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Project X
Morgan Bentley is a bastard. Always was and always will be.
At least that’s what Matthew Hopkins thinks. Unfortunately, Morgan is also a brilliant law student, and easily eclipses Matthew, academically and socially.
Matthew insists he hates Morgan. According to Matthew’s best friend, Cory, perhaps he doth protest a bit too much.
Cory has received the chance of a lifetime in the form of an internship with ITM—Information Technology and Medicine—the prestigious research company where Morgan’s father is the CEO. Too inquisitive for his own good, the naturally curious Cory stumbles on a deadly secret inside of ITM. What he has learned will tip the balance of everything, but for good or bad?
Just what is the mysterious Project X?
What is Morgan’s involvement?
Matthew has to sort fact from fiction, friend from foe, as his world is turned upside down and inside out, and nothing can be the way it was.
About the Author
Nephylim was born into a poor mining family in the South Wales Valleys. Until she was 16, the toilet was at the bottom of the garden and the bath hung on the wall. Her refrigerator was a stone slab in the pantry and there was a black lead fireplace in the kitchen. They look lovely in a museum but aren’t so much fun to clean.
Nephylim has always been a storyteller. As a child, she’d make up stories for her nieces, nephews and cousin and they’d explore the imaginary worlds she created, in play.
Later in life, Nephylim became the storyteller for a re-enactment group who travelled widely, giving a taste of life in the Iron Age. As well as having an opportunity to run around hitting people with a sword, she had an opportunity to tell stories of all kinds, sometimes of her own making, to all kinds of people. The criticism was sometimes harsh, especially from the children, but the reward enormous.
It was here she began to appreciate the power of stories and the primal need to hear them. In ancient times, the wandering bard was the only source of news, and the storyteller the heart of the village, keeping the lore and the magic alive. Although much of the magic has been lost, the stories still provide a link to the part of us that still wants to believe that it’s still there, somewhere.
In present times, Nephylim lives in a terraced house in the valleys with her son and her two cats. Her daughter has deserted her for the big city, but they’re still close. The part of her that needs to earn money is a lawyer, but the deepest, and most important part of her is a storyteller and artist, and always will be.
At least that’s what Matthew Hopkins thinks. Unfortunately, Morgan is also a brilliant law student, and easily eclipses Matthew, academically and socially.
Matthew insists he hates Morgan. According to Matthew’s best friend, Cory, perhaps he doth protest a bit too much.
Cory has received the chance of a lifetime in the form of an internship with ITM—Information Technology and Medicine—the prestigious research company where Morgan’s father is the CEO. Too inquisitive for his own good, the naturally curious Cory stumbles on a deadly secret inside of ITM. What he has learned will tip the balance of everything, but for good or bad?
Just what is the mysterious Project X?
What is Morgan’s involvement?
Matthew has to sort fact from fiction, friend from foe, as his world is turned upside down and inside out, and nothing can be the way it was.
About the Author
Nephylim was born into a poor mining family in the South Wales Valleys. Until she was 16, the toilet was at the bottom of the garden and the bath hung on the wall. Her refrigerator was a stone slab in the pantry and there was a black lead fireplace in the kitchen. They look lovely in a museum but aren’t so much fun to clean.
Nephylim has always been a storyteller. As a child, she’d make up stories for her nieces, nephews and cousin and they’d explore the imaginary worlds she created, in play.
Later in life, Nephylim became the storyteller for a re-enactment group who travelled widely, giving a taste of life in the Iron Age. As well as having an opportunity to run around hitting people with a sword, she had an opportunity to tell stories of all kinds, sometimes of her own making, to all kinds of people. The criticism was sometimes harsh, especially from the children, but the reward enormous.
It was here she began to appreciate the power of stories and the primal need to hear them. In ancient times, the wandering bard was the only source of news, and the storyteller the heart of the village, keeping the lore and the magic alive. Although much of the magic has been lost, the stories still provide a link to the part of us that still wants to believe that it’s still there, somewhere.
In present times, Nephylim lives in a terraced house in the valleys with her son and her two cats. Her daughter has deserted her for the big city, but they’re still close. The part of her that needs to earn money is a lawyer, but the deepest, and most important part of her is a storyteller and artist, and always will be.
- GenresM M Romance
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2014
29 people want to read
About the author
Nephylim
19 books56 followersBorn into a poor but loving mining family in the United Kingdom, Cheryl grew up in the beautiful and history rich South Wales Valleys, becoming the first in her family to attend university. Practicing law, as a family lawyer for over twenty years allowed Cheryl to learn more about human nature at its worst and best moments, and develop empathy and a view of life not limited by social standing or background.
