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Tattered Social Club #1
Savior
With a violent past, Niko Malikov knows revealing any weakness could be a death sentence. Growing up on the rough city streets was a lesson steeped in violence. He has always been the go-to guy and, now, his successful career at The Tattered Social Club as one of their premier artists has proven anything is possible. Anything but revealing his secret. A secret that would destroy the man he’s become. That unshakeable strength is wounded when a young man walks into the shop wearing a pair of skinny jeans.
Ethan Cohen sold his soul for a bed. With the scars of his past still visible, he’s ready to move on. Nervous and determined, he enters the Tattered Social Club to get a tattoo from the hottest artist in the state. All he wants is a phoenix tattoo, but the gruff bulky guy sitting in the studio has no plan of letting that happen. Ethan knows from the moment they steal that first kiss, the man with the painted skin isn’t ready. Maybe he isn’t either. Against everything his broken heart is whispering he wants. God, he wants to be wrapped in those strong arms, but he’s fighting for freedom with a man unwilling to be free.
So different. Falling into each other’s shadows. The undeniable need. The savior.
Ethan Cohen sold his soul for a bed. With the scars of his past still visible, he’s ready to move on. Nervous and determined, he enters the Tattered Social Club to get a tattoo from the hottest artist in the state. All he wants is a phoenix tattoo, but the gruff bulky guy sitting in the studio has no plan of letting that happen. Ethan knows from the moment they steal that first kiss, the man with the painted skin isn’t ready. Maybe he isn’t either. Against everything his broken heart is whispering he wants. God, he wants to be wrapped in those strong arms, but he’s fighting for freedom with a man unwilling to be free.
So different. Falling into each other’s shadows. The undeniable need. The savior.
ebook
First published March 13, 2016
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155 people want to read
About the author
Pauline Allan
10 books154 followersPauline shares stories that she holds close to her heart. By day Pauline is a special care baby registered nurse and by night a hopeless romantic. She loves to travel to New Orleans twice a year to recharge her creative battery and enjoy a bag full of powdered sugar covered beignets. Sit down, relax and Laissez les bons temps rouler!
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March 18, 2016I won't rate because I only got to 20%, but that was 20% too much. This was pure fuckery.
We start with Ethan. Ethan is described as a twink-like nineteen year old, who wears bright blue skinny jeans and a pink shirt over his slender body. He got kicked out by his parents when they found him screwing a guy on his couch. He "sold his soul" by getting paid to be a pain slut to a married, older asshole so he could finish college because his parents "only pay tuition" now.
Ummmm???? Am I supposed to think he's in a horrible situation like other potentially or actually homeless people? It doesn't QUITE hold the same amount of angst.
And then we find out that the douchebag sugar daddy also physically abuses him on a regular basis, and Ethan is covered in bruises under his clothes, both from pain sessions from sex AND from Douchebag knocking him around.
Then we meet Niko, the other MC, a tattoo artist. Ethan walks into the establishment to get his first tattoo (the one knocking on homeless doorsteps and forced to endure physical abuse for money is paying for a tattoo). An accomplishment because he will have enough money to move out on his own in 2 months. Niko won't let Ethan choose his own tattoo though. He shuts Ethan down every time he tries to tell Niko what he wants and where he wants it. And Ethan just lets him. Show of hands from anyone who would let a stranger pick out their first tattoo and its location while you pay for it with money and permanency? Yeeeeeaaaaaahhhhh, didn't think so.
Niko works and lives in a "rough" neighborhood. He gets shoulder-checked while walking home. He turns around, places his hand on his brass knuckles in his pocket and says, "You got a problem? I'm sure we can work it out, say, down that alley?" Who the fuck does that? An idiot. After he punches out the two guys (one of whom DID have a knife), he then does the next brilliant thing......he tells them his first and last name as he gloats. Yes, Niko, please tell the violent men who you are so they can come back with 10 of their friends.....or a gun next time.
Back to Ethan. His college friend drives him home from class sometimes. Friend hits on Ethan:
Ethan politely declines, and friend tries to force him into a kiss. When Ethan balks, friend calls him a tease for taking rides from him without putting out. So Ethan politely explains that he thought it was just a friend offering him a ride, and friend backtracks? Says he thought he'd give it a try and hopes it doesn't fuck up their friendship.
Who are these people?
Ethan walks into Sugar Daddy's house, who's mad because Ethan is home late after studying. He hits Ethan twice, so Ethan tells him indignantly
Wait....what? A couple weeks? What the fuck did I miss? Sugar Daddy kicks him out immediately after that, and Ethan is horrified by what he's (Ethan) done. He needs a place to stay for a few more weeks!!
Back to Niko. Niko is closeted. Not sure why just yet. It's only 20% after all, but since we're getting all this other LOGICAL information, I'm sure I'll find out soon. One of his fellow tattoo artists, who's gay and out by the way, comes to get Niko and asks him to fuck the woman client on his table. He can't because he's gay, her husband got fucked by said tattoo artist friend, and now the wife wants it too. So Niko goes in and "takes one for the team."
I closed it down at 20% on this gem of a thought by Niko:
Aaaaaaand I'm out!
This is why I shouldn't read new authors without friends' reviews first.
We start with Ethan. Ethan is described as a twink-like nineteen year old, who wears bright blue skinny jeans and a pink shirt over his slender body. He got kicked out by his parents when they found him screwing a guy on his couch. He "sold his soul" by getting paid to be a pain slut to a married, older asshole so he could finish college because his parents "only pay tuition" now.
Ummmm???? Am I supposed to think he's in a horrible situation like other potentially or actually homeless people? It doesn't QUITE hold the same amount of angst.
And then we find out that the douchebag sugar daddy also physically abuses him on a regular basis, and Ethan is covered in bruises under his clothes, both from pain sessions from sex AND from Douchebag knocking him around.
Then we meet Niko, the other MC, a tattoo artist. Ethan walks into the establishment to get his first tattoo (the one knocking on homeless doorsteps and forced to endure physical abuse for money is paying for a tattoo). An accomplishment because he will have enough money to move out on his own in 2 months. Niko won't let Ethan choose his own tattoo though. He shuts Ethan down every time he tries to tell Niko what he wants and where he wants it. And Ethan just lets him. Show of hands from anyone who would let a stranger pick out their first tattoo and its location while you pay for it with money and permanency? Yeeeeeaaaaaahhhhh, didn't think so.
Niko works and lives in a "rough" neighborhood. He gets shoulder-checked while walking home. He turns around, places his hand on his brass knuckles in his pocket and says, "You got a problem? I'm sure we can work it out, say, down that alley?" Who the fuck does that? An idiot. After he punches out the two guys (one of whom DID have a knife), he then does the next brilliant thing......he tells them his first and last name as he gloats. Yes, Niko, please tell the violent men who you are so they can come back with 10 of their friends.....or a gun next time.
Back to Ethan. His college friend drives him home from class sometimes. Friend hits on Ethan:
"I know you're shacking up with the old man, but I think we should go out. God, Ethan, you're so fucking hot. Maybe even hook up? I don't know. You turn me on so much."
Ethan politely declines, and friend tries to force him into a kiss. When Ethan balks, friend calls him a tease for taking rides from him without putting out. So Ethan politely explains that he thought it was just a friend offering him a ride, and friend backtracks? Says he thought he'd give it a try and hopes it doesn't fuck up their friendship.
Who are these people?
Ethan walks into Sugar Daddy's house, who's mad because Ethan is home late after studying. He hits Ethan twice, so Ethan tells him indignantly
"This arrangement is over!.......I'm moving out in a couple of weeks."
Wait....what? A couple weeks? What the fuck did I miss? Sugar Daddy kicks him out immediately after that, and Ethan is horrified by what he's (Ethan) done. He needs a place to stay for a few more weeks!!
Back to Niko. Niko is closeted. Not sure why just yet. It's only 20% after all, but since we're getting all this other LOGICAL information, I'm sure I'll find out soon. One of his fellow tattoo artists, who's gay and out by the way, comes to get Niko and asks him to fuck the woman client on his table. He can't because he's gay, her husband got fucked by said tattoo artist friend, and now the wife wants it too. So Niko goes in and "takes one for the team."
I closed it down at 20% on this gem of a thought by Niko:
It wasn't like he was some pansy ass drag queen running around with a rainbow flag sticker on his car." and "......but that didn't make him a flamer either. He was a regular guy."
Aaaaaaand I'm out!
This is why I shouldn't read new authors without friends' reviews first.
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April 19, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/19/2019)! 🎁
April 22, 2019
2.5 stars. This book was interestingly plotted and told, however, it definitely had issues. First, I had difficulty with the dual POV. It was distracting and sometimes impossible to determine who was talking, especially between Niko and Ethan. This is compounded by choppy plotting and difficulty determining time passing. The other issue is Niko's toxic internalized masculinity in the face of his denial. This is hard to read but, to be honest, I felt it was in character. That Ethan puts up with it, was sadly, in character as well, so while I have issues with this, I felt it was true to the story and the characters we were following. Adding to the muddle was the glaring simplification of Ethan's use of cutting.
I did like the other characters and I did like that the relationship between Niko and Ethan was versatile and that Ethan had a bit of filthy mouth. I also liked the unusual relationship dynamics with Ethan and Charles as they were described.
If this book had been 100 pages longer and the author had taken her time to really give us some backstory and emotional growth to grab onto it could have been so much more than this.
I did like the other characters and I did like that the relationship between Niko and Ethan was versatile and that Ethan had a bit of filthy mouth. I also liked the unusual relationship dynamics with Ethan and Charles as they were described.
If this book had been 100 pages longer and the author had taken her time to really give us some backstory and emotional growth to grab onto it could have been so much more than this.
February 13, 2017
2.5 stars
Just an okay read if you don't expect too much from the plot.
Just an okay read if you don't expect too much from the plot.
June 20, 2016
Savior is the first book I've read by Pauline Allan, and I'm very impressed. It is an empowering story of courage and growth.
Ethan and Niko are interesting guys with depth and great personality. I loved Ethan from the very start. It took a little more time for me to warm up to Niko, but I came around in time. Their chemistry is hot and the romance angsty, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately a fun ride. The sex scenes are plentiful and hot. They fit into the story naturally, so it doesn't feel forced. The balance of hot sex to romance is perfect (for my tastes at least).
Overall I think this is a fantastic story. I was engaged from the very start, and it wasn't long before I couldn't put it down. The cast of supporting characters enrich the story and add another level of mystery that makes me excited to find out to what's next to come in this series.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Ethan and Niko are interesting guys with depth and great personality. I loved Ethan from the very start. It took a little more time for me to warm up to Niko, but I came around in time. Their chemistry is hot and the romance angsty, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately a fun ride. The sex scenes are plentiful and hot. They fit into the story naturally, so it doesn't feel forced. The balance of hot sex to romance is perfect (for my tastes at least).
Overall I think this is a fantastic story. I was engaged from the very start, and it wasn't long before I couldn't put it down. The cast of supporting characters enrich the story and add another level of mystery that makes me excited to find out to what's next to come in this series.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2016
I'm giving this a two, because despite my misgivings with this tale I actually finished it. Whilst it had potential there wasn't enough substance to deliver and too many bits just 'thrown in' in a way which I couldn't buy into, too many scenes I found superfluous (alleyway beating, tattoo shop sex, taxi ride pick up...) and not enough depth or any inner dialogue/musings that made me feel like I knew Ethan or Niko. In fact, I kinda wanted to know more about Ben and Knox instead! Niko couldn't seem to decide who he wanted to be - an arse or a boyfriend, and Ethan alternated between skittish and sluttish.
I so wanted to love this but it fell way short of my expectations. The final nail in the coffin was the terrible editing which got worse as you got further in, typos, unfinished sentences etc.
I so wanted to love this but it fell way short of my expectations. The final nail in the coffin was the terrible editing which got worse as you got further in, typos, unfinished sentences etc.
July 23, 2016
This book was a mess! Half the time I didn't know who was speaking or what the time frame was. It jumped around so much that I was getting whiplash. I think this was a dual POV book but honestly I couldn't tell. The only thing I could figure out is Charles is the bad guy, Ethan is gay but Niko doesn't want to be "a sissy fag". That little piece alone killed this book for me bc you can get your point across without using phrases like that. My recommendation is save yourself the headache and skip it.
March 16, 2016
I was amazed
I normally don't care for serious, almost dark stories, but Ms. Allan spun a love story that pulled me through so many emotions that I read Savior in one day.
All of the "good" characters seems destined for their own stories.
A M/M love story may turn some people off but this story of love's journey can be anyone's love story.
Beautifully written..
I received an ARC but also purchased Savior.
I normally don't care for serious, almost dark stories, but Ms. Allan spun a love story that pulled me through so many emotions that I read Savior in one day.
All of the "good" characters seems destined for their own stories.
A M/M love story may turn some people off but this story of love's journey can be anyone's love story.
Beautifully written..
I received an ARC but also purchased Savior.
March 22, 2016
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Savior by Pauline Allan
I purchased this book.
I saw this book was about MM hotties covered in ink…Yes Please. I saw the price…YES Please. I mean 99 pennies…how do you turn it down.
This book is about Niko, the in the closet, tattoo artist and Ethan the broken, good looking, openly gay, college student.
Ethan has sold his soul to the devil to keep from the streets. When he saves up enough money, he goes to Niko for a tattoo. Niko is a very popular and well respected artist. The minute they meet you can feel the tension. One problem, Niko is straight or so he likes to think. He experimented with guys and thinks about guys but he is totally not gay. Situations between the two become crossed when an aggressive kiss blurred the lines. Ethan is then conflicted because he likes Niko but he doesn’t want him to know his shame.
When Ethan finally breaks free from his shame, Niko is there to help him out…why you ask? He has no clue either but he can’t not be with Ethan. The two start a “friends with benefits” type relationship all while Niko is denying he is gay. However, we can SEE his possessive streak show when Ethan’s past comes to haunt him.
I liked Ethan’s character but I really enjoyed Niko. He was so closed off from the things he was told by his father at a young age. When we can SEE him breaking through his “anti-gay” thoughts to expressing his wants and desires to Ethan it made me really happy.
www.Twinsietalk.com
www.Facebook.com/Twinsietalk
www.Twitter.com/Twinsietalk
www.Tsu.co/Twinsietalk
Newsletter : http://eepurl.com/brwkPv
Savior by Pauline Allan
I purchased this book.
I saw this book was about MM hotties covered in ink…Yes Please. I saw the price…YES Please. I mean 99 pennies…how do you turn it down.
This book is about Niko, the in the closet, tattoo artist and Ethan the broken, good looking, openly gay, college student.
Ethan has sold his soul to the devil to keep from the streets. When he saves up enough money, he goes to Niko for a tattoo. Niko is a very popular and well respected artist. The minute they meet you can feel the tension. One problem, Niko is straight or so he likes to think. He experimented with guys and thinks about guys but he is totally not gay. Situations between the two become crossed when an aggressive kiss blurred the lines. Ethan is then conflicted because he likes Niko but he doesn’t want him to know his shame.
When Ethan finally breaks free from his shame, Niko is there to help him out…why you ask? He has no clue either but he can’t not be with Ethan. The two start a “friends with benefits” type relationship all while Niko is denying he is gay. However, we can SEE his possessive streak show when Ethan’s past comes to haunt him.
I liked Ethan’s character but I really enjoyed Niko. He was so closed off from the things he was told by his father at a young age. When we can SEE him breaking through his “anti-gay” thoughts to expressing his wants and desires to Ethan it made me really happy.
March 18, 2016
Potential.
That's all I can really say for this book. It had an incredible amount of potential, and I think the author could of succeeded in what she want trying to aim for..if she had a decent beta team and editor.
A few times whilst reading, I had to go back over and reread to make sure I was reading it right as it got so confusing, especially when instead of Ethan the author had Evan... who's Evan?
I feel the blurb didn't really play out to what was promised, as we never really did find out why it would be so wrong if Niko came out.
The whole thing just didn't really mesh well together for me unfortunately, and I found myself easily distracted whilst reading.
The connection between the characters never really translated well to me, and I just was lost alot of the time whilst reading.
A good try, but next time.. make sure you have a solid team to back you and help mold what was an Ok book into an amazing book.
That's all I can really say for this book. It had an incredible amount of potential, and I think the author could of succeeded in what she want trying to aim for..if she had a decent beta team and editor.
A few times whilst reading, I had to go back over and reread to make sure I was reading it right as it got so confusing, especially when instead of Ethan the author had Evan... who's Evan?
I feel the blurb didn't really play out to what was promised, as we never really did find out why it would be so wrong if Niko came out.
The whole thing just didn't really mesh well together for me unfortunately, and I found myself easily distracted whilst reading.
The connection between the characters never really translated well to me, and I just was lost alot of the time whilst reading.
A good try, but next time.. make sure you have a solid team to back you and help mold what was an Ok book into an amazing book.
March 21, 2016
Savior is the first book I have read by Pauline Allan and I have to say, winner! Ethan is 19 and in a horrible home life. He is living with a man who beats him because he has no where else to go. Niko is a 24 year old tattoo artist who has had his run ins with the law. The two meet when Ethan goes into the shop Niko works to have a tattoo drawn up and there is instant attraction. Niko is closeted so the attraction throws him through a loop. Niko also becomes his savior.
Both MCs are sweet, loyal and and completely charming. Granted, there were times a actually laughed out loud because no one would actually talk like that but that was part of the charm :-)
Both MCs are sweet, loyal and and completely charming. Granted, there were times a actually laughed out loud because no one would actually talk like that but that was part of the charm :-)
April 24, 2016
Wow, that was fairly awful. Definitely a DNF if I wasn't reading it for a challenge. It just creeped me out. Can't wait for more of my friends to attempt this one!
October 21, 2016
I just couldn't get into this book. For such a short book, it took me forever to finish it.
April 21, 2019
3 stars for Savior: A Tattered Club Story by Pauline Allan. This is book one in the Tattered Social Club series. This is also a M/M romance between Niko and Ethan. Niko has a dark past and is now one of the most requested tattoo artists around. He also is a famous graffiti artist. Ethan is described as a twink, who has not had it easy. He is currently living with a sugar daddy because his parents kicked him out when they found out he was gay. He has scars all over from cutting and he also has a dark relationship with his sugar daddy. Niko refuses to admit he is gay. All that changes when he first sees Ethan. He wants Ethan more than he has ever wanted anybody. Ethan wants Niko but he also doesn’t want another relationship where he has to be hidden.
Ok so the reason I gave this book 3 stars is a few things. I felt the story line could have been developed a little more. Also, the author makes this huge deal about how Ethan is a twink – he is 19 almost 20 years old. I just don’t see that as a twink. Also, the book seems to elaborate a big age difference between these two when really is it only 5 years. Those are my only complaints. I enjoyed the romance between these two characters. I like the m/m genre and have recently became a bigger fan. If you what a short read, then this book would be a good choice.
Ok so the reason I gave this book 3 stars is a few things. I felt the story line could have been developed a little more. Also, the author makes this huge deal about how Ethan is a twink – he is 19 almost 20 years old. I just don’t see that as a twink. Also, the book seems to elaborate a big age difference between these two when really is it only 5 years. Those are my only complaints. I enjoyed the romance between these two characters. I like the m/m genre and have recently became a bigger fan. If you what a short read, then this book would be a good choice.
October 25, 2023
Wonderful
What a great book with great characters and a beautiful love story. Niko is a fierce protector, gifted artist, loyal friend, and is totally hung up on Ethan. Ethan is a bit shy, innocent but also more worldly than he should be, a student, in need of a protector, and totally in love with Niko. Both let down by their biological families they find their found family at the Tattered Social Club. Throughout this book Niko and Ethan work through overcoming their fears and insecurities, and learn who and what they want from life. I loved this book because it portrays two beautiful souls coming together through their obstacles to get to their HEA.
I just love a HEA. 🙂👍 Highly recommend this book if you like sweet, angsty, a little bit rough, a little bit tender romance. And hot definitely 🔥 hot.
What a great book with great characters and a beautiful love story. Niko is a fierce protector, gifted artist, loyal friend, and is totally hung up on Ethan. Ethan is a bit shy, innocent but also more worldly than he should be, a student, in need of a protector, and totally in love with Niko. Both let down by their biological families they find their found family at the Tattered Social Club. Throughout this book Niko and Ethan work through overcoming their fears and insecurities, and learn who and what they want from life. I loved this book because it portrays two beautiful souls coming together through their obstacles to get to their HEA.
I just love a HEA. 🙂👍 Highly recommend this book if you like sweet, angsty, a little bit rough, a little bit tender romance. And hot definitely 🔥 hot.
September 13, 2017
Not a sweet love story. But it grows on you.
I tried and quit on this book but I've read it all now. For some reason I got turned off by the sleaze factor. Don't quit. It's surprisingly good. The main character is a tattoo artist and Hot doesn't even come close. But the other guy is no slouch in the good looking and cool department, either. The villain is outrageously awful. What a sick and twisted guy. But our heroes are fun to read about. Glad I came back to this book.
I tried and quit on this book but I've read it all now. For some reason I got turned off by the sleaze factor. Don't quit. It's surprisingly good. The main character is a tattoo artist and Hot doesn't even come close. But the other guy is no slouch in the good looking and cool department, either. The villain is outrageously awful. What a sick and twisted guy. But our heroes are fun to read about. Glad I came back to this book.
November 30, 2022
Niko and Ethan
This could have been a much better book if the author took time to explain more of the background, not only of the characters but of the story. Some of the ‘bedroom’ scenes were very painful to read and I’m sure they would have been very painful if performed as described.
Not sure if was just how the book downloaded or not, but it seemed to have some bits missing. The story would suddenly jump and only a partial explanation would be told in conversation.
This could have been a much better book if the author took time to explain more of the background, not only of the characters but of the story. Some of the ‘bedroom’ scenes were very painful to read and I’m sure they would have been very painful if performed as described.
Not sure if was just how the book downloaded or not, but it seemed to have some bits missing. The story would suddenly jump and only a partial explanation would be told in conversation.
April 24, 2019
Savior
Well I would have liked the ending to not have wrapped up so quickly. The whole book was leading to a point and I felt a little let down. Not that it wasn't good, because it was and I enjoyed the story, I just wanted to see everything ya know. Overall it was a good book.
Well I would have liked the ending to not have wrapped up so quickly. The whole book was leading to a point and I felt a little let down. Not that it wasn't good, because it was and I enjoyed the story, I just wanted to see everything ya know. Overall it was a good book.
August 22, 2017
Great read
This is my first time reading a Pauline Janes book but it will not be my last. Very enjoyable read with two SAF MCS.
This is my first time reading a Pauline Janes book but it will not be my last. Very enjoyable read with two SAF MCS.
April 29, 2019
Excellent book
This book has been superbly written and was full of emotions.
Ethan and Niko were adorable. I loved the way they talked to each other.
A must read.
This book has been superbly written and was full of emotions.
Ethan and Niko were adorable. I loved the way they talked to each other.
A must read.
May 1, 2019
Savior 👊🏼
I took my time reading this book 📖, very interesting and colorful characters and story line. I felt bad for both Ethan (skinny jeans)and Niko. Mitch is a bad ass 🤗.
I took my time reading this book 📖, very interesting and colorful characters and story line. I felt bad for both Ethan (skinny jeans)and Niko. Mitch is a bad ass 🤗.
May 30, 2019
!
Theres something about stories about tattoo artists that I just love. This book does a great job of showing personal growth.
Theres something about stories about tattoo artists that I just love. This book does a great job of showing personal growth.
April 20, 2020
*1,5 stars* for idea. It could be really good book, but instead it's chaotic, weird and just... meh..
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March 10, 2017Very cute, can't wait for more! The lovely Pauline could do with an editor and perhaps some formatting, but other than a few errors I can overlook (no page breaks during random time skips, playing the pronoun game and other shit that didn't impact the story too much) this was great! A nice, easy read when all I want is a happy ending. Also I loved little, shy, big dick swinging Ethan. Breaking that twink stereotype, oh yeah! Take it Niko!
May 6, 2016
This was one I picked up on sale and for the tattoo theme. It had some potential but the way it was executed was not good. Ethan's situation was really not conveyed in a way to create any empathy with his character. There were vague references to being "hurt" by Charles but nothing was mentioned other than bruises. He was evidently cutting, but there was no development or follow up about what drives someone to that, and he simply stopped when Niko told him to. No, that's not how a psychological condition like that works. Also, his parents still paid his tuition, so I'm not sure why getting a job, living in a dorm and paying his own way to begin with, wasn't an option. No genuine supporting reasons for his arrangement with Charles. No character building was done to make his character truly relatable.
Niko had little buildup either. Most of his story came out near the end of the book, and it was still not much to support his denial of being gay and determination to sleep with women. The scene where he helps his openly gay work friend was ridiculous and rather disgusting. I don't, and many MM readers don't want to see any MF sex in their books, either. His come-ons and pursuit of Ethan was weird. All the sex scenes with Ethan were weird. Wake up a guy you've known for like one day, who says he's not gay, with a rim job? Sure, why not, right?
Then there was the whole threat and blackmailing Ethan thing. There wasn't much about who the hell Charles was and Mitch, the supposed lawyer, did something or other to make it go away. Whatever he did was unclear, undefined and I could make little sense of what it was supposed to mean. But somehow Ethan and Niko got an HEA out of it. Needed a lot of editing for errors as well.
Niko had little buildup either. Most of his story came out near the end of the book, and it was still not much to support his denial of being gay and determination to sleep with women. The scene where he helps his openly gay work friend was ridiculous and rather disgusting. I don't, and many MM readers don't want to see any MF sex in their books, either. His come-ons and pursuit of Ethan was weird. All the sex scenes with Ethan were weird. Wake up a guy you've known for like one day, who says he's not gay, with a rim job? Sure, why not, right?
Then there was the whole threat and blackmailing Ethan thing. There wasn't much about who the hell Charles was and Mitch, the supposed lawyer, did something or other to make it go away. Whatever he did was unclear, undefined and I could make little sense of what it was supposed to mean. But somehow Ethan and Niko got an HEA out of it. Needed a lot of editing for errors as well.
April 30, 2019
Good 1st book by a new author for me
This is the first book that I've read by Pauline and I am happy to have found this book as well a new author for me. As soon as I read the blurb, I couldn't wait to start it and I wasn't disappointed. These two characters were interesting to me. Both had ruff lives and it was enjoying to see how they came together. A few parts felt a little rushed in the turn-around, but it wasn't overly dramatic or forced, which I liked. Overall, I gave it 4 stars, but it's closer to 4.5. I'm anxiously awaiting for the next in the series. There were a lot of secondary characters that I would like to see get their own story, most especially Ben. He has a story and I believe it could be extraordinary if done right. Good luck!
This is the first book that I've read by Pauline and I am happy to have found this book as well a new author for me. As soon as I read the blurb, I couldn't wait to start it and I wasn't disappointed. These two characters were interesting to me. Both had ruff lives and it was enjoying to see how they came together. A few parts felt a little rushed in the turn-around, but it wasn't overly dramatic or forced, which I liked. Overall, I gave it 4 stars, but it's closer to 4.5. I'm anxiously awaiting for the next in the series. There were a lot of secondary characters that I would like to see get their own story, most especially Ben. He has a story and I believe it could be extraordinary if done right. Good luck!
May 14, 2016
Ethan is trying to better his life. He has made some bad decisions. The best one he has made was when he walked into a Tattoo Parlor. Niko has had a rough past. He is judged based on what he looks like. Ethan wants Niko, but does Niko share the same feelings? Ethan wants a relationship but Niko doesn’t want anything. He is scared from his past on what people will think of him if he starts a relationship with Ethan. What will push Niko to say enough is enough and be with Ethan. Will anything be able to push Niko from his boundaries? Will Ethan be able to trust Niko from what has happened in his past? Will they both be able to let go? I loved reading to find out what happens. I have re-read this book. It was a great read.
March 22, 2016
I noticed more than a few reviews that just didn't like this story, but I really did. I thought the plot was really good and not over the top ridiculous. Niko was a very sexy, dark and mysterious tattoo artist who can't help but fall in love with Ethan even though he fights "being gay" with everything in him. Ethan is a sweet 19 year old student who fell in with the wrong crowd after his parents threw him out for being gay and he leans to Charles, a nasty, mean and dirty old man, to save him. Thankfully he gets the courage to break away from the violence that is Charles and meets Niko. Really good story and I enjoyed every bit of it. I look forward to reading book 2.
March 25, 2016
Good
Great story but SO many errors, big ones too! There was everything from misspelled words to using the wrong characters names. Pretty much any error you can possibly think of occurred and occurred way more than once, it got so bad a few times that whole sentences were completely illegible. If not for the insane amount of errors this would easily be a four or five star book but my god, most of the errors were easy to see and correct had any editing been done in even the most rudimentary form.
Great story but SO many errors, big ones too! There was everything from misspelled words to using the wrong characters names. Pretty much any error you can possibly think of occurred and occurred way more than once, it got so bad a few times that whole sentences were completely illegible. If not for the insane amount of errors this would easily be a four or five star book but my god, most of the errors were easy to see and correct had any editing been done in even the most rudimentary form.
March 29, 2016
Make it ten stars out of five!
This is a great start to what should be a great series. I can foresee many great and interesting stories about all of the people at the Tattered Social Club. But Ethan and Nico have just begun and there are dangling threads left to be woven into their story. MORE!!! And can I get inked by Nicole?
This is a great start to what should be a great series. I can foresee many great and interesting stories about all of the people at the Tattered Social Club. But Ethan and Nico have just begun and there are dangling threads left to be woven into their story. MORE!!! And can I get inked by Nicole?
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