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Third Son
American Niall Monroe accepts a new position in Hong Kong―a place he calls home―after being away for eight years. He hopes time and distance have convinced his closeted lover, Peter Wei, that they are a perfect match. But Peter has been put in an untenable position by his millionaire father.
James, Peter's younger brother, and Niall's best friend since they were schoolmates, encourages Niall to ditch his older brother and move on.
Local artist, Gerard Sun, never expected to see Niall again, but what happened in Sin City follows them across the globe.
Coming home seemed like a great idea until reality sets in. Niall finds himself a stranger in a familiar landscape, slammed on multiple fronts by broken promises, jealousy, intrigue, and unimaginable evil. As his dreams quickly turn into nightmares, Niall reaches out to new allies for support.
James, Peter's younger brother, and Niall's best friend since they were schoolmates, encourages Niall to ditch his older brother and move on.
Local artist, Gerard Sun, never expected to see Niall again, but what happened in Sin City follows them across the globe.
Coming home seemed like a great idea until reality sets in. Niall finds himself a stranger in a familiar landscape, slammed on multiple fronts by broken promises, jealousy, intrigue, and unimaginable evil. As his dreams quickly turn into nightmares, Niall reaches out to new allies for support.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2017
1 person is currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Mickie B. Ashling
51 books346 followersMICKIE B. ASHLING is the pseudonym of a multi-published author who resides in a suburb outside Chicago. She is a product of her upbringing in various cultures, having lived in Japan, the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East. Fluent in three languages, she’s a citizen of the world and an interesting mixture of East and West.
Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A lot of her backlist is “Under Construction” as she slowly transitions from traditional publishing to representing herself. Her goal is to have most of her novels back in the universe by the end of 2023.
CONTACT INFO:
Email: mickie.ashling@gmail.com
Website: mickieashling.com
Blog: mickiebashling.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling
Twitter: @MickieAshling
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/micki...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling/
Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. A lot of her backlist is “Under Construction” as she slowly transitions from traditional publishing to representing herself. Her goal is to have most of her novels back in the universe by the end of 2023.
CONTACT INFO:
Email: mickie.ashling@gmail.com
Website: mickieashling.com
Blog: mickiebashling.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling
Twitter: @MickieAshling
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/micki...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling/
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 2, 2017
Niall and Gerard. Told from Niall's pov and he gives an excellent view!
Niall is a successful businessman but very vulnerable in his love life.... for ever in love with Peter
Lost his virginity at fifteen to Peter who was six years older.
James is Peter's brother both from upper class society and influence family, James is best friends with a Niall from the time they were young.
"It was you I wanted, not the stuff you’re unable to give up.”
Gerard is an artist and celebrity, trying hard to persuade Niall. They hooked up once and Niall was clear about it. He was in love with Peter...
So....after months they meet again in a pub every head is turning toward Gerard when he enters the pub. Gerard has only eyes for Niall and Niall....not...still their paths crossed
In the difficulty of being gay in his culture Peter always made Niall his secret. His relationship with Peter has many ups and downs. Enough is enough and Niall ends it with Peter, and opens up to Gerard.
Then something disastrous happens....
It started real good and worked out, simultaneously in width and depth. With a dedication....i watched and smelled the environments in, it was absolutely gorgeous to experience.
The story was clear and captivating. Everything about it was good, only one part felt somewhat flat, even with a lot of terrible things going on... I couldn't feel the connections and emotions... Specially Niall and Gerard interactions, there was love, tears, anger and all kind of emotions but I couldn't really feel them...sometimes I hated Niall's cluelessness.
Overall I enjoyed this smoothly written story with suspense, intriguing relationships and unexpected turns.
Kindly received an ARC from NineStar Press
Niall is a successful businessman but very vulnerable in his love life.... for ever in love with Peter
Lost his virginity at fifteen to Peter who was six years older.
James is Peter's brother both from upper class society and influence family, James is best friends with a Niall from the time they were young.
"It was you I wanted, not the stuff you’re unable to give up.”
Gerard is an artist and celebrity, trying hard to persuade Niall. They hooked up once and Niall was clear about it. He was in love with Peter...
So....after months they meet again in a pub every head is turning toward Gerard when he enters the pub. Gerard has only eyes for Niall and Niall....not...still their paths crossed
In the difficulty of being gay in his culture Peter always made Niall his secret. His relationship with Peter has many ups and downs. Enough is enough and Niall ends it with Peter, and opens up to Gerard.
Then something disastrous happens....
It started real good and worked out, simultaneously in width and depth. With a dedication....i watched and smelled the environments in, it was absolutely gorgeous to experience.
The story was clear and captivating. Everything about it was good, only one part felt somewhat flat, even with a lot of terrible things going on... I couldn't feel the connections and emotions... Specially Niall and Gerard interactions, there was love, tears, anger and all kind of emotions but I couldn't really feel them...sometimes I hated Niall's cluelessness.
Overall I enjoyed this smoothly written story with suspense, intriguing relationships and unexpected turns.
Kindly received an ARC from NineStar Press
November 18, 2017
There are two arcs that dominate this book, the romance and the murder/mystery, and I enjoyed both. Did I have strong suspicions about who did what? Yes, I did, but it was an action packed ride with some nice sexy times as well. Once Niall developed a backbone – sorry Niall, but you were initially a pushover – and he fell for the lovely Gerard Sun, I was a happy camper.
There is a great atmosphere and sense of the here and now via culture and the sights in Third Son. From Victoria Harbour, Kowloon, to Buddhist temples, Macau, luxury hotels, eating out and the late night energy, to river dwellers, there’s a lovely backdrop set in and around Hong Kong throughout. I felt like I was there, and the author’s passion, knowledge and great world building added to that.
There is a little bit of a frenetic pace that occurs toward the latter part of the book, and I would have liked a bit of a deep breath taken, but you can’t deny the intensity of the story and the book.
“Aren’t we going too fast?”
“If life-altering events are the litmus test for relationships, then we’ve passed with flying colors. Why wait?”
Definitely, guys.
This is my first Mickie B Ashling book and I really enjoyed it. I like murder/mystery books anyway, and if you combine that with romance, gay romance, then I like it even more. There was a definite sense of place, a great passion for Hong Kong and it’s people. I really liked the two main characters, but I’m going to admit that I did have some Gerard love – he was brave and selfless and he said some charming and lovely things, and sometimes in the beginning Niall could speak without fully thinking things through. Together the two men born in the year of the dragon were a good match. There was a bit of, I guess, payback and satisfaction with the way things were wrapped up, and there’s a happy ending. Very nice reading in a great setting. 4 Stars!
Full review on the blog
There is a great atmosphere and sense of the here and now via culture and the sights in Third Son. From Victoria Harbour, Kowloon, to Buddhist temples, Macau, luxury hotels, eating out and the late night energy, to river dwellers, there’s a lovely backdrop set in and around Hong Kong throughout. I felt like I was there, and the author’s passion, knowledge and great world building added to that.
There is a little bit of a frenetic pace that occurs toward the latter part of the book, and I would have liked a bit of a deep breath taken, but you can’t deny the intensity of the story and the book.
“Aren’t we going too fast?”
“If life-altering events are the litmus test for relationships, then we’ve passed with flying colors. Why wait?”
Definitely, guys.
This is my first Mickie B Ashling book and I really enjoyed it. I like murder/mystery books anyway, and if you combine that with romance, gay romance, then I like it even more. There was a definite sense of place, a great passion for Hong Kong and it’s people. I really liked the two main characters, but I’m going to admit that I did have some Gerard love – he was brave and selfless and he said some charming and lovely things, and sometimes in the beginning Niall could speak without fully thinking things through. Together the two men born in the year of the dragon were a good match. There was a bit of, I guess, payback and satisfaction with the way things were wrapped up, and there’s a happy ending. Very nice reading in a great setting. 4 Stars!
Full review on the blog
October 22, 2017
Reviewed by Jenn for Diverse Reader
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I just have to say, I loved this book so much! I honestly wouldn’t change anything about it, it was a perfect mix of romance, drama, intrigue and suspense! I couldn’t put it down!
Niall Monroe is a beautiful, blue eyed American with red hair who grew up in Hong Kong. Niall has always felt like he was an outsider, he looks so different from the people he grew up with. Within the culture in which he feels at home, Niall speaks the language like a native, knows and understands the traditions, but never really feels like he belongs. I love Niall, but growing up in a world where he stood out so much has had a major impact on his heart and the way he sees himself. At 15, Niall falls for his best friend James’ older brother, 21 year old Peter Wei. The next 14 years of his life he will spend believing Peter is the love of his life even though much time goes by between seeing each other. Niall left Hong Kong for college in America and travels with his job. The two men have an open relationship and Peter takes much advantage of that situation. This “relationship” of theirs is seemingly very one sided.
Gerard Sun is just Niall’s type and when they meet in Vegas, sparks fly. The Asian artist is smart, sexy, interesting and fun, but Niall denies feeling anything more for the man than attraction and plans to leave things at their one night together. Gerard can’t forget the beautiful American “ginger” from Vegas and sees Niall again in Hong Kong, where Gerard lives. From the first moment we meet Gerard, I was on his side! This guy is hot, hot, hot and actually a really good guy too....irresistible!
Niall has finally seen the light and ended things with Peter and admits to a connection with Gerard. What happens next is a series of events that change EVERYTHING Niall ever thought he knew and felt! It’s such a great ride and I loved how the story develops into this really great suspenseful romance! This is my fourth book by this author in the last few months and she is quickly becoming a favorite!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I just have to say, I loved this book so much! I honestly wouldn’t change anything about it, it was a perfect mix of romance, drama, intrigue and suspense! I couldn’t put it down!
Niall Monroe is a beautiful, blue eyed American with red hair who grew up in Hong Kong. Niall has always felt like he was an outsider, he looks so different from the people he grew up with. Within the culture in which he feels at home, Niall speaks the language like a native, knows and understands the traditions, but never really feels like he belongs. I love Niall, but growing up in a world where he stood out so much has had a major impact on his heart and the way he sees himself. At 15, Niall falls for his best friend James’ older brother, 21 year old Peter Wei. The next 14 years of his life he will spend believing Peter is the love of his life even though much time goes by between seeing each other. Niall left Hong Kong for college in America and travels with his job. The two men have an open relationship and Peter takes much advantage of that situation. This “relationship” of theirs is seemingly very one sided.
Gerard Sun is just Niall’s type and when they meet in Vegas, sparks fly. The Asian artist is smart, sexy, interesting and fun, but Niall denies feeling anything more for the man than attraction and plans to leave things at their one night together. Gerard can’t forget the beautiful American “ginger” from Vegas and sees Niall again in Hong Kong, where Gerard lives. From the first moment we meet Gerard, I was on his side! This guy is hot, hot, hot and actually a really good guy too....irresistible!
Niall has finally seen the light and ended things with Peter and admits to a connection with Gerard. What happens next is a series of events that change EVERYTHING Niall ever thought he knew and felt! It’s such a great ride and I loved how the story develops into this really great suspenseful romance! This is my fourth book by this author in the last few months and she is quickly becoming a favorite!
November 9, 2023
Wonderful mystery!
October 12, 2017
I read this book with a bit of trepidation, and it turned out to be well-founded. This book is about Hong Kong, in a way, but it's about a Hong Kong from the past, almost, and it reads very much as a superior-white person in Hong Kong story. Our first-person MC even refers to his own Mandarin (which they would NOT be speaking in Hong Kong, they'd be speaking Cantonese, a fact that is easy to discover by doing a little research) as PERFECTLY ACCENTED, enough so to shock the Hong Konger saleswoman with how perfect it is. First off, that's such a white thought process, a need to show that the white man has mastered something as difficult as the Chinese language (or at least a dialect of it, though i'm not sure the author knows there's more than one?).
The Asian characters were fetishized throughout the entire book. It was cringeworthy how much they were. If it wasn't the vague references to how much the white MC loves Asian men, then it was the fact that literally almost every Asian character that we meet in the story is in love with/wants/envies the white MC. That's ridiculous and is another form of idolizing whiteness, centering whiteness. There are elements of the culture presented with the potential to be very interesting, but even then the author can't present them without reminding us how at home in Hong Kong he is, how much our MC is basically like a Hong Konger even though he's white. His awesome understanding of Buddhism, his ability to behave in a way that perfectly matches cultural expectations at a funeral. The MC is comfortable in Hong Kong, okay, we get it. Jeez.
The romance was weak and unbelievable, the storyline building to K-drama proportions, enough that suspension of belief was all but impossible. I wish I knew what "sexiness" other readers saw, because the mechanics of the sex scenes made absolutely zero sense. "he jerked his dick out of his mouth"...Uh, does the author know how blowjobs go? I don't think anyone is jerking anything out of someone's mouth. That's just asking for pain.
And rep? It's terrible rep. The gay characters--the MC, his dead ex, his new lover (who he emotionally connects to within hours of his abusive ex boyfriend's death--are all TERRIBLE people. Don't get me started on bi rep, but let me say that bi people come off as manipulative monsters in this story.
The plot is nonsensical and impossible to follow, with so many "red herrings" thrown in that their use becomes nothing more than unaddressed or glazed over plot holes left lying in the narrative. The resolution makes no sense, and it is utterly deus ex machina. There's a scene where the MC spends, by the author's own timing, what has to be several hours in the ocean, and yet is perfectly okay. Uh...no.
The Asian characters were fetishized throughout the entire book. It was cringeworthy how much they were. If it wasn't the vague references to how much the white MC loves Asian men, then it was the fact that literally almost every Asian character that we meet in the story is in love with/wants/envies the white MC. That's ridiculous and is another form of idolizing whiteness, centering whiteness. There are elements of the culture presented with the potential to be very interesting, but even then the author can't present them without reminding us how at home in Hong Kong he is, how much our MC is basically like a Hong Konger even though he's white. His awesome understanding of Buddhism, his ability to behave in a way that perfectly matches cultural expectations at a funeral. The MC is comfortable in Hong Kong, okay, we get it. Jeez.
The romance was weak and unbelievable, the storyline building to K-drama proportions, enough that suspension of belief was all but impossible. I wish I knew what "sexiness" other readers saw, because the mechanics of the sex scenes made absolutely zero sense. "he jerked his dick out of his mouth"...Uh, does the author know how blowjobs go? I don't think anyone is jerking anything out of someone's mouth. That's just asking for pain.
And rep? It's terrible rep. The gay characters--the MC, his dead ex, his new lover (who he emotionally connects to within hours of his abusive ex boyfriend's death--are all TERRIBLE people. Don't get me started on bi rep, but let me say that bi people come off as manipulative monsters in this story.
The plot is nonsensical and impossible to follow, with so many "red herrings" thrown in that their use becomes nothing more than unaddressed or glazed over plot holes left lying in the narrative. The resolution makes no sense, and it is utterly deus ex machina. There's a scene where the MC spends, by the author's own timing, what has to be several hours in the ocean, and yet is perfectly okay. Uh...no.
September 27, 2017
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance copy of this awesome book. I think that this story proves that Ms Ashling is an author to watch out for. This mystery/romance shows readers just how versatile the author is.
Niall is looking for a forever love but thinks that Peter just is not going to break free from his traditional Chinese family. Niall, being very insecure, takes up with Gerard who is a popular artist. The fur flies when Peter is found dead. Everyone is a suspect as bodies pile up and love becomes elusive.
Ms Ashling has the uncanny ability to grow her characters a the story moves on. I got a healthy dose of Chinese culture and familial expectations from this must read story.
Niall is looking for a forever love but thinks that Peter just is not going to break free from his traditional Chinese family. Niall, being very insecure, takes up with Gerard who is a popular artist. The fur flies when Peter is found dead. Everyone is a suspect as bodies pile up and love becomes elusive.
Ms Ashling has the uncanny ability to grow her characters a the story moves on. I got a healthy dose of Chinese culture and familial expectations from this must read story.
November 2, 2017
Third Son by Mickie B. Ashling was one of those stories that just kept surprising me. With what turned out to be a fairly intricate plot and a steady stream of jolting left turns, this novel delivered on the action, and them some. While the romance aspect, in particular the chemistry between Niall and Gerard, felt a bit forced at times I can honestly say that the mystery element alone held me enthralled. Don’t get me wrong, I liked the paring of Gerard and Niall; I just thought theirs was a romance that never seemed to have enough time to become as solid as the novel projected it to be by story’s end. Despite that being a bit disjointed, the plotline itself was fascinating and exciting, and puts this novel right up there with many of my favorites.
The story begins with the revelation that Niall has been a naughty bit on the side, and a dirty little secret of the son of one of the most wealthy and influential families in Hong Kong. Peter essentially treats Niall like dirt, and Niall, while hating it, also is addicted to it, and the man himself. He is blindly in love with the guy who took his virginity many years before, and now accepts any crumbs of affection and stolen moments of contact he can get.
After being in the states for several years, Niall returns to Hong Kong, and while he is reluctant to walk back into the secretive relationship that Peter offers, he is loathe to end it as well. Trapped in this no-end relationship, Niall catches sight of a former one-night-stand who has decided to pursue him, and this prompts a reckless Peter to confront Niall. But Peter is bound by family honor and must marry, effectively ending his relationship with Niall. Or so Niall thinks.
As pressure builds around Peter to marry, and Niall finally decides he must break free of their entanglement, all hell begins to break loose. Suddenly Peter is dead, Gerard is there to help Niall pick up the pieces, and someone is stalking one or both of them and wants them dead.
At first, I was rather unhappy that Niall seemed to be a doormat for Peter, who took abusing his lover to a whole new level—not necessarily physically but definitely emotionally. But as the plot unfolded, I got exactly why the author chose to make Niall so needy, and essentially, that idea cleared the way for the rather immediate connection he had with Gerard, who also was the alpha male character in their fledgling relationship. I must also admit here that Niall surprised me—he took quite the beating, and then some, in this novel, and kept on going when a weaker man would have definitely thrown in the towel.
If you are looking for a great romance here, you will be disappointed. Yes, there is definitely a romantic element, but it is almost a sidebar to the action and mystery that evolves at lightning speed. That is what makes this novel so exciting; it keeps you guessing from beginning to end. Once I was sure I had it figured out, the author would floor me with yet another attack that you thought the bad guy would never get away with, and somehow does.
Third Son is a shocking tale of intrigue and suspense, and one that mystery lovers will most definitely enjoy. I would recommend it for the action story it is, one that delivers on its promise.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
The story begins with the revelation that Niall has been a naughty bit on the side, and a dirty little secret of the son of one of the most wealthy and influential families in Hong Kong. Peter essentially treats Niall like dirt, and Niall, while hating it, also is addicted to it, and the man himself. He is blindly in love with the guy who took his virginity many years before, and now accepts any crumbs of affection and stolen moments of contact he can get.
After being in the states for several years, Niall returns to Hong Kong, and while he is reluctant to walk back into the secretive relationship that Peter offers, he is loathe to end it as well. Trapped in this no-end relationship, Niall catches sight of a former one-night-stand who has decided to pursue him, and this prompts a reckless Peter to confront Niall. But Peter is bound by family honor and must marry, effectively ending his relationship with Niall. Or so Niall thinks.
As pressure builds around Peter to marry, and Niall finally decides he must break free of their entanglement, all hell begins to break loose. Suddenly Peter is dead, Gerard is there to help Niall pick up the pieces, and someone is stalking one or both of them and wants them dead.
At first, I was rather unhappy that Niall seemed to be a doormat for Peter, who took abusing his lover to a whole new level—not necessarily physically but definitely emotionally. But as the plot unfolded, I got exactly why the author chose to make Niall so needy, and essentially, that idea cleared the way for the rather immediate connection he had with Gerard, who also was the alpha male character in their fledgling relationship. I must also admit here that Niall surprised me—he took quite the beating, and then some, in this novel, and kept on going when a weaker man would have definitely thrown in the towel.
If you are looking for a great romance here, you will be disappointed. Yes, there is definitely a romantic element, but it is almost a sidebar to the action and mystery that evolves at lightning speed. That is what makes this novel so exciting; it keeps you guessing from beginning to end. Once I was sure I had it figured out, the author would floor me with yet another attack that you thought the bad guy would never get away with, and somehow does.
