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Let the Wrong Light In
Avery Hextall, a junior architect at a prestigious firm, is thrilled when his design is chosen for a new performing-arts center—even if it means working closely with his insufferably uptight project manager, Malin Lacroix. When a chance encounter in the boss’s office proves that Lacroix is anything but cold, Avery is determined to learn more about the real man beneath the aloof veneer.
Despite their growing attraction and their increasingly kinky encounters, the enigmatic Malin remains as emotionally distant as ever. Worse, Avery’s friends are convinced Malin thinks of Avery as a dirty secret and nothing more—a secret that might destroy both of their careers.
But the real secret is a single moment in time that haunts Malin and keeps him from committing to the life he wants with Avery. In order to move on, Avery must help Malin come to terms with the tragedy in his past before they can work on building a future together.
Despite their growing attraction and their increasingly kinky encounters, the enigmatic Malin remains as emotionally distant as ever. Worse, Avery’s friends are convinced Malin thinks of Avery as a dirty secret and nothing more—a secret that might destroy both of their careers.
But the real secret is a single moment in time that haunts Malin and keeps him from committing to the life he wants with Avery. In order to move on, Avery must help Malin come to terms with the tragedy in his past before they can work on building a future together.
210 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2015
88 people are currently reading
1342 people want to read
About the author
Avon Gale
28 books1,335 followersAvon Gale lives in a liberal Midwestern college town, where she spends her days getting heavily invested in everything from craft projects to video games. She likes road trips by car, rock concerts, thunderstorms, IPAs, Kentucky bourbon and tattoos. As a queer author, Avon is committed to providing happy endings for all and loves to tell stories that focus on found families, strong and open communication, and friendship. She loves writing about quirky people who might not be perfect, but always find a place where they belong. In her former life, Avon wrote fanfiction at her desk while ostensibly doing work in non-profit fundraising for public radio and women’s liberal arts education, and worked on her books in between haircuts and highlights as a stylist. Now she’s a full-time writer, delighted to be able to tell stories for a living.
Avon is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.
Enjoy fantasy with a bit of a kinky, darker edge? Check out Avon's fantasy books, co-written with author Fae Loxley, under the pen name Iris Foxglove!
Avon is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.
Enjoy fantasy with a bit of a kinky, darker edge? Check out Avon's fantasy books, co-written with author Fae Loxley, under the pen name Iris Foxglove!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
November 23, 2015
Me (before reading this): Oooh! Kinky stuff.
Me (while reading this): Holy shite! This stuff is turning me on.
...Several chapters later...
Me: *Totally blindsided* Wait, what?! *BAM*
I was so prepared for the kinky sex and the mad fuckery but nobody told me there were feels involved. Because who would have thought there'd be feels in a BDSM book? Apparently, I haven't!
But, wow. I love Avery's character. Funny, sunny, a constant ball of energy, and a man who doesn't know how to shut up, Aves is practically an open book. These traits make him almost well-loved by everybody. Almost. Well his boss, Malin Lacroix (and please pronounce the name correctly), doesn't find Avery's personable qualities all that personable and seems to only like riling Avery up by rejecting his best designs. He is cocky, cold, and closed-off, yet somehow Avery finds this hot even though he certainly loathes the man.
This is basically code for trouble as Avery can be stubborn and pushy when he wants something. And boy does he want Lacroix. Fantasies about the man channeling his sadistic side into sex are not enough anymore for Avery. He wants the real thing in anyway he can have it, even if it means losing his dignity and pride in the process.
At first, I was like, "This is not going to end good!" and, "I'm going to fully enjoy this now before the shit hits the fan." Because Lacroix didn't leave a good first impression on me and I was sure Avery's heart is going to get beaten up badly by this bastard. But then Lacroix starts opening up and there's this particular moment when all the feels rush in out of nowhere and I end up saying (while crying of course), "This cold bastard is fucking growing on me!" and, "Fuck you Lacroix and the ninja feels you've unleashed! Who's cutting the damn onions?!"
So, yeah. Though I started reading this loving Avery's character; I ended up loving Malin and his little French mumblings even more.
And well, I also love the quirky, witty writing and dialogue. The silly metaphors and the metaphors that actually matter were perfect. The way erotic asphyxiation and sadism/masochism was handled wasn't crass, for me. The element of combining emotions into the hardcore, kinky sex was a major turn-on and just bloody awesome. And the secondary characters like Brandon, Justin, and Harlan who played significant roles in the development of Avery and Malin's not-so-subtle love story were truly unforgettable.
January 9, 2016
WARNING: The review contains a ridiculous amount of fangirling.
There is a wonderful, rare feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you read a book by a new or new-to-you author and they blow your mind. It's so rare it's only happened to me four times in my four years of reading M/M romance fiction. Leta Blake's Training Season, J.H. Knight's The Last Thing He Needs, Roan Parrish's In The Middle of Somewhere, and Melanie Hansen's Everything Changes. Let the Wrong Light by Avon Gale now brings my count up to five.
Avery Hextall is young and happy and pretty carefree. He has a grumpy, anal retentive boss named Malin Lacroix that he just can't seem to please with his architectural designs. It irks him to no end and he finds himself working harder and harder to please him.
Avery finds himself having bizarre, kinky feelings when he is in his boss's presence. His wants Malin to hit him. Hurt him. Use him. It confuses him to no end. One day, in the privacy of Malin's office, Avery pushes Malin to the edge and they engage in an extremely rough sexual act. Avery finds himself transformed by this encounter and wants more. He doesn't understand this new kink, but it's the most explosive sexual experience of his young life.
Malin has been married twice and considers himself straight. The book is told entirely from Avery's POV so we don't hear what Malin is thinking, but he does express disbelief at his strange and kinky attraction to Avery.
Seriously, listen to me. Brutal kink really isn't my thing. The closest I've come to enjoying physical violence during sex is the classic, kinky delight by Anah Crow Uneven. But Uneven and Let the Wrong Light In have one thing that most violent BDSM stories lack. Emotion. Romance. A connection between the characters that shows the reader just how much enjoyment they are giving and receiving. And that is hot. SO FUCKING hot. This book melted my eReader.
Stop everything you are reading right now and READ THIS BOOK. It is filled with amazing kink, hurt/healing/comfort, serious emotions and a connection between the characters that is nothing short of glorious. I am officially Avon Gale's bitch and will gobble up everything she writes from here on out.
It's that good folks. HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
It deserves the Lucille Bluth GIF of fangirling.
Extra special thanks to my friend JustJen for recommended this book to me. You will forever be my sister-in-kink.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
There is a wonderful, rare feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you read a book by a new or new-to-you author and they blow your mind. It's so rare it's only happened to me four times in my four years of reading M/M romance fiction. Leta Blake's Training Season, J.H. Knight's The Last Thing He Needs, Roan Parrish's In The Middle of Somewhere, and Melanie Hansen's Everything Changes. Let the Wrong Light by Avon Gale now brings my count up to five.
Avery Hextall is young and happy and pretty carefree. He has a grumpy, anal retentive boss named Malin Lacroix that he just can't seem to please with his architectural designs. It irks him to no end and he finds himself working harder and harder to please him.
Avery finds himself having bizarre, kinky feelings when he is in his boss's presence. His wants Malin to hit him. Hurt him. Use him. It confuses him to no end. One day, in the privacy of Malin's office, Avery pushes Malin to the edge and they engage in an extremely rough sexual act. Avery finds himself transformed by this encounter and wants more. He doesn't understand this new kink, but it's the most explosive sexual experience of his young life.
Malin has been married twice and considers himself straight. The book is told entirely from Avery's POV so we don't hear what Malin is thinking, but he does express disbelief at his strange and kinky attraction to Avery.
Seriously, listen to me. Brutal kink really isn't my thing. The closest I've come to enjoying physical violence during sex is the classic, kinky delight by Anah Crow Uneven. But Uneven and Let the Wrong Light In have one thing that most violent BDSM stories lack. Emotion. Romance. A connection between the characters that shows the reader just how much enjoyment they are giving and receiving. And that is hot. SO FUCKING hot. This book melted my eReader.
Stop everything you are reading right now and READ THIS BOOK. It is filled with amazing kink, hurt/healing/comfort, serious emotions and a connection between the characters that is nothing short of glorious. I am officially Avon Gale's bitch and will gobble up everything she writes from here on out.
It's that good folks. HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
It deserves the Lucille Bluth GIF of fangirling.
Extra special thanks to my friend JustJen for recommended this book to me. You will forever be my sister-in-kink.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
April 2, 2016
Avon Gale's stories are irreverent, dirty, fun, and unapologetically sexy. I just read and fell in love with Power Play, the third book in the Scoring Chances series, which I can't recommend enough. (Hockey players, people. Need I say more?)
Let the Wrong Light In is not about hockey players. It's about architects. And architects can be hot. Trust me on this.
Avery, whose frantic brain filters the story, is almost 32 but acts younger. He's sarcastic, defensive, and doesn't know when to shut the fuck up. He's a proud bisexual who gets turned on by displays of aggression and pops a massive boner thinking about his asshole of a boss forcing a cock down his throat.
