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Club Descent #2
Ascent
The continuation... Giles and Joshua.
We may look the same, but I'm nothing like my twin.
For years, I followed my brother into every dark corner he ventured, to be his guiding light. And then life changed. Ted found the one thing I could never tell him I wanted.
Want I did. The man in the shadowed corners, the lurker who wouldn't play. The voyeur who'd caught my eye. He was who I craved.
For weeks I spilled my heart, my hopes and dreams, to a man with no voice. To a man who couldn't hear. Joshua Templeton had caught me totally unaware. And when he woke up - the hurdles we had to face were far greater than expected.
Joshua was not the man I thought he was. But I refused to leave him behind, the mountain he had to climb, far easier with a helping hand. If only his past wasn't so hell bent on dragging him back.
We may look the same, but I'm nothing like my twin.
For years, I followed my brother into every dark corner he ventured, to be his guiding light. And then life changed. Ted found the one thing I could never tell him I wanted.
Want I did. The man in the shadowed corners, the lurker who wouldn't play. The voyeur who'd caught my eye. He was who I craved.
For weeks I spilled my heart, my hopes and dreams, to a man with no voice. To a man who couldn't hear. Joshua Templeton had caught me totally unaware. And when he woke up - the hurdles we had to face were far greater than expected.
Joshua was not the man I thought he was. But I refused to leave him behind, the mountain he had to climb, far easier with a helping hand. If only his past wasn't so hell bent on dragging him back.
210 pages, ebook
First published November 26, 2018
5 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Sands
23 books73 followersKlaire is a multi genre author who has a passion for reading and more often than not, can be found with her nose stuck in a book. She loves angsty, dark reads but is not averse to the fun, light hearted side either. Typically, a romance reader, of most genres/sub genres, her passion for literature and written words goes back to her childhood when she always dreamed of writing and telling the world her stories.
Not quite a stay at home mum, Klaire has a busy life which she shares with her husband of twenty-five years and her little monkey boy. Her adult children have flown the coop already, but still manage to come home for ‘mama’s lasagne.’ EOL Nurse and business owner are her daytime realities.
Avid eater of mayonnaise and chips, anti-get fitter, lover of cheesy music and a fierce advocate of things close to her heart. She has a bucket list as long as her arm, which includes sky diving and visiting Cambodia. And wants to travel the world.
Great believer in second chances, insta-love (because her love is a product of that), fairy tales and monsters… Klaire just wants to write all the words for you.
Not quite a stay at home mum, Klaire has a busy life which she shares with her husband of twenty-five years and her little monkey boy. Her adult children have flown the coop already, but still manage to come home for ‘mama’s lasagne.’ EOL Nurse and business owner are her daytime realities.
Avid eater of mayonnaise and chips, anti-get fitter, lover of cheesy music and a fierce advocate of things close to her heart. She has a bucket list as long as her arm, which includes sky diving and visiting Cambodia. And wants to travel the world.
Great believer in second chances, insta-love (because her love is a product of that), fairy tales and monsters… Klaire just wants to write all the words for you.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 26, 2018
Damn this was some read. Devastating passages which made my heart thump hurtfully.
Some less darker and gritty than Descent, still a captivating story and can easily read as a stand alone.
Giles and Joshua ... we did meet both in Descent... Giles as Theodore’s twin and Joshua as Liam’s best friend.
Joshua has been going through hell more than once... and now that he is getting closer with Giles he has to reveal his secrets... he is sure Giles will despise him...
-“Giles...” My breathy name from his mouth caught my heart a flutter, rapid beats thrummed through my chest, blood singing in my veins. From just my name.-
Between the necessary information about the truth about Joshua we can see how Giles and Joshua go back and forth in their relationship. There are heavy sexual moments from different kinds...
Giles my hero, strong, determined, willing to slay all Joshua’s demons away. Joshua, beautiful fragile but o so strong Joshua... putting everything on table and has to face the hard truth.
How much trauma can someone handle...
Joshua and Giles were the eye of this hurricane, together they were serene, perfect and full of passion and love. Around them the world teared apart.
Only the terror of Joshua’s past could separate them... and terror there was...
The way of writing was strong and inviting to delve in. It was good developed. The angst so palpable... the plot well done. All the characters, family and friends, except a few, were engaging and it was so nice to see Ted and Liam again.
Loved this entertaining read which was, for me, more on the sweet and hurtful side than dark.
Kindly received an arc from the author
Some less darker and gritty than Descent, still a captivating story and can easily read as a stand alone.
Giles and Joshua ... we did meet both in Descent... Giles as Theodore’s twin and Joshua as Liam’s best friend.
Joshua has been going through hell more than once... and now that he is getting closer with Giles he has to reveal his secrets... he is sure Giles will despise him...
-“Giles...” My breathy name from his mouth caught my heart a flutter, rapid beats thrummed through my chest, blood singing in my veins. From just my name.-
Between the necessary information about the truth about Joshua we can see how Giles and Joshua go back and forth in their relationship. There are heavy sexual moments from different kinds...
Giles my hero, strong, determined, willing to slay all Joshua’s demons away. Joshua, beautiful fragile but o so strong Joshua... putting everything on table and has to face the hard truth.
How much trauma can someone handle...
Joshua and Giles were the eye of this hurricane, together they were serene, perfect and full of passion and love. Around them the world teared apart.
Only the terror of Joshua’s past could separate them... and terror there was...
The way of writing was strong and inviting to delve in. It was good developed. The angst so palpable... the plot well done. All the characters, family and friends, except a few, were engaging and it was so nice to see Ted and Liam again.
Loved this entertaining read which was, for me, more on the sweet and hurtful side than dark.
Kindly received an arc from the author
May 25, 2022
Josuah esta huyendo de su familia quienes lo dejaron por muerto despues de asesinar a su madre y su hermana pequena, pero despues del ataque recibido por Chester Suthers su nombre y su cara aparece por todas partes en la prensa, lo que despierta de nuevos sus miedos de ser encontrado, pero sus heridas no le permitiran huir de nuevo, sera posible que pueda quedarse y sentirse protegido por los pocos "amigos" que tiene? Sobre todo porque su atraccion por uno de ellos es tan grande que es casi imposible de ocultar?
Giles no puede entender como Josuah no tiene a nadie de su lado, asi que el decide que el tiene que estar ahi, sobre todo porque su atraccion por el joven es muy muy grande y no puede resistir ayudarlo. Pero sabe que Josuah esta ocultando algo, solo espera que le permita ayudarlo a enfrentarlo y si es necesario protegerlo.
Pero cuando el pasado de Josuah reaparece y amenaza con destruir la vida que esta construyendo, debera confiar en su nueva tribu para apoyarlo y ayudarlo a terminar de una vez por todas la amenaza que pende sobre su vida y la de sus seres queridos.
El libro es bastante soso, esperaba mucho mas de Giles pero realmente resulto un hombre con poca energia y que se dejaba llevar por lo que decian los demas. En el caso de Josuah, es un personaje voluble, demasiado conflictivo y cambiante de humor para que resultara como pareja de Giles, y quizas por eso la pareja se sentia sin quimica. Igual me resulto con la supuesta amistad de Josuah con Liam, tampoco pegaba mucho.
Este libro no fue algo que me gustara, hubiera preferido que la trama no fuera tan enredada, y que los personajes secundarios, tuvieran un poco mas de protagonismo, pero bueno, no todos los libros pueden ser buenos.
Esta serie tiene otros libros, pero no creo que vaya a continuar con la lectura.
Giles no puede entender como Josuah no tiene a nadie de su lado, asi que el decide que el tiene que estar ahi, sobre todo porque su atraccion por el joven es muy muy grande y no puede resistir ayudarlo. Pero sabe que Josuah esta ocultando algo, solo espera que le permita ayudarlo a enfrentarlo y si es necesario protegerlo.
Pero cuando el pasado de Josuah reaparece y amenaza con destruir la vida que esta construyendo, debera confiar en su nueva tribu para apoyarlo y ayudarlo a terminar de una vez por todas la amenaza que pende sobre su vida y la de sus seres queridos.
El libro es bastante soso, esperaba mucho mas de Giles pero realmente resulto un hombre con poca energia y que se dejaba llevar por lo que decian los demas. En el caso de Josuah, es un personaje voluble, demasiado conflictivo y cambiante de humor para que resultara como pareja de Giles, y quizas por eso la pareja se sentia sin quimica. Igual me resulto con la supuesta amistad de Josuah con Liam, tampoco pegaba mucho.
Este libro no fue algo que me gustara, hubiera preferido que la trama no fuera tan enredada, y que los personajes secundarios, tuvieran un poco mas de protagonismo, pero bueno, no todos los libros pueden ser buenos.
Esta serie tiene otros libros, pero no creo que vaya a continuar con la lectura.
November 27, 2018
Ascent is the story following on from Descent and I needed to get my hands on this one to read Giles and Joshua's story. KA Sands has written a gripping, M/M story, there are so many twists and turns in this book and nothing is what it seems. Fast paced and riveting this is a highly recommended read.
Giles is the other partner in the family law firm. The story starts, with him sitting by Joshua's bed waiting for him to recover, unable to work out why he is so drawn to this insular man. The characters in this story are so well written, intelligent and fascinating. I loved Giles, he is so kind, always there for the underdog, he will fight for those he loves and is very protective. Poor Josh, he is having to deal with one hell of a lot, with recovering from his injuries, a court case and a past that has caught up with him, big time.
Giles brother, Ted and his partner Liam, as well as their father, are all there for each other, as their tribe grows and becomes stronger. I loved the bond between these men and watching them all become a family.
This story is really well written, hot as sin and full of unexpected turns. Read Descent first but then dive straight into Ascent, you won't be disappointed.
Giles is the other partner in the family law firm. The story starts, with him sitting by Joshua's bed waiting for him to recover, unable to work out why he is so drawn to this insular man. The characters in this story are so well written, intelligent and fascinating. I loved Giles, he is so kind, always there for the underdog, he will fight for those he loves and is very protective. Poor Josh, he is having to deal with one hell of a lot, with recovering from his injuries, a court case and a past that has caught up with him, big time.
Giles brother, Ted and his partner Liam, as well as their father, are all there for each other, as their tribe grows and becomes stronger. I loved the bond between these men and watching them all become a family.
This story is really well written, hot as sin and full of unexpected turns. Read Descent first but then dive straight into Ascent, you won't be disappointed.
January 29, 2019
I feel you must read Descent before starting Ascent. The author does note in the blurb that this is a continuation story and it focuses on Giles and Joshua this time, who we have already met in the first book. I think I had a bit of a 'thing' for Giles in Descent and this was confirmed as I read through the chapters of this story. I know he doesn't swing my way but hell a girl can still admire, can't she?
I've once again found this book to be one that I just couldn't put down. It was gripping. There was angst. It was hot!! There were twists in the story that had me once again needing to know what was going to happen, and they kept my fingers flipping the pages of my kindle like there was no tomorrow!
There are parts of the book that will bring tears to your eyes and you need to read this story to see which kind of tears I'm referring to. I honestly think if you like your books a little on the darker side, then you will love this series as much as I do.
I've once again found this book to be one that I just couldn't put down. It was gripping. There was angst. It was hot!! There were twists in the story that had me once again needing to know what was going to happen, and they kept my fingers flipping the pages of my kindle like there was no tomorrow!
There are parts of the book that will bring tears to your eyes and you need to read this story to see which kind of tears I'm referring to. I honestly think if you like your books a little on the darker side, then you will love this series as much as I do.
December 7, 2018
These books read like they’re written by an American who thought it’d be cool to have them set in London. Either that or Sands is English with zero idea how things work in the UK. Sadly, the utter lack of research made both Descent and Ascent an incredibly jarring read.
The British legal system has solicitors and barristers. Solicitors essentially do any legal work pre court. Once it gets to court a barrister takes over. Solicitors do not have advocacy rights so cannot speak in court. Barristers are self employed. They work through a chambers.
In this book, however, Teddy and Giles’ father is a barrister who, inexplicably, started a solicitors firm.... not a chambers. Solicitors are referred to as a “shark in court.” Well, no because the most a solicitor does in court, if they even need to be there, is sit behind the barrister they’ve instructed. And judges completely disregard protocol with weird Americanisms like “approach the bench.” There’s no such thing as “approach the bench” in UK courts, no sidebars or wandering around theatrically. Barristers stay where they are as they question witnesses and/or address the judge.
Not to mention Liam, a 20 something, is living alone in a one bedroom flat in London. London is renowned for being a ridiculously expensive city. There’s no way a 20 something lives in a flat very near to Teddy who’s described as wealthy. Neither would Josh who leaves his mother’s money untouched and thus, is living on his income as ... well, who knows? I mean solicitors have legal secretaries, but Liam keeps being referred to as either a personal assistant or executive assistant or legal assistant.
In the second book organised crime is the big bad but, again, the police operate like Americans. The Met would have a task force with a lead detective constable and armed response unit. Not FBI esque agents tootling around.
The blatant f you to research just detracted from the entire read. The two stars are because, thankfully, Sands didn’t pull up the wiki entry on British slang and try to shoehorn it all in.
The British legal system has solicitors and barristers. Solicitors essentially do any legal work pre court. Once it gets to court a barrister takes over. Solicitors do not have advocacy rights so cannot speak in court. Barristers are self employed. They work through a chambers.
In this book, however, Teddy and Giles’ father is a barrister who, inexplicably, started a solicitors firm.... not a chambers. Solicitors are referred to as a “shark in court.” Well, no because the most a solicitor does in court, if they even need to be there, is sit behind the barrister they’ve instructed. And judges completely disregard protocol with weird Americanisms like “approach the bench.” There’s no such thing as “approach the bench” in UK courts, no sidebars or wandering around theatrically. Barristers stay where they are as they question witnesses and/or address the judge.
Not to mention Liam, a 20 something, is living alone in a one bedroom flat in London. London is renowned for being a ridiculously expensive city. There’s no way a 20 something lives in a flat very near to Teddy who’s described as wealthy. Neither would Josh who leaves his mother’s money untouched and thus, is living on his income as ... well, who knows? I mean solicitors have legal secretaries, but Liam keeps being referred to as either a personal assistant or executive assistant or legal assistant.
In the second book organised crime is the big bad but, again, the police operate like Americans. The Met would have a task force with a lead detective constable and armed response unit. Not FBI esque agents tootling around.
The blatant f you to research just detracted from the entire read. The two stars are because, thankfully, Sands didn’t pull up the wiki entry on British slang and try to shoehorn it all in.
November 22, 2018
I was looking forward to reading 'Ascent' since I finished it's prequel 'Descent' (I would definitely read 'Descent' first as it may be confusing to jump straight into 'Ascent'). I wasn't disappointed! The novel followed Giles' and Joshua's relationship, and had a bit of suspense and action thrown in.
Even though there were a few grammatical/spelling errors throughout, I quite enjoy this author's writing style, and the relationships she portrays. Sometimes the story-line felt rushed, and details went missing in the thick of it (occasionally making it confusing to follow), but the relationship between Giles and Joshua felt passionate and real, so that made it worth it.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!
Even though there were a few grammatical/spelling errors throughout, I quite enjoy this author's writing style, and the relationships she portrays. Sometimes the story-line felt rushed, and details went missing in the thick of it (occasionally making it confusing to follow), but the relationship between Giles and Joshua felt passionate and real, so that made it worth it.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!
May 4, 2019
*Read as part of KU*
Well after reading Descent I couldn't wait to jump right into Ascent and I'm so glad I did because Giles and Joshua's story did not disappoint me one bit!
So much drama twists and turns it keep me hooked and wanting more... but it was also full of love and heart warning moments.
So as we learned in book 1 things are never easy for these Twins and when they both meet the men who will change their lives forever things only get worse before they get better but the journey is worth it in the end.
Honestly didnt want these books to end!
Well after reading Descent I couldn't wait to jump right into Ascent and I'm so glad I did because Giles and Joshua's story did not disappoint me one bit!
So much drama twists and turns it keep me hooked and wanting more... but it was also full of love and heart warning moments.
So as we learned in book 1 things are never easy for these Twins and when they both meet the men who will change their lives forever things only get worse before they get better but the journey is worth it in the end.
Honestly didnt want these books to end!
December 3, 2018
The author has written another good book. This is the second book in this series that go into the other brother relationship with Joshua. These two go on an emotional rollercoaster to be together. Joshua has things in his life that he has been hiding about himself. It's going take his new love and support to see his problems through to the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving one.
December 3, 2018
This book was recommended to me by a dear Goodreads' friend. Unfortunately there is a Book #1 (Descent) that I haven't read and I think it severely affected by enjoyment of this story. I found this book to by very slow in story development and referred back to things that happened in the past that I would have been interested in (BDSM, possible non-con) but what was included in the present story didn't hold much interest for me.
December 6, 2018
It was well worth the time to read. The story was riveting, had you quite entranced from beginning to end as the characters takes you through their challenges.
November 28, 2018
I loved reading Ascent so much i couldn't wait to read Giles and Josh's story. This author never fails to bring a fantastic story about M/M. Ascent gives you drama, romance and lots of love between great friends and family.
December 5, 2018
*3.5 stars*
December 4, 2018
Maybe even better than the first book, Giles and Joshua's story was utterly captivating.
November 29, 2018
This story breaks your heart and heals it at the same time. Finding out love is waiting for you at the most inopportune time. But love doesn't wait for convenience but comes when it can. Poor Joshua and all he has to endure is heart wrenching and soul crushing. I would have liked to have had a scene with Joshua pole dancing. Family is what you make of it. Not who you are born to. I love this family and tribe and can't wait for more lives to read about.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2018
Ascent is the story of Giles and Joshua and their love story unfolded through the worst of times. Brought together by Descent and Giles’ brother Ted.
Excerpt
Something unknown but fierce tethered me to him and while I couldn’t explain it, I wasn’t questioning it.
This love story wasn’t your average. It was dark, lust filled and created mostly from a hospital bed side in the early stages. But it grew to be something beautiful amongst the horrors Joshua faced.
Excerpt:
The carefully managed life I’d had was becoming a thing of my past. My demons were crawling back into my life and demanding a piece of me I refused to give them years ago. If I didn’t give, then they’d simply taken.
As truths unfold, we see the brothers (Giles and Ted) truly come together for the sake of “family”... for their tribe.
Excerpt
I was going back to Club Descent. Returning would be the biggest test with Joshua so far.....
....The club represented the darkest parts of me ......To play now and again had been healthy, but to crave your next fix with no time at all in between, it had eaten away at me until I acknowledged my addiction.
This was so much more than your average MM romance story. It wasn’t just about physical aspects or even about love...it went beyond that. It captured beautifully how love can overcome obstacles, no, mountains. Not easily, but nothing worth true happiness ever is.
This story made my heart ache and captivated me right until the very end. I sincerely hope this won’t be the end of the road for a set of characters (old and new!) I’ve come to know and love. Simply amazing story, but not for the faint hearted. Dark readers, prepare to be amazed.
Excerpt
Something unknown but fierce tethered me to him and while I couldn’t explain it, I wasn’t questioning it.
This love story wasn’t your average. It was dark, lust filled and created mostly from a hospital bed side in the early stages. But it grew to be something beautiful amongst the horrors Joshua faced.
Excerpt:
The carefully managed life I’d had was becoming a thing of my past. My demons were crawling back into my life and demanding a piece of me I refused to give them years ago. If I didn’t give, then they’d simply taken.
As truths unfold, we see the brothers (Giles and Ted) truly come together for the sake of “family”... for their tribe.
Excerpt
I was going back to Club Descent. Returning would be the biggest test with Joshua so far.....
....The club represented the darkest parts of me ......To play now and again had been healthy, but to crave your next fix with no time at all in between, it had eaten away at me until I acknowledged my addiction.
This was so much more than your average MM romance story. It wasn’t just about physical aspects or even about love...it went beyond that. It captured beautifully how love can overcome obstacles, no, mountains. Not easily, but nothing worth true happiness ever is.
This story made my heart ache and captivated me right until the very end. I sincerely hope this won’t be the end of the road for a set of characters (old and new!) I’ve come to know and love. Simply amazing story, but not for the faint hearted. Dark readers, prepare to be amazed.
January 5, 2019
They are twins but they are very different. He watches and speaks to a stranger with no voice. Things could change but things may not be as easy as he thinks. What will happen? How will it end? See what will happen
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 23, 2018
Mind blowing story,this author has nailed it with this second book in the duo about the twin brother of Teddy (Theodore) Giles, and Joshua who is Liam's best friend.These two characters met in the first book Decent but the story that unfolds for this pair has devastating actions that will have your heart in your mouth,and have you routing for this couple.
This book was as hot as sin and the sex between these two was smoking hot,but Joshua has a secret that he has to tell to be able to put his past behind him,with nearly fatal consequences.There was lots of twists to this story that kept me gripped through out where i didn't know if Giles and Joshua were going to come out the other side.
Loved these two characters you just can't help but fall for them both and all the crap that they have to go through to get there HEA.This book had all the feels of a MM romance and K.A.Sands is becoming a author i am loving so much,her story telling is fabulous and now i can't wait for more from this author.
This book was as hot as sin and the sex between these two was smoking hot,but Joshua has a secret that he has to tell to be able to put his past behind him,with nearly fatal consequences.There was lots of twists to this story that kept me gripped through out where i didn't know if Giles and Joshua were going to come out the other side.
Loved these two characters you just can't help but fall for them both and all the crap that they have to go through to get there HEA.This book had all the feels of a MM romance and K.A.Sands is becoming a author i am loving so much,her story telling is fabulous and now i can't wait for more from this author.
December 20, 2018
This is Joshua and Giles story. “It is when we fall that we are given the opportunity to rise up and reach new heights- anonymous”. This is a great book even though something’s are hard to hear. The relationship between Josh and Giles was pure and beautiful. The way Giles so openly and without thought immediately took care of everything for Josh as well as taking care of him and helping him heal, just the way Giles loved Josh and the sacrifices he made was pure, heartbreaking and truly phenomenal. Must read great story hands down enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 22, 2018
Sigue gustándome, no sé por qué exactamente, pero he pasado un buen rato leyéndolo y eso que tiene todo aquello que en otros no me funciona, protagonistas y secundarios son buenos y encantadores, se quieren mogollón, los malos no son malos, son peores y hay I love you desde la mitad, pero el conjunto me funciona y no me resulta demasiado pastelero.
December 19, 2018
An intriguing gripping MM romance story, it's emotional. Amazing characters. It is well-written. I liked reading the book and a pleasure to review it.
November 26, 2018
I was hanging for the story of Giles and Joshua and KA Sands did not disappoint me!!
In the first story of Descent, we met Giles and Joshua and the tension between the two was already there. So to have their story continue, let’s just say I was hooked!
After everything that went down in Descent, Josh is still recovering and Giles, being the beautiful soul he is has been constantly by his bedside.
During that time, Giles falls for the man he knows hardly anything about.
But when it’s time for Josh to go home, he has to reveal his past as it’s starting to catch up with him and Giles is determined to prove his love and protect his man any way he can!
This story has a mix of suspense, intrigue, chemistry in spades and a HEA worth fighting for!
In the first story of Descent, we met Giles and Joshua and the tension between the two was already there. So to have their story continue, let’s just say I was hooked!
After everything that went down in Descent, Josh is still recovering and Giles, being the beautiful soul he is has been constantly by his bedside.
During that time, Giles falls for the man he knows hardly anything about.
But when it’s time for Josh to go home, he has to reveal his past as it’s starting to catch up with him and Giles is determined to prove his love and protect his man any way he can!
This story has a mix of suspense, intrigue, chemistry in spades and a HEA worth fighting for!
December 1, 2018
Wow, this was an amazing story! It pulled me in, gripped my heart, and wouldn't let go. I loved Joshua and Giles. They were perfect together and the chemistry between them was hot! I also love the entire bond they have with not only each other, but with Liam and Teddy, as well as with Giles and Teddy's dad. This was a fast paced story that I didn’t want to put down. It was emotional, had some twists, and some steamy scenes. I would definitely recommend reading this one.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is my honest review.*
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is my honest review.*
March 18, 2019
Before I go into this review, let me share that I read this series somewhat out of order. I started with Middle Ground (which I enjoyed) and went back to read the series in order.
And that is where my disappointment began. Slight issues that I encountered in Middle Ground which I thought were one-time plot devices became the norm in the series.
I have several concerns which I will outline but my main issue stems from how the BDSM elements were handled. In all three books, the MC's belong to a private, members-only club where they play regularly with multiple partners. Fine, no problem there. The central issue lies in the fact that the club and more specifically, the BDSM element of the book is really just a plot device to create tension and excitement for the sex scenes. It was silly and unnecessary. With the exception of Middle Ground, none of the MC's have more than a passing experience at the club. BDSM is rarely mentioned beyond "he was known to be hardcore/switch", WHATEVER. Why did finding love = no more BDSM? I know why. Because this wasn't a BDSM story.
I'm rather tired of women writing MM books as if they are bodice ripper novels. Men striptease, dance with poles, and just want to be taken care of. Maybe I'm wrong here but this reads less like two men falling in love and more like a caricature of a MF romance novel---the cheap Harlequin ones.
Add to this rant, all the books needed an editor. A good one. There were a number of typos and some issues with syntax. Finally, I'm not clear if what I was reading was English slang but some things I simply didn't get nor care to understand. KA Sands is not the first British author I've read so I'm thinking it has more to do with writing style than anything else.
The more I think on the series as a whole, the more I just feel like this:
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And that is where my disappointment began. Slight issues that I encountered in Middle Ground which I thought were one-time plot devices became the norm in the series.
I have several concerns which I will outline but my main issue stems from how the BDSM elements were handled. In all three books, the MC's belong to a private, members-only club where they play regularly with multiple partners. Fine, no problem there. The central issue lies in the fact that the club and more specifically, the BDSM element of the book is really just a plot device to create tension and excitement for the sex scenes. It was silly and unnecessary. With the exception of Middle Ground, none of the MC's have more than a passing experience at the club. BDSM is rarely mentioned beyond "he was known to be hardcore/switch", WHATEVER. Why did finding love = no more BDSM? I know why. Because this wasn't a BDSM story.
I'm rather tired of women writing MM books as if they are bodice ripper novels. Men striptease, dance with poles, and just want to be taken care of. Maybe I'm wrong here but this reads less like two men falling in love and more like a caricature of a MF romance novel---the cheap Harlequin ones.
Add to this rant, all the books needed an editor. A good one. There were a number of typos and some issues with syntax. Finally, I'm not clear if what I was reading was English slang but some things I simply didn't get nor care to understand. KA Sands is not the first British author I've read so I'm thinking it has more to do with writing style than anything else.
The more I think on the series as a whole, the more I just feel like this:
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October 24, 2019
Thanks for another book...
I enjoy reading the 2nd book following "Descent", which featured Theodore (Ted) and Liam. This book was about the Ted's twin brother, Giles and Joshua. They both endured a lot of problems along the way, before finding their HEA. I'm glad to have read both books, and I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I enjoy reading the 2nd book following "Descent", which featured Theodore (Ted) and Liam. This book was about the Ted's twin brother, Giles and Joshua. They both endured a lot of problems along the way, before finding their HEA. I'm glad to have read both books, and I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author.
December 24, 2018
Rating 4.5 stars
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