kimberly_rose’s Reviews > Hot Mess > Status Update

A Devil's Own Luck and A Promise of Tomorrow are still my frothing-at-the-mouth-enthusiasm-loves of Rowan's, but this contemporary story is damn fine too! She has a sensitive, compelling way with characters. I want Ryan and John's story. Ryan knows he's an ass, John knows Ryan's an ass, so what's the deeper story that connects them? Need to know! *tucks colourful Canadian bills in Rowan's g-strong, begging for more*

Love it! He may still be fucked up, but who isn't? If you can be aware and take control, then you can still have a great Ol' fabulously fucked up life!

This last bit, after the final conflict, is saggy (it's lovely to see a bit of their day-to-day and have resolution with Ryan and John, but it's also not an overly strong "read on" motivator). But--yum!--their dinner sounds fab: pomegranate mojitos, brie en croute with dried cranberries for appetizers; wood plank salmon, rice and salad for the main meal; and if they say Jack Daniel's honey pecan pie for dessert...!

Cameron is empowered! I was thinking it's a blessing he took charge of himself; Sam is, unfortunately, an enabler. In the end, because of Cameron's deep suffering and equally deep desire to become aware, in control, Cameron has more emotional intelligence than Sam.

WAH, Ryan! Why you gotta be so hard ass, so unsympathetic? Where your theory o' mind at, buddy? Where it at?! Never so completely judge someone's inside from your outside.

Aw. I identify with Cameron's (destructive and consciously unwanted) visceral response to overwhelming hurt or frustrated feelings that one can barely process. Boy needs some preventative cognitive behavioural tools posthaste.

FFS, Cameron! Clusterfuck yourself, or what?! Jumpin Jehoshaphat! And only 40% left of the book in which to untangle youself!

OOOH boy... Ryan, Sam's friend, is a possessive freak about his bf and he's already judged Cam negatively. So, if Cam retaliates (and makes himself feel better) by flirting with Ryan's bf, yeah.... Pyrotechnics 101... *closes eyes tightly, cringing at the near peak of a roller coaster*

ICD: "...increasing tension or arousal before committing the act that characterizes the disorder. During the act, the person probably will feel pleasure, gratification or relief. Afterward, the person may blame himself or feel regret or guilt. ...the acts generally fulfill their immediate, conscious wishes...."

Cameron has some type of highly distressing impulse control disorder. Not intermittent explosive disorder or anything, but something. Loss of control over one's life would be distressing.