Solidly characterized, wistfully written, this book gives you a playful view to the Edwardian era in which Egyptology and obscure science held a mysti...moreSolidly characterized, wistfully written, this book gives you a playful view to the Edwardian era in which Egyptology and obscure science held a mystical appeal, men were men and woman had all sorts of strange notions about equality. It's a classic resurrection story, in which the thing you're bringing back is way worse than the loss itself, and Percival Whyborne is an engaging, prickly hero. His painful isolation is rudely interrupted by one Griffin Flaherty, haunted ex-Pinkerton agent who has no respect for boundaries, but plenty of respect for Percival. The love scenes are sweet and passionate, and the word precision is a thing of beauty. Gorgeous book. I downloaded Hainted before I was even done with this one, because I knew I'd want to read more. (less)
Classic Mary, with a first person hero and extensive world building, but also a demonstration of expanding skill. Domin's voice is growly, irritable,...moreClassic Mary, with a first person hero and extensive world building, but also a demonstration of expanding skill. Domin's voice is growly, irritable, floundering and wise, and while the action and pacing is nonstop because that's what Mary does, the dynamic of Domin and Yuri is very, very different than the Jin/Logan dynamic. Domin *isn't* sure everything he does is right, and he does NOT commit to action first and take counsel later. He's wise enough to listen to the people around him and to do what's best for everyone else before thinking about his own ego. (As much as I loved Jin, that was Jin's big failing.) He needs his mate simply because that's what married people DO--they yearn for the other half of their souls. The sex is scorching, and the promise for new adventures is delightful. (less)
It is so good to see Jory grown up. He's still manic, gleeful, young-at-heart extrovert with the attention of a sparrow, but having children and a hus...moreIt is so good to see Jory grown up. He's still manic, gleeful, young-at-heart extrovert with the attention of a sparrow, but having children and a husband has made him into a real live adult, and he throws himself into caring for his family with the same passion he used to throw himself into trouble, but with much better results. The dynamic between Jory and Sam hasn't changed-- Sam is still the ultimate alpha and Jory still has a hummingbird brain that needs to be brought to heel, but Sam has been gentled, and Jory's brain has learned to do the things it has to in order to keep Jory's family safe. I like that Jory stays home and keeps his children safe when Same needs to leave-- it's what any responsible parent would do, because that's part of working as a team. Jory's still functioning ability as a giant electro-trouble-magnet works just fine, but his family sense keeps him from making that worse, and as any adult with little people can tell you, when the little people come first the trouble magnet detritus needs to stay out of the life as much as possible. Jory does just fine, and he will ALWAYS need his Sam.(less)
Amazing-- I love watching Tony grow up, and Mac grow more comfortable. I love watching their family grown, and watch them hit obstacles in their path...moreAmazing-- I love watching Tony grow up, and Mac grow more comfortable. I love watching their family grown, and watch them hit obstacles in their path with grit and determination. These guys don't live in an easy world, and their obstacles are real, but they manage to find a way, and even have moments of grace and joy. Loved.(less)
Loved. Want more Aaron and Zach-- SERIOUSLY want more Aaron and Zach. Want to see that bond, want to see Aaron from Zach's eyes... just, you know, WAN...moreLoved. Want more Aaron and Zach-- SERIOUSLY want more Aaron and Zach. Want to see that bond, want to see Aaron from Zach's eyes... just, you know, WANT! Thanks, Kaje, for making UCF awesome and exciting and hot. (Did I mention the want? Will bribe. Am not proud!)(less)
Simon and Paul are a perfectly wonderful couple, and I loved that all of Paul's worries about a VERY worrisome subject were not wrapped up or dismisse...moreSimon and Paul are a perfectly wonderful couple, and I loved that all of Paul's worries about a VERY worrisome subject were not wrapped up or dismissed. There would be repercussions from the ending, and I think that's only fair, since the rest of the book felt authentic and real, right down to Simon's role as resident smartass. (less)
I've read things like "gritty" and "suspenseful" about this book, and they're all true. So is "hot", "sexy", and "fast paced." What a lot of reviewers...moreI've read things like "gritty" and "suspenseful" about this book, and they're all true. So is "hot", "sexy", and "fast paced." What a lot of reviewers DON'T mention, however (and they SHOULD) is how frickin' funny it is in places, and how engaging Cole is, and how he's persistent and irritating and fun. Jae is easy to fall in love with-- the analogy of the feral cat was perfect (I have a cat like that--beware stray appendages, they get scratched) and all in all, this was a fun, fast paced, exciting read with a lot of humor and some solid characterization. VERY enjoyable! (less)
I'm a sucker for the college age love story, for the geek who's courted by the quarterback, and by decisions made under duress of hurt/comfort that wi...moreI'm a sucker for the college age love story, for the geek who's courted by the quarterback, and by decisions made under duress of hurt/comfort that will change our lives. This story pushed my buttons, and Vincent's dour irritability was endearing, much like Carson's wide-eyed belief that somehow, with love, the two of them would be okay. (less)
Freaking hilarious, snarky, authentic and sweet, with a cast of hilarious secondary characters and an adorably asinine first person narrator who shoul...moreFreaking hilarious, snarky, authentic and sweet, with a cast of hilarious secondary characters and an adorably asinine first person narrator who should NEVER EVER be given an appletini with valium again!(less)