Series: The Speakeasy
Volume: 3/?Publisher: Pride Publishing/Totally Entwined Group
Genre/s: Contemporary, MM, Romance, Interracial, Erotic Romance
Length: 97 045
Read in: English
Review copy format: epub
Rate:✮✮✮✮✮✰
Kyle McKee is a co-owner of the speakeasy bar Under and a workaholic who decides to give up dating after many failed relationships. However, his resolution loses its point when in a life-threatening situation he meets an attractive firefighter, with whom he flirted once when they met for the first time. It quickly turns out that Luka Clarke fully reciprocates Kyle's interest. As a result, they go on some really successful dates and, consequently, start dating. Unfortunately, when their feelings start to bloom, human prejudices and hatred put this newly born love to a very tough test.
"Behind the Stick" is the third volume of a really good series, "The Speakeasy" written by K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn. In my opinion the characters' selection is one of the undoubted advantages of this volume, because I love them as individuals and as a couple. Okay, I admit, I've liked Kyle very much from the very beginning of the series, so the fact that my affection hasn't changed is not a surprise to anyone. Nevertheless, Luka is a completely new character here and he's the one who immediately conquered my heart in this novel. To be honest, the fact that he is quite an ordinary guy, so different from the rest of the speakeasy family is simply wonderful. I also admit that he's a perfect match for Kyle. We immediately feel that these two are made for each other, because the chemistry between them is evident. Also, the overall dynamic between these characters is shown in a great and thrilling way. So is it even possible not to love these two?
Another advantage of "Behind the Stick" is the story presented in this novel, as its action develops in a really surprising way. We can say that its plot consists of two parts. The first one focuses on the carefree relationship, which is why it is rather simple and pleasant. The second is a completely different story, as its center are the consequences of human hatred and the relationship crisis, and thus the novel becomes heavier and richer in psychological depth. However, it is worth mentioning that no matter which part of "Behind the Stick" we read, we are constantly very interested in the story presented here, as it is incredibly addictive from the beginning to the end. It's really hard for the readers to take a break from reading, because the story engrosses them, makes them smile with its sweetness, and then breaks their hearts with the drama. In short, there's no way to be bored while reading this novel.
I think one of the greatest things about this novel is the fact that it raises the topic of interracial relationships. On the one hand, the authors show how differently such relationships are perceived by people. That's why in the novel we see people who are rather narrow-minded and seem to be cautious of the said relationships, those who hate them, and those for whom the interracial relationship is not a problem, therefore for them it's just a relationship between two people. On the other hand, K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn show their readers some problems, dangers and dramas some people being in interracial relationships struggle with, which I think is really important. However, the thing that I like the most in this context is that when the Under family looks at someone, they don't see their race, they see a human being.
Hatred and its consequences are also the extremely important issues raised in "Behind the Stick". To be honest, I didn't expect such serious topics in this novel, that's why I was a little surprised when I was reading about them, and at the same time I was devastated by the events connected with them. I really think that presenting these issues in this story was essential, because that's how the authors sensitize us to the problems of racism, homophobia and hatred in general. What's more, they show some of the physical and mental consequences of hateful behavior towards people, and thus emphasize the importance of fighting this type of behavior. It is also worth noting that in this case hatred affects people we know, people who are close to us, even if they are fictional characters. I think that thanks to this fact, the reader is more strongly affected by the events presented here and the drama, and thus they are deeply touched by the novel's message.
To sum up, "Behind the Stick" is a really good novel that engrosses the readers, moves them deeply, surprises them, and evokes a variety of strong emotions. Thus, when we reach the end, we really want more, because it's hard to part with the characters who conquered our hearts. Believe me, it's really easy to fall in love with this novel.
Headcanon: The friends from Under and Luka's family bet when Luka proposes to Kyle.
Fanfiction idea: To celebrate the anniversary of their first date, Luka decides to take Kyle mini golfing every year. However, he doesn't reveal his intentions to his beloved to surprise him.
AU idea: Kyle is a traveler and explorer who gets lost in the jungle. However, he is very lucky, because he is saved by Luke, who has been living in the jungle for many years, as he is fed up with the hustle and bustle of the city.
Here's some more about:
Book Title: Behind the Stick, The Speakeasy #3
Author: K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn
Trope/s: Bad Breakup, Hurt/Comfort, Interracial Relationship, Sex Buddies Become Lovers, Found Family
Themes: Family, Friendship, Family Conflict, Racial Intolerance, Forgiveness
Heat Rating: 4 flames
Release Date: August 20, 2019
Blurb
Kyle McKee lives a charmed life. He co-owns Under, an uptown speakeasy, where he is chief mixologist. Friends poke fun at Kyle’s tiny one-bed apartment in Chelsea, but they’re the best support system a man could ask for. Unfortunately, Kyle’s lackluster love life has led him to take a break from dating.
Harlem resident Luka Clarke is a lieutenant with Engine 47, the Pride of Morningside, where he carries on his father’s legacy with the FDNY. Luka, who is mixed race and bisexual, has his eye on Kyle, whom he met at a local burger joint and he just needs to make time to visit Kyle’s bar.
Before work one evening, Kyle is trapped inside the luncheonette when a fire breaks out. Luka’s firehouse answers the call and he connects with Kyle again under the most unexpected of circumstances. When Kyle gratefully invites Luka and the firehouse squad to Under, the flirting between the two men leads to a date.
Kyle and Luka quickly grow close, but Luka’s mother and sister distrust Kyle for being both white and gay. Luka believes his family will come around and accept Kyle in the end, but Kyle is not optimistic and hides his disquiet as attraction blossoms into love.
Kyle and Luka’s near-idyllic bubble is shattered one evening after a hate crime leaves them scarred, inside and out. Shaken, they put on a strong front but struggle inwardly against fear and personal demons. As the emotions seething beneath the surface finally come to a head, both men must decide if they have the strength to find love enough to conquer hate.
Reader advisory: This book contains references to non-nurturing parenting; homophobia; racism and racist slurs. There are references to recreational drug use. This book also contains scenes of mmmm ménage and characters caught in fire.
Harlem resident Luka Clarke is a lieutenant with Engine 47, the Pride of Morningside, where he carries on his father’s legacy with the FDNY. Luka, who is mixed race and bisexual, has his eye on Kyle, whom he met at a local burger joint and he just needs to make time to visit Kyle’s bar.
Before work one evening, Kyle is trapped inside the luncheonette when a fire breaks out. Luka’s firehouse answers the call and he connects with Kyle again under the most unexpected of circumstances. When Kyle gratefully invites Luka and the firehouse squad to Under, the flirting between the two men leads to a date.
Kyle and Luka quickly grow close, but Luka’s mother and sister distrust Kyle for being both white and gay. Luka believes his family will come around and accept Kyle in the end, but Kyle is not optimistic and hides his disquiet as attraction blossoms into love.
Kyle and Luka’s near-idyllic bubble is shattered one evening after a hate crime leaves them scarred, inside and out. Shaken, they put on a strong front but struggle inwardly against fear and personal demons. As the emotions seething beneath the surface finally come to a head, both men must decide if they have the strength to find love enough to conquer hate.
Reader advisory: This book contains references to non-nurturing parenting; homophobia; racism and racist slurs. There are references to recreational drug use. This book also contains scenes of mmmm ménage and characters caught in fire.
Excerpt
Kyle McKee set down his gym bag and yoga mat and pulled up a seat at his gym’s juice bar. The class he’d taken had warmed his skin and stretched his muscles and joints to their limits. He felt like the world’s most relaxed slab of single New York man, which was good for Kyle’s state of mind. He’d been stressed lately, about his love life in particular. Because damn if every guy he’d been out with in the last two months hadn’t turned out to be a shitheel of epic proportions. So much so, Kyle had decided to stop dating entirely.
Eyes closed, Kyle forced away thoughts of dating catastrophes. He rolled his neck from side to side but peeled his lids open again when the chair on his left slid back and his friend Malcolm Elliot dropped into the seat. Malcolm gave Kyle a lazy grin. At six-three, he stood a few inches taller than Kyle, and he looked rosy-cheeked and loose limbed, his blue-gray eyes shining.
“I am a man-sized untwisted pretzel,” Malcolm said. “I’m not sure what that means, so don’t ask.”
“You’re yoga-stoned, dude.” Kyle smiled at Malcolm’s laugh.
“Is that a thing?”
“Totally a thing.”
Malcolm narrowed his eyes at Kyle. “You’re the one with the bloodshot eyes—what did you do after class?”
“Ugh, nothing but itch from allergies. Ragweed is my kryptonite.” Kyle pinched the bridge of his nose between his fingers, then nodded at the menu on the wall behind the counter. “What are you drinking?”
“I’ll do a Kale Storm with protein,” Malcolm said.
Kyle held up a hand when Malcolm reached for his wallet. “I’ll grab these—you paid last week.” He smiled at the barista who’d stepped up to take their order. “A Kale Storm with a protein powder shot and a Peanut Butter Baby with chia, please. You headed home after this?” he asked Malcolm.
Malcolm shook his head. “I’ve got errands to run. My kitchen has mysteriously emptied itself of food since my brother and his girlfriend came back to town. What about you?”
“I’m opening tonight, so I’ll just head to the bar. I have extra clothes at the office I can change into.” Kyle co-owned a speakeasy called Under with his friend Jesse Murtagh and, while he loved his job, the commute uptown from Chelsea to Morningside Heights could be a pain in the ass. He welcomed the option to skip extra stops when he could.
Malcolm ran his gaze over Kyle’s gray Henley and dark jeans. “You could always serve in what you’re wearing, you know. You’d blow Jesse’s mind.”
Kyle covered a theatrical gasp with one hand. “I would never!” His preference for black or dark gray clothing while working was a source of gentle teasing among his friends. “Seriously, I don’t feel like I’m working unless I’ve got my blacks on. I’ve done it for so long it’s just part of how I do my job.”
About the Authors
K. Evan Coles
K. Evan Coles
K. Evan Coles is a mother and tech pirate by day and a writer by night. She is a dreamer who, with a little hard work and a lot of good coffee, coaxes words out of her head and onto paper.
K. lives in the northeast United States, where she complains bitterly about the winters, but truly loves the region and its diverse, tenacious and deceptively compassionate people. You’ll usually find K. nerding out over books, movies and television with friends and family. She’s especially proud to be raising her son as part of a new generation of unabashed geeks.
K.’s books explore LGBTQ+ romance in contemporary settings.
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Brigham Vaughn
Brigham Vaughn is on the adventure of a lifetime as a full-time writer. She devours books at an alarming rate and hasn’t let her short arms and long torso stop her from doing yoga. She makes a killer key lime pie, hates green peppers, and loves wine tasting tours. A collector of vintage Nancy Drew books and green glassware, she enjoys poking around in antique shops and refinishing thrift store furniture. An avid photographer, she dreams of traveling the world and she can’t wait to discover everything else life has to offer her.
Her books range from short stories to novellas. They explore gay, bisexual, lesbian, and polyamorous romance in contemporary settings.
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