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Stockholm Syndrome #1
Stockholm Syndrome
During a botched jewel robbery, a teenage Lottery heir unhappy with his home life becomes a willing hostage for the gang of thieves. Pip Valentine craves excitement, drama, anything that'll get him away from his family, especially because the ransom is going to hit them where it hurts - right in the bank account. The gang leader who grabs him round the waist as a human shield between himself and the police, holding a gun to his head and hissing threats and promises in his ear and telling him to hold still and behave, is all part of the crazy new Hollywood gangster-film thrill.
Lindsay Brown's secret life as a criminal is worlds away from his sensible day job and quiet seaside home. Things never usually go wrong, he's too careful about his plans. This kid wasn't part of any plan, but now he's here making things difficult and Lindsay can't make himself get rid of him - especially not when he realises what kind of reaction the kid has to his gun, his temper, and his issues with control. When love starts to creep up on him, it's unexpected and unwelcome and he fights it as much as he can stand, but it doesn't work. He's hooked. The alternative is domesticity, then - sharing his house with a kid fifteen years his junior who thinks it's okay to leave nailpaint bottles scattered around the bedroom and eat Haribo for a main meal. This is a thousand times harder than robbing banks.
Stockholm Syndrome is an unconventional love story where opposites attract like bullets, Russian Roulette is foreplay, and a hand closed tight round your wrist is as good as an "I love you". Sometimes you find your missing jigsaw piece in the weirdest circumstances. And sometimes you've got to really force it into place through sheer stubborn will...
Lindsay Brown's secret life as a criminal is worlds away from his sensible day job and quiet seaside home. Things never usually go wrong, he's too careful about his plans. This kid wasn't part of any plan, but now he's here making things difficult and Lindsay can't make himself get rid of him - especially not when he realises what kind of reaction the kid has to his gun, his temper, and his issues with control. When love starts to creep up on him, it's unexpected and unwelcome and he fights it as much as he can stand, but it doesn't work. He's hooked. The alternative is domesticity, then - sharing his house with a kid fifteen years his junior who thinks it's okay to leave nailpaint bottles scattered around the bedroom and eat Haribo for a main meal. This is a thousand times harder than robbing banks.
Stockholm Syndrome is an unconventional love story where opposites attract like bullets, Russian Roulette is foreplay, and a hand closed tight round your wrist is as good as an "I love you". Sometimes you find your missing jigsaw piece in the weirdest circumstances. And sometimes you've got to really force it into place through sheer stubborn will...
441 pages, Paperback
First published June 8, 2009
146 people are currently reading
4204 people want to read
About the author
Richard Rider
12 books376 followersRichard Rider's name once autocorrected to Richard Ridiculous, which kind of says it all.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
May 14, 2017
4.5 Stars.
Holy Hell.....two of the most fucked up characters I've read about but I loved it!
First of all the title is a bit misleading....this is definitely not a stereotypical Stockholm Syndrome book but what I will say is that once I started reading this I couldn't stop.
The writing is superb and just draws you in...it's,witty,sad,violent in places and has a bittersweet vibe that makes it both sweet and hopeful.
These two are so dysfunctional but yet you can't help routing for them.
Valentine is 19 and Lindsay is 34 when they meet but there's so much more to their first encounter....
Little by little Valentine firmly plants himself into Lindsay's life.
Both characters are flawed and together they are explosive but not always in a good way.I wouldn't say it's dark but I found it fascinating and disturbing at the same time.
The sex(and there's plenty of it) is kinky,rough and definitely dirty but plays a very important part in these two men's relationship.
I read the last 20% not having a clue which way it would go.
If you're after the 'usual' type of M/M book this definitely won't be for you but if you're interested in something completely different I can't recommend this highly enough....
Holy Hell.....two of the most fucked up characters I've read about but I loved it!
First of all the title is a bit misleading....this is definitely not a stereotypical Stockholm Syndrome book but what I will say is that once I started reading this I couldn't stop.
The writing is superb and just draws you in...it's,witty,sad,violent in places and has a bittersweet vibe that makes it both sweet and hopeful.
These two are so dysfunctional but yet you can't help routing for them.
Valentine is 19 and Lindsay is 34 when they meet but there's so much more to their first encounter....
Little by little Valentine firmly plants himself into Lindsay's life.
Both characters are flawed and together they are explosive but not always in a good way.I wouldn't say it's dark but I found it fascinating and disturbing at the same time.
The sex(and there's plenty of it) is kinky,rough and definitely dirty but plays a very important part in these two men's relationship.
I read the last 20% not having a clue which way it would go.
If you're after the 'usual' type of M/M book this definitely won't be for you but if you're interested in something completely different I can't recommend this highly enough....
August 18, 2015
Kinky as fuck.
The core conceit was enthralling... the first 10-20 times it was illustrated.
It should have ended at page 60, but it didn't, and I spent the next 140 hoping something would happen besides the same stuff that happened in the beginning.
It's not a bad book, exactly; it's just...
*waves inarticulate hand in the air*
I did spend two days masturbating with it, of course—it is rather excellent offbeat erotica, after all—it's just not...
Just too...
Well, that's all it is.
As Gertrude Stein once said of the place whence she came, "There's no there, there."
Cunningly, she is also noted for having said "a rose is a rose is a rose," which suits this book just fine.
If all you want is roses, you're all set.
Update 30 January, 2014
This novel has been removed from circulation while the author prepares to re-issue revised editions of the series. I would recommend waiting for the upcoming release.
Update 18 August, 2015
eeeeee, the new covers are delicious. nothing gets me wet like a properly deployed sans-serif font, mr. rider.
mad props to you, sir.
The core conceit was enthralling... the first 10-20 times it was illustrated.
It should have ended at page 60, but it didn't, and I spent the next 140 hoping something would happen besides the same stuff that happened in the beginning.
It's not a bad book, exactly; it's just...
*waves inarticulate hand in the air*
I did spend two days masturbating with it, of course—it is rather excellent offbeat erotica, after all—it's just not...
Just too...
Well, that's all it is.
As Gertrude Stein once said of the place whence she came, "There's no there, there."
Cunningly, she is also noted for having said "a rose is a rose is a rose," which suits this book just fine.
If all you want is roses, you're all set.
Update 30 January, 2014
This novel has been removed from circulation while the author prepares to re-issue revised editions of the series. I would recommend waiting for the upcoming release.
Update 18 August, 2015
eeeeee, the new covers are delicious. nothing gets me wet like a properly deployed sans-serif font, mr. rider.
mad props to you, sir.
January 26, 2014
3.5 psychotic stars.*****Review completed January 26, 2014
I was in a piss-poor mood when I started reading Stockholm Syndrome and ready to deal with something “dark”. I mean it can’t get any worse, can it? I did like it a lot but it didn't wow me. What especially appealed to me was the good and engaging writing. Compared to my last read, Stockholm Syndrome was a major improvement. I went into the story without having high expectations and also without any preconceived notions. In hindsight I must say that I’m more than a little bit surprised that Stockholm Syndrome trained my risible muscles much more than putting a strain on my (allegedly) frightened little heart. While the title evokes enough somber connotations, the story itself is not all that gloomy. Granted, there are some darker splotches scattered throughout the plot but overall it was a pretty hilarious ride, depicting two entertaining psychos on their way to find a slice of happiness…at someone else’s expense.
Let's play a little game…
"I can't."
"You're a dick. Just fucking say it!"
"I can't! I'm…English."
"What am I, a Martian? I say it all the time. I know you love me, why can't you say it?"
"If you know, then why do I have to?"
"You're missing the point a bit."
"I , you little twat, don't you dare question whether I love you."
"Yeah, but you could say it."
"Je t'aime," he says, through gritted teeth, to shut the kid up. "Je ne sais pas pourquoi. Tu es…complètement bête, tu t'habilles comme une pute travestie, je hais ta musique, tu es fou, tu me rends fou, mais je suis fou de toi et je pense à toi tout le temps et je t'aime, oui. Tu comprends? Je t'aime. Seulement…pas en anglais. Je ne peux pas."
Valentine's shifting about like he's uncomfortable. "I ain't got no idea what you just said but I think I need to change my pants."
"Maintenant ferme ta gueule."
I had to add "ferme". :)
I loved the use of the French language in Stockholm Syndrome even though not every word had been translated correctly. Regardless, it reminded me how romantic French is and it brought back some fond memories.
I assume Richard Rider cut the first half intentionally cos it starts off like this: Si c’est aimer, Madame, (…)
After all, Lindsey couldn’t address Pip with “Madame”. If anything he’s a little girl. I'm sorry but I couldn’t help the little stab. Joking aside, the poem’s second half is more beautiful anyway.
Here is the correct version.
Madrigal, poème lyrique de Pierre de Ronsard (1524 - 1585); Sonnets pour Hélène
Si c’est aimer de vivre en vous plus qu’en moi-même,
Cacher d’un front joyeux une langueur extrême,
Sentir au fond de l’âme un combat inégal,
Chaud, froid, comme la fièvre amoureuse me traite.
Honteux, parlant à vous, de confesser mon mal.
Si cela c’est aimer, furieux, je vous aime.
Je vous aime, et sais bien que mon mal est fatal.
Le cœur le dit assez, mais la langue est muette.
Beautiful. I think I just melted a little bit.
The not quite 100 % accurate English translation can be found on page 293 of Stockholm Syndrome.
These two are horny. All. The. Time.
The little side trip into daddy kink was not my kink at all and Pip acting childish, even babyish, …uh…let's just say I could have done without that. As a side note:
Isn't it funny that Stockholm Syndrome reminded me of Special Forces - Mercenaries Part I regarding the frequency of the sex scenes? As a matter of fact, SS provides a huge amount of face and c@ck sucking and whatnot and between 20 % and 54 % there is sex, sex, sex, sex, sex which was kinda boring. I just wanted more plot and less smexin'. That must be the difference between SS and SF. The sex in SF was much better and I tend to overlook a lack of plot when the sex is great.
"Hey, Lindsay?"
"What?"
"You can take your heroic little speech in both hands and you know where you can shove it?"
"…Up my arse?"
"Bingo. Sideways. I ain't going nowhere."
Pip, the drama queen, didn't appeal to me because I'm not into girlish men who are all spruced up and wear pink t-shirts and weird shoes, especially platforms. He kinda creeped me out. What twenty-two-year-old cries because he’s tired? When he doesn’t Yikes. He made my skin crawl. Regardless, the story and its characters achieved to entertain me and that's essential about reading, isn't it? My absolute favorite part of the entire book was between 55 % and 59 %. OMG, that was so hysterical! I think it’s the first time that I rated a book that high without feeling partial to the MCs. Then again the best aspect about SS is the very solid writing and the great dialogue.
Between 90 % and 91 %…screeeeech…WTF? These two are freaking insane! Two psychos who deserve each other. *facepalm*
And last but not least I think the book should have been shorter; it felt drawn-out for no good reason except to satisfy the MCs lust for the next orgasm or the next best little kink. All in all though a good and different book and I don't regret anything. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more about these two psychos in 17 Black and 29 Red and No Beginning, No End.
Would I recommend this book to other readers? Yes, I think so. Just go into it with an open mind. Chances are you’re going to enjoy it. Despite certain flaws, I think the author is undoubtedly talented and I'm looking forward to reading more books by Richard Rider.
http://baba.booklikes.com
I was in a piss-poor mood when I started reading Stockholm Syndrome and ready to deal with something “dark”. I mean it can’t get any worse, can it? I did like it a lot but it didn't wow me. What especially appealed to me was the good and engaging writing. Compared to my last read, Stockholm Syndrome was a major improvement. I went into the story without having high expectations and also without any preconceived notions. In hindsight I must say that I’m more than a little bit surprised that Stockholm Syndrome trained my risible muscles much more than putting a strain on my (allegedly) frightened little heart. While the title evokes enough somber connotations, the story itself is not all that gloomy. Granted, there are some darker splotches scattered throughout the plot but overall it was a pretty hilarious ride, depicting two entertaining psychos on their way to find a slice of happiness…at someone else’s expense.
Let's play a little game…
"The fuck's all this, Homo and Juliet? Get in the car, Pipsqueak."
"I can't."
"You're a dick. Just fucking say it!"
"I can't! I'm…English."
"What am I, a Martian? I say it all the time. I know you love me, why can't you say it?"
"If you know, then why do I have to?"
"You're missing the point a bit."
"I , you little twat, don't you dare question whether I love you."
"Yeah, but you could say it."
"Je t'aime," he says, through gritted teeth, to shut the kid up. "Je ne sais pas pourquoi. Tu es…complètement bête, tu t'habilles comme une pute travestie, je hais ta musique, tu es fou, tu me rends fou, mais je suis fou de toi et je pense à toi tout le temps et je t'aime, oui. Tu comprends? Je t'aime. Seulement…pas en anglais. Je ne peux pas."
Valentine's shifting about like he's uncomfortable. "I ain't got no idea what you just said but I think I need to change my pants."
"Maintenant ferme ta gueule."
I had to add "ferme". :)
I loved the use of the French language in Stockholm Syndrome even though not every word had been translated correctly. Regardless, it reminded me how romantic French is and it brought back some fond memories.
I assume Richard Rider cut the first half intentionally cos it starts off like this: Si c’est aimer, Madame, (…)
After all, Lindsey couldn’t address Pip with “Madame”. If anything he’s a little girl. I'm sorry but I couldn’t help the little stab. Joking aside, the poem’s second half is more beautiful anyway.
Here is the correct version.
Madrigal, poème lyrique de Pierre de Ronsard (1524 - 1585); Sonnets pour Hélène
Si c’est aimer de vivre en vous plus qu’en moi-même,
Cacher d’un front joyeux une langueur extrême,
Sentir au fond de l’âme un combat inégal,
Chaud, froid, comme la fièvre amoureuse me traite.
Honteux, parlant à vous, de confesser mon mal.
Si cela c’est aimer, furieux, je vous aime.
Je vous aime, et sais bien que mon mal est fatal.
Le cœur le dit assez, mais la langue est muette.
Beautiful. I think I just melted a little bit.
The not quite 100 % accurate English translation can be found on page 293 of Stockholm Syndrome.
These two are horny. All. The. Time.
The little side trip into daddy kink was not my kink at all and Pip acting childish, even babyish, …uh…let's just say I could have done without that. As a side note:
Isn't it funny that Stockholm Syndrome reminded me of Special Forces - Mercenaries Part I regarding the frequency of the sex scenes? As a matter of fact, SS provides a huge amount of face and c@ck sucking and whatnot and between 20 % and 54 % there is sex, sex, sex, sex, sex which was kinda boring. I just wanted more plot and less smexin'. That must be the difference between SS and SF. The sex in SF was much better and I tend to overlook a lack of plot when the sex is great.
"Hey, Lindsay?"
"What?"
"You can take your heroic little speech in both hands and you know where you can shove it?"
"…Up my arse?"
"Bingo. Sideways. I ain't going nowhere."
Pip, the drama queen, didn't appeal to me because I'm not into girlish men who are all spruced up and wear pink t-shirts and weird shoes, especially platforms. He kinda creeped me out. What twenty-two-year-old cries because he’s tired? When he doesn’t Yikes. He made my skin crawl. Regardless, the story and its characters achieved to entertain me and that's essential about reading, isn't it? My absolute favorite part of the entire book was between 55 % and 59 %. OMG, that was so hysterical! I think it’s the first time that I rated a book that high without feeling partial to the MCs. Then again the best aspect about SS is the very solid writing and the great dialogue.
Between 90 % and 91 %…screeeeech…WTF? These two are freaking insane! Two psychos who deserve each other. *facepalm*
And last but not least I think the book should have been shorter; it felt drawn-out for no good reason except to satisfy the MCs lust for the next orgasm or the next best little kink. All in all though a good and different book and I don't regret anything. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more about these two psychos in 17 Black and 29 Red and No Beginning, No End.
Would I recommend this book to other readers? Yes, I think so. Just go into it with an open mind. Chances are you’re going to enjoy it. Despite certain flaws, I think the author is undoubtedly talented and I'm looking forward to reading more books by Richard Rider.
http://baba.booklikes.com
July 30, 2013
I’ve completely cracked.
I’m in serious need of therapy right now. This book… I don’t even know how to describe what this book is, what it did to me, how it made me feel. This book was sick, demented, disturbing, sad, frightening, twisted and utterly mental. It was also sweet, funny, endearing, heart warming and deep. I enjoyed the hell out of this book! I want – no, I NEED more. I will have more! Thank you Sir, may I have another?
I’m in serious need of therapy right now. This book… I don’t even know how to describe what this book is, what it did to me, how it made me feel. This book was sick, demented, disturbing, sad, frightening, twisted and utterly mental. It was also sweet, funny, endearing, heart warming and deep. I enjoyed the hell out of this book! I want – no, I NEED more. I will have more! Thank you Sir, may I have another?
August 26, 2016
Mindfuck.
This one is, without any kind of doubt, one of the best books I've read this year. Now all I have to do is wrap myself up in latex and sing Bad Romance until sunrise.
You better have solid moral compass engraved on your brain because this is not a book to learn from and even less to get inspiration from in real life. This is far from being a role model in relationships and society in general, unless you are a wannabe sociopath, in that case, this is made exactly for you.
What does make it so special? It's an understatement to say this is not the usual thing. Far from it, it's such a weird combination of humor, craziness and love there is no way to avoid falling under the spell. Rest assured, there is no real Stockholm Syndrome here, Valentine is just SO eager to be kidnapped by Lindsay he immediately complies. He had never been so happy to obey.
To be honest, my intestines would be lurching in a funny way if not for some spot on features: firstly, the absurdity of most scenes. Secondly, the unexpected sweetness of certain moments. Thirdly, the madness that surrounds everything, from the decision to gather a gun for risky foreplay to the second when Lindsay threatens to spank Valentine if he doesn't eat the broccoli. It was all so out-of-the-ordinary and so ridiculous than it was supreme stupidity turning into real brilliance by the bat of an eye. The author managed to choose the correct words, to tell the perfect tale, in such a way that incredulity was never annoying because you were bursting out laughing so violently you had no time to think "WTF have I just read?" till it was too late.
I enjoyed this as a child but... I know I shouldn't have. Because, seriously, these too are terribly sick. I can't point out who is crazier here. Valentine is such a brat, he is strikingly immature and childish so that makes Lindsay look out like the reasonable one in comparison. Most of the time Lindsay is like Valentine's daddy (in more sense than one), protecting him from those who mean harm, imposing his authority on him when he goes out of hand, chastising him when he behaves badly, comforting him when he cries, arguing with him when he goes beyond reason. He even picks up his crayons and serves him the hot chocolate at night. Yes, you might have guessed at this point already this relationship is not the ordinary one.
This book is not for the faint of the heart, but it's undeniable there are very romantic chances to see them really together. So romantic you even come to believe they are meant to be due to fate or destiny. Because, is there much of a possibility for Lindsay to precisely "rape Valentine's ear with a gun" in that robbery when they first met? I don't think so, and Valentine is of course of the same opinion, as he states more than once while testing Lindsay's patience with his "I love yous" (I'm smiling so broadly right now, you wouldn't believe).
I jumped at the constant push-and-pull between these two. Valentine exaggerates his childish behavior whereas Lindsay struggles to keep a poker face and a grumpy reaction at every challenge Valentine throws at him, on purpose or not. Their dynamics are on the grounds of a fragile balance that becomes apparent at the end of the book. It's true that each one of them plays a role in the relationship. The role is not an unmoving one, because it changes everyday but within certain limits. If you cross those limits, their world could shatter forever. And that's what happens indeed. How can you rebuild something that seems beyond repair? One the trust is broken, it's very hard to regain it. Once you see the ugly face of things, the illusion does not look appealing anymore. Can things go back to normal, whatever their version of normal is?ç
The ending broke my heart a little... but that's why second and third parts exist, so do not worry. It all pays off in the end :) .
********
This one is, without any kind of doubt, one of the best books I've read this year. Now all I have to do is wrap myself up in latex and sing Bad Romance until sunrise.
You better have solid moral compass engraved on your brain because this is not a book to learn from and even less to get inspiration from in real life. This is far from being a role model in relationships and society in general, unless you are a wannabe sociopath, in that case, this is made exactly for you.
What does make it so special? It's an understatement to say this is not the usual thing. Far from it, it's such a weird combination of humor, craziness and love there is no way to avoid falling under the spell. Rest assured, there is no real Stockholm Syndrome here, Valentine is just SO eager to be kidnapped by Lindsay he immediately complies. He had never been so happy to obey.
To be honest, my intestines would be lurching in a funny way if not for some spot on features: firstly, the absurdity of most scenes. Secondly, the unexpected sweetness of certain moments. Thirdly, the madness that surrounds everything, from the decision to gather a gun for risky foreplay to the second when Lindsay threatens to spank Valentine if he doesn't eat the broccoli. It was all so out-of-the-ordinary and so ridiculous than it was supreme stupidity turning into real brilliance by the bat of an eye. The author managed to choose the correct words, to tell the perfect tale, in such a way that incredulity was never annoying because you were bursting out laughing so violently you had no time to think "WTF have I just read?" till it was too late.
I enjoyed this as a child but... I know I shouldn't have. Because, seriously, these too are terribly sick. I can't point out who is crazier here. Valentine is such a brat, he is strikingly immature and childish so that makes Lindsay look out like the reasonable one in comparison. Most of the time Lindsay is like Valentine's daddy (in more sense than one), protecting him from those who mean harm, imposing his authority on him when he goes out of hand, chastising him when he behaves badly, comforting him when he cries, arguing with him when he goes beyond reason. He even picks up his crayons and serves him the hot chocolate at night. Yes, you might have guessed at this point already this relationship is not the ordinary one.
This book is not for the faint of the heart, but it's undeniable there are very romantic chances to see them really together. So romantic you even come to believe they are meant to be due to fate or destiny. Because, is there much of a possibility for Lindsay to precisely "rape Valentine's ear with a gun" in that robbery when they first met? I don't think so, and Valentine is of course of the same opinion, as he states more than once while testing Lindsay's patience with his "I love yous" (I'm smiling so broadly right now, you wouldn't believe).
I jumped at the constant push-and-pull between these two. Valentine exaggerates his childish behavior whereas Lindsay struggles to keep a poker face and a grumpy reaction at every challenge Valentine throws at him, on purpose or not. Their dynamics are on the grounds of a fragile balance that becomes apparent at the end of the book. It's true that each one of them plays a role in the relationship. The role is not an unmoving one, because it changes everyday but within certain limits. If you cross those limits, their world could shatter forever. And that's what happens indeed. How can you rebuild something that seems beyond repair? One the trust is broken, it's very hard to regain it. Once you see the ugly face of things, the illusion does not look appealing anymore. Can things go back to normal, whatever their version of normal is?ç
The ending broke my heart a little... but that's why second and third parts exist, so do not worry. It all pays off in the end :) .
********
July 10, 2012
I am floored, heartbroken, pissed, exhilarated, shredded, and hopeful. Hands down the best m/m book I've read. Period. No questions asked. This book is not for everyone (domestic discipline, some daddy/boy kink, violence). This book is apparently hard to get (it is not on amazon--follow the books link to get the PDF copy, and you'll need to download the version of Adobe required for this book). But I urge EVERYONE to read this book. I'm moving onto the sequel now because I don't think my heart can take not reading more after that cliffhanger ending. I hope these the remaining two books live up to the first because this was, in my opinion, perfection.
June 16, 2013
Brilliant, hilarious, heart breaking, original and absolutely nuts!
From the Blurb:
This story is so completely unexpected; a crazy, intense overload of Pip Valentine and Lindsay Brown. This story is all about them, their wants and needs, their crazy relationship which yes, does include Russian roulette as fore play.
Do not be expecting action packed Mafioso intrigue, the plot only skirts and hops around the edges of Lindsay’s crime world; this is not what it is about.
The first 15% of the book is fast and frankly hilarious with a suspicion that at any moment Pip Valentine is going to get a bullet in his face, and he is so totally oblivious!
This scene was so reminiscent of Tarrantino’s Reservoir Dogs, and thus… I was smitten.
Lindsay Brown (see? Mr Brown) is a 34 year old career criminal, serious, stoic, rich and intelligent with a dry wittiness. He also has this omnipresent darkness to him that magnifies his persona (for me anyways).
His life is ordered until he takes Pip Valentine hostage albeit willingly. When this strange looking 19 year old twinky kid wearing sparkly pink girl’s shirts, paint on his nails, too tight jeans and silly pointy boots seduces his way into Lindsay’s life. He finds a deep seated need to give him everything he wants and needs, to fuck and beat care for him, love him even if he can’t say it.
Valentine is crazy, bratty, unstable, annoying, immature, selfish, abused, confused, unloved, hilarious, romantic, and totally unequivocally in love with Lindsay.
These two explore a relationship that is completely screwed up. They venture into elements of BDSM, abuse, and a kind of Daddy kink; both of them are violent and unpredictable, so easily provoked, together they are explosive, depraved, twisted, and dramatic. That’s about the worst of it with these guys though; the relationship is so multi-faceted and oddly functional.
The good times are a wonderful gut-wrenching and heart-warming romance filled with passion and sensuality too. The banter is just hilarious; these guys had me in tears of laughter. I love them; they are under my skin and in my heart.
It is very rare to find such well-developed characters and the author does a superb job.
The language is very English, as in very common English slang and anyone without the understanding might be lost or find it difficult to totally get these characters, especially Valentine.
The writing might be different, but it’s perfect for the telling of this story.
The plot focusses on Valentine and Lindsay all the time, with little interruption from the secondary characters (for the first 60% or so) From 20% - 50% the book slows and their relationship and day to day interaction is a case of sex, bicker, fuck, joke, but all the while to Lindsay’s horror the love creeps in.
At this point I took a break and resumed a few days later. I’m glad I did.
To my surprise things pick up, and at 85% things shift to Valentines perspective and everything changes. This bratty scatter brained kid shows a side of himself that is wholly unexpected, sure there is a hint of his true psychological state but not quite do we realise the extent until this moment.
A fascinating and wonderful story; I am most certainly invested enough to pursue these guys in the next two books. I relish the task.
From the Blurb:
Stockholm Syndrome is an unconventional love story where opposites attract like bullets, Russian Roulette is foreplay, and a hand closed tight round your wrist is as good as an "I love you". Sometimes you find your missing jigsaw piece in the weirdest circumstances. And sometimes you've got to really force it into place through sheer stubborn will...
This story is so completely unexpected; a crazy, intense overload of Pip Valentine and Lindsay Brown. This story is all about them, their wants and needs, their crazy relationship which yes, does include Russian roulette as fore play.
Do not be expecting action packed Mafioso intrigue, the plot only skirts and hops around the edges of Lindsay’s crime world; this is not what it is about.
The first 15% of the book is fast and frankly hilarious with a suspicion that at any moment Pip Valentine is going to get a bullet in his face, and he is so totally oblivious!
This scene was so reminiscent of Tarrantino’s Reservoir Dogs, and thus… I was smitten.
Lindsay Brown (see? Mr Brown) is a 34 year old career criminal, serious, stoic, rich and intelligent with a dry wittiness. He also has this omnipresent darkness to him that magnifies his persona (for me anyways).
His life is ordered until he takes Pip Valentine hostage albeit willingly. When this strange looking 19 year old twinky kid wearing sparkly pink girl’s shirts, paint on his nails, too tight jeans and silly pointy boots seduces his way into Lindsay’s life. He finds a deep seated need to give him everything he wants and needs, to
“Valentine clears his throat. "So. Why can't you just say it?"
"Say what?"
"You know what."
"It's hardly the time or place."
"It is if you're dying."
"I can't."
"You're a dick. Just fucking say it!"
"I can't! I'm... English."
Valentine is crazy, bratty, unstable, annoying, immature, selfish, abused, confused, unloved, hilarious, romantic, and totally unequivocally in love with Lindsay.
I’m well crazy. I’ll be a liability, you’re right. We gonna die, Clyde, me and you, we’ll get gunned down like dogs, but it’s okay cos I was fucking dying anyway.”
These two explore a relationship that is completely screwed up. They venture into elements of BDSM, abuse, and a kind of Daddy kink; both of them are violent and unpredictable, so easily provoked, together they are explosive, depraved, twisted, and dramatic. That’s about the worst of it with these guys though; the relationship is so multi-faceted and oddly functional.
The good times are a wonderful gut-wrenching and heart-warming romance filled with passion and sensuality too. The banter is just hilarious; these guys had me in tears of laughter. I love them; they are under my skin and in my heart.
It is very rare to find such well-developed characters and the author does a superb job.
The language is very English, as in very common English slang and anyone without the understanding might be lost or find it difficult to totally get these characters, especially Valentine.
The writing might be different, but it’s perfect for the telling of this story.
The plot focusses on Valentine and Lindsay all the time, with little interruption from the secondary characters (for the first 60% or so) From 20% - 50% the book slows and their relationship and day to day interaction is a case of sex, bicker, fuck, joke, but all the while to Lindsay’s horror the love creeps in.
At this point I took a break and resumed a few days later. I’m glad I did.
To my surprise things pick up, and at 85% things shift to Valentines perspective and everything changes. This bratty scatter brained kid shows a side of himself that is wholly unexpected, sure there is a hint of his true psychological state but not quite do we realise the extent until this moment.
A fascinating and wonderful story; I am most certainly invested enough to pursue these guys in the next two books. I relish the task.
May 21, 2014
Original review, June 2011
I found this whole series extraordinary, amazing. I lack superlatives for how I felt about all three books.
Although they have MCs who are gay men, in (and out of) a relationship, I would not classify these as m/m romances, because this genre brings with it expectations about the way the plot will be handled. These are not cookie-cutter stories.
For starters, it's very British. I don't just mean the setting, but stylistically; how the relationships are handled. Did you like Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels? Or In Bruges? Because if the answer is absolutely not, then that might be an indication you will not like these books.
They are raw. Visceral. These books made me feel as sticky as Valentine's mouth, and as dirty as Lindsay's sexual proclivities. I adored them. You MUST be prepared to read at least the second as well as this one, as Stockholm Syndrome finishes on a cliff-hanger. Confession: I called in sick to work so I could keep reading.
Update: 21 May 2014
I found this whole series extraordinary, amazing. I lack superlatives for how I felt about all three books.
Although they have MCs who are gay men, in (and out of) a relationship, I would not classify these as m/m romances, because this genre brings with it expectations about the way the plot will be handled. These are not cookie-cutter stories.
For starters, it's very British. I don't just mean the setting, but stylistically; how the relationships are handled. Did you like Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels? Or In Bruges? Because if the answer is absolutely not, then that might be an indication you will not like these books.
They are raw. Visceral. These books made me feel as sticky as Valentine's mouth, and as dirty as Lindsay's sexual proclivities. I adored them. You MUST be prepared to read at least the second as well as this one, as Stockholm Syndrome finishes on a cliff-hanger. Confession: I called in sick to work so I could keep reading.
Update: 21 May 2014
April 10, 2018
This was all kinds of Fucked up!
But did i care Ummm! nope. Loved every fucked up word.
The writing probably is not for everyone, but i enjoyed it.
Mind Blown.. Like for real you can't top this....
“Valentine clears his throat. "So. Why can't you just say it?"
"Say what?"
"You know what."
"It's hardly the time or place."
"It is if you're dying."
"I can't."
"You're a dick. Just fucking say it!"
"I can't! I'm... English."
"What am I, a Martian? I say it all the time. I know you love me, why can't you say it?"
"If you know, then why do I have to?"
"You're missing the point a bit."
"I took your bullet, you little twat, don't you dare question whether I love you."
"Yeah, but you could say it."
The throb of the gunshots is pounding all down his arm and body. The pain's so bad he wants to cry, like he's five and he's skinned his knee coming off his bike.
"Je t'aime," he says, through gritted teeth, to shut the kid up. "Je ne sais pas pourquoi. Tu es... complètement bête, tu t'habilles comme une pute travestie, je hais ta musique, tu es fou, tu me rends fou, mais je suis fou de toi et je pense à toi tout le temps et je t'aime, oui. Tu comprends? Je t'aime. Seulement... pas en anglais. Je ne peux pas."
Valentine's shifting about like he's uncomfortable. "I ain't got no idea what you just said but I think I need to change my pants."
"Maintenant, ta gueule.”
But did i care Ummm! nope. Loved every fucked up word.
The writing probably is not for everyone, but i enjoyed it.
Mind Blown.. Like for real you can't top this....
“Valentine clears his throat. "So. Why can't you just say it?"
"Say what?"
"You know what."
"It's hardly the time or place."
"It is if you're dying."
"I can't."
"You're a dick. Just fucking say it!"
"I can't! I'm... English."
"What am I, a Martian? I say it all the time. I know you love me, why can't you say it?"
"If you know, then why do I have to?"
"You're missing the point a bit."
"I took your bullet, you little twat, don't you dare question whether I love you."
"Yeah, but you could say it."
The throb of the gunshots is pounding all down his arm and body. The pain's so bad he wants to cry, like he's five and he's skinned his knee coming off his bike.
"Je t'aime," he says, through gritted teeth, to shut the kid up. "Je ne sais pas pourquoi. Tu es... complètement bête, tu t'habilles comme une pute travestie, je hais ta musique, tu es fou, tu me rends fou, mais je suis fou de toi et je pense à toi tout le temps et je t'aime, oui. Tu comprends? Je t'aime. Seulement... pas en anglais. Je ne peux pas."
Valentine's shifting about like he's uncomfortable. "I ain't got no idea what you just said but I think I need to change my pants."
"Maintenant, ta gueule.”
Want to read
October 2, 2016No rating, DNF al 40 %, me encantan las películas de Almodóvar, John Waters, los hermanos Coen y David Lynch, y ha habido muchos momentos en que me ha recordado a ellos. Pero, siendo fan de ese surrealismo en la pantalla, me temo que cuando se traslada al papel me aburre. Podría seguir leyendo, pero he curioseado hacia delante y veo que el surrealismo sigue, y a mi me gusta más el toque de realidad, me cuesta mucho trabajo vincularme a personajes que no me creo, y aunque me gusta, no me creo a Pip y Lindsay. Si fuera un libro lo terminaría, pero 400 páginas y dos libros más..., la verdad es que no me apetece.
Es divertido y transgresor, nada de lo que ocurre me ha molestado u ofendido, solamente me aburre :S.
Sorry.
Es divertido y transgresor, nada de lo que ocurre me ha molestado u ofendido, solamente me aburre :S.
Sorry.
August 3, 2013
This book just simply blew my mind, it's so well written and flowed perfectly. I fell in love with Lindsey and Pip and I'm desperate to find out what happens next after the way things were left. Looking forward to getting started on 17 Black and 29 Red.
July 25, 2013
Beware! Kinky Quicksand Ahead
This is one deliciously messed up story. Both Pip and Lindsay are winging it, desperately trying to figure out what this is between them. It ain't Stockholm Syndrome, but it's got some seriously loose screws and one or two may have fallen out completely.
The writing is snarky and hysterical--it is embarrassing how many times I wanted to snip a quote and had to restrain myself.
Lindsay and Pip play some kinky, kinky games together though neither really knows what they're doing--they make it up as it goes along--and some of it works out better than others. This is not a How-To manual so people use your brain cells and be smart--don't try this at home. As awkward as the journey is, it feels incredibly realistic for all the missteps, laughs, and downright naughty homeruns.
Even better, there's a story. A real story that exists outside of their crazy machinations with each other and there are quite a few twists and WTFs! Overall, highly entertaining and extremely diverting. Minus side, could have been tightened a bit as it dragged just a tad in spots.
Messed up and I WANT MORE.
Absolute Favorite passage:
This is one deliciously messed up story. Both Pip and Lindsay are winging it, desperately trying to figure out what this is between them. It ain't Stockholm Syndrome, but it's got some seriously loose screws and one or two may have fallen out completely.
The writing is snarky and hysterical--it is embarrassing how many times I wanted to snip a quote and had to restrain myself.
"You are not deep and complex. You're the most 2-D person I've ever met in my life. Miyazaki drew you and threw you straight on the scrap pile because you look too anime."
OR
"He's singing the Marseillaise, but it's the Simpsons version because he doesn't know the real words; his French is limited to hello and goodbye and some filthy phrases he likes to whisper in Lindsay's ear at inappropriate times because he knows it gets him hard."
Lindsay and Pip play some kinky, kinky games together though neither really knows what they're doing--they make it up as it goes along--and some of it works out better than others. This is not a How-To manual so people use your brain cells and be smart--don't try this at home. As awkward as the journey is, it feels incredibly realistic for all the missteps, laughs, and downright naughty homeruns.
Even better, there's a story. A real story that exists outside of their crazy machinations with each other and there are quite a few twists and WTFs! Overall, highly entertaining and extremely diverting. Minus side, could have been tightened a bit as it dragged just a tad in spots.
Messed up and I WANT MORE.
Absolute Favorite passage:
If people leave them little drug-offerings on Jim Morrison's grave like altar goodies..."
"...yes?"
"Then what are you gonna do to me at Oscar Wilde's to properly honour him?"
April 5, 2012
There are attitudes and personalities and events and actions that I hate in real life but that make the stuff of my dreams in fiction.
Lindsay takes Valentine as a hostage during a robbery gone wrong, but Valentine - the son of a couple who has won millions of pounds in the lottery - begs to go with him and his gang. The plan changes from robbery to a voluntary kidnapping with ransom, but when the ransom is received, Valentine wants to stay with Lindsay, and Lindsay can't send him away.
There's a way to look at Valentine that brings out his brattiness, despondency, immaturity. To me he was most of all fragile. I saw someone who has never been loved, who's been refused for being basically himself. For 90% of the book you see a child, his temper tantrums, an insisting shallowness, a dependent personality, a little guy clinging to a ratty monkey toy, but then you discover a chilling, lucid, maybe sick personality. Still I just couldn't bring myself to not like him.
Lindsay is ensnared by Valentine's seduction. Their relationship is twisted, with BDSM elements, but it's also very romantic at times. Lindsay is almost helpless in his falling in love with Valentine, but what I liked most was this darkness he holds on to. He acknowledges the disturbing aspects of their passion, but he gives Valentine what he needs, even if it's almost abusive, or it resembles the abuse Valentine was a victim of.
The writing is beautiful and the quality of the book is outstanding for a self-published book. I think from the 25% to 50% the story drags a bit. There is a lot of sex, but strangely I wouldn't define it as porn, because for me it was neither titillating nor meaningless, it was just another side of their relationship.
If you're looking for plausibility in a book, it's not here. Lindsay is a criminal with a legitimate business aside, but what we see of his criminal activity is disconnected and almost amateurish, it's more a thrill than a profession. The focus of the book is Lindsay and Valentine, the true/fake/reversed Stockholm Syndrome, the sought cage, the ward imprisoned with his captive. Even if the story is not finished yet, I'm a happy reader today.
Lindsay takes Valentine as a hostage during a robbery gone wrong, but Valentine - the son of a couple who has won millions of pounds in the lottery - begs to go with him and his gang. The plan changes from robbery to a voluntary kidnapping with ransom, but when the ransom is received, Valentine wants to stay with Lindsay, and Lindsay can't send him away.
There's a way to look at Valentine that brings out his brattiness, despondency, immaturity. To me he was most of all fragile. I saw someone who has never been loved, who's been refused for being basically himself. For 90% of the book you see a child, his temper tantrums, an insisting shallowness, a dependent personality, a little guy clinging to a ratty monkey toy, but then you discover a chilling, lucid, maybe sick personality. Still I just couldn't bring myself to not like him.
Lindsay is ensnared by Valentine's seduction. Their relationship is twisted, with BDSM elements, but it's also very romantic at times. Lindsay is almost helpless in his falling in love with Valentine, but what I liked most was this darkness he holds on to. He acknowledges the disturbing aspects of their passion, but he gives Valentine what he needs, even if it's almost abusive, or it resembles the abuse Valentine was a victim of.
The writing is beautiful and the quality of the book is outstanding for a self-published book. I think from the 25% to 50% the story drags a bit. There is a lot of sex, but strangely I wouldn't define it as porn, because for me it was neither titillating nor meaningless, it was just another side of their relationship.
If you're looking for plausibility in a book, it's not here. Lindsay is a criminal with a legitimate business aside, but what we see of his criminal activity is disconnected and almost amateurish, it's more a thrill than a profession. The focus of the book is Lindsay and Valentine, the true/fake/reversed Stockholm Syndrome, the sought cage, the ward imprisoned with his captive. Even if the story is not finished yet, I'm a happy reader today.
Read
December 2, 2021
dnf @ 45%.
no rating, because i didn’t actually hate this. i’m just not interested in continuing.🤔
no rating, because i didn’t actually hate this. i’m just not interested in continuing.🤔
November 7, 2013
4.75 Stars
Valentine
Lindsay
This book grabbed me completely by surprise, because there is no real Stockholm Syndrome in it. It really wasn't what I was expecting and I found it original and completely refreshing. It's not perfect, but I enjoyed it a lot.
The history involves two completely opposite characters that stick/repel together like magnets. Lindsay and Valentine have nothing in common, and have a big age gap, they begin their relationship in surreal circumstances but each one provides what the other needs.
The book is centered in their disfunctional dependent relationship, the sex is explosive and kinky, giving only glimpses of the secondary characters and what happens around them, only in the end all blows up and the action takes place.
"I ain't scared. Not really. I mean...to die by your side is such a heavenly way to die" "Oh, fuck off" "I do not want the last song I ever hear to be fucking Morrisey" " "Yeah, it's the Smiths, actually"
The banter between them is brilliant, Valentine made me grin almost during the whole book, he is a little crazy annoying brat who gets attached to Lindsay, desperately trying to leave his abusing father and alcoholic mother, but he got under my skin, even with some horrible things he makes.
"Would you let me..use things on you?" " Things?" " Like. I don't know. Toys." "I'm guessing you ain't talking about Lego"
"Let me in you bastard, I'm freezing, my balls're the size if fucking Tic-Tacs"
"Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael..they got any Donatello here? Cos then we seen all the Turtles and we can go home"
P.S. Loved the cover too
Valentine
Lindsay
This book grabbed me completely by surprise, because there is no real Stockholm Syndrome in it. It really wasn't what I was expecting and I found it original and completely refreshing. It's not perfect, but I enjoyed it a lot.
The history involves two completely opposite characters that stick/repel together like magnets. Lindsay and Valentine have nothing in common, and have a big age gap, they begin their relationship in surreal circumstances but each one provides what the other needs.
The book is centered in their disfunctional dependent relationship, the sex is explosive and kinky, giving only glimpses of the secondary characters and what happens around them, only in the end all blows up and the action takes place.
"I ain't scared. Not really. I mean...to die by your side is such a heavenly way to die" "Oh, fuck off" "I do not want the last song I ever hear to be fucking Morrisey" " "Yeah, it's the Smiths, actually"
The banter between them is brilliant, Valentine made me grin almost during the whole book, he is a little crazy annoying brat who gets attached to Lindsay, desperately trying to leave his abusing father and alcoholic mother, but he got under my skin, even with some horrible things he makes.
"Would you let me..use things on you?" " Things?" " Like. I don't know. Toys." "I'm guessing you ain't talking about Lego"
"Let me in you bastard, I'm freezing, my balls're the size if fucking Tic-Tacs"
"Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael..they got any Donatello here? Cos then we seen all the Turtles and we can go home"
P.S. Loved the cover too
Read
July 4, 2014Literary Stockholm Syndrome (LSS) is a highly complex psychological phenomenon in which readers express empathy and sympathy with positive feelings towards their reading material, sometimes to the point of defending and identifying with it.
These subjective feelings are generally out of proportion to the actualcrap content of which they're reading, essentially mistaking some fictional 'stories' as being reeeeally inordinately f'ing good.
The FBI's Useless Database System partnered with Amazon & GoodReads Rating/Review System estimates that roughly 80% of all fictional homoerotic genre readers show evidence of suffering some form of literary starvation after being repeatedly subjected and exposed tocrap subpar content..that even the crumbs start to look f'ing delicious after a while..until ultimately readers know not what they f'ing read anymore.
Note: I actually DNFd this early after realizing this wasn't the disturbingly dark psychological thriller I had anticipated it to be..aaaaand..so I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to at least entertain myself at this title's expense.
These subjective feelings are generally out of proportion to the actual
The FBI's Useless Database System partnered with Amazon & GoodReads Rating/Review System estimates that roughly 80% of all fictional homoerotic genre readers show evidence of suffering some form of literary starvation after being repeatedly subjected and exposed to
Note: I actually DNFd this early after realizing this wasn't the disturbingly dark psychological thriller I had anticipated it to be..aaaaand..so I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to at least entertain myself at this title's expense.
July 11, 2013
4.5 stars.... what a relationship and what a cliffhanger. If you're reading this book for a plot, forget about it. This is the first leg in the 3-part journey of 'Pip and Lindsay'. They will make you laugh, cry, cringe, gag, roll your eyes, sigh, shake your head, giggle and smile. I recommend that you plan on reading all three installments of this series to appreciate the big picture. The 2nd and 3rd books are considerably shorter and by then you will sop them up like a Sham-Wow.
started-yet-stalled-for-now
April 4, 2015...believe me, I'm all too aware that IT'S ABOUT BLOODY DAMN TIME.
Stalled at 65% for now.
Stalled at 65% for now.
November 8, 2014
DNF at 11%. I've tried. I had actually wanted to go beyond 20% to see if things would work out for me and if the writing would improve, but unfortunately it kept grating on my nerves ever since page one. I might try again if I have nothing better to do.
What didn't work for me:
1) Writing Style - it sucks!
- The narrative structure is a mangled piece of framework. To sum up, it was inarticulate.
- Spent half of the time trying to figure out who is talking, who said what. It's a major distraction, a story flow breaker.
2) Characterization - also sucks!
- Absence/lack of motivations in the characters makes it hard to understand them or make sense of their action and rationality. They are so daft it's a pain to read on. I felt like putting a bullet into Lindsay and Pip's empty heads.
- They have zero common sense and the things they do is utterly unreasonable. Brainless bunch really.
- Exaggerated reactions like wanting to pass out just from someone licking cum off his fingers. One would think the poor guy was locked in chastity for eons.
3) Far-Fetched Storyline
- Just too many unrealistic situations to recount. Conflicts was resolved so sloppily that it does not make any sense.
- I am SO not buying the attraction between Lindsay and Pip. This is not even instant-attraction it's sudden-attraction.
Okay so these are the reasons I couldn't go on reading. Besides that the so called sexy scene in the car at the beach gave me goosebumps. Not in a good way kind. Ugh! Pip is just so slutty and Lindsay was behaving like an overexcited fumbling teenager.
I would have to have the willpower of a saint to re-attempt this book again. I am still puzzling over all those 5 stars ratings. What really happened? Why all the rave and hype? Damnit! I am still curious bout this and I am dying to find out for myself. If only I could push on.
* Reviewed on May 27th, 2014
*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*:--☆:*:--☆--:*:--☆--:*
March 16, 2011
I haven't finished this book yet but I feel compelled to write a review. The blub for this book does nothing to promote it and that's a shame because I think it's a bloody brilliant book. Despite it's title, it's not about a kidnap victim with Stockholm syndrome and unlike what the blurb says, it's really not 400+ pages of gay porn. Oh, don't get me wrong...there is plenty of hot sex but that's not all there is. There are compelling characters in this character driven story that you can't help but adore...even when Valentine acts like a two year old and you want to turn him over your knee and paddle his bottom till he screams for mercy. You won't need to though because Lindsay takes care of that for you. This book is somewhat dark in the sense that these characters are career criminals who think nothing of shooting people or even threatening each other with violence. The main couple has a somewhat twisted daddy/boy relationship that is both kinky and adorable at the same time. It's also funny as shit. I had no idea that this book was going to be humorous. Who would based on the crappy blurb? I think this author needs to be spanked for not promoting his book better. Oh! Forgot to mention, this book and the other two in the series are FREE! Get it, read it...you'll love it.
Edit: Now that I've finished this book I love it even more. The last 100 pages take a turn that puts you on an emotional roller coaster that doesn't end with the last page. You WILL want to read the next book in the series. No, you will HAVE to read the next book in the series. It's killing me that I can't start it right now.
2nd Edit: I just noticed that the author changed the blurb. Wonder if my threat to spank him had anything to do with it? ~grin~
Edit: Now that I've finished this book I love it even more. The last 100 pages take a turn that puts you on an emotional roller coaster that doesn't end with the last page. You WILL want to read the next book in the series. No, you will HAVE to read the next book in the series. It's killing me that I can't start it right now.
2nd Edit: I just noticed that the author changed the blurb. Wonder if my threat to spank him had anything to do with it? ~grin~
December 20, 2013
This was absolutely nothing like I had expected it would be. But it was incredible!
I think this book contains the oddest M/M relationship I have ever read about, but they might just be one of my new favourite couples. They shouldn't work together at all, but for some reason they're just perfect for each other.
I have to admit that the storyline was completely random. I could never guess where the book was going or how it would end.
There are some huge twists that I swear to god you would never see coming; even if you had 50 guesses. It was such an amazing story and the writing was outstanding, even if it did take me a little while to get into the style.
The book was definitely mostly about Lindsay and Pip's relationship, which I also hadn't expected. It's a very complex relationship, not one many would understand. I did have a few moments when I thought 'how is this even working?' and it really felt like Lindsay was Pip's father instead of his lover. But they make it work and they're happy.
This book doesn't end with a shitty cliff-hanger, but it did leave me even more desperate to read the second in the series.
I think this book contains the oddest M/M relationship I have ever read about, but they might just be one of my new favourite couples. They shouldn't work together at all, but for some reason they're just perfect for each other.
I have to admit that the storyline was completely random. I could never guess where the book was going or how it would end.
There are some huge twists that I swear to god you would never see coming; even if you had 50 guesses. It was such an amazing story and the writing was outstanding, even if it did take me a little while to get into the style.
The book was definitely mostly about Lindsay and Pip's relationship, which I also hadn't expected. It's a very complex relationship, not one many would understand. I did have a few moments when I thought 'how is this even working?' and it really felt like Lindsay was Pip's father instead of his lover. But they make it work and they're happy.
This book doesn't end with a shitty cliff-hanger, but it did leave me even more desperate to read the second in the series.
July 23, 2019
Someone who I trust implicitly with knowing what I will like recommended this book to me and when I read the reviews I thought yeah, no - this ain't going to work for me. This old bat avoids kink, BDSM and the like as much as I can. But curiosity and all that, I started it and shoo what a ride on the crazy train it was!
Valentine and Lindsay are bat shit crazy and totally unpredictable, in fact they make crazy look well adjusted! Yet mixed in with all the crazy was an undertone of sadness, I really felt for Pip no matter how brave a face he put on things.
And here comes the old bat part .... whilst I LOVED the writing style and the so very "Britishness" of the book I found the sex to be a bit too much. See, I'm all about the story and there was at times, dare I say, a tad too much sex. Blame it on my age 😂😂
Thank you for the rec Judith, and for dragging me outta my comfort zone and my book funk.
4.5 stars
Valentine and Lindsay are bat shit crazy and totally unpredictable, in fact they make crazy look well adjusted! Yet mixed in with all the crazy was an undertone of sadness, I really felt for Pip no matter how brave a face he put on things.
And here comes the old bat part .... whilst I LOVED the writing style and the so very "Britishness" of the book I found the sex to be a bit too much. See, I'm all about the story and there was at times, dare I say, a tad too much sex. Blame it on my age 😂😂
Thank you for the rec Judith, and for dragging me outta my comfort zone and my book funk.
4.5 stars
August 6, 2012
I feel almost shell-shocked at the end of this book. What an incredible, harrowing, addictive story. It's like American Psycho meets Bonnie & Clyde directed by Guy Ritchie.
This book is way more than just an m/m romance. It's a train wreck in progress. It's a psychological drama. It's creepy and sickening. There's way too much sex. The MC's are a nightmare. And that ending!!! OMFG I couldn't believe what Pip did. I feel completely shattered but I am also SO GRATEFUL there is no HEA at the end of this book. These two fucking psychopaths need some time out and so do I.
I think it's brilliant and I couldn't put it down. Has it won any awards?? I feel like it should be on a recommended reading list or be optioned for a movie. Amazing!
Loved this passage:
The throb of the gunshots is pounding all down his arm and body. The pain's so bad he wants to cry, like he's five and he's skinned his knee coming off his bike.
"Je t'aime," he says, through gritted teeth, to shut the kid up. "Je ne sais pas pourquoi. Tu es... complètement bête, tu t'habilles comme une pute travestie, je hais ta musique, tu es fou, tu me rends fou, mais je suis fou de toi et je pense à toi tout le temps et je t'aime, oui. Tu comprends? Je t'aime. Seulement... pas en anglais. Je ne peux pas."
Valentine's shifting about like he's uncomfortable. "I ain't got no idea what you just said but I think I need to change my pants."
"Maintenant, ta gueule.”
This book is way more than just an m/m romance. It's a train wreck in progress. It's a psychological drama. It's creepy and sickening. There's way too much sex. The MC's are a nightmare. And that ending!!! OMFG I couldn't believe what Pip did. I feel completely shattered but I am also SO GRATEFUL there is no HEA at the end of this book. These two fucking psychopaths need some time out and so do I.
I think it's brilliant and I couldn't put it down. Has it won any awards?? I feel like it should be on a recommended reading list or be optioned for a movie. Amazing!
Loved this passage:
The throb of the gunshots is pounding all down his arm and body. The pain's so bad he wants to cry, like he's five and he's skinned his knee coming off his bike.
"Je t'aime," he says, through gritted teeth, to shut the kid up. "Je ne sais pas pourquoi. Tu es... complètement bête, tu t'habilles comme une pute travestie, je hais ta musique, tu es fou, tu me rends fou, mais je suis fou de toi et je pense à toi tout le temps et je t'aime, oui. Tu comprends? Je t'aime. Seulement... pas en anglais. Je ne peux pas."
Valentine's shifting about like he's uncomfortable. "I ain't got no idea what you just said but I think I need to change my pants."
"Maintenant, ta gueule.”
August 11, 2012
It's a train wreck waiting to happen. You know from the start that the trains will meet head on, and smash against each other at high velocity. There will be no survivors...but you cannot help but read on and watch it happen. It's genius!
The relationship is sick, Lindsay is just so typical in his reactions and at the same time completely unpredictable. Pip is a wonder unto himself, the best developed character I've read in a while. So many contradictions in one body/mind combination it made me dizzy. Their speech patterns are unique, their personalities so defined it's impossible to think these guys are fictional. They are perfect for each other, from the life-changing moment they meet, but you also know they will be the death of one another, too.
The change in POV at 85% is another perfect move. I'd been dying to see this mess from Pip's eyes, hear his thoughts on the unravelling of the plot, in his inimitable way. And he didn't disappoint. This is when we get to experience the depths of insanity and despair these two characters harbor in themselves. Absolutely awe-inspiring!
If there is one thing I'm thankful for, it's that I purchased all three e-books at the same time from Lulu, converted them to mobi format with Calibre and downloaded them to my Kindle. Because the moment I read the last word of this one, I opened the next (17 Black and 29 Red. And I'm ready with the last one, No Beginning, No End. I recommend you do the same, if you decide to take the plunge into the complete clusterfuck that is Lindsay and Pip together.
The relationship is sick, Lindsay is just so typical in his reactions and at the same time completely unpredictable. Pip is a wonder unto himself, the best developed character I've read in a while. So many contradictions in one body/mind combination it made me dizzy. Their speech patterns are unique, their personalities so defined it's impossible to think these guys are fictional. They are perfect for each other, from the life-changing moment they meet, but you also know they will be the death of one another, too.
The change in POV at 85% is another perfect move. I'd been dying to see this mess from Pip's eyes, hear his thoughts on the unravelling of the plot, in his inimitable way. And he didn't disappoint. This is when we get to experience the depths of insanity and despair these two characters harbor in themselves. Absolutely awe-inspiring!
If there is one thing I'm thankful for, it's that I purchased all three e-books at the same time from Lulu, converted them to mobi format with Calibre and downloaded them to my Kindle. Because the moment I read the last word of this one, I opened the next (17 Black and 29 Red. And I'm ready with the last one, No Beginning, No End. I recommend you do the same, if you decide to take the plunge into the complete clusterfuck that is Lindsay and Pip together.
July 29, 2013
Little twat!
^^^ That is one of the nicer terms of endearment from MC Lindsay to MC Valentine (aka The Kid)...
So, I shared a status update at 30% that stated "This is nasty, sexy and sweet in equal measures. I'm surprised." .
At 45% I was wondering if there was anything else to the story other than sex. It seemed to me as though despite some entertaining character traits and lots of sex there wasn't really much in terms of the plot.
There's a lot that can be said about the psychological behavior between these two characters; Valentine needs love, guidance, reassurance and craves acceptance and commitment (in any form) from Lindsay. He'll happily take any kind of violence, humiliation (in private) as long as he's not turned away. Meanwhile Lindsay is sadistic, cruel, bitterly resistant, and nasty, yet he completely adores and dotes on Valentine. Lindsay loves being needed and idolized and finds himself unable to push The Kid away. Oh, and they're into S&M so they work rather nicely in that respect.
Personally, there wasn't enough plot to sustain me and I think I nearly fell asleep for about 30% of the book. Despite that, there is quite a cliffhanger at the end and so I'll no doubt read the next book soon.
To my GR friends who enjoyed this book: I'm sorry.
^^^ That is one of the nicer terms of endearment from MC Lindsay to MC Valentine (aka The Kid)...
So, I shared a status update at 30% that stated "This is nasty, sexy and sweet in equal measures. I'm surprised." .
At 45% I was wondering if there was anything else to the story other than sex. It seemed to me as though despite some entertaining character traits and lots of sex there wasn't really much in terms of the plot.
There's a lot that can be said about the psychological behavior between these two characters; Valentine needs love, guidance, reassurance and craves acceptance and commitment (in any form) from Lindsay. He'll happily take any kind of violence, humiliation (in private) as long as he's not turned away. Meanwhile Lindsay is sadistic, cruel, bitterly resistant, and nasty, yet he completely adores and dotes on Valentine. Lindsay loves being needed and idolized and finds himself unable to push The Kid away. Oh, and they're into S&M so they work rather nicely in that respect.
Personally, there wasn't enough plot to sustain me and I think I nearly fell asleep for about 30% of the book. Despite that, there is quite a cliffhanger at the end and so I'll no doubt read the next book soon.
To my GR friends who enjoyed this book: I'm sorry.
January 1, 2018
Messy, big, conflicted, glorious, frustrating, loving, heart breaking. Onto book 2..
if you read this when it was written, did you know it was part of a trilogy ?
if you read this when it was written, did you know it was part of a trilogy ?
September 1, 2016
1.5 Stars: I'm only rounding this up because something actually started happening in the final few chapters.
For starters I think I had my expectations way too high for this book. I expected more of a plot driven story. Unfortunately, despite what’s implied in the blurb and Lindsay's criminal profession, 90% of the book was about Pip and Lindsay’s relationship and the first 50% was all sex, which I didn't even think was that great. I thought Lindsay would bring Pip into his little gang of robbers and we’d get some intense action with a side of romance, but nope, no action until the last few chapters :( This dragged on and on and I was bored.
I don’t mind books that are character driven, in fact if it’s done right I love them, but unfortunately I thought these characters were under-developed and I couldn't connect to them, especially to Lindsay. I did not understand Lindsay’s sexual sadism side. There was just nothing there to connect me to him or his needs. He was constantly disciplining Pip and it seemed more important for Lindsay to straighten Pip out and to get him to grow up, than a part of his kink. Pip, I understood a little better and I liked his character. Although, sometimes his childish behavior got to me. He acted more like a spoiled 5 year old child rather than a young adult making immature decisions.
Ok, what did I like. I liked the British feel to the story and the dialogue. The reason I liked the dialogue was because I felt like something was actually happening. When we’re inside Lindsay’s head, nothing is going on! Regrettably those were the only redeeming qualifies about the book. It felt like a day in the life of Lindsay and Pip, with some BDSM thrown in and no substance behind their actions.
Of course I’m in the rare minority that feels this way *fistbump Aiko* but hey, that’s ok.
I hear the author is going to edit this book. So for anyone wanting to read this, I recommend waiting on the edited version because it is seriously needed.
February 6, 2017
No sé qué decir... Le falta argumento (la lectura se me hizo un tanto cuesta arriba) y la relación entre Lindsay y Pip es, cuanto menos, complicada (eufemismo donde los haya), pero es que engancha como pocas.
Muy bien escrito, en mi modesta opinión. Ver cómo Lindsay va descubriendo y reconociendo sus sentimientos por Pip es precioso, y algo que el autor relata muy bien.
Inverosímil y surrealista pero muy auténtico y real a la vez, lo cual es mérito del autor, como conseguir que algunos kink que para mí siempre han sido un ni.de.coña me hayan resultado muy sensuales.
Y unos personajes memorables (minipunto aquí por esos nombres) Valentine roba todo el protagonismo porque es sensacional, pero a Lindsay da gusto acompañarle en el viaje.
Muy bien escrito, en mi modesta opinión. Ver cómo Lindsay va descubriendo y reconociendo sus sentimientos por Pip es precioso, y algo que el autor relata muy bien.
Inverosímil y surrealista pero muy auténtico y real a la vez, lo cual es mérito del autor, como conseguir que algunos kink que para mí siempre han sido un ni.de.coña me hayan resultado muy sensuales.
Y unos personajes memorables (minipunto aquí por esos nombres) Valentine roba todo el protagonismo porque es sensacional, pero a Lindsay da gusto acompañarle en el viaje.
January 31, 2014
What I know for sure after reading this novel: I want to be a gay man if that's how much sex they have in a monogamous relationship and I'd really like a BJ.
In all seriousness, I thought the writing and story telling was fantastic. It made me feel and clench and gnash and smile and laugh and hurt. These are my general thoughts:
This book is harsh and genuinely, sweetly, tender.
I both love and hate Lindsay in equal measure. (Leaning towards hate after reading the last chapter)
Pip is predictable and surprising at the same time.
So much contradiction. I'm still at a loss with Lindsay and Pip. I wish I knew what really drove them both to behave the way they do. Their relationship is violent and explosive yet incredibly deep and caring. Those moments when Lindsay is taking caring of Pip help me understand a bit.
Looking forward to part two.
In all seriousness, I thought the writing and story telling was fantastic. It made me feel and clench and gnash and smile and laugh and hurt. These are my general thoughts:
This book is harsh and genuinely, sweetly, tender.
I both love and hate Lindsay in equal measure. (Leaning towards hate after reading the last chapter)
Pip is predictable and surprising at the same time.
So much contradiction. I'm still at a loss with Lindsay and Pip. I wish I knew what really drove them both to behave the way they do. Their relationship is violent and explosive yet incredibly deep and caring. Those moments when Lindsay is taking caring of Pip help me understand a bit.
Looking forward to part two.
February 1, 2014
Insanely amazing... that's how I describe this book! It's crazy, kinky, hilarious, hot... It's a roller coaster of insanity!
Pip and Lindsay are the most crazy couple that I've read about! They are so different, each one of them with his own crazyness... but they are good together... something that really seems impossible.
The ending is so unexpected that I was shaking while reading it!
Pip and Lindsay are the most crazy couple that I've read about! They are so different, each one of them with his own crazyness... but they are good together... something that really seems impossible.
The ending is so unexpected that I was shaking while reading it!
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