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Run This Town #2
(Watch Me) Body You
Denial. Longing. These best friends discover their feelings for each other won’t stay buried.
After recent events that had his life flashing before his eyes, Jamaican gang leader Israel Storm is re-evaluating everything. His friends. His priorities. What’s not going to change is the deep connection he’s developed with best friend Reggie Turner. Their bond can survive anything. Except the kiss Reggie plants on him out of nowhere.
Reggie doesn’t bat for his own team, but the more time he spends with Israel, the more Reggie loses sight of labels and where he fits. All he knows is there’s something between them Israel won’t ever acknowledge. One kiss lands Reggie in the ER and sends Israel digging through his darkest memories in search of himself.
In the midst of passion and self-discovery, these two find it’s not just their hearts on the line. An unknown enemy is set to make an example of Israel and his weapon of choice will leave this Rude Boy bloodied…and bodied.
Features pining, angst, best friends-to-lovers, double first times, slow burn, forced proximity.
After recent events that had his life flashing before his eyes, Jamaican gang leader Israel Storm is re-evaluating everything. His friends. His priorities. What’s not going to change is the deep connection he’s developed with best friend Reggie Turner. Their bond can survive anything. Except the kiss Reggie plants on him out of nowhere.
Reggie doesn’t bat for his own team, but the more time he spends with Israel, the more Reggie loses sight of labels and where he fits. All he knows is there’s something between them Israel won’t ever acknowledge. One kiss lands Reggie in the ER and sends Israel digging through his darkest memories in search of himself.
In the midst of passion and self-discovery, these two find it’s not just their hearts on the line. An unknown enemy is set to make an example of Israel and his weapon of choice will leave this Rude Boy bloodied…and bodied.
Features pining, angst, best friends-to-lovers, double first times, slow burn, forced proximity.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2014
91 people are currently reading
852 people want to read
About the author
Avril Ashton
78 books1,682 followersA Caribbean transplant, Avril now lives in Stone Mountain, GA., with a tolerant Spousal Equivalent. Together they raise an eccentric daughter who loves reading and school (not so much school anymore). Avril’s earliest memories of reading revolve around discussing plot points of Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys with an equally book-minded mother
Always in love with the written word, Avril finally decided to do the writing in August of ’09 and never looked back. Spicy love scenes, delicious heroes, and wicked women burn up the pages of Avril’s stories, but there’ll always be a happy ending; Av remains a believer of love in all its forms.
Always in love with the written word, Avril finally decided to do the writing in August of ’09 and never looked back. Spicy love scenes, delicious heroes, and wicked women burn up the pages of Avril’s stories, but there’ll always be a happy ending; Av remains a believer of love in all its forms.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
August 2, 2023
— 4 stars ☆
israel and reggie were best friends to lovers clinginess and possessiveness and hurt/comfort personified and I JUST LOVE THEM, OKAY. 😩🦋 they took care of each other and were each other’s ride or die, always. and this is the type of love i would die to have. the slow-burn and pining and tension between them were chefs kiss and i’m so glad i ended up giving this a try and loved it, bc generally friends to lovers is a very hit or miss trope for me. but the way this was written? i adore them. i was scared i wasn’t gonna love/handle israel pushing reggie away (bc generally with bi-awakening tropes, one of them fucks up too much in my eyes and they can never go back) but i needn’t have worried, cause i absolutely am in love with them and their dynamics. 😌 the way they were so cute and adorable after they finally came together jsdfksjahj i can’t they’re so precious to me. “it’s you and me, reg. always has been.” STOP ILOVETHEMSOMUCH. 🥺🤍
ALSO!! dima & xavier, the loves of my life. i adored seeing the cameos of them in this, it made my day fr. i did like their dynamics a biiiit better than israel and reggie’s, and they (dima and xavier) are my fav couple so far out of all of AA’s books, but both of these books are so close to perfection in my eyes. <3
is licked his visibly trembling lips. “i love you, reg.”
reg nodded solemnly. “i know that.”
is caught reggie’s hand and brought it to his chest, over his heart. “you make my heart beat.”
israel and reggie were best friends to lovers clinginess and possessiveness and hurt/comfort personified and I JUST LOVE THEM, OKAY. 😩🦋 they took care of each other and were each other’s ride or die, always. and this is the type of love i would die to have. the slow-burn and pining and tension between them were chefs kiss and i’m so glad i ended up giving this a try and loved it, bc generally friends to lovers is a very hit or miss trope for me. but the way this was written? i adore them. i was scared i wasn’t gonna love/handle israel pushing reggie away (bc generally with bi-awakening tropes, one of them fucks up too much in my eyes and they can never go back) but i needn’t have worried, cause i absolutely am in love with them and their dynamics. 😌 the way they were so cute and adorable after they finally came together jsdfksjahj i can’t they’re so precious to me. “it’s you and me, reg. always has been.” STOP ILOVETHEMSOMUCH. 🥺🤍
reggie slumped against the bathroom doorway, heart lodged in his throat. “you’re here.”
is stood and walked toward reggie, nodding. “and i’ll be here when dawn breaks.”
“everything you want,” is whispered against his mouth. “it’s yours. everything.”
ALSO!! dima & xavier, the loves of my life. i adored seeing the cameos of them in this, it made my day fr. i did like their dynamics a biiiit better than israel and reggie’s, and they (dima and xavier) are my fav couple so far out of all of AA’s books, but both of these books are so close to perfection in my eyes. <3
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March 18, 2025
reread: 03/17/25
i missed them so much!! god i'm in love with how israel is so touchy feely and clingy towards reggie once he finally accepted his feelings bc it hurt seeing reggie in pain when israel pushed him away so it felt satisfying how much effort israel was putting towards showing his love for reggie and that he won't go anywhere. 🥹🥹 i also loved seeing the lomls, dima and xavier, again. literally forever my #1 favorite AA couple. 😭🫶🏼
***
Reggie slumped against the bathroom doorway, heart lodged in his throat. "You're here."
Is stood and walked toward Reggie, nodding. "And I'll be here when dawn breaks."
THE TENSION??
PINING?
well, fuck. i loved this. 😭
before you ask, yes, i'm jumping all over the place with Avril Ashton's books, based on what blurb calls out to me and i had a glimpse of Reggie and Israel's relationship in Scars and Secrets so i expected to at least like them, but love?? they took me by surprise, but how could i not love this when it had the perfect blend of tension and pining that worked well for me. i felt so much for Reggie, but i was rooting for Is to get him back bc, yes, Is fucked up by pushing him away but once he realized Reggie was it for him? he was all in and i loved seeing them just... be vulnerable towards each other. 🥺
i loved the side characters and how they overlapped from different books bc it makes me wanna pick up their books from the glimpses we've had of them (*cough* Dima/Xavier and Quinn/Tek? 👀)!
i missed them so much!! god i'm in love with how israel is so touchy feely and clingy towards reggie once he finally accepted his feelings bc it hurt seeing reggie in pain when israel pushed him away so it felt satisfying how much effort israel was putting towards showing his love for reggie and that he won't go anywhere. 🥹🥹 i also loved seeing the lomls, dima and xavier, again. literally forever my #1 favorite AA couple. 😭🫶🏼
***
Reggie slumped against the bathroom doorway, heart lodged in his throat. "You're here."
Is stood and walked toward Reggie, nodding. "And I'll be here when dawn breaks."
THE TENSION??
PINING?
well, fuck. i loved this. 😭
before you ask, yes, i'm jumping all over the place with Avril Ashton's books, based on what blurb calls out to me and i had a glimpse of Reggie and Israel's relationship in Scars and Secrets so i expected to at least like them, but love?? they took me by surprise, but how could i not love this when it had the perfect blend of tension and pining that worked well for me. i felt so much for Reggie, but i was rooting for Is to get him back bc, yes, Is fucked up by pushing him away but once he realized Reggie was it for him? he was all in and i loved seeing them just... be vulnerable towards each other. 🥺
i loved the side characters and how they overlapped from different books bc it makes me wanna pick up their books from the glimpses we've had of them (*cough* Dima/Xavier and Quinn/Tek? 👀)!
December 18, 2017
4.25 Rude-Boy Stars
A few years ago, Israel and Reggie got close when they were dumped two dead bodies. I know it’s not the best way to find friends but still! Over the years they become best friends. In the first book we saw Israel was beaten so badly and was in the hospital for sometime. Then his cousin suggested he and Reggie go somewhere and stay under radar. So Israel and Reggie went to Reggie’s cabin but something is wrong with Reggie. His behavior has changed and he's been giving Israel the cold shoulder.
"Every time they spoke nowadays it ended in an argument. Reggie didn’t know how not to go onto the defensive. He didn’t know how else to hide this thing inside him that kept getting bigger and bigger, and deeper and deeper. And it seemed the only person who didn’t see it was Is. Some days Reggie wanted him to see, to know, and others…others he prayed fervently that Is never knew. If he did—"
Reggie couldn’t talk to Israel about it, he is scared of loosing Israel and if Israel finds about his feeling everything would end between them. So what to do!?
"If Is knew it would mean the end of them completely. Friends. Brothers. It would mean the end and Reggie didn’t want that. He would never want that."
I’ve read some of this author’s books and so far she’s never disappointed me! I love her writing-style. I like those emotions that she used in her books. I really don’t get tired of reading her stories and I really enjoy them. I liked both characters in this book but I mostly liked Reggie’s. He was so determined to get what he wants. Israel’s fear wasn’t understandable to me! He didn’t a good job with pushing Reggie away, I mean it wasn’t something real for me or believable!
Told in dual POV, 3rd person. It’s the second installment in the "Run This Town" series. It’s standalone novel with characters crossover but I recommend you read book one first. I really liked this one and hope you enjoy it as well!
A few years ago, Israel and Reggie got close when they were dumped two dead bodies. I know it’s not the best way to find friends but still! Over the years they become best friends. In the first book we saw Israel was beaten so badly and was in the hospital for sometime. Then his cousin suggested he and Reggie go somewhere and stay under radar. So Israel and Reggie went to Reggie’s cabin but something is wrong with Reggie. His behavior has changed and he's been giving Israel the cold shoulder.
"Every time they spoke nowadays it ended in an argument. Reggie didn’t know how not to go onto the defensive. He didn’t know how else to hide this thing inside him that kept getting bigger and bigger, and deeper and deeper. And it seemed the only person who didn’t see it was Is. Some days Reggie wanted him to see, to know, and others…others he prayed fervently that Is never knew. If he did—"
Reggie couldn’t talk to Israel about it, he is scared of loosing Israel and if Israel finds about his feeling everything would end between them. So what to do!?
"If Is knew it would mean the end of them completely. Friends. Brothers. It would mean the end and Reggie didn’t want that. He would never want that."
I’ve read some of this author’s books and so far she’s never disappointed me! I love her writing-style. I like those emotions that she used in her books. I really don’t get tired of reading her stories and I really enjoy them. I liked both characters in this book but I mostly liked Reggie’s. He was so determined to get what he wants. Israel’s fear wasn’t understandable to me! He didn’t a good job with pushing Reggie away, I mean it wasn’t something real for me or believable!
Told in dual POV, 3rd person. It’s the second installment in the "Run This Town" series. It’s standalone novel with characters crossover but I recommend you read book one first. I really liked this one and hope you enjoy it as well!
April 18, 2020
3.5 stars
(Watch Me) Body You is the second book of the Run This Town series, which is a sequel/spin-off of Brooklyn Sinners. Though RTT is enjoyable without reading BS, the latter is highly recommended too!
(Watch Me) Body You is the story of Israel Storm, head of The Rude Boys and his best friend, Reggie Turner.
Is and Reggie are clicked from the first moment they met. But for a while Reggie’s feelings for Is morphed into something more, something not exactly brotherly. Is feels the same, but unlike Reggie, he doesn't admit it, even to himself, let alone his best friend.
The denial part makes half of the story. You’d think it is too much, but the struggle of these two idiots (Reggie tries to provoke some response out of Is, meanwhile Is does his best to deny everything and pretends that nothing has changed between them), the anticipation and the sexual tension are very enjoyable.
The problems come after this.
My main problem with the story that Is’ reason to deny his feelings is not clear. There is an assumption by Mateo though…
Okay, it is understandable. But Mateo says “that shit isn’t gonna go away.” And yet, it is forgotten like it has never been an issue. What is Is’ real reason? That’s it? Or something else? Is and Reggie never talk about it, it never occurs again in the story. And if that’s it, how in the hell that shit goes away that easily?
The Romance
Nice anticipation, tension, then Is takes a 180, and voilà: happily ever after. Is changes his mind when X and Dima drops that Reggie might have moved on. He storms over at Reggie’s place in a jealous tantrum, and promises forever to him. It's just ridiculous. I mean, Is is an adult not a teenage boy, he is very well aware his own emotions, even if he denies them. Only the possibility of Reggie with someone else can trigger him into action?? Not to make Reggie happy, not to come clean with his feelings, not the possibility of a happy future together. No. Only jealousy...
But at least jealousy finally blasts him out of denial.
Apart from that, the romance was really engaging: hot sex and deep emotions. What else do you need?
L for Love… ♥
Suspense/Crime storyline
Family drama
As for Is, it had potential but it was wasted. Reggie’s family issues seemed to be there just for the balance but it was not bad.
The secondary characters are awesome!! X and Dima, Mateo, Tek (can’t wait his book!), and Quinn.
Overall, despite its flaws, (Watch Me) Body You is a pretty enjoyable read.
My favorite quotes.
(Watch Me) Body You is the second book of the Run This Town series, which is a sequel/spin-off of Brooklyn Sinners. Though RTT is enjoyable without reading BS, the latter is highly recommended too!
(Watch Me) Body You is the story of Israel Storm, head of The Rude Boys and his best friend, Reggie Turner.
Is and Reggie are clicked from the first moment they met. But for a while Reggie’s feelings for Is morphed into something more, something not exactly brotherly. Is feels the same, but unlike Reggie, he doesn't admit it, even to himself, let alone his best friend.
This awkward shit was fucked. He had no idea how to fix it, how to fix them without thinking or talking about what he didn’t want to think or talk about.
The denial part makes half of the story. You’d think it is too much, but the struggle of these two idiots (Reggie tries to provoke some response out of Is, meanwhile Is does his best to deny everything and pretends that nothing has changed between them), the anticipation and the sexual tension are very enjoyable.
The problems come after this.
My main problem with the story that Is’ reason to deny his feelings is not clear. There is an assumption by Mateo though…
Okay, it is understandable. But Mateo says “that shit isn’t gonna go away.” And yet, it is forgotten like it has never been an issue. What is Is’ real reason? That’s it? Or something else? Is and Reggie never talk about it, it never occurs again in the story. And if that’s it, how in the hell that shit goes away that easily?
The Romance
Nice anticipation, tension, then Is takes a 180, and voilà: happily ever after. Is changes his mind when X and Dima drops that Reggie might have moved on. He storms over at Reggie’s place in a jealous tantrum, and promises forever to him. It's just ridiculous. I mean, Is is an adult not a teenage boy, he is very well aware his own emotions, even if he denies them. Only the possibility of Reggie with someone else can trigger him into action?? Not to make Reggie happy, not to come clean with his feelings, not the possibility of a happy future together. No. Only jealousy...
But at least jealousy finally blasts him out of denial.
Apart from that, the romance was really engaging: hot sex and deep emotions. What else do you need?
In case it wasn’t already clear as to why I’d take a bullet for you.” He tugged on Is’ wrist, brought him closer. “I love you. And in my world that’s the point of everything.”
L for Love… ♥
Suspense/Crime storyline
Family drama
As for Is, it had potential but it was wasted. Reggie’s family issues seemed to be there just for the balance but it was not bad.
The secondary characters are awesome!! X and Dima, Mateo, Tek (can’t wait his book!), and Quinn.
Is watched, bemused, as X wiped the blood from the corner of Dima’s mouth with a thumb then licked it off. “That was a punch, Rush. You know I’m the only one allowed to beat you.”
Is had no idea what that meant, but it held some kind of effect on Dima because he damn near fucking melted standing there.
Overall, despite its flaws, (Watch Me) Body You is a pretty enjoyable read.
My favorite quotes.
March 17, 2016
"It doesn't matter how we fit," Is told him. It didn't. "All that matters is that we do."
I was so excited to read this story. Why? The setting and the characters were not one I expected to see in an MM story, like ever. I tend to put the books that I will hold near and dear or will go through a fine tooth comb to the side.
And then sometimes I forget about them, my special must reads. I'll admit it. They are shivering on the shelf screaming "read me", wearing piles of dust on the cold and lonely shelf.
Whelp, I sprung "(Watch Me) Body You" outta that joint. Finally.
Two friends who were close like brothers and straight, finally succumb to that desire that they've been denying for some time.
Oh and they are Timbs-wearing, drug dealing, gun-slinging West Indian Americans living in BK, just being reckless in the Q borough. Killing...doing criminal things.
These men in RL? Would be executed if ever found out.
(Gotta rep the countries.)
But Avril Ashton made it work for her romance novel and they knocked the laces outta those Timberlands.
Israel (39) and Reggie (35), bad men to most but friends to the end and lovers where it counts.
The slow burn was so appropriate for both men, especially Israel - the Jamaican gangster. The denial, the angst, the struggle - this was the story's strong point. Ashton tends to make her gritty alphas closer over the top but the story telling works with her men. Reggie had a messed up childhood and found family in the streets and gang. Israel did the same. Broken boys who carried their baggage into broken men.
Compared to the previous book, this was tamer. The men had more internal struggles to deal with. Their families are certifiable. The suspense...eh took more a backseat to the romance. I didn't mind at all.
The story I feel is slightly weaker in minor aspects: some repetition, a little heavy handed with the first sex scene (jizz wizard magic considering their age) and the last chapter was a little saccharine. Book totally could have used an edit but the story was entertaining.
And Israel's possessiveness? YES All about it! There were very minor MFM scenes (for readers who need to know.) The ladies didn't have much screen time. I do like the secondary characters a lot, especially Elias the ginger haired tatted Scot--super interested to read his book and Tek, the quiet Chinese American killer. I need to know their back stories. Why do I feel like their books are going to put me through the wringer?
Cheers to Timb wearing lovers! They definitely...
November 18, 2014
I didn't have fun. There were lots of typos that took me out of the book, I found the fighting of the same-sex attraction to be very homophobic on MC Is' part, the way both MC's treated women made my skin literally crawl, I wasn't able to slip easily into the "bad boy" down-and-dirty, raunchy headspace like I did with (Watch Me) Break You, which was one of my favorite reads of 2014, and, honestly? I just plain didn't like MC Is or MC Reggie.
Such a bummer. Can't recommend.
Such a bummer. Can't recommend.
November 17, 2020
'(Watch Me) Body You' is the second book in the 'Run This Town' series by Avril Ashton and I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT.
The initial 30-35% had me angry and banging my head on the wall..
..but it definitely got better thereafter, so much so, that I forgot all the reasons I hated Israel so much!...yeah, Ms. Ashton can really make me hate a person very much, only to love him afterwards.
So, I believe Israel acted like an ass the first 35%, and I hated how he refused to accept Reggie and kept pushing him away. What I hated the most, was when he PUNCHED Reggie when he kissed him and it honestly broke my heart. But, all the love and support Is showed after, definitely made up for it.
"Everything you want," Is whispered against his mouth. "It's yours. Everything."
Reggie was...Reggie. My heart broke for him all the times Is pushed him away and especially when his mother turned her back on him due to his sexual preference. He was honestly loyal to a fault and I loved how he protected everyone he loved. And of course, how he charmed his way into Israel's (and my) heart with his precious words and sweet acts, was everything.
"You and me. Thats what I want. Not just the sex, but everything else. I want you to be mine and me to be yours, and for people to know it. I want your head on my pillow when dawn breaks. I want everything you never thought to give anyone else."