Avery is kinky, and his kink has a mean side. This book is not BDSM; forget the structure, scenes, or safe words. Malin slaps Avery around, even draws blood a couple times; he ties Avery up, uses him, whips him with a belt.
While I don't mind rough play, the violence was too much for me. It crossed the line from kinky to uncomfortable. Avery got off on it, but I didn't.
Malin is a weird guy: withdrawn and socially awkward. He has a hard time communicating emotionally, although he does try with Avery.
As is typical of Gale's work, this book is filled with humor and banter. I didn't like Avery and Malin as much as I've liked this author's other MCs. I couldn't really relate to them, but I appreciate that she writes imperfect characters who go after what they want.
I was fascinated by this story, even if some of the play between Avery and Malin made me cringe.
Let the Wrong Light In is not about hockey players. It's about architects. And architects can be hot. Trust me on this.
Avery, whose frantic brain filters the story, is almost 32 but acts younger. He's sarcastic, defensive, and doesn't know when to shut the fuck up. He's a proud bisexual who gets turned on by displays of aggression and pops a massive boner thinking about his asshole of a boss forcing a cock down his throat.
Avery is kinky, and his kink has a mean side. This book is not BDSM; forget the structure, scenes, or safe words. Malin slaps Avery around, even draws blood a couple times; he ties Avery up, uses him, whips him with a belt.
While I don't mind rough play, the violence was too much for me. It crossed the line from kinky to uncomfortable. Avery got off on it, but I didn't.
Malin is a weird guy: withdrawn and socially awkward. He has a hard time communicating emotionally, although he does try with Avery.
As is typical of Gale's work, this book is filled with humor and banter. I didn't like Avery and Malin as much as I've liked this author's other MCs. I couldn't really relate to them, but I appreciate that she writes imperfect characters who go after what they want.
I was fascinated by this story, even if some of the play between Avery and Malin made me cringe.
October 6, 2015
Fantasizing about the boss?
Kinky kicks. This starts rough and ends smooth for Avery, a junior architect working hard to win a design bid. He's fine, until unbeknownst to him, a switch flips. Others know what's going on, but not Avery. This turns out to be a theme.
The breath play and S&M are fairly intense but without discussion, and not followed up again. It's not that sex becomes fluffy, there's bruising and biting, but the hardcore impact play is abandoned. Nonetheless, that rough and dangerous edge is lost as sanity is introduced back in by Avery's friends' who counsel him. Finally, Avery pushes back and demands more communication from Malin, to talk about what they are doing, which is pretty desperate situation. Malin is emotionally unavailable and it takes Avery a while to crack why.
At this point, the story turns from this out of control roller coaster with flashing warning bells to a more earnest exploration of Avery and Malin. There are several different discussions about bisexuality and that is the norm among the male characters in this story with underlying preference and page time given to MM interactions, but there is MF, too.
I enjoyed the story a great deal. I preferred it after the shift in focus away from wild out of control behavior to a more in-depth character development as Malin and Avery begin communicating instead of just interacting. There were a couple info dumps via conversations for backstory that for the most part worked, but were noticeable. Otherwise, it was a good read.
Overall, when office shenanigans develop into more.
PSA: Biting
Favorite quote:
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~~
Kinky kicks. This starts rough and ends smooth for Avery, a junior architect working hard to win a design bid. He's fine, until unbeknownst to him, a switch flips. Others know what's going on, but not Avery. This turns out to be a theme.
The breath play and S&M are fairly intense but without discussion, and not followed up again. It's not that sex becomes fluffy, there's bruising and biting, but the hardcore impact play is abandoned. Nonetheless, that rough and dangerous edge is lost as sanity is introduced back in by Avery's friends' who counsel him. Finally, Avery pushes back and demands more communication from Malin, to talk about what they are doing, which is pretty desperate situation. Malin is emotionally unavailable and it takes Avery a while to crack why.
At this point, the story turns from this out of control roller coaster with flashing warning bells to a more earnest exploration of Avery and Malin. There are several different discussions about bisexuality and that is the norm among the male characters in this story with underlying preference and page time given to MM interactions, but there is MF, too.
I enjoyed the story a great deal. I preferred it after the shift in focus away from wild out of control behavior to a more in-depth character development as Malin and Avery begin communicating instead of just interacting. There were a couple info dumps via conversations for backstory that for the most part worked, but were noticeable. Otherwise, it was a good read.
Overall, when office shenanigans develop into more.
PSA: Biting
Favorite quote:
He wakes up two hours later and drags his Crock-Pot out. He looks at it, discovers he has absolutely nothing to put in it—save the cat—and eats another few pieces of toast.
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~~
Read
March 7, 2018review removed
October 2, 2015
4 Stars!
I was a little hesitant to read this one. I was scared of the kink factor.
I don't care for BDSM in my books, nor did I care for this particular kink----it was very violent and angry. In fact I didn't really get it. In fact, I wish that element had been left out of the book.
Because at the crux, this was a romance. And that aspect of the book I quite enjoyed. I think the romance overshadowed the other stuff enough for me to look past the kink.
Avery was laugh out loud funny. At times even obnoxious. He literally never shut up!
Harlan was moody and cold. But I got it, once I understood his story.
How could it ever work between boss and employee? Between the bubbly bisexual Avery and the straight (GFAvery) stiff Harlan?
I struggled with their "relationship" in the beginning. But it grew on me towards the middle and near the end. Then I was left confused by the time I finished.....
This was definitely a very HFN ending. They end in a good place but there's lots of room for their relationship to grow.....or unfold.
I think I will continue with the series. I just hope the BDSM kink factor isn't kicked up.
I was a little hesitant to read this one. I was scared of the kink factor.
I don't care for BDSM in my books, nor did I care for this particular kink----it was very violent and angry. In fact I didn't really get it. In fact, I wish that element had been left out of the book.
Because at the crux, this was a romance. And that aspect of the book I quite enjoyed. I think the romance overshadowed the other stuff enough for me to look past the kink.
Avery was laugh out loud funny. At times even obnoxious. He literally never shut up!
Harlan was moody and cold. But I got it, once I understood his story.
How could it ever work between boss and employee? Between the bubbly bisexual Avery and the straight (GFAvery) stiff Harlan?
I struggled with their "relationship" in the beginning. But it grew on me towards the middle and near the end. Then I was left confused by the time I finished.....
This was definitely a very HFN ending. They end in a good place but there's lots of room for their relationship to grow.....or unfold.
I think I will continue with the series. I just hope the BDSM kink factor isn't kicked up.
October 9, 2015
Avery Hextall, a bubbly, talkative and friendly junior architect fantasizes and falls for Malin Lacroix, his cold, quiet boss who's a private person by nature. They start off with pretty intense kinky hookups but after a while their play turns less rough. Then serious emotions build up between them and they have to figure some things out if they want to be together.
While I usually enjoy reading BDSM books with different types of kinks, I didn’t particularly like choking in this one. Nor smacking. Or belting. I just didn’t feel the connection between Avery and Malin at the time they did all of these interactions and they made me feel kind of awkward. Plus, they had no idea what they were doing and they weren't safe about it at all.
However, I liked it a lot when Avery and Malin got to know each other better, they were more sane and there was romance. Also, I loved Avery's character and the secondary characters. Overall, I think it's a great read and it'd be awesome if there was a sequel.
While I usually enjoy reading BDSM books with different types of kinks, I didn’t particularly like choking in this one. Nor smacking. Or belting. I just didn’t feel the connection between Avery and Malin at the time they did all of these interactions and they made me feel kind of awkward. Plus, they had no idea what they were doing and they weren't safe about it at all.
However, I liked it a lot when Avery and Malin got to know each other better, they were more sane and there was romance. Also, I loved Avery's character and the secondary characters. Overall, I think it's a great read and it'd be awesome if there was a sequel.
September 25, 2015
Review originally posted at Sinfully... Addicted to All Male Romance.
I love it when I pick up a book by a first time author, finish it and immediately wonder when their next book will be out. This is one of those books. This book surprised the heck out of me.
Here we get the world according to Avery Hextall; a 31 year old, bisexual, junior architect who has yet to have a design approved by his project manager Malin Lacroix (who Avery tells us is boring, smug, has no personality and is a crusher of hopes and dreams). Focused on his career, Avery doesn’t have relationships. He is snarky, can be a bit impulsive and tends to run off at the mouth, but that’s all part of his charm. When his latest, greatest design is rejected, he decides to confront Lacroix in his office and barges right in. He calls his boss a prick and manages not to throw a paperweight at his head. Lacroix agrees he is talented, explains to him why the “golden boy” Brandon Thomas’ design was chosen over his and merely suggests he take a few days off rather than firing him. When the two run into each other later in Avery’s “drinking office”, things only get worse when a drunk Avery basically accuses Lacroix of receiving sexual favors from Brandon. If that’s not bad enough, something in the back of Avery’s brain hints him having a crush on Lacroix. A hint that is confirmed when he finds himself getting off to thoughts of Malin Lacroix manhandling him.
Avery finds his next project accepted, requiring him to work longer hours under the direction of Lacroix. Another impulsive move leads to angry, rough sex that pushes all of Avery’s buttons. Now there is no way Avery can ignore his lust for Lacroix, although Lacroix seems to have no different feelings towards Avery than before. Disregarding all the good advice from his friends Avery pursues Lacroix. The “relationship” starts out as occasional sex, but Avery is getting emotionally attached while Lacroix mostly remains cold. Avery loves the aggressive sex and is willing to push Lacroix to get it. Lacroix seems to love the domination but shows little other interest in Avery. Can this relationship with the seemingly cold, unfeeling Lacroix really ever go anywhere?
At about 40% into the story I was convinced the MCs were both bat crap crazy and their violent hookups would result in a trip to the emergency room. Kinky? Hell yes! Safe and sane? Not even close. They both know what they want, but not what they are doing. The scenes are intense and really had me wondering how far they would push things. Avery’s friends who are in a BDSM relationship grow concerned and try to guide him, try to make sure he’s safe, try to direct him away from the seemingly one-sided relationship with Malin, but Avery’s emotions are involved and the lust is hard to ignore. He gets angry at himself for allowing Malin to treat him like he doesn’t matter, tries to walk away but quickly realizes he can’t. Avery is miserable with him and miserable without him and something is going to have to give.
I loved Avery’s voice. His internal musings and verbal commentary were quite amusing, even if Malin didn't think so. Malin is quiet and intense and with only Avery’s point of view, it took a while to warm up to him. He was a mystery to me, and Avery, for a majority of the book, though there are a few peeks at what may be a softer side. Nothing is easy between Avery and Malin except for the sex and really, that's all there seems to be between them for quite some time, hooking up and then working together for days or weeks as if nothing ever happened. When the two finally try to work things out and set some rules it becomes clear that Malin is a real person with real feelings and a past that may be the reason for the cold, detached persona.
This could probably be classified as a miscommunication story, but it was more in the realm of two people refusing to communicate and then trying to but going about it in the wrong way. Avery talks a lot to his friends but is afraid of pushing Malin in that area until he feels he has no other option.
Avery’s friends were great secondary characters. His friend with benefits Harlan, has cut off Avery’s benefits, but still is there for advice and support. His work nemesis Brandon turns out to be hard to hate and able to offer Avery some valuable insight and Justin is a kindred spirit and a perfect addition to Avery’s life.
Avon Gale gave me an unexpected story. The writing was fresh with a good dose of humor and the story pulled me in and kept me wondering where it would go. I’ll be keeping an eye out for the next book from Avon Gale and I really hope you’ll give this one a try.
Click over to Sinfully for a character interview and chance to win a copy!
I love it when I pick up a book by a first time author, finish it and immediately wonder when their next book will be out. This is one of those books. This book surprised the heck out of me.
Here we get the world according to Avery Hextall; a 31 year old, bisexual, junior architect who has yet to have a design approved by his project manager Malin Lacroix (who Avery tells us is boring, smug, has no personality and is a crusher of hopes and dreams). Focused on his career, Avery doesn’t have relationships. He is snarky, can be a bit impulsive and tends to run off at the mouth, but that’s all part of his charm. When his latest, greatest design is rejected, he decides to confront Lacroix in his office and barges right in. He calls his boss a prick and manages not to throw a paperweight at his head. Lacroix agrees he is talented, explains to him why the “golden boy” Brandon Thomas’ design was chosen over his and merely suggests he take a few days off rather than firing him. When the two run into each other later in Avery’s “drinking office”, things only get worse when a drunk Avery basically accuses Lacroix of receiving sexual favors from Brandon. If that’s not bad enough, something in the back of Avery’s brain hints him having a crush on Lacroix. A hint that is confirmed when he finds himself getting off to thoughts of Malin Lacroix manhandling him.
Avery finds his next project accepted, requiring him to work longer hours under the direction of Lacroix. Another impulsive move leads to angry, rough sex that pushes all of Avery’s buttons. Now there is no way Avery can ignore his lust for Lacroix, although Lacroix seems to have no different feelings towards Avery than before. Disregarding all the good advice from his friends Avery pursues Lacroix. The “relationship” starts out as occasional sex, but Avery is getting emotionally attached while Lacroix mostly remains cold. Avery loves the aggressive sex and is willing to push Lacroix to get it. Lacroix seems to love the domination but shows little other interest in Avery. Can this relationship with the seemingly cold, unfeeling Lacroix really ever go anywhere?
At about 40% into the story I was convinced the MCs were both bat crap crazy and their violent hookups would result in a trip to the emergency room. Kinky? Hell yes! Safe and sane? Not even close. They both know what they want, but not what they are doing. The scenes are intense and really had me wondering how far they would push things. Avery’s friends who are in a BDSM relationship grow concerned and try to guide him, try to make sure he’s safe, try to direct him away from the seemingly one-sided relationship with Malin, but Avery’s emotions are involved and the lust is hard to ignore. He gets angry at himself for allowing Malin to treat him like he doesn’t matter, tries to walk away but quickly realizes he can’t. Avery is miserable with him and miserable without him and something is going to have to give.
I loved Avery’s voice. His internal musings and verbal commentary were quite amusing, even if Malin didn't think so. Malin is quiet and intense and with only Avery’s point of view, it took a while to warm up to him. He was a mystery to me, and Avery, for a majority of the book, though there are a few peeks at what may be a softer side. Nothing is easy between Avery and Malin except for the sex and really, that's all there seems to be between them for quite some time, hooking up and then working together for days or weeks as if nothing ever happened. When the two finally try to work things out and set some rules it becomes clear that Malin is a real person with real feelings and a past that may be the reason for the cold, detached persona.
This could probably be classified as a miscommunication story, but it was more in the realm of two people refusing to communicate and then trying to but going about it in the wrong way. Avery talks a lot to his friends but is afraid of pushing Malin in that area until he feels he has no other option.
Avery’s friends were great secondary characters. His friend with benefits Harlan, has cut off Avery’s benefits, but still is there for advice and support. His work nemesis Brandon turns out to be hard to hate and able to offer Avery some valuable insight and Justin is a kindred spirit and a perfect addition to Avery’s life.
Avon Gale gave me an unexpected story. The writing was fresh with a good dose of humor and the story pulled me in and kept me wondering where it would go. I’ll be keeping an eye out for the next book from Avon Gale and I really hope you’ll give this one a try.
Click over to Sinfully for a character interview and chance to win a copy!
May 4, 2017
***4 Stars***
I'm going to be honest here...I don't even know how to approach writing a review for this book. The potential to be unbelievably long-winded is really high....but I shall try not to do it.
Let's start with the first thing that's going to suck you in....
The writing:
Right from the first sentence you'll realize it's not really like anything you've ever read before. I don't know how to describe it. It's rambly, but not. It's conversational, but not. I can't lie, it took me a couple of pages to get used to it. But you know what? Once I did....I was hypnotized, mesmerized and a lot of other flattering "ized" words. The writing is unique, engaging and seamless. It took me precisely one chapter to completely fall in love with Avon Gale's style and become a fan.
The MC's:
AVERY:
I'm not sure what I can say about Avery. He wears his heart on his sleeve, he's a complete social butterfly, fiercely loyal, open as a book (even though all his pages are a bit confused), a great friend, a lover of life, a lover of fun and basically anything that makes him happy....all Avery wants is to enjoy life. Avery makes me smile and if I had his number, I'd give him a call so we could go out for drinks.
Avery has never understood the idea of wanting to be by yourself if you could hang out with people you like. If they're not available, then you take a nap.
Throw into the mix with this happy-go-lucky-guy the fact that he's coming to realize he's got a thing for some serious kinky fuckery and you've got an MC that is beyond difficult not to fall in love with. Watching him come into his own was an absolutely fantastic journey.
MALIN:
Oh, this man was a complete enigma. He was unbelievably difficult to get a handle on and that was a challenge in the most satisfying way. With Malin, it was the smallest things that you had to read into. A touch, a word, a look, a gesture....THAT'S where he revealed himself. I'm not going to say much more because 100% truly....one of the biggest rewards while reading this book is unwrapping the layers of this man.
The sex/kink:
Oh boy, I was outside of my comfort zone a bit in the first half of the book. I will preface this by saying that I really don't have much of a problem with the rougher side of sex. If it's between two consenting adults and I can understand their need for it, then I look at it as just an extension of their relationship. But here, neither Malin nor Avery were really sure what the hell was going on. Their initial encounters were rough and a bit violent with very few words exchanged at all. They would feed off each other's carnal desires and push the boundaries of safety.
Avery didn't understand his darker urges, but he knew he craved them. The fear that would tingle up his spine when him and Malin would be at the edge of what's considered safe gave him an orgasmic rush he's never felt before. He was addicted to the feeling. It's not until he shares some of their activities with his friends that he realizes something may be wrong with their lack of communication...serious doubts begin to creep into his passionate haze about his relationship with Malin. And so the real journey begins...
