Status Updates From Art of Death (Death #1)

oh, yes an artist who graduated from a highly regarded art school who's never heard of Bosch. that makes sense. >.> I mean i guess it's not the dumbest thing in the book

52% and suddenly we get another character's pov after 100% Riley so far? wtf? In other news Riley is dumb, like he's 27, but I was thinking he acts more like 17, but now it's like he's a particularly dumb 17 year old. Also, what planet is the author on? You don't just "climb" a palm tree without equipment. Oh, and kid had a fight w toxic BF where, honestly, I had to take toxic BF's side. dnf is tempting me

Ah, the old "mere illustration" thing. You really need to ditch the BF dude.

what grown ass adult thinks like this? in other news, calling each other "baby" is super cringe.

well that was unexpected

Not only not is he connecting the obvious dots, it's like he's completely unfamiliar with the idea that dots can be connected. Also the way the backstory is delivered seems a bit late and suboptimal. idk. Not uninteresting, more like the writing is just very slightly off. Also his BF is very sus and toxic and needs to go.

Feels a bit more dated than I'd expect for a 10 year old book.

Was not expecting this.

Riley may not be the smartest, and he is definitely rash, but I appreciate his courage in risking himself for complete strangers.

I just want Nick and Riley to be happy 😭

Let's just say it. Riley is simply TSTL. I am 3/4 of the way through this book and there is little to like about this lying idiot.

I actually like characters that are lower in intelligence--a lot. But not when they're presented to me as clever. Not swallowing that.

And now, after his stunningly brave and snappy dinner conversation and smart exit, I can't believe it was the same boy. He's been consistently idiotic, so this new face of smart... what is it? Has he--gasp--grown? Or was this an anomaly? Maybe he's smarter drunk?

*chokes on the cereal she's eating* so, he knows he won't get away without having to drink at least a little of the wine, but the stupid fool has three freaking glasses. Riley, you continue to astound me. I don't think I've EVER read a character that more fully personifies TSTL.

The fuck?? And he tells no one where he's going? Not his boyfriend, not even Porter. This little dude is not winning any "reader is compellingly connected to character" award as this story progresses. How am I suppose to cheer for him? He's annoying the shit outta me with all his ridiculous behaviour and "I've gotta do this" stunts. But, it is certainly entertaining.

Oh my GOD, Riley, you are TSTL! And yet, here you are. I don't see why these men are attracted to you. Seriously, brotha? You're gonna seriously go to dinner with the non-too-innocent Mr. Tobias and THE UNDEAD MAN WHO IS TRYING TO KILL YOU?!

But Riley wants both kinds it seems. Kind and caring, devoted and tender, but also rough and dominating, possessive and harsh.

Ah ha! Riley likes to be pushed, dominated, his partner roughly and crazily in charge. Yup, Nick is not well matched for him. Nick is more "are you okay" x100

Whew, exciting! Like the menacing Westwood, Riley's fear/attraction to the mysterious and dangerous man, even like the near non-con scene, but could do without the "you want it because you're hard" bs. Hate it when a dark scene goes all unbelievable (esp. popular in old Harlequins), when sudden (s)he is into it. No. Keep the feeling at scared and not liking it, even if body responds to mixed sensations.

Landsakes, Riley! I feel sorry for Nick, your boyfriend, because you act so... so... angry and immature teenager with him. The guy is *worried* for fuck sake. Yah, he doesn't remember you don't like Chinese food, yah, he likes to keep his house "marketable," but maybe you should fucking communicate. Tell him you want to be on the mortgage, tell him why an apple tree is important, tell him you want to make it a home.

Really enjoying this m/m. Something different: the couple is already established, and the tension runs around the mystery. Smooth writing flow. I do wonder of the couple will last... they seem content. Normal, average, even.