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Červenà
When Joel Jones finds homeless Russian Sasha outside his gay nightclub in Prague, he cannot find it in his heart to turn him away, so he offers him a home and a job as a dancer and stripper.
Despite a fifteen-year age gap, romance develops between them but is interrupted when Joel has to return to England for many weeks to deal with a death in the family.
Upon his return, Joel is horrified to discover his business partner, Karel, has gambled away the club’s money and put them all at risk. Joel buys him out of the club, but when Karel continues to gamble, the people he owes pursue Joel for the debt instead—and they’ll stop at nothing to get paid.
Suddenly Joel and those he cares about—especially Sasha—are in danger, and Joel finds himself with no choice but to seek the help of known criminal, Vincenc Jankovic. Ensuring a happy future for himself and Sasha will mean a struggle and some difficult decisions, but Joel is determined to protect what they’ve built together.
Despite a fifteen-year age gap, romance develops between them but is interrupted when Joel has to return to England for many weeks to deal with a death in the family.
Upon his return, Joel is horrified to discover his business partner, Karel, has gambled away the club’s money and put them all at risk. Joel buys him out of the club, but when Karel continues to gamble, the people he owes pursue Joel for the debt instead—and they’ll stop at nothing to get paid.
Suddenly Joel and those he cares about—especially Sasha—are in danger, and Joel finds himself with no choice but to seek the help of known criminal, Vincenc Jankovic. Ensuring a happy future for himself and Sasha will mean a struggle and some difficult decisions, but Joel is determined to protect what they’ve built together.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2016
28 people want to read
About the author
Louise Lyons
31 books64 followersI currently live in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, having moved from my home town of Grimsby in 2010. I come from a family of writers, although my Mum, Nana and Auntie have all written poetry. For me, it has always been fiction that drew me.Louise Lyons introductory photograph
It started with Mum’s old manual typewriter when I was eight years old – a story about a little girl and a pony, which at the time was my dream. By the time I reached my early teens, I progressed to romance although I still only wrote for my own pleasure. This quickly developed into primarily gay romance stories and when I discovered the world of Fanfiction, I gradually built up a large following in some fandoms.
Knowing that other people liked my work drove me to follow a new dream – to become a published author – which has finally been realised with Dreamspinner Press.
On this site you can keep up to date with all my latest news on my upcoming book and lots more about me, as I post regular blogs. Read my articles.Feel free to contact me with any comments or questions. I’ll always do my best to answer each and every one. Get in touch with me.
It started with Mum’s old manual typewriter when I was eight years old – a story about a little girl and a pony, which at the time was my dream. By the time I reached my early teens, I progressed to romance although I still only wrote for my own pleasure. This quickly developed into primarily gay romance stories and when I discovered the world of Fanfiction, I gradually built up a large following in some fandoms.
Knowing that other people liked my work drove me to follow a new dream – to become a published author – which has finally been realised with Dreamspinner Press.
On this site you can keep up to date with all my latest news on my upcoming book and lots more about me, as I post regular blogs. Read my articles.Feel free to contact me with any comments or questions. I’ll always do my best to answer each and every one. Get in touch with me.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 27, 2016
TWO HEARTS--Words I'd hope to describe Červenà (prior to reading): hot, plotty, and a believable romance.
Words to describe after reading: soft, sugary fluff and sweet.
And none of the words I'd hope to see.
A book that has crime, a big age gap, cultural differences, opposites attract...weak, too ambitious and boring. Never thought I'd see the day.
As the blurb states, Joel is a premier gay nightclub owner in Prague. The Brit has a heart of gold and is very sweet to all. He know he's "soft hearted". And has doormat underneath the "boss" facade. He saves a homeless youth who calls himself Sasha. Sasha is twenty, been living on the streets for years due to being kicked out by his homophobic parents. Joel takes one look at Sasha, sneaking food out of the club's yard and offers him a job on the spot. That should have been my first warning sign. OR maybe the nonsensical MANTEARS at Sasha revealing his name is false (under no duress) at 6%.
Thus began a never ending rush into insta-love, script like dialogue and poor development (which the characters remarked on from time to time) in Červenà.
What do you get when the entire plot is not only given in the blurb, but is completed before the halfway mark?
A lot of unnecessary filler and no romance development.
Let's get into my ARC quibbles, shall we?
There were many which I hope are problems of the ARC version and not in the final such as:
- The length & pace - They work hand in hand due to the fact the pace is lopsided - lukewarm start lead to rushed info dumpy middle and dragged out ending. The blurb was promising but when the reader is told every thing and still don't get a sense of the main characters or characters for that matter, it makes for a lackluster read. The length could work as long as the weak spots are formed, trimmed and expanded on when needed. Maybe it's fixed on the published version?
- The characters - flatter than a pancake flatbread sandwich with flatulence. With the style of telling so heavy in this novel, any sense of with main character is lost anytime there was promise. Joel read older than 35, maybe this was cleaned up in the final version but he was out of character for owning a business like Červenà. He was too polite, any conflict he had was readily explained within the next few sentences and he was more troubled about a headache than dealing with a shady partner from the moment there was a hint of trouble. Just writing he was "soft" didn't cut it. And the way Sasha is readily accepted into his world without giving a sense of the harsh life he left behind...c'mon now. Writing homeless characters who are barely homeless in the story is a pet peeve of mine. Why introduce a homeless character if it'll barely be used? Both were too cookie cutter and their caricature of their characters didn't fit. At one point, Joel tells Sasha (who said he didn't mind stripping) that Sasha doesn't like stripping, he will need to look into a new job. Too many missteps made for a uneven read.
- The style - info dump central and waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much telling. Nothing is shown. The conflict read too difficult for what the author could offer. If softness and romance was the aim, it should have stuck there. The story suffered from this style.
There were also parts that read underdeveloped and not researched. An example:
- Filipov - I do hope in the final version the mistake with Sasha's sister is corrected. I'm not fluent in Russian but I knew his sister being named, "Elena Filipov" was wrong. It should have been Filipova . Sadly, a quick search would have shown the area the author chose wouldn't have worked for Sasha's hometown. Book says he's from Russia, online that surname is prominent in Bulgaria. This is from less than a minute research. So...
I'm not the type of reader who gets excited just because strippers as a plot point are used in a book. I actually expect some work and research on the author's part to make an interesting read. A land where there are probably 100 (or more) romance books featuring strippers, it should stand out or at least attempt to.
This book is too polite and too ambitious. It'd probably work best if it was kept simple, lost the crime since it was sloppily handled with polite "criminals" and tied up way too easily in sentences when it should have been chapters.
I did not like the main characters, I'm pretty sure once Sasha is exposed to more than just the savior/boss he can do so much better. It came off as gratitude rather than love. It's a little sad actually. Criminals who offer their home for you to recover from injuries. Sales of businesses and contracts to be completed in a matter of hours. Love that is told to happen after the main characters remark they haven't spent any time together (it shows). The entire story could have been a 60pg novella at that rate.
My rating is for the attempt (though it fell short), the sex wasn't anything to write home about but it was decently done.
Probably won't be reading more from this author - the style didn't work for me.
Recommended for readers who prefer telling, not learning much from the characters or story, extremely easy answers to conflict and sugar.
A copy provided for an honest review
Words to describe after reading: soft, sugary fluff and sweet.
And none of the words I'd hope to see.
A book that has crime, a big age gap, cultural differences, opposites attract...weak, too ambitious and boring. Never thought I'd see the day.
As the blurb states, Joel is a premier gay nightclub owner in Prague. The Brit has a heart of gold and is very sweet to all. He know he's "soft hearted". And has doormat underneath the "boss" facade. He saves a homeless youth who calls himself Sasha. Sasha is twenty, been living on the streets for years due to being kicked out by his homophobic parents. Joel takes one look at Sasha, sneaking food out of the club's yard and offers him a job on the spot. That should have been my first warning sign. OR maybe the nonsensical MANTEARS at Sasha revealing his name is false (under no duress) at 6%.
Thus began a never ending rush into insta-love, script like dialogue and poor development (which the characters remarked on from time to time) in Červenà.
What do you get when the entire plot is not only given in the blurb, but is completed before the halfway mark?
A lot of unnecessary filler and no romance development.
Let's get into my ARC quibbles, shall we?
There were many which I hope are problems of the ARC version and not in the final such as:
- The length & pace - They work hand in hand due to the fact the pace is lopsided - lukewarm start lead to rushed info dumpy middle and dragged out ending. The blurb was promising but when the reader is told every thing and still don't get a sense of the main characters or characters for that matter, it makes for a lackluster read. The length could work as long as the weak spots are formed, trimmed and expanded on when needed. Maybe it's fixed on the published version?
- The characters - flatter than a pancake flatbread sandwich with flatulence. With the style of telling so heavy in this novel, any sense of with main character is lost anytime there was promise. Joel read older than 35, maybe this was cleaned up in the final version but he was out of character for owning a business like Červenà. He was too polite, any conflict he had was readily explained within the next few sentences and he was more troubled about a headache than dealing with a shady partner from the moment there was a hint of trouble. Just writing he was "soft" didn't cut it. And the way Sasha is readily accepted into his world without giving a sense of the harsh life he left behind...c'mon now. Writing homeless characters who are barely homeless in the story is a pet peeve of mine. Why introduce a homeless character if it'll barely be used? Both were too cookie cutter and their caricature of their characters didn't fit. At one point, Joel tells Sasha (who said he didn't mind stripping) that Sasha doesn't like stripping, he will need to look into a new job. Too many missteps made for a uneven read.
- The style - info dump central and waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much telling. Nothing is shown. The conflict read too difficult for what the author could offer. If softness and romance was the aim, it should have stuck there. The story suffered from this style.
There were also parts that read underdeveloped and not researched. An example:
- Filipov - I do hope in the final version the mistake with Sasha's sister is corrected. I'm not fluent in Russian but I knew his sister being named, "Elena Filipov" was wrong. It should have been Filipova . Sadly, a quick search would have shown the area the author chose wouldn't have worked for Sasha's hometown. Book says he's from Russia, online that surname is prominent in Bulgaria. This is from less than a minute research. So...
I'm not the type of reader who gets excited just because strippers as a plot point are used in a book. I actually expect some work and research on the author's part to make an interesting read. A land where there are probably 100 (or more) romance books featuring strippers, it should stand out or at least attempt to.
This book is too polite and too ambitious. It'd probably work best if it was kept simple, lost the crime since it was sloppily handled with polite "criminals" and tied up way too easily in sentences when it should have been chapters.
I did not like the main characters, I'm pretty sure once Sasha is exposed to more than just the savior/boss he can do so much better. It came off as gratitude rather than love. It's a little sad actually. Criminals who offer their home for you to recover from injuries. Sales of businesses and contracts to be completed in a matter of hours. Love that is told to happen after the main characters remark they haven't spent any time together (it shows). The entire story could have been a 60pg novella at that rate.
My rating is for the attempt (though it fell short), the sex wasn't anything to write home about but it was decently done.
Probably won't be reading more from this author - the style didn't work for me.
Recommended for readers who prefer telling, not learning much from the characters or story, extremely easy answers to conflict and sugar.
A copy provided for an honest review
July 25, 2016
This one was a well written story about new beginnings. It was a heart warming story featuring two men who desperately needed love in their lives.
37yr old Joel Jones owned a gay club, Cervena, with Karel Doubrava. It was a high class nightclub where clients and dancers were treated with respect.
Sasha Filipov was a young 22 yr old Russian immigrant who needed a new lease in life and Joel graciously offered him employment. The working relationship blossomed to more but Joel's partner presented a tough obstacle. The partnership became a tenuous arrangement and Joel knew that his values and goals were no longer aligned with Karel's. Things got dangerous but love won in the end.
I liked both main characters, Joel and Sasha. Their chemistry felt authentic, sweet and endearing. It wasn't rushed and it seemed healthy for both. Normally I don't like boss and employee relationships but I like that the author didn't create a power balance despite Joel being the boss. It was so encouraged with kindness and consideration Joel showed to those who worked for him. There was a healthy respect for the work boundaries. I was happy that Joel found love and eventually found freedom out of Karel's mess. The amount of angst in the story was about right. There was genuine love, patience and acceptance. Sasha wasn't looking for a sugar daddy nor was he afraid to stand up for himself. He worked hard and won the admiration of his coworkers. I hope the author turns this into a series because some of the other guys deserve a story too.
37yr old Joel Jones owned a gay club, Cervena, with Karel Doubrava. It was a high class nightclub where clients and dancers were treated with respect.
Sasha Filipov was a young 22 yr old Russian immigrant who needed a new lease in life and Joel graciously offered him employment. The working relationship blossomed to more but Joel's partner presented a tough obstacle. The partnership became a tenuous arrangement and Joel knew that his values and goals were no longer aligned with Karel's. Things got dangerous but love won in the end.
I liked both main characters, Joel and Sasha. Their chemistry felt authentic, sweet and endearing. It wasn't rushed and it seemed healthy for both. Normally I don't like boss and employee relationships but I like that the author didn't create a power balance despite Joel being the boss. It was so encouraged with kindness and consideration Joel showed to those who worked for him. There was a healthy respect for the work boundaries. I was happy that Joel found love and eventually found freedom out of Karel's mess. The amount of angst in the story was about right. There was genuine love, patience and acceptance. Sasha wasn't looking for a sugar daddy nor was he afraid to stand up for himself. He worked hard and won the admiration of his coworkers. I hope the author turns this into a series because some of the other guys deserve a story too.
July 16, 2016
This was my first Louis Lyons read, and it most definitely will NOT be my last! Cervena is a bar set in Prague where main character and owner of the bar, Joel, has lived for 10 years after relocating from London to follow his dream. While managing the club, he comes across Sasha - and instead of turning him away, he gives Sasha a chance to improve his life… and the love story begins.
First, a quick commentary on the blurb - it gives away the ENTIRE story, which is too bad. Because honestly, this book was amazing - I just hated knowing exactly what was going to happen.
That publisher’s error aside, there was little not to love about this book. Joel was such a great character - strong but not overbearing, kind - and a bit too trusting, and put love above everything else throughout the book. Now don’t get me wrong, Sasha could hold his own too - especially towards the end. The book is told from Joel’s point of view, so we know more about him than Sasha - but what I found brilliant was how little Sasha was a part of the story in the middle - and yet, you never forgot about him or the possibility there.
Joel is truly a knight in shining armor - with lots of hot sex, crazy hot young male strippers and even some unfortunate violence. But overall, love wins - and these two sexy men create a perfect match together. This is a great read for anyone who likes a new setting for a love story, a HEA with some hot sex, separation to make the love grow fonder and the winner takes all.
Review Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Mel from Alpha Book Club.
First, a quick commentary on the blurb - it gives away the ENTIRE story, which is too bad. Because honestly, this book was amazing - I just hated knowing exactly what was going to happen.
That publisher’s error aside, there was little not to love about this book. Joel was such a great character - strong but not overbearing, kind - and a bit too trusting, and put love above everything else throughout the book. Now don’t get me wrong, Sasha could hold his own too - especially towards the end. The book is told from Joel’s point of view, so we know more about him than Sasha - but what I found brilliant was how little Sasha was a part of the story in the middle - and yet, you never forgot about him or the possibility there.
Joel is truly a knight in shining armor - with lots of hot sex, crazy hot young male strippers and even some unfortunate violence. But overall, love wins - and these two sexy men create a perfect match together. This is a great read for anyone who likes a new setting for a love story, a HEA with some hot sex, separation to make the love grow fonder and the winner takes all.
Review Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Mel from Alpha Book Club.
July 21, 2016
by Louise Lyons (MM/Romance)
A copy of this book was provided to me by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
****4 STARS****
I liked the setting for this book, which was in Prague. Here we have Joel, who meets a homeless boy named Sasha, who is also 15 years younger than him, but that doesn't stop them from falling in love.
The story was actually very sweet and Joel was such a wonderful character. He was kind, caring, patient and willing to do anything to be with Sasha. There were a lot of nice naughty scenes *wink* *wink* lol
This is just a simple story to get lost in when you wanna get lost in a romantic story. There's a little bit of violence, but it's not overwhelming. By the end of the book, I wanted a Joel. lol.
A copy of this book was provided to me by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
****4 STARS****
I liked the setting for this book, which was in Prague. Here we have Joel, who meets a homeless boy named Sasha, who is also 15 years younger than him, but that doesn't stop them from falling in love.
The story was actually very sweet and Joel was such a wonderful character. He was kind, caring, patient and willing to do anything to be with Sasha. There were a lot of nice naughty scenes *wink* *wink* lol
This is just a simple story to get lost in when you wanna get lost in a romantic story. There's a little bit of violence, but it's not overwhelming. By the end of the book, I wanted a Joel. lol.
July 25, 2016
3.5 stars. I really liked this story. I just wish the blurb didn't tell you everything, it's nice to have a bit of suspense in your story
July 22, 2016
“Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have - life itself.” ~ Walter Anderson
People often tell Joel Jones of 'Cervena' by Louise Lyons that he's too softhearted; Joel often goes out of his way to trust or help someone who needs it. When he takes Sasha in and gives him a job, a place to live, and, eventually, his heart, Joel does a good thing. But trusting his business partner, Karel, is one time when Joel's soft heart gets him into serious trouble. Not only does Karel betray him, but he also puts Joel and Sasha in danger because the money Karel lost gambling, he owes the mob.
When Joel returns from an emergency trip home to England, he finds that the man he trusted and called friend has almost completely bankrupted the nightclub they worked so hard to make a success. Joel is appalled at Karel's deliberate corruption of their business, taking it from a stylish, upscale club down to the level of the other sleazy, disreputable bars in town. Joel works quickly to try to undo what Karel has done, restoring the club back to the sophisticated level it was before he left. Joel is especially upset about the unfair treatment of his employees, Sasha in particular. Joel's relationship with Sasha had just begun when he left, and Sasha thought they had a good thing going, based on more than just sex; but after Karel told everyone Joel was not coming back, Sasha had basically given up on ever seeing him again. Fortunately, he and Joel are able to pick up the pieces and move forward with their relationship which continues to strengthen.
When the mob can't get the money Karel owes them, they go after Joel for the money. To give him more 'incentive' to pay, they threaten Sasha with harm if Joel doesn't pay up. Joel, now deeply in love with Sasha, will do almost anything to keep him from harm even if it involves selling Cervena. Even though Joel is scrambling as fast as he can, the mob becomes impatient and raises the stakes, charging interest on top of the amount Karel owed them. Since the threat made about hurting Sasha, Joel has kept him as close as possible, moving him into Joel's apartment, going to work together, basically not letting Sasha out of his sight. Even with all this vigilance, the bad guys manage to take him. Joel almost loses his mind - he has to have him back! Sasha is his heart now, the only thing that makes life worth living. Not having any other course of action, he makes a deal with the devil, turning to someone he's not at all sure he can trust, in order to ensure Sasha's return.
My favorite element of this story was Joel's character and strength. He has a compassion that others call a weakness. Joel has a great moral compass and always takes the high road. When he finds Sasha digging around in his trash, instead of sending him away, Joel brings him in and gives him a start on a new life. Also, Sasha is very attractive and Joel wants him almost right away, but does not approach him for fear that Sasha would feel “obligated” to have sex with him. Joel wants to make sure Sasha knows that is not the case and is delighted that Sasha feels the same way. In each other, they find something more precious than money or success, they find a deep abiding love. If you enjoy a fast-moving story filled with night club life, intrigue, angst, sex, betrayal, and love conquering all, you may enjoy this book. Thanks, Louise, for the intense, sexy read and, especially, for introducing me to Joel, who has become one of my favorite characters.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
People often tell Joel Jones of 'Cervena' by Louise Lyons that he's too softhearted; Joel often goes out of his way to trust or help someone who needs it. When he takes Sasha in and gives him a job, a place to live, and, eventually, his heart, Joel does a good thing. But trusting his business partner, Karel, is one time when Joel's soft heart gets him into serious trouble. Not only does Karel betray him, but he also puts Joel and Sasha in danger because the money Karel lost gambling, he owes the mob.
When Joel returns from an emergency trip home to England, he finds that the man he trusted and called friend has almost completely bankrupted the nightclub they worked so hard to make a success. Joel is appalled at Karel's deliberate corruption of their business, taking it from a stylish, upscale club down to the level of the other sleazy, disreputable bars in town. Joel works quickly to try to undo what Karel has done, restoring the club back to the sophisticated level it was before he left. Joel is especially upset about the unfair treatment of his employees, Sasha in particular. Joel's relationship with Sasha had just begun when he left, and Sasha thought they had a good thing going, based on more than just sex; but after Karel told everyone Joel was not coming back, Sasha had basically given up on ever seeing him again. Fortunately, he and Joel are able to pick up the pieces and move forward with their relationship which continues to strengthen.
When the mob can't get the money Karel owes them, they go after Joel for the money. To give him more 'incentive' to pay, they threaten Sasha with harm if Joel doesn't pay up. Joel, now deeply in love with Sasha, will do almost anything to keep him from harm even if it involves selling Cervena. Even though Joel is scrambling as fast as he can, the mob becomes impatient and raises the stakes, charging interest on top of the amount Karel owed them. Since the threat made about hurting Sasha, Joel has kept him as close as possible, moving him into Joel's apartment, going to work together, basically not letting Sasha out of his sight. Even with all this vigilance, the bad guys manage to take him. Joel almost loses his mind - he has to have him back! Sasha is his heart now, the only thing that makes life worth living. Not having any other course of action, he makes a deal with the devil, turning to someone he's not at all sure he can trust, in order to ensure Sasha's return.
My favorite element of this story was Joel's character and strength. He has a compassion that others call a weakness. Joel has a great moral compass and always takes the high road. When he finds Sasha digging around in his trash, instead of sending him away, Joel brings him in and gives him a start on a new life. Also, Sasha is very attractive and Joel wants him almost right away, but does not approach him for fear that Sasha would feel “obligated” to have sex with him. Joel wants to make sure Sasha knows that is not the case and is delighted that Sasha feels the same way. In each other, they find something more precious than money or success, they find a deep abiding love. If you enjoy a fast-moving story filled with night club life, intrigue, angst, sex, betrayal, and love conquering all, you may enjoy this book. Thanks, Louise, for the intense, sexy read and, especially, for introducing me to Joel, who has become one of my favorite characters.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 26, 2016
Joel Jones appreciates the life he's built for himself, owning half of a well respected strip club in Prague. When he stumbles onto a homeless young man digging through his trash outside the club, he immediately decides to help. Sasha, as it turns out is barely 21, kicked out of his home back in Russia for being gay, he's been traveling and working at various places in order to survive. Immediately Joel feels drawn to Sasha and cannot find it in his heart to turn him away, so he offers him a home and a job as a dancer at the club.
As Joel gets to know Sasha a bit, he finds that he wants more than friendship and despite their difference in age, Sasha feels the same. Just as the two decide to begin something, Joel receives a devastating phone call and has to return to England to see his ailing mother. Unable to leave his family after his mother's funeral, he stays in England the next two months leaving the running of the club to his partner Karel.
Joel’s unaware that Karel has gotten deeply into gambling and now is indebted to a very dangerous man, only it's not just Karel that is affected but the club as a whole. Karel has gambled away the club’s money and in an attempt to make more, he enacts changes that puts them all at risk. Joel is driven to buy him out of the club and cut ties with him. Unfortunately for Joel and his club, his troubles don't disappear with Karel. The man he owes to, decides Joel is responsible for the debt and he expects to get paid.
With no one to turn for help, Joel is terrified of something happening to those he cares about. Tough times call for tough choices and with Sasha in danger, Joel finds himself left with only one hope, in the form of well-known criminal, Vincenc Jankovic.
This was a highly entertaining read that I found myself drawn into throughout most of the story. There is a combination of action and romance with a touch of suspense and while there were a few moments of predictability, it was still enjoyable. I liked the idea of a club in Prague, it was unique and exotic. However, I would have liked to have had more immersion into the location and its culture.
As for Joel and Sasha, while I wasn't sure what the initial attraction was on Joel's part, I grew to like them together. They were a good couple and believable for the most part, although there was something missing, intensity and passion. As individuals, we get a good idea of who Joel is, but we could've benefited from seeing Sasha more, possibly getting his POV. It wasn't easy to care as much about him as Joel.
All in all, Cervena is a good read and I would recommend giving it a go.
4 Stars!
July 22, 2016
Lovely Story of Empathy and New Beginnings
4.5 Stars - This book was absolutely nothing like I expected it to be! Englishman Joel is an entrepreneur who has made a very fine life for himself in Prague as the owner of several condos and Červenà, a dance club with very strict rules set in place for the protection of the dancers. When noises coming from the outside the back door of his club lead him to a very bedraggled and homeless Sasha, the bleeding heart that business partner Karel is always teasing Joel about makes an appearance. He brings the young man into the club and sends him up to the private studio residences of the dancers for a shower and clean clothes. What reappears is a stunning Sasha that Joel is instantly attracted to. Unfortunately, things aren’t going to go swimmingly for long, and all sorts of drama ensues.
I absolutely adored this book. I kept waiting for it to go over the top, because I could see what was happening with Karel and his issues. However, it never did, and for that I was thrilled! Reality melded with fantasy here to create a world and group of characters that are flawed, mesmerizing, and categorically honest. It isn’t a roses and champagne book. When things go sour, the staff doesn’t instantly rally around their beloved Joel. They face reality and look out for themselves, and I appreciated the gritty pragmatism that Ms. Lyons wrote into the characters.
The plot is satisfying, and there are subtle subplots to keep things interesting. The pacing bogs down just a hair here and there as details are given, but not enough to keep you from enjoying the story overall. The main characters are artfully crafted, and the peripheral characters add another dimension of loveliness to the whole, even the characters who are relatively smarmy! The chemistry between the two main characters is super sweet, almost puppy love sweet, but it builds into serious connection that is enjoyable to read. I enjoyed the turn the book takes for the finish. Since most of the book’s plot is given away in the summary, it was nice to see something happen that wasn’t already disclosed.
Červenà is a wonderful example of Louise Lyons’ ability as a writer. I highly recommend checking out this four and a half star read!!
ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review by Divine Magazine.
**Same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.**
4.5 Stars - This book was absolutely nothing like I expected it to be! Englishman Joel is an entrepreneur who has made a very fine life for himself in Prague as the owner of several condos and Červenà, a dance club with very strict rules set in place for the protection of the dancers. When noises coming from the outside the back door of his club lead him to a very bedraggled and homeless Sasha, the bleeding heart that business partner Karel is always teasing Joel about makes an appearance. He brings the young man into the club and sends him up to the private studio residences of the dancers for a shower and clean clothes. What reappears is a stunning Sasha that Joel is instantly attracted to. Unfortunately, things aren’t going to go swimmingly for long, and all sorts of drama ensues.
I absolutely adored this book. I kept waiting for it to go over the top, because I could see what was happening with Karel and his issues. However, it never did, and for that I was thrilled! Reality melded with fantasy here to create a world and group of characters that are flawed, mesmerizing, and categorically honest. It isn’t a roses and champagne book. When things go sour, the staff doesn’t instantly rally around their beloved Joel. They face reality and look out for themselves, and I appreciated the gritty pragmatism that Ms. Lyons wrote into the characters.
The plot is satisfying, and there are subtle subplots to keep things interesting. The pacing bogs down just a hair here and there as details are given, but not enough to keep you from enjoying the story overall. The main characters are artfully crafted, and the peripheral characters add another dimension of loveliness to the whole, even the characters who are relatively smarmy! The chemistry between the two main characters is super sweet, almost puppy love sweet, but it builds into serious connection that is enjoyable to read. I enjoyed the turn the book takes for the finish. Since most of the book’s plot is given away in the summary, it was nice to see something happen that wasn’t already disclosed.
Červenà is a wonderful example of Louise Lyons’ ability as a writer. I highly recommend checking out this four and a half star read!!
ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review by Divine Magazine.
**Same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.**
July 22, 2016
4.5 Stars ~ Cervena is a first time read for me from Louise Lyons. Most of the story is told from Joel’s POV, but it’s told in such a way that you don’t forget about the other important characters in the book.
Joel Jones has accomplished a lifelong dream. He’s part owner of a gay nightclub, Eervena, located in Prague. Joel’s a very loving character, not only with his family but also his staff at the nightclub. He’s a strong man who lives by his own set of morals. He’s respectful of his employees—they’re never threatened or forced to do anything inappropriate. Joel also seems to be protecting his heart, and that leads to a misunderstanding.
Sasha is a young man from Russia. His being gay made for a difficult home life and lead him to live on the streets. Joel finds him outside the club and gives Sasha a chance to get healthy and improve his life. When Joel leaves suddenly, because of a family illness, Sasha’s not sure where he fits in with Joel.
Karel Doubrava, needless to say, is not a very nice character. Although, Joel knows of Karel’s sleazy ways, he seemed to give him the benefit of the doubt. When Joel returns from London, he can’t believe what’s happened. He finds Karel is in way over his head with gambling debts, dragging Joel and Sasha into devastation and danger within the seedy underworld of a European mobster.
Cervena has some violence, suspense and drama, but Ms. Lyons also provides us with fun and a second chance at love. Besides Joel and Sasha’s solid characterizations, I liked the warm family connection Joel has with his sister. There’s also a fun group of dancing boys who bring their own special personalities to the storyline.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
Joel Jones has accomplished a lifelong dream. He’s part owner of a gay nightclub, Eervena, located in Prague. Joel’s a very loving character, not only with his family but also his staff at the nightclub. He’s a strong man who lives by his own set of morals. He’s respectful of his employees—they’re never threatened or forced to do anything inappropriate. Joel also seems to be protecting his heart, and that leads to a misunderstanding.
Sasha is a young man from Russia. His being gay made for a difficult home life and lead him to live on the streets. Joel finds him outside the club and gives Sasha a chance to get healthy and improve his life. When Joel leaves suddenly, because of a family illness, Sasha’s not sure where he fits in with Joel.
Karel Doubrava, needless to say, is not a very nice character. Although, Joel knows of Karel’s sleazy ways, he seemed to give him the benefit of the doubt. When Joel returns from London, he can’t believe what’s happened. He finds Karel is in way over his head with gambling debts, dragging Joel and Sasha into devastation and danger within the seedy underworld of a European mobster.
Cervena has some violence, suspense and drama, but Ms. Lyons also provides us with fun and a second chance at love. Besides Joel and Sasha’s solid characterizations, I liked the warm family connection Joel has with his sister. There’s also a fun group of dancing boys who bring their own special personalities to the storyline.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
August 1, 2016
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
Joel has been living in Prague for the last ten years and has a fairly successful gay club, Cervena, with his business partner Karel, although lately he's grown a bit disillusioned by how unhelpful his partner has been lately. When Joel finds a young man looking through their trash, he can't stop himself from helping him and hires Sasha to dance at Cervena. He's attracted to Sasha, and despite their 15-year age difference, his feelings are reciprocated, but when he has to go back to England unexpectedly for several weeks to take care of some family troubles, it all goes to hell in a handbasket.
Thinking Joel won't be returning, Karel gambles away the club's money and turns it into some kind of sex club, putting their workers, including Sasha, at risk. When Joel finds out he goes back, and buys Karel out, trying to make things right at Cervena again and continue his relationship with Sasha. However, Karel is deeper in trouble than any of them anticipated and now they might all be in danger.
Joel and Sasha were very likable, although I would've liked the book to have dual POVs, since, in my opinion, it would've made the book richer to have Sasha's point of view. Still, they had chemistry, despite the age difference, and they worked well together.
The book was very enjoyable, it had romance, sex, suspense and it was thrilling to see how everything played out. There were a few twists and turns that I never saw coming and had me guessing for a good part of the book, which was good. Recommendable!
Rating: 4 Stars!!!
Joel has been living in Prague for the last ten years and has a fairly successful gay club, Cervena, with his business partner Karel, although lately he's grown a bit disillusioned by how unhelpful his partner has been lately. When Joel finds a young man looking through their trash, he can't stop himself from helping him and hires Sasha to dance at Cervena. He's attracted to Sasha, and despite their 15-year age difference, his feelings are reciprocated, but when he has to go back to England unexpectedly for several weeks to take care of some family troubles, it all goes to hell in a handbasket.
Thinking Joel won't be returning, Karel gambles away the club's money and turns it into some kind of sex club, putting their workers, including Sasha, at risk. When Joel finds out he goes back, and buys Karel out, trying to make things right at Cervena again and continue his relationship with Sasha. However, Karel is deeper in trouble than any of them anticipated and now they might all be in danger.
Joel and Sasha were very likable, although I would've liked the book to have dual POVs, since, in my opinion, it would've made the book richer to have Sasha's point of view. Still, they had chemistry, despite the age difference, and they worked well together.
The book was very enjoyable, it had romance, sex, suspense and it was thrilling to see how everything played out. There were a few twists and turns that I never saw coming and had me guessing for a good part of the book, which was good. Recommendable!
Rating: 4 Stars!!!
July 21, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Cervena is cleverly written by Louise Lyons. She lulls the reader into a false sense of security for the first half of the book and I definitely assumed that this was simply a contemporary gay romance. Yet, Cervena is much more than that. This is a novel in which the tension felt by Lyons’ protagonists is tangible. There is a menacing atmosphere in the second half of the book, caused by those from the criminal underworld, which put me on the edge of my seat. I genuinely feared for the safety, and sanity, of Joel and Sasha.
The real surprise of the story comes in the form of Joel’s savior, who is a secondary character, though still interesting and with an obviously pivotal role.
Lyons is able to explore the perils of business successfully without destroying the groundwork she has laid for Joel and Sasha’s love story. The danger the two men find themselves in allows Lyons to develop the personalities of Sasha and Joel even further, thus drawing the reader into the story even more. Whereas Joel has appeared to be resolute and single-minded previously, the events expose him emotionally and his love for Sasha becomes his driving force, even overtaking his desire to succeed in business.
Read Kirsty’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Cervena is cleverly written by Louise Lyons. She lulls the reader into a false sense of security for the first half of the book and I definitely assumed that this was simply a contemporary gay romance. Yet, Cervena is much more than that. This is a novel in which the tension felt by Lyons’ protagonists is tangible. There is a menacing atmosphere in the second half of the book, caused by those from the criminal underworld, which put me on the edge of my seat. I genuinely feared for the safety, and sanity, of Joel and Sasha.
The real surprise of the story comes in the form of Joel’s savior, who is a secondary character, though still interesting and with an obviously pivotal role.
Lyons is able to explore the perils of business successfully without destroying the groundwork she has laid for Joel and Sasha’s love story. The danger the two men find themselves in allows Lyons to develop the personalities of Sasha and Joel even further, thus drawing the reader into the story even more. Whereas Joel has appeared to be resolute and single-minded previously, the events expose him emotionally and his love for Sasha becomes his driving force, even overtaking his desire to succeed in business.
Read Kirsty’s review in its entirety here.
July 24, 2016
Rich man Poor man is one of my favorite tropes. The rich kind man finding a poor broken soul and rescuing them, even spoiling them a little. That’s sort of the case when Joel finds Sasha outside his club sifting through his garbage.
However, there’s more to this. As cool as it was to see Joel sweep Sasha off his feet, there actually was very little spoiling. Sasha worked and maintained on his own. Yes, there’s a love story but at no time was Sasha a kept man. I liked that.
This is a somewhat suspenseful story. There’s murder, kidnapping, ransom, and some sadness. But there’s also validation, redemption, freedom, contentment, and love. There’s a small body count in this book so it looks like Louisa Lyons isn’t afraid to murder people off. Kinda cool actually because it thrust a sense of realism to this fiction. Life happens and sometimes it’s out of our hands.
Sasha is a touching character who has had it rough his whole life so when Joel saves him you know he deserves it. He never takes anything for granted and is utterly grateful. Sort of how all humans should be.
This is the first time I’ve read Louisa Lyons and I was quite impressed with her creativity. Good writing, pacing, and flow. Only slow in a few spots but other than that it was an enjoyable and exciting read.
However, there’s more to this. As cool as it was to see Joel sweep Sasha off his feet, there actually was very little spoiling. Sasha worked and maintained on his own. Yes, there’s a love story but at no time was Sasha a kept man. I liked that.
This is a somewhat suspenseful story. There’s murder, kidnapping, ransom, and some sadness. But there’s also validation, redemption, freedom, contentment, and love. There’s a small body count in this book so it looks like Louisa Lyons isn’t afraid to murder people off. Kinda cool actually because it thrust a sense of realism to this fiction. Life happens and sometimes it’s out of our hands.
Sasha is a touching character who has had it rough his whole life so when Joel saves him you know he deserves it. He never takes anything for granted and is utterly grateful. Sort of how all humans should be.
This is the first time I’ve read Louisa Lyons and I was quite impressed with her creativity. Good writing, pacing, and flow. Only slow in a few spots but other than that it was an enjoyable and exciting read.
June 29, 2016
Cervena is the name of a gay nightclub in Prague. Points for exotic setting. Sasha is a homeless Russian immigrant who gets work thanks to Cervena's kind-hearted owner Joel. Points for confronting social issues without condensation or ire. There's sex, sex, sex. Points, points, points. This is a fun, romantic, thoughtful novel. Lyons knows what she's doing as she presents Joel's heart to us in the midst of strippers, snow, and antagonists.
This book is also marketed as a thriller, so there's some violence. Boys getting hurt isn't everyone's thing. The romance is a little thin. It doesn't matter. The story is the perfect length and the characters are perfectly dreamy. I feel like I've been on a vacation to Prague.
I was provided this book in exchange for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads. I was not compensated, coerced, or flattered into an opinion.
This book is also marketed as a thriller, so there's some violence. Boys getting hurt isn't everyone's thing. The romance is a little thin. It doesn't matter. The story is the perfect length and the characters are perfectly dreamy. I feel like I've been on a vacation to Prague.
I was provided this book in exchange for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads. I was not compensated, coerced, or flattered into an opinion.
December 23, 2017
I won this in group of reads. Probably not one I would have chosen and I was expecting it to be much more gritty than it was.
Joel was a successful business man but did seem to do odd things as well, against this personna. The story was told first person pov by Joel so it did seem a bit telling at times.
Sasha was a fairly two dimensional character, probably because of the first person pov.
There was a local gangster hooha in the middle, sorted by another - bit odd but ok.
So a bit under whelmed but it did move along quickly. More of a 2.5* for me.
Joel was a successful business man but did seem to do odd things as well, against this personna. The story was told first person pov by Joel so it did seem a bit telling at times.
Sasha was a fairly two dimensional character, probably because of the first person pov.
There was a local gangster hooha in the middle, sorted by another - bit odd but ok.
So a bit under whelmed but it did move along quickly. More of a 2.5* for me.
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