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Queers of La Vista #4
One Life to Lose
Cameron Rheingold is the kind of guy who takes a book to a bar. He’s a loner by nature, but he has to engage with the community to keep his movie theater business afloat. When two young men stay after a Cary Grant film showing to chat, Cameron thinks he might have made some new friends—but their interest is more than friendly.
Josh is charismatic, and every smile is a little bit seductive. Keith is sweet and kind, with a core of steel Cameron can sense even when Keith’s on his knees. Cameron is willing to be the couple’s kinky third, but that’s it. He refuses to risk complicating things with his growing devotion, even if being with Josh and Keith feels more right than anything else ever has.
When the three of them are attacked by the killer roaming La Vista, Cameron must decide what’s more pretending the assault never happened and he’s the same loner he used to be, or coming clean to Josh and Keith about how much he loves them, even if they can never return his feelings.
Josh is charismatic, and every smile is a little bit seductive. Keith is sweet and kind, with a core of steel Cameron can sense even when Keith’s on his knees. Cameron is willing to be the couple’s kinky third, but that’s it. He refuses to risk complicating things with his growing devotion, even if being with Josh and Keith feels more right than anything else ever has.
When the three of them are attacked by the killer roaming La Vista, Cameron must decide what’s more pretending the assault never happened and he’s the same loner he used to be, or coming clean to Josh and Keith about how much he loves them, even if they can never return his feelings.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2016
7 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Kris Ripper
89 books403 followersKris Ripper lives in the great state of California and zir pronouns are ze/zir. Kris shares a converted garage with a kid, can do two pull-ups in a row, and can write backwards. (No, really.) Ze has been writing fiction since ze learned how to write, and boring zir stuffed animals with stories long before that.
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November 14, 2016I'm going through this series like Bugs Bunny going through a carrot. Bits flying everywhere.
This was a really interesting read. I loved Cam, solitary, awkward, ?neurodivergent Cam, who misses his parents so much and just wants to be left alone. Cam <3 Keith was a sweetie, a cheerful, straightforward, good-hearted guy with extremely complicated needs. I didn't connect quite so much with Josh, which has always been the case with me reading menage books, there's always a third party for me, and I wonder if it's that I'm so used to the two-person model of romance that I'm constantly resetting to that without noticing and thus not reading it properly. Would be really interested in what a poly reader made of this one.
A thing: Cam's not very good at basic human interactions, and he's the narrator. He finds himself not just in a menage that needs a ton of negotiation, but also joining in quite an extreme (mentally) BSDM set up, and there were points I shared his incomprehension of what Josh and Keith were into and up to, because I was reading through him. But maybe that's the point, that you don't have to understand, that sometimes you need to accept and trust. IDK. I think I'm going to read this again.
Again, perhaps even more so than the previous books, the setting of La Vista is a character in itself, the whole population real and vivid. I am VERY EXCITED about Zane and Mildred in book 5. VERY.
The series murder plot is resolved in this one with a lengthy sequence that some readers will find extremely close to the bone, inc brutal transphobia (from the villain, not the book/author, obv). The murderer's motivation is really pretty disturbing and I'm still chewing it over; it's addressing some very unpalatable things head on, in a way many authors would probably shy away from.
There's a lot of hinterland to this series, the murderer's ID is going to be utterly devastating to a character whose reaction we don't see, but having read the whole series I was curled up in a ball whimpering about the thought of it. This is what series can do, building a world in all its complexity and variety.
Gosh I have a lot to think about in this one. It's doing a lot of things--gentle and sweet, and also brutal and dark, and also covering a lot of trauma and a really complicated relationship that requires a hell of a lot of negotiation. An incredibly strong series doing remarkable things with the romance form.
This was a really interesting read. I loved Cam, solitary, awkward, ?neurodivergent Cam, who misses his parents so much and just wants to be left alone. Cam <3 Keith was a sweetie, a cheerful, straightforward, good-hearted guy with extremely complicated needs. I didn't connect quite so much with Josh, which has always been the case with me reading menage books, there's always a third party for me, and I wonder if it's that I'm so used to the two-person model of romance that I'm constantly resetting to that without noticing and thus not reading it properly. Would be really interested in what a poly reader made of this one.
A thing: Cam's not very good at basic human interactions, and he's the narrator. He finds himself not just in a menage that needs a ton of negotiation, but also joining in quite an extreme (mentally) BSDM set up, and there were points I shared his incomprehension of what Josh and Keith were into and up to, because I was reading through him. But maybe that's the point, that you don't have to understand, that sometimes you need to accept and trust. IDK. I think I'm going to read this again.
Again, perhaps even more so than the previous books, the setting of La Vista is a character in itself, the whole population real and vivid. I am VERY EXCITED about Zane and Mildred in book 5. VERY.
The series murder plot is resolved in this one with a lengthy sequence that some readers will find extremely close to the bone, inc brutal transphobia (from the villain, not the book/author, obv). The murderer's motivation is really pretty disturbing and I'm still chewing it over; it's addressing some very unpalatable things head on, in a way many authors would probably shy away from.
There's a lot of hinterland to this series, the murderer's ID is going to be utterly devastating to a character whose reaction we don't see, but having read the whole series I was curled up in a ball whimpering about the thought of it. This is what series can do, building a world in all its complexity and variety.
Gosh I have a lot to think about in this one. It's doing a lot of things--gentle and sweet, and also brutal and dark, and also covering a lot of trauma and a really complicated relationship that requires a hell of a lot of negotiation. An incredibly strong series doing remarkable things with the romance form.
December 12, 2016
Reading One Life to Lose was like receiving a hug; the kind that makes you feel whole, that nurtures and heals you, that strips away all barriers—the best kind. I feel a bit ridiculous declaring this book my new favourite in the series, having just said the same about the former one, but I needed that hug—just like Cam.
I wouldn’t say I am much like Cam, but maybe that’s wrong. I’m not good at small talk and being in groups with a lot of people, and I have no problem with taking myself out of these kind of situations and hiding somewhere. There are parts of myself I don’t really believe in and I doubt that the perfect future is waiting for me, which all could sound like Cam and I are insecure, dysfunctional, unhappy people but we aren’t, because there is a lot more to us; something that other people recognise. They are our friends, our lovers; they love us, and we them.
I can relate very much to Cam’s character, but that’s not where it ends, because I can see my J and myself in Keith and Josh as well. They are an established couple and they share a deep bond and they complement and trust each other. I love the idea of involving another person in your relationship, include them in your love and come out stronger and more whole. This part of the story is incredibly well written, like, just. Fucking. Perfect. I get all warm and melting inside just thinking about it, and in my opinion the ending is wonderful and fits the characters and I believe they will walk into the future together from now on on.
