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Hangover #1
Hangover from Hell
A Hangover From Hell is exactly what greets rock star Callum Carter on the final morning of an 'On the Road' trip along Route 66, taken with his partner, artist Daniel Flynn. Theirs is a story of fame, lust, laughter and all-consuming love. They met five years ago, when the infamous 'enfant terrible' was commissioned to paint Callum's portrait and have been together ever since. The latter remains a closely kept secret...until the morning they wake up in Las Vegas. Married. Dan has no memory of this miracle taking place, only one thing seems certain; he has somehow managed to pull off his masterpiece of mischief, and inveigled Cal down the aisle.
- GenresRomanceM M Romance
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2018
5 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Zakarrie Clarke
3 books26 followersI was once asked...if you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be? Two things, I decided:
1. Those dreams that feel too daft to ever believe into being? Hug them to your heart and keep them safe; for sometime, somewhere, over the rainbow? You might just wake to a day so impossible, you’ll suspect you made it up yourself.
2. You are never going to be the next Enid Blyton. Oddly ’nuff.
1. Those dreams that feel too daft to ever believe into being? Hug them to your heart and keep them safe; for sometime, somewhere, over the rainbow? You might just wake to a day so impossible, you’ll suspect you made it up yourself.
2. You are never going to be the next Enid Blyton. Oddly ’nuff.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 2, 2018
**grm**
Sometimes, well 90% of the time, Cal and Dan's speeches, made me feel as if I was watching a Shakespearean play and it made a bit hard for me to believe they were "real" people and not characters on display in a 1600-1700 theatre. There were many references to being stoned or using drugs, too many for my liking, and the abundant use of British idioms, made it hard to understand, most of the time, what the author was trying to say, at least in the first part of the book...then they grow on me, kind of..
Said this, I want to add that the story was interesting, also if the plot of the book, happens in like 2-3 days(or less), and there is way too much sex(how can they do it so many times in only few hours? o.O they sure have unnatural stamina). There were some flashbacks, that made us understand how they became a couple, and I really liked them. Dan and Cal were a strange but cute couple, both not perfect, but perfect for each other. I would have liked to see more jealousy to spice the story a bit, and less angst, but I can understand this is the start of a new series and we couldn't see all in one book.
I wanted to rate this book 3.5 stars, but since on goodreads there is no half star, I rounded it on 4. The author was really kind and sent me a copy of the book, without asking for anything in exchange and this is one of the reasons why I really didn't want to down rate this book. I guess this is like the author "first baby", and she deserves a chance, and actually I'm pretty sure I'll keep on reading this series.
Sometimes, well 90% of the time, Cal and Dan's speeches, made me feel as if I was watching a Shakespearean play and it made a bit hard for me to believe they were "real" people and not characters on display in a 1600-1700 theatre. There were many references to being stoned or using drugs, too many for my liking, and the abundant use of British idioms, made it hard to understand, most of the time, what the author was trying to say, at least in the first part of the book...then they grow on me, kind of..
Said this, I want to add that the story was interesting, also if the plot of the book, happens in like 2-3 days(or less), and there is way too much sex(how can they do it so many times in only few hours? o.O they sure have unnatural stamina). There were some flashbacks, that made us understand how they became a couple, and I really liked them. Dan and Cal were a strange but cute couple, both not perfect, but perfect for each other. I would have liked to see more jealousy to spice the story a bit, and less angst, but I can understand this is the start of a new series and we couldn't see all in one book.
I wanted to rate this book 3.5 stars, but since on goodreads there is no half star, I rounded it on 4. The author was really kind and sent me a copy of the book, without asking for anything in exchange and this is one of the reasons why I really didn't want to down rate this book. I guess this is like the author "first baby", and she deserves a chance, and actually I'm pretty sure I'll keep on reading this series.
May 19, 2018
This was a very simple story, but the writing is just beautiful.
