Release Day Review: Beneath This Mask (Enhanced #3) by Victoria Sue

Gael Peterson has spent years hiding behind the enhanced abilities he wears like a mask, even though he is an important, confident member of the FBI’s exclusive H.E.R.O. team. The hurt and betrayal of his mom’s abandonment and his father’s fists are secrets buried deep beneath the ugly scars on his face, and he doesn’t trust Jake, his new regular human partner, with any of them. In a world where those with special abilities like Gael’s are regarded as freaks and monsters, it won’t be easy for him to rely on Jake to have his back, especially when the abilities of a vulnerable, enhanced, nonspeaking child make that child a murder suspect.

Tempers rise and loyalties are challenged, and when the serial killer targeting the enhanced finally sets his sights on Gael, not only will Gael have to trust Jake with his secrets, he might have to trust him to save his life.

Once again, Victoria Sue has hit it out of the ballpark. I loved this episode of the Enhanced series! Gael and Jake were an unlikely couple who, even with all the drama and mayhem surrounding them, fit together seamlessly.

I’ve wanted to read Gael’s story since I first got to know him in Five Minutes Longer. He had an air of mystery about him and I could tell his story was going to be heartbreaking.

Jake was a bit of an unknown going into this book. We didn’t really meet him until later in the second book so, although intrigued, I had no idea what to expect from him. Jake also had the extra stigma of coming from ENu, the police’s enhanced unit and the team’s number one archrival. It wasn’t easy for him to acclimate, but he slowly won the guys over after proving himself to be a good cop and even better human being.

I loved the slow progression their relationship took. Yeah, there were some ups and downs, but not more than what you would find in any budding relationship. Gael was averse to having a partner; he didn’t really feel that he needed (or deserved) one. Jake, not one to shirk any duty, put forth a lot of effort in breaking down the wall Gael had erected around him. First, in an effort to fit in with his partner and the team and then, after getting to know Gael a bit more, because he found he liked the guy. He liked the guy a lot. Some would say he may have even developed a crush on the mysterious man with the scarred face. Some would be correct in that assumption. ;)

Their relationship felt natural. It felt easy and genuine. I liked that the author avoided the dreaded Big Misunderstanding Due to a Lack of Communication trope that is prevalent in the genre nowadays, instead offering a natural progression to their relationship that felt real and more true-to-life.

The underlying theme to this book seems to be family and all the differences in each one you may find. There are good families and bad. Families that support you and those that hold you back. Happy families and toxic families. Ones that you are born to and new ones that you form. It doesn’t matter what type of family you come from; only what you make of yourself and the one you create. It was a strong yet subtle message that really resonated within me and made me think.

I can’t leave here without mentioning the villain in this story. What a wonderfully despicable character they were. I was fully invested in their demise. I loathed them fiercely and anticipated their comeuppance with an unholy glee. Fabulous job on the villain!

Recommended for lovers of exciting, action-packed urban fantasy that is heavy on the romance. These ain’t your mama’s superheroes!

Group Review: The Solstice Prince (Realms of Love #1) by S.J. Himes

Rescued from slavers, healer novice Jaime Buchanan finds himself alone and free in Pyrderi, a kingdom of magic, mythical creatures, and a culture as open and kind as his homeland was cruel and close-minded.

Despite his rescue, Jaime is not left without scars, both mental and physical. Traumatized by his experience and hiding his gift, Jaime struggles to earn his place in the kitchens of Angharad Palace, the heart of Taliesin City. His former life as a student of the healing arts leaves him at a disadvantage in the kitchens, and his damaged state is becoming more apparent by the day.

One day, when necessity and fate intervene, Jaime meets someone unexpected—Prince Maxim, youngest son of the Pyrderian king, a sword master and a devastatingly kind man. Unaccustomed to powerful people with compassion and heart, Jaime flees. A cascade of events reveals Jaime’s hidden talents of healing, and he finds himself not in chains, but at the beginning of a new life.

