When Love is not Enough

Last night, I sat down to read When Love is not Enough by Wade Kelly. The opening had me really confused, but begging for more. I had to know what caused the worse day ever and why two people who had never met were experiencing the same emotions.

I couldn't put this book down. I fell in love with Jamie, his best from Matt, and fiance Darian. This raw emotional roller coaster had me cheering for these young characters one minute and crying for them the next. 

 The pain and constant degrading comments creates a world in which Jamie feels like he can't go on.  After his parents divorce, Jamie is asked by a counselor to keep a journal to help his temper instead of getting into fights at school. Matt seeks out Jamie's journal to better understand why a healthy young man about to get married would take his own life. 

The once a month weekend visits to his dad, Dan Miller, Jamie discovers Darian and falls in love for the first time. Dan Miller deserves the award for parent of the year! Jamie goes to his dad when his feelings for another boy start to arise. His dad is a constant support system he doesn't have at home with his controlling, abusive, crazy mother Joan.

What to expect when you pick up this book? The reader will be subjected to a timeline from childhood until Jamie takes his own life at the age of twenty-two. The POV and timeline jump around several times in this book. For me, I thought I got to know and understand all the characters better this way. It was like when a movie flashes back between the past and the present. A full, clear picture was painted of the characters and the world they lived in. 

I loved this book! I wanted to hold Jamie and tell him to be strong. I wanted to high-five Matt when he stood in front of the church and told of how his best friend loved everyone and would never judge them. How Christians needed to be God like and love everyone, not just those who agree with their life-style. 

Wade Kelly's story was a beautiful tale of loss, love, and friendship. I wish there was more time to dive into the relationships after the funeral to see the aftermath of Jamie's choice. I loved how Wade created characters that could be relatable to youth today. In the wake of so many young adult suicides, I would hope this book could reach out to not only those contemplating taking their lives, but to those who are narrow-minded and hurtful to others. 

I give this book 5 stars and would recommend it to anyone.

Roan's Freefall

Infected: Freefall by Andrea Speed

In this installment of the Infected series, we find Roan McKichan spiraling out of control.  Grief, addiction, depression, and guilt are just highlights on the roller coaster of Roan's life. Roan is still dealing with the loss of his husband Paris and stumbling in his new relationship with Dylan. The ex-cop now private detective tries to solve a cold case kidnapping, political big wig's death, kitty killings,  and once again the local Church of the Divine Transformation tries to provoke the wrong cat.

What I love about this book.

1.  The writing is exceptional. Ms. Speed's characters are not one dimensional. I feel like the reader gets to know the real Roan. He leaps off the page and in your face. Sometimes after a book I will try to remember something about one of the main characters and I can't do it, there just simply wasn't enough to support the characters development. Ms. Speed does not have that problem. The reader can easily picture Roan driving down the street listening to Pansy Division while drinking a green tea, picturing Dylan doing naked yoga. My point…Ms. Speed's characters are strongly written and come to life.

2. Holden. I simply love this character! When we first met him in the earlier books I was hoping for a change to read more about him and my wish came true in Freefall. Holden is many things, a male prostitute only being one of them. He is a lot like Roan and yet so different. I hope his unofficial assistant position will become more permanent.  His role in this book was unforgettable.

What didn't work for me.

1. Dylan. Don't get me wrong, I think Dylan is a fantastic guy, but as Roan's partner? I just don't see or feel that connection. Dylan was handpicked by Paris as his replacement, but with Roan's issues the relationship has taken a backseat.

2. Batman. I loved the batman jokes at first, but then it became too much. I laughed out loud at some of the comments, but enough was enough.

I give this book 5 stars. For me, it is the strongest in the series and I can't wait for the next book. If you enjoy shifters, law enforcement, strong MC's then this series is for you. My advice would to start at the beginning if you haven't done so. You don't want to miss out on anything in this series!