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galleytrot's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
READ: Jan 2023
FORMAT: Audio
FORMAT: Audio
BRIEF SUMMARY:
In this contemporary romance, we follow Zach and Drew, respectively: the owner of and an employee at Zach’s Bar and Grill. For the past seven years, Drew has been relentlessly expressing his interest in Zach, while Zach is too caught up to give in by Drew’s age difference and status as Zach’s best friend’s little brother. When Drew finds out he has a stalker, overprotective Zach is prepared to do all he can to keep Drew safe, even if it means re-evaluating his position on their relationship.
ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: 3 / 5⭐
Boy, this story goes hard, doesn’t it? I shouldn’t be surprised considering the turn book one of this series took, but the shift into something of a suspense/thriller genre wasn’t on my radar. It’s still more of a romance than anything else, but I’m not sure I know what it wanted to be.
I want to start by saying I don’t condone Drew’s behaviour towards Zach in the beginning of this book at all. He is overtly something of a sex pest, and he justifies it because he’s so sure that Zach wants him just as bad. It all works out, because yes, Zach does in fact want Drew, but it’s such an awful message to send that if you want someone badly enough, you should spend seven years hurling every invite and innuendo that you perceivably can in their direction. One day, you’ll be rewarded.
That said, do Zach and Drew work together? They’ve certainly got some chemistry, and already have years of developing their affection for one another behind them. In this book, Drew’s struggle is in admitting he could use some help and protection in a situation where he’s in over his head; Zach’s struggle is in convincing Drew that he no longer thinks of him as a helpless kid in need of a protector. With how often Drew winds up needing help and protection, I'm not sure the goal is achieved.
TECHNICAL / PRODUCTION: 3 / 5⭐
In the last book, I noted how I'd found many characters would have over-the-top reactions to the situations they were in. I didn’t see that quite as often this time around, but what I did see was a whole lot of flip-flopping in motivation.
Drew’s character, for example, is often complaining about how Grant and Zach treat him like a child incapable of taking care of himself, then in the next breath he’s wishing that he would just come clean about what’s happening, and get their support and protection. In bed with Zach, in one moment he’s demanding control, and in the next he’s giving himself over entirely. He’s just all over the place, in my opinion.
I’m not sure that I’m willing to call this book bad writing, but I’m not dismissing Quinn as an author yet either. If I pursue any more books in this series, I’m likely to skip book three (because Ryder has been well-established as an even worse sex pest than Drew is). Kirt Graves did a good job with the narration of this book. I have no complaints on his performance.
FINAL THOUGHTS - OVERALL: 3 / 5⭐
This book doesn’t offend me for existing and I didn’t dislike it. If you want to read a romance with a side dish of danger, this has that.
This book has representation for bi, gay, and lesbian sexualities. A couple people are described with darker skin tones.
The following elaborates on my content warnings. These may be interpreted as spoilers, but I do not go into deep detail.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Stalking
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Mental illness, Blood, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cancer and Death of parent
jessilwow12's review against another edition
4.0
The mystery aspect of this book was a nice change in pace from the previous book. The early online connection one of the main character has adds a nice naughty note to Drew. It adds a nice depth to his character and while it does turn dark it adds some spice to who he is. The struggle he has with those close to him seeing him for who he really is a running thread through the whole story.
While Zach has always seen himself as a protector and even in some ways a step disconnected, Drew won’t allow it stay that way. And watching Zach and Drew finally connect and have to face the terror hunting them gave this story an edge. Not to mention the two of them together is incredibly hot and long awaited. Over all this book had a little bit of everything super sexy times, heartfelt family connection you expect from this author and mystery and danger to round it out. A great addition to this series.
While Zach has always seen himself as a protector and even in some ways a step disconnected, Drew won’t allow it stay that way. And watching Zach and Drew finally connect and have to face the terror hunting them gave this story an edge. Not to mention the two of them together is incredibly hot and long awaited. Over all this book had a little bit of everything super sexy times, heartfelt family connection you expect from this author and mystery and danger to round it out. A great addition to this series.
xanthe87's review against another edition
5.0
A brilliant follow up to Drawn to You, this outing much more intense with a stalker and a twist that was very hard to see coming!
Zach, the very protective older brother of the Taylor clan and owner of Zach's Bar and Grill, has been denying a lot of feelings that Drew has been bringing up in him whilst Drew tries his hardest to get Zach to give in to the obvious attraction between them. What does bring out his protectiveness and fear is the messages, notes and pictures that Drew starts receiving from an unknown person. Drew's fear doesn't stop him from wanting to live his life and have Zach be an important part of that.
The plot line is really intriguing and draws you in with the tension that the characters are feeling. I was constantly trying to guess with clues that come through as you read through the book. Jaclyn has done a fantastic job at building atmosphere and suspense for the MC's and readers alike. There are great interaction amongst the amazing family and friends that the men have, giving support and love to both men.
This is such a great story with well established MC's and a plot that just pulls you in and grabs your attention. I highly recommend reading this book! This book is the second in a series, it's not necessary to have read the first to enjoy this one though I would recommend for enjoyment and one or two points/people that you would have a better understanding of.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Zach, the very protective older brother of the Taylor clan and owner of Zach's Bar and Grill, has been denying a lot of feelings that Drew has been bringing up in him whilst Drew tries his hardest to get Zach to give in to the obvious attraction between them. What does bring out his protectiveness and fear is the messages, notes and pictures that Drew starts receiving from an unknown person. Drew's fear doesn't stop him from wanting to live his life and have Zach be an important part of that.
The plot line is really intriguing and draws you in with the tension that the characters are feeling. I was constantly trying to guess with clues that come through as you read through the book. Jaclyn has done a fantastic job at building atmosphere and suspense for the MC's and readers alike. There are great interaction amongst the amazing family and friends that the men have, giving support and love to both men.
This is such a great story with well established MC's and a plot that just pulls you in and grabs your attention. I highly recommend reading this book! This book is the second in a series, it's not necessary to have read the first to enjoy this one though I would recommend for enjoyment and one or two points/people that you would have a better understanding of.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
alittlebookedtoday's review against another edition
4.0
we love a get your head out of your ass romance.
aligroen's review against another edition
4.0
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
I really enjoyed this story and was even thrown for a loop when the stalker was revealed. Drew and Zach work well together at work, they just need to learn how to do it in their personal lives but once that happens everything isn’t as smooth as they would like.
I loved how Drew would not give up in his quest for Zach but I think that is what Zach needed since he couldn’t seem to work for his own happiness. Zach sure is stubborn and he’ll do whatever it takes for those around him to be happy even if it’s not what would make him happy and that broke my heart. I was glad to see him hold on with both hands once he let himself be happy.
This story pulled me from one emotion to the other, I was happy and then worried or scared about what was happening to Drew and back and forth but it sure kept my attention. I could tell how it hurt the characters for someone they were close with to be the cause of all the problems. I think I can see who the next relationship will be and I really look forward to it.
The cover art by Cate Ashwood is great, I love the visual of the characters and Drew’s signature shirt *wink*.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
I really enjoyed this story and was even thrown for a loop when the stalker was revealed. Drew and Zach work well together at work, they just need to learn how to do it in their personal lives but once that happens everything isn’t as smooth as they would like.
I loved how Drew would not give up in his quest for Zach but I think that is what Zach needed since he couldn’t seem to work for his own happiness. Zach sure is stubborn and he’ll do whatever it takes for those around him to be happy even if it’s not what would make him happy and that broke my heart. I was glad to see him hold on with both hands once he let himself be happy.
This story pulled me from one emotion to the other, I was happy and then worried or scared about what was happening to Drew and back and forth but it sure kept my attention. I could tell how it hurt the characters for someone they were close with to be the cause of all the problems. I think I can see who the next relationship will be and I really look forward to it.
The cover art by Cate Ashwood is great, I love the visual of the characters and Drew’s signature shirt *wink*.
wendylynnm's review against another edition
4.0
❤️❤️❤️❤️
What a great book. Loved these two together and can’t wait for more from this series
What a great book. Loved these two together and can’t wait for more from this series
onceupon_a_bookdream's review against another edition
4.0
4.5/5 stars
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Thirst for You by Jaclyn Quinn is the second book in her Beyond the Cove series. However, you do not have to have read the first book to enjoy this one, as they can be read as standalones. Warning : It will make you want to go read the first book, that's exactly what it did to me !
Drew has spent the last seven years yearning for his older brothers best friend who happens to be his boss. That doesn't stop him from letting Zach know exactly what he wants with him, but Zach doesn't give in to the temptation. Drew tries his hardest to make Zach see him more than a kid who needs to be taken care of but nothing seems to work. When Drew starts getting threatening messages and Zach finds out about his secret side job, Zach sees Drew in a different light. Things for Drew go from bad to worse with Zach being the only ray of light. As the danger escalates, Zach and Drew's happy might be over before it gets to really begins.
"I need you by my side, not standing in front of me like some human shield. I want to be considered your equal, not someone you need to take care of."
I seriously could not put this book down once I started it. I love both Zach and Drew along with all their friends and family. A cast of relatable characters you felt like you could meet walking into a local pub. Drew was energetic, fun and passionate. He knows what he wants and isn't afraid to make it known. I felt so bad for the situation he found himself in especially since he had been trying so hard to prove he could take care of himself. Zach was a lot more stern than Drew and was over the top protective of everyone in his life. I couldn't get enough of Drew's over the top flirting with Zach and the sexual chemistry between them. The passion between them was on fire and will leave you fanning yourself. It takes Zach a while to be fully confident in his relationship with Drew but thankfully Drew never once questioned his feelings towards Zach and never gave up when even the most difficult obstacles got in their way.
"This man had the power to destroy him; he also had the power to make Drew his whenever the hell he wanted."
Overall, Thirst for You was a fantastic age gap, MM romance suspense. It is well paced and very exciting. It keeps you guessing until the very end with just the right amount of mystery to go with the steamy romance between Zach and Drew. I am really looking forward to future releases in this series.
"Drew was trying to keep up, but if he thought Zach dominated before, it didn't hold a candle to the way he was controlling the kiss."
"Drew had broken all the rules.. and Zach had let him."
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Thirst for You by Jaclyn Quinn is the second book in her Beyond the Cove series. However, you do not have to have read the first book to enjoy this one, as they can be read as standalones. Warning : It will make you want to go read the first book, that's exactly what it did to me !
Drew has spent the last seven years yearning for his older brothers best friend who happens to be his boss. That doesn't stop him from letting Zach know exactly what he wants with him, but Zach doesn't give in to the temptation. Drew tries his hardest to make Zach see him more than a kid who needs to be taken care of but nothing seems to work. When Drew starts getting threatening messages and Zach finds out about his secret side job, Zach sees Drew in a different light. Things for Drew go from bad to worse with Zach being the only ray of light. As the danger escalates, Zach and Drew's happy might be over before it gets to really begins.
"I need you by my side, not standing in front of me like some human shield. I want to be considered your equal, not someone you need to take care of."
I seriously could not put this book down once I started it. I love both Zach and Drew along with all their friends and family. A cast of relatable characters you felt like you could meet walking into a local pub. Drew was energetic, fun and passionate. He knows what he wants and isn't afraid to make it known. I felt so bad for the situation he found himself in especially since he had been trying so hard to prove he could take care of himself. Zach was a lot more stern than Drew and was over the top protective of everyone in his life. I couldn't get enough of Drew's over the top flirting with Zach and the sexual chemistry between them. The passion between them was on fire and will leave you fanning yourself. It takes Zach a while to be fully confident in his relationship with Drew but thankfully Drew never once questioned his feelings towards Zach and never gave up when even the most difficult obstacles got in their way.
"This man had the power to destroy him; he also had the power to make Drew his whenever the hell he wanted."
Overall, Thirst for You was a fantastic age gap, MM romance suspense. It is well paced and very exciting. It keeps you guessing until the very end with just the right amount of mystery to go with the steamy romance between Zach and Drew. I am really looking forward to future releases in this series.
"Drew was trying to keep up, but if he thought Zach dominated before, it didn't hold a candle to the way he was controlling the kiss."
"Drew had broken all the rules.. and Zach had let him."