Beautiful Beast (Those Other Books) by Roe Horvat

Buy links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Also Available to read with Kindle Unlimited

Blurb

Beautiful Beast is a light tale of lust and love, about a beautiful dancer who keeps a wild beast locked inside him, and the man who sets it free.

Kevin used to hold himself back, trying to keep his less conventional desires to himself. With Joakim, he feels free. It’s almost as if Joakim can read Kevin’s subconscious, touching the right places at exactly the right time, and whispering the most shameless things…filthy, and oh so satisfying.

Falling for Kevin is easy. Joakim can feel it happening and he’s powerless to do anything about it. With every touch, his desire grows. Men have chased him for his money and status before, but Kevin doesn’t seem to care about any of that. Maybe this time, Joakim should let himself fall, and hope the landing will be soft. 

Review

This story starts with one of the most delightful and maybe even best opening scenes I’ve ever read. Joakim falls straight into love at first sight in a shoe shop while…. No actually. I love that scene too much to spoil it for you. Go read it.

In fact, go read the whole book. In my opinion this is the perfect story for the troubled times we live in. If I had been able to order my perfect romance it would have read pretty much exactly like Beautiful Beast.

What’s not to love about a story about instant lust, maybe even ‘insta-love’ as far as Joakim is concerned, in which the two main characters simply give in to the mutual attraction, follow their instincts, and create something gorgeous.

Beautiful Beast is an effortless and tender story. While both characters occasionally question what’s happening, whether they are moving too fast, and why they are so comfortable being completely open with the other, there is no angst. Two men follow their hearts, without conflict or concern, and it works, because there is no doubt they are perfect together.

While all the Those Other Books are sensual and sexy, I want to say this one wins the ‘steam award’. Joakim and Kevin’s journey, as they explore each other, is glorious. Every want of Kevin’s is a need in Joakim, every dream Joakim’s ever had is answered by Kevin’s desires.

But, the beauty in this book goes well beyond the mesmerizing love story and the enticing sex scenes. The writing is smooth and engaging, and the descriptions, of our men and the world they move in, are stunning. What’s more, while these two men found each other through the kink they share, there was never any doubt — not for the reader and not for the characters — that what they shared went beyond bodily pleasures from the very start.

It was wonderful getting glimpses of the characters from the previous Those Other Books, simply because I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of these men. Each and everyone of them has worked his way into my heart, and Joakim and Kevin have joined the crew. I adored both of them, their sex-fest enthralled me, and the deep, instant connection between them made my heart soar.

If there was any doubt (spoiler alert, there wasn’t) I can now confirm that Roe Horvat has earned himself a place near the top of my ‘must read list’.

Third One (Those Other Books #3) by Roe Horvat

Buy links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Available in Kindle Unlimited

Blurb

It could have been just an innocent crush. Something guiltless and fleeting. But Luke spends every day with Marcus; they talk, touch and dance together, they create and perform together. They know each other inside out. As a consequence, Luke has been in love with his very much taken choreographer for years. Seeing Marcus and his partner Liam together has become increasingly painful, and Luke needs to leave. His dancing career is nearing an end anyway. He will start university, reinvent himself, forget Marcus and find happiness elsewhere.

Except Marcus loves him back. And Liam knows. Liam’s dark eyes and his imposing silhouette begin haunting Luke’s dreams. Drowning in both lust and sadness, Luke is swept into a passionate triangle with two men who couldn’t be more different. Suddenly, instead of fear or caution, there’s just a mind-numbing desire for more.

Review

“This is how I look when I’m happy.” – Luke

Third One is the third book (but fourth story) in the Those Other Books series. In my review of One In Between I wrote: “I do hope there will be a Liam, Marcus and Luke story.” And what do you know? Not only did I get my wish, but the story I wished for surpassed all my (very high) hopes and expectations.

Like all of Roe’s characters Liam, Marcus, and Luke feel deeply, love fervently, and enjoy sex/make love with a burning passion. This author always takes his readers deep into his main characters. Not a thought is hidden or vague, every feeling is described in terms that awaken the same emotions in the reader. It’s impossible not to feel Marcus’s need, Luke’s desperation, or Liam’s occasional (and uncharacteristic) doubt. The language allows the reader to emerge themselves in the story, lose themselves there, and find some much needed and deeply appreciated relief from the real world.

Few authors I know write sex with as much depth, feeling, and eroticism as Roe Horvat. The words ‘this story made my Kindle steam’ are a cliché and yet, that’s the only way I can describe it.  Every touch, and the reaction it elicits, is vivid to the point where the reader can almost experience them personally. There is no shame, sex is never dirty. Quite the opposite in fact. Touch, penetration, claiming, surrendering, are so much more than a hot act on these pages. They describe the growing feelings between these three men with maybe more clarity than their thoughts and words do. In each other, in their shared passion and release they find each other as well as themselves and it’s a beautiful sight.

Not that this novella is ‘just’ a sex-filled romp. Becoming a throple is always going to be more complicated than two people coming together. When two of the three have been an established and happy couple for a decade before their third enters the relationship, it only makes things more fraught. And yet, while there certainly was some concern on Luke’s part about being the ‘odd one out’, when these three men come together it heralds the end of their angst rather than the start. Not that all concerns instantly vanished, as if by the magic of peen’, but once these men open up to each other (in more ways than one) and start talking, the stomach-churning disquiet, eased both for the characters and for me. And the moment Luke fully realizes he’s found happiness had tears stinging my eyes.

I could go on…and on…and on… But, in the end all that matters is that with Third One, Roe Horvat once again delivered a beautifully written story about men finding their perfect happy-ever-after. The fact that he also managed to push me out of my reading funk is a very welcome bonus. Not for the first time I highly recommend this book by a wonderful and favourite author.

“It all began and ended with Liam. Without Liam, his love for Marcus made no sense. By giving himself to Liam, he was redeemed.” – Luke

Related reviews: The Other Book | Adam Only | One in Between

One In Between by Roe Horvat

Those Other Stories #2.5

38 pages

Publisher: Beaten Track Publishing

Buy links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Also available to read in Kindle Unlimited

Blurb

It’s been more than a year since Adam first stayed over in Christoffer’s home. Their home. In the safety of Christoffer’s love, Adam has gained strength and confidence. So when Christoffer’s friend Tyler crosses the line, flirting outrageously and forcing his shameless self onto them—even into Adam’s dreams—Adam can easily handle him. To Christoffer’s great amusement, Tyler’s mind gets blown.

One in Between features characters from Those Other Books. It explores the development of Adam and Christoffer’s sexual relationship.

Review

“In Adam’s mind, it was the total submission he craved, the most he could offer, the farthest he could go.”

One In Between is a wonderful, short, intermezzo set after the events in Adam Only but before those in The Other Book. And it’s nothing short of inspired, breath taking, and ridiculously hot.

Few characters I’ve read are as beautiful as Adam during sex. The way he feels, surrenders, gives his all is mesmerizing. In fact, as much as I loved the sex scenes, what I really adored about this story is how it showed how much Adam has grown and the confidence he’s gained now he safely and firmly belongs to and is with Christoffer.

But, I’m inclined to think this scene was also the turning point for Tyler. I like to think that it was seeing Adam and Christoffer together and the total trust between them that started Tyler on the road toward wanting more than hot encounters.

In this book however, you could almost describe Tyler as Adam’s sex toy, under Christoffer’s direction. And, as I may have mentioned before, the encounter is out of this world hot.

“Tyler was invited because Christoffer wanted to fulfil every single one of his beloved boy’s fantasies. Adam was his priority and Tyler was going to respect it.

Before I conclude this review, I want to add that I admire Roe Horvat. He has an amazing ability to bring characters to life with what feels like very few words. His characters grow and fully reveal themselves even when more than half the story is a sex scene. And they have depth, and crawl into your head and heart, making you yearn for more.

Talking about more, I do hope there will be a Liam, Marcus and Luke story.

Long story short: One In Between is proof that a love story can be erotic and that the label ‘erotica’ doesn’t necessarily mean lack of romance. This book is deliciously sexy and thoroughly romantic. True love doesn’t come much more beautiful than this.

Click on the titles for my review of those ‘other’ earlier books:

The Other Book |Adam Only

Adam Only (Those Other Books #2) by Roe Horvat - Review Tour

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Length: 39,000 words

Cover Design: Roe Horvat

Publisher: Beaten Track Publishing

Those Other Books

The Other Book - Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Blurb

On stage, Adam lets his passion drive him. All his secret desires, everything nasty, dirty, and beautiful flows freely through him, for once in harmony. His soul thrives when his body moves, but only on stage. Adam’s passionate nature makes him a great dancer…and a failure at life. He’s a lonely, emotional mess. Going home with a man far out of his reach is the last thing Adam should do. Christoffer represents everything Adam isn’t: strong, independent, educated, and rich. His kind eyes, at odds with his brutish form, make Adam’s knees and restraint buckle.

Once Christoffer sees Adam dancing, he’s lost. The young man is mesmerizing, otherworldly, and unpredictable. Whatever might happen between them, it will be transient, and Christoffer will most likely get hurt. The temptation is too great, however, and the sex explosive. He might as well enjoy every moment he’s given, even if it’s just one day, maybe two. If Christoffer treads carefully, Adam might stay until Monday.

Excerpt

He didn’t have a clue what he was doing. Why was he still here? He should leave. Now.

The house was far away from any main roads, but he could walk for a bit and then get a taxi to the nearest train station back to the city. Maybe there was a bus stop somewhere close. His thoughts sharpened—the jerking off, swim, and caffeine had cleared his brain. Determined not to waste more time daydreaming about wealthy bears who never gave a damn, he finished his coffee. He’d need to sneak back to the bathroom to get his clothes. And his phone. He shouldn’t have lingered.

He found which cabinet door in the kitchen hid the built-in dishwasher and placed the cup inside. Then he climbed the stairs on tiptoes and peeked into the bedroom. Christoffer slept on his back, snoring softly.

Adam spotted his phone on the nightstand. Christoffer must have put it on charge after Adam had fallen asleep. He wouldn’t dwell on how considerate that was. He snatched up the phone and closed himself in the bathroom.

Eying the red thong with disgust, he threw it in the trash. What had he been thinking? He dragged the jeans up his naked body, pulled on his socks and slid into the T-shirt. His jacket was downstairs. He opened the door carefully, ready to bolt without looking at the sleeping man.

Except Christoffer was now sitting on the edge of the bed, naked, staring up at Adam with sleepy eyes.

Shit.

“Hi,” Christoffer murmured. His eyes slid up and down Adam’s body, noticing the clothes. His smile turned cautious.

“Hi.” Adam shifted from foot to foot. What now?

The moment dragged on until Adam’s heart was pounding. He needed to say something, quick, and get out of there before it could get any more awkward.

“I…” he began but closed his mouth again. He couldn’t decipher Christoffer’s expression. And all that skin on display was distracting.

Christoffer braced his hands on his knees and inhaled deeply, his Goliathan shoulders lifting. “You like eggs?”

“What?”

“For breakfast.”

“Yeah,” Adam blurted before he thought of the implications. He was staying for breakfast? He wanted to. Stupid! He absolutely shouldn’t! Seeing Christoffer now, those gentle gray eyes such a contrast to his brutish form, Adam ached to stay. You stupid, horny, clingy asshole. Get out of here!

He opened his mouth to say something else, to apologize and whisper goodbye, but Christoffer was faster.

“Good. Wait for me in the kitchen. I just need to…” He gestured to the bathroom door behind Adam’s back.

“Oh. Sure.”

Adam stepped aside, quivering, and the big man stood in all his naked glory. He bent down and kissed Adam’s cheek, lingering, his breath hot by Adam’s ear. Then he disappeared into the bathroom. “I’ll be just a minute,” he threw over his shoulder before the door snapped shut.

Adam stood there, stunned, and touched his tingling cheek.

Review

WOW. I’m… lost for words.

This is the second title in Roe Horvat’s ‘Those Other Books’ series, and it features characters who also appear in The Other Book. But, allow me to reassure you that you can easily read this book as a stand-alone story. In fact, chronologically, Adam Only, takes place before the fabulous story in The Other Book.

Before I get to the amazing story itself, I want to say something about this series first. When you search for The Other Book and Adam Only on Amazon, you’ll see it’s classified as ‘erotica’. While I’m the first to admit both these stories are sex-driven and erotic as fuck they are, in my opinion, so much more than ‘just’ erotica’ When I see the word ‘erotica’ I think about a collection of sex-scenes held together by the barest of story-lines. Both The Other Book and Adam Only are so much more than that. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that they are the exact opposite of ‘a collection of stories held together by the barest of story-lines’. These are simply very sexy but fully formed stories. Yes, there’s a lot of the most amazing sex on these pages, but those scenes actually tell the story, show us who these characters are, expose their strengths and their weaknesses with more clarity than any other description possibly could.

Adam and Christoffer…major sigh… I’m not quite sure where to begin. Both of these men touched me deeply. Christoffer has the biggest heart, thinking about Adam far more then himself from the moment he first sets eyes on Adam. It is as if he senses Adam’s fragility even while he admires him for the confidence with which he dances. And from the very first moment they connect he puts Adam first…Adam’s body…Adam’s wellbeing, and Adam’s feelings.

And our Christoffer isn’t wrong. In fact, he’s spot on. Adam is fragility personified, holding himself together by keeping his distance and focussing on his dancing. If he doesn’t get close (and who would want to be close to him anyway), he won’t get hurt. My heart broke for Adam. His pain, his need, and his desperate hope against hope were palpable. I honestly think that if this book had been written from Adam’s perspective only, it would have exceeded my (minimal) tolerance for angst by at least a mile.

But I had Christoffer’s voice too. He sustained me.  Because there was never a doubt in my mind that all Christoffer wanted was what might be best for Adam, regardless of what that might mean for Christoffer himself.

These two men together…breath-taking. They are hot together, that goes without saying. But what struck me much more was that, despite the heat, despite their sexual antics, despite how most of their time together is all about sex, their coming together was too intimate to be described as ‘just sex’, even the very first time they’re together.

I’m not sure I have the words to do this book justice. It took my breath away, captivated me, touched me deeply, and brought me two characters so glorious they’ll live in my mind for some time to come. Just like its predecessor, Adam Only has been added to my ‘extra-special’ list—those very rare books I’d give six stars (or in this case, six hearts), if only I could.

Just in case I didn’t make myself clear in the above, I HIGHLY recommend both Adam Only and The Other Book to anyone who likes their sexy stories very well written and with all the feels. As for me, I’m officially in love.

Related Review: The Other Book

About the Author

Queer fiction author Roe Horvat was born in the post-communist wasteland of former Czechoslovakia. Equipped with a dark sense of sarcasm, Roe traveled Europe and finally settled in Sweden. He came out as transgender in 2017 and has been fabulous since. He loves Jane Austen, Douglas Adams, bad action movies, stand-up comedy, pale ale, and daiquiri, with equal passion. When not hiding in the studio doing graphics, he can be found trolling cafés in Gothenburg, writing, and people-watching.

More about the author: Facebook | Website | Publisher

Twitter: @roehorvat

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