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More Heat Than the Sun #9
The Bright and Hungry Future of Hawks
Listening Length: 11 hours and 24 minutes
The final book in the addictive, best-selling M/M thriller series More Heat than the Sun.
Ben and Nikolas know that if they were to compare recollections of their life together, they’d remember things very differently. Ben never asks about their time together in the Department because he doesn’t want to hear Nikolas lie. Nikolas never talks about those early years because he can’t afford for Ben to know the truth. After all, some old secrets, like hidden traps, lie rusty but ever eager to spring shut and destroy the unwary. But Nikolas, in love, truly happy, forgets to be vigilant. He takes a very serious misstep. For the first time, since their strange meeting in Whitehall 14 years ago, Ben is forced to rethink his claim that nothing Nikolas could ever do would make him stop loving him.
Note: This book contains graphic M/M content.
The final book in the addictive, best-selling M/M thriller series More Heat than the Sun.
Ben and Nikolas know that if they were to compare recollections of their life together, they’d remember things very differently. Ben never asks about their time together in the Department because he doesn’t want to hear Nikolas lie. Nikolas never talks about those early years because he can’t afford for Ben to know the truth. After all, some old secrets, like hidden traps, lie rusty but ever eager to spring shut and destroy the unwary. But Nikolas, in love, truly happy, forgets to be vigilant. He takes a very serious misstep. For the first time, since their strange meeting in Whitehall 14 years ago, Ben is forced to rethink his claim that nothing Nikolas could ever do would make him stop loving him.
Note: This book contains graphic M/M content.
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published April 15, 2022
29 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
John Wiltshire
29 books826 followersJohn Wiltshire is the fictional persona of the author of the More Heat Than The Sun series. After spending twenty-two years in the military perfecting the art
of looking busy whilst secretly writing, John left as a senior officer
when a hastily dug tunnel was ready for use. Now living in New
Zealand (at least until enough money can be raised to leave) John has no plans to return to the army. Unless the world situation gets considerably worse, that is.
of looking busy whilst secretly writing, John left as a senior officer
when a hastily dug tunnel was ready for use. Now living in New
Zealand (at least until enough money can be raised to leave) John has no plans to return to the army. Unless the world situation gets considerably worse, that is.
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October 23, 2022
Again, Nikolas didn't reply right away. He always seemed to sense when Ben wanted to be taken seriously. After a long silence, he offered, "More of my life has been spent without you than with—that long stretch of time when I thought nothing could fundamentally change who I was. And now I have been given these years of loving you." He quirked a rueful smile. "Being in love with you. So, I do not intend to waste another day allowing fear to unbalance the complex skein that is my life with you. Do I tempt fate? Fuck fate, Ben. Fuck it, and live each day defying it."
fuck, i'm fr sad right now bc i'm genuinely going to miss Nikolas and Ben so much. :( binge reading this series in a span of two days made me a crying mess. once i finished the first book, i couldn't stop reading the next one and before i knew it... here we are. 😭😭
i loved how this felt like a parallel to book one bc we get some chapters as flashbacks to how everything began between Nikolas and Ben but, this time around, it was told from Nikolas' perspective—which honestly made things feel more in depth when it comes to their moments in the past. everything came into full circle bc i definitely thought Nikolas' pov was needed to wrap up the story and it just felt satisfying knowing both their sides. i also loved how, in other chapters, it would be the present day and we just see Nikolas, Ben and all the characters coming into acceptance of who they are and everything they had endured.
i'm always sad to say "goodbye" to characters whom i've grown attached to, especially in a long series like this one, but i'm glad i finally gave this series a chance!! <3
***
full series ratings
#1 Love Is a Stranger — 5 stars
#2 Conscious Decisions of the Heart — 4.5 stars
#3 The Bridge of Silver Wings — 4 stars
#4 This Other Country — 4 stars
#5 The Bruise-Black Sky — 3 stars
#6 Death's Ink-Black Shadow — 3 stars
#7 Enduring Night — 4 stars
#8 His Fateful Heap of Days — 4 stars
#9 The Bright and Hungry Future of Hawks — 5 stars
fuck, i'm fr sad right now bc i'm genuinely going to miss Nikolas and Ben so much. :( binge reading this series in a span of two days made me a crying mess. once i finished the first book, i couldn't stop reading the next one and before i knew it... here we are. 😭😭
i loved how this felt like a parallel to book one bc we get some chapters as flashbacks to how everything began between Nikolas and Ben but, this time around, it was told from Nikolas' perspective—which honestly made things feel more in depth when it comes to their moments in the past. everything came into full circle bc i definitely thought Nikolas' pov was needed to wrap up the story and it just felt satisfying knowing both their sides. i also loved how, in other chapters, it would be the present day and we just see Nikolas, Ben and all the characters coming into acceptance of who they are and everything they had endured.
i'm always sad to say "goodbye" to characters whom i've grown attached to, especially in a long series like this one, but i'm glad i finally gave this series a chance!! <3
***
full series ratings
#1 Love Is a Stranger — 5 stars
#2 Conscious Decisions of the Heart — 4.5 stars
#3 The Bridge of Silver Wings — 4 stars
#4 This Other Country — 4 stars
#5 The Bruise-Black Sky — 3 stars
#6 Death's Ink-Black Shadow — 3 stars
#7 Enduring Night — 4 stars
#8 His Fateful Heap of Days — 4 stars
#9 The Bright and Hungry Future of Hawks — 5 stars
April 19, 2022
I have to admit I wasn’t so sure about the need for this final book, especially when I realized a big part of it would be seeing some “behind the scenes” of the events covered in book 1 from Nik’s POV. Sure, it was interesting to see how so very different being in Nik’s head during those times was compared to the impressions Ben had of him and their times together. But we’d already had Nik’s POV at other times in the series, so it didn’t seem so important. Interesting, sure, amusing, but not crucial.
How very wrong I was.
In a way, my experience with this book reminded me of reading the first book in the series. I went through the first half mildly interested, enjoying the company of well-known and amusing characters, knowing that even that seemingly explosive prologue would be revealed to be something very different to what it seemed (it is the way of this series, after all). Then around the first half or so, something clicked, and I devoured the rest of the book. Ben and Nik always seem to have that effect on me. And while, in between one new shocking revelation and the other, at one point I knew what was coming, how everything would end, it didn’t make it any less interesting to find out how they’d get there.
A huge point that has lurked beneath the surface of Ben and Nik’s relationship for a long time—swept aside every time it seemed to be coming into the open to such a degree that I’d lost hope and accepted it would just be one of the many unhealthy constants of their life together—was finally addressed in this book. Maybe I should trust authors to know their own series and characters better than I think they do, but I’ve had reason to doubt that in the past. My bad. Anyway, it was a nice surprise and exactly what the series needed to be complete.
There are maybe a couple of minor “loose ends,” for lack of a better word, things that Ben and Nik haven’t got around to talk about, but if you know these two and their dynamic, you know that’s just the way they are. Maybe they’ll get there, maybe they won’t. It works for them, and it definitely works for me, I’m more confident than ever that they’ve reached a point where they can work through things together—okay, maybe with a little bit of help from their friends and their dogs, but Radulf has always been smarter than all the humans in the series put together, why change that now?
I’ll miss them, but I’m happy to be leaving them in a better place than I could ever hope for.
How very wrong I was.
In a way, my experience with this book reminded me of reading the first book in the series. I went through the first half mildly interested, enjoying the company of well-known and amusing characters, knowing that even that seemingly explosive prologue would be revealed to be something very different to what it seemed (it is the way of this series, after all). Then around the first half or so, something clicked, and I devoured the rest of the book. Ben and Nik always seem to have that effect on me. And while, in between one new shocking revelation and the other, at one point I knew what was coming, how everything would end, it didn’t make it any less interesting to find out how they’d get there.
A huge point that has lurked beneath the surface of Ben and Nik’s relationship for a long time—swept aside every time it seemed to be coming into the open to such a degree that I’d lost hope and accepted it would just be one of the many unhealthy constants of their life together—was finally addressed in this book. Maybe I should trust authors to know their own series and characters better than I think they do, but I’ve had reason to doubt that in the past. My bad. Anyway, it was a nice surprise and exactly what the series needed to be complete.
There are maybe a couple of minor “loose ends,” for lack of a better word, things that Ben and Nik haven’t got around to talk about, but if you know these two and their dynamic, you know that’s just the way they are. Maybe they’ll get there, maybe they won’t. It works for them, and it definitely works for me, I’m more confident than ever that they’ve reached a point where they can work through things together—okay, maybe with a little bit of help from their friends and their dogs, but Radulf has always been smarter than all the humans in the series put together, why change that now?
I’ll miss them, but I’m happy to be leaving them in a better place than I could ever hope for.
They were flawed individuals, chipped and dented by life, but together they made a perfect whole.
April 27, 2023
Reread for the new! book.
The last of Ben and Nik. Sniff.
4.5 stars
I'm so sad it's over. When I read the blurb, I tried to remember what could possibly make Ben question. So when I did my preparatory reread of the series, I landed on something I *thought* it could be referring to. And I was actually right! (Which never happens, so I celebrate the small wins).
This book made me love and then despise Philipa. It made me love Nik and Ben more. And I closed my Kindle with a smile on my face. Enough said.
Goodbye to one of my all-time favorite MM couples. Probably Top 2.
The last of Ben and Nik. Sniff.
4.5 stars
I'm so sad it's over. When I read the blurb, I tried to remember what could possibly make Ben question. So when I did my preparatory reread of the series, I landed on something I *thought* it could be referring to. And I was actually right! (Which never happens, so I celebrate the small wins).
This book made me love and then despise Philipa. It made me love Nik and Ben more. And I closed my Kindle with a smile on my face. Enough said.
Goodbye to one of my all-time favorite MM couples. Probably Top 2.
April 27, 2022
That was so bittersweet. I started this series with a not so that resulted in a long ass review rant. It took some effort from my very trusted GR friends to make me give it a second chance and somehow along the way I became a big, BIG fan.
So I think that with this book the series came full circle and shed light to many things that were unclear in the first book, things that pissed me off that first time. And well, if I had to wait nine books, it was a good ride.
My only complain, hence the 4 stars, is that I needed something more in the end. Maybe more interaction and less inner monologues. Maybe more groveling from Nikolas. Just something more.
In any case, I'm a very, very happy girl after reading this much needed last book. I'll miss these two.
So I think that with this book the series came full circle and shed light to many things that were unclear in the first book, things that pissed me off that first time. And well, if I had to wait nine books, it was a good ride.
My only complain, hence the 4 stars, is that I needed something more in the end. Maybe more interaction and less inner monologues. Maybe more groveling from Nikolas. Just something more.
In any case, I'm a very, very happy girl after reading this much needed last book. I'll miss these two.
April 17, 2022
I will miss them. I will miss Ben and Nikolas, but more than that - I will miss complexity of characters. Something I don’t see very often nowadays in other books. I read it all night (something I haven’t done in a very long time) and now I’m sad? Melancholic? I don’t know, but I feel like authors don’t write books like they used to. Now they write boring books where being rich asshole or being sweet twink is a whole character trait with a plot which feels like a plain yogurt to me.
So, yeah, I will miss them and hope that John Wiltshire write something else to fill this void in mm romance category I feel is happening right now.
So, yeah, I will miss them and hope that John Wiltshire write something else to fill this void in mm romance category I feel is happening right now.
April 13, 2022
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book.
My god, it's been a long wait, but after finishing this whopping 600+page book the wait was worth it.
"The Bright and Hungry Future of Hawks" brings us back to the beginning, to when Sir Nikolas Mikkelsen met Ben Rider. The narrative in this book changes for each chapter, from past to present, each new chapter revealing secret insights into the mind of Aleksy. It may be a cliche, but this really is a rollercoaster of a book, and John Wiltshire doesn't disappoint in her ability to make us sob, laugh, and feel horny within a few chapters.
I have followed Nik, Ben, and Radulf through so many adventures, and what a pleasure it's been. Although it hurt my heart to say goodbye to them as this is the last book, it was a fantastic read, intricately plotted and well thought out. It has always amazed me how John Wiltshire has messed with my moral compass and made me fall in love with a pair of murderous sociopaths, but she has - Bravo!
My god, it's been a long wait, but after finishing this whopping 600+page book the wait was worth it.
"The Bright and Hungry Future of Hawks" brings us back to the beginning, to when Sir Nikolas Mikkelsen met Ben Rider. The narrative in this book changes for each chapter, from past to present, each new chapter revealing secret insights into the mind of Aleksy. It may be a cliche, but this really is a rollercoaster of a book, and John Wiltshire doesn't disappoint in her ability to make us sob, laugh, and feel horny within a few chapters.
I have followed Nik, Ben, and Radulf through so many adventures, and what a pleasure it's been. Although it hurt my heart to say goodbye to them as this is the last book, it was a fantastic read, intricately plotted and well thought out. It has always amazed me how John Wiltshire has messed with my moral compass and made me fall in love with a pair of murderous sociopaths, but she has - Bravo!
April 23, 2023
Five stars for the series as a whole, 4.5 stars for this final episode.
These two men, these two very complex and multifaceted characters, will be sorely missed. After a six year wait, this story was everything we wanted and more for Ben and Nik/Aleksey. No, I didn't really need to re-read book 1, Love Is a Stranger as the author had suggested, because the incident that she wanted us to remember was actually impossible to forget, and I knew, I just knew at the time that there'd been more to it than we'd been privy to.
Should either of them be forgiven for the hurt and suffering they've caused, both to themselves and to others? The murders they've committed? The things they've obviously done which we still aren't sure about? These two cold-hearted warriors, who came out of cold storage and thawed just enough to be able to finally love each other? They will say it's part of their job description, and that's true enough...we have people like them to thank for keeping us safe. My nominee for hero of the book...Radulf, the gay and blind dog of course 😉.
Loved the mention of Buckland-in-the-Vale, and will continue to hope that the Author continues The Buckland-in-the-Vale and Sandstone Tor Gay Book Club at some stage in the future. The future is bright, and full of possibilities.
These two men, these two very complex and multifaceted characters, will be sorely missed. After a six year wait, this story was everything we wanted and more for Ben and Nik/Aleksey. No, I didn't really need to re-read book 1, Love Is a Stranger as the author had suggested, because the incident that she wanted us to remember was actually impossible to forget, and I knew, I just knew at the time that there'd been more to it than we'd been privy to.
Should either of them be forgiven for the hurt and suffering they've caused, both to themselves and to others? The murders they've committed? The things they've obviously done which we still aren't sure about? These two cold-hearted warriors, who came out of cold storage and thawed just enough to be able to finally love each other? They will say it's part of their job description, and that's true enough...we have people like them to thank for keeping us safe. My nominee for hero of the book...Radulf, the gay and blind dog of course 😉.
Loved the mention of Buckland-in-the-Vale, and will continue to hope that the Author continues The Buckland-in-the-Vale and Sandstone Tor Gay Book Club at some stage in the future. The future is bright, and full of possibilities.
April 23, 2022
4.5 Stars
October 14, 2022
This was an exceptional series. A definite standout in the world of MM romance. I wish I had taken the time to review each book individually after I finished them but I was hooked and immeshed and didn’t want to take the time. An enormous pile of thoughts is swirling in my brain after finishing these nine books but I don’t have the bandwidth to put them together coherently. So just some quick and random thoughts:
*Insanely good writing. Off the charts. Sorry to be a negative Nancy but books like these really make you realize how lacking the writing is in so many of today's MM romances.
*The character development. Nik and Ben, esp Nik, are two of the most complex characters I’ve read. Also fully fleshed-out secondary characters. As real and authentic as your own BFFs and family. And gah, Radulf ❤️❤️❤️
*The presence of place. So many different settings throughout the nine books, every one of them fully realized and as much a character in the story as the people.
*Nik and Ben together. Just—no words. One of my top five fave book couples. Their relationship was every bit as complicated as the individuals themselves. Toxic and contradictory, intense and emotional, gorgeous and poignant. Nik could be so manipulative and such a bully and Ben too much a doormat. But they were each other’s greatest defenders and completely devoted to each other, even if they couldn’t always admit it and clearly had their issues with being gay. They were bad-ass, hot, hard, and powerful. I adored them together.
*Stellar narration and top-notch acting by Gary Furlong. I’ve listened to a lot of his narrations and have always liked him but this was a whole other ball game. He completely slayed it. Excellent distinction between characters and a superb range of accents far and above what most narrators can do (would've loved a Danish accent for Nik but get that that would've been a tough one).
*The covers and titles. Classy, beautiful, unique. Perfectly fit the series’ vibe.
*Must be said as much as I loved the series, there were lots of things along the way that frustrated me. Characters’ actions and decisions, plot lines that confused me or that didn’t make sense, loose ends, a shit ton of WTF moments. But the exceptional writing offset my peevishness and honestly I was enjoying myself way too much to be truly bothered.
*Hot AF sex scenes but seriously, why no lube??
Wish I could do a review justice but this is all I got. All the stars. Highly recommend. Esp as a listen.
*Insanely good writing. Off the charts. Sorry to be a negative Nancy but books like these really make you realize how lacking the writing is in so many of today's MM romances.
*The character development. Nik and Ben, esp Nik, are two of the most complex characters I’ve read. Also fully fleshed-out secondary characters. As real and authentic as your own BFFs and family. And gah, Radulf ❤️❤️❤️
*The presence of place. So many different settings throughout the nine books, every one of them fully realized and as much a character in the story as the people.
*Nik and Ben together. Just—no words. One of my top five fave book couples. Their relationship was every bit as complicated as the individuals themselves. Toxic and contradictory, intense and emotional, gorgeous and poignant. Nik could be so manipulative and such a bully and Ben too much a doormat. But they were each other’s greatest defenders and completely devoted to each other, even if they couldn’t always admit it and clearly had their issues with being gay. They were bad-ass, hot, hard, and powerful. I adored them together.
*Stellar narration and top-notch acting by Gary Furlong. I’ve listened to a lot of his narrations and have always liked him but this was a whole other ball game. He completely slayed it. Excellent distinction between characters and a superb range of accents far and above what most narrators can do (would've loved a Danish accent for Nik but get that that would've been a tough one).
*The covers and titles. Classy, beautiful, unique. Perfectly fit the series’ vibe.
*Must be said as much as I loved the series, there were lots of things along the way that frustrated me. Characters’ actions and decisions, plot lines that confused me or that didn’t make sense, loose ends, a shit ton of WTF moments. But the exceptional writing offset my peevishness and honestly I was enjoying myself way too much to be truly bothered.
*Hot AF sex scenes but seriously, why no lube??
Wish I could do a review justice but this is all I got. All the stars. Highly recommend. Esp as a listen.
April 18, 2022
This entire series has been an action packed thrill ride layered with character introspection. Ben and Alexi aren't supposed to be the type of characters who spend much time on self reflection, but this final book in the series showcases just how much they have evolved as individuals and as a couple by learning from their past. Watching them build a family and a connection to each other is one of the most exciting adventures in the series.
This book wrapped up the series beautifully. The narration was spectacular. I originally discovered this series because I was looking for more books narrated by Gary Furlong. I was not disappointed. I not so secretly hope that John Wiltshire writes more stories that will be narrated by Gary Furlong. I am very satisfied with this series though, and I know I will listen to it and read it repeatedly.
This book wrapped up the series beautifully. The narration was spectacular. I originally discovered this series because I was looking for more books narrated by Gary Furlong. I was not disappointed. I not so secretly hope that John Wiltshire writes more stories that will be narrated by Gary Furlong. I am very satisfied with this series though, and I know I will listen to it and read it repeatedly.
December 26, 2023
This was a solid ending to the series. The flashbacks made much more sense as far as the personality changes noted in the last two books. My conclusion was this whole series was about a twisted relationship between two interesting sociopaths.
April 15, 2022
It was everything I wished for and more.. A fitting end to Nik and Ben or should I say Ben and
& Aleksey Rider-Mikkelsen.
& Aleksey Rider-Mikkelsen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2023
Amazing. I’m crying (happy). This book really put me through the wringer. The whole series did me in. Absolutely loved it.
April 21, 2022
Absolutely Perfect!
This last book in the series could not have been better! It was that good!
I have followed these 2 wonderful characters through 9 books now and with each book it got better & better.
I feel like I’ve been waiting for this last one and was sometimes worried it wouldn’t be written. I hoped Nik & Ben would get a good send off and they really did. About 50% into it I had to tell my family no more interruptions. I could no longer put it down.
For anyone reading this review, I feel like you have probably read the previous 8 and are already invested in this series. Just know you will be thrilled with this one & how it ends!
Thank you, John, for this amazing series.
This last book in the series could not have been better! It was that good!
I have followed these 2 wonderful characters through 9 books now and with each book it got better & better.
I feel like I’ve been waiting for this last one and was sometimes worried it wouldn’t be written. I hoped Nik & Ben would get a good send off and they really did. About 50% into it I had to tell my family no more interruptions. I could no longer put it down.
For anyone reading this review, I feel like you have probably read the previous 8 and are already invested in this series. Just know you will be thrilled with this one & how it ends!
Thank you, John, for this amazing series.
May 18, 2022
I had higher expectations for this. I know "the last book in a series" is a tricky one. In a lot of cases I find the ending of things to be way too tacky and kitschy. here the "Family issues" were being dealt in the previous books (with surprisingly grace IMO) so this was not the problem here.
The thing that bothered me most was that I found the book way too long and frankly exhausting without an actual reason.
Until the very end of it, both Nikolas and Ben were acting very characteristically, nothing felt different between the two of them. just another day in the NikBen drama. we survived 8 long books!!! we deserved better than a retell of book 1.
Yes, it was nice connecting some dots but really, it wasn't that interesting finding out about dead foes and unlovable past lovers. this wasn't it for me.
you might think getting to see things from Nik's POV would have made me happy but it was so brief it just left me wanting more.
Even the "Big deal"? come on, this was not out of character for Ben to be shocked and TBH wasn't such a big deal to begin with, Nik had done much worse during the years.
I thought this will be about Kate but I guess the writer found this too much even for Nik ;)
The thing is that even though this book was shockingly long, the resolution felt really rushed and because of that a bit disappointing.
I Loved this series, no 9 books series can be all 5 stars. Nikolas was an amazing character, one of the best I have ever read and I had a great time reading it.
The thing that bothered me most was that I found the book way too long and frankly exhausting without an actual reason.
Until the very end of it, both Nikolas and Ben were acting very characteristically, nothing felt different between the two of them. just another day in the NikBen drama. we survived 8 long books!!! we deserved better than a retell of book 1.
Yes, it was nice connecting some dots but really, it wasn't that interesting finding out about dead foes and unlovable past lovers. this wasn't it for me.
you might think getting to see things from Nik's POV would have made me happy but it was so brief it just left me wanting more.
Even the "Big deal"? come on, this was not out of character for Ben to be shocked and TBH wasn't such a big deal to begin with, Nik had done much worse during the years.
I thought this will be about Kate but I guess the writer found this too much even for Nik ;)
The thing is that even though this book was shockingly long, the resolution felt really rushed and because of that a bit disappointing.
I Loved this series, no 9 books series can be all 5 stars. Nikolas was an amazing character, one of the best I have ever read and I had a great time reading it.
