Review: Raze by Roan Parrish

RAZE
Roan Parrish
Publication date: July 2, 2019
Series: Riven #3
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, LGBTQIA
Format: eARC
Source: Loveswept and NetGalley



GOODREADS  *  AMAZON

S Y N O P S I S

For the last ten years, Huey has built his life around his sobriety. If that means he doesn't give a damn about finding love or companionship for himself, well, it's probably better that way. After all, the last thing he wants is to hurt anyone else. Until Felix Rainey walks into his bar, fresh-faced, unbearably sweet—and, for some reason Huey can't fathom, interested in him.

As the eldest of five kids, Felix Rainey spent his childhood cooking dinner, checking homework, and working after-school jobs. Now in his twenties, he's still scrambling to make ends meet and wondering what the hell he's doing with his life. When he meets Huey, he's intimidated . . . and enamored. Huey's strong and confident, he owns his own business—hell, he's friends with rock stars. What could he ever see in Felix?

As Huey and Felix get closer, the spark catches and soon they can't get enough of each other. But Huey's worked hard to avoid intimacy, and Felix threatens his carefully constructed defenses. Huey realizes he needs to change if he wants to truly put his past behind him—and build a future with Felix.

M Y   T H O U G H T S

Huey’s life is all about structure and routine. He found it necessary in the early days of his recovery from addition and now it’s so ingrained he’s afraid to let go of his routines. He runs his bar, he sponsors others in recovery, he goes to the gym and the grocery store. Every minute is accounted for and he clings to that structure, never allowing anyone to get too close even though he’s lonely.

Felix shouldered a lot of responsibility even from a young age. Working while in high school to help support his family, taking care of his younger siblings, getting dinner on the table, helping with homework, and generally being a second parent while his mother worked long hours. Working a dead-end job and feeling unfulfilled, Felix longs for more, both professionally and personally.

I loved seeing these two special people come together – slowly, haltingly - both a little unsure how to proceed. Huey, shut off from everyone for so long, was like a rusty hinge, long neglected and in need of care and attention. Felix was much more open about what he wanted and so willing to put himself out there. He was completely vulnerable but brave enough to pursue Huey and make his feelings known. He was so accustomed to taking care of everyone around him and he craved having someone put him first for once. Watching as he pushed past his uncertainty and told Huey what he wanted and needed… I wanted to simultaneously hug him and cheer for him.

At first glance, Huey and Felix may have appeared to be polar opposites, but where it counted they really wanted the same things: love and acceptance and that special person who allowed them to lay down their burdens and just be. And I enjoyed every minute of their journey to finding that in each other. Parrish managed to create two characters I loved and pulled for and she grounded their story in reality without unnecessary drama.

Raze was a quiet story, very much character-driven, with a focus on personal growth and navigating a new relationship. I loved the focus on building a partnership, learning to communicate in a healthy way, and the respect and support shown within the relationship. Raze is the third book in Parrish’s Riven series but each can be read as a standalone. I had no problem immersing myself into Huey and Felix’s story and appreciated the bits of background given without feeling bogged down by too much of it. If you’re looking for a romance that’s heavy on character growth and full of emotion, you won’t go wrong with Raze.

4/5 STARS

Favorite Parts of Raze:

Felix was such a little cinnamon roll and too precious for words. So sweet and vulnerable but also so brave. It was like he was holding his fragile heart in his hands and saying, "Can you please love me?"

Every time Huey called Felix “sweetheart” I positively melted. He showed his care and concern for Felix in small ways long before he could admit to himself that he had feelings for him.

Huey buying art supplies for Felix and setting up a table for him to work on his dioramas. That show of thoughtfulness was perfection.

Favorite Quote:

"All the times I’d stared at the beautiful lines of his face, the angle of his collarbone, the cowlick in his perfect, messy hair. All the times I’d breathed deeply into his neck, trying to fill my entire being with the sweet, comforting scent of him. All the times I’d felt his heart against mine when I touched him, kissed the corners of his eyes because they seemed like the most intimate place I could think of touching another person. All the times I’d stayed silent so that he would never stop talking to me because I loved the sound of his voice… And he didn’t know. My beautiful Felix thought I didn’t care. And it was my fault." - Huey

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. This does not impact my opinion of the book or the content of this review. I received no compensation and my review is voluntary.

Review: I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver

I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST
Mason Deaver
Publication date: May 14, 2019
Genres: YA, Contemporary, LGBT
Format: Audiobook
Source: Hoopla

Narrator: MW Cartozian Wilson
Length: 8 hrs 34 min


GOODREADS  *  AMAZON

S Y N O P S I S

When Ben De Backer comes out to their parents as nonbinary, they're thrown out of their house and forced to move in with their estranged older sister, Hannah, and her husband, Thomas, whom Ben has never even met. Struggling with an anxiety disorder compounded by their parents' rejection, they come out only to Hannah, Thomas, and their therapist and try to keep a low profile in a new school.

But Ben's attempts to survive the last half of senior year unnoticed are thwarted when Nathan Allan, a funny and charismatic student, decides to take Ben under his wing. As Ben and Nathan's friendship grows, their feelings for each other begin to change, and what started as a disastrous turn of events looks like it might just be a chance to start a happier new life.

At turns heartbreaking and joyous, I Wish You All the Best is both a celebration of life, friendship, and love, and a shining example of hope in the face of adversity.

M Y   T H O U G H T S

This. Was. Wonderful. 

Ben identified as non-binary - and was kicked out of their home because of it. The first couple chapters absolutely broke my heart. This kid, standing outside in January, with no shoes on their feet, trying to call a sister they hadn't seen in ten years to come pick them up. It was like a gut punch. 

Ben was precious. They were so sweet and so loving but their coming out experience had left them fearful and distrustful of possible reactions from others. There were so many times when I was silently begging Ben to speak up, to open up to their sister, to share their fears. But when I thought of myself at that age, and all the times I stayed silent and kept my fears and my worries to myself rather than voice them... I understood and I empathized. Ben struggled with anxiety and depression and panic attacks and my heart hurt that they were traveling such a rocky road on the way to finding solid ground.

There were so many aspects of this story that I loved. Ben's friend Nathan was kind and patient and always so upbeat. Everyone should be so lucky to have a Nathan in their life. Hannah and Thomas, Ben's sister and brother-in-law, were supportive and tried so hard. The story was therapy-positive and presented Ben's experience with their therapist as so worthwhile and affirming.

There were a couple instances where it felt like some character reactions were a little too perfect. They managed to say the exact right thing at the exact right time, and that made it feel a tiny bit inauthentic during those moments, but that was my only quibble. 

There came a point in this story where my heart was breaking for Ben (yet again) for all that they had to deal with. For all the hurt at the hands of the people who were supposed to love them unconditionally. For all the confusion they felt and for the fear of rejection. For their desire to just be accepted for who they were even as they worked to fully understand that themself. I found myself crying for Ben but I reminded myself that this was a work of fiction and there was no need to be so heartsick.

Then I thought about how, even though Ben may be a fictional character, there are so many real-life Ben’s out there, facing the same hurt and confusion and fear. 
And then I cried even harder.

4.5/5 STARS

ABOUT MASON DEAVER

Mason Deaver is a non-binary author who lives in Charlotte, NC, where the word ‘y’all’ is used in abundance. 

Typically, they’re writing incredibly queer stories, but when they decide to take a break, they love gardening and baking.

WWW.MASONDEAVERWRITES.COM

Instagram: @MASON_DEAVER

Twitter: @MASONDEAVER

Review: Arctic Wild by Annabeth Albert

ARCTIC WILD 
Annabeth Albert
Publication date: Jun 3, 2019
Genres: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ
Format: eARC
Source: Carina Press and NetGalley



GOODREADS  *  AMAZON

S Y N O P S I S

Hotshot attorney Reuben Graham has finally agreed to take a vacation, when his plane suddenly plunges into the Alaskan wilderness. But his frustrations have only begun as he finds himself stranded with the injured, and superhot, pilot, a man who’s endearingly sociable—and much too young for Reuben to be wanting him this badly.

As the sole provider for his sisters and ailing father, Tobias Kooly is devastated to learn his injuries will prevent him from working or even making it back home. So when Reuben insists on giving him a place to recover, not even Toby’s pride can make him refuse. He’s never been tempted by a silver fox before, but something about Reuben is impossible to resist.

Recuperating in Reuben’s care is the last thing Toby expected, yet the closer they become, the more incredibly right it feels, prompting workaholic Reuben to question the life he’s been living. But when the pressure Toby’s under starts closing in, both men will have to decide if there’s room in their hearts for a love they never saw coming.

M Y   T H O U G H T S

An Alaskan trip meant to be shared with friends was suddenly a solo endeavor for New York attorney Reuben. He was laser-focused on his career, unable to connect with his teenage daughter, and completely out of his element in the Alaskan wilderness. When his plane went down and he helped rescue his pilot/tour guide Toby, Reuben had a new lease on life and was ready to make some major changes.

Toby carried a staggering mantle of responsibility on his shoulders. With his father unable to work, Toby was supporting his family, including putting his sisters through college. Despite that, he managed to be upbeat, funny and charming. But when his injuries from the crash sidelined him, his ability to provide for his father and sisters was in jeopardy. He begrudgingly accepted Reuben’s offer to help in his recuperation, but his pride took a hit.

Reuben and Toby might have experienced some instant attraction and chemistry but there was no insta-love here. They each had their own issues to overcome – Reuben’s innate need to be a “fixer”, Toby’s inability to accept help – as well as an age gap that seemed less of a problem for them as it was for Toby’s family. I enjoyed watching their friendship develop and the relationship that followed, even though in the first half of the book it felt like I was being told how they felt instead of seeing it and feeling it for myself. There were times I wanted to shake Toby’s father for his stubborn belief that accepting help made a man weak, a belief he instilled in Toby, which made for a lot of stress and conflict. And speaking of conflict, Reuben’s daughter Amelia added plenty with her surly nature and nasty attitude (translation: she was a Grade A brat). Seeing the changes in her as she spent the summer in Alaska with Reuben, and watching their relationship strengthen, was a real bonus.

I enjoyed the pacing of both the story and the relationship. While I would have liked more showing than telling when it came to Reuben and Toby’s feelings for one another, Arctic Wild was still a solid contemporary romance with a satisfying HEA.

3.5/5 STARS

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. This does not impact my opinion of the book or the content of this review. I received no compensation and my review is voluntary.

Review: What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera

What If It's Us 
Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera
Publication date: October 9, 2018
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, LGBT
Source: Harper Teen & Edelweiss

Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it.

Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things.

But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them?

Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated.

Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited.

But what if they can’t quite nail a first date . . . or a second first date . . . or a third?

What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work . . . and Ben doesn’t try hard enough?

What if life really isn’t like a Broadway play?

But what if it is? 

What If It’s Us is like getting a big squishy hug from your best friend – who just happens to be made of warm melted chocolate, cotton candy, and rainbows. I read most of this little gem with a big smile on my face because Arthur and Ben are Just. That. Precious.

“Sometimes I feel like New Yorkers do New York wrong. Where are the people swinging from subway poles and dancing on fire escapes and kissing in Times Square?” - Arthur

When Ben and Arthur meet at the post office, the clock is already ticking on their relationship. And the cards seemed stacked against them. Arthur’s days in New York are numbered before he returns home to Georgia, native New Yorker Ben is still in the throes of a recent break-up, and then there’s the fact that once separated they have no idea how to find each other again. But never underestimate the power of a hopeless romantic who is certain the universe is on his side (aka Arthur).

“He laces our fingers and shrugs. And I’m dead. I am actually dead. There’s no other way to explain it. I’m sitting in fucking Herald Square, holding hands with the cutest boy I’ve ever met, and I’m dead. I’m the deadest zombie ghost vampire who ever died. And now my mouth isn’t working. It's like I'm stunned into silence. That never happens.” - Arthur

What ensues is an adorably funny and sometimes bittersweet story of a relationship that almost wasn’t. How it can’t be forced, how it isn’t always what you expect it to be, and how it’s still worth taking a chance on. Albertalli and Silvera created two characters that I fell for immediately and only loved more as the story progressed. Arthur’s enthusiasm and utter guilelessness were contagious and Ben’s more reserved, introspective nature made him relatable. Arthur experiences his first crush/first date/first kiss and the reader gets to suffer through all the cringey awkwardness right along with him. Ben’s recent break-up has left his self-confidence shaken and questioning whether he is even worthy of love. He and his former friend-turned-boyfriend aren’t speaking so even his friend group is splintered just when he needs his friends most. Luckily, he still has best friend Dylan and that’s saying a lot. The bond between Ben and Dylan is total #FriendshipGoals and added so many laugh out loud (and heartfelt) moments.

“I think about the way Arthur smiled so hard during dinner when he thought no one was watching him and what I could do to win as many smiles out of him as possible.” - Ben

Speaking of friendship, it’s alive and represented well all throughout the novel. Both boys have strong friendships that have always been rock solid but are now showing the strain of growing up, new relationships, and circumstances.

What If It’s Us is chock full of pop culture references, Broadway talk (Hamilton lovers will rejoice!), first date do-overs, and the kind of witty banter than makes me grin goofily and actually giggle out loud. Sometimes I wanted to shake Arthur (the boy had no chill), sometimes I wanted to shake Ben (inertia, thy name is Ben). And yeah, maybe I was hoping for a little more from the ending (what can I say, I like my fictional endings tied up with a nice little bow). But none of that changes the fact that I adored these two boys and being a witness to their relationship filled me with all the happy.

4.25/5 STARS

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. This does not my opinion of the book or the content of this review. I received no compensation and my review is voluntary.