Unlovable Bastard

Gay Dark Romance

By: K.A. Merikan

Narrated by: Wyatt Baker

Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's Summary

“This is not the night you die.” 

After years of working for a loan shark, Robert is done with blood and violence. All he has to show for it is a bag of money and a lifetime of regrets. There’s no other way out of his line of work than in a body bag. 

So Robert decides to die.

But on the night he chooses to seal his own fate, destiny offers him a chance at redemption. When Robert saves a handsome young escort from a terrible death, he has no idea he is setting in motion much more than one last attempt at proving that inside the hardened shell, he is a decent human being. 

Charming, quick-witted, and full of smiles, Nathan is all Robert could dream of. He’s also ready to fall into the arms of his gruff protector. Robert, on the other hand, has never been with a man and will first need to fight his own demons if he is to accept that his whole being wants to make Nathan his. 

With his former boss hunting them both, time is ticking, and Robert might just not get the chance to decide before it’s too late. More importantly though, Robert will stop at nothing to protect the man who’s made him feel alive again, the man who is the only thing between him and the abyss.

“I never had to think much about death before, but I did yesterday. I thought I would die. In a hole. Covered with dirt. Suffocate underground. But then you saved me.” 

Possible spoilers:

Themes: enemies to lovers, protector, cruelty, homophobia, crime, self-discovery, family conflict, age gap, escort, self-hate, first time, revenge, on the run 

Genre: Dark, gritty, M/M contemporary romance 

Content: Scorching hot, emotional, explicit scenes 

Length: 90,000 words (stand-alone novel, HEA) 

Warning: This story contains scenes of violence, torture, mentions of suicide, offensive language, morally ambiguous characters, homophobia, and homophobic language.

©2017 K.A. Merikan (P)2021 Acerbi&Villani ltd

Dark, gritty, emotional

This was a dark, steamy, gritty, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, emotional crime romance.


This was an amazing, entertaining, action packed listen.

The author's writing style was compelling, raw and realistic.

Absolutely loved the narration and audio delivery as well

Really Great Listen

This was a very well written story. I have to say it did take me a little longer to get into it than usual with K.A. Merikan’s books but it is probably because in the begging I did find Robert unlikeable and unlovable. Nathan I loved right away and just wanted him to be happy. Robert eventually grew on me though as he opened up more and really dealt with his own internalized homophobia. I really loved the connection and love Nathan and a Robert found, and I really ended up liking the brother Hank a lot too which I didn’t think would happen either at his first introduction. Besides the romance this was also a pretty suspenseful story as well and the climax of it had me on the edge of my seat. And, Wyatt Baker was amazing as always. He’s become one of my favorite narrators. 5 stars overall!

Wonderful

Loved this book and will be looking at more from this author (authors?) The flow and characters grip you, the writing itself is really descriptive and gripping. I loved the push pull resistance of their relationship as it developed, and the idea that love can truly save you from just about anything. My only complaint is I wanted more of it, story was a little short for my taste, but that’s a personal preference. I just love getting good and immersed in a story when it’s this compelling. Definitely recommend.

Another good one!!

I'm a sucker for whatever K.A. merikan puts out and just like all their books. I was hook with this one also. perfect mix of romance and bad ass-ness.

Love in the darkest corner

Wow, this is such a gritty, enthralling and attractive dark romance with a yummy narration. K.A. Merikan have always excelled at writing these kind of unconventional love stories and this is such a delicious treat.

Robert, a loan shark, who is at the rock bottom never thought he would find his redemption in a young man called Nathan who’s an escort. People from two different worlds who are both close and far never thought they would find the solace in each other’s arms. It was fun, thrilling and very exciting. I have actually read the old version of this book but listening it again narrated by Wyatt Baker is a whole new experience and it was really engaging to listen.

Highly recommended if you are looking for a dark, sexy and unconventional love story.

4 Love in the darkest corner stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Audio rating

Story - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Unlovable!?!?

K.A. Merikan and Wyatt Baker never fail to give us a dark hot story. This is another, with all the dark violence and the smoking hot sex scenes.
If other KA's books are in your library, you'll also like this one.
well worth the credit and your time to listen.

Always dark and scorching!

I knew this book would be dark, and hot, and full of shadows, but somehow it managed to surprise me. The plot is deep and twisted, with a satisfying happy ending that made everything worth it!

The narration was amazing and full of feeling!

I recommend this book widely!

Excellent

Thoroughly enjoyed this one from KA Merikan! It was dark and sensual and definitely held my interest! Lived the main charming this one and the enemies to lovers storyline was very good. Wyatt Baker did a great job narrating!

DNF 50% Not at all what I thought

I received an ARC of this book for my honest review. I really could not get into this story. Usually, I love KA Merikan's books but this one I didn't. The storyline just didn't keep my attention and I couldn't finish listening to this audio.

Great Listen

This author is one I read but always prepare for. The scenes and characters are not for everyone. Dark, gritty, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The audiobook version brought it to a new level for me. I hadn’t listened to this narrator before but wasn’t disappointed.

Unexpectedly good

I wasn't expecting this to bee as good but it was. The character development was believable and the story was endearing, I was drawn in and enjoyed it a great deal. I will definitely try other books by this author

Surprisingly emotional for 2 morally ambiguous men

This story really did have a bit of everything: steamy moments, heart-pounding danger, family bonding, and even a character-centric journey of self discovery. I thought Wyatt Baker did an incredible job with the narration--his emotional delivery made me feel like I was right there with these men as they dealt with the rollercoaster their lives had become.   

I don't know if I would call this romance "dark", but the characters were certainly morally ambiguous. I didn't really like Robert or Nathan when this audio began, but K.A. Merikan won me over as they always do. Despite all the terrible things Robert had to do throughout the story, there was something deeply sad about his lonely life before he met Nathan. Being forced into the closet took a serious toll on him, and watching him take the slow journey towards accepting his sexuality was kinda beautiful. Nathan initially annoyed me, only because he couldn't make up his mind about where his loyalties lay, but once he and Robert started to take their hookups more seriously I could see what a good heart he actually had. As I followed along on their tumultuous adventure, I was surprised by how emotional the romantic connection between Robert and Nathan was. These men had an unconventional relationship, that's for sure, but there were still strong ties that kept them together even when it seemed like the obvious choice to run. I thought the storyline was captivating, the tiny bit of suspense was thrilling, and the bond between Nathan and Robert kept me listening all the way until the very end to see if there was a way for these two very different individuals to make a relationship last.

**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.   

Great Opposites Attract Romance

The Merikans have done it again, managed to find the most perfect opposites attract couple and bring them together… in the most unusual way. That opening scene! It doesn't get any better than that.

Beautifully performed by Wyatt Baker, nobody else performs a KA Merikan story like he can.

Intense

I love KA Merikan's stories.
They are dark and gritty but also filled with love.
Robert is at first an unloveable bastard but meeting sweet Nathan gives us a chance to get to know him and understand his motives.
Nathan brings out a protective side to Robert and has him questioning his life and wondering about his future.
A beautiful story about the redeeming power of love.
Wyatt Baker did an outstanding job.

Great characters

I am a huge fan of the falling for the tough-guy protector with a hidden, gentle heart trope and I loved Merikan's use of it here. Robert is a great example of one of those protectors and Nathan is worth protecting. I am often, however, skeptical of the gay for you trope as it can sometimes happen too quickly and with no deep thought. Here, Robert has some completely believable inner struggles based on the man he has become and his past. Wyatt Baker is perfect for this book. He doesn't play any of the characters softer than written to try to make them more appealing. He presents them warts and all as they are on the page. Great story, great performance.

Perfect

KA Merikan did a super job with this story, perfect balance. Nathan and Robert where interesting characters to get to know and although it was not always smooth sailing it kept me hooked. Wyatt Baker has a great narration style, great paired with a KA Merikan book. Always keeping an eye out for new releases by KA Merikan.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

Another dark romance

I’m a fan of dark romances. I am easily swayed by ambiguous characters. I’m finding them more and more acceptable. Partly because I know this is fiction, and partly because I want to believe there is redemption out there for anyone who seeks it.

That being said, Robert isn’t seeking redemption. He’s seeking death. Although as an enforcer for a loan shark he’s enacted violence, he’s never really felt connected to his victims. Then one day he goes a step too far, and realizes he’s done with this lifestyle. He was dragged into it as a young man. Now he’s older and wised up. He’s ready to die.

Except, you know, we don’t always get what we want. He saves a young man’s life and, suddenly, he has something to live for. Now, I have to say I loved Nathan, and I loved what he did to Robert. Suddenly the dark character had a reason to keep going. A mission. He becomes a protector, using the same skills that’ve gotten him by in life, only for good this time.

This is a redemptive story. One I enjoyed. So I’ll keep going back to K.A. Merikan books. Because sometimes I enjoy walking on the dark side. Oh, and Wyatt Baker? He narrates many of these books and he’s just perfect for them. An interesting and oddly enjoyable read.

Truly unlovable .... for a bit

I totally understood the title when Robert appears on the scene - at first he's cold, in denial (closeted), a little mean. But, he gets better, tries to make things right. I was on the fence about Nathan - he did some things I felt he shouldn't have. Overall, it's a good story - 2 men on the run from Robert's former boss, one struggling with his sexuality, the other trying to stay alive. There's a good dynamic between the MCs, and they have their romantic moments. It's certainly a dark story, so heed the trigger warnings.
To be honest, Wyatt Baker made it easier to get through the story. I enjoyed listening to him and how he is able to capture the noir'ish, gritty tone of the story. A really good listening experience!

not what I expected

good book. I was expecting something dark and although it started that way I didn't find it last all that long. there are some moments that are rough towards the end to hear but mostly about the past.

I still enjoyed the story and the narration.

Dark romance 🖤

Robert was about to take his life when he heard someone was about to get killed. What a conundrum... but he saves Nathan’s life and puts a target on his own. Robert thinks he is not a good guy, working for a thug who uses male escorts and discards them. Nathan and Robert click from the get go, even in danger, but the indecisive Robert puts a damp on it.
I enjoy the whole story, the chase, hiding, family stuff, past friends, specially the end.