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Ever After #2
Aftershock
Being acquitted of Jamie’s murder won’t bring him back. Syed might be free, but he’s lost his lover and his sub, along with his sense of control, his libido, his friends, and the stomach to inflict the kind of pain Jamie thrived on. Even his high-rise apartment doesn’t suit him anymore.
Dashiell is drawn to the handsome man he represented in court, but he’s promised himself never to get involved with another confident playboy. His next boyfriend—if he can find such a thing—will see him as something more than a backup plan for a better offer. And how could he ever give a man like Syed what he wants anyway?
Dashiell fears the day Syed will ask him to bear more pain than he can handle as Syed struggles to reconcile how he’s coming to feel about Dashiell with how he still feels about Jamie. Can their fledgling relationship survive the discovery that Syed’s new sub might be representing the man who murdered his last sub?
Jamie deserves justice, Dashiell deserves love, and Syed wants to be the one to give both these men exactly what they need.
Content warning: this book includes descriptions of homophobic hate crimes. There is very mild BDSM content.
Dashiell is drawn to the handsome man he represented in court, but he’s promised himself never to get involved with another confident playboy. His next boyfriend—if he can find such a thing—will see him as something more than a backup plan for a better offer. And how could he ever give a man like Syed what he wants anyway?
Dashiell fears the day Syed will ask him to bear more pain than he can handle as Syed struggles to reconcile how he’s coming to feel about Dashiell with how he still feels about Jamie. Can their fledgling relationship survive the discovery that Syed’s new sub might be representing the man who murdered his last sub?
Jamie deserves justice, Dashiell deserves love, and Syed wants to be the one to give both these men exactly what they need.
Content warning: this book includes descriptions of homophobic hate crimes. There is very mild BDSM content.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2018
About the author
Tanya Chris
55 books301 followersTanya writes in a variety of romantic and erotic genres, being an avid follower of many of these genres herself. Some of her favorites are M/M romance, MFM threesomes, and BDSM with male submissives.
Tanya lives in New England with her boyfriend and her cat and has participated in many of the activities about which she writes, but not all of them. It's left to the reader to decide which are which.
Tanya lives in New England with her boyfriend and her cat and has participated in many of the activities about which she writes, but not all of them. It's left to the reader to decide which are which.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
August 5, 2018
Aftershock could potentially be read as a stand alone but I wouldn't recommend it since characters from Aftercare make appearances and parts of the story carries over.
At its heart this story, and this series, is about rebuilding oneself in the wake of loss and one I've thoroughly enjoyed. Syed and Dashiell's romance is quieter in ways than Aayan and Garrett's was; it didn't feel as frenzied. But it was no less moving.
Syed is still reeling from Jaime's murder. He was shunned by friends due to the circumstances of his murder and Jaime's family for their shared proclivities. His brother has found the love of his life and he's never had the best relationship with his parents due to his being gay.
In the face of all this upheaval and without Jaime he struggles to define himself.
Dashiell was a member of his legal team and has a crush on Syed. Dashiell also has some baggage of his own in the form of a wretched ex. Dashiell's self-image and self-worth took a beating from that douche-mcgouche making him primed for some TLC.
They start off slow. Dating. Getting to know each other with a simmering attraction between them that slowly gains steam.
I really have to tip my hat to Tanya Chris for the panache she's demonstrated in depicting the characters in this series and their struggle to not only rebound but make sense of their feelings. This trope can be hit or miss for me if enough gravitas isn't given to the lost love. I have a tendency to lose interest in the narrative when the previous relationship is minimized. Tanya Chris has taken the time to show how much Syed and Garrett have grappled with their feelings.
Their relationship feels organic in the way it evolved. I love that they build something together that is wholly different from what Syed had with Jaime. Jaime was a masochistic sub and Syed met his needs. Dashiell is submissive who wants to serve and please. One would think there would be a hole where Syed's sadistic needs weren't being fulfilled but Syed is primarily a dominant who can't seem to stomach impact play subsequent to Jaime's death. He has always derived the most pleasure and satisfaction from D/s. So, if you're expecting loads of kink, this might be a miss for you. There is D/s that Dashiell is new to, so no high protocol stuff and one bondage scene. I love lots of kink especially impact play but this level suits them and that gave me warm fuzzies.
Syed will always love Jaime but he can love Dashiell too. He can and does make a new start. From redecorating the apartment to realizing Dashiell needed him to call directly rather than using Bhupati and multiple other ways he deliberately changes and adjusts to accommodate Dashiell and the new version of Syed that's learned from past mistakes, is wiser and maybe a little braver than he once was.
Aftershock has quite a bit of legal eagling, maybe not as much as Aftercare but be forewarned anyhow. Also, mind the trigger for homophobic hate crimes! Dashiell's client is... challenging. Honestly, I kept trying to hate him but I wound up mostly feeling sorry for him and hoping he finds his way. Actually... *sheepish duck/shrug thing* I wouldn't be averse to reading Casey's story. Or Bhupati! I loved him. Or both! #greedy
Recommend to fans of contemporary romance who like a little hurt/comfort with a smidge of kink and a slowish burn.
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
At its heart this story, and this series, is about rebuilding oneself in the wake of loss and one I've thoroughly enjoyed. Syed and Dashiell's romance is quieter in ways than Aayan and Garrett's was; it didn't feel as frenzied. But it was no less moving.
Syed is still reeling from Jaime's murder. He was shunned by friends due to the circumstances of his murder and Jaime's family for their shared proclivities. His brother has found the love of his life and he's never had the best relationship with his parents due to his being gay.
In the face of all this upheaval and without Jaime he struggles to define himself.
Dashiell was a member of his legal team and has a crush on Syed. Dashiell also has some baggage of his own in the form of a wretched ex. Dashiell's self-image and self-worth took a beating from that douche-mcgouche making him primed for some TLC.
They start off slow. Dating. Getting to know each other with a simmering attraction between them that slowly gains steam.
I really have to tip my hat to Tanya Chris for the panache she's demonstrated in depicting the characters in this series and their struggle to not only rebound but make sense of their feelings. This trope can be hit or miss for me if enough gravitas isn't given to the lost love. I have a tendency to lose interest in the narrative when the previous relationship is minimized. Tanya Chris has taken the time to show how much Syed and Garrett have grappled with their feelings.
Their relationship feels organic in the way it evolved. I love that they build something together that is wholly different from what Syed had with Jaime. Jaime was a masochistic sub and Syed met his needs. Dashiell is submissive who wants to serve and please. One would think there would be a hole where Syed's sadistic needs weren't being fulfilled but Syed is primarily a dominant who can't seem to stomach impact play subsequent to Jaime's death. He has always derived the most pleasure and satisfaction from D/s. So, if you're expecting loads of kink, this might be a miss for you. There is D/s that Dashiell is new to, so no high protocol stuff and one bondage scene. I love lots of kink especially impact play but this level suits them and that gave me warm fuzzies.
Syed will always love Jaime but he can love Dashiell too. He can and does make a new start. From redecorating the apartment to realizing Dashiell needed him to call directly rather than using Bhupati and multiple other ways he deliberately changes and adjusts to accommodate Dashiell and the new version of Syed that's learned from past mistakes, is wiser and maybe a little braver than he once was.
Aftershock has quite a bit of legal eagling, maybe not as much as Aftercare but be forewarned anyhow. Also, mind the trigger for homophobic hate crimes! Dashiell's client is... challenging. Honestly, I kept trying to hate him but I wound up mostly feeling sorry for him and hoping he finds his way. Actually... *sheepish duck/shrug thing* I wouldn't be averse to reading Casey's story. Or Bhupati! I loved him. Or both! #greedy
Recommend to fans of contemporary romance who like a little hurt/comfort with a smidge of kink and a slowish burn.
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2024
Syed has been found innocent of the murder of his boy/sub/lover, Jamie, in the first book in the series. Jamie is still such a big part of his life and a huge chunk of his heart...but he knows Jamie would want him to move on. Yet he is so determined to stay true to his first love while welcoming his second. Watching him figure out how to honor that love while trying to make room in his heart for Dashiell was an amazing and painful process, for not only Syed but the readers also.
I loved Dashiel from the start of this series. He is sweet, kind, and so in need of love that he’s willing to do literally anything to make Syed love him, even if the "what" it might take terrifies him. The journey these two take, helped along by Syed’s brother, Aayan...and Dashiell’s friend and boss, Garrett, is one that will sweep you up and take you along, not letting you, go until the very end.
This author does a fantastic job of showing us Syed’s struggle, both with himself and with Jamie’s memory. His heart was broken and is broken time and time again in so many different ways. Dashiell’s sweet nature and good heart is the perfect balm for Syed’s wounded soul. Dashiell is facing his own struggles trying to decide how much of himself he’s willing to let go of to be with Syed the way he knows that Syed needs him to be. In the meantime, progress has been made in finding Jamie's real killer...and there is a surprise waiting us with that.
I can highly recommend this series, but anyone who might be a little skittish about venturing into the BDSM genre can rest assured that the story is educational for those that may only know about the lifestyle from fictional books they've read. When it's featured here as a part of the story, it's about what the two people involved want and need. BDSM is not entirely always about humiliation and pain... It can be about those two things, but it can and should be about anything that the people participating in it needs it to be. It was wonderful to see Aayan and Garrett make appearances in this story. I always like to catch up with favorite characters and see how their "happily-ever-after" is working out. Also, we get so catch up on more of Aaryan and Syed’s family issues.
This is a story that truly deserves every one of those 5 stars that I gave it. On to the 3rd book now, and I hope it's not the last one, but if it is, I own all three...so I can revisit as often as I like.
I loved Dashiel from the start of this series. He is sweet, kind, and so in need of love that he’s willing to do literally anything to make Syed love him, even if the "what" it might take terrifies him. The journey these two take, helped along by Syed’s brother, Aayan...and Dashiell’s friend and boss, Garrett, is one that will sweep you up and take you along, not letting you, go until the very end.
This author does a fantastic job of showing us Syed’s struggle, both with himself and with Jamie’s memory. His heart was broken and is broken time and time again in so many different ways. Dashiell’s sweet nature and good heart is the perfect balm for Syed’s wounded soul. Dashiell is facing his own struggles trying to decide how much of himself he’s willing to let go of to be with Syed the way he knows that Syed needs him to be. In the meantime, progress has been made in finding Jamie's real killer...and there is a surprise waiting us with that.
I can highly recommend this series, but anyone who might be a little skittish about venturing into the BDSM genre can rest assured that the story is educational for those that may only know about the lifestyle from fictional books they've read. When it's featured here as a part of the story, it's about what the two people involved want and need. BDSM is not entirely always about humiliation and pain... It can be about those two things, but it can and should be about anything that the people participating in it needs it to be. It was wonderful to see Aayan and Garrett make appearances in this story. I always like to catch up with favorite characters and see how their "happily-ever-after" is working out. Also, we get so catch up on more of Aaryan and Syed’s family issues.
This is a story that truly deserves every one of those 5 stars that I gave it. On to the 3rd book now, and I hope it's not the last one, but if it is, I own all three...so I can revisit as often as I like.
August 15, 2018
4.5 star Review by The Blogger Girls.
This story is somewhat a continuation of the previous book, Aftercare. Syed is the bother of Aayan, and Garrett, Aayan’s now partner, was the lawyer who helped Syed with his murder case. Dashiell was Garrett’s associate who helped with the case. So, while you can probably read this on its own, you would have a much better understanding about what’s transpired to get to this point if you read the first part.
So, now, Syed has been acquitted of murdering his lover, Jamie, though his kinks and sex life has been through the wringer for it. On top of that, he is still grieving for Jamie and shouldering a lot of guilt over not doing more to show him how much he meant to him when he was still alive.
One of the things I enjoyed about this, much like the previous book, was how each guy naturally adapted to the needs of the other. It does take a little time before they actually explain things to each other, but Dashiell was well aware of the relationship Syed had with Jamie, and he is a bit apprehensive about whether he wants or can even handle the level of BDSM. He is definitely interested in some aspects, but with little experience, he is just starting to find his way. Syed, on the other hand, isn’t sure he even wants to be in the scene anymore after what happened with Jamie. But, what happens is that the dom in Syed takes over and quickly learns that Dashiell craves and needs a totally different type of BDSM and finds ways to provide for him that they are both comfortable with.
Things get a bit complicated when Dashiell gets a new case that has a big impact on his relationship with Syed. But, it was great to see Syed support Dashiell, despite the circumstances, and it was wonderful to finally get some closure for him where Jamie was concerned.
All in all, I’m glad I didn’t miss this follow up. I loved the style and story telling by Ms. Chris and won’t hesitate to grab another of her books. Highly recommend.
August 8, 2018
Although it’s a new couple, this is a sequel to Aftercare.
After being acquitted of his lover’s murder, Syed is trying to move on with his life. He ends up forming a friendship with his lawyer and brother in law’s colleague, Dashiell. Dashiell is also the first person to make his cock stir since Jamie.
The friendship quickly turns into more, but Dashiell keeps comparing himself to Jamie and is worried he’s not enough to hold Syed’s interest. It also doesn’t help when he finds out he’s defending someone of interest in Jamie’s murder.
I really enjoyed this. It’s lighter on the BDSM scale, but it’s what both guys need. Also, I really enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve, and seeing how committed they remain, with the difficulties they face regarding Dashiell‘ case.
It’s nice to see Jamie’s case solved as well.
*ARC provided by author
After being acquitted of his lover’s murder, Syed is trying to move on with his life. He ends up forming a friendship with his lawyer and brother in law’s colleague, Dashiell. Dashiell is also the first person to make his cock stir since Jamie.
The friendship quickly turns into more, but Dashiell keeps comparing himself to Jamie and is worried he’s not enough to hold Syed’s interest. It also doesn’t help when he finds out he’s defending someone of interest in Jamie’s murder.
I really enjoyed this. It’s lighter on the BDSM scale, but it’s what both guys need. Also, I really enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve, and seeing how committed they remain, with the difficulties they face regarding Dashiell‘ case.
It’s nice to see Jamie’s case solved as well.
*ARC provided by author
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2022
Voto: 4.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI LADY MARMELADE
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RECENSIONE A CURA DI LADY MARMELADE
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August 31, 2018
3.5 stars
I don't know...there were parts of this that I didn't like as much as the first and parts that I did really like. Syed was incredibly kind and forgiving, more so than any other human I can fathom. Dashielle was amazing and sweet and wanted to do the right thing and felt empathy but was also so insecure. It was good to see Garrett as well. I'm not sure about Casey...will read more from this author
I don't know...there were parts of this that I didn't like as much as the first and parts that I did really like. Syed was incredibly kind and forgiving, more so than any other human I can fathom. Dashielle was amazing and sweet and wanted to do the right thing and felt empathy but was also so insecure. It was good to see Garrett as well. I'm not sure about Casey...will read more from this author
February 17, 2021
4.25
Mi piace come questa autrice affronta la tematica del “crimine d’odio” attraverso dei legal-romance ben costruiti e snocciolandolo attraverso le diverse angolazioni dei vari protagonisti.
Mi piace come questa autrice affronta la tematica del “crimine d’odio” attraverso dei legal-romance ben costruiti e snocciolandolo attraverso le diverse angolazioni dei vari protagonisti.
January 16, 2019
I absolutely enjoyed reading these two books. I am thrilled to see Tanya Chris made both brothers different people. Yup, I could not put this one down.
August 29, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
In this follow up to Aftercare, we get to see Syed healing from Jamie’s death and finding love again. As soon as this book came up for review, I grabbed it quickly. I loved Aftercare, and I couldn’t wait to see what the author would do with Syed. He was a crushed and broken man, and understandably so, and I couldn’t wait to see how he would find love again. I will say here that the author includes a prologue that brings the reader up to date nicely, so reading Aftercare isn’t necessary to read Aftershock. But I will also tell you that reading them in order gives them even more weight and really deepens the emotions.
My heart went out to both the MCs. They are both broken, in different ways and for different reasons. But together, their chemistry lights up the page and there’s no doubt that they are both perfect to help heal the other. Syed isn’t the man he once was, and he’s changed in ways he doesn’t even realize. Dashiell has been hurt before emotionally and he needs someone strong and dominant to just love him. Together, these guys drive the plot as they grow, heal, and learn to love each other. I absolutely loved watching the progression of their relationship. The slow burn was perfect for them, and really escalated the tension between them in the best possible way.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
In this follow up to Aftercare, we get to see Syed healing from Jamie’s death and finding love again. As soon as this book came up for review, I grabbed it quickly. I loved Aftercare, and I couldn’t wait to see what the author would do with Syed. He was a crushed and broken man, and understandably so, and I couldn’t wait to see how he would find love again. I will say here that the author includes a prologue that brings the reader up to date nicely, so reading Aftercare isn’t necessary to read Aftershock. But I will also tell you that reading them in order gives them even more weight and really deepens the emotions.
