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The F-Word #2
Freak
“We dated for a hot second five years ago. Things have changed.“
Five years ago, Zeph met River. The timing couldn’t have been worse. An orphan with something to prove and the ghosts of his past breathing down his neck, Zeph took the offer from a pro MMA gym to live and train in the Midwest. River let him go easily. If it was a convenient excuse to escape emotional intimacy, neither of them had to admit it. Until now.
Drag queen and makeup artist River isn’t easily fazed, but meeting Zeph on his home turf throws him for a loop. Something about Zeph still gets under his skin. And River’s next job, a drag show in L.A. and Vegas, will require a security guy to look after the performers. Who better than a tattooed mixed martial artist who still gives him smoldering looks?
It doesn’t take long for them to fall together. They’re opposite as can be, but dating for ten days wasn’t long enough the first time around. Another ten days could get it out of their systems… but are they fighting for or with each other? It’s easy to get hard. It’s hard to be easy. Vulnerability is off the table, until the table turns. How long do you have to have known a guy to put your life into his hands?
Freak is a standalone gay romance novel with a happily ever after ending.
Five years ago, Zeph met River. The timing couldn’t have been worse. An orphan with something to prove and the ghosts of his past breathing down his neck, Zeph took the offer from a pro MMA gym to live and train in the Midwest. River let him go easily. If it was a convenient excuse to escape emotional intimacy, neither of them had to admit it. Until now.
Drag queen and makeup artist River isn’t easily fazed, but meeting Zeph on his home turf throws him for a loop. Something about Zeph still gets under his skin. And River’s next job, a drag show in L.A. and Vegas, will require a security guy to look after the performers. Who better than a tattooed mixed martial artist who still gives him smoldering looks?
It doesn’t take long for them to fall together. They’re opposite as can be, but dating for ten days wasn’t long enough the first time around. Another ten days could get it out of their systems… but are they fighting for or with each other? It’s easy to get hard. It’s hard to be easy. Vulnerability is off the table, until the table turns. How long do you have to have known a guy to put your life into his hands?
Freak is a standalone gay romance novel with a happily ever after ending.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2017
100 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
E. Davies
130 books728 followersE. Davies writes feel-good, low-angst romance that never fades to black when the going gets good! Born in Canada, after 16 moves and counting, Ed has finally put down roots in north London.
He emerges from his writing nest to coo over fuzzy animals, flee from cute guys, dance through the streets with his chosen family, put together fierce looks, and—most of all—befriend local flowers.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
He emerges from his writing nest to coo over fuzzy animals, flee from cute guys, dance through the streets with his chosen family, put together fierce looks, and—most of all—befriend local flowers.
Newsletter: edaviesbooks.com/subscribe
Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/edavies
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 4, 2017
Marvelous romance amidst the road trip, and excitement that ensues ! In this series each tale can stand alone.
River is a drag queen who
also enjoys his masculine side, hiking and kayaking.
Zeph, 29, is an upcoming MMA fighter
and had a fling with River years ago.
Now, River and his friends go on the road to Vegas for 10 days to perform their drag show at some clubs, with Fanny Delight, Candy Come, etc.
They bring Zeph along for security, but he and River have a separate deal to have a fling for the ten days. They are having sexy times galore, and their trysts are wild, dirty talking, many positioned, raw, intense and exciting marathons.
We get the back story of Zeph's childhood, foster homes, abuse and violence. It will tear your heart strings. River's tale is just about as sad. Vegas is hard work, but they make time for fun, too.
When River gets flowers and a weird card delivered to his room, everyone is alert. They get more stalker signs as they move along, and it follows them back home to L.A.. As with E. Davies stories we get the snarky, witty banter and funny moments, too. In addition, we have Zeph's training and fight coming up.
We see Zeph teach River some more self defense moves, as the tale moves quickly along. When something makes Zeph remember bad times, he reverts to pushing River away, but River isn't giving up this time. He's fallen hard and for good. Everyone in Zeph's life has died, so he's afraid to give in and have a relationship.
There is a violent attack on River, and then another, where he's rescued. The characters are fabulous. As always this author taught me new things.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
===========
River is a drag queen who
also enjoys his masculine side, hiking and kayaking.
Zeph, 29, is an upcoming MMA fighter
and had a fling with River years ago.
Now, River and his friends go on the road to Vegas for 10 days to perform their drag show at some clubs, with Fanny Delight, Candy Come, etc.
They bring Zeph along for security, but he and River have a separate deal to have a fling for the ten days. They are having sexy times galore, and their trysts are wild, dirty talking, many positioned, raw, intense and exciting marathons.
We get the back story of Zeph's childhood, foster homes, abuse and violence. It will tear your heart strings. River's tale is just about as sad. Vegas is hard work, but they make time for fun, too.
When River gets flowers and a weird card delivered to his room, everyone is alert. They get more stalker signs as they move along, and it follows them back home to L.A.. As with E. Davies stories we get the snarky, witty banter and funny moments, too. In addition, we have Zeph's training and fight coming up.
We see Zeph teach River some more self defense moves, as the tale moves quickly along. When something makes Zeph remember bad times, he reverts to pushing River away, but River isn't giving up this time. He's fallen hard and for good. Everyone in Zeph's life has died, so he's afraid to give in and have a relationship.
There is a violent attack on River, and then another, where he's rescued. The characters are fabulous. As always this author taught me new things.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
===========
April 26, 2017
I liked this for the most part. There was just that little extra missing that kept me from loving it like I did the first. I like the MCs, they're were both nice mostly well adjusted guys. Though there was some residual angst but it was minor and never lasted long. Could've done without the stalker angle. Really excited to read the next book.
April 10, 2017
4.5 stars
April 10, 2017
So I'm a little frustrated with myself. I didn't realize this was a part of the series until I'd already finished it. And well I hate reading out of order, so while this does work as a stand alone for the most part it just irks me knowing that I haven't read the first book in the series. Something I'll have to remedy very quickly.
I liked Zeph and River in this story. Zeph was probably my favorite of the two of them though. I loved his quiet steadiness. River is almost a force of nature. He's so confident in who he is most of them time. He's put together this take me or leave me attitude as the only way to deal with the fact that not everyone will accept him for who he is. I appreciated that he doesn't back down. But it does make him vulnerable to a lover as he's never been sure they could fully accept him. Zeph just looks at River and wants. He appreciates all that River is even though it's the opposite of Zeph's normal nature. You would think the two would be on opposite sides of an unbridgeable divide with Zeph's MMA world and River's drag queens but I liked how they worked things out.
This story lost a little for me because a few of the plot twists seemed a little far fetched , but for the most part I really enjoyed watching River accept that a relationship could be a permanent part of his life and that Zeph was the perfect person to be there for him. Both guys had their issues to work out, but together they were stronger.
I liked Zeph and River in this story. Zeph was probably my favorite of the two of them though. I loved his quiet steadiness. River is almost a force of nature. He's so confident in who he is most of them time. He's put together this take me or leave me attitude as the only way to deal with the fact that not everyone will accept him for who he is. I appreciated that he doesn't back down. But it does make him vulnerable to a lover as he's never been sure they could fully accept him. Zeph just looks at River and wants. He appreciates all that River is even though it's the opposite of Zeph's normal nature. You would think the two would be on opposite sides of an unbridgeable divide with Zeph's MMA world and River's drag queens but I liked how they worked things out.
This story lost a little for me because a few of the plot twists seemed a little far fetched , but for the most part I really enjoyed watching River accept that a relationship could be a permanent part of his life and that Zeph was the perfect person to be there for him. Both guys had their issues to work out, but together they were stronger.
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November 2, 2018This author tries so hard to make a point that this book became somewhat comical; the irony being that in wanting to break stereotypes and stigmas, he managed to do nothing more than feed into it, because the actual STORY was practically non-existent!!
I need to stop reading this author's books ... though in my defence, I've owned this book for quite a while now, wanted to honor the purchase, and wanted to get this author the hell off my e-shelves!! With this one, I am 100%, absolutely and completely DONE!!!
I won't rate this right now because I also want to take a break from having to dispense shitty ratings (because of - IMO - shitty stories)!!
*********
This quote just makes me want to hug the stuffing out of River ... what a powerful and impactful quote (not to mention so incredibly sad) 😞😞😞:
“ They were often seen as easy to spot, easy to fuck, but not boyfriend material. Not discreet, masculine, gym-addicted guys with chiseled jaws and respectable jobs. Not the guy you’d bring home to your parents. Which was a thing they did, because they were the normal kind of gays with families and mortgages—the kind who were only different from the straights because they loved another man.
Not the kind who had to watch their backs walking down dark alleys, who’d abandoned the idea of family being about blood, and who loved themselves and each other too fiercely to stay in arbitrary boxes that didn’t fit.”
I need to stop reading this author's books ... though in my defence, I've owned this book for quite a while now, wanted to honor the purchase, and wanted to get this author the hell off my e-shelves!! With this one, I am 100%, absolutely and completely DONE!!!
I won't rate this right now because I also want to take a break from having to dispense shitty ratings (because of - IMO - shitty stories)!!
*********
This quote just makes me want to hug the stuffing out of River ... what a powerful and impactful quote (not to mention so incredibly sad) 😞😞😞:
“ They were often seen as easy to spot, easy to fuck, but not boyfriend material. Not discreet, masculine, gym-addicted guys with chiseled jaws and respectable jobs. Not the guy you’d bring home to your parents. Which was a thing they did, because they were the normal kind of gays with families and mortgages—the kind who were only different from the straights because they loved another man.
Not the kind who had to watch their backs walking down dark alleys, who’d abandoned the idea of family being about blood, and who loved themselves and each other too fiercely to stay in arbitrary boxes that didn’t fit.”
April 5, 2017
Meeting again after 5 years River asks an ex boyfriend if he will be the bouncer on his up and coming Las Vegas tour. One thing leads to another and the 2 agree to have a 10 affair.
However, when they get back to LA, River wants more but Zeph gives him the brush off. He feels that something tragic happens to those he loves.
To be honest, I thought there might be more of the drag queen parts in this book. I can handle men dressing as drag queens, not so uch the cross dressing part. River refers to himself as non binary. Ive never heard of that phase.
I did not realize that this was boom 2 of a series but I feel you could quite happily read it wilthout having to have read book 1.
However, when they get back to LA, River wants more but Zeph gives him the brush off. He feels that something tragic happens to those he loves.
To be honest, I thought there might be more of the drag queen parts in this book. I can handle men dressing as drag queens, not so uch the cross dressing part. River refers to himself as non binary. Ive never heard of that phase.
I did not realize that this was boom 2 of a series but I feel you could quite happily read it wilthout having to have read book 1.
March 1, 2019
Another fabulous book in the F-Word series. This book stars Nic's best friend, River. River is a drag queen who identifies as non-binary. it is really refreshing to see another book where the gender identity is not the usual depicted in an MC. Zeph is an MMA fighter, and has a past full of trauma and abuse. He struggles with relationships and letting people close. Both of these guys had stumbling blocks in their path, but they were able to overcome them with patience and support.
I am a big fan of E. Davies' writing style, and he does not disappoint with this book.
Like in book 1 (Flaunt), I love how the characters are not the stereotypical MC's that are in most other books. The exploration of transgender and non-binary is nice to see. The chemistry between Zeph and River was electric. Loved this book.
Edited to add audiobook review--So I listened to this, and the book remains amazing, even after almost 2 years have passed. I loved the characters and their journey together. The narration was good and fit with the characters. Joel Leslie did a nice job.
I'm voluntarily reviewing a free advance reader copy I received from the author.
I am a big fan of E. Davies' writing style, and he does not disappoint with this book.
Like in book 1 (Flaunt), I love how the characters are not the stereotypical MC's that are in most other books. The exploration of transgender and non-binary is nice to see. The chemistry between Zeph and River was electric. Loved this book.
Edited to add audiobook review--So I listened to this, and the book remains amazing, even after almost 2 years have passed. I loved the characters and their journey together. The narration was good and fit with the characters. Joel Leslie did a nice job.
I'm voluntarily reviewing a free advance reader copy I received from the author.
April 3, 2017
Amazing chemistry!
I loved the chemistry between the MCs, River and Zeph. The sex was hot. The two men really made this book.
However, the plot seemed all over the place and the writing inconsistent. The storylines felt superficial, not fully fleshed out. And it almost felt like a juggling act with too many balls in play (no pun intended!) There were also info-dumps here and there, which are not the way I like to receive pertinent information.
Again, the chemistry between the MCs saved this book for me. They, rather than the weak plot kept my interest.
I loved the chemistry between the MCs, River and Zeph. The sex was hot. The two men really made this book.
However, the plot seemed all over the place and the writing inconsistent. The storylines felt superficial, not fully fleshed out. And it almost felt like a juggling act with too many balls in play (no pun intended!) There were also info-dumps here and there, which are not the way I like to receive pertinent information.
Again, the chemistry between the MCs saved this book for me. They, rather than the weak plot kept my interest.
April 11, 2017
I liked it. Not too much angst. I liked Tristan and hope we get his story sometime. Still have the first in the series to read though that didn't seem to matter too much with reading out of order.
September 29, 2019
4.5 stars
I made the mistake and started reading this late at night, so I had to stay up until early morning to finish it beccause I couldn't stop reading!
Content warnings include: homophobia, stalking, assault, homophobic slurs mostly used by gay people as self empowerment, sudden death; mentions of: child abuse, implied pedophilia and rape, foster care, child getting kicked out by parents, bullying.
I absolutely adored the main characters, specifically their sexual relationship and banter. It was fun and natural and so completely comfortable with each other it was an absolute delight to read!
I'm also happy to say I didn't have the same issues with the writing that I had with the first book of the series, Flaunt.
Freak similarly deals with a lot of important topics, most prominently being gay/queer and femme while also mostly presenting as male.
I liked the non-binary representation - it was rather subtle and not mentioned all that often, but I liked the way River thinks and talks about it.
The one complaint I would have is that not all threads of the plot were wrapped up. The ending felt a little rushed, and some questions I had weren't answered at all.
I made the mistake and started reading this late at night, so I had to stay up until early morning to finish it beccause I couldn't stop reading!
Content warnings include: homophobia, stalking, assault, homophobic slurs mostly used by gay people as self empowerment, sudden death; mentions of: child abuse, implied pedophilia and rape, foster care, child getting kicked out by parents, bullying.
I absolutely adored the main characters, specifically their sexual relationship and banter. It was fun and natural and so completely comfortable with each other it was an absolute delight to read!
I'm also happy to say I didn't have the same issues with the writing that I had with the first book of the series, Flaunt.
Freak similarly deals with a lot of important topics, most prominently being gay/queer and femme while also mostly presenting as male.
I liked the non-binary representation - it was rather subtle and not mentioned all that often, but I liked the way River thinks and talks about it.
The one complaint I would have is that not all threads of the plot were wrapped up. The ending felt a little rushed, and some questions I had weren't answered at all.
April 3, 2017
Even though there was a single loose thread that is still driving me crazy(ier) this book was clearly a 5-star read for me! River, River, Zeph? OK... I just realized that there are 2 loose threads from this story that will continue to be an itch I can't scratch... grrr!
Anyways, River was a joy to read and Zeph is an inspiration to us all! Great friends and some "kick butt" action always works for me and there was plenty of both to go around! I was a bit worried about the whole MMA thing, as that is NOT my favorite storyline by any means... but, there were only a few scenes and it didn't play out at all the way you think it is going to (one of the loose threads)... and strangely enough I enjoyed the "behind the scenes" look of what the sport offers to the competitors as friends and opponents!
I am looking forward to Faux and hope to see River and Zeph there! :D
Anyways, River was a joy to read and Zeph is an inspiration to us all! Great friends and some "kick butt" action always works for me and there was plenty of both to go around! I was a bit worried about the whole MMA thing, as that is NOT my favorite storyline by any means... but, there were only a few scenes and it didn't play out at all the way you think it is going to (one of the loose threads)... and strangely enough I enjoyed the "behind the scenes" look of what the sport offers to the competitors as friends and opponents!
I am looking forward to Faux and hope to see River and Zeph there! :D
December 26, 2020
I wanted to love this book as much or more as the first, but I just couldn't get there. It seemed like it was based on sex, with scenes of dancing and storyline interspersed throughout, but not enough for me. I just couldn't get into the characters enough to be invested.
June 26, 2017
This book just didn't do anything for me. It was a struggle to read. The MCs just didn't flow out of the story and everything was just kinda flat in my opinion.
February 17, 2018
Absolutely amazing. I loved River
July 31, 2020
SPOILER ALERT
I really really loved this book.. I wasn’t able to binge read it like I would have liked to because I had fallen ill. But I must say that This book is definitely one of those books to binge read because it’s impossible to put down. It is sooo feel good and even the side characters are just so lovely.
