What do you think?
Rate this book
Behind the Lives #2
Behind the Tears
To trust is to get hurt, to be loved could end in death.
Everyone sees Ash as the toughest of the Rata brothers, the tall, tattooed man who is untouchable. But not many know of his past, of a tormented youth, which almost saw him take his own life. For ten years he's lived with the nightmares of his stepfather raping him, and how it destroyed his family. Further tormented by his first love leaving him, he tries to move forward with his new partner Beth, but is unable to open up to her, his past continuing to eat away at his soul.
Beth knows Ash is keeping her in the dark, and every word he doesn't say, every secret he keeps, pushes her further into his brother's arms, someone who doesn't understand boundaries, a trait that has given Dante a wild reputation: the man every woman wants to bed. Hedonistic and uncontrollable, Dante desires Beth to the point of madness, his bipolar condition worsening with the stress of his hidden desires. He wants to control her, to take her, but he is deeply reliant on Ash, and like his brother, he hides his true nature. On the outside he shows a confident swagger that gets him the attention of both sexes, but on the inside all he wants is one woman who sees him as more than a sexual object.
Sledge, the youngest of the three Rata brothers, finds himself in a different situation, dealing with the affections of his best friend: Beth's brother Corey. Diagnosed with cancer, Corey wants Sledge more than life itself, even though he believes Sledge is homophobic and would find him disgusting if he confessed his love. But when another man shows interest in Corey, Sledge's jealousy eats away at him, and makes him reassess his sexuality, and whether he could be more than a friend to Corey - whether he could be his lover.
As the Rata family's love life is thrown into tangles, the brothers' stepfather escapes from prison with one thing on his mind: To get Ash once again. Someone he will kill for - and has killed for.
(R18)
Author's Note: Book 2 has different main characters from book 1. Due to this, you don't need to read book 1 to understand this story. Book 2 is more dark romance and family drama, while book one is street lit and social realism. Book 3 continues directly on from Book 2.
Everyone sees Ash as the toughest of the Rata brothers, the tall, tattooed man who is untouchable. But not many know of his past, of a tormented youth, which almost saw him take his own life. For ten years he's lived with the nightmares of his stepfather raping him, and how it destroyed his family. Further tormented by his first love leaving him, he tries to move forward with his new partner Beth, but is unable to open up to her, his past continuing to eat away at his soul.
Beth knows Ash is keeping her in the dark, and every word he doesn't say, every secret he keeps, pushes her further into his brother's arms, someone who doesn't understand boundaries, a trait that has given Dante a wild reputation: the man every woman wants to bed. Hedonistic and uncontrollable, Dante desires Beth to the point of madness, his bipolar condition worsening with the stress of his hidden desires. He wants to control her, to take her, but he is deeply reliant on Ash, and like his brother, he hides his true nature. On the outside he shows a confident swagger that gets him the attention of both sexes, but on the inside all he wants is one woman who sees him as more than a sexual object.
Sledge, the youngest of the three Rata brothers, finds himself in a different situation, dealing with the affections of his best friend: Beth's brother Corey. Diagnosed with cancer, Corey wants Sledge more than life itself, even though he believes Sledge is homophobic and would find him disgusting if he confessed his love. But when another man shows interest in Corey, Sledge's jealousy eats away at him, and makes him reassess his sexuality, and whether he could be more than a friend to Corey - whether he could be his lover.
As the Rata family's love life is thrown into tangles, the brothers' stepfather escapes from prison with one thing on his mind: To get Ash once again. Someone he will kill for - and has killed for.
(R18)
Author's Note: Book 2 has different main characters from book 1. Due to this, you don't need to read book 1 to understand this story. Book 2 is more dark romance and family drama, while book one is street lit and social realism. Book 3 continues directly on from Book 2.
524 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2012
9 people are currently reading
1673 people want to read
About the author
Marita A. Hansen
100 books855 followersSOME FACTS ABOUT ME:
I'm a New Zealander from Auckland, with dual citizenship (NZ and Croatia). I've also lived in Kerikeri, Singapore and Papua New Guinea.
CAREER PATH: I started off as a Graphic Designer, then went to Auckland University, where I got a BA degree in Art History and Italian Studies and a post-graduate Honors degree in Art History. I worked in the Art History field, then became a full-time artist, doing commissions. I eventually lost all of my senses and gave it up to be a self-published writer, publishing my first book in 2011. Though, earlier in 2023 I returned to art, shelving being a writer since book pirates made it impossible to earn a living from my work, excessively pirating my books. They basically broke my spirit. However, a very nice reader spurred me on to try again, so I'm attempting to revive my writing career.
BAD HABITS: I'm a major procrastinator, I stay up way too late, and I get distracted far too easily unless it's doing something I love. My mind never stops racing, can't turn ADHD off.
SPORTS: As a teenager my favourite sports were karate, badminton, and running. I also did unarmed combat and played in a touch rugby team (my gym teacher made me do the last one!) As an adult, I've couched soccer and have completed two marathons, numerous half-marathons and one 30K run, though I stick to the gym now, hanging up my running shoes.
STATUS: Married to my high school sweetheart (which he hates me calling him). We have two kids.
Author Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Marita-A-Han...
I'm a New Zealander from Auckland, with dual citizenship (NZ and Croatia). I've also lived in Kerikeri, Singapore and Papua New Guinea.
CAREER PATH: I started off as a Graphic Designer, then went to Auckland University, where I got a BA degree in Art History and Italian Studies and a post-graduate Honors degree in Art History. I worked in the Art History field, then became a full-time artist, doing commissions. I eventually lost all of my senses and gave it up to be a self-published writer, publishing my first book in 2011. Though, earlier in 2023 I returned to art, shelving being a writer since book pirates made it impossible to earn a living from my work, excessively pirating my books. They basically broke my spirit. However, a very nice reader spurred me on to try again, so I'm attempting to revive my writing career.
BAD HABITS: I'm a major procrastinator, I stay up way too late, and I get distracted far too easily unless it's doing something I love. My mind never stops racing, can't turn ADHD off.
SPORTS: As a teenager my favourite sports were karate, badminton, and running. I also did unarmed combat and played in a touch rugby team (my gym teacher made me do the last one!) As an adult, I've couched soccer and have completed two marathons, numerous half-marathons and one 30K run, though I stick to the gym now, hanging up my running shoes.
STATUS: Married to my high school sweetheart (which he hates me calling him). We have two kids.
Author Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Marita-A-Han...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 21, 2016
WARNING: A drama king review below. I'm all dressed up in drag, so let's roll...
This book took my breath away, it was so tense, hot, nail bitingly tense, hot, HOT, HOT! Okay, I'll get on with it.
What does this book have?
1 Two hot, damaged, tattooed and leather-clad bad boys (mouth watering hotties!) who will have you running for cold showers.
2 The cutest gay guy ever! With the funniest comments out! He was adorable, and his thoughts on rimming had me rolling around on the floor laughing. He was hilarious, and he broke up the tension at the right places, because this book was so intense!
3 Scorching hot sex scenes. Dante, Dante, you are a naughty, damaged man, but ouch! so burning hot. (The sex scene in his bedroom where Beth goes after him... Cold shower time).
4 Suspense.
5 The most hated bad guy EVER, who I want to kill, then dig up, then kill again. EVIL!
6 The best ending! So perfect, but now I can't wait for the next book and I should've read slower, but I couldn't help myself.
Best scenes:
WHERE do I start? No f^&cking idea, because the book was full of them. I did love Corey's thoughts (those were the funniest), plus Dante's thoughts on transvestites and when he was teasing his younger brother about it was hilarious. And Dante's scenes were HOT! And Ash, oh God, Ash! I drool over him, and his captivity scenes were so intense it had me flicking those pages so fast to see if he was alright. He's my favourite along with Corey. And Sledge totally surprised me, I really didn't like him in Behind the Hood, but here, hearing his thoughts, I have totally changed my mind about him. The way he cared for Corey was the sweetest thing ever. I know he was mean to him at times, but those were outweighed by his other actions and thoughts, and he was struggling so hard with his sexuality, and was so far from his comfort zone that I couldn't blame the guy. Plus, his actions toward Tyler (another sweetheart) was pure jealousy and a touch of what Tyler's family did to his own.
I'm rambling. Let me think what else was there.
1) The first type of love triangle I didn't actually mind, because it wasn't done in the traditional annoying way.
2) Loveable characters, hot characters...
3) This book would be perfect as a TV program.
4) I WANT Ash. And I want to cuddle Corey.
5) I WANT the next book. NOW!
@67% this is how I was feeling. I'M ADDICTED TO THIS BOOK, TO IT'S CHARACTERS, AND IF I DIDN'T HAVE A PARTNER (& PREFER GUYS) I'D SEEK OUT THE AUTHOR AND MARRY HER!!! THEN I'D SUPPORT HER FOR LIFE SO SHE COULD WRITE ME BOOKS CONTINUOUSLY!!!!!!
This book took my breath away, it was so tense, hot, nail bitingly tense, hot, HOT, HOT! Okay, I'll get on with it.
What does this book have?
1 Two hot, damaged, tattooed and leather-clad bad boys (mouth watering hotties!) who will have you running for cold showers.
2 The cutest gay guy ever! With the funniest comments out! He was adorable, and his thoughts on rimming had me rolling around on the floor laughing. He was hilarious, and he broke up the tension at the right places, because this book was so intense!
3 Scorching hot sex scenes. Dante, Dante, you are a naughty, damaged man, but ouch! so burning hot. (The sex scene in his bedroom where Beth goes after him... Cold shower time).
4 Suspense.
5 The most hated bad guy EVER, who I want to kill, then dig up, then kill again. EVIL!
6 The best ending! So perfect, but now I can't wait for the next book and I should've read slower, but I couldn't help myself.
Best scenes:
WHERE do I start? No f^&cking idea, because the book was full of them. I did love Corey's thoughts (those were the funniest), plus Dante's thoughts on transvestites and when he was teasing his younger brother about it was hilarious. And Dante's scenes were HOT! And Ash, oh God, Ash! I drool over him, and his captivity scenes were so intense it had me flicking those pages so fast to see if he was alright. He's my favourite along with Corey. And Sledge totally surprised me, I really didn't like him in Behind the Hood, but here, hearing his thoughts, I have totally changed my mind about him. The way he cared for Corey was the sweetest thing ever. I know he was mean to him at times, but those were outweighed by his other actions and thoughts, and he was struggling so hard with his sexuality, and was so far from his comfort zone that I couldn't blame the guy. Plus, his actions toward Tyler (another sweetheart) was pure jealousy and a touch of what Tyler's family did to his own.
I'm rambling. Let me think what else was there.
1) The first type of love triangle I didn't actually mind, because it wasn't done in the traditional annoying way.
2) Loveable characters, hot characters...
3) This book would be perfect as a TV program.
4) I WANT Ash. And I want to cuddle Corey.
5) I WANT the next book. NOW!
@67% this is how I was feeling. I'M ADDICTED TO THIS BOOK, TO IT'S CHARACTERS, AND IF I DIDN'T HAVE A PARTNER (& PREFER GUYS) I'D SEEK OUT THE AUTHOR AND MARRY HER!!! THEN I'D SUPPORT HER FOR LIFE SO SHE COULD WRITE ME BOOKS CONTINUOUSLY!!!!!!
January 7, 2013
SPOILER FREE REVIEW
4 STARS out of 5
Genre: NA-Dark Romance
Dark, Gritty and Twisted... Just a few words to describe this book if you have not read book one.. READ IT!
Words couldn’t describe how Ash felt— not a cliché but reality.
Anger...
Hurt...
Betrayal...
... they weren’t enough. Pure rage was closer to the mark.
Betrayal places one Rata brother against the other but at a time like this they have no choice but to trust one another for both their lives depend on it.
Secrets..
Ash Rata and his younger brother Dante are drug dealers in Auckland, New Zealand. This lifestyle is not by choice it's more so by circumstance.
When Ash the oldest Rata brother keeps holding back with his girlfriend Beth she looses her cool. His step-father's parole hearing is rapidly approaching and with it dark deep emotions are rising. And him internalizing it all makes matters worse. Not many know about how he was raped by his step-father, Chaz. His brother Dante knows and he is one of the only people Ash can and will trust.
With Ash holding back Beth is being pushed further and further away... Out of the hands of Ash and right in to Dante's arms.
Dante has his own secrets and demons. Scarred emotionally by women he has once loved in the past Dante fears that love is not for him. When he crosses the line with his brothers girlfriend he feels shame.
'He saw, he took, and damn the consequences. But this time he’d gone too far, Ash’s woman not someone he should’ve touched, no matter how much he wanted to.'
Problem is he wants Beth with a raw hunger so passionate it overtakes his senses. Dante realizes he loves her, but he loves his brother more. Not to be discarded Beth is in hot pursuit for Dante. It's not just the HOT BLAZIN SEX she is after either, nope, she wants his heart.
“No, I still want you.”
He grunted a laugh. “Then expect hell, cos you won’t be gettin’ heaven from me, especially if you insist on analysing everything I do.”
“You’ve sent me to heaven twice so far, then put me in hell right after, so I expect both, and will take both, if it means I get to have you.”
He shook his head. “Then you’re more fucked in the head than I am, cos I ain’t worth the trouble.”
“You are to me, I love you.”
“You shouldn’t.” ~Beth and Dante
Sledge is the youngest Rata brother his best mate Corey has been fighting Cancer. Sledge has no idea that Corey is gay and madly in love with him. When Corey finally fesses up Sledge has a very difficult time placing his own feelings for Corey.
He loves Corey but is it as a mate or as a lover?
“Stoppit! I’m not gay!”
“Then you’re bi.”
“No, I’m not!”
“You’re a liar, you got hard.”
“You made me.”
Corey screamed, “That’s the point, you moron!”
“You’re twisting my words,” Sledge said, covering his face with his hands. Corey grabbed Sledge’s wrists.
“Look at me.”
Sledge shook his head. ~Sledge and Corey
While love plays a big part in this book Danger has a strong role as well when Chaz escapes prison with one thing on his mind. Ash.
*Sighs heavily* Chaz...
Chaz is so fucked in the head it makes no sense. The guy should be in a psych ward.
In a padded cell...
Wearing a straight jacket...
Heavily sedated...
Thoughts
Book two in the Behind The Lives series focuses in on the Rata brothers whom we are briefly introduced to in book one. And then are introduced even better to in Graffiti Heaven. Altho it's their younger selves the appeal is still strong.
This book was just as much of an emotional roller-coaster as the first. I enjoyed getting the multiple POV's. This is a signature style of writing for the author and I ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY LOVE IT! I felt like I was right there watching everything play out right in front of my eyes.
The Characters
Juliet- I must say one character I really felt for was Juliet, Sledge's twin sister. The poor girl could not catch a break and she was so damn naive to the point it was scary.
Ash- Always had to be the strong one the leader. He felt like he could not afford to mess up. That was Dante's job. Ash was there to get the job done. But he also had this softer side that made you just wanna reach out and hug him. I cried for him.. Sobbed like a baby...
Dante- Dante carried his sexiness like a badge of honor. He didn't care if you're male or female he would flirt with promises of the best orgasm you could ever have. But sorry fellas he only gave it up for the ladies. He did what he wanted while his brother usually had to clean up after him.
Sledge- I loved just about everything about Sledge he was rough yet tender.. Badass then Mr. Nice guy he could easily go from one extreme to another. In book one I hated him but I fell in love with him and Corey both in this book.
OH, and this special message goes out to Aroha
Seriously...I can't stand her ass.
Dear readers,
I love this series it sucks you in and spits you out. It tackles just about every subject love, lies, betrayal, family, drugs, suicide, homosexuality, rape and I'm sure I left out a few more topics. Read it! I highly recommend it.
My Ratings
Characters- Lovable except for the exception of a few..
Writing Style- Intense, Raw and Solid
Storyline/Plot- Cohesive, Genuine and Honest
Steam Factor- High/ Very Steamy
Overall- I loved it!!!!!
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews go to http://realitybites-letsgetlost.blogs...
January 1, 2014
**5 STARS AND 3 MORE NAMES TO ADD TO MY BROKEN MAN OBSESSION LIST**
If given one word to best describe “Behind the Tears” I’d have to say FIREWORKS. This spectator had no idea what to expect. Once I heard the hiss..sssssssss sound I anxiously held my breath and .......... **BOOM**…....... folks be prepared, this isn’t your 20 seconds firework display, Mrs.Hansen spared no expense in making sure her readers were entertained, its one explosive storyline after another.
This is a story of the 4 Rata siblings . Each have been put through the ringer,some obviously more than others. The siblings annoy, fight, disrespect, ignore each other even,but in the end it’s all about family and there's nothing these siblings won't do for each other.
Ash is the oldest sibling and definite BLACK CLOUD of the family. I had a difficult time liking his character in the beginning. I found him to be withdrawn, moody, stubborn, an all-around asshole at times,but then I read how much he loves his son and realized he was just a tormented soul. GOd, I wanted to shake him while screaming at the top of my lungs "YOU HAVE SO MUCH TO LIVE FOR" ...
Now onto the man that be still my heartDANTE<3 <3 I love him. He’s the glue that keeps the family together. Naked pictures were taken of Dante during a one night stand with a married woman. Without his knowledge the photos were sent to every woman in town. Automatically pegged the town manwhore,he deals with the overwhelming attention the only way he knows how….. by SCREWING everything with a possible vagina . Dante has some definite flaws and whole heartily acknowledges them. He wants to better himself, his future and most importantly his love life. He wants someone to love and be loved by.
Lastly, the twins Sledge and Juliet
Poor, Poor Juliet. She was not given the gift of beauty, in fact if you put a wig on Sledge they would be mistaken for identical twins. Juliet is used as well as humiliated by her crush..... and that's all I can say about that. Sledge is your typical brute, he listens to no one and isn't scared of anything nor anyone. He's best friends with a guy name Corey( 2nd favorite character) whom is currently enduring cancer treatment. There is nothing Sledge wouldn't do for his best mate. Sledge is secretly in love, more like in denial, as he feels its wrong/impossible/ inappropriate.......NO, ITS NOT YOU BIG DUMMY!!!!
There is so much to this story and I don't wish to spoil it..... I know, I know, I always say this but its the gods honest truth this time .... so is the fact I'm on my 3rd attempt at writing this review as I lost my other two drafts (FUCK ME!!!!!!). I'm seriously pissed and tired of typing. If you wish to read something different, wish no more and one click this bad boy.(**SIDE NOTE** If you are wondering why I skipped "Behind the Hood" its because the Rata brothers are minor characters in book 1 and major characters from book 2 onward)
Marita A. Hansen you are
P.S. Special thanks to Harlen for recommending such a wonderful book and answering my 300 messages... Hope you're ready for round 2 my friend :-)
If given one word to best describe “Behind the Tears” I’d have to say FIREWORKS. This spectator had no idea what to expect. Once I heard the hiss..sssssssss sound I anxiously held my breath and .......... **BOOM**…....... folks be prepared, this isn’t your 20 seconds firework display, Mrs.Hansen spared no expense in making sure her readers were entertained, its one explosive storyline after another.
This is a story of the 4 Rata siblings . Each have been put through the ringer,some obviously more than others. The siblings annoy, fight, disrespect, ignore each other even,but in the end it’s all about family and there's nothing these siblings won't do for each other.
Ash is the oldest sibling and definite BLACK CLOUD of the family. I had a difficult time liking his character in the beginning. I found him to be withdrawn, moody, stubborn, an all-around asshole at times,but then I read how much he loves his son and realized he was just a tormented soul. GOd, I wanted to shake him while screaming at the top of my lungs "YOU HAVE SO MUCH TO LIVE FOR" ...
Now onto the man that be still my heartDANTE<3 <3 I love him. He’s the glue that keeps the family together. Naked pictures were taken of Dante during a one night stand with a married woman. Without his knowledge the photos were sent to every woman in town. Automatically pegged the town manwhore,he deals with the overwhelming attention the only way he knows how….. by SCREWING everything with a possible vagina . Dante has some definite flaws and whole heartily acknowledges them. He wants to better himself, his future and most importantly his love life. He wants someone to love and be loved by.
Lastly, the twins Sledge and Juliet
Poor, Poor Juliet. She was not given the gift of beauty, in fact if you put a wig on Sledge they would be mistaken for identical twins. Juliet is used as well as humiliated by her crush..... and that's all I can say about that. Sledge is your typical brute, he listens to no one and isn't scared of anything nor anyone. He's best friends with a guy name Corey( 2nd favorite character) whom is currently enduring cancer treatment. There is nothing Sledge wouldn't do for his best mate. Sledge is secretly in love, more like in denial, as he feels its wrong/impossible/ inappropriate.......NO, ITS NOT YOU BIG DUMMY!!!!
There is so much to this story and I don't wish to spoil it..... I know, I know, I always say this but its the gods honest truth this time .... so is the fact I'm on my 3rd attempt at writing this review as I lost my other two drafts (FUCK ME!!!!!!). I'm seriously pissed and tired of typing. If you wish to read something different, wish no more and one click this bad boy.(**SIDE NOTE** If you are wondering why I skipped "Behind the Hood" its because the Rata brothers are minor characters in book 1 and major characters from book 2 onward)
Marita A. Hansen you are
P.S. Special thanks to Harlen for recommending such a wonderful book and answering my 300 messages... Hope you're ready for round 2 my friend :-)
November 2, 2013
Well I certainly enjoyed my time going back to "the Hood," as I like to call it! Marita A. Hansen did not disappoint when she wrote this gem, which was once again full of drama, secrets, and reveals. There was plenty of action to keep me on my toes, and plenty of characters that were causing all sorts of entertainment that kept me interested in what was going on. The only thing I was disappointed about was that Mikey was no where to be found. I fell in love with him in the first book, and I was eager to see him grow as a person in this second installment. He wasn't in it though, and I have to say it truly made me sad. Even though there were some noticable absences, there were plenty of characters to keep the book full of life!
In this second book, the focus is on the two brothers that we were introduced to in the last story. Dante and Ash have their family loyalty tested when Dante betrays his brother in one of the worst possible ways. Unfortunately for Ash though, he isn't able to hold on to his grudge for long as something extremely exposive happens where the brothers need to work together to fix the problem.
On top of all of that, Ash's evil past comes back to haunt him in the worst possible way, and it will have a very surprising impact on him when all is said and done.
Some of the other players in this "ghetto type soap opera," are Corey and Sledge. This storyline was my favorite because it was packed with intense emotion, and showcased how two friends fell in love even when all of the odds were against them. It certainly wasn't an easy road and there are lots of negative influences that work against these two. We get a front row seat on how difficult it was for these two guys to go against what most people say is wrong, and to follow what was in their own hearts instead. If you are a reader that is uncomfortable with Male/Male relationships and sex in your stories, then this isn't the book for you. I for one loved every minute of Corey and Sledges time together, and I really hope there will be more to come. This was one of my favorite intense scenes with Corey and Sledge:
"..And I didn't want to like guys either, all I wanted wuz to fit in. But I wuz wrong, cos that's not how God made me, cos I do believe in Him no matter how much I pretend I don't. I'm sick of hiding who I am from you. This is me; I am a stupid God-bothering gay who loves you more than anything in this world and the next." (This was Corey talking about his feeling to Sledge)
It broke my heart to watch these two males live in fear to be themselves. To reach out and grab what they truly wanted was one of the hardest journey they had to face. Not only did they fear what their friends thought of them; but also their family too. It gave me such insight into how it would feel to deny who I am inside, as well as to have to push aside what was in my heart. I am grateful that I never have to experience that myself, but I am sad that their are people out there in this world having to deny what is in their soul.
For me, this book was tons of drama; but also there were so many other messages through out the book. These are the kinds of reads that I love the best because they get me to think about the world we live in, and also about who I am inside. Marita A. Hanesen does a beautiful job of writing such a chaotic and entertaining book, that takes me for a roller coaster ride that I don't want to get off of. I have thoroughly enjoyed everything she has written so far, and can't wait to see what she has up her sleeve next! This series is not for everyone. There are some hard topics that are included between the pages of this master piece; but if you are like me, and enjoy reading something that is outside your comfor zone then this is a series that you must give a try. There is never a dull moment, and the line between right and wrong becomes blurred really fast!
In this second book, the focus is on the two brothers that we were introduced to in the last story. Dante and Ash have their family loyalty tested when Dante betrays his brother in one of the worst possible ways. Unfortunately for Ash though, he isn't able to hold on to his grudge for long as something extremely exposive happens where the brothers need to work together to fix the problem.
On top of all of that, Ash's evil past comes back to haunt him in the worst possible way, and it will have a very surprising impact on him when all is said and done.
Some of the other players in this "ghetto type soap opera," are Corey and Sledge. This storyline was my favorite because it was packed with intense emotion, and showcased how two friends fell in love even when all of the odds were against them. It certainly wasn't an easy road and there are lots of negative influences that work against these two. We get a front row seat on how difficult it was for these two guys to go against what most people say is wrong, and to follow what was in their own hearts instead. If you are a reader that is uncomfortable with Male/Male relationships and sex in your stories, then this isn't the book for you. I for one loved every minute of Corey and Sledges time together, and I really hope there will be more to come. This was one of my favorite intense scenes with Corey and Sledge:
"..And I didn't want to like guys either, all I wanted wuz to fit in. But I wuz wrong, cos that's not how God made me, cos I do believe in Him no matter how much I pretend I don't. I'm sick of hiding who I am from you. This is me; I am a stupid God-bothering gay who loves you more than anything in this world and the next." (This was Corey talking about his feeling to Sledge)
It broke my heart to watch these two males live in fear to be themselves. To reach out and grab what they truly wanted was one of the hardest journey they had to face. Not only did they fear what their friends thought of them; but also their family too. It gave me such insight into how it would feel to deny who I am inside, as well as to have to push aside what was in my heart. I am grateful that I never have to experience that myself, but I am sad that their are people out there in this world having to deny what is in their soul.
For me, this book was tons of drama; but also there were so many other messages through out the book. These are the kinds of reads that I love the best because they get me to think about the world we live in, and also about who I am inside. Marita A. Hanesen does a beautiful job of writing such a chaotic and entertaining book, that takes me for a roller coaster ride that I don't want to get off of. I have thoroughly enjoyed everything she has written so far, and can't wait to see what she has up her sleeve next! This series is not for everyone. There are some hard topics that are included between the pages of this master piece; but if you are like me, and enjoy reading something that is outside your comfor zone then this is a series that you must give a try. There is never a dull moment, and the line between right and wrong becomes blurred really fast!
Read
January 15, 2023Finished book 2, now onto Behind the Lens (book 3), and from memory, my favourite from this series. They're all my books, just re-reading the series since I want to write a 5th book, so I need to get back into the flow.
October 11, 2013
5-I-Love-Marita-Stars
I must say, I am in awe of you Marita. Fan-freaking-tastic job!
Uploaded with ImageShack.com
I have had this book on my Kindle for a few months. I was hesitant to read it....but I am very glad that I stalked Jahy and Harlen's updates. So thank you skanks!
Alright....so here we go...
Uploaded with ImageShack.com
The Rata Clan....a family broken, trying to get by with the shit that has been dealt to them. And what shit it is!
Ash, the oldest, has been to hell and back. After suffering at the hands of a monster, he is doing his best to survive. He is so damn stubborn. I don't want to say much else and ruin anything because...READ THE BOOK!
Dante....Dante....Dante.....you poor, misunderstood manwhore. Come here and let me take care of you! Forget Jahy....MEOW!
Uploaded with ImageShack.com
Dante has been labled the town bicycle after being photographed with his pants down with a married women, and then having that photo mass texted. Almost every female around has had a ride. He drinks too much, he fucks too much, but he just wants to love and be loved in return.
Sledge and Juliet....the twins. The youngest of the clan.
These 2 are said to be identical, spiting images. Put a wig on Sledge, he's Juliet, add a dick to Juliet, she's Sledge. Poor Juliet has been burned so many times by the boys and dealt the "not so pretty" card in life. Her most recent betrayl...the most heart breaking! Sledge is well.....confused, a brooding teenage boy...with raging hormones. His best mate Corey, which I completely ADORE, it the one person he would do ANYTHING for other than his family. And there in lies his confusion....I won't elaborate anymore, so...READ THE BOOK!
To say the least, this book was I.N.T.E.N.S.E. The story was so real and gritty with raw emotion flying everywhere. Each charactor was very well developed. There is no lack of drama. Beth has made sure of that!
I can't wait to start the next one....but first....I need to prepare myself.
Uploaded with ImageShack.com
I must say, I am in awe of you Marita. Fan-freaking-tastic job!
Uploaded with ImageShack.com
I have had this book on my Kindle for a few months. I was hesitant to read it....but I am very glad that I stalked Jahy and Harlen's updates. So thank you skanks!
Alright....so here we go...
Uploaded with ImageShack.com
The Rata Clan....a family broken, trying to get by with the shit that has been dealt to them. And what shit it is!
Ash, the oldest, has been to hell and back. After suffering at the hands of a monster, he is doing his best to survive. He is so damn stubborn. I don't want to say much else and ruin anything because...READ THE BOOK!
Dante....Dante....Dante.....you poor, misunderstood manwhore. Come here and let me take care of you! Forget Jahy....MEOW!
Uploaded with ImageShack.com
Dante has been labled the town bicycle after being photographed with his pants down with a married women, and then having that photo mass texted. Almost every female around has had a ride. He drinks too much, he fucks too much, but he just wants to love and be loved in return.
Sledge and Juliet....the twins. The youngest of the clan.
These 2 are said to be identical, spiting images. Put a wig on Sledge, he's Juliet, add a dick to Juliet, she's Sledge. Poor Juliet has been burned so many times by the boys and dealt the "not so pretty" card in life. Her most recent betrayl...the most heart breaking! Sledge is well.....confused, a brooding teenage boy...with raging hormones. His best mate Corey, which I completely ADORE, it the one person he would do ANYTHING for other than his family. And there in lies his confusion....I won't elaborate anymore, so...READ THE BOOK!
To say the least, this book was I.N.T.E.N.S.E. The story was so real and gritty with raw emotion flying everywhere. Each charactor was very well developed. There is no lack of drama. Beth has made sure of that!
I can't wait to start the next one....but first....I need to prepare myself.
Uploaded with ImageShack.com
October 11, 2013
5 Realistic and Raw Gritty Stars
Behind the Tears is a very realistic story of a young family living in New Zealand. Ash and Dante and Sledge are brothers, broken by events that happened 10 years ago. Events that have then gone on to drag them into the seedy world of gangs, drugs and violence.
Ash is estranged from his girfriend Tiana and his son Angelo who he still loves. Now with Beth, he is keeping things from her. Things he doesn't want to remember. Beth wants to help him but his constant rejection pushes her further into the arms of his brother Dante.
Dante is a male whore, women love him but he is mixed up mentally as well as physically, he is on a downward spiral both with his personally life and his involvement in the drug dealing world. But family is everything to him but maybe not enough to betray his brother.
Sledge Is the youngest of the brothers, his best friend Corey is in love with him. Corey tries so hard to hide his feelings, scared of how Sledge will feel about it and also after what happened to Ash but when Corey is in danger and takes up with another guy. Do Sledges real feelings come out.
This story is fantastic, the writing even with the slang that's used gives it that rawness. Their involvement in gangs, drugs and how events have caused them to become trapped in that world is tragic. I really loved it..Marita A. Hansen is a new author I have come across and I can't wait to read more of her work.
With so many books out there sometimes these type of stories get forgotten and missed a long the way, which is such a shame...
Thank you Jahy and Harlen for putting me in touch with this wonderful story
Behind the Tears is a very realistic story of a young family living in New Zealand. Ash and Dante and Sledge are brothers, broken by events that happened 10 years ago. Events that have then gone on to drag them into the seedy world of gangs, drugs and violence.
Ash is estranged from his girfriend Tiana and his son Angelo who he still loves. Now with Beth, he is keeping things from her. Things he doesn't want to remember. Beth wants to help him but his constant rejection pushes her further into the arms of his brother Dante.
Dante is a male whore, women love him but he is mixed up mentally as well as physically, he is on a downward spiral both with his personally life and his involvement in the drug dealing world. But family is everything to him but maybe not enough to betray his brother.
Sledge Is the youngest of the brothers, his best friend Corey is in love with him. Corey tries so hard to hide his feelings, scared of how Sledge will feel about it and also after what happened to Ash but when Corey is in danger and takes up with another guy. Do Sledges real feelings come out.
