Kelly Jensen (1)

I really enjoyed this, probably my favorite Kelly Jensen book to date (including her [b:Chaos Station|23595481|Chaos Station (Chaos Station, #1)|Jenn Burke|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1422552182s/23595481.jpg|43197919] series with Jenn Burke). It had everything going for it - sweetness, hurt/comfort, humor, heat - and a nice slow burn between the two MCs as their friendship developed into much more. My heart broke several times for both characters, and then Kelly Jensen neatly sewed show more it up back together. I really felt the two men fall in love and develop more faith in themselves through their relationship. If you like down-but-not-out MCs, and both family love (Jake's) and family angst (Max's), you should give this one a try. show less

Now that's more like it! Inversion Point is arguably the strongest entry yet in the Chaos Station series, with much less of the annoying "I'm not good enough for him" angsting that weakened Skip Trace and more of a focus on two strong characters working together to survive hair-raising adventures. Okay, there is some jealousy on Zed's part when Felix's former lover shows up (of course he is almost perfect, with none of Zed's "emissary of the Guardians" baggage), but at least Zed doesn't run show more away in a hissy fit. Felix shows remarkable growth from the previous book thanks to some therapy, and although he'll never be Mr. Charming he's a lot less hostile and prickly.

There is a lot of action in this installment - one shockingly violent scene in particular will not soon be forgotten - and an intriguing new species that bring the MCs closer in a way they never would have expected. It's a treat to catch up with the rest of the crew of the Chaos, especially Elias, who gets a little more of the spotlight than usual. And we finally get to meet members of the Stin species, who are responsible for Felix's worst nightmares. They're certainly not an admirable group, but the authors give them enough depth that they are not just cartoon villains either.

The god-like Guardians are thankfully quiet for most of the novel, letting our heroes save the day by themselves, with a little help from their new friends. Overall, this is a very strong M/M space opera with drama, romance and humor - just what I have been hoping for since I picked up Chaos Station. Not sure what the authors have planned for the finale, Phase Shift, but I will miss both main and supporting characters when the series is over.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. show less

Loved this.

I've thoroughly enjoyed this series. A whole set of stories with main characters that are more mature. Characters who have lived life, made mistakes, have regrets and hang-ups, and are just starting to fall apart a little. Joints ache, tums are a tad soft, no one's getting it up eight times a night, they wear glasses, and dying their hair's not a fashion statement. These people are real and none more so than Mal and Brian. Yes, Brian, Simon's cheating ex from the first book. I show more adored him in this book, his need to care for his friends and family, his realisations about what he wanted from life. The author did an excellent job of making Brian a redeemable character, one that I really cared about, without demonising Simon or making excuses for his actions.

Highly recommended. The whole series, in fact. show less

Loved this.

I've thoroughly enjoyed this series. A whole set of stories with main characters that are more mature. Characters who have lived life, made mistakes, have regrets and hang-ups, and are just starting to fall apart a little. Joints ache, tums are a tad soft, no one's getting it up eight times a night, they wear glasses, and dying their hair's not a fashion statement. These people are real and none more so than Mal and Brian. Yes, Brian, Simon's cheating ex from the first book. I show more adored him in this book, his need to care for his friends and family, his realisations about what he wanted from life. The author did an excellent job of making Brian a redeemable character, one that I really cared about, without demonising Simon or making excuses for his actions.

Highly recommended. The whole series, in fact. show less