A review by roksyreads
Chokehold by Harleigh Beck, Leigh Rivers

dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Cole and Blaise are supposed to be enemies. All it takes is one night behind masks—and one anonymous chase—to upend their worlds. They never expected the thrill of the game to blur the line between hatred and desire, igniting cravings buried deep. The problem? They both have girlfriends. Worse? They’re step-brothers. Yet they both still crave the touch and taste of the man they swear they despise as they wait for the next text message that will send their heartbeat racing, bringing with it the thrill—and the promise—of a forbidden chase.

With the thrills of both a forbidden romance and enemies-to-lovers dynamics, Chokehold was a captivating and intense story from start to finish, as well as being deeply emotional. MMC Cole’s story was especially challenging to read at times; the more I learnt about harrowing childhood and saw how poorly his step-father treated him, the more my heart broke for him. Although there were some repetitive aspects in the first half of the narrative, this was quickly overshadowed as Cole opened up to MMC Blaise, who had his own struggles to face and overcome. The development of their relationship, toxic as it was in the beginning, was raw and cathartic in unexpected ways. This was my first encounter with both authors, Leigh Rivers and Harleigh Beck; although not a five star read for me, I can say with confidence that I’d be happy to pick up another novel by either writer in future. 
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