READING: Bad Romance by Heather Demetrios

Publication date: June 13 2017

Published by: Henry Holt & Co

Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Dark, Self-Harm, Abuse, Mystery, Sexual Assault 

Rating:

Grace wants out. Out of her house, where her stepfather wields fear like a weapon and her mother makes her scrub imaginary dirt off the floors. Out of her California town, too small to contain her big city dreams. Out of her life, and into the role of Parisian artist, New York director—anything but scared and alone.

Enter Gavin: charming, talented, adored. Controlling. Dangerous. When Grace and Gavin fall in love, Grace is sure it's too good to be true. She has no idea their relationship will become a prison she's unable to escape. 

Deeply affecting and unflinchingly honest, this is a story about spiraling into darkness—and emerging into the light again.

Bad Romance was a very hard book to read. I constantly felt threatened and afraid while at the same time, I couldn't put it down.
That's the power of a great writer and of ,what has got be, one of the best books I read this year.

You probably already know, but Bad Romance contains many, many triggers about emotional, physical and sexual abuse. If you have been abused or know someone that has, this might be a bit difficult for you to go through and I completely get if someone chooses not to read it.
It wasn't easy.

Grace leaves in an abusive home. Her mum is married to a horrible man who physically abuses and belittles her and consequently she takes it out on Grace. Grace is made to do all housework to perfection and if not, she is given the most severe and absurd punishments. No wonder that after falling head over heels with Gavin, a teenage rock god and senior at her school, she doesn't see the level of his abuse straight away, putting it down to him being protective and caring about her.

When I was in my 20s, I heard my mom telling stories about friends of hers being talked down to and beaten by their partners and were in general extremely unhappy in their marriages. As far as I know these women are still married to the same men to this day. I remember thinking: "What, are they fucking stupid? Why don't they leave?" I'll admit, I was very judgmental and quite ignorant back then, mostly because I grew up in a safe and loving family and I just couldn't understand why these women didn't just leave. Simple. Just open the door and never look back.
As I got older, I had a rude awakening and my bubble was not only burst, but shattered into million pieces. I found out firsthand how abuse can be so subtle and fine that it is almost undetectable (definitely by the people involved) and how you can stay in an abusive relationship without even realising that it is harmful. As for leaving? Ha. Not even on the table.

That is what happened to Grace. She knew after a while (you cannot not know, it's impossible) that she was unhappy and she could not live that way anymore but she just couldn't leave. Reasons varied from lack of self respect ("I'm never gonna find anyone like him to like me back"), complete denial ("But he loves me and I love him") to emotional manipulation ("If you leave me, I will kill myself"). Whatever the reason, the answer to her friends demanding that she break up with him was always "I can't". 

The level of abuse Grace had to suffer was beyond anything I could imagine. It was A LOT, but I liked the fact that she remained real throughout. She didn't turn from victim to super hero in one day, or had a completely unwarranted and out of character reaction, which if I'm being honest, at that point, I could believe even that. To see that kind of trauma painfully unravel in front of me little by little, I didn't even know what reaction would be "suitable".
I also really loved the ending, and I think it is a clear message to all women out there.

Grace went to Gavin and told him for a second time that she is breaking up with him, for real this time. There was no begging from his part, no tearing of clothes, no tears, certainly no killing himself. And then Grace opened the door and just left.

That goes to show that a lot of times we embellish things and situations in our heads so much that it's almost paralysing, when it's very very simple. And when we do take that leap, we see how much time we wasted being inactive and unhappy.
OBVIOUSLY not all situations are the same! and if you find it impossible to walk out and say enough is enough, I get it. It is extremely hard, nobody saying it's not. That is why you need a good support system or if you don't have that, please find someone with the knowledge and expertise to help you. Reach out, because it's definitely not something you can do on your own.

As much as I hated Grace's parents (no excuses for her mum, she was horrible, awful and she should be institutionalised, if not imprisoned), I think Gavin's parents were worse. They were not doing him any favours by piling on his deluded dream of getting married to Grace and getting an apartment and all that crap. I mean they were barely 19 years old and Gavin was mentally unstable, he was on medication. They should have paid closer attention to him and not emotionally manipulate Grace into staying with him. Maybe I'm being harsh, I don't know. I understand that they loved him, but you can't be blind to anything else that is going on.

