Book Review: HIM

HIM 

Rating- 5/5 tails

An endearing story about two young athletes who uncover their hidden emotions behind their masks of friendship.

The book starts with the perspectives of the two main characters, Ryan Wesley and Jamie Canning. Ryan Wesley, the local badass and cocky to the core, is confronted with an embarrassing history he has failed to overcome: his gut-wrenching and mind-boggling love for his ex-best friend. Jamie Canning had always imagined himself as the ladies man, but his thoughts keep returning to his best friend, who abruptly ended their friendship by going MIA during the best years of his life. Even after all these years, the anger and confusion appear to have followed him. The plot twists when both protagonists unexpectedly meet during a competition and rekindle their long-forgotten friendship, yearning to return to those simpler times when nothing else mattered but one other. However, fate has other ideas for them. When Wesley unexpectedly shows up at the summer camp Jamie is coaching with the purpose of mending the past, the six-week event becomes more than they could have imagined.

“My weakness is him.”
― Elle Kennedy.

Criticisms

I honestly couldn't think of anything negative to say about the book. Jamie and Wesley's coming-of-age narrative of discovering their sexualities were so nicely depicted, the only criticism I had was that the book was too short; I wanted to see more of Wes and Jamie. And, don't get me wrong, I know the book has a sequel called 'Us', but I guarantee it won't be enough. I was completely smitten.

“Because I’d wanted to touch him more than I’d wanted my next breath.”
― Sarina Bowen.

The book had me grinning like a fool. Wesley and Jamie are two of my favourite characters. This is the first book in which I don't think I'm picky when it comes to favourites. I felt every feeling that the author tried to convey because Wesley's love for Jamie was so terribly intoxicating. Furthermore, Wesley's cockiness and unapologetic attitude toward his sexuality was so inspiring.

“I…” He clears his throat. “I’d let you do it, though.” My hand freezes in his hair. “You would?” Wes nods. “I’d let you do anything to me, Canning.”
― Sarina Bowen, Him

'Him’ by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy can be read on its own, but the good news is that it has a sequel, 'Us.' Although most M/M novels are told in a single stand-alone book, I was delighted to see that this one has a second part in which the characters are already together, followed by their difficulties and tribulations which would help the readers to understand and appreciate the characters further with extended plots for character development. Frequently, stories end with the characters marrying and admitting their feelings. Meanwhile, this book takes it a step further by allowing the characters to grow as individuals. I can’t wait to read the sequel.

“You really do love me, huh?”
“Always have.” I swallowed hard. “Always will.”
― Sarina Bowen.

Recommendations

This is a novel that I would strongly suggest to any M/M fan. This is a must-read since it has a little bit of everything a good romance should have. The best aspect of this novel was the character development, slow-burn components, heart-wrenching interior dialogue, hot scenes, and humorous remarks. You'll undoubtedly root for the boys and squeal with delight during their interactions. In addition, it serves as a coming-of-age journey for Jamie, who considers himself to be 'straight' (or is he?). Jamie begins to adjust and embrace the reality that he loves his best friend after delving deeper into his friendship and sentiments of jealously for Wes. We even get a glimpse into the societal quirks that label gay guys as 'disgusting.' The moments in which the protagonists must conceal their sexuality in order to achieve their greater aims was extremely depressing. However, I admire Wes for being so upfront and defensive towards Jamie and himself, displaying the tough demeanour that is required to avoid being looked down upon.

“But here’s the thing about family, Ryan…blood doesn’t mean shit. You just need to surround yourself with people who do love you, and they become your family.”
― Sarina Bowen.

Aside from my evident outrage at such bigotry, I found this book to be a fun read. This isn't a tearjerker; rather, it's a light-hearted and humorous twist on the best friends to lovers narrative. For fans of BL, Yaoi, or M/M, this is a must-read.

Follow me on my Instagram page @kitsunewrites  

Thank you for reading. ❤

Book Review : The Captive Prince Series

 THE CAPTIVE PRINCE SERIES

Rating-4/5 Tails 

Favourite fantasy M/M series I have ever laid my eyes on. The tale of a prince's ascension to the throne.

Revolving around the story of Prince Damianos who was shipped off to an enemy country after a coup d'état. The protagonist faces various challenges as he is forced to be a slave in enemy territory where he meets the 2nd male protagonist Prince Laurent. A seemingly sharp-minded prince with a sharper tongue, Damianos immediately becomes enchanted with his rival and owner. However, danger lurks as Damianos and Laurent start to uncover the internal politics within the nations while going on a journey to regain their lost identities in a fight for the throne.

“Is there anyone at this court who isn't my enemy?"

 "Not if I can help it," Laurent said.”

 ― C.S. Pacat

Criticisms-

I cannot say that there aren’t any flaws. Every book has its flaws, and thus following that statement the main issue with this series began with its first book- captive prince. Completely revolving around the slave-master trope in the first book, the beginning was rather slow. The constant reminder of slavery and slave culture was beginning to bother me and seemed very repetitive. Furthermore, throughout the trilogy, various scenes seemed rather slow and boring. The fact that the trilogy ended quite abruptly with a severe lack of an epilogue-which I’m sure was being expected from the series, was disappointing. I know that the series has a separate epilogue; the summer palace. But I would’ve liked the last book to have included that as an epilogue rather than a separate short story. That thought is my only complaint. After I went through the first book the next two instalments had me on the tip of my toes craving for more. 

“I don't know how this interrogation found its way into my bed. May I ask where I can expect it to travel next?”

 ― C.S. Pacat 

Awestruck would be an understatement of the overwhelming feeling that was the series “Captive prince”. Since I have binged the entire trilogy within a week, I can clearly proclaim the Captive prince series as one of the most underrated lgbtq+ books which are nothing short of gold that I have ever read. The first book from the series that is “captive prince” began with the story of Prince Damianos, however due to the typical tropes of jealousy, internal politics and evil agenda of his brother Damianos Aka Damen was shipped off to a rival county. Let me tell you, the first half of the story was not exactly very enjoyable and bordered on entertaining the thought of being put down. But as the story progressed we met the 2nd main protagonist, that is, Laurent. since the genre of the first book mostly revolved around slavery and sadistic montages I could digest the fact that the enemy prince would be somewhat evil but after completing the book, I have to say that I didn't exactly like Laurent that much in the beginning since he was pretty much now-how-do-i-say-this a jerk.

“Laurent could inspire homicidal tendencies simply by breathing.”

 ― C.S. Pacat 

However, as the story progressed to the 2nd and third instalment of the book the story and protagonist’s relationship changed drastically into a more subtle romance. Despite the presence of several bl tropes of slavery, dom-sub, enemies to lovers, and sadism, the book didn’t have the typical in-the-face romance or hardcore sex. I understand bl fans love erotica generally, including me, however, the couple in this series shocked me with the significant lack of such. And honestly, the slow burn of the story was the best part of it as even with the shortest interactions of the two male leads, I could clearly see the sparks flying and the passion burning. Moreover, this series also defied the typical trope where the top is commanding and the bottom is submissive. I can proudly say that both the protagonists were equally powerful and worthy of their titles in their own way.

Throughout the second book that is ‘Prince’s gambit,’ I had this weird sense of realisation that all the titles of the book were not only related to men but also Laurent. actually, the story felt like Laurent was the main protagonist and I was just reading his story that was unveiled through Damen's point of view. All that happened throughout the series felt like Laurent's rise to the throne instead of Damen.

“Laurent’s fair skin and blue eyes were a combination that was rare in Patras, rarer in Akielos and a particular weakness of Damen’s.”

 ― C.S. Pacat 

Recommendation-

C.S. Pascat did a wonderful job of writing the tale that is the ‘captive prince series’. The chemistry was unmatched by any other M/M I have ever read. The personality, characteristics, flaws and strengths of both Damianos and Laurent stole my heart. Furthermore, the author did a fantastic job of setting the mood for empathy and visualisation. The scenes were described beautifully as well as the individual traits of the two nations starting from the clothing styles, colours, architecture and mannerisms; hats off to that. The story was absolutely beautiful and can be considered a piece of art in itself. Although the first book was rather slow and might I say boring, but as the story progressed I could not keep the book down and went on a midnight hunt for the 2nd and 3rd books. If you haven’t read this book as an lgbtq+ book lover I have no idea what to say except go read it! It’s definitely a hidden gem.

I give this series 4 tails due to the first book, but I would definitely recommend this to everyone who loves to read romance, historical romance, bl or fantasy. 

Thank you for reading. 

Book Review : Captive In The Dark

 CAPTIVE IN THE DARK

Rating 3/5 Tails

This series honestly needs to give a big bold lettered warning to its reader's first thing: ADULT CONTENT 18+

It includes very dark concepts like sexual assault/abuse, disturbing content, strong language,master-slave relationships, physical assault, mental harassment and manipulation, kidnapping, sadism, masochism and some other weird things. Honestly, I don’t even know where to start with this review. It’s a very different, dark and tricky(literally) ‘romance’, if you can call it that.

“This isn’t romance. You’re not a damsel in distress and I’m not the handsome prince come to save you.”

-CJ Roberts

The story revolves around the basic plot of the main lead, Caleb. He is out for revenge against a power-hungry mobster who had kidnapped him when he was a child and sold him into slavery. Working in the world of sex slaves for twelve years he finally finds the man who destroyed his life. Thus wanting nothing but revenge he approaches Olivia, planning to make her a sex slave to carry out his plans ahead. Olivia is the main female lead of this story, she is a young introvert teenager living in a shady neighbourhood and the only person whose features match Caleb’s vision. The story takes off when Caleb successfully kidnaps Olivia and she finds herself blindfolded in an empty room as his Captive with no chances of escape. However, being at Caleb’s mercy, she ignites the classic tale of Stockholm syndrome as she starts feeling attracted to her captor.

My heart hammered in my chest.

”I am your master.” A cold hand pressed against my sweat-slick forehead. “you are where I want you to be.”

“Do I know you?” my voice was raw stripped of anything but my emotion.

 “Not yet.”    

- CJ Roberts

Criticisms-

This turns out to be a Stockholm syndrome case which is quite typical in these kinds of stories. And glorified kidnapping and torture is just not my thing. Just because Caleb, a kidnapper might I remind you, was a good looking guy and practically sex-on-legs, the protagonist fell for her kidnapper and somehow managed to get manipulated into obeying his every command/order. Honestly, if the guy was not hot then this book would be a case file somewhere in a real police station. I agree that he trained her like that and scared her etc so that she would obey him and develop an attraction to him because she thought he was her knight in shining armour in difficult times, but I guess that’s what happens when you are kidnapped by a good looking maniac.

“He was my tormentor and my solace; the creator of the dark and the light within.”

-CJ Roberts

Caleb’s past was quite tragic as we read on to figure out the mistreatment he has faced as he was forced into slavery and prostitution from a very young age. It's very interesting to see the character development of Caleb. As we see him being a mysterious entity with a dark background 12 years later, he is a different man who knows what he wants and will go to any lengths to achieve it. Not wanting to force anyone to lead the same life he has led he tries to be the better human by thinking he will release Olivia after his revenge is over, but is that really possible? Isn’t he just being condescending? He forces someone into a tragic fate and expects everything to be okay once his motive is complete. Even if he does fall for Olivia, he practically ruins her life with his own hands.

“For what it’s worth Livvie, I never thought of you as a whore. And you are…the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen”

-Caleb.

Oliva’s character has the role of the victim; The person on the receiving end of all sorts of dangers. She is portrayed as a strong-willed girl, who is not willing to break and give up no matter her circumstances. However, her attraction to Caleb becomes the source of either misfortune or luck. Olivia is forced to face some gruesome and non-consensual situations which cause her mindset to deteriorate into something akin to madness; leading to an obsession with Caleb. Though, it’s quite interesting to see the interactions between Caleb and Olivia as it always keeps the readers on their toes with the same sense of frustration that the main characters go through.

“Why couldn’t he just keep being an evil, soulless bastard so I knew what his role was and I knew mine?”

-Olivia Ruiz

I would’ve really liked it if the characters had more interaction and less weirdness. Some of the moments between them were weird but also awfully gripping. Plus it's cute how Caleb calls her Kitten. The story in itself is quite different from the generic stories and has a certain depth to it. But it's just not my cup of tea.

Recommendation-

I will not really recommend this to anyone casually but if they have a taste for stories like this, then sure I would indulge them. I just didn’t find the thing that I search for in my favourites. I had bought this book out of curiosity and boy did this makeup for its hype. But honestly, it was a bit disappointing, sure I was intrigued and was glued to this book for hours; hoping it to turn out into a great read but sadly it was just dark and twisted erotica.

 

Full of intense scenes and pretty much a ton of sexual frustration, strong language, heavy breathing and awkward sadistic moments, it turned out a be weird porn. This book was not for me and I don’t think it might be suitable for everyone due to its dark themes, but if you’re into sadism and dark romance then go ahead, have fun.

Perfect for a day you feel frisky and want to read something dark for a change under the covers.

Author-CJ Roberts

CJ Roberts was born and raised in Southern California. She joined the U.S. Air force in 1998, serving for 10 years and travelling the world after High School. She is married and has a beautiful daughter. She also has self-published one short story on Amazon, entitled Manwich, under the name Jennifer Roberts.

This book, Captive in the Dark also has a sequel ‘Seduced in the Dark. If this is in your interest, go ahead and enjoy.

Thank you for reading. 

Book review : The Kiss Quotient

 THE KISS QUOTIENT

Rating-4/5 Tails 

Anime has inevitably shaped my existence. I honestly don't even know which anime I saw first; all I know is that Naruto was the first to leave a lasting impression on me and has continued to fuel my passion for anime to this day. As a young student, anime had such a profound effect on my thinking that I ventured out to read manga, which was followed by fanfiction and light novels. This inspired me to read and write similar novels that captivate readers through inventive storytelling, writing techniques, and narrative elements. It also completely impacted my personality, my professional aspirations, and my creative inclination, inspiring me to pursue a career in the writing industry.

The book is a simple yet refreshing story about a woman with Asperger’s syndrome and a man with a not-so-mainstream side profession.

Introducing Stella Lane, the female protagonist of this book has an autistic condition that affects her ability to socialize well but gives her high functioning. She is portrayed as a headstrong and independent female lead who functions with logic and facts. However, this makes her unable to walk on the 'normal' social norms; not being able to wrap her head around the concept of forming an intimate or romantic relationship. This makes her seek help from Michael Larson; Good looking to his toes, he works in his family’s tailor shop during the day but has a secret which no one knows. Being the only male in his large family with bills piling up, he worked as a male escort at night. However, his life takes a turn when he meets Stella. Not having met anyone as different as her, he becomes attracted to her immediately.

Girls like you don't need escorts

Girls like you have boyfriends

- The Kiss Quotient

The curiosity in her eyes and the brutal honesty of her words drive him deep into her little world. He helps Stella overcome her fear of intimacy and explore the realms of a normal romance. Stella with her comprehensive set of rules, start to hang out with Michael and they start feeling their attraction grow. Sticking to logic seemed to not work anymore whenever Michael was involved, he kept breaking down her barriers. As Stella’s feelings grow she starts realizing that love defies logic. The couple’s life changes with the involvement of their significant other, they soon start to learn from the past mistakes and understand how to hold on to the people who are precious to them. Revisiting the idea of romance never felt better as the protagonist’s simple curiosity leads her to find real love.

Criticisms-

The novel is a lighthearted read in my opinion but gets you hooked from the first chapter. The author keeps the reader’s interested by adding some clever humour in between, So yes, I could not put the book down and was savouring every page. The book even progresses to show acceptance. To love me because even though I'm different, I'm me.

All things that make you different make you perfect.

- Helen Hoang.

Hoang couldn't have said better.

The back and forth conversations between Stella and Michael was also so perfect, her wittiness and his charms. The novel portrays the struggle of a socially awkward autistic person’s views, on point. Stella’s way of thinking and her comments just cracked me right up. Her brutal honesty on everything was a definite plus for me. Speaking of plus, Michael being the most understanding person on the planet gave me such sweet vibes. Though the story’s plot seemed to be quite steamy with a male escort and a woman wanting to explore. But the innocence behind the characters was beautiful. I loved how Stella wasn’t just a meek female lead who isn’t able to solve her problems, she shined as a confident and strong-willed character on her own.

Yes, she was lonely

Yes, she had a broken heart

But at least she had herself

- The Kiss Quotient

I know I didn’t talk much about the male lead but I did like Michael’s character development a lot too. From overcoming his fears and fathers issues he embraced his past and realized he wasn’t a shadow of his father but a person of his own. The ending though was a bit too easy but I guess not every book needs to end in a crazy way. This book cannot be criticized much or scrutinized, It's just a simple love story that stole my heart. It might not have a lot of gut-wrenching moments which I love! But it will make you want to fall in love.

Recommendation-

This is a delightful read if you’re a sucker for love stories like me and adding a couple steamy scenes never hurt anyone. I couldn’t stop reading this book and finished it in two days honestly, so I would definitely recommend giving it a read. It’ll certainly make you wish you had an understanding of Michael by your side too.

Perfect over a cup of coffee and a rainy morning.

Author- Helen Hoang

The author was born on the year 1982. Debuting with this novel ‘The Kiss Quotient’ it quickly became a best seller. She also came out with a sequel ‘The Bride Test’. Being a romance novelist she came out with a masterpiece. Hoang even researched a lot on people with autism. She read her first romance novel in eighth grade and has been addicted ever since. In 2016, she was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in line with what was previously known as Asperger’s syndrome. Her journey inspired The Kiss Quotient. She currently lives in San Diego, California, with her husband, two kids, and a pet fish. How did I not find her quicker! My only regret in life.