Title: Night Shift
Series: N/A
Author: Kim Fielding
Genre: MM / Paranormal / Vampire
Length: Novella
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (April 3, 2013)
Reviewer: Thommie
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Aside from a sympathetic parole officer, Aiden Finn is alone in the world. He knows this is his last chance—after a lifetime in and out of prison, one more mistake will land him there to stay. Unfortunately, his job as a night custodian at a motel is neither satisfying nor good for building his confidence, and booze and burglary are always just a step behind him.
Enter beautiful, exotic, and secretive Luka Gabor, the motel’s new security guard. He seems to know a great deal about literature, history, and travel but otherwise remains a mystery. Aiden has to admit, the sex has never been better, and he might even be feeling the beginnings of friendship. He dares to hope that this time, he won’t mess things up—if lurking monsters don’t ruin his plans.
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3683
Review: I was very excited reading this book and it was absolutely fascinating. The whole idea was so invigorating it made it quite a joy for me to read. In the end though, I wavered between three or four hearts.
This book starts with a powerful kick. A troubled ex-con trying to make it in a world where there aren’t many opportunities for him left. A bit his circumstances in life, a bit the wrong choices, a bit the fact that there aren’t many choices to begin with and Aiden is to his last crossroad. He has to take the hard path and keep himself clean or get lost in that abyss of nothingness forever and simply await his death. It’s his last chance, but damn it hard when you have no dreams and no expectations.
That is until he meets the new security guard at work. Luka is…well, hot. No better word for him. Luka is sexy. Luka takes one look at Aiden and he practically devours him without asking anything back. But, Luka is a living mystery. He has secrets he can’t share, but that doesn’t keep Aiden from falling for his sexy co-worker. Even if he has no expectation that a guy like Luka will stay with him in the long-term.
So the story up until 80% of this book was plain amazing. The characters both were unique. But, as we read this book from Aiden’s PoV we get to know him much better, his fears, his feelings, and his inner monster. Everything about this character screams “help me”, yet he must help himself. I loved Aiden, really, truly loved him. I loved the fact that the author chose a “flawed” character for her protagonist. It’s hard not to feel at least compassion for him and well, let’s say that his whole bad-ass description has its allure, too.
The interactions between the men are also very charming. They start with a hot scene in the break room and slowly take those steps toward dating and having something more solid. In the meanwhile, Lukas helps Aiden stand on his feet by simply being by him, giving him incentive to stay strong. And when they fall in love, it’s done beautifully in a smooth way that doesn’t grate.
As I said awesome book up until 80%.
However, Lukas’ exposure somehow threw me. His “alter ego” did not fascinate me as much. The information about his “other” life was somehow vague and the very end felt a bit rushed, abrupt. As if the book suddenly exceeded the word count and had to end. That last 20% of the book nearly killed me. I was so enthralled with my read that it somehow came as a shock. Hence, my wavering between three and four hearts.
But thing is, I did love this book ending notwithstanding. I found it remarkable and a fresh breath in the choice of character. Not to mention very nice execution and writing. So, I’ll not hesitate to recommend this to those who love strong protagonists who go through the hard way in life and still don’t give up. Those who love a good romance. And those who want a bit of vamp and blood in their reads.
Have fun, I sure did.