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24601: A Les Miserables Retelling
After ten years of imprisonment, Valjean has been released. He has no family and nothing to live for. Until he is tasked to kill Javert.
Javert is wanted for murder. After being haunted by his past, he doesn’t know what he has to live for. Until he’s chained up by Valjean.
The two depend on each other to survive, and realise they don’t want to live without the other.
24601 is an enemies to lovers retelling of a classic story. It is a dark romance and may not be suitable for all readers.
Javert is wanted for murder. After being haunted by his past, he doesn’t know what he has to live for. Until he’s chained up by Valjean.
The two depend on each other to survive, and realise they don’t want to live without the other.
24601 is an enemies to lovers retelling of a classic story. It is a dark romance and may not be suitable for all readers.
229 pages, Hardcover
Published January 21, 2025
2 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Camilla Harlowe
9 books2 followersCamilla was born and raised in rural Canada but moved to England to chase her own happily ever after.
She lives by the seaside with her husband and their very beloved pets. When she isn't reading or writing, she's normally at the beach or the park with her border collie, knitting, baking, or sewing.
She lives by the seaside with her husband and their very beloved pets. When she isn't reading or writing, she's normally at the beach or the park with her border collie, knitting, baking, or sewing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 28, 2025
*ARC provided by Camilla Harlowe*
Stars: 3.5/4 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Favorite Quote: “No, I can tell you didn't get much sleep," he says. "It's fine," I say. "The life I wake up to feels like a dream."
Favorite Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, HEA, Mafia, Kidnapping, Connecting Over Trauma
HOLD ON! Before you jump the gun let me explain, this book is totally worth 4 stars, but for personal reasons I rated it in my head at a 3.5 (There’s a ).
Thoughts: While it’s been a long while since I’ve read or watched Les Mis I really enjoyed this modern retelling. There’s a little mafia, a lot of enemies to lovers, & a strong foreboding question of how a crime committed out of love falls on the scale of good & evil. It’s a quick wonderful read that will leave you smiling from its HEA.
Stars: 3.5/4 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Favorite Quote: “No, I can tell you didn't get much sleep," he says. "It's fine," I say. "The life I wake up to feels like a dream."
Favorite Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, HEA, Mafia, Kidnapping, Connecting Over Trauma
HOLD ON! Before you jump the gun let me explain, this book is totally worth 4 stars, but for personal reasons I rated it in my head at a 3.5 (There’s a ).
Thoughts: While it’s been a long while since I’ve read or watched Les Mis I really enjoyed this modern retelling. There’s a little mafia, a lot of enemies to lovers, & a strong foreboding question of how a crime committed out of love falls on the scale of good & evil. It’s a quick wonderful read that will leave you smiling from its HEA.
January 17, 2025
**ARC was provided by the author for an honest review**
*Rubs hands* I am so in for some more bi-awakening trope romance. First things first, I never read Les Miserábles nor watched the film. I have suffered enough in university with literary realism to spend my free time reading books I want to read when I retire. This, however, does affect my reading experience, because I cannot possibly tell you how accurate this is to Les Mis. I cannot in good conscience tell you how close this is to a retelling. But, do I feel like you need to read Les Mis to enjoy the book? Nope. This book by itself is good and reading Les Mis would only add up to the experience.
24601 relates to Valjean’s number when he was in prison. The whole plot revolves around the incident that put him in jail plus the consequences of being released. I believe Camila did a great job showing us two morally gray characters that both had good and bad sides. Valjean committed a crime and was sentenced for it. While his motives were understandable to some people for the crime he committed, in the end, he did that crime. Javert, on the other hand, is a law enforcer. He sees people like Valjean being locked up and believes it serves them right for breaking the law. But Javert is just a man and after being pressed, he ends up committing a crime.
The irony of the plot is that while Javert is on the law’s side for all his life, his crime ends up being less justified than Valjean’s. Valjean protects someone who is weak and cannot defend themself, while Javert's crime is in the spur of the moment. He not only becomes the scum he despises but also is aware that his crime cannot be justified. Valjean cares about the person he protected in the past and he cares about others. That is clear with Javert. He could have killed Javert right away, but he does not k!ll for sport or in command and he does not find Javert’s d€ath to be necessary. Javert does not try to atone. He clearly sees that what he did was wrong and should be punished like a true criminal.
I found it curious that Javert said he joined the law for “power” and throughout the majority of the novel, it’s Valjean who has all the power over Javert. Since Valjean is aware of his sexuality, he cannot stop himself from being attracted to Javert, and Javert’s cannot resist the feelings he is starting to have for the person who should be his enemy but aids him and is more affectuous than he was expecting.
“24601” is a solid mafia mm romance with a lot to unpack from their main characters. It is a tale of finding one's sexuality but also making amends with the past. The characters have motives for their actions and that does not make them neither entirely bad nor good.
*Rubs hands* I am so in for some more bi-awakening trope romance. First things first, I never read Les Miserábles nor watched the film. I have suffered enough in university with literary realism to spend my free time reading books I want to read when I retire. This, however, does affect my reading experience, because I cannot possibly tell you how accurate this is to Les Mis. I cannot in good conscience tell you how close this is to a retelling. But, do I feel like you need to read Les Mis to enjoy the book? Nope. This book by itself is good and reading Les Mis would only add up to the experience.
24601 relates to Valjean’s number when he was in prison. The whole plot revolves around the incident that put him in jail plus the consequences of being released. I believe Camila did a great job showing us two morally gray characters that both had good and bad sides. Valjean committed a crime and was sentenced for it. While his motives were understandable to some people for the crime he committed, in the end, he did that crime. Javert, on the other hand, is a law enforcer. He sees people like Valjean being locked up and believes it serves them right for breaking the law. But Javert is just a man and after being pressed, he ends up committing a crime.
The irony of the plot is that while Javert is on the law’s side for all his life, his crime ends up being less justified than Valjean’s. Valjean protects someone who is weak and cannot defend themself, while Javert's crime is in the spur of the moment. He not only becomes the scum he despises but also is aware that his crime cannot be justified. Valjean cares about the person he protected in the past and he cares about others. That is clear with Javert. He could have killed Javert right away, but he does not k!ll for sport or in command and he does not find Javert’s d€ath to be necessary. Javert does not try to atone. He clearly sees that what he did was wrong and should be punished like a true criminal.
I found it curious that Javert said he joined the law for “power” and throughout the majority of the novel, it’s Valjean who has all the power over Javert. Since Valjean is aware of his sexuality, he cannot stop himself from being attracted to Javert, and Javert’s cannot resist the feelings he is starting to have for the person who should be his enemy but aids him and is more affectuous than he was expecting.
“24601” is a solid mafia mm romance with a lot to unpack from their main characters. It is a tale of finding one's sexuality but also making amends with the past. The characters have motives for their actions and that does not make them neither entirely bad nor good.
January 13, 2025
When i started the book, i wasn't sure what i was letting myself in for. I've never read a book about same sex relationships, so this was a first for me. The storyline is amazing, and it's heartbreaking but lovely all at the same time how the MMCs have crossed paths before but what felt like in a different life. The ending was just perfect and I really enjoyed this book it took me out of my comfort zone a bit but I'm glad I took a chance on it as I throughly enjoyed reading Valjean and Javerts story.
December 30, 2024
This was a quick but good read. Loved the development of their relationship. Definitely kept me on my toes.
January 19, 2025
I will preface this. I've never seen the musical, nor read the book. But having been online and in other aspects of theater for over two decades, I've come to have a very basic understanding of Le Mis. I wanted to take a chance on this and see how a dark gay retelling would work.
There are two main issues unfortunately. This is poorly written, and is more of a fanfiction modern AU than a modern day retelling. The difference being, that coming into a fic modern au, it is expected that the reader already knows these characters and situations intimately. With a modern day retelling, it's taking another stab at the story in a different angle but doesn't suppose the reader has any idea of the original story. So all of that should be informed in the writing.
I had thought, based on the summary, this was going to be more of a prisoner/guard story, and really it's just a criminal/former-cop story, which is fine... Except the cop, Javert, is very much a conservative blue lives matter kind of cop that sees everything black and white. And Valjean is very much a basic son of a bad mafia dude kinda guy.
With alternating chapters, we get a ton of just telling us things, some unecessary, some that could've been better written as showing us through action. Majority of the book is done in thoughts, first person, and because we alternate through both characters, the first third of every chapter is just re-iterating what the other experienced in the previous chapter.
The two guys rightfully hate each other, cause one was a shitty cop turned shittier prison guard (whose excuses were weak and we don't find out till near the end), and another was a mafia son who killed his brother and just tried to survive in prison. For the plot, he's isolated from his family and friends until he gets out, and then suddenly he has some connections. He has a basic boring evil dad who tries to use him, just because it's what is done in mafia stories, but he still manages to find a friend or two, with little explanation on why they didn't reach out in the decade he was in prison.
Javert meanwhile has no real personality than being a former cop and having a shitty personal life. He's all logic and thinking two steps ahead until he has a fit of rage and messes up his life. And that's about it.
There's no chemistry between the two. One easily goes from straight to "oh hey this criminal has a hot body, sure hope he does something to me" with no real justification. And then it turns to love almost as quickly. Everything after the 'prologue' happens within a month but the pacing is so off that it's confusing to know how long has gone by. And unfortunately the sex scenes were boring, mainly because it just didn't make sense that these two would be suddenly attracted to each other. I don't need a lot of realism with a lot of the smut I read, but there was just nothing here that made sense, couldn't even justify it with Stockholm syndrome antics.
