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Dawn #1
The Bully and the Vultures
Miguel González doesn't have any memories that don't include cruel fists raining down on him...
He's jumped from foster home to foster home before ending up in St. Augustine Florida, a wayward dump infested by rich snobs six months ago.
Thug. Delinquent. It's no secret he's dangerous.
Miguel doesn't belong.
He smokes, he drinks, and he doesn't care for anyone or anything.
Students and teachers pass by him making faces at the stench. It's a new school year. There are a bunch of new faces, fresh and eager to learn as they navigate through high school.
Then there's him.
Javier Hernández isn't afraid. He welcomes the danger. Javier is loaded. An uppity prick who thinks he's better than everyone around him.
Only he isn't. Miguel wants to wipe that smug smirk clean off his face.
Miguel isn't good. He breaks beautiful things.
But Javier begs for it.
He's jumped from foster home to foster home before ending up in St. Augustine Florida, a wayward dump infested by rich snobs six months ago.
Thug. Delinquent. It's no secret he's dangerous.
Miguel doesn't belong.
He smokes, he drinks, and he doesn't care for anyone or anything.
Students and teachers pass by him making faces at the stench. It's a new school year. There are a bunch of new faces, fresh and eager to learn as they navigate through high school.
Then there's him.
Javier Hernández isn't afraid. He welcomes the danger. Javier is loaded. An uppity prick who thinks he's better than everyone around him.
Only he isn't. Miguel wants to wipe that smug smirk clean off his face.
Miguel isn't good. He breaks beautiful things.
But Javier begs for it.
- GenresDarkM M Romance
ebook
First published March 31, 2022
14 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
J.K. Jones
24 books170 followersI am a passionate storyteller, with a love for literature that runs deep in my veins. I enjoy weaving elements of the artistic and unconventional into my tales, which I tell both during the day and at night. My ideal Sunday is spent indulging in a steaming cup of coffee and immersing myself in the pages of the book I am currently captivated by. My all-time favorite movie is American Beauty, and I consider it a classic. My fondest memories are of the fort I built in my basement, which unfortunately had to be dismantled at the request of my mother. My favorite food is Cheetos Puffs, and while I understand the appeal of crunchy Cheetos, I prefer the texture of the puffs. I do not subscribe to the belief in a "Happily Ever After" ending, but I am open to the possibility if circumstances permit.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 31, 2022
Long past dawn is a gritty M/M read.
Miguel hasn’t had an easy life and some of the goodness has been taken away. When Javier arrives
In town something changes in Miguel. With secrets and lies comes a web of understanding.
An interesting read that comes with a warning. It isn’t a sweet romance and it has themes of a dark nature.
It’s worth reading if you want something raw and gritty.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Miguel hasn’t had an easy life and some of the goodness has been taken away. When Javier arrives
In town something changes in Miguel. With secrets and lies comes a web of understanding.
An interesting read that comes with a warning. It isn’t a sweet romance and it has themes of a dark nature.
It’s worth reading if you want something raw and gritty.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2022
The first few chapters were amazing. They do exactly what an opening should – they hook the reader, they introduce us to the main characters, and this one even leads with a mysterious encounter which our MC doesn’t remember until very late into the book. The way the author planned that out is great. The opening leaves readers wondering where this could be going because usually, writers build up intimate scenes for many pages before actually getting to them. Very refreshing.
Great job here, it hooked me!
Great job here, it hooked me!
March 24, 2022
Javier – I love and kinda hate Javier.
In some ways, he’s a dream. He’s a star student, a successful doctor, devastatingly handsome, charming, genuinely cares about Miguel.
But on the other hand, I can’t get over how he lied to Miguel about not only Valeria but the fact that they slept together. It would be very hard for me to forgive him if I was Miguel. He definitely has his reasons for his actions, but they in no way justify them to me.
The language was very diverse, it’s one of my favorite aspects of the book. This author captured each environment perfectly using specific word choices, and I loved how she mixed Spanish in. She did this very tastefully – just the right amount to where the reader wouldn’t need a translation, but not so little that it felt like a random word thrown in. Also, during intimate scenes, she did a great job varying words used to describe actions, which can often be hard when writing.
There were some words repetition, but overall, she did an amazing job with this aspect!
In some ways, he’s a dream. He’s a star student, a successful doctor, devastatingly handsome, charming, genuinely cares about Miguel.
But on the other hand, I can’t get over how he lied to Miguel about not only Valeria but the fact that they slept together. It would be very hard for me to forgive him if I was Miguel. He definitely has his reasons for his actions, but they in no way justify them to me.
The language was very diverse, it’s one of my favorite aspects of the book. This author captured each environment perfectly using specific word choices, and I loved how she mixed Spanish in. She did this very tastefully – just the right amount to where the reader wouldn’t need a translation, but not so little that it felt like a random word thrown in. Also, during intimate scenes, she did a great job varying words used to describe actions, which can often be hard when writing.
There were some words repetition, but overall, she did an amazing job with this aspect!
March 24, 2022
OMFG. Miguel.
He was so multi-dimensional. Relatable. Flawed. I loved that the author explored the depths of his pain and didn’t shy away or romanticize it. Waking up after binge-drinking and abusing your body wasn’t made cool in this, it was shown as it is: painful, gross, hopeless. The author also describes the mental struggles, guilt, responsibility that lead to these kinds of behaviors very well.
Yet, even with these self-destructive behaviors, we can see how innocent Miguel still is, even after all the struggle he’s gone through. How he trusts Javier with his heart, after losing his parents, bouncing through foster homes, losing his sister too. It was so nice to see him blossom as a character midway through the book.
Javier was so funny. My sides were splitting with laughter whenever he said something. I will agree that the Spanish were a bit cringy, but that doesn’t really take away from the story. It is urban fiction, but you can see their romance really unfold. I love the time they spent together because you can see how quickly Javier genuinely fell in love with Miguel.
So good. Highly recommended read.
He was so multi-dimensional. Relatable. Flawed. I loved that the author explored the depths of his pain and didn’t shy away or romanticize it. Waking up after binge-drinking and abusing your body wasn’t made cool in this, it was shown as it is: painful, gross, hopeless. The author also describes the mental struggles, guilt, responsibility that lead to these kinds of behaviors very well.
Yet, even with these self-destructive behaviors, we can see how innocent Miguel still is, even after all the struggle he’s gone through. How he trusts Javier with his heart, after losing his parents, bouncing through foster homes, losing his sister too. It was so nice to see him blossom as a character midway through the book.
Javier was so funny. My sides were splitting with laughter whenever he said something. I will agree that the Spanish were a bit cringy, but that doesn’t really take away from the story. It is urban fiction, but you can see their romance really unfold. I love the time they spent together because you can see how quickly Javier genuinely fell in love with Miguel.
So good. Highly recommended read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2022
2.5 stars.
So... This book is kinda strange, I thought this was a first book because the writing is so green, but apparently is not. Don't get me wrong, the author have talent, I'm sure if they would change a few things my stars would go up.
First, the second person narrative didn't work for me, the book would be much, much better with a first person point of view.
Second, all the Spanish was cringe, I don't know if Americans that speak Spanish are just that cringe but Mexican/Spanish people don't speak like that.
Spoilers warning :
Third, the book starts weird and get even more weird. Or main character are basically abused, he blacks out during preparing (for sex) and when he comes to his senses the other mc is having sex with him, that's not how it works, if your partner blacks out and you have sex with them anyway is not sex, is r*pe. Then the book skips 6 months and in the very first conversation we have our Mc talking with a friend and instead of the author show us what happened, we are informed by that conversation of what happened. In another words, loads of information dumping at the first page.
So... This book is kinda strange, I thought this was a first book because the writing is so green, but apparently is not. Don't get me wrong, the author have talent, I'm sure if they would change a few things my stars would go up.
First, the second person narrative didn't work for me, the book would be much, much better with a first person point of view.
Second, all the Spanish was cringe, I don't know if Americans that speak Spanish are just that cringe but Mexican/Spanish people don't speak like that.
Spoilers warning :
Third, the book starts weird and get even more weird. Or main character are basically abused, he blacks out during preparing (for sex) and when he comes to his senses the other mc is having sex with him, that's not how it works, if your partner blacks out and you have sex with them anyway is not sex, is r*pe. Then the book skips 6 months and in the very first conversation we have our Mc talking with a friend and instead of the author show us what happened, we are informed by that conversation of what happened. In another words, loads of information dumping at the first page.
April 8, 2022
Wow there’s a lot going on
This is the first book I’ve read by JK Jones and it’s one of those where you don’t know if you really enjoy this book or it’s left you frustrated.
Miguel has just had the worst start no that’s wrong he had a loving family . after his parents died himself and his sister Valeria were put into foster care system. And that’s where their life turned awful. The last foster father was in it for the money and didn’t get Valeria’s epilepsy medication so Miguel felt that he had to go out there and become a drug runner to get the money for his sister and this opened a world of hurt for Miguel And an incident left Miguel in a coma and his sister Valeria dead. He has never stopped wanting to get revenge for his sister.
Javier seems like he has it all very popular at school A+ student with the hopes of becoming a doctor. One night when he is out at a club he meets Miguel and it is an instant attraction which ends up spending the evening together but it was Miguel‘s first time so when Javier was in the shower he quickly left. But then Miguel ended up in a coma and forgot all about that night. When he sees Miguel at school many months later he finds himself doing everything he can to be mean to Miguel but if he is honest with himself he’s never forgot Miguel.
But everything is not what it seems in this book there are so many twists and turns. And my heart goes out to Miguel because he turns to alcohol and drugs just to make it through the days. I did enjoy this book and I found myself really liking Javier and Miguel. There is so much pain in this book that sometimes it makes it difficult to read. I will admit I didn’t realise this was the first part of their story and I was absolutely gutted with the ending but I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book I’ve read by JK Jones and it’s one of those where you don’t know if you really enjoy this book or it’s left you frustrated.
Miguel has just had the worst start no that’s wrong he had a loving family . after his parents died himself and his sister Valeria were put into foster care system. And that’s where their life turned awful. The last foster father was in it for the money and didn’t get Valeria’s epilepsy medication so Miguel felt that he had to go out there and become a drug runner to get the money for his sister and this opened a world of hurt for Miguel And an incident left Miguel in a coma and his sister Valeria dead. He has never stopped wanting to get revenge for his sister.
Javier seems like he has it all very popular at school A+ student with the hopes of becoming a doctor. One night when he is out at a club he meets Miguel and it is an instant attraction which ends up spending the evening together but it was Miguel‘s first time so when Javier was in the shower he quickly left. But then Miguel ended up in a coma and forgot all about that night. When he sees Miguel at school many months later he finds himself doing everything he can to be mean to Miguel but if he is honest with himself he’s never forgot Miguel.
But everything is not what it seems in this book there are so many twists and turns. And my heart goes out to Miguel because he turns to alcohol and drugs just to make it through the days. I did enjoy this book and I found myself really liking Javier and Miguel. There is so much pain in this book that sometimes it makes it difficult to read. I will admit I didn’t realise this was the first part of their story and I was absolutely gutted with the ending but I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2022
Long Past Dawn ( Dawn Book One ) This is a dark m/m high school cartel romance and ends on a cliffhanger.
I was intrigued from the moment I heard about this book coming out and it 100% did not disappoint.
My heart hurt for Miguel. He’s had the most awful life and it just keeps getting worse. My heart also broke for him over and over again. Enter Javier. I had mixed feelings for him! One minute I wasn’t sure about him, then liked him, then didn’t and by the end my heart hurt for him too.
The basis of a great book….. it had my emotions all over the place. And this authors writing and style is unique and intense and I loved it.
There’s a lot of triggers to watch out for, so please read the authors warnings but it’s so worth it.
My heart was pounding (literally beating out of my chest at times!) I was on the edge of my seat. There’s so much suspense, heartbreak, grief, murder, a whole lot of steam & intensity!
Hold on to your seats because your in for one hell of a ride.
My mind is blown by this outstanding read and I could have howled by the end! Roll on book two - Long Past Noon. I’m in need of you now 😭
I’m routing for Miguel & Javier.
I was intrigued from the moment I heard about this book coming out and it 100% did not disappoint.
My heart hurt for Miguel. He’s had the most awful life and it just keeps getting worse. My heart also broke for him over and over again. Enter Javier. I had mixed feelings for him! One minute I wasn’t sure about him, then liked him, then didn’t and by the end my heart hurt for him too.
The basis of a great book….. it had my emotions all over the place. And this authors writing and style is unique and intense and I loved it.
There’s a lot of triggers to watch out for, so please read the authors warnings but it’s so worth it.
My heart was pounding (literally beating out of my chest at times!) I was on the edge of my seat. There’s so much suspense, heartbreak, grief, murder, a whole lot of steam & intensity!
Hold on to your seats because your in for one hell of a ride.
My mind is blown by this outstanding read and I could have howled by the end! Roll on book two - Long Past Noon. I’m in need of you now 😭
I’m routing for Miguel & Javier.
April 2, 2022
This book had a lot of stuff going on and sometimes it was a bit hard to get through it all, there were a few points that I thought about just putting it down. Miguel has been beaten down by so many circumstances in his life that he just wants to give up on life and stays intoxicated all the time. Javier has secrets that we find out about later in the book. In the end the lies told breaks Miguel and it's not a HEA for these two. I guess we'll see what happens next in the second book, not sure if I'll bother though.
April 5, 2022
The first chapter of this book had me hooked and I didn't want to put it down until I finished it. Miguel and Javier have a love/hate relationship and you wanted it to be a happily ever after. Miguel's life wasn't easy and on top of that, he has been lied to and used by the person he is attracted to over and over again. Javier is a bad person but he is trying to get out of the lifestyle he is in. The book is dark, very intense, intimate, and emotional and it had my attention from start to finish. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
July 17, 2022
Adults would be hard pressed to deal with everything that Miguel and Javier have had to deal with in their young lives and from the beginning, it's clear that these are two damaged young men. We can also feel the hurt in Miguel from the first, but it takes longer to see that in Javier. As always, Jones is unflinching in the portrayal of how the drug cartels and their wars destroy lives and the high school setting for this one makes things even sadder. A true HEA would be totally unrealistic for these characters but the ending feels totally right for this story.
September 30, 2022
wow
Wowwwwww where do I start? The book starts off very steamy and grips you in and it’s literally a page turner. Miguel my heart broke for him to endure the type of pain and turmoil he went through it’s amazing but shows his resilience and strength. Javier I don’t know how to feel about him. The lies and secrets and the way he treated Miguel making fun wasn’t it for me. Can they survive will live win this book was left on a cliffhanger bring in book 2
Wowwwwww where do I start? The book starts off very steamy and grips you in and it’s literally a page turner. Miguel my heart broke for him to endure the type of pain and turmoil he went through it’s amazing but shows his resilience and strength. Javier I don’t know how to feel about him. The lies and secrets and the way he treated Miguel making fun wasn’t it for me. Can they survive will live win this book was left on a cliffhanger bring in book 2
March 28, 2022
Very interesting story. I like where it went. I'm not sure I like how it ended or how it insinuates where it will go. I wait until the next book to decide. Very interesting and complex characters.
April 12, 2022
The love and angst between Javier and Miguel is so palpable and that's due to the author's incredible ability to write realism fiction with gripping story arc and deep characters.
July 22, 2022
When I started to read this book I didn't think I would like it. It's a little too dark and I usually like more upbeat stories. Once I got into it the two main characters really grabbed my interest. One can't wait to get away from the life he leads and the other realizes he can't get away from it. I really enjoyed this book and would read other books by this author.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews