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Wages of Sin #1
Bad Habits
Jonah taught Cas a million ways to protect his body but not one to protect his heart.
Smart-mouthed hacker Caspian escaped an abusive home at 16. Now he’s one of the most sought-after black hat hackers in the world.
Jonah is a ruthless contract killer with only one weakness, the vibrant runaway he took in years ago: Caspian.
But Cas bailed when he turned 18 and Jonah has maintained a steady diet of eat, kill, sleep since then.
Jonah had always been the fatal flaw in Cas’s code, the bug that froze the part of his brain separating logic from emotion.
A threat to Cas’s life brings him back years later—not as the boy Jonah remembers, but as a hardened computer hacker with a price on his head and a list of names everybody wants.
The chemistry between them is as undeniable as it is dangerous.
In a world of secrets and murder, trust is a liability and feelings can get you killed. But Jonah let Cas go once, and he’s not willing to do it again. Even if it means confronting his past, solving a twisted puzzle, and taking out half of New York city’s seedy underbelly to keep Cas safe.
Bad Habits is a steamy, action-packed thrill ride of a romance with a HEA and no cliffhangers. It features morally ambiguous men, dirty, dirty lovin’, pancakes drizzled with snark, chosen family, drive-in movies, and the kind of love that drives a guy to murder in order to protect. In short: all the emo, heat, and sarcasm you'd probably expect from an Onley/Neve collab. This is book 1 in the Wages of Sin series. Each book will follow a new couple.
Smart-mouthed hacker Caspian escaped an abusive home at 16. Now he’s one of the most sought-after black hat hackers in the world.
Jonah is a ruthless contract killer with only one weakness, the vibrant runaway he took in years ago: Caspian.
But Cas bailed when he turned 18 and Jonah has maintained a steady diet of eat, kill, sleep since then.
Jonah had always been the fatal flaw in Cas’s code, the bug that froze the part of his brain separating logic from emotion.
A threat to Cas’s life brings him back years later—not as the boy Jonah remembers, but as a hardened computer hacker with a price on his head and a list of names everybody wants.
The chemistry between them is as undeniable as it is dangerous.
In a world of secrets and murder, trust is a liability and feelings can get you killed. But Jonah let Cas go once, and he’s not willing to do it again. Even if it means confronting his past, solving a twisted puzzle, and taking out half of New York city’s seedy underbelly to keep Cas safe.
Bad Habits is a steamy, action-packed thrill ride of a romance with a HEA and no cliffhangers. It features morally ambiguous men, dirty, dirty lovin’, pancakes drizzled with snark, chosen family, drive-in movies, and the kind of love that drives a guy to murder in order to protect. In short: all the emo, heat, and sarcasm you'd probably expect from an Onley/Neve collab. This is book 1 in the Wages of Sin series. Each book will follow a new couple.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2020
About the author
Onley James
31 books3,093 followersOnley James lives in North Carolina with her daughter, her daughter-in-law, son-in-law, and a menagerie of animals, both good and evil. James splits her time between writing m/m romance and mainlining dangerous levels of caffeine and attempting to maintain her ever-slipping sanity.
When not at her desk you can find her whining about how much writing she has to do while avoiding said writing by binge-watching unhealthy amounts of television and doom scrolling on social media. She loves true crime documentaries, anti-heroes, and writing kinky, snarky books about morally gray men who fall in love with other men.
Stay up to date: www.onleyjames.com/newsletter
Find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Onley...
Want more: linktr.ee/OnleyJames
When not at her desk you can find her whining about how much writing she has to do while avoiding said writing by binge-watching unhealthy amounts of television and doom scrolling on social media. She loves true crime documentaries, anti-heroes, and writing kinky, snarky books about morally gray men who fall in love with other men.
Stay up to date: www.onleyjames.com/newsletter
Find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Onley...
Want more: linktr.ee/OnleyJames
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 501 reviews
September 20, 2021
Audiobook - 4 stars
Story - 1.75 stars
This was just not it!
The characters didn't have connection and didn't act their age.
The dialogue was stilted.
The action was that of a D movie.
Shit happens.
Story - 1.75 stars
This was just not it!
The characters didn't have connection and didn't act their age.
The dialogue was stilted.
The action was that of a D movie.
Shit happens.
Read
October 22, 2020
The basics:
✔Cas was a teen homeless when he met Jonah.
✔Jonah was a hitman who took Cas in for two years.
✔Cas had the hots for Jonah who only saw Cas as a kid in need of protection.
✔Cas then decided to run away.
Five years later
Cass is a much sought after hacker and Jonah is still a killer.
They happen to meet again and fell in each other arms as if nothing had happened. Here is where the story started to go south.
Ramblings about what went wrong
I don't think this author is for me.
January 21, 2024
I absolutely adored this collab by James and Wilder. In this new series, it'll follow a new couple in each book.
In this first one, we're introduced to the Wages of Sin world and to Caspian (Cas) and Jonah. Caspian ran from an abusive and neglectful home when he was 16 to NYC. After a few months he can no longer afford to live in a hostel, so he's out on the streets at 16 in NYC. That's never a good thing. When he's basically propositioned by a pimp, Cas is ready to take the offer when Jonah comes along and whisks him away.
Only Jonah says he doesn't want anything to do with Cas, he was just saving him from being used, abused and thrown away within a matter of weeks or months. But Cas says Jonah owes him since he now for sure has no place to go and nothing to eat, and Jonah promises just a night...but it turns into two years.
In present day, it's been 7 years since that night, and 5 years since Cas and Jonah have seen each other. Cas has had feelings for Jonah since practically the first day he met him, but Cas was 16 and Jonah at least in his mid 20's, and he never saw Cas like that.
When Cas had enough of Jonah seeing him like a kid, when all he wanted was to be with Jonah, Cas left and did his own thing for awhile.
In a way, it was a good thing. Because 5 years changed Cas, and he became more adult, and when Jonah sees him again after 5 years, he doesn't see him the way he used to, and he might not have ever saw him differently if Cas had stayed.
But now Cas, who is a genius hacker, has got people after him after his latest job in which he had to find a list of names. The names don't seem important, but Cas has to figure out exactly what they mean and why his client wanted it and why others are determined to kill him for the list.
He comes back to NYC in the mean time, and after some tension between him and Jonah, who is seeing Cas in a whole different light, things change between them and head in certainly a sexier direction...and a romantic one.
Oh and also, Jonah is an assassin. But Cas is his one weak spot, and Cas doesn't care that he kills people. He just wants Jonah.
But...the list. And Jonah gets roped into it all as well, and he's determined to protect Cas and keep him safe. So as they navigate the new terrain of their romantic relationship, they have to navigate many who wish to kill Cas, and figuring out the list and who is behind it all is the key to saving Cas' life.
This was so so good. Their chemistry was off the charts from the first, and the plot was interesting and fun to read. The side characters were good too, and I am certainly exciting for Madigan's - a fellow assassin - love story, up next. We get a brief look at his love interest at the end of this book, but it was a brief look, that's it. Can't wait for their book.
Highly recommend this one. These two great authors coming together to write a great story with a great dark, gritty romance. Two massive thumbs up from me!
In this first one, we're introduced to the Wages of Sin world and to Caspian (Cas) and Jonah. Caspian ran from an abusive and neglectful home when he was 16 to NYC. After a few months he can no longer afford to live in a hostel, so he's out on the streets at 16 in NYC. That's never a good thing. When he's basically propositioned by a pimp, Cas is ready to take the offer when Jonah comes along and whisks him away.
Only Jonah says he doesn't want anything to do with Cas, he was just saving him from being used, abused and thrown away within a matter of weeks or months. But Cas says Jonah owes him since he now for sure has no place to go and nothing to eat, and Jonah promises just a night...but it turns into two years.
In present day, it's been 7 years since that night, and 5 years since Cas and Jonah have seen each other. Cas has had feelings for Jonah since practically the first day he met him, but Cas was 16 and Jonah at least in his mid 20's, and he never saw Cas like that.
When Cas had enough of Jonah seeing him like a kid, when all he wanted was to be with Jonah, Cas left and did his own thing for awhile.
In a way, it was a good thing. Because 5 years changed Cas, and he became more adult, and when Jonah sees him again after 5 years, he doesn't see him the way he used to, and he might not have ever saw him differently if Cas had stayed.
But now Cas, who is a genius hacker, has got people after him after his latest job in which he had to find a list of names. The names don't seem important, but Cas has to figure out exactly what they mean and why his client wanted it and why others are determined to kill him for the list.
He comes back to NYC in the mean time, and after some tension between him and Jonah, who is seeing Cas in a whole different light, things change between them and head in certainly a sexier direction...and a romantic one.
Oh and also, Jonah is an assassin. But Cas is his one weak spot, and Cas doesn't care that he kills people. He just wants Jonah.
But...the list. And Jonah gets roped into it all as well, and he's determined to protect Cas and keep him safe. So as they navigate the new terrain of their romantic relationship, they have to navigate many who wish to kill Cas, and figuring out the list and who is behind it all is the key to saving Cas' life.
This was so so good. Their chemistry was off the charts from the first, and the plot was interesting and fun to read. The side characters were good too, and I am certainly exciting for Madigan's - a fellow assassin - love story, up next. We get a brief look at his love interest at the end of this book, but it was a brief look, that's it. Can't wait for their book.
Highly recommend this one. These two great authors coming together to write a great story with a great dark, gritty romance. Two massive thumbs up from me!
Shelved as 'dnf'
January 28, 2021DNF @ 50%
There's nothing wrong with this book. It's well-written, and I get the sense the authors enjoyed writing it. But when I meet a fictional assassin (as far as I know, I've never met any real-life ones), especially one who loves his work, my thoughts do not naturally gravitate toward hoping he'll fall in love and live happily ever after.
It's a tricky business, making an assassin an MC, and many authors cheat by making them super-principled about only being willing to kill bad guys, not being willing to kill women, not being willing to kill children, blah-de-blah-blah. You know, cheating, in order to manipulate the reader into believing the MC's a good guy despite his chosen profession of slaughtering people. So, kudos to Onley James and Neve Wilder for not taking this traditional clichéd cop-out. But still, I don't really care what happens to him, or to the other MC, who's a criminal hacker, either.
I could keep reading, since this is definitely not awful, but... why? Instead I'll log it as my first DNF of 2021, and move on to the second book in the series, which features a different couple and seems to have better reviews.
There's nothing wrong with this book. It's well-written, and I get the sense the authors enjoyed writing it. But when I meet a fictional assassin (as far as I know, I've never met any real-life ones), especially one who loves his work, my thoughts do not naturally gravitate toward hoping he'll fall in love and live happily ever after.
It's a tricky business, making an assassin an MC, and many authors cheat by making them super-principled about only being willing to kill bad guys, not being willing to kill women, not being willing to kill children, blah-de-blah-blah. You know, cheating, in order to manipulate the reader into believing the MC's a good guy despite his chosen profession of slaughtering people. So, kudos to Onley James and Neve Wilder for not taking this traditional clichéd cop-out. But still, I don't really care what happens to him, or to the other MC, who's a criminal hacker, either.
I could keep reading, since this is definitely not awful, but... why? Instead I'll log it as my first DNF of 2021, and move on to the second book in the series, which features a different couple and seems to have better reviews.
October 13, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Stars
🔥🔥🔥🔥/5 Heat Index
I knew going, into this book, that Neve Wilder and Onley James wrote hot books by themselves.
Therefore, I feared that this book would melt my iPad. Luckily, it didn't. But it was still hot...So hot.
Now I do like assassin books but am not so into hacking stories. I actually don't think I've read any but when I try to watch a movie or show with hacking, my eyes glaze over. 😂 So I was happy this wasn't heavy on the hacking. It was definitely a part of the plot, but it didn't overwhelm me. As for any of it being realistic? Don’t know, don’t care.
Moving on.
I went over how it was hot. But it's worth repeating. Both Wilder and James excel at steamy moments. Wilder is an absolute favorite of mine in that aspect alone. Onley is still fairly new to me but her track record is good so far. So yeah, this book had that portion covered. It was just the right amount too. Sexy without it taking over. 🔥
What else?
The plot was fun and easy to follow. Not overly complicated but not shallow. It had good pacing. Secondary characters enhanced but didn't over power the story. The age gap worked and I loved Caspian's unrequited feelings being finally returned, albeit reluctantly at first, by Jonah. 🥰
Overall, this was an entertaining and satisfying read. The ending set the scene for future books and I'm excited to see where the series goes. If I don't get Madi's book next, I will (quietly) riot! 👿
**ARC provided by GRR, in exchange for an honest review. All musings on steam and hackers are entirely my own.**
🔥🔥🔥🔥/5 Heat Index
I knew going, into this book, that Neve Wilder and Onley James wrote hot books by themselves.
Therefore, I feared that this book would melt my iPad. Luckily, it didn't. But it was still hot...So hot.
Now I do like assassin books but am not so into hacking stories. I actually don't think I've read any but when I try to watch a movie or show with hacking, my eyes glaze over. 😂 So I was happy this wasn't heavy on the hacking. It was definitely a part of the plot, but it didn't overwhelm me. As for any of it being realistic? Don’t know, don’t care.
Moving on.
I went over how it was hot. But it's worth repeating. Both Wilder and James excel at steamy moments. Wilder is an absolute favorite of mine in that aspect alone. Onley is still fairly new to me but her track record is good so far. So yeah, this book had that portion covered. It was just the right amount too. Sexy without it taking over. 🔥
What else?
The plot was fun and easy to follow. Not overly complicated but not shallow. It had good pacing. Secondary characters enhanced but didn't over power the story. The age gap worked and I loved Caspian's unrequited feelings being finally returned, albeit reluctantly at first, by Jonah. 🥰
Overall, this was an entertaining and satisfying read. The ending set the scene for future books and I'm excited to see where the series goes. If I don't get Madi's book next, I will (quietly) riot! 👿
**ARC provided by GRR, in exchange for an honest review. All musings on steam and hackers are entirely my own.**
April 23, 2021
I really enjoyed this, my first book by Onley James and of course I love Neve Wilder! 😍
I typically like assassins as characters and these were properly cold-blooded, though they weren't all ice for the people they cared about. I liked both Jonah and Cas, and I liked who and what Cas had grown up to be. However, I had a few niggles with this. That was the biggest thing. There were a couple other small things but I enjoyed the story enough that I didn't care too much.
Once Jonah came back into Cas's life, I loved it! Jonah was a protective alpha-type but I liked that Cas pushed back when Jonah tried to direct his life. The plot was exciting, the writing was excellent and pulled me right along with the story, never skipped a beat. And damn, the chemistry between these two was sizzling and the sex was blisteringly hot. I even loved the resolution as to what they do with the data that Cas escaped with, which was a problem all on its own. Truly, other than the minor niggles, this had everything I could want, it was fabulous entertainment. ❤
I'm genuinely looking forward to Madi's story. 🔥🔥
I typically like assassins as characters and these were properly cold-blooded, though they weren't all ice for the people they cared about. I liked both Jonah and Cas, and I liked who and what Cas had grown up to be. However, I had a few niggles with this. That was the biggest thing. There were a couple other small things but I enjoyed the story enough that I didn't care too much.
Once Jonah came back into Cas's life, I loved it! Jonah was a protective alpha-type but I liked that Cas pushed back when Jonah tried to direct his life. The plot was exciting, the writing was excellent and pulled me right along with the story, never skipped a beat. And damn, the chemistry between these two was sizzling and the sex was blisteringly hot. I even loved the resolution as to what they do with the data that Cas escaped with, which was a problem all on its own. Truly, other than the minor niggles, this had everything I could want, it was fabulous entertainment. ❤
I'm genuinely looking forward to Madi's story. 🔥🔥
September 23, 2021
~3.5~
I prefer Onley James writing alone to her collaborations with Neve Wilder, but Bad Habits was an entertaining story overall.
Suspense? Check. Danger abounds.
Mystery? Yes, although it got a little convoluted, and I'm still scratching my head at the resolution.
Romance? Yeah, but don't expect roses and flowers. For Cas and Jonah, it's more about murder an chaos.
Hot sex? Of fucking course; rough and wild, baby!
The middle dragged a little bit, but I was satisfied with the epilogue and will read the next two books in the series eventually. Madigan intrigues me.
I prefer Onley James writing alone to her collaborations with Neve Wilder, but Bad Habits was an entertaining story overall.
Suspense? Check. Danger abounds.
Mystery? Yes, although it got a little convoluted, and I'm still scratching my head at the resolution.
Romance? Yeah, but don't expect roses and flowers. For Cas and Jonah, it's more about murder an chaos.
Hot sex? Of fucking course; rough and wild, baby!
The middle dragged a little bit, but I was satisfied with the epilogue and will read the next two books in the series eventually. Madigan intrigues me.
December 20, 2020
Fab little nugget of assassiny goodness
Oh that was just lush, a perfect meld of two authors to create a seriously hot and very well plotted romantic suspense.
I can't think of a single thing that didn't work for me throughout the narrative.
It was action-packed, thrilling, had some seriously sweet moments alongside the "urk, did they really just do that?!" ones and I loved it.
Now, onto book two.
Oh that was just lush, a perfect meld of two authors to create a seriously hot and very well plotted romantic suspense.
I can't think of a single thing that didn't work for me throughout the narrative.
It was action-packed, thrilling, had some seriously sweet moments alongside the "urk, did they really just do that?!" ones and I loved it.
Now, onto book two.
September 11, 2021
3.5 💫
"Jonah had always been the fatal flaw in his code, the bug that froze the part of his brain separating logic from emotion".
I used to think of myself as a book hoarder. But, when I wanted something that makes me feel better during my flu, nothing could do the job. Finally, OJ came to my rescue and that makes it the third book by OJ, I have ever liked.
Jonah is an assassin and Caspian is his charge. But, Cas developed a strong crush on Jonah, which in turn became unrequited love. Now, five years after leaving the city and Jonah, Cas who has become a hacker is back with a big bounty on his head.
Here, onwards its usual OJ
•Suspension of belief🏅
•Insta love or insta realisation🥉
•Killers talking like we general folk, " Can we have ice cream?? After you kill the mark. 🏅🏅🏅
•Filled with logical hypotheses like "Only a monster could love another monster. Right???" 🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🥇
• And, loads of hot sex scenes, although I am a bit disappointed and wanted something more.🥈🥈
I know, I am a bit generous with my rating but I hate to be an ungrateful sod. So, 4star it is.
"Jonah had always been the fatal flaw in his code, the bug that froze the part of his brain separating logic from emotion".
I used to think of myself as a book hoarder. But, when I wanted something that makes me feel better during my flu, nothing could do the job. Finally, OJ came to my rescue and that makes it the third book by OJ, I have ever liked.
Jonah is an assassin and Caspian is his charge. But, Cas developed a strong crush on Jonah, which in turn became unrequited love. Now, five years after leaving the city and Jonah, Cas who has become a hacker is back with a big bounty on his head.
Here, onwards its usual OJ
•Suspension of belief🏅
•Insta love or insta realisation🥉
•Killers talking like we general folk, " Can we have ice cream?? After you kill the mark. 🏅🏅🏅
•Filled with logical hypotheses like "Only a monster could love another monster. Right???" 🏅🏅🏅🏅🏅🥇
• And, loads of hot sex scenes, although I am a bit disappointed and wanted something more.🥈🥈
I know, I am a bit generous with my rating but I hate to be an ungrateful sod. So, 4star it is.
April 17, 2021
meh
This was okay. I guess I didn’t read the blurb properly, I saw the word assassin in a review and just started reading.
It was a pretty predictable read. Nothing too special
This was okay. I guess I didn’t read the blurb properly, I saw the word assassin in a review and just started reading.
It was a pretty predictable read. Nothing too special
October 12, 2020
** 4.25 stars **
A story featuring assassins who still have honor, high stakes and painful justice. A story told by hurt man in love and an assassin who is lost and does not know it. But a bounty and trusted friends bring them together in a fast paced, suspense and passion filled chase in search of answers and revenge past due. This is second chance at love, forced circumstances and danger trope with likable MCs and a crew of diverse misfits who rule the criminal underbelly of the world.
I loved the puzzle both Cas and Jonah were trying to put together. The twist in the end was the best way the story could have turned. Fights, angst and emotional tension were Cas and Jonah's constant companions. Both men were strong and independent, able to protect and deliver a thorough a$$ kicking. Both were wild and set the sheets on fire. *sigh*
I am quite intrigued by Madigan, Jonah's whatever-he-is-heck-if-I-know. He is a wild card and one scary slightly unhinged mofo. I need his story PRONTO. Despite all that he is the best to have at one's back and he sure comes out swinging. This was quite exciting inclusive fast moving story. I enjoyed it. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
A story featuring assassins who still have honor, high stakes and painful justice. A story told by hurt man in love and an assassin who is lost and does not know it. But a bounty and trusted friends bring them together in a fast paced, suspense and passion filled chase in search of answers and revenge past due. This is second chance at love, forced circumstances and danger trope with likable MCs and a crew of diverse misfits who rule the criminal underbelly of the world.
I loved the puzzle both Cas and Jonah were trying to put together. The twist in the end was the best way the story could have turned. Fights, angst and emotional tension were Cas and Jonah's constant companions. Both men were strong and independent, able to protect and deliver a thorough a$$ kicking. Both were wild and set the sheets on fire. *sigh*
I am quite intrigued by Madigan, Jonah's whatever-he-is-heck-if-I-know. He is a wild card and one scary slightly unhinged mofo. I need his story PRONTO. Despite all that he is the best to have at one's back and he sure comes out swinging. This was quite exciting inclusive fast moving story. I enjoyed it. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
July 4, 2021
You know when you finish a book and you can't decide if you should rate it 1 star because that's too mean or 2 star because that's too generous, and maybe I have a fucking disorder because 1.5 just doesn't cut it.
Still gonna stick with 1.5 star though
This book was probably a sign of, I should've listened to my gut because I don't know what else screams I told you so Mariam when I had already wanted to dnf this not too early on this book.
For what it was worth, this book started off really good.
I'm a bit of a geek myself and I love anything if you mix math, technology and murder. Well, If you can actually get it right.
And this book, well it sadly... tried.
It tried it's best and it gave it's worst.
One of the reasons why I didn't like this book at the get go was the main character of this book, Caspian was just everything I've ever hated in a heroine and here we just changed the goddamn gender.
I was nervous reading this book because I've read, well attempted to read a book of Neve's book before and I was cruelly right where the "hero" they write is just difference of gender than actually characteristics.
Well other than the fact that they fuck with dicks.
He was just the most ANNOYING, immature, dumb, thoughtless, narrow minded, too fucking up his own head that I kid you not, half of my annotations of this book was "THIS ISN'T JUST ABOUT YOU, YOU STUPID DUMBASS."
I think the saving grace of this book was Jonah. But in the end I just really couldn't care about either of them. Which mostly stems from the fact that I just don't understand their chemistry. Their first kiss has me super confused if they were kissing or I was just too dumb to not understand someone kissing. And the progress of their relationship, I just didn't quite get it.
Friends with benefits would've suited them better rather than whatever the hell this book attempted at doing. Or maybe this book did journey in that direction yet couldn't so much as try to alude to that fact.
Regardless, If they only just sucked each other's own dicks for the entirety of this book, at least I could've been entertained :)
And yes, I've lost all sort of filter cus I'm just done with this book and white frankly, I don't know why anyone is reading this review cus it might just suck as much as how boring the sex scenes ended around the ending of the book. Although I only say their sex sucked because I just couldn't care.
2021 and Mariam skimmed sex scenes. Next we know pigs are gonna fucking fly I'm telling you.
One of my friend noted that the plot was all over the place and quite frankly, I vouche for that. I still don't quite understand what even happened (although I skimmed the last 85%) of this book. All it seemed to translate was it being the most generic, predictable and anticlimactic plot in the history of dark romance and that's just pathetic. Add in a layer of I don't really know what happened cus I really just couldn't be brothered to know what ALWAYS seem to happen.
Although the metaphor The Forest for the Trees was good shit right there.
All in all, this book was a batter of cliche and annoying characters, a spice of no character development, add in a sprinkle of some hot sex scenes and Betty Crocker's best seller "They tried but they just fucked it up even more" mix. Put this in the oven and bake it until it's burnt and hear ya go. Nothing but utter waste :) Just like this review.
Thank you for your time.
Immediate Reactions
Thank God this is fucking over.
Still gonna stick with 1.5 star though
This book was probably a sign of, I should've listened to my gut because I don't know what else screams I told you so Mariam when I had already wanted to dnf this not too early on this book.
For what it was worth, this book started off really good.
I'm a bit of a geek myself and I love anything if you mix math, technology and murder. Well, If you can actually get it right.
And this book, well it sadly... tried.
It tried it's best and it gave it's worst.
One of the reasons why I didn't like this book at the get go was the main character of this book, Caspian was just everything I've ever hated in a heroine and here we just changed the goddamn gender.
I was nervous reading this book because I've read, well attempted to read a book of Neve's book before and I was cruelly right where the "hero" they write is just difference of gender than actually characteristics.
Well other than the fact that they fuck with dicks.
He was just the most ANNOYING, immature, dumb, thoughtless, narrow minded, too fucking up his own head that I kid you not, half of my annotations of this book was "THIS ISN'T JUST ABOUT YOU, YOU STUPID DUMBASS."
I think the saving grace of this book was Jonah. But in the end I just really couldn't care about either of them. Which mostly stems from the fact that I just don't understand their chemistry. Their first kiss has me super confused if they were kissing or I was just too dumb to not understand someone kissing. And the progress of their relationship, I just didn't quite get it.
Friends with benefits would've suited them better rather than whatever the hell this book attempted at doing. Or maybe this book did journey in that direction yet couldn't so much as try to alude to that fact.
Regardless, If they only just sucked each other's own dicks for the entirety of this book, at least I could've been entertained :)
And yes, I've lost all sort of filter cus I'm just done with this book and white frankly, I don't know why anyone is reading this review cus it might just suck as much as how boring the sex scenes ended around the ending of the book. Although I only say their sex sucked because I just couldn't care.
2021 and Mariam skimmed sex scenes. Next we know pigs are gonna fucking fly I'm telling you.
One of my friend noted that the plot was all over the place and quite frankly, I vouche for that. I still don't quite understand what even happened (although I skimmed the last 85%) of this book. All it seemed to translate was it being the most generic, predictable and anticlimactic plot in the history of dark romance and that's just pathetic. Add in a layer of I don't really know what happened cus I really just couldn't be brothered to know what ALWAYS seem to happen.
Although the metaphor The Forest for the Trees was good shit right there.
All in all, this book was a batter of cliche and annoying characters, a spice of no character development, add in a sprinkle of some hot sex scenes and Betty Crocker's best seller "They tried but they just fucked it up even more" mix. Put this in the oven and bake it until it's burnt and hear ya go. Nothing but utter waste :) Just like this review.
Thank you for your time.
Immediate Reactions
Thank God this is fucking over.
December 13, 2020
I enjoy both these authors' work, but this one just didn't do it for me. I never really connected with the relationship between Jonah and Cas. I didn't feel any chemistry between them so it was tough to care about what they were doing.
While the hacking storyline started off intriguing, it soon felt like things were dragging along until the very last chapters. While this one was almost a DNF, I liked the setup at the end for the "team" going forward, and I haven't written the series off. I'll definitely give the next one a try.
While the hacking storyline started off intriguing, it soon felt like things were dragging along until the very last chapters. While this one was almost a DNF, I liked the setup at the end for the "team" going forward, and I haven't written the series off. I'll definitely give the next one a try.
June 25, 2021
Caspian was a brat and Jonah was like a robot till it got to Caspian so... I guess that's... Love? Lol
Even with my constant annoyance with Caspian and his childish antics,this book was very well written so I managed to hang on until the end.
Now Madigan's book is one I want to read
Even with my constant annoyance with Caspian and his childish antics,this book was very well written so I managed to hang on until the end.
Now Madigan's book is one I want to read
July 1, 2021
Second read:
I was planning to jump straight into book three when it dropped but thinking about the series made me realise I missed Jonah and Cas so I had to give in and do a re-read.
First read:
4.5/5 stars
I’ve never read an Onley James book, but I shouldn’t never doubted I’d love it with Neve Wilder co-writing it too.
My only complaint was that it felt a bit insta-love from Jonah’s side. Having not seen him in 5 years, and only having platonic feelings for him before, then as soon as he see’s him again he can’t keep his eyes off him and all his platonic love instantly turns to romantic love. He even questioned himself a bit on that fact which I guess was reassuring.
Aside from that the story was brilliant. There was angst but no silly relationship angst, Cas and Jonah were incredibly cute and hot together. I wasn’t a huge fan of Madigan in this book but I’ll still read the next one and probably love it anyway.
I was planning to jump straight into book three when it dropped but thinking about the series made me realise I missed Jonah and Cas so I had to give in and do a re-read.
First read:
4.5/5 stars
I’ve never read an Onley James book, but I shouldn’t never doubted I’d love it with Neve Wilder co-writing it too.
My only complaint was that it felt a bit insta-love from Jonah’s side. Having not seen him in 5 years, and only having platonic feelings for him before, then as soon as he see’s him again he can’t keep his eyes off him and all his platonic love instantly turns to romantic love. He even questioned himself a bit on that fact which I guess was reassuring.
Aside from that the story was brilliant. There was angst but no silly relationship angst, Cas and Jonah were incredibly cute and hot together. I wasn’t a huge fan of Madigan in this book but I’ll still read the next one and probably love it anyway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2020
Entertaining
Bad Habits is fast paced story , with a quirky and fantastical storyline, light on plot and details, heavy on descriptive sexy times and morally dubious heroes doing morally dubious things.
If you're looking for a angsty and dramatic story based on reality this isn't the book for you. BUT, if want to read tale that will take your mind of headlines news and every day life; that will make you laugh and shake your head in amusement , Bad Habits is the book you want to read.
Bad Habits is fast paced story , with a quirky and fantastical storyline, light on plot and details, heavy on descriptive sexy times and morally dubious heroes doing morally dubious things.
If you're looking for a angsty and dramatic story based on reality this isn't the book for you. BUT, if want to read tale that will take your mind of headlines news and every day life; that will make you laugh and shake your head in amusement , Bad Habits is the book you want to read.
April 11, 2024
🏳️🌈 age gap
🏳️🌈 light kink (spanking, breath play)
🏳️🌈 assassins
🏳️🌈 hacker
Okay so you have this hacker kid right? And he's on the run from Mother Russia and probably a shitton of other countries/people too because he "knows" something he's not supposed to know. Except he doesn't know what that is. So part of the story is you following along as he tries to unriddle wtaf is happening and why. This kid is in his early 20s and you get these flashbacks to when he first got to NYC and Jonah took him in. He is a crazy smart hacker. Madigan runs him off because he's in love with Jonah and jealous of the kid's relationship. The kid scurries off all angry into the night like teenagers do. Except see these star-crossed lovers can't stop thinking of each other no matter how many years or continents are between them.
You do get there to the truth of why Russia and everyone else is looking for Cas, but it's a long fought journey and it doesn't actually fix anything when you get there. IN fact it makes things worse once he knows the whole truth.
Let's revisit Madigan. GD Madigan. At first you hate him for being a mouthy little shit and running Cas off. Madigan wanted a deeper relationship with Jonah and that wasn't ever going to happen as long as Cas was in the picture. And all the way to the end I kept thinking Madigan was a bad guy and was going to turn on them. He isn't exactly a good guy but he does come around to Cas and Jonah. I mean a few years of Jonah rejecting him had to sting but it also reinforced it was never going to happen between them.
Jonah in his own way also ran Cas off. After rescuing him off the streets and giving him a couch to stay on for one night (that turns into a few years), Jonah wants nothing more than for Cas to go to college and be on the up and up. But Cas was never meant for that life. Jonah's insistence that Cas not be part of his world drove a wedge between the two lovebirds. Cas leaves a Dear John note and fucks all the way off to a foreign country and doesn't go state side for another seven years. So by the time this new and improved world weary, tatted, scarred, and seriously changed Cas barges back into his life Jonah is forced to admit that he couldn't have changed Cas and it's too late to reform Cas now. He has to accept that Cas is a hacker of the underworld and he fits in juuuuust fine into Jonah's life now. Thank god too because the chemistry these two have is off the charts.
Spoons. I swear to god that kitchen scene with the spoon is just... hot damn. Also, I have to say I REALLY appreciate the author's willingness to actually show these two with other people at the beginning of the book. They are hooking up with others while pining for each other. I like that. I hate when authors ensure some sort of weird "purity" for each other in the book by not writing them with other people. It's not realistic. People fuck around when they are lonely or searching. I wish more books weren't afraid to go down that path. Seeing the person with someone else can be a good motivator. Jealousy can be used as a weapon to motivate characters into going for what they really want. It's more realistic I think. Anyhooooo... Also, their use of weaponizing Madigan was great. He is a clear threat to the story from the very beginning. The authors do a great job of quickly establishing his importance and attraction to Jonah. His threats that ran Cas off also have you thinking at every turn that he's going to betray them. Down to the very end I was like "Oh Madi gonna f this up I just know it..." so color me surprised when (even while being an asshole) he helps Cas and Jonah out and stays loyal.
Aside from Madigan there were several other unexpected and cool side characters in the series that I can't wait to see in the future books! These authors are fire together :D I think I highlighted half the book but am too embarrassed to add all these quotes.
I happened to read Pucking Around at the same time and it just reinforces to me how bad some writers are. I think Rath wanted to be profound. I think she wrote half of that book high or drunk and thinks her shit doesn't stink. There are so many lines where Rath just rambles on and on about really bad shit like "come dance in the dark with me. Be my devil." OMG Gauge my eyes out with your chopsticks. Then you have these two, who are so succinct (you don't need 700 pages when you write clearly and with talent). So many beautiful and profound lines. Seriously. They outdid themselves. Oh oh oh! And the level of research that went into this book is amazing. I'm sure both of these ladies are on several government watch lists. 😂
🏳️🌈 light kink (spanking, breath play)
🏳️🌈 assassins
🏳️🌈 hacker
Okay so you have this hacker kid right? And he's on the run from Mother Russia and probably a shitton of other countries/people too because he "knows" something he's not supposed to know. Except he doesn't know what that is. So part of the story is you following along as he tries to unriddle wtaf is happening and why. This kid is in his early 20s and you get these flashbacks to when he first got to NYC and Jonah took him in. He is a crazy smart hacker. Madigan runs him off because he's in love with Jonah and jealous of the kid's relationship. The kid scurries off all angry into the night like teenagers do. Except see these star-crossed lovers can't stop thinking of each other no matter how many years or continents are between them.
You do get there to the truth of why Russia and everyone else is looking for Cas, but it's a long fought journey and it doesn't actually fix anything when you get there. IN fact it makes things worse once he knows the whole truth.
Let's revisit Madigan. GD Madigan. At first you hate him for being a mouthy little shit and running Cas off. Madigan wanted a deeper relationship with Jonah and that wasn't ever going to happen as long as Cas was in the picture. And all the way to the end I kept thinking Madigan was a bad guy and was going to turn on them. He isn't exactly a good guy but he does come around to Cas and Jonah. I mean a few years of Jonah rejecting him had to sting but it also reinforced it was never going to happen between them.
Jonah in his own way also ran Cas off. After rescuing him off the streets and giving him a couch to stay on for one night (that turns into a few years), Jonah wants nothing more than for Cas to go to college and be on the up and up. But Cas was never meant for that life. Jonah's insistence that Cas not be part of his world drove a wedge between the two lovebirds. Cas leaves a Dear John note and fucks all the way off to a foreign country and doesn't go state side for another seven years. So by the time this new and improved world weary, tatted, scarred, and seriously changed Cas barges back into his life Jonah is forced to admit that he couldn't have changed Cas and it's too late to reform Cas now. He has to accept that Cas is a hacker of the underworld and he fits in juuuuust fine into Jonah's life now. Thank god too because the chemistry these two have is off the charts.
Spoons. I swear to god that kitchen scene with the spoon is just... hot damn. Also, I have to say I REALLY appreciate the author's willingness to actually show these two with other people at the beginning of the book. They are hooking up with others while pining for each other. I like that. I hate when authors ensure some sort of weird "purity" for each other in the book by not writing them with other people. It's not realistic. People fuck around when they are lonely or searching. I wish more books weren't afraid to go down that path. Seeing the person with someone else can be a good motivator. Jealousy can be used as a weapon to motivate characters into going for what they really want. It's more realistic I think. Anyhooooo... Also, their use of weaponizing Madigan was great. He is a clear threat to the story from the very beginning. The authors do a great job of quickly establishing his importance and attraction to Jonah. His threats that ran Cas off also have you thinking at every turn that he's going to betray them. Down to the very end I was like "Oh Madi gonna f this up I just know it..." so color me surprised when (even while being an asshole) he helps Cas and Jonah out and stays loyal.
Aside from Madigan there were several other unexpected and cool side characters in the series that I can't wait to see in the future books! These authors are fire together :D I think I highlighted half the book but am too embarrassed to add all these quotes.
I happened to read Pucking Around at the same time and it just reinforces to me how bad some writers are. I think Rath wanted to be profound. I think she wrote half of that book high or drunk and thinks her shit doesn't stink. There are so many lines where Rath just rambles on and on about really bad shit like "come dance in the dark with me. Be my devil." OMG Gauge my eyes out with your chopsticks. Then you have these two, who are so succinct (you don't need 700 pages when you write clearly and with talent). So many beautiful and profound lines. Seriously. They outdid themselves. Oh oh oh! And the level of research that went into this book is amazing. I'm sure both of these ladies are on several government watch lists. 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2023
Loved what Jonah and Caspian had. Still pining for each other even when they were officially together. The Wilder and James combo proved itself to be marvelous.
October 14, 2020
I received an ARC from GRR in exchange for an honest review.
Holy Hotness Batman... this book was smokin!
Me when Neve releases a book....
Me when Onley releases a book...
Me, when Onley and Neve publish a book together...
Moving on...
What I loved about the book!
1. The Characters...
We meet Caspian first, with him being all covert and hacking stuff he shouldn't be, but the paycheck was big so it didn't matter. Then everything goes to hell, and Caspian is left with a big'ol bounty on his head for the info he has uncovered. Caspian, despite him being a Hacker Extraordinaire, is an absolute sweetheart. He's young, vulnerable, sweet, and has a soft heart, a heart that is completely devoted to Jonah. #UnrequitedLoveSucks
Then we meet Jonah, Assasin Extraordinaire. he's a self-proclaimed heartless man, going from job to job and hit to hit, with an inflapable armor. But from the moment he meets a 16-year-old Cas, there's chink in his armor. Cas burrows into his heart and stays there, even after 5 years of not seeing him. #IHaveASpotForYou
2. The Plot...
Bad boys are my jam! And these two were perfect. So the hacker and the assassin work together to find out why Cas is being targeted, and what the info he got is. What I loved was the fact that the romance was not ever overshadowed by the action and suspense. On the contrary, the relationship took center stage, even amidst everything else happening, and the action enhanced their love for each other. #CenterOfMyWorld
3. The Romance...
Sweet, raw, sexy and devoted. The romance started one-sided from Cas when he was too young. Cas never forgot Jonah, even when he was far while Jonah always considered Cas his charge, and never thought of him any other way... until they stumble in each other's paths. Cas is finally back in the US, and jonah is determined to keep him there, keep him safe, and just keep him in general. #StayInYourArms
4. The Heat...
It starts with a spanking... and gradually gains momentum from there. Jonah doesn't do anything half-assed...Ahem... so once he surrenders to Cas's appeal, he goes all in. This book is damn hot. It's super sexy, sensual, kinky, and hot. Did I mention hot? Yup... I sure did. #PantiesWentPoof
5. The HEA...
*Happy Sigh*
I absolutely loved where we lest things with Caspian and Jonah. whose ship name I decided would be #Conah... no? Oh well...
We also get a glimpse of who's next! #ColorMeExcited
Holy Hotness Batman... this book was smokin!
Me when Neve releases a book....
Me when Onley releases a book...
Me, when Onley and Neve publish a book together...
Moving on...
What I loved about the book!
1. The Characters...
We meet Caspian first, with him being all covert and hacking stuff he shouldn't be, but the paycheck was big so it didn't matter. Then everything goes to hell, and Caspian is left with a big'ol bounty on his head for the info he has uncovered. Caspian, despite him being a Hacker Extraordinaire, is an absolute sweetheart. He's young, vulnerable, sweet, and has a soft heart, a heart that is completely devoted to Jonah. #UnrequitedLoveSucks
Then we meet Jonah, Assasin Extraordinaire. he's a self-proclaimed heartless man, going from job to job and hit to hit, with an inflapable armor. But from the moment he meets a 16-year-old Cas, there's chink in his armor. Cas burrows into his heart and stays there, even after 5 years of not seeing him. #IHaveASpotForYou
2. The Plot...
Bad boys are my jam! And these two were perfect. So the hacker and the assassin work together to find out why Cas is being targeted, and what the info he got is. What I loved was the fact that the romance was not ever overshadowed by the action and suspense. On the contrary, the relationship took center stage, even amidst everything else happening, and the action enhanced their love for each other. #CenterOfMyWorld
3. The Romance...
Sweet, raw, sexy and devoted. The romance started one-sided from Cas when he was too young. Cas never forgot Jonah, even when he was far while Jonah always considered Cas his charge, and never thought of him any other way... until they stumble in each other's paths. Cas is finally back in the US, and jonah is determined to keep him there, keep him safe, and just keep him in general. #StayInYourArms
4. The Heat...
It starts with a spanking... and gradually gains momentum from there. Jonah doesn't do anything half-assed...Ahem... so once he surrenders to Cas's appeal, he goes all in. This book is damn hot. It's super sexy, sensual, kinky, and hot. Did I mention hot? Yup... I sure did. #PantiesWentPoof
5. The HEA...
*Happy Sigh*
I absolutely loved where we lest things with Caspian and Jonah. whose ship name I decided would be #Conah... no? Oh well...
We also get a glimpse of who's next! #ColorMeExcited
April 11, 2021
Maybe I've overdosed on this author.
Or maybe she's just not as good writing plot as she is writing relationships.
This was supposed to be edgy and intriguing with hot, explosive (you would think) sex. Given our heroes are 1) a hacker, 2) a killer for hire with a very dark past. Both criminals who live in a shady underworld.
When they came together it was...kinda underwhelming. And the back and forth reminded me more of this author's other works - contemporary new adult stuff - vs gritty, espionage, fate of the world stuff.
So. Not a big fan of this first book in the series. Not even sure I want to read the next one.
I compare this to Special Forces - Soldiers (Special Forces, #1 by Aleksandr Voinov, and this misses by a MILE, a whole continent. Or Death and the Devil series by Hayward, L.J. Both are eons better than this, with the explosive tension and danger you'd expect from this type of PLOT novel.
So advice: please stick to what you know. I know this sounds harsh, but... I was disappointed.
Or maybe she's just not as good writing plot as she is writing relationships.
This was supposed to be edgy and intriguing with hot, explosive (you would think) sex. Given our heroes are 1) a hacker, 2) a killer for hire with a very dark past. Both criminals who live in a shady underworld.
When they came together it was...kinda underwhelming. And the back and forth reminded me more of this author's other works - contemporary new adult stuff - vs gritty, espionage, fate of the world stuff.
So. Not a big fan of this first book in the series. Not even sure I want to read the next one.
I compare this to Special Forces - Soldiers (Special Forces, #1 by Aleksandr Voinov, and this misses by a MILE, a whole continent. Or Death and the Devil series by Hayward, L.J. Both are eons better than this, with the explosive tension and danger you'd expect from this type of PLOT novel.
So advice: please stick to what you know. I know this sounds harsh, but... I was disappointed.
February 15, 2024
Street smart assassin has a soft spot for genius hacker. If you like, a fast paced storyline that will will have you on the edge of your seat and some seriously sexy times. This is the book for you...
This action packed adventure will have you on the edge of your seat.
Jonah has always been Caspian’s protector. Caspian has always had a crush on Jonah. Their chemistry and heat factor is sky high!
Caspian gets into trouble and Jonah’s instincts go into protective mode. BUT Caspian wants to be seen as an equal.
Caspian has always challenged Jonah and it’s easy for him to slide into attraction. Spanking, interesting uses for olive oil and shower sexy times make this a scorcher of a book 🔥🔥🔥
The drama, intrigue and epic sex make this a very engrossing book to read from start to finish. I’m glad this is only the beginning because I’m already wanting book 2!
This action packed adventure will have you on the edge of your seat.
Jonah has always been Caspian’s protector. Caspian has always had a crush on Jonah. Their chemistry and heat factor is sky high!
Caspian gets into trouble and Jonah’s instincts go into protective mode. BUT Caspian wants to be seen as an equal.
Caspian has always challenged Jonah and it’s easy for him to slide into attraction. Spanking, interesting uses for olive oil and shower sexy times make this a scorcher of a book 🔥🔥🔥
The drama, intrigue and epic sex make this a very engrossing book to read from start to finish. I’m glad this is only the beginning because I’m already wanting book 2!
October 17, 2020
~ 4.5 Stars ~
Neve Wilder is definitely a auto-buy author for me and I read a few books by Onley James and really enjoyed them so I knew I’m in for a treat, and boy... what a treat it was! 😍
I loved everything about this book. Even though I’m not a big fan of suspense/thriller in MM books it really worked for me here.
Caspian and Jonah’s chemistry was mind blowing.
Loved it 🙃 highly recommended 🎉
Neve Wilder is definitely a auto-buy author for me and I read a few books by Onley James and really enjoyed them so I knew I’m in for a treat, and boy... what a treat it was! 😍
I loved everything about this book. Even though I’m not a big fan of suspense/thriller in MM books it really worked for me here.
Caspian and Jonah’s chemistry was mind blowing.
Loved it 🙃 highly recommended 🎉
August 24, 2023
Started off like a standard action movie. Morphed into Oliver Twist with street walkers instead of pickpockets. Took a right turn into street kids forced into wet works. Ended up in the Alice in Wonderland scene of the Red Queens court. While she sentence Alice's head to be removed. With current events sprinkled all throughout each plot twist.
If only it was one less smexy times. This would have gotten all the stars.
If only it was one less smexy times. This would have gotten all the stars.
October 16, 2020
3.5 stars
Wilder is a no questions asked one-click author for me but something was off about this collab with James. It's a good story and I don't blame anyone for giving it a higher rating, but for me it didn't sing.
There are little holes here and there throughout that had me often wondering how they were getting away with what they were doing without being caught. I was also skeptical of the sudden shift in Jonah's affections for Cas. So much so, it took me awhile to warm up to them as a couple. In the end, it all wrapped up with a neat little bow but I just don't know if I was 100% buying it. The setup for the next book's couple also could've been more subtle.
I will read the next one but I'm hoping it's a bit more polished.
Wilder is a no questions asked one-click author for me but something was off about this collab with James. It's a good story and I don't blame anyone for giving it a higher rating, but for me it didn't sing.
There are little holes here and there throughout that had me often wondering how they were getting away with what they were doing without being caught. I was also skeptical of the sudden shift in Jonah's affections for Cas. So much so, it took me awhile to warm up to them as a couple. In the end, it all wrapped up with a neat little bow but I just don't know if I was 100% buying it. The setup for the next book's couple also could've been more subtle.
I will read the next one but I'm hoping it's a bit more polished.
October 12, 2020
This wasn't for me. I couldn't get into the story, the characters weren't close to me and I just wanted to DNF it - but read it anyway.
I'm disappointed because I read and loved feom both authors, and I hoped for a different kind of book than it was.
I'm disappointed because I read and loved feom both authors, and I hoped for a different kind of book than it was.
October 21, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Bad Habits kicks off a new series by Onley James and Neve Wilder. I have enjoyed books from both authors, but have only read more traditional contemporary stories from them. So I was really curious to both see how this writing partnership went, as well as to check out their foray into romantic suspense. And I will say, I totally loved this one. It is super sexy and romantic, but also with a nice suspense plot.
On the relationship end, things move fairly quickly once the men reconnect. It worked just fine considering Caspian and Jonah had such a close connection when living together, so this was really a chance for Jonah to realize that he is seeing Caspian in a new light, and for Caspian to act on his long attraction. The men are super steamy together and this story is definitely very hot. There is a raw intensity between them in the bedroom that I really enjoyed. The authors also do a nice job giving a power balance here that fits their new dynamic. Caspian may have started out as a ward of sorts to Jonah, but now he is definitely capable of standing on his own and taking care of himself, as well as standing up for what he wants. I think that is really important in order for them to make that transition from their old relationship to their new one.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Bad Habits kicks off a new series by Onley James and Neve Wilder. I have enjoyed books from both authors, but have only read more traditional contemporary stories from them. So I was really curious to both see how this writing partnership went, as well as to check out their foray into romantic suspense. And I will say, I totally loved this one. It is super sexy and romantic, but also with a nice suspense plot.
On the relationship end, things move fairly quickly once the men reconnect. It worked just fine considering Caspian and Jonah had such a close connection when living together, so this was really a chance for Jonah to realize that he is seeing Caspian in a new light, and for Caspian to act on his long attraction. The men are super steamy together and this story is definitely very hot. There is a raw intensity between them in the bedroom that I really enjoyed. The authors also do a nice job giving a power balance here that fits their new dynamic. Caspian may have started out as a ward of sorts to Jonah, but now he is definitely capable of standing on his own and taking care of himself, as well as standing up for what he wants. I think that is really important in order for them to make that transition from their old relationship to their new one.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
December 17, 2020
Oh, this was so much better than I expected! There's just so much that could go wrong with that plot, but Neve Wilder brings the smoking hot heat, the action feels appropriately life-threatening without getting bogged down in too many details to start nit-picking -- in a way that feels like smart writing choices, not shallow world-building -- and I was already putting the second book on my TBR *before* I saw "a Die Hard-style Christmas" in the blurb. It was released two days ago. Let's pretend I timed this on purpose because that's jumping the line right now!! (And if it goes as well as this one, I'm going to have to check out more from this Onley James... )
Read
February 25, 2021Dnf @ 30%
I’m not vibing with it and I don’t want to spend my time wondering if I’ll ever be.
I’m not vibing with it and I don’t want to spend my time wondering if I’ll ever be.
January 16, 2022
I enjoyed this so much! I adore both Neve’s and Onley’s writing tandem, they really complement each other. I loved Liam Dicosimo’s narration too, he portrayed both Cas’ younger voice and Jonah’s older one so well. The emotions and musings of the characters he puts in throughout the story take you to that place and I could imagine myself along for the ride.
Cas and Jonah’s story was one thrilling and suspenseful rollercoaster with enough snark and heat and cleverly plotted situations to satisfy my little heart. On to the next one in this series with Madigan’s book.
Cas and Jonah’s story was one thrilling and suspenseful rollercoaster with enough snark and heat and cleverly plotted situations to satisfy my little heart. On to the next one in this series with Madigan’s book.
March 7, 2021
Thank you BookshELF Vixen for the gift!
4.5 stars!! Reminder to self, do not wait as long to pick up the next book because this was amazing!
4.5 stars!! Reminder to self, do not wait as long to pick up the next book because this was amazing!
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