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[Un]Masked
Jay Walker has two wishes: to perform the play of his dreams alongside his best friend at Wellington’s Tory Street Theatre, and to meet that special someone. Someone he’d go to the ends of the earth for. Someone who might only exist in fairy tales.
When Jay meets accordion busker Lethe Cross, it’s like living a dream come true. Lethe’s music captivates Jay, and he resolves to meet the man who plays so beautifully. But then he discovers Lethe’s life is more like a nightmare. The phrase “down on his luck” can’t begin to cover it. Determined to help, Jay does some snooping for answers—and winds up on the wrong end of a centuries-old curse. The good news is there’s a way to break it. The bad news is it might cost Jay his life.
Genre: MM gay paranormal romance, magical realism, new adult
This book was previously published by Dreamspinner Press. This updated 2nd edition has some rewritten parts and has been line edited again.
When Jay meets accordion busker Lethe Cross, it’s like living a dream come true. Lethe’s music captivates Jay, and he resolves to meet the man who plays so beautifully. But then he discovers Lethe’s life is more like a nightmare. The phrase “down on his luck” can’t begin to cover it. Determined to help, Jay does some snooping for answers—and winds up on the wrong end of a centuries-old curse. The good news is there’s a way to break it. The bad news is it might cost Jay his life.
Genre: MM gay paranormal romance, magical realism, new adult
This book was previously published by Dreamspinner Press. This updated 2nd edition has some rewritten parts and has been line edited again.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2012
8 people are currently reading
448 people want to read
About the author
Anyta Sunday
109 books2,733 followersSpecialising in slow-burn romances where emotions reign, intimacy lingers, and chemistry sizzles—stories that leave you holding your breath and cheering for love, with just a splash of spice to sweeten the journey.
Check out my website:
Contact: http://www.anytasunday.com/?page_id=386
Für deutsche Leser:
http://www.anytasunday.de/
In italiano:
http://www.anytasunday.it/
Check out my website:
Contact: http://www.anytasunday.com/?page_id=386
Für deutsche Leser:
http://www.anytasunday.de/
In italiano:
http://www.anytasunday.it/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
September 5, 2012
Quite possibly the best M/M romance published so far in 2012. Yes, we have the main characters Jay and Lethe and their love story is wonderful, heartbreaking, angsty, and ultimately a happy ending, but that's not what made the book for me.
The fantasy aspect of the book is well done, and I can admit to being a little surprised at the direction it went, specifically in the last half of the book, but that's not what made the book for me.
The imagery was gorgeous, the setting crisp, the payoff heartwarming, but again, that's not what made the book for me.
What made the book for me? One word: Gristle.
Gristle, the straight boy, Jay's best friend, his "bro," is one of the best characters I've had the joy to read this year. His devotion to Jay is breathtaking, his snark so very snappy, and he made me bawl like the little bitch I am starting to figure out I am. Read this book if nothing for the character of Gristle. I already know my nomination for best secondary character at the end of the year. Spectacular
The fantasy aspect of the book is well done, and I can admit to being a little surprised at the direction it went, specifically in the last half of the book, but that's not what made the book for me.
The imagery was gorgeous, the setting crisp, the payoff heartwarming, but again, that's not what made the book for me.
What made the book for me? One word: Gristle.
Gristle, the straight boy, Jay's best friend, his "bro," is one of the best characters I've had the joy to read this year. His devotion to Jay is breathtaking, his snark so very snappy, and he made me bawl like the little bitch I am starting to figure out I am. Read this book if nothing for the character of Gristle. I already know my nomination for best secondary character at the end of the year. Spectacular
September 12, 2021
BR with Vir
4.25 Stars
I get it. I totally get why there are mixed reviews on this book. Especially if you’re comparing them to some of the Anyta books we know and love. You know, those light hearted, quirky, with witty banter, slow burned to the brink of death, and a lightness that you just feel like you can float away on? Yep, those. If you’re an established Anyta fan girl/boy like I am, I had a hard time not comparing the feels in this to the ones I’ve read in the past. And when I really thought about it, not all of her previous writes had that light hearted feeling. One of my favorites is her novella Bird Meets Cage that isn’t at all like her other books. Or Rock. Once I checked my preconceived notions at the door, I enjoyed the hell out of this one with all of its sad, heartbreaking heaviness; Because on the outskirts of all that melancholy is hope and light and self-sacrifice
”Do you believe there are things in this world that can’t be explained?”
In (Un)Masked it’s possible. Lethe is the last living member of a cursed bloodline and the curse makes it almost impossible for him to let his guard down to live and love, until he meets Jay. Jay sees Lethe for who heis. Their journey is difficult and many times seems impossible. This book is completely unique and very little can be revealed without ruining the heartbreakingly beautiful story that Anyta Sunday and Andy Gallo created. It has a mysterious feel and I was rooting desperately for them to beat all the odds stacked against them.
The love between Lethe and Jay was perfectly imperfect. They got their HEA that almost bordered on the HFN end of the spectrum. They had chemistry but there was very little sexy times and those that were on page weren’t explicit. Normally I’m all gimme the sex, but the quantity and heat level fit the bill for the obstacles the MCs faced.
Gristle. Oh Gristle. I loved you so hard. I was planning little Gristle/Jay babies. But alas, they were justfriends soulmates. Friend soulmates. Gristle and Jay’s love ran so deep that I hurt for them. My face leaked at the sadness surrounding Gristle from the very beginning all the way through. He added so much life to this story that I considered him a third main character.
This book was really well written and I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what was going to happen which is my favorite type of read. Definitely recommended.
Copy provided for honest review.
4.25 Stars
I get it. I totally get why there are mixed reviews on this book. Especially if you’re comparing them to some of the Anyta books we know and love. You know, those light hearted, quirky, with witty banter, slow burned to the brink of death, and a lightness that you just feel like you can float away on? Yep, those. If you’re an established Anyta fan girl/boy like I am, I had a hard time not comparing the feels in this to the ones I’ve read in the past. And when I really thought about it, not all of her previous writes had that light hearted feeling. One of my favorites is her novella Bird Meets Cage that isn’t at all like her other books. Or Rock. Once I checked my preconceived notions at the door, I enjoyed the hell out of this one with all of its sad, heartbreaking heaviness; Because on the outskirts of all that melancholy is hope and light and self-sacrifice
”Do you believe there are things in this world that can’t be explained?”
In (Un)Masked it’s possible. Lethe is the last living member of a cursed bloodline and the curse makes it almost impossible for him to let his guard down to live and love, until he meets Jay. Jay sees Lethe for who heis. Their journey is difficult and many times seems impossible. This book is completely unique and very little can be revealed without ruining the heartbreakingly beautiful story that Anyta Sunday and Andy Gallo created. It has a mysterious feel and I was rooting desperately for them to beat all the odds stacked against them.
The love between Lethe and Jay was perfectly imperfect. They got their HEA that almost bordered on the HFN end of the spectrum. They had chemistry but there was very little sexy times and those that were on page weren’t explicit. Normally I’m all gimme the sex, but the quantity and heat level fit the bill for the obstacles the MCs faced.
Gristle. Oh Gristle. I loved you so hard. I was planning little Gristle/Jay babies. But alas, they were just
This book was really well written and I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what was going to happen which is my favorite type of read. Definitely recommended.
Copy provided for honest review.
April 20, 2017
Yay, one more ancient To-Be-Read item checked off of my ever-shrinking Anyta Sunday backlog list. : )
The main premise of this story surrounds a family line cursed by a vengeful, magical creature, after his soul mate was murdered by the matriarch of that family.
I tried my best to get into this one as much as my usual Anyta reads, which started out fine, but alas...
At around 63%, "a huge, terrible thing" happened to the third main character, who I felt was actually the most lovable character in the entire story.
And, much like that main character's best friend, Jay, I was never really able to push myself past that event and fully enjoy the story again.
The rest of the story took on an incredibly somber air, all distance and no communication, in spite of the fact that there was still genuine love. There was no longer any joy.
And while this story *technically* had an HEA, that happiness still felt very tainted to me. Much more bittersweet than I prefer.
When weighing the story as a whole, with a good number of points accounting for my overall enjoyment, I'd rate it at around 3 stars.
January 11, 2015
A beautifully-written book where fantasy and realism meet, telling the somewhat bittersweet story of three young men - Jay, the playwright and romantic, Lethe, the puzzling and cursed young musician he begins falling for, and the actor Graham Thistle, known as Gristle, who is Jay's straight best friend.
Jay and Gristle are as close to married as a straight boy and a gay boy can be, sharing a life, dreams, a flat and even a platonic bed when it's cold. Their ambition is to perform one of Jay's plays at a good theater, gain some notice, and break out of the poverty-stricken obscurity they are mired in. But talent isn't enough to make that happen.
When Jay meets and falls for Lethe, the balance of all three lives is thrown off. The story matches the very realistic and human responses they all have, dealing with the growth of a new relationship and the change in another, with the fantasy plot. There is a reason Lethe doesn't want to hang out with Gristle, even though it makes things harder for Jay. There is a malevolence that looms over their lives, poisoning the hope and joy that should come with finding your other half. The story is very vivid, atmospheric and I found myself wanting to step into it both to watch and to warn the characters. There is bitter pain in here, despite the sweetness of the ending.
This is the third book I've read by this author, and I'm off to buy another. I really enjoy her writing style and characters.
Jay and Gristle are as close to married as a straight boy and a gay boy can be, sharing a life, dreams, a flat and even a platonic bed when it's cold. Their ambition is to perform one of Jay's plays at a good theater, gain some notice, and break out of the poverty-stricken obscurity they are mired in. But talent isn't enough to make that happen.
When Jay meets and falls for Lethe, the balance of all three lives is thrown off. The story matches the very realistic and human responses they all have, dealing with the growth of a new relationship and the change in another, with the fantasy plot. There is a reason Lethe doesn't want to hang out with Gristle, even though it makes things harder for Jay. There is a malevolence that looms over their lives, poisoning the hope and joy that should come with finding your other half. The story is very vivid, atmospheric and I found myself wanting to step into it both to watch and to warn the characters. There is bitter pain in here, despite the sweetness of the ending.
This is the third book I've read by this author, and I'm off to buy another. I really enjoy her writing style and characters.
January 25, 2018
3.5
BR with my girl, LiaB. she's been an amazing partner in crime, going first and assuming the gut punches.
And this book has some gut punches. The kind that leave you breathless for a few seconds wondering what is going to happen next and if you will see some light after the storm.
Yes. That's probably a good way to describe what I've just read: a storm full of black clouds and thunders but with some rays in the middle lightening the sky. Brief moments of light that make you wonder if those will be the only bright moments or our guys will have a real sunshine warming up their lives. And they will. They will have their deserved HEA. But before they get there, you'll need to protect yourself from the clouds, the red beams and the constant raining.
Settled in Wellington, (Un)Masked tells us the story of Jayden, a poor theatrical writer that along with his best friend and soulmate in misery, Gristle (oh Gristle how I love you...*sighs loudly*), share a dream: to represent the play of their lives. To have the opportunity of shine on what they do best.
This is the story of how Jay meets Lothe, a mysterious busker with a tragic course over him. This is the story of how they fall in love and how they face the shitty life they have to live.
Beautifully narrated under Jay's POV, with a sad halo covering it all, we are immersed in a rough story about love, brotherhood, revenge. About hopes and dreams. About courses, masks and underserved suffering.
I don't want to reveal too much so I'll restrict myself leaving just a few highlights:
- The book is good and also is the storyline. So good both. The prose is fantastic and I consider this collaboration a hit. Andrew Q. Gordon (Andy Gallo) was a new author to me but this story that mix real tough life with paranormal, has been an unexpected and great surprise.
- If you're looking for smutty, look somewhere else. This is low in the heat level but if you're into the story you won't need it. I didn't. Sometimes I wanted it to be more explicit, that's true but it worked with the atmosphere and with the general blue feeling going on.
- Run away too if what you want is Anyta's usual cute and sweet stories. If you are looking for the banter and the slow burn you will be disappointed. But I don't think is possible for this story to disappoint. It's beautiful and you won't regret it.
Recommended!
Reviews for Book Lovers
**This book was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.**
BR with my girl, LiaB. she's been an amazing partner in crime, going first and assuming the gut punches.
