Series: Heaven and Hell Club
Volume: 0/1 (starting from vol. 0)Publisher: Independently published
Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance
Length: 65 000 words
Read in: English
Review copy format: epub
Rate:✮✮✮✮✮✮
Mac is a pole dancer in a shabby nightclub. One day, Russel, an attractive man with effeminate features and strong personality, comes to the club. Their first meeting could be the last, if not for the fact that Russel can't forget Mac to the point that when his boss sends him as a reporter to an exclusive, couples only party, the man decides to ask the dancer to pretend to be his boyfriend. Although Mac likes neither changes nor risk, he agrees to help the stranger. However, things get complicated quickly when the favor gets out of hand.
"Unbreakable" is the volume "zero" of "Heaven and Hell Club", and thus a prequel to the moving and wonderful novel "Broken" by Colette Davison. I know it's not particularly revealing on my part, but this fact is one of the advantages of this story. Looking at "Unbreakable" from the more practical side, we can say that to some extent this book complements "Broken", as it gives us the opportunity to look at the events preceding those described in the first volume of "Heaven and Hell Club". And we should remember that we've already known about some of them as we read this first novel, but until now we haven't known all the details concerning them. However, what I think is the most important in this case is that thanks to "Unbreakable" we get to know better some of the characters we met, in one way or another, in "Broken". Till now, we've just liked them, but now we have the opportunity to truly fall in love with them. As for Mac and Russel's case, we also learn the story of their relationship and its unusual beginning. The real advantage of "Unbreakable" as a prequel is therefore that it can be read as a standalone story, and at the same time is part of something a little larger.
Another great advantage of this book are the characters, and in this case I would like to focus on the main ones. Mac and Russel are really wonderful. They differ from each other like fire and water, but at the same time there are some things they have in common. I really like the fact that building these two, the author outlined not only who they are, their virtues and flaws, self-confidence and at the same time uncertainty, but also gave us an insight into their difficult, sad past and their psyche. Thanks to all this, Mac and Russel are the characters full of depth that really conquer our hearts and enchant us. However, it is worth mentioning that the great advantage of the main characters' creation is not only the topic of who they are as individuals, but also their amazing, fantastic dynamics. To say that these two fit perfectly together is definitely not enough. Russel and Mac are like two seemingly mismatched pieces of clothing, which can create something unique and stylish, if you choose the right cut, style and accessories.
In the previous paragraph I've mentioned our characters' psyche, and I would like to go back to this topic. In "Unbreakable," I really liked that although to a certain degree Mac and Russel are self-confident, there's a lot of insecurity in them. We see it clearly in Russel's case, as he "hides" himself under his make-up. Gods, the way Colette Davison presented his views about himself really moves us and makes an impression. For me it's even more important as I could definitely see myself in him. However, it is worth noting that the author added the romance and beauty, that probably every person dreams about, to Russel's insecurities. I love it! And to be honest, I love the fact that writing "Unbreakable" Colette Davison decided to use the motif of being perfect in the loved one's eyes and developed it in such a wonderful way. For both Russel and Mac are struggling with some problems that they are hiding from the world, but having each other they are finally able to breathe freely, stand on their own two feet and in a way start living again.
Another great advantage of this novel is undoubtedly the fact that the plot is about more than romance, enriched by the insight into the characters' psyche, and the story of the Heaven and Hell Club. The author makes sure that in "Unbreakable" we can also find a real problem that our boys have to deal with, and thus the villain they must face. However, I think that the most important is that Colette Davison focuses also on the topic of stereotypes, and thus fighting them. I really love it that Mac and Russel are well aware of the stereotypes they are subject to and that people "put them in a box" because of their appearance, which annoys them very much. To be fully fulfilled they need what is at odds with the assumptions generally accepted by people. Thus, in "Unbreakable" we get a small, effeminate man who likes to dominate in bed, and a well-built, strong, tall hunk who likes to be submissive in every respect. So tell me, is it even possible not to love this book?
To sum up, "Unbreakable" is a truly wonderful, romantic, bitter sweet and unique novel. The readers can find here everything they want, including elements of D/s and BDSM. And the characters? They are amazing, interesting and definitely lovable. In short, I can recommend you this brilliant novel with a clear conscience, as it is perfect.
