kimberly_rose’s Reviews > Art of Death > Status Update

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?

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.