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Two Tribes #1

Fool's Gold

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Falling in love can be a deadly business.

Liam Moseley has been living a lie ever since he joined Manchester’s notorious crime boss Jonny Wellingham ten years ago. Liam is gay, and that could get him killed in the deadly world he has fallen into.

When he meets handsome Italian Marco Ponti, Liam’s whole world is turned on its head. Marco is in town looking for business opportunities for his uncle in Rome, and makes Liam see his life in a brand-new light.

But all is not as it seems, especially when Marco shows Liam the past isn’t always as it appears and the future can change in the blink of an eye. In a dangerous world where each job could be Liam’s last, he finds himself fighting for love as well as survival.

Liam will have to put everything he holds dear on the line to make his dreams come true.

Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of violence and murder. There are references to organized crime and homophobia.

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2023

3 people are currently reading
83 people want to read

About the author

Kristian Parker

37 books58 followers
I have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.

I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.

Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Theresa Derwin.
1,186 reviews43 followers
March 18, 2023
Fools Gold (Two Tribe's Book #1)
Kristian Parker
Release date: 14th March 2023
Pride Publishing


Liam is living a lie, working on the streets of Manchester for notorious boss Jonny Wellingham, he has to hide who he is, as being a gay man working for Jonny’s gang could get him killed.
When he goes on a dating app and gets a hit from a visiting Italian businessman called Marco, the men agree to meet up on his night off, and the chemistry is sizzling, the attraction instant. But their night is cut short.
Marco is more than he seems and Liam has to make some tough decisions along the way.
In the UK, Manchester is known for its vibrant and lively LGBTQIA+ community so I liked the juxtaposition between a gay main character burying that side of himself from the likes of sleazy, bigoted gang member Deano who constantly taunts Liam, and the exciting possibilities he finds in the arms of a hot, dark Italian.
Meeting a foreign stranger suits him just fine, as going with a local guy could get him caught.
Jonny, the boss, is volatile and violent; Harry his oldest gang member the only one who knows how to appease him.
When profits start dropping from a gang member’s shady dealings, Jonny demands answers ... Or blood.
There are some great characters in here, from the best friend/prostitute Claire, to Harry the peacemaker, Davey the weasel and Liam himself. The dialect, geography, social aspects of the city and history all feel authentic, as though written by a true Mancunian.
Liam has low self esteem and hidden trauma from his childhood, conceals and integral part of his identity, and though he’s stuck in a rut with his current “job”, it’s clear he’s looking for more. Both in romance and with his life. Marco is everything he wants, and everything he wants to be.
For non UK readers, this would be more Peaky Blinders and Lock, Stock and Barrel than the Mafia romance tropes found in the USA sub genres of MM Romance.
It’s gritty and working class, whilst Liam is the tarnished gem who just wants to shine.
There are some nice narrative surprises, steamy and romantic scenes scattered amongst the bloodshed and crime, and despite the few technical and editorial issues it was a decent first read for me from Parker.
The world was immersive enough that it’s definitely worth trying book two to see where it all goes next.
There’s certainly enough of a hook to keep me interested.
Profile Image for Saskia Veldhuis .
2,108 reviews18 followers
March 9, 2023
This book started off a little slowly, but certainly kept moving after that. There were lots of humorous bits and it all felt pretty realistic. I really like that this was in the UK, that there isn't just lots of shooting everywhere. There were even some very inventive ways of hitting enemies. The other characters were excellent. Liam grew so much as a person. Can't wait for the next part.
Profile Image for DLB2572.
3,350 reviews26 followers
March 14, 2023
Worth Reading

This one started out a bit slow to me but it didn't take too long for it to pick up. Once it did, I was hooked. I'm very interested in getting to book 2 now.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
Profile Image for DMCechak.
1,818 reviews25 followers
March 7, 2023
Promises to Keep

“I fit perfectly in here,” Marco said, kissing his chest. “I wanted to kill them for what they did to you. I promise you I will never let anyone do that to you again,” Liam said. “Don’t make promises like that, Liam. In our game, you can’t keep them.”

When Liam, who has been working for Manchester mobster boss Johnny for ten years and has hidden his sexuality to avoid suffering at the hands of his leader, finds a unexpected connection with a handsome visitor from Italy, his harrowing world gets turned upside down.

This is a cruel mafia story that takes place in the underbelly of England, where drugs and prostitution are the real kings, and loyalty is hard to be found. Liam’s feelings toward Marco create a change in his choices, and add to the daily element of danger, especially when he finds out the true reason for Marco’s visit,

