Showing posts with label series review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label series review. Show all posts

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Review: Cracking Ice: Episodes 5-7 by NJ Lysk #Review #Giveaway




If you missed the reviews for episodes 1-4, you can click here to read those: Truus' Reviews of Episodes 1-4

 You must read these in order....
 EPISODE FIVE:

The Hell Flames have qualified for the semi-finals and Carry and Keenan are closer than ever despite Keenan's blooming romance with Amalia.

He cannot remain silent while omegas suffer, and as he comes into contact with the activists fighting for omega rights, he starts to believe he can really contribute to change things. But Keenan's need to speak out might cost him the very person he's trying to protect.

Carry knows he has to be careful with his public image, but behind closed doors he's taking names and getting organized as for the first time in years he starts to see a way out of the box he's been assigned to as an omega.

But every interaction between Carry and Keenan is a walk down a tightrope and with the bond pulling them closer, can they really keep things professional when they add friendship to their desire?



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EPISODE SIX

Watching Keenan speak out for omega rights, Carry has come to see pretending won't make the world a fairer place, but the revolution neither intended to spark is bringing them closer each day... Can they resist? And should they?



Hockey was everything to them both… until they met each other. All Keenan Avali wants to do is play hockey. It doesn’t matter that he’s an alpha, he’s got no interest in dominating anywhere but on the ice. When Cartwright Johnson joins the Hell’s Flames, he expects to play hard to compensate for being an omega who dared to pursue a professional hockey career. After his last team traded him, he is not making the mistake of falling for a teammate ever again. He’s sure he’s got the control to keep his pants on and his heart closed... until he meets Keenan Avali.An omega can't trust an alpha, much less one as hot as Avali, but nobody can fail to see they play together like they were made for it. But for how long can they be the perfect teammates on ice when they can't stand to look at each other off it?


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EPISODE SEVEN

An omega in heat. His straight alpha teammate. A night they won't forget. A connection they cannot deny.


When Cartwright Johnson joins the Hell’s Flames, he expects to play hard to compensate for being an omega daring to pursue a professional hockey career. But he doesn't count on the instant connection he forms with his alpha linemate... Or on the heat it sparks.

All Keenan Avali wants to do is play hockey. It doesn’t matter that he’s an alpha, he’s got no interest in dominating anywhere but on the ice. And he's certainly got no interest in men, no matter how sweet they smell or how beautifully they skate.


Nobody can fail to see they play together like they were made for it. But how close can they get to success without losing something much dearer than a game?



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REVIEWS 


Episode #5 Fire

Ha! My town Rotterdam was mentioned, that is awesome!

With two times two hours a day being around Keenan, Carry could live with it. Every second his aware of Keenan’s present.

“He'd always thought the whole thing about an alpha's voice affecting an omega was bullshit—just like one true pair.”

They all are training hard to win games. With shields up and down it seems workable, but my goodness I found it almost impossible for them. Imagine a constant awareness of the other and not giving in because of skating, because of freedom, because of resistance against what other one's expectations.
The feelings are devastating, wanting someone but not as much as play hockey or freedom, and the most intense thing about it is, the other knows.

Oh, my heart. Keenan, I wished he could have him. He is so strong and dedicated to Carry. With everything he did, he did it with Carry in his mind.
He is one of the few alpha’s, who spoke out in public about equal rights for omega.
Not everyone takes this to the heart. Not convinced of Keenan’s ideas.
There are proponents and opponents about equal rights. There are some comments about Keenan’s only reason is because of one omega.

Carry has fought his whole life against alpha’s and what was expected of him as an omega. It was exhausting to watch him, fight against the strong connection they had. My heart wanted to reach out.
Carry spoke out so many times about hockey comes first, I think he made Keenan believe it.

It was awesome to watch the complications of the mind. It was so well thought out, very impressive. The strong resistance of Carry against what was in front of him gave me a bit of irritation. Come one... I so want them together.


Episode #6 Cracking

The season is over. Keenan has to be honest to himself, if he wasn’t wanted, he should stop being wanted. It isn’t good.
Keenan travels home to his parents.
Talking with Sven he mentioned Amalia, that he loved her and... for a freaking moment I misunderstood the situation.
Even with the pause, Keenan can’t stop thinking about Carry. And it’s ditto with Carry. But knowing Carry, there will be no process, Carry only wants his freedom.
Keenan tries to go on without his true mate.

Carry got issues with his suppressants and he knows he can trust Keenan, not to bite or bond him. He is conflicted, can he ask to have sex with him? No, no there are other Alphas. Still, it’s nagging in his head.

Finally, FINALLY Carry understands what real freedom is. I wanted to fall on my knees and kiss the ground he was on.

Dang what a hard read. I almost disliked Carry all over again. I’m trying hard and wanted to understand him, I did at some points, but he makes it difficult for himself, he isn’t quite lovable. Then, he starts to open up, omg I can’t believe my eyes.
Like all the installments before this is an amazingly written story. A journey I’m so happy to be part of, its exceptional in every way. A well thought out plot. The characters are excellently developed, I’m a bit overwhelmed.


Episode #7 Light

Glorious final installment thank you thank you.
Finally Carry cracked and the only option he had was to offer Keenan his heart. I cried, I wanted to stand on a chair and waving a flag, a rainbow flag to be specific!!! Yahhhh
To be honest, in the back of my head I was afraid and never thought this would ever happen, but finally.
Dear, dear Keenan, at last, he could hold his omega. *sob* I had so much respect for him.

I swear I could smell them like they could. It made me delirious.
I felt so much compassion for Keenan, even with Carry in his arms he was so unsure and cautious when Carry opened his mouth. He had a fear of saying or doing the wrong thing. Afraid Carry would... he didn’t know what, but it would shatter him.

Still, it isn’t easy, they just started and have to learn about the other and their relationship. Carry is complicated, vulnerable, afraid for many reasons and wary about his person. They have a long difficult way to go, both know it will be worth as long as they are together.

For me, this was the best story about alpha’s, omega’s, mates, and especially the aspect ‘scent’, the scent of the ocean and sand, caramel and candied apples. It was EVERYTHING. Also, this story has one of the most complicated characters I ever read about, the shields levels were so intense. The author did a tremendously good job. The story was strongly consistent and because of that, it felt reliable, acceptable, realistic and last but not least immensely entertaining.

A series I highly recommend to read!






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Friday, November 29, 2019

Random Review ~ Series Review: Taking Shield by Anna Butler #Review #Giveaway





Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Cover Artist: Adrian Nicholas

Hate buying books in a series until the whole thing is done? Then check out the Rainbow Award-winning Taking Shield series, just released as an e-book boxed set. Not only do you get the entire series, there’s a very nice saving on the cost of the individual books! Anna’s dropped in today to tell us more.

About Taking Shield

Earth’s a dead planet, dark for thousands of years; lost for so long no one even knows where the solar system is. Her last known colony, Albion, has grown to be regional galactic power in its own right. But its drive to expand and found colonies of its own has threatened an alien race, the Maess, against whom Albion is now fighting a last-ditch battle for survival in a war that’s dragged on for generations.

Taking Shield charts the missions and adventures of Shield Captain Bennet, scion of a prominent military family. Bennet, also an analyst with the Military Strategy Unit, uncovers crucial data about the Maess to help with the war effort. Against the demands of his family's 'triple goddess' of Duty, Honour and Service, is set Bennet’s relationships with lovers and family—his difficult relationship with his long term partner, Joss; his estrangement from his father, Caeden, the commander of Fleet's First Flotilla; and Fleet Lieutenant Flynn, who, over the course of the series, develops into Bennet’s main love interest.

Over the Taking Shield arc, Bennet will see the extremes to which humanity’s enemies, and his own people, will go to win the war. Some days he isn’t able to tell friend from foe. Some days he doubts everything, including himself, as he strives to ensure Albion’s victory. And some days he isn’t sure, any longer, what victory looks like.








Review

From Gryfalcon all the way through Day of Wrath, Anna Butler’s Taking Shield series is an incredible sci-fi fantasy packed with lots of non-stop action, difficult relationships and fascinating characters. Through it all we trace the career and emotional ups and downs of Shield Captain Bennet and the man he finds real and lasting love with, Flynn. At first we watch his open and long term relationship with Joss who, when Bennet isn’t fighting an alien enemy, is trying to convince Bennet to leave active duty and move into a job in academia which would ground him for life. But Bennet loves his job—even more so than Joss and it’s during one of his mission that he meets Flynn and the rest is a complicated history that eventually means loss but a real chance for happiness for the two men together.

This series was amazing. While I still felt sometimes that the technology was still a bit antiquated and not futuristic enough, I still appreciated every trial, fight and life-threatening scene Bennet and crew managed to find themselves mired in. The world building was satisfying, the characters complex and the action was gripping to say the least. Even though it may feel like cheating to some, Joss and Bennet did have an open relationship despite the fact that Joss rarely took advantage of that fact. Still it was Bennet’s incredible lust for attaining the rank of Shield Major that seemed to derail every relationship he pursued. To that end, the final book in this series is definitely the most significant for the future of Flynn and Bennet’s relationship and brutal in the losses that is racks up.

Anna Butler has written an epic sci-fi journey in five parts and each one takes us on a wild ride of a journey that often leaves your heart in your throat. I really enjoyed these books and for those who have been waiting till all five were in one set this is the series for you.





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Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Series Review Tour: Matchmaker Series by G.R. Lyons #Review #Giveaway




Matchmakers Series

Second Chances (Book #1) Amazon US | Amazon UK
Second Drafts (Book #2) Amazon US | Amazon UK
Second Place (Book #3) Amazon US | Amazon UK

Second Chances 

Nineteen-year-old porn star Remy Dawes loves his job at Matchmakers, a gay nightclub, but the fantasy he portrays every night doesn't leave room for what he really wants: companionship, love, someone to come home to, someone just for him. Who would ever take seriously a kid who practically sells his body for others' pleasure?

Thirty-five-year-old Chance Whitaker has sworn off dating younger men after having been cheated on one too many times, until the owner of Matchmakers convinces him to take a chance on Remy Dawes, a gorgeous kid who surprises Chance at every turn.

As things fall apart through meddling, death, and betrayal, will there be a second chance for two people to find love?


Second Drafts 

Novelist Shain Ahren is committed to only one thing: himself. Living alone and having an endless string of one-night stands, Shain's carefully crafted routine ensures no one will ever control him again. But one trick he met at Matchmakers, years ago, he can't get out of his head.

Painter Elliden Crawford yearns to be controlled. Born with an extreme chemical imbalance, Elliden struggles to keep the fits at bay so he won't be a danger to others. Only once in his life did Elliden ever truly feel safe, just one night when he met a stranger at Matchmakers.

When Matchmakers brings them together again, Elliden finally gets what he needs, while Shain's world is thrown into complete disarray. Will Shain ever relinquish control, or will they be fated to remain a discarded first draft?


Second Place

Danny Berringer lives up to the name of his nightclub. Ever since he cheated on Bryan, the love of his life, he's been making up for it by helping others find love. He even matched up Bryan with Eric Grant, except Bryan's perfect marriage seems to have fallen apart, and Danny is dying to know why. He doesn't get couples wrong. Ever.

Bryan Landry had his heart broken by Danny, then had it put back together by Eric, but he can't have Eric anymore, and it's all his fault. He spends his nights at Matchmakers having random tricks and trying to avoid Danny, but the meddlesome matchmaker won't leave him be.

Thrown together through guilt, death, and temptation, Bryan denies his feelings while Danny clings to dreams of Bryan's forgiveness. Will Danny always lose, or can he win second place in Bryan's heart?



Review

I was given this trilogy as a series review. Because each is sold seperate I figured I'd summarize my thoughts of each one and then do an overall review of it as a set.

Second Chances
This is book one of the trilogy. If I had to choose a few words to describe this book I'd say very dramatic, overly in many spots, serious miscommunication between characters, and frustrating.

Just from glancing at the burb I had a feeling these characters would clash here and there. Remy is the saving grace of this story in my opinion. His maturity, his huge heart, and his internal strength. This character had so much sadness in his life. At time it felt like Remy was a doormat and that was part of the frustration for me.

The writing was super confusing with the days and such. It's not a world like our but is.... I know, I can't explain it. Go to the glossery! It's a second chance book... well more like a tenth chance book.

Second Drafts
We're still dealing with the oddity of the different world/day/ week thing in book two. This will be a constant. Creative, yes, but it's clear to me that this is one of those things that will have to grow on you.

I actually liked this book more than book one. The drama was still over the top in places but I felt like the characters were quicker in finding their groove, or the style and world building was just settling in.

Shain and Ellidan are really a great couple. Shain was the victim of all my cursing while Ellidan was the one I felt needed all my hugs. Good addition to the trilogy.

Second Place
This is the finale to the trilogy. It is by far the most angsty of the three. I recognize characters who cheat are a "no go" for a lot of readers and I was nervous to say the least. But I have read the first two and I was invested so I bit the bullet and dove in.

Trying to redeem an already judged character is not easy. The worry wasn't totally necessary. Danny is trying to make up for all the pain he's caused in his life. I actually ended up admiring him and that truly shocked me.

The author ends this trilogy with a lot of ups, and downs, and ups again. Very emotional and heartbreaking is a million places. All of it works toward an HEA but you do WORK for it.

Overview
This is a good trilogy. High on the emotion, drama, and angst scales. Everything was just a bit over the top and I would have liked to see some of these characters act like human beings more than they did. So often things could have been avoided or less confusing had they taken a step back. I recognize that if they all acted mature there would be no conflict. Conflict is okay, but there was just too much. I do recommend this trilogy as long as you can set aside your thoughts on what it is you would have done in a lot of these situations. If you love emotional books that make you cry and yell then be sure to grab this.
 




Author Bio

While daylighting as office manager for the family auto repair business, G.R. Lyons can often be found working on one of multiple manuscripts or desperately trying to keep up with the TBR pile.

Anarcho-capitalist, quietly ‘out’ trans guy, former belly dancer, coffee guzzler, highly-sensitive introvert, CrossFit enthusiast, and lover of m/m romantic fiction.

Email: grlyons@grlyonsauthor.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/grlyonsauthor
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Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/grlyonsauthor
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/doumteksonata/
Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/author/grlyons



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