Summer and Smoke by CoraLee June

Series: The Bullets

Release Date: December 2, 2018

Format: eARC

Rating: 3.75/5 stars

Warning: This is a review of the second book in the series; therefore, there will be spoilers from the first book below. Click Here to read my review of the first book in the series.

Note: I received Summer and Smoke through CoraLee June’s team in exchange for an honest review.

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To be brutally blunt, I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. The Bullets series is a story that is underpinned by angst and raw emotion, so much so that I felt it would be too heavy a read for what I’m feeling for right now. However, after reading that killer of a prologue, my interest was spiked. I was compelled to dive into the world of The Bullets and Summer once more. 

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while – or even just perused it – it is clear I am a fan of reverse harem romances; however, as most familiar with the genre, there is a commonality of having all RHs filled with stereotypes of men. From a writer’s (and editors’) perspective, it makes sense as a writing tool to be fair. It’s a way to make the story’s readability easier: strict distinctions and characterizations between the men make it easier to identify them as their own person (there are quite a few RH romances out there where the guys have identical personalities). But, for the first time ever (at least in the books I’ve read), the heroine admits to classifying her men into more digestible boxes, as if she can then rationalize why she needs them all (Gavriel for his control; Callum for his moral compass, etc.). But, Summer’s growth in Summer and Smoke allowed her to realize that by type-casting her men, she was also limiting them. For example, there are instances in the book where Gavriel wants to be her Master and her comfort. Honestly, this realization of Summer’s kind of made the book for me, as it felt so honest and was a testament to each of the main characters’ growth. 

From reading the prologue, you understand that Summer and Smoke will be heavy with angst and carries a deep theme of guilt. The men are still trying to come to terms with Summer’s decision to run all those years ago, and Summer is exposed not only to the emotional distress her leaving caused but also the actions these men took as a result of their desperation to find her. 

Character Growth and the Harem

Summer and Smoke is undoubtedly a novel of growth for all characters. Summer’s guilt over everything is the main hurdle for her to overcome. In fact, I don’t know if it completely eluded me in the first book, or there was just too much going on to realize, but Summer is the definition of a martyr. There are many instances in the book – and throughout the series – where Summer’s characterization of The Bullets has positioned her as an outsider. Even though the gang is premised on her being at their center… sharing her. There are instances in Summer and Smoke where a Bullet’s well-being is prioritized over Summer’s attempts at addressing her emotional trauma. Typically, a heroine would resent not being prioritized, but Summer feels nothing but relief. Part of this is her giving nature, but I have to argue that a majority rests on her childhood conditioning, where she doesn’t feel she deserves comfort or even being put first.

Now, as most know who’ve read the series know, Gavriel is very upfront about how he will always put Summer first, even if that means getting rid of one of the Bullets if they hurt her. As the series continues into the *gasp* last book, I hope that there is further reconciliation on how such situations should be dealt with: will Gavriel still be policing the Bullet’s relationships with Summer? If so, who will police Gavriel? This thready connection between all of them and Summer is why I’ve had a harder time connecting to them. I get Summer and each of the Bullets individually, but I don’t see how they fit as a group.

Summer Bonds With Her Men… But I Have Some Questions

That being said, Summer and Smoke sees Summer connecting with each of her men individually and being more upfront with her wishes in a relationship. Ryker is getting over his guilty conscience as he remembers Summer’s inherent strength. Blaise and Summer come across as two best friends who get off on each other’s mischief. However, one of Blaise and Summer’s more… risque scenes came across as SO random. Essentially, Summer’s best friend Nix (a Dom who specializes in giving couples their fantasies for the night) persuades Summer and Blaise to watch one of his scenes. However, this results in the woman in the scene teasing Blaise to incentivize a jealous reaction out of Summer (which Blaise gets off on). The whole thing seemed so random and pointless. It’s a slight spoiler (kind of?) so just click on the tab if you want to know more.

Also, this brings me back to an important question of mine. What is Nix’s purpose? Is he there to suggest future M/M action? Because I cannot see Summer sharing any of her men… at least not willingly (see spoiler). In the first book, I understood he was both a way to keep Summer sane in the crazy life she had and as a statement to the reader that the series is dark and gritty. There will be no rose-tinted glasses (you meet Nix when he’s in the middle of a threesome, which Summer walks in on after running into Blaise for the first time in years). Nix makes comments about Gavriel, kind of hits on all of Summer’s men (and I can’t tell if they’re genuine or not), and is a hacker for Gavriel… but isn’t enough of a pivotal character to really be part of the main storyline. Him befriending Gavriel’s 18-year-old younger sister kind of sparks *spinoff* in my brain… but knowing his extracurriculars… I honestly can’t imagine it. Especially since Nix has stated many times, monogamy is not for him – which is definitely true. That being said, I like him as a character but don’t really see the point of him (if that makes any sense). 

Staunchly Moral Callum

The angst of Summer and Smoke mainly revolves around Callum and Summer’s relationship as more facts about Summer’s father come to light. In the last book, Summer has agreed to give Callum a month to investigate her father and try to get evidence to prosecute him legally. But what everyone is tip-toeing around in this novel is that the likelihood of that happening is less than nil – Gavriel says he needs to die, so he will.

Callum also resists joining the Bullets; he’s so staunch in his moral beliefs that he sees conforming to the Bullets and being subservient to Gavriel as synonymous with him turning criminal (which, to be honest, knowing Gavriel could mean exactly that). For someone who wants to be so good so badly, it creates lots of tension, which reflects on his relationship with Summer and whether or not being in a polyamorous relationship will work for them in reality. 

In Conclusion

The psychology of each of the main characters made Summer and Smoke very interesting to read. As I mentioned above, each of the men is pushing the bounds of their characterizations, laying the groundwork for a great final book. However, the machinations of the antagonists really pushed the book along. I was not expecting that kind of ending, and it really underlined the lengths each of the men will have to go to ensure they get their version of a HEA.

However, while Summer’s martyrdom has been slightly overcome, the ending suggests that she’s fallen back into that dark pit of despair. Understandably, the ending was quite ambiguous, so while you know something bad happened, you can only guess as to what. And, to be honest, given Summer’s ability to take on the guilt of others, her reaction – at least, I hope – is a slight exaggeration as to what the reality is. Overall, another enjoyable read by June, and I cannot wait for the concluding novel. 

Thank you to CoraLee June for providing me with an ARC of Summer and Smoke, which I have reviewed voluntarily. 

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Other Books I’ve Reviewed by CoraLee June

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Sunshine and Bullets (The Bullets, #1)

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Quick Take: A dark reverse harem romance that’s unforgiving and twisted; it’s a story where the good guys are bad, and the bad guys are worse.

<strong>Synopsis</strong>

Sunshine.

It’s a nickname I haven’t heard since I lived on Woodbury Lane, where the houses were pretty but the secrets? Deadly. It was a pet name known only to the Bullets. Rough, violent, and ruthless, they laid claim to the town — and my heart.

I wasn’t supposed to fall for a boy from the wrong side of the tracks—especially not four of them. But they were the only ones who understood that sometimes hell hides in plain sight.

I was the girl with all the conveniences a privileged upbringing could provide. The world only saw two loving parents and a pristine home life, but I knew the truth. And it was going to get me killed. So, I disappeared, from everyone and everything I’d ever known. I changed my name and my appearance, but the scars I carry, they’re still the same.

The Bullets are all grown up now, too — a crime boss, a pro fighter, a bounty hunter, and a federal agent. Life took them in different directions, but they once shared the bonds of a brotherhood forged under the harshest conditions. Together they were fearless. Brutal. Unstoppable.

I’m praying they can find that unity again. If I’m going to survive this, it’ll take everything they have. Because that’s the thing about running from the past.

Eventually, it catches up to you.

Tags: Anti-Hero, Asshole Hero, Contemporary Romance, Cruel or Cold Hero, Dark Romance, Organized Crime, Other Women, Reverse Harem Romance, Romantic Suspense

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Wings of the Walker (The Walker, #1)

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Quick Take: A gripping dystopian reverse harem romance that prioritizes the transformation and new-found independence of its Heroine. However, its consistent ostracization of the Heroine stops it from achieving 5-stars.

Synopsis

Josiah Stonewell dug his hands into the filthiest parts of my soul and molded a perfect little Walker. I don’t know the exact moment I fell in love with him, but I do know that if anyone found out about our lingering stares, it would end his political career.

Josiah’s unexpected engagement has me squinting down the barrel of heartbreak, and to make matters worse; I find myself traded to Cyler Black and his leadership council in a distant Providence.

Soon, Cyler and his team of passionate leaders start to feel like family, and I’m promised freedoms I never imagined were possible; But Josiah’s not through with me yet, and war is on the horizon. Can I find happiness in my new home? Or will Josiah finally choose me?

This is a slow-burn reverse harem romance and the first book in the series.

Tags: Dystopian, New Adult, Reverse Harem Romance, Slow-burn Romance