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Return on Investment #1
Return on Investment
Martin David, an eager but inexperienced financial analyst, is the newest member of the investment team at Skeiron Capital Partners in London. His boss is an avowed financial genius, but he’s also overbearing and intense. Despite his erratic behaviour, Martin can’t help being drawn to him both professionally and personally.
Too bad his boss doesn’t seem to feel the same. In a firm where pedigree and connections mean far more than Martin’s newly-minted business degree, Martin feels desperately inadequate—at least until he meets the enigmatic investment manager Alec Berger, who promises to help Martin establish himself in the financial community. Martin is so charmed by Alec’s sophistication and wit that he gives him data that should have stayed confidential.
Then the financial crisis hits. Banks burn, companies teeter on the brink, and Skeiron’s survival is at stake. Martin is pushed into the middle of the fight for Skeiron—against both the tanking economy and a ruthless enemy who’s stepped out of the shadows to collect the spoils.
Return on Investment is the new gay financial thriller from EPIC Award winner and Lambda Award finalist Aleksandr Voinov.
Too bad his boss doesn’t seem to feel the same. In a firm where pedigree and connections mean far more than Martin’s newly-minted business degree, Martin feels desperately inadequate—at least until he meets the enigmatic investment manager Alec Berger, who promises to help Martin establish himself in the financial community. Martin is so charmed by Alec’s sophistication and wit that he gives him data that should have stayed confidential.
Then the financial crisis hits. Banks burn, companies teeter on the brink, and Skeiron’s survival is at stake. Martin is pushed into the middle of the fight for Skeiron—against both the tanking economy and a ruthless enemy who’s stepped out of the shadows to collect the spoils.
Return on Investment is the new gay financial thriller from EPIC Award winner and Lambda Award finalist Aleksandr Voinov.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2014
32 people are currently reading
1006 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
June 21, 2018
4.5
Note to self: Read more books by Aleksandr Voinov,because I'd forgotten how much I love his writing.
This is an intriguing,addictive MM story set during the 2008 financial crisis.....something I can remember well,not because I had enough money to be affected but I can remember my mother frantically moving her money around.It's very well portrayed and shockingly believable.
The story centres around Martin David,a financial analyst...he's eager but inexperienced.His boss, Francis De Bracy is the ultimate workacholic.Always professional,always able to turn on the charm when necessary.....intense and broody..and Martin can't resist the pull of the man...
In the cut throat world of money,it seems some people will stop at nothing to achieve their goals and Martin finds himself caught up in a game of sexual manipulation and ruthless behaviour...
And let's not forget the third player, in this story...Alec Berger....
Alec is a charming,seductive,and highly driven towards his goal....
This book ticked so many boxes for me...,
-authentic London setting,
-an intense,compelling plot,
-some seriously hot sex scenes,
-and,hello....who doesn't like men in suits getting their kink on??
There are two books in the series,and I'll definitely be reading the next one,but this could be read on it's own....finishing with a HFN.
A recommended read...
"Bankers like to think they are special.Court them.They like a bit of foreplay before you bend them over for the deal."
Note to self: Read more books by Aleksandr Voinov,because I'd forgotten how much I love his writing.
This is an intriguing,addictive MM story set during the 2008 financial crisis.....something I can remember well,not because I had enough money to be affected but I can remember my mother frantically moving her money around.It's very well portrayed and shockingly believable.
The story centres around Martin David,a financial analyst...he's eager but inexperienced.His boss, Francis De Bracy is the ultimate workacholic.Always professional,always able to turn on the charm when necessary.....intense and broody..and Martin can't resist the pull of the man...
In the cut throat world of money,it seems some people will stop at nothing to achieve their goals and Martin finds himself caught up in a game of sexual manipulation and ruthless behaviour...
And let's not forget the third player, in this story...Alec Berger....
Alec is a charming,seductive,and highly driven towards his goal....
This book ticked so many boxes for me...,
-authentic London setting,
-an intense,compelling plot,
-some seriously hot sex scenes,
-and,hello....who doesn't like men in suits getting their kink on??
There are two books in the series,and I'll definitely be reading the next one,but this could be read on it's own....finishing with a HFN.
A recommended read...
December 1, 2014
4.5 stars.
Awesome book. I wish there were more like it in the genre.
I keep trying to find a word to describe it and the word that continuously pops into my head is "smart". And it's not just because of the financial details and wealth of research/knowledge of that sector that must have gone into this book, it's the way it is written in general. The writing is off the chain. Dialogue and Martin's narrative is clever, witty in all the right places, and ironic in others.
I also really liked the descriptions of London and the scene-setting. It was well done because this is a book that is very much about city people, city life, and a specific kind of person that embraces and thrives in that life. I was recently writing a pair of books set in NYC, and I made the comment that to me NYC wasn't just a backdrop. It was a book about New Yorkers. I don't know if that makes sense to anyone else, but I feel like the same can be said about the characters in this book and their relationship with London.
I've wanted to read this book for a long time, and I wanted to read it even more after a recent conversation regarding what sorts of books belong in the romance genre and which ones do not. This book may not be a traditional romance, but there is an overarching romantic plotline that carries through the book, and there is a very optimistic and fitting ending.
This book is a lot about the financial world and I was constantly on the edge of my seat about how the Great Recession would affect Martin and Francis, and I wondered when everything would come tumbling down on them, but it is also very much about Martin finding out who he is, and what he wants in both his professional and personal life, and I found the personal part very satisfying. This is not a novel with a linear romance subplot, but it does have a believable growth of relationship between the two men involved, and again, a satisfying end. Don't be skurrred, people. Seriously, give it a shot.
So, why did I downrate instead of uprate? It was hard, and this is one of those times where I wished GR would allow half stars. The primary reason is that... I wanted more Francis because I'm a selfish bitch. I guess you can say I wanted more of the post-Recession story than we got in general. This of course would have resulted in the story being longer, or rearranged in some way, but I loved that building tension in the Skeiron office, and I wanted Francis to have more of an impact on what happened there. I also would have liked his Jesuit roots to come up a bit earlier.
All things considered, I really loved this book. It was smart, sexy, clever, and a really great addition to the genre even if it is the kind of cross-genre that M/M does not typically see. Yay for unique writing and authors who take risks!
Awesome book. I wish there were more like it in the genre.
I keep trying to find a word to describe it and the word that continuously pops into my head is "smart". And it's not just because of the financial details and wealth of research/knowledge of that sector that must have gone into this book, it's the way it is written in general. The writing is off the chain. Dialogue and Martin's narrative is clever, witty in all the right places, and ironic in others.
I also really liked the descriptions of London and the scene-setting. It was well done because this is a book that is very much about city people, city life, and a specific kind of person that embraces and thrives in that life. I was recently writing a pair of books set in NYC, and I made the comment that to me NYC wasn't just a backdrop. It was a book about New Yorkers. I don't know if that makes sense to anyone else, but I feel like the same can be said about the characters in this book and their relationship with London.
I've wanted to read this book for a long time, and I wanted to read it even more after a recent conversation regarding what sorts of books belong in the romance genre and which ones do not. This book may not be a traditional romance, but there is an overarching romantic plotline that carries through the book, and there is a very optimistic and fitting ending.
This book is a lot about the financial world and I was constantly on the edge of my seat about how the Great Recession would affect Martin and Francis, and I wondered when everything would come tumbling down on them, but it is also very much about Martin finding out who he is, and what he wants in both his professional and personal life, and I found the personal part very satisfying. This is not a novel with a linear romance subplot, but it does have a believable growth of relationship between the two men involved, and again, a satisfying end. Don't be skurrred, people. Seriously, give it a shot.
So, why did I downrate instead of uprate? It was hard, and this is one of those times where I wished GR would allow half stars. The primary reason is that... I wanted more Francis because I'm a selfish bitch. I guess you can say I wanted more of the post-Recession story than we got in general. This of course would have resulted in the story being longer, or rearranged in some way, but I loved that building tension in the Skeiron office, and I wanted Francis to have more of an impact on what happened there. I also would have liked his Jesuit roots to come up a bit earlier.
All things considered, I really loved this book. It was smart, sexy, clever, and a really great addition to the genre even if it is the kind of cross-genre that M/M does not typically see. Yay for unique writing and authors who take risks!
July 27, 2014
5 vOiNoV StArs
If someone had said to me "I've got a great book for you to read, it's about the financial melt down in London in 2008"...I would have said "No fu#king way would I read it!!"
.....but you tell me it's written by Aleksandr Voinov....well that's a different story altogether, because I sure as hell would read it!! The man has the midas touch and what ever he writes is pure gold....this is no exception.
It's not a typical m-m romance, yes there's lot's of talk of hedge funds, investment strategies, economy, allegiances but it was interesting and gripping, the two sides of the story intertwined fluidly and was perfectly well balanced.
The romance came in waves.....it ebbed to a soft susurrus and then heightened to a crescendo...the highs being astoundingly HOT!!
The main three players in the story are Martin David (above) our eager, inexperienced financial analyst, whom is the newest member of the investment team at Skeiron Captial Partners in London.
Francis De Bracy - Martin's boss is a financial genius, a perfectionist.
Then you have Alec Berger - the enigmatic Investment Manager...seductive and suave, the more Martin got to know Alec the more layers he uncovered.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read, Alek always tugs deep on my emotions with his wonderful writing.
Well done Alek, another superb read!!
Bankers like to think they are special. Court them. They like a bit of foreplay before you bend them over for the deal."
If someone had said to me "I've got a great book for you to read, it's about the financial melt down in London in 2008"...I would have said "No fu#king way would I read it!!"
.....but you tell me it's written by Aleksandr Voinov....well that's a different story altogether, because I sure as hell would read it!! The man has the midas touch and what ever he writes is pure gold....this is no exception.
It's not a typical m-m romance, yes there's lot's of talk of hedge funds, investment strategies, economy, allegiances but it was interesting and gripping, the two sides of the story intertwined fluidly and was perfectly well balanced.
The romance came in waves.....it ebbed to a soft susurrus and then heightened to a crescendo...the highs being astoundingly HOT!!
The main three players in the story are Martin David (above) our eager, inexperienced financial analyst, whom is the newest member of the investment team at Skeiron Captial Partners in London.
Francis De Bracy - Martin's boss is a financial genius, a perfectionist.
Then you have Alec Berger - the enigmatic Investment Manager...seductive and suave, the more Martin got to know Alec the more layers he uncovered.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read, Alek always tugs deep on my emotions with his wonderful writing.
Well done Alek, another superb read!!
Read
February 9, 2017Update 8 January 2017 - To celebrate the upcoming release of the German version, I've refreshed the look of the series (new cover/branding).
Update: 20 April 2016 - I fixed a few typos that somehow made it through. Hooray for keen-eyed Italian translators. Also, the sequel, Risk Return, is out, and has a LOT more Francis.
Just a PSA - this is not a traditional romance, m/m or other. I'd describe it as part coming-of-age, part financial thriller (yes, quite a few scenes involving the office, deals, finance talk, etc), and love story. The love story is not the main thing going on, and the main character spends quite a bit of time/quite a few nights with other people.
Update 20 July: I found a fragment of Return on Investment. I reckon it was just an exercise. I know I didn't cut it out: http://aleksandrvoinov.blogspot.co.uk...
Update: 12 July: This is an Amazon-exclusive release. If you want an EPUB, email me at vashtan gmail com.
Update: 20 April 2016 - I fixed a few typos that somehow made it through. Hooray for keen-eyed Italian translators. Also, the sequel, Risk Return, is out, and has a LOT more Francis.
Just a PSA - this is not a traditional romance, m/m or other. I'd describe it as part coming-of-age, part financial thriller (yes, quite a few scenes involving the office, deals, finance talk, etc), and love story. The love story is not the main thing going on, and the main character spends quite a bit of time/quite a few nights with other people.
Update 20 July: I found a fragment of Return on Investment. I reckon it was just an exercise. I know I didn't cut it out: http://aleksandrvoinov.blogspot.co.uk...
Update: 12 July: This is an Amazon-exclusive release. If you want an EPUB, email me at vashtan gmail com.
July 9, 2018
First time I read this author and whoah. I was immersed right from the beginning, even though it started with quite a disturbing scene. It was intense, gripping and well written !!
This is the journey of Martin, a young financial analyst trying to work his way into the financial world right before and during the 2008 financial crisis. In his journey, he’s surrounded by Francis, his boss, a financial genius and a renowned workaholic, Josh, his gym coach and soon his friend and roommate and Alec, a sexy investor seemingly willing to take Martin under his wings.
I have to admit that it lacks the usual dose of romance I need : did I care ? Nope. It was so fascinating to see Martin navigates and grows (to my liking) into this “shark” world – manipulation, lack of ethics, oversized egos, dehumanization - so very well depicted.
The ending is little bit abrupt, but maybe because there’s a follow-up. I’m in to read it.
Note : Once I finished this book, I realized that Aleksandr Voinov would attend the 2018 EPC. I was fortunate to chat with him a little bit. I can’t deny it : I was charmed.
This is the journey of Martin, a young financial analyst trying to work his way into the financial world right before and during the 2008 financial crisis. In his journey, he’s surrounded by Francis, his boss, a financial genius and a renowned workaholic, Josh, his gym coach and soon his friend and roommate and Alec, a sexy investor seemingly willing to take Martin under his wings.
I have to admit that it lacks the usual dose of romance I need : did I care ? Nope. It was so fascinating to see Martin navigates and grows (to my liking) into this “shark” world – manipulation, lack of ethics, oversized egos, dehumanization - so very well depicted.
The ending is little bit abrupt, but maybe because there’s a follow-up. I’m in to read it.
Note : Once I finished this book, I realized that Aleksandr Voinov would attend the 2018 EPC. I was fortunate to chat with him a little bit. I can’t deny it : I was charmed.
August 30, 2015
"Return on investment (ROI) measures the gain or loss generated on an investment relative to the amount of money invested. ROI is usually expressed as a percentage and is typically used for personal financial decisions, to compare a company's profitability or to compare the efficiency of different investments."
I spoke to a friend before I started reading ROI and she said to me that she is wary, since she wasn't sure that topic of this book (mainly, financial services industry setting) would be interesting to her.
I wanted to start my review with this and say that anyone who has similar fear may lay it to rest. This is not in any way a book written by professional for professionals. You absolutely don't have to be familiar with terms or events- where it mattered author explained and made it approachable and interesting for everyone. And even if thought of finance bores you, there is an actual, mystery, kept-me-on-the-edge-of-my-seat subplot going on (that thriller tag is not there just for fun). :)
That being said, all warnings about this not being mm romance are spot on. Yes, there are some romantic parts and, yes, there is sex (mindblowing sex), but every relationship Martin has with men in his life are just part of his road, his transformation. The most important of those with two incredibly complex and enigmatic characters, Alec and Francis. Alec, seductive and conniving bastard, darkly erotic man. A villain. Smooth-talker you don't even notice has you wrapped around his finger. He is using you, but he makes you feel like million bucks along the way. A true hedonist. And a person who gave Martin his first lessons about job. Alec is actually the first to see his potential.
Now, Francis...He is the reason I am pondering about this review for two days. We are aware from the start that Martin is attracted to him, but when I finished this novel it made me think just how much of that was Martin being starstruck at the beginning. Francis is brilliant at his job. His record is praise-worthy, he is aspiring, he is excellent negotiator and he is incredibly driven, his enthusiasm is addictive. If you noticed, all of this is describing Francis as a manager. This is because Francis devoted his life to be perfect at what he does and he doesn't really allow anything or anyone to distract him from it. That means that he is a great teacher and role model for Martin- great to work with, but rather hard to be in love with. When Martin is assigned to him, he gets to know him little better and I believe, seeing the man behind was the moment when he fell hard. As was I. Francis is such a tough cookie to crack, a mystery, but the glimpses we got from time to time were so beautiful you are dying to know more. He is noble in some things, just, and so damn idealistic. It made me think how title of this novel fits in a way for Francis. We get to read Martin investing his skills, patience, undeniable loyalty, trust and well... love, all the time in Francis, and not getting much in return. But like every investment, it takes time for it to start realizing benefits. And when it does, it's sooo worth it. Then, he also does things like this:
Parallel with financial crisis, in a cutthroat world of investment management where power games are just part of strategy, Martin goes full circle from being used to using others, from being afraid to being bold, from admiring masters of universe to becoming one of them.
This reads like old Alex; gritty and uncompromising. all those unwritten rules of genre, potential dealbrakers or characters who don't have need to define their sexuality...no fucks were given in ROI and I freaking love it. I remembered once again why I am a fan.
* "Bull/Bear market shifts", "Equity", "White Knight" or "secondary debt market" are not terms completely unknown to me- well, if only a legal side of it. It was kind of impossible not to be intrigued by 2008 crisis, so for me this book was a real threat on whole another level. It was also a particularly exploited theme; resulting in some amazing works to read and/or watch. These are some documentaries I saw if you're interested or if this book makes you interested:
Inside Job
The Ascent of Money
Why Are We All in Debt?
Too Big to Fail
Also, rec away if you know of something good. ;)
November 14, 2016
4.5 I always assumed that Voinov is unmatched when it comes to WW II M/M, but it turns out that he tackles the financial services industry with equal dedication and believability. Mostly though, he again showcases that he absolutely rocks it in his solo projects.
I’m afraid I might’ve been immersed in the field for too long to offer an entirely sane perspective, but debt-to-equity ratios, dividend yields and corporate liquidations simply turn me on. And opposed to many books that are set in the corporate world and that are clearly written by an outsider, Return on Investment actually rang true, was clever, and remained clever. It’s one of the few books in this genre—despite this book defying genres and labels and boxes —that would’ve managed to hold my interest even if romance and sex scenes hadn’t been woven through the plot.
But fear not! There is plenty to enjoy on that front as well. Starting with the loving attention to suit porn and dangerous corporate assholes like Alec Berger, who was as charming as he was ruthless, and whose character thoroughly entertained me. It was almost too much that the MC, financial rookie Martin, also happened to have an enigma for a boss; Francis de Bracy. What made him endlessly fascinating to me was the clever way Voinov avoided all the downtrodden paths when it came to his character—gifting him with a fluid sexuality and a complex, layered personality—and wasn’t afraid to preserve Francis’s aura of unattainability for a good chunk, if not the entire book.
If it were possible to kiss a writing-style I would: it was both crisp and gorgeously elaborate when a scene asked for it (the beach scene in Dubai had a Skybound-ish quality), the dialogue was smooth and perfectly witty and snarky, fitting the characters as well as their bespoke suits and silver cufflinks. And with the risk of this turning into a love letter; doesn’t Voinov write the most beautiful love scenes? They’re understated and epic at once, with recognition for all those little details that matter the most.
Arguably, the last fourth of the book was decidedly weaker than the rest of it. The pacing became uneven, the events took an unrealistic turn and were then wrapped up in a rushed and not entirely satisfying manner. I was particularly unimpressed with the quick and dirty solution to the Skeiron/Alec Berger situation, but I can’t say that I welcomed the sudden introduction of a Jesuit and the baggage he brought along with him either. Another tiny point of critique: the number of gay/heteroflexible men making an appearance seemed a tad fanciful.
Nevertheless, none of this could dampen the delicious frisson of excitement that coursed through me for the majority of Return on Investment. This book might not be without flaws, but I’m giddy with how much it resonated, clicked, with me. I remembered why I'm a Voinov fan.
So much, in fact, that I’ve already started book 2 with Onyx. The world’s fucked up, but thankfully books can still be good.
I’m afraid I might’ve been immersed in the field for too long to offer an entirely sane perspective, but debt-to-equity ratios, dividend yields and corporate liquidations simply turn me on. And opposed to many books that are set in the corporate world and that are clearly written by an outsider, Return on Investment actually rang true, was clever, and remained clever. It’s one of the few books in this genre—despite this book defying genres and labels and boxes —that would’ve managed to hold my interest even if romance and sex scenes hadn’t been woven through the plot.
But fear not! There is plenty to enjoy on that front as well. Starting with the loving attention to suit porn and dangerous corporate assholes like Alec Berger, who was as charming as he was ruthless, and whose character thoroughly entertained me. It was almost too much that the MC, financial rookie Martin, also happened to have an enigma for a boss; Francis de Bracy. What made him endlessly fascinating to me was the clever way Voinov avoided all the downtrodden paths when it came to his character—gifting him with a fluid sexuality and a complex, layered personality—and wasn’t afraid to preserve Francis’s aura of unattainability for a good chunk, if not the entire book.
If it were possible to kiss a writing-style I would: it was both crisp and gorgeously elaborate when a scene asked for it (the beach scene in Dubai had a Skybound-ish quality), the dialogue was smooth and perfectly witty and snarky, fitting the characters as well as their bespoke suits and silver cufflinks. And with the risk of this turning into a love letter; doesn’t Voinov write the most beautiful love scenes? They’re understated and epic at once, with recognition for all those little details that matter the most.
Arguably, the last fourth of the book was decidedly weaker than the rest of it. The pacing became uneven, the events took an unrealistic turn and were then wrapped up in a rushed and not entirely satisfying manner. I was particularly unimpressed with the quick and dirty solution to the Skeiron/Alec Berger situation, but I can’t say that I welcomed the sudden introduction of a Jesuit and the baggage he brought along with him either. Another tiny point of critique: the number of gay/heteroflexible men making an appearance seemed a tad fanciful.
Nevertheless, none of this could dampen the delicious frisson of excitement that coursed through me for the majority of Return on Investment. This book might not be without flaws, but I’m giddy with how much it resonated, clicked, with me. I remembered why I'm a Voinov fan.
So much, in fact, that I’ve already started book 2 with Onyx. The world’s fucked up, but thankfully books can still be good.
February 6, 2015
What a surprise. By far the best most honest depiction of what a career in finance might look like. The thing that people don’t tell you about finance is that it can be everything yet be nothing. When you are in it, part of a firm, you live & breathe it. Your day starts early and ends when the job is done, be it 17 hours or 17 days later. I’ve worked deals, emerged much like Martin sick, losing my hair & merely laughed at the doctor who told me the answer was to work and stress less. All the stuff this book describes is right, everyone is fucking smart in finance, downright brilliant so if you all have the degrees and acronyms how better to prove you’re winning the game….yup exercise, a stellar wardrobe, a house in the right zip code, and on and fucking on.
It can also corrupt you. You look for weaknesses in others and hope to God you don’t have any. Your enemies are your friends and your friends are your enemies.
I read an article not long before I left that life where Jada Pinkett Smith supposedly said that nothing that her husband could do would ever make her stop loving him, but that what she told him was whatever he does each day he has to be able to get up in the morning and look at himself in the mirror and be ok. Well that’s finance & this book, because eventually I woke up and looked in the mirror & realized even I thought I was a prick and I couldn’t live with it anymore. While I do miss it with all that I am, like Francis I was glad to just make it out alive…
This book was everything, brilliant made me wish I could start back at day 1.
It can also corrupt you. You look for weaknesses in others and hope to God you don’t have any. Your enemies are your friends and your friends are your enemies.
I read an article not long before I left that life where Jada Pinkett Smith supposedly said that nothing that her husband could do would ever make her stop loving him, but that what she told him was whatever he does each day he has to be able to get up in the morning and look at himself in the mirror and be ok. Well that’s finance & this book, because eventually I woke up and looked in the mirror & realized even I thought I was a prick and I couldn’t live with it anymore. While I do miss it with all that I am, like Francis I was glad to just make it out alive…
This book was everything, brilliant made me wish I could start back at day 1.
October 16, 2016
Audible
The audio book was great! Wow.
I have conflicting emotions about this book. I LOVE the narrating. It was just excellent.
The story itself was VERY interesting, and I enjoyed the writing A LOT.
My personal issue was...a financial WORLD. And it was just a lot of it HERE.
On the one hand I appreciate the topic - who else if not Aleks, who KNOWS the topic PRETTY WELL (I just know it because I'm a GR friend of the author, who regularly read Voinov's blogs, and a big admire of Aleks), on the other hand, I and FINANCES...we just don't match together.
It is why I HAVE (SORRY!!!) to give it ONLY 4 stars.
I wish to be at least a NATURAL BORN ACCOUNTANT, better a BANKER, to have MUCH MORE fun. I'm just someone who hates EVERYTHING that has to do with taxes, stocks and banks.
I am pretty sure that my hubby would have had MUCH MORE FUN with this book (if he would be a reader of gay fiction), because he is a responsible person for our tax declaration...
Aside from my personal financial problems:
VERY ACTUAL TOPIC, from an INSIDER-author.
January 15, 2015
I loved this!
Voinov at his absolute best as far as I'm concerned....
I loved the insight into the financial world, the games, the manipulations. It's a real cock fight out there and who better than the man himself to interpret it all for us. I have no knowledge or care of financial workings but I was thoroughly engrossed and intrigued with this cut throat world. Yeesh, the suspense had my tummy doing little flips! Who would have thought?! I was googling 'hedge funds' 'private equity' sec-something-or the other and reveling in the lesson. This part of the book was so much fun!
And then there's the realistic characterisation which totally brings this home for me. Voinov exposes his characters completely, leaving me without any reservation or question to their authenticity - it's strength, love, greed and weakness exposed like only this author can. Subtle character nuances, mannerisms and intense dialog - the writing is superb!
The originally styled non-romance was brilliantly executed and had me guessing right up until the end.
Entertaining! My God! I haven't been this entertained in MONTHS.
Awesome!
Voinov at his absolute best as far as I'm concerned....
I loved the insight into the financial world, the games, the manipulations. It's a real cock fight out there and who better than the man himself to interpret it all for us. I have no knowledge or care of financial workings but I was thoroughly engrossed and intrigued with this cut throat world. Yeesh, the suspense had my tummy doing little flips! Who would have thought?! I was googling 'hedge funds' 'private equity' sec-something-or the other and reveling in the lesson. This part of the book was so much fun!
And then there's the realistic characterisation which totally brings this home for me. Voinov exposes his characters completely, leaving me without any reservation or question to their authenticity - it's strength, love, greed and weakness exposed like only this author can. Subtle character nuances, mannerisms and intense dialog - the writing is superb!
The originally styled non-romance was brilliantly executed and had me guessing right up until the end.
Entertaining! My God! I haven't been this entertained in MONTHS.
Awesome!
August 28, 2014
Might I call a novel about highly motivated businessmen, complexly layered friendships and realistic sex “beautiful”? Oh yes, you bet your sweet arse, and I just did. Beautiful.
The Prologue. Really. It sets the tone, until it takes the next turn, and the next.
After that, this story starts off with a deceptively comfortable, leisurely pace. All the while, a low hum of tension is flowing beneath the surface.
I liked Martin right away and that continued throughout the entire story.
Josh intrigued me. Alec made me smirk and hold my breath at the same time. Francis was a dark cloud ready to break apart with the lightening of his tightly wound self.
A few chapters in, I realized… well, that I had been properly sucked in. And that undercurrent of tension? Ever present and undeniable.
The writing feels effortless just as it should. The dialogue realistic and meaningful, nothing superfluous.
Let’s really get into this:
Martin is, frankly, naïve at varying levels. He’s had his share of hookups and had to work hard to get into uni and get this job, this career, so he’s no stranger to working for what he wants. He’s just not nearly as worldly when it comes to people: if someone is nice to him, they must have his best interests at heart… right? He’s got a lot to learn.
Francis is a gold mine, no matter where and for what you may be digging. He’s smart, probably technically brilliant. He can read people as if no flesh, no bone stands between him and their inner thoughts. He’s so closed off, keeping things ultra-close to his vest, that most of that knowledge he’s gained from so much experience remains tucked away. Except… when it comes to Martin. Now and then, Francis shares something of himself with Martin and it’s like that first gaping gulp of oxygen when you’ve broken the surface of the water: refreshingly bright, vital, exhilarating.
Alec is a player, no matter the arena. Financially savvy, a business guru and a freelancer… with anything and everything, including himself. The interesting thing is that he sees himself as a romantic, at least when he’s with that one person. Talk about a character going through a full arc in the form of peeling layers.
Josh is caring, smart and seems to have Martin’s number when it comes to their friendship. Josh doesn’t take any guff from Martin and he’s the one who consistently makes it possible for Martin to feel at ease in his own space. He knows what’s best for Martin when Martin refuses to relent and see it for himself. Pretty damn good friend. I could say more on this but it’s a wonderful experience watching these two and I don’t want to spoil any of that.
Carsten. He simply made me smile every time he arrived on the scene. Reliable, intelligent, funny and honestly sort of sweet. Definitely someone you want in your corner, no matter what or when or how. He managed to ease the tension even when it was at its highest levels.
The greatest thing about characters that are far from perfect: when we get to learn about them, not just from their own thoughts and actions, but how they react with others and how other react towards them. In this story, that is when I felt the jolt of change or realization, when one of them reacted in an unexpected way towards another.
Speaking of unexpected, there are surprises here. And twists. Great and small. And people simply being human. Unpredictable. A story feels real when it’s organic, like it’s not following a script, when it’s careening around the universe the author has created and you feel like you want to buy in 100%. That was me reading this book. Like all of us, these characters make confounding decisions. They have sex with some and in ways that others would outwardly feel compelled to judge, all the while knowing they don’t have the right. Expectations are blown to bits, assumptions obliterated. Martin, Francis and Josh are all painted with these messy brushes. On the flip side, they also represent growth that comes from life experience, satisfying and horrifying both. Ultimately, through it all, they’re looking for the same things: happiness and security, and maybe even love if they’re lucky. Alec is also in this group but for many of the opposite reasons.
This story is sexy, erotic, sensual, messy, warm, affection filled and delicious. It’s unmistakably set in the financial world of 2008 heading into 2009. No one knew what the hell was going to happen from one day to the next, one hour to the next. It influenced nearly every aspect of life. Mixing desirous attraction, complex business and ever changing goals, both profession and personal, makes for a meaty read. I was left both wanting and completely satisfied. Never enough and yet too much. I felt both excited and quite anxious in revisiting that time. All of the financial world detail made that happen.
I love being tied up in complicated knots by talented hands in the form of a storyteller. I’m not at all surprised that it happened here with this author. I still have scars from previous literary rope burns earned from reading the words of Voinov. It may seem odd to say given the subject matter and setting of this book, but I’m going to put it on my comfort read shelf. It feels like coming home.
The Prologue. Really. It sets the tone, until it takes the next turn, and the next.
After that, this story starts off with a deceptively comfortable, leisurely pace. All the while, a low hum of tension is flowing beneath the surface.
I liked Martin right away and that continued throughout the entire story.
Josh intrigued me. Alec made me smirk and hold my breath at the same time. Francis was a dark cloud ready to break apart with the lightening of his tightly wound self.
A few chapters in, I realized… well, that I had been properly sucked in. And that undercurrent of tension? Ever present and undeniable.
The writing feels effortless just as it should. The dialogue realistic and meaningful, nothing superfluous.
Let’s really get into this:
Martin is, frankly, naïve at varying levels. He’s had his share of hookups and had to work hard to get into uni and get this job, this career, so he’s no stranger to working for what he wants. He’s just not nearly as worldly when it comes to people: if someone is nice to him, they must have his best interests at heart… right? He’s got a lot to learn.
Francis is a gold mine, no matter where and for what you may be digging. He’s smart, probably technically brilliant. He can read people as if no flesh, no bone stands between him and their inner thoughts. He’s so closed off, keeping things ultra-close to his vest, that most of that knowledge he’s gained from so much experience remains tucked away. Except… when it comes to Martin. Now and then, Francis shares something of himself with Martin and it’s like that first gaping gulp of oxygen when you’ve broken the surface of the water: refreshingly bright, vital, exhilarating.
Alec is a player, no matter the arena. Financially savvy, a business guru and a freelancer… with anything and everything, including himself. The interesting thing is that he sees himself as a romantic, at least when he’s with that one person. Talk about a character going through a full arc in the form of peeling layers.
Josh is caring, smart and seems to have Martin’s number when it comes to their friendship. Josh doesn’t take any guff from Martin and he’s the one who consistently makes it possible for Martin to feel at ease in his own space. He knows what’s best for Martin when Martin refuses to relent and see it for himself. Pretty damn good friend. I could say more on this but it’s a wonderful experience watching these two and I don’t want to spoil any of that.
Carsten. He simply made me smile every time he arrived on the scene. Reliable, intelligent, funny and honestly sort of sweet. Definitely someone you want in your corner, no matter what or when or how. He managed to ease the tension even when it was at its highest levels.
The greatest thing about characters that are far from perfect: when we get to learn about them, not just from their own thoughts and actions, but how they react with others and how other react towards them. In this story, that is when I felt the jolt of change or realization, when one of them reacted in an unexpected way towards another.
Speaking of unexpected, there are surprises here. And twists. Great and small. And people simply being human. Unpredictable. A story feels real when it’s organic, like it’s not following a script, when it’s careening around the universe the author has created and you feel like you want to buy in 100%. That was me reading this book. Like all of us, these characters make confounding decisions. They have sex with some and in ways that others would outwardly feel compelled to judge, all the while knowing they don’t have the right. Expectations are blown to bits, assumptions obliterated. Martin, Francis and Josh are all painted with these messy brushes. On the flip side, they also represent growth that comes from life experience, satisfying and horrifying both. Ultimately, through it all, they’re looking for the same things: happiness and security, and maybe even love if they’re lucky. Alec is also in this group but for many of the opposite reasons.
This story is sexy, erotic, sensual, messy, warm, affection filled and delicious. It’s unmistakably set in the financial world of 2008 heading into 2009. No one knew what the hell was going to happen from one day to the next, one hour to the next. It influenced nearly every aspect of life. Mixing desirous attraction, complex business and ever changing goals, both profession and personal, makes for a meaty read. I was left both wanting and completely satisfied. Never enough and yet too much. I felt both excited and quite anxious in revisiting that time. All of the financial world detail made that happen.
I love being tied up in complicated knots by talented hands in the form of a storyteller. I’m not at all surprised that it happened here with this author. I still have scars from previous literary rope burns earned from reading the words of Voinov. It may seem odd to say given the subject matter and setting of this book, but I’m going to put it on my comfort read shelf. It feels like coming home.
October 25, 2014
Initially I had my reservations about picking this book up. I enjoy this author immensely and the cover is great but I thought the book itself sounded like it might be a bit 'financially' overwhelming for my tastes. Surprisingly though it really didn't get bogged down in heavy money speak. Sure it's there, but it's necessary to understand the climate of the time and the circumstance that the characters find themselves in.
It's a hostile environment and financial dealings are done in a sometimes less than scrupulous manner. But at the heart of the book we see Martin David a young and naive financial analyst at the beginning of his career working for a boss whom he is rather besotted with.
“There is a battle of good and evil in this world. Whatever names you place on the sides, whatever you call it—materialism and spirituality, altruism and selfishness, cruelty and compassion—that battle rages undiminished. I need to fully understand again which side I am on.”
In the course of business deals, Martin meets an incredibly worldly and sophisticated man by the name of Alec and he is unfortunately tempted/lead astray whilst on his quest to ultimately be a better person. Alec is the sort of man ......
“That type does anything for an advantage. Good will or chemistry has nothing to do with it. That man is one hundred percent calculation.”
The opening prologue had me hooked right from the get go and I just HAD to find out what happened. I loved some of the characters especially Josh and eventually I warmed to Francis, Martin's boss. The writing made it very easy to dislike Alec as I read the book with both anticipation and anxiety, basically being on tenterhooks throughout the whole read.
There was sexual chemistry between the characters and it was certainly hot and palpable when it occurred. However,
“Life would be boring if we always got what we expected” . Return on Investment might just surprise you, like it did me!
Four stars
August 26, 2014
I should preclude this by saying that this review may be posted on Scuttlbutt reviews, which sadly is broken. So I've decided to put some of the reviews not published yet on GR.
We love to put labels on out books, and ROI is a hard book to categorize. It doesn't really comfortably slot into any one genre. If pushed, for me I would say it’s about growing up, and by that I mean about realizing who you are morally and what you choose to stand for.
Martin is relatively young, ambitious, starting off on his career and is besotted with Francis, his boss. Francis, distant brilliant and alone appears out of Martin’s grasp – yet Martin’s longing doesn't go away, for the majority of the book it’s in his (and our) peripheral vision. Martin is also star struck by the apparent lifestyle and glamour that the bosses at Skieron have.
Initially Martin is shallow, and allows Alec a gloriously amoral and charming character, to lead him astray. Seduced by Alec Martin begins to fall into moral and emotional ambiguity, at this juncture Martin was not a sympathetic character, but I did find him fantastically human. Faced with everything you have aspired to for most of your life, but coming to realize that it means losing a part of you, what would one do
This is undoubtedly Martins’ book, and watching him unravel a little then become the best version of himself that he can is fascinating. However Francis captured my imagination. On the exterior he is calm, focused but beneath I got the sense of a nature held in check by a Francis mask.
The single most sympathetic character is Josh, as friends go he is the best, he has Martin’s back throughout, despite how Martin treats him initially
Having worked in and around the City for over 10 years, the description of the daily grind is spot on. Body obsessed, personal trainered, smart suited big corporate entertainers were still all there in 2008. The flavour of the corporate world also so accurate.
As always Aleks Voinov’s writing is beautiful, certainly one of the best books I've read in the last few years.
We love to put labels on out books, and ROI is a hard book to categorize. It doesn't really comfortably slot into any one genre. If pushed, for me I would say it’s about growing up, and by that I mean about realizing who you are morally and what you choose to stand for.
Martin is relatively young, ambitious, starting off on his career and is besotted with Francis, his boss. Francis, distant brilliant and alone appears out of Martin’s grasp – yet Martin’s longing doesn't go away, for the majority of the book it’s in his (and our) peripheral vision. Martin is also star struck by the apparent lifestyle and glamour that the bosses at Skieron have.
Initially Martin is shallow, and allows Alec a gloriously amoral and charming character, to lead him astray. Seduced by Alec Martin begins to fall into moral and emotional ambiguity, at this juncture Martin was not a sympathetic character, but I did find him fantastically human. Faced with everything you have aspired to for most of your life, but coming to realize that it means losing a part of you, what would one do
This is undoubtedly Martins’ book, and watching him unravel a little then become the best version of himself that he can is fascinating. However Francis captured my imagination. On the exterior he is calm, focused but beneath I got the sense of a nature held in check by a Francis mask.
The single most sympathetic character is Josh, as friends go he is the best, he has Martin’s back throughout, despite how Martin treats him initially
Having worked in and around the City for over 10 years, the description of the daily grind is spot on. Body obsessed, personal trainered, smart suited big corporate entertainers were still all there in 2008. The flavour of the corporate world also so accurate.
As always Aleks Voinov’s writing is beautiful, certainly one of the best books I've read in the last few years.
July 1, 2016
Algo que me molesta profundamente cuando leo críticas de un libro que me ha gustado mucho, es cuando empiezan: pues el libro no está mal, pero es que a mi no me gustan los libros de bla bla. Bueno, en ese caso desde el principio el libro estaba abocado a tener una mala crítica, no te leas libros sobre bla bla. En mi caso, he de confesar que me decidí a leer el libro por presiones externas xD (holaaaa Fenriz y Miki), aborrezco cualquier cosa relacionada con la economía y el mundo de las finanzas, definitivamente no my cup of tea, así que intentaré ser lo más justa posible en mi valoración.
¿Me ha gustado? Sí, me ha gustado ¿Es un buen libro? Sí, está bastante por encima de la media de los que suelo leer en el mundo de la romántica. Pero, pese a esto, no me ha apasionado, y la principal culpable soy yo, no me gusta el mundo en el que está desarrollado.
La principal virtud de la historia es lo magníficamente que está retratado el mundo de las finanzas y todo dentro del marco cronológico de una de las últimas crisis que sufrió la City. Un mundo con muy poca ética y totalmente deshumanizado, y dentro de él, las relaciones personales que se crean, no solo entre los dos MC, también con otros personajes secundarios (maravilloso Josh y fascinante Alec). Esas relaciones y el desarrollo personal de Martin, uno de los MC, es lo mejor del libro, personajes con muchas faltas, que no son blancos, con dudas morales y con movimientos que probablemente nos parezcan mal moralmente. No quisiera dejar pasar el remarcar la manera en la que está escrito, un estilo muy directo, sin mucha floritura donde destaca mucho la estructura narrativa, magnífico el comienzo del libro y cómo llega hasta ahí otra vez el autor.
¿Lo peor? Creo que Martin debido a un sentimiento de inferioridad respecto a Francis, fundamentalmente provocado por sus distintas posiciones en ese mundo en el que viven, parte con una situación de desventaja en esa pareja que se está empezando a crear, y no veo cómo esa situación desaparece. Es una relación absolutamente desigual, y es esto lo que seguramente provoque el que lea la segunda parte, muy interesante ver cómo puede evolucionar esa relación. Igual que Martin está bien retratado, es fácil empatizar con él, Francis queda un poco oscuro, será interesante también saber si en esa segunda parte lo podemos conocer mejor.
Recomendable.
¿Me ha gustado? Sí, me ha gustado ¿Es un buen libro? Sí, está bastante por encima de la media de los que suelo leer en el mundo de la romántica. Pero, pese a esto, no me ha apasionado, y la principal culpable soy yo, no me gusta el mundo en el que está desarrollado.
La principal virtud de la historia es lo magníficamente que está retratado el mundo de las finanzas y todo dentro del marco cronológico de una de las últimas crisis que sufrió la City. Un mundo con muy poca ética y totalmente deshumanizado, y dentro de él, las relaciones personales que se crean, no solo entre los dos MC, también con otros personajes secundarios (maravilloso Josh y fascinante Alec). Esas relaciones y el desarrollo personal de Martin, uno de los MC, es lo mejor del libro, personajes con muchas faltas, que no son blancos, con dudas morales y con movimientos que probablemente nos parezcan mal moralmente. No quisiera dejar pasar el remarcar la manera en la que está escrito, un estilo muy directo, sin mucha floritura donde destaca mucho la estructura narrativa, magnífico el comienzo del libro y cómo llega hasta ahí otra vez el autor.
¿Lo peor? Creo que Martin debido a un sentimiento de inferioridad respecto a Francis, fundamentalmente provocado por sus distintas posiciones en ese mundo en el que viven, parte con una situación de desventaja en esa pareja que se está empezando a crear, y no veo cómo esa situación desaparece. Es una relación absolutamente desigual, y es esto lo que seguramente provoque el que lea la segunda parte, muy interesante ver cómo puede evolucionar esa relación. Igual que Martin está bien retratado, es fácil empatizar con él, Francis queda un poco oscuro, será interesante también saber si en esa segunda parte lo podemos conocer mejor.
Recomendable.
August 10, 2018
Interesting read.
There are a lot of finance talk in this book, not something I would usually go for, but I mean, it's Voinov. I'll give everything Voinov touches a try.
And as always, Voinov give this book a good balance between all the heavy finance and stocks and money talk with a good dose of sex and a sprinkle of romance. Although, this one was more –– and I mean way more subtle in the romance field compared to all the Voinov books I have read.
I could not invest too much in the characters, not because I was not interested in them. On the contrary, I was actually really curious about what is going on in their heads. Especially Francis'. But alas, it seems as if this book is more focused on the finance side of things despite the well balanced writing. Which makes the characters in this book appears very cold and aloof.
And there seem to be a second book in this series, and after reading book one, I am not quite so sure if I will continue down this series since I enjoy more of an all encompassing, intense romance rather than what happened in this book.
Oh and,somewhere along this book, I think around 80%, Francis went into a soul searching journey with his priest friend. I for one, am not big on religion talk. I don't care for it, I have no interest in it. Throughout this entire book, I have had a raging hard on for Francis. Because he's freaking hot. (And no, I don't have a penis, that reference was for comedy purposes only)
But suddenly, he just up and start talking about God, and needing to go for spiritual healing. I mean, that is fine and dandy and all but. I don't know. Having read that came out of Francis just kind of, dampens my lust for him a bit.
Pre-reading :
Hello my love, Voinov.
We have rejoiced once more ;)
Blog : A blog.
Youtube : And a youtube channel.
There are a lot of finance talk in this book, not something I would usually go for, but I mean, it's Voinov. I'll give everything Voinov touches a try.
And as always, Voinov give this book a good balance between all the heavy finance and stocks and money talk with a good dose of sex and a sprinkle of romance. Although, this one was more –– and I mean way more subtle in the romance field compared to all the Voinov books I have read.
I could not invest too much in the characters, not because I was not interested in them. On the contrary, I was actually really curious about what is going on in their heads. Especially Francis'. But alas, it seems as if this book is more focused on the finance side of things despite the well balanced writing. Which makes the characters in this book appears very cold and aloof.
And there seem to be a second book in this series, and after reading book one, I am not quite so sure if I will continue down this series since I enjoy more of an all encompassing, intense romance rather than what happened in this book.
Oh and,somewhere along this book, I think around 80%, Francis went into a soul searching journey with his priest friend. I for one, am not big on religion talk. I don't care for it, I have no interest in it. Throughout this entire book, I have had a raging hard on for Francis. Because he's freaking hot. (And no, I don't have a penis, that reference was for comedy purposes only)
But suddenly, he just up and start talking about God, and needing to go for spiritual healing. I mean, that is fine and dandy and all but. I don't know. Having read that came out of Francis just kind of, dampens my lust for him a bit.
Pre-reading :
Hello my love, Voinov.
We have rejoiced once more ;)
Blog : A blog.
Youtube : And a youtube channel.
June 12, 2016
”So you only have to make one decision—the guy you love or the job you love. It’s that simple.”
”Yeah, but the job loves me back.”
This quote is kinda perfect to start grasping what Return on Investment is about.
It’s a story about an all consuming job in the finance world. A story about obsessing about, admiring, and loving a man who is unique and fascinating, who is unapproachable and unlovable, and who is barging into limits that even he can’t conquer. It’s also a story about growing and learning, and finding one’s way in the maze of life. It’s about manipulation and the sharks in the pond.
Return on Investment is not a romance and is also not a thriller, but there is love and sex, and the book is thrilling and suspenseful. I have never read anything like it, but would love to read more books of this kind.
These are two quotes that describe the setting of the story, the ruthlessness of the finance world.
"Yeah, the road is tough and stony. I'll let you in on a secret. That's on purpose. Once you're inside the machine, you've polished off everything that makes you human and you're just like Francis. Or me, as I was." Alec smiled. "It's the price to pay for the pact with the devil you know?"
Martin pressed his jaws together, resenting from the bottom of his heart that he joined a world where money and status were everything, and hence he was nothing. … Why aim for the stars if it only hurt?
Aleks captures the atmosphere of a job like this brilliantly. The last few days this book was—like the job would be—omnipresent, oppressing and claustrophobic, and captivating. Now this sounds like it’s a bad thing… It wasn’t! Like I said it’s brilliantly done!
Return on Investment features one protagonist, Martin, but moreover 3 very important and well-developed other characters, whom I want you to meet too.
This book tells Martin’s story and it’s told from his perspective. I found him to be a very interesting and likeable character. He was real, with hopes and strengths and flaws. You probably don’t know anyone like him, though, since he only works and goes to the gym, and only has one friend, Josh, his trainer.
Josh was a really great secondary character. He is the only counterpoint to the rest of the workaholics. I found him and the part he plays in the book very satisfying.
The person I find most intriguing is Francis, Martin’s boss and love obsession.
Francis was like lightning—devastating when he struck anything, but he was also pure energy and could have recharged anybody with that vast power. Harnessing it was the problem—right after making sure one didn’t get struck and blown to pieces.
Francis's gaze was upon him again, fully, completely, and Martin thought for a hot flash that it was good that Francis was preoccupied with something else most of the time, because who could withstand the man's undivided attention?
To be drawn to a man like Francis must be horrible, and thrilling, an adventure that might break you.
You disturbed me from fucking day one. From the job interview where I thought, holy fuck, that’s the real beast, that’s him, right there, one of the masters of the universe. To the day you kissed me, and all the days when I wanted you and couldn’t have you. Why can I never read you? Why do I not get you?
I can understand how love is something horrible and complex and hurting and something that still happens even if it shouldn’t, and can’t, and how one can want to be somebody else’s world. I get it. And it fucking hurts.
Okay, these are all the sneak-peaks that I’ll give you about Martin and Francis. I hope you’ll read the book and find out more for yourself.
Another very important role to play has Alec:
”What did you do, Alec?” He wanted to grab him by the shoulders and shake him, he wanted to hit him square in the face, he wanted to kiss and bite him, and all those impulses made no sense whatsoever.
I think I can’t get into Alec without ruining the experience for you. I’d say it’s important that you learn—like Martin—to find the Alecs in your life and act accordingly.
I’ve already said a bit about Aleks’s writing, but I need to come back to it for a moment.
What I adore is when an author makes me go through the same emotions and experiences as the protagonist. I felt it all, the lust and obsession, the confusion, the claustrophobic work conditions, the realisation about what happened with all its ugly truths, the shame and guilt about my feelings, what I let happen.
The thought of Franics at the mercy of Alec, and the fact that, many months ago, he’d even thought their rivalry and mutual disdain was somehow erotic filled him with shame.
To read this sentence and feel it like a blow to the stomach, to feel the sickening shame, to realise what you got off on, what fascinated you, the things you wanted to happen.
To love the author for this strong and negative reaction while reading his book.
That is real talent. That made me decide Return on Investment was really worthy of all 5 stars.
I am sure that this book will stay with me for a long while, that it won’t blur into the mist that so many books become when time passes.
***
This book counts for my following reading challenges 2015:
- 100 books in total
- 20 books, trying something new
”Yeah, but the job loves me back.”
This quote is kinda perfect to start grasping what Return on Investment is about.
It’s a story about an all consuming job in the finance world. A story about obsessing about, admiring, and loving a man who is unique and fascinating, who is unapproachable and unlovable, and who is barging into limits that even he can’t conquer. It’s also a story about growing and learning, and finding one’s way in the maze of life. It’s about manipulation and the sharks in the pond.
Return on Investment is not a romance and is also not a thriller, but there is love and sex, and the book is thrilling and suspenseful. I have never read anything like it, but would love to read more books of this kind.
These are two quotes that describe the setting of the story, the ruthlessness of the finance world.
"Yeah, the road is tough and stony. I'll let you in on a secret. That's on purpose. Once you're inside the machine, you've polished off everything that makes you human and you're just like Francis. Or me, as I was." Alec smiled. "It's the price to pay for the pact with the devil you know?"
Martin pressed his jaws together, resenting from the bottom of his heart that he joined a world where money and status were everything, and hence he was nothing. … Why aim for the stars if it only hurt?
Aleks captures the atmosphere of a job like this brilliantly. The last few days this book was—like the job would be—omnipresent, oppressing and claustrophobic, and captivating. Now this sounds like it’s a bad thing… It wasn’t! Like I said it’s brilliantly done!
Return on Investment features one protagonist, Martin, but moreover 3 very important and well-developed other characters, whom I want you to meet too.
This book tells Martin’s story and it’s told from his perspective. I found him to be a very interesting and likeable character. He was real, with hopes and strengths and flaws. You probably don’t know anyone like him, though, since he only works and goes to the gym, and only has one friend, Josh, his trainer.
Josh was a really great secondary character. He is the only counterpoint to the rest of the workaholics. I found him and the part he plays in the book very satisfying.
The person I find most intriguing is Francis, Martin’s boss and love obsession.
Francis was like lightning—devastating when he struck anything, but he was also pure energy and could have recharged anybody with that vast power. Harnessing it was the problem—right after making sure one didn’t get struck and blown to pieces.
Francis's gaze was upon him again, fully, completely, and Martin thought for a hot flash that it was good that Francis was preoccupied with something else most of the time, because who could withstand the man's undivided attention?
To be drawn to a man like Francis must be horrible, and thrilling, an adventure that might break you.
You disturbed me from fucking day one. From the job interview where I thought, holy fuck, that’s the real beast, that’s him, right there, one of the masters of the universe. To the day you kissed me, and all the days when I wanted you and couldn’t have you. Why can I never read you? Why do I not get you?
I can understand how love is something horrible and complex and hurting and something that still happens even if it shouldn’t, and can’t, and how one can want to be somebody else’s world. I get it. And it fucking hurts.
Okay, these are all the sneak-peaks that I’ll give you about Martin and Francis. I hope you’ll read the book and find out more for yourself.
Another very important role to play has Alec:
”What did you do, Alec?” He wanted to grab him by the shoulders and shake him, he wanted to hit him square in the face, he wanted to kiss and bite him, and all those impulses made no sense whatsoever.
I think I can’t get into Alec without ruining the experience for you. I’d say it’s important that you learn—like Martin—to find the Alecs in your life and act accordingly.
I’ve already said a bit about Aleks’s writing, but I need to come back to it for a moment.
What I adore is when an author makes me go through the same emotions and experiences as the protagonist. I felt it all, the lust and obsession, the confusion, the claustrophobic work conditions, the realisation about what happened with all its ugly truths, the shame and guilt about my feelings, what I let happen.
The thought of Franics at the mercy of Alec, and the fact that, many months ago, he’d even thought their rivalry and mutual disdain was somehow erotic filled him with shame.
To read this sentence and feel it like a blow to the stomach, to feel the sickening shame, to realise what you got off on, what fascinated you, the things you wanted to happen.
To love the author for this strong and negative reaction while reading his book.
That is real talent. That made me decide Return on Investment was really worthy of all 5 stars.
I am sure that this book will stay with me for a long while, that it won’t blur into the mist that so many books become when time passes.
***
This book counts for my following reading challenges 2015:
- 100 books in total
- 20 books, trying something new
August 11, 2014
This book is the account of one man's journey to maturity, as he navigates the rocky shoals of both high finance and of attraction and seduction. Martin David is a man on his way up, a diligent researcher and meticulous detail man whose career is taking off as he works for a solid firm of investment managers. But underneath his skills, Martin is insecure and unsure of both his own attractions and his longterm prospects in the shark-infested waters of big money investing. He's worked himself hard to get where he is, he's in debt and still on the outside of the monied life of his clients and the firm's partners, and he's lonely.
Martin's hunger for affection and approval is a dangerous thing. A word of approval, a warm look or night of sex that ends with sleeping together, and he's ready to give away more of himself than he should. And he's torn between the man who wants him in bed, and appreciates him, supports his success and is warm and generous, but also plays him and uses him. Or the man who is his boss, cool, sexy, oblivious, hard-to-please, but with what Martin gradually sees as a core of integrity.
It's always difficult when setting a book in a somewhat arcane arena, like high finance, to provide enough realism but not too much detail. For the most part, Voinov gets the balance right, although there were a few times I wished it had been dumbed down even more for me. The characters in this are complex, changing, growing and becoming more clear as the book moves along. The romance is muted - this is almost more of a coming of age book. Martin's gradual understanding of who he is, what he wants, and what matters to him, is nicely done. There is some excellent sexual tension. I did wish for just a little more at the end.
The secondary characters were well-drawn, and Martin's boss Francis was beautifully enigmatic. I read this quickly, needing to know how it came together in the end. Not a book for those who want the romance front and center, but recommended for readers who enjoy a character study, a fascinating look at a very painful time in the economy (and I remember our pension fund losing 40% of its value, which made that part a little hard to read) and the story of an attractive character finding himself and his core values.
Martin's hunger for affection and approval is a dangerous thing. A word of approval, a warm look or night of sex that ends with sleeping together, and he's ready to give away more of himself than he should. And he's torn between the man who wants him in bed, and appreciates him, supports his success and is warm and generous, but also plays him and uses him. Or the man who is his boss, cool, sexy, oblivious, hard-to-please, but with what Martin gradually sees as a core of integrity.
It's always difficult when setting a book in a somewhat arcane arena, like high finance, to provide enough realism but not too much detail. For the most part, Voinov gets the balance right, although there were a few times I wished it had been dumbed down even more for me. The characters in this are complex, changing, growing and becoming more clear as the book moves along. The romance is muted - this is almost more of a coming of age book. Martin's gradual understanding of who he is, what he wants, and what matters to him, is nicely done. There is some excellent sexual tension. I did wish for just a little more at the end.
The secondary characters were well-drawn, and Martin's boss Francis was beautifully enigmatic. I read this quickly, needing to know how it came together in the end. Not a book for those who want the romance front and center, but recommended for readers who enjoy a character study, a fascinating look at a very painful time in the economy (and I remember our pension fund losing 40% of its value, which made that part a little hard to read) and the story of an attractive character finding himself and his core values.
October 31, 2015
Sorry this won't be a long, detailed review. It took me long enough to read it, and I'm not really wanting to spend more time than necessary to review it as well.
Return on Investment started out with good momentum, but it just did NOT carry through. On top of that, the only character that I enjoyed was a side character. It's not often I read something where none of the main players are characters I enjoy reading about.
Martin's hero worship of Francis borderlined on creepy, especially the beginning when it seemed like he was stalking his boss at the gym. His infatuation, while spelled out, didn't really convince me at all. Despite being treated like crap for 95% of the book, Martin maintains googley(?) eyes and continues to put Francis on a pedestal. No thanks.
Then Francis is a whole 'nother nutcase. I couldn't understand the guy at all, especially towards the end.
I'll also be honest: I didn't understand most of the financial terminology/talk. However, that didn't really bother me since I kind of got the gist of what was going on. And surprisingly, this aspect was probably what I enjoyed *most* out of the book.
So this was a case of a book not working for me. Obviously, I'm in the minority here so I would recommend looking at other, more coherent reviews. In the mean time, I'm moving on to greener pastures.
Return on Investment started out with good momentum, but it just did NOT carry through. On top of that, the only character that I enjoyed was a side character. It's not often I read something where none of the main players are characters I enjoy reading about.
Martin's hero worship of Francis borderlined on creepy, especially the beginning when it seemed like he was stalking his boss at the gym. His infatuation, while spelled out, didn't really convince me at all. Despite being treated like crap for 95% of the book, Martin maintains googley(?) eyes and continues to put Francis on a pedestal. No thanks.
Then Francis is a whole 'nother nutcase. I couldn't understand the guy at all, especially towards the end.
I'll also be honest: I didn't understand most of the financial terminology/talk. However, that didn't really bother me since I kind of got the gist of what was going on. And surprisingly, this aspect was probably what I enjoyed *most* out of the book.
So this was a case of a book not working for me. Obviously, I'm in the minority here so I would recommend looking at other, more coherent reviews. In the mean time, I'm moving on to greener pastures.
January 8, 2019
I bought this audiobook years ago but never got around to listening to it. Now it goes straight to my favorites shelf. 5 stars for the story, 5++ for the narration.
July 3, 2018
4.5 Stars!
Despite the lack of romance, I really liked this one.
Great setting and plot. Really had me hooked from the get-go. For much of the book I wasn't even sure who the "love" interest was.
HFN ending I'd say, with a book 2 out there. Not 100% sure I'll give this one a go. But I'm left pretty satisfied where this one ended.
Despite the lack of romance, I really liked this one.
Great setting and plot. Really had me hooked from the get-go. For much of the book I wasn't even sure who the "love" interest was.
HFN ending I'd say, with a book 2 out there. Not 100% sure I'll give this one a go. But I'm left pretty satisfied where this one ended.
April 4, 2015
A. Voinov says that this isn't a romance book. Great. Peachy. Now how am I supposed to find more stories like this if the romance genre is a bust? Please send help!
I actually have a big problem with the romance genre - I find it excruciatingly boring if boy 1 and boy 2 fall for each other on page 2 and the only conflict is that they can't screw each other into the mattress three times a day because they don't have a mattress and have to do it on the couch. Give me incapacitating personality issues, conflict of interest, bitter rivalry, resentment, global debt crisis that ruins everyone's life, tragic heroes, anytime. No, seriously,
I also high-fived myself for barely glancing at the blurb or summary before jumping in. Thanks to that, I kept guessing who the real love interest was and getting frustrated at the choices Martin made. At some point, he almost made me quit this book (if you read past the first chapter you should see that he needs some serious coaching in life choices), but the intrigue wouldn't let me go.
I agree that this isn't romance or erotica. Coming of age story? Sure. Thriller? Okay, why not. The romance part is maybe 10% of the story. But the fact that you have to wait for it and salvage the bits in the avalanche of action, makes it rare, beatutiful and powerful. You don't just care about the hotness level and sexual positions (because after 20 pages of romance that's pretty much the only thing that can save it from running out of steam). You're living the whole experience of the protagonist. Attraction, desire, frustration, disappointment, tenderness is like serum that makes the highs extatic and lows torturous. Romance in great stories is synergistic. This is what I love and ROI delivers - solid story with genuine character growth and conflict that would bring a lesser human to his knees. Intrigue. Immersing the reader in the intricacies of a trade.
But this book is not perfect. To be honest, I don't even understand what happened. It was a solid financial drama, and I use 'solid' on the de Bracy scale of praise. I felt like I was there, getting excited about closing deals and hell, even making spreadsheets. But then, at the very apex of action, I got teleported into a soap opera. What happened, ROI? What happened?
I still love you, ROI. I'm still proud of everything you are. But, you need to be more careful with what you choose to become. You're too cool to use the "get out of jail free" card like you did when solving the biggest conflict.
To whoever has read the review up to here: disregard the two paragraphs above. This is technical whining. Even if you find the ending to be a cop-out, you will still have read 300 pages of amazing business/coming-of-age drama and you will have met Francis de Bracy.
I actually have a big problem with the romance genre - I find it excruciatingly boring if boy 1 and boy 2 fall for each other on page 2 and the only conflict is that they can't screw each other into the mattress three times a day because they don't have a mattress and have to do it on the couch. Give me incapacitating personality issues, conflict of interest, bitter rivalry, resentment, global debt crisis that ruins everyone's life, tragic heroes, anytime. No, seriously,
I also high-fived myself for barely glancing at the blurb or summary before jumping in. Thanks to that, I kept guessing who the real love interest was and getting frustrated at the choices Martin made. At some point, he almost made me quit this book (if you read past the first chapter you should see that he needs some serious coaching in life choices), but the intrigue wouldn't let me go.
I agree that this isn't romance or erotica. Coming of age story? Sure. Thriller? Okay, why not. The romance part is maybe 10% of the story. But the fact that you have to wait for it and salvage the bits in the avalanche of action, makes it rare, beatutiful and powerful. You don't just care about the hotness level and sexual positions (because after 20 pages of romance that's pretty much the only thing that can save it from running out of steam). You're living the whole experience of the protagonist. Attraction, desire, frustration, disappointment, tenderness is like serum that makes the highs extatic and lows torturous. Romance in great stories is synergistic. This is what I love and ROI delivers - solid story with genuine character growth and conflict that would bring a lesser human to his knees. Intrigue. Immersing the reader in the intricacies of a trade.
But this book is not perfect. To be honest, I don't even understand what happened. It was a solid financial drama, and I use 'solid' on the de Bracy scale of praise. I felt like I was there, getting excited about closing deals and hell, even making spreadsheets. But then, at the very apex of action, I got teleported into a soap opera. What happened, ROI? What happened?
I still love you, ROI. I'm still proud of everything you are. But, you need to be more careful with what you choose to become. You're too cool to use the "get out of jail free" card like you did when solving the biggest conflict.
To whoever has read the review up to here: disregard the two paragraphs above. This is technical whining. Even if you find the ending to be a cop-out, you will still have read 300 pages of amazing business/coming-of-age drama and you will have met Francis de Bracy.
July 25, 2014
I appreciate that this book isn't a romance (or at least not a traditional one). At this point in my m/m reading, I'm starved for anything different, so this certainly succeeds in that regard. I liked many aspects of this story: suit porn, a main character who is coming into his own, some interesting psychological maneuvering, a nuanced trans character.
Where it fell short for me was in the dryness of the subject matter. I didn't find the financial details very compelling, and the plot meandered quite a bit. Additionally, Francis's character is an enigma, frustratingly so. Just as we're glimpsing more, the story ends.
Still, I enjoyed reading this, and I wish more authors would be willing to take risks and self-publish stories that don't fit the generic m/m mold.
Where it fell short for me was in the dryness of the subject matter. I didn't find the financial details very compelling, and the plot meandered quite a bit. Additionally, Francis's character is an enigma, frustratingly so. Just as we're glimpsing more, the story ends.
Still, I enjoyed reading this, and I wish more authors would be willing to take risks and self-publish stories that don't fit the generic m/m mold.
April 26, 2017
Wow, it really blew my mind! Outstanding!I'm losing my English vocabulary, right now! Is it a real? What a surprise and tremendous pleasure! This was an intellectually and emotionally engaging book!
Return on Investment by Aleksandr Voinov is much more then a usual MM romance, if it is at all?Great. Who is care about? Without the doubt , this book is excellent, well-written, interesting, unusual. Not exactly fit into a thriller or a romance box, but appealing because of that. Totally outside the tank full with so many female sharks. It is even out of my personal comfort zone. So many years I was part of that society. All this time I wanted to be more than the fucking numbers and workouts in the bed. Tons of emotional abuses and manipulations. Waiting for ..the White knight. It bloody hurts , even now. I quilted! Sorry, who is care about me?
All main characters and scenes were portrayed unbelievably realistic. Noting and nobody is in black and white. Shades of grey!
It's about the life of Martin and his major impact of three men. His emotional, personal and professional growth. A complex character whom I really liked. A newbie in the private equity field. He got these inconvenient crushes, which made him vulnerable and somehow charming. He had been fucking committed all this time to the person who recognized him as a career–oriented, money-blind kid and sometimes delivering something more but …..
Francis is a powerful, intelligent and confident man of the edge. A fascinating enigma!A financial rock star!Temperamental but deserving of his reputation. Unbreakable but everyone has their limits. I hated him but I wanted more Francis!
This is a book that is pretty much about city people, city life.I's set in the financial world of City of London. One of the most vibrant financial center in world. London during a financial tsunami in 2008.
I was quite surprised to read the Author's Notes. Thank you so much Aleksandr Voinov for did not let this story die! Thank you for believing in its energy and life!
It DOES FIT in!
A brilliant MM Textbook. I wish there were more like it in the genre.
I can not get this story or the characters in the book out of my mind!
I I highly recommend you audible version narrated by Alexander Masters, as well. This British-authentic and sophisticated voice will give you so additional flavor.
I've just bought the second installment in the series. I cannot wait to read it!
Hopefully, the 3rd BREXIT ? (Return on Investment #3). Ha-ha just a idea....
Return on Investment by Aleksandr Voinov is much more then a usual MM romance, if it is at all?Great. Who is care about? Without the doubt , this book is excellent, well-written, interesting, unusual. Not exactly fit into a thriller or a romance box, but appealing because of that. Totally outside the tank full with so many female sharks. It is even out of my personal comfort zone. So many years I was part of that society. All this time I wanted to be more than the fucking numbers and workouts in the bed. Tons of emotional abuses and manipulations. Waiting for ..the White knight. It bloody hurts , even now. I quilted! Sorry, who is care about me?
All main characters and scenes were portrayed unbelievably realistic. Noting and nobody is in black and white. Shades of grey!
It's about the life of Martin and his major impact of three men. His emotional, personal and professional growth. A complex character whom I really liked. A newbie in the private equity field. He got these inconvenient crushes, which made him vulnerable and somehow charming. He had been fucking committed all this time to the person who recognized him as a career–oriented, money-blind kid and sometimes delivering something more but …..
Francis is a powerful, intelligent and confident man of the edge. A fascinating enigma!A financial rock star!Temperamental but deserving of his reputation. Unbreakable but everyone has their limits. I hated him but I wanted more Francis!
This is a book that is pretty much about city people, city life.I's set in the financial world of City of London. One of the most vibrant financial center in world. London during a financial tsunami in 2008.
I was quite surprised to read the Author's Notes. Thank you so much Aleksandr Voinov for did not let this story die! Thank you for believing in its energy and life!
It DOES FIT in!
A brilliant MM Textbook. I wish there were more like it in the genre.
I can not get this story or the characters in the book out of my mind!
I I highly recommend you audible version narrated by Alexander Masters, as well. This British-authentic and sophisticated voice will give you so additional flavor.
I've just bought the second installment in the series. I cannot wait to read it!
Hopefully, the 3rd BREXIT ? (Return on Investment #3). Ha-ha just a idea....
June 2, 2020
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; JUNE 1, 2020
Narrator: Alexander Masters
Loving this book as much as I did when I first read it about a decade ago (before it was published), I bought the audiobook as soon as it was released but never listened to it. Until now. Why? Because, for me, ROI was unfinished as far as Martin's and Francis' romance was concerned. It badly needed a sequel but Voinov hadn't written it and back then I wasn't sure if he was going to.
So I stayed away from the audio of ROI. Then the sequel, Risk Return, was written and published and I jumped on it as soon as I got my grubby little hands on it. And, oh, it was everything I needed it to be. But alas, it was never released in audio and unlikely to. Still, I held on and did not listen to ROI.
I caved two days ago and listened to it in one sitting. My sentiments about the book have not changed so my 2016 review below still stands. I will add, though, that Francis seems even further away listening to the book than reading it. And the parts involving the finance talk around equities, acquisitions and such, was a bit heavier this time round. And this despite my having worked in the industry. I couldn't help thinking those who aren't unfamiliar with the subject would be totally overwhelmed and even give up on the book.
But me - I still loved it but I think it's because I have the sequel loaded up and ready on my Kindle, even if it's only the ebook and not the audio. This is one book that just can't be read without the sequel ready for you to move on to the minute you are done with the prequel.
It's a pity the author doesn't write more contemporary romance. I do not care for historicals, WWI or II, nor witches. He has a series with L A Witt but I think there's too much focus on sex in that series (it's about rentboys, after all) to interest me. Perhaps, one day, he may find it in himself to write one more contemporary romance similar to Return On Investment and if also set in the finance industry, a little less heavy on the financial jargon.
----------------------------------------
I first read ROI five years ago when the author generously shared it with me. I loved it then, and couldn't understand why it wasn't published. As he wrote in the author's notes, one gay literature publisher turned it down because of the drug use and unprotected sex - things I see in the published books these days. I recall one also telling him he couldn't start a story with one of the MCs .
I admit that Prologue did give me pause, then I reminded myself that I had a similar reaction to the rape scene in Special Forces and how there was, nonetheless, an HEA in the end. So I girded my loins and tackled this financial thriller despite Voinov's assertion that "it is not a romance" reverberating in my head. And guess what? This is how you write a Prologue!
'Not a romance'? I begged to differ five years ago when I finished the book and reading it a second time now has only strengthened my opinion that it is a romance. Perhaps not to the publishers who expect a romance to follow a certain formula but to me, Francis de Bracy has burrowed so deeply in me that five years on, I have not encountered another MC in the gay romances I devour who is comparable. He is powerful. Strong. Invincible, it seems. Yet he surrenders, in the end, to that part of him that torments both character and reader. Francis made my gut hurt 5 years ago and two evenings back, when I started on my reread, that same trepidation seized me. I can't adequately describe or explain the what and the why of my emotional reaction to this story. I only know that it was so special to me back then, that I never forgot it and refused to read it again because it hurt that the author thought it faulty and would not try to find another publisher. I cannot recall his exact words to me but know that it was because he thought it needed some major reworking.
When, recently, I read he was self-publishing it, I thought he'd made those major changes. I thought he'd removed that controversial scene in the prologue and added more sex or romance to please us romance-lovers. He did not. Nothing has changed. And thank God. It was good 5 years ago and it's very good today.
Read it to meet Francis de Bracy, master of the implied from start to finish; for a tortured hero like no other (a result of his Jesuit education?), and hero he is to me, because while he may be a Great White in a sea of sharks, all ready to smell blood and move in for the kill, de Bracy is a man you would, in the end, entrust your entire being to.
Martin David discovers that eventually, but in true de Bracy style, that promise of forever is given with a light touch. If you can read between the lines, there is, indeed, a fine romance to be found.
Some readers may find the financial jargon a tad too much and yes, I thought that could have been cut back a little but I didn't really mind because it showed the author wasn't just giving lip service to his description of the book being a 'financial thriller'. Since the plot revolves around the wheeling and dealing of those financial cowboys & Indians, the author's firsthand knowledge of the industry brings a sense of authenticity and just the right atmosphere.
Much as I am dazzled by de Bracy, I found Martin David a great character, too. Young, ambitious and making the mistake of falling in love with The Great White yet also succumbing to the wiles of the charming and ruthless Alec Berger, I did wonder what de Bracy would say if asked what he saw in Martin. I got to find out because Martin asks him that very question. de Bracy's answer is so beautiful, it sounded 'like a prayer'.
Apart from the financial info stuffed here and there, the rest of the book contains some of the best writing I've come across. The thrill for me was not in the suspense/action threads, though there is that when Berger makes his move against de Bracy's company, and the final scenes as de Bracy plans his comeback. What sparkled for me was how Mr Voinov was able to keep me so transfixed despite the subtlety of his prose, how pregnant with meaning in just a few words - "You can." God, I almost died when I read those two words.
When I finished,twothree things were on my mind: 1) I want this book in print; 2) I want it made into a movie; 3) I'm glad de Bracy is holding Martin as the story ends, and told Martin he could bring his toothbrush.
Your book is a frickin' romance, Mr Voinov, whether you want to admit or not.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I loved it and always will:)
Narrator: Alexander Masters
Loving this book as much as I did when I first read it about a decade ago (before it was published), I bought the audiobook as soon as it was released but never listened to it. Until now. Why? Because, for me, ROI was unfinished as far as Martin's and Francis' romance was concerned. It badly needed a sequel but Voinov hadn't written it and back then I wasn't sure if he was going to.
So I stayed away from the audio of ROI. Then the sequel, Risk Return, was written and published and I jumped on it as soon as I got my grubby little hands on it. And, oh, it was everything I needed it to be. But alas, it was never released in audio and unlikely to. Still, I held on and did not listen to ROI.
I caved two days ago and listened to it in one sitting. My sentiments about the book have not changed so my 2016 review below still stands. I will add, though, that Francis seems even further away listening to the book than reading it. And the parts involving the finance talk around equities, acquisitions and such, was a bit heavier this time round. And this despite my having worked in the industry. I couldn't help thinking those who aren't unfamiliar with the subject would be totally overwhelmed and even give up on the book.
But me - I still loved it but I think it's because I have the sequel loaded up and ready on my Kindle, even if it's only the ebook and not the audio. This is one book that just can't be read without the sequel ready for you to move on to the minute you are done with the prequel.
It's a pity the author doesn't write more contemporary romance. I do not care for historicals, WWI or II, nor witches. He has a series with L A Witt but I think there's too much focus on sex in that series (it's about rentboys, after all) to interest me. Perhaps, one day, he may find it in himself to write one more contemporary romance similar to Return On Investment and if also set in the finance industry, a little less heavy on the financial jargon.
----------------------------------------
I first read ROI five years ago when the author generously shared it with me. I loved it then, and couldn't understand why it wasn't published. As he wrote in the author's notes, one gay literature publisher turned it down because of the drug use and unprotected sex - things I see in the published books these days. I recall one also telling him he couldn't start a story with one of the MCs .
I admit that Prologue did give me pause, then I reminded myself that I had a similar reaction to the rape scene in Special Forces and how there was, nonetheless, an HEA in the end. So I girded my loins and tackled this financial thriller despite Voinov's assertion that "it is not a romance" reverberating in my head. And guess what? This is how you write a Prologue!
'Not a romance'? I begged to differ five years ago when I finished the book and reading it a second time now has only strengthened my opinion that it is a romance. Perhaps not to the publishers who expect a romance to follow a certain formula but to me, Francis de Bracy has burrowed so deeply in me that five years on, I have not encountered another MC in the gay romances I devour who is comparable. He is powerful. Strong. Invincible, it seems. Yet he surrenders, in the end, to that part of him that torments both character and reader. Francis made my gut hurt 5 years ago and two evenings back, when I started on my reread, that same trepidation seized me. I can't adequately describe or explain the what and the why of my emotional reaction to this story. I only know that it was so special to me back then, that I never forgot it and refused to read it again because it hurt that the author thought it faulty and would not try to find another publisher. I cannot recall his exact words to me but know that it was because he thought it needed some major reworking.
When, recently, I read he was self-publishing it, I thought he'd made those major changes. I thought he'd removed that controversial scene in the prologue and added more sex or romance to please us romance-lovers. He did not. Nothing has changed. And thank God. It was good 5 years ago and it's very good today.
Read it to meet Francis de Bracy, master of the implied from start to finish; for a tortured hero like no other (a result of his Jesuit education?), and hero he is to me, because while he may be a Great White in a sea of sharks, all ready to smell blood and move in for the kill, de Bracy is a man you would, in the end, entrust your entire being to.
Martin David discovers that eventually, but in true de Bracy style, that promise of forever is given with a light touch. If you can read between the lines, there is, indeed, a fine romance to be found.
Some readers may find the financial jargon a tad too much and yes, I thought that could have been cut back a little but I didn't really mind because it showed the author wasn't just giving lip service to his description of the book being a 'financial thriller'. Since the plot revolves around the wheeling and dealing of those financial cowboys & Indians, the author's firsthand knowledge of the industry brings a sense of authenticity and just the right atmosphere.
Much as I am dazzled by de Bracy, I found Martin David a great character, too. Young, ambitious and making the mistake of falling in love with The Great White yet also succumbing to the wiles of the charming and ruthless Alec Berger, I did wonder what de Bracy would say if asked what he saw in Martin. I got to find out because Martin asks him that very question. de Bracy's answer is so beautiful, it sounded 'like a prayer'.
Apart from the financial info stuffed here and there, the rest of the book contains some of the best writing I've come across. The thrill for me was not in the suspense/action threads, though there is that when Berger makes his move against de Bracy's company, and the final scenes as de Bracy plans his comeback. What sparkled for me was how Mr Voinov was able to keep me so transfixed despite the subtlety of his prose, how pregnant with meaning in just a few words - "You can." God, I almost died when I read those two words.
When I finished,
Your book is a frickin' romance, Mr Voinov, whether you want to admit or not.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I loved it and always will:)
July 20, 2018
Wow this was brilliantly written - the research behind it is what I expect from this author, meticulous and on point. I’ll admit I’m as far from the financial world as you can get but I appreciated the content and didn’t feel it was out of my league. This was an interesting dynamic of characters which left me wondering throughout the book as to who was actually honorable and who had a motive ... yup very clever ! This is not a heat / sexy book but rather a cleverly written financial thriller. More to come with book 2.
February 3, 2015
Let's start with the cover. While the model on it certainly would attract my attention, I think the title Return on Investment, and the tagline: September 2008, and the banks are dying... would probably have made me decide that this really wasn't the type of book for me. Honestly, if you had asked me even what return on investment was, I'd have just stared at you blankly. However, as far as I'm concerned the best recommendation a book can possibly have is that it's written by Aleksandr Voinov. I have come to the point where I don't care what the book is about, which genre it is, what the title or the cover is--if he wrote it, I'm there! Even if the book is about the financial meltdown of 2008.
My favorite show of all times is Seinfeld, and I swear there is a valid reason I'm mentioning this here (other than I really love talking about Seinfeld). That show about nothing, in my humble opinion, with each new season only got better. I have the same feelings for this book: with each chapter the story got better, and the more I read the more I wanted to read it, so I ended up terribly disappointed when I reached the end. That last part was my favourite one, and I wanted it to last much longer than it did. I may or may not have had a little meltdown of my own right there.
However, before I got all sucked in Martin's life, I admit, I had some trouble getting into the story. I actually put this book on-hold for a little while. Usually, when I'm reading Aleksandr Voinov's books, no matter how bad the situation is that the main characters are in, I never get the feeling it will end badly. That wasn't the case here. The vision I had of how it would all end was pretty bad. I actually started thinking in the end , so a break was what I needed. And it did me good. When I resumed reading, it was with belief I could handle whatever happened, and I kept reminding myself this was written by A. Voinov, and he wouldn't do that to his characters. And as I said, from that point the story only got better.
The story got better while the economy got worse. Admittedly, I know very little about the financial world, and I honestly don't want to know; it's something I have zero interest in. But trust Aleksandr Voinov to get me at least a little intrigued to see how it works. I didn't understand everything, and trying to understand it did slow my reading at times, but it worked out fine. What I liked about this aspect of the book is seeing how the turmoil affected a specific company and its employees. The news covered that storm, but seeing it through the eyes of a character who was in the middle of it made it all more real.
Now for my favourite part: the characters, and their interactions. If there's one thing I can count on finding in this author's books, it's characters that will become very dear to me, so much so that I'll wish they were real so we could become friends. Needless to say, I found them in Return on Investment, too. Martin took a little while to win me over though, but once he did, that was it--I only grew to like him more and more with each read page. I was thrilled that everything that happened to him and around him served to make him better, smarter, wiser. Seeing him become that man he was at the end of the book was an incredible journey. The world could use a man like Martin David.
Francis, too, slowly grew on me. The man was an enigma, and as Francis, the man, revealed himself, the more his character appealed to me. I'm not gonna lie, like Martin, I developed a crush on him. Therefore, any new book with him in it is most welcome.
The romantic relationship between Martin and Francis had an odd development, but given the circumstances I do think it went well. I was happy with how they were in the end. Also, the author's note at the end about where these characters were heading was much appreciated.
Another character that left a good impression is Josh. There wasn't much of him in the book, but he was a friend who would step up when needed, and I liked what his presence did for Martin.
Even Syed I ended up liking. Who knew?
But in the midst of all those loveable characters, there was him: Alec Berger, the devil in disguise. Just thinking about him makes my skin crawl. It was Martin's involvement with Alec Berger that made me that break in reading; his character hadn't sit well with me, and even though Martin hadn't realized it at the time, his behaviour had been that of an evil, despicable predator. I hope he gets what he deserves. But he did show how some office/company politics work, so that's something, I guess.
And, hey, I finally know what return on investment is. :)
My thoughts in the end are same as always after finishing an Aleksandr Voinov book: I want more!
March 4, 2015
Return on Investment defies genres: it's part financial thriller, part romance, part coming of age. Perhaps a good term is the sufficiently vague 'new adult fiction,' but in my opinion, the best classification?
Voinov. This is pure Voinov, and it is fantastic.
Return on Investment may not be a violent war story like SF or Dark Soul, but it showcases everything Aleks excels at: enigmatic, seductive heroes; sparse, evocative writing; heightened, emotional tension that rides on the action of the story.
Martin is a young executive in a private equity firm, hiding his low self esteem behind a convincing bravado. He's crushing on his boss and trying to establish himself while figuring out who he really wants to be. Through business dealings, work events, gym sessions and after-hours office sex, Martin's path to self determination is rough, beautiful, touching, and heroic all in one.
I'm getting to a point now in reading Aleks' work that I see connections between his books, particularly here with Scorpion and Gold Digger. Francis/Graukar, Martin/Henri, a little with Kendras too. These men all have something elementally similar in their dealings and personalities and struggles, from the way their masculinity intersects with sensuousness, their sexuality with power. It's striking combination that makes for complex heroes, villains, and explosive interactions between them. And as for Martin, he's pushed and pulled in two opposing directions, and the symmetry of the love triangle in the story was phenomenal.
If readers don't have an financial vocabulary I can see how the boardroom scenes might be a put-off. It helps to know the difference between private equity and hedge funds, leveraged buyouts and hostile takeovers; but I think everything is explained well enough to enjoy the developments in the story. Mostly, this book is not for people who like to know where their book is going, and who like their characters to fit in boxes. These characters have depth and personality, and no one will tell you who root for.
This was a character-driven story paired with excellent writing and the signature Voinov style. Return on Investment is why Aleksandr Voinov one of my favorite authors.
-------------------
And on a personal note, this story hit all my favorite things: scene time in Germany(!), embracing sexual fluidity, and lots of men in
Seriously. There's a lot of attention to detail, men's high fashion and grooming.
I.
Was.
In.
Heaven.
Buying tailored three piece suits and tuxedos; matching cufflinks and designer watches; shaving with an old fashioned soap bar and single-blade razor.... Just, kill me.
*dies*
And, (because why not?) check out this queer positive men's fashion blog, DapperQ, and enjoy all the queer suitporn you can handle. (^_^)
Voinov. This is pure Voinov, and it is fantastic.
Return on Investment may not be a violent war story like SF or Dark Soul, but it showcases everything Aleks excels at: enigmatic, seductive heroes; sparse, evocative writing; heightened, emotional tension that rides on the action of the story.
Martin is a young executive in a private equity firm, hiding his low self esteem behind a convincing bravado. He's crushing on his boss and trying to establish himself while figuring out who he really wants to be. Through business dealings, work events, gym sessions and after-hours office sex, Martin's path to self determination is rough, beautiful, touching, and heroic all in one.
I'm getting to a point now in reading Aleks' work that I see connections between his books, particularly here with Scorpion and Gold Digger. Francis/Graukar, Martin/Henri, a little with Kendras too. These men all have something elementally similar in their dealings and personalities and struggles, from the way their masculinity intersects with sensuousness, their sexuality with power. It's striking combination that makes for complex heroes, villains, and explosive interactions between them. And as for Martin, he's pushed and pulled in two opposing directions, and the symmetry of the love triangle in the story was phenomenal.
If readers don't have an financial vocabulary I can see how the boardroom scenes might be a put-off. It helps to know the difference between private equity and hedge funds, leveraged buyouts and hostile takeovers; but I think everything is explained well enough to enjoy the developments in the story. Mostly, this book is not for people who like to know where their book is going, and who like their characters to fit in boxes. These characters have depth and personality, and no one will tell you who root for.
This was a character-driven story paired with excellent writing and the signature Voinov style. Return on Investment is why Aleksandr Voinov one of my favorite authors.
-------------------
And on a personal note, this story hit all my favorite things: scene time in Germany(!), embracing sexual fluidity, and lots of men in
Seriously. There's a lot of attention to detail, men's high fashion and grooming.
I.
Was.
In.
Heaven.
Buying tailored three piece suits and tuxedos; matching cufflinks and designer watches; shaving with an old fashioned soap bar and single-blade razor.... Just, kill me.
*dies*
And, (because why not?) check out this queer positive men's fashion blog, DapperQ, and enjoy all the queer suitporn you can handle. (^_^)
August 23, 2017
Phenomenal. A top 5 of 2017 for sure - intense, distinctive voices, and just a driving plot line anchor this one almost more as thriller than mystery or romance. I found myself talking to my phone (I listened on audible which I highly recommend - the narrator nails it). Martin and Francis do dumb ass stuff - but they’ve got reasons. There were emotions all over the place - and I was pretty riveted by what was happening.
October 5, 2014
Can a book be unexpected, but... not?
On one hand, I had no idea if I was going to love this book. On the surface, it's not something that I would ever be interested in. On the other hand, this is a book that was written by Aleks Voinov. There is really no other reason necessary for me to read it. Did Aleks write it? Yes? Okay, I'm sold. So, while I did not expect to love it, expected to a the same time.
Boy, did I love it.
I loved Martin and all his terrible insecurities. He's a little emotionally challenged, this one. Unsure of himself in life, love, friendships, relationships, work. All of it. But there is something about him that is so enduring. He's good. So, so good. At his heart, Martin is a good person who wants to better himself, better the world around him. He is eager to build a career that is worthy. The only problem is how utterly naive he can be.
Then there is Alec. I hated him immediately. In chapter one, while I'm turned on and repulsed at the same time like I could not believe, riding the freaking bus to work, I'm sickened by him. Aleks is so good at this...He writes a character that is an utter asshole, who's actions are unforgivable, yet I'd jump his bones, just as Martin did. Alec is seductive, charming, sexy as fuck, manipulative, and untrustworthy. It's so easy for Martin to fall under his spell. It's so easy to believe and hope. Too easy to be used.
Then there is Francis... he is this mystery that needs to be solved. And Josh is the friend that I'd be proud to have stand by me. Josh also has some of the best lines in the entire book.
Here, with these characters, I fell in love with this book. Frankly, the story could probably have been about anything and I'd have loved it. For me, characters make a book. The thing is, the story was really awesome. I was totally interested in what was happening, even if I sort of didn't really understand everything. I was totally pulled in, and I could not get out. I didn't want out...Not until I reached the end.
It didn't matter that this was not a romance. It's not a love story. It maybe doesn't fit into any of the preconceived categories out there. Maybe it's in a category all on it's own. And that's actually a good thing. We need more books like these. Books that make you feel, make you think, make you happy for reading it. A story that does not follow the rules is far more interesting to me. A book without a "perfect" ending is actually quite perfect. I wonder if we'll hear more from Martin, Josh, and Francis. From Alec.
Okay... I'm rambling. I do that when I love something. I can't get the words out of my head. The feelings. I had too much fun reading this. Just know that this is not what you'd expect. And it's everything you'd expect from Aleks. It's amazing. Aleks, you're a bloody genius.
On one hand, I had no idea if I was going to love this book. On the surface, it's not something that I would ever be interested in. On the other hand, this is a book that was written by Aleks Voinov. There is really no other reason necessary for me to read it. Did Aleks write it? Yes? Okay, I'm sold. So, while I did not expect to love it, expected to a the same time.
Boy, did I love it.
I loved Martin and all his terrible insecurities. He's a little emotionally challenged, this one. Unsure of himself in life, love, friendships, relationships, work. All of it. But there is something about him that is so enduring. He's good. So, so good. At his heart, Martin is a good person who wants to better himself, better the world around him. He is eager to build a career that is worthy. The only problem is how utterly naive he can be.
Then there is Alec. I hated him immediately. In chapter one, while I'm turned on and repulsed at the same time like I could not believe, riding the freaking bus to work, I'm sickened by him. Aleks is so good at this...He writes a character that is an utter asshole, who's actions are unforgivable, yet I'd jump his bones, just as Martin did. Alec is seductive, charming, sexy as fuck, manipulative, and untrustworthy. It's so easy for Martin to fall under his spell. It's so easy to believe and hope. Too easy to be used.
Then there is Francis... he is this mystery that needs to be solved. And Josh is the friend that I'd be proud to have stand by me. Josh also has some of the best lines in the entire book.
Here, with these characters, I fell in love with this book. Frankly, the story could probably have been about anything and I'd have loved it. For me, characters make a book. The thing is, the story was really awesome. I was totally interested in what was happening, even if I sort of didn't really understand everything. I was totally pulled in, and I could not get out. I didn't want out...Not until I reached the end.
It didn't matter that this was not a romance. It's not a love story. It maybe doesn't fit into any of the preconceived categories out there. Maybe it's in a category all on it's own. And that's actually a good thing. We need more books like these. Books that make you feel, make you think, make you happy for reading it. A story that does not follow the rules is far more interesting to me. A book without a "perfect" ending is actually quite perfect. I wonder if we'll hear more from Martin, Josh, and Francis. From Alec.
Okay... I'm rambling. I do that when I love something. I can't get the words out of my head. The feelings. I had too much fun reading this. Just know that this is not what you'd expect. And it's everything you'd expect from Aleks. It's amazing. Aleks, you're a bloody genius.
July 13, 2014
Without question, this book is excellent. Well-written, interesting, unusual. The author himself mentioned that it wasn’t the type of story that fit in any one category but I think that is exactly what I found refreshing about it. Not exactly a thriller or a romance, but interesting because of that. While I appreciate both genres-along with many others-there is something to be said for an author telling a story well and not focusing on making it fit into a little slot.
Martin is a fascinating character, as are the others in the story, and I loved that I could never anticipate what would come next. It’s hard to put into words how I felt about the story or the characters. Both are very complex and trying to distill that into a few paragraphs is tricky.
I’ll keep it simple; the writing is excellent, the characters are unusual, and the story is gripping. Buy it. You won’t regret it.
Martin is a fascinating character, as are the others in the story, and I loved that I could never anticipate what would come next. It’s hard to put into words how I felt about the story or the characters. Both are very complex and trying to distill that into a few paragraphs is tricky.
I’ll keep it simple; the writing is excellent, the characters are unusual, and the story is gripping. Buy it. You won’t regret it.
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