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
3.5
reading_rainy's review
5.0
*4.5* I was nervous to dive into this story, especially with this title! It wasn’t necessarily more violent, but the body count was certainly higher than the previous books.
I wasn’t a fan of Mark’s path in this one, but felt it was needed to mature his character and move him in a path for his future. I was almost as proud as Dom when his used his skills to protect himself.
When Dom looked at him now, he didn’t see a stubborn kid but a glimpse of the man who Mark would eventually become. Standing up for what he believed was right, even if it could cost him dearly.
Seth was the highlight of this book. I couldn’t help but agree with so many of his thoughts and how hard to tried to go against his own nature to be the man he feels Dom deserves. This story highlights his sensitivity, and his struggle to figure out who he really is.
“It’s too much, Dom. I thought I could handle whatever we’d face here, but I’m messed up. I can’t sleep, and when I do sleep I wake up worried what fresh fuckery the day will bring. I wish I was like you, but I’m not.”
This journey also focuses on Dom’s deep love and respect for Seth, just the way he is. Dom finally recognizes how hard Seth is trying to be someone else, and he doesn’t want that for his husband.
“It’s okay. You’re brave. You are... beautiful,” whispered Domenico, leaning into a soft kiss. Seth’s arms closed around him, and he shut his eyes, enjoying the embrace tightening around him. “I shouldn’t have asked you to do this.”
It honestly melts my heart to watch them fall deeper into a relationship that is based on so much more than the physical. Not that they aren’t all over each other, but it’s so, so much more than that.
I wasn’t a fan of Mark’s path in this one, but felt it was needed to mature his character and move him in a path for his future. I was almost as proud as Dom when his used his skills to protect himself.
When Dom looked at him now, he didn’t see a stubborn kid but a glimpse of the man who Mark would eventually become. Standing up for what he believed was right, even if it could cost him dearly.
Seth was the highlight of this book. I couldn’t help but agree with so many of his thoughts and how hard to tried to go against his own nature to be the man he feels Dom deserves. This story highlights his sensitivity, and his struggle to figure out who he really is.
“It’s too much, Dom. I thought I could handle whatever we’d face here, but I’m messed up. I can’t sleep, and when I do sleep I wake up worried what fresh fuckery the day will bring. I wish I was like you, but I’m not.”
This journey also focuses on Dom’s deep love and respect for Seth, just the way he is. Dom finally recognizes how hard Seth is trying to be someone else, and he doesn’t want that for his husband.
“It’s okay. You’re brave. You are... beautiful,” whispered Domenico, leaning into a soft kiss. Seth’s arms closed around him, and he shut his eyes, enjoying the embrace tightening around him. “I shouldn’t have asked you to do this.”
It honestly melts my heart to watch them fall deeper into a relationship that is based on so much more than the physical. Not that they aren’t all over each other, but it’s so, so much more than that.
weathersreadsgarbage's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Here’s the thing: If you’re this deep into this series you know damn well what you’re walking into. And you hopefully dig that because woo boy Bloodbath just continues the increasingly stupid decisions of our little ragtag family.
Everyone is horny and stupid, everything is toxic, and you’ll probably have to put the book down to do a good old fashioned “what the fuck is this” sigh. But this is genuinely the most fun series I’ve ever read because of how unapologetically unhinged they are.
Basically what I’m saying is that Bloodbath provided me more serotonin than my stupid brain has provided me in the past six weeks.
Everyone is horny and stupid, everything is toxic, and you’ll probably have to put the book down to do a good old fashioned “what the fuck is this” sigh. But this is genuinely the most fun series I’ve ever read because of how unapologetically unhinged they are.
Basically what I’m saying is that Bloodbath provided me more serotonin than my stupid brain has provided me in the past six weeks.
mwlgal's review
5.0
So in love with this series. Hot hot hot and great suspense. We got to know Mark who added so much to the plot. The dynamic between Dom and Seth is fascinating. Their roles reverse a bit and it's so interesting to watch how it affects their relationship. Dom really does have a soft side and Seth can be a bad ass when called upon. Love this series so much, but had to take a break. Then intensity got to me a bit - not in a bad way - just need to break things up a bit. Read something not so intense and heading back soon to finish series. Highly recommended.
thegoddessbooks's review
4.0
4/5 estrellas.
Al contrario de los primeros cinco libros, Bloodbath me tomo demasiado tiempo de terminar, tomando en cuenta los días que le invertía a terminar los anteriores que no pasaban de los 3 días como máximo, y siendo honesta, el libro se me hizo lento, demasiado para la trama que se veía venir.
La primera mitad fue lenta y algo tediosa, no lograba atraparme en lo absoluto y se veía la misma dinámica entre los personajes que leí en “chokehold” sólo que aquí en una especie de escenario macro, ya cuando iba en la segunda mitad del libro, creo que del capítulo 12 en adelante la historia se hizo más ágil y fue cuando realmente me termino atrapando, qué decir de los últimos capítulos, como las acciones tiene consecuencias y me agrado que hubiese un capítulo narrado desde la perspectiva de Dom para darse cuenta de lo que sus elecciones le estaban causando al hombre que ama.
Los nuevos personajes me parecieron interesantes, la dinámica entre Miguel y Nero, el primero a quien conocimos en el libro anterior hace pequeñas apariciones y pues leyendo la escena cortada, yo pensaría que tiene algo de homofobia internalizada, por la manera en la que se comportaba a ciertas actitudes de Mark al principio y con Nero. Este segundo personaje me pareció bastante fresco y entretenido, y pues no mentiría si digo que me encantaría ver a dónde van sus interacciones y contactos con Miguel y ver si posiblemente tienen algún futuro.
Mark también es otro de los personajes que he llegando a querer, su storyline en este libro fue tierna y pues es algo que se esperaba desde el primer momento en que había visto a Charlotte. Espero que el libro que trata sobre él le dé lo que merece.
En la escena post créditos, apareció un nuevo personaje que fijó su mirada en Seth, muero por saber que surgir de ello, porque a Domenico no le va a gustar.
En general el libro no fue malo pero desde mi punto de vista fue algo largo y se extendieron demasiadas cosas para llegar al punto fulminante, pero las escenas de acciones me gustaron bastante.
haletostilinski1's review
5.0
4.5 stars
Pretty great 6th installment in this series that I am loving so much.
This finds Dom and Seth about 8 months after the end of the last book heading to Colombia to finally infiltrate Toro's organization.
They pretend to be human traffickers - although they don't know that until they kill the actual ones and find a girl being held in a trunk - to get into the organization.
Dom and Seth play straight when they get there, so for weeks they aren't able to even tough each other, really, and it frustrated both of them to no end.
But of course, when some jealousy comes into play, that changes some things. (i.e. Dom gets too possessive to let it go or just let Seth handle it.)
But that ends up speeding things along and before long, things ramp up and a takeover approaches.
I was happy that for the most part Dom and Seth were in a good place during this installment - because I've read the blurb and review for the next one, so that'll be oh so fun to read - and we got at least one big with no major blow up between these two. (It doesn't have to be all angst all the time.) There was one fight between these two, but would there be a book with these two without at least one fight? (even if it's a minor one)
And I was actually expecting Seth to go a little closer to the edge that he does in this based on the blurb, but I don't think Seth lost much of himself. It took a toll on him, for sure, and maybe eventually he would have lost parts of himself, but for the most part he still had what made Seth Seth so I was actually a little relieved and had expected much worse, like Seth becoming very closed off and acting more brutal than he ever has and changing for the worse, but that didn't happen.
And maybe the takeover happened at around the right time, because Seth was beginning to feel the effects of pretending to be such a brutal person.
Mark's story was interesting in this too. He falls for Charlotte, the girl who is taken to be given to Raul Moreno eventually, as he's guarding her - because Dom and Seth say that Mark is gay so Toro thinks it's safe to leave him with her - but they were doomed from the start, because it starts when Charlotte is a prisoner and they're confined to this one room. Sure, that's a lot of time to talk (and have sex) but it's still only getting to know each other in this one room, with what's happening to Charlotte hanging over their heads.
And Mark finally truly comes into his own in this as someone who is supposed to be in this world should be like. I don't know - or think - he'll ever get to Dom levels, but I think there's parts of that ruthlessness now in Mark.
And Mark isn't as sure of Charlotte as Dom and Seth are of each other, so Mark chooses to stay.
There's also the introduction of Nero, who is strangely funny. Annoying at first and his persistent flirting in annoying, but he is intriguing. Wonder if he and Miguel will have a romance? Hm...
And also this Diego guy...didn't like his POV at the very very end. I'm really getting tired of having to deal with people trying to get with Dom and Seth, and I'm sure Diego will be the worst yet, so...fun *sigh* no more after this dude, please. Enough is enough.
Buttt to end on a high note, Dom and Seth were as perfect together as ever and their love, as always, shines through in this. (And Seth saving Dom was pretty damn nice. Seth isn't meant for this life but when push comes to shove, Seth is no weakling or pushover.)
Onto the next!
Pretty great 6th installment in this series that I am loving so much.
This finds Dom and Seth about 8 months after the end of the last book heading to Colombia to finally infiltrate Toro's organization.
They pretend to be human traffickers - although they don't know that until they kill the actual ones and find a girl being held in a trunk - to get into the organization.
Dom and Seth play straight when they get there, so for weeks they aren't able to even tough each other, really, and it frustrated both of them to no end.
But of course, when some jealousy comes into play, that changes some things. (i.e. Dom gets too possessive to let it go or just let Seth handle it.)
But that ends up speeding things along and before long, things ramp up and a takeover approaches.
I was happy that for the most part Dom and Seth were in a good place during this installment - because I've read the blurb and review for the next one, so that'll be oh so fun to read - and we got at least one big with no major blow up between these two. (It doesn't have to be all angst all the time.) There was one fight between these two, but would there be a book with these two without at least one fight? (even if it's a minor one)
And I was actually expecting Seth to go a little closer to the edge that he does in this based on the blurb, but I don't think Seth lost much of himself. It took a toll on him, for sure, and maybe eventually he would have lost parts of himself, but for the most part he still had what made Seth Seth so I was actually a little relieved and had expected much worse, like Seth becoming very closed off and acting more brutal than he ever has and changing for the worse, but that didn't happen.
And maybe the takeover happened at around the right time, because Seth was beginning to feel the effects of pretending to be such a brutal person.
Mark's story was interesting in this too. He falls for Charlotte, the girl who is taken to be given to Raul Moreno eventually, as he's guarding her - because Dom and Seth say that Mark is gay so Toro thinks it's safe to leave him with her - but they were doomed from the start, because it starts when Charlotte is a prisoner and they're confined to this one room. Sure, that's a lot of time to talk (and have sex) but it's still only getting to know each other in this one room, with what's happening to Charlotte hanging over their heads.
And Mark finally truly comes into his own in this as someone who is supposed to be in this world should be like. I don't know - or think - he'll ever get to Dom levels, but I think there's parts of that ruthlessness now in Mark.
And Mark isn't as sure of Charlotte as Dom and Seth are of each other, so Mark chooses to stay.
There's also the introduction of Nero, who is strangely funny. Annoying at first and his persistent flirting in annoying, but he is intriguing. Wonder if he and Miguel will have a romance? Hm...
And also this Diego guy...didn't like his POV at the very very end. I'm really getting tired of having to deal with people trying to get with Dom and Seth, and I'm sure Diego will be the worst yet, so...fun *sigh* no more after this dude, please. Enough is enough.
Buttt to end on a high note, Dom and Seth were as perfect together as ever and their love, as always, shines through in this. (And Seth saving Dom was pretty damn nice. Seth isn't meant for this life but when push comes to shove, Seth is no weakling or pushover.)
Onto the next!
rebecca_3's review
5.0
Ok, this was amazing and I can't wait for the next one. That ending! But I just gotta say, what the fuck, Mark! What a little idiot.
No, I'm sorry baby, I love you!
No, I'm sorry baby, I love you!
riverreads's review
5.0
The boys are back and this time more badass than ever.
In this new instalment in the Guns n' Boys series, Domenico, Seth, Mark and their new ally Miguel are traveling to Colombia. Their plan is to infiltrate Toro's organization with inside help from Dana.
They have been training for months and every one needs to be aware of the risks they are taking and face them head on, there's no room for weakness or mistakes because it could cost them their lives.
“I promised you the good times, and the bad. I will be right behind you,” -Seth
Seth knows Dom is counting on him so he gives his best and puts on a mask of indifference that they both hate.
"I'm with you on this. Say what needs to be done, and I'll do it." Seth
They were leading a dangerous life, and there was nowhere safer than at Domenico’s side. In his arms.
Domenico is so proud and confused by the new Seth, he appreciates that he is doing his part but is he losing himself by doing so? What Dom loves most about a Seth is his heart and the fact that he is not like Dom.
“If I can’t have you, everything might as well fall apart. There is no me without you anymore,” -Domenico
Our kid Mark made so much progress in this books. Let me tell you, when i met him I hated him, why was this nobody taking page time from my boys? But I've come to like him and appreciate him.
Mark is still boy and he makes mistakes but he is learning and he wants to make himself and Dom proud. His character development is amazing.
"I want to be my own man. On my own terms. With my family.” -Mark
Dom and Seth are one of my favorite couples and in this story their relationship develops even more. They are seeing sides of the other that they didn't know but at the end of the day their love is so strong and they are always going to do everything for the other.
“You are at my side. You are my home, and you make me forget the things I want to forget." -Domenico
What a great journey, I'm at the edge of my seat everytime I read a new instalment in this series because each book is better and a bit bloodier than the other. Are they going to learn who to trópico is? Will they ever be able to go back to Sicily? I need answers!
"He focused his gaze on Domenico’s amber eyes, so that if he died today, he could remember them better before his soul left his body." Seth
This book didn't have a lot of Miguel, a character I'm so intrigued by. But it did introduce us to a maybe possible love interest for him? I don't know what Kat and Agnes are planning for him but his relationship with Nero has the pontential to be explosive.
He looked like a sexy, trashy slut everyone could have in the darkroom. -Domenico about Nero
Don't let Dom's description fool you, Nero might be trashy and weird but he is one crazy scary and smart mofo. (There's an extra scene about Nero and Miguel in the GnB page, go and read it because hot damn yes! these guys need to happen)
I hate that I have to do this but, I bow to Dana, bitch is crazy and her fixation with Dom makes me 100 shades of uncomfortable and stabby but without her my boys would be dead by now so I'm seriously curious about her future.
And last but not least.. That extra chapter.. Oh my god! I hate someone more than I hate Dana and I only read a few pages of his POV. I feel like more blood is coming and Domenico is going to enjoy it and I can't fucking wait.
“All you need to know is that you’re mine.” -Domenico
“I am. You have every last piece of me,” -Seth
In this new instalment in the Guns n' Boys series, Domenico, Seth, Mark and their new ally Miguel are traveling to Colombia. Their plan is to infiltrate Toro's organization with inside help from Dana.
They have been training for months and every one needs to be aware of the risks they are taking and face them head on, there's no room for weakness or mistakes because it could cost them their lives.
“I promised you the good times, and the bad. I will be right behind you,” -Seth
Seth knows Dom is counting on him so he gives his best and puts on a mask of indifference that they both hate.
"I'm with you on this. Say what needs to be done, and I'll do it." Seth
They were leading a dangerous life, and there was nowhere safer than at Domenico’s side. In his arms.
Domenico is so proud and confused by the new Seth, he appreciates that he is doing his part but is he losing himself by doing so? What Dom loves most about a Seth is his heart and the fact that he is not like Dom.
“If I can’t have you, everything might as well fall apart. There is no me without you anymore,” -Domenico
Our kid Mark made so much progress in this books. Let me tell you, when i met him I hated him, why was this nobody taking page time from my boys? But I've come to like him and appreciate him.
Mark is still boy and he makes mistakes but he is learning and he wants to make himself and Dom proud. His character development is amazing.
"I want to be my own man. On my own terms. With my family.” -Mark
Dom and Seth are one of my favorite couples and in this story their relationship develops even more. They are seeing sides of the other that they didn't know but at the end of the day their love is so strong and they are always going to do everything for the other.
“You are at my side. You are my home, and you make me forget the things I want to forget." -Domenico
What a great journey, I'm at the edge of my seat everytime I read a new instalment in this series because each book is better and a bit bloodier than the other. Are they going to learn who to trópico is? Will they ever be able to go back to Sicily? I need answers!
"He focused his gaze on Domenico’s amber eyes, so that if he died today, he could remember them better before his soul left his body." Seth
This book didn't have a lot of Miguel, a character I'm so intrigued by. But it did introduce us to a maybe possible love interest for him? I don't know what Kat and Agnes are planning for him but his relationship with Nero has the pontential to be explosive.
He looked like a sexy, trashy slut everyone could have in the darkroom. -Domenico about Nero
Don't let Dom's description fool you, Nero might be trashy and weird but he is one crazy scary and smart mofo. (There's an extra scene about Nero and Miguel in the GnB page, go and read it because hot damn yes! these guys need to happen)
I hate that I have to do this but, I bow to Dana, bitch is crazy and her fixation with Dom makes me 100 shades of uncomfortable and stabby but without her my boys would be dead by now so I'm seriously curious about her future.
And last but not least.. That extra chapter.. Oh my god! I hate someone more than I hate Dana and I only read a few pages of his POV. I feel like more blood is coming and Domenico is going to enjoy it and I can't fucking wait.
“All you need to know is that you’re mine.” -Domenico
“I am. You have every last piece of me,” -Seth
omiai's review
4.0
Having finally tied the knot, Seth & Dom, along with Mark, are getting ready for some downtime. Dom and Seth just want some alone time.
Then Dana calls. She's pregnant and she needs help with the group of men she's infiltrated.
They find themselves in possession of a girl, stolen from her family while on holiday. She is destined to be the property of one the highest bosses, who has the worst of intentions for her. So the trio finds themselves taking on false identities and joining the group under the pretence they are all cousins. the entire house has security tapes and bugs everywhere, so even so much as a touch between Dom and Seth could blow their cover. And Mark is determined to let the girl get away, though he's not telling his 'cousins' this.
I really enjoyed this book. it was a new spin on the series, and it was interesting to see how Dom and Seth coped being so close together but unable to do anything. Since you get each chapter from the POV of Dom, Seth or Mark, you could see how this forced separation was affecting them, and it was rather heartbreaking at times.
Overall i loved it, as usual, it had a great story, full of tension, worry, danger and just the right amount of heat.
Then Dana calls. She's pregnant and she needs help with the group of men she's infiltrated.
They find themselves in possession of a girl, stolen from her family while on holiday. She is destined to be the property of one the highest bosses, who has the worst of intentions for her. So the trio finds themselves taking on false identities and joining the group under the pretence they are all cousins. the entire house has security tapes and bugs everywhere, so even so much as a touch between Dom and Seth could blow their cover. And Mark is determined to let the girl get away, though he's not telling his 'cousins' this.
I really enjoyed this book. it was a new spin on the series, and it was interesting to see how Dom and Seth coped being so close together but unable to do anything. Since you get each chapter from the POV of Dom, Seth or Mark, you could see how this forced separation was affecting them, and it was rather heartbreaking at times.
Overall i loved it, as usual, it had a great story, full of tension, worry, danger and just the right amount of heat.
cadiva's review
5.0
So good, violent and passionate and dark
I keep running out of things to say about this series of books from K A Merikan but they are simply outstanding.
Seth and Dom are Butch & Sundance, Bonnie & Clyde, Harley Quinn & The Joker, all rolled into two deliciously dark and brutal Italian Mafioso packages.
There's no glamour here, it's harsh and vicious and cruel and unrepentant and it's insanely erotic with heat levels approaching molten lava.
The boys world just keeps on getting more complicated and more twisted and I know Kat and Agnes have said they expect there to be 10 books in this series so I have to wonder just what else dangers and dramas they're going to be put through.
And who is Diego, what's Dana's ultimate motivation, what's Nero's game and when's Miguel finally gonna crack?! I cannot wait to find out.
I keep running out of things to say about this series of books from K A Merikan but they are simply outstanding.
Seth and Dom are Butch & Sundance, Bonnie & Clyde, Harley Quinn & The Joker, all rolled into two deliciously dark and brutal Italian Mafioso packages.
There's no glamour here, it's harsh and vicious and cruel and unrepentant and it's insanely erotic with heat levels approaching molten lava.
The boys world just keeps on getting more complicated and more twisted and I know Kat and Agnes have said they expect there to be 10 books in this series so I have to wonder just what else dangers and dramas they're going to be put through.
And who is Diego, what's Dana's ultimate motivation, what's Nero's game and when's Miguel finally gonna crack?! I cannot wait to find out.
More...