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Best Men #2
List Me With Your Best Shot
Jack Here’s a suggestion in case you ever find yourself in the predicament of having to watch the guy you’ve been in love with for the past twenty years marry your Stay away from tequila. Actually, just stay away from alcohol altogether. Put the grown-up pants on and just suck it up. Otherwise you might end up literally and figuratively spilling your guts in front of your ex’s best friend, who also happens to be your arch-nemesis. I’ve known and disliked Alastor King since high school, and he’s the last person in the world I want knowing my secret. But instead of using the information to destroy my life, he makes me an a month-long sex rehab, after which time he swears any feelings I have for my best mate will have magically vanished. He thinks I’m too stuck in my ways and all I need to do to get over Trent is to venture out of my comfort zone by completing Alastor’s specially tailored kink list. I figure it’s worth a go, even if the only thing I accomplish is proving Alastor wrong. But I’m not going to let him have all the power—while I’m checking off items on his list, he’s going to be completing one of mine. Fire away. List Me With Your Best Shot is an enemies to lovers, opposites attract, secret fling romantic comedy. It’s the sequel to And the Best Man Ran Away With the Groom but features a new couple and can be read as a standalone.
218 pages, Paperback
Published June 9, 2023
107 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
April 22, 2023
2.25** stars
Well, this was just silly. Like really. The whole situation these two find themselves in as well as Alastor being too forward in their little endeavor for this to be a believable story in any capacity.
I haven’t read the first book but it must’ve gone like this: guy #1 (Xavier) was left at the altar and spends (heartbroken, I guess) his honeymoon (for whatever reason) with the runaway groom’s best friend. Turns out guy #2 (Trent) is not as straight as everybody thought, so they fall in love on this very honeymoon that was not supposed to be theirs and live happily ever after.
To this book: So. Turns out the runaway groom, that’s Jack, left his ex-fiance at the altar because he was actually (and secretly) forever in love with his best friend (you remember Trent, right?). Btw. the scorned ex-fiance (yk, Xavier) also has a best, that’s Alastor —and he hates Jack’s guts. He always did (for whatever reason) and after his stunt even more so. Relatable, I guess.
When Jack drinks himself into oblivion to survive the wedding of his beloved best friend and his ex-fiance he spills his guts (well, literally) to Alastor and Alastor comes up with this amazing plan to get Jack out of his funk. He needs a sex-rehab (yk, to get over Trent). And so the story gets along until it is Alastor himself helping Jack with it. The list he comes up with (or rehab program as he likes to call it) is full of sex-stuff Jack had never tried. Mostly pretty kinky. But to not totally get stomped over by Alastor (and this part I actually really liked) Jack comes up with his own list to get Alastor out of his comfort zone as well. Not sexually but in life.
So these two, still hating the other’s guts, are off to tick off their lists. And I guess you can imagine the rest of the story.
Okay, I really hate to say this, but this book was B A D. It was pretty entertaining in the beginning but as soon as they start having sex it’d gotten weird. And the storytelling was so… well, bad, I think is the best word. Not even the smut was good. The kink was bad and you know what??? The sex scenes I really wanted to see, esp in the beginning, THEY FADED TO BLACK! Ugh! Gawd this could’ve been so hot.
Not to mention all the typos, but other readers pointed that out enough already.I have no idea why I even told you this much about this book. But here you have it. Read it or don’t.
But… on more thing:
So yeah, thanks man. Really needed the reminder, like 2 months after my 37th bday.
Well, this was just silly. Like really. The whole situation these two find themselves in as well as Alastor being too forward in their little endeavor for this to be a believable story in any capacity.
I haven’t read the first book but it must’ve gone like this: guy #1 (Xavier) was left at the altar and spends (heartbroken, I guess) his honeymoon (for whatever reason) with the runaway groom’s best friend. Turns out guy #2 (Trent) is not as straight as everybody thought, so they fall in love on this very honeymoon that was not supposed to be theirs and live happily ever after.
To this book: So. Turns out the runaway groom, that’s Jack, left his ex-fiance at the altar because he was actually (and secretly) forever in love with his best friend (you remember Trent, right?). Btw. the scorned ex-fiance (yk, Xavier) also has a best, that’s Alastor —and he hates Jack’s guts. He always did (for whatever reason) and after his stunt even more so. Relatable, I guess.
When Jack drinks himself into oblivion to survive the wedding of his beloved best friend and his ex-fiance he spills his guts (well, literally) to Alastor and Alastor comes up with this amazing plan to get Jack out of his funk. He needs a sex-rehab (yk, to get over Trent). And so the story gets along until it is Alastor himself helping Jack with it. The list he comes up with (or rehab program as he likes to call it) is full of sex-stuff Jack had never tried. Mostly pretty kinky. But to not totally get stomped over by Alastor (and this part I actually really liked) Jack comes up with his own list to get Alastor out of his comfort zone as well. Not sexually but in life.
So these two, still hating the other’s guts, are off to tick off their lists. And I guess you can imagine the rest of the story.
Okay, I really hate to say this, but this book was B A D. It was pretty entertaining in the beginning but as soon as they start having sex it’d gotten weird. And the storytelling was so… well, bad, I think is the best word. Not even the smut was good. The kink was bad and you know what??? The sex scenes I really wanted to see, esp in the beginning, THEY FADED TO BLACK! Ugh! Gawd this could’ve been so hot.
Not to mention all the typos, but other readers pointed that out enough already.I have no idea why I even told you this much about this book. But here you have it. Read it or don’t.
But… on more thing:
Thirty-seven is such a nothing birthday. It’s the birthday that puts you squarely in the ‘late thirties’ category rather than the ‘mid-thirties’ one.
So yeah, thanks man. Really needed the reminder, like 2 months after my 37th bday.
April 23, 2023
Not as entertaining as the first one, that’s for sure (and that wasn’t anything to write home about either) . I was curious about the beginning and I ended up reading the whole book because I really wanted to see how will they get from mortal enemies to lovers. The answer was “suddenly “.The beginning was enjoyable but then they started to have sex and OMG, Jack didn’t need rehab with sex he needed rehab FROM sex because damn, I was worried for his ass . I mean there isn’t a single page without sex on it and I don’t think it’s an exaggeration. They did it ALL the time and anywhere and Jack just couldn’t get enough. I mean, I don’t think that it’s physically possible to have 3 more poundings after a fisting. And then in the morning another. I skipped pages and pages of “more more “ and “harder harder” . There were also BDSM elements used carelessly, the guys were both pretty unlikable and the “conflict “ at the end was ….bad. I didn’t like this book very much, sorry.
April 23, 2023
This just felt so rushed and unfinished.
The whole book was full of spelling errors, which usually I can overlook, but it was like every chapter as if no one had proof read it?
The formatting was weird too, there were no breaks between paragraphs but then all of a sudden its days later and you don't realise because it was continuous flow - it throws you out of the story because you're trying to figure out when exactly the timeline moved.
Disappointing because I'm such a fan of the Love and Luck series but the last few releases have clearly been rushed and felt like they'd been written by a completely different author.
The characters were really flat again, their only personality trait was having sex with each other! There were no real conversations about anything between them and it felt more like frenemies with benefits than a relationship, even at the end I wasn't convinced. They were marginally better than Trent and Xavier, but seeing as I thought they were like cardboard cutouts I'm not sure this is much better.
All honesty I'd much rather wait for a book than have them super rushed, full of errors and read characters who are barely two dimensional - I really wish author's didn't feel under such pressure to rush books out.
Edited to add: for a book where the premise is having lists for each other, the reader never gets to see the lists, nor do we get to see if they're actually achieving anything so it all seems a bit pointless.
The whole book was full of spelling errors, which usually I can overlook, but it was like every chapter as if no one had proof read it?
The formatting was weird too, there were no breaks between paragraphs but then all of a sudden its days later and you don't realise because it was continuous flow - it throws you out of the story because you're trying to figure out when exactly the timeline moved.
Disappointing because I'm such a fan of the Love and Luck series but the last few releases have clearly been rushed and felt like they'd been written by a completely different author.
The characters were really flat again, their only personality trait was having sex with each other! There were no real conversations about anything between them and it felt more like frenemies with benefits than a relationship, even at the end I wasn't convinced. They were marginally better than Trent and Xavier, but seeing as I thought they were like cardboard cutouts I'm not sure this is much better.
All honesty I'd much rather wait for a book than have them super rushed, full of errors and read characters who are barely two dimensional - I really wish author's didn't feel under such pressure to rush books out.
Edited to add: for a book where the premise is having lists for each other, the reader never gets to see the lists, nor do we get to see if they're actually achieving anything so it all seems a bit pointless.
April 30, 2023
3 okay star!! 💕 Alastor and Jack’s story was surprisingly kinky with hints of BDSM.. 😱 Not being used to this kind of book from this author threw me off a little.. but overall it was a mix of absurdity, humor and kink. There wasn’t much to the story.. mostly a continuation of the aftermath of Jack dumping Xavier at the altar.. the first book was about Jack’s best friend Trent consoling Xavier and then the two of them falling in love, this book picks up 2 years after said incident where now Trent and Xavier are getting married. Jack is having a hard time dealing with it, because apparently it’s not Xavier he wants but Trent. 😉 In comes Alastor, Xavier’s BFF, gay player and Jack’s nemesis .. who for reasons unknown decides to help Jack get over Trent.. and what happens next is a weird kinky hate to love romance between them that’s both hot and absurd to read. 🤷♀️
Not the best from this author.. I have loved her Goode series and the first few books of the Love and Luck series.. 😍 This is average.. but a quick read.. Recommended to fans of Ms. Olsen 👍🏻👍🏻
Not the best from this author.. I have loved her Goode series and the first few books of the Love and Luck series.. 😍 This is average.. but a quick read.. Recommended to fans of Ms. Olsen 👍🏻👍🏻
April 17, 2023
typos galore
Gosh I love Isla’s stories and characters but this book was not proofread for basic stuff like missing letters and the formatting resulted in hyphens mid word everywhere. Do better.
Gosh I love Isla’s stories and characters but this book was not proofread for basic stuff like missing letters and the formatting resulted in hyphens mid word everywhere. Do better.
April 26, 2023
Update: The author replied on Instagram that the correct version is now on Amazon, so hopefully future readings will have better editing. So I'll rec this book to y'all 🔥.
I love the premise of the story on "lists", the banter b/w Jack & Alastor, the book gave kinkiness with a rom-com vibe! It has emotional moments that I adored. BUT & it's a big BUT, it had so many typos. Gosh, I'm good with ignoring them most of the time but this book NEEDS an editing. So sadly, I'm knocking off a star.
I'd also not known this book had been related to the "best man ran away with the groom" (I'd wanted to read that one but reviews refrained me from them, still interested in that tho, will read sometime) as I'd dived into this by just finding & reading the blurb.
I love the premise of the story on "lists", the banter b/w Jack & Alastor, the book gave kinkiness with a rom-com vibe! It has emotional moments that I adored. BUT & it's a big BUT, it had so many typos. Gosh, I'm good with ignoring them most of the time but this book NEEDS an editing. So sadly, I'm knocking off a star.
I'd also not known this book had been related to the "best man ran away with the groom" (I'd wanted to read that one but reviews refrained me from them, still interested in that tho, will read sometime) as I'd dived into this by just finding & reading the blurb.
April 17, 2023
too many typos
The plot of this book was great and I really enjoyed it. However, there were a ton of typos and formatting errors that detracted from the book. Every time I was getting sucked into the plot another error would take me right back out. I would give this book five stars if it was thoroughly edited.
The plot of this book was great and I really enjoyed it. However, there were a ton of typos and formatting errors that detracted from the book. Every time I was getting sucked into the plot another error would take me right back out. I would give this book five stars if it was thoroughly edited.
April 27, 2023
DNF at 30%
Not even as slightly fun like the previous book.
Boring and ridiculous.
Not for me.
Not even as slightly fun like the previous book.
Boring and ridiculous.
Not for me.
November 19, 2023
I really enjoy books by isla Olsen. I’m a big fan of enemies to lovers and these two certainly started out hating each other. After reading the first book I couldn’t stand Jack. I grew to care about him in this book.
April 17, 2023
This author is hit and miss for me. Unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of this one.
Liked the MCs well enough but I didn't enjoy:
- The kink (nothing against it just doesn't do it for me).
- The author's dislike of condoms. Especially the first time Jack + Alastor have penatrative sex (they are at a group sex party. Jack has witnessed Alastor get a BJ from one guy and having anal sex with another). The whole time reading all I could think was I really hope he at least washed his d!ck before finding Jack in the bathroom.
- They went from enemies to f buddies to being in love but I didn't feel it. I get they had great chemistry but I wasn't really buying they were in love.
- Unresolved issues between Jack and his parents.
Liked the MCs well enough but I didn't enjoy:
- The kink (nothing against it just doesn't do it for me).
- The author's dislike of condoms. Especially the first time Jack + Alastor have penatrative sex (they are at a group sex party. Jack has witnessed Alastor get a BJ from one guy and having anal sex with another). The whole time reading all I could think was I really hope he at least washed his d!ck before finding Jack in the bathroom.
- They went from enemies to f buddies to being in love but I didn't feel it. I get they had great chemistry but I wasn't really buying they were in love.
- Unresolved issues between Jack and his parents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2023
Jack and Alastor hate eachother because Jack ran out on his wedding to Alastors best friend Xavier in book 1.
You don’t need to have read book 1 but events do get mentioned a lot.
It took me a while to warm to Alastor and the overall premise for the book is really quite silly.
This book almost bordered on erotica with the lack of plot beyond the sexual, particular in the second half. Albeit the steamy parts were reasonably good but I’d like to add that a TW or two might have come in handy because I came across one of my no no’s at about 75%. I manger to skim by but do still feel that people should be prepared for certain things.
All round pretty much what I’ve come to expect from this author. A 3 star read.
You don’t need to have read book 1 but events do get mentioned a lot.
It took me a while to warm to Alastor and the overall premise for the book is really quite silly.
This book almost bordered on erotica with the lack of plot beyond the sexual, particular in the second half. Albeit the steamy parts were reasonably good but I’d like to add that a TW or two might have come in handy because I came across one of my no no’s at about 75%. I manger to skim by but do still feel that people should be prepared for certain things.
All round pretty much what I’ve come to expect from this author. A 3 star read.
April 25, 2023
Trigger warning
This book is well-written. If you like enemies to lovers, you might like it.
Here is what you should know: Alastare is pushing Jack sexually out of his comfort zone. There is kink. Also, it pushes consent. I got to page 70, where Alastare barges into the bathroom when Jack tells him no. Jack turns off the light so Alastare won't see him naked. Alastare starts touching him. Jack tells him to stop, not using his safe word. Alastare continues touching him.
That's a hard no for me. As much as I loved the first book, I won't be finishing this one.
This book is well-written. If you like enemies to lovers, you might like it.
Here is what you should know: Alastare is pushing Jack sexually out of his comfort zone. There is kink. Also, it pushes consent. I got to page 70, where Alastare barges into the bathroom when Jack tells him no. Jack turns off the light so Alastare won't see him naked. Alastare starts touching him. Jack tells him to stop, not using his safe word. Alastare continues touching him.
That's a hard no for me. As much as I loved the first book, I won't be finishing this one.
April 19, 2023
it was good…BUT
I enjoyed the story, and I enjoyed the characters in this book… I thought Trent and Xavier story was even better and so I was happy to see those two characters again. However the editing in this book was terrible. I don’t know if there is a new editor if there wasn’t an editor at all I don’t know what happened, but this is not what I normally expect from Isla’s books.
Again the enemies to lovers lovers, with no strings get over your best friend unrequited love story was fabulous… But the editing and the formatting made it harder to get through the normal
I enjoyed the story, and I enjoyed the characters in this book… I thought Trent and Xavier story was even better and so I was happy to see those two characters again. However the editing in this book was terrible. I don’t know if there is a new editor if there wasn’t an editor at all I don’t know what happened, but this is not what I normally expect from Isla’s books.
Again the enemies to lovers lovers, with no strings get over your best friend unrequited love story was fabulous… But the editing and the formatting made it harder to get through the normal
April 15, 2023
Poor Jack, watching your absolute crush get married and totally in love and oblivious must be one of the worse feelings in the world. I guess that was the final trigger point for how his 'enemy' came to find out this information. We see two sides to Alistor; the side that Jack describes as an 'a-hole' but he has a caring side too, not to mention his kinky side. His plan is to get Trent out of Jack's mind for good and to do that he needs to change up his sex life! You are not sure whether he is serious or just winding Jack up with some of his suggestions. The suction toy on the fridge was borderline hilarious! I really wanted Alistor's POV whilst he used it.
The kink adds a great sense of intimacy and the scenes are really really hot.
Snark and humour always makes a fun read and this was bursting with humour. It is a fun and flirty story but there is also an element of seriousness when feelings become involved and as usual there is heartache and wallowing which gives the story more credibility. The kink aspect was really well written, Alistor clearly knows what he is doing and treats Jack with respect and not just as a way of teasing him. It really heightened the scenes and the level of trust just amped up their intimate connection. I really felt the depth of feelings these two found with each other, they are an amazing couple. It's still early on with their relationship, however, a future plan was mentioned and being a true romantic, I know they have a happy ever after ahead of them. I received an advance review copy for free, and Ieaving this review voluntarily.
The kink adds a great sense of intimacy and the scenes are really really hot.
Snark and humour always makes a fun read and this was bursting with humour. It is a fun and flirty story but there is also an element of seriousness when feelings become involved and as usual there is heartache and wallowing which gives the story more credibility. The kink aspect was really well written, Alistor clearly knows what he is doing and treats Jack with respect and not just as a way of teasing him. It really heightened the scenes and the level of trust just amped up their intimate connection. I really felt the depth of feelings these two found with each other, they are an amazing couple. It's still early on with their relationship, however, a future plan was mentioned and being a true romantic, I know they have a happy ever after ahead of them. I received an advance review copy for free, and Ieaving this review voluntarily.
April 17, 2023
What a fun book to read! I've had such a good time with this novel, it's a great enemies to lovers with a lot of animosity and really steamy moments to compensate for it.
Jack and Alastor seem to hate each other, but when Jack gets drunk at his best friend's wedding he spills his truth to Alastor: he is in love with Trent, the best friend getting married. Alastor, out of his good heart, decides to help him with a kink list that, let me tell you, will leave any reader taking notes and going shopping.
I loved the plot and the evolution of their relationship. It all starts off as a fling, something to make Jack forget Trent and that he can move on. But the chemistry between Alastor and him is off the charts. They get addicted to each other because the sex is great, but there is so much more behind their encounters. They repeat all the time they hate each other, but it's quite the opposite. There is understanding, support, trust and so much love.
I really enjoyed this novel, I found it very romantic (yep, I know there is quite a good amount of sex, but who said a kinky list was not the epitome of romance?), a bit emotional and so funny. It's been a great read and I can't wait to read other books by this author.
Jack and Alastor seem to hate each other, but when Jack gets drunk at his best friend's wedding he spills his truth to Alastor: he is in love with Trent, the best friend getting married. Alastor, out of his good heart, decides to help him with a kink list that, let me tell you, will leave any reader taking notes and going shopping.
I loved the plot and the evolution of their relationship. It all starts off as a fling, something to make Jack forget Trent and that he can move on. But the chemistry between Alastor and him is off the charts. They get addicted to each other because the sex is great, but there is so much more behind their encounters. They repeat all the time they hate each other, but it's quite the opposite. There is understanding, support, trust and so much love.
I really enjoyed this novel, I found it very romantic (yep, I know there is quite a good amount of sex, but who said a kinky list was not the epitome of romance?), a bit emotional and so funny. It's been a great read and I can't wait to read other books by this author.
April 16, 2023
5⭐️4.5🌶️
Available April 17!
Holy hell 🥵🥵🥵 Enemies to lovers/enemies AND lovers is one of my favourite tropes and it often doesn’t work in contemporary romance but it does here! They both absolutely have a reason to hate each other and that makes their eventual connection so scorching hot.
Jack is best man at the wedding of his friend (who he is secretly in love with but thought was straight) and his ex-fiancé. He gets messy drunk and confesses to the other best man how he feels and despite hating him, Alastor comes up with a plan. Sxx rehab with a list of naughty things to help Jack get out of his comfort zone and move on. Part of the plan includes setting Jack up with one of his pals, but that spectacularly backfires 🥵💥
This is an interconnected standalone and you can absolutely get into it without having read book 1. It’s fun and I cannot emphasise enough: so damn hot 🔥
I did consider knocking it down half a star because at the 90ish% mark there’s a really dumb miscommunication/breakup and these dudes are both supposed to be 37 but it took about a week for them to finally talk?! It felt really unnecessary but thankfully it was such a minor blip of the book I can mostly overlook it.
I received an advanced copy for review - all opinions are my own.
Available April 17!
Holy hell 🥵🥵🥵 Enemies to lovers/enemies AND lovers is one of my favourite tropes and it often doesn’t work in contemporary romance but it does here! They both absolutely have a reason to hate each other and that makes their eventual connection so scorching hot.
Jack is best man at the wedding of his friend (who he is secretly in love with but thought was straight) and his ex-fiancé. He gets messy drunk and confesses to the other best man how he feels and despite hating him, Alastor comes up with a plan. Sxx rehab with a list of naughty things to help Jack get out of his comfort zone and move on. Part of the plan includes setting Jack up with one of his pals, but that spectacularly backfires 🥵💥
This is an interconnected standalone and you can absolutely get into it without having read book 1. It’s fun and I cannot emphasise enough: so damn hot 🔥
I did consider knocking it down half a star because at the 90ish% mark there’s a really dumb miscommunication/breakup and these dudes are both supposed to be 37 but it took about a week for them to finally talk?! It felt really unnecessary but thankfully it was such a minor blip of the book I can mostly overlook it.
I received an advanced copy for review - all opinions are my own.
May 5, 2023
it was interesting
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2023...
***spoilers little here and there***
This was a cute little book im a keep it short because I don’t have much to say. But what I will say is I did enjoyed this book. I figured that both Alastor and Jake had a thing for each other.
But they had a lot of pent up angry towards each other. In the end glad that they did worked through their issues and stop hating each other for both Trent and Xavier sake…
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2023...
***spoilers little here and there***
This was a cute little book im a keep it short because I don’t have much to say. But what I will say is I did enjoyed this book. I figured that both Alastor and Jake had a thing for each other.
But they had a lot of pent up angry towards each other. In the end glad that they did worked through their issues and stop hating each other for both Trent and Xavier sake…
April 19, 2023
Cute and sweet, but needed editing
I love Isla Olsen's books. Jask and Alastor are a great couple. The idea of their "hook up" was good and the kink ideas were interesting. Somehow their name calling and bickering was cute and sweet. The problem was the lack of editing. This is the first Olsen book where the errors were frequent enough to be distracting. If this is the first of her books you read don't judge the grammar and editing based on this book. You won't be disappointed in other Isla's other books.
I love Isla Olsen's books. Jask and Alastor are a great couple. The idea of their "hook up" was good and the kink ideas were interesting. Somehow their name calling and bickering was cute and sweet. The problem was the lack of editing. This is the first Olsen book where the errors were frequent enough to be distracting. If this is the first of her books you read don't judge the grammar and editing based on this book. You won't be disappointed in other Isla's other books.
April 18, 2023
This book really really needs a proofreader. All the typos, random hyphens, and odd spacing was super distracting from the story. Also, not knowing exactly how Allistor outed Jack when they were teens was confusing since it’s supposed to be such a big plot point. I’m sad because Isla usually writes better than this. Maybe the wrong draft was uploaded to Amazon?
May 22, 2023
3.5 stars
June 5, 2023
List me with your best shot by Isla Olsen Is the second book in the best men series. This is technically a stand alone but it is so much more enjoyable if you have read the first book, And the Best Man Ran Away With the Groom. I absolutely loved this book. It was laugh out loud funny and spicy hot 🌶🌶🌶. I never wanted to put it down and I was a bit sad when it ended because I loved it that much.
The banter from the sisters!!! I love Alastor's sisters they were cracking me up. Isla does such a good job with side characters. Their personality shines through effortlessly without taking up needless time from the main characters. Every time I read one of her books I think that.
Jack has been in love with his best friend Trent for twenty years or so and He gets so drunk he accidentally tells Alastor his harbored secret. Jack and Alastor can't stand each other but Alastor decides to help Jack with his predicament anyways. That's when the fun ensues!!
This really was so freaking good!!
The banter from the sisters!!! I love Alastor's sisters they were cracking me up. Isla does such a good job with side characters. Their personality shines through effortlessly without taking up needless time from the main characters. Every time I read one of her books I think that.
Jack has been in love with his best friend Trent for twenty years or so and He gets so drunk he accidentally tells Alastor his harbored secret. Jack and Alastor can't stand each other but Alastor decides to help Jack with his predicament anyways. That's when the fun ensues!!
This really was so freaking good!!
April 24, 2023
Firstly let me say I got this book from gay romance reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
I think to get the best out of this book you need to read the first book in the series called The best man run away with the Groom.
We are back two years after the big reveal with Trent and Xavier, And they are getting married and the best man for Xav is Alastor and the best man for Trent is Jack. This two have a history. They have not got on for 20 years, Over something that happened when they were in high school and it has not been forgotten when Jack gets extremely drunk after the wedding and throws up all over the beach he lets out a huge secret to Alastor, that he has been in love with his best friend since forever and now he was married he didn’t know what he’s going to do. Alastor gets him up to his room and into bed out of his vomit covered clothes so he doesn’t do something silly. The next morning Jack is not impressed to find myself in bed with Alastor or the fact that he’s told him his secret that he’s kept for so long. And this is where Alastor comes up with a plan well a list to get his mind off of Trent. But will Jack agree to it?? He has come up with a plan of taking him out of his comfort zone and replacing Trent from his fantasies into somebody else. And well let’s be honest it isn’t long until the chemistry between these two explodes and they start hooking up as often as possible but they both think it’s gonna fizzle out before Xavier and Trent come back from their honeymoon in six weeks. But will it??
Wow these two are explosive, And let’s be honest Alastor seriously shows Jack a totally new world which he thrives in. They both find out so much about each other it is like meeting a stranger and learning so much about them and the hate just vanishes. The passion wow seriously off the charts!! This book is seriously hot. But there’s something very enlightening about these two as they get to know each other they have such a strong connection.
just a really Great read can’t wait for book three maybe Stevie?? enjoyed it really hoping there’s another book in the series.
I think to get the best out of this book you need to read the first book in the series called The best man run away with the Groom.
We are back two years after the big reveal with Trent and Xavier, And they are getting married and the best man for Xav is Alastor and the best man for Trent is Jack. This two have a history. They have not got on for 20 years, Over something that happened when they were in high school and it has not been forgotten when Jack gets extremely drunk after the wedding and throws up all over the beach he lets out a huge secret to Alastor, that he has been in love with his best friend since forever and now he was married he didn’t know what he’s going to do. Alastor gets him up to his room and into bed out of his vomit covered clothes so he doesn’t do something silly. The next morning Jack is not impressed to find myself in bed with Alastor or the fact that he’s told him his secret that he’s kept for so long. And this is where Alastor comes up with a plan well a list to get his mind off of Trent. But will Jack agree to it?? He has come up with a plan of taking him out of his comfort zone and replacing Trent from his fantasies into somebody else. And well let’s be honest it isn’t long until the chemistry between these two explodes and they start hooking up as often as possible but they both think it’s gonna fizzle out before Xavier and Trent come back from their honeymoon in six weeks. But will it??
Wow these two are explosive, And let’s be honest Alastor seriously shows Jack a totally new world which he thrives in. They both find out so much about each other it is like meeting a stranger and learning so much about them and the hate just vanishes. The passion wow seriously off the charts!! This book is seriously hot. But there’s something very enlightening about these two as they get to know each other they have such a strong connection.
just a really Great read can’t wait for book three maybe Stevie?? enjoyed it really hoping there’s another book in the series.
April 29, 2023
I have enjoyed everything Isla Olsen has written, and this book is no different.
List Me With Your Best Shot is the follow up to The Best Man Ran Away with the Groom, picking up at Trent and Xavier's wedding. And that's where we get Jack's story beginning - if you read the first book, Jack was the groom that snuck out of a window rather than marrying his fiance, setting off Trent and Xavier falling in love. It turns out, Jack was in love with Trent, his best friend, and felt it was wrong to marry Xavier. But that decision caused Xavier's best friend, Alastor, to hate him. It's a decent set up for a friends to lovers story, especially with some of the added grudge leftover from the past that we learn about later in the book.
Alastor and Jack were both very interesting characters. They both drew me in and I wanted to know more about them. I loved the list idea, though I think that some of the sex-rehab could've been focused a bit more vanilla. Which is difficult because we know Alastor wasn't really into vanilla life. I loved that Jack responded with a list of his own, so that he wasn't the only one being pushed from his comfort zone though. I loved that Jack was always willing to push at Alastor.
I also loved that this book had kink exploration but didn't go full D/s because that dynamic isn't what everyone gets out of kink so it was nice to see kink without D/s aspects explored.
That said - I didn't get the love vibe from them. I got the falling in love vibe, sure, but it didn't hit as fully there. I firmly believe that by the epilogue, they are settling into a happily ever after though. I think they just needed some time to fully get there. But I loved the slow progression along the way. (Not slow progression in the sexual sense because they nose dived into that quite quickly and I didn't hate that at all.)
I also have to say that this is the spiciest Isla Olsen book I've read - and I've read them all. So yeah, keep that in mind.
** CONTENT WARNINGS: ** Kink exploration, CBT, fisting, and overbearing parents.
List Me With Your Best Shot is the follow up to The Best Man Ran Away with the Groom, picking up at Trent and Xavier's wedding. And that's where we get Jack's story beginning - if you read the first book, Jack was the groom that snuck out of a window rather than marrying his fiance, setting off Trent and Xavier falling in love. It turns out, Jack was in love with Trent, his best friend, and felt it was wrong to marry Xavier. But that decision caused Xavier's best friend, Alastor, to hate him. It's a decent set up for a friends to lovers story, especially with some of the added grudge leftover from the past that we learn about later in the book.
Alastor and Jack were both very interesting characters. They both drew me in and I wanted to know more about them. I loved the list idea, though I think that some of the sex-rehab could've been focused a bit more vanilla. Which is difficult because we know Alastor wasn't really into vanilla life. I loved that Jack responded with a list of his own, so that he wasn't the only one being pushed from his comfort zone though. I loved that Jack was always willing to push at Alastor.
I also loved that this book had kink exploration but didn't go full D/s because that dynamic isn't what everyone gets out of kink so it was nice to see kink without D/s aspects explored.
That said - I didn't get the love vibe from them. I got the falling in love vibe, sure, but it didn't hit as fully there. I firmly believe that by the epilogue, they are settling into a happily ever after though. I think they just needed some time to fully get there. But I loved the slow progression along the way. (Not slow progression in the sexual sense because they nose dived into that quite quickly and I didn't hate that at all.)
I also have to say that this is the spiciest Isla Olsen book I've read - and I've read them all. So yeah, keep that in mind.
** CONTENT WARNINGS: ** Kink exploration, CBT, fisting, and overbearing parents.
May 24, 2023
This was an okay story with lots of spice with two stubborn characters who fall for the one person who they never would have expected. This was my first book by Isla Olsen and if this series continues, I may not finish but I would for sure read her again. You'll get enemies to lovers, I hate you while I wanna kiss you vibes, with lots of kinks and BDSM elements wrapped up in a secret enemies with bene's situation.
I did not read the first book And the Best Man Ran Away With the Groom and at the time of reading this book I did want to but now that I've finished, I am okay with not. This is Jack and Alastor's story, these guys that can't stand each other yet can't stop getting it on. Their friends just got hitched (Trent and Xaiver) and Jack is the ex and the man who dumped Xaiver at the alter in the first book. Alastor is Xavier's best friend and best man for this current wedding LOL and Jack is Trent's bestie and also best man at the wedding but allllsssooooo is in love with Trent. Some drama and pining in here for sure. Once Alastor finds out about Jacks secret through means of too many drinks consumed by Jack instead of using it as ammunition, he uses it as a way to help Jack get over Trent, by listing and checking off all the sexual things Jack has not done in some form of rehab....I mean it does seem like a good way to get Jack's mind off of a man he cannot have, sex is very distracting. And honestly, I liked the premise, but some things just fell short for me. The beginning was good, but there were a few fade to black scenes for no apparent reason since this book with full of steam. There were two scenes in particular that were off page that I think really hurt the beginning and the buildup to Jack and Alastor actually getting comfortable and maybe even trusting each other (to an extent). It was frustrating. I also thought the buildup to Alastor's special friends parties were a big letdown. It was one scene and as a whole it could have been crazy hot when it was just eh. The last bit sure yeah was good between our two MC's for their first time but again I just expected more as a whole there. And I honestly had no idea what Jack looked like through this entire book. I want to be able to imagine my MC's and Jack was a blank face adly.
I did enjoy their chemistry and by the middle I was definitely routing for them. I loved how drawn they were to each other sexually and also how they both brought new things out in each other. This was more high heat which i LOVED but there were just some scenes that felt a bit too much, like unlikeness in the real world. I don't judge on that too much since we are here to read fiction and enjoy the sexy times.
I will most likely ready Isla again and whether this story was perfect or not I still read it fairly quickly and wanted to see their HEA. True to the heat of the story they were handsy and sexy right up till the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by Gay Romance Reviews.
I did not read the first book And the Best Man Ran Away With the Groom and at the time of reading this book I did want to but now that I've finished, I am okay with not. This is Jack and Alastor's story, these guys that can't stand each other yet can't stop getting it on. Their friends just got hitched (Trent and Xaiver) and Jack is the ex and the man who dumped Xaiver at the alter in the first book. Alastor is Xavier's best friend and best man for this current wedding LOL and Jack is Trent's bestie and also best man at the wedding but allllsssooooo is in love with Trent. Some drama and pining in here for sure. Once Alastor finds out about Jacks secret through means of too many drinks consumed by Jack instead of using it as ammunition, he uses it as a way to help Jack get over Trent, by listing and checking off all the sexual things Jack has not done in some form of rehab....I mean it does seem like a good way to get Jack's mind off of a man he cannot have, sex is very distracting. And honestly, I liked the premise, but some things just fell short for me. The beginning was good, but there were a few fade to black scenes for no apparent reason since this book with full of steam. There were two scenes in particular that were off page that I think really hurt the beginning and the buildup to Jack and Alastor actually getting comfortable and maybe even trusting each other (to an extent). It was frustrating. I also thought the buildup to Alastor's special friends parties were a big letdown. It was one scene and as a whole it could have been crazy hot when it was just eh. The last bit sure yeah was good between our two MC's for their first time but again I just expected more as a whole there. And I honestly had no idea what Jack looked like through this entire book. I want to be able to imagine my MC's and Jack was a blank face adly.
I did enjoy their chemistry and by the middle I was definitely routing for them. I loved how drawn they were to each other sexually and also how they both brought new things out in each other. This was more high heat which i LOVED but there were just some scenes that felt a bit too much, like unlikeness in the real world. I don't judge on that too much since we are here to read fiction and enjoy the sexy times.
I will most likely ready Isla again and whether this story was perfect or not I still read it fairly quickly and wanted to see their HEA. True to the heat of the story they were handsy and sexy right up till the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by Gay Romance Reviews.
June 8, 2024
old post reposted
Ignoring reading-responsibilities and reading the second novel in Isla Olsen's Best Men series. Here's "List Me With Your Best Shot."
["Here’s a suggestion in case you ever find yourself in the predicament of having to watch the guy you’ve been in love with for the past twenty years marry your ex-fiance:
Stay away from tequila.
Actually, just stay away from alcohol altogether. Put the grown-up pants on and just suck it up. Otherwise you might end up literally and figuratively spilling your guts in front of your ex’s best friend, who also happens to be your arch-nemesis.
I’ve known and disliked Alastor King since high school, and he’s the last person in the world I want knowing my secret. But instead of using the information to destroy my life, he makes me an a month-long sex rehab, after which time he swears any feelings I have for my best mate will have magically vanished.
He thinks I’m too stuck in my ways and all I need to do to get over Trent is to venture out of my comfort zone by completing Alastor’s specially tailored kink list.
I figure it’s worth a go, even if the only thing I accomplish is proving Alastor wrong. But I’m not going to let him have all the power—while I’m checking off items on his list, he’s going to be completing one of mine.
Fire away."]
Enemies-to-loves? Opposites attract? Secret fling? Rom Com? Novella? Hot as fuck and fluffy, too? Yes, yes, yes, and yes (and yes--and yes).
Also, these two beautiful idiots don't even realize they're in love with each other until it slaps them in the faces--and then the inevitable third-act-break-up where I almost cried. Oh, right: spoiler alert and spoiler alert.
I just...Isla's books are always so fantastic and well-rounded and sweet and hot and... A+++
#listmewithyourbestshot #andthebestmanranawaywiththegroom #bestmen #bestmenseries #islaolsen #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Ignoring reading-responsibilities and reading the second novel in Isla Olsen's Best Men series. Here's "List Me With Your Best Shot."
["Here’s a suggestion in case you ever find yourself in the predicament of having to watch the guy you’ve been in love with for the past twenty years marry your ex-fiance:
Stay away from tequila.
Actually, just stay away from alcohol altogether. Put the grown-up pants on and just suck it up. Otherwise you might end up literally and figuratively spilling your guts in front of your ex’s best friend, who also happens to be your arch-nemesis.
I’ve known and disliked Alastor King since high school, and he’s the last person in the world I want knowing my secret. But instead of using the information to destroy my life, he makes me an a month-long sex rehab, after which time he swears any feelings I have for my best mate will have magically vanished.
He thinks I’m too stuck in my ways and all I need to do to get over Trent is to venture out of my comfort zone by completing Alastor’s specially tailored kink list.
I figure it’s worth a go, even if the only thing I accomplish is proving Alastor wrong. But I’m not going to let him have all the power—while I’m checking off items on his list, he’s going to be completing one of mine.
Fire away."]
Enemies-to-loves? Opposites attract? Secret fling? Rom Com? Novella? Hot as fuck and fluffy, too? Yes, yes, yes, and yes (and yes--and yes).
Also, these two beautiful idiots don't even realize they're in love with each other until it slaps them in the faces--and then the inevitable third-act-break-up where I almost cried. Oh, right: spoiler alert and spoiler alert.
I just...Isla's books are always so fantastic and well-rounded and sweet and hot and... A+++
#listmewithyourbestshot #andthebestmanranawaywiththegroom #bestmen #bestmenseries #islaolsen #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
April 19, 2023
It took me a hot minute to jump back into the world with these characters and remember how eager I was to learn more about Jack after the events on book 1 and his abandoned wedding attempt. I liked how much we got to dig beneath the surface with him, all thanks to Alastor and his plan to help Jack get over his unrequited love. Together they had brilliant chemistry - definitely an enemies to lovers vibe but they were just so funny. Jack's way of levelling the playing field brought about a lot of laughs and the book was full of steamy moments between them. I was initially a bit wary about where this could go when Alastor proudly announces his tastes but I thought it was well written how the pair of them are brought together and how each of them adapt for each other (even when they can't see it happening). My absolute favourite moment has to be the cool gel incident. No spoilers but I was cackling SO much and I had to reread it about 4 times because it was just brilliant.
I know lots of other people have commented about typos and formatting issues but, for me, I've got to take into account that I'm reading an ARC and hopefully by the time it's live this will all be sorted anyway. It's clearly a formatting thing which adds hyphens into words (probably where they initially ran over 2 lines but now no longer do). Is it a bit annoying? Yes. But does it prevent me from enjoying the story? Definitely not. If you like MM romance with enemies to lovers and lots of steam then I'd definitely recommend this book. It helps to read book 1 for context and world building but the two of them could also work as a standalone too. For the chemistry and the laughs I have to rate it 5 stars - I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down!
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I know lots of other people have commented about typos and formatting issues but, for me, I've got to take into account that I'm reading an ARC and hopefully by the time it's live this will all be sorted anyway. It's clearly a formatting thing which adds hyphens into words (probably where they initially ran over 2 lines but now no longer do). Is it a bit annoying? Yes. But does it prevent me from enjoying the story? Definitely not. If you like MM romance with enemies to lovers and lots of steam then I'd definitely recommend this book. It helps to read book 1 for context and world building but the two of them could also work as a standalone too. For the chemistry and the laughs I have to rate it 5 stars - I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down!
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
April 27, 2023
I'm generally a die hard fan of this author's books because they can blend snark, banter, spicy times, and romance all into a short book. But here it felt off for me. And that's not because of the typos and formatting issues, of which there were many, but unless the book is unreadable because of them they are never a reason for a lower rating or poor review. This was purely because there was so much animosity, arrogance, antagonizing, denials, and almost a feel of coercion, that dominated so much of the book before any feels or complicated stuff entered the picture.
There was a family issue with Jack that really should have been a bit more settled, and not just by Alistor's assistance and support later in the book as a sweet aside kind of thing, but by Jack. He needed to find his own inner strength and acceptance. Without that he felt incomplete.
Alistor's deal was more on-page in how he went from needing all the extra to just needing Jack, and that was fine, but again, the actual change was mentioned in an aside from Jack's question rather than really seeing that evolve.
And the confrontations between them with misunderstandings and hurt feelings...those were brushed off with punishingly pleasurable distractions. The biggest frustratingly unsatisfying confrontation was the reunion bit. Initiated by the "wrong" character, and resolved with more spicy time and not given any time to settle. The epilogue was necessary but was also ended so very abruptly.
I should probably give this book only two stars for all those issues, but there were some very sweet moments, the possessive bits, the absolutely incredible spice, and Xavier calling Alastor out, that made me bump it up to a three. It could have been better, it should have been better. I wish it had been what I've come to love and expect.
There was a family issue with Jack that really should have been a bit more settled, and not just by Alistor's assistance and support later in the book as a sweet aside kind of thing, but by Jack. He needed to find his own inner strength and acceptance. Without that he felt incomplete.
Alistor's deal was more on-page in how he went from needing all the extra to just needing Jack, and that was fine, but again, the actual change was mentioned in an aside from Jack's question rather than really seeing that evolve.
And the confrontations between them with misunderstandings and hurt feelings...those were brushed off with punishingly pleasurable distractions. The biggest frustratingly unsatisfying confrontation was the reunion bit. Initiated by the "wrong" character, and resolved with more spicy time and not given any time to settle. The epilogue was necessary but was also ended so very abruptly.
I should probably give this book only two stars for all those issues, but there were some very sweet moments, the possessive bits, the absolutely incredible spice, and Xavier calling Alastor out, that made me bump it up to a three. It could have been better, it should have been better. I wish it had been what I've come to love and expect.
April 18, 2023
📖📖 Review 📖📖
Oh! Jack. Jack. Jack. Jack. Jack. Jack. In the couple of years since he skipped his own wedding he has had to endure watching his best friend, Trent, date and get engaged to his ex fiancé, Xavier. Jack is still in love with his best friend and now he gets to attend their wedding. After getting vomit in the bushes level drunk he wakes up in bed with his mortal enemy, Alastor. Alastor, the best friend of Jack’s ex, learns why Jack left Xavier at the alter when Jack confesses to being in love with Trent.
So, what’s the best way to get over a 20 year unrequited love? Yep, get under someone new and out of your usual comfort zone. Alastor devises a list of sexcapades for Jack with the intention someone else will help Jack. But, Alastor is feeling a little jealous and Jack is feeling a little lust for Alastor. Can they get over the hate they have for each other?
