travlbug

I love that the twins are willing to battle Grandmother for Drew (and yes, they are cute!). However, "the talk" between the Lady Jane and Drew goes well: They establish themselves as strong individuals who love the twins; and they develop a grudging respect for each other. Of equal importance, Drew is made privy to the blackmail preventing Grandmother from doing more for the twins to protect them over time. I love that the result is sympathy enough that Drew decides to play peacemaker: The parents are actually the villains of the piece, and it's time that the twins are made aware. In all truth, Drew is probably the only one who can reconcile the twins (now that they are of age) with their Grandmother; and if he proves successful, he may turn out to be Grandmother's favorite person (after the twins, of course)! Further, having a loving grandmother to provide stability (in place of a lukewarm Henley and toxic Julianna) will likely help the twins to heal mentally over time. (No wonder the parents didn't want to relinquish control of the kids to Jane, as they would have been rendered redundant very quickly.) Now, Grandma, how about a box seat at Amara's next rock concert!

Trigger words? Hmmm. Obviously, the Brox didn't know the trigger words, or Elliard, the Captain's cousin, would have used them to avoid capture and turn the tables on the crew. However, if the higher-up Elites knew the trigger words, then they could turn off the programming and prevent Rilecca's attempt at a coup, so they can't know them either. On that basis, the trigger words must be Rilecca's own little project; and she must have planned this moment for a long, long time. If Rilecca means what she told the crew, then she does intend to use Kohen (not to mention Dani) as an assassin--just not with his permission. Chess, anyone?

How could anyone not like a lemon jelly donut? (My favorite! ) Hmmm. Lex's father has not been assigned even a tentative invitation to the wedding. Is Lex that sure they won't get along? Boysenberry pie would make a great wedding cake! Are we in Boston yet?

Finally, Lex has come completely clean, and I'm sure that he's feeling relief. Amongst other things, we learn that, for years, Lex has avoided meeting his father, possibly to avoid rejection. Now, however, the trajectory of his life has changed: By finding love, he has found the courage and support he needs to face his father. Next stop: Boston!

Hmmm. Geston is a mystery. With effortless and undetectable resistance to the Medusa look, he would not seem human. Or has he somehow been recruited by the elves and given his resistance? Either way, he has suddenly become a menacing figure. And his henchmen are pigs for what they did to Tan. I love the scenes where the guys demonstrate their camaraderie; and Kieran's magic increases the fun. Well, Kieran and Rhys don't have to worry about coming out, as Burrimul had them pegged a while ago. So, Woorawa already knew this while prancing around in nothing but a Speedo (how do the First Australians feel about homosexuality?). Clearly, Tan and Woorawa have no problem with their gay housemates. The last mystery: Why does a tiny light take so much effort when Kieran uses his native ability instead of relying on the opal? Since elves in general don't seem to rely on opals, what is the opal actually doing for Kierran? If the elves "sealed" his powers, does the opal act to pierce the sealant, as it were, or does it amplify what power has not been sealed? Or am I completely off base? 🤗

I love that our quartet (quintet if we include Mr. B.) is becoming closer and closer as friends. And Woowara, if all you want to wear around the apartment is a Speedo, then go right ahead! While they have not discussed a "big bad" as such, the guys must instinctively know that someone is gunning for them, as they continue to practice shielding themselves.

Happy to see Mr. B's memory restored. (Headache used as a negative stimulus is pure evil!) I think Kieran is having too much fun experimenting with Rhys (but I don't see Rhys objecting! 😏) So, when Kieran is happy, his friends get randy. (Practial applications, anyone? ) One thing l don't get: Our intrepid friends have been intent on restoring each others' memories to the point of ignoring the obvious question--who monkeyed with their memories in the first place? I can't wait for when the realization strikes--when they finally become aware that they have a powerful "enemy."

Goosebumps! Bad things happen to good people, and I love that some sort of cosmic equalizer was available to balance the equation.

Yes, Aidan, of course you'll do everything Heath tells you to because it's actually “your decision.” (I admire your independence. ) Why, Aidan, of course you're the “perfect professional.” (What's unprofessional about a dick in your mouth? You look good that way! ) Ok, Aidan, you're at Heathcliff's front door: “In the light of the day, how would they face each other?” (So do a 69! 🤗) “As your owner, I need to see to your eating habits,” Heathcliff said…. Actually, Heath. I think we all know what he wants to eat. 😏 Heathcliff knew he needed to make Aidan understand wy fitness and physical wellbeing mattered to him…. Of course, Heathcliff, it's what let's you get from round 2 to round 3! 💪 Wow, Heathcliff a volunteer at a physiotherapy center? And humble about it, too! (See, Aiden, Heath is not simply a sex-crazed maniac, he's a sex-crazed maniac with a heart! 😊) Finally, Heathcliff, I’m glad to see you showering with Aidan, as it's much more hygienic to wash your food before you eat it! 😂

I read the text. “Yes, he needs the facilities, could I please come and he’s so sorry.” Sad to feel like you're imposing in your own home. On the brighter side, Max is not afraid to ask for the help he requires, and he is reassured that his being a bathroom burden will be short-lived. Visiting for Christmas in St. John's, moving the office to create an art studio, purchasing a new horse--Maxy may have needed reassurance that he is not just a ticket to easy money, but Don and Louis' actions speak louder than words.

Ian literally gives Lex the heavens and the earth! Their destinies now entwined, the lovers' auras have been unmasked. The first manifestation shows that they are soulmates, and the second shows love. ❤️ (Lex, are you really that surprised?) Great work!

Grandmother is certainly the queen of her castle, a born aristocrat--a Victorian out of her time. However, she's a bit of a puzzle: she seems to be judging Jay and Cierran on the basis of social status but is willing to give Drew a chance if she judges his commitment to the twins to be heartfelt. The operative word is judgemental (and judgemental from an aristocratic point of view.) I agree that we'll have to meet her "properly" to see if these first impressions are correct.

I love the description of the old-time candies. My favorite is horehound candy, but it's getting harder and harder to find. So much incredible tattoo art goes under clothing, where no one but a select few can see it (which can be a real shame). In this case, Lex is having his backside tattooed, so he can't see it at all, unless he uses a camera or mirror. Yet, a tattoo can be transforming, and whether he can see it or not, it allows Lex to take back ownership of his own body--to change ruin into beauty, to allow him to heal. The art and inspiration are also uniquely Ian's, almost as if Ian is imbuing Lex's skin with a part of himself; and I think the tattoo will create an unbreakable bond between them.

“Of course we would take you at your word,” Anyas said smoothly. He pulled out a chair at the head of the table. “My lady.” Rilecca says that she is siding with the crew for the sake of personal freedom. For Kohen, this is exactly what he wants to hear, and his acceptance of her statement is made clear by his touching her hand (unless his senses are so acute that he intends to read her like a polygraph). Kudos to the Captain for remaining skeptical, as she offers no proof of her good intentions. (Perhaps Freska has found out something that will enable us to judge Rilecca more objectively.)

Yes, Heathcliff, you “trapped the bunny like the most skillful hunter in existence,” even though you did nothing, and you've decided not to wear a shirt so that, for a “swift victory,” the “enemy” can see your “guns.” (He could probably see your gun better without pants, but what do I know? 🤗) Heathcliff, if a hard cock were really a medical malady, the doctors would never sleep (hehe). Also, Heathcliff, when Aidan says that he couldn't “get it up” after the shocks of the day, you respond, “Now that’s a theory I’m willing to put to the test”: I'm proud of you for being a proponent of the scientific method! 😂 Oh, and Heathcliff, how romantic you're becoming! It’s not everyone who'd say that “it looks like I still have a good hand at picking my hookups” in the middle of a seduction. Smooth move! 😁 And Aidan, Heathcliff, as for hook, line, and sinker, who has actually landed whom?

Hmmm. “Poets were guys who had troubles getting laid.” Heathcliff, I think you're on to something! Aidan, if Heathcliff wants to give you pointers on how to give a hand job, I'd recommend a practical demonstration.... “...So Heathcliff had kissed him. And fondled his ass. Aidan could feel his cheeks warming up only thinking about that incident.” Okay, Aidan, which cheeks? 😂 Kudos to Heathcliff for his honesty in telling Aidan that he wants into his pants. And what do you say to that, Aidan? That you're not gay? Really? (So which is longer, Pinocchio, your nose or your dick? And talk about morning wood!) Ok, Aidan, the Fates have handed you to Heathcliff with an apple in your mouth. The moral is never to play with matches (or really HOT apps) or you may get burned! 🔥 And Laura, love the (Heath)cliffhanger!

I love that Azrael looks at Diego "shyly": He is clearly not used to being seen as a possible love interest. I also love that Theo throws his arms around Azrael, as he must hold Azrael in high regard and harbor affection for him. Additionally, Azrael turns out to have volunteered for his difficult position, another point in his favor. All in all, Azrael is beginning to sound like a very nice angel--and he even has a purple aura! With Diego having a "matching aura," Theo goes into excited cupid mode, and I love that he has to do additional compatibility testing (sort of like blood testing before a transfusion) before he can skewer them! However, things are proceeding too smoothly, and I'm waiting for the axe to fall.

When Louis places the cake into the mud room to allow the flavors to "blend," I thought it a perfect metaphor for the newly formed family (and better yet, it's a metaphor you can eat! 😊) Anyone else like marzipan frosting? 😁

Fun to see Riley as an adult--still demonstrating some of his more juvenile characteristics but with an overlay of maturity. (And he didn't play with his false eye once!) Great to see the rest of the cast members as well! Now, for your next project (after May 20, of course), we'll be looking forward to the sixty chapter saga of Grayson in ballet school, with occasional visits by basketball players, old gang members, and other surprise guests (no, Oli, ballet school is really not your venue...but you never know... 🤗). And Ace, many thanks for giving us this opportunity to visit old friends!

What does the Lady have to gain by helping Kohen and the rest of the crew? Anyas was exiled for trying to help the "lesser" beings, so she is risking a great deal in this venture for a merely altruistic motive; and frankly, I'm not sure I buy it.

Authors are always told to show, not tell. But if the torture had been shown as a flashback, I would have had to stop reading (it was gruesome enough as a retelling). My opinion of Cassie has gone up a thousand fold, and I think her one lie to Lex is forgivable. Their friendship is truly forged in steel. As for Ian's soliloquy: Wow! (Shakespeare, eat you heart out! )

I love the feeling of hustle and bustle--anticipation--as Don and Louis prepare for Max's arrival (both for the weekend and permanently). I love that Louis wants Max's room to have a warm feel before he arrives (I can imagine others rationalizing to leave it a blank slate, saying that Max will fix it up after he arrives...). The photography brings beauty into the room in a way that's personal to Louis (how could those pictures have wound up in storage!?), and the appeal to a boy who sketches nature scenes would be immense. I also love the simple touches--e.g., when Louis tells Max that they have been "looking forward to it [the visit] just as much as you"--that convey their affection for the boy, and these moments are clearly not lost on Max.

Lex clearly likes Ian, so why the absolute panic and flight reaction on waking up by his side? Kudos to Ian for making a game of getting information out of Lex--for making it as easy as possible for Lex to share these sensitive thoughts. Dunkin Donuts? I'm a West Coaster, and I'll take Peet's any day!

I predict that Lady Graice is actually an aficionado of old psychedelic buses and that she will bond instantly with Cerrian: They will take turns driving the bus and terrorizing the neighborhood while playing "Little Old Lady from Pasadena" and singing along maniacally. (I can't get the visual out of my head.) The boys will take over the mansion, where they will rest, heal, and eat pizza. (The butler will be traumatized for life when the delivery boy uses the front door.) Lady Graice will be in such a good mood when she returns from the drive that she and Cierran will join the pizza celebration ("a slice of the caviar pizza, please"), and they will bond over embarrassing stories of Henley. All in all, a perfect day!

I wonder if the high counselor's daughter wants to defect (less likely) or at least aid in the crew's escape for her own purposes (also less likely). Alternatively, knowing that Kohen was used as an Elite assassin, the girl may wish to employ him herself--subvert him to her cause (perhaps more plausible, now that we know how the Elite operate). Otherwise, her clandestine presence in the prison ward makes no sense. Bring out the smelling salts, so we can find out the truth!