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The Community #1
Insight
Growing up the outcast in an infamous family of psychics, Nate Black never learned how to control his empath abilities. Then after five years without contact, his estranged twin turns up dead in New York City. The claim of suicide doesn’t ring true, especially when a mysterious vision tells Nate it was murder. Now his long-hated gift is his only tool to investigate.
Hitching from his tiny Texas town, Nate is picked up by Trent, a gorgeous engineer who thrives on sarcasm and skepticism. The heat that sparks between them is instant and intense, and Nate ends up trusting Trent with his secrets—something he’s never done before. But once they arrive in the city, the secrets multiply when Nate discovers an underground supernatural community, more missing psychics, and frightening information about his own talent.
Nate is left questioning his connection with Trent. Are their feelings real, or are they being propelled by abilities Nate didn’t realize he had? His fear of his power grows, but Nate must overcome it to find his brother’s killer and trust himself with Trent’s heart.
Hitching from his tiny Texas town, Nate is picked up by Trent, a gorgeous engineer who thrives on sarcasm and skepticism. The heat that sparks between them is instant and intense, and Nate ends up trusting Trent with his secrets—something he’s never done before. But once they arrive in the city, the secrets multiply when Nate discovers an underground supernatural community, more missing psychics, and frightening information about his own talent.
Nate is left questioning his connection with Trent. Are their feelings real, or are they being propelled by abilities Nate didn’t realize he had? His fear of his power grows, but Nate must overcome it to find his brother’s killer and trust himself with Trent’s heart.
264 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2017
40 people are currently reading
1211 people want to read
About the author
Santino Hassell
36 books2,837 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 - 30 of 322 reviews
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March 6, 2018Review and rating removed
June 3, 2017
2.5/3 Stars
I read the sample of this a while back and wasn't that impressed but it's Santino Hassell,I mean the man could write a Telephone Directory and I would pay good money for it...
So the combination of this Author and pnr and I couldn't not read it.....but this was very underwhelming for me.
I was just bored.I didn't feel the connection between Nate and Trent,which is surprising because this Author has created some of the best MM couples I've read about.I kind of liked Trent but found his character a bit bland...no back story about him and apart from his attraction to Nate,I had no clue about the man.
By about 75% I'd pretty much worked things out so the ending didn't come as any big surprise.I get that it's a series so the whole world building thing was necessary but it just wasn't holding my attention.
I quite enjoyed the road trip with Nate and Trent but once they got to New York and loads of characters were thrown at you my interest started to wane.
The one redeeming feature was Holden...I absolutely loved him and it's his story next but I don't even think my love for him will convince me to carry on with this series.
I'm definitely in the minority here as people have really rated it but it just didn't work for me.
I read the sample of this a while back and wasn't that impressed but it's Santino Hassell,I mean the man could write a Telephone Directory and I would pay good money for it...
So the combination of this Author and pnr and I couldn't not read it.....but this was very underwhelming for me.
I was just bored.I didn't feel the connection between Nate and Trent,which is surprising because this Author has created some of the best MM couples I've read about.I kind of liked Trent but found his character a bit bland...no back story about him and apart from his attraction to Nate,I had no clue about the man.
By about 75% I'd pretty much worked things out so the ending didn't come as any big surprise.I get that it's a series so the whole world building thing was necessary but it just wasn't holding my attention.
I quite enjoyed the road trip with Nate and Trent but once they got to New York and loads of characters were thrown at you my interest started to wane.
The one redeeming feature was Holden...I absolutely loved him and it's his story next but I don't even think my love for him will convince me to carry on with this series.
I'm definitely in the minority here as people have really rated it but it just didn't work for me.
Read
March 11, 2018Rating and review removed.
Read
March 14, 2018
March 13, 2017
After reading the incredible and unforgettable ICoS Santino Hassell has quickly become one of my favourite authors and my expectations going into this book were huge. I did worry that this book would struggle to deliver everything I expected from it but by the end of the first chapter any worries I'd had were long forgotten, I was hooked.
Nate Black is a fascinating character who's yet to find his place in life, he's a empath who's never learnt to control his gift/curse and it's hard to imagine how impossible life must be for him, he feels completely isolated and sees his monotonous life stretching out before him until one day seemingly out of nowhere he gets a vision, a vision of his twins death.
Nate's twin Theo was the more gifted and powerful twin and as a result Aunt Eveline the family matriarch became obsessed with him teaching him how to control and expand his abilities and this is when Theo started to change. Aunt Eveline wasn't remotely interested in Nate's little empath abilities and Nate's always considered it a curse anyway and taken his own path steering clear of his family whenever possible.
The Blacks are a family of psychics, a once powerful family but having these abilities takes its toll, well that and the secrets they keep.
Everyone believes Theo committed suicide except Nate, the vision told him a different story and Nate needs to get away from his family and he needs answers to his brothers death so he decides to head for New York.
He hitches a ride with Trent and for the first time ever Nate feels he's met someone he can trust and so he does, he trusts Trent with the one thing he was told to always keep secret.
On reaching New York Nate discovers the Black's are not the only psychics and New York has a huge underground supernatural community. Psychics are going missing, he gets more visions and comes across people with amazing abilities but who can he trust can he even trust that Trent's feeling are real or they a result of something Nate is doing?
The strength of this book like the others by this author lies firstly with the characters, they're complex, flawed and so easy to love, it also helps that the story is intriguing and has so much potential beyond this book.
I read a lot of books and I enjoy a lot of books but Santino somehow manages to find something more, his books are different in the way they make me care and feel so invested in the characters.
I don't give 5* often or easily in fact this is my first (fiction book) 5* read so far this year and I can't wait for 'Oversight'
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and Riptide Publishing
Nate Black is a fascinating character who's yet to find his place in life, he's a empath who's never learnt to control his gift/curse and it's hard to imagine how impossible life must be for him, he feels completely isolated and sees his monotonous life stretching out before him until one day seemingly out of nowhere he gets a vision, a vision of his twins death.
Nate's twin Theo was the more gifted and powerful twin and as a result Aunt Eveline the family matriarch became obsessed with him teaching him how to control and expand his abilities and this is when Theo started to change. Aunt Eveline wasn't remotely interested in Nate's little empath abilities and Nate's always considered it a curse anyway and taken his own path steering clear of his family whenever possible.
The Blacks are a family of psychics, a once powerful family but having these abilities takes its toll, well that and the secrets they keep.
Everyone believes Theo committed suicide except Nate, the vision told him a different story and Nate needs to get away from his family and he needs answers to his brothers death so he decides to head for New York.
