Note: Reviews are listed alphabetically by author’s last name.
Mutual Possession
Aurora Crane (Nine Tenths of the Law #1)
With this book, Crane not only sets a new record high for possessive characters, she obliterates the competition. The way Kendrick and Spencer think of each other isn’t necessarily sane, but that doesn’t stop their connection from being at turns hot and poignant. They’ve found their forever person in each other, but since the status quo wasn’t necessarily working anymore, neither man lets a pesky thing like sexuality get in the way of furthering their claim on each other. Most characters might have detoured to some introspection about the nature of attraction and demisexuality, but these guys have more important things to do, like solving a murder while operating in the gray area of the law. They fit seamlessly into the greater world of the fascinating interconnected characters that make up Crane’s books. I can’t wait to see more of them in further works promised by this author, especially since she never disappoints.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Alfie: Part Two
Cara Dee
Dee’s characters always feel so real that I’m half convinced I could hop in my car, drive a few hours north to the Philly area, and actually find Alfie and West. These ex-husbands were so close to reconciling at the end of the previous book, but Dee left us on a non-cliffhanger that, while frustrating, made perfect sense for the development of the characters so far in their journey. All bets are off now, though, because sinking (again) to such a dark moment in their relationship finally shows them the work they need to do to reconcile their authentic lives. Dee walks a fine line in her mafia books between glorifying that world and employing the traditional role of fiction to criticize current reality, especially in the United States. Alfie and West’s personal arcs are almost more satisfying in this book than their inevitable happily ever after, with an amazing, unexpected (yet utterly perfect in retrospect) twist that made me yell loud enough to scare the cats. (Alfie and West probably heard me in Philadelphia.)
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Hero Worship
L Eveland (Wayward Sons #5)
Eveland further expands the world their vigilante Laskin brothers inhabit with this well-crafted dark romance that also works in opposition to the increasingly dark reality of life in the United States. This book satisfies needs on so many levels, from pure escapism to representation of characters who exist beyond the binary. Xander and Avery are each fascinating in their own ways, but Eveland takes this one step further by making one a hero and the other a villain. Any discussion of representation is appropriate to the context of the scene, sending a wonderfully subtle message that gender identity is a natural character trait, such as height or favorite color, with no accompanying moral alignment. The romance between Ash and Xander is also delightfully nontraditional, from the way they claim each other to the beautiful way they support each other through mental and emotional turmoil without ever attempting to “fix” each other. The complicated relationship between Xander and brother Xavier added to the tension of the external plot while making me look forward to Xavier’s book even more than I already did. This series is not to be missed for fans of dark romance who aren’t afraid of unexpected risks in dynamic characterization and storytelling.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
The Fly-Half
Charlie Novak (Lincoln Knights #2)
One of my favorite things about Novak’s books is that I simultaneously always know what I’m going to get while also being totally surprised along the way. The friends-to-lovers arc was clearly at play from chapter one of this book, but Novak stays true to her low-angst roots while never diminishing the personal journeys that Devon and Jonny undergo. However, she also doesn’t pursue the expected character development of Jonny analyzing his queer awakening. Where he fits on the spectrum (with a lovely, quiet nod to demisexuality) is practically a non-issue next to the strength of his new attachment to Devon, which becomes directly tied to his job as a professional rugby player. I appreciated that sport became a significant plot element to this sports romance, but in a fairly unique way that is accessible to any reader. Ultimately, Jonny’s deliciously filthy possessiveness is merely icing on an incredibly satisfying cake.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
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