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Last Dance of The Sugar Plum
TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK
Jonathan is a spy.
Anton is Jonathan’s ‘keeper’.
Jonathan is a spy with a code implanted deep in his subconscious, so deeply he can’t remember—anything at all.
Anton is an interrogator intent on retrieving the code, whatever the cost.
But sometimes they dream of dark tunnels and locked-up rooms, and then they both scream.
TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK
Along comes Harry, who seems to have all the answers…but who is he, and which side is he on?
TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK
Bang!
For many months, Jonathan and Anton live apart from the world in a hazy, dreamlike state, only interrupted by interrogations and a healthy fear of HQ. One day, they watch a dance performance, and memories begin to unwind… A ticking clock… Betrayal… Missions… Always the scent of oranges. But with clarity, comes a return of powerful emotions…
Last Dance of The Sugar Plum is an exciting spy thriller with as many twists and turns as a maze.
Jonathan is a spy.
Anton is Jonathan’s ‘keeper’.
Jonathan is a spy with a code implanted deep in his subconscious, so deeply he can’t remember—anything at all.
Anton is an interrogator intent on retrieving the code, whatever the cost.
But sometimes they dream of dark tunnels and locked-up rooms, and then they both scream.
TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK
Along comes Harry, who seems to have all the answers…but who is he, and which side is he on?
TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK
Bang!
For many months, Jonathan and Anton live apart from the world in a hazy, dreamlike state, only interrupted by interrogations and a healthy fear of HQ. One day, they watch a dance performance, and memories begin to unwind… A ticking clock… Betrayal… Missions… Always the scent of oranges. But with clarity, comes a return of powerful emotions…
Last Dance of The Sugar Plum is an exciting spy thriller with as many twists and turns as a maze.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2017
3 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 4, 2017
4.5 Stars.
Well,talk about a crazy ride......
This is absolutely nothing like anything I've read by these two Authors before,in fact I don't think I've read anything like it ever.
To say it's unique is an understatement.I had virtually no clue what was going on most of the time but it's a wonderfully compulsive read.....especially when I reached about 30%...I couldn't put it down....I had no clue about the outcome but I couldn't wait to get there.
So,what's it about?
I'm not even going to attempt and try and explain the story....I couldn't even if I tried.
There are three main characters,who are also identified by a number and for the majority of the book I got 42's identity completely wrong.
The writing is truly compelling and the story is actually quite brilliant.
I absolutely had a favourite character( I'm not naming him ), but that boy was just delicious.
The main focus is the spy/mystery element so don't go into this expecting a romance story,that's not to say that something quite special does happen in the end.
And I just loved the Epilogue!!
Would I recommend this? Most definitely if you're after an extremely well written and thought out crazy,crazy story.
I received an Arc of Last Dance of The Sugar Plum from the Authors in exchange for an honest review
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
Well,talk about a crazy ride......
This is absolutely nothing like anything I've read by these two Authors before,in fact I don't think I've read anything like it ever.
To say it's unique is an understatement.I had virtually no clue what was going on most of the time but it's a wonderfully compulsive read.....especially when I reached about 30%...I couldn't put it down....I had no clue about the outcome but I couldn't wait to get there.
So,what's it about?
I'm not even going to attempt and try and explain the story....I couldn't even if I tried.
There are three main characters,who are also identified by a number and for the majority of the book I got 42's identity completely wrong.
The writing is truly compelling and the story is actually quite brilliant.
I absolutely had a favourite character( I'm not naming him ), but that boy was just delicious.
The main focus is the spy/mystery element so don't go into this expecting a romance story,that's not to say that something quite special does happen in the end.
And I just loved the Epilogue!!
Would I recommend this? Most definitely if you're after an extremely well written and thought out crazy,crazy story.
I received an Arc of Last Dance of The Sugar Plum from the Authors in exchange for an honest review
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
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April 7, 2017This is an impossible book to review, because to say anything is to give too much away.
Last Dance of the Sugar Plum is a dark, suspenseful story about identity, the fallibility of memory, and the lingering essence of truth. It is not a romance (although my friend Ele disagrees; you should read her review for another perspective.)
We know this much: Jonathan doesn't remember anything.
And Anton is always watching.
He watches Jonathan wank. He watches him fall apart.
Jonathan used to be a number, a spy. But no one told him about the kids.
This story is made up of layers, and the more that's revealed, the less we know.
Last Dance of the Sugar Plum is an extraordinary mind fuck—a dream, an acid trip, a surreal masquerade.
I was confused, uncomfortable, and uneasy the entire time I was reading (it takes talent to provoke such an emotional reaction in a reader!). Sheer stubbornness and the stark beauty of the language kept me going.
I am in love with this writing duo and in awe of their versatility. This isn't my kind of romance, but I can say with conviction that this book is BRILLIANT. If you like grittier novels with a mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end, you'll love Last Dance of the Sugar Plum.
No overall rating, but: writing and mystery/suspense plot = 5 stars; romance/frolic-in-the-woods factor = LOL, NOT; Dani's enjoyment level = *sucks thumb & whimpers*.
Last Dance of the Sugar Plum is a dark, suspenseful story about identity, the fallibility of memory, and the lingering essence of truth. It is not a romance (although my friend Ele disagrees; you should read her review for another perspective.)
We know this much: Jonathan doesn't remember anything.
And Anton is always watching.
He watches Jonathan wank. He watches him fall apart.
Jonathan used to be a number, a spy. But no one told him about the kids.
This story is made up of layers, and the more that's revealed, the less we know.
Last Dance of the Sugar Plum is an extraordinary mind fuck—a dream, an acid trip, a surreal masquerade.
I was confused, uncomfortable, and uneasy the entire time I was reading (it takes talent to provoke such an emotional reaction in a reader!). Sheer stubbornness and the stark beauty of the language kept me going.
I am in love with this writing duo and in awe of their versatility. This isn't my kind of romance, but I can say with conviction that this book is BRILLIANT. If you like grittier novels with a mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end, you'll love Last Dance of the Sugar Plum.
No overall rating, but: writing and mystery/suspense plot = 5 stars; romance/frolic-in-the-woods factor = LOL, NOT; Dani's enjoyment level = *sucks thumb & whimpers*.
April 5, 2017
-4.5 stars-
This is a purposefuly vague and spoiler free review. Trust me, you need to go blind into this book. Honestly, I don't know what to say exactly. I knew that Al Stewart and Claire Davis is quite a talented pair, but damn. If I ever managed to crawl in their heads, I'd never find a way out.
This book isn't:
-Mainstream MM.
-Warm and fuzzy.
-Easy.
This book is:
-Brilliant. Insanely clever.
-Gritty.
-Unique. Almost cult literature. Like a gay Twin Peaks sort of thing.
-Suspensful. Edge of my seat all.the.time.
-Unexpected. If you, like me, pat yourself on the back for figuring it all out before 90%...don't. You haven't figured out shit.
-Romantic. Anton and Jon find each other throughout this story. The way the dynamics changed blew my mind. They form this desperate and passionate connection while going through hell, that bonds people for life. I didn't expect any of this. Plus, HEA and an epilogue!
-Masterfully written.
So, who is 42? Where does the sound of the Dance of the sugar plum fairy come from? Why was it always meant to be? The clock is ticking!
-Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.-
This is a purposefuly vague and spoiler free review. Trust me, you need to go blind into this book. Honestly, I don't know what to say exactly. I knew that Al Stewart and Claire Davis is quite a talented pair, but damn. If I ever managed to crawl in their heads, I'd never find a way out.
This book isn't:
-Mainstream MM.
-Warm and fuzzy.
-Easy.
This book is:
-Brilliant. Insanely clever.
-Gritty.
-Unique. Almost cult literature. Like a gay Twin Peaks sort of thing.
-Suspensful. Edge of my seat all.the.time.
-Unexpected. If you, like me, pat yourself on the back for figuring it all out before 90%...don't. You haven't figured out shit.
-Romantic. Anton and Jon find each other throughout this story. The way the dynamics changed blew my mind. They form this desperate and passionate connection while going through hell, that bonds people for life. I didn't expect any of this. Plus, HEA and an epilogue!
-Masterfully written.
So, who is 42? Where does the sound of the Dance of the sugar plum fairy come from? Why was it always meant to be? The clock is ticking!
-Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.-
April 18, 2017
En un género donde los autores tienen tanto miedo de salirse de la norma, donde se suelen seguir una serie de patrones que se supone que harán que los libros sean más leídos y te encuentras una y otra vez lo mismo, se agradece mucho cuando dos autores como Claire Davis y Al Stewart te sorprenden con cada historia, nunca sabes lo que te vas a encontrar, ninguna es igual, pero todas están bien escritas con un mensaje positivo que ayuda a creer un poquito más en el ser humano.
Esta vez nos encontramos con espías, confieso quel primer 25 % no me estaba enterando de nada, no sabía si por mi inglés, o era la intención de los autores, no podía dejar de leer pero no sabía si quería seguir, hasta que llegué al 30% y a partir de ahí me lo bebí. Si os encontrais en el mismo lugar que yo, ¡perseverad! Lo dicho, espías, y no diré nada más, espías, y amor, porque hay mucho amor.
La estructura del libro es brillante, todo encaja perfectamente y aunque se va dando alguna pista he de decir que al final los autores juegan con el lector a lo largo de toda la historia.
David Lynch ha hecho un película sobre James Bond y a mi me ha encantado. No se puede encuadrar la obra dentro del género MM tal y como lo conocemos, es inusual, a aquellos que les guste que les sorprendan y no ceñirse a lo "normal" o "corriente", como a mi, les gustará. A los que tienen miedo a un blurb un tanto misterioso, les animo a que se arriesguen, al final "quien no arriesga no gana".
No quiero olvidarme de la portada, maravillosa.
Esta vez nos encontramos con espías, confieso quel primer 25 % no me estaba enterando de nada, no sabía si por mi inglés, o era la intención de los autores, no podía dejar de leer pero no sabía si quería seguir, hasta que llegué al 30% y a partir de ahí me lo bebí. Si os encontrais en el mismo lugar que yo, ¡perseverad! Lo dicho, espías, y no diré nada más, espías, y amor, porque hay mucho amor.
La estructura del libro es brillante, todo encaja perfectamente y aunque se va dando alguna pista he de decir que al final los autores juegan con el lector a lo largo de toda la historia.
David Lynch ha hecho un película sobre James Bond y a mi me ha encantado. No se puede encuadrar la obra dentro del género MM tal y como lo conocemos, es inusual, a aquellos que les guste que les sorprendan y no ceñirse a lo "normal" o "corriente", como a mi, les gustará. A los que tienen miedo a un blurb un tanto misterioso, les animo a que se arriesguen, al final "quien no arriesga no gana".
No quiero olvidarme de la portada, maravillosa.
April 30, 2017
Unique and Intriguing
How in the hell am I gonna review this one... I'll try and give it a shot...
It will be incoherent... because.....read it yourself...
Let me see *eyes to the sky tap lower lip*
"Once upon a time......"
In the beginning I struggled through the lines...no walls to hold on to... all those fragments of sentences...All the punctuation marks were (for me) needful......
If you are reading and there is only one big question mark that's...mindfuck? Funny the ones who have written this do know exactly who-what-where-when-why. And me....I'm just trying to keep my head up.... what.the.hell.is.going.on....? Yah I'm not totally stupid...I know what I'm reading, but the who, what, where and why...?
You understand that I'm reviewing while reading....
Outstanding all those tressed sentences and almost a film noir ...
I make no sense I know.....
Anton, Jonathan, Harry, HQ, 42....
Fact: Jonathan knows a code, it's hidden
Fact: Anton records everything
Fact: Harry is a dancer
Fact: HQ watch
Fact: 42....is a number
Fact: Me...I'm loose
Fact: You...will too
(Gossip/fact :) Jonathan and Anton like each other....very much...thát i can handle....)
Then there was one sentence... I hoped it was the *pling* ......not really....but there was light at the far end of the tunnel.
But still in that tunnel.....It felt like there was a black and white movie playing at the background, a fast one and very confusing....really a great piece of work
Thrilling, suspenseful story and very unique plot, awful confusing yet it made sense....
It's also endearing, hopeful, it's grounding and gives faith in what lies in prospect and a reassurance who our saviors are !! Raise your glass!
An amazing quality of writing, unbelievable intriguing and frustrating at the same time.
I hope this review is just as confusing as i was while reading this story....then my job is done
And that's a compliment....or not....ha gotcha....or not....I'm loose....or not....;)
One thing I do know and that's a fact: Love is what counts....even in a maze
A mustread for the ones who love an intriguing, unpredictable read.
This review is published on Divine Magazine
https://www.divinemagazine.biz/last-d...
How in the hell am I gonna review this one... I'll try and give it a shot...
It will be incoherent... because.....read it yourself...
Let me see *eyes to the sky tap lower lip*
"Once upon a time......"
In the beginning I struggled through the lines...no walls to hold on to... all those fragments of sentences...All the punctuation marks were (for me) needful......
If you are reading and there is only one big question mark that's...mindfuck? Funny the ones who have written this do know exactly who-what-where-when-why. And me....I'm just trying to keep my head up.... what.the.hell.is.going.on....? Yah I'm not totally stupid...I know what I'm reading, but the who, what, where and why...?
You understand that I'm reviewing while reading....
Outstanding all those tressed sentences and almost a film noir ...
I make no sense I know.....
Anton, Jonathan, Harry, HQ, 42....
Fact: Jonathan knows a code, it's hidden
Fact: Anton records everything
Fact: Harry is a dancer
Fact: HQ watch
Fact: 42....is a number
Fact: Me...I'm loose
Fact: You...will too
(Gossip/fact :) Jonathan and Anton like each other....very much...thát i can handle....)
Then there was one sentence... I hoped it was the *pling* ......not really....but there was light at the far end of the tunnel.
But still in that tunnel.....It felt like there was a black and white movie playing at the background, a fast one and very confusing....really a great piece of work
Thrilling, suspenseful story and very unique plot, awful confusing yet it made sense....
It's also endearing, hopeful, it's grounding and gives faith in what lies in prospect and a reassurance who our saviors are !! Raise your glass!
An amazing quality of writing, unbelievable intriguing and frustrating at the same time.
I hope this review is just as confusing as i was while reading this story....then my job is done
And that's a compliment....or not....ha gotcha....or not....I'm loose....or not....;)
One thing I do know and that's a fact: Love is what counts....even in a maze
A mustread for the ones who love an intriguing, unpredictable read.
This review is published on Divine Magazine
https://www.divinemagazine.biz/last-d...
May 10, 2017
Have you ever felt like you knew but you didn't...
I'm not really going to talk about the story with this one so much as the experience of reading it.
'Last Dance of the Sugar Plum' is the type of story where you probably spend most of your time wondering 'what the hell just happened?' or at least I did. For much of this story I felt like I knew what was happening and yet at the same time I also felt like I had no clue. What I did figure out really quickly was that I didn't care because for me this story was beautifully written and simply demanded my attention. No matter how much I did or didn't feel like I understood what was happening at no point did the idea of not finishing this book appeal to me...hell, it never even entered my mind. There was a dark and haunting tone to it that demanded my attention and I knew even if I had wanted to...which by the way I didn't, I would never have been able to set it aside.
I love stories like this and usually I really enjoy trying to see how fast I can figure things out and maybe I would have figured more out before the end, than I did, if I hadn't become so lost in simply reading the story and savoring the journey that I found within.
Sure I wanted to know what happened in the end, but truthfully, I was so enchanted by the beginning and the middle that I just didn't feel the need to rush to the end. I knew it would all be there waiting for me when I got to it. As is normally the case my only real issue here was that as complete as it was I wanted more. 'Dance of the Sugar Plum' is not a long story more novella length but what the reader needs to remember is that while it may not be long...every word is a clue, means something and needs to be remembered.
If you enjoy reading stories that keep you guessing, keep you on the edge of your seat, make you want to hide in a room where no one can find you until you've finished...stop right here because you want to read this book.
tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...times running out. Why aren't you reading?
********************
An ARC of "Last Dance of the Sugar Plum" was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not really going to talk about the story with this one so much as the experience of reading it.
'Last Dance of the Sugar Plum' is the type of story where you probably spend most of your time wondering 'what the hell just happened?' or at least I did. For much of this story I felt like I knew what was happening and yet at the same time I also felt like I had no clue. What I did figure out really quickly was that I didn't care because for me this story was beautifully written and simply demanded my attention. No matter how much I did or didn't feel like I understood what was happening at no point did the idea of not finishing this book appeal to me...hell, it never even entered my mind. There was a dark and haunting tone to it that demanded my attention and I knew even if I had wanted to...which by the way I didn't, I would never have been able to set it aside.
I love stories like this and usually I really enjoy trying to see how fast I can figure things out and maybe I would have figured more out before the end, than I did, if I hadn't become so lost in simply reading the story and savoring the journey that I found within.
Sure I wanted to know what happened in the end, but truthfully, I was so enchanted by the beginning and the middle that I just didn't feel the need to rush to the end. I knew it would all be there waiting for me when I got to it. As is normally the case my only real issue here was that as complete as it was I wanted more. 'Dance of the Sugar Plum' is not a long story more novella length but what the reader needs to remember is that while it may not be long...every word is a clue, means something and needs to be remembered.
If you enjoy reading stories that keep you guessing, keep you on the edge of your seat, make you want to hide in a room where no one can find you until you've finished...stop right here because you want to read this book.
tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...times running out. Why aren't you reading?
********************
An ARC of "Last Dance of the Sugar Plum" was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2017
Fun, exciting, unexpected, sexy, thrilling and romantic.
I changed my mind about what was going on here about 5 times, Fra and I texting back and forth:
'So, what just happened ?', 'but that can't be right, because on p.36 Jonathan said...', 'WTF ?' are just some examples.
Almost every book that I have read by these two authors is different, and there are almost no romance writers these days who don't have a 'tell' and this was original, exciting and really, really romantic.
Full review on the blog
I changed my mind about what was going on here about 5 times, Fra and I texting back and forth:
'So, what just happened ?', 'but that can't be right, because on p.36 Jonathan said...', 'WTF ?' are just some examples.
Almost every book that I have read by these two authors is different, and there are almost no romance writers these days who don't have a 'tell' and this was original, exciting and really, really romantic.
Full review on the blog
April 4, 2017
UPDATED
THIS IS A NO SPOILER REVIEW!
The spy business isn't always like the movies.
There are times when you just have to close your eyes and think of England.
Al Stewart and Claire Davis seem to have two writing modes, social commentaries that will break your heart and have you reevaluating what you give back to the world, and then there's the insane stuff. LOL
Last Dance of the Sugar Plum is brilliantly funny!
It's super stylized, and slickly written and it fucks with the head. It's entertaining and fun and it has this absurd sense of humor that reminds me of the British tv shows I love to watch.
Imagine mod clothes and a blue tinted filter. LOL
It's a wild ride through memories and missions, and always there is the tick-tick-tick of time counting down.
If you say you figured out the mystery before 45%, you're a liar! LOL
It's also hot! Anton is so GRRRR.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
THIS IS A NO SPOILER REVIEW!
The spy business isn't always like the movies.
There are times when you just have to close your eyes and think of England.
Al Stewart and Claire Davis seem to have two writing modes, social commentaries that will break your heart and have you reevaluating what you give back to the world, and then there's the insane stuff. LOL
Last Dance of the Sugar Plum is brilliantly funny!
It's super stylized, and slickly written and it fucks with the head. It's entertaining and fun and it has this absurd sense of humor that reminds me of the British tv shows I love to watch.
Imagine mod clothes and a blue tinted filter. LOL
It's a wild ride through memories and missions, and always there is the tick-tick-tick of time counting down.
If you say you figured out the mystery before 45%, you're a liar! LOL
It's also hot! Anton is so GRRRR.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2017
our blog's review is here http://wp.me/p6pXMr-dd
Well, well.
This book is original, clever, exceptionally plotted, expertly written and very romantic indeed.
Everything I have read from these two authors is fresh, free from clichés and very well written indeed.
There were a lot of WTF and "did that just happened.." and "I bet you..." during the buddy read with Karen - and I am looking forward reviewing on the blog for publishing day.
I have also cured myself from the notion that I was able to predict what was going on at around 30%! I mean I thought I was so clever :)
Well, well.
This book is original, clever, exceptionally plotted, expertly written and very romantic indeed.
Everything I have read from these two authors is fresh, free from clichés and very well written indeed.
There were a lot of WTF and "did that just happened.." and "I bet you..." during the buddy read with Karen - and I am looking forward reviewing on the blog for publishing day.
I have also cured myself from the notion that I was able to predict what was going on at around 30%! I mean I thought I was so clever :)
April 9, 2017
3.5 Stars
I am pretty sure that Last Dance of The Sugar Plum is one of the strangest books I've ever read. I knew before that Claire Davis and Al Stewart were insanely talented story tellers, and Last Dance of The Sugar Plum shows off their mad skills in spades.
The story is full of twists and disjointed imagery, in the form of flashbacks and memories, both real and fake, and it kept me guessing until very close to the end. I did figure out who 42 and 19 were before the reveal was made, and I had my suspicions about Harry, but was not sure until pretty late in the game. Last Dance of The Sugar Plum was a suspenseful, twisty-turny mind-fuck.
I'm not really sure what to say about the story without offering up spoilers, which I don't want to do. It, overall, wasn't really my cuppa, but I do like a story that is actually successful at keeping me guessing, and this one certainly did that.
Last Dance of The Sugar Plum is very different than anything else I've read by these authors. It didn't read like a romance novel, though I would definitely say there was romance between the main characters and I was very satisfied by their HEA. This story danced to a different rhythm, though. And though I liked it, it isn't a story I will likely read again.
---------------
ARC of Last Dance of The Sugar Plum was generously provided by the authors, in exchange for an honest review.
I am pretty sure that Last Dance of The Sugar Plum is one of the strangest books I've ever read. I knew before that Claire Davis and Al Stewart were insanely talented story tellers, and Last Dance of The Sugar Plum shows off their mad skills in spades.
The story is full of twists and disjointed imagery, in the form of flashbacks and memories, both real and fake, and it kept me guessing until very close to the end. I did figure out who 42 and 19 were before the reveal was made, and I had my suspicions about Harry, but was not sure until pretty late in the game. Last Dance of The Sugar Plum was a suspenseful, twisty-turny mind-fuck.
I'm not really sure what to say about the story without offering up spoilers, which I don't want to do. It, overall, wasn't really my cuppa, but I do like a story that is actually successful at keeping me guessing, and this one certainly did that.
Last Dance of The Sugar Plum is very different than anything else I've read by these authors. It didn't read like a romance novel, though I would definitely say there was romance between the main characters and I was very satisfied by their HEA. This story danced to a different rhythm, though. And though I liked it, it isn't a story I will likely read again.
---------------
ARC of Last Dance of The Sugar Plum was generously provided by the authors, in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2017
Last Dance of the Sugar Plum by Claire Davis and Al Stewart is not your usual M/M read, it's not your usual spy story either. I started out confused, then got a bit more confused, then I was absolutely certain of one thing - I love Anton. Like really LOVE Anton.
There are two men, 42 and 19, they know they have to do something before they run out of time. They remember stuff. They know HQ is watching them. They know the clock is ticking.
Up for a mind fuck? Check this books out. I've read all but one of Davis & Stewart's books and went in with a certain expectation (Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace! is one of my favourite books) but a few pages in I realised it was time to put those expectations aside. The language is there, the poetic voice of Davis and Stewart, the romance is there but not in that straight line M/M way, and there is plenty of humour.
I had several good laughs, but this is a gritty read. The characters are exposed and vulnerable in their confusion and urgency. And a certain dancer should be flogged for his actions.
I realise that if you've read this far you probably haven't got a clue what I'm talking about but I'm gonna leave it at that. If I say more about the plot (did I say anything?) I'll spoiler it. What I can say is that you won't figure this mystery out until the very end. When I realised what was going on I wanted to hit myself on the head for not getting it sooner - the clues are there! LOL
I'd love to see more sci-fi mystery stories from this duo!
There are two men, 42 and 19, they know they have to do something before they run out of time. They remember stuff. They know HQ is watching them. They know the clock is ticking.
Up for a mind fuck? Check this books out. I've read all but one of Davis & Stewart's books and went in with a certain expectation (Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace! is one of my favourite books) but a few pages in I realised it was time to put those expectations aside. The language is there, the poetic voice of Davis and Stewart, the romance is there but not in that straight line M/M way, and there is plenty of humour.
I had several good laughs, but this is a gritty read. The characters are exposed and vulnerable in their confusion and urgency. And a certain dancer should be flogged for his actions.
I realise that if you've read this far you probably haven't got a clue what I'm talking about but I'm gonna leave it at that. If I say more about the plot (did I say anything?) I'll spoiler it. What I can say is that you won't figure this mystery out until the very end. When I realised what was going on I wanted to hit myself on the head for not getting it sooner - the clues are there! LOL
I'd love to see more sci-fi mystery stories from this duo!
April 19, 2017
Last Dance of the Sugar Plum is not just a gorgeous cover, it's also something you don't find much in mm romance. It's completely unexpected. Completely new.
If you've read Davis and Stewart before, you know the beauty of their language, the uniqueness of their characters. Now imagine Davis and Stewart had a threeway with Guy Ritchie. I'm pretty sure this would be the result.
A romance that's part spy story, part mystery, with humor and madness, and enough twists to leave you reeling.
Jonathan has suppressed a code deep in his mind, and it's Anton's job to retrieve it, for all their sakes. There's dancing and memories, a locked room and someone is always watching.
Follow the clues, if you can.
If you've read Davis and Stewart before, you know the beauty of their language, the uniqueness of their characters. Now imagine Davis and Stewart had a threeway with Guy Ritchie. I'm pretty sure this would be the result.
A romance that's part spy story, part mystery, with humor and madness, and enough twists to leave you reeling.
Jonathan has suppressed a code deep in his mind, and it's Anton's job to retrieve it, for all their sakes. There's dancing and memories, a locked room and someone is always watching.
Follow the clues, if you can.
April 17, 2017
What a beautiful, odd and refreshing ride this book took me on! Last Dance of The Sugar Plum is one of the most unusual books I have read in a long time. Very different from other MM stories.
April 14, 2017
Editor's Review:
Last Dance of The Sugar Plum is the longest and cleverest (so far) of Claire Davis and Al Stewart's stories. It's about...well. Here's what I've noticed in the advance reviews: no one is quite sure what it's about. Yes, there's a love story element, and if you're a romance reader, you'll find there's enough of a happy ending to satisfy your mushy side. But it's not a romance. Given how love develops in the story, it's not exactly conducive to a light-hearted romp between the sheets. But there's certainly love and a few spicy moments.
There's also intrigue, and this is where the cleverness resides. I'd contend Sugar Plum is literary fiction, because it's underpinned by strong themes and draws on many literary devices. It can also be read and understood on many different levels. For instance, I can see an overarching metaphor related to lack of control/being controlled by outside forces. There's the more obvious stripping of identity that comes from being assigned a number, and so many other potential ways to read this story that I could go on forever, but I don't want to shape other readers' perceptions.
Lastly, there's a good deal of humour - some of it blatant and 'in your face', much of it subtle. It's the kind of dark humour viewers of British alternative comedy will definitely appreciate (think Little Britain or League of Gentlemen).
It's an almost-impossible-to-review story, and all I can suggest is reading it for yourself. You'll see what I mean. Or will you?
Last Dance of The Sugar Plum is the longest and cleverest (so far) of Claire Davis and Al Stewart's stories. It's about...well. Here's what I've noticed in the advance reviews: no one is quite sure what it's about. Yes, there's a love story element, and if you're a romance reader, you'll find there's enough of a happy ending to satisfy your mushy side. But it's not a romance. Given how love develops in the story, it's not exactly conducive to a light-hearted romp between the sheets. But there's certainly love and a few spicy moments.
There's also intrigue, and this is where the cleverness resides. I'd contend Sugar Plum is literary fiction, because it's underpinned by strong themes and draws on many literary devices. It can also be read and understood on many different levels. For instance, I can see an overarching metaphor related to lack of control/being controlled by outside forces. There's the more obvious stripping of identity that comes from being assigned a number, and so many other potential ways to read this story that I could go on forever, but I don't want to shape other readers' perceptions.
Lastly, there's a good deal of humour - some of it blatant and 'in your face', much of it subtle. It's the kind of dark humour viewers of British alternative comedy will definitely appreciate (think Little Britain or League of Gentlemen).
It's an almost-impossible-to-review story, and all I can suggest is reading it for yourself. You'll see what I mean. Or will you?
April 17, 2017
So... this turned out to be really good, but honestly I spent the first 30-35% in a perpetual state of 'but I don't understand' and then the remainder of the book devouring every word. If you hold strong, and work your way through the abstraction and narrative, which at the start I mostly took on faith that it will all come together as it honestly read like I was missing every other sentence, this is a real gem and very much worth it.
Like other readers, it is impossible to review in context without potentially giving away a crucial point (kinda like reading the book), but this is unique in its style and worth the endurance. A refreshing read and one where it's worth putting aside your next tbr and picking up this one.
Like other readers, it is impossible to review in context without potentially giving away a crucial point (kinda like reading the book), but this is unique in its style and worth the endurance. A refreshing read and one where it's worth putting aside your next tbr and picking up this one.
May 4, 2017
Finally getting around to reviewing this one, I am clearly in the minority here. The beginning of the story was vague, suspenseful, to the point it confused me but that was enjoyable. I didn't want to put it down wanting to know what was going on. Then it was just too convoluted, far fetched and over the top for me too even care. The ending/ epilogue IMO was so out of place. Take my feelz lightly because everyone else luvs this book
July 25, 2018
1.5 stars very generously rounded up. Specially taking into account that the One star is mostly FOR ME assigned to myself by myself for simply persevering with the reading.
Brilliant writing. Brilliant book. Romantic in a way, sure, if you wanna stretch things a bit, I'll graciously grant it to you.
A Romance? No. Not in a million fucking years, not in any way, shape or form.
I think what I'm most pissed about having read this book is towards other reviews. Because most of them keep going on and on and on, about how original and groundbreaking and out of the norm this book is for MM Romance....
And FUCKING DUH.... Of fucking course this feels like nothing that's ever before been done in MM Romance.... and that's because
This book is a fabulous mind fuck of a thriller. It's a spy mystery written almost like a poem. It's nostalgic and riveting and mesmerising and a bunch of other pretty words.
And not all something I was interested in reading. But I caved to the constant repetition of how this book was something else entirely in the Romance genre. Peer pressure and all that. As ever, I only have myself to blame por esta puta pendejada de haber comprado el pinche libro como tarada sabiendo de antemano que iba a odiar a esta porquería que NO ES UN ROMANCE.
Brilliant writing. Brilliant book. Romantic in a way, sure, if you wanna stretch things a bit, I'll graciously grant it to you.
A Romance? No. Not in a million fucking years, not in any way, shape or form.
I think what I'm most pissed about having read this book is towards other reviews. Because most of them keep going on and on and on, about how original and groundbreaking and out of the norm this book is for MM Romance....
And FUCKING DUH.... Of fucking course this feels like nothing that's ever before been done in MM Romance.... and that's because
THIS
IS
NOT
A
ROMANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This book is a fabulous mind fuck of a thriller. It's a spy mystery written almost like a poem. It's nostalgic and riveting and mesmerising and a bunch of other pretty words.
And not all something I was interested in reading. But I caved to the constant repetition of how this book was something else entirely in the Romance genre. Peer pressure and all that. As ever, I only have myself to blame por esta puta pendejada de haber comprado el pinche libro como tarada sabiendo de antemano que iba a odiar a esta porquería que NO ES UN ROMANCE.
April 7, 2017
What an exciting, if a bit strange, ride this was. I’m not sure what I expected when I started reading, even knowing the summary. This is not a typical spy-thriller genre novel, nor is it really a romance. It’s something of a sideways blend of both, with an emphasis more on the psychology and character development than the action (of either kind, though there’s plenty of those, too).
There’s very little I can say without giving too much away. One of the characters was formerly a boxer, and he has a mantra he repeats. The reason I’m mentioning it is that I think readers ought to pay attention and do as it says. All the clues to the mystery are in there, if you know where to look. If you’re like me and don’t care if you solve the puzzle before the characters, then you can ignore my advice and just enjoy.
The pleasure for me was in trying to find out who was on which side and who were the “good guys.” It’s not always clear. Every time I thought I had a grasp on what was happening, something else would shift. The story turned me upside down, and it was nail-biting trying to keep up.
One of the things I like best about the authors is the way everything has layers. So while this is a fun, if intense, read on the surface, there’s a lot going on underneath. This had me thinking about what makes us who we are and to what extent that can be manipulated for the will of others.
As always, there’s a healthy mix of the darker, heavier subject matter with humor, fluff, and a dose of sensuality. For readers used to the authors’ new adult books, this might be a bit of a stretch. However, all the key ingredients that make them great are in here, and long-standing fans should be pleased. I know I was.
For exceptional writing, a genre-defying story, and plenty of thrills, this gets 5 stars.
There’s very little I can say without giving too much away. One of the characters was formerly a boxer, and he has a mantra he repeats. The reason I’m mentioning it is that I think readers ought to pay attention and do as it says. All the clues to the mystery are in there, if you know where to look. If you’re like me and don’t care if you solve the puzzle before the characters, then you can ignore my advice and just enjoy.
The pleasure for me was in trying to find out who was on which side and who were the “good guys.” It’s not always clear. Every time I thought I had a grasp on what was happening, something else would shift. The story turned me upside down, and it was nail-biting trying to keep up.
One of the things I like best about the authors is the way everything has layers. So while this is a fun, if intense, read on the surface, there’s a lot going on underneath. This had me thinking about what makes us who we are and to what extent that can be manipulated for the will of others.
As always, there’s a healthy mix of the darker, heavier subject matter with humor, fluff, and a dose of sensuality. For readers used to the authors’ new adult books, this might be a bit of a stretch. However, all the key ingredients that make them great are in here, and long-standing fans should be pleased. I know I was.
For exceptional writing, a genre-defying story, and plenty of thrills, this gets 5 stars.
June 17, 2017
Wow!
I had no idea what was going on for the majority of the time while reading this book. Yet, I was mesmerized by the puzzle of a story the authors created.
It's a spy thriller, a mystery, and a romance. Yet you're never quite sure that it's any of those, because it might all be an illusion or a hallucination. Or something else entirely.
The writing is excellent, if at times frustrating because you want more information. You just have to trust, as a reader, that the authors will get you to the end safely. And they do--in a way that you can see how the entire journey you took is now clear as a bell.
I'm not sure how often I can read a book like this--it was like letting someone lead you around blindfolded--but I sure enjoyed the experience!
I had no idea what was going on for the majority of the time while reading this book. Yet, I was mesmerized by the puzzle of a story the authors created.
It's a spy thriller, a mystery, and a romance. Yet you're never quite sure that it's any of those, because it might all be an illusion or a hallucination. Or something else entirely.
The writing is excellent, if at times frustrating because you want more information. You just have to trust, as a reader, that the authors will get you to the end safely. And they do--in a way that you can see how the entire journey you took is now clear as a bell.
I'm not sure how often I can read a book like this--it was like letting someone lead you around blindfolded--but I sure enjoyed the experience!
September 6, 2017
This was a strange, exciting, psychological mind fuck of a book.
Jonathan is a spy. His last mission left his mind broken, and somewhere in the folds and recesses of his brain is a code that HQ is desperate to recover. His keeper, Anton, is charged with surveilling Jonathan constantly in case the code begins to emerge. As Jonathan starts to recover, HQ begins pushing him and Anton toward things designed to trigger his memory. Jonathan meets Harry, a dancer, whom HQ wants him to seduce...and suddenly, terrifying things start to crawl from his memory: half remembered scents, someone who's like Harry, but not Harry...and memories of torture. Jonathan and Anton start to piece together things that turn their entire assumptions of their mission, their relationship, and their identities inside out.
Ho-lee shit. This book is so full of twists it's like a bag of Twizzlers. Suspenseful and exasperating and left me shouting "What? WHAT?" at my kindle a couple of times. The only issue I had was the big reveal, which left me more cocking my head than really knocking my socks off, but the journey is everything. It's a great read.
Jonathan is a spy. His last mission left his mind broken, and somewhere in the folds and recesses of his brain is a code that HQ is desperate to recover. His keeper, Anton, is charged with surveilling Jonathan constantly in case the code begins to emerge. As Jonathan starts to recover, HQ begins pushing him and Anton toward things designed to trigger his memory. Jonathan meets Harry, a dancer, whom HQ wants him to seduce...and suddenly, terrifying things start to crawl from his memory: half remembered scents, someone who's like Harry, but not Harry...and memories of torture. Jonathan and Anton start to piece together things that turn their entire assumptions of their mission, their relationship, and their identities inside out.
Ho-lee shit. This book is so full of twists it's like a bag of Twizzlers. Suspenseful and exasperating and left me shouting "What? WHAT?" at my kindle a couple of times. The only issue I had was the big reveal, which left me more cocking my head than really knocking my socks off, but the journey is everything. It's a great read.
November 6, 2017
Wow, I'm not really sure where to start. The only thing I figured out, pretty early one, was who two of the characters in the story were. But I had no clue what the heck was going on at any other point of the story. Even though I was so very clueless, I couldn't put my e-reader down as I wanted to find out what was going on. All I can say is that it was a really good story. There was a major mystery with Anton trying to unlock Jonathan's memories so he can access a code, you see Jonathan suffers from an extreme case of amnesia. Most of the time Jonathan has no clue if what he is seeing, hearing, experiencing is real or hallucinations. These authors did a brilliant job weaving this story.
April 18, 2017
Rest assured, I will not talk about the plot or what is going on here in this book, so you can enjoy being in the dark all by yourself ;-)
I have to say that I liked the first half of the book a lot more than the second. That’s because I didn’t know anything. Who was who and doing what exactly for which reasons and how can it all even? Nothing was really sure and there were lots of possibilities.
Even the language used seemed kinda off in parts but it enhanced the surreal vibe, but even though most of it make sense in the end, there were parts that pulled me out of the story and let me wonder how that was even possible…
Later on, in the second half, there was one really cool idea that I liked but, all in all, the revelation (make that REVELATIONS) were just so many and complicated that I can’t even tell whether it all made sense or not. It was too over the top for me to even care. I think less would have been more, to be honest.
The romance. Hm. Since this book is kinda a huge mind fuck, I don’t think I connected to the characters and their feelings for each other all that well, although there were some lovely scenes in here, too. However, it seemed to me that the end of the book was suddenly crammed with love and sex and fun because we couldn’t have that earlier and I really didn’t like that at all.
Speaking of sex, the book connected sex with a lot of negativity or weirdness, which made me frown. It was smallish things and I think I am quite sensitive concerning this, but it still bothered me. The characters regarded themselves as being dirty for having sex in the line of duty. There was an emphasis on the huge dick of one of the characters, and there were well-meant ‘jokes’ about who gets to top—as if that were any better than bottoming.
There are lots of scenes with dubious or forced consent here, but, um, maybe they are not really real. *cough* Anyway, readers sensitive to lack of consent (in and out of the bedroom) should proceed with caution, or, well, not at all.
I actually do not know whether to recommend this book or not. It’s definitely nothing you get to read often and I think everyone will have quite a different reaction towards it. While the book didn’t work for me that well in the end, doesn’t mean this will be the case for other readers as well. So, if you are intrigued by the blurb—like I was—go ahead and try…
_________________________________
Genre: Spy Thriller, Romance, Contemporary
Tags: M/M Pairing, Bisexual Character, Mind Games
Content Warning for: Violence, Abuse, Dubious Consent, Mind Control
Rating: 3 stars
Blog: Review for Just Love
Disclaimer: ARC for Review
I have to say that I liked the first half of the book a lot more than the second. That’s because I didn’t know anything. Who was who and doing what exactly for which reasons and how can it all even? Nothing was really sure and there were lots of possibilities.
Even the language used seemed kinda off in parts but it enhanced the surreal vibe, but even though most of it make sense in the end, there were parts that pulled me out of the story and let me wonder how that was even possible…
Anton said nothing, but Jonathan could sense him clenching and unclenching his toes.
Later on, in the second half, there was one really cool idea that I liked but, all in all, the revelation (make that REVELATIONS) were just so many and complicated that I can’t even tell whether it all made sense or not. It was too over the top for me to even care. I think less would have been more, to be honest.
The romance. Hm. Since this book is kinda a huge mind fuck, I don’t think I connected to the characters and their feelings for each other all that well, although there were some lovely scenes in here, too. However, it seemed to me that the end of the book was suddenly crammed with love and sex and fun because we couldn’t have that earlier and I really didn’t like that at all.
Speaking of sex, the book connected sex with a lot of negativity or weirdness, which made me frown. It was smallish things and I think I am quite sensitive concerning this, but it still bothered me. The characters regarded themselves as being dirty for having sex in the line of duty. There was an emphasis on the huge dick of one of the characters, and there were well-meant ‘jokes’ about who gets to top—as if that were any better than bottoming.
There are lots of scenes with dubious or forced consent here, but, um, maybe they are not really real. *cough* Anyway, readers sensitive to lack of consent (in and out of the bedroom) should proceed with caution, or, well, not at all.
I actually do not know whether to recommend this book or not. It’s definitely nothing you get to read often and I think everyone will have quite a different reaction towards it. While the book didn’t work for me that well in the end, doesn’t mean this will be the case for other readers as well. So, if you are intrigued by the blurb—like I was—go ahead and try…
_________________________________
Genre: Spy Thriller, Romance, Contemporary
Tags: M/M Pairing, Bisexual Character, Mind Games
Content Warning for: Violence, Abuse, Dubious Consent, Mind Control
Rating: 3 stars
Blog: Review for Just Love
Disclaimer: ARC for Review
August 22, 2017
~ 4.5 Stars ~
I am not even sure how to write this review. How can you write a review when you are still trying to put the pieces together in your own head? Seriously, this book had me guessing (often incorrectly) and biting my nails, from beginning to end, and left me completely dumbstruck more than once.
The entire plot is intense and captivating. I felt as confused and crazy as Jonathon did. This was an insane ride, an eff-with-your-mind-what-the-heck-is-even-happening story that kept me completely glued to the page. I have never read something like Last Dance of The Sugar Plum, and it was both refreshing and annoying. I was annoyed because I usually have some ideas of how it will all play out in a story, or the clues mesh into something I can piece together; sometimes I miss certain key elements, but I usually have called something correctly. But that wasn’t the case at all here. I didn’t know what was happening, and just when I thought I’d got a handle on it, BOOM!, it was all twisted up again, flinging me into a completely different direction—the more I knew, the less I knew. I was in a maze with Jonathon, Anton, and Harry, and I kept hitting a blocked path only to have to pull back and try again.
Last Dance of the Sugar Plum is a spy thriller, but more so a psychological mindf**k from start to finish. Yes, there is romance (of a sort), but it takes a humongous backseat to everything else happening. I can’t say much more, because it would give something away. What I can write is what you know from the blurb. Jonathon has no memory, but deep in his subconscious he has important information. Anton is tasked with retrieving a code deep in Jonathon’s subconscious. Some bat-ish crazy stuff follows in a race against the clock which is going TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK.
This story is clever and unique and there is a lot going on, so go into it knowing you will be lost a good portion of the time. But when it all comes to an end, it was totally worth the ride. At least, for me it was. I don’t think it will be for everyone, but if you like well-written gritty and suspenseful stories that will mess with your mind, this is definitely something you should give a shot. I’m extremely glad I did.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
I am not even sure how to write this review. How can you write a review when you are still trying to put the pieces together in your own head? Seriously, this book had me guessing (often incorrectly) and biting my nails, from beginning to end, and left me completely dumbstruck more than once.
The entire plot is intense and captivating. I felt as confused and crazy as Jonathon did. This was an insane ride, an eff-with-your-mind-what-the-heck-is-even-happening story that kept me completely glued to the page. I have never read something like Last Dance of The Sugar Plum, and it was both refreshing and annoying. I was annoyed because I usually have some ideas of how it will all play out in a story, or the clues mesh into something I can piece together; sometimes I miss certain key elements, but I usually have called something correctly. But that wasn’t the case at all here. I didn’t know what was happening, and just when I thought I’d got a handle on it, BOOM!, it was all twisted up again, flinging me into a completely different direction—the more I knew, the less I knew. I was in a maze with Jonathon, Anton, and Harry, and I kept hitting a blocked path only to have to pull back and try again.
Last Dance of the Sugar Plum is a spy thriller, but more so a psychological mindf**k from start to finish. Yes, there is romance (of a sort), but it takes a humongous backseat to everything else happening. I can’t say much more, because it would give something away. What I can write is what you know from the blurb. Jonathon has no memory, but deep in his subconscious he has important information. Anton is tasked with retrieving a code deep in Jonathon’s subconscious. Some bat-ish crazy stuff follows in a race against the clock which is going TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK.
This story is clever and unique and there is a lot going on, so go into it knowing you will be lost a good portion of the time. But when it all comes to an end, it was totally worth the ride. At least, for me it was. I don’t think it will be for everyone, but if you like well-written gritty and suspenseful stories that will mess with your mind, this is definitely something you should give a shot. I’m extremely glad I did.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
July 17, 2017
I was confused from the start. Intrigued enough that I barely put it down.
I kept thinking there was no way I had figured it out but when I got to the reveal I was disappointed because I had, in fact, figured pretty much all of it out. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop and then it was over.
I'm in the minority here but this book was just okay for me.
I kept thinking there was no way I had figured it out but when I got to the reveal I was disappointed because I had, in fact, figured pretty much all of it out. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop and then it was over.
I'm in the minority here but this book was just okay for me.
June 7, 2017
I think this story would have translated much better as a movie. As a book it was too confusing to adjust to the constantly changing scenes, locations, flashbacks, current conversations, hallucinations etc. I plowed through it because it was short and reviewers I trust gave it 5 stars, but the confusion and disorientation never got any better and while I realize that this book is meant to be understood piece by piece and not all at once, I never felt like I had enough information to gain traction with the story or form deep opinions about the characters.
Basically, it was fine if you like reading the equivalent of an MC Escher painting. I don't, so it wasn't for me, and I found the story didn't give me the depth I wanted from the characters. Maybe if there was a little more on-page action of Anton taking care of Jonathan in the beginning it would have been better for me.
Basically, it was fine if you like reading the equivalent of an MC Escher painting. I don't, so it wasn't for me, and I found the story didn't give me the depth I wanted from the characters. Maybe if there was a little more on-page action of Anton taking care of Jonathan in the beginning it would have been better for me.
April 18, 2017
3 stars
I'm certain there was a good story here, but I don't think I wasn't smart enough to understand it. The first half was quite intriguing, but by the time I got to the end, I was completely lost. Even the whole reveal didn't feel like it really explained everything and I was left feeling confused and a little bit dumb.
I do recommend you read this, though, because I'm convinced that the problem is all on my end. Just because it didn't work for *me*, doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a shot.
(read Mel's review - she pretty much says everything I thought about this book)
I'm certain there was a good story here, but I don't think I wasn't smart enough to understand it. The first half was quite intriguing, but by the time I got to the end, I was completely lost. Even the whole reveal didn't feel like it really explained everything and I was left feeling confused and a little bit dumb.
I do recommend you read this, though, because I'm convinced that the problem is all on my end. Just because it didn't work for *me*, doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a shot.
(read Mel's review - she pretty much says everything I thought about this book)
May 14, 2017
I am not sure how to review this story. I enjoyed it. It was nothing like any of the books I have read by Claire Davis and Al Stewart. Mystery, spies, intrigue, ballet, moments of "What?" and "I'm so confused", and "Oh, OK!" and "was that 19 or 42?" A book I have been mulling over since I finished it a few days ago and may need to read again.
December 5, 2018
What a mind trip! I was so confused reading this book. I kept trying to guess what was going on, but it only started to partially make sense after about 75-80%, but then I still was a bit disconnected. It was definitely a weirdly interesting book.
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