Tapping into the heritage of her people that throughout Earth's ages welcomed the wandering bard into the hearts of their villages as keepers of lore,Cheryl trained as a Druid and brings the richness of her Celtic past and spiritual training to elevate her writing. Since a child, Cheryl has been fascinated with other worlds, which exist within and alongside her own and has reveled in creating worlds and characters for others to enjoy.
Despite lack of family support, Cheryl continued writing privately and eventually found the Gay Authors website. With the positive response and a warm welcome received, she found the confidence to pursue her passion to a greater degree. Feeling gay fiction was a woefully neglected corner of the market where readers were all too often presented as limited to erotica, Cheryl strives to write quality gay fiction where sex and sexuality is not the central premise. Instead, concentration is given to character and narrative development through storytelling that goes beyond the physical.
Cheryl still resides in Wales, UK, and enjoys writing, reading, art, and taking part in medieval reenactments.
Tapping into the heritage of her people that throughout Earth's ages welcomed the wandering bard into the hearts of their villages as keepers of lore,Cheryl trained as a Druid and brings the richness of her Celtic past and spiritual training to elevate her writing. Since a child, Cheryl has been fascinated with other worlds, which exist within and alongside her own and has reveled in creating worlds and characters for others to enjoy.
Despite lack of family support, Cheryl continued writing privately and eventually found the Gay Authors website. With the positive response and a warm welcome received, she found the confidence to pursue her passion to a greater degree. Feeling gay fiction was a woefully neglected corner of the market where readers were all too often presented as limited to erotica, Cheryl strives to write quality gay fiction where sex and sexuality is not the central premise. Instead, concentration is given to character and narrative development through storytelling that goes beyond the physical.
Cheryl still resides in Wales, UK, and enjoys writing, reading, art, and taking part in medieval reenactments.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 6, 2019
Wanted to read this book for a few years so imagine my shock seeing it while browsing through my kindle. I must have bought it but never got to read it. I promptly rectified that.
January 18, 2015
The three characters with the most air time in this book are Matthew, Cory and Morgan, three college students. The story is told from the POV of Matthew. Matthew is just really clueless. Everyone around him understands him way better than he understands himself. Matthew is fairly popular, well liked (loved by some), good-looking and gay. He's unaware of any of this. Basically he's unaware of anything except school and how much he can't stand Morgan.
Cory is the always in the shadows, computer nerd, best friend of Matthew. Morgan is the ultra cool, mega rich, superstar of the campus.
Matthew thinks he hates Morgan, but really it's not hate of course.
This story felt like YA to me for a long time. Then all the sudden it definitely wasn't so I guess I'd label it as NA. It's sort of sci-fi, but not as much as I thought it would be. There is a secret drug and experiments and side effects. Most of the first part is mystery. Lots of mystery. It's also sort of a coming of age, first love and family drama novel.
I thought Project X contained many sweet parts, emotional parts and also a little wisdom we all should take note of.
This was my first read from the author. I look forward to reading more.
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
Cory is the always in the shadows, computer nerd, best friend of Matthew. Morgan is the ultra cool, mega rich, superstar of the campus.
Matthew thinks he hates Morgan, but really it's not hate of course.
Tomorrow we were going to glare at each other again and grind our teeth at every word the other said. Tomorrow we were going to torment one another and try our very best to tear the other down at every possibility. Tomorrow we would hate each other again...but today...today was something different. Today I was holding him in my arms. Today I was resting my cheek on his hair. Today I was feeling his heart beat next to mine.
This story felt like YA to me for a long time. Then all the sudden it definitely wasn't so I guess I'd label it as NA. It's sort of sci-fi, but not as much as I thought it would be. There is a secret drug and experiments and side effects. Most of the first part is mystery. Lots of mystery. It's also sort of a coming of age, first love and family drama novel.
I thought Project X contained many sweet parts, emotional parts and also a little wisdom we all should take note of.
"Why don't we realize life's so fragile? Why do we waste it, throw it away for nothing? This was all so...unnecessary."
This was my first read from the author. I look forward to reading more.
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
FULL REVIEW CAN BE FOUND AT http://fangirlmomentsandmytwocents.bl...
October 13, 2014
Normally I start my reviews with a brief character summary, but the book description does a really good job of laying that groundwork. I'm going to skip the intro and move right on to my review because I've got a lot to say... (
surprise!!
)
PROJECT X is a complex story with a detailed plot that's full of twists and turns. Almost the entire first half of the book is dedicated to laying the groundwork for the story line, character introduction and scene building. At this point the, plot is primarily focused on the main characters; Matthew, Morgan and (to a lesser extent) Cory. It's paced pretty slowly, there are several typical college scenes, and plenty of dialog, so readers really get to know the characters well. A few hints are dropped about Project X, and the potential impact it might have later in the story, but for the most part the first half has the feel of a well written yet typical New Adult/Coming of Age romance.
Dear Readers, hang in with me here, and trust that you want to keep going!
Just about the time I started to scratch my head and wonder what exactly this book was about again, I began the second half. Suddenly the pace picks up dramatically! The foundation that was laid previously becomes invaluable, because here is where Nephylim takes readers on a roller-coaster ride of drama, action, adventure and romance. PROJECT X becomes a thrilling, nail biting, kept-me-on-the-edge-of-my-seat-and-up-all-night-reading experience!
I would highly recommend this to readers who love sci-fi, romance, mystery, drama, thrillers, action, and complex and well written characters. I'm not usually someone who reads books more than once, but there is so much subtle detail here that I'm looking forward to returning to the beginning and re-reading it soon. This one makes my top ten books of 2014!
My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly's Book Reviews
PROJECT X is a complex story with a detailed plot that's full of twists and turns. Almost the entire first half of the book is dedicated to laying the groundwork for the story line, character introduction and scene building. At this point the, plot is primarily focused on the main characters; Matthew, Morgan and (to a lesser extent) Cory. It's paced pretty slowly, there are several typical college scenes, and plenty of dialog, so readers really get to know the characters well. A few hints are dropped about Project X, and the potential impact it might have later in the story, but for the most part the first half has the feel of a well written yet typical New Adult/Coming of Age romance.
Dear Readers, hang in with me here, and trust that you want to keep going!
Just about the time I started to scratch my head and wonder what exactly this book was about again, I began the second half. Suddenly the pace picks up dramatically! The foundation that was laid previously becomes invaluable, because here is where Nephylim takes readers on a roller-coaster ride of drama, action, adventure and romance. PROJECT X becomes a thrilling, nail biting, kept-me-on-the-edge-of-my-seat-and-up-all-night-reading experience!
I would highly recommend this to readers who love sci-fi, romance, mystery, drama, thrillers, action, and complex and well written characters. I'm not usually someone who reads books more than once, but there is so much subtle detail here that I'm looking forward to returning to the beginning and re-reading it soon. This one makes my top ten books of 2014!
My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly's Book Reviews
September 26, 2014
Morgan Bentley is drop-dead gorgeous, sexy, highly intelligent, self-assured, confident and rich. He also knows it. So what does that make him? Yes, a bastard!
When we first meet Morgan he is the star student at University, the students flock around him like bees around a honey pot and the lecturers pander to his talents. The sort of person that everyone really loves or hates and for Matthew, is it love or hate? Matthew refuses to become one of the Morgan followers and hates him with a vengeance, but this is really only a smoke screen for the true feelings that he has for Morgan and his best friend Cory can see right through it even if Matthew won’t admit it to himself. Matthew is really the only other student that can challenge Morgan intellectually so that makes them perfect sparing partners in the legal moots they have to do while studying law. In the National Moot Championships the lecturers decide to team Morgan and Matthew up and this is the beginning of love-hate relationship. But can one person really be that intelligent? So intelligent it is almost freaky in its nature. As though he can anticipate people’s next moves before they know it themselves.
Nephylim brings across the internal struggle going on in Matthew brilliantly. The fact that Matthew is always talking about him in a negative way obviously points to some kind of infatuation even if it is only self-denial on Matthews part while he is trying to convince himself that there is no way he has fallen for Morgan. Well, I suppose many people try to avoid what is exactly staring them in the face by going totally in the opposite direction. As the saying goes, “He who shouts the most has the most to hide.” I felt at the beginning of the story this was definitely the case for Matthew. Cory and Matthew have been friends since they were children and Cory has no hang ups about his sexuality, Matthew always jokes with him that if he fancied trying “it” with a man Cory would be the first one he would do it with. But Matthew insists he isn’t gay and has the usual dreams of career, house, wife and family. Although we get the feeling this is also just a smoke screen again for the fact that he is relatively sexually inexperienced and doesn’t really know what he wants. Therefore the self-denial about Morgan fits perfectly into the scheme that in a way he is also trying to deny the strong sexual and physical attraction he is really feeling for Morgan. Cory sees this, but it is difficult as Cory has a crush on Matthew, but can’t bring himself to ruin the friendship that they share.
However, behind every so called bastard is probably a very sad bastard. Morgan has everything, but the one thing he doesn’t have is someone to really genuinely love. He gets no love from his father, his so called friends are only friends because of the status it brings them. So they are all very shallow about their motives for wanting to be Morgan’s friend. As Matthew and Morgan have to work together in a team for the moots, Matthew and Cory get more involved in Morgan's private life. Cory is a computer genius and gets an apprenticeship at Morgan's father’s company – ITM. This is a once in a lifetime chance as Morgan's father is very powerful and owns of the biggest biotech companies going. There is no love lost between Morgan and his father due to the fact that Morgan’s mother died in a car accident several years before taking him to a party when she was ill because his father had not time. His father blames Morgan for this and therefore the relationship is a horrible one to say the least. You could just feel the venom between these two when Cory and Matthew were invited to dinner with his father.
There are a few moments where Matthew catches Morgan with his guard down and we get a glimpse of the very sad and lonely person behind the bastard mask. I liked these little windows at the beginning that just give us a glimpse of Morgan's true self and suffering, but then he always does something to confirm his bastard status once again.
Like all computer geniuses Cory can’t resist a computer and while he is at Morgan’s stumbles across some information that piques his curiosity about some research project that Morgan’s father’s company is involved in, all very top secret. Well, saying that the information is secret to Cory is like saying no to child in a sweetshop. He gets his first warning not to sneak around in things that doesn’t concern him as there are powerful men who could harm and he could get into a lot of trouble comes from Morgan. Cory takes this to be one of Morgan’s complete bastard moments again the way he shouts at Cory. So while he is working for ITM Matthew starts to hear less and less from him which is unusual within itself as normally these two would be joined at the hip. In the middle of the night Matthew gets a phone call from Cory who is in a panic and sounding very frightened and instructs Matthew to get Morgan out of his father’s house as his life is in danger to meet Cory at a given location. Here I just felt that I maybe would have liked some more backstory on what was happening with Cory in the company that lead him to call Matthew in such a panic. I felt that this came out of the blue, it definitely added to the shock factor, but I think a lead in to why Cory called Matthew in such a panic would have been nice.
At this point the book takes on a massive leap in tempo and the race is on to save Morgan’s life. Oh my, this was so excruciating when you realise how terribly lonely Morgan really is and resigned to his fate. Due to the great writing I also now changed my opinion from Morgan hater to Morgan sympathiser – WOW! I thought that would never have happened going from the beginning of the book. My feelings and opinion really changed when Morgan opened up a little to Matthew in the garden at a party and you could see the helpless, lost child behind the facade. Matthew can’t resist any longer and when the walls come tearing down, oh my what an earthquake of a sex scene ensued. It was passionate and hot, but you knew that this was Matthews first time with a guy, I think it was his first time with anyone, so yes Matthew gets his cherry completely, well and truly popped. This made for such a tender moment with the more experienced Morgan taking the lead and gave Morgan for me an even greater depth of emotion, tenderness and caring. There is now no going back to the opinion I had of him as a bastard at the beginning.
The only thing I did think here was maybe a little too rushed was the fact that after this one time they start declaring their ever undying love to each other. I wasn’t sure what to make of this, yes, the dam is broken and Matthew’s defences over Morgan have crashed down around his ears, they have just had hot steamy sex which is intense if it’s your first time possibly, but I just felt this was still a little too early and too soon to be saying that I love you forever. So I sort of consoled myself with the fact that in the heat of the moment, with teenage infatuation and the race is on to save Morgan’s life I suppose it would be OK. Well, this sort of worked as the threat that their time could be very short together, I still found it was for me personally a little too full-on too soon. Also for Matthew to be saying all the way he wasn’t gay or at least trying to cover it up, then after this first time, all of a sudden he has no problem with it. I personally would have expected a little more reticence, insecurity, conflict and confusion going on within Matthew after his first time with a man then there actually was considering all the things he had said before, even though the strong attraction was there.
But the race is now on to save Morgan and Cory is instrumental in this. I just loved the close friendship that Matthew has with Cory, a friendship that will last for ever. Real, true, bothers. You seriously get the feeling although Cory is in total conflict with his own feelings over Morgan and Matthew, there is now way he would ever let Matthew down. He would always be at Matthew’s side before Morgan, during Morgan and who knows in the future maybe even after Morgan. Cory is that true loyal friend who will stick with you through thick or thin. Cory to be honest was my most favourite character from the whole book. The three of them manage to get there feelings all sorted out which lead to some wonderful moments and heart-felt dialogues between the three. So now the conflict within the triangle are all sorted and the race is now on to save Morgan’s life. At this point we also learn what part Morgan’s father had played in the whole affair and sees the errors of his ways and by joining the research team to save Morgan in some ways tries to make amends with all those years he had treated Morgan badly.
Nephylim has written an intriguing mystery-thriller combining it with a wonderful M/M romance. It is dark, moody but ends with a wonderful HEA, full of closure and reconciliation. Yes, I’m a sucker for those books that end with forgiveness, the scene with Morgan’s father begging him to forgive him did bring a tear to my eye I must admit. It never gets too schmaltzy as even though Morgan’s dad begs for his son’s forgiveness, Morgan still remains very distant and wary but is prepared to give his dad a chance. As for Morgan and Matthew? Well, no doubt those two really have skipped off into the sunset hand in hand and most definitely found their HEA for sure. As for Cory? Well, I guess he’ll still be at Matthew’s side whenever he is needed as Matthew would do for him. I would like to think that Cory will now be able to find someone that he could love and love him back as much as Morgan and Matthew do for each other.
When we first meet Morgan he is the star student at University, the students flock around him like bees around a honey pot and the lecturers pander to his talents. The sort of person that everyone really loves or hates and for Matthew, is it love or hate? Matthew refuses to become one of the Morgan followers and hates him with a vengeance, but this is really only a smoke screen for the true feelings that he has for Morgan and his best friend Cory can see right through it even if Matthew won’t admit it to himself. Matthew is really the only other student that can challenge Morgan intellectually so that makes them perfect sparing partners in the legal moots they have to do while studying law. In the National Moot Championships the lecturers decide to team Morgan and Matthew up and this is the beginning of love-hate relationship. But can one person really be that intelligent? So intelligent it is almost freaky in its nature. As though he can anticipate people’s next moves before they know it themselves.
Nephylim brings across the internal struggle going on in Matthew brilliantly. The fact that Matthew is always talking about him in a negative way obviously points to some kind of infatuation even if it is only self-denial on Matthews part while he is trying to convince himself that there is no way he has fallen for Morgan. Well, I suppose many people try to avoid what is exactly staring them in the face by going totally in the opposite direction. As the saying goes, “He who shouts the most has the most to hide.” I felt at the beginning of the story this was definitely the case for Matthew. Cory and Matthew have been friends since they were children and Cory has no hang ups about his sexuality, Matthew always jokes with him that if he fancied trying “it” with a man Cory would be the first one he would do it with. But Matthew insists he isn’t gay and has the usual dreams of career, house, wife and family. Although we get the feeling this is also just a smoke screen again for the fact that he is relatively sexually inexperienced and doesn’t really know what he wants. Therefore the self-denial about Morgan fits perfectly into the scheme that in a way he is also trying to deny the strong sexual and physical attraction he is really feeling for Morgan. Cory sees this, but it is difficult as Cory has a crush on Matthew, but can’t bring himself to ruin the friendship that they share.
However, behind every so called bastard is probably a very sad bastard. Morgan has everything, but the one thing he doesn’t have is someone to really genuinely love. He gets no love from his father, his so called friends are only friends because of the status it brings them. So they are all very shallow about their motives for wanting to be Morgan’s friend. As Matthew and Morgan have to work together in a team for the moots, Matthew and Cory get more involved in Morgan's private life. Cory is a computer genius and gets an apprenticeship at Morgan's father’s company – ITM. This is a once in a lifetime chance as Morgan's father is very powerful and owns of the biggest biotech companies going. There is no love lost between Morgan and his father due to the fact that Morgan’s mother died in a car accident several years before taking him to a party when she was ill because his father had not time. His father blames Morgan for this and therefore the relationship is a horrible one to say the least. You could just feel the venom between these two when Cory and Matthew were invited to dinner with his father.
There are a few moments where Matthew catches Morgan with his guard down and we get a glimpse of the very sad and lonely person behind the bastard mask. I liked these little windows at the beginning that just give us a glimpse of Morgan's true self and suffering, but then he always does something to confirm his bastard status once again.
Like all computer geniuses Cory can’t resist a computer and while he is at Morgan’s stumbles across some information that piques his curiosity about some research project that Morgan’s father’s company is involved in, all very top secret. Well, saying that the information is secret to Cory is like saying no to child in a sweetshop. He gets his first warning not to sneak around in things that doesn’t concern him as there are powerful men who could harm and he could get into a lot of trouble comes from Morgan. Cory takes this to be one of Morgan’s complete bastard moments again the way he shouts at Cory. So while he is working for ITM Matthew starts to hear less and less from him which is unusual within itself as normally these two would be joined at the hip. In the middle of the night Matthew gets a phone call from Cory who is in a panic and sounding very frightened and instructs Matthew to get Morgan out of his father’s house as his life is in danger to meet Cory at a given location. Here I just felt that I maybe would have liked some more backstory on what was happening with Cory in the company that lead him to call Matthew in such a panic. I felt that this came out of the blue, it definitely added to the shock factor, but I think a lead in to why Cory called Matthew in such a panic would have been nice.
At this point the book takes on a massive leap in tempo and the race is on to save Morgan’s life. Oh my, this was so excruciating when you realise how terribly lonely Morgan really is and resigned to his fate. Due to the great writing I also now changed my opinion from Morgan hater to Morgan sympathiser – WOW! I thought that would never have happened going from the beginning of the book. My feelings and opinion really changed when Morgan opened up a little to Matthew in the garden at a party and you could see the helpless, lost child behind the facade. Matthew can’t resist any longer and when the walls come tearing down, oh my what an earthquake of a sex scene ensued. It was passionate and hot, but you knew that this was Matthews first time with a guy, I think it was his first time with anyone, so yes Matthew gets his cherry completely, well and truly popped. This made for such a tender moment with the more experienced Morgan taking the lead and gave Morgan for me an even greater depth of emotion, tenderness and caring. There is now no going back to the opinion I had of him as a bastard at the beginning.
The only thing I did think here was maybe a little too rushed was the fact that after this one time they start declaring their ever undying love to each other. I wasn’t sure what to make of this, yes, the dam is broken and Matthew’s defences over Morgan have crashed down around his ears, they have just had hot steamy sex which is intense if it’s your first time possibly, but I just felt this was still a little too early and too soon to be saying that I love you forever. So I sort of consoled myself with the fact that in the heat of the moment, with teenage infatuation and the race is on to save Morgan’s life I suppose it would be OK. Well, this sort of worked as the threat that their time could be very short together, I still found it was for me personally a little too full-on too soon. Also for Matthew to be saying all the way he wasn’t gay or at least trying to cover it up, then after this first time, all of a sudden he has no problem with it. I personally would have expected a little more reticence, insecurity, conflict and confusion going on within Matthew after his first time with a man then there actually was considering all the things he had said before, even though the strong attraction was there.
But the race is now on to save Morgan and Cory is instrumental in this. I just loved the close friendship that Matthew has with Cory, a friendship that will last for ever. Real, true, bothers. You seriously get the feeling although Cory is in total conflict with his own feelings over Morgan and Matthew, there is now way he would ever let Matthew down. He would always be at Matthew’s side before Morgan, during Morgan and who knows in the future maybe even after Morgan. Cory is that true loyal friend who will stick with you through thick or thin. Cory to be honest was my most favourite character from the whole book. The three of them manage to get there feelings all sorted out which lead to some wonderful moments and heart-felt dialogues between the three. So now the conflict within the triangle are all sorted and the race is now on to save Morgan’s life. At this point we also learn what part Morgan’s father had played in the whole affair and sees the errors of his ways and by joining the research team to save Morgan in some ways tries to make amends with all those years he had treated Morgan badly.
Nephylim has written an intriguing mystery-thriller combining it with a wonderful M/M romance. It is dark, moody but ends with a wonderful HEA, full of closure and reconciliation. Yes, I’m a sucker for those books that end with forgiveness, the scene with Morgan’s father begging him to forgive him did bring a tear to my eye I must admit. It never gets too schmaltzy as even though Morgan’s dad begs for his son’s forgiveness, Morgan still remains very distant and wary but is prepared to give his dad a chance. As for Morgan and Matthew? Well, no doubt those two really have skipped off into the sunset hand in hand and most definitely found their HEA for sure. As for Cory? Well, I guess he’ll still be at Matthew’s side whenever he is needed as Matthew would do for him. I would like to think that Cory will now be able to find someone that he could love and love him back as much as Morgan and Matthew do for each other.
October 14, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’m not really sure what I thought of the characters. Morgan was definitely the arrogant, rich kid. He had an entourage and seemed to be oblivious to the feelings of others. Matthew was very prejudiced against Morgan. All he kept saying was how much of a “bastard” Morgan was. Matthew hated Morgan throughout about the first half of the book. Finally, we have Cory, Matthew’s best friend. They’ve been friends since they were kids. However, Cory’s feelings go beyond that of friendship. He’s in love with Mathew but has always kept his feelings to himself. It’s a very convoluted relationship between the three. Morgan has feelings for Matthew. Cory’s in love with Matthew. Matthew believes he’s straight but really has feelings for Morgan that he’s fighting by saying he hates him. Matthew loves Cory but only as a friend.
Up until about the half way mark, I thought the relationships between Morgan, Matthew, and Cory were pretty predictable. Typical, I’ll be mean because I don’t want to admit my true feelings. About the time Morgan and Matthew become friends, Cory has disappeared after taking an internship at the research company Morgan’s father runs. Cory discovers a horrible truth about the company and about Morgan. This discovery and the budding relationship between Morgan and Matthew turn the tide of the story. I was shocked by the actions Morgan’s father took with his research. I was totally and completely flabbergasted that someone could do that to family. My heart broke to think that Morgan and Matthew just started their relationship and it could all end in a matter of days if not hours. I wasn’t really surprised by Cory’s reaction when Morgan and Matthew finally got to the safe house. From the way he acted in the beginning of the book, it was easy to see that he would be bitter about their relationship. I was really surprised that he decided to deal with it and be happy for them. Morgan is definitely a bigger person than I am. I don’t think I would have been able to even try to forgive a family member if they did what his dad did. I’d be done with them real quickly. The ending was rather abrupt and I would have like a little more of the future between Morgan and Matthew.
Overall, Project X was a good book. It is well-written and easy-to-read. The first 50% of the book, in which there was a lot of name calling, was hard to get through. The last half of the book sucked me in and kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. A definite attention grabber.
4-Bombs
Reviewed by Tracy
I’m not really sure what I thought of the characters. Morgan was definitely the arrogant, rich kid. He had an entourage and seemed to be oblivious to the feelings of others. Matthew was very prejudiced against Morgan. All he kept saying was how much of a “bastard” Morgan was. Matthew hated Morgan throughout about the first half of the book. Finally, we have Cory, Matthew’s best friend. They’ve been friends since they were kids. However, Cory’s feelings go beyond that of friendship. He’s in love with Mathew but has always kept his feelings to himself. It’s a very convoluted relationship between the three. Morgan has feelings for Matthew. Cory’s in love with Matthew. Matthew believes he’s straight but really has feelings for Morgan that he’s fighting by saying he hates him. Matthew loves Cory but only as a friend.
Up until about the half way mark, I thought the relationships between Morgan, Matthew, and Cory were pretty predictable. Typical, I’ll be mean because I don’t want to admit my true feelings. About the time Morgan and Matthew become friends, Cory has disappeared after taking an internship at the research company Morgan’s father runs. Cory discovers a horrible truth about the company and about Morgan. This discovery and the budding relationship between Morgan and Matthew turn the tide of the story. I was shocked by the actions Morgan’s father took with his research. I was totally and completely flabbergasted that someone could do that to family. My heart broke to think that Morgan and Matthew just started their relationship and it could all end in a matter of days if not hours. I wasn’t really surprised by Cory’s reaction when Morgan and Matthew finally got to the safe house. From the way he acted in the beginning of the book, it was easy to see that he would be bitter about their relationship. I was really surprised that he decided to deal with it and be happy for them. Morgan is definitely a bigger person than I am. I don’t think I would have been able to even try to forgive a family member if they did what his dad did. I’d be done with them real quickly. The ending was rather abrupt and I would have like a little more of the future between Morgan and Matthew.
Overall, Project X was a good book. It is well-written and easy-to-read. The first 50% of the book, in which there was a lot of name calling, was hard to get through. The last half of the book sucked me in and kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. A definite attention grabber.
4-Bombs
Reviewed by Tracy
January 13, 2015
What I like about this book:
To me it is a fresh story, well, in my little m/m world. The author paints a great picture in the law and science world. I could see all these debates going on, and picture an actual science lab, I felt like I was really there.
You think it's going to be all sci-fi, but it really wasn't. I thought maybe it would get all Spidey, super secret lab, again... it didn't, well...not all the way. By that I mean, he isn't a super hero/villain, though there is super secret labs.
It was a "feels" story with lots of angst and indecision. The characters had lots of growth, mainly Matthew. He was, to me, kind of a jerk in the beginning. When he finally "came around" though, it was wonderful. Morgan's father also did a lot of growing, probably the most through the whole book. I really thought the worst of him and I wanted to reach into the book and shake the hell out of him!! In the end though, I do believe he was redeemable.
I love a good GFY story, and this one we get our HEA.
What I didn't like:
A lot of the characters (mainly Cory and Morgon, and a little bit of Matthew) seemed to "stutter" a lot. If one character does it, its endearing. When multiple do it, it breaks up the reading flow and takes away from another character, not giving them "individuality".
Aside from all that I think this author is a great storyteller and I can't wait to see what else she'll have in store for us.
I give this book a 3.5 stars
To me it is a fresh story, well, in my little m/m world. The author paints a great picture in the law and science world. I could see all these debates going on, and picture an actual science lab, I felt like I was really there.
You think it's going to be all sci-fi, but it really wasn't. I thought maybe it would get all Spidey, super secret lab, again... it didn't, well...not all the way. By that I mean, he isn't a super hero/villain, though there is super secret labs.
It was a "feels" story with lots of angst and indecision. The characters had lots of growth, mainly Matthew. He was, to me, kind of a jerk in the beginning. When he finally "came around" though, it was wonderful. Morgan's father also did a lot of growing, probably the most through the whole book. I really thought the worst of him and I wanted to reach into the book and shake the hell out of him!! In the end though, I do believe he was redeemable.
I love a good GFY story, and this one we get our HEA.
What I didn't like:
A lot of the characters (mainly Cory and Morgon, and a little bit of Matthew) seemed to "stutter" a lot. If one character does it, its endearing. When multiple do it, it breaks up the reading flow and takes away from another character, not giving them "individuality".
Aside from all that I think this author is a great storyteller and I can't wait to see what else she'll have in store for us.
I give this book a 3.5 stars
November 13, 2014
What an amazing ride! I loved every second of it! Matthew hated hated hated Morgan. He saw Morgan as an arrogant a$$hole. Matthew’s best friend, Cory saw it for what it really was but since Matthew fantasized about the house with the white picket fence, wife, and 2 kids, Cory let Matthew hold tight to his denial.
Matthew and Morgan were put on a school project together while Cory received an internship a company owned by Morgan’s father. Cory, the eternal geek, found himself hacking into the system to get a better idea about the company and the various projects he would get to work on while there. That’s when he stumbled upon the mysterious Project X. While Cory is busy hacking around, Matthew’s hatred/denial for Morgan grows as they work on their school project together.
What Cory discovers, forces Matthew to swallow his hatred for Morgan (or at least put in on the back burner) in order to help him. I won’t give too much away but this story is amazing! I was on the edge of my seat. I could not read this book fast enough! By the end, I had bawled my eyes out, laughed, and was just shocked beyond belief. The book was well written and you attach emotionally to the characters early on. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in a great suspense book splashed with a side of romance!!
Matthew and Morgan were put on a school project together while Cory received an internship a company owned by Morgan’s father. Cory, the eternal geek, found himself hacking into the system to get a better idea about the company and the various projects he would get to work on while there. That’s when he stumbled upon the mysterious Project X. While Cory is busy hacking around, Matthew’s hatred/denial for Morgan grows as they work on their school project together.
What Cory discovers, forces Matthew to swallow his hatred for Morgan (or at least put in on the back burner) in order to help him. I won’t give too much away but this story is amazing! I was on the edge of my seat. I could not read this book fast enough! By the end, I had bawled my eyes out, laughed, and was just shocked beyond belief. The book was well written and you attach emotionally to the characters early on. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in a great suspense book splashed with a side of romance!!
September 29, 2014
This book really had me on edge right from the beginning. It started with me rooting for Matthew to get with a program and start loving Morgan as much as I did, to then turn into a thrilling race, peppered with medical facts, a lot of law student games, and some hacking for the geek in me. I just could not let the book go as I was reading it and the characters were so nicely written, I just couldn't help but love them. Well, not Morgan's father, but I am only human, can't really love them all.
Project X is all about looking beyond appearances, not just when dealing with others, but also when we are trying to understand ourselves. Sometimes things, situations, and feelings are disguised as something else.
The ethical issues of medical research and hacking are quite interesting to follow and the mix of medical research and next get IT that makes the book a geek's wet dream, will keep you glued to the book just as much as the beautiful love story it is wrapped around.
I laughed, I got frustrated, I cried, then cried some more, and laughed for good measure. Totally recommend it
Project X is all about looking beyond appearances, not just when dealing with others, but also when we are trying to understand ourselves. Sometimes things, situations, and feelings are disguised as something else.
The ethical issues of medical research and hacking are quite interesting to follow and the mix of medical research and next get IT that makes the book a geek's wet dream, will keep you glued to the book just as much as the beautiful love story it is wrapped around.
I laughed, I got frustrated, I cried, then cried some more, and laughed for good measure. Totally recommend it
October 8, 2014
Most of us are aware of human experimentation, the ethical issues that spark debates, the movies that spark terror. These are all true up to a certain extent but most probably what comes to mind are the psychological human experimentation rather than genetic manipulation. The issues that surround this type of experimentation on the animal and plant levels are controversial enough so human DNA experimentation would most likely be labelled: TABOO.
When does a scientist cross the boundaries of ethics and abuse? This is the question that comes to mind when reading Project X. It is told from a romantic point of view and it is a romantic and heart wrenching tale. The science fiction aspect is not romantic, however, for it tells the tale of science crossing the boundaries of ethics and moral conduct.
Enjoy the rest of the review and join the tour: Blog Tour, eARC Review, Excerpt & #Giveaway: Project X by Nephylim
February 22, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. There were so many emotions going on in this book. Hate, love, friends, and friendships. It started a little slow but when it got to about 30%, the book took off and didn't stop!
February 14, 2016
A wonderful M/M tale with engaging characters and an exciting plot. I was involved in the editing of this book and can highly recommend it.
August 21, 2017
DNF @ 67%
The first half: awesome!
The second half: boring and annoying.
The first half: awesome!
The second half: boring and annoying.
dnf
July 2, 2017DNF at 63%. It didn't keep my interest.
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