This story is fantastic, the writing even with the slang that's used gives it that rawness. Their involvement in gangs, drugs and how events have caused them to become trapped in that world is tragic. I really loved it..Marita A. Hansen is a new author I have come across and I can't wait to read more of her work.
With so many books out there sometimes these type of stories get forgotten and missed a long the way, which is such a shame...
Thank you Jahy and Harlen for putting me in touch with this wonderful story
December 4, 2013
*****5 Beautiful Mindblowing Stars*****
Marita did it again!! I didn't think she would be able to top her book "Behind the Hood" but yet again - she has blown me away.
Her style of writing just top any of the other authors out there when dealing with a YA audience. Hell, I'm in my 40's and I still am addicted to this series!
She is able to get my heart pounding throughout the whole book while crying, sobbing, grinning, head shaking and the list just goes on and on.....
You would NEVER know that these are Young Adult books with all the "rooting" going on and the adult scenarios these kids are put through.
"Behind the Tears" picks up where "Behind the Hood" left off. This book brings back all the old stars of the first book except for Trey - he just disappeared off the face of the earth but I think this has to do with how he helped Nike at the end of Book 1.
Everyone else is back but the major players in this book are: Ash, Beth, Dante, Sledge and Corey.
Ash, Beth and Ash's baby's momma
Journey through the heartbreak of Ash when he finds out how Beth really feels and how Ash comes to terms to his feelings with his baby's momma.
Ash
Ash had such a terrible childhood in the hands of his step-father and now that he has escaped from jail, Ash is being flung back to those years remembering the chilling acts he dealt with in the hands of his step-father.
The climax in this story is what happens when Ash's step-father finally gets the chance to see Ash.
Beth and Dante
They have always had feelings for each other and Beth struggles with who she loves more while Dante tries to keep his feelings under wraps because of his loyalty to Ash.
Corey and Sledge
The cat is finally out of the bag and Sledge has to figure out whether he sees Corey as a "mate" or a "lover". Their scenes are cute and touching at the same time. Corey knows who he is but needs to get Sledge to realize his own identity.
This is a touching book about coming of age, the coming about of sexual identity and the cumming of each of the characters since there is constant "rooting" going on through this book.
My hats off to Marita again and again and again!!
Marita did it again!! I didn't think she would be able to top her book "Behind the Hood" but yet again - she has blown me away.
Her style of writing just top any of the other authors out there when dealing with a YA audience. Hell, I'm in my 40's and I still am addicted to this series!
She is able to get my heart pounding throughout the whole book while crying, sobbing, grinning, head shaking and the list just goes on and on.....
You would NEVER know that these are Young Adult books with all the "rooting" going on and the adult scenarios these kids are put through.
"Behind the Tears" picks up where "Behind the Hood" left off. This book brings back all the old stars of the first book except for Trey - he just disappeared off the face of the earth but I think this has to do with how he helped Nike at the end of Book 1.
Everyone else is back but the major players in this book are: Ash, Beth, Dante, Sledge and Corey.
Ash, Beth and Ash's baby's momma
Journey through the heartbreak of Ash when he finds out how Beth really feels and how Ash comes to terms to his feelings with his baby's momma.
Ash
Ash had such a terrible childhood in the hands of his step-father and now that he has escaped from jail, Ash is being flung back to those years remembering the chilling acts he dealt with in the hands of his step-father.
The climax in this story is what happens when Ash's step-father finally gets the chance to see Ash.
Beth and Dante
They have always had feelings for each other and Beth struggles with who she loves more while Dante tries to keep his feelings under wraps because of his loyalty to Ash.
Corey and Sledge
The cat is finally out of the bag and Sledge has to figure out whether he sees Corey as a "mate" or a "lover". Their scenes are cute and touching at the same time. Corey knows who he is but needs to get Sledge to realize his own identity.
This is a touching book about coming of age, the coming about of sexual identity and the cumming of each of the characters since there is constant "rooting" going on through this book.
My hats off to Marita again and again and again!!
December 14, 2014
5 amazing unique freakin' intense stars!
HOLY SHIT! This book is like riding a roller coaster. You just go in blindly and then....*BOOM*.....lots of things happening everywhere to everyone, Everything is just exploding in your face , you don't even have time to let the breath you are holding out!!
It's sooo intense,raw, suspenseful ,unexpected, new (for me), brilliantly written.....it's just a MASTER PIECE!!
This book centers around the Rata brothers, their relation with each other.
They fought, tormented, ignored and mistreated each other but eventually it all comes down to being one family who care and love each other.
The elder brother is Ash,
He is all tattoos and leather,HOT as hell... At first, he was brooding, emotionally isolated from everyone, spaced out a lot, he seemed more of an asshole than anything else, but then I knew what had happened to him and how much he was suffering. He was just a tormented soul. My heart went out for him when I saw the way he treated his son and how much he longed to have a normal family. I loved him more for the way he treated Juliet (his younger sis).
The second brother....the man who've stolen my heart is Dante , he is the definition of a bad boy, he was soooo crazy, intense, provocative, reeking of sex, wild, moody.....but he was also insecure dying for someone to truly love him for himself, not just using his body or seeing him as a sex symbol.
I really wanted to hug him and make him feel loved.
Then we have the twins (Juliet & Sledge)....poor juliet is not rich in the beauty department to the level that people say she looks like sledge with a wig on....even though I didn't like what she did to corey, in general she had a big heart and just like any teenager wanted to feel loved and beautiful, but unfortunately all the boys in her life mocked and mistreated her except for Ash.
As for Sledge and Corey...they are my favorite couple..corey is sooo cute and funny, his comments were the only thing breaking the intensity of the story. He was sooo funny and adorable.
I also loved Sledge for the way he cared and protected corey even though he was mean to him some times, I wanna see more of them.
Aaaaand as usual there has to be a bitch that I totally can't stand in the book, that would be freakin' Beth... She was selfish, whiney, annoying, insensitive and too self-centered.
She did a lot of wrongs and still played the role of victim...I really HATED her!
Oh, did I forgot to mention the steaming sex in this book....the sex scenes between Dante and beth/ corey and sledge are just...*sigh*....BURNING!!
Finally, I really loved and enjoyed this book it's soo unique and intense. The story line is unexpected, hooks you up from the first page, fast paced, suspenseful, smartly written.....just PERFECT!
I felt like I've been sucked into a totally fascinating world from the first page!
So PEOPLE, buckle up and get ready for the trip!
P.s you don't need to read book 1 in order to reed this one...I didn't!
Marita A. Hansen.....You are a brilliantly gifted writer!
HOLY SHIT! This book is like riding a roller coaster. You just go in blindly and then....*BOOM*.....lots of things happening everywhere to everyone, Everything is just exploding in your face , you don't even have time to let the breath you are holding out!!
It's sooo intense,raw, suspenseful ,unexpected, new (for me), brilliantly written.....it's just a MASTER PIECE!!
This book centers around the Rata brothers, their relation with each other.
They fought, tormented, ignored and mistreated each other but eventually it all comes down to being one family who care and love each other.
The elder brother is Ash,
He is all tattoos and leather,HOT as hell... At first, he was brooding, emotionally isolated from everyone, spaced out a lot, he seemed more of an asshole than anything else, but then I knew what had happened to him and how much he was suffering. He was just a tormented soul. My heart went out for him when I saw the way he treated his son and how much he longed to have a normal family. I loved him more for the way he treated Juliet (his younger sis).
The second brother....the man who've stolen my heart is Dante , he is the definition of a bad boy, he was soooo crazy, intense, provocative, reeking of sex, wild, moody.....but he was also insecure dying for someone to truly love him for himself, not just using his body or seeing him as a sex symbol.
I really wanted to hug him and make him feel loved.
Then we have the twins (Juliet & Sledge)....poor juliet is not rich in the beauty department to the level that people say she looks like sledge with a wig on....even though I didn't like what she did to corey, in general she had a big heart and just like any teenager wanted to feel loved and beautiful, but unfortunately all the boys in her life mocked and mistreated her except for Ash.
As for Sledge and Corey...they are my favorite couple..corey is sooo cute and funny, his comments were the only thing breaking the intensity of the story. He was sooo funny and adorable.
I also loved Sledge for the way he cared and protected corey even though he was mean to him some times, I wanna see more of them.
Aaaaand as usual there has to be a bitch that I totally can't stand in the book, that would be freakin' Beth... She was selfish, whiney, annoying, insensitive and too self-centered.
She did a lot of wrongs and still played the role of victim...I really HATED her!
Oh, did I forgot to mention the steaming sex in this book....the sex scenes between Dante and beth/ corey and sledge are just...*sigh*....BURNING!!
Finally, I really loved and enjoyed this book it's soo unique and intense. The story line is unexpected, hooks you up from the first page, fast paced, suspenseful, smartly written.....just PERFECT!
I felt like I've been sucked into a totally fascinating world from the first page!
So PEOPLE, buckle up and get ready for the trip!
P.s you don't need to read book 1 in order to reed this one...I didn't!
Marita A. Hansen.....You are a brilliantly gifted writer!
October 24, 2013
Soooo... this is me right now because it's Christmas Eve and I'm reading this book.
This is also me each time I look at the cover.
****
S T O P
This review contains spoilers so don't read on if you haven't read the book yet, I'll fuck it up for you otherwise.
Stop scrolling, seriously it will ruin the entire story....
Okay, you have been warned enough, read on!
24/12/2012
I read this book within three hours and for the life of me I could not put it down, this series is like crack, so damn addicting. I finished it over an hour ago and figured I would wait till I calmed down from the whirlwind journey that I was on to write this view, but I'm still hyper as hell so this review may seem a tad bit dramatic but here hoes nothing.
One word that defines this book is intense. The whole thing was shockingly intense that if was not for Dante's weird sense of humour and Corey, I would be in a ball somewhere crying my eyes out right now.
I felt a boat load of emotions reading this book but one strong one for a certain arsehole stood out the most. Chaz, you bastard, I have never hated character in a book as much as I hate your sorry arse.
God, his character honestly made my blood boil to the point where I contemplated tossing my Kindle across the room. I obviously didn't do that but I really wanted to do it, that's how much I hated him, I was willing to kill my pride and joy over him, the prick!
Even after getting the back story to why Chaz is the way he is, I couldn't pity or sympathise with him. He is just to evil for his own good. You would think someone who has been through something as serious as child abuse and rape himself would want no part of that in later life, but this bastard went and did it to minor Ash! I know he isn't a real person but I hate him like his is, his character really got to me in this story. I honestly cheered when I found out he was dead then punched my pillow when Ash said he wasn't, that was a cruel thing to do Marita, I want that son of a bitch dead!
What he did and his character himself made every scene he was in painfully intense and full of tension. Thank God he wasn't in the book much, I don't think my kindle would be alive and well now if he was. It was enough in itself that the story and characters lives were based around what he did to Ash, I didn't want him to be in the scene a lot so I'm real happy he wasn't.
I'm also happy about how we got to see all the POV's of the Rafa family, it was so sick that we got a first hand view on how Chaz and other life problems affected them as a family as we as individuals. I was really impressed how each person's problems were just big a hurdle as what Ash was dealing with.
I mean a great example would be Tyson being hit with the news that Corey is gay and in love with him then coming to terms with the fact that he was gay or bi sexual himself while dealing with everything his family was going through.
Dante and Beth had their own shit to deal with as well, with them secretly being in love with one another, her cheating on Ash with him and then Dante finding out Beth sent a naked picture of him around town out of jealously of him sleeping with Carly that caused him a lot of problems for him which led to him dealing with them drinking a lot and shagging anyone with a pulse. I liked them and their drama to some extent but honestly, I didn't care for Beth much, she annoyed me so easily. I was actually happy at how quick Ash got back with Tiana after he dumped Beth, she deserved everything she got in my opinion.
I get that she felt unwanted by Ash and didn't know why he was being so closed of with her, but that still didn't justify what she did, but I guess in a way it gave Ash the push he needed to dump her which was what they both needed in the end so they could admit their true feelings for Tiana and Dante.
It worked out in the end for them, well, more for Ash and Tiana since Beth and Dante are still on the rocks and he still seemed pissed with her towards the end of the book. I guess the next book in the series will highlight them a little more.
I'm so damn excited to read more about Tyson and Corey, I adored them both through-out the story. Ash and Dante are my bad boys in this book, but Tyson and Corey's are just my babies, I love them both. Corey actually saved me from having a nervous break down towards the end of the book, his mini break down about the news that Stella was pregnant with Tyson's possible child was timed perfectly. Things were so tense and messed up but when he was in a scene he lightened the mood and made me laugh, he is just awesome.
Tyson was just amazing as well, I know his nickname is Sledge and that's what he is called through out the book but I like his real name more lol. His obvious love and concern for Corey made me so happy that at one point I thought 'just get together already, you belong together.' I understood his confusion though and his need to hold back that he was in love with Corey until he was ready to process his feelings and think them over. I just love that he was willing to forget about his hesitations on being with Corey though when he found out Corey got hit by the police car. All his reservations on what he thought people would be ashamed of we're forgotten and all that mattered was his love for Corey, it was just the best time during that scene.
The scene with Dante and him talking about being gay was top class as well, I laughed my arse of at how casual Dante was when he talked about a tranny blowing him, poor Tyson eyes practically bugged out of his head lol.
When I wasn't happy or annoyed - over Chaz and sometimes Beth - I felt down. Juliet in this story made me sad, she always seemed so sad and just not happy with herself that I couldn't help but feel awful for her. Seriously, she cannot be as ugly as people in the book say she is, she seems so lovely, you have to give her a make over in the next book or something Martia, hook her up! Nothing went right for her, she was technically used by Corey and still reeling over the embarrassment of what Tama said to her in Behind The Hood, that fucking her would be like doing her bro. Those things had to of hurt her, I wonder how finding out - if its revealed - that Ash and Dante aren't her real brothers will affect her. I want good things to happy to her because out of everyone, she is the only one would hasn't had something good happen to her or someone wanting her.
Oh, and at the mention of Tama. He was dead - which for some reason made me sad - then he was alive again and then he disappeared. That fucker will be back just like I have a terrible feeling that Chaz will.
Reading this book has only heightened my love for this series even more, I honestly adore it and cannot wait for the follow up.
I am a very happy camper right now, this was a Christmas present in itself, thanks for publishing it today Marita.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year :)
You rock!!
October 8, 2013
Absolutely fantastic!
I'm complete obsessed with this series. These books are just so raw. I love the multiple POV's in the stories and how they all tie in together perfectly.
This series is fast paced and jam packed full of drama, violence, sex and POV changes, which won't appeal to everyone so.... You've been warned.
Even though you can safely start this series from book two. I would recommend starting from book one which was amazing.
I'm complete obsessed with this series. These books are just so raw. I love the multiple POV's in the stories and how they all tie in together perfectly.
This series is fast paced and jam packed full of drama, violence, sex and POV changes, which won't appeal to everyone so.... You've been warned.
Even though you can safely start this series from book two. I would recommend starting from book one which was amazing.
December 29, 2013
Loved this! I have a new favorite couple in Sledge and Corey! Plus a new book boyfriend in Dante....damn he is hot! I liked all the main characters except for Beth, I didn't like her much. I'm immediately starting the next book....totally addicted now.
November 1, 2013
I'm Done. I'm Emotionally Exhausted and Whipped!! This book is one hell of a rollercoaster.
The story centers around "The Rata Family" living in a South Auckland neighbourhood where drink, drugs sex and violence is a way of life.
Ash the eldest of the Rata brother's crushed by events that happened 10 years ago after he was brutally raped by his stepfather. Trying to move on with his life and also with the added factor his first love walked out on him. Ash moves forward into a new relationship with Beth, but he finds it very hard to open up to her. Beth feeling left out finds herself dangerously falling for Dante.
Dante
Dante Hot. Hot. Hot. you could say he was dipped in chocolate girls & guys finding him irresistible. Dante being a complete flirt.
Yes Damn right he does...
Dante's trouble was he feared no one will ever love him, especially after a naked picture of him was flaunted around town. Making him feel more of a manwhore than he already was. He wished he was more like Ash, girls alway wanting him as a keeper. Whilst Dante felt he ended up with all of the one night stands. Tormented by his demons about love he finds himself desiring Beth.
Sledge, the youngest of the Rata brothers, finds himself in a different situation, dealing with the affections of his best mate Corey (Beth's brother). Diagnosed with cancer Corey truly loves Sledge (but more than just friends). This to me was the sweetest of relationships and I loved their story running thru the book. I adored Corey especially when he was embarrassed or sad he would pull his beanie over his face (too damn cute).
Last but by no means least Juliet, Sledge's twin sister. The story surrounding poor Juliet is quite funny.
I loved this story and look forward the reading the next in series.
The author did a number on me...and not for the first time well done Marita loved this.
The story centers around "The Rata Family" living in a South Auckland neighbourhood where drink, drugs sex and violence is a way of life.
Ash the eldest of the Rata brother's crushed by events that happened 10 years ago after he was brutally raped by his stepfather. Trying to move on with his life and also with the added factor his first love walked out on him. Ash moves forward into a new relationship with Beth, but he finds it very hard to open up to her. Beth feeling left out finds herself dangerously falling for Dante.
Dante
Dante Hot. Hot. Hot. you could say he was dipped in chocolate girls & guys finding him irresistible. Dante being a complete flirt.
Yes Damn right he does...
Dante's trouble was he feared no one will ever love him, especially after a naked picture of him was flaunted around town. Making him feel more of a manwhore than he already was. He wished he was more like Ash, girls alway wanting him as a keeper. Whilst Dante felt he ended up with all of the one night stands. Tormented by his demons about love he finds himself desiring Beth.
Sledge, the youngest of the Rata brothers, finds himself in a different situation, dealing with the affections of his best mate Corey (Beth's brother). Diagnosed with cancer Corey truly loves Sledge (but more than just friends). This to me was the sweetest of relationships and I loved their story running thru the book. I adored Corey especially when he was embarrassed or sad he would pull his beanie over his face (too damn cute).
Last but by no means least Juliet, Sledge's twin sister. The story surrounding poor Juliet is quite funny.
I loved this story and look forward the reading the next in series.
The author did a number on me...and not for the first time well done Marita loved this.
May 1, 2015
I called it quits at 44%. These people are all horrible. They treat each other terribly. Hurt each other both purposely out of spite and hate as well as accidentally out of stupidity and ignorance.
I'm confused as to how people actually liked Ash. I don't feel like I know him at all, except that he was a terrible boyfriend to Beth. If you don't like her, dump her. Everyone thought she was a bitch, and yes, she should have just left him as well, but I can relate to being in a neglectful relationship and it can make you do crazy things.
Corey and Sledge is the only story I really want to follow, but I can't like Sledge Cuz he slapped his sister. And had clearly done it before. And everyone seems fine with this. I'd like to see Beth and Dante get a HEA but he just lashes out so much it's crazy unhealthy. They're all pretty toxic and need some serious anger management classes.
EDIT: okay, so I caved and finished this. Although I just sped through, skipping everything except dialogue. I can understand everyone's hatred of Beth better now, she really does get annoying. And the resolution with her and Dante was completely unsatisfying. It's all just so weird and random, and a lot of the dialogue is awkward. I also couldn't stand all the casual gay-bashing, even from the people who were supposedly okay with it. I still think they're all Dicks, with a capital D. And does anybody in New Zealand use effen condoms?!?
Borrowed in the 2015 April Free-For-All in Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
I'm confused as to how people actually liked Ash. I don't feel like I know him at all, except that he was a terrible boyfriend to Beth. If you don't like her, dump her. Everyone thought she was a bitch, and yes, she should have just left him as well, but I can relate to being in a neglectful relationship and it can make you do crazy things.
Corey and Sledge is the only story I really want to follow, but I can't like Sledge Cuz he slapped his sister. And had clearly done it before. And everyone seems fine with this. I'd like to see Beth and Dante get a HEA but he just lashes out so much it's crazy unhealthy. They're all pretty toxic and need some serious anger management classes.
EDIT: okay, so I caved and finished this. Although I just sped through, skipping everything except dialogue. I can understand everyone's hatred of Beth better now, she really does get annoying. And the resolution with her and Dante was completely unsatisfying. It's all just so weird and random, and a lot of the dialogue is awkward. I also couldn't stand all the casual gay-bashing, even from the people who were supposedly okay with it. I still think they're all Dicks, with a capital D. And does anybody in New Zealand use effen condoms?!?
Borrowed in the 2015 April Free-For-All in Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
November 14, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Dante, ash, sledge and Corey. I love them all. I think Dante might be my favorite although i hate his love is the annoying BITCH but I loved sledge and Corey, even though at times i felt it was a little Un real how they happened.
And ash my heart hurt for him, he's been through hell and when he thinks everything is finally right SHIT hits the fan again.
I did have some problems at times understanding the slang but, for me, didn't take anything away from the story.
I Liked Tiana, Beth annoyed the shit out of me, and I liked juliet, felt bad for how everyone treated her.
Hopefully she can get someone who appreciates her.
Full review to come.
And ash my heart hurt for him, he's been through hell and when he thinks everything is finally right SHIT hits the fan again.
I did have some problems at times understanding the slang but, for me, didn't take anything away from the story.
I Liked Tiana, Beth annoyed the shit out of me, and I liked juliet, felt bad for how everyone treated her.
Hopefully she can get someone who appreciates her.
Full review to come.
January 16, 2013
This tale of three brothers and their family, is a tale not for the feint of heart. You would not be able to put it down once you start reading. It's shocking, gritty and crass at times but it's an eye opener and a great read.
December 29, 2012
I really didn't think this book was going to be as good as (Book 1) where we read about Tama who was like a train wreck ready to happen, this book for me ticked all the boxes also, had the two hotter than hot brothers who were always mistaken for the other, only difference in appearance was Dante had a tattoo round his eye, you also had a glimpse of the love as a family unit, which wasn't so strong in the beginning but came across more as you kept reading, times I was caught laughing, others I was caught feeling so sad for what Ash went through, so a real emotional roller coaster of a ride..I loved this book, I felt more connected with the characters in this book than (Book 1)..Just loved it from start to finish!! Gets my 5/5 stars!!
December 30, 2012
I started this book Friday evening and was finished by Saturday morning. I LOOOOOOVED this book. I skipped book one to start this because of the great reviews. This was well worth it. Who can pass up hot tattooed men that wear leathers? Exactly. The stories went well together and it was great how at every turn someone got tossed under the bus. I'm not doing this book any justice with this review because I'm not sure where to begin. It was that awesome.
February 2, 2013
This was a surprisingly good book. I enjoyed it alot.
There were alot of drama going on in this book. Sometimes it was hard to keep up, but it kept me interested.
I loved all the characters. My favourite would be Dante. His a little crazy, but his awesome. I love Sledge too. Im not really into M/M romance, but I think Sledge and Corey are great together.
A great book to read. Well done Marita.
There were alot of drama going on in this book. Sometimes it was hard to keep up, but it kept me interested.
I loved all the characters. My favourite would be Dante. His a little crazy, but his awesome. I love Sledge too. Im not really into M/M romance, but I think Sledge and Corey are great together.
A great book to read. Well done Marita.
August 16, 2013
What a fantastic ride! So many characters, so many stories, so much drama, it totally worked!
September 7, 2016
please dear author
just KILL Bethy-bitch maybe in the forth book... please!!!
i can't stand that awful being, she is worst character in the history of worst characters.
just KILL Bethy-bitch maybe in the forth book... please!!!
i can't stand that awful being, she is worst character in the history of worst characters.
August 20, 2013
I liked this book more than Behind The Hood and Graffiti Heaven. I think the characters it focused on were great. I know I'm supposed to be in love with Ash and Dante and don't get me wrong I like them and the picture of Ash on the cover is smokin' hot. But it was Corey and Sledge that I fell in love with during this book! I didn't really like them in 'Behind The Hood', mainly because they were friends with Tama and I hated him! OMG! The shower scene in the hospital at the end sealed the deal with Corey and Sledge. I want to be reading more scenes like that! Fingers crossed for the next book!
Back to Tama, I was so happy when I read he died so imagen my shock when it turns out he was alive the whole time. What a twist. And Chaz! Who's still not out of the picture and after everything he has done to Ash :( I wasn't really sure about the relationship between Dante and Beth. Something there just didn't feel real to me. I'm not sure it's a relationship you'd start buying a wedding hat for. I don't see it lasting. I like Dante and I can see why he's a big draw for women but he's def not a long term kinda guy. I missed Nike and Jess during this book. Really liked them in the last one so I hope they pop up at another point during the series.
Now for the bad points. There was only one really and that was at one point during the book it just seemed like someone was getting beat up every five minutes. It seemed like all the characters got a bashing over a short space of time. I know the characters are meant to be violent but sometimes it's abit much. I'm glad these are all fictional characters. The world does not need anymore of these guys.
The reason above is why the book doesn't get full marks but really do not let what I just wrote put you off because this is a book well worth buying and so far the series has been strong. I am GUTTED I have to wait until October until 'Behind The Lens' comes out in paperback! Just buy the damm book people!
Back to Tama, I was so happy when I read he died so imagen my shock when it turns out he was alive the whole time. What a twist. And Chaz! Who's still not out of the picture and after everything he has done to Ash :( I wasn't really sure about the relationship between Dante and Beth. Something there just didn't feel real to me. I'm not sure it's a relationship you'd start buying a wedding hat for. I don't see it lasting. I like Dante and I can see why he's a big draw for women but he's def not a long term kinda guy. I missed Nike and Jess during this book. Really liked them in the last one so I hope they pop up at another point during the series.
Now for the bad points. There was only one really and that was at one point during the book it just seemed like someone was getting beat up every five minutes. It seemed like all the characters got a bashing over a short space of time. I know the characters are meant to be violent but sometimes it's abit much. I'm glad these are all fictional characters. The world does not need anymore of these guys.
The reason above is why the book doesn't get full marks but really do not let what I just wrote put you off because this is a book well worth buying and so far the series has been strong. I am GUTTED I have to wait until October until 'Behind The Lens' comes out in paperback! Just buy the damm book people!
February 2, 2013
As with the first two novels by Marita A. Hansen, I found myself becoming emotionally involved with these characters right from the very first chapter. It was easy to forget I was reading a novel of fiction rather than following the chaotic lives of real people. Her characters came across gut wrenchingly real to this reader and forced me to keep turning those pages until long past my bedtime, not just because I found myself interested in what might happen, but because I 'HAD' to know. My only reason for dropping the score from five stars to four was the tendency to have minor characters unable to keep secrets. I found myself questioning a few areas concerning this, which unfortunately took me out of the action. This is probably a personal issue and might not bother many other readers. Overall, it wasn't enough to interfere with my enjoyment. It is not an easy read in that life is tough and not always fair. I believe Behind the Tears offers a realistic view into how people can find themselves trapped into a drug, violence, and gang related lifestyle. Definitely worth the reasonable price I paid for my Kindle copy and a story I know I'll read again in the future.
September 20, 2013
This book was a psychology class, learning about rape, bipolar, post traumatic stress disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and the list can go on. It also remind me of a movie that I saw, which I did love "Once were Warriors" OMG, so much tragic, one after the other, but how a family unity can push all the things aside. I was heart broken with Ash, Dante, Sledge, Juliet they have went through so much in their younger years. Tiana and Angelo loved them, regardless of the situation she still love her Man. Beth, was a confused child, she did get on my last nerve; she didn't know what to do, she know what she did was wrong; Corey, what an adorable guy, he didn't know what to do with his emotions toward Sledge. Loved Ash and Dante, regardless there traumatic situation, there characters was so strong, that I was truly proud of them. Loved the words of their language, Maori and Croatian, who beautiful. I must admit I am a fan of the history of New Zealand the the Maori tribe. I applaud Ms. Marita A. Hansen for writing such a great book.
December 30, 2014
I didn't so much as read this book as devour it. I didn't really stop except for food and other necessities. While reading I was transported into these characters lives, and even though they definitely weren't full of sunshine and sweetness, I just couldn't stop reading.
The mix of characters kept me thoroughly entertained, and I became invested in them. Parts of this were hard reading, as Marita A Hansen wrote a dark, gritty story here, but I felt hope for these characters, and just had to know what was going to happen in there lives.
This book follows a range of people, everyone as important to the story as each other, and there was those I loved, those I hated and others that I that didn't have a big impact on me, just like real life.
Marita A Hansen, I may of been very late reading this book, but it was worth the wait, and you now have a new fan.
The mix of characters kept me thoroughly entertained, and I became invested in them. Parts of this were hard reading, as Marita A Hansen wrote a dark, gritty story here, but I felt hope for these characters, and just had to know what was going to happen in there lives.
This book follows a range of people, everyone as important to the story as each other, and there was those I loved, those I hated and others that I that didn't have a big impact on me, just like real life.
Marita A Hansen, I may of been very late reading this book, but it was worth the wait, and you now have a new fan.
December 26, 2012
4.5 stars - This was intense! I love Corey and Sledge and was so happy for them at the end. I was also happy that Ash and Tiana are back together, and interested to see what's going to happen between Dante and Beth. I'm not sure how much I actually like Beth right now though - I'm hoping I'll warm up to her in the next book. I really hope that Chaz dies, and can't believe Tama's back out! He is completely delusional. The poor Rata family can't seem to catch a break. And next Sledge and Juliet will find out that Ash and Dante aren't really their brothers. I hope that poor Juliet will find someone that loves her. I know I'm rambling, but I just finished the story and my mind's reeling. Loved this book and can't wait until the third one comes out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2013
What a really intense way to start 2013! I loved this book. It was angsty, emotional, irrational and very dramatic. There was so much going on but I managed to keep up. Terrific story and a first I've read with characters of their ethnicity and in their setting. Every character got their own POVs throughout which was really great as you were never left wondering what was going on in one of their heads.
A story about family but one that's really messed up, each in their own way. This was a really different read for me, don't think I read anything with any of the dimensions of this story-line before. It was refreshing, reading this from what was previously an unknown author for me. I really enjoyed it. Read it through my every spare minute since yesterday.
I would definitely recommend it!
A story about family but one that's really messed up, each in their own way. This was a really different read for me, don't think I read anything with any of the dimensions of this story-line before. It was refreshing, reading this from what was previously an unknown author for me. I really enjoyed it. Read it through my every spare minute since yesterday.
I would definitely recommend it!
May 21, 2014
Drama all over the place! And not much substance.
I really had a hard time keeping track of who was who because it felt like everyone had the same voice. Dante, Ash and Sledge are pretty much the same dude with minor differences. (one was raped, one's bi-polar, the other's having a gay crisis) Beth felt like an ugly stereotype and was ungodly with her nagging. Tiana was a minor note in that she was the only one acting smart about things, but ultimately took back her toxic as fuck baby daddy. Poor Juliet was the community punching bag. Corey was the only character I found charming until he got very aggressive with Sledge and started trying to sex him up which came across as super rapey. (Which was very unsettling as it unraveled alongside Ash's story.)
All in all: what.
I really had a hard time keeping track of who was who because it felt like everyone had the same voice. Dante, Ash and Sledge are pretty much the same dude with minor differences. (one was raped, one's bi-polar, the other's having a gay crisis) Beth felt like an ugly stereotype and was ungodly with her nagging. Tiana was a minor note in that she was the only one acting smart about things, but ultimately took back her toxic as fuck baby daddy. Poor Juliet was the community punching bag. Corey was the only character I found charming until he got very aggressive with Sledge and started trying to sex him up which came across as super rapey. (Which was very unsettling as it unraveled alongside Ash's story.)
All in all: what.
March 6, 2013
I finished a 9 book series and was left in that lonely readers point missing the characters. I had this on my kindle and I don't even remember buying it but I figured I'd give it a shot. Since I usually hate the first book I read after a good series I wasn't expecting much...but this one sucked me right in from start to finish. I started it last night and finished it in less than 24 hours. You know it's a good book when it's 3 am and the kids will be up at 6 and you still don't want to stop reading! It was a very unique story, I was a little lost at times because I haven't read any of the others, but I was still able to keep up with the story.
February 4, 2013
My oh my where to start. First let me say that I usually dont skip around within a series but when I read the description of this book, I had to read it. This book was AMAZING from beginning to end. I fell in love with Ash, Dante, Corey, Sledge hell I was even felling sorry for NAF!!! Beth was aggrevating but every book has to have at least one person you want to smack and she was the person for me.
I have to now go back and read the 1st book and then tap my foot impatiently waiting for book 3.
This was an exceptional book and more should be aware of this author.
I have to now go back and read the 1st book and then tap my foot impatiently waiting for book 3.
This was an exceptional book and more should be aware of this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews