Ryker & Gavin by A.D. Ellis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
Gavin Mitchel has resigned himself to a lonely and unfulfilling love life, but his first meeting with Ryker Hudson is as steamy as it is random, which is precisely the way Ryker likes it. Their second meeting, while equally random, is beyond awkward.
Although a fourteen-year age difference stands in their way, a much larger obstacle is also blocking their path. Together, Ryker and Gavin must find the strength to overcome the roadblocks or bid farewell to their happily ever after.
**This is a male/male romance meant for ages 18+ due to adult language and situations.**
I very rarely read and write review of books in a series when I haven’t started it yet. This book intrigued and gained my interest when I read the blurb in a FB group and was up for ARC request.
Though the 5th book in a series this book can be without problems read as a stand alone.
It has a very nice, solid writing, it flows very well and fitting and the character’s behaviour was in my eyes unerstandable and sometimes I had mutual feelings. The perpective is first person, this way you can even more feel with the character.
Ryker is one of the main character, like the title says and he is kicked out by his mother when he came out at the age of 18. It is heart breaking how Ryker tries to be tough and steadfast, his mother isn’t a person you genuinly like at the beginning.
Gavin, as it is revealed soon in the book, is the best friend of Ryker’s mother. Due to certain circumstances he and Ryker met each other before and for both sides it was only a short fling. Too bad that he is not only 14 years older, no, he is unfortunately bestie with her. A thing which causes unexpected trouble because the tension is palpable between the two.
It is heart clenching how Ryker is shaped by his past, how he is angry, aggressive and insulting to Annabeth, his mother and Gavin. But his aggressive behaviour is excusable in so many ways, because the reader know his pain. On the other hand you understand a bit Annabeth’s actions, though you not agree with her.
Gavin is the balancing part in the whole book, at least concerning repairing the relationship between Annabeth and Ryker on the first hand.
The constant tension and attraction towards each other cause more problems.
The sexual encounter are well displayed and very sexy without being over the top, The issue with the age gap is soon a thing in the background and you are happy for and with the two guys.
The minor character are very charming, you have a great time with the character Asher and the sweet couples from Ryker’s circle of friends. Very charming and sweet, genuine people.
The book has its little weak past therefore I can only give 4,5 out of 5 stars, it’s rounded up on Goodreads (side note: they really need to get half stars xD).
If you worry you don’t can’t read this book without the knowledge of the other, I can tell: you can read it perfectly alone. I never had the though it was missing something. 🙂
Mikku-chan 