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Ever After #3
Aftermath
The Ever After series concludes in Aftermath. Tragedy, redemption, love… Ever After
Once upon a time, Casey flirted with a pretty boy at a bar, and that changed everything. Recently released from jail, he’s starting to rebuild without the family who raised him to hate himself. He’s got a new job, a room at his aunt’s, and community service hours at an LGBTQIA community center. But his biggest challenge is figuring out how to live as the one thing his father and brother drilled into him he could never be: a gay man.
Once upon a time, Brooks was a confident Dom with a particular taste for bigger men. But since his run-in with a dangerous homophobe, he’s lost his touch. Big, buff guys are hot but scary, and hurting people isn’t as much fun as it used to be.
Until he meets Casey, the big guy with the problematic past. Casey’s willing to do anything, but does his submission stem from healthy kink or from an unhealthy need to be punished? And is Brooks doling out release or revenge? Two people who share a past as violent as theirs could never fall in love. Unless, somewhere in the aftermath, there’s forgiveness.
Content warning: internalized homophobia, homophobic language, and references to homophobic hate crimes that have occurred in the past
Once upon a time, Casey flirted with a pretty boy at a bar, and that changed everything. Recently released from jail, he’s starting to rebuild without the family who raised him to hate himself. He’s got a new job, a room at his aunt’s, and community service hours at an LGBTQIA community center. But his biggest challenge is figuring out how to live as the one thing his father and brother drilled into him he could never be: a gay man.
Once upon a time, Brooks was a confident Dom with a particular taste for bigger men. But since his run-in with a dangerous homophobe, he’s lost his touch. Big, buff guys are hot but scary, and hurting people isn’t as much fun as it used to be.
Until he meets Casey, the big guy with the problematic past. Casey’s willing to do anything, but does his submission stem from healthy kink or from an unhealthy need to be punished? And is Brooks doling out release or revenge? Two people who share a past as violent as theirs could never fall in love. Unless, somewhere in the aftermath, there’s forgiveness.
Content warning: internalized homophobia, homophobic language, and references to homophobic hate crimes that have occurred in the past
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2019
36 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Chris
60 books295 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 65 reviews
June 30, 2019
Hard to rate.
LOVED LOVED LOVED Casey! He can get directly into my pocket without crossing "Go" or collecting $200. He's sweet, maybe a little naive but ultimately open to not only being open to criticism of his being complicit in his brother's crimes but applying that edification and paying it forward. *side mouths* He's also kind of a pain slut AND a big un AND submissive so...
It would probably go similarly for me as it did for Tormund but it wouldn't be for lack of trying!
To say the book started off great would be an understatement. Brooks was one of Casey's brother's victims who managed to fight him off and escape so Aftermath is at least adjacent to an enemies to lovers trope which happens to be a fave of mine so things were going swimmingly.
Brooks is alright. I understand where he's coming from but he can't see the forest for the trees and, quite frankly, he should've known better.
Finn is adorable. It breaks my heart that he got shorted in the parent department but he's making strides in creating his own family and I loved that as well as his spirit.
The story itself is classic Tanya Chris: unfussy with relatably imperfect characters and realistic dialogue.
Their chemistry is good. It's love at first sight for Casey and that made me...
Rightfully, it's a slower build for Brooks, one he tries to resist. Unsuccessfully.
The kink, however, is a shitshow.
That being said, Tanya Chris is my most successful 'working out mental health issues through kink' narrative to date. But still, something that gets on my last good nerve.
I'll give credit for delving into the psyche of both of these characters and really exploring the concept of redemption from multiple angles which, I think, had it only involved one of their perspectives wouldn't have been as successful nor would it have resonated as much.
I enjoyed the ending tying all the series characters together the way it did. Overall I would recommend the series and am sad that it ended on a mixed bag note. For me. YMMV.
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
As soon as I saw this book had come out, I was quick to pick it up. In this final book in the Ever After series, we get to see Casey’s story. These books are so well written that any of them would stand on their own. All pertinent details are there, but the truth is the emotional impact is so much larger when you’ve read them as a whole.
In Aftercare, we learn of Jamie’s death and watch as Garrett defends Syed for a crime he did not commit and see him fall in love again with Syed’s brother, Aayan. In Aftershock, Syed finds love again with Dashiell, and as Dashiell discovers who Jamie’s killer really is. And now, in the conclusion, we see Casey picking up the pieces of his life, coming to grips with what he did, and learning to embrace what he needs because it’s a part of him, not because he deserves it.
I’ll tell you that I couldn’t wait for this book. When we first meet Casey, we see his sincerity and his naivete. He’s a product of his upbringing, and the fear he has of his brother is very real. We see his bravery as he testifies against his brother and is sentenced for his part in the crimes. And here we get to see him as he’s learning to live again. I absolutely adored Casey. He’s been through so much and he doesn’t understand a lot of what he needs in life. But he grows so much throughout the course of this story, really coming into his own, taking responsibility and becoming who he was meant to be. A large part of that is Brooks’ influence and being able to truly be himself.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
As soon as I saw this book had come out, I was quick to pick it up. In this final book in the Ever After series, we get to see Casey’s story. These books are so well written that any of them would stand on their own. All pertinent details are there, but the truth is the emotional impact is so much larger when you’ve read them as a whole.
In Aftercare, we learn of Jamie’s death and watch as Garrett defends Syed for a crime he did not commit and see him fall in love again with Syed’s brother, Aayan. In Aftershock, Syed finds love again with Dashiell, and as Dashiell discovers who Jamie’s killer really is. And now, in the conclusion, we see Casey picking up the pieces of his life, coming to grips with what he did, and learning to embrace what he needs because it’s a part of him, not because he deserves it.
I’ll tell you that I couldn’t wait for this book. When we first meet Casey, we see his sincerity and his naivete. He’s a product of his upbringing, and the fear he has of his brother is very real. We see his bravery as he testifies against his brother and is sentenced for his part in the crimes. And here we get to see him as he’s learning to live again. I absolutely adored Casey. He’s been through so much and he doesn’t understand a lot of what he needs in life. But he grows so much throughout the course of this story, really coming into his own, taking responsibility and becoming who he was meant to be. A large part of that is Brooks’ influence and being able to truly be himself.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
July 5, 2019
3.5 star review by The Blogger Girls.
Here we have the conclusion of this series which all centered around a gay bashing that resulted in the death of one man (Jamie) with the rest of the characters tied together and spreading out like a spider web. This installment is about Casey, the brother of the man who did the gay bashing that caused the death of not only Jamie, but a few others as well. While Casey didn’t actively take part, he was present and stood by to let it happen. He turned evidence on his brother and is now being released after doing his own short time in jail. Casey also happens to be gay, but being brought up by a homophobic father and brother as role models has really done some damage.
Brooks was one of the victims who managed to fight off Casey and his brother. He is also friends with Syed and Dashiell (who are woven into the story in the first two books) through their BDSM connection. Like Syed, Brooks is also a Dom, but after his narrow escape is having difficulty topping bigger guys without panicking. Seeing as it was Casey’s checking Brooks out in a bar that sent his brother after Brooks in the first place, Casey seeks out Brooks to apologize and make amends. Brooks, in turn, recommends he go to the LGBT center where he volunteers.
Much of this story was about Casey and his coming to grips with being gay. Volunteering at the center showed him there were others like him and that it was ok to be gay. He took a lot of baby steps as his comfort level grew and he became stronger and more courageous. The other part was about him seeking out punishment in the way of rough/bordering on abusive sex. Brooks was encouraged to help him, as he counsels kids at the center about safe kink, etc. and after much reluctance, Brooks gives in and they move forward with showing Casey the difference between safe and consensual BDSM relationships and what he was previously doing. Brooks gets to take his revenge out on Casey and work through his own fears, while Casey receives the punishment he feels he deserves. He has no intention of moving beyond the dom/sub aspects. Unfortunately, a few things happen that are out of their control. They have amazing chemistry, and Casey turns out to be the perfect sub for Brooks, but Casey likes the punishment a bit too much and continues to ask for more which pushes Brooks’ limits. There was a lot of confusion on not only Casey’s part, but Brooks’ as well. Needless to say, they stop things before the waters get too muddy.
They both do quite a bit of growing in this story, but it is Casey who makes leaps and bounds in a better direction. I loved watching him see the light where his wrongs were concerned and then watching him transform as his comfort level grew. Brooks took a little more warming up for me, but he pulls through in the end. There are some fabulous side characters in this story as well. The youngster, Finn, whom the gang all tries to help emancipate from his parents, is a doll. He becomes Casey’s shadow and plays a big part in many of Casey’s changes. I loved Aunt Kit as well, and it was great to see Syed and Dashiell again. While this wasn’t my favorite of the three stories, it was a fitting end and wonderful story of second chances.
July 2, 2024
I was sorry to see that this one concludes this 3-book series. The books need to be read in order as they all tell the story of a gay bashing that resulted in the death of one person ...Jamie.... with the rest of the characters forever tied together.
The main character is Casey, the brother of the man who did the bashing that resulted in Jamie's death. Casey didn’t actively take part; but he was present and stood by allowing it to happen. He testified against his brother and when this story opens, he has just been being released after a short time in jail. Casey also is gay but being brought up by and having a homophobic father and brother as role models...he really carries some heavy damage. Brooks had been a victim of Casey's brother but managed to fight him off. As with most of these types of books the characters continue to float through, and some often take very active roles. Such is the case of Syed and Dashiell from the first two books.
Like Syed, Brooks is also a Dom. It was Casey’s checking Brooks out in a bar that sent his brother after Brooks. Casey seeks out Brooks to apologize and try to make amends. Brooks, in turn, recommends he go to the LGBTQ Center, Ribbon and Rainbows, where he volunteers. Most of this story is about Casey and his coming to grips with his sexuality and trying to refit into society. Volunteering at the center let him see that there were others like him and there was absolutely "nothing wrong with him". Other parts of the story were about him seeking out punishment in the way of rough, bordering on abusive sex. Brooks was encouraged to help him, since he counsels kids at the center about safety in all actions especially those that may involve kink. Soon Casey and Brookes become much more than just teacher and student. Unfortunately, a few things occur that are out of their power to control.
The story featured some fabulous side characters. Finn, the young teenager who becomes Casey’s shadow and plays a big part in many of the changes that Casey undergoes. Casey's Aunt Kit who gave him unconditional love and a safe home along with the growth that he needed...and of course seeing Syed and Dashiell again. Overall, it had a satisfying ending. It was a wonderful story/series about forgiveness and grabbing those second chances when life offers them.
The main character is Casey, the brother of the man who did the bashing that resulted in Jamie's death. Casey didn’t actively take part; but he was present and stood by allowing it to happen. He testified against his brother and when this story opens, he has just been being released after a short time in jail. Casey also is gay but being brought up by and having a homophobic father and brother as role models...he really carries some heavy damage. Brooks had been a victim of Casey's brother but managed to fight him off. As with most of these types of books the characters continue to float through, and some often take very active roles. Such is the case of Syed and Dashiell from the first two books.
Like Syed, Brooks is also a Dom. It was Casey’s checking Brooks out in a bar that sent his brother after Brooks. Casey seeks out Brooks to apologize and try to make amends. Brooks, in turn, recommends he go to the LGBTQ Center, Ribbon and Rainbows, where he volunteers. Most of this story is about Casey and his coming to grips with his sexuality and trying to refit into society. Volunteering at the center let him see that there were others like him and there was absolutely "nothing wrong with him". Other parts of the story were about him seeking out punishment in the way of rough, bordering on abusive sex. Brooks was encouraged to help him, since he counsels kids at the center about safety in all actions especially those that may involve kink. Soon Casey and Brookes become much more than just teacher and student. Unfortunately, a few things occur that are out of their power to control.
The story featured some fabulous side characters. Finn, the young teenager who becomes Casey’s shadow and plays a big part in many of the changes that Casey undergoes. Casey's Aunt Kit who gave him unconditional love and a safe home along with the growth that he needed...and of course seeing Syed and Dashiell again. Overall, it had a satisfying ending. It was a wonderful story/series about forgiveness and grabbing those second chances when life offers them.
July 24, 2019
I’m ambivalent
This was a tough one, following Casey’s story after getting out of jail for his part in the death of Jamie, Syed’s first sub. (Book 1) There’s BDSM once again but this time I was uncomfortable with it. Casey comes out of jail still filled with internalized homophobia, naive and clueless. Casey’s craving for pain, that he doesn’t even understand his own desire for, was difficult to read about as he finds it in all the wrong way. Then Brooks, as an experienced Dom supposedly trying to help him be safe, is just horrible. His resentment towards Casey and his brother should have never allowed him to start scenes with Casey. There was no enjoyment to be found in any of their scenes. Impact and blood play normally wouldn’t bother me but the circumstances were so wrong. I never got any sense of true connection or emotions between them or saw where the love came from. There were good parts around the LGBTQ center and helping Finn. But I didn’t care for either of the main characters as they were depicted. It gets three stars for the writing and because I read it all the way through.
This was a tough one, following Casey’s story after getting out of jail for his part in the death of Jamie, Syed’s first sub. (Book 1) There’s BDSM once again but this time I was uncomfortable with it. Casey comes out of jail still filled with internalized homophobia, naive and clueless. Casey’s craving for pain, that he doesn’t even understand his own desire for, was difficult to read about as he finds it in all the wrong way. Then Brooks, as an experienced Dom supposedly trying to help him be safe, is just horrible. His resentment towards Casey and his brother should have never allowed him to start scenes with Casey. There was no enjoyment to be found in any of their scenes. Impact and blood play normally wouldn’t bother me but the circumstances were so wrong. I never got any sense of true connection or emotions between them or saw where the love came from. There were good parts around the LGBTQ center and helping Finn. But I didn’t care for either of the main characters as they were depicted. It gets three stars for the writing and because I read it all the way through.
November 10, 2019
Having re-read both Books 1 and 2 over the last couple days to prepare me for this one, I have to say Book 1 still stands head and shoulders above the rest. I did like book 2 more this time around, but this book is my least favorite. It wasn't 'bad'; you just never got the sense that Casey and Brooks HAD to be together. It just felt like they fell backwards into a situationship and did a complacency shuffle the rest of the way. Actually, for most of the book, it felt like they were together for all the wrong reasons, and all attempts to disprove that came way too late in the book to redeem the couple. My favorite parts of this book were Syed and Dashiell because HELLO lol. I liked Casey, but the whole relationship with Brooks felt underwhelming.
This was an ambitious storyline. Not only did we have Casey having to deal with his gay bashing past and Brooks being one of his past victims, we had Brooks having to deal with the PTSD from said bashing, that affected his ability to continue be an effective Dom. That's a lot. Maybe we needed more of a page count or maybe we needed a tighter story but we needed something. The 'punishment as payback vs true kink' was an interesting angle that maybe needed to be fleshed out more i.e working through it in therapy while still being together. I don't know. The story just didn't come together the way I would have liked. I liked the resolution with Casey's dad though I would have liked a scene/mention of dinner or something in the epilogue, loved the 'big brother' relationship with Finn, and that Casey had a supportive family member in his aunt. So, I did enjoy lots of the book, but I also read all the way to the end and still literally have no idea what Brooks looks like. I'm not even particularly sure how tall he is. Early in the book he mentions Casey's whiteness, which led me to believe he wasn't, but then I saw no further evidence of that. Very disconcerting. 3 stars.
This was an ambitious storyline. Not only did we have Casey having to deal with his gay bashing past and Brooks being one of his past victims, we had Brooks having to deal with the PTSD from said bashing, that affected his ability to continue be an effective Dom. That's a lot. Maybe we needed more of a page count or maybe we needed a tighter story but we needed something. The 'punishment as payback vs true kink' was an interesting angle that maybe needed to be fleshed out more i.e working through it in therapy while still being together. I don't know. The story just didn't come together the way I would have liked. I liked the resolution with Casey's dad though I would have liked a scene/mention of dinner or something in the epilogue, loved the 'big brother' relationship with Finn, and that Casey had a supportive family member in his aunt. So, I did enjoy lots of the book, but I also read all the way to the end and still literally have no idea what Brooks looks like. I'm not even particularly sure how tall he is. Early in the book he mentions Casey's whiteness, which led me to believe he wasn't, but then I saw no further evidence of that. Very disconcerting. 3 stars.
October 10, 2019
Loves & Likes:
Same with the first three, there was a lot here that was beautiful and insightful into BDSM. Real emotions, from real, slightly flawed characters. I felt invested in Casey, which if you read book 2 (and you should, this is not a standalone, not really) then you know identifying with Casey can be difficult, but I wanted him to be loved, to get what never got as a kid.
Peeves:
For a lot of the book, Casey and Brooks are in a really unhealthy place, and it’s difficult to stomach.
“I get it!” Casey protested angrily. “You just want to hurt me. For payback. Then maybe you’ll be able to hurt other guys the right way. I hope so. That’s what I want—to make things right. If this is how, then I’ll do it.”
Casey feeling he needs to be punished and Brooks feeling like he can get revenge through BDSM… they both kind of acknowledge this and yet act on it anyway and it almost made me put the book down at one point.
Favorite Quote:
For all the harm overt homophobia caused, the softly spoken but inherent homophobia baked into every facet of their culture caused more. Because it was inescapable. Because it got absorbed right into the skin, never called out, ubiquitous enough to be invisible.
June 12, 2019
Aftermath is the perfect title for this book, because the aftermath created a major book hangover. I love the Ever After series and am incredibly saddened to see it end but only Tanya Chris could deliver that perfect of an ending.
Having followed from the beginning, it was hard to imagine Casey’s story and how it could even play out. I am certain that only this author could make it work. The character development is so well done; I felt these characters—their pain, their complexity, just everything about it. One of my favorite aspects is Tanya Chris’ ability to give depth to not just the main characters but secondary as well. It pulls me in even more. The world building was intricate and vivid; I couldn’t put this book down.
The story itself is so layered, with complexity and major themes running through it and yet it all works. The author definitely keeps an original premise and pushes boundaries. Yet it is so important. While I read this book in one sitting, it definitely left an impact on me that I’ll carry forever. There is nothing that comes across as unnecessary in this book. Each word appears carefully chosen and it’s a delight to read. Most of all, this is a book that made me feel. I admit there was definite ugly crying going on. It’s books that pull so strongly on my emotions that I love and this one more than delivered. This story left me breathless with the magic the author weaved. This series has been a must read and this book is a perfect ending to it.
5+ stars for a compelling, breathtaking and emotional read.
P.S. I’d love to see Finn’s story!
Having followed from the beginning, it was hard to imagine Casey’s story and how it could even play out. I am certain that only this author could make it work. The character development is so well done; I felt these characters—their pain, their complexity, just everything about it. One of my favorite aspects is Tanya Chris’ ability to give depth to not just the main characters but secondary as well. It pulls me in even more. The world building was intricate and vivid; I couldn’t put this book down.
The story itself is so layered, with complexity and major themes running through it and yet it all works. The author definitely keeps an original premise and pushes boundaries. Yet it is so important. While I read this book in one sitting, it definitely left an impact on me that I’ll carry forever. There is nothing that comes across as unnecessary in this book. Each word appears carefully chosen and it’s a delight to read. Most of all, this is a book that made me feel. I admit there was definite ugly crying going on. It’s books that pull so strongly on my emotions that I love and this one more than delivered. This story left me breathless with the magic the author weaved. This series has been a must read and this book is a perfect ending to it.
5+ stars for a compelling, breathtaking and emotional read.
P.S. I’d love to see Finn’s story!
September 3, 2019
2,5 insulsas estrellas
Así como los dos anteriores me gustaron mucho, éste resulta super-flojo. La historia no es del todo original y te suena de haberla leído antes y la relación entre ellos no acaba de cuajar por lo que no consigue que conectes en ningún momento.
Así como los dos anteriores me gustaron mucho, éste resulta super-flojo. La historia no es del todo original y te suena de haberla leído antes y la relación entre ellos no acaba de cuajar por lo que no consigue que conectes en ningún momento.
January 28, 2022
Aftermath, conseguenza... Mai titolo poteva essere più adeguato!
Questo terzo volume della serie Ever After è stato, per me, il più controverso. Controverso non perché non mi sia piaciuto, anzi, ma perché ha suscitato in me emozioni violente, spesso contrapposte, che mi hanno lasciata a fine lettura spossata ma felice.
La figura di Casey, che già avevo conosciuto nel secondo capitolo, mi ha colpita profondamente.
Per tutta la prima metà del libro è stato un continuo passare dall'empatica comprensione del suo dolore, della sua frustrazione, alla rabbia per la sua cecità. Perché Casey è colpevole, ma ha pagato per i suoi crimini. Perché la voglia di dargli una seconda possibilità è grande, in quanto lui veramente, e incredibilmente visto i suoi reati, è una persona che non farebbe mai male a nessuno. Eppure lui fa tutto al contrario: si sente colpevole per ciò di cui è vittima e vittima perciò di cui è colpevole e questo, in più momenti, mi ha fatto ammattire, lo giuro!
Il suo lungo percorso di ricostruzione, che passa per il carcere, per l'omofobia interiorizzata, per la scoperta di poter appartenere a una comunità, per la paura di farne parte ma anche per quella di esserne allontanato, è duro, realistico e appassionante. Mi ha completamente assorbito e ogni piccolo passo di questo ragazzo giovane ma così provato, ha lasciato un'impronta profonda nel mio cuore.
Anche Brooks ha parecchia strada da fare per ritrovare se stesso. Anche lui, in più di un'occasione, l'ho visto fare la cosa giusta per la motivazione sbagliata. Lui, che è la vittima, si trasforma in vendicatore prima di ritrovarsi e, in questo percorso, inevitabilmente l'ho sentito andare in frantumi per poi poter guarire.
Al loro fianco tantissime figure indimenticabili e toccanti come Finn e Tish.
Il mondo del BDSM assume, in questo romanzo, una sfumatura catartica. Le poche, intense scene descritte sono prorompenti ma mai eccessive. Aiutano a definire i rapporti fra i due protagonisti, aiutano entrambi a scoprire e poi curare le loro ferite emotive.
