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K.A. Merikan
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The Black Sheep and the Rotten Apple (gay historical romance) Kindle Edition

by K.A. Merikan (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 205 ratings

“How does one start a relationship with another man when it is forbidden?” “One needs to decide that the other man is worth dying for.”


Cornwall, 1785

Sir Evan Penhart. Baronet. Highwayman. Scoundrel.

Julian Reece. Writer. Wastrel. Penniless.

No one forces Julian Reece to marry. Not his father, not his brother. No one. When he is thrust into a carriage heading for London to meet his future bride, his way out comes in the form of an imposing highwayman, riding a horse as black as night. Julian makes a deal with the criminal, but what he doesn’t expect is that despite the title of baronet, the robber turns out to be no gentleman.

Sir Evan Penhart is pushed into crime out of desperation, but the pact with a pretty, young merchant’s son turns out to have disastrous consequences. Not only is Evan left broke, but worse yet, Julian opens up a Pandora’s box of passions that are dark, needy, and too wild to tame. With no way to lock them back in, rash decisions and greedy desire lead to a tide that wrecks everything in its way.

But Julian might actually like all the sinful, carnal passion unleashed on him. How can he admit this though, even to himself, when a taste of the forbidden fruit could have him end up with a noose around his neck? And with highway robbery being a hanging offense and the local constable on their back, Julian could lose Evan before he can decide anything about the nature of his desires.

◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆

Themes: highwayman, abduction, ransom, forbidden love, self-discovery, danger, crime, Cornwal, Britain, England, Georgian

Genre: Dark romance, historical

Length: ~140,000 words (standalone novel)

WARNING: Steamy content. Contains violence, distressing scenes, abuse, offensive language, and morally ambiguous protagonists.

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  1. Print length
    445 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    February 7, 2017
  4. File size
    2.5 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"(...) action packed and had me on the edge of my seat. (...) I see Evan and Julian as the first M/M power couple." - Natasha, Kindle Cousins

"A book that will leave its mark on you." - Caryn, Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

"(...) the perfect blend of romance and action. It's amidst chaos, and with the threat of everything ending, that the love and connection of the characters really shine." - Ele, Gay Book Reviews

"Watching these two lonely and vulnerable men as they lower their guards and finally start to open up to each other was really touching." - Alisa, Goodreads

"They were two men dealt a rotten deal in life but refused to be herded like sheep to the slaughter, they stood proud and tall and gave us the most enthralling and remarkable love story." - Lorraine Lesar, Three Books Over the Rainbow

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01N7WQHV7
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Acerbi & Villani Ltd. (February 7, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 7, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 445 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 205 ratings

About the author

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K.A. Merikan

K.A. Merikan

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K.A. Merikan is a duo of queer writers who don’t believe in following the well-trodden path. In their books you can dip your toe into dangerous romance with mafiosi, outlaw bikers and bad boys, all from the safety of your sofa. They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and in fiction. Their stories don’t shy away from exploring the darker side of M/M romance, and feature a variety of anti-heroes, rebels, misfits, and underdogs who go against the grain.

Be prepared for shocking twists, dark humor, raw emotions, and sizzling hot scenes.

K.A. Merikan also writes steamy M/M romcoms as Devon Doe.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
205 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's story engaging, with one noting how it pulls readers into its world. Moreover, the romance receives positive feedback, with customers describing it as sweet and wonderful. Additionally, customers appreciate the book's emotional depth, mentioning the presence of lasting love and some angst. The heat level is also well-received, with customers describing it as hot.

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8 customers mention "Story quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, with several finding it interesting and one describing it as a thrilling highwayman tale that pulls readers into its world.

"...in mind as just an erotic story though, be aware that is does have a great plot, with Evan and Julian working as highwayman, and trying to..." Read more

"I liked the story. I started off reading with certain expectations in mind, but they were changed as I continued to read...." Read more

"...Adventurous, fast paced, gritty, raw, colorful, fun, sexually explicit and hot AF , unpredictable, well research , angsty , emotional, dramatic AND..." Read more

"...The tale itself was pretty interesting if somewhat predictable. When the action finally picked up in the last third of the book so did the story...." Read more

6 customers mention "Heartwarming"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming, with some noting its emotional depth and broody nature, while one customer specifically mentions the presence of lasting love.

"...But! for those that like bad boys, some angst, a great plot with mystery. Also–Evan is a cinnamon roll. Just saying…." Read more

"...explicit and hot AF , unpredictable, well research , angsty , emotional, dramatic AND ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR STORY. I felt it all...." Read more

"...But what you will get is a heat-stopping, and heart-warming, story involving two fiercely independent and exceptionally strong young men working..." Read more

"...as individuals and a couple, pulls you into their world and pulls them into your heart." Read more

4 customers mention "Love story"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the love story in the book, describing it as sweet and wonderful.

"...I’ve seen in awhile, and while there is quite a bit of angst, it’s worth the ride...." Read more

"Lovely! Just lovely! Love these authors and their happily ever afters! Always spicy and always great storytelling...." Read more

"I loved this book so much! Even 30% through I knew I would be doing a reread soon...." Read more

"Adore this novel and these characters. So hot, and yet sweet and broody. Any chance we might get further adventures of these two 'gentlemen'?" Read more

3 customers mention "Heat level"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the heat level of the book.

"...fast paced, gritty, raw, colorful, fun, sexually explicit and hot AF , unpredictable, well research , angsty , emotional, dramatic AND ABSOLUTELY..." Read more

"...But what you will get is a heat-stopping, and heart-warming, story involving two fiercely independent and exceptionally strong young men working..." Read more

"Adore this novel and these characters. So hot, and yet sweet and broody. Any chance we might get further adventures of these two 'gentlemen'?" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Debra
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
    Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I love a good highwayman tale. It’s been a thing for me since middle school, and this novel is everything a highwayman tale ought to be.

    Evan is caught between a rock and a hard place, trying to be a gentleman and save the one thing in his existence that is worth anything, but without the necessary funds to do so. Until he pulls over the carriage bearing Julian.

    Julian is avoiding marriage, and the further displeasure of his father and brother. He’s made a mess of his life, and not cared, until he crosses paths with the highwayman that makes his blood stir.

    Evan and Julian clash, in the worst ways, and in the best ways. Evan knows what he wants, yet doesn’t understand Julian well enough to interpret his meanings, and Julian is giving mixed signals every time Evan turns around. The days may be long and riddled with dust and neglect, but the nights are full, and hotter than they’ve any right being in Cornwall.

    Before you set this one in mind as just an erotic story though, be aware that is does have a great plot, with Evan and Julian working as highwayman, and trying to understand one another. It has some of the best character development I’ve seen in awhile, and while there is quite a bit of angst, it’s worth the ride.

    Do heed the warnings in the book description, because some readers may find this novel triggering. But! for those that like bad boys, some angst, a great plot with mystery. Also–Evan is a cinnamon roll. Just saying….
    2 people found this helpful
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  • C.R.
    4.0 out of 5 stars I liked the story.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I liked the story. I started off reading with certain expectations in mind, but they were changed as I continued to read. I really liked how Evan and Julian's relationship grew throughout the book. Good ending.
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  • W.F.
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Truly Spectacular MM, Historical Breeches-Rippers Romance
    Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    UPDATE: Audio and Ebook reviews
    Reviewed on: 03-19-2020

    Overall: 5 stars
    Performance: 5 stars
    Story: 5 stars
    Narrated by: James Reily
    Length: 15 hrs and 6 mins

    In the 80's, I was 11 or 12 years old ; that's when I read my 1st, Barbara Cartland Harlequin's Bodice Rippers Romance ; I was hooked. In later years, Amanda Quick and Lisa Kleypas kept my attention.

    As I grew older , began reading/listening MM romance; since , been looking for my guilty pleasure trope in that genre. I finally found in The Black Sheep and the Rotten Apple ; my Breeches-Rippers fix and I'm once again, Hook, Line and Sinker.

    Adventurous, fast paced, gritty, raw, colorful, fun, sexually explicit and hot AF , unpredictable, well research , angsty , emotional, dramatic AND ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR STORY.

    I felt it all. I had to stop listening/reading couple times , as I was so emotional invested and engaged , I couldn't concentrate on the narrator words , my anguish and sorrow , was real to me.

    James Reily deserves a standing ovation. His narration was as EPIC as the story itself. For 15 hours and 6 minutes , he transported me to Cornwall , England in 1785 and I loved and experienced every single minute.

    Highly recommended it. It's worth all yours and mine Audible credits.

    #BooksILove #Audible #ListenedOn2020 #ReadOn2020 #KU #GRR #KaMerikan #Amazon
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  • Brangela
    3.0 out of 5 stars K.A. Median Light
    Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Rating 3.5 That said I was somewhat disappointed in this story. I loved the other books I've read by this author. They were very, very dark which I love. This tale while no romp in the park was quite tame in comparison. Also the story was far to long due to it's repetitiveness. I scanned thru entire pages describing the same scenarios over and over. The tale itself was pretty interesting if somewhat predictable. When the action finally picked up in the last third of the book so did the story. However I never really connected with the MCs as I normally do with this Author. For those new to the Author this might be a good introduction novel before dipping your toes into darker themes. The historical references and depictions were well done. The ignorance, constant fear, loneliness and claustrophobia of being homosexual in that time period was conveyed in a convincing and chilling manner. If not for my personal preferences I would rate this book 4 stars.
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  • Bo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Totally Unique and Thrilling
    Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    You will not meet characters in any milieu quite like Evan and Julian, and you will not get the depths of the cruel homophobic British laws as heartbreaking as in these pages.

    But what you will get is a heat-stopping, and heart-warming, story involving two fiercely independent and exceptionally strong young men working their way from bitter confrontation to wildly abandoned lust to totally committed love.

    Both men are upper Regency class, Evan is gay, Julian is a wastrel who is sometimes interested in women but never really men. Until Evan confronts him and takes him against his will, only to suffer the consequences of Julian's deeply resentful reactions.

    And from there the adventure begins and does not stop--a wild, wild ride through the Cornish culture and countryside, some completely unredeemable villains, some dedicated friends, some very nasty family members.

    This ride is smoothed at times by a beautifully developed love story that will leave you hanging until the very end, which should be followed up by a novella to bring the smile on your face up to a wide grin.

    Exceptional in every sense.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Beanie
    5.0 out of 5 stars WOW..One of KAMs best yet...right up there with The Copper Horse & Guns n Boys.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 8, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    ***************Some V Mild Spoilers incl***************
    It’s no secret I devour anything I can get my hands on by these authors, but I’ve been particularly aching for the release of this book, as the ladies are amazing at penning historical romance, albeit usually alternative history. Their Zombie Gentlemen books?...some of my absolute fave reads. So it comes as no surprise at just how much I relished this one. It's beautifully written and honestly one of the most romantic books I may have ever read, and thankfully, doesn't get too bogged down with the world building.

    The reclusive and near penniless nobleman, Sir Evan Penhart, finds himself thrust into a life of crime of his own making. Due to the fecklessness of his late brother, Evan’s ancestral home is rapidly deteriorating while his debts are spiralling out of control...so desperate times, calls for desperate measures. His one-time shot in his new role of highwayman goes quickly south when he accosts the haughty little dandy, Julian Reece – who’s been quite literally dragged kicking and screaming from another of his all-night benders to travel with his brother to meet his future bride. But instead of merely robbing the other man, Evan agrees to Julian's mutually beneficial ploy of pseudo-kidnapping him and holding his wealthy father to ransom, thus allowing Evan to save his home from ruin, whilst Julian escapes his arranged marriage and flees the country. Cleverly concocted plan right? Would be, if Julian's father actually gave a toss about his son’s welfare..and..if the two didn't balls up the entire scheme by falling madly in love with one another.

    I loved that a lot of the formalities and social etiquettes of the time that would've normally been present between these men, had been dispensed with from pretty early on in their relationship, due to the highly unusual predicament they found themselves in. It forced the pair to not only become much more open and frank, but also afforded them the luxury of time to really get to know and trust one another...and of course, act on their attraction. And in an era when homosexuality meant imprisonment or the death penalty, these men would've never had the opportunity to even consider the possibility of a life together, making this tale just that little bit more forbidden and exciting. But it's also damn funny in parts. The initial interactions between the men is first class, especially when Evan has to suffer Julian's fanciful and incessant wittering about money, fine clothes, his “toss-off book about fairies”, and other inanities, whilst poor Evan’s barely making ends meet. So how he managed to refrain from throttling the pompous brat, was baffling.

    However, Julian isn't quite the useless and narcissistic creature we initially assume. It was heartwarming to see that beneath all that shallow superficiality of frivolity and finery, there's actually a very decent, kind and dependable man, with a tender and caring side. And who also, when the need arose, wasn't afraid to fight for his lover and also muck in and get his hands dirty, when he fought side by side with his man against the villains of the tale. I was admittedly beaming with pride on his behalf. But I confess, Evan stole my heart from the get-go, as I'm ever the sucker for a swarthy brute with a brooding intensity, not to mention he’s got a helluva kinky side to boot. But the real clincher? Selling his beloved telescope so his little canary could go to the ball. Aaawwww....if I didn’t already adore the man…then that selfless and uber-romantic gesture surely did the trick. That, and the way he pandered to his pretty peacock’s every whim, was, for me, nothing short of swoon-worthy.

    This is also a sexual awakening tale for Julian. Unbeknownst to himself, the reason for Julian's lack of interest in bedding any of the wenches at his local brothel of late, is because of his true sexuality. But when feelings stir within mere hours of meeting his captor, and he finds himself ogling the brawny beauty at every opportunity, he’s genuinely perplexed as to why. So when he eventually realises that all his thoughts and fancies of late have more than likely been triggered by his latent desire for men, I honestly felt such a rush of relief...and happiness for him. Evan on the other hand, is all too aware of his own inclinations. And while he tries to suppress his sexual orientation for obvious reasons, he finds himself lusting after Julian from the second he lays eyes on him.

    Admittedly the lovers’ first time together may have been under morally dubious circumstances – when Evan decides to ravish Julian as payment when his father refuses to pay up – but imo, Julian more than wanted Evan. But he also needed to be wooed and cherished first, and not made to feel like he didn't have a say in the matter. And in that respect, this felt reminiscent of the whole Dom & Seth (GnB) scenario. And besides, the slightly dub-con nature of Julian and Evan’s first coupling, made it no less sexy. Although as their relationship deepens and strengthens and the men confess their love and devotion, the sex becomes crazy-hot, but also sweet, tender and very loving. And they also get a little kinky together, when Evan inadvertently introduces Julian to the joys of a little bondage & discipline.

    Even for m/m readers who aren't normally fans of historical romance, I'd urge to have a crack at this. It's a must read imo. It's such an exciting, drama-filled, sexy, funny, sweet and super-romantic new take on the old-school bodice ripper. With 2 beautiful, albeit occasionally flawed, leads, who you will undoubtedly come to love and root for. And love or loathe them, there's also some intriguing background characters too - those who aid our star-crossed lovers in their struggle for freedom and happiness, and those who go to any lengths to prevent it. There's no epilogue showing the couple living their HEA, but believe me, the story doesn't miss it. These enemies to friends to lovers go through hell to be together, making it a guarantee they're in it for the long haul. The only other thing I'd like to see is Martin (what a sweetheart) get his own tale some day??, as I did feel a little bad for him.
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  • Tara Wellington
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another amazing story by K
    Reviewed in Canada on April 2, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Another amazing story by K.A. Merikan! Evan and Julian's story touched me and I wanted to be in there with them fighting for them. It's unlike any story I've ever read, of course I've read historical romance but I've never liked them that much. I thought I'd give this a go, having a love forbidden to you and if caught that you would hang for it is of the cruelest things that could happen to a couple.
    I could write a whole book report on this as if I'm in English class lol, but don't want to give away spoilers.
    This novel made me feel so many emotions I still don't know how to feel. The injustice they faced and it's not just because they were lovers, Sir Evan and Julian also did other things to break the law.
    The ending was so action packed my adrenaline was pumping along with the story, I couldn't take my eyes away from the pages.
    A must read!
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  • Anna Rita
    5.0 out of 5 stars Libro stupendo che ho divorato in pochissimo tempo
    Reviewed in Italy on February 7, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Questo libro racconta di un incontro avvenuto per caso tra due uomini completamente diversi, ma che con il passare del tempo imparerà a completarsi a vicenda. Julian è un aspirante scrittore, uno spirito libero che vede nel mondo una miriade di possibilità, come quella di recarsi in Italia ed esplorare posti diversi. Ed è per questo che non vuole sistemarsi come vorrebbe il padre. Evan è un uomo serio, con la testa sulle spalle, che in passato ha sofferto profondamente, e da allora si è rinchiuso tra le mura della sua vecchia casa in rovina, evitando se possibile qualsiasi contatto umano. Insieme cresceranno e affronteranno mille difficoltà, scoprendo cose nuove sia su loro stessi che come coppia. È una storia che vi terra' con il fiato sospeso e non potrete evitare di divorarlo in poco tempo.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly good
    Reviewed in Australia on October 13, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I was surprised with this book. I am more inclined to historical but more so with Regency. I tried this because it looked pirate-y, plus it says historical in the title. It was full of action and lots of comedy, but with the rough amount of angst and hot, steamy scenes. The story was well written without the use of highfalutin words. I would recommend it to lovers of MM historical romances.
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  • Client Kindle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Black sheep
    Reviewed in Canada on January 2, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I've been a fan of merikan since I the first book book I've read from that author and I always be because there's no disappointment excitation yes the feelings yo need to read more again again so thanks to KA merikan to let me read you
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