As can be glimpsed from the blurb, the murderer of La Vista makes another appearance in this book and, geez, this is so so sooooo scary. At one point the foreboding was suddenly overwhelming:
Reading this still let’s my heart beat faster, but I survived and I’m glad it’s over, and I think the situation is satisfyingly resolved, too. The depiction of the guys’ survival and its aftermath seems very realistic to me and I really love the attention that is paid to it—even though it’s kinda not pretty and in parts excruciating to read.
Like… Do I want to say something on the BDSM? That’s a bit hard without taking much away, so I won’t discuss it. I can say, however, that it’s kinda brilliant. All of it. I especially like how the focus is not on the sex but on the connection between the characters, and communication is so important. Oh God, I really, really like this.
I want to add some smallish things here before I come to the end: For fans of Kris Ripper, you will be delighted to see another favourite character, which I found to be very charming. I also definitely will watch some movies with Cary Grant, starting with Notorious this weekend. (OMG, I love how Cary Grant and cinematic stuff plays such an important role in this book.) I got that book reference (*jumps up and down*), which, really makes me smile so much. And Kris educates on the use of emojis, which is just hilarious :-O
This series, this book, is so much better than I had thought before I went into it. I mean, I was a fan of Kris’s writing before but still… Contemporary romance must fulfill certain criteria to be able to speak to me. I want to recognise myself in it and I want to read something fresh and new, and this series is achieving this for me, even more than I thought possible.
So I can’t recommend this series enough. Please check out our reviews of Gays of Our Lives, The Butch and the Beautiful, and The Queer and the Restless if you haven’t already.
Don’t miss this great series and definitely do not miss this instalment. It’s like a hug you shouldn’t resist.
____________________________________
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tags: M/M/M, Poly Relationship, BDSM, LGBT Youth Center, Cinema, Movies
Content Warnings: PTSD, Attempted Murder, Assault, Homophobia
Rating: 5 stars, Favourites of 2016
Blog: Review for Just Love Romance
Disclosure: ARC for Review
If you rolled all the words for love and sex and grace together into one, maybe you would have some sense of that night, of how timeless it was, and how eternal, as if it had been happening all along, as if it would continue happening until the end of the world. I had never experienced pleasure like that: liquid, hot, desperation with an edge sharp enough to cut like a knife. I had never felt so held, so contained, so taken care of.
I wouldn’t say I am much like Cam, but maybe that’s wrong. I’m not good at small talk and being in groups with a lot of people, and I have no problem with taking myself out of these kind of situations and hiding somewhere. There are parts of myself I don’t really believe in and I doubt that the perfect future is waiting for me, which all could sound like Cam and I are insecure, dysfunctional, unhappy people but we aren’t, because there is a lot more to us; something that other people recognise. They are our friends, our lovers; they love us, and we them.
I can relate very much to Cam’s character, but that’s not where it ends, because I can see my J and myself in Keith and Josh as well. They are an established couple and they share a deep bond and they complement and trust each other. I love the idea of involving another person in your relationship, include them in your love and come out stronger and more whole. This part of the story is incredibly well written, like, just. Fucking. Perfect. I get all warm and melting inside just thinking about it, and in my opinion the ending is wonderful and fits the characters and I believe they will walk into the future together from now on on.
As can be glimpsed from the blurb, the murderer of La Vista makes another appearance in this book and, geez, this is so so sooooo scary. At one point the foreboding was suddenly overwhelming:
All so perfectly mundane. That’s the genius of filmmakers like Hitchcock, of course. You start with a party, and it’s so mundane it seduces you a little. The guy sitting in silhouette in the foreground may be the hero, or he may be the villain. You aren’t always sure until the end.
Reading this still let’s my heart beat faster, but I survived and I’m glad it’s over, and I think the situation is satisfyingly resolved, too. The depiction of the guys’ survival and its aftermath seems very realistic to me and I really love the attention that is paid to it—even though it’s kinda not pretty and in parts excruciating to read.
Like… Do I want to say something on the BDSM? That’s a bit hard without taking much away, so I won’t discuss it. I can say, however, that it’s kinda brilliant. All of it. I especially like how the focus is not on the sex but on the connection between the characters, and communication is so important. Oh God, I really, really like this.
I want to add some smallish things here before I come to the end: For fans of Kris Ripper, you will be delighted to see another favourite character, which I found to be very charming. I also definitely will watch some movies with Cary Grant, starting with Notorious this weekend. (OMG, I love how Cary Grant and cinematic stuff plays such an important role in this book.) I got that book reference (*jumps up and down*), which, really makes me smile so much. And Kris educates on the use of emojis, which is just hilarious :-O
This series, this book, is so much better than I had thought before I went into it. I mean, I was a fan of Kris’s writing before but still… Contemporary romance must fulfill certain criteria to be able to speak to me. I want to recognise myself in it and I want to read something fresh and new, and this series is achieving this for me, even more than I thought possible.
So I can’t recommend this series enough. Please check out our reviews of Gays of Our Lives, The Butch and the Beautiful, and The Queer and the Restless if you haven’t already.
Don’t miss this great series and definitely do not miss this instalment. It’s like a hug you shouldn’t resist.
____________________________________
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tags: M/M/M, Poly Relationship, BDSM, LGBT Youth Center, Cinema, Movies
Content Warnings: PTSD, Attempted Murder, Assault, Homophobia
Rating: 5 stars, Favourites of 2016
Blog: Review for Just Love Romance
Disclosure: ARC for Review
December 16, 2016
Confession time, I've been reading out of order but it didn't affect my enjoyment of this book and I can honestly say that it reads well as a standalone.
Loved all three of the MCs, Cameron is adorably quirky and Keith is a sweetheart. I don't think we got as much insight into Josh's character but I liked him nonetheless. The mystery element to the story was well done although I knew who the murderer was from his first appearance. I thought the way Cameron reacted to the trio's ordeal was very realistic and I'm glad that he shared his problems with Josh and Keith. A good addition to a great series.
*Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Loved all three of the MCs, Cameron is adorably quirky and Keith is a sweetheart. I don't think we got as much insight into Josh's character but I liked him nonetheless. The mystery element to the story was well done although I knew who the murderer was from his first appearance. I thought the way Cameron reacted to the trio's ordeal was very realistic and I'm glad that he shared his problems with Josh and Keith. A good addition to a great series.
*Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
April 26, 2017
Actual rating is 4.3
Whenever I mentioned I was going to start reading this book, people would (metaphorically) drop from the ceiling, squeeing as hard as they could because ZOMG, IT WAS AMAZING!!! Normally, that kind of OTT enthusiasm has the opposite effect on me, i.e. I lose interest in the reading.
BUT, since: a) I had read all three books before it, b) I do think Kris Ripper is a fun author and c) I do lurve reading LGTBQ+ series, I chose to take a deep breath and dive in...
What I liked
+ Cameron
A 32-year old loner whose quirks aren't cute or obnoxious, Cameron was a complex and sweet protag. Although he never got full BAE status (the way Obie did in Book 1), I was quite taken with him.
I thought it was cool that no one asks him to change who he is (even AFTER he enters a relationship with Josh and Keith.) Also, the book doesn't look down on him for being enthusiastic about movies or Cary Grant or the way he dresses.
He does learn a bit about being part of the world. TBH, there were times where I had to take a break from reading his story. Every so often there would be certain things about him that resonated v. hard with some aspects of my own personality. #Oooooh
The relationship part was a bit tricky for me.
Like, it's cool how Josh and Keith bring Cameron into a relationship with them. They take their time in making the connection and letting it develop in a natural way. Keith and Josh do check in with Cameron (who IS a newbie.) It's not as if Cameron was going to play with them once and then he was going to turn around and know everything about leatherplay.
For a book featuring a triad, there weren't as many sex scenes as some might expect. At times, there would be foreplay and a kind of fade-to-black. And then, Cameron would mention what all three of them did, etc.
The erotic part was the discussion of how things would happen and what the expectations would, etc. This resulted in a kind of intimacy that isn't seen a lot in M/M/M books. Yes, Cameron would get excited at seeing Keith kneeling at Josh's feet, for example, but it wasn't so much about what was happening on the page as what Cameron felt.
It helped, of course, that Cameron's take on what he felt for Josh and Keith is written in heartfelt yet clear prose.
Another thing was that the sex scenes were fun (if occasionally pretty intense. Josh and Keith are into humiliation play, for example.) The heat level is more on sensual and psychologically fulfilling sides more than the physical once.
+ QUEEEEEEERS
So, like I mentioned in my review of the previous book, each novel in the QoLV series focuses on different-yet-connected aspects of queer life.
Like, in the first book, we follow a gay man finding his way and making his own found family. The second one has to do with queer youth. The third one has to do with a queer person moving around in mainstream, i.e. straight, society. THIS book really goes deep into the queer person in the queer community.
As weird as it might sound, I really enjoyed how Kris didn't push zir punches on the good AND bad sides to the queer community. Such as: just because you happen to be LGTBQ+, it doesn't automatically mean you're a good person. Because, in the real world, there's a v. toxic side to the queer community. Thankfully, we also see the flipside of that darkness in how the queer community can be a family
+ The mystery (WOOOOOOT!)
Firstly, let me do this \o/ because we do get the resolution to the La Vista serial killer. I had 3 suspects and feel pretty spiffy that one of them ended up being the villain. The reveal was dramatic af. My stomach was in knots because the tension was HELLA. #Trust
I think that the mystery worked because it was as horrible and heartbreaking as in real life. :(
It was neat how many layers made up the aftermath of the reveal. For Cameron, Josh, and Keith, they end up front and center on what's a SRS BIZNESS investigation. On top of that, Cameron (and, to a lesser level, Keith) has to deal with PTSD.
And then, we also get to see the ripples throughout the community.
What I didn't like
- There's romance?
Again, as much as I dug the sensuality to Josh/Keith/Cameron's dynamic, there's something about the relationship that didn't it cemented it for me.
I think one minor-ish issue I had was the slight discrepancy in ages. Cameron's 32, Keith's 21, and Josh's 24. There's a lot of familiarity between Keith and Josh (who have been together for 4 years), but they both behave as people who are 10 years older.
So I was left wondering if some of Cameron's initial hesitancy and misunderstanding about starting a relationship with Josh and Keith was because he was aware of how young they were (compared to him.)?
TL;DR: I enjoyed the kink and the intimacy and the mystery was greatness. THAT SAID, I felt that the romance was pushed back a little too far. #YMMV
Before you think about reading it on its own, do keep in mind that this is THE payoff for the mystery. If you skip the first three books, you will deffo be missing out on all the connecting pieces of the La Vista 'verse. IJS.
Whenever I mentioned I was going to start reading this book, people would (metaphorically) drop from the ceiling, squeeing as hard as they could because ZOMG, IT WAS AMAZING!!! Normally, that kind of OTT enthusiasm has the opposite effect on me, i.e. I lose interest in the reading.
BUT, since: a) I had read all three books before it, b) I do think Kris Ripper is a fun author and c) I do lurve reading LGTBQ+ series, I chose to take a deep breath and dive in...
What I liked
+ Cameron
A 32-year old loner whose quirks aren't cute or obnoxious, Cameron was a complex and sweet protag. Although he never got full BAE status (the way Obie did in Book 1), I was quite taken with him.
I thought it was cool that no one asks him to change who he is (even AFTER he enters a relationship with Josh and Keith.) Also, the book doesn't look down on him for being enthusiastic about movies or Cary Grant or the way he dresses.
He does learn a bit about being part of the world. TBH, there were times where I had to take a break from reading his story. Every so often there would be certain things about him that resonated v. hard with some aspects of my own personality. #Oooooh
The relationship part was a bit tricky for me.
Like, it's cool how Josh and Keith bring Cameron into a relationship with them. They take their time in making the connection and letting it develop in a natural way. Keith and Josh do check in with Cameron (who IS a newbie.) It's not as if Cameron was going to play with them once and then he was going to turn around and know everything about leatherplay.
For a book featuring a triad, there weren't as many sex scenes as some might expect. At times, there would be foreplay and a kind of fade-to-black. And then, Cameron would mention what all three of them did, etc.
The erotic part was the discussion of how things would happen and what the expectations would, etc. This resulted in a kind of intimacy that isn't seen a lot in M/M/M books. Yes, Cameron would get excited at seeing Keith kneeling at Josh's feet, for example, but it wasn't so much about what was happening on the page as what Cameron felt.
It helped, of course, that Cameron's take on what he felt for Josh and Keith is written in heartfelt yet clear prose.
Another thing was that the sex scenes were fun (if occasionally pretty intense. Josh and Keith are into humiliation play, for example.) The heat level is more on sensual and psychologically fulfilling sides more than the physical once.
+ QUEEEEEEERS
So, like I mentioned in my review of the previous book, each novel in the QoLV series focuses on different-yet-connected aspects of queer life.
Like, in the first book, we follow a gay man finding his way and making his own found family. The second one has to do with queer youth. The third one has to do with a queer person moving around in mainstream, i.e. straight, society. THIS book really goes deep into the queer person in the queer community.
As weird as it might sound, I really enjoyed how Kris didn't push zir punches on the good AND bad sides to the queer community. Such as: just because you happen to be LGTBQ+, it doesn't automatically mean you're a good person. Because, in the real world, there's a v. toxic side to the queer community. Thankfully, we also see the flipside of that darkness in how the queer community can be a family
+ The mystery (WOOOOOOT!)
