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Roses & Thorns
This book was previously published with the title Knives & Feathers. This edition has been re-edited and extended.
When bestselling author Chester Banning requires inside information on the life of a forensic pathologist, he comes across an enticing, yet unwilling study subject in the shape of sinfully attractive Dr Nicolas Sheridan.
After a hot and slightly unsettling one-night stand, Sheridan turns out to be as inapproachable as he is intriguing and clearly not interested in intensifying their liaison. Chester, however, is already falling head over heels in love and doesn’t rest until he’s succeeded in cracking Sheridan’s icy shell. What he discovers underneath is a man well capable of love and affection but caught up in a web of lies and domestic abuse that makes him seek punishment in self-harm.
Refusing to watch Sheridan go farther down the road to self-destruction, Chester gives him all the love and support he is capable of—but then he discovers the horrifying truth about Sheridan’s past.
Reader advisory: Suitable for adult readers only. Contains scenes of and references to domestic violence / abuse, self-harm and dubious consent in a non-erotic context.
When bestselling author Chester Banning requires inside information on the life of a forensic pathologist, he comes across an enticing, yet unwilling study subject in the shape of sinfully attractive Dr Nicolas Sheridan.
After a hot and slightly unsettling one-night stand, Sheridan turns out to be as inapproachable as he is intriguing and clearly not interested in intensifying their liaison. Chester, however, is already falling head over heels in love and doesn’t rest until he’s succeeded in cracking Sheridan’s icy shell. What he discovers underneath is a man well capable of love and affection but caught up in a web of lies and domestic abuse that makes him seek punishment in self-harm.
Refusing to watch Sheridan go farther down the road to self-destruction, Chester gives him all the love and support he is capable of—but then he discovers the horrifying truth about Sheridan’s past.
Reader advisory: Suitable for adult readers only. Contains scenes of and references to domestic violence / abuse, self-harm and dubious consent in a non-erotic context.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2012
3 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Sage Marlowe
430 books123 followersSage is a multi-published author of MM erotic romance novels and novellas and loves exploring the flavours of gay erotic fiction.
A willing slave to all the fascinating guys who keep queuing up and want their stories told, Sage can almost always be found cooking up the next hot story or daydreaming about new ways of rubbing sexy male bodies together to make the sparks fly.
A willing slave to all the fascinating guys who keep queuing up and want their stories told, Sage can almost always be found cooking up the next hot story or daydreaming about new ways of rubbing sexy male bodies together to make the sparks fly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 7, 2012
The plot's pretty standard: emotionally damaged doctor rescued from himself by compassionate writer. Chester is researching for his new book, and has arranged to job-shadow Sheridan in his role as a forensic and clinical pathologist. In a Grey's Anatomy moment, they realise they've just had a one-night stand. Love and angst ensue.
This could have been sweet, and god knows there's the material in there to have had me sobbing myself to sleep, but the writing didn't have what it took to lift this story above the merely pedestrian.
The m/m market is too overloaded for this average book to appeal.
So, in addition to the general meh-ness of the writing, here's my more specific peeves.
1) Editing.
Chester's at an autopsy, and Sheridan is recording the process for later transcription into his records.
“But…” Chester started but fell silent when Sheridan wordlessly pointed at a small black voice recorder pinned to the breast pocket of his lab coat.
“Oh. I see. I’m sorry.” Realising at last that Sheridan hadn’t been stating the facts for his benefit, Chester blushed. (pp. 17-19)
But here's the thing: Sheridan hasn't been stating any facts. The only thing he said that might be considered a fact is the word "Accident" after Chester asks "What happened to him". It makes perfect sense that Sheridan would have been talking about the cadaver, but he wasn't. So when I hit that, I start to go backwards in the text thinking "Hey, what did I miss?" I didn't miss anything: the editor did.
2) The female secondary character
Dr Molly Templar is the head of the hospital. In the story she hasthree four functions: to throw the MCs together at the beginning, . It therefore fulfills no useful purpose to make her a man-hunting bitch. God forbid we should have a powerful, competent woman happy in her position of authority and behaving appropriately and professionally with those around her.
She is described as "Somewhere in her early forties, she was [Chester's] senior by about a decade but still an undeniably attractive woman who carried her beauty in the sort of manner that showed that she was well aware of it, and expected to be treated accordingly" (p. 13).
Poor Chester has to put up with "all the unwanted flirting": "Molly’s increasingly straightforward advances were beginning to creep him out." Her staff call her the "old nymphomaniac". But then, I guess it's understandable because "the job is more than she can handle.” God knows women end up in undeserved positions of authority all the time. It's only natural to respond by sexually harassing every male that crosses their path in a desperate search to recapture their one value: youth.
Dr Templar becomes more of an abhorrent admirer the further into the book we get.
“Chester, dear, there you are at last!” Chester was only halfway through the door when he found himself holding an armful of scented, half-naked woman. Molly had clearly been waiting for his arrival, desperate to claim him as soon as he arrived so that none of the other women present had a chance to make a pass at him. Chester grinned. Poor thing.
Chester doesn't tell her he's gay, instead prevaricating and putting up with her constant invitations.
He jumped when a glass was impatiently shoved into his hand. Molly. Of course. She was obviously well aware that this evening would be her last chance to try taking her acquaintance with Chester to a horizontal level. Ignoring her flirtatious smile and the fingers lingering on his arm, he asked, “Is the birthday boy here yet?”
“Sally and Nina just went to get him,” Molly informed him while discreetly trying to steer him into a quiet corner of the room. . . It didn’t take a scientist to guess what she had in mind and Chester was just racking his brains for the best route of escape when rescue came. . . .
Chester's refusal to just tell her he's gay, or that he's not interested, is clearly well-advised, because when she realises Chester is seeing Sheridan she immediately addresses Chester with bitterness, brusqueness, and sarcasm (p. 57), calls Sheridan a "renegade employee", and implies she's about to fire him (or at least seriously reprimand him) for not showing up to work and not calling in sick.
When she Chester notes, "Molly. The grapes hadn’t just been sour, they must have been very bitter indeed." However, there's no need for sour grapes in this action.
The worst thing is later in the book,
Dear Sage Marlowe, did you realise it was this bad when you wrote the story? What on earth was the point of all the man-hunting bitchness? Was it supposed to be just a small personality quirk that escaped and ran rampant? Then when you needed her character for something different you gave her a complete personality change in two sentences! You can't do that! And clearly, if you needed an ally for Chess and Sheridan later, you could have made Dr Templar a sympathetic character from the beginning without changing anything in the plot! There is already a bad guy in the story; you don't need to add her in, in a way that demeans women who have struggled against institutionalised sexism to achieve in their field. Signed, A Reader
In fact, the book doesn't have a lot of affection for any female characters, really. How about the receptionist for whom "the dullness of her conversational topics was in direct proportion to the size of her cleavage" (p. 42).
But enough! I have to leave poor misunderstood Dr Templar alone, and move on.
3) No evocation through language
Sheridan is racked with guilt and self harms.
This is a flaw the whole way through the book. A lot has happened to Sheridan, but none of it touches me emotionally because Marlowe doesn't communicate it in a way that seems real, or raw.
4) Instalove
You could have knocked me down with a feather when Sheridan slid two strong arms around Chester's waist at the party. Chester nearly dropped his glass: I would have. Nothing in the story up to this point suggests this will happen. It's 25% into the book and effectively Chester and Sheridan are together from now on, and the plot will become dealing with Sheridan's baggage and dealing with the bad guy. It seemed completely out of character, and I still don't understand why Sheridan loves Chester. It seems like he just needs any alternative to Jake. Nor do I understand why Chester loves Sheridan. Apart from hot sex I don't see the connection between them. They've hardly spent any time together!
5) The bad guy
Completely one-dimensional
6) The title.
The reference to the knife in the story is perfectly clear and good. Having Sheridan try to shoe-horn the reference to the feather into the final pages of the book was awkward, to say the least. Not a successful metaphor.
So, very average writing and editing spoils what should have been a lovely emotionally-wraught story.
This could have been sweet, and god knows there's the material in there to have had me sobbing myself to sleep, but the writing didn't have what it took to lift this story above the merely pedestrian.
The m/m market is too overloaded for this average book to appeal.
So, in addition to the general meh-ness of the writing, here's my more specific peeves.
1) Editing.
Chester's at an autopsy, and Sheridan is recording the process for later transcription into his records.
“But…” Chester started but fell silent when Sheridan wordlessly pointed at a small black voice recorder pinned to the breast pocket of his lab coat.
“Oh. I see. I’m sorry.” Realising at last that Sheridan hadn’t been stating the facts for his benefit, Chester blushed. (pp. 17-19)
But here's the thing: Sheridan hasn't been stating any facts. The only thing he said that might be considered a fact is the word "Accident" after Chester asks "What happened to him". It makes perfect sense that Sheridan would have been talking about the cadaver, but he wasn't. So when I hit that, I start to go backwards in the text thinking "Hey, what did I miss?" I didn't miss anything: the editor did.
2) The female secondary character
Dr Molly Templar is the head of the hospital. In the story she has
She is described as "Somewhere in her early forties, she was [Chester's] senior by about a decade but still an undeniably attractive woman who carried her beauty in the sort of manner that showed that she was well aware of it, and expected to be treated accordingly" (p. 13).
Poor Chester has to put up with "all the unwanted flirting": "Molly’s increasingly straightforward advances were beginning to creep him out." Her staff call her the "old nymphomaniac". But then, I guess it's understandable because "the job is more than she can handle.” God knows women end up in undeserved positions of authority all the time. It's only natural to respond by sexually harassing every male that crosses their path in a desperate search to recapture their one value: youth.
Dr Templar becomes more of an abhorrent admirer the further into the book we get.
“Chester, dear, there you are at last!” Chester was only halfway through the door when he found himself holding an armful of scented, half-naked woman. Molly had clearly been waiting for his arrival, desperate to claim him as soon as he arrived so that none of the other women present had a chance to make a pass at him. Chester grinned. Poor thing.
Chester doesn't tell her he's gay, instead prevaricating and putting up with her constant invitations.
He jumped when a glass was impatiently shoved into his hand. Molly. Of course. She was obviously well aware that this evening would be her last chance to try taking her acquaintance with Chester to a horizontal level. Ignoring her flirtatious smile and the fingers lingering on his arm, he asked, “Is the birthday boy here yet?”
“Sally and Nina just went to get him,” Molly informed him while discreetly trying to steer him into a quiet corner of the room. . . It didn’t take a scientist to guess what she had in mind and Chester was just racking his brains for the best route of escape when rescue came. . . .
Chester's refusal to just tell her he's gay, or that he's not interested, is clearly well-advised, because when she realises Chester is seeing Sheridan she immediately addresses Chester with bitterness, brusqueness, and sarcasm (p. 57), calls Sheridan a "renegade employee", and implies she's about to fire him (or at least seriously reprimand him) for not showing up to work and not calling in sick.
When she Chester notes, "Molly. The grapes hadn’t just been sour, they must have been very bitter indeed." However, there's no need for sour grapes in this action.
The worst thing is later in the book,
Dear Sage Marlowe, did you realise it was this bad when you wrote the story? What on earth was the point of all the man-hunting bitchness? Was it supposed to be just a small personality quirk that escaped and ran rampant? Then when you needed her character for something different you gave her a complete personality change in two sentences! You can't do that! And clearly, if you needed an ally for Chess and Sheridan later, you could have made Dr Templar a sympathetic character from the beginning without changing anything in the plot! There is already a bad guy in the story; you don't need to add her in, in a way that demeans women who have struggled against institutionalised sexism to achieve in their field. Signed, A Reader
In fact, the book doesn't have a lot of affection for any female characters, really. How about the receptionist for whom "the dullness of her conversational topics was in direct proportion to the size of her cleavage" (p. 42).
But enough! I have to leave poor misunderstood Dr Templar alone, and move on.
3) No evocation through language
Sheridan is racked with guilt and self harms.
This is a flaw the whole way through the book. A lot has happened to Sheridan, but none of it touches me emotionally because Marlowe doesn't communicate it in a way that seems real, or raw.
4) Instalove
You could have knocked me down with a feather when Sheridan slid two strong arms around Chester's waist at the party. Chester nearly dropped his glass: I would have. Nothing in the story up to this point suggests this will happen. It's 25% into the book and effectively Chester and Sheridan are together from now on, and the plot will become dealing with Sheridan's baggage and dealing with the bad guy. It seemed completely out of character, and I still don't understand why Sheridan loves Chester. It seems like he just needs any alternative to Jake. Nor do I understand why Chester loves Sheridan. Apart from hot sex I don't see the connection between them. They've hardly spent any time together!
5) The bad guy
Completely one-dimensional
6) The title.
The reference to the knife in the story is perfectly clear and good. Having Sheridan try to shoe-horn the reference to the feather into the final pages of the book was awkward, to say the least. Not a successful metaphor.
So, very average writing and editing spoils what should have been a lovely emotionally-wraught story.
August 25, 2017
2.5-3 stars
I don't know how I feel about this book. I didn't like the writing and the superficial way the author handled the whole cutting problem. I couldn't believe that the MC stopped cutting without therapy.
I don't know how I feel about this book. I didn't like the writing and the superficial way the author handled the whole cutting problem. I couldn't believe that the MC stopped cutting without therapy.
October 21, 2014
I was all on board with this sumbitch until our fine doctor seemed suddenly all better after Chester tells him what he found out. What? That guy was seriously messed up. Yes, it was wrapped up in a pretty HEA bow but still, that guy still needed some serious therapy. This one did get some strong emotions going for me though. I was sad, angry, disbelieving, happy, frustrated...what a roller coaster. Pretty good book if you can suspend belief for the last 30% or so.
August 20, 2017
This was intense. I try to avoid dark reads as much as possible because they often leave me feeling uneasy or unsettled. The darker the read, the longer it takes for me to recover from that feeling. That said, once in a while I come across a book that is considered a dark read but the author embeds the story a rich landscape with enough light coming through that it counteracts the darkness. This was one of those books. The initial part of the story is entrenched in morbid details and parts of it are difficult to read. However, there is an undercurrent of faith and optimism throughout the book that kept the story moving along nicely instead of dwelling in a maudlin place.
This is the story of Nicholas and Chester. To say that their journey starts off under less than ideal circumstances would be a significant understatement. Nicholas not only has enough baggage to fill a luggage carousel at LAX, but his coping skills are not exactly his strong suit. When Chester enters the picture, his good humor and gentle nature prove to be effective catalysts in Nicholas's path to salvation.
A powerful, gripping and disturbing journey that is riddled with pitfalls and detours on the way to a cathartic and satisfying conclusion.
This is the story of Nicholas and Chester. To say that their journey starts off under less than ideal circumstances would be a significant understatement. Nicholas not only has enough baggage to fill a luggage carousel at LAX, but his coping skills are not exactly his strong suit. When Chester enters the picture, his good humor and gentle nature prove to be effective catalysts in Nicholas's path to salvation.
A powerful, gripping and disturbing journey that is riddled with pitfalls and detours on the way to a cathartic and satisfying conclusion.
July 12, 2017
2.5 stars
August 7, 2012
Knives & Feathers is the proof that Sage Marlowe is an author worth watching. Some scenes in here were painful in their emotional depth.
As in most of her books, Marlowe enhances an interesting plot with a beautiful, clever writing style but above all, amazing characters.
Portraying people with all their facets and quirks is where this author's true talent lies. Marlowe's characters are anything but stereotypes. They are like real people, they could be living beyond the books and, just like real people, they are intriguingly flawed. They can be egoistic in their wants and needs, and they don't always make sense in their emotions.
Sheridan got to me like few fictitious characters ever have. He's a strong, clever man, but the loss of his lover and his feelings of guilt make him irrational and send him to the verge of an emotional abyss. At the bottom of his heart, he probably knows that something's fishy, but he has no reason to fight and get away from his abusive lover. When he meets Chester, he is obviously ready for a turning point and Chester with his quiet understanding and support, is just the one to give it to him.
Chester sees Sheridan's problems for what they are and he isn't afraid to tackle them, right there at Sheridan's side. While the sexual attraction to Sheridan is instant, his own painful past helps him understand Sheridan's trauma. This is a love that is truly inspiring.
Even the support characters are realistic and come eqquipped with perfectly human character traits, like the "poor, misunderstood" Dr. Molly Templar, as she was referred to in a previous review. This woman is described with an intriguing attention to detail which, admittedly, may be a bit hard to recognize if one doesn't look beyond the obvious. Templar is an attractive, successful woman living in a small town. She has a lot on her hands handling rogue employees who don't respect her. Her heart is in the right place but she just can't resist chasing some hot male flesh when she sees it. Sounds familiar? Yes. This behavior in a man would be perfectly acceptable but in a woman it is still controversial. What better proof could there be for a fictitious character having amazing depth and being portrayed close to a real person, than a reader feeling the urge to defend them - against the author, of all people?
Sage Marlowe has a gift for portraying emotionally intense characters and this book truly stands out in a genre that is overloaded with pseudo-gay, shallow characters and mediocre story telling.
As in most of her books, Marlowe enhances an interesting plot with a beautiful, clever writing style but above all, amazing characters.
Portraying people with all their facets and quirks is where this author's true talent lies. Marlowe's characters are anything but stereotypes. They are like real people, they could be living beyond the books and, just like real people, they are intriguingly flawed. They can be egoistic in their wants and needs, and they don't always make sense in their emotions.
Sheridan got to me like few fictitious characters ever have. He's a strong, clever man, but the loss of his lover and his feelings of guilt make him irrational and send him to the verge of an emotional abyss. At the bottom of his heart, he probably knows that something's fishy, but he has no reason to fight and get away from his abusive lover. When he meets Chester, he is obviously ready for a turning point and Chester with his quiet understanding and support, is just the one to give it to him.
Chester sees Sheridan's problems for what they are and he isn't afraid to tackle them, right there at Sheridan's side. While the sexual attraction to Sheridan is instant, his own painful past helps him understand Sheridan's trauma. This is a love that is truly inspiring.
Even the support characters are realistic and come eqquipped with perfectly human character traits, like the "poor, misunderstood" Dr. Molly Templar, as she was referred to in a previous review. This woman is described with an intriguing attention to detail which, admittedly, may be a bit hard to recognize if one doesn't look beyond the obvious. Templar is an attractive, successful woman living in a small town. She has a lot on her hands handling rogue employees who don't respect her. Her heart is in the right place but she just can't resist chasing some hot male flesh when she sees it. Sounds familiar? Yes. This behavior in a man would be perfectly acceptable but in a woman it is still controversial. What better proof could there be for a fictitious character having amazing depth and being portrayed close to a real person, than a reader feeling the urge to defend them - against the author, of all people?
Sage Marlowe has a gift for portraying emotionally intense characters and this book truly stands out in a genre that is overloaded with pseudo-gay, shallow characters and mediocre story telling.
August 12, 2014
As someone that suffered from an abusive relationship, I know what it's like to live in your own personal hell. Thinking that, since you are at your lowest, this is the best that you deserve. That this is the best that you can get. While you are going through the motions, When things are going good they are AMAZING but the slightest eye shift, the littlest change in tone and you are now back inside your nightmare. At the time you think this is as good as it's going to get. Than by some god send miracle, a certain someone shows up into your life and with their caring, strength and love, You are able to break out of your spell long enough to know that YOU may be able to deserve better. That dare I say, are worth more. That is what Roses & Thorns, for me was about. Here is one Emotional, deeply RAW feeling book. Roses & Thorns is a captivating story of TRUE REAL LIFE issues. There is no sugar coating here. I felt on certain levels EXACTLY what Sheridan was going through and in my humble opinion, Chester was his very own guardian angel. His light at the end of his very dark tunnel.
My proverbial hat goes off to Sage on one incredibly detailed story that touches very true light on a sensitive topic. I can not wait to read more by Sage and I will forever be an fan. Thank you for giving us the true gift that is your writing.
My proverbial hat goes off to Sage on one incredibly detailed story that touches very true light on a sensitive topic. I can not wait to read more by Sage and I will forever be an fan. Thank you for giving us the true gift that is your writing.
August 12, 2012
This is an emotionally deeply moving storyline. I have to admit to having hard time trying to figure out what kind of secret did Sheridan hide. Sure, partly I figured it out myself, but not as much I thought. And I was totally amazed by the whole written story. At the start I had so many questions, I really wanted answered, but with each page it got better and better. I was really deeply engrossed in this story. Actually I couldn't put it down till the end. Chester is amazing character.
February 21, 2015
Well..... We almost made it. It was a bit OTT and it's not like we didn't see THAT plot twist coming from ten miles away. But. God. Damn. Was that cheeeeesy. It's something I fear, because it's quite easy to do when writing romance and HEA. And this was avoiding it well to a point. But fuck me. The last few chapters ... Oi.
Liked Sheridan and the first 70% of this book. But yeah. Cheese factor: 8 out of 10.
Liked Sheridan and the first 70% of this book. But yeah. Cheese factor: 8 out of 10.
August 5, 2012
I agree with most of the last review, but what bothered me the worst was the quick wrap up and the unhealthy/unrealistic of some of the major issues the MC had. I didn't get why the "big reveal" changed the messed up way the MC thought, and he needed a LOT more than a few days of therapy to start getting well.
Overall, just too superficial of a treatment for such an angsty situation.
Overall, just too superficial of a treatment for such an angsty situation.
August 12, 2012
Story plot is very simple. A guy lost his boyfriend when he was young and couldn't forget himself for being a life. So he let himself being abuse and also hurt himself on daily basis. I just have to say main character Sheridan is an idiot and we need one more guy Chester to show him the right way out of his shit.
August 11, 2014
This is the first book I've read by Sage Marlowe and it definitely won't be the last! Beautifully written and the characters weren't overly perfect - they had depth and seemed real and lovable. I love finding a new (to me) author that has so many books already available! Will keep me busy for a while!
October 30, 2017
This was a rollercoaster that made me tear up more than once. When writer Chester meets a man in a bar for a one night stand, he has no idea what he has gotten himself into. Forensic pathologist Sheridan has a twisted past that has left him scarred in ways you cannot imagine. I was surprised by some of the twists this story took. The heat was amazing, the emotion was incredible, and I loved both Chester and Sheridan, who was so much more than I first thought he was.
February 20, 2015
A bit of the story first...
Take a writer, Chester. A writer makes research before or during the writing process. Here is one who needs to make research in a morgue. Ok, so, I've made funnier research than that BUT he meets there Sheridan. Actually, he met him the night before, shagging him like crazy but shush... no need to tell anyone ! At first, Sheridan is really mad at him because he doesn't want anyone alive in his morgue. Yes, he has some... temper, to say the least.
But Sheridan is not that easy to understand. And when Chester wants to know more about his story and maybe take the relationship a bit further, he meets... Jake. Jake is problems. But the least in Sheridan's life. And if Chester wants him, he'll have to fight for him. Nothing is as simple as it seems first.
You know sometimes, you meet books. Here I met the book but I already knew the writer. But in this particular story, I repeatedly told myself "wow, when I'm a full grow-up (that I am lol), I want to write like him". There was so much emotions, so much truth in the words he used... I feel changed.
I finished it last night and I woke up in the middle of the night. I couldn't sleep because of this book. I kept thinking, what can I say to make people read it, if they haven't. I finally found out. You want to read a book you'll never forget ? You want to know what being a writer means ? You want to cry and laugh and cry again til your eyes burn ? You want to be upside down at the end of a book ? So go for it. No hesitation. Go. Now.
I will finish by quoting the reason why the book is called Roses and Thorns.
'"Remember when you told me there were good and bad things in our lives ? You said it was like roses and thorns ?""Uhh... right." Sheridan put the roses back on the worktop. He hesitated, then laced his fingers through Chester's and looked into his eyes. "In the two years before we met, my life was so full of thorns, I couldn't find the way out anymore. Then you came and brought roses with you. You are the biggest, most beautiful rose in my life, Chester, and I love you very, very much."
What are you still doing here ?! Go buy it !!!
Take a writer, Chester. A writer makes research before or during the writing process. Here is one who needs to make research in a morgue. Ok, so, I've made funnier research than that BUT he meets there Sheridan. Actually, he met him the night before, shagging him like crazy but shush... no need to tell anyone ! At first, Sheridan is really mad at him because he doesn't want anyone alive in his morgue. Yes, he has some... temper, to say the least.
But Sheridan is not that easy to understand. And when Chester wants to know more about his story and maybe take the relationship a bit further, he meets... Jake. Jake is problems. But the least in Sheridan's life. And if Chester wants him, he'll have to fight for him. Nothing is as simple as it seems first.
You know sometimes, you meet books. Here I met the book but I already knew the writer. But in this particular story, I repeatedly told myself "wow, when I'm a full grow-up (that I am lol), I want to write like him". There was so much emotions, so much truth in the words he used... I feel changed.
I finished it last night and I woke up in the middle of the night. I couldn't sleep because of this book. I kept thinking, what can I say to make people read it, if they haven't. I finally found out. You want to read a book you'll never forget ? You want to know what being a writer means ? You want to cry and laugh and cry again til your eyes burn ? You want to be upside down at the end of a book ? So go for it. No hesitation. Go. Now.
I will finish by quoting the reason why the book is called Roses and Thorns.
'"Remember when you told me there were good and bad things in our lives ? You said it was like roses and thorns ?""Uhh... right." Sheridan put the roses back on the worktop. He hesitated, then laced his fingers through Chester's and looked into his eyes. "In the two years before we met, my life was so full of thorns, I couldn't find the way out anymore. Then you came and brought roses with you. You are the biggest, most beautiful rose in my life, Chester, and I love you very, very much."
What are you still doing here ?! Go buy it !!!
February 13, 2015
Okay, There are a lot of things I liked, and a few I didn't.
I liked Sheridan and Chester. Sheridan was a mess. At first I thought it was very interesting. I kept reading because of it. I thought the background cause of his issues was a little weak. Ya, it would'a been traumatizing, but I just can't see Sheridan letting it get to that point. Also, the wrap up was was weak. But, it was still worth the read. You just have to suspend belief a tad bit. And hey...that's what fiction is for.
But I really enjoyed the story. I think I would have liked it better, if it expanded on the dark side that was originally forming. But I still loved Sheridan, and Chester was cute and funny. The story was engaging, and I never thought about putting it down.
Oh...one more thing bugging me...when they met, Sheridan was wearing clothes that looked like they "cost more than an average weeks salary" Then he was riding a motorcycle (and whoooo, thinking of him in a suit on the motorcycle was hot) but then he was wearing biker boots...so it wasn't a suit. Later it said he had been wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Even designer jeans and a t-shirt, doesn't sound like a weeks salary. But I gotta admit, for that moment picturing him on that motorcycle was EXTRA hot. I know, it was a little detail, but it stuck with me. Normally those things don't bug me long.
I would rec this book, for someone looking for a book with a traumatic past, with self harm.
I liked Sheridan and Chester. Sheridan was a mess. At first I thought it was very interesting. I kept reading because of it. I thought the background cause of his issues was a little weak. Ya, it would'a been traumatizing, but I just can't see Sheridan letting it get to that point. Also, the wrap up was was weak. But, it was still worth the read. You just have to suspend belief a tad bit. And hey...that's what fiction is for.
But I really enjoyed the story. I think I would have liked it better, if it expanded on the dark side that was originally forming. But I still loved Sheridan, and Chester was cute and funny. The story was engaging, and I never thought about putting it down.
Oh...one more thing bugging me...when they met, Sheridan was wearing clothes that looked like they "cost more than an average weeks salary" Then he was riding a motorcycle (and whoooo, thinking of him in a suit on the motorcycle was hot) but then he was wearing biker boots...so it wasn't a suit. Later it said he had been wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Even designer jeans and a t-shirt, doesn't sound like a weeks salary. But I gotta admit, for that moment picturing him on that motorcycle was EXTRA hot. I know, it was a little detail, but it stuck with me. Normally those things don't bug me long.
I would rec this book, for someone looking for a book with a traumatic past, with self harm.
September 23, 2014
Author Chester Banning is researching the life of a forensic pathologist for his next book.
He meets Dr Nicolas Sheridan who is a bit serious and closed to making friends with Chester.
Chester is intrigued by Nicolas ... he tries to do everything possible to get to know Nicolas but he is not counting that Nicolas is an relationship ... Relationship in which Chester has many doubts how Nicolas is being treated.
When the truth starts to come out and Chester sees for himself what is truly going on with Nicolas he does what he feels is correct and opens an invitation for Nicolas ... to go see him ...
The surprised appearance of Nicolas at Chester's home bring them together but there are still things that need to surface in order for Nicolas to be free to love Chester, who has already fallen hard for him ...
The truth indeed shows Nicolas that he can be happy and that Chester is all he needed...
The twist and turns in this story will keep you reading. It is an excellent book and I am very glad it was recommended to me as my first read from author Sage Marlowe...
Looking forward to read more from his work...
He meets Dr Nicolas Sheridan who is a bit serious and closed to making friends with Chester.
Chester is intrigued by Nicolas ... he tries to do everything possible to get to know Nicolas but he is not counting that Nicolas is an relationship ... Relationship in which Chester has many doubts how Nicolas is being treated.
When the truth starts to come out and Chester sees for himself what is truly going on with Nicolas he does what he feels is correct and opens an invitation for Nicolas ... to go see him ...
The surprised appearance of Nicolas at Chester's home bring them together but there are still things that need to surface in order for Nicolas to be free to love Chester, who has already fallen hard for him ...
The truth indeed shows Nicolas that he can be happy and that Chester is all he needed...
The twist and turns in this story will keep you reading. It is an excellent book and I am very glad it was recommended to me as my first read from author Sage Marlowe...
Looking forward to read more from his work...
January 28, 2015
Where do I start? This is the first (and it won't be the last) book I have read by Sage Marlowe and it came highly recommended from a firend who loaned me her paperback copy.
I was HOOKED from the first page and it takes alot to grab hold of my attention much less keep it. The characters were wonderfully written and believable, in fact I would love to meet both these two for a drink and a natter. There is a dynamic between them that just works, perfet strangers who soon become so much more. Nicholas Sheridan is hiding a dark secret, well more than one, and I felt for him with a passion, I wanted to protect him and make sure nothing and no-one hurt him ever again. So, enter Chester Banning, who takes no prisoners and won't pander to Nicky's every whim.
The story has so many levels to it, and keeps you going back for more. I laughed and i cried with these two and also had my heart broken and I loved every single moment of it.
The writing style was witty and insightful and never repetitive.
I Look foward to reading more from Sage in the future, the only question is which one to read next!
I was HOOKED from the first page and it takes alot to grab hold of my attention much less keep it. The characters were wonderfully written and believable, in fact I would love to meet both these two for a drink and a natter. There is a dynamic between them that just works, perfet strangers who soon become so much more. Nicholas Sheridan is hiding a dark secret, well more than one, and I felt for him with a passion, I wanted to protect him and make sure nothing and no-one hurt him ever again. So, enter Chester Banning, who takes no prisoners and won't pander to Nicky's every whim.
The story has so many levels to it, and keeps you going back for more. I laughed and i cried with these two and also had my heart broken and I loved every single moment of it.
The writing style was witty and insightful and never repetitive.
I Look foward to reading more from Sage in the future, the only question is which one to read next!
March 21, 2015
love heals all ...
This story sent my emotions flying all over the place ... This is a love story that is hard to take at times. The two main characters, Chester, an author, and Nicholas, a forensic pathologist, cross paths, twice ~ first, because they had a quick hook up and second, because the very next day Chester is doing research for his next book at (a very surprised) Nicolas's lab. This is fate ~ there are no coincidences in life, we are put into others lives whether we realize it or not. Nicholas has had his share of love found and loss, mental and physical abuse, self worthlessness that brought tears to my eyes ~ not even realizing that salvation is standing right beside him. The patience, love and tenderness shown by Chester in his unfaltering attempt to bring Nicholas back to life was sheer beauty. Both characters had just enough depth to them to make this story feel real. The writing and subject matter was intelligent and important. This was the first book that I've read from Sage Marlowe and it certainly won't be the last! Roses & Thorns is definitely a must read ...
This story sent my emotions flying all over the place ... This is a love story that is hard to take at times. The two main characters, Chester, an author, and Nicholas, a forensic pathologist, cross paths, twice ~ first, because they had a quick hook up and second, because the very next day Chester is doing research for his next book at (a very surprised) Nicolas's lab. This is fate ~ there are no coincidences in life, we are put into others lives whether we realize it or not. Nicholas has had his share of love found and loss, mental and physical abuse, self worthlessness that brought tears to my eyes ~ not even realizing that salvation is standing right beside him. The patience, love and tenderness shown by Chester in his unfaltering attempt to bring Nicholas back to life was sheer beauty. Both characters had just enough depth to them to make this story feel real. The writing and subject matter was intelligent and important. This was the first book that I've read from Sage Marlowe and it certainly won't be the last! Roses & Thorns is definitely a must read ...
August 13, 2014
Roses & Thorns is so beautifully written. Amusing, emotional, engaging. Sheridan & Chester are two well thought out, deep characters, who pull you into their lives so quickly and powerfully. Sheridan is a mystery to Chester, a man he’s deeply attracted to from the moment they meet. Chester needs to discover what lies in Sheridan’s heart to understand him, but Sheridan is closed up, cold and unwilling to open up to anyone, let alone the nosy new man who just entered his life. Chester’s curiosity leads him into the dark past of his new lover, one Sheridan desperately needs help to escape.
Their journey is emotional, passionate and heart wrenching, but one I’m happy I’ve travelled with them. Sheridon has to overcome so much to move on with Chester. He has to allow Chester into his life, accept his love and care when all he wants to run and hide his head, forgetting the bad situation he’s found himself in. Chester never gives up, and his love and devotion to Sheridon makes me feel all warm inside. I love all of Sage’s books, but this one will always be my favourite.
Their journey is emotional, passionate and heart wrenching, but one I’m happy I’ve travelled with them. Sheridon has to overcome so much to move on with Chester. He has to allow Chester into his life, accept his love and care when all he wants to run and hide his head, forgetting the bad situation he’s found himself in. Chester never gives up, and his love and devotion to Sheridon makes me feel all warm inside. I love all of Sage’s books, but this one will always be my favourite.
February 23, 2024
This is definitely a darker story than some I have read recently. Roses and Thorns tells the story of Chester, a writer who shadows a forensic pathologist, Sheridan. They have a one-night stand before they know who each other is, and the sparks continue to fly at work. However, there is one fly in the mix - that of Jake, Sheridan's partner. Now, they do not have a 'loving' relationship and the scenes with them in it are justifiably 'wrong'.
This is a well-written story, showing the actions of a man obsessed, and how living with abuse can seriously mess with your mind. The only negative thing I would say is that with the amount of stuff that goes on, a whole lot of therapy would be needed. A step in the right direction is made in the book, but that is only the start.
If you are looking for a dark MM romance with stalker issues then I would definitely recommend this book. Not for the faint of heart or any with triggers though.
* Verified Purchase - June 2015 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 9, 2016
This is a well-written story, showing the actions of a man obsessed, and how living with abuse can seriously mess with your mind. The only negative thing I would say is that with the amount of stuff that goes on, a whole lot of therapy would be needed. A step in the right direction is made in the book, but that is only the start.
If you are looking for a dark MM romance with stalker issues then I would definitely recommend this book. Not for the faint of heart or any with triggers though.
* Verified Purchase - June 2015 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 9, 2016
May 17, 2015
Wow...what can I say....I love Sage and I think this is one of my favourites...It's not an easy read but it is an amazing read....Chester meets Sheridan at a bar and they have a one night stand..well they sleep together then Sheridan leaves....Chester meets him the next day as part of him getting information for his book and the story just takes off.....Sheridan is not in a good place and he really needs someone to look out for him and care for him and Chester is that man...only problem is...Sheridan has a partner and he's not a nice man...I hated Jake from the first time he's mentioned....The way he treated Sheridan had my heart thumping and made me want to really really punch him hard.....There's a couple of surprises....they really did shock me as I didn't see a few things coming although I did figure out the biggie just before it was told......I'm so glad I bought this in paperback even before I read it...truly amazing read x
December 28, 2013
Wow. Nicolas is one really damaged and broken soul.
The story was fascinating and quite disturbing to read. Honestly, I couldn't quite see why Chester was so drawn to Nicolas but I admired his tenacity in trying to help Nicolas.
While I enjoyed reading this story, the only thing that bothered me about this was Nicolas' recover in the end. I found it hard to believe that he could make that much progress in so short a time.
The story was fascinating and quite disturbing to read. Honestly, I couldn't quite see why Chester was so drawn to Nicolas but I admired his tenacity in trying to help Nicolas.
While I enjoyed reading this story, the only thing that bothered me about this was Nicolas' recover in the end. I found it hard to believe that he could make that much progress in so short a time.
August 17, 2014
This was a beautiful story! I loved reading Chester and Nicolas's journey together. If you want a beautiful yet raw love story then this is the book for you! The characters and the story were beautifully written. Nicolas's story is one of abuse and it broke my heart, but I am glad things turned around for him. He was a brilliant character! If you are a fan of m/m novels and you have not read this book, then you need to! Sage Marlowe is amazing!
November 3, 2014
I really liked the premise of this book, therefore I thought I'd give it a try. I'm so glad I did. It was a good way to spend a few hours, and I will definitely try more books by this author.
On the negative side, there is a repetitive term of endearment, sunshine, that was used 42 times and eventually became an annoyance. However, it didn't detract from my enjoyment. Definitely recommended!
On the negative side, there is a repetitive term of endearment, sunshine, that was used 42 times and eventually became an annoyance. However, it didn't detract from my enjoyment. Definitely recommended!
April 23, 2017
I do love a good angst fest and this fits the bill. My only complaints are that the cutting storyline was wrapped up far too quickly and easily, and the feather metaphor at the end didn't really fit. Otherwise, a good read with interesting MCs and a very evil villain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2012
3.5
3 points for the story and 1/2 point more because I liked the characters and I definetely wasnt bored.
3 points for the story and 1/2 point more because I liked the characters and I definetely wasnt bored.
December 31, 2013
I am not sure how I feel about this book...it was good but I didn't love it. There's one thing I know for sure is that I hate Jake.
August 16, 2014
A very different story with two very different characters. One walking the line of self destruction and the other trying to save him. It's a beautiful story with a nice HEA. I enjoyed it.
October 4, 2014
Called Roses and Thorns when I bought this - aug 2014
June 18, 2015
Loved it. Review coming soon.
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