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Dig Two Graves #2
The Man Who Hated Ned O'Leary
“Because you love me no matter how much you hate me.”
Seven years ago, Cole Flores was betrayed by the man he loved, and his very soul was left charred. He vowed that day that he would find Ned O’Leary and kill him, even if it was the last thing he did.
But Ned disappeared, and life went on.
Despite the flame of hate burning deep inside him, Cole’s hope to find Ned had dimmed. At least it left behind a lesson to never trust, never love, and never attach himself anywhere. That was the only way for a wanted man to stay off the noose in a world filled with liars and cheats.
Just when Cole stops looking for Ned though, he finds the deceptive bastard, and life turns on its head again. Their reunion goes nothing as planned, and unanswered questions rise to the surface, poisoning Cole’s mind with lust and longing that have never gone away.
Ned O’Leary is a traitor.
Ned O’Leary is a scumbag.
Ned O’Leary is everything Cole Flores craves.
Torn between love and revenge, lust and sanity, Cole has to find out if the bruised and battered heart of an outlaw can ever trust again, or if he’s bound to fulfill his promise and be Ned O’Leary’s doom.
*
Dark, dangerous, yet desperately romantic, “The Man Who Hated Ned O’Leary” is a gritty western M/M romance novel and book 2 in the “Dig Two Graves” duology. Prepare for violence, emotional turmoil, and scorching hot, explicit scenes, as well as a Happy Ever After earned with blood, sweat, and tears.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Themes: Enemies-to-lovers, second chances, revenge, outlaws and cowboys, crime, secrets, loyalty, betrayal, Old West, survival, angst, survivor’s guilt, snowed in
Length: ~125,000 words (Book 2 in a duology)
WARNING: This story contains scenes of violence, offensive language and morally ambiguous characters as well as sensitive topics of child abuse and suicide
Seven years ago, Cole Flores was betrayed by the man he loved, and his very soul was left charred. He vowed that day that he would find Ned O’Leary and kill him, even if it was the last thing he did.
But Ned disappeared, and life went on.
Despite the flame of hate burning deep inside him, Cole’s hope to find Ned had dimmed. At least it left behind a lesson to never trust, never love, and never attach himself anywhere. That was the only way for a wanted man to stay off the noose in a world filled with liars and cheats.
Just when Cole stops looking for Ned though, he finds the deceptive bastard, and life turns on its head again. Their reunion goes nothing as planned, and unanswered questions rise to the surface, poisoning Cole’s mind with lust and longing that have never gone away.
Ned O’Leary is a traitor.
Ned O’Leary is a scumbag.
Ned O’Leary is everything Cole Flores craves.
Torn between love and revenge, lust and sanity, Cole has to find out if the bruised and battered heart of an outlaw can ever trust again, or if he’s bound to fulfill his promise and be Ned O’Leary’s doom.
*
Dark, dangerous, yet desperately romantic, “The Man Who Hated Ned O’Leary” is a gritty western M/M romance novel and book 2 in the “Dig Two Graves” duology. Prepare for violence, emotional turmoil, and scorching hot, explicit scenes, as well as a Happy Ever After earned with blood, sweat, and tears.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Themes: Enemies-to-lovers, second chances, revenge, outlaws and cowboys, crime, secrets, loyalty, betrayal, Old West, survival, angst, survivor’s guilt, snowed in
Length: ~125,000 words (Book 2 in a duology)
WARNING: This story contains scenes of violence, offensive language and morally ambiguous characters as well as sensitive topics of child abuse and suicide
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2021
27 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Merikan
130 books3,022 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 158 reviews
March 16, 2022
4 stars.
their friendship and connection was so pure and joyful in the first book, even if it was clouded by the impending doom of betrayal. this book was much angstier, since they're dealing with the fallout from book 1, and since i love pain and suffering, i obviously liked this book way more.
these two have so much pain and history between them. so much love, hate, passion, lust and longing. just amazing.
"love is like letting someone point a gun at your heart and hoping they'll never pull the trigger."
"the walls of secrecy that had separated them from the day they'd met crumbled, and he was ready to hand Ned that loaded gun. he'd gladly point it at his own heart, because Ned would never pull the trigger."
i really loved the setting in these books. the fact that they're outlaws, obviously not good people, and that trouble just follows them everywhere was a recipe for a great story overall.
i absolutely loved the ending to their love story. i admit i teared up a little. some of my favourite work from K.A. Merikan so far. highly recommended this duology!
their friendship and connection was so pure and joyful in the first book, even if it was clouded by the impending doom of betrayal. this book was much angstier, since they're dealing with the fallout from book 1, and since i love pain and suffering, i obviously liked this book way more.
these two have so much pain and history between them. so much love, hate, passion, lust and longing. just amazing.
"love is like letting someone point a gun at your heart and hoping they'll never pull the trigger."
"the walls of secrecy that had separated them from the day they'd met crumbled, and he was ready to hand Ned that loaded gun. he'd gladly point it at his own heart, because Ned would never pull the trigger."
i really loved the setting in these books. the fact that they're outlaws, obviously not good people, and that trouble just follows them everywhere was a recipe for a great story overall.
i absolutely loved the ending to their love story. i admit i teared up a little. some of my favourite work from K.A. Merikan so far. highly recommended this duology!
March 13, 2021
If the first book was sweet and tense, this was just painful... And tense, even with the happy ending. 😞🥲
In The Man Who Hated O'Leary the characters are in the year 1887, 7 years have passed since the first book and our main guys are apart thanks to the clusterfuck of the last installment. The hate/love relationship is real in this one, Cole has a perspective of the situation that it's totally different than Ned's, cause yep this one it's in Cole pov. So when they find each other, Cole tries to get his own revenge but he can't because deep down he still loves Ned O'Leary, with his lies and everything. Or as Ned says:
"Because you love me no matter how much you hate me"
And that quote represents almost all this book, there were loose ends that were tied, there was action, fucked up situations and new interesting characters that were introduced but to me Cole fought his feelings for too long and that exhausted me a little.
But Ned with his transformation, his pain and his guilt saved the day for me, I loved him in the first book with his innocence in love and his earnest to love and protect Cole even when he shouldn't and in here he charmed me again with how human he was described and how hurtful his atonement was. He was always true to Cole even when he had to lie and that's what Cole spent the whole book understanding.
As the end of a series it was really well done, it made me feel for the characters deeply and I was happy to see their happy ending. Lovely series. 🥰❤
In The Man Who Hated O'Leary the characters are in the year 1887, 7 years have passed since the first book and our main guys are apart thanks to the clusterfuck of the last installment. The hate/love relationship is real in this one, Cole has a perspective of the situation that it's totally different than Ned's, cause yep this one it's in Cole pov. So when they find each other, Cole tries to get his own revenge but he can't because deep down he still loves Ned O'Leary, with his lies and everything. Or as Ned says:
"Because you love me no matter how much you hate me"
And that quote represents almost all this book, there were loose ends that were tied, there was action, fucked up situations and new interesting characters that were introduced but to me Cole fought his feelings for too long and that exhausted me a little.
But Ned with his transformation, his pain and his guilt saved the day for me, I loved him in the first book with his innocence in love and his earnest to love and protect Cole even when he shouldn't and in here he charmed me again with how human he was described and how hurtful his atonement was. He was always true to Cole even when he had to lie and that's what Cole spent the whole book understanding.
As the end of a series it was really well done, it made me feel for the characters deeply and I was happy to see their happy ending. Lovely series. 🥰❤
February 21, 2021
I suggest that you don't read this review before finishing the first book in the duology.
The feelings! They hit me pretty early. And the cover...I can't get over how amazing the guy on the cover is.
This second part embodies some, if not all, of my favorite tropes. Second chances, enemies to lovers, long separation period, forced (maybe) proximity. Tons and tons of angst, feelings all over the place and very emotional steamy scenes. This is exactly my kind of book!
This is not where I expected to find the men seven years later. Ned was completely lost, and Cole was so consumed with rage and thirst for revenge, I couldn't see how this could work out. But it did, and the ending was so amazing. The action and the romance escalated at the same time and it came to a wonderful conclusion that felt natural and very right.
We also get an epilogue a few years down the road, always a bonus for me.
I loved the twists and turns along the way (there were a lot), the new places took them and all the new, special people they met during their new adventure.
K.A.Merikan has saved my @ss many times when I needed a story that can make me forget the rest of the world, and this duology did exactly that.
Very highly recommended!
"I never loved anyone but you"
I hate that I never stopped loving you, Neddie."
The feelings! They hit me pretty early. And the cover...I can't get over how amazing the guy on the cover is.
This second part embodies some, if not all, of my favorite tropes. Second chances, enemies to lovers, long separation period, forced (maybe) proximity. Tons and tons of angst, feelings all over the place and very emotional steamy scenes. This is exactly my kind of book!
This is not where I expected to find the men seven years later. Ned was completely lost, and Cole was so consumed with rage and thirst for revenge, I couldn't see how this could work out. But it did, and the ending was so amazing. The action and the romance escalated at the same time and it came to a wonderful conclusion that felt natural and very right.
We also get an epilogue a few years down the road, always a bonus for me.
I loved the twists and turns along the way (there were a lot), the new places took them and all the new, special people they met during their new adventure.
K.A.Merikan has saved my @ss many times when I needed a story that can make me forget the rest of the world, and this duology did exactly that.
Very highly recommended!
April 17, 2023
Love’s a dangerous thing, but where would we be without it?
This second in the series is Cole’s pov, and one hell of a second chance romance.
It’s all about Ned for me. For seven years, Ned was steadfast and true in his devotion to Cole. He internalized, pushing his pain down inside, vs Cole, who externalized his pain. Not sure which hurts more. Better to dig it out initially, but these boys didn’t have much self-reflection or decent therapists back in the day.
“I never loved anyone but you." His voice broke at the end, and so did Cole’s heart.
Cole made a bunch of choices I didn’t like. He has his own ideas of why Ned made the decisions from book one, hence the title of this story. It takes him WAY too long to realize the truth in all of this, and that was my main complaint about this story.
This man was the love of his life, the bane of his existence, and the most arousing bastard who’d ever walked the earth.
The last 10% of this book with my hands-down favorite of this duo. It gave me everything I had been waiting for, the tenderness, the intimacy, the recognition of a deep love, I just wish it had come a little sooner in the story. I needed more time with Ned and Cole as a couple.
Overall, I loved his two book series and it will go on my re-read list.
This second in the series is Cole’s pov, and one hell of a second chance romance.
It’s all about Ned for me. For seven years, Ned was steadfast and true in his devotion to Cole. He internalized, pushing his pain down inside, vs Cole, who externalized his pain. Not sure which hurts more. Better to dig it out initially, but these boys didn’t have much self-reflection or decent therapists back in the day.
“I never loved anyone but you." His voice broke at the end, and so did Cole’s heart.
Cole made a bunch of choices I didn’t like. He has his own ideas of why Ned made the decisions from book one, hence the title of this story. It takes him WAY too long to realize the truth in all of this, and that was my main complaint about this story.
This man was the love of his life, the bane of his existence, and the most arousing bastard who’d ever walked the earth.
The last 10% of this book with my hands-down favorite of this duo. It gave me everything I had been waiting for, the tenderness, the intimacy, the recognition of a deep love, I just wish it had come a little sooner in the story. I needed more time with Ned and Cole as a couple.
Overall, I loved his two book series and it will go on my re-read list.
February 15, 2021
* 5 stars *
"The Man Who Hated Ned O'Leary" is a deeply emotional story and a rare true enemies-to-lovers romance.
Cole's hate for Ned is palpable in this second part of the story. He really hates him and wants nothing to do with him. Deep in his heart, though, he's still the young man that fell in love with the farm boy. Who stole his horse to make him follow. Who claimed him in front of everyone. Who trusted him so much he was willing to do anything to be together.
His mind tells him that he hates Ned O'Leary with everything he has. That he wants to kill him for betraying him and lying to him. That he can move on and leave him behind once and for all.
But his heart is pulling him in the other direction. He can't deny how much he craves Ned. How much he wants to help him and make sure he's okay. How much he wants to love him.
Cole is struggling between love and hate and he tries to tip the scales toward the second one. But the heart wants what the heart wants and love is always more powerful than hate.
Ned shocked me and broke my heart at the beginning of the story. With how The Man Who Loved Cole Flores ended, I expected Cole to be struggling in his life, so the positions in which we find them seven years after the events of the first part were even more surprising.
There's a lot of angst as Cole tries to deny his heart and listen to his mind. The love between those two was so great, so pure, so deep that no amount of distance and time could lessen it.
Once more K.A. Merikan managed to write a breathtaking story. The experience of being consumed by a book so completely that you forget the here and now is very rare but wonderful. It's been a while since I felt that way and I'm so happy that I got to experience it again with these two books.
I don't do a lot of re-reads, but even as I was reading the last chapters I was sure that I'll be picking this duology up again soon enough. Because once is never enough with Ned O'Leary and Cole Flores.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
"The Man Who Hated Ned O'Leary" is a deeply emotional story and a rare true enemies-to-lovers romance.
Cole's hate for Ned is palpable in this second part of the story. He really hates him and wants nothing to do with him. Deep in his heart, though, he's still the young man that fell in love with the farm boy. Who stole his horse to make him follow. Who claimed him in front of everyone. Who trusted him so much he was willing to do anything to be together.
His mind tells him that he hates Ned O'Leary with everything he has. That he wants to kill him for betraying him and lying to him. That he can move on and leave him behind once and for all.
But his heart is pulling him in the other direction. He can't deny how much he craves Ned. How much he wants to help him and make sure he's okay. How much he wants to love him.
Cole is struggling between love and hate and he tries to tip the scales toward the second one. But the heart wants what the heart wants and love is always more powerful than hate.
"You love me no matter how much you hate me!"
Ned shocked me and broke my heart at the beginning of the story. With how The Man Who Loved Cole Flores ended, I expected Cole to be struggling in his life, so the positions in which we find them seven years after the events of the first part were even more surprising.
"I took revenge to take the weight off my soul, but I ended up losing everything."
There's a lot of angst as Cole tries to deny his heart and listen to his mind. The love between those two was so great, so pure, so deep that no amount of distance and time could lessen it.
Once more K.A. Merikan managed to write a breathtaking story. The experience of being consumed by a book so completely that you forget the here and now is very rare but wonderful. It's been a while since I felt that way and I'm so happy that I got to experience it again with these two books.
I don't do a lot of re-reads, but even as I was reading the last chapters I was sure that I'll be picking this duology up again soon enough. Because once is never enough with Ned O'Leary and Cole Flores.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
February 21, 2021
Wow. Finishing this book...this duology...it was perfect, and I didn't want it to end, but these two and how they got their HEA was everything and...just what an experience these two novels was.
"Instead, you saved my life and nursed me to health because you love me no matter how much you hate me!” Ned squinted, his gaze like two green blades. “And that’s the truth. You want me. You can’t quit me, and you don’t care to."
Cole Flores was betrayed badly, he was hurt, his heart broken seemingly beyond repair by one Ned O'Leary. The pain runs deep, as well as the fear of ever letting anyone close ever again. So of course, the only one to possibly mend the broken heart is the one who broke it in the first place.
Seven years have gone by since that fateful day at the end of the first book. Cole, for however much he was hardened by the gang life in book one, still had an innocence, a naivite, a boyishness to him. His absolute love and devotion to Ned in the first book proved that.
Well now, Cole is anything but that, and is more hardened, more angry, more hateful. His reaction to everything, his feelings, I feel, are completely normal. He was betrayed, Ned really hurt him, and they didn't exactly get to have a talk about everything, so Cole just has that Ned betrayed him, and he doesn't even know if any of their relationship was real to Ned.
So of course that would taint everything about his time with Ned, and make him feel like a fool, and want to get revenge. For the past 7 years, the thing that has kept Cole going is searching for Ned to kill him. His hatred has fueled him. And by that point, he's been with many other men - but of course, they were all to distract from his pain and try to forget Ned, even when he actually couldn't.
7 years on, Cole is still a wanted man, but Lars, a friend of his who is a bounty hunter, protect him and doesn't give him up. And it helps Cole in finding Ned, wherever he may be.
But 7 years is a long time, and Cole is just about to give up, when he and Lars are back in Ned's hometown, and in the mountains they're searching for the "Wolfman", someone who seems to be terrorizing townsfolk and travelers in the mountains by taking things from their campsite, dressed in furs and a mask of a wolf and all that.
And turns out, that "Wolfman" is one Ned O'Leary. Turns out Ned, in the past 7 years, has gone a little off the deep end. He isn't what Cole was expecting to find. Ned has drunk alcohol to excess, so much so that it has damaged his brain somewhat, he lives in his parent's old house in the woods, isolated and alone, with only his horse and a dog for company. That would drive anyone a little mad.
Cole isn't quite sure what to make of this Ned, but the hate still flows through his veins, and he isn't nice or accommodating. But there's still that something that keeps him drawn to Ned. And he also wants to know why Ned did what he did before he kills him.
But it turns out, even after that Cole can't do it. Because he is lying to himself, even after he makes a confession in a...well, tense situation, I'll say. It doesn't take long for him and Ned to fall into bed together, but Cole is determined to keep him at a distance and insists that he's just sex, just fucking. Even as he lets Ned be the first and only man to be inside him.
Cole makes excuses left and right throughout for why he does the things he does. Why he gets Ned sober, why he cleans him up, why he wants Ned to eat more to get healthier, why he can't kill him yet, why he's still so drawn to Ned when he's supposed to hate him and want him dead. Why he's held onto that picture of them, the compass Ned gave him, and even Ned's bandana, and even a chunk of wood from that tree they carved their initials together in a heart. Why he stays longer with Ned then they agreed to.
As for Ned, he does slowly get better, and he's so hopeful and it hurts because Cole try so many times to be immune to it, to Ned, to everything about him. It obviously hurts Ned, but he keeps trying. He still has hope that he and Cole can be together. Because of course we all know that Ned's love for Cole was very real and very deep and true. The only true thing about his time with the Gotham Boys was Cole.
But of course a heartbroken Cole is going to have a hard time believing it, trusting it and forgiving Ned.
But the journey these two go on in this book...it's wonderful. It's hard and angsty and painful, but it's wonderful. Ned tries to prove himself over and over again for Cole, he works to prove his love. And it takes Cole a while - as in...well yeah, most of this book - to get his head out of his ass, but once he does...it's wonderful.
And the plot worked too, and the ending before the epilogue was almost as exciting and thrill inducing as the first book.
These two, no matter who tries to quit who, they can't ever, really. They're the loves of each other's lives. And it all works out in the end, in the best way.
My heart felt full at the end, with ending and the two (yes, two :D) epilogues we got. I just didn't want it to end. I wanted more of these two, just doing every little day things and being in love. You know a books special when you don't want to put it down and you just want more, more, more. More story, more time with the two MC's, just more. I wouldn't say no to a few drabbles here or there of these two, just saying ;).
You just...gotta read these books, guys. So much packed into these two, so much love, so much hate, so much adventure. Such good story, such good characters.
I never truly felt against Cole or Ned. I understood where they were both coming from. Ned fucked up, but Cole did too. He fucked up in this one, because of his pride and his fear. Which are all understandable, just like when Ned fucked up in the first one.
But with all the lies, the most true thing, was their love. And I fucking loved their love.
I just...can't praise these books enough.
5 MASSIVE stars. Two MASSIVE thumbs up, and HIGHLY recommend this. Some of the best work from these two lovely authors. Bravo.❤️💕💗❤️
"Instead, you saved my life and nursed me to health because you love me no matter how much you hate me!” Ned squinted, his gaze like two green blades. “And that’s the truth. You want me. You can’t quit me, and you don’t care to."
Cole Flores was betrayed badly, he was hurt, his heart broken seemingly beyond repair by one Ned O'Leary. The pain runs deep, as well as the fear of ever letting anyone close ever again. So of course, the only one to possibly mend the broken heart is the one who broke it in the first place.
Seven years have gone by since that fateful day at the end of the first book. Cole, for however much he was hardened by the gang life in book one, still had an innocence, a naivite, a boyishness to him. His absolute love and devotion to Ned in the first book proved that.
Well now, Cole is anything but that, and is more hardened, more angry, more hateful. His reaction to everything, his feelings, I feel, are completely normal. He was betrayed, Ned really hurt him, and they didn't exactly get to have a talk about everything, so Cole just has that Ned betrayed him, and he doesn't even know if any of their relationship was real to Ned.
So of course that would taint everything about his time with Ned, and make him feel like a fool, and want to get revenge. For the past 7 years, the thing that has kept Cole going is searching for Ned to kill him. His hatred has fueled him. And by that point, he's been with many other men - but of course, they were all to distract from his pain and try to forget Ned, even when he actually couldn't.
