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Bad in Baltimore #4
Bad Influence
To remake their future, they’ll have to use pieces of their broken past.
The young man the world knew as Jordan Barnett is dead, killed as much by the rejection of his first love at his moment of greatest need, as by his ultra-conservative parents’ effort to deprogram the gay away.
In his place is Silver, a streetwise survivor who’s spent the last three years learning to become untouchable…unless you’re willing to pay for the privilege. He shies away from anything that might hold him down long enough for betrayal to find him again.
Zebediah Harris spent time overseas, trying to outrun the guilt of turning his back on the young man he loved. Now, almost the moment he sets foot back in Baltimore, he discovers Silver on a street corner in a bad part of town. His effort to make amends lands them both in jail.
Trapped together in a cell, Silver sits on his mountain of secrets and plans a seductive form of revenge, but finds that using a heart as a stepping stone is no way to move past the one man he can’t forgive, let alone forget.
Warning: Contains a surly hero. May cause angst. A prolonged delay in sexual situations may cause frustration. Author recommends a steady dose of familiar friends and characters to alleviate those symptoms. No actual teenagers were used during the construction of the backstory.
The young man the world knew as Jordan Barnett is dead, killed as much by the rejection of his first love at his moment of greatest need, as by his ultra-conservative parents’ effort to deprogram the gay away.
In his place is Silver, a streetwise survivor who’s spent the last three years learning to become untouchable…unless you’re willing to pay for the privilege. He shies away from anything that might hold him down long enough for betrayal to find him again.
Zebediah Harris spent time overseas, trying to outrun the guilt of turning his back on the young man he loved. Now, almost the moment he sets foot back in Baltimore, he discovers Silver on a street corner in a bad part of town. His effort to make amends lands them both in jail.
Trapped together in a cell, Silver sits on his mountain of secrets and plans a seductive form of revenge, but finds that using a heart as a stepping stone is no way to move past the one man he can’t forgive, let alone forget.
Warning: Contains a surly hero. May cause angst. A prolonged delay in sexual situations may cause frustration. Author recommends a steady dose of familiar friends and characters to alleviate those symptoms. No actual teenagers were used during the construction of the backstory.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2014
19 people are currently reading
730 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Mitchell
43 books1,110 followersK.A. Mitchell discovered the magic of writing at an early age when she learned that a carefully crayoned note of apology sent to the kitchen in a toy truck would earn her a reprieve from banishment to her room. Her career as a spin-control artist was cut short when her family moved to a two-story house, and her trucks would not roll safely down the stairs. Around the same time, she decided that Chip and Ken made a much cuter couple than Ken and Barbie and was perplexed when invitations to play Barbie dropped off. She never stopped making stuff up, though, and was surprised to find out that people would pay her to do it. Although the men in her stories usually carry more emotional baggage than even LAX can lose in a year, she guarantees they always find their sexy way to a happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
November 22, 2014
*1.5 stars for the story + 0.5 stars for nostalgia*
I hate being wrong.
I was convinced, CONVINCED, that I was going to love this book despite the fact that most of my friends didn't. I mean, I loved Bad Company when most people didn't! I was SURE to enjoy anything K.A. Mitchell writes, right?
Wrong.
*Sobs in a corner*
I was about 70% through the book when it hit me: I don't like this story and it isn't getting any better. I was waiting and waiting and waiting for the story to turn around, to really grab me and it just never did.
First of all, it's a sad day when the cover of a K.A. Mitchell book is hotter than the inside.
In the beginning, I felt totally neutral towards the story. However, as time went on, things began to really bother me.
It's true what everyone says: This story is cluttered as F. It is filled to the brim with accessory characters, people that populated the previous books. And while that's okay in small doses, it really detracted from the two MCs here. I was really sick of Eli by the end of this story, and I was so tired of the repetitiveness of the characterizations of the other guys. I already know Eli, Jamie, Quinn (yadda yadda), you don't need to keep telling me about them and who they are! I want to learn about SILVER!
It is also true that Silver and Zeb don't have great chemistry. It is baffling that a K.A. Mitchell book could have so little heat. We know Silver and Zeb like each other because we are TOLD that they do. I didn't feel the attraction between them. It was lackluster all the way through, and though it tried to be tender, it came across as uncomfortable for me.
In my opinion, there isn't anything really wrong with this story, there just isn't a whole lot right with it. It was a "throw everyone in the pot" kind of plot way too many characters chiming in, along with pointless boating trips and library excursions. It felt dull, frankly, it was a let down.
I hate being wrong.
I hate being wrong.
I was convinced, CONVINCED, that I was going to love this book despite the fact that most of my friends didn't. I mean, I loved Bad Company when most people didn't! I was SURE to enjoy anything K.A. Mitchell writes, right?
Wrong.
*Sobs in a corner*
I was about 70% through the book when it hit me: I don't like this story and it isn't getting any better. I was waiting and waiting and waiting for the story to turn around, to really grab me and it just never did.
First of all, it's a sad day when the cover of a K.A. Mitchell book is hotter than the inside.
In the beginning, I felt totally neutral towards the story. However, as time went on, things began to really bother me.
It's true what everyone says: This story is cluttered as F. It is filled to the brim with accessory characters, people that populated the previous books. And while that's okay in small doses, it really detracted from the two MCs here. I was really sick of Eli by the end of this story, and I was so tired of the repetitiveness of the characterizations of the other guys. I already know Eli, Jamie, Quinn (yadda yadda), you don't need to keep telling me about them and who they are! I want to learn about SILVER!
It is also true that Silver and Zeb don't have great chemistry. It is baffling that a K.A. Mitchell book could have so little heat. We know Silver and Zeb like each other because we are TOLD that they do. I didn't feel the attraction between them. It was lackluster all the way through, and though it tried to be tender, it came across as uncomfortable for me.
In my opinion, there isn't anything really wrong with this story, there just isn't a whole lot right with it. It was a "throw everyone in the pot" kind of plot way too many characters chiming in, along with pointless boating trips and library excursions. It felt dull, frankly, it was a let down.
I hate being wrong.
March 31, 2014
OK, first off let me start off saying this review I’m about to write pains me. I love K.A. Mitchell’s books, well most of them. I like that her characters have ‘fronts’ and they are assholes. They fight; they fuck, rinse and repeat. How they communicate is through the sex. The sex says what they refuse to say. She’s normally my Queen of Smut. That being said: I can’t think of anything I liked in this book other than Gavin and Jaime, two characters from the previous book in this series. Yes, even the main characters, Zeb and Silver, I couldn’t find anything about them that hooked me. And I’ll get to Eli and his halfway house for gay boys in a bit.
Many of this author’s books don’t have extravagant backstories, but in this book, the author attempted to do that. But I think when you are trying to work in a 16 yr. old kid lying about his age, getting sent to a reformatory camp, a missionary, jail, prostitution, HIV, bad families, etc. it’s a bit like what the fuck do I focus on. But what hindered the story with all of that going on is that previous characters kept making unnecessary appearances to tie everything together that Zeb and Silver never connected for me, sort of diffusing the focus of the novel instead of sharpening it. Zeb is one of those wet, limp, earnest, BORING characters and I can barely remember anything about him other than his appearance is similar to Jesus…or Jared Leto-Jesus. He appears in and out of the novel, never making a stamp. He just never felt developed as a character and he and Silver seem to be side characters in their own book, or at least not the main couple. Half-way through the book I realized that this might be the first book from this author where the reader doesn’t get both MCs POVs…and then I thought, do we even want Jesus’ POV?
There was no sexual tension between the two of them and when the author attempted to bring some heat it fell flat. For instance, their GED study sessions. I don’t care if they are playing footsie under the table; in fact, I don’t even buy that they would do that. The author writes really great alpha characters, but both Silver and Zeb are beta. With beta/beta you need a lot more non-sexual aspects and development or the story goes splat. Neither character takes control and it’s a circle of feeling guilty and wishy-washness. These two are only together to study and talk about the past without actually showing us any meaningful moments from the past. You can tell me up and down these two were in love, but I don't feel it at all. And 4 years has passed. Studying for your GED and going to visit your shitty parents and be around couples where you actively despise one member of each couple isn't bonding romantic times. There was way too much telling about their backstory, and in some ways that applies to all the happy couples too. We kept hearing how awesome they are...because they are in love and are awesome. Nothing really shows that.
It doesn’t help that Gavin/Jaime are more interesting that Silver and Zeb. There’s a part where Gavin drags off Jaime for sex and I realized I would have rather read that one sex scene that this book. I guess you could even include Eli/Quinn as being more interesting, but I personally find them annoying as fuck in this. This was one of those moments where I realized Eli is the star of this series, and he felt shoved down my throat. Seriously, the kid is in this A LOT. Not only is he in the book nonstop but he turns in to this insecure guy needing reassurance from Silver that Quinn still wants him. And if I read ONE more time about Eli being the best housewife ever, how happy he was to have a Daddy (Quinn), and how loud the two of them were when they had sex, I was going to scream.
Speaking again of Eli, in every book, he such a major presence and a bright blinking light of YOU MUST LIKE ELI that I just can't stand him. And to be honest, if I hadn't read Nate and Kellan's book or Gavin or Jaime's book I'm not sure I'd want to because the author kept reinforcing that Nate is a mondo dick and no one gets why Kellan likes him or is good to him and that everyone thinks Jaime is some brash asshole. And I can get the Nate thing but other than be a little bit rough and smug, Jaime seems like a really kind, nice guy. I don't get why they all make fun of him or dislike him.
Then you have ever sprightly Eli popping up with his boring boyfriend and Silver suggesting Eli blow Quinn because Quinn is jealous of Eli's attention. I've never heard of something so absurd. You are unhappy my art is doing well? Awwww, honey, let me blow you downstairs while our guest who is having his life go to hell is upstairs not able to come down until I shout for him. Jesus. There are all kinds of weird rabbit trails where Silver assures Eli that Quinn thinks he's awesome or tells Jamie that it's obvious Gavin adores him. And she always has him do this in ways and at times that make no sense. WTF do these other relationships and who is blowing who when have to do with anything, and why is it Silver's job to reassure them of this stuff? Especially when his head is such a mess and he has no energy or time or attention to pay to other people anyway, so it always feels kind of phony when he does it.
The only conversations these friends have seem to be about sex: who's topping who, old gay allusions to Greek and French (anal and oral), etc. I know they are guys. When Marco shows up, all he and Eli do is flirt and talk about having sex. But guys talk about more than sex, especially guys who are at a gallery opening together, or out on a yacht or hanging at a BBQ. So the whole story felt one-note, and hung up on sex not in a good way. At the same time, Silver and Zeb are only doing little tentative actual physical things throughout much of the story, so there is too much talk, talk, talk about sex rather than actually doing it. Reading this felt like being in a horny teenager's locker room. Which is boring and one-note.
There were lots of redundancy and repetition in this. It was constant. Silver always flashing back to the same moment at the retraining camp and mentioning it in his mind over and over, Eli being a good little suburban housewife, Zeb looking like Jesus, Jamie being pointed out as red haired and short, Marco being only interested in getting laid. Once is enough for any of this. Especially Silver's past at the camp. Either develop it more or drop it. Don't keep giving me the same scene over and over again. Silver’s parents were over the top and such a cliché that they left no impression on me, and I’ve actually forgotten everything they were mad at him about. Eli and Quinn invite all the gay boys who are lost and broken to their home, which leads to a PSA ending.
Last note: there is this character Marco and I seriously don’t like the kid or his storyline, so I don’t want to even go in to it, but I have a feeling she’s setting up his book with Beach and I will be crushed if that happens. Moving on.
So…um…yeah, I’m sorry, but I just did not like this book. I LOVE Gavin and Jaime and I would read them over and over again, but this book, for me, lacked focus and was a departure from this author’s usual. I’m still a HUGE fan of hers and will continue to read her books, but this will not go in my pile of favorites.
Reviewed for The Blog of Sid Love
Many of this author’s books don’t have extravagant backstories, but in this book, the author attempted to do that. But I think when you are trying to work in a 16 yr. old kid lying about his age, getting sent to a reformatory camp, a missionary, jail, prostitution, HIV, bad families, etc. it’s a bit like what the fuck do I focus on. But what hindered the story with all of that going on is that previous characters kept making unnecessary appearances to tie everything together that Zeb and Silver never connected for me, sort of diffusing the focus of the novel instead of sharpening it. Zeb is one of those wet, limp, earnest, BORING characters and I can barely remember anything about him other than his appearance is similar to Jesus…or Jared Leto-Jesus. He appears in and out of the novel, never making a stamp. He just never felt developed as a character and he and Silver seem to be side characters in their own book, or at least not the main couple. Half-way through the book I realized that this might be the first book from this author where the reader doesn’t get both MCs POVs…and then I thought, do we even want Jesus’ POV?
There was no sexual tension between the two of them and when the author attempted to bring some heat it fell flat. For instance, their GED study sessions. I don’t care if they are playing footsie under the table; in fact, I don’t even buy that they would do that. The author writes really great alpha characters, but both Silver and Zeb are beta. With beta/beta you need a lot more non-sexual aspects and development or the story goes splat. Neither character takes control and it’s a circle of feeling guilty and wishy-washness. These two are only together to study and talk about the past without actually showing us any meaningful moments from the past. You can tell me up and down these two were in love, but I don't feel it at all. And 4 years has passed. Studying for your GED and going to visit your shitty parents and be around couples where you actively despise one member of each couple isn't bonding romantic times. There was way too much telling about their backstory, and in some ways that applies to all the happy couples too. We kept hearing how awesome they are...because they are in love and are awesome. Nothing really shows that.
It doesn’t help that Gavin/Jaime are more interesting that Silver and Zeb. There’s a part where Gavin drags off Jaime for sex and I realized I would have rather read that one sex scene that this book. I guess you could even include Eli/Quinn as being more interesting, but I personally find them annoying as fuck in this. This was one of those moments where I realized Eli is the star of this series, and he felt shoved down my throat. Seriously, the kid is in this A LOT. Not only is he in the book nonstop but he turns in to this insecure guy needing reassurance from Silver that Quinn still wants him. And if I read ONE more time about Eli being the best housewife ever, how happy he was to have a Daddy (Quinn), and how loud the two of them were when they had sex, I was going to scream.
Speaking again of Eli, in every book, he such a major presence and a bright blinking light of YOU MUST LIKE ELI that I just can't stand him. And to be honest, if I hadn't read Nate and Kellan's book or Gavin or Jaime's book I'm not sure I'd want to because the author kept reinforcing that Nate is a mondo dick and no one gets why Kellan likes him or is good to him and that everyone thinks Jaime is some brash asshole. And I can get the Nate thing but other than be a little bit rough and smug, Jaime seems like a really kind, nice guy. I don't get why they all make fun of him or dislike him.
Then you have ever sprightly Eli popping up with his boring boyfriend and Silver suggesting Eli blow Quinn because Quinn is jealous of Eli's attention. I've never heard of something so absurd. You are unhappy my art is doing well? Awwww, honey, let me blow you downstairs while our guest who is having his life go to hell is upstairs not able to come down until I shout for him. Jesus. There are all kinds of weird rabbit trails where Silver assures Eli that Quinn thinks he's awesome or tells Jamie that it's obvious Gavin adores him. And she always has him do this in ways and at times that make no sense. WTF do these other relationships and who is blowing who when have to do with anything, and why is it Silver's job to reassure them of this stuff? Especially when his head is such a mess and he has no energy or time or attention to pay to other people anyway, so it always feels kind of phony when he does it.
The only conversations these friends have seem to be about sex: who's topping who, old gay allusions to Greek and French (anal and oral), etc. I know they are guys. When Marco shows up, all he and Eli do is flirt and talk about having sex. But guys talk about more than sex, especially guys who are at a gallery opening together, or out on a yacht or hanging at a BBQ. So the whole story felt one-note, and hung up on sex not in a good way. At the same time, Silver and Zeb are only doing little tentative actual physical things throughout much of the story, so there is too much talk, talk, talk about sex rather than actually doing it. Reading this felt like being in a horny teenager's locker room. Which is boring and one-note.
There were lots of redundancy and repetition in this. It was constant. Silver always flashing back to the same moment at the retraining camp and mentioning it in his mind over and over, Eli being a good little suburban housewife, Zeb looking like Jesus, Jamie being pointed out as red haired and short, Marco being only interested in getting laid. Once is enough for any of this. Especially Silver's past at the camp. Either develop it more or drop it. Don't keep giving me the same scene over and over again. Silver’s parents were over the top and such a cliché that they left no impression on me, and I’ve actually forgotten everything they were mad at him about. Eli and Quinn invite all the gay boys who are lost and broken to their home, which leads to a PSA ending.
Last note: there is this character Marco and I seriously don’t like the kid or his storyline, so I don’t want to even go in to it, but I have a feeling she’s setting up his book with Beach and I will be crushed if that happens. Moving on.
So…um…yeah, I’m sorry, but I just did not like this book. I LOVE Gavin and Jaime and I would read them over and over again, but this book, for me, lacked focus and was a departure from this author’s usual. I’m still a HUGE fan of hers and will continue to read her books, but this will not go in my pile of favorites.
Reviewed for The Blog of Sid Love
August 10, 2016
Please excuse the gifs. I'm in a glass case of emotion.
Me, before reading the book.
Me, after reading the book.
I suppose even a favourite author can miss the mark sometimes. Still, I was so totally stoked to read this book. And now I'm so totally bummed.
Me, before reading the book.
Me, after reading the book.
I suppose even a favourite author can miss the mark sometimes. Still, I was so totally stoked to read this book. And now I'm so totally bummed.
Read
April 15, 2014Buddy read this book (and the others in the series with me & KA Mitchell, and win stuff: http://heidicullinan.wordpress.com/20...
I've read it, and I have many feels. But I'm still digesting. As Zeb would say, CAN YOU GIVE ME A MINUTE?
But I'm seriously going to have questions for the boys. And Ms. Mitchell.
Also, purrr.
I've read it, and I have many feels. But I'm still digesting. As Zeb would say, CAN YOU GIVE ME A MINUTE?
But I'm seriously going to have questions for the boys. And Ms. Mitchell.
Also, purrr.
May 2, 2014
I just didn't connect with the characters. Zeb seemed completely blah and flavorless. I mean other than picturing him as Jared Leto (a moment of hotness) he just felt so generic a character I had no investment in him at all. Silver was better but he starts out with that attitude that makes him hard to like. He evolved by the end to being someone you could understand more and really like but I felt like he and Zeb had zero chemistry. I just wasn't feeling it. When you add in this book was as much about Eli and Quinn and all the others - and it's been a while since I read some of those books - it just didn't flow well for me and I found myself having to constantly sort out who was who in my head. Quinn and Gavin in my head became the same person for some reason and I had a heck of a time remembering who was with who. I didn't like Marco at all - all that constant switching Spanish to English drove me batshit crazy frankly...because I'm from San Diego where there are a lot of people who speak both and I never hear people talk like that. The constant translation he was doing - I couldn't read a whole book of it. Maybe I'm much more sensitive because I lived for so long in a place that was comfy with both languages and nearly everything is in both that this felt more forced and for effect rather than natural. Overall just o.k. to me.
November 21, 2014
3.5 stars
I was glad to finally get Silver's story and I loved his character. His life has been beyond difficult and he is paying a heavy price for some bad decisions. Zeb is the one person he ever loved and the person who sent him away when he was desperate for help. When Zeb shows up and wants to be a part of Silver's life things get out of control. Silver decides to get some revenge for all the pain Zeb caused him, even in the face of Zeb's apologies, but his plan doesn't work out as he hopes.
It was nice catching up with everyone from the prior books and getting more about Marco. I felt like there was a little something missing in the interactions between the couple and I wanted to know a little more about what was going on in Zeb's head. Overall I was happy with the story, but wanted just a bit more from it.
I was glad to finally get Silver's story and I loved his character. His life has been beyond difficult and he is paying a heavy price for some bad decisions. Zeb is the one person he ever loved and the person who sent him away when he was desperate for help. When Zeb shows up and wants to be a part of Silver's life things get out of control. Silver decides to get some revenge for all the pain Zeb caused him, even in the face of Zeb's apologies, but his plan doesn't work out as he hopes.
It was nice catching up with everyone from the prior books and getting more about Marco. I felt like there was a little something missing in the interactions between the couple and I wanted to know a little more about what was going on in Zeb's head. Overall I was happy with the story, but wanted just a bit more from it.
April 13, 2014
A joint review with fellow Blogger Girl Susan65.
Susan: I live just outside Baltimore and feel like jumping into my car and finding all the guys from this series; especially Silver and Eli. I know this book is about Silver and Zeb, but the friendship between Eli and Silver was the real winner in this book for me. Could be that Eli’s book was my favorite and so I was beside myself having another healthy dose of my favorite Bad in Baltimore series character. Oh Eli…sigh.
Jen: I fell in love with Eli as well, but I’ve really been waiting for Silver’s story. I liked him from the very beginning, before really even knowing what he’d been through. I just knew there were good reasons for him behavior, and I love that Eli always sees through that and continues to tuck Silver under his wing.
Susan: Silver, Silver, Silver. We met him as Eli’s friend in Bad Boyfriend and he really needed to have his story told. The poor guy had it rough…and it’s no wonder he ran when he saw Zeb, I would have run too. Silver was raised by wealthy religious zealots who kicked his rear end to a camp to “cure” him of his gayness. How sick is that? The abuse he found in that camp was horrendous, and it’s no wonder he chose life on the streets instead. Seriously, his options were choosing the lesser of two evils…and all the crap that comes with it.
Jen: I loved learning about Silver’s past and what led him to where he is today. He really does try to do the right thing, though that doesn’t always happen. I absolutely love these kinds of characters, so I was drawn to his story and wanted every detail I could get. He has certainly been dealt a lot of crap hands in his life, and it was really a joy to see his friends (which he finally realizes he has and what that means) really pull through and help him get past his issues.
The story: Zeb loved Jordan. Jordan was everything to him…even though he realized he was young. Of course Jordan lied about his age, and Zeb was only 22 years old himself, but still, Zeb is a teacher not a pedophile (though he has struggled to believe this himself). So when Jordan escapes from the camp and runs straight to his lover for help, Zeb closes the door in his face.
In the meantime, Jordan gave up his real name and kept the moniker of Silver given to him by a druggie he befriended on the streets. He wasn’t Jordan anymore and he never would be. He was now simply Silver. But Silver was fortunate to have met Eli during his time on the streets. Having Eli look out for him and become his best friend saved Silver in many ways. And once Eli finds his own sugar daddy in Quinn and moves to the suburbs, Eli stays his friend and tries to help Silver any way he can. See why we love the feisty little firecracker Eli? Seriously, we adore that man.
However, Zeb is back, and even though he is still tied to his religion, he is also still in love with Jordan and wants to find him. He has lived with the guilt of tossing him away, and once he learns what Silver had to do to survive on the streets, his guilt sky rockets, especially when he learns that he’s now also HIV positive. How can Zeb ever forgive himself and how can his Jordie, now Silver, ever forgive or trust him again?
Final thoughts: Needless to say, this is a romance and one with a happy ending, but the road there isn’t easy. There are a lot of hurt feelings, trips to visit parents that don’t deserve to be parents, all starting with a side trip to the Baltimore City jail. But the main focus was friends being really, really good friends. We see friends stepping up to the plate when you have no one else to stand beside you. And best of all, we have a full reunion from all the guys from the previous Bad in Baltimore books making multiple appearances and reminding us of why we loved them all so much. As for us, that was Eli and Silver. Our two favorite characters who beat the odds and made it.
November 14, 2014
There really aren't any words I can say about Silver except that I love him. I want to hold him and rock him and tell him everything is okay and I love him over and over and over again. However, yeah, this is a big one. Too forgiving. UGH! I wanted to knock some sense into him for talking to Zeb.
You see, I really didn't like Zeb. Why you ask? Maybe because I didn't really KNOW him. I didn't get his actions. I didn't really FEEL him like I did Silver. This book is all from Silver's POV and that made a huge impact. I think we NEEDED Zeb's POV to tell his side of the story.
You see, Zeb and Silver are former lovers but shit hits the fan and it turns uglier than ugly. Now 4 years later they see each other again and....I don't know. I wanted Silver to give Zeb the one finger salute and say adios, but that didn't happen. Since it didn't I really didn't care about them. Is that bad? I never really gave Zeb a chance, but he really hurt Silver and I can't forgive him that easily, even if Silver can.
I also needed more from them if they were going to be together. Like Zeb's religion. Is that going to be a problem for Silver? That could be a major obstacle for some people. Yeah, I needed more about Zeb. How and when did he change? Silver kept making references to their past
Jamie? Yeah, I still hate your dick ass. Gavin. Oh man. Something happened inside of me to make me melt for you. I don't know exactly when, but I am seeing a totally different side of you and I love it. PLEASE don't go back to being aloof Gavin. Don't go back to party boy Gavin. Don't go back to dickish Gavin.
Are we going to see a Marco story coming soon? I am not sure how I feel about that. He seems to be really immature. Who knows, maybe he'll be my next Eli since I really didn't like Eli in the first book.
You see, I really didn't like Zeb. Why you ask? Maybe because I didn't really KNOW him. I didn't get his actions. I didn't really FEEL him like I did Silver. This book is all from Silver's POV and that made a huge impact. I think we NEEDED Zeb's POV to tell his side of the story.
You see, Zeb and Silver are former lovers but shit hits the fan and it turns uglier than ugly. Now 4 years later they see each other again and....I don't know. I wanted Silver to give Zeb the one finger salute and say adios, but that didn't happen. Since it didn't I really didn't care about them. Is that bad? I never really gave Zeb a chance, but he really hurt Silver and I can't forgive him that easily, even if Silver can.
I also needed more from them if they were going to be together. Like Zeb's religion. Is that going to be a problem for Silver? That could be a major obstacle for some people. Yeah, I needed more about Zeb. How and when did he change? Silver kept making references to their past
Jamie? Yeah, I still hate your dick ass. Gavin. Oh man. Something happened inside of me to make me melt for you. I don't know exactly when, but I am seeing a totally different side of you and I love it. PLEASE don't go back to being aloof Gavin. Don't go back to party boy Gavin. Don't go back to dickish Gavin.
Are we going to see a Marco story coming soon? I am not sure how I feel about that. He seems to be really immature. Who knows, maybe he'll be my next Eli since I really didn't like Eli in the first book.
September 18, 2014
1.5 Stars
Sad, sad, sad is how I feel. I love Mitchell, but this book was a royal mess and it draaaaaged. Silver's story could have had some power behind it, but all we got was his "poor me" attitude. Alongside of that was Silver's constant worry over Zeb rejecting him again. It was a huge turn-off. Then we have Zeb, the complete dud! There was nothing to him; zero character development. Plus, he's was hardly in the book. All her characters from this series made an appearance. I loved the bits from Gavin and Jamie. She gave us just enough to want more and to remember what I loved about them in the first place. Now on to Eli. I adored him in his book, but in this book, it was too much. There was nothing new or exciting to him. It bothered me because he was taking up too much time, when the focus should have been more on Silver and Zeb. Then we have Marco. All I can say is thank goodness he is not the MC in her next book. He was childish and the switch from Spanish to English drove me nuts.
My last complaint was about the sex. It was a snooze fest. I can't believe I'm saying this about a Mitchell book, but alas it's true. Mitchell has the unique ability to use sex to develop her characters, to push them beyond their limitations and boundaries, to open their eyes, and to communicate, while still being hot. This was not the case here. I didn't feel anything between this couple.
This book was disjointed and fell flat. I'm disappointed, but a couple of strikes aren't enough for me to write her off. There has been far more love for her books than displeasure.
Sad, sad, sad is how I feel. I love Mitchell, but this book was a royal mess and it draaaaaged. Silver's story could have had some power behind it, but all we got was his "poor me" attitude. Alongside of that was Silver's constant worry over Zeb rejecting him again. It was a huge turn-off. Then we have Zeb, the complete dud! There was nothing to him; zero character development. Plus, he's was hardly in the book. All her characters from this series made an appearance. I loved the bits from Gavin and Jamie. She gave us just enough to want more and to remember what I loved about them in the first place. Now on to Eli. I adored him in his book, but in this book, it was too much. There was nothing new or exciting to him. It bothered me because he was taking up too much time, when the focus should have been more on Silver and Zeb. Then we have Marco. All I can say is thank goodness he is not the MC in her next book. He was childish and the switch from Spanish to English drove me nuts.
My last complaint was about the sex. It was a snooze fest. I can't believe I'm saying this about a Mitchell book, but alas it's true. Mitchell has the unique ability to use sex to develop her characters, to push them beyond their limitations and boundaries, to open their eyes, and to communicate, while still being hot. This was not the case here. I didn't feel anything between this couple.
This book was disjointed and fell flat. I'm disappointed, but a couple of strikes aren't enough for me to write her off. There has been far more love for her books than displeasure.
April 24, 2014
Bad in Baltimore #4 is Jordan Barnett aka Silver's story. What a story it is! This time K.A. Mitchell has chosen to address one of the most pressing problems in the gay community. The disenfranchised LGBT youth. Silver has suffered the ultimate blow in his young life, his family has kicked him to the curb, like an errant piece of trash. Silver lived on the streets since then,trusting no one. living hand to mouth, doing whatever had to be done to survive.
One night after 3 years, Silver runs into the love of his life Zeb Harris, both are arrested in a scuffle. Silver has a fake id, which lands him in a ton of hot water. Eli comes to Silver's rescue bringing,Gavin, Jamie, and Quinn into the picture. That bad night sets in motion events that will forever change Silver, Zeb and the rest of the gang.
This is about making your family, not being born into it. It is about friendship, love, trust and sometimes out of the worse nightmares dreams are born. This time there is less humor, more tears, but it did not diminsh my love for this story. I give it the "pot at the end of the rainboww" full of stars.
I hope that everyone that reads this book will take the time to volunteer or donate to the nearest organization for LGBT youth. We can all be their family.
One night after 3 years, Silver runs into the love of his life Zeb Harris, both are arrested in a scuffle. Silver has a fake id, which lands him in a ton of hot water. Eli comes to Silver's rescue bringing,Gavin, Jamie, and Quinn into the picture. That bad night sets in motion events that will forever change Silver, Zeb and the rest of the gang.
This is about making your family, not being born into it. It is about friendship, love, trust and sometimes out of the worse nightmares dreams are born. This time there is less humor, more tears, but it did not diminsh my love for this story. I give it the "pot at the end of the rainboww" full of stars.
I hope that everyone that reads this book will take the time to volunteer or donate to the nearest organization for LGBT youth. We can all be their family.
March 2, 2016
3.2 Stars
What the fuck happened? I should have loved this book...I really was interested in Silver's story (originally) but then the whole thing just got preachy (pun intended). I mean, I get that all of those things Silver felt he had to do to escape, to survive...prostituting himself and eventually contracting HIV...those are all heavy, emotional weights for someone so young to deal with. But, damn. This was all over the place and boring at the same time. I can't even articulate my disappointment.
And Jeebus, I know I've mentioned how much I like the previous characters being interwoven to make the current title cohesive but fuck me running I can't take any more of Eli. This was half his book when he already HAS ONE. And it didn't make me like it any more. Also, everyone needs to lay off of Nate. I think there's some missing scenes where Nate is a dick for no reason than he can be - because there is no reason for people to hate on him that way. He's actually more interesting than Kellan, Gavin AND Zeb.
Damn, I hope Marco's book doesn't go this way...
What the fuck happened? I should have loved this book...I really was interested in Silver's story (originally) but then the whole thing just got preachy (pun intended). I mean, I get that all of those things Silver felt he had to do to escape, to survive...prostituting himself and eventually contracting HIV...those are all heavy, emotional weights for someone so young to deal with. But, damn. This was all over the place and boring at the same time. I can't even articulate my disappointment.
And Jeebus, I know I've mentioned how much I like the previous characters being interwoven to make the current title cohesive but fuck me running I can't take any more of Eli. This was half his book when he already HAS ONE. And it didn't make me like it any more. Also, everyone needs to lay off of Nate. I think there's some missing scenes where Nate is a dick for no reason than he can be - because there is no reason for people to hate on him that way. He's actually more interesting than Kellan, Gavin AND Zeb.
Damn, I hope Marco's book doesn't go this way...
August 9, 2015
★★☆☆☆ ~ 2 Stars
Meh - thought this would never end. Zeb didn't seem to have much personality and although he's not spouting religion right now while he's trying to win Jordan/Silver back, speaking from my experience, it's not far from the surface.
And Silver, don't get why everybody thought so much of him.
So, not a winner for me.
Meh - thought this would never end. Zeb didn't seem to have much personality and although he's not spouting religion right now while he's trying to win Jordan/Silver back, speaking from my experience, it's not far from the surface.
And Silver, don't get why everybody thought so much of him.
So, not a winner for me.
April 15, 2014
A very hard read at times, but really good. Possibly my favorite of the series.
April 24, 2014
This is a great book and series !! I absolutely loved it and reccomend it to anyone! Hopefully there is another book coming out in this series!!
September 4, 2023
And KA Mitchell does it again, it never stops surprising me how invested I become with some author's characters. Even if im obsessed with military/FBI m-m books there's just something about contemporary novels where people have normal issues, none of them have perfect aim with a gun or are being chased by a psychopath, this particular book was rough and raw and kinda sad too, it was simply perfect.
So this is book 4 in KA's Bad in Baltimore series. It's Silver's story.
Silver 'Jordan Barnett' is a flawed and wounded character, after his parents rejection of who he is and his first love giving his back to him, Silver runs away, he's a survivor, after spending the last three years of his life as a street hooker and porn not-so-star, he has decided to never trust anyone, since its obvious to him sooner of later they will fuck you over, and not in the good way.
Enter Zebediah 'Zeb' Harris, after spending time in Haiti doing work for the needy, trying to get away from the guilt that plagued him after turning his back on his one and only love. But when he get back to Baltimore and finds Silver in a not-so-good part of town, his effort to make things right ends up with them in jail.
After getting out on bail, Silver has to decide if he's willing to turn his life around or end up possibly in jail, with the help of his friends and determination he's willing to change, but Zeb also deserves to pay, and he will make him.
BEWARE SPOILERS
SO this book, it was complicated for me, a BIG part of me wanted to hate Zeb so badly, but at the same time, he was just as wounded as Silver, and Silver's past just made what to cry for him at life's unfairness.
I'll admit I loved seeing the whole Baltimore gang, Quinn & Eli, i fucking adore them to pieces, Gavin and Jamie *pants while trying to calm down* and even if Nate and Kellan didnt appear much, every time i read Kellan's name i got all tingly inside. And it was specially great seeing our characters living their own lives and loving each other, just loved that.
Jamie ignored that for a minute, cruising down the block before swinging a right to head back around to the main road. Silver hated the way he drove, with an arrogant attitude that he owned the goddamned road and everyone could get the fuck out of his way.
Its impossible not to love Jamie, he's an asshole but a smokin' hot one. And dont get me started on Eli...
“Cream?” he asked Eli, while he had the fridge open.
“No thanks. Had some already,” Eli purred. “Fresh and full of protein.”
“Yeah, whatever. Aren’t you the lucky bitch?”
And then there was Zeb and Silver, so darn entangled and complicated, the tension between them was palpable till the very end, it was different than most books, it was addicting and sad all at the same time.
Zeb kissed his forehead. “What time do you have to be at work?”
“We’ve got time.” Silver didn’t want to let go, so he wiped the hair from his face using Zeb’s shoulder.
“Not enough. Not for everything I want to do with you.”
So this is book 4 in KA's Bad in Baltimore series. It's Silver's story.
Silver 'Jordan Barnett' is a flawed and wounded character, after his parents rejection of who he is and his first love giving his back to him, Silver runs away, he's a survivor, after spending the last three years of his life as a street hooker and porn not-so-star, he has decided to never trust anyone, since its obvious to him sooner of later they will fuck you over, and not in the good way.
Enter Zebediah 'Zeb' Harris, after spending time in Haiti doing work for the needy, trying to get away from the guilt that plagued him after turning his back on his one and only love. But when he get back to Baltimore and finds Silver in a not-so-good part of town, his effort to make things right ends up with them in jail.
After getting out on bail, Silver has to decide if he's willing to turn his life around or end up possibly in jail, with the help of his friends and determination he's willing to change, but Zeb also deserves to pay, and he will make him.
BEWARE SPOILERS
SO this book, it was complicated for me, a BIG part of me wanted to hate Zeb so badly, but at the same time, he was just as wounded as Silver, and Silver's past just made what to cry for him at life's unfairness.
I'll admit I loved seeing the whole Baltimore gang, Quinn & Eli, i fucking adore them to pieces, Gavin and Jamie *pants while trying to calm down* and even if Nate and Kellan didnt appear much, every time i read Kellan's name i got all tingly inside. And it was specially great seeing our characters living their own lives and loving each other, just loved that.
Jamie ignored that for a minute, cruising down the block before swinging a right to head back around to the main road. Silver hated the way he drove, with an arrogant attitude that he owned the goddamned road and everyone could get the fuck out of his way.
Its impossible not to love Jamie, he's an asshole but a smokin' hot one. And dont get me started on Eli...
“Cream?” he asked Eli, while he had the fridge open.
“No thanks. Had some already,” Eli purred. “Fresh and full of protein.”
“Yeah, whatever. Aren’t you the lucky bitch?”
And then there was Zeb and Silver, so darn entangled and complicated, the tension between them was palpable till the very end, it was different than most books, it was addicting and sad all at the same time.
Zeb kissed his forehead. “What time do you have to be at work?”
“We’ve got time.” Silver didn’t want to let go, so he wiped the hair from his face using Zeb’s shoulder.
“Not enough. Not for everything I want to do with you.”
June 13, 2018
It seems as if I've been holding my breath waiting for Silver's story since the first time I saw him dancing with Eli. Each tiny little glimpse, and the slightly longer one in the previous book, has really whet my appetite for his story. 'Bad Influence' is book four in K.A. Mitchell's 'Bad in Baltimore' series and I've got to say, I really adore these books and the men who play roles in them. I would dearly love for this not to be the end of the series, but I honestly have no idea whether the author plans on going farther. I can only hope that she will.
Jordan Barnett, aka Silver, has spent the past almost four years taking care of himself and doing whatever he needed in order to survive. Unfortunately, he's now paying for some of those choices and will continue to pay for the rest of his life. Due to Silver being sent to a conversion camp to make him straight when he was seventeen, and then running away, he definitely has some attitude and very much is all about taking care of number one. Which can be a good thing, or it can be bad. If you spend so much time only caring about yourself, it blinds you to the people in your life who truly care and want what's best for you.
It was difficult for me to empathize, sometimes, with Silver's thought processes, particularly when they were focused on Zeb and the past they shared. Mainly because Silver lied to Zeb all those years ago and pretended to be over eighteen. When they were caught, Silver was sent away by his ultra conservative parents and when Silver escaped and ran to Zeb, Zeb refused to help him and turned him away. I can see both sides of the story. Silver is still devastated that Zeb abandoned him and Silver feels Zeb should pay for that. Whereas Zeb feels Silver shouldn't have lied and put Zeb's teaching license at stake. The good thing is that as the story progressed I got to watch Silver begin to slowly mature and take responsibility for his own actions and choices instead of allowing Zeb to continue wearing his hair shirt.
"Do you want me out of your life?” Zeb said flatly.
Silver spun to face him. “No, I don't want that.”
“What do you want?”
He had to decide now? What if it was the same thing he'd wanted at sixteen? Zeb. Zeb and a house and a dog."
It was almost painful to watch Silver and Zeb work out their issues and try to trust again. Because the past few years involved trading sex for money, food, or a roof over his head, Silver has to learn the concepts of a real, adult relationship and my heart did go out to him in that struggle. I was delighted with the path the author took, which I shouldn't have been surprised about, and I was happy to see Eli, Quinn, Jamie, and Gavin get involved. If I had a complaint, which I don't, but if I did, I would've loved a little more insight into Zeb. He was a difficult man to get a handle on and therefore I didn't get the feeling that I knew him very well.
Great job, KAM, you brought Silver to life for me and I'm very happy to have known him.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Jordan Barnett, aka Silver, has spent the past almost four years taking care of himself and doing whatever he needed in order to survive. Unfortunately, he's now paying for some of those choices and will continue to pay for the rest of his life. Due to Silver being sent to a conversion camp to make him straight when he was seventeen, and then running away, he definitely has some attitude and very much is all about taking care of number one. Which can be a good thing, or it can be bad. If you spend so much time only caring about yourself, it blinds you to the people in your life who truly care and want what's best for you.
It was difficult for me to empathize, sometimes, with Silver's thought processes, particularly when they were focused on Zeb and the past they shared. Mainly because Silver lied to Zeb all those years ago and pretended to be over eighteen. When they were caught, Silver was sent away by his ultra conservative parents and when Silver escaped and ran to Zeb, Zeb refused to help him and turned him away. I can see both sides of the story. Silver is still devastated that Zeb abandoned him and Silver feels Zeb should pay for that. Whereas Zeb feels Silver shouldn't have lied and put Zeb's teaching license at stake. The good thing is that as the story progressed I got to watch Silver begin to slowly mature and take responsibility for his own actions and choices instead of allowing Zeb to continue wearing his hair shirt.
"Do you want me out of your life?” Zeb said flatly.
Silver spun to face him. “No, I don't want that.”
“What do you want?”
He had to decide now? What if it was the same thing he'd wanted at sixteen? Zeb. Zeb and a house and a dog."
It was almost painful to watch Silver and Zeb work out their issues and try to trust again. Because the past few years involved trading sex for money, food, or a roof over his head, Silver has to learn the concepts of a real, adult relationship and my heart did go out to him in that struggle. I was delighted with the path the author took, which I shouldn't have been surprised about, and I was happy to see Eli, Quinn, Jamie, and Gavin get involved. If I had a complaint, which I don't, but if I did, I would've loved a little more insight into Zeb. He was a difficult man to get a handle on and therefore I didn't get the feeling that I knew him very well.
Great job, KAM, you brought Silver to life for me and I'm very happy to have known him.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 21, 2019
3.5 stars rounded down...full review to follow soonish.
It's been 5 long years and I love you just the same...
ok maybe it's just a bit of like.
But it has been five since I read this book...5 years and more than a few other books so for me it was almost like listening to a whole new story but ironically I ended up with essentially the same results so I'm going to borrow a bit from my review from 5 years ago and add to that for this audio book review.
Let's start with the story here's what happened 5 years ago...
one being that I found Silver to be for the most part a real attitude case but given the life the poor kid's had I'm not sure that I blame him for the attitude and I'm not sure if it's a case of I knew what was coming or listening to it on audio made the difference or maybe a bit of both but the ending was for me a little less abrupt and I wasn't left feeling quite so much like someone had kicked my puppy so that was a little better and also brings us to the subject of the narrator...new to me narrator Scott Drummond.
I liked what I heard. Speaking strictly from the audio point of view this story was solidly narrated and while Mr. Drummond currently only has 7 books to his credit on audible of which this is the only one that interested me...not say that the others are good or interesting, they're just not in my wheel house, however, I can comfortably say that I hope to enjoy more titles narrated by him in the future.
At the end of this it comes down to an increased rating to 3.5 stars from my previous rating of 3 and I feel that for the most part it's because for me this worked a bit better as an audio book than it did when I read it originally...so, I'm going to take that as a win.
*************************
An audio book of 'Bad Influence' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
It's been 5 long years and I love you just the same...
ok maybe it's just a bit of like.
But it has been five since I read this book...5 years and more than a few other books so for me it was almost like listening to a whole new story but ironically I ended up with essentially the same results so I'm going to borrow a bit from my review from 5 years ago and add to that for this audio book review.
Let's start with the story here's what happened 5 years ago...
The first 70% of this book gets 3 stars. While I really did like Silver & Zeb better than the couple in book 3 (Gavin & Jamie) the story felt stilted and I kept reading and reading and in spite of the fact that things were happening it felt like the story was going nowhere and there was no progress being made. Thus resulting in me frequently wandering away to do whatever popped into my head.and between then and now what's changed...really only a couple of things...
Finally the last 30% grabbed me and held my attention so while my rating overall will stay at 3 stars. There is a section of the story that gets a solid 3.5 stars from me. I liked what was happening. The progress being made, Silver and Zeb finding a way back to each other, trying to work things out and...
WHAM, BAM THANK YOU MA'ME!!! Story over...the end. Again, again I get to the part where I'm truly beginning to enjoy things and it's over and so is my 3.5 star read and we remain at 3 stars only now for me it's 3 shakey stars that aren't shining quite as brightly. I'm sorry Ms Mitchell I know it's your story to tell but I needed just a little bit more. I was starting to genuinely care about these two characters as a couple and just when I was really getting into the story it just ends and I'm left feeling like someone kicked my puppy.
one being that I found Silver to be for the most part a real attitude case but given the life the poor kid's had I'm not sure that I blame him for the attitude and I'm not sure if it's a case of I knew what was coming or listening to it on audio made the difference or maybe a bit of both but the ending was for me a little less abrupt and I wasn't left feeling quite so much like someone had kicked my puppy so that was a little better and also brings us to the subject of the narrator...new to me narrator Scott Drummond.
I liked what I heard. Speaking strictly from the audio point of view this story was solidly narrated and while Mr. Drummond currently only has 7 books to his credit on audible of which this is the only one that interested me...not say that the others are good or interesting, they're just not in my wheel house, however, I can comfortably say that I hope to enjoy more titles narrated by him in the future.
At the end of this it comes down to an increased rating to 3.5 stars from my previous rating of 3 and I feel that for the most part it's because for me this worked a bit better as an audio book than it did when I read it originally...so, I'm going to take that as a win.
*************************
An audio book of 'Bad Influence' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2014
I’ve been a big fan of K.A. Mitchell for awhile so I was excited for the fourth book in the Bad in Baltimore series called BAD INFLUENCE. However, upon starting, I felt something different about this book. At first, I wondered if it was because I wasn’t in a good reading mojo. The week had been a brutal one and had sapped a lot of my emotions out already, but for some reason, I still couldn’t find myself connecting to a lot of the characters in this book.
Jordan Barnett told his parents he was gay. Instead of accepting it, his parents threw him out and put him in a conversion camp where they hoped they could remove him of his sins. Jordan then went to see someone he trusted to help him out of the situation, but was turned down. Despite his broken heart, Jordan didn’t give up but transformed into Silver, a street-savvy man who became a prostitute.
I really liked Silver. I thought he was the one character in this book that had different dimensions, wasn’t overly annoying and had a strong presence. However, the rest of the characters seemed to annoy me most of the time as I read. Mitchell places a lot of emphasis on past characters in the series. While I think it’s nice to have the tie in, it also creates for a lot of drama, especially when you include individual as well as couple issues. The story becomes too convoluted with everything that is going on.
Because of that, I also feel that Zeb’s character wasn’t really formed fully. He didn’t stand out very much and I still don’t know why. I just never really connected with him at all and found his character to be forgettable. As a result, it made it hard for me to believe in the romance.
So while BAD INFLUENCE didn’t resonate with me as much as I had hoped it would, it’s still a great read if you enjoy angst in your books.
*ARC provided by publisher
Read my alternate review at Fresh Fiction
July 23, 2018
This is Silver's book. You may remember Silver from Bad Boyfriend (he's one of Eli's oldest friends). Silver hasn't had an easy life. Fleeing from a gay conversion camp, selling himself on the streets to survive, after having suffered a massive betrayal by someone he loved - yeah, Silver is done with allowing anyone to get close enough to hurt him.
While I could appreciate him as a character, I never really connected with him, beyond feeling sorry for him for all that he had to endure. And I didn't connect with Zeb either, because we only get to see Zeb through Silver's eyes, and those eyes are biased as fuck. Which made me biased against Zeb too, to some extent. Silver is prickly, standoffish. Zeb is... I don't really know how to describe Zeb. Bland. Wimpy. Wet noodle. He tries, but he sounds judgmental off and on, and he had no right to judge Silver for the choices he was forced to make.
There was no grand romance, there was no believable attraction, there was nothing that made me think these two men were really in love. Silver is angry at Zeb and pushes him away, understandably so. Zeb's pursuit of Silver felt more like a guilt trip to me than any kind of real romantic emotion, and the story spends too much time on the other couples from previous books. I already know them, and while the author may have written so much of them into this book to make it work as a standalone, that only served to bore me - because I already know these people.
So, out of the series, this is not my favorite book at all.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
While I could appreciate him as a character, I never really connected with him, beyond feeling sorry for him for all that he had to endure. And I didn't connect with Zeb either, because we only get to see Zeb through Silver's eyes, and those eyes are biased as fuck. Which made me biased against Zeb too, to some extent. Silver is prickly, standoffish. Zeb is... I don't really know how to describe Zeb. Bland. Wimpy. Wet noodle. He tries, but he sounds judgmental off and on, and he had no right to judge Silver for the choices he was forced to make.
There was no grand romance, there was no believable attraction, there was nothing that made me think these two men were really in love. Silver is angry at Zeb and pushes him away, understandably so. Zeb's pursuit of Silver felt more like a guilt trip to me than any kind of real romantic emotion, and the story spends too much time on the other couples from previous books. I already know them, and while the author may have written so much of them into this book to make it work as a standalone, that only served to bore me - because I already know these people.
So, out of the series, this is not my favorite book at all.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
April 19, 2016
So the first 70% of this book gets 3 stars. While I really did like Silver & Zeb better than the couple in book 3 (Gavin & Jamie) the story felt stilted and I kept reading and reading and in spite of the fact that things were happening it felt like the story was going nowhere and there was no progress being made. Thus resulting in me frequently wandering away to do whatever popped into my head.
Finally the last 30% grabbed me and held my attention so while my rating overall will stay at 3 stars. There is a section of the story that gets a solid 3.5 stars from me. I liked what was happening. The progress being made, Silver and Zeb finding a way back to each other, trying to work things out and...
WHAM, BAM THANK YOU MA'ME!!! Story over...the end. Again, again I get to the part where I'm truly beginning to enjoy things and it's over and so is my 3.5 star read and we remain at 3 stars only now for me it's 3 shakey stars that aren't shining quite as brightly. I'm sorry Ms Mitchell I know it's your story to tell but I needed just a little bit more. I was starting to genuinely care about these two characters as a couple and just when I was really getting into the story it just ends and I'm left feeling like someone kicked my puppy.
Finally the last 30% grabbed me and held my attention so while my rating overall will stay at 3 stars. There is a section of the story that gets a solid 3.5 stars from me. I liked what was happening. The progress being made, Silver and Zeb finding a way back to each other, trying to work things out and...
WHAM, BAM THANK YOU MA'ME!!! Story over...the end. Again, again I get to the part where I'm truly beginning to enjoy things and it's over and so is my 3.5 star read and we remain at 3 stars only now for me it's 3 shakey stars that aren't shining quite as brightly. I'm sorry Ms Mitchell I know it's your story to tell but I needed just a little bit more. I was starting to genuinely care about these two characters as a couple and just when I was really getting into the story it just ends and I'm left feeling like someone kicked my puppy.
November 7, 2018
This book was different than the previous books in this series in that we only get Silver's POV rather than Zeb's too. I usually want dual POVs but only getting Silver's POV worked perfectly for this book. There was a lot to unpack with Silver as a character. He had been through a lot from the time he was a teenager to when we see him in this book and I think it was important to learn all of those things through his eyes. Zeb was an easy character to pull for because he as so calm and kind. He was patient in his quest to be in Silver's life and I think that is really what helped to start breaking down the walls that Silver had put up.
I like how much these books are intertwined with each other. In this book, we obviously see a lot of Eli and Quinn and I think that is another important piece to Silver letting people in. Eli is a force all by himself and he sort of makes Silver act like a friend and be a friend.
This is a pretty slow-burn story with Silver and Zeb really not completely connecting until later on in the book. However, it really works for this story and for the MCs and their history together. It was true to their characters and their situation!
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review*
I like how much these books are intertwined with each other. In this book, we obviously see a lot of Eli and Quinn and I think that is another important piece to Silver letting people in. Eli is a force all by himself and he sort of makes Silver act like a friend and be a friend.
This is a pretty slow-burn story with Silver and Zeb really not completely connecting until later on in the book. However, it really works for this story and for the MCs and their history together. It was true to their characters and their situation!
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review*
March 18, 2018
**1.5 Stars
Oh boy, was this ever a tough read and not tough in the "it broke my heart, made me cry" way. This story was a tough read because I never connected to the MCs or their story, most of the time they were just names on a page. Which brings me to another problem I had, there were way too many secondary characters. While I knew who all of them were from the previous books I didn't think they needed to take up so much space in Silver and Zeb's story. Sometimes it felt like Silver and Zeb were the secondary characters and that was frustrating.
I'm glad they got their HEA but this story just didn't do it for me. *sigh*
Oh boy, was this ever a tough read and not tough in the "it broke my heart, made me cry" way. This story was a tough read because I never connected to the MCs or their story, most of the time they were just names on a page. Which brings me to another problem I had, there were way too many secondary characters. While I knew who all of them were from the previous books I didn't think they needed to take up so much space in Silver and Zeb's story. Sometimes it felt like Silver and Zeb were the secondary characters and that was frustrating.
I'm glad they got their HEA but this story just didn't do it for me. *sigh*
April 17, 2014
3.5 stars: 4 stars for the writing and storyline development but only 3 stars for Zeb and Silver. I just didn't feel any real chemistry between those two.
It was great catching up with mostly Eli, Quinn, Gavin and Jamie from the previous books, as well as getting to know Marco. However, I think this is the last book I read from this series. I feel this is a great stopping point for me, knowing where some of my favorite couples currently stand.
It was great catching up with mostly Eli, Quinn, Gavin and Jamie from the previous books, as well as getting to know Marco. However, I think this is the last book I read from this series. I feel this is a great stopping point for me, knowing where some of my favorite couples currently stand.
April 19, 2014
It was OK/ Mostly Liked 2.5 Stars - I liked Silver but I didn't feel like I got to know Zeb much more beyond the blurb. I never quite connected with them as a couple. As far as the other couples from the series, did they take too much page time and the focus off Silver and Zeb or was so much of their presence necessary because Silver and Zeb wouldn't have been able to sustain the story mostly on their own? I haven't figured that one out yet.
May 31, 2014
Just wasn't feeling these two. If it wasn't for the other people from past books that I did really love I don't think that I would have even given 3 stars. A lot of pain in the back story that I didn't feel. I should have been devastated from Silver's story but nada, nothin'.
April 16, 2014
Reviewed here first: http://smexybooks.com/2014/04/review-...
Jordan Barrett disappeared the night that his parents found out he was gay, made him go to a conversion camp where he could have died from their methods and upon seeking help from the one person he thought he could trust, gets the door slammed in his face. Out of that supreme disappointment in people who claimed to care about him, rises Silver-a street smart young man who falls into life on the street, using prostitution to survive.
Zebediah Harris runs far away after shutting the door in Jordan’s face. He’d learned that Jordan was underage and as his teacher he was not prepared for the fallout that would bring should they be discovered. So he did the only thing he felt he could do and left town to pursue other interests.
Now years later, these two men find themselves back in Baltimore. Silver doesn’t want to have anything to do with Zeb, except maybe some horrific form of revenge for what he did. Putting his plan into action, however, falls to the wayside when Zeb and Silver find their way back to each other and in an odd way find a second chance at love.
Firstly, I am a huge fan of this author. Her Florida series and the characters in there are some of my favorites where m/m is concerned. This book, however, did not bring me the sort of satisfaction I’ve come to expect when reading a K.A. Mitchell book. While all our previous couples are kind of front and center-something I usually like in a series-in here they kind of took over taking the focus away from our leads.
Jordan aka Silver has finally seemed to have gotten himself together. After being turned out by his parents he did whatever he had to do to survive. After a stint in porn and learning he’d contracted HIV he’s trying to live life on the straight and narrow. When he’s out one night, he sees his ex-boyfriend, Zeb, in the club he’s in and immediately leaves. He heads over to the corner and runs into an old friend who is still turning tricks when Zeb catches up to him. They are arguing when cops arrive and arrest them both.
I really disliked that that this incident set the tone for the story. Knowing Silver had gotten out of that lifestyle and was trying to get himself together only to get pulled backwards with a “wrong place wrong time” scenario just started the story on the wrong foot for me. Lucky for him, his friends pull together, getting him out with the caveat that he must live with Eli and Quinn until his court date. Silver is then treated like a child. They keep tabs on him, he’s driven to work and in order to throw a positive light on his situation, he’s encouraged to get his GED to show his attempt at bettering himself. Of course, Zeb is there trying to ingratiate himself back into Silver’s life. He offers to tutor him and well, second chance love-here we go.
Eli has been one of my favorite characters in this series and he gets a lot of page time here. His photographs are getting noticed and he’s preparing for a show in this book. But the references to him being “the little woman” were a bit tiring. Also, Silver’s friend Marco became a bit of a bore. Unhappy at home, worried about his family accepting him being gay, he was a hot mess and just didn’t add anything to this story-though because he’s had a part in this and the last book I’m afraid he’ll end up with a book of his own.
Our previous couples all play a part in ‘saving’ Silver and keeping him out of jail. They overwhelm every part of this book. Several of them seem to be experiencing growing pains in their own relationships. We are drowned in their doubts and vulnerabilities which just kept taking away from the lead couple. Too much going on all at the same time.
Lastly, I think the romance totally fell flat in this book. It seemed that since we knew that these two would end up together they didn’t need to really work at it. And in my opinion, regardless of the fact that Zeb had realized that Silver was underage his actions were unforgivable in my mind and I felt him responsible in part to everything that happened to Silver following that night. He was the adult after all.
Jordan Barrett disappeared the night that his parents found out he was gay, made him go to a conversion camp where he could have died from their methods and upon seeking help from the one person he thought he could trust, gets the door slammed in his face. Out of that supreme disappointment in people who claimed to care about him, rises Silver-a street smart young man who falls into life on the street, using prostitution to survive.
Zebediah Harris runs far away after shutting the door in Jordan’s face. He’d learned that Jordan was underage and as his teacher he was not prepared for the fallout that would bring should they be discovered. So he did the only thing he felt he could do and left town to pursue other interests.
Now years later, these two men find themselves back in Baltimore. Silver doesn’t want to have anything to do with Zeb, except maybe some horrific form of revenge for what he did. Putting his plan into action, however, falls to the wayside when Zeb and Silver find their way back to each other and in an odd way find a second chance at love.
Firstly, I am a huge fan of this author. Her Florida series and the characters in there are some of my favorites where m/m is concerned. This book, however, did not bring me the sort of satisfaction I’ve come to expect when reading a K.A. Mitchell book. While all our previous couples are kind of front and center-something I usually like in a series-in here they kind of took over taking the focus away from our leads.
Jordan aka Silver has finally seemed to have gotten himself together. After being turned out by his parents he did whatever he had to do to survive. After a stint in porn and learning he’d contracted HIV he’s trying to live life on the straight and narrow. When he’s out one night, he sees his ex-boyfriend, Zeb, in the club he’s in and immediately leaves. He heads over to the corner and runs into an old friend who is still turning tricks when Zeb catches up to him. They are arguing when cops arrive and arrest them both.
I really disliked that that this incident set the tone for the story. Knowing Silver had gotten out of that lifestyle and was trying to get himself together only to get pulled backwards with a “wrong place wrong time” scenario just started the story on the wrong foot for me. Lucky for him, his friends pull together, getting him out with the caveat that he must live with Eli and Quinn until his court date. Silver is then treated like a child. They keep tabs on him, he’s driven to work and in order to throw a positive light on his situation, he’s encouraged to get his GED to show his attempt at bettering himself. Of course, Zeb is there trying to ingratiate himself back into Silver’s life. He offers to tutor him and well, second chance love-here we go.
Eli has been one of my favorite characters in this series and he gets a lot of page time here. His photographs are getting noticed and he’s preparing for a show in this book. But the references to him being “the little woman” were a bit tiring. Also, Silver’s friend Marco became a bit of a bore. Unhappy at home, worried about his family accepting him being gay, he was a hot mess and just didn’t add anything to this story-though because he’s had a part in this and the last book I’m afraid he’ll end up with a book of his own.
Our previous couples all play a part in ‘saving’ Silver and keeping him out of jail. They overwhelm every part of this book. Several of them seem to be experiencing growing pains in their own relationships. We are drowned in their doubts and vulnerabilities which just kept taking away from the lead couple. Too much going on all at the same time.
Lastly, I think the romance totally fell flat in this book. It seemed that since we knew that these two would end up together they didn’t need to really work at it. And in my opinion, regardless of the fact that Zeb had realized that Silver was underage his actions were unforgivable in my mind and I felt him responsible in part to everything that happened to Silver following that night. He was the adult after all.
April 14, 2014
Joint review with JustJen
Susan:
I live just outside Baltimore and feel like jumping into my car and finding all the guys from this series; especially Silver and Eli. I know this book is about Silver and Zeb, but the friendship between Eli and Silver was the real winner in this book for me. Could be that Eli’s book was my favorite and so I was beside myself having another healthy dose of my favorite Bad in Baltimore series character. Oh Eli…sigh.
Jen:
I fell in love with Eli as well, but I’ve really been waiting for Silver’s story. I liked him from the very beginning, before really even knowing what he’d been through. I just knew there were good reasons for his behavior, and I love that Eli always sees through that and continues to tuck Silver under his wing.
Susan:
Silver, Silver, Silver. We met him as Eli’s friend in Bad Boyfriend and he really needed to have his story told. The poor guy had it rough…and it’s no wonder he ran when he saw Zeb, I would have run too. Silver was raised by wealthy religious zealots who kicked his rear end to a camp to “cure” him of his gayness. How sick is that? The abuse he found in that camp was horrendous, and it’s no wonder he chose life on the streets instead. Seriously, his options were choosing the lesser of two evils…and all the crap that comes with it.
Jen:
I loved learning about Silver’s past and what led him to where he is today. He really does try to do the right thing, though that doesn’t always happen. I absolutely love these kinds of characters, so I was drawn to his story and wanted every detail I could get. He has certainly been dealt a lot of crap hands in his life, and it was really a joy to see his friends (which he finally realizes he has and what that means) really pull through and help him get past his issues.
The story:
Zeb loved Jordan. Jordan was everything to him…even though he realized he was young. Of course Jordan lied about his age, and Zeb was only 22 years old himself, but still, Zeb is a teacher not a pedophile (though he has struggled to believe this himself). So when Jordan escapes from the camp and runs straight to his lover for help, Zeb closes the door in his face.
In the meantime, Jordan gave up his real name and kept the moniker of Silver given to him by a druggie he befriended on the streets. He wasn’t Jordan anymore and he never would be. He was now simply Silver. But Silver was fortunate to have met Eli during his time on the streets. Having Eli look out for him and become his best friend saved Silver in many ways. And once Eli finds his own sugar daddy in Quinn and moves to the suburbs, Eli stays his friend and tries to help Silver any way he can. See why we love the feisty little firecracker Eli? Seriously, we adore that man.
However, Zeb is back, and even though he is still tied to his religion, he is also still in love with Jordan and wants to find him. He has lived with the guilt of tossing him away, and once he learns what Silver had to do to survive on the streets, his guilt sky rockets, especially when he learns that he’s now also . How can Zeb ever forgive himself and how can his Jordie, now Silver, ever forgive or trust him again?
Final thoughts:
Needless to say, this is a romance and one with a happy ending, but the road there isn’t easy. There are a lot of hurt feelings, trips to visit parents that don’t deserve to be parents, all starting with a side trip to the Baltimore City jail. But the main focus was friends being really, really good friends. We see friends stepping up to the plate when you have no one else to stand beside you. And best of all, we have a full reunion from all the guys from the previous Bad in Baltimore books making multiple appearances and reminding us of why we loved them all so much. As for us, that was Eli and Silver. Our two favorite characters who beat the odds and made it.
Overall Impression: We really liked it
Check out The Blogger Girls for our review and a Q & A Session with KA Mitchell and her boys.
Susan:
I live just outside Baltimore and feel like jumping into my car and finding all the guys from this series; especially Silver and Eli. I know this book is about Silver and Zeb, but the friendship between Eli and Silver was the real winner in this book for me. Could be that Eli’s book was my favorite and so I was beside myself having another healthy dose of my favorite Bad in Baltimore series character. Oh Eli…sigh.
Jen:
I fell in love with Eli as well, but I’ve really been waiting for Silver’s story. I liked him from the very beginning, before really even knowing what he’d been through. I just knew there were good reasons for his behavior, and I love that Eli always sees through that and continues to tuck Silver under his wing.
Susan:
Silver, Silver, Silver. We met him as Eli’s friend in Bad Boyfriend and he really needed to have his story told. The poor guy had it rough…and it’s no wonder he ran when he saw Zeb, I would have run too. Silver was raised by wealthy religious zealots who kicked his rear end to a camp to “cure” him of his gayness. How sick is that? The abuse he found in that camp was horrendous, and it’s no wonder he chose life on the streets instead. Seriously, his options were choosing the lesser of two evils…and all the crap that comes with it.
Jen:
I loved learning about Silver’s past and what led him to where he is today. He really does try to do the right thing, though that doesn’t always happen. I absolutely love these kinds of characters, so I was drawn to his story and wanted every detail I could get. He has certainly been dealt a lot of crap hands in his life, and it was really a joy to see his friends (which he finally realizes he has and what that means) really pull through and help him get past his issues.
The story:
Zeb loved Jordan. Jordan was everything to him…even though he realized he was young. Of course Jordan lied about his age, and Zeb was only 22 years old himself, but still, Zeb is a teacher not a pedophile (though he has struggled to believe this himself). So when Jordan escapes from the camp and runs straight to his lover for help, Zeb closes the door in his face.
In the meantime, Jordan gave up his real name and kept the moniker of Silver given to him by a druggie he befriended on the streets. He wasn’t Jordan anymore and he never would be. He was now simply Silver. But Silver was fortunate to have met Eli during his time on the streets. Having Eli look out for him and become his best friend saved Silver in many ways. And once Eli finds his own sugar daddy in Quinn and moves to the suburbs, Eli stays his friend and tries to help Silver any way he can. See why we love the feisty little firecracker Eli? Seriously, we adore that man.
However, Zeb is back, and even though he is still tied to his religion, he is also still in love with Jordan and wants to find him. He has lived with the guilt of tossing him away, and once he learns what Silver had to do to survive on the streets, his guilt sky rockets, especially when he learns that he’s now also . How can Zeb ever forgive himself and how can his Jordie, now Silver, ever forgive or trust him again?
Final thoughts:
Needless to say, this is a romance and one with a happy ending, but the road there isn’t easy. There are a lot of hurt feelings, trips to visit parents that don’t deserve to be parents, all starting with a side trip to the Baltimore City jail. But the main focus was friends being really, really good friends. We see friends stepping up to the plate when you have no one else to stand beside you. And best of all, we have a full reunion from all the guys from the previous Bad in Baltimore books making multiple appearances and reminding us of why we loved them all so much. As for us, that was Eli and Silver. Our two favorite characters who beat the odds and made it.
Overall Impression: We really liked it
Check out The Blogger Girls for our review and a Q & A Session with KA Mitchell and her boys.
May 17, 2014
3.25 stars. I’m something of a fan of K.A. Mitchell’s books, but Bad in Baltimore series is a bit inconsistent in quality. The first, Bad Company, was so-so. I liked the second, Bad Boyfriend, the best. This one, Bad Influence, has a huge problem with unlikeable characters. They are strong personalities, no question of that, but I just couldn’t get the attraction. Not on any level.
Silver had a really bad coming out. He was in his teens, having an affair with an older man, Zeb, who was really religious. When Silver’s bigoted parents threw him out, he went to Zeb for shelter. But Zeb turned him away, which lead to Silver living on the streets as a prostitute until he got HIV. And this was pretty much the point where I lost sympathy and interest. Not in the HIV aspect, which does not exclude romance if handled well, but because I despised Zeb so much. Because we are not given his POV in the story, that view does not change. And Silver’s life experiences have made him so cynical and jaded I honestly couldn’t fathom why he would still, after everything, cling to Zeb. It made absolutely no sense for me, no matter how many times it was explained. And Silver takes some getting used to for sure.
This story is well-written, with strong characters you get to know extremely well. Silver is the POV man, while Zeb remains hard to get a handle on. He is very religious and seems to show very little remorse at turning a homeless teenager from his door because he wasn’t ready to come out as gay. In essence, Zeb chose religion and the closet over the safety and well-fare of his secret lover. That speaks of callousness and ego that leaves little room for love. Though Silver does not blame Zeb for sending him to the streets where he ultimately contracted HIV, I couldn’t get past it. But… you will be pleased to hear these men do develop, not only their emotions, but their conduct. The scene where Zeb finds out Silver has HIV was particularly well done, potent and gut-wrenching.
The pace is a bit on the sluggish side, and I jumped sections that didn’t seem to go anywhere or advance the plot. K.A. Mitchell is an intriguing author, with complex storylines, efficient writing, and realistic, sometimes very unusual and even despicable characters. This story just didn’t click with me. As I didn’t care for either main character, the romance was wasted on me. I didn’t get the attraction at all. Sorry. Nonetheless, this is standard K.A. Mitchell quality, so do give this one a go.
Silver had a really bad coming out. He was in his teens, having an affair with an older man, Zeb, who was really religious. When Silver’s bigoted parents threw him out, he went to Zeb for shelter. But Zeb turned him away, which lead to Silver living on the streets as a prostitute until he got HIV. And this was pretty much the point where I lost sympathy and interest. Not in the HIV aspect, which does not exclude romance if handled well, but because I despised Zeb so much. Because we are not given his POV in the story, that view does not change. And Silver’s life experiences have made him so cynical and jaded I honestly couldn’t fathom why he would still, after everything, cling to Zeb. It made absolutely no sense for me, no matter how many times it was explained. And Silver takes some getting used to for sure.
This story is well-written, with strong characters you get to know extremely well. Silver is the POV man, while Zeb remains hard to get a handle on. He is very religious and seems to show very little remorse at turning a homeless teenager from his door because he wasn’t ready to come out as gay. In essence, Zeb chose religion and the closet over the safety and well-fare of his secret lover. That speaks of callousness and ego that leaves little room for love. Though Silver does not blame Zeb for sending him to the streets where he ultimately contracted HIV, I couldn’t get past it. But… you will be pleased to hear these men do develop, not only their emotions, but their conduct. The scene where Zeb finds out Silver has HIV was particularly well done, potent and gut-wrenching.
The pace is a bit on the sluggish side, and I jumped sections that didn’t seem to go anywhere or advance the plot. K.A. Mitchell is an intriguing author, with complex storylines, efficient writing, and realistic, sometimes very unusual and even despicable characters. This story just didn’t click with me. As I didn’t care for either main character, the romance was wasted on me. I didn’t get the attraction at all. Sorry. Nonetheless, this is standard K.A. Mitchell quality, so do give this one a go.
November 28, 2014
Jesus did love Him some pros; shouldn't His followers do the same?
Let me be serious. This is the fourth book in K.A. Mitchell's Baltimore series, and I know that a number of people had issues with it. I didn't. I thought it redeemed the crapfest that was book 3 (and I LIKED Jamie and Gavin! I just thought the story was painfully underwritten). Silver and Zeb fell in love when Silver was a WAY too young high school student who was closeted from his parents and hiding his age from youth-minister Zeb. The dramatic engine of this story started when Silver's parents found out he was gay and kicked him out. Zeb couldn't help him because he learned at the same time that Silver was underage, and he was threatened with prosecution. He didn't realize that Silver's parents gave him the choice of re-education or the streets, and Silver chose the streets because their "choice" was really no choice at all. Several years later, they reconnect, and after a series of stops and starts, they trust the feelings that haven't gone away and allow themselves to be in love again.
This book moved me all the way down to the bone because it dealt with the consequences for kids whose parents didn't know how to love them as they were, and it showed some of the ugliness of tricking in order to survive. We don't see exactly how harsh Silver's life became, but we see the fallout -- he was a sweet kid in the "before," and he was a hardcore survivor in the "after." The difference is clear. Even better, Zeb is not some bullshit Cinderella prince who saves him: Silver saves himself. In fact, Zeb had his head so far up his ass that at times, it was hard to understand why Silver would bother -- they were very different people, and Zeb could be painfully naive at times. And yet, Silver's life was so awful, that naivete was occasionally a breath of fresh air. In a sense, Zeb's innocent clarity was the balance that Silver needed. And of course, these two truly loved each other. The mistakes of the past notwithstanding, they were under each other's skin. This was a romance, and K.A. Mitchell never let you forget it. I got caught up in this one like you wouldn't believe. This wasn't a perfect story, but it sure was grand.
Let me be serious. This is the fourth book in K.A. Mitchell's Baltimore series, and I know that a number of people had issues with it. I didn't. I thought it redeemed the crapfest that was book 3 (and I LIKED Jamie and Gavin! I just thought the story was painfully underwritten). Silver and Zeb fell in love when Silver was a WAY too young high school student who was closeted from his parents and hiding his age from youth-minister Zeb. The dramatic engine of this story started when Silver's parents found out he was gay and kicked him out. Zeb couldn't help him because he learned at the same time that Silver was underage, and he was threatened with prosecution. He didn't realize that Silver's parents gave him the choice of re-education or the streets, and Silver chose the streets because their "choice" was really no choice at all. Several years later, they reconnect, and after a series of stops and starts, they trust the feelings that haven't gone away and allow themselves to be in love again.
This book moved me all the way down to the bone because it dealt with the consequences for kids whose parents didn't know how to love them as they were, and it showed some of the ugliness of tricking in order to survive. We don't see exactly how harsh Silver's life became, but we see the fallout -- he was a sweet kid in the "before," and he was a hardcore survivor in the "after." The difference is clear. Even better, Zeb is not some bullshit Cinderella prince who saves him: Silver saves himself. In fact, Zeb had his head so far up his ass that at times, it was hard to understand why Silver would bother -- they were very different people, and Zeb could be painfully naive at times. And yet, Silver's life was so awful, that naivete was occasionally a breath of fresh air. In a sense, Zeb's innocent clarity was the balance that Silver needed. And of course, these two truly loved each other. The mistakes of the past notwithstanding, they were under each other's skin. This was a romance, and K.A. Mitchell never let you forget it. I got caught up in this one like you wouldn't believe. This wasn't a perfect story, but it sure was grand.
April 16, 2014
I love K.A. Mitchell, and I love this series. It can be difficult to keep ongoing series fresh, but she manages beautifully with this one, without too many subplots/threads to keep straight from previous books. I think it could be read as a stand-alone, actually.
I would have liked Silver's character to be just a little more fleshed out. It makes complete sense that this kid is a ball of anger, hurt and resentment towards the people who are supposed to love and protect him, but we don't really get to experience his epiphany. There's no turning point point where he realizes that he is lovable and loved, and that these people are his family. It's believable, but we don't get a good look into the process.
Zeb's motivations and growth actually came across more clearly, for all that they are touched on very briefly and all of the book is in Jordan/Silver's head. I would have liked to see more of Zeb's sense of faith, and I would really have liked to see Jordan/Silver regain some of his.
The central theme of this story is very, very serious. If you think what happened to Eli was bad when his parents abdicated their God-given responsibility out of ignorance and prejudice, you haven't seen anything yet. This is fiction, but what actually does happen to many children unfortunately isn't. I don't have words strong enough for what I think of abandoning one's own flesh and blood out of narrow-minded adherence to certain biblical principles. "Trap of Satan" comes to mind, for all that it's a little dramatic. I am always flabbergasted that anyone could think such a thing is right or decent or pleasing to God.
Ms. Mitchell handles this difficult subject beautifully and without pulling any punches and the conclusion is satisfactory but not overly idealized.
I would have liked Silver's character to be just a little more fleshed out. It makes complete sense that this kid is a ball of anger, hurt and resentment towards the people who are supposed to love and protect him, but we don't really get to experience his epiphany. There's no turning point point where he realizes that he is lovable and loved, and that these people are his family. It's believable, but we don't get a good look into the process.
Zeb's motivations and growth actually came across more clearly, for all that they are touched on very briefly and all of the book is in Jordan/Silver's head. I would have liked to see more of Zeb's sense of faith, and I would really have liked to see Jordan/Silver regain some of his.
The central theme of this story is very, very serious. If you think what happened to Eli was bad when his parents abdicated their God-given responsibility out of ignorance and prejudice, you haven't seen anything yet. This is fiction, but what actually does happen to many children unfortunately isn't. I don't have words strong enough for what I think of abandoning one's own flesh and blood out of narrow-minded adherence to certain biblical principles. "Trap of Satan" comes to mind, for all that it's a little dramatic. I am always flabbergasted that anyone could think such a thing is right or decent or pleasing to God.
Ms. Mitchell handles this difficult subject beautifully and without pulling any punches and the conclusion is satisfactory but not overly idealized.
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