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GearShark #4
#Blur
Nothing but a #blur…
There’s a new kid in town, and he’s hell on wheels.
From what we’ve heard, it may be because
he knows exactly what hell’s like.
Lonely.
Scorching.
Unforgiving.
You may know his brother, the NRR hotshot
(and former GearShark cover model)
Lorhaven.
It’s only natural a driver with his background and family connections
has sped his racecar into the newest, hottest division.
But that’s not all.
Arrow may be following in big bro’s tread marks,
but he doesn’t plan to stay there.
He’s swerving onto the road less traveled…
and a lot more controversial.
He’s opening up about his private struggles with sexuality
to tell a story that’s gone unheard until now.
One thing’s for sure; Arrow may have a painful past,
but his foot is heavy on the accelerator.
With speed like this, he’s bound to leave everything behind in
nothing but a #blur.
Check out the full feature article inside…
There’s a new kid in town, and he’s hell on wheels.
From what we’ve heard, it may be because
he knows exactly what hell’s like.
Lonely.
Scorching.
Unforgiving.
You may know his brother, the NRR hotshot
(and former GearShark cover model)
Lorhaven.
It’s only natural a driver with his background and family connections
has sped his racecar into the newest, hottest division.
But that’s not all.
Arrow may be following in big bro’s tread marks,
but he doesn’t plan to stay there.
He’s swerving onto the road less traveled…
and a lot more controversial.
He’s opening up about his private struggles with sexuality
to tell a story that’s gone unheard until now.
One thing’s for sure; Arrow may have a painful past,
but his foot is heavy on the accelerator.
With speed like this, he’s bound to leave everything behind in
nothing but a #blur.
Check out the full feature article inside…
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2017
109 people are currently reading
1317 people want to read
About the author
Cambria Hebert
99 books5,612 followersCambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than fifty titles. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.
Besides writing, Cambria loves a pumpkin spice latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching K drama until her eyes won’t stay open. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chihuahuas (the real bosses of the house).
Cambria has written in many genres, including new adult, sports romance, male/male romance, sci-fi, thriller, suspense, contemporary romance, and young adult. Many of her titles have been translated into foreign languages and have been the recipients of multiple awards.
Awards Cambria has received include:
Author of the Year 2016 (UtopiaCon2016)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Best Contemporary Book Cover of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
Romeo from the Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Lead (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Top 50 Summer Reads (Buzzfeed.com 2015)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#NERD Book Trailer: Best Book Trailer of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#Nerd Book Trailer: Top 50 Most Cinematic Book Trailers of All Time (film-14.com)
#Nerd: Book Most Wanted to be Adapted to Screen: (2018)
Amnesia: Mystery Book of the Year (2018)
Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.
You can find out more about Cambria and her titles by visiting her website:
http://www.cambriahebert.com
Email: cambriahebert@rocketmail.com
Facebook: http://smarturl.co/CambriaHebertFanpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambriahebert
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/cambriahebert/p...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cambriahebert
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/amazoncambria
Newsletter subscription: http://eepurl.com/bUL5_5
Share Squad sign up: http://bit.ly/sharesquad
Besides writing, Cambria loves a pumpkin spice latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching K drama until her eyes won’t stay open. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chihuahuas (the real bosses of the house).
Cambria has written in many genres, including new adult, sports romance, male/male romance, sci-fi, thriller, suspense, contemporary romance, and young adult. Many of her titles have been translated into foreign languages and have been the recipients of multiple awards.
Awards Cambria has received include:
Author of the Year 2016 (UtopiaCon2016)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Best Contemporary Book Cover of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
Romeo from the Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Lead (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Top 50 Summer Reads (Buzzfeed.com 2015)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#NERD Book Trailer: Best Book Trailer of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#Nerd Book Trailer: Top 50 Most Cinematic Book Trailers of All Time (film-14.com)
#Nerd: Book Most Wanted to be Adapted to Screen: (2018)
Amnesia: Mystery Book of the Year (2018)
Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.
You can find out more about Cambria and her titles by visiting her website:
http://www.cambriahebert.com
Email: cambriahebert@rocketmail.com
Facebook: http://smarturl.co/CambriaHebertFanpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambriahebert
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/cambriahebert/p...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cambriahebert
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/amazoncambria
Newsletter subscription: http://eepurl.com/bUL5_5
Share Squad sign up: http://bit.ly/sharesquad
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 398 reviews
July 10, 2019
Wow...Ever since reading the previous books in this series (which I loved), I have been looking forward to Arrow's story. I figured I was gonna like his book, because I have liked Arrow ever since he was introduced in the previous books. What I had not expected was for this book to become my absolute favorite of the series !!
I do however want to start with a little warning that this book does not pull any punches. There might be some triggers for some people, so be aware. I started crying within the first couple of pages. Damn this book punched me in the gut !!
If you've read any of the previous books, then you already know that Arrow has experienced some difficult times in his life. I was very curious about what exactly happened to Arrow. I don't want to spoiler the story, but I will say that it was awful and that it broke my little black heart...
Needless to say, Arrow's heart and everything about him, was also broken. It has shattered him into a million tiny pieces...
But Arrow, does not give up. With the help of his brother Jace (book 3), his new sister Joey and his friends Drew and Trent, he starts building a new future...racing cars.
This racing career also brings something else into his life, something he didn't think he would ever have. It brings him Hopper.
Hopper is broken in his own way. Once upon a time, he had it all, but one split second took everything away. Now Hopper lives his life in the shadows...That is until he sets his eyes on Arrow...
"I wasn't expecting you"......"It's okay.....I wasn't expecting you either"
Slowly, these two men, start healing each other's broken pieces. It isn't always easy, but it sure is beautiful.
I absolutely loved Arrow and Hopper together. They had a lot of baggage to overcome, but they showed that love does conquer all.
In a way, I'm very surprised by how much I loved this book, especially because it has one of my pet-peeves in it. I won't tell you which one, because it's a spoiler, but it didn't really bother me in this story. The only complaint I have is that I wish there would have been a bit more dialogue, instead of thoughts...
I don't know if there's gonna be another book in this series. I really hope so, I'm gonna keep a close eye on this author, because so far, I have loved every book in this series. Even book 3, which was an M/F book, and we all know how difficult I can be about those !!
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
March 7, 2018
4.5 Infinity & Arrow Stars
Arrow had always done everything he thought would his father happy. He was a good son, played soccer, got decent grades, never talked back, didn’t get into trouble. But apparently, those weren’t enough! When he wanted his father know the real Arrow, his father threatened him, disowned him and kicked him out!
"You are not gay. You are Dylan Lorhaven, son of Sullivan Lorhaven. A descendent of a long line of strong, powerful men. There is no room for weakness in this family."
But it wasn’t what all happened to him!
"How could I expect someone to want me now? When I was broken. Used.
Who would choose that? Who would choose half a man when there was an option of someone better, someone whole?"
What happened to Arrow changed him and his thoughts, made him hide in his brother’s shadow but he can't be there forever and he was sure he couldn’t share his body with anyone else!
Hopper was a moto racer, a very successful one. He was hungry to succeed, to push his career on a multinational level. But because a stupid dare, he lost the one person he loved most in the world and he blamed himself for that.
"I was here.
Left behind. Living… but dead.
My heart still beat, my lungs still took in air, but it was all details now because life as I knew it was shattered."
And from that day, Hopper couldn’t share his heart with anybody else!
Two broken souls, flawed characters, two men so shattered. This book was different with other books in this series, not just the plot but the writing! And I loved it! Hopper was the only one who could see through arrow’s angry wall. These two challenged each other, made see the facts that they knew deep down.
"Hopper ignited something in me. His anger lit my fire.
Our kiss… it lit desire."
"It was so real between us, so real and raw. It was everything, or it was nothing. There was no in between with Arrow. That’s why the way we interacted with each other was hot or cold. Awkward or playful.
We didn’t have a lukewarm state; there was no middle ground.
All or nothing."
Told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s the fourth installment in the "GearShark" series with character crossover. It can be read as a standalone but I suggest you read it in order. It’s so emotional, angsty, well-written with lovable characters. Overall, I loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
Arrow had always done everything he thought would his father happy. He was a good son, played soccer, got decent grades, never talked back, didn’t get into trouble. But apparently, those weren’t enough! When he wanted his father know the real Arrow, his father threatened him, disowned him and kicked him out!
"You are not gay. You are Dylan Lorhaven, son of Sullivan Lorhaven. A descendent of a long line of strong, powerful men. There is no room for weakness in this family."
But it wasn’t what all happened to him!
"How could I expect someone to want me now? When I was broken. Used.
Who would choose that? Who would choose half a man when there was an option of someone better, someone whole?"
What happened to Arrow changed him and his thoughts, made him hide in his brother’s shadow but he can't be there forever and he was sure he couldn’t share his body with anyone else!
Hopper was a moto racer, a very successful one. He was hungry to succeed, to push his career on a multinational level. But because a stupid dare, he lost the one person he loved most in the world and he blamed himself for that.
"I was here.
Left behind. Living… but dead.
My heart still beat, my lungs still took in air, but it was all details now because life as I knew it was shattered."
And from that day, Hopper couldn’t share his heart with anybody else!
Two broken souls, flawed characters, two men so shattered. This book was different with other books in this series, not just the plot but the writing! And I loved it! Hopper was the only one who could see through arrow’s angry wall. These two challenged each other, made see the facts that they knew deep down.
"Hopper ignited something in me. His anger lit my fire.
Our kiss… it lit desire."
"It was so real between us, so real and raw. It was everything, or it was nothing. There was no in between with Arrow. That’s why the way we interacted with each other was hot or cold. Awkward or playful.
We didn’t have a lukewarm state; there was no middle ground.
All or nothing."
Told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s the fourth installment in the "GearShark" series with character crossover. It can be read as a standalone but I suggest you read it in order. It’s so emotional, angsty, well-written with lovable characters. Overall, I loved it and hope you enjoy it as well!
October 17, 2020
4 stars
#Blur is the fourth book in Cambria Hebert’s GearShark series and to be honest it was the one I was most looking forward to. Ever since I met Arrow, I couldn’t wait to get to his story. Arrow and Hopper both have heavy pasts but with each other, they learn to trust and love again. This was such a beautiful romance and I can’t wait to get to more with these characters!
“How in the hell could you have given me your heart?” I wondered aloud.
“Because you’re the one who taught it to beat again.”
#Blur is the fourth book in Cambria Hebert’s GearShark series and to be honest it was the one I was most looking forward to. Ever since I met Arrow, I couldn’t wait to get to his story. Arrow and Hopper both have heavy pasts but with each other, they learn to trust and love again. This was such a beautiful romance and I can’t wait to get to more with these characters!
October Audible Escape listen #16
Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Narrator: Michael Fell
Length: 12 hours and 4 minutes
October 17, 2019
4.5 Stars
I absolutely devoured this story, especially considering how busy my week had been and the length of the book itself (which was longer than my average read). Yep, I devoured it!
As expected, the first 30% of the story was hard to read. These chapters took the reader back several years and walked us through the harrowing, heartbreaking, and oftentimes infuriating moments of both Arrow’s and Hopper’s tragic pasts, putting us in their heads during some of the toughest moments of their young lives . Although these chapters worked me up into a fury (I positively loathe Arrow’s father) and then broke me down to tears, I still felt they were ultimately necessary in order to set the scene for the present-day happiness these guys would fight to find together.
Arrow and Hopper have definitely been through the emotional wars as characters, each experiencing loss, trauma, rejection, isolation and grief in ways that no one ever should, but sadly often do. Yet, in finding a deep connection together, they were able to finally be understood and acknowledged, not only helping one another to carry the emotional burdens of their pasts, but also making their heavy hearts much lighter and opening them up to true love and happiness.
I simply adored these two together. They just clicked. Their chemistry was off the charts, both emotionally and physically, and I didn’t question for a second the speed with which they fell in love. I was here for every tender, tentative and renewing moment of it, and I couldn’t help but carry a smile on my face a good deal of the time once they embraced their feelings.
It’s safe to say that Arrow has undeniably been one of my favourite characters of this series, if not the favourite character, so for me to get my ass in gear and catch up with these books, to the point that I could finally read his story, was a huge relief and an absolute joy — even considering how emotionally heavy the story was at times.
This was a big win for me — Arrow and Hopper certainly gave Trent and Drew a run for their money, and I don’t say that lightly!! <3
I absolutely devoured this story, especially considering how busy my week had been and the length of the book itself (which was longer than my average read). Yep, I devoured it!
As expected, the first 30% of the story was hard to read. These chapters took the reader back several years and walked us through the harrowing, heartbreaking, and oftentimes infuriating moments of both Arrow’s and Hopper’s tragic pasts, putting us in their heads during some of the toughest moments of their young lives . Although these chapters worked me up into a fury (I positively loathe Arrow’s father) and then broke me down to tears, I still felt they were ultimately necessary in order to set the scene for the present-day happiness these guys would fight to find together.
Arrow and Hopper have definitely been through the emotional wars as characters, each experiencing loss, trauma, rejection, isolation and grief in ways that no one ever should, but sadly often do. Yet, in finding a deep connection together, they were able to finally be understood and acknowledged, not only helping one another to carry the emotional burdens of their pasts, but also making their heavy hearts much lighter and opening them up to true love and happiness.
I simply adored these two together. They just clicked. Their chemistry was off the charts, both emotionally and physically, and I didn’t question for a second the speed with which they fell in love. I was here for every tender, tentative and renewing moment of it, and I couldn’t help but carry a smile on my face a good deal of the time once they embraced their feelings.
It’s safe to say that Arrow has undeniably been one of my favourite characters of this series, if not the favourite character, so for me to get my ass in gear and catch up with these books, to the point that I could finally read his story, was a huge relief and an absolute joy — even considering how emotionally heavy the story was at times.
This was a big win for me — Arrow and Hopper certainly gave Trent and Drew a run for their money, and I don’t say that lightly!! <3
January 13, 2017
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
This book needs to come with a trigger warning. On page brutal rape (which is not mentioned in the blurb), minor on page character death, OTT abuse by a parent, cheesy inspirational prose, magic peen and chicks with dicks.
The rape and death happen in the past and then the story jumps forward and we have to wait almost until the end of the book to find out what happened to the guys who assaulted and raped Arrow. I gotta admit that's one of the only reasons I kept going. I needed justice. But after waiting all that time....all that happens is that Lorhaven beats the men almost to death and barely misses going to jail? That's it?!? Are they held accountable? Arrested or charged? We don't know cuz it's not mentioned just that Lor almost killed them. Mmmkay. We don't even get to be a part of it so we can have our own bloodthirsty revenge, grrrrr. Plus the guy who rapes him is a homophobic asshole but he gets hard and rapes Arrow in front of his friends while they hold him down? Plausible sure but just didn't jive with me. Also 2 guys contributed to Matt's death. What happened to them? Why was Hopper the only one held responsible? We never learn what happens and if their held accountable for their actions that day as well. The author made me experience two traumatic events with these guys and I got nothing....no justice, no revenge and no closure. In the end I was left unsettled and pissed the fuck off. Put a fucking trigger warning in your blurb, if I had known I would've had to experience that I never would've read it. The least the author could've done was give me closure not some casually flippant remark near the end of the book like "Oh yeah the guys who raped me were beat up by my brother. He beat them almost to death so it's ok." It was almost like she didn't care enough to tie up lose ends....too much effort.
Arrow and Hopper are corny. We're told rather than shown their chemistry. They meet and they have all these FEELINGS for each other and it's like they know each deep down because they are both broken and they just get each other BEFORE even having a conversation? They fall in love in a blink. Arrow who has stayed out of relationships because of his past assault and Hopper who lost the love of his life and swears to always be loyal...just meet and BAM fuck all that? Nah...I didn't buy it. I wanted to see them meet and form a connection not be told they had one. Arrow has been hesitant to have sex but within a week it's mutual blow jobs and fucking Hopper? And they have unprotected sex with no discussion or talk of any previous test results. All hail the magic of the peen. I just didn't find any of this shit believable.
Arrow was such an amazing character in the first 2 books and I was really looking forward to his story. This was a HUGE let down. She didn't do justice to the character or give him the story he deserved.
And dammit.....its not a fucking G-spot on a guy. It's a prostate or if you absolutely have to be corny....a P-spot ( lame). The G-spot is located inside a VAGINA. Ugh.
This book needs to come with a trigger warning. On page brutal rape (which is not mentioned in the blurb), minor on page character death, OTT abuse by a parent, cheesy inspirational prose, magic peen and chicks with dicks.
The rape and death happen in the past and then the story jumps forward and we have to wait almost until the end of the book to find out what happened to the guys who assaulted and raped Arrow. I gotta admit that's one of the only reasons I kept going. I needed justice. But after waiting all that time....all that happens is that Lorhaven beats the men almost to death and barely misses going to jail? That's it?!? Are they held accountable? Arrested or charged? We don't know cuz it's not mentioned just that Lor almost killed them. Mmmkay. We don't even get to be a part of it so we can have our own bloodthirsty revenge, grrrrr. Plus the guy who rapes him is a homophobic asshole but he gets hard and rapes Arrow in front of his friends while they hold him down? Plausible sure but just didn't jive with me. Also 2 guys contributed to Matt's death. What happened to them? Why was Hopper the only one held responsible? We never learn what happens and if their held accountable for their actions that day as well. The author made me experience two traumatic events with these guys and I got nothing....no justice, no revenge and no closure. In the end I was left unsettled and pissed the fuck off. Put a fucking trigger warning in your blurb, if I had known I would've had to experience that I never would've read it. The least the author could've done was give me closure not some casually flippant remark near the end of the book like "Oh yeah the guys who raped me were beat up by my brother. He beat them almost to death so it's ok." It was almost like she didn't care enough to tie up lose ends....too much effort.
Arrow and Hopper are corny. We're told rather than shown their chemistry. They meet and they have all these FEELINGS for each other and it's like they know each deep down because they are both broken and they just get each other BEFORE even having a conversation? They fall in love in a blink. Arrow who has stayed out of relationships because of his past assault and Hopper who lost the love of his life and swears to always be loyal...just meet and BAM fuck all that? Nah...I didn't buy it. I wanted to see them meet and form a connection not be told they had one. Arrow has been hesitant to have sex but within a week it's mutual blow jobs and fucking Hopper? And they have unprotected sex with no discussion or talk of any previous test results. All hail the magic of the peen. I just didn't find any of this shit believable.
Arrow was such an amazing character in the first 2 books and I was really looking forward to his story. This was a HUGE let down. She didn't do justice to the character or give him the story he deserved.
And dammit.....its not a fucking G-spot on a guy. It's a prostate or if you absolutely have to be corny....a P-spot ( lame). The G-spot is located inside a VAGINA. Ugh.
July 25, 2018
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*INSTA-LOVE*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Fourth book in GearShark series centers around racer Dylan ‘Arrow’ ‘A’ Ambrose
“How in the hell could you have given me your heart?” I wondered aloud.
“Because you’re the one who taught it to beat again.”
Now let's talk about this book. It was boring, predictable and there was that damn insta-love. Sure, they have been looking at each other every time they were at the same place, however, they never talked. So when the talking started, it took LESS than a week for the love to enter the picture, and that, for me, is way too soon. The book it's sad moments - **SPOILERS** there's a huge trigger: rape. Though the book doesn't center around that, it's still mention and somewhat described. The story is more about healing one's heart and one's body. Overall, it wasn't long into the book before I started to skim. I only completely stop skimming when D&T showed up. Seems like I might have to re-read their books even though I just read them....
He tapped the roof of my car, looking away and then back. “Bottom line? If you hurt him in any way, I’ll kill you.”
I could have made a million responses.
Get in line.
I’ve heard that before.
Kill me? I’d like to see you try.
Go ahead. Put me out of my misery.
I didn’t voice any of the best replies I had. Instead, I came out with something neither of us was expecting.
“What if he hurts me?”
Lorhaven pulled back, straightening out of the window. I could tell my answer caught him off guard.
Good.
“I’ll be seeing you,” he murmured and walked away.
Other Characters:
↦ NRR racer Andrew ‘Drew’ Wayne Forrester (how old?) and his person and manager Trent ‘T’ Mask.
↦ former pro racer and now NRR racer Josephine ‘Joey’ ‘Josie’ Gamble (22) and her boyfriend, NRR racer Jace ‘Lor’ Lorhaven (how old?). Lorhaven is Arrow's big brother.
↦ Ron Gamble (55)'s - the richest man in the state and founder of the new race NRR and Joey's dad.
↦ Sullivan Lorhaven (67), Lorhaven and Arrow's father. Donna was Lorhaven's father’s second wife (divorced) and Arrow's mother. Sullivan is a bastard.
↦ Matthew ‘Matt’ Lewis, was Hopper's boyfriend who .
“Dylan,” she said. I gave her a silent what-up gesture with my chin. I hated when people called me Dylan.
It was my name, but the older I got, the more it seemed Dylan was someone else.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (New Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series, Book Four.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Andrew ‘Drew’ Wayne Forrester.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes, the first two.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2 stars.
February 7, 2017
4.25 Infinity stars
“You’re my why. The why.”
#Blur was definitely a great addition to the GearShark series, one I truly enjoyed. So now you will probably be wondering, why not give it 5 stars?
Two were the reasons (and I'm starting with them to get them out of the way before talking about the good stuff)
1- The time frame. Almost a third of the book is dedicated to Arrow and Hopper's pasts. Then, until 80% everything happens in the span of three-four days. The pace pick up in the last 20%, which was my favorite part, but in the middle too many times I felt like nothing was really happening. This story was very focused on their inner struggles, and I like myself some tortured heroes, but would have liked to see something more going on besides talking of feelings and their relationship.
2- Arrow and Hopper's bond felt a tad too make believe at times. I wouldn't call it insta-love because they've been circling around each other before meeting again in #blur, but there is this connection mentioned between them... it didn't work 100% with me. Things went too smooth in their relationship, there was only one truly angsty moment. I think I would have liked them get more acquainted with one another; instead things moved so fast and so seamlessly it felt, as I already said, not real enough.
Now, to the good part that won't make me feel like I'm bashing and incredibly good book (because it was).
1- The style, as usual, was flawless. I'm particularly fond of Hebert's style with its short lines, graphic representation of feelings, and realistic dialogues.
2- The characters' background. Arrow's story was heart-breaking, and as I was reading I kept thinking: "it can't get worse than this." And then "Woah, that was real shitty." But it kept going downward until my soul was bleeding for him. Then Hopper's story came and It. Annihilated. Me.
It reached a point when I didn't even want him to end up with Arrow because I'd fallen for Matt, too. So yeah, Hopper's background shattered my already beaten up heart.
3- The last 20% was amazing. I mean, I liked also the part before that, but there's something so exciting and riveting about seeing Arrow take control of his life and Hopper instead giving in to weakness a bit. Before that, Hopper had been the strong one, the rock. Seeing the roles reversed sealed the deal for me.
4- The little details. Maybe I should have listed this with the style, but I think it deserves a more proper mention. I flove how every character is also detailed through objects, actions, traits that go beyond mere characterization. With Drew it was his French fries, with Arrows his high-tops, the emoji pj, his Bieber looks and his being constantly hungry. Hopper and his hat (and his hair. That hair!!!!). I know that it's not uncommon to find characters with distinctive traits, but I wanted to point it out because it's something I really enjoy reading about. We all have our quirks in life: I mean, I love fried fish with cream cheese and make homemade lemon popsicles all year round. Reading about characters that have their own weird little things is reassuring, funny, and helps me connect with them.
In conclusion, it was a damn good book and I recommend it to everyone. It's one of the meaningful ones that do not just talk about love and unicorns. It tackles important issues with humanity, thoughtfulness and respect, yet without sugarcoating reality. It's probably the rawest, most emotional book in the series, and although there were a few things that didn't do it for me (Drew and Trent are still my n. 1 couple), it's an amazing love story. A story of rebirth, of second chances, of empowerment. Of love.
His heart filled his eyes. Honestly, it was the most beautiful heart I’d ever seen. What was it about the broken and damaged? The ones that rise from the wreckage to walk or sometimes even stumble away? Being a survivor made every moment, every kind word a little more meaningful, because they were the ones who knew what almost never was.
“You’re my why. The why.”
#Blur was definitely a great addition to the GearShark series, one I truly enjoyed. So now you will probably be wondering, why not give it 5 stars?
Two were the reasons (and I'm starting with them to get them out of the way before talking about the good stuff)
1- The time frame. Almost a third of the book is dedicated to Arrow and Hopper's pasts. Then, until 80% everything happens in the span of three-four days. The pace pick up in the last 20%, which was my favorite part, but in the middle too many times I felt like nothing was really happening. This story was very focused on their inner struggles, and I like myself some tortured heroes, but would have liked to see something more going on besides talking of feelings and their relationship.
2- Arrow and Hopper's bond felt a tad too make believe at times. I wouldn't call it insta-love because they've been circling around each other before meeting again in #blur, but there is this connection mentioned between them... it didn't work 100% with me. Things went too smooth in their relationship, there was only one truly angsty moment. I think I would have liked them get more acquainted with one another; instead things moved so fast and so seamlessly it felt, as I already said, not real enough.
Now, to the good part that won't make me feel like I'm bashing and incredibly good book (because it was).
1- The style, as usual, was flawless. I'm particularly fond of Hebert's style with its short lines, graphic representation of feelings, and realistic dialogues.
2- The characters' background. Arrow's story was heart-breaking, and as I was reading I kept thinking: "it can't get worse than this." And then "Woah, that was real shitty." But it kept going downward until my soul was bleeding for him. Then Hopper's story came and It. Annihilated. Me.
It reached a point when I didn't even want him to end up with Arrow because I'd fallen for Matt, too. So yeah, Hopper's background shattered my already beaten up heart.
3- The last 20% was amazing. I mean, I liked also the part before that, but there's something so exciting and riveting about seeing Arrow take control of his life and Hopper instead giving in to weakness a bit. Before that, Hopper had been the strong one, the rock. Seeing the roles reversed sealed the deal for me.
4- The little details. Maybe I should have listed this with the style, but I think it deserves a more proper mention. I flove how every character is also detailed through objects, actions, traits that go beyond mere characterization. With Drew it was his French fries, with Arrows his high-tops, the emoji pj, his Bieber looks and his being constantly hungry. Hopper and his hat (and his hair. That hair!!!!). I know that it's not uncommon to find characters with distinctive traits, but I wanted to point it out because it's something I really enjoy reading about. We all have our quirks in life: I mean, I love fried fish with cream cheese and make homemade lemon popsicles all year round. Reading about characters that have their own weird little things is reassuring, funny, and helps me connect with them.
In conclusion, it was a damn good book and I recommend it to everyone. It's one of the meaningful ones that do not just talk about love and unicorns. It tackles important issues with humanity, thoughtfulness and respect, yet without sugarcoating reality. It's probably the rawest, most emotional book in the series, and although there were a few things that didn't do it for me (Drew and Trent are still my n. 1 couple), it's an amazing love story. A story of rebirth, of second chances, of empowerment. Of love.
His heart filled his eyes. Honestly, it was the most beautiful heart I’d ever seen. What was it about the broken and damaged? The ones that rise from the wreckage to walk or sometimes even stumble away? Being a survivor made every moment, every kind word a little more meaningful, because they were the ones who knew what almost never was.
October 28, 2019
OH. MY. GOD.
This story about two broken souls finding love again almost ripped my heart out of my chest.
I don't know if it is due to the fact that I listenend to the audiobook that made this book so special for me or if it would have been the same 'just' reading it, but Michael Fell definitely rocked! I suggest you don't listen to it on your way to work (like me) unless you want to sit there and explain why your eyes are all puffy and your nose is red.
#damnbooksthatmakemecry
This story about two broken souls finding love again almost ripped my heart out of my chest.
“How in the hell could you have given me your heart?” I wondered aloud.
“Because you’re the one who taught it to beat again.”
I don't know if it is due to the fact that I listenend to the audiobook that made this book so special for me or if it would have been the same 'just' reading it, but Michael Fell definitely rocked! I suggest you don't listen to it on your way to work (like me) unless you want to sit there and explain why your eyes are all puffy and your nose is red.
#damnbooksthatmakemecry
April 20, 2019
4,5 stars
I've read the first 2 books in this series a long time ago. But I am glad I've finaly read this one because it was full of angst. Arrow and Hopp, two broken characters, with such sad pasts. But they somehow found each other.
This story was sad, soul wrenching. Hopper lost the love of his life, Arrow lost his innocence in the worst way. This story felt real, the writing was great and the ending was super sweet!!
Really love this one!
I've read the first 2 books in this series a long time ago. But I am glad I've finaly read this one because it was full of angst. Arrow and Hopp, two broken characters, with such sad pasts. But they somehow found each other.
This story was sad, soul wrenching. Hopper lost the love of his life, Arrow lost his innocence in the worst way. This story felt real, the writing was great and the ending was super sweet!!
Really love this one!
November 12, 2017
3 Stars!
I was hesitant to start this book. I put it off for quite some time. I just wasn't ready for the heaviness I knew this book would be. It deals with some really dark situations that are, honestly, triggers for me. I had to wait until I was in the right frame of mind to handle it. But I wanted to read Arrow's story. I especially wanted to read it when I read Hopper was going to be his love interest.
I saw all the warnings that this book was going to be nothing but heartache for the first 30% of the book. I disagree. The whole book is pretty much heavy. I kept waiting for some of the weight to be lifted. I kept waiting for more light to crack through all the darkness this book emanates. But every time some progress was made it seemed to be dampened by guilt. It was quite the tug of war of emotions.
The relationship developed quickly into insta-love. I didn't mind it. But by the end of the book it didn't feel like the relationship was fully developed. We spent a lot of time in the dark with the heaviness of their tragedies. So when the light started to finally come through the book was coming to an end. I wanted more light. More of a relationship that wasn't rushed but explored. I know there is another book with these two starring in the majority of it. I can only feel like the author felt like their relationship needed more time. I hope they feel more complete in the next book.
Happy reading dolls! xx
I was hesitant to start this book. I put it off for quite some time. I just wasn't ready for the heaviness I knew this book would be. It deals with some really dark situations that are, honestly, triggers for me. I had to wait until I was in the right frame of mind to handle it. But I wanted to read Arrow's story. I especially wanted to read it when I read Hopper was going to be his love interest.
I saw all the warnings that this book was going to be nothing but heartache for the first 30% of the book. I disagree. The whole book is pretty much heavy. I kept waiting for some of the weight to be lifted. I kept waiting for more light to crack through all the darkness this book emanates. But every time some progress was made it seemed to be dampened by guilt. It was quite the tug of war of emotions.
The relationship developed quickly into insta-love. I didn't mind it. But by the end of the book it didn't feel like the relationship was fully developed. We spent a lot of time in the dark with the heaviness of their tragedies. So when the light started to finally come through the book was coming to an end. I wanted more light. More of a relationship that wasn't rushed but explored. I know there is another book with these two starring in the majority of it. I can only feel like the author felt like their relationship needed more time. I hope they feel more complete in the next book.
Happy reading dolls! xx
March 27, 2020
How this author creates these people is just crazy. I keep falling/obsessing over all of her characters. Arrow and Hopper are no different just more broken. This is the 4th book in the gearShark series and these two have been a staple in the series. If you read any of the other books you know that Arrow is broken we know that something horrific happened to him that made him so much older than he is, in the book, we visit the past with him and it's horrible and heartbreaking and will bring tears to your eyes. I wasn't expected to learn how Hopper became working for Ron Gamble but here I am wondering how these two are still standing. I don't think this was love at first sight, lust and interest yes, more learning each other's soul and there was nothing left but to realize they belonged to one another. This is still a racing book but more than that a connecting of two damaged people to make one whole couple. This is a lot heavier than her other M/M book and to me more impactful. Just so much love for these two
January 12, 2017
3 dissapointing stars
I have been waiting for this book for SO long... I even read Joey and Lor's story as a fix to get me going till Arrow's story came out.
And, it finally did come out and I inhaled this book, reached the end and I was kind of bummed.
When it downloaded and I saw how long it was, I was jumping up and down with glee.
That, sadly, was the best moment of all the book. Why? Because I thought, here we go, with so many pages Hopper and Arrow's relationship is going to be amazingly developed! Right? Nope... What we get instead is nothing but insta-love between these two. Their attraction basically heals all their ails in a couple of weeks. That is lame and not what I expected at all.
Bad guys from both sides go basically unpunished which also got me mad. I wanted justice delivered and I didn't get it. So nothing really bad happens to Arrow's sperm donor, nothing (much) happens to Arrow's abusers and nothing happens to the guys that caused Matt's accident. The world is unfair in real life, I expected big-time poetic justice for all the assholes above mentioned and I didn't get any.
Ahh, also, if rape is a trigger for you, you need to skip this book. Because it happens, on page. So bear this in mind.
So, this is my review, which is done with a heavy heart. :( I really was expecting more... Arrow and Hopper's story deserved to be so much better than this.
Heat level was moderate.
Arrow....
I have been waiting for this book for SO long... I even read Joey and Lor's story as a fix to get me going till Arrow's story came out.
And, it finally did come out and I inhaled this book, reached the end and I was kind of bummed.
When it downloaded and I saw how long it was, I was jumping up and down with glee.
That, sadly, was the best moment of all the book. Why? Because I thought, here we go, with so many pages Hopper and Arrow's relationship is going to be amazingly developed! Right? Nope... What we get instead is nothing but insta-love between these two. Their attraction basically heals all their ails in a couple of weeks. That is lame and not what I expected at all.
Bad guys from both sides go basically unpunished which also got me mad. I wanted justice delivered and I didn't get it. So nothing really bad happens to Arrow's sperm donor, nothing (much) happens to Arrow's abusers and nothing happens to the guys that caused Matt's accident. The world is unfair in real life, I expected big-time poetic justice for all the assholes above mentioned and I didn't get any.
Ahh, also, if rape is a trigger for you, you need to skip this book. Because it happens, on page. So bear this in mind.
So, this is my review, which is done with a heavy heart. :( I really was expecting more... Arrow and Hopper's story deserved to be so much better than this.
Heat level was moderate.
Arrow....
January 14, 2022
Reread January 2022
Yup, I still love this book.
Yup, I still love this book.
February 7, 2017
I liked this although it ripped my heart out the first 30%. This book should really mention some important triggers!!
*rape
*hate crime
*abuse, physical and sexual
So be warned...
Needless to say my heart broke for Arrow (Dylan). These appalling events happen and then the story skips a few years later. Dylan does not exist any longer. His life is taken over by Arrow. His brother Jace has taken care of him, has helped him to his feet. But Arrow feels like damaged goods, worthless.
Arrow (thanks to Jan)
The other side of the story we have Hopper. Hopper has been living his life with so much guilt over losing his partner.
Two men, so broken, find their way to each other.
I just want to add some great quotes to this review cause you'll really have to read their journey yourself (if you can get past that horrendous 30% hurdle)
"Being a survivor made every moment, every kind word a little more meaningful, because they were the ones who knew what almost never was.
~~~~
"How in the hell could you have given me your heart?"
"Because you're the one who taught it to beat again."
~~~~
"You're my infinity, Hopp. I don't care where life takes me as long as you come too."
January 26, 2017
#BLUR is a book I have eagerly been awaiting since I met Arrow in Drew & Trent's books. I have wanted to know what Arrow was like, how he got where he was, and would he find happiness, too? I quickly pre-ordered this book when I saw it was up for purchase and eagerly awaiting the new year when I would get my GearShark fix. To say I was let down by the book isn't totally accurate, I loved Arrow and Hopper - loved watching these two fall in love. My rating of this love story, would have been a solid 5 star - it's not though because of a couple huge issues.
Lack of trigger warning in the front of the book to alert readers of dark, traumatic, painful subject matter. I almost DNF'd this book because I was shocked by the content, I need to be in a particular mood for dark subject books.
In addition, I felt like after the author introduced all previous mentioned subjects she owed it to her readers, and her characters to provide a solid resolution and healing stage. What was done, was limited and bereft.
Beyond all of that...once I got past it, and it took me a bit. I did enjoy watching these two fall in love. Two men, who were broken by different circumstances - finding each other, and helping to complete the other. It was almost poetic, but I don't think either guy would like that statement.
I loved the cameo's by characters from previous books, Drew & Trent, Joey & Lorhaven and of course Ron Gamble. I didn't read Lorhaven's book, #SWAG, and there were some things mentioned that I was sorta lost on but overall I was able to enjoy the book with only reading the m/m books of the series.
I am curious to see if we will get a book 5 in the GearShark series, it would be awesome to see all the guys living their happily-ever-afters. Only time will tell, and until then guard your heart when you read #BLUR, there is an Arrow coming for you!
Review Copy of #BLUR purchased by the reviewer, reviewed for Alpha Book Club.
Lack of trigger warning in the front of the book to alert readers of dark, traumatic, painful subject matter. I almost DNF'd this book because I was shocked by the content, I need to be in a particular mood for dark subject books.
In addition, I felt like after the author introduced all previous mentioned subjects she owed it to her readers, and her characters to provide a solid resolution and healing stage. What was done, was limited and bereft.
Beyond all of that...once I got past it, and it took me a bit. I did enjoy watching these two fall in love. Two men, who were broken by different circumstances - finding each other, and helping to complete the other. It was almost poetic, but I don't think either guy would like that statement.
I loved the cameo's by characters from previous books, Drew & Trent, Joey & Lorhaven and of course Ron Gamble. I didn't read Lorhaven's book, #SWAG, and there were some things mentioned that I was sorta lost on but overall I was able to enjoy the book with only reading the m/m books of the series.
I am curious to see if we will get a book 5 in the GearShark series, it would be awesome to see all the guys living their happily-ever-afters. Only time will tell, and until then guard your heart when you read #BLUR, there is an Arrow coming for you!
Review Copy of #BLUR purchased by the reviewer, reviewed for Alpha Book Club.
July 31, 2017
4.25 stars
I really liked this!
I was a bit afraid this would be all about racing, and since I hadn’t read the other books in the series, I had no idea what to expect. But I was happy to find out this book was very relationship focused. And I loved that!
We get to see how Arrow is treated by his father when he is 18, and we suffer with him when he gets kicked out of the house and .
We also learn how Hopper, born as Jayson, loses a part of himself when
It is now 3 years after the events of Arrow’s horrible past and 5 years after Hopper’s Hopper has been asked by his boss to meet up with Arrow and to get him to sign with his company as a racer.
And that’s how the two meet. On their first meeting the two immediately recognize another broken soul, so these two feel an immediate bond. Of course it’s not easy for both of them to let go of their pasts. Hopper feels guilty for wanting another man, and Arrow doesn’t know if he can ever be in a real relationship…
I guess you can say this book was very insta-lovey, since these guys kiss when they first meet, and dove immediately into the difficult conversations. They didn’t ease into things, they jumped in head first. I can really appreciate when my MCs are written this intense. It was like these guys had all their emotions turned up to 11. I’m such a sucker for this.
The hurt/comfort in this was perfectly balanced. I never once felt it was too much with two broken souls instead of one. Even though the first 30% in this were hard to read, this book never felt dark or depressing.
The relationship was sweet and more than a little cheesy at times, and I loved these guys together.
I did have one complaint and that was the use of the word ‘rod’. So not sexy. And it is used a lot!
Overall, a very nice, sweet read.
I really liked this!
I was a bit afraid this would be all about racing, and since I hadn’t read the other books in the series, I had no idea what to expect. But I was happy to find out this book was very relationship focused. And I loved that!
We get to see how Arrow is treated by his father when he is 18, and we suffer with him when he gets kicked out of the house and .
We also learn how Hopper, born as Jayson, loses a part of himself when
It is now 3 years after the events of Arrow’s horrible past and 5 years after Hopper’s Hopper has been asked by his boss to meet up with Arrow and to get him to sign with his company as a racer.
And that’s how the two meet. On their first meeting the two immediately recognize another broken soul, so these two feel an immediate bond. Of course it’s not easy for both of them to let go of their pasts. Hopper feels guilty for wanting another man, and Arrow doesn’t know if he can ever be in a real relationship…
I guess you can say this book was very insta-lovey, since these guys kiss when they first meet, and dove immediately into the difficult conversations. They didn’t ease into things, they jumped in head first. I can really appreciate when my MCs are written this intense. It was like these guys had all their emotions turned up to 11. I’m such a sucker for this.
The hurt/comfort in this was perfectly balanced. I never once felt it was too much with two broken souls instead of one. Even though the first 30% in this were hard to read, this book never felt dark or depressing.
The relationship was sweet and more than a little cheesy at times, and I loved these guys together.
I did have one complaint and that was the use of the word ‘rod’. So not sexy. And it is used a lot!
Overall, a very nice, sweet read.
February 7, 2017
4 " you're my infinity" stars
This was a good story, filled with issues like homosexuality, acceptance, abuse, death, dealt by two main characters Arrow and Hopper
We follow them through their past references that shaped/scarred them into the present selves when they meet and start to connect...
The connection and getting close to each other is slowly building up towards the culminating expose in an interview for a GearShark magazine...
It s a love story between two people who are dealing with the stigma of the society, acceptance and support, and letting go of the past embracing the future and the fact that love is simply love and that is the only label acceptable.
May 3, 2021
SO PERFECT!!
July 13, 2021
I probably missed some information about the MCs dynamic because I haven’t read the last book in the series (I don’t read MF), so maybe the insta-love here wouldn’t be so insta. It was nice story, a lot of angst at the beginning for both Arrow and Hopper but then the romance took the lead.
It was a little bit too cheesy for me and very melodramatic (and steamy 🔥) but it was enjoyable enough to keep my attention.
It was a little bit too cheesy for me and very melodramatic (and steamy 🔥) but it was enjoyable enough to keep my attention.
January 7, 2024
Both characters had major trauma in their pasts and I'm kind of here for it. This is Arrow’s book and I have been waiting for this book since book 1 when Arrow first appeared. With Cambria Hebert, my first series was the House of Misfits, specifically “Prince.” I fell so hard for Fletcher and Ethan. I think this couple is giving me the same energy. Despite the trauma they've faced, I find them both unbelievably sweet, particularly with each other.
This is book 4 in a series but I think it could be read first as long as a person is able to hear about something and just accept it. This is definitely my favorite book in the series so far. I think Arrow and Hopper have another book together but this one doesn't end with a cliffhanger so I'm just assuming based on what the cover model on the next book looks like.
This is book 4 in a series but I think it could be read first as long as a person is able to hear about something and just accept it. This is definitely my favorite book in the series so far. I think Arrow and Hopper have another book together but this one doesn't end with a cliffhanger so I'm just assuming based on what the cover model on the next book looks like.
February 6, 2017
TRIGGER WARNING: There is a rape scene (kinda graphic? I've read worse but that's cause I read fucked up shit sometimes) and there is a death scene.
I haven't ranted in a while so when I read this book I was dissapointed but a little bit happy, does that make sense?
I wanted to read this book since I read the first two book in this series because I was very curious about Arrow, I have no love for this series, hell I even skipped the previuos book but I wanted to read this one.
The bad:
-I don't know if it's me but I've felt that this author writes MM with an MF taste, I mean, I feel like I'm reading an MM story even if the characters are in no way effeminate.
-Cured by dick, I'm sorry but no just no! Yes, they mentioned the person's trauma but what the fuck did he do to overcome it? therapy was never mentioned (that I remember) and after a few weeks! (I'm pretty sure the timeline of the book is like two months) he is like "I trust in you, lets have that dick" I can't even, trauma is a very tricky thing, if you are going to write about rape as a means to make your book "shocking" at least do your fucking research.
The good:
-I didn't completely hate it, yes I disliked some things but I didn't DNF'd it so that's something right?
The ugly:
-The fact that this two guys that never had an interaction, besides looking at each other with puppy eyes when they were in the same place, all of sudden had this magical connection and knew the other was broken and they just fell in love. like no joke, the actual courting happened in like 3 days.
-The rape, yes it's finally time to talk about it!!!
first things first, I hate rape in books, I've read it before and 8 out of 10 times is used as plot device to make the books sad or tragic but it's so poorly written it actually pisses me off.
So my issues here where a few, the way it happened, it felt cheap, I feel like the author was looking so bad for a way to make the characters broken that she went for the obvious. The aftermath of it was not properly explained, I was left wanting answer about what happened there plus I wanna know if the character had some kind of therapy. And last but not least why no trigger warning Cambria?? look I understand that sometimes it can take away from a book if you write trigger warnings but I don't give a shit, there a lot of people out there with traumas or they just don't like to read those things and you as an author should respect your readers.
I was not shocked because like I said I have read worse but FUCK THAT! it was graphic, I had to put the book down for a while and breathe because that came literally from out of nowhere.
I'm giving this 2 stars, would have given 3.5 with a trigger warning.
I haven't ranted in a while so when I read this book I was dissapointed but a little bit happy, does that make sense?
I wanted to read this book since I read the first two book in this series because I was very curious about Arrow, I have no love for this series, hell I even skipped the previuos book but I wanted to read this one.
The bad:
-I don't know if it's me but I've felt that this author writes MM with an MF taste, I mean, I feel like I'm reading an MM story even if the characters are in no way effeminate.
-Cured by dick, I'm sorry but no just no! Yes, they mentioned the person's trauma but what the fuck did he do to overcome it? therapy was never mentioned (that I remember) and after a few weeks! (I'm pretty sure the timeline of the book is like two months) he is like "I trust in you, lets have that dick" I can't even, trauma is a very tricky thing, if you are going to write about rape as a means to make your book "shocking" at least do your fucking research.
The good:
-I didn't completely hate it, yes I disliked some things but I didn't DNF'd it so that's something right?
The ugly:
-The fact that this two guys that never had an interaction, besides looking at each other with puppy eyes when they were in the same place, all of sudden had this magical connection and knew the other was broken and they just fell in love. like no joke, the actual courting happened in like 3 days.
-The rape, yes it's finally time to talk about it!!!
first things first, I hate rape in books, I've read it before and 8 out of 10 times is used as plot device to make the books sad or tragic but it's so poorly written it actually pisses me off.
So my issues here where a few, the way it happened, it felt cheap, I feel like the author was looking so bad for a way to make the characters broken that she went for the obvious. The aftermath of it was not properly explained, I was left wanting answer about what happened there plus I wanna know if the character had some kind of therapy. And last but not least why no trigger warning Cambria?? look I understand that sometimes it can take away from a book if you write trigger warnings but I don't give a shit, there a lot of people out there with traumas or they just don't like to read those things and you as an author should respect your readers.
I was not shocked because like I said I have read worse but FUCK THAT! it was graphic, I had to put the book down for a while and breathe because that came literally from out of nowhere.
I'm giving this 2 stars, would have given 3.5 with a trigger warning.
July 19, 2017
Release Date: January 10, 2017
Genre: M/M Romance
I loved Trent and Drew in #Junkie and #Rev… But I am IN LOVE with Arrow and Hopper. WOW! This book is amazing! It’s a bit darker and emotional than the other books in the series and deals with some sensitive issues, but it felt totally real to me as a reader. And so, I loved it to pieces! These two men have stolen my heart. I didn’t want to let them go at the end of the story and I sincerely hope that Cambria will continue their story. Pretty please..?!?!
For those who are familiar with this series you will remember Arrow from previous books where we were lightly introduced to him. We were also given a little bit of a perspective into his life and learned that he had a very hard time coming out (we just didn’t know to what extent). This is answered in this story, and what happened to Arrow hit me deeply. I won’t say anything more about that because it would spoil the story for you, but be warned that it’s not pretty. Cambria uses a wonderful technique where the first part of the book is told in a sort of flashback fashion to which it details Arrow’s earlier life along with our other hero Hopper, and gives us quite a glimpse into both of their pasts. This is extremely emotional and I definitely had tears in my eyes for these characters because they have become real to me. Once these flashbacks are told, we are taken into the present where a love story like no other unfolds. (side note: this is not a spoiler because this book is a romance). Want to know what happens? Well, grab the book! It’s really that simple…
For those who are not familiar with the series you can read this one as a standalone as it features a different couple. However, I strongly suggest reading the entire series because it’s fantastic AND you will get a better understanding as to all the characters who play a role in this book. Gah… It was so nice to see Trent and Drew again.
Overall, this book is amazing. I loved it so much and was glued to the pages. I also read it in one sitting because I didn’t want to stop. That’s how good it is.
Please note: This is an M/M romance (male/male) that packs a strong punch. It has some pretty emotional scenes that may be bothersome to some viewers, but this does not encompass the entire book. It’s just a part of the character’s story that needs to be heard.
Genre: M/M Romance
I loved Trent and Drew in #Junkie and #Rev… But I am IN LOVE with Arrow and Hopper. WOW! This book is amazing! It’s a bit darker and emotional than the other books in the series and deals with some sensitive issues, but it felt totally real to me as a reader. And so, I loved it to pieces! These two men have stolen my heart. I didn’t want to let them go at the end of the story and I sincerely hope that Cambria will continue their story. Pretty please..?!?!
For those who are familiar with this series you will remember Arrow from previous books where we were lightly introduced to him. We were also given a little bit of a perspective into his life and learned that he had a very hard time coming out (we just didn’t know to what extent). This is answered in this story, and what happened to Arrow hit me deeply. I won’t say anything more about that because it would spoil the story for you, but be warned that it’s not pretty. Cambria uses a wonderful technique where the first part of the book is told in a sort of flashback fashion to which it details Arrow’s earlier life along with our other hero Hopper, and gives us quite a glimpse into both of their pasts. This is extremely emotional and I definitely had tears in my eyes for these characters because they have become real to me. Once these flashbacks are told, we are taken into the present where a love story like no other unfolds. (side note: this is not a spoiler because this book is a romance). Want to know what happens? Well, grab the book! It’s really that simple…
For those who are not familiar with the series you can read this one as a standalone as it features a different couple. However, I strongly suggest reading the entire series because it’s fantastic AND you will get a better understanding as to all the characters who play a role in this book. Gah… It was so nice to see Trent and Drew again.
Overall, this book is amazing. I loved it so much and was glued to the pages. I also read it in one sitting because I didn’t want to stop. That’s how good it is.
Please note: This is an M/M romance (male/male) that packs a strong punch. It has some pretty emotional scenes that may be bothersome to some viewers, but this does not encompass the entire book. It’s just a part of the character’s story that needs to be heard.
July 18, 2017
4.5 stars!
For anyone you who've been following my reviews, weather it be a year or a month, know I love my M/M stories. More than M/F for sure. There's something about them that is so compelling, maybe it's the fact that men know what they want and get it and there's no drama involved in that.
Cambria Hebert is one of those very few authors that I've loved even before she moved into the M/M field. So when I saw that she was releasing a book for Drew (Ivy's brother from the #Hashtag series) and Trent (he was in the frat with Romeo who took over) I jumped at the chance to read their story. Then I found out she's releasing one for Arrow and I was like "f&*k yeah!!!!!!" because more than anything I wanted his story.
I have never read about anyone who interested me as much as Arrow did. And his story just fucking broke my heart. Please do note that there is rape in this story, so if that's something that you find uncomfortable please don't read it. And there's Hopper. Jesus. I might have also shed a tear because of everything these two went through before they met each other.
#blur was about re-creating yourself by trusting, loving and believing in yourself and knowing that you're worth it. We all need that one person who sees us for who we are and not the wall we've created around each other and that's exactly what Arrow and Hopper were to each other.
Cambria is a brilliant author and I always trust her books. This book is not something that I'll forget easily. If you're looking for a book that will make you feel , read this. You will feel so much and hopefully fall in love with each character like I did.
Infinity is just an illusion. Something we tell ourselves we have, because truly realizing just how fragile time is would be crippling.
For anyone you who've been following my reviews, weather it be a year or a month, know I love my M/M stories. More than M/F for sure. There's something about them that is so compelling, maybe it's the fact that men know what they want and get it and there's no drama involved in that.
Cambria Hebert is one of those very few authors that I've loved even before she moved into the M/M field. So when I saw that she was releasing a book for Drew (Ivy's brother from the #Hashtag series) and Trent (he was in the frat with Romeo who took over) I jumped at the chance to read their story. Then I found out she's releasing one for Arrow and I was like "f&*k yeah!!!!!!" because more than anything I wanted his story.
I have never read about anyone who interested me as much as Arrow did. And his story just fucking broke my heart. Please do note that there is rape in this story, so if that's something that you find uncomfortable please don't read it. And there's Hopper. Jesus. I might have also shed a tear because of everything these two went through before they met each other.
What are the odds? The odds that two men so shattered would meet? The odds that all our broken pieces would somehow fit together to create something whole?
#blur was about re-creating yourself by trusting, loving and believing in yourself and knowing that you're worth it. We all need that one person who sees us for who we are and not the wall we've created around each other and that's exactly what Arrow and Hopper were to each other.
"How in the hell could you have given me you heart?" I wondered aloud. "Because you're the one who thought it to beat again."
Cambria is a brilliant author and I always trust her books. This book is not something that I'll forget easily. If you're looking for a book that will make you feel , read this. You will feel so much and hopefully fall in love with each character like I did.
May 12, 2019
This book was so intense and angsty and sweet, it was honestly all over the place. It gave me so many mixed feelings, but it was undoubtedly great.
First of all, I should say this was not at all what I was expecting. It’s not an easy, light-hearted or fun book. I found it was quite different from the rest in the series, a lot more serious and it deals with more heavy topics, but it’s still no less enjoyable.
The beginning is really intense; BIG trigger warnings, because I can honestly say I can handle a lot in books, but the first part of this ripped my heart out, and I probably shed some tears over both these characters. I remember reading the first books in this series and I could have never imagined something like that happening to Arrow, and I admire him all the more for it.
I think the most amazing thing about this book is the characters. It was amazing seeing them go through what they did and still keep moving forward, and it was wonderful to see them help each other and move on from their tragic pasts together. I’ve noticed from this book and others in the series that it contains some pretty good wisdom and moments I’ll probably remember for some time.
One thing about this book that I wasn’t too sure about though, is that it’s an insta-love story. I think it’s really hard to have good use of insta-love in contemporary romances, so at first I didn’t really know what to think about it. It seemed like things were moving too fast between them. But towards the end, I realized that perhaps it was really what fit them best, what they really needed. Maybe it was that easy love that saved them. And they were truly too adorable for words!
I think the writing was pretty good, but something about it occasionally rubbed me the wrong way. I think maybe the author was trying too hard to make the writing and the character’s thoughts all deep and significant and it ended up sounding pretty fake. Not always, of course, but still often enough to annoy me and make me reduce the rating.
“Being a survivor made every moment, every kind word a little more meaningful, because they were the ones who knew what almost never was.”
First of all, I should say this was not at all what I was expecting. It’s not an easy, light-hearted or fun book. I found it was quite different from the rest in the series, a lot more serious and it deals with more heavy topics, but it’s still no less enjoyable.
The beginning is really intense; BIG trigger warnings, because I can honestly say I can handle a lot in books, but the first part of this ripped my heart out, and I probably shed some tears over both these characters. I remember reading the first books in this series and I could have never imagined something like that happening to Arrow, and I admire him all the more for it.
I think the most amazing thing about this book is the characters. It was amazing seeing them go through what they did and still keep moving forward, and it was wonderful to see them help each other and move on from their tragic pasts together. I’ve noticed from this book and others in the series that it contains some pretty good wisdom and moments I’ll probably remember for some time.
One thing about this book that I wasn’t too sure about though, is that it’s an insta-love story. I think it’s really hard to have good use of insta-love in contemporary romances, so at first I didn’t really know what to think about it. It seemed like things were moving too fast between them. But towards the end, I realized that perhaps it was really what fit them best, what they really needed. Maybe it was that easy love that saved them. And they were truly too adorable for words!
I think the writing was pretty good, but something about it occasionally rubbed me the wrong way. I think maybe the author was trying too hard to make the writing and the character’s thoughts all deep and significant and it ended up sounding pretty fake. Not always, of course, but still often enough to annoy me and make me reduce the rating.
“Being a survivor made every moment, every kind word a little more meaningful, because they were the ones who knew what almost never was.”
February 6, 2017
I love you Lorhaven ! <3 <3 This was a beautiful book about two broken soul who find each other.
So in the beginning we are in the past of these two men.
I was kind of "surprise": i didn't had much memories about Arrow's story but i think it'll have marked me if i had known. My heart just broke for him, it was just bad luck, very bad time and just POINTLESS brutality on a young man. Unpredictable for me. I was so in shock after THAT scene. Bref.
In the other hand we have Hopper who i just hated when i knew about his story ( i know that's unfair but i just couldn't go beyond his stupid decision) and despite that i couldn't imagine this end... I was in shock and so heartbroken for Matt. He just didn't deserve that...the little i saw about him, i like him and i was very sad after this AVOIDABLE tragedy. But we're all humans and we all make mistakes. So i continued the book.
AND i just LOVE it. I just fell in love with shy Arrow, everything about him i love it. He was just so broken...I was so happy to see him grown, stand up for him, for the people he loves and just be HIM. He's just so much tougher than we all think when we see his description (Bieber's doppleganger).
Hopper, Hopper, Hopper...the world gives him a second chance and he just took it and he did not waste it. He was so real about him, his past, his drama, the man he became...he has carried his sentence (that was heartbreaking to see years after the drama, he became a shadow with so much guilt which tied him down). In the end i like him a lot (specially when he wets the shirt to defend A ->> even if it was against his brother! Epic scene!).
Small parenthesis for Lorhaven! I just love him! The way he loves his brother...just BEAUTIFUL! Drew, Trent and Josie was just perfect like always :)
Highly recommend. A beautiful book ;)
So in the beginning we are in the past of these two men.
I was kind of "surprise": i didn't had much memories about Arrow's story but i think it'll have marked me if i had known. My heart just broke for him, it was just bad luck, very bad time and just POINTLESS brutality on a young man. Unpredictable for me. I was so in shock after THAT scene. Bref.
In the other hand we have Hopper who i just hated when i knew about his story ( i know that's unfair but i just couldn't go beyond his stupid decision) and despite that i couldn't imagine this end... I was in shock and so heartbroken for Matt. He just didn't deserve that...the little i saw about him, i like him and i was very sad after this AVOIDABLE tragedy. But we're all humans and we all make mistakes. So i continued the book.
AND i just LOVE it. I just fell in love with shy Arrow, everything about him i love it. He was just so broken...I was so happy to see him grown, stand up for him, for the people he loves and just be HIM. He's just so much tougher than we all think when we see his description (Bieber's doppleganger).
Hopper, Hopper, Hopper...the world gives him a second chance and he just took it and he did not waste it. He was so real about him, his past, his drama, the man he became...he has carried his sentence (that was heartbreaking to see years after the drama, he became a shadow with so much guilt which tied him down). In the end i like him a lot (specially when he wets the shirt to defend A ->> even if it was against his brother! Epic scene!).
Small parenthesis for Lorhaven! I just love him! The way he loves his brother...just BEAUTIFUL! Drew, Trent and Josie was just perfect like always :)
Highly recommend. A beautiful book ;)
March 8, 2017
4.5 Infinity Stars!
“How in the hell could you have given me your heart?” I wondered aloud. “Because you’re the one who taught it to beat again.”
#Blur is book 4 in the GearShark Series and Arrow and Hopper's story.
This story should come with trigger warnings...on page rape, hate crime beating, sexual abuse.
This was a very emotional read - especially the first 30% of the story.
It was wonderful to see the journey of two men who were both so broken and battered, find each other and fight for their love.
"He fit inside my hold perfectly. He filled in all the hollow places so even though it was me who surrounded him, he made me feel full."
#Blur contains everything that we've come to expect from Ms. Hebert: solid writing, a fast paced story with enough twists to keep things interesting, hot sexy times and lots of emotions.
I really enjoyed Arrow and Hopper's story.
Highly recommend the series.
“How in the hell could you have given me your heart?” I wondered aloud. “Because you’re the one who taught it to beat again.”
#Blur is book 4 in the GearShark Series and Arrow and Hopper's story.
This story should come with trigger warnings...on page rape, hate crime beating, sexual abuse.
This was a very emotional read - especially the first 30% of the story.
It was wonderful to see the journey of two men who were both so broken and battered, find each other and fight for their love.
"He fit inside my hold perfectly. He filled in all the hollow places so even though it was me who surrounded him, he made me feel full."
#Blur contains everything that we've come to expect from Ms. Hebert: solid writing, a fast paced story with enough twists to keep things interesting, hot sexy times and lots of emotions.
I really enjoyed Arrow and Hopper's story.
Highly recommend the series.
February 7, 2017
***This and other reviews can be found at www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com ***
When I first started reading #Blur I was in a really sad place, it was the anniversary of the death of a friend and nothing was getting my mind off of that. I think I picked my kindle up fifteen times before saying I am going to start #Blur. I had been wanting Arrow’s book since we first met him and I am so glad I didn’t hold off on starting it because it not only immediately took my attention from what was going on in my life and directed it all on what I was reading but it was one that I will be reading again and again and one I won’t be soon forgetting.
I want to wrap my arms around both Arrow and Hopper and heal those broken pieces in their souls. We knew or had an idea at the very least what happened to Arrow, I had tears in my eyes more than once especially when we read what happens in the beginning of the book. My heart broke for him; I felt so many emotions for not only what had happened to him but how he felt about himself at times before and after.
Hopper’s past has its own pain and heartbreak. I never would have dreamed that is what happened to make him so closed off. Hopper needed to be healed just as much as Arrow did even if it was for a different reason. The way he handles Arrow shows how good of a guy he truly is and even when he may seem to be about to let you down, you can’t help but love him still.
Hopper and Arrow heal each other; they take those broken pieces inside them both and slowly put them back together again. They show that love is love and it makes no difference if the person you love is a man or a woman that it shouldn’t matter because love is all that matters.
#Blur is so much more than an m/m romance; it is so much more than a race car driver. #Blur is a book about healing, acceptance, love and friendships. #Blur is an emotionally driven book that will have you crying, laughing, smiling and feeling the love between the characters involved. I don’t know if Ms. Hebert plans on writing more for the Gearshark series but I hope she does, I don’t want to let these characters go just yet.
When I first started reading #Blur I was in a really sad place, it was the anniversary of the death of a friend and nothing was getting my mind off of that. I think I picked my kindle up fifteen times before saying I am going to start #Blur. I had been wanting Arrow’s book since we first met him and I am so glad I didn’t hold off on starting it because it not only immediately took my attention from what was going on in my life and directed it all on what I was reading but it was one that I will be reading again and again and one I won’t be soon forgetting.
I want to wrap my arms around both Arrow and Hopper and heal those broken pieces in their souls. We knew or had an idea at the very least what happened to Arrow, I had tears in my eyes more than once especially when we read what happens in the beginning of the book. My heart broke for him; I felt so many emotions for not only what had happened to him but how he felt about himself at times before and after.
Hopper’s past has its own pain and heartbreak. I never would have dreamed that is what happened to make him so closed off. Hopper needed to be healed just as much as Arrow did even if it was for a different reason. The way he handles Arrow shows how good of a guy he truly is and even when he may seem to be about to let you down, you can’t help but love him still.
Hopper and Arrow heal each other; they take those broken pieces inside them both and slowly put them back together again. They show that love is love and it makes no difference if the person you love is a man or a woman that it shouldn’t matter because love is all that matters.
#Blur is so much more than an m/m romance; it is so much more than a race car driver. #Blur is a book about healing, acceptance, love and friendships. #Blur is an emotionally driven book that will have you crying, laughing, smiling and feeling the love between the characters involved. I don’t know if Ms. Hebert plans on writing more for the Gearshark series but I hope she does, I don’t want to let these characters go just yet.
February 4, 2017
Arrow & Hopper = <3 <3 <3
They were so cute and I adored watching them fall in love. They both deserved an epic HEA and they got it!
P.S. In case anyone was wondering (like I did, and posted a status about it) this is not a 2 parter like Drew and Trent, it ends with this book. In fact the author note at the end made it sound like this might be the last in the series. I hope not though! I would love more stories about hot racers ;)
They were so cute and I adored watching them fall in love. They both deserved an epic HEA and they got it!
P.S. In case anyone was wondering (like I did, and posted a status about it) this is not a 2 parter like Drew and Trent, it ends with this book. In fact the author note at the end made it sound like this might be the last in the series. I hope not though! I would love more stories about hot racers ;)
January 16, 2017
#5SFBS (5 SO FUCKING BEAUTIFUL STARS!)
Cambria Hebert does it again! Awesomazing read! I truly hope there are more MMR books in this author's future....pleasssseee!
Cambria Hebert does it again! Awesomazing read! I truly hope there are more MMR books in this author's future....pleasssseee!
August 25, 2017
Overall book rating: 5 Stars
Audio book: n/a
Book cover: 4 Stars
Mc1: Arrow
Mc2: Hopper
Oh man did I love this book!!!! It's been a while since I rated a book a full 5 star but this one ticked all my boxes and I fell so deep in love with these two broken soul amazingly strong guys.
Yes, there were a lot of triggers that was not mentioned in the blurb but then again 50% of the blurbs on GR are not 100% correct. I like to go in blind and sometimes it's a miss and other times it's just freaking amazing.
I had a soft spot for Arrow from the very first time I had a feeling there's so much more to him as his asswipe of a brother (who I don't hate so much anymore [ but his fucktart of a father is a totally different story - I have read shitty things about fathers before but this one was just ... I think he is the most hated person in my mind if I could have killed the son of a bitch with my own hands I would - and I am not a violent person at all!!!]). But I did not expect his story to be so brutal and so fucking sad!!!! I mean how in the fuck can you do that to your child????? I don't think most really know how strong Arrow actually had to be to not only survive but to cope and live every bloody day with what he went trough...
The magic of this book was how he just new without any doubt what Hopper needed from him. I loved how these two so broken almost on their limit with things they could handle just worked. Yes, they had a few mishaps but that just made them so real in my eyes .
I loved how they did have so much shit to deal with from the past the past events that changed them so much into the amazingly strong guys that they were but even though they had to struggle and take tings slow they did not give up on each other there were no simple unwanted drama between them, and that's why I loved this book.
It was painful to read especially in the beginning at times I had to put down the book and just cry, but at the end I just thought freaking hell I don't want it to end I need more I need more HAPPY times for them I and I don't want to part with them just yet.
I will not see this book like it was in the beginning with all the pain and tears no, I will see this book as one of the most amazing love story about healing and excepting a book about being pushed almost to the point of no return but hope was never far behind.
Audio book: n/a
Book cover: 4 Stars
Mc1: Arrow
Mc2: Hopper
Oh man did I love this book!!!! It's been a while since I rated a book a full 5 star but this one ticked all my boxes and I fell so deep in love with these two broken soul amazingly strong guys.
Yes, there were a lot of triggers that was not mentioned in the blurb but then again 50% of the blurbs on GR are not 100% correct. I like to go in blind and sometimes it's a miss and other times it's just freaking amazing.
I had a soft spot for Arrow from the very first time I had a feeling there's so much more to him as his asswipe of a brother (who I don't hate so much anymore [ but his fucktart of a father is a totally different story - I have read shitty things about fathers before but this one was just ... I think he is the most hated person in my mind if I could have killed the son of a bitch with my own hands I would - and I am not a violent person at all!!!]). But I did not expect his story to be so brutal and so fucking sad!!!! I mean how in the fuck can you do that to your child????? I don't think most really know how strong Arrow actually had to be to not only survive but to cope and live every bloody day with what he went trough...
The magic of this book was how he just new without any doubt what Hopper needed from him. I loved how these two so broken almost on their limit with things they could handle just worked. Yes, they had a few mishaps but that just made them so real in my eyes .
I loved how they did have so much shit to deal with from the past the past events that changed them so much into the amazingly strong guys that they were but even though they had to struggle and take tings slow they did not give up on each other there were no simple unwanted drama between them, and that's why I loved this book.
It was painful to read especially in the beginning at times I had to put down the book and just cry, but at the end I just thought freaking hell I don't want it to end I need more I need more HAPPY times for them I and I don't want to part with them just yet.
I will not see this book like it was in the beginning with all the pain and tears no, I will see this book as one of the most amazing love story about healing and excepting a book about being pushed almost to the point of no return but hope was never far behind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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