This swift change of fortune opens Jaime up to new possibilities, including a smitten prince who cautiously courts Jaime, easing him away from his fears and reminding him that compassion and love can make him strong. The winter solstice is quickly approaching, and Prince Maxim shows Jaime the enjoyment and excitement to be found in a land that embraces the ice and cold, and the mysteries of all things magical. He learns to see the man under the royal mantle, and Maxim is more than even Jaime suspected.


The winter solstice is nigh when tragedy strikes, and Jaime learns that his past of grief and sorrow can be a pillar of strength for his solstice prince. If there is one thing that Jaime believes above all else, it is in the healing power of love.

Group average!

Lost in a Book - 4 Hearts

*takes sip*

Ahhh, yes. This book went down like hot chocolate on a cold winter day with tons of marshmallowly fluffy goodness. I’m all warm and fuzzy thinking about the absolute sweetness that was The Solstice Prince.

I’ll provide full disclosure and admit that I chose to read this because the cover reminded me of a M/M Harry Potter. Not. Even. Lying. *shrug* I’m weak when it comes to that series. While it wasn’t similar to HP, it held its own special place in my heart with its loving kingdom, drama free plot, gifted healer, and a fierce but kind prince.

We are introduced to a broken down Jaime who had been taken from his home after the death of his father, sold into slavery to pay debt, and rescued by Pyrderi guards and brought to the palace. He doesn’t know where he is or the rules of the land so he keeps his head down and works the kitchens. Jaime’s very skittish from abuse and hides that he’s a healer until he heals the Captain of the Guard. This revelation leads to a whirlwind life change where he becomes properly acquainted with the dashing Prince Maxim.

Prince Maxim is the youngest of his siblings and absolutely smitten with the man he saw rescued from the slave ship. He makes his intentions known towards Jaime quickly and begins to court the shy healer. Prince Maxim is large, a hunter, and the best swordsman in all the land. But, he approaches Jaime like he would a skittish animal until he can coax him out of hiding. He shows Jaime that he is worthy, kind, gifted, and desirable. *swoon*

Guys!!! This book is drama free. It’s sugary sweet and Prince Maxim with Jaime is absolutely adorable. There aren’t any relational issues so the men are able to organically grow together in friendship and affections without the lack of communication blah blah blah hurdles. Although this book has a lighthearted fluffy feel, it’s not without minor angst and strong feels. Jaime’s prior circumstances and Prince Maxim’s impending heartbreak provide obstacles and instead of acting as a deterrent, it brings the men together. The palace has clouds of sorrow hanging over it and Jaime provides rays of sunlight to all.

I loved the Pyrderi people and its royalty. It’s an accepting land that shows love instead of scorn. The inhabitants of the castle from the King to servants were friendly, loving, and understanding of a man that was utterly broken and needed a place to feel safe and find himself again. They all celebrated the young Prince and his love to the blushing Jaime.

The Solstice Prince is a feel good HEA read that provided the warmth I was looking for. Could there have been more relationship development on page? Yep, but I just didn’t care. Sweet story. Lovable secondary characters. Swoontastic MCs. Fabulous cover. Definitely recommended.

R *A Reader Obsessed* - 4 Hearts

SJ Himes is quickly becoming a favorite of mine, and I really can’t find much fault at all with her newest release. Markedly different from her Beacon Hills Sorcerer series, this was simply a feel good love story blending historical, magical, and fantasy elements that will surely pique many a reader’s interest.

Kind Jamie, is rescued from a cruel fate, and though he’s scared and damaged, he finds some measure of comfort in the place he’s now in, a country that is most disbelieving for its benevolence and acceptance regarding all things. Making that transition easier is Prince Maxim who takes an interest in Jamie, and soon learns to his delight that there’s more than meets the eye to the timid young man. What unfolds is a seriously sweet slow burn as Jamie and his prince get to know each other, ultimately, falling easily in love.

Low on the angst with great hurt comfort tones that goes both ways, this is surely an unbelievably perfect kingdom Jamie finds himself thriving in.. Himes creates a world with many facets since not all realms are as open minded as Pyrderi. Luckily, this is just the beginning, and I for one will not be saying no to more stories from this interesting fictional world!

Jenni Lea - 4 Hearts

This was such a sweet, sweet story.  A deviation from her usual paranormal action/adventure, SJ Himes delivers a gentle, quiet tale of a remarkable boy and the prince who loved him.

To be honest, I wasn't sure I was going to like this.  It was so far removed from what I've come to expect from this author that I felt a bit off-kilter when I started reading.  But, as I got further into the story, I found myself smiling more and more.  I should have known that I needn't have worried; I have yet to read a story by Himes that I haven't loved.  The same great writing was there and the world-building was exemplary (as usual); it was just toned down a bit.  OK, a lot.  There was virtually no angst in this book.

Jaime was adorable AF and Maxim, a complete charmer.  All of the secondary characters were fully-fleshed and played their respective roles well.  I could have gone for a tad bit of angst, but for what it was, I enjoyed it immensely.

Recommended for readers who are looking for a light, sweet, no-angst story reminiscent of a fairy tale to pass a rainy Saturday afternoon or to cleanse the palate after a heavy read.

Review copies were provided.

Group Review: The Consumption of Magic (Tales From Verania #3) by T.J. Klune

Sequel to A Destiny of Dragons

Sam of Wilds faced the Dark wizard Myrin and lived to tell the tale. Granted, the battle left him scarred, but things could be a hell of a lot worse.

It’s not until he reunites with Morgan of Shadows and Randall that he realizes just how much worse things could be.

Because the scars have meaning and hint at Myrin’s true plans for Sam and the Kingdom of Verania.

With time running out, Sam and his band of merry misfits—the unicorn Gary, the half-giant Tiggy, Knight Commander Ryan Foxheart, and the dragon known as Kevin—must travel to the snowy mountains in the North and the heart of the Dark Woods to convince the remaining dragons to stand against Myrin. Along the way, Sam learns secrets of the past that will forever change the course of the future.

A reckoning is coming for Sam of Wilds, and there is nothing he can do to stop it.

Combined Gangbang Unicorning

Chelsea - 5 Hearts

Well fuck me sideways! This is the most epic series of epicness ever written!!! This series and especially this book had me feeling all the feels! Literally everything. I love and adore these characters, I laugh with them and definitely cry with them. I feel slightly nauseated by Gary and Kevin's sex and more than slightly aroused by Ryan and Sam's. I. Am. Invested! Just like everyone else who reads this series!

Now onto my deep dark confession....

I did it.

I did what everyone tells you not to do.

I maaayyy have sneaked a looksie at the last page.

Don't shoot don't shoot!

I know I know, but hear me out. I am not a heart-wrecking reader, it stresses me the fuck out, so much so that I can't rate a book highly if I'm too busy fighting of heart attacks.

So I sneaked, because I love this series and I didn't want to hate it. It was the right choice for me because I loved every word, was still wholeheartedly consumed (see what I did there) by it and still felt shocked, sad and suspended when I was reading the end but... I didn't need to take a bunch of valium to make it through. So, WIN.

Now if you are much hardier than me and can actually handle some serious emotion. Don't spoil this for yourselves. I can promise you'll hurt but not break. You will want to continue the series…. But maybe wait until the last book comes out.

Comedies without deeper feelings just don't make good romances or stories, having both is what makes this series and especially this book so wonderful!

An easy 5 hearts if ever there was one!

And just because this book deserves a picture in its review,

Jenni Lea - 5 Hearts

That… Fucking… Asshole!

That was my first thought upon finishing this book.  It was quickly followed by “Bastard!” and “He’s just a big ole meanie!” (all of which was said, of course, in the most loving way possible) My heart was shredded at the end of this story and I now have an unbridled need to read the next book as soon as possible. 

I’m finding it hard to write a proper review without spoiling anything so I’m just going to tell you how I felt while reading.  I went through the whole gamut of emotions and the notes I made pretty much speak for what I was feeling at the time.

It went something like this:

·         Only TJ has the ability to make me laugh out loud while simultaneously breaking my heart.

·         “Shit toast monkey fucker,” LOL!

·         OMG!

·         Stupid Knight Delicious Face and his stupid words making me cry.

·          I ♥ Justin 5eva

·        OMG Kevin!

·         Damn you, Kevin!  Making me cry

·         OMG

·         I hate everything right now

·         OMG!!!!!

·         AAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

·         This is what made me wookie cry. Gah!

·         That… Fucking… Asshole!

Now, after seeing this, you might be thinking The Consumption of Magic was nothing more than a big angst fest filled with tears and sadness, but it really wasn’t.  For the most part, it was a light-hearted comedy that had me bursting into laughter at the most inappropriate moments.  That is, when I wasn’t swooning at the heart melting romance.  TJ pulled out all the stops with the romance in this one, my friends.  Ryan made some of the most romantic proclamations that were so heartfelt I couldn’t help but shed more than a few tears, which was unfortunate for me as I read most of this at work.

To quote Gary:

  “You great big bag of assholes,” […]  “How dare you say something romantic and sweet and wonderful like that!”

Sam did a lot of growing up in this book.  He’s still the adorable little asshole we’ve come to love, just maybe a tad more mature than in the previous installments. And his love for Ryan has grown even stronger than ever.

But even with all of that, even with the weight of everything resting upon my shoulders, I didn’t regret anything that had led me to this moment.  To this man standing in front of me.

HaveHeart for life, motherfuckers! 

TJ Klune is a Master Storyteller (capitalized so you know it’s true) who took my heart on the most amazing adventure.  Yeah, it got a few bumps and bruises along the way, but it was returned mostly intact… mostly.  I can’t wait to see what shenanigans he will think up next.  All I can say is… bring it.  I can take it.  My heart is strong!  I don’t need any hand-holding.  I am a strong, independent unicorn who don’t need no mens… er… wait.  *cough* Excuse me.  Got a little carried away there for a minute.  What was I saying?  Oh.  Yeah.  That’s right.

Read this book!

Ann - 5 Hearts

Godsdammit.

Only The Klune can make me run the gamut of SO many emotions in one book. I’m not even talking the series, just this one installment. When I read Lightning Struck Heart back in 2015 I had no idea the level of EVERYTHING this series would become. It’s so, so much. I mean that in the best possible way. In a scary commiserate way, I get Lady Tina (HaveHeart forever Motherfuckers! Don’t even with me Lady Tina) and that is never something I should say as a grown ass adult. But, I am invested here beyond just idle curiosity about what will come next. This is visceral now. My head and my heart are ecstatic and heartbroken in turn. I’m amused and despondent all in one page. I’m from SoCal, my people are not meant for this. By nature we give very few fux about things in general but when we feel passionately, it’s ridiculous. My car may not start, I may end up with a leak in my roof and my hot water heater may explode all in one day and my reaction will be “It’llbeallright” All One Word. But 30% in, 87% in for The Consumption of Magic? I’m ruined in the best fucking way.

I knew heartache was coming in The Consumption of Magic, but the tone of the story stayed so Sam, that the foreboding knowledge of what I was in store for was not overwhelming. The story is not here for the angst, it is balanced perfectly with the humor I love and the feels I crave, so I wasn’t just sitting on pins and needles (ouch and ewwww) waiting for Myrrin to fuck up all the things, I enjoyed every conversation and revelation from beginning to end.

What I love about this series, and this is a characteristic that makes a series a series for me, is that, yes there are secondary characters, but they are not secondary to the MC. Every story gives me more of someone and the dimension of the overall arc intensifies. Randall and Kevin have their “things”. Randall is an impatient grouch and Kevin is a horny hoarder with inappropriate familial ideals. But, in The Consumption of Magic, I learned so much more about both of them and their stories were just as important as Sam’s. Sam has his destiny that he loathes, but every characters destiny is intertwined and I can only shudder in awe of the spreadsheets the author must have for every detail for every character. Plus, when I get to know each player more, they don’t change, they just build and I love getting to know them on deeper levels. (Mind out of the gutter Kevin).

Now, on to the fuckery.

Firstly, how dare you? You know who you are and ohmygawd, how dare you? I wouldn’t say the story ends on a cliffhanger, I mean the overall arc does, but The Consumption of Magic does not, it ends as it should, but damn. I had (and I’m copying Jenni Lea here with the points):

Sorrow
Anger (again, how dare you)
Surprise/Shock
Hope
Love
Frustration
More Love
ANXIETY

Honestly, this needs to be about me now as I channel my inner Gary. How the actual fuck am I expected to wait until 2018 to get my next fix? I think we can all agree that 2017 has been a bit of a dumpster fire, so I am really looking forward to what comes next. I have theories, which are utter bullshit, but it’s what one does when one is Lady-Tina-Level consumed.

The series continues to be it’s amazing self, we all pretty much already knew that to be a thing. Just hop on for the ride and soak it up. TJ Klune is a master wordsmith. He has the ability to make me forget I’m even reading. I’m there, I’m in the thick of it all and he has a true gift that I appreciate beyond measure. So, now we can all discuss and wallow in our fandom together and overanalyze everything as we wait impatiently for 2018.

**a copy of this magic was provided for honest reviews**

Trivia Question: What series has a porn star falling in love with a man he rescues from a night club? 5 pts

Random winner will be chosen 11/21. I'll be traveling all week so I'll do my best to get the winner notified by 6 pm EST. 

Review: Deeds & Confetti (Mary's Boys #4) by Brandon Witt

A Mary's Boys Novella

Steven Conley loves the excitement of owning his own Hamburger Mary’s restaurant in Denver, Colorado, and his chosen family of coworkers makes life even better. Steven never regretted leaving the corporate grind behind until his father’s harsh deathbed words leaves him doubting himself.

Ryan Fuller abandoned a lucrative career to start his own party-planning business, but he keeps afloat by coordinating funerals for the local mortuary. When Ryan bumps into Steven—his best friend’s uncle and the man Ryan has secretly crushed on forever—the attraction explodes into a night of passionate abandon for both men.

Steven is blown away by the care and deep connection he feels for the hot young mortician—until Ryan admits who he really is. Reeling from the recent upheaval in his life, Steven must decide whether to give Ryan a chance. To find love, they must risk it all....

Brandon pulled out all the stops for this one!  It was my favorite of the series. 

I've been wanting Steven's story ever since I met him way back in Nachos & Hash.  He always seemed so jovial and good natured with a snarky streak in him that ticked all my boxes.  I could see a hint of something behind his eyes though.  Something that hinted at a bit of sadness, which piqued my interest and I couldn't wait to delve into this book so I could find out what it was.

I connected to this book on a deeper, more emotional level than the previous books.  There just seemed to be so much more to Steven than I ever imagined.  He hides his hurt really well, always playing the happy guy who is secure in his place in life.  

I think Ryan was the perfect match for Steven.  Ryan knew this man so well.  He should, since he'd been pining for Steven since he was a teenager.  He may have been confused at first, seeing as how Steven wasn't acting the way Ryan remembered he was, but all it took was seeing Steven at Hamburger Mary's to understand that he was out of his element and thus uncomfortable in his own skin outside of the restaurant.  At Mary's, Steven shone.  There was the man Ryan remembered!

I was afraid the age gap would be too great for me (19-20 year difference), especially since they'd known each other since Ryan was essentially a child, but Ryan had an emotional maturity to him and seemed, at times, to be more stable in his life that Steven was.  And Steven never acted upon any feelings way back when; it was only after he saw Ryan again once he was of age that, really, there even were any feelings.  So, nothing squicky. ;)

I've enjoyed getting to know all the men in this series, especially these two.  I'm a little sad that this is the final book as I'm going to miss these guys.  And ManDonna.  I'm going to miss her something fierce!  And Pat, who was a fabulous character and the best big sister a guy could ever have.

Recommended for light, fun reading with a dash of angst.  And drag queens.

 

Release Day Tag Team Review: Late In The Day (The Vault #2) by Mary Calmes

Terrence Moss. Conrad Harris. Gold Team Leader. Darius Hawthorne. The Vault. Juggling all these names would bother some, but for Darius, it’s business as usual. When he closes a chapter in his life, he leaves a name—and the people associated with it—behind. He’s managed to keep a few colleagues, even fewer friends, and no companionship through his forty-plus years… but that’s now changing.

The newest chapter of his life is bringing serious change: a stable home, a recovered identity, an unlikely family, and now a chance encounter with the one man Darius ever loved: Efrem Lahm. The reasons they parted are still valid, and there’s no way they can trust each other. But Efrem has already decided he won’t let Darius go… and Darius will have to decide if he wants to take a chance with his heart this late in the day.

Greeting Calmes Crack Whores!  Red and I are back for another episode and we can't wait to dish about the amazing man known to us as Mother Fucking Conrad!  <-- this was the title to our latest chat.  So, without any further ado...

Red: Ready to start when you are!

JL: Yay! Let's start tonight!

P.S. I heard one should [NOT SPOIL THE BOOK WITH A SPOILER BEFORE WE EVEN START READING!]

Red: We should? I will if I need to. Wait. Is [THIS A SPOILER???? NOT EVEN!]  Hmmmm... I expect this book to have a shit ton of Cameos!

Red - 5 Hearts

It’s gonna be hard to review this for a number of reasons.

Hard because I can’t get my fangirl words to flow from my fingers.

Hard because there is so much that needs to be read first hand.

Hard because there is not a damn thing you could offer me to spoil this.

Hard because what I want to say isn’t so hard.

I. Loved. This. Book.

For some reason after I finished reading this, I started to think back on all that makes Darius Hawthorne; who he is, his relationship with people he cares about and the man he simply cannot live without and every thought led me to Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Don’t ask, it’s just the way my 6 degrees of randomness works but when I started to recall my favorite moments from the movie, certain moments, certain lines just fit.

So, every quote in this review isn’t from the book, they are from the movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s.  

“They're not the kind of stories you can really tell.”

“Too dirty?”

“Yeah, I suppose they're dirty, too, but only incidentally. Mainly they're angry, sensitive, intensely felt, and that dirtiest of all dirty words – promising.”

Red:  Okay. I am at [SPOILER%] and my mind is already blown. There will be no way to review this and no way we can even put in our chats.

JL:  I'm a little ahead of you. Ok, a lot. I'm at [SPOILER%] and I don't want to spoil it for you but dear God read faster! I HAVE SO MUCH TO DISCUSS!

I think that's a great idea by the way. Our chat will be nothing but SPOILER and OMG, did you see where SPOILER did SPOILER. LOL  well, we did warn you...

Red: You read way fast! I've been reading as much as I can during work. I leave in just under 1.5 hrs and then I have yoga and then I can attempt to read a bit before I pass out.

Red:  Okay. I just got to the mention [SPOILER OF SPOILING SORTS]...  WTAF and FUCK YEAH! I love the layered details we get of the vault and why Conrad was asked to be it and all about his names and how he wants [NOT TO SPOIL ANYONE FOR OR ANYTHING FROM THIS BOOK!]  This woman is amazing. My GAWD she is so smart.

I am waiting for more Cameo's to show up though with all his names.

Knowing we were getting a story of Conrad Harris was exciting. After reading A Day Makes and learning Conrad had numerous aliases all that the Calmes fan had met before was mind blowing but reading how they all came to be was epic. Epic and really quite sad. I am of the persuasion that Darius Hawthorne may be the saddest hero of Mary’s I have yet to read. Sure, Darius is one badass motherfucker but Darius is lonely.  He has not only cut ties with the names he used to hold but the life he led as that name and the people all became collateral damage.

Anyone who ever gave you confidence, you owe them a lot.

Now just because he’s left so many behind it doesn’t mean they don’t play a significant role in Darius’ life because they do. Every choice he’s made entwines with the man’s DNA and allows Conrad Harris to have the reputation as a man you don’t want to cross. The outright level of confidence that bleeds off Conrad is palatable but it’s never on the side of arrogance. The man has done the job that he’s been assigned and paid to do but the return was less than retail could offer.

Ahh... Do I detect a look of disapproval in your eye? Tough beans buddy, 'cause that's the way it's gonna be.

Red:  She's killing me. And here I thought the airport reunion with Ian and Miro was hot AF! [MIGHT BE A SPOILER] is burning my eyes it's so sexy and so intense with emotion. *swoons at the romance*

Learning how Darius becomes The Vault was so entertaining. After a few cameos from the author’s other books, we learn exactly how Darius gets the new job. It was funny, it was snarky, and it had some serious emotions as we take a trip down memory lane with Darius and his internal struggles. The whole scenario OF The Vault is so layered and detailed that I am once again amazed by how strong and creative a storyteller Mary Calmes truly is. She is so damn clever with all of this that I am truly in awe.

The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?

I think Darius does get a case of the mean reds throughout parts of this book. He has known the way of life that is a contact killer for so long, transitioning to the vault is a lesson he never thought he’d have to learn. It was actually adorable watching the man thaw and his life become complicated. But nothing can complicate your life like love.

How do I look?

Very good. I must say, I'm amazed.

Red: SHE IS KILLING ME WITH THE FEELS!!!!!!

JL: I KNOW!!!!

Prepare to get [NOT SPOILED EVER WITH THIS CHAT BECAUSE SPOILING SPOILS STINK]

Efrem Lahm is nothing short of stellar and stops at nothing to shred my heart into pieces. I think this is one hell of a romantic short of the forever love telling and Efrem and Darius have it all. From their first meeting, to the first kiss, to the first everything and then some. I fell hard for Efrem, I fell hard for the couple he and Darius made and I fell hard for the man Efrem has become in the years he’s been apart from the love of his life.

“You know what's wrong with you, Miss Whoever-you-are? You're chicken, you've got no guts. You're afraid to stick out your chin and say, "Okay, life's a fact, people do fall in love, people do belong to each other, because that's the only chance anybody's got for real happiness." You call yourself a free spirit, a "wild thing," and you're terrified somebody's gonna stick you in a cage. Well baby, you're already in that cage. You built it yourself. And it's not bounded in the west by Tulip, Texas, or in the east by Somali-land. It's wherever you go. Because no matter where you run, you just end up running into yourself."

You might be confused by the last quote but trust me, it fits and nothing fits better than that last line. When the reunion happens between Efrem and Darius there is so much emotion and things left unsaid that it gets heated fast. I honestly think we, or um… the author has maxed out TMCSS (The Mary Calmes Separation Stipulation) at 16 years!  It was so damn painful knowing what both Darius and Efrem went through over those extremely long years they were apart but it also gave me a ridiculous amount of hope.

Red:  And 16 years. Is that the longest time frame for The Mary Calmes Separation Stipulation?

JL: I believe it is.

“I love you.”

“So what.”

“So what? So plenty! I love you, you belong to me!”

Late in the Day is such an amazing and romantic story full of cameos of beloved characters and the final telling of one man’s stellar story. All the elements a Calmes fan could want are in this but there is just so much emotion tacked on that it weighed on my poor hopeless romantic heart. I love where they author took everyone, how she gave them humor, wit, love and family all while still letting each of them be who they are even if that means scary contract killers have tea with… *sigh. I can’t say but it’s one of those things that makes you laugh because it’s such a Calmes thing to have her characters do.

JL - 5 Hearts

Guys.  Guys.  I have been waiting for this book for so long.  So. Long.  You don’t know how bad I’ve wanted to read Conrad’s story.  You. Just. Don’t. Know.  Did it live up to my expectations?

You bet your ass it did!

Whatever you know him as, be it Conrad, Terrence or Gold Team Leader; Darius Hawthorne has been sneaking in and out of Mary’s books for years.  He’s like a ninja, swooping in, showing just enough of himself to pique our interest and then swooping out again.  He’s been an enigma and to finally get his story?  Why, it’s EVERYTHING!

Red: This makes me wanna go back and read all the books with him in it to look at them in a new way. You know? If only I had unlimited time to read.

JL: I know exactly how you feel. I also want to go back and read every book that the cameos are in.

If you’ve read A Day Makes, the first book in this series, then you know that Darius has recently become the Vault.  (What’s the Vault, you say?  Well, I’m not gonna tell you.  You’ll have to read the first book to find out.)  With the new job comes a LOT of new responsibilities, but it also comes with a sense of freedom Darius hasn’t experienced in decades.  He’s finally able to slow down a bit and just breathe.    

JL:  [SPOILERY SPOILER QUOTE THAT I’M NOT GONNA SPOIL.]

Exactly how I would live my life if I could.

Red: Darius just handed [SPOIL NAME] the job of a lifetime and himself the golden ticket! He just needs the love of his life by his side. Ugh. I hope [EPIC ROMANTIC SPOILER OF SPOILS THAT DOES NOT NEED TO BE SPOILED!]

JL: I'm sure he will. Mary won't let us down. [QUOTES THAT ARE SPOILERS BUT QUOTES THAT WE THINK YOU WILL HIGHLIGHT TOO!]

He’s hand-picked his team and boy, there are some interesting characters among them!  Some you will recognize from other books but there are a couple that are new.  One in particular that I’m sure everyone will love as much as I do.

JL:  I'm liking this [SHHH SPOILS IN A POT NEVER SPOIL].  He's very sassy.

Red: I haven't got to [SPOILSPORT SPOILER] yet. Just got to [A POSSIBLE SPOILER I WON’T SPOIL.]

JL:  Ha!  I highlighted that [SNARKY SPOILER] too!

This was like the culmination of all of the books Mary has written in this world.  There were so many cameos and references to other stories that my head was spinning and I was constantly squealing in delight. 

Red: Okay. I am stopping at [SPOILERING] Chapter [SPOILER]! LOL I can't stop reading. This is so good. But of course it is, right? But IT IS SO GOOD!

JL: SO GOOD!

I love playing six degrees of Kevin Bacon with Mary.

Red: I know! I honestly thought when [DOUBLE, DOUBLE, SPOIL AND TROUBLE]  instead. I am still waiting to see if they show up.

And the banter in this book!  OMG!  I think this is the snarkiest book Mary has written to date.  I was seriously LOLing throughout a majority of the story.  It showed to me how much Mary has grown in her writing over the years.  

JL: “Just because you’re the vault doesn’t make you good or any more likely not to go to hell.”

“We’re carpooling, I’m aware.”

So snarky! I'm loving all the banter in this one.

 But it’s not all fun and games in this book, no sir.  There were parts that were so heartfelt, so emotional that I couldn’t help but sob into my pillow.  Being alone for most of his life, Darius hasn’t been able to make the connections that are needed to keep one healthy and sane.  He’s lonely but doesn’t really know how to go about fixing his problem.  What makes it even harder to bear is that there was a time in his life that he wasn’t lonely.  He knows what love is, he’s experienced it before, but it was ripped away from him in an instant that, while he doesn’t regret doing what he had to do to protect his love, he wishes would have happened differently. 

JL:  It had gone nothing like I’d thought it would. Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined that Efrem would [YOU DIDN’T SERIOUSLY THINK I WAS GONNA SPOIL THIS PART, DID YOU?]

Aaaaaand now I'm sad.

Red:  I've highlighted those same parts! Listen to him. Ugh. I just realized while I was in corpse pose, Conrad is possibly the saddest MC MC (Mary Calmes  Main Character) ever. He's so lonely giving up or lost everyone he's ever loved.

JL: I know. He's so lonely. I want to give him a hug.

Throughout his life, there has only been one person that made Darius feel alive.  One person that made him think that being a human being on this planet was worth it.  Efrem.  They had five glorious years together before they were ripped from each other’s arms.  Darius never got over Efrem.  Sixteen years later and a chance encounter leaves Darius with a hope that he’s scared to feel.  Will Efrem feel the same as he did all those long years ago?  Is the love still there?  

When you were moving at the speed of sound, being alone made sense, but as soon as the scenery outside the window became recognizable shapes instead of a steady blur, you longed for home.  Efrem was the only home I had, and the constant ache in my chest was the yearning for him.

JL: Stupid book with stupid Efrem making me cry.

Red: I know! Where are you? I just started chapter [SPOILERING SPOILY STUFF.]

[...]

I'm done. That. Was. Good. And. Romantic AF!

Thank you, Mary.  Thank you for writing this book.  It was everything I ever wished it could be.  And the story’s not done!  There is still a thread that hasn’t been resolved.  I for one cannot wait to read the final book in this trilogy.  It’s going to be EPIC, I just know it.