Firstly, let me do this \o/ because we do get the resolution to the La Vista serial killer. I had 3 suspects and feel pretty spiffy that one of them ended up being the villain. The reveal was dramatic af. My stomach was in knots because the tension was HELLA. #Trust
I think that the mystery worked because it was as horrible and heartbreaking as in real life. :(
It was neat how many layers made up the aftermath of the reveal. For Cameron, Josh, and Keith, they end up front and center on what's a SRS BIZNESS investigation. On top of that, Cameron (and, to a lesser level, Keith) has to deal with PTSD.
And then, we also get to see the ripples throughout the community.
What I didn't like
- There's romance?
Again, as much as I dug the sensuality to Josh/Keith/Cameron's dynamic, there's something about the relationship that didn't it cemented it for me.
I think one minor-ish issue I had was the slight discrepancy in ages. Cameron's 32, Keith's 21, and Josh's 24. There's a lot of familiarity between Keith and Josh (who have been together for 4 years), but they both behave as people who are 10 years older.
So I was left wondering if some of Cameron's initial hesitancy and misunderstanding about starting a relationship with Josh and Keith was because he was aware of how young they were (compared to him.)?
TL;DR: I enjoyed the kink and the intimacy and the mystery was greatness. THAT SAID, I felt that the romance was pushed back a little too far. #YMMV
Before you think about reading it on its own, do keep in mind that this is THE payoff for the mystery. If you skip the first three books, you will deffo be missing out on all the connecting pieces of the La Vista 'verse. IJS.
maybe-not
October 29, 2016Really like this series, but menage + a mystery = sooooo not my bag.
January 21, 2018
Rep: gay MC & LIs, Black LI, polyamory/triad, kinky MC & LIs, mentally ill MC, interracial relationship
Warnings: mental illness (anxiety, social anxiety, PTSD), ableism, suicide mention, hate crimes, assault, slurs, gendered slurs, transmisia/enbymisia, hate speech, abortion mention, child abuse mention
Warnings: mental illness (anxiety, social anxiety, PTSD), ableism, suicide mention, hate crimes, assault, slurs, gendered slurs, transmisia/enbymisia, hate speech, abortion mention, child abuse mention
lgbtq-to-read
October 27, 2016
Can. Not. Wait.
January 13, 2019
I devoured this (there really is no other word for it) this morning, and I have no words for how much I loved this. Just imagine a whole lot of love, and then some more, and you're halfway there. This was fantastic.
January 28, 2017
Rating C+
Full review www.allaboutromance.com/book-review/o...
I'm going to start by saying that I have a lot of admiration for what Kris Ripper has done with the Queers of La Vista series. Human beings hate change, they fear what they see as abnormal or different. In these novels, the author presents stories about normal, everyday people who also represent some of the diversity of human sexuality and gender identity and expression. It’s a series with a theme of ‘we’re here, we’re queer, what’s to fear?’ and I like that.
In One Life to Lose, there is still a murderer stalking the people who live in this area of La Vista, San Francisco, and they seem to be linked to Club Fred’s in some way. Cameron Rheingold owns and runs his family’s movie theatre in the area. He is an anxious man and a loner, and whether by accident or design he seems comfortable with his existence. To drum up more interest in his theatre as the Thanksgiving / Christmas season approaches, he organises a twelve week season of Cary Grant films each with a small reception in the lobby afterwards.
At the first of the screenings he introduces the film, drops his prompt cards while speaking, but recovers well, drawing the attention of two men – Josh and Keith, a couple in the audience. Their first meeting creates feelings in Cam he has never really felt before and a series of meetings and ‘dates’ begin between the men. Josh and Keith are a couple that enjoy BDSM between them and when they suggest that Cam become a third in their relationship, despite his inner reservations, he joins them.
Obviously, there are a lot of doubts and personal worries to overcome when a third joins an established couple. Additionally, Cam is a little older than Josh and Keith so there is a lot to be talked over and chewed over, and they do talk and think things over – a little too much for this reader.
I said I liked the idea of normalising diversity to help with the process of removing fear and opposition from society, but this is a romance, a polyamorous romance AND a murder mystery. This is the one place where emotions, descriptions and events should be more heightened for effect. This is where descriptions should evoke sympathy, empathy, anger, enjoyment of the romance and even the sexy aspects. But the novel fails in this.
The language is too simple and straightforward. The characters spend an excessive amount of time talking to each other in the same four locations. They talk endlessly about their situation, which doesn’t really seem to be ‘a situation’. I really didn’t like any member of the ménage, which is an obvious downer in a polyamorous romance. The writing seems to come to life a bit in some of the sex scenes, but even with the added interest of BDSM in their sexual relationship, my lack of empathy with the characters meant I skim read some of the sex scenes.
I was very disappointed with the revealing of the murderer, and the action and reaction around the revelation were a huge anti-climax. This has been a sub-plot spanning four novels, and yet it was dealt with fairly summarily in a few of pages in this, book four. I liked the first in the series – Gays of Our Lives – very much, but this final one was not for me.
Full review www.allaboutromance.com/book-review/o...
I'm going to start by saying that I have a lot of admiration for what Kris Ripper has done with the Queers of La Vista series. Human beings hate change, they fear what they see as abnormal or different. In these novels, the author presents stories about normal, everyday people who also represent some of the diversity of human sexuality and gender identity and expression. It’s a series with a theme of ‘we’re here, we’re queer, what’s to fear?’ and I like that.
In One Life to Lose, there is still a murderer stalking the people who live in this area of La Vista, San Francisco, and they seem to be linked to Club Fred’s in some way. Cameron Rheingold owns and runs his family’s movie theatre in the area. He is an anxious man and a loner, and whether by accident or design he seems comfortable with his existence. To drum up more interest in his theatre as the Thanksgiving / Christmas season approaches, he organises a twelve week season of Cary Grant films each with a small reception in the lobby afterwards.
At the first of the screenings he introduces the film, drops his prompt cards while speaking, but recovers well, drawing the attention of two men – Josh and Keith, a couple in the audience. Their first meeting creates feelings in Cam he has never really felt before and a series of meetings and ‘dates’ begin between the men. Josh and Keith are a couple that enjoy BDSM between them and when they suggest that Cam become a third in their relationship, despite his inner reservations, he joins them.
Obviously, there are a lot of doubts and personal worries to overcome when a third joins an established couple. Additionally, Cam is a little older than Josh and Keith so there is a lot to be talked over and chewed over, and they do talk and think things over – a little too much for this reader.
