enemies2lover's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
papercranestitches's review
3.0
I think this book's greatest strength was that it felt authentic; the constant emotional tug-of-war that was present in both main characters throughout the book is exactly what I imagine two bisexual, career Navy men with four kids, two divorces, two heart-wrenching cases of PTSD, debilitating chronic pain, and the constant pull of addiction between them would have to tackle every fucking day of their lives if they wanted to be together.
However, the book felt a little too like the slog of real life, if you feel me. It was mainly work, worry, work, worry, Netflix, worry, and repeat. I mean... I get enough of that in my own life. As readers, we didn't get a whole lot time with these characters being happy or carefree or in love and I missed that aspect of the escapism I usually find in my romance novels (it's a personal preference, but it's still valid).
However, the book felt a little too like the slog of real life, if you feel me. It was mainly work, worry, work, worry, Netflix, worry, and repeat. I mean... I get enough of that in my own life. As readers, we didn't get a whole lot time with these characters being happy or carefree or in love and I missed that aspect of the escapism I usually find in my romance novels (it's a personal preference, but it's still valid).
piperclover's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I enjoyed so much of this. I really enjoyed the first 100 pages and I absolutely loved the last 100 pages. There were quite a few chapters in the middle that I think could have been cut out just to streamline the story a little bit more because I think it's just a touch too long. If it had been cut down a little bit, I think this would have been a 4 star.
I really really enjoyed Clint's character and nearly everything about him. I really enjoyed his position in the military because I've never read a story with a character who's a drone operator so that was really interesting. I also I love his character growth and his back story. He really really messed up but he is working on piecing himself back together. The discussions about chronic mental and physical illnesses was really good and I also really enjoyed that both of these characters were married to women and hide somewhat disastrous divorces. It was refreshing to have this portrayal and because they have shared experience and sexualities.
The last 100 or so pages is where most of the emotional conflicked intention come in from every character in the book Which means this is where the plot actually starts to happand therefore it happens really quick. I think if the pacing of the book had been adjusted a little bit so that either there were less chapters in the middle that dragged or the ending wasn't quite so jam packed and we dispersed some of the emotional tension earlier in the book it would have been better.
There were of course things that I didn't love like how Travis told Clint his daughter's very personal trauma very early on in their relationship. It makes sense given the context of the story and of that scene in particular but it did strike me as incredibly disrespectful to his daughter.
Overall, I enjoyed this a lot and I'll definitely check out more in the series.
I really really enjoyed Clint's character and nearly everything about him. I really enjoyed his position in the military because I've never read a story with a character who's a drone operator so that was really interesting. I also I love his character growth and his back story. He really really messed up but he is working on piecing himself back together. The discussions about chronic mental and physical illnesses was really good and I also really enjoyed that both of these characters were married to women and hide somewhat disastrous divorces. It was refreshing to have this portrayal and because they have shared experience and sexualities.
The last 100 or so pages is where most of the emotional conflicked intention come in from every character in the book Which means this is where the plot actually starts to happand therefore it happens really quick. I think if the pacing of the book had been adjusted a little bit so that either there were less chapters in the middle that dragged or the ending wasn't quite so jam packed and we dispersed some of the emotional tension earlier in the book it would have been better.
There were of course things that I didn't love like how Travis told Clint his daughter's very personal trauma very early on in their relationship. It makes sense given the context of the story and of that scene in particular but it did strike me as incredibly disrespectful to his daughter.
Overall, I enjoyed this a lot and I'll definitely check out more in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, and Grief
Minor: Violence
All of the trigger warnings are for past actions but they are all discussed explicitlybreadedbookpages's review against another edition
5.0
leahkarge's review against another edition
5.0
staceyva's review against another edition
3.0
The added back pain and trauma was a nice add. I always enjoy when the characters are going through something. I just wasn't that excited about their relationship. I also didn't get a good feel of what they looked like together. More importantly, I couldn't see what Clint saw in Travis. What did he find attractive. The author never sold me.
aligroen's review against another edition
4.0
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Audiobook Review:
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
This was a great story of two broken men finding love and acceptance with one another. Clint has had a hard battle to bring his life around and still has to face his ex’s scrutiny and his own doubts. Travis has worked hard to keep relationships from getting too involved as they always leave but will Clint be the exception?
Both of these characters’ stories are heartbreaking. After Clint’s drone catastrophe he doesn’t have anywhere or anyone to turn to and his life just implodes and he’s finally on an even keel but still incredibly lonely without any family around or anyone to lean on. Travis knows that no one will ever want to deal with his back pain, heck he doesn’t want to deal with it and when thoughts from his past start to come back to haunt him he wants to run in fear. I loved how Clint wasn’t willing to just let go and was willing to work for them to figure it all out.
Nick Russo did a wonderful job narrating this story. I could just feel the characters’ emotions right along with them while listening. The different voices he used for the characters helped me keep up with what was going on and get an idea of the characters personality some more.
I love the cover art by LC Chase and it follows the pattern for the series.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
This was a great story of two broken men finding love and acceptance with one another. Clint has had a hard battle to bring his life around and still has to face his ex’s scrutiny and his own doubts. Travis has worked hard to keep relationships from getting too involved as they always leave but will Clint be the exception?
Both of these characters’ stories are heartbreaking. After Clint’s drone catastrophe he doesn’t have anywhere or anyone to turn to and his life just implodes and he’s finally on an even keel but still incredibly lonely without any family around or anyone to lean on. Travis knows that no one will ever want to deal with his back pain, heck he doesn’t want to deal with it and when thoughts from his past start to come back to haunt him he wants to run in fear. I loved how Clint wasn’t willing to just let go and was willing to work for them to figure it all out.
Nick Russo did a wonderful job narrating this story. I could just feel the characters’ emotions right along with them while listening. The different voices he used for the characters helped me keep up with what was going on and get an idea of the characters personality some more.
I love the cover art by LC Chase and it follows the pattern for the series.