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We Met in Death
“This is not the night you die.”
*
After years of working for a loan shark, Robert is done with blood and violence. All he has to show for it is a bag of money and a lifetime of regrets. There’s no other way out of his line of work than in a body bag.
So Robert decides to die.
But on the night he chooses to seal his own fate, destiny offers him a chance at redemption. When Robert saves a handsome young escort from a terrible death, he has no idea he is setting in motion much more than one last attempt at proving that inside the hardened shell, he is a decent human being.
Charming, quick-witted, and full of smiles, Nathan is all Robert could dream of. He’s also ready to fall into the arms of his gruff protector. Robert, on the other hand, has never been with a man and will first need to fight his own demons if he is to accept that his whole being wants to make Nathan his.
With his former boss hunting them both, time is ticking, and Robert might just not get the chance to decide before it’s too late. More importantly though, Robert will stop at nothing to protect the man who’s made him feel alive again, the man who is the only thing between him and the abyss.
*
“I never had to think much about death before, but I did yesterday. I thought I would die. In a hole. Covered with dirt. Suffocate underground.
But then you saved me.”
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Themes: enemies to lovers, protector, cruelty, homophobia, crime, self-discovery, family conflict, age gap, escort, self-hate, first time, revenge, on the run
Genre: Dark, gritty, contemporary M/M romance
Erotic content: Scorching hot, emotional, explicit scenes
Length: ~90,000 words (Standalone novel, HEA)
WARNING: This story contains scenes of violence, torture, mentions of suicide, offensive language, morally ambiguous characters, homophobia and homophobic language
*
After years of working for a loan shark, Robert is done with blood and violence. All he has to show for it is a bag of money and a lifetime of regrets. There’s no other way out of his line of work than in a body bag.
So Robert decides to die.
But on the night he chooses to seal his own fate, destiny offers him a chance at redemption. When Robert saves a handsome young escort from a terrible death, he has no idea he is setting in motion much more than one last attempt at proving that inside the hardened shell, he is a decent human being.
Charming, quick-witted, and full of smiles, Nathan is all Robert could dream of. He’s also ready to fall into the arms of his gruff protector. Robert, on the other hand, has never been with a man and will first need to fight his own demons if he is to accept that his whole being wants to make Nathan his.
With his former boss hunting them both, time is ticking, and Robert might just not get the chance to decide before it’s too late. More importantly though, Robert will stop at nothing to protect the man who’s made him feel alive again, the man who is the only thing between him and the abyss.
*
“I never had to think much about death before, but I did yesterday. I thought I would die. In a hole. Covered with dirt. Suffocate underground.
But then you saved me.”
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Themes: enemies to lovers, protector, cruelty, homophobia, crime, self-discovery, family conflict, age gap, escort, self-hate, first time, revenge, on the run
Genre: Dark, gritty, contemporary M/M romance
Erotic content: Scorching hot, emotional, explicit scenes
Length: ~90,000 words (Standalone novel, HEA)
WARNING: This story contains scenes of violence, torture, mentions of suicide, offensive language, morally ambiguous characters, homophobia and homophobic language
274 pages, ebook
First published October 10, 2017
152 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Merikan
130 books3,024 followers(Goodreads profile run by Kat)
K. A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.
Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.
K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.
e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com
More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page: http://kamerikan.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamerikan
K. A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.
Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.
K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.
e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com
More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page: http://kamerikan.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamerikan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
October 10, 2017
4.5 Stars.
These Authors excel at writing dark,gritty stories with a touch of humour.Their stories are brilliantly unique,you never quite know what to expect when you start reading one of their books but it's always one hell of an exciting ride as their characters develop beautifully through the pages.
Robert is pretty much at rock bottom the night he comes across Nathan,jaded with the violent lifestyle he's been sucked into.He finds himself thinking, why not do something worthy for once and save a life instead of taking one?
Nathan thought he had things planned out.Working as an escort he thought finding a sugar daddy would set him up nicely.He has big dreams for the future until one night things take a dramatic turn.
We Met in Death is a deliciously dark story about two men who are complete opposites and yet,fit together so perfectly.
Every time I read a book by these Authors I think I've found my perfect couple,they have such great vision with their characters and Robert and Nathan are no exception.
I just adored them!!
Another absolute winner and one I would highly recommend for anyone with a kink towards the dark side.Great writing and story telling and another couple to add to my favourites.
Note to Authors
I would absolutely LOVE a short Novella about them a year or so down the line!
I received an Arc of We Met in Death from the Authors,in exchange for an honest review.
---
These Authors excel at writing dark,gritty stories with a touch of humour.Their stories are brilliantly unique,you never quite know what to expect when you start reading one of their books but it's always one hell of an exciting ride as their characters develop beautifully through the pages.
Robert is pretty much at rock bottom the night he comes across Nathan,jaded with the violent lifestyle he's been sucked into.He finds himself thinking, why not do something worthy for once and save a life instead of taking one?
Nathan thought he had things planned out.Working as an escort he thought finding a sugar daddy would set him up nicely.He has big dreams for the future until one night things take a dramatic turn.
We Met in Death is a deliciously dark story about two men who are complete opposites and yet,fit together so perfectly.
Every time I read a book by these Authors I think I've found my perfect couple,they have such great vision with their characters and Robert and Nathan are no exception.
I just adored them!!
Another absolute winner and one I would highly recommend for anyone with a kink towards the dark side.Great writing and story telling and another couple to add to my favourites.
Note to Authors
I would absolutely LOVE a short Novella about them a year or so down the line!
I received an Arc of We Met in Death from the Authors,in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been posted on DirtyBooksObsession
---
October 10, 2017
5 So many feels stars!
I've said it many times, but I must say it again. I am such a HUGE fan of these ladies and their books. Once again they take us on a adventure with two men that takes you from the edge of your seat action, to humor, and to a love story you completely fall in to. Their stories are unique and smartly written. I can't get enough of their books and gobble each one up. As I did this one.
The book begins with Robert walking through a cemetery while drinking and agonizing over how far his life has sunk. He's hit rock bottom and doesn't see how anything can get better. He has many regrets. Especially when it comes to his job. At the young age of sixteen he joined a gang when he wanted to make quick money. Unfortunately once you join the only way out is in a body bag. Robert decides that night to take that matter into his own hands. That is until he comes across Nathan.
Nathan left Toronto with a plan to use his looks to make money until he can save enough to open up his own business. He plans on making this money by being an escort or better yet, finding himself a sugar daddy. Things don't go well when he gets mixed up with the gang's closeted boss. The same night Robert is roaming the cemetery Nathan finds himself zipped up into a sleeping bag and is moments away from being buried alive. Robert stumbles upon two men digging a grave with a very alive corpse. He see's this as an opportunity to save a life instead of taking one. From here is when things get exciting.
Robert's first impression of Nathan is that he is the most beautiful man he's ever seen. With Robert Nathan feels a kind of safe that he has never felt before. But soon that safety is uprooted and things go amuck.
Nathan is scared and makes some mistakes that ends with Robert being on the bad end of it. It's humorous and frustrating at the same time. They have a lot of ups and downs getting back to trusting one another a 100 percent.
The romantic relationship between the two men is quite the rollercoaster ride. Nathan wants Robert and Robert wants Nathan. It's just unfortunate that Robert doesn't believe he is gay. Robert is deep in his denial and thinks he can control how he behaves. Then there is Nathan while who has depended on his looks for so long he doesn't believe anyone would want the real him. Robert's past is dark and he is drowning in his mistakes and the guilt from them. Nathan is trying to keep the hope alive that there is a chance for him and Robert, but it's hard when every time they're intimate Robert goes cold and blames his moment of weakness on Nathan. Robert was pretty awful but knowing how he was raised and then having to really tuck that part of him away because of his job you can't help but understand even if your pissed at him for it. But eventually Robert can't deny his feelings or who he is and boy when those walls came crumbling down did he and Nathan make me feel all the feels. Just so damn good together. Super sweet. Robert completely redeemed himself.
Now lets not forget that these men are in hiding and on the run. Robert's boss in closing in and soon the gig is up. Robert's family plays a big role in this, especially his brother Hank who I absolutely loved.
The ending was everything! I swooned and had the biggest smile on my face when it was over. Loved it. Loved the couple. Loved the plot. Loved it all! Pick this one up dolls!
Happy reading! xx
**I received an ARC from the author's in exchange for an honest review.**
I've said it many times, but I must say it again. I am such a HUGE fan of these ladies and their books. Once again they take us on a adventure with two men that takes you from the edge of your seat action, to humor, and to a love story you completely fall in to. Their stories are unique and smartly written. I can't get enough of their books and gobble each one up. As I did this one.
The book begins with Robert walking through a cemetery while drinking and agonizing over how far his life has sunk. He's hit rock bottom and doesn't see how anything can get better. He has many regrets. Especially when it comes to his job. At the young age of sixteen he joined a gang when he wanted to make quick money. Unfortunately once you join the only way out is in a body bag. Robert decides that night to take that matter into his own hands. That is until he comes across Nathan.
Nathan left Toronto with a plan to use his looks to make money until he can save enough to open up his own business. He plans on making this money by being an escort or better yet, finding himself a sugar daddy. Things don't go well when he gets mixed up with the gang's closeted boss. The same night Robert is roaming the cemetery Nathan finds himself zipped up into a sleeping bag and is moments away from being buried alive. Robert stumbles upon two men digging a grave with a very alive corpse. He see's this as an opportunity to save a life instead of taking one. From here is when things get exciting.
Robert's first impression of Nathan is that he is the most beautiful man he's ever seen. With Robert Nathan feels a kind of safe that he has never felt before. But soon that safety is uprooted and things go amuck.
Nathan is scared and makes some mistakes that ends with Robert being on the bad end of it. It's humorous and frustrating at the same time. They have a lot of ups and downs getting back to trusting one another a 100 percent.
The romantic relationship between the two men is quite the rollercoaster ride. Nathan wants Robert and Robert wants Nathan. It's just unfortunate that Robert doesn't believe he is gay. Robert is deep in his denial and thinks he can control how he behaves. Then there is Nathan while who has depended on his looks for so long he doesn't believe anyone would want the real him. Robert's past is dark and he is drowning in his mistakes and the guilt from them. Nathan is trying to keep the hope alive that there is a chance for him and Robert, but it's hard when every time they're intimate Robert goes cold and blames his moment of weakness on Nathan. Robert was pretty awful but knowing how he was raised and then having to really tuck that part of him away because of his job you can't help but understand even if your pissed at him for it. But eventually Robert can't deny his feelings or who he is and boy when those walls came crumbling down did he and Nathan make me feel all the feels. Just so damn good together. Super sweet. Robert completely redeemed himself.
Now lets not forget that these men are in hiding and on the run. Robert's boss in closing in and soon the gig is up. Robert's family plays a big role in this, especially his brother Hank who I absolutely loved.
The ending was everything! I swooned and had the biggest smile on my face when it was over. Loved it. Loved the couple. Loved the plot. Loved it all! Pick this one up dolls!
Happy reading! xx
**I received an ARC from the author's in exchange for an honest review.**
Read
October 9, 2017
BEHOLD! Cover by Natasha Snow <3
Coming October 10th 2017 :>
More about it?
It's a standalone, dark, contemporary M/M romance. Brooding, deeply closeted gangster meets male escort in trouble with the gangster's boss. Both about to meet death, end up setting out on a new path together. But where will it lead them? Will they escape death and destruction? Will they be able not to burn each other along the way?
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/KAMerikan...
December 31, 2019
2 Hearts
Whelp. I'm totally the odd man out regarding this story. I had high expectations just because of the inherent reputation that comes with this writing duo, and maybe that set me up for a big fat failure. I was so wanting to be wowed and wooed, but sadly, that did not happen.
Overall, I love the premise. Who doesn’t want to see a bad guy redeemed in the face of love? To be on the brink of self destruction, only to find salvation in saving another? Essentially that's what happens when Robert saves Nathan from being executed, but I struggled with their journey towards their happiness.
For me, I never really connected with either character. Robert’s own ingrained homophobia and denial were hard to take and as usual, while understandable, it was just too painful to witness how poorly he treated Nathan again and again. His extreme hot and cold manner made my head spin, rubbing me the wrong way at each occurrence. Of course, he eventually unsticks his head out of his ass, but the transition didn’t feel true to me.
Apparently too, I might not be cut out for these types of scenarios where the MC’s are on the lam. The anxiety this wrought was just too much for my fragile self. I was a nervous wreck every time Nathan put his foot in his mouth and it seemed he could never not do that. Again, though understandable that he would react possibly poorly to all the crazy surreal and scary situations he was put in, I just couldn’t easily accept how Nathan dealt with the challenges he faced.
So, I’m gonna say my opinion won’t matter much in the face of the many who have absolutely adored this. Common things that all of my friends remarked on were the action, humor, and fabulous love story that unfolded. It seems I must be a bit dead inside because I hardly felt any of that. To top it all off, the easy resolution at the end was completely unrealistic to me, despite the sweet HEA.
Having said all that, I know for sure this hasn’t hindered me from trying more from this duo in the future. They wrote Diary of a Teenage Taxidermist which is one of my favorites and one of the smexiest YA's I've ever read, so I know they have the potential to move and impress me. This just wasn’t it.
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
For Lori and Chelsea’s thoughts, please check out the blog!
Whelp. I'm totally the odd man out regarding this story. I had high expectations just because of the inherent reputation that comes with this writing duo, and maybe that set me up for a big fat failure. I was so wanting to be wowed and wooed, but sadly, that did not happen.
Overall, I love the premise. Who doesn’t want to see a bad guy redeemed in the face of love? To be on the brink of self destruction, only to find salvation in saving another? Essentially that's what happens when Robert saves Nathan from being executed, but I struggled with their journey towards their happiness.
For me, I never really connected with either character. Robert’s own ingrained homophobia and denial were hard to take and as usual, while understandable, it was just too painful to witness how poorly he treated Nathan again and again. His extreme hot and cold manner made my head spin, rubbing me the wrong way at each occurrence. Of course, he eventually unsticks his head out of his ass, but the transition didn’t feel true to me.
Apparently too, I might not be cut out for these types of scenarios where the MC’s are on the lam. The anxiety this wrought was just too much for my fragile self. I was a nervous wreck every time Nathan put his foot in his mouth and it seemed he could never not do that. Again, though understandable that he would react possibly poorly to all the crazy surreal and scary situations he was put in, I just couldn’t easily accept how Nathan dealt with the challenges he faced.
So, I’m gonna say my opinion won’t matter much in the face of the many who have absolutely adored this. Common things that all of my friends remarked on were the action, humor, and fabulous love story that unfolded. It seems I must be a bit dead inside because I hardly felt any of that. To top it all off, the easy resolution at the end was completely unrealistic to me, despite the sweet HEA.
Having said all that, I know for sure this hasn’t hindered me from trying more from this duo in the future. They wrote Diary of a Teenage Taxidermist which is one of my favorites and one of the smexiest YA's I've ever read, so I know they have the potential to move and impress me. This just wasn’t it.
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
For Lori and Chelsea’s thoughts, please check out the blog!
November 18, 2017
4.25 Stars
Robert left his apartment with a plan. He went to the cemetery with a bottle of whiskey and his handgun and decided when the bottle was empty, pulls the trigger. But just before pulling the trigger he heard sounds and saw three men wanted to bury a sack of human, alive. Robert saved Nathan (that sack of human) and killed those men and now both of them are in danger and they must run away. The one who wanted to kill Nathan is Robert’s boss!
Well, I really enjoyed this story. It was an angesty/emotional/funny and hot read and a bit dark but not as Dark as I expected. I liked both characters but Nathan a little more. He was funny, he liked to help people. I liked how Robert was at war with himself for wanting Nathan and with his denying for being gay, I liked his jealousy and wanting Nathan all for himself. I liked his protectiveness towards Nathan.
Told in dual POV, 3rd person. It’s a standalone novel. It was my first read by K.A. Merikan but definitely won’t be my last. It was well-written and well-paced. Overall, I liked it and hope you enjoy it as well!
Robert left his apartment with a plan. He went to the cemetery with a bottle of whiskey and his handgun and decided when the bottle was empty, pulls the trigger. But just before pulling the trigger he heard sounds and saw three men wanted to bury a sack of human, alive. Robert saved Nathan (that sack of human) and killed those men and now both of them are in danger and they must run away. The one who wanted to kill Nathan is Robert’s boss!
Well, I really enjoyed this story. It was an angesty/emotional/funny and hot read and a bit dark but not as Dark as I expected. I liked both characters but Nathan a little more. He was funny, he liked to help people. I liked how Robert was at war with himself for wanting Nathan and with his denying for being gay, I liked his jealousy and wanting Nathan all for himself. I liked his protectiveness towards Nathan.
Told in dual POV, 3rd person. It’s a standalone novel. It was my first read by K.A. Merikan but definitely won’t be my last. It was well-written and well-paced. Overall, I liked it and hope you enjoy it as well!
October 11, 2017
4,5 stars
Of course this story was excellent. K.A. Merikan is my favorite writing duo. Add that intriguing blurb, all those possible spoilers: crime, self-discovery, family conflict, age gap, escort, self-hate, first time, revenge, on the run and I was dying to read it.
The beginning of the book was so full of action. And some hot scenes were involved. Let these authors surprise you and you won't know what hit you.
Robert wants to leave his useless life behind. Since he was 16 he worked for a mob boss and now his guilt is unbearable. He sees no way out and he's determined to end it all.
Until he meets Nathan.
His desire to do the right thing, at least once in his miserable life, took over so he saved him.
Robert's cruel attitude towards Nathan made me want to strangle him at times. But as his past was revealed, I got to understand where he came from and I realized he had to fight his demons hard to accept himself.
I was again amazed by these authors' writing. We get many surprises and some twists and turns.
I never expected to resent Nathan's actions. He seemed so sweet and full of smiles. Total opposite to Robert's harsh words and gruff exterior.
Robert's family was a little nuts and I should admit I didn't expect them to accept Nathan and Robert's relationship.
The end of this story brought me everything I hoped for: a lot of action, suspense, bullets, blood, revenge, but also acceptance and love.
I fell for Robert and Nathan, even if them becoming a couple was mostly unlikely. I was extremely happy with Robert finally admitting who he was. Then he wanted to protect Nathan with all that he had, even his life.
I'm not rating it with 5 full stars because there were many times I wanted to punch Robert for all his denial. I couldn't believe he didn't see how much he hurt Nathan, but in the end he grew on me, more than I expected.
Great writing as always!
Oh and I must admit some of the scenes in this book reminded me of Dom and Seth's world. But this did little in quelling my longing. I miss them so bad! Until the next release in Guns n' Boys series, I might reread some of those wonderful, wonderful books.
ARC kindly provided by the authors, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Of course this story was excellent. K.A. Merikan is my favorite writing duo. Add that intriguing blurb, all those possible spoilers: crime, self-discovery, family conflict, age gap, escort, self-hate, first time, revenge, on the run and I was dying to read it.
The beginning of the book was so full of action. And some hot scenes were involved. Let these authors surprise you and you won't know what hit you.
Robert wants to leave his useless life behind. Since he was 16 he worked for a mob boss and now his guilt is unbearable. He sees no way out and he's determined to end it all.
Until he meets Nathan.
His desire to do the right thing, at least once in his miserable life, took over so he saved him.
Robert's cruel attitude towards Nathan made me want to strangle him at times. But as his past was revealed, I got to understand where he came from and I realized he had to fight his demons hard to accept himself.
I was again amazed by these authors' writing. We get many surprises and some twists and turns.
I never expected to resent Nathan's actions. He seemed so sweet and full of smiles. Total opposite to Robert's harsh words and gruff exterior.
Robert's family was a little nuts and I should admit I didn't expect them to accept Nathan and Robert's relationship.
The end of this story brought me everything I hoped for: a lot of action, suspense, bullets, blood, revenge, but also acceptance and love.
I fell for Robert and Nathan, even if them becoming a couple was mostly unlikely. I was extremely happy with Robert finally admitting who he was. Then he wanted to protect Nathan with all that he had, even his life.
I'm not rating it with 5 full stars because there were many times I wanted to punch Robert for all his denial. I couldn't believe he didn't see how much he hurt Nathan, but in the end he grew on me, more than I expected.
Great writing as always!
Oh and I must admit some of the scenes in this book reminded me of Dom and Seth's world. But this did little in quelling my longing. I miss them so bad! Until the next release in Guns n' Boys series, I might reread some of those wonderful, wonderful books.
ARC kindly provided by the authors, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
October 6, 2017
Evocative narration. Pure Noir in the plot, atmosphere and characters. One of the best books I've read this year and probably my favorite (so far) by these authors.
A love story about two men very different in all possible ways, who meet the night they were supposed to die but, instead, they are forced to survive together the dark, rough, brutal reality that surrounds them. A modern Film Noir in book form and very similar to the classics in a lot of things:
First: The beginning
To me, the first pages were poetic One of the main characters is trying to kill himself. In a cemetery. In a foggy night no less. Drunk. Sipping from a whiskey bottle and swaying among sinister tombs... Robert could have been using one of those 40's hats and he wouldn't have been out of place.
Neither would have been the first time he met Nathan. They met in death indeed.
Second: the protagonists
Robert is a tortured soul and has a huge inner conflict. Our grumpy, antihero with his rough manners and his big heart stole mine seconds after meeting him. My poor conflicted thing is kinda an homophobe in the outside but all he is in the inside is a man with a tremendous confusion and fear of the unknown. He just needs his true feelings to be outed, shouted and freed.
In Noir the main character is usually a loner, introverted and troubled man and this is also the perfect description for Robert. He is all of this but I really, really loved him, forgiving his (sometimes) miserable behavior during the first half and cheering his deep conversations and actions the last 40%
And Nathan? My vital and scared Nathan? Well, he incarnates the figure of the femme fatale. Even if there is nothing feminine about him. I'm just using the word femme because I'm doing this boring comparison with this awesome book and old classic movies. He is beautiful, tempting, sexy, funny and hot. Nathan is the Noir antagonist, the dangerous temptation, the sinful partner. But he is also a lovely and super kind human being, a free spirit with an apparently dubious morality but so full of good intentions, needs and love you can't avoid falling for him. Nathan is Robert's other half. The perfect addition and salvation for our confused man.
Third and last (end of your agony). The atmosphere and plot.
Here we have a violent, dark, gritty atmosphere where a very good plot is developed. We perceive and almost touch the fatalism, pessimism surrounding the story. This ride is not an easy one.
This is a coming out story, the beginning of a giant love but settled in a terrific frame full of dark roads, death corpses, violence, obscure nights and flashing neon signs. *sighs* As I've said, poetic.
So, summarizing, I loved the story, I love the setting and I completely love the couple. The humor as usual is outstanding and these darker heroes drives the plot masterfully making you laugh, cry, sigh and drool.
****** ARC generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review******
Reviews for Book Lovers
A love story about two men very different in all possible ways, who meet the night they were supposed to die but, instead, they are forced to survive together the dark, rough, brutal reality that surrounds them. A modern Film Noir in book form and very similar to the classics in a lot of things:
First: The beginning
To me, the first pages were poetic One of the main characters is trying to kill himself. In a cemetery. In a foggy night no less. Drunk. Sipping from a whiskey bottle and swaying among sinister tombs... Robert could have been using one of those 40's hats and he wouldn't have been out of place.
Neither would have been the first time he met Nathan. They met in death indeed.
Second: the protagonists
Robert is a tortured soul and has a huge inner conflict. Our grumpy, antihero with his rough manners and his big heart stole mine seconds after meeting him. My poor conflicted thing is kinda an homophobe in the outside but all he is in the inside is a man with a tremendous confusion and fear of the unknown. He just needs his true feelings to be outed, shouted and freed.
In Noir the main character is usually a loner, introverted and troubled man and this is also the perfect description for Robert. He is all of this but I really, really loved him, forgiving his (sometimes) miserable behavior during the first half and cheering his deep conversations and actions the last 40%
And Nathan? My vital and scared Nathan? Well, he incarnates the figure of the femme fatale. Even if there is nothing feminine about him. I'm just using the word femme because I'm doing this boring comparison with this awesome book and old classic movies. He is beautiful, tempting, sexy, funny and hot. Nathan is the Noir antagonist, the dangerous temptation, the sinful partner. But he is also a lovely and super kind human being, a free spirit with an apparently dubious morality but so full of good intentions, needs and love you can't avoid falling for him. Nathan is Robert's other half. The perfect addition and salvation for our confused man.
Third and last (end of your agony). The atmosphere and plot.
Here we have a violent, dark, gritty atmosphere where a very good plot is developed. We perceive and almost touch the fatalism, pessimism surrounding the story. This ride is not an easy one.
This is a coming out story, the beginning of a giant love but settled in a terrific frame full of dark roads, death corpses, violence, obscure nights and flashing neon signs. *sighs* As I've said, poetic.
So, summarizing, I loved the story, I love the setting and I completely love the couple. The humor as usual is outstanding and these darker heroes drives the plot masterfully making you laugh, cry, sigh and drool.
****** ARC generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review******
Reviews for Book Lovers
March 12, 2021
There is no one who writes this type of tortured and twisted romance quite like Kat and Agnes Merikan and this book is an utterly brilliant dark ride.
From the opening scene of a cemetery at night to a farmhouse shootout, this book delivers on the spooky, creepy and thrilling plot points with a side order of violence wholly in keeping with the narrative.
The Merikan guys are not heroes in the conventional sense, but they have their own code of honour which teeters on the brink of being one step above unforgivable until they meet their true loves. Then all bets are off.
Robert and Nathan are an explosive combination, screwed up, brooding, on the run and with so much baggage they should have an airport trolley to carry it.
But when Robert finally gets his head out of his backside and deals with his fears, he turns into a truly considerate and loving partner, while still worrying about his ex mobster boss and his mum finding out he's gay.
With a deft hand, the authors bring it all together for an explosive tension packed last 25% which you can't put down. Don't be put off by the cover, it perfectly sums up the film noir feel to the narrative.
#ARC kindly provided by the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review
From the opening scene of a cemetery at night to a farmhouse shootout, this book delivers on the spooky, creepy and thrilling plot points with a side order of violence wholly in keeping with the narrative.
The Merikan guys are not heroes in the conventional sense, but they have their own code of honour which teeters on the brink of being one step above unforgivable until they meet their true loves. Then all bets are off.
Robert and Nathan are an explosive combination, screwed up, brooding, on the run and with so much baggage they should have an airport trolley to carry it.
But when Robert finally gets his head out of his backside and deals with his fears, he turns into a truly considerate and loving partner, while still worrying about his ex mobster boss and his mum finding out he's gay.
With a deft hand, the authors bring it all together for an explosive tension packed last 25% which you can't put down. Don't be put off by the cover, it perfectly sums up the film noir feel to the narrative.
#ARC kindly provided by the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review
October 12, 2017
*4.5 stars*
They really did meet in death! It was the night when Robert Zidane and Nathan Edwards were supposed to die. Instead, it became the beginning of abeautiful love story.
If you only like the fluffy and sweet K.A.Merikan, don't read this book. Robert and Nathan will get their HEA but their story is a wild ride on the dark side, and they both came out of it bruised and bloodied. And so much in love!
Robert and Nathan are complex characters. Robert is the epitome of denial, drawning in self-loathing. Nathan, on the other hand, is out and proud, but he has learnt to rely on his good looks only. People can't hurt you if they don't know what's on the inside.
Robert needs a good spanking for his behaviour towards Nathan in the first half of the book. But I 've heard stories about South US and you know...considering that's where he was born and raised, plus his background and his line of "work" later on...you get the picture.
But when Robert decides to get over himself and be there for Nathan, or rather be there with Nathan, prepare yourselves to get wooed.
I really liked Robert's family. More often than not, families are represented as overly supportive, or overly evil. The Zidanes are offensive and close minded at first. But their behaviour comes from ignorance rather than hate. And when there's love, everyone can turn around at some point, which is exactly what happened here.
As expected, the last 10% of the book had the trademark heart-pounding, breath hitching action. It's in these scenes that the MC's love for each other shines.
It's no secret that I'm a fan of these authors, and I'll read anything they put out there. But, it's these dark, gritty, out-of-the box love stories that get me the most. The type of stories that are here to say that love can be found in the most brutal, impossible places. Like a cemetery.
Highly recommended!
They really did meet in death! It was the night when Robert Zidane and Nathan Edwards were supposed to die. Instead, it became the beginning of a
If you only like the fluffy and sweet K.A.Merikan, don't read this book. Robert and Nathan will get their HEA but their story is a wild ride on the dark side, and they both came out of it bruised and bloodied. And so much in love!
Robert and Nathan are complex characters. Robert is the epitome of denial, drawning in self-loathing. Nathan, on the other hand, is out and proud, but he has learnt to rely on his good looks only. People can't hurt you if they don't know what's on the inside.
Robert needs a good spanking for his behaviour towards Nathan in the first half of the book. But I 've heard stories about South US and you know...considering that's where he was born and raised, plus his background and his line of "work" later on...you get the picture.
But when Robert decides to get over himself and be there for Nathan, or rather be there with Nathan, prepare yourselves to get wooed.
I really liked Robert's family. More often than not, families are represented as overly supportive, or overly evil. The Zidanes are offensive and close minded at first. But their behaviour comes from ignorance rather than hate. And when there's love, everyone can turn around at some point, which is exactly what happened here.
As expected, the last 10% of the book had the trademark heart-pounding, breath hitching action. It's in these scenes that the MC's love for each other shines.
It's no secret that I'm a fan of these authors, and I'll read anything they put out there. But, it's these dark, gritty, out-of-the box love stories that get me the most. The type of stories that are here to say that love can be found in the most brutal, impossible places. Like a cemetery.
Highly recommended!
July 8, 2018
DNF @51%
Warning : This review is going to contain lots of swear words cause I am pissed
I was basically glued to my ebook all the way until I reached 50%
Then, I got bored.
Once it hits 50% mark, the readers are introduced to Robert's family. Which I could not give two rat's ass about. Not only that, they also deals with the teenage sister's crush and shit.
I mean, fuck. I thought these two are running and hiding for their lives. But they got time to play house and take care of Robert's sister's crush?
I mean, I fucking guess?
The push and pull between Robert and Nathan was good at first. But after I went past 50%, there still wasn't a lot going on between these two other than the heat-of-the-moment horniness and Robert continuously denying that he doesn't like to suck dick
I get it.
Robert is straight as a pole. Robert says no no to men. Robert despises dick.
But also.
Robert wants to be fucked. Robert wants to suck dick. Robert wants to swallow cum.
Robert.
MAKE. UP. YOUR. FUCKING. DAMN. MIND
If you like dick, that's fine.
If you like pussy, that's fine too.
Just make up your damn mind, dude.
Don't blow things out of proportion. It's just sex for fucks sake.
Blog : Click here for more of me. (In writing form of course)
Warning : This review is going to contain lots of swear words cause I am pissed
I was basically glued to my ebook all the way until I reached 50%
Then, I got bored.
Once it hits 50% mark, the readers are introduced to Robert's family. Which I could not give two rat's ass about. Not only that, they also deals with the teenage sister's crush and shit.
I mean, fuck. I thought these two are running and hiding for their lives. But they got time to play house and take care of Robert's sister's crush?
I mean, I fucking guess?
The push and pull between Robert and Nathan was good at first. But after I went past 50%, there still wasn't a lot going on between these two other than the heat-of-the-moment horniness and Robert continuously denying that he doesn't like to suck dick
I get it.
Robert is straight as a pole. Robert says no no to men. Robert despises dick.
But also.
Robert wants to be fucked. Robert wants to suck dick. Robert wants to swallow cum.
Robert.
MAKE. UP. YOUR. FUCKING. DAMN. MIND
If you like dick, that's fine.
If you like pussy, that's fine too.
Just make up your damn mind, dude.
Don't blow things out of proportion. It's just sex for fucks sake.
Blog : Click here for more of me. (In writing form of course)
October 6, 2017
K.A. Merikan has done it again! We Met In Death is a deliciously deviant, sexy, dark, twisted romance that is perfectly gripping and highly entertaining! This writing duo never lets me down when I want UNIQUE, DARK, GRITTY, SEXY, MYSTERY, PERFECT ANTI-HERO CHARACTERS and more...all I have to do is open up a K.A. Merikan book and I am set!
The setup to this story is so unique and the setting and staging of the opening to the book and characters was so vivid, I felt like I was right there with the characters. Very rarely do authors paint such a vivid picture and take time to bring the reader into the setting, it reminded me of a gothic romance.
"It was a good night to die.
The full moon above was a blurry ball of light, very much visible even in the fog that flooded the old cemetery. Its glow dispersed in the damp air, creating what looked like opaque glass walls that followed Robert as he rambled between tombstones with a bottle of whiskey in hand. Trees stretched their arms above him, some boldly black against the sinewy blue, the ones farther away only a fraction darker than the backdrop of colored air. A vast landscape surrounded him , yet Robert couldn’t see much of it, confined to what was within a few paces, as if he were walking the world with ghosts already."...
"The moonlight spilled over the gravestones like milk, allowing Robert to admire each marble angel or cross as if this were a gallery, not the final resting place of so many people. Too bad he wouldn’t be getting one of those. Oh, well. Dying wasn’t all about pretty graves."
The MC in this story, Robert & Nathan, are both well-developed and multi-faceted. Robert, he's a tormented person and haunted by life choices and responsibilities not to mention totally closeted and cutoff from any personal connections. Then there is Nathan. Nathan who is trying to survive using his body in trade, with hopes for a future where he can stand on his own; he's thrown into a world of crime, death, and fear. The person he has to rely on to survive very well could be the one to kill him in the end. Death and the will to survive throw these two men together - lust, quick thinking, and base instincts keep them alive -- can these two get a happy ending when their relationship is soaked in blood?
“I know. I’m not a nice person. I’ve done many bad things. But you make me want to be a better man. You’re not just handsome. You make me feel like I might still do something good with my life.”
I.Loved.This.Book! Having found this writing duo when I read their Guns 'n Boys series, I know how twisted and dark these two can be and how much they can put their characters through. I am always eager to see where they will take me with each new story. I admit that I always feel slightly bipolar when I read one of Merikan's books because my emotions are all over the place! By the end of each Merikan book I am usually left with a book-hangover of epic proportions, this story was no exception.
The chemistry in this story was pretty steamy. Although there was some issues in the beginning with Robert and his coming to terms, the lust and sexual tension was always there between Robert & Nathan. That UST just ramped up the heat between these two and made their sexual encounters all the better!
I highly recommend this book, especially if you are a fan of dark, gritty, and raw romance ~ you will love, We Met In Death.
5 Deliciously Deviant Stars!
Review Copy of We Met In Death provided by K.A. Merikan for an honest Review.
The setup to this story is so unique and the setting and staging of the opening to the book and characters was so vivid, I felt like I was right there with the characters. Very rarely do authors paint such a vivid picture and take time to bring the reader into the setting, it reminded me of a gothic romance.
"It was a good night to die.
The full moon above was a blurry ball of light, very much visible even in the fog that flooded the old cemetery. Its glow dispersed in the damp air, creating what looked like opaque glass walls that followed Robert as he rambled between tombstones with a bottle of whiskey in hand. Trees stretched their arms above him, some boldly black against the sinewy blue, the ones farther away only a fraction darker than the backdrop of colored air. A vast landscape surrounded him , yet Robert couldn’t see much of it, confined to what was within a few paces, as if he were walking the world with ghosts already."...
"The moonlight spilled over the gravestones like milk, allowing Robert to admire each marble angel or cross as if this were a gallery, not the final resting place of so many people. Too bad he wouldn’t be getting one of those. Oh, well. Dying wasn’t all about pretty graves."
The MC in this story, Robert & Nathan, are both well-developed and multi-faceted. Robert, he's a tormented person and haunted by life choices and responsibilities not to mention totally closeted and cutoff from any personal connections. Then there is Nathan. Nathan who is trying to survive using his body in trade, with hopes for a future where he can stand on his own; he's thrown into a world of crime, death, and fear. The person he has to rely on to survive very well could be the one to kill him in the end. Death and the will to survive throw these two men together - lust, quick thinking, and base instincts keep them alive -- can these two get a happy ending when their relationship is soaked in blood?
“I know. I’m not a nice person. I’ve done many bad things. But you make me want to be a better man. You’re not just handsome. You make me feel like I might still do something good with my life.”
I.Loved.This.Book! Having found this writing duo when I read their Guns 'n Boys series, I know how twisted and dark these two can be and how much they can put their characters through. I am always eager to see where they will take me with each new story. I admit that I always feel slightly bipolar when I read one of Merikan's books because my emotions are all over the place! By the end of each Merikan book I am usually left with a book-hangover of epic proportions, this story was no exception.
The chemistry in this story was pretty steamy. Although there was some issues in the beginning with Robert and his coming to terms, the lust and sexual tension was always there between Robert & Nathan. That UST just ramped up the heat between these two and made their sexual encounters all the better!
I highly recommend this book, especially if you are a fan of dark, gritty, and raw romance ~ you will love, We Met In Death.
5 Deliciously Deviant Stars!
Review Copy of We Met In Death provided by K.A. Merikan for an honest Review.
October 8, 2017
A story about redemption, forgiveness, acceptance…
K.A. Merikan did it again. This new installment is so dark, bloody, and violent which makes it an amazing book.
Besides, I adore that Kat and Agnes know how to write a dark story without being too much. They add the perfect amount of humor and sweetness to melt my heart.
As always, you’ll find unconventional characters between these pages. Kat and Agnes created two opposite men who complement each other so perfectly.
Robert.- he’s the definition of tall, dark and broody. His choice of work has him surrounded by violence and blood. He has hurt so many people and he thinks he can’t live with his actions anymore until one night he sees the perfect opportunity to make something right.
Nathan.- he’s funny, full of life and smiles. He’s an escort and he had his life planned: find a sugar daddy, save up, and open a hotel. Sadly for him, he can’t carry out those plans because his life turns upside down when he sleeps with the wrong guy.
The story was absolutely brilliant. The ‘what’s going to happen next’ kept me on the edge of my seat. I know Agnes and Kate don’t hesitate to make harsh decisions for their characters (a thing I love) and because of that I was so worried and scared for my babies. They went through too much already and through the whole book, the pain and suffering almost never stop.
But I promise you there are some beautiful and hot moments too! Robert and Nathan were incredible hot together, the UST was so intense and the sex so hot that my kindle was going to burn! And the things they said to each other!! Oh, my gash… I was swooning and sighing constantly.
The writing was exquisite as always, but it had some typos and missing commas. Nothing that a good editing can’t fix and I hope they will fix it for the release day.
Overall, this was an excellent story and it goes directly to my favorite bookshelf. I laughed, I cried, I gasped, I sighed. Everything!
We Met in Death is a journey of redemption, acceptance and healing that I totally recommend!
I received an Arc of We Met in Death from the Authors, in exchange for an honest review.
K.A. Merikan did it again. This new installment is so dark, bloody, and violent which makes it an amazing book.
Besides, I adore that Kat and Agnes know how to write a dark story without being too much. They add the perfect amount of humor and sweetness to melt my heart.
As always, you’ll find unconventional characters between these pages. Kat and Agnes created two opposite men who complement each other so perfectly.
Robert.- he’s the definition of tall, dark and broody. His choice of work has him surrounded by violence and blood. He has hurt so many people and he thinks he can’t live with his actions anymore until one night he sees the perfect opportunity to make something right.
Nathan.- he’s funny, full of life and smiles. He’s an escort and he had his life planned: find a sugar daddy, save up, and open a hotel. Sadly for him, he can’t carry out those plans because his life turns upside down when he sleeps with the wrong guy.
The story was absolutely brilliant. The ‘what’s going to happen next’ kept me on the edge of my seat. I know Agnes and Kate don’t hesitate to make harsh decisions for their characters (a thing I love) and because of that I was so worried and scared for my babies. They went through too much already and through the whole book, the pain and suffering almost never stop.
But I promise you there are some beautiful and hot moments too! Robert and Nathan were incredible hot together, the UST was so intense and the sex so hot that my kindle was going to burn! And the things they said to each other!! Oh, my gash… I was swooning and sighing constantly.
The writing was exquisite as always, but it had some typos and missing commas. Nothing that a good editing can’t fix and I hope they will fix it for the release day.
Overall, this was an excellent story and it goes directly to my favorite bookshelf. I laughed, I cried, I gasped, I sighed. Everything!
We Met in Death is a journey of redemption, acceptance and healing that I totally recommend!
I received an Arc of We Met in Death from the Authors, in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2017
Unfortunately this one did not work for me.
Maybe I was in the wrong mood, but Robert and Nathan and their story left me shaking my head. I am disappointed because, so far, I've liked everything I've read by these authors. But I had too many issues with the characters and the plot.
Most likely a case of "it's me, not the book."
Maybe I was in the wrong mood, but Robert and Nathan and their story left me shaking my head. I am disappointed because, so far, I've liked everything I've read by these authors. But I had too many issues with the characters and the plot.
Most likely a case of "it's me, not the book."
October 18, 2017
We Met In Death is a dark romance with fast-paced action and a message about always being able to turn your life around.
The main characters did things that can't be forgiven or undone, but since this is fiction I'm not going to focus on that. Instead, I'm going to emphasize on the fact that they were able to change the course of their lives and make a new start. Robert, more than Nathan, had a lot on his conscience and for many years did awful things but he was able to put all that behind him and make something better of himself.
On the night he had planned to end his life, because that was the only way out of his current situation that he could think of, he came across Nathan in a cemetary. It was the night Nathan was supposed to die too.
What was their last night turned out to be the beginning. They went through way too much together. They ran and they went into hiding, they broke many laws, they faced betrayal and prejudice. They also witnessed kindness and support from people who seemed the least likely to help them.
Family ties don't break easily and that became very apparent here. Even after years of estrangement, Robert's family came together in order to help him and Nathan. They provided them with a place to lay low and they lied in order to save them.
At the beginning of the story I though I was in for a road trip story and two guys crossing a continent while on the run from a loan shark. After an unexpected plot-twist, what I got in the end was an amazing story about family, loyalty and love.
I have to say that I wasn't a big fan of Nathan at the beginning of the story. He kept making mistakes and getting them in more trouble. Fortunately, that changed soon and he became a very likeable character.
My favorite of the two though was Robert. He was such a complex character. He did bad things, he felt remorse for them but he still kept doing them. He made many mistakes in his past, which was a dark one, but once he found that one person he connected with he was prepared to endure everything in order to save him. The same went for his family. Even though he hadn't seen or talked to them in years, even though he didn't have any real connection with them or really knew most of them, he cared for them, he defended them with vengeance and he was ready to sacrifice himself in order to save them. Granted, they were in danger because of him but still...
At the beginning and for more than half the book, Robert kept going back and forth in whether he liked Nathan. He had an erratic behavior and changed his mind from one breath to the next. He didn't want to accept his feelings and treated Nathan very poorly. That brought some relationship angst to the story which was necessary in order for Robert to accept himself and open up to a future with Nathan.
The last few chapters of the book packed so much action and suspence that I was on the edge of my seat while reading. That shows to me how well-written it was since it's very rare that a book is able to get that reaction from me for an action scene.
After all that nail chewing, the vibe of the story changed completely and a sweet epilogue gave our characters their hard-won happily ever after.
I enjoyed reading We Met In Death very much and I think it's a must-read story for the lovers of dark romance.
Finally, I want to mention that amazing cover from Natasha Snow. It's so perfect and fitting for the story.
5 stars
This review has been cross-posted on The Novel Approach Reviews.
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the authors via The Novel Approach Reviews in exchange for an honest review. *
The main characters did things that can't be forgiven or undone, but since this is fiction I'm not going to focus on that. Instead, I'm going to emphasize on the fact that they were able to change the course of their lives and make a new start. Robert, more than Nathan, had a lot on his conscience and for many years did awful things but he was able to put all that behind him and make something better of himself.
On the night he had planned to end his life, because that was the only way out of his current situation that he could think of, he came across Nathan in a cemetary. It was the night Nathan was supposed to die too.
What was their last night turned out to be the beginning. They went through way too much together. They ran and they went into hiding, they broke many laws, they faced betrayal and prejudice. They also witnessed kindness and support from people who seemed the least likely to help them.
Family ties don't break easily and that became very apparent here. Even after years of estrangement, Robert's family came together in order to help him and Nathan. They provided them with a place to lay low and they lied in order to save them.
At the beginning of the story I though I was in for a road trip story and two guys crossing a continent while on the run from a loan shark. After an unexpected plot-twist, what I got in the end was an amazing story about family, loyalty and love.
I have to say that I wasn't a big fan of Nathan at the beginning of the story. He kept making mistakes and getting them in more trouble. Fortunately, that changed soon and he became a very likeable character.
My favorite of the two though was Robert. He was such a complex character. He did bad things, he felt remorse for them but he still kept doing them. He made many mistakes in his past, which was a dark one, but once he found that one person he connected with he was prepared to endure everything in order to save him. The same went for his family. Even though he hadn't seen or talked to them in years, even though he didn't have any real connection with them or really knew most of them, he cared for them, he defended them with vengeance and he was ready to sacrifice himself in order to save them. Granted, they were in danger because of him but still...
At the beginning and for more than half the book, Robert kept going back and forth in whether he liked Nathan. He had an erratic behavior and changed his mind from one breath to the next. He didn't want to accept his feelings and treated Nathan very poorly. That brought some relationship angst to the story which was necessary in order for Robert to accept himself and open up to a future with Nathan.
The last few chapters of the book packed so much action and suspence that I was on the edge of my seat while reading. That shows to me how well-written it was since it's very rare that a book is able to get that reaction from me for an action scene.
After all that nail chewing, the vibe of the story changed completely and a sweet epilogue gave our characters their hard-won happily ever after.
I enjoyed reading We Met In Death very much and I think it's a must-read story for the lovers of dark romance.
Finally, I want to mention that amazing cover from Natasha Snow. It's so perfect and fitting for the story.
5 stars
This review has been cross-posted on The Novel Approach Reviews.
*An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me by the authors via The Novel Approach Reviews in exchange for an honest review. *
October 15, 2017
Robert Zidane is a killer. He's been working for a notorious gangster in Houston for twenty years and though he's never liked the things he's done, he did them, anyway and he knows there is only one way out -- death. But even that plan doesn't go as expected and instead, Robert ends up saving the life of Nathan, who was about to be killed by men who work for the same gangster. Robert kills when he needs to and does it without much thought. But the guilt he carries weighs him down.
Nathan is young -- in his mid-twenties -- and he's looking for easy money. So, he escorts for Houston's conservative and closeted rich men. But, one thing he didn't think about was that some people might not want to risk, even a little, being found out. Nathan found that out the hard way and if it weren't for Robert, it would have ended with him in a shallow grave.
We Met in Death is dark, just like I love from this writing duo. The MC's are morally flexible and one thing I love about the characters these ladies create is just how much of a study in contradictions they are. Robert is, in turns, tender and brutal. Nathan is naive and worldly. Neither MC is emotionally stable and, yet, they are perfect for one another. At least once Robert starts to come to terms with his sexuality.
In fact, there were only a couple things I really had trouble with. One was just how much Robert ran hot & cold when it came to his attraction to Nathan. He was completely smitten with Nathan, but would cruelly push him away after sex because of his own self-loathing. I kind of wanted to smack Robert with his own book for a while there. And Nathan could be hopelessly stupid, at times, because he just didn't think things through, and that tendency nearly got them both killed on more than one occasion.
But I was thoroughly entertained by this story. We Met in Death is violent, bloody, and dark, just like I have come to love from KA Merikan, because it's also tender, loving, and sweet. It's a dichotomy that not many authors can achieve, but these ladies manage to do with aplomb. If you're a fan of the gritty darkness that KA Merikan serves up, you won't be disappointed with We Met in Death.
------------------
ARC of We Met in Death was generously provided by the authors, in exchange for an honest review.
Nathan is young -- in his mid-twenties -- and he's looking for easy money. So, he escorts for Houston's conservative and closeted rich men. But, one thing he didn't think about was that some people might not want to risk, even a little, being found out. Nathan found that out the hard way and if it weren't for Robert, it would have ended with him in a shallow grave.
We Met in Death is dark, just like I love from this writing duo. The MC's are morally flexible and one thing I love about the characters these ladies create is just how much of a study in contradictions they are. Robert is, in turns, tender and brutal. Nathan is naive and worldly. Neither MC is emotionally stable and, yet, they are perfect for one another. At least once Robert starts to come to terms with his sexuality.
In fact, there were only a couple things I really had trouble with. One was just how much Robert ran hot & cold when it came to his attraction to Nathan. He was completely smitten with Nathan, but would cruelly push him away after sex because of his own self-loathing. I kind of wanted to smack Robert with his own book for a while there. And Nathan could be hopelessly stupid, at times, because he just didn't think things through, and that tendency nearly got them both killed on more than one occasion.
But I was thoroughly entertained by this story. We Met in Death is violent, bloody, and dark, just like I have come to love from KA Merikan, because it's also tender, loving, and sweet. It's a dichotomy that not many authors can achieve, but these ladies manage to do with aplomb. If you're a fan of the gritty darkness that KA Merikan serves up, you won't be disappointed with We Met in Death.
------------------
ARC of We Met in Death was generously provided by the authors, in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2017
4.5 stars
Kat and Agnes write the most beautiful dark stories I've ever read.
Their stories are gritty but so enjoyable. I personally have a hard time with dark romance but this duo always makes me love their books.
Now let's meet our guys.
Robert and Nathan meet in death.
Robert is pretty much done with the life he has been living for years, he is ready to leave everything behind until Nathan.
Nathan has an idea of what he wants from life, he has dreams but those get taken away one night when one of his tricks decides his time is over.
These two couldn't be more different, they bond after their chance meeting and Nathan feels safe with Robert, even if he can be a dick sometimes.
There were some moments were Robert broke my heart along with Nathan's. but even in those moments, Nathan's safety was his priority.
The journey these two take is crazy! there were so many moments were I was holding my breath and so afraid for them.
The theme of the book was done perfectly, I was so immersed in Roberts family and what was going on in their lives.
One of the things I love about K.A's stories is that even if horrofic things happen, in the end there's always happiness. I was so glad for Robert, he finally had the chance to be free and be who is meant to be and my boy Nathan found not only happiness but a family and purpose.
As usual I was left wanting more, I wanna see these guys in a couple of years. a novella maybe? I don't care, just give me more.
Kat and Agnes write the most beautiful dark stories I've ever read.
Their stories are gritty but so enjoyable. I personally have a hard time with dark romance but this duo always makes me love their books.
Now let's meet our guys.
Robert and Nathan meet in death.
Robert is pretty much done with the life he has been living for years, he is ready to leave everything behind until Nathan.
Nathan has an idea of what he wants from life, he has dreams but those get taken away one night when one of his tricks decides his time is over.
These two couldn't be more different, they bond after their chance meeting and Nathan feels safe with Robert, even if he can be a dick sometimes.
There were some moments were Robert broke my heart along with Nathan's. but even in those moments, Nathan's safety was his priority.
The journey these two take is crazy! there were so many moments were I was holding my breath and so afraid for them.
The theme of the book was done perfectly, I was so immersed in Roberts family and what was going on in their lives.
One of the things I love about K.A's stories is that even if horrofic things happen, in the end there's always happiness. I was so glad for Robert, he finally had the chance to be free and be who is meant to be and my boy Nathan found not only happiness but a family and purpose.
As usual I was left wanting more, I wanna see these guys in a couple of years. a novella maybe? I don't care, just give me more.
October 11, 2017
Talk about being in the closet !!! Robert, a career gangster hiding his sexuality so deeply, finds himself at the end of everything. Ready to end it all he spots something strange going on and realizes 3 goons are about to kill someone in a body bag. Enter Nathan ❤️the sweet gorgeous Nathan. From this moment on both Robert and Nathan are connected. Robert acts as the protector and struggles with his feelings for Nathan. Nathan clings to Robert but holds his own and is determined not to be forced into any closet! Robert seeks help from his family and the truth is slowly uncovered. This story was a real clash of past and present- letting go of the old and desperately trying to move forward. A gritty read, but well worth it
Read
September 20, 2023DNF @ 45%..
i tried, i just couldn't connect with either character and i lost interest early on.. i tried to push through but nothing really helped. Bummed because i was on a roll with KA Merikan books being wins for me. oh well can't win them all. haha on to the next!
i tried, i just couldn't connect with either character and i lost interest early on.. i tried to push through but nothing really helped. Bummed because i was on a roll with KA Merikan books being wins for me. oh well can't win them all. haha on to the next!
October 12, 2017
First of all, did you see THAT COVER?!
If not, then I suggest you scroll up and take a good look. It's amazeballs.
They say you should not judge a book by it's cover, right? I think NOT. You should totally let yourself be lured by this beautifulness.
These authors know how to write a dark and somewhat crazy story just right, and I'm a fan.
I enjoyed all the books I read by them, but this is my favorite so far. They somehow managed to take all kinds of different themes, throw them together in one story, and make it work! This book has mobsters, hurt-comfort, family drama, homophobia, coming out, torture and gore, sweet love and so on...and it was awesome!
This book is a crazy ride from the very start. It starts with our MC - Robert - planning to kill himself. He's tired of his miserable life working for a loan shark, and decides to end it all on one faithful night. He doesn't plan on stumbling upon a few guys (who coincidently work with him) trying to kill a beautiful young man, but he can't ignore it. He decides to save the man from sure death and sees it as an act of redemption for his previous crimes, but he doesn't expect to be so attracted to the almost-victim, Nathan.
Nathan is a beautiful and fragile soul. Even though he had a not-so-happy past, he's positive, charming and funny. He's working as an escort in order to save money for the future, he has big plans, but it all crumbles when he finds himself in a dangerous situation. After Robert saves him, he can't help but feel attracted to his handsome and broody savior. But Robert is deeply closeted, and even though he wants Nathan BAD, he refuses to admit it.
From there on it's pretty much the two of them against the world, and I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll stop here. I'll just say that I wasn't expecting the story to go in that direction and I was a bit worried about how it was going to turn out. But I'm glad to say that it was all good, and I enjoyed the storyline a lot!
The sexy times were...
Seriously, some of the best sex scenes I read by these authors. 5 stars for that!!
I liked the MCs a lot. Probably Nathan a bit more, mostly because Robert had some punch-worthy moments and sometimes I really wanted to hurt him. But you know me, I just love my assholes, especially when they know how to beg and woo in the end. And let's just say that Robert knows how to give a good woo.
This book has it all - dark stuff, twisted romance, engaging storyline, compelling couple, a drool-worthy cover, and verrrry hot sex. What more could you want?
Highly recommended!!
4.5 stars!
If not, then I suggest you scroll up and take a good look. It's amazeballs.
They say you should not judge a book by it's cover, right? I think NOT. You should totally let yourself be lured by this beautifulness.
These authors know how to write a dark and somewhat crazy story just right, and I'm a fan.
I enjoyed all the books I read by them, but this is my favorite so far. They somehow managed to take all kinds of different themes, throw them together in one story, and make it work! This book has mobsters, hurt-comfort, family drama, homophobia, coming out, torture and gore, sweet love and so on...and it was awesome!
This book is a crazy ride from the very start. It starts with our MC - Robert - planning to kill himself. He's tired of his miserable life working for a loan shark, and decides to end it all on one faithful night. He doesn't plan on stumbling upon a few guys (who coincidently work with him) trying to kill a beautiful young man, but he can't ignore it. He decides to save the man from sure death and sees it as an act of redemption for his previous crimes, but he doesn't expect to be so attracted to the almost-victim, Nathan.
Nathan is a beautiful and fragile soul. Even though he had a not-so-happy past, he's positive, charming and funny. He's working as an escort in order to save money for the future, he has big plans, but it all crumbles when he finds himself in a dangerous situation. After Robert saves him, he can't help but feel attracted to his handsome and broody savior. But Robert is deeply closeted, and even though he wants Nathan BAD, he refuses to admit it.
From there on it's pretty much the two of them against the world, and I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll stop here. I'll just say that I wasn't expecting the story to go in that direction and I was a bit worried about how it was going to turn out. But I'm glad to say that it was all good, and I enjoyed the storyline a lot!
The sexy times were...
Seriously, some of the best sex scenes I read by these authors. 5 stars for that!!
I liked the MCs a lot. Probably Nathan a bit more, mostly because Robert had some punch-worthy moments and sometimes I really wanted to hurt him. But you know me, I just love my assholes, especially when they know how to beg and woo in the end. And let's just say that Robert knows how to give a good woo.
This book has it all - dark stuff, twisted romance, engaging storyline, compelling couple, a drool-worthy cover, and verrrry hot sex. What more could you want?
Highly recommended!!
4.5 stars!
January 15, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, plot and grit. The romantic relationship between Robert and Nathan was quite the rollercoaster ride. Not as dark as I expected, but it was unpredictable, the plot was well done, and I loved the angst. I had a hard time connecting at the the first half of the book because it was just a little all over the place for me. But I’m so glad I pushed through because the rest of the book was unbelievably good and it has heartwarming epilogue. My first K.A. Merikan experience and it was a good start. Aaaaaaand the cover is so aesthetically pleasing!!
May 12, 2021
The Merikans have done it again, managed to find the most perfect opposites attract couple and bring them together… in the most unusual way. That opening scene! It doesn't get any better than that.
Beautifully performed by Wyatt Baker, nobody else performs a KA Merikan story like he can.
an audiobook copy of Unlovable Bastard for the purpose of my honest review
Beautifully performed by Wyatt Baker, nobody else performs a KA Merikan story like he can.
an audiobook copy of Unlovable Bastard for the purpose of my honest review
December 9, 2020
"His soft lips were everything Robert could dream of. Just as he'd expected, more delicious than the ice cream topped with gold."
Straight to the point, the first half felt shaky to me. It was okay and didn't wow me. It was this push and pull kind of relationship between them. It was amusing to see their banter but at the same frustrating a bit. However the next half, the moment when Nathan and Robert finally opened themselves, finally captured my interest. The ending was so good though! It was the type of ending you just knew was very hard-earned.
October 1, 2018
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
Le Merikan sono una garanzia, qualunque storia raccontino e qualunque genere tocchino sono assolutamente geniali. Non hanno nessun timore di sperimentare, di mischiare e di intrecciare svariati generi. Che sia dolcezza ed arcobaleni infiniti, dark crudo e volgare, fantasy o realtà, loro sono perfette. La scrittura ricca di particolari, la fluidità che porta a divorare i loro libri in un turbinio di emozioni le rende delle vere regine nel panorama dei romance lgbt.
Soprattutto durante questa lettura però mi è saltata all'occhio una cosa che diamo per scontato troppe volte: la perfezione assoluta della traduzione e la meravigliosa trasposizione italiana che hanno reso questo romanzo perfetto, fluido con un linguaggio quasi musicale. Sono convinta che sia stata un'impresa non facile, quindi complimenti. Due uomini stanno pagando il prezzo delle loro scelte davanti alla morte ma il destino ha altri piani e l’intrecciarsi dei loro cammini li porterà verso la redenzione e l'accettazione, la pace e la normalità, almeno fino a quando la morte non tornerà a richiedere il suo tributo. Due uomini all'opposto, due personalità così distanti, Robert e Nathan ognuno delineato perfettamente: dall'esteriorità che mostrano al mondo fino ai demoni interiori, le paure e il dolore. Robert è la negazione dell'io, corroso dai peccati compiuti, crudo, duro, in lotta continua tra istinto e razionalità. Nei momenti dove si lascia andare è capace anche di umanità e tenerezza, ma appena i muri risalgono e la negazione prende il sopravvento si trasforma in un vero bullo, il peggiore a mio avviso, parole atte a ferire, denigrare ed uccidere dentro il povero Nathan. Dal canto suo Nathan che sembra così superficiale all'inizio e poco di spessore esteriormente, si dimostra un uomo generoso e meraviglioso, desideroso di essere accettato per quello che è davvero nel profondo. Ha compiuto degli errori in nome di questo bisogno e ne sta pagando il prezzo ma invece di soccombere, dimostra forza e determinazione pur di non rinunciare al suo diritto di essere gay, di essere "IO". Ho provato una profonda empatia per entrambi, pena per le loro sofferenze e i loro turbamenti. La loro rocambolesca avventura per sfuggire alla morte è un mix di azioni violente, pensieri cupi, parole crudeli, momenti di dolcezza e sesso bollente, di conoscenza di se stessi e dell'altro, di accettazione e di speranze. Bello, intenso e molto profondo si toccano tantissimi aspetti come l'ignoranza che genera denigrazione e bullismo, cattiveria e violenza gratuita…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
Le Merikan sono una garanzia, qualunque storia raccontino e qualunque genere tocchino sono assolutamente geniali. Non hanno nessun timore di sperimentare, di mischiare e di intrecciare svariati generi. Che sia dolcezza ed arcobaleni infiniti, dark crudo e volgare, fantasy o realtà, loro sono perfette. La scrittura ricca di particolari, la fluidità che porta a divorare i loro libri in un turbinio di emozioni le rende delle vere regine nel panorama dei romance lgbt.
Soprattutto durante questa lettura però mi è saltata all'occhio una cosa che diamo per scontato troppe volte: la perfezione assoluta della traduzione e la meravigliosa trasposizione italiana che hanno reso questo romanzo perfetto, fluido con un linguaggio quasi musicale. Sono convinta che sia stata un'impresa non facile, quindi complimenti. Due uomini stanno pagando il prezzo delle loro scelte davanti alla morte ma il destino ha altri piani e l’intrecciarsi dei loro cammini li porterà verso la redenzione e l'accettazione, la pace e la normalità, almeno fino a quando la morte non tornerà a richiedere il suo tributo. Due uomini all'opposto, due personalità così distanti, Robert e Nathan ognuno delineato perfettamente: dall'esteriorità che mostrano al mondo fino ai demoni interiori, le paure e il dolore. Robert è la negazione dell'io, corroso dai peccati compiuti, crudo, duro, in lotta continua tra istinto e razionalità. Nei momenti dove si lascia andare è capace anche di umanità e tenerezza, ma appena i muri risalgono e la negazione prende il sopravvento si trasforma in un vero bullo, il peggiore a mio avviso, parole atte a ferire, denigrare ed uccidere dentro il povero Nathan. Dal canto suo Nathan che sembra così superficiale all'inizio e poco di spessore esteriormente, si dimostra un uomo generoso e meraviglioso, desideroso di essere accettato per quello che è davvero nel profondo. Ha compiuto degli errori in nome di questo bisogno e ne sta pagando il prezzo ma invece di soccombere, dimostra forza e determinazione pur di non rinunciare al suo diritto di essere gay, di essere "IO". Ho provato una profonda empatia per entrambi, pena per le loro sofferenze e i loro turbamenti. La loro rocambolesca avventura per sfuggire alla morte è un mix di azioni violente, pensieri cupi, parole crudeli, momenti di dolcezza e sesso bollente, di conoscenza di se stessi e dell'altro, di accettazione e di speranze. Bello, intenso e molto profondo si toccano tantissimi aspetti come l'ignoranza che genera denigrazione e bullismo, cattiveria e violenza gratuita…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
July 10, 2024
Yeah, this definitely didn't disappoint.
It took me a while to get into the story, but it soon got very interesting, so ever since Robert and Nathan first met, everything they've been through and how it all ended - it all sits right with me and for that I'm giving this book 4⭐.
What was missing was definitely another short chapter before the epilogue, I kind of wanted to know more about their life in their little house in the countryside and how they live as an open couple in that small town, but other than that - everything was really good.
🟡 Hitman for a gang (white collar gangster, MMC is a highschool drop out)/An escort for the rich (rent boy)
🔵 Hitman saves the rent boy from certain death
🟢 On the run
🟣 Gay/closeted
🟡 Homophobia (from family) and Robert himself
"Robert not only claimed he wasn’t gay, he’d also told Nathan that he shouldn’t be either. So no matter how miserable and small it made Nathan feel, he’d stick to eviscerating himself of sexuality."
🟠 Age gap - early 20's/36
🌶️ Good smut, just enough, descriptive, intimacy, blowjobs, cuddling, penetrative, first time with a man; t/b
What we don't know until the second half of the book is that Robert, the 36-year old hitman, is Algerian-American. Not only that, it seemed in the first half he's closeted and hasn't had any kind of sexual experience with anyone overall, but we later find out he's been with heaps of women, so - he's closeted since 16 years old when he was fooling around with a boy who was in love with him, then started working for Vogel , the businessman/gangster and had to really beat up that boy, to the point where the guy had months of recovery, so that was really hard to read, especially since also finding out at almost the end of the story what a terrible guy Robert really was.
This was my Robert, hands down, that's him. and the cover is pretty great too.
Robert's family is also homophobic, so he's hiding himself at all costs up to the point where even alone, when he didn't really have to be with women and could sleep with men, he just doesn't allow himself to do it. Robert's deeply, deeply in the closet and that was a major undertone to his and Nathan's evolving relationship.
Nathan is a really good looking escort who's wandered into this world of rich men who pay a lot of money for his company, he's gone from a bullied ugly duckling to a really beautiful man, so when Robert saves Nathan from certain death, he finds Nathan's simply out of his league, too beautiful to even want to have anything to do with someone like Robert.
"He couldn’t recall ever talking to a man like him in real life. Even in his distress, Nathan was so fucking pretty Robert couldn’t repress thinking about it. Nothing could make him ugly right now. Not the blood, not the streaks of hair sticking to his face."
So Robert and Nathan have sex for the first time while Robert is a little bit drunk, so he lets go and really enjoys having sex with Nathan - that first time was raw, wonderful, I loved it - but until they have sex like that again it'll take about almost the whole book, because they have this push/pull all the time where Robert loves being around Nathan and really likes him, but doesn't allow himself to do anything, basically. A lot of internalized homophobia, a lot of telling Nathan he shouldn't be gay either, so if that's you TW, it's going to be hard to read.
When they eventually do break that ice between them and have sex without turning cold after it (there is intimacy and sex in between, it just always ends with Nathan feeling like shit) - it's great. They're still hiding it, actually they're hiding it until the very end, but they go through so much together that serious feelings emerge between them and they don't care about letting everyone know, they just want to be together.
"Robert had always had a vague idea that fucking a man would be a bit like war, like a fight for dominance and a constant need to assert his power, yet so far Nathan had proved him wrong. If anything, Nathan kept disarming Robert with his vulnerability. The way he yielded to touch, while still keeping his masculinity was a revelation Robert was still in awe of."
I'm always very anxious if the love story will evolve satisfyingly and if the plot won't become too ridiculous for me to read, but it was done very well, the writing was good, both main characters fleshed out and memorable - yes, I even loved Robert in the end, although I will admit he really was a bastard for most of it, it's not just the title, this guy is just that - but a loveable bastard in the end, he redeems himself.
His character needed a bigger epilogue though, I wanted to read about him connecting with the community now that he's out and no longer working for Vogel, working, living in that small town, living with Nathan and his family.
Robert and Nathan have an effortless connection and their relationship just felt very right. The story is interesting and keeps you on your toes.
I liked it.
It took me a while to get into the story, but it soon got very interesting, so ever since Robert and Nathan first met, everything they've been through and how it all ended - it all sits right with me and for that I'm giving this book 4⭐.
What was missing was definitely another short chapter before the epilogue, I kind of wanted to know more about their life in their little house in the countryside and how they live as an open couple in that small town, but other than that - everything was really good.
🟡 Hitman for a gang (white collar gangster, MMC is a highschool drop out)/An escort for the rich (rent boy)
🔵 Hitman saves the rent boy from certain death
🟢 On the run
🟣 Gay/closeted
🟡 Homophobia (from family) and Robert himself
"Robert not only claimed he wasn’t gay, he’d also told Nathan that he shouldn’t be either. So no matter how miserable and small it made Nathan feel, he’d stick to eviscerating himself of sexuality."
🟠 Age gap - early 20's/36
🌶️ Good smut, just enough, descriptive, intimacy, blowjobs, cuddling, penetrative, first time with a man; t/b
What we don't know until the second half of the book is that Robert, the 36-year old hitman, is Algerian-American. Not only that, it seemed in the first half he's closeted and hasn't had any kind of sexual experience with anyone overall, but we later find out he's been with heaps of women, so - he's closeted since 16 years old when he was fooling around with a boy who was in love with him, then started working for Vogel , the businessman/gangster and had to really beat up that boy, to the point where the guy had months of recovery, so that was really hard to read, especially since also finding out at almost the end of the story what a terrible guy Robert really was.
This was my Robert, hands down, that's him. and the cover is pretty great too.
Robert's family is also homophobic, so he's hiding himself at all costs up to the point where even alone, when he didn't really have to be with women and could sleep with men, he just doesn't allow himself to do it. Robert's deeply, deeply in the closet and that was a major undertone to his and Nathan's evolving relationship.
Nathan is a really good looking escort who's wandered into this world of rich men who pay a lot of money for his company, he's gone from a bullied ugly duckling to a really beautiful man, so when Robert saves Nathan from certain death, he finds Nathan's simply out of his league, too beautiful to even want to have anything to do with someone like Robert.
"He couldn’t recall ever talking to a man like him in real life. Even in his distress, Nathan was so fucking pretty Robert couldn’t repress thinking about it. Nothing could make him ugly right now. Not the blood, not the streaks of hair sticking to his face."
So Robert and Nathan have sex for the first time while Robert is a little bit drunk, so he lets go and really enjoys having sex with Nathan - that first time was raw, wonderful, I loved it - but until they have sex like that again it'll take about almost the whole book, because they have this push/pull all the time where Robert loves being around Nathan and really likes him, but doesn't allow himself to do anything, basically. A lot of internalized homophobia, a lot of telling Nathan he shouldn't be gay either, so if that's you TW, it's going to be hard to read.
When they eventually do break that ice between them and have sex without turning cold after it (there is intimacy and sex in between, it just always ends with Nathan feeling like shit) - it's great. They're still hiding it, actually they're hiding it until the very end, but they go through so much together that serious feelings emerge between them and they don't care about letting everyone know, they just want to be together.
"Robert had always had a vague idea that fucking a man would be a bit like war, like a fight for dominance and a constant need to assert his power, yet so far Nathan had proved him wrong. If anything, Nathan kept disarming Robert with his vulnerability. The way he yielded to touch, while still keeping his masculinity was a revelation Robert was still in awe of."
I'm always very anxious if the love story will evolve satisfyingly and if the plot won't become too ridiculous for me to read, but it was done very well, the writing was good, both main characters fleshed out and memorable - yes, I even loved Robert in the end, although I will admit he really was a bastard for most of it, it's not just the title, this guy is just that - but a loveable bastard in the end, he redeems himself.
His character needed a bigger epilogue though, I wanted to read about him connecting with the community now that he's out and no longer working for Vogel, working, living in that small town, living with Nathan and his family.
Robert and Nathan have an effortless connection and their relationship just felt very right. The story is interesting and keeps you on your toes.
I liked it.
August 26, 2021
I'd seen this book around over the years and was tempted but never picked it up. Decided to now and overall, I'm glad I did.
This starts in fairly typical K.A. Merikan fashion with, ya know, Robert planning to kill himself in a graveyard - because for the past 20 years he's worked for a loan shark and hurt and killed people while working for him, and it's gotten to the point where he can't take it anymore - when he comes across three of Vogel's - the loan shark's - men getting ready to bury someone alive.
Robert, wanting to do at least one good thing in his life, decides to save the person, and shoots and kills the goons.
When he opens the sleeping back they had the person trapped in, it turns out to be one of the most beautiful men Robert has ever seen, Nathan.
There is an instant connection with them. Insta-lust, too. They have sex pretty much right off the bat.
Robert was fairly drunk, though, because he'd been drinking a lot of whiskey before saving Nathan to prepare to kill himself.
We could probably call that dubious consent, because even though Robert is able to hold his alcohol well and remembers it all the next day and all that....he was still drunk. Nathan, in my opinion, should have stopped it.
But I know these ladies and their MC's aren't always upstanding citizens...and the next day Robert treats Nathan like complete shit over it, because he's so closeted, working for Vogel, that he's repressed that part of him and pushed it away for years and years. He only had sex with Nathan the night before because he'd been planning to kill himself and thought, well...why not finally indulge in his desire after so many years of going without...
It also turns out that Nathan is an escort and for the past few weeks or so, had been paid by Vogel to be with him, sleep with him.
But because Vogel is a horrible, evil bastard, when he gets "tired" of the prostitutes he's using, he has them killed when he's 'done' with them. He makes up some shit to his guards about Nathan steeling from him instead of the truth - because Vogel was the one to seem so homophobic and push Robert so far into the closet - being that he sleeps with male prostitutes.
Although as we later learn in the story, there are multiple dead male prostitutes out there, so I doubt Vogel's men didn't know at some point....
The next day when Robert and Nathan go to Robert's apartment to get his cash and go on the run from Vogel and his men, Vogel is there along with one of his men.
When they manage to get away from them, they head on the road. Things are tense with Robert and Nathan at first, because of how Robert treated Nathan in the light of day. Robert really does live up to the title in this at first.
No wonder Nathan tries to run. But Robert won't let him, because despite Robert being a bastard to Nathan, he still wants to protect him from Vogel.
Nathan is not hard and cold like Robert. He hasn't had to do any of what Robert has had to do, so his soul isn't dark like Robert's. Robert finds himself fascinated by Nathan. Not only because of his beauty.
Nathan is a sweet, kind but naive guy. He didn't know about Vogel, about who he was. He was just an escort who got a client worse than he could have ever imagined.
Nathan makes his own mistakes, but he soon realizes that he needs Robert, and he's still grateful to Robert for saving his life. It takes a bit, but these two soon form a bond that won't break them apart...at least while Vogel is still out there....
Robert ends up taking Nathan to his family home out in rural Texas to hide out for however long, and they make up a cover story as to why Nathan is with Robert.
There are a few starts and stops with these two. Twice, they do something sexual and Nathan is hopeful that they'll start something, and twice Robert acts like a total bastard afterward, acts like he's not gay and that Nathan did it to him or he's just helping Nathan out, what have you. It hurts Nathan and it was good that Nathan called him out on it.
Robert needed to step up or leave Nathan alone.
I know Robert had such deep seated internalized homophobia, but that doesn't excuse his behavior toward Nathan, who was nothing but kind and sweet and attentive.
But around two thirds through this, Robert really started to make a turn around. Especially when he finally admitted to himself and Nathan that yeah, he is gay.
But as these two are settling into Robert's childhood home and starting to fall for each other, Vogel is still out there, and he's not letting it go...
Overall I found this story enjoyable. I did hit a slight rough patch two thirds of the way through where it was a little slow for me, where it usually never feels slow in a story these two have written. The story just wasn't flowing well for me at that point and it was just a little bit slow reading for me.
But it didn't last too long and soon the story picked right back up again, and I was in this.
I also wasn't super crazy about these two together, probably because of Robert being so in denial and refusing to admit that he was even gay, and putting Nathan at arms length. It made for a late connection in the story, romance wise. The chemistry was there from the beginning and I felt the lust and attraction they had for each other, but the feelings just took a little longer to feel real between these two for my liking.
Once they were all in near the end of the book and Robert had given into his desire and feelings for Nathan, then it changed for me and I was really enjoying these two together.
So overall, a solid installment by these two lovely authors. Not as strong as some of their other works, but definitely a solid outing in this standalone novel.
I'd definitely recommend. It still had what makes these two authors so great. The grittiness and darkness along with the sweet and the romantic. Definite win overall for me.
This starts in fairly typical K.A. Merikan fashion with, ya know, Robert planning to kill himself in a graveyard - because for the past 20 years he's worked for a loan shark and hurt and killed people while working for him, and it's gotten to the point where he can't take it anymore - when he comes across three of Vogel's - the loan shark's - men getting ready to bury someone alive.
Robert, wanting to do at least one good thing in his life, decides to save the person, and shoots and kills the goons.
When he opens the sleeping back they had the person trapped in, it turns out to be one of the most beautiful men Robert has ever seen, Nathan.
There is an instant connection with them. Insta-lust, too. They have sex pretty much right off the bat.
Robert was fairly drunk, though, because he'd been drinking a lot of whiskey before saving Nathan to prepare to kill himself.
We could probably call that dubious consent, because even though Robert is able to hold his alcohol well and remembers it all the next day and all that....he was still drunk. Nathan, in my opinion, should have stopped it.
But I know these ladies and their MC's aren't always upstanding citizens...and the next day Robert treats Nathan like complete shit over it, because he's so closeted, working for Vogel, that he's repressed that part of him and pushed it away for years and years. He only had sex with Nathan the night before because he'd been planning to kill himself and thought, well...why not finally indulge in his desire after so many years of going without...
It also turns out that Nathan is an escort and for the past few weeks or so, had been paid by Vogel to be with him, sleep with him.
But because Vogel is a horrible, evil bastard, when he gets "tired" of the prostitutes he's using, he has them killed when he's 'done' with them. He makes up some shit to his guards about Nathan steeling from him instead of the truth - because Vogel was the one to seem so homophobic and push Robert so far into the closet - being that he sleeps with male prostitutes.
Although as we later learn in the story, there are multiple dead male prostitutes out there, so I doubt Vogel's men didn't know at some point....
The next day when Robert and Nathan go to Robert's apartment to get his cash and go on the run from Vogel and his men, Vogel is there along with one of his men.
When they manage to get away from them, they head on the road. Things are tense with Robert and Nathan at first, because of how Robert treated Nathan in the light of day. Robert really does live up to the title in this at first.
No wonder Nathan tries to run. But Robert won't let him, because despite Robert being a bastard to Nathan, he still wants to protect him from Vogel.
Nathan is not hard and cold like Robert. He hasn't had to do any of what Robert has had to do, so his soul isn't dark like Robert's. Robert finds himself fascinated by Nathan. Not only because of his beauty.
Nathan is a sweet, kind but naive guy. He didn't know about Vogel, about who he was. He was just an escort who got a client worse than he could have ever imagined.
Nathan makes his own mistakes, but he soon realizes that he needs Robert, and he's still grateful to Robert for saving his life. It takes a bit, but these two soon form a bond that won't break them apart...at least while Vogel is still out there....
Robert ends up taking Nathan to his family home out in rural Texas to hide out for however long, and they make up a cover story as to why Nathan is with Robert.
There are a few starts and stops with these two. Twice, they do something sexual and Nathan is hopeful that they'll start something, and twice Robert acts like a total bastard afterward, acts like he's not gay and that Nathan did it to him or he's just helping Nathan out, what have you. It hurts Nathan and it was good that Nathan called him out on it.
Robert needed to step up or leave Nathan alone.
I know Robert had such deep seated internalized homophobia, but that doesn't excuse his behavior toward Nathan, who was nothing but kind and sweet and attentive.
But around two thirds through this, Robert really started to make a turn around. Especially when he finally admitted to himself and Nathan that yeah, he is gay.
But as these two are settling into Robert's childhood home and starting to fall for each other, Vogel is still out there, and he's not letting it go...
Overall I found this story enjoyable. I did hit a slight rough patch two thirds of the way through where it was a little slow for me, where it usually never feels slow in a story these two have written. The story just wasn't flowing well for me at that point and it was just a little bit slow reading for me.
But it didn't last too long and soon the story picked right back up again, and I was in this.
I also wasn't super crazy about these two together, probably because of Robert being so in denial and refusing to admit that he was even gay, and putting Nathan at arms length. It made for a late connection in the story, romance wise. The chemistry was there from the beginning and I felt the lust and attraction they had for each other, but the feelings just took a little longer to feel real between these two for my liking.
Once they were all in near the end of the book and Robert had given into his desire and feelings for Nathan, then it changed for me and I was really enjoying these two together.
So overall, a solid installment by these two lovely authors. Not as strong as some of their other works, but definitely a solid outing in this standalone novel.
I'd definitely recommend. It still had what makes these two authors so great. The grittiness and darkness along with the sweet and the romantic. Definite win overall for me.
November 26, 2023
Liked the beginning when the MCs meet. After they'd run away and ended up at Roberts family - not so much. 3 ⭐⭐⭐
February 18, 2024
This was everything I look for in an action adventure MM romance! I was on the edge of my seat with tension in the scenes of hiding from the mob, hanging on every word in the self revelation conversations between Robert and Nathan, swooning through the romance which was woven throughout with some scorching sex scenes. The often gritty narrative had it all and the numerous plot points were written with skill and clear word choices. I have no complaints about the sentence structure composition by these authors.
I liked every good guy character in the book. I didn’t think the mom would be an asset to the story, but she was and my neatnik heart loved the scenes of Nathan, Robert, and Mia helping to clear out the hoarding and make the B&B viable again. Nathan was wonderful in all these scenes. His was an awesome character and I could visualize him from the detailed descriptions of he and Robert which were appreciated.
What can I say about Robert? The book was his from the first page to the last. Fate smiled on him as he drunkenly rambled through the moonlit cemetery. Nathan was truly his other half as they saved each other.
The ending was everything!
This was a pleasure to read. All the stars.
I liked every good guy character in the book. I didn’t think the mom would be an asset to the story, but she was and my neatnik heart loved the scenes of Nathan, Robert, and Mia helping to clear out the hoarding and make the B&B viable again. Nathan was wonderful in all these scenes. His was an awesome character and I could visualize him from the detailed descriptions of he and Robert which were appreciated.
What can I say about Robert? The book was his from the first page to the last. Fate smiled on him as he drunkenly rambled through the moonlit cemetery. Nathan was truly his other half as they saved each other.
The ending was everything!
This was a pleasure to read. All the stars.
October 12, 2017
The title and the blurb sounds pretty morbid, but worry not, this story isn't about Robert the ex-thug trying to end his own life. Is about Robert, the thug who save this high end escort from his own boss. Robert thought saving one innocent life might just ease a little of his guilt for killing many, but Nathan might just turn out to be his savior and teach him the meaning of life again.
Nathan, the said escort/prostitute, although he said he isn't one. He is simply trying to find himself a sugar daddy while he enjoying his youth and beauty. Nathan is an interesting character all around, despite his flaws. I guess I can understand his moment of stupidity or hysteria due to his circumstances. A mafia boss wants him dead, is okay if he even peed his pants.
Robert is a whole different ball game. Honestly, there are moments that I'm just so angry with him, especially coming from a KA Merikan's book because I usually loves all their flawed characters. He can be so hot for Nathan one moment and then suddenly he will have an epiphany 'I'm not gay'. And I especially not comfortable with those 'Don't try to seduce me and make me gay' moment. Is he for real?! No wonder Nathan flipped the fuck out on him. More slaps or a punches would be much welcome. However, whenever Nathan is in danger, Robert will get all protective on him and even willing to sacrifice himself, I'm suddenly a total fan of Robert. As if all his misgivings are all forgotten.
Overall, this story isn't pack with suspense. There was some downtime in the middle whereby we met with Robert's family and watching how Robert fights his feelings for Nathan. The climatic ending was pretty gruesome though and make me a little skirmish, but lovely epilogue to wrap things up.
Nathan, the said escort/prostitute, although he said he isn't one. He is simply trying to find himself a sugar daddy while he enjoying his youth and beauty. Nathan is an interesting character all around, despite his flaws. I guess I can understand his moment of stupidity or hysteria due to his circumstances. A mafia boss wants him dead, is okay if he even peed his pants.
Robert is a whole different ball game. Honestly, there are moments that I'm just so angry with him, especially coming from a KA Merikan's book because I usually loves all their flawed characters. He can be so hot for Nathan one moment and then suddenly he will have an epiphany 'I'm not gay'. And I especially not comfortable with those 'Don't try to seduce me and make me gay' moment. Is he for real?! No wonder Nathan flipped the fuck out on him. More slaps or a punches would be much welcome. However, whenever Nathan is in danger, Robert will get all protective on him and even willing to sacrifice himself, I'm suddenly a total fan of Robert. As if all his misgivings are all forgotten.
Overall, this story isn't pack with suspense. There was some downtime in the middle whereby we met with Robert's family and watching how Robert fights his feelings for Nathan. The climatic ending was pretty gruesome though and make me a little skirmish, but lovely epilogue to wrap things up.
September 25, 2017
As always, these authors know how to make me fall in love with their characters, even those that you would not usually cheer for, such as malicious people and assassins. But this is also the beauty of K.A.Merikan's books: discovering a different side of these people, the most intimate and personal, like love. In this case, we find Robert, a man tired of his life as a goon for a ruthless malvivent, who one night like so many decides to end his life, but fate had much more in store for him. Here he meets Nathan, a young escort who is about to be killed, just because his last client, a wealthy and powerful man (as well as Robert's boss) loves to have fun with young and charming guys and then to kill them when he is tired of them, fearing they can reveal this side of him, thing that as a crime boss he cannot afford. The two will work together to get away from the man who is now trying to kill both of them, and in the meantime both can't deny the powerful attraction between them. Robert has never been able to accept his being gay, which will make Nathan suffer a lot, making him doubt more than once the feelings he has for him. After years away from home, Robert will also have to face his family again and other people who are now part of a past that he had tried to erase but who he will have to face if he wants to go ahead and still have Nathan at his side. It's a crime book with dark tones, but it's also full of sweet and sensual moments. I also appreciated the evolution of the characters and the discovery of themselves, such as Robert's difficulty in admitting to being in love with a man and being gay, something he has been fighting for nearly 20 years now. It was nice to see this gradual change, which only thanks to Nathan's support he managed to accomplish. I can say that I loved this book and that I hope to be able to read more about Robert & Nathan in the future, although I know this is a standalone book, but I can still hope. ^^
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June 6, 2020
New cover! :D
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