Kristian Parker lays out the setting for his latest series, Two Tribes, and introduces us to the major players in Fool’s Gold, a fabulously gritty, steamy, and sometimes sensitive adventure into the dark streets of Manchester. He also sets up the next book to be one for which we anxiously await!
Profile Image for Simera.
1,823 reviews7 followers
March 5, 2023
Liam works for the local mob boss. Marco is there to set up “shop” for his uncle.
Liam and Marco connect through an app. Neither realize who the other is until Marco gets caught by the mob boss and then all he’ll break out.
Liam finds out what happened to his mother, is now considered a traitor. Marco Liam have to worry about not only their lives but Liam’s brother and close friend.
There is a lot of drama, angst, hurt feelings and falling in love.
1,280 reviews4 followers
March 15, 2023
Fool's Gold is the first book in the Two Tribes Series. I liked this book. Kristian Parker is a new to me author. I like their work. I can't wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for MJ Bee.
64 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2023
The plot hooked me in on this, to the extent that I'll be picking up the next in the series!
I couldn't quite connect to the characters though and even for insta-love/lust it didn't feel fully convincing.
3,467 reviews28 followers
March 17, 2023
This book is action packed
Liam Moseley has been part of a gang for over 10 years the only issue that Liam has is that he is gay. Now that’s not an issue in it’s self but the gang don’t like gay people their homophobic. So he had to hide that part of him self. The only reason he’s stayed around for is because he’s waiting for his mum to come back. His brother Shawn left because he didn’t like Liam in this gang. The leader of the gang Johnnie is a violent person and he had called a meeting to say that after 20 years of controlling Manchester with drug supply somebody new had come and started supplying drugs and taking over the prostitution of the city. So it was their job to find out who this person was. Liam has also been talking to a man on a dating app and they were getting closer to meeting in real life. And when they did, it was instant connection that they had.
Marco was so glad that he finally met Liam in real life. The attraction that he felt towards Liam was like love at first sight for Marco. They never talked about work because they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. But he wasn’t impressed when Liam got a phone call saying he had to come in and Liam knew he had to go straight away.
And a few days later Liam got the call that they had found out who the supplier was and they had him. When Liam got there he was horrified to see that it was Marco. He knew that the Johnny would kill him so he had to decide quickly whether to release Marco or watch the man that he was falling for get tortured and then killed. What would he decide??
I have got to say that once I picked up this book up I just could not put it down. There is so much action in this book it’s unbelievable. But what really got me was the connection that Liam and Marco had. It was like they knew what the other one was thinking, don’t get me wrong it’s not all plain sailing but this book is so exciting. And don’t even get me started on the passion. These two are hot hot hot.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a strong storyline, lots of passion, a really strong connection and watching two men work out their feelings for one another.
And I cannot wait for Book two, where we find out what’s going to happen with Shawn! I have a feeling that he’s going to find his own Italian stallion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for SNik.
736 reviews23 followers
March 7, 2023
A quick fall for two men living criminal lives and trying to find their place which may work best together.
First in series (Two Tribes). Instalove. Single POV. Liam is an errand boy and enforcer for the main crime boss in Manchester, and has to hide his hookups as his boss doesn’t tolerate anybody that's homosexual. When Liam meets Marco there is an instant connection, but he doesn’t realize that Marco is trying to take over the crime in Manchester and he has to decide if he takes his chances with the man he has more than lustful feelings for. There is plenty of violence and action as Liam and Marco try to survive once it’s discovered Marco is a competitor to be the main boss for the drug and sex worker trade in the city. Plenty of steamy times between Liam and Marco, and the quick ramp up to feelings worked for me considering how fast the story moved overall. I enjoyed the varied secondary cast, both the supportive friends of Liam and the antagonists that are chasing and trying to kill them, and there are some very sweet moments between Liam and Marco. HFN with a soft cliffhanger as the series continues. 4.5 rounded up
Profile Image for Reed.
1,215 reviews21 followers
March 15, 2023
I like mafia type stories so when I was advised to read this I couldn’t resist. I’m glad since I’ve now found a new author.
Liam has been a member of Jonny Wellingham’s organization for ten years and has not really risen but remains more of a errand boy. No one knows he is gay especially since Jonny is not open to his members being so. When Liam meets Marco there is a strong attraction that the two of them continue to pursue.
Marco has been more of a screw up to his family. His family has their own organization in Italy and have sent Marco to scout Jonny’s area for a takeover. But Marco can’t do as told rather he starts setting up business before he has backup from his family.
Liam and Marco finally find out that they are both on different sides. They decide the attraction between them is strong enough that they have to come to a resolution that will work for both of them and the dealings with their organizations. This is the start of the series and I’m anxious to see what happens next.

Profile Image for Ellie Thomas.
Author 63 books77 followers
March 29, 2023
A real change of pace for Kristian Parker. After the rarified gentility of the Queen's Crescent series, we get gang wars on the mean streets of Manchester in Fool's Gold, with an intriguing link to his earlier story, Venetian Valentine.

Liam is such a likeable and nuanced MC, stuck in his role as a lackey for a repellant crime boss for family reasons, and living a secret life as a gay man. When handsome Italian Marco comes into his orbit, Liam's separate worlds collide with destructive results.

I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and descriptions of Manchester from Liam's experience and point of view and the grim rule of the criminal organisation was so well-depicted. I was caught up in his dilemma and the sense of ever-present danger and terrific action sequences only drove the passionate and tender romance between Liam and Marco. Can't wait for book 2!
3,153 reviews21 followers
March 17, 2023
Liam and Marco are both living a dangerous life with the criminal element. Liam works for an intolerant crime boss and has to be careful with his encounters as his boss is not woke. He and Marco vibe immediately when they meet. But there is danger afoot as Marco wants to climb the ladder among the criminal element and he has to be careful if he is going to fight his way to the top of the underground economy with how he is seen and who knows about who he is with. This one was gritty, filled with suspense and violence, which was not surprising given the world they were living in. But their story does not end here so we will have to see where things go in the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Maggie.
Author 26 books340 followers
March 15, 2023
I enjoy crime romance, and when this series came up for review, I was in. It takes place in Manchester, England, and the author gives such a great description of a place I’ve never seen that I felt as if I was running through the town with the characters.

Lyle Moseley refused to leave Manchester after his mother disappeared. Even though his brother’s given up and moved on, Lyle won’t leave. So he joins a crime organization, making quick money, but gets in over his head. He also has to keep his sexual orientation a secret from his crazy and brutal boss.

Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-9k9
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,901 reviews21 followers
May 21, 2023
This was my first read by this author and i was drawn into the storyline by the end of the first page!
Jam packed with Gangster filled drama and suspense we get the story of Liam and Marco.
Liam is living a lie and is having to keep his true self hidden due to the fact that theres no room in the gangster world for gay men.
When he finds a hot Italian in a dating app he had no clue just how this would change his life!
Marco is sweet talking and cant believe his luck when he meets Liam for a drink.
But just who knew how their paths would cross!
Fast paced shorter read that keeps you on your toes!
Onto book 2 shortly.
Profile Image for K-Me.
3,015 reviews
March 8, 2023
The world building in this first book is gritty, raw and just so real. A world most hope to never see. Liam and Marco connect, and they are truly lucky to have found each other with all that is going on around them in this Mafia circle. You are made to feel just what Liam and Marco feel, that you cannot trust anyone. They have an undeniable physical chemistry that we some sweet sexy scenes from! There is a lot of danger and suspense but these two support each other at all costs! Definitely looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Nina Diab.
5,402 reviews51 followers
March 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I'm really drawn to MM mafia romance, and the premise of this was too good to pass up. Good world building and I liked the characters. Liam and Marco had such great chemistry and I was cheering for things to work out between them. But Liam has to keep his sexuality a secret as his mob boss doesn't tolerate homosexuality. Marco came in with plans to overtake the territory, so they find themselves on opposite sides. The story had action, danger, and suspense. An enjoyable read and I can't wait to continue with the next book. 5 stars.
932 reviews3 followers
April 1, 2023
I was pleasantly surprised by this author and book. This is the first book in a new series.
I am usually not a fan of gang and thug romance stories. I however did l enjoy this story development: the interaction between fighting factions and new competators, the grit and disrespect for life. And ofcourse Marco and Liam there atraction, steam and romance is well written in the series. I am looking forward how the series deveops further.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Janice Wilson.
637 reviews2 followers
April 6, 2023
I am not a fan of mafia stories or anything with senseless violence, but this book pulled me into the story. The characters were rich and intriguing. The love the MC’s had for each other was beautiful as it was painful to watch them having to hide in their violent, dangerous world. There is an attraction between them from the beginning and their connection is just too strong to deny. Their chemistry was fire, and there were plenty of steamy scenes. The book was well-written and the story was riveting. Worth the read.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Juniper.
3,452 reviews25 followers
March 14, 2023
This is an easy story to get caught up in, as Liam and Marco’s connection builds against the backdrop of organized crime, violence, and danger. Their chemistry is strong enough that the romance elements are as compelling as the intrigue, and there’s a strong cast of supporting characters as well. Overall, I found a lot to appreciate here, and will be interested to see more of this world. 4.5 stars.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,685 reviews48 followers
March 15, 2023
I've been fascinated with stories of English gangsters since watching the film Legend about the Kray twins and was delighted to find a favorite author writing about Manchester crime and criminals. The look into that world and the contrast with the Italian version we get from Marco was interesting. As always, Parker writes characters I want to follow and find out more about while also giving us a complicated relationship between Liam and Marco. Can't wait to read book two.
Profile Image for Cathy Brockman.
Author 5 books95 followers
February 27, 2023
Great start to a series.
Liam works for the mob boss in Manchester and has to keep himself in hiding as the boss is very homophobic.

Marco is new in town and they meet on an App. So Liam takes a chance and they have a drink.

The characters are good. The romance moves a bit fast but didn’t bother me.
The plot and story is also good.
Lots of action.
I can’t wait for book two!
261 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2023
This book is good. I have never really read an explicit lgbtqq book before. It is a solid love story that takes place in Manchester. Liam, the main character, has not come out. It would be dangerous for him as the people he works with are not tolerant of homosexuals.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amanda Reeves.
3,948 reviews39 followers
March 14, 2023
This is a great start to a new series by a relatively new to me author. Loved the story and the characters, this book grabs you from the start.
Profile Image for Helen Simpson.
1,223 reviews41 followers
July 27, 2025
coming from liverpool i was intrigued about the book being set in manchester. I really enoyed the suspense throughout the book and couldn't put it down.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews