Our Deadly Reunion

Unbreakable Ties #1

by A.V. Shener

Years have passed since Ethan, Chris, Anthony, and Jay were as close as brothers. These days, Ethan is struggling to put his life back on track after his business crashed. To bring some positivity into his life, he tries to reunite his old gang but ends up discovering chilling secrets.

It turns out that Chris, the one who made it big, has hurt each of them in different ways, greatly altering the course of their lives. A plan for revenge is set into motion, reuniting the four old friends in a secluded cabin from their past. During one shocking night, the line between right and wrong grows blurry, and the line between friends and enemies is all but forgotten.

How far will they go for the perfect revenge?


***
Our Deadly Reunion is a dark tale that is meant for a mature audience. Please check the Author's Notes at the start of the book for more info.

Genres: Dark, M M Romance, Dark Romance, M M M, Thriller, Contemporary

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

A.V. likes to take a ride into the dark side of writing, but always makes sure to find his way back. If he can make his readers both captivated and uncomfortable, he knows he did his job.

Find me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/av_shener_w...

And on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

And this is my website:
https://avshener.wixsite.com/avshener

Reviews

[loverexreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Deadly Reunion by A.V. Shener is book 1 in the Unbreakable Ties series.

When I read the blurb for this book I was intrigued by this revenge plot that takes place between a group of four friends. I didn't know exactly what to expect, and damn...I never thought it would be so twisted and unsettling. I really loved the feeling of discomfort that crept up on me the further I got into the story.

It was fascinating to see all the layers of the relationships between these four friends gradually revealed. Some of the things that happened between them led to this revenge plan and OMG it was something to witness. Definitely a book for those who like their stories dark. The second part which takes place in the cabin...😳😳😳. I honestly have no words. It was shocking and degrading...and I literally couldn't let go of my kindle.

You really need to look at the trigger warnings for this one. There's dubcon/noncon, violence and much more that I won't mention since I don't want to give anything of the story away. This is one you absolutely must discover for yourself. It's not a romance. I didn't miss that aspect, since what happens between Ethan, Jay, Anthony and Chris was fascinating. I need to read more of this kind of novel.

Nothing is resolved at the end and the story will continue in the second book of the series, The Gentlemen's Club.

[Christina Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my review for Our Deadly Reunion E.V. Shener

A synopsis:

Ethan wants his three friends back in his life but is he prepared for what each of them, including him, brings to the table/

Four friends. Four paths. Roads taken and broken and only pieces of glass exist where the four used to.

Sometimes we think we have a friend, a safety net from life and then life throws rocks at us and reminds us that pain is always there and sometimes those closest are the ones throwing the rocks.

And now for the review:

This book will literally keep you on the edge of your seat and won’t let you out it down without a fight.

Even when you get done with a twist another takes its place.

The characters are relatable, even the super psycho ones. It’s a subtle reminder that Hurt, pain, and betrayal can lead anyone down a disastrous path.

I didn’t see the ending coming. I can barely contain the excitement for book 2.

So if you like a bit of darkness, a set of morally gray characters and raunchy sex then settle yourself in and pick up this book.

#bookstagram #review #gaystagram #gaybookstagrammer #loveislove #pride2024

[Obsessed]

Why did the name change? It was originally published as "Our Sweet Revenge".

[Ashley -Goldstarreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very dark, fabulous read. The story is mainly told from Ethan’s POV. He is obviously the glue that held this group of four friends together. Ethan is floundering a bit in his life after covid sank his business (and so many people can relate to that), he’s lost his confidence, his business and his best friend has pulled away from him. Anthony’s marriage ended disastrously. Jay went to prison. And Chris? Well he just pulled away from his friends and continued up the ladder in his job. From the beginning you can see that there are deep problems going on. Ethan keeps trying to bring them together, keeps defending Chris, even when Chris’ actions hurt him. Anthony and Jay have their own issues with Chris and Jay decides they need to get revenge. So, they plan a night at a cabin from their earlier friendship and Jay enacts his plan. Things get tangled and twisted fast and spiral out of control. It is seriously twisted, dark and so hot. The majority of this story takes place over a few days but it feels like a lifetime with all the angst, emotions and twists that pop up. I didn’t see a lot of it coming but it was thrilling, heartbreaking and beautiful. It ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens next. The writing was wonderfully done. It’s hard to take these dark themes and write a story that is sensual, sexy, and entertaining but it’s done well here. There’s a lot packed into this story and I was hooked from the very first paragraph. I devoured it quickly and wanted more immediately.

