Reviewed by Amber
TITLE: The Black Sheep and The Rotten Apple
AUTHOR: K.A. Merikan
PUBLISHER: Self Pub
LENGTH: 471 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 7th, 2017
BLURB:
“How does one start a relationship with another man when it is forbidden?”
“One needs to decide that the other man is worth dying for.”
Cornwall, 1785
Sir Evan Penhart. Baronet. Highwayman. Scoundrel.
Julian Reece. Writer. Wastrel. Penniless.
No one forces Julian Reece to marry. Not his father, not his brother. No one.
When he is thrust into a carriage heading for London to meet his future bride, his way out comes in the form of an imposing highwayman, riding a horse as black as night. Julian makes a deal with the criminal, but what he doesn’t expect is that despite the title of baronet, the robber turns out to be no gentleman.
Sir Evan Penhart is pushed into crime out of desperation, but the pact with a pretty, young merchant’s son turns out to have disastrous consequences. Not only is Evan left broke, but worse yet, Julian opens up a Pandora’s box of passions that are dark, needy, and too wild to tame. With no way to lock them back in, rash decisions and greedy desire lead to a tide that wrecks everything in its way.
But Julian might actually like all the sinful, carnal passion unleashed on him. How can he admit this though, even to himself, when a taste of the forbidden fruit could have him end up with a noose around his neck? And with highway robbery being a hanging offense and the local constable on their back, Julian could lose Evan before he can decide anything about the nature of his desires.
REVIEW:
Slowly but surely I’ve been requesting more and more historical m/m romance. It’s not my favorite but I like how they feel so I’m opening myself up to them more and more. The Black Sheep and The Rotten Apple is a very well thought out/developed story. The whole historic vibe I really enjoyed.
Please keep in mind this story is LOOOOOOOOONG…normally that wouldn’t really bother me but with historical, it seems like you can feel every page because things tend to drag on and on. I love the way these authors write, however. You can tell they do all the research necessary which is a must when writing historical.
I liked the characters but some things fell a little flat for me. The connection between the two seemed mostly one-sided but they were passionate and the suspense was well worth it.
Sir Evan Penhart has hit hard times. Stuck with a crumbling estate he resorts to a life of crime to try and save his birthright. He’s not expecting to find a captive on his first heist but there is something about Julian Reece that pulls Evan in. So he takes him captive.
Julian Reece doesn’t want to be a responsible husband and father. He prefers adventure and doesn’t understand why his family won’t let him do what he wants. His salvation (he thinks) shows up in the form of a dashing highway man. Julian believes he can use his kidnapping to his advantage and possibly get a ransom out of his wealthy father.
Things don’t work out as he originally plans. Evan and Julian spend more and more time together and things heat up.
Julian wasn’t aware of this author side to himself but Evan stirs all kinds of emotions in him and he’s having a hard time not submitting to his desires.
This story is adventure, suspense, romance and love. It was a nice read. I enjoyed it.
I think all lovers of these authors and historical romance would enjoy this one.
RATING: 
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