Third Son is a shocking tale of intrigue and suspense, and one that mystery lovers will most definitely enjoy. I would recommend it for the action story it is, one that delivers on its promise.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
November 18, 2017
Mickie B. Ashling has penned another winner with this engrossing tale of an American raised in China, who seeks to unite the two halves of himself while solidifying his relationship with his Chinese lover. This excellent and atmospheric story unfolds through the eyes of Niall, the estranged American, and is a masterly blend of romance, mystery, and intrigue. Loved it!
Niall Monroe returns to Hong Kong after spending his collegiate years in America hoping he and his longtime lover, Peter Wei, will finally have a monogamous, open relationship. Peter is the first son of an affluent Chinese family and Niall’s best friend, James, is the second son of that family. Raised alongside the brothers, Niall’s frequent presence at the Wei mansion prompted their father to refer to Niall as his “third son.” Niall has always felt like a stranger in America, but despite his excellent understanding of Chinese culture and language, his blue eyes still make him an outsider in the country his heart holds dear, China. Not certain where he belongs, Niall only knows that he wants to belong to Peter. A work trip to Hong Kong becomes an opportunity to solidify his future and determine with whom and where he belongs, but the journey "home" holds much more than he realizes.
There is a lot of story here, what with the inner dynamics of affluent Chinese families revealed, one-time hook-ups becoming contenders for Niall’s heart, jealousy becoming a catalyst for murder attempts and more, but the material is handled brilliantly by the author, who delivers a book that is sure to thrill. Beautifully understated passages on the exotic Hong Kong environment serve as a perfect backdrop for this compelling tale that unfolds like the leaves of an artichoke; a splendid mix of silk and subtlety that winningly reveal a succulent, vibrant, and oh-so-tasty heart.
I loved pretty much every character in this book; they are each so individual and dynamic! Even the supporting bodyguard characters are great and lent a bewitching underworld thrill to the story; so much so that I kind of want a spin-off about Shun, Peter’s bodyguard. With such an incredible variety of temperamental characters, I was hard pressed to guess the friends from the foes, which added to the excitement of the read. The hotness factor of this tale is high, sex and good looks abound, but it is the engaging interactions between the characters and the timing and flow of the writing that kept me turning page after page wondering how the story would play out… who is the bad guy? Who will win Niall’s heart? This is a terrific multi-cultural story, especially for those looking for some substance with their romance!
Thank you, Mickie B. Ashling, for taking me on an unforgettable trip to China, where I got to "be" so many dazzling and exciting characters and solve a mystery to boot!
“Smart, Hot, Intriguing!”
Niall Monroe returns to Hong Kong after spending his collegiate years in America hoping he and his longtime lover, Peter Wei, will finally have a monogamous, open relationship. Peter is the first son of an affluent Chinese family and Niall’s best friend, James, is the second son of that family. Raised alongside the brothers, Niall’s frequent presence at the Wei mansion prompted their father to refer to Niall as his “third son.” Niall has always felt like a stranger in America, but despite his excellent understanding of Chinese culture and language, his blue eyes still make him an outsider in the country his heart holds dear, China. Not certain where he belongs, Niall only knows that he wants to belong to Peter. A work trip to Hong Kong becomes an opportunity to solidify his future and determine with whom and where he belongs, but the journey "home" holds much more than he realizes.
There is a lot of story here, what with the inner dynamics of affluent Chinese families revealed, one-time hook-ups becoming contenders for Niall’s heart, jealousy becoming a catalyst for murder attempts and more, but the material is handled brilliantly by the author, who delivers a book that is sure to thrill. Beautifully understated passages on the exotic Hong Kong environment serve as a perfect backdrop for this compelling tale that unfolds like the leaves of an artichoke; a splendid mix of silk and subtlety that winningly reveal a succulent, vibrant, and oh-so-tasty heart.
I loved pretty much every character in this book; they are each so individual and dynamic! Even the supporting bodyguard characters are great and lent a bewitching underworld thrill to the story; so much so that I kind of want a spin-off about Shun, Peter’s bodyguard. With such an incredible variety of temperamental characters, I was hard pressed to guess the friends from the foes, which added to the excitement of the read. The hotness factor of this tale is high, sex and good looks abound, but it is the engaging interactions between the characters and the timing and flow of the writing that kept me turning page after page wondering how the story would play out… who is the bad guy? Who will win Niall’s heart? This is a terrific multi-cultural story, especially for those looking for some substance with their romance!
Thank you, Mickie B. Ashling, for taking me on an unforgettable trip to China, where I got to "be" so many dazzling and exciting characters and solve a mystery to boot!
“Smart, Hot, Intriguing!”
October 4, 2017
I have to start off by saying that Mickie is a personal friend and I have been one of her beta readers for a while now.
Third Son is Mickie’s latest novel which is set in Hong Kong, a place I have never visited. However, I feel like I really know the city now as Mickie has really created a wonderful atmosphere in this story of mystery and romance.
Niall, a successful businessman, has always been in love with Peter, James is Peter’s brother and is Niall’s best friend. Gerard is a successful artist and wants Niall. This is getting complicated, to say the least.
Being gay in Hong Kong and in a traditional Asian family is not acceptable. Peter is expected to be successful, to marry and to carry on the family name with honour. Niall is his lover and his secret.
Then Peter dies….
The book, as with all of Mickie’s other stories, is well researched and brilliantly written.
Third Son is a book that I have read several times and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Third Son is Mickie’s latest novel which is set in Hong Kong, a place I have never visited. However, I feel like I really know the city now as Mickie has really created a wonderful atmosphere in this story of mystery and romance.
Niall, a successful businessman, has always been in love with Peter, James is Peter’s brother and is Niall’s best friend. Gerard is a successful artist and wants Niall. This is getting complicated, to say the least.
Being gay in Hong Kong and in a traditional Asian family is not acceptable. Peter is expected to be successful, to marry and to carry on the family name with honour. Niall is his lover and his secret.
Then Peter dies….
The book, as with all of Mickie’s other stories, is well researched and brilliantly written.
Third Son is a book that I have read several times and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
November 26, 2021
Why in the world hadn't I read this sooner??? I've had it on my computer for a LONG time now.
WOW! What a ride this story is! If you like romance, drama, suspense, whodunnit, fast-paced at times, mystery, then this is for you. I super highly recommend it. Then again, it's an Ashling story.
This is a must-read author for me.
WOW! What a ride this story is! If you like romance, drama, suspense, whodunnit, fast-paced at times, mystery, then this is for you. I super highly recommend it. Then again, it's an Ashling story.
This is a must-read author for me.
January 4, 2018
I'm not really sure how I feel about this book. I was told there were a few errors as far as the language, but seeing as I really know nothing much about the Chinese culture, I can't really say much about it. I can say though, that at first I was into the book, but then it started becoming like a soap opera for me or almost like being in high school at some points. The whole if I can't have you no one will thing…..no. And normally violence in a book doesn't bother me, I like shoot outs and bloody things, but when one of the main characters is almost raped twice by brothers because of jealousy and such, that leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
The story is Niall, returns to Hong Kong after being away for schooling and such. He was raised in Hong Kong so he feels at home here even though he looks American. Bright red hair and blue eyes, he tends to stand out. He's hoping to pick things up with Peter, his on again off again lover, and make it more permanent. But pressures from Peter’s family cause the opposite to happen. They have a huge fight and things have ended for good this time. But not before Peter turns violent against Niall. During this, Niall runs into a fling he had while in the states, painter Gerard. It becomes a twisted thing. Peter is pissed about it, even though he's sleeping with everyone under the sun and wants to keep Niall as his dirty little secret. Gerard knows there is something special between he and Niall and wants to see where things go. And to make matters worse, James, Peter's brother is getting upset that Gerard has taken Peter's spot in Niall's life. Peter decides to come clean and out so they can be together, and dies in the process. James has become more evil than Niall can possibly imagine, trying to kill him several times. And the people Niall actually thought were his adopted family, truly hate him and blame everything including the reason Peter had to die on him. It's a plot of twists, betrayals, murder and drama.
I don't know where to start with the characters. I like Niall. To me he truly was innocent yet naive in this. He pinned his hopes and love on a selfish, spoiled rich boy, who really only wanted him at his beck and call for sex. Peter was a dick. He used Niall and when he didn't get his way, he turned violent and almost raped Niall. James, was a sadistic bastard. He got tired of being Peter's shadow, when he was the one doing all the work and calling all the shots. So when Peter died, he thought he finally got to have Niall. When that didn't go his way, he tried to rape Niall and then tried to kill him repeatedly. Then he tried to kill Gerard, for taking the spot that should have been his. Gerard was the only one who really wanted Niall for Niall. But with all the drama it was hard to be together. It bothered me that they bounced so quickly into a relationship too. They had one fling in Vegas and then Niall came home. Gerard basically stalked Niall to find him to see him again. And minutes after Peter and Niall finally called it quits, Niall was in Gerard's arms. A little too quick for my tastes. It just seemed like a soap opera gone wrong or an adult version of high school. The brothers were spoilt rotten brats who couldn't handle being told no. If I was Niall, I would have told them all to piss off. From the beginning.
Some people really like this book, some don't. Personally, I'm still flummoxed. It's definitely not one I will want to read again. Anyway. Happy reading!
The story is Niall, returns to Hong Kong after being away for schooling and such. He was raised in Hong Kong so he feels at home here even though he looks American. Bright red hair and blue eyes, he tends to stand out. He's hoping to pick things up with Peter, his on again off again lover, and make it more permanent. But pressures from Peter’s family cause the opposite to happen. They have a huge fight and things have ended for good this time. But not before Peter turns violent against Niall. During this, Niall runs into a fling he had while in the states, painter Gerard. It becomes a twisted thing. Peter is pissed about it, even though he's sleeping with everyone under the sun and wants to keep Niall as his dirty little secret. Gerard knows there is something special between he and Niall and wants to see where things go. And to make matters worse, James, Peter's brother is getting upset that Gerard has taken Peter's spot in Niall's life. Peter decides to come clean and out so they can be together, and dies in the process. James has become more evil than Niall can possibly imagine, trying to kill him several times. And the people Niall actually thought were his adopted family, truly hate him and blame everything including the reason Peter had to die on him. It's a plot of twists, betrayals, murder and drama.
I don't know where to start with the characters. I like Niall. To me he truly was innocent yet naive in this. He pinned his hopes and love on a selfish, spoiled rich boy, who really only wanted him at his beck and call for sex. Peter was a dick. He used Niall and when he didn't get his way, he turned violent and almost raped Niall. James, was a sadistic bastard. He got tired of being Peter's shadow, when he was the one doing all the work and calling all the shots. So when Peter died, he thought he finally got to have Niall. When that didn't go his way, he tried to rape Niall and then tried to kill him repeatedly. Then he tried to kill Gerard, for taking the spot that should have been his. Gerard was the only one who really wanted Niall for Niall. But with all the drama it was hard to be together. It bothered me that they bounced so quickly into a relationship too. They had one fling in Vegas and then Niall came home. Gerard basically stalked Niall to find him to see him again. And minutes after Peter and Niall finally called it quits, Niall was in Gerard's arms. A little too quick for my tastes. It just seemed like a soap opera gone wrong or an adult version of high school. The brothers were spoilt rotten brats who couldn't handle being told no. If I was Niall, I would have told them all to piss off. From the beginning.
Some people really like this book, some don't. Personally, I'm still flummoxed. It's definitely not one I will want to read again. Anyway. Happy reading!
December 6, 2018
4.25 Stars
September 28, 2019
My review went Poof.
I don't recall the exact date I read.
The romance, while nice, was a little strong a little to fast.
Gerard was all in before I thought he should have been.
It's been a couple of weeks since I read, but I think it was a little ott.
But it was very entertaining and I enjoyed it.
I don't recall the exact date I read.
The romance, while nice, was a little strong a little to fast.
Gerard was all in before I thought he should have been.
It's been a couple of weeks since I read, but I think it was a little ott.
But it was very entertaining and I enjoyed it.
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