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xi_mi's review
5.0
Oh. My. GOD
I just finished reading this and I can't even begin to describe how amazing this book is! Seriously, who wrote this incredibly beautiful masterpiece? [a:Rachel Haimowitz|4165753|Rachel Haimowitz|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1311033309p2/4165753.jpg] & [a:Cat Grant|1912055|Cat Grant|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1338938331p2/1912055.jpg]. If someone asks me why I love reading so much, I will shove this book in their face. Honestly, I'm tempted to visit every book I've ever rated 5 stars after reading this. 'Cuz what the heck? There should be a special rating for such books.
Phew, deep breath. This book has everything I love and could ever ask for. You love realistic, well-written characters with purpose, motivations, and goals. Really good character development and growth. BDSM kinks and the foundation of it, what it could mean to some people, what it would help some people achieve. Sassy MC. A balanced relationship where both submissive and dominant care for each other's needs. Absolutely perfectly executed dual points of view. Just start this series, no need to scroll more in the comment section. Do yourself a favor and start it.
I loved watching Brandon's growth throughout the story. Jonathan is not portrayed as a flawless, all-powerful character, but rather someone who can make mistakes and learn from them. His self-awareness makes him the perfect guide for Brandon to find his own self in the maze his life hid it in from him. The monologues and dialogues are absolutely perfect, and the pacing of events is spot on. God, I loved, I loved, I lov... I could go on and on, but I'll stop here if I had to list all of it, this review would never end.
Gonna say it one more time: do yourself a favor and start reading it, NOW.
God, help me. I already want to re-read it. I really tried to drag the inevitable which was finishing it.
I just finished reading this and I can't even begin to describe how amazing this book is! Seriously, who wrote this incredibly beautiful masterpiece? [a:Rachel Haimowitz|4165753|Rachel Haimowitz|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1311033309p2/4165753.jpg] & [a:Cat Grant|1912055|Cat Grant|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1338938331p2/1912055.jpg]. If someone asks me why I love reading so much, I will shove this book in their face. Honestly, I'm tempted to visit every book I've ever rated 5 stars after reading this. 'Cuz what the heck? There should be a special rating for such books.
Phew, deep breath. This book has everything I love and could ever ask for. You love realistic, well-written characters with purpose, motivations, and goals. Really good character development and growth. BDSM kinks and the foundation of it, what it could mean to some people, what it would help some people achieve. Sassy MC. A balanced relationship where both submissive and dominant care for each other's needs. Absolutely perfectly executed dual points of view. Just start this series, no need to scroll more in the comment section. Do yourself a favor and start it.
I loved watching Brandon's growth throughout the story. Jonathan is not portrayed as a flawless, all-powerful character, but rather someone who can make mistakes and learn from them. His self-awareness makes him the perfect guide for Brandon to find his own self in the maze his life hid it in from him. The monologues and dialogues are absolutely perfect, and the pacing of events is spot on. God, I loved, I loved, I lov... I could go on and on, but I'll stop here if I had to list all of it, this review would never end.
Gonna say it one more time: do yourself a favor and start reading it, NOW.
God, help me. I already want to re-read it. I really tried to drag the inevitable which was finishing it.
teresab78's review
5.0
4.5 stars - I liked this much better than the first. Jonathan’s behaviour made more sense and I could appreciate Brandon’s growth.
nicola949's review
4.0
Loved the way this book concluded the story of Jonathan and Brandan. The subject matter is still compelling and intense (Jonathan is a sadist after all). However this book was really focused on the development of the characters and the complex relationship between Jonathan and Brandan.
kbranfield's review
4.0
An incredible journey, Power Play: Awakening is a non-traditional romance that beautifully demonstrates there is no right or wrong way to love. To read my review in its entirety, please visit http://www.bookreviewsandmorebykathy.com/2012/06/11/power-play-awakening/
dreamerfreak's review
2.0
This is a severe case of "it's not you, it's me." For some readers, this can be a phenomenal book. I can see and feel how darn well-written and constructed this story is, how emotionally genuine. Bran and Jonathan are beautiful men, and their relationship is amazing. And yet.... For me, and for my conflict-avoidant personality, this just pushes the envelope too far. And honestly, I absolutely hate that Bran still fears Jonathan. It's not something that I can cope with. And so I'm glad they got their own version of a happy ending, I'll gladly push this whole thing out of my mind lest I accidentally traumatize myself.
jerseygirl2912's review
3.0
Slightly easier to read than part 1 of the series. But still not a easy read for me.
The end seems kind of rushed. I feel like I missed something because I didn't understand the sudden and incomprehensible happy ending here.
The end seems kind of rushed. I feel like I missed something because I didn't understand the sudden and incomprehensible happy ending here.
evil_jj's review
5.0
2020 Reread:
Even better the second time around! Upping my rating to 5 stars
Original Review (4 stars):
Thankfully I was not disappointed by this sequel to [b:Power Play Resistance|13484184|Power Play Resistance (Power Play, #1)|Rachel Haimowitz|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1329195964s/13484184.jpg|19019159]. It was so good to see that Jonathan recognized his previous mistakes and made the effort to understand how Bran was feeling and help him learn to embrace the role of a submissive. I was relieved to see that Bran remained a smart-ass (cause that's why I love him so much) and especially that.
I can't put my finger on why, but I failed to connect with Jonathan the way I did with Bran, which is odd because I typically go weak-kneed for Doms in books. Perhaps I feel like he broke my trust when he screwed up so spectacularly in the first book, which made me feel protective of Bran, and my trust is extremely difficult to earn once broken. I also was continually irritated at Jonathan's insistence on calling him Brandon despite Bran's desire to be referred to by his nickname, especially since he could only guess at Bran's reasons (which were irrelevant as far as Jonathan should have been concerned). I felt it was a huge sign of disrespect, and Bran deserved loads of respect for the sheer effort it took to change his life to such a degree. And as Bran pointed out, he respected Jonathan enough not to refer to him by his given name, and deserved the same courtesy in return.
Also gotta say that at first glance, the cover looks ridiculous but upon closer inspection, it's actually pretty hot!
Even better the second time around! Upping my rating to 5 stars
Original Review (4 stars):
Thankfully I was not disappointed by this sequel to [b:Power Play Resistance|13484184|Power Play Resistance (Power Play, #1)|Rachel Haimowitz|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1329195964s/13484184.jpg|19019159]. It was so good to see that Jonathan recognized his previous mistakes and made the effort to understand how Bran was feeling and help him learn to embrace the role of a submissive. I was relieved to see that Bran remained a smart-ass (cause that's why I love him so much) and especially that
Spoiler
Jonathan recognized Bran's need to be productive and make use of his intellectual and physical talents. I was glad to see that in the end, Bran got that balance between independence in his professional career and submissiveness at homeI can't put my finger on why, but I failed to connect with Jonathan the way I did with Bran, which is odd because I typically go weak-kneed for Doms in books. Perhaps I feel like he broke my trust when he screwed up so spectacularly in the first book, which made me feel protective of Bran, and my trust is extremely difficult to earn once broken. I also was continually irritated at Jonathan's insistence on calling him Brandon despite Bran's desire to be referred to by his nickname, especially since he could only guess at Bran's reasons (which were irrelevant as far as Jonathan should have been concerned). I felt it was a huge sign of disrespect, and Bran deserved loads of respect for the sheer effort it took to change his life to such a degree. And as Bran pointed out, he respected Jonathan enough not to refer to him by his given name, and deserved the same courtesy in return.
Also gotta say that at first glance, the cover looks ridiculous but upon closer inspection, it's actually pretty hot!
kairin16's review
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
rowan108's review
4.0
I really hated Jonathan in the first book. After reading this book, I immediately sat down and read it again. Bran and Jonathan find their HEA even after the abuse and misunderstandings in book 1.
ironi's review
2.0
Ok yes, I then read this book. No shame. I'm an adult now guys. Also, my reading challenge desperately needs help. I have a week of guard duty and I'm just hoping all I'll do is get my reading and studying together.
Honestly, the first one was better. I felt more, there were more emotions and dramas. Maybe the BDSM dynamic isn't for me (maybe?) but it felt uncomfortable, it felt like an unequal relationship, like the power isn't placed right. I didn't feel it was romantic.
I guess that's just my view and well, to each their own.
Anyway, must continue studying so yeah, bye.
What I'm taking with me
• Being rich essentially solves everything, despite what Jonathan says.
• I felt like the story of Brandon's name was a little lame and obvious.
• I liked that they asked each other questions.
Honestly, the first one was better. I felt more, there were more emotions and dramas. Maybe the BDSM dynamic isn't for me (maybe?) but it felt uncomfortable, it felt like an unequal relationship, like the power isn't placed right. I didn't feel it was romantic.
I guess that's just my view and well, to each their own.
Anyway, must continue studying so yeah, bye.
What I'm taking with me
• Being rich essentially solves everything, despite what Jonathan says.
• I felt like the story of Brandon's name was a little lame and obvious.
• I liked that they asked each other questions.