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Five Boroughs #7
North Shore
Publication of this edition was originally set for April 2018, but was cancelled prior to release date.
Charles Jovanovic is known for being fun, loud, and a drama queen. That changes when he comes home after a six-month dancing gig on a cruise line and finds his boyfriend kissing a muscular tattooed stranger. He retreats into his Staten Island apartment and ignores the world . . . until he discovers that the man he’d found with his ex is his downstairs neighbor.
Luis Ramos hates cheaters. He had no idea his near hookup had a boyfriend, let alone a boyfriend as gorgeous as sassy, leggy Charles. His guilt leads to frequent groveling, but Charles’s wrath won’t quit. As soon as Luis decides to back off, he catches Charles watching him practice one of his stripper routines. Luis jumps at the chance to make peace, and Charles can’t resist an invitation to dance.
Reluctant friendship turns to late-night dance sessions, intimate conversations, and flirtatious encounters in the dimly lit laundry room. Charles tries to ignore Luis’s efforts to revive his dormant passions, but the sexual tension is undeniable. When Charles realizes he wants more than a rebound, he has to learn how to move past his jealousy and trust that Luis wants him, baggage and all.
Charles Jovanovic is known for being fun, loud, and a drama queen. That changes when he comes home after a six-month dancing gig on a cruise line and finds his boyfriend kissing a muscular tattooed stranger. He retreats into his Staten Island apartment and ignores the world . . . until he discovers that the man he’d found with his ex is his downstairs neighbor.
Luis Ramos hates cheaters. He had no idea his near hookup had a boyfriend, let alone a boyfriend as gorgeous as sassy, leggy Charles. His guilt leads to frequent groveling, but Charles’s wrath won’t quit. As soon as Luis decides to back off, he catches Charles watching him practice one of his stripper routines. Luis jumps at the chance to make peace, and Charles can’t resist an invitation to dance.
Reluctant friendship turns to late-night dance sessions, intimate conversations, and flirtatious encounters in the dimly lit laundry room. Charles tries to ignore Luis’s efforts to revive his dormant passions, but the sexual tension is undeniable. When Charles realizes he wants more than a rebound, he has to learn how to move past his jealousy and trust that Luis wants him, baggage and all.
319 pages, Paperback
2 people are currently reading
722 people want to read
About the author
Santino Hassell
36 books2,836 followersSantino Hassell was raised by a conservative family but grew up to be a smart-mouthed, school cutting grunge kid, a transient twenty-something, and eventually transformed into a grumpy introvert and unlikely romance author with an affinity for baseball caps. His novels are heavily influenced by the gritty, urban landscape of New York City, and his desire to write relationships fueled by intensity and passion.
He’s been a finalist in both the Bisexual Book Awards and the EPIC Awards, and was nominated for a prestigious RITA award in 2017. His work has been featured in BuzzFeed, Huffington Post, Washington Post, RT Magazine, and Cosmopolitan Magazine.
Santino@santinohassell.com
www.santinohassell.com
http://santinohassell.com/newsletter/
amazon.com/author/santinohassell
https://www.facebook.com/groups/getha...
https://twitter.com/SantinoHassell
https://www.instagram.com/santinohass...
https://www.patreon.com/santinohassell
He’s been a finalist in both the Bisexual Book Awards and the EPIC Awards, and was nominated for a prestigious RITA award in 2017. His work has been featured in BuzzFeed, Huffington Post, Washington Post, RT Magazine, and Cosmopolitan Magazine.
Santino@santinohassell.com
www.santinohassell.com
http://santinohassell.com/newsletter/
amazon.com/author/santinohassell
https://www.facebook.com/groups/getha...
https://twitter.com/SantinoHassell
https://www.instagram.com/santinohass...
https://www.patreon.com/santinohassell
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
nope
March 11, 2018Catfishing and abusive behavior toward members of the LGBTQA+ community
http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...
For evidence:
https://thesaltminers.tumblr.com/post...
https://thesaltminers.tumblr.com/post...
https://thesaltminers.tumblr.com/post...
https://twitter.com/sweetsakuradoll/s...
https://twitter.com/i/moments/9707166...
https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...
For evidence:
https://thesaltminers.tumblr.com/post...
https://thesaltminers.tumblr.com/post...
https://thesaltminers.tumblr.com/post...
https://twitter.com/sweetsakuradoll/s...
https://twitter.com/i/moments/9707166...
https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 12, 2018
Pre-ordered on January 14, Pre-order cancellation requested. on March 6 and cancelled on March 07.
https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
https://ingloriousbitches.wordpress.c...
https://twitter.com/i/moments/9707166...
