From the Bookshelf of Turning Pages At Midnight…

Risk Taker (Mixed Messages, #3)

Lily Morton

Start date: August 14, 2018

Finish date: August 19, 2018

Discussion: Buddy Reads

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What Members Thought

Jun 23, 2019 Bev rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle-unlimited, mm

4.25 stars

I liked it but would've loved it if these two had extracted their heads outta their backsides a lot sooner. They drove me crazy with the non communication 🤯 ...more

19 likes · Like · see review

Jul 30, 2018 Jennifer☠Pher☠ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kindle-unlimited, favorites, m-m, favorites-2018

I don’t even know if I can write a coherent review. I am delirious. I feel so giddy I can’t even. Third book, third 5★ rating. So amazing. I am just so in love with this series and I feel like it just gets better and better.

I was nervous though. Early reviews had me unsure.

I’m sorry to my friends who didn’t love it but I did!

L-O-V-E-D, LOVED IT!

I really don’t even know what to say. Just take all the best adjectives and that is what I want to say. The story was absolutely beautiful to me and ver ...more

14 likes · Like · see review

Jul 18, 2018 Sheri rated it really liked it

Shelves: besties-to-boyfriends, oh-so-british

When I discovered (and adored) the Mixed Messages series last year I knew Lily Morton was going to make my top ten author list. This third book in the series could easily be a standalone, but I’d hate for you to miss out on the greatness of the first two; so I’d stick with my usual rec of reading them in order. Morton’s books are full of life. Her writing style is unique, her characters are always endearing, and she delivers the full monty of feels. I can close my eyes and I’m instantly in her w When I discovered (and adored) the Mixed Messages series last year I knew Lily Morton was going to make my top ten author list. This third book in the series could easily be a standalone, but I’d hate for you to miss out on the greatness of the first two; so I’d stick with my usual rec of reading them in order. Morton’s books are full of life. Her writing style is unique, her characters are always endearing, and she delivers the full monty of feels. I can close my eyes and I’m instantly in her world. I hear the busy bustle of the city or the peace of the sea. I feel the salt on my lips and smell the signature scent of her guys. I’m there. It’s a beautiful talent and I appreciate it every time I read one of her stories.
So, it’s Henry’s turn and my face breaks into a smile just thinking about him finding his “simple happy”. It’s not an easy feat. His story is…different. But his love isn’t any less intense or deserving. Henry’s heart’s deepest desires lies with his best friend and ex-stepbrother. Ivo has been not only a pillar in Henry’s life for nearly two decades but he’s been the nucleus. They have always gravitated towards and revolved around one another. I enjoyed their history but loved their ‘here and now’. *sigh* And I’m ecstatic for their future. They are the perfect example of, “home is not a where but a whom”.

What's to like: The first part of this series was overflowing with snark and wit. Henry and Ivo are just as humorous and I adored their childhood messages but there are heavy undertones of hurt. Not only from their awful parents but from the horrors Ivo’s witnessed over the years. Ivo is a photojournalist and travels the world capturing powerful moments. But it’s not only the camera that holds the dreadful memories. Ivo is very proud of his work, especially since he’s following in his father’s footsteps, but his blood-stained past is consuming him. Although he carries a camera in place of a gun, he’s still a warrior. This story begins when he returns home after a particularity grueling trip. His battered body and bruised soul frighten Henry more than ever before. His PTSD is consuming him and he’s put on temporary leave. Henry had finally decided to move on and look for someone to share his life with when Ivo returns. But how can he look for a partner when the one and only man he’s ever wanted is back? His friends decide to set Henry up on a few dates that turn our disastrously hilarious. I was so happy to see Gabe & Dylan and Asa & Jude return to the pages. It was awesome having them all together again. I’m hoping Silas has a story to tell us next!

What's to love: Best friend’s to boyfriends is one of my favorite tropes. There isn’t any getting to know each other because they already know everything. They are comfortable and their souls are well acquainted. Bad habits are accepted, weaknesses are noted, and secrets are (typically) nonexistent. Henry and Ivo are familiar with every aspect of one another and can read each other like an open book…if they choose to. But fear prevents them from acknowledging their sexual desires and giving into that final missing piece of ‘them’. They dance a frustrating dance. Their desires hum heavily in the background and pushed my heartbeat into high gear. I couldn’t wait for them to surrender and accept they were meant to be together in every way. When they finally do, yowza, they make up for lost time. They procrastinate ‘the talk’ but I was okay with that because I expected it. It was almost as if Henry was daydreaming his perfect fantasy and he was certain words would awaken him. However, sometimes dreams do come true.

Beware of: Abusive parents, PTSD from the gruesome reality of war, and maddening besties that you might want to cuff a time or two. As well as scorching hot lovin’. Bathtime snuggles are one of my all time favorite things!

This book is for: Mixed Messages Series fan will certainly want to add this to your wish list if you haven’t yet. If Morton is a brand-new name for you, I think you’re going to want to get to know her guys…they are a smashing good time.

Book UNfunk ...more

12 likes · Like · see review

Aug 14, 2018 ~Kristin~ rated it really liked it

Shelves: boys-who-love-boys, a-kindle-unlimited, series-i-love, swoon, tug-at-my-heart, friends-to-lovers, british, awesome-banter, so-my-jam, good-sigh

4.5 Stars
I know I’m really behind in my reading, it’s been a struggle for me to get in my reading time, but I absolutely loved this one. Best friends who truly have always loved each other, who find a way to be what they always hoped...gah...who wouldn’t love this?

4 likes · Like · see review