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Wight Mischief

by J.L. Merrow (Goodreads Author)

3.63 of 5 stars 3.63 · rating details · 168 ratings · 30 reviews

A stranger could light up his world...or drive him deeper into darkness.

Will thinks a camping trip with his friend-with-benefits Baz will be a fun break from his usual job as a personal trainer. But the trip turns into a rollercoaster ride as he meets author Marcus - and Marcus' mysterious guardian Leif.

Journalist Baz is supposed to be researching a book on ghosts, yet he...more

Kindle Edition, 221 pages

Published November 8th 2011 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

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Nov 09, 2011 Ami rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm-romance-or-erotica, mm-contemporary

J.L. Merrow's stories are hits and misses for me. Some I truly like, some I don't. Unfortunately, this falls in the latter category. My biggest issue with this one is how the two main characters, that are supposed to be "the couple", don't really have that many scenes together. Most of the story, Will spends his time with his friend, Baz. While Marcus is in his reclusive state, or in later scenes, with his guardian. So I don't really get the romance. Is it really there?!? How?!?

Also, it'll be ni...more

6 likes · like · see review

Nov 17, 2011 Jenre rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, m-m, romance

3.5 stars

I'd been looking forward to this new release by JL Merrow for a while. I'm a huge fan of her writing and have pretty much read everything she's published so far (except the shifter books because they're not really my thing). I was particularly attracted to the Isle of Wight setting because, although I've never been, I've heard quite a lot about what a charming and beautiful place it is.

The story begins with two best friends, Will and Baz, arriving on the Isle of Wight for a camping holi...more 3.5 stars

I'd been looking forward to this new release by JL Merrow for a while. I'm a huge fan of her writing and have pretty much read everything she's published so far (except the shifter books because they're not really my thing). I was particularly attracted to the Isle of Wight setting because, although I've never been, I've heard quite a lot about what a charming and beautiful place it is.

The story begins with two best friends, Will and Baz, arriving on the Isle of Wight for a camping holiday/opportunity for research as Baz is wanting to write a book about ghost sightings on the island. Baz isn't a huge fan of camping but he's humouring Will, and things get off to a pretty good start when two attractive girls happen to be camping on their site - well it's a pretty good start for Baz who quickly hooks up with one of the girls, leaving poor Will to fume silently about being left out in the cold, literally. Will heads off for a walk and accidentally trespasses on private land where he sees a pale ghostly figure disappearing into the sea. It turns out not to be a ghost but rather elusive author Marcus whose grisly past forces him to keep away from everyone. When Baz gets permission to speak to Marcus over the ghosts on his property, Will sees his error and spends the rest of the book trying to get to know Marcus better. However, ghosts, suspicious accidents and over-bearing guardians all get in their way.

I'm going to start with what I didn't like about the book. Firstly, Baz. I really didn't like him too much and in my opinion he had far too much page time devoted to him. My main annoyance with him was the way he treated Will, who was just a lovely man. One minute Baz was being all pally and nice to Will and the next he would lash out in a sarcastic way, or put Will down, or just be plain nasty to him for no real reason, or lead him on with sexual suggestions only to then dump him for a woman. I spent most of the book wondering why Will puts up with him and it actually reflected badly on Will as a character that he allowed Baz to walk all over him, take advantage of his good nature, or that he believed the lies that Baz tells him. In fact my favourite scene between Will and Baz is when Will finally stands up for himself and walks out on Baz. The majority of the story is taken up with Baz and Will's travels around the island as Baz supposedly visits places of ghostly interest. It's not difficult to see that this is just a cover for something else, and again it annoyed me that Will doesn't question Baz about this. In contrast the page time between Will and Marcus is much less and really for the romance to have worked better for me I would have liked to have seen more of Will and Marcus together and less of Will and Baz. Towards the end of the book the focus does shift better towards Will and Marcus, and Baz seems to fade out the book somewhat, although that was too little too late for me as a reader.

I'm going to be a bit spoilerish now so skip this next paragraph if it bothers you.

My other gripe was about the portrayal of Marcus' guardian. This is partly because I have a severe dislike of any villainous character who holds absolute power over one of the heroes, which was definitely the case with Leif. It was also because he turned into a huge caricature moustache twirling villain. The whole 'if I can't have Marcus and his money then no-one can!' showdown was rather far-fetched as was his frankly ridiculous attempts to kill off Will and Baz for no sane reason.

There was still much to like about the book, despite some of my negative feelings. I really liked Will. He's gentle and unassuming, always willing to go the extra mile and genuinely caring about other people. He's hardly met Marcus before he decides that Marcus needs his help and protection, and so sets about trying to make Marcus' life better. Admittedly some of that is due to lust too, and his internal musings about Marcus' body made me smile. Marcus too was a character that worked for me. His albinism was an unusual feature and I thought that was handled both realistically and sensitively in the story. The two men have a sort of hurt/comfort relationship which, I have to admit, is a bit of a favourite of mine and so I liked the way their different attributes complemented each other. I just wish there had been more page time devoted to their romance without the annoyance of Baz or Leif to muddy their relationship.

Another part which worked really well was the setting of the Isle of Wight. Baz and Will spend much of the book driving all over the island and visiting various places of interest. It really gave me a great flavour of what the island is like, whilst also showing the obvious affection that the author has for the place. I love it when a book is so firmly grounded in place and this was a definite positive feature of this book for me.

Overall, as you can see, I had a bit of a mixed response to this book. On one hand I really liked the setting and the characters of Will and Marcus, and thought their romance was quite lovely. On the other hand the characters of Baz and Leif didn't work for me and as such I got annoyed at how much the story seemed to focus on them and not on the romantic couple together. (less)

4 likes · like · see review

Apr 07, 2012 Sue rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone who likes m/m romance

Recommended to Sue by: Josephine Myles' blog

Shelves: paranormal

I thoroughly enjoy J.L. Merrow's writing. As an Englishwoman it's great to read well-written m/m fiction set in areas I know or have visited.
The Isle of Wight is brilliantly portrayed here - it's almost a character in the book. You really get the feeling of the place, and I think that would work wherever you come from.
I liked both main characters, and even came to like the annoying Baz, who I found I wanted to slap throughout the first half of the book.
Will is great, but I did think J.L. maybe...more

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Nov 14, 2011 Eva rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-fiction, mm-romance-or-erotica, crime-mystery-suspense-thriller, ctr_writers

I have no idea how to rate this book.
If I were to go on writing alone (as in the style, coherency) I'd give this 4 or even 4.5 stars.
Adding the story line and plot I'd take away half a star simply because the mystery really wasn't all that mysterious. Than again this was a romance novel, so maybe that shouldn't matter.
Annnd then we get to the characters.
First we have Marcus. Now I can sympathize with his insecurities and him living like a recluse because of that. However, no matter how close he...more I have no idea how to rate this book.
If I were to go on writing alone (as in the style, coherency) I'd give this 4 or even 4.5 stars.
Adding the story line and plot I'd take away half a star simply because the mystery really wasn't all that mysterious. Than again this was a romance novel, so maybe that shouldn't matter.
Annnd then we get to the characters.
First we have Marcus. Now I can sympathize with his insecurities and him living like a recluse because of that. However, no matter how close he felt to Lief or that Lief was a bully times 100, it doesn't change the fact that Marcus behaved like a spineless puppet. Thankfully that started changing at the end, but imo not enough. (view spoiler)
Moving on to Will. He's made out to be a bit thick and easy going. I'm not convinced. I'd sooner say he's suffering from a case of sever low self esteem when it comes to his intellect. And unfortunately part of it stems from his friendship with Baz, which is a sorry excuse for a bff relationship. Other than that he was a likeable character who imo deserved a better friend and a stronger love interest.
Lastly, there's Baz. I've got a bit of a love-hate thing going on where he's concerned. While he has his moments of being a true friend, they fall into the shadow of him being an arse towards Will. Now the blurb said Will and Baz are friends with benefits. I'm not sure what all that entails, but that aspect of their relationship left a bitter taste in my mouth. No pun intended ;) While Will thinks he's in love with Baz, Baz for all intents and purposes is straight. Or at least claims to be. Will claims it too. But, yeah once in a while he'll have an itch and he uses Will to scratch it. Seeing as Will's an adult and perfectly capable of refusing I should be fine with that. Alas I'm not. First, there's the tent scene after which I'm left thinking Baz is using Will where anybody will do, but hey in Baz's own words:
"No one gives head like you do, Fish." (Fish being Baz's nickname for Will)
And than later on there's this Baz moment:
"Not in the mood? What the bloody hell do you mean, you're not in the mood? Are you trying to play hard to get about a decade too late? Because we both know you never say no to me."
Oh and the apology/excuse Baz gives for some of his behavior claiming to have been jealous of Marcus also left me wondering. I mean jealous of what exactly. It's not like he has plans of riding of into the sunset with Will, so why not want Will to meet someone and be happy?
So, saying that Will and Baz's friendship confuses me would be an apt description.
I almost forgot the meanie Lief. Aside from finding it obvious what he did and finding his behavior towards Marcus emotionally and borderline physically abusive, at the end I felt there was a lack of motivation for his actions. The "he did it for the money" explanation turned him into almost a cut out evil character instead. But, like I said this was a romance so perhaps the evil guy in the mystery department wasn't all that important.
Than again, the romance part was strange as well. The whole story, centering on Marcus and Will meeting, and finding out what happened with Marcus's parents, takes place in a handful of days (I didn't count but it was less than a week) and most of that time Will spent with Baz so I don't see how anything aside from a fling could have developed. Since Will doesn't do flings or one night stands, this was (had to be) more. Again I was left confused.
Putting that aside, Will and Marcus do make for an interesting couple. I just wish there was more of a positive influence on Marcus and that he had shown more character growth than was described.
Overall, like I said I have no idea how to grade this book. While it (or rather the characters) were frustrating and made for an interesting internal rant I can't deny that the book kept my interest and I never once contemplated not finishing, which usually tends to happen with this level of frustration. Maybe it was positive frustration then. Is there such a thing?
So I'm giving it 3 stars as a sot of middle ground of it was good, but...(less)

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Nov 23, 2011 Josephine Myles added it

Shelves: books-i-betad, contemporary, m-m, mystery, favourites-to-read-again

Wight Mischief is a fun thriller with some cracking characters, all set on the beautiful Isle of Wight where Jamie grew up. You can really feel the affection for the setting through the prose, and I loved the way Jamie evokes the island.

I can understand some readers’ frustration that the main couple don’t get to spend all that much page time together. This is one of those books that I think I would characterise as thriller/mystery with a romance subplot, rather than a typical m/m romance. Will d...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 07, 2012 Yvonne rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

This was a mishmash of bad, good and annoying. Will goes on a vacation trip with his BFF and what the blurb describe as a friend with benefits. Let's be clear, it's more like a friend with one sided benefit. As in, Baz is basically a straight asshole who uses Will to occasionally get off when there's no females around and he doesn't reciprocate if you know what I mean. When that's not happening, Baz spends the time putting Will down for not being the intellectual giant the imagines he is.

Now th...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 22, 2011 Dlee rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Nov 19, 2011 Jayhjay rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review was originally published on my blog Joyfully Jay

Will Golding is taking a break from London, joining his long-time friend (and friend-with- benefits) Baz on a trip to the Isle of Wight so Baz can research a book on the island's ghosts. One night while walking along the beach, Will sees what he thinks is a ghost out in the water. However, it turns out to be reclusive author Marcus Devereux, who lives in an old fort on top of the cliffs.

Marcus is shy and nervous around people. He is sel...more

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Mar 06, 2013 Lenore rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, paranormal, great-britain-my-love, pub-samhain, 2013, favourite-authors, crime, give-me-a-gun-please, less-than-perfect-hh, major-roll-eye-moments, meh, money-matters, reviewed-by-yours-truly, romantic-suspense, summer-or-holiday-love

This book didn't work on any level for me. It isn't up to par with J.L. Merrow's other work I've read. In fact, it felt as if it were written by some other author.

The characterisation was one of the book's weakest points, with Will coming across as entirely too trusting, and having the emotional maturity of a blueberry scone (yes, I know I'm quoting Buffy, but it's too fitting here), Marcus came across as a man-child who couldn't see the truth if it hit him in the head, and as for the villain? H...more

21 likes · like · see review

Apr 15, 2012 Kimberly rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, glbt, review, romance, read-2011

Blue Ribbon Rating: 3 out of 5
Original Review Link

Will Golding loved visiting the Isle of Wight as a child, and he’s even more excited to return as an adult. He’s on a beachside camping trip with his best friend, Baz, whom Will desires but can never truly have. Baz is researching a book on the Isle of Wight ghosts, but it’s a not-so-ghostly encounter that captivates Will; a beautiful, naked man in the sea.

Novelist Marcus Devereux is used to people staring at him, but he’s not used to wanting to...more Blue Ribbon Rating: 3 out of 5
Original Review Link

Will Golding loved visiting the Isle of Wight as a child, and he’s even more excited to return as an adult. He’s on a beachside camping trip with his best friend, Baz, whom Will desires but can never truly have. Baz is researching a book on the Isle of Wight ghosts, but it’s a not-so-ghostly encounter that captivates Will; a beautiful, naked man in the sea.

Novelist Marcus Devereux is used to people staring at him, but he’s not used to wanting to stare back. The tall, muscular image of Will haunts him, but when he meets Will again – this time with Baz – Marcus shies away from the object of his attraction. It’s not just Marcus’s looks that make him a recluse; it’s the story of his parents’ murders that makes him wary of people like Baz and, by extension, Will. Yet the attraction between Marcus and Will is too tempting to resist and the two men tentatively start something. But Marcus’s secrets may doom their relationship before it has a chance to start. With Baz digging around Marcus’s past, both his and Will’s lives are in jeopardy.

Mystery, murder and ghosts – oh my! Author J.L. Merrow has delivered an original, engaging book with WIGHT MISCHIEF. On the surface, Marcus and Will couldn’t be more different. Marcus is isolated, self-conscious about his albinism and suspicious of all strangers because of his guardian’s warnings. Will, on the other hand, is affable and athletic but is often mistaken for being dumb by those who don’t know him. Each man sees the other for who they truly are and that goes beyond looks…though lust is definitely present in WIGHT MISCHIEF. It was easy to get lost in WIGHT MISCHIEF because J.L. Merrow made me care about Will and Marcus. The ghost stories – and the threat of Baz and Will becoming ghosts themselves – adds dimension to WIGHT MISCHIEF and keeps the story moving along at a brisk pace. With romance, danger and ghost stories in the mix, there’s no going wrong with WIGHT MISCHIEF.

Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies.(less)

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May 12, 2012 Cole Riann rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, m-m-contemporary, m-m-ghosts-spirits, favorites

4.75 stars

Mmm, this was actually one of my favorites of this author's. For one, I didn't really understand why people were upset about the amount of time that the two MCs spend together. They actually saw each other quite a bit, unless it was in relation to the amount of time Will spends with his arrogant friend Baz, though that might because he's such an unlikeable character. Even though I wanted to hit him repeatedly, I still appreciated his role in the story (the same for Leif).

Once again the...more

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Apr 10, 2013 J.B. Sanders rated it 5 of 5 stars

So good! Merrow has found a way to make a gay romance novel with a Gothic vibe and make it all seem entirely believable. I'm not really sure how. It even really had me thinking of the classic movie Rebecca, and I think Merrow captured the feeling of that movie, while also making it her own. Highly Recommended.

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Mar 03, 2013 Tami rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I liked this one very much. Will is a bit unusual as hero, but so very likable. Marcus is vulnerable und mysterious. They make a real interesting pair. The crime/suspense plot was solid, not totally surprising, but riveting to read nonetheless.

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Jun 08, 2012 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

kindle edition.
Supernatural mystery feel to this, nice and suspenseful and plot twists and turns.
And yet another book by this author that has me scanning websites for travel information about this part of England.

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Jun 11, 2012 Kallunnah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Quite a lovely read, with a great setting for a romance mystery of imperfect characters that leaves a few things to the imagination. It reads well and flows beautifully.

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Jun 15, 2012 Erin rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really loved this one! A beach vacation with ghost stories and mysterious goings on, plus a sweet romance. I love J.L. Merrow's books! I have to go find one I haven't read...

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Nov 18, 2012 Holly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, m-m, mystery, supernatural

I really enjoyed this book. The MCs were fun and not typical. The supporting characters I wanted to smack. But that was good too, they were supposed to be smackable. The mystery was nothing, you'll figure it out as soon as it appears but the mystery isn't really the point either. The relationship between the two main characters and the wonderful SETTING makes this book. This book really captured the Isle of Wight for me and now I so want to visit.

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Sep 22, 2012 Stevie Carroll rated it 4 of 5 stars

Once again JL Merrow brings us a pair of unconventional heroes in a setting that suits them perfectly. A nicely constructed mystery and a thoroughly dislikeable villain. I just wish we could have seen a little more of the aftermath of the story's big events.

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Feb 21, 2013 J.H. Knight rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

This was great. Some very engaging characters, some humor, some mystery/suspense... Loved it.

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Jan 02, 2012 Antonella rated it 3 of 5 stars

See Jenre's review.

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Dec 18, 2011 Anwen Ross rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m-romance

I really liked this. I love the way that J.L. Merrow writes. I thought the characters were well drawn too, even the ones I didn't like (that means you, Baz). I do agree with some other reviewers it would have been nice to see more of the two "leads" together. Also there were moments when I wondered if it was sponsored by the Isle of Wight Tourist Board ;-)
But a very enjoyable read. I loved the setting of the clifftop house.

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Nov 08, 2011 Kiki rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5

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Nov 28, 2012 Susinok rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars. Now I want to visit the Isle of Wight. Great story with a bit of a slow buildup.

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Mar 03, 2013 MLE rated it 1 of 5 stars

I wanted to like it, I really did, but the stupidity of some of the characters was just too much to bear. The characters are painfully underdeveloped, and the villain so obvious he should have been wearing neon colors recruiting for the Evil League of Evil, and screaming I'm evil loud for everyone to hear. The plot felt like bad melodrama, and there was zero chemistry between the couple. I really like this author, but this was a miss with me.

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Nov 06, 2012 Teresa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotica-explicit, mm, romances

3.5 stars,

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Nov 12, 2011 Chris rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, gay, ebook, romance, done

3.5 stars. Good m/m romance about a guy who goes to the Isle of Wight to research ghosts with the self-absorbed journalist friend he's fancied himself in love with for years... a fancy he reevaluates as he keeps running into a sexy and reclusive author with a creepy, domineering guardian.

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Dec 09, 2011 Megan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, favorites

Am very tired but I know I'll forget to review later so I wanted to say that I loved every moment of this book. The characters, the pacing, how silly boys can be, the ghosts, all of it! :D completely fangirl this book ^_^

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Oct 21, 2012 MostlyDelores rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-romance, mystery, paranormal-romance

I was kind of squirming through the first half, hating Baz, hating Leif, wondering why Marcus was such a wilt and couldn't Will do better? And then the second half flew by and it was all good.

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May 08, 2012 Becky rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, read-in-2012

Entertain gothic m/m romance. Only thing that would have made it better would be a nice thunderstorm outside while reading!

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Nov 18, 2011 Betryal rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ridiculously fawking awesome read! If you haven't read it yet, what the hell are yeah waiting for?

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About J.L. Merrow

JL Merrow is a very English writer of (mainly) m/m fiction who finds writing the only way to stay sane, except of course when a plot is driving her crazy. Having grown up on an island, she can’t remember a time before she could swim and prefers to remain close to water at all times. Luckily, the weather in her native land being as it generally is, this is not difficult.

She enjoys reading, martial...more

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