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Subparheroes #2
Impossible Things
I chose to be a librarian for a reason. All I want is a quiet life, surrounded by books. But when I stumble across a scientist’s journal that could have dire consequences for superheroes everywhere, my whole world gets knocked off its axis.
Suddenly, bad guys are closing in, and I find myself on the run with my coworker Sam--a big, loud ex-jock with more conspiracy theories than common sense. He says he’ll keep me safe, but how? I’m the one with a superpower, even if it’s total crap.
To complicate matters, there’s an undeniable spark of attraction between us. We don’t need the distraction, not when we’re running for our lives. But it’s hard to resist temptation when we’re stuck with each other day after day. And I can’t help but wonder if there’s more to Sam than meets the eye…
Do Sam and I have what it takes to stay ahead of a supervillain, protect each other, and keep the information we possess out of the wrong hands? It seems impossible. But maybe we’ll end up surprising ourselves--and each other.
Suddenly, bad guys are closing in, and I find myself on the run with my coworker Sam--a big, loud ex-jock with more conspiracy theories than common sense. He says he’ll keep me safe, but how? I’m the one with a superpower, even if it’s total crap.
To complicate matters, there’s an undeniable spark of attraction between us. We don’t need the distraction, not when we’re running for our lives. But it’s hard to resist temptation when we’re stuck with each other day after day. And I can’t help but wonder if there’s more to Sam than meets the eye…
Do Sam and I have what it takes to stay ahead of a supervillain, protect each other, and keep the information we possess out of the wrong hands? It seems impossible. But maybe we’ll end up surprising ourselves--and each other.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2024
52 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Land
58 books787 followersIndependent MM romance author. For more information, please visit Alexa's blog: http://alexalandwrites.blogspot.com/
Please note: the author does not check messages on this site. The best way to contact them is through Facebook.
Please note: the author does not check messages on this site. The best way to contact them is through Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 1, 2024
3.5 stars
Pretty enjoyable - it has road-trip and one-bed trope in one go as Andy and Sam dodged the bad people chasing after them ever since the two men discovered a scientific formula to transfer superpower in SPAM's archive.
I thought Andy's sub-par power (he can call animals - although it doesn't mean that he can control or tell them what to do) was cute (he didn't think the same, though) and the climax when Sam was great.
This had the most scenes of SPAM and its "office" and discussion about superpowers, more so than the other books in this series that I've read so far.
Pretty enjoyable - it has road-trip and one-bed trope in one go as Andy and Sam dodged the bad people chasing after them ever since the two men discovered a scientific formula to transfer superpower in SPAM's archive.
I thought Andy's sub-par power (he can call animals - although it doesn't mean that he can control or tell them what to do) was cute (he didn't think the same, though) and the climax when Sam was great.
This had the most scenes of SPAM and its "office" and discussion about superpowers, more so than the other books in this series that I've read so far.
May 24, 2024
This one was interesting. It has a different vibe than transparent is a color (which has a mild comedy vibe), to lean more towards a crime/suspense book. And the strange power of Andy is interesting, if not very utilized. I wish he'd been able to use it somehow
June 14, 2024
June 2024
Kindle edition
Didn't like it. The start felt judgy and superficial with most of the focus on the friend being afraid of commitment. This time around it was being followed around by live animals instead of reanimated ones. I think I called time of death for this one when they announced the existence of the journal and then went one step further to the son that was clearly a bad guy. Cue, random ex boyfriend and insecure new boyfriend, and mentor slash new friend.
Arden was the MVP of the book and stole all attention away from Sam and Andy. I wanted to know more about his friends and the threat behind him. The ending wasn't a surprise, although Andy's control did improve. The romance felt secondary in the story. Andy got his office and people, Sam got his powers and the truth. The friend saw their 'successful' relationship as the excuse to finally get married. Not sure about this series. Fingers crossed for the next one.
Kindle edition
Didn't like it. The start felt judgy and superficial with most of the focus on the friend being afraid of commitment. This time around it was being followed around by live animals instead of reanimated ones. I think I called time of death for this one when they announced the existence of the journal and then went one step further to the son that was clearly a bad guy. Cue, random ex boyfriend and insecure new boyfriend, and mentor slash new friend.
Arden was the MVP of the book and stole all attention away from Sam and Andy. I wanted to know more about his friends and the threat behind him. The ending wasn't a surprise, although Andy's control did improve. The romance felt secondary in the story. Andy got his office and people, Sam got his powers and the truth. The friend saw their 'successful' relationship as the excuse to finally get married. Not sure about this series. Fingers crossed for the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2024
3/5 This took me a little while to get into. For whatever reason, I just didn’t click much with Sam and Andy that much at the beginning. I came close to DNF-ing, but then around the 35% mark, it picked up. We got the journal plot, and we’d got to know Sam and Andy a bit more, and they’d actually started interacting properly. We get a lot of forced proximity and even some only one bed here, which are tropes I enjoy. I appreciated that Sam and Andy genuinely enjoyed spending time together and took the opportunity to do lots of things, not just spend time in bed.
I liked Arden, his spooky mansion, and his cousin’s coven. I was occasionally thrown by little things (like Sam the former bodyguard having no weapons’ training, or one character suddenly having multiple powers when up until that point everyone seemed to only ever have one, though I guess that was just my assumption.) I liked the weird world full of weird superpowers and magic.
I liked Arden, his spooky mansion, and his cousin’s coven. I was occasionally thrown by little things (like Sam the former bodyguard having no weapons’ training, or one character suddenly having multiple powers when up until that point everyone seemed to only ever have one, though I guess that was just my assumption.) I liked the weird world full of weird superpowers and magic.
June 11, 2024
Secret formulas secrete secret solutions and special abilities
Archives are for hiding important secrets from those not cleared for access or knowledge. Security classifications and access limitations to physical copies provides better security than digital copies available by Internet access to anyone able to figure out the codes. Digital copies of almost anything can be duplicated or reproduced without damaging the original, but the information may be extremely damaging or dangerous to the unwary criminal wanting to use it for personal gain and impersonal harm to everyone else in the world.
Andy finds his purpose in life and his partner in Sam as he helps Sam protect Arden and Andy from the evil genetic researcher trying to gain the ability to take super powers away from superheroes.
But Sam has his own super abilities that just need the right threat to Andy to make love overcome the blocks to his powers. But they both need more training to control their super abilities even as super love for each other helps their families and friends bring super support.
Archives are for hiding important secrets from those not cleared for access or knowledge. Security classifications and access limitations to physical copies provides better security than digital copies available by Internet access to anyone able to figure out the codes. Digital copies of almost anything can be duplicated or reproduced without damaging the original, but the information may be extremely damaging or dangerous to the unwary criminal wanting to use it for personal gain and impersonal harm to everyone else in the world.
Andy finds his purpose in life and his partner in Sam as he helps Sam protect Arden and Andy from the evil genetic researcher trying to gain the ability to take super powers away from superheroes.
But Sam has his own super abilities that just need the right threat to Andy to make love overcome the blocks to his powers. But they both need more training to control their super abilities even as super love for each other helps their families and friends bring super support.
September 22, 2025
DNF
There’s sweet and simple and then there’s too sweet and way to simple.
Sorry to say - this one wasn’t for me.
There’s sweet and simple and then there’s too sweet and way to simple.
Sorry to say - this one wasn’t for me.
didnt-finish
May 23, 2024DNF @ 20% I love Alexa but this I was bored by this one.
May 16, 2024
Definitely better than the last book in this series!
After reading the last book in what seemed like a promising new series, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue reading more in the SPAM universe. That book was just so disappointing. Fortunately, this book was an absolute delight. It can definitely be read as a stand-alone as it doesn’t appear to be related to other books except for its being set in the Subpar Superheroes universe. Sam and Andy were both awesome MCs. They complemented each other quite nicely. The supporting cast was also very interesting, and I would love to read more about Arden and his Gaymer friends. Overall, despite having never read anything from this author before that I can recollect, I very much enjoyed this book and am far more excited about this entertaining series.
After reading the last book in what seemed like a promising new series, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue reading more in the SPAM universe. That book was just so disappointing. Fortunately, this book was an absolute delight. It can definitely be read as a stand-alone as it doesn’t appear to be related to other books except for its being set in the Subpar Superheroes universe. Sam and Andy were both awesome MCs. They complemented each other quite nicely. The supporting cast was also very interesting, and I would love to read more about Arden and his Gaymer friends. Overall, despite having never read anything from this author before that I can recollect, I very much enjoyed this book and am far more excited about this entertaining series.
May 28, 2024
Engaging couple, well written story and wonderful cast of supporting characters. Lovely!
Rating: 4.5🌈
“As I sprinted up Telegraph Hill with about two dozen overly enthusiastic raccoons in hot pursuit, I muttered, “Not again.”
So opens Impossible Things by Alexa Land and our introduction to Anderson “Andy” Chen, our appealing subpar hero.
This is the second in the Subpar Heroes multi author series that I’ve read and each has taken a different approach to this decidedly engaging theme. I absolutely adore Impossible Things by Alexa Land .
Land’s story acknowledges the existence of SPAM, Special Processing and Management of superheroes or just about anyone with paranormal abilities. And that’s where we meet Andy , a librarian who has landed a “upper mobility “ job in heading the Archives for SPAM. We meet his mom and her girlfriend (with their powers and backgrounds), his bestie and her issues. He’s a great character, fully established in his culture, layered in personality and his own baggage. Land has left him room to develop and that’s exactly what Andy does. He blooms throughout this story.
Next comes Samaritan “Sam” Miller, a man of many talents who is a new hire at SPAM, and who gets assigned to help Andy wade through the mess down in Archives. Sam is another character who is multi dimensional and grows as the story and their relationship develops. They are both perfect for each other.
After a rough start connecting with each other, a mysterious file and some research send the pair of them on a mission that’s helping them bond, revealing to the reader and each other so much about their lives and opening themselves up to new possibilities for themselves and a romantic relationship.
This journey is so exciting and well plotted. We get villains, family involvement, new friends (Arden), more mysteries, action-packed sequences, and a sweet romance.
I don’t think I’ve read much by Land but this will see me seeking out this author’s catalog.
I’m highly recommending Impossible Things (A Subparheroes Novel) by Alexis Land. Engaging couple, well written story and wonderful cast of supporting characters. Lovely!
Love this cover too!
Subpar Heroes series- 15 books:
🔷The Accidental Necromancer by Liv Rancourt
🔷Behind the 8-Ball by A. E. Wasp 5/30/2024
🔷Transparent Is a Color by Kaje Harper
🔷Impossible Things by Alexa Land
🔷My Not-So-Super Blind Date by Allison Temple 6/6/2024
🔷An Ex-Hero's Guide to Axe Handling by Jenn Burke 6/13/2024
🔷In The Nick of Time by Elle Keaton 7/25/2024
🔷Static/Cling by Jaimie Samms 7/30/2024
🔷Spiritual Guidance Not Required by Jacy Braegan 8/1/2024
🔷What Could Go Wrong? By Toshi Drake 8/6/2024
🔷License to Chill by Chantal Mer 8/8/2024
🔷Code Name Dolittle by Lynn Michaels. 8/22/2024
🔷Signed, I’m Yours! By Rhys Lawless 8/29/2024
🔷A Taste of Danger by Morgan Brice. 9/5/2024
Rating: 4.5🌈
“As I sprinted up Telegraph Hill with about two dozen overly enthusiastic raccoons in hot pursuit, I muttered, “Not again.”
So opens Impossible Things by Alexa Land and our introduction to Anderson “Andy” Chen, our appealing subpar hero.
This is the second in the Subpar Heroes multi author series that I’ve read and each has taken a different approach to this decidedly engaging theme. I absolutely adore Impossible Things by Alexa Land .
Land’s story acknowledges the existence of SPAM, Special Processing and Management of superheroes or just about anyone with paranormal abilities. And that’s where we meet Andy , a librarian who has landed a “upper mobility “ job in heading the Archives for SPAM. We meet his mom and her girlfriend (with their powers and backgrounds), his bestie and her issues. He’s a great character, fully established in his culture, layered in personality and his own baggage. Land has left him room to develop and that’s exactly what Andy does. He blooms throughout this story.
Next comes Samaritan “Sam” Miller, a man of many talents who is a new hire at SPAM, and who gets assigned to help Andy wade through the mess down in Archives. Sam is another character who is multi dimensional and grows as the story and their relationship develops. They are both perfect for each other.
After a rough start connecting with each other, a mysterious file and some research send the pair of them on a mission that’s helping them bond, revealing to the reader and each other so much about their lives and opening themselves up to new possibilities for themselves and a romantic relationship.
This journey is so exciting and well plotted. We get villains, family involvement, new friends (Arden), more mysteries, action-packed sequences, and a sweet romance.
I don’t think I’ve read much by Land but this will see me seeking out this author’s catalog.
I’m highly recommending Impossible Things (A Subparheroes Novel) by Alexis Land. Engaging couple, well written story and wonderful cast of supporting characters. Lovely!
Love this cover too!
Subpar Heroes series- 15 books:
🔷The Accidental Necromancer by Liv Rancourt
🔷Behind the 8-Ball by A. E. Wasp 5/30/2024
🔷Transparent Is a Color by Kaje Harper
🔷Impossible Things by Alexa Land
🔷My Not-So-Super Blind Date by Allison Temple 6/6/2024
🔷An Ex-Hero's Guide to Axe Handling by Jenn Burke 6/13/2024
🔷In The Nick of Time by Elle Keaton 7/25/2024
🔷Static/Cling by Jaimie Samms 7/30/2024
🔷Spiritual Guidance Not Required by Jacy Braegan 8/1/2024
🔷What Could Go Wrong? By Toshi Drake 8/6/2024
🔷License to Chill by Chantal Mer 8/8/2024
🔷Code Name Dolittle by Lynn Michaels. 8/22/2024
🔷Signed, I’m Yours! By Rhys Lawless 8/29/2024
🔷A Taste of Danger by Morgan Brice. 9/5/2024
September 24, 2024
The writing and characterisation was rather better than another I've read in this series, but overall, I still had a few big issues with this book.
Spoilerish thoughts:
Spoilerish thoughts:
February 19, 2025
Andy & Sam
I really enjoyed this one! Andy starts at SPAM as an archivist and because of the complete disarray, he gets an assistant, Sam. Sam is stoked because now he’ll be able to snoop around and find out what SPAM has been up to. They stumble upon a misfiled ledger and the adventure begins. Their attraction grows while on the run from the men in black and they grow closer. Great story, I want more of these two. I want to know what Sam’s superhero name is, I want to know more about Andy’s ability, I want to know more about Auden’s monster in the woods. Maybe we’ll see them again in a future book?
I really enjoyed this one! Andy starts at SPAM as an archivist and because of the complete disarray, he gets an assistant, Sam. Sam is stoked because now he’ll be able to snoop around and find out what SPAM has been up to. They stumble upon a misfiled ledger and the adventure begins. Their attraction grows while on the run from the men in black and they grow closer. Great story, I want more of these two. I want to know what Sam’s superhero name is, I want to know more about Andy’s ability, I want to know more about Auden’s monster in the woods. Maybe we’ll see them again in a future book?
May 27, 2024
Fun story
After taking time to introduce the characters and establish the main plot point this story really took off. Andy and Sam are about as opposite as you can get but that doesn't stop them from being attracted to each other. While on the run from someone trying to get the information these two have, Andy and Sam get to know each other. I liked how they spent their time while hiding from the bad guy. This was a fun story with unique characters and an interesting plot.
After taking time to introduce the characters and establish the main plot point this story really took off. Andy and Sam are about as opposite as you can get but that doesn't stop them from being attracted to each other. While on the run from someone trying to get the information these two have, Andy and Sam get to know each other. I liked how they spent their time while hiding from the bad guy. This was a fun story with unique characters and an interesting plot.
July 24, 2024
Impossible Things
Andy and Sam were adorable! Andy’s power is calling animals and happens at the weirdest times! Sam is from a super hero line, but his powers haven’t shown yet. The two start shaky, but warm up to each other quickly. The story was great, the characters were adorable and the action was intense! Just the way I like it. Highly Recommended
Andy and Sam were adorable! Andy’s power is calling animals and happens at the weirdest times! Sam is from a super hero line, but his powers haven’t shown yet. The two start shaky, but warm up to each other quickly. The story was great, the characters were adorable and the action was intense! Just the way I like it. Highly Recommended
August 3, 2024
Impossible Things
This was a fun story set in a regular world but with superheroes. Andy and Sam are adorable and so obviously belong together, and their adventures with other superheroes and against bad guys really cement their relationship, and lead them to a great HEA!
This was a fun story set in a regular world but with superheroes. Andy and Sam are adorable and so obviously belong together, and their adventures with other superheroes and against bad guys really cement their relationship, and lead them to a great HEA!
February 7, 2025
I'm really enjoying this multi-author universe. I love how there's this underlying mystery of whether SPAM is a good thing or if they are actually a bit evil. I want to believe they have our heroes best interests at heart but I'm still not totally sure.
Andy and Sam's story got off to a little bit of a slow start but once the journal was discovered, things ramped up and they found themselves in danger and on the run. That's when I really got into the story. They finally started to open up to each other and connect.
I loved the addition of Arden, his creepy house and his cousin's mysterious coven. I'd love to find out what happens with all of them.
The ultimate battle was really good. I was kind of expecting Andy's power to come into play but what happened was even better.
Andy and Sam's story got off to a little bit of a slow start but once the journal was discovered, things ramped up and they found themselves in danger and on the run. That's when I really got into the story. They finally started to open up to each other and connect.
I loved the addition of Arden, his creepy house and his cousin's mysterious coven. I'd love to find out what happens with all of them.
The ultimate battle was really good. I was kind of expecting Andy's power to come into play but what happened was even better.
May 17, 2024
Animals and science papers
Alexa Land has added a delightful story to this series about super heroes who have rather odd and not very useful powers. I really enjoyed this one.
Alexa Land has added a delightful story to this series about super heroes who have rather odd and not very useful powers. I really enjoyed this one.
June 21, 2024
This book was much better than the first. This author actually delivered a story that felt complete, and I liked both main characters and most of the side characters. The plot was fun and made sense.
May 7, 2025
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews