FROM POPULAR AUTHORS OF GAY ROMANCE, K. EVAN COLES AND BRIGHAM VAUGHN Book three in the Speakeasy series Love, served behind the stick.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 … 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.
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Kyle and Luka
Fabulous read, it had a very engaging way of writing. My heart was instantly involved with Kyle and Luka.
Kyle and his best friend Jesse are owners of speakeasy ‘Under’. After being saved, by firefighter Luka, while trapped in a fire Kyle and Luka start something. Meeting all Kyle’s close friends is amazing for Luka especially Jesse and Cam. Kyle has a special relationship with Jesse and Cam with threesomes at times.
Kyle, as easygoing as a human being can be, can’t seem to conquer Luka’s mom. As ‘white boys’ hurt her boy before.
Their relationship is going strong until something disastrous crosses their way and everything goes to hell. Watching them struggle and stumble was palpable and cracked my heart.
Watching someone’s shining light go dim, hurt so bad.
The compassionately way in which this journey is written stole my breath.
The environments, the feelings, the stress and struggles, they were put together in an unbelievable striking way. The two men’s personalities were amazingly developed, everything about them was just… so lovable. I already loved Kyle and Luka was his perfect match.
It’s a wonderful enchanting journey, it has humor, sweet gestures, steamy sexiness, honest growing feelings. Two beautiful men, with their family and dear dear friends, their difficult path, all together, made this into a very emotional and extraordinary story.
An absolute must-read.
I cannot get enough of these guys they all have such a story to tell …
These authors can write a consuming book and I just fall into the pages and devour every word.
This book is no exception , Kyle and Luca , two beautiful men , their love is open then a disaster occurs , it could be a cross roads for them or can they make it work?
Such a wonderful , captivating read with beautiful MC’s .
This whole series is brilliant just brilliant … I always want more of these …
So very much more than five stars …
When these two authors put their minds together, the results are spectacular!
Behind The Stick is my favorite of the three in the Speakeasy series. Luka and Kyle’s story is achingly beautiful and I admit that at some point I hated how rough they had it,that they had to experience so much hardship and pain. I hoped so much for their healing and their happiness.
I actually have to thank the author for the workout they’ve given my heart with this book. I can avoid going to the gym and instead read Behind The Stick again. Going from fun to hotness then heartbreak and back again is all the cardio I need!
All joking aside,this book is beautiful. Luka and Kyle are wonderful, there’s a charming array of supporting characters and I absolutely loved the shattering,gorgeous romance.
The best!
If you are looking for an emotional rollercoaster with two amazing men at the center, you’re in for a treat. The authors, as usual, did an awesome job presenting a story of two great MCs trying to figure it out in the big world.
I had a total soft spot for Kyle since forever so I may be biased, but I’d say this part of the series is the best yet! All the ot twists and feelings make for an incredibly immersive book. The level of insight we get into the emotions and the amount of angst is just perfect!
Cant wait for what’s next in store for the Speakeasy crew for sure.
I received an ARC copy and leave a totally honest review.
Love is Love!
What I like about K and Brigham’s books are the unconventional topics told within. And although it is unconventional, it nevertheless shows us the realism of what is happening in the story.
Just like the previous installments in the series, Behind the Stuck discusses prejudiced opinions about race, pairings/couplings, relationships, among others. What Kyle and Luca have is not unusual, interracial relationships are very common nowadays. Sad to say though that bigotry and close-mindedness are still quite common too.
Relationships take time and effort for it to become strong and stable. Communication is a very important key for any relationship, especially a new one with some obstacles like race to get through. In this novel, we can go through the experiences of Kyle and Luca with them as they navigate being in a new interracial relationship.
K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn always has a certain quality of reality in their stories that sucks you in, and you just can’t help yourself, you would want to know what happens next. I am so happy and excited for people to read this tale of two people who are just looking for someone to love, for as long as they could! Congratulations!
Behind the Stick is a great addition to the Speakeasy series. We have Kyle and Luca, both single successful men in their line of work. Kyle is a mixologist and Luca is a firefighter. The attraction for each other is seen from the very beginning and it’s shown throughout the book. Luca comes from a family that is very protective of him because of his past relationship and Kyle is a very smart, loveable man with a younger brother and his Speakeasy family. The two men have a great relationship from the start they talk about what they want, needs, and expectations they are looking for in each other.
The book is believable that you can feel every emotion coming from these two characters. Every scene is well written it’s like you on the outside looking in. I’m glad that they were able to sit down and talk about what happened to them. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
4.5 stars! From the first scenes Kyle appeared in the book Calm (K. & Brigham’s Tidal series) I knew I liked him. Then they started the Speakeasy spinoff series, during With a Twist we get to know him a bit more. But my adoration grew for him in Extra Dirty and by the end of it I was all “I need his book as soon as possible!” I’m so happy we are here.
Kyle is kind, caring, and loving but you really see how much within these pages. Learning more about his history and seeing how it shaped him into who he is made me adore his heart and soul even more. Then Luka appears, not only does he save Kyle from a fire, he captures his heart. I absolutely loved seeing their hearts open up to each other.
There are moments of wonder, heartache and an incident that rocks their growing relationship. Through all this the one common denominator is that they have families that love them, when I say families I don’t necessarily mean blood related either. Luka’s immediate family is larger than Kyle’s and have some very big personalities. Some of them are amazing and sweet, while a couple put Kyle at a distance. We also get to meet Kyle’s brother Oliver who is fun and adores Kyle.
Then we have the Speakeasy group and they are a family. Anytime any of these amazing characters are on page it makes me smile. They are always there for one another through the best and worst of times. I truly love how much they love and care for one another with all their hearts. Yes, each of the Speakeasy books are based on a single character finding their own love and happiness but this series is also about friendship and family.
The writing between K & Brigham is cohesive and flowing. They build storylines that keep you engaged. You’ll be smiling and laughing at one point and yelling at them for hurting the guys at the next. Both co-written series are built with locations you can visualize and recall from one story to the next. These two ladies have been teasing in their groups about being in the midst of writing book 4. I cannot wait to get to know Malcolm and see who he is underneath his sit back and watch persona.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another amazing book in this series.
Luka a hot firefighter and Kyle co-owner of a club meet when Luka rescues Kyle from a fire at a local Burger place which is their second meeting and this time Luka decides that he is going to ask him out. Things are going really well until a devastating event happens to both Kyle and Luka and due to miscommunication they spend time apart. Over time they slowly begin to repair their relationship.
I highly recommend this book and series.
This was such a beautiful, fantastic, powerful, grab-you-by-the-feels, amazing, lovely, engaging, smoking hot, poignant, and totally awesome story. I fell in love with both Kyle and Luka, and I must admit that I was severely tempted to open up a major can of whupass on certain characters. I was pulled in from the very first page, and I would DEFINITELY recommend getting this marvelous gem ASAP!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great book, a perfect addition to the Speakeasy series. Since Extra Dirty I was really excited to read Kyle’s story: he’s one of those characters that from the very first line makes you fall in love with him. Just like with “With a Stick” and “Extra Dirty” I’m amazed by how easy the story flows, making the reader feel like part of the story – I dare even to say part of the Under Crew! And that’s a trademark on all the other books by the authors, and I’m glad that their unique style remains perfectly intact in this book: all the jokes, the drink names – their creativity is unreal – and the sexy fun and HOT times between the couple.
We have the charismatic bartender/drink mixer king Kyle and the ordinary downtown firefighter Luka, that have met just like any other couple around town, and start to have fun and enjoy each other until issues and life – and family, and other people’s hate and lack of respect – get in the way and we get to see how they’ll deal with everything and everyone. The story is emotional, a little angsty, but sooo perfect that I’m still a little hangover about it. But suits them perfectly, it happens just the way it should’ve.
I also really liked that the authors were careful to explain – like they did on Extra Dirty , and without compromising the book – the story of the Speakeasy Crew, how they get to know each other and how their paths crossed. So if you just met the gang… no worries, you’ll won’t feel something is missing. Family and friends area huge part of their lives, and part of who they are. But I highly recommend reading the other books, they are just as perfect!
Be prepared for good laughs, hot hot HOT sex, family time and a memorable book. Looking forward to see what the authors are planning for the next book – I have a feeling one or two characters deserve their own story…
Behind the Stick is the third book in The Speakeasy series by K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn. This is a beautiful and emotional story in my opinion. There are some fun and funny scenes for sure, but there are some scenes that really had me feeling those feels. Oh… and the steam is hot in here too.
Kyle and Luka are great characters and I felt they were a perfect fit for each other. Love is a journey of struggles and strengths and these two are showing they can tread that terrain well together, even if they need a little help from time to time to see past an obstacle. I love them though, my favorite couple so far actually.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
My emotions was all over the place. At one time I even cried. I just love Luka and Kyle! Luka is bisexual, biracial, fireman. Kyle is a gay, white, speakeasy owner. There are some ups and downs in this relationship. A very bad traumatic event and a big miscommunication that almost ends the relationship. I really felt emotions that Luka and Kyle where having.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed Kyle from “Extra Dirty” and am glad he got his story. Luca is a firefighter and Kyle is a mixologist and co-owner of ‘Under’. They have a great relationship. But of course, something has to go wrong! Watching them handle everything was a little heart wrenching for me but hey came out strong. I really loved the story!!
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions
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I really want Kyle to mix me one of his drinks and I’d like to see Luka in his gear. These two are so hot together and they make me happy. “Good thing you’re worth fighting for.” Kyle and Luka had an amazing journey to find each other, fall in love and overcome fears. They showed me what it means to fight for what you want and to fight for who you love, even when that means you have to fight yourself. I admire them so much and am so happy they found their way home.
Wow. I am completely loving this series by authors K Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn. I have been waiting for Kyle’s story ever since finishing Extra Dirty earlier this year, and Coles and Vaugh did not disappoint. Behind the Stick was every bit as fantastic as I hoped it would be. Even better in fact! The third book in the Speakeasy series takes us back to the neighborhoods of New York, and back into the lives of the Speakeasy Crew. I love the way the authors bring the different areas of the city to life, as well as making all the different settings so easily take shape in my mind. I could perfectly picture the different character’s homes, the places they visit, and, of course, Under, the speakeasy owned by Kyle and his friend Jesse. And, I love the descriptions of all the fabulous cocktails master mixologist Kyle McKee comes up with. I even highlighted a few of them so I could attempt to make them for myself!
The main thing I love about these books, though, is the characters. The friendships and relationships are fantastic, the dialogue is well-done, and the characters themselves are each so unique and wonderfully written. Well-developed characters, including supporting characters, can totally make a story, and Coles and Vaughn have done a great job with these guys. From the MCs and their families, on down to the regulars at the bar, I’m totally invested in these people now. Behind the Stick was another really good ensemble book.
I’m not going to go into too many details about the story itself, because the blurb is quite detailed and covers what needs to be covered. So, as usual, I’ll stick to my general impressions with the story and things I really enjoyed. Starting with Kyle! As I said, I’ve been anticipating Kyle’s book, and I knew I was going to like him, but I had no idea how much I was going to fall for him. I adoooored Kyle. He is kind, and generous, and loves his friends and his brother Oliver to a fault. I also loved Luka, and their chemistry was fabulous. And, speaking of chemistry, there is a scene in chapter ten – yes, I remember the chapter – this is FIRE, y’all. The blurb also mentions this scene, a foursome, in the advisory, but consider yourselves warned again! Heh.
The only real drama or conflict in the book arises from the fallout of the hate crime Kyle and Luka are involved in and happens more towards the end of the story. Because of Kyle’s childhood, being raised by a mother that didn’t really want him, he doesn’t believe that he’s worthy of prioritizing himself and has abandonment issues he wasn’t even aware of. But after the incident, these issues come to light and contribute to a rocky patch between he and Luka. I think the authors did a nice job handling some very heavy and sensitive subject matter in this part of the story and was happy with how everything played out.
Aside from that, for the most part the tone of the book was actually quite light. Coles and Vaughn have such a nice, easygoing style, and the flow of the story was great. I’m always impressed by how seamless some co-authored books feel. I worry that the transitions between author parts might be obvious, or clunky, but this was just a really smooth, enjoyable read. These two make a great team, and I’m so looking forward to the next Speakeasy book!! I’ve got my fingers crossed that it will be Malcolm’s turn for a story next!