As promised for my May 17th post, today I’m reviewing author N.N. Britt’s latest release Graceless, a m/m contemporary duet.
****
Title: Graceless (An MM Enemies to Lovers Romance)
Length: 80 000 words
Release Date: June 30, 2022
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, forbidden love story
Heat Rating: 4 flames, but it’s a very slow burn romance
Note: This book ends on a cliffhanger.Note: It is a duet and the books need to be read in order
One young man with a secret that can damage a political career and his family’s reputation.
One superstar on the rise with a secret that can destroy the other man’s life.
Their fates shouldn’t have collided…
Except one of them takes matters into his own hands.
Blurb: College student Dylan Watson has spent the past three years mourning the mysterious death of his beloved sister and hating her bandmate–he’s convinced Iodine’s lead singer Kai Delisa had something to do with Ava’s “accident.” When her old band unexpectedly signs a massive record deal with a major label, Dylan decides to do what he should have done years ago–find out exactly what happened that tragic night.
For an up-and-coming rock star, Kai isn’t an easy man to track down. There’s precious little info about him online, and what’s there is more confusing than enlightening. But when Dylan’s and Kai’s paths finally cross, the meeting triggers a chain of events that unravels Dylan’s life and shatters the cherished image of his sister.
What’s worse? Kai threatens the one secret Dylan has tried to hide since high school: he likes men. And despite years of hating Kai, their time together makes two things crystal clear. Dylan’s attracted to him, and that attraction is mutual.
Torn between the dark past he can’t shake off and the uncertain future he might be able to have if he dares to give in to the allure of the intense chemistry he has with Kai, Dylan is now facing some hard choices.
“Graceless” is a high-angst, slow-burn MM romance that explores the following themes: depression, mental illness, suicide, and abuse.
Available in Kindle Unlimited
I enjoy a good rock ‘n’ roll romance, so finding out the author works in the industry as a journalist easily made this a no-brainer to read and review. I knew the author would bring forth a realistic world that we can only wonder about as outsiders to what happens on the road and backstage. It is the first book in a duet.
College student Dylan Watson is a complete mess. I mean a total mess that requires therapy. Although he comes from a wealthy family, his father is an unbearable ogre, a total control freak, and a small-minded bully. He has made Dylan’s life miserable since his son came out of the womb.
I did my best to keep this in mind while reading that Dylan is a product of his environment. It’s only natural he’s caught up in self-pity and completely absorbed in his own life and can’t see anything else but the prison he finds himself in.
As for Dylan’s sister, she wanted no part of what their father had in store for her, so her death is a shock to Dylan. The anger he represses bursts free and he wants answers. Even worse, while his sister was alive, he became drawn to an enigmatic singer in her rock band–Kai—who was present when she jumped off a bridge and drowned. I would say more than drawn, I am talking full-out obsession. After Dylan’s sister’s death, his obsession becomes unhealthy stalking and even physical violence.
For me, after spending that long with Dylan, I think his anger stemmed from the fact he had no control over his feelings for Kai, and this added another layer of anger to Dylan, besides blaming Kai for his sister’s death (keep in mind he’s had no control over his life thanks to his father). It seemed as if he used any excuse to try to get close to Kai. I think this comes from not having anything to love or even a hobby in Dylan’s life. He’s passionate about nothing, other than obsessing over social media and texting. I was thankful when his best friend Leigh encouraged him to work for a non-profit organization because I could then see him beginning to look beyond the prison he was in.
The first half of the story is a slog. I will admit that. There’s a ton of backstory to get through. Some I enjoyed and found was needed, while others I found unnecessary. Such as the prologue. Still, he’s a compelling character, because I’m going to read the next novel. Sure, he’s a mess. He’s not that likeable. But there’s a part of me that’s rooting for him to finally get out of his father’s thumb and find his true path in life since he’s also closeted.
Because the story is told only in Dylan’s POV, I never had a chance to get to know Kai other than what he shares, and his behaviour. Kai reminds me of one of those people who holds everything close to the chest with a “don’t get too close” attitude. And poor Dylan has made the decision to try and get close. It makes me wonder if this will end in heartbreak for him since the second half of the novel focuses on Dylan finally encountering Kai. Kai seems to tease Dylan like a rabbit, dangling the carrot that Dylan keeps reaching for.
This first book I wouldn’t call a romance. It’s more Kai’s story as he introduces us to his life and how he became unhealthily obsessed with a singer in a rock band. I would’ve preferred if the author had used Kai’s anger management therapy to introduce us to his backstory while he’s attending these sessions. I think this would have made for a better read by keeping it in real-time.
Still, as I said, the author did the perfect job of keeping me interested and wanting to know what happens next because I will be reading the next novel. I enjoy the atmosphere of darkness, the heavy conversations, and the push-and-pull budding relationship between Dylan and Kai. Also, I love Type O Negative. Glad to see the later Peter Steele getting some props.
It’s a heavy, deep story. Not your average m/m romance. Do yourself a favour and get a copy.
****
Title: Faithful (An MM Enemies to Lovers Romance)
Length: 80 000 words
Release Date: July 14, 2022
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, forbidden love story
Heat Rating: 4 flames
Note: This book needs to be read after Graceless. It does not end on a cliffhanger. It’s HEA
Some secrets aren’t meant to remain secret forever.
Blurb: Ever since Iodine’s debut album propelled Kai to stardom, his every move is scrutinized on social media and in the tabloids. And after the recent scandal Kai has been dragged into, Dylan’s worst fears come true–Kai suggests putting their affair on pause. With Dylan closeted and Kai being the talk of the town, it’s the smart thing to do.
It’s also harder than it seems.
Because neither of them is ready to let go. Kai breaks his own rules and reaches out to Dylan again and again. While they continue to indulge in late-night texts and calls, Dylan finally begins to slowly unravel the mystery behind Kai’s scars–the scars Kai refuses to talk about.
As Dylan comes to terms with the true nature of his feelings for Kai, and the two admit their relationship is more than a fling, Dylan’s father takes an unexpected interest in his life. He could end Kai’s career with a word.
Now Dylan must do the unthinkable–stand up to the man who’s always terrified him, or risk losing the man he loves.
“Faithful” is the conclusion of Dylan and Kai’s story and should be read after “Graceless”.
Available in Kindle Unlimited
Faithful starts where Graceless left off. I must say, I am impressed with Dylan’s character arc in this novel. As stated in the blurb, they need to stay in the closet because of Dylan who isn’t ready to come out. There is a deeper look into Dylan’s workplace that I think helps him find his footing, not only in life but with his family. He is also taking a deeper look at the world outside of his own. I loved this because it’s shown, not told.
It is Kai this time who is holding back, and after finding out why, he has a good reason to behave the way he did. Where he comes from isn’t easy, and there is a lot on his plate.
Dylan is his usual demanding self at times, spending way too much time on social media, but he wouldn’t be Dylan if he didn’t behave that way LOL. There is growth, and then there are traits that stick with you and are part of your personality. The author did a great job of not robbing him of these quirks.
Their deepening relationship really showed what the two are made of. Dylan finds his courage, but Kai can’t locate his. As I said, he has a good reason. There is too much at stake for him, and those he cares about. Kai also sticks to his true character when Dylan offers an unexpected declaration. Kai is a thinker and I expected no less with his answer.
The last part of the novel is Dylan digging deep to finally confront and face his father, who proves what a major jerk he is. And proves why Dylan was such a mess in the first book. But he’s come a long way.
I find Dylan and Kai needed each other to find their footing in life, and emotionally grow as individuals. But is it enough to sustain a relationship? That is answered in the novel.
The author did an excellent job giving Dylan a voice. I really felt as if he was telling me his story, and not the one who created him. It does move slowly with heavy details, but the strength of the novel is the decisions that Dylan makes.
I recommend you give this duet a read. The author created a great world in the Pacific Northwest and captured the inner workings of a rock ‘n’ roll band.
Maggie Blackbird 