7 years on, Cole is still a wanted man, but Lars, a friend of his who is a bounty hunter, protect him and doesn't give him up. And it helps Cole in finding Ned, wherever he may be.
But 7 years is a long time, and Cole is just about to give up, when he and Lars are back in Ned's hometown, and in the mountains they're searching for the "Wolfman", someone who seems to be terrorizing townsfolk and travelers in the mountains by taking things from their campsite, dressed in furs and a mask of a wolf and all that.
And turns out, that "Wolfman" is one Ned O'Leary. Turns out Ned, in the past 7 years, has gone a little off the deep end. He isn't what Cole was expecting to find. Ned has drunk alcohol to excess, so much so that it has damaged his brain somewhat, he lives in his parent's old house in the woods, isolated and alone, with only his horse and a dog for company. That would drive anyone a little mad.
Cole isn't quite sure what to make of this Ned, but the hate still flows through his veins, and he isn't nice or accommodating. But there's still that something that keeps him drawn to Ned. And he also wants to know why Ned did what he did before he kills him.
But it turns out, even after that Cole can't do it. Because he is lying to himself, even after he makes a confession in a...well, tense situation, I'll say. It doesn't take long for him and Ned to fall into bed together, but Cole is determined to keep him at a distance and insists that he's just sex, just fucking. Even as he lets Ned be the first and only man to be inside him.
Cole makes excuses left and right throughout for why he does the things he does. Why he gets Ned sober, why he cleans him up, why he wants Ned to eat more to get healthier, why he can't kill him yet, why he's still so drawn to Ned when he's supposed to hate him and want him dead. Why he's held onto that picture of them, the compass Ned gave him, and even Ned's bandana, and even a chunk of wood from that tree they carved their initials together in a heart. Why he stays longer with Ned then they agreed to.
As for Ned, he does slowly get better, and he's so hopeful and it hurts because Cole try so many times to be immune to it, to Ned, to everything about him. It obviously hurts Ned, but he keeps trying. He still has hope that he and Cole can be together. Because of course we all know that Ned's love for Cole was very real and very deep and true. The only true thing about his time with the Gotham Boys was Cole.
But of course a heartbroken Cole is going to have a hard time believing it, trusting it and forgiving Ned.
But the journey these two go on in this book...it's wonderful. It's hard and angsty and painful, but it's wonderful. Ned tries to prove himself over and over again for Cole, he works to prove his love. And it takes Cole a while - as in...well yeah, most of this book - to get his head out of his ass, but once he does...it's wonderful.
And the plot worked too, and the ending before the epilogue was almost as exciting and thrill inducing as the first book.
These two, no matter who tries to quit who, they can't ever, really. They're the loves of each other's lives. And it all works out in the end, in the best way.
My heart felt full at the end, with ending and the two (yes, two :D) epilogues we got. I just didn't want it to end. I wanted more of these two, just doing every little day things and being in love. You know a books special when you don't want to put it down and you just want more, more, more. More story, more time with the two MC's, just more. I wouldn't say no to a few drabbles here or there of these two, just saying ;).
You just...gotta read these books, guys. So much packed into these two, so much love, so much hate, so much adventure. Such good story, such good characters.
I never truly felt against Cole or Ned. I understood where they were both coming from. Ned fucked up, but Cole did too. He fucked up in this one, because of his pride and his fear. Which are all understandable, just like when Ned fucked up in the first one.
But with all the lies, the most true thing, was their love. And I fucking loved their love.
I just...can't praise these books enough.
5 MASSIVE stars. Two MASSIVE thumbs up, and HIGHLY recommend this. Some of the best work from these two lovely authors. Bravo.❤️💕💗❤️
February 11, 2021
Holy freaking $H!T.
What a wild wild ride.
RTC
Brutal and Romantic and all kinds of epic.
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
I finished this book in less than 24 hours. This is feat considering how big it is. I could not put this book down. There was always something happening. It was chalk full of suspense and feelings and all kinds of hooks.
And I loved every second of it.
Keeping this spoiler free… but only if you’ve already read TMWLCF!!
******Spoiler Free Review*****
*****Highly Recommended Westerns*****
What I loved:
1. The Characters:
Cole and Ned came thiiiiiiis close to dethrone Dom and Seth. They are that good.
Cole with his sweet vulnerable heart under all that bravado. His soft center covered with a hard-as-diamond exterior. Cole had so many layers to him, and Ned was the one who made him peel them off and acknowledge each and every one of them. He is complex and just tugs at your heartstrings even through his violence, because you know that his violence is coming from a place of loss and heartbreak. #PeelOffMyLayers
As for Ned.. Ned broke my heart in this book. We meet him in a less than savory condition. He had truly lost everything and Cole’s absence took its toll over his mental health. He just wanted forgiveness, companionship and love. He simply wanted Cole and would try anything to keep him. #IWillDoAnything
2. The Plot:
This whole book is a road to recovery. Both men have to recover from betrayal, loss, lies, deceit and heartbreak. It is a long, winding road with many obstacles and many potholes. These guys take one step forward and 10 steps back. Just when you think they’ll work everything out, something happens and pulls them away again. You will feel for both of them, root for both of them and love both of them. #AllAboutYou
3. The Romance:
This doesn’t come easily…. As made clear by the title lol. Buuut… you get small glimpses of it all through the book. And these tiny moments are just as poignant as a full on swoon worthy scene. The longing, the hope, the pining, the need to touch and kiss and comfort… tiny moments that give all the feels. Ned will stop at nothing to win Cole back... nothing is off the table for him. Cole especially works so hard to distance himself from Ned, but every once in a while, his true feeling come to the surface and the Neddie’s reaction every time is EVERYTHING. #TakeMyHeartWhyDontYou
4. The Heat…
This has more heat than book 2, and it is surprisingly even sweeter. For all the hate Cole wants to show, being intimate with Ned always brings his sweetest side to the surface. They don’t have hate sex here… because they don’t truly hate each other… and Cole realizes this in the end. their coupling is always full of their buried feelings, and it was one way where both of them are truly transparent in front of the other. #LoveMeSweet
“I never loved anyone but you.”
“I hate that I never stopped loving you, Neddie”
*cue tears*
5. The HEA…
Yes, there is an HEA… and the Merikans DELIVER!
After all they go through… all the blood, tears and heartache, Neddie and Cole get their happily ever after. We get not one but TWO epilogues and they are just the perfect ending to a perfect duology. #ForeverAndAlways
This is seriously the authors’ best work. Cole and Neddie, which I have dubbed #Coddie, will stay with me for a long time.
#HappyReading
What a wild wild ride.
RTC
Brutal and Romantic and all kinds of epic.
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
I finished this book in less than 24 hours. This is feat considering how big it is. I could not put this book down. There was always something happening. It was chalk full of suspense and feelings and all kinds of hooks.
And I loved every second of it.
Keeping this spoiler free… but only if you’ve already read TMWLCF!!
******Spoiler Free Review*****
*****Highly Recommended Westerns*****
What I loved:
1. The Characters:
Cole and Ned came thiiiiiiis close to dethrone Dom and Seth. They are that good.
Cole with his sweet vulnerable heart under all that bravado. His soft center covered with a hard-as-diamond exterior. Cole had so many layers to him, and Ned was the one who made him peel them off and acknowledge each and every one of them. He is complex and just tugs at your heartstrings even through his violence, because you know that his violence is coming from a place of loss and heartbreak. #PeelOffMyLayers
As for Ned.. Ned broke my heart in this book. We meet him in a less than savory condition. He had truly lost everything and Cole’s absence took its toll over his mental health. He just wanted forgiveness, companionship and love. He simply wanted Cole and would try anything to keep him. #IWillDoAnything
2. The Plot:
This whole book is a road to recovery. Both men have to recover from betrayal, loss, lies, deceit and heartbreak. It is a long, winding road with many obstacles and many potholes. These guys take one step forward and 10 steps back. Just when you think they’ll work everything out, something happens and pulls them away again. You will feel for both of them, root for both of them and love both of them. #AllAboutYou
3. The Romance:
This doesn’t come easily…. As made clear by the title lol. Buuut… you get small glimpses of it all through the book. And these tiny moments are just as poignant as a full on swoon worthy scene. The longing, the hope, the pining, the need to touch and kiss and comfort… tiny moments that give all the feels. Ned will stop at nothing to win Cole back... nothing is off the table for him. Cole especially works so hard to distance himself from Ned, but every once in a while, his true feeling come to the surface and the Neddie’s reaction every time is EVERYTHING. #TakeMyHeartWhyDontYou
4. The Heat…
This has more heat than book 2, and it is surprisingly even sweeter. For all the hate Cole wants to show, being intimate with Ned always brings his sweetest side to the surface. They don’t have hate sex here… because they don’t truly hate each other… and Cole realizes this in the end. their coupling is always full of their buried feelings, and it was one way where both of them are truly transparent in front of the other. #LoveMeSweet
“I never loved anyone but you.”
“I hate that I never stopped loving you, Neddie”
*cue tears*
5. The HEA…
Yes, there is an HEA… and the Merikans DELIVER!
After all they go through… all the blood, tears and heartache, Neddie and Cole get their happily ever after. We get not one but TWO epilogues and they are just the perfect ending to a perfect duology. #ForeverAndAlways
This is seriously the authors’ best work. Cole and Neddie, which I have dubbed #Coddie, will stay with me for a long time.
#HappyReading
January 5, 2022
I'm happy to follow ned and cole flores' entire journey!
The second book was more emotional than the first, seven years after the events that shook Ned and Cole's life, we have two men with devastated feelings.
Cole teamed up with a bounty hunter (fuck buddy).
Ned turned into a caveman, poor ned. Ned's whole situation made me cry . I'm an emotional person with characters I like, Ned made me cry 😢
Ned spent 7 long years alone and drunk, I think Cole took advantage more of these 7 years, even with a wounded heart and felt betrayed by Ned, Cole traveled to many places, fucked a lot.
Meanwhile, Ned was enjoying solitude in the mountains and having to deal with all the guilt he felt.
Ned is my favorite character, but he really stressed me out at the beginning of the book when he didn't want to tell Cole the whole truth. After Ned told the whole truth, my irritation shifted to Cole. I understand Cole was hurt, but his stubbornness and pride was irritating, there were times I wanted him to seem to think a little bit, but it wasn't possible (all narration in the book was geared toward thoughts of him)
Ned's motives were more than explained, he didn't need so much drama on Cole's side. Then we had the surprise about Tom's son, I thought it was a good idea for the authors to put Tom's son in the middle of this mess, at least the kid would have a chance to lead a more decent life. Imagine if he continued with Zeb (God forbid).
Not that Ned needed redemption for killing shit Tom, but taking care of Tom's kid was kind of a fresh start for Ned and Cole. I must confess something here... My biggest fear in this book was the dog dying 😅 I love a dog and if that happened it would devastate me, I was hoping the dog wouldn't die. It was just like when Daryl from Twd got a dog, the dog's name was dog, every time the dog walked among the zombies it made me scared.
I really enjoyed the conclusion of the duology, it was a journey that will stay in my thoughts for a long time. It will be hard to forget Cole Flowers and Ned O'leary 💖
The second book was more emotional than the first, seven years after the events that shook Ned and Cole's life, we have two men with devastated feelings.
Cole teamed up with a bounty hunter (fuck buddy).
Ned turned into a caveman, poor ned. Ned's whole situation made me cry . I'm an emotional person with characters I like, Ned made me cry 😢
Ned spent 7 long years alone and drunk, I think Cole took advantage more of these 7 years, even with a wounded heart and felt betrayed by Ned, Cole traveled to many places, fucked a lot.
Meanwhile, Ned was enjoying solitude in the mountains and having to deal with all the guilt he felt.
Ned is my favorite character, but he really stressed me out at the beginning of the book when he didn't want to tell Cole the whole truth. After Ned told the whole truth, my irritation shifted to Cole. I understand Cole was hurt, but his stubbornness and pride was irritating, there were times I wanted him to seem to think a little bit, but it wasn't possible (all narration in the book was geared toward thoughts of him)
Ned's motives were more than explained, he didn't need so much drama on Cole's side. Then we had the surprise about Tom's son, I thought it was a good idea for the authors to put Tom's son in the middle of this mess, at least the kid would have a chance to lead a more decent life. Imagine if he continued with Zeb (God forbid).
Not that Ned needed redemption for killing shit Tom, but taking care of Tom's kid was kind of a fresh start for Ned and Cole. I must confess something here... My biggest fear in this book was the dog dying 😅 I love a dog and if that happened it would devastate me, I was hoping the dog wouldn't die. It was just like when Daryl from Twd got a dog, the dog's name was dog, every time the dog walked among the zombies it made me scared.
I really enjoyed the conclusion of the duology, it was a journey that will stay in my thoughts for a long time. It will be hard to forget Cole Flowers and Ned O'leary 💖
March 5, 2025
utter perfection, all the emotions!!! my babies!!!!!😭😭😭😭🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺💘💘💘💘💘
i can only handle a certain type of angst and this hit that sweet spot where it hurts soooo good😫😫 and although i wish we got more of tommy in the epilogue, the ending’s got my heart sooo full🥰🥰 it really feels like they ended up exactly where they should be, with family and community, ugh it was just wonderful. i mean fuck me, first love is so sweet and ned and cole’s is a thing of beauty.
gonna be one of my favorite books this year, i can already tell💞💞
i can only handle a certain type of angst and this hit that sweet spot where it hurts soooo good😫😫 and although i wish we got more of tommy in the epilogue, the ending’s got my heart sooo full🥰🥰 it really feels like they ended up exactly where they should be, with family and community, ugh it was just wonderful. i mean fuck me, first love is so sweet and ned and cole’s is a thing of beauty.
gonna be one of my favorite books this year, i can already tell💞💞
February 26, 2021
First book: amazing
This book: amazing
Together: amazing
What am I supposed to do with myself now that I’ve finished
COHERENT REVIEW:
Seven years is a nice long time for someone to simmer hatred, and plan their revenge, and then find out that it’s gone a little cold.
(spoilers)
Characters:
Cole:
In the first book, Cole is a confident, invincible young cowboy who has no qualms about going for what he wants. After Ned’s betrayal, he becomes a bitter shell, never trusting anyone, bent only on his revenge. In a way, he’s exchanged his need to believe the best in people (mainly Tom, in the first book) to always believing the worst.
He’s been nursing revenge fantasies for seven years, and at long last finds Ned in the mountains, hiding at his old homestead as the Wolfman. Instead of having his fiery vengeance, he finds that his hate has grown a little cold, and doesn’t spark off quite the way he expected. The scene on the gallows - nothing like death to make you face truth - makes him accept that under the hate, he still loves Ned.
Cole still desperately tries to hold onto his hate, but Ned’s condition throws him off again. Ned became an alcoholic, and burned holes in his brain with moonshine. Ned’s also lived alone in the mountains for five years, which is enough to make anyone feral. Once Cole makes it to the homestead, he’s also surrounded by signs that Ned never let go of him, that he really still loves him - the picture, the carved cowboys, and causing himself pain in the hopes of connecting with Cole. He can’t maintain his anger, but he still holds onto his inability to trust or let go of the past, which colors the entire book.
I’d waited the whole first book for Ned to reveal the homestead connection to Cole, so it was interesting to have that finally come out, along with Ned’s reasons for hiding it. Seeing it tarnish Cole’s idealistic memories of Tom was fascinating - it was another piece of his former life that he hadn’t seen, or perhaps didn’t want to see, that was finally out in the open.
I enjoyed all the small details that betrayed Cole’s continuing love for Ned, even as he maintained he didn’t. He uses the name Deadeye with the circus, he keeps mementos, and he never uses the compass that Ned gave him.
Ned:
I’m not sure what I expected Ned to have done for seven years, but becoming the Wolfman was unexpected. It makes sense that he’d go back to his old homestead, like an injured dog to lick his wounds and hide from the world. Unfortunately, the combo of drinking moonshine and isolation resulted in his semi-feral state. Had Cole not come to capture the Wolfman, I wonder how much longer Ned would have held onto the last pieces of his sanity. He still continued to struggle with some things, like ghosts, that isolation induced.
I liked that Ned accepted that he’d always love Cole, and tried so hard to maintain a connection with him over the distance. He put so much effort into trying to win him back over, even as Cole was constantly pushing him away.
Tommy:
Tommy was a surprise when he showed up with Zeb. I liked the question of keeping him for Ned, given that Tommy could easily grow up to hate him for killing his father, and seek revenge of his own. In a way, Tommy did have his own small plot that mirrored Ned’s actions with the Gotham Boys - he started off leaving information for Zeb, but slowly came to regret his actions doing so, and ended with a gunfight. It was a smaller, simpler mirror given he’s seven, but it was still a neat reflection.
Lars:
Lars was an interesting reflection of Cole from the first book. Cole was blind to Tom’s faults, and in some ways the other gang members, in an almost willful way. He doesn’t see or recognize Lars’ bad side until Ned is threatened. Once again, his blinders are removed rather violently, and Lars ends up dead as a result. In the first book, there was a lot of death involved for him to lose his blinders as well.
General thoughts:
I was very curious how their story would resolve with an HEA, given both of them are wanted men. The circus was a surprise, both for being somewhere Cole had spent time during the seven years apart, and as their final destination. It does make sense, especially for the 1880’s, as a perfect way to hide.
Having the circus put down permanent roots after seven more years felt like a nice anchor to end their story. It still felt like their future was open though, and like they were free at last. I liked getting to see how Tommy grew up into a pretty normal kid, which was another slice of freedom in a sense - he isn’t consumed by the need for revenge like Ned or Cole was. It was such a sweet ending without being unicorn vomit. I wanted more Ned and Cole, but I was also perfectly satisfied with how their story concluded. They had such a beautiful romance.
Duology thoughts:
As a set, these books are phenomenal. They perfectly balance each other - the high, innocent emotions of the first with the bitter struggles of the second. The pairing of the POVs, first naive Ned, and the second burned Cole…well, I can’t be coherent all the time.
I love the covers and the titles as well, absolute masterpieces evoking all the feelings I had while reading these books.
These gave me a wicked book hangover and I might reread them immediately (which I’ve only done for Heated Rivalry so that really says something)
This book: amazing
Together: amazing
What am I supposed to do with myself now that I’ve finished
COHERENT REVIEW:
Seven years is a nice long time for someone to simmer hatred, and plan their revenge, and then find out that it’s gone a little cold.
(spoilers)
Characters:
Cole:
In the first book, Cole is a confident, invincible young cowboy who has no qualms about going for what he wants. After Ned’s betrayal, he becomes a bitter shell, never trusting anyone, bent only on his revenge. In a way, he’s exchanged his need to believe the best in people (mainly Tom, in the first book) to always believing the worst.
He’s been nursing revenge fantasies for seven years, and at long last finds Ned in the mountains, hiding at his old homestead as the Wolfman. Instead of having his fiery vengeance, he finds that his hate has grown a little cold, and doesn’t spark off quite the way he expected. The scene on the gallows - nothing like death to make you face truth - makes him accept that under the hate, he still loves Ned.
Cole still desperately tries to hold onto his hate, but Ned’s condition throws him off again. Ned became an alcoholic, and burned holes in his brain with moonshine. Ned’s also lived alone in the mountains for five years, which is enough to make anyone feral. Once Cole makes it to the homestead, he’s also surrounded by signs that Ned never let go of him, that he really still loves him - the picture, the carved cowboys, and causing himself pain in the hopes of connecting with Cole. He can’t maintain his anger, but he still holds onto his inability to trust or let go of the past, which colors the entire book.
I’d waited the whole first book for Ned to reveal the homestead connection to Cole, so it was interesting to have that finally come out, along with Ned’s reasons for hiding it. Seeing it tarnish Cole’s idealistic memories of Tom was fascinating - it was another piece of his former life that he hadn’t seen, or perhaps didn’t want to see, that was finally out in the open.
I enjoyed all the small details that betrayed Cole’s continuing love for Ned, even as he maintained he didn’t. He uses the name Deadeye with the circus, he keeps mementos, and he never uses the compass that Ned gave him.
Ned:
I’m not sure what I expected Ned to have done for seven years, but becoming the Wolfman was unexpected. It makes sense that he’d go back to his old homestead, like an injured dog to lick his wounds and hide from the world. Unfortunately, the combo of drinking moonshine and isolation resulted in his semi-feral state. Had Cole not come to capture the Wolfman, I wonder how much longer Ned would have held onto the last pieces of his sanity. He still continued to struggle with some things, like ghosts, that isolation induced.
I liked that Ned accepted that he’d always love Cole, and tried so hard to maintain a connection with him over the distance. He put so much effort into trying to win him back over, even as Cole was constantly pushing him away.
Tommy:
Tommy was a surprise when he showed up with Zeb. I liked the question of keeping him for Ned, given that Tommy could easily grow up to hate him for killing his father, and seek revenge of his own. In a way, Tommy did have his own small plot that mirrored Ned’s actions with the Gotham Boys - he started off leaving information for Zeb, but slowly came to regret his actions doing so, and ended with a gunfight. It was a smaller, simpler mirror given he’s seven, but it was still a neat reflection.
Lars:
Lars was an interesting reflection of Cole from the first book. Cole was blind to Tom’s faults, and in some ways the other gang members, in an almost willful way. He doesn’t see or recognize Lars’ bad side until Ned is threatened. Once again, his blinders are removed rather violently, and Lars ends up dead as a result. In the first book, there was a lot of death involved for him to lose his blinders as well.
General thoughts:
I was very curious how their story would resolve with an HEA, given both of them are wanted men. The circus was a surprise, both for being somewhere Cole had spent time during the seven years apart, and as their final destination. It does make sense, especially for the 1880’s, as a perfect way to hide.
Having the circus put down permanent roots after seven more years felt like a nice anchor to end their story. It still felt like their future was open though, and like they were free at last. I liked getting to see how Tommy grew up into a pretty normal kid, which was another slice of freedom in a sense - he isn’t consumed by the need for revenge like Ned or Cole was. It was such a sweet ending without being unicorn vomit. I wanted more Ned and Cole, but I was also perfectly satisfied with how their story concluded. They had such a beautiful romance.
Duology thoughts:
As a set, these books are phenomenal. They perfectly balance each other - the high, innocent emotions of the first with the bitter struggles of the second. The pairing of the POVs, first naive Ned, and the second burned Cole…well, I can’t be coherent all the time.
I love the covers and the titles as well, absolute masterpieces evoking all the feelings I had while reading these books.
These gave me a wicked book hangover and I might reread them immediately (which I’ve only done for Heated Rivalry so that really says something)
February 13, 2021
Genre: M/M Western Romance
Type: Book 2 of 2 from Dig Two Graves duology
POV: Third Person
Rating:
After years of being on the run, Cole Flores’ hatred for Ned O’Leary still burned like a fiery passion. When fate brought them together again, neither man was the person they used to be. As the line between hate and love blurred, they have to rediscover themselves to move on.
This book had a different vibe compared to its predecessor. While book 1 was more of a self-discovery adventure, this one was more heavy and angsty.
My heart ached seeing how their love for each other became the very reason they destroyed themselves. Each man had his own way of coping with the separation with longing and hope that became a poison as the days went by.
I enjoyed the overall storyline especially meeting the group of people from one of the character’s past. I also loved the new characters especially Lars. He brought the comic relief, perfectly timed to break the tension.
The Man Who Hated Ned O’Leary is the conclusion of Dig Two Graves duology. It would appeal to readers who enjoy M/M Romance with action and angst.
Books in the series:
🐎💰🐎 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🐎💰🐎
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
Type: Book 2 of 2 from Dig Two Graves duology
POV: Third Person
Rating:
After years of being on the run, Cole Flores’ hatred for Ned O’Leary still burned like a fiery passion. When fate brought them together again, neither man was the person they used to be. As the line between hate and love blurred, they have to rediscover themselves to move on.
This book had a different vibe compared to its predecessor. While book 1 was more of a self-discovery adventure, this one was more heavy and angsty.
My heart ached seeing how their love for each other became the very reason they destroyed themselves. Each man had his own way of coping with the separation with longing and hope that became a poison as the days went by.
How could one man be the person he loved and the person he hated all in one body?
I enjoyed the overall storyline especially meeting the group of people from one of the character’s past. I also loved the new characters especially Lars. He brought the comic relief, perfectly timed to break the tension.
The Man Who Hated Ned O’Leary is the conclusion of Dig Two Graves duology. It would appeal to readers who enjoy M/M Romance with action and angst.
Books in the series:
🐎💰🐎 . . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🐎💰🐎
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
February 21, 2021
When it comes to sequels, there's only one requirement that I have.
And on that, KA Merikan delivered. I mean, they always do, so it's not like that part was a surprise.
But, looky here. Apparently it wasn't good enough that the end of The Man Who Loved Cole Flores had me f*cked up. Which means I'm starting The Man Who Hated Ned O'Leary excited....but, not ok.
No, these authors see that petty display and think "MORE TEARS! You can do better, peasant". And to ensure this happens, they shove you off the cliff straight from the start with book 2.
Now Ned isn't there immediately, as this one is told from Cole's pov and they've not quite been on terms for some time. But, they're going to come toe to toe about everything that went down in the previous book. They have to because that was a LOT of shit to explode in the most unfortunate, yet spectacular fashion! And also, because they're Neddie and Coley-pie.
Well...maybe not so because Cole is PISSED. That kind of pissed that burrows deep inside and festers, living like an invisible parasite slowly killing you. We all know how parasitic infections end, yeah?
Noooo, I'm not saying that Cole is going to die!
Or, am I....
No, no, I kid!
.......
Ok, but seriously back to telling you about this book without spoiling the book by telling you about the book.
These two have a lot of baggage - good, bad, and ugly. And that ugly is HEAVY. So, even though we want them together, they have a tremendous amount of work to do to make that happen - IF they even want it. You have to keep in mind that while we knew everything going on in Ned's mind and his motivations as we were reading from his pov, Cole knew nothing. He wasn't privy to any information about Ned's past, his meeting with the Craigs, his motivation for the pursuit of the Gotham Boys, etc. Yes, Ned had plenty of opportunities to tell Cole throughout their tumultuous romance, but how was he to know how Cole would react considering the bond he shared with the very man Ned wanted dead? Fear is a hell of a motivator to keep your mouth shut. But, that doesn't win you any favors with a person that's ripped their chest wide open for you and shown it to the world.
Oh, Ned....
The old saying "There's a thin line between love and hate" holds true throughout this book, and not just for Cole, imo. We already know Ned f*cked up, so it's to be expected that we might get a lot of Cole reacting like this:
And Ned may have picked up some....habits....which don't help matters.
But, mistakes rarely stay one-sided and Cole's words and actions garner reason for Ned's resentment, as well.
What we end up with is a rollercoaster ride of emotion for both MCs, and surprises around every corner that add even more emotion to the pot. We have two men that are still wanted by the law that can't decide if they hate one another so much that they no longer love each other, or love one another so much that they no longer hate each other.
You'll be pissed at Cole.
You'll be pissed at Ned.
You'll be pissed at side characters.
You'll be pissed at the law.
Yet, your heart will melt, your eyes will get misty, you'll sniffle, you'll smile, you'll laugh....and then you'll shut off your kindle with a dreamy sigh and say "Damn....that was SO worth it. 🥰 "
Ned and Cole will have to bleed, crawl, and scrape by if they want to make it to a happy ending. And boy do they do all of that! It may not be the story we expected, but it's the story we didn't know they needed.
Well done, ladies. Well 👏 f*cking 👏 done.
And now...
And on that, KA Merikan delivered. I mean, they always do, so it's not like that part was a surprise.
But, looky here. Apparently it wasn't good enough that the end of The Man Who Loved Cole Flores had me f*cked up. Which means I'm starting The Man Who Hated Ned O'Leary excited....but, not ok.
No, these authors see that petty display and think "MORE TEARS! You can do better, peasant". And to ensure this happens, they shove you off the cliff straight from the start with book 2.
Now Ned isn't there immediately, as this one is told from Cole's pov and they've not quite been on terms for some time. But, they're going to come toe to toe about everything that went down in the previous book. They have to because that was a LOT of shit to explode in the most unfortunate, yet spectacular fashion! And also, because they're Neddie and Coley-pie.
Well...maybe not so because Cole is PISSED. That kind of pissed that burrows deep inside and festers, living like an invisible parasite slowly killing you. We all know how parasitic infections end, yeah?
Noooo, I'm not saying that Cole is going to die!
Or, am I....
No, no, I kid!
.......
Ok, but seriously back to telling you about this book without spoiling the book by telling you about the book.
These two have a lot of baggage - good, bad, and ugly. And that ugly is HEAVY. So, even though we want them together, they have a tremendous amount of work to do to make that happen - IF they even want it. You have to keep in mind that while we knew everything going on in Ned's mind and his motivations as we were reading from his pov, Cole knew nothing. He wasn't privy to any information about Ned's past, his meeting with the Craigs, his motivation for the pursuit of the Gotham Boys, etc. Yes, Ned had plenty of opportunities to tell Cole throughout their tumultuous romance, but how was he to know how Cole would react considering the bond he shared with the very man Ned wanted dead? Fear is a hell of a motivator to keep your mouth shut. But, that doesn't win you any favors with a person that's ripped their chest wide open for you and shown it to the world.
Oh, Ned....
The old saying "There's a thin line between love and hate" holds true throughout this book, and not just for Cole, imo. We already know Ned f*cked up, so it's to be expected that we might get a lot of Cole reacting like this:
And Ned may have picked up some....habits....which don't help matters.
But, mistakes rarely stay one-sided and Cole's words and actions garner reason for Ned's resentment, as well.
What we end up with is a rollercoaster ride of emotion for both MCs, and surprises around every corner that add even more emotion to the pot. We have two men that are still wanted by the law that can't decide if they hate one another so much that they no longer love each other, or love one another so much that they no longer hate each other.
You'll be pissed at Cole.
You'll be pissed at Ned.
You'll be pissed at side characters.
You'll be pissed at the law.
Yet, your heart will melt, your eyes will get misty, you'll sniffle, you'll smile, you'll laugh....and then you'll shut off your kindle with a dreamy sigh and say "Damn....that was SO worth it. 🥰 "
Ned and Cole will have to bleed, crawl, and scrape by if they want to make it to a happy ending. And boy do they do all of that! It may not be the story we expected, but it's the story we didn't know they needed.
Well done, ladies. Well 👏 f*cking 👏 done.
And now...
March 5, 2021
Seven years is a long time to hate someone you love, but hate is what kept Cole Flores going. The idea that he would finally have his revenge on the one person who betrayed him. Ned O'Leary.
The Man Who Hated Ned O'Leary takes place 7 years after the end of The Man Who Loved Cole Flores and it was not what I expected at all. That's not a bad thing, mind you. I like being surprised by a story and following where it goes. KA Merikan are impressive storytellers and if there is an opportunity for angst, they make sure you feel it.
Neither Cole, nor Ned are the relatively innocent young men they once were. The circumstances that led to them being separated wore on them both in very different ways. So much guilt and pain made their reunion more than a small challenge. It takes them ages, but they do eventually find their way and get a glorious HEA.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Man Who Hated Ned O'Leary, but not as much as I did The Man Who Loved Cole Flores. I can't really pinpoint why, though.
Second chances - check
Damaged men - check
Hot sex - check
Relationship angst - check check check
Bullheaded MCs - definitely check
HEA - hallelujah check!
And like book one, I finished the book with a question, but unlike book 1, this question seems to be a fairly major plot hole, unless I missed something... Actually, that might be why I didn't enjoy this one as much. This question bugged the hell out of me for half the book, which I found a touch distracting.
All told, I think I'd rate The Man Who Hated Ned O'Leary at four stars. Definitely worth the read.
The Man Who Hated Ned O'Leary takes place 7 years after the end of The Man Who Loved Cole Flores and it was not what I expected at all. That's not a bad thing, mind you. I like being surprised by a story and following where it goes. KA Merikan are impressive storytellers and if there is an opportunity for angst, they make sure you feel it.
Neither Cole, nor Ned are the relatively innocent young men they once were. The circumstances that led to them being separated wore on them both in very different ways. So much guilt and pain made their reunion more than a small challenge. It takes them ages, but they do eventually find their way and get a glorious HEA.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Man Who Hated Ned O'Leary, but not as much as I did The Man Who Loved Cole Flores. I can't really pinpoint why, though.
Second chances - check
Damaged men - check
Hot sex - check
Relationship angst - check check check
Bullheaded MCs - definitely check
HEA - hallelujah check!
And like book one, I finished the book with a question, but unlike book 1, this question seems to be a fairly major plot hole, unless I missed something... Actually, that might be why I didn't enjoy this one as much. This question bugged the hell out of me for half the book, which I found a touch distracting.
All told, I think I'd rate The Man Who Hated Ned O'Leary at four stars. Definitely worth the read.
July 7, 2021
Holy shit… 😳 This book was freaking amazing! The perfect blend of sweet and angsty; romantic and heartbreaking. I simply couldn’t put it down. It shredded me emotionally — I cried like a baby, but it hurt so good! — and then made everything better.
I couldn’t have imagined a more fitting conclusion to Cole and Ned’s epic love story.
I couldn’t have imagined a more fitting conclusion to Cole and Ned’s epic love story.
March 24, 2023
I'll review both this one and the whole duo in this review.
First, I like this cover a lot more, cuz I lOVE Neddie!!! 😍😍😍😍😍
Second, I don't like Cole's POV as much as Ned's from the first book. I like Cole a lot less than Ned. Cole is your typical emotional, selfish, good-looking playboy who happens to see the love of his life, Ned, and went after him. Cole lured Ned, seduced him, bagged him in the first book. Ned's POV and growth throughout the 2 books is realistic and heart-aching.
Here's a man who didn't even know he liked other men. He was a big hunky virgin and maybe a little demi-sexual. He ONLY ever loved Cole. Only ever gave himself to Cole. Hasn't even touched or kissed anyone else in a sexual manner before or after Cole, despite the 7 years that they'd been apart since book 1.
In every way, Ned protected and fought for Cole, except to trust him with the truth of why he was with the outlaws. That's IT! And yeah, he also killed Tom, Cole's sort of adoptive father. That's IT!
Since book 1, Ned suffered so much. He was a lone with just Nugget and "Dog." Fighting off wolves in the wilderness. Getting hurt and scarred every which way, took a bullet for Cole to help him get away. KILLED innocent people for Cole! He's a man with conscience and became an alcoholic because he couldn't live with what he'd done. He SUFFERED!!
Meanwhile, Cole healed up right quick. All he suffered was getting caught stealing and getting branded on his forehead, whopdeedo! He shagged his way through the United States, and tho he closed his heart to other people, he sure didn't close his body. I HATE MANWHORES! Hate them with a passion.
But that aside, what I couldn't stand about Cole was how badly he treated Ned when he found him again. Yes, he also nursed Ned, a man he decided to hate for "betraying him" (never mind Ned saved his life who knows how many times), but he was also really bad to Ned. Both physical and even worse, emotional abuse. He said so many hurtful things. Even after they made love again, over and over he says hurtful things.
But Ned always knew the truth and was patient for Cole. I felt like Cole should have groveled more. I felt like he never truly deserved Ned. After Ned told him about his reasons for killing Tom, Cole should have forgiven him then.
It took a couple in love saying a few words to Cole to get him to see the light in the end, REALLY??? He couldn't have realized his feelings by himself??
Ned changed a lot throughout the 2 books. He was an innocent, good man (and he's still a more or less good man in a chaotic world), but no longer innocent. He's scarred in his body, in his soul, in his mind. But he's strong enough to still love Cole and forgive and be true. He has his own demons that he fights bravely.
What about Cole? I don't think he ever grew in the 2 books. Selfish playboy who isn't stupid enough to let Ned go in the end. That's about it.
So 4 stars for the 2 books - was quite interesting. Kept me engaged.
5 stars for Neddie 😍😍😍😍😍😍
3 stars for Cole.
First, I like this cover a lot more, cuz I lOVE Neddie!!! 😍😍😍😍😍
Second, I don't like Cole's POV as much as Ned's from the first book. I like Cole a lot less than Ned. Cole is your typical emotional, selfish, good-looking playboy who happens to see the love of his life, Ned, and went after him. Cole lured Ned, seduced him, bagged him in the first book. Ned's POV and growth throughout the 2 books is realistic and heart-aching.
Here's a man who didn't even know he liked other men. He was a big hunky virgin and maybe a little demi-sexual. He ONLY ever loved Cole. Only ever gave himself to Cole. Hasn't even touched or kissed anyone else in a sexual manner before or after Cole, despite the 7 years that they'd been apart since book 1.
In every way, Ned protected and fought for Cole, except to trust him with the truth of why he was with the outlaws. That's IT! And yeah, he also killed Tom, Cole's sort of adoptive father. That's IT!
Since book 1, Ned suffered so much. He was a lone with just Nugget and "Dog." Fighting off wolves in the wilderness. Getting hurt and scarred every which way, took a bullet for Cole to help him get away. KILLED innocent people for Cole! He's a man with conscience and became an alcoholic because he couldn't live with what he'd done. He SUFFERED!!
Meanwhile, Cole healed up right quick. All he suffered was getting caught stealing and getting branded on his forehead, whopdeedo! He shagged his way through the United States, and tho he closed his heart to other people, he sure didn't close his body. I HATE MANWHORES! Hate them with a passion.
But that aside, what I couldn't stand about Cole was how badly he treated Ned when he found him again. Yes, he also nursed Ned, a man he decided to hate for "betraying him" (never mind Ned saved his life who knows how many times), but he was also really bad to Ned. Both physical and even worse, emotional abuse. He said so many hurtful things. Even after they made love again, over and over he says hurtful things.
But Ned always knew the truth and was patient for Cole. I felt like Cole should have groveled more. I felt like he never truly deserved Ned. After Ned told him about his reasons for killing Tom, Cole should have forgiven him then.
It took a couple in love saying a few words to Cole to get him to see the light in the end, REALLY??? He couldn't have realized his feelings by himself??
Ned changed a lot throughout the 2 books. He was an innocent, good man (and he's still a more or less good man in a chaotic world), but no longer innocent. He's scarred in his body, in his soul, in his mind. But he's strong enough to still love Cole and forgive and be true. He has his own demons that he fights bravely.
What about Cole? I don't think he ever grew in the 2 books. Selfish playboy who isn't stupid enough to let Ned go in the end. That's about it.
So 4 stars for the 2 books - was quite interesting. Kept me engaged.
5 stars for Neddie 😍😍😍😍😍😍
3 stars for Cole.
February 20, 2021
Part two of a duet, and we're back in the gritty world of Ned O'Leary and Cole Flores. I gulped it down in hours, when I should have savoured it like a mature whiskey. This series dragged me through the mud then kicked me out on my ass, leaving me with an almighty hangover.
It's been 7 years since Ned betrayed Cole, a lot has changed in that time, including the two men. Or have they? Cole thinks only of revenge, and when by chance he discovers Ned, things quickly go off the rails. Ned's spent the last 7 years clinging to sanity, and he's nothing like Cole remembers. The sparks still fly between them, but they had a shit-ton of baggage to wade through, and none of it's gonna be easy. Cole thinks he wants to kill him, but also kinda wants to take care of the ragged mess that is Ned, and then there's the mind-blowing sex... which adds to their whole heap of issues.
I gotta admit, I still don't feel like I really know Cole. Even though I just spent a whole book in his head. And seeing as I kinda fell for Ned first, I was always gonna be on Ned's side. I missed Ned in this book. Missed his himbo ways, his second-guessing, but also his fierce protectiveness and his wobbly morals. We see through Cole's eyes, and Cole's so damn wrapped up in himself, he's blind to Ned's suffering for 70% of the book.
It's a very different read to Book 1. Much more character focused, and a slower pace. But given how broken these two men are, it had to be.
I still loved it, even if I wanted to slap Cole a hundred times around the head. The world, and these characters will stick with me for a long time.
It's been 7 years since Ned betrayed Cole, a lot has changed in that time, including the two men. Or have they? Cole thinks only of revenge, and when by chance he discovers Ned, things quickly go off the rails. Ned's spent the last 7 years clinging to sanity, and he's nothing like Cole remembers. The sparks still fly between them, but they had a shit-ton of baggage to wade through, and none of it's gonna be easy. Cole thinks he wants to kill him, but also kinda wants to take care of the ragged mess that is Ned, and then there's the mind-blowing sex... which adds to their whole heap of issues.
I gotta admit, I still don't feel like I really know Cole. Even though I just spent a whole book in his head. And seeing as I kinda fell for Ned first, I was always gonna be on Ned's side. I missed Ned in this book. Missed his himbo ways, his second-guessing, but also his fierce protectiveness and his wobbly morals. We see through Cole's eyes, and Cole's so damn wrapped up in himself, he's blind to Ned's suffering for 70% of the book.
It's a very different read to Book 1. Much more character focused, and a slower pace. But given how broken these two men are, it had to be.
I still loved it, even if I wanted to slap Cole a hundred times around the head. The world, and these characters will stick with me for a long time.
Read
February 8, 2021
My advice? Don't read the blurb, just jump in! :>
December 16, 2021
This duology was made to be a set of Quentin Tarantino films!! Would love to see that happen.
February 20, 2021
E-book reviewed on February 12, 2021
An Epic , Heartfelt Saga of Love , Revenge and Redemption
Book 2 , in the Dig Two Graves Duet , has all the feels ! Cole and Ned go through the wringer and put me through it as well ... So much angst, longing , misunderstandings , desire , despair , hate , hope, love , anger , pain , joy .
"You can’t miss the ocean if you’ve never seen it.”“But you can long for it just because you know it exists,”
The Man Who Hated Ned O'Leary left me exhilarated, frisky, happy and satisfied. But , also , raw and very emotional.
The heroes come across real and engaging. Their tale is written in such a way , one seem to be there - witnessing, experiencing - their joys , trials, tribulations. I emphasize with what they went through to be together, so much , that at times it overwhelmed me. So, yep... They made me cry ...tears of sorrow and of happiness.
Neddie and Cole will stay in my consciousness and heart for a long time. And their two book epic love story is now in my top 10 books for 2021.
So , yes ! I highly recommend this entertaining , smoking hot , thrilling , non-stop action adventure , romance saga of love , revenge and redemption.
“Every time it hurts, I imagine it hurts you at the same time. Like an invisible connection we share. Sometimes…I squeeze it, hoping you’d feel me.” Cole stilled, staring back into the tired gaze that still held so much hope, despite the constant discomfort and threats. “Mine healed a long time ago. See? ”he asked and moved the left arm, trying to dull the pain in the middle of his chest. Maybe there was a method to Ned’s madness, even if the ache Cole experienced was located somewhere else in his body. Ned’s face fell. “Oh. I guess it’s just mine that never did."
An Epic , Heartfelt Saga of Love , Revenge and Redemption
Book 2 , in the Dig Two Graves Duet , has all the feels ! Cole and Ned go through the wringer and put me through it as well ... So much angst, longing , misunderstandings , desire , despair , hate , hope, love , anger , pain , joy .
"You can’t miss the ocean if you’ve never seen it.”“But you can long for it just because you know it exists,”
The Man Who Hated Ned O'Leary left me exhilarated, frisky, happy and satisfied. But , also , raw and very emotional.
The heroes come across real and engaging. Their tale is written in such a way , one seem to be there - witnessing, experiencing - their joys , trials, tribulations. I emphasize with what they went through to be together, so much , that at times it overwhelmed me. So, yep... They made me cry ...tears of sorrow and of happiness.
Neddie and Cole will stay in my consciousness and heart for a long time. And their two book epic love story is now in my top 10 books for 2021.
So , yes ! I highly recommend this entertaining , smoking hot , thrilling , non-stop action adventure , romance saga of love , revenge and redemption.
“Every time it hurts, I imagine it hurts you at the same time. Like an invisible connection we share. Sometimes…I squeeze it, hoping you’d feel me.” Cole stilled, staring back into the tired gaze that still held so much hope, despite the constant discomfort and threats. “Mine healed a long time ago. See? ”he asked and moved the left arm, trying to dull the pain in the middle of his chest. Maybe there was a method to Ned’s madness, even if the ache Cole experienced was located somewhere else in his body. Ned’s face fell. “Oh. I guess it’s just mine that never did."
September 12, 2023
I have several favourites from this author but this duology is probably The One. Have read it so many times but it still gets to me. In the best ways. Lovers to enemies to lovers again 🖤
February 6, 2022
What an amazing duology. Probably among the best historical romances I have ever read. This one kinda dragged towards the end but I was just so invested in the setting and characters that I could not possibly rate it lower than five stars.
March 28, 2022
This book got off to a more interesting start than the first, since there was a lot of drama and relationship issues to deal with from the get-go. It was also more introspective and in some ways more character-focused than the first book, which in some parts engaged me more and in some parts felt like treading water as Ned and Cole took one step forward just to take another step back. But it was easier to deal with the parts that dragged in this book than the first, since I was more attached to the characters.
I liked how the book dealt with themes of trust, revenge and betrayal, and it takes a lot of work to make a second-chance romance work with enough bad blood between the characters for one to want to kill the other but still resolve it with a believable and satisfying HEA, which I felt that Merikan succeeded in doing. I liked seeing Cole's conflicted emotions and how he wanted to take care of Ned despite his hatred for him, and there were a lot of both sweet and bittersweet moments in this book. I was glad to see them get their happy ending, but I admittedly had hoped for an ending with more freedom. Partly because that was what they had been dreaming about in the first book, and partly because it felt like they had more freedom in the cabin (despite the relationship stuff they had yet to work through) than where they ended up. But overall this was a nice duology with a long but satisfying emotional journey.
I liked how the book dealt with themes of trust, revenge and betrayal, and it takes a lot of work to make a second-chance romance work with enough bad blood between the characters for one to want to kill the other but still resolve it with a believable and satisfying HEA, which I felt that Merikan succeeded in doing. I liked seeing Cole's conflicted emotions and how he wanted to take care of Ned despite his hatred for him, and there were a lot of both sweet and bittersweet moments in this book. I was glad to see them get their happy ending, but I admittedly had hoped for an ending with more freedom. Partly because that was what they had been dreaming about in the first book, and partly because it felt like they had more freedom in the cabin (despite the relationship stuff they had yet to work through) than where they ended up. But overall this was a nice duology with a long but satisfying emotional journey.
July 24, 2022
Despite some slow parts in the middle, this was an emotional finale to Ned and Cole's story. There is a lot of back and forth with Cole's feelings as he fights his desire to see Ned as the "old Ned" he loved before he was betrayed. Ned has not fared too well in the intervening seven years and it was painful to see. Cole fights his feelings all the way through and I did find some parts of his internal monologue repetitive. Like the first story, there is action, violence, and quite a bit of relationship angst. It's not easy, but the two men do finally get their HEA.
January 17, 2023
Emotionally destroyed at the moment. Might come back for a coherent review, who knows.
Book 2 = Coles's POV, protect Ned at all costs.
The second epilogue was perfection.
Book 2 = Coles's POV, protect Ned at all costs.
The second epilogue was perfection.
August 10, 2024
3.74⭐ again, even though this installment is far better than the first one, it pulls you in and delivers some angst, but I still had trouble staying with the book in one go, the story's too drawn out and in the end it gives the MMCs only 10% of the resolve, ending and happy ever after.
🟣 Cole's POV
🟢 Timeline : 7 years after the break-up
🔵 Medium angst
🟡 Ned is very endearing, Cole's an asshole, their relationship really is good though and is worth saving
🌶️ Good smut, descriptive; both vers
This installment starts with Cole being out for revenge, since Ned completely turned Cole's life around in the previous book and now Cole's angry, betrayed and wants Ned dead.
"Ned O’Leary would not hang. He would slowly bleed out through the many punctures Cole made in his flesh. He would perish knowing the full extent of Cole’s hate for him and go to hell fearing the moment his scorned lover joined him there."
Kind of weird once you think about it, because Ned did what he did to protect Cole and his only objective was to run away with him and be together, but for the most part of the story Cole had this irrational hate towards Ned and treated him like crap once he found him.
Cole had a lot of trouble dealing with his own emotions and feelings towards Ned and I for one was not down for it. He was such an asshole and it really made me feel so bad for Ned. Ned, the gentle giant who's out there completely alone in his former family home, has a dog, is a drunk and despite it all, still loves Cole and hasn't been with anyone else.
Ned did what he did to avenge his family and it's not like he did a bad thing - the rest was all about protecting Cole and I hated the fact that Cole was oblivious to it until the very end.
This guy was still thinking about dropping Ned and leaving everything behind despite everything they've been through. That turnaround of Cole's feelings at 80-90% was too swift and they had much more to talk about than they eventually did.
"If the law allowed him to put a ring on Ned’s finger, he’d do so in a heartbeat, but this would be enough. This trust. This touch. The way they understood one another so perfectly. Nobody had the power to take this away from them."
Did I like the end result? I'm not sure.
Ned and Cole's love story certainly is good and worth reading about, they're two memorable characters that have a wonderful relationship, they go through so many hurdles to be together and the era they're living in, but
They were part of the circus that saved them from the gallows for years until they could finally settle down and I thought it was almost a decade wasted. Fine, they were in a group that protected them, but they were broke most of the time and had a lifelong debt to pay. I thought they'd be much better somewhere in the wilderness all by themselves.
I absolutely wanted a different outcome and more intimate, alone time on-page at the end. California. I wanted California for them. A new place, a new start away from it all. The ocean is what they've both always wanted.
The ending of those epilogues was dumb, pretty much. "Let's fuck." Wow, poetic. Especially for an 18th century love story. 🤨
The duet is good, but doesn't reach 4⭐ for me. It took about 2 weeks for me to get through it, I think the books should've been shorter and more fast paced, have a little more angst and had the main characters live out their lives somewhere private in the end, I don't think they're the kind of men who thrive in a group, chained down for life literally, I liked them more in that lonesome cabin in the woods.
🟣 Cole's POV
🟢 Timeline : 7 years after the break-up
🔵 Medium angst
🟡 Ned is very endearing, Cole's an asshole, their relationship really is good though and is worth saving
🌶️ Good smut, descriptive; both vers
This installment starts with Cole being out for revenge, since Ned completely turned Cole's life around in the previous book and now Cole's angry, betrayed and wants Ned dead.
"Ned O’Leary would not hang. He would slowly bleed out through the many punctures Cole made in his flesh. He would perish knowing the full extent of Cole’s hate for him and go to hell fearing the moment his scorned lover joined him there."
Kind of weird once you think about it, because Ned did what he did to protect Cole and his only objective was to run away with him and be together, but for the most part of the story Cole had this irrational hate towards Ned and treated him like crap once he found him.
Cole had a lot of trouble dealing with his own emotions and feelings towards Ned and I for one was not down for it. He was such an asshole and it really made me feel so bad for Ned. Ned, the gentle giant who's out there completely alone in his former family home, has a dog, is a drunk and despite it all, still loves Cole and hasn't been with anyone else.
Ned did what he did to avenge his family and it's not like he did a bad thing - the rest was all about protecting Cole and I hated the fact that Cole was oblivious to it until the very end.
This guy was still thinking about dropping Ned and leaving everything behind despite everything they've been through. That turnaround of Cole's feelings at 80-90% was too swift and they had much more to talk about than they eventually did.
"If the law allowed him to put a ring on Ned’s finger, he’d do so in a heartbeat, but this would be enough. This trust. This touch. The way they understood one another so perfectly. Nobody had the power to take this away from them."
Did I like the end result? I'm not sure.
Ned and Cole's love story certainly is good and worth reading about, they're two memorable characters that have a wonderful relationship, they go through so many hurdles to be together and the era they're living in, but
They were part of the circus that saved them from the gallows for years until they could finally settle down and I thought it was almost a decade wasted. Fine, they were in a group that protected them, but they were broke most of the time and had a lifelong debt to pay. I thought they'd be much better somewhere in the wilderness all by themselves.
I absolutely wanted a different outcome and more intimate, alone time on-page at the end. California. I wanted California for them. A new place, a new start away from it all. The ocean is what they've both always wanted.
The ending of those epilogues was dumb, pretty much. "Let's fuck." Wow, poetic. Especially for an 18th century love story. 🤨
The duet is good, but doesn't reach 4⭐ for me. It took about 2 weeks for me to get through it, I think the books should've been shorter and more fast paced, have a little more angst and had the main characters live out their lives somewhere private in the end, I don't think they're the kind of men who thrive in a group, chained down for life literally, I liked them more in that lonesome cabin in the woods.
February 17, 2021
4.5 ★
With the ending of book one, the lives of Cole Flores and Ned O’Leary irrevocably changed due to certain choices. Left to their own devices, Cole and Ned survive separately but fate has its own plan for this duo. Fueled by Ned’s betrayal, Cole is determined to seek his vengeance against the one man that burrowed into his heart.
Due to the impenetrable connection Cole and Ned share, even when they aren’t together, they are still linked on a physical and emotional level. Once reunited, the impact of how each were living their lives is remarkably portrayed. Though Cole is taken aback by his former lover’s condition, his instinct is to still protect him. As they navigate a tense reunion, it is a journey only they could take that is full of anger and resentment but also deep love.
In starting this book, I really didn’t have any premonition of how this storyline was going to evolve, but the direction was completely satisfying. What transpires is full of emotion as the plot delves into the vulnerabilities of Cole and Ned. I liked is that there wasn’t an easy option for these two, and while this added to some angst, it was the right progression. Additionally, the adventures and secondary characters enriched the story. Ultimately, Cole and Ned are such a memorable couple and the angry sex is hot too!
The Man Who Hated Ned O’Leary is a M/M romance with a full range of emotion and heart. This book would appeal to those looking for a love story that hurts before it heals.
Dig Two Graves duet:
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
With the ending of book one, the lives of Cole Flores and Ned O’Leary irrevocably changed due to certain choices. Left to their own devices, Cole and Ned survive separately but fate has its own plan for this duo. Fueled by Ned’s betrayal, Cole is determined to seek his vengeance against the one man that burrowed into his heart.
“I have no life. I only exist to come after you. To punish you for what you’ve done. You destroyed me, Ned O’Leary.”
Due to the impenetrable connection Cole and Ned share, even when they aren’t together, they are still linked on a physical and emotional level. Once reunited, the impact of how each were living their lives is remarkably portrayed. Though Cole is taken aback by his former lover’s condition, his instinct is to still protect him. As they navigate a tense reunion, it is a journey only they could take that is full of anger and resentment but also deep love.
“Every time it hurts, I imagine it hurts you at the same time. Like an invisible connection we share. Sometimes…I squeeze it, hoping you’d feel me.”
In starting this book, I really didn’t have any premonition of how this storyline was going to evolve, but the direction was completely satisfying. What transpires is full of emotion as the plot delves into the vulnerabilities of Cole and Ned. I liked is that there wasn’t an easy option for these two, and while this added to some angst, it was the right progression. Additionally, the adventures and secondary characters enriched the story. Ultimately, Cole and Ned are such a memorable couple and the angry sex is hot too!
The Man Who Hated Ned O’Leary is a M/M romance with a full range of emotion and heart. This book would appeal to those looking for a love story that hurts before it heals.
Dig Two Graves duet:
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
July 6, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I love Cole & Ned as a couple. Their love story is epic, no question. 🥰 🔥
But this story could have been told in one book. Some parts dragged on too much for my taste. Maybe this is the usual writing style by KA Merikan? Idk.🤷♀️
Also, Cole pissed me off in book two. He was so stubborn.
I love Cole & Ned as a couple. Their love story is epic, no question. 🥰 🔥
But this story could have been told in one book. Some parts dragged on too much for my taste. Maybe this is the usual writing style by KA Merikan? Idk.🤷♀️
Also, Cole pissed me off in book two. He was so stubborn.
September 15, 2022
5 stars and onto the Favorites shelf with this epic duology
First off I just want to acknowledge the gorgeous man on the cover - wow!🔥
This story is told from Cole’s POV 7 years after Ned’s betrayal. He has been plotting his revenge but when they cross paths again he just can’t follow through with it.
This was an angsty read - which I LOVED. Cole was badly burned by Ned and hasn’t been able to trust anyone since. He makes Ned work for his forgiveness for almost the whole book.
But while his head couldn’t trust Ned, his body couldn’t resist him. He cared for Ned but kept making excuses for what he was doing.
The circus was an interesting addition to the story and I liked how Ned & Cole came full circle from the first book and found a new family that was good for them, unlike the Gotham Boys.
I really liked Tom’s character too and how raising him was kind of Ned’s atonement and the end of the cycle of revenge.
The ending was adventurous and action packed and again had me on the edge of my seat. The story came to a satisfying conclusion in the epilogues with Ned & Cole getting their hard earned HEA and settling down in a stable home.
First off I just want to acknowledge the gorgeous man on the cover - wow!🔥
This story is told from Cole’s POV 7 years after Ned’s betrayal. He has been plotting his revenge but when they cross paths again he just can’t follow through with it.
This was an angsty read - which I LOVED. Cole was badly burned by Ned and hasn’t been able to trust anyone since. He makes Ned work for his forgiveness for almost the whole book.
But while his head couldn’t trust Ned, his body couldn’t resist him. He cared for Ned but kept making excuses for what he was doing.
The circus was an interesting addition to the story and I liked how Ned & Cole came full circle from the first book and found a new family that was good for them, unlike the Gotham Boys.
I really liked Tom’s character too and how raising him was kind of Ned’s atonement and the end of the cycle of revenge.
The ending was adventurous and action packed and again had me on the edge of my seat. The story came to a satisfying conclusion in the epilogues with Ned & Cole getting their hard earned HEA and settling down in a stable home.
January 16, 2023
Truly epic. Lovers to enemies to lovers to life partners. They almost don't make it, a number of times. What a thrilling roller coaster ride THAT was. Whipping me around left and right. Made my head spin and kept me edgy, wanting Cole to get his head out of his ass and stop hurting Ned! WTF. What do you think this is? Real life? Damn you sons a bitches you better not die!!!
If it turned into a Brokeback Mountain scenario I was ready to pitch my tablet into the ocean. Damn close. I wept for Ennis Del Mar and would do it again but it would not have made me happy.
The conclusion is phenomenal. The Epilogues for Cole and Ned, even more.
Happy? Oh yeah. Content. I can't get them out of my head. It's a good feeling.
Stars upon stars.
If it turned into a Brokeback Mountain scenario I was ready to pitch my tablet into the ocean. Damn close. I wept for Ennis Del Mar and would do it again but it would not have made me happy.
The conclusion is phenomenal. The Epilogues for Cole and Ned, even more.
Happy? Oh yeah. Content. I can't get them out of my head. It's a good feeling.
Stars upon stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2022
I have finished the Dig Two Graves duology and I am amazed, blown away, exhausted, blissful, content, in other words, this was book heaven.
Was it a perfect book? No. There were some questionable plot choices and predictable twists.
Did I enjoy the book from page 1? No, parts of it felt like joining Cole in limbo and it frustrated me a lot and then some more.
Was it as good as “The Man Who Loved Cole Flores”? At this point I think nothing is as good as Cole Flores and this duology has set such a high standard for my future reading experience expectations, I don’t know how I will go on.
We join our heroes (?) after 7 (!) years of separation and both our boys are seriously affected by the Three Stones aftermath. If compared to book 1, here we have a more introspective plot and a marvelous character exploration, analysis and growth synthesis. The book felt like adding a puzzle together, or more precisely, building of the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, where you think “this is it, what more is to come?” and it just keeps on evolving and getting more magnificent as time passes by. The plot didn’t flow as smoothly (if compared to book 1), but the character work… Can I just applaud how everything made sense in the end, and felt true and consistent to the boys we got to know in book 1? I awarded KA Merikan with 5 badges throughout this book:
The first two badges (called Sex Scene Excellency) are for two different sex scenes.
The third badge is called “Emotional Damage” for .
The fourth badge is called “Epic Romance Badge” and this is well earned (I’m still clapping and swooning).
The fifth and final badge is for “Side Character Excellency”. How can one pack such unique spirit and character in just a few sentences, I will always be amazed.
I really hope Merikan will writte a book about
Was it a perfect book? No. There were some questionable plot choices and predictable twists.
Did I enjoy the book from page 1? No, parts of it felt like joining Cole in limbo and it frustrated me a lot and then some more.
Was it as good as “The Man Who Loved Cole Flores”? At this point I think nothing is as good as Cole Flores and this duology has set such a high standard for my future reading experience expectations, I don’t know how I will go on.
We join our heroes (?) after 7 (!) years of separation and both our boys are seriously affected by the Three Stones aftermath. If compared to book 1, here we have a more introspective plot and a marvelous character exploration, analysis and growth synthesis. The book felt like adding a puzzle together, or more precisely, building of the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, where you think “this is it, what more is to come?” and it just keeps on evolving and getting more magnificent as time passes by. The plot didn’t flow as smoothly (if compared to book 1), but the character work… Can I just applaud how everything made sense in the end, and felt true and consistent to the boys we got to know in book 1? I awarded KA Merikan with 5 badges throughout this book:
The first two badges (called Sex Scene Excellency) are for two different sex scenes.
The third badge is called “Emotional Damage” for .
The fourth badge is called “Epic Romance Badge” and this is well earned (I’m still clapping and swooning).
The fifth and final badge is for “Side Character Excellency”. How can one pack such unique spirit and character in just a few sentences, I will always be amazed.
I really hope Merikan will writte a book about
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