April 13, 2018
“Once you label me you negate me.” ~ Søren Kierkegaard
The very last thing that Daniel (Dan) Flynn ever thought would happen is that the love of his life, Callum (Cal) Carter, and he would end up at the altar. When Dan wakes up beside him on “the morning after”, he is astonished to find a wedding ring on his as well as Cal's finger. After years of deep abiding love and yearning, shadowed by doubt, pain, and anguish, Dan prays that it's not a cruel dream.
Once Cal is fully awake, his reaction is one of shock; Dan mistakes it for displeasure. Then the memories begin to roll around in his head and the events of last evening come back, a bit fuzzy still, but enough to remember that he did, indeed, propose and marry his beloved husband. As Cal comes to terms with their state of wedded bliss, Dan is terrified that Cal doesn't want this and will, somehow, undo it. After all, Dan has suffered for years, wanting to be with Cal but being shut tightly in the closet for fear that his rock star lover will be found out. The pressure is too much and Dan goes a bit off the deep end thinking that Cal hates the idea and, possibly, hates him as well. His insecurity is understandable, if not realistic. After all, Dan is the only man Cal has ever wanted to be with. After a heart-to-heart talk, and some physical reassurance, Dan is finally convinced that it wasn't a drug induced spur-of-the-moment thing, that Cal, indeed, meant to marry him. The biggest hurdle is going to be when they get back home and face the music that is sure to come from his manager, reporters, and fans.
Although they have been through hell and back, Cal and Dan find a way to stay together. First, Cal has to overcome the fear of being attracted to a man when, for years, he's lived the life of a reckless sex god, who racks up conquests the way others count kills. The last thing he expects is to be so utterly smitten by another male. But this is not just another man, this is Dan, Dan who blew his world apart with his charm, wit, brilliant talent, and utterly uncanny ability to cut through a situation with a clarity his frivolity and devil-may-care attitude, does not normally reveal. Cal does manage to conquer his doubts because Dan is everything he has ever wanted. Cal loves Dan with an unbridled passion that he never could have imagined. Their love, although not traditionally “pure and sweet” is overpowering and inspiring.
I love the poetic, lyrical, 'Shakespearian-style' writing. Zackarrie's way of portraying her men, with all their flaws and foibles, makes them all the more endearing. They are some of the most well drawn characters I've ever read. Although they are often rough around the edges, their love for each other is so brilliantly portrayed that I believe in their sincerity. Since the story is character driven, the dual point of view is particularly necessary; due to the intensity of emotion, knowing what each character thinks is imperative to understanding them. I'm in love with this series, and, of course, with Dan and Cal and can barely wait for book two to be done. This is Zackarrie's first published novel and from what I've read so far, she's done a fabulous job. It's a terrific start to a career and series, that I, for one, will be following closely. If you enjoy rock stars, eccentric artists, hot sex, angst, joy, and abiding love, you may enjoy this book as much as I did. Thank you, Zackarrie, for the all-consuming and satisfying read.
NOTE: This book was provided by MLR Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
The very last thing that Daniel (Dan) Flynn ever thought would happen is that the love of his life, Callum (Cal) Carter, and he would end up at the altar. When Dan wakes up beside him on “the morning after”, he is astonished to find a wedding ring on his as well as Cal's finger. After years of deep abiding love and yearning, shadowed by doubt, pain, and anguish, Dan prays that it's not a cruel dream.
Once Cal is fully awake, his reaction is one of shock; Dan mistakes it for displeasure. Then the memories begin to roll around in his head and the events of last evening come back, a bit fuzzy still, but enough to remember that he did, indeed, propose and marry his beloved husband. As Cal comes to terms with their state of wedded bliss, Dan is terrified that Cal doesn't want this and will, somehow, undo it. After all, Dan has suffered for years, wanting to be with Cal but being shut tightly in the closet for fear that his rock star lover will be found out. The pressure is too much and Dan goes a bit off the deep end thinking that Cal hates the idea and, possibly, hates him as well. His insecurity is understandable, if not realistic. After all, Dan is the only man Cal has ever wanted to be with. After a heart-to-heart talk, and some physical reassurance, Dan is finally convinced that it wasn't a drug induced spur-of-the-moment thing, that Cal, indeed, meant to marry him. The biggest hurdle is going to be when they get back home and face the music that is sure to come from his manager, reporters, and fans.
Although they have been through hell and back, Cal and Dan find a way to stay together. First, Cal has to overcome the fear of being attracted to a man when, for years, he's lived the life of a reckless sex god, who racks up conquests the way others count kills. The last thing he expects is to be so utterly smitten by another male. But this is not just another man, this is Dan, Dan who blew his world apart with his charm, wit, brilliant talent, and utterly uncanny ability to cut through a situation with a clarity his frivolity and devil-may-care attitude, does not normally reveal. Cal does manage to conquer his doubts because Dan is everything he has ever wanted. Cal loves Dan with an unbridled passion that he never could have imagined. Their love, although not traditionally “pure and sweet” is overpowering and inspiring.
I love the poetic, lyrical, 'Shakespearian-style' writing. Zackarrie's way of portraying her men, with all their flaws and foibles, makes them all the more endearing. They are some of the most well drawn characters I've ever read. Although they are often rough around the edges, their love for each other is so brilliantly portrayed that I believe in their sincerity. Since the story is character driven, the dual point of view is particularly necessary; due to the intensity of emotion, knowing what each character thinks is imperative to understanding them. I'm in love with this series, and, of course, with Dan and Cal and can barely wait for book two to be done. This is Zackarrie's first published novel and from what I've read so far, she's done a fabulous job. It's a terrific start to a career and series, that I, for one, will be following closely. If you enjoy rock stars, eccentric artists, hot sex, angst, joy, and abiding love, you may enjoy this book as much as I did. Thank you, Zackarrie, for the all-consuming and satisfying read.
NOTE: This book was provided by MLR Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Read
May 16, 2018I've always longed to know what happens after novels reach their 'happy ever after'. An epilogue is a lucious tease of the book I wish I could read. The 'hea' of a story is never the end of ours, it's oft the start of a new chapter. So...I wondered what might happen if I began at the traditional hea. Apart from waking with a Hangover from Hell.
April 11, 2018
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit https://wp.me/p220KL-dkZ
From that review: " I enjoyed Hangover from Hell (Hangover #1) by Zakarrie Clarke. Bad boy rockers, quixotic artist lovers, oodles of miscommunication, and a wonderful premise. They woke up married in Vegas after being together on the down low for 5 years. That's sort of irresistible. I had to know how this 'unknown to me' author was going to handle it."
For all our reviews, author interviews and such, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit https://wp.me/p220KL-dkZ
From that review: " I enjoyed Hangover from Hell (Hangover #1) by Zakarrie Clarke. Bad boy rockers, quixotic artist lovers, oodles of miscommunication, and a wonderful premise. They woke up married in Vegas after being together on the down low for 5 years. That's sort of irresistible. I had to know how this 'unknown to me' author was going to handle it."
For all our reviews, author interviews and such, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
June 4, 2019
I love this author's writing style from another book I read. Sweeping, lyrical prose. But, in this book (and its follow up) I found that it was too much. I had to concentrate so hard on making sure I understood the story and what was being said that I had to frequently stop and give myself a break.
The story was pretty basic. World famous in the closet rock star has fallen in love with out of the closet painter who was commissioned to do his portrait. They go to Las Vegas one weekend, have a little too much imbibing and wake up married. The rock star is horrified this will ruin his career and the painter is deathly afraid the rock star will now have regrets and move on to try and return to the closet (spurred on by lots of meddling by a manager who is more concerned about his paychecks than his client's heart).
Great back and forth between the two MC's first trying to figure out what happened and then trying to come to grips with it. Both wounded in their own way, the two spar with deep barbs to each others souls until they realize they can't live without each other. But, as I said, the writing style made it hard to just go with the flow of the book and I think that made it less enjoyable for me.
The story was pretty basic. World famous in the closet rock star has fallen in love with out of the closet painter who was commissioned to do his portrait. They go to Las Vegas one weekend, have a little too much imbibing and wake up married. The rock star is horrified this will ruin his career and the painter is deathly afraid the rock star will now have regrets and move on to try and return to the closet (spurred on by lots of meddling by a manager who is more concerned about his paychecks than his client's heart).
Great back and forth between the two MC's first trying to figure out what happened and then trying to come to grips with it. Both wounded in their own way, the two spar with deep barbs to each others souls until they realize they can't live without each other. But, as I said, the writing style made it hard to just go with the flow of the book and I think that made it less enjoyable for me.
December 12, 2020
What I Think: Before reading this tale, I was certain that I would make it a double feature and review both books together but as often happens, with the best of puppeteers, both tales were distinct and plentiful enough to have separate reviews. So, let’s find out what caused my weeks-long hangover. Now, how many times can I say I love size gaps before I begin to sound like a pervert? I have read and reread several of Mme. Zak’s tales so many times that this bandanna and leather jacket business is going to either drive me nuts or cause a Pavlovian response. The way the tale switches from the present to the past is so enchanting, making me feel like I am getting two tales for the price of one. I was gifted this by the Authoress herself (without asking for a review but after battling myself, I’ve decided to do my last good deeds for 2020 and share its magnificence with you. You’re welcome!) but you get what I mean. Right away, Cal’s feeling of inadequacy and unworthiness is intimately familiarly. I want to protect him so bad and I’m hoping that Dan can slice through him and give him what he needs. The description of Cal’s performances are so vivid that it reminds me of Mme. Amy’s Beneath The Stain as my skin erupts in goosebumps and the lyrics of that ballad. Oh, what they do to me! I’ve never had a crush on a real life star before today but now I find myself understanding the appeal of rockstars and the way they go around dripping sex here, there and everywhere. All the new words have me researching on Google like I have a term paper to write. Ooh, I love homework! To think the world accuses women of being overly dramatic when love brings out the drama in all of us but this tale is swoon-inducing and I’m living for it, swooning and exploding in fits and starts of intense emotion because I can no longer tell where I end and Calliel starts. The term ‘Callum the Confounding’ is worthy of mention because not only is it apt, it would fit right into a Tolkien tale! This man is such a magical, delicious, mind=boggling puzzle that has me willing to get lost just for the promise of un-puzzling it. Dans ability to scythe through to the truth is perfectly matched by Cal’s ability to lie to himself. His self-delusion needs and deserves an award for most self delusive self delusion that ever illusioned. Oh dear, I think she finally broke me! But a few pages later, I changed my mind. Cal and his self delusion need to see separate doctors because only a self delusion that has grown its own personality could be this thorough as Cal fights his feelings for Dan out of fear for the new and fear of losing when he’s not yet gotten over the greatest loss of his life.
I only know that this two have been on one hell of a journey before this because Dan’s anxiety is not without reason, just as the significance of Cal’s surrender is simply everything. I sincerely hope the Authoress deems us deserving of delving deeper into the relationship that led to this impromptu wedding. You see, just like me, Cal never stood a chance. Never. Dan was created to ensure that Cal knows and accepts this and I’m cheering wildly on Dan’s side as Cal begins a descent into a lust-drowned love that will burn him forever, even as it rescuscitates him. I emotioned my way through this tale. I laughed, ached, worried, hurt and thoroughly fell in love. If I don’t get my own pair of mile-long, absurdly necessary elegance of legs, there will be problems. Goddess, you’re listening, right? Then this tale goes on to show, in painful detail, the sacrifices and compromises involved in keeping the love you’ve found. Of all the things I fear and they are many (add all of Dan’s and Cal’s fears together,) this is the worst for it is the one reason I might never quite publish under my real name. Apart from losing my job and placing my family in danger’s path, the idea of being torn apart and dissected by humans, unforgiven and relentless creatures that they are, leaves me icy-cold. The kind of ice that only a volcano can melt. Cal is a goddamm angel and his miscreant is a fucking cherub, but no-one outside of them seems to care. I would give my arm to hide them, even if just a bit because a love so pure and real shouldn’t be put before such a disrespectful lot.
Desire is blessed in this tale, making lovemaking live up to its truth, as these two say with mind and body things that couldn’t pass through terrified lips and even if they did, it would be lost in translation. I do hope there’s a scene at some point where Dan signs his art with his new name. Just as I can’t wait to have Cal addresses by his new name. I can’t imagine the effusive skin tingling it will induce in Cal whose lyrics and actions strip his soul open, raw and skin flaying, love and need tangled until there is no difference where one stops and the other takes over in a perfect symphony of a love as necessary as breathing. But there is one simple thing that thrills me to no end: she manages to express every pleasure that comes with the forbidden thrill of smoking so succinctly that I’m wondering if she’s in the coffin-nails team. Warning – The only thing that will cut short your hangover is having book two at hand. You’re welcome!
Verdict? A comfort keeper of a fairytale that fills you up in every way while leaving you desperate for mmorre even as it reminds you that the road to love is never smooth nor short but it is worth every damn tear!
I only know that this two have been on one hell of a journey before this because Dan’s anxiety is not without reason, just as the significance of Cal’s surrender is simply everything. I sincerely hope the Authoress deems us deserving of delving deeper into the relationship that led to this impromptu wedding. You see, just like me, Cal never stood a chance. Never. Dan was created to ensure that Cal knows and accepts this and I’m cheering wildly on Dan’s side as Cal begins a descent into a lust-drowned love that will burn him forever, even as it rescuscitates him. I emotioned my way through this tale. I laughed, ached, worried, hurt and thoroughly fell in love. If I don’t get my own pair of mile-long, absurdly necessary elegance of legs, there will be problems. Goddess, you’re listening, right? Then this tale goes on to show, in painful detail, the sacrifices and compromises involved in keeping the love you’ve found. Of all the things I fear and they are many (add all of Dan’s and Cal’s fears together,) this is the worst for it is the one reason I might never quite publish under my real name. Apart from losing my job and placing my family in danger’s path, the idea of being torn apart and dissected by humans, unforgiven and relentless creatures that they are, leaves me icy-cold. The kind of ice that only a volcano can melt. Cal is a goddamm angel and his miscreant is a fucking cherub, but no-one outside of them seems to care. I would give my arm to hide them, even if just a bit because a love so pure and real shouldn’t be put before such a disrespectful lot.
Desire is blessed in this tale, making lovemaking live up to its truth, as these two say with mind and body things that couldn’t pass through terrified lips and even if they did, it would be lost in translation. I do hope there’s a scene at some point where Dan signs his art with his new name. Just as I can’t wait to have Cal addresses by his new name. I can’t imagine the effusive skin tingling it will induce in Cal whose lyrics and actions strip his soul open, raw and skin flaying, love and need tangled until there is no difference where one stops and the other takes over in a perfect symphony of a love as necessary as breathing. But there is one simple thing that thrills me to no end: she manages to express every pleasure that comes with the forbidden thrill of smoking so succinctly that I’m wondering if she’s in the coffin-nails team. Warning – The only thing that will cut short your hangover is having book two at hand. You’re welcome!
Verdict? A comfort keeper of a fairytale that fills you up in every way while leaving you desperate for mmorre even as it reminds you that the road to love is never smooth nor short but it is worth every damn tear!
October 2, 2018
I loved this book. It's a joy ride from first page to last. Cal and Dan are adorable; as far from perfect as they're perfect for one another. Their misadventures are warm, unexpectedly tender at times, and laugh out loud. Fabulous.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews