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Chasing the Dragon
When mercenary Jack Hunter stumbles upon Christian Manning servicing a client in a back alley, it stirs feelings he’s kept deeply buried. Hunter becomes Christian's knight in shining armor when he rescues him from an attack and takes him to his secluded cabin to heal.
Being stuck in the cabin over the winter gives both men a chance to get their lives in order. Christian is struggling to break his heroin addiction, and Hunter needs to get away from the organization he helped start years before—a group of people who don’t appreciate being told no. It’s a toss-up which goal is more difficult. Their new starts spark a relationship between them, but nothing good comes cheap. Despite the complications, Hunter wants more, but Christian is resistant to making that commitment. When Hunter’s private security company threatens them, only nurturing the fragile trust they formed at the beginning of their love affair will save them. But for two men with very dark pasts, relying on each other might be easier said than done.
Being stuck in the cabin over the winter gives both men a chance to get their lives in order. Christian is struggling to break his heroin addiction, and Hunter needs to get away from the organization he helped start years before—a group of people who don’t appreciate being told no. It’s a toss-up which goal is more difficult. Their new starts spark a relationship between them, but nothing good comes cheap. Despite the complications, Hunter wants more, but Christian is resistant to making that commitment. When Hunter’s private security company threatens them, only nurturing the fragile trust they formed at the beginning of their love affair will save them. But for two men with very dark pasts, relying on each other might be easier said than done.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2014
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August 14, 2014
3.5 stars. Review posted August 14, 2014
Hunter, in his mid-thirties, is a security contractor and weary of his job. While on the way to his remote cabin, Hunter saves Christian’s ass for the second time within a short period of time and offers him help. Help to get clean and a bit of menial work at his cabin to compensate for board and lodge. The weeks pass, Christian gets back in shape and both of them feel attracted to one another. However, they don’t act on their feelings right off the bat because Hunter is straight and has to figure out what to do. The huge age gap of almost fifteen years is not to be underestimated either.
WARNING
Possible pet peeves. I advise you to read the following spoiler b/c some readers feel put off by this plot device.
„I steal the covers,“ he finally said.
“Gonna be pretty hard for you to do that when you’re sleeping on the couch and I’m in the bed.”
“I’m very goal-oriented. I’ll find a way.”
My issues
I would have liked to get more relationship development. I loved the beginning of Chasing the Dragon and I also enjoyed Christian’s training very much, yet I wanted to see more of Hunter and Christian together. Fact is, I missed seeing them as a couple, really working through their issues to find some solid ground upon which they could have built their relationship and love. I also needed more exploration of their backgrounds; I felt that was too perfunctory and the author could have extracted a lot more in that regard. Anyway, I guess to truly accomplish this the book needed to be substantially longer.
Somewhere around the 72 % mark things got messy and provided a couple good eye-roll moments because some of their decisions came off as amateurish and inexplicable. And given the fact that Hunter was supposed to be a mercenary I expected him to be…(more) badass?
I’m not sure how to feel about the fact that
And last but not least we have another case of italic-itis. It seems to be a contagious disease which is spreading among authors like a wild fire and I hope it’s going to be extinguished fast. It’s really irritating and I would appreciate it very much if authors could use it sparsely.
On a positive note
I don't mean to sound so negative because there is a lot to enjoy about Chasing the Dragon.
In the beginning I was fixated on Hunter, but somewhere along the way I had to shift my attention to Christian. He was such a smartass and simply fun to be with. I even forgave him his stupid mistake as well as his naïveté and considering his young age, I just had to cut him some slack.
Chasing the Dragon was an interesting ride at all times that provided ups and downs, was funny in places and somewhat illogical in others. Overall, however, I found the writing very good and I loved Kate's trademark humor; I liked both MCs very much, esp. the candid Christian. Regardless of my issues, it’s definitely a solid and compelling read and Kate Sherwood remains an auto buy for me.
Recommended to fans of Kate Sherwood. If you haven't read anything by this author yet then I'd like to encourage you to check out:
Mark of Cain
and the entire Dark Horse series, incl. the (free) novellas.
Start with book #1 Dark Horse and read the stories in order. The novellas are numbered and fit in between the full length novels. Keep in mind that the novellas are really important because they help to understand the characters better, esp. Dan. Oh, and keep your hands off Jeff. He's all mine! *makes kissy noises* :)
Hunter, in his mid-thirties, is a security contractor and weary of his job. While on the way to his remote cabin, Hunter saves Christian’s ass for the second time within a short period of time and offers him help. Help to get clean and a bit of menial work at his cabin to compensate for board and lodge. The weeks pass, Christian gets back in shape and both of them feel attracted to one another. However, they don’t act on their feelings right off the bat because Hunter is straight and has to figure out what to do. The huge age gap of almost fifteen years is not to be underestimated either.
WARNING
Possible pet peeves. I advise you to read the following spoiler b/c some readers feel put off by this plot device.
„I steal the covers,“ he finally said.
“Gonna be pretty hard for you to do that when you’re sleeping on the couch and I’m in the bed.”
“I’m very goal-oriented. I’ll find a way.”
My issues
I would have liked to get more relationship development. I loved the beginning of Chasing the Dragon and I also enjoyed Christian’s training very much, yet I wanted to see more of Hunter and Christian together. Fact is, I missed seeing them as a couple, really working through their issues to find some solid ground upon which they could have built their relationship and love. I also needed more exploration of their backgrounds; I felt that was too perfunctory and the author could have extracted a lot more in that regard. Anyway, I guess to truly accomplish this the book needed to be substantially longer.
Somewhere around the 72 % mark things got messy and provided a couple good eye-roll moments because some of their decisions came off as amateurish and inexplicable. And given the fact that Hunter was supposed to be a mercenary I expected him to be…(more) badass?
I’m not sure how to feel about the fact that
And last but not least we have another case of italic-itis. It seems to be a contagious disease which is spreading among authors like a wild fire and I hope it’s going to be extinguished fast. It’s really irritating and I would appreciate it very much if authors could use it sparsely.
On a positive note
I don't mean to sound so negative because there is a lot to enjoy about Chasing the Dragon.
In the beginning I was fixated on Hunter, but somewhere along the way I had to shift my attention to Christian. He was such a smartass and simply fun to be with. I even forgave him his stupid mistake as well as his naïveté and considering his young age, I just had to cut him some slack.
Chasing the Dragon was an interesting ride at all times that provided ups and downs, was funny in places and somewhat illogical in others. Overall, however, I found the writing very good and I loved Kate's trademark humor; I liked both MCs very much, esp. the candid Christian. Regardless of my issues, it’s definitely a solid and compelling read and Kate Sherwood remains an auto buy for me.
Recommended to fans of Kate Sherwood. If you haven't read anything by this author yet then I'd like to encourage you to check out:
Mark of Cain
and the entire Dark Horse series, incl. the (free) novellas.
Start with book #1 Dark Horse and read the stories in order. The novellas are numbered and fit in between the full length novels. Keep in mind that the novellas are really important because they help to understand the characters better, esp. Dan. Oh, and keep your hands off Jeff. He's all mine! *makes kissy noises* :)
August 3, 2016
When a book makes me feel stupid from the start, it's not a good sign.
There is a very important experiment from the 50s in which the investigators were looking for certain demonstrations but chance wanted them to find other facts that would change the perspective of psychology and certain diseases. They put an electrode on the nuccleus accumbens on a rat, and every time the rat pushed a lever, it was stimulated with electrical shocks. The rat liked pushing the lever. The rat loved it. It preferred pushing that lever even more than drinking, eating or sleeping. The more time passed, the most frequently those shocks were produced. They had found the pleasure centers.
Abusers have it easier to be sick. It's not because it gives them some kind of immunodeficiency, but because they break their skin multiple times, and that's the most effective barrier against infections. Coma due to intoxication is nothing innocuous. Passing out after drinking liters of alcohol could end up in aspiration pneumonia or pancreatitis or cigar burns. Endocarditis is something to consider if you have persistent fever. Maybe the pure drug is harmless but additives can give problems. Et cetera.
They visit the hospital due to lots of reasons, and sometimes it's because their veins are so eroded they don't find a place to inject the dosis. You know there are no abstinence syndromes in hospitals. They give you drugs to keep them at bay. Nurses put the i.v. into the jugular or the femoral vein and the next day the bed is empty because they are happy to have found a new road for their addiction.
I'm disappointed in the drug part. I don't want to sound smug but I don't feel this is close to the real thing. To begin with, pleasure centers are NEVER recuperated in their totality. They get better but not 100% as those a healthy person has. Drug damage is forever, which doesn't mean quitting is useless. Quitting is always good. But never completely reversible. The author makes you believe it's totally reversible, but it's not. Abusing and then curing is a lie. Better to prevent than to cure AND easier to destroy than to create (except cancer). Those two statements are true in almost everything.
You know about the brain reward circuit? It's the same circuit we exercise when we do things that make you feel pleasure. Like sex, game, food and success. It's essential for our survival, as we "seek" to breed and eat and outdo ourselves to get better in life. It makes you chase that feeling so you repeat and repeat the acts you have done to achieve that feeling. You study, you have good marks, you are successful, you study more. Then there is the pain circuit, the one that punishes you. Social exclusion, physical pain, grief. You run away from them. You stop studying, you fail, you feel like crap, you stop being lazy.
It's related to memory, motivation and pleasure. And when you abuse it with drugs you want more and more, because you are less and less sensitive to the neurotransmitters that activate said circuit, mostly dopamine and serotonin. So you take more and more and more. When you quit, you don't feel the same pleasure you used to feel when you read a book or watched a movie or had sex. You lose the ability to feel pleasure at simple things and you lose motivation and concentration. Your only love is the drug. And your brain complains at the withdrawal.
You know what is the best way to erase a headache after a drunkenness? Drinking alcohol. It's infallible. But you'd end up alcoholic. Your brain complains at the sudden absence of that substance it has gotten used to. Morbid obesity is related to this pathway, too. That last disease is treated with stomach bypass, but the real cure would be burning the hypothalamus.
Drug abuse is the same. You use heroin, you feel amazing, you take more. You stop using heroin, you feel like crap and even hurts, you take more. Of course, there is a certain border you have to cross to stop feeling the pleasure effect and start feeling the punishment effects. In the beginning you seek the drug for its reward effects. After some time you seek it to avoid the punishment effects. Fun is temporal. There are differences, of course. With some drugs you only develop psychological dependence and never physical. With some the punishment effects come very late and the opposite for another ones. There are lots of variations based on the kind of drug and the way of taking it. In any case, rich people have no problem, they pay the heroin or any other drug of choice and have it available every time. No abstinence. But normal people... normal people have it difficult. It's an expensive hobby, and often not compatible with a normal living or job. Abstinence and hell.
With Christian It seemed that quitting heroin after several years using it is a piece of cake. And he deciding to do so out of the blue with no reason at all? After everything else he let to happen in order to remain with his "true love"? Really? I don't buy it. And when he quits, after 3 YEARS (capital letters because it's not a small thing) he is as fast as ever, body and mind. Like if the constant mindfuck had never really happened. This is sci-fi.
Addiction part no realistic at all.
Book One made me feel stupid. Seriously, Hunter is supposed to be 35, give or take. But he behaves like a teen. He doesn't know what he wants. He has zero personality. He lets Christian do what he wishes because he has no willpower so he can't do anything to stop him. If Christian was surreal, Hunter is empty as a kicked Coke can. I don't feel there is some kind of intelligence or past in any of them, they are so flat and superficial as they seem. They have been together for weeks and there is no bond, small or big, as if time has not really passed. Have they really interacted during that time? There are only two people in a cabin out in the woods so at least some contact is expected, not necessarily in the physical or romantic sphere, but still. They don't feel like real people for me.
Book Two is better. We meet Christian's POV and even though his past was dubious and dark or maybe precisely because of that, he's by far more interesting. But he's most of the time and I was desperate for the moment of the to come.
Book Three is more fun. But it has eye-rolling moments, too. For instance, when Can something get sappier than that? I dare you to find something sappier. You better find a good one.
To summarize the book as a whole: The problem I see here is I don't understand their connection, if there is any. This is the best definition of insta-love and insta-lust. When that happens in a book you wonder "What's going on?" because I can't shake that feeling some pages just went missing. in page 69 was a royal anticlimax, a eye-rolling moment if there was one. I found it pretentious and empty. Yes, I know supposedly passed, but that's why you need to fill the gaps with more interaction and brushes. Falling for each other that fast with no basis doesn't give you any authentic feeling they are made for each other. This book needed to be longer in those parts, and shorter in others.
Also, they are not the real MC of the book, they just get in the middle of an armed conflict in Hunter's company. They are not even the real pawns, just some people who happened to be there and are used by the players to do what they wish. This is not necessarily bad, but didn't help to make their story feel important. I didn't even understand psychology in taking advantage of them. When the explanation came I was like "Is that all?". I don't understand why Hunter's mates hold that much power, they never appeared as true adversaries for me. I found the general plot a little like background noise, not important, but annoying enough to upset you.
The pair was quite inconsistent. One moment it's sex and everything is fun. The next moment they are cold with each other. Then they want to be together. Then they can't be together. Then they'd die for each other. Then they have doubts. Hunter is responsible for most of this. He has the personal development of a rock. He is the one who really cares but his acts say otherwise because he is cool with everything, too controlled. Christian was the smart-ass and I ended up liking him much more, but it wasn't enough to make up for the book.
All in all, I liked Christian more than Hunter, because, seriously, sometimes I thought Hunter only has one brain cell.
"Hello? Where is everybody?"
There is a very important experiment from the 50s in which the investigators were looking for certain demonstrations but chance wanted them to find other facts that would change the perspective of psychology and certain diseases. They put an electrode on the nuccleus accumbens on a rat, and every time the rat pushed a lever, it was stimulated with electrical shocks. The rat liked pushing the lever. The rat loved it. It preferred pushing that lever even more than drinking, eating or sleeping. The more time passed, the most frequently those shocks were produced. They had found the pleasure centers.
Abusers have it easier to be sick. It's not because it gives them some kind of immunodeficiency, but because they break their skin multiple times, and that's the most effective barrier against infections. Coma due to intoxication is nothing innocuous. Passing out after drinking liters of alcohol could end up in aspiration pneumonia or pancreatitis or cigar burns. Endocarditis is something to consider if you have persistent fever. Maybe the pure drug is harmless but additives can give problems. Et cetera.
They visit the hospital due to lots of reasons, and sometimes it's because their veins are so eroded they don't find a place to inject the dosis. You know there are no abstinence syndromes in hospitals. They give you drugs to keep them at bay. Nurses put the i.v. into the jugular or the femoral vein and the next day the bed is empty because they are happy to have found a new road for their addiction.
I'm disappointed in the drug part. I don't want to sound smug but I don't feel this is close to the real thing. To begin with, pleasure centers are NEVER recuperated in their totality. They get better but not 100% as those a healthy person has. Drug damage is forever, which doesn't mean quitting is useless. Quitting is always good. But never completely reversible. The author makes you believe it's totally reversible, but it's not. Abusing and then curing is a lie. Better to prevent than to cure AND easier to destroy than to create (except cancer). Those two statements are true in almost everything.
You know about the brain reward circuit? It's the same circuit we exercise when we do things that make you feel pleasure. Like sex, game, food and success. It's essential for our survival, as we "seek" to breed and eat and outdo ourselves to get better in life. It makes you chase that feeling so you repeat and repeat the acts you have done to achieve that feeling. You study, you have good marks, you are successful, you study more. Then there is the pain circuit, the one that punishes you. Social exclusion, physical pain, grief. You run away from them. You stop studying, you fail, you feel like crap, you stop being lazy.
It's related to memory, motivation and pleasure. And when you abuse it with drugs you want more and more, because you are less and less sensitive to the neurotransmitters that activate said circuit, mostly dopamine and serotonin. So you take more and more and more. When you quit, you don't feel the same pleasure you used to feel when you read a book or watched a movie or had sex. You lose the ability to feel pleasure at simple things and you lose motivation and concentration. Your only love is the drug. And your brain complains at the withdrawal.
You know what is the best way to erase a headache after a drunkenness? Drinking alcohol. It's infallible. But you'd end up alcoholic. Your brain complains at the sudden absence of that substance it has gotten used to. Morbid obesity is related to this pathway, too. That last disease is treated with stomach bypass, but the real cure would be burning the hypothalamus.
Drug abuse is the same. You use heroin, you feel amazing, you take more. You stop using heroin, you feel like crap and even hurts, you take more. Of course, there is a certain border you have to cross to stop feeling the pleasure effect and start feeling the punishment effects. In the beginning you seek the drug for its reward effects. After some time you seek it to avoid the punishment effects. Fun is temporal. There are differences, of course. With some drugs you only develop psychological dependence and never physical. With some the punishment effects come very late and the opposite for another ones. There are lots of variations based on the kind of drug and the way of taking it. In any case, rich people have no problem, they pay the heroin or any other drug of choice and have it available every time. No abstinence. But normal people... normal people have it difficult. It's an expensive hobby, and often not compatible with a normal living or job. Abstinence and hell.
With Christian It seemed that quitting heroin after several years using it is a piece of cake. And he deciding to do so out of the blue with no reason at all? After everything else he let to happen in order to remain with his "true love"? Really? I don't buy it. And when he quits, after 3 YEARS (capital letters because it's not a small thing) he is as fast as ever, body and mind. Like if the constant mindfuck had never really happened. This is sci-fi.
Addiction part no realistic at all.
Book One made me feel stupid. Seriously, Hunter is supposed to be 35, give or take. But he behaves like a teen. He doesn't know what he wants. He has zero personality. He lets Christian do what he wishes because he has no willpower so he can't do anything to stop him. If Christian was surreal, Hunter is empty as a kicked Coke can. I don't feel there is some kind of intelligence or past in any of them, they are so flat and superficial as they seem. They have been together for weeks and there is no bond, small or big, as if time has not really passed. Have they really interacted during that time? There are only two people in a cabin out in the woods so at least some contact is expected, not necessarily in the physical or romantic sphere, but still. They don't feel like real people for me.
Book Two is better. We meet Christian's POV and even though his past was dubious and dark or maybe precisely because of that, he's by far more interesting. But he's most of the time and I was desperate for the moment of the to come.
Book Three is more fun. But it has eye-rolling moments, too. For instance, when Can something get sappier than that? I dare you to find something sappier. You better find a good one.
