel aimless. For a book about Damon and Alarick, the two spend surprisingly little time together. Which makes the fact that some of that time together is glossed over, rather infuriating. So, let me back up a little. This is definitely not insta-luv. The first half of the book is dedicated, in large part, to Damon and Alarick’s amusing courtship. Loved that part. When that witches brew of testosterone, pheromones, and sexual frustration finally boils over, and they spend the weekend together, we get one scene. ONE SCENE. It is a great scene. BUT the rest of their weekend together is summarized. Hated that part. Honestly, this would not be such an issue if not for how the rest of the book plays out. So, I felt a bit cheated that weekend together was summarized, almost as an afterthought, and not shown. This is understandably a problem, telling not showing. This (and a few other moments) would have resonated on such a deeper level if shown. After reading a massive chunk of “will they, won’t they” I deserved every dirty and cheesy detail.
There is a huge cast of secondary characters in Fall Apart. These characters are all nicely developed with memorable personalities, and they contribute to the story. Oddly, they distract from it at the same time. Damon’s friends, in particular, take up a lot of focus. I feel crazy saying that though, because I really do love all the secondary characters. Some of them stick out in my head so vividly. They all make for more amazing dialogue, and amusing moments. However, I got so frustrated that it seemed like parts of Alarick and Damon’s story were sacrificed in order to show moments with these characters instead.
There is a second storyline with Zane and Mark (from book 2). I love it, because I love them. It was nice to catch up with them. They are adorable and perfect. I’ll probably go back and reread their book because I felt all nostalgic. But the thing is, they go from contributing to the plot to distracting from it. Towards the end they interrupt the pacing at the most unfortunate times. There are these intense moments in the second half of the book. All I wanted was to find out how things were going to go with Damon and Alarick, and BOOM…Zane and Mark tangent. They ended up adding to my overall frustration. Don’t get me wrong, their scenes are great, probably some of the best in the book. But I can’t help feeling like they take a little away from Damon and Alarick’s story, and most of their scenes would have worked great as a separate short story.
Overall, I loved the beginning of Fall Apart, and struggled between like and irritation for the last half (maybe a little less) of the book. S.E. Culpepper writes strong, unforgettable characters. She is great with dialogue, and interactions between the characters. My favorite moments are Alarick and Damon getting to know one another. She captures those awkward, and often comical, exchanges flawlessly. Fall Apart is often hilarious, and occasionally frustrating. I didn’t love it completely, but I liked it most of the time. And I did fall in love with the characters. The story has so much potential to be great. And even though there are a few things stopping that from happening, I do think it is worth the read. Particularly if you’re a fan of the series.
*ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.
3 Stars
Giveaway & more reviews at The Morning After Romance
October 30, 2013
It comes as no surprise to anyone who has read my other reviews for this series that I love S.E.'s writing. While this one hasn't dethroned my favorite it's an interesting continuation that introduces new characters and story lines but also calls back to previous characters.
Mark and Zane from Question Mark are in this book quite a bit and we see married life for the duo which I found quite delicious. Mark's family has a great cameo and Zane's story here will, I think, be central to book 5, if there is one. My prediction:
This story focuses on Damon and Alarik and differs quite sharply from the others as they've never been mentioned in the previous books, but how Alarik is connected to Zane really worked for me. Alarik is a well known and well off photographer who meets Damon at a friend's wedding and begins pursuing the younger man. The first half of the book is that courtship and I loved it. There's quite a devastating bump in the road, that I have to say really took me by surprise and it's where things start to fall apart for the fledgling relationship in a pretty heartbreaking way.
For me, the second half of the book loses some of the intensity because the MC's are apart for months. While it was hard to see how Damon struggled to move through his issues in a fog of grief there was a moment that really got to me: . Alarik impressed me during the separation which was hard on them both.
I found this to be a transitional story for the series branching out and gathering in new stories in a sort of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon way and I like that. I love the call back to previous characters, I just hope we see more Christian and Kevin down the road.
If you're a fan of the Liaisons series I think this is one you'll enjoy, maybe not to the extent that I did since Culpepper is apparently my crack. I would recommend you read Question Mark Book 2 in the series that focuses on Mark and Zane to get their background or you may feel a bit lost when they're introduced, other than that I found this sweet with some wonderful friendship moments, great sex and twisty pockets of emotion.
Mark and Zane from Question Mark are in this book quite a bit and we see married life for the duo which I found quite delicious. Mark's family has a great cameo and Zane's story here will, I think, be central to book 5, if there is one. My prediction:
This story focuses on Damon and Alarik and differs quite sharply from the others as they've never been mentioned in the previous books, but how Alarik is connected to Zane really worked for me. Alarik is a well known and well off photographer who meets Damon at a friend's wedding and begins pursuing the younger man. The first half of the book is that courtship and I loved it. There's quite a devastating bump in the road, that I have to say really took me by surprise and it's where things start to fall apart for the fledgling relationship in a pretty heartbreaking way.
For me, the second half of the book loses some of the intensity because the MC's are apart for months. While it was hard to see how Damon struggled to move through his issues in a fog of grief there was a moment that really got to me: . Alarik impressed me during the separation which was hard on them both.
I found this to be a transitional story for the series branching out and gathering in new stories in a sort of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon way and I like that. I love the call back to previous characters, I just hope we see more Christian and Kevin down the road.
If you're a fan of the Liaisons series I think this is one you'll enjoy, maybe not to the extent that I did since Culpepper is apparently my crack. I would recommend you read Question Mark Book 2 in the series that focuses on Mark and Zane to get their background or you may feel a bit lost when they're introduced, other than that I found this sweet with some wonderful friendship moments, great sex and twisty pockets of emotion.
back-burner-for-now
October 30, 2013
October 30, 2013
Yaaaaaaay!!!! I was so excited when I saw that a new Liaisons book was going to be released, even though I had no clue who the characters were. I couldn't recall a Damon or an Alarik from any of the previous books, but I was still inpatient to get it onto my Kindle.
Fall Apart is about Damon, a thirty-three year old guy with a record of two nasty, failed relationships who is devoted to working for his family's sporting goods store; and Alarik, a thirty-eight year old semi-famous photographer who is bored with meaningless hookups. The two men are set-up at their friends' wedding and after a very brief and adorable courtship, they both agree to pursue a long-term relationship. Ah, but real life happens and two other men interfere with Damon and Alarik's happy ever after. (There's no cheating so get that out of your head already.)
Oh, I forgot to mention in my story summary that Mark and Zane from the second book of the series, Question Mark, appear in a large portion of this book. But I will come back to them a little later.
So back to Damon and Alarik: I really liked the tension and the flirting in the early stages of their relationship. One thing I can usually count on with this author is that the characters never meet and immediately jump into bed together. If I remember correctly, all the books so far in this series meet my "sex after 40%" standard. Anyway, once they finally were "together", it’s pretty much insta-love...ick. And then they both started doing stupid things: Damon used his own pain to hurt the people he loved, and Alarik allowed himself to be tempted by a past crush. Yes, I admit that these were realistic reactions of real people, but the way it was handled made me doubt that there was real love between Damon and Alarik. Dammit, I was so frustrated reading this!! Don't forget, there was no cheating, but jeez I was worried there for a while. I do have to commend Alarik for staying true and faithful to Damon. I don't think I would have if I had found myself in a similar situation. Ugh. Sooooo, the sweet, romantic ending really redeemed this story for me. It was very sappy, but it made me smile. Still, way in the back of my mind, I'm not 100% convinced that Damon and Alarik's love was real.
Now, let me talk about Mark and Zane. I might be in the minority here, but Mark and Zane are probably my most favorite couple of this series. Yes, their story was really fucked up, but there's just something about them that I adore. They are so sweet and romantic, and I actually loved that I got to see them happy together again. On the other hand, I'm really not sure why Mark and Zane had to play such a big role in this story; they are now happily married, but I suppose they needed to tie Max (Alarik's crush) into the story and maybe set him up for the next book of the series? I don't know, but for me, their storyline really didn't relate to the main plot, and I found it very distracting to what was going on with Damon and Alarik. I actually found myself more excited to read the scenes with Mark or Zane than I was to read about Damon or Alarik, and that’s just not right!
Don't get me wrong, I loved the secondary characters in this story; not only Mark and Zane but also Damon's friends and family, especially his parents. I even liked Max in the end; boy does that guy have a lot of demons, so I really hope his story is next. I even have a strong suspicion of who his love interest will be.
One last issue for me was that I really didn't "hear" Alarik's accent. I wanted more Britishisms or Finnish-isms or whatever Alarik's heritage was.
While there were parts of this story that I loved, there were other parts that really frustrated me...obviously. But I'm still giving this 3.5 stars because once I got past all the information dumping in the beginning, I couldn't put the damn thing down, even when I really wanted to throw my Kindle across the room.
For those of you who love this series, I definitely recommend keeping Fall Apart on your radar, but I wouldn't say it’s a have-to-read-right-now kind of story...for me anyway. Sadly, its my least favorite of the series so far.
Reviewed for The Blog of Sid Love
Fall Apart is about Damon, a thirty-three year old guy with a record of two nasty, failed relationships who is devoted to working for his family's sporting goods store; and Alarik, a thirty-eight year old semi-famous photographer who is bored with meaningless hookups. The two men are set-up at their friends' wedding and after a very brief and adorable courtship, they both agree to pursue a long-term relationship. Ah, but real life happens and two other men interfere with Damon and Alarik's happy ever after. (There's no cheating so get that out of your head already.)
Oh, I forgot to mention in my story summary that Mark and Zane from the second book of the series, Question Mark, appear in a large portion of this book. But I will come back to them a little later.
So back to Damon and Alarik: I really liked the tension and the flirting in the early stages of their relationship. One thing I can usually count on with this author is that the characters never meet and immediately jump into bed together. If I remember correctly, all the books so far in this series meet my "sex after 40%" standard. Anyway, once they finally were "together", it’s pretty much insta-love...ick. And then they both started doing stupid things: Damon used his own pain to hurt the people he loved, and Alarik allowed himself to be tempted by a past crush. Yes, I admit that these were realistic reactions of real people, but the way it was handled made me doubt that there was real love between Damon and Alarik. Dammit, I was so frustrated reading this!! Don't forget, there was no cheating, but jeez I was worried there for a while. I do have to commend Alarik for staying true and faithful to Damon. I don't think I would have if I had found myself in a similar situation. Ugh. Sooooo, the sweet, romantic ending really redeemed this story for me. It was very sappy, but it made me smile. Still, way in the back of my mind, I'm not 100% convinced that Damon and Alarik's love was real.
Now, let me talk about Mark and Zane. I might be in the minority here, but Mark and Zane are probably my most favorite couple of this series. Yes, their story was really fucked up, but there's just something about them that I adore. They are so sweet and romantic, and I actually loved that I got to see them happy together again. On the other hand, I'm really not sure why Mark and Zane had to play such a big role in this story; they are now happily married, but I suppose they needed to tie Max (Alarik's crush) into the story and maybe set him up for the next book of the series? I don't know, but for me, their storyline really didn't relate to the main plot, and I found it very distracting to what was going on with Damon and Alarik. I actually found myself more excited to read the scenes with Mark or Zane than I was to read about Damon or Alarik, and that’s just not right!
Don't get me wrong, I loved the secondary characters in this story; not only Mark and Zane but also Damon's friends and family, especially his parents. I even liked Max in the end; boy does that guy have a lot of demons, so I really hope his story is next. I even have a strong suspicion of who his love interest will be.
One last issue for me was that I really didn't "hear" Alarik's accent. I wanted more Britishisms or Finnish-isms or whatever Alarik's heritage was.
While there were parts of this story that I loved, there were other parts that really frustrated me...obviously. But I'm still giving this 3.5 stars because once I got past all the information dumping in the beginning, I couldn't put the damn thing down, even when I really wanted to throw my Kindle across the room.
For those of you who love this series, I definitely recommend keeping Fall Apart on your radar, but I wouldn't say it’s a have-to-read-right-now kind of story...for me anyway. Sadly, its my least favorite of the series so far.
Reviewed for The Blog of Sid Love
December 23, 2013
3.5 stars
Although not my favorite of the series I did enjoy Damon and Alarik's story (although I kept thinking of Vampire Diaries, but then remembering Alarik is described as looking like Josh Holloway in Lost - but that's all good). A lot of good reviews already give a run down of the story. To me this one had a different feel than the prior books, but I'm not sure why.
First off, I was very happy to have Mark and Zane from Question Mark as the secondary story line. It is nice to catch up with them and their families as they have been married for one year and provide a tie in for Alarik and Damon. Their particular story line also looks like it will be a good part of the next book as well and it seems, or at least I am hoping it will be the story of Max, the director of Zane's latest movie and .
I enjoyed Alarik and Damon together. Their courtship in the first half of half of the book was fun. The second half of the book however, turned a complete 180 and became more serious. While I didn't mind that I didn't like that .
If you are a fan of the series I would absolutely recommend this book. While this book can stand alone if you haven't read the stories before, I would recommend reading Private Eye and Question Mark first to really get a feel for the series.
Although not my favorite of the series I did enjoy Damon and Alarik's story (although I kept thinking of Vampire Diaries, but then remembering Alarik is described as looking like Josh Holloway in Lost - but that's all good). A lot of good reviews already give a run down of the story. To me this one had a different feel than the prior books, but I'm not sure why.
First off, I was very happy to have Mark and Zane from Question Mark as the secondary story line. It is nice to catch up with them and their families as they have been married for one year and provide a tie in for Alarik and Damon. Their particular story line also looks like it will be a good part of the next book as well and it seems, or at least I am hoping it will be the story of Max, the director of Zane's latest movie and .
I enjoyed Alarik and Damon together. Their courtship in the first half of half of the book was fun. The second half of the book however, turned a complete 180 and became more serious. While I didn't mind that I didn't like that .
If you are a fan of the series I would absolutely recommend this book. While this book can stand alone if you haven't read the stories before, I would recommend reading Private Eye and Question Mark first to really get a feel for the series.
November 3, 2013
I LOVE it like I've loved the first three books. S.E. is an incredible storyteller - she's one of very few Author's that are a MUST buy for me.
July 5, 2014
I really liked this book. It was long, but while it took me a few days to get thru, I certainly enjoyed the whole book. Even the parts where I cried. Damon and Alarik where great character--I always enjoy when I get a little British in my stories--and though there were points in which both of them deserved to be smacked with a baseball bat, the way that this book handled their stubbornness felt realistic. There was a little angst but in the end they did find themselves working back towards each other. And I like that Alarik demanded that Damon do the chasing in the end. Their relationship needed to be a two way street--not just a constant rendition of stalker!Alarik.
I did want to dump Max in a deep, dark, wet hole. And that sounded a lot filthier than I intended it to be. Oh well. Even though if this was Max's and Alarik's story, not Alarik's and Damon's, I would be cheering Max and his persistence on--here it just annoyed me. Back the fuck off, dude. At some point Damon is going to pull his head out of his ass and get his man. You still need to find a way to stop hiding amongst the coats.
It has been a while since I read the other books in this series, and I think I may have benefited from that. I enjoyed seeing Zane and Mark again, and while I wasn't exactly sure what they added to the story, I didn't feel that they detracted from it either. Overall this was a good story.
4.5 stars
I did want to dump Max in a deep, dark, wet hole. And that sounded a lot filthier than I intended it to be. Oh well. Even though if this was Max's and Alarik's story, not Alarik's and Damon's, I would be cheering Max and his persistence on--here it just annoyed me. Back the fuck off, dude. At some point Damon is going to pull his head out of his ass and get his man. You still need to find a way to stop hiding amongst the coats.
It has been a while since I read the other books in this series, and I think I may have benefited from that. I enjoyed seeing Zane and Mark again, and while I wasn't exactly sure what they added to the story, I didn't feel that they detracted from it either. Overall this was a good story.
4.5 stars
November 10, 2013
3 stars. There was a lot going on in the book (emphasis on 'a lot') and I never grasped the purpose of it all... Perhaps the different story lines could have been better integrated to make the whole more coherent and easier for the reader to follow/shift perspective. The main romance started out quite nicely and promising, only to be overwhelmed and completely sidetracked by a variety of issues. One protagonist suffered a painful loss, having to struggle with pain, guilt and pushing everyone away in the process. Even before the traumatic event, the other protagonist seemed very interested in and tempted by a former flame, which made me heavily question his feelings and whether he was simply waiting for someone else to come along... The two spend a lot of time apart and then quite suddenly have a happy ending; it was not convincing because their romantic relationship hardly had the opportunity to consolidate.
March 23, 2014
I was giving this 5 humorously,loving stars... THEN I had to subtract a star for the spoiler type moment that almost made me not finish the book. sigh...
August 24, 2021
1.5 stars. Why was this book so goddamn long? It was not great. Aside from the fact that Culpepper has all of her MCs declaring eternal love after a hot minute, I found this book painfully boring and trite. The dialogue was awful and unrealistic, Alarik was written to sound like a caricature of a British person and Damon had no real personality to speak of. I legit was not rooting for this couple. The half-star round-up is for Zane and Mark, who served absolutely no purpose in the narrative, but were fun to revisit.
dnf
October 15, 2014Ok, not only perhaps, but most-definitely another try later. I'm a fan of this author and her writing and yes, this book was patiently waiting to be read for about a year now. Finally I got around reading it, but sadly this didn't work for me so far and I'm at about 30%? The thrown-in chapters regarding the other couple always pulled me out of my reading flow. And they are much more gripping! Then I had a look at the final pages and jep, obviously their storyline isn't finished at all. So, not only they take away center space from the main couple, nope, then we are left hanging and the follow-up is nowhere in sight :(
So, I leave this book a DNF and wait for the next book in the series, hoping this will be out sooner than later.
So, I leave this book a DNF and wait for the next book in the series, hoping this will be out sooner than later.
November 17, 2013
Definitely my least favorite in the series so far.
First of all, let me start from the Finland thing. I don't know if the author just wanted to toss in an exotic origin and tricky-as-hell language, but as a Finnish person.... Not convinced. It wasn't explained enough why Alarik wasn't raised by his Finnish parents but rather "rescued" by the (multinational?) aunt and uncle. That made it seem like an additional exotic thing just tossed in for the sake of it. I'm also pretty sure the uncle was named and the name was decidedly feminine in Finland, but when I tried to find the name on my Kindle, I couldn't, so I'm not 100% here.
The thing that mostly annoyed me with this book was the way it was paced. It drove me NUTS how I was tossed from one situation with another with how the two pairings were intertwined in the book. Cue DRAMA, turn page, oh a new "nothing to do with the drama" chapter of the other couple.
Not my favorite kind of storytelling, for sure. While I liked the main couple in the book, I have to say Mark and his husband were still my favorites and their story was, in some ways, much more interesting.
While I write a LOT of side characters myself, this book might have had too many. I do get why they were there, each had a place, but it was a bit too much especially with the structure of the story being so disjointed at times.
I'll still read whatever this author comes up with next, because her writing is really good and I like her characters a lot. Mark's book is still my favorite.
First of all, let me start from the Finland thing. I don't know if the author just wanted to toss in an exotic origin and tricky-as-hell language, but as a Finnish person.... Not convinced. It wasn't explained enough why Alarik wasn't raised by his Finnish parents but rather "rescued" by the (multinational?) aunt and uncle. That made it seem like an additional exotic thing just tossed in for the sake of it. I'm also pretty sure the uncle was named and the name was decidedly feminine in Finland, but when I tried to find the name on my Kindle, I couldn't, so I'm not 100% here.
The thing that mostly annoyed me with this book was the way it was paced. It drove me NUTS how I was tossed from one situation with another with how the two pairings were intertwined in the book. Cue DRAMA, turn page, oh a new "nothing to do with the drama" chapter of the other couple.
Not my favorite kind of storytelling, for sure. While I liked the main couple in the book, I have to say Mark and his husband were still my favorites and their story was, in some ways, much more interesting.
While I write a LOT of side characters myself, this book might have had too many. I do get why they were there, each had a place, but it was a bit too much especially with the structure of the story being so disjointed at times.
I'll still read whatever this author comes up with next, because her writing is really good and I like her characters a lot. Mark's book is still my favorite.
May 20, 2015
SPOILER ALERT!!
I'm quite angry and I'm angry about a few things.
-killing off Todd was unecessary angst and it made me a whole lot more mad than if Luke or Franco died.
-I LOVED Zane and Mark but they shouldn't have been so much in this book. They had their own book, why had them for half another book? It took a lot of time that Alarik and Damon's relationship needed.
-Their romance was a bit fast and loveless. They claim to love each other but we never saw more than a hiking date and a random meeting with the parents.
-Alarik indecision between Damon and Max was very annoying and saying I love You to Damon than lusting after Max made me mad and kinda disgusted from his flirty attitude.
-Todd's death was brutal and while Damon's reaction toward Alarik was childish and cliché, I understand his need to be alone. What I don't understand is how you can claim to love someone and that you'll stick with them no matter what but the minute they push you away you go RUNNING to someone else telling them that you want to with them but also not really.
-Alarik's flirty manizer attitude ruined the romance for me. I felt like I was reading a book about his unresolved feeling for Max instead of his love for Damon. It worked for Christian and Kevin, but here? Not at all. Nobody give a cr*p about Max and I was almost glad that Damon dumped Alarik because he didn't need a flirt and an emotional cheater as his boyfriend.
I'm quite angry and I'm angry about a few things.
-killing off Todd was unecessary angst and it made me a whole lot more mad than if Luke or Franco died.
-I LOVED Zane and Mark but they shouldn't have been so much in this book. They had their own book, why had them for half another book? It took a lot of time that Alarik and Damon's relationship needed.
-Their romance was a bit fast and loveless. They claim to love each other but we never saw more than a hiking date and a random meeting with the parents.
-Alarik indecision between Damon and Max was very annoying and saying I love You to Damon than lusting after Max made me mad and kinda disgusted from his flirty attitude.
-Todd's death was brutal and while Damon's reaction toward Alarik was childish and cliché, I understand his need to be alone. What I don't understand is how you can claim to love someone and that you'll stick with them no matter what but the minute they push you away you go RUNNING to someone else telling them that you want to with them but also not really.
-Alarik's flirty manizer attitude ruined the romance for me. I felt like I was reading a book about his unresolved feeling for Max instead of his love for Damon. It worked for Christian and Kevin, but here? Not at all. Nobody give a cr*p about Max and I was almost glad that Damon dumped Alarik because he didn't need a flirt and an emotional cheater as his boyfriend.
March 3, 2015
This book was looooonnnngggggg!!! And it didn't need to be. There were pockets of goodness throughout the book but not enough to save the book from itself. I've really enjoyed this series up until this point. Initially I couldn't figure out how Alarik and Damon connected to the series but then we got Mark and Zane so I guess that was their connection. The bad thing is Mark and Zane were two books ago and they weren't fresh in my mind; they weren't even my favorite couple.
I really liked the chemistry between Alarik and Damon in the beginning. I like the honesty in their courtship. Then I guess we needed a reason for the title of the book and that's when it all went to shit. Damon's character changed and became a punk ass bitch. I didn't even see him being that close to Todd. Now if it were Luke, I'd understand him better. Alarik's character changed as well. Here he is telling us he's in love with Damon but then he's considering his attraction to Max and if he should be with Max. WTF?? Speaking of Max. I guess that was just a set up for the next book. I really hated how this book ended.
This book had too many characters. When Reid was introduced I didn't even remember who he was. And why should I care about his and Sophia's flirting? I did like the rivalry between Zane and Brad Pershall and want to see Brad go down. Maybe I'll read the next book.
I really liked the chemistry between Alarik and Damon in the beginning. I like the honesty in their courtship. Then I guess we needed a reason for the title of the book and that's when it all went to shit. Damon's character changed and became a punk ass bitch. I didn't even see him being that close to Todd. Now if it were Luke, I'd understand him better. Alarik's character changed as well. Here he is telling us he's in love with Damon but then he's considering his attraction to Max and if he should be with Max. WTF?? Speaking of Max. I guess that was just a set up for the next book. I really hated how this book ended.
This book had too many characters. When Reid was introduced I didn't even remember who he was. And why should I care about his and Sophia's flirting? I did like the rivalry between Zane and Brad Pershall and want to see Brad go down. Maybe I'll read the next book.
August 12, 2016
Well. What to say? There was a good bit of Zane & mark in this one, which was nice. Alaric was charming, and Damon had his moments. The secondary characters were endearing for the most part, although I'd love to deck Max despite his one redeeming scene. I have a feeling we are in for quite a ride with him in the next installment.
At 7% i was laughing out loud. At 70% I was crying. For chapters. Not just a second...chapters.
Overall an enjoyable part of the series, but not the best. Probably a 3.5 for me. An awful lot of the focus was on other cast members, so to speak, which was entertaining, but left me feeling a bit distant from the MC's--especially Damon.
At 7% i was laughing out loud. At 70% I was crying. For chapters. Not just a second...chapters.
Overall an enjoyable part of the series, but not the best. Probably a 3.5 for me. An awful lot of the focus was on other cast members, so to speak, which was entertaining, but left me feeling a bit distant from the MC's--especially Damon.
March 8, 2014
3.5 stars
4.5 stars for the first half of the book... Humor, charming heroes, crazy chemistry, all around likable characters...such a feel good read! I was totally loving the book!
Then, the second half came..and it all went downhill. I didn't like Max..and though I like Zane and Mark - they took too much part in this book and the scenes with them dragged out the story.
This book promised so much, but just didn't deliver.
4.5 stars for the first half of the book... Humor, charming heroes, crazy chemistry, all around likable characters...such a feel good read! I was totally loving the book!
Then, the second half came..and it all went downhill. I didn't like Max..and though I like Zane and Mark - they took too much part in this book and the scenes with them dragged out the story.
This book promised so much, but just didn't deliver.
August 29, 2015
I think Fall Apart is the most heartbreaking installment in the Liaisons series but also the most heartwarming. Once again the connection between the two main characters is instant but their road is not easy. Damon has not had the greatest track record so he's reluctant but that only spurs Alarik on even more. I loved that we got to see what's happening in Mark and Zane's life since we last saw them in Question Mark as well. You will definitely need to have a box or two of tissues handy when you read this one. Lost Won may have been my favorite in the series but Fall Apart is a close second.
October 20, 2018
Being Best Man at the wedding of one of his closest friends and dodging his infuriating ex at the same time should occupy pretty much all of Damon's attention, but the bride's intriguing photographer friend is impossible to ignore. Alarik is captivated by Damon right from the start and determined to go after what he wants. It seems to be working, and the two of soon turn mutual interest and attraction into dating into the beginning of a relationship - until tragedy strikes, and their happy ending seems all but unreachable all of a sudden.
I'm a little conflicted about this book. I did enjoy it more and find it less frustrating all in all than the first two in the series, but the third book is still hands down my favourite. This one was twice as long as the series opener, and it felt like it - not necessarily in the best way, as it did seem to drag a bit in places. It's half following up on Zane and Mark from book two, half Damon and Alarik (and am I the only TVD fan who very much enjoys a couple with those names?). Now, I know it's not nice to commit acts of violence against injured people, but damn did I want to punch Damon during much of the second half of the book... but all's well that ends well, I guess. I do wonder how come the author never continued this series, she was clearly setting up another book for Max, but it's been five years since this one was released and there's been nothing since. Shame, because I really liked Max and would've loved to see him find a HEA...
I'm a little conflicted about this book. I did enjoy it more and find it less frustrating all in all than the first two in the series, but the third book is still hands down my favourite. This one was twice as long as the series opener, and it felt like it - not necessarily in the best way, as it did seem to drag a bit in places. It's half following up on Zane and Mark from book two, half Damon and Alarik (and am I the only TVD fan who very much enjoys a couple with those names?). Now, I know it's not nice to commit acts of violence against injured people, but damn did I want to punch Damon during much of the second half of the book... but all's well that ends well, I guess. I do wonder how come the author never continued this series, she was clearly setting up another book for Max, but it's been five years since this one was released and there's been nothing since. Shame, because I really liked Max and would've loved to see him find a HEA...
March 5, 2024
Damon has not had great success in his love life so he's at his friend's wedding trying to stay away from one of his paramours when he is struck by an English accent that won't let him go. Alarik is a friend of the bride and a photographer who sees so much in Damon beyond a photograph. Alarik is determined to win Damon over. An accident leaves Damon injured and his best friend dead. Convincing Damon that he's not responsible and to accept the support he's offered is a difficult task. Alarik is pushed away and almost falls into the arms of another man who’s struggling to accept himself. Despite this Alarik is determined to fight for what he wants. Will it be enough?
October 22, 2017
It was ok, I didn't quite feel the attraction/connection between these two as I have in other books in the series. Maybe this was because Alarik was too open/blunt with his feelings (leaving no build-up) and conversely Damon was not at all communicative at the start.
I don't know where the author is from, but I am assuming she is American, as I found the English-dialogue a bit too much to handle (I don't think they really speak like that, or not that I have heard)
I don't know where the author is from, but I am assuming she is American, as I found the English-dialogue a bit too much to handle (I don't think they really speak like that, or not that I have heard)
November 10, 2013
4.5 Stars
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
I absolutely adored this book - it might even be my new favourite in the series! It had everything - fun and humour, top notch smexy and then it also took you to the dark side, as the title alludes to. I really cried in this book. As always SE Culpepper gives the reader a huge cast of characters that come alive off the page - but this book is different in that it gives us a couple we have never met before. Normally we get to meet the guys (or at least one of them) in a previous book and already form an opinion of them before their book.... think Mark and how many readers hated him! Fall Apart is different - the two MCs, Damon and Alarik, are totally new characters - and they were wonderful! Throughout the book we have their story alternating with a Zane and Mark (from Question Mark) storyline, until the two arcs join together with somewhat of a bang!
Brit boy Alarik's college friend, Mandy, is getting married. He is at the wedding as the non professional photographer. Damon is the best man at the same wedding. The guys meet, obviously, and the attraction is immediate. Damon's ex is there too. He is a dick! Alarik overhears something, puts 2 and 2 together and puts the ex well and truly in his place! *swoon*. There were times that the book read a little bit like a Bronte novel - but I liked that - hence my swooning!! Damon is really attracted to Alarik but is kinda off kilter because of his ex, so he heads home asap - leaving Alarik looking all over for him. Thank goodness our British boy is not to be outdone, and all Bond-like he manages to track Damon down - determined to get his man! I loved the determination of Alarik ♥ plus, ya know... I have a weakness for Brits - so he won me over pretty quick! Damon has his own strengths too - he is a good guy, all American boy-next-door, one of life's givers - generous to a fault almost. The two guys fall into a pretty special and strong relationship really quickly, but it was believable - they both are at a point in their lives where they are ready to settle down. Not settle. They both know that there is something special here. Then they are hit with a double whammy - a past love and a sad loss broke my heart, and these guys apart. :-( Alarik wants to fight for what they had and could have with his Mr Wright ♥ but everyone has a breaking point....
That is all I am saying. You really need to read the book to feel the broad range of emotions SE Culpepper rips out of you - as I said - I laughed, I cried, I swooned. It has everything! As it is different from previous books we thought we too would mix it up a bit - so Whit and I thought it would be fun to discuss some of the aspects of the book in as unspoilery a way as possible - these are some of our thoughts .....
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
AND there be a giveaway - so follow the link!
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
I absolutely adored this book - it might even be my new favourite in the series! It had everything - fun and humour, top notch smexy and then it also took you to the dark side, as the title alludes to. I really cried in this book. As always SE Culpepper gives the reader a huge cast of characters that come alive off the page - but this book is different in that it gives us a couple we have never met before. Normally we get to meet the guys (or at least one of them) in a previous book and already form an opinion of them before their book.... think Mark and how many readers hated him! Fall Apart is different - the two MCs, Damon and Alarik, are totally new characters - and they were wonderful! Throughout the book we have their story alternating with a Zane and Mark (from Question Mark) storyline, until the two arcs join together with somewhat of a bang!
Brit boy Alarik's college friend, Mandy, is getting married. He is at the wedding as the non professional photographer. Damon is the best man at the same wedding. The guys meet, obviously, and the attraction is immediate. Damon's ex is there too. He is a dick! Alarik overhears something, puts 2 and 2 together and puts the ex well and truly in his place! *swoon*. There were times that the book read a little bit like a Bronte novel - but I liked that - hence my swooning!! Damon is really attracted to Alarik but is kinda off kilter because of his ex, so he heads home asap - leaving Alarik looking all over for him. Thank goodness our British boy is not to be outdone, and all Bond-like he manages to track Damon down - determined to get his man! I loved the determination of Alarik ♥ plus, ya know... I have a weakness for Brits - so he won me over pretty quick! Damon has his own strengths too - he is a good guy, all American boy-next-door, one of life's givers - generous to a fault almost. The two guys fall into a pretty special and strong relationship really quickly, but it was believable - they both are at a point in their lives where they are ready to settle down. Not settle. They both know that there is something special here. Then they are hit with a double whammy - a past love and a sad loss broke my heart, and these guys apart. :-( Alarik wants to fight for what they had and could have with his Mr Wright ♥ but everyone has a breaking point....
That is all I am saying. You really need to read the book to feel the broad range of emotions SE Culpepper rips out of you - as I said - I laughed, I cried, I swooned. It has everything! As it is different from previous books we thought we too would mix it up a bit - so Whit and I thought it would be fun to discuss some of the aspects of the book in as unspoilery a way as possible - these are some of our thoughts .....
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
AND there be a giveaway - so follow the link!
January 12, 2014
First of all... What the f*** I need book 5 NOW NOW NOW!
5 FanFreakingTastic stars!!
This was for me a dual book, we had new characters Alarik -sexy ass name I know- and Damon. And Mark and Zane again *dances happily*
Alarik is a renowned photographer, friends with Zane. He meets Damon at the wedding of a very dear friend, Mandy where she married one of Damon's best friend Luke. The attraction between them is immediate and Alarik isn't leaving town without seeing Damon again.
This was such an amazing story. I cried like three times, I was whimpering like a little kid in the middle of the night, I got so invested in this characters, from Damon's best friends to Mark's family. I loved it all, there was drama, heartbreak, tears, laughs, hotness, I fucking loved it, there are no words, it was simply perfect, I can't describe, there were so many things going on but at the same time everything was so connected and I was engaged. I just loved it. And now I can't wait for book 5 cause I really really need to get more of this series. Simply in love. It's gonna be hard to top this series this year.
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5 FanFreakingTastic stars!!
This was for me a dual book, we had new characters Alarik -sexy ass name I know- and Damon. And Mark and Zane again *dances happily*
Alarik is a renowned photographer, friends with Zane. He meets Damon at the wedding of a very dear friend, Mandy where she married one of Damon's best friend Luke. The attraction between them is immediate and Alarik isn't leaving town without seeing Damon again.
This was such an amazing story. I cried like three times, I was whimpering like a little kid in the middle of the night, I got so invested in this characters, from Damon's best friends to Mark's family. I loved it all, there was drama, heartbreak, tears, laughs, hotness, I fucking loved it, there are no words, it was simply perfect, I can't describe, there were so many things going on but at the same time everything was so connected and I was engaged. I just loved it. And now I can't wait for book 5 cause I really really need to get more of this series. Simply in love. It's gonna be hard to top this series this year.
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February 1, 2014
S.E. Culpepper is one of my absolute favorite M/M Romance authors. I highly recommend the Liaisons series.
December 29, 2014
This book was such a disappointment. I love Ms. Culpepper's Liaison series. Question Mark by far is my favorite book and I couldn't wait to get my hands on any new books in this series. I am very sad to say though that Fall Apart was a vast flop and disappointment for me.
The main character was just a whinny weepy mess, who never knew what he wanted. The love scenes, if you can even call them that, were few and far between with little if any insight into the passion between the two male leads. Add in the surprise tragedy thrown in the middle of the book and it took everything in me to finish reading. I can usually be done with a book this size in 2-3 days. This book took me well over a month to finish. I kept putting it down and picking it back up since I hate not finishing books. I kept hoping that it would get better and that in the end it would all pay off.......it didn't I'm sad to say.
I will to give this author another shot, if there is another book in the series, but if it's anything like Fall Apart, I'm done.
The main character was just a whinny weepy mess, who never knew what he wanted. The love scenes, if you can even call them that, were few and far between with little if any insight into the passion between the two male leads. Add in the surprise tragedy thrown in the middle of the book and it took everything in me to finish reading. I can usually be done with a book this size in 2-3 days. This book took me well over a month to finish. I kept putting it down and picking it back up since I hate not finishing books. I kept hoping that it would get better and that in the end it would all pay off.......it didn't I'm sad to say.
I will to give this author another shot, if there is another book in the series, but if it's anything like Fall Apart, I'm done.
December 14, 2014
The title had me curious from the get-go. The book starts off pretty innocuously, but at times I got a little annoyed because there are scenes with Mark and Zane interwoven through, which I thought sort of disrupted the flow of the budding romance between Damon and Alarik. It almost seemed like Damon and Alarik weren't really together enough to form a believable relationship. But then, with their relationship being so new, they are hit by this bomb. Be warned, it's pretty gut-wrenching when it does happen. The "putting back together" of the relationship that falls apart is pretty good, but still I wished that there wasn't so much of Mark and Zane, and even Mark's brother, Reid. Not that I don't like Mark and Zane, but c'mon, it's Damon and Alarik's story. Another character, Max, is introduced, and he is the odd man out to Damon and Alarik's relationship; perhaps he will get the next book?
January 23, 2014
It's a strange one in this series. The main focus is Damon and Alarik's romance, but there is quite a bit of Zane and Mark from book 2 "Question Mark". It just seems confusing and quite distracting.
Don't get me wrong, I loved Zane and Mark, book 2 was my favourite from the series so far, but I can't help but think that, the sweet romance after their HEA is a bit redundant and not really interesting to read. My only explanation is that the author is paving way for further books... Maybe about Max Hayama - who is Alarik's other love interest in this book, and they are both linked to Zane's work circle.
However such arrangement has made the romance between Damon and Alarik seem rush and unconvincing - even though there are some heavy issues (not exactly conflicts) between them.
I hope I am wrong on the prediction, because I was never warm to Max as a character.
Don't get me wrong, I loved Zane and Mark, book 2 was my favourite from the series so far, but I can't help but think that, the sweet romance after their HEA is a bit redundant and not really interesting to read. My only explanation is that the author is paving way for further books... Maybe about Max Hayama - who is Alarik's other love interest in this book, and they are both linked to Zane's work circle.
However such arrangement has made the romance between Damon and Alarik seem rush and unconvincing - even though there are some heavy issues (not exactly conflicts) between them.
I hope I am wrong on the prediction, because I was never warm to Max as a character.
November 5, 2013
I had to know with a title like "Fall Apart" I was not in for a happy warm cuddly story. I expected some angst. I can do angst. I can handle angst. I created a new "Shelf of Pain and Suffering" on Goodreads for this book. It stands on this shelf in a puddle of tears and snot.
I read this at work on a slow day, found myself trying really REALLY hard not to cry, and just giving myself a headache, and wound up leaking anyway.
I liked the other books in this series. I feel BROKEN after this one. I'm going to go re-read Touch and Geaux or start Evenfall to try to cheer myself up after this.
I'll probably read it again, knowing it's going to be twice as painful the second time..
Jesus, just... ow.
Anybody else need a support group after reading this, get in touch.
I read this at work on a slow day, found myself trying really REALLY hard not to cry, and just giving myself a headache, and wound up leaking anyway.
I liked the other books in this series. I feel BROKEN after this one. I'm going to go re-read Touch and Geaux or start Evenfall to try to cheer myself up after this.
I'll probably read it again, knowing it's going to be twice as painful the second time..
Jesus, just... ow.
Anybody else need a support group after reading this, get in touch.
January 30, 2015
3.5 to 4 stars
Even though I enjoyed it , I didn't like it as much as the other 3 books in the series.
I didn't like Max, he kind of rubbed me the wrong way. And I hated that Alarik was always thinking about his attraction to Max and had to think about about Damon to fight it, I found it rather annoying and dishonest to Damon. It seemed to me as if he had to constantly do that so I wasn't sure he really loved Damon as much as he said he did.
The heartbreaking twist in the middle was so sad and brought tears to my eyes. It made me a bit upset with how Alarik handled it. I thought he was playing with fire with his sudden indecisiveness regarding his feelings for Damon and Max.
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