He hitches a ride with Trent and for the first time ever Nate feels he's met someone he can trust and so he does, he trusts Trent with the one thing he was told to always keep secret.
On reaching New York Nate discovers the Black's are not the only psychics and New York has a huge underground supernatural community. Psychics are going missing, he gets more visions and comes across people with amazing abilities but who can he trust can he even trust that Trent's feeling are real or they a result of something Nate is doing?
The strength of this book like the others by this author lies firstly with the characters, they're complex, flawed and so easy to love, it also helps that the story is intriguing and has so much potential beyond this book.
I read a lot of books and I enjoy a lot of books but Santino somehow manages to find something more, his books are different in the way they make me care and feel so invested in the characters.
I don't give 5* often or easily in fact this is my first (fiction book) 5* read so far this year and I can't wait for 'Oversight'
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and Riptide Publishing
no-no-cuz-reasons
March 10, 2018Review & Rating removed of Audio and written stories.
i-m-a-quitter
February 15, 2017DNF @ 48%
It pains me to do this but I just don't think this book is for me.
I kind of had a feeling. Paranormal isn't one of my favorite genres.
But...but... it's Santino Hassell. I can't not read a Santino book. Or at least try anyways.
I was kind of bored. What? I know. It was too much focus on the paranormal aspects. And then there were too many characters introduced. The whole Community.
Yeah, you lost me. I couldn't keep track of who knew who, who did what, who was sleeping together, who hated each other, who was related.
I wasn't feeling much towards Trent or Nate either, honestly.
When I started wanting to skim - I knew this one just wasn't for me.
So yeah, it's likely me and not the book. But I wanted to try. Because it's Santino dammit.
It pains me to do this but I just don't think this book is for me.
I kind of had a feeling. Paranormal isn't one of my favorite genres.
But...but... it's Santino Hassell. I can't not read a Santino book. Or at least try anyways.
I was kind of bored. What? I know. It was too much focus on the paranormal aspects. And then there were too many characters introduced. The whole Community.
Yeah, you lost me. I couldn't keep track of who knew who, who did what, who was sleeping together, who hated each other, who was related.
I wasn't feeling much towards Trent or Nate either, honestly.
When I started wanting to skim - I knew this one just wasn't for me.
So yeah, it's likely me and not the book. But I wanted to try. Because it's Santino dammit.
Read
March 13, 2018Rating removed because of this:
http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...
Original review:
A perfectly clear image has been in my mind since I started reading this story. Probably the first image you will find if you google "NY piers". Beautiful (of course, it's New York) but nothing special unless you are being transported to that place while reading the first chapter of Insight. In that moment Santino got me. I loved the idea. I really liked that first vision and how it dragged me into this new world. All my reading has been conditioned by Theo's "first appareance". And even if Theo wasn't the best person, neither the best brother, I've been mourning him all the way. He's been present in my head every single page.
But the main reason that made me loved Insight was the magistral mix of nostalgia, darkness and the obscure sadness covering all the story.
The world building in this first installment of The Community is captivating and fast paced. The universe Santino describes is totally absorbent and original.
Everything has a dark atmosphere that you can almost breath. But that darkish background, mixed with the simple and direct to the point dialogues, makes the setting and the story itself easy, intense and more attractive.
And I loved it, because this book succeeded where others didn't. This novel transported me to a place, to a different world. That's the magic of books, and this one did that for me. During all my reading I was visualizing the story as a movie, and not any random movie, but one I would truly enjoy.
Nathaniel Black is our narrator, in this new Series by Santino Hassell. He is a psychic who read paranormal mm romance. He is an empath who listens Japanese rock metal. He is a social unskilled guy who has been bullied all his life. Bullied for being gay, and bullied for being a "Black".
That's Nate, ladies and gentleman, my lovely and adored Nate.
So, this beautiful character who lives in Santino's personal Village of the Damned (bleached people included) meets a New Yorker called Trent (sarcastic, beautiful and apparently super normal Trent) and the couple start a journey that takes them from Texas to New York (the word "journey" is used here in both ways, literally and metaphorically)
We don't get to know Trent's POV in this story, but I didn't miss it too much because you get to know him through Nate's eyes.
In this setting Santino's use of the dialogues is vital. They are the "lung" insufflating air in this story. They are the axis, since we all are Nate and we need to know trough him (thoughts and conversations) who the rest is, what they want... At first, I thought some of the interactions were a bit forced but everything flows naturally once I accustomed to the rhythm and the writing.
I wouldn't say theirs in insta-love, because it's not (there is no love implied at first) but they do connect instantly, they bond since the beginning. Trent trusts in Nate's word, he believes in him. He is Noah's parter in crime or, in this case, I should say, his partner solving the crime (he calls himself "the amusing sidekick "). And they are super cute together.
But I must say that, even if there is love and hot sex in this book, the love story between Noah and Trent is not the epicenter of this book. Insight is the set up for The Community, the scenario for the whole series, so I could say that this first installment has in it a huge dose of paranormal mystery with, of course, the basis of a good MM romance. And it didn't disappoint me at all. I'm really hoping book two will follow the footsteps of this one.
Im not giving away anything substancial about the plot. I've preferred to discover this book by myself and I'm giving you the same opportunity. I'll just say I was absorbed by the simple (and also magical) narrative. I was completely into it at the end of chapter one (I loved the end of chapter one)
The characters in Insight are perfectly defined even if they have no voice. Noah is the deepest character, sure, but the book is full of great and intriguing characters. The lack of other POVs it's probably a need in the story, because this way is easier for the plot to thrive and for the thriller to prosper.
The only snag that I found is that, at one point, I was ahead in the "investigation". I was solving the puzzle before Nate, and yelling at him to fit the clues in the big picture... but anyway, I love him and I´m sure he has forgiven me already for all the presumptuous "I knew it"
In the last three weeks I have read, 3 completely different genres by Santino Hassel: Sport Romance, Cyberlove and now this Paranormal/Thriller novel.
And I can say without any doubt that he knows how to write whatever he wants, that's for sure and I will happily wait for any book he throws in my way.
http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...
Original review:
A perfectly clear image has been in my mind since I started reading this story. Probably the first image you will find if you google "NY piers". Beautiful (of course, it's New York) but nothing special unless you are being transported to that place while reading the first chapter of Insight. In that moment Santino got me. I loved the idea. I really liked that first vision and how it dragged me into this new world. All my reading has been conditioned by Theo's "first appareance". And even if Theo wasn't the best person, neither the best brother, I've been mourning him all the way. He's been present in my head every single page.