The main characters stole my heart. I had already fallen in love with River in the last book.. River is beautiful, non binary, flamboyant and carries himself with pride.. he’s a character that will find a place in your heart really soon.. He’s a part time Drag Queen and really slays his role as one. His true passion is make up and he is an amazing Makeup artist. He only does one night stands and never dates because he’s afraid to get his heart broken.
Five years ago River and Zeph date for a week and a half or so.. they both started to care too much and Zeph took an out in the form of a job opportunity in another city and River let him go.
Zeph is a professional MMA fighter. He has a alot of baggage and issues that he carries around with him from the past. He named himself Zephyr after a mythological character who kills the people he loves. While Zeph doesn’t harm anyone he loves, he believes that people around him that he cares about end up getting hurt or killed. And while he doesn’t believe in religion or superstition he is unable to shake that particular belief away. For that reason Zeph stays away from relationships.
They bump into each other again and sparks fly. The next thing you know River talks to the other drag queens and they propose to have Zeph be their body guard at their drag tour in LasVegas. Zeph of course happily accepts.
I love the way Zeph and River interact right from the beginning. There is so much chemistry between them and on the way to Vegas their car is charged with sparks from the UST. Luckily neither of them could keep their hands of each other for long. I wasn’t aware that $€X while driving was an actual thing.. but I’m so glad I know now.. it’s $€XY as hell. Nnngh... I loved that they made a deal that they will continue this type of relationship for the 10 days that they are at Vegas no strings attached.. I loved the deal because I knew they would not be able to resist each other and the feelings between them would grow and become real. I was obviously right.. omg I can’t explain how sizzling hot the $exual energy between them was. They were so smitten by each other and completely oblivious. I loved that they were oblivious.. I love how protective Zeph felt about River. How during every show his eyes would just go back to watching River. I love how mesmerised he was by River.
When the first card from the stalker came River was so freaked out even though he acted like he wasn’t. I love how Zeph’s protective instincts doubled. How he insisted on going with River wherever we went. I love how the author built up the creepiness factor of the stalker and how he actually makes his readers worried every time River is somewhere alone without Zeph.
My heart hurt for Zeph when he came face to face with his past. When he saw his abusive foster father the feelings of fear and insecurity Zeph felt broke me. I can’t imagine the abuse a little Zeph had to go through in the hands of his foster father and the priest.. ughhh.. I don’t blame him for any of the baggage he carried. I am so happy that River saw him for exactly who he was even without knowing the whole story. My heart broke for River when Zeph rejected the option of a commitment between them.. but then my heart broke for Zeph too.. Zeph who loved and wanted River but was too afraid that River would get hurt.
When River takes up Zeph’s Offer to teach him self defence.. I felt a spark of hope.. I was so happy that they agreed to make it work.. Zeph telling River “I want you.” Was really beautiful. And River telling Zeph that he’s never hurt him. When he said “And I’ve never felt unsafe, or even unheard. You’re the most considerate lover I’ve ever had.” It made me so happy.
What happened in the cage with Rhino is heart breaking. I can’t imagine the guilt Zeph felt.. and I totally see how he would blame himself and push River away yet again.. while my heart breaks when River breaks down, I will still say that River has the patience of a saint. I love that he knew he loved Zeph and was willing to give him a second chance. I also love that River knew that Zeph behaved this way not because of River but because of Zeph itself.
I’m so glad Tristan put sense into Zeph.. he is a real friend. I was so proud of Zeph when he decided to face the ghosts of his past head on and deal with it and finally found the bravery needed to get his man back.
Omg did Zeph reach right in the knick of time or what?? Ughh... Before that creep did anything awful to River. Not that River didn’t hold his own and fight back amazingly..
I’m so glad that that psycho got arrested.
Omg I’m so thrilled that they finally got back together. Even though River was angry he knew Zeph was a good man and came from a good place . ‘Zeph was approaching him like this not because of who River was, but because of who Zeph was.’ That is a very powerful realisation for River.
in the end I’m so glad that Zeph stops being a MMA fighter and instead starts training women, children and lgbtq people self defence.. I loved that he enjoyed it too.. did I mention that the ऽ€X in this story is mind blowingly hott???
This was a really lovely story and even though I was not well, the book kept calling out to me. It was so captivating and I enjoyed it thoroughly. This series has been so brilliant.. looking forward to read the other books in the series. I give this book 5 big fat stars.
I really really loved this book.. I wasn’t able to binge read it like I would have liked to because I had fallen ill. But I must say that This book is definitely one of those books to binge read because it’s impossible to put down. It is sooo feel good and even the side characters are just so lovely.
The main characters stole my heart. I had already fallen in love with River in the last book.. River is beautiful, non binary, flamboyant and carries himself with pride.. he’s a character that will find a place in your heart really soon.. He’s a part time Drag Queen and really slays his role as one. His true passion is make up and he is an amazing Makeup artist. He only does one night stands and never dates because he’s afraid to get his heart broken.
Five years ago River and Zeph date for a week and a half or so.. they both started to care too much and Zeph took an out in the form of a job opportunity in another city and River let him go.
Zeph is a professional MMA fighter. He has a alot of baggage and issues that he carries around with him from the past. He named himself Zephyr after a mythological character who kills the people he loves. While Zeph doesn’t harm anyone he loves, he believes that people around him that he cares about end up getting hurt or killed. And while he doesn’t believe in religion or superstition he is unable to shake that particular belief away. For that reason Zeph stays away from relationships.
They bump into each other again and sparks fly. The next thing you know River talks to the other drag queens and they propose to have Zeph be their body guard at their drag tour in LasVegas. Zeph of course happily accepts.
I love the way Zeph and River interact right from the beginning. There is so much chemistry between them and on the way to Vegas their car is charged with sparks from the UST. Luckily neither of them could keep their hands of each other for long. I wasn’t aware that $€X while driving was an actual thing.. but I’m so glad I know now.. it’s $€XY as hell. Nnngh... I loved that they made a deal that they will continue this type of relationship for the 10 days that they are at Vegas no strings attached.. I loved the deal because I knew they would not be able to resist each other and the feelings between them would grow and become real. I was obviously right.. omg I can’t explain how sizzling hot the $exual energy between them was. They were so smitten by each other and completely oblivious. I loved that they were oblivious.. I love how protective Zeph felt about River. How during every show his eyes would just go back to watching River. I love how mesmerised he was by River.
When the first card from the stalker came River was so freaked out even though he acted like he wasn’t. I love how Zeph’s protective instincts doubled. How he insisted on going with River wherever we went. I love how the author built up the creepiness factor of the stalker and how he actually makes his readers worried every time River is somewhere alone without Zeph.
My heart hurt for Zeph when he came face to face with his past. When he saw his abusive foster father the feelings of fear and insecurity Zeph felt broke me. I can’t imagine the abuse a little Zeph had to go through in the hands of his foster father and the priest.. ughhh.. I don’t blame him for any of the baggage he carried. I am so happy that River saw him for exactly who he was even without knowing the whole story. My heart broke for River when Zeph rejected the option of a commitment between them.. but then my heart broke for Zeph too.. Zeph who loved and wanted River but was too afraid that River would get hurt.
When River takes up Zeph’s Offer to teach him self defence.. I felt a spark of hope.. I was so happy that they agreed to make it work.. Zeph telling River “I want you.” Was really beautiful. And River telling Zeph that he’s never hurt him. When he said “And I’ve never felt unsafe, or even unheard. You’re the most considerate lover I’ve ever had.” It made me so happy.
What happened in the cage with Rhino is heart breaking. I can’t imagine the guilt Zeph felt.. and I totally see how he would blame himself and push River away yet again.. while my heart breaks when River breaks down, I will still say that River has the patience of a saint. I love that he knew he loved Zeph and was willing to give him a second chance. I also love that River knew that Zeph behaved this way not because of River but because of Zeph itself.
I’m so glad Tristan put sense into Zeph.. he is a real friend. I was so proud of Zeph when he decided to face the ghosts of his past head on and deal with it and finally found the bravery needed to get his man back.
Omg did Zeph reach right in the knick of time or what?? Ughh... Before that creep did anything awful to River. Not that River didn’t hold his own and fight back amazingly..
I’m so glad that that psycho got arrested.
Omg I’m so thrilled that they finally got back together. Even though River was angry he knew Zeph was a good man and came from a good place . ‘Zeph was approaching him like this not because of who River was, but because of who Zeph was.’ That is a very powerful realisation for River.
in the end I’m so glad that Zeph stops being a MMA fighter and instead starts training women, children and lgbtq people self defence.. I loved that he enjoyed it too.. did I mention that the ऽ€X in this story is mind blowingly hott???
This was a really lovely story and even though I was not well, the book kept calling out to me. It was so captivating and I enjoyed it thoroughly. This series has been so brilliant.. looking forward to read the other books in the series. I give this book 5 big fat stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2021
Absolutely FREAKing fabulous! River is a flamboyant flirty drag queen, who hires a hunky MMA fighter as personal security for his shows tour. It was fascinating reading about all the working for the drag queen shows, and I loved all their personalities and humor. And River with his creativity, individuality, and witty remarks, how could Zyph not fall for him. A real feel good, happy ending. This is definitely going on my favorites books list.
June 26, 2018
After reading Flaunt and I found it a beautiful read then on to Freak to meet River and Zeph...
As with Flaunt I couldn’t put this book down.....
Everything about this book is my kind of book.
The guys are cute - extremely caring - strong between themselves making things work ...
They have friends they can talk to or in Zeph’s case he can listen to......
Now for book three ♥️
As with Flaunt I couldn’t put this book down.....
Everything about this book is my kind of book.
The guys are cute - extremely caring - strong between themselves making things work ...
They have friends they can talk to or in Zeph’s case he can listen to......
Now for book three ♥️
December 18, 2019
4 Stars
Freak is the second book the F-Word series by E. Davies (great series name BTW), and follows River, who we met in book one, and Zeph who is brand new to readers. I did enjoy the book one, Flaunt, but was hoping for a bit more this time around. I was not disappointed and was actually pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed Freak.
First of all, the chemistry between River and Zeph is phenomenal. They were hot for each other from page one and it only got hotter as the story went on. I mean like an insane amount of heat, it was fantastic! Normally I don't favour ‘second-chance romance’ type stories, especially when we don't get to read about the MCs first meeting/hook-up etc., because I like the initial getting to know you stage and the sexual tension build up, but I think this book is definitely the exception. It didn’t feel like there was anything missing or rushed through in the narrative, and I could still connect to each of the characters easily without knowing every detail about their first relationship years ago.
Let's talk a bit about each of those MCs, shall we. Firstly River, who I liked even as a secondary character from book one. River, like his friend Kyle, knows who he is and what he likes and is not afraid to be himself. Sure, he has some insecurities, I mean who doesn't, but I really like how unapologetic himself he is and how he was unafraid of what people's reaction to him might be. It was refreshing and inspiring to see him be so free. Then we have Zeph. Ooh boy, that one hits all my buttons. A tough tattooed MMA fighter in great shape *ding,* with a heart of gold who wants to protect those he cares about, *ding, ding* but who has trouble with relationships because of past trauma, *ding, ding, ding, ding!* I absolutely loved Zeph. He was so sweet and accepting, but just so clueless; it was adorable. I really did feel for the guy and despite how badly he messed up, I was always rooting for him. I really wanted him to get a win and for once have things go his way. Together Zeph and River made a great swoon worthy couple and I was delighted with this book. I would definitely recommend.
Freak is the second book the F-Word series by E. Davies (great series name BTW), and follows River, who we met in book one, and Zeph who is brand new to readers. I did enjoy the book one, Flaunt, but was hoping for a bit more this time around. I was not disappointed and was actually pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed Freak.
First of all, the chemistry between River and Zeph is phenomenal. They were hot for each other from page one and it only got hotter as the story went on. I mean like an insane amount of heat, it was fantastic! Normally I don't favour ‘second-chance romance’ type stories, especially when we don't get to read about the MCs first meeting/hook-up etc., because I like the initial getting to know you stage and the sexual tension build up, but I think this book is definitely the exception. It didn’t feel like there was anything missing or rushed through in the narrative, and I could still connect to each of the characters easily without knowing every detail about their first relationship years ago.
Let's talk a bit about each of those MCs, shall we. Firstly River, who I liked even as a secondary character from book one. River, like his friend Kyle, knows who he is and what he likes and is not afraid to be himself. Sure, he has some insecurities, I mean who doesn't, but I really like how unapologetic himself he is and how he was unafraid of what people's reaction to him might be. It was refreshing and inspiring to see him be so free. Then we have Zeph. Ooh boy, that one hits all my buttons. A tough tattooed MMA fighter in great shape *ding,* with a heart of gold who wants to protect those he cares about, *ding, ding* but who has trouble with relationships because of past trauma, *ding, ding, ding, ding!* I absolutely loved Zeph. He was so sweet and accepting, but just so clueless; it was adorable. I really did feel for the guy and despite how badly he messed up, I was always rooting for him. I really wanted him to get a win and for once have things go his way. Together Zeph and River made a great swoon worthy couple and I was delighted with this book. I would definitely recommend.
June 7, 2017
This book made me laugh, cry, swear, and fall in love as only the best books can.
This is an opposites attract story, with River the femme guy who dresses in skirts and is a fabulous drag queen who prefers the term non-binary to describe himself, and Zeph the muscled MMA fighter who has a truckload of emotional baggage that makes him feel unlovable and emotionally stunted.
Their relationship burned up the pages, and the combination of easy humor and sizzling chemistry made the sex scenes some of the best I've read. But the author puts his considerable talent with words to good use on all aspects of the story, and it made for an emotionally charged read, from the first moment the two meet again after 5 years, to the final, so-cheesy-it's-perfect epilogue.
This book deserves 5 stars, for the complex story, the rich characters (including secondary characters), the heart wrenching conflict, the hard-won romance, the perfect HEA, and of course the super hot sexy times.
Warning: mild spoilers ahead.
One thing I want to mention is, this is not a light read. It is ultimately optimistic, and there's a lot of sass and humor throughout, but the book deals with characters who had been through hell and back, and although we meet them long after those events, their pasts haunt them every step of the way. In fact, a large part of the story deals with how someone's past can influence how that person approaches a relationship (or not).
Also, I remember having the fleeting thought that he (the author) was throwing every bad thing he could their way: from ; but ultimately it all blended into a bigger narrative, a beautiful ode to a love that *can* conquer all. The author did a wonderful job in getting the balance right between realism (the way all that trauma will affect someone emotionally and mentally in the real world), and romance (getting past all that so they can have their perfect fairytale ending).
It definitely helps to have a sassy, sexy, kinky drag queen to burn up the sheets with ;)
This is an opposites attract story, with River the femme guy who dresses in skirts and is a fabulous drag queen who prefers the term non-binary to describe himself, and Zeph the muscled MMA fighter who has a truckload of emotional baggage that makes him feel unlovable and emotionally stunted.
Their relationship burned up the pages, and the combination of easy humor and sizzling chemistry made the sex scenes some of the best I've read. But the author puts his considerable talent with words to good use on all aspects of the story, and it made for an emotionally charged read, from the first moment the two meet again after 5 years, to the final, so-cheesy-it's-perfect epilogue.
This book deserves 5 stars, for the complex story, the rich characters (including secondary characters), the heart wrenching conflict, the hard-won romance, the perfect HEA, and of course the super hot sexy times.
Warning: mild spoilers ahead.
One thing I want to mention is, this is not a light read. It is ultimately optimistic, and there's a lot of sass and humor throughout, but the book deals with characters who had been through hell and back, and although we meet them long after those events, their pasts haunt them every step of the way. In fact, a large part of the story deals with how someone's past can influence how that person approaches a relationship (or not).
Also, I remember having the fleeting thought that he (the author) was throwing every bad thing he could their way: from ; but ultimately it all blended into a bigger narrative, a beautiful ode to a love that *can* conquer all. The author did a wonderful job in getting the balance right between realism (the way all that trauma will affect someone emotionally and mentally in the real world), and romance (getting past all that so they can have their perfect fairytale ending).
It definitely helps to have a sassy, sexy, kinky drag queen to burn up the sheets with ;)
January 22, 2019
Freak is Book 2 of the F - Word Series by E. Davies. This book follows River's story of how things progress during a trip to Las Vegas with his drag queen friends to do shows then the time afterward when they finally get back home. Freak can be read as a stand alone but does have characters from Flaunt (Book 1 of the F-Word Series) in it. River also appears in Flaunt.
Before his trip to Vegas, River hires Zeph, an ex-lover, and a mid-level MMA fighter, to do security for River and his group of drag queen friends. Things get crazy when River catches the eye of a strange psycho stalker in Vegas and Zeph takes extra precautions to try and keep River safe. All while hotness of sex scenes happen.
This second chance romance is a wonderful story. One that I absolutely adore with all my heart. I love the fact that River is so open with who he is in regards to his sexuality, gender identity, and how he interacts with his friends. He also comes with baggage from the past that we finally learn about.
Zeph, is an enigma but none the less a well-loved character. Much of his baggage is there but doesn't come out completely until the last part of the book. When I wanted to wrap both Zeph and River up in my arms and hug the hurt away.
Freak is a must read and one that I will definitely be recommending.
Before his trip to Vegas, River hires Zeph, an ex-lover, and a mid-level MMA fighter, to do security for River and his group of drag queen friends. Things get crazy when River catches the eye of a strange psycho stalker in Vegas and Zeph takes extra precautions to try and keep River safe. All while hotness of sex scenes happen.
This second chance romance is a wonderful story. One that I absolutely adore with all my heart. I love the fact that River is so open with who he is in regards to his sexuality, gender identity, and how he interacts with his friends. He also comes with baggage from the past that we finally learn about.
Zeph, is an enigma but none the less a well-loved character. Much of his baggage is there but doesn't come out completely until the last part of the book. When I wanted to wrap both Zeph and River up in my arms and hug the hurt away.
Freak is a must read and one that I will definitely be recommending.
February 28, 2019
Zeph and River, oh were to start! These two are so awesome together and this installation of the F-word series is superbly written and the narration absolute perfection! Zeph and River weren't looking for love but it found them and it rocked their world. These two have been through so much in their past that they have to work through what they are feeling for one another even with their chemistry pulling them together like magnets, Zeph more so than River. There were several times that I wanted to shake Zeph but I had to remind myself that everyone deals with grief differently and once he was able to face his past the walls around his heart crumbled magnificently. The angst here has a nice balance with the rest of the story so I consider it to be on the low side but you will go through a myriad of motions with these men before the HEA that E. Davies gives us so well. I will warn you though, Joel Leslie does an amazing job with this and there are parts where you definitely want to make sure your headphones are working properly and the book won't play out loud haha. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series and if I could give this one more than five stars I would.
December 23, 2020
Freak is the second book in The F-Word series, and it can easily be read as a standalone, although I think it is more fun to read the first book in the series before reading the second book.
Zeph and River have history. They were in a casual relationship that worked well for both of them because there was an end date for it. Years later, they run into each other and the sparks fly again, but the same hang ups about commitment that Zeph had when they were first dating still exist. River and Zeph will have to work through their issues while also dealing with a dangerous stalker. The plot was fast paced with well written prose and a lot of excitement.
The audiobook was narrated by Joel Leslie who did a great job voicing all the characters. There were a lot of tense and thrilling scenes throughout the book that Joel performed perfectly. I had no trouble following along in the book and was completely engaged with the story. The audiobook production was also well done and it made for an entertaining listen.
Zeph and River have history. They were in a casual relationship that worked well for both of them because there was an end date for it. Years later, they run into each other and the sparks fly again, but the same hang ups about commitment that Zeph had when they were first dating still exist. River and Zeph will have to work through their issues while also dealing with a dangerous stalker. The plot was fast paced with well written prose and a lot of excitement.
The audiobook was narrated by Joel Leslie who did a great job voicing all the characters. There were a lot of tense and thrilling scenes throughout the book that Joel performed perfectly. I had no trouble following along in the book and was completely engaged with the story. The audiobook production was also well done and it made for an entertaining listen.
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December 28, 2020I say this in every E. Davies review and I will keep saying it. Every book is like a comfort. You always know you are going to gain a new comfort read from an E. Davies book and I will continue to make my way through every single one because I need those comfort reads in my life.
River is Kyle’s best friend from book one, and Zeph is his an old boyfriend from years past. River needs a bodyguard on a Drag Queen Tour and Zeph is up for the adventure through LA and into Las Vegas. They originally broke up just before “admitting” their feelings for one another and they seem to pick up right where they left off. These two have great chemistry.
Honestly, another reason I love E. Davies is because the stories always have great chemistry. You can feel it in the story. I just love myself a great comfort read/listen.
These are narrated by my number one favorite Joel Leslie. He can do any accent and you never get confused on the characters. I adore listening to Joel!
*Listener Note: I received a free copy of this audiobook through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
River is Kyle’s best friend from book one, and Zeph is his an old boyfriend from years past. River needs a bodyguard on a Drag Queen Tour and Zeph is up for the adventure through LA and into Las Vegas. They originally broke up just before “admitting” their feelings for one another and they seem to pick up right where they left off. These two have great chemistry.
Honestly, another reason I love E. Davies is because the stories always have great chemistry. You can feel it in the story. I just love myself a great comfort read/listen.
These are narrated by my number one favorite Joel Leslie. He can do any accent and you never get confused on the characters. I adore listening to Joel!
*Listener Note: I received a free copy of this audiobook through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
January 6, 2021
I was given a free audio copy from the author and the GRR arc team for review.
I loved the first book but was majorly disappointed by this one. The Premise of a drag queen with a body guard and the second chance romance trope is totally my thing but unfortunately I had no connection to either MC and found both hard to like. There are plenty of sexy scenes and those were good but the characters didn't seem to have any believable chemistry out of the bedroom. For the majority of the book I was kinda bored. Even the threat of a stalker didn't really add any interest to the plot. It just kinda dragged alot in between all the sex scenes and repeated the same push and pull over and over and that got sickening.
Joel Leslie did a great job as always. He has a pleasant voice and good pace and expresses all the emotions and does the different voices and makes each suit the character. 5 stars to Joel.
I loved the first book but was majorly disappointed by this one. The Premise of a drag queen with a body guard and the second chance romance trope is totally my thing but unfortunately I had no connection to either MC and found both hard to like. There are plenty of sexy scenes and those were good but the characters didn't seem to have any believable chemistry out of the bedroom. For the majority of the book I was kinda bored. Even the threat of a stalker didn't really add any interest to the plot. It just kinda dragged alot in between all the sex scenes and repeated the same push and pull over and over and that got sickening.
Joel Leslie did a great job as always. He has a pleasant voice and good pace and expresses all the emotions and does the different voices and makes each suit the character. 5 stars to Joel.
January 7, 2021
Overall: 4 Stars
Performance: 4.5 Stars
Story: 4 Stars
"Freak" is the third book I've read in the F-Word series (having started with Book 5, which is stellar and goes to show how truly standalone they are), and I appreciate the range of LGBTQ+ representation among the main and secondary characters in this series.
As past lovers River and Zeph reconnect in Las Vegas and agree upon a 10-day, no strings affair, they are both confronted with feelings running stronger and deeper than either expected. There's no shortage of crackling chemistry and smokin' hot sexy times between the two, which are well-written, and while I didn't feel much of a connection to the two MCs as a reader, I enjoyed getting to know River's friends and fellow drag queens in this story.
Narrator Joel Leslie delivers another solid performance here, just as he did in Book 1 of this series. I received this free review copy audio book by request and have left this honest review voluntarily.
Performance: 4.5 Stars
Story: 4 Stars
"Freak" is the third book I've read in the F-Word series (having started with Book 5, which is stellar and goes to show how truly standalone they are), and I appreciate the range of LGBTQ+ representation among the main and secondary characters in this series.
As past lovers River and Zeph reconnect in Las Vegas and agree upon a 10-day, no strings affair, they are both confronted with feelings running stronger and deeper than either expected. There's no shortage of crackling chemistry and smokin' hot sexy times between the two, which are well-written, and while I didn't feel much of a connection to the two MCs as a reader, I enjoyed getting to know River's friends and fellow drag queens in this story.
Narrator Joel Leslie delivers another solid performance here, just as he did in Book 1 of this series. I received this free review copy audio book by request and have left this honest review voluntarily.
March 20, 2017
River is Kyle's best friend from Flaunt and Zeph is the guy he had a week-long affair with five years ago. Accidental meeting at a bar leads to River hiring Zeph as security for his drag show for their 10-day tour in Las Vegas. Sparks fly and the old attraction has not died so the two decide to embark on an affair while in Vegas and scratch the old itch, but no strings attached. But as you can guess, feelings start to get in the way and by the time the tour comes to an end, the boys are well and good done for each other but neither wants to admit it.
I really enjoyed River's character in Flaunt and was really excited to read his own book. The sexual chemistry between the two was off the charts but I loved how fun all the sex scenes were - there is a lot of laughing - not unheard of in romance books but not common enough in my view.
River is best described as non-binary, he has no desire to be a woman but he doesn't quite feel like a stereotypical male either - he likes dressing up in female-coded outfits and wears makeup, absolutely adored how well that was handled in the book, especially how Zeph accepted River as he is. The little scene where River applies makeup to Zeph was very sweet.
Zeph...what can I say about him other than I loved him. He's such a good guy, has a lot of issues with self-esteem and self-worth but the way he treasures River and once he gets over his past, he is so committed.
Really really wonderful story. Now cannot wait for the next in series!
I really enjoyed River's character in Flaunt and was really excited to read his own book. The sexual chemistry between the two was off the charts but I loved how fun all the sex scenes were - there is a lot of laughing - not unheard of in romance books but not common enough in my view.
River is best described as non-binary, he has no desire to be a woman but he doesn't quite feel like a stereotypical male either - he likes dressing up in female-coded outfits and wears makeup, absolutely adored how well that was handled in the book, especially how Zeph accepted River as he is. The little scene where River applies makeup to Zeph was very sweet.
Zeph...what can I say about him other than I loved him. He's such a good guy, has a lot of issues with self-esteem and self-worth but the way he treasures River and once he gets over his past, he is so committed.
Really really wonderful story. Now cannot wait for the next in series!
March 7, 2019
Fantastic Story!! This one has all the feels for me! Incredible character development that enables you to get to know each man, but understand the connection of them together. This book was emotional and i loved how they each grew to be more themselves.
I so enjoyed watching these two great guys figure out that together they were perfect. They had fun and enjoyed themselves no matter what they were doing. Zeph and River had strategies to protect their hearts from being hurt again, but under that shell, they were lonely and ready for love.
I loved their friends and their made family was such a strength to both men.
I so enjoyed watching these two great guys figure out that together they were perfect. They had fun and enjoyed themselves no matter what they were doing. Zeph and River had strategies to protect their hearts from being hurt again, but under that shell, they were lonely and ready for love.
I loved their friends and their made family was such a strength to both men.
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September 14, 2022This book has a violent stalker as a major plot point. I wasn’t in the mood, especially because it felt like a convenient, and rather hand-waved, plot device. It likely would have been harder to write the book without it but I think it would have been a much better book.
And, unlike Nic & Kyle’s book, I never felt close to River or Zephyr. I can relate to damaged people behaving badly because of said damage. And I’m a big fan of redemption arcs. But for at least one of the characters it seems like the damage is *all* there is, and the effort at redemption comes very late in the plot.
There were some beats I liked. I wish they hadn’t been overshadowed by the ones I didn’t.
And, unlike Nic & Kyle’s book, I never felt close to River or Zephyr. I can relate to damaged people behaving badly because of said damage. And I’m a big fan of redemption arcs. But for at least one of the characters it seems like the damage is *all* there is, and the effort at redemption comes very late in the plot.
There were some beats I liked. I wish they hadn’t been overshadowed by the ones I didn’t.
March 3, 2019
I absolutely love this second chance romance. The storyline grabbed me right from the start and sucked me right in. Zeph and River are fantastically perfect together and I'm so glad they got their second chance. I love how protective Zeph is and also how understanding and patient River is with Zeph. They have quite a few obstacles in their way but it's a great journey as they navigate their way through them. The narrator did a great job with this story and truly made it even more enjoyable. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
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