April 18, 2022
What an incredible series. A gritty journey through lives of challenge, grief and undeniable love. There is possibly more darkness and grim encounters in these episodes, but there is always the thread of hope.
I loved these books and the depth of characters- both two & four legged ❤️❤️
I loved these books and the depth of characters- both two & four legged ❤️❤️
March 30, 2024
Still ***3.5 - 4 Stars***
because...
Flashbacks?... Ugh!
Loads of inner monologue?... Double Ugh!
Ben and Nick?... Hells yeah, after all 🤷♀️😉
because...
Flashbacks?... Ugh!
Loads of inner monologue?... Double Ugh!
Ben and Nick?... Hells yeah, after all 🤷♀️😉
April 19, 2022
The end of an era 😭
April 17, 2022
I can't believe that the end has come. Of course there will never be enough of Nik and Ben, I could read about them for many many more books but I know that some stories must conclude before they wear out. In this book we have a new pov in very important scenes in the history of Ben and Nik, we finally managed to enter that secret part that Nik kept in his heart, finally, after so many adventures far away and inside the house, this time the adventure is the introspection of the brilliant mind of the main character. I loved Nik from the first moment and more with each book, honestly Ben sometimes makes me want to hit him myself but Nikolas will be unforgettable and Aleksey has become endearing. Without a doubt a happy and honorable ending for this series. I can't say much more since it is better that each fan of More heat than the Sun draw their own conclusions. For me it was everything I wanted from this final book.
April 18, 2022
We finally see how everything started, from Nik's (Aleksey's) point of view. I loved it 💙😀
We see that although he's a sociopath, he's very protective and possessive of the things he considers his 🖤 First and most important of all is Ben, the beautiful, strong and elusive Ben Rider 👬 He wants, desires and loves Ben with such an intense possessiveness that drives him to do disturbing things in order to get him and keep him 🔫🕯️⚰️ Aleksey's internal monologue is always interesting, if not fun. It is a treat to be given an insight into his way of thinking, into his memories and thought process. Finally we see the other side; not only the love and desire that Ben has for his "Nikolas", but also the way that his love redeems Aleksey (especially during the last hurdle of their story when it is proven to him). In the end, Aleksey realizes that Ben wants him back with the same intensity, the same strength, the same willingness to follow Aleksey/Nikolas wherever he goes, even in death.
Props to Radulf, that wonderful, amazing, loyal four-legged creature 🐕🐾💖
We see that although he's a sociopath, he's very protective and possessive of the things he considers his 🖤 First and most important of all is Ben, the beautiful, strong and elusive Ben Rider 👬 He wants, desires and loves Ben with such an intense possessiveness that drives him to do disturbing things in order to get him and keep him 🔫🕯️⚰️ Aleksey's internal monologue is always interesting, if not fun. It is a treat to be given an insight into his way of thinking, into his memories and thought process. Finally we see the other side; not only the love and desire that Ben has for his "Nikolas", but also the way that his love redeems Aleksey (especially during the last hurdle of their story when it is proven to him). In the end, Aleksey realizes that Ben wants him back with the same intensity, the same strength, the same willingness to follow Aleksey/Nikolas wherever he goes, even in death.
Props to Radulf, that wonderful, amazing, loyal four-legged creature 🐕🐾💖
April 17, 2022
perfection
A perfect ending to a story that makes you feel every emotion possible. I will now mourn not being able to read more.
A perfect ending to a story that makes you feel every emotion possible. I will now mourn not being able to read more.
May 18, 2022
'Hello, Benjamin.'
Also, what a truly... eventful ride.
I am hearing a mute upbeat soundtrack at your epilogue, but the horror is there.
Did Nik/Aleksey and Benjamin really survive?
Did our beloved, aging Radulph really make it to the glasshouse and back?
In reality, what names were carved on those tombstones?
What were those horrible wounds all over our sweet PB's neck about?
Why were Squeezy and the professor acting so unusually endearing in public?
Why was Nik singing? He never sang before.
How many times have I asked myself that same question? Am I alive, am I just dreaming? 'Is this the real life or is this just fantasy?'
Anyhow, thank you for keeping your readers company and riding along with us the whole nine books. I kept reading, faithfully, mostly because of Radulph, of course.
However, your ending had me wondering whether I am just a butterfly who dreams to be a Queen.
Thank you very much for the ride.
Also, what a truly... eventful ride.
I am hearing a mute upbeat soundtrack at your epilogue, but the horror is there.
Did Nik/Aleksey and Benjamin really survive?
Did our beloved, aging Radulph really make it to the glasshouse and back?
In reality, what names were carved on those tombstones?
What were those horrible wounds all over our sweet PB's neck about?
Why were Squeezy and the professor acting so unusually endearing in public?
Why was Nik singing? He never sang before.
How many times have I asked myself that same question? Am I alive, am I just dreaming? 'Is this the real life or is this just fantasy?'
Anyhow, thank you for keeping your readers company and riding along with us the whole nine books. I kept reading, faithfully, mostly because of Radulph, of course.
However, your ending had me wondering whether I am just a butterfly who dreams to be a Queen.
Thank you very much for the ride.
July 3, 2025
I just finished the last book of my favorite series. It was not as much adventure as I was expecting, but it was plenty emotional. There are so many feelings, I think I'll have to go back to the beginning (for the third time for books 1-6), and then maybe I can decide. I am sad about the missed vacation. I wanted to see the men at a Dude Ranch.
My review, 1 day later- If I could have it my way, the flashback chapters would be a prequel novella, and the last book would have more adventure. Maybe I'm just in denial that it's over. Plus, I always wanted to know more about Squeezy & Tim's adventures (there's some edited material on YouTube).
It's nearly 2025, 3.5 yrs since I started my love/hate relationship with these 2 men, I've now listened to this series somewhere between 3-5 times. Perhaps an intervention is required.
My review, 1 day later- If I could have it my way, the flashback chapters would be a prequel novella, and the last book would have more adventure. Maybe I'm just in denial that it's over. Plus, I always wanted to know more about Squeezy & Tim's adventures (there's some edited material on YouTube).
It's nearly 2025, 3.5 yrs since I started my love/hate relationship with these 2 men, I've now listened to this series somewhere between 3-5 times. Perhaps an intervention is required.
April 22, 2022
This final journey for Ben and Nik takes a look back as well as forward to the point where we meet both characters in book 1.
We understand more about the missing pieces to their relationship beginnings and how Nik viewed him self and his growing attraction to Ben.
You know something big and disastrous will happen.. which both the past and the present perspectives leads you to that point.
Love has always been the strongest bond that held these two men together and the family they created. But some hard truths need telling and it’s that truth that both Nik and Ben need to learn and accept to get their final happy ending..
Every moment was a joy to read. Nikolas being such a complex character with his tendency to self serve was entertaining and also heartwarming with his self revelations!
Ben.. stubborn, determined and needing to learn that loving Nik was the strength behind their relationship and not the weakness.
I just loved it and recommend to anyone who loves complex characters you won’t forget to start this series if you haven’t already.
We understand more about the missing pieces to their relationship beginnings and how Nik viewed him self and his growing attraction to Ben.
You know something big and disastrous will happen.. which both the past and the present perspectives leads you to that point.
Love has always been the strongest bond that held these two men together and the family they created. But some hard truths need telling and it’s that truth that both Nik and Ben need to learn and accept to get their final happy ending..
Every moment was a joy to read. Nikolas being such a complex character with his tendency to self serve was entertaining and also heartwarming with his self revelations!
Ben.. stubborn, determined and needing to learn that loving Nik was the strength behind their relationship and not the weakness.
I just loved it and recommend to anyone who loves complex characters you won’t forget to start this series if you haven’t already.
April 26, 2022
I admit to have read the end without the middle but my KU ends today and haven’t decided whether to renew or not for a little bit. I store up KU books, read in a group and take a break.
With the rather annoying flash backs and the still barely talking to each other and a few plot threads I missed from the middle, it wasn't hard to follow.
With the rather annoying flash backs and the still barely talking to each other and a few plot threads I missed from the middle, it wasn't hard to follow.
April 19, 2022
The end of Ben and Nik’s journey couldn’t have been more perfect! I immensely enjoying reading this series and the wonderful journey it took me though. John Wiltshire is a masterful writer and this final instalment blew me away with its heart wrenching truths and revelations. I will be following this author’s work very closely in the future. Kudos to Gary Furlong for his fantastic and totally spot-on narration.
April 20, 2022
awesome!
What a beautiful ending to the amazing story of great love. I will be rereading them all often. Thank you for your work.
What a beautiful ending to the amazing story of great love. I will be rereading them all often. Thank you for your work.
March 18, 2023
Un coup de cœur magistral pour cette saga et pour ce dernier tome en apothéose qui m’a fait remettre en question tout ce que je pensais savoir sur Ben et Nik ♥️
On repart 14 ans plus tôt, lors de la rencontre entre Benjamin et Nikolas. C’était tellement intéressant d’avoir tous ses moments manquants que je rêvais de connaître depuis le T1 : le recrutement de Ben par Nik dans les Services Secrets, leur première fois sur la table de billard qui scellera le début de leur relation, la violence de leurs premiers ébats, les secrets et les non-dits qui entourent encore et toujours leur relation…
Parallèlement, on les suit aussi dans le présent alors que Philipa s’apprête à épouser le futur roi d’Angleterre et que Ben prépare des vacances loin des paparazzi. Le prologue nous met directement dans l’ambiance et pendant tout le roman on a peur d’arriver à un dénouement funeste 😰
Ce jeu passé / présent donne un vrai dynamisme à la lecture et les deux temporalité sont très addictives.
Concernant les révélations sur l’implication de Nik dans le contrôle de la vie complète de Ben, je dois dire que je n’ai pas été réellement surprise et que c’est quelque chose que je soupçonnais depuis le début de la saga. Ça ne m’a pas empêché d’apprécier chaque instant de ses moments manquants qui vous feront voir le T1 de la saga d’un tout autre regard 😏
Ben a fait de Nikolas son dieu vivant et quand il chute du piédestal sur lequel il l’avait lui-même placé, l’atterrissage fait mal. On a toujours su que Nikolas était un putain de manipulateur hors paire, mais certains seront surpris par son niveau de roublardise et de mensonge (ou pas 😅🤣) Il ne recul devant aucun stratagème pour avoir Benjamin Rider à ses pieds.
Une fois les révélations finales faites, j’aurais aimé une vraie confrontation entre Ben et Nik plutôt que l’habituelle fuite en avant de Nikolas 🙄
L’amour dévorant et obsédant de Nik et Ben est toujours bien présent 🔥
La fin est satisfaisante même si je pense que l’auteur aurait pu faire quelque chose de plus punchy 💥
Cette saga aura marquée ma vie de lectrice ♥️
On repart 14 ans plus tôt, lors de la rencontre entre Benjamin et Nikolas. C’était tellement intéressant d’avoir tous ses moments manquants que je rêvais de connaître depuis le T1 : le recrutement de Ben par Nik dans les Services Secrets, leur première fois sur la table de billard qui scellera le début de leur relation, la violence de leurs premiers ébats, les secrets et les non-dits qui entourent encore et toujours leur relation…
Parallèlement, on les suit aussi dans le présent alors que Philipa s’apprête à épouser le futur roi d’Angleterre et que Ben prépare des vacances loin des paparazzi. Le prologue nous met directement dans l’ambiance et pendant tout le roman on a peur d’arriver à un dénouement funeste 😰
Ce jeu passé / présent donne un vrai dynamisme à la lecture et les deux temporalité sont très addictives.
Concernant les révélations sur l’implication de Nik dans le contrôle de la vie complète de Ben, je dois dire que je n’ai pas été réellement surprise et que c’est quelque chose que je soupçonnais depuis le début de la saga. Ça ne m’a pas empêché d’apprécier chaque instant de ses moments manquants qui vous feront voir le T1 de la saga d’un tout autre regard 😏
Ben a fait de Nikolas son dieu vivant et quand il chute du piédestal sur lequel il l’avait lui-même placé, l’atterrissage fait mal. On a toujours su que Nikolas était un putain de manipulateur hors paire, mais certains seront surpris par son niveau de roublardise et de mensonge (ou pas 😅🤣) Il ne recul devant aucun stratagème pour avoir Benjamin Rider à ses pieds.
Une fois les révélations finales faites, j’aurais aimé une vraie confrontation entre Ben et Nik plutôt que l’habituelle fuite en avant de Nikolas 🙄
L’amour dévorant et obsédant de Nik et Ben est toujours bien présent 🔥
La fin est satisfaisante même si je pense que l’auteur aurait pu faire quelque chose de plus punchy 💥
Cette saga aura marquée ma vie de lectrice ♥️
November 8, 2022
So much drama... for what?
The writing of "John Wiltshire's" ("Marquesate") ("???") has improved immensely. BUT the plot of this last book of Benjamin's/Nickola's, very special saga, felt a bit underwhelming, compared to what these two men have passed/endured through the years. I was puzzled, and wondering, am I missing something, vital, here? But, No. It is what it is. Take it or leave it. Too bad, I was following these two men, since the very beginning.
Five stars for the writing. Two for the storyline.
The writing of "John Wiltshire's" ("Marquesate") ("???") has improved immensely. BUT the plot of this last book of Benjamin's/Nickola's, very special saga, felt a bit underwhelming, compared to what these two men have passed/endured through the years. I was puzzled, and wondering, am I missing something, vital, here? But, No. It is what it is. Take it or leave it. Too bad, I was following these two men, since the very beginning.
Five stars for the writing. Two for the storyline.
May 27, 2022
Continue the series John🥺
I want to know more about the man Aleksey Rider-Mikkelsen. I have read the whole series twice. It's a rollercoaster series of the life of two broken men who end up loving each other beyond reason and it's everything you can ever want to read. I can't digest this being the last book. Please continue the series 🥺🥺
I want to know more about the man Aleksey Rider-Mikkelsen. I have read the whole series twice. It's a rollercoaster series of the life of two broken men who end up loving each other beyond reason and it's everything you can ever want to read. I can't digest this being the last book. Please continue the series 🥺🥺
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