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ellenkennedy's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
First of all, as I mentioned in my review of "Best Served Cold", I find Willow Dixon's handling of delicate topics to be very clinical. It's extremely mindful of the reader's experience, making it a tad too unrealistic as a plot device. It's not exactly a flaw, as some people prefer their books to be safe spaces, it's just my personal preference to explore emotions and experiences that are a bit more imperfect and raw. But if you're looking for a book where almost all characters are mindful of other people's needs and boundaries (e.g. asking if they are huggers before they touch them, or whether they have any food restrictions/allergies, etc.) then I think Willow's writing is perfect for that.
This book is a bit smutty, but, surprisingly, I found all the sex scenes progressing Gray and Caleb's relationship instead of just existing for pure smut purposes. If you're in the market for filth with meaning, look no further.
For a book that's marketed as enemies-to-lovers stepbrothers romance, there isn't much of either. They are stepbrothers in name only, Russ was never a father figure to either of them, and as for enemies, there isn't much hate, just a bit of initial resentment based on some lies from their past. I appreciated how professional Caleb was towards Gray after his injury, and how caring and understanding of Gray's needs he was later when they started sleeping together. Their encounters have a slight D/s undertone with a smidge of a praise kink, but it's nothing major. Both Gray and Caleb are in touch with their emotions, and even if it takes a while, they eventually start to communicate more openly and welcome their feelings towards each other.
I found their relationship beautiful and heartwarming, a truly "meant to be" kind of story. The only thing I found mildly annoying was how quickly and easily Graham's resentment towards West was resolved. He carried it for years but then let it go in a span of one conversation. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book.
This book is a bit smutty, but, surprisingly, I found all the sex scenes progressing Gray and Caleb's relationship instead of just existing for pure smut purposes. If you're in the market for filth with meaning, look no further.
For a book that's marketed as enemies-to-lovers stepbrothers romance, there isn't much of either. They are stepbrothers in name only, Russ was never a father figure to either of them, and as for enemies, there isn't much hate, just a bit of initial resentment based on some lies from their past. I appreciated how professional Caleb was towards Gray after his injury, and how caring and understanding of Gray's needs he was later when they started sleeping together. Their encounters have a slight D/s undertone with a smidge of a praise kink, but it's nothing major. Both Gray and Caleb are in touch with their emotions, and even if it takes a while, they eventually start to communicate more openly and welcome their feelings towards each other.
I found their relationship beautiful and heartwarming, a truly "meant to be" kind of story. The only thing I found mildly annoying was how quickly and easily Graham's resentment towards West was resolved. He carried it for years but then let it go in a span of one conversation. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
madscientistcat's review
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual assault
gracky2001's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Homophobia, and Sexual content
Minor: Sexual assault
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