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Unlucky 13 #8
Abysmal
Zevryn Carver was content living in apathy—even after he reaped the consequences and nearly lost everything. Feeling numb was better than any form of reality… until Gavin Holt.
The bodyguard hired to protect him quickly becomes Zevryn’s everything, despite his defensive, bratty attitude. Gavin sees more, deeper. He sees a boy desperate to be loved and cared for—and that’s all Gavin wants to do.
Between Gavin’s need to claim him and Zevryn’s desperation, they form a bond that’s all-consuming.
A Daddy and his boy.
Desperate to be marked by his touch forever, Zevryn ignores the glaringly obvious barrier between them—the gold band still wrapped around Gavin’s ring finger. Zevryn may be his boy, but he’ll never be his—even if Gavin does hold him to his chest like it doesn’t matter.
Abysmal is a dark and emotional M/M standalone romance. This book deals with content that may be triggering. A detailed warning can be found in the Author’s Note at the beginning of the story.
The bodyguard hired to protect him quickly becomes Zevryn’s everything, despite his defensive, bratty attitude. Gavin sees more, deeper. He sees a boy desperate to be loved and cared for—and that’s all Gavin wants to do.
Between Gavin’s need to claim him and Zevryn’s desperation, they form a bond that’s all-consuming.
A Daddy and his boy.
Desperate to be marked by his touch forever, Zevryn ignores the glaringly obvious barrier between them—the gold band still wrapped around Gavin’s ring finger. Zevryn may be his boy, but he’ll never be his—even if Gavin does hold him to his chest like it doesn’t matter.
Abysmal is a dark and emotional M/M standalone romance. This book deals with content that may be triggering. A detailed warning can be found in the Author’s Note at the beginning of the story.
422 pages, ebook
Published August 8, 2023
146 people are currently reading
1381 people want to read
About the author
Marie Ann
19 books501 followersMarie Ann is a writer of the weird and unorthodox who loves spending their free time reading fanfic and bingeing their favorite shows and movies.
If you liked what you read, stalk them!㋛︎
www.authormarieann.com
If you liked what you read, stalk them!㋛︎
www.authormarieann.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
August 9, 2023
4.5 stars
The writing in this book is wonderful. It's lyrical and beautiful. I FELT the words that were written.
With every swallow, I float a little higher. With every breath, I sink a little deeper. With every thought, I walk the line between reality and a dream-like fantasy until I plunge somewhere into the abysmal depths of nowhere.
Marie Ann does an exceptional job at describing what addiction feels like and what the loss of a loved one can do to you.
Zev is such a sweet broken boy. I feel so bad for him and everything he’s been through. This story is one of personal growth for him. He makes hard decisions and is so strong through his recovery. I’m so glad that Gavin was able to be there for him, not only to support him along the way in his recovery journey, but to also witness his evolution.
Zevryn Carver is irrevocably broken, and I want nothing more than to hold him against me as I piece him back together.
I loved how Zev and Gavin just sort of fell into their Daddy/boy dynamic. Neither of them had ever experienced that type of connection with someone before. They didn't even fully understand it when it started, but it just came so naturally to both of them because of the way they felt and interacted with each other. It was beautiful to watch. I also appreciated that they did some research on their own to further understand this special bond that they have.
I like it when he looks at me, whether it be the brat in him or the vulnerable boy hiding inside. I crave the way he seems to need me, whether he wants to admit it or not.
When Gavin drops the first "baby" and "my boy" on the same page. OMG!!! I was swooning so hard. What’s more, the sex in this was extremely satisfying. It ranged from intimate and caring to hot and dirty depending upon what Zev and Gavin needed it to be.
“You ever been cherished like this before?” I bite at his meaty thigh, loving the give of his relaxed muscles. “Never.” It’s a whisper that floats into the air, the singular word motivating me to make sure he feels every ounce of my devotion. To him, his body, and his fucking soul. All mine for the taking.
Gavin being married weighs over them while they are on the island. They can't resist each other, but his marriage is never far from their minds. His damn wedding ring plays its own role in this book. The cheating was handled in about the best way it could have been, all things considered.
I was happy to see that Zev was able to work through a lot of things while on the island, but that he was also very willing to keep putting in the work when he arrived back home.
“He’s the most important person to me. He saved my life, gave me hope. Took care of me when I thought I was going to die and has every day since.”
Check out my reviews for some of the other Unlucky 13 books:
#1 - Broken
#3 - Unfortunate
#5 - Exception
#7 - Consumed
#9 - Splintered
#10 - Scandal
#11 - Exiled
#12 - Reckless
#13 - Shattered
*** I received an ARC of this book from Indie Author Creative and this is my honest opinion. ***
The writing in this book is wonderful. It's lyrical and beautiful. I FELT the words that were written.
With every swallow, I float a little higher. With every breath, I sink a little deeper. With every thought, I walk the line between reality and a dream-like fantasy until I plunge somewhere into the abysmal depths of nowhere.
Marie Ann does an exceptional job at describing what addiction feels like and what the loss of a loved one can do to you.
Zev is such a sweet broken boy. I feel so bad for him and everything he’s been through. This story is one of personal growth for him. He makes hard decisions and is so strong through his recovery. I’m so glad that Gavin was able to be there for him, not only to support him along the way in his recovery journey, but to also witness his evolution.
Zevryn Carver is irrevocably broken, and I want nothing more than to hold him against me as I piece him back together.
I loved how Zev and Gavin just sort of fell into their Daddy/boy dynamic. Neither of them had ever experienced that type of connection with someone before. They didn't even fully understand it when it started, but it just came so naturally to both of them because of the way they felt and interacted with each other. It was beautiful to watch. I also appreciated that they did some research on their own to further understand this special bond that they have.
I like it when he looks at me, whether it be the brat in him or the vulnerable boy hiding inside. I crave the way he seems to need me, whether he wants to admit it or not.
When Gavin drops the first "baby" and "my boy" on the same page. OMG!!! I was swooning so hard. What’s more, the sex in this was extremely satisfying. It ranged from intimate and caring to hot and dirty depending upon what Zev and Gavin needed it to be.
“You ever been cherished like this before?” I bite at his meaty thigh, loving the give of his relaxed muscles. “Never.” It’s a whisper that floats into the air, the singular word motivating me to make sure he feels every ounce of my devotion. To him, his body, and his fucking soul. All mine for the taking.
Gavin being married weighs over them while they are on the island. They can't resist each other, but his marriage is never far from their minds. His damn wedding ring plays its own role in this book. The cheating was handled in about the best way it could have been, all things considered.
I was happy to see that Zev was able to work through a lot of things while on the island, but that he was also very willing to keep putting in the work when he arrived back home.
“He’s the most important person to me. He saved my life, gave me hope. Took care of me when I thought I was going to die and has every day since.”
Check out my reviews for some of the other Unlucky 13 books:
#1 - Broken
#3 - Unfortunate
#5 - Exception
#7 - Consumed
#9 - Splintered
#10 - Scandal
#11 - Exiled
#12 - Reckless
#13 - Shattered
*** I received an ARC of this book from Indie Author Creative and this is my honest opinion. ***
August 5, 2023
✰ 4 stars ✰
this was my introduction to the Unlucky 13 series and what an introduction it was 😍 i've been waiting for this book since Marie Ann first announced it and it gave me everything i had hoped for and more. this book deals with some serious themes but the romance between Gavin and Zev was so comforting, heartwarming, and passionate. their love was so touching that i actually teared up a couple times. i've never seen two people more perfect for each other. so while we have a beautiful romance happening, we also have a journey of personal growth of someone who is recovering from a drug addiction. the character development for Zev was absolutely phenomenal. there is a drastic difference between Zev at the beginning and the end of this. i adored seeing him find his true self and i'm so proud of him. and of course, we had Daddy Gavin supporting him wholeheartedly along the way.
Zev (19) does not have an easy past and because of that he has been drowning in darkness with his addiction, so his dad sends him off to Black Diamond Resort and Spa for rehabilitation. someone also threatened Zev's life, so Gavin (33) is hired as his bodyguard to watch him in the 2 months that they are there for. Gavin immediately recognizes the broken boy in Zev and quickly develops a primal need to protect him in every way he can. which is perfect bc Zev is very lonely and desperate to have someone take care of him. enter lots of hurt/comfort, so for those who like this trope, this book has it in spades. along the way they discover and settle into a new and perfect dynamic just for them. daddy/boy. this is my first experience with daddy/boy and i loved it. what i especially loved was that Zev/Gavin are both feelings things they have never felt for another person before and bc of that, they actually do research on their dynamic. i honesty did not expect that. i've never read a daddy/boy book before and i don't know if that's in other books, but i thought it was so amazing how it was discussed here and how they did their own research to help understand their dynamic better.
now for the cheating trope. this book does have it and it's not between the MCs. Gavin has been married to Milo for 10 years. of course, i don't condone cheating no matter the circumstance. i've read a lot of cheating books and most of the time, it doesn't work. but that was not the case here for me. cheating on Milo is not something Gavin easily does, we get to see his internal struggles and the guilt he feels. it's definitely a guilty pleasure for me bc i love seeing how literally nothing will stop the MC from having their actual true love. and that's exactly how Gavin was where Zev was concerned. they were inevitable and Zev needed Gavin more than anything and Gavin wasn't going to stop himself from giving his boy exactly what he needed. Gavin still cheated which obviously is not okay but by the end, i liked how it was handled.
the protectiveness and possessiveness from Gavin? wowwww. they could be in different rooms and if Gavin hears a thud from the room that Zev is in, you bet his butt he will be there in 0.1 seconds to check on him 😂 He was so daddy and was the ultimate caretaker of all caretakers. and the praise kink? oh my, I was swooning hardcore. he literally worshipped the ground Zev walked on and what's not to love about that? that's exactly what i want in my romance books. even though Zev is the one who needs to be taken care of, it was very clear how much Gavin was at Zev's mercy. Gavin would not survive if he didn't get to take care of Zev and be with him. and it was the same way for Zev too.
what to expect:
💙 hurt/comfort
🩵 age gap (14 years)
💙 daddy/boy
🩵 he worships him
💙 praise kink
🩵 possessive and protective bodyguard
💙 bratty MC
🩵 cheating (not between MCs)
💙 angst
🩵 spicy spicyyyyyy
so if you enjoy the tropes listed above and don’t mind the cheating trope, you’ll really love this! also be sure to check tws going in if you need too!
i received an advanced reader copy for free via Indie Author Creative and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Unlucky 13 series
book 8 - Abysmal - 4 stars
book 9 - Splintered - 4.5 stars
We’ll sink together before we ever ascend apart from one another. And that’s when it hits me—this is the always kind of forever. When I know, without a shadow of a doubt, death would be better than living without him. That anything other than this is impossible—practically unfathomable.
this was my introduction to the Unlucky 13 series and what an introduction it was 😍 i've been waiting for this book since Marie Ann first announced it and it gave me everything i had hoped for and more. this book deals with some serious themes but the romance between Gavin and Zev was so comforting, heartwarming, and passionate. their love was so touching that i actually teared up a couple times. i've never seen two people more perfect for each other. so while we have a beautiful romance happening, we also have a journey of personal growth of someone who is recovering from a drug addiction. the character development for Zev was absolutely phenomenal. there is a drastic difference between Zev at the beginning and the end of this. i adored seeing him find his true self and i'm so proud of him. and of course, we had Daddy Gavin supporting him wholeheartedly along the way.
Just a Daddy and his boy. This connection between us may not be normal or even accepted by society’s standards, but it’s us. We both want it, and we can have it.
Zev (19) does not have an easy past and because of that he has been drowning in darkness with his addiction, so his dad sends him off to Black Diamond Resort and Spa for rehabilitation. someone also threatened Zev's life, so Gavin (33) is hired as his bodyguard to watch him in the 2 months that they are there for. Gavin immediately recognizes the broken boy in Zev and quickly develops a primal need to protect him in every way he can. which is perfect bc Zev is very lonely and desperate to have someone take care of him. enter lots of hurt/comfort, so for those who like this trope, this book has it in spades. along the way they discover and settle into a new and perfect dynamic just for them. daddy/boy. this is my first experience with daddy/boy and i loved it. what i especially loved was that Zev/Gavin are both feelings things they have never felt for another person before and bc of that, they actually do research on their dynamic. i honesty did not expect that. i've never read a daddy/boy book before and i don't know if that's in other books, but i thought it was so amazing how it was discussed here and how they did their own research to help understand their dynamic better.
He’s truly an art form. Crafted from the most devilish hands to bring me temptation. And it’s been nothing but a rapid descent into the abyss of betrayal as he gives me what I’ve always wanted. To be needed. Desired. Craved and depended on. The lonely boy with sadness staining his eyes has a chokehold on me—one I don’t care to fight.
now for the cheating trope. this book does have it and it's not between the MCs. Gavin has been married to Milo for 10 years. of course, i don't condone cheating no matter the circumstance. i've read a lot of cheating books and most of the time, it doesn't work. but that was not the case here for me. cheating on Milo is not something Gavin easily does, we get to see his internal struggles and the guilt he feels. it's definitely a guilty pleasure for me bc i love seeing how literally nothing will stop the MC from having their actual true love. and that's exactly how Gavin was where Zev was concerned. they were inevitable and Zev needed Gavin more than anything and Gavin wasn't going to stop himself from giving his boy exactly what he needed. Gavin still cheated which obviously is not okay but by the end, i liked how it was handled.
the protectiveness and possessiveness from Gavin? wowwww. they could be in different rooms and if Gavin hears a thud from the room that Zev is in, you bet his butt he will be there in 0.1 seconds to check on him 😂 He was so daddy and was the ultimate caretaker of all caretakers. and the praise kink? oh my, I was swooning hardcore. he literally worshipped the ground Zev walked on and what's not to love about that? that's exactly what i want in my romance books. even though Zev is the one who needs to be taken care of, it was very clear how much Gavin was at Zev's mercy. Gavin would not survive if he didn't get to take care of Zev and be with him. and it was the same way for Zev too.
what to expect:
💙 hurt/comfort
🩵 age gap (14 years)
💙 daddy/boy
🩵 he worships him
💙 praise kink
🩵 possessive and protective bodyguard
💙 bratty MC
🩵 cheating (not between MCs)
💙 angst
🩵 spicy spicyyyyyy
so if you enjoy the tropes listed above and don’t mind the cheating trope, you’ll really love this! also be sure to check tws going in if you need too!
i received an advanced reader copy for free via Indie Author Creative and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Unlucky 13 series
book 8 - Abysmal - 4 stars
book 9 - Splintered - 4.5 stars
Read
August 14, 2023DNF @ 63%
I honestly tried to finish this one. I’m sorry, please don’t be offended by my review. It’s ok to disagree about a book and to not get the same perspective from it.
Abysmal by Marie Ann is part of the Unlucky 13 series but can be read as a standalone. I didn’t read any of the others and I had no issues following the story.
Age-gap (33/19)
Bodyguard
Hurt/comfort
Daddy/boy
Forbidden
Forced proximity
Cheating
Alcohol/drug abuse
Death
Cringe, cringe, cringe……. I need a romance novel with a bodyguard that doesn’t make me cringe because the last two I’ve tried to read ain’t it. Please send me some recommendations if you have any.
At first, I was following this story, I was invested and intrigued. Then, it was like a new book started in the middle of this one. I was like where did we go and how did we get here? Did I do coke or go to boozefest with these damn characters because I’m confused. 🤷🏻♀️
One minute, Zevryn/Zev is tough as nails/I ain’t playing with you/no BS-bratty attitude. (I’m also aware he was hiding behind a mask/his pain.) Then he gets to rehab at Black Diamond goes through the withdrawal process, which is tough and heartbreaking. At first he seemed to still have the same attitude but then out of nowhere completely different. I know he was in rehab to recover but this was just so far fetched it wasn’t funny. I get that people change, are vulnerable and susceptible after going through everything Zev endured. He woke to find his mom dead infront of him when he was 14, then his friend died infront of him because the drugs were laced. I just don’t get the complete 180 that he did. He was playing like a kid at one point and it was kind of gross, how Gavin was getting hard watching him. I love that Zev was able to let go and feel carefree for the first time in his life, to be the kid he never was. I’m grossed out at Gavin, not Zev at all. Also, Gavin who has been married for ten years and is cheating on his husband. While Zev who is 19 yrs old is trying to recovering from drug and alcohol abuse, plus abuse from his father. Gavin was hired as his bodyguard to keep him safe after his life was threatened and was sent to Black Diamond with him. Gavin says he only has Zev best interested at heart and he can’t tell him no. More BS! Gavin’s inter-monologue goes on about how Zev needs him and he needs to feel needed and wanted. It also goes on how his husband Milo has never really needed him. I wasn’t done until Gavin told his boss he was in love with Zev after only being together a couple of weeks. My biggest problem is this kid is trying to recover and I don’t feel like Gavin is helping, plus he is married. Gavin told him this could only go on while they are away but once they get back it has to stop. Yet he calls Zev his boy and let’s Zev call him Daddy. He also tells Zev he is his when Zev gets possessive. Zev is also constantly playing with Gavin’s wedding ring, in his mouth 🤮. I’m just done with this for right now. Maybe the end made it make sense or made some of it better. Idk 🤦🏻♀️
I don’t even know what I’m reading anymore. These books are making me sad lately and not helping my book slump. I’m highly disappointed. Maybe I’m being too harsh, and I’m the problem. I think this is the only bad review for this book. 🫤😶🏳️
I honestly tried to finish this one. I’m sorry, please don’t be offended by my review. It’s ok to disagree about a book and to not get the same perspective from it.
Abysmal by Marie Ann is part of the Unlucky 13 series but can be read as a standalone. I didn’t read any of the others and I had no issues following the story.
Age-gap (33/19)
Bodyguard
Hurt/comfort
Daddy/boy
Forbidden
Forced proximity
Cheating
Alcohol/drug abuse
Death
Cringe, cringe, cringe……. I need a romance novel with a bodyguard that doesn’t make me cringe because the last two I’ve tried to read ain’t it. Please send me some recommendations if you have any.
At first, I was following this story, I was invested and intrigued. Then, it was like a new book started in the middle of this one. I was like where did we go and how did we get here? Did I do coke or go to boozefest with these damn characters because I’m confused. 🤷🏻♀️
One minute, Zevryn/Zev is tough as nails/I ain’t playing with you/no BS-bratty attitude. (I’m also aware he was hiding behind a mask/his pain.) Then he gets to rehab at Black Diamond goes through the withdrawal process, which is tough and heartbreaking. At first he seemed to still have the same attitude but then out of nowhere completely different. I know he was in rehab to recover but this was just so far fetched it wasn’t funny. I get that people change, are vulnerable and susceptible after going through everything Zev endured. He woke to find his mom dead infront of him when he was 14, then his friend died infront of him because the drugs were laced. I just don’t get the complete 180 that he did. He was playing like a kid at one point and it was kind of gross, how Gavin was getting hard watching him. I love that Zev was able to let go and feel carefree for the first time in his life, to be the kid he never was. I’m grossed out at Gavin, not Zev at all. Also, Gavin who has been married for ten years and is cheating on his husband. While Zev who is 19 yrs old is trying to recovering from drug and alcohol abuse, plus abuse from his father. Gavin was hired as his bodyguard to keep him safe after his life was threatened and was sent to Black Diamond with him. Gavin says he only has Zev best interested at heart and he can’t tell him no. More BS! Gavin’s inter-monologue goes on about how Zev needs him and he needs to feel needed and wanted. It also goes on how his husband Milo has never really needed him. I wasn’t done until Gavin told his boss he was in love with Zev after only being together a couple of weeks. My biggest problem is this kid is trying to recover and I don’t feel like Gavin is helping, plus he is married. Gavin told him this could only go on while they are away but once they get back it has to stop. Yet he calls Zev his boy and let’s Zev call him Daddy. He also tells Zev he is his when Zev gets possessive. Zev is also constantly playing with Gavin’s wedding ring, in his mouth 🤮. I’m just done with this for right now. Maybe the end made it make sense or made some of it better. Idk 🤦🏻♀️
I don’t even know what I’m reading anymore. These books are making me sad lately and not helping my book slump. I’m highly disappointed. Maybe I’m being too harsh, and I’m the problem. I think this is the only bad review for this book. 🫤😶🏳️
August 8, 2023
Abysmal is a great hurt/comfort forbidden romance between a recovering addict and his sponsor. Their bond is intense, primal, and full of need and desire. Zev is a broken person due to immense tragedy and pain in his life leading him to abuse his body and mind with drugs. Gavin is the perfect opposite in every way. He is controlling, mindful, and insanely protective over Zev's healing process.
Together they embrace their demons, while trying to heal, which is further complicated once their mutual desire for one another is uncovered leading to many added layers between the two.
Overall this is another wonderfully written emotional romance that I could not put down. I love how this author has so much heart and emotions in her stories that make the characters so addicting and personal. Love this addition to the entertaining Unlucky 13 series.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***
Together they embrace their demons, while trying to heal, which is further complicated once their mutual desire for one another is uncovered leading to many added layers between the two.
Overall this is another wonderfully written emotional romance that I could not put down. I love how this author has so much heart and emotions in her stories that make the characters so addicting and personal. Love this addition to the entertaining Unlucky 13 series.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***
April 26, 2024
This was an interesting one, Gavin and Zev have a special bond, a dynamic that was new for me but I understood why it worked for them and I enjoyed reading how comforting it was for both.
Would I recommend this? Yes definitely! It’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I think is good to learn new things
Would I recommend this? Yes definitely! It’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I think is good to learn new things
May 6, 2025
Zev + Gavin 🖤
Bodyguard | Daddy/Boy | Addiction
"Now that I've had him, I won't let him go. Consequences be damned."
I really enjoyed Zev and Gavin's relationship. How they both gave what the other needed. Gavin holding Zev through his withdrawals in rehab was really beautiful. Gavin started as a stranger, hired to keep Zev safe from threats against his life. Gavin instantly saw the pain that was held so deeply inside Zev leading him to his addictions. He truly saw him at his worst and wanted nothing more than to be there for him.
and..
Maybe someone can answer this for me...
Why does Gavin have a problem with Zev dropping f bombs as if they don't fall out of his own mouth constantly?
⚠️ Possible spoilers in the tropes and triggers below
Tropes:
Age gap (33/19)
Size difference
Bodyguard/client
Forbidden
Nursing/nipple obsession
Cheating to be together
Daddy/boy dynamic
TWs:
Drug addiction
Drug use
Alcoholism
Overdose
Death
Suicide
Violence
Neglectful parent
Cheating (with not on)
Rehab
Hospital stay
Bodyguard | Daddy/Boy | Addiction
"Now that I've had him, I won't let him go. Consequences be damned."
I really enjoyed Zev and Gavin's relationship. How they both gave what the other needed. Gavin holding Zev through his withdrawals in rehab was really beautiful. Gavin started as a stranger, hired to keep Zev safe from threats against his life. Gavin instantly saw the pain that was held so deeply inside Zev leading him to his addictions. He truly saw him at his worst and wanted nothing more than to be there for him.
and..
Maybe someone can answer this for me...
Why does Gavin have a problem with Zev dropping f bombs as if they don't fall out of his own mouth constantly?
⚠️ Possible spoilers in the tropes and triggers below
Tropes:
Age gap (33/19)
Size difference
Bodyguard/client
Forbidden
Nursing/nipple obsession
Cheating to be together
Daddy/boy dynamic
TWs:
Drug addiction
Drug use
Alcoholism
Overdose
Death
Suicide
Violence
Neglectful parent
Cheating (with not on)
Rehab
Hospital stay
August 9, 2023
"Zevryn Carver is irrevocably broken, and I want nothing more than to hold him against me as I piece him back together."
Abysmal by Marie Ann is book 8 in the standalone, multi-author, MM Unlucky 13 series, which is set around an all inclusive, private resort built exclusively for the troubled elite. This is Zevryn and Gavin's story.
This is an extremely angsty story, with a lot of dark themes so I recommend you check out the author's notes before diving in.
If you're a lover of Daddy/Boy and hurt/comfort tropes this will definitely be the book of the series for you!
Tropes:
🖤MM romance
🖤Dark themes
🖤Daddy/Boy
🖤Hurt/comfort
🖤Age gap
🖤Opposites attract
🖤High angst
🖤Cheating (not between MCs)
🖤Hard won HEA
Not my fave tropes, but still a good read.
3.5-4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Abysmal by Marie Ann is book 8 in the standalone, multi-author, MM Unlucky 13 series, which is set around an all inclusive, private resort built exclusively for the troubled elite. This is Zevryn and Gavin's story.
This is an extremely angsty story, with a lot of dark themes so I recommend you check out the author's notes before diving in.
If you're a lover of Daddy/Boy and hurt/comfort tropes this will definitely be the book of the series for you!
Tropes:
🖤MM romance
🖤Dark themes
🖤Daddy/Boy
🖤Hurt/comfort
🖤Age gap
🖤Opposites attract
🖤High angst
🖤Cheating (not between MCs)
🖤Hard won HEA
Not my fave tropes, but still a good read.
3.5-4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 1, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
IT'S UNBEARABLY HOT ...AND SWEET....👀
It has been a while since I enjoyed a book that much ( I stayed up all night to finish it, and im having a headache now (REGRETTING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING)) APPARENTLY, IT SAYYYYYS SOMETHING ABOUT IT .
IT'S UNBEARABLY HOT ...AND SWEET....👀
It has been a while since I enjoyed a book that much ( I stayed up all night to finish it, and im having a headache now (REGRETTING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING)) APPARENTLY, IT SAYYYYYS SOMETHING ABOUT IT .
August 6, 2023
The biggest thing I took from this book is how well the author detailed the struggles with addiction that Zev suffered with as it made his journey more impactful.
The relationship with Gavin was very quick and intense and a lot of kinks, some which aren’t my thing but you get the need they both have to explore with one another.
Even though there is the cheating element (not between MCs) it didn’t feel angsty.
These two have an intense relationship and need for each other which creates its own addiction, and I love that in characters relationships where it borders on co dependency. Great addition to a great series.
The relationship with Gavin was very quick and intense and a lot of kinks, some which aren’t my thing but you get the need they both have to explore with one another.
Even though there is the cheating element (not between MCs) it didn’t feel angsty.
These two have an intense relationship and need for each other which creates its own addiction, and I love that in characters relationships where it borders on co dependency. Great addition to a great series.
August 7, 2023
This book just had me hooked from the first page. It unfolds so seamlessly as it submerges you in a phenomenal story of one man falling untethered into the abyss and struggling to right himself to find his way back up all the while clinging to the depths for comfort and another man witnessing that, cracking open something undiscovered for himself, giving each other strength so they both can break free.
Expect:
* Hurt comfort
* Size difference
* Bodyguard
* Daddy/boy
* Age gap
* Forced proximity
* Possesive MC
* Mental health rep
* Kink exploration
* Slow burn
Zev is spiralling and things reach a massive crisis point where the father he has an extremely contentious relationship with, intervenes and he packed off to rehab with Gavin as his bodyguard.
Neither of the characters the author gives us started off as likeable for me before the author starts peeling back the layers and makes you love them. It’s almost fantastical with is a smidge of an instant preternatural connection allowing Gavin to immediately know what Zev is thinking/needs.
My heart broke for Zev, haunted by so much, needing his addiction as an escape and I loved how Gavin responded right from the start, how they opened up to each other. and the internal struggle as they give in to the primal responses to the connection they have.
I also loved how the author chose to tackle the tough questions around recovery and marital commitment and how she allowed the characters to work and journey to their hard won HEA even when real life re-emerged. I really appreciated how Zev and Gavin’s dynamic felt organically developed and right for them. I loved Dillon and Carmen.
I was surprised by how intrigued I was by Milo and I really hope he gets a story.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Swoon: ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Angst: ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹.5
CW: substance abuse/addiction, mental health struggles, suicidal thoughts, physical violence, grief, death.
Expect:
* Hurt comfort
* Size difference
* Bodyguard
* Daddy/boy
* Age gap
* Forced proximity
* Possesive MC
* Mental health rep
* Kink exploration
* Slow burn
Zev is spiralling and things reach a massive crisis point where the father he has an extremely contentious relationship with, intervenes and he packed off to rehab with Gavin as his bodyguard.
Neither of the characters the author gives us started off as likeable for me before the author starts peeling back the layers and makes you love them. It’s almost fantastical with is a smidge of an instant preternatural connection allowing Gavin to immediately know what Zev is thinking/needs.
My heart broke for Zev, haunted by so much, needing his addiction as an escape and I loved how Gavin responded right from the start, how they opened up to each other. and the internal struggle as they give in to the primal responses to the connection they have.
I also loved how the author chose to tackle the tough questions around recovery and marital commitment and how she allowed the characters to work and journey to their hard won HEA even when real life re-emerged. I really appreciated how Zev and Gavin’s dynamic felt organically developed and right for them. I loved Dillon and Carmen.
I was surprised by how intrigued I was by Milo and I really hope he gets a story.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Swoon: ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Angst: ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹.5
CW: substance abuse/addiction, mental health struggles, suicidal thoughts, physical violence, grief, death.
September 2, 2023
This book was everything I never knew I needed. My first Marie Ann book as well as my first true Daddy/Boy story. It was beautiful and heartbreaking and so hot. I felt all of the things.
Zev has so much pain and trauma and is on a downward spiral until it finally comes crashing down around him. Of course, in his world, money talks. So his father sends him to Black Diamond for two months for rehab and hires Gavin as a bodyguard (babysitter).
“The lonely boy with sadness staining his eyes has a chokehold on me—one I don’t care to fight.”
The way these two found everything they needed in each other was beautiful. But Zev has a long road ahead to recovery. And Gavin has a husband.
“The lines aren’t even blurred. They’re fucking obliterated. Zevryn. Milo. The way one needs me and the other never has.”
I know I’m probably giving all the spoilers. Just go read this beautiful book please!
“I’ve never understood his happiness defines my own more than I do in this moment.”
Zev has so much pain and trauma and is on a downward spiral until it finally comes crashing down around him. Of course, in his world, money talks. So his father sends him to Black Diamond for two months for rehab and hires Gavin as a bodyguard (babysitter).
“The lonely boy with sadness staining his eyes has a chokehold on me—one I don’t care to fight.”
The way these two found everything they needed in each other was beautiful. But Zev has a long road ahead to recovery. And Gavin has a husband.
“The lines aren’t even blurred. They’re fucking obliterated. Zevryn. Milo. The way one needs me and the other never has.”
I know I’m probably giving all the spoilers. Just go read this beautiful book please!
“I’ve never understood his happiness defines my own more than I do in this moment.”
August 29, 2023
Out of everyone in this story I feel sorry for Milo. He did not deserve that! I can't stand cheating, but then for it to be done like this?! Milo seemed like a great guy and he was just wanting save his marriage. There's always a villain in a story and to me it's freaking Gavin. So hes going to ruin a 10 marriage for a guy who's in a vulnerable state that in imo he tool advantage of to fulfill some hidden kink, a guy he's only known for days. But somehow without any meaningful convos other than the little bit Z told him about himself, their in love? But not just any love the life-altering soul mate kind of love? Um no. Didn't work for me. Half of the time it was just cringy.
I loved the first half of the book, but the second half felt like a completely different set of characters. And I'm sorry you can't tell me towards the end there that Milo was just somehow fine with everything, literally minutes after signing divorce papers. It felt like an afterthought. Oh wait I forgot about the husband, let me write him in real quick and have him agree things were going downhill all long and that he's perfectly fine now so Gavin and Zs affair doesn't look so bad. Please. 🙄
I have liked all the books in the series so far, some better than others but this....this was just not it.
I loved the first half of the book, but the second half felt like a completely different set of characters. And I'm sorry you can't tell me towards the end there that Milo was just somehow fine with everything, literally minutes after signing divorce papers. It felt like an afterthought. Oh wait I forgot about the husband, let me write him in real quick and have him agree things were going downhill all long and that he's perfectly fine now so Gavin and Zs affair doesn't look so bad. Please. 🙄
I have liked all the books in the series so far, some better than others but this....this was just not it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
August 17, 2023Big fat DNF for me...😭
I couldn’t get past the cheating... AND I've read alot of cheating books before.
This made me too uncomfortable... 😩
Especially since MC 1's husband, Milo seemed to be really awesome and the only one to make an effort to make the marriage work. Yeah I remembered the name of the husband... But not either of the MC's... 🤦🏻♀️
I couldn’t get past the cheating... AND I've read alot of cheating books before.
This made me too uncomfortable... 😩
Especially since MC 1's husband, Milo seemed to be really awesome and the only one to make an effort to make the marriage work. Yeah I remembered the name of the husband... But not either of the MC's... 🤦🏻♀️
September 10, 2023
I’m going to put this book on my favorites because it had so many things that I love BUT it also kinda made me mad.
First of all, I don’t like that the author romanticized the divorce of the H’s husband. This isn’t a romance book between those two, we didn’t need to read how Milo was “a great love of his life” and how he memorized the sparkle in his eyes as he was divorcing him and would remember it forever and how he truly loved him or how he had kissed sucked and fucked him for ten years🤢and how they mouthed I love you to each other as they divorced😵💫 It was unnecessary, I personally felt that that was a stupid few paragraphs to include. I literally don’t give a fuck about Milo, obviously as I’m rooting for his husband cheating on him by reading this, so having to read that was so fucking annoying and made me want to lower my rating. I decided to keep it at five because I loved everything else (almost) about the book, but yeah that section of the book threw me off….also including Milo’s POV was unnecessary seeing as once again I DONT GIVE A FUCK ABOUT MILO I DONT CARE ABOUT HIS FEELINGS AND DIDNT NEED TO READ HIS POV. I think the author included this to show that Gavin really was a good guy despite cheating on his husband😂🤪but it wasn’t needed and rubbed me the wrong way, I literally thought about what he said for the rest of the book
Ig I’m just sensitive tho, because after reading all the reviews on this book, everyone seems to love Milo and wants his story🫠that’s a hard no from me
Also the epilogue wasn’t an epilogue, it was just them having sex. It didn’t give any real closure about their future. There’s not even a bonus scene for signing up for the author’s newsletter. So that was very disappointing
First of all, I don’t like that the author romanticized the divorce of the H’s husband. This isn’t a romance book between those two, we didn’t need to read how Milo was “a great love of his life” and how he memorized the sparkle in his eyes as he was divorcing him and would remember it forever and how he truly loved him or how he had kissed sucked and fucked him for ten years🤢and how they mouthed I love you to each other as they divorced😵💫 It was unnecessary, I personally felt that that was a stupid few paragraphs to include. I literally don’t give a fuck about Milo, obviously as I’m rooting for his husband cheating on him by reading this, so having to read that was so fucking annoying and made me want to lower my rating. I decided to keep it at five because I loved everything else (almost) about the book, but yeah that section of the book threw me off….also including Milo’s POV was unnecessary seeing as once again I DONT GIVE A FUCK ABOUT MILO I DONT CARE ABOUT HIS FEELINGS AND DIDNT NEED TO READ HIS POV. I think the author included this to show that Gavin really was a good guy despite cheating on his husband😂🤪but it wasn’t needed and rubbed me the wrong way, I literally thought about what he said for the rest of the book
Ig I’m just sensitive tho, because after reading all the reviews on this book, everyone seems to love Milo and wants his story🫠that’s a hard no from me
Also the epilogue wasn’t an epilogue, it was just them having sex. It didn’t give any real closure about their future. There’s not even a bonus scene for signing up for the author’s newsletter. So that was very disappointing
August 17, 2023
To say I loved Abysmal is an understatement. I am infatuated with Gavin and Zevryn. These two own my heart! And although Abysmal was an all-together different feel for Marie, I am convinced there is nothing this author could write that I wouldn't love with every ounce of my heart. This book is undeniably softer than Marie's usual 'dark' romances, although, that doesn't mean this is anyway less emotive. It wasn't. Zev had me in a vice-like grip throughout his story, I've never so personally felt a connection with a character before, he was screaming at the world (and father) for help, just anyone who dared look closer, in his spiraling self-destruction and ever present grief and guilt. The only person who took notice of this boy was Gavin, the hired bodyguard who is jobbed with keeping Zion's (Zev's father) wayward son safe and in-line whilst accompanying him to Black Diamond Resort & Spa. Where the elite retreat for anonymity while seeking care and rehabilitation from a plethora of addictions and mental illnesses. Right from the get-go, these two develop a special and intense relationship, one deeper than that of protector/protectee! Unethically or not, that's the least of their problems, what with Gavin being married (unfulfilling as it may be) And Zevryn's need for escape, which begs the question, is Gavin another vice? I can't recommend this book enough, and all the Black Diamond books thus far! Abysmal was beautifully written. An emotionally down to the bone daddy/boy romance.
June 23, 2024
Not just a title.
Addicted losers and the
dumb Daddies who fuck them.
Addicted losers and the
dumb Daddies who fuck them.
August 5, 2023
I'm full of a never ending need I can't satiate. And it's so fucking lonely - a loneliness that started all of this.
🌟 Star Rating - 5/5
🔥 Spice Rating - 4/5
What To Expect:
🖤 MM Romance
❤️ Mental Health Rep
🖤 Cheating
❤️ Age Gap
🖤 Daddy/Boy
❤️ Island Setting
He's truly an art form. Crafted from the most devilish hands to bring me temptation. And it's been nothing but a rapid descent into the abyss of betrayal as he gives me what I've always wanted. To be needed. Desired. Craved and depended on.
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
This book HURT and I am still reeling from being put through the ringer by this author. First I want to say, poor Zev. The hell he has been through, I don't know how he was still standing by it all, because if I were in that position I would have noped out of life so fast! He is such a beautiful bratty broken boy and he needed someone who understood him and help him grow, and Gavin was completely that person. I love the cheating trope and it was done so darn good in this book. The scenarios both MCs are in is difficult and I was hoping they would get their happy ending but was so unsure how that could happen! The whole time my heart was hurting and my soul was being crushed because this author has the most poetic way of writing and I am always left obsessing at the end!
🌟 Star Rating - 5/5
🔥 Spice Rating - 4/5
What To Expect:
🖤 MM Romance
❤️ Mental Health Rep
🖤 Cheating
❤️ Age Gap
🖤 Daddy/Boy
❤️ Island Setting
He's truly an art form. Crafted from the most devilish hands to bring me temptation. And it's been nothing but a rapid descent into the abyss of betrayal as he gives me what I've always wanted. To be needed. Desired. Craved and depended on.
𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘
This book HURT and I am still reeling from being put through the ringer by this author. First I want to say, poor Zev. The hell he has been through, I don't know how he was still standing by it all, because if I were in that position I would have noped out of life so fast! He is such a beautiful bratty broken boy and he needed someone who understood him and help him grow, and Gavin was completely that person. I love the cheating trope and it was done so darn good in this book. The scenarios both MCs are in is difficult and I was hoping they would get their happy ending but was so unsure how that could happen! The whole time my heart was hurting and my soul was being crushed because this author has the most poetic way of writing and I am always left obsessing at the end!
August 5, 2023
4.5 stars
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪
This book was another great addition to Unlycky 13 series & I liked this book so much. Zev & Gavin had an amazing relationship from the start even if they didn't know how to define it.
Zev is an addict who is sent to the Black Diamond rehab for recovery by his father, I liked his character so much, he was such a strong character & his growth was amazing to watch. Gavin is the bodyguard appointed by his father to protect Zev as he has been threatened by someone. Gavin cared for Zev from the first time they met, he saw the lonely broken soul & he had made it his mission to protect him but not because it was his job but because he cared for him.
I liked how Gavin was there for Zev during his recovery & as time went on they came close & which resulted in daddy/boy dynamics in their relationship. Zev was a brat & Gavin was there to punish him & show him who he belongs to. Their relationship was different from others but it worked for them, I liked how beautifully Marir has written their dynamics & the recovery moments. I liked how possessive Gavin was of Zev & loved how they got their happily ever after & also how accepting Zev's friends were of their relationship. I loved Milo's character as well he was another kind soul & I hope he gets his happily ever after as well.
Overall, I loved this book & if you like age gap, daddy/boy dynamics, possessive bodyguards & praise kink, read this book. And also check out other books in this series as well because all the books are so amazingly written by other authors, I recommend the whole series.
𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘦 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘮 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪
This book was another great addition to Unlycky 13 series & I liked this book so much. Zev & Gavin had an amazing relationship from the start even if they didn't know how to define it.
Zev is an addict who is sent to the Black Diamond rehab for recovery by his father, I liked his character so much, he was such a strong character & his growth was amazing to watch. Gavin is the bodyguard appointed by his father to protect Zev as he has been threatened by someone. Gavin cared for Zev from the first time they met, he saw the lonely broken soul & he had made it his mission to protect him but not because it was his job but because he cared for him.
I liked how Gavin was there for Zev during his recovery & as time went on they came close & which resulted in daddy/boy dynamics in their relationship. Zev was a brat & Gavin was there to punish him & show him who he belongs to. Their relationship was different from others but it worked for them, I liked how beautifully Marir has written their dynamics & the recovery moments. I liked how possessive Gavin was of Zev & loved how they got their happily ever after & also how accepting Zev's friends were of their relationship. I loved Milo's character as well he was another kind soul & I hope he gets his happily ever after as well.
Overall, I loved this book & if you like age gap, daddy/boy dynamics, possessive bodyguards & praise kink, read this book. And also check out other books in this series as well because all the books are so amazingly written by other authors, I recommend the whole series.
𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘦 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘮 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.
March 8, 2024
Right, I’m struggling on how to rate this one… I really enjoyed (if that’s the right word) the first third of the book, getting to know Zev and the trauma of his life - he’s the son of a millionaire, an addict and has seen his mother take her own life in front of him. He is broken and watching him spiral was so sad - you could feel the visceral emotions. I was expecting this book to be an uplifting path to Zev’s happiness and recovery, and it was in a way, but I just didn’t overly enjoy the path to get there.
What I didn’t enjoy was the general feeling of Zev’s entire sudden dependence on Gavin. He went from a broken, yet defiant young guy, to someone who needed his Daddy with him to do something as mundane as peeing. Also, this kid is healing from a genuine trauma and his hired bodyguard is making moves? No. Also the therapist at Black Diamond knew all about Zev’s relationship with Gavin (a married man) and didn’t say anything? Even encouraged it? Idk man, if this was real life I think that therapist would get struck off.
I also felt so bad for Gavin’s husband Milo… he just didn’t deserve that.
So anyway, the first third of the book was looking like a 5* read for me, but the more it went on, the more I just stopped feeling it. I think this series has been really hit-or-miss for me and this one was probably one of the misses…
What I didn’t enjoy was the general feeling of Zev’s entire sudden dependence on Gavin. He went from a broken, yet defiant young guy, to someone who needed his Daddy with him to do something as mundane as peeing. Also, this kid is healing from a genuine trauma and his hired bodyguard is making moves? No. Also the therapist at Black Diamond knew all about Zev’s relationship with Gavin (a married man) and didn’t say anything? Even encouraged it? Idk man, if this was real life I think that therapist would get struck off.
I also felt so bad for Gavin’s husband Milo… he just didn’t deserve that.
So anyway, the first third of the book was looking like a 5* read for me, but the more it went on, the more I just stopped feeling it. I think this series has been really hit-or-miss for me and this one was probably one of the misses…
March 7, 2024
This book was good like the all serie.
Zevryn story and journey was so heartbreaking. I wanted to give him a hug and protect it the whole time.
Gavin is a teddy bear Daddy looking to protect his boy, even though their story was cute and heartbreaking. The cheating cut it out for me a little bit.
I lost a little bit the magic of their relation because of it.
The all thing was very well written. I had to put the book down sometime just to take a breath and process emotions.
It’s a good discovery of daddy/boy relation in its early stage.
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Zevryn story and journey was so heartbreaking. I wanted to give him a hug and protect it the whole time.
Gavin is a teddy bear Daddy looking to protect his boy, even though their story was cute and heartbreaking. The cheating cut it out for me a little bit.
I lost a little bit the magic of their relation because of it.
The all thing was very well written. I had to put the book down sometime just to take a breath and process emotions.
It’s a good discovery of daddy/boy relation in its early stage.
I received a free copy of this book via Indie Author Creative and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2023
Aghhh this book! So beautiful in its broken torment. It’s my favourite book in the series so far.
Zev, he’s so off the rails, so broken, he don’t know how to just be, he’s consumed with grief and trauma and no one understands what he’s going through. His two friends do the best they can with him and his erratic behaviour but he’s spiralling too fast for them to keep hold of him. His father who who he hates takes over and sends him to black diamond along with a bodyguard. Not only is he forced into treatment but he has to be babysat too, damn he’s an angry brat.
Devin is used to protecting people, it’s his job, but he needs a break, he needs to get back on track with his husband. A big job comes up and he finds he’d rather work than go home, which is not good for his marriage. But one look at the absolutely broken boy that needs his protection and he knows he made the right choice.
I loved this book!! Like really loved it! Daddy and Boy!! The emotions that went through me reading this story, broke me. The lack of care from family I’ll never understand. Zev is so strong through his recovery but so emotionally week, he has to make such tough life changing decisions, but with the support of his daddy and the nurturing way he’s treated, helped so much on his health journey. The bond they had and the roles they developed come naturally to them both, it was beautifully done. Devin is the perfect daddy for Zevryn, and Zev is his perfect boy.
I love a cheating rep put it along with a mental health rep and you have one explosive book. Marie did a brilliant job of dealing with both these big tropes, her writing flows beautiful and is poetic, I can’t wait to see what she gives us next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Content warning in book
🔹Daddy/Boy
🔹Age gap (14 years)
🔹Cheating (not between the MC's)
🔹Hurt/Comfort
🔹Praise kink
🔹Emotional
🔹Possessive bodyguard
🔹Bratty MC
Zev, he’s so off the rails, so broken, he don’t know how to just be, he’s consumed with grief and trauma and no one understands what he’s going through. His two friends do the best they can with him and his erratic behaviour but he’s spiralling too fast for them to keep hold of him. His father who who he hates takes over and sends him to black diamond along with a bodyguard. Not only is he forced into treatment but he has to be babysat too, damn he’s an angry brat.
Devin is used to protecting people, it’s his job, but he needs a break, he needs to get back on track with his husband. A big job comes up and he finds he’d rather work than go home, which is not good for his marriage. But one look at the absolutely broken boy that needs his protection and he knows he made the right choice.
I loved this book!! Like really loved it! Daddy and Boy!! The emotions that went through me reading this story, broke me. The lack of care from family I’ll never understand. Zev is so strong through his recovery but so emotionally week, he has to make such tough life changing decisions, but with the support of his daddy and the nurturing way he’s treated, helped so much on his health journey. The bond they had and the roles they developed come naturally to them both, it was beautifully done. Devin is the perfect daddy for Zevryn, and Zev is his perfect boy.
I love a cheating rep put it along with a mental health rep and you have one explosive book. Marie did a brilliant job of dealing with both these big tropes, her writing flows beautiful and is poetic, I can’t wait to see what she gives us next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Content warning in book
🔹Daddy/Boy
🔹Age gap (14 years)
🔹Cheating (not between the MC's)
🔹Hurt/Comfort
🔹Praise kink
🔹Emotional
🔹Possessive bodyguard
🔹Bratty MC
September 18, 2023
I'm not usually a daddy kink person but it was everything in this book.
I LIVE for toxic co-dependency which ends up not being all that toxic. This was so raw and emotional and PURE FILTH and I am sooo here for it.
Marie Ann's writing never seizes to amaze me it's so beautiful and lyrical and she's absolutely a one-click author for me.
I adored Gavin and Zev, two people so utterly perfect for each other in every way. Why did I love the *toilet* situation so much????? LOL
The story was utterly gripping too, especially post-island. One of my absolute favourites in the Unlucky 13 series.
I LIVE for toxic co-dependency which ends up not being all that toxic. This was so raw and emotional and PURE FILTH and I am sooo here for it.
Marie Ann's writing never seizes to amaze me it's so beautiful and lyrical and she's absolutely a one-click author for me.
I adored Gavin and Zev, two people so utterly perfect for each other in every way. Why did I love the *toilet* situation so much????? LOL
The story was utterly gripping too, especially post-island. One of my absolute favourites in the Unlucky 13 series.
August 16, 2023
I didn’t finish the last 50 pages of this. I just lost interest. I actually really enjoyed the beginning with zevryns drug addiction, and was curious to know more about his struggles. I think this was the most interesting part of the book. Otherwise I was bored. I’m not sure I’m into daddy kinks in books, surprisingly. It just didn’t do anything for me, I think this just came down to personal preference. It felt like there was too much focus on their love. That I didn’t really get much of their personalities.
July 26, 2023
Zev is spiraling. He's so broken and everything in his life is sending him closer to completely falling apart. His pain radiates off him, yet it feels as if no one can see it, and the man that should care the most cares the least. When his world eventually does fall apart, other circumstances bring in Gavin. A bodyguard who sees Zev's truth right away, and that truth of Zev's, brings out one of his own. Gavin is captivated by Zev. His desire to protect goes way beyond the duty of a bodyguard. His feelings erupt and take over. He knows what he's doing is wrong, yet, he can't stop himself. Zev owns Gavin. Gavin is in awe of Zev and his strength. And we, as readers, see Zev's strength as well. He's a brat. He's always been a brat, but once he starts to feel, truly feel, for the first time, he continues to fight harder in working toward his sobriety. He has his moments of doubts, of fears, but he pushes through because he's accessed this newfound strength he's had deep inside. He credits Gavin, but it's him. He's a fighter, and he's determined to succeed. Gavin sees this and he supports him through it all.
The beautiful world of Black Diamond is only a bubble, and when it's popped, more drama ensues. They have to work through the realities around them once they return to the real world. They both constantly fight to keep going, to do right by the other. Their love is deep, and the always kind.
It was an incredible story and I loved every single page.
The beautiful world of Black Diamond is only a bubble, and when it's popped, more drama ensues. They have to work through the realities around them once they return to the real world. They both constantly fight to keep going, to do right by the other. Their love is deep, and the always kind.
It was an incredible story and I loved every single page.
April 14, 2024
Abysmal by Marie Ann is book 8 in the multi authors Unlucky 13 series.
I won't lie, I was nervous to read another book written by Marie Ann. Not because I didn't like the first book I read by her. It was really well written, but it left me scarred in a way that no other book had been able to do. So I didn't know if I wanted to expose myself to that risk again. Thanks to two of my friends who reassured me, I decided to pick up Abysmal. It was an excellent decision, as I really enjoyed Zevryn and Gavin's story.
Marie Ann's portrayal of addiction is graphic, gritty and so emotional. Seeing Zevryn in this state at the beginning of the book was painful and really hard to read. I loved watching him go through his journey to regain balance in his life and in his mind. The daddy/boy trope was beautifully written and the relationship between Zevryn and Gavin was precious. The sweetness between these two and how it manifested itself in their sexy times was exactly what I needed to heal my wounds.
I was wounded again by Marie Ann's words. This time, however, I embraced the pain completely and emerged stronger, more resilient, just as Zevryn was at the end of the book. This will not be my last Marie Ann book. Gavin and Zev's love has reconciled me with this incredible author.
I won't lie, I was nervous to read another book written by Marie Ann. Not because I didn't like the first book I read by her. It was really well written, but it left me scarred in a way that no other book had been able to do. So I didn't know if I wanted to expose myself to that risk again. Thanks to two of my friends who reassured me, I decided to pick up Abysmal. It was an excellent decision, as I really enjoyed Zevryn and Gavin's story.
Marie Ann's portrayal of addiction is graphic, gritty and so emotional. Seeing Zevryn in this state at the beginning of the book was painful and really hard to read. I loved watching him go through his journey to regain balance in his life and in his mind. The daddy/boy trope was beautifully written and the relationship between Zevryn and Gavin was precious. The sweetness between these two and how it manifested itself in their sexy times was exactly what I needed to heal my wounds.
I was wounded again by Marie Ann's words. This time, however, I embraced the pain completely and emerged stronger, more resilient, just as Zevryn was at the end of the book. This will not be my last Marie Ann book. Gavin and Zev's love has reconciled me with this incredible author.
December 8, 2023
To begin with I really enjoyed Abysmal it was full of troubles, addiction and drama which kept me hooked that was until about over halfway through the book.
As the relationship really develops between Zevryn and Gavin it becomes more clear that they don’t care about Milo Gavins husband even if the marriage is nearly over which upset me a little bit.
I can tell that Gavin and Zevryn are meant to be together as they have a good bond but the way they went about their relationship was wrong to me which is why I’ve given the book 3 stars.
However if you don’t care about small issues like that then I would definitely recommend reading Abysmal.
As the relationship really develops between Zevryn and Gavin it becomes more clear that they don’t care about Milo Gavins husband even if the marriage is nearly over which upset me a little bit.
I can tell that Gavin and Zevryn are meant to be together as they have a good bond but the way they went about their relationship was wrong to me which is why I’ve given the book 3 stars.
However if you don’t care about small issues like that then I would definitely recommend reading Abysmal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2023
well this took a weird turn :/
September 8, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
OOOO LAWD. that was hawt 🔥
around 70-85% wasn’t for me? but everything else was perfectttttt. zev needs all the love forever, that poor broken boy.🥺
that smut was insaaanneeeee!!!
OOOO LAWD. that was hawt 🔥
around 70-85% wasn’t for me? but everything else was perfectttttt. zev needs all the love forever, that poor broken boy.🥺
that smut was insaaanneeeee!!!
September 6, 2023
2,5 stars rounded up. DNF.
Maybe It’s the fault of my book slump I find myself fallen into recently. Maybe something else. Because I liked the story. But the hyperbolised language was too much. Also I felt that I was told not shown.
The author has tried to write a deep and engaging story. And it is engaging. But depth… something didn’t click. At least for me.
Once again - maybe my book slump is at fault.
Maybe It’s the fault of my book slump I find myself fallen into recently. Maybe something else. Because I liked the story. But the hyperbolised language was too much. Also I felt that I was told not shown.
The author has tried to write a deep and engaging story. And it is engaging. But depth… something didn’t click. At least for me.
Once again - maybe my book slump is at fault.
August 16, 2023
Listen, honest reviews are what I’m trying to give, so here we go. This book started off STRONG, I was really, really enjoying it, but then it got into the daddy/boy dynamic. I have read many daddy/boy books and many of them are some of my favorite books, but this just felt like the dynamic was very forced. There seemed to be a bit of the relationship that was shock factor to really push that it was daddy/boy dynamic.
The first 50% of this book I FLEW through, but the second half? I found myself not really wanting to pick up the book—there’s a definite momentum shift and it had me struggling to want to finish.
Zevryn is a young socialite with daddy issues a mile long, resulting in him relying a little too heavily on drugs. Some things happen and he finds himself on the way to Black Diamond to be admitted to rehab. Gavin follows him there as his bodyguard.
I really, really liked Gavin’s character. The way he handled Zevryn as he went through rehab was really well done!! He never gives up on Zev, no matter what Zev throws at him, and I loved that about him! Their dynamic starts out really natural, and I found myself laughing at the two of them together, as well as swooning!!
But now let me tell you what had me on the fence about this book—there’s a moment where someone mentions knowing how to get pot on the island, and Zevryn, freshly out of detoxing and undergoing rehab (which he is not thrilled about), does nothing. Doesn’t even ATTEMPT to figure out how to get it or ask questions. That I found a bit odd, but Zev did eventually really dive deep into his recovery which I really enjoyed seeing evolve!
I also was honestly over the word “boy” by the end of this book. Gavin says the it entirely too much, which added to the daddy/boy feeling forced, like the boy HAD to be said in order to make it that dynamic. We get it, Zev is his boy, but we didn’t need to be reminded about it 300+ times.
I really wanted to love this book, and I did at the beginning, but about the halfway mark, it just really stopped working for me. This is very likely a me problem, and like I said, I did enjoy many parts of this book, but some just turned me off!
The first 50% of this book I FLEW through, but the second half? I found myself not really wanting to pick up the book—there’s a definite momentum shift and it had me struggling to want to finish.
Zevryn is a young socialite with daddy issues a mile long, resulting in him relying a little too heavily on drugs. Some things happen and he finds himself on the way to Black Diamond to be admitted to rehab. Gavin follows him there as his bodyguard.
I really, really liked Gavin’s character. The way he handled Zevryn as he went through rehab was really well done!! He never gives up on Zev, no matter what Zev throws at him, and I loved that about him! Their dynamic starts out really natural, and I found myself laughing at the two of them together, as well as swooning!!
But now let me tell you what had me on the fence about this book—there’s a moment where someone mentions knowing how to get pot on the island, and Zevryn, freshly out of detoxing and undergoing rehab (which he is not thrilled about), does nothing. Doesn’t even ATTEMPT to figure out how to get it or ask questions. That I found a bit odd, but Zev did eventually really dive deep into his recovery which I really enjoyed seeing evolve!
I also was honestly over the word “boy” by the end of this book. Gavin says the it entirely too much, which added to the daddy/boy feeling forced, like the boy HAD to be said in order to make it that dynamic. We get it, Zev is his boy, but we didn’t need to be reminded about it 300+ times.
I really wanted to love this book, and I did at the beginning, but about the halfway mark, it just really stopped working for me. This is very likely a me problem, and like I said, I did enjoy many parts of this book, but some just turned me off!
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