Review: After the Fall by Edward Ashton

After the Fall by Edward Ashton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC and ALC via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This is the latest standalone from Ashton, which I was really looking forward to after having really enjoyed the Mickey 7 duology and The Fourth Consort.  This didn't have the action and humor of the previous books I've read.  It did have the unlikely relationships we've come to see in Aston's work

This follows John, who I would describe as an indentured servant or pet to Martok, an alien from the species that no dominates Earth after The Fall over 100 years ago.  Martok treats John like a beloved puppy than a bully.  Martok treats him well and has never harmed him, but when a great opportunity comes up he puts John's bond up as collateral for his latest investment.  Martok is not known for making good choices which has left the pair homeless and broke, so naturally John is concerned for his future.  Upon arrival at their new investment property, Martok, John and their newly acquired bond Six hope to turn the place into a retreat where the wealthy can relax.  

I enjoyed the story, but it wasn't exactly what I was expecting.  This takes a much more philosophical turn and begs the question of who is more deserving of rights in society?  I would like to reread this when I am in a different headspace, as those questions are worth pondering but I was not in the right place to think about those questions when reading this.  Sometimes its the right book at the right time.  The premise was interesting as were the characters and the concept of Earth at the time.  The concept of feral humans and aliens who conquered earth was fascinating.  Martok was also a very unique character, who added some humor to the storyline.

The narration was very well done.  The narrator did a great job with giving Martok, John, Six, and all of the other characters life in this future world.

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Review: The Marriage Bet by Olivia Hayle

The Marriage Bet by Olivia Hayle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book by the author, all opinions are my own.

This is the second book in The Billionaire Games series, however you can read it as a standalone.  This is a 4 part series of interconnected standalones following four wealthy friends who find love with unlikely partners.  This is a true enemies to lovers, where business rivals marry because it will save her business.  If they can make the media believe they are truly in love, she can save her company and make it the successful brand it once was.  Rafe is a successful business man with a track record and for helping luxury businesses succeed on the business side so they can focus on their craftsmanship and artistry.  Paige expects him to gut her company and stomp on the legacy her parents and grandparent left behind for for her to lead.  Unfortunately her uncle has already started the company down that road already, and with Rafe's help she just might be able to save the company she loves and find love herself.

I love the banter between Rafe and Paige.  They were so cold to each other in the beginning, but you could feel that tension was going to turn into attraction eventually.  I loved all of the outlandish things Paige would do to push Rafe's buttons and annoy him.  I also enjoyed watching them connect when it came to past trauma.  They realized that underneath their business deals and competitive natures, they could actually connect and support each other on a human level that no one else could understand.  Their chemistry builds slowly as does their true relationship, so when they finally admit their feelings it is no surprise as they've been getting to know one another for quite sometime while "pretending" to be a couple madly in love.

I also really enjoyed seeing the friend group again and getting to know them a bit more.  The group chats are always entertaining between the guys, and I'm looking forward to James' story later this year.

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