Length: 92,000 words approx.
Cover Design: Natasha Snow
Guns n' Boys Series
Blurb
Deep in the Amazonian jungle, there is a mansion with a rose garden and a hen house where juicy tomatoes are the perfect shade of red, and marble countertops glisten.
Inside, where even the shadows don’t reach, something is rotting, and the perfect facade can only hold the stench for so long.
Domenico promised his husband that he would keep him safe, keep him away from the bloodshed and the brutal world of cartel violence. But when a guest arrives to help retrieve a stolen transport of guns, something sinister sneaks into his home, something more dangerous than his enemies. Or has it been there all along, and he just hasn’t noticed?
Seth’s life is what others dream of. Endless leisure time filled with cocktails, a kitchen stocked with anything he wishes for, and a private pool in the sunshine. What’s missing is the man he shares it with, the man he fell in love with. If being cut off from the mafia business was what he wanted, then why is it so painfully lonely in paradise?
Desperate to be the supportive husband Domenico needs, Seth buries his rage, his violent urges, and the anger that simmers inside of him. But he can only hide in plain sight for so long, and when a guest invites him to play with fire, one misstep, one wrong move, could burn their safe haven to the ground.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS
Themes: mafia, cartel, assassin, organized crime, family ties, domestic violence, inequality, betrayal, revenge.
WARNING: Adult content. If you are easily offended, this book is not for you.
Domenico could get drunk on the taste of the shivering body underneath him. Men had given into him before, but none like Seth. None were a challenge to be conquered again and again. Seth’s reflection in the water had its eyes closed, lips open, but noticing them only reminded Domenico of Diego’s audacity to so much as look at Seth in a vulgar manner. He had no right. No one else had that right.
The water cast blue lights on Seth’s face, reaching out to caress him with translucent fingers. Hand squeezed in the hair at the back of Seth’s head, Domenico pushed in so hard Seth fell flat on the tiles, dipping his nose in the water.
“Deep breath,” he whispered into the warm ear.
Seth glanced back at him, red-faced and panting, but understanding finally sank in and he did as told. It was a good thing that Seth was willing to butt heads, because seeing him then comply only made Domenico thrust into that greedy hole harder.
Danger was an aphrodisiac to Seth. He’d proven that much when they’d first fucked on Toro’s property, in the wine cellar below the kitchen floor where there were no cameras to spy on them. It was back then that Domenico tightened his hand around Seth’s throat for pleasure for the first time. Two years on, Dom was still more than eager to give his husband exactly what he needed. The loss of breath. The adrenaline, the rush of blood coming back once arteries were released made Seth’s orgasms earth-crushing.
So I think in the time I waited for this book, I somehow forgot how much Seth and Dom fight, bicker and argue. The amount of angst in their relationship could sustain the genre for a good few months. I actually went back and reread all of my reviews and had to laugh out loud about the fact that I always seem to point out how much these two would benefit from a little couples' therapy (or Dom walking away and leaving Seth to fend for himself). But, overall, I guess that’s what makes them them and I had to just go with the flow. It helped that as much as they fight, they are undeniably hot together.
What I Loved: The ending! Straight up, the ending made the emotional rollercoaster we are taken on worth it. I really do love it when Dom is happy and in a good place, he’s my favorite and I always find myself wanting good things for him.
What I Liked: I liked the glimpses from Mark's POV. There were times that it helped to put their lives in perspective since it wasn't colored by either Seth or Dom's emotional baggage. I also grew to like Mark even more and can’t wait for his book next.
This was a really good story and a great addition to the progression of their relationship. I get so frustrated with them and want to just climb into my Kindle to strangle the both of them. Both are at fault here but in reality, they’re both trying to do their best with the situation at hand.
Dom has provided Seth with all he can to keep him safe and out of the business, something Seth requested. However, it becomes obvious that Seth isn’t truly happy and is starting to feel suffocated. A strain is growing in their relationship and with both men being horrible when it comes to communication and emotions are just making things worse. The trials and tribulations they go through are packed full of action and suspense, emotions and unexpected twists and turns. Can their relationship survive?
What I Didn't Like: Dom truly pissed me off at first, which is rare for me because he's my favorite. However, I felt so frustrated that he treated Seth quite crappy. I mean, yes, I understand where he was coming from but, honestly, he should've been more conscious of how he was turning Seth into someone he wasn't made to be. Safety concerns were turned into keeping Seth prisoner in a sense.
Seth reminded me more and more of the drunken society trophy wife and that’s not what I wanted to see. He is still horrible at communication and his immaturity comes out much too often. He just never can be happy no matter what.
Overall, I liked Gilded Agony and definitely recommend it to fans of the series. I will say though I'm more than a little excited to read Mark's book and I hope that he and his love interest are a little less emotionally stunted.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.***
Once again, I've been amazed by the talent of this duo of writers and I look forward to the next installment in this series and all of K.A Merikan series or stand alones. It’s very rare to found such endearing stories, especially in the world of mm romance and this one has a special place in my heart.
I finished reading Gilded Agony this morning after reading all night, and it took me all day to find the words to write this review. I knew this seventh book in the Guns n' Boys series wasn't going to be easy to read, at least not for me, but no one prepared me for this trip, and what a trip it’s been!
We have a jump lapse of two years in the story, Domenico and his family are still living in El Encanto, Colombia, and there is a new member of the family. Yes, the family continues to grow and making things more interesting in the middle of the South American jungle.
Excerpt
The water cast blue lights on Seth’s face, reaching out to caress him with translucent fingers. Hand squeezed in the hair at the back of Seth’s head, Domenico pushed in so hard Seth fell flat on the tiles, dipping his nose in the water.
“Deep breath,” he whispered into the warm ear.
Seth glanced back at him, red-faced and panting, but understanding finally sank in and he did as told. It was a good thing that Seth was willing to butt heads, because seeing him then comply only made Domenico thrust into that greedy hole harder.
Danger was an aphrodisiac to Seth. He’d proven that much when they’d first fucked on Toro’s property, in the wine cellar below the kitchen floor where there were no cameras to spy on them. It was back then that Domenico tightened his hand around Seth’s throat for pleasure for the first time. Two years on, Dom was still more than eager to give his husband exactly what he needed. The loss of breath. The adrenaline, the rush of blood coming back once arteries were released made Seth’s orgasms earth-crushing.
4.5 Stars!
Holy Dysfunctional Relationship Batman!
So I think in the time I waited for this book, I somehow forgot how much Seth and Dom fight, bicker and argue. The amount of angst in their relationship could sustain the genre for a good few months. I actually went back and reread all of my reviews and had to laugh out loud about the fact that I always seem to point out how much these two would benefit from a little couples' therapy (or Dom walking away and leaving Seth to fend for himself). But, overall, I guess that’s what makes them them and I had to just go with the flow. It helped that as much as they fight, they are undeniably hot together.
What I Loved: The ending! Straight up, the ending made the emotional rollercoaster we are taken on worth it. I really do love it when Dom is happy and in a good place, he’s my favorite and I always find myself wanting good things for him.
What I Liked: I liked the glimpses from Mark's POV. There were times that it helped to put their lives in perspective since it wasn't colored by either Seth or Dom's emotional baggage. I also grew to like Mark even more and can’t wait for his book next.
This was a really good story and a great addition to the progression of their relationship. I get so frustrated with them and want to just climb into my Kindle to strangle the both of them. Both are at fault here but in reality, they’re both trying to do their best with the situation at hand.
Dom has provided Seth with all he can to keep him safe and out of the business, something Seth requested. However, it becomes obvious that Seth isn’t truly happy and is starting to feel suffocated. A strain is growing in their relationship and with both men being horrible when it comes to communication and emotions are just making things worse. The trials and tribulations they go through are packed full of action and suspense, emotions and unexpected twists and turns. Can their relationship survive?
What I Didn't Like: Dom truly pissed me off at first, which is rare for me because he's my favorite. However, I felt so frustrated that he treated Seth quite crappy. I mean, yes, I understand where he was coming from but, honestly, he should've been more conscious of how he was turning Seth into someone he wasn't made to be. Safety concerns were turned into keeping Seth prisoner in a sense.
Seth reminded me more and more of the drunken society trophy wife and that’s not what I wanted to see. He is still horrible at communication and his immaturity comes out much too often. He just never can be happy no matter what.
Overall, I liked Gilded Agony and definitely recommend it to fans of the series. I will say though I'm more than a little excited to read Mark's book and I hope that he and his love interest are a little less emotionally stunted.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by the author/publisher for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.***
5 Stars!
Once again, I've been amazed by the talent of this duo of writers and I look forward to the next installment in this series and all of K.A Merikan series or stand alones. It’s very rare to found such endearing stories, especially in the world of mm romance and this one has a special place in my heart.
I finished reading Gilded Agony this morning after reading all night, and it took me all day to find the words to write this review. I knew this seventh book in the Guns n' Boys series wasn't going to be easy to read, at least not for me, but no one prepared me for this trip, and what a trip it’s been!
We have a jump lapse of two years in the story, Domenico and his family are still living in El Encanto, Colombia, and there is a new member of the family. Yes, the family continues to grow and making things more interesting in the middle of the South American jungle.
Domenico has taken over the place, is a man of "business" respected and in charge of the little town, Seth is living the life of tranquility he always wanted, or so he thought, their son, Mark, is now a young adult but he continues to finding ways to get into trouble to infuriate both of his parents. Domenico and Seth are as in love as ever, everything seems perfect in their lives, but then … what could separate a couple that loves each other so much?
Nothing could, except themselves, maybe.
We have a new character, Diego, and also the not always required but very entertaining intervention of Nero Moreno and his tireless flirtation with the stoic Miguel.
Each character, friend or foe, who has been involved throughout this series is unforgettable, everyone has had a feature that leaves a mark in the story. Nothing and no one goes unnoticed in the Boys N’ Guns series and Gilded Agony is no exception. All those around Dom and Seth enrich the story without getting the focus away from the main characters.
Gilded Agony, as each and every one of the books in this series, grabs you from the first pages, you only need to read the first paragraphs to be back there immersed in their world of crime, violence and ambiguous morality.
The protagonists in this series have been through so much you'd think: what else can happen to them?
What if we add conflict brought by a third party? This is where Diego comes in, oh yeah, like our dear Dom did not have enough problems to deal with, this strange... enemy? will attempt to snatch the most precious thing Dom has in his life, the question is: Will he achieve his goal?
I'm not gonna lie, I was afraid to read this seventh book, (actually, I always feel a bit of fear every time I start the next book in this series) for me it was like when you watch a horror movie with narrowed eyes and you keep waiting the moment you will jump off your seat, and I was right to be afraid. This book caused me physical pain- heartache, tears but also laughter. I was about to lose hope and somewhere near the end I felt lost, but the wonderful evil geniuses that are the duet of KA Merikan did not disappoint me and they managed to bring Dom and Seth from the top of the clouds to the deepest of the deep to finally resurface and give back to them the true happiness they craved so much, not only for both them but for their whole family.
I feel very nostalgic to know that the guys will become secondary and in the next installment Mark will take the leading role, but I'm anxious to know if our guy is going to make his parents proud of him or if they will have to track down his ass to give him a good thrashing.
This book should be savored in every sweet part, but also through the bitter moments and the madness that always accompanies our anti-heroes. I know that some will want to hit Dom at some point, or Seth, depending from your point of view. As for me, I’m undoubtedly #TeamDomenico.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
K.A. Merikan are a team of writers who try not to suck at adulting, with some success. Always eager to explore the murky waters of the weird and wonderful, K.A. Merikan don’t follow fixed formulas and want each of their books to be a surprise for those who choose to hop on for the ride.
K.A. Merikan have a few sweeter M/M romances as well, but they specialize in the dark, dirty, and dangerous side of M/M, full of bikers, bad boys, mafiosi, and scorching hot romance.
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