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Seeing Red
What would you do if you lost five years of freedom? If everything you’d ever known was torn away from you, all because the one person you counted on to save you didn’t come through?
This is the cruel reality for Gabriel “Red” Thatcher, convicted at age nineteen for the murder of his father. Now twenty-five and eight months out of prison, Red has nothing to his name and no one to help him through the horrifying memories of his past.
Then he meets Silo Winters, a man so much like him yet so different that it drives Red crazy. How could someone who went through the same trauma he did in prison still look at life so cheerfully? And though Silo tries to show Red that life after hardship isn’t bleak and meaningless, Red finds it difficult after all he’s been through to let anyone in.
CONTENT WARNING: This books deals with themes some readers may not find agreeable, including forced intimate encounters that are not described on-page.
This is the cruel reality for Gabriel “Red” Thatcher, convicted at age nineteen for the murder of his father. Now twenty-five and eight months out of prison, Red has nothing to his name and no one to help him through the horrifying memories of his past.
Then he meets Silo Winters, a man so much like him yet so different that it drives Red crazy. How could someone who went through the same trauma he did in prison still look at life so cheerfully? And though Silo tries to show Red that life after hardship isn’t bleak and meaningless, Red finds it difficult after all he’s been through to let anyone in.
CONTENT WARNING: This books deals with themes some readers may not find agreeable, including forced intimate encounters that are not described on-page.
224 pages, ebook
First published July 15, 2013
3 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
E.L. Esch
5 books64 followersA contemporary MM romance author 🌈, video game junkie 🎮, and keeper of tiny dragons 🦎.
(The books Beauty in the Breakdown, Lucky Seven, and Barloc are currently unavailable.)
Find me and my books on:
linktr.ee/e_l_esch
(The books Beauty in the Breakdown, Lucky Seven, and Barloc are currently unavailable.)
Find me and my books on:
linktr.ee/e_l_esch
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 20, 2013
4,25 stars
I`m putting this right between Witness by L.A. Gilbert (not as lighthearted) and After The Fall by Sarah Goodwin (not as bleak).
It is still possible.
Telling an entertaining, funny, cute, romantic, HOT, but lastly serious story (coming from me means shuffling everything a bit to the darker side...these tags shouldn`t be mistaken for "sweet"...*g*).
I call this joyful storytelling - walking on the beaten path but dancing off left and right.
Seeing Red isn`t BDSM, even if it`s already tagged as such. Playing rough with a collar and a leash and a smack on the butt here and there doesn`t make BDSM. Well written Sex scenes that show the love and respect (I have a thing for that) these guys feel for each other in every word and action. I`m pointing this out because they felt `fresh` and different - and I`ve read MANY! And surprisingly I had no trouble putting up with the noises Silo made - usually a pet peeve of mine.
The story? Well, I liked it very much, means I won`t reveal anything, you have to read it for yourselves.
Feels-real-dialogue, wonderfully portrayed MC`s in a story told from Red`s point of view. Great secondary characters, important to the story but not taking over - it`s all about Red and Silo falling in love and making peace with their pasts.
I didn`t rate it five stars because of Tito. His appearance wasn`t really necessary to show me how much Red loved Silo and was willing to do for him.
Anyway - this is a great story (I said that before, did I?) and warmly recommended.
Note to my friend Ami: `Baby`! ;-)
I`m putting this right between Witness by L.A. Gilbert (not as lighthearted) and After The Fall by Sarah Goodwin (not as bleak).
It is still possible.
Telling an entertaining, funny, cute, romantic, HOT, but lastly serious story (coming from me means shuffling everything a bit to the darker side...these tags shouldn`t be mistaken for "sweet"...*g*).
I call this joyful storytelling - walking on the beaten path but dancing off left and right.
Seeing Red isn`t BDSM, even if it`s already tagged as such. Playing rough with a collar and a leash and a smack on the butt here and there doesn`t make BDSM. Well written Sex scenes that show the love and respect (I have a thing for that) these guys feel for each other in every word and action. I`m pointing this out because they felt `fresh` and different - and I`ve read MANY! And surprisingly I had no trouble putting up with the noises Silo made - usually a pet peeve of mine.