[David Cottington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our Deadly Reunion is a bit of a funny one to review!

Overall, I did enjoyed it. It piqued my interest early on and held my attention right to the end. It is well written, with characters that have their own personality. I sometimes find when a book follows, for example, four men of similar ages and backgrounds, I end up reading one character four times. The four guys in this book definitely have their own personalities and motives which helped keep it interesting.

Early on I was like 'OK which direction is this going?' and it kind of went in a direction I was hoping it wouldn't. It feels weird to have to preface this but I guess it's important to contextualise the book - it doesn't do anything for me reading gRape as a sexy plot device, it's quite the opposite, a real boner killer. I wanted this to be a more dark, horror, revenge story, when what I got was SA but make it sexy. I guess I would either read horror or smut and this fell somewhere in between, that just left me feeling kinda weird.

I also can't help but roll my eyes when a character says 'I'm not gay' while sucking on a peen. I know some people like reading straight bro/gay awakening but it's not something I'm drawn to. It reeks of internalised homophobia and we don't have that in these parts.

As I say this is an interesting, well written book. I'd absolutely recommend this if you're looking for an original, twisted story but bear in mind that at its core it is a book that is sexualising gRape.

Say it with me... consent is sexy!

[read_with_lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think this is a good book, no, I am 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱! I read this book in one day because it literally had me in a chokehold.

This book is about 4 college friends 𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻, 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀, 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗻𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗝𝗮𝘆. They are now all grown men with their own lives and problems. They have lost sight of each other a bit and we pick up the story that they are slowly getting their lives back in order and want to restore their friendships.

When contact is slowly restored, they discover that there are many secrets, betrayals and manipulation. And the desire for revenge is strong in some.

My emotions went all over the place, so I hated a character and then you learn more about him which gave me more understanding... but then made me hate another character.

And the spice! 🔥 OMG it's hot !!!!

You get to see a part of each character... those parts that scream for more! This is such a terribly strong story, it is so well put together that I immediately downloaded book 2.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻
Series: Unbreakable Ties book 1
@av_shener_writer

This is a dark tale that deals with themes such as betrayal, manipulation, and childhood trauma. The book also contains explicit sexual scenes meant for a mature audience.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is like watching a scary movie, you  know something is going to happen, causing an uneasy feeling, you just don't know what and when. Several times I wanted to get off the merry-go-round, but I also needed to know what would happen. It's complicated, secrets are revealed, dishonesty is laid bare and there are prices to pay. How far is each scorned person willing to go? When is enough, actually enough? Pain turns to pleasure, punishments become needs, and it messes with your head. You will be left wanting book 2 straight after to see where the story goes. A refreshing change to the usual mm books, captivating throughout. I am left with mixed feelings about certain characters and I still don't know who to trust. This is not a romance it is revenge and atonement with feelings and sex. This story features on betrayal and has grey areas regarding consent and monogamy. There are mentions of historical SA, rape and abuse, including that of a child. I am going into book 2 with no idea where the story will take me.

[Asa Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sidestep from my usual type of MM read. I'm a romantic at heart, so a thriller isn't something I would usually pick up, but I'm glad I made an exception for this one.

The writing is crisp and easy to follow, something I always love to see as an enjoyer of a well-written third person POV! The brief shift to first person for Anthony's flashback threw me at first, but I understood why it was done that way, my brain just had to adjust a bit. If anything, having that memory in first person from his POV made it all the more powerful, as it causes a drastic shift in how we see a certain character.

Mind your TWs as things get real dark, but Our Deadly Reunion is a fascinating exploration of how trauma and anger can reshape a person - and how you don't always know your friends as well as you think. Great read!

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
There’s something about the writing style that just works for me. Descriptive without being flowery. It wasn’t as dark as I thought it would be by other reviews, but definitely a little crazy.

I’ll be going to book 2 asap!

[Sazzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, this is good. Like really good. A little too good and I'm starting to wonder if I have a few "issues" because of how much I enjoyed it.....

It's dark. Very dark, very addictive, twisted and has scenes that make you feel a little uncomfortable but you CANNOT look away from and I don't think I took a breath through the whole book.

Honestly, I've never read a book like this before and I was absolutely blown away by the way @av_shener_writer held nothing back. The depths this book goes to is off the scale and you see none of it coming. As soon as you think you know what's about to happen or where it's going, a twist just slaps you in the face.

The plot is outstanding with enough depth to keep you happy in book 1 but teases you enough that you will not be able to wait to start book 2 (FYI, I have 😂). The imagery in this is some of the best I've read, I could literally see it all playing out in my head with little to no effort on my part, it's all there in the pages and just jumps in to your mind. And the characterisation. Oh the characterisation people!! Phenomenal, just phenomenal. You feel everything they feel. All the pain, pleasure, bonds of friendship, need, closeness... I could just go on and on....!

I know I say this a lot but, with this, I honestly could not put it down. I even read it as I was standing in front of my cooker making my lunch ffs! I mean, that just makes me weird!

For the love of God read the TW/CW before going into this but, if they don't phase you and you're still intrigued then I beg you to read this book. I promise you won't regret it 🖤

I received a copy of this book direct from the author and this is my honest review

[Joseph Tonlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

While accompanying the four friends on the first third of their journey, one word continually crossed my mind: balance. In my humble opinion, an essential component of any good story is balance, and Mr. Shener gives it to us in spades with Our Sweet Revenge.

Just a few of the many examples within:
- Consent and Dubious/Non-consent
- Blinding Revenge and Sincere Remission
- Ugly Brutality and Beautiful Empathy
- Steamy Erotica and Arousing Sensuality
- Devious Manipulation and Earnest Honesty
- Jaded Experience and Novice Exploration
- Filthy Sex and Tender Connection

The ‘Yin and Yang’ was done incredibly well (without a hint of contrivance) and made for a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. I wait with bated breath for the next installment of this story.

~ Previously published as Our Sweet Revenge ~

[bookgoddess96 · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, holy shit. This book was amazing. I literally devoured it in HOURS. I can honestly say I’ve never read a book quite like this before. There is so much mystery and anticipation in this book. It’s a mind f*ck in literally the best possible way. I’m still not sure which way is up right now, all I know is that I immediately bought the entire series after I finished the first book and have already started book two. The way this book sucks you and literally doesn’t let you leave is absolutely amazing. The suspense to know what’s gonna happen can literally be felt in my chest. I was sweating with my chest pounding at some points. Whew. That was a wild ride, and I am so very happy that I went on it. Do yourself a favor and read this book. Especially if you like dark MM spicy horror/mystery.

[Gale MR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once upon a time there were four men who banded together for different reasons - yearning for home, internal insecurities, loneliness. And during the college years for some of them and early days at work for others, that sense of false security and belonging grew into an unlikely friendship, but a friendship nonetheless. The last shreds of that friendship, the struggles, failures, dreams and accomplishments of these four men - Ethan, Anthony, Chris and Jay - blend into a strikingly raw, emotionally intense and heartbreakingly profound story of how life can turn in an instant, based not only on choices made, but also on external circumstances that sometimes cannot be prevented, no matter the efforts done. What made an immediate impression to me, from the very beginning of the book, was the foreboding sense of a storm brewing, and the tension that built as the plot unfolded. I was intrigued to see the slow unravelling of the foundation of their so called bonding, the way the illusion of something meaningful and deep between them started to dissolve and most of everything how these changes affected their lives and choices. One of the best examples was Chris, the social climber, who didn't hesitate for even a moment to use and manipulate his "best" friends - Anthony and Jay - for his own gain and to leave them behind like broken toys. Given time he would have found a way to utilise his friendship with the most delusional of all of them - Ethan- too. What the book described disturbingly well was that nothing is only black or only white but a variety of shades of grey and no one is 100% innocent.
The story reached an even darker, grimmer climax when the four were reunited in a place that held particular emotional significance for them - the cabin. It was fascinating in a deeply disturbing, emotionally jarring kind of way to finally see the reveal of a big part of the secrets between them and how much they hurt each other while chasing their inner desires and goals. It was a dark sinister game of mind manipulation and heavy dose of humiliation with the cruel bite of the promise of even more to come.

[Miruru Shouting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check all warnings for potentially triggering on-page situations and mentions.

This was a surprise 5-star read for me. Part 1 and beginning of Part 2 was a bit slow and the awkwardness between all four of the friends made me uncomfortable, but that is a good sign because it portrayed their falling-out and how they're no longer close-knit friends anymore.

Despite wanting to DNF it, I pushed through and wanted to know what would happen in the cabin. It pretty much hinted at some dark themes that would happen and I was expecting noncon or a gangbang, but it dissolved into a bit of a dubcon situation with some budding romance and bi-awakening. A lot of the story is told from Ethan's POV and reading about his feelings and awakening was very sexy, especially with how he described both Anthony and Ethan, oof, yea, I'll need more of that.

There wasn't any group scenes but the gangbang ended up being two instances of MM couplings, which I was a bit disappointed by but it turned out a tiny little bit more "romantic" than I thought, so I'll forgive it.

Hearing Chris's backstory and trauma about his childhood though, tore me up. And then his little flashback when Jay came back in the end and startled him, you definitely get more of a glimpse of how horrible Chris's childhood was, and even though he treated Anthony and Jay horribly (though Jay's situation seemed half/half after that poker game), I forgive Chris.

The four friends seem to end in a temporary truce and understanding and there was a HFN, until the last chapter where we see Jay wasn't really satisfied and wanted more revenge, which ended Book 1 in a cliffhanger, nooooooooooo. Definitely going to read Book 2 and see where all this goes.

I went into this not caring about any of the characters or their friendship, but now I'm invested and want them all to reconcile.

[gettinglostINAbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Swear to me you’ll keep this a secret.”


1: Our Deadly Reunion
2: The Gentleman’s club
3: Let it Burn
Unbreakable Ties series
By A.V. Shener
MM spicy thriller
MMC: Chris - Jay- Anthony & Ethan

These books surprised me in the best way possible. I binged all three books back to back, and I have zero regrets. From the very first page, I was hooked, unable to put them down as the story unfolded in a series of catastrophic events that left no room for a breather.

Don’t expect a typical MM romance, though a lovely romance is blooming. It’s a tale of childhood friends who find themselves entangled in a web of disasters—facing manipulative men, abusers, and psychopaths. And don’t worry, there is also a lot of spice going on, with consent, dub-con & non-con.

Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions, because this trilogy will take you on a wild ride through the darkest aspects of human nature—revenge, manipulation, humiliation, blackmail, abuse, perversion, torture and even kidnapping.

But amidst all the chaos, there's one thing that stands out above all: friendship. Despite the brutal revenge in Our Deadly Reunion, it was heartwarming to see how the four friends were able to forgive each other. No matter what happened, they stood by one another, proving the strength of their bond.

My ramblings could never do this brilliant story justice, so please do yourself a favour and try it out for yourself. It’s page-turning, addictive, thrilling, and it brutally twists your emotions in every direction. Couldn’t recommend this highly enough!

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was everything I expected with some extra twists and turns to round it out. It’s pretty straightforward. Four college friends have grown apart for various reasons. Three remain close. One of the three returns after a stint in jail and discloses his anger at the lone friend. He devises a plan of revenge and gets the other two on board to help execute same.

There are reasons the others get on board and much comes to light, but when the originator appears to want to take things too far, the others pull back. Suffice to say that much was learned by each about their own lives through this little adventure and not a one comes out the same as he went in. Their friendship grows in a new direction and things look like they will get much more interesting for them all as this story plays out in the next installments.

I enjoyed the writing style and storytelling and learning about each of these guys and their respective friendship dynamics. It isn’t nearly as dark as the blurb portrays, but there is a bit of non/con before things get reined in. I am looking forward to the next one.

Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.

[_mykee_b]

I have NO idea how or what to rate this, so to be fair, I’m not. I’ll just give my thoughts.

LETS BE CLEAR!! This is NOT a romance. This is a super dark & twisted revenge plot. It is intense. It is weird. It is uncomfortable. It is UNHINGED. (Not in the cute DR way). So for the shock value, it would get 5 ⭐️.

However,
I’m not sure if because it’s book 1 of a series, that the point is meant to leave you with a lot of questions but it did (for me). I’ll probably move on to book 2 to see if things will be made clearer but I’m not expecting redemption. In regards to this, because it all seems | excessive |, I’d give it 3 ⭐️.

Perhaps a 4⭐️ rating is accurate because it did hold my attention, provoke reaction, and kept me guessing but I just can’t commit to it, confidently. Just, if you have triggers, like •any• at all..maybe this is •not• for you.

[RSB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark an Addicting

Our Deadly Reunion is dark and addicting. The dynamic between the characters is so perfectly woven, and the internal struggle of the main character is almost palpable.

I was blown away by the author’s ability to make you feel like you’re experiencing the emotions of all the characters along with them. Nothing is held back in this story. The author is not afraid to "go there." It’s refreshing to find such an unpredictable, uninhibited novel with so much depth in its darkness.

I absolutely loved it. Highly recommend!

[KJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm incredibly impressed by the amount of tension the author was able to fit into this book. This book definitely explores the darker side of deep bonds and how they can twist into something incredibly dark when left unhealed. A large portion of this book is sexually explicit as well, which really showcased the twisted depths of these four men who are struggling with deep trauma, and the one man who desperately wants to bring their group back together again. I'm curious to see what the rest of the series holds.

[Theresa Lambe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dang! As a drama writer, this captured my heart. The twists, turns, and craziness all added to an adventure I wasn’t sure what to expect!

Sure, it's a MMMM deal, but let me tell you, the writing was great on it. And even if that’s not your deal, the pain, friendships, and longing for closeness is something anyone feels.

And when you think you got it figured out, bam, a whole other twist. It kept me on the edge of my seat...and I. WANT. MORE. 🙂

[Guy Rothmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant

Allow me to catch my breath. That was such a wild and unexpected ride. The dynamic between the four guys was brilliant - it really felt like they know each others so well. There were twists that I did not see coming, and I’m usually good at figuring those things out.

I’m excited about where this series is going!

[Oleg Rise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! I know it's a republishing of Our Sweet Revenge, but this one felt better. The writing was so tight, and revisiting Chris, Ethan, Jay, and Anthony was so rewarding.

This is still a dark story, but not as much as I remembered.
I absolutely recommend this trilogy.

[Bart · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like twisted, dark, kinky, sexy, and disturbing novels with interesting characters, vivid imagery, and occasional moments of surprising sweetness, A.V. Shener's new novel, OUR DEADLY REUNION is the book for you!

[Joe Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind-blowing adventure

I absolutely loved this book. Each of the main characters is unique and complex. Chris was especially fascinating.
I enjoy dark fiction, and this book was one of the best I've read in years. Reminding me of Cara Dee and Lisa Henry. Moving on to the sequel!

[Fer (⁠╥⁠﹏⁠╥⁠) suffering for hollanov]

Muitos plot Twists! Tô passada kkkk
Livro pesado!!! Tem que ler os alertas
Spoiler: tem uns personagens aí que são bem fracos hein, se tivessem vontade mesmo iriam ter enfrentado o cara, 3 contra 1 dá muito bem 😂

[Cara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh

I didn't see any "thriller" here. Or anything "intense"
The plot was paper thin. More character driven then anything else.
The armpit fetish was the most disgusting thing I have read in awhile.

[Linda Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A completely new author for me and I must say I’m truly impressed. This book was everything in the fact that it was suspenseful, thrilling and definitely high on the spice level! It ends in a cliffhanger so I’m moving on to the next book immediately.

[Maniyun · Rating 4 out of 5]

It grabbed my attention to want to read the rest of the story
The things that happened here was kinda unblievable but still hooked u to find out what's next , make u feel anxious like Ethan hehe ... but delighted to find this story

[the.aquarius.booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

before reading, make sure to read your cw, then decide if this book is for you.This is not rec for readers under 18. This was my first time reading this author. I have a lot of questions about this friend group and where the story goes from here. This went dark fast, and the story is only just unfolding. I need to see how this frenemies group story ends..especially after that ending.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the start of a trilogy and it is so good! Very dark and intense, but so so so amazing! It really keeps you in a grip! 🤩👌