To summarize the book as a whole: The problem I see here is I don't understand their connection, if there is any. This is the best definition of insta-love and insta-lust. When that happens in a book you wonder "What's going on?" because I can't shake that feeling some pages just went missing. in page 69 was a royal anticlimax, a eye-rolling moment if there was one. I found it pretentious and empty. Yes, I know supposedly passed, but that's why you need to fill the gaps with more interaction and brushes. Falling for each other that fast with no basis doesn't give you any authentic feeling they are made for each other. This book needed to be longer in those parts, and shorter in others.
Also, they are not the real MC of the book, they just get in the middle of an armed conflict in Hunter's company. They are not even the real pawns, just some people who happened to be there and are used by the players to do what they wish. This is not necessarily bad, but didn't help to make their story feel important. I didn't even understand psychology in taking advantage of them. When the explanation came I was like "Is that all?". I don't understand why Hunter's mates hold that much power, they never appeared as true adversaries for me. I found the general plot a little like background noise, not important, but annoying enough to upset you.
The pair was quite inconsistent. One moment it's sex and everything is fun. The next moment they are cold with each other. Then they want to be together. Then they can't be together. Then they'd die for each other. Then they have doubts. Hunter is responsible for most of this. He has the personal development of a rock. He is the one who really cares but his acts say otherwise because he is cool with everything, too controlled. Christian was the smart-ass and I ended up liking him much more, but it wasn't enough to make up for the book.
All in all, I liked Christian more than Hunter, because, seriously, sometimes I thought Hunter only has one brain cell.
"Hello? Where is everybody?"
Read
March 11, 2021wow. I was so in love with this... Kate is a brilliant writer and will still be an autobuy for me... but... I'm NO prude. I can forgive a TON of shit, and I'm a total angst whore. But. Christian was unforgivable. what he did was irredeemable and I thought Hunter was an idiot for going back for a second round. While I won't call it cheating, and I know Christian had his reasons, FUCKING MY SISTER IN FRONT OF ME on purpose makes you the sleaziest bastard ever. Young and dumb? Yes, Christian was definitely that. But fuck him. I could have gotten over fucking a friend or disappearing but barebacking my sister? No.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2014
This story took me to plot directions that I didn't see coming, added with characters with emotional baggage, and messy relationship progress. In other words, this was MY kind of book and I loved every minute of it.
It wasn't perfect, I did have complaints, but in the general sense, this was the kind of story that I just ate up completely. See, I’m always in favor for stories with complicated relationships. It doesn't have to be in the form of being abused or suffering major trauma … simply people that are complex, that are flawed, that have problems connecting with others. Stories like those make me FEEL. And my, what a treat I got from Hunter and Christian here. Yes, there was another plot that dealt with the danger coming from Hunter’s company, that one provided the action and suspense and helped bring our men together, but it was that push-pull relationship between Hunter and Christian that kept me glued to my Kindle.
The story consists of three parts. Part 1 is when Hunter and Christian meet for the first time and Hunter takes Christian to his cabin in order to help break Christian’s heroin addiction. Part 2 is when Hunter and Christian meet again after three years. Part 3 is the aftermath of the climax at the end of Part 2.
I thought the biggest twist would be the end of Part 1 where Christian did something that some readers would find unforgivable – and probably at that point would DNF the story, or promise bodily harm to Christian, then rate the book 1-2 stars. However, for me, that was the turning point that made me wonder how Christian would redeem himself. I didn't see it as betrayal … I saw it as a stupid action, resulting from Christian’s inability to know how to deal with someone caring for him.
It was a mess but my GOD it was good. In fact, I thought that point was where this story raced to the 4 stars category. Before that, this story was just another case of a mercenary falling in love with a rent-boy … I cringed when Hunter seemed to fall in love with Christian that easily.
After that, it was a case of watching how these two men found their way back, overcoming Hunter’s anger and hurt and Christian trying to redeem himself. It was wonderful how Ms. Sherwood dealt with these men’s inability to say what they were thinking and feeling but without making it felt like the ‘big misunderstanding’ theme.
I have one complaint: I thought Hunter fell in love with Christian way too quickly. I guess I just didn't see ‘how’ he could. Was it because Hunter saw Christian as someone to save? Was it because Christian was the first boy he had emotional contact with? I guess it was easier to understand Christian’s progress to fall in love with Hunter due to his process of growing up and redeeming himself.
I also wished that Ms. Sherwood wrote that big final confrontation between Christian and the people from the company coming to kill them. It was my personal need of having a big action sequence. So when it wasn't there, it made me slightly disappointed.
Overall, this was a great read for me.
It wasn't perfect, I did have complaints, but in the general sense, this was the kind of story that I just ate up completely. See, I’m always in favor for stories with complicated relationships. It doesn't have to be in the form of being abused or suffering major trauma … simply people that are complex, that are flawed, that have problems connecting with others. Stories like those make me FEEL. And my, what a treat I got from Hunter and Christian here. Yes, there was another plot that dealt with the danger coming from Hunter’s company, that one provided the action and suspense and helped bring our men together, but it was that push-pull relationship between Hunter and Christian that kept me glued to my Kindle.
The story consists of three parts. Part 1 is when Hunter and Christian meet for the first time and Hunter takes Christian to his cabin in order to help break Christian’s heroin addiction. Part 2 is when Hunter and Christian meet again after three years. Part 3 is the aftermath of the climax at the end of Part 2.
I thought the biggest twist would be the end of Part 1 where Christian did something that some readers would find unforgivable – and probably at that point would DNF the story, or promise bodily harm to Christian, then rate the book 1-2 stars. However, for me, that was the turning point that made me wonder how Christian would redeem himself. I didn't see it as betrayal … I saw it as a stupid action, resulting from Christian’s inability to know how to deal with someone caring for him.
It was a mess but my GOD it was good. In fact, I thought that point was where this story raced to the 4 stars category. Before that, this story was just another case of a mercenary falling in love with a rent-boy … I cringed when Hunter seemed to fall in love with Christian that easily.
After that, it was a case of watching how these two men found their way back, overcoming Hunter’s anger and hurt and Christian trying to redeem himself. It was wonderful how Ms. Sherwood dealt with these men’s inability to say what they were thinking and feeling but without making it felt like the ‘big misunderstanding’ theme.
I have one complaint: I thought Hunter fell in love with Christian way too quickly. I guess I just didn't see ‘how’ he could. Was it because Hunter saw Christian as someone to save? Was it because Christian was the first boy he had emotional contact with? I guess it was easier to understand Christian’s progress to fall in love with Hunter due to his process of growing up and redeeming himself.
I also wished that Ms. Sherwood wrote that big final confrontation between Christian and the people from the company coming to kill them. It was my personal need of having a big action sequence. So when it wasn't there, it made me slightly disappointed.
Overall, this was a great read for me.
August 22, 2014
BR with Isabel and Eva Thanks to my friends!:)
Chasing the Dragon… didn’t know what it meant… until a few years ago… the best definition of it … is :- It starts when you have your first high, the world is peaceful, everything is perfect, you're numb, but in the best way possible. But, soon, it starts wearing off. Fast. Your mind races, you're pulled out of your dream world. You crave the drug more and more, wanting to feel the same way as you did on your first high.
“Remember what you told me about chasing the dragon? The first time you do heroin is the sweetest thing ever, and then every time after that is just like an echo? A pale imitation? But the first time was so perfect that you keep chasing anyway, like you couldn’t stop yourself….”
Kate Sherwood's book, deals with the addition theme terrifically well, telling the story of Christian Manning and Jack Hunter! Two so different persons that complete each other in an absolute perfect way!
“Jesus,” Christian said. He flopped back onto the bed in defeat. “You think you being there is going to do any fucking good? You remember what I told you? How if I was drowning and there was a boat above and heroin below, I’d dive for the heroin? You’re in the boat, Hunter. You’re the captain of the fucking boat, and you’re cruising along like it’s just a nice day for a sail, and you see me and you think you can just pull me on board. But you can’t.” His next words were barely audible. “But I can pull you into the water with me. And I don’t want to do that.”
The angst and action are all over the place! The way this book grows, and the way the book ends, leaves you asking for more, hoping that this is just the beginning of what could be a memorable story…. It wasn´t a 5 star read because I was left with some issues that needed answers!
“Hunter had loved the boy, but the man? The man was something else entirely, something even more fascinating and seductive. And therefore dangerous. Not to Hunter’s body, but to his heart, maybe even his sanity.”
September 22, 2014
This story begins with Hunter, who is an ex-security contractor trying to retire, playing white knight to a young gay rent-boy he sees being targeted. Hunter scoops Christian up out of harm's way and takes him along on a drive to his northern-BC cabin in the woods. Unfortunately, on arriving there, Christian informs Hunter that he's a heroin addict, and the next stretch of time is likely to be unpleasant, unless Hunter can pull off a miracle. One of the things I really liked about this book was that he didn't. He talked to a doctor friend, got all the supplies he could come by, and basically Christian had to go through what he went through. No miracles, just time and life and two strong men.
Christian's problems as a recovering addict were well done, and didn't disappear later in the book, which I really appreciated. Although there is insta-lust at the beginning, the love that Hunter comes to feel for the young man in his care happens slowly and believably, even for a man who previously identified as straight. And I was very impressed by the way the situation came to a head - a perfect gut-punch that was believable for both men. That first part was an easy 5 stars for me.
The story jumps ahead in time, and I had more issues with the next part. What had been mainly a contemporary book about two men facing life changes and the tough issues of addiction and their pasts, became a thriller. The relationship was still heart and center of it, but the pressures on that relationship became more melodramatic, and I missed the real-world intensity of the earlier low-key drama.
I also had a real problem with a critical plot point. The climax is exciting and emotional, and unlikely, but I did love the relationship parts of it. The action didn't work for me, but the guys definitely did. There was also a nice mix of female secondary characters, always a positive thing. So all round a 4-star book, but one that will be a reread.
Christian's problems as a recovering addict were well done, and didn't disappear later in the book, which I really appreciated. Although there is insta-lust at the beginning, the love that Hunter comes to feel for the young man in his care happens slowly and believably, even for a man who previously identified as straight. And I was very impressed by the way the situation came to a head - a perfect gut-punch that was believable for both men. That first part was an easy 5 stars for me.
The story jumps ahead in time, and I had more issues with the next part. What had been mainly a contemporary book about two men facing life changes and the tough issues of addiction and their pasts, became a thriller. The relationship was still heart and center of it, but the pressures on that relationship became more melodramatic, and I missed the real-world intensity of the earlier low-key drama.
I also had a real problem with a critical plot point. The climax is exciting and emotional, and unlikely, but I did love the relationship parts of it. The action didn't work for me, but the guys definitely did. There was also a nice mix of female secondary characters, always a positive thing. So all round a 4-star book, but one that will be a reread.
August 7, 2014
Most of the time I can separate the fact that I disagree with the decisions a character makes/the direction the author takes from the actual writing of a story. If I disagree I don't normally rate. But I can't separate that here. For a few reasons.
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One: If anything like the Ten Commandments of M/M romance exists, then this book breaks one of them. This is a MAJOR EFFING SPOILER. Consider yourself warned if you open it!
Two: I had a problem with the characters. I don't feel like either one of the men grew or evolved much. Also, I just didn't...buy them. Especially Hunter. He's supposed to be such a badass that his skills at being a badass are what the entire story revolves around. And yet the spoiler happens, and he doesn't DO ANYTHING? There is no big blow up. No breakdown. What should have been an ATOMIC BOMB blast just sort of popped like a week old birthday balloon. And then we're back folks! No fits. No fights. No groveling required. Just, okay then. And Christian, I didn't feel like he was all that remorseful. Sure he apologized but I couldn't shake the feeling that he was more worried about his own ass than any damage he'd caused. I don't know at this point if his actions tainted him as a character for me, or if he was actually that irritating but I just kept wanting to smack him and:
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This book could have been amazing. The beginning of this story was great. The whole premise was great. I was hooked in the first two pages. But it nosedives pretty quickly. (spoiler happens maybe 1/3 or so in?) After that I have to admit it never recovered for me.
I like this author's other work (I highly recommend The Fall).
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One: If anything like the Ten Commandments of M/M romance exists, then this book breaks one of them. This is a MAJOR EFFING SPOILER. Consider yourself warned if you open it!
Two: I had a problem with the characters. I don't feel like either one of the men grew or evolved much. Also, I just didn't...buy them. Especially Hunter. He's supposed to be such a badass that his skills at being a badass are what the entire story revolves around. And yet the spoiler happens, and he doesn't DO ANYTHING? There is no big blow up. No breakdown. What should have been an ATOMIC BOMB blast just sort of popped like a week old birthday balloon. And then we're back folks! No fits. No fights. No groveling required. Just, okay then. And Christian, I didn't feel like he was all that remorseful. Sure he apologized but I couldn't shake the feeling that he was more worried about his own ass than any damage he'd caused. I don't know at this point if his actions tainted him as a character for me, or if he was actually that irritating but I just kept wanting to smack him and:
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This book could have been amazing. The beginning of this story was great. The whole premise was great. I was hooked in the first two pages. But it nosedives pretty quickly. (spoiler happens maybe 1/3 or so in?) After that I have to admit it never recovered for me.
I like this author's other work (I highly recommend The Fall).
August 7, 2014
This book was so damn good! I think it's probably my favorite book from Kate Sherwood since Dark Horse. I love both MCs. Their stories were so interesting apart and then they're thrown together like this double whammy of goodness! Ex-military and heroin addict just sounds awesome to me.
You begin the book thinking Christian has hit rock bottom and Hunter is saving him. That's just the tip of the iceberg. They give into lust and start to fall in love and then BAM. Christian breaks your heart and truly hits rock bottom.
Some people may find what he does unforgivable. I am not one of those people. I love when an author can redeem a character in my mind and it's not always easy. I cried when I read the hated scene. It crushed me right along with Hunter. BUT Christian turns it around. He goes to frankly insane lengths to get a chance to apologize and see Hunter again. I thought it was beautiful. The tension built up after this was so good. You feel it. Disappointment and anger at Christian. You feel awful and heartbroken for Hunter. This should be the end of them but I was practically salivating for them to reunite. I knew it was going to be amazing.
There's so much action in this story. Both kinds! The sex is intense and emotional. I just love these two together. I think Hunter just brings something so good and stable to the relationship at first. Christian is a mess but he learns so much from his time with Hunter at the cabin. He's an addict. They do stupid shit! We all know that. The point is he turns it around and becomes a man worthy to stand at Hunter's side. Something he never really felt he was.
I LOVED this book! I highly recommend it. Bump it up on your TBR list.
You begin the book thinking Christian has hit rock bottom and Hunter is saving him. That's just the tip of the iceberg. They give into lust and start to fall in love and then BAM. Christian breaks your heart and truly hits rock bottom.
Some people may find what he does unforgivable. I am not one of those people. I love when an author can redeem a character in my mind and it's not always easy. I cried when I read the hated scene. It crushed me right along with Hunter. BUT Christian turns it around. He goes to frankly insane lengths to get a chance to apologize and see Hunter again. I thought it was beautiful. The tension built up after this was so good. You feel it. Disappointment and anger at Christian. You feel awful and heartbroken for Hunter. This should be the end of them but I was practically salivating for them to reunite. I knew it was going to be amazing.
There's so much action in this story. Both kinds! The sex is intense and emotional. I just love these two together. I think Hunter just brings something so good and stable to the relationship at first. Christian is a mess but he learns so much from his time with Hunter at the cabin. He's an addict. They do stupid shit! We all know that. The point is he turns it around and becomes a man worthy to stand at Hunter's side. Something he never really felt he was.
I LOVED this book! I highly recommend it. Bump it up on your TBR list.
September 8, 2014
I've been re-reading Kate Sherwood's Dark Horse series as audio books and loving them so much (the narrator is awesome!) I realised it had been a while since I'd tried anything new by this author. So I grabbed Chasing the Dragon and well, basically, couldn't put it down.
All my favourite tropes; hurt comfort, flawed/damaged MCs, unrequited love, second chances and a plot line that doesn't usually gel with me- special ops/mercenary thriller. It worked here because it took second place to the character development and only really revved up into what was actually a pretty thrilling climax in the last quarter of the book.
Great writing, zippy plot, good dialogue, solid character growth (especially Christian) with a lovely slow burn feel to the relationship.
A thoroughly entertaining and really quite satisfying read.
All my favourite tropes; hurt comfort, flawed/damaged MCs, unrequited love, second chances and a plot line that doesn't usually gel with me- special ops/mercenary thriller. It worked here because it took second place to the character development and only really revved up into what was actually a pretty thrilling climax in the last quarter of the book.
Great writing, zippy plot, good dialogue, solid character growth (especially Christian) with a lovely slow burn feel to the relationship.
A thoroughly entertaining and really quite satisfying read.
September 20, 2014
Fabulous BR
It was the second time in my life that I've read about this metaphor... Chasing Dragons... But this was the first time that I truly understood it... To chase the bliss of the first drug experiment... An experiment that will never be achieved again, but yet, you can't stop trying to get it! To get that fire, that state of freedom... that dragon!
Christian is an addicted, he's still chasing the dragon and he knows that he will never find again, but he still wants it... Until the day that Jack Hunter enter his life.
They fell in love, but both of them knows that their relationship may not last... different reasons for each of them... Both of them fighting their own demons and past!
The story is amazing, the characters dark and captivating, but I want more!
It was the second time in my life that I've read about this metaphor... Chasing Dragons... But this was the first time that I truly understood it... To chase the bliss of the first drug experiment... An experiment that will never be achieved again, but yet, you can't stop trying to get it! To get that fire, that state of freedom... that dragon!
Christian is an addicted, he's still chasing the dragon and he knows that he will never find again, but he still wants it... Until the day that Jack Hunter enter his life.
They fell in love, but both of them knows that their relationship may not last... different reasons for each of them... Both of them fighting their own demons and past!
The story is amazing, the characters dark and captivating, but I want more!
August 14, 2014
2.5 stars
This story is told in three parts and I feel two ways about it. HA!
No, seriously, there were things I really liked and others were just confusing…
I really like Christian.
I know, I know… he does something in the first part of the story that many readers will take great exception to… But his struggle throughout the story-- chasing his own personal demons, NOT chasing that dragon-- is moving, and it really connected with me. He is a junkie-hooker with no one and nowhere to go. He sells himself on the street to feed his heroin habit. At nineteen years old, he can’t get much lower than that. But he always knows just who he is. At one point in the story Christian explains heroin’s allure for him...
“That’s what they call smoking smack… Chasing the dragon. Because of the smoke… but also because the first time you smoke it… It’s the best feeling you’ve ever had. Better than anything.”
When Hunter sweeps in to the rescue, pulling Christian from the street, giving him somewhere to stay, a job, finding him a doctor and seeing him through the grueling rehab… I thought, ‘Who. Is. This. Guy? And why is he so compelled to help Christian, a virtual stranger? I’m not so sure that Hunter, this older, much more experienced, trained mercenary, has as much self awareness as Christian.
Yes, some of Christian’s actions are inexcusable especially because of all that Hunter does for him. But they are in keeping with his character and where he is in his life. He’s completely clear about his very recent past as a junkie hooker. He knows his own limitations and what it will take to break the heroin habit-- this is a huge part of this story, it’s a constant throughout it. Christian knows more than Hunter, that his past, his cravings, will always be there between them. That lucidity really hit me. Especially in someone so young.
So, I didn’t get Hunter. Again, this blind need in him towards Christian just seemed too quick and too pat. Maybe it was just lust morphed into caring, but it didn’t make sense to me. The rest of their story, where we find out about Hunter’s secret career and how it impacts Christian’s life is interesting, but mostly for Christian’s actions there, too. There are some good action sequences, some good secondary characters. But as to the romance itself… it kinda pales next to Christian’s personal journey. I really want to love the whole story, the complicated relationship, but…
When I look back on this read it will be for Christian’s character and his evolution in it. My rating reflects that. As to the rest of it, I’m calling this a ‘it must be me’ thing because I can totally see how others might love Hunter and Christian’s story. I am a long-time fan of this author but it can’t always be smooth-sailing. Maybe next time.
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A copy of this book was provided by the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2014
Excuse me while I squee all over this book. I think… I think this is my new favorite Kate Sherwood book. It made me so happy I don't even know where to start.
Maybe this was just the right book at the right time, but it seriously managed to turn around a bad day for me. My predominant feeling during this book was joy. Complete, utter joy and thankfulness that this book exists and that I decided to read it. The blurb made me think this book would be dark and difficult, and elements of that were definitely there, but it was really wonderfully, hysterically funny and highly entertaining as well. I really did not expect it to be so funny, but Christian's personality and his snark and smartass banter made me cry with laughter.
Christian is absolutely one of my new favorite characters, ever. I loved him so, so much. He's got such an attitude on him, and frankly does some things that I'm sure will make quite a few people hate him, but he starts the book as a messed up teenager with a fucked up past and is so strong despite all of that. I loved seeing him panic and then confront his fears head on, because a lot of shit came flying at him in this book and he dealt with it amazingly. And I just could not get enough of the ridiculous things that came out of his mouth.
Hunter was pretty damn awesome too. I loved his habit of making up silly little lies to guilt trip people and then admitting to the fact that he made it all up. I also really liked his relationships with his sister Hayley and friend Miriam. I was expecting some of Christian's actions to come between Hunter and Hayley, and I really liked that their sibling relationship stayed strong. I also liked that Hunter, while quite a badass in ground fighting situations and much more experienced than Christian, acknowledged that scheming and planning aren't his strong points and was willing to take suggestions from Christian.
I thought Hunter and Christian were a great couple. They start the book as a bit of an odd couple - Christian being a nineteen year old hooker junkie and Hunter being a mid-thirties mercenary on the verge of retiring - so it wasn't easy to see how they would fit together long term, but as Christian grows it becomes clear that he has a lot in common with Hunter. They're also majorly hot together.
As with all books by this author, I was immediately pulled into the story from the beginning. I found the prose really readable and I sank completely into the story like I was watching it happen rather than reading about it. I thought the pacing was really great, every time I thought I was about to get dragged down by too much of the suspense plot it had a great moment of levity that lifted me right back up again. I absolutely refused to put it down, screw sleeping!
So obviously, I reallyreallyreallyreallyreally liked this book. There were only two things that I didn't love about it. First, when Hunter's declaration of love happened it was a little unexpected for me, I didn't really see that he was there yet. In retrospect, after seeing Hunter's actions in the rest of the book, I could believe he totally was in love with Christian, I was just surprised he even realized it himself. Second, which has nothing to do with the book and everything to do with me, mercenary/military/suspense-type books are just not my favorite genre. I'm pretty damn impressed with this book for overcoming most of my feelings about the genre.
I had a great time reading this book and I can't wait to read it again. Pretty sure I'm gonna love it.
Maybe this was just the right book at the right time, but it seriously managed to turn around a bad day for me. My predominant feeling during this book was joy. Complete, utter joy and thankfulness that this book exists and that I decided to read it. The blurb made me think this book would be dark and difficult, and elements of that were definitely there, but it was really wonderfully, hysterically funny and highly entertaining as well. I really did not expect it to be so funny, but Christian's personality and his snark and smartass banter made me cry with laughter.
Christian is absolutely one of my new favorite characters, ever. I loved him so, so much. He's got such an attitude on him, and frankly does some things that I'm sure will make quite a few people hate him, but he starts the book as a messed up teenager with a fucked up past and is so strong despite all of that. I loved seeing him panic and then confront his fears head on, because a lot of shit came flying at him in this book and he dealt with it amazingly. And I just could not get enough of the ridiculous things that came out of his mouth.
Hunter was pretty damn awesome too. I loved his habit of making up silly little lies to guilt trip people and then admitting to the fact that he made it all up. I also really liked his relationships with his sister Hayley and friend Miriam. I was expecting some of Christian's actions to come between Hunter and Hayley, and I really liked that their sibling relationship stayed strong. I also liked that Hunter, while quite a badass in ground fighting situations and much more experienced than Christian, acknowledged that scheming and planning aren't his strong points and was willing to take suggestions from Christian.
I thought Hunter and Christian were a great couple. They start the book as a bit of an odd couple - Christian being a nineteen year old hooker junkie and Hunter being a mid-thirties mercenary on the verge of retiring - so it wasn't easy to see how they would fit together long term, but as Christian grows it becomes clear that he has a lot in common with Hunter. They're also majorly hot together.
As with all books by this author, I was immediately pulled into the story from the beginning. I found the prose really readable and I sank completely into the story like I was watching it happen rather than reading about it. I thought the pacing was really great, every time I thought I was about to get dragged down by too much of the suspense plot it had a great moment of levity that lifted me right back up again. I absolutely refused to put it down, screw sleeping!
So obviously, I reallyreallyreallyreallyreally liked this book. There were only two things that I didn't love about it. First, when Hunter's declaration of love happened it was a little unexpected for me, I didn't really see that he was there yet. In retrospect, after seeing Hunter's actions in the rest of the book, I could believe he totally was in love with Christian, I was just surprised he even realized it himself. Second, which has nothing to do with the book and everything to do with me, mercenary/military/suspense-type books are just not my favorite genre. I'm pretty damn impressed with this book for overcoming most of my feelings about the genre.
I had a great time reading this book and I can't wait to read it again. Pretty sure I'm gonna love it.
August 20, 2014
Loved. Review to come...
BR with Isabel and Barbara
It was really great... More to come...
BR with Isabel and Barbara
"...for two men with very dark pasts, relying on each other might be easier said than done."
"Christian stumbled backward, surprised and dazed, and Hunter followed, his lips demanding an answer to a question he hadn’t yet asked. Christian knew the answer, and he kissed it back with intensity to match Hunter’s. Yes, he kissed. Of course, yes. Then, and now, and always".
“You remember what I told you? How if I was drowning and there was a boat above and heroin below, I’d dive for the heroin? You’re in the boat, Hunter. You’re the captain of the fucking boat (...) and you see me and you think you can just pull me on board. But you can’t.” His next words were barely audible. “But I can pull you into the water with me. And I don’t want to do that.”
“His love for Christian had never needed to be returned. It just was. The sun rose in the east, gravity kept things from falling into space, and Hunter loved Christian. For three years of anger and loneliness and despair, Hunter had loved Christian; it wasn’t going to just go away now that they were back together.”
"No,” Christian said. “I don’t want… it takes me away. I don’t want to go away. I want to stay with you.” Hunter tried to control his voice, but he wasn’t completely successful. “Even if it hurts?” he asked. Christian nodded slowly, as if rediscovering the use of his neck muscles. “I’m not scared this time.”
"Hunter smiled at him and leaned in for a gentle kiss. “Together,” he agreed, and they both watched, satisfied, as their fingers twined and danced together."
It was really great... More to come...
Read
August 4, 2014Kate Sherwood is one of my favourite authors and Chasing The Dragon is just as well written as every other book that she's published.
But what Christian did was, in my opinion, absolutely unforgivable and although I finished the book and can appreciate the skill with which it's written I couldn't enjoy it past that point.
Because my disappointment in this story was based solely on my inability to handle cheating MCs I decided the best thing to do is not rate this book.
But what Christian did was, in my opinion, absolutely unforgivable and although I finished the book and can appreciate the skill with which it's written I couldn't enjoy it past that point.
Because my disappointment in this story was based solely on my inability to handle cheating MCs I decided the best thing to do is not rate this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2014
Great story. It could have went without the little mistake, but it worked for the story, so I'm not complaining too much. I'm just glad these guys finally got their happy ending.
March 28, 2015
This lost momentum right at the end of the story. And 1 star in the rating.
I loved the first 2/3 of the book. Such angst, emotion, development between the the MCs, solid character build-up. It started with Hunter and his sudden realisation that he was attracted to an anonymous hooker he came across on a side alley one evening. I loved his ambiguity over his on and off again attraction. There was no immediate decision that he was gay or panic but rather cold analysis and then Hunter came to terms with it. Very mature and responsible. And the pull towards the youngster decided him to save Christian from his drug dealers and help him kick the habit. Sure, for the first part of the story, it was only Christian and Hunter without any other character to fill in the story but they each had their own baggage to unload to the reader. There was a slow period in which they got to know each other and be more comfortable around each other and then of course, the attraction reappeared. I was kind of turned on by Christian's subtle display and Hunter's first foray into gay sex.
But it couldn't last. Hunter became emotionally attached and Christian wasn't ready to trust himself, let alone allow anyone else to play such an important role in his life. So he choose one of the most hurtful ways to push Hunter away. He slept with Hunter's baby sister. I was so saddened by that scene. I could feel what Hunter was going through, I could understand why Christian had done it. And it broke my heart that neither man realised the true meaning of the other's actions.
Fast forward three years and Christian had managed to stay clean and look out for himself. He stumbles across an opportunity to get in touch with Hunter and takes it, no matter the risk. It's now Hunter's turn to hurt Christian, making the youngster feel worthless and unwanted. I admired Christian's courage then, to stay and take the humiliation instead of seeking refuge into the arms of heroin again. Afterwards, a cat and mouse game begins with members from the company shuffling to take control of the company by threatening Hunter. I loved the military and technical jargon employed in the story. It made it believable without overdoing it. Made Hunter and Christian tougher but not merciless.
Could hardly put the book down when Christian and Hunter were forced to seek refuge to the cabin and then their subsequent struggle to stay alive, along with Hayley and Miriam. That was a very well delivered scene. I didn't see any loose ends being missed, I thought it was believable and it had a tight and neat presentation.
What was a bit disappointing was the way the romance dilemma was sorted out. After a heavy dose of angst, peril and internal turmoil, the solution was pretty anticlimactic with the both of them confessing their love as easy as day and deciding to stay together. I wanted more fire and sparks after such a long wait and after all the hurt they each endured. It worked well, being added after a rush of adrenaline but it could withstand its own fireworks.
Not much left to say for these two. Would love another set of adventures for them. But if not, I got attached to each in turn and loved the trials and tribulations they surpassed in order to be together.
I loved the first 2/3 of the book. Such angst, emotion, development between the the MCs, solid character build-up. It started with Hunter and his sudden realisation that he was attracted to an anonymous hooker he came across on a side alley one evening. I loved his ambiguity over his on and off again attraction. There was no immediate decision that he was gay or panic but rather cold analysis and then Hunter came to terms with it. Very mature and responsible. And the pull towards the youngster decided him to save Christian from his drug dealers and help him kick the habit. Sure, for the first part of the story, it was only Christian and Hunter without any other character to fill in the story but they each had their own baggage to unload to the reader. There was a slow period in which they got to know each other and be more comfortable around each other and then of course, the attraction reappeared. I was kind of turned on by Christian's subtle display and Hunter's first foray into gay sex.
But it couldn't last. Hunter became emotionally attached and Christian wasn't ready to trust himself, let alone allow anyone else to play such an important role in his life. So he choose one of the most hurtful ways to push Hunter away. He slept with Hunter's baby sister. I was so saddened by that scene. I could feel what Hunter was going through, I could understand why Christian had done it. And it broke my heart that neither man realised the true meaning of the other's actions.
Fast forward three years and Christian had managed to stay clean and look out for himself. He stumbles across an opportunity to get in touch with Hunter and takes it, no matter the risk. It's now Hunter's turn to hurt Christian, making the youngster feel worthless and unwanted. I admired Christian's courage then, to stay and take the humiliation instead of seeking refuge into the arms of heroin again. Afterwards, a cat and mouse game begins with members from the company shuffling to take control of the company by threatening Hunter. I loved the military and technical jargon employed in the story. It made it believable without overdoing it. Made Hunter and Christian tougher but not merciless.
Could hardly put the book down when Christian and Hunter were forced to seek refuge to the cabin and then their subsequent struggle to stay alive, along with Hayley and Miriam. That was a very well delivered scene. I didn't see any loose ends being missed, I thought it was believable and it had a tight and neat presentation.
What was a bit disappointing was the way the romance dilemma was sorted out. After a heavy dose of angst, peril and internal turmoil, the solution was pretty anticlimactic with the both of them confessing their love as easy as day and deciding to stay together. I wanted more fire and sparks after such a long wait and after all the hurt they each endured. It worked well, being added after a rush of adrenaline but it could withstand its own fireworks.
Not much left to say for these two. Would love another set of adventures for them. But if not, I got attached to each in turn and loved the trials and tribulations they surpassed in order to be together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
Although the “Dark Horse” series has been highly recommended to me many times, “Chasing the Dragon” is my first Kate Sherwood. It won’t be the last because this book was just that terrific.
I love books with strong, clear writing, with complex characterization that allows the main characters to grab the reader by the mind and heart. Jack Hunter and Christian Manning did this for me. I cared. Then, I was hooked.
Both men bring strong back stories to the table in this tale of discovery and redemption. Christian is a heroin addict who is street whore and Hunter is a burned-out ex-military man who is a working partner in a group that protects top-level professionals around the world and he wants out. Intriguing backgrounds and a mix of strength and weaknesses in both men.
When Hunter sees Christian in a back alley engaged in a sexual encounter, Hunter sees beauty and strength and he is attracted. This is unsettling because Hunter believes he is straight. While he’s trying to puzzle these new emotions and responses, he realizes Christian needs serious help and he pretty much blindly steps up. I’m not sure it’s Hunter’s intent to save Christian, but he does. He puts Christian in his car and takes him to a remote cabin in British Columbia, where they both can detox — Hunter from crippling stress and Christian from heroin. The attraction, which I think begins as one drowning man recognizing another, becomes friendship and then more. At that point, they decide to go with what they’re feeling.
But, as Hunter explores his feelings for Christian, Christian is busy denying his feelings for Hunter. What an emotional knot. And, it tightens when Christian does something to protect himself from hoping for more and bring hurt. That “scene” was heart-wrenching, but completely believable and I felt every miserable moment of it. Christian is not good with words or explaining himself. Sex has been his commerce and communication for such a long time that he goes for what is expedient and because in life, people use what they know. He uses sabotage to avoid believing what he and Hunter are sharing is more than sex. What he fails to understand, until he faces the aftermath, is that when it’s love, betrayal hurts both parties and fear strangles love.
Oh yeah, you will be angry at Christian and it will seem an impossible task for Sherwood to redeem this character, but believe me, it’s rock bottom for both men. Sherwood weaves a highly complex set of characterizations in this story, which make it a must-read because the author takes you on Christian’s journey to self-worth and love. Make no mistake, it takes a skilled storyteller to drop a character into an insurmountable mire of his own making and then convincingly redeem him — in one book. This is a fresh perspective and a wonderful piece of writing, Ms. Sherwood.
OK, there is also hot sex, fast/paced action, moments of high suspense in the book, but throw in some unexpected plot developments and this tale is a satisfying read. So, if you’re looking for a wonderful read, buy this book. And, for me, I’m on to the Dark Horse series.
Although the “Dark Horse” series has been highly recommended to me many times, “Chasing the Dragon” is my first Kate Sherwood. It won’t be the last because this book was just that terrific.
I love books with strong, clear writing, with complex characterization that allows the main characters to grab the reader by the mind and heart. Jack Hunter and Christian Manning did this for me. I cared. Then, I was hooked.
Both men bring strong back stories to the table in this tale of discovery and redemption. Christian is a heroin addict who is street whore and Hunter is a burned-out ex-military man who is a working partner in a group that protects top-level professionals around the world and he wants out. Intriguing backgrounds and a mix of strength and weaknesses in both men.
When Hunter sees Christian in a back alley engaged in a sexual encounter, Hunter sees beauty and strength and he is attracted. This is unsettling because Hunter believes he is straight. While he’s trying to puzzle these new emotions and responses, he realizes Christian needs serious help and he pretty much blindly steps up. I’m not sure it’s Hunter’s intent to save Christian, but he does. He puts Christian in his car and takes him to a remote cabin in British Columbia, where they both can detox — Hunter from crippling stress and Christian from heroin. The attraction, which I think begins as one drowning man recognizing another, becomes friendship and then more. At that point, they decide to go with what they’re feeling.
But, as Hunter explores his feelings for Christian, Christian is busy denying his feelings for Hunter. What an emotional knot. And, it tightens when Christian does something to protect himself from hoping for more and bring hurt. That “scene” was heart-wrenching, but completely believable and I felt every miserable moment of it. Christian is not good with words or explaining himself. Sex has been his commerce and communication for such a long time that he goes for what is expedient and because in life, people use what they know. He uses sabotage to avoid believing what he and Hunter are sharing is more than sex. What he fails to understand, until he faces the aftermath, is that when it’s love, betrayal hurts both parties and fear strangles love.
Oh yeah, you will be angry at Christian and it will seem an impossible task for Sherwood to redeem this character, but believe me, it’s rock bottom for both men. Sherwood weaves a highly complex set of characterizations in this story, which make it a must-read because the author takes you on Christian’s journey to self-worth and love. Make no mistake, it takes a skilled storyteller to drop a character into an insurmountable mire of his own making and then convincingly redeem him — in one book. This is a fresh perspective and a wonderful piece of writing, Ms. Sherwood.
OK, there is also hot sex, fast/paced action, moments of high suspense in the book, but throw in some unexpected plot developments and this tale is a satisfying read. So, if you’re looking for a wonderful read, buy this book. And, for me, I’m on to the Dark Horse series.
January 10, 2020
I'll be honest and admit that this is the first book I've ever read by Kate Sherwood. It came very highly recommended and the blurb basically sucked me in. Plus, as I started reading, I couldn't help but picture Hunter as Jason Bourne. Well, as Matt Damon, playing Jason Bourne, that is. Hello? Yum. Okay, that's not the only reason Hunter reminded me of him. It was more the situation and Hunter's personality that clinched the similarities for me. And, well, let's face it. I love a good action adventure. Throw in some hot man on man, plus an incendiary love story, and a little angst? Well, I hit the trifecta, for me!
As Hunter steps into an alley after a meeting with some clients, he sees a kid servicing a man. Hunter has no idea why this sight is so arousing, but the next day he sets off to find this street whore. He needs to understand why this kid suddenly made him look at himself differently. What he's going to do once he finds him, he's got no idea. It certainly doesn't turn out the way Hunter thought it would when he ends up offering the kid the opportunity to come to his cabin with him. In exchange for helping Hunter do repairs and work on the cabin and land, Hunter will pay him minimum wage less room and board.
Christian doesn't bother to tell Hunter that he's a heroin junkie until they're at the cabin. But Christian swears he wants off the drug and that's why he agreed to come all this way north into the province. Their first week together isn't exactly paradise, but Christian suffers through, and then they start working together during the days, and Hunter has Christian start exercising with him. By the time the first snowfall hits, they've got a good routine down. Everything is fine, and Hunter is starting to think he imagined his physical response to Christian that first night, until Hunter begins to teach Christian to spar and grapple. Getting up close with Christian throws Hunter's system into a total meltdown and he has no idea how to deal.
Now, here's where many books would have gone into predictability. I was thrilled to discover that this one didn't.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
As Hunter steps into an alley after a meeting with some clients, he sees a kid servicing a man. Hunter has no idea why this sight is so arousing, but the next day he sets off to find this street whore. He needs to understand why this kid suddenly made him look at himself differently. What he's going to do once he finds him, he's got no idea. It certainly doesn't turn out the way Hunter thought it would when he ends up offering the kid the opportunity to come to his cabin with him. In exchange for helping Hunter do repairs and work on the cabin and land, Hunter will pay him minimum wage less room and board.
Christian doesn't bother to tell Hunter that he's a heroin junkie until they're at the cabin. But Christian swears he wants off the drug and that's why he agreed to come all this way north into the province. Their first week together isn't exactly paradise, but Christian suffers through, and then they start working together during the days, and Hunter has Christian start exercising with him. By the time the first snowfall hits, they've got a good routine down. Everything is fine, and Hunter is starting to think he imagined his physical response to Christian that first night, until Hunter begins to teach Christian to spar and grapple. Getting up close with Christian throws Hunter's system into a total meltdown and he has no idea how to deal.
Now, here's where many books would have gone into predictability. I was thrilled to discover that this one didn't.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
August 16, 2014
What was this hot mess? Christian NEVER blew up. You know gay men LOVE sleeping with the guy whose dick has been in their sister. GROSS. I could get over cheating but with my sister...even in soap operas that's like the final nail in the coffin. Hot mess. 2 stars because I liked Christian and felt bad the author fucked him up so bad. This is becoming a trend in gay romance, guys taking sloppy seconds from their sisters. Maybe girls don't mind sharing their boyfriends and all, IDK. I saw someone mention that this was equivalent to a woman walking in on her boyfriend fucking her brother. Would you take him back after that? I don't think so. Drugs or not, that was beyond my ability to forgive a character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2014
I loved every minute of this.
While I accept other's will find Christian's action unforgivable, I saw it as a moment of stupidity mixed up with a distorted perception of self-sacrifice due to his own low self-worth and his fear of intimacy...
Yeah, yeah, bullshit words. But he is so young.
Anyhoo, it's not my job to defend (lovely) writer's lovely writing.
I went with it.
Also wanted to add. This narrative didn't go in the direction I expected, so bonus points for surprising plot developments (not saying they weren't totally plausible, I just didn't see 'em coming).
There was action, suspense and a couple of tender loving moments.
Just swallowed it down greedily.
While I accept other's will find Christian's action unforgivable, I saw it as a moment of stupidity mixed up with a distorted perception of self-sacrifice due to his own low self-worth and his fear of intimacy...
Yeah, yeah, bullshit words. But he is so young.
Anyhoo, it's not my job to defend (lovely) writer's lovely writing.
I went with it.
Also wanted to add. This narrative didn't go in the direction I expected, so bonus points for surprising plot developments (not saying they weren't totally plausible, I just didn't see 'em coming).
There was action, suspense and a couple of tender loving moments.
Just swallowed it down greedily.
September 8, 2014
Have to give this one star.
I don't approve of cheating. No way. No how. With that being said if it plays out right I can get past it.
This book did not play out the cheating as it should have. It's one thing to cheat, it's a slap it the face. But to cheat with a family member is unforgivable. It is not just a slap in the face but a bitch slap with a side of a kick to the nuts.
What didn't sit well with me was that the cheating was looked over as if the guy only used up all the hot water in the shower. Hell nah. I couldn't finish this book because the MCs just couldn't recover from the many other ways that part could have played out...
I don't approve of cheating. No way. No how. With that being said if it plays out right I can get past it.
This book did not play out the cheating as it should have. It's one thing to cheat, it's a slap it the face. But to cheat with a family member is unforgivable. It is not just a slap in the face but a bitch slap with a side of a kick to the nuts.
What didn't sit well with me was that the cheating was looked over as if the guy only used up all the hot water in the shower. Hell nah. I couldn't finish this book because the MCs just couldn't recover from the many other ways that part could have played out...
August 6, 2014
Holy crap!!! I loved every last second of this. Christian is perfect because of *and* in spite of every one of his imperfections. Absolutely one of the most human characters I've ever read. My very picky 6-star shelf just got another book shelved. eta And maybe I misread something but Christian's cheating on Hunter wasn't really what I'd call cheating. There was absolutely nothing self-serving or self-centered about what Christian did. He thought (in his own loving, albeit damaged, way) he was doing what was best for Hunter. Thank you, Author. Really.
September 6, 2015
A solid 4 stars for the book Kate Sherwood's book always have a great meaning behind her plot. Christian and Hunter are two MC's that are on two totally opposite ends of the rainbow but some how they come together to try to stick together when the shit hits the fan and well it does. She leaves it to your imagination for the second book that I really hope she makes because there are some WHAT IF moment for me to wonder.
Read
August 22, 2015DNF! Ugh...this book was a brick wall for me. I've trying to read it for 2 flippin' weeks!!! And I'm only 50% into it. I finally had to wave the white flag and move on. Just could not get interested in the storyline nor the MC's. Big disappointment for me, as I've loved everything to date that I've read by Kate Sherwood.
January 4, 2015
I really liked this. While it's not perfect and there is a lot going on I just loved the relationship between Hunter and Christian and I really liked the snarky dialogue.
August 7, 2014
I know that many of us have lost faith in 5 Star ratings, but give me just a minute to make my case.
Kate Sherwood has crafted something very special with this book. If you don't know what the phrase "chasing the dragon" means, it's simply the chasing of the amazing first high that many drug users experience after their first taste of hard drugs, the reasons drug users escalate.
Christian Manning is a drug addict and a whore. He sells himself to buy his drugs. Jack Hunter sees one of Christian's encounters. Jack is straight, but watching this encounter moves him in ways he didn't expect. The next time Hunter sees Christian, he has to rescue him from a drug dealer.
Hunter has issues of his own. He is recovering from a gunshot wound he received on his last mission for the company he co-owns, a company that supplies protection to high profile types all over the world. He needs to take control of his life and plans to spend the winter at a cabin he owns in a remote area of British Columbia. The cabin needs a lot of work, so he offers Christian a job helping renovate the cabin. Christian wanted the chance to kick his habit and Hunter wanted the help. Or maybe he just wanted Christian. He didn't know. A winter together would change both of their lives in ways neither would have anticipated.
This book made me feel. There is a passage where Christian tells Hunter what it's like to "chase the dragon" that is so beautifully written that I had to go back and read it again. And again. Kate Sherwood hits every emotion in this book. Every single one. I was so mad a Christian at one point that I didn't see any way that he could possibly be redeemed. I was wrong. By the end of the book, not only had Christian redeemed himself, he has become an unforgettable character with one of the most unforgettable journeys of redemption I have ever read.
This story is not just a love story, it's an adventure, full of intrigue and danger. It's smoothly crafted prose kept my attention through every page, and wishing for more. I was deeply moved by Christian and Hunter. Unforgettable.
August 22, 2014
4.5 Stars
This book started out with a bang and I read well into the night. Both Hunter and Christian were intriguing characters, with lots of layers to uncover. Christian's struggles with drugs, Hunter being so willing to be his caretaker, the sexual tension between the men - all of this coupled with Christian's emotional unavailablity - sucked me right in. I wanted to know more about their pasts. I wanted to see them conquer their demons and it seemed after being at the cabin for a while they just might get there, then...then...blam! Great plot twist, had me gutted and crying right along with the characters.
Things were off and running then. Love how Christian landed on his feet, got his act together and became a stronger man, pushed himself to be the best he could be. Love how Hunter, even though rightfully bitter and hurt, was helpless when it came to dealing with the true feelings he still held for Christian. What was never quite clear to me, was the whole deal with Hunter's "company", the power struggles and history of it all were never completely defined in my mind. Even so, I got swept right along in the thrill and action. Late in the story Christian was still struggling with the fact that Hunter loved him, Christian still labeling himself as unworthy. I know where all that was stemming from, but at that point I thought the two had cleared the air about their feelings, and Christian had grown strong enough to step beyond his past, so Christian's continued feelings of low worth grated on me a bit. I was overjoyed at the end when he was finally able to own the fact that he was deserving of Hunter's love. The sex was spot on, conveying the emotional state of the guys perfectly. Although, I would have loved a final sex scene that left no doubt in the minds of the men that this time it was more than sex, they were making love. Sequel?!! Yes, I'm hoping ;-)
This book started out with a bang and I read well into the night. Both Hunter and Christian were intriguing characters, with lots of layers to uncover. Christian's struggles with drugs, Hunter being so willing to be his caretaker, the sexual tension between the men - all of this coupled with Christian's emotional unavailablity - sucked me right in. I wanted to know more about their pasts. I wanted to see them conquer their demons and it seemed after being at the cabin for a while they just might get there, then...then...blam! Great plot twist, had me gutted and crying right along with the characters.
Things were off and running then. Love how Christian landed on his feet, got his act together and became a stronger man, pushed himself to be the best he could be. Love how Hunter, even though rightfully bitter and hurt, was helpless when it came to dealing with the true feelings he still held for Christian. What was never quite clear to me, was the whole deal with Hunter's "company", the power struggles and history of it all were never completely defined in my mind. Even so, I got swept right along in the thrill and action. Late in the story Christian was still struggling with the fact that Hunter loved him, Christian still labeling himself as unworthy. I know where all that was stemming from, but at that point I thought the two had cleared the air about their feelings, and Christian had grown strong enough to step beyond his past, so Christian's continued feelings of low worth grated on me a bit. I was overjoyed at the end when he was finally able to own the fact that he was deserving of Hunter's love. The sex was spot on, conveying the emotional state of the guys perfectly. Although, I would have loved a final sex scene that left no doubt in the minds of the men that this time it was more than sex, they were making love. Sequel?!! Yes, I'm hoping ;-)
September 9, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
The opening of the story, a dark alley with Christian on his knees, immediately sets up the characters and the attraction. The first part of the story moves at a good pace. Hunter, being over a decade older than Christian, really protects and cares for Christian as he tries to help him get clean and healthy. Christian is attracted to Hunter, but sex is just sex for him, without emotional attachments. During this first portion, the story is really character driven and seeing Hunter and Christian bond and grow to need each other in different ways was the heart of the story. When Hunter develops feelings for Christian, Christian freaks out as he has no experience with anyone wanting more from him then sex. Christian crosses a huge line that goes a long way to show how damaged he is, but some readers may have issues with what he does and will have a hard time moving on from it.
Time moves forward and the story then becomes more plot driven, but the pace of the book slows down considerably. Hunter’s business comes into play and it is so secretive it was hard to get a handle on exactly what it was for a while. There are bad guys, but at the end of the story, it was somewhat unclear if all of them were indeed bad guys or if they were part of a set-up as the big confrontation was sort of snuffed out. Hunter is an operative and one of the best in the business. Yet, when on the run, he doesn’t think of the small things like if a room is bugged and gets played a few too many times for the level of experience he is said to have. The drama of the company takes a larger focus and less is placed on getting the guys back together and it is a slow road there.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
The opening of the story, a dark alley with Christian on his knees, immediately sets up the characters and the attraction. The first part of the story moves at a good pace. Hunter, being over a decade older than Christian, really protects and cares for Christian as he tries to help him get clean and healthy. Christian is attracted to Hunter, but sex is just sex for him, without emotional attachments. During this first portion, the story is really character driven and seeing Hunter and Christian bond and grow to need each other in different ways was the heart of the story. When Hunter develops feelings for Christian, Christian freaks out as he has no experience with anyone wanting more from him then sex. Christian crosses a huge line that goes a long way to show how damaged he is, but some readers may have issues with what he does and will have a hard time moving on from it.
Time moves forward and the story then becomes more plot driven, but the pace of the book slows down considerably. Hunter’s business comes into play and it is so secretive it was hard to get a handle on exactly what it was for a while. There are bad guys, but at the end of the story, it was somewhat unclear if all of them were indeed bad guys or if they were part of a set-up as the big confrontation was sort of snuffed out. Hunter is an operative and one of the best in the business. Yet, when on the run, he doesn’t think of the small things like if a room is bugged and gets played a few too many times for the level of experience he is said to have. The drama of the company takes a larger focus and less is placed on getting the guys back together and it is a slow road there.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
October 17, 2015
The Blogger Girls
4.5 Stars
Whoa; what a drama filled, action packed, no holds barred, knocked down, dragged out slug fest. I had no clue when I started this book that it was going to be such a roller coaster ride. Was it an action story? Yes. Was it a romance? Yes..and no, and yes. Was it everything I was expecting? No…it was much, much more. I was rode hard and hung up wet. This is not a story for you fluffy sweet lovers of pink sugar and lollipops. It is, however, an amazing story of two men who each have demons to fight, dragons to chase, and learning to love and trust in a world where loving and trusting will get you, or loved ones, killed.
Hunter is a mercenary, Christian is a drug addicted prostitute…a match made it heaven, or hell, depending on where you are in the story. This was not an easy read, there were parts that made me cringe, but it was written so well that I could almost imagine it being made into an action film with a side dish of romance. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that as I am a reader who loves a lot of substance with my stories and this one delivered.
Watching Christian suffer and fight his addiction and self hatred was hard. Watching Hunter suffer and fight his demons was just as bad…different, but both were heartbreaking. There were times when I thought his was going to be a story without a happy ending, it was getting really close to me flipping to the last page just to verify that it did. I am really glad I didn’t give in to temptation because the final showdown was well worth not being spoilered.
If drugs, violence, perceived infidelity, and a story heavy on action and light on romance is not a hard limit for you, then I highly recommend this book. I am just wondering what took me so long to read it.
4.5 Stars
Whoa; what a drama filled, action packed, no holds barred, knocked down, dragged out slug fest. I had no clue when I started this book that it was going to be such a roller coaster ride. Was it an action story? Yes. Was it a romance? Yes..and no, and yes. Was it everything I was expecting? No…it was much, much more. I was rode hard and hung up wet. This is not a story for you fluffy sweet lovers of pink sugar and lollipops. It is, however, an amazing story of two men who each have demons to fight, dragons to chase, and learning to love and trust in a world where loving and trusting will get you, or loved ones, killed.
Hunter is a mercenary, Christian is a drug addicted prostitute…a match made it heaven, or hell, depending on where you are in the story. This was not an easy read, there were parts that made me cringe, but it was written so well that I could almost imagine it being made into an action film with a side dish of romance. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that as I am a reader who loves a lot of substance with my stories and this one delivered.
Watching Christian suffer and fight his addiction and self hatred was hard. Watching Hunter suffer and fight his demons was just as bad…different, but both were heartbreaking. There were times when I thought his was going to be a story without a happy ending, it was getting really close to me flipping to the last page just to verify that it did. I am really glad I didn’t give in to temptation because the final showdown was well worth not being spoilered.
If drugs, violence, perceived infidelity, and a story heavy on action and light on romance is not a hard limit for you, then I highly recommend this book. I am just wondering what took me so long to read it.
August 10, 2014
This was a flawed novel but showed such glimmers of brilliance. Christian's character is extremely well written with very realistic issues of addiction. His battle with his addiction and acceptance that it'll be life-long is powerfully written. Even the anti-romance-novel thing Christian did(no spoilers here!) made sense in context of his addiction and where he was in life. BUT...
The relationship between Christian and Hunter is not one for romance readers. The insta-love on Hunter's part and Christian's odd reciprocation didn't show progression. In fact, for Part Two of this book the leads aren't even together.
Another fatal flaw for me is when an author uses plot to force the leads' emotional denouement and that's what happened here--big time! Christian's battle with chemical addiction was enough tension in this novel but the author adds this mysterious "Company" that is out to get Hunter and uses Christian to do so. The men are in mortal danger and this makes them have their emotional climax instead of it coming from character growth.
Oh this novel, such promise but deeply didn't work for me!
The relationship between Christian and Hunter is not one for romance readers. The insta-love on Hunter's part and Christian's odd reciprocation didn't show progression. In fact, for Part Two of this book the leads aren't even together.
Another fatal flaw for me is when an author uses plot to force the leads' emotional denouement and that's what happened here--big time! Christian's battle with chemical addiction was enough tension in this novel but the author adds this mysterious "Company" that is out to get Hunter and uses Christian to do so. The men are in mortal danger and this makes them have their emotional climax instead of it coming from character growth.
Oh this novel, such promise but deeply didn't work for me!
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