Love in its many beautiful forms!
There is SO much to love about All Revved Up. First, I have to address the nesting scene in this one. Every time I read an Amy book I think, THIS is the wildest nesting scene and it can’t be topped. I am always wrong! Of course our sweet and wild Revv has to go and one-up everyone. It also brings some closure to some things that happened in the previous book. Overall, the nesting was beautiful and perfect.
Where the first book was incredibly spicy, this one takes the spicy level down a little and focuses more on the characters and their relationship dynamics. Things have been hot and heavy and moved fast, so it’s time to have the more serious discussions and figure out the logistics of these three being together. Also, this book transitions from a road trip and wild s*x to getting to see the guys in their homes and with their friends and/or family.
We also get to see the polyamory romance in an everyday setting versus the s*xual setting of the first book. There is a lot of communication between Revv, Gray and Chris concerning how their relationship works for each of them as individuals and as a triad. I liked that each guy has different needs and different ways that those needs are met. I also liked that even once they’ve committed to being a triad, they still play with others. And in Chris’ case he has another committed relationship outside of the triad. I’d venture to say that every poly person and romance is different and this book felt genuine in representing that.
We also get more of Jack and Jerry, including a development in their relationship with Chris. It’s a really cool aspect of the story that I’m glad was introduced. And we also get a ton of cameos of guys from other books set in this same world. It was so fun and sweet watching Revv in particular make friends with these characters. Revv’s family is also in part of the book and I liked seeing the relationship dynamics between Revv and his siblings, and how those relationships have been a part of shaping who he is.
Amy always has some really cool details that add a ton to the world building, overall story and it’s characters, and this series has some of the coolest details yet. In particular, I loved how the tradition of gifting pebbles was handled with Chris’ character. It’s perfect for Chris, much like the nesting with Revv is perfect for Revv.
Amy’s writing shines in this one. As with all of Amy’s books, it’s incredibly s*x positive, full of messages around love and acceptance, and includes different voices not often heard in queer romance. The writing is so introspective and thoughtful and inclusive that I feel warm and safe and cozy while reading. This story might be about humans who can shift into animals having adorable animal babies, but it’s also an incredibly beautiful and introspective story about love. This book has me in my feels because I wish that the love and friendship and happiness of this book was our norm.
This book is not a stand-alone and book one must be read first. There was too much to fit into a single book and this is not a complaint! I love that Amy gave this story the space that it needed. I highly, highly recommend the series. It is a really fun journey and has an incredibly satisfying HEA.
On a final note. The best thing that ever happened to this genre is Amy. Thank you for writing love stories that are both serious and lighthearted (well, and so much more). I feel empowered and hopeful reading about all of these men who go against societal norms in pursuit of authenticity, love and happiness. I wish this was how our world was, and I feel safe and seen knowing I’m not alone in that hope.