What do you think?
Rate this book
Paradox
Phil's job is full of danger and excitement most of the time, and he trusts his partner with his life. Until Ryan kisses him. It’s a diversion tactic to convince the heavies they’re two harmless gays, but that kiss shakes Phil’s world to its foundations. He doesn’t do commitment, doesn’t need or want a long-term lover, but that’s what his heart is reaching for. Drifting in and out of a dream-haunted coma, trapped in his wrecked car waiting for rescue, he's sharing a parallel life. Many centuries ago, someone is trying to kill Caius Marcellus Niger. Phil must find out who and why before they succeed. But he’s alone. No partner, no backup, and nothing is the way it seems.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2014
About the author
Chris Quinton
47 books99 followersChris started creating stories not long after she mastered joined-up writing, somewhat to the bemusement of her parents and her English teachers. But she received plenty of encouragement. Her dad gave her an already old Everest typewriter when she was about ten, and it was probably the best gift she'd ever received – until the inventions of the home-computer and the worldwide web.
Chris's reading and writing interests range from historical, mystery, and paranormal, to science-fiction and fantasy, mostly in the male/male genre. She also writes male/female novels in the name of Chris Power. She refuses to be pigeon-holed and intends to uphold the long and honourable tradition of the Eccentric Brit to the best of her ability. In her spare time [hah!] she reads, embroiders, quilts and knits. In the past she has been a part-time and unpaid amateur archaeologist, and a 15th century re-enactor.
She currently lives in a small and ancient city in the south-west of the United Kingdom, sharing her usually chaotic home with an extended family, two large dogs, fancy mice, sundry goldfish and a young frilled dragon (Australian lizard) aka Trogdorina.
Chris's reading and writing interests range from historical, mystery, and paranormal, to science-fiction and fantasy, mostly in the male/male genre. She also writes male/female novels in the name of Chris Power. She refuses to be pigeon-holed and intends to uphold the long and honourable tradition of the Eccentric Brit to the best of her ability. In her spare time [hah!] she reads, embroiders, quilts and knits. In the past she has been a part-time and unpaid amateur archaeologist, and a 15th century re-enactor.
She currently lives in a small and ancient city in the south-west of the United Kingdom, sharing her usually chaotic home with an extended family, two large dogs, fancy mice, sundry goldfish and a young frilled dragon (Australian lizard) aka Trogdorina.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 6, 2012
4.5 stars
Brilliant contemporary/historical combination smoothly emerging from one to the other I loved this style especially when written so well. The timing and feel of Rome is perfect with some interesting side characters, I was immediately immersed in the past along with Phil the conspiracies and intrigue had me guessing and on edge until the very end. Phil and Ryan have this wonderful rapport together especially in the second half of the story great dialogue and comebacks between the guys a very entertaining love hate relationship they have. Memorable part for me was the fight on the old roman road/ditch crazy, sexy and hot. Clever story with a few unexpected twists its very, very good.
Brilliant contemporary/historical combination smoothly emerging from one to the other I loved this style especially when written so well. The timing and feel of Rome is perfect with some interesting side characters, I was immediately immersed in the past along with Phil the conspiracies and intrigue had me guessing and on edge until the very end. Phil and Ryan have this wonderful rapport together especially in the second half of the story great dialogue and comebacks between the guys a very entertaining love hate relationship they have. Memorable part for me was the fight on the old roman road/ditch crazy, sexy and hot. Clever story with a few unexpected twists its very, very good.
June 19, 2012
This was an engrossing story. I found the way it alternated between contemporary and historical fresh and new; both parts were interesting and the combination was very intriguing. As far as I can tell the historical parts were accurate; yet I didn't like them quite as much as the contemporary parts. The first were a classical whodunnit in Roman sandals, the latter a beautiful friends-to-lovers between law enforcement men (a personal favorite of mine).
Overall, this story was about trust, in one's own emotions and instincts and in other people as well, how to find trust, how to overcome the fear of commitment, and how to establish love on a foundation of trust. Beautifully done and, at least in the comtemporary part, convincing for me, with an optimistic ending. Oh,and did I mention the hot sex? No? Well there is. Right where it has to be.
A ununsual and very enjoyable read. Warmly recommended.
