Apparently it doesn't matter that I've read none of the series this book's a side story of. (I'll know only if I find In the Company of Shadows Director's Cut versions in ebook form.)

After Midnight stands on its own in all its awkwardly-obstinate-characters glory, if you don't mind a tenuous HFN ending and a goodly number of unanswered questions not eminently tied to our mismatched pair. I didn't mind. I think I still have grit in my teeth from this post-apocalyptic world. ( )

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4 Strong Stars!!!!

Prepare to:

-Fall hard for Gordon!
---Be teased to near death!
------Get completely sucked into this raw world!

-----------NEED MORE!!!!!

In a nutshell this is a dark, raw romance that has intriguing chemistry between the two main characters. This world is uncomfortably similar to our own, but just edgy enough to keep you off center. I loved the relationship development, ensuing mysteries behind every character and the intense action scenes.

Confession: I haven’t finished reading the ICoS series. And I don’t think it mattered one bit! I am familiar with the post-war world that Mr. Hassell and Ais created, having read Evenfall and part of Afterimage, but I’m not an authority. After Midnight can easily be read completely apart from the ICoS series.

THE CHARACTERS

…he was an axious wreck most of the time; constantly frightened that his life would return to the old days. He knew Pandora just relaxed him enough to think clearly, but it still felt like magic. Rainbows and star shine and the will to keep going.

Gordon Frost - He seems to fall somewhere between anxious class clown and unaware genius. Okay, genius is way too strong, but he does have potential to not fuck up everything. If only he could keep his mouth shut. He also has this “woe is me” thing going on, but it’s genuine, not winey. It just made me want to hold him.

“You are the most batshit covert criminal…whatever guy, that I’ve ever met. You just tried to choke me and now you’re commenting that I have a fever.”
“I was making an observation,” Adam said with a defensive edge in his voice.
“Whatever, man. Just whatever.”

Adam Blake - Typical agent. Gorgeous, deadly, dry, and so fucking sexy he crinkled the pages of my kindle. At the same time there’s this mysteriousness about him and it’s hard to know what makes him tick. For all that Adam was a badass, he seemed so straight edge it was painful.

The relationship between Gordon and Adam is delightful. For a long time it goes something like this:

“Keep talking and I’ll gag you.”
“Blow me.”

Honestly, I really do love the chemistry between Gordon and Adam. At one point there’s this kiss that stops a bout of hysterics that is so vivid and intense my heart cracked. That’s when I realized just how much I was in Gordon’s head.

Side characters:
Rachel -The best friend and sexy badass.
Chance - I want his story, there’s so much more to know.
Marquis - I don’t even know what to think of him. He’s a…conundrum.
The Twins – Scary, sexy, scary.

THE STORY

It’s 2021 and more than ten years ago the world suffered nuclear attacks that killed untold numbers, decimating major cities and creating marked changes to the world as we know it. Survivors have found ways to endure, cope, and some, even to thrive.

He imagined it swirling into his system and entering his bloodstream while he anticipated the next few minutes, when the effects of Pandora would kick in. Every time he popped a cap he knew what true love felt like, and every time was like the first time.

Drug use is a popular coping mechanism, and luckily for Gordon he deals in the most popular drug of choice. Pandora. He partakes himself, frequently, and seems to change in front of your eyes. From self-doubting and insecure to mouthy, aware and horny, he goes through his days surviving. After a particularly bad day Gordon goes home only to be abducted.

Sadly, the first thing to cross Gordon’s mind was: Wow, he’s pretty fucking hot.

Mr. Greek, or Adam, as we come to know him, is an assassin for “The Agency “and always has to do what he’s told. Except he’s got a goddamned conscience. The mess he finds himself in, all because of his attraction to Gordon, is a train wreck waiting to happen.

From here on out there are people in the shadows, clear cut threats, jealousy, conspiracy theories and Gordon running for his life. Until he is caught…again.

In the two days it took Gordon to become mobile, his paranoia had reached astronomical heights.

THE WRITING

For me, the subtle feeling of gloom in this world comes not only from the eerie similarity to our present world, but also from a less-is-more approach. Mr. Hassell has certainly tightened up his word count and made it count! Bravo.

The pacing, the controlled imagery and the character connections are very well done. Although there was a little sluggishness in the middle, and there were a few awkward passages, the ending makes up for this with blazing action and drama.

Ultimately it’s very readable and engrossing. You’ll find a clever combination of humor mixed with tension, heartache, and even subtle human messages that give poignancy and a deeper connection to the story.

There was something special about coming so close to death and managing to escape.

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I would like to thank Santino Hassell and Susan Lee for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
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New cover, new blurb, new release date!!! September 17, 2013
Gordon is a fellow ginger with a mouth on him that I adore. NEW ADAM POVs!!!