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Giving Consent #4
Worth the Chance
MP3 CD Format
Verity Jones has always been true to themself; even when it meant coming out as nonbinary at a young age and losing the love of their friends and parents. Years later, Verity is ensnared in a complicated, consuming, but purely platonic relationship with their best friend Landon. When Landon's high-school sweetheart re-enters the picture, Verity finds themself alone for the first time since college.Content with the status quo, Aaron Hoffman finds his tight-knit circle of friends shaken up when Gregory introduces him to Landon, and Landon's roommate and business partner, Verity. From the first time they speak, Aaron is fascinated by the elusive, rose-scented person behind the bar at Rapture. Determined to know them better, Aaron focuses his attention on convincing Verity he's worth their time.
Aaron's steadfastness and patience offer Verity the stability they're looking for, giving them both a place to explore new facets to the dynamic lifestyle they'd lived in the past. Venturing into the unknown is daunting, but to find love, Verity and Aaron will need to take the chance.
Contains mature themes.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published January 21, 2019
107 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hawthorne
93 books931 followersWith over two dozen published romances to her name, Kate Hawthorne has built a recognizable brand around telling emotional stories that pack a figurative (and sometimes literal) punch.
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
Existing on a steady diet of wine and coffee, Kate spends her days dreaming up angsty stories full of heat, kink, and heart. Kate now lives in Louisville, where she writes romance, reads romance, and hides from the humidity.
Visit her website at http://www.katehawthornebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
September 3, 2024
I have put off, for months, having anything to do with this one.... but I wanted to finish the series. I love this author's work; I really liked the other 3 books in the series; and I knew that Kate Hawthorne could never write a bad or an uninteresting book...it just wasn't the type of story that I was interested in. Verity has been a "side-line" character in nearly all of the other books, and I just couldn't ever develop any burning desire to learn anything more about them. I knew they would find their "happy" since Kate Hawthorne would never let one of her characters be lonely or miserable...at least not for long.
The only thing that I thought that the story could have expressed clearer was that Asexual people CAN certainly enter into a BDSM relationship. BDSM also CAN and DOES exist as only a form of play without ever turning into a sexual relationship. As I said, it's not a bad story...just not my type in this genus.... but there are plenty more that are.
Actual rating 2.5 stars
The only thing that I thought that the story could have expressed clearer was that Asexual people CAN certainly enter into a BDSM relationship. BDSM also CAN and DOES exist as only a form of play without ever turning into a sexual relationship. As I said, it's not a bad story...just not my type in this genus.... but there are plenty more that are.
Actual rating 2.5 stars
May 7, 2019
I've read the rest of the Giving Consent series, but this one resonated with me the most. For the first twenty-five years of my life, I've gone without seeing anyone like me in print. I identified for a long time as nonbinary, and even now as a transmasc person, I still consider myself genderqueer. With every single page I read of Verity's story, I found myself more and more in them. In their struggle. Right down to the way their dog had a pearl collar (so does mine.) There are other reviews that point out Kate never says what's between Verity's legs. That it was confusing and took them out of the story. One even went as far as to say " at least just once give me a hint so I know if I’m reading a book that involves two men being together." Newsflash. You weren't. You were reading a book about a man and a nonbinary person. Because that's the entire point. The POINT of the book was that it didn't matter what parts Verity has. They don't have 'male' or 'female' parts because they aren't male or female. I needed Verity. I needed to see them shine, and I needed to see them fall in love and find the romance they deserve. And for that matter, I needed Aaron. I needed to see that there was someone out there who could love a nonbinary person for who they are. Not for whether they have a dick or not. Kate wrote a beautiful, kink-filled romance. It was angsty. It hurt me at times. It made me laugh at others. But it was necessary for me, as a nonbinary person, to read it and know that there is love for me yet. And for that I will forever be grateful to her.
March 19, 2023
re-read march’23
Verity is one of my favorite nonbinary MCs
and I loved to re-read their story.
Tags are based on my personal impression/opinion and don’t have a 100% reliability.
If you don’t know if a book might be something for you:
Read reviews, ask questions and be a responsible adult.
tags:
fiction; Novel; Queer Romance; nonbinary MC; BDSM; switching; d/s exploration; kink incl. foot/body worship; breathplay; sensory&wax play; gender identity; transphobia; deadnaming
Verity is one of my favorite nonbinary MCs
and I loved to re-read their story.
Tags are based on my personal impression/opinion and don’t have a 100% reliability.
If you don’t know if a book might be something for you:
Read reviews, ask questions and be a responsible adult.
tags:
fiction; Novel; Queer Romance; nonbinary MC; BDSM; switching; d/s exploration; kink incl. foot/body worship; breathplay; sensory&wax play; gender identity; transphobia; deadnaming
January 27, 2019
I loved Verity until this book, I was frustrated and disappointed
So disappointing..
I looked so forward to this book and loved Verity until this book where I found myself absolutely hating Verity. They came across as a complete fraud, petulant and selfish. Verity's brother was correct when they said that Verity was on a pedestal calling everyone out on their stuff while basically being dishonest not only with themselves but the people closest to them. Verity clings to this idea that they are a switch when they have no clue because they have never fully committed, it was beyond frustrating, especially at one point where Verity blamed Landon for holding them back. I could see if this book was about discovering oneself through a new relationship but Verity could never be honest enough or continued to want to be a mystery to the readers, especially during the sex scenes it felt like it was taboo to talk about one's genitals (let's pretend Verity doesn't have any), it was just beyond confusing especially if anyone wanted to understand non binary. Then I never understood when exactly Verity found it within themselves to admit that they loved Aaron. It's not until the very end when we finally get a glimpse of what Verity is thinking and even then it comes across as selfish and too late. I struggled to finish the book, something that should have taken less than 2 days to read took 5 days and I absolutely love this author, just not this book. I personally don't like leaving a bad review but I couldn't hold back my disappointment.
So disappointing..
I looked so forward to this book and loved Verity until this book where I found myself absolutely hating Verity. They came across as a complete fraud, petulant and selfish. Verity's brother was correct when they said that Verity was on a pedestal calling everyone out on their stuff while basically being dishonest not only with themselves but the people closest to them. Verity clings to this idea that they are a switch when they have no clue because they have never fully committed, it was beyond frustrating, especially at one point where Verity blamed Landon for holding them back. I could see if this book was about discovering oneself through a new relationship but Verity could never be honest enough or continued to want to be a mystery to the readers, especially during the sex scenes it felt like it was taboo to talk about one's genitals (let's pretend Verity doesn't have any), it was just beyond confusing especially if anyone wanted to understand non binary. Then I never understood when exactly Verity found it within themselves to admit that they loved Aaron. It's not until the very end when we finally get a glimpse of what Verity is thinking and even then it comes across as selfish and too late. I struggled to finish the book, something that should have taken less than 2 days to read took 5 days and I absolutely love this author, just not this book. I personally don't like leaving a bad review but I couldn't hold back my disappointment.
October 15, 2019
3.5 stars
For the most part this was a fun read with a great non-binary character, but I had my issues with the beginning.
Content warnings include: deadnaming, sex on-page, BDSM (D/s, spanking, breath play, bondage); mentions of fear of flying, parents being unsupportive to queer child.
While I overall liked Verity and Aaron's relationship, I really disliked the beginning. I didn't like the way Verity brushed Aaron off, and how Aaroy kept pursuing Verity despite their verbalized disinterest. Once they got over their hangups it was quite lovely though.
The whole storyline about Verity being a switch while Aaron's not also wasn't my favourite. Same with the way they talked about separation of kink and sex. It felt slightly off to me and I didn't like the conclusions that were reached, even though the characters were happy.
The kink this time around was fine. Like the other books in the series, Worth the Chance is very much erotica, and a huge chunk of it is Aaron and Verity having sex.
While Aaron and Verity's relationship starts in Worth the Risk and continues throughout the rest of the series, all events are recapped or told from the POV of the two protatonists. Several key events from the other books are retold from a their respective perspectives.
I did like that choice, though I'm also unsure if some thing would make sense if one hadn't read the entire series.
Technically, Worth the Chance is a standalone and ties up completely. Other characters from the series are very frequently mentioned however.
As I mentioned in my review of Worth the Risk, I mainly read this series for Verity.
They are non-binary, and I'm always on the lookout for books with enby characters.
I'm a bit torn out the enby representation. It was fine overall, but there were aspects I liked and disliked at the same time.
The main one is that the gender Verity was assigned at birth is never revealed or stated. On the one hand I loved that, since the point of them being enby is exactly that they are neither male nor female, and it doesn't matter if they are amab or afab. Even when hostile people deadname them, gendered words are always omitted quite skillfully. Similarly, the way Verity's body is described during the sex scenes is always ambiguous, both from Aaron's and Verity's POV.
I loved that this way the focus was always on Verity, and it avoids queerphobic readers from stuffing Verity into afab/amab boxes (though the book still somehow ended up in the m-m romance category🙄).
On the other hand, I'm afraid it also invited the reader to constantly keep guessing, in a "is that a hint that they are afab/amab..?" way. I also suspect that transphobics readers are simply upset by it and might use it as ammunition.
More importantly however, I felt like it was slightly misrepresentative (though maybe that isn't the right word.) Because most non-binary people, like me, are not as effortlessly gender-ambiguous as Verity is. The way my body looks and how people subconsciously react to me will always give away the gender I was assigned at birth, as hormones wouldn't achieve what I want and surgery is limited. Furthermore, the sad truth is that today's world is obsessed with putting people into boxes, and in many cases there simply isn't a gender-neutral way. My native language for example doesn't even have a gender-neutral pronoun like they/them and every single noun or article is gendered as either male or female. Of course, my own experience with being enby does not invalidate someone else's.
So for me reading about Verity was bittersweet. I adored them and ached for them and was envious (or should I say enbious?) of them. I want what they have, knowing fully well that it's unattainable for me.
Their gender aside, one of my favourite things about Verity was their confidence and vulnerability. How they are outwardly so sure of themselves, so confident, always having a snarky remark on their tongue, when they can be anxious and nervous and plagued by self-doubt in private.
Some of the later was defintely tied to their identiy, but even without that I found it almost painfully spot-on and like someone holding up a mirror right in front of my face.
Overall I did have a good time reading Worth the Chance (aside from the beginning.)
I loved reading about an unapologetic non-binary character, who isn't misgendered, who's assigned gender at birth doesn't matter and isn't brought up at any point, finding tooth-achingly sweet and passionate love that makes them incredibly happy.
For the most part this was a fun read with a great non-binary character, but I had my issues with the beginning.
Content warnings include: deadnaming, sex on-page, BDSM (D/s, spanking, breath play, bondage); mentions of fear of flying, parents being unsupportive to queer child.
While I overall liked Verity and Aaron's relationship, I really disliked the beginning. I didn't like the way Verity brushed Aaron off, and how Aaroy kept pursuing Verity despite their verbalized disinterest. Once they got over their hangups it was quite lovely though.
The whole storyline about Verity being a switch while Aaron's not also wasn't my favourite. Same with the way they talked about separation of kink and sex. It felt slightly off to me and I didn't like the conclusions that were reached, even though the characters were happy.
The kink this time around was fine. Like the other books in the series, Worth the Chance is very much erotica, and a huge chunk of it is Aaron and Verity having sex.
While Aaron and Verity's relationship starts in Worth the Risk and continues throughout the rest of the series, all events are recapped or told from the POV of the two protatonists. Several key events from the other books are retold from a their respective perspectives.
I did like that choice, though I'm also unsure if some thing would make sense if one hadn't read the entire series.
Technically, Worth the Chance is a standalone and ties up completely. Other characters from the series are very frequently mentioned however.
As I mentioned in my review of Worth the Risk, I mainly read this series for Verity.
They are non-binary, and I'm always on the lookout for books with enby characters.
I'm a bit torn out the enby representation. It was fine overall, but there were aspects I liked and disliked at the same time.
The main one is that the gender Verity was assigned at birth is never revealed or stated. On the one hand I loved that, since the point of them being enby is exactly that they are neither male nor female, and it doesn't matter if they are amab or afab. Even when hostile people deadname them, gendered words are always omitted quite skillfully. Similarly, the way Verity's body is described during the sex scenes is always ambiguous, both from Aaron's and Verity's POV.
I loved that this way the focus was always on Verity, and it avoids queerphobic readers from stuffing Verity into afab/amab boxes (though the book still somehow ended up in the m-m romance category🙄).
On the other hand, I'm afraid it also invited the reader to constantly keep guessing, in a "is that a hint that they are afab/amab..?" way. I also suspect that transphobics readers are simply upset by it and might use it as ammunition.
More importantly however, I felt like it was slightly misrepresentative (though maybe that isn't the right word.) Because most non-binary people, like me, are not as effortlessly gender-ambiguous as Verity is. The way my body looks and how people subconsciously react to me will always give away the gender I was assigned at birth, as hormones wouldn't achieve what I want and surgery is limited. Furthermore, the sad truth is that today's world is obsessed with putting people into boxes, and in many cases there simply isn't a gender-neutral way. My native language for example doesn't even have a gender-neutral pronoun like they/them and every single noun or article is gendered as either male or female. Of course, my own experience with being enby does not invalidate someone else's.
So for me reading about Verity was bittersweet. I adored them and ached for them and was envious (or should I say enbious?) of them. I want what they have, knowing fully well that it's unattainable for me.
Their gender aside, one of my favourite things about Verity was their confidence and vulnerability. How they are outwardly so sure of themselves, so confident, always having a snarky remark on their tongue, when they can be anxious and nervous and plagued by self-doubt in private.
Some of the later was defintely tied to their identiy, but even without that I found it almost painfully spot-on and like someone holding up a mirror right in front of my face.
Overall I did have a good time reading Worth the Chance (aside from the beginning.)
I loved reading about an unapologetic non-binary character, who isn't misgendered, who's assigned gender at birth doesn't matter and isn't brought up at any point, finding tooth-achingly sweet and passionate love that makes them incredibly happy.
January 23, 2019
Nadszedł czas by napisać recenzję. Verity nie jest ani kobietą, ani mężczyzną, jest osobą. Zastanawiam się czy jest określenie po polsku... nie ma . Verity jest osobą nieidentyfikujący swojej płci na podstawie tradycyjnego podziału na kobiety i mężczyzn. Ubóstwiałam ich w innych książkach tej serii, ale tutaj.. cóż ... nie , w tej książce nie .Z osoby pewnej siebie , Verity zmienia się w osobę , która chciałaby a boje się. Aaron jest cudowny, cierpliwy, seksowny i tak mój facet. Czy to działa miedzy nimi, nie jestem do końca przekonana. Kate piszę książki , które z reguły mocna przekonują mnie , że tego co teoretycznie nie znoszę czytać , ona sprawia , że jednak powinnam i kocham to czytać. W tym przypadku jednak jej się nie udało. Książka dobra, ale nie dla mnie.
3,5 gwiazdki , zaokrąglone do 4
3,5 gwiazdki , zaokrąglone do 4
November 7, 2021
Nice ending to the series
I read books 1 and 2, DNF'd book 3, when the trio kind aggravated me with their wishy-washy-ness, and moved onto 4. I liked seeing the previous events in snippets from both Aaron's and Verity's points of view. (And I didn't even feel the need to go back and read book 3 when I learned what had happened at the club to Justin.) Verity's non-binary gender orientation was refreshing and I adored Aaron's willingness to be what Verity needed while they figured out what they wanted from life.
Lovely ending.
KU series, contemporary, kink, BDSM, D/s, bartender, coach
I read books 1 and 2, DNF'd book 3, when the trio kind aggravated me with their wishy-washy-ness, and moved onto 4. I liked seeing the previous events in snippets from both Aaron's and Verity's points of view. (And I didn't even feel the need to go back and read book 3 when I learned what had happened at the club to Justin.) Verity's non-binary gender orientation was refreshing and I adored Aaron's willingness to be what Verity needed while they figured out what they wanted from life.
Lovely ending.
KU series, contemporary, kink, BDSM, D/s, bartender, coach
January 27, 2019
Oh Verity
I'm not sure why, because I loved them in the previous books, but I found Verity incredibly irritating. There was too much in head angst not enough action. Aaron had patience far beyond my own that's for sure. I did love Aaron, but is he a bit too perfect and 2 dimensional because of it? Hmmmmm. The story just didn't quite flow - I felt like the author was checking off where the characters were meant to be and how they should behave based on the events we already know happened from previous books, rather then letting the story evolve naturally or creating a distinct storyline for these 2 MCs. Some standout moments with Chaz which I wanted more of. Hopefully this is just a little blip because I've enjoyed the other books. 2.5 stars.
I'm not sure why, because I loved them in the previous books, but I found Verity incredibly irritating. There was too much in head angst not enough action. Aaron had patience far beyond my own that's for sure. I did love Aaron, but is he a bit too perfect and 2 dimensional because of it? Hmmmmm. The story just didn't quite flow - I felt like the author was checking off where the characters were meant to be and how they should behave based on the events we already know happened from previous books, rather then letting the story evolve naturally or creating a distinct storyline for these 2 MCs. Some standout moments with Chaz which I wanted more of. Hopefully this is just a little blip because I've enjoyed the other books. 2.5 stars.
January 19, 2023
put trigger warnings in audiobooks:
January 1, 2021
Working For It! Worth it!
Non-Binary beauty Verity and muscular Dom Aaron have been dancing around each other for a while...this is their love story.
They have existed as co-characters in the last three books in this series.
This time around we get a bit more story and little sexy sexiness, which is fine by me. I liked the MCs and the storyline. I must admit, I’m fascinated by non-binary persons. I’ve read several romance stories involving such persons....intriguing!
Non-Binary beauty Verity and muscular Dom Aaron have been dancing around each other for a while...this is their love story.
They have existed as co-characters in the last three books in this series.
This time around we get a bit more story and little sexy sexiness, which is fine by me. I liked the MCs and the storyline. I must admit, I’m fascinated by non-binary persons. I’ve read several romance stories involving such persons....intriguing!
February 17, 2019
An enjoyable read -3.5 stars
Once I got past the use of “them, their, they” I could get into the groove of the book. I haven’t read a lot of gender fluid / non binary characters so it was nice to read about Verity and understand how they felt. Aaron was persistent and eventually won Verity over but heavens he tried !!! A nice addition to the series - while the storyline was a bit messy, I still enjoyed it.
Once I got past the use of “them, their, they” I could get into the groove of the book. I haven’t read a lot of gender fluid / non binary characters so it was nice to read about Verity and understand how they felt. Aaron was persistent and eventually won Verity over but heavens he tried !!! A nice addition to the series - while the storyline was a bit messy, I still enjoyed it.
June 20, 2022
I really liked the story and I loved varity nad Aron. It was interesting reading about a non-binary person.
But: it was irritating that the author did not seem to be able to name the sexual organs of the non-binary person though she always could name them if the person described was clearly a cis -men. This really did bother me a lot.
But: it was irritating that the author did not seem to be able to name the sexual organs of the non-binary person though she always could name them if the person described was clearly a cis -men. This really did bother me a lot.
February 11, 2019
I liked it but I didn't love it. Towards the end I found myself way more interested in Chaz, Verity's brother. I hope he gets a book.
April 28, 2019
So. I finished the book. Before I got to chapter 29, the book was a solid 4 star, verging on 5 star rating. However, the information in chapter 29 slammed my rating down to no more than 3 stars max. I'm so very disappointed. I don't see how someone can do their kink and non-binary homework and fail to get the most basic religious practices correct. It's going to be a while before I can bring myself to read another Kate Hawthorne book. Damn, I hate losing authors who are excellent story tellers for reasons that could have been so easily corrected.
One last bit of rant:
___________
Warning: this is a rant before finishing the book. Read at your own risk...
I'm at 74%, and this is not going to be a complete review yet, but I have to stop reading to rant a bit. Just in case, I'm going to put all of this into a spoiler, so it doesn't ruin the story for anyone who hasn't read it yet.
I'm going to stop reading for a little bit, calm down, and hopefully be able to finish the book. Authors, please, do your fucking homework!!!
One last bit of rant:
___________
Warning: this is a rant before finishing the book. Read at your own risk...
I'm at 74%, and this is not going to be a complete review yet, but I have to stop reading to rant a bit. Just in case, I'm going to put all of this into a spoiler, so it doesn't ruin the story for anyone who hasn't read it yet.
I'm going to stop reading for a little bit, calm down, and hopefully be able to finish the book. Authors, please, do your fucking homework!!!
February 3, 2019
Verity Jones mischt Sex und Spiel niemals. Und Verity kann auch mit der Aufmerksamkeit von Aron Hoffman nicht wirklich umgehen. Was genau will der Dom und was soll Verity ihm schon geben können? Verity identifiziert sich als nonbinary und als Switch. Jedoch kann Verity sich nicht vorstellen, dass Aron sich ernsthaft unterwerfen würde.
Dabei unterschätzt Verity den in sich ruhenden und wirklich geduldigen Aron. Er fühlt sich zu Verity hingezogen und will es besser kennenlernen. Doch Verity macht es ihm nicht leicht; hält ihn ständig auf Abstand und doch zieht es ihn immer wieder zu diesem faszinierenden Wesen. Doch Verity ist sehr komplex, schwierig und reagiert oft sehr ambivalent. Damit testet es auch die Geduld des Gegenübers immer wieder aus.
Ich bezeichne Verity weiter als es, denn so sieht Verity sich selbst. Geboren wurde Verity jedoch als Mann und irgendwann im Laufe der Geschichte wurde aus Jamie eben Verity. Und hier fängt die Problematik mit dieser Geschichte auch an. Ich habe mich sehr auf das Buch gefreut, weil ich Verity echt ziemlich cool finde und auch Aron schon in den vorigen Teilen sehr sympathisch war. Daran hat sich auch nichts geändert.
Ja Aron, war ein wenig zu perfekt und geduldig. Aber das kann man dem Helden schon mal verzeihen. Es soll Schlimmeres passieren. Verity hingegen war im eigenen Buch sehr anstrengend, teilweise auch sehr unverständlich in den Handlungen. Viel bleibt einfach vage und schwammig. Als Leser fühlt mich dann schon mal ein wenig zum Narren gehalten.
Obwohl es natürlich zu sexuellen Handlungen kommt und die Autorin das auch sehr schön und behutsam beschriebt, bleibt auch hier ein sehr unbefriedigendes Gefühl - für den Leser - zurück. Es liegt wohl auch daran, dass man bis zum Schluss einfach nicht weiss, was Verity im biologischen Sinne nun wirklich ist. Hat es Geschlechtsorgane und wenn ja, welche? Da kommt einfach der Voyeur in mir durch und man will doch auch als Leser wissen, was genau nun mit Jamie/Verity passiert ist. Und vor allem wann und wie.
Dass sie sich am Ende finden und kriegen ist klar. Die Geschichte hat natürlich ein Happy End. Aber der Weg ist manchmal ein wenig zäh, gelegentlich unbefriedigend und auch aufreibend. Viele Fragen bleiben offen - für mich. Und da diese Reihe nun abgeschlossen ist, wird man wohl auch keine Antworten mehr bekommen.
Schön war es von Veritys Bruder zu lesen. Der ist großartig und Verity absolut ergeben. Nimmt Verity als das was es ist und ist bis in die Knochen loyal. Schön wäre es gewesen, wenn er noch eine Geschichte bekommen würde. Doch das hat die Autorin mehrmals auf Facebook ausgeschlossen und daran wird sie sich wohl - leider - auch halten.
Dabei unterschätzt Verity den in sich ruhenden und wirklich geduldigen Aron. Er fühlt sich zu Verity hingezogen und will es besser kennenlernen. Doch Verity macht es ihm nicht leicht; hält ihn ständig auf Abstand und doch zieht es ihn immer wieder zu diesem faszinierenden Wesen. Doch Verity ist sehr komplex, schwierig und reagiert oft sehr ambivalent. Damit testet es auch die Geduld des Gegenübers immer wieder aus.
Ich bezeichne Verity weiter als es, denn so sieht Verity sich selbst. Geboren wurde Verity jedoch als Mann und irgendwann im Laufe der Geschichte wurde aus Jamie eben Verity. Und hier fängt die Problematik mit dieser Geschichte auch an. Ich habe mich sehr auf das Buch gefreut, weil ich Verity echt ziemlich cool finde und auch Aron schon in den vorigen Teilen sehr sympathisch war. Daran hat sich auch nichts geändert.
Ja Aron, war ein wenig zu perfekt und geduldig. Aber das kann man dem Helden schon mal verzeihen. Es soll Schlimmeres passieren. Verity hingegen war im eigenen Buch sehr anstrengend, teilweise auch sehr unverständlich in den Handlungen. Viel bleibt einfach vage und schwammig. Als Leser fühlt mich dann schon mal ein wenig zum Narren gehalten.
Obwohl es natürlich zu sexuellen Handlungen kommt und die Autorin das auch sehr schön und behutsam beschriebt, bleibt auch hier ein sehr unbefriedigendes Gefühl - für den Leser - zurück. Es liegt wohl auch daran, dass man bis zum Schluss einfach nicht weiss, was Verity im biologischen Sinne nun wirklich ist. Hat es Geschlechtsorgane und wenn ja, welche? Da kommt einfach der Voyeur in mir durch und man will doch auch als Leser wissen, was genau nun mit Jamie/Verity passiert ist. Und vor allem wann und wie.
Dass sie sich am Ende finden und kriegen ist klar. Die Geschichte hat natürlich ein Happy End. Aber der Weg ist manchmal ein wenig zäh, gelegentlich unbefriedigend und auch aufreibend. Viele Fragen bleiben offen - für mich. Und da diese Reihe nun abgeschlossen ist, wird man wohl auch keine Antworten mehr bekommen.
Schön war es von Veritys Bruder zu lesen. Der ist großartig und Verity absolut ergeben. Nimmt Verity als das was es ist und ist bis in die Knochen loyal. Schön wäre es gewesen, wenn er noch eine Geschichte bekommen würde. Doch das hat die Autorin mehrmals auf Facebook ausgeschlossen und daran wird sie sich wohl - leider - auch halten.
January 23, 2019
Worth the Chance by Kate Hawthorne
ARC copy graciously provided by Kate Hawthorne for an honest review.
A note to other NB readers, Verity is one of the most fleshed out, and well-written non-binary characters I've read about.
Kate Hawthorne does an excellent job with Verity's gender identity, keeping the majority of scenes involving Verity's body, especially during intimate moments, entirely gender neutral. The only time this slips a little is during a point where Verity is dead-named, and it seems like more of a means to help the reader feel unsettled -- to share in the dysphoria and unease Verity is feeling.
I knew this book would feel confusing and personal, and it absolutely did. Verity spent their entire life trying to find concrete labels for themselves, only to have some of those labels tested and exposed.
The only thing I really disagree with the characters about is that sex was what was missing in Verity's relationship before Aaron, and that BDSM is inherently sexual. I think the thing missing was intimacy. Asexual people can enter a BDSM relationship. BDSM can exist as a form of play outside a sexual relationship.
Otherwise, the book is amazing. Verity's conflict, Aaron's willingness to wait for them to be ok, to settle in their skin and figure out their wants and needs.
Aaron himself is a breath of fresh air -- a giant, muscular alpha male who loves his partner smelling of flowers, braiding their hair with blossoms, and committing to stay, no matter what.
I highly recommend this book, especially to those interested in learning about other members of the LGBT community.
It also seems we may have a new book about Verity's brother, Chaz in the future? Looking forward to it!
ARC copy graciously provided by Kate Hawthorne for an honest review.
A note to other NB readers, Verity is one of the most fleshed out, and well-written non-binary characters I've read about.
Kate Hawthorne does an excellent job with Verity's gender identity, keeping the majority of scenes involving Verity's body, especially during intimate moments, entirely gender neutral. The only time this slips a little is during a point where Verity is dead-named, and it seems like more of a means to help the reader feel unsettled -- to share in the dysphoria and unease Verity is feeling.
I knew this book would feel confusing and personal, and it absolutely did. Verity spent their entire life trying to find concrete labels for themselves, only to have some of those labels tested and exposed.
The only thing I really disagree with the characters about is that sex was what was missing in Verity's relationship before Aaron, and that BDSM is inherently sexual. I think the thing missing was intimacy. Asexual people can enter a BDSM relationship. BDSM can exist as a form of play outside a sexual relationship.
Otherwise, the book is amazing. Verity's conflict, Aaron's willingness to wait for them to be ok, to settle in their skin and figure out their wants and needs.
Aaron himself is a breath of fresh air -- a giant, muscular alpha male who loves his partner smelling of flowers, braiding their hair with blossoms, and committing to stay, no matter what.
I highly recommend this book, especially to those interested in learning about other members of the LGBT community.
It also seems we may have a new book about Verity's brother, Chaz in the future? Looking forward to it!
January 23, 2019
verity is perfection.. there is so much i wanna say about verity and how they made me feel.. and how many things i felt during this but i cannot and will not say much about that. the writing is perfection.. verity's feelings are amazing and complex.. and they are beautiful and wonderful.. they are also confused and lost in spots.. and thats where aaron comes in.. he has no issues with who verity is. no issues with the complexity of verity.. and falls head over heels for verity and has to help verity see that they are worth everything. this is amazing and wonderful and i love this series so much
July 9, 2023
Verity getting their HEA was everything!! They were my favourite character of the series for so many reasons but the biggest being their kind and loving soul. Aaron (also an amazing human) knew right from their first meeting that Verity was someone incredible and it was so great to see how they took care of each other. Oh, and Aaron braiding Verity’s hair; so damn beautiful!! The swoon was on point!!❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2022
Was glad to see Verity get their happy ending!
January 29, 2019
A Little Disappointing
I enjoyed the book, but it was just to confusing and frustrating when it came to the sex scenes, because of not knowing what, Verity had between their legs. Sometimes it would hint boy other times girl, I know it's supposed to be enby, but it is difficult to picture.
I enjoyed the book, but it was just to confusing and frustrating when it came to the sex scenes, because of not knowing what, Verity had between their legs. Sometimes it would hint boy other times girl, I know it's supposed to be enby, but it is difficult to picture.
December 13, 2020
One issue with this book- the author is so careful not to say what gender Verity was assigned at birth that the sex scenes don't specify what's going on, leading to wording like "...his fingers touching them where they needed." The lack of specificity really turned down the heat level for me, which was a problem, given how many sex scenes there are in this book.
The author also has lots of 'clues,' so to speak, about Verity's DAB gender, which contradict each other in such a way that makes it hard to buy that all of the facts are true (like Verity saying that they would need a surrogate to have a kid, then being able to have sex without lube and then subsequently having them in significant pain from one unlubed finger in their ass).
It also felt like the entire book was Verity's hot/cold I-like-you-but-I-can't shtick, which got old really quickly. I mean, I was already kind of sick of it when the book started, just from the portrayal in the other books, but it just took forever for them to get over it.
The author also has lots of 'clues,' so to speak, about Verity's DAB gender, which contradict each other in such a way that makes it hard to buy that all of the facts are true (like Verity saying that they would need a surrogate to have a kid, then being able to have sex without lube and then subsequently having them in significant pain from one unlubed finger in their ass).
It also felt like the entire book was Verity's hot/cold I-like-you-but-I-can't shtick, which got old really quickly. I mean, I was already kind of sick of it when the book started, just from the portrayal in the other books, but it just took forever for them to get over it.
January 29, 2019
Disappointed with character and book and should not be listed as m/m , its quite misleading . Loved all the other books to this series . And the character in all the other books was great but took a nose dive in own story . Onto a new book to scrub this one from my mind.
January 22, 2019
Aaron was nothing like I expected him to be. In the previous books, he was kind of generic. I didn’t really see how it was going to work between them. I thought he was arrogant and that he really didn’t understand what he wanted by going after Verity and submitting for them. He’s sweet. So sweet it’s almost sickening. Almost. How he cares for Verity, so patient, so open. It was very easy to see that I misjudged Aaron and I regretted that after I got to know him.
Verity was so much more than I thought they would be. They were also so lost. The confidence they showed us in all the other books was only half real and it hurt to see their beautiful soul hurting. We learn a lot about Verity in this book. We learn their insecurities, their fears, and we also get to learn who they really are as they evolved.
Kate Hawthorne gave us a love story that proved that someone can love you for who you are, no matter who that may be. Aaron and Verity both go through transformations, but they don’t falter. They love each other through it and because of that love they are able to grow into the people they were always meant to be.
Aaron may think he needs to submit to Verity, and in a way he does. From the beginning, Aaron submits and shows Verity that whatever lifestyle they choose to live will be the one for them. My heart broke as Verity broke down their walls and they learned that what they thought they knew about themselves wasn’t true at all. The bones of their personality was hidden under snark, their meddling nature, and the firm hand they loaned Landon throughout the years. Aaron didn’t break through those walls, but gradually get Verity to trust him so they would lower the defenses themselves. It was beautiful to see.
Kate Hawthrone wrote a book that shows how love is supposed to feel. She didn’t make either character change or have a revelation about themselves because it fit the other one. No, she wrote them the way they were both supposed to be written. Aaron and Verity think they knew who they were before they moved forward with their relationship, but being together only allowed them the freedom to evolve into the people they were always supposed to be.
This book is about evolution, it’s about loving someone in all their forms, and it’s about found family. There’s a scene that made me cry because it was so perfect. It was family and love and it was real and I loved that not only Verity got to experience that, but all of the Giving Consent characters.
I’m a little sad that this story is over because it’s such a good series. I’ve been obsessed with it since book one, even though I want to punch Landon a lot of the time. This series is intense. The play scenes feel so real at times and the dynamics, not just between the couples, but everyone was interesting. They were more than friends and I loved how they interacted. From almost lube free bacon sex, to Jack not being anyone’s Daddy but Callum’s, to the pearl-wearing Ed, these characters burrowed their way into my heart and made the list of books I’d re-read.
Verity was so much more than I thought they would be. They were also so lost. The confidence they showed us in all the other books was only half real and it hurt to see their beautiful soul hurting. We learn a lot about Verity in this book. We learn their insecurities, their fears, and we also get to learn who they really are as they evolved.
Kate Hawthorne gave us a love story that proved that someone can love you for who you are, no matter who that may be. Aaron and Verity both go through transformations, but they don’t falter. They love each other through it and because of that love they are able to grow into the people they were always meant to be.
Aaron may think he needs to submit to Verity, and in a way he does. From the beginning, Aaron submits and shows Verity that whatever lifestyle they choose to live will be the one for them. My heart broke as Verity broke down their walls and they learned that what they thought they knew about themselves wasn’t true at all. The bones of their personality was hidden under snark, their meddling nature, and the firm hand they loaned Landon throughout the years. Aaron didn’t break through those walls, but gradually get Verity to trust him so they would lower the defenses themselves. It was beautiful to see.
Kate Hawthrone wrote a book that shows how love is supposed to feel. She didn’t make either character change or have a revelation about themselves because it fit the other one. No, she wrote them the way they were both supposed to be written. Aaron and Verity think they knew who they were before they moved forward with their relationship, but being together only allowed them the freedom to evolve into the people they were always supposed to be.
This book is about evolution, it’s about loving someone in all their forms, and it’s about found family. There’s a scene that made me cry because it was so perfect. It was family and love and it was real and I loved that not only Verity got to experience that, but all of the Giving Consent characters.
I’m a little sad that this story is over because it’s such a good series. I’ve been obsessed with it since book one, even though I want to punch Landon a lot of the time. This series is intense. The play scenes feel so real at times and the dynamics, not just between the couples, but everyone was interesting. They were more than friends and I loved how they interacted. From almost lube free bacon sex, to Jack not being anyone’s Daddy but Callum’s, to the pearl-wearing Ed, these characters burrowed their way into my heart and made the list of books I’d re-read.
January 25, 2019
This book blew me away. It brought all the feels. If I wasn’t crying, I was laughing or holding my breath for whatever came next. I have been let down by highly anticipated books in the past, waited for months and then found the story to be good, but not what I needed it to be. That was NOT the case here. This book was everything and so much more. You think after 3 books of being captivated by Verity flitting around with friends that you know them fairly well. There is so much more to them and they’re beautifully complex. This is a flawless handling of a truly non-binary gender fluid character and it’s absolutely stunning. If you want to understand what it is to be NB and forget about I gender bias, this is your stop (please leave your baggage and expectations behind). Verity will rewire how you see and understand things. Verity will prove that sometimes there is not a box to fit in.
Aaron was a bit of a mystery. Fun yes, but there wasn’t much about him in previous books. I expected Verity to run circles around him. But he’s amazing. So caring, patient and strong. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a pure example of unconditional love. The only thing he expects of Verity is for them to be their true authentic self. He wants them, he’ll do whatever it takes to be the man they need, and most of all he is eager to embrace them as they evolve. This is the definition of loving someone for who they are versus what they are.
I love that we have, not one but two, characters confronting previous thoughts about themselves to figure out what they they truly want. It’s a little bit of a slow burn at first, but once it fully ignites it’s hot as hell. I love how their needs as a couple were negotiated and accepted as something fluid rather than fixed. Changes in the dynamic were welcome and frequent, when usually this is established and becomes a relied upon constant. The love between them is palpable, long before the words are even on the page.
All of the Giving Consent series has had overlapping timelines. But this story in particular is beautifully and deeply interwoven with all of the previous ones. So for the full effect, please do not approach this as a stand-alone. Every single time you were curious about Verity’s mood around friends or what was happening between them and Aaron is explained and so much more. I’m sure writing this and keeping it all straight was a challenge! But the result is a full circle view of these characters and the amazing family that came together in this series. Hawthorne had a very strong start with her writing but with every single book it’s clear that she just keeps getting even better. This book is simply incredible and I really didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to see what Hawthorne will do next!
Aaron was a bit of a mystery. Fun yes, but there wasn’t much about him in previous books. I expected Verity to run circles around him. But he’s amazing. So caring, patient and strong. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a pure example of unconditional love. The only thing he expects of Verity is for them to be their true authentic self. He wants them, he’ll do whatever it takes to be the man they need, and most of all he is eager to embrace them as they evolve. This is the definition of loving someone for who they are versus what they are.
I love that we have, not one but two, characters confronting previous thoughts about themselves to figure out what they they truly want. It’s a little bit of a slow burn at first, but once it fully ignites it’s hot as hell. I love how their needs as a couple were negotiated and accepted as something fluid rather than fixed. Changes in the dynamic were welcome and frequent, when usually this is established and becomes a relied upon constant. The love between them is palpable, long before the words are even on the page.
All of the Giving Consent series has had overlapping timelines. But this story in particular is beautifully and deeply interwoven with all of the previous ones. So for the full effect, please do not approach this as a stand-alone. Every single time you were curious about Verity’s mood around friends or what was happening between them and Aaron is explained and so much more. I’m sure writing this and keeping it all straight was a challenge! But the result is a full circle view of these characters and the amazing family that came together in this series. Hawthorne had a very strong start with her writing but with every single book it’s clear that she just keeps getting even better. This book is simply incredible and I really didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to see what Hawthorne will do next!
January 25, 2019
Aaron and Verity deserve way more than five stars.
No, really. I’m not sure I can articulate just how expertly crafted the evolution of Aaron and Verity’s relationship is in this book. At first glance these two seem like they should be incompatible in the bedroom, considering Aaron is a Dom and Verity a switch who wants to embrace both sides of themself now that Landon has Gregory back. The entire series, Verity has appeared to be this unflappable pillar of strength and courage, totally confident in themself and what they want. But in Worth the Chance, we finally see the real Verity behind that mask and what has been going on with them and Aaron in the background of the series so far.
Speaking of Aaron... I have to tell you that I fell in love with him immediately. And by that, I mean before I hit 2% in.. and from there, it only intensified. Aaron proves from the very beginning that he is strong, supportive, loving, caring, persistent, sexy, and has seemingly endless patience. Good thing, too, as it quickly becomes clear that he will need to be all of those things in order to be exactly what Verity didn’t know they needed. He even loves to braid Verity’s hair! Swoon!
And Verity? Verity is simply... everything.
The dynamic between Aaron and Verity shifts and evolves throughout the book as Aaron’s unfailing patience and love gives Verity a safe place to figure out what they need and what they want. These two are so freaking HOT together!! And the heat between them is only enhanced by the swoony romance and pure, unconditional love that develops.
Bravo to Kate Hawthorne for not only how brilliantly she portrays Verity, but also for how organic this journey feels for the characters. The story flows beautifully, and I loved getting more of the characters from previous books in the series. As this is the final book, I couldn’t be happier with how things have turned out for them all. That Christmas scene!!! I’m going to miss these guys. Maybe we’ll see more of them at some point in the future? I mean.. I wouldn’t be opposed to a Chaz story. Just saying... ;)
To sum it up: read this book, guys. Like, now. It’s worth every second and more.
No, really. I’m not sure I can articulate just how expertly crafted the evolution of Aaron and Verity’s relationship is in this book. At first glance these two seem like they should be incompatible in the bedroom, considering Aaron is a Dom and Verity a switch who wants to embrace both sides of themself now that Landon has Gregory back. The entire series, Verity has appeared to be this unflappable pillar of strength and courage, totally confident in themself and what they want. But in Worth the Chance, we finally see the real Verity behind that mask and what has been going on with them and Aaron in the background of the series so far.
Speaking of Aaron... I have to tell you that I fell in love with him immediately. And by that, I mean before I hit 2% in.. and from there, it only intensified. Aaron proves from the very beginning that he is strong, supportive, loving, caring, persistent, sexy, and has seemingly endless patience. Good thing, too, as it quickly becomes clear that he will need to be all of those things in order to be exactly what Verity didn’t know they needed. He even loves to braid Verity’s hair! Swoon!
And Verity? Verity is simply... everything.
The dynamic between Aaron and Verity shifts and evolves throughout the book as Aaron’s unfailing patience and love gives Verity a safe place to figure out what they need and what they want. These two are so freaking HOT together!! And the heat between them is only enhanced by the swoony romance and pure, unconditional love that develops.
Bravo to Kate Hawthorne for not only how brilliantly she portrays Verity, but also for how organic this journey feels for the characters. The story flows beautifully, and I loved getting more of the characters from previous books in the series. As this is the final book, I couldn’t be happier with how things have turned out for them all. That Christmas scene!!! I’m going to miss these guys. Maybe we’ll see more of them at some point in the future? I mean.. I wouldn’t be opposed to a Chaz story. Just saying... ;)
To sum it up: read this book, guys. Like, now. It’s worth every second and more.
January 29, 2021
4.5 stars
Now that Verity and Aaron have circled each other for three books, I was excited to finally read the full arc of their love story. Spoiler alert: Nothing about it is easy. For all Verity’s composure and self-control, there are still elements of their life and identity that have not entirely settled, and Aaron manages to bring all of those questions out full-force. I admire Aaron’s dedication to growing closer to Verity, which never crosses the line from romantic determination to creepy and frustrating.
The shifting dynamic between them was a fascinating read, especially considering Aaron’s ability and willingness to take it in stride without ever compromising his personality and needs. Hawthorne subverts multiple expectations in this novel, walking the edge between conflict and cliché. The author obviously recognizes the differences between gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexual expression, including how each of these things can be incredibly fluid and individualistic. I especially appreciate Hawthorne’s portrayal of a nonbinary character. While I have no personal experience to judge the author’s accuracy of a concept that is unique to every person, I did enjoy the fact that Hawthorne shares relevant history for the character without ever “confirming or denying” anything beyond what Verity themself is willing to share in their point-of-view narrative.
I’m not sure this story would have worked as a stand-alone, dropped into these characters fresh. However, as the tail end of an enjoyable series in which their full story had only been teased so far, the book made for a satisfying read on multiple levels. Not only did I love Verity and Aaron’s happily ever after, but I also loved knowing that the previous relationships from this series were also going strong. I wouldn’t mind dropping in on any of these characters later to read more about their misadventures (sexy or otherwise).
Now that Verity and Aaron have circled each other for three books, I was excited to finally read the full arc of their love story. Spoiler alert: Nothing about it is easy. For all Verity’s composure and self-control, there are still elements of their life and identity that have not entirely settled, and Aaron manages to bring all of those questions out full-force. I admire Aaron’s dedication to growing closer to Verity, which never crosses the line from romantic determination to creepy and frustrating.
The shifting dynamic between them was a fascinating read, especially considering Aaron’s ability and willingness to take it in stride without ever compromising his personality and needs. Hawthorne subverts multiple expectations in this novel, walking the edge between conflict and cliché. The author obviously recognizes the differences between gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexual expression, including how each of these things can be incredibly fluid and individualistic. I especially appreciate Hawthorne’s portrayal of a nonbinary character. While I have no personal experience to judge the author’s accuracy of a concept that is unique to every person, I did enjoy the fact that Hawthorne shares relevant history for the character without ever “confirming or denying” anything beyond what Verity themself is willing to share in their point-of-view narrative.
I’m not sure this story would have worked as a stand-alone, dropped into these characters fresh. However, as the tail end of an enjoyable series in which their full story had only been teased so far, the book made for a satisfying read on multiple levels. Not only did I love Verity and Aaron’s happily ever after, but I also loved knowing that the previous relationships from this series were also going strong. I wouldn’t mind dropping in on any of these characters later to read more about their misadventures (sexy or otherwise).
February 13, 2019
Let’s start with I didn’t read the other books in this series. I can safely say that one doesn’t need to in order to read this one and perhaps that helped me like this book more than some other reviewers did. I didn’t have any preconceived notions or impressions of who Verity and Aaron were.
I adored Verity. I related to them in so many ways that it sometimes felt like holding up a mirror to myself. I was even once in a similar situation and some of the feelings and apprehension described really spoke to me. I loved that the author maintained their enby identity, never betraying the character by revealing a definitive birth sex. I saw that this was disappointing to some readers but I respect the author for it.
Aaron was very well written. I’ve seen him described as too perfect but I think too many of us readers have become (unhealthily) used to the sort of possessive, over the top descriptions of Doms that are toxic and really an inaccurate representation of what a Dom should be. I blame YOU 50 Shades Of Grey. Aaron is wonderfully patient but commanding when it is required. My only criticism is he may come off as a little bit one dimensional in that not a lot of his backstory or life is in the picture. Perhaps it is discussed in the other books? I don’t know, but it needed to be in this one.
The story itself is not really a BDSM story. So if you’re looking for a book filled with BDSM lectures and lots of descriptions of play, this is not for you. Rather, it’s a story of two people who for the most part already know their roles, are familiar with play and are falling in love and trying to navigate what that means for them. Mostly there is more D/s relationship development occurring in the story than scenes from Kink.com.
I adored Verity. I related to them in so many ways that it sometimes felt like holding up a mirror to myself. I was even once in a similar situation and some of the feelings and apprehension described really spoke to me. I loved that the author maintained their enby identity, never betraying the character by revealing a definitive birth sex. I saw that this was disappointing to some readers but I respect the author for it.
Aaron was very well written. I’ve seen him described as too perfect but I think too many of us readers have become (unhealthily) used to the sort of possessive, over the top descriptions of Doms that are toxic and really an inaccurate representation of what a Dom should be. I blame YOU 50 Shades Of Grey. Aaron is wonderfully patient but commanding when it is required. My only criticism is he may come off as a little bit one dimensional in that not a lot of his backstory or life is in the picture. Perhaps it is discussed in the other books? I don’t know, but it needed to be in this one.
The story itself is not really a BDSM story. So if you’re looking for a book filled with BDSM lectures and lots of descriptions of play, this is not for you. Rather, it’s a story of two people who for the most part already know their roles, are familiar with play and are falling in love and trying to navigate what that means for them. Mostly there is more D/s relationship development occurring in the story than scenes from Kink.com.
October 24, 2023
Oh, boy, after really looking forward to Verity’s story, I was so frustrated with this! The smart and sassy Verity of the previous books never appeared here and I just couldn’t change mental gears enough to accept the Verity in this book. Here Verity, a non-binary dom/sub switch, leads dom Aaron around in circles, blowing hot and cold about whether they want a relationship and whether they want to be dominant or submissive. Three quotes to sum things up:
Aaron to Verity: “What’s going on up there?” (Reader: just lots of wheel-spinning and self-doubt)
Chas to Verity: “Have you been body snatched?” (Reader: Yes!)
Verity: “God, I’m an a**hole!” (Reader: Yes. Yes, you are!)
The opening of the book is disjoint but it does get better. Verity, unfortunately, doesn’t. They are unsure, confused, unconfident, and just plain cruel to Aaron at times. They even dress down and worry about meeting the kids sports team that Aaron coaches.
There are plenty of stories about non-binary characters figuring themselves out and that’s fine. But I was really looking forward to finally reading about a strong, positive, totally in-charge NB character and I felt this was a missed opportunity. Instead of taming a big, muscly dom, Verity reverts to being solely submissive so that this reads like a run-of-the-mill MF romance with very traditional roles. The overly schmaltzy language didn’t help.
We do find out Verity’s gender at birth, but if you want to know the specifics of Verity’s current anatomy, you’ll be disappointed. The author deliberately obscures this throughout and I respect that choice but some will find the sex scenes a little vague.
Hats off to ZA Martin for narrating so well. Using ‘they’ is something many are still getting used to and I’ll bet a few he/she’s had to be edited out (the whole series is currently free on the Audible Plus catalogue).
Aaron to Verity: “What’s going on up there?” (Reader: just lots of wheel-spinning and self-doubt)
Chas to Verity: “Have you been body snatched?” (Reader: Yes!)
Verity: “God, I’m an a**hole!” (Reader: Yes. Yes, you are!)
The opening of the book is disjoint but it does get better. Verity, unfortunately, doesn’t. They are unsure, confused, unconfident, and just plain cruel to Aaron at times. They even dress down and worry about meeting the kids sports team that Aaron coaches.
There are plenty of stories about non-binary characters figuring themselves out and that’s fine. But I was really looking forward to finally reading about a strong, positive, totally in-charge NB character and I felt this was a missed opportunity. Instead of taming a big, muscly dom, Verity reverts to being solely submissive so that this reads like a run-of-the-mill MF romance with very traditional roles. The overly schmaltzy language didn’t help.
We do find out Verity’s gender at birth, but if you want to know the specifics of Verity’s current anatomy, you’ll be disappointed. The author deliberately obscures this throughout and I respect that choice but some will find the sex scenes a little vague.
Hats off to ZA Martin for narrating so well. Using ‘they’ is something many are still getting used to and I’ll bet a few he/she’s had to be edited out (the whole series is currently free on the Audible Plus catalogue).
July 17, 2024
After Aaron is introduced to Verity Jones, his entire world is turned on its head. From the very first conversation they shared, Verity has him fascinated and determined. He wants to know more about them, what makes them tick and why they’re so dismissive of him. He wants to convince them he's worth a chance. Aaron is the most stubborn man Verity has ever met and if he didn’t want him so much, he might hate him. It’s been years since Verity settled into his identity and Aaron is mixing it up again, but it’s more than that. Venturing into the unknown is scarier than it was as a teenager, but if the reward at the end of the journey is Aaron, there’s a chance it’s all worth it.
I loved this story and the conclusion of the slow development of the relationship between Verity and Aaron. Finding out some facts about Verity's younger life answered a lot of questions and the identities of the females in Chas's life. (I want to read more about him). A push-and-pull situation between the two of them but I loved that they had the HEA that they deserved. Easy to read, feel and understand I loved that Aaron fully accepted Verity's non-binary status and acted the correct way when they were deadnamed. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s dynamic.
I loved this story and the conclusion of the slow development of the relationship between Verity and Aaron. Finding out some facts about Verity's younger life answered a lot of questions and the identities of the females in Chas's life. (I want to read more about him). A push-and-pull situation between the two of them but I loved that they had the HEA that they deserved. Easy to read, feel and understand I loved that Aaron fully accepted Verity's non-binary status and acted the correct way when they were deadnamed. This was an MM story with mature content and a BDSM-like D/s dynamic.
January 22, 2019
WOW! There are so many great amazing things that happened with these two that I can only say WOW. If you're like me right from the start you were intrigued with Verity and wanted to know more about this mysterious beautiful person. It was definitely worth it and I read this in one night. Verity and Arron together mix the best parts of themselves and make each other better. The plot takes us back some to where we see what was happening with them through the whole series, leading to their happy ending. Chemistry, sweet and sexy and hit all my right buttons. I loved Verity's background with his family being talked about and meeting his brother brought tears to my eyes (his brother so needs his own book too!). Aaron is a patient man who was full of surprises, becoming one of my favorite characters built with honesty and loyalty. I could go on and on about the great scenes in this book but want you to be surprised like I was; you'll blush, laugh, cry and smile cheering these two on. Can't wait for the next Kate, simply amazing. I voluntarily reviewed an 'Advance Author’s Copy' of this book.
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