Reviews

Ornamental by E.M. Lindsey

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I was thrilled when I heard that E. M. Lindsey was continuing the Irons and Works series, and Raf and Luke's story had all the same magic as the previous books. Both main characters drew me in right away, and the reappearance of several familiar faces was a welcome reminder of what an amazing community Fairfield had.

It grated on my nerves to see the way Raf's ex and his former employer treated him in the beginning of the book, and it's all the more frustrating to be faced with the reality that people are actually that callous and cruel to anyone they perceive as different. The only thing that gave me comfort was knowing that there was no way Tony would be anything less than welcoming, regardless of how many years they'd been out of touch. It warmed my heart to see Raf get at least one good thing out of his hectic relocation, and I knew the second Tony got involved Raf would always have a safe landing spot. It was wonderful to watch Raf get to know all the guys from the tattoo shop, and while he wasn't subtle at all in his attraction to Luke, I also enjoyed watching Raf get comfortable in his own skin again. I won't pretend to know what it's like to have TS, but I could relate to how frustrated and uncomfortable Raf was until he gained confidence that his newfoud family wouldn't abandon him. His and Luke's romance was slow to get off the ground--mostly because Raf was stressing about so many other things--but it was pretty adorable to see how melty they each were around each other. Even when they went on the real-est of fake dates and somehow remained oblivious to their feelings for each other, I couldn't get mad at them because their affection was so dang sweet. Luke's happiness around Raf was like a beacon, and I'm so glad they didn't let a silly misunderstanding sabotage their relationship before it got off the ground. Because the majority of the story focused on Luke and Raf's personal journies and the emotional connection they were building, there weren't a ton of steamy bits. That's never particularly bothered me, because I'm a sucker for a romance that gives me all the feels, and once again I was left fully satisfied by Raf and Luke's happy ending.

**I voluntarily read a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

jjnb95's review

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emotional funny hopeful reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

littlebookterror's review against another edition

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2.75

[Apparently, this series is not over? I don't know why I thought this was the last one.]

Gotta say, I had wanted the last story to be a bit more exciting. It all goes very easy for them and much of the story is quiet and uncomplicated aside from the ex-drama.

I love that Lindsey has created this family of queer, disabled men who are there to support and help and celebrate each other - I just wished their characterization was more solid so that every book would not need to treat them like newcomers to the story. (I know that it's a smart move for authors to write series you can read in any order but it also diminishes the ability to build on previously established characters.)

freya_amber's review

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3.5

I read these for the disability rep. The romance happens very quickly but is sweet.

frantic_vampire's review

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emotional funny hopeful slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was so soft and angsty and sweet. I loved getting to see Raf being loved on by the whole crew at Irons and Works. And getting to see more of Tony and Kat was so nice! I also really enjoyed getting to see a character with Tourette’s Syndrome being treated with respect and kindness and not being hyper stereotyped. I also loved Luke! He was such a little ball of anxiety and I just wanted to give him a hug whenever something went wrong. Ornamental is getting a solid four stars!

Content Warnings

sassy_booklover's review against another edition

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5.0

I love this series. The characters are so full and rich and love so hard it makes me wish for that in real life. Raf and Luke's story is filled with moments of self-doubt, learning to love yourself, and of course nosy friends. New to town, Raf is struggling with reconnecting with his brother and dealing with a sour ex-wife. Luke has returned to Irons and Works and is busy trying to rebuild his friendships. Two unlikely people have never needed each other more. The love and support they show each other is beautiful. This may be my favorite book of this series.