The story? Well, I liked it very much, means I won`t reveal anything, you have to read it for yourselves.
Feels-real-dialogue, wonderfully portrayed MC`s in a story told from Red`s point of view. Great secondary characters, important to the story but not taking over - it`s all about Red and Silo falling in love and making peace with their pasts.
I didn`t rate it five stars because of Tito. His appearance wasn`t really necessary to show me how much Red loved Silo and was willing to do for him.
Anyway - this is a great story (I said that before, did I?) and warmly recommended.
Note to my friend Ami: `Baby`! ;-)
August 3, 2013
A lot of people liked this book, but unfortunately I wasn't one of them. Not only was I not one of them... I'm having a hard time understanding what they saw that I didn't.
I didn't particularly like either of the main characters. Although Silo had a little more appeal than Red, I simply didn't feel a connection with either of them. Despite being told how strongly Red and Silo feel towards each other, I also didn't feel a lot of chemistry and actually ended up skimming several of the sex scenes. The BDSM-light component seemed unnecessary and like it was simply trying to add one more component of angst and drama. Ineffectively, because Red's insecurities started to become repetitive.
I found the dialogue forced at times and not the way real people speak (ie: "my darling"). It didn't ring true. And despite Red bringing it up frequently, I didn't feel the appropriate attention and emotions were paid to the sexual and physical abuse both men went through. That's a pretty big deal, and I never felt like it was well addressed or dealt with. Even though a lot of time was spent talking about it, it tended to be more in misunderstandings in the difference in how the men felt about it and were dealing with it personally.
Overall, not much happened. And then all of a sudden there was a huge and sudden climax that anyone could see from a mile away . And it seemed like the sole purpose of this climax was to resolve any lingering issues or relationship-rifts with a life threatening situation. Wham-Bam-now-we-all-get-along!
P.S. I didn't even touch on Mila because I'm So over it
P.P.S. Oh, and Red's douche-baggery in flashing his "prison tat" barcode several times. Yeah, you're so tough.
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
I didn't particularly like either of the main characters. Although Silo had a little more appeal than Red, I simply didn't feel a connection with either of them. Despite being told how strongly Red and Silo feel towards each other, I also didn't feel a lot of chemistry and actually ended up skimming several of the sex scenes. The BDSM-light component seemed unnecessary and like it was simply trying to add one more component of angst and drama. Ineffectively, because Red's insecurities started to become repetitive.
I found the dialogue forced at times and not the way real people speak (ie: "my darling"). It didn't ring true. And despite Red bringing it up frequently, I didn't feel the appropriate attention and emotions were paid to the sexual and physical abuse both men went through. That's a pretty big deal, and I never felt like it was well addressed or dealt with. Even though a lot of time was spent talking about it, it tended to be more in misunderstandings in the difference in how the men felt about it and were dealing with it personally.
Overall, not much happened. And then all of a sudden there was a huge and sudden climax that anyone could see from a mile away . And it seemed like the sole purpose of this climax was to resolve any lingering issues or relationship-rifts with a life threatening situation. Wham-Bam-now-we-all-get-along!
P.S. I didn't even touch on Mila because I'm So over it
P.P.S. Oh, and Red's douche-baggery in flashing his "prison tat" barcode several times. Yeah, you're so tough.
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
July 23, 2013
Great healing/comfort story about two ex-prison inmates, both wrongly accused (sort of...) and deeply damaged by what they experienced inside. Finding each other is what both needed to fully live life again. This was a sweet, almost romantic tale, when you really wouldn't expect it. Win, win!
Definitely recommended for sweet and sappy M/M romance lovers who like a healthy dose of healing/comfort. Thanks to my GR friend Tina K. for the recommendation!
Definitely recommended for sweet and sappy M/M romance lovers who like a healthy dose of healing/comfort. Thanks to my GR friend Tina K. for the recommendation!
June 26, 2021
Two men with a lot in common, both have done some ugly years behind bars. Red is eight months out and broke, looking for a job.
After Red and Silo meet at a bar their lives get unavoidable entwined.
The cruelty of life shines through both men. One hiding behind a smile the other hiding behind an attitude.
I expected more hurt comfort, there is such sweetness between the men, it was lovely, their sexiness was attractive. What I didn’t expect were some ugly angsty moments. The process of healing and finding their way through life and to the other was so good to witness. Two sweet guys finding their big love.
Entertainingly written story, with lovable main characters.
After Red and Silo meet at a bar their lives get unavoidable entwined.
The cruelty of life shines through both men. One hiding behind a smile the other hiding behind an attitude.
I expected more hurt comfort, there is such sweetness between the men, it was lovely, their sexiness was attractive. What I didn’t expect were some ugly angsty moments. The process of healing and finding their way through life and to the other was so good to witness. Two sweet guys finding their big love.
Entertainingly written story, with lovable main characters.
July 31, 2013
Really liked this one. I was afraid it would be too sweet and sappy after reading a friend's review, but I am so happy I gave it a try anyway. I absolutely loved Silo and Red as a couple. They couldn't have been any more perfect for each other. They each had completely different personalities which really worked here, as well as their mutual understanding of what each had been through.
Silo is just the right amount of sassy and kinky, and I loved the way he handled Red. Every time he used his nickname "Crayon" for Red, it made me smile.
Red was a great character as well. Not quite as forgiving or able to get over what happened as Silo was, but I was actually happy to see that. I didn't want him to forget and forgive Mila too easily.
There is definitely a stoy going on here, to which the relationship takes a back seat in the beginning. Red and Silo take their time, mostly due to past experiences, but when they finally get together, they are super smexy.
This was well written and just an overall enjoyable read.
Silo is just the right amount of sassy and kinky, and I loved the way he handled Red. Every time he used his nickname "Crayon" for Red, it made me smile.
Red was a great character as well. Not quite as forgiving or able to get over what happened as Silo was, but I was actually happy to see that. I didn't want him to forget and forgive Mila too easily.
There is definitely a stoy going on here, to which the relationship takes a back seat in the beginning. Red and Silo take their time, mostly due to past experiences, but when they finally get together, they are super smexy.
This was well written and just an overall enjoyable read.
August 23, 2014
This is one of those hard to rate books for me. Parts of it I loved, parts were okay. How is that for vague?
September 2, 2013
3.5
I liked the story and the characters, but there were issues that could have been explored deeper, so I was left wanting.
I liked the story and the characters, but there were issues that could have been explored deeper, so I was left wanting.
September 19, 2018
3.5 stars
June 10, 2021
dark/light reads are always a bit here and there.. this one was more here.. it was wel written... emotional.. and interesting... sexy and at times heartbreaking. i enjoyed it a lot.
October 27, 2013
Seeing Red follows two ex-cons, Red and Silo, as they struggle to put the past behind them and build a new life, finding love along the way.
This was an emotional and wonderful story. The hurt/comfort aspect created a bond between Silo and Red that felt real and deep. Silo’s bubbly personality and bright outlook made him a great match for Red, who, according to Silo, is “one of those hard-outer-shell, mushy center kinda guys” – and he really is. Red tries so hard to be tough and act like he’s over the horrible things that happened to him in prison, but he actually really needs Silo to help him to heal and move on.
This book deals with some tough subject matters so I know it’s not for everyone, definite trigger warning here, but I think it’s important to point out that the worst subject (in my opinion) is mentioned in pretty vague terms – nothing really detailed so you don’t have to worry about any graphic prison scenes or anything. There are some graphic sex scenes however, but they are completely consensual and when one or both of the partners feel uncomfortable, they stop and talk to each other (which is wonderful and speaks well for the future health of their relationship).
Overall, this is a great, gritty romance with a nice, happy ending and I really enjoyed it. I wouldn't hesitate to pick up other books by this author.
This was an emotional and wonderful story. The hurt/comfort aspect created a bond between Silo and Red that felt real and deep. Silo’s bubbly personality and bright outlook made him a great match for Red, who, according to Silo, is “one of those hard-outer-shell, mushy center kinda guys” – and he really is. Red tries so hard to be tough and act like he’s over the horrible things that happened to him in prison, but he actually really needs Silo to help him to heal and move on.
This book deals with some tough subject matters so I know it’s not for everyone, definite trigger warning here, but I think it’s important to point out that the worst subject (in my opinion) is mentioned in pretty vague terms – nothing really detailed so you don’t have to worry about any graphic prison scenes or anything. There are some graphic sex scenes however, but they are completely consensual and when one or both of the partners feel uncomfortable, they stop and talk to each other (which is wonderful and speaks well for the future health of their relationship).
Overall, this is a great, gritty romance with a nice, happy ending and I really enjoyed it. I wouldn't hesitate to pick up other books by this author.
June 8, 2021
4+ stars
I love surprise finds and that’s exactly what Seeing Red was for me. Hurt-comfort romances are a favorite trope of mine and the blurb for Seeing Red was too enticing to pass up. As with any new-to-me author, I was a little unsure what to expect—as to the angst level, character depth, and writing style—but overall I was really pleased. Admittedly the writing didn’t feel overly polished, something that stood out considering I’d just finished a number of my seasoned, tried and true authors’ recent releases. But for what Seeing Red lacks in refinement, it more than makes up for with an addictive, original story.
I absolutely loved how Seeing Red takes such a difficult selection of topics, situations, and experiences, and works through them systematically without ever feeling overly heavy. Of course much of this is due to Silo’s personality. He has such a bright positivity and jubilant outlook that I couldn’t help but be caught up in his energy. And yet, Silo’s personality doesn’t mute the seriousness of Red’s and his experiences. Instead, readers get a wonderful story that embraces the highs and lows, delivering a sweet romance with two men who are undoubtedly great for each other.
There’s always a bit of uncertainty when going into a newer or new-to-me author’s work. The blurb of Seeing Red left me expecting angst and raw emotion. I got that and more, and would definitely recommend this title to fans of hurt-comfort romances. I’ll certainly be on the lookout for more from this author.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
I love surprise finds and that’s exactly what Seeing Red was for me. Hurt-comfort romances are a favorite trope of mine and the blurb for Seeing Red was too enticing to pass up. As with any new-to-me author, I was a little unsure what to expect—as to the angst level, character depth, and writing style—but overall I was really pleased. Admittedly the writing didn’t feel overly polished, something that stood out considering I’d just finished a number of my seasoned, tried and true authors’ recent releases. But for what Seeing Red lacks in refinement, it more than makes up for with an addictive, original story.
I absolutely loved how Seeing Red takes such a difficult selection of topics, situations, and experiences, and works through them systematically without ever feeling overly heavy. Of course much of this is due to Silo’s personality. He has such a bright positivity and jubilant outlook that I couldn’t help but be caught up in his energy. And yet, Silo’s personality doesn’t mute the seriousness of Red’s and his experiences. Instead, readers get a wonderful story that embraces the highs and lows, delivering a sweet romance with two men who are undoubtedly great for each other.
There’s always a bit of uncertainty when going into a newer or new-to-me author’s work. The blurb of Seeing Red left me expecting angst and raw emotion. I got that and more, and would definitely recommend this title to fans of hurt-comfort romances. I’ll certainly be on the lookout for more from this author.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
June 2, 2021
Red was released from prison 8 months ago after 5 years of being falsely convicted. He struggles with his memories from his time in prison and with the things that happened before his prison time. He is jaded, pessimistic, and mistrustful. At a bar, he meets Silo, who just got out of prison. Silo desperately needs a place to stay and Red could use the company to distract him from his misery. Silo is optimistic even after his time in prison.
They both help each other healing and moving forward. In this time they develop a beautiful bond between them.
I really liked this book. The struggles of Silo and Red were understandable and I liked that they did not fall instantly into bed together after what they have been through. There is some drama at the end of the book, but they still get their Happily Ever After.
The only thing that bothered me a bit was the relationship between Red and his sister and how easily some issues got resolved.
But still a really good book and worth reading it.
