LAST YEAR I WAS READING…(May 19, 2021)

This meme was created by Reading Marie. It’s a great meme because it’s nice and easy to do.

Here are the rules:

Take your current read and compare it to what you reading this exact time last year. Which one do you like better? What is different about the books? Any special facts/things you want to make note of or bring attention to

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This Year I Am Reading…

This is the 5th book of the Witchbane series. Seth and Evan’s witch hunt takes them to Charleston and its secret magic society. There, they meet other characters from Morgan Brice‘s shared universe of various paranormal series. Their new friends rally to their aid in taking down the evil witch at the same time a cursed forced the boyfriends to stay separated. I just finished this and I could definitely say, this is the best installment so far. Review soonish

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Last Year I Was Reading…

This is the first book of Heaven and Hell Club, a contemporary series set in the eponymous club owned by former dancer, Michael. I have read the prequel which has a humorous, angsty vibe. This one has more angst to it with Michael still trying to get over the death of his partner and Jag trying to get over an abusive past. I wasn’t entirely wowed with the story. There were parts that fell flat for me but this is still an enjoyable hurt comfort, second chance romance overall.

My 3-star review here.

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Today we have a paranormal/urban fantasy and a contemporary romance. The books don’t have much in common. One similarity I find is that both books talk about running and hunting. The MCs for each story also suffered the death of a loved one.

Unholy is the continuation of Seth and Evan’s hunt for the disciples of an evil warlock who sacrificed the first born sons of the men who killed their master in order to gain immortality. One of the victim’s was Seth’s brother whom he still grieves. There is an element of forbidden love thrown in as a curse forbid the lovers from touching each other. This installment had a larger cast compared to previous books. The hunters finally met the other magic users they have only talked on phone or email and they quickly gained new friends. The book was able to focus on the MCs while still giving ample page-time for the other characters. It even introduced another new couple who I hope would have their own book. Overall, this has a lot of suspense and magic with a two major climactic fight scenes as well as an interesting twist on Seth and Evan’s evolving relationship.

Broken is the story of Michael who still grieves his partner 6 years after he passed. The two were former dancers who purchased the seedy club they were employed in and renamed it Heaven and Hell Club. Jag is a mysterious young man who popped up one day to give one hell of an audition. Later, we learn he is constantly on the run from his family who forced him to undergo conversion therapy. The attraction between the two was instant but the younger man had strict rules that helped him survive. One of which is, do not get attached. The cast is made up of other dancers who also have their own books. They became friends with Jag whether he wanted to or not. However, the book is very couple-centric with minimal page-time for other characters. The age-gap aspect was done well and was crucial to the resolution of Jag’s issues.

Michael and Jag’s emotional journey was worth breaking the rules for but for sheer excitement and adventure, it’s hard to beat Seth and Evan’s magical roadtrip.

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I’m ending the post with a book I’m looking forward to reading.

I always complain about Silvia Violet’s books being thin on the plot but here I go wanting to start on yet another series of hers.

This is the first book of The Theriot Family and it features a Pretty Woman inspired romance. Not a fan of the movie but I’m willing to give the gay version a chance.

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What were you reading this time last year?

(I hope it’s as riveting as Morticia’s book)