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Indebted
A debt is paid and two lives are changed forever.
For Aaron Quinn, the decision to drop out of med school turns his life upside down, and his father piles on the guilt over the tuition costs. So when his father cooks up a plan to hold off a Mafia loan shark's wrath, Aaron reluctantly agrees, desperate to make up for his failings.
Raised and groomed to take over his father’s position in the Mafia, Liam Sandoval has his own issues. Looking for any escape from his horrible life, he accepts the offer of a weekend of pleasure from Aaron. A mutual attraction ignites, and they realize a weekend will never be enough. But the growing relationship will be put to the ultimate test when enemies target Liam's new weak spot—Aaron. Can they overcome the outside forces threatening to pull them apart?
For Aaron Quinn, the decision to drop out of med school turns his life upside down, and his father piles on the guilt over the tuition costs. So when his father cooks up a plan to hold off a Mafia loan shark's wrath, Aaron reluctantly agrees, desperate to make up for his failings.
Raised and groomed to take over his father’s position in the Mafia, Liam Sandoval has his own issues. Looking for any escape from his horrible life, he accepts the offer of a weekend of pleasure from Aaron. A mutual attraction ignites, and they realize a weekend will never be enough. But the growing relationship will be put to the ultimate test when enemies target Liam's new weak spot—Aaron. Can they overcome the outside forces threatening to pull them apart?
270 pages, ebook
First published November 24, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 7, 2013
Expectations. I have them. I look at that professional kick arse cover, I read the blurb and how can I not?
I expect professional, I expect edgy, I expect to feel anticipation/excitement, I expect a hard-as-nails mobster, and I expect some anger/torment or resistance over being blackmailed into giving your body up to any man, nevermind a notorious gangster.
I did not expect to be so horribly disappointed whereby I’m now scratching my head over the fact that a story this, lame can even get a publishing deal nowadays. Sorry, but didn’t we read already read this one in the 80’s? Wasn’t that about the time it became uncool to call your dick Junior?
Yeah, thought so.
Flip flop points of view in the first person present tense can provide an intimate, up close and personal account of a situation, but when the characters are so one dimensional and boring it fails …horribly. There was also nothing beyond name dropping to determine whose perspective I was observing, each perspective reads exactly the same as the last. The dialog is staged and unimaginative, add to that the constant overuse of ‘I’ and I am not amused.
“I start working his fly—I need skin. Getting it open, I moan as I pull his pants down. I kneel…”
The relationship is insta-everything. Aaron giggles, pouts, and blushes and nods to everything. There is no angst, no anticipation; no slow build of chemistry. There was never anything to grasp or look forward to. It was all so mundane. And the sex! Gah…the sex is just so cheesy it’s just plain bad.
“Let’s get into bed so I can enjoy that fuck-hot, badass body of yours.” - This does not arouse me.
“Now shut up and fuck me already before Liam Junior breaks off.” I wasn’t joking about Junior.
“Yes, yes, Liam! So good…. Unh!” “Fuck yes…. Argh…. Milk that cock,” - This does not arouse me either.
The whole book is tell no show. I did not feel connected to these men at all. The plot is predictable and just …boring. It’s not a terribly bad story it’s just weak and cheesy and written (badly IMO) in my least favourite format. Indebted is so far removed from my expectations that I’m surprised I had the patience to go the distance. If your expectations are the same as mine, you will be disappointed.
If your expectations are not mine? Try a sample, your mileage may vary.
I expect professional, I expect edgy, I expect to feel anticipation/excitement, I expect a hard-as-nails mobster, and I expect some anger/torment or resistance over being blackmailed into giving your body up to any man, nevermind a notorious gangster.
I did not expect to be so horribly disappointed whereby I’m now scratching my head over the fact that a story this, lame can even get a publishing deal nowadays. Sorry, but didn’t we read already read this one in the 80’s? Wasn’t that about the time it became uncool to call your dick Junior?
Yeah, thought so.
Flip flop points of view in the first person present tense can provide an intimate, up close and personal account of a situation, but when the characters are so one dimensional and boring it fails …horribly. There was also nothing beyond name dropping to determine whose perspective I was observing, each perspective reads exactly the same as the last. The dialog is staged and unimaginative, add to that the constant overuse of ‘I’ and I am not amused.
“I start working his fly—I need skin. Getting it open, I moan as I pull his pants down. I kneel…”
The relationship is insta-everything. Aaron giggles, pouts, and blushes and nods to everything. There is no angst, no anticipation; no slow build of chemistry. There was never anything to grasp or look forward to. It was all so mundane. And the sex! Gah…the sex is just so cheesy it’s just plain bad.
“Let’s get into bed so I can enjoy that fuck-hot, badass body of yours.” - This does not arouse me.
“Now shut up and fuck me already before Liam Junior breaks off.” I wasn’t joking about Junior.
“Yes, yes, Liam! So good…. Unh!” “Fuck yes…. Argh…. Milk that cock,” - This does not arouse me either.
The whole book is tell no show. I did not feel connected to these men at all. The plot is predictable and just …boring. It’s not a terribly bad story it’s just weak and cheesy and written (badly IMO) in my least favourite format. Indebted is so far removed from my expectations that I’m surprised I had the patience to go the distance. If your expectations are the same as mine, you will be disappointed.
If your expectations are not mine? Try a sample, your mileage may vary.
August 13, 2018
2 stars! Ugh!! I barely finished it. The premise was so good that I ignored the low ratings.. bad idea. The plot was bad.. the action was cringeworthy.. the dialogues were juvenile.. the sex was just too much.. I skipped so much that I missed some portion of the story and yet I could catch up in the end.
November 28, 2013
I read the blurb and saw the cover and though, now this is the book for me.
Danger and intrigue, a hardened bad boy who can be good to his sweet innocent lover.
I liked that we get both POVs, I usually feel like I'm missing something when I only get one POV.
And the idea was great, unfortunately the execution of it didn't quite work for me.
Liam's mother left him when he was young, his dad turned to the mob and Liam's dreams for his future went up in smoke. His life had been decided for him, and as they say there is only one way to leave the mob.
He's called 'the machine' he is a ruthless enforcer, but also has moved up in the organization and does a lot of the finances too.
When one of his 'customers' can't pay up, he's offered a deal he can't refuse.
Aaron's dad guilts him into whoring himself to Liam for a weekend in exchange for his payment.
And they hit it off immediately. Like in his office, on his desk. Liam takes 0.3 seconds to decide and surprisingly (at least to me) Aaron harbors no resentment towards Liam and Liam thinks nothing of Aaron agreeing to it. Liam never questions that there might be ulterior motives, didn't seem like a very smart thing to do.
Then comes a real sex-fest, this book was heavy on the sex as a whole, too much I thought. I get instant love and lust and attraction. I can even believe in it, but I pretty much only saw their relationship based on their sexual encounters and not on any kind of affection in other areas.
Their conversations and interactions just seemed a bit stilted and the possessiveness that Liam feels immediately seemed a bit OTT. I wasn't as invested in these men as I wanted to be.
The 'danger' situations in the book didn't work well for me either, I am not an expert on the mob or criminal minds, but they all seemed a bit amateurish and silly. None of the twist surprised me and I didn't feel any kind of angst or nail-biting anxiety during the action parts.
I like sweet and sappy, but I expected Liam to be a badass. I didn't see him that way, but I did get sick of him constantly thinking he's 'a girl or turning into a woman' because he has strong feelings for Aaron.
Aaron also seemed to take to Liam's work and life situation without any hesitation, Liam just has to look at him and touch him and he forgets all self preservation. His feelings for Liam trump all, even within an hour of meeting him, he has a gun to his head and sees someone being beaten and his reaction is to want to have sex after and he misses Liam when they part.
There is some drama and a very convenient and sweet, if slightly far fetched ending.
It might be that my expectations of this story were so different from the actual story that I wasn't able to enjoy it as much I wanted to.
I'm sure there will be readers who love this book and like seeing a bad boy reformed.
December 7, 2013
DNF at 40%...
Boners on fourth page, insta sex,insta love.....
I keep being lured by pretty covers. When will I learn....? ::facepalm::
January 13, 2014
This was such a colossal disappointment and I was so excited for this one, based on the blurb and cover. I’m one of those people that pretty much reads it all from the uber fluff to the super dark and gritty that might make a few people uncomfortable. So a criminal who is owed a significant amount of money and doesn’t have any problems taking care of issues or ridding himself of nuisances, whether that be materials or people. A father who gives his own son to this criminal as a payoff and the son a virgin. Ahhhh yeah, this shit is going to be good!!!! Except…it wasn’t. It really, really wasn’t. Where was the tension? Where was the build-up of emotions and decisions? Where were the characterizations for any of them?
No character no matter the description or the point of view read any differently. It all felt very juvenile, extreme actions and emotions with no depth behind them, and the dialogue choppy. Not to mention the overuse of internal musings accompanied by equally overused exclamation points and I begin to wonder if I’m reading someone’s teenage diary. And why exactly that any time a character felt he was doing something he disliked he crapped on himself for being a “girl”. Below are some of the many, many thoughts of the two main characters (excuse the cursing):
*Cry? Really, dude? You’re turnin’ into a fuckin’ girl.
*Great, asshole, way to ruin the evening by getting all whiny. Since you’re such a girl now, put on your big-girl panties and deal.
*Shut up and stop babbling. You’re sounding like a damn woman again. What the fuck is up with you? Get this date going and then go fuck like a real man.
As if that’s not insulting and annoying enough, are we seriously calling genitals “Junior” now?
The relationship is insta-love, which is my big no. no. no. But then that is accompanied by giggles, pouting, blushing, and internal screaming.
*“Aaron! Rein it in.”– I reach down and pinch my thigh to cool it down. “Damn, that hurt!”
Let’s not go into the sex noises…OK, lets. I can take sometimes an occasional “argh” or whatever in sex scenes, but a good old fashion groan/moan/gasp works fine, and when it becomes nonstop “argh”, “nghnn” and “unh”s I begin to laugh or get aggravated…or both.
The premise is awesome, and I think with several rounds of editing this could have gotten there, but it was so smothered in pet names, poor dialogue, etc. that it’s stagnant. Just flat and not ready yet (IMO). I wanted depth from the characters, I wanted torment/anger/resentment/that slow build to attraction & love and I got none of that. I struggled to even finish this, but I’m hopeful that maybe in the future the author will write something more to my tastes.
No character no matter the description or the point of view read any differently. It all felt very juvenile, extreme actions and emotions with no depth behind them, and the dialogue choppy. Not to mention the overuse of internal musings accompanied by equally overused exclamation points and I begin to wonder if I’m reading someone’s teenage diary. And why exactly that any time a character felt he was doing something he disliked he crapped on himself for being a “girl”. Below are some of the many, many thoughts of the two main characters (excuse the cursing):
*Cry? Really, dude? You’re turnin’ into a fuckin’ girl.
*Great, asshole, way to ruin the evening by getting all whiny. Since you’re such a girl now, put on your big-girl panties and deal.
*Shut up and stop babbling. You’re sounding like a damn woman again. What the fuck is up with you? Get this date going and then go fuck like a real man.
As if that’s not insulting and annoying enough, are we seriously calling genitals “Junior” now?
The relationship is insta-love, which is my big no. no. no. But then that is accompanied by giggles, pouting, blushing, and internal screaming.
*“Aaron! Rein it in.”– I reach down and pinch my thigh to cool it down. “Damn, that hurt!”
Let’s not go into the sex noises…OK, lets. I can take sometimes an occasional “argh” or whatever in sex scenes, but a good old fashion groan/moan/gasp works fine, and when it becomes nonstop “argh”, “nghnn” and “unh”s I begin to laugh or get aggravated…or both.
The premise is awesome, and I think with several rounds of editing this could have gotten there, but it was so smothered in pet names, poor dialogue, etc. that it’s stagnant. Just flat and not ready yet (IMO). I wanted depth from the characters, I wanted torment/anger/resentment/that slow build to attraction & love and I got none of that. I struggled to even finish this, but I’m hopeful that maybe in the future the author will write something more to my tastes.
November 30, 2013
3.5 STARS
I have a theory as to why there are so many reviews Stating disappointment. I believe most people were expecting a darker read, when you see a book written about a mobster. Also, it was SO obvious to me that this was written bt a woman. There was far too much feminine touches to the writing including an over abundance of romance to make the story seem even remotely plausible. Both characters were extremely sweet. There wasn't enough angst to make it read like you were reading about a mobster.
I will say that there are those people out there that are hooked on romance and HEAs so they would probably enjoy this one.
I have a theory as to why there are so many reviews Stating disappointment. I believe most people were expecting a darker read, when you see a book written about a mobster. Also, it was SO obvious to me that this was written bt a woman. There was far too much feminine touches to the writing including an over abundance of romance to make the story seem even remotely plausible. Both characters were extremely sweet. There wasn't enough angst to make it read like you were reading about a mobster.
I will say that there are those people out there that are hooked on romance and HEAs so they would probably enjoy this one.
December 7, 2013
What are your choices when dealing with the "sins of the fathers"? To not become the kind of selfish men they are, the sons have to clean up the mess left behind, and it's rarely pretty, not when the mob and loan sharking is involved. 'Indebted' is the first book by author A.R. Hawkins, and the subject matter is certainly not light and fluffy. Liam's recollection of how he came to be involved with the mob and his father's responsibility in that was truly despondent. Equally upsetting was watching Aaron accept his father's debt onto his own shoulders and bear the burden of paying it. Both Liam and Aaron's fathers got involved in the mafia because for both of them, their businesses and making money were more important than anything else.
Liam was thirteen when his mom left mainly because she didn't feel his dad could provide enough of what she wanted. His dad promptly forgot he had a son and went after the wealth, instead, which ended with him working for the mafia and managing their finances. His dad forced him into it to "earn his keep" and when he made a mistake his dad didn't even bat an eye when the guys beat him almost to death. Liam learned quickly to hide all of his emotion and to care about no one, which is how he earned the nickname "The Machine". Now he's twenty-six and running the loan sharking end of the business.
Aaron was on the fast track towards his dream, doing very well his first year at premed, when his mom, his inspiration and his cheerleader, died suddenly of an aneurism. Aaron fell apart and flunked out of school, returning to work for his father's advertising firm. Now his father has informed him that he borrowed money from "The Machine", he can't pay it back, and Aaron needs to go offer his services for the weekend to cover this month's payment. Aaron is a twenty-two year old virgin who really wanted to save actual penetrative sex for someone special, not to repay a debt his father owes. All I can say is, I wasn't very impressed with either father, and felt they were lucky to have gotten good sons since they sure didn't do much to inspire that.
Aaron and Liam's weekend went the way I expected it to. They are in serious lust with each other and, amazingly enough, they get along really well outside the bedroom. So, what do they do now? After a cruddy week apart, Liam decides he can't stay away and that he has enough resources to protect Aaron from his work. A serious romance begins and they both fall in love. But, no matter how many resources Liam has, he also has a lot of enemies, even ones within the family, so Aaron doesn't remain safe.
For a first novel, the author did a fairly good job. The characters were interesting and likable, the writing was clean and, for the most part, well paced. Some of the plot was predictable, but, as I said, this is a first work and the predictability did not bother me. I was way more focused on the characters and the believability of Liam and Aaron's love story. To a certain degree, I was expecting Liam to be a tougher guy than how he was portrayed. Both Liam and Aaron were very sweet, which isn't a bad thing, just not what I was anticipating. There were some story arcs that were introduced and then faded away which I was a little disappointed that I didn't get resolution on. However, overall it was an interesting read, and if you enjoy a sweet romance with a lot of hot and heavy sex, some action adventure with a happy ending, then this might be a good read for you.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Liam was thirteen when his mom left mainly because she didn't feel his dad could provide enough of what she wanted. His dad promptly forgot he had a son and went after the wealth, instead, which ended with him working for the mafia and managing their finances. His dad forced him into it to "earn his keep" and when he made a mistake his dad didn't even bat an eye when the guys beat him almost to death. Liam learned quickly to hide all of his emotion and to care about no one, which is how he earned the nickname "The Machine". Now he's twenty-six and running the loan sharking end of the business.
Aaron was on the fast track towards his dream, doing very well his first year at premed, when his mom, his inspiration and his cheerleader, died suddenly of an aneurism. Aaron fell apart and flunked out of school, returning to work for his father's advertising firm. Now his father has informed him that he borrowed money from "The Machine", he can't pay it back, and Aaron needs to go offer his services for the weekend to cover this month's payment. Aaron is a twenty-two year old virgin who really wanted to save actual penetrative sex for someone special, not to repay a debt his father owes. All I can say is, I wasn't very impressed with either father, and felt they were lucky to have gotten good sons since they sure didn't do much to inspire that.
Aaron and Liam's weekend went the way I expected it to. They are in serious lust with each other and, amazingly enough, they get along really well outside the bedroom. So, what do they do now? After a cruddy week apart, Liam decides he can't stay away and that he has enough resources to protect Aaron from his work. A serious romance begins and they both fall in love. But, no matter how many resources Liam has, he also has a lot of enemies, even ones within the family, so Aaron doesn't remain safe.
For a first novel, the author did a fairly good job. The characters were interesting and likable, the writing was clean and, for the most part, well paced. Some of the plot was predictable, but, as I said, this is a first work and the predictability did not bother me. I was way more focused on the characters and the believability of Liam and Aaron's love story. To a certain degree, I was expecting Liam to be a tougher guy than how he was portrayed. Both Liam and Aaron were very sweet, which isn't a bad thing, just not what I was anticipating. There were some story arcs that were introduced and then faded away which I was a little disappointed that I didn't get resolution on. However, overall it was an interesting read, and if you enjoy a sweet romance with a lot of hot and heavy sex, some action adventure with a happy ending, then this might be a good read for you.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 14, 2013
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Aaron’s life began to fall apart when his mother died, he dropped out of med school and he feels guilt for failing. Now his father is playing on his guilt and is making him pay the price for his father’s outstanding loans, Aaron has to pay the loan with his body and he can only pray that the Mafia loan shark won’t make him pay a higher price. Liam has been groomed into his position by a power hungry father, forced into a life he never wanted, accepting Aaron’s offer isn’t the way to do business but it gives him some release. With their mutual attraction burning bright they realize that a weekend will never be enough, but Liam’s enemies won’t leave Aaron in peace and Liam has to come up with a way to protect Aaron and keeping them both alive.
Ohhhh a Mafia enforcer falling for a poor guy forced to pay his father’s debts and the poor guy accepting the Mafia enforcer warts and all, soooo romantic. Aaron is a sweetheart who couldn’t cope when his mother died and dropped out of med school, he feels guilt over the money spent on his education that was wasted and his dad uses that guilt to full measure. Liam is a great man who is stuck in a life his dad dragged him into, he accepted his fate but longs for something different. When these two guys meet the sparks fly and they begin a hot relationship but Liam’s enemies try to make Aaron pay a price and Liam comes up with great plan to get out of the life.
We see this story from both Liam’s and Aaron’s point of view so we get to know both characters really well, we see how both of them got to be in that office the first time they meet and we follow along as they fall in love. Aaron’s character is one that sees beneath the surface of Liam’s veneer, to the honest caring man underneath the brutal enforcer and Aaron opens his heart to that man. Liam’s character is one that wants more from life but until Aaron came along he never pushed for it, Aaron has him striving for peace and safety instead of violence and money. They make a fantastic couple who are perfectly suited and through Aaron’s eyes we see Liam for who he really is.
While reading this story I was expecting the usual ‘enforcer goes to the other side for love’ but got a very nice surprise with Liam’s solution. I was also really enjoying Aaron’s attitude to Liam’s life, instead of demanding Liam gets out of the life he warily accepted Liam’s life and friends. This is a very good story which I enjoyed for not having rose-tinted glasses, there’s violence that doesn’t apologize and men who are what they are. The sexual element of this book is hot from the very first encounter and neither Liam nor Aaron give a damn about how their relationship started, with sex as payment for a very large debt. This is a great story that is slightly gritty, with danger and callus men but with a strong thread of love throughout.
I recommend this to those who love Mafia enforcers finding love, violence and danger, enemies dishing out retribution, protecting your love, loving someone no matter what and a wonderful ending.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
Aaron’s life began to fall apart when his mother died, he dropped out of med school and he feels guilt for failing. Now his father is playing on his guilt and is making him pay the price for his father’s outstanding loans, Aaron has to pay the loan with his body and he can only pray that the Mafia loan shark won’t make him pay a higher price. Liam has been groomed into his position by a power hungry father, forced into a life he never wanted, accepting Aaron’s offer isn’t the way to do business but it gives him some release. With their mutual attraction burning bright they realize that a weekend will never be enough, but Liam’s enemies won’t leave Aaron in peace and Liam has to come up with a way to protect Aaron and keeping them both alive.
Ohhhh a Mafia enforcer falling for a poor guy forced to pay his father’s debts and the poor guy accepting the Mafia enforcer warts and all, soooo romantic. Aaron is a sweetheart who couldn’t cope when his mother died and dropped out of med school, he feels guilt over the money spent on his education that was wasted and his dad uses that guilt to full measure. Liam is a great man who is stuck in a life his dad dragged him into, he accepted his fate but longs for something different. When these two guys meet the sparks fly and they begin a hot relationship but Liam’s enemies try to make Aaron pay a price and Liam comes up with great plan to get out of the life.
We see this story from both Liam’s and Aaron’s point of view so we get to know both characters really well, we see how both of them got to be in that office the first time they meet and we follow along as they fall in love. Aaron’s character is one that sees beneath the surface of Liam’s veneer, to the honest caring man underneath the brutal enforcer and Aaron opens his heart to that man. Liam’s character is one that wants more from life but until Aaron came along he never pushed for it, Aaron has him striving for peace and safety instead of violence and money. They make a fantastic couple who are perfectly suited and through Aaron’s eyes we see Liam for who he really is.
While reading this story I was expecting the usual ‘enforcer goes to the other side for love’ but got a very nice surprise with Liam’s solution. I was also really enjoying Aaron’s attitude to Liam’s life, instead of demanding Liam gets out of the life he warily accepted Liam’s life and friends. This is a very good story which I enjoyed for not having rose-tinted glasses, there’s violence that doesn’t apologize and men who are what they are. The sexual element of this book is hot from the very first encounter and neither Liam nor Aaron give a damn about how their relationship started, with sex as payment for a very large debt. This is a great story that is slightly gritty, with danger and callus men but with a strong thread of love throughout.
I recommend this to those who love Mafia enforcers finding love, violence and danger, enemies dishing out retribution, protecting your love, loving someone no matter what and a wonderful ending.
October 23, 2013
Very good book. I loved it. It had mystery,romance,friendships, and every thing else you would want in a book
February 22, 2014
In Indebted we meet two men from completely different worlds. They come together in a unique set of circumstances and are forced to make sense of those circumstances and to deal with the fallout.
Liam Sandoval never had a choice of careers. He was forced into his father’s line of work, which happened to be as an enforcer for the Mafia while still in his teens. He is no longer a teenager. Because of his size and strength, Liam is called upon to do the hard hitting collections for the money lending portion of the business. He has a reputation as an unrelenting bad-ass. But he has become somewhat disillusioned with his job.
Aaron Quinn is a medical school drop out working as a waiter. His father owns a struggling business and never fails to remind Aaron that he paid for the failed attempt at medical school and that Aaron owes him. When Aaron’s father borrows money from the Mafia, he is unable to pay it back. Rather than take the beating coming his way, he decides to prey on the guilt Aaron feels about dropping out of medical school.
It is widely known that Liam is gay. Aaron is also gay. Both me are very attractive. Aaron’s father decides to offer Aaron’s body to Liam for a weekend in lieu of the first payment on his loan. Aaron is terrified of the man known as “The Machine” because Liam seems to show no emotion while doing dirty work for the mafia. But because of the guilt he feels for putting his father in a bad financial position, he feels he has no choice but to go along with his father’s plan.
From the first moment they see each other, Liam and Aaron are strongly drawn to one another. They spend the weekend together, but it isn’t all about the sex. They actually talk and spend time getting to know and like each other.
When the weekend is over, both men realize that they need more. They want to be together for real. But the last thing a mafia enforcer needs is a weak spot. Someone he cares about is just that, a weak spot to be exploited by his enemies. And what mafia enforcer doesn’t have enemies?
Indebted had a lot of good qualities. There was a lot of funny dialogue between Liam and Aaron. It was through these inside jokes that Liam was able to keep Aaron safe and no one else would have a clue. The sex was well-written and super hot. I really liked Liam and Aaron as individuals and together. I could empathize with Liam’s internal battle over pleasing a father who had forced him into this dangerous business versus his desire to find his own way. Also with Aaron’s father being a manipulative bastard. Where it fell apart for me was the actual writing.
The writing style was clunky. I’m not sure that’s the right word to describe it, but that’s how it felt. The words didn’t flow smoothly. I spent too much time distracted by the writing and it took away from my enjoyment of the story itself. I looked for other works from A.R. Hawkins and couldn’t find any. If this is a first effort for this author, then it’s a good one, but not great. It appears to me that it was written by an inexperienced writer. Indebted had the potential to be a five star read for me. I really believe that as A.R. Hawkins grows and improves as a writer, there will be five star reads in the future. Recommended if you are able to focus only on story and look past the style. Some people are able to do that. Unfortunately, I am not one of them.
Liam Sandoval never had a choice of careers. He was forced into his father’s line of work, which happened to be as an enforcer for the Mafia while still in his teens. He is no longer a teenager. Because of his size and strength, Liam is called upon to do the hard hitting collections for the money lending portion of the business. He has a reputation as an unrelenting bad-ass. But he has become somewhat disillusioned with his job.
Aaron Quinn is a medical school drop out working as a waiter. His father owns a struggling business and never fails to remind Aaron that he paid for the failed attempt at medical school and that Aaron owes him. When Aaron’s father borrows money from the Mafia, he is unable to pay it back. Rather than take the beating coming his way, he decides to prey on the guilt Aaron feels about dropping out of medical school.
It is widely known that Liam is gay. Aaron is also gay. Both me are very attractive. Aaron’s father decides to offer Aaron’s body to Liam for a weekend in lieu of the first payment on his loan. Aaron is terrified of the man known as “The Machine” because Liam seems to show no emotion while doing dirty work for the mafia. But because of the guilt he feels for putting his father in a bad financial position, he feels he has no choice but to go along with his father’s plan.
From the first moment they see each other, Liam and Aaron are strongly drawn to one another. They spend the weekend together, but it isn’t all about the sex. They actually talk and spend time getting to know and like each other.
When the weekend is over, both men realize that they need more. They want to be together for real. But the last thing a mafia enforcer needs is a weak spot. Someone he cares about is just that, a weak spot to be exploited by his enemies. And what mafia enforcer doesn’t have enemies?
Indebted had a lot of good qualities. There was a lot of funny dialogue between Liam and Aaron. It was through these inside jokes that Liam was able to keep Aaron safe and no one else would have a clue. The sex was well-written and super hot. I really liked Liam and Aaron as individuals and together. I could empathize with Liam’s internal battle over pleasing a father who had forced him into this dangerous business versus his desire to find his own way. Also with Aaron’s father being a manipulative bastard. Where it fell apart for me was the actual writing.
The writing style was clunky. I’m not sure that’s the right word to describe it, but that’s how it felt. The words didn’t flow smoothly. I spent too much time distracted by the writing and it took away from my enjoyment of the story itself. I looked for other works from A.R. Hawkins and couldn’t find any. If this is a first effort for this author, then it’s a good one, but not great. It appears to me that it was written by an inexperienced writer. Indebted had the potential to be a five star read for me. I really believe that as A.R. Hawkins grows and improves as a writer, there will be five star reads in the future. Recommended if you are able to focus only on story and look past the style. Some people are able to do that. Unfortunately, I am not one of them.
November 29, 2013
2.5 stars - I bought this on a whim, because DSP were having a sale and a saw the cover and thought it looked awesome. I read the blurb, and I was completely sold. It sounded exactly like the kind of story I love, and I was really excited to read it. Unfortunately it wasn't what I had expected at all.
First off, I expected Liam to be a bad ass. He was part of the Mafia, after all. He murdered and beat the hell out of people and everyone was scared of him. So it stand to reason that he'd be this super tough guy, right? He wasn't. He was sappy and ridiculously romantic, to the point that it had me rolling my eyes a few times. He fell for Aaron very quickly, and the way he acted around him was sickly sweet. And then we had scenes where he beat people up, and it just didn't fit. It didn't seem to make sense.
One thing that really bugged me was the language. Liam is supposed to be this tough Mafia guy, but some of the things he said just didn't sound right for that kind of a person. The conversation and the language just didn't feel right in places. I snorted with laughter when Liam said "of course I'll stay with you, silly." Silly? Really? And you're this tough gangster person who murders and beats the shit out of people for a living? Yeah. Right.
The story wasn't bad, I just think it could have been executed much better. It had lots of potential. While some parts felt dragged out, other bits felt rushed, and I think that it just felt jumbled and over the top. Some plot points were left out or forgotten about, and we never really found out what happened between Aaron and his dad after that first weekend. I thought that was a little odd, because Aaron supposedly worked for his dad. We know that Aaron went back to work after that weekend, but did he go back to working for his dad? Did they resolve any of their issues? It would have been nice to have learned more about Aaron, because I didn't really feel like I knew much about his character throughout the book.
The ending was nice, but it was a little contrived and a little too perfect. Everything was wrapped up so sweetly, and it didn't exactly feel realistic. It was a happy ending, though, which counts for something. I do love my stories to have a happy ending.
By all means, give this a go. It might work out better for you. It just wasn't my cup of tea. I had expected something different to what I got, which left me feeling quite disappointed.
First off, I expected Liam to be a bad ass. He was part of the Mafia, after all. He murdered and beat the hell out of people and everyone was scared of him. So it stand to reason that he'd be this super tough guy, right? He wasn't. He was sappy and ridiculously romantic, to the point that it had me rolling my eyes a few times. He fell for Aaron very quickly, and the way he acted around him was sickly sweet. And then we had scenes where he beat people up, and it just didn't fit. It didn't seem to make sense.
One thing that really bugged me was the language. Liam is supposed to be this tough Mafia guy, but some of the things he said just didn't sound right for that kind of a person. The conversation and the language just didn't feel right in places. I snorted with laughter when Liam said "of course I'll stay with you, silly." Silly? Really? And you're this tough gangster person who murders and beats the shit out of people for a living? Yeah. Right.
The story wasn't bad, I just think it could have been executed much better. It had lots of potential. While some parts felt dragged out, other bits felt rushed, and I think that it just felt jumbled and over the top. Some plot points were left out or forgotten about, and we never really found out what happened between Aaron and his dad after that first weekend. I thought that was a little odd, because Aaron supposedly worked for his dad. We know that Aaron went back to work after that weekend, but did he go back to working for his dad? Did they resolve any of their issues? It would have been nice to have learned more about Aaron, because I didn't really feel like I knew much about his character throughout the book.
The ending was nice, but it was a little contrived and a little too perfect. Everything was wrapped up so sweetly, and it didn't exactly feel realistic. It was a happy ending, though, which counts for something. I do love my stories to have a happy ending.
By all means, give this a go. It might work out better for you. It just wasn't my cup of tea. I had expected something different to what I got, which left me feeling quite disappointed.
August 20, 2014
When Aaron Quinn is forced to give himself to gangster Liam Sandoval for the weekend in order to pay off his father's debt, he never expected to find a warm, kindhearted and loving man under the tough mafia exterior. Being with Aaron is everything Liam has dreamed of since he was thrust into organized crime as a teenager. The selfish part of him wants to hold on to Aaron forever and build a life with him, but the logical part knows that this is no life for someone as innocent and sweet as Aaron. It's dangerous, scary and ugly. However, neither Aaron nor Liam can let go.
I really enjoyed this book! A.R. Hawkins wrote a compelling book about two of my favorite subjects: m/m romance and the mafia! I loved how Liam could be the cold, calculating member of a terrifying mafia organization, but also show a lot of tenderness and love toward those he cares about.
One of my favorite characters is Liam's close friend, colleague and confidant, Tristan. In my opinion, he was the epitome of bad ass. He did what was needed to be done without a second thought, often taking on tasks that Liam's conscious wouldn't allow him to carry out. Like Liam, Tristan had a softer side, which only added to my appreciation of him.
Some reviews I've read mentioned that they didn't like how the mafia aspect of this story was portrayed. As someone who has been fascinated by this topic for many years and has read numerous nonfiction books on the subject, I feel that the way the mafiosi, particularly Liam, were portrayed was fine. Not all men in organized crime are thoughtless, unfeeling bastards (a lot of them are, but not all). When it comes to family, they can be extremely loving, but also excruciatingly protective. To me, this is a book about a relationship between two men, one of whom just happens to be in the mafia. It's not a book about organized crime with a romance thrown in. I would encourage readers to focus on the relationships more than the lifestyle or jobs the characters have.
Recommended.
I really enjoyed this book! A.R. Hawkins wrote a compelling book about two of my favorite subjects: m/m romance and the mafia! I loved how Liam could be the cold, calculating member of a terrifying mafia organization, but also show a lot of tenderness and love toward those he cares about.
One of my favorite characters is Liam's close friend, colleague and confidant, Tristan. In my opinion, he was the epitome of bad ass. He did what was needed to be done without a second thought, often taking on tasks that Liam's conscious wouldn't allow him to carry out. Like Liam, Tristan had a softer side, which only added to my appreciation of him.
Some reviews I've read mentioned that they didn't like how the mafia aspect of this story was portrayed. As someone who has been fascinated by this topic for many years and has read numerous nonfiction books on the subject, I feel that the way the mafiosi, particularly Liam, were portrayed was fine. Not all men in organized crime are thoughtless, unfeeling bastards (a lot of them are, but not all). When it comes to family, they can be extremely loving, but also excruciatingly protective. To me, this is a book about a relationship between two men, one of whom just happens to be in the mafia. It's not a book about organized crime with a romance thrown in. I would encourage readers to focus on the relationships more than the lifestyle or jobs the characters have.
Recommended.
January 10, 2014
Indebted had a lot of good qualities. There was a lot of funny dialogue between Liam and Aaron. It was through these inside jokes that Liam was able to keep Aaron safe, and no one else would have a clue. The sex was well-written and super hot. I really liked Liam and Aaron as individuals, and together. I could empathize with Liam’s internal battle over pleasing a father who had forced him into this dangerous business, versus his desire to find his own way. Also with Aaron’s father being a manipulative bastard.
See the entire 3.5 star review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
See the entire 3.5 star review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
June 13, 2014
I get some of the arguments in some reviews against this book. I still liked it nonetheless!!! I think for me I was in the mood for formulaic characters and overdone romance lines that a romance would have .
Also , I was in the mood a romance with more erotic sex scenes and this book did it for me !! I love all the typical popular m/m writers but if there is one thing I could criticize them all about is that they avoid the graphic naughtier side of romance sometimes. This had just enough to wet my appetite and in my opinion it was well done.
The only issue I had with the book was I constantly got confused over whose POV it was...Liam or Aaron.
Also , I was in the mood a romance with more erotic sex scenes and this book did it for me !! I love all the typical popular m/m writers but if there is one thing I could criticize them all about is that they avoid the graphic naughtier side of romance sometimes. This had just enough to wet my appetite and in my opinion it was well done.
The only issue I had with the book was I constantly got confused over whose POV it was...Liam or Aaron.
March 13, 2014
I enjoyed this story immensely. Seeing the badass Liam finding his heart when he meets Aaron was interesting. It made for a nice change as opposed to the stereotypical mob bad guy. It's nice seeing how the sins of the fathers had passed on to the sons but in this case, it just might bring the sons some peace and happiness they both thought was not only beyond their reach but that neither believed they deserved. At times, the plot seems a little rushed but not enough to take away from the enjoyment of the story or the development of the characters.
January 2, 2016
Liam annoys me, while Aaron less so. The main couple is so immature, irrational, and macho as hell. The secondary couple/characters, the lady Addison and that lead guy's friend Tristan, save the day. The plot is same ol' Japanese boylove material which consists of total nonsense. A bit of a waste of a life time. If people argue that this is a PWP then I would say it could have been less lame. There was this PWP I've read earlier this year and it wasn't as annoying. This book left no impression on me. Bye forever. I, again, fell for pretty covers.
May 8, 2014
It's so easy to fall in love with Aaron and Liam. Quickly I found myself caring for the young, innocent man who offers to repay a debt, not realising just how much this will affect both their lives. The characters are well rounded, making you care so much about them as they battle with their own issues, as they discover their love for one another.
Fantastic read, loved this and look forward very much to reading more from this author. Zips it wrong to want more from these two?
Fantastic read, loved this and look forward very much to reading more from this author. Zips it wrong to want more from these two?
October 10, 2015
I love books with a dark edge, with guys that can go to the dark side and still find someone they love more than life. This book fit the bill. I adored Aaron and Liam; they connected not in instant love, but a shared understand of life and how sometimes choices aren't easy to make and risk is required. I want to read more from this writer. I'm totally hooked.
May 12, 2014
I continued to skim and finished it.
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DNF at page 82......I don't expect a lot, really, but this was even faster than instalove/sex. Had to step away cuz I'm skimming and it's still irritating me with the lack of plot.
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DNF at page 82......I don't expect a lot, really, but this was even faster than instalove/sex. Had to step away cuz I'm skimming and it's still irritating me with the lack of plot.
Read
March 28, 2014without rating because...
August 16, 2014
I thought this book was pretty good. I thought Aaron and Liam were perfect for each other and the sex was hot between them both. Enjoyed it!!
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