But the main reason that made me loved Insight was the magistral mix of nostalgia, darkness and the obscure sadness covering all the story.
The world building in this first installment of The Community is captivating and fast paced. The universe Santino describes is totally absorbent and original.
Everything has a dark atmosphere that you can almost breath. But that darkish background, mixed with the simple and direct to the point dialogues, makes the setting and the story itself easy, intense and more attractive.
And I loved it, because this book succeeded where others didn't. This novel transported me to a place, to a different world. That's the magic of books, and this one did that for me. During all my reading I was visualizing the story as a movie, and not any random movie, but one I would truly enjoy.
Nathaniel Black is our narrator, in this new Series by Santino Hassell. He is a psychic who read paranormal mm romance. He is an empath who listens Japanese rock metal. He is a social unskilled guy who has been bullied all his life. Bullied for being gay, and bullied for being a "Black".
That's Nate, ladies and gentleman, my lovely and adored Nate.
So, this beautiful character who lives in Santino's personal Village of the Damned (bleached people included) meets a New Yorker called Trent (sarcastic, beautiful and apparently super normal Trent) and the couple start a journey that takes them from Texas to New York (the word "journey" is used here in both ways, literally and metaphorically)
We don't get to know Trent's POV in this story, but I didn't miss it too much because you get to know him through Nate's eyes.
In this setting Santino's use of the dialogues is vital. They are the "lung" insufflating air in this story. They are the axis, since we all are Nate and we need to know trough him (thoughts and conversations) who the rest is, what they want... At first, I thought some of the interactions were a bit forced but everything flows naturally once I accustomed to the rhythm and the writing.
I wouldn't say theirs in insta-love, because it's not (there is no love implied at first) but they do connect instantly, they bond since the beginning. Trent trusts in Nate's word, he believes in him. He is Noah's parter in crime or, in this case, I should say, his partner solving the crime (he calls himself "the amusing sidekick "). And they are super cute together.
But I must say that, even if there is love and hot sex in this book, the love story between Noah and Trent is not the epicenter of this book. Insight is the set up for The Community, the scenario for the whole series, so I could say that this first installment has in it a huge dose of paranormal mystery with, of course, the basis of a good MM romance. And it didn't disappoint me at all. I'm really hoping book two will follow the footsteps of this one.
Im not giving away anything substancial about the plot. I've preferred to discover this book by myself and I'm giving you the same opportunity. I'll just say I was absorbed by the simple (and also magical) narrative. I was completely into it at the end of chapter one (I loved the end of chapter one)
The characters in Insight are perfectly defined even if they have no voice. Noah is the deepest character, sure, but the book is full of great and intriguing characters. The lack of other POVs it's probably a need in the story, because this way is easier for the plot to thrive and for the thriller to prosper.
The only snag that I found is that, at one point, I was ahead in the "investigation". I was solving the puzzle before Nate, and yelling at him to fit the clues in the big picture... but anyway, I love him and I´m sure he has forgiven me already for all the presumptuous "I knew it"
In the last three weeks I have read, 3 completely different genres by Santino Hassel: Sport Romance, Cyberlove and now this Paranormal/Thriller novel.
And I can say without any doubt that he knows how to write whatever he wants, that's for sure and I will happily wait for any book he throws in my way.
This review was posted on Dirty Books Obsession
February 26, 2017
Wow. Just ... wow. Insight is one of those books where, after you finish it, there's a certain sense of sorrow because you'll never recapture that amazing sensation of reading it for the first time. I don't want to give away too many plot points in this review, but suffice it to say TRUST NO ONE and NOTHING is as it seems.
We all think our own families are crazy, but in Nate's case, yeah, they're seriously fucked up. He's from a tiny town in Texas and all his family are psychics - his overbearing paranoid aunt, his uncle who drinks to stop the visions, his now dead mother who returned from NYC a shell of her former self. When his twin Theo (a powerful multi-talented psychic) supposedly suicides in NYC, Nate gets a vision of Theo's final horrific moments and knows he has to go to NYC himself.
Nate meets sexy grad student Trent (by accident?) and catches a ride along with him to NYC. Trent, unlike anyone Nate has met before, "was exuding vibes that felt like sunshine on a beach. Nate had never felt anything like it. Usually he had to touch someone to get an impression, but this guy was like a beacon of warmth." And that reaction makes sex between the two unbelievably hot:
I received an ARC from Riptide Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
We all think our own families are crazy, but in Nate's case, yeah, they're seriously fucked up. He's from a tiny town in Texas and all his family are psychics - his overbearing paranoid aunt, his uncle who drinks to stop the visions, his now dead mother who returned from NYC a shell of her former self. When his twin Theo (a powerful multi-talented psychic) supposedly suicides in NYC, Nate gets a vision of Theo's final horrific moments and knows he has to go to NYC himself.
Nate meets sexy grad student Trent (by accident?) and catches a ride along with him to NYC. Trent, unlike anyone Nate has met before, "was exuding vibes that felt like sunshine on a beach. Nate had never felt anything like it. Usually he had to touch someone to get an impression, but this guy was like a beacon of warmth." And that reaction makes sex between the two unbelievably hot:
“I just feel your hand, and your mouth, and your dick, but also everything you’re feeling. Like flares of pleasure every time I squeeze you tight, and how close you are to coming. How bad you want to fuck.” Nate arched into Trent’s hand. “And everything else is gone. It’s just you.” [...] The sensation of his orgasm rocketed through Nate’s body, and he cried out as well, riding Trent’s pleasure before releasing his own.When Nate arrives and meets Theo's friends, acquaintances and band mates, he is introduced to The Community, an organization supposedly created to help discover, support and enable supernaturals. I don't want to reveal more of the plot, but just know Insight grabs you and keeps your interest every page of the way and beautifully sets up the next book in the series. I highly recommend it!
I received an ARC from Riptide Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
just-no
March 9, 2018 [review and rating removed]
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February 28, 2017I normally don't rate my DNF books, but consider it as 
DNF at 52%
You can't even imagine HOW much I wanted to BE ABLE to finish this book and give it a proper one star review. But I am not going to spend even one more second of my life on this book and on its shallow flat characters. They all sounded like they were 12 year old!
Terrible dialogues, not even a tiny flash of inspiration. Banal plot, boring characters, a romance without chemistry, amateurish writing.
I asked myself, what DID I MISS? Where came these 5 -4 stars reviews from? How can I be so blind to NOT see the reason for all this excitement?
At least I know now, that the author and I are not compatible and I'll try to avoid his book in the future.
***ARC provided by the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.***
DNF at 52%
You can't even imagine HOW much I wanted to BE ABLE to finish this book and give it a proper one star review. But I am not going to spend even one more second of my life on this book and on its shallow flat characters. They all sounded like they were 12 year old!
Terrible dialogues, not even a tiny flash of inspiration. Banal plot, boring characters, a romance without chemistry, amateurish writing.
I asked myself, what DID I MISS? Where came these 5 -4 stars reviews from? How can I be so blind to NOT see the reason for all this excitement?
At least I know now, that the author and I are not compatible and I'll try to avoid his book in the future.
***ARC provided by the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.***
March 10, 2018
“Review deleted because the author may have have misrepresented themselves as ownvoices and accepted cash gifts from fans under potentially false pretenses.”
statement from publisher
http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...
Read
June 7, 2017
DNF @52% and no rating
It really pains me to say this...
... but I give up.
Santino Hassell is and will always be one of my favorite authors and for me as a fan of paranormal romance this book should have had all the makings of me loving it, but (with a capital B)... I did not.
The beginning was promising, but after a while I was bored to death with the story. A whole bunch of characters was introduced, but nothing really happened. And even if the "connection" between Trent and Nate was mentioned quite often, I couldn't feel it, not for the life of me. The story was too centered on Nate and even when both men were together the whole back and forth between them was tiring after a while. Not even both making out could get me interested in keep going. It might get better in the second half, but right now I couldn't care less.
... and I hate giving up on a book even more, but there are too many books on my tbr waiting for me to be stuck with one I'm struggling with. It already took me six days to get up to 50%. Maybe I'll give it another try when the whole series (or at least Oversight) is out to see if it is worth the effort to get back to it. Sorry! :( *crawling back into my box of shame*
It really pains me to say this...
... but I give up.
Santino Hassell is and will always be one of my favorite authors and for me as a fan of paranormal romance this book should have had all the makings of me loving it, but (with a capital B)... I did not.
The beginning was promising, but after a while I was bored to death with the story. A whole bunch of characters was introduced, but nothing really happened. And even if the "connection" between Trent and Nate was mentioned quite often, I couldn't feel it, not for the life of me. The story was too centered on Nate and even when both men were together the whole back and forth between them was tiring after a while. Not even both making out could get me interested in keep going. It might get better in the second half, but right now I couldn't care less.
... and I hate giving up on a book even more, but there are too many books on my tbr waiting for me to be stuck with one I'm struggling with. It already took me six days to get up to 50%. Maybe I'll give it another try when the whole series (or at least Oversight) is out to see if it is worth the effort to get back to it. Sorry! :( *crawling back into my box of shame*
March 16, 2017
When I saw there was going to be a new SH series, I was like : yeah !!! But then…
I’m way better than Nate at putting up a shield to protect myself from magic, but why does it have to be from SH’s magic ???
Nate is 21, lives a sedate life in a quiet town in Texas and is cast out by the towners who think his family is a bunch of freaks. Which he believes to be quite the truth as he and his family do have some psychic powers, except his own powers feel weak and useless for him. And then, he learns about his twin brother’s apparent suicide. After a disturbing vision from his brother’s death and some very troubling revelations about his family, he decides to go to New York to understand what happened. And he is helped by Trent who picked him up while hitchhiking.
What didn’t do it for me : the lack of Trent’s POV so I had a hard time to figure him out – all the constant riddles about this Community (I kept thinking : “hey, you don’t tell or you tell, choose your side”) and there were some facts that didn’t make any sense for me.
What I did like, though : all the angst from Nate, the emotions pouring from Nate and Trent and these glimpses of the “psychic world”.
So, for me, it felt more like an introduction for the series and I’m really looking forward to the rest of it to get more and be swept by SH’s magic. But I may wait for the whole series to be released to do so.
I’m way better than Nate at putting up a shield to protect myself from magic, but why does it have to be from SH’s magic ???
Nate is 21, lives a sedate life in a quiet town in Texas and is cast out by the towners who think his family is a bunch of freaks. Which he believes to be quite the truth as he and his family do have some psychic powers, except his own powers feel weak and useless for him. And then, he learns about his twin brother’s apparent suicide. After a disturbing vision from his brother’s death and some very troubling revelations about his family, he decides to go to New York to understand what happened. And he is helped by Trent who picked him up while hitchhiking.
What didn’t do it for me : the lack of Trent’s POV so I had a hard time to figure him out – all the constant riddles about this Community (I kept thinking : “hey, you don’t tell or you tell, choose your side”) and there were some facts that didn’t make any sense for me.
What I did like, though : all the angst from Nate, the emotions pouring from Nate and Trent and these glimpses of the “psychic world”.
So, for me, it felt more like an introduction for the series and I’m really looking forward to the rest of it to get more and be swept by SH’s magic. But I may wait for the whole series to be released to do so.
Read
March 9, 2018Review and rating removed.
March 14, 2017
My Insight journey:
A new Santino book!
Reads blurb.... paranormal and mystery...
I seldom read PNR and don't care for mysteries- they bore me.
But it is Santino.
And in the end, it was a winner.
-Psychics
-Fleshed out characters
-Fast paced story
-Heavy angst
-EMPATH SEX
-And a story leaving you wanting more
That equals a winner in my eyes.
Sorry for doubting you, Santino.
A new Santino book!
Reads blurb.... paranormal and mystery...
I seldom read PNR and don't care for mysteries- they bore me.
But it is Santino.
And in the end, it was a winner.
-Psychics
-Fleshed out characters
-Fast paced story
-Heavy angst
-EMPATH SEX
-And a story leaving you wanting more
That equals a winner in my eyes.
Sorry for doubting you, Santino.
Read
March 11, 2018Review and rating removed.
https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
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I loved the narrator though so under the spoiler are my thoughts about that.
https://www.goodreads.com/user_status...
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I loved the narrator though so under the spoiler are my thoughts about that.
March 22, 2017
4.5
Not sure I have too much to say about this except that it's fantastic. Moody, complicated, a genuine mystery. I've not read too many paranormals focused on psychics, but this felt incredibly original, with first class worldbuilding. Wow--the depiction of Nate is soooo good, really excellent characterization. Ditto Chase and Holden. I was not as huge a fan of Trent, who felt a little too good to be true, though there was nothing egregious. I am extremely picky about depictions of New York City, and this was spot-on, accurate and detailed with a thousand extra points for having a scene in Fort Tryon Park, which everyone should visit if they get the chance.
Bottom Line: Can't wait for book 2.
Not sure I have too much to say about this except that it's fantastic. Moody, complicated, a genuine mystery. I've not read too many paranormals focused on psychics, but this felt incredibly original, with first class worldbuilding. Wow--the depiction of Nate is soooo good, really excellent characterization. Ditto Chase and Holden. I was not as huge a fan of Trent, who felt a little too good to be true, though there was nothing egregious. I am extremely picky about depictions of New York City, and this was spot-on, accurate and detailed with a thousand extra points for having a scene in Fort Tryon Park, which everyone should visit if they get the chance.
Bottom Line: Can't wait for book 2.
March 15, 2017
This was a piecemeal book for me. There were parts I really liked and felt intensely connected to and there were parts I didn't like, that left me flat. A few characters I liked, most I didn't.
In terms of trying to find quality "MM" contemporary UF/para/supernatural/metaphysical books, don't know what you want to classify Insight as, this is pretty good writing. Caveat about MM- there is an OFY aspect to this book,
If you are looking for a fast paced murder/mystery book, this gets somewhat bogged down in names (and a bit about them for future books) and talents, and inner reflection about why one MC would stay with the other. Is it because he's influencing him? I understand it, but I was thinking come on, please don't go there. There is a lot of deflection around who is responsible for Theo's death which is fair enough, but it left me frustrated after a while because this meant characters I didn't like on page. Then there is the Community and those who love it or rally against it, I won't elaborate too much on that aspect.
I liked the romance between Nate and Trent because it doesn't drive the whole story, which is right for this type of book, but it's still very much a beating heart at the centre. The intense jolt and yet calmness (empath) Nate derives from (void) Trent in a sea of uncertainty and overwhelming feelings makes the reader calmer too. There's a genuine connection and chemistry between them.
I liked Trent a great deal. He was a good, solid character. A nice guy. I also liked Nate but he was somewhat bipolar - falling over his words one moment, lamenting he did that, then having more snap and probing questions than Sergeant Joe Friday. I know the Community will have some characters readers will get behind but I didn't like them terribly, I'm a cranky old bitch and I needed more overall depth to some characters, and I don't care if they are broken from time spent ... somewhere connected, or looking after family.
For readers who don't like too much darkness or intensity I didn't personally find Insight creepy or edgy or intense. It was, however, still a bit different to the same-same contemporary "MM" books which I find flooding the market these days, and that's a good thing from my current reading perspective.
Different and more in depth review at http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
In terms of trying to find quality "MM" contemporary UF/para/supernatural/metaphysical books, don't know what you want to classify Insight as, this is pretty good writing. Caveat about MM- there is an OFY aspect to this book,
If you are looking for a fast paced murder/mystery book, this gets somewhat bogged down in names (and a bit about them for future books) and talents, and inner reflection about why one MC would stay with the other. Is it because he's influencing him? I understand it, but I was thinking come on, please don't go there. There is a lot of deflection around who is responsible for Theo's death which is fair enough, but it left me frustrated after a while because this meant characters I didn't like on page. Then there is the Community and those who love it or rally against it, I won't elaborate too much on that aspect.
I liked the romance between Nate and Trent because it doesn't drive the whole story, which is right for this type of book, but it's still very much a beating heart at the centre. The intense jolt and yet calmness (empath) Nate derives from (void) Trent in a sea of uncertainty and overwhelming feelings makes the reader calmer too. There's a genuine connection and chemistry between them.
I liked Trent a great deal. He was a good, solid character. A nice guy. I also liked Nate but he was somewhat bipolar - falling over his words one moment, lamenting he did that, then having more snap and probing questions than Sergeant Joe Friday. I know the Community will have some characters readers will get behind but I didn't like them terribly, I'm a cranky old bitch and I needed more overall depth to some characters, and I don't care if they are broken from time spent ... somewhere connected, or looking after family.
For readers who don't like too much darkness or intensity I didn't personally find Insight creepy or edgy or intense. It was, however, still a bit different to the same-same contemporary "MM" books which I find flooding the market these days, and that's a good thing from my current reading perspective.
Different and more in depth review at http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
Read
March 9, 2018Review and rating removed
March 8, 2018
This sucks.
February 17, 2018
Jan 2018 Audio review *bumping this up to 5 stars*
Oh, yeah. This was awesome! I already enjoyed reading the book and I knew, just knew the audio was going to be amazing. Greg Boudreaux's narration was superb and I loved these characters even more thru him. This will be my first time listening to him narrate and I the hype is legit. He is wonderful. I highly recommend this book, series and audio. :)
Feb 2017 ebook review *4 stars*
I was provided an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, as impossible as this is, Insight is my first Santino Hassell book. I know right? But, OMG, this was a very good first book. I enjoy paranormal stories and HELLO, special abilities like mind control, how cool is that? If it's in the right hands, of course.
I am going to start with the end of the book. It was such a thrilling ending. Nate and Trent cuddle and kiss and I love those squishy satisfactory endings. Seeing couples who have had a lot of heart pounding thriller action finally getting to settle down and cuddle just gets me. :) And then Nate gets a phone call. Dun, dun, dun!! Trouble has once again stirred in New York and Nate can't say no to going back to help. This is obviously a lead in to the next book of this trilogy, and I am seriously pumped and way more than ready to get that installment in my hands.
Insight is really a "Who done it" type story. Yes there are paranormal things going on, and that is definitely a huge aspect of the plot. But at equal level of importance is what happened to Nate's brother, Theo. Nate is truck suddenly with a vision of his brother drowning in New York, but he knows Theo didn't commit suicide. Compelled for reasons he can't explain, Nate heads to New York. As Nate is thumbing his way down the road Trent (a stranger but someone Nate did interact with at the liquor store he works at) stops to pick him up. Nate doesn't get any bad empathic vibes from Trent's car so he gets in. Because of Nate's empathy abilities, he gets nothing but calm and soothing feelings from Trent, which puts Nate at ease. Do I have to even bother saying they fall for each other?
When Nate gets to New York, he meets up with Theo's band mates and learns that everything Nate thought he new about special abilities is wrong. Not only is Nate basically a baby psy, but there is a community specifically designed and created to find and help psys of extreme value (defined by how helpful their abilities are).
This is definitely an action packed story and I HATED having to put it down. If you like paranormal and tense plot lines, this is the perfect book. I loved it all, and want time to speed up to get book 2 (and of course book 3). To say too much about the other characters will spoil the mystery. This IS a mystery that Nate is trying to solve and I was guessing and pondering right along with Nate and Trent. I didn't know who to trust and I have to say, I was a little surprised by the ending, but not completely. I suspected everybody so am I still right when the bad guy turns out to be one of the millions on my list?
For me the first few pages started off slow but don't let that stop you. Once things take off, they REALLY take off. I know I am leaving out a lot of the plot, but you shouldn't know too much going in. Just know that things do work out for Nate and Trent.
4.5 stars.
Oh, yeah. This was awesome! I already enjoyed reading the book and I knew, just knew the audio was going to be amazing. Greg Boudreaux's narration was superb and I loved these characters even more thru him. This will be my first time listening to him narrate and I the hype is legit. He is wonderful. I highly recommend this book, series and audio. :)
Feb 2017 ebook review *4 stars*
I was provided an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, as impossible as this is, Insight is my first Santino Hassell book. I know right? But, OMG, this was a very good first book. I enjoy paranormal stories and HELLO, special abilities like mind control, how cool is that? If it's in the right hands, of course.
I am going to start with the end of the book. It was such a thrilling ending. Nate and Trent cuddle and kiss and I love those squishy satisfactory endings. Seeing couples who have had a lot of heart pounding thriller action finally getting to settle down and cuddle just gets me. :) And then Nate gets a phone call. Dun, dun, dun!! Trouble has once again stirred in New York and Nate can't say no to going back to help. This is obviously a lead in to the next book of this trilogy, and I am seriously pumped and way more than ready to get that installment in my hands.
Insight is really a "Who done it" type story. Yes there are paranormal things going on, and that is definitely a huge aspect of the plot. But at equal level of importance is what happened to Nate's brother, Theo. Nate is truck suddenly with a vision of his brother drowning in New York, but he knows Theo didn't commit suicide. Compelled for reasons he can't explain, Nate heads to New York. As Nate is thumbing his way down the road Trent (a stranger but someone Nate did interact with at the liquor store he works at) stops to pick him up. Nate doesn't get any bad empathic vibes from Trent's car so he gets in. Because of Nate's empathy abilities, he gets nothing but calm and soothing feelings from Trent, which puts Nate at ease. Do I have to even bother saying they fall for each other?
When Nate gets to New York, he meets up with Theo's band mates and learns that everything Nate thought he new about special abilities is wrong. Not only is Nate basically a baby psy, but there is a community specifically designed and created to find and help psys of extreme value (defined by how helpful their abilities are).
This is definitely an action packed story and I HATED having to put it down. If you like paranormal and tense plot lines, this is the perfect book. I loved it all, and want time to speed up to get book 2 (and of course book 3). To say too much about the other characters will spoil the mystery. This IS a mystery that Nate is trying to solve and I was guessing and pondering right along with Nate and Trent. I didn't know who to trust and I have to say, I was a little surprised by the ending, but not completely. I suspected everybody so am I still right when the bad guy turns out to be one of the millions on my list?
For me the first few pages started off slow but don't let that stop you. Once things take off, they REALLY take off. I know I am leaving out a lot of the plot, but you shouldn't know too much going in. Just know that things do work out for Nate and Trent.
4.5 stars.
October 7, 2017
Hm, I'm not so sure what to say about this book.
I really liked both MCs, Nate and also Trent, although I couldn't say why, because, as a matter of fact, we learned almost nothing about Trent.
I liked the idea of the book, an empath as MC, a secret community of psychics, a mystery....
At times I found the story really exciting and I was on edge and tried to unravel the mystery, and then again I found it almost boring and too repetitive.
However, even so the main mystery is solved at the end of this book, some questions remain open and I'm curious about the answers. Then there are some really interesting secondary characters, Holden, Chase and Elijah, on whose stories I'm also curious.
So yes, although I wasn't overwhelmed by this book, I definitely want to read the next book of this series.
3,5 stars
I really liked both MCs, Nate and also Trent, although I couldn't say why, because, as a matter of fact, we learned almost nothing about Trent.
I liked the idea of the book, an empath as MC, a secret community of psychics, a mystery....
At times I found the story really exciting and I was on edge and tried to unravel the mystery, and then again I found it almost boring and too repetitive.
However, even so the main mystery is solved at the end of this book, some questions remain open and I'm curious about the answers. Then there are some really interesting secondary characters, Holden, Chase and Elijah, on whose stories I'm also curious.
So yes, although I wasn't overwhelmed by this book, I definitely want to read the next book of this series.
3,5 stars
January 2, 2018
3.75 stars
At this point, I’m convinced that Santino Hassell can write any genre well. I don’t read a lot of contemporary paranormal, but ‘Insight’ hit many high notes. It’s worth noting that this book is a paranormal mystery first, and an MM romance second.
When readers are first introduced to Nate, he’s a pretty pitiful character. He’s stuck in a dead-end job, lives in a crappy apartment, and has to put up with homophobic bullies. He’s an empath - the psychic ability to sense others’ emotions - but his skills are pretty weak.
That last point results in his aunt, the Black family matriarch, treating him with contempt. Practically disowned and with no friends or a lover, Nate lives a lonely existence.
That is until Nate gets a vision of his twin brother’s death in New York City. Nate decides to investigate Theo’s death, and so hitchhikes with Trent, a grad student headed to NYC.
As the two drive across the country, they slowly become friends. Nate feels the attraction there, but he doesn’t want to ruin a good thing and lose his ride.
However, they can’t be in each other’s company for so long and not give in. An explosive kiss in New Orleans changes everything.
Once Nate and Trent reach New York, they’re immediately pulled into the city’s secret world of psychics. The Community, as the organized psychics call themselves, is a world of dirty politics and power struggles.
Nate knows his brother’s murder is connected to the Community, he just needs to figure out how.
I was thoroughly impressed by the paranormal mystery. At first, there are too many persons of interest to keep track of. Some psychics are outright hostile to Nate, while others seem to be too nice to trust.
You could probably begin connecting the dots around the 75% mark, but the twists and turns were genuinely entertaining. I was on the edge waiting to see what would happen next. As Nate digs deeper, he uncovers damning revelations about the Community, and his own family.
My only complaint is that it took a while for the plot to get going. It’s not until halfway that things actually start happening, and then there was enough repetitiveness for me to notice it. Even so, the paranormal mystery was very enjoyable.
Though the romance takes a back seat at times, it’s definitely not a weak one. The only person Nate knows he can truly trust is Trent. And when Nate begins pulling away because he doesn’t want to put Trent in danger, Trent doesn’t let him sweep away what they’re building.
The romance is sweet, and the two just got each other in a way others didn’t. Trent and Nate are clearly meant to be together.
Overall, ‘Insight’ is a great start to this paranormal series. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
At this point, I’m convinced that Santino Hassell can write any genre well. I don’t read a lot of contemporary paranormal, but ‘Insight’ hit many high notes. It’s worth noting that this book is a paranormal mystery first, and an MM romance second.
When readers are first introduced to Nate, he’s a pretty pitiful character. He’s stuck in a dead-end job, lives in a crappy apartment, and has to put up with homophobic bullies. He’s an empath - the psychic ability to sense others’ emotions - but his skills are pretty weak.
That last point results in his aunt, the Black family matriarch, treating him with contempt. Practically disowned and with no friends or a lover, Nate lives a lonely existence.
That is until Nate gets a vision of his twin brother’s death in New York City. Nate decides to investigate Theo’s death, and so hitchhikes with Trent, a grad student headed to NYC.
As the two drive across the country, they slowly become friends. Nate feels the attraction there, but he doesn’t want to ruin a good thing and lose his ride.
However, they can’t be in each other’s company for so long and not give in. An explosive kiss in New Orleans changes everything.
Once Nate and Trent reach New York, they’re immediately pulled into the city’s secret world of psychics. The Community, as the organized psychics call themselves, is a world of dirty politics and power struggles.
Nate knows his brother’s murder is connected to the Community, he just needs to figure out how.
I was thoroughly impressed by the paranormal mystery. At first, there are too many persons of interest to keep track of. Some psychics are outright hostile to Nate, while others seem to be too nice to trust.
You could probably begin connecting the dots around the 75% mark, but the twists and turns were genuinely entertaining. I was on the edge waiting to see what would happen next. As Nate digs deeper, he uncovers damning revelations about the Community, and his own family.
My only complaint is that it took a while for the plot to get going. It’s not until halfway that things actually start happening, and then there was enough repetitiveness for me to notice it. Even so, the paranormal mystery was very enjoyable.
Though the romance takes a back seat at times, it’s definitely not a weak one. The only person Nate knows he can truly trust is Trent. And when Nate begins pulling away because he doesn’t want to put Trent in danger, Trent doesn’t let him sweep away what they’re building.
The romance is sweet, and the two just got each other in a way others didn’t. Trent and Nate are clearly meant to be together.
Overall, ‘Insight’ is a great start to this paranormal series. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Want to read
July 2, 2016I don't know what this talk about but I'm already in!!!
July 28, 2017
4.5 Stars
Insight was a thrilling paranormal romance that totally hit the spot. It was faster-paced than its lush, dreamy cousin Stygian – instead, Insight's focus, intensity and dark tone reminded me more of ICoS.
As I write this, I realize that Nate in some ways also reminds me of Boyd from ICoS. Apart from being blonde and lean, he’s young, vulnerable, completely out of his depth – and fiercely determined. I found his character remarkably easy to root for and I loved his connection to Trent. I cherished their time on the road as they built a tentative friendship. Despite the building UST between them, I totally did not see the NOLA Incident coming (hashtag neverforget), so I may or may not have lost my mind (in the very best way) when things escalated. But nothing quite prepares my poor little brain for a Hassell sex scene. Even seemingly tame scenes are incredibly powerful and convey so much... So much HEAT!
The story itself contained a solid plot that felt well-developed without giving away the entire farm – this is afterall, the first book in a trilogy. There were some twists and reveals that weren’t particularly difficult to spot, so it’s a credit to the author that the intensity and pace of his narrative still managed to keep me on the edge of my seat. The action came to a head rather abruptly but the ending was by no means a cliffhanger. The epilogue set the scene quite nicely for the next in the series, Oversight, and I am pumped for the next one.
ARC received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Insight was a thrilling paranormal romance that totally hit the spot. It was faster-paced than its lush, dreamy cousin Stygian – instead, Insight's focus, intensity and dark tone reminded me more of ICoS.
As I write this, I realize that Nate in some ways also reminds me of Boyd from ICoS. Apart from being blonde and lean, he’s young, vulnerable, completely out of his depth – and fiercely determined. I found his character remarkably easy to root for and I loved his connection to Trent. I cherished their time on the road as they built a tentative friendship. Despite the building UST between them, I totally did not see the NOLA Incident coming (hashtag neverforget), so I may or may not have lost my mind (in the very best way) when things escalated. But nothing quite prepares my poor little brain for a Hassell sex scene. Even seemingly tame scenes are incredibly powerful and convey so much... So much HEAT!
The story itself contained a solid plot that felt well-developed without giving away the entire farm – this is afterall, the first book in a trilogy. There were some twists and reveals that weren’t particularly difficult to spot, so it’s a credit to the author that the intensity and pace of his narrative still managed to keep me on the edge of my seat. The action came to a head rather abruptly but the ending was by no means a cliffhanger. The epilogue set the scene quite nicely for the next in the series, Oversight, and I am pumped for the next one.
ARC received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2017
3.5 Stars!
Suspenseful from the beginning to the end. I enjoyed the hell out of this book.
This was a solid beginning to what is shaping up to be an intriguing series. I enjoyed reading about The Community, The Blacks and all the shady dealings and secrets(ranging from the sad to the horrific) that came out throughout the story. There were some I suspected and others I had no friggin idea of! I love it when that happens.
Pertaining to the characters, I liked Trent on the whole, found Nate sometimes to be exhausting but likable all the same, Chase was an enigma I hope to unravel in the coming books, Elijah was a lost boy-man(hopefully with some depth) who needs to be brought back to the right path and Holden was basically is a spoilt-rotten child who needs a reality check. Every one of these characters made the story for me(yes, even Elijah lol) and I look forward to reading about them in subsequent books.
We got closure on Theo's case, but we didn't get full closure on all the questions that came up (trust me you will have many too) by the end of the book. I think its primarily because the books are to flow from one to the other and with Holden's book next, I'm sure most will be answered.
ALSO, WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT ENDING MR. HASSELL? I both loved and wanted to cry because of it.
I need book 2 like yesterday please.
Suspenseful from the beginning to the end. I enjoyed the hell out of this book.
This was a solid beginning to what is shaping up to be an intriguing series. I enjoyed reading about The Community, The Blacks and all the shady dealings and secrets(ranging from the sad to the horrific) that came out throughout the story. There were some I suspected and others I had no friggin idea of! I love it when that happens.
Pertaining to the characters, I liked Trent on the whole, found Nate sometimes to be exhausting but likable all the same, Chase was an enigma I hope to unravel in the coming books, Elijah was a lost boy-man(hopefully with some depth) who needs to be brought back to the right path and Holden was basically is a spoilt-rotten child who needs a reality check. Every one of these characters made the story for me(yes, even Elijah lol) and I look forward to reading about them in subsequent books.
We got closure on Theo's case, but we didn't get full closure on all the questions that came up (trust me you will have many too) by the end of the book. I think its primarily because the books are to flow from one to the other and with Holden's book next, I'm sure most will be answered.
ALSO, WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT ENDING MR. HASSELL? I both loved and wanted to cry because of it.
I need book 2 like yesterday please.
February 12, 2017
Holy shit, this book was EVERYTHING I could hope for and worlds more than I expected. I love a good mystery book, and while I'm very picky when it comes to the paranormal genre, Psy stuff is right up my alley! It's like Santino read my mind and wrote the PERFECT book just for me! (Let me be delusional a little while longer!)
Nate Black came from a family of inbred psychics with a long history of mental illness and suicidal tendencies. When Nate's estranged twin is found dead and his death is rules as a suicide, Nate has a hard time believing it. Sudden 'dreams' that allow him to see and feel his brother's murder make Nate determined to go to New York and try to find his brother's killer. Hitch-hiking is not a good idea and Nate rapidly realizes that his poorly developed empath abilities can be a blessing as much as a curse.
Narrowly escaping climbing into the wrong car, Nate is fortunate enough to be offered a ride by Trent, a young engineer whose honesty and sarcasm comes across as brash and somewhat insulting. The heat and chemistry that sparks between them is unlike anything I've ever encountered before. Can you imagine what happens when a psychic empath finds his soul mate, the one and only person who he can trust with his feelings and his secrets? Delve into this story and you'll find a chemistry unlike any other, sex so hot it's hard to wrap your head around it; a circuit of emotions and lust and pleasure that feeds off both men and loops from Nate to Trent and back until explosive orgasms will blow the reader's mind right off. I've never felt dizzy after a sex scene before but I'm happy this book was my first.
Once arrived to New York, Nate discovers the existence of the Community and meets other people with psychic powers of all kinds. Elijah is a very flirty young man who used to be very good friends with Nate's twin brother; Holden is a very lonely club owner who's a good man at heart but who doesn't think twice about using his persuasive powers to try to get into Nate's pants; Chase is the most powerful of them all and my absolute favorite secondary character. I suspected Beck wasn't as close to a void as she led them all to believe, and she was my least favorite of them all (that Bitch!).
This book is full of mystery and suspense and will most certainly keep you on edge. There's never a dull moment, but the series of events never become overwhelming, they just flow naturally until this beautiful, crazy, suspenseful story is created. I loved everything about it!!! THAT EPILOGUE THOUGH... I loved seeing Trent and Nate happily together in California, but setup for the next book made me lose my damn mind. I need the second book right NOW!
Nate Black came from a family of inbred psychics with a long history of mental illness and suicidal tendencies. When Nate's estranged twin is found dead and his death is rules as a suicide, Nate has a hard time believing it. Sudden 'dreams' that allow him to see and feel his brother's murder make Nate determined to go to New York and try to find his brother's killer. Hitch-hiking is not a good idea and Nate rapidly realizes that his poorly developed empath abilities can be a blessing as much as a curse.
Narrowly escaping climbing into the wrong car, Nate is fortunate enough to be offered a ride by Trent, a young engineer whose honesty and sarcasm comes across as brash and somewhat insulting. The heat and chemistry that sparks between them is unlike anything I've ever encountered before. Can you imagine what happens when a psychic empath finds his soul mate, the one and only person who he can trust with his feelings and his secrets? Delve into this story and you'll find a chemistry unlike any other, sex so hot it's hard to wrap your head around it; a circuit of emotions and lust and pleasure that feeds off both men and loops from Nate to Trent and back until explosive orgasms will blow the reader's mind right off. I've never felt dizzy after a sex scene before but I'm happy this book was my first.
Once arrived to New York, Nate discovers the existence of the Community and meets other people with psychic powers of all kinds. Elijah is a very flirty young man who used to be very good friends with Nate's twin brother; Holden is a very lonely club owner who's a good man at heart but who doesn't think twice about using his persuasive powers to try to get into Nate's pants; Chase is the most powerful of them all and my absolute favorite secondary character. I suspected Beck wasn't as close to a void as she led them all to believe, and she was my least favorite of them all (that Bitch!).
This book is full of mystery and suspense and will most certainly keep you on edge. There's never a dull moment, but the series of events never become overwhelming, they just flow naturally until this beautiful, crazy, suspenseful story is created. I loved everything about it!!! THAT EPILOGUE THOUGH... I loved seeing Trent and Nate happily together in California, but setup for the next book made me lose my damn mind. I need the second book right NOW!
Read
March 10, 2018 ** RATING IS REMOVED, BECAUSE REASONS.
http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...
https://twitter.com/dreamspinners/sta...
Original Review stays under spoiler tag because Goodreads is first and foremost *my* record of reading activities, and the fiasco doesn't change the fact that I've read this book **
http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...
https://twitter.com/dreamspinners/sta...
Original Review stays under spoiler tag because Goodreads is first and foremost *my* record of reading activities, and the fiasco doesn't change the fact that I've read this book **
March 16, 2017
Insight was everything I expect in a Santino Hassel book:
-Angst and grit
-Well developed characters
-Scorching steam...and so much more!
The paranormal aspect was really interesting and well woven. I loved reading about all the different talents that the characters had.
The romance between Trent and Nate was complicated and at the same time endearing. There was a curve where the two men got to really know each other but it felt completely organic and authentic. I was wholly satisfied by the epilogue and cannot wait to see where the second book takes us!
I really really really can't wait for Chase's book - I know book 2 is from Holden's POV but I am hoping (praying) there will be a Chase book :)
On to the next!
-Angst and grit
-Well developed characters
-Scorching steam...and so much more!
The paranormal aspect was really interesting and well woven. I loved reading about all the different talents that the characters had.
The romance between Trent and Nate was complicated and at the same time endearing. There was a curve where the two men got to really know each other but it felt completely organic and authentic. I was wholly satisfied by the epilogue and cannot wait to see where the second book takes us!
I really really really can't wait for Chase's book - I know book 2 is from Holden's POV but I am hoping (praying) there will be a Chase book :)
On to the next!
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