Hard To Be Good (Laura Kaye)
I would like to state something first -- I really think that Hard to be Good cannot be read as stand-alone. This novella happens right after the event in book #3 and while it might lack in actions (the tone is similar to the other novella, Easy's story, sort of like taking a breather in between the more serious plot) but the big casts surrounding Jeremy and Charlie as the main characters might confuse M/M readers who only want to read this installment. Ms. Kaye might try to give short recaps here and there but I truly think the experience of reading will be different.
In addition, the story happens within the span of a couple of days. For those who are not with Jeremy and Charlie since the beginning might think that it happens too fast for both men to say that they love one another. When in actuality, it is practically the culmination of friendship and some sexual tensions that happened for a couple of weeks, ever since Charlie was saved by Nick and his brothers-in-arms then being brought to Jeremy's place.
As someone who read all three books and one novella of this series prior to this one, Jeremy and Charlie's being together is one thing I have been excited about. I love Jeremy Rixey; this bisexual tattoo artist is one of my favorite characters in the series (aside from Marz). I think his sunny disposition always makes everything a little brighter. Despite being a civilian, Jeremy has as important role as the rest. He opens his house to shelter his brother's friends and their loved ones. Jeremy's funny and can bring smile to everyone's face -- and that makes him pretty sexy for me.
Meanwhile, Charlie Merritt is a little bit shy and quieter compared to Jeremy. He is more comfortable with computers rather than with other people. This is the first time that Charlie gets his own chapters and I loved finding out more about him. The rejection of his own father makes Charlie not as confident as he wants to be. He's worried if Nick and the rest of the men don't approve of his sexuality as well -- and it will hurt him if it happens especially since Charlie owes his life to them. So he approaches the relationship with Jeremy rather tentatively.
I really thought they were really sweet together. Since Jeremy and Charlie spend time together 'slightly' longer than the rest of the heterosexual couple, I thought they had stronger connection. There were enough sexy moments, tender moments, and at times funny and light moments (mostly courtesy of Jeremy's *lol*) that made me really happy.
All in all, this novella is my FAVORITE story from the series. Did I wish I get more pages? Yes, I did. But either way, I'm quite satisfied with how Ms. Kaye writes Jeremy and Charlie's.
I do have a HUGE complain about the cover though. Seriously, Avon doesn't have any money to hire the RIGHT models for the cover? They do nicely for the NOVELS but for this novella, it's not like they're even trying. Only use stock photo that doesn't even match the character physical traits. Look, I don't usually raise a ruckus over models on book covers because I'm NOT a visual person and usually have hard time imagining what characters look like. However, Jeremy has number of facial piercings and Charlie has long strands of BLOND HAIR! Can you see any of THAT description from the two men in the cover?!? Jeez.
PS: We have additional family members to the team!! A one-eyed orange tabby that named Cy (after Cyclops). I would love to see the cat gets more scenes in the final book alongside Eileen, the three-legged German puppy :)
In addition, the story happens within the span of a couple of days. For those who are not with Jeremy and Charlie since the beginning might think that it happens too fast for both men to say that they love one another. When in actuality, it is practically the culmination of friendship and some sexual tensions that happened for a couple of weeks, ever since Charlie was saved by Nick and his brothers-in-arms then being brought to Jeremy's place.
As someone who read all three books and one novella of this series prior to this one, Jeremy and Charlie's being together is one thing I have been excited about. I love Jeremy Rixey; this bisexual tattoo artist is one of my favorite characters in the series (aside from Marz). I think his sunny disposition always makes everything a little brighter. Despite being a civilian, Jeremy has as important role as the rest. He opens his house to shelter his brother's friends and their loved ones. Jeremy's funny and can bring smile to everyone's face -- and that makes him pretty sexy for me.
Meanwhile, Charlie Merritt is a little bit shy and quieter compared to Jeremy. He is more comfortable with computers rather than with other people. This is the first time that Charlie gets his own chapters and I loved finding out more about him. The rejection of his own father makes Charlie not as confident as he wants to be. He's worried if Nick and the rest of the men don't approve of his sexuality as well -- and it will hurt him if it happens especially since Charlie owes his life to them. So he approaches the relationship with Jeremy rather tentatively.
I really thought they were really sweet together. Since Jeremy and Charlie spend time together 'slightly' longer than the rest of the heterosexual couple, I thought they had stronger connection. There were enough sexy moments, tender moments, and at times funny and light moments (mostly courtesy of Jeremy's *lol*) that made me really happy.
All in all, this novella is my FAVORITE story from the series. Did I wish I get more pages? Yes, I did. But either way, I'm quite satisfied with how Ms. Kaye writes Jeremy and Charlie's.
I do have a HUGE complain about the cover though. Seriously, Avon doesn't have any money to hire the RIGHT models for the cover? They do nicely for the NOVELS but for this novella, it's not like they're even trying. Only use stock photo that doesn't even match the character physical traits. Look, I don't usually raise a ruckus over models on book covers because I'm NOT a visual person and usually have hard time imagining what characters look like. However, Jeremy has number of facial piercings and Charlie has long strands of BLOND HAIR! Can you see any of THAT description from the two men in the cover?!? Jeez.
PS: We have additional family members to the team!! A one-eyed orange tabby that named Cy (after Cyclops). I would love to see the cat gets more scenes in the final book alongside Eileen, the three-legged German puppy :)
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