Independence Day

The Flesh Cartel #14

by Rachel Haimowitz, Heidi Belleau

Mat and Douglas’s time as Nikolai’s wards is finally drawing to a close. Though torn apart by Nikolai’s machinations, their fates are still inextricably they’ve been sold to the same cruel master, and are united in their desire to go home. But “home” means two different things to the for Mat, their little bungalow in Nevada, and for Douglas, a swift return to Nikolai and Roger, the only people he believes still love him.

But first they must survive their new master. Smythe Hall is a twisted island paradise where Americans affect British accents and slaveboys dress up as slave girls, all at the whims of the rich and megalomaniacal Allen Smythe-Kennedy.

Meanwhile, FBI Special Agent Nate Johnson can’t let the case of the missing brothers lie. He knows it’s a waste of resources to chase ghosts down a cold trail, but after admiring Mathias “Stonewall” Carmichael ringside and at countless afterparties where he was too shy to say hello, he’s determined to solve the mystery and bring Mat and his little brother home.

Genres: M M Romance, Dark, BDSM, Abuse, Contemporary, Erotica, Horror

68 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 29, 2014

About the author

M/M erotic romance author, freelance writer and editor, sadist with a pesky conscience, shamelessly silly, proudly pervish. I'm a twitter addict (@rachelhaimowitz), and I blog every M/W/F at Fantasy Unbound. To learn all about my current and upcoming projects, please stop by my website. I love to hear from folks, so feel free to drop me a line anytime at metarachel (at) gmail (dot) com.

Reviews

[Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't go into details, don't want to give anything away! The title kinda already hints, its a good one.

This episode was perfect



Mat is my hero!

The ending demands that i read the next book Asap.

Season 5 here i come.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mat if you were broken up into a million pieces I would love every single one. Every aspect of you. Everything that makes you "you" I absolutely love.

And Nate is Mat's hope.

What both these men go through in this episode is absolutely heartworthy...

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, look what the cat dragged in? Two insanely famous guest stars ;-)

I have a bit of a problem accepting that THE FLESH CARTEL takes place in TY and ZANE's universe. 

I mean the Flesh Cartel paints such a terrible picture of our world and what men are capable of that I don't feel comfortable knowing it all happens in a universe that I associate with positive (and not too complicated) m/m crime romance plots. 

I was hoping to put this story in a box after I finish the series and don't have to deal with that universe again unless I take it out of that box.

But now it all happens while Ty and Zane do their thing in the same world. Somehow that's mindboggling and unsettling...

BUT this series is no doubt among the very best in m/m.

He leaned forward, touching their foreheads together briefly as a substitute for the kiss they had never—and could never—share. “One day, when the things these people did to you aren’t so raw, and the scars aren’t so fresh, and you stop blaming yourself for what they made you do and stop feeling so damn worthless all the time? You’re going to see what I see in you right now.”

I absolutely love every second of it. And most importantly:

Now there's hope!

5 stars!!

[Fabi NEEDS Email Notifications · Rating 5 out of 5]

This episode was so good, I never wanted it to end. I know we can't get this story without going through the previous plotline. But this is what I've been racing towards since I started this darkest of dark stories.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good instalment!

Mat is free, or so he thinks... Because basically? He's a wreck (and no wonder!), he's haunted by all the things the Cartel did to him...

And he wants to get his brother back and he wants REVENGE!!!!

Nate is helpless, he doesn't know how to take the Cartel down. There are no open leads, no evidence, nothing.... There's nothing he wants more than to let Mat heal and find Dougie...

So, they make up a plan...

“One day, when the things these people did to you aren’t so raw, and the scars aren’t so fresh, and you stop blaming yourself for what they made you do and stop feeling so damn worthless all the time? You’re going to see what I see in you right now.”
And my biggest fucking wish in the world—other than seeing you come back safe from this suicide mission—is to be there with you when it happens.

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not going to give anything away, but this felt a bit like the relative calm before the storm. It was basically all Mat, though we have a brief glimpse of the price Dougie is and will be paying for Mat's actions. And a special guest appearance from some characters of another popular Riptide franchise, with the promise of more to come, that people will either love or hate (I enjoyed it).

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is just going to get better and better based on what happened in this one. I love Mat!

Plus, I really loved the beginning with Ty and Zane. I love when they talk about kitties :)

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doguie ha encontrado su lugar con la Sra, ella lo quiere, lo consuela, es su preferido, lo trata como lo trataba Nikolai. Doguie se siente feliz, sabe que al lado de la Sra. puede pasar sus dias hasta que pueda volver a su casa, a Nikolai. La proxima vez que Doguie ve a Mat, piensa que tal vez si se decisiera de el, tal vez, el podria volver a casa. Pero de que sera capaz Doguie para lograrlo? Sera capaz de hacerle daño a su hermano?

