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Another Man's Treasure
Ilia Porter is Chechen mob boss Mikhail Kadyrov’s greatest treasure. After leaving home at eighteen to escape his verbally abusive father, beautiful, selfish Ilia has lived with Mikhail, proud of his ability to bring such a powerful man to his knees to worship. But when Ilia’s father, a police captain, kills Mikhail in a raid, Ilia’s world falls apart.
Entering to pick up the pieces is Mikhail’s younger brother, Nick—impulsive, power-hungry, and dangerous. When Nick tells Ilia he’s taking everything that belonged to Mikhail—including Ilia—Ilia is too lost in grief to fight. Nick takes Ilia prisoner in the apartment Ilia once shared with Mikhail and grooms him for a very important mission: to kill Ilia’s father and avenge Mikhail’s death.
Ilia wants no part in the plot, but being Nick’s ally is preferable to being Nick’s victim, so he begins to warp himself into the monster Nick wants him to be. Hope arrives when Nick takes another captive: Patrick, a shy massage therapist who’s stronger than he seems. Patrick and Ilia must join forces to escape Nick—and to keep each other whole as Nick does everything in his power to break them.
Entering to pick up the pieces is Mikhail’s younger brother, Nick—impulsive, power-hungry, and dangerous. When Nick tells Ilia he’s taking everything that belonged to Mikhail—including Ilia—Ilia is too lost in grief to fight. Nick takes Ilia prisoner in the apartment Ilia once shared with Mikhail and grooms him for a very important mission: to kill Ilia’s father and avenge Mikhail’s death.
Ilia wants no part in the plot, but being Nick’s ally is preferable to being Nick’s victim, so he begins to warp himself into the monster Nick wants him to be. Hope arrives when Nick takes another captive: Patrick, a shy massage therapist who’s stronger than he seems. Patrick and Ilia must join forces to escape Nick—and to keep each other whole as Nick does everything in his power to break them.
268 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2014
About the author
Lisa Henry
139 books2,334 followersI like to tell stories. Mostly with hot guys and happily ever afters. They gotta work for it though. No free lunches on my watch.
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May 20, 2014WARNING: This is MM, but not a romance. There is no HEA here.
However, to compensate, I've made The ANOTHER MAN'S TREASURE Drinking Game:
1. Every time something bad happens to Ilia, take a shot.
2. You should be unable to perform basic tasks of co-ordination by Chapter Four.
3. You're welcome.
However, to compensate, I've made The ANOTHER MAN'S TREASURE Drinking Game:
1. Every time something bad happens to Ilia, take a shot.
2. You should be unable to perform basic tasks of co-ordination by Chapter Four.
3. You're welcome.
May 20, 2014
I don't know where to start. *wrings hands*
I wanted to love this, but it didn't work for me. I have a really hard time reading a story when I can't sympathize or identify with one of the MCs. This story starts beautifully and then goes all sorts of sideways on me. I can hate the main character, but I can't despise him. I need to be able to grab hold of one part and say, "Yes, I can identify". That was not the case here.
Mikhail and Ilia are so beautiful together. The piercings alone were gorgeous and Mikhail's possession of Ilia was sublime.
And finally, the ending. There's an ambiguity to it and I liked it. It was probably my second favorite part of the story aside from Mikhail. While this story wasn't a winner for me, I am impressed with Henry and Rock's attempts at breaking through into new areas. Sometimes when you swing for the fences you strike out, but sometimes you hit a HOMERUN. Swing batter, swing. Probably hard that I just came off another collaboration of theirs which blew my mind: When All the World Sleeps.
Favorite quote:
I wanted to love this, but it didn't work for me. I have a really hard time reading a story when I can't sympathize or identify with one of the MCs. This story starts beautifully and then goes all sorts of sideways on me. I can hate the main character, but I can't despise him. I need to be able to grab hold of one part and say, "Yes, I can identify". That was not the case here.
Mikhail and Ilia are so beautiful together. The piercings alone were gorgeous and Mikhail's possession of Ilia was sublime.
But I guess knowing who you are when you’re with somebody isn’t the same as knowing who you’d be without them.
And finally, the ending. There's an ambiguity to it and I liked it. It was probably my second favorite part of the story aside from Mikhail. While this story wasn't a winner for me, I am impressed with Henry and Rock's attempts at breaking through into new areas. Sometimes when you swing for the fences you strike out, but sometimes you hit a HOMERUN. Swing batter, swing. Probably hard that I just came off another collaboration of theirs which blew my mind: When All the World Sleeps.
Favorite quote:
“You think I’m pretty, don’t you?”
“I think you’re fucking crazy.”
May 20, 2014
All the wows. Review to come.
Another Man's Treasure Group Buddy Read (Alcohol optional)
When: On release day, June 1.
All welcome.
Drunken discussion in this thread.
***
omg CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Argghhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WANT NOW!!!!!!!!!!
Another Man's Treasure Group Buddy Read (Alcohol optional)
When: On release day, June 1.
All welcome.
Drunken discussion in this thread.
***
omg CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Argghhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WANT NOW!!!!!!!!!!
May 20, 2014
YES.
That was...amazing. I don't like saying much about dark books like this that I love (others include The Flesh Cartel and In These Words) because I think one of the things that makes it so great is going in not knowing what will happen. So, no spoilers, not even in tags. Just, if you like dark books, you must read this one! Thank you Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock! This is going straight to my favorites shelf!
May 20, 2014
I had absolutely no idea what I would be in for when I decided to read this. I took the words dark and no HEA as a challenge. This did not disappoint in either of those areas.
The story begins with Ilia getting a corset piercing on his back, told exclusively through his POV we know his reason for the piercings. The detail of this first event had me sitting straight up in bed as my back felt each pull of the ribbons as they were laced. Each drop of blood as it slid down Ilia’s back. Being in his head, it was interesting to be a part of his thought process with his excitement of showing his Mikhail his gift.
Mikhail, I liked this mob boss with tenderness for his Ilia. I liked him and how he treated the man that he loved, what we are shown at least. The things he wants for Ilia and the things he won’t deny him were beautiful. I knew he would die, we are told that in the blurb and told who kills him but reading it? I broke down in sobs with the feeling of loss for Ilia and the love he cherished with Mikhail. When Ilia’s father shows up, I lost it and had to put the book down. Talk about an unexpected feelings taking over.
Then, there is Nick. We hear a bit about Nick with Ilia and Mikhail before the raid but when he shows up? I really liked him. I have this soft spot for unapologetic arrogant men in position of power and Nick fits the mold completely. When he picks up Ilia and tells him he is “taking everything” that belonged to Mikhail and that includes Ilia… I held my breath to see how it all would play out.
This was slow, not slow in reading; I couldn’t put the book down. It was slow to the buildup of what was going to happen and I felt everything with Ilia. My throat hurt from his screams, I felt his hunger, his anxiety and his overwhelming loss of Mikhail.
Patrick… I can’t even go there. I am sucker for redheads and knowing, just knowing Patrick hurts my heart. I can deal with Ilia and what Nick does to him, I can’t explain why but when it comes to Patrick, I want to toss my freaking cookies. Ugh. I liked Nick in the beginning, his thoughts on God and redemption but that changed about half way through the book. Nope. I do not like Nick. Nuh uh.
Mikhail, who was he? Was he the version we know from Ilia or the version Nick tells us? Was he both? I am not sure but I know what I believe and I will keep that with me.
So where would this go? We know again, from the blurb that Nick decides he is going to kill Ilia’s father because he killed Mikhail but… good lord. The buildup and the wait just about did me in. I wanted to read faster and I wanted to stop reading all together. I am a masochist though; I never stop when a book gets this good. Make no mistake, and it was this good.
Another Man’s Treasure did not disappoint, not one word of it. The pace of this book was done well. When it needed to be slow, it was slow. When the pace needed to be brought up a notch, it was brought up and Holy Shit did it ever grab you and drag you along right to the end!
That end? I was not prepared for it. I had so many theories on what would happen with the end and not one of them was right. Good lord. I have goose bumps just thinking of those last pages. I was lulled into a warm and comfortable place… I should have known better.
Note: This book will be dark for some readers. Read the warning if you have concerns about the content. It wasn’t as dark as I thought it would be, though I am a reader who is familiar with the dark side… That being said; I am impressed. Well done ladies, well fucking done.
The story begins with Ilia getting a corset piercing on his back, told exclusively through his POV we know his reason for the piercings. The detail of this first event had me sitting straight up in bed as my back felt each pull of the ribbons as they were laced. Each drop of blood as it slid down Ilia’s back. Being in his head, it was interesting to be a part of his thought process with his excitement of showing his Mikhail his gift.
Mikhail, I liked this mob boss with tenderness for his Ilia. I liked him and how he treated the man that he loved, what we are shown at least. The things he wants for Ilia and the things he won’t deny him were beautiful. I knew he would die, we are told that in the blurb and told who kills him but reading it? I broke down in sobs with the feeling of loss for Ilia and the love he cherished with Mikhail. When Ilia’s father shows up, I lost it and had to put the book down. Talk about an unexpected feelings taking over.
Then, there is Nick. We hear a bit about Nick with Ilia and Mikhail before the raid but when he shows up? I really liked him. I have this soft spot for unapologetic arrogant men in position of power and Nick fits the mold completely. When he picks up Ilia and tells him he is “taking everything” that belonged to Mikhail and that includes Ilia… I held my breath to see how it all would play out.
“Do I ever get to leave the apartment?”
“Not yet.”
“When?”
“When I am finished with you.”
This was slow, not slow in reading; I couldn’t put the book down. It was slow to the buildup of what was going to happen and I felt everything with Ilia. My throat hurt from his screams, I felt his hunger, his anxiety and his overwhelming loss of Mikhail.
It was pointless to try and stop Nick Kadyrov from doing whatever the fuck he wanted. It was pointless to be afraid of the inevitable.
Patrick… I can’t even go there. I am sucker for redheads and knowing, just knowing Patrick hurts my heart. I can deal with Ilia and what Nick does to him, I can’t explain why but when it comes to Patrick, I want to toss my freaking cookies. Ugh. I liked Nick in the beginning, his thoughts on God and redemption but that changed about half way through the book. Nope. I do not like Nick. Nuh uh.
Mikhail, who was he? Was he the version we know from Ilia or the version Nick tells us? Was he both? I am not sure but I know what I believe and I will keep that with me.
There were no hard edges separating boyfriend Mikhail from gangster Mikhail. In loving one, Ilia had loved the other.
So where would this go? We know again, from the blurb that Nick decides he is going to kill Ilia’s father because he killed Mikhail but… good lord. The buildup and the wait just about did me in. I wanted to read faster and I wanted to stop reading all together. I am a masochist though; I never stop when a book gets this good. Make no mistake, and it was this good.
Another Man’s Treasure did not disappoint, not one word of it. The pace of this book was done well. When it needed to be slow, it was slow. When the pace needed to be brought up a notch, it was brought up and Holy Shit did it ever grab you and drag you along right to the end!
That end? I was not prepared for it. I had so many theories on what would happen with the end and not one of them was right. Good lord. I have goose bumps just thinking of those last pages. I was lulled into a warm and comfortable place… I should have known better.
There are consequences to our love. And it took me a long time to understand that those consequences aren’t judgment. They’re not…what we deserve. They just are.
Note: This book will be dark for some readers. Read the warning if you have concerns about the content. It wasn’t as dark as I thought it would be, though I am a reader who is familiar with the dark side… That being said; I am impressed. Well done ladies, well fucking done.
May 20, 2014
4.5 star review from The Blogger Girls.
You’ve been warned. This is not a traditional romance novel. There is no HEA. This is a psychological thriller with the twist of mm.
That being said, as soon as I saw this amazing cover and who had teamed up to create this story, I jumped right on board the crazy train. The blurb was quite intriguing as well, though even that didn’t quite prepare me for what was to come.
Ilia worked his way into my heart very early on. He didn’t have the best childhood, and lashed out at his father in somewhat understandably normal ways – various piercings, tattoos, make-up, etc. Then Ilia catches the eye of mob boss, Mikhail, who saw Ilia as a treasure to be nurtured and taken care of. He becomes Ilia’s life. The latest adornment he suffers for and presents to Mikhail is his corset piercing (on the cover). I have heard of these before, but I cannot tell you how many times I cringed throughout this story every time the ribbons were mentioned.
After Mikhail is killed, Ilia is crushed and at a complete loss. Then, Mikhail’s brother, Nick, shows up claiming all of Mikhail’s property, including Ilia. Nick is an evil bastard and horrendous excuse for a human being. He basically breaks Ilia down to nothing so that Ilia turns to him as the better alternative. There are some really rough scenes with Nick, which only made me long even more for the snippets we saw as Ilia remembered and recounted his time with Mikhail. Mikhail may have been just as ruthless where the mob was concerned, but with Ilia, he was the complete opposite. They truly seemed to love and care for each other, even if in ways not understandable to the outside “normal” folks.
Peter is brought in by Nick, though we meet him earlier when Mikhail hires him to massage Ilia. I really thought Peter had something to do with the raid that led to Mikhail’s death, but he ends up just being a victim of circumstance. Luckily for him, he is more mentally stable to begin with, and Nick didn’t spent quite the amount of time breaking him down as he did Ilia.
There is light at the end of their tunnel, but it is a long road to get there. If you like these types of stories, definitely give this a try. The writing is really good, the story keeps moving for the most part, even though time seems to stand still. There were times, in the middle, where things seem to have stalled, but it doesn’t take long to see it is all a part of Nick’s dastardly plan. I was riveted though and wanted to see Ilia come through.
While he doesn’t get the typical HEA without his love, Mikhail, there does still seem to be hope for him although many questions remain. What kind of life will he have now? Will he flourish or falter on his own or will he and Peter help each other? Will they accept becoming more than friends or see things go beyond their shared experience? Can he finally put his guilt and feelings of betraying Mikhail by being with Patrick aside? And then, as you’re asking all of these things, the last few sentences possibly affect every one of those answers. I really wish there was an epilogue here showing us just a bit more, as I definitely need more of this story. Let’s hope the way it ends is a sign that Lisa and JA have more already cooking with this tale.
Overall Impression: I loved it
You’ve been warned. This is not a traditional romance novel. There is no HEA. This is a psychological thriller with the twist of mm.
That being said, as soon as I saw this amazing cover and who had teamed up to create this story, I jumped right on board the crazy train. The blurb was quite intriguing as well, though even that didn’t quite prepare me for what was to come.
Ilia worked his way into my heart very early on. He didn’t have the best childhood, and lashed out at his father in somewhat understandably normal ways – various piercings, tattoos, make-up, etc. Then Ilia catches the eye of mob boss, Mikhail, who saw Ilia as a treasure to be nurtured and taken care of. He becomes Ilia’s life. The latest adornment he suffers for and presents to Mikhail is his corset piercing (on the cover). I have heard of these before, but I cannot tell you how many times I cringed throughout this story every time the ribbons were mentioned.
After Mikhail is killed, Ilia is crushed and at a complete loss. Then, Mikhail’s brother, Nick, shows up claiming all of Mikhail’s property, including Ilia. Nick is an evil bastard and horrendous excuse for a human being. He basically breaks Ilia down to nothing so that Ilia turns to him as the better alternative. There are some really rough scenes with Nick, which only made me long even more for the snippets we saw as Ilia remembered and recounted his time with Mikhail. Mikhail may have been just as ruthless where the mob was concerned, but with Ilia, he was the complete opposite. They truly seemed to love and care for each other, even if in ways not understandable to the outside “normal” folks.
Peter is brought in by Nick, though we meet him earlier when Mikhail hires him to massage Ilia. I really thought Peter had something to do with the raid that led to Mikhail’s death, but he ends up just being a victim of circumstance. Luckily for him, he is more mentally stable to begin with, and Nick didn’t spent quite the amount of time breaking him down as he did Ilia.
There is light at the end of their tunnel, but it is a long road to get there. If you like these types of stories, definitely give this a try. The writing is really good, the story keeps moving for the most part, even though time seems to stand still. There were times, in the middle, where things seem to have stalled, but it doesn’t take long to see it is all a part of Nick’s dastardly plan. I was riveted though and wanted to see Ilia come through.
While he doesn’t get the typical HEA without his love, Mikhail, there does still seem to be hope for him although many questions remain. What kind of life will he have now? Will he flourish or falter on his own or will he and Peter help each other? Will they accept becoming more than friends or see things go beyond their shared experience? Can he finally put his guilt and feelings of betraying Mikhail by being with Patrick aside? And then, as you’re asking all of these things, the last few sentences possibly affect every one of those answers. I really wish there was an epilogue here showing us just a bit more, as I definitely need more of this story. Let’s hope the way it ends is a sign that Lisa and JA have more already cooking with this tale.
Overall Impression: I loved it
May 20, 2014
4 what-the-fuck-did-I-just-read stars
This review may contain spoilers. You've been warned!
So, I read this. It was...something. I struggled with the rating, but then realized that I actually did really like the book.
First, allow me to use Kingsley to describe my feelings for Nick.
The blurb pretty much explains the gist of the plot, so I won't rehash that. What I will say is this: this book is brutal. But it is not torture porn. In fact, anysex (rape) that happens while Ilia and Patrick are kidnapped by Nick is very much so implicit. There's a lot of fading to black, or it is mentioned that it happened after the fact.
What is explicit is the psychological trauma and manipulation. In trying to break Ilia and Patrick, Nick often manages to turn the two against each other. Sometimes they both hate each other, they take turns helping Nick in his twisted games. If it weren't for the fact that I recognized that Ilia and Patrick were being played by Nick and were simply reacting to their circumstances, it would have been very easy to dislike them almost as much as I disliked Nick.
The ending. Holy shit, the ending! It's a cliffhanger. I'm assuming the authors want the readers to come to their own conclusions. Or maybe they want to drive us batshit crazy.
In either case, here's my assessment of the ending:
So, that's my review of this trainwreck. Lisa Henry has reaffirmed why she's one of my favourite authors, and the author that manages to push me out of my comfort zone. And J.A. Rock + Lisa Henry (Rockenry? Henrock?) have cemented their place as my favourite duo.
Now I'm off to read some fluffy book that will, hopefully, make me forget that I read Another Man's Treasure.
This review may contain spoilers. You've been warned!
So, I read this. It was...something. I struggled with the rating, but then realized that I actually did really like the book.
First, allow me to use Kingsley to describe my feelings for Nick.
The blurb pretty much explains the gist of the plot, so I won't rehash that. What I will say is this: this book is brutal. But it is not torture porn. In fact, any
What is explicit is the psychological trauma and manipulation. In trying to break Ilia and Patrick, Nick often manages to turn the two against each other. Sometimes they both hate each other, they take turns helping Nick in his twisted games. If it weren't for the fact that I recognized that Ilia and Patrick were being played by Nick and were simply reacting to their circumstances, it would have been very easy to dislike them almost as much as I disliked Nick.
The ending. Holy shit, the ending! It's a cliffhanger. I'm assuming the authors want the readers to come to their own conclusions. Or maybe they want to drive us batshit crazy.
In either case, here's my assessment of the ending:
So, that's my review of this trainwreck. Lisa Henry has reaffirmed why she's one of my favourite authors, and the author that manages to push me out of my comfort zone. And J.A. Rock + Lisa Henry (Rockenry? Henrock?) have cemented their place as my favourite duo.
Now I'm off to read some fluffy book that will, hopefully, make me forget that I read Another Man's Treasure.
May 22, 2014
That. Cover.
*****
Blurb for this book is all kinds of crazy, but I have to say that biggest appeal for me (beside that cover) was the fact that this was advertized as 'not romance'. I love to read romance and it makes majority of my reading choices, but romance also carries a certain dose of predictability: the plot has to progress toward some kind of happy end for couple: hea or hfn, but it has to end there.
'Not romance' means that anything can happen.
'Not romance' means all bets are off the table.
So, the insatiable suspense slut I am, I loved this book up until there was any. Once danger was eliminated, my interest dropped. I think, the biggest part of it comes from the fact that antagonist, Nick, is one sick puppy. Nick is Mikhail's younger brother and when he comes on idea to take and keep Ilia closed in his apartment I expected torture and all kinds of noncon sexapades with monster butt plugs because this is...well, what this writing duo usually write.
It's not as simple.
Nick does physically hurt Ilia (and later Patrick) and it comes very easy to him, but I didn't experience it like something he planned. It takes several scenes for reader to realize that he is a bone fide psycho. For example, he leaves Ilia closed in apartment without food for days and I was never convinced it's all part of his big plan to break his spirit as much as it is the fact he simply forgot Ilia has to eat, that he cannot live without food. The concept of human necessitates is foreign to him. He is simply unhinged, and that's what makes him unpredictable. Bless his evil lil' heart. Entire entrapment part is not easy to read,especially when Patrick joins in, but it kept me on the edge of my seat.
Piercing was a huge suspense factor for me as well and I don't even know how to describe this without sounding like a weirdo, but I'll try:
I was aware of corset piercing throughout entire book. So, every time there was as sex scene (Ilia gets off on a bit of pain) I was anticipating/dreading because I know that it very quickly can be turned into opposite of pleasure if someone pull those ribbons too tight. Same when he was in danger... you are effing scared they will use them.
Ribbons. (-__-)
Entire book is written from Ilia's pov and while he's not very likable, he is an intriguing character. However, I found myself wishing for another pov because Ilia is also self-absorbed and he often came out as unreliable character because of it. He is grieving and lost in memories of his time with Mikhail, or going crazy because of lack of food and being prisoner so it's understandable, but still...
Ending is ambiguous, which I liked and I hope there will be book #2 for real.
I also think it would be really cool to read what's going through someone's head when they see piercing for the first time, maybe as one-shot or something.
May 20, 2014
Review on Prism Book Alliance
*START TRANSMISSION*
This is fiction that will kick your ass.
We start out with a couple of characters, Ilia and Mikhail, who are unafraid in their acceptance of one another and their shared tastes and indulgences. And yet, human vulnerability, the need to be loved, understood, they are meandering around, hand in hand with the kink. In other words, the ability to create individualized characters that are mired in the same human frailties from which we all suffer is on display here. It’s a meaty mix I can grab onto, and kneed, and pinch, and know I’m feeling something real.
Right. So. You in? Because then everything changes.
I tell you what, I love when I don’t know what’s going to happen. Anticipation. I love when I can’t decide which character’s words to trust. Uncertainty. I love feeling that shaky need to keep reading. Compulsion. I never felt like I was standing on solid ground, not once, during this read. And even when I thought I caught a glimpse, that proverbial rug was pulled out from underneath me, again and again.
You aren’t what other people try and define you to be. It’s dangerous for you to believe that, and even more dangerous for them to assume it.
He had no life left to speak of, and he still didn’t want to die.
There needs to be an emotional base from which suffering grows. If it’s suffering for suffering’s sake, that doesn’t work for me. At times, I couldn’t decide which I was getting here. I like when things are held close to the vest, that I’m made to work for them. I like when things are revealed in time, but it felt like those emotional roots were handled with a stingy hand at times.
It took me awhile before a meaningful emotional connection was made beyond the opening chapter. Which made me think, are we supposed to even have one? But then, if we don’t, what’s the point? When it did happen, by the time I reached that point, I was so wrapped into the story, I was almost afraid to let it happen. I was afraid of what I might be put through for having dared to make the investment. What was this going to do to me?
All that misery dammed up behind those words, and Ilia didn’t want to be there when it broke through. Couldn’t stand to listen to someone else’s misery, when he could hardly keep his own contained.
It’s a harrowing change in existence Ilia goes through. Through. Is he through it? What exactly will it be? Is he through with it? This is probably the biggest question I asked as I was reading.
Flashbacks of a sort are used, in that Ilia travels back to happier moments. Though, sometimes that happiness is cruel, a reminder. It forces him to think, to feel, and then to wonder if his very thoughts and feelings are real or right.
I won’t say much about Patrick, only that he’s vital and it’s not always an obvious thing. He holds his own surprises.
Parts of this story are told in short bursts, unrelenting, nonstop. It adds to the atmosphere, always on the edge. It felt like I didn’t know which way to turn, which corner of the room to curl up into in order to remain somewhat protected while not losing sight of what was happening.
There were a couple of points during the book that felt long or repetitive but they didn’t lessen the overall impact of the story.
Ilia’s point of view is strong. He’s the right voice through which to tell this story.
“I will always love you, Ilie.” Then I don’t need the world after all.
I don’t usually categorize endings in my reviews and I won’t start here. Just know that it fits the story. And, I almost can’t believe I’m saying this, I think I’m demanding more.
Know that the warnings on this story are accurate.
I’m adding a personal note here. Maybe I shouldn’t but I am: I love what happens when two authors write together and create a story unlike anything they’ve published before. It’s exciting, scary and important, from both the writer and the reader perspectives, and it’s happened here with these two. Their writing is strong, as usual.
This will be a difficult read for a lot of people, it definitely was for me. I’m glad that I did read it and feel privileged to be a witness to something that feels significant in regards to this genre, an ever expanding definition of fiction.
Remember, this is not a romance.
*END TRANSMISSION*
*START TRANSMISSION*
This is fiction that will kick your ass.
We start out with a couple of characters, Ilia and Mikhail, who are unafraid in their acceptance of one another and their shared tastes and indulgences. And yet, human vulnerability, the need to be loved, understood, they are meandering around, hand in hand with the kink. In other words, the ability to create individualized characters that are mired in the same human frailties from which we all suffer is on display here. It’s a meaty mix I can grab onto, and kneed, and pinch, and know I’m feeling something real.
Right. So. You in? Because then everything changes.
I tell you what, I love when I don’t know what’s going to happen. Anticipation. I love when I can’t decide which character’s words to trust. Uncertainty. I love feeling that shaky need to keep reading. Compulsion. I never felt like I was standing on solid ground, not once, during this read. And even when I thought I caught a glimpse, that proverbial rug was pulled out from underneath me, again and again.
You aren’t what other people try and define you to be. It’s dangerous for you to believe that, and even more dangerous for them to assume it.
He had no life left to speak of, and he still didn’t want to die.
There needs to be an emotional base from which suffering grows. If it’s suffering for suffering’s sake, that doesn’t work for me. At times, I couldn’t decide which I was getting here. I like when things are held close to the vest, that I’m made to work for them. I like when things are revealed in time, but it felt like those emotional roots were handled with a stingy hand at times.
It took me awhile before a meaningful emotional connection was made beyond the opening chapter. Which made me think, are we supposed to even have one? But then, if we don’t, what’s the point? When it did happen, by the time I reached that point, I was so wrapped into the story, I was almost afraid to let it happen. I was afraid of what I might be put through for having dared to make the investment. What was this going to do to me?
All that misery dammed up behind those words, and Ilia didn’t want to be there when it broke through. Couldn’t stand to listen to someone else’s misery, when he could hardly keep his own contained.
It’s a harrowing change in existence Ilia goes through. Through. Is he through it? What exactly will it be? Is he through with it? This is probably the biggest question I asked as I was reading.
Flashbacks of a sort are used, in that Ilia travels back to happier moments. Though, sometimes that happiness is cruel, a reminder. It forces him to think, to feel, and then to wonder if his very thoughts and feelings are real or right.
I won’t say much about Patrick, only that he’s vital and it’s not always an obvious thing. He holds his own surprises.
Parts of this story are told in short bursts, unrelenting, nonstop. It adds to the atmosphere, always on the edge. It felt like I didn’t know which way to turn, which corner of the room to curl up into in order to remain somewhat protected while not losing sight of what was happening.
There were a couple of points during the book that felt long or repetitive but they didn’t lessen the overall impact of the story.
Ilia’s point of view is strong. He’s the right voice through which to tell this story.
“I will always love you, Ilie.” Then I don’t need the world after all.
I don’t usually categorize endings in my reviews and I won’t start here. Just know that it fits the story. And, I almost can’t believe I’m saying this, I think I’m demanding more.
Know that the warnings on this story are accurate.
I’m adding a personal note here. Maybe I shouldn’t but I am: I love what happens when two authors write together and create a story unlike anything they’ve published before. It’s exciting, scary and important, from both the writer and the reader perspectives, and it’s happened here with these two. Their writing is strong, as usual.
This will be a difficult read for a lot of people, it definitely was for me. I’m glad that I did read it and feel privileged to be a witness to something that feels significant in regards to this genre, an ever expanding definition of fiction.
Remember, this is not a romance.
*END TRANSMISSION*
June 6, 2014
I put off writing this review for a hundred years in the hope that prince Charming and the dwarves would release me with a kiss. But the bastards never did.
Why did I put it off? At the end of a book I often feel: smutty, relieved, hungry, sad, horny, impressed etc, but with this book I was just...blank.
But now, a hundred years later, I have something to say. I liked it!
I really liked the corset theme that was a constant reminder of Ilia's conflicted psyche. I liked the mashed potato effect of mingling pain with arousal and his deep attachment to Mikhail. Life is just like, isn't it?
I liked that Ilia is complex and not always likeable.
I always love Lisa Henry's writing.
What I liked best though, is that the author is, as always, unflinching in her 'poke around in the reader's head with a stick' technique. This is not a comfortable book, but then neither are my skin tight leather pants.
Why did I put it off? At the end of a book I often feel: smutty, relieved, hungry, sad, horny, impressed etc, but with this book I was just...blank.
But now, a hundred years later, I have something to say. I liked it!
I really liked the corset theme that was a constant reminder of Ilia's conflicted psyche. I liked the mashed potato effect of mingling pain with arousal and his deep attachment to Mikhail. Life is just like, isn't it?
I liked that Ilia is complex and not always likeable.
I always love Lisa Henry's writing.
What I liked best though, is that the author is, as always, unflinching in her 'poke around in the reader's head with a stick' technique. This is not a comfortable book, but then neither are my skin tight leather pants.
June 2, 2014
Twenty four fucking stars!!!!
Twenty four, you say. Why twenty four?
Cause that's what I chose dammit!!!!!
I would review, but it would be spoiler-ey.
Can I just say:
Henryrock is so amazing I drool on shock
Best book of the year, totally top ten ever.
I've rarely seen an author convey so much in such abbreviated phrases, sometimes...
I'm gonna go cry now. I'll see you... What's that I hear?
I'll write more later. That is all for now. Read it. Unless you're scared...
Twenty four, you say. Why twenty four?
Cause that's what I chose dammit!!!!!
I would review, but it would be spoiler-ey.
Can I just say:
Henryrock is so amazing I drool on shock
Best book of the year, totally top ten ever.
I've rarely seen an author convey so much in such abbreviated phrases, sometimes...
I'm gonna go cry now. I'll see you... What's that I hear?
I'll write more later. That is all for now. Read it. Unless you're scared...
May 20, 2014
Another great collaboration between Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock. This psychological thriller has good pacing and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Ilia is lost and grieving and is questioning everything he thought he wanted and knew about himself, his lover Mikhail and their relationship, all while being abused and manipulated by Mikhail's brother Nick in a twisted grab for the power Mikhail held as the family's boss. When Nick adds Patrick in as a prisoner, Ilia seems to become even more unstable in light of Patrick's unexpected strength. As their captivity goes on, Ilia and Patrick hatch a plan to escape as Nick continues his attempts to break Ilia. There are flashbacks to Ilia's time with Mikhail as Ilia tries to reconcile his view of the man he loved, with the image Nick is painting of a man who used everything around him to his advantage, including Ilia.
The authors managed to ratchet up the tension and paint a picture of what was happening to Patrick and Ilia, while keeping much of the abuse off page. If you need an ending that wraps up everything in a neat package, you are not going to get that here. If you don't mind a dark story of a man struggling to survive, even though he is not sure he wants to, without any guarantee that he can or wants to be put back together, this story delivers.
Ilia is lost and grieving and is questioning everything he thought he wanted and knew about himself, his lover Mikhail and their relationship, all while being abused and manipulated by Mikhail's brother Nick in a twisted grab for the power Mikhail held as the family's boss. When Nick adds Patrick in as a prisoner, Ilia seems to become even more unstable in light of Patrick's unexpected strength. As their captivity goes on, Ilia and Patrick hatch a plan to escape as Nick continues his attempts to break Ilia. There are flashbacks to Ilia's time with Mikhail as Ilia tries to reconcile his view of the man he loved, with the image Nick is painting of a man who used everything around him to his advantage, including Ilia.
The authors managed to ratchet up the tension and paint a picture of what was happening to Patrick and Ilia, while keeping much of the abuse off page. If you need an ending that wraps up everything in a neat package, you are not going to get that here. If you don't mind a dark story of a man struggling to survive, even though he is not sure he wants to, without any guarantee that he can or wants to be put back together, this story delivers.
June 1, 2014
I am a fan of Henry and Rock but this book was a flop for me. I did buy the book because it was written by these two talented authors. I enjoyed the beginning of the story but honestly Nick did call a spade a spade, Ilia was a whore or kept man. Nick was a master at manipulation and truly handled Patrick like a pro. The ending was very well put together. The middle of the story just bored me to death. I understand that Nick's plan had to evolve but the flashbacks to Mikhail and Ilia took the thrill out of what should have been a thriller. I realize that I am very much in the minority here but I struggled with this story.
May 23, 2014
Wow... I need to write about this after I've had time to process it but wow. All I can say right now is that this is not for the faint of heart in any way, shape or form. If you like flowery rainbow M/M then do not pass go, do not collect $100!
I loved it. It was difficult. I wanted to slap a bitch sometimes, but I loved it.
That ending...just...
(Seems as if being tipsy = not knowing how to make gifs work, even though I tried 20 times)
I loved it. It was difficult. I wanted to slap a bitch sometimes, but I loved it.
That ending...just...
(Seems as if being tipsy = not knowing how to make gifs work, even though I tried 20 times)
Read
May 24, 2014Lisa Henry and I wrote what we think is a psychological thriller. We're not sure. We just know that it's not a traditional romance novel. You've been warned.
July 17, 2014
4.5 Stars
I got very caught up in this book. Not sure how many readers saw the authors mention that this is a dark book. They're not kidding. It's really dark. I don't think I'd recommend it to more than a handful of people. These are people that I already know like to read this kind of book. I'd be so sad if I suggested this to someone and have them not like it, or appreciate it for the beauty it is.
And it is beautiful.
It's sad, depressing, crushing. Any time there is a little bit of hope, it's gone in the next instant. Gone because for a good thing to happen, so much bad has to happen first. All decisions are made in the knowledge that it's the choice of the lesser of two evils. Or more.
Still, I loved it. The struggle. I was so sad through almost all of it. And the ending. I don't know why to say about that. I think it could be seen as a cliffhanger. But really, I don't know that to continue the story would do it any justice. The end was actually very perfect, despite the feeling of being open ended.
This is a story about a very lost boy. He's confused, grieving, and being manipulated, even by himself. Through his struggle, he's making very bad decisions. Decisions that cost lives. One life could be his very own. It's at least coating him his soul.
I got very caught up in this book. Not sure how many readers saw the authors mention that this is a dark book. They're not kidding. It's really dark. I don't think I'd recommend it to more than a handful of people. These are people that I already know like to read this kind of book. I'd be so sad if I suggested this to someone and have them not like it, or appreciate it for the beauty it is.
And it is beautiful.
It's sad, depressing, crushing. Any time there is a little bit of hope, it's gone in the next instant. Gone because for a good thing to happen, so much bad has to happen first. All decisions are made in the knowledge that it's the choice of the lesser of two evils. Or more.
Still, I loved it. The struggle. I was so sad through almost all of it. And the ending. I don't know why to say about that. I think it could be seen as a cliffhanger. But really, I don't know that to continue the story would do it any justice. The end was actually very perfect, despite the feeling of being open ended.
This is a story about a very lost boy. He's confused, grieving, and being manipulated, even by himself. Through his struggle, he's making very bad decisions. Decisions that cost lives. One life could be his very own. It's at least coating him his soul.
December 3, 2015
A dark psychological thriller in which Ilia becomes the plaything of mob boss Nikolay Kadyrov after the death of his lover (and Nick's brother) Mikhail Kadyrov. Ilia is locked in his apartment and abused by Nick and then masseur Patrick joins him in his captivity.
June 14, 2014
I was honored to be able to BETA read this book.
Lisa Henry and JA Rock do dark really well 2gether.
This is not rainbows and flowers, this is like watching The Shining. You know when you want to close your eyes and hum a tune so you can't hear that creepy music. Well maybe not that far? Depends on how you like your thrillers.
It's Dark, its fucked, its riveting and you won't want to put it down.
And seriously from the 1st page you are consumed, and you want to know, how does this end.
Read it.
JA Rock and Lisa Henry, 2 authors that can plot some serious fucked up shit and come out as winners.
Mare~Slitsread
Lisa Henry and JA Rock do dark really well 2gether.
This is not rainbows and flowers, this is like watching The Shining. You know when you want to close your eyes and hum a tune so you can't hear that creepy music. Well maybe not that far? Depends on how you like your thrillers.
It's Dark, its fucked, its riveting and you won't want to put it down.
And seriously from the 1st page you are consumed, and you want to know, how does this end.
Read it.
JA Rock and Lisa Henry, 2 authors that can plot some serious fucked up shit and come out as winners.
Mare~Slitsread
Read
May 20, 2014I have no idea how to rate this book. I loved it and hated it, and I'll probably still be thinking about it for a long time. Haunting.
May 21, 2014
I read this book in one sitting, it consumed me and I don’t use that term lightly. I felt as though I held my breath from the beginning to the very end of this book, waiting for a release or relief from the intensity of the emotions I went through reading Another Man’s Treasure. I actually had to read the last page twice it was such a shock, and then I just sat and cried, and couldn’t stop… I wanted to purge all of that emotion, I was mess and totally drained, the fact it was four o’clock in the morning probably didn’t help! But even now that the tears have dried… I still have an ache in my chest for Ilia that won’t go away .
Ilia had been an insecure, lost and selfish teenager, pushing at the confines of what was deemed ‘normal’ by his parents…that was until Mikhail. Seeing Mikhail through Ilia’s eyes we got a very different picture of what the man was really capable of when outside the sanctuary of their apartment. It’s not that Ilia was oblivious or even blind to it… he was just happy being the pampered pet, loved, worshipped and adored and unlike Ilia’s parents Mikhail enabled and indulged him. But as dangerous as Mikhail was, he didn’t compare to his brother Nick.
Nick had been always been jealous of everything Mikhail had…including Ilia, and that envy bred hate, made worse by the fact that Nick is a psychopath and without Mikhail, Ilia was at the mercy of a man that saw him as nothing but a whore, to be abused, someone with whom Nick could vent his years of anger and hatred for his brother… Sullying Ilia’s memories of Mikhail, manipulating him and making him doubt their relationship, systematically breaking Ilia down through starvation, isolation, humiliation, fear, to the point where it’s easier to comply than fight the inevitable, with his survival instinct greater than losing himself in the darkness of depression.
You don’t get all the answers in this book, the authors make you work for it, I found myself questioning the characters, analysing them as the layers are slowly peeled away , and still even after finishing it I don’t have a true understanding of these men, it’s one hot mess of distorted emotions, wondering at their reactions, actions, non actions, motivation. Being inside Ilia’s head was a reflection of being inside my own… I lived it with him, making excuses for his behaviour, justifying… then berating, feeling sorry, then a kick up the arse only to go backwards and forwards with the conflicting emotions of anger, hurt and frustration just compounding it all.
The authors make it quite clear this is not a romance novel, but in my eyes it is a love story. One which we are reminded of and catch glimpses of throughout the horrors and traumas experienced by Ilia and Patrick at the hands of Nick… but be warned, this is definitely not a HEA.
Those who know me will already be aware that the dark and twisted side of m/m fiction is my favourite genre. I sometimes think I must be some kind of sick puppy to love it so much, and it’s definitely not for everyone, but it captivates me. Even more so when you combine that love for the genre with outstanding writing! Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock put their heads together and came up with a brilliant novel… delving into the dark and nefarious world of the Chechen mafia, its violent, it’s ugly, with unlikable characters that are flawed… but it’s amazing!
Another Man’s Treasure is definitely up there on my outstanding reads shelf!
October 23, 2016
Aaaaahh........
*bows down to the queens*
I'm not even sure whether I liked this story....
That's not true, I loved it. It has left me a twisted mess, and I am wondering how I'm going to get over this.
This is dark
This will not make you happy
Only dark erotica lovers should read this.
Ilia is perfect in his fuckedupness.... the torment, the guilt, the doubt, the grief, the helplessness. A treasured pet who never stood on his own. The constant fear of abandonment, neediness to the extreme. Daddy issues galore... I both hated and loved him. He made me want to hug him and slap him.
The authors skill was perfectly showcased in this story. The conflicting emotions I felt while reading is a true example of a writer getting into my head and fucking around in there.
And for that, they get all the fucking stars.....
The ending....... you both rocked my world.... I feel like flipping you both off and giving big fat sloppy kisses in gratitude.
Reader beware.... I tagged this as romance because there is a thread, but don't for one second think this is a traditional romance. This will not leave you feeling warm and squishy, it will leave you feeling bereft and adrift, lost and alone in the dark.
For me, this type of story is my crack...... I will never get enough.
All the ugly feelz......
*bows down to the queens*
I'm not even sure whether I liked this story....
That's not true, I loved it. It has left me a twisted mess, and I am wondering how I'm going to get over this.
This is dark
This will not make you happy
Only dark erotica lovers should read this.
Ilia is perfect in his fuckedupness.... the torment, the guilt, the doubt, the grief, the helplessness. A treasured pet who never stood on his own. The constant fear of abandonment, neediness to the extreme. Daddy issues galore... I both hated and loved him. He made me want to hug him and slap him.
The authors skill was perfectly showcased in this story. The conflicting emotions I felt while reading is a true example of a writer getting into my head and fucking around in there.
And for that, they get all the fucking stars.....
The ending....... you both rocked my world.... I feel like flipping you both off and giving big fat sloppy kisses in gratitude.
Reader beware.... I tagged this as romance because there is a thread, but don't for one second think this is a traditional romance. This will not leave you feeling warm and squishy, it will leave you feeling bereft and adrift, lost and alone in the dark.
For me, this type of story is my crack...... I will never get enough.
All the ugly feelz......
May 20, 2014
A ribbon /laced through a corset piercing/ instead of a collar, mafia alpha males, a beautiful brat in deep trouble, lost love, revenge and a "be careful what you wish for" ending. Enjoy!
to-read-pruned
May 20, 2014Well, I was unsure about reading this before, but it seems I may have to eagerly await it if for nothing else then for the free hangover.
June 1, 2014
Dark, chilling psychological thriller. Think those 4 words sum this one up for me. Well written as you'd expect from Lisa and JA, but that creepy cover really did put me off although I have finished it. 4 stars from me.
May 20, 2014
Devastatingly sad...
4.5 stars.
*continues to silently weep*
4.5 stars.
*continues to silently weep*
not-interested
May 20, 2014Sounds like something in the same vein as the Flesh Cartel series. No thank you. I have no patience for torture porn.
May 3, 2025
This was absolutely not what I was expecting. But this writing duo can do dark and gritty like nobody else 🖤
This book is 🤯 and I couldn't put it down.
PS: I ignored Lisa Henry's suggestion and didn't do shots, but I did regret this decision while reading some of the darker parts....
This book is 🤯 and I couldn't put it down.
PS: I ignored Lisa Henry's suggestion and didn't do shots, but I did regret this decision while reading some of the darker parts....
May 6, 2021
Wow, dark, twisted - and I don't just mean the ribbons- what a story. I loved it.
June 10, 2014
Very dark and heavy story, but an emotional view into a young mans first real love. A love maybe entered into as a blow to his parents but becomes very important to him because he finds in his lover what he believes he is not receiving from his parents. A lost young man who's world becomes more and more out of his control as he finds himself in a world of his making but unable to control the events. Still he tries to survive his circumstances and comes out wounded mentally. Pretty much about how we survive the traumatic events some of us find ourselves in our own lives, some handle it better than others. Or so we think.
October 16, 2014
Jesus Christ on a cracker.
This. Book.
It’s been several days – about four? I don’t know – since I first finished “Another Man’s Treasure” and I am still totally floored by the writing, the plot, the characters, everything. I don’t know if I’ll ever recover from it. My family will end up suing both the authors for my rehab bills.
This book is that good.
You can read my full review of "Another Man's Treasure" on my blog.
This. Book.
It’s been several days – about four? I don’t know – since I first finished “Another Man’s Treasure” and I am still totally floored by the writing, the plot, the characters, everything. I don’t know if I’ll ever recover from it. My family will end up suing both the authors for my rehab bills.
This book is that good.
You can read my full review of "Another Man's Treasure" on my blog.
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