The final climactic end was very contrived and then neatly wrapped up. Never really felt like there were any stakes despite this being sort of a mafia story. Despite being a short read, it took a while to finish.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The cover at least was interesting enough and drew me in. I appreciate that it's not AI generated at least. The shattered glass and the knife and the poses of the two men are lovely.
There are two main issues unfortunately. This is poorly written, and is more of a fanfiction modern AU than a modern day retelling. The difference being, that coming into a fic modern au, it is expected that the reader already knows these characters and situations intimately. With a modern day retelling, it's taking another stab at the story in a different angle but doesn't suppose the reader has any idea of the original story. So all of that should be informed in the writing.
I had thought, based on the summary, this was going to be more of a prisoner/guard story, and really it's just a criminal/former-cop story, which is fine... Except the cop, Javert, is very much a conservative blue lives matter kind of cop that sees everything black and white. And Valjean is very much a basic son of a bad mafia dude kinda guy.
With alternating chapters, we get a ton of just telling us things, some unecessary, some that could've been better written as showing us through action. Majority of the book is done in thoughts, first person, and because we alternate through both characters, the first third of every chapter is just re-iterating what the other experienced in the previous chapter.
The two guys rightfully hate each other, cause one was a shitty cop turned shittier prison guard (whose excuses were weak and we don't find out till near the end), and another was a mafia son who killed his brother and just tried to survive in prison. For the plot, he's isolated from his family and friends until he gets out, and then suddenly he has some connections. He has a basic boring evil dad who tries to use him, just because it's what is done in mafia stories, but he still manages to find a friend or two, with little explanation on why they didn't reach out in the decade he was in prison.
Javert meanwhile has no real personality than being a former cop and having a shitty personal life. He's all logic and thinking two steps ahead until he has a fit of rage and messes up his life. And that's about it.
There's no chemistry between the two. One easily goes from straight to "oh hey this criminal has a hot body, sure hope he does something to me" with no real justification. And then it turns to love almost as quickly. Everything after the 'prologue' happens within a month but the pacing is so off that it's confusing to know how long has gone by. And unfortunately the sex scenes were boring, mainly because it just didn't make sense that these two would be suddenly attracted to each other. I don't need a lot of realism with a lot of the smut I read, but there was just nothing here that made sense, couldn't even justify it with Stockholm syndrome antics.
The final climactic end was very contrived and then neatly wrapped up. Never really felt like there were any stakes despite this being sort of a mafia story. Despite being a short read, it took a while to finish.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The cover at least was interesting enough and drew me in. I appreciate that it's not AI generated at least. The shattered glass and the knife and the poses of the two men are lovely.
January 4, 2025
Victor Valjean was taught three rules by his father that were supposed to shape his life. 1. Whatever it takes, do not get caught. 2. Family before self. 3. Don’t get attached. When he breaks the rules to protect an innocent child, his father makes sure that he goes to prison for years. Now that he’s out, his father wants him to prove his loyalty to the family by taking care of the cop who arrested Victor all those years ago.
Theo Javert loved being a cop, but ever since he lost his badge and started working at the prison his life has been falling apart. Now he’s wanted for murder and isn’t really sure that he has anything left worth living for.
Valjean and Javert need to rely on each other in order to survive and stay safe. But what happens when they start to get attached? What happens if the family they find in each other is more family than they’ve ever really had?
I absolutely adored this book! As soon as I saw it I knew it was a must read and I’m so happy that I did. Valjean and Javert are both imperfect but so relatable and the way that their relationship develops is fantastic to read. I only wish that there was more so I could keep reading it!
I was so lucky to receive an early copy and I can’t thank the author enough for this incredible retelling.
Theo Javert loved being a cop, but ever since he lost his badge and started working at the prison his life has been falling apart. Now he’s wanted for murder and isn’t really sure that he has anything left worth living for.
Valjean and Javert need to rely on each other in order to survive and stay safe. But what happens when they start to get attached? What happens if the family they find in each other is more family than they’ve ever really had?
I absolutely adored this book! As soon as I saw it I knew it was a must read and I’m so happy that I did. Valjean and Javert are both imperfect but so relatable and the way that their relationship develops is fantastic to read. I only wish that there was more so I could keep reading it!
I was so lucky to receive an early copy and I can’t thank the author enough for this incredible retelling.
January 12, 2025
Camilla Harlow has truly outdone herself with 24601! From the very first page, I was completely hooked by the deeply layered characters and the intensity of their journey. The raw emotions in this story are palpable, and the way Harlow tackles difficult topics with both grace and grit is nothing short of masterful.
The writing is vivid and immersive, making it impossible not to feel every heartbreak, triumph, and moment of vulnerability alongside the characters. The story’s pacing is spot on, keeping me on the edge of my seat while still allowing space for those quieter, deeply emotional moments to land perfectly.
I found myself completely invested in the main character's arc—their strength, resilience, and growth left me in awe. Harlow has a unique talent for creating characters that feel real and flawed, yet so incredibly relatable.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you feel—and I mean really feel—while also keeping you captivated with its intricate plot and brilliant storytelling, 24601 is a must-read. This book is a testament to Camilla Harlow’s undeniable talent, and I cannot wait to see what she comes out with next!
The writing is vivid and immersive, making it impossible not to feel every heartbreak, triumph, and moment of vulnerability alongside the characters. The story’s pacing is spot on, keeping me on the edge of my seat while still allowing space for those quieter, deeply emotional moments to land perfectly.
I found myself completely invested in the main character's arc—their strength, resilience, and growth left me in awe. Harlow has a unique talent for creating characters that feel real and flawed, yet so incredibly relatable.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you feel—and I mean really feel—while also keeping you captivated with its intricate plot and brilliant storytelling, 24601 is a must-read. This book is a testament to Camilla Harlow’s undeniable talent, and I cannot wait to see what she comes out with next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2025
An enjoyable read
This is a brand-new author to me, but liked the sound of the book so I took a chance. I’ve never seen Les Miserable
I enjoyed the storyline. But at times, didn’t think the story really flowed. I liked Valjean. I thought he was a great character. And I take my hat off for what he did that got him in prison. And this is where he first meets Javert Who was the police officer that arrested him. His father turned his back on him disowned him one for being gay and two for killing his brother. It didn’t matter what his brother had done. Valjean is the villain in his dads eyes.
Javert Life change drastically over the last 10 years. He let himself down, lost his job as a police officer, and was now a prison officer. And he didn’t do a good job at that either , but when something happens, he’s got to look to Valjean to keep him safe.
I really enjoyed this attraction that they had for one another. Don’t get me wrong it is dark but somehow it works for these two. I definitely would read another book by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a brand-new author to me, but liked the sound of the book so I took a chance. I’ve never seen Les Miserable
I enjoyed the storyline. But at times, didn’t think the story really flowed. I liked Valjean. I thought he was a great character. And I take my hat off for what he did that got him in prison. And this is where he first meets Javert Who was the police officer that arrested him. His father turned his back on him disowned him one for being gay and two for killing his brother. It didn’t matter what his brother had done. Valjean is the villain in his dads eyes.
Javert Life change drastically over the last 10 years. He let himself down, lost his job as a police officer, and was now a prison officer. And he didn’t do a good job at that either , but when something happens, he’s got to look to Valjean to keep him safe.
I really enjoyed this attraction that they had for one another. Don’t get me wrong it is dark but somehow it works for these two. I definitely would read another book by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2025
Les Mis has been my favourite musical for years, so to say I was ecstatic when I received this would be an understatement. 24601 is a gritty and emotional re-telling that follows two men on opposite sides of the law whose lives end up woven together. While the story doesn’t linger in the intricacies of the original, what I really loved and appreciated was that the main themes of redemption, vulnerability, power, and the blurry lines between right and wrong remained true to the original.
Both men are morally gray characters and this story beautifully explores this and the layered relationship that exists between the two of them. Javert’s realisation that despite being on different sides of the law, he isn’t all that different from Valjean and getting to watch him reason with the idea that good people can do ‘bad’ things for the right reasons while having this be an enemies to lovers romance made the book impossible to put down.
Both men are morally gray characters and this story beautifully explores this and the layered relationship that exists between the two of them. Javert’s realisation that despite being on different sides of the law, he isn’t all that different from Valjean and getting to watch him reason with the idea that good people can do ‘bad’ things for the right reasons while having this be an enemies to lovers romance made the book impossible to put down.
January 13, 2025
I received this as an ARC, so 24601 is an innovative take on the classic story of Les Misérables. You will warm to both of the book's protagonists. Although there is a connection between Valjean and the mafia, the book itself does not feature any mafia elements. The events surrounding Valjean's release from jail and his subsequent entanglement in his family's business—a situation that now includes Javert—form the bulk of this book. There is no denying the chemistry that exists between Valjean and Javert. The plot moves at a breakneck pace, befitting a little book. On the other hand, it's riveting and easy to read. I devoured it in a one sitting. The premise is engaging, the supporting characters are hilarious, and I adore how the story mostly centers on the men's emotions. If you're looking for an incredible plot to kick off a wonderful MM relationship with a touch of mafia, this is it!
January 8, 2025
Right from the beginning I was captivated by the story. I love how well this is written and we get a perfect backstory for the main characters where we get to actually know and understand them and the choices they make throughout the story.
This book will give you a lot of different feelings like love and loathing, understanding, fear, shock and sadness.
This is the perfect book if you like anything crime, enemies to lovers, mafia and dark romance.
The cover is amazing, just that alone is so powerfull and once you read the book you will understand what I mean, there are just so many emotions on the cover. All in all I love it and I'm thankful that I got the chance to read this amazing book❤️🥰
Yet again Camilla Harlowe proves exactly why she is one of my favorite authors🎉🥰
This book will give you a lot of different feelings like love and loathing, understanding, fear, shock and sadness.
This is the perfect book if you like anything crime, enemies to lovers, mafia and dark romance.
The cover is amazing, just that alone is so powerfull and once you read the book you will understand what I mean, there are just so many emotions on the cover. All in all I love it and I'm thankful that I got the chance to read this amazing book❤️🥰
Yet again Camilla Harlowe proves exactly why she is one of my favorite authors🎉🥰
January 21, 2025
This was my first book by Camilla, and while I haven't read Les Mis and can't directly comment on that aspect, I can comment on this story.
Valjean and Javert have an unexpected love story? I'm not sure if you can call it a love story because it definitely does not start as such...due to forced proximity and aggressive taking. They come together after a series of very unfortunate incidents following Valjean's release from prison.
There's no meet cute. It's not love at first sight or even insta attraction. It's dark, and the warnings are there for a reason, but ultimately, I still enjoyed the story.
I do hope we get at least one other book following another character in this story, but only time will tell.
Valjean and Javert have an unexpected love story? I'm not sure if you can call it a love story because it definitely does not start as such...due to forced proximity and aggressive taking. They come together after a series of very unfortunate incidents following Valjean's release from prison.
There's no meet cute. It's not love at first sight or even insta attraction. It's dark, and the warnings are there for a reason, but ultimately, I still enjoyed the story.
I do hope we get at least one other book following another character in this story, but only time will tell.
January 31, 2025
*I received an ARC of this book to review*
I think if i didn’t know the book was a Les Mis retelling it would not have caught my eye. It was so interesting to figure out and see the parallels from the original characters and the retelling.
I did at times have to think of them as whole different characters to help me get through the book at times. The story itself though was really good though and kept me going.
Personally I think if you tried to squeeze in more details and scenes I might not would have finished it. So thank you to the author for not making it a long drawn out book. It was short and sweet like I love.
I’m giving it 4 Stars also because this is the first book I have been able to get through all the way after trying 4 other books.
I think if i didn’t know the book was a Les Mis retelling it would not have caught my eye. It was so interesting to figure out and see the parallels from the original characters and the retelling.
I did at times have to think of them as whole different characters to help me get through the book at times. The story itself though was really good though and kept me going.
Personally I think if you tried to squeeze in more details and scenes I might not would have finished it. So thank you to the author for not making it a long drawn out book. It was short and sweet like I love.
I’m giving it 4 Stars also because this is the first book I have been able to get through all the way after trying 4 other books.
January 5, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
24601 is a retelling of Les Miserables with a twist. Both the main characters of this book are very likeable. Valjean is related to the mafia, but the book has a very little mafia element to it. This book mostly revolves around Valjean's release from the prison and how he gets stuck in the circle of his family business, which now somehow involves Javert. The chemistry between Javert and Valjean is undeniable.
This is a small book, which means the story is very fast-paced. But it's very easy to read and really gripping. I finished it in one sitting. The plot is entertaining, the side characters are fun, and I love that it mainly revolves around the feelings of both the men.
If you want to start a good MM romance with a hint of mafia with an amazing plot, this is definitely for you!
I personally felt this book could be a little longer, but it is definitely perfect as is.
Happy Reading!
Tropes-
Prisoner and Inmate
MM romance
Mafia Romance
Enemies to lovers
On the run
🌶🌶🌶
24601 is a retelling of Les Miserables with a twist. Both the main characters of this book are very likeable. Valjean is related to the mafia, but the book has a very little mafia element to it. This book mostly revolves around Valjean's release from the prison and how he gets stuck in the circle of his family business, which now somehow involves Javert. The chemistry between Javert and Valjean is undeniable.
This is a small book, which means the story is very fast-paced. But it's very easy to read and really gripping. I finished it in one sitting. The plot is entertaining, the side characters are fun, and I love that it mainly revolves around the feelings of both the men.
If you want to start a good MM romance with a hint of mafia with an amazing plot, this is definitely for you!
I personally felt this book could be a little longer, but it is definitely perfect as is.
Happy Reading!
Tropes-
Prisoner and Inmate
MM romance
Mafia Romance
Enemies to lovers
On the run
January 14, 2025
I read this book as an ARC on my kindle. It’s a story about a recently released prisoner and an ex police officer. Valjean the prisoner and Javert the cop cross paths shortly after Valjean is released from prison and Javert has committed a crime and is now on the run from the police. They have to find a way to flea America to be able to start their own lives. This book is a very fast paced book with multiple time jumps and some that go back to how Valjean found himself in the position he is in today. I wish we got to see a little of Cosette and how she was able to deal with her trauma. It does mention a lot of drug abuse and some talk of suicide as well as murder.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2025
* First time ARC reader. An ebook was supplied to read and review. *
*May include slight spoilers. *
First off, I do not recall ever having read Les Mis in high school or college. I’ve only seen bits of the movie. With that said, I wasn’t really sure what the story would be, but I was able to grasp the concept fairly quick.
We start with Valjean, also know as prisoner 24601. He landed himself in jail for 10 years for killing someone while protecting a child. He is sent to prison for his crime as murder is murder no matter the reason. Javert is the police officer who arrested Valjean, but they end up crossing paths a few years later as Javert was now a guard at the prison. He has his own trials and tribulations that landed him out of his career and into the prison system. He has always been quite cynical, but with the loss of his job, wife and others things in life, he has become even more hard on the inside and out. They run into one another as guard and prisoner not long before Valjean will be released early from his sentence. Neither Valjean nor Javert like one another when Valjean was arrested, and they don’t like each other now.
Once Valjean is released from prison, he has no one so he ends up in a halfway house for the newly released. Eventually he gets re-involved with his father who is the head of a mafia group, and his father has a mission for him - to kill Javert. Now, Valjean doesn’t like his father anymore than his father does him, but he’s trying to find a way to get out of this town and away from the horribleness of his family.
As Valjean is really a good person at heart, he finds that he cannot kill Javert as his mafia father wishes. During Javerts captivity by Valjean, they find they have an attractive to one another although Javert tries to deny it. Ultimately, they give in to their desires and Valjean miss a way to save them both.
It was n interesting and good read. I e not read any MMC books, but this one was done with tact and romance.
Worth the read by Camilla Harlowe.
*May include slight spoilers. *
First off, I do not recall ever having read Les Mis in high school or college. I’ve only seen bits of the movie. With that said, I wasn’t really sure what the story would be, but I was able to grasp the concept fairly quick.
We start with Valjean, also know as prisoner 24601. He landed himself in jail for 10 years for killing someone while protecting a child. He is sent to prison for his crime as murder is murder no matter the reason. Javert is the police officer who arrested Valjean, but they end up crossing paths a few years later as Javert was now a guard at the prison. He has his own trials and tribulations that landed him out of his career and into the prison system. He has always been quite cynical, but with the loss of his job, wife and others things in life, he has become even more hard on the inside and out. They run into one another as guard and prisoner not long before Valjean will be released early from his sentence. Neither Valjean nor Javert like one another when Valjean was arrested, and they don’t like each other now.
Once Valjean is released from prison, he has no one so he ends up in a halfway house for the newly released. Eventually he gets re-involved with his father who is the head of a mafia group, and his father has a mission for him - to kill Javert. Now, Valjean doesn’t like his father anymore than his father does him, but he’s trying to find a way to get out of this town and away from the horribleness of his family.
As Valjean is really a good person at heart, he finds that he cannot kill Javert as his mafia father wishes. During Javerts captivity by Valjean, they find they have an attractive to one another although Javert tries to deny it. Ultimately, they give in to their desires and Valjean miss a way to save them both.
It was n interesting and good read. I e not read any MMC books, but this one was done with tact and romance.
Worth the read by Camilla Harlowe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2025
The plot of 24601 is compelling—dark, intense, and full of emotional depth. The dynamic between Valjean and Javert is fascinating, shifting from enemies to something much more complicated as they’re forced to rely on each other. The tension, the stakes, and the slow-burn connection between them kept me hooked.
That said, the writing style felt a bit flat at times, which made it harder to fully immerse myself in the story. It wasn’t bad, just not as gripping as the premise deserved. On the plus side, the book cover is stunning and perfectly captures the mood of the story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
That said, the writing style felt a bit flat at times, which made it harder to fully immerse myself in the story. It wasn’t bad, just not as gripping as the premise deserved. On the plus side, the book cover is stunning and perfectly captures the mood of the story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2025
I didn't know what to expect from this book. I love Les Mis and often listen to it.
There were characters from Les Mis but it wasn't set in the French revolution but modern day USA.
Valjean is indeed in prison but for the murder of his brother not stealing a loaf of bread and Javert, once a cop now a prison officer is forced to go on the run after he kills his wife's lover.
Valjean's father ,the head of the local crime family, wants Valjean to kill Javert but instead they plan to kill his father and then go on the run.
I did enjoy this, a different spin on Les Mis.
There were characters from Les Mis but it wasn't set in the French revolution but modern day USA.
Valjean is indeed in prison but for the murder of his brother not stealing a loaf of bread and Javert, once a cop now a prison officer is forced to go on the run after he kills his wife's lover.
Valjean's father ,the head of the local crime family, wants Valjean to kill Javert but instead they plan to kill his father and then go on the run.
I did enjoy this, a different spin on Les Mis.
January 1, 2025
“Family before self” but can that really be true if you spend 10 yrs locked up for protecting one of the young ones in the family, and your “family” who could’ve easily gotten you outta that sentence, abandons you? And the only way you can get away with your life and potentially be accepted back into the family is giving up the man who apprehended you all those years ago. But what if he becomes more like family than the ones you share blood with?
January 19, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, but I just felt like it needed more. I would have liked to have seen some more building in the start of Valjean and Jarvert’s relationship, I feel it just happened fast and would have liked to have seen more there.
Apart from that I enjoyed this, I couldn’t put it down and it was a very easy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Apart from that I enjoyed this, I couldn’t put it down and it was a very easy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2025
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had so many twist and turns, action, dangerous, Corrupt police officer, suicide attempt, torture, false imprisonment, child abuse, murder, kidnapping, knife play, choking. Valjean, and Javet, had to put up with the hate crime against a gay man.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had so many twist and turns, action, dangerous, Corrupt police officer, suicide attempt, torture, false imprisonment, child abuse, murder, kidnapping, knife play, choking. Valjean, and Javet, had to put up with the hate crime against a gay man.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2025
This was a really well done opening chapter to the Darkest Night series, it does a great job in introducing us to the world and what to expect. The concept was wonderfully done and was engaged with the dark romance element in this book. I'm glad I got to know the characters and their story as it was really well done. Camilla Harlowe has a strong writing style and am excited for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2025
"24601" was not what I expected, and I didn't know it was a Les Miserables retelling. My eyes aren't that great, and I missed the tiny print on the cover. The retelling part wasn't in the description.
That aside, the book was decent; however, there were parts where the dialogue was clunky, and the speech was repetitive.
That aside, the book was decent; however, there were parts where the dialogue was clunky, and the speech was repetitive.
January 20, 2025
This book was unexpected. I was intrigued by a Les Miserables retelling, and while I saw some aspects of the famous musical, I'm glad it was unique.
Valjean and Javert might seem different, but they are more alike especially as the story moves on.
Unexpected in a good way!
Valjean and Javert might seem different, but they are more alike especially as the story moves on.
Unexpected in a good way!
March 8, 2025
Had all the markers; darkness, intrigue, great retelling, intense, and completely easy to follow. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2025
This was my first read by Camilla and I enjoyed the twists and turns the story took
February 6, 2025
I have never read a Les Mis retelling that I liked so much. It's beautiful and tragic. I love it. Valjean and Javart have so much chemistry.
March 7, 2025
1.5 stars. A bit of a disclaimer first: I won't comment much about this being based from Les Miserables (such as the details that were kept for this retelling and those that weren't), because it's a book I never finished and I don't remember a lot from its plot since it wasn't a book from my country, meaning that I wasn't required to know everything about it in my school years.
I have to start by saying that I'm not the type to enjoy giving low ratings. I usually don't do it because I always get something out of books even if I don't end up liking them. This is one of those cases. I had more than one issue with the execution, but I still appreciate the idea behind it and I feel that it had potential.
The story is about Valjean, an ex-convict who wants to start a new life after finishing his sentence. His plans are interrupted by his ties to his family, giving him the mission of going after Javert, after the cop "messed up" with the wrong people. Javert and Valjean have history together related to his imprisoment, and both will have to decide between working together while facing unexpected feelings, or giving up at the chance of surviving.
Sounds like a good premise, right? It's exactly what I think, but unfortunately the execution failed to deliver it. I'm going to list the reasons it didn't work for me:
-The pacing was going too fast. As an example, in one chapter Valjean was given a mission involving Javert, and in the next one he already has the job done, without any real build up or continuation in between. I wasnt able to connect with the MCs because of this.
-The actions that both MCs commit feel anticlimactic, there wasn't enough build up to actually feel tension or surprise. The MCs have no train of thought before a big decission, not even stopping themselves to think before acting. It felt unbeliavable to me, especially when it comes to the cop MC.
-I felt that because it's a retelling, it sort of expects the reader to know the characters, without presenting or developing them, when it should be the most important thing to set everything up and necessary to give an explanation to their decissions.
-The writting style was another issue for me. The flow isnt bad, but it gets repetitive at some points, specifically with the dialogue. There are sections with a lot of back and forth and many "said/ask" in between. I usually don't mind them but it's noticiable when it happens often in the same page. Most of the scenes also needed more descriptions, there's more telling than showing and the few ones that tried to show fell flat. Sadly, all of this made the text lack emotion for me, and it didn't really evoke any sentiment because of how mechanical it seems.
-The bi-awakening element felt clunky and inorganic, which resulted in no chemistry between MCs. The feelings both developt for each other don't feel authentic because they come out of nowhere. It didn't manage to explore their dynamic enough, and it could've worked better if we were shown them interacting before Valjean is released, and then reversing their power imbalance and continuing the animosity.
On the other hand, I don't think it's fair leaving without pointing out the things I actually enjoyed:
-The concept. A dark retelling is a very interesting idea. An ex prisoner involved with a cop that hate each other? Sounds really cool.
-The ending, although I felt it was going towards that, that part was still satisfying.
Overall, I really believe this had potential and the premise was interesting. With more practice, I think the author can come up with a more polished work, and perhaps a future one might be the one for me.
-I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tags: (might miss some of them)
-POV: first person
-Content warnings:
-Element:
-Kinks:
-Sexual act(s):
-Dynamic:
I have to start by saying that I'm not the type to enjoy giving low ratings. I usually don't do it because I always get something out of books even if I don't end up liking them. This is one of those cases. I had more than one issue with the execution, but I still appreciate the idea behind it and I feel that it had potential.
The story is about Valjean, an ex-convict who wants to start a new life after finishing his sentence. His plans are interrupted by his ties to his family, giving him the mission of going after Javert, after the cop "messed up" with the wrong people. Javert and Valjean have history together related to his imprisoment, and both will have to decide between working together while facing unexpected feelings, or giving up at the chance of surviving.
Sounds like a good premise, right? It's exactly what I think, but unfortunately the execution failed to deliver it. I'm going to list the reasons it didn't work for me:
-The pacing was going too fast. As an example, in one chapter Valjean was given a mission involving Javert, and in the next one he already has the job done, without any real build up or continuation in between. I wasnt able to connect with the MCs because of this.
-The actions that both MCs commit feel anticlimactic, there wasn't enough build up to actually feel tension or surprise. The MCs have no train of thought before a big decission, not even stopping themselves to think before acting. It felt unbeliavable to me, especially when it comes to the cop MC.
-I felt that because it's a retelling, it sort of expects the reader to know the characters, without presenting or developing them, when it should be the most important thing to set everything up and necessary to give an explanation to their decissions.
-The writting style was another issue for me. The flow isnt bad, but it gets repetitive at some points, specifically with the dialogue. There are sections with a lot of back and forth and many "said/ask" in between. I usually don't mind them but it's noticiable when it happens often in the same page. Most of the scenes also needed more descriptions, there's more telling than showing and the few ones that tried to show fell flat. Sadly, all of this made the text lack emotion for me, and it didn't really evoke any sentiment because of how mechanical it seems.
-The bi-awakening element felt clunky and inorganic, which resulted in no chemistry between MCs. The feelings both developt for each other don't feel authentic because they come out of nowhere. It didn't manage to explore their dynamic enough, and it could've worked better if we were shown them interacting before Valjean is released, and then reversing their power imbalance and continuing the animosity.
On the other hand, I don't think it's fair leaving without pointing out the things I actually enjoyed:
-The concept. A dark retelling is a very interesting idea. An ex prisoner involved with a cop that hate each other? Sounds really cool.
-The ending, although I felt it was going towards that, that part was still satisfying.
Overall, I really believe this had potential and the premise was interesting. With more practice, I think the author can come up with a more polished work, and perhaps a future one might be the one for me.
-I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tags: (might miss some of them)
-POV: first person
-Content warnings:
-Element:
-Kinks:
-Sexual act(s):
-Dynamic:
December 27, 2024
🖤ARC Review🖤
Okay yallllll! If you love MM, dark romance, and theater then this book will be right up your alley! For me, it was a quick, spicy(🌶️🌶️🌶️) lil read. I loved all of the nods to Les Mis throughout the book (character names, Valjean’s prisoner number, The Barricade.)
I enjoyed Valjean and Javert forming a relationship and the enemies to lovers was enemies to lovering😂 I also loved that Javert realized he wasn’t that different from Valjean. He was just as flawed of a character, but he felt like since he was on the side of the law, that he wasn’t doing anything wrong. Throughout the book, I think he starts to realize that he was no better or worse than Valjean. I also loved seeing Valjean start to feel comfortable and safe in their relationship together and not worrying about anyone come after them, especially when they finally get away from New York.
All in all, this was a good read and I give it 4.25 out of 5 stars but Goodreads won’t let me rate it as 4.25😂 I will definitely being reading more books by this author when they release!
Okay yallllll! If you love MM, dark romance, and theater then this book will be right up your alley! For me, it was a quick, spicy(🌶️🌶️🌶️) lil read. I loved all of the nods to Les Mis throughout the book (character names, Valjean’s prisoner number, The Barricade.)
I enjoyed Valjean and Javert forming a relationship and the enemies to lovers was enemies to lovering😂 I also loved that Javert realized he wasn’t that different from Valjean. He was just as flawed of a character, but he felt like since he was on the side of the law, that he wasn’t doing anything wrong. Throughout the book, I think he starts to realize that he was no better or worse than Valjean. I also loved seeing Valjean start to feel comfortable and safe in their relationship together and not worrying about anyone come after them, especially when they finally get away from New York.
All in all, this was a good read and I give it 4.25 out of 5 stars but Goodreads won’t let me rate it as 4.25😂 I will definitely being reading more books by this author when they release!
January 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was my first book I read from Camilla Harlowe. There is a tag line before you read the book stating “for the ones who read the classics and thought what if” and it really encapsulates and summarizes most of the book. There were some parts that seemed a bit rushed but it honestly needed to be rushed or else it would have doubled or tripled the book.
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