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Scars #2
Slander
Benedict d'Arcy has never had to worry about where his next meal was coming from, or whether he'd have enough to purchase the season's latest fashions. Growing up in the prestigious d'Arcy family meant comfort, stability, and a certain amount of lavish opulence. But when his beloved father dies, leaving his stepmother in charge of the family's assets, Benedict is demoted from shining star to suspicious freeloader.
Kota's parents have always been wealthy, too, but Kota chose another path in life - becoming a police officer. He's comfortable in his small home, knowing that he's benefiting his community and making a difference in the world. He's a simple man, with simple pleasures, and the only thing that's missing from his life is a committed partnership with someone he loves.
When Benedict's suspicions about his stepmother's involvement in his father's death begin to grow and manifest, he decides that it's time for him to leave the family home - at least until he has concrete proof against his stepmother. But he mistimes his efforts, and something goes wrong - he's being followed. When he stumbles into the next county's annual Policeman's Ball, he doesn't expect for a man with kind eyes and gentle hands to help him to his feet and claim that they're together. He doesn't expect an immediate show of trust and willingness to get to the bottom of his situation.
And he sure as hell doesn't expect their one night of pretending to be in a relationship to lead to something more - something authentic.
Slander is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel, with a happily ever after ending and no cliffhangers. It is set in the same world as Scars.
Kota's parents have always been wealthy, too, but Kota chose another path in life - becoming a police officer. He's comfortable in his small home, knowing that he's benefiting his community and making a difference in the world. He's a simple man, with simple pleasures, and the only thing that's missing from his life is a committed partnership with someone he loves.
When Benedict's suspicions about his stepmother's involvement in his father's death begin to grow and manifest, he decides that it's time for him to leave the family home - at least until he has concrete proof against his stepmother. But he mistimes his efforts, and something goes wrong - he's being followed. When he stumbles into the next county's annual Policeman's Ball, he doesn't expect for a man with kind eyes and gentle hands to help him to his feet and claim that they're together. He doesn't expect an immediate show of trust and willingness to get to the bottom of his situation.
And he sure as hell doesn't expect their one night of pretending to be in a relationship to lead to something more - something authentic.
Slander is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel, with a happily ever after ending and no cliffhangers. It is set in the same world as Scars.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2017
74 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 6, 2017
I could not wait for this book to be over. I caught myself skimming time after time. A 20 year old heir to the company who proclaims to have been groomed from basically the crib should not think running away from his problems will solve them. Additionally, why wasn't the company freaking out about him being gone? And the reason he thought his stepmother killed his father...he though his dad was too young to die? Eh, there were so many implausible plot holes, I couldn't keep up with how many times I rolled my eyes. Usually when I pick up in the middle of a series, I can't wait to go find the other books, but not for this series. I'm done.
Glad it was a KU read.
Glad it was a KU read.
November 7, 2017
A cute book. I enjoyed the character of Kota. He was such a great guy. I was a little annoyed with Ben but I would justified it with his young age. But I was most annoyed with Kota's carelessness. A lot of things that happened were a little too much coincidental. Overall, a good read.
3.25 stars
3.25 stars
March 13, 2017
DNF at 65%
I knew I was asking to be disappointed when I started to read this one and found out one of the MC's was only 20 years old. I don't read books with young MC's for exactly the reasons I DNFed this one. I would NEVER have even started to read it if the age of the MC was disclosed or at least given a hint to in the book's blurb, but it wasn't. Anyway, I was interested enough in the trope here to pick this one up. Even after I realized Ben's age, I still continued to read. I liked Kota well enough that I thought that would be enough for me to at least finish this one. But, nope.
My biggest issue with Ben as a character is that he was an immature hypocrite. He was only 20 years old. Kota treated him as such, which pissed Ben off because according to him he was a very mature and worldly 20 year old. So grown up and responsible. He demanded to be treated as such. So, Kota gives in and gives that brat what he's been begging for and what does the oh-so-wise-and-mature Ben do? Exactly what every cliched 20 year old character does. Soooooo at the 65% mark of the book, I decided to DNF, right after he pulls the cliche, typical too young MC move. I won't spoil it by telling you what it is, but if you read it, remember it happens around the 65% mark. I was over Ben. I was over this story. I was over everything. Up to that point I forgiven ridiculous plot points and holes, not so sexy love scenes, and Kota being a pompous jerk to Ben at first. But, after getting this far I was just done. I feel bad about it because I really like this author's book, "Scars" and was glad to see an appearance by one of those MC's. But, this one was just.....ugh. I don't have the words.
If you like your MC's very young and immature and flighty then this is the book for you. Not for me, I'm afraid. And even though I did enjoy "Scars", I haven't had any luck with this author's other works. So, I think this just isn't the author for me. I'm REALLY glad this one was a KU read.
I knew I was asking to be disappointed when I started to read this one and found out one of the MC's was only 20 years old. I don't read books with young MC's for exactly the reasons I DNFed this one. I would NEVER have even started to read it if the age of the MC was disclosed or at least given a hint to in the book's blurb, but it wasn't. Anyway, I was interested enough in the trope here to pick this one up. Even after I realized Ben's age, I still continued to read. I liked Kota well enough that I thought that would be enough for me to at least finish this one. But, nope.
My biggest issue with Ben as a character is that he was an immature hypocrite. He was only 20 years old. Kota treated him as such, which pissed Ben off because according to him he was a very mature and worldly 20 year old. So grown up and responsible. He demanded to be treated as such. So, Kota gives in and gives that brat what he's been begging for and what does the oh-so-wise-and-mature Ben do? Exactly what every cliched 20 year old character does. Soooooo at the 65% mark of the book, I decided to DNF, right after he pulls the cliche, typical too young MC move. I won't spoil it by telling you what it is, but if you read it, remember it happens around the 65% mark. I was over Ben. I was over this story. I was over everything. Up to that point I forgiven ridiculous plot points and holes, not so sexy love scenes, and Kota being a pompous jerk to Ben at first. But, after getting this far I was just done. I feel bad about it because I really like this author's book, "Scars" and was glad to see an appearance by one of those MC's. But, this one was just.....ugh. I don't have the words.
If you like your MC's very young and immature and flighty then this is the book for you. Not for me, I'm afraid. And even though I did enjoy "Scars", I haven't had any luck with this author's other works. So, I think this just isn't the author for me. I'm REALLY glad this one was a KU read.
July 24, 2018
Was ok
Kota and Ben was not as exciting as I thought it would be.
I was looking for more intrigue . I expected suspense and mayhem as the synopsis was suspected murder.
Other than that the connection was good.
Kota and Ben was not as exciting as I thought it would be.
I was looking for more intrigue . I expected suspense and mayhem as the synopsis was suspected murder.
Other than that the connection was good.
June 10, 2020
I found this one a little more far-fetched. Especially at the end. He KNOWS that the bad guy asked for directions to the isolated cabin, but then the cop leaves his boyfriend alone there to go buy groceries. Did you not thing the bad guy might show up? I just didn't love this and I thought Benedict starts out as this shy kid who never goes out to insinuating he had a lot of sexual experience. So ... eh. It was okay.
May 20, 2017
Slander
An enjoyable mix of romance and thriller!
Benedict d’Arcy, Ben to his friends, is convinced that his young stepmother, Estelle, killed his father, but the evidence is thin and at best circumstantial. Setting out to prove his beliefs Ben gets in trouble and goes on the run. Along the way he runs into Dakota Owens, known as Kota, a small town police officer, who is intrigued by Ben (Ben's personality more than his story). Romantic sparks fly, but the plot deepens.
Avery Ford has created just the right mix of romance and thriller to entertain the reader from beginning to end. The first half of the book centres more around romance, while the second half concentrates on the crime aspect. The book moves along smoothly, with no dull spots. Ford captures the emotion of the plot well, making the reader feel along with the characters. The first meeting of Ben and Kota is full of wit, charm and surprise. The snappy dialogue of the characters greatly adds to this effect. Ford also helps maintain the reader's interest by writing some chapters from Ben's perspective and some from Kota's. This way we get to see deeply into the characters of both the main protagonists.
Ben is a slightly spoilt, yet roguishly charming young man. He has his weaknesses, but this makes the character seem more real. The reader can certainly imagine meeting such a young man. Ford takes Ben on an interesting journey of growth, and the character at the end of the story is more mature, having learnt from his experiences along the way. Perhaps most Ben learns the value of people and friendship. Kota, older and more responsible, is the sort of dependable, resourceful person we would all like to have as a friend. But he is perhaps a little too uptight. Kota also changes as the story progresses, learning that he has needs as well as responsibilities.
Love is of course the theme, but beyond that learning that we are none of us islands. We are not separate. We need companions and community. Money and work are important, but without friends to share them with something is missing in life. Also, rising to meet life's challenges is a secondary theme. We all at times doubt, but we must face life despite that.
This book has a few sex scenes, as most modern romance readers would expect, but the book is not erotica. Ford is much too interested in plot and character for that genre.
I am glad I read this book and found it entertaining and intriguing. I am happy to award it five stars.
February 22, 2017
I was optimistic for this book. The premise of the story was interesting but the implementation was somewhat awkward and at times unbelievable.
I enjoyed Kota’s character for the most part. He was written as genuine and strong, smart and perceptive.
I did not connect with Ben at all. He was flighty, childish, foolish and clueless about almost everything he experienced in the book.
The spicy scenes were well done.
The epilogue was sweet and the addition of characters from Scars was nice.
I will read more from this author.
I am voluntarily reviewing the free advance reader copy I received from the author.
I enjoyed Kota’s character for the most part. He was written as genuine and strong, smart and perceptive.
I did not connect with Ben at all. He was flighty, childish, foolish and clueless about almost everything he experienced in the book.
The spicy scenes were well done.
The epilogue was sweet and the addition of characters from Scars was nice.
I will read more from this author.
I am voluntarily reviewing the free advance reader copy I received from the author.
August 8, 2019
Benedict D'Arcy lost his mother at age 14 and 6 years later his father dies. He suddenly realizes that his step mother may be responsible for his fathers death and fleas in fear of his own safety, given that there is a sizeable estate involved. He runs out of gas and walks through the country ending up at a country club and attends a police ball as the guest/date of an officer Dakota (Kota) Owens. Later Kota pries some of the story from Ben although is skeptical. Doing some research on line he realizes who Ben is and that there may be some truth to his fears. A twisting tale, sometimes predicable but a nice read.
July 16, 2017
Loved
Ben is a young man who matured wise beyond his years who realized that the rich life wasn't for him and seeing his greedy stepmother wanting to get her hands on his father money wasn't going happen Running and meeting Kota was luck and a good thing on his part and knowing what Ben was going through having to run from what he knows was brave but in the end Kota and Ben fell in love with them having there happy ending
Ben is a young man who matured wise beyond his years who realized that the rich life wasn't for him and seeing his greedy stepmother wanting to get her hands on his father money wasn't going happen Running and meeting Kota was luck and a good thing on his part and knowing what Ben was going through having to run from what he knows was brave but in the end Kota and Ben fell in love with them having there happy ending
January 28, 2020
I recall reading this one first and having dropped, now. And now I know why: too many holes in the plot. It was rather silly. But this time I read it up to the end and found a little bit entertaining. Will see the third one.
August 6, 2019
There’s a decent story buried in there but the writing is so clunky.
March 20, 2017
A one sitting read
I couldn't put my tablet down once I started Slander. The exciting plot was riveting and the romance not too over the top.
I have a new favorite author.
I couldn't put my tablet down once I started Slander. The exciting plot was riveting and the romance not too over the top.
I have a new favorite author.
March 21, 2017
Too bad I really like Kota in Scar and want interested to read his storey. Just couldn't get over the holes on Ben's character and storey.
March 14, 2017
Okay
Looking for a cute, adorable, a tad bit too sweet love story this may be the one. Both main characters seemed a bit naive but hey guess there is someone for everyone. Kota was just too overly sweet and understanding. Outside of the sweetness it was a cute enough story.
Looking for a cute, adorable, a tad bit too sweet love story this may be the one. Both main characters seemed a bit naive but hey guess there is someone for everyone. Kota was just too overly sweet and understanding. Outside of the sweetness it was a cute enough story.
March 12, 2017
XOXO
Not sure if I've ever read anything by Ms Ford before, but I throughly enjoyed this one. Both main characters were well developed. ...and adorable. Just enough mystery to help move things along.
Not sure if I've ever read anything by Ms Ford before, but I throughly enjoyed this one. Both main characters were well developed. ...and adorable. Just enough mystery to help move things along.
March 8, 2017
2.5 stars. M/M. I got through this one but I've enjoyed other books much more. Sorry.
February 25, 2017
Sexy and sweet and hotter than a firecracker is how I will always remember Benedict and Kato! I love a good mystery and this has MYSTERY and suspense along with lots of love. This book is so well worth reading and believe me when I tell you it is hard to put down! I would love to see more stories along the lines of Slander from Avery Ford! This one is a grand slam! Get it! Read It! You will enjoy it! No Doubt about It!
February 27, 2017
3.5 stars
August 13, 2019
I found this book enjoyable. Ben and Kota were sweet.
April 1, 2017
Awwwwwwwwesss
This was adorable. Wish it had spent a bit nore time on the villians but otherwise it was adorable.
With the villains they were just your regular ole bady. I feel like they could have been given a little more focus due to how dull they were. The love in this story is cute and the drama tame. A lot could have been left out and there was stuff that could have been better with a little more detail. Still a good story with a HEA.
This was adorable. Wish it had spent a bit nore time on the villians but otherwise it was adorable.
With the villains they were just your regular ole bady. I feel like they could have been given a little more focus due to how dull they were. The love in this story is cute and the drama tame. A lot could have been left out and there was stuff that could have been better with a little more detail. Still a good story with a HEA.
April 9, 2017
*2.5* Meh.
Engaging story, great characters. It did feel like I was just skimming the surface of the story, though. I would have liked more depth to the characters and their feelings. Also, there is some serious cheese going on, something I noticed in the previous book as well. My eyes started rolling of their own volition, especially at the end. Maybe I just have a preference for angsty romances. The cutesy, schmoopy-eyed love stuff at the end was too much for me.
Engaging story, great characters. It did feel like I was just skimming the surface of the story, though. I would have liked more depth to the characters and their feelings. Also, there is some serious cheese going on, something I noticed in the previous book as well. My eyes started rolling of their own volition, especially at the end. Maybe I just have a preference for angsty romances. The cutesy, schmoopy-eyed love stuff at the end was too much for me.
April 16, 2017
Very enjoyable second book in the series
I found this book quite enjoyable and was glad to see Kota get his HEA. Ben takes a bit of getting used to. He's a bit whiny and the premise is a bit hard to take. Without any evidence or incidents he believes his life is in danger and his elaborate escape planning seems over the top. Why not just leave with all his things and enough money to survive if he's going to go? So that first part is hard to swallow. But once we get Ben and Kota together the story moves better.
There are some places in the story that I think could have used better explanation (can't say more without spoilers)...they leave the reader a bit puzzled. I was glad to see Henry as a part of this book but missed Caleb! Am hoping to get a bit more info on Mark as he is an intriguing character!
Overall an enjoyable effort and I recommend it. Moving on to the third book in this group now.
I found this book quite enjoyable and was glad to see Kota get his HEA. Ben takes a bit of getting used to. He's a bit whiny and the premise is a bit hard to take. Without any evidence or incidents he believes his life is in danger and his elaborate escape planning seems over the top. Why not just leave with all his things and enough money to survive if he's going to go? So that first part is hard to swallow. But once we get Ben and Kota together the story moves better.
There are some places in the story that I think could have used better explanation (can't say more without spoilers)...they leave the reader a bit puzzled. I was glad to see Henry as a part of this book but missed Caleb! Am hoping to get a bit more info on Mark as he is an intriguing character!
Overall an enjoyable effort and I recommend it. Moving on to the third book in this group now.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews