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Rapture
It starts with a mugging, and ends with me being saved by the love of my life.
In short, my uncle died and left me everything—which is to say a barely surviving pub with no staff and thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs I can’t afford. It also seemed to come with some strange men, dressed in black, who won’t tell me what they’re looking for—or why they seem so interested in who I am.
But when the tall stranger who walked with a cane and talked with an accent literally saved my life, things got a bit more…interesting.
And a lot more complicated.
I’ve lived in the city long enough to know some secrets are best left buried, but the longer Alonso is around, the harder I fall for those dark eyes and jagged scars. I want to believe that the past is the past, but is there a future with a man who won’t let me in? And if he does open up, will I be able to accept who he was, and everything he’s done?
Rapture is a stand-alone, age-gap, friends to lovers romance featuring dark pasts, bright futures, an alley cat who thinks it's a ghost, sleepovers, possessive lovers, praise, hurt/comfort, and a sweet, steamy happily ever after.
In short, my uncle died and left me everything—which is to say a barely surviving pub with no staff and thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs I can’t afford. It also seemed to come with some strange men, dressed in black, who won’t tell me what they’re looking for—or why they seem so interested in who I am.
But when the tall stranger who walked with a cane and talked with an accent literally saved my life, things got a bit more…interesting.
And a lot more complicated.
I’ve lived in the city long enough to know some secrets are best left buried, but the longer Alonso is around, the harder I fall for those dark eyes and jagged scars. I want to believe that the past is the past, but is there a future with a man who won’t let me in? And if he does open up, will I be able to accept who he was, and everything he’s done?
Rapture is a stand-alone, age-gap, friends to lovers romance featuring dark pasts, bright futures, an alley cat who thinks it's a ghost, sleepovers, possessive lovers, praise, hurt/comfort, and a sweet, steamy happily ever after.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2023
192 people are currently reading
411 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
143 books1,393 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
June 9, 2023
This book is so extra that it crosses the line to deeply silly. Not necessarily in a bad way! Just not what I was expecting.
I like EM Lindsey's stuff because they write diverse characters and put them through the wringer. In this case, Poe, our POV MC, is neuroatypical and comes from a homophobic, emotionally abusive family (other than his beloved gay uncle, whose defunct pub Poe inherits). Alonso is our Italian silver fox mafia dude who uses a cane for mobility after a severe knee injury. Poe inherits the pub; Poe gets beaten up by a couple of thugs; Alonso to the rescue; and then Poe and Alonso together get the pub up and running while mafia machinations machinate. There's also a best friend/ old crush going through some things including an out-of-the-blue biawakening (thus setting up a new book), and cameos from some of Lindsey's other mafia books, which I haven't read.
All perfectly fine, but what kept it from gelling for me was -- well, see above. Maybe a me-thing, but I just can't take it seriously when it's soooooooo OTT. EM Lindsey loves instalove, which is not my favorite trope but is baked in to the Lindsey experience: I know to expect it. But there's insta and then there's insta. Alonso's immediate passionate declarations of devotion and eternal love -- which Poe was completely onboard with, fortunately, because otherwise: restraining order -- was too much for little old me. It was just too TOO, if you know what I mean. Poe also struggles with poor self-esteem, which is fair enough, but it got quite repetitious to have him saying (not just monologuing, but dialoging), "why me? I'm nothing. I'm nobody" followed by Alonso getting offended on his true love's behalf. That exchange happening once is cute, but by the third or fourth time, it's no longer serving a purpose.
Although to be fair, Poe is such a dumb-dumb that I, too, was wondering why Alonso was so infatuated. To wit: Poe's complete inability to see what is very clearly unfolding in front of his eyes re. the whole mafia thing. He makes a joke early on about Alonso being mobbed up, but then he completely dismisses the idea and is shocked -- shocked! -- when it ends up being the case. Poe. You are an idiot.
So yeah, this was a deeply silly book. On the other hand: the blurb said age gap, mafia, hurt/comfort, praise kink, and strangers-to-lovers, and this did exactly what it said on the tin. Set your expectations to Miss Piggy-levels of expressive emoting, and you'll probably have an ok time.
I got an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is an honest review.
I like EM Lindsey's stuff because they write diverse characters and put them through the wringer. In this case, Poe, our POV MC, is neuroatypical and comes from a homophobic, emotionally abusive family (other than his beloved gay uncle, whose defunct pub Poe inherits). Alonso is our Italian silver fox mafia dude who uses a cane for mobility after a severe knee injury. Poe inherits the pub; Poe gets beaten up by a couple of thugs; Alonso to the rescue; and then Poe and Alonso together get the pub up and running while mafia machinations machinate. There's also a best friend/ old crush going through some things including an out-of-the-blue biawakening (thus setting up a new book), and cameos from some of Lindsey's other mafia books, which I haven't read.
All perfectly fine, but what kept it from gelling for me was -- well, see above. Maybe a me-thing, but I just can't take it seriously when it's soooooooo OTT. EM Lindsey loves instalove, which is not my favorite trope but is baked in to the Lindsey experience: I know to expect it. But there's insta and then there's insta. Alonso's immediate passionate declarations of devotion and eternal love -- which Poe was completely onboard with, fortunately, because otherwise: restraining order -- was too much for little old me. It was just too TOO, if you know what I mean. Poe also struggles with poor self-esteem, which is fair enough, but it got quite repetitious to have him saying (not just monologuing, but dialoging), "why me? I'm nothing. I'm nobody" followed by Alonso getting offended on his true love's behalf. That exchange happening once is cute, but by the third or fourth time, it's no longer serving a purpose.
Although to be fair, Poe is such a dumb-dumb that I, too, was wondering why Alonso was so infatuated. To wit: Poe's complete inability to see what is very clearly unfolding in front of his eyes re. the whole mafia thing. He makes a joke early on about Alonso being mobbed up, but then he completely dismisses the idea and is shocked -- shocked! -- when it ends up being the case. Poe. You are an idiot.
So yeah, this was a deeply silly book. On the other hand: the blurb said age gap, mafia, hurt/comfort, praise kink, and strangers-to-lovers, and this did exactly what it said on the tin. Set your expectations to Miss Piggy-levels of expressive emoting, and you'll probably have an ok time.
I got an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is an honest review.
July 3, 2023
2+
Ach jo... powtórzę za zmartwionym Krecikiem...
Do mniej więcej 25% wszystko szło super - poznajemy Poe, jego najlepszego przyjaciela Nica, jego parszywą rodzinę, okoliczności odziedziczenia upadającego pubu. Wszystko idzie świetnie, nie mogę się oderwać. A potem pojawia się on... Alonso. I wszystko idzie w diabły.
Po tym miałam wrażenie, że czytam inną książkę, pisaną przez inną autorkę. Em Lindsey jest niezmiernie czuła w stosunku do insta - i to jest okej, bo zazwyczaj jest to bardzo dobrze napisane, nie ma się wrażenia, że czegoś brakuje, że coś jest za szybko, że nie ma podstaw. Ale tutaj? Nie wiem, skąd się to w ogóle wzięło. Ze strony Poe ma się trochę wrażenie, że jest to efekt postrzegania Alonso jako rycerza na białym koniu, który przyszedł mu z pomocą. I może miało by to więcej sensu, gdybyśmy poznali punkt widzenia Alonso. Ale jest tylko jeden POV i jest to POV Poe. I z tej perspektywy jak się czyta o Alonso, to mój odbiór jest jeden... on jest taki trochę creepy 👀 Nie wiadomo, skąd się mu wzięła ta insta, skąd po tak krótkim czasie tak wielkie i patetyczne słowa padają z jego ust. Wygląda na mocno zaborczego, żeby nie powiedzieć obsesyjnego faceta. I nawet jeżeli jakieś podstawy okazuje się że ma, to i tak jego zachowanie jest po prostu co najmniej dziwne... W ich związku zabrakło najważniejszego - wiary, że on miał jakikolwiek w ogóle grunt do powstania i trwania. A bez tej wiary cała książka się rozpada...
Do tego były jeszcze inne rzeczy - spory age-gap, bo 25 lat (choć przyznaję, że on w sumie najmniej mi przeszkadzał); cały wątek z mafią (znowu jakiś taki dziwny, miałam wrażenie, że zupełnie do książki nie pasował, choć na nim została oparta cała akcja); brak jakiejś pogłębionej przeszłości Alonso; to, że Poe był w spektrum autyzmu, ale jedyne, co na to wskazuje, to że zostało to wspomniane i że ma tendencję do gubienia się we własnej głowie i nie zwracania uwagi, co się do niego mówi... A przecież ta autorka wręcz specjalizuje się we wszelkich rodzajach niepełnosprawności i doskonałym ich opisywaniu...
To dlaczego dwie i pół gwiazdki a nie mniej? Z sentymentu...
Przeczytałam naprawdę sporo książek EM Lindsey i uważam, że zdecydowana większość z nich jest dobra, bardzo dobra lub świetna. Zatem może to wypadek przy pracy? A może źle z nią trafiłam jeżeli chodzi o czas i gdybym ją przeczytała w innym momencie, to nie siadła by mi tak marnie? Bez względu na to, czy to książka, czy ja, to sentyment jednak mam i stąd wyższa ocena...
Ach jo... powtórzę za zmartwionym Krecikiem...
Do mniej więcej 25% wszystko szło super - poznajemy Poe, jego najlepszego przyjaciela Nica, jego parszywą rodzinę, okoliczności odziedziczenia upadającego pubu. Wszystko idzie świetnie, nie mogę się oderwać. A potem pojawia się on... Alonso. I wszystko idzie w diabły.
Po tym miałam wrażenie, że czytam inną książkę, pisaną przez inną autorkę. Em Lindsey jest niezmiernie czuła w stosunku do insta - i to jest okej, bo zazwyczaj jest to bardzo dobrze napisane, nie ma się wrażenia, że czegoś brakuje, że coś jest za szybko, że nie ma podstaw. Ale tutaj? Nie wiem, skąd się to w ogóle wzięło. Ze strony Poe ma się trochę wrażenie, że jest to efekt postrzegania Alonso jako rycerza na białym koniu, który przyszedł mu z pomocą. I może miało by to więcej sensu, gdybyśmy poznali punkt widzenia Alonso. Ale jest tylko jeden POV i jest to POV Poe. I z tej perspektywy jak się czyta o Alonso, to mój odbiór jest jeden... on jest taki trochę creepy 👀 Nie wiadomo, skąd się mu wzięła ta insta, skąd po tak krótkim czasie tak wielkie i patetyczne słowa padają z jego ust. Wygląda na mocno zaborczego, żeby nie powiedzieć obsesyjnego faceta. I nawet jeżeli jakieś podstawy okazuje się że ma, to i tak jego zachowanie jest po prostu co najmniej dziwne... W ich związku zabrakło najważniejszego - wiary, że on miał jakikolwiek w ogóle grunt do powstania i trwania. A bez tej wiary cała książka się rozpada...
Do tego były jeszcze inne rzeczy - spory age-gap, bo 25 lat (choć przyznaję, że on w sumie najmniej mi przeszkadzał); cały wątek z mafią (znowu jakiś taki dziwny, miałam wrażenie, że zupełnie do książki nie pasował, choć na nim została oparta cała akcja); brak jakiejś pogłębionej przeszłości Alonso; to, że Poe był w spektrum autyzmu, ale jedyne, co na to wskazuje, to że zostało to wspomniane i że ma tendencję do gubienia się we własnej głowie i nie zwracania uwagi, co się do niego mówi... A przecież ta autorka wręcz specjalizuje się we wszelkich rodzajach niepełnosprawności i doskonałym ich opisywaniu...
To dlaczego dwie i pół gwiazdki a nie mniej? Z sentymentu...
Przeczytałam naprawdę sporo książek EM Lindsey i uważam, że zdecydowana większość z nich jest dobra, bardzo dobra lub świetna. Zatem może to wypadek przy pracy? A może źle z nią trafiłam jeżeli chodzi o czas i gdybym ją przeczytała w innym momencie, to nie siadła by mi tak marnie? Bez względu na to, czy to książka, czy ja, to sentyment jednak mam i stąd wyższa ocena...
June 20, 2023
CWs and CNs at the end.
As usual EM Lindsey just casually drops a book that checks ALL of my boxes. A spinoff from the Madly Ever After series (which is not necessary to read this book), *Rapture* follows Poe and Alonso’s story. After deciding to keep and reopen his late uncle’s pub, against his better judgement, Poe is besieged with problem after problem, the most severe of which is the strange people who seem intent on hurting and intimidating him. Much to his surprise, the very good looking and much older Alonso comes to his rescue and swoops in to take care of all the things weighing on Poe, from his safety to the refurbishment and opening of the pub. And somewhere along the way, Poe and Alonso give in to the heady attraction they feel for each other in this utterly swoony romance!
While this book touches on some well-loved tropes like age gap, rescuing, friends-to-lovers and some excellent praise kink, I think the nuance I loved in this was how much Poe pushed back against some aspects of having his entire life taken over. As much as he appreciates what Alonso is doing for him, not to mention how absurdly good looking he is, he is also not the type to cede all control to the handsome Italian with the mysterious past. This gave such a great push and pull to how their romance developed and I really loved how both of them weathered the obstacles thrown their way. While I would call this book suspense adjacent, with Alonso’s past bleeding into Poe’s orbit and putting him in harm’s way, Lindsey manages to balance that aspect of the book without sacrificing any of the swoony romance beats I have come to love in their books. And my god, if this book wasn’t steamy. Alonso and Poe had such good chemistry and I can’t help but go weak at the knees for some excellently placed praise kink. The spice was spicy and the swoon was certainly so very swoony!
I also have to shoutout the excellently fleshed out side characters who had me yelling for their books before I was even halfway through this one. I can’t wait for Nic and Lorenzo’s story and I’m absolutely itching to know more about Rhys and Leo. Another excellent 5-star read from one of my faves!
CW’s: on-page violence including gunshot wound, stab wounds and beatings; homophobia; toxic families including references to child abuse/neglect and religious traumal; on page death of non-MC; grief; cheating (side character arc).
CN’s: This is an MM romance that is slightly suspense adjacent as it is a spinoff from a why-choose Mafia series. Tropes include aga gap, friends-to-lovers, rescuing, praise kink and hurt comfort. This novel is medium-to-high heat and includes several on-page sex scenes. I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
As usual EM Lindsey just casually drops a book that checks ALL of my boxes. A spinoff from the Madly Ever After series (which is not necessary to read this book), *Rapture* follows Poe and Alonso’s story. After deciding to keep and reopen his late uncle’s pub, against his better judgement, Poe is besieged with problem after problem, the most severe of which is the strange people who seem intent on hurting and intimidating him. Much to his surprise, the very good looking and much older Alonso comes to his rescue and swoops in to take care of all the things weighing on Poe, from his safety to the refurbishment and opening of the pub. And somewhere along the way, Poe and Alonso give in to the heady attraction they feel for each other in this utterly swoony romance!
While this book touches on some well-loved tropes like age gap, rescuing, friends-to-lovers and some excellent praise kink, I think the nuance I loved in this was how much Poe pushed back against some aspects of having his entire life taken over. As much as he appreciates what Alonso is doing for him, not to mention how absurdly good looking he is, he is also not the type to cede all control to the handsome Italian with the mysterious past. This gave such a great push and pull to how their romance developed and I really loved how both of them weathered the obstacles thrown their way. While I would call this book suspense adjacent, with Alonso’s past bleeding into Poe’s orbit and putting him in harm’s way, Lindsey manages to balance that aspect of the book without sacrificing any of the swoony romance beats I have come to love in their books. And my god, if this book wasn’t steamy. Alonso and Poe had such good chemistry and I can’t help but go weak at the knees for some excellently placed praise kink. The spice was spicy and the swoon was certainly so very swoony!
I also have to shoutout the excellently fleshed out side characters who had me yelling for their books before I was even halfway through this one. I can’t wait for Nic and Lorenzo’s story and I’m absolutely itching to know more about Rhys and Leo. Another excellent 5-star read from one of my faves!
CW’s: on-page violence including gunshot wound, stab wounds and beatings; homophobia; toxic families including references to child abuse/neglect and religious traumal; on page death of non-MC; grief; cheating (side character arc).
CN’s: This is an MM romance that is slightly suspense adjacent as it is a spinoff from a why-choose Mafia series. Tropes include aga gap, friends-to-lovers, rescuing, praise kink and hurt comfort. This novel is medium-to-high heat and includes several on-page sex scenes. I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
Read
June 14, 2023DNF for me. The writing is just so overdone, I can’t get into it. People can tell whole paragraphs about each other just from a look. A statement on one page is completely contradicted two pages late. Nick is Poe’s best friend, but Poe is all alone. I can’t do it.
December 1, 2023
Rating: 4.5
Steam: 3
PoV: single, 1st person
Rapture was such a great mix of sweet and dark! I loved the contrast between the mafia / suspense plot and the romance between Poe and Alonso, it was very well written and made for an interesting read.
Poe... I completely adored Poe, it was difficult to see him struggle and hurting in the beginning of the story and I wanted to wrap him up in a blanket and protect him from the world. He just seemed so young and lost at times, and I loved how supportive Alonso were once he was in the picture. Alonso was also protective of Poe right from the moment they met and it was sweet how he kept finding reasons to be around him. They had excellent chemistry and Alonso was really on point with his dirty talk, they were so hot together and I loved their age gap.
The mafia / suspense plot was uncovered a little at a time - since this was single PoV, there was only Poe's perspective and it took a bit before all of the pieces were put together and Alonso shared what he knew. I liked the uncertainty, and I never felt like something was missing since I got to know the other characters well enough through Poe. Also, the friendship between Poe and Nic was precious and I loved seeing them hanging out together. I really hope Nic gets his own book and happy ending - hopefully with Lorenzo.
Rapture was a story that was easy to captivated by and I really enjoyed it! A surprisingly sweet story, and I loved every tender moment between Poe and Alonso.
Steam: 3
PoV: single, 1st person
Rapture was such a great mix of sweet and dark! I loved the contrast between the mafia / suspense plot and the romance between Poe and Alonso, it was very well written and made for an interesting read.
Poe... I completely adored Poe, it was difficult to see him struggle and hurting in the beginning of the story and I wanted to wrap him up in a blanket and protect him from the world. He just seemed so young and lost at times, and I loved how supportive Alonso were once he was in the picture. Alonso was also protective of Poe right from the moment they met and it was sweet how he kept finding reasons to be around him. They had excellent chemistry and Alonso was really on point with his dirty talk, they were so hot together and I loved their age gap.
The mafia / suspense plot was uncovered a little at a time - since this was single PoV, there was only Poe's perspective and it took a bit before all of the pieces were put together and Alonso shared what he knew. I liked the uncertainty, and I never felt like something was missing since I got to know the other characters well enough through Poe. Also, the friendship between Poe and Nic was precious and I loved seeing them hanging out together. I really hope Nic gets his own book and happy ending - hopefully with Lorenzo.
Rapture was a story that was easy to captivated by and I really enjoyed it! A surprisingly sweet story, and I loved every tender moment between Poe and Alonso.
Read
June 8, 2023I did't like it. The characters were barely outlined.
The romance? I didn't feel any.
I am angry at myself because I didn't realize that there was an "Italian" character. I always avoid book with those because they are often full of stereotypes and random Italian words
The romance? I didn't feel any.
I am angry at myself because I didn't realize that there was an "Italian" character. I always avoid book with those because they are often full of stereotypes and random Italian words
June 3, 2023
Poe inherited a run down pub from his uncle. While being mugged in the alley behind the pub, Alonso saves him. Instalove ensues. As they are getting to know each other, Alonso helps Poe get the pub ready to be reopened. Alonso is quite a bit older than Poe and has a mysterious past that Poe is trying to uncover. Alonso has the money to help Poe and Poe has never had anyone to take care of him. They also work to figure out who and why Poe was attacked.
I’m not sure if this will be a series but there are several potential storylines for some of the other characters.
ARC provided by GRR
I’m not sure if this will be a series but there are several potential storylines for some of the other characters.
ARC provided by GRR
May 31, 2023
Somehow E.M. Lindsey managed to write a sweet, tender romance in the middle of a dark, suspenseful story and I’m not sure how they did it but I couldn’t read it fast enough!
Poe Weston inherited a pub from his deceased uncle and instead of selling it for the money, decides to give it an honest go, fixing it up and bringing it back to life on a miniscule budget. He’s in over his head but is dedicated to keeping his uncle’s legacy alive, something that causes him more problems than he anticipated. Poe is trusting, kind and a bit impulsive and finds himself in a lot of unexpected trouble when he takes ownership of the pub.
Alonso Rossi is Poe’s protector from the very beginning. He’s a mysterious man who has seen a lot of violence in his life and feels a pull toward Poe to protect him at all costs. Alonso is older, more world wise and has the connections to make Poe’s life easier at every turn, something he does frequently. Under his gruff exterior, he’s affectionate and has a soft spot for many of the people in his life, wanting to make their life easier and provide for them any way he can.
While they meet under less than ideal circumstances and keep finding themselves in the crosshairs of others throughout the story, Poe and Alonso have a really sweet connection. It happens fast and they’re both in too deep before they even realize it, willing to do anything (Alonso) and overlook anything (Poe) because they’re so enamored with the other. Their relationship was a little too insta-love for my liking but honestly they were so caring and in love with each other, I could overlook it. Things were even better when they started communicating - once everything was out in the open, it was easy to see how much they meant to each other even after all the terrible things happened to both of them.
Even though this is a standalone, I’m hoping for more stories in this universe - so many of these men need their stories told and I’m so invested! Keeping my fingers crossed for more!
Poe Weston inherited a pub from his deceased uncle and instead of selling it for the money, decides to give it an honest go, fixing it up and bringing it back to life on a miniscule budget. He’s in over his head but is dedicated to keeping his uncle’s legacy alive, something that causes him more problems than he anticipated. Poe is trusting, kind and a bit impulsive and finds himself in a lot of unexpected trouble when he takes ownership of the pub.
Alonso Rossi is Poe’s protector from the very beginning. He’s a mysterious man who has seen a lot of violence in his life and feels a pull toward Poe to protect him at all costs. Alonso is older, more world wise and has the connections to make Poe’s life easier at every turn, something he does frequently. Under his gruff exterior, he’s affectionate and has a soft spot for many of the people in his life, wanting to make their life easier and provide for them any way he can.
While they meet under less than ideal circumstances and keep finding themselves in the crosshairs of others throughout the story, Poe and Alonso have a really sweet connection. It happens fast and they’re both in too deep before they even realize it, willing to do anything (Alonso) and overlook anything (Poe) because they’re so enamored with the other. Their relationship was a little too insta-love for my liking but honestly they were so caring and in love with each other, I could overlook it. Things were even better when they started communicating - once everything was out in the open, it was easy to see how much they meant to each other even after all the terrible things happened to both of them.
Even though this is a standalone, I’m hoping for more stories in this universe - so many of these men need their stories told and I’m so invested! Keeping my fingers crossed for more!
June 12, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Rapture is a story of two men who fall hard and fast. It is almost a fairy tale of a book, where the down-on-his-luck young man is rescued (quite literally) by the handsome, wealthy, and mysterious stranger. Poe has had a hard time of it and, other than his best friend, Nic, he really has no one. His uncles were the only two family members who cared for him and now they are gone and he is struggling to keep their memory alive through the bar. He is just hitting rock bottom — broke, exhausted, and beaten — when Alonso sweeps in and takes care of him. And Poe just blossoms under that care, having someone dote on him and shower him with love and affection. There is just this sweeping, romantic tone to the story that I think is really going to appeal to a lot of readers.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Rapture is a story of two men who fall hard and fast. It is almost a fairy tale of a book, where the down-on-his-luck young man is rescued (quite literally) by the handsome, wealthy, and mysterious stranger. Poe has had a hard time of it and, other than his best friend, Nic, he really has no one. His uncles were the only two family members who cared for him and now they are gone and he is struggling to keep their memory alive through the bar. He is just hitting rock bottom — broke, exhausted, and beaten — when Alonso sweeps in and takes care of him. And Poe just blossoms under that care, having someone dote on him and shower him with love and affection. There is just this sweeping, romantic tone to the story that I think is really going to appeal to a lot of readers.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
June 9, 2023
Another win from E.M Lindsay, an instalove/age gap romance full of sweetness even after giving a villain a beat down with a cane. I could not put this book down once I started it. It was so good, I just wanted to know what would happen next.
There are references and characters from Madly Ever After so if you hate to read things out of order go read those first. You don’t need to have read them, there is enough information for you to know the important things.
What’s going to happen with Nic? What about Lorenzo? I want to read so much more from this world.
There are references and characters from Madly Ever After so if you hate to read things out of order go read those first. You don’t need to have read them, there is enough information for you to know the important things.
What’s going to happen with Nic? What about Lorenzo? I want to read so much more from this world.
June 10, 2023
He has been left a pub which is struggling and is in needs of major repairs. Some men in black appear looking for something but will not tell him what. He will be attacked and be saved by a stranger. Why do they want? Will he find out? Will love hit him? See just how it will all go
March 23, 2025
I really enjoyed raptured for the most part I found it addicting and enthralling.
However Poe could be quite annoying at times especially when it came to being a bad friend to Nic and for me towards the end of the book it’s just got quite repetitive and boring.
But still nevertheless I enjoyed reading it and hopefully Nic and Lorenzo’s book gets released soon.
However Poe could be quite annoying at times especially when it came to being a bad friend to Nic and for me towards the end of the book it’s just got quite repetitive and boring.
But still nevertheless I enjoyed reading it and hopefully Nic and Lorenzo’s book gets released soon.
January 16, 2024
My entire life, I’d wanted to be special. Not to a ton of people. Just one would have been enough.
I don't have the words to explain how much this book just hit me in all of the best ways, I couldn't give any less then 5 stars. The writing is so beautiful and I only wish my highlights would show on here.
So many relatable and emotional lines throughout that captured me, giving all of the feels. I was captured from start to finish as these two fell in love, I adored Poe and Alonso from their first moments.
“I thought I understood what it was to fall for someone. Not just to die for them but to live for them. I thought I understood what it felt like when someone held my heart in their hands. But I was wrong, and I became aware of it the second I met you.”
Their introduction and the sudden attraction, the swoon worthy longing and developing romance. I was enchanted at their relationship, but even more so as events started to come to light.
Seeing everything from Poe's pov worked so well, as get to learn alongside him and feel that impact with him every step of the way. His rollercoaster of emotions from frustration, anger, fear and worry. Yet the love overcoming all.
“Other times, it’s confusing and weird and shakes the whole fucking foundation of who you are.”
Got to mention Nic too, as it was incredible to see his friendship with Poe. Both of them have made mistakes and yet seeing them still hold on to that, the found family feels. I just really enjoyed their relationship too and I hope he gets his own story with Lorenzo, after small glimpse of potential in this one.
There is action, romance, humor and steam in this tale it's got a bit of everything I love which worked for me so well. Flawed characters, grief and growth.
Honestly just so many moments to enjoy in Poe & Alonso's journey, but I don't want to give too much away. As it's so enjoyable to see the story develop and I loved this read, to their happy ending flaws and all. These two were perfect ♥️✨
We were both a mess, but it didn’t matter then. He was still one of the most beautiful people I had ever seen.
I don't have the words to explain how much this book just hit me in all of the best ways, I couldn't give any less then 5 stars. The writing is so beautiful and I only wish my highlights would show on here.
So many relatable and emotional lines throughout that captured me, giving all of the feels. I was captured from start to finish as these two fell in love, I adored Poe and Alonso from their first moments.
“I thought I understood what it was to fall for someone. Not just to die for them but to live for them. I thought I understood what it felt like when someone held my heart in their hands. But I was wrong, and I became aware of it the second I met you.”
Their introduction and the sudden attraction, the swoon worthy longing and developing romance. I was enchanted at their relationship, but even more so as events started to come to light.
Seeing everything from Poe's pov worked so well, as get to learn alongside him and feel that impact with him every step of the way. His rollercoaster of emotions from frustration, anger, fear and worry. Yet the love overcoming all.
“Other times, it’s confusing and weird and shakes the whole fucking foundation of who you are.”
Got to mention Nic too, as it was incredible to see his friendship with Poe. Both of them have made mistakes and yet seeing them still hold on to that, the found family feels. I just really enjoyed their relationship too and I hope he gets his own story with Lorenzo, after small glimpse of potential in this one.
There is action, romance, humor and steam in this tale it's got a bit of everything I love which worked for me so well. Flawed characters, grief and growth.
Honestly just so many moments to enjoy in Poe & Alonso's journey, but I don't want to give too much away. As it's so enjoyable to see the story develop and I loved this read, to their happy ending flaws and all. These two were perfect ♥️✨
We were both a mess, but it didn’t matter then. He was still one of the most beautiful people I had ever seen.
June 7, 2023
***ARC Review***
This is my honest review for the ARC I received.
I loved the pacing of this story. This is a darker romance, but it also has some really tender moments. Everything is from Poe’s point of view, but you get enough insight into the other characters to have a sense of how they are feeling. (Side note: I need Nic’s and Lorenzo’s story right now)! Poe is 26 years old. He’s on the spectrum. He’s been estranged from his family for quite a while, excluding his uncle Thomas. The only other solid relationship in Poe’s life is with his best friend, Nic.
Both Thomas and Poe are queer, so they bonded and united against their close minded family members. Thomas is a major factor in Poe ending up mostly ok. He still has some trauma from his emotionally abusive childhood, but Thomas is there for him when he really needs it. After his death, Thomas leaves his pub to Poe. Things take a turn almost immediately after Poe tackles repairing the pub.
Alonso is 51 years old. He’s seeking retirement from his old life. He comes to Poe’s rescue shortly after Poe takes over the pub. Alonso has an air of mystery about him. Eventually Poe will learn about his past, but before then, the pair form a friendship that turns into more. Alonso and Poe have a connection that is unexpected and all-consuming. They fall for one another fast and hard, but it works for them. There’s a lot of action in this novel. There’s a lot that Poe has to unpack. Alonso is a force to be reckoned with. The total devotion he has to Poe is swoon worthy. Poe goes on an emotional journey in this book. Nic is also going through some things as well. He was a great side character in the story.
There are some issues that the the MCs have to overcome, but the 25 year age gap isn’t one of them. I appreciated how it was not a point of conflict in the story. Both MCs just accept it and move forward. There’s lots of passion in this novel. Alonso and Poe have excellent chemistry. Alonso is a solid guy. He’s protective, considerate, and consistent in his interactions with Poe. There’s also a bit of praise kink between the two. After a few turbulent moments from external conflicts, the MCs have a sweet (and steamy) HEA.
This is my honest review for the ARC I received.
I loved the pacing of this story. This is a darker romance, but it also has some really tender moments. Everything is from Poe’s point of view, but you get enough insight into the other characters to have a sense of how they are feeling. (Side note: I need Nic’s and Lorenzo’s story right now)! Poe is 26 years old. He’s on the spectrum. He’s been estranged from his family for quite a while, excluding his uncle Thomas. The only other solid relationship in Poe’s life is with his best friend, Nic.
Both Thomas and Poe are queer, so they bonded and united against their close minded family members. Thomas is a major factor in Poe ending up mostly ok. He still has some trauma from his emotionally abusive childhood, but Thomas is there for him when he really needs it. After his death, Thomas leaves his pub to Poe. Things take a turn almost immediately after Poe tackles repairing the pub.
Alonso is 51 years old. He’s seeking retirement from his old life. He comes to Poe’s rescue shortly after Poe takes over the pub. Alonso has an air of mystery about him. Eventually Poe will learn about his past, but before then, the pair form a friendship that turns into more. Alonso and Poe have a connection that is unexpected and all-consuming. They fall for one another fast and hard, but it works for them. There’s a lot of action in this novel. There’s a lot that Poe has to unpack. Alonso is a force to be reckoned with. The total devotion he has to Poe is swoon worthy. Poe goes on an emotional journey in this book. Nic is also going through some things as well. He was a great side character in the story.
There are some issues that the the MCs have to overcome, but the 25 year age gap isn’t one of them. I appreciated how it was not a point of conflict in the story. Both MCs just accept it and move forward. There’s lots of passion in this novel. Alonso and Poe have excellent chemistry. Alonso is a solid guy. He’s protective, considerate, and consistent in his interactions with Poe. There’s also a bit of praise kink between the two. After a few turbulent moments from external conflicts, the MCs have a sweet (and steamy) HEA.
July 5, 2023
WTH?!?!
I have read more than 20 E M. Lindsay books and I am perplexed by this one.
First of all, I got the impression this was a standalone. Even though it felt like it was constantly being set up as the beginning of a series.
The protagonist was silly.
I had no problem with the age difference between the characters.
Dear god, the brain cell count was all over the place.
The best friend, I couldn’t figure that out at all. What was that character’s purpose?
Other E.M. Lindsey’s books have made me cry, laugh, made me care, taken me to the edge. Sadly, this is not one of them.
I have read more than 20 E M. Lindsay books and I am perplexed by this one.
First of all, I got the impression this was a standalone. Even though it felt like it was constantly being set up as the beginning of a series.
The protagonist was silly.
I had no problem with the age difference between the characters.
Dear god, the brain cell count was all over the place.
The best friend, I couldn’t figure that out at all. What was that character’s purpose?
Other E.M. Lindsey’s books have made me cry, laugh, made me care, taken me to the edge. Sadly, this is not one of them.
June 10, 2023
Poe & Alonso
This is a strong 4 star story for me. While it did start off a bit slow for me, it wasn't long before I was completely sucked into the story and couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to when we get Nic & Lorenzo's story.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This is a strong 4 star story for me. While it did start off a bit slow for me, it wasn't long before I was completely sucked into the story and couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to when we get Nic & Lorenzo's story.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
August 27, 2023
This book felt like a Short Story because the actions and feelings were not portrayed in dept, also there was like no evolution of the relationship. Which would be totally exeptable if it was a short Story, which is is not.
June 17, 2023
SO good! 😍
June 18, 2023
I wanted to love this, the author did a great job with Alonso’s disability and representing the limitations of physical disability. I was so excited for Poe to be autistic, however, outside of being “on the spectrum” and some awkwardness he didn’t even read as autistic coded. Poe states he struggles with inferred emotions/understanding if people done explicitly state their feelings but can continuously read when that is the case with Alonso who he hasn’t known very long. The only time this is evident is his “inability” to recognize it in Nic who’s been his best friend for years. Yet his internal monologue constantly shows he sees something wrong but doesn’t have the emotional bandwidth to investigate. It felt like the autistic representation was a check box of one line, that isn’t even an outright declaration of the work autistic.
September 26, 2023
Wasn't really expecting the Mafia storyline but I am always up for some Italian shenanigans. With the cast of characters though I got a feeling that this will be turning into a series of some sort, don't know how interested I am in that but its got potential.
I liked the two main dudes, wasn't deep into their characters but I liked them well enough. They were super cute.
I liked the two main dudes, wasn't deep into their characters but I liked them well enough. They were super cute.
July 22, 2023
Lots of twists and turns
I loved that there was an element of the other side of the law, found family and a good ole age gap in this book. All of these elements came together perfectly to make Poe and Alonso’s story.
Their story was fantastical at times but all the more fun for it. There were parts where I was pining with Poe and swooning with him too! I really felt like the author captured those parts of falling for someone perfectly!
I really, really loved the extended cast of characters especially Nic and Lorenzo and here’s hoping something is in the works for them too!
Overall such a fun read!
I loved that there was an element of the other side of the law, found family and a good ole age gap in this book. All of these elements came together perfectly to make Poe and Alonso’s story.
Their story was fantastical at times but all the more fun for it. There were parts where I was pining with Poe and swooning with him too! I really felt like the author captured those parts of falling for someone perfectly!
I really, really loved the extended cast of characters especially Nic and Lorenzo and here’s hoping something is in the works for them too!
Overall such a fun read!
June 5, 2023
2.5⭐️
When Poe’s uncle Thomas dies, he is left his failing pub. Thomas being the only family member to show Poe love and acceptance and deeply grieving, Poe can’t bring himself to sell the place even though he knows he doesn’t have the capital, knowledge or support to get the place back up and running. All that changes when he’s jumped behind the pub one night and rescued by an attractively dangerous man. Suddenly, Poe has all the attention support and care he’s ever craved, and despite it being wrapped in an enigmatic and sometimes overbearing package, Poe is tentatively happier than he’s ever been. Unfortunately, Poe inherited more than the pub, and it may cost him his life.
So ok. This one just isn’t for me. Not to say there isn’t much to like here, but unlike Poe, I couldn’t get wrapped up in Alonso’s eyes and have spells cast on me with how he said my name so I was more irritated that enraptured by the details surrounding the romance. However starting with the good, E.M. Lindsey does a great job putting me in Poe’s head and understanding where he’s coming from, the constant loneliness and certainty that’s he nobody and unimportant, and his connection to Alonso. Lindsey conveys Poe’s conflicting feelings, uncertainty, and intensity well; Alonso’s care for Poe is very sweet, and Poe’s inability to see value in himself heartbreaking.
I could understand his draw to Alonso, but as the story is only told from his POV and Alonso falls in love with Poe on first sight after rescuing him, this isn’t true for Alonso. He’s only loved once, was betrayed, and was doing one last favor to be let out of organized crime until he tumbled into love with Poe and became his protector. Alonso basically functions as Poe’s dark knight in shining armor, and while he’s fleshed out enough to like (except when he’s being somewhat condescending and domineering), he’s not an equal in this story—he’s simply Poe’s savior. In some ways, I was more invested in the peeks of interesting side characters/promise of future stories than Alonso.
Additionally, I feel the reason behind Poe’s attack wasn’t compelling; it felt a little flat and generic to me and the resolution rushed. There are so many "don't worry about it/it's not important" statements to gloss over details, it seems like Lindsey lampshading in neon that they don't care about that part, only the drama it creates. It also wasn’t helped by the fact that the trope of ‘I’ll give my life to protect you! I’d swim Mariana’s Trench to protect you! I’d do anything to protect you…except tell you the truth” is one of my least favorite and guaranteed to annoy me unless written very well. And unfortunately, here it isn’t. There is literally no reason not give Poe at least some of the truth and let him know he’s in danger. Poe himself points this out and all Alonso's reasoning is weak so Poe getting his ass beat TWICE was the cost. Alonso didn’t even have to tell Poe his Dark, Dangerous Backstory™ and "risk losing him" bc the reason Poe is in danger has nothing to do with Alonso.
