ezichinny's review against another edition
4.0
This one was a well written story about new beginnings. It was a heart warming story featuring two men who desperately needed love in their lives.
37yr old Joel Jones owned a gay club, Cervena, with Karel Doubrava. It was a high class nightclub where clients and dancers were treated with respect.
Sasha Filipov was a young 22 yr old Russian immigrant who needed a new lease in life and Joel graciously offered him employment. The working relationship blossomed to more but Joel's partner presented a tough obstacle. The partnership became a tenuous arrangement and Joel knew that his values and goals were no longer aligned with Karel's. Things got dangerous but love won in the end.
I liked both main characters, Joel and Sasha. Their chemistry felt authentic, sweet and endearing. It wasn't rushed and it seemed healthy for both. Normally I don't like boss and employee relationships but I like that the author didn't create a power balance despite Joel being the boss. It was so encouraged with kindness and consideration Joel showed to those who worked for him. There was a healthy respect for the work boundaries. I was happy that Joel found love and eventually found freedom out of Karel's mess. The amount of angst in the story was about right. There was genuine love, patience and acceptance. Sasha wasn't looking for a sugar daddy nor was he afraid to stand up for himself. He worked hard and won the admiration of his coworkers. I hope the author turns this into a series because some of the other guys deserve a story too.
37yr old Joel Jones owned a gay club, Cervena, with Karel Doubrava. It was a high class nightclub where clients and dancers were treated with respect.
Sasha Filipov was a young 22 yr old Russian immigrant who needed a new lease in life and Joel graciously offered him employment. The working relationship blossomed to more but Joel's partner presented a tough obstacle. The partnership became a tenuous arrangement and Joel knew that his values and goals were no longer aligned with Karel's. Things got dangerous but love won in the end.
I liked both main characters, Joel and Sasha. Their chemistry felt authentic, sweet and endearing. It wasn't rushed and it seemed healthy for both. Normally I don't like boss and employee relationships but I like that the author didn't create a power balance despite Joel being the boss. It was so encouraged with kindness and consideration Joel showed to those who worked for him. There was a healthy respect for the work boundaries. I was happy that Joel found love and eventually found freedom out of Karel's mess. The amount of angst in the story was about right. There was genuine love, patience and acceptance. Sasha wasn't looking for a sugar daddy nor was he afraid to stand up for himself. He worked hard and won the admiration of his coworkers. I hope the author turns this into a series because some of the other guys deserve a story too.
suze_1624's review
3.0
I won this in group of reads. Probably not one I would have chosen and I was expecting it to be much more gritty than it was.
Joel was a successful business man but did seem to do odd things as well, against this personna. The story was told first person pov by Joel so it did seem a bit telling at times.
Sasha was a fairly two dimensional character, probably because of the first person pov.
There was a local gangster hooha in the middle, sorted by another - bit odd but ok.
So a bit under whelmed but it did move along quickly. More of a 2.5* for me.
Joel was a successful business man but did seem to do odd things as well, against this personna. The story was told first person pov by Joel so it did seem a bit telling at times.
Sasha was a fairly two dimensional character, probably because of the first person pov.
There was a local gangster hooha in the middle, sorted by another - bit odd but ok.
So a bit under whelmed but it did move along quickly. More of a 2.5* for me.
the_novel_approach's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars ~ Cervena is a first time read for me from Louise Lyons. Most of the story is told from Joel’s POV, but it’s told in such a way that you don’t forget about the other important characters in the book.
Joel Jones has accomplished a lifelong dream. He’s part owner of a gay nightclub, Eervena, located in Prague. Joel’s a very loving character, not only with his family but also his staff at the nightclub. He’s a strong man who lives by his own set of morals. He’s respectful of his employees—they’re never threatened or forced to do anything inappropriate. Joel also seems to be protecting his heart, and that leads to a misunderstanding.
Sasha is a young man from Russia. His being gay made for a difficult home life and lead him to live on the streets. Joel finds him outside the club and gives Sasha a chance to get healthy and improve his life. When Joel leaves suddenly, because of a family illness, Sasha’s not sure where he fits in with Joel.
Karel Doubrava, needless to say, is not a very nice character. Although, Joel knows of Karel’s sleazy ways, he seemed to give him the benefit of the doubt. When Joel returns from London, he can’t believe what’s happened. He finds Karel is in way over his head with gambling debts, dragging Joel and Sasha into devastation and danger within the seedy underworld of a European mobster.
Cervena has some violence, suspense and drama, but Ms. Lyons also provides us with fun and a second chance at love. Besides Joel and Sasha’s solid characterizations, I liked the warm family connection Joel has with his sister. There’s also a fun group of dancing boys who bring their own special personalities to the storyline.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
Joel Jones has accomplished a lifelong dream. He’s part owner of a gay nightclub, Eervena, located in Prague. Joel’s a very loving character, not only with his family but also his staff at the nightclub. He’s a strong man who lives by his own set of morals. He’s respectful of his employees—they’re never threatened or forced to do anything inappropriate. Joel also seems to be protecting his heart, and that leads to a misunderstanding.
Sasha is a young man from Russia. His being gay made for a difficult home life and lead him to live on the streets. Joel finds him outside the club and gives Sasha a chance to get healthy and improve his life. When Joel leaves suddenly, because of a family illness, Sasha’s not sure where he fits in with Joel.
Karel Doubrava, needless to say, is not a very nice character. Although, Joel knows of Karel’s sleazy ways, he seemed to give him the benefit of the doubt. When Joel returns from London, he can’t believe what’s happened. He finds Karel is in way over his head with gambling debts, dragging Joel and Sasha into devastation and danger within the seedy underworld of a European mobster.
Cervena has some violence, suspense and drama, but Ms. Lyons also provides us with fun and a second chance at love. Besides Joel and Sasha’s solid characterizations, I liked the warm family connection Joel has with his sister. There’s also a fun group of dancing boys who bring their own special personalities to the storyline.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
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