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The Black Sheep and the Rotten Apple
“How does one start a relationship with another man when it is forbidden?”
“One needs to decide that the other man is worth dying for.”
Cornwall, 1785
Sir Evan Penhart. Baronet. Highwayman. Scoundrel.
Julian Reece. Writer. Wastrel. Penniless.
No one forces Julian Reece to marry. Not his father, not his brother. No one.
When he is thrust into a carriage heading for London to meet his future bride, his way out comes in the form of an imposing highwayman, riding a horse as black as night. Julian makes a deal with the criminal, but what he doesn’t expect is that despite the title of baronet, the robber turns out to be no gentleman.
Sir Evan Penhart is pushed into crime out of desperation, but the pact with a pretty, young merchant’s son turns out to have disastrous consequences. Not only is Evan left broke, but worse yet, Julian opens up a Pandora’s box of passions that are dark, needy, and too wild to tame. With no way to lock them back in, rash decisions and greedy desire lead to a tide that wrecks everything in its way.
But Julian might actually like all the sinful, carnal passion unleashed on him. How can he admit this though, even to himself, when a taste of the forbidden fruit could have him end up with a noose around his neck? And with highway robbery being a hanging offense and the local constable on their back, Julian could lose Evan before he can decide anything about the nature of his desires.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Themes: highwayman, abduction, ransom, forbidden love, self-discovery, danger, crime,
Genre: Dark romance, historical
Erotic content: Explicit scenes
Listening Length: 15 hours and 6 minutes (standalone novel)
WARNING: Adult content. Contains violence, distressing scenes, abuse, offensive language, and morally ambiguous protagonists.
“One needs to decide that the other man is worth dying for.”
Cornwall, 1785
Sir Evan Penhart. Baronet. Highwayman. Scoundrel.
Julian Reece. Writer. Wastrel. Penniless.
No one forces Julian Reece to marry. Not his father, not his brother. No one.
When he is thrust into a carriage heading for London to meet his future bride, his way out comes in the form of an imposing highwayman, riding a horse as black as night. Julian makes a deal with the criminal, but what he doesn’t expect is that despite the title of baronet, the robber turns out to be no gentleman.
Sir Evan Penhart is pushed into crime out of desperation, but the pact with a pretty, young merchant’s son turns out to have disastrous consequences. Not only is Evan left broke, but worse yet, Julian opens up a Pandora’s box of passions that are dark, needy, and too wild to tame. With no way to lock them back in, rash decisions and greedy desire lead to a tide that wrecks everything in its way.
But Julian might actually like all the sinful, carnal passion unleashed on him. How can he admit this though, even to himself, when a taste of the forbidden fruit could have him end up with a noose around his neck? And with highway robbery being a hanging offense and the local constable on their back, Julian could lose Evan before he can decide anything about the nature of his desires.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Themes: highwayman, abduction, ransom, forbidden love, self-discovery, danger, crime,
Genre: Dark romance, historical
Erotic content: Explicit scenes
Listening Length: 15 hours and 6 minutes (standalone novel)
WARNING: Adult content. Contains violence, distressing scenes, abuse, offensive language, and morally ambiguous protagonists.
16 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 7, 2017
110 people are currently reading
875 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Merikan
130 books3,028 followers(Goodreads profile run by Kat)
K. A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.
Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.
K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.
e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com
More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page: http://kamerikan.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamerikan
K. A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.
Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.
K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.
e-mail: kamerikan@gmail.com
More information about ongoing projects, works in progress and publishing at:
K.A. Merikan’s author page: http://kamerikan.com
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamerikan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
February 10, 2017
5 Stars.
This was so good.Totally my thing.Historical M/M,raw,passionate and two of the best characters these Authors have created.
Julian Reece is the son of a wealthy Cloth Merchant.He has no interest in the family business,however.He prefers to spend his time drinking in Taverns and dreams of visiting Italy and becoming a writer.But his life is going to take a dramatic turn when his father decides it's time he got married and sends him off to London to meet his future bride.
Sir Evan Penhart is a recluse.Living in his families crumbling estate.He's finding it more and more difficult to make ends meet.He has a fierce loyalty to his home and servants and is willing to break the law for the upkeep of his estate that has been in his family for generations.
One fateful day Evan and Julian's worlds collide and both their lives will never be the same again.....
Julian sees a way out of his impending marriage and fulfilling his dream....
Evan sees a way of saving his estate....
I'm not going into the story anymore because,believe me,you don't want anything to spoil this plot but what I will say is that I really had no idea which way things would play out on more than one occasion.
The Relationship
Before meeting Evan,Julian had no interest in men and was unaware of the way some men looked at him.
However,Evan has always been interested in men but in an era where being Gay was punishable by hanging,he hasn't been with a man for years.
I found their relationship beautiful.Yes,it's brutal at times but so damn passionate and I think both men changed,for the better,for meeting each other.
Some fascinating secondary characters who,while not always likable,played an integral part in the story.There's one in particular whose story I would love to read.
I've been dying to read this one ever since I read the blurb and I can honestly say it was better than I imagined.
Highly recommended.
Arc from Author
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
This was so good.Totally my thing.Historical M/M,raw,passionate and two of the best characters these Authors have created.
"Can you feel that?I'd build you a castle in the sky if you could only want me the same way I want you."
Julian Reece is the son of a wealthy Cloth Merchant.He has no interest in the family business,however.He prefers to spend his time drinking in Taverns and dreams of visiting Italy and becoming a writer.But his life is going to take a dramatic turn when his father decides it's time he got married and sends him off to London to meet his future bride.
Sir Evan Penhart is a recluse.Living in his families crumbling estate.He's finding it more and more difficult to make ends meet.He has a fierce loyalty to his home and servants and is willing to break the law for the upkeep of his estate that has been in his family for generations.
One fateful day Evan and Julian's worlds collide and both their lives will never be the same again.....
Julian sees a way out of his impending marriage and fulfilling his dream....
Evan sees a way of saving his estate....
I'm not going into the story anymore because,believe me,you don't want anything to spoil this plot but what I will say is that I really had no idea which way things would play out on more than one occasion.
The Relationship
Before meeting Evan,Julian had no interest in men and was unaware of the way some men looked at him.
However,Evan has always been interested in men but in an era where being Gay was punishable by hanging,he hasn't been with a man for years.
I found their relationship beautiful.Yes,it's brutal at times but so damn passionate and I think both men changed,for the better,for meeting each other.
Some fascinating secondary characters who,while not always likable,played an integral part in the story.There's one in particular whose story I would love to read.
I've been dying to read this one ever since I read the blurb and I can honestly say it was better than I imagined.
Highly recommended.
Arc from Author
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
Read
February 9, 2017
AMAZON - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7WQHV7
“How does one start a relationship with another man when it is forbidden?”
“One needs to decide that the other man is worth dying for.”
Cornwall, 1785
Sir Evan Penhart. Baronet. Highwayman. Scoundrel.
Julian Reece. Writer. Wastrel. Penniless.
Ahhh... Isn't it just glorious? :D Designed by the lovely Tiferet ( http://www.tiferetdesign.com/ ).
Is it a historical? YES, very much so, but all of you who enjoy our brand of bad boy, and morally dubious hero will love this! These guys don't hold back. There's violence, dub-con galore, drama, and an intense, all-encompassing love affair. There's a reason one of these guys is a 'black sheep', and the other a 'rotten apple'.
PINTEREST! :D https://uk.pinterest.com/KAMerikan/th...
December 26, 2016
Giddy <<< That's me, after reading this book. The Black Sheep and the Rotten Apple was everything I could have asked for, and more. Deliciously passionate and sometimes a little brutal and uncertain, but always fabulous and I could not stop reading, once I picked it up.
Julian Reece is a writer, but his father prefers the term "wastrel" and is done with supporting his son's drinking and whoring, since Julian refuses to work for the family's fabric business. Julian is such a free-spirit, really, and at 25 he is nowhere near ready to marry. And though he visits a brothel quite regularly, he prefers to play poker over bedding the whores. Sex is ok, but he really hasn't figured out why people make such a big deal about it.
Sir Evan Penhart is a very broke, and reclusive, Baronet. He's been trying to keep the family estate afloat since his older brother Peter gambled away the family's fortune and drank himself to death, but well, times are tough. Evan is a desperate man, trying to make ends meet and so he figures a time or two of playing a highwayman, and maybe he can manage to pay the servants and make some long overdue repairs to his home. But Evan sure gets more than he bargained for when he stops the carriage carrying Julian Reece.
I loved everything about The Black Sheep and the Rotten Apple. And I loved seeing Julian slowly figure things out. You see, he's never been attracted to another man before. But then again, he's never really been attracted to women, either. It just never occurred to him to think on why that might be, until Evan, one night, takes their charade a lot further than Julian had bargained. But the taste of what could be terrified him.
Evan's not nearly the scoundrel he pretends to be, either. He'd resigned himself to a life alone and rarely leaves his estate, and is dreadfully out of practice at socializing with anyone, let alone a lively canary, like Julian. He wants Julian from the first moment he lays eyes on the younger man, and showing restraint proves difficult, especially when Julian sends such mixed signals. And with the local Constable, Pascoe, looking for any reason at all to send Evan to gaol, and preferably the noose, Evan has had many reasons to be super careful.
Their relationship developed in a very organic way and I reveled in it. At first Julian was mortified that he felt arousal at the hands of the force of nature that is Evan. And he felt confused and ashamed. But given time, they become friends and little by little Julian came to terms with his feelings and once that Genie was let out of the bottle, there was no turning back.
I loved the historical setting. It felt authentic without being too oppressive, which less face it, would just be depressing. And though Evan's arch-nemesis, Pascoe, was bent on ruining Evan, Evan and Julian come out on top by the end -- and it was glorious.
The Black Sheep and the Rotten Apple gives us adventure, morally ambiguous heroes, a love story to die for, hawt hawt smexytimes, and a hard fought happy ending. LOVED.
------------------
ARC of The Black Sheep and The Rotten Apple was generously provided by the authors, in exchange for an honest review.
Julian Reece is a writer, but his father prefers the term "wastrel" and is done with supporting his son's drinking and whoring, since Julian refuses to work for the family's fabric business. Julian is such a free-spirit, really, and at 25 he is nowhere near ready to marry. And though he visits a brothel quite regularly, he prefers to play poker over bedding the whores. Sex is ok, but he really hasn't figured out why people make such a big deal about it.
Sir Evan Penhart is a very broke, and reclusive, Baronet. He's been trying to keep the family estate afloat since his older brother Peter gambled away the family's fortune and drank himself to death, but well, times are tough. Evan is a desperate man, trying to make ends meet and so he figures a time or two of playing a highwayman, and maybe he can manage to pay the servants and make some long overdue repairs to his home. But Evan sure gets more than he bargained for when he stops the carriage carrying Julian Reece.
I loved everything about The Black Sheep and the Rotten Apple. And I loved seeing Julian slowly figure things out. You see, he's never been attracted to another man before. But then again, he's never really been attracted to women, either. It just never occurred to him to think on why that might be, until Evan, one night, takes their charade a lot further than Julian had bargained. But the taste of what could be terrified him.
Evan's not nearly the scoundrel he pretends to be, either. He'd resigned himself to a life alone and rarely leaves his estate, and is dreadfully out of practice at socializing with anyone, let alone a lively canary, like Julian. He wants Julian from the first moment he lays eyes on the younger man, and showing restraint proves difficult, especially when Julian sends such mixed signals. And with the local Constable, Pascoe, looking for any reason at all to send Evan to gaol, and preferably the noose, Evan has had many reasons to be super careful.
Their relationship developed in a very organic way and I reveled in it. At first Julian was mortified that he felt arousal at the hands of the force of nature that is Evan. And he felt confused and ashamed. But given time, they become friends and little by little Julian came to terms with his feelings and once that Genie was let out of the bottle, there was no turning back.
I loved the historical setting. It felt authentic without being too oppressive, which less face it, would just be depressing. And though Evan's arch-nemesis, Pascoe, was bent on ruining Evan, Evan and Julian come out on top by the end -- and it was glorious.
The Black Sheep and the Rotten Apple gives us adventure, morally ambiguous heroes, a love story to die for, hawt hawt smexytimes, and a hard fought happy ending. LOVED.
------------------
ARC of The Black Sheep and The Rotten Apple was generously provided by the authors, in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2020
Audio 4.5 Stars Very well done, Mr. James Reily! 👏🏽👏🏽
Story 4.25 Stars
This needs to be a series.
Story 4.25 Stars
This needs to be a series.
February 7, 2017
“I only hate you because I cannot have you.”
Antiheroes are my favorite kind. Sir Evan Penhart is a baronet who ends up being a highwayman in order to save his estate. Julian Reese is an aspiring writer, and his family's disgrace. Their story starts under uncommon circumstances, with an agreement that suited both of them, but didn't go as planned. They will fight and bleed, they will become friends and make love, but most of all they'll love each other so hard, maybe to the point of death.
“Can you feel that? I’d build you a castle in that sky if you could only want me the same way I want you.”
There's something truly beautiful in Julian's character. From the moment he gets "kidnapped", there's a journey ahead of him that leads to self-awareness and self-acceptance. His first heated glances towards Evan, his self loathing for the way his body reacts to another man, his realisation of what his lack of interest in women means...it all clicks into place, and Evan is the catalyst. And then the way he not only embraces it, but wants to find more people "like him", a safe community of sorts, was pretty brilliant! It felt real and natural and perfectly explored.
“You don’t get to take this kiss back. It's mine.
“It is only yours. I was not prepared for the thunder when it first came over me. It scared me, and lightning burned my hands, but I still chased you. Now my eyes are clear, and I finally see that my place is in the eye of the storm...”
The scene at 89%...I really believe that this scene showcases K.A.Merikan's best feature; the perfect blend of romance and action. It's amidst chaos, and with the threat of everything ending, that the love and connection of the characters really shine. Everything ceases to exist and it's just the two of them. And me glued to my kindle. It's this type of scenes that I find the most powerful and intense, even more than the sex scenes. Like the RV scene in the end of Homicidal Instincts, or the very last scene of Guns n' Boys: He Is Mine.
As for the steam, if you 're afraid that there's not much of it because it's a historical...don't be. There are enough sex scenes here, but very integral to the plot. I can almost name the purpose each one served. Oh, and there's a spanking and discipline scene too. Just saying.
The setting, Cornwall in the beginning of the romantic period, is magnificent! It's always a great place for a historical romance and a favorite of mine. I loved the cove scene in the end.
It's not a secret that I'm a big fan of this author duo, but I can honestly say that this is one of their best books. It's pretty long but it never dragged. It's gritty and raw, but at the same time sweet and romantic. Sometimes brutal, some others gentle, with a wonderful and very fitting HEA.
"...How does one start a relationship with another man when it’s something so forbidden?”
“One needs to decide that the other man is worth dying for. And then you take a leap of faith.”
Very highly recommended!
~Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.~
March 19, 2017
This is totally not my kind of usual read. I'm not huge on historical reads. Although I do have a series I am committed to in this genre that I love by a different author. With a trusting love for that series I sometimes will journey out and try other books similar just to see if it has that same kind of magic that caught me like that series had. This one definitely caught me and kept me hanging on until the last page. But then again I do love these ladies and their writing/books. So that probably helped. [=
These ladies have done it again! They've created another couple that I absolutely loved and will continue to follow. Evan and Reece were passionate and hot together.
This is a story of adventure. Of new love. Of a passionate romance that wasn't suppose to have happened considering Reece never had thoughts of the same sex in any sexual way.
There is a lot that happens in this book. Too much to mention. It felt a little long sometimes and I could have done without some stuff, but all in all a very enjoyable read.
These ladies have done it again! They've created another couple that I absolutely loved and will continue to follow. Evan and Reece were passionate and hot together.
This is a story of adventure. Of new love. Of a passionate romance that wasn't suppose to have happened considering Reece never had thoughts of the same sex in any sexual way.
There is a lot that happens in this book. Too much to mention. It felt a little long sometimes and I could have done without some stuff, but all in all a very enjoyable read.
February 3, 2017
This book swept me off my feet, carried me through a series of swashbuckling adventures and the discovery of true love, then set me down gently at the end, at which point a huge sigh of sweet content escaped me. (You see, it really got me going...)
I am so with Miss Elizabeth Blackwell on this - how can you not be intrigued by a 'rogue highway man'? A commanding, strong man, with eyes as dark as coal, arms as strong as a bear and clad in black. And on top of a black stallion. *G* What can I say? This book totally, utterly charmed me.
The authors use popular tropes like the above, and others like 'virgin captive', 'forced marriages' and 'friends to lovers' and make the best out of them. I loved every little bit of it. Even if the plot is very 'Hollywood' and begs you to suspend belief at times.
But the main characters are what really shines here.
Julian: A man with no real purpose in life. He calls himself a writer but has never finished anything. Brothels and inns are his hang-outs of choice, drinking, gambling and whoring his favourite past time activities. No wonder he doesn't like the idea of getting married off.
In a way Julian's life is a bit pathetic... and empty. All this changes when he gets apprehended by the highwayman. Because said highwayman likes men. Something Julian has heard about, but never seen before. Something that is disgusting and vile and the mother of all sins.
I think the authors did a very good job of portraying the public view on homosexuality so long ago. A view Julian holds on to as well until he realizes that this is the very part that's been missing in his life.
His gradual journey of self-discovery, set off by his first (imo not 100 percent consensual) sexual encounter with Evan, was beautifully done. At first he can't even think about it, but the more he gets attached to Evan, the more his view changes, until he suddenly sees clearly why his life has been so unfulfilled. And once he has accepted himself as a 'sodomite' there is no stopping him or his loyalty to Evan.
Evan is an enigma in itself. Gruff and rough on the outside, with a centre all soft, he is the true romantic hero who has all the ladies in polite society (and me) swooning. His past is marred by pain for who he is, and it's never let him go. Because of what happened 15 years earlier he has never had another partner, another man in his life. His loneliness is of epic proportions and the upkeep of Terele (his property) is sapping all his energy.
Julian awakes a desire and need he's had to keep under lock for so long, keeping his hands off the man turns into pure agony. But he does (apart from the first time) because he likes Julian too much.
If this all sounds a bit clichee - maybe it is, but I couldn't care less. This is undoubtedly one of the most romantic stories ever, because in Evan and Julian's time gay love isn't just a crime, it is a matter of life and death, something you have to consciously choose which makes your choice infinitely more precious. As was quoted in the blurb...
“How does one start a relationship with another man when it is forbidden?”
“One needs to decide that the other man is worth dying for.”
This book was fun and sweet and romantic in a kind of old-fashioned way.
Don't be put off by the cover, it is worth every page!
Highly recommended.
ARC received from author via Indigo Marketing And Design in exchange for an honest review.
I am so with Miss Elizabeth Blackwell on this - how can you not be intrigued by a 'rogue highway man'? A commanding, strong man, with eyes as dark as coal, arms as strong as a bear and clad in black. And on top of a black stallion. *G* What can I say? This book totally, utterly charmed me.
The authors use popular tropes like the above, and others like 'virgin captive', 'forced marriages' and 'friends to lovers' and make the best out of them. I loved every little bit of it. Even if the plot is very 'Hollywood' and begs you to suspend belief at times.
But the main characters are what really shines here.
Julian: A man with no real purpose in life. He calls himself a writer but has never finished anything. Brothels and inns are his hang-outs of choice, drinking, gambling and whoring his favourite past time activities. No wonder he doesn't like the idea of getting married off.
In a way Julian's life is a bit pathetic... and empty. All this changes when he gets apprehended by the highwayman. Because said highwayman likes men. Something Julian has heard about, but never seen before. Something that is disgusting and vile and the mother of all sins.
I think the authors did a very good job of portraying the public view on homosexuality so long ago. A view Julian holds on to as well until he realizes that this is the very part that's been missing in his life.
His gradual journey of self-discovery, set off by his first (imo not 100 percent consensual) sexual encounter with Evan, was beautifully done. At first he can't even think about it, but the more he gets attached to Evan, the more his view changes, until he suddenly sees clearly why his life has been so unfulfilled. And once he has accepted himself as a 'sodomite' there is no stopping him or his loyalty to Evan.
Evan is an enigma in itself. Gruff and rough on the outside, with a centre all soft, he is the true romantic hero who has all the ladies in polite society (and me) swooning. His past is marred by pain for who he is, and it's never let him go. Because of what happened 15 years earlier he has never had another partner, another man in his life. His loneliness is of epic proportions and the upkeep of Terele (his property) is sapping all his energy.
Julian awakes a desire and need he's had to keep under lock for so long, keeping his hands off the man turns into pure agony. But he does (apart from the first time) because he likes Julian too much.
If this all sounds a bit clichee - maybe it is, but I couldn't care less. This is undoubtedly one of the most romantic stories ever, because in Evan and Julian's time gay love isn't just a crime, it is a matter of life and death, something you have to consciously choose which makes your choice infinitely more precious. As was quoted in the blurb...
“How does one start a relationship with another man when it is forbidden?”
“One needs to decide that the other man is worth dying for.”
This book was fun and sweet and romantic in a kind of old-fashioned way.
Don't be put off by the cover, it is worth every page!
Highly recommended.
ARC received from author via Indigo Marketing And Design in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2020
Honestly, I must admit it took me a LONG TIME until this book really hooked me. But once it did ... wow!
I'm a huge fan of M/M historicals, but sometimes, I want to toss my Kindle across the room in disgust. Let me explain ... Sodomy was a crime punishable by death by hanging in England until 1861 when the death penalty was removed in favor of imprisonment. The Sexual Offences Act of 1967 finally decriminalized "homosexual acts in private between two men, both of whom had to have attained the age of 21." (Thank you, Wikipedia.)
So, I have a hard time reading a historical where the two MCs haphazardly shag in the meadow or step outside to the gardens during an evening gala to enjoy a bracing blow job .... and every last person in their lives easily accepts their love. One of the many things I appreciated about The Black Sheep and The Rotten Apple is its historical accuracy and that Evan and Julian are painfully aware of the consequences of their love.
Set in 1785 in Cornwall England, The Black Sheep and The Rotten Apple gives us Sir Evan Penhart, a good man who has lived half his life in fear of the noose. He ponders if there's life on the moon or looks for new stars with his telescope, he desperately tries to rebuild his crumbling estate Tredele and treat his servants well, he studies contemporary philosophy to treatises on astronomy. But the one thing Evan does not do is reach for love because he knows it brings nothing but heartache and quite possibly death.
Julian Reece, a golden canary of a flighty young man with dreams of writing novels in Italy, comes into this bleak existence when Evan tries his hand as a highwayman to get money for repairs on Tredele. Julian convinces Evan to hold him for ransom and then once Julian's father pays, he will split the money with Evan. However, nothing goes according to plan.
For me, the first part of the book is s-l-o-w, but it sets the stage beautifully. Evan is starved for human interaction and is drawn to Julian. It is heart-wrenching to read as Evan falls for Julian:
Julian truly undergoes a slow and sometimes agonizing process as he realizes he loves Evan. It's not simply a matter of declaring his love - it's coming to terms with a love he had never imagined or knew existed. Love is always a leap of faith, but more so in a time when love is legally punishable by death. And because we get this slow build-up, when it comes to "How does one start a relationship with another man when it is forbidden?” “One needs to decide that the other man is worth dying for.” - those decisions will absolutely tear your heart out.
The Black Sheep and The Rotten Apple has a solid historical setting with two characters who we eventually know sinew by sinew and brings it with an ending that is absolutely epic. And because we are privy to both Evan and Julian's POV, the incredibly hot sex scenes have such a richness and depth to them. I highly recommend this book!
I received an ARC from the authors, via IndiGo Marketing, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
I'm a huge fan of M/M historicals, but sometimes, I want to toss my Kindle across the room in disgust. Let me explain ... Sodomy was a crime punishable by death by hanging in England until 1861 when the death penalty was removed in favor of imprisonment. The Sexual Offences Act of 1967 finally decriminalized "homosexual acts in private between two men, both of whom had to have attained the age of 21." (Thank you, Wikipedia.)
So, I have a hard time reading a historical where the two MCs haphazardly shag in the meadow or step outside to the gardens during an evening gala to enjoy a bracing blow job .... and every last person in their lives easily accepts their love. One of the many things I appreciated about The Black Sheep and The Rotten Apple is its historical accuracy and that Evan and Julian are painfully aware of the consequences of their love.
Set in 1785 in Cornwall England, The Black Sheep and The Rotten Apple gives us Sir Evan Penhart, a good man who has lived half his life in fear of the noose. He ponders if there's life on the moon or looks for new stars with his telescope, he desperately tries to rebuild his crumbling estate Tredele and treat his servants well, he studies contemporary philosophy to treatises on astronomy. But the one thing Evan does not do is reach for love because he knows it brings nothing but heartache and quite possibly death.
Julian Reece, a golden canary of a flighty young man with dreams of writing novels in Italy, comes into this bleak existence when Evan tries his hand as a highwayman to get money for repairs on Tredele. Julian convinces Evan to hold him for ransom and then once Julian's father pays, he will split the money with Evan. However, nothing goes according to plan.
For me, the first part of the book is s-l-o-w, but it sets the stage beautifully. Evan is starved for human interaction and is drawn to Julian. It is heart-wrenching to read as Evan falls for Julian:
“I am not a monster. Nor am I a ghost. I am made of flesh and bone.” He moved his other hand over Julian’s, and pressed it harder to his own chest. “Can you feel that? I’d build you a castle in that sky if you could only want me the same way I want you.”Julian, for his part, is initially more terrified than attracted to Evan but it becomes " increasingly clear to him what it was that he hadn’t known about himself all along." But as Julian wonders "Was this why priests warned about sodomy? Because it was so easy to just fall into?" in his next breath he fears that Evan has "a rotten core within him that was already affecting Julian’s flesh."
Julian truly undergoes a slow and sometimes agonizing process as he realizes he loves Evan. It's not simply a matter of declaring his love - it's coming to terms with a love he had never imagined or knew existed. Love is always a leap of faith, but more so in a time when love is legally punishable by death. And because we get this slow build-up, when it comes to "How does one start a relationship with another man when it is forbidden?” “One needs to decide that the other man is worth dying for.” - those decisions will absolutely tear your heart out.
The Black Sheep and The Rotten Apple has a solid historical setting with two characters who we eventually know sinew by sinew and brings it with an ending that is absolutely epic. And because we are privy to both Evan and Julian's POV, the incredibly hot sex scenes have such a richness and depth to them. I highly recommend this book!
I received an ARC from the authors, via IndiGo Marketing, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
May 21, 2018
*** An amazing historical M/M romance like no other ! ***
Sir Evan, a dark, deep, and devilish recluse,
who's antisocial, in need of money, robs a coach and only gets Julian.
Julian, cute, clueless and curious, a blonde dandy,
who hasn't strived to amount to anything, is privileged, spoiled, a drunkard and a gambler.
This is a long journey of new discoveries for Julian, who is finding out things about himself. He's alone and adrift when his father disavows him.
Everyone wants to gossip and watch him wallow, except Evan. After their sexual encounters, Julian is having an epiphany. Both men feel different. There's an escape, a return, and more discovery.
This writing team is wonderful and the main characters are deep, challenged and impossible to predict. We see Julian's transformation, and Evan's emotions are jumbled. There is lots of action, violence and along with a rousing rescue.
Have fun with the historical details, the vivid descriptions and the sexy romps.
ENJOY !
==============
Sir Evan, a dark, deep, and devilish recluse,
who's antisocial, in need of money, robs a coach and only gets Julian.
Julian, cute, clueless and curious, a blonde dandy,
who hasn't strived to amount to anything, is privileged, spoiled, a drunkard and a gambler.
This is a long journey of new discoveries for Julian, who is finding out things about himself. He's alone and adrift when his father disavows him.
Everyone wants to gossip and watch him wallow, except Evan. After their sexual encounters, Julian is having an epiphany. Both men feel different. There's an escape, a return, and more discovery.
This writing team is wonderful and the main characters are deep, challenged and impossible to predict. We see Julian's transformation, and Evan's emotions are jumbled. There is lots of action, violence and along with a rousing rescue.
Have fun with the historical details, the vivid descriptions and the sexy romps.
ENJOY !
==============
February 12, 2017
Tough to rate : some parts I thoroughly enjoyed, but also some that made me very uncomfortable or that I skimmed.
Sometimes, I like going for an historical MM romance and after all the glorious reviews about this book, how not be tempted : a baronet, rough around the edges and darkly sinful, so desperate to save his estate and feed his servants that he makes an unusual deal with a merchant’s son, aspiring writer with a pretty face but wasting his time drinking and gambling.
The characters are truly fleshed out, the bond between them is raw, passionate and swoon-worthy. And it’s holy f** hot.
However…I couldn’t get past the plot – I don’t fare well with outlaws and the doom surrounding runaways : it’s totally on me – but most of all, past the first time between Evan and Julian . And some of the scenes felt contrive for me
So, 3 stars for the passion and hotness radiating from the Bull and the Canary !!
Sometimes, I like going for an historical MM romance and after all the glorious reviews about this book, how not be tempted : a baronet, rough around the edges and darkly sinful, so desperate to save his estate and feed his servants that he makes an unusual deal with a merchant’s son, aspiring writer with a pretty face but wasting his time drinking and gambling.
The characters are truly fleshed out, the bond between them is raw, passionate and swoon-worthy. And it’s holy f** hot.
However…I couldn’t get past the plot – I don’t fare well with outlaws and the doom surrounding runaways : it’s totally on me – but most of all, past the first time between Evan and Julian . And some of the scenes felt contrive for me
So, 3 stars for the passion and hotness radiating from the Bull and the Canary !!
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March 8, 2025
|| 3.5 stars ||
Set in 1785, this story is about highwaymen, abduction, crime, status, blackmail, self-discovery, but most of all, it is about two men slowly falling in love with each other in a time when such a thing was punishable by death.
Julian and Evan, both in desperate need of money, are thrust together by chance and decide to work together to demand ransom from Julian’s father, which forces them to have to spend time together 24/7.
Evan and Julian are complete opposites when it comes to their world-views, leading to quite a few disagreements between them. They eventually learn to appreciate, respect and even love the other man’s differences: disdain transforms into complete adoration.
Julian is a soft and gentle soul, who likes to concern himself with literature, poetry and the finer things in life. He loves society, and is always willing to be among people. Evan, on the other hand, likes to keep to himself and isn’t interested in modernity or other people’s opinions. He just wants to do right by his family’s name and legacy, even if it brings him nothing but misery.
Both of these men’s lives were empty (albeit in different ways) before they met each other. They eventually bring each other passion, love and joy, whereas this had been missing before.
Both of these characters are very likable even if they are both willing to hurt, deceive and take when it comes to the things they want. Their moral compass stands apart from the law, and these self-determined morals are also not immune to being broken when it comes to protecting each other: they would do anything for one another.
Evan has always known that he likes men, and is very much taken with Julian’s beauty from the beginning. Julian, however, has never even thought about being with a man before, and is very slow on the uptake: he has trouble reconciling himself with being a ‘sodomite’, leading to a lot of back-and-forth between these two.
Julian’s inner struggle was very realistic to me and I thought it was handled with the right amount of care and attention.
On the other hand, Evan’s desperation for Julian to feel the same way for him made me swoon uncontrollably, and his complete dedication to Julian was one of my favourite things.
But also when Evan thought he was going to die, his thoughts still went out to nothing other than Julian, and thus, when asked for his last words, they were dedicated to discreetly expressing his love for Julian and their time together using a metaphor:
I seriously loved Evan and Julian’s relationship. It was a slow-burn in the absolute right way, and I found their love to be believable as well as epic and true.
My two biggest complaints with this book overall were: 1) it did drag from time to time. It could have been a lot shorter, and would have been far better off for it, 2) the plotline near the end became far too over-the-top, ridiculous and even kind of stupid for me to take seriously. I thought this felt very different from the rest of the story, and it’s a bit of a shame the ending had to be like that.
All in all, I liked the premise of this book, the setting was interesting, the characters were intriguing yet authentic, and the relationship was amazing!
I love reading about characters as dedicated to and obsessed with someone as Evan was for Julian, and it's all the better if that person actually deserves such love, which Julian certainly did.
K.A. Merikan books:
‘Sex & Mayhem’ series - var. ratings
Mr. Jaguar - 3.0 stars
Not Like Other Boys - 4.5 stars
‘Guns n’ Boys’ series - var. ratings
The Cattery - 3.5 stars
Break My Shell - 3.5 stars
The Black Sheep and The Rotten Apple - 3.5 stars
‘Kings of Hell MC’ series - var. ratings
Wrong Way Home - 4.0 star
‘Wrong Side of the Tracks’ series - var. ratings
Set in 1785, this story is about highwaymen, abduction, crime, status, blackmail, self-discovery, but most of all, it is about two men slowly falling in love with each other in a time when such a thing was punishable by death.
“How does one start a relationship with another man when it’s something so forbidden?”
“One needs to decide that the other man is worth dying for. And then you take a leap of faith.”
Julian and Evan, both in desperate need of money, are thrust together by chance and decide to work together to demand ransom from Julian’s father, which forces them to have to spend time together 24/7.
Evan and Julian are complete opposites when it comes to their world-views, leading to quite a few disagreements between them. They eventually learn to appreciate, respect and even love the other man’s differences: disdain transforms into complete adoration.
Julian is a soft and gentle soul, who likes to concern himself with literature, poetry and the finer things in life. He loves society, and is always willing to be among people. Evan, on the other hand, likes to keep to himself and isn’t interested in modernity or other people’s opinions. He just wants to do right by his family’s name and legacy, even if it brings him nothing but misery.
Both of these men’s lives were empty (albeit in different ways) before they met each other. They eventually bring each other passion, love and joy, whereas this had been missing before.
“Oh sweetheart… I love you more than you will ever know. I thought my life would never be whole again, but you made it so.”
Both of these characters are very likable even if they are both willing to hurt, deceive and take when it comes to the things they want. Their moral compass stands apart from the law, and these self-determined morals are also not immune to being broken when it comes to protecting each other: they would do anything for one another.
“I will find a way to keep you safe. I would do anything for you.”
“I crave you so deeply even the slightest possibility of losing you makes me want to crush someone’s teeth.”
“I would have never left you. You’re worth dying for. You’re worth more than any other man.”
Evan has always known that he likes men, and is very much taken with Julian’s beauty from the beginning. Julian, however, has never even thought about being with a man before, and is very slow on the uptake: he has trouble reconciling himself with being a ‘sodomite’, leading to a lot of back-and-forth between these two.
Julian’s inner struggle was very realistic to me and I thought it was handled with the right amount of care and attention.
On the other hand, Evan’s desperation for Julian to feel the same way for him made me swoon uncontrollably, and his complete dedication to Julian was one of my favourite things.
“I’d build you a castle in that sky if you could only want me the same way I want you.”
“Y-you sold your telescope to buy me a suit?”
“I wanted to make you happy. A foolish attempt at trying to keep you with me a while longer. Why would you stay, if I had nothing to offer?”
But also when Evan thought he was going to die, his thoughts still went out to nothing other than Julian, and thus, when asked for his last words, they were dedicated to discreetly expressing his love for Julian and their time together using a metaphor:
“I once had a canary, and I caged it, which is one of my deepest regrets. When I finally set it free, it sang more beautifully than it ever had in captivity. And when I let it live in my garden, my lovely bird flew right back in through the window. I loved it then even more than before, because at last I knew it enjoyed my company. I have nothing left now, but I hope my songbird lives a good life on the seeds I left for it. There has never been a bird I loved more.”
I seriously loved Evan and Julian’s relationship. It was a slow-burn in the absolute right way, and I found their love to be believable as well as epic and true.
My two biggest complaints with this book overall were: 1) it did drag from time to time. It could have been a lot shorter, and would have been far better off for it, 2) the plotline near the end became far too over-the-top, ridiculous and even kind of stupid for me to take seriously. I thought this felt very different from the rest of the story, and it’s a bit of a shame the ending had to be like that.
All in all, I liked the premise of this book, the setting was interesting, the characters were intriguing yet authentic, and the relationship was amazing!
I love reading about characters as dedicated to and obsessed with someone as Evan was for Julian, and it's all the better if that person actually deserves such love, which Julian certainly did.
K.A. Merikan books:
‘Sex & Mayhem’ series - var. ratings
Mr. Jaguar - 3.0 stars
Not Like Other Boys - 4.5 stars
‘Guns n’ Boys’ series - var. ratings
The Cattery - 3.5 stars
Break My Shell - 3.5 stars
The Black Sheep and The Rotten Apple - 3.5 stars
‘Kings of Hell MC’ series - var. ratings
Wrong Way Home - 4.0 star
‘Wrong Side of the Tracks’ series - var. ratings
July 22, 2017
3.5 hearts
Breann and I tag teamed this and it seems our thoughts were almost identical :-P
When I started this book I was so excited that I might have found my new favourite book (well to add to the list). Julian’s character drew me in from the first page. Evan came into the picture quickly and when he did, he just exuded power on every page. However, as you can see by looking at my rating, this book was not made for my favorites list.
Before I get into that, I really want to talk more about Julian and Evan, because these were very complex characters and I really enjoyed reading about them.
Evan, now Evan is a broke Baronet living on his run-down property with a handful of servants, desperately trying to restore his home to life. He reminded me a lot of Dom, from Merikan’s Guns’n’Boys series. Like a lot. Especially his and Julian’s first time together, it's most definitely dub-con, which I wasn’t expecting. I won’t really go into the sex, you expect it to be hot, kinky and plentiful and it was.
Evan also seems to have no concept of normal social cues, he’s been in isolation for too long. For example, he essentially raped Julian, tries to kiss him the next day and is shocked and hurt when he’s rejected. It’s pretty funny, if not sometimes very frustrating, to read about.
Then Julian. Julian makes the biggest change in this book, going from a very shallow, entitled brat to needing to reevaluate his life and discovering to love something or someone more than himself.
Now this gets into why I have such an average rating...
I knew we’d have the inevitable back and forth of Evan and Julian being friends then enemies and loving and hating each other, but this just went on for too long. This isn’t a short book and I felt like nothing was happening for the majority of it, Julian would flip-flop over how he was feeling about Evan, Evan would do something insensitive and then repeat. The first 50% was very slow going for me.
I do have to say, once these two did get their act together, their love is very consuming and beautiful to read about.
I was not prepared for the thunder when it first came over me. It scared me, and lightning burned my hands, but I still chased you. Now my eyes are clear, and I finally see that my place is in the eye of the storm,” he whispered, glancing into Evan’s eyes, and a shiver trailed down his spine when his tongue teased the rim of Evan’s mouth. “Right here.”
I loved all the highwayman stuff and really wanted more of that. The last 20% of the book had me sweating the entire time…. I was fucking scared. It ends well, not quite a HEA, but close to it.
I was sad I didn’t like this more as there were so many great qualities in this book. Maybe with a bit of cutting back in the middle I would’ve read it again, but I don’t think I could without feeling a bit bored.
Breann and I tag teamed this and it seems our thoughts were almost identical :-P
When I started this book I was so excited that I might have found my new favourite book (well to add to the list). Julian’s character drew me in from the first page. Evan came into the picture quickly and when he did, he just exuded power on every page. However, as you can see by looking at my rating, this book was not made for my favorites list.
Before I get into that, I really want to talk more about Julian and Evan, because these were very complex characters and I really enjoyed reading about them.
Evan, now Evan is a broke Baronet living on his run-down property with a handful of servants, desperately trying to restore his home to life. He reminded me a lot of Dom, from Merikan’s Guns’n’Boys series. Like a lot. Especially his and Julian’s first time together, it's most definitely dub-con, which I wasn’t expecting. I won’t really go into the sex, you expect it to be hot, kinky and plentiful and it was.
Evan also seems to have no concept of normal social cues, he’s been in isolation for too long. For example, he essentially raped Julian, tries to kiss him the next day and is shocked and hurt when he’s rejected. It’s pretty funny, if not sometimes very frustrating, to read about.
Then Julian. Julian makes the biggest change in this book, going from a very shallow, entitled brat to needing to reevaluate his life and discovering to love something or someone more than himself.
Now this gets into why I have such an average rating...
I knew we’d have the inevitable back and forth of Evan and Julian being friends then enemies and loving and hating each other, but this just went on for too long. This isn’t a short book and I felt like nothing was happening for the majority of it, Julian would flip-flop over how he was feeling about Evan, Evan would do something insensitive and then repeat. The first 50% was very slow going for me.
I do have to say, once these two did get their act together, their love is very consuming and beautiful to read about.
I was not prepared for the thunder when it first came over me. It scared me, and lightning burned my hands, but I still chased you. Now my eyes are clear, and I finally see that my place is in the eye of the storm,” he whispered, glancing into Evan’s eyes, and a shiver trailed down his spine when his tongue teased the rim of Evan’s mouth. “Right here.”
I loved all the highwayman stuff and really wanted more of that. The last 20% of the book had me sweating the entire time…. I was fucking scared. It ends well, not quite a HEA, but close to it.
I was sad I didn’t like this more as there were so many great qualities in this book. Maybe with a bit of cutting back in the middle I would’ve read it again, but I don’t think I could without feeling a bit bored.
February 25, 2017
5 canary stars.
This book was such a roller-coaster of emotions. The story started with 2 characters that we really needed to get to know before judging them because at first they seemed like assholes but the journey to the end of the story was amazing.
Julian was an entitled boy with big dreams. He wanted to be a writer and enjoy his family's riches but not work for anything, his bubble was burst when his father arranged a marriage for him, he was not ready and he was going to do whatever it took to stop it.
"I'd build you a castle in the sky if you could only want me the same way I want you" -Evan
Evan was a very private man, he was the last living member of his family, after his brother gambled most the family's money and died Evan was left with debts and no way to repair the mansion were he lived or pay the employees so he decides to do something stupid and that's how he meets Julian.
"Now my eyes are clear, and I finally see that my place is in the eye of the storm" -Julian
They made a deal, pretend evil men kidnapped Julian and demand his father for rescue and after they would share the ransom money.
They just didn't count with Julian's father reaction or how Julian and Evan would feel about each other.
Julian is a brat in the beginning, he sees the world, his world, a certain way and he speaks without thinking but I never thought he was a mean person. When his feelings for Evan start to change he actually makes a move and fights for his man. His character development was beautiful to see, at the beginning of the book I wanted to take off my imaginary glove and slap him across the face with it. By the end I was like a proud mama, his actions were brave and full of love.
Evan was such a great character, he was in no way perfect, he made some mistakes, his first sexual encounter with Julian was wrong (even if it was hot) but with time he proved he wasn't a bad man, he helped Julian when he needed it and he gave him space and friendship, which in the end payed off.
"It might be forbidden, or even sinful, but I've never known passion like this before. It that makes me a bad seed, so be it." -Julian
The romance was beautiful, the devotion and love both had for each other made me tear up a few times and I was at the edge of my seat in the last few chapters waiting for that HEA.
I do not like historical romance, I never did so when I started this book I was curious about how the story was going to work, I was not disappointed, Kat and Agnes did an amazing job not only with the story and the characters but they took my mind to that time.
A life without his precious canary would have been an empty cage -Evan
** ARC provided by authors in exchange for an honest review **
This book was such a roller-coaster of emotions. The story started with 2 characters that we really needed to get to know before judging them because at first they seemed like assholes but the journey to the end of the story was amazing.
Julian was an entitled boy with big dreams. He wanted to be a writer and enjoy his family's riches but not work for anything, his bubble was burst when his father arranged a marriage for him, he was not ready and he was going to do whatever it took to stop it.
"I'd build you a castle in the sky if you could only want me the same way I want you" -Evan
Evan was a very private man, he was the last living member of his family, after his brother gambled most the family's money and died Evan was left with debts and no way to repair the mansion were he lived or pay the employees so he decides to do something stupid and that's how he meets Julian.
"Now my eyes are clear, and I finally see that my place is in the eye of the storm" -Julian
They made a deal, pretend evil men kidnapped Julian and demand his father for rescue and after they would share the ransom money.
They just didn't count with Julian's father reaction or how Julian and Evan would feel about each other.
Julian is a brat in the beginning, he sees the world, his world, a certain way and he speaks without thinking but I never thought he was a mean person. When his feelings for Evan start to change he actually makes a move and fights for his man. His character development was beautiful to see, at the beginning of the book I wanted to take off my imaginary glove and slap him across the face with it. By the end I was like a proud mama, his actions were brave and full of love.
Evan was such a great character, he was in no way perfect, he made some mistakes, his first sexual encounter with Julian was wrong (even if it was hot) but with time he proved he wasn't a bad man, he helped Julian when he needed it and he gave him space and friendship, which in the end payed off.
"It might be forbidden, or even sinful, but I've never known passion like this before. It that makes me a bad seed, so be it." -Julian
The romance was beautiful, the devotion and love both had for each other made me tear up a few times and I was at the edge of my seat in the last few chapters waiting for that HEA.
I do not like historical romance, I never did so when I started this book I was curious about how the story was going to work, I was not disappointed, Kat and Agnes did an amazing job not only with the story and the characters but they took my mind to that time.
A life without his precious canary would have been an empty cage -Evan
** ARC provided by authors in exchange for an honest review **
December 23, 2016
4.5 STARS for Evan and Julian and this wonderful story! Loved it from start to finish!
First off, let me start by saying that I absolutely loved the cover. There are so many books that I read and while I'm reading them I always think 'who the hell are these people on the cover as they are definitely not who I'm reading about in this book!!'.....well, Evan and Julian are definitely on the cover!
I don't really want to give anything away about the story so I'm going to focus more on the characters. Set in Cornwall in the 1700's, we meet Julian, a young, spoiled, and somewhat reckless man who is content in his lifestyle of hanging out with questionable 'friends' and drinking and gambling.....and maybe even frequenting the local whore house....but what else is there to do in the 1700's in Cornwall?
His father wants him to settle down and marry, but that isn't really going over well with Juilan. He wants to be a writer and he's more of a free spirit and doesn't want to be tied down. Plus, he's pretty content with just hanging out and drinking while living off of his father's money, and who wouldn't be?? Sounds like a great gig.
On the opposite end of the spectrum we have Evan. He doesn't drink, and he's, to put it politely, moody as shit. He is pretty much a loner, and has been for quite some time (with the exception of being around his servants). Due to this, his social skills and gift of being a smooth talker are quite lacking....and entertaining if I do say so myself.
Evan and Julian collide in a rather unique circumstance and Julian hatches a plan with entwines their lives. These two couldn't be more different from each other and that causes some sparks to fly. Julian annoys Evan to no end, but, much to Evan's dismay, he is very drawn to Julian and cannot resist him.
To say that their relationship got off to a rocky start is a little bit of an understatement. Let's just say that their first physical encounter wasn't something that's going to make the top ten list in how to sweep a man off his feet. But when you start at the bottom, the only place you can go is up, right?
I loved the developing relationship between these two. I thought it was so well written and it totally sucked me in. Almost immediately I was rooting for Evan. Even though he was somewhat harsh with his words, behind it all he was just lonely and desperately wanted companionship. It was wonderful to read as the book progressed and we seei Evan soften to Julian. On the other side of the coin, it was great to see Julian grow up and think of others before himself. To risk everything to help someone that he had fallen in love with and put that love above all else...even his own safety.
I kept trying to imagine how hard it would be to try and navigate a new relationship while having to hide it from the public for fear of being found out as being a homosexual. It's tough enough just trying to start a new bond without having the added pressure of keeping it a secret. Toss in Evan's moodiness and Julian's knack of driving Evan crazy and you have an awesome combination!
I give this a BIG two thumbs up and I must say that I wouldn't be remotely disappointed if there was a second book and we could read more about Evan and Julian. Sign me up!
Read this wonderful book! You won't be disappointed!
First off, let me start by saying that I absolutely loved the cover. There are so many books that I read and while I'm reading them I always think 'who the hell are these people on the cover as they are definitely not who I'm reading about in this book!!'.....well, Evan and Julian are definitely on the cover!
I don't really want to give anything away about the story so I'm going to focus more on the characters. Set in Cornwall in the 1700's, we meet Julian, a young, spoiled, and somewhat reckless man who is content in his lifestyle of hanging out with questionable 'friends' and drinking and gambling.....and maybe even frequenting the local whore house....but what else is there to do in the 1700's in Cornwall?
His father wants him to settle down and marry, but that isn't really going over well with Juilan. He wants to be a writer and he's more of a free spirit and doesn't want to be tied down. Plus, he's pretty content with just hanging out and drinking while living off of his father's money, and who wouldn't be?? Sounds like a great gig.
On the opposite end of the spectrum we have Evan. He doesn't drink, and he's, to put it politely, moody as shit. He is pretty much a loner, and has been for quite some time (with the exception of being around his servants). Due to this, his social skills and gift of being a smooth talker are quite lacking....and entertaining if I do say so myself.
Evan and Julian collide in a rather unique circumstance and Julian hatches a plan with entwines their lives. These two couldn't be more different from each other and that causes some sparks to fly. Julian annoys Evan to no end, but, much to Evan's dismay, he is very drawn to Julian and cannot resist him.
To say that their relationship got off to a rocky start is a little bit of an understatement. Let's just say that their first physical encounter wasn't something that's going to make the top ten list in how to sweep a man off his feet. But when you start at the bottom, the only place you can go is up, right?
I loved the developing relationship between these two. I thought it was so well written and it totally sucked me in. Almost immediately I was rooting for Evan. Even though he was somewhat harsh with his words, behind it all he was just lonely and desperately wanted companionship. It was wonderful to read as the book progressed and we seei Evan soften to Julian. On the other side of the coin, it was great to see Julian grow up and think of others before himself. To risk everything to help someone that he had fallen in love with and put that love above all else...even his own safety.
I kept trying to imagine how hard it would be to try and navigate a new relationship while having to hide it from the public for fear of being found out as being a homosexual. It's tough enough just trying to start a new bond without having the added pressure of keeping it a secret. Toss in Evan's moodiness and Julian's knack of driving Evan crazy and you have an awesome combination!
I give this a BIG two thumbs up and I must say that I wouldn't be remotely disappointed if there was a second book and we could read more about Evan and Julian. Sign me up!
Read this wonderful book! You won't be disappointed!
February 7, 2017
PERFECT!
Perfect, perfect, perfect. This one ticked all my boxes!
Angst, tension, passion, uncertainty, twisty plot and two hot men. I couldn’t get enough!
I loved these two characters so hard, but even more than that; I loved every single character in this book – even when I hated them. Every single one had a personality that jumped off of the pages and sucked me into their imaginative world.
Amidst chaos and action a beautiful relationship developed between the two main characters. Their feelings were so wonderfully laid out and their romance so expertly developed, and the things that were said between them… ugh… my heart aches again just thinking of it again. Their relationship had so much counting against them, but the most epic of romances usually do.
The plot itself was a nail biter. It kept me guessing until the very end and this action-adventure-erotic-romance-rollercoaster is not only one of my favorites by these two authors, but has also taken its place on my list of all time favorites. The Black Sheep and The Rotten Apple is a book that I will be reading again and it comes HIGHLY recommended.
(ARC provided by authors in exchange for an honest review.)
Perfect, perfect, perfect. This one ticked all my boxes!
Angst, tension, passion, uncertainty, twisty plot and two hot men. I couldn’t get enough!
I loved these two characters so hard, but even more than that; I loved every single character in this book – even when I hated them. Every single one had a personality that jumped off of the pages and sucked me into their imaginative world.
Amidst chaos and action a beautiful relationship developed between the two main characters. Their feelings were so wonderfully laid out and their romance so expertly developed, and the things that were said between them… ugh… my heart aches again just thinking of it again. Their relationship had so much counting against them, but the most epic of romances usually do.
The plot itself was a nail biter. It kept me guessing until the very end and this action-adventure-erotic-romance-rollercoaster is not only one of my favorites by these two authors, but has also taken its place on my list of all time favorites. The Black Sheep and The Rotten Apple is a book that I will be reading again and it comes HIGHLY recommended.
(ARC provided by authors in exchange for an honest review.)
March 22, 2018
This book was amazing. The best K.A. Merikan I have read in a long time. And I would say that Evan and Julian can compete with my favourite K.A. Merikan couple, Dom and Seth. Usually I read their books as soon as they are released, but I delayed reading this one for awhile because I find the title and the cover unappealing, but it is so much better than it looks.
It is a darker story, with crime and violence and dub-con. And D/s undertones. But if you love K.A. Merikan you are probably ok with all that. But the best part of the whole book is Evan and Julian. Their love is so intense. The book is fairly long and it gives time for their relationship to develop from hate to unstoppable love. They are just so perfect together and I could feel it happening from fairly early on. Like the scene in the observatory. That gave me the first taste of what I was in for and I was not disappointed!
It is a darker story, with crime and violence and dub-con. And D/s undertones. But if you love K.A. Merikan you are probably ok with all that. But the best part of the whole book is Evan and Julian. Their love is so intense. The book is fairly long and it gives time for their relationship to develop from hate to unstoppable love. They are just so perfect together and I could feel it happening from fairly early on. Like the scene in the observatory. That gave me the first taste of what I was in for and I was not disappointed!
February 6, 2017
4.5 stars
"I am not a monster. Nor am I a ghost. I am made of flesh and bone." He moved his other hand over Julian's and pressed it harder to his own chest. "Can you feel that? I'd build you a castle in that sky if you could only want me the same way I want you."
This was my first time reading these author's and I have to say I'm now a fan. I really enjoyed this book. The first half in particular was so full of feelz. My heart broke for Evan and I almost got teary-eyed in a few places because his hurt and pain is so well done that it jumps off of the page at you.
Evan leads a solitary existence and he's drowning in grief and the weight of a responsibility he doesn't want. Julian on the other hand is drowning in a different way but has yet to notice. He's irresponsible, spoiled and selfish and he spends his days drinking and gambling. He has no real friends and no real love from his family. Desperate for money, Evan robs Julian's carriage and ends up with Julian as a hostage of sorts. Things don't go the way the two men plan and the next thing they know they are stuck with each other.
There is a well done plot that was interesting and fast paced and the last 25% or so of the book could be an adventure movie. The real strength though imo was the beautiful love story. While the two men are drawn to each other from the start they have a lot of issues between them and some bad decision making on Evan's part at the beginning seriously complicates things. I loved how the author's didn't try to justify or pretty up Evan's decisions and the story shows the time it takes for the hurts to heal. While they're physically attracted to each other they don't rush into anything and for the most part this is a slow burn love story. Watching these two lonely and vulnerable men as they lower their guards and finally start to open up to each other was really touching. While it is a slow burn there are still steamy scenes done is a variety of different ways and they all really add to the story. The chemistry between the two MC's is smoking hot.
I enjoyed the historical setting and the fact that the two MC's are morally ambiguous at best. Despite their faults I really liked them both. Evan drew me in from the very beginning and Julian grew on me. It was a treat watching as grows up and finds himself and realizes what in his life is important enough to fight for. I think the author's knocked the love story aspect out of the ball park. It was super well done, very romantic, very steamy and these two are going on my favorite couple's list.
It's pretty long but it doesn't feel that way and I think the length is needed for their relationship to grow like it needs to. Also there are a few things that may bother some readers so make sure you note the tags. Overall though, I loved this and I'll be checking out more stuff from these authors.
*ARC received through IndiGo Marketing and Design in exchange for an honest review*
"I am not a monster. Nor am I a ghost. I am made of flesh and bone." He moved his other hand over Julian's and pressed it harder to his own chest. "Can you feel that? I'd build you a castle in that sky if you could only want me the same way I want you."
This was my first time reading these author's and I have to say I'm now a fan. I really enjoyed this book. The first half in particular was so full of feelz. My heart broke for Evan and I almost got teary-eyed in a few places because his hurt and pain is so well done that it jumps off of the page at you.
Evan leads a solitary existence and he's drowning in grief and the weight of a responsibility he doesn't want. Julian on the other hand is drowning in a different way but has yet to notice. He's irresponsible, spoiled and selfish and he spends his days drinking and gambling. He has no real friends and no real love from his family. Desperate for money, Evan robs Julian's carriage and ends up with Julian as a hostage of sorts. Things don't go the way the two men plan and the next thing they know they are stuck with each other.
There is a well done plot that was interesting and fast paced and the last 25% or so of the book could be an adventure movie. The real strength though imo was the beautiful love story. While the two men are drawn to each other from the start they have a lot of issues between them and some bad decision making on Evan's part at the beginning seriously complicates things. I loved how the author's didn't try to justify or pretty up Evan's decisions and the story shows the time it takes for the hurts to heal. While they're physically attracted to each other they don't rush into anything and for the most part this is a slow burn love story. Watching these two lonely and vulnerable men as they lower their guards and finally start to open up to each other was really touching. While it is a slow burn there are still steamy scenes done is a variety of different ways and they all really add to the story. The chemistry between the two MC's is smoking hot.
I enjoyed the historical setting and the fact that the two MC's are morally ambiguous at best. Despite their faults I really liked them both. Evan drew me in from the very beginning and Julian grew on me. It was a treat watching as grows up and finds himself and realizes what in his life is important enough to fight for. I think the author's knocked the love story aspect out of the ball park. It was super well done, very romantic, very steamy and these two are going on my favorite couple's list.
It's pretty long but it doesn't feel that way and I think the length is needed for their relationship to grow like it needs to. Also there are a few things that may bother some readers so make sure you note the tags. Overall though, I loved this and I'll be checking out more stuff from these authors.
*ARC received through IndiGo Marketing and Design in exchange for an honest review*
April 24, 2017
Let's dance little stranger
Show me secret sins
Love can be like bondage
Seduce me once again
Burning like an angel
Who has heaven in reprieve
Burning like the voodoo man
With devils on his sleeve
Won't you dance with me?
In my world of fantasy
I just can't stop thinking the lyrics of Dance with Me ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1boeQ... ). This song resounds this novel so deeply for me because it's exactly the mixture of erotic fantasy and seduction.
It has that semblance of grit where you see violence from afar, see lovers seeking a tryst under the looming bridge but it really is a profound romance at heart. Sure, it is dark. Sure, it leans on the edge of barbarousness. But you gotta do what you gotta do when you are desperate in love. Maybe, if it had been a simpler world, their love would seem trivial.
But Merikan sisters have sure written it complex. They have not left any Elizabethan romantic imagery out of the picture. But what is lovable is the sizzling heat that ensues after that romance. This is where this novel was perfect for me because it didn't leave the gestures abrupt. Ended them satisfying both me and the characters. Even if I could see the story's turn at every corner, it was like the anticipation of a dark desert. Sir Evan is a picture of crude rationale in this novel (where he just can't control himself, almost). And Julian is the voice of a salacious reason (where he makes everyone loose their control, almost). They are perfectly written for each other.
Loved it. Really! (going to look out for something like this, gentle yet not gentlemanly, filthy but not overly gritty)
Show me secret sins
Love can be like bondage
Seduce me once again
Burning like an angel
Who has heaven in reprieve
Burning like the voodoo man
With devils on his sleeve
Won't you dance with me?
In my world of fantasy
I just can't stop thinking the lyrics of Dance with Me ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1boeQ... ). This song resounds this novel so deeply for me because it's exactly the mixture of erotic fantasy and seduction.
It has that semblance of grit where you see violence from afar, see lovers seeking a tryst under the looming bridge but it really is a profound romance at heart. Sure, it is dark. Sure, it leans on the edge of barbarousness. But you gotta do what you gotta do when you are desperate in love. Maybe, if it had been a simpler world, their love would seem trivial.
But Merikan sisters have sure written it complex. They have not left any Elizabethan romantic imagery out of the picture. But what is lovable is the sizzling heat that ensues after that romance. This is where this novel was perfect for me because it didn't leave the gestures abrupt. Ended them satisfying both me and the characters. Even if I could see the story's turn at every corner, it was like the anticipation of a dark desert. Sir Evan is a picture of crude rationale in this novel (where he just can't control himself, almost). And Julian is the voice of a salacious reason (where he makes everyone loose their control, almost). They are perfectly written for each other.
Loved it. Really! (going to look out for something like this, gentle yet not gentlemanly, filthy but not overly gritty)
March 9, 2022
4.5/5 rounded down.
It was hard to rate this. A fantastic story, for sure, compelling and with very strong characters. It has all the high points of a Merikan dark romance and I love how they play in a historical period. By most book standards I’d rate high but by Merikan standards it felt a bit unpolished.
The pacing made the ending feel more like relief than romance but the grand gestures throughout the story set a very good stage for Julian and Evan. Their romantic arc covers a ton of ground and despite their beginnings I had no problem believing in Evan’s loving intentions and Julian releasing his shame. These two had fantastic chemistry and their shared kinks, slowly realized, were an unexpected delight.
Do mind the CWs. Not only for kink, violence, and dubcon but for the real villain: a most hateful homophobia and how it drives people to do unspeakable things in the name of what they see as “right”. Vengeance was pretty sweet though.
It was hard to rate this. A fantastic story, for sure, compelling and with very strong characters. It has all the high points of a Merikan dark romance and I love how they play in a historical period. By most book standards I’d rate high but by Merikan standards it felt a bit unpolished.
The pacing made the ending feel more like relief than romance but the grand gestures throughout the story set a very good stage for Julian and Evan. Their romantic arc covers a ton of ground and despite their beginnings I had no problem believing in Evan’s loving intentions and Julian releasing his shame. These two had fantastic chemistry and their shared kinks, slowly realized, were an unexpected delight.
Do mind the CWs. Not only for kink, violence, and dubcon but for the real villain: a most hateful homophobia and how it drives people to do unspeakable things in the name of what they see as “right”. Vengeance was pretty sweet though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2017
This book was recommended to me by Rebecca. Oooohhh, I can see why it was. That was HAWT! ::fans herself:: The plot was fine, but the real reason you want to read this book is for the sizzling sex scenes. I know--I usually care a lot about character development and story--but sometimes a book's sex scenes are so good, that the plot almost gets in the way. This book--with the whole "sodomy is a hanging offense during this time period!" made every sex scene ripe with tension and anticipation. :::fans herself again::: I need a drink!
March 11, 2022
4 stars? 4.5? I don’t know.
While this didn’t reach the heights of Dig Two Graves there was a brutal physicality about it that I just loved. I think it’s safe to say I’m a Merikan fan now.
While this didn’t reach the heights of Dig Two Graves there was a brutal physicality about it that I just loved. I think it’s safe to say I’m a Merikan fan now.
February 13, 2017
Sometimes there's just no explaining what went wrong...
Let me start by saying I'm totally a fan of K. A. Merikan this writing duo is amazing. In general they are one of my go to for stories that have a darker, edgier undertone to them. Their 'Guns 'n Boys' series is just so much book crack for me and this one sounded like it was a guaranteed win. Sure it was historical which isn't my favorite time frame but it's not a deal breaker by any means either and I mean...really, who doesn't like a sexy highwayman?
I know it wasn't too dark for my taste. Hell I loved ICoS (In the Company of Shadows), willingly sobbed my way through 'A Little Life', 'When All the World Sleeps', 'Into This River I Drown', Avril Ashton's 'Run This Town' series and on and on...so not too dark, in fact compared to some of those it was practically fluff and no that wasn't the problem either because I like fluff too (I won't bother with a list for that).
I can't even fault the writing because I was impressed by the writing. The attention to detail was for me just right not so much that it bored me and definitely enough to keep my in the historical setting. So just right from my perspective.
I actually finished reading this one a couple of days ago and have been pondering things and trying to see if in hindsight it would become clear as to why I didn't love this book the way I had thought I would and so far I have to say "I got nothin'."
I think at the end of the day what it came down to for me is that just like we sometimes love a book and can't really explain why...we just know we do. The opposite can also happen we read a book it's good and we feel like we should really love it, we should have devoured it and been over the moon with the story, we aren't. Something just didn't fall into place...maybe the stars weren't in alignment. Who knows...I don't.
What I do know is I'm still a fan of K. A. Merikan. There is no chance that I won't be making grabby hands for the next 'Guns 'n Boys'...oh, wait I've already done that and I look forward to the day that I can dive into some of the other books that I have diligently hoarded on my TBR list waiting for the time when I can just curl up in a corner and fall into a dark, edgy marathon of Merikan goodness with their 'Sex 'n Mayhem' series or 'The Werewolves of Chernobyl' or maybe some 'Zombie Gentlemen' as a rule I don't do zombie books but I'm totally willing to make an exception with this author.
So this one was good just not great for me and I don't know why, but I'm not going to lose any sleep over it, however, if you like historical and don't mind your stories a little on the darker side from time to time. You need to give this one a good look because it may just be the next read that you're looking for.
********************
An ARC of 'The Black Sheep and The Rotten Apple' was graciously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Let me start by saying I'm totally a fan of K. A. Merikan this writing duo is amazing. In general they are one of my go to for stories that have a darker, edgier undertone to them. Their 'Guns 'n Boys' series is just so much book crack for me and this one sounded like it was a guaranteed win. Sure it was historical which isn't my favorite time frame but it's not a deal breaker by any means either and I mean...really, who doesn't like a sexy highwayman?
I know it wasn't too dark for my taste. Hell I loved ICoS (In the Company of Shadows), willingly sobbed my way through 'A Little Life', 'When All the World Sleeps', 'Into This River I Drown', Avril Ashton's 'Run This Town' series and on and on...so not too dark, in fact compared to some of those it was practically fluff and no that wasn't the problem either because I like fluff too (I won't bother with a list for that).
I can't even fault the writing because I was impressed by the writing. The attention to detail was for me just right not so much that it bored me and definitely enough to keep my in the historical setting. So just right from my perspective.
I actually finished reading this one a couple of days ago and have been pondering things and trying to see if in hindsight it would become clear as to why I didn't love this book the way I had thought I would and so far I have to say "I got nothin'."
I think at the end of the day what it came down to for me is that just like we sometimes love a book and can't really explain why...we just know we do. The opposite can also happen we read a book it's good and we feel like we should really love it, we should have devoured it and been over the moon with the story, we aren't. Something just didn't fall into place...maybe the stars weren't in alignment. Who knows...I don't.
What I do know is I'm still a fan of K. A. Merikan. There is no chance that I won't be making grabby hands for the next 'Guns 'n Boys'...oh, wait I've already done that and I look forward to the day that I can dive into some of the other books that I have diligently hoarded on my TBR list waiting for the time when I can just curl up in a corner and fall into a dark, edgy marathon of Merikan goodness with their 'Sex 'n Mayhem' series or 'The Werewolves of Chernobyl' or maybe some 'Zombie Gentlemen' as a rule I don't do zombie books but I'm totally willing to make an exception with this author.
So this one was good just not great for me and I don't know why, but I'm not going to lose any sleep over it, however, if you like historical and don't mind your stories a little on the darker side from time to time. You need to give this one a good look because it may just be the next read that you're looking for.
********************
An ARC of 'The Black Sheep and The Rotten Apple' was graciously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2017
Whoa. This book was super freaking long. I mean it seemed like it was never going to end. It was a good story, but I think it could have been cut my at least 50 to 60 pages at least for me. In the middle of the story I feel like I stalled out a bit. It definitely changed the pacing of the story, and I got kinda bored an felt like the skimming bug was going to hit me. It didn't, and I'm glad for that sake, but yeah that's a warning to some folks that it does get slower in the middle of the story.
Now where to start? For a first time historical fiction from these two, I think they did very well. I really liked the authentic feeling to the time of the story. I really like when authors do their research and bring authenticity into the story. You can tell they did their research by the tone of the story, the elements, and the way the characters talk as well. This duo did a fantastic job on these two.
Sir Even Penhart and Julian Reece were good characters. Each bringing a difference of background into the story. Evan is the last surviving heir to his family's home. While it is ruin, it's something in his soul that won't let him depart from it, out of a sense of duty more then loving memories I'd say. He has no money left due to his brother's wastrel ways, and the only that he knows how to make some is by becoming a highwayman, a modern day robber. On one unforgettable night he approaches Julian's carriage looking to make away with their money & trinkets. Julian is looking for a way out of an arranged marriage. He's young, likes to drink & gamble, and fantasized about becoming a published author. His father is tired of supporting the young lad, so he waits until he's incapacitated himself enough and ships him out, along with his older brother to his suspected bride. Long before Julian can understand the circumstances, a robber in all black and a pistol happens upon them.
The chemistry between the two were just right from the beginning. Both skeptical of one another, and not knowing where to go from there. They do come up with a plan to ransom Julian by hoping his father cares from him enough to send money. They both learn things from each other. They are different in a lot of ways. We see Julian loves words, poetry, writing, his wine, and he's a easy going guy. Evan is more reserved, believes himself to live a life of destitute. Sparks fly in the most inopportune time it seems. While they seem to have a different of a opinion on the matter of the physical attraction, it's not something you can deny. This duo does have a way with pulling on your heartstrings. There was plenty of times where I found myself really connecting with these guys. I like how expressive Julian was. I liked how he thought out so many things, and thought about his emotions as well. Evan is so used to not winning in life, that small things brighten his day. It's been a long time since he was able to feel something for someone, so he was willing to go above and beyond for Julian.
I will say the plot got to be a long winded journey for me. I get we needed it, but because the book was so long when the plot settled into something at the end it left me frustrated. I had doubts on the end for these two. I hated Pascoe with a passion, but someone needed to be a villain.
All in all I think this was a good, solid historical romance. It felt authentic for the time period. I loved the development of the relationship. That didn't feel rushed at all, and I appreciated the authors letting the characters find themselves together in their own way. A definite recommend from me.
March 9, 2022
What did I just read?
As a Merikan book it was 4/5, because at this point I expect greatness.
As a book in general it was at least 4.5/5.
Despite it being very sweet and romatic at times, it could get very disturbing and dark.
I’d suggest taking the CWs and TWs to heart.
As a Merikan book it was 4/5, because at this point I expect greatness.
As a book in general it was at least 4.5/5.
Despite it being very sweet and romatic at times, it could get very disturbing and dark.
I’d suggest taking the CWs and TWs to heart.
February 6, 2017
5 Stars!
"Can you feel that? I'd build you a castle in that sky if you could only want me the same way I want you."
K.A. Merikan can do no wrong. Once again, they have knocked it out of the park with a historical romance that is sexy and adventurous!
Julian Reece is lost. He wants to be a writer and travel to Italy but instead, getting wasted every night is what his life looks like. He is being forced into marriage by his father, but fortunately for him, his carriage is interrupted by someone. Evan Penhart has his own set of problems. His estate is pretty much in ruins and he needs money to restore it to its former glory. So he becomes a highwayman. Julian and Evan strike a deal that will benefit both of them. However, things don't go as planned and this is where it gets interesting!
Julian is innocent and spoiled by his former life. However, he learns some harsh truths during the course of the story. He is held as a prisoner and disowned by his family, left penniless. Evan is desperate, badass and he gets things handled! He knows he is gay and he wants Julian. Julian feels a confusing attraction towards Evan but he doesn't really know what to do with it. All he knows is that being with a man is punishable by death. Evan is such a sweetheart! I absolutely adored him! He was so lonely and starved for any scrap of affection. He wanted Julian desperately and every time he was rejected, it broke my heart. His loneliness and desperation just made me love him more! The two of them begin an unlikely friendship and this is when Julian starts to develop feelings as well. At first, he doesn't want to admit to it because he is still scared...but when he finally does, it's beautiful! K.A. Merikan did a wonderful job of slowly developing the connection between Evan and Julian to make it believable. Their relationship was desperate, troubled and full of dangers...yet it was absolutely beautiful!
The last 10% nearly killed me! This is where their love for each other really shines. Evan does everything in his power to save Julian but so does Julian! He concocts a dangerous plan to save Evan in a show of selfless love and bravery. I loved that we got to see Evan in a vulnerable position and Julian handling things. He really came into his own by the end of the book. The last 10% had me on the edge of my seat, tears streaming down my face. It was intense and brutal. Evan and Julian had to do some terrible things to survive. But let me tell you...one death especially gave me great satisfaction!
Don't miss out on this book just because you might not be a a big fan of historicals. Neither am I. But this book definetely made an exception! True to K.A. Merikan's style, it's chock-full of adventure, romance and complex characters that keep it from ever getting boring. Actually, the historical aspect of it (getting hanged for being gay etc.) made it that much more intense! The end definetely left room for more of Evan and Julian's beautiful story and I really hope we get a sequel some day! *hint hint*
March 19, 2020
UPDATE: Audio and Ebook reviews
Reviewed on: 03-19-2020
A Truly Spectacular MM, Historical Breeches-Rippers Romance
By: K. A. Merikan
Narrated by: James Reily
Length: 15 hrs and 6 mins
In the 80's, I was 11 or 12 years old ; that's when I read my 1st, Barbara Cartland Harlequin's Bodice Rippers Romance ; I was hooked. In later years, Amanda Quick and Lisa Kleypas kept my attention.
As I grew older , began reading/listening MM romance; since , been looking for my guilty pleasure trope in that genre. I finally found in The Black Sheep and the Rotten Apple ; my Breeches-Rippers fix and I'm once again, Hook, Line and Sinker.
Adventurous, fast paced, gritty, raw, violent, colorful, quirky, witty, fun, erotic, sexually explicit and hot AF , unpredictable, well research , angsty , emotional, dramatic AND ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR STORY.
I felt it all. I had to stop listening couple times , as I was so emotional invested and engaged , I couldn't concentrate on the narrator words , my anguish and sorrow , was real to me.
James Reily deserves a standing ovation. His narration was as EPIC as the story itself. For 15 hours and 6 minutes , he transported me to Cornwall , England in 1785 and I loved and experienced every single minute.
Overall: 5 stars
Performance: 5 stars
Story: 5 stars
Highly recommended it. It's worth all yours and mine Audible credits.
#BooksILove #Audible #ListenedOn2020 #ReadOn2020 #KU #GRR #KaMerikan #Amazon
Reviewed on: 03-19-2020
A Truly Spectacular MM, Historical Breeches-Rippers Romance
By: K. A. Merikan
Narrated by: James Reily
Length: 15 hrs and 6 mins
In the 80's, I was 11 or 12 years old ; that's when I read my 1st, Barbara Cartland Harlequin's Bodice Rippers Romance ; I was hooked. In later years, Amanda Quick and Lisa Kleypas kept my attention.
As I grew older , began reading/listening MM romance; since , been looking for my guilty pleasure trope in that genre. I finally found in The Black Sheep and the Rotten Apple ; my Breeches-Rippers fix and I'm once again, Hook, Line and Sinker.
Adventurous, fast paced, gritty, raw, violent, colorful, quirky, witty, fun, erotic, sexually explicit and hot AF , unpredictable, well research , angsty , emotional, dramatic AND ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR STORY.
I felt it all. I had to stop listening couple times , as I was so emotional invested and engaged , I couldn't concentrate on the narrator words , my anguish and sorrow , was real to me.
James Reily deserves a standing ovation. His narration was as EPIC as the story itself. For 15 hours and 6 minutes , he transported me to Cornwall , England in 1785 and I loved and experienced every single minute.
Overall: 5 stars
Performance: 5 stars
Story: 5 stars
Highly recommended it. It's worth all yours and mine Audible credits.
#BooksILove #Audible #ListenedOn2020 #ReadOn2020 #KU #GRR #KaMerikan #Amazon
February 12, 2017
Welp, I'm exhausted. Best book I've read since Switched.
March 5, 2021
4.25 stars rounded down
After the high that was The Man Who Loved Cole Flores & The Man Who Hated Ned O'Leary, I was jonesing for some more of these two, and this one pulled me in.
I wasn't expecting to love this as much as that duology, or the guns 'n boys series, but that doesn't mean it still wasn't fun and entertaining and gripping as well.
Now, this took my awhile to read, which doesn't usually happen with books by these two, but I just felt it was a pretty slow beginning, with not a ton happening (I know, crazy to say when this starts off immediately with some highwayman shenanigans), and so it took me awhile to read a good portion of this, and to really get into Julian and Evan, our main couple.
Especially when it was more of a "capter/captive" situation, even though it was Julian's idea more than Evan's, and it took a long time for Julian to come to terms with his attraction for a man, specifically Evan. Also the first time they had sex was more dubious-consent...maybe even non-con, then I would have liked. I mean, they did the same, basically with the first few times Dom and Seth had sex, so I'm not totally surprised, AND this took place in the late 1700's when this stuff was more murky (even though yes, it shouldn't have been), but it still makes me uncomfortable.
Julian was into it, but didn't want to be. Evan thought Julian was attracted - which he was, but Julian never explicitly said he was or even knew it himself - so he made an assumption. Doesn't matter how much Julian enjoyed it or how gentle Evan was, the waters were still very murky, to say the least.
But! These ladies always have a way of making two men who supposedly hate each other fall completely in love. I always love, if the two main MC's don't like each other/don't realize attraction etc, how these two make them go from that far point all the way to the far B point of being head over heels for each other.
The journey these two went on was so worth the wait. And as a result of Julian needing to figure out things in himself, there wasn't as much as sex as these two usually have in their books, but what was there was still fire. Especially the last sex scene of the book...oh man, I so wanted more of these two together like that!
So, despite the slow beginning and having to warm up to these two as a couple - and Julian as a character. Sorry but he was kinda bratty and spoiled at first, and it was hard to like him all that much. But he definitely grew and changed and I came to love him as much as I loved Evan - eventually they got there and I was all in with this couple and this story.
Just like the couple, the story took awhile to heat up, but once it did it was off to the races. The second half wowed me, especially the end which had me on the edge of my feet. This story went from like...some craziness here or there, some events happening, to full on "holy shitballs this is crazy and wild and how are they gonna get out of this!" as these two are known to do.
I also would have absolutely loved an epilogue. It would have tied this off so nicely, to see these two settled and happy in their HEA. The ending felt a tad abrupt for that reason, so more off for that. But still, the edge-of-your-seat ending was wonderful enough for me not to mind too much.
So, this has a slow start, in my opinion, but the payoff is well worth getting through some slow parts and really getting to where these two are so in love and the climax which is crazy and exciting and I absolutely loved it.
Definitely recommend. I enjoyed this so so much. Two thumbs up from me!❤️
After the high that was The Man Who Loved Cole Flores & The Man Who Hated Ned O'Leary, I was jonesing for some more of these two, and this one pulled me in.
I wasn't expecting to love this as much as that duology, or the guns 'n boys series, but that doesn't mean it still wasn't fun and entertaining and gripping as well.
Now, this took my awhile to read, which doesn't usually happen with books by these two, but I just felt it was a pretty slow beginning, with not a ton happening (I know, crazy to say when this starts off immediately with some highwayman shenanigans), and so it took me awhile to read a good portion of this, and to really get into Julian and Evan, our main couple.
Especially when it was more of a "capter/captive" situation, even though it was Julian's idea more than Evan's, and it took a long time for Julian to come to terms with his attraction for a man, specifically Evan. Also the first time they had sex was more dubious-consent...maybe even non-con, then I would have liked. I mean, they did the same, basically with the first few times Dom and Seth had sex, so I'm not totally surprised, AND this took place in the late 1700's when this stuff was more murky (even though yes, it shouldn't have been), but it still makes me uncomfortable.
Julian was into it, but didn't want to be. Evan thought Julian was attracted - which he was, but Julian never explicitly said he was or even knew it himself - so he made an assumption. Doesn't matter how much Julian enjoyed it or how gentle Evan was, the waters were still very murky, to say the least.
But! These ladies always have a way of making two men who supposedly hate each other fall completely in love. I always love, if the two main MC's don't like each other/don't realize attraction etc, how these two make them go from that far point all the way to the far B point of being head over heels for each other.
The journey these two went on was so worth the wait. And as a result of Julian needing to figure out things in himself, there wasn't as much as sex as these two usually have in their books, but what was there was still fire. Especially the last sex scene of the book...oh man, I so wanted more of these two together like that!
So, despite the slow beginning and having to warm up to these two as a couple - and Julian as a character. Sorry but he was kinda bratty and spoiled at first, and it was hard to like him all that much. But he definitely grew and changed and I came to love him as much as I loved Evan - eventually they got there and I was all in with this couple and this story.
Just like the couple, the story took awhile to heat up, but once it did it was off to the races. The second half wowed me, especially the end which had me on the edge of my feet. This story went from like...some craziness here or there, some events happening, to full on "holy shitballs this is crazy and wild and how are they gonna get out of this!" as these two are known to do.
I also would have absolutely loved an epilogue. It would have tied this off so nicely, to see these two settled and happy in their HEA. The ending felt a tad abrupt for that reason, so more off for that. But still, the edge-of-your-seat ending was wonderful enough for me not to mind too much.
So, this has a slow start, in my opinion, but the payoff is well worth getting through some slow parts and really getting to where these two are so in love and the climax which is crazy and exciting and I absolutely loved it.
Definitely recommend. I enjoyed this so so much. Two thumbs up from me!❤️
February 9, 2017
A story featuring “the black sheep of a rich family” and a scoundrel of a man who can only be called a “bad apple” by people who prefer well-behaved members of society definitely has my interest. Set it in the 18th century, when men loving men was illegal and a perilous undertaking in the best of conditions, throw in a power-obsessed father opposing his very willful son, and ensure both characters are a match where devious plans are concerned, and you have me sitting up and paying attention. By the time you add the fact that K.A. Merikan is the author of this adventure, you can be sure that I’ll be extremely interested.
As it turns out, having K.A. Merikan try their hand at a historical novel ensured that I find this story particularly interesting: the main characters, while sort-of-evil, are just a little “softer” than some of the contemporary badasses they have come up with. They are still deliciously devious, don’t get me wrong, but for anyone (like me) who prefers to read about people a little closer to “nice guys” than to antiheroes, this book is a treasure trove of hilarious moments, suspense, mystery around how the heck they are going to get themselves out of the mess they have created, and a level of erotic naughtiness between them that is on a par with that of contemporary guys.
Julian seems to be a well-adapted man of good breeding, until you try to cross him. When his father decides he needs to get married for the family’s sake - which Julian has no intention of doing – he enters into an agreement with a highwayman instead – and one that made me laugh and shocked the highwayman. Of course, this “plan” doesn’t work and both men spend the rest of the book trying to get out of the hole they dug for themselves.
Evan may be a baronet and a seemingly upstanding member of society, but his family’s fortune has been wasted, his financial trouble knows no end, and he is desperate enough to have turned to robbery to try to fix things. His motives are sort-of noble – he is trying to save his family from dishonor, after all – but his methods are highly questionable. Add the deliciously twisted imagination he has where bedplay is concerned and his determination to “corrupt” Julian, and you’ve got a total winner.
Between the two of them, the many twists and turns the story takes, the secondary characters, and the sheer pressure they find themselves exposed to, I was well entertained. With all the complications and obstacles they encounter it was a miracle they made it to “The End” alive! What an adventure!
If you like historical settings for morally somewhat dubious characters, if you want to see behind the façade of two men who seem perfectly normal at first glance, and if you’re looking for a read that is suspenseful, hilarious, and very erotic, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. Recommended for anyone interested in a good laugh, shady characters with hearts of gold, and a romp inspired by late-eighteenth-century history.
NOTE: This book was provided by Indigo Marketing Design for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
As it turns out, having K.A. Merikan try their hand at a historical novel ensured that I find this story particularly interesting: the main characters, while sort-of-evil, are just a little “softer” than some of the contemporary badasses they have come up with. They are still deliciously devious, don’t get me wrong, but for anyone (like me) who prefers to read about people a little closer to “nice guys” than to antiheroes, this book is a treasure trove of hilarious moments, suspense, mystery around how the heck they are going to get themselves out of the mess they have created, and a level of erotic naughtiness between them that is on a par with that of contemporary guys.
Julian seems to be a well-adapted man of good breeding, until you try to cross him. When his father decides he needs to get married for the family’s sake - which Julian has no intention of doing – he enters into an agreement with a highwayman instead – and one that made me laugh and shocked the highwayman. Of course, this “plan” doesn’t work and both men spend the rest of the book trying to get out of the hole they dug for themselves.
Evan may be a baronet and a seemingly upstanding member of society, but his family’s fortune has been wasted, his financial trouble knows no end, and he is desperate enough to have turned to robbery to try to fix things. His motives are sort-of noble – he is trying to save his family from dishonor, after all – but his methods are highly questionable. Add the deliciously twisted imagination he has where bedplay is concerned and his determination to “corrupt” Julian, and you’ve got a total winner.
Between the two of them, the many twists and turns the story takes, the secondary characters, and the sheer pressure they find themselves exposed to, I was well entertained. With all the complications and obstacles they encounter it was a miracle they made it to “The End” alive! What an adventure!
If you like historical settings for morally somewhat dubious characters, if you want to see behind the façade of two men who seem perfectly normal at first glance, and if you’re looking for a read that is suspenseful, hilarious, and very erotic, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. Recommended for anyone interested in a good laugh, shady characters with hearts of gold, and a romp inspired by late-eighteenth-century history.
NOTE: This book was provided by Indigo Marketing Design for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 7, 2017
This is my first historical m/m by KA Merikan and I hope there will be more to come in future. The Black Sheep and The Rotten Apple tells a story about two men who are shunned by the society and ended up as highwaymen. What will their ending be in a society whereby either being gay or a highwaymen is punishable by hanging?
Julian Reece is the black sheep of the family and after escaping an arrange marriage by making a deal with his abductor, his life as a merchant's son will never be a same again.
Sir Evan Penhart inherited a broke family and a ruined castle. In his attempt to bring in more money for the household, he meet Julian who offer him more money if only Evan could abduct him for ransom. Seem like a crazy and dangerous deal, but Evan is not someone who had the privilege to refuse.
Julian and Evan are both flawed characters, Julian even more so than Evan. Evan act out on his desperation to save his family's home, which is honorable in a way, while Julian can't stomach the idea of marriage when he longed to be free as a bird. In the beginning, Julian plainly sounds like a brat who didn't get what he want, ie. travelling the world while daydreaming about being an author. However, meeting Evan make Julian found something he wanted more than being an adventurer.
As per KA Merikan's signature style, they never hold back in the romance department. Is an all consuming love and passion between the forbidden lovers. Despite things started on shaky ground, I never doubt I will be fully invested in Evan and Julian in no time. Julian never once feel attracted to a man, the punishment itself it enough to steer him away from the idea. But after getting a taste of the forbidden fruit, Julian long for more. While, the formidable Sir Evan had been trying to curb his desire for a long time, what with having a long time enemy watching his every move waiting to pounce on a slight misstep, but having Julian being a such a temptation at close quarter is a losing battle.
The story is pretty long with a great build up. The authors took their page time to fully developed her characters and plot. I was hooked right from the start due to the sense of excitement with Julian's predicament at the hand of his abductor. The middle portion had a slightly slower pace with Julian and Evan growing closer and closer together. However, I would say it ended up with a bang, choked full of drama and suspense until I didn't even realize that the amount of sex scenes isn't as frequent as I thought it would be. I just love the idea of both men trying their damnest to be together despite all odds and willing to make sacrifices for each other.
All in all, this story make me long for an adventure and reminds me of watching one of Clint Eastwood's production. Absolutely well done.
Julian Reece is the black sheep of the family and after escaping an arrange marriage by making a deal with his abductor, his life as a merchant's son will never be a same again.
Sir Evan Penhart inherited a broke family and a ruined castle. In his attempt to bring in more money for the household, he meet Julian who offer him more money if only Evan could abduct him for ransom. Seem like a crazy and dangerous deal, but Evan is not someone who had the privilege to refuse.
Julian and Evan are both flawed characters, Julian even more so than Evan. Evan act out on his desperation to save his family's home, which is honorable in a way, while Julian can't stomach the idea of marriage when he longed to be free as a bird. In the beginning, Julian plainly sounds like a brat who didn't get what he want, ie. travelling the world while daydreaming about being an author. However, meeting Evan make Julian found something he wanted more than being an adventurer.
As per KA Merikan's signature style, they never hold back in the romance department. Is an all consuming love and passion between the forbidden lovers. Despite things started on shaky ground, I never doubt I will be fully invested in Evan and Julian in no time. Julian never once feel attracted to a man, the punishment itself it enough to steer him away from the idea. But after getting a taste of the forbidden fruit, Julian long for more. While, the formidable Sir Evan had been trying to curb his desire for a long time, what with having a long time enemy watching his every move waiting to pounce on a slight misstep, but having Julian being a such a temptation at close quarter is a losing battle.
The story is pretty long with a great build up. The authors took their page time to fully developed her characters and plot. I was hooked right from the start due to the sense of excitement with Julian's predicament at the hand of his abductor. The middle portion had a slightly slower pace with Julian and Evan growing closer and closer together. However, I would say it ended up with a bang, choked full of drama and suspense until I didn't even realize that the amount of sex scenes isn't as frequent as I thought it would be. I just love the idea of both men trying their damnest to be together despite all odds and willing to make sacrifices for each other.
All in all, this story make me long for an adventure and reminds me of watching one of Clint Eastwood's production. Absolutely well done.
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