Special Needs: The Complete Story

Special Needs #1-2

by K.A. Merikan

— Caretaking – You’re doing it wrong. —

Liam slept with his boss. Again. And lost his job because of it. Again. Set on changing his ways and tired of sleeping in his car, he applies for a job as a live-in caretaker, even though he has no experience in it whatsoever. He has a lot of practice in lying his way out of any situation though. Only problem is, his new boss – wheelchair bound owner of a sex hotel – is gay, cute, funny and oh, so fuckable! There is only one logical solution to Liam’s dilemma – pretending he’s straight. Brilliant!

When Ryan inherited his aunt’s B&B, he thought he’d hit the jackpot by changing it into a fetish sex hotel. Things didn’t go as planned though, all of his marketing efforts seem to fail, and the debt is mounting up. Being a wheelchair user doesn’t help in actively promoting his hotel, but his luck starts to change when he hires a new aide. Liam is open-minded, helpful and caring. All that Ryan needs from a caretaker to kickstart his business, but things would all be a lot simpler if he didn’t start crushing on his new employee. And even if, in some other dimension, Liam did return his feelings, how long can Ryan keep his fetish a secret?

The web of lies they weave around each other is more bondage than any of them enjoy.

Contains book one and two of 'Special Needs'.

*

Genre: contemporary erotic m/m romance, dramedy

Length: ~248,000 words

Themes (possible SPOILERS): disability, deception, alternative lifestyles, stalking, tattoos, self-image issues, financial trouble, boss/employee, BIID, abduction, communication issues, transability, self-harm

Erotic content: explicit m/m sexual scenes

Genres: M M Romance, BDSM, Romance, Disability, Contemporary, LGBT, Contemporary Romance

755 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 9, 2013

About the author

(Goodreads profile run by Kat)

K. A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.
Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.

K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.

e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com

More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page: http://kamerikan.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamerikan

Reviews

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I devoured that. Devoured it. It was not at all what I was expecting! Ryan was sweeter, more innocent, kinkier and more messed up than I imagined. While Liam was more of a man-whore, angrier and well... more perfect for Ryan than anyone else could be. I did have some serious issues with Liam, he has one hell of a temper which he doesn't have a great handle on. They're break up is very ugly and was dying for it to be over with!!!

But let's move onto some good stuff! I adored adored Ryan!!!!!!! He must be one of my favourite KA Merikan characters now! He's sweet and thoughtful and just messed up enough to be realistic. He's also kinky as hell.

By now most of you would know I love love love roleplaying!! And these guys are right into the roleplaying, especially with non-con/power imbalance, they do abusive doctor and psycho mental patient. It's all so yummy!!!!!

There's your typical overdone drama with rescues needed from and attempted rape and murderers, but I kinda love that. Then there were some surprisingly raw emotions with some super serious issues to do with Ryan's body image.

Overall there wasn't much I didn't love about this series (the breakup and Liam douchebagness being the loss of that one star).

[Ele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a couple of weeks back, but I still don't have the words for a review. On one hand, I'm banging my head against the wall for not reading it sooner, but on the other, I'm glad I read K.A.Merikan's latest work first. In this duology, I can see things, and really...see them. Like toying with the idea of devoteeism that was fully fleshed out in His Favorite Color Is Blood: Coffin Nails MC. Or fully appreciate a character in super crazy jealous mode, you know?

Lengthy, but I never got bored. Sweeter than I thought it would be, and fascinating regarding Ryan's...special issues. In other words...unique. Yeah, Special Needs is pretty special.

[MaDoReader]

Mi DNF es totalmente personal, el libro tiene una temática que me ha incomodado, soy una gran fan de las idas de olla de las Merikan, pero aquí ya ha sido too much.

[Skye Blue ☆*~ﾟლ(´ڡ`ლ)~*☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay..this is weird.

Book one 4 stars
Book two 4 stars

But put together as a whole 5 Stars.

Don't ask me how that works? I know my math is wrong.

I reviewed each book separately.

If you decide to start...you definitely want book 2 waiting in the wings....because book 1 ends it WTF WTF WTF! (quite possibly the reason I gave it the fourth star) But without book 2, it wouldn't have made it's way into my long term memory.

As a whole, the whole story is stronger than it's parts.
Does that even make sense?

[K.A. Merikan]

Now with this amazing new cover by Natasha Snow <3 :)))

[~ Lei ~ Reading Is An Adventure ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★☆
I'm giving 4-stars because I enjoyed the novelty and creativity of the authors with these characters - although both Ryan and Liam acted like big, immature babies a few times. But little by little, as they got familiar with each other - this was after all the first really serious relationship either of these guys had had - slowly, their communication skills improved and they heard and compromised with each other. And seriously, how funny was it that Ryan's safeword was vagina - because it was the one word neither would ever say during sex.

Lots of smexin', fantasies, role play, finding and playing on each other's kinks. Great side characters, except for creepy Roger. A mystery prevails throughout the story, I'd figured it out pretty early on. A cute love story that looks to have a happy ending with compromise and trust on both sides.

[Gwynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book for free in return for an honest review and I'm glad I did because otherwise it probably would’ve stayed on my TBR-shelf indefinitely.

Book 1:
The reason I wanted to read the book was the first line of the blurb: Liam slept with his boss. Again. And lost his job because of it. Again. Set on changing his ways and tired of sleeping in his car, he applies for a job as a live-in caretaker, even though he has no experience in it whatsoever. He has a lot of practice in lying his way out of any situation though.

That and the fact that it played in a kink hotel, was bound to make for a fun read. And it delivered: I read the entire thing with a smile on my face.

It were not Liam’s lies or his unhealthy habit to fall for authority figures that made the book so great for me. It was messed-up Ryan that made it intriguing. I don’t know if the author has done her research right, or hit a homerun guessing, but I love a book where psychiatric diseases are done right. Because Ryan is faking his handicap.

I read some of the other reviews and I think that most don’t understand what the author meant by Ryan’s secret kink as mentioned in the blurb. It is not bondage people, or being overpowered. He’s completely open about that.

Book 2:
3,5 stars rounded up because the book is different, it made me think, and it kept in the back of my mind all week. An important thing is that because of my profession (I’m a psychologist) I’ve probably read this book on a different level than most people would, so my review might be completely irrelevant for anyone else.

Let's start by saying that I loved book one for its realism and its originality and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen once Liam found out Ryan was faking his disability.

The good thing was that Liam broke up with Ryan. The unbelievable part was Liam didn't move out and Ryan didn't throw him out. Apart from everything else, Ryan is the worst business owner ever. He was no money (and no use) for a cook, just like he has no use for a caretaker (because most disabled people I met prefer taking care of themselves as much as possible).

I didn't mind that last bit so much because from book one was obvious that Ryan is seriously disturbed, and I entertained myself with trying to fit the correct personality disorder to Ryan. I missed the boat with thinking Ryan had Factitious disorder, while the authors were going for (view spoiler)

What I didn’t like was that all other issues Ryan had were suddenly solved as well. Maybe the self-esteem part, maybe. But pushing down kids that insult you is not normal behavior. Not even when you’re forced to feed a goat, because 1) you should’ve told that new caregiver of yours (Rufio) that you don’t like animals (and who doesn’t like animals? Makes him seriously unlikable imo) 2) you don’t assault kids. Not even if they insult you about not being able to walk (and well, you can walk, so don’t be a fuss about it!). Apart from being too dependent, he’s also too theatrical. He cuts himself. He tries to commit suicide in an impulse. To summarize: he’s very seriously disturbed, and that’s more than simply the BDD, because he showed much of that in book 1 as well.

I shouldn’t blame Liam for falling for that. He can’t see into Ryan’s head like we do, and he’s not that smart anyway. I do blame the authors for that being magically solved the moment he’s back with Liam and Liam accepting him.

Also I didn’t like Liam at all in this book. He was so immature, and at times portrayed as almost mentally challenged. Maybe that was what the authors were going for? That whole hiking plan was so unbelievable stupid. Apart from the complete insanity of having your brother act like an old lover, there’s the stupidity of thinking a guy that has spend most of the last 10 years voluntary in a wheelchair and who has a badly fitting prostatic foot is able to walk for days.

I might give the impression that I didn’t like the book at all, and that isn’t true. There was much to enjoy: the banter between them, the teasing of Rufio, the very, very, very hot sex (though I still don’t really understand the mega-ism of being tied to a plush octopus), some great quotes (forgot to highlight them while reading, you simply have to to believe me).

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars
(3.5 for Book 1 and 4.0 for Book 2)

Although this book was not what I expected, I found it very enjoyable. I went into it thinking it was going to be a crazy, kink filled, fetish exploiting story. What it turned out to be was a story with two likable MC's who love role play in their sex and a bit of light BDSM and just happens to take place at a fetish hotel.

Liam has just lost his job, his place to stay and his lover, who just happened to be his boss. Liam has a kink for the power play of bedding those in a position of power, so this isn't the first time it has happened. He knows when he sees Ryan that it is a bad idea to take the job since he is immediately attracted to the younger, goth, wheelchair bound man, but Liam decides to just play it as if he is straight and find Ryan another man. Ryan is disabled, but not quite as disabled as he has led others to believe. Ryan is not playing up his disability for fun, he truly believes that his body is not as it should be and finds being wheelchair bound to be a more natural state for him. As the two men grow closer, their stories start to unravel and their relationship is tested.

Neither MC is perfect and Ryan, especially is dealing with some serious issues that Liam may not be able to deal with even if Ryan could tell him about them. Add to that a failing business, a stalker, a serial killer and you've got Special Needs.

This book is long, but I never found myself losing interest in the story. There are also quite a bit of editing and language issues, although I understand English is not the native language of the authors and it is self-published, so I am forgiving. However, the relationship between Ryan and Liam was so intriguing and different from anything I have read before. The authors really let you spend a lot of time with them building their relationship, their trust and ultimately love. Ryan's physical disability would be enough to have to overcome, but his transability issues add a whole new layer to the relationship dynamics. This was a surprisingly emotional romance and if you like something a little quirky you'll probably enjoy it.

[Naki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ed è dopo più di un mese che FINALMENTE ho concluso la lettura della duologia Special Needs e ancora... non so che dire!!! Mi sono messa qui ora, dopo aver appena letto l'ultima pagina, e sto facendo non poca fatica a riordinare i pensieri per descrivere un libro che mi ha stregato e tenuto compagnia per così tanto tempo. Mi sembra ieri quando ho avuto la brillante idea di caricarlo sull'Iphone e pensare "Ma si... alla fine sono solo 757 pagine in inglese... che sarà mai? Le finirò in una settimana. Non ho voglia di metterlo sul Kobo, lo leggerò dallo schermo dell'Iphone rischiando di diventare cieca per colpa della retroilluminazione! Che sarà mai?!" ed è così che ridendo e scherzando... è iniziato il delirio fatto di risate, scleri contro il povero Iphone, ricerche sul web e sul dizionario e... chi più ne ha più ne metta! Un piccolo viaggio che nonostante tutto rifarei altre mille volte questo perché Special Needs è una storia che DEVE essere letta assolutamente da tutti gli amanti del genere M/M, le due autrici (che scrivono sotto lo pseudonimo K.A. Merikan) sono riuscite a fare un lavoro magistrale e creare un libro che non �� solo erotico ma riesce a mixare senza problemi anche altri genere senza mai perdere la sua forma. Questo libro è folle, simpaticissimo, ricco di spunti di riflessioni, dolce e romantico, il che lo rende perfetto per tutti i palati. Fin da subito mi sono ritrovata immersa nell'atmosfera molto atipica e alle prese con due personaggi... che definire bizzarri... e dir poco. Ci ritroviamo in un hotel a tema, utilizzato per lo più dalle coppiette e pieno di stanze che spaziano dal bizzarro all'erotico e se già questo non basta a mettere un po' di pepe ci pensano subito i due protagonisti che fin dalla prima comparsa erano già diventati due "fratelli" per me. Troviamo Ryan, un ragazzo disabile con i capelli blu, tatuato e... parecchio timido.. ma non abbastanza da non avere un sito web fetish e gestire un "porno" hotel a tema, Ryan è un tesoro, un ragazzo che non si piega troppo agli stereotipi del povero disabile che piagnucola e si lamenta della sua sorte, è un peperino con la lingua lunga e che nonostante tutto riesce a sembrare una papera imbranata, questo suo dualismo, da una parte tigrotto e dall'altra anatroccolo sfigatello mi ha fatto impazzire, ho passato metà del libro a ridere e l'altra metà a desiderare di coccolarlo ma... non è stato lui quello che mi ha rubato il cuore bensì il suo fidanzato Liam... ahhhh LIAM! Che dire di Liam? Liam è la rappresentazione dell'amore, il fidanzato perfetto. All'inizio ci viene presentato un po' come un playboy, tanto da essere stato licenziato dal suo vecchio posto di lavoro per essere andato a letto con il capo, vizio che a quanto pare lo perseguita, ero già quindi pronta con i miei "Ecco, ci risiamo, ora lui farà il maschio alpha e l'altro povero dovrà rimanere muto e subire abusi" e invece no.. perché è vero che il nostro Liam è un po' un pervertito/maniaco ma è anche ADORABILE, è buffissimo e simpatico, il classico ragazzo che riesce a far sorridere anche la persona più incazzosa e triste del mondo, è leale e sincero (tranne per qualche piccolo dettaglio trascurabile) e nonostante tutto fin da subito si comporta come un vero amico nei confronti di Ryan. Non si fa problemi per la condizione del ragazzo e anzi... cerca di aiutarlo come può, farlo sentire amato e normale e addirittura in un primo momento cerca di rimediargli un ragazzo (con il doppio fine di levarsi la crush dalla testa ma.... è comunque ammirevole come gesto)
Ho amato Liam, è il ragazzo perfetto che tutti vorrebbero avere. Quando si innamora infatti di Ryan non diventa un mostro ossessivo alla Christian Grey/Hardin, non è il classico tipo che prende a botte chiunque guardi il fidanzato o osi respirare la sua aria, è si gelosetto dell'amato ma con il giusto livello e non arriverà mai a spaccare la faccia a nessuno per aver condiviso la stanza con il partner e già questo lo fa salire in classifica ma non è l'unico pregio, Liam si fa in quattro per aiutare il compagno e anche se commette umanamente degli errori (tutti li fanno per amore) è sempre pronto a salvare il suo Ryan, è dolce e romantico e all'occorrenza sa tirare fuori il suo lato kinky che lo rendono irresistibile ai miei occhi. Liam è sicuramente il prototipo di ragazzo che mi piacerebbe avere accanto anche solo come amico, con la sua spontaneità e follia non ci si annoia mai con lui!
I due protagonisti sono quindi... incantevoli e si completano a vicenda non solo nei pregi ma anche nei vizi e difetti.
Le autrici sono riuscite a delineare personaggi realistici e unici, che colpiscono il lettore e lo fanno innamorare. Non si sono però limitate solo ai due piccioncini, hanno creato anche dei coprotagonisti ugualmente irresistibili. Impossibile non amare infatti il pazzo Matt, porno divo amico di Liam, Rufio caretaker dal cuore di panna, un po' verginello e imbranato oppure Cole, il fratello intelligente (ma non troppo) di Liam di cui ho amato le battute e i siparietti, soprattutto se rivolti contro il dolce fratellino.
Ogni personaggio ha una sua storia e personalità e sembra prendere vita attraverso le pagine e ogni battuta e parola è perfettamente in linea e scelta con cura, una piccola gioia.
Le autrici sono riuscite a creare un mondo unico e a creare una storia ad effetto. Nel primo romanzo possiamo incontrare Ryan e Liam e imparare a conoscere i loro pregi e difetti e vedere il loro modo di innamorarsi, mi sono fatta prendere dal mio lato fangirl per tutto il primo romanzo e vedere i due a tratti così imbranati è stato molto divertente e perché no a tratti frustrante, spesso avrei voluto urlare "Mettetevi insieme e scopateeee" a forza di vedere i due così affiatati e cotti l'uno dell'altro ma troppo "timidi", per diversi motivi, per avvicinarsi, tutto il primo libro è quindi molto più romance e nonostante un piccolo momento più angst possiamo apprezzare tutta la dolcezza di questa storia, le parti erotiche in esso sono parecchio contenute se non accennate e lo rende più godibile anche per i non amanti del genere erotico. Il secondo romanzo invece... è tutta un'altra cosa. Inizialmente devo ammettere di non averlo amato molto, ritroviamo infatti i nostri cuccioli in crisi per colpa di bugie non dette, mezze verità ecc soliti problemini che possono insinuarsi nelle coppie e vederli rompere mi ha fatto temere di rivivere uno Special Needs 1 versione 2.0, ho pensato "Ecco, di sicuro andremo avanti per secoli, ste due faranno i musoni per tutto il libro e si rimetteranno insieme alla fine" e invece... no... fortunatamente non succede e anzi... le autrici mi hanno sconvolta arrivando a tirare fuori argomenti e temi scottanti e... complessi. In questo secondo romanzo infatti vengono tirati in ballo temi molto forti quali l'autolesionismo irrimediabilmente legato alla non accettazione del proprio corpo e possiamo di conseguenza conoscere una realtà che mai mi era capitato di ritrovare in un romanzo, meno che mai in un M/M, si parla infatti di transabilità, una condizione che porta le persone a desiderare di diventare disabili e disposte anche a mutilarsi pur di diventarlo, scopriamo quindi un nuovo lato oscuro di Ryan e devo ammettere che sono rimasta sconvolta... assistere alla prima volta in cui Ryan si taglia davanti a noi e quel "He WOULD be normal" mi hanno... annientato, spinto a capire che di Ryan non avevo... capito proprio niente!! Assistiamo a momenti pesanti e drammatici e riusciamo ad entrare nella sua testa e in seguito in quella di Liam, possiamo assistere all'amore che i due provano l'uno per l'altro e come per amore una persona sia disposta a sacrificarsi o a scendere a compromessi con se stesso. Qualcosa di cui non voglio troppo parlare per evitare spoiler più pesanti ma che sicuramente non mi aspettavo in questo secondo romanzo, che ha reso il tutto più intimo e umano. Non è però solo presente dramma e dolore fortunatamente, troviamo tanto fluff dolcetto perfetto per i romanticoni, umorismo e black humor a go go e... tanto, ma tanto smutt! Se eravate infatti alla ricerca di qualcosa di erotico verrete accontentati in quanto molte parti sono parecchio piccanti, le descrizioni accurate e.... HOT, decisamente hot, se le uniamo a due protagonisti puramente kinkster e amanti dei giochetti di ruolo in camera da letto, troverete un piccolo paradiso. Amanti del Fluff & Smutt è il vostro momento e luogo. Insomma... la verità è che ho detto tutto e niente di questa duologia, mi ero ripromessa di scrivere una recensione come si deve ma dopo aver finito la lettura ed essermi resa conto di come questa duologia mi abbia acchiappato troppo.... sapevo che non sarei MAI riuscita a rendere giustizia e scrivere qualcosa di più complesso o filosofico e per evitare ulteriori deliri ho preferito essere più spontanea possibile e tirare fuori di getto una riflessione a caldo della lettura, posso dire che mi sono follemente innamorata di Special Needs e ora che ho finito la lettura mi mancherà fondere il mio Iphone in piena notte e sclerare come una pazza sull'imbecillità dei miei due dork preferiti. Questa lettura è stata come detto precedentemente un piccolo viaggio e spero con tutto il cuore di poter "replicare" magari rileggendo la versione italiana, spero infatti che vengano tradotti, ho notato che altri libri sono stati tradotti di recente, uno dei quali con Liam e Ryan come comparse e di conseguenza spero questi due non siano l'eccezione alla regola perché sarebbe un vero peccato. Credo che... se non verrà tradotto me lo rileggerò, probabilmente tra un annetto e nel frattempo lo consiglio caldamente se
- Siete kinkster
- Amate il genere erotico
- Cercate una lettura che tratta anche temi importanti e complessi
- Cercate qualcosa di dolce, simpatico e un po' piccante
- Siete alla ricerca di personaggi di cui innamorarvi follemente e non i soliti protagonisti Uke/Seme noiosissimi e banali o stereotipati fino al midollo
- Cercate un libro che vi faccia emozionare e coinvolga tra risate e lacrime

[Jennifer Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

A high 3.5 - i struggled to rate this one.

There was so much i loved about this book - so much, but for some reason there always seemed to be something missing for me. I don't even know what was, but as much as i loved the storyline i just didn't love Liam and i don't know why. I just wanted more from him.

[Anja · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Big Stars for this beautiful story

I met Liam and Ryan when I read Break my Shell. They fascinated me so of course I had to check out their story in "Special Needs." I read this whopper of a book in two days!

K.A. Merikan have a way of creating really unique characters. At first you may be thinking they're weird or slightly crazy but then you come to love them including their crazy kinks and you wouldn't want it any other way. The same thing happened in Special Needs. Ryan and Liam were so well fleshed out, you couldn't help but root for them. I loved Ryan so much that I even found myself sympathizing with something I would have definitely frowned upon before. Sometimes K.A. Merikan make me question my sanity :D But they did such a good job of explaining Ryan's thoughts and emotions that I just wanted to hug him! It's not his fault he feels the way he does. I loved his eccentricity and that he stayed true to himself.

Ryan and Liam's relationship was just a beautiful thing to witness. I felt like their relationship developed very realistically. It was really nice to see these two very different people come together. Liam was a typically hot, kinda slutty, surfer boy but he underwent a lot of growth in this book. He became more mature and in the end his true love for Ryan shone in his acceptance of Ryan's 'special needs'.

[Emma Sea]

I still feel like a sucker for buying book 1.

[Giada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ed è dopo più di un mese che FINALMENTE ho concluso la lettura della duologia Special Needs e ancora... non so che dire!!! Mi sono messa qui ora, dopo aver appena letto l'ultima pagina, e sto facendo non poca fatica a riordinare i pensieri per descrivere un libro che mi ha stregato e tenuto compagnia per così tanto tempo. Mi sembra ieri quando ho avuto la brillante idea di caricarlo sull'Iphone e pensare "Ma si... alla fine sono solo 757 pagine in inglese... che sarà mai? Le finirò in una settimana. Non ho voglia di metterlo sul Kobo, lo leggerò dallo schermo dell'Iphone rischiando di diventare cieca per colpa della retroilluminazione! Che sarà mai?!" ed è così che ridendo e scherzando... è iniziato il delirio fatto di risate, scleri contro il povero Iphone, ricerche sul web e sul dizionario e... chi più ne ha più ne metta! Un piccolo viaggio che nonostante tutto rifarei altre mille volte questo perché Special Needs è una storia che DEVE essere letta assolutamente da tutti gli amanti del genere M/M, le due autrici (che scrivono sotto lo pseudonimo K.A. Merikan) sono riuscite a fare un lavoro magistrale e creare un libro che non è solo erotico ma riesce a mixare senza problemi anche altri genere senza mai perdere la sua forma. Questo libro è folle, simpaticissimo, ricco di spunti di riflessioni, dolce e romantico, il che lo rende perfetto per tutti i palati. Fin da subito mi sono ritrovata immersa nell'atmosfera molto atipica e alle prese con due personaggi... che definire bizzarri... e dir poco. Ci ritroviamo in un hotel a tema, utilizzato per lo più dalle coppiette e pieno di stanze che spaziano dal bizzarro all'erotico e se già questo non basta a mettere un po' di pepe ci pensano subito i due protagonisti che fin dalla prima comparsa erano già diventati due "fratelli" per me. Troviamo Ryan, un ragazzo disabile con i capelli blu, tatuato e... parecchio timido.. ma non abbastanza da non avere un sito web fetish e gestire un "porno" hotel a tema, Ryan è un tesoro, un ragazzo che non si piega troppo agli stereotipi del povero disabile che piagnucola e si lamenta della sua sorte, è un peperino con la lingua lunga e che nonostante tutto riesce a sembrare una papera imbranata, questo suo dualismo, da una parte tigrotto e dall'altra anatroccolo sfigatello mi ha fatto impazzire, ho passato metà del libro a ridere e l'altra metà a desiderare di coccolarlo ma... non è stato lui quello che mi ha rubato il cuore bensì il suo fidanzato Liam... ahhhh LIAM! Che dire di Liam? Liam è la rappresentazione dell'amore, il fidanzato perfetto. All'inizio ci viene presentato un po' come un playboy, tanto da essere stato licenziato dal suo vecchio posto di lavoro per essere andato a letto con il capo, vizio che a quanto pare lo perseguita, ero già quindi pronta con i miei "Ecco, ci risiamo, ora lui farà il maschio alpha e l'altro povero dovrà rimanere muto e subire abusi" e invece no.. perché è vero che il nostro Liam è un po' un pervertito/maniaco ma è anche ADORABILE, è buffissimo e simpatico, il classico ragazzo che riesce a far sorridere anche la persona più incazzosa e triste del mondo, è leale e sincero (tranne per qualche piccolo dettaglio trascurabile) e nonostante tutto fin da subito si comporta come un vero amico nei confronti di Ryan. Non si fa problemi per la condizione del ragazzo e anzi... cerca di aiutarlo come può, farlo sentire amato e normale e addirittura in un primo momento cerca di rimediargli un ragazzo (con il doppio fine di levarsi la crush dalla testa ma.... è comunque ammirevole come gesto)
Ho amato Liam, è il ragazzo perfetto che tutti vorrebbero avere. Quando si innamora infatti di Ryan non diventa un mostro ossessivo alla Christian Grey/Hardin, non è il classico tipo che prende a botte chiunque guardi il fidanzato o osi respirare la sua aria, è si gelosetto dell'amato ma con il giusto livello e non arriverà mai a spaccare la faccia a nessuno per aver condiviso la stanza con il partner e già questo lo fa salire in classifica ma non è l'unico pregio, Liam si fa in quattro per aiutare il compagno e anche se commette umanamente degli errori (tutti li fanno per amore) è sempre pronto a salvare il suo Ryan, è dolce e romantico e all'occorrenza sa tirare fuori il suo lato kinky che lo rendono irresistibile ai miei occhi. Liam è sicuramente il prototipo di ragazzo che mi piacerebbe avere accanto anche solo come amico, con la sua spontaneità e follia non ci si annoia mai con lui!
I due protagonisti sono quindi... incantevoli e si completano a vicenda non solo nei pregi ma anche nei vizi e difetti.
Le autrici sono riuscite a delineare personaggi realistici e unici, che colpiscono il lettore e lo fanno innamorare. Non si sono però limitate solo ai due piccioncini, hanno creato anche dei coprotagonisti ugualmente irresistibili. Impossibile non amare infatti il pazzo Matt, porno divo amico di Liam, Rufio caretaker dal cuore di panna, un po' verginello e imbranato oppure Cole, il fratello intelligente (ma non troppo) di Liam di cui ho amato le battute e i siparietti, soprattutto se rivolti contro il dolce fratellino.
Ogni personaggio ha una sua storia e personalità e sembra prendere vita attraverso le pagine e ogni battuta e parola è perfettamente in linea e scelta con cura, una piccola gioia.
Le autrici sono riuscite a creare un mondo unico e a creare una storia ad effetto. Nel primo romanzo possiamo incontrare Ryan e Liam e imparare a conoscere i loro pregi e difetti e vedere il loro modo di innamorarsi, mi sono fatta prendere dal mio lato fangirl per tutto il primo romanzo e vedere i due a tratti così imbranati è stato molto divertente e perché no a tratti frustrante, spesso avrei voluto urlare "Mettetevi insieme e scopateeee" a forza di vedere i due così affiatati e cotti l'uno dell'altro ma troppo "timidi", per diversi motivi, per avvicinarsi, tutto il primo libro è quindi molto più romance e nonostante un piccolo momento più angst possiamo apprezzare tutta la dolcezza di questa storia, le parti erotiche in esso sono parecchio contenute se non accennate e lo rende più godibile anche per i non amanti del genere erotico. Il secondo romanzo invece... è tutta un'altra cosa. Inizialmente devo ammettere di non averlo amato molto, ritroviamo infatti i nostri cuccioli in crisi per colpa di bugie non dette, mezze verità ecc soliti problemini che possono insinuarsi nelle coppie e vederli rompere mi ha fatto temere di rivivere uno Special Needs 1 versione 2.0, ho pensato "Ecco, di sicuro andremo avanti per secoli, ste due faranno i musoni per tutto il libro e si rimetteranno insieme alla fine" e invece... no... fortunatamente non succede e anzi... le autrici mi hanno sconvolta arrivando a tirare fuori argomenti e temi scottanti e... complessi. In questo secondo romanzo infatti vengono tirati in ballo temi molto forti quali l'autolesionismo irrimediabilmente legato alla non accettazione del proprio corpo e possiamo di conseguenza conoscere una realtà che mai mi era capitato di ritrovare in un romanzo, meno che mai in un M/M, si parla infatti di transabilità, una condizione che porta le persone a desiderare di diventare disabili e disposte anche a mutilarsi pur di diventarlo, scopriamo quindi un nuovo lato oscuro di Ryan e devo ammettere che sono rimasta sconvolta... assistere alla prima volta in cui Ryan si taglia davanti a noi e quel "He WOULD be normal" mi hanno... annientato, spinto a capire che di Ryan non avevo... capito proprio niente!! Assistiamo a momenti pesanti e drammatici e riusciamo ad entrare nella sua testa e in seguito in quella di Liam, possiamo assistere all'amore che i due provano l'uno per l'altro e come per amore una persona sia disposta a sacrificarsi o a scendere a compromessi con se stesso. Qualcosa di cui non voglio troppo parlare per evitare spoiler più pesanti ma che sicuramente non mi aspettavo in questo secondo romanzo, che ha reso il tutto più intimo e umano. Non è però solo presente dramma e dolore fortunatamente, troviamo tanto fluff dolcetto perfetto per i romanticoni, umorismo e black humor a go go e... tanto, ma tanto smutt! Se eravate infatti alla ricerca di qualcosa di erotico verrete accontentati in quanto molte parti sono parecchio piccanti, le descrizioni accurate e.... HOT, decisamente hot, se le uniamo a due protagonisti puramente kinkster e amanti dei giochetti di ruolo in camera da letto, troverete un piccolo paradiso. Amanti del Fluff & Smutt è il vostro momento e luogo. Insomma... la verità è che ho detto tutto e niente di questa duologia, mi ero ripromessa di scrivere una recensione come si deve ma dopo aver finito la lettura ed essermi resa conto di come questa duologia mi abbia acchiappato troppo.... sapevo che non sarei MAI riuscita a rendere giustizia e scrivere qualcosa di più complesso o filosofico e per evitare ulteriori deliri ho preferito essere più spontanea possibile e tirare fuori di getto una riflessione a caldo della lettura, posso dire che mi sono follemente innamorata di Special Needs e ora che ho finito la lettura mi mancherà fondere il mio Iphone in piena notte e sclerare come una pazza sull'imbecillità dei miei due dork preferiti. Questa lettura è stata come detto precedentemente un piccolo viaggio e spero con tutto il cuore di poter "replicare" magari rileggendo la versione italiana, spero infatti che vengano tradotti, ho notato che altri libri sono stati tradotti di recente, uno dei quali con Liam e Ryan come comparse e di conseguenza spero questi due non siano l'eccezione alla regola perché sarebbe un vero peccato. Credo che... se non verrà tradotto me lo rileggerò, probabilmente tra un annetto e nel frattempo lo consiglio caldamente se
- Siete kinkster
- Amate il genere erotico
- Cercate una lettura che tratta anche temi importanti e complessi
- Cercate qualcosa di dolce, simpatico e un po' piccante
- Siete alla ricerca di personaggi di cui innamorarvi follemente e non i soliti protagonisti Uke/Seme noiosissimi e banali o stereotipati fino al midollo
- Cercate un libro che vi faccia emozionare e coinvolga tra risate e lacrime

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book, with flawed characters and playful language, and playful, somewhat kinky role-playing sex. But you have to wait a while for it as the complete story is long, which suited me perfectly.

Both the m/cs are immature in different ways and make quite a few poor decisions. But they both also have strengths and depth to them. They become an adorable couple without the story descending into saccharine territory.

This was a re-read for me, and a satisfying one. I sought it out of my library based on hazy memories of body image issues, disability, fun language, a sex hotel, a Mega Shark in the swimming pool, and a plush octopus whose arm pockets contain dildos.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. I gave up at 23%. I generally love K & A's work, but this one was just dragging along! Maybe some other time, but not right now.

[LaVon Lyman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok I guess

Let me start off by saying I’m I’m biased because I have cerebral palsy and I’m “paralyzed on my right side” in some aspects I found this story offensive and insulting to us suffering from any disabilities... kind of a mockery of the struggle. I personally know what it feels like to be looked down on treated unfairly and unkindly.... to hate my body and it’s malfunctions especially growing up... to have disabled people be exploited and degraded so frequently throughout the story was disheartening. I found myself wanting to stop reading so many times but I’m not a quitter and really wanted to see if it improved like maybe he would find his self worth he didn’t. Even the sex was disabled based like why I’m married and have had a healthy sexual life and my diagnosis never played and or plays a part. I just wish the author would have considered the effect on those who have been amputated(my father)and those with disabilities I’m being generous with 2 stars because I’m a sucker hea

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

As a huge K.A. Merikan fan I have been not only reading every release as it comes out (and then again in audio when it is available), but I have also been going through authors’ back catalogue whenever I get a chance. This book/series has been on my to read shelf for a while and since I had some time over the holidays, I decided now would be a perfect time to get to it.

As with a lot of Merikan books, I went into this one expecting one thing, but got something totally different and unpredictable. Both Ryan and Liam were so adorable and sweet, it was easy to love them. They both had their moments when I wanted to shake some sense into them and tell them to get their shit together, but things always seemed to work out in the end. Another solid entry in the K.A. Merikan archive. Can't wait for the next one!

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book after I read a story called Mr. Jaguar. I liked that story so much that it led me to this story.
I only got halfway through this book. It was so convoluted. The novel was almost like someone was throwing words at a page. I kept wondering if there was a gun to the author's head and if they didn't keep typing then death would be their future. The pacing was so slow I found myself simply scanning and skipping. I couldn't get on board with the kinks that the main character wanted, and the other guy was so full of drama that seemed almost made up. He did the "Oh no! I like me boss." And then we rode that train for a very very, very, long time.
Maybe the book all comes together at the end. I will never know. I set this one aside and I will not be picking it back up unless... nope.
So, I simply didn't like it, but it is a book, and someone wrote it. So good for them for writing a novel.

[Bill Batkay · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too Weird, Too Poorly Written

I won't bother summarizing the story, beyond saying it features a couple of truly unattractive and bizarre male characters in an unbelievable circumstance.

The authors are two female non-native speakers of English writing under one pen name.
Cute.
Unfortunately, their lack of facility with the norms of formal written English, as well as their cartoonish writing style, led me to put the book down after the first few chapters.

God bless women who decide to take up creative writing as a "hobby." But, for God's sake, don't encourage them to inflict their amateurish and close to illiterate efforts on an unsuspecting public, regardless of their intriguingly kinky plot line.

Save your time and money.

[Pamela Su · Rating 3 out of 5]

K.A. Merikan has a reputation for delivering unconventional romances with a dark and twisted edge. In this series, that edge is softened. Instead, the focus is on a different kind of unconventional romance which I found compelling.

The first book ended on a cliffhanger. That would have frustrated me if I hadn't been reading the books back to back.

I felt very frustrated with Liam and Ryan. They had terrible communication and their relationship was not built on honesty. The twist in the story was weird but added some interest to the story.

Overall, I didn't really enjoy this story as much as I thought I would.

[ChiiChii · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crazy journey through the lives of two distinctly different people who happen to meet and fall in love. This was a longer novel than usual, but worth every moment.

My only criticism is that the authors continue to use European words in an American setting. It through me off to continue seeing British English with American English. Other than those few speed bumps, the novels were enjoyable.

The authors have a way with creating the most outlandish characters in a realistic way. (I know a Liam or two)

[Pianisuparse · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 'I really enjoyed this book. I love the way these authors always bring something new and fresh to their books, I loved the charcters in all their flawedness. They had an awesome connection and dynamic. Loved Ryan and Liam' stars.

[Coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I enjoyed this, I had to knock a star off for the really bad proofreading - so many errors its annoying.

[Marlobo ♥ epilogues · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most unique storylines Merikan has tackled—in a duology that includes both volumes.

Book 1:


“And what is the price for your honest services?”
“Your heart.”


At 31, Liam is a terrific cook who’s found himself penniless, jobless, and now homeless. He has long-ish blonde hair, grey eyes, and lots of tattoos.

Ryan, 25, is an entrepreneur. Blue hair, blue eyes, tons of piercings, and self-conscious over not having a “gym bod.” Oh, and Ryan is wheelchair-bound.

Outlandish premise; this novel is truly delightful and completely out there. Nobody else writes these types of unique gay love stories—extraordinarily strange and beautiful. The guys have so much fun together, but there’s also a lot of underlying darkness—both men have important secrets that they attempt to conceal from the other. Much of the story feels like delicious edging; crazy amounts of UST.

Ryan inherited a huge Victorian house when his aunt passed away. He’s turned it into a sex hotel: The Lust Pit.

The two men learn that they have similar tastes in movies, music, and a love of uncommon tattoos. They also happen to be alarmingly compatible. Ryan’s antics after the botched meet-cute at the coffeeshop are absolutely hilarious. Shared meals, shopping, the zombie blanket, getting wasted at the S&M bar, horsing around with the wheelchair, and going to the concert to see one of their favorite bands…all poignant moments in this wild ride.

Liam is such a cocktease. Between the orange Juicy Fruit boxer-briefs, the “It won’t suck itself” T-shirt, and his casual nudity around the porn models…poor Ryan.

These authors really know how to bring it. The magical first kiss, first time on the beach, the shower, role play that’s semi-public…and that straitjacket scene is something else. Hot AF. Outstanding conversation about sexual health, previous partners, and exclusivity.

Though the writing is not as technically strong as their more recent works, the story instantly grabs the reader.

The Merikans are gifted in creating damaged MCs. Ryan and Liam are both extremely low in self-esteem and harbor a good deal of self-hatred. They just cope in incredibly disparate ways.

While we learn Liam’s biggest withholding at the Sex Feet Under show, Ryan’s most ominous secret is held until the very end of this book. Hell of a cliffhanger to end on. Really looking forward to the second installment in this duology.


“I told you, I’m your lucky charm.”
“I can’t ever let you go then.”


Book 2:


“Every time I walk, I feel like I’m someone else.”


This picks up immediately where we leave off in book one. As difficult truths come out, a delicious (yet sometimes frustrating) push and pull begins.

Excellent depiction of Liam’s emotions regarding the betrayal.

The humor—often dark—is back. The staff meetings, tears on the french fries tattoo, Liam’s burger analogies, Liam’s sexually-charged T-shirts: “I’m shy, but I have a big dick.” The petting zoo outing has gotta be top 5 most hilarious Merikan setups ever. The goat and the shoved child had me in stitches.

Some communication issues remain. From time to time, it’s as though these two aren’t just on different chapters; they’re reading entirely different books, in different languages.

Their disagreements are extremely realistic. Both leads are incredibly troubled. When the two do argue, it almost always ends up being constructive; they each learn more about the other guy. A Merikan specialty.

After the incident at the pier, EVERYTHING finally comes out. Quite the reckoning.

Whether it’s straight-on sex or very involved role play, these two are absolute fire together. Phenomenal variety, detail, verbiage, and just overall descriptive writing.

Ryan shines in this one. His bitchiness is such a win. Ryan is written as a normal person. He’s authentic—not some author’s idea of how a disabled boy should be. Ryan’s immaturity is also portrayed super well. Who sends “I hate you” in a text? That would be Ryan!

Great to see Matt returning for a few cameo appearances.

It’s not possible to discuss the mental health aspects of the book without spoiling major themes. Suffice to say that this installment is at times both painful and unsettling.

With two novels and all of the craziness these guys have to overcome, the epilogue feels a bit abbreviated—could be sweeter and longer.


“It’s nice to see you with someone who seems like he’s made for you.”
“Yeah, he’s…a special guy.”

[Liam Elliot · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is one of those books that, yeah, tells a story, but more, explores an idea.

That idea? Transability.

And what a bag of cats that is.

So I have Thoughts. And as with any of my reviews where I have Thoughts, they're not necessarily related to The Subject At Hand, so... sorry about that.

Prove it

I really hope that at some point trans people of whatever stripes will be able to find some measure of acceptance without needing to demonstrate that they're willing to self-harm/commit suicide if not accepted/allowed to live as they choose.

There's this sort of:

'See? He's self-harming. That's how you really know he means business and isn't just a terrible person.'

I mean, that's a problematic attitude. Especially since self-harm is just an outward manifestation of inner pain. And it's an outward manifestation that not all people in pain take part in. Some people choose less obvious methods of self-harm. Alcohol or drugs being probably the highest. And some people in great amounts of pain don't necessarily do anything to harm themselves. They just live in constant pain and misery, and we're led to believe that because they're not acting out, because they're not actively seeking to harm themselves, the pain must just not be that big.

That's interesting in and of itself, right? We perpetuate the myth that people that self-harm with alcohol and drugs because of inner pain are weak and just offering excuses for bad behavior. While at the same time, we also perpetuate the myth that someone in real pain will be expressing that pain by acting out and harming either themselves or others. So.... in exactly what way is someone supposed to express pain and be taken seriously??? Because in option one, the pain is just an excuse to act poorly and not a good one at that. And in option two, the pain just must not exist at all. Where is the option that leads to us acknowledging that someone is in pain and offering them something other than scorn and disbelief?????

And it comes down to just not believing each other when we tell someone how we feel. We want evidence. I feel sad. Yeah? But how sad, really? You're not crying. You're not tearing out your hair. You can't be that sad. We just went and saw a movie and you laughed at it. That's not something a sad person would do.

I know why this happens in the Western World. We're very data driven. We need evidence to back up assertions. Normally... I'm a big fan. I Love Science, Me. But when it comes to emotions, thoughts, and how our brain works, we are seriously dropping the ball, here, people. The thing is that we know a lot of things about the brain, but it's not like the rest of the body where we can be like, ah! I see the problem. Or no, you do not have anything stuck in your ear. I'm looking right at it. You can't verify someone's claim on how they feel. You just can't. And that rubs a lot of people wrong, because we're raised to be skeptical until a claim is 'scientifically proven'. (and the fact that a large number of us still think that anything can actually be 'scientifically proven', is a testament to the inadequacies of our scientific education, because that's not a thing that can actually happen.)

Speaking of Trans people and pain...

On top of all of this there's also the element of 'you're not really trans anything if you're not in gigantic amounts of pain'. Or the other side of that coin 'See, I really am trans, look at all my pain!' The result is that trans people are defined by their dysphoria. Even within the trans community, there is sometimes the ugly belief that you're not 'really trans' if you aren't in pain or have dysphoria. That's fucking bleak, right? You can't just know something about yourself, you have to be actively bleeding from your soul to qualify for membership to The Club?

Yikes.

So yeah, it'd probably be ok if we stopped perpetuating that little gem.

So as always, I'm grateful to a book for when it makes me think Thoughts, so I'll rate it highly. However, I look forward to the day when a trans character is just... believed without needing to self-flagellate and demonstrate how mentally unbalanced they are before being accepted or taken seriously.

[Tanja · Rating 1 out of 5]

>>Diese Rezension und viele mehr findet ihr auch hier: http://wort-welten.blogspot.de/

Was ich mir unter dieser Story vorgestellt habe? Amüsante Unterhaltung, bisweilen angebrachte Ernsthaftigkeit, ein wenig Humor, und das Ganze mit dem Hauch eines Einblicks in die Fetisch-Szene. Was ich da gelesen habe? Nun, einigen wir uns doch darauf, dass das Buch so ziemlich gar nicht meinen Erwartungen entsprochen hat. Mit Ausnahme vielleicht des Anfangs. Damit hat es sich dann allerdings auch schon. Obgleich ich mich eigentlich immer für recht weltoffen gehalten habe, hat Ryan mich dann doch eines Besseren belehrt und mich irgendwann nur noch tierisch genervt, obwohl ich noch immer der Meinung bin, dass jeder auf seine Weise glücklich werden sollte.

Und dann die Tatsache, dass es sich hier im Grunde um zwei Bücher in einem handelt und zu Beginn erst einmal die Körperkunst der Protagonisten aufgelistet wird - nun, mich hat das Buch halb wahnsinnig gemacht. Umgerechnet mehr als 700 Seiten, meine Güte! Wären mir die Protagonisten nur ein kleines Bisschen sympathischer gewesen ... nur ein ganz kleines Bisschen ... Aber so, wie ich diese Geschichte erlebt habe, kann ich sie leider nur so bewerten ...

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of this book had me immediately as I work in the disability field. However, my preconceived and personal bias found me at times at odds with liking the MC. I wanted to scream Munchausen’s and then I wanted to accept the place that the character was, in his own head. Who am I to judge the reasons for a person’s behaviour? While defensive and at times arrogant the MC is also intriguing. Months after reading this book, the characters have stayed with me. And after a quick re read, I still find his motivations unusual.

This said, this is fiction and it is escape. I did read it in one sitting, I did get lost in the story. The underlying serial killer sub plot was fanciful and held the right amount of tension in what was at times both humorous and thought provoking tale.

Is this the best story of this author? Probably not. I have enjoyed her other work better. Was this a disappointing read? No. If you’re interested in exploring, what can be a difficult topic, sex and the disabled. This is one persons imaginings and it is quite a good read.

[Lanett Bagley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, that was a serious roller coaster ride! I found the book extremely interesting. the characters were great, the twists were awesome, the power and depth of Ryan and Liam's relationship was perfect. I would give this book five stars but there were some parts where I seriously wanted to jump into the book and give Liam a good slap to the face and Ryan a talking to. Sometimes they both did really idiot stuff that upset the other. There were also some grammar and mechanical errors but they were not glaring mistakes, they did not detract from the writing. I love the authors' style, it's very real. I felt like I just took a journey with Ryan and Liam. I couldn't put this book down. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a kinky romance novel with lots of angst and idiotic but sweet characters.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much going on here. At the heart of it is a really sweet love story between Liam and Ryan. I don't want to write a review that breaks these books down. I recommend it. It has classic Merikan elements but this is a different kind of love story and is worth the read.
Special Needs is a fitting title both MC's have all kinds of issues, Ryan especially, and I don't just mean special needs the way it's classically defined.
These books have everything, kink, role playing, deception, manipulation, love, sweetness, sexy factor, it has it all and it is written in the way we have come to expect from these authors. If you are fan of the Merikan's then you should definitely pick this one up.