"Instead of instructing young wives on how to roast a chicken or darn a sock or ease colic in an infant, I want you to write a guide that will tell th"Instead of instructing young wives on how to roast a chicken or darn a sock or ease colic in an infant, I want you to write a guide that will tell them, plainly and directly, what they might expect from marital relations with their husbands. It will tell them that it could and should be a pleasant experience, and not a shameful necessity to which they are bound to submit." -p.24
When her husband of eleven years dies, Caroline is distraught and alone, with no other family to turn to. As time passes, she throws herself into the project of writing an instruction manual for young wives. Once it's done, she seeks out a friend of her husband's who is a publisher. She's disappointed when he says there's no market for her book, but he contacts her again, impressed with her writing and proposes she write the same sort of book, but this time have it focused on "marital relations."
Juliana Ross really shines in this story! I devoured it in one sitting and wanted to turn around and re-read it immediately! Since Caroline lives in the country, and her publisher, Tom, lives in London, they send letters and manuscripts through the mail, then meet in person about once per month to discuss things. I loved the contrast between the formal way they talk and write letters to each other and how very dirty they are in the bedroom. It was great read and an incredibly hot one! The author also manages to sell me on a second love of a lifetime without bashing the first - something I really appreciate!
My biggest complaint was how Caroline handled the obstacle they faced near the end of the story. It seemed out of character, especially when the solution seemed so easy to me. However, the way Tom reacted really redeemed things. He was so confident in her love for him and his for her that he was able to handle things well.
I also want to note that Tom is a dirty talker in the bedroom, and Caroline finds that she really enjoys it. The sex scenes are very well written! I highly recommend this book - it's going on my best of the year list! ...more
What if the two right people met, but it was the wrong time? Vivian and Seth meet at their siblings' wedding. The attraction is instant. Neither is loWhat if the two right people met, but it was the wrong time? Vivian and Seth meet at their siblings' wedding. The attraction is instant. Neither is looking for commitment, and that works out just fine for them. A quickie in a limo at the wedding turns into a happy memory for both of them as Seth keeps trying to make it big with his rock band and Vivian moves to the US to work on her career as a designer.
Ten years later Vivian moves back to Australia and suddenly she and Seth are seeing each other all the time. The attraction is still there, and the timing is still awful. Seth has grown up a lot. He gave up on the rock star dream and settled down and bought a bar. But he still managed to knock up his twenty-something girlfriend before they split up. So now he's looking at fatherhood with a girl who seems more interested in shopping than the baby due in weeks. Vivian, who is known in her family as the flighty one, has also grown up and settled down. She's co-owner of a new photography/stylist business. But they keep getting thrown together. And even though the timing couldn't be worse and their families don't really approve, they're starting to find they don't just have horny pants for each other, but they actually like each other, too!
This book is going on my best of the year list! I think Vivian is one of my all time favorite heroines. She knows who she is and she's fine with herself, flaws and all. She likes sex and she's not ashamed that she does. But she's mature enough that her life is not all one night stands and she understands that there are repercussions when you decide to sleep with someone. She will not put up with slut shaming and doesn't hesitate to call Seth out on it when he starts down that path.
Vivian's acceptance of herself and her imperfections helps her appreciate the same in Seth. And if Seth is a little late to see all that is wonderful about Vivian, we'll give him a pass because his life is a pretty big mess during most of the story. It's an awful time to start a relationship. It's messy and probably not smart, but it's their story, and that's how Mayberry writes it. So awesome!
There were a couple small things about the book that bothered me. I would have been happier with a HFN ending instead of the all out HEA. It's also not as hot as some of the books I enjoy, but with the strong plot and characters, I didn't miss the extra couple sex scenes at all. And the scenes that were in the book were great!
I'll just say it right here. I think Sarah Mayberry is one of the most under appreciated romance authors out there right now. In my book she's right up there with Jill Shalvis, Jaci Burton, Shannon Stacey, Ruthie Knox, and Cara Mckenna. I'd even say she writes stronger storylines than any of these authors. If you haven't tried her yet, go pick up one of her stories and try her now!...more
Sam Burnside is a doctor who works too much and worries about his siblings too much. He's driving his partner in a new health clinic crazy, so she senSam Burnside is a doctor who works too much and worries about his siblings too much. He's driving his partner in a new health clinic crazy, so she sends him off on errand to volunteer with a local farmer and build some goodwill in their community. Nina Paz is that farmer and the chemistry between the two of them is immediate and electric. The thing is, they both have some pretty serious issues they're dealing with. Sam's got some crazy ADHD and a way of pushing away the brother and sisters he loves so much. Nina is ten years out from the death of her husband. She's distanced herself from her family and built a new one made of a tight knit group of friends, but she's still dealing with her losses.
This was a hard read for me. Not hard emotionally, but I had a hard time connecting to the characters. Honestly, it seemed to require a lot of reading between the lines to understand what was going on and how the characters were feeling. That's something I've really enjoyed in the previous books I've read by Mary Ann Rivers, but I struggled with it in this book. Additionally, both Sam and Nina have lives filled with really tough and sad situations. I know they took hope from their relationship and each other, but it was pretty depressing to read.
On the other hand, it's full of one liners that made me laugh - the dialog is hilarious! The characters are believable. Sam's ADHD was very interesting to read about. It wasn't a mild childhood thing that passed with age, but something he continued to struggle with and cope with. That read very real to me. He's impulsive and blurts things out, and this causes him problems in his relationships. Watching Nina come to understand this was very sweet.
I'll definitely read more Mary Ann Rivers, and I'm thinking the dark tone of the things Sam and Nina were dealing with was just too much for me in this story....more
Alessandro grew up in a loving foster home in his small home town. He didn't have a very good reputation, but he's come a long way since leaving home.Alessandro grew up in a loving foster home in his small home town. He didn't have a very good reputation, but he's come a long way since leaving home. When his foster father passes away, Ale moves back home to help his foster mom with the two kids she's currently fostering.
Jaime grew up with a heart defect that made him pretty fragile. Now he's had a heart transplant and he's adjusting to being normal and living a normal life. When Ale starts working at Jaime's sister's bakery Jaime is attracted to him and decides that maybe it's time for him to have his first relationship.
The only things that stand between them are Alessandro's feeling that Jaime is too good for him, the town bully they went to high school with, and some secrets Ale knows but doesn't even want to think about.
There was a lot I really enjoyed about this story! There's the positive foster care experience, the realistic handling of Jaime's heart transplant - especially his self consciousness about his scars. There's Jaime and his sister's relationship, which I enjoyed. There's some harassment and vandalism directed toward Jaime and Ale, and while I was disappointed that Jaime didn't want to call the police in on it, his response felt really real. I really enjoyed Ale taking Jaime out to a club and watching Jaime come into his own, learn about his own sexuality and how that was all done without shame.
My biggest problem with the story was the secret and the villain. Secrets annoy me, though this one was handled well. The villain was pretty stupid, and it seemed a little unrealistic that things went on as long as they did.
Overall, though, it was a good read. I'll definitely be looking for more from this author. ...more
Kendra is successful, happy, and self confident. A one night stand with Lincoln left him wanting more, but instead they've become friends without beneKendra is successful, happy, and self confident. A one night stand with Lincoln left him wanting more, but instead they've become friends without benefits, and it's through Lincoln that Kendra meets Noah. Noah and Kendra couldn't be more opposite of each other. Kendra enjoys luxury and material comforts. Noah lives off the grid. No power. No phone. No car. Really, the only thing they have in common is their friendship with Lincoln and his need for their help. Well, they've got that and a tremendous case of horny pants that Noah says they can't act on because Lincoln called dibs on Kendra.
Tamara Morgan is awesome at writing strong heroines, and she does a great job with Kendra. A lot of times when I read a story I like the heroine because I identify with her in some way. I didn't feel like I had much in common with Kendra, but I really, really liked her. She's a woman very happy with her body and her looks. She's had plastic surgery (breast augmentation) and she's proud of it. I can't imagine ever getting a boob job, but if I did, I hope I would own it like Kendra. She meets life with a "This is who I am" attitude that's admirable.
On the other hand, not only is Noah different from Kendra in outward appearance and lifestyle, he's an emotional mess inside. This could be a recipe for disaster, with strong stable Kendra being a martyr for Noah, but it doesn't turn out that way, which is a very good thing.
Unfortunately the first half of this book really dragged for me. I probably would have stopped reading if I hadn't enjoyed books by the author before. I'm really glad I stuck with it, though. The second half of the book was much stronger. My main issue with the first half of the book was that the main conflict between Kendra and Noah, the thing keeping them from pursuing a relationship they both wanted, was that Lincoln had this crush on Kendra that he was sure would evolve into the great love of his life. Despite the fact that Kendra told both Lincoln and Noah that she was never going to be romantically involved with Lincoln, it was this bro code that kept Kendra and Noah apart. This left a bad taste in my mouth, because I felt like they were treating Kendra like an object. It didn't matter what she wanted, Lincoln's hopes for her determined Noah's actions. It was like she was a toy and it was still Lincoln's turn to play with her. That was really frustrating for me.
On top of all that, Lincoln came across as very unstable, and it seemed unrealistic to me that Kendra and Noah would enable him. Seriously. The book starts with Lincoln at Kendra's house in the middle of the night with a stab wound. He won't go to the hospital for it because he's in trouble with the police department *where he works*. This whole premise is a mess.
On part of the book I really loved is one I predict others may have a problem with. There is no slut shaming in this book. The opening pages have Kendra at home with a younger man getting ready to have sex. They are not in a committed relationship, but are both consenting adults. They are interrupted by Lincoln, who is a former one night stand. Kendra is also ok with her college aged younger sister having one night stands. These are things some readers might not like - this kind of behavior seems reserved for only the men in romance. I thought it was refreshing in this book to read about women so comfortable with themselves and their sexuality.
While I complained about the first half of the book was really enjoyable, and not just because Noah and Kendra were finally having sex. It was full of relationship stuff that I love. They're so different, so how can they work things out? Their path to happiness isn't smooth, but it's real and I loved it.
This is the third in the series, but I think it stands alone. I remembered Lincoln and Kendra from previous books, but not very well. I don't know if they weren't very developed in the first two books or if it was a memory lapse on my part, but I think it would stand on it's own. This wasn't my favorite Tamara Morgan book, but it was a good one and I enjoyed it. She's on my short list of must-read authors. ...more
Cute! I'd give it a B+. The premise is a bit weak. I don't think liking or not liking comic books is really that big of a deal, so it seems a bit sillCute! I'd give it a B+. The premise is a bit weak. I don't think liking or not liking comic books is really that big of a deal, so it seems a bit silly that he's was trying so hard to fake it. Especially since he seemed like quite a geek in his own right. But the story was cute and sweet and funny. I'd definitely read another story by this author!...more
Destiny Burnside is out of work, nearly out of money, and still mourning her father's recent death. Every day she treks to her local library to use thDestiny Burnside is out of work, nearly out of money, and still mourning her father's recent death. Every day she treks to her local library to use their computers for her job search. The only silver lining to this daily trip is the chance to see the quiet, good-looking wood carver doing restoration work in the library.
Hefin is the woodcarver, and he's noticed Destiny, too. They're both pretty quiet and shy, though, so it's not until he sees Destiny crying one day that he approaches her. He just wants to help her feel better. This leads quickly to a friendship and an acknowledged attraction between the two of them. The only problem? Hefin's time in the US is limited. He's heading home to Wales after he finishes the library project. Destiny's ties to her small town are many and strong, and this sets them up for an affair they know can't last, but can't resist either.
This is a kind of cliched setup, but I thought it was a very original story. In fact, about half way through I realized I didn't really know how they would work things out. Hefin NEEDS to go back to Wales. Destiny is very needed by her family in Ohio. And, yes, I could guess at how they would work it out, but the journey to get there wasn't a sure thing for me, and it was very enjoyable!
Another strength of this story was that Destiny and Hefin aren't traditionally beautiful people. Well, ok, Destiny kind of is. I've always envied red heads and all their freckles. It's clear that Destiny doesn't see herself as beautiful, but even more clear that Hefin DOES. And Hefin thinks of himself as "quite hairy" which is not exactly a romance-land hero!
These two are both functioning, but functioning broken. Limping along, living with the losses they've been dealt, and finding the courage to reach for more. It was heartbreaking in a good way to read, because, yes, you felt their heartbreak, but you also got to go along for the ride through their healing.
I thought the sex scenes were hot and well written. The characters felt like real people and the conflict was believable. The pacing of the story was slow, but very enjoyable for me. I can't wait for more for Mary Ann Rivers!! ...more
So, wow, this book really worked for me! I didn't want to put it down, and I was surprised at how much I was drawn I to it, emotionally. Tack could reSo, wow, this book really worked for me! I didn't want to put it down, and I was surprised at how much I was drawn I to it, emotionally. Tack could really be a jerk, but over and over he made things right with Tyra. So good! I highly recommend it.
1/31/14 eta full review:
So I was at book club a couple weeks ago and a bunch of my friends were going on and on about Madeline Sheehan and what great motorcycle (MC) book crack she writes and how they love it so. For the first time, I was feeling a little left out. I thought I would not like an MC book. I was hesitant to read one. But I don't like feeling left out, and it was a reading goal of mine to try a Kristen Ashley book, AND I'd just gotten a NetGalley copy of Motorcycle Man, so I figured all signs were pointing toward it being time for me to put on my big girl pants and give this MC book thing a try.
I started reading and was instantly pulled in. Tyra is in bed after having sex with Tack, who she just met, and is seeing hearts and flowers and thinking that this man, finally, is her dream man. And Tack?
His hand left my skin to smack my ass lightly before he said, "Time to get to your own bed, darlin." (p. 17, ePub edition)
*snort* Not exactly hero behavior! But Tyra's got some backbone. She feels like an idiot for mistaking fabulous sex for love, and for thinking Tack was her dream man, and because Tack is her new boss. However, when Tack tries to fire Tyra, because he doesn't mix work and pleasure, she stands up for herself, and she keeps the job.
This book was so awesome. Tack is an alphole, but a really sexy one. And the thing is, over and over he proves that he cares about Tyra. He gives her what she needs, and he apologizes when he makes mistakes. Of course, he makes lots of mistakes, and one of them is being a sexist, macho, bossy pig of a man, but it's so easy to forgive him. It's totally believable that Tyra would continue to fall for him.
The story line is good, believable, and very engrossing. There's a certain amount of suspense and danger, but not enough to annoy me. The writing style is almost a stream of consciousness, all from Tyra's point of view, but that worked very, very well.
My only problem with the book is the MC culture. Women are second class citizens who have no say in the running of the club. There are "old ladies" and club whores and they each have their place and accept one another. And though the MC in this story is relatively clean, as far as drug running goes, it's acknowledged that drug running is a path that other clubs take. I have so many issues with that lifestyle that I almost feel guilty reading the book.
Despite all that, and mostly because of the alpha hotness and dirty talking that is Tack, I loved this story. I don't think MC romance will ever be a favorite of mine, in general, but this book is! It's going on my favorites of 2014 list and I highly recommend it! ...more
Three stories with strong women who don't really need a man, but love them anyway. I loved it and want to go back and reread!
I'm going to break this dThree stories with strong women who don't really need a man, but love them anyway. I loved it and want to go back and reread!
I'm going to break this down into the 3 stories and review them separately. As a whole I give the anthology an A. It's rare to have all the stories in a collection work for me like these did! I highly recommend it, and the authors' note in my ARC says that the ebook will be on sale for $2.99 until the end of February, when the price will go up to $4.99. This book is a steal at $2.99! I came away with 2 new series I want to follow and a great installment to Beyond, which I already loved.
Note: I really think you need to read this series in order to get the most out of it. If you haven't read it yet, go back to the start and read Beyond Shame - you won't regret it!
So, Noah is not from Sector Four, but he's doing some work that brings him under Dallas' radar and he's being brought into the gang. He's also looking forward to and dreading seeing Emma, little sister to his best friend. They haven't seen or talked to each other in years, and there's some history between them. Emma always had a crush on him, and he had feelings for her, but he's got some secrets hidden that he doesn't want her to know about. He's also having some issues seeing her as the strong and independent woman she is now, since his memories are full of her as a naive and innocent girl.
It's a short story, so the main source of conflict is Noah's big secret. I don't enjoy secrets. The best thing about this one was the way Emma handled it when she found out. She's a strong woman and one who is offended at people trying to protect her by keeping secrets. That was awesome! Sector Four women in general are awesome, though!
In other good news, Noah is a red head and likes dirty sex. It turns out Emma does, too, and we get a lot of it. This wasn't my favorite in the Beyond series, but it still rates a B+. They are all just so good!
Rocky Ride by Vivan Arend Grade: B+ Genre: Dystopian Series: Thompson & Sons #1
Anna is a straitlaced cop with a good reputation. Mitch is a mechanic with a biker look to him. They've been meeting on the down low for sex, but he wants to push her for an actual relationship. Their small town has some small minds that see biker and think criminal. Mitch has to convince Anna to give their relationship a chance.
This story starts out with one of the hottest opening scenes I've read in a long time. It's a great start to a solid story. Watching Anna relax and let her guard down made for a good read. I got very frustrated at the choices Mitch was making toward the end of the story, but then Arend redeemed herself by having Anna really call Mitch out for his choices!
The weak point in the story was the prejudice against bikers, or rough looking tattooed guys. I haven't ever really considered that as a big deal - but maybe I just don't understand? In any case, I just went with it and it worked.
The sex was hot, the heroine was independent and strong. I loved it!
All That Remains by Lauren Dane Grade: A Genre: Dystopian, Triad*, futuristic Series: Metamorphosis #1
Set in a post-plague future, which Dane describes on her website as not dystopian (and I agree) Summer meets a new man in her village, Charlie. Summer isn't too surprised when Charlie mentions he has a partner (in the physical sense) but she's shocked when she meets him and it's Hatch, her first love. Summer and Hatch may still have feelings for each other, but there's a lot of history between them and it's not all good. The three of them have a lot to work through if they want to make a commitment to each other.
This story was all the best of the Lauren Dane Brown Siblings/Delicious books I love, set in an interesting future where women are only a small portion of the population and very valued. Summer is another strong woman who is sure of herself and doesn't need a man (or men) to complete her. She's not ashamed of her sexuality - that was refreshing to read!
Really my only complaint about this story was the overuse of the phrase "raining honey" which pulled me out of the story every time it came up. Other than that, everything worked for me and I can't wait to read more!
*Note - I used to mark any book with a 3 person (or more scene) as a "menage" book. I'm now using menage for an uncommitted encounter(s) and triad for a story about the committed relationship between 3 people.
I started this book at 11:30pm last night and just kept reading until I finished it at 1:30am! That was not my intention, but I just couldn't put it dI started this book at 11:30pm last night and just kept reading until I finished it at 1:30am! That was not my intention, but I just couldn't put it down. AND it had me on the verge of tears a lot. I HATE crying while I read, but I loved this book!
I will admit, once I was done and I looked back at it, I had some issues. Jessica is a little too perfect and a bit much of a martyr. Also, the story is told solely from her POV. This didn't bother me at all during the book, but there was a reveal at the end which really surprised me (view spoiler)[ When Daniel says he loved her long before they got married (hide spoiler)] that really felt unbelievable to me. That was probably because I was never in his POV.
Despite all that, the book worked for me, and I'd read more by this author.
I want to add that I ADORED the mix of explict sex romance and a couple who were actively Christian. I thought that balance was handled really well and I appreciated it!...more
Another solid read in the Kowalski series! I enjoyed this one, but I wanted about 50 more pages - the ending was really abrupt and I wasn't sure I totAnother solid read in the Kowalski series! I enjoyed this one, but I wanted about 50 more pages - the ending was really abrupt and I wasn't sure I totally believed it. I loved going to a huge Kowalski camping trip and all the humor involved in that! There was no way I could keep up with who was who from past books, but I was ok with that and still enjoyed this one. I'm hoping for Hailey's story soon!...more
This was a 4.5 read for me, so I'll round it up to 5.
This is one of those reviews that's hard to write because I love Delphine Dryden so much! I love This was a 4.5 read for me, so I'll round it up to 5.
This is one of those reviews that's hard to write because I love Delphine Dryden so much! I love her like I love Shelly Laurenston - NO ONE gets shifters like Laurenston, and no one writes geeks like Delphine Dryden! I highlighted references to LARPing, a bag of holding, Pavlovian responses, Zoolander, and Star Trek - and those are only the ones I highlighted.
Another real strength of this story is how imperfectly perfect Ed is! There's this wonderful moment where he takes off his shirt in the BDSM Club, when he's agreed to be Beth's sub, and he looks around and realizes he has more body hair than anyone else in the whole place combined. And Beth sees him as he is. He's not a handsome hunk who has her swooning at first glance. Instead we get to see how her attraction to Ed grows over time, and holy cow do I enjoy that!
There was a bit of a love triangle when Beth's ex makes a play for her. That's pretty much my least favorite trope in romance reading, but the rest of the story was strong enough that I kept reading. I also appreciated the fact that Beth's ex was a two dimensional character that had some good qualities. He wasn't EVIL just because he was an ex-boyfriend.
Overall, it was a great read I highly recommend, especially to romance readers who enjoy a little geek and some BDSM. ...more
Rachel has a crush on her boss, Adrian. Adrian owns and runs a very successful construction/rehabilitation company, and unbeknownst to Rachel, he has Rachel has a crush on her boss, Adrian. Adrian owns and runs a very successful construction/rehabilitation company, and unbeknownst to Rachel, he has a crush right back on her. When they get snowed in together at a mountain resort, they spend some non-working time together, which leads to a weekend fling.
If I had a crush on my CEO boss and decided to have some no strings sex with each other, but then ended up falling for him, I think this is exactly how it would go down. It's emotionally messy. They work very well together, but when it comes to personal stuff, they stumble around and try not to step on the other's toes. That was a little frustrating, but it felt so real!
The story was still that great Shannon Stacey mix of sweet and funny. It's a quick and enjoyable holiday read that I recommend. ...more
This was under the "erotica" category at NetGalley, and it sounded interesting. For about the first half I enjoyed it, but it's very Danielle Steele lThis was under the "erotica" category at NetGalley, and it sounded interesting. For about the first half I enjoyed it, but it's very Danielle Steele like, so it may work for her fans. It's got a lot of anguish. The story is focused on the heroine, Sophie, not the relationship between her and Ash.
I would not consider this story a romance, as I think a happily ever after ending is necessary in a romance.
Sophie she goes through a lot of tough times, yet continues to push away any help he would offer.
At first I was pretty proud of her, but it quickly turned I to a situation where she was cutting off her nose to spite her face! She ran from safety time and time again. (view spoiler)[ Oh, you could save me from a brothel? No, I will run away from you and save myself, even tho the last three times I did that ended up with me in danger.
ALL THAT AND THERES NOT EVEN A HAPPY ENDING! She leaves him at the end if the book! Maybe this is part of a series, though it doesn't appear so on Goodreads, but it didn't look like that from the blurb, and the whole reading experience just makes me angry! (hide spoiler)]
I will add that I thought the writing was solid and the editing was good. It just didn't like the ending or the angst....more
My love affair with Tucker Springs continues! Nathan (who we met in the very first book, Where Nerves End) saved up to buy a horse he'd always wanted.My love affair with Tucker Springs continues! Nathan (who we met in the very first book, Where Nerves End) saved up to buy a horse he'd always wanted. Then, on the very first day he got to go out riding, the horse is startled by a motorcycle in the wrong place and throws Nathan off. Nathan breaks his leg and then his hand. When Ryan, the motorcyclist wants to appologize and help Nathan through his recovery, Nathan hesitantly accepts that help. They decide Nathan will teach Ryan to ride his horse to keep her in practice while Nathan heals up.
This bad luck beginning turns into a sweet love story! Nathan is like an open book. Ryan is much more guarded with his past and he has his own baggage, but he's very understanding about Nathan's issues. The flirting between these two had me smiling throughout the book. The angsty parts were realistic, too.
The main source of conflict in the story is Ryan's lifestyle. He's happily nomadic, moving from place to place. He has no problem committing to stay until Nathan is on his feet again, but he's open about his plans to move on after that. At first Nathan is fine with this set up, but as his feelings get more involved he feels like he needs to stop this relationship from developing, since Ryan's wanderlust has doomed it from the start to being nothing more than casual.
Besides their flirting, my favorite part of the book is how Nathan and Ryan treat each other as their physical relationship is developing. They communicate very well, and that leaves them open to taking care of each other and understanding each other's issues. And it's really well written sex, too!
I can't recommend this series enough! I think every entry has been solid for me, and I enjoyed this one very much, too! ...more
Even though I haven't read Frat Boy and Toppy (yet!) I really enjoyed this story. I hated Sebastian in the first few pages! He really was self absorbeEven though I haven't read Frat Boy and Toppy (yet!) I really enjoyed this story. I hated Sebastian in the first few pages! He really was self absorbed and taking advantage of Brad. On the other hand, Brad was letting Sebastian walk all over him. The way they resolved this required them each to stretch a bit, and I liked it. Very sweet and another great story from Anne Tenino!...more
Issy is a rugby player hoping to move up from her small team to a more competitive one. She's surprised when her new coach is her long time crush TyleIssy is a rugby player hoping to move up from her small team to a more competitive one. She's surprised when her new coach is her long time crush Tyler. He proposes a month of hot sex between them and she takes him up on it, hoping he'll be hooked on her and want to stick around until the month is over.
This one just didn't work for me. The writing was hot, but the pacing of the relationship felt rushed. (I know, I know, it's a novella, but still!) I think the sex was well written, but the plot was weak and Tyler was kind of a douche. ...more
Charlie and Walker were friends in high school when geeky Charlie tutored the very popular Walker. They went their separate ways, but now they apartmeCharlie and Walker were friends in high school when geeky Charlie tutored the very popular Walker. They went their separate ways, but now they apartments across the hall from each other and they are both recovering from awful on the job experiences that ended with being fired. Neither has troubles starting a new job, and neither is admitting to anyone that anything bad happened. It's like a high school reunion. I'm great! I'm so happy! I just moved on to a wonderful job!
The attraction that had simmered between them in high school flares up again and now they are adults free to act on that attraction. Neither is looking for anything long term, so it all should be great, right?
This was a good story. I thought the characters were unique and more flawed than I'm used to reading. They were each hiding the truth of themselves from the other, which bordered on annoying. However, this set up worked for me because they were both so embarrassed about their pasts because they were responsible for the poor choices they'd made. This made for more angst than I usually like to read, but, again, it really worked in this story.
Walker is a really refreshing hero in a genre that seems full of billionaire CEOs and over achievers. His life is simple, in part because he doesn't think he can achieve more, and in part because that's how he likes it. Walker does make some changes over the course of the book, but the changes are motivated by his own happiness, not out of a desire to impress someone else.
Charlie was interesting, too. A security expert who wasn't a brute. She specializes in out-thinking criminals and setting up monitoring systems. The situation she finds herself in on her new job - feeling like she's being watched every moment of the day - was really creepy! (Although I should point out that I'm not a huge suspense fan, so even a little bit of it is creepy to me!)
I think one of my favorite parts of the book was that their personal growth was in parallel, and not caused by the other person being in their life. Even when Charlie tries to interfere with Walker, he's not going to move on things until he's ready. I enjoyed that as opposed to magic sex that heals all wounds!
I thought the ending was a little too hearts and sunshine with respect to their careers, but I REALLY appreciated that the wedding in the epilogue wasn't theirs. They still have issues to work through, in my opinion, but you leave the story sure that they will work things out. This was an enjoyable and funny contemporary romance! ...more
Rob is a college art student. He's a very shy nerd and enjoys gaming online. He's gay (but still in the closet) and he has a crush on one of his roomaRob is a college art student. He's a very shy nerd and enjoys gaming online. He's gay (but still in the closet) and he has a crush on one of his roomates (who happens to be straight.) He also fantasizes about dressing up like a woman and he's really not sure what to do with those thoughts.
Dylan is a confident, tall, and big man. He's in one of Rob's classes and he's also gay.
This story is about how Rob and Dylan meet and what happens between the two of them, but it is much more about Rob coming to terms with himself. It was a story that grabbed me and I didn't want to put it down. It was very interesting to think through how Rob felt as he considered spending time as "Bobby" and what that would and wouldn't mean to him. It's not an easy path for Rob to walk; some of that is due to other people in his life, and some of it is due to his own hang ups.
I enjoyed Rob/Bobby's growth throughout the story. His choices on how to deal with things led to a precarious situation which was scariest because I could see how easily it could be true, and not without the happy ending this story had. That was a sad reality to consider. It was really a high to see Rob come to terms with himself, though - totally worth the angst that came before it!
I do imagine that this story was a little sweeter than real life would be for someone in Rob's situation. Only one asshole picked on Bobby. Of all his friends and relatives, only one had a hard time with him coming out. Dylan and his parents were all very understanding of what Rob/Bobby was going though. I think real life is probably a bit more painful. That's not a criticism of the story, but a nod to the fact that this is the kind of HEA/HFN the book has.
The biggest criticism I have of the story is that the romance between Rob and Dylan felt very much like insta-love. They went from hating each other to loving each other pretty darn quickly. I also found Dylan's nickname for Rob (Puny) to be annoying, but I know I'm being over sensitive on that front.
I do have to give bonus points to any story with references to Twilight AND Flowers in the Attic. It's also got a well adjusted and happy adopted character with adoptive parents who are lovely - all this while acknowledging the challenges of being adopted.
Overall this was a good read. It made me think about gender in ways I hadn't before, and I enjoyed it. The romance was a bit rushed, but it still worked for me. I recommend this book and I think I've found a new author and new series on the m/m side of things. ...more