This (!) was a WONDERFUL surprise! It just shows when you adore an author venturing out to your less read genres is more than a good idea. I can't believe I read Tere's "Faith, Love and Devotion" series almost 6 years ago! It was superb! But as I'm still careful about reading Sci-Fi it took me long enough to actually grab it and start reading. While I usually find it difficult to connect with a futuristic dystopian world, Tere managed to make this cold rainy and frankly terrifying New York City too intriguing to put aside. Our two MCs couldn't be more different in the way they conduct their lives but inside they are both caring and loyal so when they realize they have something to figure out working together felt right.
Nox Boyet life consists of secrets and lies and not only because he chooses to wear black every night to protect the lives of the less fortunate citizens of New York City. There are thugs, gang member as well as drug dealers selling "Dead Bolt" the newest designer drug. That's why he stayed when he could have found a way to leave this decrepit part of the city. His other focus in life, the one that keeps him going, is his son Sam. He isn't really his son but it doesn't matter and he would rather not think about that day when so many died and he and Sam lived.
When a "model" from the Iron Butterfly Casino appears at their door offering Sam a letter concerning his "real" parents, Nox is LIVID. While he knows the truth, or enough of it, he doesn't want Sam to be a part of any of it. He would rather keep Sam in the dark about the powerful people who played a part in their need to keep quiet and away. It's better everyone thinking Nox Boyet has died that day and Sam doesn't even exist. But it seems someone found out after all.
Cade Creel has no idea what he got himself into when he takes Mr. White's letter. He enjoys the luxury life he has built as an escort for the wealthy and frankly he likes Mr. White and would rather stay on his good graces (and big tips) even if he asks Cade venture into the scarier parts of the city. His visit leaves him bruised but at least he did what he was asked. When striking Patrick Mullens appears at the casino he somehow looks familiar but he isn't sure where exactly to place him and if it's possible it's the same guy who more than manhandled him on the streets just the day before. But when he disappears after another bomb threat is issued he is left with too many questions to ignore so he goes back to confront "Patrick" (finding himself bruised some more).
The threats to Sam (and Nox's) lives are becoming too real to ignore, both the veiled and unveiled ones. He doesn't know what it means and who could be behind it but seeing HER again at the Iron Butterfly brings the past to the surface and frankly scares the life out of him. The noose around both of them is closing and Cade might try to help but it's bigger than him and his many connections.
Saying "the plot thickens" is an understatement. While Cade and Nox get closer things get more and more complicated. Both men start to care for one another but the risk to their safety and the fear of the consequences to all three of them doesn't allow any time to truly be together and enjoy each other's company without looking over their backs. On top of that, Sam need to be more independent (understandable at 17) adds to the risks especially as he knows so little about what's going on around him and Nox is never in a sharing mood. Sam was really a great kid, I think he did everything he could to be the son Nox raised him to be, but he also can't stay cooped up in their house without anyone else but his father's company...
There is much going on from start to finish with glimpses into the past - the day everything started - many things to figure out for us as well as Nox and Cade. But as this is part one of the story, while they have secured a bond between them, they still have a long way to go relationship wise and surely about who's actually behind it all. At the very end they find they have a few new allies but while Nox feels like one he can trust (Mason Todd), the other two (Rachel and Damian) are a different matter. I cannot WAIT to start reading the next one!
I don't know what you feel about dystopian romance novels but I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you give this one a go (and have the next ones ready!).
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Rating:
★★★★★ |
E-Book
Edition |
240
pages
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Read on:
15-17 July 2020
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ABOUT THIS SERIES
The Vigilante is a Sci-Fi / Dystopian Romance series by Tere Michaels. While I'm definitely NOT the "end of the world" kinda gal, this series GRIPPED me in a way I can't even start to describe. I swallowed the books, not being able to stop.
In a dystopian near future, New York City has become the epicenter of decadence--gambling, the flesh trade, a playground for the wealthy. And underneath? Crime, fueled by "Dead Bolt," a destructive designer drug. This New City is where Nox Boyet leads a double life. At night, he is the Vigilante, struggling to keep the streets safe for citizens abandoned by the corrupt government and police. During the day, he works in construction and does his best to raise his adopted teenaged son, Sam.
A mysterious letter addressed to Sam brings Nox in direct contact with "model" Cade Creel, a high-end prostitute working at the Iron Butterfly Casino. Suspicion gives way to an intense attraction as dark figures from Nox's past and the mysterious peddlers of Dead Bolt begin to descend--and put all their lives in danger. When things spin out of control, Cade is the only person Nox can trust to help him save Sam.
When Nox Boyet and Cade Creel meet for the first time their meter both shows DANGER. Nox is worried the letter Cade has brought into his hands will be the end of the secure and sheltered life he has build for Sam. Cade on the other hand might work a job that COULD be dangerous his day to day life is rather convenient. This "favor" for a client, delivering a letter, starts innocent enough until he actually visits the "District" where life is truly horrible, it has opened his eyes but also put him in a great danger from everyone especially Nox. Yet somehow they find each other working together against unknown enemies, trying to find allies in the most corrupts city of all.
The romance in this series had a very interesting arc. I liked the way it progressed as it took them time to trust one another and see they can have something real and that's not only concerning Nox and Cade, there are two more couples struggling to find their footing - Sam and Mason as well as KJ and Rachel.
Tere published the first two books way back in 2014! "Lucky" for me I started reading them in the middle of 2020 meaning I only had to wait about 8 month for the next installment. Considering the MAJOR cliffhanger the 2nd ended with I was besides myself not knowing if we're EVER going to get an ending to the series. The 3rd book ended in a very positive note and yet the very last chapter does offer a continuation at least with one more book. Truly CANNOT WAIT for more.
Books:
1. Who Knows the Storm (Published 17 October 2014) ★★★★★
2. Who Knows the Dark (Published 2 October 2012) ★★★★★
3. Who Knows the Moonlight (Published 23 February 2021) ★★★★★
4. ?????
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