Cyan Tayse is the pen name of a multi-genre author based in New Zealand. After a lot of coaxing from friends, she decided to embark on a journey of discovery. Yes, that’s right, she embraced her desire to write things a little different to her usual, thus the Pocket Rocket and Brief Encounters novellas were born.
Cyan can often be found lurking on social media, and she loves to hear from fellow authors and readers.
PLEASE READ FIRST MY RATING SYSTEM!!! To my ratings (for all people, who wonder, why I say a 3*-book is a good book and should be readed): 5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like Liberty from Seth King or Save the kids series from EM Leya). it’s like an A+ 4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books) It’s like an A 3* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in hospitals). I can recommend them definitively! It’s like an A-B 2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartly, but it was ok) It’s like an C- D 1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (maybe too many mistakes, not a nice plot, or unlogical story, so a NO-GO) It’s like failure in the whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
I've not read many M/M stories but I loved this one. It was short and sweet. The two main characters seem an unlikely match at first but as the story progresses and we learn more about both of them, they are more alike than they seemed. First impressions can be deceiving and this story makes you look twice. I really enjoyed reading this. It's well paced and flows well.
Wonderful book about people from different upbringings. Uplifting eachother supporting one another regardless to the odds against them . Love prevailed
This is a fabulous short burst M/M novella. Alex and Leo meet during a home invasion, there was an immediate connection and attraction that was expressed perfectly even though the situation was difficult. They both have opposite lives, yet it didn't matter when it came to fiercely liking each other for who they are.
I loved the speed that their relationship grew, and the protection they both had for each other, was delicious. My very favourite line in the entire book described the hotness of them perfectly "a little less Shakespeare, a little more EL James"
Totally loved Leo’s and Alex’s first encounter and getting to know them as their personal stories come to light! I would love to hear more about what goes on in their future and how certain things play out but it’s no wonder why the series is called brief encounters ;)
A very short story about 2 high school guys finding each other in the midst of night when Leo is in Alex’s house attempting to steal items to live. Little did they know that first encounter would become more. This story would of been a fantastic read if it was longer! Just as a good part started it ended. It could of had so much more detail but it was a good read.
A short blurb, fit for a short read. You know I'm not a fast reader, but I finished this book within hours. The length helped, yes, but it was also the content.
As most shorter works - short stories and novellas - this was a little rushed for me. And I don't mean the short period of time the story takes place in; I mean the scenes. However, I acknowledge that the author is trying to hit the same beats with this book as you'd find in a longer one, so given the word count, I'd say she did a pretty good job.
As I said - and you can see - the blurb is very short, but it was also very catchy, and I was really happy I got this ARC even without knowing anything about the characters. Once I started the book, I liked both Leo and Alexander, and I think the two are a good match for each other.
However, there were a few inconsistencies that threw me off. For example, Alexander's body. He's supposed to be studious, and he himself admits off the bat that he's not the sporty type. And yet, he has an athletic body with big biceps and chiseled chest. I realize the author wanted to make him physically attractive, but this body type does not fit his lifestyle and seems unrealistic.
There was also a scene where the compassionate and caring Leo has an outburst at something (sorry, can't say what without a spoiler) and that doesn't make sense in that situation and given his character. He had recently been through something traumatic, but I don't think that particular experience could be used as an excuse here. When I read this scene, I instantly made a note to include it in the review, even though he realizes his mistake almost immediately and is sorry for what he'd done.
Those things aside though, this is an enjoyable read, and the author managed to put in some backstory and a side plot, even in something so short.
If you are looking for a quick read about people who want to take control of their messed-up lives, check out Thick as Thieves.
Thick As Thieves, by Cyan Tayse is an amazingly fantastic surprise.
At it's essence, it is about two young men who are just trying to survive their mixed up lives.
Their interaction begins while Leo is attempting to rob Alexander's house, with him finding Alex in his boxers. Alex could never have thought that catching a thief while he's in his boxers could end up leading to a great friendship which will change his life.
People are not always as they appear. Leo thought this rich family had it all, yet little did he know the crap that Alex has to deal with everyday.
And, as for Leo, there is so much more than meets the eye. He may be a petty thief in his spare time, but on a daily basis his life is one hardship after another. He is truly faced with way more than an 18 yr old should have to deal with.
I completely fell in love with both of these young men. Alex, a sweet young man who just can't wait to escape to college, for some reason just calms the storms in Leo's head. And Leo, despite first appearances, is one of the most caring young men ever, with an absolute need to take care of people. Neither thought their chance meeting would lead to more, but in the end they each find the one person they can share their troubles, which leads to so much more.
Be warned that along with funny and tender moments, this book contains a lot of tough topics that are heartbreaking. Fortunately, it also contains the most precious 3 year old ever, who while have your heart melting.
Thick As Thieves is well written, in a impressive, serious and thoughtful manner. I found myself laughing, sighing, crying and so damn riveted to this powerful story. Thank you Cyan Tayse for creating such a unique and unexpected romance.
Once again another brilliant book by Cyan. At first I was a little unsure if I wanted to read a M/M book not know how much smut was going to be in there. However I am so glad I read it. I love the developing romance between Leo and Alex and how together the are able to work through different challenges. It was beautifully written, romantic and heartwarming. Can not wait to see what happens for Alex and Leo in the next book
Leo and Alexander first really see each other when Leo walks into Alexander's bedroom while breaking and entering. They're actually in the same school and share classes, but have never interacted before. Leo needs help with his writing and manages to arrange for Alexander to be his tutor. Finding that they have other things in common is a bonus for both boys as they find the strength in each other to face their individual difficulties. A very engaging short read.
This was a really enjoyable quick read that would be perfect for readers who want to dip their toes into M/M books. Cyan Tayse is a new to me author and I'll be checking out her other books.
This is a great short read that gives a full story in a short period. This is a new to me author, and I am curious to jump back to see what other worlds this author has created. Alex and Leo have a connection that neither one of them can explain. With two different backgrounds and a common bond. We see the pair come attracted to each other. This is a very contemporary story. Meaning if you are hesitant to read an MM title. Start here! This shows each character's vulnerability and how they thrive on each other to improve their world.
Even though both Author Cyan Tayse’s brief encounters are stand-a-lone, books, they evolve around the same group of people and I’ve read and loved both of these novellas today.
The big thing that I got from this book is, that you never know anyone’s full story if you’ve never been in their shoes, and for Leo and Alex, both pairs of shoes were damned uncomfortable. For Alex, it is his mantra that there is only three months left to endure his current situation, and then he can escape forever. Three months. He’s managing to hold it together, until he lands on Leo’s radar! Leo has his own reasons for being a part of the gig that he and his friends have going, and they’re on the edge of making terrible life choices. And it is during one such foray that the two see each outside of their usual everyday environment.
I laughed at this first encounter between Leo and Alex! It was awesome and witty, and I loved it, imagining the two young males facing off at each other!!! But, as Leo circles Alex, Alex is terrified that his secret is about to be exposed, and I was on all kind of tenterhooks just as he was!
I absolutely adored this book from Cyan Tayse. She showed love should be unconditional. Love should stand with you and up for you in the face of adversity, and this is what these two young ones see in each other. I loved that Leo was there for Alex when he absolutely needed him. This is a sweet and emotional 5 Star YA romance that shows love comes in all types of packages.