Este es por fin el libro donde vemos el comienzo de la libertad, donde por fin vemos el escape (por lo menos de uno de ellos), y tambien, sentimos lo feliz e infeliz que estaba Doguie con su Sra. Sin embargo, este libro ya es un poco mas vago, comienzan a perderse detalles de la historia, comienzan las personalidades de los protas a volverse borrosas, como si fueran o no fueran ellos.
Pero, en fin, ya he llegado hasta aqui, asi que voy a continuar con la ultima "temporada", o sea, los ultimos 4 libros, para ver como va a terminar esta historia de los hermanos.

[La-Lionne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not bad, not bad at all.
This installment was a little bit different from the previous ones. It wasn't as intense and heartbreaking. To be honest, I though it was getting a little too much with all the non stop rape. I'm happy author gave her characters a break.

I've mentioned in the previous reviews, that Nate's pov kept annoying me. I actually enjoyed his point of view in this one.
I did however, missed Duugie's pov. I wonder how that poor boy is doing :(.

I'm curious to see how author will wrap the last season up. Off to read the next one.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best book in the series for me. I loved Ty and Zane's appearance on the first page, an extra star for that straightaway! I breathed a sigh of relief that Mat was finally in the safe hands of FBI Special Agent Nate Johnson and surrounded by people who cared about him. (loved his coach, what a great guy!) I seriously thought it would never happen. I'm excited about what's to come and just hope Dougie can hang on.

[Alona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!
That was... Intense!!
I LOVED this book! It , yet again, shows Mat's incredible strength and selfless nature.
I fell in love with Nate's kindness and for truly being what mat needs.
We did not get much of Dougie in this one, and I think it was good because I really needed a break from the evil that is in The Cartel.
I'm going to start the next one NOW! No other option for me ;)

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Special thanks to Martin for recommending the series to me.]

At this point, I'm not even sure how to write the reviews without even giving spoilers away, but I'm going to try. After the arduous and torturous journey I took so far, I feel this is like the first book that truly rewarded me.

The tide is finally seeming to turn towards the side for Mat and Dougie. Nate and Mat gets an actual full book about them, so that's definitely in my favour! Something that I've really looked forward to is cameo appearance of one of my all time favourite couple, Ty and Zane!! Reading the author's note, I hope we'll get to see a bit more of them in the series!

I've grown to really love Mat and Nate, I hope we see something happening between them in the future books. Great character and plot development for this one.

5 Stars!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!

[JaHy☝Hold the Fairy Dust · Rating 5 out of 5]

****** 5 RIGHT. IN . THE . FEELS. STARS *******

This was not how I expected the episode to go. My heart hurt for a particular character.


Its impossible to review this ep w/ out spoiling pivotal storyline, so I'll shut up now.... Btw, the ending will have YOU saying


I NEED SEASON 5 ASAP Rachel Haimowitz.....PLEASE!!!!!!

[Chappy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I can take any more of Allen's crazy-ass abuse. Mat is WAY over it as well and finally sees an opportunity IF he can convince Dougie to go along with him.

I was cringing when "Daddy" shows up again!!!

[AGandyGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 Stars*

I can see the end in sight but damn...it’s gonna be rough again before it gets better. Nate...I love you. ❤️

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

At Last



So Mat is now free

Dougie is still in the hands of Allen who is looking for answers.



As Mat comes to terms with everything that has happen, Nate the FBI Agent is there to help and support him.
But Mat knows what he needs to do...





Free Dougie


My Thoughts

I had mixed feelings here. With only a very small glimpse to what was happening to Dougie still left in the hands of Allen, we were left with Nates attraction towards Mat and Mat having no real idea of what's really happening and where he goes from here..

It was a very calm episode. I'm sure the darkness will reappear but for me this episode lacked something, after waiting so long for this day to arrive and even with adding other characters from another series... it didn't quite feel what I was hoping to feel.

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 4 out of 5]

A review by The Blogger Girls.

Ok, when this starts out, I honestly had to check and make sure I opened the right book. It has a totally different feel to it, and then Ty and Zane are there, and I was a little confused. But I pressed on, and it didn’t take long for things to iron themselves out.

Except then Nate gets a phone call, and my heart skipped a beat. So, Mat is found, and things go pretty much as expected. We get a tiny glimpse of what he left behind with Dougie bearing the brunt of Allen’s unhappiness over the unexpected turn of events. Unfortunately, that’s all we see of him.

