caiacassiopeia's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Re-read
Audiobook: Wyatt Baker
(Performance 5stars)
Audiobook: Wyatt Baker
(Performance 5stars)
kenznelz's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
reading_rainy's review
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
4.25
His lies were good enough to convince the angel-faced boy to invite a wolf into his home with a smile.
I’m like a broken record reviewing the books in the series. They are a bit like children, I love each in a different way.
I’m still on the fence about the dynamics in this one. If it had just been Mark and Grif, this would’ve been an incredible love story. But the added family involvement made everything feel awkward and overly dramatic.
In true Merikan fashion, the chemistry between Grif and Mark simmered just right. Their first sex scene was intimate, tender, and sweetly passionate. Mark has matured so much, but he still holds the belief that he is unworthy.
His heart skipped a beat, and it was as if this time it was him coming alive, awaking to a possibility that maybe, just maybe, he was worthy of this beautiful boy.
As for Grif, he’s wonderfully sweet, but I don’t know that he has the stomach or the emotional maturity to handle being a part of this unique family. Time will tell.
I loved the video chats with Seth and Dom…who really gives terrible relationship advice, but means well.
Spoiler below:
*
*
*
As much as I wish that Charlotte wasn’t involved in this story. I do think it adds some incredible tension. And while this isn’t a love triangle by any means, it has the elements of one.
I think this story hits differently if you are a mother. I cannot imagine the hell that Charlotte went through when she came back home, and found out she was pregnant. Having to deal with all of that alone, birthing a child, and basically raising him by herself. (Ok her parents helped)
Let’s not forget that she’s been threatened with death if she reveals anything that happened to her in the time that she was away. So she isn’t able to get any kind of resolution, talking to friends, hashing it through with a therapist, etc. Then to find out the father of your child is in a relationship with your younger brother!! The entire thing felt very muddy and incredibly uncomfortable for everyone involved.
Did Mark stop for one second to consider Charlotte‘s feelings in all of this? Or is he consumed with his own need to be a father, and also get the man he wants? Even in saying that, I have a ton of empathy for Mark, because I don’t think he would’ve ever let Charlotte leave had he known she was pregnant.
It also was hard not to see Grif as the stand in for pre-kidnapping Charlotte. Wealthy and spoiled, ignorant of the hardship that most people go through to survive. Would Mark have loved her before her trauma?
I’m like a broken record reviewing the books in the series. They are a bit like children, I love each in a different way.
I’m still on the fence about the dynamics in this one. If it had just been Mark and Grif, this would’ve been an incredible love story. But the added family involvement made everything feel awkward and overly dramatic.
In true Merikan fashion, the chemistry between Grif and Mark simmered just right. Their first sex scene was intimate, tender, and sweetly passionate. Mark has matured so much, but he still holds the belief that he is unworthy.
His heart skipped a beat, and it was as if this time it was him coming alive, awaking to a possibility that maybe, just maybe, he was worthy of this beautiful boy.
As for Grif, he’s wonderfully sweet, but I don’t know that he has the stomach or the emotional maturity to handle being a part of this unique family. Time will tell.
I loved the video chats with Seth and Dom…who really gives terrible relationship advice, but means well.
Spoiler below:
*
*
*
As much as I wish that Charlotte wasn’t involved in this story. I do think it adds some incredible tension. And while this isn’t a love triangle by any means, it has the elements of one.
I think this story hits differently if you are a mother. I cannot imagine the hell that Charlotte went through when she came back home, and found out she was pregnant. Having to deal with all of that alone, birthing a child, and basically raising him by herself. (Ok her parents helped)
Let’s not forget that she’s been threatened with death if she reveals anything that happened to her in the time that she was away. So she isn’t able to get any kind of resolution, talking to friends, hashing it through with a therapist, etc. Then to find out the father of your child is in a relationship with your younger brother!! The entire thing felt very muddy and incredibly uncomfortable for everyone involved.
Did Mark stop for one second to consider Charlotte‘s feelings in all of this? Or is he consumed with his own need to be a father, and also get the man he wants? Even in saying that, I have a ton of empathy for Mark, because I don’t think he would’ve ever let Charlotte leave had he known she was pregnant.
It also was hard not to see Grif as the stand in for pre-kidnapping Charlotte. Wealthy and spoiled, ignorant of the hardship that most people go through to survive. Would Mark have loved her before her trauma?
weathersreadsgarbage's review
adventurous
slow-paced
3.5
Here’s the thing: I really like Mark as a character. I have so much respect for how much he’s grown in the series. It’s so sweet to see how his dads have influenced him and how he’s better than them. I have no choice but to love him even if I’m not sold on his foot fetish.
But Griffin is so fucking annoying that it’s like pulling teeth. No, annoying suggests there’s anything there. He’s fucking boring. Mark deserves better than this piece of fluff.
I’m also just not terribly interested in this trope? I came to the series for dark romance with mafia stuff and here everything fun comes to a complete standstill while we do a… virgin plot. I don’t get it. You can skip this entire book and miss nothing from the series and I find that to be a damn shame.
But Griffin is so fucking annoying that it’s like pulling teeth. No, annoying suggests there’s anything there. He’s fucking boring. Mark deserves better than this piece of fluff.
I’m also just not terribly interested in this trope? I came to the series for dark romance with mafia stuff and here everything fun comes to a complete standstill while we do a… virgin plot. I don’t get it. You can skip this entire book and miss nothing from the series and I find that to be a damn shame.
mwlgal's review
4.0
Damn, what a great ending to a fabulous series. Loved introduction of sweet beautiful Griffin. Glad that Mark is the recipient of such beautiful love and comfort which is so well deserved. I will miss this entire family and can only hope for more. This series would make a phenomenal audio series. Sigh...
haletostilinski1's review
5.0
4.5 stars
RTC...
~*~
A Breath of Innocence is like taking a nice, sweet breather (of innocence ;)) from the darkness, gore, violence, morally grayness of Dom and Seth. I love Dom and Seth and all the darkness that comes with their world, but this was a nice break from that, getting some sweetness and a little bit of fluff which is rare in this series so far.
Mark has moved to Bristol, England about a half a year or so after the events over the 7th book, ready to pick himself up and become a changed man. A young man who stops sleeping around just because he can and getting away from the violence of his world as well.
At first, he comes back to try again with Charlotte, feeling changed and grown enough to be with her, but Charlotte is having none of that - and it's more than hostility over Mark leaving her at the airport and not coming home with her. We find out why at some point in the book.
But pretty soon after her rejection, Mark pretty much forgets her, because her brother, Griffith starts to capture his heart.
Griffith is the total opposite of Mark, Dom, and Seth. He's sweet, he's kind, and he's adorable, and he's lived a fairly sheltered, rich life, growing up with rich parents. Griffith just hasn't come near the type of life Mark has had. He's unexpectedly everything Mark needs.
Griffith, who starts out this book 17 years old and turns 18 near the beginning, is struggling somewhat with his sexuality, even though he has a big 'ol crush on Mark. But he isn't out to anyone, and he's a virgin, and Mark is his first (real) kiss, his first everything.
Which means things happen slowly between these two. It takes about 3 months for more to happen between them, and even then there is a few starts and stops before they start to settle into coupledom.
These two were wonderful together. I absolutely loved them together, and I loved how sweet Mark was with Griffith, and how adorable Griffith was with Mark - not that Griffith was perfect, but adorable nonetheless.
Mark did show some of his dark side on occasions with Griffith, but Mark still never told the full extent of where he comes from to Griffith in this, which part of the reason I gave .5 to this. It was definitely set up as if there will be at least another book with these two - which may be why Mark didn't tell Griffith everything quite yet - but it still bothered me.
Mark tells him about his past before he met Seth and Dom, and he does tell the truth about Charlotte eventually and such, but Mark never tells Griffith about who exactly Dom and Seth are, what world they come from, and thus what world Mark comes from, how he'd been living his life the past 4 or 5 years.
But part of me also gets that that is a huge truth to reveal and who the hell knows how sweet, kind, innocent Griffith would react to that, and they hadn't been dating that long by the end of this, so I kind of understand. I just was still expecting it all to come to light by the end of this. We better get another book focused on these two, then, or else their ending will be slightly disappointing and feel incomplete.
Dom and Seth are only in this, really, through phone convos and facetime and such, but what little we do get of them, we get to see that they're happy and living their best life with each other :P
But that peace won't last forever, and I can't wait to get into the 9th book. I'm almost caught up with this series, ah!
This one, though, definitely worth a read. Should not be skipped, even though it's a different couple. It was still amazing.
Onto the next! :D
RTC...
~*~
A Breath of Innocence is like taking a nice, sweet breather (of innocence ;)) from the darkness, gore, violence, morally grayness of Dom and Seth. I love Dom and Seth and all the darkness that comes with their world, but this was a nice break from that, getting some sweetness and a little bit of fluff which is rare in this series so far.
Mark has moved to Bristol, England about a half a year or so after the events over the 7th book, ready to pick himself up and become a changed man. A young man who stops sleeping around just because he can and getting away from the violence of his world as well.
At first, he comes back to try again with Charlotte, feeling changed and grown enough to be with her, but Charlotte is having none of that - and it's more than hostility over Mark leaving her at the airport and not coming home with her. We find out why at some point in the book.
But pretty soon after her rejection, Mark pretty much forgets her, because her brother, Griffith starts to capture his heart.
Griffith is the total opposite of Mark, Dom, and Seth. He's sweet, he's kind, and he's adorable, and he's lived a fairly sheltered, rich life, growing up with rich parents. Griffith just hasn't come near the type of life Mark has had. He's unexpectedly everything Mark needs.
Griffith, who starts out this book 17 years old and turns 18 near the beginning, is struggling somewhat with his sexuality, even though he has a big 'ol crush on Mark. But he isn't out to anyone, and he's a virgin, and Mark is his first (real) kiss, his first everything.
Which means things happen slowly between these two. It takes about 3 months for more to happen between them, and even then there is a few starts and stops before they start to settle into coupledom.
These two were wonderful together. I absolutely loved them together, and I loved how sweet Mark was with Griffith, and how adorable Griffith was with Mark - not that Griffith was perfect, but adorable nonetheless.
Mark did show some of his dark side on occasions with Griffith, but Mark still never told the full extent of where he comes from to Griffith in this, which part of the reason I gave .5 to this. It was definitely set up as if there will be at least another book with these two - which may be why Mark didn't tell Griffith everything quite yet - but it still bothered me.
Mark tells him about his past before he met Seth and Dom, and he does tell the truth about Charlotte eventually and such, but Mark never tells Griffith about who exactly Dom and Seth are, what world they come from, and thus what world Mark comes from, how he'd been living his life the past 4 or 5 years.
But part of me also gets that that is a huge truth to reveal and who the hell knows how sweet, kind, innocent Griffith would react to that, and they hadn't been dating that long by the end of this, so I kind of understand. I just was still expecting it all to come to light by the end of this. We better get another book focused on these two, then, or else their ending will be slightly disappointing and feel incomplete.
Dom and Seth are only in this, really, through phone convos and facetime and such, but what little we do get of them, we get to see that they're happy and living their best life with each other :P
But that peace won't last forever, and I can't wait to get into the 9th book. I'm almost caught up with this series, ah!
This one, though, definitely worth a read. Should not be skipped, even though it's a different couple. It was still amazing.
Onto the next! :D
rebecca_3's review
5.0
I loved this! I've loved Mark since he was first introduced in book 4 so I was sooo excited for him to get his own book. And Griff was just amazing. He was so so so sweet but still sooo sexy. I almost died of a stroke during the scene where he was showing off with the aerial silks and then the sex after. Oh my gosh!
But this was pretty low key compared to the previous books in the series. I knew it would be from all the teasers, and it is called A Breath of Innocence. But it was still way more tame than I had expected. I thought something was going to happen. Something or someone from one of the previous books coming book to haunt Mark. Or maybe a stalker that he would have to protect Griff from and get violent and expose his past to him. But this just ended up mostly being about dealing with Griff's family. Especially Charlotte. At the end of this Griff still doesnt know about Mark's criminal history. That is definitely going to blow up in his face in the next book and I can't wait! More of Griff combined with more of Dom and Seth's usual craziness is going to be great! I cant wait for book 9!
Even though this ended up being my least favourite book in the series, it was still great, and the set up for the future is so exciting, and I am so glad that Mark finally has someone of his own.
But this was pretty low key compared to the previous books in the series. I knew it would be from all the teasers, and it is called A Breath of Innocence. But it was still way more tame than I had expected. I thought something was going to happen. Something or someone from one of the previous books coming book to haunt Mark. Or maybe a stalker that he would have to protect Griff from and get violent and expose his past to him. But this just ended up mostly being about dealing with Griff's family. Especially Charlotte. At the end of this Griff still doesnt know about Mark's criminal history. That is definitely going to blow up in his face in the next book and I can't wait! More of Griff combined with more of Dom and Seth's usual craziness is going to be great! I cant wait for book 9!
Even though this ended up being my least favourite book in the series, it was still great, and the set up for the future is so exciting, and I am so glad that Mark finally has someone of his own.
riverreads's review
5.0
Our boy Mark is a man now and he had to travel to the other side of the world not only to find himself after everything that he lived for the last few years but also to find someone to love, that loves him back.
What a fun and interesting journey it was to meet innocent, pure and at times snob Griff.
Everything around this relationship was a disaster, it was like the universe telling Mark to back off but he is the son of Domenico so he learned from his dad that sometimes you have to take what you want and fuck the rest.
I loved reading Mark journey, at the beginning of the book he is looking for something else but the beauty and innocence that Griff posses kept calling to him.
Reading how he went from the brat kid that wouldn't stop talking to the insecure man that knows he is capable of a lot of things but never fit in was a balm to the soul. I did not expect him to be so sweet but omg, I swear this guy is a charmer and I completely understand why Griff fell so hard, Mark is definitely not like his dads.. well expect when you piss him off, I was cackling with glee when he acted like a total badass. I love love his development and this coming from someone that loathed him when he was introduced (sorry my son)
The big plot twist was handled in a way that I did not expect but was glad about the outcome, it leaves a lot of questions in the air but that's just part of the fun.
There's of course a few cameos by our favorite couple, Seth and Dom are well still Seth and Dom, I swear Dom is crazy. his bad advice and way meddling into things that he is not supposed cracks me up every damn time. Our boy Seth is well practically living his dream so it was beautiful seeing him so content with his life. Which is scary because we know Kat and Agnes are not going to let that fly for long.
This book is definitely only the beginning for Mark and Griff, there's too many things that need happen in this series and that are definitely going to involve them. I am very curious to see how the first meeting is going to go so I can't wait for the next book.
What a fun and interesting journey it was to meet innocent, pure and at times snob Griff.
Everything around this relationship was a disaster, it was like the universe telling Mark to back off but he is the son of Domenico so he learned from his dad that sometimes you have to take what you want and fuck the rest.
I loved reading Mark journey, at the beginning of the book he is looking for something else but the beauty and innocence that Griff posses kept calling to him.
Reading how he went from the brat kid that wouldn't stop talking to the insecure man that knows he is capable of a lot of things but never fit in was a balm to the soul. I did not expect him to be so sweet but omg, I swear this guy is a charmer and I completely understand why Griff fell so hard, Mark is definitely not like his dads.. well expect when you piss him off, I was cackling with glee when he acted like a total badass. I love love his development and this coming from someone that loathed him when he was introduced (sorry my son)
The big plot twist was handled in a way that I did not expect but was glad about the outcome, it leaves a lot of questions in the air but that's just part of the fun.
There's of course a few cameos by our favorite couple, Seth and Dom are well still Seth and Dom, I swear Dom is crazy. his bad advice and way meddling into things that he is not supposed cracks me up every damn time. Our boy Seth is well practically living his dream so it was beautiful seeing him so content with his life. Which is scary because we know Kat and Agnes are not going to let that fly for long.
This book is definitely only the beginning for Mark and Griff, there's too many things that need happen in this series and that are definitely going to involve them. I am very curious to see how the first meeting is going to go so I can't wait for the next book.
cadiva's review
4.0
Well, where to begin. I'm going to start with the end and the post credits scene and just say - wtf ladies! I don't like the look of that and it seems like things are going to be heating up again soon.
Now, back to this actual story and oh my, I don't think Mark and Griffin could have been any cuter if they tried. This really is a breath of innocence in the ever more murky world of Dom & Seth and the Mark we get here is almost like a new man.
He's followed Charlotte back to the UK but finds something else way more important and real when he meets her brother. I loved the dynamics between these two.
Mark's background and upbringing - and his experiences in the last book - have left him scarred but not bowed and he's determined to make a fresh start with an honest job after his studies.
Griff's 17 at the start, but his birthday follows quickly after the two meet, and he's young and naive and sees the world through the veneer of a rich but somewhat lonely upbringing.
There's the usual shocks galore but this one is missing the violence which is usually a hallmark of the series. That's not to say there isn't hurt aplenty and I wanted to hug them both many times (and punch Charlotte in the face a lot too!)
It was a different pace to the usual Guns n' Boys but no less enjoyable an experience and I was rooting for them both as much as I do for Dom & Seth. And how beautiful is the cover?!
#ARC kindly provided by the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Now, back to this actual story and oh my, I don't think Mark and Griffin could have been any cuter if they tried. This really is a breath of innocence in the ever more murky world of Dom & Seth and the Mark we get here is almost like a new man.
He's followed Charlotte back to the UK but finds something else way more important and real when he meets her brother. I loved the dynamics between these two.
Mark's background and upbringing - and his experiences in the last book - have left him scarred but not bowed and he's determined to make a fresh start with an honest job after his studies.
Griff's 17 at the start, but his birthday follows quickly after the two meet, and he's young and naive and sees the world through the veneer of a rich but somewhat lonely upbringing.
There's the usual shocks galore but this one is missing the violence which is usually a hallmark of the series. That's not to say there isn't hurt aplenty and I wanted to hug them both many times (and punch Charlotte in the face a lot too!)
It was a different pace to the usual Guns n' Boys but no less enjoyable an experience and I was rooting for them both as much as I do for Dom & Seth. And how beautiful is the cover?!
#ARC kindly provided by the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
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