AFTERMATH affronta temi complessi con spietata lucidità e mi ha portata a vedere una realtà a me già nota attraverso occhi diversi, donandomi una chiave di lettura inaspettata e fornendomi un punto di vista che mi mancava e che mi ha arricchita parecchio.
La serie Ever After pur essendo composta dei libri autoconclusivi, non può assolutamente essere letta come fosse costituita da stand alone.
L'autrice, partendo dal più efferato degli omicidi, costruisce tre vicende indimenticabili che legano tra loro tutte le persone coinvolte e che ci lasciano un insegnamento eterno, che non dovrebbe mai essere dimenticato: fai del bene, anche quando non è facile, anche quando è doloroso.
Ottima la resa italiana e ben curata la traduzione.
Hugs&kisses
Questo terzo volume della serie Ever After è stato, per me, il più controverso. Controverso non perché non mi sia piaciuto, anzi, ma perché ha suscitato in me emozioni violente, spesso contrapposte, che mi hanno lasciata a fine lettura spossata ma felice.
La figura di Casey, che già avevo conosciuto nel secondo capitolo, mi ha colpita profondamente.
Per tutta la prima metà del libro è stato un continuo passare dall'empatica comprensione del suo dolore, della sua frustrazione, alla rabbia per la sua cecità. Perché Casey è colpevole, ma ha pagato per i suoi crimini. Perché la voglia di dargli una seconda possibilità è grande, in quanto lui veramente, e incredibilmente visto i suoi reati, è una persona che non farebbe mai male a nessuno. Eppure lui fa tutto al contrario: si sente colpevole per ciò di cui è vittima e vittima perciò di cui è colpevole e questo, in più momenti, mi ha fatto ammattire, lo giuro!
Il suo lungo percorso di ricostruzione, che passa per il carcere, per l'omofobia interiorizzata, per la scoperta di poter appartenere a una comunità, per la paura di farne parte ma anche per quella di esserne allontanato, è duro, realistico e appassionante. Mi ha completamente assorbito e ogni piccolo passo di questo ragazzo giovane ma così provato, ha lasciato un'impronta profonda nel mio cuore.
Anche Brooks ha parecchia strada da fare per ritrovare se stesso. Anche lui, in più di un'occasione, l'ho visto fare la cosa giusta per la motivazione sbagliata. Lui, che è la vittima, si trasforma in vendicatore prima di ritrovarsi e, in questo percorso, inevitabilmente l'ho sentito andare in frantumi per poi poter guarire.
Al loro fianco tantissime figure indimenticabili e toccanti come Finn e Tish.
Il mondo del BDSM assume, in questo romanzo, una sfumatura catartica. Le poche, intense scene descritte sono prorompenti ma mai eccessive. Aiutano a definire i rapporti fra i due protagonisti, aiutano entrambi a scoprire e poi curare le loro ferite emotive.
AFTERMATH affronta temi complessi con spietata lucidità e mi ha portata a vedere una realtà a me già nota attraverso occhi diversi, donandomi una chiave di lettura inaspettata e fornendomi un punto di vista che mi mancava e che mi ha arricchita parecchio.
La serie Ever After pur essendo composta dei libri autoconclusivi, non può assolutamente essere letta come fosse costituita da stand alone.
L'autrice, partendo dal più efferato degli omicidi, costruisce tre vicende indimenticabili che legano tra loro tutte le persone coinvolte e che ci lasciano un insegnamento eterno, che non dovrebbe mai essere dimenticato: fai del bene, anche quando non è facile, anche quando è doloroso.
Ottima la resa italiana e ben curata la traduzione.
Hugs&kisses
June 30, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5 stars
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3.5
Powerful, compelling and forgiving.
This story is powerful, gripping and in some ways confronting. I’ve read so many ‘happy’ stories recently, that I feel like I’ve been lost in a world of fairytales and this story opened my eyes to the real possibilities, challenges, and reality of what being gay can be like for some people.
This is my first story by Tanya and her writing style is gripping and compelling while being easy to read, it had me engrossed. Her characters are so real and a little broken. As this was my first book I did feel a little lost about the other characters and their stories and how everyone was connected but not enough to stop me from reading all about Casey and Brooks.
Casey was so broken, to a point he doesn’t even realize how badly. The reality of his upbringing and his internalized homophobia was devastating, confronting and heartbreaking. What he’s been through is touched on and is confronting and saddening. I really enjoyed his overall character development and feel he grew so beautifully into himself as an eventually out and proud gay man. I loved his healing and honest process. His care and buddying friendship with Finn was so wonderful to read and the love and trust he has for Brooks is great to watch unfold.
This is a very honest and real story and I loved the relationship between Brooks and Casey. Great writing, great story and now what more from Tanya Chris!!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3.5
Powerful, compelling and forgiving.
This story is powerful, gripping and in some ways confronting. I’ve read so many ‘happy’ stories recently, that I feel like I’ve been lost in a world of fairytales and this story opened my eyes to the real possibilities, challenges, and reality of what being gay can be like for some people.
This is my first story by Tanya and her writing style is gripping and compelling while being easy to read, it had me engrossed. Her characters are so real and a little broken. As this was my first book I did feel a little lost about the other characters and their stories and how everyone was connected but not enough to stop me from reading all about Casey and Brooks.
Casey was so broken, to a point he doesn’t even realize how badly. The reality of his upbringing and his internalized homophobia was devastating, confronting and heartbreaking. What he’s been through is touched on and is confronting and saddening. I really enjoyed his overall character development and feel he grew so beautifully into himself as an eventually out and proud gay man. I loved his healing and honest process. His care and buddying friendship with Finn was so wonderful to read and the love and trust he has for Brooks is great to watch unfold.
This is a very honest and real story and I loved the relationship between Brooks and Casey. Great writing, great story and now what more from Tanya Chris!!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
June 15, 2019
Wow. This book tackled a tough subject—anyone who read the first two parts of this trilogy (and I think they should be read first) knew that going in. As usual, Tanya Chris handled the various topics with what I thought was realism and sensitivity. Casey’s redemption may be more than some readers can accept—I admit I questioned whether Syed would ever have gotten there—but it went step by step in a way that worked for me.
I loved the secondary characters we got to see in this book, as well as the appearances by the couples from the earlier books.
With all the other hard-hitting (in more ways than one) scenes in Aftermath, the moment that brought tears to my eyes was
There were some typos in the advance copy I received via StoryOrigin; I hope most of those will be fixed before publication.
I’ve loved this trilogy, and I eagerly await Tanya Chris’s next book. 4.5 stars!
I loved the secondary characters we got to see in this book, as well as the appearances by the couples from the earlier books.
With all the other hard-hitting (in more ways than one) scenes in Aftermath, the moment that brought tears to my eyes was
There were some typos in the advance copy I received via StoryOrigin; I hope most of those will be fixed before publication.
I’ve loved this trilogy, and I eagerly await Tanya Chris’s next book. 4.5 stars!
June 26, 2019
Tanya brought this story alive. I was so excited to get Casey’s story, There was something about him in Aftershock book 2 that made me want to know more. Tanya delivered this amazing story about Casey’s life and all the challenges he faces after getting out of jail. Such an emotional moving story a favorite of mine out of the three in the series. Now I’m curious about Finn and what his story is.
June 28, 2019
Oh God! This book was my first from the author, but let me say it definitely wasn't the last! Give me all the books!
I was lucky enough to read an ARC copy, and holy hell! What an amazing book did I got! I couldn't imagine a world where i say no for this book, and now i NEED to read the first two too!
