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beckyrendon's review against another edition
1.0
It is completely ironic, the reason I started this book. You see I 2 starred a book by one of the authors which launched a need for the author to contact me. I am not sure why and honestly it was uncomfortable. Unless I have a relationship virtual or actual friendship with an author, they don't typically contact me.
The author justified her contacting me as a way to get me to try and read her next book which would be a continuation of the one I reviewed. I was noncommittal (hello, I just 2 starred the "prologue "). However the author was adamant I not give up on her writing. I informed the author, I have had this book on my kindle for years and I would read it before considering others. Which led me here!
The author generously gave me a copy of the audiobook of this series. As a loved of MM, i was excited to dive in. I knew nothing else about the book despite being on my kindle almost since it was released. Mistake #2
You missed Mistake #1 didn't you. Apparently so did I, the unsolicited conversation with the author is Mistake #1.
Mistake #3 will probably be this review based on how far in this novel I have gotten.
Mistake #4 I am declaring this book a DNF. Based on the way, I started it I think it's best. Its hyper aggressive and vindictive in the way it's written. It feels like a physical attack on the reader. I would almost assume it were a dark enemies to lovers with the hatred spewing off the pages but its not. Its just angry at reviewers. Given that I reviewed a 2 star, it oddly feels like warning. I don't need that kind of negativity. I don't want it around so I am DNFing.
Mistake #5 Reading the reviews after I decided to DNF. Clearly the controversy around this book is legit. It feels like an attack before knowing/reading about the drama. It's safe to say I will totally be stepping back from offerings from both authors.
I did not finish this book. At this time I have no plans to do so. The audiobook is probably not going to be finished because along with the hateful hyper aggression of the words on the page, the narrator makes the reviewer sound like a massive dick and not in a good way. I just cohld not get into this book even with the promise of hate sex.
The author justified her contacting me as a way to get me to try and read her next book which would be a continuation of the one I reviewed. I was noncommittal (hello, I just 2 starred the "prologue "). However the author was adamant I not give up on her writing. I informed the author, I have had this book on my kindle for years and I would read it before considering others. Which led me here!
The author generously gave me a copy of the audiobook of this series. As a loved of MM, i was excited to dive in. I knew nothing else about the book despite being on my kindle almost since it was released. Mistake #2
You missed Mistake #1 didn't you. Apparently so did I, the unsolicited conversation with the author is Mistake #1.
Mistake #3 will probably be this review based on how far in this novel I have gotten.
Mistake #4 I am declaring this book a DNF. Based on the way, I started it I think it's best. Its hyper aggressive and vindictive in the way it's written. It feels like a physical attack on the reader. I would almost assume it were a dark enemies to lovers with the hatred spewing off the pages but its not. Its just angry at reviewers. Given that I reviewed a 2 star, it oddly feels like warning. I don't need that kind of negativity. I don't want it around so I am DNFing.
Mistake #5 Reading the reviews after I decided to DNF. Clearly the controversy around this book is legit. It feels like an attack before knowing/reading about the drama. It's safe to say I will totally be stepping back from offerings from both authors.
I did not finish this book. At this time I have no plans to do so. The audiobook is probably not going to be finished because along with the hateful hyper aggression of the words on the page, the narrator makes the reviewer sound like a massive dick and not in a good way. I just cohld not get into this book even with the promise of hate sex.
lexxan's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
natastrophe16's review against another edition
1.0
Got to 28% and was so confused by what I was reading I had to pause. This book is crazy. I didn't even know about any of the drama around this either, so it can't even be said that's the reason I hated it.
quinnreads2's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars - I'm not even sure where to start so here goes. This was a very charged book - in and out of the bedroom. The two main characters, Lawson "L" and Babu, are very angry individuals which is directed toward themselves, each other, and most of those around them. That anger turns to passion on a few occasions with their identities slowly uncovered. The harshness of their personalities were borderline a turnoff initially. I'm glad I trudged through. The chuckles over "magic tree trunk" and many other colorful analogies were too fantastic to miss. LOL!
