ARC, Books

Book 944: The Kingdom of Sand – Andrew Holleran

I wanted to like this book so much like really wanted to, because Holleran is one of those early LGBT authors whose work has stood the test of time for decades. And that’s why I requested a copy from NetGalley.*

What I didn’t expect was how similar to Mrs. Dalloway and A Single Man this would be. I think that bodes well for the longevity of the novel, but unfortunately, for me, it wasn’t the time or place to read it to truly appreciate or enjoy it. While there were some incredibly beautiful passages throughout, I struggled to get into the book and (for the most part) identify with the nameless narrator.

Continue reading “Book 944: The Kingdom of Sand – Andrew Holleran”

ARC, Books

Book 943: Aaron’s Awakening (Maine Men #6) – K.C. Wells

When this ARC landed in my inbox I recognized the series and the author, but if I’m 100% honest about why I decided to read this, it’s that gorgeous colorwork sweater Aaron is wearing on the cover.* Priorities right? I just finished knitting my first colorwork sweater and am in the process of workout the design of another from a TV show so obviously, it was already in mind!

I’m glad I decided to jump back into the series. I remember enjoying Finn’s Fantasy when I read it but hadn’t kept up with the series so of course had to rush through and read books 2-5 to catch up on the friend group! And the overall thought on this book is: I’m not sure how Wells is going to close out the series (aside from who she’s closing it out with), but after these last two she’s got her work cut out for her to make it even better!

Continue reading “Book 943: Aaron’s Awakening (Maine Men #6) – K.C. Wells”

Books

Book 942: Shaun’s Salvation (Maine Men #5) – K.C. Wells

And Wells pulled me back in! Yes!!! I wasn’t sure she was going to be able to do it after the two lackluster offerings of Seb’s Summer and Dylan’s Dilemma, but she did with Shaun and Nathan’s stories.

Shaun is another member of the core group of friends that no one knows what his sexuality is. There are a couple of friends that are sort of nebulous/fluid and he’s one of them. He put his personal (and sexual) life on hold after his mom died of cancer in high school and his dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

Continue reading “Book 942: Shaun’s Salvation (Maine Men #5) – K.C. Wells”

Books

Book 941: Dylan’s Dilemma (Maine Men #4) – K.C. Wells

On my trek to get to Aaron’s Awakening, I continued to make my way through Wells’ series. I did get sick while visiting Texas so quite a few of these are going to be back posted as I catch up on things. I was a little disappointed in the series with the last installation and all I can say about this one is the same.

For me, the problem with this one and the last one is the character development. There were such strong characters in the first two books who grew and changed within their stories, but in Seb’s Summer and this one the characters were okay, but they just fell flat for me.

Continue reading “Book 941: Dylan’s Dilemma (Maine Men #4) – K.C. Wells”

Updates

May Recap 2022

May did NOT fly by even though we spent a long weekend in North Conway, NH for our 8th anniversary and flew to Texas at the end of the month for graduation parties. Add in that work picked up with the end of the fiscal year coming up fast and school starts the first week of June, I’m trying to figure out how it felt like a regular full-length long-ass month.

I got a lot of knitting done, more on that later, and read SO many books. I’m ready for summer, but not really ready for the heat so we’ll see how long that lasts.

Continue reading “May Recap 2022”