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.

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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.