Review: Beyond Complicated by Mercy Celeste

3.75 Feathers

Beyond Complicated

by Mercy Celeste

I am truly conflicted and torn while writing this review. I believe this story has the wrong title, it shouldn't be called Beyond Complicated, just Beyond F*cked Up. It took me on a ride I did not expect and to places (a lot of them) that I didn't think I'd be comfortable going. I still don't know exactly how I feel about it.

Where do I start? How about my decision to pick up this book. I am a fan of this author and I read a guest blog of hers that mentioned this book had been banned from Amazon. I HAD TO HAVE IT.

Of course by reading the blurb you expect a lot of complicated and even some fucked up but I was unprepared for what I got. I think the author did a really good job at writing about things that are considered taboo and going places that others would definitely be scared of. I wasn't completely repelled immediately as I would've imagined so I think it's a good idea to look at this book with an open mind. That being said, this book is not for everyone as it has  many topics that can be triggers for some people, but it is a great emotional story about betrayal and love and everything that happens in between. It's not about an easy life and it is a bit dysfunctional.  At times it felt like watching a Jerry Springer show without the eye-clawing and cat-fights.

Basically this story revolves around Liam. He's been gay his whole life but at sixteen, the prom queen decided she wanted him and took his virginity. Few months later she told him she was pregnant with his child and that changed his life completely. To pay the child support he ended up in the gay porn industry, where he was very successful and met the love of his life, Seth. Or so he thought until something awful happened that turned his life upside down and brought it almost to an end. Now he's back in his hometown and his son, Kel,  is dating his old boyfriend, Seth. But things get more complicated from there. And I have to say this more as a disclaimer so people don't get surprised and can't handle it, but not only does Liam get back with Seth when he shows up as Kel's boyfriend, but Kel and Liam are in love and get involved as well. Don't stop reading here. Leading up to this moment there were a lot of signs that Kel wasn't really Liam's son, however at the time they start being together Liam still believes that he's Kels father and still has sex with him. I'm not sure how or even if I can explain it, that although it's wrong it felt very natural for them to be together when they did (as a reader seeing the direction of the story) and their love was so strong it couldn't have been any other way.

However, like I said...this is not a book for the faint of heart. There's talk of group rape, attempts of suicide, false paternity, incest (in a roundabout way), so much betrayal, and a m/m/m HEA. It's not conventional, it's not easy, and when I thought things were looking up I got hit with another big one and I was shaken up again (like at the end and the revelation of Kel's father).

After so much all of them had to go through, I couldn't help but root for their HEA because they deserved it after they had so much heartache to deal with. It was very hot but extremely hard and sad at times to read. And yeah, I still really don't know how to feel about it all. 

*Review copy provided by publisher

 Purchase Links: Silver Publishing

Review: Behind Iron Lace by Mercy Celeste

Behind Iron Lace

by Mercy Celeste

I'll admit I wanted to read this because... who can resist a steamy romance in New Orleans?  As soon as I started reading it, it hooked me!  Darcy Butler recently moved to NO with his girlfriend (sometimes real girlfriend, sometimes just girl friend) and the rest of the team that works at his e-magazine.  Their business is doing very well but they've decided to give it some umphhh by hiring a renowned graphic designer/artist/photographer to help them with pictures and the look of the magazine.

Darcy ends up meeting Caleb alone, at a bar, because the AC in their office isn't working.  And it was pretty much lust at first sight for both of them.  Caleb knows he's attracted to men, and Darcy hits all his buttons, just his type.  Darcy on the other hand doesn't know what to do with that initial punch of attraction.  He's not supposed to be attracted to men is he?

Even though Darcy tries to fight it, Caleb is determined to have him.  What starts out as a fling for Caleb and maybe some exploration for Darcy quickly turns into deeper feelings.

I really enjoyed Darcy's character.  He's had a rough time with his girlfriend. They've been together for many years and he always thought they would get married but that is now the farthest from her mind.  He made a big move to NO without really wanting to.  Now he has to deal with being attracted to men, and his very strong connection to Caleb.  Caleb on the other hand is a tortured soul, a true bad boy, and someone who has had a really tough past.