This story is
🤭 hilarious
🥵 HOT! With
🪢 A kink list for
🏄🏻♂️ A surfer and
🤵🏻 A playboy
It was interesting getting to know Jack. I think a piece of the plot was missing in his back story which made his current situation a little off and didn’t develop his arc enough. He is flighty with commitment follow through issues. He is a little lost in his career. Alastor sees a potential opportunity and it’s sort of followed through in the epilogue but felt it could have been done more justice as it is supposed to be his redemption for us. These MCs chemistry is off the charts and their discovery of each other is a lot fun. Who knew a vanilla could really be a masochist 🤷🏻♀️🤭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
😂😂😂
#mmromance #reader #mmnovels #mmromancenovel #queerromance #queernovels #lgbtqromance #lgbtq #bookstagram #bookstagrammer
#arcreviewer #arcreader #islaolsen
Oh! Jack. Jack. Jack. Jack. Jack. Jack. In the couple of years since he skipped his own wedding he has had to endure watching his best friend, Trent, date and get engaged to his ex fiancé, Xavier. Jack is still in love with his best friend and now he gets to attend their wedding. After getting vomit in the bushes level drunk he wakes up in bed with his mortal enemy, Alastor. Alastor, the best friend of Jack’s ex, learns why Jack left Xavier at the alter when Jack confesses to being in love with Trent.
So, what’s the best way to get over a 20 year unrequited love? Yep, get under someone new and out of your usual comfort zone. Alastor devises a list of sexcapades for Jack with the intention someone else will help Jack. But, Alastor is feeling a little jealous and Jack is feeling a little lust for Alastor. Can they get over the hate they have for each other?
This story is
🤭 hilarious
🥵 HOT! With
🪢 A kink list for
🏄🏻♂️ A surfer and
🤵🏻 A playboy
It was interesting getting to know Jack. I think a piece of the plot was missing in his back story which made his current situation a little off and didn’t develop his arc enough. He is flighty with commitment follow through issues. He is a little lost in his career. Alastor sees a potential opportunity and it’s sort of followed through in the epilogue but felt it could have been done more justice as it is supposed to be his redemption for us. These MCs chemistry is off the charts and their discovery of each other is a lot fun. Who knew a vanilla could really be a masochist 🤷🏻♀️🤭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
😂😂😂
#mmromance #reader #mmnovels #mmromancenovel #queerromance #queernovels #lgbtqromance #lgbtq #bookstagram #bookstagrammer
#arcreviewer #arcreader #islaolsen
April 21, 2023
This is SUCH an awesome follow up to And the Best Man Ran Away With the Groom! In the first book, Jack sneaks out the window on his wedding day, leaving his best friend Trent to break the bad news to his fiance Xav. This book takes place a couple of years later at Trent and Xav's wedding, and once again Jack is thrown into close proximity with his nemesis Alastor. This time, though, their story goes a little differently...
The Goodreads blurb made me think Jack was going to actual sex rehab to recover from a sex addiction, and that is NOT what this is at all. Instead, Alastor suggests Jack crossing off a pretty extensive kink list to shake up him out of his (pretty vanilla) rut he's been in for the past 20 years, which he guarantees will help Jack move on from his ill-fated love. These guys HATE each other, and it's SO wonderful watching them go from "I wouldn't bang you if we were the last two people on earth" to ... well, you'll see. ;)
I did knock off a star purely because there are a lot of typos that there's really no excuse to not have cleaned up before publication. Like at one point, Alastor's name is misprinted as "Ulster." Come on, man.
This is the second book in the Best Men series, and the first book (And the Best Man Ran Away With the Groom) should really be read before this one for the best effect.
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
The Goodreads blurb made me think Jack was going to actual sex rehab to recover from a sex addiction, and that is NOT what this is at all. Instead, Alastor suggests Jack crossing off a pretty extensive kink list to shake up him out of his (pretty vanilla) rut he's been in for the past 20 years, which he guarantees will help Jack move on from his ill-fated love. These guys HATE each other, and it's SO wonderful watching them go from "I wouldn't bang you if we were the last two people on earth" to ... well, you'll see. ;)
I did knock off a star purely because there are a lot of typos that there's really no excuse to not have cleaned up before publication. Like at one point, Alastor's name is misprinted as "Ulster." Come on, man.
This is the second book in the Best Men series, and the first book (And the Best Man Ran Away With the Groom) should really be read before this one for the best effect.
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
April 28, 2023
Three and a half stars
I didn't like Jack much after his behaviour in And the Best Man Ran Away With the Groom, and Alastor wasn't really in that enough to form an opinion about him, but I wanted to read this one to see where Isla would take them.
Honestly, this book was one long sex scene with no story but that didn't bother me. I grew to love Jack as I learned more about him, and he certainly wasn't quite the villain everybody painted him to be. Finding out why he hated Alastor brought a lot of things into perspective about his life and his lack of self-worth, but I would have preferred more detail about what happened two decades ago as it was a very important turning point in Jack's life.
Alastor was actually a tougher character to like, with his need to dominate and his perpetual smirk and, oh, how I hate characters that do nothing but smirk. I mean, who really likes people IRL who do nothing but smirk? It's infuriating, they're infuriating, too smug for their own good. He was just lucky that it turned out the very vanilla Jack suddenly got his kink on, big style, and each were egging on the other to greater heights. By the end, I did start to like him more, especially once he finally admitted his feelings, so overall that was a win.
The epilogue was more of a HFN than a conclusive HEA but you could read into it that they would stay together, though I would have loved another look at them five years down the line.
I read an ARC which was... a lot less than perfect but my review is not based on that. Isla said the wrong file was uploaded but that has now been rectified and I assume the book is now minus all the typos and formatting errors.
I didn't like Jack much after his behaviour in And the Best Man Ran Away With the Groom, and Alastor wasn't really in that enough to form an opinion about him, but I wanted to read this one to see where Isla would take them.
Honestly, this book was one long sex scene with no story but that didn't bother me. I grew to love Jack as I learned more about him, and he certainly wasn't quite the villain everybody painted him to be. Finding out why he hated Alastor brought a lot of things into perspective about his life and his lack of self-worth, but I would have preferred more detail about what happened two decades ago as it was a very important turning point in Jack's life.
Alastor was actually a tougher character to like, with his need to dominate and his perpetual smirk and, oh, how I hate characters that do nothing but smirk. I mean, who really likes people IRL who do nothing but smirk? It's infuriating, they're infuriating, too smug for their own good. He was just lucky that it turned out the very vanilla Jack suddenly got his kink on, big style, and each were egging on the other to greater heights. By the end, I did start to like him more, especially once he finally admitted his feelings, so overall that was a win.
The epilogue was more of a HFN than a conclusive HEA but you could read into it that they would stay together, though I would have loved another look at them five years down the line.
I read an ARC which was... a lot less than perfect but my review is not based on that. Isla said the wrong file was uploaded but that has now been rectified and I assume the book is now minus all the typos and formatting errors.
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