Raven's Mark

Sandpipers #2

by Jade Archer

Sometimes the strength to fight the past lies in the love and friendship of the present.

Mark Carter has taken care of himself and those around him since he was a teenager. But with his younger brother and sister now packed off to college, he finds himself suddenly alone. Throwing everything he has into his new position at Sandpipers Restaurant leaves little time for anything else. And that’s just fine by Mark. Then Raven stumbles into his life and everything changes. Mark can’t help wanting to know more about the mysterious man. Which is easier said than done. Raven is painfully shy, a single parent and stutters, especially when he’s nervous. But Mark is determined to get to know the warm, intelligent man he glimpses beneath the quiet exterior. The question is, will Raven let him?

Raven finally has a chance to start again. He’s determined to put the past behind him and do whatever it takes to create a normal life for his young son, Ryan. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as it sounds. He doesn’t have much acquaintance with ‘normal’, and the past has a way on intruding on the present no matter how hard he tries to escape it. Can he trust Mark with his secrets? And more importantly, should he?

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Abuse, Family, Disability, Gay

213 pages, ebook

First published January 16, 2012

About the author

Jade was born in 2010 after a prolonged pregnancy and labour of over thirty-four years!

Yes, she is a pseudonym. A work of my fevered imagination, which never seems to grow tired of inventing new characters. And this one's a whopper. One that seems to have taken over my life to the point I'm no longer sure where she ends and I begin! Still, it seems to be working for us.

I’ve decided she’s about twenty-four. Enjoys long walks in the country, because she doesn’t have five kids and a husband to care for. Eats as much chocolate as she wants, because she never has to worry about putting on weight (must be all those long walks!). And can often be found planning her next whirl wind world tour or endlessly typing away (without any interruptions) on another hot and steamy erotic romance. It might be space pirates; it might be shifters or a lonely vampire with a thing for the girl next door, one thing’s for sure, she loves variety and can’t wait to meet the next characters destined to fall in love.

Reviews

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have one the first book in this series which is m/m/m and the story of Lark, Zak and Brody who run the Sandpipers Restaurant. This book sort of overlaps the end. Raven is the single parent of one of Brody's little brother's preschool friends. The three have kind of taken Raven under their wing, but he's extremely skittish, has a stutter and panic attacks, however he's starting fresh with his son. Mark is the new head chef who is instantly fascinated by Raven. Mark raised his own twin siblings when his parents died, so he has no problem with the kid issue, nor does he care about Raven's PTSD or stuttering. They start out slow and things are going well until Raven has a bad panic attack and pushes Mark away. They finally get back on track and Raven's ex (mother of Ryan) shows up to case more mayhem, and Raven pushes Mark away.

While that might seem like eye roll worthy, it didn't come across that way. Raven has been beaten down (in all senses) and his reactions were understandable. Luckily pushy Lark was there to help them work it out most of the time. What was also nice is that while at first Mark comes across as Mr. Perfect and in control, he's not quite so perfect. He's got OCD type control issues and later when confronted, maybe has a bit of a saviour complex as well. So while he's not in as rough shape as Raven, he's not so perfect as to make him annoying.


Also so many times I wanted to slap my hand over Mark's mouth and just tell him to shut up. LOL He assumes Raven has been abused based on his behaviour, and yet the first time he sees burn scars on his chest he goes (paraphrasing) "OMG, What happened?" Right, like the guy is just going to open up now. So again, it was kind of nice to see him screw up and not be Raven's saviour. In the end Raven had to stand up for his son and do the right thing, with the support of his friends.

I also appreciated that this was not a magical healing dick story. It took weeks and weeks before they even kissed and having sex did not make it all better, in fact it made it worse for a time. The epilogue is many months later and Raven is starting therapy for his issue and while he's better, he's still got a stutter and he still has PTSD issues, so I like when that kind of realism is there. Nothing worse than having disability disappear so that both heroes can be "perfect". I really enjoy this story and there were a few emotional moments, but some cute ones as well. I was happy to see the guys get their HEA even if it wasn't "normal".

There appears to be a set-up for a third story with Dave and Andy, kitchen workers assumed to be friends, when one of them quits suddenly at the end. My only concern, is that they kept making reference to both of them flirting with Jaime, a waitress so, nothing personal author, I just hope there aren't any lady bits involved in their story. LOL Call me a purist, all dick, all the time. :-)

[Arch Bala · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raven’s stutter and previous abusive relationships with the people he thought cared for him led him to be overly introverted with anxiety attacks looming his already closed-off personality. But for Ryan’s sake, his four year old kid –Raven is trying to venture out more and be the best parent he could be. Meeting Mark, the head chef of the Sandpiper’s Restaurant made Raven feel things that he knows he’s got no right to feel because this would only lead to more complications.

Mark who took care of his two younger siblings until they went to college finally has all the time to take care of himself. When he meets Raven, he was immediately drawn to the painfully shy guy and hopes to get to know more about him including the haunted look his carrying around and the fierce protectiveness towards his son Ryan. With both father and son around, Mark’s protective instinct kicked in and wanted to take responsibility of caring for them. Will Raven be able to overcome his painful past and finally move on and will Mark be able to show Raven that he’s up for the long ride?


The first book of this series was a good one. I loved the whole chemistry between the three guys. With Raven and Mark, it was also good but the plot was too thin for the story to develop easily. It was pretty much predictable all throughout and the chemistry between the MCs was not properly established. It became apparent that Mark was acting more as Raven and Ryan’s protector which was actually insinuated by Raven in the story. I think it was the case even though it was refuted at the end. I’m not saying I didn’t like the story altogether but it’s lacking the romance part of it. The sex scenes were dull, the dialogues not enough and the narrative was longer than necessary.

I’d still recommend this for those who loved an easy read since it was pretty quick to read but don’t go looking for much depth in it.

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked this story, it was not as good as the first one in the series. By the middle of the book, I was a bit tired of the "I'm not good enough for you" theme that seemed to come up almost in every conversation. Overall it was a decent story and I was slightly surprised with the twist that the author threw in.

[Anke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story very much, but during the last 10% it somewhat lost me. I especially could have done without the setting of the next book in the epilogue.

[Query · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read the first book, so the inclusion of Lark, Brody, and Zak wasn't an indulgence that I particularly enjoyed. I thought their inclusion seriously hurt the story--it was unnecessary and all three of them were too static to justify the amount of "screen"-time that they got.

That said, I loved Raven and Mark. Raven seems like the most brokenest of broken people, but he's holding it together and taking care of his son and he isn't afraid to ask for help. Mark has a bit of a hero complex, but he gets called on it. I love that Mark's willing to wait, I love that Raven freaks out on him after promising not to, and I really loved how Ryan wants to protect his dad.

[Lilli *slowest reader ever* · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was getting afraid that I'd never finish this, although it was a good story. Much better than the first book, actually, because there was more plot and character development than sex which was a good thing. Lots of angst, too, and "I'm not good enough" stuff, maybe a bit repetitive, but to me it felt that these particular issues were dealt with in a realistic way. No magic dick or love heals everything within seconds.

Anyway, the story didn't grip me but it was ok. I liked the characters, especially Raven, and I liked the kids aka Wolf and Ryan. Which is weird. *lol*

[Elithanathile · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one didn't work for me ... Raven, though I definitely sympathized with him, just annoyed me :-/. I was pretty torn on how to approach him ... on the one hand, I sympathized; on the other, his story lost me along the way ... not quite sure if it was his story or how it was presented. Regardless, I am still interested in the series and will keep an eye out for the 3rd book.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good m/m romance about a chef who becomes fascinated by Raven, the guy who's just started watching the owners' son along with his own. However, Raven suffers from crippling PTSD... and his past hasn't given up on him yet.

[m. ✨ On Hiatus ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raven and his little boy, Ryan, move to a new city in order to make a fresh start. He is extremely shy, suffers from a stutter and keeps people at a distance. Due to his extremely turbulent and tragic past, he can't afford to allow people to get too close. He reluctantly becomes friends with Lark, Brody and Zak, who run the Sandpipers Restaurant. Brody's little brother, Wolf, instantly becomes friends with Ryan, and Raven thinks he's created a somewhat normal life for Ryan and himself. When the restaurant's head chef, Mark, walks into Raven's life, everything is turned upside down.

This was a heartbreaking story that made me want to root for Raven and Mark. They had so many ups and downs, especially due to Raven's PTSD and Mark's OCD and extreme need to fix everyone's problems. When things were good, it was sweet, but when things were bad, I wanted to weep for these characters. Jade Archer portrayed the topic of abuse sensitively and realistically. It didn't seem forced or outlandish. The thing I did take issue with was Lark and Zak immediately thinking Mark hurt Raven whenever he'd have a panic attack or when his evil ex-wife, Maria, arrived on the scene and caused trouble. Why were they so quick to think that Mark, their friend, would inflict such pain and heartache on Raven when all he'd been was compassionate, patient and loving? It was one thing to be protective of Raven, but it was another to ignore all logic in a effort to place blame. Their behavior really didn't sit well with me. Ryan and Wolf were adorable and I couldn't help but wonder if they'll end up together when they grow up. Their closeness was endearing.

[Beth doesn't write enough reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very beautiful love story. A very beautiful love story dealing with some very real tragedy.

I don't usually go for contemporary stories, preferring paranormal or scifi for my escapism. There are so many horrible things going on in the world it's easier to escape when you are reading about something that can't possibly happen.

Raven suffers from PTSD due to abuse, one of the very real horrible things we humans continue to inflict on each other. He is desperately trying to build a life for himself and his young son while dealing with insecurity, panic attacks and flash backs. Having dealt with many of the same problems myself, including the stutter, I was gratified that the author didn't make light of the issues or how hard they are to overcome. Abuse isn't easy to admit to as a woman and the usually disbelief 'she asked for it' or 'she didn't stop it' I can only imagine what it's like for a man with gender roles being so unrealistic in society.

Mark has a tendency toward OCD and 'prince rescue' after the deaths of his parents and continues to screw up his relationship with Raven with an untreatable affliction of foot in mouth disease.

All in all this was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end. Real problems, some heartbreak and drama as well as meddling friends.

There is a little bit at the end involving three more members of the family setting up the next installment and like other reviewers I'm disappointed the author appears to be moving a ménage with the waitress Jessie. I prefer my stories without lady bits please! I have some of my own to play with!

[Sucajo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad that the POV in this book alternated from one MC to the other as it gave me a chance to get inside each of the characters. I loved the way that the characters developed and proved wrong some of the ideas that formed in my mind when they were both introduced. My heart was breaking for Raven as he struggled to believe in himself and in Mark. Mark's own struggles to understand Raven were no less touching and his own journey was no less difficult. This was a beautiful story and it was nice to see Lark, Brody and Zak again and to get a look at how their relationship was doing after all this time.

[Camy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started off well but steadily descended into Lifetime movie territory. There's broken and then there's throw every issue, every cliche but the kitchen sink in there just to make it 'angsty'...which includes the very evil ex-wife, a character who is becoming redundant in m/m books now.

That, plus some purple prose, some stiff sex (not in the good way...so clinically written), some obvious setting up for the sequel's host of characters in the Brady Bunch friend fiesta (the group bordered on being a bit too sappy) and, finally, too much of a feminine voice in what's supposed to be m/m romance and you have a book that started out at four stars being reduced to two.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was sweet and featured the core elements that, in my opinion, form a good book: quite solid plot, interesting characters, serious issues combined with a few light-hearted moments, pleasant writing style etc. However, for some reason the novel hardly managed to engage me. I read it until the end with a detachment that bordered on mild indifference, which is unprecedented for me. I really did not want to feel like that but I could not help myself. So it was a matter of personal feelings, not necessarily something problematic with the book itself. I would recommend giving it a try.

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story with an interesting twist not usually seen in m/m stories.
But Raven has a lot of issues...I mean a lot...but Mark is ready and more than willing to put in the effort and be there for Raven.
Because of his issues he does push Mark away, but all's well that ends well!
< spoiler> the domestic violence in this one was done by the wife to the husband, which was different than what's usually in books, of course the woman is evil, conniving , greedy, vindictive, violent, OTT evil..horrible mother, and more, fortunately she doesn't dominate the book!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just loved poor, stuttering, insecure Raven. Like loved, loved him. There were definitely some frustrating times during this book when I wanted to crawl in my kindle and strangle both of them but they eventually pull their heads out. I do wish we learned more about how Raven ended up with Maria though. We got part of it but not an explanation of going from a woman to a man. Like is he also attracted to women or was it just security....I just don't know. And where is the next book?!? I was all ready to keep going and nothing. *waiting, waiting*

[Zee♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in this series but this one was too Angsty. My heart broke for Raven throughout the book but he frustrated me with the way he treated Mark. I didn’t really get why he kept pushing Mark away for wanting to help him but then allowed other people to help him. It was nice to see Lark, Brody and Zak again although they also got in the way of Mark and Raven sometimes. It is beautifully written though with a bit more plot and character development than the first book but it was just a bit too heavy for me. 3.5 stars

[Chris Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that this book was better than the first one. I really like how Mark didn't give up on Raven and how he promised to take care of Raven. On the other hand, I feel bad for Raven. What happened to him was really bad and it's sad to think that no one believed him when he first tried t tel the police that he was abused by his own wife.

I think this book is a wake up call for people who do not think that there are men being abused by women; emotionally, mentally and physically.

[Natasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really liked the first one. Didn't enjoy this one as much. The dynamic between mark and raven was annoying. I like the parts with lark, zak and Brody. I also enjoyed raven having a child. Otherwise I found it all to be long winded. I like when main characters are similar to raven. With some insecurities and struggles. And the protagonist is there to help see the struggle through. But this felt like way to much.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know why it took me so long to read this, but I'm glad I finally did! I really enjoyed the characters, writing, and story. And it was great getting to see the previous books' characters back too.

[Bookbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this! The plot was interesting; I got to catch up with Lark, Zak and Brody; and best of all, I was able to watch Mark really work at connecting with Raven. That I LOVED!

One thing I found interesting is that Raven's last name is never mentioned...or did I just totally miss it?

[Page Crusherz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read :) I read bk 1 to get to this one, and it was worth it. I liked it more than 1. Raven was likable and Mark was endearing. Kid was done well (personal pet peeve when kids are parodied in mm books.)

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!

[Gaa-chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

skimmed it by the end. Plot could have been interesting but the characters were flat.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little predictable, but a good read.

[Tamela]

These are two very different men. It took a while for them to find an even ground but they are too good together to be apart.