Eli EastonBesprekingen

OMFG this book!!!

This book had me swooning and choking up with emotion and all hot and bothered!

Everything about this story was perfect (tho there were a few missing scenes that would have been much much appreciated - ahem.)

This was a beautiful story about realizing who you love shouldn't matter and being brave enough to take a stand and fight for it and winning in the end because of it. Just freakin awesome!

3.5 Stars

I’m going to try and be quick about this review.

I love Easton, and I bought this way back when and have only now just gotten to it. What’s changed for me over the years is that in the closet tropes no longer appeal, so it was with a lot of reluctance and trepidation that I finally finished this book, determined to make a dent in my paid list.

Of course, the writing is great. Easton also does fabulous UST, and she doesn’t skimp here at all. Just know that if you dread waiting for the other shoe to drop, then your anxiety level is probably going to be as high as it was for me. Also, beware some heavy religious repression, bigotry, and hateful violence.

The ultimate win for Christi and David was wonderful, but just take heed that it was a painful angsty journey, and I’m glad it’s over so I can move on to something more fluffy with cute dogs or some spaceships. Cheers.

4.5 Stars!

Look. I don’t want to give too much away, but this had some flirty banter and some very good smexy. It also had a fabulous alpha male with a military background who is totally undone by a stranger in need who basically falls at his doorstep during a brutal blizzard. The love progression is fast, but it’s very plausible, and that shouldn’t be a surprise in such capable hands as Easton.

Rarely a book can keep me rapt, especially since I do the majority of my reading at bedtime. Let’s just say I read this in one go and was dead on my feet the next day.

Once the twist occurs, the action and suspense never lets up and neither do the swoony feels!

Unfortunately, this looks like it’s in DSP limbo as the audio is the only thing available. However, if you’ve had this waiting in your library, just know it’s giving you the stink eye wondering what the hell you’re waiting for, and I have to say I agree! Read!

Possible Trigger: Violence involving an animal
This is listed as a romantic suspense novel. It does feature two gay characters, but not much actual romance occurs other that they're together. You will have no trouble figuring out that they love one another. Much more emphasis in the story is placed on the mystery & suspense part. If you enjoy stories with intricate plots and more than a little sexual tension but with less "sheet pressing", then this is absolutely your book. Gabriel has recently moved back to his hometown to become the sheriff and also to mend the rift between himself and his family. Tiber also recently moved to Prophet. Both men have situations and memories that they are trying to escape. Gabriel goes to Tiber for help when a murder victim’s dog, Duke, is found near his body. The dog is terrified and Tiber’s expertise with animals is just what Gabriel needs. I've read R.J. Scott's books before but had never read anything by Eli Easton, but once I started this book, I had to finish it. In addition to the murder mystery, the personal situations that each of the main characters found themselves in had me glued to their drama. Gabriel’s situation with his brother, and the reasons for it, was heartbreaking. The murder gets solved, so there is no cliffhanger or continuation on down the line... but I wondered what the authors were going to do with the personal relationship between Gabriel and Tiber as it was only just getting started here. Watching them “dance” around each other was one of the things that I really enjoyed about this book. It just goes to show that a book doesn’t have to be hot and heavy between the sheets to be a really great story. I can’t wait to see how their romance develops over the course of the series, and I certainly hope the authors let it happen. I gave the book 3.5 stars, not because I didn't like the story, because as I have said, I really, really did. If it hadn't been for the violence that the animal suffered, I would have given it a 5-star rating in a heartbeat.½

5 / 5 ⭐️‘s

“How To Love Thine Enemy" by Eli Easton

I LOVE LOVE this series and was so excited to see that Easton wrote a 6th story in it!

This story weaves a captivating tale of forbidden love set against the backdrop of the rugged Alaskan wilderness. Drawing on legend and lore, Easton creates a unique world where sled dogs and humans, known as the Qimmig and the People, were once deeply bonded, until betrayal severed their ties.

The story follows Taq, a young Inuit, who witnesses a remarkable event - two men surviving a polar bear attack by shifting into dogs. This encounter challenges Taq's beliefs and forces him to question everything he thought he knew about the Qimmig, a mythical group of dog-men. When Taq is reunited with Cupun, a golden-eyed boy from his childhood, he realizes that their bond runs deeper than he ever imagined. However, their love is forbidden, as the Qimmig and the Inuit are not allowed to have any contact.

The setting becomes a character in its own right, adding depth and complexity to the story. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of heart-pounding action and tender intimacy.

The romance between Taq and Cupun is the heart of the story, and Easton deftly portrays their journey from friends to lovers.

The themes of acceptance, loyalty, and the power of love are woven throughout the story, adding emotional depth and resonance. The Romeo and Juliet trope adds an element of forbidden love and tension, heightening the stakes for Taq and Cupun. The inclusion of doggie shifters adds a unique and enchanting element to the story, blending fantasy and romance seamlessly.

PUB Date: 4/17/23

This ARC was provided by @gayromancereviews for free in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

TBH I grabbed this because of the author. I do not read a lot of mystery, suspense type books so was unsure how this would go.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it, however it was a good read.

It felt like it took a while to read but could be as I could not read it at night time LOL but also the story line while intriguing was a bit slow and I was expecting a HEA not a friends for now and probably would only read next books to get this.

Tiber and Gabriel both have secrets that keep them "lonely" and I think they shared a little but not all ..

Merged review:

3.5 stars

TBH I grabbed this because of the author. I do not read a lot of mystery, suspense type books so was unsure how this would go.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it, however it was a good read.

It felt like it took a while to read but could be as I could not read it at night time LOL but also the story line while intriguing was a bit slow and I was expecting a HEA not a friends for now and probably would only read next books to get this.

Tiber and Gabriel both have secrets that keep them "lonely" and I think they shared a little but not all ..

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. A romance (the attraction and meld into it type - not earth-shattering, but heartwarming), a family coming to grips with changes, and a mystery. A nice balance in all areas. 4.5/5 As I said - not earth-shattering - but satisfying.½

I have to admit that I read the 1-star reviews on this before reading and -- OMG what a load of crap! I have little respect for people who read into an incident without looking at the context. The 'outing' was a huge point for these people. Really? She deliberately outed him? Context and character, please. Is something like that possible? Hell yes! Can I introduce you to my Great-Aunt Louisa?
Having said that - The character development was solid, the context was solid, and the plot was basic but interesting. The author had done their research. Editing was fine and the writer has a smooth style.
I liked the way the author built the context between Donny's choices in porn and his 'real-life' attractions. I know a person whose experience was similar - thinking they were straight and not realizing that the excitement and stimulation came from watching the same-sex actor as much as the other until they met the person who rang all their bells - 4.5/5½

A decent story with one really out MC and one seriously confused MC. It hit for me as a just right - perhaps because I have known big family groups who are just as diverse yet role-bound as this one. The characters were nicely developed and the story arc was decent with comedy and internal angst.
Overall a relaxing read that did not require any deep thoughts.½

The cover is hella cheesy but the story was actually really sweet.½

ספר מתח טוב. קצת הולך לאיבוד באמצע.

La ecuación Dante
Jane Jensen
Publicado: 2004 | 566 páginas
Novela Ciencia ficción Intriga

La pericia del rabino Aharon Handalman con el código de la Tora (al volver a disponer las palabras y las letras de la Biblia) ha descubierto el nombre de un hombre. ¿Quién es Yosef Kobinski y por qué escondió Dios su nombre en su texto sagrado? Para encontrar las respuestas, Aharon empieza una investigación y descubre que Kobinski, un rabino polaco, no solo era un místico sino también un físico brillante que escribió lo que quizá haya sido la obra perdida más importante de la historia de la humanidad. Ahora, un grupo de amigos siguen las huellas de Kobinski hasta un claro de los bosques cercanos a Auschwitz. Y en ese claro se enfrentan cara a cara con lo inexplicable.

I have a bit of a soft spot for a good holiday novella. I didn't go in with very high expectations for this one though, I think the slightly magical/angel element was less appealing to me, but historical m/m books are still scarce enough that I couldn't so casually dismiss it. And it turned out to be so lovely and sweet. By the time their feelings were engaged I was all wrapped up in it. I'm just delighted.

4.5 stars

Greg owns a Christmas tree farm that has been in his family for 3 generations. He also plans for this to be his last year running it, since he doesn’t see any point to it with his son being dead and no one else to carry on the legacy. Greg has dealt with the loss, but only in the surface. When he spies a soldier hitchhiking on his way to town, Greg gives him a lift, then a job and a place to stay. Robbie has been rehabbing from injuries for almost a year. He is kind of at loose ends, being discharged from the army and not really wanting to go to his childhood home to deal with his father’s effects. When Greg offers him a place to stay, he takes it. Although both men are grieving, they bring comfort to each other and might be moving forward, rather than staying in stasis.

I quite often find that this author’s books are hit or miss for me. It’s not that they’re bad, I just don’t connect to them like I think I should and like others obviously do. I’m quite happy to report that I really liked this one. It’s well written, and what both Greg and Robbie are going through is genuine. I don’t know that they necessarily helped each other through it, but they definitely had someone else to focus on, which was a very good thing for both of them. I liked the workers at the Christmas Emporium (my name for it). It felt very small town in all the best ways, with people being supportive and kind. A very nice book to end the challenge on.

3 stars

Synopsis: Micah is the president of his frat, and in his final year of school. He's had girlfriends, and although he's been interested in guys, he's never gone out with one. After an amazing kiss in a game of spin the bottle, he has developed a crush on Leo, who is part of the drama club. Micah has seen everything Leo has been in. He is also casually dating someone who is part of Lee's semester end project.
Leo has never hidden who he is, and while he thinks that Micah is interesting, he doesn't want to be a bi-curious experiment. So he blows Micah off, not even really wanting to be friends. Micah persists, trying to show Leo that he is serious about him, but that is mitigated a little by the fact that Micah can't seem to tell the girl he is casually seeing that he isn't interested.
Then the venue for the final project falls through, and Micah volunteers his parents' barn. Leo and Micah head out early, and in making the barn loft an appropriate venue, they grow closer, leaving Micah wanting more, and Leo thinking that maybe he and Micah could have a future.

What I liked: Micah's persistence. I liked that he didn't go all stalker on Leo, but that he didn't just let Leo slide away, either. Leo was focused on doing the best job that he could, even when obstacles were thrown in his way.

What I didn't like: Leo was so resistant to Micah. I honestly didn't really connect with characters, so nothing that they did mattered to me.

3.5 stars

Synopsis: Sloane is part of a frat, and on one of his first days there, he meets Hank, who is taciturn, and was actually the only guy who voted against having him in the frat. Sloane stays out of his way, until Micah, Hank's brother and the frat president, throws them together to plan a classier version of the frat Christmas party. They are at war until they discover that they like mysteries, and then they work together. Until Sloane takes it too far and Hank won't speak to him. They get through the project, though, and Sloane is looking forward to being in Greece with his parents until he gets a call telling him that their plans have changed. Micah invites Sloane home to stay with their family, and Sloane accepts. Once in the wilds of Pennsylvania, Sloane gets to experience his first family Christmas, as well as trying to understand the mystery that is Hank.

What I liked: I liked Hank and Sloane. I liked Hank's family, and I liked the dogs. I also liked that Hank had to work through his issues, and he did, without a lot of drama. I also liked that rural Pennsylvania was as much a character in the second part of the story as anyone else.

What I didn't like: everything seemed just a little bit too fluffy and resolved neatly. (I know, I know, it's romance, but still, when things are resolved so easily when it was obviously a huge issue, I tend to give it the side eye.)

Loved this short prequel. Great characters!
It felt like I was right there with Shane, Mike and Pops.
It was cute, suspenseful and funny.
I am so looking forward to Hot Seat which I plan to read ASAP!

Santa Pelagia, una pequena poblacion mexicana, ha sido el lugar elegido. Miles de fieles de todas las creencias religiosas, venidos de todos los puntos del planeta, han asistido a un fenomeno sobrenatural: el anuncio del fin del mundo. En un desesperado intento por averiguar que esta ocurriendo, Michel Deauchez, sacerdote catolico, y Simon Hill, periodista del New York Times, se enfrentan a peligrosas organizaciones que abarcan todo el planeta, investigan las altas esferas del Vaticano y aranan los secretos de los maximos poderes politicos y militares del gobierno de Estados Unidos. Pero no disponen de mucho tiempo: el Apocalipsis ya ha comenzado.

This was an alright read. The main characters were pretty similar but both seemed to care about one another. I didn't really love the whole daredevil aspect but I guess it drove the plot. I didn't really expect that Andy did all the dares in response to trying to get Jake's attention or whatever, honestly thought he was mentally ill - depression, bipolar, something like that - with all the talk of itchy feelings before doing something dumb. I guess it kind of made sense - he probably is mentally ill to some degree - not feeling like he fits in his own skin and whatnot. I was amused that his mum is aware of his daredevil acts.

What about that time you jumped a cliff at the quarry on your motorbike?”
I stared at her. “You knew about that?”
She gave me her don’t be foolish look. “Andrew, it’s on your YouTube channel.”
“You watch my YouTube channel?” I was horrified. What the fuck? Parental intrusion. Was that even legal?

Easton, Eli. Five Dares (p. 185). Pinkerton Road. Kindle Edition.

The ending with the public proposal seemed kind of dumb I mean Jake hadn't even told his mother, let alone anyone else that he's gay? I mean I know it was only half proposal, half promise but it seemed a little presumptuous although it obviously worked out in the end. It's mainly erotica, not a whole lot of plot but it was a bit funny, a lot moronic and fairly enjoyable to read - as long as you don't take it too seriously. 2.5 stars.

I honestly wanted to like this a lot more than I actually did. But I just didn't. I felt like I never really connected with any of the characters and the romance between Jordan and Owen was weird. I liked the start with issue one of their comic, Pin Man and Pencil Boy. But that was the only time it was mentioned. There was a little bit of humour but otherwise it all just felt too serious. It seemed like it was going to be this light happy read but there was a lot of seriousness, more than I wanted or needed. I think that's maybe why I never warmed to the story. 1.5 stars.

I loved this, and the author packed a ton into the story of Christian and William. The medieval time period seemed very true to form, and I’m still glad that these men had a good life together as their love was gorgeous (there actually is an end to their HEA but at least they were together). I tend to enjoy most medieval romances, although in general the period-typical violence can be difficult for me.

Wow just wow. This beautifully written story just made my evening. I fell in love with the awkward Fielding and the confused Mick. It doesn't matter the label that one puts on it, love is love regardless of who you share it with. The story has been done before but Ms Easton has just perfected it with a skill and style all her own. I loved the way that Mr. Monroe just laid it out to Mick that he would do whatever it took to make Fielding happy and the way that snapped Mick out of his doubt. Although written for Christmas, this story would be just as touching any day of the year.

The best Christmas book I've read yet. I enjoyed the alternating POVs.

I do not like shifter books but story had me laughing right to the very end. Great characters and a quirky story.

Another book goes to the dogs but not without the help of Ms Easton's fertile and slightly twisted imagination. Roman and Matt were a fun couple though their ride was pretty bumpy. The general was a total pain in the ass while Luci was terrific. It was good to see that Tim's veggies took off and his roses were winning awards. I hope we get to visit Mad Creek again for another tail wagging adventure.