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Turning Point #3
Starting Point
Alternate cover edition for ISBN-13: 9781784300203.
After going past the point of no return and finally reaching breaking point, the only thing Matthew Elliott can do now is start over.
Matthew Elliott is a recovering man. As an ex-cop and ex-fighter, his new job teaching kids at the local community gym about drug awareness and self-defence, is a little bit of both. His new focus on helping street kids is helping him heal, and with Kira by his side, he’s making strides.
Brother and sister, Rueben and Claudia, are homeless kids and they're very much alone. As they strike a chord with Matt, he does everything in his power to help them.
But when Ruby and Claude need more help than he bargained for, it stops being about work, and starts being about home.
The day he met Kira, Matt’s life changed direction, and it’s only now he realises that everything he’s been through was a lead up to this. It was never about endings. His life, his purpose, was just beginning.
After going past the point of no return and finally reaching breaking point, the only thing Matthew Elliott can do now is start over.
Matthew Elliott is a recovering man. As an ex-cop and ex-fighter, his new job teaching kids at the local community gym about drug awareness and self-defence, is a little bit of both. His new focus on helping street kids is helping him heal, and with Kira by his side, he’s making strides.
Brother and sister, Rueben and Claudia, are homeless kids and they're very much alone. As they strike a chord with Matt, he does everything in his power to help them.
But when Ruby and Claude need more help than he bargained for, it stops being about work, and starts being about home.
The day he met Kira, Matt’s life changed direction, and it’s only now he realises that everything he’s been through was a lead up to this. It was never about endings. His life, his purpose, was just beginning.
471 pages, ebook
First published May 22, 2014
94 people are currently reading
871 people want to read
About the author
N.R. Walker
121 books5,338 followersAuthor also writes as A. Voyeur
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
December 30, 2015
Starting Point is the last book in the Turning Point series by N.R. Walker. The first book Point of No Return is easily one of the top five M/M romance books I have ever read. I am a huge fan of Matt and Kira and Ms. Walker's final installment in this series was the perfect ending for our two heroes.
Starting Point picks up right where Breaking Point left off, with Matthew in therapy and Kira slowly learning to trust Matt again after all the secrets and lies that surrounded his last undercover assignment. What sets this book apart from the other two is that it is a very happy, uplifting tale of two men falling in love all over again, rekindling that spark that brought them together in the first place. Matthew is learning all new things about himself and what makes him happy as a person and is taking huge steps to make himself happy so he can be the best possible person for Kira. This is so romantic and so beautiful with just a touch of angst here and there to remind us of the hard road these two have traveled together. Two new young characters, Ruby and Claude Vaughn, are introduced in this book and greatly affect both Matt and Kira's lives. They bring Matt and Kira, and Kira's parents Yumi and Sal, together in new and wonderful ways and add new layers to Matt's already complicated, generous, selfless soul. (They even adopt a dog, which just about killed me with cuteness!)
This is not a stand-alone book. You need to read the first two Turning Point books first. And this isn't an action-packed, angst-ridden joy ride like the first two either. It was the perfect wrap-up for a wonderful set of characters who have been through some pretty shitty situations but fell in love regardless. I could not have asked for a more perfect ending for these two. And I can't wait to re-read the entire series now that it is complete.
This book, and the entire Turning Point series is HIGHLY recommended to all M/M romance readers. I actually recommend Breaking Point to people all the time if they ask me for a rec. Now I'll be able to recommend the entire series as all three books are now on my fuck yeah, 5+ stars shelf.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
April 29, 2014
2.5 stars ...this pains me...
I have to admit, as much as I love NR Walker (and she’s written some of my favorite reads), I just did not like this book. Matt and Kira were my first Walker couple and through books 1 & 2, I went through the wringer with them. And I can see why book 3 was written as it was. As brutally hard as book 2 was to get through, I think Walker felt she might have owed this to her fans. Maybe she felt the need, or the readers demanded, a book about love and commitment, validating the goodness of a doubting-Matt and a solid-Kira.
But it just got old after the 2nd or 3rd time of Matt or Kira or Yumi or Sal or Claude or Arizona saying how the other is so great or so amazing or who’s heart is so big. I felt like I was reading the same page over and over. And though the story of the FC and the 2 homeless kids of Claude and Ruby was an interesting twist, it was by no means original and didn’t keep me captivated. Except for a few instances, it lacked any emotional pull for me.
The thing that bums me out the most about this book is Kira…he was such a non-entity for almost the entire story…he was so generic. Just the rock for Matt to rely on, but there was no glimmer of his personality other than the “you’re so greats” and “I love yous”. I think the author tried to make up for that with a POV switch about 80% into the book so that we could hear Kira’s side of it. But even from Kira’s perspective, he lost his Kira-charm and just was this good guy, loving his man. And Kira is more than just that.
I think for fans of the series, it’s a nice ending and does what Walker is famous for, wrapping things up nicely in a bow, and I love that about her. It just felt too long for the lack of content and I found myself actually skimming a NR Walker book!
December 14, 2014
4.5 stars
I was emotionally shattered after finishing Breaking Point . So it was with a sense of dread that I began this third (and final) book in the series. But I needn’t have feared.
Because in comparison to the first two books?
This was sunshine and butterflies!
Matt and Kira are communicating and settling into their lives. Matt is actually going to therapy and finds his job with the FC fulfilling, although he’s struggling with vertigo as a result of his undercover work in book 2.
Kira is supportive as usual, a little less sassy than in the first two books, and much more secure about his relationship with Matt.
The men become involved in the lives of two homeless children, a 9-year-old girl named Claude and her older brother. There is a dramatic incident toward the end, but the Kira and Matt’s relationship is solid and they handle the waves with grace.
I really enjoyed seeing Kira’s parents more in this book. They doted on both their boys, and the family interactions were funny and warm.
The writing flowed easily, and there was a sense of peace and closure in the story. In the last few chapters the POV shifts to Kira’s, and I was thrilled to finally get in his head and see how much he cherished Matt.
The last chapter and the epilogue had me grinning like a lovestruck fool.
Few things in life feel better than an N.R. Walker HEA.
************************************************************
Buddy read with my Canadian twin, aka CAT.
I was emotionally shattered after finishing Breaking Point . So it was with a sense of dread that I began this third (and final) book in the series. But I needn’t have feared.
Because in comparison to the first two books?
This was sunshine and butterflies!
Matt and Kira are communicating and settling into their lives. Matt is actually going to therapy and finds his job with the FC fulfilling, although he’s struggling with vertigo as a result of his undercover work in book 2.
Kira is supportive as usual, a little less sassy than in the first two books, and much more secure about his relationship with Matt.
The men become involved in the lives of two homeless children, a 9-year-old girl named Claude and her older brother. There is a dramatic incident toward the end, but the Kira and Matt’s relationship is solid and they handle the waves with grace.
I really enjoyed seeing Kira’s parents more in this book. They doted on both their boys, and the family interactions were funny and warm.
The writing flowed easily, and there was a sense of peace and closure in the story. In the last few chapters the POV shifts to Kira’s, and I was thrilled to finally get in his head and see how much he cherished Matt.
The last chapter and the epilogue had me grinning like a lovestruck fool.
Few things in life feel better than an N.R. Walker HEA.
************************************************************
Buddy read with my Canadian twin, aka CAT.
April 27, 2014
Rating: 3.5 stars
After finishing Breaking Point, I thought Kira and Matt's story was over. I was very surprised when news of the third book made it onto my news feed.
I was skeptical.
I didn't feel like there needed to be more between Kira and Matt – that they had their ups and downs. Things were settled, so why stir the pot? But Starting Point was a very decent read and I was very glad the series ended on this final addition.
Starting Point begins six months after the events of Breaking Point. At this point, Matt helps out at the Fight Club where he teaches street kids self defense, fitness and drug awareness. His relationship with Kira is on the mend, and everything is actually pretty good in Matt's life. There's no more secrets between Matt and Kira; Matt's relationship with Kira's parents are wonderful as always, and he still keeps in contact with his old cop friends.
But then there's Claude and Ruby – sister and brother street kids who come by the Fight Club as respite from the streets of LA. And things really change once more in Matt's life.
So let me start by saying this: Starting Point was kind of a boring, yet a very emotional read.
Does that make sense?
There were so many moments of domestic, family-oriented fluffy bliss that put a smile on my face. But then the smile started hurting, and the lack of any action (as seen in its predecessor, Breaking Point) and emotional turmoil between our lovers made my eyes gloss over a good portion of the book in boredom. After all, I'm not a domestic/fluff kind of guy after a certain point (a little is fine, but too much deters me from being invested). Don't get me wrong – there were lots of feels (many, many tears – both happy and sad ones)! And there was emotional turmoil, just not between Matt and Kira. But these emotional outbursts came between scenes that dragged and made me glance at the clock often.
I was also shocked with all the proofreading mistakes sprinkled throughout the book. Mostly missing or misplaced words, but enough to distract me. There was also an intimate scene I was jolted out of when I had to reread someone's dialogue over again due to a missing word. It seemed to get worse towards the end of the book, and I didn't know what to make of it.
But overall, Starting Point was a pleasant, emotional read (albeit slow for me). It was an amazing journey to see how much has happened over the two year span since the first book between Matt and Kira. The perfect finale for those who want to get punched with feelings and to shed some tears after a long span of emotional constipation.
After finishing Breaking Point, I thought Kira and Matt's story was over. I was very surprised when news of the third book made it onto my news feed.
I was skeptical.
I didn't feel like there needed to be more between Kira and Matt – that they had their ups and downs. Things were settled, so why stir the pot? But Starting Point was a very decent read and I was very glad the series ended on this final addition.
Starting Point begins six months after the events of Breaking Point. At this point, Matt helps out at the Fight Club where he teaches street kids self defense, fitness and drug awareness. His relationship with Kira is on the mend, and everything is actually pretty good in Matt's life. There's no more secrets between Matt and Kira; Matt's relationship with Kira's parents are wonderful as always, and he still keeps in contact with his old cop friends.
But then there's Claude and Ruby – sister and brother street kids who come by the Fight Club as respite from the streets of LA. And things really change once more in Matt's life.
So let me start by saying this: Starting Point was kind of a boring, yet a very emotional read.
Does that make sense?
There were so many moments of domestic, family-oriented fluffy bliss that put a smile on my face. But then the smile started hurting, and the lack of any action (as seen in its predecessor, Breaking Point) and emotional turmoil between our lovers made my eyes gloss over a good portion of the book in boredom. After all, I'm not a domestic/fluff kind of guy after a certain point (a little is fine, but too much deters me from being invested). Don't get me wrong – there were lots of feels (many, many tears – both happy and sad ones)! And there was emotional turmoil, just not between Matt and Kira. But these emotional outbursts came between scenes that dragged and made me glance at the clock often.
I was also shocked with all the proofreading mistakes sprinkled throughout the book. Mostly missing or misplaced words, but enough to distract me. There was also an intimate scene I was jolted out of when I had to reread someone's dialogue over again due to a missing word. It seemed to get worse towards the end of the book, and I didn't know what to make of it.
But overall, Starting Point was a pleasant, emotional read (albeit slow for me). It was an amazing journey to see how much has happened over the two year span since the first book between Matt and Kira. The perfect finale for those who want to get punched with feelings and to shed some tears after a long span of emotional constipation.
June 15, 2022
3.5 rounded up but really we need those half stars GR! I'm a bit conflicted on this one. I liked it but didn't love it because some things just didn't make sense to me. Our couple is settled and really good so no complaint on that front. We follow them in their daily life and it felt like it dragged a bit (it could have been way shorter). The pacing was strange as well, it very slow for a long time and then a lot happens towards the end but really what happened needed more time to breathe. Matt is settling into his new job helping homeless kids. That part was ok but we only see him helping 2 kids and not the others. That was a miss. Then I wasn't a fan of how things progressed with those 2 kids, the book is kind of kid heavy FYI. . All in all a good series even though it didn't feel like it had been written by Walker, not sure why. I would still recommend the series and this installment because it was way better than book 2.
May 25, 2014
The wonderful closure...
A heart-warming finale of Matt and Kira's story and it was beautiful...
I must confess it was a bit slow at times ... but nevertheless I have enjoyed this final instalment.
What I loved the most were Kira's POV towards the end and multiple flashbacks that made me want to re-read the first two books and re-live the beginning of this wonderful story together with Matt and Kira all over again.
The epilogue was icing on the cake... *sigh* Sweet and wonderful and perfect.
I love Matt and Kira and will never forget them...
"After going past the point of no return and finally reaching breaking point, the only thing Matthew Elliott can do now is start over."
"You love him very much,” she said simply. “I do,”
Kira replied. Then he said, “Even after everything we’ve been through, if I could do my time over, I’d still choose him."
A heart-warming finale of Matt and Kira's story and it was beautiful...
I must confess it was a bit slow at times ... but nevertheless I have enjoyed this final instalment.
What I loved the most were Kira's POV towards the end and multiple flashbacks that made me want to re-read the first two books and re-live the beginning of this wonderful story together with Matt and Kira all over again.
The epilogue was icing on the cake... *sigh* Sweet and wonderful and perfect.
I love Matt and Kira and will never forget them...
September 11, 2018
***5 Stars*** for the audiobook, ***4 Stars*** for the story
I'm still amazed how far Matt and Kira have come, and still sad about what happened to little Ruby, which made me all teary-eyed again even though I knew what was coming.
BUT...
I'm also still p*ssed about the change in POV after almost three books!!! Sean Crisden's once again amazing narration made it a bit better this time, but it still threw me, so 4 stars.
I'm still amazed how far Matt and Kira have come, and still sad about what happened to little Ruby, which made me all teary-eyed again even though I knew what was coming.
BUT...
I'm also still p*ssed about the change in POV after almost three books!!! Sean Crisden's once again amazing narration made it a bit better this time, but it still threw me, so 4 stars.
July 21, 2018
5 stars audio - Even though I did some cringing at Sean Crisden doing the voice of a 9 year old little girl, I can't bring myself to remove any stars for the audio performance. The man is just an incredible narrator overall.
3.5 for the story/book. This story takes a sad turn that I didn't like. But that's me. Walker is an excellent author and kept the story real.
3.5 for the story/book. This story takes a sad turn that I didn't like. But that's me. Walker is an excellent author and kept the story real.
May 16, 2018
What a beautiful end to this series. The love that Matt and Kira had for each other shone from the pages. The family they created was an odd mix of people but it was theirs.
June 22, 2019
I love Matt. I love Kira. I love Matt & Kira.
*sigh* I didn't love this book.
I’m trying to place my finger on what was missing for me.
I flipped from boredom to a bombardment of feelz...it was missing its flow. And Kira, it was missing him too.
Things pick up immediately following the spontaneous engagement. It should have been a time of celebration, but it’s not. Matt can’t forgive or forget his sins and he is sinking in a pool of regret. Ironically Kira has forgiven him and only hopes Matt can forgive himself. Which highlights a very real problem couples face during the healing phase in relationship hardships. Constant pangs of guilt and shame attack Matt and he fears the day when his biggest nightmare comes true. He doesn’t understand why Kira hasn’t left him or more importantly why he has forgiven him, and he’s about to pass out from holding his breath all the time. He’s just waiting for the other boxing glove to fall.
He promised no secrets and he’s true to his word. He talks about everything…with everybody. He tells Kira what’s on his mind, and then he tells his therapist, and then Boss or someone else. This is where I would lose interest; we hear everything multiple times. It caused the story to drag and I was feeling meh for the majority of it. Kira’s voice at the end redeemed things for me and I honestly believe it would have been much stronger if he had told more of this leg of their journey. Kira’s last two chapters were my favorite and not only because of what they held, but how they were told. I enjoyed getting into Kira’s head and think a break from Matt’s maudlin would have been refreshing.
Striving to move forward, Matt and Kira focus on strengthening their bonds again. Matt is dedicated to transforming the FC and he’s determined to pass on his good fortune of a clean slate. With his boys at the club and Kira’s help, he firmly believes he can make a difference. He realizes he has put his heart on his sleeve too late and when the danger level kicks back up to red, he’s not certain he can handle it anymore. What will he sacrifice to steer clear of danger, and can he live with the price to do so?
Yumi is without a doubt one of my favorite mothers. She kicks ass and she makes me giggle while she does it. I love her influence and presence in the story and I award her Book Mother of the Year! The kids broke my heart and then broke the pieces again. So sad. Claude was well, you just gotta meet her. Oscar was fabulous, and his importance brought tears to my eyes.
I’m thrilled we got another chapter in their book. The drama and angst were top-heavy, but the sweet and gentle was absolutely perfect. It definitely packed a mighty punch of emotions with lots of lovin’ to soothe the sting.
I was stuck on 3 stars till Kira’s voice popped up and boosted things up a tad. Certainly not my favorite of the series, but I’m glad I didn’t miss it.
*3.5 stars*
*sigh* I didn't love this book.
I’m trying to place my finger on what was missing for me.
I flipped from boredom to a bombardment of feelz...it was missing its flow. And Kira, it was missing him too.
Things pick up immediately following the spontaneous engagement. It should have been a time of celebration, but it’s not. Matt can’t forgive or forget his sins and he is sinking in a pool of regret. Ironically Kira has forgiven him and only hopes Matt can forgive himself. Which highlights a very real problem couples face during the healing phase in relationship hardships. Constant pangs of guilt and shame attack Matt and he fears the day when his biggest nightmare comes true. He doesn’t understand why Kira hasn’t left him or more importantly why he has forgiven him, and he’s about to pass out from holding his breath all the time. He’s just waiting for the other boxing glove to fall.
He promised no secrets and he’s true to his word. He talks about everything…with everybody. He tells Kira what’s on his mind, and then he tells his therapist, and then Boss or someone else. This is where I would lose interest; we hear everything multiple times. It caused the story to drag and I was feeling meh for the majority of it. Kira’s voice at the end redeemed things for me and I honestly believe it would have been much stronger if he had told more of this leg of their journey. Kira’s last two chapters were my favorite and not only because of what they held, but how they were told. I enjoyed getting into Kira’s head and think a break from Matt’s maudlin would have been refreshing.
Striving to move forward, Matt and Kira focus on strengthening their bonds again. Matt is dedicated to transforming the FC and he’s determined to pass on his good fortune of a clean slate. With his boys at the club and Kira’s help, he firmly believes he can make a difference. He realizes he has put his heart on his sleeve too late and when the danger level kicks back up to red, he’s not certain he can handle it anymore. What will he sacrifice to steer clear of danger, and can he live with the price to do so?
Yumi is without a doubt one of my favorite mothers. She kicks ass and she makes me giggle while she does it. I love her influence and presence in the story and I award her Book Mother of the Year! The kids broke my heart and then broke the pieces again. So sad. Claude was well, you just gotta meet her. Oscar was fabulous, and his importance brought tears to my eyes.
I’m thrilled we got another chapter in their book. The drama and angst were top-heavy, but the sweet and gentle was absolutely perfect. It definitely packed a mighty punch of emotions with lots of lovin’ to soothe the sting.
I was stuck on 3 stars till Kira’s voice popped up and boosted things up a tad. Certainly not my favorite of the series, but I’m glad I didn’t miss it.
*3.5 stars*
October 15, 2018
~ 3.5 stars ~
After not really liking book 2, I was wary of picking up this last book in the series - especially after finding out that it once again is (mostly) told from Matt's POV. I was so tired of being in his head after the second book that I was wondering if I should listen to this one at all.
As it turns out, Starting Point was much better than I feared it would be although I still would have liked to hear more from Kira's POV. I did get it in the last few chapters of the book but I wanted more.
This book doesn't have any relationship angst - unlike the first two books. The guys are solid and work through what is bothering them together. Communication is key and both men excel at it even if it gets hard sometimes to lay it all out there. That doesn't mean it wasn't hart to listen to at times.
The events surrounding Ruben and Claudia, two homeless siblings, are heartbreaking and I would have wished for a different outcome even though I know that in reality, it's much more likely that it would happen as it did in this book. Still, it's fiction and why not give all of the characters in this book a HEA?
Overall, this isn't my favorite series by N.R. Walker. I loved most of what I have read by her so far but this series didn't come close. The writing was often repetitive. The same things, like how amazing and great and wonderful Matt and Kira are, were mentioned over and over again. I'm not used to this kind of writing by N.R. Walker but maybe that is because this series is one of her earlier works and I started out by reading her more recent books. Or I'm just more critical than I have been after having read so many books. I don't know.
Right now, the whole series has an overall rating of more than 4 stars so a lot of people liked it much more than I did which should be reason enough for you to try it despite my lower rating :)
After not really liking book 2, I was wary of picking up this last book in the series - especially after finding out that it once again is (mostly) told from Matt's POV. I was so tired of being in his head after the second book that I was wondering if I should listen to this one at all.
As it turns out, Starting Point was much better than I feared it would be although I still would have liked to hear more from Kira's POV. I did get it in the last few chapters of the book but I wanted more.
This book doesn't have any relationship angst - unlike the first two books. The guys are solid and work through what is bothering them together. Communication is key and both men excel at it even if it gets hard sometimes to lay it all out there. That doesn't mean it wasn't hart to listen to at times.
The events surrounding Ruben and Claudia, two homeless siblings, are heartbreaking and I would have wished for a different outcome even though I know that in reality, it's much more likely that it would happen as it did in this book. Still, it's fiction and why not give all of the characters in this book a HEA?
Overall, this isn't my favorite series by N.R. Walker. I loved most of what I have read by her so far but this series didn't come close. The writing was often repetitive. The same things, like how amazing and great and wonderful Matt and Kira are, were mentioned over and over again. I'm not used to this kind of writing by N.R. Walker but maybe that is because this series is one of her earlier works and I started out by reading her more recent books. Or I'm just more critical than I have been after having read so many books. I don't know.
Right now, the whole series has an overall rating of more than 4 stars so a lot of people liked it much more than I did which should be reason enough for you to try it despite my lower rating :)
May 5, 2014
Matt and Kira are one of my N.R.Walker favorite characters. In this book, however, I felt bored sometimes... After a great second book, with all that angst and a great plot, I found myself reading the third book, expecting that it would deserve more than 5 stars... and even being a huge fan of her writing and her books, I a little unsatisfied reading this book.
Kira was a shadow of what he was previously, and that constant "I love you", was really annoying.
It is a sweet book, tender and has a beautiful ending... I don't give it a 5 stars rating, because I was expecting more... and I had less, especially from Kira.
Kira was a shadow of what he was previously, and that constant "I love you", was really annoying.
It is a sweet book, tender and has a beautiful ending... I don't give it a 5 stars rating, because I was expecting more... and I had less, especially from Kira.
June 17, 2014
After the tense and angst-filled events of the second book, this installment shows Matthew and Kira finding a more balanced point in their lives. Matthew is still coming to terms with some of the lingering disabilities he was left with. He loves his new job turning the fight club into a community resource, but is frustrated by his inability to do more to save the street kids he encounters. Kira worries that Matt can't keep a distance from his work, but when a nine-year-old girl is among the homeless kids who use the gym, it's Kira who can't live with her situation. Unfortunately saving a kid isn't as simple as one night on a couch or a few meals, or even handing her over to social services.
I liked the ebb and flow of this story, the level of issues that Matt has to work through, and of course the secondary characters. Kira's parents have to be one of the great older couples of M/M. There are some sweet moments between the guys, and a couple of twists I didn't see coming. This is a quiet book, and didn't grab me the way the previous one did, but it was great to spend time with these men again and to see their story reach a happy end.
I liked the ebb and flow of this story, the level of issues that Matt has to work through, and of course the secondary characters. Kira's parents have to be one of the great older couples of M/M. There are some sweet moments between the guys, and a couple of twists I didn't see coming. This is a quiet book, and didn't grab me the way the previous one did, but it was great to spend time with these men again and to see their story reach a happy end.
September 13, 2021
Yes. Just yes. It's just a bowl of ice cream with yummy toppings.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Overall book rating: 4.5
Audio Book: Sean Crisden - 5
Book Cover: 4.5
I finished this more than a week ago. I just couldn't LET GO!
This was one of those series that I wish could just be experienced all over again.
I really just connected with these guys. I don't know what it was about them but NR Walker N.A.I.L.E.D it!!!
I still don't have the words to do it justice so I'll just say that it was one of my favourites. My favourite couples, favourite audio's, favourite everything's.
Oh and I love the covers as well!
June 17, 2018
I've had such a great time listening to this series. Sean Crisden has done a wonderful job providing distinct character voices, and his emotional performance has just hit me right in the feels every time. As an aside, please note this is not a standalone story.
Matt and Kira have changed so much from when we first met them in Point of No Return to how they've survived all the things that happen in Breaking Point. At the beginning of Starting Point they're in a good place together, communicating and being open with one another and getting ready for the next chapter in their lives.
When Matt gets involved with a couple of homeless kids that he meets working at the new community fight club it changes things for them again. While the angst in this is much less than in Breaking Point, it has its moments. N.R. Walker provides some pretty emotional scenes, and Sean Crisden performs them masterfully.
One of the things I loved about Starting Point is that while the majority of the book is from Matt's perspective towards the end we actually get Kira's POV too and we get to see just how happy Matt and Kira are.
This is a nice wrap up to the series and a clear love letter to the fans with a very happy HEA ending.
Story = 3 Stars, Narration = 5 Stars; Total: 4 Stars
Audio copy of Starting Point (Turning Point #3) provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
May 7, 2014
3.5 stars
I love Matt and Kira as a couple, but found this to be the weakest part of the series. The book had a very different feel from the first two and at times I was bored, feeling like I was reading the same thing over and over again.
This is the story of Matt, now in therapy, coming back and starting a new life after the events of book 2. He is not really the Matt we have come to know after the first two books, but a kinder, gentler Matt. Kira is there to support him, but doesn't really play a strong role in the book other than telling Matt that everything is going to be okay and I really missed him.
The underlying story with Claude and Ruby was sad, and it was nice to see Matt and Kira working to help those kids out and discussing what they want for their future together. The scene near the end at the block party, which is told from Kira's POV, was a highlight and what I wanted to see throughout the book.
While the book nicely wrapped up their story, it felt a little off and lacked the emotional pull and chemistry of the first two.
I love Matt and Kira as a couple, but found this to be the weakest part of the series. The book had a very different feel from the first two and at times I was bored, feeling like I was reading the same thing over and over again.
This is the story of Matt, now in therapy, coming back and starting a new life after the events of book 2. He is not really the Matt we have come to know after the first two books, but a kinder, gentler Matt. Kira is there to support him, but doesn't really play a strong role in the book other than telling Matt that everything is going to be okay and I really missed him.
The underlying story with Claude and Ruby was sad, and it was nice to see Matt and Kira working to help those kids out and discussing what they want for their future together. The scene near the end at the block party, which is told from Kira's POV, was a highlight and what I wanted to see throughout the book.
While the book nicely wrapped up their story, it felt a little off and lacked the emotional pull and chemistry of the first two.
February 24, 2017
For me, this story is a 'tie the loose ends up' story, and as such is definitely the weakest of the three in the trilogy. Breaking Point was so powerful and heartbreaking, and I sort of had an inkling that that one couldn't be beat, but Matt changing into 'Saint Matt' was a little over the top IMHO. Yes, he's one of the good guys BUT he did go ballistic in book 2, and caused a lot of people grief especially his beloved Kira, Yumi and Sal.
4 stars only, which is unheard of I think for me and a Nic Walker story, and yes I know Nic has had a lot on her plate this past 12 months, but this one felt 'tired'. Sorry.
4 stars only, which is unheard of I think for me and a Nic Walker story, and yes I know Nic has had a lot on her plate this past 12 months, but this one felt 'tired'. Sorry.
August 17, 2018
4.5 stars!
Oh man, this was a great series overall, and this was a great last installment to get Kira and Matt to their HEA.
After the disastrous events of the second novel, this is the aftermath. It's starts a few days after Matt asked Kira to marry him, and they're officially engaged.
Matt is slowly rebuilding his life, and himself. With Kira and alone with his therapist, who he sees twice a week.
Matt's life is getting so much better - he and Kira are communicating excellently (with the help of therapy) and they're closer than ever, actually doing better than before the events of the second novel. They're stronger. And Matt enjoys his work at the FC working with homeless and at risk kids a lot more than he ever did as a cop.
Some people are cops for life, and some aren't, and Matt wasn't. He's enjoying his life, especially with Kira, so much more doing what he's doing, and helping out the kids gives his life purpose and meaning he felt he didn't have before.
Matt is especially close to a brother and sister who come into the center, Claude (Claudia) and Ruby (Reuben), but especially with Claude, but they're both homeless, and Ruby is getting into trouble doing what he can as a thirteen year old just trying to provide for his nine year old sister.
But this novel is more about Matt getting to a much healthier place, and dealing with problems in a much healthier way. When drama happens with the two siblings, Matt is actually the stronger of him and Kira in the situation, and while he talks to his therapist, he doesn't revert to his old ways.
I felt, in a way, that this was more Matt's journey than Matt and Kira's - and not that that's bad or that Kira wasn't very important to the story. But Matt felt like the main main character, and this was his journey. Finding love, fucking it up, then getting a second chance and learning form it and getting better, getting to a happy, healthy place.
I do wish this had focused more heavily on Matt and Kira, but it was still really good and it still took time here and there for these two to have alone time. And honestly, their family was expanding, in a way, and they were both being good people and helping those who needed helping, and that didn't leave a lot of time for romance and sexytimes.
But I did love just how well they worked through things, how they tackled things together, and how Matt, no matter what, always told Kira the truth and told him about the important things. Matt had almost lost Kira once and he wasn't going to do it again, and that showed. His dedication to therapy, to communicating with Kira. I loved that.
Reading this whole series was so worth it, even when it was slow going in the first one and then angst-city in the second. To see Matt and Kira get from where they started out to where they ended up. It's just such a big contrast, with who Matt was in the beginning and where he ended up, and how Matt and Kira's relationship developed and evolved. I loved it, and the ending was sweet and wonderful, the perfect N.R. Walker happy ending :D
This series was the most angst-y I've read by N.R. Walker, and it was one of the best series by her. I loved it, and I adored Matt and Kira. They became so solid and strong in this book, and I loved being able to see that.
Definitely recommend this whole series, it was really good <3
Oh man, this was a great series overall, and this was a great last installment to get Kira and Matt to their HEA.
After the disastrous events of the second novel, this is the aftermath. It's starts a few days after Matt asked Kira to marry him, and they're officially engaged.
Matt is slowly rebuilding his life, and himself. With Kira and alone with his therapist, who he sees twice a week.
Matt's life is getting so much better - he and Kira are communicating excellently (with the help of therapy) and they're closer than ever, actually doing better than before the events of the second novel. They're stronger. And Matt enjoys his work at the FC working with homeless and at risk kids a lot more than he ever did as a cop.
Some people are cops for life, and some aren't, and Matt wasn't. He's enjoying his life, especially with Kira, so much more doing what he's doing, and helping out the kids gives his life purpose and meaning he felt he didn't have before.
Matt is especially close to a brother and sister who come into the center, Claude (Claudia) and Ruby (Reuben), but especially with Claude, but they're both homeless, and Ruby is getting into trouble doing what he can as a thirteen year old just trying to provide for his nine year old sister.
But this novel is more about Matt getting to a much healthier place, and dealing with problems in a much healthier way. When drama happens with the two siblings, Matt is actually the stronger of him and Kira in the situation, and while he talks to his therapist, he doesn't revert to his old ways.
I felt, in a way, that this was more Matt's journey than Matt and Kira's - and not that that's bad or that Kira wasn't very important to the story. But Matt felt like the main main character, and this was his journey. Finding love, fucking it up, then getting a second chance and learning form it and getting better, getting to a happy, healthy place.
I do wish this had focused more heavily on Matt and Kira, but it was still really good and it still took time here and there for these two to have alone time. And honestly, their family was expanding, in a way, and they were both being good people and helping those who needed helping, and that didn't leave a lot of time for romance and sexytimes.
But I did love just how well they worked through things, how they tackled things together, and how Matt, no matter what, always told Kira the truth and told him about the important things. Matt had almost lost Kira once and he wasn't going to do it again, and that showed. His dedication to therapy, to communicating with Kira. I loved that.
Reading this whole series was so worth it, even when it was slow going in the first one and then angst-city in the second. To see Matt and Kira get from where they started out to where they ended up. It's just such a big contrast, with who Matt was in the beginning and where he ended up, and how Matt and Kira's relationship developed and evolved. I loved it, and the ending was sweet and wonderful, the perfect N.R. Walker happy ending :D
This series was the most angst-y I've read by N.R. Walker, and it was one of the best series by her. I loved it, and I adored Matt and Kira. They became so solid and strong in this book, and I loved being able to see that.
Definitely recommend this whole series, it was really good <3
January 21, 2015
Ladies (because you are the majority readership in this genre) I just want to say, not all gay men (and I include myself here) want to marry, want children or want to be 28/30ish with fit bodies and big penises...(again), (well maybe the big penis would be nice).
....I lurved this final story in the series. I hadn't even realised until two weeks ago that there was a third novel published. I clicked on....(Bugger! GRs is playing up again).... N.r.Walker's page, here on Goodreads and found this gem.
So...the protagonists tie the proverbial, they adopt, they are obviously gorgeous, happy people (probably with massive peni? penises?)....and I loved it.
OK?! That's weird.
I loved the writing, I loved the plot, this is gearing up to the HEA after all. Book two is so emotional it hurts, but this final novel in the series hankers after the HEA, and I for one, thanked the higher being (whoever and whatever that is) that the HEA was delivered (because...quite frankly, after Book 2...I could not have survived another emotionally/thriller plot.
This story is emotional, domestic family orientated...and although I am not the marrying/children type of homosexual :D.....I loved it.
....I lurved this final story in the series. I hadn't even realised until two weeks ago that there was a third novel published. I clicked on....(Bugger! GRs is playing up again).... N.r.Walker's page, here on Goodreads and found this gem.
So...the protagonists tie the proverbial, they adopt, they are obviously gorgeous, happy people (probably with massive peni? penises?)....and I loved it.
OK?! That's weird.
I loved the writing, I loved the plot, this is gearing up to the HEA after all. Book two is so emotional it hurts, but this final novel in the series hankers after the HEA, and I for one, thanked the higher being (whoever and whatever that is) that the HEA was delivered (because...quite frankly, after Book 2...I could not have survived another emotionally/thriller plot.
This story is emotional, domestic family orientated...and although I am not the marrying/children type of homosexual :D.....I loved it.
September 10, 2016
What a beautiful conclusion to this series. Finally Matt & Kira worked together - they spoke from their heart and committed themselves to moving forward. The addition of Ruby & Claude only served to highlight the compassion and depth of both Matt & Kira and whilst there was terrible pain in parts of this book, a sense of peace was eventually found. This was a really enjoyable series
May 4, 2016
Matt has learned his lesson about lies and self-destruction. He has paid the price, lost his job, half of his hearing, and suffers intermittent bouts of vertigo-–but he also now has Kira. And they are finally happy, in love, and stable. No one is waiting for the ax to fall; Kira no longer has to wait for that final hit that will break Matt into a thousand pieces. Matt’s work with the Fight Club is helping people, helping the community and giving his friends a steady paycheck and a sense of purpose. Life is looking up for the first time in a long time. And oh, yeah, Kira is totally going to marry him. Maybe not today, or tomorrow, but someday they are going to be everything he has ever wanted. A family. A home.
But Matt can’t fix the whole world. Even when he tries his best to give the kids and grown-ups that come to the Fight Club a safe place, and hope. And knowing that kids like Ruby and Claude are going hungry, and probably homeless, is something he is never going to be comfortable with. All he has is a place to offer them, and the hope that they will take it. But there are monsters lurking on the streets these two call home, ones that offer kids like Ruby a few bucks in exchange for their disposability. And if the drugs they want him to run don’t kill the kid, the life he is flirting will, eventually.
This is supposed to be Matt and Kira’s new start, their new page, but they are finding that Ruby and Claude are writing new stories onto that page, ones they never expected. Or know how to handle.
You know those shows that start out with like those sickening well-adjusted families? Where everything is in pastels and the dog is running around in the backyard while a couple stare lovingly into each other eyes over a cup of coffee? And you know, you just know that any moment the camera is going to pan down to a dead body or something, because there is no way that everything is on the up and up with all this Disney/Hallmark goodness spread like frosting all over the place…
Yeah, that.
Ok, so there are not any serial-killers or sudden bloodbaths in this story. But there was something about the beginning of this book-–what with all the happy well-adjustedness of it all-–that just screamed incoming heartbreak. After all, N.R. Walker was hardly going to give us over two-hundred pages of happy-kitten-time fluff. Not even after the number she pulled last time in Breaking Point.
Still, I’m glad to see that Matt has finally started to get his shit together. And if Breaking Point was a clusterfuck of uncommunication, this is all about the talking and the honesty. I half expected Matt to revert back to his more secretive assholic ways, what with his hearing problems and job loss–-not to mention all his guilt issues–-but no, he is finally starting to pull himself together. I think it was just a weird feeling, to go from super-angst!Matt to this. No bad…just weird.
My favorite part of this story has got to be Claude. Even with my whole child-aversion, she was pretty awesome. I think she was very well written, because you could tell she is totally a kid…but this is a kid who has been forced to grow up way sooner-–and under way harsher conditions-–than any child should. And man, I love the way see and Kira bonded. You can totally tell that Kira (and Matt) are trying their damndest not to get overly attached, but like a truck barreling down on you at 70mph, there is no way to avoid it. And no way in hell it isn’t going to hurt.
And dear lord does Walker like to hurt us. I can’t say I didn’t see it coming, but for some reason it only made it worse. It was like watching a movie based on some type of real-life tragedy. You go in knowing happy endings are not going to happen, but you watch and you start to like the characters, and you’re sitting there hoping that they’ll pull a miracle out of the rabbit’s ass (or something), but no, what happens is the rabbit bites your hand, gives you rabies, and then fucks off while you start foaming at the mouth.
Um…anyways, all I am saying is that it sucked. Majorly. The pain, not the story. But maybe, sometime way, waaayyy in the future, it comes out ok. And sometimes even great.
I’m pretty sure, but don’t quite quote me on this or anything, but it felt like this was the last book for Matt and Kira. Not that I would be opposed to another, but the way it wrapped up seemed rather final. Which I am ok with. Because this story did a lot towards finally sticking them both in a place that is going forward. Living their lives without all the shit that has gone down between, and to them. This is, aptly so, their starting point. Their relationship really feels solid, so much more so than in the last book, and I really enjoyed seeing them finally find a balance.
For the most part, this book was really enjoyable. However the whole switch of pov at about 85% of the way thru the book, just felt odd. For a majority of the story we had gotten only Matt’s side of things, and it really knocked the rhythm off, at least for me, when we were suddenly thrown into Kira’s head. Mostly because they didn’t feel all that different, so I kept forgetting that this was Kira not Matt, and constantly having to remind myself was getting annoying. I like that we got Kira’s side of things, I just wish that it had been happening for the whole book, not just sprung on us at the last moment.
Starting Point was a nice conclusion (maybe?) to Matt and Kira’s story. It wrapped almost everything up, and what it left hanging was not so much questions, but a life that was still left to be lived. Things will change, their family will change, but this is life. A life they will lead without us, but still one I am glad to have been a part of. For all the sorrow and pain they have all endured, I think they finally have a chance to be happy. And if I don’t get a chance to see all of it-–well, then at least I can imagine it for them.
This was a review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
But Matt can’t fix the whole world. Even when he tries his best to give the kids and grown-ups that come to the Fight Club a safe place, and hope. And knowing that kids like Ruby and Claude are going hungry, and probably homeless, is something he is never going to be comfortable with. All he has is a place to offer them, and the hope that they will take it. But there are monsters lurking on the streets these two call home, ones that offer kids like Ruby a few bucks in exchange for their disposability. And if the drugs they want him to run don’t kill the kid, the life he is flirting will, eventually.
This is supposed to be Matt and Kira’s new start, their new page, but they are finding that Ruby and Claude are writing new stories onto that page, ones they never expected. Or know how to handle.
You know those shows that start out with like those sickening well-adjusted families? Where everything is in pastels and the dog is running around in the backyard while a couple stare lovingly into each other eyes over a cup of coffee? And you know, you just know that any moment the camera is going to pan down to a dead body or something, because there is no way that everything is on the up and up with all this Disney/Hallmark goodness spread like frosting all over the place…
Yeah, that.
Ok, so there are not any serial-killers or sudden bloodbaths in this story. But there was something about the beginning of this book-–what with all the happy well-adjustedness of it all-–that just screamed incoming heartbreak. After all, N.R. Walker was hardly going to give us over two-hundred pages of happy-kitten-time fluff. Not even after the number she pulled last time in Breaking Point.
Still, I’m glad to see that Matt has finally started to get his shit together. And if Breaking Point was a clusterfuck of uncommunication, this is all about the talking and the honesty. I half expected Matt to revert back to his more secretive assholic ways, what with his hearing problems and job loss–-not to mention all his guilt issues–-but no, he is finally starting to pull himself together. I think it was just a weird feeling, to go from super-angst!Matt to this. No bad…just weird.
My favorite part of this story has got to be Claude. Even with my whole child-aversion, she was pretty awesome. I think she was very well written, because you could tell she is totally a kid…but this is a kid who has been forced to grow up way sooner-–and under way harsher conditions-–than any child should. And man, I love the way see and Kira bonded. You can totally tell that Kira (and Matt) are trying their damndest not to get overly attached, but like a truck barreling down on you at 70mph, there is no way to avoid it. And no way in hell it isn’t going to hurt.
And dear lord does Walker like to hurt us. I can’t say I didn’t see it coming, but for some reason it only made it worse. It was like watching a movie based on some type of real-life tragedy. You go in knowing happy endings are not going to happen, but you watch and you start to like the characters, and you’re sitting there hoping that they’ll pull a miracle out of the rabbit’s ass (or something), but no, what happens is the rabbit bites your hand, gives you rabies, and then fucks off while you start foaming at the mouth.
Um…anyways, all I am saying is that it sucked. Majorly. The pain, not the story. But maybe, sometime way, waaayyy in the future, it comes out ok. And sometimes even great.
I’m pretty sure, but don’t quite quote me on this or anything, but it felt like this was the last book for Matt and Kira. Not that I would be opposed to another, but the way it wrapped up seemed rather final. Which I am ok with. Because this story did a lot towards finally sticking them both in a place that is going forward. Living their lives without all the shit that has gone down between, and to them. This is, aptly so, their starting point. Their relationship really feels solid, so much more so than in the last book, and I really enjoyed seeing them finally find a balance.
For the most part, this book was really enjoyable. However the whole switch of pov at about 85% of the way thru the book, just felt odd. For a majority of the story we had gotten only Matt’s side of things, and it really knocked the rhythm off, at least for me, when we were suddenly thrown into Kira’s head. Mostly because they didn’t feel all that different, so I kept forgetting that this was Kira not Matt, and constantly having to remind myself was getting annoying. I like that we got Kira’s side of things, I just wish that it had been happening for the whole book, not just sprung on us at the last moment.
Starting Point was a nice conclusion (maybe?) to Matt and Kira’s story. It wrapped almost everything up, and what it left hanging was not so much questions, but a life that was still left to be lived. Things will change, their family will change, but this is life. A life they will lead without us, but still one I am glad to have been a part of. For all the sorrow and pain they have all endured, I think they finally have a chance to be happy. And if I don’t get a chance to see all of it-–well, then at least I can imagine it for them.
This was a review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
January 17, 2019
I'm crying all the tears!!!
Another fantastic series by N.R. Walker, but I'm not liking her right now!
Oh man, did this book run me through a full gamut of emotions... happy, sad, heartbroken, anger, joy. I had such a hard time with it at certain points, because you know much of what happens in the story actually happens on a daily basis in the real world. And that just broke my heart.
I loved Matt and Kira. They've been through so much in their time together, some really tough times, it was great to see them come through it all stronger and more in love than ever.
Another fantastic series by N.R. Walker, but I'm not liking her right now!
Oh man, did this book run me through a full gamut of emotions... happy, sad, heartbroken, anger, joy. I had such a hard time with it at certain points, because you know much of what happens in the story actually happens on a daily basis in the real world. And that just broke my heart.
I loved Matt and Kira. They've been through so much in their time together, some really tough times, it was great to see them come through it all stronger and more in love than ever.
February 13, 2019
After all the lies in the second book, I loved that in this part Matt and Kira were working hard on their relationship to make it a healthy and strong one! Matt went to therapy to work through his issues and he and Kira were finally talking! Really talking! About their thoughts and feelings, just about everything.
With Matt now working with street kids this book wasn't only sunshine. It's emotional and sad things happened, but it was a great end of this series.
4.5 stars
With Matt now working with street kids this book wasn't only sunshine. It's emotional and sad things happened, but it was a great end of this series.
4.5 stars
November 20, 2019
4.5🌟🌟🌟🌟 ✨ Devo ancora metabolizzare il tutto, è stata una lettura che mi ha commossa molto
September 12, 2018
Edited to include 4.5 star Audiobook review: The Blogger Girls
Book review
I have been a huge Matt and Kira fan since the beginning of this series and am really sad that it’s come to an end. But, I am not sad that life seems to have come full circle and they are now on the fast track to their HEA. They had suffered tremendously in the first two books and this one ends on a high note…a very high note.
Seriously, they’ve adopted a dog! What says forever more than a dog? And the dog is special…how absolutely perfect for them. I think the dog was my favorite part…and I don’t even have a dog!
But this story is not all happy, happy, joy, joy. Matt is still in recovery from his cage fighting; still dealing with the mental and physical trauma that left behind. Kira, as per usual where Mr. Perfect is concerned, is just a solid rock that keeps Matt straight. Well, not exactly straight because these two know how to light up a bedroom, DAYUM.
But anyhoo, trouble seems to come looking for these two and this story is no different. The only difference is that they are trying to help kids this go round, street kids, and a brother and sister to be exact. Claude is a 9 year old little girl and her brother Ruby is 13. They have it rough, I mean, they have absolutely nothing and no one to take care of them. Matt and, by extension, Kira take them under their wings, but it’s not easy and trouble is a brewing. It becomes a little sad…expected but sad nonetheless. I hate to think of little kids being homeless and alone. Matt and Kira do what they can, but it’s not always enough. No spoilers but take my word for it, it is not pretty.
But, the ending, oh my goodness; that ending. I so love Kira’s parents and having them there at the end when they get the “news” is so beautiful and such a lovely way to end the saga that is Matt and Kira.
Sniff Sniff…I will miss them.
Audio Review
Absolutely nothing was lost in translation, and everything was gained in this audio portrayal of Starting Point, and the whole Point of No Return Series. Sean Crisden took Matt and Kira to the next level. I loved listening to this series as his performance was exactly how I heard them in my head when I’d initially read the books. It will take me awhile before I can pick up another Sean Crisden audio because I just know I will be hearing both Matt and Kira. Bravo Sean on a job well done, and bravo N.R. Walker for writing an amazing series and choosing the perfect narrator to perform it.
Overall Impression: I loved it!
Book review
I have been a huge Matt and Kira fan since the beginning of this series and am really sad that it’s come to an end. But, I am not sad that life seems to have come full circle and they are now on the fast track to their HEA. They had suffered tremendously in the first two books and this one ends on a high note…a very high note.
Seriously, they’ve adopted a dog! What says forever more than a dog? And the dog is special…how absolutely perfect for them. I think the dog was my favorite part…and I don’t even have a dog!
But this story is not all happy, happy, joy, joy. Matt is still in recovery from his cage fighting; still dealing with the mental and physical trauma that left behind. Kira, as per usual where Mr. Perfect is concerned, is just a solid rock that keeps Matt straight. Well, not exactly straight because these two know how to light up a bedroom, DAYUM.
But anyhoo, trouble seems to come looking for these two and this story is no different. The only difference is that they are trying to help kids this go round, street kids, and a brother and sister to be exact. Claude is a 9 year old little girl and her brother Ruby is 13. They have it rough, I mean, they have absolutely nothing and no one to take care of them. Matt and, by extension, Kira take them under their wings, but it’s not easy and trouble is a brewing. It becomes a little sad…expected but sad nonetheless. I hate to think of little kids being homeless and alone. Matt and Kira do what they can, but it’s not always enough. No spoilers but take my word for it, it is not pretty.
But, the ending, oh my goodness; that ending. I so love Kira’s parents and having them there at the end when they get the “news” is so beautiful and such a lovely way to end the saga that is Matt and Kira.
Sniff Sniff…I will miss them.
Audio Review
Absolutely nothing was lost in translation, and everything was gained in this audio portrayal of Starting Point, and the whole Point of No Return Series. Sean Crisden took Matt and Kira to the next level. I loved listening to this series as his performance was exactly how I heard them in my head when I’d initially read the books. It will take me awhile before I can pick up another Sean Crisden audio because I just know I will be hearing both Matt and Kira. Bravo Sean on a job well done, and bravo N.R. Walker for writing an amazing series and choosing the perfect narrator to perform it.
Overall Impression: I loved it!
September 9, 2014
4 stars...God, I need a drink...well, if I drank I would need a drink. This book kicked my ass, but in a different way than the second one. The second one was so emotionally exhausting and just...uncomfortable, heavy with guilt, anger, and fear. Watching the emotional toll it took on Matt and Kira made this a must read and I don't know what I was thinking this would be like...actually, that's not true, I thought I was gonna get a light and fluffy, everything is happy-type ending. I didn't...well...I did and I didn't.
This book is emotional, maybe not as emotional as the second--and for that I thank the good lord above, but it still put me through it and I still cried...several times.
I know some people were annoyed that there was this repetitive congratulating of one another and the reoccurring conversations about how everyone is so amazing, but I wasn't annoyed. The way Matt was in the second one, I felt every time someone said something positive, he didn't believe, he needed to be told, to see what others could see in him, to let go of the guilt and the negative way he saw himself and his mistakes. He has come a long way and I was happy for him. And Kira. I will say this felt more like a "Matt" book, then a Matt and Kira, but again, I kind of feel like Matt is the one we have been following and feeling the most, or maybe that was just me.
The family was great, Sal and Yumi, love them.
The thing with the kids broke my heart...ugh...I was ten kinds of devastated. Over and over again.
There were some sweet surprises in here, too.
And yes we get our HEA.
This book is emotional, maybe not as emotional as the second--and for that I thank the good lord above, but it still put me through it and I still cried...several times.
I know some people were annoyed that there was this repetitive congratulating of one another and the reoccurring conversations about how everyone is so amazing, but I wasn't annoyed. The way Matt was in the second one, I felt every time someone said something positive, he didn't believe, he needed to be told, to see what others could see in him, to let go of the guilt and the negative way he saw himself and his mistakes. He has come a long way and I was happy for him. And Kira. I will say this felt more like a "Matt" book, then a Matt and Kira, but again, I kind of feel like Matt is the one we have been following and feeling the most, or maybe that was just me.
The family was great, Sal and Yumi, love them.
The thing with the kids broke my heart...ugh...I was ten kinds of devastated. Over and over again.
There were some sweet surprises in here, too.
And yes we get our HEA.
February 11, 2015
Definitely the best book in the series!
This book left me a mess! I was crying for the better part of the book and I couldn't put it down! Matt and Kira are trying to start new after the events of the previous book. But when Matt meets two kids that live on the streets everything changes...
And then starts the hard part..
Matt is a great guy and he wants to save all the kids in need and especially Claude and her brother, Ruby. He's doing his best but sometimes that's not enough. He had total support from Kira and that shows us how perfect they are together. Of course, Matt, has still some issues to solve but it's pretty clear that he's doing a great job.
Kira is amazing! He's always there for Matt and he knows what to say and when to say it. He doesn't scare easily and he's a fighter for their relationship.
What can I say about Claude and Ruby?
My heart broke with these kids... No child must live like that... Claude has a special place in my heart and, as for Ruby... I understand why he made such bad decisions and that's what make it even worse...
Kira's family and Matt friends were not only great but the perfect example that people need to really know each other and work together so they help everyone in need...
Matt and Kira you are amazing guys!
This book left me a mess! I was crying for the better part of the book and I couldn't put it down! Matt and Kira are trying to start new after the events of the previous book. But when Matt meets two kids that live on the streets everything changes...
And then starts the hard part..
Matt is a great guy and he wants to save all the kids in need and especially Claude and her brother, Ruby. He's doing his best but sometimes that's not enough. He had total support from Kira and that shows us how perfect they are together. Of course, Matt, has still some issues to solve but it's pretty clear that he's doing a great job.
Kira is amazing! He's always there for Matt and he knows what to say and when to say it. He doesn't scare easily and he's a fighter for their relationship.
What can I say about Claude and Ruby?
My heart broke with these kids... No child must live like that... Claude has a special place in my heart and, as for Ruby... I understand why he made such bad decisions and that's what make it even worse...
Kira's family and Matt friends were not only great but the perfect example that people need to really know each other and work together so they help everyone in need...
Matt and Kira you are amazing guys!
July 13, 2021
Wow. Way to finish strong.
I cried real tears, and the fucking epilogue wanted me to cry more and even tried to squeeze an extra star from me there. Sneaky sneaky.
If this had been one longer novel instead of three short installments I think it really would’ve flowed better - still, I’m so glad I saw this series through to the end.
I cried real tears, and the fucking epilogue wanted me to cry more and even tried to squeeze an extra star from me there. Sneaky sneaky.
If this had been one longer novel instead of three short installments I think it really would’ve flowed better - still, I’m so glad I saw this series through to the end.
September 19, 2014
Review to follow when I can write a proper one.
January 3, 2023
A perfect ending to this series.
The plot, in this latest installment, has not been deprived of testing the protagonists again, who, already more mature in their relationship, are still growing on their own, and as a couple.
Adorable and with an event that broke my heart.
Enough of making the protagonists suffer, now let them live in peace.
With a very emotional grand finale.
More than satisfied with this latest installment in the saga.
The plot, in this latest installment, has not been deprived of testing the protagonists again, who, already more mature in their relationship, are still growing on their own, and as a couple.
Adorable and with an event that broke my heart.
Enough of making the protagonists suffer, now let them live in peace.
With a very emotional grand finale.
More than satisfied with this latest installment in the saga.
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