Book 98, 2023

When the Walls Come Down by Harper Robson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I stayed up late last night to finish reading When the Walls Come Down by Harper Robson. It's the second book in the author's "Hot Dam Homes" series of male/male romance. The main characters are Dylan Campbell, who's learned to live with being on the autism spectrum, and Dr Reed Morrow, a recovering opioid addict.

Dylan and Reed are both most comfortable functioning behind their carefully constructed walls. Dylan's family understands him, and he doesn't let anyone else get too close. Reed keeps his co-workers at arm's length. When the two of them encounter one another in the ER, they are drawn to one another. Reed talks to Dylan about the troubles he's having with a renovation, and Dylan impulsively offers to help. They begin a delicate dance of being attracted to one another while still trying to navigate their personal issues. Communicating helps, but their fledgling relationship is put to the test when Dylan has a major, public meltdown. While each of them feels what they have is worth fighting for, neither is sure where to go from here. It will take some interference from friends and family to get Dylan and Reed to move forward.

This was...interesting. I prefer humor with my romance, and while this story had some funny moments, it was mostly hurt/comfort. I thought the author did a good job of handling both men's issues, although admittedly I have very little experience with neuro-divergency or addiction. It was heartening to see how Reed learned to give Dylan space, while Dylan worked hard at communicating what he was experiencing so that Reed understood him better.

Favorite line: "You thank him for his care and concern by throwing him out on his ass the next morning?" // "Well, it sounds way worse when you say it like that."

This was a good book, but I found it more thought-provoking than entertaining. I felt that far too much of the story focused on the issues that Dylan and Reed dealt with, whereas I would have liked to read more of them simply enjoying each other's company as their relationship progressed. For that reason, this gets only an average rating.

Book 98.5, 2023

I was looking to start reading an urban fantasy today, preferably something funny. I chose Motherducking Monster Os by Michelle Fox. It's a prequel to the author's "Bad Magic Bounty Hunter" series, starring bounty hunter Sylvie Orion. Unfortunately, this was just a short story; therefore, I'm not counting it towards books read.

Sylvie has very little magic of her own, but she's made a career of bringing other supernaturals (supes) in as a bounty hunter. Today, her target is the mean girl who made Sylvie's life a living hell in school, and Karma is going to be epic.

I enjoyed Sylvie's snarky sense of humor and her ability to level the playing field with her nemesis, Lydia. Although brief, the story set up Sylvie's world nicely and provided a segue to what will be the first book in the series. It also introduced a potential romantic interest.

Favorite line: Summer in Cleveland had all the charm of Satan's butthole.

Cute and funny, and I'll look for more in the series. Four stars.