Headcanon: Russel sometimes comes up with dating scenarios that Mac must implement.
Fanfiction idea: Mac and Russel lose a bet with Michael and Edward. Now Mac has to do Russel's work for one day, and Russel Mac's.
AU idea: Mac is a policeman who is called to a family quarrel. Upon arrival, it turns out that a naked man (Remy) is standing in front of one of the houses, while another guy (Russel) throws his belongings out of the window and onto the lawn. Mac quickly finds out that betrayal is the reason of the fight.
Here's some more about:
Book Title: Unbreakable (a Heaven and Hell Club prequel)
Author: Colette Davison
Cover Artist: Colette Davison
Trope/s: Fake boyfriend
Themes: Self-belief, stronger together, faithfulness, friendship
Heat Rating: 4 flames
Release Date: November 14, 2019
It’s a prequel to Broken, but can be read as a standalone.
From fake, to real, to unbreakable.
Blurb
Blurb
Mac’s life isn’t perfect, but he likes it the way it is: safe and predictable.
Mac works in a struggling pole dancing club at night, and a gym during the day. He’s tired and cash strapped, but content, until a confident twink walks into the club and turns his life upside down. It’s hard to resist when Russel asks him to be his fake boyfriend for one night, in return for double his normal take-home pay.
One date turns into more, as Mac helps Russel get an exclusive that will secure him the job he’s always wanted. But the rich playboy who holds Russel’s career in his hands isn’t going to give him the scoop so easily.
As Mac and Russel spend more time together, the lines between fake and real begin to get blurred, but can their relationship become strong enough to be unbreakable in the face of adversity?
Unbreakable is a fake boyfriend MM romance, with a buff pole dancer who swears like a trooper, a twink who likes to take charge, some spanking, light bondage, and a happy ever after. It’s a prequel story to Broken, but can be read as a standalone romance.
Mac works in a struggling pole dancing club at night, and a gym during the day. He’s tired and cash strapped, but content, until a confident twink walks into the club and turns his life upside down. It’s hard to resist when Russel asks him to be his fake boyfriend for one night, in return for double his normal take-home pay.
One date turns into more, as Mac helps Russel get an exclusive that will secure him the job he’s always wanted. But the rich playboy who holds Russel’s career in his hands isn’t going to give him the scoop so easily.
As Mac and Russel spend more time together, the lines between fake and real begin to get blurred, but can their relationship become strong enough to be unbreakable in the face of adversity?
Unbreakable is a fake boyfriend MM romance, with a buff pole dancer who swears like a trooper, a twink who likes to take charge, some spanking, light bondage, and a happy ever after. It’s a prequel story to Broken, but can be read as a standalone romance.
Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited
Excerpt
The city centre was packed, and a steady stream of well-dressed shoppers moved in and out of the posh department store. Mac really didn’t belong there, let alone loitering outside it. He was about to give up and go home—he’d been waiting for almost half an hour—when Russel appeared out of the crowd and flounced up to him.
“You were early!”
Mac narrowed his eyes. “You’re late.”
Russel waved his hand. “Only by a few minutes.” His eyes travelled up and down Mac’s body, full lips pursed thoughtfully. “Are those the nicest clothes you’ve got?”
Mac looked down at his tatty jeans, threadbare coat, and death metal T-shirt. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”
Russel nodded towards the doors to the store. “We might have a problem getting in there. Not to worry.” He looped his arm through Mac’s. “There are plenty of other shops in Leeds. This way.”
Mac opened his mouth to object but snapped it shut again.
“I thought we’d do a bit of shopping and then grab a coffee somewhere,” Russel said. “We need to get a few facts straight before this evening.”
“What facts?”
“How long we’ve been together, what star sign we both are, favourite colours, hobbies… that sort of thing.”
“Is that really necessary?”
“Yes!”
Mac shook his head. Russel probably wasn’t a psycho, but he was a demanding son of a bitch. There was no way he was going to remember those kinds of stupid details about a fucking stranger. He kept his thoughts to himself. Russel was paying him, and that was all that mattered.
About the Author
Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting, in the shadow of Lancaster castle, eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She’s enjoying her own ‘happy ever after’ in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children and her writing.
Thank you xx
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