This book was so much more than i imagined it would be. I'm always a bit afraid to read from a new-to-me author, but how I love it when it turns out to be love at first read!
Casey and Brooks were amazing together, i loved their story. I loved everything about them. And their past was so sad, but i was happy that they figured everything out.
The differences between them was beautiful, and their love was unique.
I loved their strength and both their personality. And the BDSM mmmmm♥
I was lucky enough to read an ARC copy, and holy hell! What an amazing book did I got! I couldn't imagine a world where i say no for this book, and now i NEED to read the first two too!
This book was so much more than i imagined it would be. I'm always a bit afraid to read from a new-to-me author, but how I love it when it turns out to be love at first read!
Casey and Brooks were amazing together, i loved their story. I loved everything about them. And their past was so sad, but i was happy that they figured everything out.
The differences between them was beautiful, and their love was unique.
I loved their strength and both their personality. And the BDSM mmmmm♥
September 10, 2022
RECENSIONE A CURA DI LADY MARMELADE
Pur avendo letto molti libri a tematica BDSM nel corso degli ultimi dieci anni, devo dire che leggere questo non è stato facile.
Il libro è scritto molto bene, ha analizzato i punti di vista di cosa i due personaggi cerchino in questo tipo di relazione, ma in alcuni punti ho fatto fatica a capire davvero la loro dinamica e la risposta la potete trovare già nella sinossi del libro.
Il confine che Casey e Brooks corrono il rischio di oltrepassare, quello tra desiderio psicofisico e vendetta, è davvero sottile e alcune pratiche che mettono in pratica sono davvero al limite.
Casey è un ragazzone di ventidue anni che sta cercando di fare ammenda per il suo recente passato. Casey ha trascorso diciotto mesi in carcere con un’accusa davvero pesante: non è intervenuto per due volte durante due pestaggi, ad opera del fratello maggiore, che hanno portato alla morte due persone.
Da questi fatti sono scaturite una serie di conseguenze che hanno cambiato per sempre la vita di tutte le persone coinvolte, oltre che la sua e quella dei suoi famigliari.
Casey ha perduto tutto: il fratello che seguiva come un cagnolino fedele starà in carcere per molto tempo e il padre lo ha ripudiato perché lo ritiene una spia. Così non ha più un posto dove andare, amici e nemmeno un lavoro, visto che prima lavorava col padre.
Le azioni che compiamo portano a delle conseguenze e Casey le sta cominciando ad affrontare nella maniera più dura: deve capire che se avesse reagito diversamente ora due persone sarebbero ancora in vita.
Tutti però hanno diritto a una seconda possibilità, come come è vero che i morti non ce l’hanno, ma se chi resta capisce il male che ha arrecato poterà sempre dentro di sé il ricordo di queste persone che non ci sono più.
L’occasione di cambiare a Casey è stata data e il ragazzo l’ha accettata: vivrà a casa della zia materna che non vede da anni, ma che si è resa disponibile ad ospitarlo.
In più Dashiell e Syed sono rimasti nella sua vita e stanno cercando di dargli una mano.
Continua sul nostro blog!
Pur avendo letto molti libri a tematica BDSM nel corso degli ultimi dieci anni, devo dire che leggere questo non è stato facile.
Il libro è scritto molto bene, ha analizzato i punti di vista di cosa i due personaggi cerchino in questo tipo di relazione, ma in alcuni punti ho fatto fatica a capire davvero la loro dinamica e la risposta la potete trovare già nella sinossi del libro.
Il confine che Casey e Brooks corrono il rischio di oltrepassare, quello tra desiderio psicofisico e vendetta, è davvero sottile e alcune pratiche che mettono in pratica sono davvero al limite.
Casey è un ragazzone di ventidue anni che sta cercando di fare ammenda per il suo recente passato. Casey ha trascorso diciotto mesi in carcere con un’accusa davvero pesante: non è intervenuto per due volte durante due pestaggi, ad opera del fratello maggiore, che hanno portato alla morte due persone.
Da questi fatti sono scaturite una serie di conseguenze che hanno cambiato per sempre la vita di tutte le persone coinvolte, oltre che la sua e quella dei suoi famigliari.
Casey ha perduto tutto: il fratello che seguiva come un cagnolino fedele starà in carcere per molto tempo e il padre lo ha ripudiato perché lo ritiene una spia. Così non ha più un posto dove andare, amici e nemmeno un lavoro, visto che prima lavorava col padre.
Le azioni che compiamo portano a delle conseguenze e Casey le sta cominciando ad affrontare nella maniera più dura: deve capire che se avesse reagito diversamente ora due persone sarebbero ancora in vita.
Tutti però hanno diritto a una seconda possibilità, come come è vero che i morti non ce l’hanno, ma se chi resta capisce il male che ha arrecato poterà sempre dentro di sé il ricordo di queste persone che non ci sono più.
L’occasione di cambiare a Casey è stata data e il ragazzo l’ha accettata: vivrà a casa della zia materna che non vede da anni, ma che si è resa disponibile ad ospitarlo.
In più Dashiell e Syed sono rimasti nella sua vita e stanno cercando di dargli una mano.
Continua sul nostro blog!
April 19, 2021
3.5 maybe 4? I’m not sure, I’m struggling to rate this one. I did really enjoy it. I was so surprised with how much I ended up liking Casey. I had very little love for him on book two, but his character development here was something that I adored.
Some of the kink aspects didn’t completely work for me, not the edge play but how it started. Felt too much BDSM as therapy. But the author definitely pulls it off. This are very heavy kink books, but lovely romances with more than just kinky sex
All in all I really enjoyed this series. It had characters that you don’t normally see in BDSM, and I will definitely read more books from this author.
Some of the kink aspects didn’t completely work for me, not the edge play but how it started. Felt too much BDSM as therapy. But the author definitely pulls it off. This are very heavy kink books, but lovely romances with more than just kinky sex
All in all I really enjoyed this series. It had characters that you don’t normally see in BDSM, and I will definitely read more books from this author.
September 21, 2019
Reviewed by Cindy
This is the third book in this series and it does take an interesting turn.
Casey is a young man who feel like the world has been unfair to him. After being released from jail. he goes looking for something that will help him make sense of his life. He might start looking in the wrong place.
Brooks is angry. And incident in his past has taken his confidence and his dominance. When Casey stumbles into his life for the second time, he feels compelled to see if the young man can help return what he took.
I’m a big fan of this genre and while I loved the other two books in the series, this one did give me a little more to think about than they did.
While still extremely well written and definitely a page turner, I found myself pausing a few times while reading this. I found myself a little concerned about the relationship between Brooks and Casey as it doesn’t really seem healthy for the first two thirds of the book. Casey’s biggest issue is taking responsibility for the right things and Brooks? He starts out looking for something that really isn’t Casey’s to give. It’s really hard to voice my concerns without giving away too much, but let’s just say that I wasn’t entirely sure that I was always rooting for them to end up together.
What I did really enjoy was Casey’s journey throughout the story. He grows so much and learns what’s really important along the way. Taking proper responsibility for the events that led him to the place the book starts at is the whole point of this story and the author does a really great job getting across this part of Casey’s story.
I wasn’t sure I always liked Brooks but I did understand where he was coming from. He’s deeply flawed and lacks self-awareness a lot but once he finds himself again, he becomes a person I can cheer for.
The book is extremely well written and the author confronts a lot of the issues that BDSM stories tend to face from people who are outside of the community. A lack of understanding as to why someone is interested in the power exchange that comes with the lifestyle and the prejudice that comes from people who are afraid of what they don’t understand.
I loved this book in the end even though I wasn’t always sure that I liked it and if an author’s job is to make us think a little more then Tanya Chris has certainly achieved that in this story.
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
This is the third book in this series and it does take an interesting turn.
Casey is a young man who feel like the world has been unfair to him. After being released from jail. he goes looking for something that will help him make sense of his life. He might start looking in the wrong place.
Brooks is angry. And incident in his past has taken his confidence and his dominance. When Casey stumbles into his life for the second time, he feels compelled to see if the young man can help return what he took.
I’m a big fan of this genre and while I loved the other two books in the series, this one did give me a little more to think about than they did.
While still extremely well written and definitely a page turner, I found myself pausing a few times while reading this. I found myself a little concerned about the relationship between Brooks and Casey as it doesn’t really seem healthy for the first two thirds of the book. Casey’s biggest issue is taking responsibility for the right things and Brooks? He starts out looking for something that really isn’t Casey’s to give. It’s really hard to voice my concerns without giving away too much, but let’s just say that I wasn’t entirely sure that I was always rooting for them to end up together.
What I did really enjoy was Casey’s journey throughout the story. He grows so much and learns what’s really important along the way. Taking proper responsibility for the events that led him to the place the book starts at is the whole point of this story and the author does a really great job getting across this part of Casey’s story.
I wasn’t sure I always liked Brooks but I did understand where he was coming from. He’s deeply flawed and lacks self-awareness a lot but once he finds himself again, he becomes a person I can cheer for.
The book is extremely well written and the author confronts a lot of the issues that BDSM stories tend to face from people who are outside of the community. A lack of understanding as to why someone is interested in the power exchange that comes with the lifestyle and the prejudice that comes from people who are afraid of what they don’t understand.
I loved this book in the end even though I wasn’t always sure that I liked it and if an author’s job is to make us think a little more then Tanya Chris has certainly achieved that in this story.
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
April 8, 2021
This book breaks the trilogy pattern in that it does not follow along with a related court case. However, legal issues are certainly involved, which is a good reminder that the story doesn’t stop when the judge bangs their gavel or that a judge ever has to get involved in the first place. Casey serves his time for his role in violent hate crimes, and now he’s back in the “real world.” Pretty much the only reason he works as a sympathetic character is how Chris set up his involvement in the initial crimes, and it’s obvious that he’s not at risk of becoming a repeat offender. However, the initial way he sets out to make amends is both cringe-worthy and low-key terrifying.
Luckily, Brooks is a stronger man than even he thinks he is. He might not want the credit, but introducing Casey to an LGBTQ youth center to complete his community service hours goes a long way toward molding Casey into a more secure, self-confident adult. The rest of the job is managed by Brooks’ willingness to introduce Casey to proper BDSM. What starts as an attempt for both Brooks and Casey to conquer the demons of their past evolves into an actual relationship, much to the surprise of both men.
Except Brooks isn’t perfect either, and they both make mistakes in interacting with each other. The romance element of this book is a slow burn, but eventually, everything works out in the end (otherwise, it wouldn’t be a romance at all). As satisfying as the arc was, it lacked the “oomph” of the previous books in the trilogy when combined with various external plots. This trilogy is worth reading, and I look forward to reading more by this author, but I wanted a little bit more from this series conclusion.
Luckily, Brooks is a stronger man than even he thinks he is. He might not want the credit, but introducing Casey to an LGBTQ youth center to complete his community service hours goes a long way toward molding Casey into a more secure, self-confident adult. The rest of the job is managed by Brooks’ willingness to introduce Casey to proper BDSM. What starts as an attempt for both Brooks and Casey to conquer the demons of their past evolves into an actual relationship, much to the surprise of both men.
Except Brooks isn’t perfect either, and they both make mistakes in interacting with each other. The romance element of this book is a slow burn, but eventually, everything works out in the end (otherwise, it wouldn’t be a romance at all). As satisfying as the arc was, it lacked the “oomph” of the previous books in the trilogy when combined with various external plots. This trilogy is worth reading, and I look forward to reading more by this author, but I wanted a little bit more from this series conclusion.
June 22, 2019
This is an amazing ending to a wonderful series and I am so sad that it is finished. Aftermath is well written, sweet, intriguing, heartbreakingly sad, sexy, uplifting, inspiring and the characters are incredible. I love everything about this story and I could not put it down. I was fully engaged from the very first page and even though some of it is very emotional and difficult to read the overall message is full of hope and acceptance. As always Tanya Chris does an excellent job of dealing with some extremely difficult issues and her characters are realistic and diverse. Brooks and Casey have such a horrible history but their compatibility and smoking hot chemistry has them trying to figure out a way to have a relationship even though their initial reasons are misguided and cause harm to both of them. Casey has to find a way to deal with and acknowledge his past actions while Brooks has his own demons to fight. They both have a lot to figure out if they want a healthy and meaningful relationship with each other. There are so many incredible secondary characters in this story that I cannot even begin to pick a favorite but Finn, Tish and all of the other kids that hang out at Ribbons & Rainbows captured my heart. I love that we get to see how well Syed and Dashiell are doing as well as Dashiell's role in helping Finn deal with his bigoted parents. I wish that Finn could have his own book as I would love to see how his life unfolds. The ending is perfect and I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next.
I requested a free review copy of this book through StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I requested a free review copy of this book through StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 24, 2019
As with any Tanya Chris book, this one was just impossible to put down.
This Author's work is just impeccable, no matter what the subject matter is.
I will warn, though, this story is not for the faint of Heart. There are intensely heavy BDSM elements here that are pretty graphic. Some of the scenes made me decidedly uncomfortable at times, but then BDSM is not my trope of choice.
However, it is clear that this author knows her subject well, and everything about this book is so beautifully written that I can't do otherwise than to highly recommend this read.
This is the third of a series revolving around a single incident, but each of the three books can easily be understood and followed as standalones.
World building and character development is absolutely wonderful and I assure you, each of the side players in this story will captivate you and crawl into your heart.
I particularly adored Finn, and would love to see a spin-off of his story.
I can't say enough good things about this book (or the author).
If you enjoy well written intrigue, a bit of suspense, angst and slow burn romance... And, of course, the BDSM elements I mentioned earlier, then you will love this book... And the series.
Highly recommended!
Five stars all round.
Adult read for on-page violence.
About 3 flames for on-page sexual content and Profanity.
... Oh yeah, let's not forget the tissues!
You may just be shedding some tears😢!
I received an advance reader copy of the book and this is entirely my own personal opinion, and I have voluntarily submitted this review.
This Author's work is just impeccable, no matter what the subject matter is.
I will warn, though, this story is not for the faint of Heart. There are intensely heavy BDSM elements here that are pretty graphic. Some of the scenes made me decidedly uncomfortable at times, but then BDSM is not my trope of choice.
However, it is clear that this author knows her subject well, and everything about this book is so beautifully written that I can't do otherwise than to highly recommend this read.
This is the third of a series revolving around a single incident, but each of the three books can easily be understood and followed as standalones.
World building and character development is absolutely wonderful and I assure you, each of the side players in this story will captivate you and crawl into your heart.
I particularly adored Finn, and would love to see a spin-off of his story.
I can't say enough good things about this book (or the author).
If you enjoy well written intrigue, a bit of suspense, angst and slow burn romance... And, of course, the BDSM elements I mentioned earlier, then you will love this book... And the series.
Highly recommended!
Five stars all round.
Adult read for on-page violence.
About 3 flames for on-page sexual content and Profanity.
... Oh yeah, let's not forget the tissues!
You may just be shedding some tears😢!
I received an advance reader copy of the book and this is entirely my own personal opinion, and I have voluntarily submitted this review.
July 9, 2019
If you don't want to read a story that sympathizes with a guy convicted of being an accessory to murder in a gay bashing for entertainment this book is not for you. It turned out to not be a book for me either for entirely different reasons though.
Usually I'm first in line for all kinds of Bad Boys in literature and don't mind if they're criminals and killers at all. And yet I too found myself flinching when I realized this story was about Casey, the brother of the man who killed Sayed's boyfriend in a gay bashing all the way back in the first book. I guess there are crimes that will always give you more pause, are somehow more personal even though murder is murder...
I still found myself absolutely sympathising and rooting for Casey. There is no moment where his story gets romanticized in any way. To the contrary: I think that in an effort to absolutely not fall into that trap the author spends too much time examining Casey's guilt through his own perspective and the perspective of pretty much every character he meets.
At some this book took a turn from a book about two guys finding their way too each other into a book about Issues. Casey's issues with his guilt and his sexuality, Brooks' issues with his PTSD from his attack and inability to reconcile his true desires with his play, various side characters and their issues with being gay in today's world.
These are all worthwhile themes to cover but at some point they took over the story to a degree that I stopped enjoying because it was simply not the story I wanted to read.
Usually I'm first in line for all kinds of Bad Boys in literature and don't mind if they're criminals and killers at all. And yet I too found myself flinching when I realized this story was about Casey, the brother of the man who killed Sayed's boyfriend in a gay bashing all the way back in the first book. I guess there are crimes that will always give you more pause, are somehow more personal even though murder is murder...
I still found myself absolutely sympathising and rooting for Casey. There is no moment where his story gets romanticized in any way. To the contrary: I think that in an effort to absolutely not fall into that trap the author spends too much time examining Casey's guilt through his own perspective and the perspective of pretty much every character he meets.
At some this book took a turn from a book about two guys finding their way too each other into a book about Issues. Casey's issues with his guilt and his sexuality, Brooks' issues with his PTSD from his attack and inability to reconcile his true desires with his play, various side characters and their issues with being gay in today's world.
These are all worthwhile themes to cover but at some point they took over the story to a degree that I stopped enjoying because it was simply not the story I wanted to read.
July 11, 2019
The very best of the three Ever After series, and I thought all of them were exceptional. Even though there are characters from the first two books in this one, there is no question that this can be a standalone.
The MC's in Aftermath were one of the victims in a gay bashing in Book #2 and the other MC was the brother of the bashing perpetrator. The brother (who knows he's gay but is scared silly of his brother) accompanied his homophobic sibling on his bashings (which also included two murders). But, even though he never participated himself, the gay brother did nothing to stop the attacks and was sentenced to prison for his involvement. The bashing brother was given a long prison sentence based upon his closeted gay brother's testimony.
The book starts with the gay brother being released from jail, meeting the victim and realizing there was a connection to each other and why the bad brother had chosen this victim as a target. The victim MC is a dom, enraged at what happened to him with an unbridled lust to extract vengeance from the closeted gay brother. Unfortunately, the closeted gay brother has his own thirst to accept any punishment doled out no matter how brutal, for both his brother's crimes and his very low opinion of himself. The closeted gay seemed almost childlike at times trying to understand himself and the dynamics he grew up with.
Obviously some heavy S/M in this BDSM book so readers are forewarned. But this is a fascinating story, well told with a great set of secondary characters also. I really liked it.
The MC's in Aftermath were one of the victims in a gay bashing in Book #2 and the other MC was the brother of the bashing perpetrator. The brother (who knows he's gay but is scared silly of his brother) accompanied his homophobic sibling on his bashings (which also included two murders). But, even though he never participated himself, the gay brother did nothing to stop the attacks and was sentenced to prison for his involvement. The bashing brother was given a long prison sentence based upon his closeted gay brother's testimony.
The book starts with the gay brother being released from jail, meeting the victim and realizing there was a connection to each other and why the bad brother had chosen this victim as a target. The victim MC is a dom, enraged at what happened to him with an unbridled lust to extract vengeance from the closeted gay brother. Unfortunately, the closeted gay brother has his own thirst to accept any punishment doled out no matter how brutal, for both his brother's crimes and his very low opinion of himself. The closeted gay seemed almost childlike at times trying to understand himself and the dynamics he grew up with.
Obviously some heavy S/M in this BDSM book so readers are forewarned. But this is a fascinating story, well told with a great set of secondary characters also. I really liked it.
June 27, 2019
Thank you for the ARC read, I requested a free review copy of this book through StoryOrigin I voluntarily give this book an honest review. Casey Hax grow up intimidated by his father and brother, never allowed to show his true self. One mistake was all it took to send him to jail. Now with a second chance how can he really live? First step was to try to make up for the wrong MJ had done. Apologies to the victims was in order, starting with the guy that had claimed his attention that night that started this mess. Brooks was expecting to be confronted by one of the guys that attacked him over three years ago, much less to feel a bit of pity when the man claimed to be guy. Giving him a card to volunteer at a local LGBTQIA. Brooks wasn't prepared for the the feeling that this man brings to his life with the request to learn more of the world Casey we struggling to come out to. With a homophobic brother nd father that started his life down the path his was on of denial and pain. Can helping out at the community center ease Casey in the right direction before he falls into more trouble with the unknown of the kink world he craves? Will working at the center help Casey learn to love him self and help others in need also like one young man that befriends him his first day on the job? This was such a moving and emotional story. warnings of hate and self loathing, willing to punish one self for the way they feel.
November 15, 2023
I personaggi di questo libro mi hanno scatenato un vero e proprio turbine di emozioni, per tutta la lettura avevo gli occhi lucidi e il magone.
Da un lato c’è Casey, per cui ho iniziato a provare affetto già dal libro precedente. Che posso farci, è un bambinone tenero che non sa comportarsi. Ha bisogno di una guida, di qualcuno che lo punisca, ma nello stesso tempo lo ami. La sua insicurezza e i suoi bisogni sono tanto estremi quanto pericolosi, sopratutto per se stesso.
E poi c’è Brooks, un Dom. Traumatizzato dal pestaggio che ha subito dal fratello di Casey, ha più dubbi che certezze. Si sente travolto dai bisogni di Casey, ma nello stesso tempo ha paura che la situazione possa sfuggirgli di mano.
Entrambi cercano una sorta di riscatto, Casey dallo stato di paura verso la sua sessualità, in cui lo hanno trascinato il padre e il fratello, e Brooks dal terrore di non potersi più fidare di nessuno durante le sue sessioni.
Infine c’è Finn, un ragazzino scappato di casa perchè i suoi genitori non tollerano il suo modo di essere cosí apertamente e orgogliosamente gay, che nonostante sia ancora giovane e non abbia un fisico muscoloso, dimostra di avere una forza e una determinazione invidiabili.
Un libro veramente bello. Una storia che è allo stesso tempo dolce e drammatica, scritta con cura e delicatezza e che ci mostra come da qualcosa di brutto possa nascere qualcosa di bello.
5 +++++
Da un lato c’è Casey, per cui ho iniziato a provare affetto già dal libro precedente. Che posso farci, è un bambinone tenero che non sa comportarsi. Ha bisogno di una guida, di qualcuno che lo punisca, ma nello stesso tempo lo ami. La sua insicurezza e i suoi bisogni sono tanto estremi quanto pericolosi, sopratutto per se stesso.
E poi c’è Brooks, un Dom. Traumatizzato dal pestaggio che ha subito dal fratello di Casey, ha più dubbi che certezze. Si sente travolto dai bisogni di Casey, ma nello stesso tempo ha paura che la situazione possa sfuggirgli di mano.
Entrambi cercano una sorta di riscatto, Casey dallo stato di paura verso la sua sessualità, in cui lo hanno trascinato il padre e il fratello, e Brooks dal terrore di non potersi più fidare di nessuno durante le sue sessioni.
Infine c’è Finn, un ragazzino scappato di casa perchè i suoi genitori non tollerano il suo modo di essere cosí apertamente e orgogliosamente gay, che nonostante sia ancora giovane e non abbia un fisico muscoloso, dimostra di avere una forza e una determinazione invidiabili.
Un libro veramente bello. Una storia che è allo stesso tempo dolce e drammatica, scritta con cura e delicatezza e che ci mostra come da qualcosa di brutto possa nascere qualcosa di bello.
5 +++++
August 5, 2023
Ammetto che avevo letto il primo volume di questa saga, tipo, una vita fa. Bello, ma troppo soft per i miei gusti. Il secondo non mi ispirava manco per sbaglio (come la maggior parte dei secondi) e quindi ho detto, ma sai che c'è, chiudiamola anche qui.
MA.
Ieri sera ero lì a trastullarmi con il mio ebook alla ricerca di un testo carino da leggere dato che avevo qualche soldo da buttare via in romanzi MM trash. E, guarda un po', la trama di questo era proprio il mio genere.
#angst
#comfort
#angstwithhappyending
Me felice.
Comunque, me lo sono fatto fuori tra ieri e oggi ed effettivamente ha soddisfatto tutte le mie più torbide aspettative. Avrei anche dato 5 stelline, ma il finale secondo me è stato un po' affrettato e l'autrice ha un po' soprasseduto su alcuni aspetti di trauma e BDSM che avrei preferito vedere approfonditi. Ma, diciamocelo, questa non è la Hoover che mschera i suoi porno da grandi saggi psicologici e io sono molto felice di ciò😂
Non ho letto "Aftermath" per l'accuratezza del trattamento del PTSD o per l'aspetto psicologico, ma perché, con più tatto di altri testi etero, esplora la parte più dark del BDSM che piace a me.
Per questo, anche senza le 5 stelle di rito, si piazza a diritto tra i miei libri prefe del 2023.
Good job. Good girl.
MA.
Ieri sera ero lì a trastullarmi con il mio ebook alla ricerca di un testo carino da leggere dato che avevo qualche soldo da buttare via in romanzi MM trash. E, guarda un po', la trama di questo era proprio il mio genere.
#angst
#comfort
#angstwithhappyending
Me felice.
Comunque, me lo sono fatto fuori tra ieri e oggi ed effettivamente ha soddisfatto tutte le mie più torbide aspettative. Avrei anche dato 5 stelline, ma il finale secondo me è stato un po' affrettato e l'autrice ha un po' soprasseduto su alcuni aspetti di trauma e BDSM che avrei preferito vedere approfonditi. Ma, diciamocelo, questa non è la Hoover che mschera i suoi porno da grandi saggi psicologici e io sono molto felice di ciò😂
Non ho letto "Aftermath" per l'accuratezza del trattamento del PTSD o per l'aspetto psicologico, ma perché, con più tatto di altri testi etero, esplora la parte più dark del BDSM che piace a me.
Per questo, anche senza le 5 stelle di rito, si piazza a diritto tra i miei libri prefe del 2023.
Good job. Good girl.
June 27, 2019
This author seems to get better with each story. I thought Locked was intense but this brought out all my emotions.
Casey’s story by itself is enough to break my heart. Living with a dad and brother like his seems to be enough torture without adding in his sexual preference. Then blaming himself and not even sure why made me want to cry. When he is faced with Brooks his whole life seems to change. Then when they meet again both are in for a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Brooks has enough of his own baggage but when he tries to deal with it using his excuse of being a sadist things really get intense. Watching Casey come into himself is heartwarming. He faces things head on and holds firm to what he feels. I think the author did a great job of resolving the relationship between these two and Casey’s relationship with his dad. I also appreciated how the previous characters Syed and Dashiell play such a big part of the story. I was glad to see how Finn’s dilemma was solved. There is so much to this story and as always I can’t wait to see what this author will have next.
Casey’s story by itself is enough to break my heart. Living with a dad and brother like his seems to be enough torture without adding in his sexual preference. Then blaming himself and not even sure why made me want to cry. When he is faced with Brooks his whole life seems to change. Then when they meet again both are in for a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Brooks has enough of his own baggage but when he tries to deal with it using his excuse of being a sadist things really get intense. Watching Casey come into himself is heartwarming. He faces things head on and holds firm to what he feels. I think the author did a great job of resolving the relationship between these two and Casey’s relationship with his dad. I also appreciated how the previous characters Syed and Dashiell play such a big part of the story. I was glad to see how Finn’s dilemma was solved. There is so much to this story and as always I can’t wait to see what this author will have next.
July 2, 2019
This is a fantastic conclusion to this series with wonderful, complex characters. The ability of Syed to forgive and move on from Jamie; even after everything, he is able to see Casey as a person and care about his well-being. Dashiell remains one of my absolute favorite characters in this series. He always seems to be going out of his way to help others, even those society might see as flawed or criminal. Who would have thought that Syed and Dashiell would be the ones to pick up Casey and see him to safety when he got out of prison? I love the way this author presents everyone's view in this series. We see the pain, shame, and regret Casey feels for his actions. We also see the denial of his responsibility and eventual awakening. We see the after-effects of the attack on Brooks, and how it changed him. We see the anger, healing, forgiveness, and love. This is a powerful and emotional conclusion to the series, and the author brings all the characters in it all to a very satisfactory end.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author and have voluntarily left this honest review.
I received a complimentary ARC from the author and have voluntarily left this honest review.
June 29, 2019
This is a story that will make you think and feel. The characters go through so much and have some hard choices to make. Brooks and Casey’s story pulled me in right from the start. I enjoyed seeing the way their story unfolded. While Casey is trying to start his life over after jail he sees Brooks and apologizes to the man and tries to explain what happened. That one conversation leads Casey’s life into a better direction than it was before. As Brooks helps guide Casey and teach him to be safe emotions begin to blossom and lines begin to blur. Brooks and Casey never saw it coming but love can be sneaky and the two must figure out just where they stand. Can past deeds be forgiven, and will the men grab for a future that they can have? It was nice to watch Casey begin to find his way and learn to accept himself. Brooks and Casey make a good couple and it was nice to se the two work hard to find love in a safe way.
I requested a free review copy of this book through StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I requested a free review copy of this book through StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 13, 2021
3.5 stars--because Brooks should have already been in therapy after his assault; he's a counselor and should know better. Then, Casey should have definitely been in therapy much sooner; in fact, I'm surprised it wasn't court-mandated as part of his parole conditions. So, their kink relationship started for all the wrong reasons, which made the scenes themselves bother me because from what I've learned about BDSM scenes is that it's not just about consent but about having the right mindset before even starting a scene. Otherwise, this gay romance novel was well written and had good character development. I liked how Casey was redeemed as a character in this novel from how he behaved during the second book in the series because he really was selfish and not taking appropriate responsibility for not only his inaction regarding his brother's attacks on gay men but fully observing and even participating in them, and I appreciated that everything came full circle
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