Outstanding. That is the first word that comes to mind when I think about this story. There are many more and I will. endeavour to use them in this review. First a few serious words: this book could be triggering, please do read the authors trigger notes; this book is part of a series. You don't have to read the other books first but many of the references make more sense if you have.
Now to my review of an outstanding book. A complex story that couldn't have been straightforward to write. One that has many threads which Beck Grey manages to keep from tangling, rather like the ropes that Kaino is so fond of and his lovers come to enjoy too. These threads are important to the story, they bring many important thoughts together yet they are gentle, almost tender underneath their apparent harshness. I don't think I will look at rope in the same way again but then neither will I be able to think about garlic bread without thinking about Gays in the Park... Trust me it is one of the most bizzare ideas but it works and it is a breathtaking scene in the story!
Now, more about this story. The sixth book in the Love in the Pacific Northwest series, this is Bjorn's story. If you have been following the books then you may have heard him mentioned. He is Astrid, Erik and Gunnar's older brother. A policeman who willingly took a knife to his side to save a stranger. That of course meant hospitalization and that is where we first meet him. With his brother, and Jules (Erik's fiancee). There are other family members who come in and out but it is Kaino and Xander who make the biggest impact. Both are ex lovers, both heard about how Bjorn nearly died and so have come to visit. What none of them expect is the way in which Bjorn's near-death experience is going to change all their lives.
His life will change as an MXM relationship develops. The bond, which in the past has been tense, with his family will strengthen, they will all find themselves mending certain bridges, bringing characters from past stories into play and showing us what a strong support group, family group, friendship group they all have. And, we must not forget Bjorn's beautiful dog Pita, her role in the story is equally important to the roles played by all the humans.
I have read stories with non binary characters. One of the stories in this series in face, but never a story with an MXM relationship and not only does Beck Grey introduce this concept, alongside the idea of polyamory but it is done without judgment, without any sense of the reader needing to be fully aware of the dynamics and with the utmost care and tenderness. Yes, this is an erotic story and those scenes are seriously hot, but this is also a story that helps characters and readers understand how relationships such as this one, can work. How they do work but how, as with any relationship, patience, understanding, being a good listener, they are all equally important skills. We are encouraged to understand how important open communication is, how misleading judgement can be and how we should all aim to be ourselves, to act how we wish to act as long as we are not hurting others, in any way, in the process. The characters all have their failings. Bjorn is controlling and finds it hard to relax, Xander is needy and can get very jealous, Kaino can lack empathy but they accept and recognise their own traits, leading the reader to understand them and sit back to look at themselves too.
Outstanding is the word that comes to mind when I want to describe this story and yet somehow that doesn't feel like enough. This story was not only a fantastic book to read but, for me, an important one too. The whole series has been and it has given me an incredible opportunity to remind myself that I am human, I am me, I should celebrate me. Thank you Beck Grey for delivering another outstanding, thought-provoking, absolutely beautiful book.
Merged review:
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW. I began my relationship with this story, for that it what I am calling it, so attached have I become to it, some months ago when I read it. Learning that it was coming in audiobook and would be read by the outstandingly talented Gary Furlong who has, incidentally narrated all the books in this series, then of course I was going to be listening!
There is something very soothing about listening to Gary read, he is gentle, has a wonderful intonation and apparently without having to force the sound he can ensure that each of the characters is given the distinct personality Beck Grey created for them in their writing of this story. Add to that the fact that it is not only Bjorn, Xander and Kaino who Gary is voicing, as with all their books in this series Beck Grey ensures that the family and friends play an important role without overshadowing the principal protagonists.
And that feels a little like the wrong word, these three, their developing relationship, their relationships with others who are important to them, they are, in many ways the protagonists, this is after all their story, but it is not an angsty story, there are no dangerous moments yet these three are at the forefront of everything that happens. We laugh with them, learn with them and travel an amazing journey with them. For all three polyamory is new, we dive into it with them, for them as individuals it is a little different. Bjorn is learning to let go, to think of himself and stop trying to control others even though it comes from a place of love. Xander is trying to recognise when he becomes too needy, he wants to be more trusting and it is fascinating to listen to his character develop under Kaino's guidance. And Kaino is perhaps the biggest surprise, to themselves as well as us, in their gradual acceptance of the relationship and especially of touch. Gary is gentle with these characters but still ensures we know they are serious people, this is a serious exploration of something new. He manages to infuse so much love and care into the story, balancing it with some fantastically funny moments and of my goodness the steam!
I had to give myself a break after some of the scenes, they are simply so hot and Gary's narration along with beck's descriptive writing is enough to send anyone into a state of swoon! I didn't break for long. I may be familiar with the story from reading it but listening to it brings an entirely new dimension and has had me hooked all over again. Complete Me does just that and it, along with the series are firm favourites that I will be coming back to many, many times.
And now my review of the physical book!
PRINT BOOK REVIEW. A complex story with many threads which Beck Grey manages to keep from tangling, rather like the ropes that Kaino is so fond of and his lovers come to enjoy too. These threads are important to the story, they bring thoughts together yet they are gentle, almost tender underneath their apparent harshness. I don't think I will look at rope in the same way again but then neither will I be able to think about garlic bread without thinking about Gays in the Park... Trust me it is one of the most bizzare ideas but it works and it is a breathtaking scene in the story!
Kaino and Xander star in this book, along with Bjorn. All are about to embark on a journey into the unknown with an MXM relationship. The bond, which in the past has been tense, with his family will strengthen, bringing characters from past stories into play and showing us what a strong support group, family group, friendship group they all have. And, we must not forget Bjorn's beautiful dog whose role in the story is equally important to the roles played by all the humans.
Beck Grey introduces us to polyamory without judgment, without any sense of the reader needing to be fully aware of the dynamics and with the utmost care and tenderness. Yes, this is an erotic story and those scenes are seriously hot, but it helps characters and readers understand how relationships can work - as with any relationship, patience, understanding, being a good listener. We are encouraged to understand how important open communication is, how misleading judgement can be and how we should all aim to be ourselves, to act how we wish to act as long as we are not hurting others, in any way, in the process. The characters all have their failings. Bjorn is controlling and finds it hard to relax, Xander is needy and can get very jealous, Kaino can lack empathy but they accept and recognise their own traits, leading the reader to understand them and sit back to look at themselves too. Outstanding is the word that comes to mind when I want to describe this story and yet somehow that doesn't feel like enough. This story was not only a fantastic book to read but, for me, an important one too. The whole series has been and it has given me an incredible opportunity to remind myself that I am human, I am me, I should celebrate me. Thank you Beck Grey for delivering another outstanding, thought-provoking, absolutely beautiful book.