All in all, I can see others getting swept up in the insta-love between Poe and the romance staple of having someone become enchanted by you for no other reason than breathing, but I just couldn’t get into this one.
When Poe’s uncle Thomas dies, he is left his failing pub. Thomas being the only family member to show Poe love and acceptance and deeply grieving, Poe can’t bring himself to sell the place even though he knows he doesn’t have the capital, knowledge or support to get the place back up and running. All that changes when he’s jumped behind the pub one night and rescued by an attractively dangerous man. Suddenly, Poe has all the attention support and care he’s ever craved, and despite it being wrapped in an enigmatic and sometimes overbearing package, Poe is tentatively happier than he’s ever been. Unfortunately, Poe inherited more than the pub, and it may cost him his life.
So ok. This one just isn’t for me. Not to say there isn’t much to like here, but unlike Poe, I couldn’t get wrapped up in Alonso’s eyes and have spells cast on me with how he said my name so I was more irritated that enraptured by the details surrounding the romance. However starting with the good, E.M. Lindsey does a great job putting me in Poe’s head and understanding where he’s coming from, the constant loneliness and certainty that’s he nobody and unimportant, and his connection to Alonso. Lindsey conveys Poe’s conflicting feelings, uncertainty, and intensity well; Alonso’s care for Poe is very sweet, and Poe’s inability to see value in himself heartbreaking.
I could understand his draw to Alonso, but as the story is only told from his POV and Alonso falls in love with Poe on first sight after rescuing him, this isn’t true for Alonso. He’s only loved once, was betrayed, and was doing one last favor to be let out of organized crime until he tumbled into love with Poe and became his protector. Alonso basically functions as Poe’s dark knight in shining armor, and while he’s fleshed out enough to like (except when he’s being somewhat condescending and domineering), he’s not an equal in this story—he’s simply Poe’s savior. In some ways, I was more invested in the peeks of interesting side characters/promise of future stories than Alonso.
Additionally, I feel the reason behind Poe’s attack wasn’t compelling; it felt a little flat and generic to me and the resolution rushed. There are so many "don't worry about it/it's not important" statements to gloss over details, it seems like Lindsey lampshading in neon that they don't care about that part, only the drama it creates. It also wasn’t helped by the fact that the trope of ‘I’ll give my life to protect you! I’d swim Mariana’s Trench to protect you! I’d do anything to protect you…except tell you the truth” is one of my least favorite and guaranteed to annoy me unless written very well. And unfortunately, here it isn’t. There is literally no reason not give Poe at least some of the truth and let him know he’s in danger. Poe himself points this out and all Alonso's reasoning is weak so Poe getting his ass beat TWICE was the cost. Alonso didn’t even have to tell Poe his Dark, Dangerous Backstory™ and "risk losing him" bc the reason Poe is in danger has nothing to do with Alonso.
All in all, I can see others getting swept up in the insta-love between Poe and the romance staple of having someone become enchanted by you for no other reason than breathing, but I just couldn’t get into this one.
June 7, 2023
So good ^^
Je suis allée carrément les yeux fermés dans ce nouveau roman de E.M. Lindsey. Il se semblait qu'il y avait un age gap, et, je ne sais pas, j'imaginais ce roman assez sombre.
Poe vient d'hériter du bar de son oncle, qu'il tenait avec son époux. Voilà l'occasion pour lui de prendre un nouveau départ, loin de sa famille que je qualifierais de toxique. Arrivé sur place, il a la surprise de voir que le bar n'est pas en si bon état que ça, et qu'il a tout à reconstruire. Un soir, de sales types lui tombent dessus, et il est sauvé in extremis par un homme étrange. Cet inconnu va s'immiscer dans son quotidien... et c'est là que d'autres ennuis vont commencer.
J'ai été emballée des les premières pages ! On s'attache forcément à Poe, cet homme de 26 ans, qui n'a toujours eu pour seul et unique soutien dans sa famille, son oncle. La mise en bouche de l'auteur m'a permis vraiment de me sentir concernée par l'histoire et donc tout ce qui va suivre. Même si ce bar est un sac d'emmerdements pour lui, il faut bien l'avouer, il représente aussi cette personne de sa famille. Raison pour laquelle il va laisser rentrer dans son quotidien Alonso, cet homme plus âgé, cet étranger énigmatique et charismatique qui va lui offrir son aide.
Je voyais d'un mauvais œil l'intrusion d'Alonso dans la vie de Poe, et la façon dont il le fait, on pourrait presque dire que ça frôle le harcèlement. Mais on comprend ses agissements par la suite, enfin lui pas sur le coup, mais on le voit bien après ^^ J'ai aimé ce personnage sombre au passé qui l'est tout autant. J'ai été touchée par sa tristesse, sa solitude aussi...
Moi qui raffole des age gap, on peut dire que j'ai été séduite ici. Alonso apparaît de suite comme quelqu'un de plus âgé, plus mature, ses cicatrices sont là pour nous témoigner de son vécu. C'est un homme très protecteur envers les gens qu'il aime, et tout particulièrement Poe, qu'il prend sous son aile. Sa manière de l'aimer, de le chérir était si belle en fait. Leurs moments à tous les deux sont à la fois délicats mais super intenses !! Pfiouuuu leurs scènes intimes puréééée !
L'intrigue est entraînante, c'est super addictif. Je pardonne quelques facilités dans les revirements de situations, certaines choses étaient grosses mais ça passe ! Après j'aurais aimé plus de développements de façon générale, plus de réactions de Poe, qui a l'air de suivre un peu trop facilement ce qu'on lui dit de faire.
Les personnages secondaires sont chouettes, notamment Nic le meilleur ami de Poe mais aussi Lorenzo, ami d'Alonso et cuistot. Après la fin les concernant est peu grosse, perd un peu en crédibilité selon moi. Mais j'imagine bien une future histoire sur ces deux personnages, même si « Rapture » est annoncé comme un standalone, en tout cas je serai de la partie !
J'ai été vraiment emballée par ce roman. Je pense que mon attachement envers les personnages et l'alchimie, connexion ressentie entre eux a fait que j'ai pu passé outres certains choses. Une bonne lecture donc !
Je suis allée carrément les yeux fermés dans ce nouveau roman de E.M. Lindsey. Il se semblait qu'il y avait un age gap, et, je ne sais pas, j'imaginais ce roman assez sombre.
Poe vient d'hériter du bar de son oncle, qu'il tenait avec son époux. Voilà l'occasion pour lui de prendre un nouveau départ, loin de sa famille que je qualifierais de toxique. Arrivé sur place, il a la surprise de voir que le bar n'est pas en si bon état que ça, et qu'il a tout à reconstruire. Un soir, de sales types lui tombent dessus, et il est sauvé in extremis par un homme étrange. Cet inconnu va s'immiscer dans son quotidien... et c'est là que d'autres ennuis vont commencer.
J'ai été emballée des les premières pages ! On s'attache forcément à Poe, cet homme de 26 ans, qui n'a toujours eu pour seul et unique soutien dans sa famille, son oncle. La mise en bouche de l'auteur m'a permis vraiment de me sentir concernée par l'histoire et donc tout ce qui va suivre. Même si ce bar est un sac d'emmerdements pour lui, il faut bien l'avouer, il représente aussi cette personne de sa famille. Raison pour laquelle il va laisser rentrer dans son quotidien Alonso, cet homme plus âgé, cet étranger énigmatique et charismatique qui va lui offrir son aide.
Je voyais d'un mauvais œil l'intrusion d'Alonso dans la vie de Poe, et la façon dont il le fait, on pourrait presque dire que ça frôle le harcèlement. Mais on comprend ses agissements par la suite, enfin lui pas sur le coup, mais on le voit bien après ^^ J'ai aimé ce personnage sombre au passé qui l'est tout autant. J'ai été touchée par sa tristesse, sa solitude aussi...
Moi qui raffole des age gap, on peut dire que j'ai été séduite ici. Alonso apparaît de suite comme quelqu'un de plus âgé, plus mature, ses cicatrices sont là pour nous témoigner de son vécu. C'est un homme très protecteur envers les gens qu'il aime, et tout particulièrement Poe, qu'il prend sous son aile. Sa manière de l'aimer, de le chérir était si belle en fait. Leurs moments à tous les deux sont à la fois délicats mais super intenses !! Pfiouuuu leurs scènes intimes puréééée !
L'intrigue est entraînante, c'est super addictif. Je pardonne quelques facilités dans les revirements de situations, certaines choses étaient grosses mais ça passe ! Après j'aurais aimé plus de développements de façon générale, plus de réactions de Poe, qui a l'air de suivre un peu trop facilement ce qu'on lui dit de faire.
Les personnages secondaires sont chouettes, notamment Nic le meilleur ami de Poe mais aussi Lorenzo, ami d'Alonso et cuistot. Après la fin les concernant est peu grosse, perd un peu en crédibilité selon moi. Mais j'imagine bien une future histoire sur ces deux personnages, même si « Rapture » est annoncé comme un standalone, en tout cas je serai de la partie !
J'ai été vraiment emballée par ce roman. Je pense que mon attachement envers les personnages et l'alchimie, connexion ressentie entre eux a fait que j'ai pu passé outres certains choses. Une bonne lecture donc !
June 4, 2023
Poe and Alonso's journey took me on a rollercoaster of ups and downs, and I really enjoyed every element of their romance. At the start, most of Poe's actions were tinted with grief from losing a family member. I don't know if I would have been brave enough to uproot my life to keep someone's legacy alive, but I really admire Poe for risking it all on his uncle's pub. I was gearing myself up for a story all about how Poe restored and transformed the pub into something new, so when threatening men started coming after Poe, it was a total shock to me. Alonso's interference was the only thing that kept Poe safe that first time, and I felt as rattled as he did not knowing the cause. I was intrigued by the mystery surrounding Alonso, and his overwhelming chemistry with Poe was a pleasant distraction from the rest of the uncertainty. For several days, he kept his true motives a secret from Poe, letting them develop a deep connection and steamy attraction without ever sharing the truth of what was going on. By that point I had already become fully invested in Poe's happiness, so I wasn't sure if I should be happy for him for finding love or worried about the things Alonso had left unsaid. Thankfully, Poe wasn't the kind of guy to sit back and lose control over his life, and again he showed his inner strength by confronting Alonso to get some answers. From then on, the two of them felt much more like a team, with Alonso falling into the protective boyfriend role and Poe as the steady anchor to keep them from drifting off course. I was excited about the progress on the pub, nervous about the shady deal Alonso was making to ensure his and Poe's safety, and intrigued by some of the interesting characters Alonso called on for support to get the pub up and running. The threat of danger never fully went away, but as Alonso and Poe successfully launched their business and entwined their lives together, I let myself believe everything was going to end up okay. The reappearance of Poe's best friend with heartbreaking news was only the start of events that built into an action-packed and dangerous climax. I don't want to ruin the suspense, so I'll just say that these men had some terrifyingly close calls and most definitely earned their happily ever after.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
June 8, 2023
I figured out pretty quickly that my reading tastes don’t necessarily run to the typical mafia romance conceits, in which the suave, capable mob guy swoops in to save (in whatever capacity) the other main character. However, I was more than willing to take a chance on this subgenre in the hands of one of my favorite authors. So, while this story is pretty much exactly like that on a surface level, Lindsey’s excellent storytelling and how they twist the tropes makes this book a definite exception to the rules on multiple levels.
Alonso very much swoops in to save Poe in a literal sense, in a strange sort of not-meet-cute that had me instantly intrigued. The sparks between them in the immediate aftermath are definitely of the trauma bond variety and likely would never have developed if Alonso hadn’t stuck around to keep cleaning up a mess that Poe is inadvertently involved with. A bit of forced proximity comes into play instead, and Alonso’s attempt to be as real as possible with Poe while also keeping so many secrets means he reveals enough of his true character that the initial trauma-based attraction shifts to a more visceral connection. Ultimately, I had mixed feelings about this book being entirely from Poe’s perspective because it meant there was a lot I didn’t quite get about Alonso’s side of the equation and why he falls so hard and deep. At least Poe was aware of the many inequalities of the unexpected relationship that develops between them, and I both appreciated his attempts at hesitation and was willing to suspend any disbelief about him going all-in anyway. This would feel like a “fated mates” situation in a more fantasy-driven subgenre; instead, Lindsey does a wonderful job of showing that love at first sight can be as much a burden as a gift.
Half the mystery of this book is that Poe doesn’t know the full story of what’s going on, for various reasons. This book is set in the same world as another Lindsey trilogy I have read, but it easily stands alone, and I hope other familiar readers enjoy seeing glimpses of the other side of that story and some of its long-term effects as much as I did. They also include compelling secondary characters, both new and familiar, in this book that I look forward to seeing more of in their own well-deserved stories.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Alonso very much swoops in to save Poe in a literal sense, in a strange sort of not-meet-cute that had me instantly intrigued. The sparks between them in the immediate aftermath are definitely of the trauma bond variety and likely would never have developed if Alonso hadn’t stuck around to keep cleaning up a mess that Poe is inadvertently involved with. A bit of forced proximity comes into play instead, and Alonso’s attempt to be as real as possible with Poe while also keeping so many secrets means he reveals enough of his true character that the initial trauma-based attraction shifts to a more visceral connection. Ultimately, I had mixed feelings about this book being entirely from Poe’s perspective because it meant there was a lot I didn’t quite get about Alonso’s side of the equation and why he falls so hard and deep. At least Poe was aware of the many inequalities of the unexpected relationship that develops between them, and I both appreciated his attempts at hesitation and was willing to suspend any disbelief about him going all-in anyway. This would feel like a “fated mates” situation in a more fantasy-driven subgenre; instead, Lindsey does a wonderful job of showing that love at first sight can be as much a burden as a gift.
Half the mystery of this book is that Poe doesn’t know the full story of what’s going on, for various reasons. This book is set in the same world as another Lindsey trilogy I have read, but it easily stands alone, and I hope other familiar readers enjoy seeing glimpses of the other side of that story and some of its long-term effects as much as I did. They also include compelling secondary characters, both new and familiar, in this book that I look forward to seeing more of in their own well-deserved stories.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
June 9, 2023
Oh my gosh.. I have been hoping Alonso would get his own story, I wanted him to get his mostly happy after with someone who genuinely loved and cared about him. I'm so happy we got his story and this book just made me want Leo's and Rhys's even more, hopefully they'll get their own book at some point. I'm also really eager for Dominic and Lorenzo's book, I'm so, so excited. I could practically feel the relationship building between them near the end of this book. But that's the side characters that I fell in love with! Not to mention the main characters, cause let me tell you I fell for them, and you will too!
I didn't know what to expect with this story, I was looking forward to it but was also apprehensive hoping it would be great and not feel less than EM's other books. And i had no reason to be apprehensive! This book was so great and while it was on the darker side it was written amazingly.
The writing pulls you in to the lives of these characters and the characters personalities makes you connect to them, makes you feel like you can relate. And that letter Poe's Uncle write him about how he hopes Poe doesn't keep waiting around for them to change, really got me. I can relate to that so much, cause I'm sure I'm not the only one with 'family' members that act like they can treat you poorly just because you're related to them by blood. That doesn't make anyone family, and this book depicted that message beautifully.
Poe and Alonso were so great together, even when Alonso made Poe angry. And Poe was rightfully angry, but he also knew Alonso was doing what he did because he cared so much about Poe's wellbeing. The part where they took in that kitten? And then called the kitten Ghost? So cute! It added a really adorable element to this story that I really appreciated. I loved all of the characters we got introduced to, and reintroduced to others we have previously 'met' in other books. I can't wait to see more of these characters in this world EM has created. I have no idea how EM can come up with not only so many incredible characters, but also so many worlds that are always so fantastic and the writing is always stupendous! I highly recommend you to get this story, right now!
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
I didn't know what to expect with this story, I was looking forward to it but was also apprehensive hoping it would be great and not feel less than EM's other books. And i had no reason to be apprehensive! This book was so great and while it was on the darker side it was written amazingly.
The writing pulls you in to the lives of these characters and the characters personalities makes you connect to them, makes you feel like you can relate. And that letter Poe's Uncle write him about how he hopes Poe doesn't keep waiting around for them to change, really got me. I can relate to that so much, cause I'm sure I'm not the only one with 'family' members that act like they can treat you poorly just because you're related to them by blood. That doesn't make anyone family, and this book depicted that message beautifully.
Poe and Alonso were so great together, even when Alonso made Poe angry. And Poe was rightfully angry, but he also knew Alonso was doing what he did because he cared so much about Poe's wellbeing. The part where they took in that kitten? And then called the kitten Ghost? So cute! It added a really adorable element to this story that I really appreciated. I loved all of the characters we got introduced to, and reintroduced to others we have previously 'met' in other books. I can't wait to see more of these characters in this world EM has created. I have no idea how EM can come up with not only so many incredible characters, but also so many worlds that are always so fantastic and the writing is always stupendous! I highly recommend you to get this story, right now!
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
June 11, 2023
The ups and downs of Poe and Alonso's trip were thrilling to experience, and I adored their budding romance. Poe's initial acts were heavily colored by his sorrow over a recent family death. I don't think I would have had the guts to relocate everything to take over my uncle's bar, but I applaud Poe for doing it. When I arrived at the bar, I was expecting to write a piece about how Poe had revitalized and modernized the establishment, so the arrival of threatening men following Poe was quite a surprise. Only Alonso's interference kept Poe alive the first time, and I was just as shaken as he was at the moment. The suspense around Alonso kept me reading, and his sizzling chemistry with Poe was a welcome diversion from the rest of the unknown. For several days, he avoided telling Poe the truth about his intentions, allowing the two to become close and experience passionate chemistry. I had been emotionally invested in Poe at that point and couldn't decide whether to be thrilled for him that he'd found love or worried about the things Alonso had failed to mention. Fortunately, Poe wasn't the kind to let events unfold without taking action, and he once again displayed his resilience by standing up to Alonso for clarification. From that point on, the two of them began to feel more like a team, with Alonso taking on the role of the guarded lover and Poe acting as the reliable rock to keep them from going too far off course. I was thrilled to see the bar taking shape, concerned about the dubious arrangement Alonso was making to protect himself and Poe, and interested by the colorful personalities Alonso had recruited to help him open up shop. I allowed myself to believe everything would turn out okay as Alonso and Poe successfully started their business and intertwined their lives. The return of Poe's best friend with devastating news only set in motion a chain of events that culminated in a thrilling and perilous showdown. I won't give anything away, but these guys had their fair share of terrible near misses before they finally got their happily ever after. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
June 5, 2023
Poe's life definitely takes a walk on the dark side after he inherits his uncle's bar, gets attacked in the alley and finds himself rescued by Mr tall, dark and handsome. Mystery surrounds Alonso but Poe is just trying to make it through life at the moment without any other drama being added on. The bar needs cleaning and updating if it's ever going to be fit to reopen and make some money, and he doesn't exactly have the money to do that. It's a bit of a shock he's decided to run the bar instead of just sell it but Thomas was family and the only welcoming, loving and accepting family at that so he's determined to do right by him some way. Alonso is an unexpected figure in Poe's life, saving him out of the blue and then returning because he can't stay away. There is clearly so much more to Alonso than he says, especially with how he took down Poe's attackers but he's very tight lipped. However, Poe keeps seeing guys in suits around, like they're following him, and Alonso has all of these friends suddenly coming in to help and it's all getting just a little bit out of hand.
Rapture is a very well written, ever so slightly dark romance with links to organised crimes. Alonso is very alpha male and not sorry for it, determined to protect and look after Poe, a young man very much deserving of affection and care. His life just seems to spiral with one thing/beat down after another, with barely a moment to catch his breath. Alonso is good for him in that regard but he's not used to having someone there to rely on, and especially not in a partner. An often sweet story that has some darker elements to it with strong hurt/comfort vibes and kitten therapy on the couch. This book is a standalone but I'm hoping that we hear more from at least two characters who deserve their own story and HEA.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Rapture is a very well written, ever so slightly dark romance with links to organised crimes. Alonso is very alpha male and not sorry for it, determined to protect and look after Poe, a young man very much deserving of affection and care. His life just seems to spiral with one thing/beat down after another, with barely a moment to catch his breath. Alonso is good for him in that regard but he's not used to having someone there to rely on, and especially not in a partner. An often sweet story that has some darker elements to it with strong hurt/comfort vibes and kitten therapy on the couch. This book is a standalone but I'm hoping that we hear more from at least two characters who deserve their own story and HEA.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
June 9, 2023
When Poe takes over the pub left to him by his uncle and is attacked and beaten in the alley he meets the mysterious much older man Alonso and there are instant sparks, leading to them immediately forming an attachment and bond, leaving Poe with loads of questions regarding the handsome stranger and what he feels towards him.
The author then reveals the plot methodically through Poe keeping you on the edge till about 3/4 of the way through when all is revealed.
Expect:
* Age gap
* Found family
* Suspense violence and mystery
* Hurt comfort
* Smidge of praise kink
* Protective MC
* Neurodivergent Rep
I am a huge fan of the author’s work and have throughly enjoyed and recommended their Iron Works, Sin Bin and Carnal Tower series for deep emotional worlds, found family of brilliant side characters, great disability and diversity rep, strong multifaceted MCs, breaking patterns and fighting hard for their HEAs never tied up neatly in the end.
This story definitely has sensitive emotional writing, is steamy, it’s well paced and engaging and I read it in one go. However, while I enjoyed this plot driven story, I also personally found it hard to connect to the chemistry between the MCs. While we are told of Poe’s back story and his struggles with isolation and trust are shared, we don’t see that playing out as much and since it’s single POV, we don’t really get much insight into Alonso beyond what he tells us of his dark past and journey with loss and betrayal over the short period of his and Poe’s story.
CW: Loss of a loved one, grief, homophobia
The author then reveals the plot methodically through Poe keeping you on the edge till about 3/4 of the way through when all is revealed.
Expect:
* Age gap
* Found family
* Suspense violence and mystery
* Hurt comfort
* Smidge of praise kink
* Protective MC
* Neurodivergent Rep
I am a huge fan of the author’s work and have throughly enjoyed and recommended their Iron Works, Sin Bin and Carnal Tower series for deep emotional worlds, found family of brilliant side characters, great disability and diversity rep, strong multifaceted MCs, breaking patterns and fighting hard for their HEAs never tied up neatly in the end.
This story definitely has sensitive emotional writing, is steamy, it’s well paced and engaging and I read it in one go. However, while I enjoyed this plot driven story, I also personally found it hard to connect to the chemistry between the MCs. While we are told of Poe’s back story and his struggles with isolation and trust are shared, we don’t see that playing out as much and since it’s single POV, we don’t really get much insight into Alonso beyond what he tells us of his dark past and journey with loss and betrayal over the short period of his and Poe’s story.
CW: Loss of a loved one, grief, homophobia
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