Statement from Riptide: http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...
Summary of all this sham/fraud/catfishing: https://thesaltminers.tumblr.com/post...
https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
https://ingloriousbitches.wordpress.c...
https://twitter.com/i/moments/9707166...
Statement from Riptide: http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...
Summary of all this sham/fraud/catfishing: https://thesaltminers.tumblr.com/post...
March 9, 2018
I didn't think anyone could top Missy Welsh/Thorny Sterling but here we are...
http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...
https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...
https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
July 1, 2019
I'm gonna need you to start writing books again I really don't give a fuck whether you're a catfish/ manipulator or not please start writing again
would-rather-wear-a-straightjacket
March 9, 2018It's a shame. This author was one of my favourites. Thank you to all who came forward and shed light into the psychopathic, fraudulent behaviour behind the alias "Santino Hassell."
Statement from Riptide
Statement from Riptide
not-worth-my-time-and-money
March 6, 2018
not-deserve-my-time-my-money
March 6, 2018You don't deserve my time, my rating, my money, because
https://ingloriousbitches.wordpress.c...
https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
https://ingloriousbitches.wordpress.c...
https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
abandoned
March 14, 2018This is just horrible in so many ways. I’d been a fan of Hassell’s for years now, but I’m not someone who follows an authors private activities religiously. So, when I logged on to goodreads a few days ago and saw the shit hitting the fan, all I could say was WTF!?
I think what really pisses me off about Hassell’s actions is that he (she? It’s still unclear to me) is truly talented. I loved pretty much everything he published and he was one of my fav m/m writers. So for him to be so warped that he bullies, lies and catfishes his own community, his own fans, boggles my mind. I’m glad Riptide has cut ties with him, because this shit is unacceptable. And, yes, people are pointing fingers at some of his co-authors, making accusations that they all knew what he was up to and just looked the other way. But I am going to let people have the benefit of the doubt in this situation, because even the smartest person can be manipulated by a convincing liar.
All in all, this entire situation is sad on a variety of levels, because Hassell not only killed his career entirely because of greed, but also killed his fans chance to hang out with all of his lovely characters one more time. So, yes, shame on you Santino Hassell. Karma sure is a bitch.
I won’t be removing my reviews or changing my ratings of the books I have read by him in the past. Those were my opinions of the books themselves and not the author, and were written before I learned he was scum. However, I will not be reading the couple of books I have by him, that I haven’t read yet, for obvious reasons. That’s my opinion on the matter.
I think what really pisses me off about Hassell’s actions is that he (she? It’s still unclear to me) is truly talented. I loved pretty much everything he published and he was one of my fav m/m writers. So for him to be so warped that he bullies, lies and catfishes his own community, his own fans, boggles my mind. I’m glad Riptide has cut ties with him, because this shit is unacceptable. And, yes, people are pointing fingers at some of his co-authors, making accusations that they all knew what he was up to and just looked the other way. But I am going to let people have the benefit of the doubt in this situation, because even the smartest person can be manipulated by a convincing liar.
All in all, this entire situation is sad on a variety of levels, because Hassell not only killed his career entirely because of greed, but also killed his fans chance to hang out with all of his lovely characters one more time. So, yes, shame on you Santino Hassell. Karma sure is a bitch.
I won’t be removing my reviews or changing my ratings of the books I have read by him in the past. Those were my opinions of the books themselves and not the author, and were written before I learned he was scum. However, I will not be reading the couple of books I have by him, that I haven’t read yet, for obvious reasons. That’s my opinion on the matter.
Read
March 9, 2018March 3/8/2018 - Removing stars from my listing. I had read this book before I discovered news that has come to light about this author.
I have read this book, but I cannot support any author who intentionally engages in harmful behavior.
I have read this book, but I cannot support any author who intentionally engages in harmful behavior.
x-not-even-when-hell-freezes-over
March 9, 2018Never gonna happen:
https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
do-not-support
March 11, 2018Had preordered but I am unwilling to support this author in light of what has been revealed.
Read
October 7, 2018Meh. I have mixed feelings about this book and about the fact that I even read it (I signed up for one month of the author's patreon so I could read all of the chapters - they'd been posted weekly previously).
