J. L. Gribble
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- 5
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Maniac
- Necessary Evils, Book 7
- De: Onley James
- Narrado por: Liam DiCosimo
- Duración: 7 h y 56 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
Thomas Mulvaney was just a child when an error in judgment cost him everything. He vowed then that he would do anything to atone for his mistake. And he did. He never strayed from the right path. Until Aiden.
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Kinda Mixed
- De J. Andersen en 04-06-25
- Maniac
- Necessary Evils, Book 7
- De: Onley James
- Narrado por: Liam DiCosimo
5 stars
Revisado: 03-05-24
The final book in this epic and addictive series delivers on multiple unspoken promises: a sprawling cast of characters featuring all of our favorites from previous books, an explanation for the mystery of Thomas’s origin story, and of course, the full story of Thomas and Aiden. So much about that last bit has been teased from the very beginning that there is a risk of the final reveal not holding up. I promise that is not the case, and I was invested in this book from the very first page.
Before we get to the heart of this story, which involves Thomas’ mysterious past, we get Aiden’s completely unexpected origin story. Previously, the prologues that covered Thomas’s first meeting with each of his sons as children were fairly heart-wrenching as we learn about their particular traumatic early childhoods. Aiden’s story is just as dark, but in a significantly different manner, since he comes to Thomas almost as a legal adult. His circumstances answer a lot of questions, but also make Thomas’s reasons for adopting Aiden fairly convoluted despite coming from a place of good intentions.
Though Aiden and Thomas now carry the baggage of 20 years of history, the present-day mystery very much centers on Thomas and also does a lot to fully explain the “why” behind original experiment that leads to his first six adoptions. One element of this series that I have particularly enjoyed is the nontraditional romance arcs of each psychopathic Mulvaney brother picking their person and following the various relationship styles that emerge from that point. James flips this concept neatly by showing the more dangerous alternative to a psychopath picking their person via the damage and guilt Thomas has carried for decades.
As we delve into that history and pain, we simultaneously experience the poignant tipping point that occurs between Thomas and Aiden. This isn’t a second-chance romance, but instead the exceedingly drawn-out journey toward a first chance (alternatively, the ultimate “idiots in love”). James slams us with 20 years of heartache between both men and makes us feel every bit of that pain but never slips into melodrama. This is a thematic contrast to the instantaneous connections featured previously in this series, but James delivers on heat that is equally explosive and emotional.
Meanwhile, the full Mulvaney crew is on hand to deal with this threat to their father. James does an excellent job wrangling a sprawling cast that includes not just the siblings and spouses but also Jericho’s crew and a long-awaited in-person reveal.* (As much as I adore the psychopaths and feelings faction characters, Calliope is the true hero of this series.) The emotional arc of this book very much centers on the two main characters, but each contribution of dialogue or action by the secondaries reminded me of how much I love this dynamic family made up of unique individuals despite originating from the same premise.
This is not the book to start with in this series, but it is a more than satisfying finale to the wild ride initiated in Unhinged. Fans of these books shouldn’t hesitate to pick up this one, despite the necessary alternations to certain thematic elements dictated by Aiden’s character and his history with Thomas. I can’t wait for more readers to also take a chance on this fantastic collection of nontraditional romances now that the series is complete. Meanwhile, I’m already anxiously awaiting the tales in both spin-off series.
*Yes, we meet her via Thomas in Damaged, but her introduction to the full cast here was an absolute delight.
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Lunatic
- Necessary Evils, Book 6
- De: Onley James
- Narrado por: Liam DiCosimo
- Duración: 7 h y 49 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
Every psychopath in the Mulvaney family has a role to play. Archer Mulvaney is the gambler, a drunken reprobate making his living as a high-stakes poker player. Very few people know the real Archer, not even his brothers. But there is one man who knows far too much. Mackenzie Shepherd spends his days photographing endangered wildlife. He’s also the brother of a sociopath and son to the woman who literally wrote the book on raising one. When his mother asks him to head a secret government project, it seems like the perfect excuse to run away from his life.