Overall, this story was about trust, in one's own emotions and instincts and in other people as well, how to find trust, how to overcome the fear of commitment, and how to establish love on a foundation of trust. Beautifully done and, at least in the comtemporary part, convincing for me, with an optimistic ending. Oh,and did I mention the hot sex? No? Well there is. Right where it has to be.
A ununsual and very enjoyable read. Warmly recommended.
May 6, 2012
4 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Phil loves his job and his casual relationships. The only thing that he likes being permanent is his work partnership with Ryan, but even that gets shaken up when Ryan kisses him to cause a distraction. When Phil crashes his car, his consciousness slips into the mind of a man thousands of years in the past and into the mystery of who is trying to kill Caius. Ryan can’t believe Phil’s attitude after a small kiss, but now he has more important things to worry about Phil is missing and Ryan has to find him.
This story was great and gives us a wonderful view of what Roman England must have been like. Phil does not do permanent outside his job, so when Ryan kisses him it shakes him to the core because he now wants more. When he crashes his car and wakes up in Roman England, he discovers that the person he is now (who seems a bit of a wet blanket), is in danger so he sets about discovering who wants Caius dead. Ryan sets out to find Phil when he goes missing, but when Phil has recovered, his treatment of Ryan is terrible. Now, Ryan forces Phil to tell him the truth and Phil has to face the truth of what his subconscious has been trying to tell him.
I really enjoyed this story and the way that it was woven; with the past and the present being woven together. And we are left with to wonder if did Phil’s conscious really slip into the mind of a man from the past or was it really an elaborate convincing dream? Phil is fighting himself and the wanting of permanence that he feels. Phil fights until the bitter end, but he is no match for Ryan and his subconscious. Ryan really wouldn’t mind giving it a go, but Phil has cast him as the baddie in his mind and Ryan has to force Phil to find the truth.
The details of Roman England are exquisite and beautifully drawn. You can picture in your mind, the villa and the frescos and the mosaics *sigh* Chris Quinton really brings that time to life. I really liked both Phil and Ryan, but there really isn’t any relationship between them until the end. But, it’s a great journey to watch, as we watch the struggle between the two.
I will recommend this to those who love difficult stubborn men, time-travel with a difference, a mystery to solve, some hot sex and the beginnings of a great relationship.
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Phil loves his job and his casual relationships. The only thing that he likes being permanent is his work partnership with Ryan, but even that gets shaken up when Ryan kisses him to cause a distraction. When Phil crashes his car, his consciousness slips into the mind of a man thousands of years in the past and into the mystery of who is trying to kill Caius. Ryan can’t believe Phil’s attitude after a small kiss, but now he has more important things to worry about Phil is missing and Ryan has to find him.
This story was great and gives us a wonderful view of what Roman England must have been like. Phil does not do permanent outside his job, so when Ryan kisses him it shakes him to the core because he now wants more. When he crashes his car and wakes up in Roman England, he discovers that the person he is now (who seems a bit of a wet blanket), is in danger so he sets about discovering who wants Caius dead. Ryan sets out to find Phil when he goes missing, but when Phil has recovered, his treatment of Ryan is terrible. Now, Ryan forces Phil to tell him the truth and Phil has to face the truth of what his subconscious has been trying to tell him.
I really enjoyed this story and the way that it was woven; with the past and the present being woven together. And we are left with to wonder if did Phil’s conscious really slip into the mind of a man from the past or was it really an elaborate convincing dream? Phil is fighting himself and the wanting of permanence that he feels. Phil fights until the bitter end, but he is no match for Ryan and his subconscious. Ryan really wouldn’t mind giving it a go, but Phil has cast him as the baddie in his mind and Ryan has to force Phil to find the truth.
The details of Roman England are exquisite and beautifully drawn. You can picture in your mind, the villa and the frescos and the mosaics *sigh* Chris Quinton really brings that time to life. I really liked both Phil and Ryan, but there really isn’t any relationship between them until the end. But, it’s a great journey to watch, as we watch the struggle between the two.
I will recommend this to those who love difficult stubborn men, time-travel with a difference, a mystery to solve, some hot sex and the beginnings of a great relationship.
May 4, 2012
I was lucky enough to read this as it was going through both writing and the Silver process. What I like most about this book is the clever way the past and the present entwine. Chris uses language so poetically and manages to keep your head in the game as you read. I adore Phil. I rate this book up with the Xavi and Andreas 'Fools' Books.
July 30, 2017
I'm not sure if this should be tagged as paranormal or sci-fi, but definitely as interesting ;-)
A very good read
A very good read
July 12, 2017
Very well written but a little confusing for me. I loved the historical site descriptions but the flipping back and forth between realities, not so much.
January 17, 2021
Interesting Plot
This book had a different and interesting plot. I enjoyed it. This is the first I have read by this author and I will read another.
This book had a different and interesting plot. I enjoyed it. This is the first I have read by this author and I will read another.
November 26, 2012
'Paradox' is an excellent title for this intriguing book by Chris Quinton. Phil's life seems to be full of paradoxes especially when it comes to his feelings for his partner, Ryan. Phil's internal conflict causes his subconscious to go into hyperdrive, causing him to time slip into Ancient Rome and into the consciousness of a man called Caius. While dealing with the mystery of who is trying to kill Caius, he inadvertently discovers the answers to his own, seemingly paradoxical feelings for Ryan.
While I admired the amount of proficiency and skill that Phil possesses, it was difficult for me to like him as a person. His stubbornness to admit that he loved Ryan and wanted more than anything to be totally in his life, irritated me to no end. Every time he said, “It's not like that” I wanted to scream: “Yes, it is you bloody, blind fool!” The step he is so afraid of taking, the commitment he's shining away from with such vehemence, has already been taken and made. Toward the end of the story, when he began to come to his senses, I did warm up to him somewhat and because I liked Ryan and wanted to see him happy, I applauded his breakthrough.
Ryan certainly seems to be the more stable of the two men. He realizes how things truly are long before Phil is willing to admit it. Sometimes, I seriously wondered why Ryan even bothered. He certainly had more patience than I would have had and was very good at playing the 'I'll let him run away until he catches me' game. Ryan was smart enough to understand that in every way that mattered, he and Phil were a committed pair.
There's little doubt that the book is well written, but I had problems following some of the conversations and action due to the extensive use of British English and slang. The slipping back and forth through time was a unique and imaginative technique, along with an unusual, but effective problem-solving element. The mystery and intrigue of both past and present time periods was well woven into the basic story. Although intense and physical, it isn't what I would consider romantic, but feelings can be just as valid without the hearts and flowers. I think the main message in this story is best summarized by Silenus, the Roman physician: “Don't deny him, Caius, not even to yourself. Instead thank the gods that at least for a while you were given the gift of his companionship. Life is too short to waste its good things by turning away from them." I'd recommend this story to anyone who likes a reading challenge, more to think about, history, paranormal events, strong, determined men, and an ending with a good life lesson. Thank you, Chris, for an interesting read.
NOTE: This book was provided by Silver Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
While I admired the amount of proficiency and skill that Phil possesses, it was difficult for me to like him as a person. His stubbornness to admit that he loved Ryan and wanted more than anything to be totally in his life, irritated me to no end. Every time he said, “It's not like that” I wanted to scream: “Yes, it is you bloody, blind fool!” The step he is so afraid of taking, the commitment he's shining away from with such vehemence, has already been taken and made. Toward the end of the story, when he began to come to his senses, I did warm up to him somewhat and because I liked Ryan and wanted to see him happy, I applauded his breakthrough.
Ryan certainly seems to be the more stable of the two men. He realizes how things truly are long before Phil is willing to admit it. Sometimes, I seriously wondered why Ryan even bothered. He certainly had more patience than I would have had and was very good at playing the 'I'll let him run away until he catches me' game. Ryan was smart enough to understand that in every way that mattered, he and Phil were a committed pair.
There's little doubt that the book is well written, but I had problems following some of the conversations and action due to the extensive use of British English and slang. The slipping back and forth through time was a unique and imaginative technique, along with an unusual, but effective problem-solving element. The mystery and intrigue of both past and present time periods was well woven into the basic story. Although intense and physical, it isn't what I would consider romantic, but feelings can be just as valid without the hearts and flowers. I think the main message in this story is best summarized by Silenus, the Roman physician: “Don't deny him, Caius, not even to yourself. Instead thank the gods that at least for a while you were given the gift of his companionship. Life is too short to waste its good things by turning away from them." I'd recommend this story to anyone who likes a reading challenge, more to think about, history, paranormal events, strong, determined men, and an ending with a good life lesson. Thank you, Chris, for an interesting read.
NOTE: This book was provided by Silver Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 12, 2014
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance****
Paradox is a twisty little story that will leave you questioning whether Phil was dreaming or not. Regardless of the answer, I enjoyed the delving into Phil’s psyche and the journey to his and Ryan’s happily ever after.
I enjoyed learning about Roman Britain as it’s a location I had never thought about before. Generally, stories I read in this time period are set in Rome or Greece not the British Isles. I forgot how Bath came by its name and the fact that there are temples and other ancient buildings still around.
The actual back and forth between present time and dream time was interesting; however I felt that there was something missing to completely tie one to the other. Though there is enough ambiguity to make you wonder at the source of the dreams (are they past happenings that he has tuned into or are they echoes of his present predicament brought to life by his psyche?) fitting either hypothesis to the situation felt like a stretch.
All in all, I enjoyed the story for its uniqueness and was satisfied by the conclusion. Both characters were interesting and I enjoyed getting both points of view. The pacing was even and it was a quick read.
Paradox is a twisty little story that will leave you questioning whether Phil was dreaming or not. Regardless of the answer, I enjoyed the delving into Phil’s psyche and the journey to his and Ryan’s happily ever after.
I enjoyed learning about Roman Britain as it’s a location I had never thought about before. Generally, stories I read in this time period are set in Rome or Greece not the British Isles. I forgot how Bath came by its name and the fact that there are temples and other ancient buildings still around.
The actual back and forth between present time and dream time was interesting; however I felt that there was something missing to completely tie one to the other. Though there is enough ambiguity to make you wonder at the source of the dreams (are they past happenings that he has tuned into or are they echoes of his present predicament brought to life by his psyche?) fitting either hypothesis to the situation felt like a stretch.
All in all, I enjoyed the story for its uniqueness and was satisfied by the conclusion. Both characters were interesting and I enjoyed getting both points of view. The pacing was even and it was a quick read.
January 14, 2013
Now I enjoyed this one, and thought it worked well.
The Roman flashbacks (and I never did decide if they were real or not, I'll leave that to you), were well handled and didn't stretch incredulity.
The setting made me squirm in delight - more England, and in this case, a part of England I'm very fond of.
Not too short, not too long, and a coherent plot. What's not to like?
Another nice Reese Dante cover, with good composition including lots of story elements - time (the clock around the 'O' of 'Paradox'), the car wreck, and a Roman wallpainting of a man on horseback (not lack of stirrups), all significant themes.
The Roman flashbacks (and I never did decide if they were real or not, I'll leave that to you), were well handled and didn't stretch incredulity.
The setting made me squirm in delight - more England, and in this case, a part of England I'm very fond of.
Not too short, not too long, and a coherent plot. What's not to like?
Another nice Reese Dante cover, with good composition including lots of story elements - time (the clock around the 'O' of 'Paradox'), the car wreck, and a Roman wallpainting of a man on horseback (not lack of stirrups), all significant themes.
May 27, 2012
Chris Quinton is one of those writers who produces intense, thought provoking stories, and Paradox is no exception. Phill, while unconscious and trapped in a car wreck, has a strange second life in Roman Britain which someone is trying to kill his alter ego Caius.
Chris pulls off the switch between Roman life and Phill's actual life seamlessly and I loved how it all got explained in the end. A wonderful story, one that had me guessing right up to the end.
May 10, 2012
I admit, this was an unique plotted two way story. Two created storylines had been interweaving with an logical outcome. At the end we got a HEA with outcome of love. Phil and Ryan are working partners and on a job, as a diversionary tactic, Ryan kissed Phil. But with this tactic all hell broke loose in Phil life. Phil’s world crumbled into confusion of need, logic, rejection and dreams. It was really good written book.
May 16, 2012
I'm not sure what just happened. The modern story line was very confusing (they hate each other, no the love each other, no they hate each other), while the historical story line was good until then end, when it seemed to just be done. I felt like I was let hanging after it was all said and done.
May 28, 2012
Took a few times to get this going. Check file.
October 26, 2015
2012 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews