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More Heat Than the Sun #4
This Other Country
Nikolas is the sanest, straightest, person he knows, so can anyone tell him, why he's on a gay therapy course?
Nikolas Mikkelsen could make a very long list of unpleasant things he's endured in his life. Then order it from 'nearly killed me' to 'extremely horrific and don't want to do again'. And what did it say about his forty-five years that being hit by a tsunami would be a considerable way down this list? But nothing, not torture, imprisonment, nor starvation has prepared him for what he now has to endure for Ben Rider's sake-attendance on a residential, gay therapy course. At least he has a new contender for the top spot on his 'my awful life' list.
Nikolas Mikkelsen could make a very long list of unpleasant things he's endured in his life. Then order it from 'nearly killed me' to 'extremely horrific and don't want to do again'. And what did it say about his forty-five years that being hit by a tsunami would be a considerable way down this list? But nothing, not torture, imprisonment, nor starvation has prepared him for what he now has to endure for Ben Rider's sake-attendance on a residential, gay therapy course. At least he has a new contender for the top spot on his 'my awful life' list.
298 pages, Paperback
First published November 21, 2014
33 people are currently reading
610 people want to read
About the author
John Wiltshire
29 books825 followersJohn Wiltshire is the fictional persona of the author of the More Heat Than The Sun series. After spending twenty-two years in the military perfecting the art
of looking busy whilst secretly writing, John left as a senior officer
when a hastily dug tunnel was ready for use. Now living in New
Zealand (at least until enough money can be raised to leave) John has no plans to return to the army. Unless the world situation gets considerably worse, that is.
of looking busy whilst secretly writing, John left as a senior officer
when a hastily dug tunnel was ready for use. Now living in New
Zealand (at least until enough money can be raised to leave) John has no plans to return to the army. Unless the world situation gets considerably worse, that is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
January 13, 2024
Ben sighed. “When was the last time you thought about breathing?”
“What?”
“Breathing? Lungs in and out? Air? When did you last think about it? You’re like breathing. I don’t think about it, but I need it to stay alive.” A faint smile came to Nikolas’s lips.
“Then you’re like a heartbeat. I’ll miss you when you stop.”
the level of comfort in their relationship 😭🤍 ben and nik truly have such a soulmate vibe and i love them for it. i love how this series is opening my mind to the possibilities of different sorts of relationships and me actually believing in their love. the shit these two went through over the past couple books… i didn’t think i could tolerate those tropes and thought i’d hate them, but to my surprise i actually ended up liking it. truly a special couple. like in this book ⸺ one of my least preferred tropes was there, the trope, because of how it sometimes spoils the couple for me but sometimes it also makes it all come full circle and makes me believe the mcs are soulmates ⸺ and that’s what happened here. i actually did hate some of the shit that happened ⸺ but i could never hate ben and nik. they’re firmly cemented in my head as one of my fav couples. 🥹
this series honestly just keeps getting better and better. i’ve been in the mood to binge some thrillers with romance the past week and this has been the perfect respite. it’s intense, it puts you through a hell of a ride, it’s hella angsty but it’s also filled with so much love. and this installment was particularly heartbreaking with what happened in the second half. i love how, despite how many hits ben and nik take, they stand with each other and come back to each other throughout. there are reveals i don’t always like . but i love how it always ends up strengthening the powerful bond nik and ben share and they come back better than before.
the writing in this series is absolutely stunning. i have to say it. i can see how some people might find it dry or boring but personally i became so invested in the characters that the writing perfectly meshed with how i believe the mcs’ conversations and thoughts would flow. and john wiltshire’s writing has me all in my feels. it’s wonderful how gripping each and every book in this series is.
the first half of this one though! it was so snarky and fun in the best way. nik and ben went undercover in a gay couples therapy and the remarks they made to each other ⸺ it was so real and raw and powerful. i loved how they were pretending and being in different roles but it also related to their situations in real life and how they truly felt. like ben always did feel rather stifled with nikolas, as if nikolas had all the power in their relationship and he just went along with everything. and nikolas always did feel averse to admitting his feelings, his sexual orientation, his true feelings and thoughts, for the fear that they’d be rejected and because of what he’d gone through before. what i loved in this book, however, was how nikolas took that first initiative for once and tried fighting for ben with a full arsenal. before, it was always ben pushing nik into admitting his love, having the soft moments, etc. but nikolas fully opening up and feeling like he was the one truly held captive by ben? i loved how both of them are so made for each other and they’re both so obsessed with each other. it’s not like one of them holds something over the other. both of them need each other and it’s absolutely lovely to see.
the counselling also opened nikolas’s and ben’s eyes to the world around them and gave them a reality check. living in a society that is so narrow-minded that it wouldn’t accept a certain group of people just because they have a different sexual orientation is so sad. i loved how they managed to reassure each other about that too and tell each other that they’d live their lives the way they want to, and no one has a right to stop them. the therapy they went through was so messed up but it also showed them a glimpse of something that was necessary for them to make the next move about who they were. the way the doctors there showed them brutal images of how gay people were treated in places like afghanistan, russia. the way it’s so weird how gay and sapphic movies and shows mostly have such a sad ending in olden times and they call it being “tragic”. stfu no it’s not. it just promotes the wrong type of thinking.
and… as for the second half. it was simply heart-wrenching, however. i get how for some people it could’ve meant drama just for the sake of it. but to me, i could see the depth to nik and ben’s relationship and to its very core and see how pure their love was. therefore this part was so important to me. it broke my heart to see nik feel so alone, losing the person who he’d shared everything with, who was the only one who truly knew him ⸺ even as he was that close to him. and ben, hiding from the public and from himself because he found it hard to cope with the revelation that he might be gay. which is understandable. i loved seeing both of them fall back in love with each other, slowly relearning each other and finding each other despite everything. beautiful. 🫶
the main reason i love nikolas and ben so much, however, is this ⸺ both of them accept each other with open arms and hearts. they will forever embrace and cherish each other in their own ways. even if they don’t open their eyes to what’s in front of them sometimes, even if they’re such sillies and such idiots, even if they don’t see and accept themselves sometimes ⸺ they always have this bond that cannot be broken. a tie connecting both of them, forged with spider silk. it can bend ⸺ they have their own moments of doubting and worrying, but it always passes ⸺ but it never breaks. their relationship makes me go through all the feels ⸺ makes me cry, grin, giggle, sob, frown, makes my face twist in anger for them. and that is why they’re two of my fav men. now i’m off to binge the rest of the series and hopefully love them even more at the end of it. 💘💗
“What?”
“Breathing? Lungs in and out? Air? When did you last think about it? You’re like breathing. I don’t think about it, but I need it to stay alive.” A faint smile came to Nikolas’s lips.
“Then you’re like a heartbeat. I’ll miss you when you stop.”
the level of comfort in their relationship 😭🤍 ben and nik truly have such a soulmate vibe and i love them for it. i love how this series is opening my mind to the possibilities of different sorts of relationships and me actually believing in their love. the shit these two went through over the past couple books… i didn’t think i could tolerate those tropes and thought i’d hate them, but to my surprise i actually ended up liking it. truly a special couple. like in this book ⸺ one of my least preferred tropes was there, the trope, because of how it sometimes spoils the couple for me but sometimes it also makes it all come full circle and makes me believe the mcs are soulmates ⸺ and that’s what happened here. i actually did hate some of the shit that happened ⸺ but i could never hate ben and nik. they’re firmly cemented in my head as one of my fav couples. 🥹
this series honestly just keeps getting better and better. i’ve been in the mood to binge some thrillers with romance the past week and this has been the perfect respite. it’s intense, it puts you through a hell of a ride, it’s hella angsty but it’s also filled with so much love. and this installment was particularly heartbreaking with what happened in the second half. i love how, despite how many hits ben and nik take, they stand with each other and come back to each other throughout. there are reveals i don’t always like . but i love how it always ends up strengthening the powerful bond nik and ben share and they come back better than before.
the writing in this series is absolutely stunning. i have to say it. i can see how some people might find it dry or boring but personally i became so invested in the characters that the writing perfectly meshed with how i believe the mcs’ conversations and thoughts would flow. and john wiltshire’s writing has me all in my feels. it’s wonderful how gripping each and every book in this series is.
the first half of this one though! it was so snarky and fun in the best way. nik and ben went undercover in a gay couples therapy and the remarks they made to each other ⸺ it was so real and raw and powerful. i loved how they were pretending and being in different roles but it also related to their situations in real life and how they truly felt. like ben always did feel rather stifled with nikolas, as if nikolas had all the power in their relationship and he just went along with everything. and nikolas always did feel averse to admitting his feelings, his sexual orientation, his true feelings and thoughts, for the fear that they’d be rejected and because of what he’d gone through before. what i loved in this book, however, was how nikolas took that first initiative for once and tried fighting for ben with a full arsenal. before, it was always ben pushing nik into admitting his love, having the soft moments, etc. but nikolas fully opening up and feeling like he was the one truly held captive by ben? i loved how both of them are so made for each other and they’re both so obsessed with each other. it’s not like one of them holds something over the other. both of them need each other and it’s absolutely lovely to see.
the counselling also opened nikolas’s and ben’s eyes to the world around them and gave them a reality check. living in a society that is so narrow-minded that it wouldn’t accept a certain group of people just because they have a different sexual orientation is so sad. i loved how they managed to reassure each other about that too and tell each other that they’d live their lives the way they want to, and no one has a right to stop them. the therapy they went through was so messed up but it also showed them a glimpse of something that was necessary for them to make the next move about who they were. the way the doctors there showed them brutal images of how gay people were treated in places like afghanistan, russia. the way it’s so weird how gay and sapphic movies and shows mostly have such a sad ending in olden times and they call it being “tragic”. stfu no it’s not. it just promotes the wrong type of thinking.
and… as for the second half. it was simply heart-wrenching, however. i get how for some people it could’ve meant drama just for the sake of it. but to me, i could see the depth to nik and ben’s relationship and to its very core and see how pure their love was. therefore this part was so important to me. it broke my heart to see nik feel so alone, losing the person who he’d shared everything with, who was the only one who truly knew him ⸺ even as he was that close to him. and ben, hiding from the public and from himself because he found it hard to cope with the revelation that he might be gay. which is understandable. i loved seeing both of them fall back in love with each other, slowly relearning each other and finding each other despite everything. beautiful. 🫶
the main reason i love nikolas and ben so much, however, is this ⸺ both of them accept each other with open arms and hearts. they will forever embrace and cherish each other in their own ways. even if they don’t open their eyes to what’s in front of them sometimes, even if they’re such sillies and such idiots, even if they don’t see and accept themselves sometimes ⸺ they always have this bond that cannot be broken. a tie connecting both of them, forged with spider silk. it can bend ⸺ they have their own moments of doubting and worrying, but it always passes ⸺ but it never breaks. their relationship makes me go through all the feels ⸺ makes me cry, grin, giggle, sob, frown, makes my face twist in anger for them. and that is why they’re two of my fav men. now i’m off to binge the rest of the series and hopefully love them even more at the end of it. 💘💗
December 15, 2014
5 stars. Review completed December 15, 2014
"I just want him to--"
"Use his name, please."
"I want Nikolas to decide what he fucking wants. I want a boyfriend--not an employer with an overactive cock."
"Don't swear at me. And don't be crude."
"You're not my boss anymore! Stop telling me what to do!"
"Right. Mr Mikkelsen, Nikolas, perhaps you'd like to tell us why you agreed to come here?"
"I agreed to come here because if I didn't I would probably not get laid tonight."
"I'm not going to fucking attend a gay counseling course! Do you all understand?"
Yep, I understand, Nik. After all, you are not gay. Oh, and don't swear at me, please.
Ben cleared it all away and produced his pièce de résistance. Again, Nikolas was no expert, but even he could have told Ben that soufflé was ambitious for a beginner--and chocolate? Ben didn't even attempt to explain it away. They just stared at it for a while. Nikolas was tempted to point out that he'd seen similar things on pavements.
"You opened the oven?"
Ben nodded.
"Although it cautioned not to?"
Again a nod. "I had to see it, didn't I?"
"Apparently not. Shall we adjourn to our favourite restaurant?"
Ben pouted but nodded. He glanced at his watch and sank lower in his seat. "Four hours." He regarded the kitchen and sank his head into his hands. Nikolas readjusted his wilting flower. Then he chuckled.
"What?"
"I was just trying to imagine Nigel and Justin attempting to pass themselves off as Special Forces…"
Hilarious!
One word sums it up so…so…perfectly: fabulousamazingwonderfulterrificawesomestunningfantastic. Sorry, I couldn't make up my mind, so I'll let you pick one. Or two.
In a nutshell
Nik and Ben are always willing to help a friend in need (Baba gives Nik a little nudge, "Would you please be a bit more enthusiastic about your current task, Nik! The world doesn't only revolve around you." Though attending a gay therapy course and undercover at that, isn't really at the top of their to-do list. However, agay man's gotta do what a gay man's gotta do.
Aaaaaaaand my 9th five-star rating of the year goes to This Other Country! I know it's Christmas time and all that--exchanging gifts left and right, you know how it goes, especially in the world of books--but John Wiltshire has truly earned these five stars from me. It's absolutely the best thing that can happen when you start reading a series and the books are just getting better and better. Gah. Yep, I feel good. So, while I enjoyed the previous three books very much, this fourth installment rocked my little humble world. I loved everything, from the riveting plot over the witty and great dialogue to the A-mazing main protagonists. If I may say so, it was bloody brilliant. I'm really struggling to find the right words to express myself appropriately. Come to think of it…fuck, why the fuck are you still here? Was that straightforward enough? Nikolas is butting in. He frowns and says, "Baba, don't swear at me." Baba responds, "Fuck, I'll swear whenever I want. Besides, I didn't swear at you. Do you want to sell more books or not? I know you don't need the money but your author friend might be interested in making a few additional$ £. See? You're a devilish distraction. Now I lost the thread and I blame you. I think it's time for you to get lost, so I can talk openly about you. Caution! Do not pout, Nik. Do.Not.Pout. I don't like you guys pouting. It's silly." By the way, that's my minor quibble. All that pouting has to diminish or better yet, stop completely.
Anyway, don't mind that blond devil. He's good at evasive tactics. You'll see what I mean once you'll get to know the imposing man. Long story short, I really, really want to encourage all m-m addicts to explore the somewhat surreal world of Nikolas Mikkelsen and Ben Rider Since book #3 The Bridge of Silver Wings, these two guys claimed their place on my memorable-favorite-heroes shelf and that's quite a special accolade.
"You fucking bugger!"
Nikolas extricated himself, his face a study in outrage. "What the--?"
"Why didn't you fucking tell me?"
"Don't swear at--"
"Why not? I'll swear if I want! You don't bloody own me!"
Love it!
It felt so good seeing Ben and Nik scrutinizing over their relationship. Attending a gay therapy course, even involuntarily, can obviously do wonders. And Ben and Nik's nonverbal communication and understanding are, per se, splendid.
I said it before and I will say it again, Ben and Nikolas are two halves of a whole--their better halves respectively. Yet it's a delusive assumption when anyone thinks that Nikolas has all the power in their relationship. That's been made even more obvious in this fourth installment. Frankly, I really doubt that
I totally dug Nikolas's introspection. He always admitted that he was a "bad" man and he ruthlessly exploited Ben's weak spots. After all, Nikolas always gets what he wants. Yet I must give him credit for always loving Ben and caring for him.
^^^^^^^^This! Such a great part of Nik's introspection. I just don't know what to say. He's an annoying man, but a wonderfully complex creature. Another thought that just crossed my mind: Just because Nik comes off as extremely aloof, self-possessed and rigorous doesn't mean he can't feel. He gets hurt too but he never makes a production out of it. He's the guy who's used to pull up a wall of self-defense mechanisms to divert from the problem. So…right from book #1 my heart did beat more for Ben but I'd say that's changed. Nik had my sympathies since book #3 and he really wormed his complex personality into my heart. It's safe to say that he's irrevocably stuck now.
Nikolas wondered if his face was white. He'd actually felt the blood drain from it. Ben lifted his eyes. The piercing green was almost the only color in the chrome, industrial kitchen. Suddenly, the green seemed to intensify--liquefy.
For a while now I've been wondering when Nikolas would stop saying Was it really only denial? In a way I do understand his doubts and objections. How would he have evolved if Kudos, Nikolas! You came a long way. There were so many memorable scenes in This Other Country but this special moment really stood out for me:
Bottom line, John Wiltshire has created a series with incredible appeal and this extremely well-written fourth installment cast a spell over me. It had it all. A bloody apt book title whose conclusion was disturbing and a real eye-opener. PeRFect. Laugh out loud funny moments blend into really good smexin', suspense and some action. There were also thought-provoking events, heartache and emotion and last but not least, palpable love.
Nik and Ben have left darkness behind them. Hopefully.
Recommended read.
My ranking after four books:
Love is a Stranger 4 stars
Conscious Decisions of the Heart 4.25 stars
The Bridge of Silver Wings 4.5 stars
This Other Country 5 stars
"I just want him to--"
"Use his name, please."
"I want Nikolas to decide what he fucking wants. I want a boyfriend--not an employer with an overactive cock."
"Don't swear at me. And don't be crude."
"You're not my boss anymore! Stop telling me what to do!"
"Right. Mr Mikkelsen, Nikolas, perhaps you'd like to tell us why you agreed to come here?"
"I agreed to come here because if I didn't I would probably not get laid tonight."
"I'm not going to fucking attend a gay counseling course! Do you all understand?"
Yep, I understand, Nik. After all, you are not gay. Oh, and don't swear at me, please.
Ben cleared it all away and produced his pièce de résistance. Again, Nikolas was no expert, but even he could have told Ben that soufflé was ambitious for a beginner--and chocolate? Ben didn't even attempt to explain it away. They just stared at it for a while. Nikolas was tempted to point out that he'd seen similar things on pavements.
"You opened the oven?"
Ben nodded.
"Although it cautioned not to?"
Again a nod. "I had to see it, didn't I?"
"Apparently not. Shall we adjourn to our favourite restaurant?"
Ben pouted but nodded. He glanced at his watch and sank lower in his seat. "Four hours." He regarded the kitchen and sank his head into his hands. Nikolas readjusted his wilting flower. Then he chuckled.
"What?"
"I was just trying to imagine Nigel and Justin attempting to pass themselves off as Special Forces…"
Hilarious!
One word sums it up so…so…perfectly: fabulousamazingwonderfulterrificawesomestunningfantastic. Sorry, I couldn't make up my mind, so I'll let you pick one. Or two.
In a nutshell
Nik and Ben are always willing to help a friend in need (Baba gives Nik a little nudge, "Would you please be a bit more enthusiastic about your current task, Nik! The world doesn't only revolve around you." Though attending a gay therapy course and undercover at that, isn't really at the top of their to-do list. However, a
Aaaaaaaand my 9th five-star rating of the year goes to This Other Country! I know it's Christmas time and all that--exchanging gifts left and right, you know how it goes, especially in the world of books--but John Wiltshire has truly earned these five stars from me. It's absolutely the best thing that can happen when you start reading a series and the books are just getting better and better. Gah. Yep, I feel good. So, while I enjoyed the previous three books very much, this fourth installment rocked my little humble world. I loved everything, from the riveting plot over the witty and great dialogue to the A-mazing main protagonists. If I may say so, it was bloody brilliant. I'm really struggling to find the right words to express myself appropriately. Come to think of it…fuck, why the fuck are you still here? Was that straightforward enough? Nikolas is butting in. He frowns and says, "Baba, don't swear at me." Baba responds, "Fuck, I'll swear whenever I want. Besides, I didn't swear at you. Do you want to sell more books or not? I know you don't need the money but your author friend might be interested in making a few additional
Anyway, don't mind that blond devil. He's good at evasive tactics. You'll see what I mean once you'll get to know the imposing man. Long story short, I really, really want to encourage all m-m addicts to explore the somewhat surreal world of Nikolas Mikkelsen and Ben Rider Since book #3 The Bridge of Silver Wings, these two guys claimed their place on my memorable-favorite-heroes shelf and that's quite a special accolade.
"You fucking bugger!"
Nikolas extricated himself, his face a study in outrage. "What the--?"
"Why didn't you fucking tell me?"
"Don't swear at--"
"Why not? I'll swear if I want! You don't bloody own me!"
Love it!
It felt so good seeing Ben and Nik scrutinizing over their relationship. Attending a gay therapy course, even involuntarily, can obviously do wonders. And Ben and Nik's nonverbal communication and understanding are, per se, splendid.
I said it before and I will say it again, Ben and Nikolas are two halves of a whole--their better halves respectively. Yet it's a delusive assumption when anyone thinks that Nikolas has all the power in their relationship. That's been made even more obvious in this fourth installment. Frankly, I really doubt that
I totally dug Nikolas's introspection. He always admitted that he was a "bad" man and he ruthlessly exploited Ben's weak spots. After all, Nikolas always gets what he wants. Yet I must give him credit for always loving Ben and caring for him.
^^^^^^^^This! Such a great part of Nik's introspection. I just don't know what to say. He's an annoying man, but a wonderfully complex creature. Another thought that just crossed my mind: Just because Nik comes off as extremely aloof, self-possessed and rigorous doesn't mean he can't feel. He gets hurt too but he never makes a production out of it. He's the guy who's used to pull up a wall of self-defense mechanisms to divert from the problem. So…right from book #1 my heart did beat more for Ben but I'd say that's changed. Nik had my sympathies since book #3 and he really wormed his complex personality into my heart. It's safe to say that he's irrevocably stuck now.
Nikolas wondered if his face was white. He'd actually felt the blood drain from it. Ben lifted his eyes. The piercing green was almost the only color in the chrome, industrial kitchen. Suddenly, the green seemed to intensify--liquefy.
For a while now I've been wondering when Nikolas would stop saying Was it really only denial? In a way I do understand his doubts and objections. How would he have evolved if Kudos, Nikolas! You came a long way. There were so many memorable scenes in This Other Country but this special moment really stood out for me:
Bottom line, John Wiltshire has created a series with incredible appeal and this extremely well-written fourth installment cast a spell over me. It had it all. A bloody apt book title whose conclusion was disturbing and a real eye-opener. PeRFect. Laugh out loud funny moments blend into really good smexin', suspense and some action. There were also thought-provoking events, heartache and emotion and last but not least, palpable love.
Nik and Ben have left darkness behind them. Hopefully.
Recommended read.
My ranking after four books:
Love is a Stranger 4 stars
Conscious Decisions of the Heart 4.25 stars
The Bridge of Silver Wings 4.5 stars
This Other Country 5 stars
March 25, 2015
5 Stars
This was so, SO, SO good.
Seriously though.
I can't even, I loved this thing so much.
For realz.
So, in an effort to avoid a continuous gush-fest of saccharine teenage fangirling, I will instead endeavor to give out the loudest of shout outs.
Nik and Ben:
You two legit rock my casbah.
You guys are the cheddar in my cheese.
The peanut in my butter.
The croutons in my salad.
The spa to my brown rice ghetti.
Dear John Wilsthire:
You. Are. The. Man.
For serious.
The things you accomplished in this book and the places - physically, mentally, AND emotionally - that you took these characters - and ME - in this story?
Fucking brilliant.
Dear Kate:
All I have to say to you is....
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
You are a f%&king c$%t and I hate you.
For real though, I now officially loathe you, Kate.
And I hope you meet an unfortunate end.
Unless you somehow endeavor to redeem thyself.
*indignant sniff*
But I digress.
I friggin' LOVE this series.
And best of all?
Number 5 is already out!
BOOM.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Excited to read this while waiting for release of number #5, oh yeah! Can't even contain myself.
This was so, SO, SO good.
Seriously though.
I can't even, I loved this thing so much.
For realz.
So, in an effort to avoid a continuous gush-fest of saccharine teenage fangirling, I will instead endeavor to give out the loudest of shout outs.
Nik and Ben:
You two legit rock my casbah.
You guys are the cheddar in my cheese.
The peanut in my butter.
The croutons in my salad.
The spa to my brown rice ghetti.
Dear John Wilsthire:
You. Are. The. Man.
For serious.
The things you accomplished in this book and the places - physically, mentally, AND emotionally - that you took these characters - and ME - in this story?
Fucking brilliant.
Dear Kate:
All I have to say to you is....
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
You are a f%&king c$%t and I hate you.
For real though, I now officially loathe you, Kate.
And I hope you meet an unfortunate end.
Unless you somehow endeavor to redeem thyself.
*indignant sniff*
But I digress.
I friggin' LOVE this series.
And best of all?
Number 5 is already out!
BOOM.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Excited to read this while waiting for release of number #5, oh yeah! Can't even contain myself.
January 17, 2024
I don’t really know how to describe this series other than to call it gay 007 on steroids.
Gay/MM romance
Extraordinary bond
Anti-hero
Undercover gay therapy
Intense
Violence/gore
Still missing lube
His wealth, his power, his rank, his history, his intelligence, his cunning, and yet, despite it all, Ben was the centre of everything. The hub of their relationship. Ben was its heart.
Nikolas Mikkelsen and Ben Rider are at it again but this time undercover at a gay therapy group. (And this is just ONE of the insane plots) Forced to take a deep dive into their relationship and their own internal beliefs, this was both hysterical and touching.
I loved the terrible cooking, the bickering/banter, I’ve even gotten used to the lube-less sex. The two of them drawing pictures in therapy, I just can’t….
He was scribbling furiously, and when Nikolas finally snuck a look, he saw a vast swarm of stick figures assaulting a wall. He frowned and whispered, "You want a zombie apocalypse?"
Ben mirrored his frown. "No. It's my army. We're taking over."
Nikolas raised his brows. "A gay coup?"
"Why not? Why shouldn't we run things for once--say how things are going to be?"
"Would you make sodomy compulsory?"
Did my heart break and then rage? Why yes it did.
Gay/MM romance
Extraordinary bond
Anti-hero
Undercover gay therapy
Intense
Violence/gore
Still missing lube
His wealth, his power, his rank, his history, his intelligence, his cunning, and yet, despite it all, Ben was the centre of everything. The hub of their relationship. Ben was its heart.
Nikolas Mikkelsen and Ben Rider are at it again but this time undercover at a gay therapy group. (And this is just ONE of the insane plots) Forced to take a deep dive into their relationship and their own internal beliefs, this was both hysterical and touching.
I loved the terrible cooking, the bickering/banter, I’ve even gotten used to the lube-less sex. The two of them drawing pictures in therapy, I just can’t….
He was scribbling furiously, and when Nikolas finally snuck a look, he saw a vast swarm of stick figures assaulting a wall. He frowned and whispered, "You want a zombie apocalypse?"
Ben mirrored his frown. "No. It's my army. We're taking over."
Nikolas raised his brows. "A gay coup?"
"Why not? Why shouldn't we run things for once--say how things are going to be?"
"Would you make sodomy compulsory?"
Did my heart break and then rage? Why yes it did.
March 8, 2016
Written June 23, 2015
4.7 Stars - As always.. exciting suspense, a thrilling plot and intense steam with much heart, feel and grand love
Book #4
There isn't any review writing time right now so this will be very short.More later when I'm back home in wifi-land again.
This Other Country is the fourth installment in a so far in my opinion great series. My reviews, the main characters and more:
*********************************************************
The topic (theme) this time was partly if you are gay when you are a man and love another man. Year after year... Could it be so? A "hard" question for these men. Great topic. It was enjoying the 'hear' their thoughts about it. Both sad (preconceptions, fear, etc) and fun (denial, I am different, etc).
Maybe the best one so far?
I LOVED and eagerly read every page in this one. So d@mn good. Lovely, lovely love and so many emotions and new secrets to resolve. These men are amazing to follow and once again this book gave me everything I want in a good M/M novel. - I've said it before... wasn't it for Ty & Zane so...
*********************************************************
And "GAY" they are. Yeah, both of them. Haha!!
Looking forward to book #5, The Bruise-Black Sky.
I LIKE - grandly much
******
As usual these days with these book, a buddyread with dear Bev. Thanks hon!
4.7 Stars - As always.. exciting suspense, a thrilling plot and intense steam with much heart, feel and grand love
Book #4
There isn't any review writing time right now so this will be very short.
This Other Country is the fourth installment in a so far in my opinion great series. My reviews, the main characters and more:
*********************************************************
The topic (theme) this time was partly if you are gay when you are a man and love another man. Year after year... Could it be so? A "hard" question for these men. Great topic. It was enjoying the 'hear' their thoughts about it. Both sad (preconceptions, fear, etc) and fun (denial, I am different, etc).
‘The thought he could ever want anyone else when he had such beauty in front of him everyday was so far-fetched he rarely played this game—pretending to be interested in other men. He was a practised liar and convincing actor, but he wasn’t that good.’
Maybe the best one so far?
I LOVED and eagerly read every page in this one. So d@mn good. Lovely, lovely love and so many emotions and new secrets to resolve. These men are amazing to follow and once again this book gave me everything I want in a good M/M novel. - I've said it before... wasn't it for Ty & Zane so...
*********************************************************
And "GAY" they are. Yeah, both of them. Haha!!
Looking forward to book #5, The Bruise-Black Sky.
I LIKE - grandly much
******
As usual these days with these book, a buddyread with dear Bev. Thanks hon!
March 15, 2017
****** 5, 6, 7, ... Lots of Stars ******
The best so far in this series.
Freaking brilliant!
The best so far in this series.
Freaking brilliant!
January 11, 2024
Sadly, this book ruined this series for me.
I didn't appreciate the several sarcastic remarks about Islam being "the religion of peace".
See, dear author, Islam IS the religion of peace when you know what the real Islam IS, what real Islam BELIEVES IN, and not what you've been spoon-fed from the media, politicians and other assholes.
Extremists are NOT what Islam is about. They are the opposite of what WE, the real Muslims , believe in.
So, I would urge you to reconsider said sarcasm because it is OFFENSIVE and WRONG. Maybe read a bit... educate yourself on the matter. Thanks!
This is the end of me reading this series. I will not be paying anymore of my hard-earned money for your Islamophobic bullshit.
I didn't appreciate the several sarcastic remarks about Islam being "the religion of peace".
See, dear author, Islam IS the religion of peace when you know what the real Islam IS, what real Islam BELIEVES IN, and not what you've been spoon-fed from the media, politicians and other assholes.
Extremists are NOT what Islam is about. They are the opposite of what WE, the real Muslims , believe in.
So, I would urge you to reconsider said sarcasm because it is OFFENSIVE and WRONG. Maybe read a bit... educate yourself on the matter. Thanks!
This is the end of me reading this series. I will not be paying anymore of my hard-earned money for your Islamophobic bullshit.
October 31, 2016
Another awesome read in this series. Nikolas and Ben have become fixtures in my life right now. I feel like I personally know them...or at least I wish I did !!
Again this book was full of revelations. Only this time it was more about their relationship. The action was a bit less, but the emotions ran higher.
It took me through the wringer though. this book made me laugh out loud multiple times, it also broke my heart and pissed me the hell off.
As for the pissed off part...
I'm not gonna say much more, because again, I don't want to spolier anything. Those who want to read these series should start with book 1, since these books are not stand alones.
Freaking awesome series so far.....Ben and Nikolas have earned their way into my top 5 of favorite m/m couples !!
April 23, 2022
Audio - 5 Stars
Story - 3.5 Stars
Story - 3.5 Stars
April 18, 2018
“His wealth, his power, his rank, his history, his intelligence, his cunning, and yet, despite it all, Ben was the centre of everything. The hub of their relationship.
Ben was its heart.
Nikolas grinned evilly. God had made a big mistake that day if he’d thought watching soldiers being tortured would bring on some kind of epiphany in the Morningstar, a road to Damascus moment of confession and contrition.
He’d just gone and stolen one of God’s finest creations, his perfect warrior angel.
And he was keeping him.”
Let me just tell you, there is no middle ground when it comes to this series. I either like it very much or it was just an okay read.
And thankfully for me, this time it was a 5 star read.
I loved everything about this book. From the fact that Ben and Nikolas has to go undercover to attend gay therapy sessions when they so outwardly agreed that neither are gay. To the point where Ben lost his memory and fell in love with Nik all over again, and vice versa. The change in their relationship in this book is very palpable and I really enjoyed reading it.
There is truly nothing for me to critique about this book because it was literally that good.
Bottom point is, my soul and heart is pleased.
And
I want more Nik and Ben.
I will never have enough of these two.
Ever.
Blog : Click here for more of my reviews
Ps. I know I have been pretty absent on GR lately, but please bear with me as I battle my way through the shit that is life and reality that pulled me away from being able to read at my leisure. After a 2 month spring break from school, this first few weeks of "back to school" has been incredibly hard since my body is attending classes and listening to lectures but my mind is still stuck rolling around the bed at home enjoying doing absolutely nothing lmao.
March 12, 2015
He was a lion impersonating a pampered Persian house cat for a while, and surrounded by flowers, bespoke tailoring, literature and art, people didn't see the untamed wildness of the amber eyes, nor suspect the killing rage that lay just beneath the surface of the impeccable grooming.(Nikolas)
Do you know this feeling? You've just finished reading a book, a book so incredible you both couldn't wait to find out what happened and was dreading when you had read the last word because then it was over. And then it’s over, and you are so, so sad. What book could possibly live up to that book? Basically, you wish you could just go unread that book so you could read it again.
You try to make yourself move on by starting a new book, but you’re still living in the old book’s world and you just c a n ‘ t start another one and enjoy it. You panic, because you might never find a story you love as much again, and you’re furiously researching any possibility of another sequel.
Well, if you don’t want to experience a full blown book hangover DON’T start reading this series! Just don’t!
John Wiltshire’s writing is brilliant, gut-wrenching, thrilling, engrossing, excellently drawn, humorous, beautiful. *sigh* He just grabbed me and made me feel like I was a part of the story. I was sucked in from the start, I was literally on pins and needles wondering where it would lead and I couldn’t put the book down. There were some twists and turns and some horrible events that I did not see coming, at one point my mouth literally dropped open.
No, I’m not going into any details because this book is an experience every reader has to make of their own, it’s like a never ending roller coaster ride. You just want to leave this thing but you can’t because your freaking seatbelt is keeping you there, forcing you to face every single detail and every aspect of what is happening...
Anyhow, the whole More Heat than the Sun series is like nothing I’ve read before, on one side it’s action-packed and violent but on the other side…oh my gosh… I’ve rarely witnessed a love story so emotional and gripping. Ben and Nik made me furious, they made me smile, they made me laugh out loud, they made me sad... ohhhhh... all those feelings! I just wanted to hug them and never let go.
“We're only together because we don't think about it too much? I'm gratified and flattered by your devotion."
Ben sighed. "When was the last time you thought about breathing?"
"What?"
"Breathing? Lungs in and out? Air? When did you last think about it? You're like breathing. I don't think about it, but I need it to stay alive."
A faint smile came to Nikolas's lips. "Then you're like a heartbeat. I'll miss you when you stop.”
Btw… I’ve never fallen in love with a story-dog before. Radulf, though, he just stole my heart and never gave it back. Radulf... his name means ‘wolf of the house’... made me cry and smile, what a wonderful dog.
Nik and Ben already have a place in my heart close beside Dex & Sloane and Ty & Zane but I still need more and can’t wait to get my hands on the 5th book of the series. I’m hooked... completely :)
September 6, 2021
I hate this book on so many levels.
First, the stupid plot. Which led to the stupider plot of Ben losing all his memories.
If anyone should lose their memories, and make things MUCH more interesting, it's Nik. Let's see who Nik is stripped of his horrid past! THAT I'd read. Wait... did I just guess the NEXT book's plot??
Then Ben f*cking Kate, his ex gf, who I didn't think was a bad egg but now I hate with a vengeance, thanks awful author.
Because she knew exactly what she was doing and she betrayed two men's trust in her. BITCH.
And how this betrayal must have hurt Nik so bad. But somehow he overcame it. Honestly, where's the big bad mean SOB Nik? Who would kill Ben if he ever cheated?
You used to be:
And now you're:
He should have just killed Ben, killed himself and be done with it.
Now he's just a pussy.
Where's my Effing alpha male????!!!!
First, the stupid plot. Which led to the stupider plot of Ben losing all his memories.
If anyone should lose their memories, and make things MUCH more interesting, it's Nik. Let's see who Nik is stripped of his horrid past! THAT I'd read. Wait... did I just guess the NEXT book's plot??
Then Ben f*cking Kate, his ex gf, who I didn't think was a bad egg but now I hate with a vengeance, thanks awful author.
Because she knew exactly what she was doing and she betrayed two men's trust in her. BITCH.
And how this betrayal must have hurt Nik so bad. But somehow he overcame it. Honestly, where's the big bad mean SOB Nik? Who would kill Ben if he ever cheated?
You used to be:
And now you're:
He should have just killed Ben, killed himself and be done with it.
Now he's just a pussy.
Where's my Effing alpha male????!!!!
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645500038i%2F37448930._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
October 21, 2022
Ben sighed. "When was the last time you thought about breathing?"
"What?"
"Breathing? Lungs in and out? Air? When did you last think about it? You're like breathing. I don't think about it, but I need it to stay alive." A faint smile came to Nikolas's lips.
"Then you're like a heartbeat. I'll miss you when you stop."
the way this book had one of my least favorite tropes (although not really a deal breaker trope, it just depends on how it's executed but i still don't like the idea of it lol), but my love for Nikolas and Ben are as strong as ever says a lot. 🥹
anyways, my favorite part of this book is part one where they go undercover in a gay couple therapy/counseling retreat and i loved how, even though they went undercover, it still kinda bled to their actual relationship—which caused some more reveals. part two also got me emotional bc of certain things that happened though. 😩
"What?"
"Breathing? Lungs in and out? Air? When did you last think about it? You're like breathing. I don't think about it, but I need it to stay alive." A faint smile came to Nikolas's lips.
"Then you're like a heartbeat. I'll miss you when you stop."
the way this book had one of my least favorite tropes (although not really a deal breaker trope, it just depends on how it's executed but i still don't like the idea of it lol), but my love for Nikolas and Ben are as strong as ever says a lot. 🥹
anyways, my favorite part of this book is part one where they go undercover in a gay couple therapy/counseling retreat and i loved how, even though they went undercover, it still kinda bled to their actual relationship—which caused some more reveals. part two also got me emotional bc of certain things that happened though. 😩
February 22, 2015
I want all my Goodreads friends to read this series, it is so very, very, very good.
These protagonists, MCs are as brilliantly written, if not better, than my favourite m/m couples to date. It may be time to move over and make room Ty and Zane, Dex and Sloane....Ben and Nikolas have arrived and they are Hard, Hot and Raw!
Many of my reviewer/fiction-opinion friends will probably have realised by now that I am not a fan of the sexual act laid graphically down, bare and open in my chosen genre. This is not so much a case of "Been there, Done that" more a case of....I know what happens and I really don't want it shoved down my throat (pardon the pun). I appreciate that other readers enjoy the prostatical prose (that's not a genuine word btw) and even I concede that the sex in these novels is more than hot...it is sizzling hot, and yet I am not embarrassed, I do not cringe. On reflection this is because the writer knows his craft and writes genuine coupling between two men as it actually happens. We are not the same, men and women, and this is why the sex embarrasses me in novels in this genre....the gay sex is written for women, women being the majority readership.
Initially I suspected that this forth novel in the series was going to be the humorous one. It really is full of the classic one-liners and put-downs and they are very funny, because I've come to know and respect these characters. I was wrong!
This is the best novel to date. Each novel is better than the last. This is True Love Conquering, and I wept!
Each of these books comprises two separate plots in a Part 1 and a Part 2, (You get two novels for the price of one) but this novel is different and plot one continues into plot two, so we have two distinct halves. I presumed that "Gay Therapy" was the theme but actually no, this is radicalism in the extreme, but please do not be put off...this is fundamental radicalism the gay-way.
Yes it's funny, yes it's sad, yes it's shocking, but this is a fantastic piece of m/m literature and bang up-to-date with it's themes and current affairs.
Download it! Read it! Enjoy! It's f'ing brilliant!
(Oh, there's a cute dog, a billionaire boyfriend, lots of great sex....but mostly lots of LOVE).
These protagonists, MCs are as brilliantly written, if not better, than my favourite m/m couples to date. It may be time to move over and make room Ty and Zane, Dex and Sloane....Ben and Nikolas have arrived and they are Hard, Hot and Raw!
Many of my reviewer/fiction-opinion friends will probably have realised by now that I am not a fan of the sexual act laid graphically down, bare and open in my chosen genre. This is not so much a case of "Been there, Done that" more a case of....I know what happens and I really don't want it shoved down my throat (pardon the pun). I appreciate that other readers enjoy the prostatical prose (that's not a genuine word btw) and even I concede that the sex in these novels is more than hot...it is sizzling hot, and yet I am not embarrassed, I do not cringe. On reflection this is because the writer knows his craft and writes genuine coupling between two men as it actually happens. We are not the same, men and women, and this is why the sex embarrasses me in novels in this genre....the gay sex is written for women, women being the majority readership.
Initially I suspected that this forth novel in the series was going to be the humorous one. It really is full of the classic one-liners and put-downs and they are very funny, because I've come to know and respect these characters. I was wrong!
This is the best novel to date. Each novel is better than the last. This is True Love Conquering, and I wept!
Each of these books comprises two separate plots in a Part 1 and a Part 2, (You get two novels for the price of one) but this novel is different and plot one continues into plot two, so we have two distinct halves. I presumed that "Gay Therapy" was the theme but actually no, this is radicalism in the extreme, but please do not be put off...this is fundamental radicalism the gay-way.
Yes it's funny, yes it's sad, yes it's shocking, but this is a fantastic piece of m/m literature and bang up-to-date with it's themes and current affairs.
Download it! Read it! Enjoy! It's f'ing brilliant!
(Oh, there's a cute dog, a billionaire boyfriend, lots of great sex....but mostly lots of LOVE).
January 15, 2019
There comes a time in every readers life when they know that the characters in the story they're reading have definitely taken up a special place in their heart. That happened to me with this series after book 2, Conscious Decisions of the Heart, and my opinion has only strengthened with this instalment.
5 stars for this emotionally charged read, I've loved Ben from the start [what's not to love?? A beautiful, beautiful man with model looks, green eyes and dark hair, oozing sex appeal and who knows how to look after himself. Beauty was not only skin deep with him...], but I did find Nik's overbearing, superior and sometimes cruel attitude hard to take at times...not in this read however; I empathised totally with his anguish, pain and heartbreak as, thanks to an attempted 'brainwashing', the love of his life failed to recognise or even acknowledge him after 8 years together and everything they had done, been through and meant to each other. I was as heartbroken as Nik at Ben's lack of understanding of his 'switch' from girls to guys, and why it happened...and do not even get me started on what that sly and jealous bitch Kate did!! [It would seem that I tend to hold grudges against book characters I dislike for their actions - she has just joined that list 🤯]
I have to say that the radicalisation of disaffected and disenchanted gay men [gathered together in Burnley of all places...she says incredulously 🤔??] was of secondary importance to me after what happened to Ben and Nik BUT the ending was delightful, it was wonderful catching up with Ulyana and Emilia for Christmas...a real family Christmas with snow, trees and tinsel [and how sad was it that the only photo Nik had of Ben after 8 years of being together was one that Emilia thought to get framed??].
I hope both men have learned a lot about each other from this chapter in their literary lives, and am already looking forward to book 5 The Bruise-Black Sky.
5 stars for this emotionally charged read, I've loved Ben from the start [what's not to love?? A beautiful, beautiful man with model looks, green eyes and dark hair, oozing sex appeal and who knows how to look after himself. Beauty was not only skin deep with him...], but I did find Nik's overbearing, superior and sometimes cruel attitude hard to take at times...not in this read however; I empathised totally with his anguish, pain and heartbreak as, thanks to an attempted 'brainwashing', the love of his life failed to recognise or even acknowledge him after 8 years together and everything they had done, been through and meant to each other. I was as heartbroken as Nik at Ben's lack of understanding of his 'switch' from girls to guys, and why it happened...and do not even get me started on what that sly and jealous bitch Kate did!! [It would seem that I tend to hold grudges against book characters I dislike for their actions - she has just joined that list 🤯]
I have to say that the radicalisation of disaffected and disenchanted gay men [gathered together in Burnley of all places...she says incredulously 🤔??] was of secondary importance to me after what happened to Ben and Nik BUT the ending was delightful, it was wonderful catching up with Ulyana and Emilia for Christmas...a real family Christmas with snow, trees and tinsel [and how sad was it that the only photo Nik had of Ben after 8 years of being together was one that Emilia thought to get framed??].
I hope both men have learned a lot about each other from this chapter in their literary lives, and am already looking forward to book 5 The Bruise-Black Sky.
March 12, 2015
If I could give this book more stars I would. While the other books were good, this one was brilliant. For only the second time in my life, I pulled an all nighter. How could I not?
The story had everything. I made so many notes, marked so many passages as quotes that I need time to formulate them into a decent review.
This book has wonderful sex scenes, heartbreak, sadness, laugh out loud humor, it ticks every box without being a product of paint by numbers writing.
The sheer story telling craft impressed me as much as anything else. By now, we know the characters so well that you can almost anticipate what they do and say, yet, the author wove in such a brilliant twist that all bets were off for half the book, keeping the freshness and mystery alive.
Unlike the earlier books, this isn't a collection of novellas or episodes, but a story in two parts. The first is an action thriller and the second, which could only ever happen because of the climax to the first part, is much more cerebral.
And I'm not going to say any more about the plot because that would spoil it. Suffice it to say, this story is so good it could almost work as a stand alone. It certainly is worth reading the first three just so you can appreciate this one.
The old favourites are back but each plays such an integral part that they are not merely cameos or guest appearances. Everything and I repeat everything, once a specific action is set in motion is deeply rooted in what has come before.
That is why I am in awe of the craft.
This guy excels at GMC.
The story had everything. I made so many notes, marked so many passages as quotes that I need time to formulate them into a decent review.
This book has wonderful sex scenes, heartbreak, sadness, laugh out loud humor, it ticks every box without being a product of paint by numbers writing.
The sheer story telling craft impressed me as much as anything else. By now, we know the characters so well that you can almost anticipate what they do and say, yet, the author wove in such a brilliant twist that all bets were off for half the book, keeping the freshness and mystery alive.
Unlike the earlier books, this isn't a collection of novellas or episodes, but a story in two parts. The first is an action thriller and the second, which could only ever happen because of the climax to the first part, is much more cerebral.
And I'm not going to say any more about the plot because that would spoil it. Suffice it to say, this story is so good it could almost work as a stand alone. It certainly is worth reading the first three just so you can appreciate this one.
The old favourites are back but each plays such an integral part that they are not merely cameos or guest appearances. Everything and I repeat everything, once a specific action is set in motion is deeply rooted in what has come before.
That is why I am in awe of the craft.
This guy excels at GMC.
March 18, 2024
No surprise here: 5 Loving stars
This Other Country is slightly different from the previous books. It concentrates more on the relationship between Nik and Ben. Just because suspense and action takes somewhat a back seat, it doesn't mean there are no thrilling moments and I loved this book just the same as all the others.
The dry humor in the first half of this book was just superb, but I guess Nik and Ben undercover on a gay couple therapy course speaks for itself...
The second half got me thrust into a situation I wasn't prepared for; then again, how could I? Since Nik and Ben stumble into situations during the whole series, no one is prepared for...
This one, though, was heartbreaking. My heart broke for Ben, whose subconscious could only find one way to hide from reality, but it also broke for Nik, having Ben so close and yet so far apart.
He'd once thought Ben dead. This was almost worse. This was almost worse. God help him, but this was almost worse. ~Nik~
It was sometimes so painful to see them struggling to regain what they have lost, but it was also amazing to watch them fall in love again with the one person they already love for such a long time. This situation gave them as well the chance to come to terms with themselves and to look at their relationship in a different light.
“I lost you - everything you were to me, had been to me for eight years, and when it came back that was all I could think about. Nothing is worth losing you again... ~Ben~
Now, I'm getting ready for the next book!
This Other Country is slightly different from the previous books. It concentrates more on the relationship between Nik and Ben. Just because suspense and action takes somewhat a back seat, it doesn't mean there are no thrilling moments and I loved this book just the same as all the others.
The dry humor in the first half of this book was just superb, but I guess Nik and Ben undercover on a gay couple therapy course speaks for itself...
The second half got me thrust into a situation I wasn't prepared for; then again, how could I? Since Nik and Ben stumble into situations during the whole series, no one is prepared for...
This one, though, was heartbreaking. My heart broke for Ben, whose subconscious could only find one way to hide from reality, but it also broke for Nik, having Ben so close and yet so far apart.
He'd once thought Ben dead. This was almost worse. This was almost worse. God help him, but this was almost worse. ~Nik~
It was sometimes so painful to see them struggling to regain what they have lost, but it was also amazing to watch them fall in love again with the one person they already love for such a long time. This situation gave them as well the chance to come to terms with themselves and to look at their relationship in a different light.
“I lost you - everything you were to me, had been to me for eight years, and when it came back that was all I could think about. Nothing is worth losing you again... ~Ben~
Now, I'm getting ready for the next book!
April 20, 2017
I adore Nikolas! Can't get enough of these two!!
June 18, 2022
3.75 stars
“He had no intention of telling Ben the rest of his thought—he needed to learn how to admit Ben was his captor and that, therefore, Ben held all the power.”
This installment has a different feel from previous ones. Nikolas and Ben are forced to examine their relationship when they attend a gay couples counseling course undercover to help their friend solve the mystery of his nephew’s death. Neither man considers himself gay—Nikolas is especially averse to the idea—so watching them grapple with their sexual identity while trying to solve the mystery is fascinating. They eventually come to terms with their sexual identity and come out in spectacular fashion. But so far this is my least favorite book in the series.
“He had no intention of telling Ben the rest of his thought—he needed to learn how to admit Ben was his captor and that, therefore, Ben held all the power.”
This installment has a different feel from previous ones. Nikolas and Ben are forced to examine their relationship when they attend a gay couples counseling course undercover to help their friend solve the mystery of his nephew’s death. Neither man considers himself gay—Nikolas is especially averse to the idea—so watching them grapple with their sexual identity while trying to solve the mystery is fascinating. They eventually come to terms with their sexual identity and come out in spectacular fashion. But so far this is my least favorite book in the series.
March 12, 2015
Nikolas discovered flower arranging could be done in the living room. And, amazingly, could be done whilst lying on the sofa, watching a movie. And drinking a bottle of red wine.
One of the main things I love about these books is that they are seriously funny. There are so many giggly moments dotted throughout the books, even when something horrific is going on in the background I've never laughed so hard in my life.
Ben opened his mouth to reply, a horrified expression forming on his face, but Nikolas chided brightly, "Oh, look, you're missing Stonehenge. Really, Benjamin, you have no appreciation for your own culture." He pointed out the monument to Radulf, only in Russian so he could add a few comments about Ben, which he knew the dog would appreciate.
The More Heat Than the Sun series is an epic love story, so far spanning over 8 (or is it 9) years. Nik and Ben have experienced so many life altering cataclysmic moments but each one just brings something new to their relationship and they come out of it stronger and even more in love.
John Wiltshire's writing it of course top notch, usually this far into a series I find myself loosing interest a bit but carrying on out of loyalty, but if anything I'm more invested in these guys than I ever was. The plots keep me on the edge of my seat every time, without fail.
One person I have to mention....
A special mention to Elizabetta for reading it with me, looking forward to book 5!
Nikolas smirked. "All right. I'm sorry. I forgive you-although obviously you did nothing that needs forgiving. There, have I covered all bases?"
So naughty!
One of the main things I love about these books is that they are seriously funny. There are so many giggly moments dotted throughout the books, even when something horrific is going on in the background I've never laughed so hard in my life.
Ben opened his mouth to reply, a horrified expression forming on his face, but Nikolas chided brightly, "Oh, look, you're missing Stonehenge. Really, Benjamin, you have no appreciation for your own culture." He pointed out the monument to Radulf, only in Russian so he could add a few comments about Ben, which he knew the dog would appreciate.
The More Heat Than the Sun series is an epic love story, so far spanning over 8 (or is it 9) years. Nik and Ben have experienced so many life altering cataclysmic moments but each one just brings something new to their relationship and they come out of it stronger and even more in love.
John Wiltshire's writing it of course top notch, usually this far into a series I find myself loosing interest a bit but carrying on out of loyalty, but if anything I'm more invested in these guys than I ever was. The plots keep me on the edge of my seat every time, without fail.
One person I have to mention....
A special mention to Elizabetta for reading it with me, looking forward to book 5!
Nikolas smirked. "All right. I'm sorry. I forgive you-although obviously you did nothing that needs forgiving. There, have I covered all bases?"
So naughty!
February 7, 2016
Full Reviewage on Prism Book Alliance
”Do we fight over who is in charge, Benjamin?”
Ben frowned. “No. I have you exactly where I want you.”
Nikolas chuckled…
I highlighted and wrote down this quote from towards the beginning of this book. It’s a theme that carries through the entire story. Little did I know! And I’m so freakin’ happy I found out.
This book picks up basically where The Bridge of Silver Wings, book three in the More Heat Than the Sun series, left off. As do the emotion, heat, confidence and omigosh holy shiznoly awesomeness of Wiltshire’s writing and this thing that is Ben ‘n Nik. Beautiful, nuanced and playful.
The mystery starts right from the beginning of the book and led me in many different directions, all of them unexpected. That’s another theme in this story: surprises. There are things that happen at the beginning that get carried through to the end, only giving up their intentions and secrets at that point.
While in other instances, revelations practically slapped me in the face with their immediacy. Listen, this is the kinda stuff that gets my literary engines purrrrrrrrrrring. Purring, I tells ya.
The family you cobble together through shared experiences, need and acceptance is the kind of family Nik and Ben have created, even if they don’t yet accept everything about themselves. The wonderful kicker is that, despite their actions sometimes, Ben accepts Nik and Nik accepts Ben. They have moments of doubt like we all do, but the bond they have is made of titanium coated steel, all wrapped up in their unquestionable love.
Reading Wiltshire’s books, I feel the danger physically. It manifests itself as worry for these guys, as if they’re really going to be felled by a bullet or an avalanche. What’re even better are those surprises. (I told you!) Just when I think the tension can’t go any higher, something wonderful happens to scatter it all to the four winds. At this point in the series, this often comes in the form of Nik or Ben, or both, showing the strength of their belief in one another. It makes me sigh and slouch and swoon with satisfaction. Swoon. Swoony swoon.
The perfect companion to that danger? The humor. Ben relishes teasing Nik and Nik relishes pulling Ben’s chain. Even better? When one of them blunders, the other may initially enjoy a smirk but then something is said to mollify and unify simultaneously.
Which brings me to… **drum roll** … the perfect companion to that humor. Or rather, what the humor continues to demonstrate: Nik and Ben are a team and they have each other’s backs. Whether trudging through plans for an op or a horrible meal, or something much more life threatening, they do it together. The bond is strong with these two.
Really, though, the humor, it’s made me chuckle and snort. The little playful digs. A small gesture in response to an unspoken thought that causes a smile or a joke. It tells me so much about the connection twixt Ben and Nik. It’s a fantastic counterweight to the seriousness and high level of danger, physical and emotional, of the overall story.
Speaking of that overall story, I was a third of the way through and still had no idea where this was all going. The colors I pulled from the crayon box, ready to start my masterpiece o queries? Anxiety apple green. Love lavender. Curiosity cerulean blue. Intrigued island pink. Roll with it. You will be rewarded. Lawdy, I know I was.
Then.
The twists and turns, the 180’s and 360’s, the zigzagging and whirling dervishes of emotion and action start popping up left and right and center and over yonder and RIGHTHERE. Things started to thread together.
Love.
A love story.
One of the love stories.
That’s this. A journey of rediscovery and newness and belief confirmed. Of self-acceptance. Of reliance and patience. Of passion and understanding amidst the confusion and challenges.
I recommend this book. I recommend this series. I recommend Ben and Nik.
Meanwhile, John Wiltshire, you had your literary way with me and I’m not at all sorry about that. I trust you as my storyteller. This title? Insightful and clever, worthy of a proper fist bump.
ETA: Recommended Read on PBA for January 2015
”Do we fight over who is in charge, Benjamin?”
Ben frowned. “No. I have you exactly where I want you.”
Nikolas chuckled…
I highlighted and wrote down this quote from towards the beginning of this book. It’s a theme that carries through the entire story. Little did I know! And I’m so freakin’ happy I found out.
This book picks up basically where The Bridge of Silver Wings, book three in the More Heat Than the Sun series, left off. As do the emotion, heat, confidence and omigosh holy shiznoly awesomeness of Wiltshire’s writing and this thing that is Ben ‘n Nik. Beautiful, nuanced and playful.
The mystery starts right from the beginning of the book and led me in many different directions, all of them unexpected. That’s another theme in this story: surprises. There are things that happen at the beginning that get carried through to the end, only giving up their intentions and secrets at that point.
While in other instances, revelations practically slapped me in the face with their immediacy. Listen, this is the kinda stuff that gets my literary engines purrrrrrrrrrring. Purring, I tells ya.
The family you cobble together through shared experiences, need and acceptance is the kind of family Nik and Ben have created, even if they don’t yet accept everything about themselves. The wonderful kicker is that, despite their actions sometimes, Ben accepts Nik and Nik accepts Ben. They have moments of doubt like we all do, but the bond they have is made of titanium coated steel, all wrapped up in their unquestionable love.
Reading Wiltshire’s books, I feel the danger physically. It manifests itself as worry for these guys, as if they’re really going to be felled by a bullet or an avalanche. What’re even better are those surprises. (I told you!) Just when I think the tension can’t go any higher, something wonderful happens to scatter it all to the four winds. At this point in the series, this often comes in the form of Nik or Ben, or both, showing the strength of their belief in one another. It makes me sigh and slouch and swoon with satisfaction. Swoon. Swoony swoon.
The perfect companion to that danger? The humor. Ben relishes teasing Nik and Nik relishes pulling Ben’s chain. Even better? When one of them blunders, the other may initially enjoy a smirk but then something is said to mollify and unify simultaneously.
Which brings me to… **drum roll** … the perfect companion to that humor. Or rather, what the humor continues to demonstrate: Nik and Ben are a team and they have each other’s backs. Whether trudging through plans for an op or a horrible meal, or something much more life threatening, they do it together. The bond is strong with these two.
Really, though, the humor, it’s made me chuckle and snort. The little playful digs. A small gesture in response to an unspoken thought that causes a smile or a joke. It tells me so much about the connection twixt Ben and Nik. It’s a fantastic counterweight to the seriousness and high level of danger, physical and emotional, of the overall story.
Speaking of that overall story, I was a third of the way through and still had no idea where this was all going. The colors I pulled from the crayon box, ready to start my masterpiece o queries? Anxiety apple green. Love lavender. Curiosity cerulean blue. Intrigued island pink. Roll with it. You will be rewarded. Lawdy, I know I was.
Then.
The twists and turns, the 180’s and 360’s, the zigzagging and whirling dervishes of emotion and action start popping up left and right and center and over yonder and RIGHTHERE. Things started to thread together.
Love.
A love story.
One of the love stories.
That’s this. A journey of rediscovery and newness and belief confirmed. Of self-acceptance. Of reliance and patience. Of passion and understanding amidst the confusion and challenges.
I recommend this book. I recommend this series. I recommend Ben and Nik.
Meanwhile, John Wiltshire, you had your literary way with me and I’m not at all sorry about that. I trust you as my storyteller. This title? Insightful and clever, worthy of a proper fist bump.
ETA: Recommended Read on PBA for January 2015
February 22, 2019
My first impression of these books...I take it all back.
October 15, 2024
I can see why some people wouldn’t like this adventure our two beloved men Nikolas and Ben go on, but I actually really enjoyed it. The whole undercover at the gay therapy camp kind of reminded me of one of the Big Bad Wolf books which I also enjoyed. Having the boys comfort their own internalized homophobia and perhaps come to terms with their sexuality was an interesting read plus the mystery of what the hell was actually happening kept me engaged. I don’t need a whole lot of over the top action in my books, the emotional drama is enough for me. I also found myself still enjoying the book even though a trope I don’t really enjoy was used in the second half of the book. One thing I have to say is, that Kate is a cunt for what she did knowing the conditions that Ben was in and I can’t believe Nikolas keeps her around but I hope to get a redemption arc for her because I enjoy the found family of these books. Overall I found myself very emotionally invested in this book and can’t wait to see what else happens to these dudes.
April 3, 2017
This is my most favourite book in the series so far.
The first half of the book had me chuckling, snorting and laughing out loud as Nikolas and Ben come to terms with their mission of infiltrating a therapy course for gay men as a florist and a hairdresser.
"Nikolas eased the file towards him (Ben) with the enthusiasm of a man pulling his prostrate cancer prognosis notes.
"They just stared at it (Ben's attempt at chocolate mousse) for a while. Nikolas was tempted to point out that he'd seen similar things on pavements."
Nicolas's reluctance and imperceptive arrogance were absolutely comical. It was more or less one quip after another for the first half of the book.
"He'd never experienced anything good coming out of a circle of chairs."
"Nikolas knew exactly where they (the group abandoned in the forest) could find some wood; he wasn't about to offer it to be burnt, however."
While the antics around the therapy course were no doubt the funniest I've read by John Wilthire, Nik in particular starts thinking properly about his sexuality for the first time. I mean surely sleeping with a guy doesn't mean you're .... (it is really rather ironic and too funny he can't even think the G word!) and of course ....
Who needed to be gay to have great sex? Nikolas was certainly glad he didn't.
Although this made me really grin, it also cause exasperated sighs and violent head shaking. I mean, HONESTLY, Nik!! Not that Ben is much better. He is also ace at refusing to give himself a 'label'. I was glad that after 4 books both men finally come to conclusion about this at the end:
"Whatever I am you are as well. "
Well, and then, at the mere snap of a finger, the whole atmosphere of the book changes about halfway and whack! Things happen and change everything. Nik and Ben's world is turned upside down causing major upset and heart-ache.
Even though there is more action in the second half of the book, this is nowhere near as intense as the previous books. Nik and Ben's relationship is at the centre at all times - which I loved. Because they need some sorting.
Power issues have always been at the heart of their relationship and the problems there were addressed in previous books. Who is at the steering wheel? Who is the driving force? Who has more say and power?
What a revelation for both men in this book! It is amazing how far both of them have come, particularly Nik.
Brilliant addition to the series with tons of character development for both guys!
Highly recommended.
The first half of the book had me chuckling, snorting and laughing out loud as Nikolas and Ben come to terms with their mission of infiltrating a therapy course for gay men as a florist and a hairdresser.
"Nikolas eased the file towards him (Ben) with the enthusiasm of a man pulling his prostrate cancer prognosis notes.
"They just stared at it (Ben's attempt at chocolate mousse) for a while. Nikolas was tempted to point out that he'd seen similar things on pavements."
Nicolas's reluctance and imperceptive arrogance were absolutely comical. It was more or less one quip after another for the first half of the book.
"He'd never experienced anything good coming out of a circle of chairs."
"Nikolas knew exactly where they (the group abandoned in the forest) could find some wood; he wasn't about to offer it to be burnt, however."
While the antics around the therapy course were no doubt the funniest I've read by John Wilthire, Nik in particular starts thinking properly about his sexuality for the first time. I mean surely sleeping with a guy doesn't mean you're .... (it is really rather ironic and too funny he can't even think the G word!) and of course ....
Who needed to be gay to have great sex? Nikolas was certainly glad he didn't.
Although this made me really grin, it also cause exasperated sighs and violent head shaking. I mean, HONESTLY, Nik!! Not that Ben is much better. He is also ace at refusing to give himself a 'label'. I was glad that after 4 books both men finally come to conclusion about this at the end:
"Whatever I am you are as well. "
Well, and then, at the mere snap of a finger, the whole atmosphere of the book changes about halfway and whack! Things happen and change everything. Nik and Ben's world is turned upside down causing major upset and heart-ache.
Even though there is more action in the second half of the book, this is nowhere near as intense as the previous books. Nik and Ben's relationship is at the centre at all times - which I loved. Because they need some sorting.
Power issues have always been at the heart of their relationship and the problems there were addressed in previous books. Who is at the steering wheel? Who is the driving force? Who has more say and power?
What a revelation for both men in this book! It is amazing how far both of them have come, particularly Nik.
Brilliant addition to the series with tons of character development for both guys!
Highly recommended.
January 4, 2015
Another great addition to this wonderful series. Can't wait for more Ben and Nik!
April 16, 2024
I'm impressed that we've reached (what seems to be) the midpoint in this series without a single bad entry🤩
*knocks on wood* just to be safe
WHAT I LIKED
- The shifting power dynamic. Ben finally gets it! Nik is whipped and going NOWHERE.
- Constant twists and turns. Each entry in this series has kept me guessing from start to finish and I love it!
- Tone. The first two (three?) entries placed significant emphasis on external threats. It's nice to watch the antagonists take on a more internal nature - Nik and Ben are fighting inner demons more and more, and deepening their relationship in the process. Definitely a "Damascus moment" as Nik would say.
- Humour. I got weird looks everywhere because I just couldn't stop laughing😂
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
Ben had allowed a man to tie him up and hit him, and he ached to feel that loss of control again.
Can someone explain to me WHY THE HELL THIS HAPPENED OFF THE PAGE??? Wiltshire always does a fade-to-black when Nik and Ben get kinky and it's working me into a proper rage now😭
*knocks on wood* just to be safe
WHAT I LIKED
- The shifting power dynamic. Ben finally gets it! Nik is whipped and going NOWHERE.
- Constant twists and turns. Each entry in this series has kept me guessing from start to finish and I love it!
- Tone. The first two (three?) entries placed significant emphasis on external threats. It's nice to watch the antagonists take on a more internal nature - Nik and Ben are fighting inner demons more and more, and deepening their relationship in the process. Definitely a "Damascus moment" as Nik would say.
- Humour. I got weird looks everywhere because I just couldn't stop laughing😂
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
Ben had allowed a man to tie him up and hit him, and he ached to feel that loss of control again.
Can someone explain to me WHY THE HELL THIS HAPPENED OFF THE PAGE??? Wiltshire always does a fade-to-black when Nik and Ben get kinky and it's working me into a proper rage now😭
February 4, 2015
OMG OMG OMG!! I love this series, the twists, turns, grit, it's been a roller coaster ride! I love Ben and Nik! Give me more!!!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
April 26, 2017
**4.5 stars** This series gets better and better and yes, I said it and confirm : Ben and Nick are insane in the best way and they deliver each time !!!
This time, Ben and Nick decide to go undercover to a gay therapy course to discover why a young cousin of their friend killed himself after shooting some classmates. Of course, it’s Ben and Nick, so what could possibly go wrong ??
Not to mention the fantastic cover for Nick, the high maintenance blond God : impersonating a “florist” …One has to appreciate the irony.
This instalment was "insanely" hilarious (it made this instalment the best so far) : not only with Ben and Nick picking at each other or Nick’s inner dialogs or remarks, but also for the deep-dive into all this “gayness”. And it was also "insanely" hot and…**gasp**…emotional, especially from Nick (who would have thought).
Is their relationship healthy ? The jury is still undecided on that one...I need to read more to make my decision : what a hardship…not !
This time, Ben and Nick decide to go undercover to a gay therapy course to discover why a young cousin of their friend killed himself after shooting some classmates. Of course, it’s Ben and Nick, so what could possibly go wrong ??
Not to mention the fantastic cover for Nick, the high maintenance blond God : impersonating a “florist” …One has to appreciate the irony.
This instalment was "insanely" hilarious (it made this instalment the best so far) : not only with Ben and Nick picking at each other or Nick’s inner dialogs or remarks, but also for the deep-dive into all this “gayness”. And it was also "insanely" hot and…**gasp**…emotional, especially from Nick (who would have thought).
Is their relationship healthy ? The jury is still undecided on that one...I need to read more to make my decision : what a hardship…not !
July 16, 2021
Just as good as the previous books.
I loved the humor in the first half, Nikolas and Ben are clearly not very sane, but all the comments about were hilarious.
The second half of the book relied on a plot device I always find at least a little annoying and frustrating, and this was no exception, but I liked how it was handled here. It provided some much-needed relationship development about an aspect that has been present and central in Nikolas and Ben’s relationship—and the —from the beginning. It was always addressed, but never resolved and this book finally did it and did it well.
I loathed at first, but the way Nikolas handled it was really perfect. I still hope
I think the ending of this book would’ve worked perfectly as a series ending as well, all the major issues in their relationship have been dealt with to my satisfaction and I wouldn’t have been sad to leave Ben and Nikolas where they are. I’ll keep reading of course, because there’s more and I can’t ignore that, but maybe I’ll take a break and savor this perfect moment for a while.
I loved the humor in the first half, Nikolas and Ben are clearly not very sane, but all the comments about were hilarious.
The second half of the book relied on a plot device I always find at least a little annoying and frustrating, and this was no exception, but I liked how it was handled here. It provided some much-needed relationship development about an aspect that has been present and central in Nikolas and Ben’s relationship—and the —from the beginning. It was always addressed, but never resolved and this book finally did it and did it well.
I loathed at first, but the way Nikolas handled it was really perfect. I still hope
I think the ending of this book would’ve worked perfectly as a series ending as well, all the major issues in their relationship have been dealt with to my satisfaction and I wouldn’t have been sad to leave Ben and Nikolas where they are. I’ll keep reading of course, because there’s more and I can’t ignore that, but maybe I’ll take a break and savor this perfect moment for a while.
February 8, 2015
My thoughts on this book/series in no particular order.
This book has all of the tropes - amnesia, misunderstanding, terror plots abound, aloof billionaire, half blind dog and cute redhead kid. It is expensive, although a dollar less on Amazon and there is the odd editing error. Sometimes it seems like a stream of consciousness and kinda rambly. They never use lube and have never flagging junk. Ever. Ouch.
I should be rolling my eyes and scoffing at the ridiculousness of this series of books. But I've been immersed in it for a good week now and I am crushed the next book is not even out. It is bananas and I loved it. If you enjoyed the Special Forces series and have maybe delved into The Foxhole Court and like big, long rambly epics, then read it. You'll not be disappointed, only perhaps a little confused about what you enjoyed so much. :)
This book has all of the tropes - amnesia, misunderstanding, terror plots abound, aloof billionaire, half blind dog and cute redhead kid. It is expensive, although a dollar less on Amazon and there is the odd editing error. Sometimes it seems like a stream of consciousness and kinda rambly. They never use lube and have never flagging junk. Ever. Ouch.
I should be rolling my eyes and scoffing at the ridiculousness of this series of books. But I've been immersed in it for a good week now and I am crushed the next book is not even out. It is bananas and I loved it. If you enjoyed the Special Forces series and have maybe delved into The Foxhole Court and like big, long rambly epics, then read it. You'll not be disappointed, only perhaps a little confused about what you enjoyed so much. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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