I said I liked the idea of normalising diversity to help with the process of removing fear and opposition from society, but this is a romance, a polyamorous romance AND a murder mystery. This is the one place where emotions, descriptions and events should be more heightened for effect. This is where descriptions should evoke sympathy, empathy, anger, enjoyment of the romance and even the sexy aspects. But the novel fails in this.
The language is too simple and straightforward. The characters spend an excessive amount of time talking to each other in the same four locations. They talk endlessly about their situation, which doesn’t really seem to be ‘a situation’. I really didn’t like any member of the ménage, which is an obvious downer in a polyamorous romance. The writing seems to come to life a bit in some of the sex scenes, but even with the added interest of BDSM in their sexual relationship, my lack of empathy with the characters meant I skim read some of the sex scenes.
I was very disappointed with the revealing of the murderer, and the action and reaction around the revelation were a huge anti-climax. This has been a sub-plot spanning four novels, and yet it was dealt with fairly summarily in a few of pages in this, book four. I liked the first in the series – Gays of Our Lives – very much, but this final one was not for me.
October 31, 2016
The book was nice, not amazing (sadly) and kind of long (dragging….).
I’d recommend it, because I think it was just a personal miss.
If you read the blurb you should already be familiar with the story. Cameron owns a theater. He’s a movie (history) nerd. He is liked by everyone but does little socializing, yet he’s not a hermit or anything. He’s nice, quiet. He’s sadly also quite boring.
At one of his movie screenings he meets Josh and Keith who run a shelter for queer kids. (Which, yay!!!)
The three of them get talking, become friends and eventually more.
Cam interacts with a lot of characters (some if not most are probably known by everyone who has read the previous installments). It says a lot about the author if he or she can bring many various characters to live. Might be personal that I prefer there to be less characters in my stories because meeting many men and women and kids often drags the story (in my eyes) and that’s where it gets boring for me, which here it did. I didn’t care very much about half the people we meet and many scenes did little for the story, especially the romance angle.
The writing is decent but I’m afraid the MC’s voice didn’t work for me. I can’t pin it down… I didn’t not like Cameron but I just didn’t care very much for him (he’s pretty boring). Which was the main reason for my not fully enjoying his story.
Keith I liked a lot. Josh too! They were lovely. Fun. Sweet.
If I had liked Cameron more I’d say they made a nice team. They kind of did but I never felt very attached to Cam, so…. yeah, bit of a personal miss. :(
I always feel a little down when receiving a book as a reviewing copy and then not enjoying it. I'm sorry I can't leave amazing feedback this time but I appreciate been given the opportunity to check out the author's work (which was a first time here!)
I also appreciate the author's time and effort in creating and sharing this story. I wish I could say I had more fun but perhaps next time :)
I’d recommend it, because I think it was just a personal miss.
If you read the blurb you should already be familiar with the story. Cameron owns a theater. He’s a movie (history) nerd. He is liked by everyone but does little socializing, yet he’s not a hermit or anything. He’s nice, quiet. He’s sadly also quite boring.
At one of his movie screenings he meets Josh and Keith who run a shelter for queer kids. (Which, yay!!!)
The three of them get talking, become friends and eventually more.
Cam interacts with a lot of characters (some if not most are probably known by everyone who has read the previous installments). It says a lot about the author if he or she can bring many various characters to live. Might be personal that I prefer there to be less characters in my stories because meeting many men and women and kids often drags the story (in my eyes) and that’s where it gets boring for me, which here it did. I didn’t care very much about half the people we meet and many scenes did little for the story, especially the romance angle.
The writing is decent but I’m afraid the MC’s voice didn’t work for me. I can’t pin it down… I didn’t not like Cameron but I just didn’t care very much for him (he’s pretty boring). Which was the main reason for my not fully enjoying his story.
Keith I liked a lot. Josh too! They were lovely. Fun. Sweet.
If I had liked Cameron more I’d say they made a nice team. They kind of did but I never felt very attached to Cam, so…. yeah, bit of a personal miss. :(
I always feel a little down when receiving a book as a reviewing copy and then not enjoying it. I'm sorry I can't leave amazing feedback this time but I appreciate been given the opportunity to check out the author's work (which was a first time here!)
I also appreciate the author's time and effort in creating and sharing this story. I wish I could say I had more fun but perhaps next time :)
December 10, 2016
Another enjoyable instalment in the Queers of La Vista series, with appearances from other characters in the series. The murder story continues but the main emphasis of this story is on the relationship between Cameron, the owner of the local movie house, and Josh and Keith a couple in a kinky relationship who want Cameron to join them
This is a light-hearted portrayal of BDSM. The only angst is Cameron’s doubts about where he fits in and his concerns that he might somehow spoil the dynamics of the successful and loving relationship between Josh and Keith. A lot of the intimate action takes place off page, which is a little disappointing because the on-page sex scenes are very good.
The portrayal of Cameron’s mental distress after an encounter with the La Vista murderer is very well described.
Since this is not the end of the series, there is no epilogue or definitive HEA – its more HFN. I’m looking forward to reading the final book in the series.
This is a light-hearted portrayal of BDSM. The only angst is Cameron’s doubts about where he fits in and his concerns that he might somehow spoil the dynamics of the successful and loving relationship between Josh and Keith. A lot of the intimate action takes place off page, which is a little disappointing because the on-page sex scenes are very good.
The portrayal of Cameron’s mental distress after an encounter with the La Vista murderer is very well described.
Since this is not the end of the series, there is no epilogue or definitive HEA – its more HFN. I’m looking forward to reading the final book in the series.
did-not-finish
September 12, 2017I kind of liked the three people featured in this book up to this book (Cameron, Josh, Keith). So, despite not being the type of thing I read normally - MMM (or Gay romance in general), I figured I'd go ahead and read this one.
And I was doing okay. And mostly liking people. But . . . I do believe I have to stop now at 24% into the book. Due to just why the two committed couple wanted to add a third, and what they wanted him to do. I'm just . . . . I just do not wish to read 'surprise' dominance/submission scene (surprise to me the reader, and surprise to Cameron).
So . . . I'm probably done. I only got as far as watching one order another to strip and get on the ground - which occurred after I'd moved through and past descriptions of whipping, bondage, etc (by that I mean, Josh and Keith described those scenes, not meaning that those scenes were shown).
Darn.
And I was doing okay. And mostly liking people. But . . . I do believe I have to stop now at 24% into the book. Due to just why the two committed couple wanted to add a third, and what they wanted him to do. I'm just . . . . I just do not wish to read 'surprise' dominance/submission scene (surprise to me the reader, and surprise to Cameron).
So . . . I'm probably done. I only got as far as watching one order another to strip and get on the ground - which occurred after I'd moved through and past descriptions of whipping, bondage, etc (by that I mean, Josh and Keith described those scenes, not meaning that those scenes were shown).
Darn.
March 30, 2017
This is my favourite in the series so far. It's a bit of a slow burn and build up, because Cam is so very careful, and Keith and Josh are careful, because they don't want to scare Cam off. And there's the killer, of course.
I don't want to spoil, but when Cam whispers "Yes", I was close to tears.
Also, this book has Hugh Reynolds! (If you haven't read Ripper's Scientific Method books, why haven't you? Do it now and thank me later.)
I don't want to spoil, but when Cam whispers "Yes", I was close to tears.
Also, this book has Hugh Reynolds! (If you haven't read Ripper's Scientific Method books, why haven't you? Do it now and thank me later.)
just-no-dnf-changed-mind
December 10, 2016DNF. not my cup of tea.
December 15, 2016
I loved Cameron. Love love loved Cameron! Keith and Josh were cool, too!
April 5, 2025
Hmm. Okay. What I definitely really enjoyed about this book was the central romance, as I do feel like Kris Ripper is a compelling romance author who explores different dynamics in a way that's intriguing. I feel like ze has written quite a bit of poly stuff but none that feels like poly 101 fully, which is an approach I've encountered from other authors. I really enjoyed the story of Cameron and Josh and Keith and I look forward to seeing the series wrap up from the romantic interpersonal standpoint.
And now I'm gonna talk about what didn't quite work for me.
And now I'm gonna talk about what didn't quite work for me.
December 29, 2018
I bought the book pretty much unseen, I never heard of the author, I didn't know the rest of the series, I just got it because it was about a threesome and the price was reduced.
In the beginning I thought I liked the book. Cameron is the focal point, and he's rather socially awkward and a bit insecure, and his voice always sounded very muted if poetic at times. It took me a bit to get into the book, but I did enjoy the slow burn of the romance, of Cam having a quiet crush on the couple, that was nice and cute.
The thing is, that romance kept stalling and plateauing again and again, even once they came to some kind of understanding. The explanations of Keith's needs and the slow introduction of Cam to their lifestyle was good, but I wanted it to keep going, to see Cam invested and passionate about it, but he kept feeling so distanced and flat, even though he was into it. It felt off and weird.
Also, the murderer plotline did nothing for me. It might have helped if I read the other parts of the series, but as it was I felt uninvested and it just lend a dark, brooding mood to the book that I don' particularly like in my romance. Also, it was pretty obvious a Chekhov's gun thing that I felt severely foreshadowed.
I really hated the last third. I also did not like how the slow burn romance was abandoned for a big leap forward that I did not really see. The book held too much of Cam back, I think, kept me out of his head, so that I could not follow the rest of the book well. It didn't help that the big jump was initiated by the crime and did not happen through a natural progress.
It also obviously skipped over a few sex scenes and intimate scenes that I would have loved to see. Maybe that would have sold me on the threesome and the romance of them more.
As it is, while there are a few sexual scenes I found them more interesting and educational, not sexy and they just fast-forward over big chunks too.
Just as Cam looses color in his vision when he gets nervous I felt the book badly lacked color. The story could be interesting, the characters could be great, but the book just paints them in such lackluster colors, dispassionate and distant and poetic instead of vibrant and real, that the book just lost me somewhere.
In the beginning I thought I liked the book. Cameron is the focal point, and he's rather socially awkward and a bit insecure, and his voice always sounded very muted if poetic at times. It took me a bit to get into the book, but I did enjoy the slow burn of the romance, of Cam having a quiet crush on the couple, that was nice and cute.
The thing is, that romance kept stalling and plateauing again and again, even once they came to some kind of understanding. The explanations of Keith's needs and the slow introduction of Cam to their lifestyle was good, but I wanted it to keep going, to see Cam invested and passionate about it, but he kept feeling so distanced and flat, even though he was into it. It felt off and weird.
Also, the murderer plotline did nothing for me. It might have helped if I read the other parts of the series, but as it was I felt uninvested and it just lend a dark, brooding mood to the book that I don' particularly like in my romance. Also, it was pretty obvious a Chekhov's gun thing that I felt severely foreshadowed.
I really hated the last third. I also did not like how the slow burn romance was abandoned for a big leap forward that I did not really see. The book held too much of Cam back, I think, kept me out of his head, so that I could not follow the rest of the book well. It didn't help that the big jump was initiated by the crime and did not happen through a natural progress.
It also obviously skipped over a few sex scenes and intimate scenes that I would have loved to see. Maybe that would have sold me on the threesome and the romance of them more.
As it is, while there are a few sexual scenes I found them more interesting and educational, not sexy and they just fast-forward over big chunks too.
Just as Cam looses color in his vision when he gets nervous I felt the book badly lacked color. The story could be interesting, the characters could be great, but the book just paints them in such lackluster colors, dispassionate and distant and poetic instead of vibrant and real, that the book just lost me somewhere.
December 19, 2016
Book & Author: One Life to Love by Kris Ripper
Rating: 4.5 Stars
The first time I ever read a Kris Ripper story I was blown away by Kris’s writing style and the way in which every aspect of the story is created and paced and woven together to create a unique experience that had never experienced before. This story lived up to that experience. The voice of the character Cameron came through so clearly in every written word. I felt his personality through every action and thought so much so that I knew the pacing of the story the development of the relationship was all due to his perspective of things. He was measured and thoughtful, kind and naive, but brave as each day passed that he grew more and more out of his shell.
Cameron had suffered a great loss when his parents died. He also wasn’t typical. He grew up in a movie theater where he loved to be and still to this day it’s a safe place for him. He meets the QYP boys, Josh and Keith, one day at the theater and is immediately taken by them. How they touch, how they are so connected and in sync with each other. He is in awe of them. They development of the relationship is slow because Cameron doesn’t think they want him for more than something casual, but he is willing to take what he can get from them. Just to be there in their presence is a gift.
The dominant and submissive nature of Josh and Keith’s relationship was different and so them. It was intense and love and pain all wrapped up in who they were together and apart. Even though the story is all told from Cameron’s POV I was able to clearly hear the “voice” of each character, each personality come through in the writing. It is a slow paced story and it should be. There was a lot developing between these three guys as well as the serial killer storyline. Each needing its time to come to it’s end (or beginning) at a what felt like a natural pace for them.
Kris made me cry and sit on the edge of my seat or sit back in contentment as many different points of the story. The world this author created was of a small town with many personalities shining through. I haven’t read the books before this one, and although I am sure doing so would’ve just added to the overall story, it was not a must read to understand and enjoy this one.
If you’ve never read a Kris Ripper story you are missing out. Pick this one up, it was fantastic!
*I received a copy of this book through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
Rating: 4.5 Stars
The first time I ever read a Kris Ripper story I was blown away by Kris’s writing style and the way in which every aspect of the story is created and paced and woven together to create a unique experience that had never experienced before. This story lived up to that experience. The voice of the character Cameron came through so clearly in every written word. I felt his personality through every action and thought so much so that I knew the pacing of the story the development of the relationship was all due to his perspective of things. He was measured and thoughtful, kind and naive, but brave as each day passed that he grew more and more out of his shell.
Cameron had suffered a great loss when his parents died. He also wasn’t typical. He grew up in a movie theater where he loved to be and still to this day it’s a safe place for him. He meets the QYP boys, Josh and Keith, one day at the theater and is immediately taken by them. How they touch, how they are so connected and in sync with each other. He is in awe of them. They development of the relationship is slow because Cameron doesn’t think they want him for more than something casual, but he is willing to take what he can get from them. Just to be there in their presence is a gift.
The dominant and submissive nature of Josh and Keith’s relationship was different and so them. It was intense and love and pain all wrapped up in who they were together and apart. Even though the story is all told from Cameron’s POV I was able to clearly hear the “voice” of each character, each personality come through in the writing. It is a slow paced story and it should be. There was a lot developing between these three guys as well as the serial killer storyline. Each needing its time to come to it’s end (or beginning) at a what felt like a natural pace for them.
Kris made me cry and sit on the edge of my seat or sit back in contentment as many different points of the story. The world this author created was of a small town with many personalities shining through. I haven’t read the books before this one, and although I am sure doing so would’ve just added to the overall story, it was not a must read to understand and enjoy this one.
If you’ve never read a Kris Ripper story you are missing out. Pick this one up, it was fantastic!
*I received a copy of this book through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
December 23, 2016
4.5 stars
What followed cannot be described in simple words, at least not in English. There are four words for love in Greek, and three in Japanese. I don’t know if any language has the ability to express the way two men can slowly take apart a third until he doesn’t know his own name or where he is. If you rolled all the words for love and sex and grace together into one, maybe you would have some sense of that night, of how timeless it was, and how eternal, as if it had been happening all along, as if it would continue happening until the end of the world.
*insert heart eyes*
I'm not sure how Ripper managed to make a story with a serial killer plot into one of the most romantic books I've read this year, but ze managed it brilliantly. What I lover about Kris Ripper's books is the amazing characters ze writes about. They're all so complex and interesting, like people you would actually want to hang out with in real life. This one was no exception.
I won't get into a big, long review here. Just know that this book has so many great elements: friendship, love, tension, suspense. It hits all the right notes. Highly recommend.
What followed cannot be described in simple words, at least not in English. There are four words for love in Greek, and three in Japanese. I don’t know if any language has the ability to express the way two men can slowly take apart a third until he doesn’t know his own name or where he is. If you rolled all the words for love and sex and grace together into one, maybe you would have some sense of that night, of how timeless it was, and how eternal, as if it had been happening all along, as if it would continue happening until the end of the world.
*insert heart eyes*
I'm not sure how Ripper managed to make a story with a serial killer plot into one of the most romantic books I've read this year, but ze managed it brilliantly. What I lover about Kris Ripper's books is the amazing characters ze writes about. They're all so complex and interesting, like people you would actually want to hang out with in real life. This one was no exception.
I won't get into a big, long review here. Just know that this book has so many great elements: friendship, love, tension, suspense. It hits all the right notes. Highly recommend.
March 9, 2018
Don't waste your time on this ridiculous book. I read it because it centers around Cary Grant movies, which the lead character shows weekly in his movie theater. References to Grant's greatest films are sprinkled throughout. However, the lead character (a dull loner who sits alone in bars and reads his Kindle?) falls in love with a gay couple that are involved in BDSM, then the three get attacked by a serial killer, and the couple overcome his PTSD by using BDSM restraint techniques. Seriously.
There isn't a believable moment in the book and it's all way too politically correct. They somehow have mostly only transgender friends, show great concern for gay young people, and make the cops look like lecherous idiots. And the "sex scenes" don't really have any sex in them--this is very PG-13 and goes out of its way to pretend it makes bold statements without resorting to detailed sexuality. Why does the author think it's okay and normal for a guy to fall in love with a couple, and for the three of them to use whips to hurt one of them severely? It comes across as propaganda that physically abusing someone is okay as long as it's consensual, and makes this boring book unrealistic.
There isn't a believable moment in the book and it's all way too politically correct. They somehow have mostly only transgender friends, show great concern for gay young people, and make the cops look like lecherous idiots. And the "sex scenes" don't really have any sex in them--this is very PG-13 and goes out of its way to pretend it makes bold statements without resorting to detailed sexuality. Why does the author think it's okay and normal for a guy to fall in love with a couple, and for the three of them to use whips to hurt one of them severely? It comes across as propaganda that physically abusing someone is okay as long as it's consensual, and makes this boring book unrealistic.
May 26, 2017
I have read the other books in this series, and have spent some time wondering what was going to come of Cameron. So when I seen this book was his story, I couldn’t get started reading it quick enough!
This story was so packed full of emotion that I was in a constant state of worry and excitement while trying to find out what was going to happen next. If you have followed along with this series, then you do find out about the killer and how that all turns out.
Needless to say, it was horrible and exciting and left me on the edge of my seat hoping, and scared, about what was going to happen next.
The relationship between Josh, Keith and Cameron was one that built very slowly and grew into something more. I will admit that I had my own reservations about the relationship between the three of them, but it ended up working out great for them.
Overall, another great book in the series, and I can’t wait to read more about what’s going to happen next in this group of friends.
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy Provided for review*
This story was so packed full of emotion that I was in a constant state of worry and excitement while trying to find out what was going to happen next. If you have followed along with this series, then you do find out about the killer and how that all turns out.
Needless to say, it was horrible and exciting and left me on the edge of my seat hoping, and scared, about what was going to happen next.
The relationship between Josh, Keith and Cameron was one that built very slowly and grew into something more. I will admit that I had my own reservations about the relationship between the three of them, but it ended up working out great for them.
Overall, another great book in the series, and I can’t wait to read more about what’s going to happen next in this group of friends.
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy Provided for review*
February 28, 2018
I enjoyed this, although I think there's some unfortunate weakness in how we don't see enough of Josh's perspective, one of the members of this triad and I had some issues with how their relationship stands at the end.
If you're reading the series, read this one! Content warnings for BDSM, violence, transphobia, misogyny, prejudice against nonbinary people, omg, like, everything. As the description states, the three are attacked by the serial killer who is finally revealed in this book. It's a pretty rough scene and you may want to skim it. There's also, some depictions of PTSD, etc after the attack, which I'm glad because it's unrealistic to have everyone just be fine, but it is stressful.
If you're reading the series, read this one! Content warnings for BDSM, violence, transphobia, misogyny, prejudice against nonbinary people, omg, like, everything. As the description states, the three are attacked by the serial killer who is finally revealed in this book. It's a pretty rough scene and you may want to skim it. There's also, some depictions of PTSD, etc after the attack, which I'm glad because it's unrealistic to have everyone just be fine, but it is stressful.
May 8, 2017
Oh, I read these all out of order...
Probably my least favorite of the series so far. I liked Cameron a lot, but unfortunately, I felt like his relationship with Keith and Josh was all tell, no show; they didn't seem to click from what I was reading. I never felt like Cameron was a proper part of their relationship, even at the end of the book - Keith and Josh felt too self-contained as a unit to really allow Cam to enter the relationship fully. It was disappointing to me because OT3s are my bag (Cutter/Skywise/Leetah? Selphie/Irvine/Zell?), but this... this didn't read like an OT3. Gays of Our Lives had a better three-way relationship with Emerson, Obie, and Mildred, and Mildred wasn't even dating either of them.
That issue sort of ruined everything else about this book for me, so I don't have much else to say about it. Oh well! There's the rest of the series to get through.
Probably my least favorite of the series so far. I liked Cameron a lot, but unfortunately, I felt like his relationship with Keith and Josh was all tell, no show; they didn't seem to click from what I was reading. I never felt like Cameron was a proper part of their relationship, even at the end of the book - Keith and Josh felt too self-contained as a unit to really allow Cam to enter the relationship fully. It was disappointing to me because OT3s are my bag (Cutter/Skywise/Leetah? Selphie/Irvine/Zell?), but this... this didn't read like an OT3. Gays of Our Lives had a better three-way relationship with Emerson, Obie, and Mildred, and Mildred wasn't even dating either of them.
That issue sort of ruined everything else about this book for me, so I don't have much else to say about it. Oh well! There's the rest of the series to get through.
December 31, 2018
Amazing book, I love it dearly.
More poly rep is always appreciated tbh.
And Cam is my sweetheart. He deserves so much love, all the love. I'm so glad Keith and Josh are there to give it to him. I especially love the things Keith says, he cracks me tf up lol
Cam is so #relatable. Anxiety? Me too buddy, tf.
This book tackles a really important subject, in my opinion. The dangers of exclusion in the queer community, as well as forgetting our history.
In my opinion, this book was better than the last, but I think I was mostly just annoyed at the cliffhanger nature of the mystery we had to leave in the last one for it to resolve so wonderfully in this one. Also, Alisha is a hard character for me to love. She's lovely, but I have a hard time with her sort of approach to the world & life.
Cameron, on the other hand, 100% understand where he's coming from and I adore both Josh & Keith, if I haven't said that enough lol
Super recommended this whole series.
Now off to start the last one!
More poly rep is always appreciated tbh.
And Cam is my sweetheart. He deserves so much love, all the love. I'm so glad Keith and Josh are there to give it to him. I especially love the things Keith says, he cracks me tf up lol
Cam is so #relatable. Anxiety? Me too buddy, tf.
This book tackles a really important subject, in my opinion. The dangers of exclusion in the queer community, as well as forgetting our history.
In my opinion, this book was better than the last, but I think I was mostly just annoyed at the cliffhanger nature of the mystery we had to leave in the last one for it to resolve so wonderfully in this one. Also, Alisha is a hard character for me to love. She's lovely, but I have a hard time with her sort of approach to the world & life.
Cameron, on the other hand, 100% understand where he's coming from and I adore both Josh & Keith, if I haven't said that enough lol
Super recommended this whole series.
Now off to start the last one!
January 8, 2021
This was my favorite of the series -- I loved the characters, I loved their slowly building relationship, I really loved the Hugh cameos!
The twist of the
I only ever wished there were a chapter or two more of the OT3 affirming their relationship! Not that the book ended badly at all, but that's the way of particularly excellent romances.
The twist of the
I only ever wished there were a chapter or two more of the OT3 affirming their relationship! Not that the book ended badly at all, but that's the way of particularly excellent romances.
May 23, 2018
Not exactly spoilers but if you've picked this book up you have to know that there are hard times ahead for our heroes.
Finally got myself to read the tough bits properly instead of just skimming through b/c I CARED SO MUCH about them all I couldn't bear to see them hurt (initial trauma and then secondary). And have read and reread other parts of it multiple times. I think some of the writing in this series is the most lovely of anything I've by Kris, maybe b/c it's first-person? So less like reporting, more emotional. Lovely and heart-wrenching and beautiful - the writing, the story, the characters. Am continuing on in this series just b/c I want more of Cam and Josh and Keith (and well, everyone else too).
Finally got myself to read the tough bits properly instead of just skimming through b/c I CARED SO MUCH about them all I couldn't bear to see them hurt (initial trauma and then secondary). And have read and reread other parts of it multiple times. I think some of the writing in this series is the most lovely of anything I've by Kris, maybe b/c it's first-person? So less like reporting, more emotional. Lovely and heart-wrenching and beautiful - the writing, the story, the characters. Am continuing on in this series just b/c I want more of Cam and Josh and Keith (and well, everyone else too).
December 29, 2018
Rounded down. This made me cry. I'm not super into murder plots, but this was handled very well, not like a Murder Mystery trope at all, but about how something like that will impact people, both on a very personal level and in how it will affect a community. The kink in this book is definitely not my jam, but poly is, and Cameron may be the character that I relate to the most in this series so far, seeing as he appears to have some definite ASD traits. This also made it kind of excruciating for me. Still loved it, though.
July 28, 2021
This one was very different from my usual fare but it was the other Kris Ripper book the library had so I tried it. I had a hard time keeping up with the characters and the murder (?) having not read the first three books- I would like to! but I don't know if enough to interlibrary loan them- and the sex was definitely not for me. However if the sex IS for you, I'm so glad this book is out there because I can't imagine it's very easy to find.
December 19, 2022
What a boring story !! Did not finished it !!! I skipped pages just to find out who was the killer !! After 4 books, you would think that you would be surprised to finally learn who the killer is. It was not Carlos, nor Tom, nor Fredi, nor Merin ! Nooooo ! It was a total new character !!! WTH !!!! Who does that ? Who write a serie with a mystery ending with a complete nobody as the serial killer ? All this for nothing ! Unbelievable !!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2016
Gosh, A Lot happens in this book. The relationship negotiation and discussion is so, so good and so important in this, I appreciate that so much omg. I like the smarts and compassion of the authorial voice in the whole series and in this book in particular, too. Spent a lot of time "oh honey"-ing at Cam but in the sympathetic way, not the frustrated/impatient way.
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