I like that this mostly m/m book gets dirty with some female action tossed in. The story also has some very sad moments. All in all, I liked this book. There are definitely some messed up moments. There were also some really negative reviews when the book first came out. I don't know what that is about but after about two minutes of wondering, I decided it was irrelevant. Maybe it was a specific event that triggered the outcry or maybe the book has undergone a rewrite. Either way, I got a few chuckles and a bit hot in special places and that works for me.
I like that this mostly m/m book gets dirty with some female action tossed in. The story also has some very sad moments. All in all, I liked this book. There are definitely some messed up moments. There were also some really negative reviews when the book first came out. I don't know what that is about but after about two minutes of wondering, I decided it was irrelevant. Maybe it was a specific event that triggered the outcry or maybe the book has undergone a rewrite. Either way, I got a few chuckles and a bit hot in special places and that works for me.
kristinafh's review against another edition
5.0
I found this book on audible as a new release.
I listened to the sample.
I liked the sample.
I used one of my credits to purchase.
I had no idea that there was some sort of controversy brewing within this book's review section prior to reading/listening to this book.
After I read this book, I skimmed the "controversy" to ensure it did not center on plagiarism - that's my hard limit.
No plagiarism accusations - excellent! My rating of the book stands.
So let me tell you why this ended up rating 5 stars.
I felt like the storyline and the two alpha males (enemies to lovers) was a complete breath of fresh air.
I loved each alpha for different reasons. Well written characters.
The banter was funny and smokin' hot. It was intelligent and had purpose.
I was so thankful that there were no moments of any character sticking their tongue out like a spoiled three year old (this is one of my biggest pet peeves in bdsm and/or romantic relationships).
I was not ever bored. Ever. Joel Leslie (narrator) was perfect PERFECT as both alphas.
And speaking of perfect, yes, there were a couple of things that ummm - not bothered me...but...I wanted a deeper dive.
I'd read more books written in this style - hope that there are more to come!
I listened to the sample.
I liked the sample.
I used one of my credits to purchase.
I had no idea that there was some sort of controversy brewing within this book's review section prior to reading/listening to this book.
After I read this book, I skimmed the "controversy" to ensure it did not center on plagiarism - that's my hard limit.
No plagiarism accusations - excellent! My rating of the book stands.
So let me tell you why this ended up rating 5 stars.
I felt like the storyline and the two alpha males (enemies to lovers) was a complete breath of fresh air.
I loved each alpha for different reasons. Well written characters.
The banter was funny and smokin' hot. It was intelligent and had purpose.
I was so thankful that there were no moments of any character sticking their tongue out like a spoiled three year old (this is one of my biggest pet peeves in bdsm and/or romantic relationships).
I was not ever bored. Ever. Joel Leslie (narrator) was perfect PERFECT as both alphas.
And speaking of perfect, yes, there were a couple of things that ummm - not bothered me...but...I wanted a deeper dive.
I'd read more books written in this style - hope that there are more to come!
aelrae's review
4.0
What a fun book!
I have to admit, when I started this book I wasn't sure what to think. As most of you know, this book is LOOSELY based upon a "scandal" between a certain writer and a crtitc/blogger. BUT - that's where the similarities end. In all, it was an extremely enjoyable read. There were parts that in turn made me literally laugh out loud, squirm from the heat levels, broke my heart, and want to punch someone (or a few different people). This was the first book I've read from either of the authors, but it definitely won't be the last!
I have to admit, when I started this book I wasn't sure what to think. As most of you know, this book is LOOSELY based upon a "scandal" between a certain writer and a crtitc/blogger. BUT - that's where the similarities end. In all, it was an extremely enjoyable read. There were parts that in turn made me literally laugh out loud, squirm from the heat levels, broke my heart, and want to punch someone (or a few different people). This was the first book I've read from either of the authors, but it definitely won't be the last!
books4dayswithrobyn's review
5.0
I must admit it took me a little longer to get into this book but when i did.. holy F balls did i enjoy it!
I got given this book in exchange for a review and wow it was awesome.
Babu and Larson had their differences at times and i can see why. Two totally different professions. but they made it work.
The writing flowed nicely and actually made me run 5 minutes over my lunch break because i was so engrossed in Larson and Troy's story!
i will definitely read more from these author's!
well done!!
5 HOT STARS!
I got given this book in exchange for a review and wow it was awesome.
Babu and Larson had their differences at times and i can see why. Two totally different professions. but they made it work.
The writing flowed nicely and actually made me run 5 minutes over my lunch break because i was so engrossed in Larson and Troy's story!
i will definitely read more from these author's!
well done!!
5 HOT STARS!
picky_book_b1tch's review
4.0
So several months ago this book came across news feed, I read the blurb, thought it looked interesting and promptly put on my TBR. Months go by when I run across this book again and decide to check it out on Goodreads. Holy Sh*t Storm!!!!!! WTH! Really? Sold, one-clicked that bitch, couldn't read it fast enough.
I was happily entertained for hours reading this book. This is a hate to lust to love story of two very arrogant alpha men, Larson, indie author and Troy (Babu), literary critic. Both men are intelligent, arrogant, self centered and very opinionated men, which makes for some great dialogue between the two. Not to mention, all the sparks that fly in the bedroom…….in the elevator (oh my god!!! The elevator!) in the kitchen, in the living room, in the hall….well, you get the idea.
I have only one opinion about all the controversy surrounding this book. I don't care why this book was written. I don't care if your panties are in a wad. I don't care if you hate the author, the subject matter, or you just feel like being a prick that day. You DO NOT rate or review a book you have not read!!! EVER!!! To do so, discredits you, your opinion and the soap box you stand on.
The author takes care to poke fun at both the reviewer and the author. I chose to take this book at face value and I'm glad I did.
I was happily entertained for hours reading this book. This is a hate to lust to love story of two very arrogant alpha men, Larson, indie author and Troy (Babu), literary critic. Both men are intelligent, arrogant, self centered and very opinionated men, which makes for some great dialogue between the two. Not to mention, all the sparks that fly in the bedroom…….in the elevator (oh my god!!! The elevator!) in the kitchen, in the living room, in the hall….well, you get the idea.
I have only one opinion about all the controversy surrounding this book. I don't care why this book was written. I don't care if your panties are in a wad. I don't care if you hate the author, the subject matter, or you just feel like being a prick that day. You DO NOT rate or review a book you have not read!!! EVER!!! To do so, discredits you, your opinion and the soap box you stand on.
The author takes care to poke fun at both the reviewer and the author. I chose to take this book at face value and I'm glad I did.
soft_reads's review
3.0
A fine read with quite a bit of angst.
Enemies-to-lovers. Writers and reviews. This book is extremely sex positive and fluid with sexuality which I enjoy in a book.
Babu is a curmudgeon who writes aggressive book reviews of mostly self-published writers but has a traumatic back story that leaves him basically a shut in.
Blackburn bites back when Babu writes a cutting review of his novel and the two become intertwined in their bickering between one another until a broken-down-elevator incident changes things... not that either of them realise who they are.
I did enjoy the read, I'm just not as much of a fan of the bitchy/aggressiveness that is a large part of Babu's character as a reviewer.
Enemies-to-lovers. Writers and reviews. This book is extremely sex positive and fluid with sexuality which I enjoy in a book.
Babu is a curmudgeon who writes aggressive book reviews of mostly self-published writers but has a traumatic back story that leaves him basically a shut in.
Blackburn bites back when Babu writes a cutting review of his novel and the two become intertwined in their bickering between one another until a broken-down-elevator incident changes things... not that either of them realise who they are.
I did enjoy the read, I'm just not as much of a fan of the bitchy/aggressiveness that is a large part of Babu's character as a reviewer.