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Santuario #2
The Other Side of Winter
Not all wounds are visible.
Skanian investigator Bengt fell in love with fellow policeman Alex Rukow in a week. But that was a year ago, and they’ve been apart ever since. Then Alex escapes the corrupt and destitute island nation of Santuario and comes to live with Bengt. Happy ever after . . .?
Alex’s lifelong dream of leaving Santuario has come true at last. But he finds himself adrift in a society he doesn’t understand. Worse, past nightmares come back to haunt him, and after so many years of suspicion and self-reliance, it’s harder than he imagined to trust someone else.
Bengt just wants Alex to share his comfortable life. But the more he tries to give, the more Alex pulls away. Their physical connection couldn’t be better, but Bengt can’t seem to get through to his difficult, taciturn lover outside the bedroom. Meanwhile, he has his own demons to confront—not to mention a serial killer on the loose.
Bengt and Alex must dig deep for the courage to face their pasts, but it may be too late to save their relationship or their lives.
Skanian investigator Bengt fell in love with fellow policeman Alex Rukow in a week. But that was a year ago, and they’ve been apart ever since. Then Alex escapes the corrupt and destitute island nation of Santuario and comes to live with Bengt. Happy ever after . . .?
Alex’s lifelong dream of leaving Santuario has come true at last. But he finds himself adrift in a society he doesn’t understand. Worse, past nightmares come back to haunt him, and after so many years of suspicion and self-reliance, it’s harder than he imagined to trust someone else.
Bengt just wants Alex to share his comfortable life. But the more he tries to give, the more Alex pulls away. Their physical connection couldn’t be better, but Bengt can’t seem to get through to his difficult, taciturn lover outside the bedroom. Meanwhile, he has his own demons to confront—not to mention a serial killer on the loose.
Bengt and Alex must dig deep for the courage to face their pasts, but it may be too late to save their relationship or their lives.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2015
7 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
G.B. Gordon
13 books94 followersG.B.Gordon worked as a packer, landscaper, waiter, and coach before going back to school to major in linguistics and, at 35, switch to less backbreaking monetary pursuits like translating, editing, and writing. Having lived in various parts of the world, Gordon is now happily ensconced in suburban Ontario with the best of all husbands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 26, 2015
2 stars. DNF @46%. Review posted April 26, 2015
My review in pictures (gifs):
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
Exhibit D
Exhibit E
Exhibit A
I actually did care. That's why I abandoned ship because I didn't want to waste any more time.
Exhibit B
Alex wasn't much of a talker. Baba, are you kidding? He had a hard time finishing a sentence.
Exhibit C
I was like, 'Ugh…talk already.' Why can't they have an interesting conversation once in a while? Let's go straight to exhibit D, shall we?
Exhibit D
Alex preferred to walk away instead of talking it out. It was very frustrating.
Exhibit E
"Dude, what's up?"
"Nothing. Do you have a problem?"
"I'm bored."
"Me too."
"Fine. Keep on pouting then. I'll join you. After all, misery loves company."
As a side note
No, it wasn't the problem of reading out of order. It wasn't the sci-fi aspect of the story either. That was barely there, by the way, and didn't bother me in the least. My problem was that the story wasn't engaging and I didn't care for the characters at all. When I decided to quit at 46%, I skipped forward and hardly skimmed a few pages towards the end but I learned something.Surprise, surprise, sometime during the plot they Frankly, it didn't catch me off guard because a
Movin' on…
P.S. The Other Side of Winter is #17 I had to DNF in 2015.
My review in pictures (gifs):
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
Exhibit D
Exhibit E
Exhibit A
I actually did care. That's why I abandoned ship because I didn't want to waste any more time.
Exhibit B
Alex wasn't much of a talker. Baba, are you kidding? He had a hard time finishing a sentence.
Exhibit C
I was like, 'Ugh…talk already.' Why can't they have an interesting conversation once in a while? Let's go straight to exhibit D, shall we?
Exhibit D
Alex preferred to walk away instead of talking it out. It was very frustrating.
Exhibit E
"Dude, what's up?"
"Nothing. Do you have a problem?"
"I'm bored."
"Me too."
"Fine. Keep on pouting then. I'll join you. After all, misery loves company."
As a side note
No, it wasn't the problem of reading out of order. It wasn't the sci-fi aspect of the story either. That was barely there, by the way, and didn't bother me in the least. My problem was that the story wasn't engaging and I didn't care for the characters at all. When I decided to quit at 46%, I skipped forward and hardly skimmed a few pages towards the end but I learned something.
Movin' on…
P.S. The Other Side of Winter is #17 I had to DNF in 2015.
March 23, 2015
There are a small number of books which defy ordinary book-hood (Bookness? Bookmanship?), and for me become something extraordinary. Mile markers in a well-read life. A perfect book for me at the place and time when I read it, but also a book I can return to over and over again.
G.B. Gordon’s Santuario and The Other Side of Winter are among that small number of books. Everything I loved about Santuario grew and expanded in Winter. Every raw emotion that Santuario evoked was stripped down and polished to a shine in Winter.
Gordon is, without a doubt, one of the masters of world-building. Subtle, beautiful, and so very real. A total immersion experience. But it’s not simply that Gordon’s prose evokes a sense of setting—it also evokes a sense of history and evolution that creates the conditions under which this story can unfold.
The characters—I loved Alex and Bengt in Santuario. In Winter, I fell for them all over again. Their story was hopeful and sensual as well as devastating and at times heartbreaking. But in the end, there was love and the happiness these guys have ultimately earned.
Hands down the best book I’ve read so far this year—and better than many that made my top ten list last year.
Recommended for everyone with a beating heart.
G.B. Gordon’s Santuario and The Other Side of Winter are among that small number of books. Everything I loved about Santuario grew and expanded in Winter. Every raw emotion that Santuario evoked was stripped down and polished to a shine in Winter.
Gordon is, without a doubt, one of the masters of world-building. Subtle, beautiful, and so very real. A total immersion experience. But it’s not simply that Gordon’s prose evokes a sense of setting—it also evokes a sense of history and evolution that creates the conditions under which this story can unfold.
The characters—I loved Alex and Bengt in Santuario. In Winter, I fell for them all over again. Their story was hopeful and sensual as well as devastating and at times heartbreaking. But in the end, there was love and the happiness these guys have ultimately earned.
Hands down the best book I’ve read so far this year—and better than many that made my top ten list last year.
Recommended for everyone with a beating heart.
March 23, 2015
Buddy Read w/ Kristie & Gaby:
I was the only one who had read book 1, Santuario. We were told book 2 could be read as a standalone. I think both Kristie & Gaby agree with this to some degree, but both felt the desire, moreso than the need, to go back and read book 1. You miss the entire world-building of this series w/o it...
Kristie: The first chapter had me feeling like I was a fish out of water. You kind of have to dive in head first, into a world you don't know, a culture you're not aware is different than your own, and you're expected to follow along with no problems. Perhaps if I'd read the first book I would not have felt that way.
Both Alex and Bengt are complex characters. Alex is suffering from PTSD...the life he escaped from on Santuario was oppressive. Adding in Alex's culture shock with his new home, his past issues, Bengt's need/desire to be in control and take care of everything, and both of their inabilities to COMMUNICATE...it's a bit of a tough ride for our MC's.
Gaby: I think both MC's were brilliant, and I loved how they were portrayed. I loved that they represented perfectly well where they came from, and, I especially appreciate that they were flawed.
Kristie: I did love Alex and Bengt, both. I loved the struggle that they both went through, despite not loving how slow the process was.
Susan: I think I was much more sympathetic to Bengt. He's a fixer. I can relate to that. I understand what makes Alex so closed off, but I hurt on behalf of Bengt...I felt his frustration, his confusion.
Gaby: I adored Alex, and while at times he looked like a bastard, I think that his background and culture influenced him a lot. He comes from a place where being affectionate towards another man was not acceptable. It's not easy to change your ways. I even understand his reluctance to take any gifts from Bengt. It's not that he doesn't love him, or appreciates what he's trying to do. Alex's feeling of becoming a burden also felt realistic. See, this is what I liked the most about him, all of him felt real. He was SO flawed that he felt incredibly realistic.
The first part of the book had Alex and Bengt trying to adjust to one another. There was a clear lack of communication, a lot of mixed signals, and ultimately hurt between the two.
Susan: It's rarely a good sign when I yell at my kindle "TALK TO EACH OTHER!". I think this was what frustrated me the most during the first part of the book. And also that they constantly used sex as a "fix it". But oddly, where I'd normally give up on a story that did these things, I was still really engaged in Alex & Bengt. I wanted to see them through this. All credit to the author for sucking me in!
Gaby: I don't think Bengt and Alex's relationship status (ahaha) was clear. After all they went through I would have expected them to sit down and talk for days if necessary. To start over from scratch and get to know each other again. To tell all the truths that should have been told, but to my knowledge weren't because they were not in the book. The "making-up" lines were BEAUTIFUL, but I was left feeling incomplete, and in a bit of a state of disbelief. I spent PAGES waiting for them to get there and it didn't happen until almost the end of the book... i swear that I was going into an anxiety attack. But then when they got there it was all too fast, too rushed, and I didn't have the time to savor it, and enjoy it. It felt weak because it felt like it was just patched up instead of being worked out from the inside. I get the feeling that if we rip the band aid were gonna find a HUGE mess underneath it, but then again maybe this is where the writer is going to...
Kristie: Where my love of the story started to go down hill was over the lack of communication and the belief that Bengt thought he was doing the right thing by giving Alex space, and the fact that Alex was so quick to jump to conclusions. Bengt gave him space so many times over the months, how could Alex not give Bengt that even once? But then, they never communicated well, so...
The author really puts this couple (and the readers) through the ringer. As mentioned, their road was not an easy one and the pitfalls along the way were massive. This book HURT at times to read...it was that emotional.
Kristie: I was hurt when Bengt came home that one night, finding Alex happily entertaining friends, being open and comfortable, only to shut down totally when he realized Bengt was there. I guess you always hurt the ones you love more than any other, right? I could go on forever and talk about every single thing that was good and bad, but ultimately the thing that saved it for me was when Bengt broke down and cried in Alex's arms. I felt a physical release at that. Like, FINALLY, maybe now Alex will understand that big, strong, and sure Bengt is just as alone as Alex. That Bengt needs Alex just as much as Alex needs Bengt. It was a sigh of relief.
Susan: I physically felt the hurt that each of these guys felt. Despite having the luxury of knowing what the other one was thinking or doing, I still felt the betrayal, the disappointment, the brokenness, the loneliness, the "he doesn't want me" -ness from each of them as the story went on. Again... TALK TO EACH OTHER!
There was a mystery element to the story. Bengt working on a murder case that was going nowhere and Alex inadvertently stumbling across some clues to help along the way. It makes for an interesting whodunnit twist.
Gaby: The mystery part. I love mystery. I love books that give me a thrill. I think that the mystery plot point was interesting as hell. The killer profile was interesting too, but the execution of it fell a bit short for my taste. I think that the main problem was that in the end it felt too rushed. Actually, the last 30% of the book felt rushed in every single way: romance wise, mystery wise, politically wise.
Kristie: I really do feel like the case was handled badly in the end. I was invested in it until it was solved and no more discussion was had with Alex and how he'd found those clues.
Susan: I'm not even sure what the purpose of the mystery was. Maybe to show Bengt on-the-job...giving him an avenue to communicate and have scenes apart from Alex? Truthfully, only a couple days after finishing reading, I'd almost forgot how the case was wrapped up. There was potential there, but I don't think it fully was realized in this book.
The author introduced some amazing side characters. Bengt's family, Alex's new friends...we're all intrigued by them.
Gaby: I think Kristin, Mattie and Tom were brilliant secondary characters. Secondary characters are a huge deal for me. More often than not I come across characters that are just there for the sake of making the story flow, but that don't have any real function in it, and that if you eliminate them nothing really changes. I don't think this was the case, I think that these characters were given a job, and the job was mostly fulfilled. I loved Kristin's relationship with Alex, it felt easy, and natural. I adored that Tom was blunt enough to put both Alex and Bengt in their place and make them understand where and how they'd fucked up.. However, I was disappointed to see that neither of them really listened to him. It happens a lot in RL, I guess, so it sounded realistic. Mattie was another great character, and I truly wish we'd read more of him. I hope we get to know him better in a future installment
Admittedly, there were some inconsistencies with the story and some major issues kinda swept away with easy fixes. There were many parts that left all three of us scratching our heads. For 2 people who loved each other so much, basic things like texting "I can't make it" or "sorry I missed this" or "I heard you were struggling, need any help?" didn't occur to these guys. That became a frustrating pattern.
But despite all that, the author's writing style and the strong characters saved the book for all of us. So much so that we kept talking about it not only while we read it but also afterwards...breaking it down...asking why's...figuring out our own reactions to things. All signs of a really good read.
It's one of those books that will drive you crazy while you read it, but you'll be so glad you did by the end. We're all definitely looking forward to more from GB Gordon!
June 12, 2016
So. Wow.
This series was really something great.
In this book, there is a stronger focus on the relationship that naturally has to develop here. At the end of book one, Alex and Bengt only just started to fall in love and trust each other, only to then be separated for over a year. Especially Alex has a hard time adjusting to everything and finally work through his past, and while it was really straining to see him struggle so much, it was very much believable. But seriously, the author chose no easy ways out, which made it in parts sad but the pay-off in the end also very rewarding. I can believe in their happy ending, that they can make it work.
The case they are working on was interesting, although I could figure out who dunnit pretty fast.
The sex was pretty intense from the get go—it was the only time Alex and Bengt could form a real connection in the beginning—and was just… phew… I loved this a lot.
The setting and world built is different to the first book, since it’s not on Santuario any more, but was also really good. Not as dreamy and otherworldly maybe…
These two… *sigh* I really loved spending time with them. It was not always easy but so very worth it.
My instinct is to wrap him in a bear hug and hold on until he stops kicking me.
This series was really something great.
In this book, there is a stronger focus on the relationship that naturally has to develop here. At the end of book one, Alex and Bengt only just started to fall in love and trust each other, only to then be separated for over a year. Especially Alex has a hard time adjusting to everything and finally work through his past, and while it was really straining to see him struggle so much, it was very much believable. But seriously, the author chose no easy ways out, which made it in parts sad but the pay-off in the end also very rewarding. I can believe in their happy ending, that they can make it work.
The case they are working on was interesting, although I could figure out who dunnit pretty fast.
The sex was pretty intense from the get go—it was the only time Alex and Bengt could form a real connection in the beginning—and was just… phew… I loved this a lot.
The setting and world built is different to the first book, since it’s not on Santuario any more, but was also really good. Not as dreamy and otherworldly maybe…
These two… *sigh* I really loved spending time with them. It was not always easy but so very worth it.
My instinct is to wrap him in a bear hug and hold on until he stops kicking me.
Read
February 24, 2015Damn, this is good. It's basically the second half of Santuario, with Alex and Bengt finally together and having to live with each other, and themselves. Finally safe and loved, Alex basically finds himself falling apart, and the book is basically how/if he can handle the psychological consequences of his horrifically scary previous life now that he's no longer fighting to survive.
Very well written, moving, intense, and also hot. Love it.
Not star rating because professional connection, but really, read it.
Very well written, moving, intense, and also hot. Love it.
Not star rating because professional connection, but really, read it.
March 3, 2015
Fan-bloody-tastic 4.5 stars
Terrific book, reading this directly after Book 1 was just right, full review with the Stig-across-the-water closer to the release date.
I have been thinking about how how this affected me, and I've just been re reading, picked up things I missed first time, 5 stars.
Terrific book, reading this directly after Book 1 was just right, full review with the Stig-across-the-water closer to the release date.
I have been thinking about how how this affected me, and I've just been re reading, picked up things I missed first time, 5 stars.
May 14, 2015
I discovered Santuario last year around QRM and I was pleasantly surprised by clever mash of several genres author managed to wave into quirky story that ended up being quite original.
The Other Side of Winter didn't quite live up to expectations I had after reading Santuario. After I gave it some thought, I would say, it all comes down to what you liked about first book and wanted to see in second.
-for me, absolutely that best thing about first book was setting. Santuario is set in precarious times: impending annexation of Santuario created a special tension and everyone is restless- those in charge and little people alike. In some way, I thought of joint investigation Alex and Bengt conducted as a micro picture, a mini test-run on how will Santuarians and Skanians fair in future. It's a clash of two very different cultures, social beliefs and from what we could see,vast economical disparity. It's interesting stuff and I was looking forward of seeing how was all that handled and especially, how it was perceived on other side, Skanian.
Well.
Indeed book opens one year later, which is... believable period of time it would take for annexation to actually happen. Alex was among first batch of Santuarians to cross borders and his experience gave me some answers, but not the bigger picture I wanted to see. :\ To be clear, Gordon didn't waste too much space on explaining in first book as well, but there was a very clever subtlety in exposition that gave me everything I wanted to know (like news article from the beginning of Santuario). This book not just that it lacked the same subtlety, but I felt like it was considerably dumbed-down; like author decided to get rid of everything even remotely complex. For example, when showing Skanian culture, author just used Scandinavian names, demography and cliches tied to them, instead of going with something original; something imagined.
-mystery took the center place in first book and, since I am fan of genre, I enjoyed it great deal. Here it was firmly in the background and I would say, served more as tool to forward romance plot (to put Alex and Bengt in the same room when they are fighting). Potentially interesting case, but Bengt's investigation skills leave a lot to be desired. I can understand he was lost in Santuario where officials are not doing their jobs and there are no records, but not in Hentavik. This is his turf, I would expect more of him. This is somewhat tied to Alex- I had troubles with Alex's character in book #2, because he was cop in Santuario and I felt like he was pushed into mental frame of college kid here. There is no clear connection to guy we met in Santuario...except when he conveniently comes to make progress in Bengt's case and reminds me that. yeah, he used to be a cop. :\ Conveniently, because of already mentioned romance plot. The laziest part of book, imo.
-romance takes central stage. On one hand, I am glad it does because Alex & Bengt's relationship was underdeveloped in book #1 and considering the way things were left- we needed to see them as a couple. On other hand, it's the kind of romance I hate reading about- lack of communication and/or miscommunication happens and everything can be handled with one honest conversation. It was so far removed from guys they were in first book that it actually made me question what I thought of romance plot in book #1- it made me doubt in possibility of hea for Alex and Bengt I firmly believed in and not because they had some obstacles- that's to be expected- but because in book #2 they are people who are strangers and who can't talk to each other. For example, the scene that frustrated me the most was this:
Like I said, THE worst kind of romance. (-_-)
Sex was plentiful and scorching hot, though.
So, if you want to read this book because you are interested in their relationship, you will get that.
I expected something in line with first book,so this one didn't work for me. :(
September 28, 2015
3.5 stars
The Other Side of Winter had a very strong beginning. It was so good that I thought I would surely be blown away by the book. Alex and Bengt reunite in Hentavik a year after the events in book 1 and the first chapters were more emotional for me that anything in Santuario.
This book was about Alex’s healing - all the traumatic events of his past that he had carefully stored in the back of his mind came uninvited to the surface from the moment he felt safe. It was also about Bengt‘s struggle to let go of the guilt for the unfortunate death of a man he believed he had caused and to see that he was in no way a danger to Alex. They both had a lot to work through before their relationship could be healthy. And all of that was really, really good stuff.
But then … the plot annoyed me to no end.
For me, most of the supporting characters were present with the only purpose of leading Alex and Bengt in a direction that would prevent them from finding their way to each other. Like: characters who gave well-meant but not necessarily good advice (Bengt’s family members), who had a problem that Alex had to help with in the most inconvenient time (Kristen), who just caused unneeded angst (Jörn), who easily manipulated Alex by finding his weakness and then disappeared for the rest of the book (Sören). None of these felt natural to the story flow.
The murder mystery - although it showed that there were defects in the system in the seemingly perfect Hentavik – I saw it mostly as a tool to take enough of Bengt’s mind and time, which led to further delay in Alex and Bengt’s relationship.
While I understood that both guys needed time on their own to figure things out, the reasons why they couldn’t communicate for a big part of the book felt contrived.
Not much to say about the world building. The difference between the well-organized Hentavik and the chaotic Santuario was striking, of course. For Alex to feel overwhelmed and useless in that new place was completely understandable. Also, the annexation of Santuario has happened and we see the struggle of the Santuarian immigrants in Hentavik but nothing was mentioned about what was happening on Santuario during that entire time. I read that the story arc is planned for four books though so I guess that makes sense.
So this book left me with mixed feelings. The things I liked – I liked a lot. But I also had a strong negative reaction to the things I disliked. Still, I was happy that I was able to connect to Alex and Bengt here and that I got to see them getting their hard earned happy ending.
August 1, 2015
Falling through cracks...........
In a perfect world this should not happen but it still does, we still fall through cracks or we're still are unable to save others from falling.
Gordon's writing, what can I say, I love it, it pings with me.
Once in a blue moon I come across a book which just makes me want to curl up with it, with no care or interest to stop and update or talk or anything, just to be with the book, with the story.
I admired Gordon's ability to set me in Santuario, a hot latin-russian mix, now I just have to admire Gordon taking me up north in the land of the frozen snow, where everything seems so perfect but where people fall through the cracks anyway. So seeing our lone wolf Alex fighting not to fall through those cracks, seeing others fall through them and the rest of the story, yeah great. Gordon is able to capture that lonely desolate feeling where the line between love family warmth and being lost alone cold out in the wilderness gets blurred. So there is this play where the place, the surroundings, mirror what is going on inside the characters.
I'm glad I found this series and I would read as much Alex & Bengt as Gordon can write.
a little note - Finished this on one of those rare Blue Moon days 31st July 2015.
March 23, 2015
A buddy read with Susan and Gabby... I just want to say that this was really fun to read with two amazing ladies. We had a great time chatting our way through this book. Susan's review for the blog is here. She's summed up what the three of us talked about quite well.
I'd also like to add that these characters are still on my mind. That says a lot about a book, right? A lot of good things. Because despite the little things that drove me crazy, I still really liked this a lot. I'll be going back to read book one, and crossing my fingers for a follow up to this.
I'd also like to add that these characters are still on my mind. That says a lot about a book, right? A lot of good things. Because despite the little things that drove me crazy, I still really liked this a lot. I'll be going back to read book one, and crossing my fingers for a follow up to this.
April 1, 2015
Alex has immigrated from Santuario to be with Bengt. Alex is a stranger in a strange land. The strain of that, coupled with the year he spent running and hiding to stay alive, has left him defensive, and apprehensive about his new life. Their two lives have been so different, but there is a bond that neither can deny. Bengt's desire to protect Alex, and the PTSD that Alex suffers from lead them to constant misunderstandings and arguments. Neither thought that being together would be this hard. Sex for Bengt and Alex is powerful. It is, unfortunately, the only thing they can both relate to at this point. The journey that Alex and Bengt take to work out their problems was as hard on me as it was on them. It's a journey I would make again and again.
My only complaint is there was not a wonderful, sensual dance scene like in the first book. I want to add a compliment on the author's ability to depict PTSD. The paranoia, the nightmares, she nailed it. Great job. great job.
The first book, Santuario is one of my all time favorite books. Waiting for the second book, nearly drove me crazy. It was worth the wait. Winter is keeping Santuario company on that list.
My only complaint is there was not a wonderful, sensual dance scene like in the first book. I want to add a compliment on the author's ability to depict PTSD. The paranoia, the nightmares, she nailed it. Great job. great job.
The first book, Santuario is one of my all time favorite books. Waiting for the second book, nearly drove me crazy. It was worth the wait. Winter is keeping Santuario company on that list.
April 27, 2015
Some books are very challenging reads and I mean that in the best of ways. Oh the feels! For this second part of Bengt and Alex's story the author slowly fractured them and then painstakingly put them back together again. I was hard-pressed to keep reading a few times because these two guys...ugh! They broke my heart and roused my ire in turn. I went back and forth between wanting to hug them (and I'm not a hugger) and thumping them on the back of the head (really hard). One of the most difficult reunion romances I've read and the thing is, I'm pretty sure these two aren't done making things tough on themselves and each other.
"There's been quite a bit of upheaval in your life lately, and from what I can see, you haven't even started to process most of it. Don't force yourself to be who you think you should be. It's not going to work. You can 'fake it 'til you make it' as they say, but only up to a point. Behind that front you'll have to deal with the changes in your life and what they're doing to you. If you don't, you'll likely sabotage the very dream were following here. You'll become your own prison." Loc. 877 Meret to Alex from The Other Side of Winter
Beyond the difficulty of the romance and character development of these two flawed men, the book continues with offering a well-drawn world so that I could visualize Bengt's home, people and the life there on the mainland so well and it also provides a nice puzzle of a murder mystery that takes both of them, relying on their strengths and working together to solve. The balance does shift in this one as does the pace. The first half of the book is one long set up for what is to come- even getting slow in spots. The first book provided lots of external tension and action whereas this one didn't provide much external danger. Different, but not necessarily better or worse since the focus is on other stuff.
Though the two guys shared the narration, I felt like the focus was strongest on Alex. He had a long ways to come in this book and it was heartbreaking to watch him have to fall to pieces before he could rebuild. He went through so much even if he didn't talk about what happened in that year apart. I'm guessing it will be one doozy of a story when he gets around to it since he has the symptoms of someone really traumatized. Alex felt he had nothing to bring to their partnership and he had to learn so much about being in a relationship.
"Do you love him?"
What was the obsession everyone had with that word? "You watch too many commercials. What does that even mean, love?"
She was silent for so long that he thought she'd fallen asleep. Then she said quietly, almost reverently, "Love is being naked and vulnerable, and it terrifies you, but you don't ever want it to stop, because it feels like nothing else in the world."
It sounded terrifying all right, and it didn't make any sense, but it was obviously important to her so he didn't laugh. Loc 1365 Kristen to Alex from The Other Side of Winter
Then again, so did Bengt. At first, he comes across as a stalwart if controlling guy, but Bengt has his own demons to slay. Even so, he is the steady rock that Alex flayed against when he was fighting his internal issues, but also knew that Bengt would always be there for support if Alex would ever reach out for him. Both so very different, but yet they need each other so very much. Even if they screw up the words and misunderstand nearly everything, they communicate well when they are together exploring their spicy hot passion and saying with this wordless, physical experience what they can't say otherwise yet.
"When you said, 'You're mine', what did you mean?"
Alex remembered that? The fear of losing him had made that fierce protectiveness spill over. Bengt shook his head. "Forget that. I shouldn't have said it. Not like that and in that situation, anyway."
"You did, though. So, what did you mean when you said it?"
This was getting serious fast, but it was clearly important to Alex. "That you're mine to love. Exclusively. Mine to protect. Mine to worship, with my body, heart and mind." Loc. 3455 Alex and Bengt from The Other Side of Winter
Now, this one falls in the M/M Sci-Fi Romance category and tags for most places, but it doesn't have a sci-fi feel or at least not in this installment. It actually crosses quite a few genre lines so I think that makes it more universally appealing. If you like the hard-fought relationship stuff in Contemporary Romances, this book will punch your ticket. If you like some Romantic Suspense, then there is an engaging mystery for the detectives to solve. And if you like exploring different worlds and cultures like these former colonists from Earth? This series has a bit of that going on too which I hope it gets back to with the next installment.
All in all, it was a tough read, but so very worth it. These sensual, passionate, stubborn, loveable men were worth it. I will be so happy when the next leg of their series comes out so I can continue along with them.
My thanks to Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
"There's been quite a bit of upheaval in your life lately, and from what I can see, you haven't even started to process most of it. Don't force yourself to be who you think you should be. It's not going to work. You can 'fake it 'til you make it' as they say, but only up to a point. Behind that front you'll have to deal with the changes in your life and what they're doing to you. If you don't, you'll likely sabotage the very dream were following here. You'll become your own prison." Loc. 877 Meret to Alex from The Other Side of Winter
Beyond the difficulty of the romance and character development of these two flawed men, the book continues with offering a well-drawn world so that I could visualize Bengt's home, people and the life there on the mainland so well and it also provides a nice puzzle of a murder mystery that takes both of them, relying on their strengths and working together to solve. The balance does shift in this one as does the pace. The first half of the book is one long set up for what is to come- even getting slow in spots. The first book provided lots of external tension and action whereas this one didn't provide much external danger. Different, but not necessarily better or worse since the focus is on other stuff.
Though the two guys shared the narration, I felt like the focus was strongest on Alex. He had a long ways to come in this book and it was heartbreaking to watch him have to fall to pieces before he could rebuild. He went through so much even if he didn't talk about what happened in that year apart. I'm guessing it will be one doozy of a story when he gets around to it since he has the symptoms of someone really traumatized. Alex felt he had nothing to bring to their partnership and he had to learn so much about being in a relationship.
"Do you love him?"
What was the obsession everyone had with that word? "You watch too many commercials. What does that even mean, love?"
She was silent for so long that he thought she'd fallen asleep. Then she said quietly, almost reverently, "Love is being naked and vulnerable, and it terrifies you, but you don't ever want it to stop, because it feels like nothing else in the world."
It sounded terrifying all right, and it didn't make any sense, but it was obviously important to her so he didn't laugh. Loc 1365 Kristen to Alex from The Other Side of Winter
Then again, so did Bengt. At first, he comes across as a stalwart if controlling guy, but Bengt has his own demons to slay. Even so, he is the steady rock that Alex flayed against when he was fighting his internal issues, but also knew that Bengt would always be there for support if Alex would ever reach out for him. Both so very different, but yet they need each other so very much. Even if they screw up the words and misunderstand nearly everything, they communicate well when they are together exploring their spicy hot passion and saying with this wordless, physical experience what they can't say otherwise yet.
"When you said, 'You're mine', what did you mean?"
Alex remembered that? The fear of losing him had made that fierce protectiveness spill over. Bengt shook his head. "Forget that. I shouldn't have said it. Not like that and in that situation, anyway."
"You did, though. So, what did you mean when you said it?"
This was getting serious fast, but it was clearly important to Alex. "That you're mine to love. Exclusively. Mine to protect. Mine to worship, with my body, heart and mind." Loc. 3455 Alex and Bengt from The Other Side of Winter
Now, this one falls in the M/M Sci-Fi Romance category and tags for most places, but it doesn't have a sci-fi feel or at least not in this installment. It actually crosses quite a few genre lines so I think that makes it more universally appealing. If you like the hard-fought relationship stuff in Contemporary Romances, this book will punch your ticket. If you like some Romantic Suspense, then there is an engaging mystery for the detectives to solve. And if you like exploring different worlds and cultures like these former colonists from Earth? This series has a bit of that going on too which I hope it gets back to with the next installment.
All in all, it was a tough read, but so very worth it. These sensual, passionate, stubborn, loveable men were worth it. I will be so happy when the next leg of their series comes out so I can continue along with them.
My thanks to Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2015
Dos aclaraciones iniciales: la primera es que el castellano tiene muchas más precisiones y particularidades en cuanto a las referencias de género que el inglés, por lo que es más difícil evitar asignar alguno al querer referir a una persona. Por eso, he decidido ser estricta y recurrir al masculino, ya que es la forma en la que suele declinar el neutral en castellano. Así es que usaré "el autor", pero sin estar asignando por default ese género de manera deliberada.
La otra es que yo creo que The Other Side of Winter no se entiende, ni siente, ni vive de la misma manera si no han leído Santuario previamente. Lo considero casi fundamental para entender lo que Alex ha vivido, lo que atravesó junto a Bengt y de qué manera se forjó ese vínculo. Estoy segura que la experiencia de este libro no es la misma sino.
Ahora sí, a por la reseña. Creo que hay muchas personas que escriben. Y después están los que son excepcionales. En el último año he descubierto al menos cuatro autores que se destacan como parte de este reducido grupito: Aleks Voinov, Santino Hassell, Rhi Etzwheiler. Y G.B. Gordon. Todos comparten esa particular mezcla de talento, sensibilidad, empatía, y cierta dosis de locura, que arroja resultados fuera de la norma.
Debo reconocer que, en el caso de Santuario, inicialmente me metí con cierta duda porque honestamente temía un poco por el enfoque del planteo, de qué forma el autor resolvería el choque de culturas, si la mirada iba a ser naiff o se iba a animar a mostrar matices. Y la construcción narrativa, la estructura del universo que plantea y el desarrollo de los personajes es de un nivel tan superlativo, con una carga de compromiso, conocimiento y respeto tan brutal que me dejó patas arriba.
Lo maravilloso de Santuario superaba a sus protagonistas. Por eso es que TOSoW es parte natural de aquel final abierto que nos dejó Gordon. Y no hay forma de que uno pueda sentir esta segunda parte, o ir más allá de Alex y Bengt en un sentido lineal y literal, sin haber vivido con ellos su aventura inicial. Es perderse muchos detalles, y probablemente nos deje sin entender muchas de las reacciones y comportamientos de Alex, tan pero tan maravilloso.
¿Cómo es que una persona que ha vivido en las condiciones que le han tocado a Alex, que ha tenido siempre los mismos condicionamientos sociales y culturales, puede reaccionar ante la presencia de alguien como Bengt? ¿Cómo es posible subsanar el resquebrajamiento de uno mismo y de lo que conocimos?
TOSoW y Santuario son parte de un universo que va más allá de las acciones específicas, de las secuencias lineales, y de las interacciones literales de los personajes, que por supuesto en este caso son de excelencia. Es una postura ideológica y una manera de entender el mundo. Y hay muy pocas personas capaces de transmitirlo como G.B. Gordon.
Así que, simplemente, gracias.
La otra es que yo creo que The Other Side of Winter no se entiende, ni siente, ni vive de la misma manera si no han leído Santuario previamente. Lo considero casi fundamental para entender lo que Alex ha vivido, lo que atravesó junto a Bengt y de qué manera se forjó ese vínculo. Estoy segura que la experiencia de este libro no es la misma sino.
Ahora sí, a por la reseña. Creo que hay muchas personas que escriben. Y después están los que son excepcionales. En el último año he descubierto al menos cuatro autores que se destacan como parte de este reducido grupito: Aleks Voinov, Santino Hassell, Rhi Etzwheiler. Y G.B. Gordon. Todos comparten esa particular mezcla de talento, sensibilidad, empatía, y cierta dosis de locura, que arroja resultados fuera de la norma.
Debo reconocer que, en el caso de Santuario, inicialmente me metí con cierta duda porque honestamente temía un poco por el enfoque del planteo, de qué forma el autor resolvería el choque de culturas, si la mirada iba a ser naiff o se iba a animar a mostrar matices. Y la construcción narrativa, la estructura del universo que plantea y el desarrollo de los personajes es de un nivel tan superlativo, con una carga de compromiso, conocimiento y respeto tan brutal que me dejó patas arriba.
Lo maravilloso de Santuario superaba a sus protagonistas. Por eso es que TOSoW es parte natural de aquel final abierto que nos dejó Gordon. Y no hay forma de que uno pueda sentir esta segunda parte, o ir más allá de Alex y Bengt en un sentido lineal y literal, sin haber vivido con ellos su aventura inicial. Es perderse muchos detalles, y probablemente nos deje sin entender muchas de las reacciones y comportamientos de Alex, tan pero tan maravilloso.
¿Cómo es que una persona que ha vivido en las condiciones que le han tocado a Alex, que ha tenido siempre los mismos condicionamientos sociales y culturales, puede reaccionar ante la presencia de alguien como Bengt? ¿Cómo es posible subsanar el resquebrajamiento de uno mismo y de lo que conocimos?
TOSoW y Santuario son parte de un universo que va más allá de las acciones específicas, de las secuencias lineales, y de las interacciones literales de los personajes, que por supuesto en este caso son de excelencia. Es una postura ideológica y una manera de entender el mundo. Y hay muy pocas personas capaces de transmitirlo como G.B. Gordon.
Así que, simplemente, gracias.
March 23, 2015
BR with Susan and Kristie! :)
The Other Side Of Winter is the second book in the Santuario series by G.B Gordon. Confession time: I haven't read the first book, yet. I will do it soon, though. We were told that this book could be read as a standalone, and for the most part that's true. I feel like unfortunately I missed the build up of both the world that the author created for this book, and also the build up of Bengt's and Alex's relationship, which it's a pity and it's why I think it's still important to go back and give Santuario a read.
This book sucked me in from the very first pages. Even though I struggled a bit to understand what the heck was going on, I found that it was incredibly hard for me to put the book down. the first night I started it I had to stop reading because I had to go to work and then while at work I just couldn't get Alex and Bengt out of my head and Kristie and I started messaging each other about that hahaha ... We were worried. Very worried.
The reason why we couldn't concentrate but in that we noticed a HUGE lack of communication between the MC. The love between them was obvious, but being to men coming from two completely different backgrounds they found that it was difficult for them to work some common ground. Alex felt "trapped", I guess, because of Bengt's protective nature. At the same time Bengt felt that he wasn't being appreciated. As a result we felt FRUSTRATEDDDD!!!!!!
I've decided that instead of repeating myself and quoting the girls, I will link you to Susan's review which you can find Here.
One more thing that i would like to add, besides what has been said and what you'll read in the blog, is that the writing is absolutely wonderful. This is one of the most beautifully worded stories that I've had the pleasure to read. The characters are incredibly strong. The way the writer reflects and contrast different backgrounds, political situations, personalities and needs is absolutely amazing.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
The Other Side Of Winter is the second book in the Santuario series by G.B Gordon. Confession time: I haven't read the first book, yet. I will do it soon, though. We were told that this book could be read as a standalone, and for the most part that's true. I feel like unfortunately I missed the build up of both the world that the author created for this book, and also the build up of Bengt's and Alex's relationship, which it's a pity and it's why I think it's still important to go back and give Santuario a read.
This book sucked me in from the very first pages. Even though I struggled a bit to understand what the heck was going on, I found that it was incredibly hard for me to put the book down. the first night I started it I had to stop reading because I had to go to work and then while at work I just couldn't get Alex and Bengt out of my head and Kristie and I started messaging each other about that hahaha ... We were worried. Very worried.
The reason why we couldn't concentrate but in that we noticed a HUGE lack of communication between the MC. The love between them was obvious, but being to men coming from two completely different backgrounds they found that it was difficult for them to work some common ground. Alex felt "trapped", I guess, because of Bengt's protective nature. At the same time Bengt felt that he wasn't being appreciated. As a result we felt FRUSTRATEDDDD!!!!!!
I've decided that instead of repeating myself and quoting the girls, I will link you to Susan's review which you can find Here.
One more thing that i would like to add, besides what has been said and what you'll read in the blog, is that the writing is absolutely wonderful. This is one of the most beautifully worded stories that I've had the pleasure to read. The characters are incredibly strong. The way the writer reflects and contrast different backgrounds, political situations, personalities and needs is absolutely amazing.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
January 23, 2015
The Other Side of Winter picks up a year after Santuario ends. The promises of the borders falling between the two places has happened. Some Santuarian’s have been granted visas to allow them an escape from the hell they have been living in. Alex is on the first plane out and goes directly into Bengt’s arms. Now both men are left bumbling through the beginnings of a relationship that sparked over the course of a week. This magical and intense week happened a year ago and neither of them have seen each other since.
Both Alex and Bengt has questions about their budding relationship. This is uncharted territory for both of them. Alex has been thrust into a world of unknowns. Everything about his new home is completely different than the life he knew from Santuario. Bengt ponders if Alex is there in his life now because of his desires for him or just a better life away from Santuario. The newness of it all has them tiptoeing around issues that should be easily discussed and simply solved.
I had a couple disappointments. I had really wanted to know some of the specifics of Alex’s life on Santuario after Bengt returned home at the end of their investigation. There were a couple of vague references but no specifics. There is also a lull in the middle where I wondered where this story was going. It happened during a pivotal moment in Alex and Bengt’s relationship. This moment that didn’t keep my focus took readers through some of Alex’s more difficult times and what came out the other side immediately grabbed my interest as the story picked its momentum back up.
Both Alex and Bengt has questions about their budding relationship. This is uncharted territory for both of them. Alex has been thrust into a world of unknowns. Everything about his new home is completely different than the life he knew from Santuario. Bengt ponders if Alex is there in his life now because of his desires for him or just a better life away from Santuario. The newness of it all has them tiptoeing around issues that should be easily discussed and simply solved.
I had a couple disappointments. I had really wanted to know some of the specifics of Alex’s life on Santuario after Bengt returned home at the end of their investigation. There were a couple of vague references but no specifics. There is also a lull in the middle where I wondered where this story was going. It happened during a pivotal moment in Alex and Bengt’s relationship. This moment that didn’t keep my focus took readers through some of Alex’s more difficult times and what came out the other side immediately grabbed my interest as the story picked its momentum back up.
October 12, 2015
Damn you, book! When you were good, it was soo good, but when you went bad, I was close to throwing my e-reader across the room.
So, The Other Side of Winter picks up where Santuario left off, so we're going to be right there with Alex and Bengt when they meet again and learn where to go from here. As with the first book, it's better to forget that everything is supposed to happen on another planet, but, again as with the first book, the writing is damned good. I could feel Bengt's frustration and Alex's isolation, as well as their mutual exhilaration at discovering each other, and their explosive first times made me shiver all over. Emotions are palpable, sex scenes - scorching hot (except this one mishap with the metric system that I'll speak about later).
And then the inevitable separation happens, and the badness begins. The writing quality doesn't drop, no, but what they do, or rather not do... It's like seeing someone's true colors finally, after all this time.
So they can't communicate well, so what? Who does? "When you love someone, you take care of them." Ironic, isn't it that this - one of the sanest thoughts about love in this book - was said by a serial killer? And sometimes "taking care" means swallowing your hurt and calling your loved one after a fight. Or overcoming your fears to make sure they're okay and not dying. But not here.
Below is my more spoilery rant where I explain it all in detail.
This time it took a number of coincidences, several interventions from friends and family and a serial killer case to bring our guys back together. Seeing how little input both of them had with this, I'm not sure that they can survive their next big argument. Friends and family are prone to being tied up with their own problems, and there are just not that many serial killers, you know.
So, yeah, damn you, book!
P.S. and if you decide to use metric system, is it such a hardship to check your numbers? So I won't suddenly imagine a very obese guy in the middle of a sex scene when I read about "one hundred and seventy five kilos of Bengt" (for the record, even Schwartzenegger didn't weight more than 120 kilos at the peak of his form) or shudder at the mention of minus fifty five degrees Celsius outside, when the average low temperature of the coldest month in the coldest inhabited place on Earth is still only -50.
So, The Other Side of Winter picks up where Santuario left off, so we're going to be right there with Alex and Bengt when they meet again and learn where to go from here. As with the first book, it's better to forget that everything is supposed to happen on another planet, but, again as with the first book, the writing is damned good. I could feel Bengt's frustration and Alex's isolation, as well as their mutual exhilaration at discovering each other, and their explosive first times made me shiver all over. Emotions are palpable, sex scenes - scorching hot (except this one mishap with the metric system that I'll speak about later).
And then the inevitable separation happens, and the badness begins. The writing quality doesn't drop, no, but what they do, or rather not do... It's like seeing someone's true colors finally, after all this time.
So they can't communicate well, so what? Who does? "When you love someone, you take care of them." Ironic, isn't it that this - one of the sanest thoughts about love in this book - was said by a serial killer? And sometimes "taking care" means swallowing your hurt and calling your loved one after a fight. Or overcoming your fears to make sure they're okay and not dying. But not here.
Below is my more spoilery rant where I explain it all in detail.
This time it took a number of coincidences, several interventions from friends and family and a serial killer case to bring our guys back together. Seeing how little input both of them had with this, I'm not sure that they can survive their next big argument. Friends and family are prone to being tied up with their own problems, and there are just not that many serial killers, you know.
So, yeah, damn you, book!
P.S. and if you decide to use metric system, is it such a hardship to check your numbers? So I won't suddenly imagine a very obese guy in the middle of a sex scene when I read about "one hundred and seventy five kilos of Bengt" (for the record, even Schwartzenegger didn't weight more than 120 kilos at the peak of his form) or shudder at the mention of minus fifty five degrees Celsius outside, when the average low temperature of the coldest month in the coldest inhabited place on Earth is still only -50.
April 18, 2015
This is the second book in a series, and it is best to read them in order.
Alex is a Santuarian, and a refugee to Jarvegur where he reunites with Bengt a Skanian cop. Alex and Bengt spent one tense week working on a muder investigation a year ago, where Alex finally acknowledged his attraction to Bengt on their last night together. In Skanian society (Bengt's worlds) ther eis no stigma associated with same-sex couples, but in Santuario, the islad of Alex's birth and where he lived his first 30 years, being gay was forbidden and likely lethal.
In Jarvegor, however, Bengt is anxious to bring Alex into his life in every way possible. Neither Bengt nor Alex truly understands how to live as a couple, however. Alex had had a REALLY hard life, his mother and stepfather were murdered when he was young and he was repeatedly beaten by his biological dad. So, he grew up knowing he had to make his own way, take care of his own needs, and he is ill accustomed to anyone caring for him. He's frustrated that assimilation into Skanian society takes so long, and he has no means to find a job without his "green card" being processed, so Bengt is providing for all his physical needs--real and assumed. Plus, one of Bengt's acquaintances makes it clear that, if Alex ever tired of Bengt, he'd gratefully pay Alex's way in exchange for his sexual services, leaving proud, smart Alex feeling like a prostitute.
Bengt, for his part, is overjoyed to have Alex in his life. He stops working long hours, anxious to come home to his man. They seem to build a rapport, but Bengt can feel that Alex is holding back. He knows he should tread lightly, but he can't seem to--he's head-over-heels.
Alex is admitted to the police training school, and must move out to the dorms, where he begins to make friends outside of Bengt's sphere. Returning home on weekends is harder than Alex imagined--he feels like such a freeloader, and so ashamed, but he can't reveal his vulnerability because with that comes all Alex's other self-esteem issues. He still can't imagine what beautiful, esteemed, successful, wealthy Bengt finds appealing in a destitute refugee, and there is some self sabotage, as well as general misunderstanding that leads to a break up.
Still, Alex's training at the academy digs up a cold case that is similar to an active one which has Bengt stymied. Their meetings, to discuss leads and follow up, are difficult. Bengt wants to reconnect, and Alex is afraid to rely on Bengt. There is a lot of separation and soul-searching (on both parts) as the case unwinds. Alex hits rock bottom, and reaches out (FINALLY!) for the help he needs. He finds the purpose that has been missing from his life, and begins to feel worthy of love, and Bengt.
The writing here is really superb. The sense of disconnection of an immigrant, and a refugee, is deftly written. I think may would expect Alex to joyfully embrace his good turn in life, but that's not always possible when life has been SO difficult. One can't just jettison a lifetime of behaviors and experiences of scraping and bowing and barely surviving, it's practically PTSD, and Alex needs (and gets) the professional help to survive in this new and shiny life.
I think the mystery was well drawn and the book had a lot more going on that a romance, though it was there. I really feel connected to Bengt and Alex after this book, and hope that the planned sequels come to pass.
I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
Alex is a Santuarian, and a refugee to Jarvegur where he reunites with Bengt a Skanian cop. Alex and Bengt spent one tense week working on a muder investigation a year ago, where Alex finally acknowledged his attraction to Bengt on their last night together. In Skanian society (Bengt's worlds) ther eis no stigma associated with same-sex couples, but in Santuario, the islad of Alex's birth and where he lived his first 30 years, being gay was forbidden and likely lethal.
In Jarvegor, however, Bengt is anxious to bring Alex into his life in every way possible. Neither Bengt nor Alex truly understands how to live as a couple, however. Alex had had a REALLY hard life, his mother and stepfather were murdered when he was young and he was repeatedly beaten by his biological dad. So, he grew up knowing he had to make his own way, take care of his own needs, and he is ill accustomed to anyone caring for him. He's frustrated that assimilation into Skanian society takes so long, and he has no means to find a job without his "green card" being processed, so Bengt is providing for all his physical needs--real and assumed. Plus, one of Bengt's acquaintances makes it clear that, if Alex ever tired of Bengt, he'd gratefully pay Alex's way in exchange for his sexual services, leaving proud, smart Alex feeling like a prostitute.
Bengt, for his part, is overjoyed to have Alex in his life. He stops working long hours, anxious to come home to his man. They seem to build a rapport, but Bengt can feel that Alex is holding back. He knows he should tread lightly, but he can't seem to--he's head-over-heels.
Alex is admitted to the police training school, and must move out to the dorms, where he begins to make friends outside of Bengt's sphere. Returning home on weekends is harder than Alex imagined--he feels like such a freeloader, and so ashamed, but he can't reveal his vulnerability because with that comes all Alex's other self-esteem issues. He still can't imagine what beautiful, esteemed, successful, wealthy Bengt finds appealing in a destitute refugee, and there is some self sabotage, as well as general misunderstanding that leads to a break up.
Still, Alex's training at the academy digs up a cold case that is similar to an active one which has Bengt stymied. Their meetings, to discuss leads and follow up, are difficult. Bengt wants to reconnect, and Alex is afraid to rely on Bengt. There is a lot of separation and soul-searching (on both parts) as the case unwinds. Alex hits rock bottom, and reaches out (FINALLY!) for the help he needs. He finds the purpose that has been missing from his life, and begins to feel worthy of love, and Bengt.
The writing here is really superb. The sense of disconnection of an immigrant, and a refugee, is deftly written. I think may would expect Alex to joyfully embrace his good turn in life, but that's not always possible when life has been SO difficult. One can't just jettison a lifetime of behaviors and experiences of scraping and bowing and barely surviving, it's practically PTSD, and Alex needs (and gets) the professional help to survive in this new and shiny life.
I think the mystery was well drawn and the book had a lot more going on that a romance, though it was there. I really feel connected to Bengt and Alex after this book, and hope that the planned sequels come to pass.
I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
March 18, 2015
The Other Side of Winter is utterly absorbing. I read this as a stand alone book and was completely invested in Bengt and Alex's relationship.
The writing was immersive and this was one of those stories where life is put on hold, reading late into the night and first thing in the morning to discover what is going to happen next.
I found the story telling exquisite and deeply moving as Alex arrives to begin a new life with his lover Bengt in a country he knows little of and a culture that is very different from his own. Alex is proud, independent and traumatised from the past year that he has been living on his wits awaiting an opportunity to join Bengt. The landscape and architecture is beautifully described and serves as a metaphor for Alex's quest for discovery.
It is clear that both men are in love with each other, and both are desperate to develop their relationship, but different cultures, personalities and ways of handling conflict lead to insecurities and social misunderstandings that could tear them apart before they have a chance to develop their relationship and know each other well enough to be truly themselves and at ease with one and other. The character development has depth depicting flaws and motivations realistically. The secondary characters are interesting and each brings a richness to the story and additional perspective for Alex and Bengt.
As mentioned I read The Other Side of Winter without having read the first book in the series, and I therefore assumed that this was an alternative universe fiction rather than sci-fi. Whichever category this story falls under, it is thoughtful and engaging exploring the dynamics of relationship, human interaction, friendship and acceptance.
The plot includes a murder mystery and touches on themes of racism, personal values, social constructs, self-acceptance, culture and love. A fascinating book and beautiful book. Highly recommended.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The writing was immersive and this was one of those stories where life is put on hold, reading late into the night and first thing in the morning to discover what is going to happen next.
I found the story telling exquisite and deeply moving as Alex arrives to begin a new life with his lover Bengt in a country he knows little of and a culture that is very different from his own. Alex is proud, independent and traumatised from the past year that he has been living on his wits awaiting an opportunity to join Bengt. The landscape and architecture is beautifully described and serves as a metaphor for Alex's quest for discovery.
It is clear that both men are in love with each other, and both are desperate to develop their relationship, but different cultures, personalities and ways of handling conflict lead to insecurities and social misunderstandings that could tear them apart before they have a chance to develop their relationship and know each other well enough to be truly themselves and at ease with one and other. The character development has depth depicting flaws and motivations realistically. The secondary characters are interesting and each brings a richness to the story and additional perspective for Alex and Bengt.
As mentioned I read The Other Side of Winter without having read the first book in the series, and I therefore assumed that this was an alternative universe fiction rather than sci-fi. Whichever category this story falls under, it is thoughtful and engaging exploring the dynamics of relationship, human interaction, friendship and acceptance.
The plot includes a murder mystery and touches on themes of racism, personal values, social constructs, self-acceptance, culture and love. A fascinating book and beautiful book. Highly recommended.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2015
While I completely adored Santuario, I loved The Other Side of Winter EVEN MORE. In this book, we get to see more world building, this time for Bengt’s world. It brings to light even more of the cultural differences and challenges facing Alex and Bengt. For me, this book is more, because it has more of the personal growth and relationship development. There are significant secondary stories with mystery and other characters introduced, but I was wrapped up in the personal journeys.
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April 20, 2015
I had plans this morning, but it's not like I didn't know what would happen to those as soon as I started this book. Thank goodness for guilt-free rainy days! This was even better than the first. So good. Like really, really, really, ridiculously good. I hope there will be a third book in this series because I sincerely can't get enough of this world. Or these characters. I'll take any of them. Even Søren. I need to know why he is the way he is. And quite honestly, it should be illegal to throw out bait like "hahaha imagine Matti and Tom, wouldn't that be funny". Just sayin'. More please!
May 16, 2017
3.5
This book is quite different than the first, it is more about the relationship between Alex and Bengt, but because Alex is now in Hentavik, that is in a totally new culture, suffers of PTSD, it is difficult for him to adapt. Add the imbalance of power and the lack of communication in the couple, and you can imagine the disasters waiting to happen. The secondary characters were also well done. There was a bit too much sex and angst, and some sappy moments. Still, a good book, that's why I round up.
This book is quite different than the first, it is more about the relationship between Alex and Bengt, but because Alex is now in Hentavik, that is in a totally new culture, suffers of PTSD, it is difficult for him to adapt. Add the imbalance of power and the lack of communication in the couple, and you can imagine the disasters waiting to happen. The secondary characters were also well done. There was a bit too much sex and angst, and some sappy moments. Still, a good book, that's why I round up.
May 29, 2017
I liked this second book better than the first, but at the same time, I feel that you would need to read the first to get the most out of the second. The pseudo-Nordic didn't bother me, but there were a few instances of measurements where I got the feeling the author isn't used to the metric system. No way does Bengt weigh 175 kgs, even if he's tall and built like The Rock (which I don't really believe he is, just tall, strong and muscular). No way does it get -55 degrees centigrade in winter, those are some serious temperatures! Anyway, that's small change.
Alex struggles with his PTSD and getting on his feet, and Bengt struggles with on the one hand wanting to take care of Alex and on the other hand not wanting to be too overbearing.
I liked Ed's review.
Alex struggles with his PTSD and getting on his feet, and Bengt struggles with on the one hand wanting to take care of Alex and on the other hand not wanting to be too overbearing.
I liked Ed's review.
February 15, 2015
4.5*
...
I loved this book, the characters were three dimensional, flawed and realistic. This applies to the entertaining secondary characters, as much as the main protagonists. The story was lush in its description of the snowy world this exotic, hot, emigre had found himself. We are presented with a heartbreaking picture of very new lovers who were separated then finally reunited, but finding it difficult to settle into a new life together. Alex is not only an emigre, but also suffering from some kind of PTSD making his acclimatisation all the more difficult...
Full review will first appear on www.prismbookalliance.com
...
I loved this book, the characters were three dimensional, flawed and realistic. This applies to the entertaining secondary characters, as much as the main protagonists. The story was lush in its description of the snowy world this exotic, hot, emigre had found himself. We are presented with a heartbreaking picture of very new lovers who were separated then finally reunited, but finding it difficult to settle into a new life together. Alex is not only an emigre, but also suffering from some kind of PTSD making his acclimatisation all the more difficult...
Full review will first appear on www.prismbookalliance.com
April 19, 2015
After going true the book I am little bit disappointed with whole story plot. Author "G.B. Gordon" wrote a complex story plot but its based on "emotion hurricane" between Alex and Bengt.
I could go into details what I did not like but I am just to dissatisfied with whole book.
I could go into details what I did not like but I am just to dissatisfied with whole book.
April 10, 2015
This book was a roller coaster of emotions, was really good and the world building left you thinking about a lot of stuff. I can't think of something better to say atm, just so good..
September 26, 2019
As the book begins Alex has just spent a year on the island of Santuario running and hiding from those who would kill him. Bengt, the fellow law enforcement officer who spent just over a week with him on the island and welcomes him to the mainland may share a sexual attraction with Alex but they barely know one another, they speak different native languages and Alex is essentially entering a foreign country. Plus at 385 pounds his partner outweighs him nearly 3 times. After he arrives they begin matters in the bedroom.
Once we get past the initial sexual penetration and the angst ridden ramblings the story picks up. Bengst engages in a troubling case and Alex starts on the road to becoming a police officer in a new land. In his travels he makes an unlikely friend. Officials more interested in reports and following rules than helping people come in for a hard time here. I could do without the descriptions of anal sex, the profanity, and the occasional grammatical error but otherwise after a slow start not a bad read.
Once we get past the initial sexual penetration and the angst ridden ramblings the story picks up. Bengst engages in a troubling case and Alex starts on the road to becoming a police officer in a new land. In his travels he makes an unlikely friend. Officials more interested in reports and following rules than helping people come in for a hard time here. I could do without the descriptions of anal sex, the profanity, and the occasional grammatical error but otherwise after a slow start not a bad read.
January 3, 2020
Great sequel! The balance of murder mystery/ intrigue, romance, and internal turmoil of the MCs is really great. Loved exploring the Skanian culture after being introduced in first book Santuario. Overall a very satisfying read. There were still some things left undisclosed- if this becomes a series there’d be even more to explore in the pasta of the MCs. The cast of characters was still fairly wide, but a little more manageable than in book 1. I really appreciate having three dimensional side characters so this really drove it up to 5 star for me. The sex was hot and promises to get more kinky (hotter) if this series continues. I also liked the angle "question your assumptions about how society works and whether it works as well as you imagine"- it was thought provoking without being heavy handed.
December 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this continuation of the series. The only thing that kept it from 5 stars was the long drawn out miscommunication. But I guess, if it weren’t for that, the book would lose some tension.
December 31, 2020
A good follow-up
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