Pre-Release Review This is my half of a Gay Guy / Straight Girl Co-Review with fellow Goodreader, OJCast. To see our full 5 Stars
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Pre-Release Review This is my half of a Gay Guy / Straight Girl Co-Review with fellow Goodreader, OJCast. To see our full review click the link below. There is also a question/answer session that follows.
Full Disclosure - I was a beta reader for this book and worked closely with the author. My review is certainly colored by that experience. However these are my true thoughts and impressions.
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I’ll assume you’ve read Grif’s Toy and, like me, couldn’t wait for Wes� story. After all, Wes is strong, honorable, and generous. But you knew, didn’t you? Didn’t you? That there was something else there? Something dark. Something…wrong. This book isn’t Grif’s Toy. That was a sweet, tender love story. This is something entirely different. Be warned, JLT will try to lull you into a sense that everything is perfect, so enjoy that tease because he’s setting you up for gut wrenching denial. Wes� Denial.
And there will be tears.
THE CHARACTERS
Weston ‘Wes� De Luca -
The solid rock of a man. Pure strength, loyalty, and committed love. Wes isn't afraid of anything...except showing his fractures.
Marcus ‘Grif� Griffin -
I know you love Grif, but you haven’t even scratched the surface. I’m willing to bet you’ll be wildly surprised by his strength of character.
Additional Characters �
Henrik � stunning Paul Eaks � scary Thomas � Dom of Doms Grif Two � Heh, yeah. You’ll see.
THE STORY
Spanning some fifty-five years this is an epic look at not only the full relationship between Wes and Grif, but also of Wes as a young man just discovering what makes him tick. He learns pretty early on that he ticks differently than the other boys, but his natural curiosity and openness allows him to explore and develop relationships fully.
There are three distinct periods in Wes� life prior to Grif. His pre-military school days. His early military career. And a term of self-education and discovery. Each of these periods are vivid, striking and eye-opening.
As the reader learns about who Wes is, who Wes really is, we also see and understand what is so very special about his most important relationship, Grif. They are the perfect couple, with the perfect life both publically and personally. But something dark is lurking just beneath the surface that could destroy that perfection. Grif feels it. But Wes is in denial.
THE WRITING
If you read my review of Grif’s Toy, here, you’ll see that I held back a bit on my praise. The reason for that is because I knew JLT had this book in him. A book that would come from his core. A book that would shatter boundaries.
As I said earlier, JLT begins by lulling you into a sweet, tender romantic view of Grif and Wes� early relationship, but right from the start there is a thread of darkness. An undercurrent of trouble. He keeps the reader on edge by applying just the right amount of tension, by degrees, at just the right moment.
I think this may be JLT’s signature attribute. Even in his other writing he builds a story in a way that keeps you so connected that you don’t even see the intensity building around you. Bravo, Joseph.
~ ~ ~
I would like to thank the author for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
Merged review:
5 Stars
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Pre-Release Review This is my half of a Gay Guy / Straight Girl Co-Review with fellow Goodreader, OJCast. To see our full review click the link below. There is also a question/answer session that follows.
Full Disclosure - I was a beta reader for this book and worked closely with the author. My review is certainly colored by that experience. However these are my true thoughts and impressions.
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I’ll assume you’ve read Grif’s Toy and, like me, couldn’t wait for Wes� story. After all, Wes is strong, honorable, and generous. But you knew, didn’t you? Didn’t you? That there was something else there? Something dark. Something…wrong. This book isn’t Grif’s Toy. That was a sweet, tender love story. This is something entirely different. Be warned, JLT will try to lull you into a sense that everything is perfect, so enjoy that tease because he’s setting you up for gut wrenching denial. Wes� Denial.
And there will be tears.
THE CHARACTERS
Weston ‘Wes� De Luca -
The solid rock of a man. Pure strength, loyalty, and committed love. Wes isn't afraid of anything...except showing his fractures.
Marcus ‘Grif� Griffin -
I know you love Grif, but you haven’t even scratched the surface. I’m willing to bet you’ll be wildly surprised by his strength of character.
Additional Characters �
Henrik � stunning Paul Eaks � scary Thomas � Dom of Doms Grif Two � Heh, yeah. You’ll see.
THE STORY
Spanning some fifty-five years this is an epic look at not only the full relationship between Wes and Grif, but also of Wes as a young man just discovering what makes him tick. He learns pretty early on that he ticks differently than the other boys, but his natural curiosity and openness allows him to explore and develop relationships fully.
There are three distinct periods in Wes� life prior to Grif. His pre-military school days. His early military career. And a term of self-education and discovery. Each of these periods are vivid, striking and eye-opening.
As the reader learns about who Wes is, who Wes really is, we also see and understand what is so very special about his most important relationship, Grif. They are the perfect couple, with the perfect life both publically and personally. But something dark is lurking just beneath the surface that could destroy that perfection. Grif feels it. But Wes is in denial.
THE WRITING
If you read my review of Grif’s Toy, here, you’ll see that I held back a bit on my praise. The reason for that is because I knew JLT had this book in him. A book that would come from his core. A book that would shatter boundaries.
As I said earlier, JLT begins by lulling you into a sweet, tender romantic view of Grif and Wes� early relationship, but right from the start there is a thread of darkness. An undercurrent of trouble. He keeps the reader on edge by applying just the right amount of tension, by degrees, at just the right moment.
I think this may be JLT’s signature attribute. Even in his other writing he builds a story in a way that keeps you so connected that you don’t even see the intensity building around you. Bravo, Joseph.
~ ~ ~
I would like to thank the author for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog: ...more
This is my half of a Co-Review with fellow Goodreader OJ. You can check out his thoughts on our ~ ~ ~ 5 Edge-of-my-seat Stars
This is my half of a Co-Review with fellow Goodreader OJ. You can check out his thoughts on our and see if we both agree.
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I was devoured by this book. Chewed up, spit out, and regurgitated. Beginning with a frantic run for survival, continuing with a head spinning, psychological thriller, settling into a completely quirky frontier Peyton Place, and culminating with an intense mountainside clash. All this while exploring heady subjects of self-worth, bigotry, and racism. Wow!
This hair-raising, action-packed read is far from the lazy, historical drama that I was expecting. I couldn’t put it down. It got into my psyche and won’t let go. What a terrific, unexpected treat. Definitely one of my best reads of the year.
CHARACTERS
John Chapman � A gentle soul in a harsh environment forced to find his core of steel to survive. John’s visible development through this book is striking.
Daniel McQuay � This gruff, brutal frontiersman had me on-edge with every encounter. He slowly devolves into a calculating terror that the reader will never forget.
Palmer � A young man ahead of his time. His ideas and beliefs feel so familiar, but are at the same time completely out of place. I connected with him immediately.
Gwennie � My favorite character. A half-breed woman who lives life on her own terms. Her intelligence, integrity, and fortitude were uplifting and authentic.
STORY
Two men alone in the frozen wilderness must survive the harsh environment inside and outside of a remote frontier cabin. To survive they will need to learn to trust each other, but when one of the men is always on a hair-trigger there is rarely a moment to let your guard down. Bit by bit small cracks in this tenuous relationship develop. Secrets, deceptions, and hints of atrocities all add up to a feeling of impending ruin.
A chance for escape leads to a new life. A fresh start. But nosey townspeople with plans of their own don’t allow much room for John to be John. They are a ridiculous mix of characters that come as unexpected levity and a reprieve from the anxiety-driven first half of this book. But don’t let your guard down.
Action-packed and heart-pounding right up until the end.
WRITING
The ability to cause simultaneous heart-pounding anxiety and delirium-driven laughter is talent. This frozen wilderness, two men in a cabin story could have easily been boring and slow. Instead these months on end of winter isolation have edge-of-your-seat intensity with near constant events taking place.
Michael Jensen manages to include big, deep topics like racism, homophobia, and rape well within the context of the story. It felt both historically accurate and necessary to the over-arching plot, not just stuck-in pandering to enrich the story. Excellent.
I highly recommend this psychological thriller.
**I would like to thank the author, Michael Jensen for providing me with an advance copy for review.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog: ...more
OJ, OJ, OJ what have you gotten me into here? T**Triggers: Deals with PTSD, death, and injury.
I wrote this as part of a co-review with OJCast.
Review -
OJ, OJ, OJ what have you gotten me into here? This one's on you dude. Talk about a difficult book to review, whew! Solid storytelling and plot development here. It took me from deep depths of emotional despair, to soaring elation with second-chance relationships to incredible frustration with some of the writing aspects. I was adjusting my review score constantly. Bottom line - I'd say this was hit and miss, but with big hits and big misses.
THE CHARACTERS
James (Jamie) Massey - Dyed in the wool Special Forces soldier, Jamie has been on tour four times. He's seen too much, lost too much, but can he be resurrected?
Chris Baker - Freakin' sexy-ass cowboy bull rider, Chris is a dichotomy. He is a country boy drawn to the big city. He finds a lot there, including the love of his life.
THE STORY
This book was a struggle. Jamie struggled. Chris struggled. I struggled.
Jamie never had a choice whether he would be a soldier or not. It's in his family's blood. He was groomed from a young age to do his best, be the best, and as he rises to each and every challenge. But he also loses bits of himself along the way.
Chris is one of the good guys. He's talented, intelligent and caring. Maybe too caring. I think the reader is supposed to fall for Jamie, but it was Chris for me all the way.
Settle in for a very complete story about two men who have lived a lot of life and then come together at a point in their lives that find them both ruined. Trying to survive the depths of despair and the horrors of war, there isn't much left for these guys to give. And yet, they find a way.
THE WRITING
Annd this is where I struggled. I realize backstory is important, but it felt like it was worked out after the main story had been written and that rarely works. Honestly I would have trimmed the heck out of it. It wasn't repetitive, but it was just too much. There was nearly no dialog for the first twenty percent and that really slowed down the read. At times I felt like I was reading a non-fiction, or even a mission report about Jamie's deployments.Top that off with fade-to-black scenes (not just the sex scenes) that were just getting somewhere enjoyable and...I struggled.
And then the very weak editing affected tempo and overall readability, unfortunately.
However! There were some brilliant, shocking and emotional moments that made the book memorable. I'm still thinking about these guys; they've stuck with me. This author has solid storytelling abilities that a more ardent editor could resurrect. I won't hesitate to give her work another try.
You can read more of our co-review on my blog and see our questions regarding our read for each other here - Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
I would like to thank S. Davidson, the author, for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is a co-review by myself and OJ Lisa - 2.5 Stars OJ - 2.75 Stars Rounded to 3 Stars for Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ
About Our Gay Guy/Straight Girl (GGSG) Reviews
´Ê±õ’l This is a co-review by myself and OJ Lisa - 2.5 Stars OJ - 2.75 Stars Rounded to 3 Stars for Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ
About Our Gay Guy/Straight Girl (GGSG) Reviews
´Ê±õ’ll Show You Mine, If You Show Me Yours~ This isn’t a buddy read. Our co-reviews are done on a blind basis. We both choose the book we want to read, but from there on out we don’t discuss any of our thoughts before the review is live. We think it’s more fun this way and we won’t influence each other.
INITIAL THOUGHTS
Lisa Arbitrary
I’m stretching this to 2.5 stars because I was enamored, even enchanted by the beginning. It soared on wings and painted images that made me think I had really found something special. Unfortunately this book turned lazy, rushed and very disappointing.
OJ
I must admit that vampires aren’t my first grab when I think of an M/M book, however the Australian Outback certainly is and I have enjoyed a good M/M vampire book, so when I saw the description for this one it called out to me. A definitely different take on the whole vampire thing by putting it into the Australian Outback I just had to see what it was about and Lisa and I decided this would be our first Gay Guy/Straight Girl review.
Read the full review at Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
~ ~ ~
We would like to thank Pride-Publishing for providing us with a review copy in exchange for our honest review.
This is the kind of book I want to read. The kind of book I seek out. Because it’s bigger, deeper, more complex. Sink i~ 5 Stars *Not a stand-alone book
This is the kind of book I want to read. The kind of book I seek out. Because it’s bigger, deeper, more complex. Sink in, hold on, and tighten your gut because it’s all coming at you. Hard. No fluff. Even the tenderness is difficult. Real. You want a peek at BDSM? TheN you get this series. By this author. And you are immersed. Times ten. Because this isn’t just a kinky little whip-you-until-you-love-me story. No. This is a freaking psychological head fuck with all the trimmings. And because of that you get to see how a Master/sub/vanilla relationship can be the most reasonable way to approach a bond. Tall order for a little MM Romance, hmm?
THE STORY
Tender brutality
A culmination. But hard earned. Have you been paying attention? I mean really paying attention? I’ll bet you thought you knew things. I’ll bet you thought you knew where this was going. You didn’t. At least I didn’t. I didn’t see the angles, twists and plunges. Pyke takes her sweet time getting you there. The first several chapters are nothing but pure emotional anguish merged with tender, raw beauty. Deep. Painful. Love. Guilt. Remorse. And revelation.
Puzzle pieces fit. Martin emerges. Gray has no choice. Shit. Shit. Shit. And Jan is…just so fucked.
I’d say get yourself in a good emotional place before delving into this one, because it is going to tear at you. The more you’ve fallen for these men, the more you’re going to fall for in this book.
THE CHARACTERS
Gray Raoul � Finally we get to see the man behind all the composure. You think you want to know. But do you? The weight on him is crushing.
“Gray managed a smile, albeit one that tore at his stomach.�
Jack Harrison � His whole life he’s been fucked with. And still he gives. Martin � How in the hell can I love Martin?
…break Jack, get to Martin�
Jan Richards � Yeah. I get Jan. “Nobody is here for me.�
THE WRITING
Pyke’s writing is strong. Her economy of words, as it were, is what makes reading her both stunning and challenging. But in this book it is the storytelling that trumps that writing skill. Looking back at my reviews on the earlier books I see I was flailing at times, but I realize now she had me in her control all along. I am simply hers to dominate. …the past can be nothing but a prefix to better memories.
I would like to thank Jack L. Pyke and Fantistic Fiction Publishing for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
~~~ Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog: ...more
My eyes narrowed while reading this, my heart was pounding and my stomach churned. His writing is so damned good it scares me. I want to hate it, but I can't help appreciate his ability. And I'm just not sure what to do with that. o_o
I think my original read was of the unedited version. But here I've read (or reread) the polished version. Just as eye opening, gut wrenching and lifeI think my original read was of the unedited version. But here I've read (or reread) the polished version. Just as eye opening, gut wrenching and life-invading as the first time. But with new understanding, yet just as many questions.
Straight on to Part II
BTW, this is one of the rare occasions that GR needs more stars. Many, many more. ...more
--I wrote the following review nearly a month ago. Per the author’s request I held my review until the book's release. As I prepare to post it no~ ~ ~
--I wrote the following review nearly a month ago. Per the author’s request I held my review until the book's release. As I prepare to post it now, I realize that my reservations on continuing with the series have mellowed. I’m more anxious to get to book 2 than I would have thought. This review reads a bit different from my norm, simply because when I wrote my initial thoughts I was a mess. Head fuck describes this all the way around. But I'll refrain from using that term too much, because I'd like to get this review on Amazon.
Review:
I know you like dark stuff, but do you like to read really dark stuff? I've been given an ARC for something that has pushed all my limits. The warnings include, but aren’t limited to: animal abuse, forced submission, incest. Take these seriously.
It was only 56 pages and to be honest it was brilliantly written, but I'm stuck on writing a review. Author Jack L. Pyke and Vicki (SilkeeeeeeReads) recommended this new-to-me author. Maybe I was expecting more of a mind bender, which it is, but it took the path of true torture to achieve that twistedness.
Half of the mind twist results in one brother hiding from the other.
Then he’s found.
That’s where this short leaves off.
The other half of the mind twist is on me. How could I possibly want to read more? But I do. I really do need to know: How Alex survives. If the author can convince me that Alex could have “true� feelings for Miah. And whether or not Miah can have any redeemable qualities. I don’t think so. None. So why would I want Alex to get what he needs from Miah? See, head, uh, bender.
There's a thread of deepest primal power and submission that connects even your stongest denial to the story. The head screw that Miah puts Alex through is visceral. You will feel it. Hate it. And if you're like me try to find meaning by dissecting it. That is an element that I love.
There is one puzzling plot issue for me. Why didn’t Alex run away much earlier? I find myself trying to ignore that and move on, but it’s nagging at me.
I don’t know how far I’ll go with this. I’m being honest. It’s tough stuff and it’ll have everything to do with my mindset. Again, the writing is near flawless, but the subject matter may prove too traumatizing, for me. I'm learning that I do have limits.
--So, that was a month ago. And those nagging thoughts haven’t stopped. Like a drill to my brain, Lance Tonlet’s writing-twisted as it is-has transfixed my morose curiosity. If I can convince the author to let me get my hands on book two, I’ll devour it. No promises on likeability, but I guess sometimes one wants to be pushed further than they think they can go.
Shoulders to my ears. Oh God! Oh God![image] Free to read- or
My read was:
Shoulders to my ears. Oh God! Oh God! Snort. Jeezus! God! Ha! Oh God! (Stop vomiting. You are out of vomit.) Eww. Hee hee. Holding my breath. And then there was a sound that I've never made before. Something like a sigh, a groan and conscience congestion.
Make no mistake, this is horror. And it is romantic.
I think.
5 Stars because it is really, really messing with my head and I can find no flaw....more
I read this as a buddy read and, now, two days after finishing it I'm still talking it through. Very contemplative.
Review:
This book affected me. ~ ~ ~
I read this as a buddy read and, now, two days after finishing it I'm still talking it through. Very contemplative.
Review:
This book affected me. It wasn't an easy-to-take read despite its flow and, at times, lyrical nature. The characters are deeply flawed with unquestionably deplorable morals even if one might be able to justify their actions, or not. Who among us hasn't wished harm on someone who has wronged us? Chalk it up to-- too close to reality, too recognizable and entirely too gripping, but this book will remain in my mind and soul.
I warn you there are triggers here, so check the tags before delving in.
THE CHARACTERS
Petty Officer Second Class Skylar Thompson - Masculine to a fault, lithe, artistic, beautiful and compassionate. AND, angry, bitter, stubborn and conflicted. His actions may infuriate you and they may break you, but either way it is fascinating to see if he can pull his life together.
Skylar felt his balls being crushed between two boulders called Salvation and Disaster.
Ezra Dunphy - His loneliness and crushingly desperate search for attention nearly had me setting this book aside. But glimpses of his true nature, strength and genius kept me welded to this story.
Diamond knew that all the evils of the world arose from people wishing to be to be something other than what they are, and that desire gave birth to despair, covetousness, and sickness.
The Secondary Characters -
Rosa- Conniving, selfish and completely unworthy of her husbands affection. Kudos to the author for not smoothing out her edges. I rarely hate a character to this degree.
Miguel and Holly- True love lies here. These beautiful, wise and committed lovers were the glue that others needed to model their lives after. Lovely.
THE STORY
This bittersweet and mature story begins with Skylar returning home from an eighteen month deployment at sea. He's eager to reunite with his family, but this artistic man struggles to provide for them. He takes a second job that allows his creativity to bloom, but his navy job changes to allow his new daytime job and the two careers couldn't clash more.
Ezra finds himself alone and traveling a familiar path in order to find companionship, but will he ever find compassion?
It turns out that this is a story about two men who are just looking for acceptance and understanding; elemental necessities that can be so very hard to achieve.
THE WRITING
This is probably where I'm most conflicted with this book. Mr. Chin can certainly weave a story. He surprised me, was tough and unforgiving. He fully developed his characters to the point of being unforgettable and caused me emotional duress. The pacing was spot on, because if it had slowed anywhere I would have become too caught up in considering the immoral nature of these characters to continue.
The conflict comes with his choice to allow nearly all of his characters to be deplorable. That made it difficult to cling on, to root for and to endure this read. That being said, I'm confident in calling this a four-star read. I believe the author achieved his goals, wanting to tell a tale of coarse immorality while shining a spotlight on the intimate beauty of friendship.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. Just go into it knowing that this author doesn't pull his punches. He's going to make you uncomfortable, but he definitely puts you in the story and gives you plenty to consider.
~ ~ ~
I would like to sincerely thank Alan Chin for providing a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and for allowing it to be shared for a group read/review.
I could tell you that this is a great mind-fuck book, but that just wouldn't begin to cover it.
For those who stuck through book 2 in this series, AntI could tell you that this is a great mind-fuck book, but that just wouldn't begin to cover it.
For those who stuck through book 2 in this series, Antidote—a particularly intense and graphic read—this book is the reward. It answers almost everything you've wanted to know about Jack. It's no where near as distressing a read, but it is emotional. I've been waiting, desperately, for this release so I could finally discuss it, because this is a book that begs for discussion.
THE CHARACTERS
Jack Harrison - "Drugs. I was going to need some real big fuck-off drugs to get through this shit."
Jan Richards - "... I'm here. Don't forget that."
Gray Raoul - Yes! We get to see the beginning of Jack and Gray. Oh, Gray is a very smooth man.
Great side characters include: Craig and Doctor Halliday, Sally, Joe and Martin. Craig needs his own story - just sayin'.
"Yeah? You know there's only the definite article 'the' in there that separates therapists from rapists; both come with mind fucks. And I've played with some of the worst."
THE STORY
The timeline of this book takes place just before the ending of book 2. If you've read 2 you'll know that Jack has made tremendous progress and is ready to approach Gray. In order to get to that point though, Jack has to do some self-work—to say the least.
During his stay in the MC's Psych Unit, Jack fights, discovers, re-lives, and has incredible blackouts. Jan is there, right there, even if he's mostly out of sight.
Life went calm, so fucking calm as a tear fell. Not his... mine. Resting my head against his, we shared a breath. "Don't..." I mumbled quietly, "kiss me anymore, baby. Please. Don't... just don't... Fucking hurts."
I had such feels for Jan during this read, and don't even get me started on what I think Gray was going through. The focus here is almost all on Jack, and rightfully so. Jack is just so fucked up. His thoughts are so random and disconnected, but still with one main, true thought; Gray and Jan. Always.
THE WRITING
So, here's the deal, the brilliance of this book is that Jack L. Pyke puts you inside Jack's head, inside the mind-fuck and literally inside his intense psychosis. You're not just viewing this from a distance and trying to figure out what's happening, you're experiencing it as Jack does and believe me that is a whole different level of head-trip.
It's an impressive read and the author does a great job of bringing clarity to most of the questions that the series has held for us so far. Of course, at the same time, she opens new avenues of plot. These primarily revolve around where the three-some relationship of Jack, Jan and Gray is headed.
"Jack, are you aware you're scratching at your hip. Would you prefer to 'go casual' with your photo?"
~ ~ ~ I would like to thank Jack L. Pyke and Forbidden Fiction for providing me with an ARC/Review Copy in exchange for my honest review. ~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog: ...more
Per Riptide - Reader discretion advised. This title contains the following sensitive themes:
dubious consent explicit violence non-c~ ~ ~
4 Powerful Stars
Per Riptide - Reader discretion advised. This title contains the following sensitive themes:
dubious consent explicit violence non-consent
My Review:
Powerful. Brutal. Hopeful.
Even if that hope is just out of reach.
I had the very fortunate pleasure of beta reading this during it’s writing process. It gave me chills then and is still giving me chills now. It’s visual, visceral and vicious. Before you pick this one up know what you’re getting into. The brutality holds no bars. There’s very little sunshine and flowers here, but that doesn’t mean that intense hope and deep “real� love don’t develop. It’s that intensity that I found riveting.
THE CHARACTERS
Ciaran Daly (Boy) - Acutely intelligent and painfully naïve Ciaran finds himself surviving by his wits and his ass.
Boy was a twisted knot of contradictions that Darragh didn’t even want to unravel. To understand him, Darragh thought, would be to understand this place. And to understand this place would be to be corrupted by it.
Darragh Fergus - Darragh, a gentle giant. Simple by nature, yet anything but stupid. He’s fiercely protective, possibly to his detriment and Ciaran’s.
The King of Dublin Evil. Heinous. Dictator.
THE STORY
Darragh knows survival. He’s fought vicious animal attacks, watched disease take his loved ones and learned to build a community after the end of the world. But when he gets to Dublin he is completely unprepared for the brutal nature of man that he finds himself in the midst of.
Ciaran is living a nightmare as the treasured pet of the self-proclaimed King of Dublin. Only by keeping the evil king “entertained� does he survive. When Darragh becomes one of the king’s men it seems impossible that Ciaran would trust him with something so precious that it would be his demise.
THE WRITING
He was free, and this was perfect. If the world ended now—really ended, not this horrible limping half-death they were all trapped in—then Ciaran could die happy. And Darragh had given him that.
The strong, solid writing of Heidi Belleau combined with Lisa Henry’s vivid intensity absorbed me instantly. I got deep into this very quickly and then, like I said, I couldn’t shake it off. This held my interest even when I kind of wanted to look away. It’s easy to say that I’d read anything these two collaborate on.
Just know what you’re getting into here, and then if you decide this is for you…hang on. It’s big and terrible and messy and definitely hits all of your fears and hopes. And it’s going to get to you.
~ ~ ~
I would like to thank the authors and Riptide Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Warning per author/publisher: This is extreme psychological reconditioning, the deconstruction of someone's mind. Please be aware that there is e~ ~ ~
Warning per author/publisher: This is extreme psychological reconditioning, the deconstruction of someone's mind. Please be aware that there is extreme non-con in there. There is also kidnap and captivity, with violence. Antidote is extreme dark erotic romance, and will have triggers that will upset on multiple levels.
IF you want to know what psychological manipulation feels like, read Antidote. If you don't. Don't.
This is not a stand-alone. You must read Don't..., first. Then read it again before you start this one. I should have. I struggled to remember pertinent information, but either Jack L. Pyke did her job of implanting information into my brain when I read ¶Ù´Ç²Ô’t, or she did her job of extracting what I had buried and then forced me to remember. Then she tied it all together, expanded on it, ripped it apart and created a brand new beginning.
THE CHARACTERS
“I can’t climb in to my head and order thoughts as easily as I do my sock drawer…�
Jack Harrison � We talk about broken, fucked up characters all the time. Jack trumps them all.
“Jan got you like that, and I fucking loved how even Gray was nearly caught in his gentle trap.�
Jan Richard� Vanilla, intelligent, "normal". His nightmare became mine. Not only does he ground this story, but he lets us see.
“Part of me swore that the search for that quiet was what drove Gray, because the moment Jack quietened, so did he.�
Gray Raoul � Complex. Dangerous. Powerful. His deeply hidden compassion almost did me in.
THE STORY
“There was a brush of his nose along Gray’s jaw for the second time now, and the need to find out the what and why behind it nearly killed me.�
I don’t even think I can tell you anything. I’m short changing this fascinating piece of work by not expounding here, but I fear there is nothing that I can say to do it justice. Not to mention that I’d give something away.
In generalities the book starts on a high. Things are good and this is where it must start, at a pinnacle, both because it has to give you that high to cling on to and also because it makes the depths of despair that much more poignant. There is no light at the bottom, but there is memory of it.
I will just say, IF you’re up for it, read this.
THE WRITING
The brilliance of this work comes from the way the author was able to keep me off kilter and grounded all at once. I was flailing, but for reasons. I couldn’t put the book down. At the same time, I had to take breaks to digest, adjust, and breathe. The intensity caused me to experience real life physical reactions; racing heart rate, tears, depression, and anger. It takes a lot, any more, for me to reach that level of response to writing. It was more than just the nature of the story, it was the writing that gripped me so hard.
Ms. Pyke is building something here. This book took a wild deviation from where I thought this series would go. Not in the nature of the events, but in the nature of where I thought the main players would go. This opens entirely new paths.
I was struck at the end by the way the author’s writing changed to fit the moment. It became lyrical only when it was necessary and it may have saved me. I read the last two pages over and over and over again.
~ ~ ~ I would like to thank Jack L. Pyke and Forbidden Fiction for providing me with an ARC/Review Copy in exchange for my honest review. ~ ~ ~ ...more
How the hell did Heidi and Rachel ramp up the tension in this episode? In a series that cannot ~ ~ ~
HEART - FUCKING - POUNDING
How the hell did Heidi and Rachel ramp up the tension in this episode? In a series that cannot become any more intense they found a way to take me right to my edge, cross it, and then completely exhaust me with a racing pulse, fear and hope. Always that damn bit of hope.
“And more than anything, you need to learn to let go of all your silly, stupid morality, all the trappings and judgments and pointless rules of your old life.�
THE STORY
[image]This episode starts out with a deed that brought me to the brink of what I could handle.
Hell, this whole series has been an exercise in defining comfort thresholds and then smashing them.
I can’t tell you what happens here because it would spoil everything, but I will tell you it’s something we’ve all been hoping for…and dreading. Then there's the cliff-hanger which is an anxiety inducing, visually captivating moment of “No, No, NO…�
From start to finish this episode is just a non-stop adrenaline rush!
THE WRITING
I can’t imagine this being written any better. I think these ladies would excel at writing for film. They have a way of bringing every moment to life. Even when you’d like to be able to look away, you can’t. And that’s a good thing, because while I nearly looked away at the beginning, by the middle I was so absorbed I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.
In an entire series of “intense�, this book stands out!
Per Riptide Publishing - Reader discretion advised. This title contains the following sensitive themes: � dubious consent � explicit violence � non-consent
**Fair warning, this is NOT MM Romance. This is a psycho-sexual thriller which includes rape and torture. Please proceed with that in mind.
~ ~ ~
I would like to thank Riptide Publishing for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book is completely worthy of an exceptional review. It touched me so deeply and poignantly though, that I'm having trouble with getting my ~ ~ ~
This book is completely worthy of an exceptional review. It touched me so deeply and poignantly though, that I'm having trouble with getting my feelings on the page. Bear with me. Maybe a reread will help me see more clearly.
This has become my most anticipated read, I can not wait for each new installment.
I fear Ms. Haimowitz an~ ~ ~
:::10 FLAWLESS STARS:::
SEASON TWO FINALE
This has become my most anticipated read, I can not wait for each new installment.
I fear Ms. Haimowitz and Ms. Belleau could stir up a tall glass of Kool-aid and I would heartily glug it down. Truly, I have drunk their juice, smoked their brand of hallucinogen and have signed up for duty on their spaceship. I guess I’m as much their slave as Mat and Dougie are Nickolai’s. Can anyone save me?
THIS EPISODE
For season two’s finale Dougie and Mat are finally reunited only to bring an absolute end to their brotherhood. The question I find myself asking is; who was it harder for, Dougie or Mat?
THE WRITING
I’ve accused these two authors of everything from; torturing me, to tainting me, to tempting me, to tantalizing me. Through their flawless writing they have truly figured out a way to get control of my mind and force me do things (like read about the deepest forms of brutality) that I would never do in real life. Oh wait, this is real life. Well, there is no way I am turning back now.
THE CHARACTERS
Mat - So strong. He is asked to do the impossible, does it, and then he’s punished for it.
Push him away. You have to push him away.
Dougie - Pliant, flexible. His ability to adjust/conform should help him. His intelligence knows better.
He could do this, he realized. He could be what Nikolai wanted. He could choose to be. Wasn’t that its own kind of power?
Nikolai - Always honest. True to his word and patient. He makes sure you understand why he has to do these things. He is the best at what he does, you see. He is also one of the most brilliantly drawn characters I have ever read. Ever!
Nikolai smiled, victory pulsating through every artery and vein. In these tiny moments, however brief, he was a god.
This is a serial release:
First Season - Damnation The Flesh Cartel #1: Capture The Flesh Cartel #2: Auction
Second Season - Fragmentation The Flesh Cartel #3: Choices The Flesh Cartel #4: Consequences The Flesh Cartel #5: Wins & Losses The Flesh Cartel #6: Brotherhood � Season Finale
**Per Riptide Publishing - Reader discretion advised. This title contains the following sensitive themes: explicit violence,non-consent
**Fair warning, this is NOT MM Romance. This is a psycho-sexual thriller which includes rape and torture. Please proceed with that in mind.
~ ~ ~
I sincerely thank Riptide Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Lisa Arbitrary - AttentionIsArbitrary M/M Blog
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