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Perfect Strangers
Opposites attract—but is that attraction enough to bring two strangers together?
Raphael Koenig is an assassin working for a covert outfit. He's also a man who uses alcohol to fend off terrifying nightmares. After completing one too many kills and dealing with one too many nightmares, he is close to burning out. So, he takes a break—a two-week vacation in New Orleans.
Alden Durant lives and works in New Orleans. One afternoon he happens to see a sad, lonely-looking man—Raphael. When they run into each other again, Alden offers to show him the city and they strike up a tentative friendship that leads to a casual sexual relationship they are certain will end when Raphael's vacation is over.
Raphael is called back early for another job, and both men believe they will never meet again. Then, fate steps in when Raphael is sent to New Orleans to take out a hired killer. He and Alden reconnect, but will they be able to handle the revelations that ensue? Or will those revelations drive them apart this time—permanently.
Raphael Koenig is an assassin working for a covert outfit. He's also a man who uses alcohol to fend off terrifying nightmares. After completing one too many kills and dealing with one too many nightmares, he is close to burning out. So, he takes a break—a two-week vacation in New Orleans.
Alden Durant lives and works in New Orleans. One afternoon he happens to see a sad, lonely-looking man—Raphael. When they run into each other again, Alden offers to show him the city and they strike up a tentative friendship that leads to a casual sexual relationship they are certain will end when Raphael's vacation is over.
Raphael is called back early for another job, and both men believe they will never meet again. Then, fate steps in when Raphael is sent to New Orleans to take out a hired killer. He and Alden reconnect, but will they be able to handle the revelations that ensue? Or will those revelations drive them apart this time—permanently.
- GenresM M RomanceContemporary
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2016
32 people want to read
About the author
Edward Kendrick
213 books207 followersBorn and bred Cleveland, I earned a degree in technical theater, later switched to costuming, and headed to NYC. Finally seeing the futility of trying to become rich and famous in the Big Apple, I joined VISTA—Volunteers in Service to America—ending up in Chicago for three years. Then it was on to Denver, where I put down roots and worked as a costume designer until I retired in 2007.
I began writing a few years ago after joining an online fanfic group. Two friends and I then started a group for writers, where they could post any story they wished, no matter the genre or content. Since then I've been writing for publication. My first book came out in February of 2011. Most, but not all, of my work is M/M, either mildly erotic or purely 'romantic'. More often than not it involves a mystery or action/adventure, and is sometimes paranormal as well.
I began writing a few years ago after joining an online fanfic group. Two friends and I then started a group for writers, where they could post any story they wished, no matter the genre or content. Since then I've been writing for publication. My first book came out in February of 2011. Most, but not all, of my work is M/M, either mildly erotic or purely 'romantic'. More often than not it involves a mystery or action/adventure, and is sometimes paranormal as well.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 7, 2016
Reviewed for www.prismbookalliance.com
It’s hard to imagine a more unlikely couple than Raphael and Alden. They’re polar opposites in so many regards: eye for an eye versus thou shalt not kill, one at the very outskirts of society and one right in the middle of it, one open and welcoming and one tight like a clam. At first glance, their differences seem insurmontable, making their brief, if intense, fling during Raphael’s vacation in New Orleans, Alden’s hometown, a “ships passing in the night” episode, nothing more.
Until fate throws them together once more.
This was a well-written novella with a tightly paced plot, gripping mystery elements and a touch of romance. The New Orleans setting, even though mostly outlined with a few strokes of the brush, came alive on the pages with a great sense of place. It worked really well for me both as a hitman action thriller and also as a character development tale; I really liked watching Raphael and Alden grow as individual characters and as a couple.
What I found missing a little was the chemistry between the main characters though. A big portion of the book dealt with Raphael and Alden forming a relationship and working to make things work out between them, which was fine and had me rooting for both of them to find their middle ground. However, compared to this, the way their original encounter during Raphael’s vacation was written kept me, the reader, at arm’s length in a way. This might have been intentional, but the second part of the book was rather more intense than the first.
So, all in all, I can recommend this book as a well-written, character driven story with surprisingly little angst and a nice touch of romance.
It’s hard to imagine a more unlikely couple than Raphael and Alden. They’re polar opposites in so many regards: eye for an eye versus thou shalt not kill, one at the very outskirts of society and one right in the middle of it, one open and welcoming and one tight like a clam. At first glance, their differences seem insurmontable, making their brief, if intense, fling during Raphael’s vacation in New Orleans, Alden’s hometown, a “ships passing in the night” episode, nothing more.
Until fate throws them together once more.
This was a well-written novella with a tightly paced plot, gripping mystery elements and a touch of romance. The New Orleans setting, even though mostly outlined with a few strokes of the brush, came alive on the pages with a great sense of place. It worked really well for me both as a hitman action thriller and also as a character development tale; I really liked watching Raphael and Alden grow as individual characters and as a couple.
What I found missing a little was the chemistry between the main characters though. A big portion of the book dealt with Raphael and Alden forming a relationship and working to make things work out between them, which was fine and had me rooting for both of them to find their middle ground. However, compared to this, the way their original encounter during Raphael’s vacation was written kept me, the reader, at arm’s length in a way. This might have been intentional, but the second part of the book was rather more intense than the first.
So, all in all, I can recommend this book as a well-written, character driven story with surprisingly little angst and a nice touch of romance.
May 18, 2016
Raphael and Alden don’t hit it off right away. Raphael is very intimidating and rude to Alden. Nightmares and heavy drinking are how Raphael is spending his downtime, on vacation in New Orleans, from being a hitman. Alden and Raphael do meet again by chance, but this time Raphael catches himself enjoying the conversation between them. Both have different perspectives of each other. Alden offers to be tour guide for Raphael, and they spend time together and have a short-lived affair. When Raphael and Alden meet again, under very unusual circumstances, both are shocked to find out what their professions are.
Edward Kendrick brings us a tense and soul searching story about two “perfect strangers,” two men who have different points of view about what’s right. Can Alden accept that Raphael is a contract hit man? Can Raphael accept what Alden’s profession and beliefs are? If they truly care about each other and want a life together, can they come to a compromise?
Even though this was a short story, it was well written, easy to follow and emotional. I really enjoyed it and the New Orleans setting for this story, because I’ve been there and seen many of the mentioned places.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
Edward Kendrick brings us a tense and soul searching story about two “perfect strangers,” two men who have different points of view about what’s right. Can Alden accept that Raphael is a contract hit man? Can Raphael accept what Alden’s profession and beliefs are? If they truly care about each other and want a life together, can they come to a compromise?
Even though this was a short story, it was well written, easy to follow and emotional. I really enjoyed it and the New Orleans setting for this story, because I’ve been there and seen many of the mentioned places.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
May 10, 2016
The Hitman and - the What???
Raphael witnessed a horrific tragedy when he was a teenager that set him on his path in life taking out the perpetrators of crime for whom justice did not prevail. He has dedicated his life to serving those whose lives have been irrevocably damaged by the most corrupt of individuals. While he doesn’t enjoy killing, he sees it as a necessary tool when the court system fails to give victims resolution.
Alden has also dedicated his life to serving people, but in an entirely different manner in New Orleans. When he sees Raphael looking sad and lonely one afternoon, he can’t help but be drawn to the man, but he never expects to be confronted for looking. That leads to a whirlwind take-me-as-I-am vacation fling that neither expects to go anywhere else, especially when Raphe is called back from his down time for another job, but the memories remain strong for them both.
After a few months, another job comes up for Raphe, this time back in New Orleans. What are the chances he’ll run into Alden again in a city of more than a quarter million people if he doesn’t seek the man out?
I read this through the first time, then set it aside to percolate in my brain for a while. I initially had a hard time with a man of Alden’s profession being okay with an assassin, and I wasn’t sure I could wrap my mind around this pairing. So after a couple of weeks, I went back and read it again, and I’m *so* glad that I did. I picked up on some nuances that I missed the first time, I definitely had a more open mind, and I discovered that I loved this story!!
Raphe is very practical. He does what needs to be done, and he’s happy working construction any other day. Alden is much more circumspect, yet he is also pragmatic. While he (of course) has an issue with Raphe’s special skill set, he is also willing to listen to the whys and wherefores behind the assassin’s dedication.
This book has a great plot and never gets bogged down in its pacing. The subplots pertaining to Raphe’s job are compelling in their intensity and the way in which Raphe handles them. The main characters are fully fleshed out, visceral and appealing to the reader. The peripheral characters are few, but they add to the overall satiety of the book in that the world feels more real because of their brief interactions with the two men. The world building is lovely – I can see New Orleans through the characters’ eyes, ears, and noses, vibrant and redolent. You don’t want to miss this – it’s an amazing story fully worth all four stars!
ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review by Divine Magazine.
**Same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.**
Raphael witnessed a horrific tragedy when he was a teenager that set him on his path in life taking out the perpetrators of crime for whom justice did not prevail. He has dedicated his life to serving those whose lives have been irrevocably damaged by the most corrupt of individuals. While he doesn’t enjoy killing, he sees it as a necessary tool when the court system fails to give victims resolution.
Alden has also dedicated his life to serving people, but in an entirely different manner in New Orleans. When he sees Raphael looking sad and lonely one afternoon, he can’t help but be drawn to the man, but he never expects to be confronted for looking. That leads to a whirlwind take-me-as-I-am vacation fling that neither expects to go anywhere else, especially when Raphe is called back from his down time for another job, but the memories remain strong for them both.
After a few months, another job comes up for Raphe, this time back in New Orleans. What are the chances he’ll run into Alden again in a city of more than a quarter million people if he doesn’t seek the man out?
I read this through the first time, then set it aside to percolate in my brain for a while. I initially had a hard time with a man of Alden’s profession being okay with an assassin, and I wasn’t sure I could wrap my mind around this pairing. So after a couple of weeks, I went back and read it again, and I’m *so* glad that I did. I picked up on some nuances that I missed the first time, I definitely had a more open mind, and I discovered that I loved this story!!
Raphe is very practical. He does what needs to be done, and he’s happy working construction any other day. Alden is much more circumspect, yet he is also pragmatic. While he (of course) has an issue with Raphe’s special skill set, he is also willing to listen to the whys and wherefores behind the assassin’s dedication.
This book has a great plot and never gets bogged down in its pacing. The subplots pertaining to Raphe’s job are compelling in their intensity and the way in which Raphe handles them. The main characters are fully fleshed out, visceral and appealing to the reader. The peripheral characters are few, but they add to the overall satiety of the book in that the world feels more real because of their brief interactions with the two men. The world building is lovely – I can see New Orleans through the characters’ eyes, ears, and noses, vibrant and redolent. You don’t want to miss this – it’s an amazing story fully worth all four stars!
ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review by Divine Magazine.
**Same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.**
April 27, 2016
Edward has done it again on this MM Romance/Action packed novel. The story line was strong and the main characters were well developed. As Raphael continues with his life of murdering and eliminating those low life scum that need to be destroyed, he continues to be haunted by the nightmares of his past where his father kills his mother and comes after him. Raphael is only 17 when he finds himself on the street and found by someone who teaches him how to kill the bad people. Eventually he works for a company that goes after these people. Still struggling with the nightmares, he finds that drinking whiskey helps him go to sleep without the nightmares, but he also decides he is ready to go on a vacation to New Orleans. During his trip he meets a man by the name of Alden and their attraction for one another finds them in bed. But they both know that this is tentative, especially when Raphael is called back home early for another assignment. He is unable to get Alden off his mind no matter how hard he tries, then the assignment takes him back to New Orleans. Hoping not to run into Alden again because he is in the midst of an assignment, but he does and he ends up telling Alden what he does for a living. But then Raphael is not the only one hiding that. Alden is a priest and the two seem to bond even more. This assignment is different though as Raphael gets hurt. Alden is there for him and there future together seems to start. These men are totally different from each other, but they find that common ground. Friendship, Sex, and Love. This is a beautiful love story of two ends meeting together. Each man providing what the other needs and wants no matter the obstacles. There love blossoms in a beautiful way. Don't miss this one. The Power of Love
May 7, 2016
What could be better than a hit man falling for a man with a secret? I totally didn't see it coming, it shocked the hell out of me in the best way!
Raphael is a hit man in need of a long overdue vacation. He heads to New Orleans to relax and unwind when he meets Alden at a cafe. The two hit it off and Alden offers to be Raphe's tour guide for the week. Spending their days in cemeteries and sight seeing and their nights in swanky jazz clubs has them both looking for a little more out of their arrangement. One night together as both of them questioning where this is going when Raphe is called back to work before his vacation is over.
Months later both Alden and Raphael haven't been able to forget each other, when Raphe is sent back to New Orleans for a job. While scoping out his new assignment he runs into Alden at a cafe, Raphe is in complete shock when Alden's secret is revealed and Alden is equally unimpressed with Raphe's line of work. Can the two of them put aside their initial opinions and love each other despite their reservations?
I really enjoyed this book. Raphe's story was enthralling, from the reason he became a hit man to the reason he continues to do the job. I love that Alden can love Raphe despite his job going against everything Alden believes in. Alden helps people, it's his calling and while he's helping Raphe recover he never makes him feel like a pet project or that he's trying to change him in any way.
For all the tension and problems that arise in the story I feel like their building feelings were angst-free and easy, a perfect natural progression. I can't say enough how much I enjoyed this story!
Raphael is a hit man in need of a long overdue vacation. He heads to New Orleans to relax and unwind when he meets Alden at a cafe. The two hit it off and Alden offers to be Raphe's tour guide for the week. Spending their days in cemeteries and sight seeing and their nights in swanky jazz clubs has them both looking for a little more out of their arrangement. One night together as both of them questioning where this is going when Raphe is called back to work before his vacation is over.
Months later both Alden and Raphael haven't been able to forget each other, when Raphe is sent back to New Orleans for a job. While scoping out his new assignment he runs into Alden at a cafe, Raphe is in complete shock when Alden's secret is revealed and Alden is equally unimpressed with Raphe's line of work. Can the two of them put aside their initial opinions and love each other despite their reservations?
I really enjoyed this book. Raphe's story was enthralling, from the reason he became a hit man to the reason he continues to do the job. I love that Alden can love Raphe despite his job going against everything Alden believes in. Alden helps people, it's his calling and while he's helping Raphe recover he never makes him feel like a pet project or that he's trying to change him in any way.
For all the tension and problems that arise in the story I feel like their building feelings were angst-free and easy, a perfect natural progression. I can't say enough how much I enjoyed this story!
May 11, 2016
This is a book about two men that are on the opposite ends of the moral spectrum. One is a priest and one is an assassin. These two men are complete opposites but in some cases opposites just might attract.
Alden is a priest that tried to see the best in everyone. He believes that anyone can be forgiven for their sins . He is who I would say is a saint.
Raphael is an assassin. He is out to bring those that are above the law or just flat out evil people to justice in hopes to make up for not being able to stop his father when he had the opportunity.
These two are so completely different but I think that each of them being something different to the relationship that the other needs. I think that Alden brings and ear for Ralphael to confess his fears and sins. I think he brings the acceptance for what Ralphael believes is his part to end some of the evil in the world and Alden accepts him regardless of his job. I also believe that Alden helps to ease Ralphael's guilt over not being able to save his mother and he helps to make Ralphael realize that it was not his fault.
I think that Ralphael bring to the relationship love which is what Alden really wants. He helps Alden to realize that their is some evil in the world that cannot be forgiven just because Alden may want it too be. That sometimes evil is just that evil.
These two men make the other stronger and better and they complete each other. Good read .
Was given this book for free from inked rainbow reads for an honest review
Alden is a priest that tried to see the best in everyone. He believes that anyone can be forgiven for their sins . He is who I would say is a saint.
Raphael is an assassin. He is out to bring those that are above the law or just flat out evil people to justice in hopes to make up for not being able to stop his father when he had the opportunity.
These two are so completely different but I think that each of them being something different to the relationship that the other needs. I think that Alden brings and ear for Ralphael to confess his fears and sins. I think he brings the acceptance for what Ralphael believes is his part to end some of the evil in the world and Alden accepts him regardless of his job. I also believe that Alden helps to ease Ralphael's guilt over not being able to save his mother and he helps to make Ralphael realize that it was not his fault.
I think that Ralphael bring to the relationship love which is what Alden really wants. He helps Alden to realize that their is some evil in the world that cannot be forgiven just because Alden may want it too be. That sometimes evil is just that evil.
These two men make the other stronger and better and they complete each other. Good read .
Was given this book for free from inked rainbow reads for an honest review
May 2, 2016
Rating: 4.5
Raphael Koenig needs a vacation plus if he is lucky, a sexual fling. New Orleans is the vacation location and Alden Durant provides the fling.
Perfect Strangers is a detailed dark crime story with surprising twist and turns including a touch of romance. The plot is well written and well paced. The realistic characters are justified in their actions or not, depending on the reader’s point of view.
Raphael Koenig is an assassin working for an underground vigilante network.
When Raphael is not correcting a miscarriage in the justice system, he works as a construction laborer. He self medicates with whiskey to ward off the nightmares of his dark childhood, but Raphael considers his kills as righteous because he only assassinates bad people.
Alden is an intriguing character; Alden reveals nothing about himself to Raphael. It is only by accident that Alden and Raphael discover each other’s profession. The intimacy Raphael and Alden shared evolved into love, though they both believed they would never meet again. However, fate has a way of bringing star crossed lovers back together along with revealing the truth.
Edward Kendrick has created a very impressive saga that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Raphael Koenig needs a vacation plus if he is lucky, a sexual fling. New Orleans is the vacation location and Alden Durant provides the fling.
Perfect Strangers is a detailed dark crime story with surprising twist and turns including a touch of romance. The plot is well written and well paced. The realistic characters are justified in their actions or not, depending on the reader’s point of view.
Raphael Koenig is an assassin working for an underground vigilante network.
When Raphael is not correcting a miscarriage in the justice system, he works as a construction laborer. He self medicates with whiskey to ward off the nightmares of his dark childhood, but Raphael considers his kills as righteous because he only assassinates bad people.
Alden is an intriguing character; Alden reveals nothing about himself to Raphael. It is only by accident that Alden and Raphael discover each other’s profession. The intimacy Raphael and Alden shared evolved into love, though they both believed they would never meet again. However, fate has a way of bringing star crossed lovers back together along with revealing the truth.
Edward Kendrick has created a very impressive saga that I thoroughly enjoyed.
May 21, 2016
Love this book! Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews