Book 4 / Mockingbird Place - New Adult / Gay Romance
Maddox Butler
Some people say you can’t fall in love at 18. But I did. And the man of my dreams? Jaris Black. He was also 18.
Our first year at medical school we moved in together. It was…perfect.
Until…
I haven’t seen or talked to him in six years. But I’ve never stopped thinking about him. Jaris is a very successful doctor, which is no surprise to me. Still living in Unit H at Mockingbird Place.
God, how I’ve missed him.
I won’t drag Jaris into the chaos that is my life. No. I won’t. But my mother who is dying has requested to see him. They were so close. Still are.
I had to honor Mom’s wish. I called him and he’s arriving in an hour. Can I keep my feelings hidden from him? I need to, for his sake.
Though starting in straight erotic romance, Kris's total focus now is on gay romance. When asked why recently, his answer was "My muse finally came out of the closet. Isn't it about time? I've been out since I was twenty-five."
A voracious reader, Kris loves many genres of fiction, but this writer's favorite books are romances that are edgy, sexy, with rich characters and unique challenges. Kris' influences include Anne Rice, JR Ward, Lexi Blake and Shayla Black.
Last year, Kris married the love of his life Stephen.
For news, info and upcoming releases, be sure to stop by www.KrisCook.net
⭐ ⭐ Provided by Author in Exchange for an Honest Review ⭐ ⭐
Judging a Book by it's Cover: Colors are lighter than in previous titles from this series, similar composition. The synopsis is interesting in that it is instead from the lead male that lives outside of Mockingbird Place. Looking Deeper: If you are familiar to this series, you may agree that Kris Cook throws a curveball at us with this one. He takes us back seven years, to when our familiar doctor in unit H was only 18. However, this story is not told from Jaris's point of view. Rather, it's told by Maddox - Jaris's ex-boyfriend and former roommate. I was not sure how to feel about these two at 18 years old. There were times that the dialogue felt awkward and stiff, then I stop to remember that this aptly conveys the quirks of young/new adult geniuses with little to no social experiences. Jaris and Maddox are so fresh, innocent and naive, it's almost painful at first, but soon things smooth out and warm up. Just as it does, a terrible injustice is served, causing Maddox to sever all ties with Jaris ("for Jaris's own good). We get the opportunity to meet Oliver (THE MARINE IN UNIT A) when he's only a child, living with Oliver. Later, as the story progresses we learn some key information on another resident at Mockingbird Place and how he came to live there (no spoiler). Bring on the tissues for this one... it makes your heart hurt in so many ways and for so many people. I really would have LOVED to also read more of this story from the POV of Jaris. Once in about 60% we are brought back to the present and current circumstances are once again looking rather grim, but it brings Jaris and Maddox back face to face once again. This is - by far - the most emotionally complex and heartbreaking book to-date. The plot was fantastic and the flow was fluid and satin sheets smooth. The dialogue and interaction at the very start was a little stiff quickly became natural and normal. There were a few conflicts, all basically centering on one source. A few self-imposed conflicts arose along the way, but everything is resolved by the end. Predictability was low enough to keep things intriguing along the way. The conclusion is wonderful. We finally get a small glimpse into Jaris's mind as well as some thoughts from one of the other upcoming residents to get a book. I look forward to Tony's story next and anxiously await THE FIGHTER IN UNIT J. I highly recommend to anyone interested in reading this fantastic story that they read the books in order of the series for a fuller appreciation of the residents and their back stories. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rating: [R] ~ Score: 45 ~ Stars: 4.5 rounded up in consideration to time line format and raw, emotional content -------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
This is the second book I read in the series and just like the first you can feel the love that all the residents have for each other and how much they will support those around them. Maddox doesn’t believe he is worth the love and support after he is attacked and wrongfully accused and convicted. Even though bad things have happened and a lot of time has passed Jaris is determined to convince him that he worthy.
We see this story from Maddox’s point of view. Maddox is torn between wanting to please his mom and keeping himself away from Jaris. I could feel how desperate Maddox was to keep Jaris safe and not cause him any harm, but how much he still longed for their connection. Even though you see how everything affected Maddox and what he went through the story is still pretty uplifting and is happy.
The cover art is catches your eye and follows the pattern for the series.
Hope is one thing we need to keep moving forward. Lost hope leads to dispair. This story highlights that even when your hope is gone the hope of others on your behalf can help the healing. It is also a sad reminder that justice isn't always just. But mostly it is about unfailing love enduring separation and joy in embracing it.
The Doctor in Unit H, Book 4 in Mockingbird Place series by Kris Cook is a great read. Kris Cook takes us back to Mockingbird Place to learn more about the residents who live there. I was given Doctor Black’s story. It can be read as a standalone with no problems, but knowing the other residents stories enriches your read. Doctor Jarvis Black has lived in Unit H for the whole series; helpful but alone. Kris Cook takes us back to earlier years in order to give us Jarvis’ story. Maddox Butler is the new main character who has a very unjust road he must travel to get back to Mockingbird Place, bringing more secondary characters story to the melting pot that is Mockingbird Place. The Doctor in Unit H is a more involved storyline from Kris Cook. He takes us back in time in order to give us the twist and heart break that Jarvis has endured. There are tissues needed moments in this visit. For me, each visit back to Mockingbird Place has just gotten better and better. Kris Cook’s Mockingbird Place, a 10-unit Mediterranean complex, is filled with this tight knit group of friends, who are family, that help each others with whatever suspenseful event comes their way. Kris Cook has built a wonderful place to get to visit. He still has resident’s stories I look forward to getting to read. My next visit is with The Fighter in Unit J and I can not wait. Thanks Kris Cook & Good Writing
I'm not sure that Jaris isn't too good to be true as he remained fully committed to Maddox despite everything modo dios to push him away. Also, Maddox's nightmare trauma, all because of Clayton, would have to be frightening to experience and probably leave him in therapy for years.
Jarvis, I have been longing to read his story and I'm so happy to have read it. Maddox's story I didn't know what to expect but I'm happy to have heard it. Love is hard to move on from when your heart just won't let go.
This one did what a really good book should do. It got me hooked and had me very emotional. I was so angry at what happened with Maddox and heartbroken for him and Jarvis as well as for Tony and Nicco. I can’t wait to read Tony’s story.
Maddox and Jurvis are pretty exceptional. Their love story is full of craziness. Glad they got a happily ever after and that justice is served in the end for Maddox and Nico.
4.5 Stars for another great book from Kris Cook I loved the ending of this one which was just a perfect finish. Maddox was in the first year of studying to be a Doctor, looking for a flat before classes started was tough but being at the right place at the right time helped with that. A party at the Mockingbird Place was where he met Jaris, he too was looking for a place and was also becoming a Doctor fortunately unit H was available. The two got along fantastically and is wasn't long before they where in love. The first day in classes did not go so well for Maddox and a chain of events where already in motion.. No I'm not telling but its a fantastic story to read. Maddox was loosing hope and a friend came along just when he needed help. Set in two time frames to become a brilliant story of Hope being the theme..
This is book four in the Mockingbird Place. We of course see a continuing story on some secondary characters that we love in Dallas. This book is about Maddox and Jaris. Our heart was palpitating reading what would occur in this book and we were wondering just why these two were separated for over six years. Holy heart stopper, I never would have imagined what occurred in this story. Maddox and Jaris were like two peas in a pod. Smart, both going to medical school at the age of eighteen, liked the same things and had that love at first sight moment. They may have been young, but it was real and boy does it show in this story after all the details unfold. They were both going to be doctors until one moment in college changed all this. Jaris gets an unexpected call from Maddox when Maddox's mom asks to see Jaris. His mom is battling cancer and she loved Jaris like her own son. What happens when these two are brought together after all these years? If you thought crazy occurred in the last book with Scott and Brad, think again cause when you meet, Clayton he is going to give you a stroke with what transpires. He's lucky that the family in Mockingbird stick together or I don't think Maddox would have gotten his much deserved clearance. These two have definitely fulfilled the requirements of marriage rights without even being married just yet. Their love for each other stood strong even being separated all those years. We learn some details on someone who lives in Mockingbird and why they were always so quite and reserved. That is tragic in itself when you hear this, but I can only imagine when we get the full details of this story what we will fight back and want to beat down to show them what it felt like having to go through this. The shocking surprise for Maddox and Tony as well as Maddox's mom made this ending even better. I am anxious to read, the fighter cause if anyone in Mockingbird deserves a win, its Tony.
Maddox Butler and Jarvis Black become fast friends when they become roommates upon entering medical school. They are both prodigies who graduated college by age 18 and have long, promising careers ahead of them. Their chemistry is undeniable and soon the two young men are a couple.
When Maddox is accused of a crime he did not commit and sentenced to jail, not only is is career in medicine over, but also his relationship with Jarvis. Maddox refuses to drag down the man he loves with his felony status; however, if Jarvis is anything, he's determined. He will stop at nothing to ensure that Maddox knows he's not going anywhere.
I originally thought this book had a really great premise, but as I read further, problems started to arise. Insta-love has never really been an issue for me, but in this book it was glaringly obvious. They went from strangers to roommates to "I love yous" in an incredibly short amount of time, which made it all seem insincere in my opinion. I also had problems with the antagonist in Maddox's storyline. I know there are plenty of crazy people in the world, but this guy seemed like a caricature. He went from regular guy to crazy stalker in literally less than 60 seconds. Again, this drastic change in emotion and character just seemed forced to me.
In general, the MCs and the side characters were all very nice, likeable people. This is the fourth book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. However, readers will probably have a better understanding of Mockingbird Place and its residents if you read the previous three books.
An ARC of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 – 4 Stars The Doctor in Unit H is a continuation of the Mockingbird Place series, this one focusing on Dr. Jaris Black and his story. I was really curious about Dr. Black from the other stories, especially with the way Kris Cook ended the previous Mockingbird Place book!
This story isn’t really all about Jaris though, it’s more from the POV of Maddox Butler, the man Jaris loves. The two met when they were starting medical school, became roommates at Mockingbird Place and quickly fell in love. Enter a little crazy though, as both men start classes Maddox meets fellow student Clayton who quickly develops an obsession with Maddox. While things develop sweetly between Jaris and Maddox, they don’t stay that way.
There were definitely twists in this story that I did not expect, and I felt this story was a bit different from the rest in this series. The story a bit more complicated than they have been. But in the end, I really felt like this was a story of hope and true love. Jaris and Maddox proving that life is far from perfect and sometimes it’s about how we deal with the things life throws at us. Jaris and Maddox were clearly just meant to be and I loved how despite the circumstances these two faced and even Maddox trying to protect the people he cared about, Jaris’s love was always steadfast and true.
The Doctor in Unit H is a nice addition to this series, and I loved seeing the rest of the gang pop up and show just how awesome they are! I’m definitely looking forward to Tony’s story, he has always intrigued me! Once again I really enjoyed going back to Mockingbird Place!
I have been reading this series from the very beginning and I am never let disappointed. Kris Cook is an amazing author and it as if he connects with his characters and that is what makes these books so emotional and so amazing.
Jarris has always been one of the characters in the previous books that I have always had an interest in and always wanted to understand that why with all the people around and the new people coming to Mockingbird did he never connect with anyone on an intimate level. Well that was reviled in the book. It is such a heart breaking story but also a story about never giving up and always having hope.
Maddox is Jarris's everything. Even after the terrible events and lies that put Maddox in prison Jarris never gave up on the love that these two men shared. Maddox tried his best to push Jarris away in his attempt to protect Jarris but Jarris knew they would one day prove that Maddox was innocent.
In my opinion this is a book that shows no matter what, love can conquer all. That hope is sometimes the only thing that we have to hang on to and that we have to grab hope by the shoulders and never let it go because the optimism is what will get us through the rough times. It is also a story about love being so strong that nothing, and I do mean nothing, can ruin it as long as you believe. This was such a sad but amazing story.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the series and see what will happen with Tony, Nicco, and Stephen.
Was given this book for free by inked rainbow reads for an honest review
Kris does it again with this great addition to his Mockingbird Place series. I have been anxious to read Jaris's story and was a wee bit sad to see that it wasn't in his pov or at least parts of it. I did however like Maddox's pov just wish it had been shared with Jaris. I loved seeing how other characters came to be in residence at Mockingbird Place.
This had me on an emotional roller coaster. Yep, this chick had a few teary eyed moments....no break down sobbing moments but a heart twinge or two and sniffle here and there.
Can not wait until we get Tony and Stephens story. I also wonder if Nicco and Chad will end up together. Who knows...all I know is Kris better hurry up with the next one! :)
Great story concept, awesome characters, engaging dialogue and good descriptions to details.
Written as a single pov until the last chapters (to get us primed for the next book and story line).
This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
Jaris and Maddox’s relationship seems unreal from the beginning. Instant love is not something that I can totally buy into, BUT Mr. Cook was able to tell the story in such a way that I couldn’t quit reading.
We’ve met Dr Jaris Black in the other novels about Mockingbird Place, but he’s always been a mystery man. Quiet, reserved and not someone we knew too well. In this novel, we learn all about Jaris, but not from himself, we learn thru his first boyfriend and true love, Maddox Butler.
As the story unfolded, I found myself questioning what else was going to happen. Where would the story lead? How would Jaris and Maddox really handle everything that was thrown at them? Mr Cook kept me reading and I enjoyed the story and most all of it’s components.
As a fan of this series, I have to say that this one didn’t draw me in like the others. I was really excited at the end of The Fireman in Unit C when I read Jaris’ POV and he got the phone call he’d been waiting so long for. Unfortunately, the story didn’t deliver with the same level as the others.
Note: This ARC was provided by Enticing Journey Book Promos in exchange for an honest review.
Maddox and Jaris falling in love with each other a few days after meeting one another was pretty much a case of insta-love and I honestly felt as if there really wasn't really much of a reason for them to have fallen for one another that quickly. Thankfully, one heck of a major wrench was thrown in whatever plans they had for a fantastical happily-ever-after and that's where the story got interesting. They were both eighteen when they met and I think the six years apart from each other made them see their relationship from two very different perspectives. When they did see each other again, though, I wanted more of a hashing out and the reunion felt rushed. Both the story itself both Jaris and Maddox were okay, but a bit more development and conflict between the two men would have been good. 3.5 stars for The Doctor in Unit H. ♥
This one was little bit harder for me to get into. The transition between past and present wasn't as smooth as it could have been and made the story feel choppy.
I understand this is a work of fiction but the situation with Dr. Jaris Black and how he swoops in to play hero for his ex and the love of his life, Maddox's mother... it's not convincing and leaves a huge margin of error.
With this book you can certainly tell the that author is all puppies and rainbows and while there may be tragedy, everyone gets a HEA.
No one ever likes to see a character die, but this one could have been a little more real life. The time from which Jarvis steps and and Maddox's mother is 'cured' is rushed as is Maddox's return to medical school and his MD.
The potential is there to make this a great read, it just needs more (accurate) detail. Also Jarvis is so heartbroken over Maddox but the minute they are back together it's insta love and no real resolution of their pasts.
3.5 stars for this read. Grab a copy today to follow along with Mockingbird Place.
Jaris has had only one love of his life and he refuses to give up on him...even if he is in jail for a crime he didn't commit. He is shocked when he gets a call from that very man asking him to come visit his sick mother.
Maddox wanted to sever all ties from Jaris, but when his sick mother asked him to call, he had no choice. Whatever happens, he cannot let his walls down around Jaris because Jaris deserves better than him. Yes, he was sent to jail. No, he didn't do it, but proving it will be next to impossible, and he no longer believes in faith or hope. Or so he says.
I liked this one, but it did flip between past and present and sometimes the transitions were not as smooth as it could be. I kind of believe it was the word count and trying to keep it novella length. It did have a good story and progression, and it also has the instalove. Some parts of the story were rushed and not as developed as I would have liked, but overall, it was still enjoyable. 3.5, but leaning towards 4 stars.
I have been reading this series from the very beginning and have enjoyed each new character and “family member” from Mockingbird Place.
I was skeptical of the love at first site and falling into each so quickly. It seemed a little rushed but Kris Cook made it work. He wrote it in such a way that I had to keep reading.
This book was a little different to the others as we start in the present and then go back in time. This way sets us up with revelations into the next book in the series as well as gives us the back story of Maddox and Jaris.
There was so much going on in this story that you just had to keep flipping the pages faster. It truly is a story of lost time and second chances. It was an emotional, romantic read that shows you sometimes when hope is all you have to hang on to you need to grab it and never let go.
After that reunion I can’t wait to find out more about Stephen and Tony. That’s a mystery I can’t wait to unravel.
Just to state right off the bat, this is part of a series... you must, MUST read the previous stories before reading this, as you will be really confused with the returning characters and previous plot mentions.
The Doc finally gets his story told, YAY. I have been waiting for this story since he was introduced. Jaris Black has been in and out of all the stories, but you always knew he had his story, and a heartbreaking one it was. Taking us back into the past to introduce us to Maddox when he and Jaris are first introduced, and then going from there. This story is about not letting go of the one you love, and always have the faith and hope that it will work out in the end. I would sooo give more details, but that will spoil the whole thing.
I give this this 4 stars as while it was a really good story, I just felt it could have been a bit better.
A great book about hope and second chances. Maddox Butler was a brilliant teenage all set to be a doctor 18 and already in Medical school. Jaris Black is the Same way but he come from a wealthy family while Maddox come from a poor, broken family. Maddox is wrongfully accused of rape and convicted also. He spend 6 years in prison. Jaris, both families and his friends at Mockingbird Place all know that Maddox s innocent and never stop trying to find proof. I like that this M/M romance also include the Romance of Maddox's mother, who is fighting cancer and his soon to be stepdad and we get to see Sally and Kevin finally get married. Maddox is Kevin's best man and Jaris is Sally's best beau. We Also get further insight into what is troubling Tony, One of the MC in book 5 which I want to read soon. I love this series
Great story! This series tells the stories of the residents on Mockingbird Place. It kinda reminds me of the old TV show Melrose Place. All the characters have great stories and are a big family. The Doctor in Unit H is Maddox and Jaris's story. Roommates turned lovers they both are starting medical school. When Maddox gets a admirer things go a little crazy. One tried to push the other away and the sickness of a family member brings them back together. This is my first book by this author. Yes I enjoyed it, yes I will go back and read the others from this series. (There are a bunch of great characters.) I really enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the next book.
What's happens when you have you life all planned out and have the person you want to spend the rest of life with, but in an instant it's ripped right from you. That's what Maddox experiences. He's on the road to becoming a doctor and fallen in love with his roommate just to have a monster of a human being rip it away from him. Life has kicked Maddox in the butt, but he has Jaris in his corner. They have their work cut for them because Maddox doesn't want to bring Jaris down with him. Good chemistry between the characters. This is MM book. I really like this series and getting to revisit characters from the previous books. Looking forward to the next one.
All I can say is wow. I don't know what I would have done if I were is Maddox's place. Then feeling like he had to let go the one man I loved so that he could be free? I could never. What is that old saying? "If you love someone, set them free. If they come back to you, then they are yours". So fits this story. Joris never gave up on Maddox and knew what Mad was doing. When faced with horrors, they come together again and live their lives together.
Wow !!!!! This book is a little bit of everything and so well written. Maddox and Jaris are something else. As much as I have enjoyed all of the Mockingbird books, this one really tops them all...
I love the Mockingbird Place series and book 4 is just a continuation of wonderful books written by Kris Cook. I would definitely recommend this book for all to read . Can't wait for Tony story!
This series just keeps getting better and better, I thought that so much of t h e book being set in the past when the two main characters first met would be distracting but that wasn't the case. Looking forward to the next couple.