My heart went out to both the MCs. They are both broken, in different ways and for different reasons. But together, their chemistry lights up the page and there’s no doubt that they are both perfect to help heal the other. Syed isn’t the man he once was, and he’s changed in ways he doesn’t even realize. Dashiell has been hurt before emotionally and he needs someone strong and dominant to just love him. Together, these guys drive the plot as they grow, heal, and learn to love each other. I absolutely loved watching the progression of their relationship. The slow burn was perfect for them, and really escalated the tension between them in the best possible way.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
May 16, 2020
Book two picks up after the events in book 1 and the acquittal of Syed in the death of his sub Jamie. Syed has been left heartbroken by the events. He and Jamie were together for 7 years and he loved him with all his heart. There were a few things that held Syed back from marring Jamie with one of them his family. They never accepted that both their sons, the first book is about his brother Aayan and his relationship with Syed's attorney Garrett. I would really recommend reading book 1. What I felt is that after 7 years, he was willing to start a relationship with Dashiell, who is second chair to his trial and works with Garrett, what I feel is so soon after all this goes down. It just felt too soon to me, but then again I can presume to know that type of heartache and how I would get on with my life. Dashiell is not in the lifestyle but he is submissive, but not in the same way as Jamie. One of the things that Dashiell thinks he needs to be is like Jamie, but Syed does get him to show that there are different types of BDSM and not all of them consists of the heavy play that Jamie needed. It was hard to get Dashiell to understand that what pleased Syed is pleasing his partner. We do get to find out who responsible and even though I felt sorry for one of the people involved, I didn't forgiven them by the end.
August 3, 2018
I love stories that show BDSM relationships in a loving light, and Tanya Chris has definitely delivered that. I read Aftercare and Aftershock back to back, and I will eagerly await whatever is coming next.
Aftershock felt quieter to me, which is not a complaint about either book. I loved learning along with Syed and Dashiell how they could make their relationship work .
Bottom line: This is a fitting sequel to Aftercare and a high-quality read for anyone who likes m/m contemporary with a bit of kink.
I was grateful to receive an ARC of Aftershock.
Aftershock felt quieter to me, which is not a complaint about either book. I loved learning along with Syed and Dashiell how they could make their relationship work .
Bottom line: This is a fitting sequel to Aftercare and a high-quality read for anyone who likes m/m contemporary with a bit of kink.
I was grateful to receive an ARC of Aftershock.
January 12, 2019
*sniffles* I loved this. I haven't really cried over a book in a while, honestly I've been avoiding it, but the stuffy nose and reddened eyes were totally worth it. Watching Syed work his way back from a loss that I cannot and do not want to contemplate was beautiful. Watching Dashiell finally accepting that he wasn't only worthy of love, but was actually loved, was wonderful. But the part that made me cry was Syed coming to understand that he could both continue to love Jamie, and honor his memory, and still love Dashiell in a different but equally valid and strong, was what had my tears spilling over. Too often in romance a previous love is presented as not as valid or deep as the new love and that irritates me no end. Because you have fallen in love with someone new doesn't mean that the person you loved before wasn't part of a love that was just as true. As was stated in the book you may have changed but the person you were then loved just as deeply even if it was different.
I got this through KU, but I am absolutely buying it. Beautiful and realistic in the best way.
I got this through KU, but I am absolutely buying it. Beautiful and realistic in the best way.
January 29, 2019
Oh wow this was kind of like a rollercoaster.
Content warnings include: externalized and internalized homophobia, murder, violence, assault, homophobic slurs, sex on-page, BDSM (D/s, light impact play), parent kicking out and cutting off (adult) child
I'm really tired rn so I'll just make a list of my comments about this book:
*I related to Dashiell a lot, especially with his empathy
*I liked the lack of clear black-and-white when it came to the case and esp to Casey
*gave me insight into some legal lawyer stuff that I didn't rly understand before
*closure for Jamie!!!
*Aayan and Garrett's wedding!!!
*great side character just like in book1
Content warnings include: externalized and internalized homophobia, murder, violence, assault, homophobic slurs, sex on-page, BDSM (D/s, light impact play), parent kicking out and cutting off (adult) child
I'm really tired rn so I'll just make a list of my comments about this book:
*I related to Dashiell a lot, especially with his empathy
*I liked the lack of clear black-and-white when it came to the case and esp to Casey
*gave me insight into some legal lawyer stuff that I didn't rly understand before
*closure for Jamie!!!
*Aayan and Garrett's wedding!!!
*great side character just like in book1
October 9, 2019
"Pleasing me isn’t something you do. It’s something you are.”
This went in a very different direction then I anticipated. After the first book I expected this to be heavy on Syed and his healing - not true, or at least not solely true. Dashiell held just as much sway, with his own unique issues and subplot brought into the mix. I expected heavy BDSM as Syed and Jamie obviously had a serious SM component to their relationship - but this was a beautifully softer BDSM. I'm always happy to be proven wrong in a good way.
This went in a very different direction then I anticipated. After the first book I expected this to be heavy on Syed and his healing - not true, or at least not solely true. Dashiell held just as much sway, with his own unique issues and subplot brought into the mix. I expected heavy BDSM as Syed and Jamie obviously had a serious SM component to their relationship - but this was a beautifully softer BDSM. I'm always happy to be proven wrong in a good way.
August 6, 2018
This one didn't work as well for me as Aftercare. It isn't really a romance, but understandably more a continuation of the investigation into Jamie's death. I didn't get that much of a romantic connection between Syed and Dashiell at all, and yes, you may say that was because of circumstances being what they were...Syed still grieving his murdered lover Jamie, and Dashiell's firm of lawyers being appointed to advise a homophobic father and his two idiot sons, who have been accused of a hate crime, but even at the end of the story, there wasn't a lovey-dovey feeling between the two MC's...maybe it's just me 😕. 3.5 stars rounded up.
November 12, 2023
Syed è un agente di borsa arabo e Dom, che da quando ha perso il suo fidanzato, per la cui morte ancora si cerca il colpevole, non riesce ad essere più se stesso. Non riesce ad avvicinarsi al Club e anche il solo pensiero di dominare qualcuno gli provoca un senso di nausea.
Dashiell è l’avvocato che insieme a Garett ha difeso Syed dall’accusa di omocidio. Egli, pur non avendo mai praticato, quando si trova in presenza di Syed si sente spinto ad obbedire e sottomettersi. Saranno i suoi bisogni ed il suo animo gentile che aiuteranno Syed a trovere il nuovo se stesso, non il Dom che amava frustare il proprio ragazzo, ma qualcuno di diverso.
Anche qui si affrontano temi importanti come il razzismo, la paura di sentirsi inadeguato e l’omofobia.
Voto 4,5
Dashiell è l’avvocato che insieme a Garett ha difeso Syed dall’accusa di omocidio. Egli, pur non avendo mai praticato, quando si trova in presenza di Syed si sente spinto ad obbedire e sottomettersi. Saranno i suoi bisogni ed il suo animo gentile che aiuteranno Syed a trovere il nuovo se stesso, non il Dom che amava frustare il proprio ragazzo, ma qualcuno di diverso.
Anche qui si affrontano temi importanti come il razzismo, la paura di sentirsi inadeguato e l’omofobia.
Voto 4,5
April 19, 2021
Really enjoyed this one! I was very curious about Syed and he exceeded all my expectations.
August 15, 2018
I discovered Tanya Chris when I first read her book Aftercare. It was fabulous, certainly enough for me to read all her other books and pre-order Aftershock as soon as that option became available. .
Aftershock, book 2, in the Ever After series, was not really what I was imagining as I pre-ordered it all these months ago.
From reading Aftercare, I knew that Syed, Aayan's younger, financial wizard brother, almost fully estranged from his family, but still close to Aayan, was on trial for the murder of his lover Jamie. Syed and Jamie lived a BDSM lifestyle with Syed being the Dom in that relationship to Jamie's sub, and as siblings it was clear at mud that he was far more dominant, way more kinky than Aayan, who came across as a fairly dominant and controlling man in his own right, in the 1st book.
Book 1 had a fair bit of kink as well, since that was Garrett's thing, being submissive and wanting pain in his sexual relationship. Newby Aayan, turned to the more experienced Syed for tips as he delved into the new heady world of BDSM with Garrett. It was scorching hot to read.
So from book one we knew Syed was kinky as hell, had been in a long-term monogamous relationship with his lover Jamie ( deceased) they enjoyed a kink heavy relationship, with Jamie being a masochist and Syed being a sadist, it made them perfect for each other. In fact, this was what Syed was really being tried for in a lot of ways, his kink and the effects of that S&M kink, being exposed for the public to judge, given Jamie had been beaten to death.
Book 2 starts on acquittal day for Syed. In the wake of Jamie's death, Syed's trial, Syed really struggled to find himself again. His grief was so heartfelt, and painful, and sad, and emotional, it was almost tangible, and it made him a deeply rich character to watch work himself back into the land of the living. In a lot of ways he was so removed from the controlling, dominant man we'd known previously, it was like his entire character had a ten foot barrier to returning to what he knew, to opening to the possibility of ever finding love again, to anything remotely intimate and definitely anything even remotely BDSM. It was also clear that during his trial, that Syed felt abandoned by any friends he and Jamie had, judged by all and sundry simply for being gay and into kink. The vulnerability and pain that Chris put into Syed made him a very believable man. I absolutely was rooting for him.
Dashiell was the same as I expected him to be given what I knew of him from book 1. Smart, emphatic, brilliant lawyer, an over-analyzer, anxious, almost shy and definitely emotionally hurt in the past, he had major self-esteem issues and difficulties trusting.
It doesn't help that Dash is head over toes in lust with Syed, nor that Syed, just cannot get back on the dating horse. Dash sort of thinks he might be submissive, but he's definitely not into any pain play, though if Syed needed it, he'd suffer through it, just to keep the man interested. It makes for added emotional trauma to our wonderful Dashiell, who already has a troubled mindset believing he must do everything possible to keep a man like Syed interested since history seems to reinforce that Dashiell is more the rebound hook-up, or backup, or second choice lover, rather than 1st pick partner. These thoughts manifests a belief that despite being professionally successful, personally he is mostly undesirable and unlovable since no-one sticks and if they do, their chronically unfaithful. If anyone asked, Dashiell would say he just wants a man to 'love' him.
This instalment focused on the year and a half after the trial and was good reading despite the absolute lack of heavy kink. The two men finally came together in what I'd class as a slowish burn, but it made sense in a lot of ways, since Syed was still emotionally struggling with Jamie's death. It a lot of ways book 2, was a story of two men needing to heal, especially since Syed, was in all sorts of knots over his on-going devotion to a ghost.
I particularly liked that Syed reflected in his past behaviour and understood he could do better as a partner, and he took steps to be a better man. I really liked him as a character, and I adored Dashiell who, while fierce as a lawyer, was quite emotionally fragile as a man, but had a huge heart and accepted that Syed might never really get over Jamie. I really liked how the two men together were perfect for each other and how Syed showed a gentle, trusting, dedicated and faithful personality, it was slightly unexpected since I was expecting heavy kink, but I think we might have missed reading about such a wonderful caring man if the book had been focused on a relationship like what I imagined Syed and Jamie had.
I also really liked the on-going theme regarding the investigation into the gay bashings that was happening around the city. Believable and rational, and it made for good reading.
Overall this book was a fitting conclusion to Aftercare, it still dealt with difficult religious issues surrounding the non- acceptance of homosexuality, some racial bigotry regarding Muslim culture, and ethnicity within the US, but mostly it focused on the fall out of the gay hate crimes being committed within the city and life sending two men a second chance to find love.
While this is book 2, Aftershock could be read as a standalone, though everything that's pertinent to the background of both Syed & Dashiell, Aayan and Garrett was revealed in book one, so it absolutely would be better reading after Aftercare. I enjoyed this story and do recommend it., though if your after a heavy kink read, you might be disappointed.
Aftershock, book 2, in the Ever After series, was not really what I was imagining as I pre-ordered it all these months ago.
From reading Aftercare, I knew that Syed, Aayan's younger, financial wizard brother, almost fully estranged from his family, but still close to Aayan, was on trial for the murder of his lover Jamie. Syed and Jamie lived a BDSM lifestyle with Syed being the Dom in that relationship to Jamie's sub, and as siblings it was clear at mud that he was far more dominant, way more kinky than Aayan, who came across as a fairly dominant and controlling man in his own right, in the 1st book.
Book 1 had a fair bit of kink as well, since that was Garrett's thing, being submissive and wanting pain in his sexual relationship. Newby Aayan, turned to the more experienced Syed for tips as he delved into the new heady world of BDSM with Garrett. It was scorching hot to read.
So from book one we knew Syed was kinky as hell, had been in a long-term monogamous relationship with his lover Jamie ( deceased) they enjoyed a kink heavy relationship, with Jamie being a masochist and Syed being a sadist, it made them perfect for each other. In fact, this was what Syed was really being tried for in a lot of ways, his kink and the effects of that S&M kink, being exposed for the public to judge, given Jamie had been beaten to death.
Book 2 starts on acquittal day for Syed. In the wake of Jamie's death, Syed's trial, Syed really struggled to find himself again. His grief was so heartfelt, and painful, and sad, and emotional, it was almost tangible, and it made him a deeply rich character to watch work himself back into the land of the living. In a lot of ways he was so removed from the controlling, dominant man we'd known previously, it was like his entire character had a ten foot barrier to returning to what he knew, to opening to the possibility of ever finding love again, to anything remotely intimate and definitely anything even remotely BDSM. It was also clear that during his trial, that Syed felt abandoned by any friends he and Jamie had, judged by all and sundry simply for being gay and into kink. The vulnerability and pain that Chris put into Syed made him a very believable man. I absolutely was rooting for him.
Dashiell was the same as I expected him to be given what I knew of him from book 1. Smart, emphatic, brilliant lawyer, an over-analyzer, anxious, almost shy and definitely emotionally hurt in the past, he had major self-esteem issues and difficulties trusting.
It doesn't help that Dash is head over toes in lust with Syed, nor that Syed, just cannot get back on the dating horse. Dash sort of thinks he might be submissive, but he's definitely not into any pain play, though if Syed needed it, he'd suffer through it, just to keep the man interested. It makes for added emotional trauma to our wonderful Dashiell, who already has a troubled mindset believing he must do everything possible to keep a man like Syed interested since history seems to reinforce that Dashiell is more the rebound hook-up, or backup, or second choice lover, rather than 1st pick partner. These thoughts manifests a belief that despite being professionally successful, personally he is mostly undesirable and unlovable since no-one sticks and if they do, their chronically unfaithful. If anyone asked, Dashiell would say he just wants a man to 'love' him.
This instalment focused on the year and a half after the trial and was good reading despite the absolute lack of heavy kink. The two men finally came together in what I'd class as a slowish burn, but it made sense in a lot of ways, since Syed was still emotionally struggling with Jamie's death. It a lot of ways book 2, was a story of two men needing to heal, especially since Syed, was in all sorts of knots over his on-going devotion to a ghost.
I particularly liked that Syed reflected in his past behaviour and understood he could do better as a partner, and he took steps to be a better man. I really liked him as a character, and I adored Dashiell who, while fierce as a lawyer, was quite emotionally fragile as a man, but had a huge heart and accepted that Syed might never really get over Jamie. I really liked how the two men together were perfect for each other and how Syed showed a gentle, trusting, dedicated and faithful personality, it was slightly unexpected since I was expecting heavy kink, but I think we might have missed reading about such a wonderful caring man if the book had been focused on a relationship like what I imagined Syed and Jamie had.
I also really liked the on-going theme regarding the investigation into the gay bashings that was happening around the city. Believable and rational, and it made for good reading.
Overall this book was a fitting conclusion to Aftercare, it still dealt with difficult religious issues surrounding the non- acceptance of homosexuality, some racial bigotry regarding Muslim culture, and ethnicity within the US, but mostly it focused on the fall out of the gay hate crimes being committed within the city and life sending two men a second chance to find love.
While this is book 2, Aftershock could be read as a standalone, though everything that's pertinent to the background of both Syed & Dashiell, Aayan and Garrett was revealed in book one, so it absolutely would be better reading after Aftercare. I enjoyed this story and do recommend it., though if your after a heavy kink read, you might be disappointed.
December 22, 2020
I enjoyed this far more than After Care, though I have a couple of quibbles re: some hurtful inaccuracies and BDSM the biggest one I'm going to clarify here, for anyone who thinks this is realistic BDSM depiction due to it being written in a realistic style. Remember, this is fiction, and the BDSM is fiction, and in some cases, some of the assumptions being put across are harmful if you don't remember this is all make-believe:
There's a section where Syed assures himself that Dashiell certainly isn't a masochist because he hops around on one foot in pain after stubbing his foot. This is bullshit folks. A person's pain tolerance outside of a scene 100% doesn't indicate ANYTHING about whether someone is a masochist in BDSM. There are masochists with low pain tolerances, masochists with high pain tolerance in the every day who have low pain tolerances in scenes, masochists who faint when they see needles, masochists who hate 95% of pain except a very specific 5% they like when consenting to it in a scene.
In just about any BDSM 101 class (which I wish Chris had taken the time to attend, or maybe remember this part), this is one of the first thing you'll be taught about masochists: that they like pain on their terms, and hate it just as much as anyone else (and sometimes moreso) the rest of the time whether inside of or outside of scenes, because you know, they're *human beings.*
It's moments like this that indicate that Chris has done her research, but doesn't actually really understand the psychology behind masochism, or maybe doesn't know many masochists, or hasn't actually experienced much of the scene, or even just applied any logical thought to this process. But a high pain tolerance in every day life does not have any correlation, connection or indication of what kind of masochist (or not) you're dealing with. Conversely, is she implying that people with high pain tolerances because they wouldn't jump around in pain from stubbing their toe mean they *must* be masochists? It makes no sense, and I hope it's not something anyone walks away thinking about masochists and masochism. It's so far off reality it was like being doused in cold water; especially since this book does make genuine attempts to be fairly accurate regarding kink the rest of the time. It made Syed seem like a 17 year old who only understands BDSM from fanfiction; something I expect from fanfiction, but not from a mature character with experience who was active in the public scene and clearly has played with multiple subs.
There are some grammar mistakes all through this, and a common fanfiction error I see in fic all the time, I saw here in published fic for the first time! 'Drug' is used as the past tense of drag, instead of the grammatically correct 'dragged.'
Okay, general issues aside, I liked this book much more. I thought Dashiell and Syed were more appealing and relatable as characters, and didn't feel as cold, distant and aloof as Aayan and Garrett did (and their relationship did at times because of it). Dashiell's anguish regarding how Kirk treated him and the scars that left behind felt real, and jumped off the page, and Syed's empathy felt like something he also did to heal himself. His transition into a 'softer' kind of domination made sense given what he's experienced, and what Dashiell needs, since it's obvious that Syed can still get his needs met through Dashiell's obedience and how receptive he is to control. In that sense, the D/s relationship felt more mature, and also more fleshed out, than Aayan and Garrett's did for me in book 1.
I found the themes around forgiveness and also the attitude to Dashiell's job mature and well-developed. I know some people still aren't going to like that aspect of things, but honestly I thought that was handled really well, and with a fair amount of non-didactic aplomb. I'm really looking forward to Casey's book, in that regard.
There's a section where Syed assures himself that Dashiell certainly isn't a masochist because he hops around on one foot in pain after stubbing his foot. This is bullshit folks. A person's pain tolerance outside of a scene 100% doesn't indicate ANYTHING about whether someone is a masochist in BDSM. There are masochists with low pain tolerances, masochists with high pain tolerance in the every day who have low pain tolerances in scenes, masochists who faint when they see needles, masochists who hate 95% of pain except a very specific 5% they like when consenting to it in a scene.
In just about any BDSM 101 class (which I wish Chris had taken the time to attend, or maybe remember this part), this is one of the first thing you'll be taught about masochists: that they like pain on their terms, and hate it just as much as anyone else (and sometimes moreso) the rest of the time whether inside of or outside of scenes, because you know, they're *human beings.*
It's moments like this that indicate that Chris has done her research, but doesn't actually really understand the psychology behind masochism, or maybe doesn't know many masochists, or hasn't actually experienced much of the scene, or even just applied any logical thought to this process. But a high pain tolerance in every day life does not have any correlation, connection or indication of what kind of masochist (or not) you're dealing with. Conversely, is she implying that people with high pain tolerances because they wouldn't jump around in pain from stubbing their toe mean they *must* be masochists? It makes no sense, and I hope it's not something anyone walks away thinking about masochists and masochism. It's so far off reality it was like being doused in cold water; especially since this book does make genuine attempts to be fairly accurate regarding kink the rest of the time. It made Syed seem like a 17 year old who only understands BDSM from fanfiction; something I expect from fanfiction, but not from a mature character with experience who was active in the public scene and clearly has played with multiple subs.
There are some grammar mistakes all through this, and a common fanfiction error I see in fic all the time, I saw here in published fic for the first time! 'Drug' is used as the past tense of drag, instead of the grammatically correct 'dragged.'
Okay, general issues aside, I liked this book much more. I thought Dashiell and Syed were more appealing and relatable as characters, and didn't feel as cold, distant and aloof as Aayan and Garrett did (and their relationship did at times because of it). Dashiell's anguish regarding how Kirk treated him and the scars that left behind felt real, and jumped off the page, and Syed's empathy felt like something he also did to heal himself. His transition into a 'softer' kind of domination made sense given what he's experienced, and what Dashiell needs, since it's obvious that Syed can still get his needs met through Dashiell's obedience and how receptive he is to control. In that sense, the D/s relationship felt more mature, and also more fleshed out, than Aayan and Garrett's did for me in book 1.
I found the themes around forgiveness and also the attitude to Dashiell's job mature and well-developed. I know some people still aren't going to like that aspect of things, but honestly I thought that was handled really well, and with a fair amount of non-didactic aplomb. I'm really looking forward to Casey's book, in that regard.
September 9, 2018
My Review
Nothing is simple in this story about Syed's days following his release from prosecution for the murder of his lover / long-time partner, Jamie. This book was on my TBR for a while because I remember how emotional I felt when I read Ever After Book 1, Aftercare. I was a bit afraid, I'll admit, that this couldn't live up to the passion engendered by Aftercare.
I was wrong.
A cornucopia of culture, religious and ethnic, this story takes the reader on another journey, with Syed, to learn much more about himself than he, perhaps, had learned in all of his earlier years. He didn't see much hope for love in his future as Jamie was everything to him. He was filled with despair about the things he should have said and done. His self-identity is been colored by his Turkish Muslim origin, India, the country of his childhood and his need for some level of kink in his relationship/s.
Dashiell, a member of Syed's defense team, is attracted to Syed, very attracted, although he knows that he likely doesn't have within him, the ability to meet Syed's needs, sexual or social. His self-image is colored by his own past experience. His hurt is deep, embedded within his own image.
A major theme circling around and through this story is that of familial relationships, particularly that of a father and son. After Jamie's death, Syed realized that he held back from his love for Jamie because of the fear of losing the respect of his father. There are other circumstances within this story based on pivotal misbehavior resulting from dysfunctional familial relationships.
There is not one theme within this story but many with real-to-life circumstances including gay bashing and homophobia as well as elements of mystery, unexpected turns and above all self-acceptance. There are sex and violence but none that is gratuitous only to set a perfect stage for the unanticipated events of the story.
I'm glad that I waited until the exact right moment to read this powerful, wonderful story more about emotional need than sexual desire.
Highlights:
Syed could feel him trembling the way he had in the alley that night, a small creature poised for flight, waiting like a stray kitten to see if Syed would kick him or feed him. Syed took him deeper, feeding him, calling to him. Here kitty, kitty. He hadn’t had a drink yet tonight but he felt intoxicated...
~
“Did you know there’s been a noticeable uptick in the number of assaults taking place outside of gay bars in the last eighteen months? At first, we thought it was the Trump effect, but what if we’ve got a serial offender?”
~
Dashiell asked if he needed more. . . “You and me and this.”
Nothing is simple in this story about Syed's days following his release from prosecution for the murder of his lover / long-time partner, Jamie. This book was on my TBR for a while because I remember how emotional I felt when I read Ever After Book 1, Aftercare. I was a bit afraid, I'll admit, that this couldn't live up to the passion engendered by Aftercare.
I was wrong.
A cornucopia of culture, religious and ethnic, this story takes the reader on another journey, with Syed, to learn much more about himself than he, perhaps, had learned in all of his earlier years. He didn't see much hope for love in his future as Jamie was everything to him. He was filled with despair about the things he should have said and done. His self-identity is been colored by his Turkish Muslim origin, India, the country of his childhood and his need for some level of kink in his relationship/s.
Dashiell, a member of Syed's defense team, is attracted to Syed, very attracted, although he knows that he likely doesn't have within him, the ability to meet Syed's needs, sexual or social. His self-image is colored by his own past experience. His hurt is deep, embedded within his own image.
A major theme circling around and through this story is that of familial relationships, particularly that of a father and son. After Jamie's death, Syed realized that he held back from his love for Jamie because of the fear of losing the respect of his father. There are other circumstances within this story based on pivotal misbehavior resulting from dysfunctional familial relationships.
There is not one theme within this story but many with real-to-life circumstances including gay bashing and homophobia as well as elements of mystery, unexpected turns and above all self-acceptance. There are sex and violence but none that is gratuitous only to set a perfect stage for the unanticipated events of the story.
I'm glad that I waited until the exact right moment to read this powerful, wonderful story more about emotional need than sexual desire.
Highlights:
Syed could feel him trembling the way he had in the alley that night, a small creature poised for flight, waiting like a stray kitten to see if Syed would kick him or feed him. Syed took him deeper, feeding him, calling to him. Here kitty, kitty. He hadn’t had a drink yet tonight but he felt intoxicated...
~
“Did you know there’s been a noticeable uptick in the number of assaults taking place outside of gay bars in the last eighteen months? At first, we thought it was the Trump effect, but what if we’ve got a serial offender?”
~
Dashiell asked if he needed more. . . “You and me and this.”
May 21, 2021
Questo secondo volume della serie di autoconclusivi "Ever After", l'ho atteso praticamente da quando ho finito Aftercare.
Se ho amato il primo capitolo, questo mi è entrato sotto pelle.
Ma andiamo per gradi. É un romance m/m con sfumature BDSM molto light, in cui la caratterizzazione dei due protagonisti, Syed e Dashiell, è magnifica e profonda. Entrambi hanno avuto un ruolo importante nel primo libro della serie e l'autrice ha continuato a delinearli con coerenza, mostrandone tutte le sfumature e, soprattutto, regalando ad entrambi una crescita personale estremamente accattivante e commovente.
Dopo la morte del suo grande amore e il processo per omicidio da cui è uscito totalmente scagionato, Syed non può più essere la stessa persona di prima. Con un cammino doloroso, timoroso, ma via via sempre più pieno di speranza, questo uomo forte, determinato ma ferito, oltraggiato e tremendamente solo, nonostante il fratello che lo ama e lo sostiene, solo e spaesato come solamente un cuore in frantumi può essere, si rende conto che ciò che era non gli calza più. Come un vestito su misura dopo una dieta, la sua vita ha bisogno di essere rinnovata, pur nel rispetto di un passato che non vuole non può essere dimenticato. Il suo malessere, la sua sofferenza radicata e impetuosa mi sono arrivate così violentemente addosso che mi hanno lasciata senza fiato. Syed l'ho capito, compreso e amato in tutti i suoi pensieri e le sue emozioni. Al suo fianco, timido, insicuro, inesperto, si avvicina con titubanza ma anche con trasporto istintivo, Dashiell. Di lui tutto ha fatto risuonare il mio istinto di protezione, proprio come un succede al Dom nell'animo di Syed. Del dolce avvocato ho amato la delicatezza dell'animo, l'empatia piena di sensibilità, il senso di giustizia, la forza di non lasciarsi sopraffare dai segnali contrastanti e dall'ignoto di un mondo che non conosce e che lo attrae e lo respinge insieme.
Questi due uomini hanno compiuto un armonioso e coinvolgente ballo di avvicinamento, corteggiamento e conoscenza l'uno dell'altro, che mi hai incantata ed ammaliata.
Mentre la storia d'amore procede con calda e appassionata cautela, la storia processuale legata all'omicidio dell'amante di Syed continua e riserva verità sconcertanti e dure. Anche in questo caso l'autrice è stata incredibilmente brava a porre i giusti toni, a portarmi a comprendere cosa e perché forse veramente successo, lasciandomi annichilita, incredula e sofferente perché, giustizia è fatta, ma nessuno esce vincitore, se non la paura, la superficialità e la grettitudine.
Questo romanzo ha un ritmo suadente e affabulante ed uno stile incisivo, fluido, carico di emozioni.
Che dirvi di più? Bellissimo
Hugs&kisses
Se ho amato il primo capitolo, questo mi è entrato sotto pelle.
Ma andiamo per gradi. É un romance m/m con sfumature BDSM molto light, in cui la caratterizzazione dei due protagonisti, Syed e Dashiell, è magnifica e profonda. Entrambi hanno avuto un ruolo importante nel primo libro della serie e l'autrice ha continuato a delinearli con coerenza, mostrandone tutte le sfumature e, soprattutto, regalando ad entrambi una crescita personale estremamente accattivante e commovente.
Dopo la morte del suo grande amore e il processo per omicidio da cui è uscito totalmente scagionato, Syed non può più essere la stessa persona di prima. Con un cammino doloroso, timoroso, ma via via sempre più pieno di speranza, questo uomo forte, determinato ma ferito, oltraggiato e tremendamente solo, nonostante il fratello che lo ama e lo sostiene, solo e spaesato come solamente un cuore in frantumi può essere, si rende conto che ciò che era non gli calza più. Come un vestito su misura dopo una dieta, la sua vita ha bisogno di essere rinnovata, pur nel rispetto di un passato che non vuole non può essere dimenticato. Il suo malessere, la sua sofferenza radicata e impetuosa mi sono arrivate così violentemente addosso che mi hanno lasciata senza fiato. Syed l'ho capito, compreso e amato in tutti i suoi pensieri e le sue emozioni. Al suo fianco, timido, insicuro, inesperto, si avvicina con titubanza ma anche con trasporto istintivo, Dashiell. Di lui tutto ha fatto risuonare il mio istinto di protezione, proprio come un succede al Dom nell'animo di Syed. Del dolce avvocato ho amato la delicatezza dell'animo, l'empatia piena di sensibilità, il senso di giustizia, la forza di non lasciarsi sopraffare dai segnali contrastanti e dall'ignoto di un mondo che non conosce e che lo attrae e lo respinge insieme.
Questi due uomini hanno compiuto un armonioso e coinvolgente ballo di avvicinamento, corteggiamento e conoscenza l'uno dell'altro, che mi hai incantata ed ammaliata.
Mentre la storia d'amore procede con calda e appassionata cautela, la storia processuale legata all'omicidio dell'amante di Syed continua e riserva verità sconcertanti e dure. Anche in questo caso l'autrice è stata incredibilmente brava a porre i giusti toni, a portarmi a comprendere cosa e perché forse veramente successo, lasciandomi annichilita, incredula e sofferente perché, giustizia è fatta, ma nessuno esce vincitore, se non la paura, la superficialità e la grettitudine.
Questo romanzo ha un ritmo suadente e affabulante ed uno stile incisivo, fluido, carico di emozioni.
Che dirvi di più? Bellissimo
Hugs&kisses
August 14, 2018
🌇When tragedy strikes, how can Syed pick up the pieces to build a life without his dear Jamie?😟
August 14, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍👍What a great follow-up to Aftercare, which I just read a few days before starting this one. I love me a good, 🔥steamy MM romance, and Author Tanya Chris seems to always add something different and exciting to each new story line. This one focuses on attorneys, two rich immigrant brothers, and the varied world of BDSM and power exchange. Where the previous story focused on one brother's, Syed's, murder trial and his brother Aayan's swiftly developing relationship with defense attorney Garrett, this one zeroes in on Syed's attempts to rebuild a life after the tragic beating death of his Sub partner Jamie. Syed is also drawn to an attorney, Dashiell, but he is so different in temperament from Jamie that Dashiell has major angst fearing he can never be the Sub Syed needs.
I felt that the murder and the hate and fear faced by gays and, particularly, gays involved in BDSM, story line made this an outstanding novel. Some almost Kharmic twists evolve as Dashiell takes on Casey, an accomplice to a hate-filled, gaybashing brother, as one of his clients and finds it difficult to balance his responsibility to his client with his sympathy and support for Syed as he grieves Jamie's violent death by unknown, probably gaybashing, assailants.
Despite the subject matter, this story is less violent than I thought it would be and I have no problem with that. Syed's metamorphosis as he works his way to a new relationship is key to the plot. Chris employed sensitivity and insight as she moved Syed through his grief and ended up with a complex hero that I really liked.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
August 14, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
👍👍What a great follow-up to Aftercare, which I just read a few days before starting this one. I love me a good, 🔥steamy MM romance, and Author Tanya Chris seems to always add something different and exciting to each new story line. This one focuses on attorneys, two rich immigrant brothers, and the varied world of BDSM and power exchange. Where the previous story focused on one brother's, Syed's, murder trial and his brother Aayan's swiftly developing relationship with defense attorney Garrett, this one zeroes in on Syed's attempts to rebuild a life after the tragic beating death of his Sub partner Jamie. Syed is also drawn to an attorney, Dashiell, but he is so different in temperament from Jamie that Dashiell has major angst fearing he can never be the Sub Syed needs.
I felt that the murder and the hate and fear faced by gays and, particularly, gays involved in BDSM, story line made this an outstanding novel. Some almost Kharmic twists evolve as Dashiell takes on Casey, an accomplice to a hate-filled, gaybashing brother, as one of his clients and finds it difficult to balance his responsibility to his client with his sympathy and support for Syed as he grieves Jamie's violent death by unknown, probably gaybashing, assailants.
Despite the subject matter, this story is less violent than I thought it would be and I have no problem with that. Syed's metamorphosis as he works his way to a new relationship is key to the plot. Chris employed sensitivity and insight as she moved Syed through his grief and ended up with a complex hero that I really liked.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 19, 2019
This is book two in the Ever After series and it's very different from book one. If you're expecting a second round of book one with new characters, this isn't that. This story is touching on many levels.
We didn't get to see much of Seyd's grief over losing Jamie in book one and it's possible he didn't really start grieving until the trial was over, which is what we see here. Like Garrett, he has to try to reconcile loving someone new with his love for Jamie.
Dashiell is in the process of discovering a new part of his sexuality. He has to learn exactly what that involves and reconcile it with his previous expectations and what he thinks Seyd wants. I think that aspect was one of the most relatable for me. We all try hard to be what we think our potential partner needs because we don't want to lose them, but in doing that we compromise a part of ourselves or otherwise fail to be our true self.
This story is one of the best I've read as far as watching a relationship develop and seeing characters stretch and grow. Both characters have some major hurdles to overcome and both do so in such beautiful ways. Dashiell is just adorable. He really is.
As in the book one, the BDSM community and practices are portrayed accurately. Seyd is a Dom and his growth from Jamie's Dom to Dashiell's Dom is moving to watch. It made him all the more endearing that he had to learn something about himself and the lifestyle to grow into the man he needed to be. It's similar to Aayan's growth but different at the same time. He had to learn about himself and what he could and couldn't accept in a relationship and in his life.
We are given a realistic and satisfactory justice for Jamie. Seyd's statement at the sentencing hearing had me full on weeping.
Overall, this is an outstanding book, even better than book one, and I highly recommend it.
We didn't get to see much of Seyd's grief over losing Jamie in book one and it's possible he didn't really start grieving until the trial was over, which is what we see here. Like Garrett, he has to try to reconcile loving someone new with his love for Jamie.
Dashiell is in the process of discovering a new part of his sexuality. He has to learn exactly what that involves and reconcile it with his previous expectations and what he thinks Seyd wants. I think that aspect was one of the most relatable for me. We all try hard to be what we think our potential partner needs because we don't want to lose them, but in doing that we compromise a part of ourselves or otherwise fail to be our true self.
This story is one of the best I've read as far as watching a relationship develop and seeing characters stretch and grow. Both characters have some major hurdles to overcome and both do so in such beautiful ways. Dashiell is just adorable. He really is.
As in the book one, the BDSM community and practices are portrayed accurately. Seyd is a Dom and his growth from Jamie's Dom to Dashiell's Dom is moving to watch. It made him all the more endearing that he had to learn something about himself and the lifestyle to grow into the man he needed to be. It's similar to Aayan's growth but different at the same time. He had to learn about himself and what he could and couldn't accept in a relationship and in his life.
We are given a realistic and satisfactory justice for Jamie. Seyd's statement at the sentencing hearing had me full on weeping.
Overall, this is an outstanding book, even better than book one, and I highly recommend it.
April 5, 2021
My enjoyment of the first book in this trilogy expanded with the engrossing story of the second. It incorporates many of the same elements, such as an engaging relationship and legal drama, without being a carbon copy. Syed and Dashiell’s evolving connection follows a different trajectory as Syed deals with mourning his murdered lover, and Dashiell considers dipping his toes into kink. Except he fears that he can’t meet Syed’s needs, while at the same time, Syed struggles with the realization that his needs might now be different after the trauma of the murder trial he was just involved with. This book is one of those cases where if I had only had events from Dashiell’s perspective, I’d have wanted him to run far away from the near train wreck that is Syed; however, since we do get Syed’s side of the story, I instead cheered every time they grew closer together.
After the previous book, Dashiell has hung his shingle as a defense lawyer working with Garrett. A man and his brother are accused of a hate crime, and the belligerent father seems to think that hiring a gay lawyer will get his younger son some sort of pity points. Garrett passes the task on to Dashiell. The legal elements of this book encompass a lot of the groundwork that occurs before a trial even begins, except Dashiell soon realizes that there’s more to his client’s involvement than the single case for which he is hired. Then, it turns out the kid’s history might strike even closer to home than Dashiell—and Syed—could have ever imagined.
The author who introduced me to this trilogy calls the first book her favorite, but I found myself enjoying this story just as much. It appealed to different reader reactions in me than the first book, but Syed thoroughly swept me away as much as he did Dashiell.
After the previous book, Dashiell has hung his shingle as a defense lawyer working with Garrett. A man and his brother are accused of a hate crime, and the belligerent father seems to think that hiring a gay lawyer will get his younger son some sort of pity points. Garrett passes the task on to Dashiell. The legal elements of this book encompass a lot of the groundwork that occurs before a trial even begins, except Dashiell soon realizes that there’s more to his client’s involvement than the single case for which he is hired. Then, it turns out the kid’s history might strike even closer to home than Dashiell—and Syed—could have ever imagined.
The author who introduced me to this trilogy calls the first book her favorite, but I found myself enjoying this story just as much. It appealed to different reader reactions in me than the first book, but Syed thoroughly swept me away as much as he did Dashiell.
May 8, 2021
How life can change on a dime.
I listened to the first book in this series and was hooked.this book wasn't out yet on audible but I needed to know what happened to Syed. So glad I decided to read it. Dealing with the death of his long time lover. Finding out things about Jamie and about about himself has left Syed alone in a world that he doesn't know how to move on inn. Having his life style choices brought out in the most Heinous way by being on trial for the death of his boyfriend has made him hallow, lost and angry. Even though he was Acquitted of the murder he isn't happy. Now months later he is trying to come to terms he us alone but needs to get back out in the world. Dashiell who was the 2nd chair in Syed trial had found that he kind of liked the BDSM Dom from the beginning but wasn't sure why. Since he was never been into pain and the Humiliation that he learns about during the trial that was Syed life. They end up coming across each other at a bar that Syed is looking for a hook up to get his life back on track. They cross each other paths again later when Garrett and his boyfriend who is Syed brother tries to reintroduce him back into the life if the BDSM club that he used to be apart of with Jamie. That go well either for a second impression. Though things develop from there. Dashiell take on a case that is shadowing the trial of Syed and when things come out its going to put to the test of these two men new romance and how they will choose to accept and move forward. I enjoyed reading Syed story who lived life one way for so long but finds he is able to make difficult choices and come out a better man. Able to fall in love again.
I listened to the first book in this series and was hooked.this book wasn't out yet on audible but I needed to know what happened to Syed. So glad I decided to read it. Dealing with the death of his long time lover. Finding out things about Jamie and about about himself has left Syed alone in a world that he doesn't know how to move on inn. Having his life style choices brought out in the most Heinous way by being on trial for the death of his boyfriend has made him hallow, lost and angry. Even though he was Acquitted of the murder he isn't happy. Now months later he is trying to come to terms he us alone but needs to get back out in the world. Dashiell who was the 2nd chair in Syed trial had found that he kind of liked the BDSM Dom from the beginning but wasn't sure why. Since he was never been into pain and the Humiliation that he learns about during the trial that was Syed life. They end up coming across each other at a bar that Syed is looking for a hook up to get his life back on track. They cross each other paths again later when Garrett and his boyfriend who is Syed brother tries to reintroduce him back into the life if the BDSM club that he used to be apart of with Jamie. That go well either for a second impression. Though things develop from there. Dashiell take on a case that is shadowing the trial of Syed and when things come out its going to put to the test of these two men new romance and how they will choose to accept and move forward. I enjoyed reading Syed story who lived life one way for so long but finds he is able to make difficult choices and come out a better man. Able to fall in love again.
November 4, 2022
Actual rating: 4.5
Dashiell is a competent lawyer and a painfully insecure man due to a past emotionally abusive relationship...
Syed is a sweetly and sexily dominant and grieving man.
“You can hurt me. As long as you love me.”
“I’m not going to hurt you, but sometimes I’ll push you. To try things you haven’t tried, to feel things you haven’t felt..."
Together they make the perfect couple as Syed tries to reconcile his love for his dead sub and the fact that his new love Dashiell is not only completely different from Jamie but is defending the man that was complicit in killing Jamie. The second part was completely secondary in the story to the first and really surprised me with how forgiving and selfless Syed was to Dashiell.
I'll admit I didn't like the mcs at the very beginning of the book...Syed seeming too harsh and bitter and Dashiell too desperate...but their connection and personalities really grew on me until I could only describe them both as sweet.
I never typically like romance books which have investigations more central to the story than the romance but it was quite balanced in this book. The investigation was really interesting and really broke my heart in reminding me that there are people filled with so much hate in the world including those that are forced to have that hate just by virtue of being a product of their upbringing. This was a great read!
Dashiell is a competent lawyer and a painfully insecure man due to a past emotionally abusive relationship...
Syed is a sweetly and sexily dominant and grieving man.
“You can hurt me. As long as you love me.”
“I’m not going to hurt you, but sometimes I’ll push you. To try things you haven’t tried, to feel things you haven’t felt..."
Together they make the perfect couple as Syed tries to reconcile his love for his dead sub and the fact that his new love Dashiell is not only completely different from Jamie but is defending the man that was complicit in killing Jamie. The second part was completely secondary in the story to the first and really surprised me with how forgiving and selfless Syed was to Dashiell.
I'll admit I didn't like the mcs at the very beginning of the book...Syed seeming too harsh and bitter and Dashiell too desperate...but their connection and personalities really grew on me until I could only describe them both as sweet.
I never typically like romance books which have investigations more central to the story than the romance but it was quite balanced in this book. The investigation was really interesting and really broke my heart in reminding me that there are people filled with so much hate in the world including those that are forced to have that hate just by virtue of being a product of their upbringing. This was a great read!
August 9, 2018
This is an incredibly moving book. It looks at several different facets of a relationship, of grief, of societal expectations and much more. Tanya Chris did an amazing job weaving all of the components together into a masterpiece.
The character development is intense. The level of complexity the author is able to use is perfect. She really poured her heart and soul into these characters. Syed and Dashiell may have been primary but I loved the fact the author gave that same attention to secondary characters as well. The world building was flawless; the author did an excellent job creating vivid imagery. Between both the depth of characters and the world building, it felt like I was right there.
The storyline covers several issues at once but never to the detriment of each other. It worked all in a perfect balance and kept me captivated. The story especially will resonate with anyone who has lost someone and had to find his or her way back. Tanya Chris did an excellent job with creating a realistic depiction of grief and relationships overall. She also portrayed the BDSM community accurately, respectfully and with understanding. Most of all, this author excelled at eliciting strong emotions, including moving me to tears.
5 stars for a perfectly complex read. Highly recommend!
The character development is intense. The level of complexity the author is able to use is perfect. She really poured her heart and soul into these characters. Syed and Dashiell may have been primary but I loved the fact the author gave that same attention to secondary characters as well. The world building was flawless; the author did an excellent job creating vivid imagery. Between both the depth of characters and the world building, it felt like I was right there.
The storyline covers several issues at once but never to the detriment of each other. It worked all in a perfect balance and kept me captivated. The story especially will resonate with anyone who has lost someone and had to find his or her way back. Tanya Chris did an excellent job with creating a realistic depiction of grief and relationships overall. She also portrayed the BDSM community accurately, respectfully and with understanding. Most of all, this author excelled at eliciting strong emotions, including moving me to tears.
5 stars for a perfectly complex read. Highly recommend!
August 15, 2018
This is a book about kindness, tolerance, caring, forgiveness, grief, a depth of love that is enviable, people standing up for what is right no matter the cost to them personally and a hard but true portrayal of the awful results of bigotry. It is one of the best books I have ever read and I could not put it down. There are so many emotions that I felt while reading it that I was wrung out when it ended. It is beautifully written, romantic, sweet, realistic and at times very sad even though the ending is happy. The characters are complex, real and have incredibly difficult obstacles to deal with. Syed and Dashiell met under the worst of circumstances and even though Dashiell is drawn to him Syed constantly pushes him away. Their journey together is not easy but they never give up on each other. I loved the first book in this amazing series, Aftercare, and recommend reading it first as many of the characters overlap and it gives a lot of insight into Syed's family and background. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
August 14, 2018
I had already read Aftercare, the first book in the series and it gave more depth with the background and characters in this story.
This is an extremely heart wrenching story. Syed’s story left me completely exhausted. His heartbreak and then getting into another relationship took every emotion I could have. Unbelievable sadness for the loss of Jamie and all he was. Joy at the relationship with Dashiell. Amazement at Syed’s ability to handle so many issues with Casey. This is a story I believe could happen and that makes it hard to deal with such hatred. I am so appreciative I found this author. The stories in this series had been everything I look for. The characters are so well developed. The story flow is consistent. The emotions are strong. The cover is so representative of the story. It’s one of those stories that I’ll remember and that will come to mind when I recommend books.
This is an extremely heart wrenching story. Syed’s story left me completely exhausted. His heartbreak and then getting into another relationship took every emotion I could have. Unbelievable sadness for the loss of Jamie and all he was. Joy at the relationship with Dashiell. Amazement at Syed’s ability to handle so many issues with Casey. This is a story I believe could happen and that makes it hard to deal with such hatred. I am so appreciative I found this author. The stories in this series had been everything I look for. The characters are so well developed. The story flow is consistent. The emotions are strong. The cover is so representative of the story. It’s one of those stories that I’ll remember and that will come to mind when I recommend books.
August 16, 2018
This was just as beautiful and well written as Aftercare in a completely different way. I loved how organically their relationship developed. The respect for Jamie’s memory, and how Syed couldn’t just move on immediately and had to come to terms with learning to love again.
This one didn’t work for me quite as well as the first one, I just didn’t connect to Syed and Dashiel as much. But that’s more of a personal preference, because I still felt the emotion and loved the story. I’m still not sure how I feel about Casey and their reactions and interactions with him.
Overall, a wonderful hurt/comfort with a lot of growth from both MCs. It was great to see this take on changing how you practice BDSM to suit your partner. I wouldn’t recommend this as a standalone, it might be possible, but there is a lot of continuation of events and characters from the first book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy.
This one didn’t work for me quite as well as the first one, I just didn’t connect to Syed and Dashiel as much. But that’s more of a personal preference, because I still felt the emotion and loved the story. I’m still not sure how I feel about Casey and their reactions and interactions with him.
Overall, a wonderful hurt/comfort with a lot of growth from both MCs. It was great to see this take on changing how you practice BDSM to suit your partner. I wouldn’t recommend this as a standalone, it might be possible, but there is a lot of continuation of events and characters from the first book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy.
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