Make Like Mountains

Liquid Onyx #2

by B.L. Jones

Four months ago, Rexley Nova exploded into Danger City, fought some villains, saved some people, and became the vigilante known by the media as ‘Wrath’.

Alongside the superpowered friends he grew up with and Danger’s resident hero, Polaris, Rex is doing his best to protect the city and save the world on the regular, while also attempting to curb some of his more violent tendencies and figure out what the villainous group of Mages he’s been fighting are up to.

Through all this, Rex has to contend with his feelings for two men; Damon, a dangerous and aloof superhero, the one person who understands what being a vigilante means to Rex, and Jamie, his best friend’s older brother who he’s felt an intense connection with almost his entire life.

Rex battles violent superhumans, saves snarky children, gets himself a sidekick, deals with his extremely weird family, goes on a disastrous date, and continues to fistfight his own anxiety.

Genres: M M Romance

Unknown Binding

Published June 6, 2023

Reviews

[Elley Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh God, my heart. I think I need a little break before starting book 3, I can already tell it's going to wreck me.

Okay, it's been a few days and I still am reeling from this, and I'm scared to pick up book three (Drowning in Danger) because I know whichever direction it goes, it's going to break my heart. I'm reading some fluff and nonsense first to create a crash landing pad for book three, haha.

ANYWAY. I 110% loved this book. It helped that I already knew what I was getting into from having read book one (which, by the way, if you haven't read Novas Got Nerve already, go read that first or you will be totally lost and confused in this book - even more than the usual confusion Rex and his wacky family cause). I AM SO TORN, because I love Rex with Jamie but I ALSO love Rex with Damon. NOOOOOOO.... I was completely Team Jamie in book one, but in this book I really came to understand and like Damon (and like Damon for Rex as well). At one point Rex describes them/ his feelings toward them like comparing fire and lightning:

"Maybe they both burn, but they don't burn the same way or for the same reason."

*swoony sigh* ALSO, while this book is still Not-A-Romance (see Note below), there are some hot and heavy smexytimes scenes in this one - so those of you coming at this as a superhero sci-fi novel and NOT directed here from Romancelandia, you are forewarned! (Also, SO HOT, all the chili peppers, YES.) I once again adore our dark little disaster Rex, and really enjoy his family (both blood and found) -- and am terrified of what book three, Drowning in Danger is going to bring.

This is book two in the Liquid Onyx series, and the series must be read in order.

*Note: There's a warning in the forward with some content warnings, and it notes "there is no HFN or HEA." I picked this up as part of a romance promo, and IN MY OPINION it's not a romance if it doesn't have an HFN or HEA. There are 3 books in this series out (so far) and I haven't read book 3 yet, but it ALSO states to HFN or HEA in the foreword - so unless there's another book that DOES end happily, this really isn't a romance. It's sci-fi with heavy romance plotlines. Romantic sci-fi? Regardless, it's still awesome - just be warned it's NOT an HEA romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.

Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the Liquid Onyx series, and needs to be read as part of the series, it's not a standalone.

This is the continuing adventure of Rexley Nova and his group of friends, and more specifically the evolution of his relationship with Polaris aka Damon North. There's also the continuing thread of the threat posed by the mages, and that story is advanced somewhat too, adding in the POV of Mia, who is the cause of all that misery. This is really centred on Nova though, and it was good to be back in that world BL Jones created. It took me a while in the first book to get used to the randomness that Nova comes out with, and it's possibly slightly toned down here but it's actually super fun, especially in his interactions with Damon. I loved the evolution of their relationship, but I fear one person is heading for heartbreak, and it might be poor Jamie Moon. Nova and Jamie's relationship is complex, and while it might be platonic for Nova, I don't think it is for Jamie.

I loved seeing how Nova changed over the course of the book, opening up to Damon more, and not hiding that he was training Jatin shows real character development, and I'm here for it. The whole book though felt like a setup for what's to come, as I kept waiting for that one big event like the park concert, but it never happened. This was a nice build up though, and I know things will come to a head, and I can't wait to see it.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.5 stars

The penguin of doom that is Rexley Nova is back in the second book of the Liquid Onyx series. Picking up only a few months after the first, Rex is coming to terms with his feelings for Damon. Ever since that horrible, wonderful, tempestuous kiss in the training room, Rex doesn’t know what to do with his crush. So, he follows Damon around like a puppy — or rather, Wrath does, trailing behind Polaris as the two superheroes in their superhero identities patrol the city.

The book isn’t bad. It’s well written and the author does decent banter. If you enjoyed the first, you’ll probably enjoy this one, but this book just didn’t catch me.

Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Second part of a series in a really interesting world. The slow burn relationship between Rex and Damon is quite charming and I love the dialogue. The mental health struggles are sensitively written. I didn't find this second book quite as funny or captivating as the first but am definitely looking forward to the next part.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make Like Mountains is the second book in the Liquid Onyx series. In my opinion this series is best read in order. We are back with Rex and the gang for more adventures. I really think this book is better than the first one. Rex or Wrath as he is called is caught between liking two guys, Damon aka Polaris a fellow superhero vigilante and Jamie his best friends brother. I loved watching Rex grow and learn more about himself. I love the world building and character development that BL Jones puts into this story. I'm not sure who I want Rex to end up with because both guys offer something different for him. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of the Liquid Onyx series and the main character, Rex Nova, is settling into his new role as a superhero, helping to patrol Danger City with Damon North, and his best friends Caleb, Mei and Tate, who have all been doing it for a lot longer than him. Rex has now got his own superhero costume and is known by the press as Wrath. He has allowed himself to be far more involved with those he has saved, than he should be, following one couple home every night, or waiting to see they get hoe okay after saving the man from a mafia beat down one night. Rex’s relationship with Damon is getting ever closer, even if he refuses to call it a romantic relationship to begin with. He wants to talk things over with Jamie, his best friend Caleb’s older brother, but he is off on another long term undercover job. His connection to Jamie has been one he has relied upon for most of his life, but the sudden sexual attraction he feels towards Damon has him scared and excited, all at the same time. He hasn’t much experience, being brought up as he has and can’t exactly have a relationship with a civilian, as they call normal people, without hiding exactly what he truly is! That sort of life wouldn’t be easy and with how his mind and mouth often work against each other, it would be a dangerous one as well! A great set of characters faced with a life forced upon them by the actions of his father and now working with the very person who killed his father.

He does get to know more about Damon and his Polaris alter ego, learning about all the things he does when he isn’t working and on patrol, which is not exactly much time, since he patrols every night he can! He feels responsible for the city and has done so since he was about ten, far too young and not exactly trained for it at the time. Rex is the first to realise that the mages have a particular target in mind, as another attack occurs in a shopping centre. They have no leads on where they are located nor who their leader is. They don’t seem to be connected to Obsidian Inc., which is a bit of a surprise. Damon forces Rex to go against his natural violent tendencies and lack of feeling about killing when given no other choice, always preferring to leave the enemy alive and captured, rather than taking life. Rex still has the base psychiatrist to contend with as these situations continue and his relationship with Damon gets very noticeable to one and all and is no longer the secret he thought it was. A night out with Jamie gets cancelled due to Caleb having a meltdown as he and Mei breakup yet again, then Rex is actually asked out for a drink by Damon, which his brain refuses to believe is a date, no matter what others say to him. He is someone with untold power and saves people on a daily basis, but can’t choose what socks to wear when his brain begins to panic that it is a date!

He gets himself more involved in Damon’s secret life helping others, but not as Polaris, allowing civilians to see who he really is under his mask. Rex soon finds himself with a sidekick, a young teenager who refuses to stay at home and worries his mother no end, having to be rescued from a gang attacking civilians, which he had been pulled into no matter how much his mother tried to keep him out of it! After Polaris and Rex allowed him to go home, rather than be taken in with the rest of the gang, he attaches himself to Rex, following him whenever he is on patrol and wanting to do what Wrath does, with no training whatsoever. He has to make a deal with the kid and his mother, none of which goes down well with Damon. Even the long stressed about date soon becomes so much more as they get called into work on their day off! Caleb and Mei have come to a huge decision and it makes life very uncomfortable for the rest of them. Jamie is hiding his hurt at Rex’s decisions on the romance front, which is such a shame. Rex and Damon soon have a tip off about a hidden Obsidian Inc. lab location, where they seem to be experimenting on homeless people who wouldn’t normally be noticed if they go missing! The ‘Make Like Mountains’ is a phrase that is explained in book one and makes more sense if you have read that one as well. Rex has his usual anxieties to overcome as well as his weird and wonderful turn of phrase as his mind allows him to come up with some absolute belters of nonsensical rubbish that only he truly understands. Damon however, is catching on quickly to his quirks. Lots of fun throughout, as these young superheroes have to fight against evil and the criminals in Danger City, and deal with the relationships between them and their families.

I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[E · Rating 2 out of 5]

STILL NOT MY CUPPA

I actually claimed an ARC of this first on Booksprout because this was what originally caught my eye. My desire to read this was why I picked up an ARC of the first book too, but try as I might, I really could not get with the all-over-the-place writing style and the equally-directionless storytelling. I quickly got the impression that I wasn’t the target age group (the tone of it was definitely for a much younger audience and generation— I honestly thought this was aimed at more adult audiences), and the almost non-existent romance there (despite it being labelled “romance”) really killed any enthusiasm I had for this one as well, so…

The pace has definitely picked up here, and there is more superhero-ing (finally) and yes, a bit more romance, which I really think I could have loved if only I liked the MC at all and the way the whole story was executed. But since there isn’t a HEA or even a HFA, this just doesn’t bring me any ounce of satisfaction at all (I soak up MM romance, well, for the romance, after all). Perhaps reading the first book and letting it drain the life out of me wasn’t the best set-up to get into the right mindset for this (since I am still reeling from how borderline traumatising it was for me to get through that one). Maybe someday, I’ll get the itch to read this again and will be able to appreciate it better then? I don’t know. All I know is that right now, I just am not feeling this – it’s just not my cuppa. (Sorry.)

If you’re within the young adult age range, you’ll probably be able to appreciate this better. So, based on Goodreads’ rating criteria: I didn’t hate it as much as I did the first book, but I didn’t like nor enjoy it either, so… 2 stars for “It was OK.”

[Melissa Tarrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I don't even know where to begin! This book is SO phenomenal! Miles better than the first one which is always incredibly hard to do when the first one was really good to start with.

The banter and the snark and the feeeeeeels between Rex and Damon. And the staring.... can't forget the staring. The fact that Damon is coming so far out of his shell and is actually being a real person is so heartwarming.

The like one (can you believe how much the author DEPRIVED us of the goodness) Spicy scene is so freaking hot (and I know, I know, good things come to those who wait). I cannot wait to see what actual spice comes along when they finally get a chance to actually BE together is going to the like.

And the ending! OMG first of all, why yayyyyy the cliffhanger of doom? Cause it reels in the readers? Check, done, agreed. You sucked me in haha. But that last line! I see you Nova. OH GOSH I got such chills from that! It was an EPIC ending for the book.

Gotta say I absolutely can't wait for the next one. To find out if Rex and Damon actually get to be together. To see them both grow together as people and supers (and come on Rex, you got feelings you gotta own up to man, not just all your jazz about Damon but to deal with Jamie too). Looking forward to it so much!

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make Like Mountains begins when Novas Got Nerve ends. Rexley Nova now has his own superpowered name, Wrath and is working with members of his family to keep Danger City safe. He is attracted to two men – Polaris, Danger’s resident hero, and Jamie, his best friend’s older brother. At the same time, he is working to control his violent tendencies, keep his anxiety in check, save some friends and work with a new sidekick.

We certainly get to know Rex much better in Make Like Mountains. We do not know exactly what makes him tick as Rex is not sure of that either. He does have a big heart which he tries to hide and resolves to help wherever he can. Our hearts break for the superheroes as they strive to do good but have to also try to unbreak themselves. I did like the first book better but this one gives us insight into Rex and his friends. I look forward to the next book and hopefully more action.

[Jem Wendel · Rating 5 out of 5]

After my almost review of the first in this series - Nova's Got Nerve, I promised a proper review of Make Like Mountains.
But then I read it.
Something about BL Jones's writing vibrates at a resonance that gets under my skin and leaves me with the feeling that I have gone out of the house and left the iron on, knowing full well I don't even own an iron.
I tried to analyse it which was probably not a good idea. I felt too much like Rexley Nova, and yet I am nothing like Rexley. Did I want to be Rexley? Heck even Rexley doesn't want to be Rexley. And yet being in his head both sends me off kilter and feels like home.
There will always be a corner of my heart reserved for the little oddster but don't tell him that - tell him I like Roux best instead.
I need more and cannot wait for book 3.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Liquid Onyx series is amazing!
There is so much to love about it and its' characters.
Plus the dialogue is snappy, snippy and humorous...when the heroes aren't fighting for their lives.

B.L. has created a world in which the villains are so single minded in their greed and 'power drives,' that they are beyond evil. They have lost all semblance to humanity.

Contrast that to the heroes who are so in touch with their mission of ridding Danger City and the world of evil. They do so knowing their lives may be cut short by the very blood flowing through their veins.

You definitely will want to read the series from the beginning.
There may be an HEA somewhere in the future, but it isn't here yet.

I received an ARC from GRR. This series could be a Movie in our future. We can only hope.

[Susan Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

So far I've only read this book in the onyx series but I've also read the the series with Leo and Jack. Of course now I can't remember the name of the company they work for. Leo is Rex's cousin. So this particular book is Damon and Rex's story. Damon and Rex have gotten super powers from some lab experiment that Obsidian Inc started injecting into people. Some of those who were affected are using their powers for good. Damon and Rex are friends but want something more. I really love these characters. The writing is really good and keeps my interest. I enjoyed the world building and slow moving relationship between the two main characters. I went back and bought the rest of the series. I really should have started at book 1 but I dove into book 2 and was not disappointed. Excited to read rest of series!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm torn about how to rate and review this book. There's a lot in it that I really liked. I thought the growing romantic relationship between Rex and Damon and its conflict with Rex's feelings for Jamie (and/or Jamie's feelings for him) was handled very well. But I also spent a lot of the book wondering when something big was going to happen... and it never did. I realize that the main plot lines won't be wrapped up until the end of the... trilogy, I'm guessing... but even so, I didn't find the ending of this book satisfying. I'll still look forward to reading what comes next, though!

My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for an advance copy of this book.

[Juniper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, Rex. How you feel about this story is going to be closely related to how you feel about its central character, who’s made an Olympic level sport of the “glittering facade to mask internal turmoil.” It’s easy to be drawn in by Rex, and to be frustrated by him— to empathize and yet want better for (and sometimes from) him. The banter is, as in the previous book, on point in this one, Rex remains desperately interesting, and while anyone who isn’t Rex seems to fade, at times, into the background, the threads of feelings and the relationship tangles between Rex and Damon and Rex and Jamie are worth teasing out. This book feels much more character than plot driven, and given the power of Rex as a character, that makes sense.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Review Copy of this book.

3.5 stars

I like the humor that Rexley has in the story. His inner monologues (and sometimes not so inner thoughts) are hilarious. But this story felt too much like a transition piece setting up for the next book. I was waiting for something to come from certain elements of the story, and I'm still waiting. Lots of tension that just hasn't been resolved or dealt with.

*You really need to read the previous book before you read this one. Also, this book has a TBC ending (not enough to be a cliffhanger, but no real conclusion).

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only complaint for the first book in this series was that I thought it was a bit long and could use a bit of trimming. This book is better in that regard. Rex and his friends and family continue to try to find out why the group of mages has been attacking people and we all learn more about that as well as more background stuff. BL Jones cleverly weaves all this together with the relationships that Rex has with various characters. Rex is a bit less snarky in this volume but don’t worry there is still lots of snark to go around. If I had to type cast it I would say realistic superheroes as none of them are perfect when you get to know them, but it makes a more interesting story.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adventure, continues! Rex, is finding his way professionally and personally. He is honing his skills, making friends. He is doing a bang up job fighting super heros and he gets a sidekick! Trying to work through anger issues along with fighting supes can be draining. A good superhero story having conflicts come at you 360 can make you better. The author does an excelleng job, bringing it to our supes. Excellent supportive friends and crazy family. This story enhances the first story and sets you up for the third. Well done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading the second book in the Liquid Onyx series, and I have to say it's just as great as the first! The author did an amazing job of developing Damon and Rex's relationship, and I loved seeing how Rex handles his feelings for Jamie. The whole team is still using their superpowers to fight evil in the world, and it's so exciting to follow their adventures. I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series!

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me first say that I enjoyed this book, the follow-up to Nova's Got Nerve, but it was a bit slow in spots for me. It's more about relationship and team-building, and Rex coming to terms with and controlling his power, and less about action. It's a good book, just not much adrenaline rush. I am still looking forward to the next book. (Note: You definitely need to read Nova's Got Nerve before this book.)

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Kelsey Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5 stars! This is the second book in the Liquid Onyx series by B.L. Jones. This is NOT a standalone and I higher recommend reading Nova's Got Nerve first. This book is amazing but like why am I crying so much!?!?!? I want all the HEAs and like there isn't one. SOB. That said, this story is enthralling and kept me pulled in from page one. I need to get to the end of this series and beg on hands and knees for a HEA by the conclusion.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the series and must be read in order. This one starts about 4 months after the end of the first. It tells of Rex and his friends as they try to battle the bad guys. Also the relationship between Rex and Damon is changing. Loving the world building, action and interaction between everyone. Cannot wait to read the next book.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great addition to the series which definitely needs to be read in order to really understand the story, I thought this was slightly better than book one, the character and world building is continuing and the snark and banter continues as the overall storyline develops, really looking forward to book three.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the first book in the series before you read this one. It's really important!! Having said that, I loved the continuation of the story from book one. It's interesting to see someone in love with someone, but doesn't feel completed without an additional person. The story itself kept me completely entranced, and I can hardly wait for the third book. Great book!

[Soumets et' Obéir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is addicting! Book 2 has Rex adopting a superhero name ’Wrath’. Projecting the city of Danger and attempting to keep the world safe from evil doers.

Rex has feelings for two men, Damon and Jamie, and we are along for the ride to see how these relationships develop.

Definitely needs to be read in order.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wild mix of superhero tropes such as fighting villains with super powers, rescuing innocent civilians, building a team and finding a sidekick mixed with the interesting relationship among Rex, Damon and Jamie.

[Reatha Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great addition to the series. I grew up a nerd and loves comics and this is a really fun twist on them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Readingbks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this amazing series! The twist and turns keep coming. Wonderful characters and an amazing story that I read in one sitting! I read an advanced copy of this and this is my unbiased review! Grab this series you will not be disappointed!

[CMLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely incredible follow up to book 1 and keeps you so immersed into the story that you will think you can move to the city. With a family that makes you give them the side eye, a new sidekick, anxiety, and adventure, you will be very happily finding out what happens next.

[Christina Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a continuation of Rex’s story.

Now we have him not only fight super billions but fighting his own heart.

The characters keep getting more intriguing and well rounded as the story gets further in.

Can’t wait for book three.

[Sarah Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the last one. Nova's still in denial about his feeling for Jamie and his relationship with Damon takes some baby steps to fruition.