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Shape of Love #2
The Square
ALECAgainst all odds we found each other. And then a single moment of betrayal ripped it all away. I thought Christine had forgiven me. I thought we’d moved past it. I thought she’d healed.CHRISTINEI loved them both and they loved me. But then Danny left and our triangle was broken. So was I really that surprised when Alec put it back together again?DANNYWe are meant to be together. We all know that.But what did Alec do after I left? What could he have possibly done to make Christine want revenge?The Square is book two in The Shape of Love series collaboratively written by New York Times Bestselling author, JA Huss and actor/screenwriter, Johnathan McClain.
360 pages, Paperback
First published January 27, 2019
175 people are currently reading
635 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Huss
135 books9,038 followersJ.A. Huss never wanted to be a writer and she still dreams of that elusive career as an astronaut. She originally went to school to become an equine veterinarian but soon figured out they keep horrible hours and decided to go to grad school instead. That Ph.D wasn’t all it was cracked up to be (and she really sucked at the whole scientist thing), so she dropped out and got a M.S. in forensic toxicology just to get the whole thing over with as soon as possible.
After graduation she got a job with the state of Colorado as their one and only hog farm inspector and spent her days wandering the Eastern Plains shooting the shit with farmers. After a few years of that, she got bored. And since she was a homeschool mom and actually does love science, she decided to write science textbooks and make online classes for other homeschool moms. She wrote more than two hundred of those workbooks and was the number one publisher at the online homeschool store many times, but eventually she covered every science topic she could think of and ran out of shit to say.
So in 2012 she decided to write fiction instead. That year she released her first three books and started a career that would make her a New York Times bestseller and land her on the USA Today Bestseller’s List eighteen times in the next three years. Her books have sold millions of copies all over the world, the audio version of her semi-autobiographical book, Eighteen, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award and an Audie award in 2016 and 2017 respectively, her audiobook Mr. Perfect was nominated for a Voice Arts Award in 2017, and her book, Taking Turns, was nominated for an Audie Award in 2018. Johnathan McClain is her first (and only) writing partner and even though they are worlds apart in just about every way imaginable, it works.
She lives on a ranch in Central Colorado with her family.
After graduation she got a job with the state of Colorado as their one and only hog farm inspector and spent her days wandering the Eastern Plains shooting the shit with farmers. After a few years of that, she got bored. And since she was a homeschool mom and actually does love science, she decided to write science textbooks and make online classes for other homeschool moms. She wrote more than two hundred of those workbooks and was the number one publisher at the online homeschool store many times, but eventually she covered every science topic she could think of and ran out of shit to say.
So in 2012 she decided to write fiction instead. That year she released her first three books and started a career that would make her a New York Times bestseller and land her on the USA Today Bestseller’s List eighteen times in the next three years. Her books have sold millions of copies all over the world, the audio version of her semi-autobiographical book, Eighteen, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award and an Audie award in 2016 and 2017 respectively, her audiobook Mr. Perfect was nominated for a Voice Arts Award in 2017, and her book, Taking Turns, was nominated for an Audie Award in 2018. Johnathan McClain is her first (and only) writing partner and even though they are worlds apart in just about every way imaginable, it works.
She lives on a ranch in Central Colorado with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
February 8, 2019
How I felt after reading this book:
Although I've read plenty of reviews on Goodreads, I've never written one myself. But I felt compelled to take the time out of a busy week to write a review for "The Square" because I need to exorcise the DEMON that is this book from my life. The only reason I didn't give this the lowest score is because I still believe J.A. Huss (or the writing team that is J.A. Huss) is a good writer who knows how to evoke emotions and tell a unique story. It's just that this particular story evoked some VERY strong negative emotions in me.
I'm not sure how coherent I'm going to be. This isn't so much a review as much as it is therapy. (I invite anyone who enjoyed this book and the character of Alec to reply and help me work through my issues!) I realize it's not rational to be so angry at a fictional character, but here we are. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I could literally feel my blood pressure going up reading this book, and I had to spend so much time playing a game with sliding cats to calm myself down.
I'm just going to jump into it without giving too much context because I just don't have the emotional energy to anymore. Please bear with me. SPOILERS all the way down!
To sum up, ALEC NEEDS TO DIE.
Thank you for coming to my TED talk!
Although I've read plenty of reviews on Goodreads, I've never written one myself. But I felt compelled to take the time out of a busy week to write a review for "The Square" because I need to exorcise the DEMON that is this book from my life. The only reason I didn't give this the lowest score is because I still believe J.A. Huss (or the writing team that is J.A. Huss) is a good writer who knows how to evoke emotions and tell a unique story. It's just that this particular story evoked some VERY strong negative emotions in me.
I'm not sure how coherent I'm going to be. This isn't so much a review as much as it is therapy. (I invite anyone who enjoyed this book and the character of Alec to reply and help me work through my issues!) I realize it's not rational to be so angry at a fictional character, but here we are. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I could literally feel my blood pressure going up reading this book, and I had to spend so much time playing a game with sliding cats to calm myself down.
I'm just going to jump into it without giving too much context because I just don't have the emotional energy to anymore. Please bear with me. SPOILERS all the way down!
To sum up, ALEC NEEDS TO DIE.
Thank you for coming to my TED talk!
February 12, 2019
The Square is the second book in the Shape of Love series from writing duo Huss/McClain and continues were The Triangle left off. Note: This is not a standalone, must be read in order.
I am just going to lay this out there: This book gets five stars from just how it starts off. If the book just abruptly ended at that knock on the door, it still would get five stars. That intro was everything. An angsty start that twisted into a WTF moment of suspense then a little bit of fear of what was going to happen to these characters. All the emotions hit you in those opening chapters.
After finishing the book, I am nowhere close to having a single idea about where this story is going to go in The Circle. I love it. I loved the dynamic of these three characters. I loved that I was so enraptured about the current situations that it wasn’t until the end that I remembered that this story is bigger than just these specific words on these pages.
Huss/McClain are proving themselves a powerhouse in the co-author world. I can’t wait for the conclusion of this story!
January 31, 2019
3.5 Stars
Huss never takes us where we think we are going to go. She is well known for her twists and this one I never saw coming. There is quite a bit of angst here as the triangle of Christine, Danny and Alec try to deal with the fallout of betrayals both on Christine and Alec’s part. The past is slowly revealed and we are witnesses to the pain and heartache that led to where this trio currently finds themselves. There were some elements here that I am not a fan of and reduced my enjoyment of this story. I did love the reunion of these characters and the beginning process of healing from past decisions. Not sure where this story is going to take us next as the ending was quite shocking and Huss/McClain leave us with one whopper of a cliffhanger.
Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
Huss never takes us where we think we are going to go. She is well known for her twists and this one I never saw coming. There is quite a bit of angst here as the triangle of Christine, Danny and Alec try to deal with the fallout of betrayals both on Christine and Alec’s part. The past is slowly revealed and we are witnesses to the pain and heartache that led to where this trio currently finds themselves. There were some elements here that I am not a fan of and reduced my enjoyment of this story. I did love the reunion of these characters and the beginning process of healing from past decisions. Not sure where this story is going to take us next as the ending was quite shocking and Huss/McClain leave us with one whopper of a cliffhanger.
Multi POV
Safe
Triggers
February 10, 2019
Not a cliffy ending but not quite a HEA either. It was super intense.
February 3, 2019
I was so excited to get back into this series after the huge cliffhanger or should I say cliff fall at the end of Triangle. It took me a little while to get my head back into it as there is a bit of past and present going on but once I found my stride it was all on once again.
Danny & Christine are currently residing in an idyllic world, recovering from what they were able to escape from. This is only temporary though, they need to find the missing piece to their triangle. Only then will things feel right again.
Finding Alec is a priority, they need to be able to trust each other and be open and honest. They need him as much as they need each other. ‘Us’ doesn’t exist without the three of them. The trail of betrayal lingers and has changed their equilateral shape into a parallelogram.
‘We control the shape of our love. We decide what it looks like. We can put all this back together again if we really want to.’
Like the first book, this is a fast paced story wrought with danger and excitement. There is quite a bit of back story revealed in this second part of the Shape of Love series, plus some new characters with a few revelations I did not expect. These revelations lead to new issues on a completely different level to what they have collectively experienced before.
Once again these two authors took me on a unpredictable and exciting reading journey that left me once again wondering what the hell will happen next! Here’s hoping the final book will be a circle ☺
Danny & Christine are currently residing in an idyllic world, recovering from what they were able to escape from. This is only temporary though, they need to find the missing piece to their triangle. Only then will things feel right again.
Finding Alec is a priority, they need to be able to trust each other and be open and honest. They need him as much as they need each other. ‘Us’ doesn’t exist without the three of them. The trail of betrayal lingers and has changed their equilateral shape into a parallelogram.
‘We control the shape of our love. We decide what it looks like. We can put all this back together again if we really want to.’
Like the first book, this is a fast paced story wrought with danger and excitement. There is quite a bit of back story revealed in this second part of the Shape of Love series, plus some new characters with a few revelations I did not expect. These revelations lead to new issues on a completely different level to what they have collectively experienced before.
Once again these two authors took me on a unpredictable and exciting reading journey that left me once again wondering what the hell will happen next! Here’s hoping the final book will be a circle ☺
February 6, 2019
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookworms
*I received a free copy of [title] from [publisher] via Author. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *The Square kind of blew me away! I can't wait to chat with Brandee about it - because there was just so much that happened and I have no idea what can even happen next.
What a ride The Square was, right, Brandee? I have no idea how Huss and McClain manage to keep the suspense like they do - and how they are able to keep me guessing through the twists and turns. Did you guess anything during this story? I know I didn't!
It really was quite the ride, Lex! The Square wasn't as action-packed as The Triangle and yet the suspense kept me glued to my kindle and had me biting my nails. Oh the twists and turns! I'm with you - didn't guess a thing in this one!
So, things were rather dicey at the beginning of the book - where Christine and Danny were on the boat, and he purposely didn't ask her any questions about what she was up to. Did you think she had a real plan?
Yeah, I thought it was interesting that Danny took it on faith that Christine at least sort of knew what she was doing and he just let her do it. I didn't think she had any real plan though. I was just as in the dark as Danny. And I was worried, honestly.
What did you think of the Watson's? I thought they brought an extra layer of mystery to the plot, and I found them to be a great addition.
I really liked them as well. Yes, they did add another layer of mystery to the plot and I wasn't certain for awhile if they could be trusted. I guess I'm still really not certain the all can be trusted. But they were a great addition and as the story unfolded, with the past roles of a few of them revealed, several pieces of the puzzle fit into place. Of course, I'm still scratching my head over many questions but at least some things make sense now. And the Watson's - at least the Watson males - were kinda fun. ;)
This might be a tiny bit spoilery (for the Triangle...) do you think someone made Christine forget a part of her life on purpose? Do you think she really did what she thought she did in the Triangle? There were some things that happened in The Square that made me doubt absolutely everything!
I'm speculating, of course, but yes, I do think she was made to forget a part of her life on purpose. And I have a few theories - okay, one really - as to who did it. I'm also really worrying about what all she might have forgotten if this is the case. But I don't think she's as responsible for all the things she thinks she's responsible for. (that's quite a sentence!) So yes, I'm a conspiracy theorist and I think there is so much more going on here than we know. And I can't wait for it all to be revealed.
What do you think of redemption as a main theme for The Square? I think that forgiveness, and letting things go was a very important aspect of this story.
Oh, redemption is definitely a main theme for The Square, if not the main theme. There was forgiving and letting go of the past going on for quite a few of the characters. And one of them isn't quite there but they'll get there. There was so much to forgive and let go of, though. So much! And if we're right about Christine, she's being forgiven for things she doesn't need forgiveness for. I mentioned earlier that this installment was quite as action-packed but that action was replaced with character development. There was quite a bit of introspection and there was the forgiveness element. I think Alec, Christine, and Danny all let go of a lot but I think they still feel the need for redemption.
Gah! I can't wait for the next (final?) installment, Lex! It's going to be incredible and enlightening and thrilling, I just know it! :)
*I received a free copy of [title] from [publisher] via Author. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *The Square kind of blew me away! I can't wait to chat with Brandee about it - because there was just so much that happened and I have no idea what can even happen next.
What a ride The Square was, right, Brandee? I have no idea how Huss and McClain manage to keep the suspense like they do - and how they are able to keep me guessing through the twists and turns. Did you guess anything during this story? I know I didn't!
It really was quite the ride, Lex! The Square wasn't as action-packed as The Triangle and yet the suspense kept me glued to my kindle and had me biting my nails. Oh the twists and turns! I'm with you - didn't guess a thing in this one!
So, things were rather dicey at the beginning of the book - where Christine and Danny were on the boat, and he purposely didn't ask her any questions about what she was up to. Did you think she had a real plan?
Yeah, I thought it was interesting that Danny took it on faith that Christine at least sort of knew what she was doing and he just let her do it. I didn't think she had any real plan though. I was just as in the dark as Danny. And I was worried, honestly.
What did you think of the Watson's? I thought they brought an extra layer of mystery to the plot, and I found them to be a great addition.
I really liked them as well. Yes, they did add another layer of mystery to the plot and I wasn't certain for awhile if they could be trusted. I guess I'm still really not certain the all can be trusted. But they were a great addition and as the story unfolded, with the past roles of a few of them revealed, several pieces of the puzzle fit into place. Of course, I'm still scratching my head over many questions but at least some things make sense now. And the Watson's - at least the Watson males - were kinda fun. ;)
This might be a tiny bit spoilery (for the Triangle...) do you think someone made Christine forget a part of her life on purpose? Do you think she really did what she thought she did in the Triangle? There were some things that happened in The Square that made me doubt absolutely everything!
I'm speculating, of course, but yes, I do think she was made to forget a part of her life on purpose. And I have a few theories - okay, one really - as to who did it. I'm also really worrying about what all she might have forgotten if this is the case. But I don't think she's as responsible for all the things she thinks she's responsible for. (that's quite a sentence!) So yes, I'm a conspiracy theorist and I think there is so much more going on here than we know. And I can't wait for it all to be revealed.
What do you think of redemption as a main theme for The Square? I think that forgiveness, and letting things go was a very important aspect of this story.
Oh, redemption is definitely a main theme for The Square, if not the main theme. There was forgiving and letting go of the past going on for quite a few of the characters. And one of them isn't quite there but they'll get there. There was so much to forgive and let go of, though. So much! And if we're right about Christine, she's being forgiven for things she doesn't need forgiveness for. I mentioned earlier that this installment was quite as action-packed but that action was replaced with character development. There was quite a bit of introspection and there was the forgiveness element. I think Alec, Christine, and Danny all let go of a lot but I think they still feel the need for redemption.
Gah! I can't wait for the next (final?) installment, Lex! It's going to be incredible and enlightening and thrilling, I just know it! :)
January 26, 2019
Hold on to your Kindles for book 2 of The Shape of Love series.
Alec, Danny and Christine take us on twists and turns you will not see coming. Don't get me started on the steamy sexy chemistry between the 3. Amazing read full of non stop excitement. Great 5 star read.
Alec, Danny and Christine take us on twists and turns you will not see coming. Don't get me started on the steamy sexy chemistry between the 3. Amazing read full of non stop excitement. Great 5 star read.
January 25, 2019
Hold on to your fokken seat because the Trio is back!!! This book, just...WOW! Danny...Christine...Alec; We get so many more twists, more action, more laughs and of course more Love! Huss & McClain really know how to co-write a book!! I fell even more in love with these three. We find out what happened between Alec and Christine in those 4 years Danny left and finally get some answers to questions from book one. Told in multiple POV; MF; MFM, You must read The Triangle(Book 1) before reading this book.
January 27, 2019
These “Antiheroes “ play fast and loose with our hearts
This book is written so well, so easy to read, I was drawn into the story and “Bam” a wrench is flying into my head. After chapter five, I swear I had to put it down or break my ereader. Julie and Johnathan can’t just have some angst and kicka$$ action and smoking hot sex, they have to break your heart. Too entrenched in this story I pulled up my big girl panties and picked up my ereader, cause you never know where this tale will lead us. I am absolutely on pins and needles for the next book.
This book is written so well, so easy to read, I was drawn into the story and “Bam” a wrench is flying into my head. After chapter five, I swear I had to put it down or break my ereader. Julie and Johnathan can’t just have some angst and kicka$$ action and smoking hot sex, they have to break your heart. Too entrenched in this story I pulled up my big girl panties and picked up my ereader, cause you never know where this tale will lead us. I am absolutely on pins and needles for the next book.
January 29, 2019
The Square picks up its action a short time after The Triangle ended, and if you recall from reading book 1, we were left hanging after some shocking revelations and wondering the fates of some key characters. If you haven't read The Triangle, stop now, do not pass go, leave the $200 right there and get to reading!
The Square is just as masterful in its twists and turns as book 1 was. Just when Alec, Christine and Danny have found their way back to each other after that four year separation, the floor drops out from under them and they find themselves separated once again, only this time its Danny and Christine together and Alec the one who is left out. There are still a ton of questions left unanswered for Danny about what happened during the four years he was gone, and slowly Julie and Johnathan unravel those events for the reader to discover at the same time Danny does.
We find out what happened that fractured the relationship between Alec and Christine and led her to betray him, but we don't get all of that story yet, because Christine is still suffering some memory lapses. I hope that all gets cleared up in the next book, otherwise I think I'm going to lose my mind with the not knowing!
The way that Alec betrayed Christine hurt my heart in a most grievous way. Because of it, Alec, Christine and Danny's triangle is morphing in shape to a square that none of them know how to deal with. Heck, by the time this story is done, it may end up being an octagon or some other shape, you never know where Julie and Johnathan's minds are going to take a story!
I love how this book is once again told in three points of view, and I can't even begin to guess which author voiced which character. All I know is all three are very intricate beings and this power duo are writing one amazing, complex story that kept me glued to the pages.
Once again, the action at the end of the book leaves us hanging by our fingernails and my mind is going crazy trying to guess what's going to happen next. I hope we don't have to wait too long to find out!
The Square is just as masterful in its twists and turns as book 1 was. Just when Alec, Christine and Danny have found their way back to each other after that four year separation, the floor drops out from under them and they find themselves separated once again, only this time its Danny and Christine together and Alec the one who is left out. There are still a ton of questions left unanswered for Danny about what happened during the four years he was gone, and slowly Julie and Johnathan unravel those events for the reader to discover at the same time Danny does.
We find out what happened that fractured the relationship between Alec and Christine and led her to betray him, but we don't get all of that story yet, because Christine is still suffering some memory lapses. I hope that all gets cleared up in the next book, otherwise I think I'm going to lose my mind with the not knowing!
The way that Alec betrayed Christine hurt my heart in a most grievous way. Because of it, Alec, Christine and Danny's triangle is morphing in shape to a square that none of them know how to deal with. Heck, by the time this story is done, it may end up being an octagon or some other shape, you never know where Julie and Johnathan's minds are going to take a story!
I love how this book is once again told in three points of view, and I can't even begin to guess which author voiced which character. All I know is all three are very intricate beings and this power duo are writing one amazing, complex story that kept me glued to the pages.
Once again, the action at the end of the book leaves us hanging by our fingernails and my mind is going crazy trying to guess what's going to happen next. I hope we don't have to wait too long to find out!
January 28, 2019
This trio!!!! It leaves me breathless each time they are together. Although this book starts with them split and in different parts of the world, all that buildup where they work towards their reunion is quite thrilling, confusing, frustrating, steamy and then some. And when they finally get together, that's when s*.* hits the fan. They are trouble but in the good sense. I loved them in this book as much as in the previous though all of them came with new sides: Christine jealous and insecure, Danny dominant and in charge for once and Alec, weary and maybe vulnerable. But despite the betrayal they still choose and stand for each other and that's something beautiful above all the danger that is lurking.
I must say that I am quite infatuated by now with the Watson crew as well, their sarcasm and their bloody accent, so I really hope to get a story of their own once that the triangle reached their HEA, whatever that will be. Till then, surely we will have more of them in the next book and I can't wait to get my hands on it!!
I must say that I am quite infatuated by now with the Watson crew as well, their sarcasm and their bloody accent, so I really hope to get a story of their own once that the triangle reached their HEA, whatever that will be. Till then, surely we will have more of them in the next book and I can't wait to get my hands on it!!
January 29, 2019
The suspense, action and love !!!!
As I tall before I am team Dany.
This book gave me one of the answers that I needed. But I have so much more questions now. And I love it.
This triangle becomes a square of love that I didn’t see coming.
This is the one and only triangle book that I like.
I want to see more action in the next one.
There is just one thing that I didn’t like. Why if Alec and Christine were so good in there relationship, why was he with other woman? That doesn’t make sense in the big love they had, the can be with Dany but other feels to me like breaking the triangle that in that momento was a duo.
I can’t wait to see what this characters are going to do now !!!
As I tall before I am team Dany.
This book gave me one of the answers that I needed. But I have so much more questions now. And I love it.
This triangle becomes a square of love that I didn’t see coming.
This is the one and only triangle book that I like.
I want to see more action in the next one.
There is just one thing that I didn’t like. Why if Alec and Christine were so good in there relationship, why was he with other woman? That doesn’t make sense in the big love they had, the can be with Dany but other feels to me like breaking the triangle that in that momento was a duo.
I can’t wait to see what this characters are going to do now !!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2019
The twist and turns of Alec, Danny and Christine’s story had me so involved with this story I could not stop reading it. Their story of their struggles with the past and the present created situations I never expected. I cannot wait to see what is next for them and their journey to happiness!
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January 31, 2019
I liked the first one but this one just spits all over that.
CHEATER ALERT CHEATER ALERT
OW ALERT OW ALERT
BABY WITH OW (!!!!!!!!!!!!!) ALERT
STAY AWAY IF YOU VALUE YOUR EMOTIONAL STABILITY
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
CHEATER ALERT CHEATER ALERT
OW ALERT OW ALERT
BABY WITH OW (!!!!!!!!!!!!!) ALERT
STAY AWAY IF YOU VALUE YOUR EMOTIONAL STABILITY
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 1, 2019SPOILER ALERT!!!!!! Firstly I would like to point out that if there were NEGATIVE STARS I would have given to that book. All right, the characters have had a twisted childhood, but for me, betrayal is betrayal and going to a friend of your wife when she recently lost the baby, having unprotected sex and impregnating the other is an unforgivable betrayal. And worse, it was not something out of desperation, on a night of drinking, no, it happened for months and again and again and again and again for days and days. And worse, the author made a point of describing this! And what puts a nail in the coffin for me is that in the thoughts of the traitor cretin, does not pass the least amount of guilt during EVERY TIME !!!!!! Please, this is disgusting !! And see him poetizing the shits he does, giving excuses ragged all the time ??? It's completely stupid and unmissable. If it was me, I would never want a man's hand on me again. The fact that she has sought out his brother to get revenge is very close to what he really deserved !! Sorry, I do not understand what goes on in these authors' minds, romanticizing these is absurd! This is one of those books I regret having read. GARBAGE!
November 21, 2019
Loved this. Hated Alec for a great portion of this book but I feel he groveled nicely...learned the lesson...and I think the H/H/h might have a legitimate chance. I only wish I’d realized there was a third book (yet to be written) before I read the first 2 books.
Heavy OW presence, cheating, child with OW. I still think he can be fully redeemable by the end of the next book ;)
4 stars...lost a star cuz of OW baby. The affair was enough and apparently ok within the relationship of the H/h at the time. But the baby was unforgivable. That’s just Open Relationship 101.
Heavy OW presence, cheating, child with OW. I still think he can be fully redeemable by the end of the next book ;)
4 stars...lost a star cuz of OW baby. The affair was enough and apparently ok within the relationship of the H/h at the time. But the baby was unforgivable. That’s just Open Relationship 101.
March 17, 2021
It’s an amazing book, even though Alec disappointed me 😒 does anyone know the name of the next book?
January 29, 2019
Ripped my heart out
I can’t even begin to try and explain what this book is about. More Danny, Christine, and Alex hopping around the world chasing after, running towards, and fleeing from danger, love, unanswered questions....you name it. They team up with the Watsons which adds gasoline to the fire and kaboom.
The Square, book two of the Shape of Love series, ripped my heart out. I found myself uttering over and over, how can this be happening!? How are Danny, Christine, and Alex gonna get out of this and still remain a Triangle? Well love morphs, takes on a new shape, and adapts to unplanned and unforeseen circumstances. Thus a Triangle becomes a Square. What will Love’s shape be in book three?
I tell you, this book is the best one yet from Huss and McClain. It left a lump in my throat and ripped my heart out. I was taken by surprise at a lot of what happened and look forward to the shape of things to come for this motley crew.
Now for the EOBS (End of Book “Stuff”). More thoughts and insights from the authors that feed my mind. Wow! This is the best EOBS yet. Johnathan you bared/unpacked your soul and brought tears to my eyes. I was left with more hope for the future, my future, than I thought possible by your heartfelt words. And Julie, I thank God you made that decision 7 years ago to follow your dreams. You’ve brought a lot of joy to a lot of lives. Thanks and much love to both of you.
I can’t even begin to try and explain what this book is about. More Danny, Christine, and Alex hopping around the world chasing after, running towards, and fleeing from danger, love, unanswered questions....you name it. They team up with the Watsons which adds gasoline to the fire and kaboom.
The Square, book two of the Shape of Love series, ripped my heart out. I found myself uttering over and over, how can this be happening!? How are Danny, Christine, and Alex gonna get out of this and still remain a Triangle? Well love morphs, takes on a new shape, and adapts to unplanned and unforeseen circumstances. Thus a Triangle becomes a Square. What will Love’s shape be in book three?
I tell you, this book is the best one yet from Huss and McClain. It left a lump in my throat and ripped my heart out. I was taken by surprise at a lot of what happened and look forward to the shape of things to come for this motley crew.
Now for the EOBS (End of Book “Stuff”). More thoughts and insights from the authors that feed my mind. Wow! This is the best EOBS yet. Johnathan you bared/unpacked your soul and brought tears to my eyes. I was left with more hope for the future, my future, than I thought possible by your heartfelt words. And Julie, I thank God you made that decision 7 years ago to follow your dreams. You’ve brought a lot of joy to a lot of lives. Thanks and much love to both of you.
February 3, 2019
We never know what we’re getting ourselves into when we read a Huss/McClain book. I always expect the unexpected. I never go into their books looking for happy endings especially when it’s a series.
I loved this book and hated it. I loved the angst. The sex. The attention to detail. The story. I hated certain issues in it that made me a little bit uncomfortable. I also had a strong love/hate relationship with the characters.
I went through so many emotions especially when it came to Christine. I love that woman and she sure has been through a lot. I wanted to hug her one moment then smack her the next.
Alec and Danny. Danny and Alec. Such knuckleheads at times but big sweethearts too. Now there are some things that Alec done that really pissed me off. I almost put my kindle down because he made me so mad. Furious. I wanted to punch him. I’m still not over it. Lol
Overall The Square is a great book. Like I said above there were a couple things that keep me from giving it 5 stars. I’m excited about The Circle though.
I loved this book and hated it. I loved the angst. The sex. The attention to detail. The story. I hated certain issues in it that made me a little bit uncomfortable. I also had a strong love/hate relationship with the characters.
I went through so many emotions especially when it came to Christine. I love that woman and she sure has been through a lot. I wanted to hug her one moment then smack her the next.
Alec and Danny. Danny and Alec. Such knuckleheads at times but big sweethearts too. Now there are some things that Alec done that really pissed me off. I almost put my kindle down because he made me so mad. Furious. I wanted to punch him. I’m still not over it. Lol
Overall The Square is a great book. Like I said above there were a couple things that keep me from giving it 5 stars. I’m excited about The Circle though.
February 4, 2019
*4.5 Stars*
Whoa. I never know where Huss and McClain are gonna take me and although I'd been eager to get the continuation of Alec, Christine, and Danny's story, I'd have never guessed the continuation would have taken me where it did. Don't get me wrong. It's an incredible story. Huss and McClain never disappoint in character development or plot or plot twists. And oh what a tangled, twisted plot they've woven. I did get some answers - even though I didn't necessarily like them. But, per usual, I have even more questions after the second installment. I have no idea who I should be siding with, who I can trust, and which direction we'll go from here. But also per usual, I'm left dangling on a precipice and I can't wait for the next installment.
*I received an eARC from the authors. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.**
Whoa. I never know where Huss and McClain are gonna take me and although I'd been eager to get the continuation of Alec, Christine, and Danny's story, I'd have never guessed the continuation would have taken me where it did. Don't get me wrong. It's an incredible story. Huss and McClain never disappoint in character development or plot or plot twists. And oh what a tangled, twisted plot they've woven. I did get some answers - even though I didn't necessarily like them. But, per usual, I have even more questions after the second installment. I have no idea who I should be siding with, who I can trust, and which direction we'll go from here. But also per usual, I'm left dangling on a precipice and I can't wait for the next installment.
*I received an eARC from the authors. This did not affect my rating and my review is provided voluntarily.**
January 29, 2019
This story is getting better with each book! The suspense continues packed with a lot of action in the lives of Alec, Christine and Danny!
I loved the way Danny and Christine are together, they read each other like no other, but when Alec joins them, you can see the love between the three of them. They're just meant to be, but there's still a lot going on that will bring up past situations that will lead to a lot if truths.
Finally got some answers to my questions but there's so many secrets to be revealed!
This series keep you guessing all the way through and I cant wait to read the next book.
I loved the way Danny and Christine are together, they read each other like no other, but when Alec joins them, you can see the love between the three of them. They're just meant to be, but there's still a lot going on that will bring up past situations that will lead to a lot if truths.
Finally got some answers to my questions but there's so many secrets to be revealed!
This series keep you guessing all the way through and I cant wait to read the next book.
January 28, 2019
This book was good. I definitely went on a rollercoaster ride with this book. It was suspense, sad and such a thrill to read. It also kept you guessing on what was going to happen next. In this book you learn a lot more with the three. Danny and Christine was together and they were trying to get themselves back to Alec. You learn a lot of news things and wonder if they could be the trio ever again. Can they look past that and move on? Definitely need to read the first book to understand this book. I can't wait for the next one.
January 29, 2019
I absolutely loved this book.
It was filled with betrayal, heartache, vulnerability, hope, forgiveness and love. But when you add Huss and McClain in the mix nothing ever comes easy for the characters.
I really enjoyed this book. It was an emotional read and full of chaos and complications. We learn more about Alec, Christine, and Danny. What separated them years ago and what happened while they were apart.
I loved Danny's dominate side. How he stepped up and took charge. And I loved Alec's vulnerability. It was sexy on both parts.
This book will keep your attention from beginning to the very end. And then wanting more. I can't wait for book 3!
It was filled with betrayal, heartache, vulnerability, hope, forgiveness and love. But when you add Huss and McClain in the mix nothing ever comes easy for the characters.
I really enjoyed this book. It was an emotional read and full of chaos and complications. We learn more about Alec, Christine, and Danny. What separated them years ago and what happened while they were apart.
I loved Danny's dominate side. How he stepped up and took charge. And I loved Alec's vulnerability. It was sexy on both parts.
This book will keep your attention from beginning to the very end. And then wanting more. I can't wait for book 3!
January 29, 2019
Book 2 in the Shape Series so you MUST read book 1 The Triangle in order to understand and follow the story.
It picks up where book 1 ends and the twists and turns just kept on coming. This read was intense and twisted and full of passion. Told in trio POV you gain good insight into the inner workings of these characters! They are hot!!!
Secrets are revealed, questions are answered and discoveries made!
I can’t wait to see what happens next!
It picks up where book 1 ends and the twists and turns just kept on coming. This read was intense and twisted and full of passion. Told in trio POV you gain good insight into the inner workings of these characters! They are hot!!!
Secrets are revealed, questions are answered and discoveries made!
I can’t wait to see what happens next!
January 30, 2019
Wow... book 2 does not disappoint. It is one hell of an emotional and intense roller coaster ride with lots of twist and turns, I could not put it down. The chemistry and love between the main characters is just as intense as the first book and can’t wait to see how it ends. I need answers!!!
A great read.
A great read.
January 30, 2019
I swear these two author's can do no wrong..the story is exciting and so much happens..it's like having the best of both worlds..plenty of action yet an emotional connection between the characters that is so strong..
I was so engrossed I hate that I just devoured it in one go..need a re-read soon enough!
I was so engrossed I hate that I just devoured it in one go..need a re-read soon enough!
March 3, 2025
A totally thrilling second opus! I lived the peachy storytelling and the strong plot that had me bitting my nails all along. Add in the mix a few twists and an ending that had me screaming!
Well done, Huss and McClain, your duo works!
Well done, Huss and McClain, your duo works!
January 28, 2019
Great read. Love all the characters and the secret conversations they have together. But have lots of questions for the next book. Can't wait for it.
October 16, 2024
book 4
narration 4.5
This rating is based almost entirely on the phenomenal narration and incredibly challenging to do South African accent as portrayed by Luke Jackson. Todd Bronson (aka Jonathan McClain) embodied Danny but his portrayal of Alec (South African) turned him into some sort of Scottish brogue mixed with American accent which doubles back as Irish and then Scottish-american again. Just bizarre.
Anyhow really enjoyed the continuation of the story of three and how it expands to four - no spoilers here - story.
And damn it I didn't know that This is the second book in what was meant to be a series of three, with no information on anything is forthcoming.
Something I try not to do to myself because now I love these characters and there's no news on anything coming out. No resolution just a cliffhanger 🙄😔😐😐😐
I'm not going to go into the storyline here because there are tons and tons of reviews that do it very well. This is more of my emotional response at the end of the book
I really enjoyed a lot of the secondary characters that were introduced, they totally feel like they're going to have their own series. But who knows if that's ever going to be written.
And more than anything, and for me this is a personal thing that almost nobody else would be interested in, I really enjoyed that the child that was introduced does not do a 180 character change for its parents. I freaking hate that in books where suddenly somebody who is a villain becomes superparent. Again no spoilers, but glad that the characters are who they are and being allowed to flow into whatever they need to do.
For anybody that really enjoys the MMF trope, but done in a way where it is based on assemblance of a realistic relationship aka they actually know each other for more than a week and have a deep history for their relationship, then you will really love this story.
Can't wait to see what troubles and loving they get up to in the next one if that happens. For now I'm just going to have to go jump into more JA Huss novels to soothe my sulkiness over the fact that I don't get to hang out with these characters anymore.
As a last word,
For anyone that has the audiobook, don't skip out on the end of book s*** because there's some really great insight from the co-author Jonathan McClain
narration 4.5
This rating is based almost entirely on the phenomenal narration and incredibly challenging to do South African accent as portrayed by Luke Jackson. Todd Bronson (aka Jonathan McClain) embodied Danny but his portrayal of Alec (South African) turned him into some sort of Scottish brogue mixed with American accent which doubles back as Irish and then Scottish-american again. Just bizarre.
Anyhow really enjoyed the continuation of the story of three and how it expands to four - no spoilers here - story.
And damn it I didn't know that This is the second book in what was meant to be a series of three, with no information on anything is forthcoming.
Something I try not to do to myself because now I love these characters and there's no news on anything coming out. No resolution just a cliffhanger 🙄😔😐😐😐
I'm not going to go into the storyline here because there are tons and tons of reviews that do it very well. This is more of my emotional response at the end of the book
I really enjoyed a lot of the secondary characters that were introduced, they totally feel like they're going to have their own series. But who knows if that's ever going to be written.
And more than anything, and for me this is a personal thing that almost nobody else would be interested in, I really enjoyed that the child that was introduced does not do a 180 character change for its parents. I freaking hate that in books where suddenly somebody who is a villain becomes superparent. Again no spoilers, but glad that the characters are who they are and being allowed to flow into whatever they need to do.
For anybody that really enjoys the MMF trope, but done in a way where it is based on assemblance of a realistic relationship aka they actually know each other for more than a week and have a deep history for their relationship, then you will really love this story.
Can't wait to see what troubles and loving they get up to in the next one if that happens. For now I'm just going to have to go jump into more JA Huss novels to soothe my sulkiness over the fact that I don't get to hang out with these characters anymore.
As a last word,
For anyone that has the audiobook, don't skip out on the end of book s*** because there's some really great insight from the co-author Jonathan McClain
October 8, 2023
I'm staring at my screen right now, hardly knowing how to begin to do The Square justice.
I'm fascinated with the events of this story, I couldn't for the life of me figure out what could possibly drive Christine to betray her love for Alec...and then we find out. There aren't enough tears to wash away the anguish of their loss, but instead of seeking solace in each other, they make grave errors and now we find ourselves here.
Family betrayal and old enemies seeking vengeance.
Will they be united or torn apart?
Can Christine, Alec and Danny find a way to forgiveness and repair the shape of their love?
Will they be too late to save the innocents?
You cannot read and understand The Square until you've read The Triangle, but I highly recommend you do so before we reach The Circle. I love these characters and all their flaws, this series, thus far is jam packed with all the feels. I'm left feeling a bit heartbroken right now, but I have faith that love will prevail.
I'm fascinated with the events of this story, I couldn't for the life of me figure out what could possibly drive Christine to betray her love for Alec...and then we find out. There aren't enough tears to wash away the anguish of their loss, but instead of seeking solace in each other, they make grave errors and now we find ourselves here.
Family betrayal and old enemies seeking vengeance.
Will they be united or torn apart?
Can Christine, Alec and Danny find a way to forgiveness and repair the shape of their love?
Will they be too late to save the innocents?
You cannot read and understand The Square until you've read The Triangle, but I highly recommend you do so before we reach The Circle. I love these characters and all their flaws, this series, thus far is jam packed with all the feels. I'm left feeling a bit heartbroken right now, but I have faith that love will prevail.
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