And the "cute" and "small" descriptors for Finley are in the weird intersection of sounding emasculating and ableist. "Sabretooth" is not a compliment, it does not feel like good-natured teasing to me. I also don't like that both Sam and Finley keep using words for each other clearly does not like. But it's hard to critique since Sam still hasn't laid out any boundaries themselves. I am more wary of the Em's hero worship and his gender comments - the non-consensual outing, the focus on Sam being a girl make me uncomfortable.
I knew Em would get involved with them and while I find alcohol working this fast to be ridiculous, I don't necessarily mind the consent issue. Why is every person they meet hot, finds Sam hot and is ready to flirt? I was looking forward to the female love interests but Ahura's introduction left a lot to be desired in my opinion.
I could also do without the constant sexualization/sex jokes/innuendo. Some comments are also repeated way too often in a novella. Instead, the narrator is just telling over and over again how Sam is above it all. The constant threats and self-deprecating jokes seem a little more performative this time around - like, look at how cool and aloof this character is! - without offering any deeper insight into Sam. While I liked Sam's snark initially it's getting boring really quickly. Too many new people were introduced that did not get enough page time to be fully developed, Theo is just too convenient. I found the mystery this time around fairly boring. Sam and Finley are now in a relationship, their guild still exists and Sam is just now coming around to tell them about their deal with the politician. I did not enjoy this as much as the first one. Join me on Patreon to help me create, AND get advance access to ebooks, audiobooks, and more! Sign up for my mailing list to get a free RH spoof story that pokes fun at all the tired old tropes: I love the outdoors and still hope to be abducted by fae! (I may have more in common with my characters than I care to admit.) I also advocate for self-development and mental health and dabble in non-fiction as time allows. My favorite theme is overcoming our inner demons and the insecurities that hold us back. My pan heart firmly believes love is love, so you'll see straight, LGBTQIA, monogamous, reverse harem, and poly relationships in my work.
My books include paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and fantasy romance-with the occasional steampunk or alien story thrown in just for kicks. I write magic and romance, starring a cast of creatures with feathers, fins, and teeth. Sometimes our greatest strengths come from our deepest challenges.
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