And this book has some gut punches. The kind that leave you breathless for a few seconds wondering what is going to happen next and if you will see some light after the storm.
Yes. That's probably a good way to describe what I've just read: a storm full of black clouds and thunders but with some rays in the middle lightening the sky. Brief moments of light that make you wonder if those will be the only bright moments or our guys will have a real sunshine warming up their lives. And they will. They will have their deserved HEA. But before they get there, you'll need to protect yourself from the clouds, the red beams and the constant raining.
Settled in Wellington, (Un)Masked tells us the story of Jayden, a poor theatrical writer that along with his best friend and soulmate in misery, Gristle (oh Gristle how I love you...*sighs loudly*), share a dream: to represent the play of their lives. To have the opportunity of shine on what they do best.
This is the story of how Jay meets Lothe, a mysterious busker with a tragic course over him. This is the story of how they fall in love and how they face the shitty life they have to live.
Beautifully narrated under Jay's POV, with a sad halo covering it all, we are immersed in a rough story about love, brotherhood, revenge. About hopes and dreams. About courses, masks and underserved suffering.
I don't want to reveal too much so I'll restrict myself leaving just a few highlights:
- The book is good and also is the storyline. So good both. The prose is fantastic and I consider this collaboration a hit. Andrew Q. Gordon (Andy Gallo) was a new author to me but this story that mix real tough life with paranormal, has been an unexpected and great surprise.
- If you're looking for smutty, look somewhere else. This is low in the heat level but if you're into the story you won't need it. I didn't. Sometimes I wanted it to be more explicit, that's true but it worked with the atmosphere and with the general blue feeling going on.
- Run away too if what you want is Anyta's usual cute and sweet stories. If you are looking for the banter and the slow burn you will be disappointed. But I don't think is possible for this story to disappoint. It's beautiful and you won't regret it.
Recommended!
Reviews for Book Lovers
**This book was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.**
October 28, 2017
This book was a bit too bittersweet for me.
I think quality-wise, this is the best Anyta Sunday book that I have read. The story is beautifully told. It is about a cursed young man, Lethe, and Jay who falls for him. I agree with other reviewers who said their favorite character was Gristle. I really appreciated how the author didn't turn the best friend into the lover in this story. Gristle and Jay's love stayed pure and simple- the love between two best friends who were close enough to be family. I just loved Gristle and he broke my heart.
I think the concept was really unique and special but I just wish it would have gone a little differently. My heart is too fragile for these types of stories. And I wish the ending wasn't such a HFN.
**edited to add**
I'm going to give props to Andrew Gordon who I didn't mention in my review!
I think quality-wise, this is the best Anyta Sunday book that I have read. The story is beautifully told. It is about a cursed young man, Lethe, and Jay who falls for him. I agree with other reviewers who said their favorite character was Gristle. I really appreciated how the author didn't turn the best friend into the lover in this story. Gristle and Jay's love stayed pure and simple- the love between two best friends who were close enough to be family. I just loved Gristle and he broke my heart.
I think the concept was really unique and special but I just wish it would have gone a little differently. My heart is too fragile for these types of stories. And I wish the ending wasn't such a HFN.
**edited to add**
I'm going to give props to Andrew Gordon who I didn't mention in my review!
October 30, 2017
4.5 magical stars
As I'm sitting here writing this review i have my heart in my hands. This book was magic.
This story is so much more than romance or fantasy. It's about friendship, unconditional love and protecting the people you love.
It was beautiful to see the love between Lethe and Jay develop, Both characters melted my heart. Even if this was not dual POV I was still invested with both of them and felt that I got to know and understand them.
Lethe story was so sad and it was so hard to see way out but when it happened it brought me to tears. Fitting ending for such a pure romance.
Now my favorite part: Gristle, he is Jay's bestfriend and the heart of this story. I love these guys friendship and I love that it was kept platonic, they truly loved each other unconditionally.
All the stars for Gristle and his amazing selfless soul.
As I'm sitting here writing this review i have my heart in my hands. This book was magic.
This story is so much more than romance or fantasy. It's about friendship, unconditional love and protecting the people you love.
It was beautiful to see the love between Lethe and Jay develop, Both characters melted my heart. Even if this was not dual POV I was still invested with both of them and felt that I got to know and understand them.
Lethe story was so sad and it was so hard to see way out but when it happened it brought me to tears. Fitting ending for such a pure romance.
Now my favorite part: Gristle, he is Jay's bestfriend and the heart of this story. I love these guys friendship and I love that it was kept platonic, they truly loved each other unconditionally.
All the stars for Gristle and his amazing selfless soul.
February 16, 2017
4.5 stars from me, a great read
It's not going to be a long review because others, TJ included, have done wonderful reviews, so I'm just going to content myself with saying that this book was so beautifully written, it had me in tears several times, and had such a bittersweet ending that I felt both very sad and uplifted in equal measure!!
And yes, my favourite character was also Graham Thistle, known as Gristle. It is Gristle who is the heart of the story for me.
His heart so huge, his love for Jay so all encompassing, so beautiful and pure. They were so magical together that in many respects Lethe felt like the intruder Gristle came to regard him as. I also thought that the story wasn't quite finished insofar as the enemy had been defeated yes, but one battle does not a war make, and I felt that Thoth could unfortunately make a comeback in the future, so we didn't even have the satisfaction of knowing that he was vanquished for ever.
October 31, 2017
*Review of a free copy provided by A Novel Take*
This was a marvellous story. I was fascinated by the premise itself, and once I actually got to read, I was glad to find it lived up to my expectations, and quite grandly, I might add!
Both the magical vibe and the melancholy feel merged beautifully and seamlessly wove a compelling story, filled with love and friendship that, just like it usually happens in real life, managed to soften the blow of certain feelings of grief and loss, the ache of the desire for what one cannot have.
Jay's love story with Lethe- as Jay's love story with Gristle- definitely tugged at my heartstrings in all the most beautiful ways.
This was a marvellous story. I was fascinated by the premise itself, and once I actually got to read, I was glad to find it lived up to my expectations, and quite grandly, I might add!
Both the magical vibe and the melancholy feel merged beautifully and seamlessly wove a compelling story, filled with love and friendship that, just like it usually happens in real life, managed to soften the blow of certain feelings of grief and loss, the ache of the desire for what one cannot have.
Jay's love story with Lethe- as Jay's love story with Gristle- definitely tugged at my heartstrings in all the most beautiful ways.
November 14, 2017
*ARC reveived through A Novel Take*
Oh, I do love Anyta Sunday.
(Un)masked is a beautiful story of friendship and love, romance and loss, magic and music. So many elements come together to give birth to this tear inducing tale.
As it always happens with Anyta's books, the character's struggles felt very raw and very real, even if some of the battles they were fighting were actually magical.
I felt that the romance and general pace of the story from the start to the middle of the book was a bit rushed, I don't think a person would attach themselves to someone else so fast in real life. I also felt the events were quite dramatic at first, but as the story progressed it all started making more sense.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. Unsurprising, really, Anyta always does a very nice job ;)
Oh, I do love Anyta Sunday.
(Un)masked is a beautiful story of friendship and love, romance and loss, magic and music. So many elements come together to give birth to this tear inducing tale.
As it always happens with Anyta's books, the character's struggles felt very raw and very real, even if some of the battles they were fighting were actually magical.
I felt that the romance and general pace of the story from the start to the middle of the book was a bit rushed, I don't think a person would attach themselves to someone else so fast in real life. I also felt the events were quite dramatic at first, but as the story progressed it all started making more sense.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. Unsurprising, really, Anyta always does a very nice job ;)
November 20, 2017
So, full disclosure. I struggled with the first part of this book. A lot. I'd read about 20 pages or so when I sincerely questioned my ability to read the rest of the book. But I toughened it out. And I don't regret a thing.
The reason why I struggled so much with the first part of the book was the writing. It felt plain and choppy, like a first attempt at writing - or maybe a rough draft. I wanted the characters and plot to be more fleshed out, so you'd get that sense of feel to the story. To get a feeling that you were there with them.
That changed in the second part where the story started to flow more naturally. The sense of place was there, you connected a bit more to the characters and everything that was going on.
That said, I did not like the twist midway through the book. Sure I can see why it was there and why that happened, but I still don't agree that was the only way things had to turn out.
Gristle made the book for me. I wished there had been a lot more of him. I think that by far he was the most interesting and complex character in the book, and I truly felt for him and the choices he had to make, the pain he was hiding. I wish we'd gotten to delve into that more.
I think that Jay was the character I liked the least. To me he came across as selfish and a bit self-absorbed. And I did not like how he kept ignoring Gristle. He knew that he was struggling and was hiding his pain. But did nothing to help him. Ignoring or forgetting friends/family for a new love is not okay.
Lethe was intriguing. To have lived his whole life and never really be seen for who he was. To live with that curse and knowing that one day it would cost him his life. You sensed that he'd given up on happiness for himself and was just waiting for the end to come.
(Un)Masked was heartbreaking and bittersweet. It had notes of despair but underneath it all there was hope and a love that might just break a century old curse.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review
November 11, 2017
Holy crap! I think that for the last 40% of this book, my heart was in my mouth and I actually thought I'd pass out from the tension and worry I was having for the two main characters Lethe and Jay. I felt like someone had whipped the rug right out from under my feet and I cannot tell you what a huge sigh of relief I let out when they got their happily ever after - but what about Gristle?!?!
I really had no idea what to expect from this book. I've read a few of AS's books and have thoroughly enjoyed them but this one was a bit different due to the fact that it had a paranormal element to it and that's not so much my thing, so to say that I was skeptical when I started reading it is an understatement. Knowing that this author can write a damned good story, I kept an open mind - and I'm so glad I did because not only do I feel like I've been kicked up the butt and dragged through a hedge backwards but I'm left with a wee warm glow and I can honestly say what a great story this is.
Jay and Gristle have been best friends and roommates for forever. Living in the home that they refer to as 'the hovel' (because that's pretty much what it is), they have been scrimping and saving to put on a theatre production for a play that Jay is working on. They don't have much but they have each other and they have their hopes and dreams. Jay see's a busker performing one day and he is fascinated by him. He loves the music but there's something else that's attracting him to the other young man. Seeking him out, he catches up with Lethe and the pair start a tentative relationship. As their love and trust for each other grow, Lethe lets Jay in on the details of the curse that has been passed down through the generations, which plagues his every waking moment and means he'll never be able to lead a normal life. Aww man, this book had my ovaries clenching and my maternal instincts on overdrive, desperate to give them a hug and protect them from the cruelties they faced. Jay, Gristle and Lethe have to be the sweetest and most unassuming characters I've ever read about. I loved those guys!
AS has written a story that will pull you in and have you guessing. It'll break your heart repeatedly and it'll have you thinking about it long after you've finished reading it. She has a way of writing that allows you to vividly see and feel what's happening on each page and the outcome is far from predictable. So, this may not be everyone's cup of tea but you won't know unless you give it a chance.
I feel like this is one of those books I wish I had time to read all over again. So many things that didn't make sense to me before, would make sense now that I've finished it and also, I think that there was so much to it that I probably missed stuff and would catch it a second time around. I'll hopefully get this re-read again in the future. It's worth every one of the five 'my head is in a spin' stars that I've given it.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cheryl from Alpha Book Club
Alpha Book Club
All Alpha Males Accepted
alphabookclub.org
I really had no idea what to expect from this book. I've read a few of AS's books and have thoroughly enjoyed them but this one was a bit different due to the fact that it had a paranormal element to it and that's not so much my thing, so to say that I was skeptical when I started reading it is an understatement. Knowing that this author can write a damned good story, I kept an open mind - and I'm so glad I did because not only do I feel like I've been kicked up the butt and dragged through a hedge backwards but I'm left with a wee warm glow and I can honestly say what a great story this is.
Jay and Gristle have been best friends and roommates for forever. Living in the home that they refer to as 'the hovel' (because that's pretty much what it is), they have been scrimping and saving to put on a theatre production for a play that Jay is working on. They don't have much but they have each other and they have their hopes and dreams. Jay see's a busker performing one day and he is fascinated by him. He loves the music but there's something else that's attracting him to the other young man. Seeking him out, he catches up with Lethe and the pair start a tentative relationship. As their love and trust for each other grow, Lethe lets Jay in on the details of the curse that has been passed down through the generations, which plagues his every waking moment and means he'll never be able to lead a normal life. Aww man, this book had my ovaries clenching and my maternal instincts on overdrive, desperate to give them a hug and protect them from the cruelties they faced. Jay, Gristle and Lethe have to be the sweetest and most unassuming characters I've ever read about. I loved those guys!
AS has written a story that will pull you in and have you guessing. It'll break your heart repeatedly and it'll have you thinking about it long after you've finished reading it. She has a way of writing that allows you to vividly see and feel what's happening on each page and the outcome is far from predictable. So, this may not be everyone's cup of tea but you won't know unless you give it a chance.
I feel like this is one of those books I wish I had time to read all over again. So many things that didn't make sense to me before, would make sense now that I've finished it and also, I think that there was so much to it that I probably missed stuff and would catch it a second time around. I'll hopefully get this re-read again in the future. It's worth every one of the five 'my head is in a spin' stars that I've given it.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Cheryl from Alpha Book Club
Alpha Book Club
All Alpha Males Accepted
alphabookclub.org
August 17, 2012
4 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Jay and his best friend, Gristle, have one dream together, to perform at Wellington’s Tory Street Theatre. and Jay has another dream, to meet his soul-mate. Lethe, an accordion busker turns out to be that person, but there is more to Lethe than meets the eye and Jay does his best to support Lethe when he learns the truth. But, something in the shadows wants them to fail and will do anything to ensure it.
This is a story that will leave you with more questions than answers, but still oddly satisfied with the end result. Jay and Gristle have been best friends and brothers for twelve years, when Jay meets Lethe, he discovers that there are things out there that he never imagined, but it doesn’t stop his feelings for Lethe. Lethe has never had anyone want him just for being him before and the two begin to fall in love, but something tragic happens that could drive a wedge between them and Jay tries to break Lethe’s curse, but it could cost him his life.
I just want to say before we go any further that Gristle was my favorite character. He was full of life and made Jay live his life with a touch of excitement and anticipation. Even though he was the best friend and straight, he gave this book a lot of character throughout the first part of the book and I will never, ever forgive the authors for the shock they gave me in part two… never, because I carried that shock throughout the second half and I felt everything that Jay did. I could fully understand Jay’s need to do the play the way he did and his need longing and guilt was so well written.
We get to know the characters as best we can, but we aren’t given much background about them, which left me feeling a bit frustrated. How did Jay and Gristle become such good friends? What’s their back story? Why was Lethe’s bloodline cursed? These are things that the more I read, the more I wanted to know the answers to. The characters are brilliantly written with the emotions laid out bare for us to see. Jay’s sacrifice towards the end was breath-taking, the ultimate gift of love with just a touch of selfishness thrown in. Although there is romance and love between Jay and Lethe we don’t see any sex scenes, it’s all off page and surprisingly you don’t feel like you missed out.
I am going to recommend this to those who want something a bit different in their paranormal, as it is just hints and lingering feelings. Who want a soul touching story of two young men fighting to make a go of it when the curse goes against them, of a love between friends that brings tears to your eyes and a happy ending with a challenge still lingering in the future.
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
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Jay and his best friend, Gristle, have one dream together, to perform at Wellington’s Tory Street Theatre. and Jay has another dream, to meet his soul-mate. Lethe, an accordion busker turns out to be that person, but there is more to Lethe than meets the eye and Jay does his best to support Lethe when he learns the truth. But, something in the shadows wants them to fail and will do anything to ensure it.
This is a story that will leave you with more questions than answers, but still oddly satisfied with the end result. Jay and Gristle have been best friends and brothers for twelve years, when Jay meets Lethe, he discovers that there are things out there that he never imagined, but it doesn’t stop his feelings for Lethe. Lethe has never had anyone want him just for being him before and the two begin to fall in love, but something tragic happens that could drive a wedge between them and Jay tries to break Lethe’s curse, but it could cost him his life.
I just want to say before we go any further that Gristle was my favorite character. He was full of life and made Jay live his life with a touch of excitement and anticipation. Even though he was the best friend and straight, he gave this book a lot of character throughout the first part of the book and I will never, ever forgive the authors for the shock they gave me in part two… never, because I carried that shock throughout the second half and I felt everything that Jay did. I could fully understand Jay’s need to do the play the way he did and his need longing and guilt was so well written.
We get to know the characters as best we can, but we aren’t given much background about them, which left me feeling a bit frustrated. How did Jay and Gristle become such good friends? What’s their back story? Why was Lethe’s bloodline cursed? These are things that the more I read, the more I wanted to know the answers to. The characters are brilliantly written with the emotions laid out bare for us to see. Jay’s sacrifice towards the end was breath-taking, the ultimate gift of love with just a touch of selfishness thrown in. Although there is romance and love between Jay and Lethe we don’t see any sex scenes, it’s all off page and surprisingly you don’t feel like you missed out.
I am going to recommend this to those who want something a bit different in their paranormal, as it is just hints and lingering feelings. Who want a soul touching story of two young men fighting to make a go of it when the curse goes against them, of a love between friends that brings tears to your eyes and a happy ending with a challenge still lingering in the future.
November 17, 2017
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
What an amazing story. First I was - I admit it - a bit confused by the setting, by the magical aspects but soon I was captivated.
The story is quite different from one you maybe know, it has a magical touch with the curse Lethe is suffering from. But also the close friendship of Jay and Gristle is one main focus in the story and his thoughts of his friend is constant companion for Jay.
If you love stories with angst, with thrill and suspense but with deep feelings, but also with parts of helplessness and hope dueling, you will love this book.
The book is written in the first person, from Jay's POV and with him we suffer as hard as he does, on the other hand we get only his thoughts, and we are as clueless first as him, when we "meet" Lethe.
The unreliability of this POV fits very well to the whole topic, it gives the book a thrill, it makes it even more touching.
Jay is a vulnerable character; he is living with his friend Gristle in a home which has seen better days, both are trying to live their dream in creating a theater play and perform it on the big stage. Their paths are loaded with obstacles and they are almost broke and have to adjust their daily life.
The moment the secret is revealed the story raises its tempo and the events are getting heavier. The sadness is there, a lot of heavy emotions and the end is super surprising because I didn't really thought we would have THIS kind of ending. Luckily I was wrong and my worries were unnecessary at the end. :)
The sensual encounters are really touching, sexy but also innocent. I liked this mix and the balance. But if you expect super explicit scenes, you won't find them en masse; instead we have really emotional ones which also have a magical touch.
For this book, as unexpected the events were and with such a great, strong character set, it gets 5 out of 5 stars. It has a Phantom of the Opera-kind of feeling, with the mask-topic, is full of emotional burden & the curse is well explained and framed within the book's setting.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
What an amazing story. First I was - I admit it - a bit confused by the setting, by the magical aspects but soon I was captivated.
The story is quite different from one you maybe know, it has a magical touch with the curse Lethe is suffering from. But also the close friendship of Jay and Gristle is one main focus in the story and his thoughts of his friend is constant companion for Jay.
If you love stories with angst, with thrill and suspense but with deep feelings, but also with parts of helplessness and hope dueling, you will love this book.
The book is written in the first person, from Jay's POV and with him we suffer as hard as he does, on the other hand we get only his thoughts, and we are as clueless first as him, when we "meet" Lethe.
The unreliability of this POV fits very well to the whole topic, it gives the book a thrill, it makes it even more touching.
Jay is a vulnerable character; he is living with his friend Gristle in a home which has seen better days, both are trying to live their dream in creating a theater play and perform it on the big stage. Their paths are loaded with obstacles and they are almost broke and have to adjust their daily life.
The moment the secret is revealed the story raises its tempo and the events are getting heavier. The sadness is there, a lot of heavy emotions and the end is super surprising because I didn't really thought we would have THIS kind of ending. Luckily I was wrong and my worries were unnecessary at the end. :)
The sensual encounters are really touching, sexy but also innocent. I liked this mix and the balance. But if you expect super explicit scenes, you won't find them en masse; instead we have really emotional ones which also have a magical touch.
For this book, as unexpected the events were and with such a great, strong character set, it gets 5 out of 5 stars. It has a Phantom of the Opera-kind of feeling, with the mask-topic, is full of emotional burden & the curse is well explained and framed within the book's setting.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
August 27, 2018
(Un)Masked is a beautiful and haunting magical realism story by one of my favourite LGBTQ+ authors. The book tells the story of three young men whose lives are inextricably intertwined, and how they learn to live together in impossible circumstances.
Like usual, Anyta Sunday’s characters are amazing and (Un)Masked is no exception. From our protagonist Jay, to the love interest Lethe, to the best friend Gristle, every character was nuanced, loveable and hyper-realistic. I adored them all, but I do have to say I have a special place in my heart for Gristle.
Jay and Gristle are the very best of friends, and their special relationship was one of the most touching elements of the story. I honestly live for strong, caring friendships between men, because that is not something you see as much in any genre of fiction. Lethe disrupts the balance of Jay and Gristle’s friendship and life, but in such a fascinating way – I could not put down the book, so desperate to find out Lethe’s secret.
I will say that I did not expect this book to be so emotional. I felt I had been put through the wringer, and quite a few tears had been shed. However, the story is exceptionally vivid and atmospheric, and once you understand the deeper, secret plot at play, the emotional elements make sense. It’s painful, but it’s also beautiful.
Anyta Sunday and Andy Gallo’s (Un)Masked is a bittersweet story about tragedy, pain, and heartache – but it’s also a story about love, hope, and friendship. I highly recommend this book to any angst fans out there, and anyone who loves Sunday’s books.
Like usual, Anyta Sunday’s characters are amazing and (Un)Masked is no exception. From our protagonist Jay, to the love interest Lethe, to the best friend Gristle, every character was nuanced, loveable and hyper-realistic. I adored them all, but I do have to say I have a special place in my heart for Gristle.
Jay and Gristle are the very best of friends, and their special relationship was one of the most touching elements of the story. I honestly live for strong, caring friendships between men, because that is not something you see as much in any genre of fiction. Lethe disrupts the balance of Jay and Gristle’s friendship and life, but in such a fascinating way – I could not put down the book, so desperate to find out Lethe’s secret.
I will say that I did not expect this book to be so emotional. I felt I had been put through the wringer, and quite a few tears had been shed. However, the story is exceptionally vivid and atmospheric, and once you understand the deeper, secret plot at play, the emotional elements make sense. It’s painful, but it’s also beautiful.
Anyta Sunday and Andy Gallo’s (Un)Masked is a bittersweet story about tragedy, pain, and heartache – but it’s also a story about love, hope, and friendship. I highly recommend this book to any angst fans out there, and anyone who loves Sunday’s books.
April 12, 2014
I struggled to finish this one and the only reason I did was because most of my GR friends rated it higher and I kept thinking that maybe it would get better for me.
I didn't engage with either MC and I hated the Gristle best friend plot line. It turned out to be an important part of the story but I just couldn't connect. The main storyline dragged for me as well.
So, overall it was okay, and I wouldn't discourage anyone who likes a fantasy story, or one full of angst, from reading it because I normally really like Anyta Sunday's work.
I didn't engage with either MC and I hated the Gristle best friend plot line. It turned out to be an important part of the story but I just couldn't connect. The main storyline dragged for me as well.
So, overall it was okay, and I wouldn't discourage anyone who likes a fantasy story, or one full of angst, from reading it because I normally really like Anyta Sunday's work.
January 19, 2019
4.25 stars
December 15, 2012
This came across to me more as a delightfully insightful exploration of friendship and love and responsibility and guilt and forgiveness than the simple fantasy/paranormal romance I'd been expecting from the blurb. And I loved it!
Jay was very sweet and I enjoyed the innocent exuberance with which he pursued the beginnings of a relationship with Lethe. And I loved Lethe! The more we were revealed about his life and his past, the more I loved him and wished for him to find his way to happiness.
I just wish I'd gotten to know Gristle a little better. Jay tells us over and over how close they are, how much like brothers they've always been. But by the time the book starts, they're already drifting apart--first with Gristle's job coming between them and then things with Lethe just add to that. From how Jay describes Gristle, he was a great friend and a wonderfully kind, unselfish, caring person, and it makes me sad that I never got to see that. All I saw of Gristle was a whiny, self-centered, self-destructive crybaby intent on making Jay feel guilty for his relationship with Lethe.
Jay and Lethe were beautiful enough together to make up for my little quibbles, though. And I enjoyed this book tremendously!
Jay was very sweet and I enjoyed the innocent exuberance with which he pursued the beginnings of a relationship with Lethe. And I loved Lethe! The more we were revealed about his life and his past, the more I loved him and wished for him to find his way to happiness.
I just wish I'd gotten to know Gristle a little better. Jay tells us over and over how close they are, how much like brothers they've always been. But by the time the book starts, they're already drifting apart--first with Gristle's job coming between them and then things with Lethe just add to that. From how Jay describes Gristle, he was a great friend and a wonderfully kind, unselfish, caring person, and it makes me sad that I never got to see that. All I saw of Gristle was a whiny, self-centered, self-destructive crybaby intent on making Jay feel guilty for his relationship with Lethe.
Jay and Lethe were beautiful enough together to make up for my little quibbles, though. And I enjoyed this book tremendously!
August 12, 2018
3.5 stars
Friendship, love, guilt and loss - those are the four cornerstones of this book.
(Un)Masked ended up not quite being what I expected it to be. Rather than being the focus of the story, Lethe's curse takes second place to Jay's friendship with Gristle, his best friend, and how he navigates it as his relationship with Lethe develops.
Jay's the story's narrator, so that focus is reasonable, and while it didn't exactly leave me bored I also wasn't really hooked. Sadly, I furthermore didn't click with Jay himself. Most of his decisions and the way he acts do make sense, but didn't feel entirely natural or genuine to me.
I will not spoil, but the book also featured one of the things I hate the most in all types of media. I almost suspected that it would happen, especially with Lethe's curse being the way it is, so it was a natural conclusion and didn't surprise me, but I still did not like it.
The conclusion of the book itself was well crafted and exciting, and I wondered until the very last page, but it left me with a few open questions that didn't ever come up or get answered (most of them not about the curse itself, but the surroudings of it).
The best thing about the book is the atmosphere. It's heavy and almost palpable, a thick mood that accompanies you from first to last page. The writing is very good as well.
I was provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Friendship, love, guilt and loss - those are the four cornerstones of this book.
(Un)Masked ended up not quite being what I expected it to be. Rather than being the focus of the story, Lethe's curse takes second place to Jay's friendship with Gristle, his best friend, and how he navigates it as his relationship with Lethe develops.
Jay's the story's narrator, so that focus is reasonable, and while it didn't exactly leave me bored I also wasn't really hooked. Sadly, I furthermore didn't click with Jay himself. Most of his decisions and the way he acts do make sense, but didn't feel entirely natural or genuine to me.
I will not spoil, but the book also featured one of the things I hate the most in all types of media. I almost suspected that it would happen, especially with Lethe's curse being the way it is, so it was a natural conclusion and didn't surprise me, but I still did not like it.
The conclusion of the book itself was well crafted and exciting, and I wondered until the very last page, but it left me with a few open questions that didn't ever come up or get answered (most of them not about the curse itself, but the surroudings of it).
The best thing about the book is the atmosphere. It's heavy and almost palpable, a thick mood that accompanies you from first to last page. The writing is very good as well.
I was provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
March 18, 2013
Not suitable for reading in public... I was getting through the rough part on a bus on my way home... Not a pretty sight, good thing the bus was pretty empty.
A sense of heaviness and foreboding from the beginning of the book. It underlying almost everything that happened in Jay's life. The bright spots here were Jay's close friendship with Gristle and Jay's new love for Lethe. However, I still felt like these were the hope that live and prevail in Pandora's box, that hope live on for better or for worse.
Jay and Gristle brotherly love and the sense that it was them against the world were vivid and jump off the page. Their love for each others were palpable and heartbreaking that no one else seems to care about them. Then entered Lethe, a busker who caught Jay's fancy who had been beaten down by the curse.
PS: Gristle was the coolest name I have ever read about, ever.
A sense of heaviness and foreboding from the beginning of the book. It underlying almost everything that happened in Jay's life. The bright spots here were Jay's close friendship with Gristle and Jay's new love for Lethe. However, I still felt like these were the hope that live and prevail in Pandora's box, that hope live on for better or for worse.
Jay and Gristle brotherly love and the sense that it was them against the world were vivid and jump off the page. Their love for each others were palpable and heartbreaking that no one else seems to care about them. Then entered Lethe, a busker who caught Jay's fancy who had been beaten down by the curse.
PS: Gristle was the coolest name I have ever read about, ever.
November 11, 2017
I have always been an Anyta Sunday fan. I never read Andy Gallo before but together they write a brilliant book.
There's both fantasy and reality in this story. Both mingling and affecting all situations and characters. There are three main characters in this story. Jay, the heart of this story. He is a gay playwright and he is truly an outstanding person. Beautiful to his core and the glue to it all.
Lethe, the cursed musician that will make you empathize and sympathize all in one. You will cry for him and want to protect him. Gristle, Jay's straight best friend. He's a breath of fresh air and at the same time that breath hurts. His character really got to me and buried himself in my heart. Just writing this review and writing his name hurts. He was my favorite of them all.
There's so much pain in this story. High angst no question. I cried a ridiculous amount, I felt genuine fear for them, and at times forgot this was just a story. I love a book that sweeps me away from the present and into it's bubble of storytelling. Even if it's a dark bubble of dread.
This is by far the darkest book of Anyta's I have ever read. And I can't soon forget it. Even if I wanted to it's there.
High emotion!!! Very high.
There's both fantasy and reality in this story. Both mingling and affecting all situations and characters. There are three main characters in this story. Jay, the heart of this story. He is a gay playwright and he is truly an outstanding person. Beautiful to his core and the glue to it all.
Lethe, the cursed musician that will make you empathize and sympathize all in one. You will cry for him and want to protect him. Gristle, Jay's straight best friend. He's a breath of fresh air and at the same time that breath hurts. His character really got to me and buried himself in my heart. Just writing this review and writing his name hurts. He was my favorite of them all.
There's so much pain in this story. High angst no question. I cried a ridiculous amount, I felt genuine fear for them, and at times forgot this was just a story. I love a book that sweeps me away from the present and into it's bubble of storytelling. Even if it's a dark bubble of dread.
This is by far the darkest book of Anyta's I have ever read. And I can't soon forget it. Even if I wanted to it's there.
High emotion!!! Very high.
August 22, 2012
(Un)masked was the kind of book that made me intentionally going passed my train stop just so I could read a little bit more. And then a little more. It's so addicting.
The book pulled me in with the mystery and the complications of the characters. Jay was someone I can relate to, Lethe was someone I would like to know more of, and Gristle was like a big bear brother whom you know will always got your back. They felt very real with their problems (yes, despite the fantasy aspect of the book). I like how they interacted with each other. The conflicts, drama, and romance are also perfectly made.
The bits and pieces of the New Zealand culture was also a big bonus for me, as I don't know much about it (but very much would love to).
All in all, it's such a page turner for me, definitely more than most of the book I've read this year.
I would recommend this book if you like romance with a fantasy - mystery twist. It's a very good one at that! Also, just an FYI, all of the main characters are male.
The book pulled me in with the mystery and the complications of the characters. Jay was someone I can relate to, Lethe was someone I would like to know more of, and Gristle was like a big bear brother whom you know will always got your back. They felt very real with their problems (yes, despite the fantasy aspect of the book). I like how they interacted with each other. The conflicts, drama, and romance are also perfectly made.
The bits and pieces of the New Zealand culture was also a big bonus for me, as I don't know much about it (but very much would love to).
All in all, it's such a page turner for me, definitely more than most of the book I've read this year.
I would recommend this book if you like romance with a fantasy - mystery twist. It's a very good one at that! Also, just an FYI, all of the main characters are male.
October 7, 2012
Loved it! This imaginative story really drew me in - unfortunately, I can't say much in the review because one key plot device carries most of the story and sharing that would be a real spoiler. Suffice to say, the curse is a biggie.
As someone who spent his childhood in Wellington, New Zealand, I have to say that the setting is well rendered, almost like another character in the story - if you want to learn more about Wellington, visit http://live.wellingtonnz.com/page/hom... Anyta Sunday has also done a great job of giving the characters a Kiwi 'voice' in a way that is still accessable to international readers (our accents and slang are pretty thick!)
Jay and Lethe are both likeable characters, and the 'star-crossed lovers" thing is perfectly pitched. The heart of the story is Gristle, Jay's best friend from childhood. when something bad happens to Gristle, the whole story turns dark, but don't panic!
This was the second work I've read from this author & I'll definitely be buying more
As someone who spent his childhood in Wellington, New Zealand, I have to say that the setting is well rendered, almost like another character in the story - if you want to learn more about Wellington, visit http://live.wellingtonnz.com/page/hom... Anyta Sunday has also done a great job of giving the characters a Kiwi 'voice' in a way that is still accessable to international readers (our accents and slang are pretty thick!)
Jay and Lethe are both likeable characters, and the 'star-crossed lovers" thing is perfectly pitched. The heart of the story is Gristle, Jay's best friend from childhood. when something bad happens to Gristle, the whole story turns dark, but don't panic!
This was the second work I've read from this author & I'll definitely be buying more
January 7, 2013
This was a lot sadder than I expected. It was really good and there is a happy ending but it's a tearjerker. I was also surprised by the fairy tale/fantasy aspect and I thought it played out well. It's a slow paced book but I was intrigued enough to finish. Not a book for everyone, but I would definitely recommend this.
August 20, 2012
Wow!
I knew to expect the best from you guys.. but yeah.. lol
bowled over, totally! (again)
Jay and Gristle's struggle cut deep, as did their bond and how it held fast against all odds.
As for Lethe, once his wariness wore off, the man behind the mask is someone you could easily fall in love with. His thoughts, his emotions and his actions... they speak so clearly of how much every little thing around him, done for him, means to him.
Truly wonderful work. A recommendation to everyone who thinks life has dealt them a bad hand of cards and how they can, in spite of that, rise above all else! :)
Cheers!
I knew to expect the best from you guys.. but yeah.. lol
bowled over, totally! (again)
Jay and Gristle's struggle cut deep, as did their bond and how it held fast against all odds.
As for Lethe, once his wariness wore off, the man behind the mask is someone you could easily fall in love with. His thoughts, his emotions and his actions... they speak so clearly of how much every little thing around him, done for him, means to him.
Truly wonderful work. A recommendation to everyone who thinks life has dealt them a bad hand of cards and how they can, in spite of that, rise above all else! :)
Cheers!
October 15, 2012
4.5 stars, This was a wonderful story about friendship and love, and I really enjoyed it. It made me bawl like a baby and at one point I couldn't stop, really it was impressive I could barely see my nook screen through the haze of tears. Sheesh, so I would recommend this to anyone who doesn't mind some snot and tears with their story, even if you are not a crier, I'm not quite sure if you could resist with this story. This one will be staying with me for days.
November 20, 2012
It has been a couple of months since I read this while cruising the Pacific. I had a very hard time putting it down for other activities. Jay, Gristle and Lethe were all compelling chacters, and the combination of the supernatural made this one of the most delightful books that I have read in a long time. I can only give this highest marks for my recommendation.
October 21, 2012
Possibly one of the best m/m novels I've read. Love the kiwi setting and the friendship and love portrayed by the characters. Anyta and Andrew are superb writers. Also check out Second Shot written by Andrew which can only be read online at gayauthors.org
June 22, 2015
A well written fantasy-paranormal story with quite a lot of angst.
See review by Kaje Harper.
See review by Kaje Harper.
December 15, 2017
**3.5 stars**
This was a very different read for me. I enjoyed it. I'll read Anyta's books all day long.
Although this had a HEA, it left me feeling sad.
The story was well written, it was original, but still.... sad. *sigh*
This was a very different read for me. I enjoyed it. I'll read Anyta's books all day long.
Although this had a HEA, it left me feeling sad.
The story was well written, it was original, but still.... sad. *sigh*
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