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More Heat Than the Sun #6
Death's Ink-Black Shadow
It takes a certain kind of courage to live as if favoured by the gods, ignoring the ever-present ghosts of your past—or perhaps not bravery, but arrogance. And maybe not even that. Ben genuinely believes that the past is behind them—that they deserve to enjoy the life they have created. So it’s not hubris that leads him to overlook the signs that Nikolas does not share his faith, it’s love. But Nikolas knows something is coming. He can’t stop it; he can only decide how he will choose to face it. And without Ben’s support, he is entirely alone.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2015
22 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
John Wiltshire
29 books825 followersJohn Wiltshire is the fictional persona of the author of the More Heat Than The Sun series. After spending twenty-two years in the military perfecting the art
of looking busy whilst secretly writing, John left as a senior officer
when a hastily dug tunnel was ready for use. Now living in New
Zealand (at least until enough money can be raised to leave) John has no plans to return to the army. Unless the world situation gets considerably worse, that is.
of looking busy whilst secretly writing, John left as a senior officer
when a hastily dug tunnel was ready for use. Now living in New
Zealand (at least until enough money can be raised to leave) John has no plans to return to the army. Unless the world situation gets considerably worse, that is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
June 22, 2015
2 stars. DNF @42%. I fast-forwarded and read the final 14%. Review posted June 22, 2015
I don't have much to say about this sixth installment. The reason I threw in the towel was a massive case of boredom because neither the characters nor the storyline engaged me. The previous book The Bruise-Black Sky didn't wow me either but Death's Ink-Black Shadow took the cake. Asking myself every other chapter if the story would pick up for me eventually simply put me at my wits' end. While the writing was good, the storyline and, what's worse, even the characters couldn't elicit any powerful feelings from me. I also felt that Nik's and Ben's chemistry for each other was kinda lacking. Having read six books in the series, there's a danger of falling in a routine and I just needed something…else? Thus I guess Death's Ink-Black Shadow didn't push the right buttons for me.
I'm highly allergic to contrived drama. Funny thing is, certain allegedly dramatic scenes left me totally cold. Well, I did roll my eyes but otherwise I kept my cool. There's this saying Seriously?? Bite me! Come to think of it, after the in the previous book, the just to provide the series with some additional "drama." It wouldn't surprise me at all.
I need to get something else off my chest.
supernatural powers.
Oh, and for Pete's sake don't give a
Also, the physical features of and the main protagonists were once again very present. I get it, ok? They are gorgeous but that doesn't mean that I want that fact to be shoved in my face repeatedly. And last but not least I was more than a little bit astounded when Ben was described as a six foot four inches tall man who only weighs 162 pounds. Don't tell me he's a hunk. His BMI is 19 (I didn't check if 19 is correct)! I was like, "You can't be serious!" *pouts*
Bottom line, I really love Nik and Ben but Death's Ink-Black Shadow didn't cut if for me. I'm pretty sure that I will be reading the next installment but in case it will bore me once again, I will have to say farewell to one of my most beloved m-m series. I'm sorry but I don't have time to spend on something I don't enjoy anymore.
I don't have much to say about this sixth installment. The reason I threw in the towel was a massive case of boredom because neither the characters nor the storyline engaged me. The previous book The Bruise-Black Sky didn't wow me either but Death's Ink-Black Shadow took the cake. Asking myself every other chapter if the story would pick up for me eventually simply put me at my wits' end. While the writing was good, the storyline and, what's worse, even the characters couldn't elicit any powerful feelings from me. I also felt that Nik's and Ben's chemistry for each other was kinda lacking. Having read six books in the series, there's a danger of falling in a routine and I just needed something…else? Thus I guess Death's Ink-Black Shadow didn't push the right buttons for me.
I'm highly allergic to contrived drama. Funny thing is, certain allegedly dramatic scenes left me totally cold. Well, I did roll my eyes but otherwise I kept my cool. There's this saying Seriously?? Bite me! Come to think of it, after the in the previous book, the just to provide the series with some additional "drama." It wouldn't surprise me at all.
I need to get something else off my chest.
supernatural powers.
Oh, and for Pete's sake don't give a
Also, the physical features of and the main protagonists were once again very present. I get it, ok? They are gorgeous but that doesn't mean that I want that fact to be shoved in my face repeatedly. And last but not least I was more than a little bit astounded when Ben was described as a six foot four inches tall man who only weighs 162 pounds. Don't tell me he's a hunk. His BMI is 19 (I didn't check if 19 is correct)! I was like, "You can't be serious!" *pouts*
Bottom line, I really love Nik and Ben but Death's Ink-Black Shadow didn't cut if for me. I'm pretty sure that I will be reading the next installment but in case it will bore me once again, I will have to say farewell to one of my most beloved m-m series. I'm sorry but I don't have time to spend on something I don't enjoy anymore.
July 10, 2015
Death’s Ink-Black Shadow was one of my most anticipated reads this summer, and I was so excited to finally get my hands on it. More Heat than the Sun is one of my top favorite series, and this sixth book was freaking amazing!
It’s the kind of story that makes M/M so unique, these characters have so many flaws, they fuck up so badly… but the strong emotional connection, the love Ben and Nik have for each other is extraordinary.
A lot of stuff happens in this book that helps Ben and Nik move forward with their relationship. These two together are just wonderful…I loved the romantic and tender moments between them. There’s lots of flaming hot sex and the guys seem to be happier then ever… until the shadows catch up with them.
Life wasn’t sunlit uplands and glass houses, vast wealth and running around with your pretty boyfriend in the expensive toys he bought you.
Life was wearing armour too heavy to bear and carrying weapons too eager to be used.
Life was learning to swim hard and fast and keep your head above the shit.
Life was having someone alongside you in every single manoeuvre, every fall, every painful rise again, and knowing that, win or lose, the war was never fought alone.
Dark, brooding Nik is determined to do EVERYTHING necessary to protect Ben. And sweet, loving Ben sometimes appears too trusting and harmless but when push comes to shove… well… let me put it this way… I don’t want to be Ben’s enemy. Never ever!
What happens towards the end of the book shattered me, I’m sure what Nik has to do killed him inside and will probably haunt him forever. Now he has to live with one more situation he can't undone. Nik’s secrets aren’t solved, his real enemies are still alive… and they want Nik and everyone he loves dead.
I’m sure the seventh book of the series will take us on a new thrilling roller coaster ride, the darkness isn’t over yet, the ‘Enduring Night’ is waiting for our guys.
I totally and completely loved this book, and can hardly wait to see what will happen next with these two guys. But when John Wiltshire has a say in the matter things never turn out the way we expect…
5 stars for an outstanding book, definitely one of my top favorite reads this year.
February 7, 2016
Buddy review with BJ on Prism Book Alliance®
So, girls ‘n boys, here we are with Ben & Nik. We’re back with the humor, and the heartache bubbling just below the surface, along with tension and utter joy, and the love. Oh, the love. As a friend of mine said, as soon as I start reading a book in this series, I remember why and get to experience why I love these two characters. To that, I said, it’s like visiting crazy but so well-known and loved family. :D
I remembered on page one.
She’d balanced on her weirdly shaped baby feet and beamed at her own brilliance – and Nikolas had laughed back.
Molly amused Nikolas.
This was something Ben needed to think seriously about.
Actually, when I read that, and then think about where this book ends up…. I’m sorta kinda flabbergasted in the best way. Lemme ‘splain.
Ben and Nik are still desperate for each other, feeling that chemical need to be with each other. It’s as strong as ever. Their hearts speak to and fight with and protect each other. Often times, it’s not at all easy, to boot.
And the twists! Don’t forget about the twists. Wiltshire sure didn’t. Damn the man and his excellent monkey wrench-throwing skills. They always land right on target: the heart. My heart!
Here is what might be the key as to why this series and these characters continue to captivate me: Benjamin and Nikolas know each other, down bone deep, and yet they continue to learn, and relearn, ab out each other, adding that knowledge to their shared life. Do they always use it in the most intelligent ways? No. Do they always even remember that it’s there? Uh, no. Ok, that might also be why they still keep me in their thrall. This and all of the books in this series have felt like watching the evolution of a relationship, one going on more than ten years now.
Yesterday was a place you inhabited every single day and could never leave. Nikolas’s past hadn’t caught up to him again. He’d just turned around and bumped into its stalking presence.
Wiltshire is a top storyteller. His skills at mapping out this entire universe, connecting his characters to it and each other, adding in the surprises, big and small, never letting up on the growth and change, only to turn things on their collective heads, making me doubt it all. Even in the worst moments, I trust him to do what’s right for these characters, remaining true to them, while maintaining forward momentum.
The level of intimacy between Ben and Nik… it qualifies as “off the charts”, showing itself in so many ways, sexual, relationship wise, and more. Everything is heightened, the stakes are enormous, the risk incredible. It’s frightening and deeply beautiful.
A number of the supporting characters we love – Tim, Squeezy, Babushka, Emilia – are here. They have less page time than in previous books but their impact is no less powerful. And, of course, Radulf. Radulf! I won’t even say one word about him. ;)
For all the seriousness, the humor that is part and parcel of Wiltshire’s storytelling, resulting in the playfulness between the characters, is definitely here. It also serves as a way to once again show the deep connections between them all.
For a captive, Nikolas was being surprisingly lax in his attempts to escape. Unless lying provocatively and unbuttoning his shirt was a prelude to a dash for freedom.
From humor, we’re back to heavy truth…
He began to realise just how much he took Nikolas’s devotion to him for granted. Being with Nikolas was sometimes like being tumbled in the wave of a tsunami – it was all churn and movement and smash of debris. The tumult hid the central core of love, which, Ben knew, was just how Nikolas liked it. He didn’t do romance. He did constant, rock-solid care and unremitting attention.
Benjamin + Nikolas = unquenchable love.
The ending. Brilliant. Talk about coming full circle. And yet, it feels like there are many questions yet to be answered: Ben and Nik are back to the beginning, in a sense, but they carry the knowledge gained from ten years together. How does that work, how does all of this work? What do they do now? Who will be there with them? There’s no turning back now.
This is the most personal story in this series so far. It’s all about Ben and Nik and what is going on inside both of them, between them. It’s very dark, while also being revelatory and gorgeous. I survived by continuing to place my trust in Wiltshire’s storytelling hands. I made it. It was all worth the risk. Will Ben and Nik survive? Will you? ;)
ETA: Recommended Read on PBA for June 2015
So, girls ‘n boys, here we are with Ben & Nik. We’re back with the humor, and the heartache bubbling just below the surface, along with tension and utter joy, and the love. Oh, the love. As a friend of mine said, as soon as I start reading a book in this series, I remember why and get to experience why I love these two characters. To that, I said, it’s like visiting crazy but so well-known and loved family. :D
I remembered on page one.
She’d balanced on her weirdly shaped baby feet and beamed at her own brilliance – and Nikolas had laughed back.
Molly amused Nikolas.
This was something Ben needed to think seriously about.
Actually, when I read that, and then think about where this book ends up…. I’m sorta kinda flabbergasted in the best way. Lemme ‘splain.
Ben and Nik are still desperate for each other, feeling that chemical need to be with each other. It’s as strong as ever. Their hearts speak to and fight with and protect each other. Often times, it’s not at all easy, to boot.
And the twists! Don’t forget about the twists. Wiltshire sure didn’t. Damn the man and his excellent monkey wrench-throwing skills. They always land right on target: the heart. My heart!
Here is what might be the key as to why this series and these characters continue to captivate me: Benjamin and Nikolas know each other, down bone deep, and yet they continue to learn, and relearn, ab out each other, adding that knowledge to their shared life. Do they always use it in the most intelligent ways? No. Do they always even remember that it’s there? Uh, no. Ok, that might also be why they still keep me in their thrall. This and all of the books in this series have felt like watching the evolution of a relationship, one going on more than ten years now.
Yesterday was a place you inhabited every single day and could never leave. Nikolas’s past hadn’t caught up to him again. He’d just turned around and bumped into its stalking presence.
Wiltshire is a top storyteller. His skills at mapping out this entire universe, connecting his characters to it and each other, adding in the surprises, big and small, never letting up on the growth and change, only to turn things on their collective heads, making me doubt it all. Even in the worst moments, I trust him to do what’s right for these characters, remaining true to them, while maintaining forward momentum.
The level of intimacy between Ben and Nik… it qualifies as “off the charts”, showing itself in so many ways, sexual, relationship wise, and more. Everything is heightened, the stakes are enormous, the risk incredible. It’s frightening and deeply beautiful.
A number of the supporting characters we love – Tim, Squeezy, Babushka, Emilia – are here. They have less page time than in previous books but their impact is no less powerful. And, of course, Radulf. Radulf! I won’t even say one word about him. ;)
For all the seriousness, the humor that is part and parcel of Wiltshire’s storytelling, resulting in the playfulness between the characters, is definitely here. It also serves as a way to once again show the deep connections between them all.
For a captive, Nikolas was being surprisingly lax in his attempts to escape. Unless lying provocatively and unbuttoning his shirt was a prelude to a dash for freedom.
From humor, we’re back to heavy truth…
He began to realise just how much he took Nikolas’s devotion to him for granted. Being with Nikolas was sometimes like being tumbled in the wave of a tsunami – it was all churn and movement and smash of debris. The tumult hid the central core of love, which, Ben knew, was just how Nikolas liked it. He didn’t do romance. He did constant, rock-solid care and unremitting attention.
Benjamin + Nikolas = unquenchable love.
The ending. Brilliant. Talk about coming full circle. And yet, it feels like there are many questions yet to be answered: Ben and Nik are back to the beginning, in a sense, but they carry the knowledge gained from ten years together. How does that work, how does all of this work? What do they do now? Who will be there with them? There’s no turning back now.
This is the most personal story in this series so far. It’s all about Ben and Nik and what is going on inside both of them, between them. It’s very dark, while also being revelatory and gorgeous. I survived by continuing to place my trust in Wiltshire’s storytelling hands. I made it. It was all worth the risk. Will Ben and Nik survive? Will you? ;)
ETA: Recommended Read on PBA for June 2015
June 24, 2015
"Go for your run. I was embarrassed at how fat you looked sitting there in your shorts." He dashed quickly up the stairs before Ben could catch him.
"You hit him?" Squeezy rubbed his jaw. "He's a big fucker, but yeah, I got a few in."
Pretty damn perfect. To be honest I wouldn't have minded if this book was just a whole load of discussions between Nik and Ben, just listening to them winding each other up and enjoying each others company is fun.
I can't honestly guess what's in store for these two in the future but I hope it's more of the same, and a bit more action would be great.
He'd seen someone who was his equal. His match. His twin. Nikolas had seen Ben as the missing half of himself. With Ben he was...whole.
"You hit him?" Squeezy rubbed his jaw. "He's a big fucker, but yeah, I got a few in."
Pretty damn perfect. To be honest I wouldn't have minded if this book was just a whole load of discussions between Nik and Ben, just listening to them winding each other up and enjoying each others company is fun.
I can't honestly guess what's in store for these two in the future but I hope it's more of the same, and a bit more action would be great.
He'd seen someone who was his equal. His match. His twin. Nikolas had seen Ben as the missing half of himself. With Ben he was...whole.
November 8, 2015
"We follow some unknown plan, Benjamin. You persuade me of this. You are my fate."
If you haven't started this series yet, what are you waiting for?
I can never get enough of Ben and Nikolas. Nikolas is a somewhat unlikely hero -- a manipulative, compulsive liar with a pretty fucked up history but it is so, so hard not to love him.
The dynamic of Nikolas' relationship with Ben? It's ever-changing and always layered with heat, tons of humour and a constantly growing emotional bond.
And the extended family that keeps growing around these guys -- Radulf (who plays a starring role in this one), Squeezy, Tim, Miles, Molly Rose, Peyton, etc. -- is pretty freaking fun to watch and Nikolas' interactions with them? Just that little bit sweet.
This series -- and finding a couple with an emotional connection like Ben and Nikolas' -- that's why I read romance.
The first half of book 6 was a little slower than some of the other books in the series (and filled with loads of sex) but the build-up in the story and what happens in the last 30% or so is JW at his best -- so incredibly good!
I'm so happy that there's no end in sight to this series.
If you haven't started this series yet, what are you waiting for?
I can never get enough of Ben and Nikolas. Nikolas is a somewhat unlikely hero -- a manipulative, compulsive liar with a pretty fucked up history but it is so, so hard not to love him.
The dynamic of Nikolas' relationship with Ben? It's ever-changing and always layered with heat, tons of humour and a constantly growing emotional bond.
And the extended family that keeps growing around these guys -- Radulf (who plays a starring role in this one), Squeezy, Tim, Miles, Molly Rose, Peyton, etc. -- is pretty freaking fun to watch and Nikolas' interactions with them? Just that little bit sweet.
This series -- and finding a couple with an emotional connection like Ben and Nikolas' -- that's why I read romance.
The first half of book 6 was a little slower than some of the other books in the series (and filled with loads of sex) but the build-up in the story and what happens in the last 30% or so is JW at his best -- so incredibly good!
I'm so happy that there's no end in sight to this series.
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645500038i%2F37448930._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
October 22, 2022
The Bruise-Black Sky and this are, imo, the weakest of the series so far when it comes to how invested i felt within everything that was happening. the mcs, Nikolas and Ben, still have my heart ofc but the first four books just had that shining factor for me. there were little moments here and there in these last two books that were memorable to me but, overall, probably my least favorite books. i admit the moment .
May 29, 2016
Yesterday was a place you inhabited every single day and could never leave.
This quote sums the book up perfectly.
Treated separately, this and the previous book are more 4 stars but considered together (as they need to be) they are 5 star or more. Think of them as 5a and 5b.
While "The Bruise-Black Sky" was the chocolate cake, this book is the icing. Taken separately each lacks something, but together they are superb.
At times, this book was almost too sweet (for a good reason plotwise) and the previous book had a lot of hard to digest facts that seemed incomplete. Because they were.
Not every gun goes off in this book. There is still the smoking one of who killed Kate, because I don't believe that was at the hands of the main protagonists in this book.
The last line "To be continued in Enduring Night" shows us there is more to come.
However in some ways this book tied off a lot of loose ends.
I was so glad I hadn't had a hint of spoilers going into it. Speculation yes, but still I was shocked at least three times by what happened. The deadly encounter left my jaw dangling.
JW is becoming as good as Stephen Spielberg in lulling you into a false sense of security only to jerk the rug from under your feet.
Yet each shocking revelation or plot turn was logical. You sensed something was lurking out in the darkness but not sure what.
In Book 5 Nik talked about being trapped in the sewer of his past and trying to keep Ben out of the murk. This book gave me a better understanding of why he had to see Ben as this squeaky clean god, because he needs him to be like that.
In summation. A great read, but reread book 5 again before reading this. Not because you will have forgotten people or facts as reminders get well woven in, but more to achieve a better balance of sweet and substance. For this reason alone, I wish they had been bundled together.
This quote sums the book up perfectly.
Treated separately, this and the previous book are more 4 stars but considered together (as they need to be) they are 5 star or more. Think of them as 5a and 5b.
While "The Bruise-Black Sky" was the chocolate cake, this book is the icing. Taken separately each lacks something, but together they are superb.
At times, this book was almost too sweet (for a good reason plotwise) and the previous book had a lot of hard to digest facts that seemed incomplete. Because they were.
Not every gun goes off in this book. There is still the smoking one of who killed Kate, because I don't believe that was at the hands of the main protagonists in this book.
The last line "To be continued in Enduring Night" shows us there is more to come.
However in some ways this book tied off a lot of loose ends.
I was so glad I hadn't had a hint of spoilers going into it. Speculation yes, but still I was shocked at least three times by what happened. The deadly encounter left my jaw dangling.
JW is becoming as good as Stephen Spielberg in lulling you into a false sense of security only to jerk the rug from under your feet.
Yet each shocking revelation or plot turn was logical. You sensed something was lurking out in the darkness but not sure what.
In Book 5 Nik talked about being trapped in the sewer of his past and trying to keep Ben out of the murk. This book gave me a better understanding of why he had to see Ben as this squeaky clean god, because he needs him to be like that.
In summation. A great read, but reread book 5 again before reading this. Not because you will have forgotten people or facts as reminders get well woven in, but more to achieve a better balance of sweet and substance. For this reason alone, I wish they had been bundled together.
March 2, 2019
Reread 2/1/17
Original review:
This was much calmer than the typical action-packed, gory stuff that is usually part of the Nik and Ben saga. And I was actually ok with that. I don't need that all the time. Wiltshire kept me suitably in suspense the whole time because you knew SOMETHING was going to happen. And it did. I loved that Ben and Nik both had their respective shake ups. It was needed for both of them. I love this series!
Original review:
This was much calmer than the typical action-packed, gory stuff that is usually part of the Nik and Ben saga. And I was actually ok with that. I don't need that all the time. Wiltshire kept me suitably in suspense the whole time because you knew SOMETHING was going to happen. And it did. I loved that Ben and Nik both had their respective shake ups. It was needed for both of them. I love this series!
August 28, 2015
*CONTAIN’S SPOILERS*
“Hello, Benjamin.” Once again Nikolas Mikklesen had me at Hello! Those simple words of greeting always hide layers of malevolence, possession, Love…sexy and creepy at the same time!
‘Deaths Ink black Shadow” wasn’t the ‘in your face’ bloodbath I was expecting. The contents were not as horrific as past books and I see more as book 5.1 rather than book 6. It was another prelude. Nikolas Mikklesen wasn’t in full kill mode. Nikolas Mikklesen was waiting, biding his time, playing a game of chess.
The story is layered with subtle manoeuvrings and strategies that will take a second read to fully get my head around. A lot went on behind the scenes, between the lines. Nik was attempting to clear his chess board so that there were no targets left for his enemies to take out. So most of his focus was on pushing the love of his life away. Some of the things he did were shocking, for instance raping Ben. Some may argue that it was just rough sex, (and Nik believes consent can never be revoked) yet Ben stated that he withdrew his consent and Nik still had rough dry sex with him. I was horrified.
And then the ‘cheating’ episode! My heart broke for Ben and Nik. Ben, because his world fell apart and he believed his heart had been stamped on, and Nik because he believed that the ‘cheating set up’, the worst thing he could ever do, was necessary to protect the one he loved. Nik would rather Ben hated him than be dead. So, weighed down with love and fear Nikolas Mikklesen was never at his full strength in this book. He wore the façade of night and day. The loving, generous partner, whose life had been altered by love, and then the secretive, cold blooded, remote Nikolas from the past, who would do anything to protect those he loved.
I found it curious that Nik surrounded himself with children- Molly, Emillia and the adorable Miles Toogoode, as if they were the barrier between his true dark heart and the world. I loved that Nik couldn’t help but love Ben’s daughter Molly and encouraged Ben to bond with her. And yet he couldn’t feel the same love for his long lost son. In Stefan he saw the reflection of his dead brother and knew in his heart the boy had been tainted by association- tainted by the fact the man who had abuse him as a child and passed him around like a fuck toy was his son’s grandfather. Stefan had no chance. Stefan’s demise was hilariously morbid. I could not help myself laughing out loud.
I adore John Wiltshire’s writing style. I love the way he weaves prose and the sweetest of sex scenes into one ‘mind fuck’ of a story. I loved how he snuck in the explanation for the title of the book into a sex scene. Beautifully done.
“Nikolas murmured ‘Did you know that pound for pound the human body gives out more heat than the sun? We burn, Benjamin.” Ben flipped them, now on top, friction increasing the burn. ‘We always have.’ ”
But most of all I love that Nik and Ben are a couple who have endured 10 years together…been to hell and back, found moments of love, peace and perfection in the spaces between. No matter how much pain and loss, still these men find their way back to each other; still they burn for each other. There are scenes in this book of blistering sex and tenderness, where the language is just breathtaking. Moments of incredible sweetness between two men who, at their cores are trained killers with a trail of bodies behind them.
I was pleased that eventually Nik realised he underestimated Ben. Throughout the book I felt Nik had lost sight of Benjamin. He saw Ben as a vain, pretty, trophy boyfriend, someone who needed to be protected. But Ben turned the tables on Nik and Nikolas saw that Ben was actually the weapon he needed. He remembered the man he had fallen in love with and that when they combine their skills they are unstoppable.
As per usual with this series, there were so many unanswered questions. I for one don’t believe the true enemy has been seen yet. So to me there is more to come…this book was the shadow, the prelude to something darker and in the next book Nik’s true enemy will step out into the light. And Nik and Ben will face it together.
“Hello, Benjamin.” Once again Nikolas Mikklesen had me at Hello! Those simple words of greeting always hide layers of malevolence, possession, Love…sexy and creepy at the same time!
‘Deaths Ink black Shadow” wasn’t the ‘in your face’ bloodbath I was expecting. The contents were not as horrific as past books and I see more as book 5.1 rather than book 6. It was another prelude. Nikolas Mikklesen wasn’t in full kill mode. Nikolas Mikklesen was waiting, biding his time, playing a game of chess.
The story is layered with subtle manoeuvrings and strategies that will take a second read to fully get my head around. A lot went on behind the scenes, between the lines. Nik was attempting to clear his chess board so that there were no targets left for his enemies to take out. So most of his focus was on pushing the love of his life away. Some of the things he did were shocking, for instance raping Ben. Some may argue that it was just rough sex, (and Nik believes consent can never be revoked) yet Ben stated that he withdrew his consent and Nik still had rough dry sex with him. I was horrified.
And then the ‘cheating’ episode! My heart broke for Ben and Nik. Ben, because his world fell apart and he believed his heart had been stamped on, and Nik because he believed that the ‘cheating set up’, the worst thing he could ever do, was necessary to protect the one he loved. Nik would rather Ben hated him than be dead. So, weighed down with love and fear Nikolas Mikklesen was never at his full strength in this book. He wore the façade of night and day. The loving, generous partner, whose life had been altered by love, and then the secretive, cold blooded, remote Nikolas from the past, who would do anything to protect those he loved.
I found it curious that Nik surrounded himself with children- Molly, Emillia and the adorable Miles Toogoode, as if they were the barrier between his true dark heart and the world. I loved that Nik couldn’t help but love Ben’s daughter Molly and encouraged Ben to bond with her. And yet he couldn’t feel the same love for his long lost son. In Stefan he saw the reflection of his dead brother and knew in his heart the boy had been tainted by association- tainted by the fact the man who had abuse him as a child and passed him around like a fuck toy was his son’s grandfather. Stefan had no chance. Stefan’s demise was hilariously morbid. I could not help myself laughing out loud.
I adore John Wiltshire’s writing style. I love the way he weaves prose and the sweetest of sex scenes into one ‘mind fuck’ of a story. I loved how he snuck in the explanation for the title of the book into a sex scene. Beautifully done.
“Nikolas murmured ‘Did you know that pound for pound the human body gives out more heat than the sun? We burn, Benjamin.” Ben flipped them, now on top, friction increasing the burn. ‘We always have.’ ”
But most of all I love that Nik and Ben are a couple who have endured 10 years together…been to hell and back, found moments of love, peace and perfection in the spaces between. No matter how much pain and loss, still these men find their way back to each other; still they burn for each other. There are scenes in this book of blistering sex and tenderness, where the language is just breathtaking. Moments of incredible sweetness between two men who, at their cores are trained killers with a trail of bodies behind them.
I was pleased that eventually Nik realised he underestimated Ben. Throughout the book I felt Nik had lost sight of Benjamin. He saw Ben as a vain, pretty, trophy boyfriend, someone who needed to be protected. But Ben turned the tables on Nik and Nikolas saw that Ben was actually the weapon he needed. He remembered the man he had fallen in love with and that when they combine their skills they are unstoppable.
As per usual with this series, there were so many unanswered questions. I for one don’t believe the true enemy has been seen yet. So to me there is more to come…this book was the shadow, the prelude to something darker and in the next book Nik’s true enemy will step out into the light. And Nik and Ben will face it together.
December 24, 2022
2.75 stars
This has been the blandest, most lackluster installment so far; in fact, it felt like a filler. Ben’s existential crisis about being a father and Nikolas’s big surprise from the past turned out to be less than thrilling storylines. The writing was beautiful as usual so reading this wasn’t a hardship, but my attention drifted quite often.
This has been the blandest, most lackluster installment so far; in fact, it felt like a filler. Ben’s existential crisis about being a father and Nikolas’s big surprise from the past turned out to be less than thrilling storylines. The writing was beautiful as usual so reading this wasn’t a hardship, but my attention drifted quite often.
May 20, 2024
Another stunning entry into the series!🤩
I’ve written extensively about why I like these books (here, here and here) but I think what it comes down to is Wiltshire’s ability to create (and maintain) tension despite character development. It never feels like a do-over because it never is. Nik and Ben are constantly growing and learning but each book reveals a new facet of their characters and their relationship. That’s what makes each entry such a blast to read.
I don’t want to jinx it but this looks like a winning streak if I’ve ever seen one.
I’ve written extensively about why I like these books (here, here and here) but I think what it comes down to is Wiltshire’s ability to create (and maintain) tension despite character development. It never feels like a do-over because it never is. Nik and Ben are constantly growing and learning but each book reveals a new facet of their characters and their relationship. That’s what makes each entry such a blast to read.
I don’t want to jinx it but this looks like a winning streak if I’ve ever seen one.
November 22, 2024
“You are not alone, Nikolas. Never. I’m right here with you, if this is how it has to be. I will kill the whole fucking world for you, if that is what you need.”
Once again I am here following along as these two mentally unstable men love and try not to get murdered and I live for every single second of it. These books are the most outrageous, exaggerated, inconceivable shit I've ever read but I fucking eat it up. They are just so fucking fun, and sometimes, well at least once a book, I feel like I might actually cry or do cry. Its a rollercoaster of emotions. These two train wreck of men just make me feel things dude. Ben this book needed to take it down a notch with his internalized homophobia and misogynistic thoughts. Bro you're not a fucking woman cause you take cock and cook and have a kid. Get a grip on reality dude. I mean I get it, Nikolas is traumatized and his fucked up head is kinda understandable, but like Ben please stop. I mean his mother did "leave" him and his father was an alcoholic but Im gonna need him to use a few more brain cells. Especially when it comes to obvious shit like, duh people are gonna try to kill us all. Bn why wouldnt people be trying to kill yall with your past, his past, everything. Kate jut ate shit from a fucking train because of Nikolas why dont you think everyone else might get fucked? He's lost one too many brain cells from fucking too hard or some shit. Anyways, I love this series.
Once again I am here following along as these two mentally unstable men love and try not to get murdered and I live for every single second of it. These books are the most outrageous, exaggerated, inconceivable shit I've ever read but I fucking eat it up. They are just so fucking fun, and sometimes, well at least once a book, I feel like I might actually cry or do cry. Its a rollercoaster of emotions. These two train wreck of men just make me feel things dude. Ben this book needed to take it down a notch with his internalized homophobia and misogynistic thoughts. Bro you're not a fucking woman cause you take cock and cook and have a kid. Get a grip on reality dude. I mean I get it, Nikolas is traumatized and his fucked up head is kinda understandable, but like Ben please stop. I mean his mother did "leave" him and his father was an alcoholic but Im gonna need him to use a few more brain cells. Especially when it comes to obvious shit like, duh people are gonna try to kill us all. Bn why wouldnt people be trying to kill yall with your past, his past, everything. Kate jut ate shit from a fucking train because of Nikolas why dont you think everyone else might get fucked? He's lost one too many brain cells from fucking too hard or some shit. Anyways, I love this series.
July 18, 2021
For a while I wasn’t sure what the author was going for with this book. It seemed a huge step backwards, with
The last 14% practically made the book and confirmed once more that these two are made for each other.
The last 14% practically made the book and confirmed once more that these two are made for each other.
June 28, 2015
3.5 stars
OMG, I was so underwhelmed reading this! Nothing magnificent happened, nothing explosive. Everything was meh, I seen everything coming. Seriously it's getting repetitive with Nik shutting Ben out, Ben getting whiny and doing something extreme. Ben finding out the truth that was right there in front of his face, and feeling bad. I'm finding myself thinking it's the same scenario with these two just different settings with a regurgitation of their feelings.
There was one seen where I felt a spark of something good happening, but after the truth came to light it's not spectacular happening in the book. I think the problem is that we've built this series up to be so amazing,and not it's book 6, what more is there to come? I think they need a good therapy session because we can't continue to go through this! Of course I'll continue the series, but I'm going in extremely cautions with the next book.
OMG, I was so underwhelmed reading this! Nothing magnificent happened, nothing explosive. Everything was meh, I seen everything coming. Seriously it's getting repetitive with Nik shutting Ben out, Ben getting whiny and doing something extreme. Ben finding out the truth that was right there in front of his face, and feeling bad. I'm finding myself thinking it's the same scenario with these two just different settings with a regurgitation of their feelings.
There was one seen where I felt a spark of something good happening, but after the truth came to light it's not spectacular happening in the book. I think the problem is that we've built this series up to be so amazing,and not it's book 6, what more is there to come? I think they need a good therapy session because we can't continue to go through this! Of course I'll continue the series, but I'm going in extremely cautions with the next book.
June 30, 2015
I hate to say this, but had it not been for the final 20%, this instalment would have been a 3 x star read for me.
I love John Wiltshire's writing style, his novels really are a pleasure to read; but until son Stephan and Nik's ex Father-in-law appeared....yawn!
Baby stuff, domestic stuff and sex....lots and lots of sex...to the point of tedium. Don't get me wrong, John writes great sex, in fact I would go one further and say he writes the best m/m sex scenes out of all my favourite authors....in this book...too much sex!
The final 20%....Brilliant!
(Can someone explain to me the relevance of the cryptic title? I think I may have missed something).
I love John Wiltshire's writing style, his novels really are a pleasure to read; but until son Stephan and Nik's ex Father-in-law appeared....yawn!
Baby stuff, domestic stuff and sex....lots and lots of sex...to the point of tedium. Don't get me wrong, John writes great sex, in fact I would go one further and say he writes the best m/m sex scenes out of all my favourite authors....in this book...too much sex!
The final 20%....Brilliant!
(Can someone explain to me the relevance of the cryptic title? I think I may have missed something).
June 26, 2015
OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!
I am a confirmed "shout it from the rooftops" fan of John Wiltshire!!! I loved this book, I continue to love Ben and Nik, and this latest installment completely grabbed me and never let go!!
OMG I NEED MORE!!!
I am a confirmed "shout it from the rooftops" fan of John Wiltshire!!! I loved this book, I continue to love Ben and Nik, and this latest installment completely grabbed me and never let go!!
OMG I NEED MORE!!!
April 8, 2022
No doubt the best of the series next to book 1. And I’ve said it before but the upcoming last book will have a hard time topping the ending of this one. Just perfect. We shall see! ❤️
***
Another read and seriously this is one of my favorites of the series. I love it all. And yes as stated below, that ending is perfection. Very curious how the author can top this with the actual ending. ❤️❤️❤️
***
I swear after reading this one again I fully understand why I never continued. This was perfection and the ending so fabulous for this amazing couple. I’m scared to death to continue and have a hard time believing it could get much better than this.
Life wasn’t sunlit uplands and glass houses, vast wealth and running around with your pretty boyfriend in the expensive toys he bought you.
Life was wearing armour too heavy to bear and carrying weapons too eager to be used.
Life was learning to swim hard and fast and keep your head above the shit.
Life was having someone alongside you in every single manoeuvre, every fall, every painful rise again, and knowing that, win or lose, the war was never fought alone.
And I just realized I used the same quote as I did originally. Definitely made an impression. ❤️❤️❤️
***
Original Review:
It has been nearly a week since I finished this one and to say that I may have had a meltdown during the first 30% of this book would be putting things rather mild.
I was destroyed. And not so much about what did or did not happen but what it did to these men. I am tearing up just writing this...even now a week later.
The love between these two men is so strong and yet they fail to realize at times that they physically cannot live without the other. So damage and destruction they attempt and when they fall apart...I fall apart.
...it was this last confession that undid him. As the words eased out on the exquisite delight of Nikolas once more pulling out and then opening him up and entering again, Ben’s throat seized up, a deep sob emerged, and before he could stop himself, he flung his arms across his face for privacy, and the pleasure was buried under a desolate confusion at who he was.
Nikolas faltered. Ben felt him withdraw, but then he took him in another way. Nikolas’s arms came around him, dragging him into a tight spoon, just holding him as the humiliating sobs wracked his body. He didn’t even know what he was crying for. Once he’d started, he was distraught for that—for the fact that he was so unlike himself, so unmanned by everything in his life that he didn’t know who he had become any more.
It was only when he heard an agonised whisper, “Please don’t, Ben, you’re killing me,” that he turned, forcing himself to calmness, to find Nikolas’s stressed and worn face creased with anguish.
***
Nikolas turned his gaze back from the darkness in the courtyard, which he’d been studying with such intense concentration, and Ben saw the tracks of tears on his cheeks.
It wasn’t the first time he’d seen Nikolas cry. But in over ten years, he could count the number of times on the fingers of one hand. He rose swiftly and embraced him, wrapping his arms around Nikolas’s battered head tightly, pressing it to his shirt. He pushed his own face into the greying blond hair, and with the familiar smell of vanilla and coconut, he came home.
Fucking hell. Just kill me now.
Now having said all that, I will say this is likely one of my favorite in the series so far. Nik continues to puzzle me at times and it is hard to totally put your hands on what all makes up this man and ultimately I have decided that this is the point. Because at times even Ben is puzzled as well. And even with that said, no matter what...you love him. Ben loves him and will continue to do whatever has to be done for his Nik.
“You are not alone, Nikolas. Never. I’m right here with you, if this is how it has to be. I will kill the whole fucking world for you, if that is what you need.” Ben shook him. “Do you understand me?”
And yes, I am officially in tears wrting this review.
Life wasn’t sunlit uplands and glass houses, vast wealth and running around with your pretty boyfriend in the expensive toys he bought you.
Life was wearing armour too heavy to bear and carrying weapons too eager to be used.
Life was learning to swim hard and fast and keep your head above the shit.
Life was having someone alongside you in every single manoeuvre, every fall, every painful rise again, and knowing that, win or lose, the war was never fought alone.
Damn.
I guess being destroyed means I love this book and this couple. I eagerly await more.
***
Another read and seriously this is one of my favorites of the series. I love it all. And yes as stated below, that ending is perfection. Very curious how the author can top this with the actual ending. ❤️❤️❤️
***
I swear after reading this one again I fully understand why I never continued. This was perfection and the ending so fabulous for this amazing couple. I’m scared to death to continue and have a hard time believing it could get much better than this.
Life wasn’t sunlit uplands and glass houses, vast wealth and running around with your pretty boyfriend in the expensive toys he bought you.
Life was wearing armour too heavy to bear and carrying weapons too eager to be used.
Life was learning to swim hard and fast and keep your head above the shit.
Life was having someone alongside you in every single manoeuvre, every fall, every painful rise again, and knowing that, win or lose, the war was never fought alone.
And I just realized I used the same quote as I did originally. Definitely made an impression. ❤️❤️❤️
***
Original Review:
It has been nearly a week since I finished this one and to say that I may have had a meltdown during the first 30% of this book would be putting things rather mild.
I was destroyed. And not so much about what did or did not happen but what it did to these men. I am tearing up just writing this...even now a week later.
The love between these two men is so strong and yet they fail to realize at times that they physically cannot live without the other. So damage and destruction they attempt and when they fall apart...I fall apart.
...it was this last confession that undid him. As the words eased out on the exquisite delight of Nikolas once more pulling out and then opening him up and entering again, Ben’s throat seized up, a deep sob emerged, and before he could stop himself, he flung his arms across his face for privacy, and the pleasure was buried under a desolate confusion at who he was.
Nikolas faltered. Ben felt him withdraw, but then he took him in another way. Nikolas’s arms came around him, dragging him into a tight spoon, just holding him as the humiliating sobs wracked his body. He didn’t even know what he was crying for. Once he’d started, he was distraught for that—for the fact that he was so unlike himself, so unmanned by everything in his life that he didn’t know who he had become any more.
It was only when he heard an agonised whisper, “Please don’t, Ben, you’re killing me,” that he turned, forcing himself to calmness, to find Nikolas’s stressed and worn face creased with anguish.
***
Nikolas turned his gaze back from the darkness in the courtyard, which he’d been studying with such intense concentration, and Ben saw the tracks of tears on his cheeks.
It wasn’t the first time he’d seen Nikolas cry. But in over ten years, he could count the number of times on the fingers of one hand. He rose swiftly and embraced him, wrapping his arms around Nikolas’s battered head tightly, pressing it to his shirt. He pushed his own face into the greying blond hair, and with the familiar smell of vanilla and coconut, he came home.
Fucking hell. Just kill me now.
Now having said all that, I will say this is likely one of my favorite in the series so far. Nik continues to puzzle me at times and it is hard to totally put your hands on what all makes up this man and ultimately I have decided that this is the point. Because at times even Ben is puzzled as well. And even with that said, no matter what...you love him. Ben loves him and will continue to do whatever has to be done for his Nik.
“You are not alone, Nikolas. Never. I’m right here with you, if this is how it has to be. I will kill the whole fucking world for you, if that is what you need.” Ben shook him. “Do you understand me?”
And yes, I am officially in tears wrting this review.
Life wasn’t sunlit uplands and glass houses, vast wealth and running around with your pretty boyfriend in the expensive toys he bought you.
Life was wearing armour too heavy to bear and carrying weapons too eager to be used.
Life was learning to swim hard and fast and keep your head above the shit.
Life was having someone alongside you in every single manoeuvre, every fall, every painful rise again, and knowing that, win or lose, the war was never fought alone.
Damn.
I guess being destroyed means I love this book and this couple. I eagerly await more.
December 22, 2015
I loved the first five books of this series and will continue to regard it as one of the best-written series I’ve read from the first to its fifth book. It took me a couple of months before finally getting a go at this one and I’ve to say that unlike the prior installments, it hasn’t been a pleasant experience reading this. I’m just not into it as much as the earlier books and I was just saddened that my love affair with this series screeched into a halt and ended just like that. And what a coincidence with its title and all. death
I’ve a lot of issues about this installment but I will just try to enumerate the ones that totally turned me off.
1. The revenge fuck. Ack. Seriously Ben? Remember when “you broke Nik’s spirit?” I was like, this guy’s fucking unbelievable! Even if the fucking didn’t actually happen, the intent was there and it just lessen my appreciation for Ben’s character more and more. Uhm, yeah – it’s like, been there done that and Ben still think that Nik is capable of “really” cheating on him – Uhm. No Ben. Not cool at all.
2. The predictable arrival of Nik’s son. ‘Have seen it from a far.
3. Tim and “the Moron” should be on the kill list next. Their characters are charming earlier in the series but they’ve just become a couple of nuisances.
4. Ben trying to give more credit to Kate for Molly Rose’s sake. Ugh. I’ve enough of Kate! She’s a scheming bitch and she’s dead but she’s still lurking around causing discomfort. *shuddered*
5. Speaking of Molly Rose. I can’t get past her character TBH. She’s like one of the main reasons I have to stop reading this series. *sigh*
I know that I will still be waiting for John Wiltshire’s stand-alone books / new series to come but I think I’m done with Nik and Ben at this point. I hate that I got so invested with these two only to leave them hanging midway through the series. I’m sad that it had to end this way but I know that I will still be supporting John Wiltshire’s other titles because the man ‘s got style. This may not work for me but I’m pretty sure a lot of people will still appreciate it. So there. Ranting / review finished.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
I’ve a lot of issues about this installment but I will just try to enumerate the ones that totally turned me off.
1. The revenge fuck. Ack. Seriously Ben? Remember when “you broke Nik’s spirit?” I was like, this guy’s fucking unbelievable! Even if the fucking didn’t actually happen, the intent was there and it just lessen my appreciation for Ben’s character more and more. Uhm, yeah – it’s like, been there done that and Ben still think that Nik is capable of “really” cheating on him – Uhm. No Ben. Not cool at all.
2. The predictable arrival of Nik’s son. ‘Have seen it from a far.
3. Tim and “the Moron” should be on the kill list next. Their characters are charming earlier in the series but they’ve just become a couple of nuisances.
4. Ben trying to give more credit to Kate for Molly Rose’s sake. Ugh. I’ve enough of Kate! She’s a scheming bitch and she’s dead but she’s still lurking around causing discomfort. *shuddered*
5. Speaking of Molly Rose. I can’t get past her character TBH. She’s like one of the main reasons I have to stop reading this series. *sigh*
I know that I will still be waiting for John Wiltshire’s stand-alone books / new series to come but I think I’m done with Nik and Ben at this point. I hate that I got so invested with these two only to leave them hanging midway through the series. I’m sad that it had to end this way but I know that I will still be supporting John Wiltshire’s other titles because the man ‘s got style. This may not work for me but I’m pretty sure a lot of people will still appreciate it. So there. Ranting / review finished.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
June 26, 2015
I still love Nik and Ben but in my opinion they deserved better than this book.
What drew me in before, what made this series so amazing, seemed to be missing. Besides the fact that a lot less happens in this book, something was off. The other books were impossible to put down but this one was a slow read for me. I kept waiting for the second part to begin - since the other books are all clearly divided in two parts - and to be blown away again.
I never expected THIS series to become predictable but sadly that is exactly what happened. Anyone who was actually surprised by a certain someone showing up at their doorstep, hasn't been paying attention. I was waiting for the author to make it work anyway. But in the end we never really got to know this new character. His personality wasn't very fleshed out. Maybe that could have made a difference. Now he left me indifferent.
I hope the author finds his originality again. The cliché party ending made me think the author is conforming and I hate to see a great series go downhill like this.
What drew me in before, what made this series so amazing, seemed to be missing. Besides the fact that a lot less happens in this book, something was off. The other books were impossible to put down but this one was a slow read for me. I kept waiting for the second part to begin - since the other books are all clearly divided in two parts - and to be blown away again.
I never expected THIS series to become predictable but sadly that is exactly what happened. Anyone who was actually surprised by a certain someone showing up at their doorstep, hasn't been paying attention. I was waiting for the author to make it work anyway. But in the end we never really got to know this new character. His personality wasn't very fleshed out. Maybe that could have made a difference. Now he left me indifferent.
I hope the author finds his originality again. The cliché party ending made me think the author is conforming and I hate to see a great series go downhill like this.
August 20, 2019
I absolutely loved this one, salvation is the name of the game. No more telling lies Nik to try and protect Ben (and nearly breaking our hearts in the process); he has now grown up and will protect you unto death. The family theme (although I did think Molly Rose was an extremely precocious child to be walking at 5 months 😲...), Emilia and granny, Miles and his granny, Squeezy and Tim, the new player from the US who will take over from the formidable Kate...all paled into insignificance besides Stefan...vengeful Stefan who was only nosing around in order to split Ben and Nik up and eventually get his revenge upon his father. Book 7 sounds quite dark, but I can't wait. 5 stars from me. #BenandNikforever.
December 26, 2023
3 1/2 stars. I had mixed feelings about this installment and if it weren’t for a very well written ending I probably would’ve rated it lower however it did still keep me interested enough to immediately start the next installment afterwards.
July 23, 2016
***DNF at 52%. Rating 2 stars for the book itself plus one star for Nik and Ben***
I was so excited about this book but unfortunately it's not holding my interest. I still love Nik and Ben and I'm fairly sure I'll read the next book in the series but this one wasn't for me.
June 21, 2015
This was my favorite book in the series, although they are all great! It was sexy, sweet, hilarious and everything in between.
Ben and Nik's love is so beautiful. This is truly an epic love story.
I can't wait for the next one!
Ben and Nik's love is so beautiful. This is truly an epic love story.
I can't wait for the next one!
March 18, 2024
Oh. My. God! This was one hell of an emotional rollercoaster ride and I still haven't found the exit.
This book was so heartbreaking and shocking sometimes, with Nik being confronted with his past and his resulting desperate actions.
Ben never saw his truth, refusing to see the monster he saw every day in the mirror.
Yesterday was a place you inhabited every single day and could never leave.
But it was also funny and that's what I love about this series. One minute you want to cry and then the next you're laughing so hard...
I'm a bit out of words right now and can't describe my feelings any better to do justice to this book, so let's leave it at that:
This was epic, outstanding and pretty damn perfect!
Loved it!!!
October 4, 2015
4.5 stars
One guaranteed descriptor of any addition to this series...emotional rollercoaster. The last quarter of the book, albeit not unexpected, did not unfold the way I thought it would. It was quite shocking.
There were a few more Brit-isms in this volume, which was fun, and way too much sex, which wasn't...I started skimming. It was actually quite lovely to watch Nicolas and Ben's family grow in both expected and unexpected ways. And the two of them proved again that neither is quite sane when the chips are down. All in all, a really solid addition to the series.
One guaranteed descriptor of any addition to this series...emotional rollercoaster. The last quarter of the book, albeit not unexpected, did not unfold the way I thought it would. It was quite shocking.
There were a few more Brit-isms in this volume, which was fun, and way too much sex, which wasn't...I started skimming. It was actually quite lovely to watch Nicolas and Ben's family grow in both expected and unexpected ways. And the two of them proved again that neither is quite sane when the chips are down. All in all, a really solid addition to the series.
June 20, 2015
Book 7 please?...
Review to follow.
***
OMG! It's out! It's out!
***
HOLY SHIT YES!
Review to follow.
***
OMG! It's out! It's out!
***
HOLY SHIT YES!
September 10, 2021
OK, so the stars are climbing back up from Ben's amnesia-induced cheating book.
The bit with the son and how the rescue happened was at the very least--original.
On to the next to last!
The bit with the son and how the rescue happened was at the very least--original.
On to the next to last!
June 30, 2015
4.75*
Lirtle has given a wonderful review in this buddy read on www.prismbookalliance.com, which explains this episode in the lives of Nikolas and Ben, very well.
I haven’t given 5*, although my enjoyment of this book was immense. A tiny niggle regarding Molly Rose was responsible for a tiny part of a star missing. The ages of this gorgeous baby do not match up with her development, however precocious she may be. Unimportant to the story I know, but it niggled.
The clever part of this book for me was how the ‘something’s coming’ aspect of the plot was to an extent kept hidden by the story being told from Ben’s POV. This coloured events with his intense desire for their lives to be good and safe and perfect now. As Ben has decided that his life with Nik and their friends will be perfect from now on – he misreads everything. He even misinterprets and misunderstands the friends he has always trusted like Squeezy and Tim – their relationship is adorable by the way –
I thought the use of the ‘unreliable narrator’ was a brilliant device to use here, and one which made the ending feel more brutal and disturbing.
I loved Nikolas’ reactions and interactions with Molly Rose very much. I am also amazed that after five books I still love to read about the relationship and bantering between Nikolas and Ben, but I do. I think the lead up, to the climax of this book, was a tiny bit too long, another tiny piece of star gone for me.
Regardless, this is the kind of passage that keeps me coming back to these two Alpha Men;
Nikolas put a hand on Ben’s belly, spreading his fingers, seeming to anchor himself on warm flesh. ‘You fill the absence of God for me.’ Once more, he turned his head and Ben copied him, their gazes met in the darkness. ‘I no longer feel alone.’
Ben lightens this with a comment like – how much have you had to drink – but the psychological side of their relationship is fascinating. This book ends as they all do with the duo at home, now Devon, but this time with all their friends and surrounded by joy. A determined juxtaposition to the scenes before where Ben saves Nikolas’ from an act of brutality in such a way as to open Nikolas’ eyes where Ben is concerned.
This could have been a great end to the series. However, I did not want it to be so and I was so happy to see the words – ‘To be continued in Enduring Night…’
Lirtle has given a wonderful review in this buddy read on www.prismbookalliance.com, which explains this episode in the lives of Nikolas and Ben, very well.
I haven’t given 5*, although my enjoyment of this book was immense. A tiny niggle regarding Molly Rose was responsible for a tiny part of a star missing. The ages of this gorgeous baby do not match up with her development, however precocious she may be. Unimportant to the story I know, but it niggled.
The clever part of this book for me was how the ‘something’s coming’ aspect of the plot was to an extent kept hidden by the story being told from Ben’s POV. This coloured events with his intense desire for their lives to be good and safe and perfect now. As Ben has decided that his life with Nik and their friends will be perfect from now on – he misreads everything. He even misinterprets and misunderstands the friends he has always trusted like Squeezy and Tim – their relationship is adorable by the way –
I thought the use of the ‘unreliable narrator’ was a brilliant device to use here, and one which made the ending feel more brutal and disturbing.
I loved Nikolas’ reactions and interactions with Molly Rose very much. I am also amazed that after five books I still love to read about the relationship and bantering between Nikolas and Ben, but I do. I think the lead up, to the climax of this book, was a tiny bit too long, another tiny piece of star gone for me.
Regardless, this is the kind of passage that keeps me coming back to these two Alpha Men;
Nikolas put a hand on Ben’s belly, spreading his fingers, seeming to anchor himself on warm flesh. ‘You fill the absence of God for me.’ Once more, he turned his head and Ben copied him, their gazes met in the darkness. ‘I no longer feel alone.’
Ben lightens this with a comment like – how much have you had to drink – but the psychological side of their relationship is fascinating. This book ends as they all do with the duo at home, now Devon, but this time with all their friends and surrounded by joy. A determined juxtaposition to the scenes before where Ben saves Nikolas’ from an act of brutality in such a way as to open Nikolas’ eyes where Ben is concerned.
This could have been a great end to the series. However, I did not want it to be so and I was so happy to see the words – ‘To be continued in Enduring Night…’
June 4, 2016
This installment was full of heart-stopping moments, brilliant book!
The things Ben loves:
His Maserati Granturismo Sport in matt black
His Ducati Monster Diesel
Radulf
and of course, Nikolas..
The things Ben loves:
His Maserati Granturismo Sport in matt black
His Ducati Monster Diesel
Radulf
and of course, Nikolas..
June 22, 2015
Fucking awesome, great tight writing, great plot, angst, lulled into the civilised versions of Ben and Nik, only to be reminded of the cold hard trained killers underneath. Plus the Radoulf moments make this another perfect book from Mr Wiltshire
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