The relationship development/plot:
I absolutely do not want to give anything way. The is such a multifaceted story with lots of layers. Ever have someone recommend a movie to you, but with that recommendation came the caveat that you have to pay very close attention while watching? Don't go to the bathroom, don't make a snack, don't even blink....pay attention to what's being said and what's going on on the screen...it's all very important and pivotal to the story. Well, that's what you have here.
Every. Little. Thing. Counts. There's the details that are happening on the page, there's the nuances of the character's actions and there's what's not being said but what you should read between the lines. So many layers of storytelling that by the end, you just shake your head in awe. Fuck...even a damn crock pot serves a purpose!!!
Avery and Malin slowly evolve into precisely what the other needs to balance them. They make mistakes along the way, but ultimately discover that they must bare their souls in order to understand what it is that they truly need.
I'll give you what I think you need, which, I'm starting to learn, is seldom what you think it is.
In the second half of the book, the story ended up taking an emotional turn that I was not expecting....at least not to that level. Once Malin's history was revealed, I was expecting to feel some sadness and empathy, but not to the point that I did. I became just as invested in Malin's tale as Avery was...and with one conversation, everything clicked into place.
"People decide to forget things all the time, Avery. It just doesn't work. No matter how much you want it to."
The secondary characters:
All I'm going to say is......LOOOOOOVED! Brandon, Justin, Harlan, Avery's mom.....Yep....ALL OF THEM! Every single person served a purpose in the book. And every single person was three dimensional and well developed. No throwaway characters here.
So, all this gushing and why not 5 stars? There were a couple of places where the story dragged just a bit for me. But I think the biggest reason is because I really wish I understood Malin's side of the rougher and kinkier parts of their sex life. I finished this book and I'm still not sure where his need/desire for it came from. He'd never done it in the past, but it's clear that it soothes him and gives him peace. Also, by the end, the kink is not a regular part of their sex life, so I'm left even more confused on what triggers the need for it And, if I'm being 100% honest, I feel like this ended like a HFN and not an HEA.....which I'm not going to lie, I prefer in my books.
Next up is Harlan (which....pause for YAY!!) so I'm hoping we'll get more on how things are going with Malin and Avery in his book. Until then....I'm off to scoop up everything Avon Gale has written.
Damn it....I said I'd try not to be long-winded. My apologies.
December 31, 2015
This book has its moments. There are a few good one-liners in there, and I laughed out loud at the Mordor reference. However, there are also quite a few issues that in my opinion don't allow it to reach its full potential.
The characterisation of the two protagonists is asymmetrical, with high-energy, exuberant Avery being overblown and teetering on the edge of comic relief, and gruff, taciturn Malin being underdeveloped and inaccessible. This asymmetry could be attributed to the single POV, and it being mainly Avery's story, but the way Avery sees Malin is part of the problem. The way the two communicate (or don't communicate, for that matter) is part of the problem. For instance, their interaction needs to become more balanced, so a friend conveniently explains that to Avery and Avery internalises it. Avery needs to know he has some sort of positive effect on Malin, so he . Things need to happen, so they just happen—they don't develop—between them. In that respect, the characters come across as the author's puppets rather than autonomous beings. The thing is, though, the reader isn't supposed to notice the author pulling the strings.
The secondary characters aren't organically incorporated into the story, either. They fall from the sky to play their assigned roles: the best friend and fuck buddy, the queer colleague who happens to happily practice BDSM, and so on.
The BDSM element feels too arbitrary, not a driving element of the plot. There's an attempt to connect it to Malin's past in the last 25% of the book, but (like many other things in the story) it's glossed over, and at that point it reads mostly like a cop-out. In other words, you are told that they practice breath and impact play, but you're not shown why Avery suddenly needs it, you're not shown why it's special for Malin (you could have replaced Avery with anyone in those scenes and, other than blowing off steam, it wouldn't have made a difference as to why Malin went along with it), you're not shown why it bonds them. Also, Avery keeps repeating how hot Malin or the things that Malin does to him are, but it's just that. A word. Besides, there's hardly anyone in the book Avery doesn't find hot, so it's not easy to see why Malin is so special after all.
So unless you're willing to go down the "broken older man is fixed by having rough sex with peppy younger man" route, it doesn't make much sense. This is also supported by the standard scene where Lastly, I found the idea of making homes out of people interesting but quite superficially treated and underexplored.
On another note. Biphobia and bi-erasure are very, very real, and while I appreciate what this book tries to do with representation of bisexuality, having your protagonist identify as half-gay(/half-straight) (even if it's tongue-in-cheek) is a rather unhelpful way of approaching the subject, isn't it. Having him jerk off to boobs doesn't earn him cool points either. Sexual objectification and sexist attitude cuts both ways. Here are some examples:
Other niggles: the story is told in present tense/third person but there are various instances where it shifts to simple past, then simple present, then simple past again, which makes the narration feel somewhat wonky. Also, people keep tossing things to each other , from restaurant menus, to balls of paper, to pens, which to me read as a sign of their maturity (or lack thereof).
The characterisation of the two protagonists is asymmetrical, with high-energy, exuberant Avery being overblown and teetering on the edge of comic relief, and gruff, taciturn Malin being underdeveloped and inaccessible. This asymmetry could be attributed to the single POV, and it being mainly Avery's story, but the way Avery sees Malin is part of the problem. The way the two communicate (or don't communicate, for that matter) is part of the problem. For instance, their interaction needs to become more balanced, so a friend conveniently explains that to Avery and Avery internalises it. Avery needs to know he has some sort of positive effect on Malin, so he . Things need to happen, so they just happen—they don't develop—between them. In that respect, the characters come across as the author's puppets rather than autonomous beings. The thing is, though, the reader isn't supposed to notice the author pulling the strings.
The secondary characters aren't organically incorporated into the story, either. They fall from the sky to play their assigned roles: the best friend and fuck buddy, the queer colleague who happens to happily practice BDSM, and so on.
The BDSM element feels too arbitrary, not a driving element of the plot. There's an attempt to connect it to Malin's past in the last 25% of the book, but (like many other things in the story) it's glossed over, and at that point it reads mostly like a cop-out. In other words, you are told that they practice breath and impact play, but you're not shown why Avery suddenly needs it, you're not shown why it's special for Malin (you could have replaced Avery with anyone in those scenes and, other than blowing off steam, it wouldn't have made a difference as to why Malin went along with it), you're not shown why it bonds them. Also, Avery keeps repeating how hot Malin or the things that Malin does to him are, but it's just that. A word. Besides, there's hardly anyone in the book Avery doesn't find hot, so it's not easy to see why Malin is so special after all.
So unless you're willing to go down the "broken older man is fixed by having rough sex with peppy younger man" route, it doesn't make much sense. This is also supported by the standard scene where Lastly, I found the idea of making homes out of people interesting but quite superficially treated and underexplored.
On another note. Biphobia and bi-erasure are very, very real, and while I appreciate what this book tries to do with representation of bisexuality, having your protagonist identify as half-gay(/half-straight) (even if it's tongue-in-cheek) is a rather unhelpful way of approaching the subject, isn't it. Having him jerk off to boobs doesn't earn him cool points either. Sexual objectification and sexist attitude cuts both ways. Here are some examples:
Other niggles: the story is told in present tense/third person but there are various instances where it shifts to simple past, then simple present, then simple past again, which makes the narration feel somewhat wonky. Also, people keep tossing things to each other , from restaurant menus, to balls of paper, to pens, which to me read as a sign of their maturity (or lack thereof).
September 27, 2015
I just finished reading "Let The Wrong Light In" and I'm pretty flabbergasted that this book was apparently written by a newbie author. This seems crazy to me, since it was so damned good. I'm pretty sure my first book (if I ever published one) would not be this well done, with such an interesting cast of characters and such a clear narrative voice. I'm kind of jealous, but not really, since I got to have the pleasure of reading it.
This book focuses on the life and times of a pretty amusing dude named Avery. I say he's amusing because he's the type of guy that seems kind of flighty, the type of guy that's always talking and forever making jokes and being self deprecating and making friends wherever he goes. The type of guy that one would assume had no other thoughts in his head besides being the slightly snarky life of the party and wondering where his next beer was at. It's amusing because he thinks these things of himself, and yet his friends know him as being a highly intelligent and stand up sort of guy. The kind of guy that you enjoy being friends with because you know he always has your back.
Avery Hextall is an architect who just happens to be bi. He likes girls and guys equally but there seems to be something missing from his brief entanglements. He's alway had that thought pushed to the back of his head, until he recognizes some sort of kinship in his absolutely infuriating, always angry asshole of a boss. Or he thinks he does, because he assumes his boss is probably straight, but he's not imagining the tension there, is he?
So we get taken on the ride along with Avery and his boss, as he discovers a new, very kinky side to himself, along with the help of new friends as well as old. We get to meet and dislike and then very slowly get to like his boss, Malin Lacroix, as they navigate the very turbulent waters of stumbling into your affinity for BDSM.
As for Malin, well...Malin is very cold and unfeeling and off putting, but really that's because He does, however, have many redeeming characteristics, but you won't discover those until much later.
I'm not going to lie: this book is totally different than most books I've read in this genre. It's irreverent and raw and quirky and funny. It's got really rough BDSM done in anger and other no noes, and yet I liked it immensely. It made me frown sometimes but mostly it made me happy. But you'll see, because you should read it. Or maybe you'll hate it. It's a tough call, but I know for a fact you won't forget it.
This book focuses on the life and times of a pretty amusing dude named Avery. I say he's amusing because he's the type of guy that seems kind of flighty, the type of guy that's always talking and forever making jokes and being self deprecating and making friends wherever he goes. The type of guy that one would assume had no other thoughts in his head besides being the slightly snarky life of the party and wondering where his next beer was at. It's amusing because he thinks these things of himself, and yet his friends know him as being a highly intelligent and stand up sort of guy. The kind of guy that you enjoy being friends with because you know he always has your back.
Avery Hextall is an architect who just happens to be bi. He likes girls and guys equally but there seems to be something missing from his brief entanglements. He's alway had that thought pushed to the back of his head, until he recognizes some sort of kinship in his absolutely infuriating, always angry asshole of a boss. Or he thinks he does, because he assumes his boss is probably straight, but he's not imagining the tension there, is he?
So we get taken on the ride along with Avery and his boss, as he discovers a new, very kinky side to himself, along with the help of new friends as well as old. We get to meet and dislike and then very slowly get to like his boss, Malin Lacroix, as they navigate the very turbulent waters of stumbling into your affinity for BDSM.
As for Malin, well...Malin is very cold and unfeeling and off putting, but really that's because He does, however, have many redeeming characteristics, but you won't discover those until much later.
I'm not going to lie: this book is totally different than most books I've read in this genre. It's irreverent and raw and quirky and funny. It's got really rough BDSM done in anger and other no noes, and yet I liked it immensely. It made me frown sometimes but mostly it made me happy. But you'll see, because you should read it. Or maybe you'll hate it. It's a tough call, but I know for a fact you won't forget it.
February 7, 2017
Wooooah, this one was a DOOZY! Lots of stuff to cover here, folks.
When I give 3-stars, it's usually because I liked a book but didn't really like it. In this case, the 3-stars is because there were parts that I really liked and parts that I hated, and those balanced each other out.
I didn't know much about this book when I started, to be honest. I don't read blurbs that often or that well, and I just saw Avon Gale's name and I knew that I had to have it. I love Avon Gale's Scoring Chances series (Breakaway), and I really wanted to read more from her.
To start, I had issues with the third person, present tense format. I really don't like present tense, and it sounded awkward in audio. However, that ended up being a minor issue for me because I got more and more used to it as I went along.
I didn't know that this book contained a first time gay experience before reading, but I think that is worth noting because that is a particularly favorite theme of mine. I liked how Malin was in his 40s and discovering attraction to another man for the first time. Avon Gale did a very nice job with that aspect of the story, and it was an unexpected bonus for me.
Now, onto the kink...
The kink in this book was a real sticking point for me. The first half of the book was almost painful to read, if I'm being honest. I'm not a fan of pain play or breath play, especially without boundaries or knowledge of how that stuff works. The kinks that I'm into are humiliation, daddy kink, and discipline, so beating and blood are SO not what I'm looking for. That being said, even if you are into that stuff, I'd think you'd feel mighty uncomfortable reading some of the stuff in this story. I legit HATED Malin at the halfway point, and I was fully rooting for Avery to just ditch him.
After Avery breaks through to Malin, things get much, much better on the romance-front, but it might have been too little, too late for me. I was team Avery/Malin by the end, but I don't know if it made up for the crappy, crappy way that Malin treated Avery before that point.
In terms of character, we only get Avery's POV but I feel like I got to know him really well. I loved Avery, and I understood him fully. I also loved his open attitude towards sex and sexuality, and how honest he was. This book was totally team #bisexualpride, and I loved that about the story.
The audiobook narration was very good, overall, but I had some small issues with it. I really enjoyed Derrick McClain's voice and his reading style, and I thought that he did a wide range of voices very well. A big pet peeve of mine was his pronunciations, which killed me. Every time he said "Berk-SHY-ers" for the Berkshires, I wanted to cry. It's "Berk-sheers," man! Derrick McClain also butchered all of the French works and names (every time he said Malin... cringe).
Overall, this book left me feeling good, but I almost quit in the middle due to the fact that Malin was so terrible to Avery and I wasn't feeling a lick of romance. Avon Gale made a recovery, but it was a close call.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
March 29, 2016
*2.5 stars*
Ah....I'm really THE minority here.
First of all, this was impressive for a debut author. I wouldn't have guessed this is her first novel.
Avery's character is funny as hell. He is all over the place, his inner musings and the banter with his friends are hilarious. But man...it got too much at some point. I just wanted him to shut up, just for a little bit, so I can see what happens next.
And the BDSM...it made me a little uncomfortable tbh. There was some heavy breath play here (to the point Avery sported bruises around his neck afterwards). Also, Malin belted Avery while he was really angry and really hurt him. All this without safewords or even a discussion beforehand. Now, I have enjoyed similar stories in the past, but what made this different is that the MCs were newbies, they really had no clue what the hell they were doing.
On the plus side, they eventually understood what they were doing was risky and came to their senses. But I never really understood the nature of their BDSM relationship.
There are some pretty great reviews out there and it is clear there is real talent here. Take a look, like I said I'm the minority.
Ah....I'm really THE minority here.
First of all, this was impressive for a debut author. I wouldn't have guessed this is her first novel.
Avery's character is funny as hell. He is all over the place, his inner musings and the banter with his friends are hilarious. But man...it got too much at some point. I just wanted him to shut up, just for a little bit, so I can see what happens next.
And the BDSM...it made me a little uncomfortable tbh. There was some heavy breath play here (to the point Avery sported bruises around his neck afterwards). Also, Malin belted Avery while he was really angry and really hurt him. All this without safewords or even a discussion beforehand. Now, I have enjoyed similar stories in the past, but what made this different is that the MCs were newbies, they really had no clue what the hell they were doing.
On the plus side, they eventually understood what they were doing was risky and came to their senses. But I never really understood the nature of their BDSM relationship.
There are some pretty great reviews out there and it is clear there is real talent here. Take a look, like I said I'm the minority.
October 3, 2016
3 stars for this story
It was very hard for me to rate this book. Mostly because it was definitely not my cup of tea.
I had too high expectations when I started it, but I struggled a lot while reading it.
I have to admit, the last chapters were unexpectedly nice, but it was such a painful ride until I got to where I wanted the characters to be.
I start to think the author's writing style is not working for me.
We get this story only from Avery's POV - he's a junior architect who at first despises his boss, but ends falling in love with him.
Malin Lacroix is such a silent and cold man. He has his reason, I admit it, but until we discover his past (which happens almost at the end of the book, in the last chapters) I already hated the man and it was impossible to warm up to him.
He treated Avery with such detachment and roughness and well, even if Avery himself asked to be dominated, at one point I wanted to scream when he went too far.
I was disappointed with Avery's choices and it made me sad seeing how he though of himself and the way he acted about Malin's rude attitude.
The last chapters were sweet, but not as sweet as I would have liked.
It was very hard for me to rate this book. Mostly because it was definitely not my cup of tea.
I had too high expectations when I started it, but I struggled a lot while reading it.
I have to admit, the last chapters were unexpectedly nice, but it was such a painful ride until I got to where I wanted the characters to be.
I start to think the author's writing style is not working for me.
We get this story only from Avery's POV - he's a junior architect who at first despises his boss, but ends falling in love with him.
Malin Lacroix is such a silent and cold man. He has his reason, I admit it, but until we discover his past (which happens almost at the end of the book, in the last chapters) I already hated the man and it was impossible to warm up to him.
He treated Avery with such detachment and roughness and well, even if Avery himself asked to be dominated, at one point I wanted to scream when he went too far.
I was disappointed with Avery's choices and it made me sad seeing how he though of himself and the way he acted about Malin's rude attitude.
The last chapters were sweet, but not as sweet as I would have liked.
February 4, 2016
DNF at 46%. I like the author's writing style but while Breakaway worked for me, this one did not. I found the relationship between Avery and Malin hard to enjoy - let's just say the style of the kink was not to my taste! Sorry but I'm not in the mood - and don't have the time - to finish reading something I'm not enjoying. I note that lots of my GR friends did really like this, so it's likely a me thing.
One minor thing that I didn't like here (and also didn't enjoy in Breakaway) was that there seemed to be too much talk about women, their body parts and about threesomes. Maybe it's just me, but in most m/m romances with gay MCs I usually don't see any talk about the MCs thoughts about the physical attributes of other men. However, in so many romances with bisexual MCs (or at least the ones I've read recently) they always seem to be shown either having sex with a woman at some point or thinking about breasts or just thinking about how hot some girl is. I feel like authors do this just to show that this guy really is bisexual. See? He's attracted to women too. BUT whether the guy is gay or bisexual I don't want to see them being attracted to other people. And with gay MCs I usually don't seem to. I want my MCs to be attracted each other and that's it! Okay, end of rant. Oh and yes I realize this could just be a me thing too.
One minor thing that I didn't like here (and also didn't enjoy in Breakaway) was that there seemed to be too much talk about women, their body parts and about threesomes. Maybe it's just me, but in most m/m romances with gay MCs I usually don't see any talk about the MCs thoughts about the physical attributes of other men. However, in so many romances with bisexual MCs (or at least the ones I've read recently) they always seem to be shown either having sex with a woman at some point or thinking about breasts or just thinking about how hot some girl is. I feel like authors do this just to show that this guy really is bisexual. See? He's attracted to women too. BUT whether the guy is gay or bisexual I don't want to see them being attracted to other people. And with gay MCs I usually don't seem to. I want my MCs to be attracted each other and that's it! Okay, end of rant. Oh and yes I realize this could just be a me thing too.
January 2, 2016
So I finally managed to finish it. I don't know, I struggled with the third quarter quite a bit.
I'm not going to lie...I pictured this like a Steter fanfic a lot in order to get through much of it.
I loved Avery, his humor and personality...but Malin. *sighs* I didn't like Malin until the end, and I don't like disliking a character for that long in a romance.
Bottom line: For a debut novel I was impressed. It had good moments, and some great characters, but probably won't be a reread for me.
I'm not going to lie...I pictured this like a Steter fanfic a lot in order to get through much of it.
I loved Avery, his humor and personality...but Malin. *sighs* I didn't like Malin until the end, and I don't like disliking a character for that long in a romance.
Bottom line: For a debut novel I was impressed. It had good moments, and some great characters, but probably won't be a reread for me.
April 2, 2016
I don't normally read anything with BDSM in it, I will automatically skip it, it's just not one of my reading jams, but this book did sound good so I decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did, it ended up being really good. I think the reason it was so good, Avery. I loved his personality. The BDSM part, they did not know what they were doing in the beginning, so yeah I winced a few times,It really wasn't that bad though at least to me ;-) . It's not all the book is about ,it's actually about Avery and Malin's relationship. It was hard to warm up to Malin at first(he really does have his reasons) but stick with him, he gets better for Malin , lol. I also enjoyed Avery's friends. BDSM is not going to automatically become my reading jam but I will be open to read a book that has BDSM in it, if it sounds good to me ;-)
dnf
March 3, 2016DNF at 51%
Nope. Sorry. Not going to continue. It didn't work for me in the most fundamental level (of how I usually enjoy my reading).
The characters felt two-dimensional and flat. It could work if I like Avery, considering that he's the only narrator here, but unfortunately I found him boring after a while. He started good and rather funny, but then the sex happened, and it was rather weird in pacing and not at all hot, and my attention just blew to smithereens. I tried reading further more, but it didn't get better IMHO.
Some people I knew said how this story reminded them of Sterek fanfic somewhat. I will confess that while I read few and liked them, in overall, Sterek is not my thing. I just don't feel the appeal that much *shrugs*.
At least this is NOT my first experience with Gale, and I liked the rest I read. I'm going to chalk this up as first book mishap and that she got better with the next ones.
Nope. Sorry. Not going to continue. It didn't work for me in the most fundamental level (of how I usually enjoy my reading).
The characters felt two-dimensional and flat. It could work if I like Avery, considering that he's the only narrator here, but unfortunately I found him boring after a while. He started good and rather funny, but then the sex happened, and it was rather weird in pacing and not at all hot, and my attention just blew to smithereens. I tried reading further more, but it didn't get better IMHO.
Some people I knew said how this story reminded them of Sterek fanfic somewhat. I will confess that while I read few and liked them, in overall, Sterek is not my thing. I just don't feel the appeal that much *shrugs*.
At least this is NOT my first experience with Gale, and I liked the rest I read. I'm going to chalk this up as first book mishap and that she got better with the next ones.
September 5, 2017
Re-read because I needed something to make me laugh and an MC that stood up for himself.
It is no secret that my FAVOURITE MCs are those clever, bumbling, 'idiotic', oblivious types, and Avery is all that as well as smart and LOYAL, funny and strong.
I love that Avery fights for Malin, even though there are clearly a LOT of issues, they haven't really worked out or talked through.
Yes, there are a few scenes making me a wee bit uncomfortable, but Avery do stand up for himself, and he is in no way a doormat.
Also KUDOS for the fantastic friends in this one. I do wish that Malin's family were told to go fuck themselves, but it was a minor thing...
And Avery's all-over crazy, rambling persona made me laugh all the way through.
It is no secret that my FAVOURITE MCs are those clever, bumbling, 'idiotic', oblivious types, and Avery is all that as well as smart and LOYAL, funny and strong.
I love that Avery fights for Malin, even though there are clearly a LOT of issues, they haven't really worked out or talked through.
Yes, there are a few scenes making me a wee bit uncomfortable, but Avery do stand up for himself, and he is in no way a doormat.
Also KUDOS for the fantastic friends in this one. I do wish that Malin's family were told to go fuck themselves, but it was a minor thing...
And Avery's all-over crazy, rambling persona made me laugh all the way through.
September 16, 2017
This was a little slow for me at the start. I felt like I was missing something and couldn't quite form the right connection with the characters. I thought Avery was adorable- almost like an annoying puppy and his fascination with Malin was certainly persistent! Malin was a unique character who we really don't get to know until the final 20% which is really a shame because I seriously wanted time with these two as they developed their blossoming kinky relationship. To me there was a huge lengthy build and then a way too short resolution. The supporting characters / friends were awesome and I loved them for their ability to brighten up the storyline during some angst years times. Did I love it ? No, did I enjoy it ? Yes 😊
September 25, 2015
4.5 star review by The Blogger Girls.
Want a book that’s a little hardcore, yet funny and really sexy at the same time? This one definitely fits the bill.
Avery is a junior architect who just can’t seem to get any of his plans accepted by the project manager. He’s a funny guy with a great snarky sense of humor who hasn’t had time for relationships, dedicating his life to his career. He gets by with hookups and enjoys sex benefits with his best friend, Harlan. His boss, Malin, the evil project manager who doesn’t seem to care much for Avery at all, is quite a mystery, and remains so through much of this story. His treatment of Avery really hits some buttons, and Avery just can’t seem to resist wanting what he can’t or shouldn’t have.
Avery pushes, and Malin responds, which pushes Avery even more. It’s hard to describe what these two have going on. It’s rather explosive. Malin’s never been with a man before, let alone one coming on as strong as Avery, especially one who asks for the things Avery wants. But he gives it all and then some. Neither has any experience with the activities they are choosing, so both are kind of winging it. It’s a bit troubling in that neither is really aware where the lines are. Avery allows things to happen because he doesn’t want things to end, and Malin gives the impression he will walk away at any moment. He is not happy with Malin, nor is he happy without him. It’s a bad situation and one Avery’s friends are quite concerned about as well. They try to guide Avery and make him realize he is not in any type of healthy relationship, but Avery is pretty stubborn.
Malin comes across as quite a jerk, but there are reasons for his behavior, and thankfully, we get to learn a bit more about his background once Avery finally does stand up for himself. When these two finally allow things to become more than the initial crazy hookups, they are really hot stuff.
There are some great side characters here as well. Harlan, Avery’s bff w/benefits, cuts Avery off once he realizes Avery has his sights set on Malin, but he never falters in his support and offers advice and a shoulder whenever needed. Then, there is his co-worker, Brandon, whom he initially dislikes but who ends up becoming quite a good friend, along with his bf, Justin.
This story grabbed me from the get go, and even though I wasn’t sure where it was going or how it was going to possibly work, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I was on the edge of my seat to see what would happen next. Then, once we did know, I didn’t want it to end. I really liked what these guys ended up having together and seeing their journey. It was a really interesting change from the typical BDSM type relationships, even if it wasn’t always in a positive direction. I really hope we get to see more of these guys at some point and definitely can’t wait to see what Ms. Gale comes up with next.
October 10, 2015
I probably liked this book for all exact opposite reasons that everyone else liked it. First off, while Avery was “cute” and had a very Stiles like feel to him, I was team Malin all the way. Shocking, I know, that the 45 year old cold control freak of a man would make my heat rise (shakes head)….sue me, everyone has a type. Bossy, closed off & disappointed by life, controlling….let’s stop, seriously, you had me at 45…
That was what I thought the book did the best with. Malin’s character is a mystery during most of the book. We know very little about him as does Avery. It’s intriguing and frustrating. Ultimately as the book goes on you start to see some flaws in how Avery pursues his relationship that make him just as much at fault with regard to his lack of knowledge. I thought it believable due to the dynamics of their relationship. When I was young I treaded lightly with older lovers, never asking too much, always worried about being a too much, not wanting to drive them away. Looking back I’m sure I came off uninterested. I felt Malin figured this out about Avery and they worked through it. It took Avery awhile to realize he needed to establish himself as an equal participant, as much in control even when giving control.
The “BDSM” element. The uncontrolled element of it bothered a lot of people. I personally thought FINALLY. I don’t know a lot (read really anything) about BDSM or that life style. My issue with the romanticization of BDSM in the books currently being released is that at least one of the participants is well familiarized with that life style and a pro. No one is dabbling, no real mistakes are made, no one is hurt. As someone who finds an unexpected loss of breath due to a hand around the neck during sexy times to be better than receiving a Porsche for Christmas learning that about myself definitely didn’t come about in the safest of manners (please note I would adore a little squeeze in a 2016 Macan this Christmas….thrown in just in case Hubs reads).
I liked that the two were playing a risky game and people were afraid for them. I liked that they were afraid of themselves. They made mistakes, doing things in anger that changed the dynamic of their play. I’ve been Avery, giving someone something more than I should/could truly provide, because I thought it was what they needed, and I can tell you from experience sometimes when people are angry they WILL really hurt you. Even if it’s just accidentally.
I thought the sex was nice if not the most detailed, the relationship evolved in a way I found believable and well paced, the ending while more HFN was enough for me (not over the top but those three word had been spoken). I found the side characters interesting enough that I’d read books about them all. My only reason for removing the 1 star was the whole ex-wife brother dynamic I didn’t think added enough to the story to have it present.
That was what I thought the book did the best with. Malin’s character is a mystery during most of the book. We know very little about him as does Avery. It’s intriguing and frustrating. Ultimately as the book goes on you start to see some flaws in how Avery pursues his relationship that make him just as much at fault with regard to his lack of knowledge. I thought it believable due to the dynamics of their relationship. When I was young I treaded lightly with older lovers, never asking too much, always worried about being a too much, not wanting to drive them away. Looking back I’m sure I came off uninterested. I felt Malin figured this out about Avery and they worked through it. It took Avery awhile to realize he needed to establish himself as an equal participant, as much in control even when giving control.
The “BDSM” element. The uncontrolled element of it bothered a lot of people. I personally thought FINALLY. I don’t know a lot (read really anything) about BDSM or that life style. My issue with the romanticization of BDSM in the books currently being released is that at least one of the participants is well familiarized with that life style and a pro. No one is dabbling, no real mistakes are made, no one is hurt. As someone who finds an unexpected loss of breath due to a hand around the neck during sexy times to be better than receiving a Porsche for Christmas learning that about myself definitely didn’t come about in the safest of manners (please note I would adore a little squeeze in a 2016 Macan this Christmas….thrown in just in case Hubs reads).
I liked that the two were playing a risky game and people were afraid for them. I liked that they were afraid of themselves. They made mistakes, doing things in anger that changed the dynamic of their play. I’ve been Avery, giving someone something more than I should/could truly provide, because I thought it was what they needed, and I can tell you from experience sometimes when people are angry they WILL really hurt you. Even if it’s just accidentally.
I thought the sex was nice if not the most detailed, the relationship evolved in a way I found believable and well paced, the ending while more HFN was enough for me (not over the top but those three word had been spoken). I found the side characters interesting enough that I’d read books about them all. My only reason for removing the 1 star was the whole ex-wife brother dynamic I didn’t think added enough to the story to have it present.
June 11, 2018
Absolutely amazing, definitely one of the best books I've read this year. My only complaint was that it ended! I would have happily continued to read about Avery and Malin for the next fifteen years. Hopefully there will be a sequel or three.
The characters are great, the pacing is perfect, it is a really interesting story, but the best thing about this book is how cleverly the author puts the words together. I also love how the story unfolds, which is really well done.
Laugh out loud funny with a few sweet *ahh* moments and some damn sexy shit thrown in as well. Fantastic read and I cant wait to read more from Avon Gale.
The characters are great, the pacing is perfect, it is a really interesting story, but the best thing about this book is how cleverly the author puts the words together. I also love how the story unfolds, which is really well done.
Laugh out loud funny with a few sweet *ahh* moments and some damn sexy shit thrown in as well. Fantastic read and I cant wait to read more from Avon Gale.
October 29, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It was surprisingly funny, had some very indepth characters and oh so hot and kinky sex! Pain sluts are becoming a fast favourite of mine and I've read a few books centred around that now, however this one stood out because it (pain and domination) was new to both men and of course the humour!
It was a little annoying but some of the sex scenes were glossed over and I would have really, like REALLY loved to have read them, but It didn't take anything away from the story, I'm just a perv :-P.
I even got a little teary hearing Malin's story and I don't often cry in books, especially in books that make me laugh as well.
It was a little annoying but some of the sex scenes were glossed over and I would have really, like REALLY loved to have read them, but It didn't take anything away from the story, I'm just a perv :-P.
I even got a little teary hearing Malin's story and I don't often cry in books, especially in books that make me laugh as well.
July 1, 2021
Welp! I didn’t remember reading this book at all. Granted it was 2015 and there have been hundreds of books since then. Regardless I liked then per my previous rating, and I liked it again this time.
Avery is hilarious and interesting, and Malin is opaque (at least until 3/4 of the way through). It’s hard to know why Avery is interested in Malin when even Avery doesn’t know. You’ll ask yourself why you should give Malin a chance, but the revelation of Malin’s past will make you glad Avery gave him a chance.
Malin is Avery’s boss and that they ignore while they tell themselves that they’re just sexing it up. But when they decide they’re in a relationship, they sensibly think this could problems but we’ll figure out the right way to handle it. Refreshingly logical and low key.
This isn’t your typical m/m romance, and for that I appreciate the story a lot. In the middle I wasn’t sure that they would make it to become a couple which made me more curious for how the story would end. Curious isn't a feeling I often have when reading m/m romance.
Avery is hilarious and interesting, and Malin is opaque (at least until 3/4 of the way through). It’s hard to know why Avery is interested in Malin when even Avery doesn’t know. You’ll ask yourself why you should give Malin a chance, but the revelation of Malin’s past will make you glad Avery gave him a chance.
Malin is Avery’s boss and that they ignore while they tell themselves that they’re just sexing it up. But when they decide they’re in a relationship, they sensibly think this could problems but we’ll figure out the right way to handle it. Refreshingly logical and low key.
This isn’t your typical m/m romance, and for that I appreciate the story a lot. In the middle I wasn’t sure that they would make it to become a couple which made me more curious for how the story would end. Curious isn't a feeling I often have when reading m/m romance.
September 9, 2022
I'm torn between 4 and 5 stars, but [originally: see post-audiobook ETA at the end] rounded up to 5 because I so appreciated what a mess Malin is -- if there were a dictionary entry for "dangerous dom," he would be it. Unnegotiated breathplay with a belt, check. Beating with a belt while angry, check. Malin's not evil; he's inexperienced in BDSM and he's an emotional wreck -- not that that's an *excuse,* but it is the kind of circumstance in which basically decent people screw up bigtime. So Malin's character makes a nice change from the flat black/white morality you usually see in romance novels.
The argument for 4 stars is that it's not immediately apparent what Avery sees in Malin, since Malin does pretty much come across as a [bad word redacted] at first. So there's that thing of the characters being hot for each other by authorial fiat. I stuck with the book because I was enjoying the heck out of obnoxious-but-endearing Avery and also becoming more and more curious about what the [bad word redacted] was up with Malin anyway.
Subtweet: I wish people would cut it out with the ragging on books because the characters' kinks are not their kinks or because someone in the book is behaving badly. File under Things That Have Jack to Do with Whether the Book Is Any Good ...
ETA: On listening to the audiobook, I'm taking my rating down to 4 stars. Somehow listening to the story made it much more apparent to me that Gale didn't research the NYC setting at all. There's no organic sense of place and -- most jarringly -- everyone drives everywhere. It's true that parts of NYC are poorly served by mass transit, and people who live there are likely to have cars; but those are not the parts of NYC where an architectural firm would have its offices, nor are they the parts of NYC where well-off architects are likely to live. Avery might well not make enough money to live in Manhattan, but few members of the aspiring professional classes live in, IDK, Marine Park or the farther reaches of Staten Island. At the time when this novel was published someone in his position, especially if, like Avery, they were white, would probably have been living in Park Slope, or maybe Williamsburg or Cobble Hill. As for Malin, he lives in a high-rise, so almost certainly Manhattan; he might well have enough dosh to keep his Jaguar in indoor parking, but Avery would be taking the train* to and from work and to and from Malin's apartment.
I would love to see more romance novels set in NYC, but for the love of God this is a city, not just a very very very large suburb.
Side note about the audiobook quality: If a principal character has French as his native language then the narrator should be able to pronounce French. The opening "s" in “sûr,” as in “bien sûr,” is just an "s," not an "sh" as in English "sure." Please. This is not hard; the interwebs are chock full of sites where you can hear recordings of native speakers using common words and phrases. The narrator doesn't actually have to be francophone, just be able to mimic someone who is.
*Yes, we often-to-usually call the subway the "train." Because it is one.
The argument for 4 stars is that it's not immediately apparent what Avery sees in Malin, since Malin does pretty much come across as a [bad word redacted] at first. So there's that thing of the characters being hot for each other by authorial fiat. I stuck with the book because I was enjoying the heck out of obnoxious-but-endearing Avery and also becoming more and more curious about what the [bad word redacted] was up with Malin anyway.
Subtweet: I wish people would cut it out with the ragging on books because the characters' kinks are not their kinks or because someone in the book is behaving badly. File under Things That Have Jack to Do with Whether the Book Is Any Good ...
ETA: On listening to the audiobook, I'm taking my rating down to 4 stars. Somehow listening to the story made it much more apparent to me that Gale didn't research the NYC setting at all. There's no organic sense of place and -- most jarringly -- everyone drives everywhere. It's true that parts of NYC are poorly served by mass transit, and people who live there are likely to have cars; but those are not the parts of NYC where an architectural firm would have its offices, nor are they the parts of NYC where well-off architects are likely to live. Avery might well not make enough money to live in Manhattan, but few members of the aspiring professional classes live in, IDK, Marine Park or the farther reaches of Staten Island. At the time when this novel was published someone in his position, especially if, like Avery, they were white, would probably have been living in Park Slope, or maybe Williamsburg or Cobble Hill. As for Malin, he lives in a high-rise, so almost certainly Manhattan; he might well have enough dosh to keep his Jaguar in indoor parking, but Avery would be taking the train* to and from work and to and from Malin's apartment.
I would love to see more romance novels set in NYC, but for the love of God this is a city, not just a very very very large suburb.
Side note about the audiobook quality: If a principal character has French as his native language then the narrator should be able to pronounce French. The opening "s" in “sûr,” as in “bien sûr,” is just an "s," not an "sh" as in English "sure." Please. This is not hard; the interwebs are chock full of sites where you can hear recordings of native speakers using common words and phrases. The narrator doesn't actually have to be francophone, just be able to mimic someone who is.
*Yes, we often-to-usually call the subway the "train." Because it is one.
September 11, 2020
Re-listen, Sept 2020 - yep definitely helps listening to this audiobook without it being after htbanp. This was amazing!!!! Absolute superb narration!!
Audiobook review
4 hearts
This was my second time ‘reading’ this story, first time listening to it. I gave this story 5 stars when I read it the first time and I stick by that rating for the most part, the narration gets 4 hearts from me.
I won't go into detail with the storyline but basically, Avery works for Malin in an architecture firm and one day by pure happenstance, they get their kink on. Malin is a cold, hard character to get to know and like, but his story will bring you to tears when you eventually get to hear it. Avery is one of those overly exaggerated funny characters, loud and outgoing with no filter, so if you don’t like those, you may not like this. This story is more about the instability of Malin and Avery’s relationship and how that evolves into something real. The sex is super hot, especially if you like pain sluts and rough play.
I’ve listened to Derrick McClain before, not that long ago when I reviewed the audiobook for How to Be a Normal Person. I adored the narration in that book and McClain received 5 hearts from me. However having heard him so recently narrate a character as iconic at Gus from HTBANP diminished the experience of this book for me. All I could hear when I listened to Avery was Gus.
McClain has quite a distinct way of speaking and it's obviously hard to change that completely. There was nothing I could fault with McClain’s narration. He still accentuated everything beautifully, he made the funny moments funny, the hot moments hot and the emotional moments heart clenching. It was just unlucky that I heard his narration elsewhere so recently, it made it impossible to really hear Avery within the story.
The narration was well done, but when I read this again, which I inevitably will, it'll be reading not listening. Definitely recommend this though!
Audiobook review
4 hearts
This was my second time ‘reading’ this story, first time listening to it. I gave this story 5 stars when I read it the first time and I stick by that rating for the most part, the narration gets 4 hearts from me.
I won't go into detail with the storyline but basically, Avery works for Malin in an architecture firm and one day by pure happenstance, they get their kink on. Malin is a cold, hard character to get to know and like, but his story will bring you to tears when you eventually get to hear it. Avery is one of those overly exaggerated funny characters, loud and outgoing with no filter, so if you don’t like those, you may not like this. This story is more about the instability of Malin and Avery’s relationship and how that evolves into something real. The sex is super hot, especially if you like pain sluts and rough play.
I’ve listened to Derrick McClain before, not that long ago when I reviewed the audiobook for How to Be a Normal Person. I adored the narration in that book and McClain received 5 hearts from me. However having heard him so recently narrate a character as iconic at Gus from HTBANP diminished the experience of this book for me. All I could hear when I listened to Avery was Gus.
McClain has quite a distinct way of speaking and it's obviously hard to change that completely. There was nothing I could fault with McClain’s narration. He still accentuated everything beautifully, he made the funny moments funny, the hot moments hot and the emotional moments heart clenching. It was just unlucky that I heard his narration elsewhere so recently, it made it impossible to really hear Avery within the story.
The narration was well done, but when I read this again, which I inevitably will, it'll be reading not listening. Definitely recommend this though!
January 3, 2016
Rather than repeat what others have said so much more eloquently (Wesley's review of this book is perfect -- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..., as is Gina's - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)....
This book is simply amazing. When beginning the book, it was like giving my hand to the author, Avon Gale, and agreeing to go along on an uncertain, unfamiliar path. At more than a few points, I wanted to grab my hand back ..... I didn't want to go there. But finally, you enter into the light and your whole understanding is changed.
I was struck throughout by the concept of light, the wrong light, the right light ..... without light, there is no architecture. "Light, God's eldest daughter, is a principal beauty in a building." (Thomas Fuller) Malin's past is revealed, and it's as if the light fully shines, showing Avery who he truly is, beyond the darkest of past misconceptions. Read this book.
This book is simply amazing. When beginning the book, it was like giving my hand to the author, Avon Gale, and agreeing to go along on an uncertain, unfamiliar path. At more than a few points, I wanted to grab my hand back ..... I didn't want to go there. But finally, you enter into the light and your whole understanding is changed.
I was struck throughout by the concept of light, the wrong light, the right light ..... without light, there is no architecture. "Light, God's eldest daughter, is a principal beauty in a building." (Thomas Fuller) Malin's past is revealed, and it's as if the light fully shines, showing Avery who he truly is, beyond the darkest of past misconceptions. Read this book.
April 21, 2018
Funny as hell, disturbingly so.
The first part of this book had me laughing my butt off. Avery, 31 year old architect, is a man with no filter. He’s hilarious. I loved him! Malin, his older project manager is cold, reserved, and rather unlikeable.
Avery hates him. Avery wants to get on his knees for him. This conundrum has him at a total loss. How can you want someone you hate? Not only that, Avery fantasizes about Malin slapping his face, hurting him. This is a total new thing for him. Like I said, he’s at a total loss.
So what does he do? He pushes his boss and pisses him off until Malin hurts him. Not in a consensual BDSM way, but in a disturbing and very real way. They both get off on this, but neither have any control over the situation and it’s a little disconcerting for the both of them.
Malin keeps his reserved persona and Avery falls in love with him. I don’t understand how he can fall in love with a man he doesn’t know since Malin shares nothing of himself with him.
Somehow or other, Malin stops being a dip wad and becomes more of a human being. Move forward....they confess their love for each other and set up some rules and boundaries for their play, which really isn’t playing.
Malin redeemed himself as a character in the end, but it took a hell of a long time. Avon Gale almost lost me there. Thank god for Avery, he kept things going for me even if he was an idiot about the way he went about getting bloodied up and hurt.
This was funny Gale, but also quite dark for her. Overall, I enjoyed it, but it sure was a rollercoaster ride!
The first part of this book had me laughing my butt off. Avery, 31 year old architect, is a man with no filter. He’s hilarious. I loved him! Malin, his older project manager is cold, reserved, and rather unlikeable.
Avery hates him. Avery wants to get on his knees for him. This conundrum has him at a total loss. How can you want someone you hate? Not only that, Avery fantasizes about Malin slapping his face, hurting him. This is a total new thing for him. Like I said, he’s at a total loss.
So what does he do? He pushes his boss and pisses him off until Malin hurts him. Not in a consensual BDSM way, but in a disturbing and very real way. They both get off on this, but neither have any control over the situation and it’s a little disconcerting for the both of them.
Malin keeps his reserved persona and Avery falls in love with him. I don’t understand how he can fall in love with a man he doesn’t know since Malin shares nothing of himself with him.
Somehow or other, Malin stops being a dip wad and becomes more of a human being. Move forward....they confess their love for each other and set up some rules and boundaries for their play, which really isn’t playing.
Malin redeemed himself as a character in the end, but it took a hell of a long time. Avon Gale almost lost me there. Thank god for Avery, he kept things going for me even if he was an idiot about the way he went about getting bloodied up and hurt.
This was funny Gale, but also quite dark for her. Overall, I enjoyed it, but it sure was a rollercoaster ride!
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