The rest of the story is about Mat recovering and Nate having feelings for Mat. Mat’s foster father and MMA coach are there to help Mat, and I loved seeing how his coach was able to help him. All of this takes place while they try and come up with a plan to nab the Cartel. It all boils down to Mat being the best choice, and things look to be pretty exciting when the ball gets rolling.

This was not my favorite of this series, even though it was the least painful for all involved. It didn’t have near the intensity of some of the others, especially the previous one, though I expect that is natural given the circumstances. The writing was spot on, flowed well, and the story moved along fairly quickly. Needless to say, I’m completely hooked on Mat and Doug’s story at this point, and pretty much was from the beginning, so bring on the next installment!

[The Bursting Bookshelf of a Wallflower · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the cliffhanger of part 13, I wasn't able to wait long in order to read The Flesh Cartel 14: Independence Day and I have to say that this one really got me hooked again. The repetitive scenes of the last few parts reduced my interest, but the new setting and the new characters in this book were very catchy.

The focus lay on Mat and it hurt reading about his reactions to all the terrible things he went through, but I really admire his strength. And I loved Nate; I can't wait to read more about him in the next parts and I hope that there will be a lot more about him.

The inevitable this book is leading up to will be heartbreaking, but I want to know how all this is going to end.

4 stars!4>

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is not for the faint of heart and in the beginning I wasn't sure I could handle it but now I am firmly committed to seeing what happens to the brothers. I can't wait for the next season. The cover with Mat holding Dougie's hand makes me a little misty eyed....yeah Dougie gets on my nerves but I do want to see the brothers reconciled.

[Therese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great episode, but very different from the earlier ones. There is no torture, yay!
This episode actually made me cry, which only Voinov (Capture & Surrender, Special Forces - Soldiers) has managed before in M/M…The reunion between Mat and his coach in the hospital was just so emotional.
I think it was great to finally get a glimpse of Mat’s relationships with people from before the abduction (the Coach and Mike). I was getting so brainwashed from reading the other episodes that I actually felt they were totally alone in the world, and I was very happy to get that refuted! There are people that care about them:-).

These two authors are great at writing! I love the flow of the text, and I love that they answer all the questions /critique that pop up in my head. When I started feeling a bit „uncomfortable“ about Nate’s attraction to poor, tortured Mat, this was almost immediately addressed via Nate’s own self-disgust.
When I started to think, a bit annoyed, that Nate actually didn’t have anything to do with Mat’s rescue, Nate himself acknowledges it:
Mat still would have escaped. He’s weak now, but he’s no damsel in distress. He saved his own self, and you need to give him credit for that .
Even though Nate could not rescue Mat physically, I am sure he will be there and save him in other ways;-) (oh, come on already dear authors, bring it on, I want to be able to use my "m-m romance" tag soon…)

The (in)famous Cameos...(not really a spoiler, just ranting):
Ty & Zane pop up in the first chapter….I love the idea of literary crossovers, I’m just not sure how to feel about Ty & Zane joining in.
First of all, I am not one of their biggest fan. I like them, but I just never felt the same way the majority seem to (exception being Fish & Chips, great!).
Involving those two in FC is for me comparable with FBI agent Ray Nicolette stepping in to help Police commissioner Gordon to catch the Joker…Personally, I find the Cut & Go series quite light, entertaining, and a bit wanna-be drama, but it leaves something to wish for emotionally.
FC on the other hand threw me to the ground, kicked me over, and finished me off with a leg drop. Shortly put: I don’t think they mix well (but I guess we will see since it seems like they will pop up again).

And I suppose I don’t need to read T&G (which I haven’t yet) to find out the boys finally came out of the closet at work. This episode should really come with a spoiler alert;-).


A bit unrelated:
Another pet peeve of mine was always that we spent so much time with the boys during the training, but only two episodes with Allan, and there will probably not be more than 5 episodes dealing with the aftermaths (?). But it was needed. If the training would have been over with took quickly (and less painfully for the reader), I don’t think Doug’s transformation would have been believable. So now I really am totally on the authors' side!


While reading this episode, I had one song playing in my head the whole time:

A real hero - College ft Electric Youth

"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boFhHO..."

This is my "Mat's theme:-)
(well, he actually shares it with Carnac, my other hero).

[Taintedskyee (Books Books&More Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the best,specially Ty and Zane bit :oops I wasn't suppose to write that but WTF. Anybody who have started this series will finish it.
Matt please stop caring for your brother....pleaseeee..he claimed to hate you once again in this book and was more concern over stinking pig,asstard Nicolai...how can you willingly put yourself through that hell again...how!!!

My and Nate's heart break seeing you so broken and vulnerable, again you are planing to put urself through the wringer...Dont

[Menna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate it when they gave me high hope and then crash it to pieces with no consideration to my heart breaking in the middle!

It was like watching a fucking train wreck and all you suppose to do is just stand there and freaking watch!!!!! *miserable*

And that end is way beyond fucked up and infuriating........i can't believe it!!!! how can they put us through that freaking hell AGAIN!!!!!!! How come they suggested such thing!!!

I'm so angry, miserable, irritated,
desperate,emotional.......... a lot of confusing feelings at the same time! >_<

[Midgetbee · Rating 2 out of 5]

After the drama of the previous thirteen books and Matt's escape, what do we get? Nate and how conflicted he feels about his crush. Flesh Cartel is all of a sudden about feelings. The tone of the entire series has completely changed.

Between that and the stupid Ty and Zane crossover (with the promise of more to come) I think I may be done with this series. What a letdown.

[Sue bowdley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is based on Mat and his freedom....finally in the hands of Nate and the FBI he can try and recover thanking god that they believe him...but he can't completely heal because even though his brother showed his hatred towards him in the last book....he needs to bring Dougie home...and the only way to do that is to use bait....Mat shaped bait and Nate is not happy about it x

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say? Mat I am sorry. I am sorry that there were a few episodes where I wrote you off and did not really care for your story. I am sorry that I cared more about Dougie and his transformation than I did about your fight. Your fight is everything. It’s everything.

I have been knocked on my ass and I should stay down here. It’s where I belong. I admit I am writing this after catching up on all the episodes that have been released so this will be short. There is honestly so much that cannot be said in a review without spoiling so…

The first three pages of this had me gasping and squeeing in bed trying not to wake the husband. It was a shock and I absolutely loved it.

So, Mat is off the island, without Dougie. He is trying to do what he can to get his brother out as well. We don’t get much of Dougie in this one and though I was okay with that, I was worried what Creepy Mc. Creepster Psycho Allen was doing to him now that his dog has run away.

We get Mat and Mat broke my heart. We get Nate and Nate filled my heart with so much hope. What both these men go through in this episode is amazing. Mat is so strong and powerful and the bits of Nate’s vulnerability of his fan boy status melted me into goo. I did not think that was possible with this series. I have admitted my crush on Nikolai and I maintain it but Nate is something else. I am shrugging trying to get my thoughts in order on him. He is Nate that is all.

When I first started this series, I knew there had to be a reason for everything and I am seeing how right I am. I know some folks look at these books or at those who read it and think they are disgusting. Many have told me that already but there is a beauty to all of this that is hard for me to put into words. Yes, this is a hard series to read. Yes, there were a few episodes I wanted to be over faster than others because I gagged and was sure I couldn’t read another word and Yes, I have fallen in love with characters and have hope for them all.

These authors have a way of dragging you through torture and make it worth it. You have to go through the dark to get the light. The balance each other out and I am stunned by the stellar story telling of this entire series. You have to be master storytellers to write something this dark, and it is dark, and carry readers through to the end.

I will be there at the end.

[Lilli *slowest reader ever* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this one. It was almost a little bit of a comfort read. By FC standards, of course.

I like Nate. He's a wonderful character. Strong, compassionate, caring, of integrity. And boy, he has it bad for Mat. Exactly what Mat needs right now, his very own "no-matter-what"-promise. But things are not that easy, and that's actually a good thing. Otherwise any potential romance wouldn't be anyway near believable. I can't wait to see how things will go from here.

Still, this isn't exactly a light episode no matter what. Mat's free physically, but not mentally. He suffers from PTSD and worries about Dougie. And rightly so, going by the glimpses we get.

Fortunately there's someone from his "old" life who knows him well enough to help him. Those moments throughout the story were awesome and pulled at my heartstrings.

There's much nail biting in store for the readers in the near future going by the decision they made at the end of this episode.

And I have to come back once more to Nate and Mat. I liked their ever changing dynamics throughout the story very much. And one thing was pretty obvious, which I thought was very interesting, too: Nate is law enforment. But Mat is the warrior. And Nate knows. And likes. (which might be an understatement)

Ah, whatever. I CAN'T WAIT to read the last season. I'm so damn excited about it! And the month-long wait for every new episode will probably drive me nuts. o.O

[Dreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This excellent dark series continues.. FBI agent Nate Johnson is hosting a fourth of July celebration, amongst his guests are none other than Ty and Zane. A note at the end says we'll be meeting them again soon - lol, huh! Nate and partner Louise meet up with Mat who is recovering in a psychiatric ward in Florida.

Just signed up for the next season from Riptide Publishing.

[Puss'N'Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by PussnBooks.net



Review by Puss’n’Books. Reviewing the darkest, most erotic and taboo books we can find. Click HERE for your next disturbingly sexy read.


When you are looking for a new series of books to get lost in for a good period of time then this is the series you go to, okay?

BUT!!! Only if you can handle the darkest most depraved and violent thoughts and deeds from the blackest corners of the human mind.

This is the kind of series that makes you question your own morals because you enjoy reading it so much and can’t put it down.

This was not a story.
This was a journey.

I can guarantee you are not prepared for the huge range of feelings you are going to experience while you read the horrific journey of Dougie and Mat.

It took me a while to let this one settle enough in order to be able to write the review.
Shout out to ma girl Jill (you know who you are, lol) for recommending it to me *fist bump* I love and hate you in equal parts right now, lol.

DOUGIE
Dougie is Mat’s wee brother and although he’s in his early 20s I still found him fairy immature and, to a point, innocent.
He’s always looked up to Mat. Worshipped him in a way.

Ever since their parents died Mat has been looking out for him and taking the hard hits so that Dougie doesn’t have to. Sacrificing a lot.
He’s been sheltered and a little spoiled but he is still a sweet boy.
And he is about to undergo a dramatic change and experience things his wee mind could never have imagined.

You’d think that because he’s studying to become a psychologist he’d be more resilient to mind games and know what was going on but there are some things that are just too extreme for the human mind to take and stay intact.

He was just not cut out for the tough stuff.

MAT
I love Mat. Ever since their parents died he’s been working his ass off, missing out on things in order to make sure Dougie has everything he needs in order to make a good life for himself.
A nice home, college, food, emotional support.
Pretty much everything he does is 100% for Dougie.

This is the love of an older sibling who has had to step up and become two parents as well.

He’s an MMA/Cage fighter. Who just will not bow down and quit. He never stays down for long and he is gonna need that spirit for the future hell he goes through.

He and Dougie are pretty much opposites.

Guys...this is heartbreaking.
This whole story had me feeling every emotion.
Anger, hatred, pain, love, hope, desperation, joy...I could go on.

It is likely one of the most sickening stories I’ve read due to the rape and torture and degradation.
It manages to become more than just words on a page or someone else’s story.

Also, I gagged. A lot

NIKOLAI
This man is a master manipulator and has been tasked by one of his clients to find and train a very specific kind of man for a slave.

His client wants someone who will fight him a little but then give in in the end.

“He desires the appearance of danger, but not danger itself. He wishes you to fight, but he must also be assured that he can win those fights if he so chooses. A good slave learns to love service.

Nikolai is one of the best at what he does and what he does to these brothers...well you’ll see.
At times it was almost too hard to read.

SICK/SEX SCENES
I’m going to give you a wee look into the kind of stuff you can expect to read. I suspect that it’ll be too much for some, so be warned: TRIGGERS (although to be honest, this scene is one of the tamest ones in the book).

All he could see of Dougie was his legs, spread wide and pointing to the sky, ankles swallowed up by huge, grasping hands. Blocking him off was a man in all black, grunting and thrusting. Another stood farther away from Mat, and though Mat couldn’t see him, there was only one explanation for that angle: he was standing by Dougie’s turned head, fucking his face with deep, punishing strokes. The guard was still walking Mat forward, slowly, leash pulled taut. Mat was still playing along, at least for now. But as they got closer to the scene at the center of the stage, Mat realized that although Dougie was horizontal, he wasn’t lying on the couch. He was lying on top of a third man, Dougie’s back to the man’s chest. The man’s hands were wandering up and down Dougie’s chest, pinching his nipples, rubbing and tugging his balls and cock. Two cocks inside his ass. No wonder he was crying. “Tell the nice people how it feels, hole,” one of the men growled. The reply was a muffled howl. Sucking sounds. Mat stared, horrified and frozen, as the cock popped out of Dougie’s mouth. “Say it.” “It hurts, sir!” Dougie wailed. The man laughed—laughed—and squeezed Dougie’s balls until he screamed.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE FLESH CARTEL by Rachel Haimowitz
This one was pitch black. It very much reminded me of a M/M version of Life of Anna. And although it got to be a little repetitive by season 3 the introduction of new characters solved that from season 4 onwards.


GET IT FROM AMAZON UK HERE

GET IT FROM AMAZON USA HERE

[G.B. Gordon]

Muaaah, yes! I'm so ready for things to go right for Matt for a change.