Monika V

Smashwords book reviews by Monika V

  • A Life Apart on Feb. 01, 2013

    This is another book I wish I could give more than 5 stars. Roger Kean I think you’ve made me speechless and if you were to ask any of my friends that doesn’t happen often. You have written one amazing book and I am truly sorry I’ve come to the end. This book is Gay Fiction not to be confused with M/M Romance. While there are some similarities they are vastly different. It has a true plot which is just as important as the love story between Edward and Richard, without it their story would not have had the effect it did on me. Secrets and lies tore them apart and threw them into an adventure that at times was heartbreaking but there was so much love between them surely fate wouldn’t keep them apart. What happens to them had me crying...a lot, so yes there is angst but there is a lot of emotions in the story that carried me to the end. The historical aspect of the book was so well written I could visualize what was happening as I read, it made me feel like I was part of the story. I haven’t come across a book that has done that in a long time. With A Life Apart every inch of it had me, it is one of those books that I would have read day and night until I got to the end, a story I didn’t want to put down but sadly real life got in my way. If you love to read historical novels you will love A Life Apart and if you have never read one give this one a try it is by far the best I’ve ever read, add to that gorgeous men with passion and romance in their hearts and a beautiful HEA, that of course made me cry, it’s a winner in my eyes. As I mentioned before this novel is very different from M/M Romance its true Gay Fiction written by an author that knows how to tell a story, it’s something I think all that read M/M Romance should read. Thank you Mr. Kean highly recommends.
  • Harry's Great Trek on Feb. 28, 2015

    I’ve been waiting for Harry’s story ever since I was introduced to him in A Life Apart. There was just something about Harry that captured my heart. I’m not sure if it was because he suffered from unrequited love and was never able to find another to replace his one true love or because Harry seemed to flounder and I’m drawn to those characters. It’s funny, he’s not a main character in A Life Apart and I really didn’t get to know a lot about him but I couldn’t get him out of my mind. He didn’t get his HEA in A Life Apart or in Gregory’s Story, book 2 of The Empire Series and I really thought he deserved to have one of his own. Harry’s Great Trek isn’t just a story about the love of two men in a time when it was forbidden but a story about friendship, duty and sacrifice. It follows British Army Officer Harry Smythe-Vane and his company from one mission to another trekking their way through places that very few if any westerners have traveled mapping new lands. Engaging tribes that are primitive but no less dangerous, Harry and his crew align themselves with some and fight others. Between missions Harry returns to London navigating society and its own pitfalls. Harry finds himself rubbing elbows with Winston Churchill - who accompanies Harry on later missions - and partying with Oscar Wilde who lives a secret life that eventually lands him in prison. It’s at a party with Oscar Wilde that Harry encounters his godson Jolyon whom he hasn’t seen for many years. Jolyon has grown into one of the most beautiful men Harry has ever seen and he’s instantly smitten but Jolyon resists Harry’s charms favoring the wilder side of London society and people. Eventually Harry wears Jolyon down and the two start a heart-warming romance. Wishing to be by Harry’s side Jolyon trains to be a munition and bomb expert then joins Harry’s company to travel to far off places. Harry’s Great Trek took me to places I’d never be able to go except in my mind and Roger Kean’s narrative paints a vivid picture that makes it easy to imagine being there. I laughed, I cried, I cringed and I was put through a whole gamut of emotions with this story. There are times when the drama makes me want to hide my face behind my hands - an encounter with a particular tribe being a bit brutal and frightening, but it’s important to the growth of Harry and Jolyon’s relationship. It’s a long story close to 500 pages but every word of this story makes it what it is: a wonderful adventure and a beautiful love story. I got my HEA or should I say Harry got his HEA and I’m forever grateful to author Roger Kean for giving me such an amazing story, with wonderful characters...but mostly for making Harry come to life. One last note: 5 Stars for the cover art work by Oliver Frey