There's plenty of angst in this story, as well as a good amount of heat.  As a couple I think they are adorable together and they have to overcome some obstacles and make some tough decisions.

*Review copy provided by publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon

ARC Review: Need You Now by Mercy Celeste

Need You Now

by Mercy Celeste

The Story

This was a bit sad and bittersweet.  Jake and Logan were roommates in college.  Jake knew he was gay and a bit in love with Logan forever.  Until he had to leave when he found Logan having sex with the one girl that could've been Jake's girlfriend if he had wanted girls.  He moved away, started a life until everything came crashing down on him when the man he was in love with and had thought he would have a future with died.  So he moves back home only to find that Logan wants him, has always wanted him.  A second chance at love with the man he always dreamed of, even after the heartache.

The HEA

Even though at times I felt Logan was a bit pushy and needy, I still think the ending was appropriate.  What maybe was a bit harder for me to understand was the sudden change in Jake from hurting because he didn't have his dead lover to full on yes I am in love with Logan.  And even though the scene at the end was meant as healing for this to happen, it felt a bit out of place for me there.

The Writing

I love Mercy Celeste!  This was not the first one I read and every time I say that I think the writing is great, it really flows and makes you feel in the story.  I think she did great going into this much emotional background in such a short story.  Of course it helped that the base for their connection and relationship was already there, at least for me.  They had history together and that always helps me connect with a short story.  Can't wait to read more from this author.

*ARC provided by publisher

Review: Double Coverage by Mercy Celeste

Double Coverage

by Mercy Celeste

If you are looking for something sinful to fill a short gap then look no further than list little gem. This short story is as hot as they get.

What more can a girl ask for than after a divorce and going to her high school reunion she gets hit on by the hot stud that used to be the football quarterback? Ohhh I know! You could get him plus his best friend who is now an NFL star!

Trigger and Kailey were neighbors growing up and he's always had a crush on the smart guy but felt intimidated.  His best friend since forever, Bullet, has always had a thing for him and now wants to share in the beautiful woman that has captivated the heart of the only friend he's ever had.

But let me tell you, there's nothing wrong or less hot when she's with just one of these hot guys, but as the title gives away, some times the more the merrier.

The story, even though short, was very well written, touching on enough of the characters that I felt that I knew them and cared about what happened.

This is a permanent menage story and it does have just a small touch of m/m (very minor) so that goes as a warning. But it's wickedly hot! 

Purchase Links: Amazon

Review: Wicked Game by Mercy Celeste

 

Wicked Game

by Mercy Celeste

Who doesn't want to get a piece of a hot and successful NFL quarterback? Well there is one girl that doesn't want anything from Jaime Dalton, his childhood nemesis Cass Pendleton.

When Jaime finds himself looking for a personal assistant to help him keep his life in order, the perfect choice falls on his lap. Turns out Cass has been unemployed for a while and who better to come to her rescue than him? He knows he should be safe with her, I mean, no way would she have any interest in him or his money. And he could never be attracted to Cass, right? Right?

Except I've always said there's something behind those kids that fight so much growing up, and when these two are left alone in a beautiful mansion in Miami they discover things about each other they never thought would be true about themselves.

Turns out proper Ms. Pendleton likes to be spanked and told what to do. Who would've thought! And by Jaime Dalton. He's sleek, he's sexy, he's predatory.

Of course we have to throw in a bit of suspense and drama to the mix when photos of their sexcapades go public and his reputation takes a hit.

The story was light even though it deals with BDSM but it was entertaining, even if the heroine was a bit over dramatic at times. And I guess maybe I'm a bit spoiled with my BDSM but I didn't like how they both sort of stumbled upon the knowledge of their preferences and then felt ashamed of it.

The ending was the stuff of soap operas, a bit over done where it wasn't necessary but Jaime redeems himself in the end with flying colors (even though I'll admit I kinda saw it coming). 

Purchase Links: Amazon