Overall, '(Watch Me) Body You' was an amazing read and I loved every second of it! If you're looking for a m/m romance high on angst with loads of sweet and sexy times, I'd highly recommend it!
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
buddy read with my nut from U.K, here's to our not-so-disastrous BR with all the 'glamping' and our 'uniqueuselesses'😂
The initial 30-35% had me angry and banging my head on the wall..
..but it definitely got better thereafter, so much so, that I forgot all the reasons I hated Israel so much!...yeah, Ms. Ashton can really make me hate a person very much, only to love him afterwards.
So, I believe Israel acted like an ass the first 35%, and I hated how he refused to accept Reggie and kept pushing him away. What I hated the most, was when he PUNCHED Reggie when he kissed him and it honestly broke my heart. But, all the love and support Is showed after, definitely made up for it.
"Everything you want," Is whispered against his mouth. "It's yours. Everything."
Reggie was...Reggie. My heart broke for him all the times Is pushed him away and especially when his mother turned her back on him due to his sexual preference. He was honestly loyal to a fault and I loved how he protected everyone he loved. And of course, how he charmed his way into Israel's (and my) heart with his precious words and sweet acts, was everything.
"You and me. Thats what I want. Not just the sex, but everything else. I want you to be mine and me to be yours, and for people to know it. I want your head on my pillow when dawn breaks. I want everything you never thought to give anyone else."
Overall, '(Watch Me) Body You' was an amazing read and I loved every second of it! If you're looking for a m/m romance high on angst with loads of sweet and sexy times, I'd highly recommend it!
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
buddy read with my nut from U.K, here's to our not-so-disastrous BR with all the 'glamping' and our 'uniqueuselesses'😂
July 13, 2021
i went into this with very low expectations after i didn’t like book one that much.. and guess what?? i think that was a good decision. i actually enjoyed this way more than i though i would.
this was best friends to lovers and double GFY. which could have easily been a fucking MESS. but surprisingly, i actually enjoyed this.
it was slow burny and tension filled for a while, but once they actually got together?? phewwww man… it was scorching hot.😳
isreal was fighting the attraction between them way harder, but once he decided he wanted reggie as more than his best friend, he was all in. their relationship was pretty sweet. the fact that they were already best friends before ever getting into a relationship made this a lot better.
“everything you want,” is whispered against his mouth. “it’s yours. everything.”
“it’s you and me, reg. always has been.”
also, as i mentioned, book one was kind of messy and i didn’t like it that much. dima though??? HIM i loved. book two solidified my love for him even more. the way he stirred shit between reggie and israel?? fucking GOLD.🤣
this was best friends to lovers and double GFY. which could have easily been a fucking MESS. but surprisingly, i actually enjoyed this.
it was slow burny and tension filled for a while, but once they actually got together?? phewwww man… it was scorching hot.😳
isreal was fighting the attraction between them way harder, but once he decided he wanted reggie as more than his best friend, he was all in. their relationship was pretty sweet. the fact that they were already best friends before ever getting into a relationship made this a lot better.
“everything you want,” is whispered against his mouth. “it’s yours. everything.”
“it’s you and me, reg. always has been.”
also, as i mentioned, book one was kind of messy and i didn’t like it that much. dima though??? HIM i loved. book two solidified my love for him even more. the way he stirred shit between reggie and israel?? fucking GOLD.🤣
September 4, 2022
3.75 ⭐️
Yeah, I’m not so sure about this. First of all, this review is going to be messy and long. Too many mixed feelings to share. Okay, the beginning was amazing had me all sweating because oh, god the freaking tension in this one 😩😩 but then I stopped reading for a whole day and maybe there was something in the air, the whole mood of the book switched: the tension kept going, but it was just for the sake of “tension.” No build up, but just them being horny. There were many sexy scenes, but the plot stays the same. I know for a fact that those scenes were plot device, but I was annoyed because it felt stucked for a loong time before Reggie and Is finally figure themselves out.
And to hell, these guys are soo fucking complicated dude 😂 I really don’t know how to describe their relationship development. It was so messy, lots of two steps forward and one step back, more complications, HOT, horny all the time, sudden gun to the head, angry, and angry, more rage, and sudden punch to the face, kisses and sex, more doubts, oh my, god! just read it yourself 🤣🤣🤣
I mean, they both still had the hots for each other sooo 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
Putting all that aside, I love their personality traits, were quite similar but I could tell the difference. Both were grumpy and “alpha-like” but soft for each other. I love that they were so comfortable with themselves being touchy with each other to find comfort even though they were just friends. I also love Israel’s accent, it was soo adorable. I just knew if this was an audio, I would melt 😩💕 those accent in the dialogues, DAMN!
However, there were also lots of parts I didn’t like. Like I mentioned those messy parts of them push and pull earlier, I thought the love establishment would be amazing as heck but no. It was wayyy too easy. Israel went from “hell nah, i’m not gay.” to “yes, i’ll stay every dawns for you.” Maybe the mess was a plot point to unfold their love story. Even so, I couldn’t feel it.
Despite them being too easy after the complicated build ups, the way they share sweet nothings and adorable moments were hard not to swoon so I have to give credits to that 😋💕
I was looking forward to the bi awakening and the gangster plot and both of them were mid. Bi awakening was a bit unrealistic and disappointing, and the whole subplot of both of them being a gangster was predictable and just okay 🙂 especially with the third act.
Yeah, I’m not so sure about this. First of all, this review is going to be messy and long. Too many mixed feelings to share. Okay, the beginning was amazing had me all sweating because oh, god the freaking tension in this one 😩😩 but then I stopped reading for a whole day and maybe there was something in the air, the whole mood of the book switched: the tension kept going, but it was just for the sake of “tension.” No build up, but just them being horny. There were many sexy scenes, but the plot stays the same. I know for a fact that those scenes were plot device, but I was annoyed because it felt stucked for a loong time before Reggie and Is finally figure themselves out.
And to hell, these guys are soo fucking complicated dude 😂 I really don’t know how to describe their relationship development. It was so messy, lots of two steps forward and one step back, more complications, HOT, horny all the time, sudden gun to the head, angry, and angry, more rage, and sudden punch to the face, kisses and sex, more doubts, oh my, god! just read it yourself 🤣🤣🤣
I mean, they both still had the hots for each other sooo 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
Putting all that aside, I love their personality traits, were quite similar but I could tell the difference. Both were grumpy and “alpha-like” but soft for each other. I love that they were so comfortable with themselves being touchy with each other to find comfort even though they were just friends. I also love Israel’s accent, it was soo adorable. I just knew if this was an audio, I would melt 😩💕 those accent in the dialogues, DAMN!
However, there were also lots of parts I didn’t like. Like I mentioned those messy parts of them push and pull earlier, I thought the love establishment would be amazing as heck but no. It was wayyy too easy. Israel went from “hell nah, i’m not gay.” to “yes, i’ll stay every dawns for you.” Maybe the mess was a plot point to unfold their love story. Even so, I couldn’t feel it.
Despite them being too easy after the complicated build ups, the way they share sweet nothings and adorable moments were hard not to swoon so I have to give credits to that 😋💕
Reggie stared at him. “You love me.”
“I let you see me naked and do unspeakable things to my ass.” Is narrowed his eyes. “Of course I love you.” 😂😂 ngaww, look at them being humorously sappy
I was looking forward to the bi awakening and the gangster plot and both of them were mid. Bi awakening was a bit unrealistic and disappointing, and the whole subplot of both of them being a gangster was predictable and just okay 🙂 especially with the third act.
April 11, 2018
5 Stars!
I really liked these guys apart and together. Especially Reggie.
Reggie has been catching feels for Israel for quite some time. Recent events has him thinking he's either going to jump in with these feels or distance himself from them and the man he's having them for. All he knows is that something has to give because hiding how he feels has become unbearable especially since he now has to live in a small cabin with his obsession with no escape.
Israel Storm's life flashed before his eyes when Dima caught him and decided to play Russian roulette with his life. It's left him unsettled. The only thing solid in his life at the moment is his relationship with his bestie Reggie. But after arriving at Reggie's families cabin he realizes even that relationship is starting to unravel. He knows why, but denial is a strong suit and he wears it like armor. Israel isn't an idiot. He see's all too much what that look in Reggie's eyes is when he stares just a little too long. He knows what he feels when a touch from Reggie lingers just a second too long. And he knows what that rage he feels in his heart means when he hears Reggie flirting with a hook-up. He just doesn't want to admit to them. But one kiss changes it all. One hit from Israel to Reggie's face changes everything. Reggie and his Rude Boy can't pretend or hide anymore and when they come together explosions erupt and they scorch up the pages with their passion.
I loved these boys together. Once they gave in it was pure bliss. They had some sweet moments too which totally had my heart a flutter. It was good to see that the author followed book 1 with another dominating couple. I am really loving her bad boys.
Happy reading dolls! xx
I really liked these guys apart and together. Especially Reggie.
Reggie has been catching feels for Israel for quite some time. Recent events has him thinking he's either going to jump in with these feels or distance himself from them and the man he's having them for. All he knows is that something has to give because hiding how he feels has become unbearable especially since he now has to live in a small cabin with his obsession with no escape.
Israel Storm's life flashed before his eyes when Dima caught him and decided to play Russian roulette with his life. It's left him unsettled. The only thing solid in his life at the moment is his relationship with his bestie Reggie. But after arriving at Reggie's families cabin he realizes even that relationship is starting to unravel. He knows why, but denial is a strong suit and he wears it like armor. Israel isn't an idiot. He see's all too much what that look in Reggie's eyes is when he stares just a little too long. He knows what he feels when a touch from Reggie lingers just a second too long. And he knows what that rage he feels in his heart means when he hears Reggie flirting with a hook-up. He just doesn't want to admit to them. But one kiss changes it all. One hit from Israel to Reggie's face changes everything. Reggie and his Rude Boy can't pretend or hide anymore and when they come together explosions erupt and they scorch up the pages with their passion.
I loved these boys together. Once they gave in it was pure bliss. They had some sweet moments too which totally had my heart a flutter. It was good to see that the author followed book 1 with another dominating couple. I am really loving her bad boys.
Happy reading dolls! xx
March 14, 2016
Let me start this review on a more positive note this is probably my favorite quote from the entire book. Ironically it's between the MC's from book #1 (Watch Me) Break You.
"Goddamn it, Mr. Storm. I almost shot you. That would have pissed me off." Dima has such a way with words, doesn't he?
'(Watch Me) Body You' is the second book in Avril Ashton's series 'Run This Town' which is loosely connected to her series 'Brooklyn Sinners' (you can easily read either series independently) There is a bit of character overlap which I really enjoy having read The Brooklyn Sinners it's fun when characters from a series I've read show up in other books by the author.
As much as I enjoyed the first book in this series '(Watch Me) Break You' this one did not hold the same intensity or my interest as book 1 did. For me there comes a time in a story when the author needs to quit making the same point over and over and over again and move on with the story. I reached that point at about 12 to 15% for the author it was somewhere around 52% point. So needless to say I got a bit bored. The first half of this book was essentially Israel's (or Is as he's called most of the time) struggle to deny how he feels about his 'best friend' Reggie. It was very much an 'I'm not gay' theme reiterated in several different variations combined with Reggie's struggle to hide his feelings because being friends with Is was all he'd ever have and that's better than nothing or maybe it's not. I understand that this is a very key component of the story but no matter how important once a point is made then to continue with making that point takes me to the point of 'I have no fucks to give' and I was nearly there but thankfully we finally moved on.
I say thankfully because once the story started to progress I found myself once again engaged and my interest in Is & Reggie's relationship returned. It was definitely the last half of this book that I enjoyed the most and that kept me reading until the end.
We got more background on Reggie and a bit on Is, there were glimpses at Tek (he's one of our MC's in the upcoming book 4 being released soon, I hope) progress was made in other parts of the storyline as well and I enjoyed the last half of the story considerably more than the first half. The pages flew by and before I knew it I was done and once again liking this book considerably more than I had expected after the beginning.
However, there are 2 things in this book that really irritated me. Things that I didn't factor in when I was rating the story...
The first one being...can we please, pretty please work on editing better. I'm not talking about the instances of street slang and just general slang terms that are dusted about throughout this story. I'm talking about the multitude of typing, grammar and just general basic mistakes that should have been caught in the editing. Seriously if this book was professionally edited I hope whoever did it is smart enough to never admit to it because it does not speak well to the quality of their work.
..and secondly the street speak and slang used was a little disconcerting especially when characters were drifting in and out of using it sometimes it seemed like it was happening mid-sentence. I don't have a problem with the use of it especially in stories such as this where the majority of the characters are the people who in the real world use this type of speech. My problem is not all slang or street terms are familiar to everyone and they don't necessarily have the same meaning in different countries or even in different parts of the same country.
For example, thank heavens for the Urban Dictionary or I'd still be wondering what the hell this title meant. According to the Urban Dictionary the word 'body' can mean 'to murder or kill someone' or in certain areas such as West Orange NJ to be extremely drunk, however the word 'bodies' can refer to the number of people you have sex with or to a bare-knuckle fist fight between two opponents with the only rule being no face or low blows.
So we have a book filled with gangs, sex, drugs, booze and these are the street terms that can be applied to the words 'body' or 'bodies' is it any wonder that some readers may feel the need to scurry off to google while reading thus breaking the spell that the author has worked so hard to create. It's a rather daunting task for an author to use a word or phrase that isn't necessarily familiar to everyone in an effort to enhance a particular setting and/or theme that they've created without disrupting the readers enjoyment of the story with lack of clarity as to the word or phrase's meaning within the content of the storyline and this is why even though I mention this as something that irritated me, I didn't factor it into my rating of this book. Maybe I was the only one who had this particular problem with this story, if so than really it's not the author...it's me. So while I chose to mention this in my review I also chose not to consider it when rating this book.
Overall, not as good as the first book but not bad enough to dissuade me from reading book 3, (Watch Me) Unmask You. Hopefully the street slang will be clearer after having read this one, but if not I do have the Urban Dictionary bookmarked, so it's all good.
"Goddamn it, Mr. Storm. I almost shot you. That would have pissed me off." Dima has such a way with words, doesn't he?
'(Watch Me) Body You' is the second book in Avril Ashton's series 'Run This Town' which is loosely connected to her series 'Brooklyn Sinners' (you can easily read either series independently) There is a bit of character overlap which I really enjoy having read The Brooklyn Sinners it's fun when characters from a series I've read show up in other books by the author.
As much as I enjoyed the first book in this series '(Watch Me) Break You' this one did not hold the same intensity or my interest as book 1 did. For me there comes a time in a story when the author needs to quit making the same point over and over and over again and move on with the story. I reached that point at about 12 to 15% for the author it was somewhere around 52% point. So needless to say I got a bit bored. The first half of this book was essentially Israel's (or Is as he's called most of the time) struggle to deny how he feels about his 'best friend' Reggie. It was very much an 'I'm not gay' theme reiterated in several different variations combined with Reggie's struggle to hide his feelings because being friends with Is was all he'd ever have and that's better than nothing or maybe it's not. I understand that this is a very key component of the story but no matter how important once a point is made then to continue with making that point takes me to the point of 'I have no fucks to give' and I was nearly there but thankfully we finally moved on.
I say thankfully because once the story started to progress I found myself once again engaged and my interest in Is & Reggie's relationship returned. It was definitely the last half of this book that I enjoyed the most and that kept me reading until the end.
We got more background on Reggie and a bit on Is, there were glimpses at Tek (he's one of our MC's in the upcoming book 4 being released soon, I hope) progress was made in other parts of the storyline as well and I enjoyed the last half of the story considerably more than the first half. The pages flew by and before I knew it I was done and once again liking this book considerably more than I had expected after the beginning.
However, there are 2 things in this book that really irritated me. Things that I didn't factor in when I was rating the story...
The first one being...can we please, pretty please work on editing better. I'm not talking about the instances of street slang and just general slang terms that are dusted about throughout this story. I'm talking about the multitude of typing, grammar and just general basic mistakes that should have been caught in the editing. Seriously if this book was professionally edited I hope whoever did it is smart enough to never admit to it because it does not speak well to the quality of their work.
..and secondly the street speak and slang used was a little disconcerting especially when characters were drifting in and out of using it sometimes it seemed like it was happening mid-sentence. I don't have a problem with the use of it especially in stories such as this where the majority of the characters are the people who in the real world use this type of speech. My problem is not all slang or street terms are familiar to everyone and they don't necessarily have the same meaning in different countries or even in different parts of the same country.
For example, thank heavens for the Urban Dictionary or I'd still be wondering what the hell this title meant. According to the Urban Dictionary the word 'body' can mean 'to murder or kill someone' or in certain areas such as West Orange NJ to be extremely drunk, however the word 'bodies' can refer to the number of people you have sex with or to a bare-knuckle fist fight between two opponents with the only rule being no face or low blows.
So we have a book filled with gangs, sex, drugs, booze and these are the street terms that can be applied to the words 'body' or 'bodies' is it any wonder that some readers may feel the need to scurry off to google while reading thus breaking the spell that the author has worked so hard to create. It's a rather daunting task for an author to use a word or phrase that isn't necessarily familiar to everyone in an effort to enhance a particular setting and/or theme that they've created without disrupting the readers enjoyment of the story with lack of clarity as to the word or phrase's meaning within the content of the storyline and this is why even though I mention this as something that irritated me, I didn't factor it into my rating of this book. Maybe I was the only one who had this particular problem with this story, if so than really it's not the author...it's me. So while I chose to mention this in my review I also chose not to consider it when rating this book.
Overall, not as good as the first book but not bad enough to dissuade me from reading book 3, (Watch Me) Unmask You. Hopefully the street slang will be clearer after having read this one, but if not I do have the Urban Dictionary bookmarked, so it's all good.
February 26, 2024
this was so much angstier than i imagined it would be, but that’s probs bc i was seized by dread every time a single woman appeared or was spoken of by reggie/israel bc damn ! i like my mm romance sans the threat of the mcs hooking up with women for the entire first half of the book😭😭 i was yelling “PLS FOR THE LOVE OF GOD NO” at the screen every time israel brought up tawyna or reggie mentioned kezia😫 like excuse me i get distressed easily have some compassion pls😭
these two idiots were both secretly in love with each other other and could also lowkey tell the other one felt something too, which had me oscillating in confusion bc half the time i felt like i understood why they both thought they couldn’t be together, and half the time i’m like okay cut the shit y’all are catastrophizing just kiss damn💀
the angst was still good tho, it’s just the way a lot of the angst was centered on ow drama certainly ain’t my first pick…..got me wondering if that’s a common theme with this author or if i’m just lucky that my first two reads by them include it🤨
but one thing i will give some props to with the ow drama is the scene where tawyna tried to start a threesome with reggie and israel, so she’s working reggie and israel is sitting back absolutely losing his shit internally, like eye probs twitching like hell, bc that’s HIS man she’s touching and he HATES it, but he also won’t let himself do anything with reggie just them two or claim him, so this is the only way he can lowkey have reggie, see him in the throes of passion and such, and he loves it and he fucking hates it, bc HE’S not the one to give him that pleasure…..reggie’s not even into it fr, bc he’s over the whole threesome shit and he just wants israel, but his eyes are locked on to israel’s the whole time, and israel can tell he’s not feeling it so he’s telling tawyna to bite him, bc he KNOWS what reggie likes in the bedroom, he’s memorized it, and he keeps telling her bite, harder, with increasing fervor each time bc it’s not working, reggie’s still not feeling it, and when tawyna finally goes to straddle reggie as tho to fuck him, israel finally kicks his shit into gear and tells her to get tf out and she’s like “but israel—“ and ISRAEL FUCKING PUTS A GUN TO HER FUCKING HEAD, SHAKING, AND WHISPERS “I will shoot you. And I will *love* it.”😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩 SCREAAMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!! i love crazy men who go absolutely feral for their mans😍😍😍😍 god they are so sexy and the “how did i taste?” question that came later was🥵 and their first kiss was so explosive omfg the angst was worth it…..and then israel’s damn punch that landed reggie in the hospital with a concussion but when reggie woke up he smiled at the memory bc nothing mattered except the fact that israel had kissed him back!!!!!😩😩😩😩 yalllllllllllll i was screaming into my pillow fr🤭🤭🤭
i fucking LOVED dima and xavier clearly seeing these two’s scaredy cat and mouse game and being like u know what, let’s play em both and put this shit to rest🤣🤣🤣 okay matchmaking kings😌
and bruhhhhhh, when israel and reggie FINALLY FINALLY gave in?????? they were fucking incendiary🔥🔥🔥🔥 not sure how they managed like 6 orgasms in that time frame but 👩🦯👩🦯 idc!!!
reggie’s confession:
“You and me. That’s what I want. Not just the sex, but everything else. I want you to be mine and me to be yours, and for people to know it. I want your head on my pillow when dawn breaks. I want everything you never thought to give anyone else.”
israel’s responses:
Reggie slumped against the bathroom doorway, heart lodged in his throat. “You’re here.”
Is stood and walked toward Reggie, nodding. “And I’ll be here when dawn breaks.”
“You’re here,” [Reggie] whispered while drowning in his dark gaze.
Is lifted an eyebrow. “It is dawn. Said I’d be here and I meant it.” He hugged Reggie, tucking his face against his throat. “For all the dawns.”
that loud noise u hear???? me screaming incoherently again😖😖😖😖😩😩😩😩 fucking THEY🫶🫶🫶🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 and then the fact the fucking dam broke and they couldn’t keep their hands off of each other after that???? they’re obsessed, i’m obsessed, what a time to be alive fr
um was not expecting to cry at the end with reggie’s father accepting him and israel but ugh i totally did i’m emotionalllllll🥹🥹
having book 1’s couple getting engaged in book 2 couple’s book seems like a faux pas of some sort like i’m not mad at it but ur taking page time away from my babies, like go get engaged in ur own book lmaoooo🤣🤣🤣
okay question for anyone who’s read this series already: i kinda don’t wanna read elias’s book, marriage in crisis/second chance are not really my jam, but i am interested in quinn and tek’s book. is it possible to skip book 3 and still be able to understand everything in book 4??
these two idiots were both secretly in love with each other other and could also lowkey tell the other one felt something too, which had me oscillating in confusion bc half the time i felt like i understood why they both thought they couldn’t be together, and half the time i’m like okay cut the shit y’all are catastrophizing just kiss damn💀
the angst was still good tho, it’s just the way a lot of the angst was centered on ow drama certainly ain’t my first pick…..got me wondering if that’s a common theme with this author or if i’m just lucky that my first two reads by them include it🤨
but one thing i will give some props to with the ow drama is the scene where tawyna tried to start a threesome with reggie and israel, so she’s working reggie and israel is sitting back absolutely losing his shit internally, like eye probs twitching like hell, bc that’s HIS man she’s touching and he HATES it, but he also won’t let himself do anything with reggie just them two or claim him, so this is the only way he can lowkey have reggie, see him in the throes of passion and such, and he loves it and he fucking hates it, bc HE’S not the one to give him that pleasure…..reggie’s not even into it fr, bc he’s over the whole threesome shit and he just wants israel, but his eyes are locked on to israel’s the whole time, and israel can tell he’s not feeling it so he’s telling tawyna to bite him, bc he KNOWS what reggie likes in the bedroom, he’s memorized it, and he keeps telling her bite, harder, with increasing fervor each time bc it’s not working, reggie’s still not feeling it, and when tawyna finally goes to straddle reggie as tho to fuck him, israel finally kicks his shit into gear and tells her to get tf out and she’s like “but israel—“ and ISRAEL FUCKING PUTS A GUN TO HER FUCKING HEAD, SHAKING, AND WHISPERS “I will shoot you. And I will *love* it.”😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩 SCREAAMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!! i love crazy men who go absolutely feral for their mans😍😍😍😍 god they are so sexy and the “how did i taste?” question that came later was🥵 and their first kiss was so explosive omfg the angst was worth it…..and then israel’s damn punch that landed reggie in the hospital with a concussion but when reggie woke up he smiled at the memory bc nothing mattered except the fact that israel had kissed him back!!!!!😩😩😩😩 yalllllllllllll i was screaming into my pillow fr🤭🤭🤭
i fucking LOVED dima and xavier clearly seeing these two’s scaredy cat and mouse game and being like u know what, let’s play em both and put this shit to rest🤣🤣🤣 okay matchmaking kings😌
and bruhhhhhh, when israel and reggie FINALLY FINALLY gave in?????? they were fucking incendiary🔥🔥🔥🔥 not sure how they managed like 6 orgasms in that time frame but 👩🦯👩🦯 idc!!!
reggie’s confession:
“You and me. That’s what I want. Not just the sex, but everything else. I want you to be mine and me to be yours, and for people to know it. I want your head on my pillow when dawn breaks. I want everything you never thought to give anyone else.”
israel’s responses:
Reggie slumped against the bathroom doorway, heart lodged in his throat. “You’re here.”
Is stood and walked toward Reggie, nodding. “And I’ll be here when dawn breaks.”
“You’re here,” [Reggie] whispered while drowning in his dark gaze.
Is lifted an eyebrow. “It is dawn. Said I’d be here and I meant it.” He hugged Reggie, tucking his face against his throat. “For all the dawns.”
that loud noise u hear???? me screaming incoherently again😖😖😖😖😩😩😩😩 fucking THEY🫶🫶🫶🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 and then the fact the fucking dam broke and they couldn’t keep their hands off of each other after that???? they’re obsessed, i’m obsessed, what a time to be alive fr
um was not expecting to cry at the end with reggie’s father accepting him and israel but ugh i totally did i’m emotionalllllll🥹🥹
having book 1’s couple getting engaged in book 2 couple’s book seems like a faux pas of some sort like i’m not mad at it but ur taking page time away from my babies, like go get engaged in ur own book lmaoooo🤣🤣🤣
okay question for anyone who’s read this series already: i kinda don’t wanna read elias’s book, marriage in crisis/second chance are not really my jam, but i am interested in quinn and tek’s book. is it possible to skip book 3 and still be able to understand everything in book 4??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2024
Rating bumped up after my 3rd re-read!
4.5 Stars!
This is definitely one of my faves of the series and it gives me such joy to enjoy it every single time I pick it up again.
***************************************************************************
Original Review:
👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾
I enjoyed this novel. It wasn't as dark as I've previously read from this author but given that it was "friends -to-lovers" it definitely made sense.
I know some may have issues with how stubborn Is still seemed but to me it made perfect sense. Jamaican gangs are notoriously homophobic so Is being the head of one and finding himself attracted to his best friend? Yeah, nothing he did was unexpected or incomprehensible.
I also found how they handled their relationship was ideal, once again given the nature of the environment they thrived in.
Also, the families' reactions to their sexuality also quite realistic first, as a POC and secondly as a someone with a hyper religious family. It really is as bad as that sometimes so I got it. I really got it. I'm just happy some biases were overcome in the end.
Speaking of which, the relatability is one of the reasons why I like Avril's writing so much. Sure, it can get super dark, but when it comes to writing POCs, I spot the authenticity from a mile away. Makes me so happy. And as such, I will be reading more from her!
4.5 Stars!
This is definitely one of my faves of the series and it gives me such joy to enjoy it every single time I pick it up again.
***************************************************************************
Original Review:
👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾 👇🏾
I enjoyed this novel. It wasn't as dark as I've previously read from this author but given that it was "friends -to-lovers" it definitely made sense.
I know some may have issues with how stubborn Is still seemed but to me it made perfect sense. Jamaican gangs are notoriously homophobic so Is being the head of one and finding himself attracted to his best friend? Yeah, nothing he did was unexpected or incomprehensible.
I also found how they handled their relationship was ideal, once again given the nature of the environment they thrived in.
Also, the families' reactions to their sexuality also quite realistic first, as a POC and secondly as a someone with a hyper religious family. It really is as bad as that sometimes so I got it. I really got it. I'm just happy some biases were overcome in the end.
Speaking of which, the relatability is one of the reasons why I like Avril's writing so much. Sure, it can get super dark, but when it comes to writing POCs, I spot the authenticity from a mile away. Makes me so happy. And as such, I will be reading more from her!
June 18, 2015
Anyone who has read this yet, I gots a question for you.... (Feel free to PM me as to not spoil for others or you can post here)
***********
OK..I need to know before I pick this one up. Was there p*ssy in this book?? Book 1 had the p*ssy and I don't know if I can handle that sh*t.
*************
(6/16)
I've been hoodwinked!
*pouts*
*******************
Ehhhh.... Is & Reggie were definitely explosive together, after they pulled their heads outta their asses and got on with it.
Not really sure what to make of story. I'm gonna leave it at...Even with the issues I had with book 1, I enjoyed that one more. I think around the 60% mark I finally started to get into this one.
***********
OK..I need to know before I pick this one up. Was there p*ssy in this book?? Book 1 had the p*ssy and I don't know if I can handle that sh*t.
*************
(6/16)
I've been hoodwinked!
*pouts*
*******************
Ehhhh.... Is & Reggie were definitely explosive together, after they pulled their heads outta their asses and got on with it.
Not really sure what to make of story. I'm gonna leave it at...Even with the issues I had with book 1, I enjoyed that one more. I think around the 60% mark I finally started to get into this one.
May 2, 2016
I cursed a lot while I was reading this book. Most of it because of Is. Thank goodness, it turns out GOOD. I know they're criminals. But I still need my HEA.
Loved it!
Warning : Brief M/F/M foreplay scene. Thought you guys wanna know.
*******************************************************************
Finally, there's news.
Holy sh*t, it's Double-GFY from my favorite author.
October 7, 2018
Re-read Oct. 2018
We've met these two fierce men in the previous book, but this can stand alone.
*** This is fast paced, violent, sexy, and exciting. ***
"Is"/Israel, dark skin and eyes, is the leader of the Jamaican Rude Boys in Queens.
He and golden skinned, tattooed Reggie, work together,
but Reggie is independent of the gang. Israel likes Reggie's opinions, trusts him, and each man knows the other has his back. In the first part of the book these guys are avoiding each other, they argue, they fight the attraction, the truth, and things are edgy. I feel their emotions are expected, and can understand their attitudes. Meanwhile the story thread is weaving as business progresses, personal and gang related.
If you only read this story for the sex, it is totally worth it.
It is a flaming hot burn from the first kiss ! Double GFY !!! First time M/M kisses and M/M sex, for both men, it's intense, emotional, solid, amazing, enlightening, with discovery and longing as they finally come together.
No running - they are both ALL IN. Then it's back to business, both personal and gang related,
with Israel's Mom, a betrayal, blood, violence,
bullets flying.
Reggie gets closer to his Dad,
and farther from his Mom. She's a fool.
I loved seeing Dima and Xavier, they were wonderful again. Lots of characters to chose from for more books in the series.
I look forward to more. Highly recommended. ENJOY !!
========================
=========================
We've met these two fierce men in the previous book, but this can stand alone.
*** This is fast paced, violent, sexy, and exciting. ***
"Is"/Israel, dark skin and eyes, is the leader of the Jamaican Rude Boys in Queens.
He and golden skinned, tattooed Reggie, work together,
but Reggie is independent of the gang. Israel likes Reggie's opinions, trusts him, and each man knows the other has his back. In the first part of the book these guys are avoiding each other, they argue, they fight the attraction, the truth, and things are edgy. I feel their emotions are expected, and can understand their attitudes. Meanwhile the story thread is weaving as business progresses, personal and gang related.
If you only read this story for the sex, it is totally worth it.
It is a flaming hot burn from the first kiss ! Double GFY !!! First time M/M kisses and M/M sex, for both men, it's intense, emotional, solid, amazing, enlightening, with discovery and longing as they finally come together.
No running - they are both ALL IN. Then it's back to business, both personal and gang related,
with Israel's Mom, a betrayal, blood, violence,
bullets flying.
Reggie gets closer to his Dad,
and farther from his Mom. She's a fool.
I loved seeing Dima and Xavier, they were wonderful again. Lots of characters to chose from for more books in the series.
I look forward to more. Highly recommended. ENJOY !!
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November 13, 2014
4 Body me stars!!!
Wow, a double GFY!! I really enjoyed Reggie & Is's story. They both were on some other ish the entire time. Reggie omg I almost forgot you were a gangsta until you threw Is into that door. That was sooo hawt.
Mrs. A picks up right where we left off in X & Dima's book. They are at the cabin, and boy is it filled with angst and sexual tension. This was a slow burn for real. They literally were like two male lions going in circles. Reggie wanting to act on his feelings, and Is wanting to deny them. I was getting frustrated for them. This was more a romantic suspense theme. I enjoyed Is bringing in his own crew from Rikers. I definitely want to know more about Tek, and Elias but I won't have to wait long Elias book is next.
We had plenty of surprise guess. Dima!!! One of my favorite Russians was back and the couch scene with him and Reggie. Damn it was hawt, afterwards was extremely hot. OMG, Avril surely knows hot to bring the heart. I was all ovaries the entire book, but Reggie pulled out that Watch Me Body You, and then it was goodbye ovaries, Hello bliss. I was outta here. They were so hawt together. I mean, Is snatching ole girl off of Reggie and kissing her all in the mouth was hot. Damn then she brought the gorgeous Dutch in it. I was getting teary eyed. I'll never get his book, but he can definitely instigate his self any time. As well as Teo, with his fine ass.
We defintely had the drama outside of the boys. Both were dealing with their parent issues. Reggie's mom pissed me off but his dad definitely came through with the love. I loved that speech Reggie gave his parents. Is mom or not mother is another story. That chick was local, I need to know more about this. In the end I was extremely happy were these two left off, and I can't wait to read more about this.
Wow, a double GFY!! I really enjoyed Reggie & Is's story. They both were on some other ish the entire time. Reggie omg I almost forgot you were a gangsta until you threw Is into that door. That was sooo hawt.
Mrs. A picks up right where we left off in X & Dima's book. They are at the cabin, and boy is it filled with angst and sexual tension. This was a slow burn for real. They literally were like two male lions going in circles. Reggie wanting to act on his feelings, and Is wanting to deny them. I was getting frustrated for them. This was more a romantic suspense theme. I enjoyed Is bringing in his own crew from Rikers. I definitely want to know more about Tek, and Elias but I won't have to wait long Elias book is next.
We had plenty of surprise guess. Dima!!! One of my favorite Russians was back and the couch scene with him and Reggie. Damn it was hawt, afterwards was extremely hot. OMG, Avril surely knows hot to bring the heart. I was all ovaries the entire book, but Reggie pulled out that Watch Me Body You, and then it was goodbye ovaries, Hello bliss. I was outta here. They were so hawt together. I mean, Is snatching ole girl off of Reggie and kissing her all in the mouth was hot. Damn then she brought the gorgeous Dutch in it. I was getting teary eyed. I'll never get his book, but he can definitely instigate his self any time. As well as Teo, with his fine ass.
We defintely had the drama outside of the boys. Both were dealing with their parent issues. Reggie's mom pissed me off but his dad definitely came through with the love. I loved that speech Reggie gave his parents. Is mom or not mother is another story. That chick was local, I need to know more about this. In the end I was extremely happy were these two left off, and I can't wait to read more about this.
June 30, 2019
06/30/19 - Yahasss! Still my favorite babies.
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Re-read 8/16/17 - Third re-read. Still five solid stars!! Still my favorite couple of the series (very close second - X/Rush). X and Quinn still make my heart weep. They are the only couple I've ever read where I totally get that they would be great together, and absolutely still love each other, but who CAN'T; their time has passed. And I support it. I wouldn't want X with anyone other than his crazy Russian; Quinn, eh, if you've read my review of Book 4, you know I wanted more for him. The point is I love Quinn and X's love, even though it's not feasible for them now. Perfectly, perfectly done. The scene where they see each other at the hospital still makes me cry, three reads in. Likewise, the scene with Reggie's dad. I would absolutely read this book again.
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Re-read 9/11/16. Still, hands down, my favorite book in the series, and my favorite couple! Love, love, LOVE Israel and Reggie!
-------------------
This book was awesome. From a storyline perspective, I think I actually liked this book more than book 1. Yes, it's not as sexually intense as Book 1 (though the sex scenes are hot and romantic); yes it's slow burn and the beginning may be too slow for some, but in so many ways it's a much more realistic story than the swash buckle (plothole-filled) antics of book 1. Understand, you're dealing with two men with Caribbean/South American (Guyanese) backgrounds. Israel is Jamaican, and those who know Caribbean culture understand why the author needed a slow hand with him. This is a TRUE gay-for-you story, not this other stuff I'm sometimes subjected to where a supposedly straight man is bent over, spread and begging for it in 1.5 chapters. Yes, Israel has built-in, homegrown homophobia. Ummm he's a Jamaican gang leader in Brooklyn. That's about as 'your life could be forfeit for f*cking dudes' as it gets. Israel had to unlearn a lifetime of lessons, all the while surviving and commanding respect from some very homophobic killers. I don't want to make it seem like all Caribbean people are homophobic, not at all. But the culture is nowhere as flag waving as it is in the US.
Let's talk the story. Israel (Is) and Reggie are best friends, but Reggie finds himself falling in love with Is. He wants more, but Is is fighting him tooth and nail. He can't afford to give in to these new feelings. Finally, Reggie kisses him and after responding for a bit, Is loses it, punches Reggie in the face and puts him in the hospital. Is must make amends. While exploring his new relationship, problems crop up in Atlanta on the criminal front and Reggie won't let his man handle stuff on his own. Things go wrong in ATL and the band of brothers descend on the city and light that mother up. When Xavier said, "Tell him I'm on my way and I'm bringing the Russian", I swooned so hard I damn near gave myself a concussion. BTW, can I just say that I love the United Colors of Benetton thing that they have going on? Black, Asian, Scottish, Russian. I'm loving it!
Suffice to say I loved my men. I loved the sexy moments between Reg and Is and I loved that every time Reg said 'Come,' Is would drop to his knees and seek comfort in his man. I loved everything about them. No corniness, just real ish. Is was no joke. He was brutal and would not hesitate to teach you a lesson. Loved seeing my stomping grounds get a big up. Flatbush, Church Avenue, Clarendon. The only one missing was Utica! Utica! I digress. :) This author brings Brooklyn to life in this story.
Kudos on fleshing this story out much more than book 1. Lots of different elements that enhanced the story, not detracted from it. About the only thing I didn't understand was how Reggie knew the FBI guy; the rest was really well done. Reggie's dad made me all teary eyed at the end.
It was nice to see X and Rush make an appearance in this one. They always bring a bit of comic relief, though it's a mistake to forget that Rush is a stone cold killer. That surprise birthday party where they turn on the lights, yell 'Surprise' and X ends up with a gun to his head and another gun pointed at the room? I almost needed a moment. That, my friends, is GANGSTER! I do find though that Rush has become a little 'campy'. I do love my sassy characters, but has he always been like that? I'm having trouble reconciling this new facet of his character (campy killer?) with the Rush of Book 1. Of course the one hive inducing scene had to come about courtesy of them. That scene near the end of the birthday party? Just no. I had to skim. Keep that corny stuff in your own book, please. I kinda prefer my Caribbean/South American (Guyanese) couple.
All in all, I loved this one. For those worried about girl bits, have no fear, yes a woman initiates a threesome but she is sent packing before anything 'unfolds'. Other women are just mentioned during phone sex. There are no full M/F or M/M/F scenes. As to how women are treated in the book, the women in question are jump offs to the leaders of a notorious and deadly street gang. These aren't their ride or die chicks or baby mamas. They are disposable and they were...disposed of (don't worry; they lived).
I just have to ask this. Why after introducing us to Quinn and Tek (my heart breaks for X and Quinn so bad!), getting us attached to them, and making us eager to see what will happen with them, is Book 3 about Elias? He was mentioned all of about 3 times and had one brief appearance. We don't care about him! I would faster read a book about the sexy FBI who is as 'gully' (I love that word) as any gangster. Really, I want my boo, Quinn, to find love and I want to know what the deal is with Tek's sexuality! Sigh. Can we start a petition? :)
----------
Re-read 8/16/17 - Third re-read. Still five solid stars!! Still my favorite couple of the series (very close second - X/Rush). X and Quinn still make my heart weep. They are the only couple I've ever read where I totally get that they would be great together, and absolutely still love each other, but who CAN'T; their time has passed. And I support it. I wouldn't want X with anyone other than his crazy Russian; Quinn, eh, if you've read my review of Book 4, you know I wanted more for him. The point is I love Quinn and X's love, even though it's not feasible for them now. Perfectly, perfectly done. The scene where they see each other at the hospital still makes me cry, three reads in. Likewise, the scene with Reggie's dad. I would absolutely read this book again.
----------------------
Re-read 9/11/16. Still, hands down, my favorite book in the series, and my favorite couple! Love, love, LOVE Israel and Reggie!
-------------------
This book was awesome. From a storyline perspective, I think I actually liked this book more than book 1. Yes, it's not as sexually intense as Book 1 (though the sex scenes are hot and romantic); yes it's slow burn and the beginning may be too slow for some, but in so many ways it's a much more realistic story than the swash buckle (plothole-filled) antics of book 1. Understand, you're dealing with two men with Caribbean/South American (Guyanese) backgrounds. Israel is Jamaican, and those who know Caribbean culture understand why the author needed a slow hand with him. This is a TRUE gay-for-you story, not this other stuff I'm sometimes subjected to where a supposedly straight man is bent over, spread and begging for it in 1.5 chapters. Yes, Israel has built-in, homegrown homophobia. Ummm he's a Jamaican gang leader in Brooklyn. That's about as 'your life could be forfeit for f*cking dudes' as it gets. Israel had to unlearn a lifetime of lessons, all the while surviving and commanding respect from some very homophobic killers. I don't want to make it seem like all Caribbean people are homophobic, not at all. But the culture is nowhere as flag waving as it is in the US.
Let's talk the story. Israel (Is) and Reggie are best friends, but Reggie finds himself falling in love with Is. He wants more, but Is is fighting him tooth and nail. He can't afford to give in to these new feelings. Finally, Reggie kisses him and after responding for a bit, Is loses it, punches Reggie in the face and puts him in the hospital. Is must make amends. While exploring his new relationship, problems crop up in Atlanta on the criminal front and Reggie won't let his man handle stuff on his own. Things go wrong in ATL and the band of brothers descend on the city and light that mother up. When Xavier said, "Tell him I'm on my way and I'm bringing the Russian", I swooned so hard I damn near gave myself a concussion. BTW, can I just say that I love the United Colors of Benetton thing that they have going on? Black, Asian, Scottish, Russian. I'm loving it!
Suffice to say I loved my men. I loved the sexy moments between Reg and Is and I loved that every time Reg said 'Come,' Is would drop to his knees and seek comfort in his man. I loved everything about them. No corniness, just real ish. Is was no joke. He was brutal and would not hesitate to teach you a lesson. Loved seeing my stomping grounds get a big up. Flatbush, Church Avenue, Clarendon. The only one missing was Utica! Utica! I digress. :) This author brings Brooklyn to life in this story.
Kudos on fleshing this story out much more than book 1. Lots of different elements that enhanced the story, not detracted from it. About the only thing I didn't understand was how Reggie knew the FBI guy; the rest was really well done. Reggie's dad made me all teary eyed at the end.
It was nice to see X and Rush make an appearance in this one. They always bring a bit of comic relief, though it's a mistake to forget that Rush is a stone cold killer. That surprise birthday party where they turn on the lights, yell 'Surprise' and X ends up with a gun to his head and another gun pointed at the room? I almost needed a moment. That, my friends, is GANGSTER! I do find though that Rush has become a little 'campy'. I do love my sassy characters, but has he always been like that? I'm having trouble reconciling this new facet of his character (campy killer?) with the Rush of Book 1. Of course the one hive inducing scene had to come about courtesy of them. That scene near the end of the birthday party? Just no. I had to skim. Keep that corny stuff in your own book, please. I kinda prefer my Caribbean/South American (Guyanese) couple.
All in all, I loved this one. For those worried about girl bits, have no fear, yes a woman initiates a threesome but she is sent packing before anything 'unfolds'. Other women are just mentioned during phone sex. There are no full M/F or M/M/F scenes. As to how women are treated in the book, the women in question are jump offs to the leaders of a notorious and deadly street gang. These aren't their ride or die chicks or baby mamas. They are disposable and they were...disposed of (don't worry; they lived).
I just have to ask this. Why after introducing us to Quinn and Tek (my heart breaks for X and Quinn so bad!), getting us attached to them, and making us eager to see what will happen with them, is Book 3 about Elias? He was mentioned all of about 3 times and had one brief appearance. We don't care about him! I would faster read a book about the sexy FBI who is as 'gully' (I love that word) as any gangster. Really, I want my boo, Quinn, to find love and I want to know what the deal is with Tek's sexuality! Sigh. Can we start a petition? :)
January 16, 2017
The best parts of this book for me were the scenes involving Dima and Xavier--LOVE THEM--also liked Quinn (Xavier's ex-hubby).
February 8, 2015
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
I don't know if it's because of my weakness for friends-to-lovers/gay-for-you mm romances, but I enjoyed this 2nd installment in the Run This Town series by A. Ashton much more than the first one. The leading couple of this book are Israel Storm a.k.a Is, X' best friend and the leader of the gang called the Rude Boys, and Reggie Turner, Is' best friend and one of the gang members. The story continues right after the ending of the first one, with Reggie taking Israel into hiding to his old childhood cabin near the lake where the recent tension between them starts to escalate.
Is and Reggie have only met recently, but they bonded right away. It was sort of a bromance at first sight and soon enough they became inseparable. Neither of them ever thought that their growing friendship could turn into something more. Right in the first book of the series - (Watch Me) Break You (RTT, #1) we witnessed the beginning of a change between two of them followed by palpable tension and Reggie admitting his feelings for Is to X.
Both of them were straight their whole life and now they find themselves confused and terrified to lose one of the good, light things in their dark, criminal life- their friendship, especially when they end up stuck in Reggie's cabin with no place to run from their new-found feelings. Add to that growing family problems and possible gang war and you have a perfect recipe for disaster.
The main focus of this installment is on the slow-building romance between Is and Reggie and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way, because they totally won me over right in the 1st book. You have two gangsters who have gone through heaven and hell and found each other on that path and unexpectedly fell in love for the first time in their life, but in the dark world of gangsters, where you have a constant target on your head and where homosexuality isn't exactly welcomed, the price for that love might be too high.
Is and Reggie were just like X and Dima- strong, bad-ass characters, but there's also a softer, endearing side to them, visible only to their inner circle and that's one of the things I like the best about this series. It took time for them to finally let go of their fears and doubts and take that next step, but the waiting was so worth it. Two words: hotness overload!
Fans of X & Dima will also be pleased to hear that both of them make appearance in this installment too and guess what- they have some big news for you, but I'm saying nothing. Read the book and find out. I must admit that my feelings about this series were kind of conflicted after reading the first book, but now I'm totally hooked. Bring on the third one!
Highly recommended to every fan of dark contemporary/friends-to-lovers/gfy romances!
I don't know if it's because of my weakness for friends-to-lovers/gay-for-you mm romances, but I enjoyed this 2nd installment in the Run This Town series by A. Ashton much more than the first one. The leading couple of this book are Israel Storm a.k.a Is, X' best friend and the leader of the gang called the Rude Boys, and Reggie Turner, Is' best friend and one of the gang members. The story continues right after the ending of the first one, with Reggie taking Israel into hiding to his old childhood cabin near the lake where the recent tension between them starts to escalate.
"Maybe he knew. Maybe Is knew. Reggie couldn't take the chance so he took what he was given like a good little soldier would,
he took the scraps of emotion he caught every once in a while in Is' eyes,
he took the fleeting touches that weren't quite fleeting and the promise of maybe, possibly, that came with each puff of breath Is expelled.
He took it all and tried to tell himself it would be enough."
Is and Reggie have only met recently, but they bonded right away. It was sort of a bromance at first sight and soon enough they became inseparable. Neither of them ever thought that their growing friendship could turn into something more. Right in the first book of the series - (Watch Me) Break You (RTT, #1) we witnessed the beginning of a change between two of them followed by palpable tension and Reggie admitting his feelings for Is to X.
Both of them were straight their whole life and now they find themselves confused and terrified to lose one of the good, light things in their dark, criminal life- their friendship, especially when they end up stuck in Reggie's cabin with no place to run from their new-found feelings. Add to that growing family problems and possible gang war and you have a perfect recipe for disaster.
4 dark, action-packed, deeply emotional & way too hot stars.
The main focus of this installment is on the slow-building romance between Is and Reggie and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way, because they totally won me over right in the 1st book. You have two gangsters who have gone through heaven and hell and found each other on that path and unexpectedly fell in love for the first time in their life, but in the dark world of gangsters, where you have a constant target on your head and where homosexuality isn't exactly welcomed, the price for that love might be too high.
Is and Reggie were just like X and Dima- strong, bad-ass characters, but there's also a softer, endearing side to them, visible only to their inner circle and that's one of the things I like the best about this series. It took time for them to finally let go of their fears and doubts and take that next step, but the waiting was so worth it. Two words: hotness overload!
"I want what people who feel like we feel,
who burn like we fucking burn, have. Because I burn, Is.
I want what we should have. Nothing less.
We've changed too much to ever go back."
Fans of X & Dima will also be pleased to hear that both of them make appearance in this installment too and guess what- they have some big news for you, but I'm saying nothing. Read the book and find out. I must admit that my feelings about this series were kind of conflicted after reading the first book, but now I'm totally hooked. Bring on the third one!
Highly recommended to every fan of dark contemporary/friends-to-lovers/gfy romances!
November 20, 2014
3.5 stars.
More of the same stuff...jealousy, obsession, hot sex. But the formula is titillating, so it's working.
Didn't like this book as much as the 1st one, though. Is and Reggie are nice characters, and the friends-to-lovers path was a nice change from the usual insta-love in Avril Ashton's books. But, they just can't top Dima's brand of crazy.
BTW, loved every glimpse of Dima. Think I'm gonna re-read his book asap.
p.s. this book needs some thorough editing.
p.p.s. can't wait for Elias' story!
More of the same stuff...jealousy, obsession, hot sex. But the formula is titillating, so it's working.
Didn't like this book as much as the 1st one, though. Is and Reggie are nice characters, and the friends-to-lovers path was a nice change from the usual insta-love in Avril Ashton's books. But, they just can't top Dima's brand of crazy.
BTW, loved every glimpse of Dima. Think I'm gonna re-read his book asap.
p.s. this book needs some thorough editing.
p.p.s. can't wait for Elias' story!
August 23, 2016
This was definitely my least favorite book in the series. I like Reggie just fine but I can't stand Israel, the only interesthing thing about him are his friends and where he comes from.
March 7, 2018
4.5 stars
Wow, this just keep getting hotter and hotter. Dispite the violence the story speaks for itself. Crime, passion, pleasure and loyalty to the ones you hold dear and near.
Great book!
Wow, this just keep getting hotter and hotter. Dispite the violence the story speaks for itself. Crime, passion, pleasure and loyalty to the ones you hold dear and near.
Great book!
September 5, 2015
Is and Reggie were pretty hot together. Ms. Ashton can write her a mean sex scene I'm tellin' ya. The story advanced (sort of) but there was just far too much waffling in this one. Put up or shut up. I felt bad for both men for different reasons. In here you definitely know that these are not "good" boys. There is not a ton of glamorization of gangs and the men in them. These are killers - and after Dima in the first book I was expecting more. Though you know DIma is in the same category something about him is just so irresistible...and still here the same with him and X. Other than the sex Dima stole the show in this one too in spite of him not being the major character. Extra star for the D :)
April 4, 2017
3.5 stars
That was better than I expected after all, although the first one still remains my favorite by far. And I loved that I could see more of Dima here :)
It was pretty good if you like Ashton's style, but once more, the issues that Israel feared (=the reactions of his team/contacts when they learned that he was gay) were swept under the rug. And those men do cry and talk about their feelings like chicks despite their 'bad boys' vibe. However, I knew what to expect and it didn't bother me much; I enjoyed the book regardless.
That was better than I expected after all, although the first one still remains my favorite by far. And I loved that I could see more of Dima here :)
It was pretty good if you like Ashton's style, but once more, the issues that Israel feared (=the reactions of his team/contacts when they learned that he was gay) were swept under the rug. And those men do cry and talk about their feelings like chicks despite their 'bad boys' vibe. However, I knew what to expect and it didn't bother me much; I enjoyed the book regardless.
November 23, 2014
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Finally, I got what I've been waiting to put my hands on!! It was gut-wrenching-heart-stopping amazing.But I'm curious about Tek and Quinn :( I need them before Elias' book.
Ps: And abot that threesome, I think I might be know who the couple.Anton and Slyvie ?
Finally, I got what I've been waiting to put my hands on!! It was gut-wrenching-heart-stopping amazing.But I'm curious about Tek and Quinn :( I need them before Elias' book.
Ps: And abot that threesome, I think I might be know who the couple.Anton and Slyvie ?
January 4, 2015
This was a very good follow up book to the first one. I loved the first one and with the mixed reviews on this book I was skeptical but I couldn't resist. I actually liked this one better than the Run This Town #1. I found it more of a realistic situation. Usually when we have GFY stories, there is one gay man that is dealing with a straight man and we hear the inner dialogue, turmoil and realizations of the straight man. This book had two former straight guys, gangsters, that fall for each other. It wasn't just a lust situation, they were best friends. They shared many pivotal moments in each others lives.
The author did a very good job with letting us know how each MC thought about their feelings of being attracted to another man. I would say it was a slow burn but I can't really characterize it as that. It was slow acceptance. They both knew they wanted each other but they just had to work through it.
For the m/m fans, yes there are women in this story but they weren't women in the story just for no reason. The story lines with the women were an integral part of bring this story together. We could imagine, that if this situation was really happening, of course, a "straight" guy, in Reggie and Is's lifestyle, would try to prove his manhood to himself and others by going out and being with a woman.
Reggie and Israel together...yeah. It was worth the wait to see them physically and emotionally become partners. There were some sappy moments in there but nothing over the top. The sappiest moments were of Xavier and Dami. Now, they were almost over the top in this one. Some of their scenes I had to roll my eyes.
I really wish Tek's book was next and not Eli's. I will read it but I'm am not itching to read his story. All the hinting to what Tek really is was driving me crazy. Maybe he's a woman or something. I want to read about him and Quinn.
All in all, one of the best GFY, African American, gangleader stories I have read.
The author did a very good job with letting us know how each MC thought about their feelings of being attracted to another man. I would say it was a slow burn but I can't really characterize it as that. It was slow acceptance. They both knew they wanted each other but they just had to work through it.
For the m/m fans, yes there are women in this story but they weren't women in the story just for no reason. The story lines with the women were an integral part of bring this story together. We could imagine, that if this situation was really happening, of course, a "straight" guy, in Reggie and Is's lifestyle, would try to prove his manhood to himself and others by going out and being with a woman.
Reggie and Israel together...yeah. It was worth the wait to see them physically and emotionally become partners. There were some sappy moments in there but nothing over the top. The sappiest moments were of Xavier and Dami. Now, they were almost over the top in this one. Some of their scenes I had to roll my eyes.
I really wish Tek's book was next and not Eli's. I will read it but I'm am not itching to read his story. All the hinting to what Tek really is was driving me crazy. Maybe he's a woman or something. I want to read about him and Quinn.
All in all, one of the best GFY, African American, gangleader stories I have read.
February 12, 2016
2.5
Criminality is not at all my reading preference but I decided to try stepping out of my comfort zone. Too, this is a double GFY so I thought to give it a try.
I liked the authentic Caribbean elements. One can tell Ashton is truly West Indian. I didn't see any of my Trini people in here but that might be for the best :-) Notwithstanding, I felt that Is should have spoken in his "dialect" more. I get mass appeal and all that but it would have further solidified his characterisation. What dialect there is, though, is done well.
Ashton also gets the Caribbean-Brooklyn vibes down pat, too.
I did not like the inauthentic way every single man in here is gay. C'mon, son.
I also couldn't jive with the way Is and Reggie would be two hard-back, Caribbean, Black man that suddenly turn into two little white girls in bed. The sex was cliche; the tone evinced a total shift into the trite m/m too many churn out. Ashton and her characters lost their flavour as soon as they moved from the streets to the sheets.
The only genuine Caribbean sex part that stands out is when Reg says, "Watch me body you." Nice.
There were also some inconsistencies in the first sex scene. The last scene was decent.
Also, all the women in here are a bit problematic.
Authors, you don't have to invoke unrealistic gay Utopias and misogyny to write m/m romance.
Criminality is not at all my reading preference but I decided to try stepping out of my comfort zone. Too, this is a double GFY so I thought to give it a try.
I liked the authentic Caribbean elements. One can tell Ashton is truly West Indian. I didn't see any of my Trini people in here but that might be for the best :-) Notwithstanding, I felt that Is should have spoken in his "dialect" more. I get mass appeal and all that but it would have further solidified his characterisation. What dialect there is, though, is done well.
Ashton also gets the Caribbean-Brooklyn vibes down pat, too.
I did not like the inauthentic way every single man in here is gay. C'mon, son.
I also couldn't jive with the way Is and Reggie would be two hard-back, Caribbean, Black man that suddenly turn into two little white girls in bed. The sex was cliche; the tone evinced a total shift into the trite m/m too many churn out. Ashton and her characters lost their flavour as soon as they moved from the streets to the sheets.
The only genuine Caribbean sex part that stands out is when Reg says, "Watch me body you." Nice.
There were also some inconsistencies in the first sex scene. The last scene was decent.
Also, all the women in here are a bit problematic.
Authors, you don't have to invoke unrealistic gay Utopias and misogyny to write m/m romance.
May 8, 2015
I loved it so much! I tried to draw it out so that it would last a few days...but it didn't work. I've got no self control when it comes to Avril Ashton books.
Israel Storm. Leader of the Rude Boys. He's got a bloody past.
Reggie Turner. Israel's right hand man.
I will now list my feels with gifs...
Bottom line...read it! Like right now.
Israel Storm. Leader of the Rude Boys. He's got a bloody past.
Reggie Turner. Israel's right hand man.
I will now list my feels with gifs...
Bottom line...read it! Like right now.
January 29, 2016
Wow. Not quite as "Wow" as the first one but still....We have 2 man sex virgins in this one and I was wondering whether they were going to stay that way. So stubborn! Israel was the more stubborn of the two and I gotta say that I loved his reaction to the girly scene. All macho, manly, "I'll kill you"...yum! When they finally do get to it, they really get to it. That was some smokin' sex. I was so happy to see Dima and X in this one. They even had some sexy times here. Yay! A bit violent with a touch of girly bits but overall a great read. Now onto the next one because I've got to get to Quinn's story eventually!
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