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Finally!
- De J. Andersen en 04-06-25
- Lunatic
- Necessary Evils, Book 6
- De: Onley James
- Narrado por: Liam DiCosimo
5 stars
Revisado: 02-20-24
Every time I can’t possibly love this series more, James ups the ante on us again. I knew going in that this book would cross over with another series by the same author, and that it would also tease a planned future series. Little did I know how much the world of the Mulvaneys was about to explode. After all, Thomas got what he wanted with his seven sons, who are all productive adults. It should have been obvious that the larger-scale version of his epic plan is already in production; this is just the first time we’re getting a chance to see it up close. James doesn’t waste time setting up too much backstory with this book, either for the secret government project, the external plot regarding the threat on Mac’s life, or even the initial meeting between Mac and Archer that launches their professional partnership and personal dynamic.
After spending time with Aiden in the previous installment of this series, Archer remained the most mysterious Mulvaney brother. And it turns out that everything we thought we knew about him was wrong, even when we were technically correct. He wears the persona of drunken pirate the same way Adam, Asa, and Avi are playboys, except he doesn’t drop this mask for his brothers. The fact that I know James didn’t have every detail of all of her characters planned out from the very beginning just makes her creativity and storytelling even more mind-blowing; for example, putting together the pieces about August and Archer as children goes a long way toward explaining the shift in Thomas that resulted in Atticus growing up so touch- and affection-starved. In much the same way that facet of his adult character made Jericho his perfect match, James also creates Mac as the perfect foil for Archer—with a twist.
A common joke about this series is how the Mulvaney boys seem to imprint on their partners like psychotic penguins, but I’d argue that the reverse happens here. Mac is familiar enough with how to deal with Archer’s particular flavor of neurodivergence since he’s the twin of a man with a related diagnosis and the son of the woman who literally wrote the book on how Thomas approached raising his children. (Perhaps there’s a tiny bit of some form of -pathy hanging out in Mac’s brain after all.) The lower-key power exchange between him and Archer evolves throughout the book from pure sex to pure passion as feelings enter the mix, despite Archer’s best intentions. However, since feeling something is what begrudgingly attracted Archer to Mac in the first place, his crankiness about the situation is more adorable than angst-ridden. In the end, Archer and Mac probably win for worst public shenanigans in Mulvaney family history, and I almost became the first real-world Mulvaney victim by choking on my coffee in surprise.
But apart from the relationship drama and before they can get back to work on their top-secret government project, Archer and Mac still have to figure out who has a contract out on Mac’s life and what it has to do with a picture he didn’t mean to take. Luckily, Mac now has the entire weight of the Mulvaney family behind him, and I had a ton of fun with all the appearances made by other familiar characters. I’ll always have a soft spot for Noah, the founding member of Team Emotion, and his subplot hit me right in the feels and impressed me with how he has grown as a character. James takes us to another pretty dark place in this book, in which the external conflict is unfortunately rooted in an all-too-familiar reality based on current American events. This adds verisimilitude to the story and a bit of catharsis when the plot is resolved, but also reminds me of why it’s almost a shame that the Mulvaneys don’t exist in the real world.
I’m already excited about multiple things after reading this book, based on the hints dropped throughout the pages—not only the conclusion of this series in book 7 but also exploring a brand-new series that extrapolates on what James has developed here. However, I also know I’ll enjoy re-reading this story since I’m as much of a fangirl of this series as Lucas is of Molly Shepherd and Molly is of Lucas’s husband (and if James is taking suggestions for bonus scenes, that’d be a great dinner party).
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Mad Man
- Necessary Evils, Book 5
- De: Onley James
- Narrado por: Liam DiCosimo
- Duración: 7 h y 52 m
- Versión completa
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Historia
Avi Mulvaney is many things. Son. Twin. Owner of the fashion label, Gemini. Murderous psychopath. Together, he and his brother, Asa, make one brutally efficient monster, ridding the world of predators who victimize the innocent. History proves Avi and Asa don’t do well apart, but their father has decided to test that theory. Felix Navarro knows exactly who he is. Baby brother. Fashionista. Vigilante. While he’s not happy that his big brother married a Mulvaney, the union has its perks.
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BEST SERIES EVER
- De Tricia Flowers en 08-29-22
- Mad Man
- Necessary Evils, Book 5
- De: Onley James
- Narrado por: Liam DiCosimo
5 stars
Revisado: 02-19-24
It would have been so easy for this author to continue the same trend she has established in previous books, of a Mulvaney brother falling into attachment with a new character involved in the horrifying yet complicated external plot they must then work together to fix. Instead, just as James has switched up the relationship dynamics in each previous unconventional relationship, this point in the series was also an excellent time to change the overall pattern even more.
Two of the first differences between this book and those earlier in the series are stark. One is that the first half overlaps with the previous installment, Headcase, which is appropriate based on the initial premise of putting distance between Asa and Avi (murder twins extraordinaire) and hoping that reality doesn’t implode. The second is that Felix is not a newcomer to the Mulvaney secret since his own older brother became connected to the family in Moonstruck. That is when Avi first met Felix, and the immediate chemistry was off the charts—if, by chemistry, you mean something exceedingly dangerous and explosive.
An external mystery is present to be solved here, taking place on the other side of the country with estranged Mulvaney brother Aidan. Though multiple villains (and bodies) are involved, it is on a much smaller scale than some of the previous foes encountered in the series. However, it brings home the idea that the Mulvaneys are here to take out all the trash, no matter how big or small. In addition, Felix expresses a personal interest in the current case due to elements from his past, and Avi would not be the excessive murder twin he is if he didn’t go all-in on doing whatever Felix wants—even if that means wrangling the rest of the family’s participation. Of course, once they’re on board, we still get the outrageous forms of vengeance James has lovingly sprinkled through this series for her ridiculous readers. I especially loved that Atticus’s involvement in one scene was crafted to ensure that little chance exists of ruining his clothes.
Overall, this story contained a narrower focus on the romantic relationships our favorite psychopaths are building. James especially takes the time, now that we know Asa, to highlight how Avi is the same and where their mirror twin elements come into play. The results are as sexy, bloody, and delightful as I could have wanted. Even better, we also get the final answer to whether the twins’ significant others will accept the full dynamic required for their new lives. Here, James again shows her excellence in character creation by how Felix and Zane both complement each other and contain differences that are just as fascinating (but work so well) as those between the twins. One day, the twins might even realize that Felix and Zane are much smarter (and more lethal) than them.
My only minor complaint about this book (though not actual criticism, as I am not the author, so this does not affect my rating) is that James never delves deeper into the mental connection between the twins. We see a few interesting moments of it, both from the perspectives of one of the twins or their partners, but it’s never an immediate presence while we’re in the narrative point of view of either Asa or Avi. That is one of the most fascinating things I find about these characters, and it felt like a missed opportunity considering how much we learned about Lucas’s ability in Psycho. However, I can also see how the connection is so much a part of the characters that it is not necessary to elaborate further.
And finally, we get to spend some significant time in this book seeing the formerly little-known Aidan interact directly with Thomas, the head of the Mulvaney clan. Certain moments are so pointed that even our favorite oblivious psychopaths can’t help but notice the tension (even if their partners probably already have the betting pool organized). I’m a little sad that there are only two books left in this series, but James has definitely left the most potentially explosive and world-changing stories for last.
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Distraction
- Mobsters and Billionaires, Book 4
- De: Kelly Fox
- Narrado por: Declan Winters
- Duración: 7 h y 44 m
- Versión completa
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Look, no one's ever accused me of being sane, y'know? So when I say that I am crazy over this RICO agent, know that I mean business. Sure, I'm responsible for getting him fired from the job he's wanted his whole life, but his grandfather just died and left him 13.1 billion dollars. Dude deserves a break is all I'm saying. And yeah, I'm a violent mobster with a savior complex, but that shouldn't get in the way of our epic love story.
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Hopper is Everything!!!
- De ThatsWhatDeeRead en 03-18-25
- Distraction
- Mobsters and Billionaires, Book 4
- De: Kelly Fox
- Narrado por: Declan Winters
5 stars
Revisado: 01-19-24
The relationship between enforcer Hopper and Liam, his RICO agent, has been teased from the beginning of this fantastic series, and the final reveal of the full arc did not disappoint. A lot of the set-up for how Liam becomes an inextricable part of this found family also occurs in previous books, which allows Fox to hit readers right in the feels with the inciting incident we knew was coming—the family death that precipitates Liam’s (unwilling) transformation from FBI agent to billionaire.
Fox’s always-fantastic characterization work means that these men, who shouldn’t fit together on the surface, instead have matching jagged edges that soothe each other. Some literal murder swoon cements their bond, and readers who thought book 1 was kinky are in for a wild ride here.
With Hopper, Fox deftly created a “crazy” character distinct from a previous fan favorite. His point-of-view scenes are an absolute delight and do well to balance the angst of Liam’s personal life, even though I certainly feel for his plight. I also adored how Liam expresses his hard feelings and never berates himself for them, which is a refreshing perspective from a traditionally “alpha male” character, especially one in law enforcement. Hopper, however, just knows that Liam is his person and that he wants his person to feel better.
What follows is a strange courtship that I nevertheless embraced as perfect for these characters. I appreciated the excellent discussions of consent in various contexts, including the nonsexual ones that are equally important. Fox folds their relationship and dynamics with other series characters into the context of the external plot while also highlighting an overarching theme of this series, the true meaning of brotherhood. Whether this is the official conclusion to this series or not is unclear, but we get everything we’ve come to love and expect from her wonderful storytelling, with a few delightful cameos as an added treat.
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Attraction
- Mobsters and Billionaires, Book 3
- De: Kelly Fox
- Narrado por: Declan Winters
- Duración: 7 h y 47 m
- Versión completa
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I'm a mob boss. And I'm in love with a virgin. I run a high-end escort service, and Ford is a nervous, perfectly bow-tied, sexily bespectacled money nerd. It doesn't make any sense, this attraction between us.
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A Good Mafia
- De Angie en 11-07-24
- Attraction
- Mobsters and Billionaires, Book 3
- De: Kelly Fox
- Narrado por: Declan Winters
5 stars
Revisado: 12-14-23
This book made me realize why I don’t usually go in for mafia romances – because often, the characters in those don’t realize that they are clichés. Here, Fox makes all of her mobsters (and her billionaires) extremely self-aware of the roles they play and allows her characters to lean into the absurdity of their positions in life. This is typical of Fox’s brand of humor in her writing but also makes the characters in this series more accessible to readers who do not have any experience with either the mobster or billionaire lifestyle, without sacrificing any of the escapism elements that make the tropes appealing.
The dance between Luca and Ford has attracted me (pun intended) since book 1 due to the opposites-attract nature of their potential dynamic. Despite what we know about both characters so far, Fox still managed to surprise me once we’re inside their actual narratives. If anything, I found Luca even more adorable than Ford! I especially adored how Fox employs elements we often see in shifter romances whenever Luca refers to his “inner mobster.” Cute, yes, but also a subtle reminder that he is trying to be so much more than the life for which his father attempted to groom him.
Luckily, Ford is equally attracted to both Luca and Luca’s inner mobster. Fox goes all in on the swoon factor in this particular murder swoon romance, on both Ford’s and Luca’s parts. Don’t worry, the murder element is also present in this book, but one is much more detailed than the other. Both are equally entertaining; the swoon just happens to be a lot spicier. Fox sneaks an epic plot twist amongst all the flirting, which kept me on my toes and elevated the overall stakes of the story.
As usual, we also get glimpses of previous happily ever afters with characters in this interconnected romance series, along with subtle development of the relationship in the forthcoming novel. Hopper and his RICO agent have been the overall tease of the series for me, and Fox sets up their story amid Luca and Ford’s relationship arc. Of course, she also teases a few other tempting background love stories, and she should know by now that her readers don’t let her forget these things.
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Protection
- Mobsters and Billionaires, Book 2
- De: Kelly Fox
- Narrado por: Declan Winters
- Duración: 7 h y 53 m
- Versión completa
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I wait for the signal at crosswalks. I pay my taxes on time. And despite my association with a certain mafia family, I run a clean business providing security for Manhattan's wealthy elite. I don't break the law.
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A Good Protection
- De Angie en 11-05-24
- Protection
- Mobsters and Billionaires, Book 2
- De: Kelly Fox
- Narrado por: Declan Winters
5 stars
Revisado: 12-02-23
It’s no secret that I’ll read pretty much anything Fox writes at this point, but even though I ended up loving the first book, I wasn’t sure this series would live up to the world Fox created in Texas. I am here to officially declare myself wrong, and not just because Fox brings Texas to us in this installment of her delightful #murderswoon series.
Within the first chapter, I was already obsessed with the character of Mads. His internal narrative while Anthony attempts to address a Super Serious Issue with him had me cracking up immediately. Throughout the story, I firmly believed in Mads’ overall good intentions, from when they worked (creating a diverse company and supporting his employees) to when they slightly missed his mark (the possible negative applications of the tech developed by his company). However, I am firmly on Team Anthony regarding how he needs to take certain threats (both virtually and in real life) more seriously, despite how Mads presumes he’d find support in every corner of New York City. Mads is more of an optimistic genius than an absent-minded one, which makes his position as half of this book’s “idiots in love” duo even more entertaining.
Anthony and Mads meet due to the bizarre social circle developed in book 1 that has prompted multiple genuine friendships. Though Anthony doesn’t quite accept the appeal he feels toward Mads, his internal protective drive extends to the other man regardless. Anthony’s code of honor supports his dedication to his “day job” along with his commitments to a long-time friend, making him the most adorably begrudging mobster ever. Unfortunately, this honor is also what prompts Anthony to nearly crash and burn the tentative relationship with Mads before it starts. And you know it’s bad when even a character who should be entirely separate from their circumstances thinks Anthony is being dumb.
Honestly, these two never stood a chance with each other. The hottest non-flirting ever starts from page 1, which makes the first time they get together feel both perfect and inevitable. Sure, guys, it’s only going to happen once. Good luck with that. As the first half of the book progresses, Fox never lets us forget the external conflict even when the relationship conflict explodes, allowing the interlocking storylines equal footing in this book without one subsuming the other to subplot status. And as a bonus, I didn’t think the steamy bits could get any hotter than what I read in book 1. Not only was I wrong, but I’m thoroughly impressed that Fox took a trope I’m not really into (size difference) and made it incredibly sexy.
As much as I would have been happy to read about Anthony and Mads being swoony at each other the entire time, I also became thoroughly invested in the external plot. Fox throws multiple twists I never expected, continually upping the stakes. I appreciate that the billionaires of this series have that status not just because it’s sexy, but because it also allows Fox to present interesting plots that revolve around bigger socioeconomic issues (in this case, modern slavery). I found the way things were discussed here to be informative rather than preachy, but I’ll admit that I’m biased toward that end of the social spectrum (Mads and I both agree that there can’t be such thing as an ethical billionaire). What’s really exciting is how much of an epic adventure the issue prompts in the latter half of this book. Anthony proves that he was not lying about the lengths he will go to for a loved one (I gasped out loud). I knew things were about to get even more real when a few familiar faces appeared, and the team-up was everything I could have wanted. Each character fulfilled a specific purpose and never felt like fan service.
It might not be Texas, but Fox has secured this series as an integral part of her epic shared-world universe. I loved connecting the threads, and not only am I looking forward to the next book in this series based on interactions between Luca and Ford here, but also to a brand-new series we should get later this year.
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Extradition
- Mobsters + Billionaires, Book 1
- De: Kelly Fox
- Narrado por: Blake Lockheart
- Duración: 9 h y 1 m
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I just told off my billionaire CEO in front of the entire company, and it was totally worth it. Do I care that a viral video of our exchange sent his stocks into freefall? Nope. Am I going to help Rand Wolfe rehab his company’s reputation? Not a chance in hell. There’s just one problem: I’m the bastard son of a mafia don, a fact Wolfe finds out the hard way when he tracks me down at the docks. Saving his life puts a mafia-style extradition order on my head, and the only place to hide is his high-rise penthouse.
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Good book!!!
- De Holly W en 06-05-22
- Extradition
- Mobsters + Billionaires, Book 1
- De: Kelly Fox
- Narrado por: Blake Lockheart
5 stars
Revisado: 11-20-23
Kelly Fox lulled me into a pattern of books set in Texas only to blow me out of the water with her depiction of New York City. Like it says on the tin, mobsters and billionaires are a departure from her previous works, but this author’s grasp on inherent human nature makes this book with all-new characters as compelling as anything previously released by her. I adored Joe from the beginning, of course, because who hasn’t wanted to rage-quit out of a useless work meeting? I was prepared for a much more fraught enemies-to-lovers sort of romance arc based on Rand’s portrayal in said work meeting. However, Fox immediately upends expectations with his character (and character development) from the very next chapter.
The way Rand and Joe are thrown together leans a bit into the comedy of errors side at the beginning, but the forced proximity aspect of this novel does an excellent job of increasing the tension on multiple internal and external levels for the storyline. At one point, I actually thought that the main pivotal moment of the book arrived too soon until I quickly realized that Fox attends to every point of tension in appropriately dramatic and warranted resolutions.
The relationship that develops between the two men is fascinating, adorable, and sexy AF all at the same time, each element not precluding the others. I especially enjoyed the significant emotional power exchange on both sides that starts from a place of physical attraction and slips seamlessly into affection and then outright love. There’s been lots of discourse in Fox’s social media about categorizing the dynamic between Joe and Rand, but honestly, it boils down to this: Each interaction between them, once they realize they are on the same side, stems from a place of respect and care.
Every bit of this book is fun to read, from the private moments between the main heroes to the more public moments where we meet fascinating secondary characters (for whom I’m already looking forward to meeting as the stars of their own novels). It might not be Texas, but I loved this book as much or more than everything else I’ve read by this author. This story is completely unconnected from other projects by Fox, but it still feels like the same world due to the care the author puts into her writing. This book says some important things about the function of contemporary work, which I enjoyed (#greatresignation). Overall, I hope readers join me in NYC for these delicious doses of mobsters and billionaires and their happily ever afters.
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Heaven's River
- Bobiverse, Book 4
- De: Dennis E. Taylor
- Narrado por: Ray Porter
- Duración: 16 h y 57 m
- Grabación Original
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Civil war looms in the Bobiverse in this brand-new, epic-length adventure by Audible number one best seller Dennis E. Taylor. More than a hundred years ago, Bender set out for the stars and was never heard from again. There has been no trace of him despite numerous searches by his clone-mates. Now Bob is determined to organize an expedition to learn Bender’s fate - whatever the cost. But nothing is ever simple in the Bobiverse. Bob’s descendants are out to the 24th generation now, and replicative drift has produced individuals who can barely be considered Bobs anymore.
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BOB-tastic!!! 🛸
- De C. White en 09-24-20
- Heaven's River
- Bobiverse, Book 4
- De: Dennis E. Taylor
- Narrado por: Ray Porter
4 stars
Revisado: 05-12-23
The previous three books in this series work as a complete trilogy, but life doesn’t stop when the curtain closes. The versions of Bob that we’re most familiar with are still dealing with the long-term effects of events in the previous books, up to and including experiencing various levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (though that’s never explicitly stated or explored). The Bobiverse and the rest of the sentient species in the galaxy may have destroyed one threat, but there’s lots of galaxy left to explore.
This story takes a lot of what I liked earlier in the series and (mostly) centers it on one focus: a new species, a fascinating bit of technology, and the mystery of a missing Bob. All of these facets are intertwined, and we follow the original Bob and a few of his oldest clones as they pull together a plan to investigate this alien society. Taylor once again did his research to create this story, but unfortunately, he really wants to show all of that to the reader. Many of the discovery and analysis discussions made some scenes drag on, despite the fascinating subject matter. Full disclosure, if I had been reading this story traditionally, rather than listening to the audiobook off and on during a road trip with my spouse, I likely would not have made it to the ending. Similarly, the climactic escape in the latter section of the book featured plenty of moments that were interesting in isolation but together felt vaguely never-ending (much like the road trip). Some of the narrative distance Taylor affects with his characters also removed some of the suspense. However, the final reveals did make a lot of the previous information worth it, as Taylor neatly converges multiple threads that tie things off without feeling a little too perfect.
Another element that adds to the length of the book in both positive and negative ways is the additional worldbuilding Taylor features as a natural result of the concepts set up by this series. Bob’s initial cohort of clones has resulted in a vast community of multiple generations of Bobs, and the issue of “replicative drift” leads to fascinating character differences. These personality differences, combined with the large amount of power inherent to their status, bring new meaning to the concept of “internal conflict.” Alas, for all the complaints about personality change in the various Bob factions, I still found every Bob incarnation still reminded me a lot of the basic tech bro white guy. Brigid was often a welcome foil, and though Taylor teased the existence of a “Bobbi,” I do wish he had felt more confident in leaning into the character concept by bringing them forward to create even more diversity (and resulting conflict).
Overall, this was a solid follow-up to the initial trilogy. Based on that experience, I’ll admit that I knew what I was getting into such that none of the criticisms I mentioned above were necessarily a surprise. I certainly don’t regret the hours spent listening. Though this series is limited by certain elements that I commonly dislike in the science-fiction genre, I still found the full Bobiverse, and this book in particular, to be solid, enjoyable entertainment.
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Warwick
- Rebel Sky Ranch, Book 4
- De: Kelly Fox
- Narrado por: Declan Winters
- Duración: 8 h y 15 m
- Versión completa
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I understand that sleeping with the boss is a bad idea. To be fair, I was already sleeping with my co-worker. And yeah, we all live in the same bunkhouse on a ranch in the middle of the Central Texas Hill Country, but we’re professionals. We can handle it.
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So Dam good even the second time
- De Isabelle McGraw en 01-29-23
- Warwick
- Rebel Sky Ranch, Book 4
- De: Kelly Fox
- Narrado por: Declan Winters
5 stars
Revisado: 03-06-23
If you’ve read this far in the Rebel Sky Ranch series (which you should, because all the books are fantastic), you should know by now that you’re not getting out of here without shedding a few tears. In this book, Fox slams us with them from the very first chapter. Be assured that the rest of the novel is significantly lighter, but this flashback introduction is completely necessary context and well worth the emotional gut punch.
Overall, this book can be summed up the way I described it on Twitter:
“In which Warwick discovers his emotions and wants a refund, but Colt and Joaquin don’t have a return policy.”
Sometimes the emotions are angsty, and sometimes they are heartwarming. Mostly, Wick is kind of an idiot, and I absolutely adore him. Despite his obliviousness, his different relationships with Colt and Joaquin have been good for him. However, things get understandably complicated when all three of them now both work and live in the same close quarters. There is nothing conventional about the relationship arc that develops between these three characters, and though Fox doesn’t stint on the sexy bits, the emotional bonds that form between the men are just as important as the physical. I especially enjoyed Colt’s self-awareness of his wants, needs, and insecurities as much as I loved the counterpoint of Warwick’s complete lack of the same. Joaquin’s maturity balances both of the other men well, but he is just as much of a three-dimensional character as the others and not without his own depth.
An intense moment of external tension does occur in the latter part of this book, but overall, there is no single relationship dark moment between these three men. Instead, the story is interspersed with opportunities for them to grow closer and better understand the possibilities and depths of their relationship, both as three and as individual couples within.
Fox reminds us that this series is part of a larger universe by providing us with some cameos from previous series, both subtly and as more important secondary characters. It’s not necessary to have read the earlier books to understand what’s going on, but I love having that extra context that always creates a deeper and more intricate world.
I never thought I’d love a cowboy romance series as much as I love this one. I’ve already reread the previous books in this series multiple times, and I’m sure I’ll be spending more time with Warwick, Colt, and Joaquin in the future.
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Sparrow
- Rebel Sky Ranch, Book 2
- De: Kelly Fox
- Narrado por: Declan Winters
- Duración: 8 h y 29 m
- Versión completa
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General
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Narración:
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Historia
I like horses better than most people. After years of supporting our local equine rescue, it’s safe to say that I have a certified hate-on for the rodeo. So why is Luke McCall, injured rodeo diva, in my training paddock? I feel bad that he was outed by the media, and I get the need to regroup out of the spotlight.
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I love Rebel Sky Ranch!
- De Rocinante en 01-13-23
- Sparrow
- Rebel Sky Ranch, Book 2
- De: Kelly Fox
- Narrado por: Declan Winters
5 stars
Revisado: 02-15-23
When I finished this book, I had that lovely mix of utter satisfaction and book hangover (from not being ready to leave the world the author has created). In the middle of reading this book, I sent a message to the author’s PA saying, “One of these days, I will read a Kelly Fox book without laughing so hard that I scare a cat. Sparrow is not that book.” At the beginning of this book, which I started as I was making coffee the morning I received it, I was already in tears from the emotion and poignancy of the prologue.
The amazing thing about Fox’s writing is that absolutely none of these emotional reactions are mutually exclusive within a single book. As always, she brings the humor, the emotion, the romance, and the sheer delight while reading the latest novel in her Rebel Sky Ranch series. Plenty of delightful cameos are on hand from previous books in her shared world, though this story/series continues to work well as a stand-alone installment. (Even Anders gets to go a little Anders in the background, relevant to the plot. As a treat.)
Enemies-to-lovers is one of my kryptonite tropes, and I was not disappointed by the trajectory of the unfolding romance between Sparrow and Luke. This may be a cowboy romance, but Sparrow is a very different type of cowboy. Fox emphasizes Sparrow’s non-U.S. roots as an immigrant gaucho while never using them to unnecessarily “exoticize” his character. In the same way, Luke embodies the typical elements of successful “Rodeo King” while also portraying his depths as a closeted queer man with a painful emotional history. As another lovely twist, the enemies facet of this story is relatively one-sided. Fox gives Sparrow and Luke ample reason to feel the way they do about each other without sacrificing solid characterization when those feelings start to adjust their dynamic. The book’s narrative conflict is far from over, both externally and internally, for both heroes once the romance portion of the story kicks in; however, Fox keeps the strong emotions ramped up as Luke and Sparrow recognize that certain kinks align.
Once again, “found family” is the amazing foundation upon which this book is built. Heroes should never exist in a vacuum, and Fox continues to expand upon her amazing world with characters I love to revisit and can’t wait to see more of. Not only am I already counting down until the next Rebel Sky Ranch book is released, but I already know that re-reads of both Sparrow and Goodnight are in my future.
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