*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*
They both help each other healing and moving forward. In this time they develop a beautiful bond between them.
I really liked this book. The struggles of Silo and Red were understandable and I liked that they did not fall instantly into bed together after what they have been through. There is some drama at the end of the book, but they still get their Happily Ever After.
The only thing that bothered me a bit was the relationship between Red and his sister and how easily some issues got resolved.
But still a really good book and worth reading it.
*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*
June 15, 2021
Seeing Red by author E.L. Esch is a really deep and heavy read. This is a hurt/comfort romance, so those are usually pretty heavy reads for me. I liked the small details of this story like the chapter names, and other attention to detail add ons.
Silo has served prison time. But he refuses to let it define who he is.
Red: he on the other hand is the opposite. He has a lot to deal with and he has not finished doing that yet. I found him really difficult to get into. He is both deep and unfinished at the same time.
This is a slow start to this story for me. I felt like I had to really wade through Red’s mindset before we got to the story that I really liked. This is not a one-night read, this is one to sit and really sink into a kind read. I found this story okay, I would not re-read it, was too heavy for me. But there is a good romance here and a lot of story to get through.
Four Twinkling Stars
Silo has served prison time. But he refuses to let it define who he is.
Red: he on the other hand is the opposite. He has a lot to deal with and he has not finished doing that yet. I found him really difficult to get into. He is both deep and unfinished at the same time.
This is a slow start to this story for me. I felt like I had to really wade through Red’s mindset before we got to the story that I really liked. This is not a one-night read, this is one to sit and really sink into a kind read. I found this story okay, I would not re-read it, was too heavy for me. But there is a good romance here and a lot of story to get through.
Four Twinkling Stars
June 17, 2021
Seeing Red was about Red and Silo finding themselves after they were released from prison. In both of their cases they experienced some horrible circumstances. Silo was just a stupid kid with rotten luck, but Red was a tragedy. My heart went out to the two of them but particularly Red. I was frustrated on his behalf when I read what had happened. The system definitely failed him multiple times. As much as I cheered them on and was happy each time Red and Silo made progress both individually and together as a couple I did think the story was a little slow. I also thought Tito was a little out of place. Up until the end, the story was not a suspenseful story. It was a contemporary drama about two young men finding their place. Then for a minute, there was some minor build-up and an Incident, but then we were back to contemporary drama. It just didn’t quite fit, at least for me. However, I do enjoy a happy ending.
June 9, 2021
What a terrific story , from the first chapter I was drawn into the lives of Red and Silo.
Their past was similar as both being held in prison for a few years , they shared the same scars.
Learning to move forward to discard those scars was proving difficult
How they met then moved on was delightful
Silo has a wicked sense of humour that made me chuckle.
Red needed Silo he really needed him , their strength together made them who they are .
When Silo needed Red , Red was there, all fired up .
I could say more but it’s important to freshly read this wonderful book.
A story telling of kindness, forgiveness even if it’s difficult.
The acceptance of what happened in both their lives was pivotal to them .
Such unforgettable scenes as I cried with utter joy .
A beautiful m/m romance with men who shared their hearts with each other.
One of my “ best books”.
Their past was similar as both being held in prison for a few years , they shared the same scars.
Learning to move forward to discard those scars was proving difficult
How they met then moved on was delightful
Silo has a wicked sense of humour that made me chuckle.
Red needed Silo he really needed him , their strength together made them who they are .
When Silo needed Red , Red was there, all fired up .
I could say more but it’s important to freshly read this wonderful book.
A story telling of kindness, forgiveness even if it’s difficult.
The acceptance of what happened in both their lives was pivotal to them .
Such unforgettable scenes as I cried with utter joy .
A beautiful m/m romance with men who shared their hearts with each other.
One of my “ best books”.
June 21, 2021
3.5 stars. We start with two ex-cons, one wrongly accused, one guilty until proven innocent; both are just about at rock bottom. A good hurt/comfort read. At first it feels like Silo is the one who needs more comfort from his hurt, as the whole book is from Red’s point of view, but in actuality, Red is in just as much need. They were both horribly treated in prison and they carry those scars out into the real world. Brought together by painful pasts and experiences, they begin to heal together, finding love with one another. Eventually, all aspects of their lives start to look up and they begin to heal wholly. I liked the book, I did find the writing to be a bit jumpy and inconsistent. And his whole sister part pissed me off. It was....just off to me. I was very happy with the happily ever after they got.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2021
E.L.Esch is a new to me author so,I was looking forward to reading this book and,I'm happy to say,I thoroughly enjoyed it,so much so,that I have no hesitation in recommending it!
Beautifully written with a plot that had me hooked straight from the beginning.
Two ex-prisoners,each dealing with their experiences while incarcerated,in different ways. Each trying to adapt to a new life,and their new relationship.
I don't want to give spoilers for this,I want to urge readers to dive in and enjoy this delightful emotional story.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Beautifully written with a plot that had me hooked straight from the beginning.
Two ex-prisoners,each dealing with their experiences while incarcerated,in different ways. Each trying to adapt to a new life,and their new relationship.
I don't want to give spoilers for this,I want to urge readers to dive in and enjoy this delightful emotional story.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
June 1, 2021
This is a really beautiful book about two men who have been released from prison and are trying to navigate new lives and a relationship with each other. Both experienced horrible things during their incarcerations, but they cope in very different ways. Red is very cautious and doesn’t trust easily, while Silo is an optimist who finds the best in almost every situation. Silo helps Red learn forgiveness and helps him repair his relationship with his estranged sister. Esch does a really great job of developing their love through a series of ordinary moments. I really enjoyed this one.
June 10, 2021
I knew as soon as I read the blurb that it was going to be a good book. And oh was it. I really loved this story. Something interesting I really don’t have a clue where the book was set, which is kind of neat, I can imagine them anywhere. I loved Red and Silo had a great relationship and awesome meet-cute. I like that they had similar history and how different they dealt with it. It was fast-paced and easy to read. Full of fun, hot & sexy times and a lot of growth. Totally enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it.
June 16, 2021
What I liked about this book was the contrasting way Red and Silo chose to dealt with the hand life dealt them. Both experienced similar awful things but in dealing with them, Silo has chosen to look for the good and heal and Red has chosen the dark. Both responses are valid and the author presents them convincingly. When these two guys start to form a relationship, their differences strike some real sparks and we see how they change each other. This is definitely dark, there is a lot more hope here than I expected.
June 1, 2021
My first book by this author and I truly enjoyed the story of Red and Silo. Two men who have been hurt by the world come together to heal and along the way find love. Red is broody and serious with past pain he is working through, while Silo is bubbly and quirky and has moved on from his past to start living again. Real life and bad stuff can happen, but with time, communication, harr work, and love, you can grow and move forward.
June 27, 2021
Learning To Live And Love.
MM Hurt/comfort romance, easy to read, page-turning story of two young men recently out of prison and trying to live a somewhat normal life whilst coming to terms with the horrible things that happened to them while confined. Red and Will meet by pure chance at a bar and they find that they have alot in common with each other. The two men turn to each other at a time when they have nobody else.
MM Hurt/comfort romance, easy to read, page-turning story of two young men recently out of prison and trying to live a somewhat normal life whilst coming to terms with the horrible things that happened to them while confined. Red and Will meet by pure chance at a bar and they find that they have alot in common with each other. The two men turn to each other at a time when they have nobody else.
June 30, 2021
This can be an uplifting tale or a tragic story of mistaken justice. Two men recently out of prison, both wrongly accused, in a way, bond together for comfort and support. Silo sees the good in life and is sunny and joking, while Red struggles, his five years in jail has broken him. Reds hang ups truly affects their relationship, maybe to the point of destruction. I loved this slow moving romance, a stark awakening the the errors of justice.
June 1, 2021
This started off really strong as a perfect setup for a hurt/comfort read, but didn't quite make it there for me. I loved both MC's so much, but by the end I felt like I was reading the same thing over and over. There were so many conversations and fights where they proved their love to each other and it just felt like deja vu to me.
June 11, 2021
I found this story so well written. The main characters Red and Silo, are wonderful. Their experiences are hard and Silo is much better at putting it behind him. Though with his help Red eventually works through his deserved anger and pain. He's really lucky that Silo was always able to "see Red" “I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.”
June 6, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Great characters and storyline. I love when I can immerse myself into the book and just block the world out. A new to me author too, I look forward to seeing what is next.
June 13, 2021
This was a good book. The interactions between the characters was spot on. A bit chatty but and enjoyable read. Four stars.
I received this ARC from GRR for a fair and honest review.
I received this ARC from GRR for a fair and honest review.
January 1, 2022
My Rating : 3.5/5 🌟🌟🌟 ✨
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Kindle / Arc/ June 2021/ Book 149
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Kindle / Arc/ June 2021/ Book 149
February 24, 2022
3.5 stars
Fairly interesting, if a bit uneven in execution. I liked the characters well enough, although I wasn’t really drawn in by them, didn’t feel emotions come through.
Fairly interesting, if a bit uneven in execution. I liked the characters well enough, although I wasn’t really drawn in by them, didn’t feel emotions come through.
August 10, 2013
3.5 Stars
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
Eight months after Gabriel Thatcher, known as Red, gained his freedom, he finds himself struggling to find a job and regain his life. After a lifetime of trying to protect himself and his younger sister, Mila, from the abuse of their alcoholic father, he’s forced to do the unthinkable when his father goes on a violent rampage. He mightn’t be in jail any longer, but he still carries the scars on his back from his father and memories of five years of the cruelty he was subjected to in prison.
When the feeling of isolation and frustration gets too much he heads to a popular gay bar in the Flower District to take his mind off what his life had become. Uninterested in meaningless sex and still psychologically damaged from the rapes he suffered whilst in prison, Red has no desire to pick someone up. Silo Winters has other ideas. Red is happy to chat with Silo, he even finds himself flirting a little with the attractive man who approached him, but he has no intention of anything going further than that. But when Red learns that Silo was recently released from three years in jail charged with arson that was in fact a freak accident and has spent the month since sleeping in a friend’s car, he finds it impossible to say no when Silo asks to go home with him, although he refuses the offer of payment in sex.
Feeling a connection from their shared understandings of what each has experienced, Red allows Silo to move into the crummy apartment his sister is paying for while Red finds his feet. Silo states his interest right from the start, but Red can’t forget that easily. Eventually friendship does bloom into romance, one that could be lasting if only if Red can let go of his pain and allow himself to love.
Although a bit uneven at times and with a few inconsistencies, the author delivers mostly solid writing with complex and interesting characters that I quickly came to care about. When we first meet Red, his defences are well and truly up. He’s so prickly and rightfully angry at his sister. The pain that’s in both brother and sister is just heartbreaking. I truly hoped they’d see their way through it and regain the closeness they once had. I felt so much for both of them and the experiences caused by their father both in life and death, but especially for Red. When he told Mila what had happened to him in prison, the anger and hurt and love he felt towards her was just so evident.
I freaking adored Silo. He had such an infectiously bubbly personality. Easy going, but not a pushover. Joyful, mischievous and playful despite his past. Not unaffected by the time spent in jail and what was done to him there, but with an amazing resilience and determination to not allow it to control him. I was so glad when Red realised he loved him, even if he wasn’t ready to admit it to Silo straight away.
Red, as the narrator, really grew throughout the book as he learned to let to of his anger and bitterness. I loved Silo’s nickname of Crayon for Red and wish it had continued to be used instead of being replaced with generic endearments. I liked the slow development of their relationship. My favourite scene where Silo takes a disheartened Red to a field in the middle of the city he used to go to as a kid and ended with a wonderful kiss in the pouring rain was just delightful and showed perfectly how well their personalities complimented each others.
The first three quarters of the book was really strong. Great characterisation, good story development and believable actions. This was very close to a four star book for me. The last quarter of the book wasn’t as strong; the whole secret admirer scenario seemed a bit manufactured, easy to spot a mile off and not really necessary. If it was going to be in there, it needed to be done with more conviction to have any real impact. The whole thing felt a bit rushed in an effort to tie up the ending in a neat little bow.
Overall, I did enjoy it. I liked the MCs and was invested in what happened to them and their relationship. I’m glad their relationship had a bit of a slow build with Red’s reluctance for meaningless sex. There was enough drama and conflict, internal and external, to keep things moving along without getting too melodramatic. The subject of their times in prison and the violence they were subjected to wasn’t too in your face, but was still dealt with without being flippant. I loved the connection the MCs had with each other and when things did get going in the romance department, the sex scenes were pretty hot.
A "Live Your Life, Buy The Book" Review
Eight months after Gabriel Thatcher, known as Red, gained his freedom, he finds himself struggling to find a job and regain his life. After a lifetime of trying to protect himself and his younger sister, Mila, from the abuse of their alcoholic father, he’s forced to do the unthinkable when his father goes on a violent rampage. He mightn’t be in jail any longer, but he still carries the scars on his back from his father and memories of five years of the cruelty he was subjected to in prison.
When the feeling of isolation and frustration gets too much he heads to a popular gay bar in the Flower District to take his mind off what his life had become. Uninterested in meaningless sex and still psychologically damaged from the rapes he suffered whilst in prison, Red has no desire to pick someone up. Silo Winters has other ideas. Red is happy to chat with Silo, he even finds himself flirting a little with the attractive man who approached him, but he has no intention of anything going further than that. But when Red learns that Silo was recently released from three years in jail charged with arson that was in fact a freak accident and has spent the month since sleeping in a friend’s car, he finds it impossible to say no when Silo asks to go home with him, although he refuses the offer of payment in sex.
Feeling a connection from their shared understandings of what each has experienced, Red allows Silo to move into the crummy apartment his sister is paying for while Red finds his feet. Silo states his interest right from the start, but Red can’t forget that easily. Eventually friendship does bloom into romance, one that could be lasting if only if Red can let go of his pain and allow himself to love.
Although a bit uneven at times and with a few inconsistencies, the author delivers mostly solid writing with complex and interesting characters that I quickly came to care about. When we first meet Red, his defences are well and truly up. He’s so prickly and rightfully angry at his sister. The pain that’s in both brother and sister is just heartbreaking. I truly hoped they’d see their way through it and regain the closeness they once had. I felt so much for both of them and the experiences caused by their father both in life and death, but especially for Red. When he told Mila what had happened to him in prison, the anger and hurt and love he felt towards her was just so evident.
I freaking adored Silo. He had such an infectiously bubbly personality. Easy going, but not a pushover. Joyful, mischievous and playful despite his past. Not unaffected by the time spent in jail and what was done to him there, but with an amazing resilience and determination to not allow it to control him. I was so glad when Red realised he loved him, even if he wasn’t ready to admit it to Silo straight away.
Red, as the narrator, really grew throughout the book as he learned to let to of his anger and bitterness. I loved Silo’s nickname of Crayon for Red and wish it had continued to be used instead of being replaced with generic endearments. I liked the slow development of their relationship. My favourite scene where Silo takes a disheartened Red to a field in the middle of the city he used to go to as a kid and ended with a wonderful kiss in the pouring rain was just delightful and showed perfectly how well their personalities complimented each others.
The first three quarters of the book was really strong. Great characterisation, good story development and believable actions. This was very close to a four star book for me. The last quarter of the book wasn’t as strong; the whole secret admirer scenario seemed a bit manufactured, easy to spot a mile off and not really necessary. If it was going to be in there, it needed to be done with more conviction to have any real impact. The whole thing felt a bit rushed in an effort to tie up the ending in a neat little bow.
Overall, I did enjoy it. I liked the MCs and was invested in what happened to them and their relationship. I’m glad their relationship had a bit of a slow build with Red’s reluctance for meaningless sex. There was enough drama and conflict, internal and external, to keep things moving along without getting too melodramatic. The subject of their times in prison and the violence they were subjected to wasn’t too in your face, but was still dealt with without being flippant. I loved the connection the MCs had with each other and when things did get going in the romance department, the sex scenes were pretty hot.
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