Well written story and probably more interesting for those fascinated with Icelandic historical figures but I found a lot of this dry, dull & musty. TWell written story and probably more interesting for those fascinated with Icelandic historical figures but I found a lot of this dry, dull & musty. The romance was not thrilling and the main character Paul Ansell not all that compelling. There's also a little bit of a mystery due to Paul's amnesia that ends with a whimper and not a bang. This didn't have a lot of the trademark humor of Merrow's other books and despite several sex scenes, lacked passion. It was nice and readable but for me a whole lot of blah. ...more
i was in the mood for a shifter story and decided to try this one out. I was happy for the effort to be a little original like having an alcoholic shii was in the mood for a shifter story and decided to try this one out. I was happy for the effort to be a little original like having an alcoholic shifter trying to get control of his life & love back. But this is more of a story about Shane and his journey with a side of Matt. Shane seems to have a bit of a obsession/attraction for Matt or as he refers to it, love.
At the start of the book he's 18 years old and dealing with realizing for the first time that he's a werewolf shifter and also his feelings for Matt. He basically coerces Matt into running away with him but doesn't come clean about his attractions or the fact that he's a shifter. As things start to go wrong, Shane chooses the bottle more & more. When the truth finally is revealed, Shane doesn't talk to Matt but runs away. This is a recurring pattern for Shane.
Matt has his issues which is basically denying he's gay, but we don't get his point of view or what's behind it all. This is Shane's story about him getting as low as possible and his redemption from the hands of another shifter, Carl. Most of the book doesn't even have Matt in it. They do eventually reconcile, but by then I was ready for him to form a more mature relationship with someone else like Carl.
The story has this idea though that Shane & Matt are like these star crossed meant to be lovers, but really did little to support it so the level of angst Shane suffers just seems out of proportion to what they had. Years pass before they could even communicate effectively. I liked this enough that I read it rather quickly but it wasn't an enthusiastic wow story as it felt like something was off about it.. ...more
If you read this book, there will be tears. One scene will just break your heart.
I felt this story came from a very honest place. What some people diIf you read this book, there will be tears. One scene will just break your heart.
I felt this story came from a very honest place. What some people didn't like was what I loved. Like how Mark doesn't take crap from some of his more homophobic relatives. He's harsh the way someone who gets beaten down & constantly preached down to would really react. It's about time one of these characters stands up for themselves instead of playing the long suffering card. But this story also has relatives that are wonderful as well like Mark's father so it was balanced in that sense.
I like that despite Mark's apparent success in the non profit sector, you still see his sometimes crude good ole Southern boy side come out especially when he's upset. This story is not about making it too pretty. It's about what happens when you mess up. Will you give someone a second chance or even take that second chance opportunity when it's presented to you. There's nothing perfect about these characters, Mark, Brian, Antonio, Robbie & Jason. They sometimes have questionable judgment. But this very thing plus how they manage to pick themselves back up to try all over again, their very resilience is what draws you into this story.
I did like Mark's character and how he could be tender & kind but also could once in a while let his more growly alpha side come out to play. Brian was such a sweetheart when we finally got to know him ( which is after the incident had already occurred) that it made me curious about what had motivated him earlier to do what he did. Antonio was kind of hard to figure out. In the second half of the book, he didn't seem to have the same swagger and cockiness as earlier so I didn't find his characterization as consistent as the others. But I enjoyed reading about each of them.
The story spans about 10 years and I really was entranced the whole way. I think it walked that line between a realistic portrayal of a gay man but in a very romantic love story so you have an element of the fantastical as well. There were things & transitions that could have been done better of course but I'm rounding up just because the story got to me and no doubt is one I would read again. ...more
The title is so appropriate as these are some stubborn men. Cody's mom especially must have the patience of a saint as she cAnywhere from 3 to 5 stars
The title is so appropriate as these are some stubborn men. Cody's mom especially must have the patience of a saint as she constantly resists the urge to knock some sense into him.
The blurb mentions that Cody is an aging bull rider which he is at... 32. Read this book and you'll swear he's 102 as he's essentially browbeaten about retirement throughout. I personally think a man or woman should make their own decision about when they're ready to quit the game but whatever. Cody at the point of the story is on the top of his game, a rodeo star. He's got the large ego and confidence it takes to pull this off. Johnny is a bullfighter, the less flashy role of protecting the bull rider in the ring. Read this book & you'll learn what it all means.
Cody & Johnny have been together for 2 years. They're in love but there's some cracks in the relationship. Cody is self centered and talks over Johnny a lot and basically plans things in their life. He's 10 years older than the 22 year old Johnny. Johnny starts to chafe and thinks that Cody doesn't respect him or his profession. Johnny ends up walking out on Cody.
Both these guys have their flaws. Cody with the aforementioned ego and Johnny who likes to run away from problems. Also Johnny says some pretty mean & cruel things on his way out the door. The book then chronicles each of their separate journey to eventually find their way back together.
I have some mixed reactions to some of this. The good part is we get both characters point of view which really helps the story. The bad part is breaking up means they have separate stories for a good portion. Also they both started having casual sex with strangers less than 24 hours after they broke up. Considering they were in a 2 year monogamous relationship and that Cody believed Johnny was going to come back to him & this was not a permanent break, it didn't ring true that they would both instantly pick up restroom trade.
In Johnny's case he's obviously making up for lost time and he goes after it with gusto. He even has an emotional connection with one older guy. Nice enough but I was glad to see the back of him as the story then switches to each of them making a tentative step toward each other again.
This is a story for people who have a tolerance for complicated & frustrating men who stumble around making mistakes before getting to where they're supposed to be all along, back together. This is also a really good sports story. I knew nothing about rodeo bull riding or bullfighting to start with but this book makes you feel like you're right there. There was a scene towards the end that left me smiling & almost teary eyed as it really captured that old sports cliche; "the agony of defeat and the thrill of victory." Just to get there & to their HEA made the journey of Cody & Johnny worthwhile. Recommended!
4.5 StarsI 've read one of this author's books before and didn't really care for it so I've pretty much ignored this title when it has come up on my 4.5 StarsI 've read one of this author's books before and didn't really care for it so I've pretty much ignored this title when it has come up on my feed. That cover is also not very appealing and what does Latakia even mean (It's a port city of Syria.) But I decided to give this one a shot since it was one of the Book of the month reading. I'm very glad I did and that I gave this author a second chance because this turned out to be quite a fun book to read.
Matthew is one of those guys who's a little bit too nice. He's obviously in a bad relationship but he's the only one who doesn't know it. But he's got a couple of good friends, Bret & Jim so it's not all bad. Matt has no time to deal with bad boyfriend Brian, because he's going to Latakia in Syria to help out Doctors without Borders. Somehow when he gets there he has an unfortunate encounter with terrorists and ends up getting saved by Navy SEALS. The story details what happens after that.
What the story lacks in plausibility it makes up for in high readability. The fish out of water story where the ordinary guy learns there's more to him than he originally thought has high appeal. I also enjoyed reading about the SEALS, their boisterous interactions and teamwork and camaraderie. It gave the story a nice rah rah go Navy quality to it. While it's probably true that an outsider would not be so easily accepted into that group of people it didn't really bother me--this is why it's called fiction. In the end there's also a love story going on here that's nicely done. But smut lovers may be disappointed as this is non explicit stuff. I should also warn there's a lot of non PC language in here.
This story does have some flaws but i found it quite engrossing. The saying don't judge a book by its cover was made for stories like this one. Go read it, it's got tension, overcoming fears, revenge against exes, Love & macho dudes with sappy hearts in it. ...more
4.5 StarsI thought people were exaggerating but no, this truly is one of the funniest books I’ve read in quite a while. I was laughing & giggling my 4.5 StarsI thought people were exaggerating but no, this truly is one of the funniest books I’ve read in quite a while. I was laughing & giggling my way through a lot of this one. This is not to say all the jokes worked & that there wasn’t some themes that were way overworked (ahem—certain female body parts) but a lot of this, especially the scenes between Paul and Sandy/Helena was pure comedy Gold.
I loved how the jokes progressed from the first chapter (really a prologue) which reads like a late show stand up comic monologue to the slapstick & pratfalls of Paul to just the plain snark & witty repartee and how the heartfelt moments are intertwined with it. Comedy is hard to pull off so color me impressed.
There were things other than the jokes I liked as well. I’m usually a grump about all those m/m stories about characters with social disorder that always portray them as awww so cute & cuddly social misfts instead of the prickly & annoying human beings they tend to be. I liked this more nuanced realistic take on a character that’s a bit of a social outcast. Paul is often blurting out what he’s thinking so he ends up saying the wrong things –sometimes to comic effect.
Even with all the snark I like that we can see the obvious love between Paul and his BFF Sandy/ Helena. We get a flashback to the time when they were teenagers and how Paul was always there for Sandy when he needed him. What I like about a Klune book is how he takes the time to develop the other relationships and emotional attachments besides just the main love story.
The actual love story was cute and Vince was not as dim witted as all that. He made a nice foil for Paul’s zaniness.
I liked that even though Paul cannot believe that someone like Vince is interested in him, that he slowly becomes convinced of it and that his momentary doubts are just momentary. There’s character growth.
There were things that I questioned like what the heck is the theme here? Is this a book about how looks don’t matter & Paul should have self confidence even if he’s average? Then why does Paul keep going on about Vince’s looks as if that’s his most important trait?
Also considering how utterly unselfconscious Paul’s parents & nan are, it’s hard to believe that Paul would come out of that family so insecure.
There's probably other things wrong but a lot of it is overshadowed by just how funny I found this book. It's not for everyone but apparently for me because I found this all kinds of sweet & funny. A book that uplifts the spirit is priceless. I’m hoping there’s a Sandy/Helena sequel.
1.5 StarsI guess I'm in the minority in my opinion of this one. This plot slightly resembles the movie "Heaven Can Wait" about a football player who d1.5 StarsI guess I'm in the minority in my opinion of this one. This plot slightly resembles the movie "Heaven Can Wait" about a football player who died and came back from the dead in someone else's body. I loved that movie and was anticipating reading this one. But instead, I found this disappointing, the writing clunky and the story full of cliches. I also didn't like the use of the flashbacks. It felt very disjointed and took away from the moments where we should have shown the character grieving. I felt little emotional connection to the characters. Oh well, just a total disconnect for me. At least it was short. ...more
What a perfect title for this book as this is one of those fizzy, frothy stories. Maybe it's the Vineyard setting and all the wine drinking & the factWhat a perfect title for this book as this is one of those fizzy, frothy stories. Maybe it's the Vineyard setting and all the wine drinking & the fact that Robin is a chef so there's a lot of food descriptions but there's a sensual quality to this story as if everything was done to woo Greg and I'm all for an old fashioned wooing story.
It all starts when Greg is approached by a young French girl who's quite willing to ask a perfect stranger obnoxious questions. Greg for some reason does answer her & the next thing is swept away on an adventure with Juliette and her 4 gay friends/relative (they appear to be characters from the other books in the series.) Greg finds himself agreeing to go on vacation in Provence with this group of people he just met. Why? Because like everyone in this book, they're all charmed by Juliette into doing things.
It's true that Juliette is one of those women who gladly interferes into all her gay friend's lives. But Greg allows himself to be led by her only when it suits him. He gets a lovely vacation & a great group to hang out with so he doesn't see the harm in letting her have her way. But when he finds Robin, the man he's interested in all on his own, he's quick to ditch her and do what he wants. And he finds a way to get rid of her for her own good when she becomes a nuisance.
There's a plot here about Greg not wanting to get too close to anyone so he puts up a lot of resistance to Robin at first. But he falls, predictably under the pressure of all that romantic setting, the irresistibly attractive Robin & all Juliette's family & friends. This isn't deep stuff but I must have been in the mood for it because I enjoyed it quite a bit. This one is a nice light read.
This is a coming of age college story about Connor who is a very shy and introverted Freshman. It's easy to relate to him because who hasn't gone throThis is a coming of age college story about Connor who is a very shy and introverted Freshman. It's easy to relate to him because who hasn't gone through that insecurity phase while growing up. Even though this story didn't break any new ground I still found myself cheering him on as he overcame another hurdle. I think his budding relationship with jared is handled well and realistically. I could even sympathize with Jared even when his action hurt Connor. They're both 18 years old so you can't expect perfection.
The only thing that struck a false note was Ronnie & how she fit into this one. Having her be the interloper was fine. The subsequent storyline with her however, just seemed like excessive and not very believable melodrama. I did like the bits we got from the other female characters in the story including Connor's little sister and his best friend.
There was something about this story that had me questioning the year it was written because sometimes Jared's fear of being outed just seemed a little extreme for times in a modern college. Having a roommate who's gay doesn't seem to be a big deal for many college students. Maybe it's just the area this took place or the fact that he's a jock.
I liked this story. It's a year in the life type story so obviously not every issue in Connor's life is resolved but I think this one had a quite satisfactory happy ending. ...more
Currently free on Amazon. These are two short stories that are connected because it involves the same two characters. The first one is about when Jon Currently free on Amazon. These are two short stories that are connected because it involves the same two characters. The first one is about when Jon and Leander first meet. Jon has decided to go back to school after he's laid out by an accident at work. He's a little older than most of the other students. He gets a new roommate who he at first assumes is a student but turns out he's a psychic pet finder. They get involved in a police case and also towards the end get involved with each other.
In the second story, Jon and Leander are still feeling their way around each other but are now further along in their relationship. They again become involved in another cold case involving one of Jon's old buddies.
The little mysteries are on shakier ground than the romance in these shorts. They need better development and resolutions. But I like this couple and would love to read more stories about them, preferably in a full length novel. ...more
Axton lives alone out in the woods which suits him just fine as he's a werewolf who needs his freedom to roam and hunt and to shift between human and wolf at will. When his peace is interrupted by the arrival of a visitor from the city, at first he's perturbed and put out by it, but then finds himself increasingly attracted to him.
If you want to know more about what happens in the story you can read the overly long blurb. I'd advise not to as it gives too much of the story away.
The cover of the book really works here as this is a very isolated story involving only the two main characters. In this way, it reminds me of another shifter book, Lynx. Axton and Leander are interesting enough characters that the writer is able to pull this off and I liked reading about their deepening friendship. The change to sexual attraction, at least on Leander's part, does not happen until late in the book and it really leaves you with a lot of questions.
Leander is not only a straight womanizer, he's also just a visitor in Axton's life and only sees him when he's taking a break from his real life. How could this work? The question is never really answered and we're left with a HFN style ending. However, the author's website suggests that this is part 1 of a trilogy so I'll assume we'll get more of the story in those books.
I liked this story a lot mainly because of Axton. He's just a sweetheart. Leander needs a little more work but hopefully will become more developed in the next book.
This appears to be a self published book and as usual with these they're some editing issues. But I still recommend this for those who like m/m shifter romance books. It's a good one. ...more
3.5 StarsI liked this quiet story and the very slow build up between Arthur and Bertie the dragon. This friends to lovers book is very sweet and I do 3.5 StarsI liked this quiet story and the very slow build up between Arthur and Bertie the dragon. This friends to lovers book is very sweet and I do like this author's writing style.
I did like the first book from this universe, Some Kind of Magic better. We're very much in Arthur's thoughts for the entire book and taking a break for a little more action would have enhanced this story. Also the slow unfulfilled sexual tension may have gone on for just a tad too long. It's still an enjoyable book to read. ...more
3.5 stars I was in the mood for a light, sexy book with a little murder mystery thrown in and this one fit the bill. Gavin Cox is a reality star who's3.5 stars I was in the mood for a light, sexy book with a little murder mystery thrown in and this one fit the bill. Gavin Cox is a reality star who's a little flashy & flamboyant. He accidentally witnesses a murder but blackouts all the details. That plot sounds a lot more interesting than what it turns out to be as the mystery portion is a little thin and seems to serve more as a catalyst for Gavin to be under the protective custody of hot closeted detective Rob Turner. This is more of an out for you plot rather than a GFY.
All the basics are covered from homophobic work partner and mother to first time gay virgin scene. It's a quick and light read with a minimal of angst and a happy ending.
3.5 starsI just got a little reminder that I hadn't rated this book as yet. There were parts I enjoyed like the exploration of the relationship betwe 3.5 starsI just got a little reminder that I hadn't rated this book as yet. There were parts I enjoyed like the exploration of the relationship between Jae and Cole. The two characters this time, are a l lot stronger than the storyline.
In comparison to Dirty Kiss, this one was not as tight nor as funny. The use of Korean names and different variations (using first or last or title for the same person) made it very hard to follow at times. There were lots of twists and turns but the shooting scenes got to be ridiculous and way OTT and the mystery didn't always hold my interest.
I didn't find this as good as the original but I'll be curious to see if the author can get back that magic from the first book so I'll be checking out the third book in the series when it comes out. Afterall, I still enjoy reading about Jae & Cole as a couple.
Good solid romance story between Detective Matthew Elliot and boxing coach Kira. The mystery was a little underdeveloped and stayed in the background Good solid romance story between Detective Matthew Elliot and boxing coach Kira. The mystery was a little underdeveloped and stayed in the background until the end. I liked it but it didn't blow me away. ...more
That's my rating for now. The story and the characters were all over the map. I loved some parts, didn't like some, was indifferent to others and confThat's my rating for now. The story and the characters were all over the map. I loved some parts, didn't like some, was indifferent to others and confused by some. The characters felt like characters to me at times, not real people. The main narrator was very immature and at times self centered. Peter was interesting but then the author would throw in stupid things like he's straight but just has sex with other men. So basically gay for pay but yet supposedly love interest/in love with Austin? I didn't actually feel the love between the two but just a kind of an obsession. The action/ mystery plot was way too convoluted and confusing for me. Anyways, I say my rating for now because I read this when I was not in a happy/good place so maybe I missed what makes this a spectacular story for others. I may read again in the future. ...more
3.5 stars The other reviews have been pretty much on the mark with this one (See MandyM and Ami). It's great to read about something different in the 3.5 stars The other reviews have been pretty much on the mark with this one (See MandyM and Ami). It's great to read about something different in the shifter world, a skittish horse shifter, & I think the characterization of Ri was great. I love the dynamics between Seamus & Ri & I seem to always enjoy Joely Skye shifter world.
Still, it did peter out at the end & the conflict between the wolf shifters just fizzled. It does seem to set up a couple of characters for their own story though. For this one, I did enjoy for the characters even with the issues with the storyline. ...more
This kind of double GFY , where the two characters are straight and then for no reason that i can figure out , become gay is very hard to pull off& itThis kind of double GFY , where the two characters are straight and then for no reason that i can figure out , become gay is very hard to pull off& it didn't happen in this one. I was also a little bored & it took me forever to finish (after putting it off for a few weeks). OK & blah. I've liked all the other Kaje Harper books--read those instead. ...more
I really enjoy Harper Fox writing style and the way she can set a mood. This is a very slow moving story about a young man who was all set to decide oI really enjoy Harper Fox writing style and the way she can set a mood. This is a very slow moving story about a young man who was all set to decide on a linguistic career when a sudden death has sent him back home to work his family sheep farm with his crotchety old Grandpa. One night he finds a man hiding out in his barn. Instead of sending him on his way, Nichol offers him a job & a home. This is the story of the two of them, Nichol & Cam, and their evolving feelings for one another set against a Scottish landscape, Arran.
I loved the story but I just happen to prefer romances that show both characters point of view & I really missed not hearing Cam's voice. Nonetheless this is still quite a nice book to relax & read.
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