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Mirror #1
Meridian
Grant Baines runs a specialty-tour company with his sister, Andie. The tour part is ushering frat boys around the Gulf of Mexico in his charter yacht. The specialty is that he's an ex-military psychologist who does favors for the government. When Grant is asked to spend a week evaluating traumatized FBI advisor Matty Sawyer, he agrees, thinking it will be just another babysitting assignment.
Grant is more relaxed in a bondage playroom than he is going on a date, so he's amazed at how strongly he’s attracted to the damaged but brilliant man who arrives in his town. Grant’s job is to assess Matty’s stability to return to the FBI after Jaeger Koning— Matty’s former lover— is charged with multiple assassinations.
Knowing Matty's past poses a danger to his family, Grant is determined to keep his distance, until Matty reveals a submissive side that Grant finds impossible to resist.
(Mirror Series #1)
TAGS: ends in a HEA (Happily Ever After), standalone, true love, BDSM themes, explicit sex. Part of a proposed series but story is complete and concludes.
Grant is more relaxed in a bondage playroom than he is going on a date, so he's amazed at how strongly he’s attracted to the damaged but brilliant man who arrives in his town. Grant’s job is to assess Matty’s stability to return to the FBI after Jaeger Koning— Matty’s former lover— is charged with multiple assassinations.
Knowing Matty's past poses a danger to his family, Grant is determined to keep his distance, until Matty reveals a submissive side that Grant finds impossible to resist.
(Mirror Series #1)
TAGS: ends in a HEA (Happily Ever After), standalone, true love, BDSM themes, explicit sex. Part of a proposed series but story is complete and concludes.
227 pages, ebook
First published May 17, 2016
10 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Kirby Crow
24 books384 followersKirby Crow worked as an entertainment editor and ghostwriter for several years before happily giving it up to bake brownies, read yaoi, play video games, and write her own novels. Whenever she isn't slaying Orcs or flying a battleship for the glory of the Amarr Empire, she can be found in the kitchen, her vegetable garden, or at the keyboard, tapping away at her next book.
Kirby is a winner of the EPIC Award and the Rainbow Award. She is the author of the bestselling "Scarlet and the White Wolf" series of fantasy novels.
Her published novels are:
Prisoner of the Raven
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The Pedlar and the Bandit King
Scarlet and the White Wolf: Mariner's Luck
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The Land of Night
Angels of the Deep
Hammer and Bone
Malachite
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The King of Forever
Meridian
Windward
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The Temple Road
Novellas:
Turks Cay
Poison Apples
Circuit Theory
The Art of Fire
Chimera
For upcoming news of her future novels, visit http://kirbycrow.com
Kirby is a winner of the EPIC Award and the Rainbow Award. She is the author of the bestselling "Scarlet and the White Wolf" series of fantasy novels.
Her published novels are:
Prisoner of the Raven
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The Pedlar and the Bandit King
Scarlet and the White Wolf: Mariner's Luck
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The Land of Night
Angels of the Deep
Hammer and Bone
Malachite
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The King of Forever
Meridian
Windward
Scarlet and the White Wolf: The Temple Road
Novellas:
Turks Cay
Poison Apples
Circuit Theory
The Art of Fire
Chimera
For upcoming news of her future novels, visit http://kirbycrow.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 23, 2016
Kirby Crow creats a rather somber, heavy atmosphere in Meridian.
There's a highly trained, sociopathic assassin on the loose. He's escaped from a secure prison not once but several times. He toys with authority. And he's coming after Matty.
Matty, who worked in psychological profiling for the FBI, was said assassin's criminal profiler as well as his lover and sub.
Grant, ex-military who now runs a marina, is supposed to evaluate Matty but falls in love with Matty instead.
The first third of the book is sloooow going. Matty and Grant are supposed to spend a week on the boat. Grant tells Matty to wake up early because they're boarding the next day, but days pass and they never get on the damn boat. Matty cleans and scrubs potatoes, and everyone has a picnic. There is a confrontation with a homophobe in a store and long talks with Sam, Grant's uncle.
It didn't make much sense why Matty was even there, or why Grant's sister was hitting on Matty. No one tells her Matty is gay (and she's apparently too dumb to figure it out); instead, Grant and his uncle just keep telling her to back off. I kind of hated her character and found her side story an unnecessary distraction.
There are far too many details about the town, the sister's nasty ex, and Grant's uncle that take up page time but do nothing to move the story along.
Once Matty and Grant kiss, the story picks up. Grant is a Dom, and Matty likes the rough sex, although he feels too vanilla for Grant. The BDSM is on the light side, some bondage and spanking, nothing hardcore.
I liked the passion between the MCs and can even forgive the insta love, because the declarations of possession and MINE and FOREVER were all kinds of hot. I just wanted more relationship development.
There is violence at the end, followed by Matty acting like a martyr. The ending is a tentative HEA for the couple, but very much open-ended as far as the suspense plot goes.
I think the story tried to do too much in two few pages, but the romance was sexy enough that I'm going with 3 stars.
There's a highly trained, sociopathic assassin on the loose. He's escaped from a secure prison not once but several times. He toys with authority. And he's coming after Matty.
Matty, who worked in psychological profiling for the FBI, was said assassin's criminal profiler as well as his lover and sub.
Grant, ex-military who now runs a marina, is supposed to evaluate Matty but falls in love with Matty instead.
The first third of the book is sloooow going. Matty and Grant are supposed to spend a week on the boat. Grant tells Matty to wake up early because they're boarding the next day, but days pass and they never get on the damn boat. Matty cleans and scrubs potatoes, and everyone has a picnic. There is a confrontation with a homophobe in a store and long talks with Sam, Grant's uncle.
It didn't make much sense why Matty was even there, or why Grant's sister was hitting on Matty. No one tells her Matty is gay (and she's apparently too dumb to figure it out); instead, Grant and his uncle just keep telling her to back off. I kind of hated her character and found her side story an unnecessary distraction.
There are far too many details about the town, the sister's nasty ex, and Grant's uncle that take up page time but do nothing to move the story along.
Once Matty and Grant kiss, the story picks up. Grant is a Dom, and Matty likes the rough sex, although he feels too vanilla for Grant. The BDSM is on the light side, some bondage and spanking, nothing hardcore.
I liked the passion between the MCs and can even forgive the insta love, because the declarations of possession and MINE and FOREVER were all kinds of hot. I just wanted more relationship development.
There is violence at the end, followed by Matty acting like a martyr. The ending is a tentative HEA for the couple, but very much open-ended as far as the suspense plot goes.
I think the story tried to do too much in two few pages, but the romance was sexy enough that I'm going with 3 stars.
May 22, 2016
I'm going to give this one a solid 4 stars simply because I really liked the story and Matty and Grant.
I tried the sample and was immediately sucked in so I bought the full book.
In the end, this read was on the short side and I wish certain parts of the story had been a bit more developed - like Matty and Grant's past. I think for me personally it would have helped me understand the BDSM elements and that part of their relationship.
Definitely light on the BDSM scales, IMO. The connection between Matty and Grant was intense and hot. The sex and dirty talk--wowza! Yes, it happened pretty quickly. I would say there was some insta-love here. But I wasn't really bothered by it.
The suspense element was a nice but not overpowering addition to the story.
Despite the tags in the blurb I thought this was definitely more of a HFN. I can't imagine that things are "complete". There were definitely some unresolved plot points. But I was satisfied with where things ended.
Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series....seeing where things go with Matty and Grant, the hunt for Jaeger and who the next MCs might be. Diaz perhaps?
This was a solid read from a new to me author! Recommend!
I tried the sample and was immediately sucked in so I bought the full book.
In the end, this read was on the short side and I wish certain parts of the story had been a bit more developed - like Matty and Grant's past. I think for me personally it would have helped me understand the BDSM elements and that part of their relationship.
Definitely light on the BDSM scales, IMO. The connection between Matty and Grant was intense and hot. The sex and dirty talk--wowza! Yes, it happened pretty quickly. I would say there was some insta-love here. But I wasn't really bothered by it.
The suspense element was a nice but not overpowering addition to the story.
Despite the tags in the blurb I thought this was definitely more of a HFN. I can't imagine that things are "complete". There were definitely some unresolved plot points. But I was satisfied with where things ended.
Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series....seeing where things go with Matty and Grant, the hunt for Jaeger and who the next MCs might be. Diaz perhaps?
This was a solid read from a new to me author! Recommend!
August 8, 2016
4.5 estrellas, un thriller magnífico con muchísima carga emocional, pasión y alguna sorpresa a lo largo del camino. Los protagonistas son Matty, un asesor del FBI que se está recuperando tras descubrir que su pareja era un asesino, y Grant, sicólogo y antiguo marine encargado de evaluarle de una forma poco usual en su barco en el Golfo de México.
El componente BDSM es un protagonista más de la historia, tanto por lo que significa en su vida sexual, como por lo que supone en sus vidas fuera del domirtorio. No sé si el tema está bien o mal tratado, no soy ninguna experta en el mundo BDSM, más bien al contrario, lo que sí sé es que me ha gustado como lo ha hecho la autora, entiendo lo que sienten los personajes, entiendo por qué se comportan como lo hacen y en ningún momento he leído con incomodidad, o me han parecido sus escenas desagradables, al contrario.
La narración de Kirby Crow es muy sencilla, muy directa, le permite desarrollar una trama en la que vamos a encontrar sorpresas sin necesitar para ello trucos que a veces hacen que el lector no sepa bien dónde se encuentra o hacia dónde va.
Lo más interesante del libro es la evolución personal de los personajes, desde el momento en que aparecen hasta que nos despedimos de ellos en la última página. Quizás las circunstancias de Matty hacen que su evolución sea más obvia para el lector, pasa de ser un ser humano absolutamente roto y perdido a encontrar fuerza para luchar contra un pasado y presente complicado no solo por la relación que ha iniciado, también encuentra esa fuerza en él mismo. Por su parte, Grant debe replantearse su vida y el por qué de sus acciones pasadas y presentes tras la llegada de Matty y lo sentimientos que éste despierta en él. Y esa evolución de ambos se percibe no sólo por lo que dicen, también por lo que hacen.
El único pero que le he encontrado a la historia es el insta-love, he de confesar que al principio cuando leía la historia esa atracción tan visceral instantánea y prácticamente ese amor, me resultó decepcionante, y si bien me habría gustado más que pasaran unas semanas antes de que ellos se sintieran de la forma en la que lo hacían, justo es decir que la autora lo sabe llevar muy bien, lo hace creíble, y es incluso algo que tiene su importancia dentro de la historia y es obligado que sea así por lo que amenaza a los protagonistas.
Excelentes diálogos y excelentes secundarios.
Muy recomendable.
El componente BDSM es un protagonista más de la historia, tanto por lo que significa en su vida sexual, como por lo que supone en sus vidas fuera del domirtorio. No sé si el tema está bien o mal tratado, no soy ninguna experta en el mundo BDSM, más bien al contrario, lo que sí sé es que me ha gustado como lo ha hecho la autora, entiendo lo que sienten los personajes, entiendo por qué se comportan como lo hacen y en ningún momento he leído con incomodidad, o me han parecido sus escenas desagradables, al contrario.
La narración de Kirby Crow es muy sencilla, muy directa, le permite desarrollar una trama en la que vamos a encontrar sorpresas sin necesitar para ello trucos que a veces hacen que el lector no sepa bien dónde se encuentra o hacia dónde va.
Lo más interesante del libro es la evolución personal de los personajes, desde el momento en que aparecen hasta que nos despedimos de ellos en la última página. Quizás las circunstancias de Matty hacen que su evolución sea más obvia para el lector, pasa de ser un ser humano absolutamente roto y perdido a encontrar fuerza para luchar contra un pasado y presente complicado no solo por la relación que ha iniciado, también encuentra esa fuerza en él mismo. Por su parte, Grant debe replantearse su vida y el por qué de sus acciones pasadas y presentes tras la llegada de Matty y lo sentimientos que éste despierta en él. Y esa evolución de ambos se percibe no sólo por lo que dicen, también por lo que hacen.
El único pero que le he encontrado a la historia es el insta-love, he de confesar que al principio cuando leía la historia esa atracción tan visceral instantánea y prácticamente ese amor, me resultó decepcionante, y si bien me habría gustado más que pasaran unas semanas antes de que ellos se sintieran de la forma en la que lo hacían, justo es decir que la autora lo sabe llevar muy bien, lo hace creíble, y es incluso algo que tiene su importancia dentro de la historia y es obligado que sea así por lo que amenaza a los protagonistas.
Excelentes diálogos y excelentes secundarios.
Muy recomendable.
May 29, 2017
Reread in may 2017 just before the release of Windward
It was as good as the first time…no, actually better than the first time because my wish for more has been granted : rounded up to 4 stars. Hop to book 2 !!!!
---------------initial review----------------
3.5 stars for this book : the story is solid and kept me hooked and the writing is good. A promising debut for this series.
When Matty, a profiler for the FBI, tragically discovered that Jaeger, his lover and Dom for the past 2 years is in fact a professional killer and a dangerous psychopath, his life is completely shattered. His boss and good friend tries to salvage his career and sends him for an evaluation to Grant, an unconventional therapist, who happens to be a Dom too. However, this simple plan goes to the wind with the immediate attraction between Matty and Grant and Jaeger’s obsession and pursuit of Matty.
I did like Matty and Grant, their building relationship, the steam of this story (very light on the BDSM, not a complaint from me) and the suspense. However, I would have preferred more development about the past of both MCs and the reasons they became who they were when they met. That would have taken away the feeling that I was getting only a glimpse of the story.
Overall, a very hot romance with a nice touch of suspense, lots of dirty talk and a HFN : I will read the next book, hoping there will be more about the plot and more from Matty and Grant.
It was as good as the first time…no, actually better than the first time because my wish for more has been granted : rounded up to 4 stars. Hop to book 2 !!!!
---------------initial review----------------
3.5 stars for this book : the story is solid and kept me hooked and the writing is good. A promising debut for this series.
When Matty, a profiler for the FBI, tragically discovered that Jaeger, his lover and Dom for the past 2 years is in fact a professional killer and a dangerous psychopath, his life is completely shattered. His boss and good friend tries to salvage his career and sends him for an evaluation to Grant, an unconventional therapist, who happens to be a Dom too. However, this simple plan goes to the wind with the immediate attraction between Matty and Grant and Jaeger’s obsession and pursuit of Matty.
I did like Matty and Grant, their building relationship, the steam of this story (very light on the BDSM, not a complaint from me) and the suspense. However, I would have preferred more development about the past of both MCs and the reasons they became who they were when they met. That would have taken away the feeling that I was getting only a glimpse of the story.
Overall, a very hot romance with a nice touch of suspense, lots of dirty talk and a HFN : I will read the next book, hoping there will be more about the plot and more from Matty and Grant.
June 9, 2016
I’m a huuuge fan of Kirby Crow. I have read all her books and I loved every one of them. So when she asked for beta-readers on Twitter for her first contemporary M/M romance, I was all like, ‘Me! Meee, pick meee!’ I got very lucky and, well, it seems Kirby can write everything and I will love it.
Meridian is mainly a tender and also absolutely fucking hot romance between two wonderful guys, but also a suspenseful thriller on the side that made for some additional tension and played an important role in the plot development. I think both parts complement each other really well. The plot around Matty’s ex-lover and assassin Jaeger never overshadows the growing relationship and love between Matty and Grant but adds an interesting problem to the mix. Not only does it influence Matty’s emotional health but there’s also an assassin on the loose and lives in danger, and I found Jaeger to be the perfect villain.
But let’s move on to the most important part now, to Matty and Grant. I tell you, they are both so *sigh* amazing and lovable and together they just are perfect.
Yeah, very eloquent, Mel ;-P
No, seriously… Grant is this strong and tender person and I absolutely love how he takes care of Matty and is looking out for him. And while Matty is seriously shaken up because of his recent relationship with an assassin, he is not weak or a damsel in distress.
Matty and Grant have great chemistry and because of the psychologist/patient dynamic there is also lots of sexual tension, which is just so much fun to read.
So, oh my… The sex. Heh, I tell you, you have great things coming. There is quite a lot of scorching hot sex here. From a super hot masturbation scene to Matty and Grant exploring their D/s power dynamics in the bedroom, I loved this all and, frankly, can’t get enough of it. I prefer sex in my books to be emotionally rich and like to be stimulated not only on a physical level but also on a emotional romantic one, and Meridian has exactly this. There’s so much passion and laughter as well. Matty and Grant are good with each other and real. It is a joy to be with them.
Concerning the BDSM in the book, I really like how it’s breaking with some expectations we might have about it. Kirby sums this up nicely on Twitter (please start reading at the bottom):
I love how both Matty and Grant are fully flashed out characters with a lot of depth. They are not only loveable but have relatable struggles and develop in a way that is believable and very rewarding to witness.
Apart from Matty and Grant there is a larger cast of secondary characters who are also three-dimensional and play important roles in the book. There’s a friend and family and while Matty and Grant have a lot of time for themselves they don’t live in a love bubble but have relationships with other people, and I always love to see that in books.
The story is told both from Matty’s and Grant’s point of view and, like I loved in Kirby’s other books, she only reveals information little by little. Just enough to make you want to find out everything. Apart from the intriguing story-telling, I LOOOOOOVE that Matty and Grant react and behave like adults and actually TALK with each other and make SENSIBLE DECISIONS. Unnecessary angst is a pet peeve of mine and it makes me incredibly happy to read books by authors who don’t do that. You should also probably prepare for some continuously increasing suspense in the second half of the book. I could basically feel Jaeger breathing down my neck. *shudders*
Okay, so… There’s absolutely no reason you shouldn’t read this book. I whole-heartedly recommend it to everyone. Great main and secondary characters, a beautiful romance, heart-melting and scorching hot sex, suspense… This book has all you need. Enjoy :)
Don't miss this:
I interviewed Kirby Crow about her upcoming novel MERIDIAN for Just Love Romance.
There's a teaserand a giveaway as well...
The book can be ordererd by now on Amazon...
_________________________
Genre: contemporary romance
Tags: m/m
Rating: 5 stars
Blog: Review for Just Love Romance
Disclosure: I was beta-reader for this book
Meridian is mainly a tender and also absolutely fucking hot romance between two wonderful guys, but also a suspenseful thriller on the side that made for some additional tension and played an important role in the plot development. I think both parts complement each other really well. The plot around Matty’s ex-lover and assassin Jaeger never overshadows the growing relationship and love between Matty and Grant but adds an interesting problem to the mix. Not only does it influence Matty’s emotional health but there’s also an assassin on the loose and lives in danger, and I found Jaeger to be the perfect villain.
But let’s move on to the most important part now, to Matty and Grant. I tell you, they are both so *sigh* amazing and lovable and together they just are perfect.
Yeah, very eloquent, Mel ;-P
No, seriously… Grant is this strong and tender person and I absolutely love how he takes care of Matty and is looking out for him. And while Matty is seriously shaken up because of his recent relationship with an assassin, he is not weak or a damsel in distress.
Matty and Grant have great chemistry and because of the psychologist/patient dynamic there is also lots of sexual tension, which is just so much fun to read.
So, oh my… The sex. Heh, I tell you, you have great things coming. There is quite a lot of scorching hot sex here. From a super hot masturbation scene to Matty and Grant exploring their D/s power dynamics in the bedroom, I loved this all and, frankly, can’t get enough of it. I prefer sex in my books to be emotionally rich and like to be stimulated not only on a physical level but also on a emotional romantic one, and Meridian has exactly this. There’s so much passion and laughter as well. Matty and Grant are good with each other and real. It is a joy to be with them.
Concerning the BDSM in the book, I really like how it’s breaking with some expectations we might have about it. Kirby sums this up nicely on Twitter (please start reading at the bottom):
I love how both Matty and Grant are fully flashed out characters with a lot of depth. They are not only loveable but have relatable struggles and develop in a way that is believable and very rewarding to witness.
Apart from Matty and Grant there is a larger cast of secondary characters who are also three-dimensional and play important roles in the book. There’s a friend and family and while Matty and Grant have a lot of time for themselves they don’t live in a love bubble but have relationships with other people, and I always love to see that in books.
“All family comes with baggage, Grant, but yours puts love first. That’s the quality I find perfect.”
The story is told both from Matty’s and Grant’s point of view and, like I loved in Kirby’s other books, she only reveals information little by little. Just enough to make you want to find out everything. Apart from the intriguing story-telling, I LOOOOOOVE that Matty and Grant react and behave like adults and actually TALK with each other and make SENSIBLE DECISIONS. Unnecessary angst is a pet peeve of mine and it makes me incredibly happy to read books by authors who don’t do that. You should also probably prepare for some continuously increasing suspense in the second half of the book. I could basically feel Jaeger breathing down my neck. *shudders*
Okay, so… There’s absolutely no reason you shouldn’t read this book. I whole-heartedly recommend it to everyone. Great main and secondary characters, a beautiful romance, heart-melting and scorching hot sex, suspense… This book has all you need. Enjoy :)
Don't miss this:
I interviewed Kirby Crow about her upcoming novel MERIDIAN for Just Love Romance.
There's a teaser
The book can be ordererd by now on Amazon...
_________________________
Genre: contemporary romance
Tags: m/m
Rating: 5 stars
Blog: Review for Just Love Romance
Disclosure: I was beta-reader for this book
dnf
May 23, 2016BR with Elsbeth.
DNF at 50%
Everyone seems to love this book and I’m absolutely flummoxed as to why.
There is nothing that appeals to me after reading half of this book. I have a problem with practically everyone and everything.
Let me try to sum it up.
This book is only 164 pages, but it has a lot going on. So I get why an author decides to cram everything into this book, but all I felt was like this book was on speed.
I constantly felt I was missing a prequel. You fall into the story without much explanation. You do learn a thing or two along the way, but it made me feel as if I skipped a part.
People were introduced left and right and I felt as if should know them, but I didn’t. I felt like they were there for the sake of having some side characters.
I thought this would be about Grant, who would be taking traumatized FBI consultant Matty out on his boat and helping him deal with trauma. And I was still waiting for them to get on the damn boat, but all they did was hang out at the diner and peel potatoes.
I kept waiting for the real story to start when all of a sudden Grant declares to his uncle that he is falling hard for Matty. Euhhh….. what?? You guys just met!
I was also really surprised about Grant’s sister. She wants to seduce Matty and no one seems to think this is a good idea, but instead of yelling to her: HE IS GAY!! everyone tells her it’s not fair to her brother. And since Matty is kind of famous and on the news for sleeping with a known criminal, it’s not like she couldn’t have known Matty was gay. No one can be that dense, can they?
Oh, and if Matty’s healing, the treath to his life, and the blossoming relationship between Grant and Matty isn’t enough, there is also the promise of BDSM. I don’t know if there will be a lot of BDSM scenes in the second half, but to me, this was overkill.
Yeah, I’m done.
I feel sad, because I really wanted to like this.
DNF at 50%
Everyone seems to love this book and I’m absolutely flummoxed as to why.
There is nothing that appeals to me after reading half of this book. I have a problem with practically everyone and everything.
Let me try to sum it up.
This book is only 164 pages, but it has a lot going on. So I get why an author decides to cram everything into this book, but all I felt was like this book was on speed.
I constantly felt I was missing a prequel. You fall into the story without much explanation. You do learn a thing or two along the way, but it made me feel as if I skipped a part.
People were introduced left and right and I felt as if should know them, but I didn’t. I felt like they were there for the sake of having some side characters.
I thought this would be about Grant, who would be taking traumatized FBI consultant Matty out on his boat and helping him deal with trauma. And I was still waiting for them to get on the damn boat, but all they did was hang out at the diner and peel potatoes.
I kept waiting for the real story to start when all of a sudden Grant declares to his uncle that he is falling hard for Matty. Euhhh….. what?? You guys just met!
I was also really surprised about Grant’s sister. She wants to seduce Matty and no one seems to think this is a good idea, but instead of yelling to her: HE IS GAY!! everyone tells her it’s not fair to her brother. And since Matty is kind of famous and on the news for sleeping with a known criminal, it’s not like she couldn’t have known Matty was gay. No one can be that dense, can they?
Oh, and if Matty’s healing, the treath to his life, and the blossoming relationship between Grant and Matty isn’t enough, there is also the promise of BDSM. I don’t know if there will be a lot of BDSM scenes in the second half, but to me, this was overkill.
Yeah, I’m done.
I feel sad, because I really wanted to like this.
May 23, 2016
BR, May 21th with Susan.
*2,5 stars*
*pulling.my.out.of.review.card*
Susan explained... Susan's review
*2,5 stars*
*pulling.my.out.of.review.card*
Susan explained... Susan's review
June 9, 2017
27-year old FBI consultant Matty is trying to get his life together after barely surviving a violent attack by someone v. close to him. He is sent to a south Florida doctor for a week-long final evaluation before deemed fit to return to work.
Grant is a 38-year old psychologist and ex-Marine who is hired by the US government to assess Matty's mental status and overall demeanor.
The chemistry between Matty and Grant is undeniable. Matty's past, however, keeps creeping ever closer...
Full disclosure: I won an ebook copy through a giveaway. I was thrilled when I got it since Kirby happens to be a writer whose works I usually enjoy. Things didn't turn out quite like I'd expected *cue sad!trombone*
What I liked
+ The Setting!
Like I've mentioned before, it's just as hard to write about real life/offline locations as it is to set the stage for imaginary worlds. In this instance, Kirby shows us the area surrounding the Gulf of Mexico with lots of great details. There's the oppressive heat+humidity combo, what coastal life is like, and, in one instance, life in the deep country.
When the setting's right, you're left with the feeling that the story couldn't have taken place elsewhere. That's what happened to me while reading this novel.
+ Matty/Grant sex scenes (for the most part)
A lot of BDSM happens when Matty and Grant decide to give into their attraction to each other. The twist, however, is that there are very little (if any) props and toys used. Grant is experienced enough to accommodate what Matty considers a more vanilla type of kink. For his part, Matty's need to be submissive with Grant is explored in a very organic way.
There are v. clear examples of how well Grant and Matty fit together. For instance, both men like to play with humiliation kink. How they go about it is done in a way that you can feel their boundaries and are able to relax since both Grant and Matty are safe even while they're pushing each other limits.
The majority of their scenes are pretty hot.
+ The secondary characters.
Grant's family and a couple of his neighbours make up for a lot of the cast in the novel (aside from the MCs). Everyone has quirks to their personalities that add an extra layer of reality to the story. Matty, sadly, only has Diaz, a friend/co-worker.
An argument could be made that the book spends a little too long (approximately 30%) introducing these characters and their dynamics. But all that set-up helped smooth out what could've been a flat ending. By the time the last couple of chapters came around, it was impossible not to feel some kind of empathy for Andie, Sam, Blue, etc.
+ The Villain #MUAHAHAHA
To me, the scarier villains no only think that they are the story's true protagonists, but they also don't need to go OTT with their evil deeds.
When it comes to Jaeger, Kirby did what I see as a terribly clever thing: rather than show us Jaeger from the v. beginning, all we really learn about him is through Matty's reactions to mentions of/discussions about him AND seeing everyone else's behaviour/hearing their opinions about him.
Even better is how Jaeger did bad things for "good reasons" but everyone agreed that they were still evil. Kirby doesn't glamorize Jaeger or his deeds. It's quite thrilling.
What I didn't like
- Several things about Matty/Grant's relationship (*hands*)
1. The insta-lust-to-super-love (yeah...NOPE)
That Matty and Grant were going to get together wasn't a surprise. I did kinda go O_o because their relationship began within 3 to 4 days of meeting each other.
At one point, everyone's lives are in potential danger. [Character] tries to reason with Grant that a good option would be to let Matty go away so people can regain some measure of safety. Grant replies that his feelings for Matty are too strong. And then, [Character] says something like "Seriously, dude? You barely know the guy!"
NGL, I kinda did some polite clapping at [Character] for trying to bring some sense to this.
Alas, it's all for naught because, shortly after that, Matty's referring himself as Grant's submissive and they're basically mere seconds from pledging eternal love to each other.
2. The Doctor/Patient things (um, that's not legit)
Grant is a licensed psychologist who, at one time, had a practice that he eventually lost due to reasons that are explained in the novel. He's been hired to do a job.
Meanwhile, Matty is at an extremely emotional and psychologically vulnerable state. Even before we get the whole story of how things really went down, it's obvious to anyone with a couple of brain cells that Matty's not 100% ready for anything serious. The sun might be shining and everything appears calm, but Matty has a really hard time moving past the one person he once thought he loved.
And yet,
Despite the fact that I knew it was going to happen (it's in the blurb), I was still a tad skeeved out by Matty and Grant getting together.
And, looking back, there really was no need for Grant to be a psychologist or run covert mental capacity evaluations for the government. It didn't add anything to the overall story. As a matter of fact, the premise would've worked better if Grant had been a boat tour guide/small business owner. YMMV.
3. Remember when I mentioned that some of the sex didn't work for me?
TL;DR: A romantic thriller with BDSM that ultimately bored me due to how contrived the premise was. The insta-love and everything that came with it was kinda annoying too.
Grant is a 38-year old psychologist and ex-Marine who is hired by the US government to assess Matty's mental status and overall demeanor.
The chemistry between Matty and Grant is undeniable. Matty's past, however, keeps creeping ever closer...
Full disclosure: I won an ebook copy through a giveaway. I was thrilled when I got it since Kirby happens to be a writer whose works I usually enjoy. Things didn't turn out quite like I'd expected *cue sad!trombone*
What I liked
+ The Setting!
Like I've mentioned before, it's just as hard to write about real life/offline locations as it is to set the stage for imaginary worlds. In this instance, Kirby shows us the area surrounding the Gulf of Mexico with lots of great details. There's the oppressive heat+humidity combo, what coastal life is like, and, in one instance, life in the deep country.
When the setting's right, you're left with the feeling that the story couldn't have taken place elsewhere. That's what happened to me while reading this novel.
+ Matty/Grant sex scenes (for the most part)
A lot of BDSM happens when Matty and Grant decide to give into their attraction to each other. The twist, however, is that there are very little (if any) props and toys used. Grant is experienced enough to accommodate what Matty considers a more vanilla type of kink. For his part, Matty's need to be submissive with Grant is explored in a very organic way.
There are v. clear examples of how well Grant and Matty fit together. For instance, both men like to play with humiliation kink. How they go about it is done in a way that you can feel their boundaries and are able to relax since both Grant and Matty are safe even while they're pushing each other limits.
The majority of their scenes are pretty hot.
+ The secondary characters.
Grant's family and a couple of his neighbours make up for a lot of the cast in the novel (aside from the MCs). Everyone has quirks to their personalities that add an extra layer of reality to the story. Matty, sadly, only has Diaz, a friend/co-worker.
An argument could be made that the book spends a little too long (approximately 30%) introducing these characters and their dynamics. But all that set-up helped smooth out what could've been a flat ending. By the time the last couple of chapters came around, it was impossible not to feel some kind of empathy for Andie, Sam, Blue, etc.
+ The Villain #MUAHAHAHA
To me, the scarier villains no only think that they are the story's true protagonists, but they also don't need to go OTT with their evil deeds.
When it comes to Jaeger, Kirby did what I see as a terribly clever thing: rather than show us Jaeger from the v. beginning, all we really learn about him is through Matty's reactions to mentions of/discussions about him AND seeing everyone else's behaviour/hearing their opinions about him.
Even better is how Jaeger did bad things for "good reasons" but everyone agreed that they were still evil. Kirby doesn't glamorize Jaeger or his deeds. It's quite thrilling.
What I didn't like
- Several things about Matty/Grant's relationship (*hands*)
1. The insta-lust-to-super-love (yeah...NOPE)
That Matty and Grant were going to get together wasn't a surprise. I did kinda go O_o because their relationship began within 3 to 4 days of meeting each other.
At one point, everyone's lives are in potential danger. [Character] tries to reason with Grant that a good option would be to let Matty go away so people can regain some measure of safety. Grant replies that his feelings for Matty are too strong. And then, [Character] says something like "Seriously, dude? You barely know the guy!"
NGL, I kinda did some polite clapping at [Character] for trying to bring some sense to this.
Alas, it's all for naught because, shortly after that, Matty's referring himself as Grant's submissive and they're basically mere seconds from pledging eternal love to each other.
2. The Doctor/Patient things (um, that's not legit)
Grant is a licensed psychologist who, at one time, had a practice that he eventually lost due to reasons that are explained in the novel. He's been hired to do a job.
Meanwhile, Matty is at an extremely emotional and psychologically vulnerable state. Even before we get the whole story of how things really went down, it's obvious to anyone with a couple of brain cells that Matty's not 100% ready for anything serious. The sun might be shining and everything appears calm, but Matty has a really hard time moving past the one person he once thought he loved.
And yet,
Despite the fact that I knew it was going to happen (it's in the blurb), I was still a tad skeeved out by Matty and Grant getting together.
And, looking back, there really was no need for Grant to be a psychologist or run covert mental capacity evaluations for the government. It didn't add anything to the overall story. As a matter of fact, the premise would've worked better if Grant had been a boat tour guide/small business owner. YMMV.
3. Remember when I mentioned that some of the sex didn't work for me?
TL;DR: A romantic thriller with BDSM that ultimately bored me due to how contrived the premise was. The insta-love and everything that came with it was kinda annoying too.
May 22, 2016
Reviewed for From Top to Bottom Reviews.
*A COPY OF THIS BOOK WAS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR IN RETURN OF AN HONEST REVIEW*
I was intrigued about this book when I first saw it and couldn't wait to read it. I was so happy when I got an ARC for it!
I started it and the characters, the setting and the writing - so basically everything - drew me right in. And then I thought the author would go somewhere with the story I didn't like. So I put it aside to get back to it later. (And I still could bite myself in the arse for that!!) Because not even 5% later Ms. Crow did what I hoped she would do but obviously didn't think she would or I would have kept on reading. (Sorry, trying to be vague to not spoil anything!)
If I've learned one thing or, rather was reminded about it, it's that sometimes I shouldn't throw in the towel too soon.
Okay, now to the book itself. As I said before the characters and the setting made it easy to get into the story immediately. I really liked Grant and his family and was curious about Matty.
Kirby Crow created two fascinating characters that I really, really wanted to know more about. They were fully flashed-out characters each with their own little (and sometimes bigger) flaws, that made it so easy to relate to them.
I LOVED the dynamic between the two of them!
Meridian features a BDSM-relationship without any toys or a play room and it's still a believable BDSM-relationship. They don't need toys for Grant to be a "convincing" Dom or Matty an "authentic" sub. It's obvious in the way they engage with each other and that made this relationship and this part of the story so refreshing.
The chemistry between these two is undeniable from the start and I was turning the pages so fast I didn't realise how much time had passed.
Matty's back story added mystery and suspense to the story. I wasn't really sure whether to trust Matty or not at the beginning. But that changed fast when I first met Jaeger. And even though Jaeger is the villain in this story I found him strangely fascinating. I mean he's a psychopath and I really didn't like him for what he did, but there was something there that at the same time made me wonder about how he became that way and I think it would be interesting to get his POV.
With Meridian Kirby Crow wrote a fantastic story that is at times romantic and the next second making your heart race a mile a minute. The mystery and suspense keep the reader turning the pages to find out what happens. And I loved how Ms. Crow wrapped it all up in the end.
Definitely recommended! And I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
*A COPY OF THIS BOOK WAS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR IN RETURN OF AN HONEST REVIEW*
I was intrigued about this book when I first saw it and couldn't wait to read it. I was so happy when I got an ARC for it!
I started it and the characters, the setting and the writing - so basically everything - drew me right in. And then I thought the author would go somewhere with the story I didn't like. So I put it aside to get back to it later. (And I still could bite myself in the arse for that!!) Because not even 5% later Ms. Crow did what I hoped she would do but obviously didn't think she would or I would have kept on reading. (Sorry, trying to be vague to not spoil anything!)
If I've learned one thing or, rather was reminded about it, it's that sometimes I shouldn't throw in the towel too soon.
Okay, now to the book itself. As I said before the characters and the setting made it easy to get into the story immediately. I really liked Grant and his family and was curious about Matty.
Kirby Crow created two fascinating characters that I really, really wanted to know more about. They were fully flashed-out characters each with their own little (and sometimes bigger) flaws, that made it so easy to relate to them.
I LOVED the dynamic between the two of them!
Meridian features a BDSM-relationship without any toys or a play room and it's still a believable BDSM-relationship. They don't need toys for Grant to be a "convincing" Dom or Matty an "authentic" sub. It's obvious in the way they engage with each other and that made this relationship and this part of the story so refreshing.
The chemistry between these two is undeniable from the start and I was turning the pages so fast I didn't realise how much time had passed.
Matty's back story added mystery and suspense to the story. I wasn't really sure whether to trust Matty or not at the beginning. But that changed fast when I first met Jaeger. And even though Jaeger is the villain in this story I found him strangely fascinating. I mean he's a psychopath and I really didn't like him for what he did, but there was something there that at the same time made me wonder about how he became that way and I think it would be interesting to get his POV.
With Meridian Kirby Crow wrote a fantastic story that is at times romantic and the next second making your heart race a mile a minute. The mystery and suspense keep the reader turning the pages to find out what happens. And I loved how Ms. Crow wrapped it all up in the end.
Definitely recommended! And I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
May 17, 2016
Oh Matty, you trainwreck of a man. The moment when he stumbles off the bus in the middle of a flashback and literally falls into Grant's arms? But... He's actually not that guy. He's not broken or faint hearted. He is far stronger, far more quickly, than one would think. He's submissive and recovering from a relationship where his ex turned out to be a seriously bad guy. And he's been sent to Grant by his FBI employers to determine if he's lost his marbles entirely.
Grant? He's a therapist who seems to blow boundaries (so to speak) pretty easily. He's also dominant. This is where things start to get a little funky, in my opinion. Matty and Grant seemed to make eye contact in the water and then boom - identified each other as their respective roles and done and done.
It almost seems like a magic peen situation but instead, it's magic Dom/sub. As soon as they met, it seemed like Matty's symptoms disappears. The two men didn't seem to develop a relationship so much as an arrangement. It seemed like their kinks matched and based on that, they imprinted on each other. In a bizarre way, I felt the relationship between Jaeger and Matty more.
This is the first is a new series. I don't know whether the next books will be these men again. If so, it would make sense that their relationship didn't seem fully developed.
3.5 stars.
Grant? He's a therapist who seems to blow boundaries (so to speak) pretty easily. He's also dominant. This is where things start to get a little funky, in my opinion. Matty and Grant seemed to make eye contact in the water and then boom - identified each other as their respective roles and done and done.
It almost seems like a magic peen situation but instead, it's magic Dom/sub. As soon as they met, it seemed like Matty's symptoms disappears. The two men didn't seem to develop a relationship so much as an arrangement. It seemed like their kinks matched and based on that, they imprinted on each other. In a bizarre way, I felt the relationship between Jaeger and Matty more.
This is the first is a new series. I don't know whether the next books will be these men again. If so, it would make sense that their relationship didn't seem fully developed.
3.5 stars.
June 22, 2016
Just excellent, really emotional and exciting.
Full review closer to release date
2nd read, this time the published book, and it was even better than the first time. Got some references I hadn't picked up previously, and still loving Matty !
Full review here
Full review closer to release date
2nd read, this time the published book, and it was even better than the first time. Got some references I hadn't picked up previously, and still loving Matty !
Full review here
June 26, 2017
Unfortunately this contemporary romance did not work for me. I loved the concept of the plot but the execution didn't make a lot of sense to me. I found myself having to suspend a lot of reality to buy the way things went. The two men were drawn to each other in a way that I found hard to believe. Matty had just come out of a horrific relationship and Grant was in the mental health profession. His behavior was beyond inappropriate. I maybe could have bought in to it if they had known each other even a month but it's just a few days before they're sleeping together and expressing all these emotions and feelings.
I also wish the author wouldn't have brought bdsm into the plot. It just mucked up some already cloudy waters in my opinion. Matty got involved with it only because his ex (the murderer) made him. Now he says he craves it. Maybe he does. But with all his emotional instability who knows what he really wants and it bordered too closely to the "bdsm will cure your demons" trope and I really dislike that.
I liked Grant (despite his mega unprofessionalism) but I never got a feel for Matty. He was supposed to be this great profiler but I couldn't see it. He felt very fragile and naïve to me. I just couldn't see him in that profession. There were a host of side characters and some I liked (Grant's grandfather) and some I couldn't stand (Grant's sister). Matty's ex, Jaeger was probably the most interesting of them all.
Unfortunately this just didn't work for me. I went into it expecting an in-depth emotionally gritty book and what I got was serious issues glossed over and an insta-love relationship. The technicality of the writing was fine but the plot just wasn't for me.
I also wish the author wouldn't have brought bdsm into the plot. It just mucked up some already cloudy waters in my opinion. Matty got involved with it only because his ex (the murderer) made him. Now he says he craves it. Maybe he does. But with all his emotional instability who knows what he really wants and it bordered too closely to the "bdsm will cure your demons" trope and I really dislike that.
I liked Grant (despite his mega unprofessionalism) but I never got a feel for Matty. He was supposed to be this great profiler but I couldn't see it. He felt very fragile and naïve to me. I just couldn't see him in that profession. There were a host of side characters and some I liked (Grant's grandfather) and some I couldn't stand (Grant's sister). Matty's ex, Jaeger was probably the most interesting of them all.
Unfortunately this just didn't work for me. I went into it expecting an in-depth emotionally gritty book and what I got was serious issues glossed over and an insta-love relationship. The technicality of the writing was fine but the plot just wasn't for me.
April 23, 2016
Matty. Oh Matty....
This poor disturbed thing will crawl his way into your heart, and the impending danger that builds on each page will become so, SO real.
Why do we like books that torment it's character so much?? :'D
If you are not an insta-love fan like myself, don’t let Grant and Matty’s immediate attraction frighten you off. Their relationship builds in a very natural and convincing way. They took steps back right when space was needed. It drills in the sexual tension without them moving too fast.
And once you start shipping them… Gawd they’re precious.
Also. I… might have liked the villain …a lot... and I’m not sorry.
I dunno, man. There’s something about Jaeger that made me want more of him. He really is fascinating. You get a real feel of his character through rumour, and it brought the threat to life.
So -needless to say- Kirby Crow nails contemporary settings and I’m very much looking forward to seeing more of these boys.
This poor disturbed thing will crawl his way into your heart, and the impending danger that builds on each page will become so, SO real.
If you are not an insta-love fan like myself, don’t let Grant and Matty’s immediate attraction frighten you off. Their relationship builds in a very natural and convincing way. They took steps back right when space was needed. It drills in the sexual tension without them moving too fast.
And once you start shipping them… Gawd they’re precious.
Also. I… might have liked the villain …a lot... and I’m not sorry.
I dunno, man. There’s something about Jaeger that made me want more of him. He really is fascinating. You get a real feel of his character through rumour, and it brought the threat to life.
So -needless to say- Kirby Crow nails contemporary settings and I’m very much looking forward to seeing more of these boys.
May 19, 2016
La belleza de la pluma de Kirby Crow is indudable. La intensidad del relato, la fuerza de la narrativa, y la complejidad de sus personajes la ubican en un espacio muy alejado de la masa de escritores que batallan por hacerse un lugar en el mercado.
Reseña en breve aquí y en el blog.
Reseña en breve aquí y en el blog.
May 28, 2016
I'm finding hard to rate this book, it's between 3 and 4 stars, atm i'll go with 3 stars, because 3 stars are not so bad for me, it states i liked the book and, yeah, i did like the book. The problem is, i wanted to like it more. I....don't know what I expected from a contemporary book from Kirby Crow but i was interested as hell to find out what she'd come up with in a contemporary setup.
And I'm not disappointed, i liked the directness of her prose and how the characters beheaved like adults regarding their relationship (kudos for the whole 'let's talk about our feelings'). I like the somberness, the presence of the villain lurking in the shadows, and how the BDSM was managed without the whole dungeon, toys, etc. that most stories with some BDSM come with. The things that make me hesitant to put 1 more star is the insta-love and the slow pace in the beginning of the story (tho it picks up later) due to the big amount of sex scenes. I understand the sex helped the characters grasp their emotions and i liked how you get to know their past when they talked either in or outside the bedroom, and maybe i wasn't in the mood for a book with this much sex but i got tired fast, i just wanted something to happen. I was curious to see what was Jaeger's next move. Also i didn't like Grant's lack of professionalism due to his insta-love and the way he just swiftly threw overboard the whole ''I'm going to be your therapist'' without any consequences; i felt something missing there.
Aside that, i think it's a good first premise and I'm curious to know what will happen in the next one.
And I'm not disappointed, i liked the directness of her prose and how the characters beheaved like adults regarding their relationship (kudos for the whole 'let's talk about our feelings'). I like the somberness, the presence of the villain lurking in the shadows, and how the BDSM was managed without the whole dungeon, toys, etc. that most stories with some BDSM come with. The things that make me hesitant to put 1 more star is the insta-love and the slow pace in the beginning of the story (tho it picks up later) due to the big amount of sex scenes. I understand the sex helped the characters grasp their emotions and i liked how you get to know their past when they talked either in or outside the bedroom, and maybe i wasn't in the mood for a book with this much sex but i got tired fast, i just wanted something to happen. I was curious to see what was Jaeger's next move. Also i didn't like Grant's lack of professionalism due to his insta-love and the way he just swiftly threw overboard the whole ''I'm going to be your therapist'' without any consequences; i felt something missing there.
Aside that, i think it's a good first premise and I'm curious to know what will happen in the next one.
June 24, 2017
4,5 stars
That's what I call a well developed story with width and depth.
Matty criminal profiler working for the Fed
Grant...a very intelligent psychologist.... hot and witty. Easygoing for
the eye but always on high alert.
And then there is Jaeger an assassin, the devil himself.
The blurb gives a good description of the story. Thats why i will not go to
deep into the storyline with the family and friends....because...I want to
tell how I did feel and experienced it.
Without spoiling..... the two men are involved with each other in a very
original way. And....they recognize something...they understand....and know
what they are and what they desire, yearned for.....
You get a hint every time when something is happening and what maybe will
come....
Every new chapter reveals some and it made me anxious and eager....curious
what had happened and what will happen next.
All the environments were so well described it wasn't hard to visualize.
How the sentences are 'painted' was just wonderful, such fine details which
makes this a whole picture....you almost could touch it.
For example....sentences like this....make it real and totally convincing
....:
"Antique clapboards echoed under Grant’s shoes"
"Grant slowed for a squirrel racing to cross the highway, then pressed on
the accelerator again"
"What are you feeding those flying shithouses?”
Or after a whack the explanation “To slap the cock out of your head."
And.........“Baby?” “Yeah?” “Nothing. I just want you to look at me.”
Matty has the devil on his heels and he can't run fast enough to stay in
front. With the help from Grant he can run somewhat faster....only some
devils....
The steam and anticipation was somewhat killing....some parts were intense
sensual....and some erotic parts were hot as hell and I could moan with
Matty....
Their D/s interaction was heaven because it was not perfect but so erotic
and with so much feelings....the exploring was.....breathtaking.... their
blooming D/s relationship is so different from all I have read before it was
refreshing.
I appreciate the fact they were both flawed...sometimes laughable and
endearing flawed
A constantly strong story, it made me laugh, angry, anxious, I snort, moan,
whimper and got blurry teary.....
That's what I call a well developed story with width and depth.
Matty criminal profiler working for the Fed
Grant...a very intelligent psychologist.... hot and witty. Easygoing for
the eye but always on high alert.
And then there is Jaeger an assassin, the devil himself.
The blurb gives a good description of the story. Thats why i will not go to
deep into the storyline with the family and friends....because...I want to
tell how I did feel and experienced it.
Without spoiling..... the two men are involved with each other in a very
original way. And....they recognize something...they understand....and know
what they are and what they desire, yearned for.....
You get a hint every time when something is happening and what maybe will
come....
Every new chapter reveals some and it made me anxious and eager....curious
what had happened and what will happen next.
All the environments were so well described it wasn't hard to visualize.
How the sentences are 'painted' was just wonderful, such fine details which
makes this a whole picture....you almost could touch it.
For example....sentences like this....make it real and totally convincing
....:
"Antique clapboards echoed under Grant’s shoes"
"Grant slowed for a squirrel racing to cross the highway, then pressed on
the accelerator again"
"What are you feeding those flying shithouses?”
Or after a whack the explanation “To slap the cock out of your head."
And.........“Baby?” “Yeah?” “Nothing. I just want you to look at me.”
Matty has the devil on his heels and he can't run fast enough to stay in
front. With the help from Grant he can run somewhat faster....only some
devils....
The steam and anticipation was somewhat killing....some parts were intense
sensual....and some erotic parts were hot as hell and I could moan with
Matty....
Their D/s interaction was heaven because it was not perfect but so erotic
and with so much feelings....the exploring was.....breathtaking.... their
blooming D/s relationship is so different from all I have read before it was
refreshing.
I appreciate the fact they were both flawed...sometimes laughable and
endearing flawed
A constantly strong story, it made me laugh, angry, anxious, I snort, moan,
whimper and got blurry teary.....
May 19, 2016
So I haven't read BDSM in forever b/c frankly it was all getting lather rinse repeat. But Kirby Crow has never let me down, and I was intrigued she was writing contemporary when she's always been a fantasy writer to my knowledge.
And this book holds true in not letting me down. With almost any other contemporary writer I can think of, this book would have been at least 100k, with so much angst I need to take breaks, mostly b/c it would get seriously tiresome and repetitive after a point. Instead, we have a man with a seriously traumatic life who manages to come through it pretty damn battered but not broken. He deals with it, he learns to deal with it better, without it dragging on for 300 pages.
I also loved the romance. It wasn't insta-love in that lazy way so popular now, where you feel cheated out of the tension and thrum and energy of build up and learning. But there was that immediate, hot and sizzling connection that simmered nicely while they worked up to it. I fucking love it was Matty who made the first move.
Next, I like the BDSM was low key and simple, not Exclusive Leather Club with Lots of Toys book #5017. I loved Matty's 'it doesn't feel vanilla when you're in it' (that's not the exact quote, but the gist of it IIRC) because yes, yes, and yes. I hate this idea that the BDSM is only real and counts if there's whips and chains and fancy dungeons. It's not the toys that make it BDSM, and this book actually understood that.
Finally, I loved the hell out of the end, but elaborating on why would be spoilery.
A+ story, definitely worth picking up.
May 25, 2016
3.75 STARS
I didn't quite know what to make about this book
I didn't quite know what to make about this book
September 13, 2016
Son 3´5 estrellas.
El libro está muy bien, bien contado pero la historia se me queda un poco corta. Me hubiera gustado más profundidad en el personaje de Matty y su relación pasada.
El punto del BDSM no lo expolta mucho...la parte erótica del relato queda un poco "vainilla" (por lo menos respecto a mis expectativas).
La parte del suspense y misterio está muy bien narrada, manteniéndote en vilo durante gran parte del libro.
En general, se puede decir que es un libro muy entretenido y con una relación muy, muy tierna pese a ser un sumiso y un amo.
El libro está muy bien, bien contado pero la historia se me queda un poco corta. Me hubiera gustado más profundidad en el personaje de Matty y su relación pasada.
El punto del BDSM no lo expolta mucho...la parte erótica del relato queda un poco "vainilla" (por lo menos respecto a mis expectativas).
La parte del suspense y misterio está muy bien narrada, manteniéndote en vilo durante gran parte del libro.
En general, se puede decir que es un libro muy entretenido y con una relación muy, muy tierna pese a ser un sumiso y un amo.
May 24, 2016
Um, this was weird one. It was all over the place at first, crawled along, and I still can't believe that a guy who runs boat tours in Florida is also a qualified but 'off the book' ex Marine (Oorah!!) turned psychologist Dominant, doing favours on the side for the U.S. government. The insta-lust, not a great fan, and traumatised FBI agent and Illinois farm boy submissive Matty's real name was Mathieu...say what?? How can a supposedly extremely intelligent and capable FBI profiler not know that the guy he's in a relationship with is a really bad guy who goes around assassinating people?? [And no, I didn't like Grant's sister either, Dani.] None of it seemed remotely plausible, and yes, I know this is fiction, but come on....
My biggest gripe however was who the hell kept letting the bad guy escape?? How can a sociopath escape a 'secured' facility not once, but several times, and how can they keep track of where their 'quarry' is?? Well, it's obvious, duh...they must have help on the inside or much further up the chain of command within the FBI/government, but was this alluded to at all?? Nope. He lives to fight and wreck Matty's life all over again in the coming books. 3 generous stars from me, and no, I don't think I'll be taking this series any further thank you.
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May 26, 2016wow
May 19, 2019
3.5* porque si bien la historia no es inolvidable si es cierto que la hace interesante. Los MC me gustaron, si bien hubiese agradecido que profundizase un poco más en ellos, pero le quito esas décimas hasta las cuatro estrellas porque al thriller le falta intensidad e intriga para mi gusto y el final no me convence porque desde mi punto de vista no se aprecia bien la evolución de Matty de querer una cosa en un capítulo a querer la contraria en el siguiente.
Por supuesto continúo con la segunda parte para no quedarme a medias, si bien éste es un HFN
Por supuesto continúo con la segunda parte para no quedarme a medias, si bien éste es un HFN
June 8, 2017
Almost a year later, I'm reviewing Meridian. Yay! 4.5 stars, rounded up. I thought the book was phenomenal, and it left me wanting to know more about Jaeger.
As per the blurb, Jaeger was Matty's lover (and Dom), and turned out to be an assassin for hire. Matty, criminal profiler for the FBI, finally figured it out, things happened, and Jaeger was taken into custody and transferred to maximum security. Matty, of course, was removed from the case and more or less given a medical leave of absence. Before he could return to work, his friend/boss, Rey Diaz, sent him down to Grant for a psych eval.
When the book starts out, Matty is half a breath from becoming totally unhinged, mostly because he hasn't fully dealt with what happened to him (you get further details and hints as the book progresses, but there's one major point that isn't confirmed almost until the end). Matty is a lot of the things Grant loves--both in a person and a sub--but Grant knows involvement would be a conflict of interest. Further things happen between Matty and Grant, resulting in quite a lot of alone time between the two. Matty, through Grant's eyes, is gorgeous. Some of the scenes between them are lovely, and Matty is stunningly beautiful, through shattered in a rather complex way and refusing to concede his defeat. The book has a definite end, no cliffhanger, and it's open to further books in the series.
There's an interesting supporting cast, majority Grant's family and community, with Rey making occasional contact. Jaeger, though off-page, is still very much at the forefront of Matty's every thought, and Grant's as well. Jaeger was hands-down my favorite character, and if you enjoy reading about him, you'll be delighted with him in the second book (Windward).
***Please note: I did do beta for this book. Not exactly an ARC, but close. :)
As per the blurb, Jaeger was Matty's lover (and Dom), and turned out to be an assassin for hire. Matty, criminal profiler for the FBI, finally figured it out, things happened, and Jaeger was taken into custody and transferred to maximum security. Matty, of course, was removed from the case and more or less given a medical leave of absence. Before he could return to work, his friend/boss, Rey Diaz, sent him down to Grant for a psych eval.
When the book starts out, Matty is half a breath from becoming totally unhinged, mostly because he hasn't fully dealt with what happened to him (you get further details and hints as the book progresses, but there's one major point that isn't confirmed almost until the end). Matty is a lot of the things Grant loves--both in a person and a sub--but Grant knows involvement would be a conflict of interest. Further things happen between Matty and Grant, resulting in quite a lot of alone time between the two. Matty, through Grant's eyes, is gorgeous. Some of the scenes between them are lovely, and Matty is stunningly beautiful, through shattered in a rather complex way and refusing to concede his defeat. The book has a definite end, no cliffhanger, and it's open to further books in the series.
There's an interesting supporting cast, majority Grant's family and community, with Rey making occasional contact. Jaeger, though off-page, is still very much at the forefront of Matty's every thought, and Grant's as well. Jaeger was hands-down my favorite character, and if you enjoy reading about him, you'll be delighted with him in the second book (Windward).
***Please note: I did do beta for this book. Not exactly an ARC, but close. :)
November 29, 2016
Oh, gosh, I have loved Kirby's work for years so I feel bad that this did not work for me at all. Often her plots are driven by old-fashioned melodrama - extravagantly evil villains tying characters to the metaphorical railroad tracks and the love interest coming to the rescue - which I have been happy to suspend disbelief for in a historical fantasy setting. Turns out I can't cope with it in a contemporary setting.
I have known and worked with a lot of mental health professionals, and Grant's conduct seems really inappropriate and unprofessional to me. His family (who he's forcing his client to live with!) are also epic boundary-crossers and got my hackles up pretty high.
If the book was about them sailing around on this boat locked in an intense psychological struggle in which Grant is making a genuine, competent effort to do his job and evaluate Matty's fitness for duty, while Matty (as would be understandable) resists and tries to charm him/manipulate the outcome, while they are both attracted to each other and playing covert games of seduction and counter-seduction - I would have loved that. But the dramatic potential of the scenario is thrown away when
Things I did like: the detail of the setting. I don't know anything about the Gulf Coast and I really felt like I was physically there. :)
I have known and worked with a lot of mental health professionals, and Grant's conduct seems really inappropriate and unprofessional to me. His family (who he's forcing his client to live with!) are also epic boundary-crossers and got my hackles up pretty high.
If the book was about them sailing around on this boat locked in an intense psychological struggle in which Grant is making a genuine, competent effort to do his job and evaluate Matty's fitness for duty, while Matty (as would be understandable) resists and tries to charm him/manipulate the outcome, while they are both attracted to each other and playing covert games of seduction and counter-seduction - I would have loved that. But the dramatic potential of the scenario is thrown away when
Things I did like: the detail of the setting. I don't know anything about the Gulf Coast and I really felt like I was physically there. :)
August 18, 2016
A solid four star. Great story and the MCs kept me hooked from the get go.
Matty is on his way to an off the record stay in the Gulf to try to get back on track with the FBI. Can't is the man hire to help him get there. Right from the start you feel the connection between Grant and Matty. Grant never once believed Matty had anything to do with his ex-boyfriend Jaeger committing murders as a professional hitman.
Matty has a guilty conscience due to his lack of knowledge involving said ex-boyfriend but with Grants help, (and firm hand *wink*), he is beginning to move on. Problem??? Enter Jaeger.
All in all it was a wonderful story. There are still a few thing left hanging so I am hoping there will be another to follow up Meridian. *fingers crossed*
Matty is on his way to an off the record stay in the Gulf to try to get back on track with the FBI. Can't is the man hire to help him get there. Right from the start you feel the connection between Grant and Matty. Grant never once believed Matty had anything to do with his ex-boyfriend Jaeger committing murders as a professional hitman.
Matty has a guilty conscience due to his lack of knowledge involving said ex-boyfriend but with Grants help, (and firm hand *wink*), he is beginning to move on. Problem??? Enter Jaeger.
All in all it was a wonderful story. There are still a few thing left hanging so I am hoping there will be another to follow up Meridian. *fingers crossed*
April 19, 2016
I had the pleasure of previewing this book before its release. Kirby Crow is always masterful at crafting her stories, and Meridian is no exception. The anticipation found within the narrative makes it a real page-turner, and I thoroughly enjoyed not only the main characters but the supporting ones as well. The passion between our two male leads is palpable to the point where when they finally acknowledge their attraction, you can't help but cheer. Add in an intriguing plot that throws them together in the first place and you have a damn good read.
Read
May 18, 2016Excellent new series!!!
Excellent new series, exciting,, suspenseful and thoroughly engrossing. The mystery and intrigue keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next. The almost instant connection between Matty and Grant was hot.
I can't wait for the next book in this series. What dangers will they face next? What will the Kill Devil have in store for them? Where will Matty and Grant's love lead them?
Excellent new series, exciting,, suspenseful and thoroughly engrossing. The mystery and intrigue keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next. The almost instant connection between Matty and Grant was hot.
I can't wait for the next book in this series. What dangers will they face next? What will the Kill Devil have in store for them? Where will Matty and Grant's love lead them?
June 22, 2016
What an incredibly well written story!
A very solid 4.5 stars from me for an author which I am savouring discovering.
We'll be reviewing this gem over at the blog.
A very solid 4.5 stars from me for an author which I am savouring discovering.
We'll be reviewing this gem over at the blog.
May 28, 2016
Awesome
I loved this book. I am ready for more I did want little more action but it was still good !
I loved this book. I am ready for more I did want little more action but it was still good !
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