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Ravens #1
Black and Brown
Grace’s composed, yet lethal disposition balances his partner Mirage’s impulsive nature, creating a duo—the second-generation Brown Ravens—with the potential for greatness.
Grace was one of the most decorated sharpshooters in the Marines. He’s fiercely committed to righting the wrongs that plague the world and protecting the innocent.
But there are too many rules and strict orders in the armed forces the Ravens don’t have.
Mirage left his world without a trace.
He has a brilliant mind and more degrees in science and medicine than one person could ever hope to obtain.
Now that the Ravens are done administering their treatments, Mirage can throw knives so fast they turn into phantom blades before he disappears in a way that leaves his enemies in chaos and confusion. And Grace can hit a target from three miles away.
When together, their form of silent communication in the field is astonishing. Grace’s subtle body movements speak their own language and his long, intense stares into Mirage’s grey eyes have created a special bond neither of them saw coming.
A forbidden romance that won’t stop them from being the second-best assassins in the world.
Triggers: Violence
Grace was one of the most decorated sharpshooters in the Marines. He’s fiercely committed to righting the wrongs that plague the world and protecting the innocent.
But there are too many rules and strict orders in the armed forces the Ravens don’t have.
Mirage left his world without a trace.
He has a brilliant mind and more degrees in science and medicine than one person could ever hope to obtain.
Now that the Ravens are done administering their treatments, Mirage can throw knives so fast they turn into phantom blades before he disappears in a way that leaves his enemies in chaos and confusion. And Grace can hit a target from three miles away.
When together, their form of silent communication in the field is astonishing. Grace’s subtle body movements speak their own language and his long, intense stares into Mirage’s grey eyes have created a special bond neither of them saw coming.
A forbidden romance that won’t stop them from being the second-best assassins in the world.
Triggers: Violence
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2024
273 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Via
49 books3,240 followersA.E. Via is an author in the beautiful gay romance genre and also founder and owner of Via Star Wings Books. Her writing embodies everything from hopelessly romantic to spicy to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.
When she's not clicking away at her laptop, she devotes herself to her family--a husband and four children.
Adrienne Via has tons of more stories to tell, but she really would like to hear yours. Via Star Wings Books is currently accepting submissions for established and aspiring LGBTQ authors. I've contracted and successfully published a couple authors - whose information can be found on my website - who can tell you that my passion is giving other writer's stories the love and care it deserves so it could be a gift to another. Visit my site to learn more!
Go to A.E. Via's official website http://authoraevia.com for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peak on upcoming work, free reads, VSWB submissions, and where she'll appear next.
When she's not clicking away at her laptop, she devotes herself to her family--a husband and four children.
Adrienne Via has tons of more stories to tell, but she really would like to hear yours. Via Star Wings Books is currently accepting submissions for established and aspiring LGBTQ authors. I've contracted and successfully published a couple authors - whose information can be found on my website - who can tell you that my passion is giving other writer's stories the love and care it deserves so it could be a gift to another. Visit my site to learn more!
Go to A.E. Via's official website http://authoraevia.com for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peak on upcoming work, free reads, VSWB submissions, and where she'll appear next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
October 20, 2024
Such a fabulous concept, but the writing was disjointed and the entire story felt shaky. This is an odd book to classify. Part super soldier, part paranormal, part government conspiracy?
The story opens with Mirage/Matthew, in a military mental institution after seeing his parents brutal murder. He is a genius, just like his father was.
“You have a PhD in osteopathic medicine and psychiatry, two master’s degrees, one in neurology, the other in pathology.”
He is offered the chance seek justice and is soon whisked off to a secret government lab. He is injected with a secret serum that alters his physiological states. He is partnered up with another super soldier named Grace.
Grace/Grayson (39) was a decorated sniper in the Marine Corps Special Forces before joining this team. He rarely speaks.
Mirage and Grace are able to understand each other nonverbally. Their working relationship reminded me of a tango dance. Precise, smooth, constantly in motion, and glued together.
Not to hint of much romance until around the 35% mark, then it’s so oddly written. Other than the well-written, fighting action scenes, there was a flow issue with the overall story. Large time jumps add nothing to the story.
I have loved some of Via’s stories, but this was a disappointment.
The story opens with Mirage/Matthew, in a military mental institution after seeing his parents brutal murder. He is a genius, just like his father was.
“You have a PhD in osteopathic medicine and psychiatry, two master’s degrees, one in neurology, the other in pathology.”
He is offered the chance seek justice and is soon whisked off to a secret government lab. He is injected with a secret serum that alters his physiological states. He is partnered up with another super soldier named Grace.
Grace/Grayson (39) was a decorated sniper in the Marine Corps Special Forces before joining this team. He rarely speaks.
Mirage and Grace are able to understand each other nonverbally. Their working relationship reminded me of a tango dance. Precise, smooth, constantly in motion, and glued together.
Not to hint of much romance until around the 35% mark, then it’s so oddly written. Other than the well-written, fighting action scenes, there was a flow issue with the overall story. Large time jumps add nothing to the story.
I have loved some of Via’s stories, but this was a disappointment.
October 21, 2024
Awesome start of a new series!! Can't wait to read the next one... Hurry up please 🥺
October 22, 2024
Usually love A.E’s writing but something was off/missing from this book. It missed the mark for me but it’s an ok read.
January 30, 2026
Ну і нахіба й без того не вражаюча книга зробила фінт посередині, після якого можна було хіба що пускати її на орігамі та паперові сніжинки. Мовчу вже про ШІшну обкладинку, яка взагалі не про зміст книги, вза-га-лі.
February 23, 2026
3.75-4⭐️. There is a broader context to this plot, if the next book weaves together tall the threads, this rating might change!
The core hook is refreshingly unhinged: the Ravens programme recruits skilled men with grief and trauma in their bones. Men already cracked open by loss, already primed for a system that promises purpose, structure, and a way to turn pain into usefulness. Then the programme does what programmes like this just randomly do: it optimises. Serums. Enhancements. Emotional flattening. The creation of something Robocop-adjacent, Captain America-adjacent…except the cost is emotional core-self. What you get is lethal efficiency, and a haunting question sitting behind every mission briefing: who benefits from turning human beings into tools? What sounds like a great political thriller plot, is used here mainly as a framework for a romance. you have to decide if that's enough..
Grace and Mirage are where this book really wins me over. Their bond is built on something more invasive than attraction: tethering. They’re not just partners; they’re wired into each other—heartbeat, presence, thought-adjacent instinct. It’s intimacy as a biological condition. And that makes the romance feel less like “we fell in love” and more like “the programme tried to erase you, and somehow you still found a way back to feeling—through me.” Their connection becomes this quiet rebellion: a proof that you can engineer the body, but controlling the heart is another war entirely (yeah, I know corny). 😂 Would it have profited from more pages and room to breath and a slow burn that was, actually, centre-stage? Yes, absolutely. But for being on the shorter side, this still worked well for me.
On the plot side, I genuinely enjoyed how the book pulled the camera back to show the bigger machine: the elite secrecy, the “dirty work” mandate, the sense that of course something is fishy when an organisation is that hidden and that powerful. Watching the Browns align with the Blacks gives the story a little paranoid momentum that’s fun. The discoveries and the creeping implication of internal corruption scratches that “how deep does this go?” itch perfectly. Could this have profited from more intricacy, more complications, more mysteries? Yes…but again, it still worked for me.
I don't want to sugarcoat the flaws or shortcomings. Yes, the pacing could have been different. This is the kind of premise that begs for room to breathe, because the emotional pivot deserves more on-page transition than it gets. The time skips do a lot of heavy lifting, and sometimes I felt the story moving me from Point A to Point D without letting me live in B and C long enough. It didn’t ruin the experience for me, but it did make parts of the relationship progression feel more like an established fact than an earned development.
Still: as a palate cleanser, this hit right. It’s intense without being exhausting, solid-concept without drowning in its own lore, and the character dynamic is compelling enough that I didn’t mind the narrative shortcuts as much as I normally would. The leitmotifs are interesting, grief as recruitment tool, autonomy versus programming, intimacy as survival, and loyalty versus manipulation.
If you want an action-forward MM bite-sized snack with a bond beyond friendship or companionship, morally murky systems, and two assassins slowly realising their each other’s last remaining soft place...this is absolutely worth the ride.
The core hook is refreshingly unhinged: the Ravens programme recruits skilled men with grief and trauma in their bones. Men already cracked open by loss, already primed for a system that promises purpose, structure, and a way to turn pain into usefulness. Then the programme does what programmes like this just randomly do: it optimises. Serums. Enhancements. Emotional flattening. The creation of something Robocop-adjacent, Captain America-adjacent…except the cost is emotional core-self. What you get is lethal efficiency, and a haunting question sitting behind every mission briefing: who benefits from turning human beings into tools? What sounds like a great political thriller plot, is used here mainly as a framework for a romance. you have to decide if that's enough..
Grace and Mirage are where this book really wins me over. Their bond is built on something more invasive than attraction: tethering. They’re not just partners; they’re wired into each other—heartbeat, presence, thought-adjacent instinct. It’s intimacy as a biological condition. And that makes the romance feel less like “we fell in love” and more like “the programme tried to erase you, and somehow you still found a way back to feeling—through me.” Their connection becomes this quiet rebellion: a proof that you can engineer the body, but controlling the heart is another war entirely (yeah, I know corny). 😂 Would it have profited from more pages and room to breath and a slow burn that was, actually, centre-stage? Yes, absolutely. But for being on the shorter side, this still worked well for me.
On the plot side, I genuinely enjoyed how the book pulled the camera back to show the bigger machine: the elite secrecy, the “dirty work” mandate, the sense that of course something is fishy when an organisation is that hidden and that powerful. Watching the Browns align with the Blacks gives the story a little paranoid momentum that’s fun. The discoveries and the creeping implication of internal corruption scratches that “how deep does this go?” itch perfectly. Could this have profited from more intricacy, more complications, more mysteries? Yes…but again, it still worked for me.
I don't want to sugarcoat the flaws or shortcomings. Yes, the pacing could have been different. This is the kind of premise that begs for room to breathe, because the emotional pivot deserves more on-page transition than it gets. The time skips do a lot of heavy lifting, and sometimes I felt the story moving me from Point A to Point D without letting me live in B and C long enough. It didn’t ruin the experience for me, but it did make parts of the relationship progression feel more like an established fact than an earned development.
Still: as a palate cleanser, this hit right. It’s intense without being exhausting, solid-concept without drowning in its own lore, and the character dynamic is compelling enough that I didn’t mind the narrative shortcuts as much as I normally would. The leitmotifs are interesting, grief as recruitment tool, autonomy versus programming, intimacy as survival, and loyalty versus manipulation.
If you want an action-forward MM bite-sized snack with a bond beyond friendship or companionship, morally murky systems, and two assassins slowly realising their each other’s last remaining soft place...this is absolutely worth the ride.
February 4, 2026
3.5 rating -
This one is for the Nothing Special / Ex & Meridian lovers who wanted something darker, deadlier, and even more emotionally intense. This series truly feels like the next evolution of that world — but with assassins, silent communication, and a bond that hits on a soul-deep level.
Grace and Mirage are the Brown Ravens — a sharpshooter and a phantom blade who move with subtle signals, long stares, and unspoken trust that made me feel like I was watching two people who don’t just work together… they breathe together.
What I loved most is how this story balances:
high-stakes missions ➜ quiet intimacy ➜ lethal devotion ➜ forbidden feelings. However , the story was off to a slow start - the story picked up like in middle of the book , It was hard rating this at 3.5 but I am hoping the next is top tier
There’s something incredibly powerful about the way Grace’s calm, controlled nature steadies Mirage’s impulsive chaos. Their connection builds in the smallest moments — a glance, a shift in posture, the way they anticipate each other in the field. It’s intimate without words, and that made the romance feel incredibly intense and believable.
And then you layer in the Ravens world — morally gray, mission-driven, no red tape, no rules — and it becomes impossible to look away.
🎧 Narration: These guys were absolutely amazing for what they had .
Aiden Snow and Tim Paige absolutely owned this.
Aiden brings that grounded, steady, protective presence that is so Grace.
Tim gives Mirage that sharp edge, intelligence, and quiet intensity that fits him perfectly. Together, the performance mirrors the same balance the characters have.
This one is for the Nothing Special / Ex & Meridian lovers who wanted something darker, deadlier, and even more emotionally intense. This series truly feels like the next evolution of that world — but with assassins, silent communication, and a bond that hits on a soul-deep level.
Grace and Mirage are the Brown Ravens — a sharpshooter and a phantom blade who move with subtle signals, long stares, and unspoken trust that made me feel like I was watching two people who don’t just work together… they breathe together.
What I loved most is how this story balances:
high-stakes missions ➜ quiet intimacy ➜ lethal devotion ➜ forbidden feelings. However , the story was off to a slow start - the story picked up like in middle of the book , It was hard rating this at 3.5 but I am hoping the next is top tier
There’s something incredibly powerful about the way Grace’s calm, controlled nature steadies Mirage’s impulsive chaos. Their connection builds in the smallest moments — a glance, a shift in posture, the way they anticipate each other in the field. It’s intimate without words, and that made the romance feel incredibly intense and believable.
And then you layer in the Ravens world — morally gray, mission-driven, no red tape, no rules — and it becomes impossible to look away.
🎧 Narration: These guys were absolutely amazing for what they had .
Aiden Snow and Tim Paige absolutely owned this.
Aiden brings that grounded, steady, protective presence that is so Grace.
Tim gives Mirage that sharp edge, intelligence, and quiet intensity that fits him perfectly. Together, the performance mirrors the same balance the characters have.
January 20, 2025
Fun start to a new series!
I love the way A.E. Via delivers action, passion, and a packed storyline. Can't wait to see what comes up next for the Ravens. Guaranteed it's going to be explosive!
Multiple POV, action adventure, suspense, humor, sexy times, and a set up ending setting up the next book. Let's goooo!
I love the way A.E. Via delivers action, passion, and a packed storyline. Can't wait to see what comes up next for the Ravens. Guaranteed it's going to be explosive!
Multiple POV, action adventure, suspense, humor, sexy times, and a set up ending setting up the next book. Let's goooo!
August 15, 2025
4⭐️
Great start to the Ravens series! Grace/Grayson and Mirage/Matthew have an amazing and intense partnership. Their relationship, while a slow-burn, is really satisfying to watch develop. I also loved the world-building; it’s detailed without feeling overwhelming. Overall, a strong start that makes me excited to keep reading the series.
Great start to the Ravens series! Grace/Grayson and Mirage/Matthew have an amazing and intense partnership. Their relationship, while a slow-burn, is really satisfying to watch develop. I also loved the world-building; it’s detailed without feeling overwhelming. Overall, a strong start that makes me excited to keep reading the series.
October 13, 2024
Omg! She has done it again.... I just love the ravens universe and it just keeps getting better. Grace and Mirage are just so darn made for each other. I love it!
March 3, 2025
4.5 stars
I LOVED Grace and Mirage’s story! Grace is former Marine sniper and Mirage is a former combat medic. Both men recruited to become a member of the Ravens. Enhanced individuals who deliver justice to the threats who don’t pay for the atrocities they dole out to innocent people.
While the serum they are given enhances them physically and mentally, it also suppresses their emotions, at least it’s supposed to.
Mirage and Grace are trained to be partners, each anticipating the other’s movements as well as their thoughts. Years of intense training and they become a strong, cohesive unit. They go on mission after mission and are ALWAYS successful until the one mission they come across assassins who fight better than they do and damning information is revealed and Mirage and Grace must figure out if they’ve been played the whole time.
*****
POV… third person
Standalone or series… part of series … ends on a cliffhanger
Hangover… slight
Recommend… yes
Reread… yea
I LOVED Grace and Mirage’s story! Grace is former Marine sniper and Mirage is a former combat medic. Both men recruited to become a member of the Ravens. Enhanced individuals who deliver justice to the threats who don’t pay for the atrocities they dole out to innocent people.
While the serum they are given enhances them physically and mentally, it also suppresses their emotions, at least it’s supposed to.
Mirage and Grace are trained to be partners, each anticipating the other’s movements as well as their thoughts. Years of intense training and they become a strong, cohesive unit. They go on mission after mission and are ALWAYS successful until the one mission they come across assassins who fight better than they do and damning information is revealed and Mirage and Grace must figure out if they’ve been played the whole time.
*****
POV… third person
Standalone or series… part of series … ends on a cliffhanger
Hangover… slight
Recommend… yes
Reread… yea
November 26, 2024
November 2024
Kindle edition
This was one I was looking forward to and picked up on the release date. Only just finished it. Compared to Ex and Meridian with the help of the Nothing special force, this was slow going. There was no inkling of romance at all. Mirage sneaking into the lab was cool but after that... Things didn't get going until 44% where I should've paused to re-read the valentines extra. From there the feelings and confusion start coming out.
Around the 60% mark I realised why the title is Black and Brown, Meridian stepping in. From there it looks like the Ravens are building their own task force or flock. Curious about the greens. Things sped up when the two pairs came together. The training was cool. Best bit was Mirage setting the kitchen on fire and being inept in the kitchen. Looking forward to the next one.
Kindle edition
This was one I was looking forward to and picked up on the release date. Only just finished it. Compared to Ex and Meridian with the help of the Nothing special force, this was slow going. There was no inkling of romance at all. Mirage sneaking into the lab was cool but after that... Things didn't get going until 44% where I should've paused to re-read the valentines extra. From there the feelings and confusion start coming out.
Around the 60% mark I realised why the title is Black and Brown, Meridian stepping in. From there it looks like the Ravens are building their own task force or flock. Curious about the greens. Things sped up when the two pairs came together. The training was cool. Best bit was Mirage setting the kitchen on fire and being inept in the kitchen. Looking forward to the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2025
3.7
If you like military stories, conspiracies, and action at every turn of the page, this book is for you.
Mirage and Grace enter a program where they are "enhanced" physically and mentally to be trained to complete the most difficult missions.
Which they achieve for a long time, until they meet rivals who not only have better capabilities but who reveal to them a reality that changes everything they know until now.
This is a slow burn book because some of the side effects it has is that it suppresses emotions, but with these two it doesn't have that effect, however the romance starts about 40%
If you like military stories, conspiracies, and action at every turn of the page, this book is for you.
Mirage and Grace enter a program where they are "enhanced" physically and mentally to be trained to complete the most difficult missions.
Which they achieve for a long time, until they meet rivals who not only have better capabilities but who reveal to them a reality that changes everything they know until now.
This is a slow burn book because some of the side effects it has is that it suppresses emotions, but with these two it doesn't have that effect, however the romance starts about 40%
Read
March 5, 2026I don't know how to rate this book. it is kinda like a Neil Breen movie or The Room by Tommy Wiseau. Just like I love a 'bad' movie I read this because it is the perfect mix of bad a book. It feels like going into someone's daydream where they are great at everything and things don't make sense if you know anything about how the world works.... but I kinda love that.
So I would definitely recommend but just know what you are getting.
So I would definitely recommend but just know what you are getting.
October 24, 2024
Great start to a new series
Grace and Mirage are intense, and their connection is eerie.
This has amazing world building, fast-paced action, danger, drama, military intrigue, conspiracy, and so many plot twists and turns it makes your head spin.
I can't wait for the next book and the Greens.
Grace and Mirage are intense, and their connection is eerie.
This has amazing world building, fast-paced action, danger, drama, military intrigue, conspiracy, and so many plot twists and turns it makes your head spin.
I can't wait for the next book and the Greens.
October 17, 2025
MM romance
Military
Dual narration - Aiden Snow & Tim Paige
Well written and performed. An emotional story. Overall it’s decent.
This wouldn’t be my first pick of an MM romance but I did like parts of it.
The narrators were fabulous. They made the audiobook more enjoyable giving real life and feeling to the characters.
Military
Dual narration - Aiden Snow & Tim Paige
Well written and performed. An emotional story. Overall it’s decent.
This wouldn’t be my first pick of an MM romance but I did like parts of it.
The narrators were fabulous. They made the audiobook more enjoyable giving real life and feeling to the characters.
May 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this slow burn but intensely fierce romance. The Blacks were great but the Browns...wow...awesome as well. The intrigue behind the Ravens make this a page turner that you just don't wanna put down. I chomping at the bit to read the next in the Raven series...this is so good...I'm all in!
June 15, 2025
Black and Brown is the first book in the Ravens Series. This is the story of Grace and Mirage both are super assassins. I couldn't put this book down once I started it. I loved the characters and world building that went into this book. There is plenty of action, intrigue, and a slow intro to the romance between Grace and Mirage. I love the setup for the series that we get. AE Via is amazing at this type of story with strong alpha men who are kick-ass characters. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book.
June 22, 2025
So freaking good!
That ending?! 🤌 Grace and Mirage were absolutely 🔥 together. This is a fantastic series opener.
“When we’re in battle, you’re my strength, Grace, and your shadow my protection. But when I’m cornered in my darkest moments…your silence is my peace.” (swoon 🥰)
That ending?! 🤌 Grace and Mirage were absolutely 🔥 together. This is a fantastic series opener.
“When we’re in battle, you’re my strength, Grace, and your shadow my protection. But when I’m cornered in my darkest moments…your silence is my peace.” (swoon 🥰)
February 12, 2026
Story: 3.0/5.0
Narration: 4.5/5.0
Good premise, so much potential.
But the story was disjointed. The large gaps in time left a lot of plot underdeveloped. Which meant a lack of connection being felt between the two MCs.
Narration: 4.5/5.0
Good premise, so much potential.
But the story was disjointed. The large gaps in time left a lot of plot underdeveloped. Which meant a lack of connection being felt between the two MCs.
October 20, 2024
One word:Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!!!!!
November 3, 2024
Loved it! RTC
January 4, 2025
Another hit from one of my favorite authors! I love the Ravens!
October 24, 2025
After experiencing spirit shattering traumatic events, Grace and Mirage agree to become a part of an experimental procedure. It enhances their physical capabilities transforming their senses nearly into living weapons themselves. Immediately they begin training to be the illusive best kept defensive department secret. They also have to adjust to a growing attraction. Such a draw only defies professional protocol but a key element of process. They're supposed to be emotionally stunted.
Without time to fully understand this new connection they're sent out on one of their most serious missions yet. They're not the only ones after the target. But are those they're up against really an enemy? Or do they hold key information that could change Mirage and Grace's perception of the organization and country they swore themselves to?
I had a very mixed experience with this book. I'm rather conflicted and uncertain on a fair rating. The set up to this story was very solid. There were interesting possibilities. The combat scenes were fast paced but engaging and easily followed. I will also say I never expected to encounter a Persian -ninja- in a book. I appreciated the subverted trope of a certain group of regions being clear villains. Here they were truer to the morals many of us claim than the organization said to uphold them.
On the other hand, the direct storytelling style that made the action so effective didn't carry over well to the rest of the narrative. The sensory and emotional details were sparse. More frequent were name brands and specific tech dropped. It felt more like getting information over an experience. We got to learn some of the quirks through the personal scenes, but I never really felt like I knew them outside of a cookie cutter character type.
The summary and genre listing is slightly misleading. This is categorized under general fiction. Now as there is a strong focus on the action and intrigue, enough to at least be a co-focus if not the primary as general fiction would define. But I would consider at least a third of this book to be pure erotica.
I'm not bothered by the other genre, but I don't frequently seek it out. Lots of time I don't click with the writing style of those types of scenes. That was the case in this, but a completely subjective issue. It wasn't even a problem of feeling like there was excessive sex. People tend to be more attentive and excited by new relationships. The real problem for me was the quantity and placement combined. Where these scenes made for a disjointed shift in tone. I felt like I was just thrown from what I had been anticipating to be a core plot into this other type of story entirely instead of the breaks building tension for the next part of the story.
Overall, I'm frustrated. If the writing style had been a little different, if I felt connected to the characters outside of conflict, or if we had just spent a little less focus on what was going on in the sheets and more time on all the intrigue I think I would have adored this. I love the concept, the divisions, and the place we left off. I just didn't enjoy the execution. I can't say I wouldn't continue. And I can easily see this being someone else's catnip. It just wasn't what I thought I was getting into and a little too unbalanced for my personal taste.
Without time to fully understand this new connection they're sent out on one of their most serious missions yet. They're not the only ones after the target. But are those they're up against really an enemy? Or do they hold key information that could change Mirage and Grace's perception of the organization and country they swore themselves to?
I had a very mixed experience with this book. I'm rather conflicted and uncertain on a fair rating. The set up to this story was very solid. There were interesting possibilities. The combat scenes were fast paced but engaging and easily followed. I will also say I never expected to encounter a Persian -ninja- in a book. I appreciated the subverted trope of a certain group of regions being clear villains. Here they were truer to the morals many of us claim than the organization said to uphold them.
On the other hand, the direct storytelling style that made the action so effective didn't carry over well to the rest of the narrative. The sensory and emotional details were sparse. More frequent were name brands and specific tech dropped. It felt more like getting information over an experience. We got to learn some of the quirks through the personal scenes, but I never really felt like I knew them outside of a cookie cutter character type.
The summary and genre listing is slightly misleading. This is categorized under general fiction. Now as there is a strong focus on the action and intrigue, enough to at least be a co-focus if not the primary as general fiction would define. But I would consider at least a third of this book to be pure erotica.
I'm not bothered by the other genre, but I don't frequently seek it out. Lots of time I don't click with the writing style of those types of scenes. That was the case in this, but a completely subjective issue. It wasn't even a problem of feeling like there was excessive sex. People tend to be more attentive and excited by new relationships. The real problem for me was the quantity and placement combined. Where these scenes made for a disjointed shift in tone. I felt like I was just thrown from what I had been anticipating to be a core plot into this other type of story entirely instead of the breaks building tension for the next part of the story.
Overall, I'm frustrated. If the writing style had been a little different, if I felt connected to the characters outside of conflict, or if we had just spent a little less focus on what was going on in the sheets and more time on all the intrigue I think I would have adored this. I love the concept, the divisions, and the place we left off. I just didn't enjoy the execution. I can't say I wouldn't continue. And I can easily see this being someone else's catnip. It just wasn't what I thought I was getting into and a little too unbalanced for my personal taste.
September 29, 2024
I haven't read a book this intense and action-packed since my last A. E. Via read. No one else writes tough, badass fighters like she does, and I'm already 1000% invested in seeing this new series through to its end. As Mirage and Grace dragged me into their world of supercharged assassins fighting against deadly threats, I was completely hooked and unable to tear myself away until I reached the end of their story. I thought the beginning of the book set the stage well for each MC by sharing just enough of their backstories to explain why they were willing to leave their former lives behind and transform themselves into unstoppable fighting machines. It was fascinating to see the effects of the serum on Mirage and Grace, and I was thrilled that I got to see their first training sessions together before skipping ahead years later after the two of them were established Ravens. My brain can barely imagine how perfectly in sync the two of them were all the time, and every time they displayed their skills I was in awe of what they could accomplish together. I thought the main storyline of this book would revolve around Grace and Mirage realizing their attraction to each other, and while that was definitely one of the big focuses there was also a surprise mission-gone-wrong/corruption plotline that turned everything I thought I knew on its head.
On the personal front, I reveled in the slow buildup of tension between Grace and Mirage, and when the two of them finally clashed together their chemistry was as epic as you'd expect from two people who had a near constant mind-meld. For a book that had almost no steam in the first half, the second half was a no-holds-barred celebration of Mirage and Grace's physical connection that left me overloaded from stimuli. Grace and Mirage's fervor was only matched by the increasingly higher stakes of their assignments, and I never got tired of seeing the way they handled themselves during a mission. I think my confidence in their skills was what made me so surprised to see things veer sideways on what should have been a standard mission, and the reveals that day not only made Mirage and Grace question the organization who'd given them their new life, it also brought Ex and Meridan back into the forefront again. It was so cool to see all four of them team up for training and sleuthing, and while I'm determined not to spoil any of the surprises, let's just say that the Ravens have a brand new mission that has me even more excited than seeing them take out government sanctioned criminals. Between the steamy as heck romance and the high-stakes action sequences, I couldn't be happier with the content and pacing in this book. Grace and Mirage were terrifying yet likable men, and I believe wholeheartedly that they're going to pursue justice and root out corruption using whatever methods they deem necessary.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
On the personal front, I reveled in the slow buildup of tension between Grace and Mirage, and when the two of them finally clashed together their chemistry was as epic as you'd expect from two people who had a near constant mind-meld. For a book that had almost no steam in the first half, the second half was a no-holds-barred celebration of Mirage and Grace's physical connection that left me overloaded from stimuli. Grace and Mirage's fervor was only matched by the increasingly higher stakes of their assignments, and I never got tired of seeing the way they handled themselves during a mission. I think my confidence in their skills was what made me so surprised to see things veer sideways on what should have been a standard mission, and the reveals that day not only made Mirage and Grace question the organization who'd given them their new life, it also brought Ex and Meridan back into the forefront again. It was so cool to see all four of them team up for training and sleuthing, and while I'm determined not to spoil any of the surprises, let's just say that the Ravens have a brand new mission that has me even more excited than seeing them take out government sanctioned criminals. Between the steamy as heck romance and the high-stakes action sequences, I couldn't be happier with the content and pacing in this book. Grace and Mirage were terrifying yet likable men, and I believe wholeheartedly that they're going to pursue justice and root out corruption using whatever methods they deem necessary.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 23, 2024
Thrilling Start to a New Series
• Rating 5/5
• Romance 3.5/5
• Spice Level 3.5/5
• Writing Style 5/5
• Audio Narration N/A (I cannot wait for this to be on Audio - and HOPE it will be narrated by Aiden Snow)
Black and Brown by A.E. Via is an explosive first book in her new series that hits all the right notes for fans of action-packed, high-stakes romance. If you're a fan of her Nothing Special series, especially after the heart-stopping story of Ex and Meridian, you’re in for a treat - this new book dives even deeper into the world of elite assassins, with characters who will steal your heart while keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Grace and Mirage, the second-generation Brown Ravens, make an unforgettable duo. Grace is the cool, composed sharpshooter, while Mirage is the wild card - a brilliant, unpredictable genius with a talent for knife-throwing and disappearing into chaos. Their bond is unspoken, yet their chemistry is electric, blending author's signature combination of steamy romance and intense action.
I absolutely loved the writing style and the dynamic between Grace and Mirage. The angst, the chemistry, and the tension between them kept me hooked from start to finish. Mirage’s cooking skills (or lack thereof) added a hilarious and light-hearted moments that had me laughing out loud. Poor fancy kitchen !LOL!
The book is packed with action, and you get a deeper look into the Ravens’ origin story, which is a treat for longtime fans of Via's world. Seeing how it all started for them brings depth to the storyline, making it even more engaging. The connection with the Nothing Special series adds a special layer for those who’ve followed her work - (was nice to see Free earpiece here also :D). I hope maybe in the future they will get to meet God & CO also. That would be something!!!
As always, A.E. Via excels at crafting alpha characters with heart, and I really, really hope Aiden Snow will narrate the audiobook for this series. His voice fits these characters perfectly, and it would elevate the entire experience even more.
Overall, Black and Brown is a fantastic start to a series that’s bound to be just as beloved as Nothing Special. A must-read for fans of intense action, sizzling romance, and unforgettable characters! I’m already counting down the days for the next book.
• Rating 5/5
• Romance 3.5/5
• Spice Level 3.5/5
• Writing Style 5/5
• Audio Narration N/A (I cannot wait for this to be on Audio - and HOPE it will be narrated by Aiden Snow)
Black and Brown by A.E. Via is an explosive first book in her new series that hits all the right notes for fans of action-packed, high-stakes romance. If you're a fan of her Nothing Special series, especially after the heart-stopping story of Ex and Meridian, you’re in for a treat - this new book dives even deeper into the world of elite assassins, with characters who will steal your heart while keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Grace and Mirage, the second-generation Brown Ravens, make an unforgettable duo. Grace is the cool, composed sharpshooter, while Mirage is the wild card - a brilliant, unpredictable genius with a talent for knife-throwing and disappearing into chaos. Their bond is unspoken, yet their chemistry is electric, blending author's signature combination of steamy romance and intense action.
I absolutely loved the writing style and the dynamic between Grace and Mirage. The angst, the chemistry, and the tension between them kept me hooked from start to finish. Mirage’s cooking skills (or lack thereof) added a hilarious and light-hearted moments that had me laughing out loud. Poor fancy kitchen !LOL!
The book is packed with action, and you get a deeper look into the Ravens’ origin story, which is a treat for longtime fans of Via's world. Seeing how it all started for them brings depth to the storyline, making it even more engaging. The connection with the Nothing Special series adds a special layer for those who’ve followed her work - (was nice to see Free earpiece here also :D). I hope maybe in the future they will get to meet God & CO also. That would be something!!!
As always, A.E. Via excels at crafting alpha characters with heart, and I really, really hope Aiden Snow will narrate the audiobook for this series. His voice fits these characters perfectly, and it would elevate the entire experience even more.
Overall, Black and Brown is a fantastic start to a series that’s bound to be just as beloved as Nothing Special. A must-read for fans of intense action, sizzling romance, and unforgettable characters! I’m already counting down the days for the next book.
October 2, 2024
Man, AE Via can write some morally gray characters like nobody's business. And make us LIKE them.
I think her darkest were Ex and Meridian from, you guessed it, Ex Meridian in the Nothing Special series. Fans wanted more of these guys. And they wanted them now. We got a Valentine's Day short. Too short. Enough to whet our appetites.
And now, finally, Black and Brown. A spin off of Ex Meridian. They are the first generation, the Blacks, part of a program that the government would deny knowledge of that shaped these two into perfect assassins through training and medicine.
And the Browns. Second generation. We get to see these guys through the whole process. Well, we see Mirage from before he joined and Grace after he caught Mirage sneaking around. This agency exploited Mirage by offering vengeance for the deaths of his parents and also a way to take out the worst evil the world has. With Grace as his partner.
I loved these two as partners. Grace who says almost nothing with words and everything with his mind. But only Mirage understands. They way they work together, with Mirage a shadow behind Grace. It's a carefully choreographed dance between them, until someone or someones, cut in.
The Blacks are deployed to the situation and the two teams are face to face.
It's very James Bond, but way more lethal. Who to trust, who not to trust. Who to take out, who to keep alive. And in between all of that, Mirage and Grace develop a relationship they aren't supposed to have. Because it was trained out of them, by drugs or conditioning. And yet, they are feeling it.
So we do get sweet scenes of going out to dinner, cooking together, and of course sexy times. Which are sometimes tender. Sigh
I would have liked to hear Grace's back story like we got with Mirage. And maybe we will. Because one thing is for sure, well adjusted men aren't recruited to be black ops assassins.
There's a lot of unanswered questions at the end of the book. I wouldn't call it a cliffhanger, but definitely unfinished. OF COURSE! Because the author likes to torture us! I kid, I kid. Sort of.
So yes, I definitely can't wait for the next book.
I think her darkest were Ex and Meridian from, you guessed it, Ex Meridian in the Nothing Special series. Fans wanted more of these guys. And they wanted them now. We got a Valentine's Day short. Too short. Enough to whet our appetites.
And now, finally, Black and Brown. A spin off of Ex Meridian. They are the first generation, the Blacks, part of a program that the government would deny knowledge of that shaped these two into perfect assassins through training and medicine.
And the Browns. Second generation. We get to see these guys through the whole process. Well, we see Mirage from before he joined and Grace after he caught Mirage sneaking around. This agency exploited Mirage by offering vengeance for the deaths of his parents and also a way to take out the worst evil the world has. With Grace as his partner.
I loved these two as partners. Grace who says almost nothing with words and everything with his mind. But only Mirage understands. They way they work together, with Mirage a shadow behind Grace. It's a carefully choreographed dance between them, until someone or someones, cut in.
The Blacks are deployed to the situation and the two teams are face to face.
It's very James Bond, but way more lethal. Who to trust, who not to trust. Who to take out, who to keep alive. And in between all of that, Mirage and Grace develop a relationship they aren't supposed to have. Because it was trained out of them, by drugs or conditioning. And yet, they are feeling it.
So we do get sweet scenes of going out to dinner, cooking together, and of course sexy times. Which are sometimes tender. Sigh
I would have liked to hear Grace's back story like we got with Mirage. And maybe we will. Because one thing is for sure, well adjusted men aren't recruited to be black ops assassins.
There's a lot of unanswered questions at the end of the book. I wouldn't call it a cliffhanger, but definitely unfinished. OF COURSE! Because the author likes to torture us! I kid, I kid. Sort of.
So yes, I definitely can't wait for the next book.
October 16, 2025
3.75⭐️/5 (rounded up to 4)
I would recommend this if you enjoy:
- Military assassin romances
- MM romances
- LGBTQIA+ rep
- Forced proximity
- Slow burn-ish
- Team partners to lovers
- Spicy scenes
Thank you for the ALC Netgalley, Tantor Media & Tantor Audio. All opinions are my own.
This book follows Mirage and Grace, who meet when they are put on the same assassin team at after being recruited for their special skills. They are reluctant at first but as the book goes on, they form a bond that blossoms into love.
The span of this book is over 6 years with various time jumps between. I would've preferred them to be shorter or have small scenes during them because it was a bit jarring going from one scene then next chapter being later on. However, the gap did make this romance a slow burn in the way that both the characters and their relationship developed making their connection feel stronger.
I listened to this book in one sitting. I liked that the two characters were different and that in the audiobook there were two male narrators. It did help me understand whose POV we were in and the narration was excellent. I would definitely recommend listening to this book. I liked that the author showed the attraction with small gestures and words and it was cute when they got shy with one another. The spice was well written and I liked that there wasn't an overabundance of them.
This book has a small sci-fi element with medical enhancements given to the people at the place they worked. I wouldn't call the doses they were given paranormal as they weren't supernatural. It would've been cool if they were but the sci-fi part was interesting as it made the characters sorta superhuman in a way.
It wasn't a 5 star rating because randomly half way through a third POV was introduced and it made me more confused. The plot was a bit all over the place already and it did make my enjoyment wane slightly.
Overall, I would recommend this book as I wasn't sure if I would like it because it's not my usual taste but I did and it left on a sorta cliffhanger so I would also pick up the next book.
I would recommend this if you enjoy:
- Military assassin romances
- MM romances
- LGBTQIA+ rep
- Forced proximity
- Slow burn-ish
- Team partners to lovers
- Spicy scenes
Thank you for the ALC Netgalley, Tantor Media & Tantor Audio. All opinions are my own.
This book follows Mirage and Grace, who meet when they are put on the same assassin team at after being recruited for their special skills. They are reluctant at first but as the book goes on, they form a bond that blossoms into love.
The span of this book is over 6 years with various time jumps between. I would've preferred them to be shorter or have small scenes during them because it was a bit jarring going from one scene then next chapter being later on. However, the gap did make this romance a slow burn in the way that both the characters and their relationship developed making their connection feel stronger.
I listened to this book in one sitting. I liked that the two characters were different and that in the audiobook there were two male narrators. It did help me understand whose POV we were in and the narration was excellent. I would definitely recommend listening to this book. I liked that the author showed the attraction with small gestures and words and it was cute when they got shy with one another. The spice was well written and I liked that there wasn't an overabundance of them.
This book has a small sci-fi element with medical enhancements given to the people at the place they worked. I wouldn't call the doses they were given paranormal as they weren't supernatural. It would've been cool if they were but the sci-fi part was interesting as it made the characters sorta superhuman in a way.
It wasn't a 5 star rating because randomly half way through a third POV was introduced and it made me more confused. The plot was a bit all over the place already and it did make my enjoyment wane slightly.
Overall, I would recommend this book as I wasn't sure if I would like it because it's not my usual taste but I did and it left on a sorta cliffhanger so I would also pick up the next book.
April 1, 2025
Mirage and Grace, the latest pair of assassins recruited by a secret off-the-books agency. Honing their skills wasn’t enough. Scientists turned off all of their emotions but rage and a thirst for justice. Their training goes beyond what Ex and Meridian were put through, five years of being the “B” team. And just before they are sent out on their most dangerous mission to date, Grace accidentally sees something he did not think was possible, Ex and Meridian as lovers. And Grace’s dormant emotions explode in want and need for his partner Mirage.
“How is this happening? Did the serums dilute over time? Had this all been turned on by witnessing the sexual acts between two other assassins? Or am I a five-million-dollar malfunctioning weapon?”
On the two target mission in Hamburg Germany, they cross paths with a pair of assassins much more dangerous than Grave and Mirage themselves. Fearing for their lives, they have their handler call in Ex and Meridian. And just before these two Master assassins permanently defeat all four Ravens, Meridian invokes the true name of Alpha to Lion and Omega who show them that their agency is corrupt and that there are more pairs of Ravens who have escaped. Now the Blacks and Browns must train together to become…more. And find their missing Greens.
I read Black and Brown on release in October 2024, shortly after Ex:Meridian: A Valentine’s Day Short. The story that launched Grace and Mirage down their own path of resistance. And then I had to jump back to Blue Moon Parts I-III (Audible) where we get that back story on Alpha, Omega and Lion. After a re-read of Black and Brown, I’m happy to review the first book in A.E.s new Ravens series. Green Ravens is up next in mid-May. If you haven’t had the backstory yet, grab the Audible of Ex Meridian Nothing Special VII. This is 5-star all the way and so very A.E.
“How is this happening? Did the serums dilute over time? Had this all been turned on by witnessing the sexual acts between two other assassins? Or am I a five-million-dollar malfunctioning weapon?”
On the two target mission in Hamburg Germany, they cross paths with a pair of assassins much more dangerous than Grave and Mirage themselves. Fearing for their lives, they have their handler call in Ex and Meridian. And just before these two Master assassins permanently defeat all four Ravens, Meridian invokes the true name of Alpha to Lion and Omega who show them that their agency is corrupt and that there are more pairs of Ravens who have escaped. Now the Blacks and Browns must train together to become…more. And find their missing Greens.
I read Black and Brown on release in October 2024, shortly after Ex:Meridian: A Valentine’s Day Short. The story that launched Grace and Mirage down their own path of resistance. And then I had to jump back to Blue Moon Parts I-III (Audible) where we get that back story on Alpha, Omega and Lion. After a re-read of Black and Brown, I’m happy to review the first book in A.E.s new Ravens series. Green Ravens is up next in mid-May. If you haven’t had the backstory yet, grab the Audible of Ex Meridian Nothing Special VII. This is 5-star all the way and so very A.E.
February 27, 2026
Aiden Snow & Tim Paige for the win yet again. Their narration was excellent and absolutely divine, Five Goddamn Stars.
This book was really entertaining and in all the best possible ways. Black and Brown centres on a team of newly recruited top-secret assassins. They are recruited because of their existing skills, their passion, the things that have made them excel in life and the challenges they have faced. Life as they know it just ceases to exist. They are medically enhanced, physically enhanced, paired up with another assassin and a handler. They undertake missions that no one else could hope to complete.
They aren’t supposed to have emotions, all that messiness was cleared out of their systems. But, one of them has a medical background ….
I don’t want to give a lot of this plot away because there are some wonderful twists and turns in this book. I particularly enjoyed the actions sequences and the world building surrounding the agency. The story is solid and the mysteries slowly unravel. The pacing is great; I never found myself waiting for something to happen.
The main characters, Grace and Mirage are intriguing. They have different skills, different mind-sets but they train to work together as one. Their connection is unusual, allowing them to speak without words. It is a beautiful relationship spiced up with Via’s great style. While this falls solidly into the MM romance category it has a great balance. There is definite chemistry between the main characters but it takes its time and the build up is well worth reading. I would argue that this is a great novel that happens to have a romance in it. But a romance that will leave your head spinning.
I’ll definitely be following along with this series!
This book was really entertaining and in all the best possible ways. Black and Brown centres on a team of newly recruited top-secret assassins. They are recruited because of their existing skills, their passion, the things that have made them excel in life and the challenges they have faced. Life as they know it just ceases to exist. They are medically enhanced, physically enhanced, paired up with another assassin and a handler. They undertake missions that no one else could hope to complete.
They aren’t supposed to have emotions, all that messiness was cleared out of their systems. But, one of them has a medical background ….
I don’t want to give a lot of this plot away because there are some wonderful twists and turns in this book. I particularly enjoyed the actions sequences and the world building surrounding the agency. The story is solid and the mysteries slowly unravel. The pacing is great; I never found myself waiting for something to happen.
The main characters, Grace and Mirage are intriguing. They have different skills, different mind-sets but they train to work together as one. Their connection is unusual, allowing them to speak without words. It is a beautiful relationship spiced up with Via’s great style. While this falls solidly into the MM romance category it has a great balance. There is definite chemistry between the main characters but it takes its time and the build up is well worth reading. I would argue that this is a great novel that happens to have a romance in it. But a romance that will leave your head spinning.
I’ll definitely be following along with this series!
October 24, 2025
Spice Level: 3/5 Explicit Open-Door
I received this audiobook from NetGalley and the author in return for my honest review. There are two sides to this book. The Military side and the Romance side. What made me really want to listen to this book is the Military aspect and how the Romance between Mirage and Grace would be worked into their work / mission.
For me, I will say it was a little difficult to get into. This more coming from the audiobook side. I started out getting into it, especially with Mirage’s backstory. But, unfortunately for me and some of my issues, the narrator voicing Mirage either had dry mouth or the opposite but when he was talking, all I could hear was the slapping of the spit in his mouth and that auditorily affects me in a way that makes me cringe. I really almost DNF’d this book because of this, but again, on my part because it is my issue.
Other than that one issue for me, the narrators really sold the story and brought the intensity of battle and romance to life. I’ve had the pleasure of listening to A.E. Via’s works in the past and this, like the others, did not disappoint.
🐦⬛ MM Romance
🐦⬛ Medical Enhancements
🐦⬛ Psychological Trauma
🐦⬛ Forbidden Love
🐦⬛ Enhanced Humans
🐦⬛ Secret Government Agency
🐦⬛ Morally Grey Characters
🐦⬛ Cliffhanger
I received this audiobook from NetGalley and the author in return for my honest review. There are two sides to this book. The Military side and the Romance side. What made me really want to listen to this book is the Military aspect and how the Romance between Mirage and Grace would be worked into their work / mission.
For me, I will say it was a little difficult to get into. This more coming from the audiobook side. I started out getting into it, especially with Mirage’s backstory. But, unfortunately for me and some of my issues, the narrator voicing Mirage either had dry mouth or the opposite but when he was talking, all I could hear was the slapping of the spit in his mouth and that auditorily affects me in a way that makes me cringe. I really almost DNF’d this book because of this, but again, on my part because it is my issue.
Other than that one issue for me, the narrators really sold the story and brought the intensity of battle and romance to life. I’ve had the pleasure of listening to A.E. Via’s works in the past and this, like the others, did not disappoint.
🐦⬛ MM Romance
🐦⬛ Medical Enhancements
🐦⬛ Psychological Trauma
🐦⬛ Forbidden Love
🐦⬛ Enhanced Humans
🐦⬛ Secret Government Agency
🐦⬛ Morally Grey Characters
🐦⬛ Cliffhanger
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