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Gideon Maybury enjoys a life of wealth and privilege, not to mention the advantages his position offers him in his career as a merchant banker and his less public life as a high-class, skilled, and very well-paid assassin for Her Majesty’s government. When his brother dies unexpectedly, he becomes the Duke of Westmoreland.
Michael Mathison has hated Gideon since they were at university together. He’s convinced Gideon had a hand in the death of Michael’s college lover, Christopher, and that he had something to do with the death of his own brother. So he gets a job as Gideon’s driver, enabling him to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the elder Maybury sibling. At first his suspicions seem to be confirmed, but clues emerge that suggest all is not as it appears at Maybury Hall.
As the mystery deepens, so does the attraction between the two implacable enemies, as does the feeling that they have met before—under dark and terrible circumstances. Each has reasons not to trust the other, but neither is averse to a bit of kinky play. Gideon and Michael end up owing each other their lives, and it results in consequences neither could have imagined.
Michael Mathison has hated Gideon since they were at university together. He’s convinced Gideon had a hand in the death of Michael’s college lover, Christopher, and that he had something to do with the death of his own brother. So he gets a job as Gideon’s driver, enabling him to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the elder Maybury sibling. At first his suspicions seem to be confirmed, but clues emerge that suggest all is not as it appears at Maybury Hall.
As the mystery deepens, so does the attraction between the two implacable enemies, as does the feeling that they have met before—under dark and terrible circumstances. Each has reasons not to trust the other, but neither is averse to a bit of kinky play. Gideon and Michael end up owing each other their lives, and it results in consequences neither could have imagined.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2016
4 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Ashe Barker
140 books807 followersUntil 2010, Ashe was a director of a regeneration company before deciding there had to be more to life and leaving to pursue a lifetime goal of self-employment.
Ashe has been an avid reader of erotic romance for many years—historical, contemporary, fantasy—you name it. Now, at last in control of her own time and working from her home in rural West Yorkshire, she has been able to realise her dream of writing sexy and compelling stories herself.
She draws on settings and anecdotes from her previous and current experience to lend colour, detail and realism to her plots and characters, but her stories of love, challenge, resilience and compassion are the conjurings of her own imagination. She loves to craft strong, enigmatic men and bright, sassy women to give them a hard time—in every sense of the word.
When she’s not writing, Ashe’s time is monopolised by her role as grandma to a lively toddler. She shares her writing space with a tortoise called Teefer.
Ashe has been an avid reader of erotic romance for many years—historical, contemporary, fantasy—you name it. Now, at last in control of her own time and working from her home in rural West Yorkshire, she has been able to realise her dream of writing sexy and compelling stories herself.
She draws on settings and anecdotes from her previous and current experience to lend colour, detail and realism to her plots and characters, but her stories of love, challenge, resilience and compassion are the conjurings of her own imagination. She loves to craft strong, enigmatic men and bright, sassy women to give them a hard time—in every sense of the word.
When she’s not writing, Ashe’s time is monopolised by her role as grandma to a lively toddler. She shares her writing space with a tortoise called Teefer.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 8, 2016
~2.5~
This book is not a historical. Besides the prologue, the story is set in modern-day England (although the characters talk like Americans).
The prologue, which contains scenes of violence and torture, introduces a paranormal/supernatural element. I don’t want to give anything away, but suffice it to say that the series name, Order of the Black Knights, remains an enigma.
Gideon, which contains more narrative than dialogue, is a murder mystery with a twist featuring two MCs with a dubious moral compass: Gideon, a wealthy aristocrat with a penchant for murder, and Michael, a doctor convinced Gideon killed not only Michael’s long-ago lover but his very own brother.
Gideon becomes fascinated with death at a young age; he tries to drown a playmate at age 7 and progresses to torturing and killing small animals. None of this is described in graphic detail. It’s mentioned in passing, as if it were no big thing.
The prologue provides clues to Gideon’s behavior and his obsession with dying, but it was still hard to relate to an MC who’s essentially a sociopath. I'm picky like that.
Michael, hellbent on revenge, poses as a driver to get close to Gideon and implicate Gideon in his brother’s death (which was ruled an accident). Gideon sees through the ruse; he knows he has to kill Michael, but he’s also really attracted to the man.
First-world problems, people.
The men meet around the 30 percent mark and begin fucking around the 40 percent mark. Forget the slow burn; never mind tenderness or romance. The sex is rough and hot, but the relationship development is nonexistent. These two don’t hate each other, not exactly, but there is a veil of suspicion and distrust between them.
People begin dying at Gideon’s manor, beginning with Gideon’s brother. The brother’s grieving widow fires an employee, who turns up dead a day later. The local artist may know something or perhaps the dead woman's father?
The villain was obvious to me immediately, and the “murder confession” had me rolling my eyes. Because how predictable can you get?
The book ends rather abruptly with a moment of redemption that was too short to feel cathartic. I’m not sure I would read the next book in the series, which will be written by a different author, but I’m curious to see how the series plays out.
This book is not a historical. Besides the prologue, the story is set in modern-day England (although the characters talk like Americans).
The prologue, which contains scenes of violence and torture, introduces a paranormal/supernatural element. I don’t want to give anything away, but suffice it to say that the series name, Order of the Black Knights, remains an enigma.
Gideon, which contains more narrative than dialogue, is a murder mystery with a twist featuring two MCs with a dubious moral compass: Gideon, a wealthy aristocrat with a penchant for murder, and Michael, a doctor convinced Gideon killed not only Michael’s long-ago lover but his very own brother.
Gideon becomes fascinated with death at a young age; he tries to drown a playmate at age 7 and progresses to torturing and killing small animals. None of this is described in graphic detail. It’s mentioned in passing, as if it were no big thing.
The prologue provides clues to Gideon’s behavior and his obsession with dying, but it was still hard to relate to an MC who’s essentially a sociopath. I'm picky like that.
Michael, hellbent on revenge, poses as a driver to get close to Gideon and implicate Gideon in his brother’s death (which was ruled an accident). Gideon sees through the ruse; he knows he has to kill Michael, but he’s also really attracted to the man.
First-world problems, people.
The men meet around the 30 percent mark and begin fucking around the 40 percent mark. Forget the slow burn; never mind tenderness or romance. The sex is rough and hot, but the relationship development is nonexistent. These two don’t hate each other, not exactly, but there is a veil of suspicion and distrust between them.
People begin dying at Gideon’s manor, beginning with Gideon’s brother. The brother’s grieving widow fires an employee, who turns up dead a day later. The local artist may know something or perhaps the dead woman's father?
The villain was obvious to me immediately, and the “murder confession” had me rolling my eyes. Because how predictable can you get?
The book ends rather abruptly with a moment of redemption that was too short to feel cathartic. I’m not sure I would read the next book in the series, which will be written by a different author, but I’m curious to see how the series plays out.
October 6, 2016
Even Sociopaths need love...
Have you ever finished reading a book and when you think about it...really think about it you realize I shouldn't have liked it but I did. That's what happened here. I really shouldn't have liked this there were a lot of reasons not to, but when all was said and done I did and I'm not even sure if I can fully explain why but I'm going to have a little ramble here and see if anything makes sense.
'Gideon' is the first book in a new series called 'The Order of the Black Knights' and it's by Ashe Barker who is a 'new to me author'. So I truthfully didn't know what to expect when I started this. I knew what the blurb told me and it sounded interesting and of course I saw the series title and well 'Order of the Black Knights' seriously how could that not be intriguing. So, I decided I was going to do this thing and that was that.
Now let's talk about the actual book. 'Gideon' is a supernatural mystery with a bit of romance on the side (I'm going with the word supernatural because after doing a bit of googling and reading what I learned was that there is a difference between the words paranormal and supernatural and for the purposes of this story I feel that the word supernatural is the most appropriate).
Gideon Maybury has led a life of privilege and he's use to getting his way. Add to this the fact that his moral compass is pretty much broken. When he's not working as a merchant banker he works for His Majesty's Government as a paid assassin because he's had a fascination with death from a pretty early age and hey, everyone should have a hobby, right? Well Gideon's so good at his he makes a living at it. I want to just take a moment here to clarify the fact that at the beginning of this story I did not like Gideon...not even a little bit and that didn't really change much. As I said to my friend, Dani (who truthfully didn't enjoy this story nearly as much as I did, so I strongly encourage you to go over to GR and read her review if you're looking for a very different perspective) Gideon for me went from 'you are one seriously f*#ked-up dude' to 'ok, I guess even crazies need love'.
While Michael Mathison and Gideon have never really met. Gideon was a key figure in the death of Christopher, Michael's lover back in college. Needless to say Michael has hated Gideon for a long time but it's not until the death of Gideon's brother, Richard that Michael decides to find out more about the mysterious Gideon Maybury and to try and find proof that he is responsible not just for Christopher's death but for that of his brother as well.
Going undercover as Gideon's driver to gain access to Gideon and hopefully the information he needs to confirm his suspicions draws Gideon and Michael together and places them both in danger and as the body count grows so does the attraction between Gideon and Michael.
Ok, so there you have it that's the gist of the story. Sadly while I enjoy a good mystery the 'who' in the 'who-done-it' part of this story became more than a little obvious far to soon for my liking making a solid contribution to that missing star in my rating.
However, it's the part of the story that I enjoyed that isn't discussed in the blurb and that I'm not going to mention in any real detail that I enjoyed the most. There was a paranormal element to this story that gave it that little bit of different that hooked me and made me want to keep reading the book.
Usually if I really like a book it's because I've connected really strongly with at least one of the MCs and that wasn't the case here. As well as being a sociopath I found Gideon to be cold and indifferent, self-centered and arrogant...and well really he's a sociopath, do I really need more reasons than that not to like him? As for Michael, I didn't dislike him. He was ok a likable enough person. However, interestingly enough, for me, these two characters worked well together. They were believable and I actually liked them better as a couple than as individuals...I'm really not sure I've ever said that before but there it is.
I enjoyed Ashe Barker's writing style it wasn't quite what I'm used to and I found that for for this story it worked well . Things flowed well and while there were some things that seemed a little incongruous for me they felt like minor issues and didn't really spoil my enjoyment of the overall story.
My main attraction to this story was the paranormal or supernatural aspect of things, it put me in mind of some shows and books from the past that I've really enjoyed and I found myself anticipating the possibilities that this series could hold. I know there are at least 2 more books to come and each of them are written by different and new to me authors, so I'm looking forward to seeing how the next couple of stories progress and how these authors handle the paranormal or supernatural aspect that started with 'Gideon'.
'Gideon' is a story about revenge and forgiveness and the path they can take a person down and how once choice can affect a lifetime. This was a strong start for a series that has the potential to be a step outside of the norm and I'm looking forward to seeing how it all plays out.
********************
An ARC of 'Gideon' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Have you ever finished reading a book and when you think about it...really think about it you realize I shouldn't have liked it but I did. That's what happened here. I really shouldn't have liked this there were a lot of reasons not to, but when all was said and done I did and I'm not even sure if I can fully explain why but I'm going to have a little ramble here and see if anything makes sense.
'Gideon' is the first book in a new series called 'The Order of the Black Knights' and it's by Ashe Barker who is a 'new to me author'. So I truthfully didn't know what to expect when I started this. I knew what the blurb told me and it sounded interesting and of course I saw the series title and well 'Order of the Black Knights' seriously how could that not be intriguing. So, I decided I was going to do this thing and that was that.
Now let's talk about the actual book. 'Gideon' is a supernatural mystery with a bit of romance on the side (I'm going with the word supernatural because after doing a bit of googling and reading what I learned was that there is a difference between the words paranormal and supernatural and for the purposes of this story I feel that the word supernatural is the most appropriate).
Gideon Maybury has led a life of privilege and he's use to getting his way. Add to this the fact that his moral compass is pretty much broken. When he's not working as a merchant banker he works for His Majesty's Government as a paid assassin because he's had a fascination with death from a pretty early age and hey, everyone should have a hobby, right? Well Gideon's so good at his he makes a living at it. I want to just take a moment here to clarify the fact that at the beginning of this story I did not like Gideon...not even a little bit and that didn't really change much. As I said to my friend, Dani (who truthfully didn't enjoy this story nearly as much as I did, so I strongly encourage you to go over to GR and read her review if you're looking for a very different perspective) Gideon for me went from 'you are one seriously f*#ked-up dude' to 'ok, I guess even crazies need love'.
While Michael Mathison and Gideon have never really met. Gideon was a key figure in the death of Christopher, Michael's lover back in college. Needless to say Michael has hated Gideon for a long time but it's not until the death of Gideon's brother, Richard that Michael decides to find out more about the mysterious Gideon Maybury and to try and find proof that he is responsible not just for Christopher's death but for that of his brother as well.
Going undercover as Gideon's driver to gain access to Gideon and hopefully the information he needs to confirm his suspicions draws Gideon and Michael together and places them both in danger and as the body count grows so does the attraction between Gideon and Michael.
Ok, so there you have it that's the gist of the story. Sadly while I enjoy a good mystery the 'who' in the 'who-done-it' part of this story became more than a little obvious far to soon for my liking making a solid contribution to that missing star in my rating.
However, it's the part of the story that I enjoyed that isn't discussed in the blurb and that I'm not going to mention in any real detail that I enjoyed the most. There was a paranormal element to this story that gave it that little bit of different that hooked me and made me want to keep reading the book.
Usually if I really like a book it's because I've connected really strongly with at least one of the MCs and that wasn't the case here. As well as being a sociopath I found Gideon to be cold and indifferent, self-centered and arrogant...and well really he's a sociopath, do I really need more reasons than that not to like him? As for Michael, I didn't dislike him. He was ok a likable enough person. However, interestingly enough, for me, these two characters worked well together. They were believable and I actually liked them better as a couple than as individuals...I'm really not sure I've ever said that before but there it is.
I enjoyed Ashe Barker's writing style it wasn't quite what I'm used to and I found that for for this story it worked well . Things flowed well and while there were some things that seemed a little incongruous for me they felt like minor issues and didn't really spoil my enjoyment of the overall story.
My main attraction to this story was the paranormal or supernatural aspect of things, it put me in mind of some shows and books from the past that I've really enjoyed and I found myself anticipating the possibilities that this series could hold. I know there are at least 2 more books to come and each of them are written by different and new to me authors, so I'm looking forward to seeing how the next couple of stories progress and how these authors handle the paranormal or supernatural aspect that started with 'Gideon'.
'Gideon' is a story about revenge and forgiveness and the path they can take a person down and how once choice can affect a lifetime. This was a strong start for a series that has the potential to be a step outside of the norm and I'm looking forward to seeing how it all plays out.
********************
An ARC of 'Gideon' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2017
3 Hearts
I liked this. Gideon was a pretty interesting character, and the story, while simple was fun and definitely a unique concept.
I like immoral characters and Gideon definitely starts off as one! He enjoys killing and has no need for friends or silly sentiments such as regret or sympathy.
His development throughout the book would have been set at a good pace, but because of Gideon’s character in the prologue, it seemed rushed. He was one evil bastard in the prologue and the change in his character throughout the rest of the book (even though he remained a bastard) seemed like a saint in comparison. It wasn't such a drastic change that people will be put off, I think it's just personal preference.
I think most of the aspects I didn't like, or found average about this book were personal preference and not based on anything objective or substantial within the plot or writing. The other ‘personal preference’ qualm I had was with the connection between the MCs. I understood the insta-lust but I didn't really see why they started to feel more for each other. There was just something missing for me to fully understand their love for each other.
I liked the sex though, it was very rough which was pretty hot.
Unfortunately there wasn't really any sexual tension because they get it on so quickly after meeting. There wasn't even any real anger/hate-fucking which is what I suspected there would be. They were already a bit too smitten for it to be fully hate… it was more like mildly distasteful fucking?
The mystery side of the story was a little simple, but I rather like that and it did kept opening up different aspects to the ‘who/how’ which I wasn't expecting. The whole supernatural concept behind Gideon was also quite interesting and I liked that concept.
Ok I feel like I've slammed this a bit harder than I intended to. This was good and I liked it, but maybe for me, it was one of those books that for everything I liked there was something I didn't quite connect with… on a purely personal level. It'll be different for everyone who reads it, just like any book really.
I liked this. Gideon was a pretty interesting character, and the story, while simple was fun and definitely a unique concept.
I like immoral characters and Gideon definitely starts off as one! He enjoys killing and has no need for friends or silly sentiments such as regret or sympathy.
He loved the sense of power he derived from holding a life in his hands, quite literally, and deciding whether it was to continue or be extinguished. His choice. His call. He used poison, asphyxiation, withholding food or water.
His development throughout the book would have been set at a good pace, but because of Gideon’s character in the prologue, it seemed rushed. He was one evil bastard in the prologue and the change in his character throughout the rest of the book (even though he remained a bastard) seemed like a saint in comparison. It wasn't such a drastic change that people will be put off, I think it's just personal preference.
I think most of the aspects I didn't like, or found average about this book were personal preference and not based on anything objective or substantial within the plot or writing. The other ‘personal preference’ qualm I had was with the connection between the MCs. I understood the insta-lust but I didn't really see why they started to feel more for each other. There was just something missing for me to fully understand their love for each other.
I liked the sex though, it was very rough which was pretty hot.
His entry wasn’t gentle. There was nothing slow and easy in Gideon’s approach to fucking. He was hard, decisive, brutal, and, to Michael’s way of thinking, utterly sublime. His lubricated cock slammed deep into Michael’s ass and speared him against the bed. Michael grunted in pain and then gasped his pleasure. He loved it, hated it, and loved it more as he began to writhe and gyrate, and ground himself against Gideon.
Unfortunately there wasn't really any sexual tension because they get it on so quickly after meeting. There wasn't even any real anger/hate-fucking which is what I suspected there would be. They were already a bit too smitten for it to be fully hate… it was more like mildly distasteful fucking?
The mystery side of the story was a little simple, but I rather like that and it did kept opening up different aspects to the ‘who/how’ which I wasn't expecting. The whole supernatural concept behind Gideon was also quite interesting and I liked that concept.
Ok I feel like I've slammed this a bit harder than I intended to. This was good and I liked it, but maybe for me, it was one of those books that for everything I liked there was something I didn't quite connect with… on a purely personal level. It'll be different for everyone who reads it, just like any book really.
July 24, 2017
When I first saw this series, I was intrigued because I do love an assassin story. So I kind of expected some gruesome scenes but was a bit surprised by the paranormal element. It wasn't a persistent theme in this story, just the beginning and end, which was better for me, as it's not a genre I care for much. It bothered me that it wasn't indicated very well in the blurb.
Gideon's character was fleshed out fairly well with more focus on his thoughts and actions. His unexpected realization that his brother might have been murdered was the mystery that held my attention. There wasn't quite as much to Michael's character and some of it was inconsistent. How could a doctor, under his professional oath, plan the things he did? He should have had a different career. The subterfuge he used to become Gideon's driver was unlikely. Again, though, I wanted to find out whether Gideon was the sort of villain Michael thought he was.
I didn't feel any great sexual tension between the two and their sex scenes were relatively vanilla. Don't look for any real kink here, just a couple of toys. It was technically well written and held my attention and the flaws weren't enough to keep it from being entertaining.
Gideon's character was fleshed out fairly well with more focus on his thoughts and actions. His unexpected realization that his brother might have been murdered was the mystery that held my attention. There wasn't quite as much to Michael's character and some of it was inconsistent. How could a doctor, under his professional oath, plan the things he did? He should have had a different career. The subterfuge he used to become Gideon's driver was unlikely. Again, though, I wanted to find out whether Gideon was the sort of villain Michael thought he was.
I didn't feel any great sexual tension between the two and their sex scenes were relatively vanilla. Don't look for any real kink here, just a couple of toys. It was technically well written and held my attention and the flaws weren't enough to keep it from being entertaining.
March 10, 2025
Mêlant habilement suspens, mystères, enquêtes, meurtres, voyages, sorcellerie, réincarnation, pacte, noblesse anglaise, l'auteur, d'une plume fluide et percutante, nous entraine dans les pas de Gideon et Michael.
Gideon, nouveau duc de Westmoreland à cause de la mort tragique de son frère aîné, se voit contraint d'embaucher un chauffeur, s'étant vu retirer son permis à la suite d'un accident de voiture assez mystérieux.
Michaël, convaincu que Gideon est l'assassin de son frère, crime qui s'ajoute à celui de son premier amour, se fait embaucher comme chauffeur afin de se rapprocher du duc et pouvoir enquêter au plus près.
Sauf que les deux hommes, piégés dans une histoire, vont devoir apprendre à se faire confiance et à faire alliance pour survivre, à la fois au passé et au présent.
L'idée est originale, mais il m'a manqué des éléments concernant notamment ce fameux ordre des chevaliers noirs. Si j'ai bien compris le concept de cette série, chaque tome est indépendant et écrit par un auteur différent, peut-être en apprenons-nous un peu plus par la suite.
De plus, je suis un peu restée sur ma faim concernant le rôle "d'assassin de haute renommée" (puisque c'est dévoilé dans le pitch du roman, dommage), j'aurais aimé savoir comment ça évolue pour Gideon après sa décision.
La romance entre les deux hommes semble sortir un peu du chapeau d'un coup, mais peut s'expliquer par le concept même du roman, ce cycle qui recommence sans fin mais qui pourrait bien changer cette fois, grâce à l'attraction folle qu'ils ressentent l'un pour l'autre.
Bref, un roman qui m'a fait passer un moment très agréable, entre enquête et romance, surnaturel et meurtres bien réels.
Gideon, nouveau duc de Westmoreland à cause de la mort tragique de son frère aîné, se voit contraint d'embaucher un chauffeur, s'étant vu retirer son permis à la suite d'un accident de voiture assez mystérieux.
Michaël, convaincu que Gideon est l'assassin de son frère, crime qui s'ajoute à celui de son premier amour, se fait embaucher comme chauffeur afin de se rapprocher du duc et pouvoir enquêter au plus près.
Sauf que les deux hommes, piégés dans une histoire, vont devoir apprendre à se faire confiance et à faire alliance pour survivre, à la fois au passé et au présent.
L'idée est originale, mais il m'a manqué des éléments concernant notamment ce fameux ordre des chevaliers noirs. Si j'ai bien compris le concept de cette série, chaque tome est indépendant et écrit par un auteur différent, peut-être en apprenons-nous un peu plus par la suite.
De plus, je suis un peu restée sur ma faim concernant le rôle "d'assassin de haute renommée" (puisque c'est dévoilé dans le pitch du roman, dommage), j'aurais aimé savoir comment ça évolue pour Gideon après sa décision.
La romance entre les deux hommes semble sortir un peu du chapeau d'un coup, mais peut s'expliquer par le concept même du roman, ce cycle qui recommence sans fin mais qui pourrait bien changer cette fois, grâce à l'attraction folle qu'ils ressentent l'un pour l'autre.
Bref, un roman qui m'a fait passer un moment très agréable, entre enquête et romance, surnaturel et meurtres bien réels.
November 1, 2017
This story confused me big time.
While I was expected to be reading some kind of 'knights' story, I found out that this is not actually about it. This one is more to knights turned evil, or psychopath. Or something like that.
I'm okay with psychopath stories, but this one felt different.
It's not knights, it's psychopath.
It's not showing, it's telling (yawn).
It's not dark, it's semi grey (LOL).
It's not romance, it's pure sex, hard, demanding, dirty.
I have disliked Gideon from the start (I know some readers called him a victim of that), and Michael, in this case, had no reason to go after Gideon after so many years. and for his cheating past boyfriend who'd betrayed him over and over again with Gideon.
Doormat much?
Maybe this one can be a good story if, there's no 'undying love' and 'suddenly love' involved.
and what made me yawning was that 'final statement' of the villain. Eye rolling.
I didn't even care about it. It's boring, and again, too much telling. Or...this can be a Agatha Christie's like detective story, with better plot, and again, no 'love' involve.
Makes me afraid to start with the second book this week.
Or,probably just go on with it?
'UNDECIDED'
While I was expected to be reading some kind of 'knights' story, I found out that this is not actually about it. This one is more to knights turned evil, or psychopath. Or something like that.
I'm okay with psychopath stories, but this one felt different.
It's not knights, it's psychopath.
It's not showing, it's telling (yawn).
It's not dark, it's semi grey (LOL).
It's not romance, it's pure sex, hard, demanding, dirty.
I have disliked Gideon from the start (I know some readers called him a victim of that), and Michael, in this case, had no reason to go after Gideon after so many years. and for his cheating past boyfriend who'd betrayed him over and over again with Gideon.
Doormat much?
Maybe this one can be a good story if, there's no 'undying love' and 'suddenly love' involved.
and what made me yawning was that 'final statement' of the villain. Eye rolling.
I didn't even care about it. It's boring, and again, too much telling. Or...this can be a Agatha Christie's like detective story, with better plot, and again, no 'love' involve.
Makes me afraid to start with the second book this week.
Or,probably just go on with it?
'UNDECIDED'
January 20, 2018
This book wasn't quite what I expected, but it's only book 1, so I want to see where it goes. It wasn't horrible but I just felt like it needed something. Still trying to think of what. I can't quite put my finger on it. I guess what gets me is when you hate someone why would you have sex with them. No matter how hot you think they are. I think that is the main thing that bothers me with this book.
Gideon was a slave, a serf, when he was met by a 'man’ who would change his life. He was hanging on by a thread, shackled and dressed in barely any clothes in freezing temps. The boss had just whipped him and rubbed stinging nettles all over his body. He didn't expect to make it through the night. But a wizard came upon him and offered him a deal. Moriel would give freedom for services rendered. He had to be a killer. Anytime he was needed he would kill. The only way out of the contract is if he choose someone over it. Gideon doesn't think that will happen so he has no problem with that. But then he meets Michael, who is supposed to be his driver. But he lusts over him immediately and tries to think of a way to get him under him quick. Michael has his own reasons for being there. He wants revenge for Gideon killing his boyfriend and lover. He makes an attempt to kill him but Gideon walks away unscathed. So he finds a way into his life to look into the mysterious deaths that happens when Gideon is around. Especially Gideon's own brother. So as a guise, Michael drives for him and investigates. And what he's finding is leaving him cold. Bodies are piling up and Gideon is looking more and more like the one who's doing things. Til things come to a head. Secrets get found out, confessions made, and truces are formed in order to get to the real truth.
To lose a lover, partner, spouse, significant other, is heartbreaking and Michael is heartbroken over the loss of his lover Chris. He has learned to get over it and move on but he hates Gideon because Gideon is the reason he's dead. Gideon took Chris away from Michael and Michael has never forgotten or forgiven him. So when Gideon appears in the news again, all the old feelings surface and Michael is determined to get revenge on the man who has ruined things for him. On the man who Michael knows is evil and cruel and don't care who he steps on. As Gideon's driver, he has gotten to see things about Gideon he didn't quite expect. But he's also had his suspicions confirmed. He just has to find out how to prove it. The sad part, they are so attracted to each other and the sex is phenomenal. So Michael is beginning to wonder how can you hate someone who you are beginning to love. Despite what he has done. Gideon has made some discoveries of his own. He is intrigued by this Michael. Normally after some of the comments and the secrets he knows Michael has, he would get rid of them. But something about Michael keeps him holding on. He is tired of the old life, and he is learning he wants to settle down. He wants Michael. He loves him. Michael has changed him. As they discover what is going on with all the murders, Gideon ends up shot and almost dying. And as he's dying he's transported back to the time when he was a serf and made the decision to become a Black Knight. He's determined to set things right.
Sometimes in life we are at crossroads. We make the choice on which way to go. And if we decide to go for the way they gives instant gratification, it doesn't always work out. Most often it doesn't at all. And very rarely do you get a chance to go back and fix what you've done wrong. So when you can, make the amends. Make things right. It might hurt to do, but most often it works out better.
Gideon was a slave, a serf, when he was met by a 'man’ who would change his life. He was hanging on by a thread, shackled and dressed in barely any clothes in freezing temps. The boss had just whipped him and rubbed stinging nettles all over his body. He didn't expect to make it through the night. But a wizard came upon him and offered him a deal. Moriel would give freedom for services rendered. He had to be a killer. Anytime he was needed he would kill. The only way out of the contract is if he choose someone over it. Gideon doesn't think that will happen so he has no problem with that. But then he meets Michael, who is supposed to be his driver. But he lusts over him immediately and tries to think of a way to get him under him quick. Michael has his own reasons for being there. He wants revenge for Gideon killing his boyfriend and lover. He makes an attempt to kill him but Gideon walks away unscathed. So he finds a way into his life to look into the mysterious deaths that happens when Gideon is around. Especially Gideon's own brother. So as a guise, Michael drives for him and investigates. And what he's finding is leaving him cold. Bodies are piling up and Gideon is looking more and more like the one who's doing things. Til things come to a head. Secrets get found out, confessions made, and truces are formed in order to get to the real truth.
To lose a lover, partner, spouse, significant other, is heartbreaking and Michael is heartbroken over the loss of his lover Chris. He has learned to get over it and move on but he hates Gideon because Gideon is the reason he's dead. Gideon took Chris away from Michael and Michael has never forgotten or forgiven him. So when Gideon appears in the news again, all the old feelings surface and Michael is determined to get revenge on the man who has ruined things for him. On the man who Michael knows is evil and cruel and don't care who he steps on. As Gideon's driver, he has gotten to see things about Gideon he didn't quite expect. But he's also had his suspicions confirmed. He just has to find out how to prove it. The sad part, they are so attracted to each other and the sex is phenomenal. So Michael is beginning to wonder how can you hate someone who you are beginning to love. Despite what he has done. Gideon has made some discoveries of his own. He is intrigued by this Michael. Normally after some of the comments and the secrets he knows Michael has, he would get rid of them. But something about Michael keeps him holding on. He is tired of the old life, and he is learning he wants to settle down. He wants Michael. He loves him. Michael has changed him. As they discover what is going on with all the murders, Gideon ends up shot and almost dying. And as he's dying he's transported back to the time when he was a serf and made the decision to become a Black Knight. He's determined to set things right.
Sometimes in life we are at crossroads. We make the choice on which way to go. And if we decide to go for the way they gives instant gratification, it doesn't always work out. Most often it doesn't at all. And very rarely do you get a chance to go back and fix what you've done wrong. So when you can, make the amends. Make things right. It might hurt to do, but most often it works out better.
April 10, 2023
Gideon, c’est un héros qui n’en est pas vraiment un tant on peine à lui trouver des qualités dans les premiers chapitres. Cependant, même si ses actions sont horribles, on sait d’où il vient et cela seul peut justifier son comportement. Enfin, on essaie de lui trouver des excuses au fil des pages et j’avoue avoir attendu avec impatience que le jeu de chacun se dévoile et que l’issue arrive !
Toujours est-il qu’avec ces mystères, ces péripéties et l’enquête en fil conducteur, je n’ai évidemment pas réussi à lâcher ce livre avant de l’avoir fini !
Il faut dire que le récit commence en 1914 dans une tranchée normande et Gideon ne nous y apparaît pas sous son meilleur jour ! On découvre très vite la malédiction qu’il porte en lui depuis des siècles et on sait que cela ne va pas être simple pour lui de s’en débarrasser. Le récit nous embarque ensuite en 2014, où on découvre un Gideon hautain, cassant et macabre. Un sale type pour dire la vérité ! Et pour cause, il est tueur à gage au service du gouvernement… Ah ! Vous aussi vous trouvez que cela n’en fait pas un personnage très sympathique ! Cependant, ce que Gideon ne sait pas, c’est que depuis des siècles, il vit un cycle perpétuel dans lequel inlassablement, il finit par tuer son âme sœur. Quelle tristesse, n’est ce pas ? Alors quand son frère meurt dans des circonstances douteuses, qu’un vieil ennemi dont il n’a pas conscience décide de venir enquêter en secret, que les meurtres commencent à s’accumuler et que la passion explose entre les deux hommes, on se dit que la fin de ce cycle infernal pourrait bien approcher.
En attendant, il en faut des soupçons, des rebondissements, des doutes et des situations dangereuses pour venir à bout de cette enquête qu’on suit en cherchant les indices comme dans un jeu de piste.
Je dois dire que le scénario était bien amené et l’histoire bien construite et plutôt originale avec sa pointe de surnaturel. J’aurais cependant apprécié que les personnalités des héros soient plus fouillées et approfondies, d’autant plus qu’il y avait largement de quoi faire, entre noirceur, désir de vengeance et goût pour le meurtre. J’ai cependant vraiment aimé l’univers dans lequel s’inscrit le récit et le suspense qui en ont fait une lecture addictive.
Toujours est-il qu’avec ces mystères, ces péripéties et l’enquête en fil conducteur, je n’ai évidemment pas réussi à lâcher ce livre avant de l’avoir fini !
Il faut dire que le récit commence en 1914 dans une tranchée normande et Gideon ne nous y apparaît pas sous son meilleur jour ! On découvre très vite la malédiction qu’il porte en lui depuis des siècles et on sait que cela ne va pas être simple pour lui de s’en débarrasser. Le récit nous embarque ensuite en 2014, où on découvre un Gideon hautain, cassant et macabre. Un sale type pour dire la vérité ! Et pour cause, il est tueur à gage au service du gouvernement… Ah ! Vous aussi vous trouvez que cela n’en fait pas un personnage très sympathique ! Cependant, ce que Gideon ne sait pas, c’est que depuis des siècles, il vit un cycle perpétuel dans lequel inlassablement, il finit par tuer son âme sœur. Quelle tristesse, n’est ce pas ? Alors quand son frère meurt dans des circonstances douteuses, qu’un vieil ennemi dont il n’a pas conscience décide de venir enquêter en secret, que les meurtres commencent à s’accumuler et que la passion explose entre les deux hommes, on se dit que la fin de ce cycle infernal pourrait bien approcher.
En attendant, il en faut des soupçons, des rebondissements, des doutes et des situations dangereuses pour venir à bout de cette enquête qu’on suit en cherchant les indices comme dans un jeu de piste.
Je dois dire que le scénario était bien amené et l’histoire bien construite et plutôt originale avec sa pointe de surnaturel. J’aurais cependant apprécié que les personnalités des héros soient plus fouillées et approfondies, d’autant plus qu’il y avait largement de quoi faire, entre noirceur, désir de vengeance et goût pour le meurtre. J’ai cependant vraiment aimé l’univers dans lequel s’inscrit le récit et le suspense qui en ont fait une lecture addictive.
December 3, 2016
I was intrigued by the idea of a morally ambiguous main character so I picked up this book. Gideon is an assassin (which I could accept if it was handled properly) but he actually enjoys killing and started as a child. That makes Gideon a sociopath, which makes him a terrible romantic hero because sociopaths are incapable of feeling love or recognizing the feelings of others. Even the love interest, Michael, who is a doctor, is a pretty despicable character. He breaks the hippocratic oath in an unforgivable way.
Besides the major problems with the main characters, there were many other flaws to the story. The mystery was weak, the murderer's motivation made no sense, events didn't happen in a realistic way, and the characters behaved inconsistently.
For example something very traumatic happens to Michael and Gideon that should have left them shaken and in shock. Yet they blithely continue on their way. The event is insignificant to their emotions, only significant to the plot. Which I suppose sums up the problems with this book!
Besides the major problems with the main characters, there were many other flaws to the story. The mystery was weak, the murderer's motivation made no sense, events didn't happen in a realistic way, and the characters behaved inconsistently.
For example something very traumatic happens to Michael and Gideon that should have left them shaken and in shock. Yet they blithely continue on their way. The event is insignificant to their emotions, only significant to the plot. Which I suppose sums up the problems with this book!
July 17, 2022
Chronique de Lydia :
https://followthereader2016.wordpress...
Gideon est un personnage égoïste, pas particulièrement agréable, dangereux et qui porte une lourde malédiction sans qu’il n’en ait vraiment conscience. S’il veut trouver la paix, il devra épargner son ennemi… et ce n’est pas gagné.
J’ai choisi cet ouvrage pour la couverture, que je trouve élégante et sombre et pour le titre « l’ordre des chevaliers noirs » qui annonçait quelque chose de mystique… Et, oh surprise, c’est une romance MM, ma première. Les scènes de sexe sont crues mais pas vulgaires, à l’instar des personnages auxquels on finit par s’attacher (surtout à Michael en ce qui me concerne).
Le style de l’auteur est percutant. L’histoire est ponctuée de rebondissement. Beaucoup d’actions, on ne s’embête pas un instant, c’est vivant. On a une véritable enquête et l’on est pressé d’en découvrir plus. Si pressé… que j’ai fini le livre en 3 jours.
Cependant je reste sur ma faim. Gideon voyage beaucoup, j’aurais aimé quelques descriptions des lieux. Quant au titre « l’ordre des chevaliers noirs », il nous met l’eau à la bouche sans remplir ses promesses puisque nous ignorons tout de ce fameux ordre.
Bref, un bon moment de lecture avec un petit goût d’inachevé.
https://followthereader2016.wordpress...
Gideon est un personnage égoïste, pas particulièrement agréable, dangereux et qui porte une lourde malédiction sans qu’il n’en ait vraiment conscience. S’il veut trouver la paix, il devra épargner son ennemi… et ce n’est pas gagné.
J’ai choisi cet ouvrage pour la couverture, que je trouve élégante et sombre et pour le titre « l’ordre des chevaliers noirs » qui annonçait quelque chose de mystique… Et, oh surprise, c’est une romance MM, ma première. Les scènes de sexe sont crues mais pas vulgaires, à l’instar des personnages auxquels on finit par s’attacher (surtout à Michael en ce qui me concerne).
Le style de l’auteur est percutant. L’histoire est ponctuée de rebondissement. Beaucoup d’actions, on ne s’embête pas un instant, c’est vivant. On a une véritable enquête et l’on est pressé d’en découvrir plus. Si pressé… que j’ai fini le livre en 3 jours.
Cependant je reste sur ma faim. Gideon voyage beaucoup, j’aurais aimé quelques descriptions des lieux. Quant au titre « l’ordre des chevaliers noirs », il nous met l’eau à la bouche sans remplir ses promesses puisque nous ignorons tout de ce fameux ordre.
Bref, un bon moment de lecture avec un petit goût d’inachevé.
October 5, 2016
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews with a copy provided by the publisher / author for an honest review.)
Well, this one was a little different than I thought it would be. Not in a totally bad way, but in a way that wasn’t in the blurb…like…at all! There were also some things that really didn’t work for me, which I’ll discuss below.
First off, when I started reading the book, the prologue threw me off completely. World War 1 and the trenches? A cruel sadistic murdering British officer? This didn’t seem like the story in the blurb. Who was this guy? All I knew was that I didn’t like him…at all! It turns out there is a background story on Gideon. He has been living and dying, over and over again, because of a deal he made with an evil being sometime back in the middle ages.
Kind of cool background, albeit bloody and unpleasant to read, but then it jumped to today and although the background kind of provided the reason for Gideon being such a psychopath, it didn’t help the story in my opinion. In the present day, we have Gideon’s latest reincarnation, this time as Gideon Maybury, who has just become the Duke of Westmoreland because his older brother unexpectedly died of something he should not have.
Gideon isn’t a nice person. We learn that at an early age, I believe it was 7, he attempted to kill his friend by closing the automatic pool cover while the other kid was swimming. He then proceeded to insects (I’m picturing the kid who pulled wings off flies), and then to small animals. Now he is a shadowy contract killer for the British government…taking care of those things around the world that need cleaning up.
We also hear about a man named Christopher, and Christopher’s college lover, Michael Mathison. Michael becomes the second MC in the story. Michael has been convinced that Gideon pushed Christopher off a balcony to his death years ago and got away with it. When he sees that Gideon’s brother has died unexpectedly, he believes that Gideon is behind it.
When circumstances dictate that Gideon get a driver, Michael goes undercover and applies for and gets the position. Now he can see what is really going on with Gideon Maybury. This was a huge didn’t work for me part of the story. I found it implausible. I’ll admit that it might be my post 9/11 American point of view, but to get the job Michael uses an assumed name, which of course doesn’t match his official documents. His references check out as impeccable although we never learn who those references are, or more importantly who buys into Michael’s theory enough to lie to provide them. Michael is a doctor…posing as a driver, with impeccable references. Then, shortly after Michael takes the job, he travels to Italy with Gideon. It doesn’t say anything about him buying his own ticket, so Gideon must have arranged the travel. So we have a ticket in the assumed name, and a passport in another. Here in the US they have to match identically, including middle name or initial if they are on your driver’s license or passport that you are using to travel with. I double checked with Dani to see if it was different in the UK and the rest of Europe, but learned it is the same. So the whole hidden identity thing fell apart for me.
Then there were inconsistencies. The biggest one that I noticed was that Gideon is at first described as a total top with a reference to the fact that he never bottoms, or very rarely. Then he cheerfully become versatile with Michael. Then we discover he has a drawer full of butt plugs??? Seriously? I don’t know many “total tops” who have a drawer full of butt plugs for their own use.
Overall, I would rate the story as Good/Average. While it read well enough, there were the discrepancies and items which didn’t work that threw me off. I believe those should have been caught during beta reading or during editing by the publisher. The whole supernatural, ancient evil thing caused me to not like the book as much as I might have. Not so much for that in itself…if the book had carried on with the supernatural part, I think I would have liked it a lot more. I also didn’t like that the MC is a psychopath who up to mid-way through the book is planning to kill Michael and dispose of his body…but then they jump in bed…everything is all better…they solve who the killer is…then live happily ever after.
There was a tie back to the prologue at the end, which seemed more like an after thought or “how do I wrap this up.” Overall, I would say I liked the story. It was a good read if you looked past the oddities I mentioned above. I’ll admit I figured out who the killer was before the big reveal, so that was slightly anti-climatic. I see there is a second book in the series, but it is by another author. I’m not sure at this point if I will be willing to invest time in that one or not, but that might be unfair to that second author, so I will see when it comes out.
Well, this one was a little different than I thought it would be. Not in a totally bad way, but in a way that wasn’t in the blurb…like…at all! There were also some things that really didn’t work for me, which I’ll discuss below.
First off, when I started reading the book, the prologue threw me off completely. World War 1 and the trenches? A cruel sadistic murdering British officer? This didn’t seem like the story in the blurb. Who was this guy? All I knew was that I didn’t like him…at all! It turns out there is a background story on Gideon. He has been living and dying, over and over again, because of a deal he made with an evil being sometime back in the middle ages.
Kind of cool background, albeit bloody and unpleasant to read, but then it jumped to today and although the background kind of provided the reason for Gideon being such a psychopath, it didn’t help the story in my opinion. In the present day, we have Gideon’s latest reincarnation, this time as Gideon Maybury, who has just become the Duke of Westmoreland because his older brother unexpectedly died of something he should not have.
Gideon isn’t a nice person. We learn that at an early age, I believe it was 7, he attempted to kill his friend by closing the automatic pool cover while the other kid was swimming. He then proceeded to insects (I’m picturing the kid who pulled wings off flies), and then to small animals. Now he is a shadowy contract killer for the British government…taking care of those things around the world that need cleaning up.
We also hear about a man named Christopher, and Christopher’s college lover, Michael Mathison. Michael becomes the second MC in the story. Michael has been convinced that Gideon pushed Christopher off a balcony to his death years ago and got away with it. When he sees that Gideon’s brother has died unexpectedly, he believes that Gideon is behind it.
When circumstances dictate that Gideon get a driver, Michael goes undercover and applies for and gets the position. Now he can see what is really going on with Gideon Maybury. This was a huge didn’t work for me part of the story. I found it implausible. I’ll admit that it might be my post 9/11 American point of view, but to get the job Michael uses an assumed name, which of course doesn’t match his official documents. His references check out as impeccable although we never learn who those references are, or more importantly who buys into Michael’s theory enough to lie to provide them. Michael is a doctor…posing as a driver, with impeccable references. Then, shortly after Michael takes the job, he travels to Italy with Gideon. It doesn’t say anything about him buying his own ticket, so Gideon must have arranged the travel. So we have a ticket in the assumed name, and a passport in another. Here in the US they have to match identically, including middle name or initial if they are on your driver’s license or passport that you are using to travel with. I double checked with Dani to see if it was different in the UK and the rest of Europe, but learned it is the same. So the whole hidden identity thing fell apart for me.
Then there were inconsistencies. The biggest one that I noticed was that Gideon is at first described as a total top with a reference to the fact that he never bottoms, or very rarely. Then he cheerfully become versatile with Michael. Then we discover he has a drawer full of butt plugs??? Seriously? I don’t know many “total tops” who have a drawer full of butt plugs for their own use.
Overall, I would rate the story as Good/Average. While it read well enough, there were the discrepancies and items which didn’t work that threw me off. I believe those should have been caught during beta reading or during editing by the publisher. The whole supernatural, ancient evil thing caused me to not like the book as much as I might have. Not so much for that in itself…if the book had carried on with the supernatural part, I think I would have liked it a lot more. I also didn’t like that the MC is a psychopath who up to mid-way through the book is planning to kill Michael and dispose of his body…but then they jump in bed…everything is all better…they solve who the killer is…then live happily ever after.
There was a tie back to the prologue at the end, which seemed more like an after thought or “how do I wrap this up.” Overall, I would say I liked the story. It was a good read if you looked past the oddities I mentioned above. I’ll admit I figured out who the killer was before the big reveal, so that was slightly anti-climatic. I see there is a second book in the series, but it is by another author. I’m not sure at this point if I will be willing to invest time in that one or not, but that might be unfair to that second author, so I will see when it comes out.
October 8, 2016
2.5 Stars ~ Have you ever read a book, and continued to read it, because you were curious and wanted to see how it played out, and the concept was intriguing even if you have major issues with the characters that seemed to taint the rest of the book? That is me with this book. I do not like reviews like this. I find it hard to articulate exactly what it was that left me feeling unsatisfied, but I’ll do my best.
First, let me start with what had me engrossed and what I thought was well done. I thoroughly enjoyed the premise, and the supernatural element at play, which the reader gets in the prologue. The Order of the Black Knights is a series which has the same basic supernatural component (at least, from what I was able to discern) but each book will be written by a different author and have a different set of MCs. Though it is a supernatural element that seems to drive the series, it wasn’t necessarily present the majority of this particular book. But, understanding the background explains several events and behaviors of the MCs, and I found it fascinating. Even though I didn’t particularly enjoy this story as a whole, I am still fascinated enough by the background to read the other novels when they are released.
There are some seriously dark elements at play, and although I don’t generally have a problem with darker stories, I need to at least sympathize or become invested with the characters to counteract the darkness. That is what this book failed to do.
The characters were well-crafted; they were definitely dimensional and evoked a lot of feelings. Unfortunately, none of those feelings were good. I really could not ever come to like Gideon, and truly wasn’t even a fan of Michael. Both MCs had some serious morality issues, and Gideon, in particular, is a pretty much a sociopath. I won’t go into too many details, but some of his behavior and thoughts had my skin crawling. Although the explanation for this behavior ties into the paranormal aspect introduced in the prologue, it wasn’t enough to make me like him—at all. Michael, who I assume was supposed to be the catalyst for the change in Gideon, had just as many problems with his moral compass. I have read plenty of books where both MCs have dubious morals, and could even be considered “bad guys,” but their relationship development and how the characters were together still had me invested.
This book could have worked if the romance was more developed. It wasn’t. So instead, I was left with two characters who shared scorching scenes between the sheets but lacked an emotional connection that was believable. I didn’t sense any real in depth emotions between the characters, other than Michael’s intense dislike and anger towards Gideon, and Gideon’s distrust and irritation towards his new driver; their “relationship” pretty much appeared to be about the sex, which admittedly was hot, but it wasn’t enough. It isn’t that I need tenderness or gentleness in a relationship, or romance—sometimes characters aren’t tender or gentle and it works, but what I do need is an emotional connection between my protagonists, something tangible between the two MCs that explains how their relationship works and the feelings they have for each other. The lack of anything between the two outside of the sheets left me feeling slighted, and ultimately, the romantic aspect of the story was unbelievable.
The murder mystery was, for the most part, interesting, and I found myself wanting to know what was happening, but when it all comes to a head, it fell apart. I figured out the who but couldn’t figure out they why. So I was definitely intrigued, and I had hoped that this aspect of the story would have helped tip the scales in my overall enjoyment. Then the climax hit, and it was so far over the top it fell apart.
This book had a lot of potential, with an interesting premise driving the story; unfortunately, the lack of relationship development and my intense dislike of the main characters overshadowed everything else and could not counteract the darker elements present to make it an enjoyable read.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach Reviews
First, let me start with what had me engrossed and what I thought was well done. I thoroughly enjoyed the premise, and the supernatural element at play, which the reader gets in the prologue. The Order of the Black Knights is a series which has the same basic supernatural component (at least, from what I was able to discern) but each book will be written by a different author and have a different set of MCs. Though it is a supernatural element that seems to drive the series, it wasn’t necessarily present the majority of this particular book. But, understanding the background explains several events and behaviors of the MCs, and I found it fascinating. Even though I didn’t particularly enjoy this story as a whole, I am still fascinated enough by the background to read the other novels when they are released.
There are some seriously dark elements at play, and although I don’t generally have a problem with darker stories, I need to at least sympathize or become invested with the characters to counteract the darkness. That is what this book failed to do.
The characters were well-crafted; they were definitely dimensional and evoked a lot of feelings. Unfortunately, none of those feelings were good. I really could not ever come to like Gideon, and truly wasn’t even a fan of Michael. Both MCs had some serious morality issues, and Gideon, in particular, is a pretty much a sociopath. I won’t go into too many details, but some of his behavior and thoughts had my skin crawling. Although the explanation for this behavior ties into the paranormal aspect introduced in the prologue, it wasn’t enough to make me like him—at all. Michael, who I assume was supposed to be the catalyst for the change in Gideon, had just as many problems with his moral compass. I have read plenty of books where both MCs have dubious morals, and could even be considered “bad guys,” but their relationship development and how the characters were together still had me invested.
This book could have worked if the romance was more developed. It wasn’t. So instead, I was left with two characters who shared scorching scenes between the sheets but lacked an emotional connection that was believable. I didn’t sense any real in depth emotions between the characters, other than Michael’s intense dislike and anger towards Gideon, and Gideon’s distrust and irritation towards his new driver; their “relationship” pretty much appeared to be about the sex, which admittedly was hot, but it wasn’t enough. It isn’t that I need tenderness or gentleness in a relationship, or romance—sometimes characters aren’t tender or gentle and it works, but what I do need is an emotional connection between my protagonists, something tangible between the two MCs that explains how their relationship works and the feelings they have for each other. The lack of anything between the two outside of the sheets left me feeling slighted, and ultimately, the romantic aspect of the story was unbelievable.
The murder mystery was, for the most part, interesting, and I found myself wanting to know what was happening, but when it all comes to a head, it fell apart. I figured out the who but couldn’t figure out they why. So I was definitely intrigued, and I had hoped that this aspect of the story would have helped tip the scales in my overall enjoyment. Then the climax hit, and it was so far over the top it fell apart.
This book had a lot of potential, with an interesting premise driving the story; unfortunately, the lack of relationship development and my intense dislike of the main characters overshadowed everything else and could not counteract the darker elements present to make it an enjoyable read.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach Reviews
October 17, 2016
I read the blurb for this book and found it really intriguing. It is about Gideon a rich and spoiled man who uses his power to literally get away with murder. He murders at will and doesn't even blink twice about it. I will not give too much of the story line away but something happened when Gideon was in college and Michael wants revenge. Michael gets his chance when Gideon needs help and Michael steps in. They get to know each other and Michael finds himself falling for Gideon and Gideon is falling for Michael. Now when you read this story you will find out that Gideon has never been in love or like with anyone before so this is all new to him. It starts to change him. I enjoyed parts of the story but I couldn't get over Gideon the brutal killer. Ashe tried to redeem him a little but I thought it fell short. I did enjoy the chemistry between Michael and Gideon. The sex scenes were hot. We find out about how Gideon came to be who and what he is. The mystery involved in the story line was good and it had some good twists and turns. I would definitely read more from Ashe and hope the next book in this series gives us more information about the actual Knights.....
*ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jodi from Alpha Book Club
*ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jodi from Alpha Book Club
October 26, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
We get Gideon’s point of view, so we know whom he’s contracting with, but Michael doesn’t get it, at first. Soon, however, Michael’s life is on the line—is it Gideon plotting against him? Or, someone else? Also, Gideon’s mad attracted to his sexy driver. Their shenanigans soon escalate into physical intimacy. For me, this came pretty soon. Michael’s spent the last decade hating Gideon, but he’s able to rage sex the man after a few days? I had a little trouble with that, considering the short time frame of this liaison. Further, the flirtation was really overt. I’d expect a man of Gideon’s station and questionable activities to be a bit more circumspect.
That said, the unraveling mystery of Christopher’s tragic death and Richard’s actual murder becomes the biggest part of the story. Gideon and Michael become unwilling allies in the search for justice, and that strengthens their bond. This I did like, especially as I could see Gideon shifting from a cold-blooded killer to man who acknowledged his frailties and asked for help, for affection. It was a touch convenient for me, but I did enjoy the shift. It’s hard to enjoy a despicable character, and that word truly defines Gideon, in this incarnation. His homicidal tendencies arise early in childhood, and his systematic studies in death are chilling to say the least.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
We get Gideon’s point of view, so we know whom he’s contracting with, but Michael doesn’t get it, at first. Soon, however, Michael’s life is on the line—is it Gideon plotting against him? Or, someone else? Also, Gideon’s mad attracted to his sexy driver. Their shenanigans soon escalate into physical intimacy. For me, this came pretty soon. Michael’s spent the last decade hating Gideon, but he’s able to rage sex the man after a few days? I had a little trouble with that, considering the short time frame of this liaison. Further, the flirtation was really overt. I’d expect a man of Gideon’s station and questionable activities to be a bit more circumspect.
That said, the unraveling mystery of Christopher’s tragic death and Richard’s actual murder becomes the biggest part of the story. Gideon and Michael become unwilling allies in the search for justice, and that strengthens their bond. This I did like, especially as I could see Gideon shifting from a cold-blooded killer to man who acknowledged his frailties and asked for help, for affection. It was a touch convenient for me, but I did enjoy the shift. It’s hard to enjoy a despicable character, and that word truly defines Gideon, in this incarnation. His homicidal tendencies arise early in childhood, and his systematic studies in death are chilling to say the least.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
July 8, 2018
Was not what i was expecting. Was expecting a series more like JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood, and it's not, but don't think as it's not like that fabulous series, it's not good, because it is.
Gideon has lived many lives, thanks to the pact he made with Moriel a wizard to become one of his Black Knights. To live, to kill, to die and to start the process all over again. The catch they must pardon the one enemy they first killed when they became a black knight and the cycle will be broken, however they have no knowledge of this detail until the end of every life, to know they had killed the one again, and the knowledge they just learnt will not go with them into the next life.
Gideon has just become the next Duke under mysterious circumstances of his brother's death. Michael doesn't trust that Gideon didn't have a hand in it. He becomes Gideon's driver hoping to be able to prove Gideon is a killer. Michael is the one enemy that Gideon must pardon to break the curse.
Enjoyable to read, Entertaining. Highly Recommend.
Gideon has lived many lives, thanks to the pact he made with Moriel a wizard to become one of his Black Knights. To live, to kill, to die and to start the process all over again. The catch they must pardon the one enemy they first killed when they became a black knight and the cycle will be broken, however they have no knowledge of this detail until the end of every life, to know they had killed the one again, and the knowledge they just learnt will not go with them into the next life.
Gideon has just become the next Duke under mysterious circumstances of his brother's death. Michael doesn't trust that Gideon didn't have a hand in it. He becomes Gideon's driver hoping to be able to prove Gideon is a killer. Michael is the one enemy that Gideon must pardon to break the curse.
Enjoyable to read, Entertaining. Highly Recommend.
June 8, 2019
Creo que el principio fue un poco confunso, me imaginé un caballero de la vieja Inglaterra aferrándose a su codiciosa sed de sangre, hasta que me golpéo con su el uso de los celulares y la televisión y stop!
Conforme vas siguiendo la historia, te das cuenta que están en una época bastante moderna, que allow the author algunos permitidos, como las relaciones tan abiertas sobre el mundo del sadomasoquismo o el que Gideon sea abiertamente gay. Que le dan cierta relevancia a la trama, en algunos casos.
La pareja de Gideon y el Golden Boy no me dejó muy satisfecha, el chico pasa de querer cobrar venganza a tener relaciones con él y, bum! se halla enamorado.
El misterio estuvo interesante, aunque bastante fácil de descifrar.
Mi personaje favorito es (era) el hermano mayor de Gideon, con eso ya digo todo.
Conforme vas siguiendo la historia, te das cuenta que están en una época bastante moderna, que allow the author algunos permitidos, como las relaciones tan abiertas sobre el mundo del sadomasoquismo o el que Gideon sea abiertamente gay. Que le dan cierta relevancia a la trama, en algunos casos.
La pareja de Gideon y el Golden Boy no me dejó muy satisfecha, el chico pasa de querer cobrar venganza a tener relaciones con él y, bum! se halla enamorado.
El misterio estuvo interesante, aunque bastante fácil de descifrar.
Mi personaje favorito es (era) el hermano mayor de Gideon, con eso ya digo todo.
May 16, 2018
I loved the prologue and would have loved that element to continue throughout the book.
It was written very well with a well structured it.
Ashe Barker definitely knows how to write M/M angst and sexual tension.
It was written very well with a well structured it.
Ashe Barker definitely knows how to write M/M angst and sexual tension.
October 27, 2016
This review was written for Joyfully Jay Reviews and can be accessed here: http://joyfullyjay.com/2016/10/review...
Gideon is a man destined to repeat his mistakes. He will be reborn once a century to kill those put in his path. What Gideon doesn’t know is that he is a Black Knight, sworn emissary of Moriel, and an assassin/antihero of the first order. Gideon can only break his contract with Moriel if he pardons his mortal enemy; in his case, it’s always the Golden Boy, a fair-skinned, fair-haired younger man that stokes Gideon’s lust, even as he disrupts Gideon’s plans.
Michael Mathison is a man bent on revenge. His beloved, Christopher, was wooed away a decade ago to move in with young Gideon Marbury. Three weeks later, Christopher, a man deathly afraid of heights, leapt to his death from a five-story balcony. Recently, Michael was struck by the news of Gideon’s elder brother, Richard, the Duke of Marbury, who died suddenly of an allergic reaction while inspecting his land. Michael knew Richard as a conscientious and careful man when they attended Eton together. Gideon stood to inherit a fortune in land if Richard was out of the way. Coincidence? Michael thinks not.
Michael’s so determined to catch Gideon out that he engineers a car wreck that ultimately costs Gideon his license. Still incensed, Michael applies to be a driver for the new Duke, and that’s when it gets real. Michael is stupefied by Gideon’s good looks and suave demeanor. No matter how deep he digs, he can’t seem to unearth any dirt on Gideon. As his driver, however, he soon realizes that Gideon is not the upstanding member of the peerage he projects. No, this sociopath is a studied killer, but why? And for whom?
We get Gideon’s point of view, so we know whom he’s contracting with, but Michael doesn’t get it, at first. Soon, however, Michael’s life is on the line—is it Gideon plotting against him? Or, someone else? Also, Gideon’s mad attracted to his sexy driver. Their shenanigans soon escalate into physical intimacy. For me, this came pretty soon. Michael’s spent the last decade hating Gideon, but he’s able to rage sex the man after a few days? I had a little trouble with that, considering the short time frame of this liaison. Further, the flirtation was really overt. I’d expect a man of Gideon’s station and questionable activities to be a bit more circumspect.
That said, the unraveling mystery of Christopher’s tragic death and Richard’s actual murder becomes the biggest part of the story. Gideon and Michael become unwilling allies in the search for justice, and that strengthens their bond. This I did like, especially as I could see Gideon shifting from a cold-blooded killer to man who acknowledged his frailties and asked for help, for affection. It was a touch convenient for me, but I did enjoy the shift. It’s hard to enjoy a despicable character, and that word truly defines Gideon, in this incarnation. His homicidal tendencies arise early in childhood, and his systematic studies in death are chilling to say the least.
Regardless, it seems this tenuous connection with Michael may be the salvation of Gideon’s soul from the grips of Moriel. There are definite moments where the supernatural creeps into the script, but only in quiet ways. We don’t see any apparitions or visitations in the contemporary setting, though we understand it happens once Gideon blows his opportunity, yet again.
For Michael and Gideon the mysteries surrounding the new crop of deaths in and around the Marbury estate are problematic, and tragic. Michael is a detail-oriented man, and he determines the culprit quickly. That doesn’t mean the resolution is easy, however. There’s lots of conflict, and a bit of loving. The mystery is interesting, and its solution is compelling. Expect bloodshed, more than one attempt to kill Gideon, some really intense sexytimes, and family ties that bind people far too close for comfort. I liked the story, even if the premise wasn’t quite as clear from the blurb. There’s a *bit* of magic here, but it’s unobtrusive. The book is a set up for other Black Knights books, so I’m expecting more stories, though it’s not clear if there’s overlapping characters. The way this one ended, I just can’t imagine it to be that way.
Gideon is a man destined to repeat his mistakes. He will be reborn once a century to kill those put in his path. What Gideon doesn’t know is that he is a Black Knight, sworn emissary of Moriel, and an assassin/antihero of the first order. Gideon can only break his contract with Moriel if he pardons his mortal enemy; in his case, it’s always the Golden Boy, a fair-skinned, fair-haired younger man that stokes Gideon’s lust, even as he disrupts Gideon’s plans.
Michael Mathison is a man bent on revenge. His beloved, Christopher, was wooed away a decade ago to move in with young Gideon Marbury. Three weeks later, Christopher, a man deathly afraid of heights, leapt to his death from a five-story balcony. Recently, Michael was struck by the news of Gideon’s elder brother, Richard, the Duke of Marbury, who died suddenly of an allergic reaction while inspecting his land. Michael knew Richard as a conscientious and careful man when they attended Eton together. Gideon stood to inherit a fortune in land if Richard was out of the way. Coincidence? Michael thinks not.
Michael’s so determined to catch Gideon out that he engineers a car wreck that ultimately costs Gideon his license. Still incensed, Michael applies to be a driver for the new Duke, and that’s when it gets real. Michael is stupefied by Gideon’s good looks and suave demeanor. No matter how deep he digs, he can’t seem to unearth any dirt on Gideon. As his driver, however, he soon realizes that Gideon is not the upstanding member of the peerage he projects. No, this sociopath is a studied killer, but why? And for whom?
We get Gideon’s point of view, so we know whom he’s contracting with, but Michael doesn’t get it, at first. Soon, however, Michael’s life is on the line—is it Gideon plotting against him? Or, someone else? Also, Gideon’s mad attracted to his sexy driver. Their shenanigans soon escalate into physical intimacy. For me, this came pretty soon. Michael’s spent the last decade hating Gideon, but he’s able to rage sex the man after a few days? I had a little trouble with that, considering the short time frame of this liaison. Further, the flirtation was really overt. I’d expect a man of Gideon’s station and questionable activities to be a bit more circumspect.
That said, the unraveling mystery of Christopher’s tragic death and Richard’s actual murder becomes the biggest part of the story. Gideon and Michael become unwilling allies in the search for justice, and that strengthens their bond. This I did like, especially as I could see Gideon shifting from a cold-blooded killer to man who acknowledged his frailties and asked for help, for affection. It was a touch convenient for me, but I did enjoy the shift. It’s hard to enjoy a despicable character, and that word truly defines Gideon, in this incarnation. His homicidal tendencies arise early in childhood, and his systematic studies in death are chilling to say the least.
Regardless, it seems this tenuous connection with Michael may be the salvation of Gideon’s soul from the grips of Moriel. There are definite moments where the supernatural creeps into the script, but only in quiet ways. We don’t see any apparitions or visitations in the contemporary setting, though we understand it happens once Gideon blows his opportunity, yet again.
For Michael and Gideon the mysteries surrounding the new crop of deaths in and around the Marbury estate are problematic, and tragic. Michael is a detail-oriented man, and he determines the culprit quickly. That doesn’t mean the resolution is easy, however. There’s lots of conflict, and a bit of loving. The mystery is interesting, and its solution is compelling. Expect bloodshed, more than one attempt to kill Gideon, some really intense sexytimes, and family ties that bind people far too close for comfort. I liked the story, even if the premise wasn’t quite as clear from the blurb. There’s a *bit* of magic here, but it’s unobtrusive. The book is a set up for other Black Knights books, so I’m expecting more stories, though it’s not clear if there’s overlapping characters. The way this one ended, I just can’t imagine it to be that way.
October 8, 2016
Surprised this book has such a low rating when I considered it one of the few that actually had an interesting premise. Thoroughly enjoyed.
As a Brit, extremely gratifying to reading a book about British people where the author hasn't succumbed to every single stereotype. One reviewer actually wrote, "they're Brits but talk like Americans". What? Do Americans sincerely think we sound like a Guy Ritchie movie. This book is how we talk!!!
As a Brit, extremely gratifying to reading a book about British people where the author hasn't succumbed to every single stereotype. One reviewer actually wrote, "they're Brits but talk like Americans". What? Do Americans sincerely think we sound like a Guy Ritchie movie. This book is how we talk!!!
July 3, 2017
***4.5 stars***
So right from the start of this book, I wanted to beat Gideon to death with a chicken! Seriously, he is so callous, I was fuming. To make matters worse, this was just the Prologue. In the beginning, I really had no idea what was going on with this story. Then finally, a few pieces of the puzzle are given to me and things start to make more sense. I have to say that the way the author went with the story was surprising and awesome! With that said, I am not going to say too much about the story since I really do not want to spoil it for others. If you message me, I promise I will answer your questions :)
Really though, this is a great story. If you love reading stories that involve mystery, suspense and a bit of the paranormal, then this book is for you! The author does a great job keeping the reader entertained and on the edge of their seat. Given the history between Gideon and Michael, and their rough start, you can still see a bit of the attraction they have for one another. Not to mention, as time goes on how they both gravitate towards one another. Seriously, there are some really hot moments between the both of them.
IMO the book leaves both Gideon and Michael with a HFN. It left me with questions that need really still need to be answered, which I assume will be in the next book in the series.
I am one of many reviewers at Gay Book Reviews and can be found here: http://gaybook.reviews/author/steph/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So right from the start of this book, I wanted to beat Gideon to death with a chicken! Seriously, he is so callous, I was fuming. To make matters worse, this was just the Prologue. In the beginning, I really had no idea what was going on with this story. Then finally, a few pieces of the puzzle are given to me and things start to make more sense. I have to say that the way the author went with the story was surprising and awesome! With that said, I am not going to say too much about the story since I really do not want to spoil it for others. If you message me, I promise I will answer your questions :)
Really though, this is a great story. If you love reading stories that involve mystery, suspense and a bit of the paranormal, then this book is for you! The author does a great job keeping the reader entertained and on the edge of their seat. Given the history between Gideon and Michael, and their rough start, you can still see a bit of the attraction they have for one another. Not to mention, as time goes on how they both gravitate towards one another. Seriously, there are some really hot moments between the both of them.
IMO the book leaves both Gideon and Michael with a HFN. It left me with questions that need really still need to be answered, which I assume will be in the next book in the series.
I am one of many reviewers at Gay Book Reviews and can be found here: http://gaybook.reviews/author/steph/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2016
This is a book that if I had to describe what it was about into a few words would be: A book that is about revenge that transcends time.
Lately I have been reading quite a few books by authors that I have never read any of their work and this book would be one of them. As with some of the other authors, I have found another author that I will be following and reading more of their work in Ashe Baker. Ashe's work on this book blew me away. I am thoroughly impressed. This book was such an incredibly exciting read from the first to the finish.
Gideon was not my favorite person when I first started reading this book. The impression of him that I got was that he was self centered and cared for no one. He was unfeeling and cold. Then when he had his first flashback to Moriel and how Gideon came to make the pact with him that he made, I understood then.
Gideon is the person he is due to circumstances that are not in his control. Each lifetime that he lives he does not recall the pact that was made with Moriel and how what he believed the first time that he met Moriel that he was a savior for him, when really it was a curse. The only way to break the curse is to pardon his enemy. But that does not happen and each lifetime he comes and has the same enemy to fight but in a different setting and different lifetime. That enemy is Michel (Michael in a different lifetime).
Things in the current lifetime are bad between them before they ever even meet because Gideon stole the love of Michael's life and college, Christopher. While Chris and Gideon are together an accident happens and Chris ends up dying and Michael believes that Gideon is responsible for it.
Years after Chris dies, Michael gets the opportunity to lie his way into Gideon's life by becoming his driver and trying to find the information he needs to prove that Gideon is a killer. Or at least that is the plan. But like most best laid plans, that is not how it turns out. Instead of getting revenge both of these men start to fall for each other against the better instincts but their is a killer on the lose and people that is close Gideon keeps dying. It is a race to find out who the killer is before the killer gets one of them instead.
This story is so full of suspense. I just loved it. Ashe was able to draw my attention in for the moment I started reading this book and I could not put it down. I was captivated through out the whole read and I cannot wait until next book in the series comes out. I am definitely a fan now!!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Lately I have been reading quite a few books by authors that I have never read any of their work and this book would be one of them. As with some of the other authors, I have found another author that I will be following and reading more of their work in Ashe Baker. Ashe's work on this book blew me away. I am thoroughly impressed. This book was such an incredibly exciting read from the first to the finish.
Gideon was not my favorite person when I first started reading this book. The impression of him that I got was that he was self centered and cared for no one. He was unfeeling and cold. Then when he had his first flashback to Moriel and how Gideon came to make the pact with him that he made, I understood then.
Gideon is the person he is due to circumstances that are not in his control. Each lifetime that he lives he does not recall the pact that was made with Moriel and how what he believed the first time that he met Moriel that he was a savior for him, when really it was a curse. The only way to break the curse is to pardon his enemy. But that does not happen and each lifetime he comes and has the same enemy to fight but in a different setting and different lifetime. That enemy is Michel (Michael in a different lifetime).
Things in the current lifetime are bad between them before they ever even meet because Gideon stole the love of Michael's life and college, Christopher. While Chris and Gideon are together an accident happens and Chris ends up dying and Michael believes that Gideon is responsible for it.
Years after Chris dies, Michael gets the opportunity to lie his way into Gideon's life by becoming his driver and trying to find the information he needs to prove that Gideon is a killer. Or at least that is the plan. But like most best laid plans, that is not how it turns out. Instead of getting revenge both of these men start to fall for each other against the better instincts but their is a killer on the lose and people that is close Gideon keeps dying. It is a race to find out who the killer is before the killer gets one of them instead.
This story is so full of suspense. I just loved it. Ashe was able to draw my attention in for the moment I started reading this book and I could not put it down. I was captivated through out the whole read and I cannot wait until next book in the series comes out. I am definitely a fan now!!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
October 8, 2016
3.5 stars
What happens is death people. I'm surprised that I did like this story so much. I'm not happy with the tags, because once you get passed the prologue it's nothing but a contemporary story until the very end. I didn't have a problem with that per say, but I wanted the fantasy element to play a major part. Without it all I'm reading is a mystery with a sociopath and a determined guy. Not that it was bad again. I liked it. I did wish it was more British. If we are going to be set there and then I would have liked for it to read like British guys instead.
Gideon Maybury is sociopath. No if and buts about it. He's a Duke, but also part time assassin. I don't even know how that happens. He's cold, mean, and rich as hell. He doesn't like people, and if you irritate him then you are probably going to end up dying. No big deal to him, he's going to mosey right along with his life. Until Michael shows up as his chauffeur. Michael is on his personal vendetta to find out the truth about his ex's death. He knows Gideon had something to do with it, and to prove it he has a plan. I don't know how thought out his plan was. I mean, initially I was thinking "What can an everyday bloke like you do to someone with this much status?" What would stop Gideon from making you disappear? He didn't mention this plan to anyone else, so if he had died then no one would know the truth about him and his actions. Of course these were my feelings while reading this story.
After I started reading, it was just a little mystery with a whole lot of smutty goodness. Somebody must have said that enemies and lovers burn up the sheets way more then friends to lovers. I don't get Michael's reason for jumping in bed with Gideon so soon. You had this grand plan and some way his charisma led you astray? Naw, I'm not buying that. By all rights this is a book I would normally rate like a 2.5 at best, and for some reason I'm giving it a 3.5. It wasn't the mystery, that was pretty obvious if I do say so myself. The whole reason by the mystery didn't even make sense. A lot of these people died for no reason.
I am disappointed in the abrupt ending. That's all? I didn't care about Gideon and Michael being together, I wanted the "fantasy" aspect dealt with. One of the reasons I was so happy was to see how reincarnation would work. But I felt completely let down on that aspect. I guess my rating is solely based on the cheesiness that I felt while reading this. I will definitely read book two.
What happens is death people. I'm surprised that I did like this story so much. I'm not happy with the tags, because once you get passed the prologue it's nothing but a contemporary story until the very end. I didn't have a problem with that per say, but I wanted the fantasy element to play a major part. Without it all I'm reading is a mystery with a sociopath and a determined guy. Not that it was bad again. I liked it. I did wish it was more British. If we are going to be set there and then I would have liked for it to read like British guys instead.
Gideon Maybury is sociopath. No if and buts about it. He's a Duke, but also part time assassin. I don't even know how that happens. He's cold, mean, and rich as hell. He doesn't like people, and if you irritate him then you are probably going to end up dying. No big deal to him, he's going to mosey right along with his life. Until Michael shows up as his chauffeur. Michael is on his personal vendetta to find out the truth about his ex's death. He knows Gideon had something to do with it, and to prove it he has a plan. I don't know how thought out his plan was. I mean, initially I was thinking "What can an everyday bloke like you do to someone with this much status?" What would stop Gideon from making you disappear? He didn't mention this plan to anyone else, so if he had died then no one would know the truth about him and his actions. Of course these were my feelings while reading this story.
After I started reading, it was just a little mystery with a whole lot of smutty goodness. Somebody must have said that enemies and lovers burn up the sheets way more then friends to lovers. I don't get Michael's reason for jumping in bed with Gideon so soon. You had this grand plan and some way his charisma led you astray? Naw, I'm not buying that. By all rights this is a book I would normally rate like a 2.5 at best, and for some reason I'm giving it a 3.5. It wasn't the mystery, that was pretty obvious if I do say so myself. The whole reason by the mystery didn't even make sense. A lot of these people died for no reason.
I am disappointed in the abrupt ending. That's all? I didn't care about Gideon and Michael being together, I wanted the "fantasy" aspect dealt with. One of the reasons I was so happy was to see how reincarnation would work. But I felt completely let down on that aspect. I guess my rating is solely based on the cheesiness that I felt while reading this. I will definitely read book two.
November 17, 2016
Review can be read at It's About The Book
The beginning of this book has you really disliking the MC Gideon. He’s pretty evil. He basically sold his soul to the devil. Or whatever that guy is. Even after finishing the book I still don’t really know. To be fair it was that or die. Selling his soul has given him mortality but it’s also made him cruel and angry. He lives out each lifetime until he crosses paths with his soul mate of sorts. At that time there comes a crossroads. To redeem his soul he has to show mercy and resist his urges to kill him. Gideon always kills him. That is until we get to present day.
Michael knows Gideon is a bad guy. Their paths crossed once and it ended in an ex of Michael’s dead. Michael makes it his mission to expose Gideon after his brother the Duke is found dead. What he finds is that he’s irresistibly attracted to the man he’s despised all these years. Also that maybe he’s not as bad as he thought.
I was looking forward to this book. The blurb totally intrigued me. For me however the book fell flat. Gideon’s character is vile in the way only murders and animal torturers can be. He’s unrepentant for the things he’s done. Then his character does a 180 when he meets Michael. There’s insta lust which could have been hot considering Michael supposedly hates Gideon but it just felt wrong to me. There’s really no build up. It’s more wanna have sex? Yeah I guess. Hell Gideon says he never bottoms but does for Michael just because. He even wants him to stay the night. From there there’s lots of sex followed by them falling in love suddenly. You could make the case they’re soul mates but it still felt too convenient.
I also had other issues. Michael is hired as a driver but his driving record or license is never checked. Michael doesn’t want to break laws by getting fake documents but he’s fine with cutting the breaks of Gideon’s car and possibly killing him and others. Huh? There were so many moments I questioned like this. I usually try to roll with it but I can only do that so many times. The murder mystery was fairly obvious but kept my interest more than the love story. The assassin plot goes nowhere. The entire selling of his soul to some guy wasn’t ever explained either. It happens. He has some power over Gideon but it’s never really explained or fleshed out. It’s just part of the story but goes nowhere. I really wanted to like this book but I personally had too many problems with it.
The beginning of this book has you really disliking the MC Gideon. He’s pretty evil. He basically sold his soul to the devil. Or whatever that guy is. Even after finishing the book I still don’t really know. To be fair it was that or die. Selling his soul has given him mortality but it’s also made him cruel and angry. He lives out each lifetime until he crosses paths with his soul mate of sorts. At that time there comes a crossroads. To redeem his soul he has to show mercy and resist his urges to kill him. Gideon always kills him. That is until we get to present day.
Michael knows Gideon is a bad guy. Their paths crossed once and it ended in an ex of Michael’s dead. Michael makes it his mission to expose Gideon after his brother the Duke is found dead. What he finds is that he’s irresistibly attracted to the man he’s despised all these years. Also that maybe he’s not as bad as he thought.
I was looking forward to this book. The blurb totally intrigued me. For me however the book fell flat. Gideon’s character is vile in the way only murders and animal torturers can be. He’s unrepentant for the things he’s done. Then his character does a 180 when he meets Michael. There’s insta lust which could have been hot considering Michael supposedly hates Gideon but it just felt wrong to me. There’s really no build up. It’s more wanna have sex? Yeah I guess. Hell Gideon says he never bottoms but does for Michael just because. He even wants him to stay the night. From there there’s lots of sex followed by them falling in love suddenly. You could make the case they’re soul mates but it still felt too convenient.
I also had other issues. Michael is hired as a driver but his driving record or license is never checked. Michael doesn’t want to break laws by getting fake documents but he’s fine with cutting the breaks of Gideon’s car and possibly killing him and others. Huh? There were so many moments I questioned like this. I usually try to roll with it but I can only do that so many times. The murder mystery was fairly obvious but kept my interest more than the love story. The assassin plot goes nowhere. The entire selling of his soul to some guy wasn’t ever explained either. It happens. He has some power over Gideon but it’s never really explained or fleshed out. It’s just part of the story but goes nowhere. I really wanted to like this book but I personally had too many problems with it.
October 2, 2017
Staaaaahhhhhhp! It's a boondoggle.
The nonsensical thought processes and the ridiculous and schizoid bipolar moral compass Michael has are baffling. Thus, it's a boondoggle. I only like doggling when it's pleasurable. This is more like CBT for my libido. I'm at about 30% so ... to be continued.
Continued
Yeah. Okay. So I finished it and let it kind of sit back and ferment in the back of my mind for a while in an attempt to be fair. I will leave it at this: I didn't like it. It didn't measurably improve—at least in my opinion it didn't—from the 30% mark like I hoped it would. I don't have much good to say about it. I loved the idea the author has about these reincarnating, tricked into millenial slavery bad ass warriors, I just didn't care much for the characters themselves. Not in this title.
Whether that improves in future installments, I don't know and unfortunately, I don't think I'm going to pay to find out. Disappointing. There is nothing worse than wasting a good idea on a bad story.
P.S. Gideon isn't actually a sociopath. In his current incarnation it seems that way, but if you read carefully in the beginning, it explains what has happened to make him the way he is now, which is not the way he could, should, or would otherwise be. Basically, Gideon was intentionally stripped of his memories over and over again, leaving him no knowledge of how to end the endless time loop, thus ensuring an endless cycle of fuckups and him becoming further and further removed from who he should be and more and more incapable of ever making it happen. Not a sociopath! Just sayin'.
The nonsensical thought processes and the ridiculous and schizoid bipolar moral compass Michael has are baffling. Thus, it's a boondoggle. I only like doggling when it's pleasurable. This is more like CBT for my libido. I'm at about 30% so ... to be continued.
Continued
Yeah. Okay. So I finished it and let it kind of sit back and ferment in the back of my mind for a while in an attempt to be fair. I will leave it at this: I didn't like it. It didn't measurably improve—at least in my opinion it didn't—from the 30% mark like I hoped it would. I don't have much good to say about it. I loved the idea the author has about these reincarnating, tricked into millenial slavery bad ass warriors, I just didn't care much for the characters themselves. Not in this title.
Whether that improves in future installments, I don't know and unfortunately, I don't think I'm going to pay to find out. Disappointing. There is nothing worse than wasting a good idea on a bad story.
P.S. Gideon isn't actually a sociopath. In his current incarnation it seems that way, but if you read carefully in the beginning, it explains what has happened to make him the way he is now, which is not the way he could, should, or would otherwise be. Basically, Gideon was intentionally stripped of his memories over and over again, leaving him no knowledge of how to end the endless time loop, thus ensuring an endless cycle of fuckups and him becoming further and further removed from who he should be and more and more incapable of ever making it happen. Not a sociopath! Just sayin'.
October 6, 2016
Book: Gideon
Author: Ashe Barker
Rating: 4 Stars
Gideon, which is a modern story is a murder mystery with a twist on time. I can’t really explain too much about that but suffice it to say the Prologue sets up the life of Gideon and his murderous tendencies quite well. I can tell you that Gideon, a wealthy businessman and aristocrat, is not a character who you will like very much, I mean he kills people and enjoys it, but there is a purpose behind his personality and behavior, even if he doesn’t know the true reason yet.
Michael, a doctor, hates Gideon with good reason. He truly believes that he murdered Michael’s college boyfriend, Christopher, and some how got it ruled an accident...much like Gideon’s brother’s death just was. Michael needs revenge and what better way than to make sure Gideon doesn’t get away with it this time. So he becomes his driver, thinking Gideon will be none the wiser, but he soon finds out that Gideon is better than he originally thought.
Gideon finds himself attracted to Michael, his new driver, and while he has no problem having sex with someone he finds hot there is something about this man that makes him think he knows him from somewhere. As much as he knows that he needs to kill Michael, since he lied about his identity he just can’t do it. These two have a volatile relationship between the mistrust and the hot and steamy sex you aren’t quite sure how they feel because they don’t even know. This is is a fast and hard hardly any romance love between these two, that may not be your cup of tea but the author does this true to who the characters are.
Someone wants Gideon dead and they’ve failed two times so far but now one by one people out at the Manor that Gideon inherited when his brother, the Duke, died have started dying off. And Gideon and Michael are trying to figure out why and who wants him dead in the meantime. The mystery of the who is not too hard to figure out but it is still a good story in the meantime. Although there was no slow build between the two MC’s the pacing and flow of the story was done very well with excellent character development. Great first book to a unique story!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/ *
Author: Ashe Barker
Rating: 4 Stars
Gideon, which is a modern story is a murder mystery with a twist on time. I can’t really explain too much about that but suffice it to say the Prologue sets up the life of Gideon and his murderous tendencies quite well. I can tell you that Gideon, a wealthy businessman and aristocrat, is not a character who you will like very much, I mean he kills people and enjoys it, but there is a purpose behind his personality and behavior, even if he doesn’t know the true reason yet.
Michael, a doctor, hates Gideon with good reason. He truly believes that he murdered Michael’s college boyfriend, Christopher, and some how got it ruled an accident...much like Gideon’s brother’s death just was. Michael needs revenge and what better way than to make sure Gideon doesn’t get away with it this time. So he becomes his driver, thinking Gideon will be none the wiser, but he soon finds out that Gideon is better than he originally thought.
Gideon finds himself attracted to Michael, his new driver, and while he has no problem having sex with someone he finds hot there is something about this man that makes him think he knows him from somewhere. As much as he knows that he needs to kill Michael, since he lied about his identity he just can’t do it. These two have a volatile relationship between the mistrust and the hot and steamy sex you aren’t quite sure how they feel because they don’t even know. This is is a fast and hard hardly any romance love between these two, that may not be your cup of tea but the author does this true to who the characters are.
Someone wants Gideon dead and they’ve failed two times so far but now one by one people out at the Manor that Gideon inherited when his brother, the Duke, died have started dying off. And Gideon and Michael are trying to figure out why and who wants him dead in the meantime. The mystery of the who is not too hard to figure out but it is still a good story in the meantime. Although there was no slow build between the two MC’s the pacing and flow of the story was done very well with excellent character development. Great first book to a unique story!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/ *
October 23, 2016
First and foremost let me make it clear that this book was very well written. Ashe Barker is an extremely talented writer and has a fantastic way of creating a very imaginative world for readers. The writing alone is worth 5 Stars.
My problems with this particular story have to do with content. I like to think of myself as pretty open minded and while I'm not a huge fan of gore, I'm not that squeamish. I read novels that center around crime, I adore a strong antihero and am no stranger to connecting with morally ambiguous characters. Yet the prologue of Gideon had me wincing and asking myself if I'd really be able to read this book. Gideon is a despicable person, not at all my idea of a redeemable Antihero. His taste for death and murder is sickening, from the young age in which he found the idea of death enticing and attempted to kill another boy. To his fascination with taking life, from plants and insects to animals.
Now there is a paranormal/supernatural element to the story. I err on the side of caution and won't give anything away, this is the type of story that needs that air of mystery.
Because of the supernatural twist, I tried for some leeway, but truth be told it was hard to like Gideon and it's difficult to enjoy a book when you truly dislike a main character. Somewhere along the way, however, I started to soften a little towards Gideon. I liked Michael and more and more I started to realize I no longer despised Gideon. The last part of the book I pretty much did an 180 with how I felt and I enjoyed it.
So having said all of that, this is hard to review for me. I know there are going to be people out there who love this book. Some people will hate it and others will be able to get past the difficult beginning and enjoy how things come together. I recommend with caution.
Writing: 5 Stars!
Story: 3 Stars!
Characters: 3 Stars!
***A copy of this book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest and fair review***
My problems with this particular story have to do with content. I like to think of myself as pretty open minded and while I'm not a huge fan of gore, I'm not that squeamish. I read novels that center around crime, I adore a strong antihero and am no stranger to connecting with morally ambiguous characters. Yet the prologue of Gideon had me wincing and asking myself if I'd really be able to read this book. Gideon is a despicable person, not at all my idea of a redeemable Antihero. His taste for death and murder is sickening, from the young age in which he found the idea of death enticing and attempted to kill another boy. To his fascination with taking life, from plants and insects to animals.
Now there is a paranormal/supernatural element to the story. I err on the side of caution and won't give anything away, this is the type of story that needs that air of mystery.
Because of the supernatural twist, I tried for some leeway, but truth be told it was hard to like Gideon and it's difficult to enjoy a book when you truly dislike a main character. Somewhere along the way, however, I started to soften a little towards Gideon. I liked Michael and more and more I started to realize I no longer despised Gideon. The last part of the book I pretty much did an 180 with how I felt and I enjoyed it.
So having said all of that, this is hard to review for me. I know there are going to be people out there who love this book. Some people will hate it and others will be able to get past the difficult beginning and enjoy how things come together. I recommend with caution.
Writing: 5 Stars!
Story: 3 Stars!
Characters: 3 Stars!
***A copy of this book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest and fair review***
October 5, 2016
Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Apologises for the short review!
Michael hates Gideon. When they were at university together, Gideon took Michael's lover, Christopher, and caused his death. Landing a job as Gideon's driver is a way to get close and get his revenge. But Gideon is more than he appears, has less to do with Christopher's death that first thought, and even less to do with the death of his own brother. There are other forces at work here, and Gideon and Michael are not just fighting each other, they are fighting a long history.
As the title of this review says: different! And different, for me anyway, is always good.
Told from both Michael and Gideon's point of view, we get it all. We get that first meeting between these two men so long ago, and that feeling Gideon gets when around Michael. We get how Gideon first fell into the cycle of : live, meet, kill, die, and repeat. And we get how much these men really want to be with each other.
It tagged as Order of The Black Knights, book 1. Now, maybe I missed it, maybe the aforementioned cycle Gideon is in is the Order, but I didn't see anything about it in the book! Nothing is mentioned, you aren't told about the Knights, or the Order. And this is why it gets...
4 stars
**same worded review will appear on : Goodreads, BookLikes, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and Dreamspinner Press**
Apologises for the short review!
Michael hates Gideon. When they were at university together, Gideon took Michael's lover, Christopher, and caused his death. Landing a job as Gideon's driver is a way to get close and get his revenge. But Gideon is more than he appears, has less to do with Christopher's death that first thought, and even less to do with the death of his own brother. There are other forces at work here, and Gideon and Michael are not just fighting each other, they are fighting a long history.
As the title of this review says: different! And different, for me anyway, is always good.
Told from both Michael and Gideon's point of view, we get it all. We get that first meeting between these two men so long ago, and that feeling Gideon gets when around Michael. We get how Gideon first fell into the cycle of : live, meet, kill, die, and repeat. And we get how much these men really want to be with each other.
It tagged as Order of The Black Knights, book 1. Now, maybe I missed it, maybe the aforementioned cycle Gideon is in is the Order, but I didn't see anything about it in the book! Nothing is mentioned, you aren't told about the Knights, or the Order. And this is why it gets...
4 stars
**same worded review will appear on : Goodreads, BookLikes, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and Dreamspinner Press**
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews