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Men of Riverside #3
Understanding Mark
Rick Dealy and Mark Shrader have the perfect, loving relationship, until a seeming act of betrayal threatens to destroy both their love and their lives...
As a newly appointed lawyer in his uncle's firm, Rick Dealy doesn't have much time to get involved in a new relationship. But when he runs into Mark Shrader, his friend Adrian's younger brother, he realises some pursuits are worth the time. He and Mark fall in love and share their lives, until Mark's new job threatens to destroy everything they've worked so hard to achieve.
Mark Shrader has had a crush on Rick for what feels like forever. And now that Mark’s not so little, he's determined to make Rick his lover. After orchestrating a chance meeting, things finally seem to be going his way. But when one of the men he performs live music for, Tony Mondello, decides he wants to be Mark's lover, Mark must choose between his own safety and the life of his lover.
Will Rick be able to understand what happened, find Mark and bring him back?
As a newly appointed lawyer in his uncle's firm, Rick Dealy doesn't have much time to get involved in a new relationship. But when he runs into Mark Shrader, his friend Adrian's younger brother, he realises some pursuits are worth the time. He and Mark fall in love and share their lives, until Mark's new job threatens to destroy everything they've worked so hard to achieve.
Mark Shrader has had a crush on Rick for what feels like forever. And now that Mark’s not so little, he's determined to make Rick his lover. After orchestrating a chance meeting, things finally seem to be going his way. But when one of the men he performs live music for, Tony Mondello, decides he wants to be Mark's lover, Mark must choose between his own safety and the life of his lover.
Will Rick be able to understand what happened, find Mark and bring him back?
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2011
2 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Serena Yates
104 books770 followersI’m a night owl and start writing when everyone else in my time zone is asleep. I’ve loved reading all my life and spent most of my childhood with my nose buried in a book. Although I always wanted to be a writer, financial independence came first. Twenty-some years and a successful business career later I took some online writing classes and never looked back.
Living and working in eight countries has taught me that there is more than one way to get things done. It has instilled tremendous respect for the many different cultures, beliefs, attitudes, and preferences that exist on our planet.
I like exploring those differences in my stories, most of which happen to be romances. My characters have a tendency to want to do their own thing, so I often have to rein them back in. The one thing we all agree on is the desire for a happy ending.
I currently live in Canada, sharing my house with a vast collection of books. I like reading, traveling, spending time with my nieces and listening to classical music. I have a passion for science and learning new languages.
Living and working in eight countries has taught me that there is more than one way to get things done. It has instilled tremendous respect for the many different cultures, beliefs, attitudes, and preferences that exist on our planet.
I like exploring those differences in my stories, most of which happen to be romances. My characters have a tendency to want to do their own thing, so I often have to rein them back in. The one thing we all agree on is the desire for a happy ending.
I currently live in Canada, sharing my house with a vast collection of books. I like reading, traveling, spending time with my nieces and listening to classical music. I have a passion for science and learning new languages.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 27, 2013
First let me start by saying that I enjoyed this book. I liked both the characters of Mark and Rick and was therefore engaged in the story. The plot was interesting with some love, some sex and some drama all set at a good pace.
From the previous book Rediscovering Adrian, we knew that Mark was in trouble. He had gone to see his brother Adrian and was obviously in a bad position, under the control of suspected criminal Tony Mondello. In the previous book, Adrian was focused on his own problems and his boyfriend Peter's shooting and didn't let anyone know of Mark's situation.
This book takes us back in time to see how Mark and Rick fell in love. It is sweet how Mark arranges their 'accidental' meeting after crushing on his brother's friend for many years ("It made him feel like a stalker, but how else was he going to get Rick's attention?") Rick was friends with Adrian so knew Mark but it wasn't until he saw this grown up version of Mark that his interest was definitely sparked. They make a really cute couple.
The drama begins when Mark starts working for Tony Mondello. Due to Tony's threats, Mark is forced away from Rick. The story line was interesting as Mark sacrifices everything to protect the man he loves. What I struggled to understand was why Rick let him go - he took what he saw at face value and in typical romance fashion didn't bother to get an explanation. It was strange that he didn't think it weird that Mark didn't return to get his stuff from the apartment, after the one time he knocked on the door. Surely any normal person would make contact?
Anyway, my real issue was the blurb. I felt it gave away too much of the plot. It tells of the 'seeming act of betrayal', 'Tony Mondello, decides he wants to be Mark's lover', 'Mark must choose between his own safety and the life of his lover'. I would have preferred these things to have evolved through reading the story.
The resolution between the men was also a bit too easy for my liking "We've agreed that it was all a misunderstanding, so I see no reason why we shouldn't go back to normal." but I loved Rick's grand gesture and the HEA with totally sweet proclamations of love.
3.5 stars
From the previous book Rediscovering Adrian, we knew that Mark was in trouble. He had gone to see his brother Adrian and was obviously in a bad position, under the control of suspected criminal Tony Mondello. In the previous book, Adrian was focused on his own problems and his boyfriend Peter's shooting and didn't let anyone know of Mark's situation.
This book takes us back in time to see how Mark and Rick fell in love. It is sweet how Mark arranges their 'accidental' meeting after crushing on his brother's friend for many years ("It made him feel like a stalker, but how else was he going to get Rick's attention?") Rick was friends with Adrian so knew Mark but it wasn't until he saw this grown up version of Mark that his interest was definitely sparked. They make a really cute couple.
The drama begins when Mark starts working for Tony Mondello. Due to Tony's threats, Mark is forced away from Rick. The story line was interesting as Mark sacrifices everything to protect the man he loves. What I struggled to understand was why Rick let him go - he took what he saw at face value and in typical romance fashion didn't bother to get an explanation. It was strange that he didn't think it weird that Mark didn't return to get his stuff from the apartment, after the one time he knocked on the door. Surely any normal person would make contact?
Anyway, my real issue was the blurb. I felt it gave away too much of the plot. It tells of the 'seeming act of betrayal', 'Tony Mondello, decides he wants to be Mark's lover', 'Mark must choose between his own safety and the life of his lover'. I would have preferred these things to have evolved through reading the story.
The resolution between the men was also a bit too easy for my liking "We've agreed that it was all a misunderstanding, so I see no reason why we shouldn't go back to normal." but I loved Rick's grand gesture and the HEA with totally sweet proclamations of love.
3.5 stars
March 12, 2011
Things in life are not always as they first seem. Especially when you love someone, you should always give them the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. In 'Understanding Mark' by Serena Yates, Rick Dealy receives a harsh reminder of this fact of life when he misunderstands his partner, Mark's motives and assumes the worst without checking with Mark for clarification. This lack of communication set up a series of unfortunate events which could have been prevented.
I really like Mark Schrader, who was first introduced in the second Riverside Men story 'Finding Adrian' as Adrian's younger brother. Mark is a sweetheart, loyal, passionate, determined to go after what he wanted and ingenious enough to develop a plan to make it happen. I was impressed by the fact that he was a classical musician rather than a member of a rock band. It gave him the air of sensitivity and class which fit his character. It was easy to imagine Mark as Adrian's younger brother, following him and his friends around and developing a a crush on Rick that endured. I felt terribly sorry for him when Rick shut him out and terribly angry at Rick for doing so. When under Toni Modello's influence, Mark's pain and embarrassment felt so real that I wanted to march in and rescue him myself! I also admired Mark's courage and his forgiving nature.
Rick Dealy is a hardworking, ambitious guy, but Rick had never had to consider anyone else's feelings but his own. When he became re-acquainted with Mark, he wanted Mark to be with him but didn't realize that changes needed to be made in his lifestyle to include Mark. He thought he could continue his life as it had been and have Mark just fit into it rather than having to make compromises and concessions. When it came down to it, he was more concerned about how the situation affected him rather than trusting Mark, he simply shut him out. Fortunately, he was able to admit his mistakes and make the changes necessary to rectify the situation. In spite of his shortcomings, I liked Rick. I felt that he truly loved Mark and wanted to be with him and I applaud his ability to adapt.
'Understanding Mark' is the third book in the Men of Riverside series and, so far, is my favorite. Mark and Rick were the most believable couple yet. The storyline is entertaining without being overly dramatic. The characters were well defined and each character's eccentricities, particularly Tony Mondello's, added rather than detracted from the story. All in all, I believe Serena did an excellent job of blending the characters and story together to produce an enjoyable book with the happy ending I expected. 'Understanding Mark' may be read alone, but to become totally immersed in the drama, it's best to read 'Finding Elliot' Book 1 and 'Rediscovering Adrien', Book 2. Thanks Serena for another great story!
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online
I really like Mark Schrader, who was first introduced in the second Riverside Men story 'Finding Adrian' as Adrian's younger brother. Mark is a sweetheart, loyal, passionate, determined to go after what he wanted and ingenious enough to develop a plan to make it happen. I was impressed by the fact that he was a classical musician rather than a member of a rock band. It gave him the air of sensitivity and class which fit his character. It was easy to imagine Mark as Adrian's younger brother, following him and his friends around and developing a a crush on Rick that endured. I felt terribly sorry for him when Rick shut him out and terribly angry at Rick for doing so. When under Toni Modello's influence, Mark's pain and embarrassment felt so real that I wanted to march in and rescue him myself! I also admired Mark's courage and his forgiving nature.
Rick Dealy is a hardworking, ambitious guy, but Rick had never had to consider anyone else's feelings but his own. When he became re-acquainted with Mark, he wanted Mark to be with him but didn't realize that changes needed to be made in his lifestyle to include Mark. He thought he could continue his life as it had been and have Mark just fit into it rather than having to make compromises and concessions. When it came down to it, he was more concerned about how the situation affected him rather than trusting Mark, he simply shut him out. Fortunately, he was able to admit his mistakes and make the changes necessary to rectify the situation. In spite of his shortcomings, I liked Rick. I felt that he truly loved Mark and wanted to be with him and I applaud his ability to adapt.
'Understanding Mark' is the third book in the Men of Riverside series and, so far, is my favorite. Mark and Rick were the most believable couple yet. The storyline is entertaining without being overly dramatic. The characters were well defined and each character's eccentricities, particularly Tony Mondello's, added rather than detracted from the story. All in all, I believe Serena did an excellent job of blending the characters and story together to produce an enjoyable book with the happy ending I expected. 'Understanding Mark' may be read alone, but to become totally immersed in the drama, it's best to read 'Finding Elliot' Book 1 and 'Rediscovering Adrien', Book 2. Thanks Serena for another great story!
NOTE: This book was provided by Total-E-Bound for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online
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March 14, 2011This is the third book in my Men of Riverside series.
Understanding Mark continues the adventures of a group of men who all went to the same high school in the fictional town of Riverside, Texas. Not all of them know they are destined to be couples. Some of them believe they are only friends. Circumstances and life separate them, sometimes for several years. But luck, determination and love will help them get the reunions they deserve.
This third volume is about Rick Dealy, who has just been hired as a lawyer in his uncle's firm, and Mark Shrader, who's had a crush on Rick for what feels like forever. But Rick's job doesn't leave him a lot of time to spend with Mark, and when Mark's boss, a rumored Mafia boss, decides he wants to be Mark's lover, Mark must choose between his own safety and Rick's life...
Will Rick be able to understand what happened, find Mark and bring him back?
Understanding Mark continues the adventures of a group of men who all went to the same high school in the fictional town of Riverside, Texas. Not all of them know they are destined to be couples. Some of them believe they are only friends. Circumstances and life separate them, sometimes for several years. But luck, determination and love will help them get the reunions they deserve.
This third volume is about Rick Dealy, who has just been hired as a lawyer in his uncle's firm, and Mark Shrader, who's had a crush on Rick for what feels like forever. But Rick's job doesn't leave him a lot of time to spend with Mark, and when Mark's boss, a rumored Mafia boss, decides he wants to be Mark's lover, Mark must choose between his own safety and Rick's life...
Will Rick be able to understand what happened, find Mark and bring him back?
March 31, 2011
This is one of my favorite Serena Yates stories so far and I've read most of them. Great plot, hot sex, and fun characters. Read this story!!!
March 15, 2013
Oh for the love of god! Mark gets kidnapped, held hostage for 6 weeks, beaten, has the possibility of being raped, and Rick doesnt have ONE conversation regarding the emotional and psychological trauma suffered by the man he loves?!!!!! WHAT????????!!!!!
Yeah, I guess it's great that Mark doesnt seem to suffer any of the normal human reactions to the terror he loved through for a month and a half (YAY MARK!!!!), but to have no anger against the 'love of his life' locking him out of their home when Mark was pretty much running for his life and was in desperate need of help?????! That deserves and award! (And the Sainthood goes to, Mark! Most incredible human EVER!
I also didnt realize till now that Adrian took ONE MONTH to worry about his brother! Seriously????! Selfish bastard!
Oh on the plus side, thank god this book wasnt like the previous two in which the MC's were in love, got separated and when they see each other again they are instantly in love again! I mean come on!, YEARS of separation and we are told that ONE DAY is enough to know that they want to spend the rest of their lives together?!!! I am just really peeved that I didnt get to see the 'falling in love' part. Not that this book had much of it either..... we are told they love each other, not shown.
Should I stop reading this series? I am beginning to see a trend of dislike here (Sorry author, just my opinion!). But damn, I am curious about Ben (total sucker for best friends-to-lovers stories
) so I will be reading that.
Yeah, I guess it's great that Mark doesnt seem to suffer any of the normal human reactions to the terror he loved through for a month and a half (YAY MARK!!!!), but to have no anger against the 'love of his life' locking him out of their home when Mark was pretty much running for his life and was in desperate need of help?????! That deserves and award! (And the Sainthood goes to, Mark! Most incredible human EVER!
I also didnt realize till now that Adrian took ONE MONTH to worry about his brother! Seriously????! Selfish bastard!
Oh on the plus side, thank god this book wasnt like the previous two in which the MC's were in love, got separated and when they see each other again they are instantly in love again! I mean come on!, YEARS of separation and we are told that ONE DAY is enough to know that they want to spend the rest of their lives together?!!! I am just really peeved that I didnt get to see the 'falling in love' part. Not that this book had much of it either..... we are told they love each other, not shown.
Should I stop reading this series? I am beginning to see a trend of dislike here (Sorry author, just my opinion!). But damn, I am curious about Ben (total sucker for best friends-to-lovers stories
) so I will be reading that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2011
2.5 stars
One of my pet peeves in any story is the cliche misunderstanding when a lover enters a room and see the significant other is in compromised position with other person. The lover then shut off everything and makes things worse. IMO, such thing creates unnecessary angst.
The ratings reflect my preference, not the 'quality' of the book itself. Using some usual standard, like the likeability of the characters, coherence of the plot, flow of the writings, etc., this is a good book. This is just not my cup of tea.
One of my pet peeves in any story is the cliche misunderstanding when a lover enters a room and see the significant other is in compromised position with other person. The lover then shut off everything and makes things worse. IMO, such thing creates unnecessary angst.
The ratings reflect my preference, not the 'quality' of the book itself. Using some usual standard, like the likeability of the characters, coherence of the plot, flow of the writings, etc., this is a good book. This is just not my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2011
2.5 stars. Mark is an idiot like his brother. Rick is not much better and the first half of this book is very repetitive. It has the some of the exact same scenes as the previous book and all the plot twists for this were spoiled in the previous book. I think this story would have work better if it was part of the last book since it shares a timeline.
November 2, 2011
The theme of lost loves seemed a little forced for this pair since they were separated for such a short time. I liked the build-up and interplay of the relationship, but having read the previous book the whole thing was overshadowed by my knowledge of future events.
June 13, 2012
it was nice but I felt like I already read half of it since it was also explained in the previous book.
April 30, 2011
so so...
October 2, 2013
3.5 stars
September 21, 2014
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews