Re-Entry Burn

Superpowered Love #5

by Katey Hawthorne

LGBT; Paranormal
Superpowered Love; Previous Losing Better

Malory Claremont was born and raised to be the villain in someone else's story, complete with fire-based superpowers. But then his cousin and former partner-in-crime, Brady, led him into a trap, and he's been in superpowered lockdown ever since.

When he gets out on parole, he meets Theo McCracken, a cold-superpowered ex-offender. Theo has a modern Hamlet-style past, dangerously pretty eyes, and a hunger for affection that even Mal's best defensive efforts can't deny for long.

They've paid their debts to society, but society doesn't care--from blackmailing coworkers to suspicion from the neighbors, it's hard to catch a fair chance. Pile that on top of their dark family pasts haunting their every step, plus all the leftover abandonment issues and paranoia, and it feels like just a matter of time before they'll be shoved right back into prison.

After all the people he's hurt, Mal isn't sure he deserves a chance to live his own life, to choose his own labels, to be his own man. But maybe having someone like Theo, someone who can love him and be loved, scars and all, could make the whole endless struggle worthwhile.

Genres: Paranormal, M M Romance, Romance, Urban Fantasy, LGBT, Fantasy

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 26, 2013

About the author

Hi! I'm Katey. I write superpowered and fantasy romance of an LGBTQIA bent. I live at Superpowered Love -- kateyhawthorne.com.

I know, I know, it looks like I don't read anything here at GoodReads. But I do, I swear. My reviews and stuff are all over at my other GoodReads thingie, KV Taylor. Relevant shelves to Katey Hawthorne stuff:

Romance
LGBTQ
and
Comics, Graphic Novels, and Trade Paperbacks

Reviews

[Bkwrm24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theo and Mal ❤️

Awwwww...these guys!! Theo and Mal were so perfectly imperfect and perfect for each other ❤️ I love how they overcame their struggles together.... I was a little leery going into this book because I wasn't a fan of the last one, but this book put this series right back on track for me, I loved this couple 🥰 it was a sweet, sexy read full of struggles but well worth it on the end. I would defiantly recommend this book... especially for fans of this series!

* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7 stars. I found this to be a very introspective book, skilfully written according to the thought process and experiences of Malory, who goes through a difficult journey in his attempt to build life as a former offender. The plot and romance were realistically portrayed yet tinged with a sadness that was never fully overcome. Overall, the story was interesting and enlightening in some respects, but I couldn't say I liked/enjoyed reading it to a significant extent.

[Flick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theo and Mal were beautifully flawed people trying to be better

I struggled with this book but not because it wasn’t written well – it was and, overall, was a beautiful story. That being said, I still struggled. That’s not the author’s fault at all though, more my own expectations. The blurb sets you up for this being a difficult book to read; you know that Theo and Mal are going to struggle. What I found difficult was that the whole book felt sweetly sad. I had thought that things would turn around and that the last half/quarter of the book would be filled with more hope and happiness. Don’t get me wrong, Theo and Mal have their HEA but it’s bittersweet. There is no fairy-tale everything gets better. Theo and Mal will always be ex-cons, they will always have their pasts and they will always have the problems (internal and external) that come from that. They’ve found peace with each other but their life will always be more of a struggle. I found that difficult because I like my HEAs to be fluffy and, well, unrealistically happy lol. It’s still a beautiful book and I’m glad I read it, I’d just recommend a light and fluffy chaser.

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malory was born with fire powers. His family pushed him towards a criminal lifestyle, especially his abusive father. His family was about to pull off a big armored car robbery when his cousin betrayed them. Malory endedup being shot and sent to prison. After 2 1/2 years of being a model prisoner, he is release under a new program. They will settle him down is a place where he can make a new start away from the pressure of his past. He will be expected to find a job and a place to live and attend group therapy. Malorythinks that the group therapy is stupid but he meets Theo there. Together the two learn to support each other through the difficulties of life after prison.

Theo had cold powers. He went to jail for killing his abusive uncle. Finding a job is very difficult for him because he is dyslexic. Theo is almost tempted some days just to crack and be sent back to jail but his relationship with Malory is helping him cope. However can two broken people help each other heal?
This was a very emotional book. I received a copy of this story in return for my honest review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hands down, my favorite of the series thus far. How can you not love Theo and Mal?

We've met Mal before- he's Brady's cousin from Riot Book, book 2. Mal spend his life under his father's thumb, committing crimes at his behest until Brady blows it all up and Mal goes to jail.

Mal is released at the same time at Theo and the two meet in mandatory group therapy for parolees. Hot and cold, these two pull each other in as much as they push each other away. Between layers and layers of trauma, family issues and the struggles of making a new life for themselves, Theo and Mal discover they are much better together than they are apart.

This book was touching, sweet, sexy and a lot deeper than the previous books in the series. I couldn't put it down.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't help thinking about the line in the Godfather where Michael Corleone says, " Every time I try to get out someone tries to pull me back in." Malory and Theo have served their time. They are ready to move on and move forward but the circumstances around them are not always supportive of that. Although I wouldn't have thought it before I read this, they are really good for one another. They understand one another, what is at stake and their love for one another helps them to work their way forward to a better place together. We so often give up on rehabilitation and second chances that I loved this!
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this sweet story of two ex-cons trying to start over and go straight, but will society let them? They face so many challenges on the outside, from finding housing and jobs to escaping bad pasts, to ongoing discrimination and suspicion from society. Even though they've done their time, it seems they can't catch a break. Will their love be enough to see them through? Excellent story!

I received a free copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Chelsea Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malory had a bad upbringing where he was taught to use his powers for crime. He didn’t know any other way. He was put away and served his time. Now he is our on parole. He just wants to rebuild his life and live the way he always should have. He meets Theo who is doing the same as he is. They both had to fight for the lives they wanted. They had each other and were there to support one another! It was a great story about two men fighting to become what they needed to be!

[Lydia Devlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this beautifully written,heartfelt story.
Once again,another great story that grabbed my attention straight from the beginning and I couldn't put it down.
I loved both main characters,Malory and Theo,straight away.
There is so much more that I want to say about this story,but,I won't,as I don't want to spoil this for anyone
I received an ARC copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
The story follows 2 awakened as they get their lives back on track after prison. They each come up against issues and learn to rely on each other to get through it.
It wasn't fluffy and light but it was addictive. There were times I couldn't put it down.
Works as a standalone but features mentions of Brady from Riot Boy

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family isn't always fir the best, sometimes family is the problem. Theo and Mal were wonderful characters, I enjoyed watching them work for better for themselves even as their past dogged their heels. Another great addition to the series.

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the GRR team*

[Janet Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malory had used his powers for crime, was caught and did his time. Now he wants to do good things. He meets Theo in group therapy. They grow closer spending time together but are always under suspicion. I really enjoyed this one! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He has been the villain and he has played his part before ending up in prison. He is not happy but at last he is finally freed. He will meet them but it is not so easy being out of jail as no one seems to want them near. Will they reoffend? How will they get on? Will they find a life outside the prison walls? See just how it all goes

[Rebecca Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness when I read Brady’s story and we were introduced to Mal I didn’t think he would get his own story but I’m so glad he did! Everyone deserves a second chance, sometimes even the worst kind of person! Mal & Theo proved they can live a non violent life and I love that Mal & Brady reconnected! They are definitely super good together and I really enjoyed there story! ❤️❤️😀😀

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting... kept me guessing... spots made me curious what was going to happen. i enjoyed it.

[devil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit of a spinoff of Book2. I liked the chemistry between the two "broken" characters. The ending was great. Overall, I'm enjoying this series.

[Xochitl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is in my opinion the best in the series and my favorite so far. My heart was broken while reading Malory and Theo struggling with their past and with all the prejudice and hate it caused in the people around them. I loved how their love and support for each other helped them to overcame all the little ups and downs in their lives to ensure a happy ending. A great reading!

[The Novel Approach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-Entry Burn could be misinterpreted as just two men trying to make it in the world after having paid their dues to society for crimes they committed. It could be looked upon as just one more story about two broken and lost souls who must come to terms with their own portion of self-loathing, as well as the gamut of reactions by those they now interact with, from care and friendship to loathing, and even blackmail. This story could simply be passed off as a study in how an ex-con makes his way back into a society designed to allow him only to exchange one prison for another. However, that type of story would never be written by Katey Hawthorne. For you see, this one, Re-Entry Burn, is raw and powerful and an unflinching look at two men who have lost everything and are frantically clawing their way back to the surface in order just to breathe.

A bit of background: This is book five of the Superpowered Love series. We met our main character, Mallory, in book two. His cousin Brady, who figured largely in that second installment, was responsible for ratting out Mal and his father to the cops. Consequently, through some clever lawyering, Mal ends up in a federal prison designed to hold the awakened and is given a lighter sentence due to the defense of his being abused as a child by his horrid father. When Mal is released, he is literally homeless and without any family—-as most are in prison–except Brady, whom he is not allowed to see. While he was in lockup, he could openly acknowledge who he was–an awakened with electrical powers, but now, once again he is forced to hide that from everyone he meets. In essence, he has exchanged one jail cell for another.

As part of his parole he must attend group therapy, and it is here that he meets Theo. Now, let me stop right here and say that if after reading this blurb you find Mal interesting, you will simply adore Theo. Wound tighter than humanly possible, here is a snarky and seemingly self-assured young man who hides a deep pain and sense of abandonment. Having been in prison for killing his abusive stepfather, Theo crackles with the icy coldness he throws off. He is the wild hair to the more carefully controlled Mal. When the two meet in group, it is a sure bet that sparks will fly between the two of them.

Here is the true genius of Katey Hawthorne–her ability to write with poignant detail and bristling reality. The voice and character of her men places them at the top of the chart. From the snarky humor to their painful introspective musings, these are real men who nestle into your psyche and drive straight into your heart. The dialogue is clever and reveals so much about those who speak it. It is so difficult to write a twenty something male, and yet this author does so with such precision that it is so very easy to forget she is a woman and not a man herself. Katey Hawthorne is a gifted writer who has the ability to lay bare her characters and create a story in which they spark with life.

This is the last of the Superpowered Love series for my review, and I can honestly say it is the strongest and grittiest of all the installments. This series has been an incredible journey into the world and mind of author Katey Hawthorne. She is an outstanding storyteller and well worth the read. While each of these novels can be read as a standalone, I strongly urge you to begin with book number one and work your way through this amazing series!

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-Entry Burn by Katey Hawthorne is the fifth book in the Superpower love series. You do not have to read them in order to get this book. this is my first and I got the story itself just fine. I just had a real issue with how this book was written. It is written in first person as if the main character Mal is talking to you. This works in places and in places it doesn’t. so that detracted from the story for me. I did like the concept. The quirky style had a place it was just hard for such a long book. Mal is ex convict for aggravated robbery. He is trying to get back into the main stream world. He has a super power to make fire. It feels like the power tries to control him but he does a great job of controlling it verses the other way around.
Theo is the man he meets in mandatory group meetings. He has the power of ice. You would think two polar opposites would not click. Well you know fire an water make steam. These two are very steamy! I did love their connection and love. Over all this is a really good story I loved reading. I think I am going to go back and see the stories I missed I would love to see them too now. This one was really good and I would love to see what other super powers are explored and how they are dealt with in a world were both supers live and normals.

[Alisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an unique story. This is the 5th book in the Superpowered Love series. I had not read any of the prior books but I was able to enjoy this as a stand alone. The two main characters have both been recently incarcerated and meet in a therapy group for offenders trying to return to mainstream society. Both men have supernatural abilities and had used those in their crimes. There is not much focus on the supernatural aspect of the story. This book is really about the struggles that face people trying to straighten up their lives.

The book is told from Malory's point of view and so we not only see his relationship with Theo but we see his inner turmoil on trying to straighten out his life. He has a lot of guilt and a lot of shame over things he has done in the past. He also has a lot of fear that he won't be able to change this time. The two men are really good for each other and they offer each other a support system to help make it through the rough spots. Their relationship was my favorite part of the book and they had some touching moments together. They were also hot, hot, hot in their bedroom scenes.

As previously stated this book can be read as a stand alone and I enjoyed it as such. There is another earlier book in the series though that shows the story of Malory when he's committing his crime. You may want to read that first.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malory Claremont was born into a family that taught him to use his powers for crime. All that changed when his cousin and partner in crime led him into a trap and Malory was put away. Now out and on parole, Malory wants to rebuild his life and live honestly. In his group therapy he meets Theo McCracken and the two men soon find themselves spending a lot of time together.

Watching these two try to live with in the bounds of their parole was so very difficult. From getting housing to getting a job, there was nothing but trouble, distrust and innuendo. They had to work hard to overcome their criminal past but also their upbringing and neglect. They did have each other and as they slowly open up to each other, their lives get better. Love does help and hopefully will continue. Some of the events in this one explain some of another book. It was great to visit with an old friend.

[Thomaidha Papa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews

How on the ever-loving earth did, I miss this series for so damned long? No, really? How come no one told me there was such a series out there and I have to stumble on book five of the series, book five for crying out loud, to get the bulb on, and make me scream with the frustration of not having read and re-read the others so far. Yeah, it was that good. I am in love (again) and get this, book five is about the bad guys, the super-powered villains, and I absolutely adored them. But seriously, get this series in order. It is not fun knowing there are four other books out there and you’ve been oblivious of them, when you literally get swiped off your feet so far in the series. Frustrating as hell.

Read the entire review here.

Thommie

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story about a couple of ex-cons navigating life after prison, dealing with the terms of parole, and falling in love. Katey Hawthorne is one of my favorite writers in this genre, and she doesn't disappoint here. She excels at creating quirky, sexy twentysomething characters and making them seem intensely alive. There's an authenticity to the writing and dialogue that's just really great. Oh, and the sex scenes are fucking hot too. Although this is part of a series about guys with superpowers (of the thermal and/or electrical variety), it could definitely be read as a standalone.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Raw, honest, and so incredibly wonderful. Katey Hawthorne has created Malory who gives voice to all those people who have taken the wrong path, hurt the ones they love and are now trying to find a way to live a better life.

For my full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-1z5

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story of Mal and Theo. I loved the development of their relationship, but what I enjoyed most was the story of their struggles to re-integrate into society while on parole and to think about what comes after. In my academic life, I deal with research projects about these issues and to see some of them raised in this fictional world kept me engrossed.

[KV Taylor]

I wrote this--as the other me! More superpowered love, this time with a fire manipulator and an icy cold type. Malory's defensive, cranky, and desperate; Theo's... even more desperate. Two guys who've done their time, but have everything to lose.

[Katey Hawthorne]

Bad boys trying to make good. Throw in family drama, superpowers, parole officers, work drama, and any other number of issues--oh, it's anything but easy.

This one's about Malory, Brady's cousin from Riot Boy, and what happens to him after everything goes to hell. Redemption? Or... not so much?

[MsMiz (Tina) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.65

[L.B. Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be one of my faves in this series. I adore Mal. He’s absolutely wonderful. I’ll never get tired of rereading his story.