This is probably the least angsty of the 5B series and a reminder of why I used to like SH so much - great banter, good chemistry, strong emotions, excellent sense of place. It's also a reminder of why I was pulling away from SH as an author, even before all of the revelations - lots of weird writing quirks and too many hot-headed, possessive characters (possessiveness in a partner is NOT sexy, it's a red flag).
There's a lot I enjoyed about North Shore - it was a return to what I liked about the beginning of the series, with middle and working class MCs in a working class neighborhood (and a minimum of QFinder and it's rich founders and increasing sense of being alt-reality). Luis and Charles are both hiding from aspects of their life - while they're both holed up in Staten Island they flirt and dance and eventually have lots of hot sex. And they both face their issues, which I liked.
My main problem with the romance is that while I enjoyed them together (a lot), I really think Luis could do better and that Charles needs a lot of therapy and anger management before he's ready for a LTR. He’s an anxiety prone hot head - he's just out of a 2-year abusive relationship and he was disowned by his family after coming out. Being in his head is rough. And honestly, I wanted to see him take more responsibility for managing his anxiety and his temper - Luis called him out for not being there for him and he did step up some, but I still felt like it was a lopsided relationship.
Charles also has to deal with his ex spreading rumors about him on social media and his former friends turning on him (not 5B characters) - which fit the story, and also felt like it could be about the SH scandal, which felt a kind of icky to me.
I probably won't read the last 5B book - I'm not that interested in Clive or Victor and I think I'm finally done with this author.
This is probably the least angsty of the 5B series and a reminder of why I used to like SH so much - great banter, good chemistry, strong emotions, excellent sense of place. It's also a reminder of why I was pulling away from SH as an author, even before all of the revelations - lots of weird writing quirks and too many hot-headed, possessive characters (possessiveness in a partner is NOT sexy, it's a red flag).
There's a lot I enjoyed about North Shore - it was a return to what I liked about the beginning of the series, with middle and working class MCs in a working class neighborhood (and a minimum of QFinder and it's rich founders and increasing sense of being alt-reality). Luis and Charles are both hiding from aspects of their life - while they're both holed up in Staten Island they flirt and dance and eventually have lots of hot sex. And they both face their issues, which I liked.
My main problem with the romance is that while I enjoyed them together (a lot), I really think Luis could do better and that Charles needs a lot of therapy and anger management before he's ready for a LTR. He’s an anxiety prone hot head - he's just out of a 2-year abusive relationship and he was disowned by his family after coming out. Being in his head is rough. And honestly, I wanted to see him take more responsibility for managing his anxiety and his temper - Luis called him out for not being there for him and he did step up some, but I still felt like it was a lopsided relationship.
Charles also has to deal with his ex spreading rumors about him on social media and his former friends turning on him (not 5B characters) - which fit the story, and also felt like it could be about the SH scandal, which felt a kind of icky to me.
I probably won't read the last 5B book - I'm not that interested in Clive or Victor and I think I'm finally done with this author.
Want to read
March 2, 2018soooo..... is it april yet?
August 20, 2018
On one hand if I compare it with the rest of the series it wasn't that great. For me the issue is the series has gone on too long and is super formulaic and repetitive at this point. On the other hand it's still by far some of the best in the genre I've read to date. Scandal aside someone can spin a good story that appeals to me since I'm bi-racial and live in a major US city.
August 22, 2018
It was a nice reading. I loved Lius in concourse and was really curious about him. So I was happy to see this book resolve around him and Charles.
I wasn't disappointed by this book and by Lius. It's the kind of guy we all dream to have as a boyfriend, cute, funny, sexy and with a big cock.
I enjoyed my reading and for the most part loved the relationship between the two guys even if I had some little issues with Charles. I didn't connect with him and at some point thought he wasn't all white in the failure of his relationship with Landon.
Otherwise if you enjoyed the series and are able to see the difference between what the author's actions and it writtings, go ahead and read North shore, you will not be disappointed.
I wasn't disappointed by this book and by Lius. It's the kind of guy we all dream to have as a boyfriend, cute, funny, sexy and with a big cock.
I enjoyed my reading and for the most part loved the relationship between the two guys even if I had some little issues with Charles. I didn't connect with him and at some point thought he wasn't all white in the failure of his relationship with Landon.
Otherwise if you enjoyed the series and are able to see the difference between what the author's actions and it writtings, go ahead and read North shore, you will not be disappointed.
nope
March 11, 2018Never ever gonna read.
http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...
http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...
August 24, 2018
Santino never disappoints. The way he portraits Charles' emotions is an absolute pleasure to read. I just love the way he writes.
August 28, 2018
I waited so long for Charles story and was everything and more that I expected.
January 14, 2020
5 Stars
I am sooo happy read this! I am a HUGE fan of the Five Boroughs series and I was so looking forward to it when it was originally scheduled to come out in 2018, then it got pulled and I thought it was never gonna see the light of day. I was lucky enough to get a copy of both North Shore and Cross Island and I am so happy I did.
North Shore was exactly what I was hoping for. It was sweet and hot. The characters were gritty and real and everything came together just perfectly. Our First MC, Charles has been a secondary character, just on the periphery of the main story lines all throughout the series and it is about time we get up close and personal. I liked him quite a bit and found him very engaging and relatable. He had such confidence in some parts of his life, like his dancing and his sense of style, but was so insecure about so much of the rest. I loved seeing him regain his self-confidence and positivity as the story progresses. And then there is Luis. Yowza, that man is smoking hot. Despite meeting Charles in such an awkward situation, he was such a sweetheart. He was so patient with and never gave up on Charles, but wasn't pushy either, he was just perfect. And so, so sexy. His dancing/stripping scenes, ooh boy, blazing hot. And speaking of hot, the chemistry between Luis and Charles was unreal. I liked that they built up the tension a bit and didn't immediately hop in the sac. It made the eventual capitulation all the more delicious. Despite all the controversy this author has garnered, the man knows how to write a good story. I am eagerly going to devour the last and final book in the Five Boroughs series, and then mourn the loss for years to come. My book hangover will linger for a while, I'm sure of it
**Easter egg for fans of the Cyberlove series: Look out for a cameo from the Costigan family from Fast Connection.
I am sooo happy read this! I am a HUGE fan of the Five Boroughs series and I was so looking forward to it when it was originally scheduled to come out in 2018, then it got pulled and I thought it was never gonna see the light of day. I was lucky enough to get a copy of both North Shore and Cross Island and I am so happy I did.
North Shore was exactly what I was hoping for. It was sweet and hot. The characters were gritty and real and everything came together just perfectly. Our First MC, Charles has been a secondary character, just on the periphery of the main story lines all throughout the series and it is about time we get up close and personal. I liked him quite a bit and found him very engaging and relatable. He had such confidence in some parts of his life, like his dancing and his sense of style, but was so insecure about so much of the rest. I loved seeing him regain his self-confidence and positivity as the story progresses. And then there is Luis. Yowza, that man is smoking hot. Despite meeting Charles in such an awkward situation, he was such a sweetheart. He was so patient with and never gave up on Charles, but wasn't pushy either, he was just perfect. And so, so sexy. His dancing/stripping scenes, ooh boy, blazing hot. And speaking of hot, the chemistry between Luis and Charles was unreal. I liked that they built up the tension a bit and didn't immediately hop in the sac. It made the eventual capitulation all the more delicious. Despite all the controversy this author has garnered, the man knows how to write a good story. I am eagerly going to devour the last and final book in the Five Boroughs series, and then mourn the loss for years to come. My book hangover will linger for a while, I'm sure of it
**Easter egg for fans of the Cyberlove series: Look out for a cameo from the Costigan family from Fast Connection.
July 24, 2020
I love all the books, want more even A lot of drama about the author, in my opinion I don't care... The books were awesome as far as I can see the publication was canceled which is sad SH or whoever has talent I will continue to get the books
August 17, 2018
I love SH's writings, but this was not as good as the others. I hate drama and this was full with it.
April 18, 2020
Forget what happened and start again, Believe me most people don’t actually care, we love your books and we can’t wait to read more! I’m reading this one now and so far it’s amazing👌🏼
September 26, 2018
Damn, I missed these people. I missed Santino's writing.
Once again, Santino doesn't disappoint. Compelling and believable characters. Amazing dialogue. Beautiful writing. Hot and steamy sex scenes. You name it.
5 golden stars and waiting on the edge of my seat for the next installment
Once again, Santino doesn't disappoint. Compelling and believable characters. Amazing dialogue. Beautiful writing. Hot and steamy sex scenes. You name it.
5 golden stars and waiting on the edge of my seat for the next installment
wfltwnf
August 24, 2018NR
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews