Genre: Thriller, Dark Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Des (The Destroyer)
29, strong-willed, on the run from a gangster who wants me dead. Oh yeah, and I’m secretly in love with my best friend.
Love. What a pain. Why is it that some people are blessed with all the good looks and charisma, while the rest of us mere mortals must work hard to even be noticed? Take my best friend Cillian, for example. The guy is a walking wet dream and has a personality that can charm the pants off a cobra. Is it any wonder I’ve secretly had feelings for the guy since we were kids? What can I say? He’s always been there for me. My guardian, my protector… and the one place I’ve always felt safe. That’s what I need right now. A place where I can hide and figure out what to do about the man who wants me dead.
Cillian Fitzpatrick
29, Irish, professional barback… well, as professional as you can get. It’s not like you need a certificate or anything. Oh yeah, and apparently, I’m a so-called manwhore.
All right, I get it. I’m a good-looking guy, and I enjoy the company of women… lots of women. Okay, perhaps a few too many women. But it’s just because I haven’t found the right one – that special someone you can’t bear to be without. You know, that one person you would battle a thousand demons to protect. Kind of like the way I feel about my best friend, Des. He and I have been through a lot together. There are no lengths I wouldn’t go to keep my buddy safe. So naturally, when I discover that some guy is trying to kill him, I take matters into my own hands… with the help of my crew, of course.
This is a MM thriller/dark romance filled with plenty of heat, steam, violence, and mayhem.
The Review
Cillian and Des grew up in Dublin, Ireland, in a very rough neighborhood. They became best of friends at the age of six. As young boys, their home lives were very different. Cillian lived with his single mother Mary, and younger sister Sarah. His father had walked out on them and Cillian’s mother worked several jobs to keep the little family afloat. As a teenager, Cillian was a little awkward, but eventually grew into himself. One thing Cill was very aware of was money and how hard it was to come by. He often turned down being invited out with his friends. But it seemed he had a guardian angel who was always watching out for him.
As time went on, Cill made the move to the USA and landed in New Jersey. He happened into a local pub, Ye’ Old Pint, and drew the attention of Mickey O’Brien. Cillian was a lady magnet and a good source to bring in more money for the business. He’d always considered himself to be straight, but was constantly trying to convince himself that he was a ladies man only. He’d gotten friendly with Mickey, Dominic and Patrick, the main men in the O’Brien crime family. Working at the pub suited him, and life was good. When Patrick called, things started to really look up, a new type of job, and the chance at earning more money.
Des’s young life was abusive. He lived with an addicted and alcoholic mother. As he and Cillian grew close, they really cared about one other. But that’s all it was for Cill – best friends. For Des it was more, but he never would tell Cill about his feelings. He knew how hard life was, not only for himself but for Cill too. Cill saw how dangerous Des’ life was at home and became his protector. Des was disappointed when Cill moved so far away, but he often wondered if he would have gone with Cill, if he’d been asked.
It’s now been four years since Des and Cill last saw each other. Cill couldn’t be more surprised when Des shows up at Ye’ Old Pint. They’re so excited to see each other, and Cill is eager to introduce Des to Seth and Scott. Cill and Des catch-up, and Des decides to tell Cill the truth about himself. But Des still won’t reveal his true feelings for Cill. And he’s also hiding an even bigger and very dangerous secret.
Life is about to change for them both. They’re invited to a get together with Mickey, Dom, Patrick and their partners and Ollie. It may seem like a casual event, but when you work for Mickey O’Brien, it’s always more than that. Mickey can’t take a chance at someone exposing the O’Brien business. Illegal or not, it would destroy them all and the community that they give back to and support.
How long can Des keep the one secret that could bring down Mickey O’Brien and his crew?
Dante presents another suspenseful, dangerous and revealing story about newcomers to the “Rough Edges” series – Cillian and Des, two men who have a forever friendship and will eventually realize that there’s more between them. Cillian goes through the long process of finding his true sexuality.
The story also follows the O’Brien crew and their partners: Mickey and Seth; Dominic and Scott; Patrick and Sky and now Cillian and Des. A unique group of soulmates, a crew with eccentric personalities, each with their own expertise. Cill and Des will also finda new family in the O’Brien crew, one that will protect what’s theirs to the end.
The tale is full of drama and grit, but there are also moments of the heart that show the special love that each man has for his partner, and there are many surprises to come.
I highly recommend Avenging Des, book four in the “Rough Edges” series by Matthew Dante. The entire series is fun to read, with danger, darkness, and lots of heart.
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