Bad Romance was exquisite, but I'm not gonna lie, I struggled with it. On an emotional level, it took me back to a state of mind where I swore I'd never be again, and I found I needed a long break from reading after I finished it.
That said, it was amazingly written and I don't regret picking it up for a second. 
It made my heart bleed, but I loved it.

A dear friend of mine was hospitalised earlier this year because of something her husband did to her, I don't want to go into details. She could have died, that's how bad she was. After months in the hospital and clinics and therapy, she went to live with her mom. In one of our calls, she admitted to me that she misses her husband because, and I quote: "He is the only one who gets me". I think that says a lot about an abused woman's mindset.

READING: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Publication date: August 28 2012
Published by: Bloomsbury
Genre: New Adult, MM, Romance, Historical 
Rating: 

Achilles, "the best of all the Greeks," son of the cruel sea goddess Thetis and the legendary king Peleus, is strong, swift, and beautiful irresistible to all who meet him. Patroclus is an awkward young prince, exiled from his homeland after an act of shocking violence. Brought together by chance, they forge an inseparable bond, despite risking the gods' wrath.

They are trained by the centaur Chiron in the arts of war and medicine, but when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, all the heroes of Greece are called upon to lay siege to Troy in her name. Seduced by the promise of a glorious destiny, Achilles joins their cause, and torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus follows. Little do they know that the cruel Fates will test them both as never before and demand a terrible sacrifice. 

Screw Romeo and Juliet. 

THIS the most epic love story of all time!

How can you review a book that is absolute perfection? How much can you gush over something you love? I feel like Chiron when, after seeing Achilles unique prowess, told him “I have nothing to teach you.” I seriously have nothing to say about the Song of Achilles that would do it justice, it’s that good.

I knew Miller is an exceptional writer (Circe is another masterpiece of hers I read last year) so I knew going in that I was at least going to like the Song of Achilles. What I didn’t expect was a deeply emotional and sensitive page turner of a book about the life journey of two boys in Ancient Greece.
Having the story and world building practically already mapped out, Miller has plenty of time to explore her characters and does so beautifully. I love that there is such a linear progression to her characters growth, we see them from a very young age growing and developing through the pages, steadily, almost respectfully, like every detail of their lives matters in how their personalities are eventually shaped. Nothing is left to chance and nothing seems out of place. Miller doesn’t choose the easy way out, there are no repeats of done-to-death tropes and that’s what makes her writing so unique and extraordinary.

Yes, the Song of Achilles was a great love story between Achilles and Patroclus, but for me it goes beyond that. What those two had was way more than simple love for each other. The level of devotion and the pure idolisation Patroclus had for Achilles was unreal. I do not doubt for a second that Achilles felt the same for Patroclus (he was the one who initially approached him after all) but in a slightly different way, which to some might not be quite enough, and maybe it wasn’t. Because Patroclus love for Achilles was so intense, any show of affection from Achilles could not possibly compare. Patroclus dreamed of kids and another life but he would happily put all his wants aside for Achilles, just to be with him and die with him. Achilles wouldn’t, at least not that easily, and Patroclus knew that very well. And he still loved him all the same.

The Song of Achilles is a tale of two boys with an unbreakable bond. It is a tale of war, death and destruction, but also of friendship, love, loyalty and forgiveness. 
In an nutshell, an absolute must-read.

The next day...
I can't stop thinking about this book you guys, and that very rarely happens to me. The effect it had on me is remarkable and it will always have a special place in my heart. 💖

-------------------

Because I have seen some crazy shit in some reviews, I feel the need to address some of it:

Mythology comes from the Greek words "mythos" which means legend and "logia" which means words, coming from the verb "legw" which means speak.
So, mythology is just that: stories, fables, fiction, basically a total fib. You can twist it any way you like and give it the shape you want. You cannot be "disrespectful" to mythology even if you tried, such thing is a paradox, it doesn't exist.
I am Greek and I studied Ancient Greek and Latin for 4 years in high school and I am telling you now I wouldn’t give a fuck and certainly wouldn’t be offended if Miller wanted to make Achilles a flamboyant drag queen from San Francisco or a surfer dude from the Gold Coast, who cares? She writes fiction, she is not a scholar. Stop picking everything apart and try enjoying books more would be my suggestion. Or read non-fiction, that could be a choice. 

And one more thing: if you don't like MM romance, don't read MM romance! It is really that simple.

READING: When a Scot Ties The Knot by Tessa Dare

Publication date: August 25 2015
Published by: Avon
Genre: Adult, Romance, Historical, Chick Lit, Fairytale, Favorites
Rating: 

On the cusp of her first London season, Miss Madeline Gracechurch was shyly pretty and talented with a drawing pencil, but hopelessly awkward with gentlemen. She was certain to be a dismal failure on the London marriage mart. So Maddie did what generations of shy, awkward young ladies have done: she invented a sweetheart.

A Scottish sweetheart. One who was handsome and honorable and devoted to her, but conveniently never around. Maddie poured her heart into writing the imaginary Captain MacKenzie letter after letter … and by pretending to be devastated when he was (not really) killed in battle, she managed to avoid the pressures of London society entirely.

Until years later, when this kilted Highland lover of her imaginings shows up in the flesh. The real Captain Logan MacKenzie arrives on her doorstep—handsome as anything, but not entirely honorable. He’s wounded, jaded, in possession of her letters… and ready to make good on every promise Maddie never expected to keep. 

“I think you underestimate my capacity for taking normal human interaction and making it awkward.” 

Guys. I'm in love 💓💓💓
This book is just one of the loveliest, sweetest, funniest HRs I've ever read.
And there is a hot Highlander in it. How can I not love it?!

Tessa Dare yet again spun a wonderful story, this time about a shy and introverted illustrator (Maddie) and this magnificent all-man Highlander (Logan), who start off as enemies but of course end up falling madly in love through comical, but also deeply romantic, situations. Dare's melodic writing was so engaging, I could not put this book down. I read it all in a day, and I have to regretfully admit that I miss it already.
There is something that I have only seen in Dare's writing so far which I really like: modern phrases, jokes or general way of speaking customised to fit the period for which she writes. It's hard to explain, and you're probably going "What is she on about"?, and I daftly forgot to write down said phrases as to give you an example. It's so beautifully done by Dare and even though it doesn't throw you off, you are still able to detect it. I think it makes the characters timeless and consequently more relatable.

Maddie, Logan and all secondary characters were very well written, something that really surprised me. Not that I didn't think Dare is a great writer, but truth be told, in HRs character development is usually not the predominant element nor is it expected to be. That's why it's so amazing when it is done right. I came to know Logan and Maddie so well throughout this small book of 300 pages. Their background, how they grew up, how they viewed the world, their thoughts, their feelings. I mean, I haven't seen this thorough character development in HR (and other genres) books double the size of WASTTN. There was no out of character silly shenanigans, no unnecessary over the top drama. Just the perfect love story, romantic, serious, sexy and funny just when it needed to be. There are very few authors that have that gift, and Dare is definitely one of them.

Logan and Maddie's witty banter is the best part of the book, considering how petite she was and how huge he was, that mental image alone is hilarious!
What I liked most however is that Maddie might be described as a small, anxious and lonesome girl, but she was not a pushover. She showed some serious backbone when needed and stood up to Logan when he was being a stupid brute.

If you are down and you are in desperate need of a pick me up, When a Scot Ties the Knot will definitely put a smile on your face.
Great romance written by a great writer - I can't recommend it enough! 

READING: The Tea Rose (The Tea Rose #1) by Jennifer Donnelly

Publication date: May 02 2006
Published by: Harper Collins
Genre: Adult, Romance, Historical, Mystery, Suspense, Chick Lit
Rating: 

East London, 1888 - a city apart. A place of shadow and light where thieves, whores, and dreamers mingle, where children play in the cobbled streets by day and a killer stalks at night, where bright hopes meet the darkest truths. Here, by the whispering waters of the Thames, Fiona Finnegan, a worker in a tea factory, hopes to own a shop one day, together with her lifelong love, Joe Bristow, a costermonger's son. With nothing but their faith in each other to spur them on, Fiona and Joe struggle, save, and sacrifice to achieve their dreams.

But Fiona's life is shattered when the actions of a dark and brutal man take from her nearly everything-and everyone-she holds dear. Fearing her own death, she is forced to flee London for New York. There, her indomitable spirit propels her rise from a modest West Side shop-front to the top of Manhattan's tea trade. But Fiona's old ghosts do not rest quietly, and to silence them, she must venture back to the London of her childhood, where a deadly confrontation with her past becomes the key to her future.

I really struggled with this review because, quite honestly, I did not know where to start! It's like meeting someone after years of losing touch and they ask you "What's been going on?" and you really don't know what to answer, simply because life has been going on but you don't know how to explain it.

After years of failed plans to read Tea Rose, I finally did it! 🏆 Did I like it? I loved it, buuut there were still a few things that I thought were unnecessary.

What I liked: 
-The writing. 735 pages could make for a very dull book, but this one had me on edge the whole time and I was seriously sleep deprived by the end of it. Even things I am not interested in I found exciting, like tea. Yeah, I'm not a tea drinker :/
-Nick-❤️ He was the most genuine and lovable character in the whole book. Brave, smart and altruistic. His story was a real tear jerker.
-Fiona-her insistence of not letting men push her around or tell her what to do. I also liked how her relationship with other people in her life was portrayed, not just Joe, and how fiercely loyal and devoted to them she was.
-Contrary to the majority of readers, I liked the first 3d of the book better, when Fiona was still poor in Whitechapel. I liked it fine after, but the first part is what really drew me in. I didn't find it as challenging for her character when she became rich.
-The romance-an epic, heart breaking historical romance. Is there anything better than that?

What I didn't like: 
-Jack the Ripper - completely unnecessary. He could have just as easily been a fictional murderer, or we could have done with no murderer at all, if I'm being honest. Too much was going on already, anyway. I particularly didn't like when 

Jack killed Fiona's mother. Such an undeserved death.

 

-How often Fiona was adored and admired by mere strangers. I felt it was unfair for her character, who was not at all vain or showed any signs of caring about her appearance.
-Joe-Regardless of her character, I didn't like how he treated Millie at all. Takes two to tango, bud.
-The endless misunderstandings that kept Fiona and Joe apart. I wanted more of those two together in the end and I didn't get it.
-The level of both Fiona and Joe's success was far fetched, to say the least.

Overall, Tea Rose was an over the top, super melodramatic and sappy historical romance novel that I enjoyed immensely! I am so disappointed Winter Rose is not about Fiona and Joe! Because I foolishly thought it was 🤓 
If you are a sucker for a good romantic saga book, that would maybe make you shed a tear or two, then The Tea Rose is definitely for you. Better read in a cold winter's night, curled up in bed!

Recommended to readers who liked Paradise and The Bronze Horseman

READING: First Against The Wall (The Administration #6) by Manna Francis

Publication date: May 1 2010
Published by: Casperian Books
Genre: MM, Adult, Dark, BDSM, Dystopian, Mystery, Sci Fi
Rating: 

Who is leading the rabble to victory?

The systems were failing.

Something had gone badly wrong, and had continued to go wrong for so long that he'd been forced unwillingly to conclude that it had to have hit more than I&I. Revolution has come to the Administration, as the citizens rise up against government and corporate oppression. With old and new enemies all around them, what will the new future hold for despised para-investigator Val Toreth, and corporate highflier Keir Warrick? And how long will that future last? 

I was left speechless from the very first page. 

The revolt happens

 

and there is no explanation, no preamble, no pages and pages of mundane flashbacks. Plus, tortured Toreth? Extra bonus!

I suspect a lot of people loathe Carnac and I totally get it.
Personally, I think he's all kinds of awesome, and he just makes everything so much better! He's an asshole, sure, but isn't Toreth, and we all root for him? Carnac is exactly like Toreth, and I guess that's why he can't stomach the idea of Toreth having two people completely devoted to him (one of them Warrick) whereas he is completely unlovable. He hates that Toreth, the scum of the earth that he is, has the love of Warrick, someone that Carnac respects and let's face it, is in love with. That's why he has made it his life goal to completely destroy Toreth. Yes, his motives were selfish and misguided, but other than that, who can blame him for wanting to eliminate I&I? Only dum dum Warrick who, even though believes the same, he will do anything to save Toreth, even if that means helping the Administration and prolonging its existence.

Speaking of dum dum Warrick, I can't believe he took Toreth in that easily in the end :( Well yes I can, because he's madly in love with him but still! I was also upset by the fact that we were shown Toreth's turmoil over 

losing Warrick, but he was the one who left him! Because why? Carnac said a few words? Does Toreth really think so little of Warrick to not realise that Warrick knows all that already and still loves him? Carnac said Toreth wants Warrick to love him, and he does, but he has done absolutely nothing to earn that love. I guess as soon as Warrick took him back, he would go back to screwing half of New London again because that's just what Toreth does. I was also upset with Sara for being so willing to have sex with Toreth to "ease his pain". Ugh, no wonder Carnac hates Toreth so much, how the hell did he manage to earn this kind of love and loyalty by being such a monster?

Loved it, but it frustrated me sooo much!!

READING: Quis Custodiet (The Administration #5) by Manna Francis

Publication date: October 1 2009
Published by: Casperian Books
Genre: MM, Adult, Dark, BDSM, Dystopian, Mystery, Sci Fi
Rating: 

No protests, no bombings, no subversion. Is it possible that in one part of the European Administration at least, almost all the citizens are happy with their lot in life? It seems unlikely. When the numbers don't add up at the Athens branch of the Investigation and Interrogation Division, Para-investigator Toreth is sent there from New London to review their procedures. With sunshine, a less-than-urgent assignment, and hosts who seem anxious to ensure that he has a good time, it seems like the perfect chance for a holiday on Administration time.

Or it would if he didn't have to leave Sara and the rest of his regular team behind. Working alone for once, as the investigation becomes more complex Toreth finds himself surrounded by people he can't trust. Worse than that, he has to leave Warrick on his own in New London, a situation further complicated by the reappearance of an old adversary.

Maybe I'm a bit biased because this story takes place in my home country and birthplace, but I loved it! Francis's depiction of Greek mentality and behaviour was spot on, and even though everyone speaks English in the Administration, the cultural identity was very distinct. 

The mystery part of the story was very well thought out, with a lot of suspense and intrigue, leaving room for a follow up book later. 

Toreth does something way out of line (must be a day of the week ending in "y") which he keeps secret from Warrick. When Warrick finds out, I expected all hell to break loose. Instead, Warrick does his best angry face for five minutes, Toreth apologises and he promises never to do such thing again (like he hasn't promised that in every book!) and he gets away with a slap on the wrist and probably a great fuck by the end of the day. 
I got so angry with Warrick who is so blinded by his love for Toreth, he doesn't realise how badly he is treated. Although sometimes, I have a feeling he, very obediently and patiently, puts up with it all because in his way he manipulates Toreth as well, he sculpts him into a better, more humane version of himself. Very, very slowly and painstakingly. 
Or he is just that submissive.
Either or. 

Loved the scene in the tub when Warrick dunked Toreth and he freaked out. Always gives me a thrill when Toreth is scared!

T:Can I use your shower?
P:I see no reason why not-since you already have my heart.

Paul, you're fab, I love you ❤️

READING: Mind Fuck (The Administration #1) by Manna Francis

Publication date: October 29 2007
Published by: Casperian Books
Genre: MM, Adult, Dark, BDSM, Dystopian, Mystery, Sci Fi
Rating: 

There are no bad guys or good guys. There are only better guys and worse guys.

One of the worse guys is Val Toreth. In a world in which torture is a legitimate part of the investigative process, he works for the Investigation and Interrogation Division, where his colleagues can be more dangerous than the criminals he investigates.

One of the better guys is Keir Warrick. His small corporation, SimTech, is developing a "sim" system that places users in a fully immersive virtual reality. A minnow in a murky and dangerous pond, he is only beginning to discover how many compromises may be required for success.

Their home is the dark future dystopia of New London. A totalitarian bureaucracy controls the European Administration, sharing political power with the corporations. The government uses violence and the many divisions of the feared Department of Internal Security to maintain control and crush resistance. The corporations fight among themselves, using lethal force under the euphemism of "corporate sabotage," uniting only to resist attempts by the Administration to extend its influence over them.

Toreth and Warrick are more natural enemies than allies. But mutual attraction and the fight for survival can create unlikely bonds. 

It took me a while to hop on the Administration train, but I'm glad I did!

Mindfuck is so unlike any other mm I've read; it's basically a sci fi/dystopian whodunnit with a splash of romance, if you can call whatever Toreth and Warrick have "romance". Even though it is very high techy and futuristic, it reads more like a crime noir book, or rather a regency crime.

Mindfuck is written almost to perfection. The story is so dense and detailed but never ever boring. It has a lot of scientific terms (neuroscience, psychology) and you have to pay very close attention because they are all pertinent to the case, you need them to understand the kind of world these people live in, and they are also very interesting and fascinating. Simulated reality makes for a very compelling and terrifying notion that adds to the whole murder/mystery vibe.
I hope we see more of it in the future. 

Toreth is a senior investigator and interrogator which in the world of Administration means he is a sociopath.
He leaves by a strict and specific set of moral rules mostly because their application would serve and benefit him. He's driven by self interest only, hates incompetence and has a total disregard for human life if it means ending it will help him in any way. He interrogates and tortures people for a living. "I fuck minds" he very proudly declares to Warrick when they first meet. 
The only real and close relationship he has is with his personal assistant Sara, who, it's evident, he cares for deeply. Why is that and how it all works with his twisted and evil personality? I guess we'll find out in later books. We only have tiny flashes of the characters' back stories but I've bee assured we'll get more later, there are 9 books after all.

Warrick is a tough one to figure out. He is not as straightforwardly monstrous as Toreth but there is a dormant darkness inside him and the only reason it doesn't come out is that his morality is stronger than Toreth's and he more easily distinguishes good from bad. And even if he doesn't sometimes, he at least exhibits some kind of remorse, as opposed to Toreth. Still, his arrogance can only match Toreth's and they always try to one up each other, right until Toreth realises what Warrick truely is after in their "relationship". Then the games start. 

Absolutely fascinating read, can't wait to see how it all plays out!

READING: Another Man's Treasure by Lisa Henry and J.A.Rock

Publication date: May 30 2014
Published by: Crocobear Press
Genre: MM, Adult, Contemporary, Dark, Suspense, Violence 
Rating: 

Ilia Porter is Chechen mob boss Mikhail Kadyrov’s greatest treasure. After leaving home at eighteen to escape his verbally abusive father, beautiful, selfish Ilia has lived with Mikhail, proud of his ability to bring such a powerful man to his knees to worship. But when Ilia’s father, a police captain, kills Mikhail in a raid, Ilia’s world falls apart.

Entering to pick up the pieces is Mikhail’s younger brother, Nick—impulsive, power-hungry, and dangerous. When Nick tells Ilia he’s taking everything that belonged to Mikhail—including Ilia—Ilia is too lost in grief to fight. Nick takes Ilia prisoner in the apartment Ilia once shared with Mikhail and grooms him for a very important mission: to kill Ilia’s father and avenge Mikhail’s death.

Ilia wants no part in the plot, but being Nick’s ally is preferable to being Nick’s victim, so he begins to warp himself into the monster Nick wants him to be. Hope arrives when Nick takes another captive: Patrick, a shy massage therapist who’s stronger than he seems. Patrick and Ilia must join forces to escape Nick—and to keep each other whole as Nick does everything in his power to break them.

This review is very small but I wanted to add it in here so this amazing, wonderful book could get as much exposure as possible. 

Oh my God.
This book.
Oh my God.

Another Man's Treasure is an exquisitely written book, from beginning to end.
It is dark. Possibly the darkest book I have ever read.
It is not a romance book, in any way, shape or form. There is no HEA. I would not recommend it to just anyone. I was desperately trying to find something good and positive to hold on to in the midst of all this blackness, but it just got darker and darker. And yet, I couldn't stop reading. Like a car-crush; I just couldn't look away.

What makes it a great read? The writing and the characters. Lisa Henry reaffirms herself as my favourite MM author and together with Rock they are unbeatable (see When All the World Sleeps). They have this phenomenal ability to make the reader captivated by the most gut wrenching, sorrow-filled but utterly un-relatable stories by creating such full and compelling characters. Even the monsters they create are fascinating.

Another Man's Treasure is a work of art. An evil, twisted work of art. Just like Ilia's piercing.
I felt completely devastated after reading it. My stomach was clenched the entire time, I was on edge and quite honestly, scared. 
And I loved every second of it.

READING: Mark Cooper vs America by Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock

Publication date: January 2 2018
Published by: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Genre: MM, New Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 

Mark Cooper is angry, homesick, and about to take his stepdad’s dubious advice and rush Prescott College’s biggest party fraternity, Alpha Delta Phi. Greek life is as foreign to Aussie transplant Mark as Pennsylvania’s snowstorms and bear sightings. So, when the fraternity extends Mark a bid, Mark vows to get himself kicked out by the end of pledge period. But then he’s drawn into Alpha Delt’s feud with a neighboring fraternity.

Studious Deacon Holt is disappointed to learn Mark’s pledging Alpha Delt, his fraternity Phi Sigma Kappa’s sworn enemy. Mark is too beautiful for Deacon to pass up an invitation for sex, but beyond sex, Deacon’s not sure. He wants a relationship, but a difficult family situation prevents him from pursuing anything beyond his studies.

Mark and Deacon’s affair heats up as the war between their fraternities escalates. They explore kinks they didn’t know they had while keeping their liaison a secret from their brothers. But what Romeo and Juliet didn’t teach these star-crossed lovers is how to move beyond sex and into a place where they share more than a bed. That’s something they’ll have to figure out on their own—if the friction between their houses, and between Mark and America, doesn’t tear them apart.

2nd read (Nov 22 2018)

💗💗💗💗💗💗
Just as good, if not better! 

Mark Cooper will always be one of the sexiest MCs in MM history, hands down. I don't know how Lisa Henry & JA Rock came up with Mark's character and what her inspiration was, because we sure as hell don't have guys like that down here in Melbourne, I'll tell you that for free! I am now convinced that he is a figment of her imagination, but a girl (or boy) can dream, eh?

Being able to describe a book that includes men in women's knickers, dirty sex in public places, paddling and anal fisting as beautifully sweet, just goes to show what an amazing writer Lisa Henry is. She can write the most romantic story in the dirtiest context and you still go "awww" in the end. 
Mark and Deacon were perfect together. Mark's personality reminded me of a spin top that would perpetually spin and spin further and further away from its centre, if not blocked by an obstacle strong enough to stop its crazy reeling. That obstacle was Deacon. Steady as they come, always ready to listen and never judge or embarrass, but just being there for Mark whenever he needed him, even early on. Does that sound boring? Ha! Deacon is anything but! He gives as good as he gets and he rivals Mark in kinks. And Mark is preeeeetty kinky!

If you're looking for a hot and spicy MM college romance, with perfect writing and amazing sense of humour to boot, this is definitely the book for you.

Just picture it:A very young Chris Hemsworth playing Mark in a hypothetical Mark Cooper versus America movie shot in early 2000s? Hell yes!


1st read (Aug 4 2018)

Can I just officially declare Henry as one of my absolute favourite mm writers?
I love everything she writes; how she builds her characters and their relationship, how she knows when to be serious and when to be hilarious (love her sense of humour) when to write cheecky-kinky scenes and when to write sweet and loving ones.
The total lack of angst in this one was very refreshing. Just two college guys meeting each other and gradually falling in love. They each have their baggage and they help each other to try and work them out. Mark and Deacon's relationship is a loving and sweet one, being occasionally spiced up by Mark, who is a complete firecracker(Aussie, what can I tell ya?) Deacon is the opposite- more serious, almost somber at times. Together, they are perfection!
Unputdownable, amazing read!

READING: Stars & Stripes (Cut & Run #6) by Abigail Roux

Publication date: August 13 2012
Published by: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: MM, Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Suspense, Crime
Rating: 

Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett have managed the impossible: a few months of peace and quiet. After nearly a year of personal and professional turmoil, they're living together conflict-free, work is going smoothly, and they're both happy, healthy, and home every night before dark. But anyone who knows them knows that can’t possibly last.

When an emergency call from home upsets the balance of their carefully arranged world, Ty and Zane must juggle family drama with a perplexing crime to save a helpless victim before time runs out.

From the mountains of West Virginia to a remote Texas horse ranch harboring more than just livestock and childhood memories, Ty and Zane must face their fears—and their families—to overcome an unlikely enemy and bring peace back into their newly shared world. 

2nd read (Oct 24 2018)
My opinion still stands-I believe Stars&Stripes is absolutely adorable and I love it. 
Ty and Zane are perfect together, and in S&S they finally realise there won't be anyone else for them and that they will spend the rest of their lives together. Coming to that realisation so naturally and smoothly, made for one very sweet, very cute book. But also hot and steamy because, you know, Ty and Zane. Those 2 in this one...*fans herself* Just read it, that's all I'm saying.

Tiger, shmiger. Who cares? Yes, it was ridiculous but also kinda funny. I let myself get drawn in by the whole Texas scene so I didn't really mind, to be honest. Give me horses, Stetsons and lassos and I'm good to go! Probably what Ty was thinking as well, that's why he couldn't get his hands off Zane :P

I knew I would love Stars&Stripes right from the start. Ty waking up next to Zane playfully flicking Zane's nose while Zane was sleeping, while he was swatting Ty's hand in his sleep and Ty was chuckling, I mean how can that not melt your heart? Adorable ❤

1st read (Jun 24 2018)
I know a couple of my friends and die hard C&R fans didn't like this one, and I get why, but I couldn't help but love it. 
It was, I'm pretty sure, the most romantic book of the bunch so far. I guess that is why I liked it so much and others didn't. I never pegged myself as a big softie, quiet the opposite actually. But these two just melt my heart. They can do whatever, no matter how ridiculous, and I will find it adorable and super cute. In Stars&Stripes they were like fireworks together, every time they looked at each other I could feel how much in love they were, and the whole book from beginning to end was about that. After a year of living together and six books, I think it was necessary and they totally deserve it. To just be with each other and be completely in love. 
Loved both ↓

coming outs to their families, I must admit Ty's more than Zane's for the sole reason that we didn't know much about Zane's family until now. Zane's father's line about the gay bull is one for the ages!

Loved both sex scenes-possibly the best in the whole series ("Must be the Stetson"), loved the whole melancholic Texas vibe and Zane's accent coming out and driving Ty crazy, Zane's southern get up, the fact that they couldn't keep their hands off each other, and, because I don't want to repeat myself, everything Tane related.
Zane's utter idolisation of Ty is just phenomenal. We always see Ty through his eyes (Ty's POV are very rare) and that's why he always appears to be so cool, good at everything, very smart, loyal and honourable, hot as hell and everything anyone could ever wish for. In other words, Ty can do no wrong as far as Zane is concerned. He is completely devoted to him, and that is why I think even the tiniest misstep from Ty will absolutely devastate Zane. I don't want it to happen, but I'm afraid it will in book 7, I can see it coming :/

Granted, the story was simplistic, to put it mildly, and the tiger thing completely unnecessary and over the top. If you think about it though, aren't all story lines in C&R books very simple because they focus more on Ty and Zane's relationship? I mean, let's be honest, I am not reading this series for the amazingly complex and original story line. And after six books, Ty and Zane's relationship needed to go forward and mature, and not be limited to hard fucking and sexual tension all the time. It is natural and lovely and was described beautifully in Stars&Stripes. 

Are there really only 3 books left???? *shudder* Can't even think about that right now...

READING: When All The World Sleeps by Lisa Henry and J.A.Rock

Publication date: March 24 2014
Published by: Riptide Publishing
Genre: MM, Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Dark, Cops
Rating: 

Daniel Whitlock is terrified of going to sleep. And rightly so: he sleepwalks, with no awareness or memory of his actions. Including burning down Kenny Cooper’s house—with Kenny inside it—after Kenny brutally beat him for being gay. Back in the tiny town of Logan after serving his prison sentence, Daniel isolates himself in a cabin in the woods and chains himself to his bed at night.

Like the rest of Logan, local cop Joe Belman doesn’t believe Daniel’s absurd defense. But when Bel saves Daniel from a retaliatory fire, he discovers that Daniel might not be what everyone thinks: killer, liar, tweaker, freak. Bel agrees to control Daniel at night—for the sake of the other townsfolk. Daniel’s fascinating, but Bel’s not going there.

Yet as he’s drawn further into Daniel’s dark world, Bel finds that he likes being in charge. And submitting to Bel gives Daniel the only peace he’s ever known. But Daniel’s demons won’t leave him alone, and he’ll need Bel’s help to slay them once and for all—assuming Bel is willing to risk everything to stand by him.

This review is very small but I wanted to add it in here so this amazing, wonderful book could get as much exposure as possible. 

One of the most romantic stories I've ever read, with the sweetest and most sensitive MC I've probably ever come across. Bel was everything, I really couldn't help but love him. The sensitivity he showed towards Daniel's condition, the unlimited patience, the endless sacrifices-all for Daniel, and it was just beautiful.

Lisa Henry is a master in stirring up a lot of emotion with her heartfelt writing, leaving you feeling melancholic, even sad sometimes, despite the expected HEA in the end. Only 340 pages, and WATWS never felt rushed to me. On the contrary, I feel like the characters were developed to perfection and that there wasn't anything missing from the story. From beginning to end, everything was placed and timed exactly where and when they should have been, and in the end, everything came together beautifully.

Loved the story, loved Daniel, adored Bel, loved everything about this book.