LA has had a lot of disappointments recently, and a cheerful imp that throws rainbow confetti and maybe lets you see something good about yourself cannot help, can he? Maybe LA's special person is a sweetheart of a monster that loves baking and anything involving Alan Tudyk?
From the By Rude Strength blurb:
If you don’t have anything nice to say…
LA Holmes has never had anything nice to say and he’s not starting now.
He’s fought tooth and nail to get where he is and he’s not about to change his wicked ways just because things have gotten a little complicated. It doesn’t matter if his body is a wreck, his career has imploded, or that his love life is in complete shambles. He is not going to give up. He is not going to quit fighting. He is not going to show any weakness…
Except for that random visit to a magic shop when he was feeling a tiny bit desperate, but reallywhat was the worst that could happen?
A magical monster being bound to him for eternity, that’s what.
LA is now stuck with Cass, a snarky gentle giant of a beast who is supposed to be the answer to his problems. All Cass wants to do, however, is cuddle and bake cakes and talk about feelings. His ideas are ridiculous and frustrating, and LA refuses to listen to his stupid plans. LA can’t let himself be distracted by a handsome monster when he has so much at stake and letting his guard down could cost him everything…
Cass promises LA a lifetime of happiness if he’s willing to give in, but can LA find the strength to surrender?
By Rude Strength is a standalone MM romance novel as part of the multi-author collaboration Tales from the Tarot. This book is based on the major arcana card Strength.
SNik's review:
Part of a multi-author series (Tales from the Tarot), but can be read as a standalone. Paranormal. Grumpy/sunshine. Hurt/comfort. Single POV.
LA is not having a bad day, it’s possibly the worst day of his life, being fired, breaking up with his boyfriend, a flat tire and he’s still contending with a back injury that leaves him in pain most days. A random stop in a magic shop prompts a visit from a very special imp named Cass who insists he’s there to help LA get his strength back in all aspects of his life.
Cass is the most sugary cinnamon roll monster to ever exist, and coaches LA on boundaries, acceptance, kindness, taking positives from setbacks, and finding happiness without letting others ruin it for you. LA is certainly relatable and boy do I wish I had a Cass in my life that made everything more joyful and optimistic. Luckily, LA is not hurtful towards Cass with his temper, and they really bond over cooking, their love of all things Alan Tudyk, and their attraction which ends up reaching beyond the physical. Cute read.
Angel's review:
LA and Cass is the epitome of Grumpy/Sunshine. LA has had a rough time lately, the job he's had for the past decade fired him, his boyfriend of two years broke up with him, and his car has a flat tire. Things just aren't going well for the man. Then he sees a pretty red bottle in The Magic Shop and thought it would add pizzazz to his bedroom... However, upon returning home the bottle vanishes and in it's place is Cass.
I enjoyed reading this story, the banter between Cass and LA was quite funny at times. Their dialogue was entertaining and engaging to read, and their chemistry together was electric! I appreciated how these two didn't completely rush into anything, they took it slow (ish) and gave each other time to grow deeper feelings and form a stronger connection before they did anything else. I liked that a lot.
At first I wasn't a fan of LA's character, he was brash, harsh, rude, and at times self centered. However, throughout the story I got to better understand his character and why certain things set him off the way they did. It's not an excuse for his behavior, which he did end up acknowledging himself, but knowing why he lashed out in regards to certain things helped me understand him better. Over time we got to see his character grow with Cass's encouragement and support. I loved the relationship those two have together.
While LA is still very much a grump, he softened more and more towards Cass as the story went on. Overall I thought this was a good story with interesting characters, and a great story line!!
By Rude Strength is currently available as an e-book and paperback and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription
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