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State of Mind
Grier Crist works for the Organization—a group of Gifted “agents” who use their powers to keep peace, help those in need, and combat criminal influence around the globe. When a suspicious bombing drives Grier to break his ties with the group and go into hiding, the head of the Organization sends model agent Alec Devlin after him, claiming Grier is a murderer and traitor to their cause.
Grier manages to turn the tables and take Alec hostage long enough to convince him that the Organization is lying and hiding something sinister. The two strike a bargain: amidst enemies who want them dead, friends with their own agendas, and the growing passion between them, they'll work together to bring down the Organization in order to protect the world… and each other.
Grier manages to turn the tables and take Alec hostage long enough to convince him that the Organization is lying and hiding something sinister. The two strike a bargain: amidst enemies who want them dead, friends with their own agendas, and the growing passion between them, they'll work together to bring down the Organization in order to protect the world… and each other.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2010
9 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Libby Drew
16 books110 followersLibby glimpsed her true calling when her first story, an A.A. Milne /Shakespeare crossover, won the grand prize in her elementary school's fiction contest. Her parents explained that writers were quirky, poor, and often talked to themselves in supermarket checkout lines. They implored her to be practical, a request she took to heart for twenty years, earning two degrees, a white-collar job, and an ulcer, before realizing that practical was absolutely no fun.
Today she lives with her husband and four children in an old, impractical house and writes stories about redemption, the supernatural, and love at first sight, all of which do exist. She happens to know from experience.
Libby’s STATE OF MIND received rave reviews for being fast, clever, and relentless and was nominated for a Bookie Award for Best M/M Novel of 2011. 40 SOULS TO KEEP, Libby’s third novel, has been described as intense and heart-poundingly good and was praised by Publishers Weekly for maintaining a high level of suspense.
An avid supporter of gay rights, Libby donates her time to the Trevor Project and organizations that work to support marriage equality.
Today she lives with her husband and four children in an old, impractical house and writes stories about redemption, the supernatural, and love at first sight, all of which do exist. She happens to know from experience.
Libby’s STATE OF MIND received rave reviews for being fast, clever, and relentless and was nominated for a Bookie Award for Best M/M Novel of 2011. 40 SOULS TO KEEP, Libby’s third novel, has been described as intense and heart-poundingly good and was praised by Publishers Weekly for maintaining a high level of suspense.
An avid supporter of gay rights, Libby donates her time to the Trevor Project and organizations that work to support marriage equality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 23, 2010
State of Mind plays on familiar and typical concepts to deliver an action packed story with a romance running along side. The characters are decent with a mostly solid story and the incredibly quick pace to the writing and dialogue lends to a very fast read. While there are no obvious missteps and glaring issues, the bland nature of the plot and ambiguous setting end up leaving the story somewhat indistinct and not very memorable – even though it’s entertaining and fun to read. I’ll definitely be interested in the next book in the series but this is the type of book that you forget in between now and the next book since there are no stark original details that capture the imagination.
Grier Crist and Alec Devlin are powerful psychics that work for one of the ubiquitous, anonymous secret agent organizations. In fact, it’s so familiar a concept the story simply calls it the “Organization.” This Organization is made up of other mentally enhanced individuals and is run by a group of people called the “Directorate” with one man heading the entire thing. The plot follows Grier and Alec as they become disillusioned with their jobs and attempt to flee from the Organization’s tight control. They happen to fall in love and lust along the way making for some steamy scenes and a very interesting addition of mental prowess during sex. The story relies on heavy action as the agents run from the ensuing assassins while trying to understand what has happened to the Organization with some political implications.
The plot itself is pretty classic for a spy action/adventure themed story. A lot of the elements play on well known concepts such as the anonymous secret agency supposed to help the world but really is after wealth and world domination. Part of this helps make the story go quickly and not bog down in complicated twists, but at the same time the lack of unique detail makes the story feel like one of many in the genre and somewhat forgettable. The book starts out with Grier running away with Alec soon following but never really explains what the big betrayal was that prompted Grier’s defection. Innocents were killed which throws Grier into questioning all his assignments but what he did in the Organization is never said and furthermore the lies, deception, and soul crushing betrayal of the Organization’s leader, Ethan, is never said either. Since the entire plot plays off that betrayal, the absence of an explanation waters down the intensity and originality.
Similarly the main characters both come from dysfunctional childhoods and were saved by Ethan, the father figure in charge of the entire Organization and Directorate. They struggle with Ethan’s betrayal and their future, but their reactions are thankfully different. Alec wants revenge and answers while Grier just wants to get away from the whole thing. The two have a lot of good chemistry and snarky banter, which helps the action pass quickly. Their dialogue is sometimes very witty and funny, reminiscent of spy movies with likable, clashing leads. Their sexual relationship doesn’t develop until almost the end of the story culminating in one hot scene. This keeps the focus on the story and action, yet throws a nice bone to the readers that they’ll appreciate.
While Grier and Alec are decent, solid characters, Nicholas by far stole the show. Here is the most interesting, complex character of the cast with questionable motives, pathological behavior, and oozing sleazy sexuality. His interaction is key to the story and the characters, although there are some plot holes with his involvement and the action surrounding him. Nicholas deserves his own book and he takes what is a decent, yet bland story to another level with his complicated personality. The details Nicholas brings don’t always fit well with the story sometimes, yet the anonymous nature of everything helps to smooth over any problems. Since a lot of plot is never explained or given names, details, or a presence, the story skips over any issues and keeps moving.
The writing is pretty crisp, though sparse with a familiar urban fantasy setting. The narrator is interesting with an occasional point of view confusion due to the writing choices, but overall very clean. The romantic relationship is understated, nicely so, yet clearly sets these two men up for another book where they can shine. There is so much action from such a large cast that all have motives and point of views – Grier, Alec, Nicholas, Roman, Nora, Ethan, Kay – that no one aspect is predominant. They all fit well together to deliver an entertaining and fun read, but one that is forgettable. This is the type of book you need to re-read before the next to remember the characters and situation since there are almost no distinguishing details and nothing to capture your attention to this specific book. That’s not to say you won’t enjoy reading – you likely will.
Pick this up if you’re looking for a quick, easy action/adventure read with familiar spy elements. Let’s hope the next book comes out quickly and pray it is Nicholas’ story. At least I do.
Grier Crist and Alec Devlin are powerful psychics that work for one of the ubiquitous, anonymous secret agent organizations. In fact, it’s so familiar a concept the story simply calls it the “Organization.” This Organization is made up of other mentally enhanced individuals and is run by a group of people called the “Directorate” with one man heading the entire thing. The plot follows Grier and Alec as they become disillusioned with their jobs and attempt to flee from the Organization’s tight control. They happen to fall in love and lust along the way making for some steamy scenes and a very interesting addition of mental prowess during sex. The story relies on heavy action as the agents run from the ensuing assassins while trying to understand what has happened to the Organization with some political implications.
The plot itself is pretty classic for a spy action/adventure themed story. A lot of the elements play on well known concepts such as the anonymous secret agency supposed to help the world but really is after wealth and world domination. Part of this helps make the story go quickly and not bog down in complicated twists, but at the same time the lack of unique detail makes the story feel like one of many in the genre and somewhat forgettable. The book starts out with Grier running away with Alec soon following but never really explains what the big betrayal was that prompted Grier’s defection. Innocents were killed which throws Grier into questioning all his assignments but what he did in the Organization is never said and furthermore the lies, deception, and soul crushing betrayal of the Organization’s leader, Ethan, is never said either. Since the entire plot plays off that betrayal, the absence of an explanation waters down the intensity and originality.
Similarly the main characters both come from dysfunctional childhoods and were saved by Ethan, the father figure in charge of the entire Organization and Directorate. They struggle with Ethan’s betrayal and their future, but their reactions are thankfully different. Alec wants revenge and answers while Grier just wants to get away from the whole thing. The two have a lot of good chemistry and snarky banter, which helps the action pass quickly. Their dialogue is sometimes very witty and funny, reminiscent of spy movies with likable, clashing leads. Their sexual relationship doesn’t develop until almost the end of the story culminating in one hot scene. This keeps the focus on the story and action, yet throws a nice bone to the readers that they’ll appreciate.
While Grier and Alec are decent, solid characters, Nicholas by far stole the show. Here is the most interesting, complex character of the cast with questionable motives, pathological behavior, and oozing sleazy sexuality. His interaction is key to the story and the characters, although there are some plot holes with his involvement and the action surrounding him. Nicholas deserves his own book and he takes what is a decent, yet bland story to another level with his complicated personality. The details Nicholas brings don’t always fit well with the story sometimes, yet the anonymous nature of everything helps to smooth over any problems. Since a lot of plot is never explained or given names, details, or a presence, the story skips over any issues and keeps moving.
The writing is pretty crisp, though sparse with a familiar urban fantasy setting. The narrator is interesting with an occasional point of view confusion due to the writing choices, but overall very clean. The romantic relationship is understated, nicely so, yet clearly sets these two men up for another book where they can shine. There is so much action from such a large cast that all have motives and point of views – Grier, Alec, Nicholas, Roman, Nora, Ethan, Kay – that no one aspect is predominant. They all fit well together to deliver an entertaining and fun read, but one that is forgettable. This is the type of book you need to re-read before the next to remember the characters and situation since there are almost no distinguishing details and nothing to capture your attention to this specific book. That’s not to say you won’t enjoy reading – you likely will.
Pick this up if you’re looking for a quick, easy action/adventure read with familiar spy elements. Let’s hope the next book comes out quickly and pray it is Nicholas’ story. At least I do.
March 25, 2010
Everyone around here knows that I read every last word of Heidi's m/m fiction - featuring a great plenitude of man-on-man action. What you might not know is that hers is not the only m/m fiction I read. This comes as a result of having a non-paying side gig of proofreading galleys for Dreamspinner. And to be 100% honest about it, I really enjoy reading this genre more than I ever thought I would. I blame 5 seasons of Queer As Folk (and one laughably bad season of The Lair) for causing me to be completely "eh, whatever" when it comes to the sex. And seriously, it's just sex and the sex is but a mere portion of it. It doesn't threaten my masculinity. To paraphrase a friend of mine, I don't need a hetero-proving empty seat between me and a friend at the movie and I've only gotten huggier as I've gotten older.
And what a story I would have missed had I let the m/m aspect of State of Mind turn me off. State of Mind is Libby Drew's first book for Dreamspinner, and if this is any indication, it'll be the first of many many more.
Set in a non-specific future, the book is equal parts X-Men, James Bond and Jason Bourne. The book opens by introducing us to Grier Crist, a "Gifted" who has until recently worked for The Organization, a global outfit that basically uses the Gifteds' special powers for the good of humankind. Only Grier has reason to believe that the Organization is not all that it appears to be and severs his ties with them. So The Organization sends one of its best men, Alec Devlin, after him. Together, they untangle a complicated web of of deceit and intrigue.
There were so many things I loved about this book. One of my biggest beefs with m/m fiction is that so often, the protagonists do not act like men would act. As another of my friends has told me, they may be gay, but they're still guys. I felt like Drew had a really good handle on both Grier and Alec as men. Although they didn't start out as friends, I completely bought the eventual camaraderie that developed between them. Her mix of barbs, sarcasm and a liberal sprinkling of sexual tension made their interactions very believable and a joy to read. I found myself saying to myself, "man, if only I could be half as witty as these guys!" I guess that's what happens when you have a writer like Drew providing you with your lines.
As a rule, most of my interactions with the thriller genre - whether it be a James Bond movie or a one of the Jason Bourne novels - I feel like the stupidest person in the room. It seems like I am perpetually the last person to put the pieces together and easily lose track of who is chasing who and why I'm supposed to care. Most of the time, I feel like I need the Cliffs Notes. Not so with State of Mind. Drew is a masterful storyteller, dropping plot points like bread crumbs - just enough to keep us following her but never revealing too much too soon. I admire someone who can weave a complicated story and never really leave us confused, except for the times when we're supposed to be. When you arrived at the end, it all made sense - even the things I didn't think made sense while I was reading it.
And yes, there is sex. It is very well done sex. I get really pissed off at people who just presume that romance novels - and especially novels in this genre - are nothing more than cleverly disguised porn. I'm fond of saying that either those people haven't read many romance novels or haven't watched very much porn because nothing could be further from the truth. Heidi says that the sex in a book always has to move the plot forward, ALWAYS. There's not tons of sex in this book (less than in others I've read), but what there is passes The Heidi Test and is always crucial to the plot. It's never gratuitous or sex for the sake of a sex scene. It is, honestly, a relief after the carefully laid build-up. It is in that respect that the comparison between novels in the romance genre and porn breaks down. Show me a porn in which there is no sex scene for the sake of having a sex scene and I'll tell you to come back when you've found porn.
The payoff for me in these books is always the relationship. I've heard it referred to as "emotional porn" and if that's what it is, so be it, but I think that tragically oversimplifies it. It's no secret that I am very interested in masculinity and how it's evolving and I can't understate the role that gay men have in this evolution. The emotional openness that I've seen in these books just reaffirms for me that straight men should be reading these books. We have so much to learn from each other.
I won't be reviewing (or even counting) every book I proof for Dreamspinner in the 2010 Book Challenge, but State of Mind was too good to not include. I can't recommend this book enough to fans of the genre and to sci-fi/thriller fans as well. Go pick up State of Mind from Dreamspinner in paperback or eBook and help this book skyrocket to the #1 spot on the Dreamspinner bestseller list which is where it belongs.
And yes, that is me on the cover of the book.
And what a story I would have missed had I let the m/m aspect of State of Mind turn me off. State of Mind is Libby Drew's first book for Dreamspinner, and if this is any indication, it'll be the first of many many more.
Set in a non-specific future, the book is equal parts X-Men, James Bond and Jason Bourne. The book opens by introducing us to Grier Crist, a "Gifted" who has until recently worked for The Organization, a global outfit that basically uses the Gifteds' special powers for the good of humankind. Only Grier has reason to believe that the Organization is not all that it appears to be and severs his ties with them. So The Organization sends one of its best men, Alec Devlin, after him. Together, they untangle a complicated web of of deceit and intrigue.
There were so many things I loved about this book. One of my biggest beefs with m/m fiction is that so often, the protagonists do not act like men would act. As another of my friends has told me, they may be gay, but they're still guys. I felt like Drew had a really good handle on both Grier and Alec as men. Although they didn't start out as friends, I completely bought the eventual camaraderie that developed between them. Her mix of barbs, sarcasm and a liberal sprinkling of sexual tension made their interactions very believable and a joy to read. I found myself saying to myself, "man, if only I could be half as witty as these guys!" I guess that's what happens when you have a writer like Drew providing you with your lines.
As a rule, most of my interactions with the thriller genre - whether it be a James Bond movie or a one of the Jason Bourne novels - I feel like the stupidest person in the room. It seems like I am perpetually the last person to put the pieces together and easily lose track of who is chasing who and why I'm supposed to care. Most of the time, I feel like I need the Cliffs Notes. Not so with State of Mind. Drew is a masterful storyteller, dropping plot points like bread crumbs - just enough to keep us following her but never revealing too much too soon. I admire someone who can weave a complicated story and never really leave us confused, except for the times when we're supposed to be. When you arrived at the end, it all made sense - even the things I didn't think made sense while I was reading it.
And yes, there is sex. It is very well done sex. I get really pissed off at people who just presume that romance novels - and especially novels in this genre - are nothing more than cleverly disguised porn. I'm fond of saying that either those people haven't read many romance novels or haven't watched very much porn because nothing could be further from the truth. Heidi says that the sex in a book always has to move the plot forward, ALWAYS. There's not tons of sex in this book (less than in others I've read), but what there is passes The Heidi Test and is always crucial to the plot. It's never gratuitous or sex for the sake of a sex scene. It is, honestly, a relief after the carefully laid build-up. It is in that respect that the comparison between novels in the romance genre and porn breaks down. Show me a porn in which there is no sex scene for the sake of having a sex scene and I'll tell you to come back when you've found porn.
The payoff for me in these books is always the relationship. I've heard it referred to as "emotional porn" and if that's what it is, so be it, but I think that tragically oversimplifies it. It's no secret that I am very interested in masculinity and how it's evolving and I can't understate the role that gay men have in this evolution. The emotional openness that I've seen in these books just reaffirms for me that straight men should be reading these books. We have so much to learn from each other.
I won't be reviewing (or even counting) every book I proof for Dreamspinner in the 2010 Book Challenge, but State of Mind was too good to not include. I can't recommend this book enough to fans of the genre and to sci-fi/thriller fans as well. Go pick up State of Mind from Dreamspinner in paperback or eBook and help this book skyrocket to the #1 spot on the Dreamspinner bestseller list which is where it belongs.
And yes, that is me on the cover of the book.
March 25, 2010
Sometimes there are books you wish you could write but you know you can't. Like maybe you watched Jason Bourne and wished you could go slash him, but you know you're shit for action adventure, so you don't. Well, Jason Bourne has been slashed and also given extra-sensory powers. It's like X-men MEETS Jason Bourne but with less costumes. It's well-plotted, well-paced, and well-developed without being overdone. And don't read it before bed uniess you can sleep in the next day. Learned that the hard way.
What I love most about Drew's style is that she has such a light hand and such rigid control. Only a true wordsmith could make such control and deliberation look so casual. And I'm totally green because she was able—in a two hundred page novel—to introduce multiple points of view and make it really, really work. In fact, the story had to have it. That's the hardest thing to do, and people usually mess it up all to hell, but not Drew. Yes, she can wield five needles at once and still make it look easy and natural.
The characters are fun, and funny, but also beautifully flawed and shadowed—and again, subtly handled. There isn't a drop of gooey angst; these are real men here.
So go out and buy State of Mind. It's available everywhere, and so long as you don't read at ten PM when you should be sleeping, you won't regret a moment of your time. (And even if you read it at ten PM, all you'll regret is that you have to get up so early in the morning.)
What I love most about Drew's style is that she has such a light hand and such rigid control. Only a true wordsmith could make such control and deliberation look so casual. And I'm totally green because she was able—in a two hundred page novel—to introduce multiple points of view and make it really, really work. In fact, the story had to have it. That's the hardest thing to do, and people usually mess it up all to hell, but not Drew. Yes, she can wield five needles at once and still make it look easy and natural.
The characters are fun, and funny, but also beautifully flawed and shadowed—and again, subtly handled. There isn't a drop of gooey angst; these are real men here.
So go out and buy State of Mind. It's available everywhere, and so long as you don't read at ten PM when you should be sleeping, you won't regret a moment of your time. (And even if you read it at ten PM, all you'll regret is that you have to get up so early in the morning.)
Read
September 22, 2012I enjoyed this. Libby Drew is a character-driven writer, so that works for me. The snark and back-and-forth between Grier and Alec sparkles, they got some great chemistry, and the sex is electric (also, Drew teases a lot before she delivers). Style is good, definitely serves the characters and the plot. If anything, I'd have liked her to delve deeper into the politics/thriller plot, because psychics just offer so many possibilities there (hmmmm....). I thought the psychic stuff was very well done, but above all the characters that feel very alive. I'm not a fan of Nicholas, personally, but the two main guys work well for me. Above all, it was totally engrossing - commutes can be very fast with Libby Drew!
March 12, 2010
I loooooooved State of Mind. The world-building, the characters, the superb pacing and attention to detail -- as far as I'm concerned, it raised the bar for me when it comes to our genre. I look forward to seeing much, much more from Libby Drew.
June 27, 2010
Wonderful banter, hot-hot-hot sex and an interesting story. I'm hoping for sequels - Nicholas needs a story, too! My only complaint? Not enough of that hot-hot-hot sex!
March 17, 2010
What an amazing thrill ride! This book seizes your heart from the very first sentence and doesn't let you go until long after you've put it down! Wow!
What I liked about this book: I love it when an author can transport me into their world with relative ease and make me believe I'm part of the action. I'm not just a bystander watching the action unfold, I'm in the middle of it and it's freaking awesome! That's pretty much how I felt through the journey that is State of Mind.
This isn't your typical boy meets boy... boy falls in love with boy... boy fucks boy... boy tells boy he loves him... boys live happily ever after formula. While the elements of romance are there and at the forefront of the story, Libby Drew brilliantly weaves a thriller-suspense plotline into the conflict between Grier and Alec. It's so intense, in fact, that I was worried the book would not end in the happily ever after I expect in Romance. Is that a bad thing? Hell no! It's a testament to the author that I was so engrossed in the action going on around the characters that I was prepared to throttle her for hurting them (required conflict or not). Thankfully, she didn't hurt them... too badly! ;)
I'm hoping for a sequel because I'd love to see more of Nicholas.
Summary: Grier Crist works for the Organization—a group of Gifted “agents” who use their powers to keep peace, help those in need, and combat criminal influence around the globe. When a suspicious bombing drives Grier to break his ties with the group and go into hiding, the head of the Organization sends model agent Alec Devlin after him, claiming Grier is a murderer and traitor to their cause.
Grier manages to turn the tables and take Alec hostage long enough to convince him that the Organization is lying and hiding something sinister. The two strike a bargain: amidst enemies who want them dead, friends with their own agendas, and the growing passion between them, they'll work together to bring down the Organization in order to protect the world… and each other.
What I liked about this book: I love it when an author can transport me into their world with relative ease and make me believe I'm part of the action. I'm not just a bystander watching the action unfold, I'm in the middle of it and it's freaking awesome! That's pretty much how I felt through the journey that is State of Mind.
This isn't your typical boy meets boy... boy falls in love with boy... boy fucks boy... boy tells boy he loves him... boys live happily ever after formula. While the elements of romance are there and at the forefront of the story, Libby Drew brilliantly weaves a thriller-suspense plotline into the conflict between Grier and Alec. It's so intense, in fact, that I was worried the book would not end in the happily ever after I expect in Romance. Is that a bad thing? Hell no! It's a testament to the author that I was so engrossed in the action going on around the characters that I was prepared to throttle her for hurting them (required conflict or not). Thankfully, she didn't hurt them... too badly! ;)
I'm hoping for a sequel because I'd love to see more of Nicholas.
Excerpt: Nicolas returned in a subdued mood, closing the door behind him before he spoke. “It’s done. You leave in three hours.”
“Thank you.” Grier stood, and Alec followed his lead. “I’d like to get some sleep, if you have no objections.”
“None. Alec?” Nicolas tilted his head at Alec’s blank look.
“Would you care to rest?” Alec shook his head. “Too keyed up. What else do you have to do around here?”
“Ah.” A spark of playfulness returned. “I’m sure we can come up with something. Grier, you’re capable of finding a bed on your own, aren’t you?” Nicolas threw the door open and ushered Alec out. “I think I have just the thing. Do you box, Alec?”
Grier tagged along behind, frowning. “Perhaps—”
“Get some sleep,” Alec said. “I’ll be fine.” Already the tension was spiraling higher, spurred by the promised challenge. He’d welcome the chance to work out some aggression. Working it out on Nicolas would be a bonus.
Nicolas shoved Grier into the nearest guest room. “Nighty-night,” he said with a curt wave. “Don’t worry about Alec. I promise not to hurt him. Too much.” He closed the door in Grier’s face. “Come on. Let’s see if any of my toys make you happy.”
Alec studied Nicolas as they walked. He moved with a fluid grace that Alec lacked, but then Alec also had two inches and a good twenty pounds on him. He bet Nicolas relied on all that fancy footwork too, something Alec had never mastered.
They descended two flights past various utility rooms to a set of double doors. Nicolas pushed them open and marched inside. Whatever Alec had been expecting, this unadorned room wasn’t it. “What, no naked attendants?”
Nicolas flicked on the overhead lights. “I can arrange for some if they motivate you.” He smiled sweetly. “Perhaps Grier would indulge us.”
Alec swallowed noisily. That was the last thing he needed to be thinking about. “Nah.” He took a deep breath of musty air, inspecting the floor mats and punching bags. Along the far wall, a bank of open cabinets held towels, tape, and other odds and ends. A bench ran the length, with pairs of boxing gloves lined up neatly above it. Grinning, Alec rubbed his hands together.
“You never answered my question,” Nicolas said as they moved toward the bench. “Do you box?”
“I dabble.” A pair of jet black gloves caught Alec’s eye, and he scooped them up, testing the weight. He guessed at least sixteen ounces. Perfect. “You?”
“Never before in my life.” Nicolas pulled a pair of shorts off the shelf and begin stripping down. He threw Alec some wraps. “And take your hands off my gloves.”
Being right about something had never been so painful, Alec decided. Twenty minutes later, he stood in a semi-crouch, trying to catch his breath while Nicolas danced around him, feet a blur.
Nicolas’s, “Had enough?” pulled a snarl from his throat. He straightened his stance and began to stalk him across the floor.
Nicolas blocked his next jab and cross—slippery bastard—but couldn’t dodge Alec’s hook. He went down hard. Alec leaned over him. “Had enough?”
Nicolas sighed. Through the headgear it sounded like a snake hissing. “I think… yes.”
“Thank fucking God.” Alec left him on the floor and stumbled to the bench. He peeled the tape loose with his teeth and pried the gloves off, then sagged against the wall, grinning so wide his jaw hurt. His head ached, but the adrenaline rush was keeping it in check. So was the sight of Nicolas limping his way, looking disheveled and not one bit the uptight aristocrat. Alec grabbed a thick white towel off the top of the pile and lobbed it at him.
Nicolas caught it out of the air before it smacked him in the face. “Thanks.”
“God, I needed that.” The endorphins sharpened his awareness to near painful levels. He felt it all. The trickle of perspiration between his shoulder blades. The pull of overused muscles. The cold air gushing out of the air conditioner vent above his head. Nicolas’s presence beside him, and the dual thump of their hearts.
“You’re a brute.” Nicolas wiped the sweat from his face and neck.
“Yeah. You’re not bad either.” Nicolas groaned into the towel. “That wasn’t a compliment.”
“Sure it wasn’t.”
They both looked up when the doors opened. Grier’s sigh carried all the way across the room. “Is there blood?”
“Nope.” Alec looked Nicolas up and down. “I was gentle.”
“Caveman ego is not charming. Grier, tell him.” Grier watched from the door, saying nothing.
“I wasn’t trying to be charming.”
“Sadly, I knew that.” Nicolas winced as he stood. “I need a shower. If you’ll excuse me.” Grier let him go, but a look passed between them, something intimate. Alec felt too sated to care.
Grier nudged the abandoned gloves out of the way and sat. He crossed his legs and stared down his nose at Alec. “Did it occur to you that your little grudge match might have exacerbated your headaches?”
“Nope. I feel great.” He turned his grin on Grier, dipping his gaze to take in the other man’s rumpled appearance. “Get any sleep?”
“None, of course.”
Alec smirked at the tone and continued his perusal, letting his eyes linger where they wanted. He thumped a fist on the abandoned gloves. “Wanna get sweaty?”
Grier’s inhaled sharply, nostrils flaring. He sifted a hand through Alec’s damp hair. “Is that an invitation?”
High on endorphins, Alec laughed. “Didn’t it fucking sound like one?”
March 20, 2014
This is probably a solid 3.5 stars overall for me. I felt like a lot of the potential I saw in the piece just didn’t quite hit in the end. If I knew there was a sequel planned that opinion might actually change. This felt like a prequel in some ways to what potentially could come next. Not to say that things didn’t happen here, because they did. I just wanted so much more. I want to know what happens next and feel like this was just setting up for something great.
Grier Crist has devoted his gifts to working for the Organization for years. He’s believed in the doctrine they’re fighting for and working with other Gifted agents to help keep peace in the world has been his life. That is until the day he’s prevented from stopping a bomb by his own Organization. There’s something fishy going on and betrayal by people he’s trusted seems to be the only explanation. If that’s the case, Grier’s done, he’s out. He may have to resort to being on the run, but he refuses to work for someone who’s lost his trust.
Alec Devlin has always been the model agent for the Organization. Ever since the moment Ethan brought him on board and gave him a reason to believe in himself, to get out from under his grandparents abusive hands. Now he’s been tasked with finding a rogue agent whose accused of being a traitor. Alec always thought he'd do anything Ethan asked of him, but when he finds Grier something about the whole situation just seems off. Maybe there's more going on here than meets the eye.
First of all I actually liked the premise here very much. I liked the establishment of an Organization using people with gifts to prevent terrorist plots etc. But the execution was never very strong for me. I was left with a lot of questions. Things like why having a monitor was so draining, but Alec and Grier's connection never caused them much in the way of trouble. I liked the idea of the leader of such a group putting them into a situation that made them all question the validity of what they were doing. I liked Grier and Alec together and I enjoyed them going off on their own to try and piece it all together. The steps that lands land them in the "final battle" were fun and entertaining, I just kept wishing for a little more.
I think the piece that left me hanging more than any other was the taunting of the potential love triangle or triad, but that never went anywhere. Clearly Nicholas and Grier had some kind of relationship in the past and there is still chemistry there, but it just sits in the background. I wanted some sort of closure one way or other. Grier never really said no to Nicholas, but they never tempted something more between the three of them either.
Really this felt like a teaser of what more is to come. Their entire infrastructure has been turned on its head and I want to see how Grier and Alec can work to restructure it and what greater comes out of it. Even that though is only really hinted at without putting a fine point on it. The pieces are all here, and I did enjoy the story as I was reading it, I just hate when I'm left wanting more.
Grier Crist has devoted his gifts to working for the Organization for years. He’s believed in the doctrine they’re fighting for and working with other Gifted agents to help keep peace in the world has been his life. That is until the day he’s prevented from stopping a bomb by his own Organization. There’s something fishy going on and betrayal by people he’s trusted seems to be the only explanation. If that’s the case, Grier’s done, he’s out. He may have to resort to being on the run, but he refuses to work for someone who’s lost his trust.
Alec Devlin has always been the model agent for the Organization. Ever since the moment Ethan brought him on board and gave him a reason to believe in himself, to get out from under his grandparents abusive hands. Now he’s been tasked with finding a rogue agent whose accused of being a traitor. Alec always thought he'd do anything Ethan asked of him, but when he finds Grier something about the whole situation just seems off. Maybe there's more going on here than meets the eye.
First of all I actually liked the premise here very much. I liked the establishment of an Organization using people with gifts to prevent terrorist plots etc. But the execution was never very strong for me. I was left with a lot of questions. Things like why having a monitor was so draining, but Alec and Grier's connection never caused them much in the way of trouble. I liked the idea of the leader of such a group putting them into a situation that made them all question the validity of what they were doing. I liked Grier and Alec together and I enjoyed them going off on their own to try and piece it all together. The steps that lands land them in the "final battle" were fun and entertaining, I just kept wishing for a little more.
I think the piece that left me hanging more than any other was the taunting of the potential love triangle or triad, but that never went anywhere. Clearly Nicholas and Grier had some kind of relationship in the past and there is still chemistry there, but it just sits in the background. I wanted some sort of closure one way or other. Grier never really said no to Nicholas, but they never tempted something more between the three of them either.
Really this felt like a teaser of what more is to come. Their entire infrastructure has been turned on its head and I want to see how Grier and Alec can work to restructure it and what greater comes out of it. Even that though is only really hinted at without putting a fine point on it. The pieces are all here, and I did enjoy the story as I was reading it, I just hate when I'm left wanting more.
November 10, 2011
I have to say that, first and foremost, rating this book is a bit hard. Certainly there were aspects of the book that really appealed to me, like the concept of the Gifted as well as the mental connections the characters formed with each other, whether intentionally or not. But some of it fell flat as well, like the main relationship and the conspiracy plot.
Now, don't get me wrong, I cared for Grier and Alec. But it seemed to me that the romance slowed down a bit towards the second half of the book. Sure, the tension was there, but for me it was just drawn out for too long. There was an immediate attraction and they almost had sex but after that we go back to the build-up of the relationship. In some ways I appreciate the fact that they didn't have affections for each other five seconds after they meet, and that Grier and Alec actually engaged in verbal banter, but stretching the build-up actually caused me to slowly lose my connection with the characters. Anyway, there were good points to this as well, though. Like I said before, I loved their initial banter and I love how they don't really mention the word "love" - I felt that, given the pace and timeline of the book, it was much too soon. I appreciated them not talking about their feelings, because honestly? Men, especially the hard-assed ones, don't do that a lot.
The plot honestly confused me a few times. We were given explanations and information but not being a very political person myself, I couldn't follow the conversation and often I got confused as to who the bad guys really were. Also, I thought the final confrontation and resolution was a bit too tidy even with the few consequences our protagonists and their allies faced. However, I want to say again that the concept of the Gifteds was really interesting and while there was little to no world-building at all, I didn't feel lost. It was really just the confusion I felt regarding the politics and organizations.
I did like a few of the characters, though. Nicolas and Nora, while they both may seem either a bit too over-the-top or stereotypical, were actually very intriguing. At least, for me, they were. Despite choosing one side over the other, I felt that they both emphasized the presence of shades of gray not only in politics, but also in the whole world in general. I heard that there was going to be a sequel for Nicolas soon, so I'm definitely looking forward to that. He needs to do a lot of growing up, but I want to see him truly happy for once.
Overall, I had a few problems with this book but I still liked it. I'm looking forward to reading more this author's books.
Now, don't get me wrong, I cared for Grier and Alec. But it seemed to me that the romance slowed down a bit towards the second half of the book. Sure, the tension was there, but for me it was just drawn out for too long. There was an immediate attraction and they almost had sex but after that we go back to the build-up of the relationship. In some ways I appreciate the fact that they didn't have affections for each other five seconds after they meet, and that Grier and Alec actually engaged in verbal banter, but stretching the build-up actually caused me to slowly lose my connection with the characters. Anyway, there were good points to this as well, though. Like I said before, I loved their initial banter and I love how they don't really mention the word "love" - I felt that, given the pace and timeline of the book, it was much too soon. I appreciated them not talking about their feelings, because honestly? Men, especially the hard-assed ones, don't do that a lot.
The plot honestly confused me a few times. We were given explanations and information but not being a very political person myself, I couldn't follow the conversation and often I got confused as to who the bad guys really were. Also, I thought the final confrontation and resolution was a bit too tidy even with the few consequences our protagonists and their allies faced. However, I want to say again that the concept of the Gifteds was really interesting and while there was little to no world-building at all, I didn't feel lost. It was really just the confusion I felt regarding the politics and organizations.
I did like a few of the characters, though. Nicolas and Nora, while they both may seem either a bit too over-the-top or stereotypical, were actually very intriguing. At least, for me, they were. Despite choosing one side over the other, I felt that they both emphasized the presence of shades of gray not only in politics, but also in the whole world in general. I heard that there was going to be a sequel for Nicolas soon, so I'm definitely looking forward to that. He needs to do a lot of growing up, but I want to see him truly happy for once.
Overall, I had a few problems with this book but I still liked it. I'm looking forward to reading more this author's books.
October 15, 2010
I've had trouble trying to think of a good summary of this novel, and keep falling short. It was less like an original telling of a story, than it was a patchwork of other novels I've read with a few new parts thrown in that leave a less than desirable taste behind.
One man believes in the righteous cause of his company, and the work he does as sort of a mental 'warrior.' Another tries desperately to hide, to go unnoticed in the world of 'norms' and just be forgotten by that same company who he was disillusioned by and escaped from years ago. Fairly straightforward. But add to that the fact that the first man - Alec - who so steadfastly believes in the righteousness in the company - quickly becomes the one pushing for their downfall and revenge against them.
Then comes in an old acquaintance - friend? lover? I'll just call him Slut, because I can't remember his name - of Grier's who graciously offers to help them, but whose loyalty is sketchy at best. Here is really the root of my dislike of the novel ... Alec and Slut have conflict from the start of their intro because obviously Alec is the not so definitely love interest of the novel, and Slut feels he has a previous claim. While they bicker and fight and turn to pettiness over who gets to be Grier's lover - Grier sits in the background enjoying the show, seemingly content to find himself sleeping with whomever comes out the victor.
That ... was just unbelievably shallow to me. In reading more and more, and having those confrontations come out longer and longer, I got to the point where I didn't even care anymore. I felt Grier was a shallow man who didn't deserve Alec, and that Alec was half-insane for wanting to go all kamikaze on his psychic family, and who is desperate for Grier's attention beyond what the norm would be.
The ending would have been a lot better if a super-cool female agent came in and murdered them all in super-secret, awesome ways that made it look like natural deaths or something.
One man believes in the righteous cause of his company, and the work he does as sort of a mental 'warrior.' Another tries desperately to hide, to go unnoticed in the world of 'norms' and just be forgotten by that same company who he was disillusioned by and escaped from years ago. Fairly straightforward. But add to that the fact that the first man - Alec - who so steadfastly believes in the righteousness in the company - quickly becomes the one pushing for their downfall and revenge against them.
Then comes in an old acquaintance - friend? lover? I'll just call him Slut, because I can't remember his name - of Grier's who graciously offers to help them, but whose loyalty is sketchy at best. Here is really the root of my dislike of the novel ... Alec and Slut have conflict from the start of their intro because obviously Alec is the not so definitely love interest of the novel, and Slut feels he has a previous claim. While they bicker and fight and turn to pettiness over who gets to be Grier's lover - Grier sits in the background enjoying the show, seemingly content to find himself sleeping with whomever comes out the victor.
That ... was just unbelievably shallow to me. In reading more and more, and having those confrontations come out longer and longer, I got to the point where I didn't even care anymore. I felt Grier was a shallow man who didn't deserve Alec, and that Alec was half-insane for wanting to go all kamikaze on his psychic family, and who is desperate for Grier's attention beyond what the norm would be.
The ending would have been a lot better if a super-cool female agent came in and murdered them all in super-secret, awesome ways that made it look like natural deaths or something.
December 7, 2010
I had difficulty reading this book though through no fault of the author, I think. The format of PDF file was completely messed up when I set the font size to Medium on my Sony e-reader. The dialog lines were all joined up so it was nearly impossible at times to know who was speaking.
As a result, I found it very hard to follow the story and all I know is what I can already get from the synopsis. At this point, I only know there are two entities - the Organization and the Directorate and I'm not sure what the latter does - direct the Organization? I'm not sure what Roman is apart from being Nicholas' father but I was very relieved when he stopped the girl when she unzipped his pants to give him a blowjob - because Nicholas was there having a conversation with him. Maybe other people don't mind but I do find it icky to have parents involved in the sex scene. I was afraid Libby Drew, being a new author for me, could be walking a little far on the kinky side for me so yes, I was very relieved Roman took the girl's hand away from his crotch!
Despite my gaps in understanding the story, I enjoyed the fast-paced action scenes and also glad that Alec's and Grier's attraction for each other was not allowed to overwhelm the book with sex scene after sex scene. Now, if only someone could explain to me Roman's part in the story, explain the part about creating that splinter group which supposedly rebelled against the Organization and confirm this is only the start of a series, hence the open ending.
As a result, I found it very hard to follow the story and all I know is what I can already get from the synopsis. At this point, I only know there are two entities - the Organization and the Directorate and I'm not sure what the latter does - direct the Organization? I'm not sure what Roman is apart from being Nicholas' father but I was very relieved when he stopped the girl when she unzipped his pants to give him a blowjob - because Nicholas was there having a conversation with him. Maybe other people don't mind but I do find it icky to have parents involved in the sex scene. I was afraid Libby Drew, being a new author for me, could be walking a little far on the kinky side for me so yes, I was very relieved Roman took the girl's hand away from his crotch!
Despite my gaps in understanding the story, I enjoyed the fast-paced action scenes and also glad that Alec's and Grier's attraction for each other was not allowed to overwhelm the book with sex scene after sex scene. Now, if only someone could explain to me Roman's part in the story, explain the part about creating that splinter group which supposedly rebelled against the Organization and confirm this is only the start of a series, hence the open ending.
July 6, 2010
The swift action and likable characters made this a fun, entertaining read for me. It's not perfect. The two leads could use more depth and consistency, and the kind of generic conflict has been done before. But the pace is relentless, the action nonstop, and the attraction between Alec and Grier sizzling. Even better, I liked that the author didn't try to shoehorn sex in when it wouldn't have been practical. It added a sense of urgency to their problems that might otherwise have been lacking.
January 31, 2014
Fantastically f'ing fabulous..fiction.
April 17, 2010
This was my first M/M Romance i have read. I can finally say i am no longer an M/M virgin! And State of Mind was the perfect book to loose it too!!!
Libby's writing is informative, detailed....Yet she gives you just enough detail to keep you begging for more. The relationship she creates between Grier and Alec builds to an incredible passion. A Passion Built on trust. She has a great mix of sacasm, humor , and take no shit additude.
Grier Crist - Grier was an organization lifer. Till a bombing took place that he was supposed to stop. Now he has suspision of the organizations involvment. He turns his back on the organization, so the only questions now are who's coming after him, and when.
Alec Devlin - Alec is a tough organization agent, sent to take down Grier. With a horrible childhood, Alec fights many obsticles in his life to overcome his past. Now he has to decide if he should believe Grier about the organization and stand by his side and fight, or if he will bring him to his end. Nobody "leaves the organization".
I have to be honest, i was very nervous on how i was gonna take the sex scenes between Grier and Alec. But the intimate scences Libby has created are detailed, but done tastefully.She shows struggles one must overcome, and the worry's one must let go of.
The only thing i would have liked that i feel is missing is a little bit more of a glimpse into Grier's past. You get flashbacks of Alec as a boy, and the troubles he has delt with through his life, but you don't get a lot of information on Grier. I think it would have built his character a little more. The relationship between Grier and Ethan was something special, and Ethan was at one point in time really attached to Grier before all the problems. But you never get to know why.
By far Libby has out done herself. I can't wait to see if we get more from Alec and Grier!
Libby's writing is informative, detailed....Yet she gives you just enough detail to keep you begging for more. The relationship she creates between Grier and Alec builds to an incredible passion. A Passion Built on trust. She has a great mix of sacasm, humor , and take no shit additude.
Grier Crist - Grier was an organization lifer. Till a bombing took place that he was supposed to stop. Now he has suspision of the organizations involvment. He turns his back on the organization, so the only questions now are who's coming after him, and when.
Alec Devlin - Alec is a tough organization agent, sent to take down Grier. With a horrible childhood, Alec fights many obsticles in his life to overcome his past. Now he has to decide if he should believe Grier about the organization and stand by his side and fight, or if he will bring him to his end. Nobody "leaves the organization".
I have to be honest, i was very nervous on how i was gonna take the sex scenes between Grier and Alec. But the intimate scences Libby has created are detailed, but done tastefully.She shows struggles one must overcome, and the worry's one must let go of.
The only thing i would have liked that i feel is missing is a little bit more of a glimpse into Grier's past. You get flashbacks of Alec as a boy, and the troubles he has delt with through his life, but you don't get a lot of information on Grier. I think it would have built his character a little more. The relationship between Grier and Ethan was something special, and Ethan was at one point in time really attached to Grier before all the problems. But you never get to know why.
By far Libby has out done herself. I can't wait to see if we get more from Alec and Grier!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2010
First, having read the story Paying the Piper before by this author, I have to admit I started to read this book with great expectations and a touch of apprehension that it would disappoint. And while I'm fairly sure that Paying the Piper (and Quent) will remain my favorite, I can't say I was disappointed at all.
I'm not a big fan of paranormal stories involving psychics and the like but the story was interesting nevertheless. What really made it for me though were the two main characters. I wasn't really sure at all I would like two characters that are so similar (and yet still different) together but it worked and I did.
I absolutely love how the unresolved sexual tension spices up the action, yet the story remains uncluttered, I'd say, by overabundant sex scenes. The only one present is perfectly timed in my opinion and didn't seem forced, it did feel like it was a realization of their growing feelings for each other.
I have to admit to not feeling much for most of the secondary characters, though Henri and Amelia piqued my interest a bit. As for Nicolas, well, I didn't like him but I know how perception changes when you don't only see the bits and pieces. So I'm not sold out yet but I'm also not completely uninterested.
Bottom line, it was a great book that even made me laugh once or twice and I enjoyed reading it. I'll be looking forward to anything else Libby Drew gets published next.
(And I'm still keeping my hopes to see Quent get a story even if I'm called delusional after so long. Wouldn't mind seeing Paying the Piper in paperback either while I'm at it, that's a guaranteed buy for me.)
I'm not a big fan of paranormal stories involving psychics and the like but the story was interesting nevertheless. What really made it for me though were the two main characters. I wasn't really sure at all I would like two characters that are so similar (and yet still different) together but it worked and I did.
I absolutely love how the unresolved sexual tension spices up the action, yet the story remains uncluttered, I'd say, by overabundant sex scenes. The only one present is perfectly timed in my opinion and didn't seem forced, it did feel like it was a realization of their growing feelings for each other.
I have to admit to not feeling much for most of the secondary characters, though Henri and Amelia piqued my interest a bit. As for Nicolas, well, I didn't like him but I know how perception changes when you don't only see the bits and pieces. So I'm not sold out yet but I'm also not completely uninterested.
Bottom line, it was a great book that even made me laugh once or twice and I enjoyed reading it. I'll be looking forward to anything else Libby Drew gets published next.
(And I'm still keeping my hopes to see Quent get a story even if I'm called delusional after so long. Wouldn't mind seeing Paying the Piper in paperback either while I'm at it, that's a guaranteed buy for me.)
October 13, 2013
3.5 Stars
Why only 3.5? Well, I guess it's because there were too many questions left unanswered for me. I wanted to know more about Roman, specifically. Then there's Nicholas and I wanted to see him use more of his powers. We saw a little bit in the limo, but I wanted more. I also would have liked to know more about Grier and Alec's pasts. How did they find out they were different and could manipulate things with their minds.
I LOVED all of their powers. Made me giddy watching them use them.
This was fast paced and I loved it, but I needed more explanation. We have the Organization and the Directorate. Ummm...what exactly was the Directorate? Why were they so important compared to the Organization?
Then there was the budding romance or should I say lack thereof. It was going along great. Sexual tension filled the room when they were together and then magic happened. But then, it led nowhere, in my opinion. It just ended. Why bother putting it in if it wasn't going to lead anywhere? It was kind of like a "what now?" That's okay though, because I was more focused on the paranormal aspects and not the relationship.
Overall, I loved the Gifted, wished I could have learned more about the Monitors. This is my first from Libby Drew and it won't be my last!
Why only 3.5? Well, I guess it's because there were too many questions left unanswered for me. I wanted to know more about Roman, specifically. Then there's Nicholas and I wanted to see him use more of his powers. We saw a little bit in the limo, but I wanted more. I also would have liked to know more about Grier and Alec's pasts. How did they find out they were different and could manipulate things with their minds.
I LOVED all of their powers. Made me giddy watching them use them.
This was fast paced and I loved it, but I needed more explanation. We have the Organization and the Directorate. Ummm...what exactly was the Directorate? Why were they so important compared to the Organization?
Then there was the budding romance or should I say lack thereof. It was going along great. Sexual tension filled the room when they were together and then magic happened. But then, it led nowhere, in my opinion. It just ended. Why bother putting it in if it wasn't going to lead anywhere? It was kind of like a "what now?" That's okay though, because I was more focused on the paranormal aspects and not the relationship.
Overall, I loved the Gifted, wished I could have learned more about the Monitors. This is my first from Libby Drew and it won't be my last!
September 29, 2013
So this story did have a formula that is tried and true, and admittedly sometimes that can get a little old. For me, this story worked and I think it's more to do with potential than anything. I want to know about Alec and Grier's past (which we don't really find much out in this story), I want to see how the new regime works out, there is so much I want to know.
Keeping that in mind, the story should have been longer so I could find those things out, so I'm hoping for a sequel to quell my needs. I enjoyed the interactions between Alec and Grier and could feel that bond developing through the quick banter (oh, how I love banter). Overall, a solid read.
Keeping that in mind, the story should have been longer so I could find those things out, so I'm hoping for a sequel to quell my needs. I enjoyed the interactions between Alec and Grier and could feel that bond developing through the quick banter (oh, how I love banter). Overall, a solid read.
February 9, 2014
Oh what to say! I loved everything about this book. From the flawed but principled characters, their quick connection but slow relationship (comparatively), to the suspense and danger at just the right pace. There's no sex until 75% or so but they don't have time for it til then. And when it happens it's hot. The plot was tight and the characters real. I would love to read more about Grier and Alec!
July 3, 2012
I love what Libby Drew created with this storyline. I was drawn into Grier's and Alec's fated path from the start. Both of them were pulling and at the end well suited for each other. I was just sad that Nicolas didn't find his own man. The man storyline is truly well developed with rich character and good enjoyable action. I have always fun by re-reading this book.
September 18, 2012
I loved this book. It's packed with action, suspense, mystery and a long build up before hot sex.
I so hope this is made into a series, as I have bonded to the characters.
This book gets a 100% recommendation to all my MM romance friends.
Kudos to the author for such a thrilling, suspenseful story.
I so hope this is made into a series, as I have bonded to the characters.
This book gets a 100% recommendation to all my MM romance friends.
Kudos to the author for such a thrilling, suspenseful story.
March 13, 2010
Great story, good world building, very likeable characters. And as Janey also said great pacing, it was fluent and up tempo. Looking forward to part 2. At least the last chapter makes me believe there will be another book.
The cover is another bonus. I think it's gorgeous!
The cover is another bonus. I think it's gorgeous!
January 26, 2015
I haven't read the edited version yet. I was able to read a draft version last year and loved it. Libby has said there were some additions and I'm looking forward to reading them - they can only make this book better.
April 28, 2010
This was an interesting book with very likable characters. I liked Alec and Grier, the two main guys. There was lots of action -- paranormal, psychic stuff, too -- which I always enjoy. But weirdly, I had trouble falling into the story. I'm gonna have to read this book again sometime.
May 16, 2010
good story but the plot was a little confusing for me, maybe cause I'm not a first english speaker but the book was good ^^
May 17, 2012
I was very impressed with this book. Well written and an easy to follow story line. Mystery/intrique and a slight dash of smut in there. Going to look now to see if there's a sequel!
December 28, 2010
I don't usually care for paranormal, but this one was okay.
January 10, 2026
4 Stars
Book #18 of reread tour.
Fast paced, entertaining novel. Well written, mostly well developed, with distinct m/c's. It flowed really well for me except for a couple mild blips at the end. Better than I expected. It didn't originally transfer to Goodreads with the rating etc... all those years ago. Part of my reread tour includes books that have been marked as read but have no rating or information. This was a solid "shadow organization" read, but not particularly memorable.
Book #18 of reread tour.
Fast paced, entertaining novel. Well written, mostly well developed, with distinct m/c's. It flowed really well for me except for a couple mild blips at the end. Better than I expected. It didn't originally transfer to Goodreads with the rating etc... all those years ago. Part of my reread tour includes books that have been marked as read but have no rating or information. This was a solid "shadow organization" read, but not particularly memorable.
September 3, 2017
I felt like I missed some of the political backstory and reasoning for some of the actions taken. Otherwise, this was a very enjoyable read.
April 15, 2013
“A State of Mind” was actually the first Libby Drew novel that I read, after which I became an instant fan. I still remember staying up at four in the morning on a school night, loathing myself because I simply couldn’t summon enough willpower to put it aside for later!
The story follows the Organization, a secret agency consisting of "gifted" men and women with paranormal, psychic powers of persuasion and telekinesis. "A State of Mind" thrives on several strengths, including a riveting plot and a clever concept that is an entertaining nod towards other secret agent and superhuman novels. However, I think its biggest strength lies in its amazingly well-developed characters.
One such character is Nicolas – one of my favourites. He is an egotistical brat, a jealous bitch, with borderline ambiguous motives, but at the same time remained a reliable friend. I thought this combination of flaws and strengths really humanized him to the point that I felt sorry for him being third-wheeled. Both protagonists were similarly well-fleshed out. Grier is a brooding, cynical, at times socially awkward, wisened, deadly warrior with a sad childhood who eventually becomes quite devoted to Alec. Alec is archetypically blond and stubborn to the point of irritation, but he’s also quick witted, reserved yet flirty, with enough loyalty and good heart to make him both a relatable and an admirable character.
Another thing that I enjoyed is how Libby balances the romance with the action. It was simply perfect. The unresolved sexual tension keeps on growing and doesn’t get in the way of their pulse-racing escapes, nor does the action subvert the chemistry between them – it enhances it. Libby builds up their relationship through several sweet (and life-threatening) moments until that one, explosively huge, satisfying bedroom scene. I usually skip over sex scenes in novels, or I observe them with the detached manner comparative to how an entomologist might regard the dissection of an insect specimen, but this scene worked for me because of how well it was planned. I remember screaming into the air:
“Well ABOUT F*CKING TIME!” (pun intended)
Now regarding the action. Libby’s prose is vivid, without a touch of purple, and she knows how to structure her sentences to amp up the adrenaline. The most memorable scene of the entire novel I thought would have to be Alec and Grier’s confrontation with Kay at the restaurant. I was hanging on every single bloody word, and the way the situation was resolved I thought was very clever. Libby’s characters were proactive, and their autonomous thinking/actions impressed me on numerous occasions.
One area that I wasn’t entirely convinced was regarding the villains. In contrast to the protagonists, I felt that they weren’t very well developed and were rather stereotyped. In particular, the way Kay dismissed Alec’s friendship was unrealistically abrasive, and she quickly faded from being a source of intrigue. I thought if she had suffered from more ambiguity it would have humanized the antagonists a little more and made them more interesting. Another thing that I noticed is that Libby sometimes uses the mirror technique to describe character appearances, which kind of makes me go “oh I see what you did there…”
… and now I’m just being nitpicky.
Although I can’t seem to think of any deep-rooted themes that correlate to this book, I honestly don’t really care. "State of Mind’s" primordial purpose was to entertain, and it more than delivered. I laughed, bit my knuckles in anticipation, fell in love with Alec, with Grier, with Nicolas, pumped my fist in the air when Kay fell to her death, and didn’t regret going to school the next day feeling like death because I had stayed up all night reading.
And typing up this review.
Overall, I really enjoyed "State of Mind." Thank you so much Libby Drew for writing it!
The story follows the Organization, a secret agency consisting of "gifted" men and women with paranormal, psychic powers of persuasion and telekinesis. "A State of Mind" thrives on several strengths, including a riveting plot and a clever concept that is an entertaining nod towards other secret agent and superhuman novels. However, I think its biggest strength lies in its amazingly well-developed characters.
One such character is Nicolas – one of my favourites. He is an egotistical brat, a jealous bitch, with borderline ambiguous motives, but at the same time remained a reliable friend. I thought this combination of flaws and strengths really humanized him to the point that I felt sorry for him being third-wheeled. Both protagonists were similarly well-fleshed out. Grier is a brooding, cynical, at times socially awkward, wisened, deadly warrior with a sad childhood who eventually becomes quite devoted to Alec. Alec is archetypically blond and stubborn to the point of irritation, but he’s also quick witted, reserved yet flirty, with enough loyalty and good heart to make him both a relatable and an admirable character.
Another thing that I enjoyed is how Libby balances the romance with the action. It was simply perfect. The unresolved sexual tension keeps on growing and doesn’t get in the way of their pulse-racing escapes, nor does the action subvert the chemistry between them – it enhances it. Libby builds up their relationship through several sweet (and life-threatening) moments until that one, explosively huge, satisfying bedroom scene. I usually skip over sex scenes in novels, or I observe them with the detached manner comparative to how an entomologist might regard the dissection of an insect specimen, but this scene worked for me because of how well it was planned. I remember screaming into the air:
“Well ABOUT F*CKING TIME!” (pun intended)
Now regarding the action. Libby’s prose is vivid, without a touch of purple, and she knows how to structure her sentences to amp up the adrenaline. The most memorable scene of the entire novel I thought would have to be Alec and Grier’s confrontation with Kay at the restaurant. I was hanging on every single bloody word, and the way the situation was resolved I thought was very clever. Libby’s characters were proactive, and their autonomous thinking/actions impressed me on numerous occasions.
One area that I wasn’t entirely convinced was regarding the villains. In contrast to the protagonists, I felt that they weren’t very well developed and were rather stereotyped. In particular, the way Kay dismissed Alec’s friendship was unrealistically abrasive, and she quickly faded from being a source of intrigue. I thought if she had suffered from more ambiguity it would have humanized the antagonists a little more and made them more interesting. Another thing that I noticed is that Libby sometimes uses the mirror technique to describe character appearances, which kind of makes me go “oh I see what you did there…”
… and now I’m just being nitpicky.
Although I can’t seem to think of any deep-rooted themes that correlate to this book, I honestly don’t really care. "State of Mind’s" primordial purpose was to entertain, and it more than delivered. I laughed, bit my knuckles in anticipation, fell in love with Alec, with Grier, with Nicolas, pumped my fist in the air when Kay fell to her death, and didn’t regret going to school the next day feeling like death because I had stayed up all night reading.
And typing up this review.
Overall, I really enjoyed "State of Mind." Thank you so much Libby Drew for writing it!
November 3, 2012
Decent plot, but uneven writing and no romance to speak of
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- Interesting use of the paranormal in the characters’ “gifts.” The author drops in little intriguing character traits pretty regularly and then moves on with the story without dwelling too much on the unusual plot elements.
- The setting has an exotic feel to it. All of the characters have lots of money, so they flit about from Manhattan apartments that overlook Central Park to lakefront houses to the Caribbean to Europe…etc.
- I liked the chemistry between the two leads. They’re similar in some ways and completely opposite in others: one example is that Alec is irrepressibly optimistic and nice, two qualities that simultaneously annoy and fascinate Grier.
- Some of the dialogue, especially between Alec and Grier, is funny.
CONS:
- Occasionally the writing, in both the exposition and the dialogue, seems to jump around a little or move rather haltingly.
- The characterization isn’t very deep: there are, for example, some horribly cruel secondary characters whose motives aren’t ever explained. And Alec (as well as some other characters) believes Grier’s conspiracy theory very quickly. He doesn’t resist much when Grier basically tells him that everything Alec believes is wrong. It would have been easier for me to believe Alec’s quick acceptance if I’d seen more of his thoughts as he tried to puzzle out the truth for himself.
- There’s very little romance. The characters are attracted to each other physically, but by the end of the book I didn’t have any pressing desire to see them together long-term. I didn’t think they were BAD together; I just didn’t have much of an opinion either way.
Overall comments: The plot here is decent; the characters’ gifts make them seem sort of like Jedis from the Star Wars stories, so that’s kind of neat. There’s not much of an emotional attachment between the characters, though, and there’s only one sex scene in the book. The plot is only semi-resolved at the end, but it’s pretty obvious Drew intends to continue the story with at least one sequel.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- Interesting use of the paranormal in the characters’ “gifts.” The author drops in little intriguing character traits pretty regularly and then moves on with the story without dwelling too much on the unusual plot elements.
- The setting has an exotic feel to it. All of the characters have lots of money, so they flit about from Manhattan apartments that overlook Central Park to lakefront houses to the Caribbean to Europe…etc.
- I liked the chemistry between the two leads. They’re similar in some ways and completely opposite in others: one example is that Alec is irrepressibly optimistic and nice, two qualities that simultaneously annoy and fascinate Grier.
- Some of the dialogue, especially between Alec and Grier, is funny.
CONS:
- Occasionally the writing, in both the exposition and the dialogue, seems to jump around a little or move rather haltingly.
- The characterization isn’t very deep: there are, for example, some horribly cruel secondary characters whose motives aren’t ever explained. And Alec (as well as some other characters) believes Grier’s conspiracy theory very quickly. He doesn’t resist much when Grier basically tells him that everything Alec believes is wrong. It would have been easier for me to believe Alec’s quick acceptance if I’d seen more of his thoughts as he tried to puzzle out the truth for himself.
- There’s very little romance. The characters are attracted to each other physically, but by the end of the book I didn’t have any pressing desire to see them together long-term. I didn’t think they were BAD together; I just didn’t have much of an opinion either way.
Overall comments: The plot here is decent; the characters’ gifts make them seem sort of like Jedis from the Star Wars stories, so that’s kind of neat. There’s not much of an emotional attachment between the characters, though, and there’s only one sex scene in the book. The plot is only semi-resolved at the end, but it’s pretty obvious Drew intends to continue the story with at least one sequel.
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