Yes, Master

TITLE: YES, MASTER

AUTHOR: SEAN MICHAEL

Pages: 80

Date: 29/03/2014

Grade: 4

Details: Stories

             Received from Torquere Press Publishers

             Through Love Romances and More

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The blurb:

“From first timers to hard core lovers, this collection of five BDSM themed short stories by Sean Michael has something for everyone who loves hot m/m action and a great love story.

Stories include: Playing for Keeps, The Twelve Kinks of Christmas, Payday, Following My Heart and Finding Kasey.”

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My thoughts:

While I will write a proper review of this book below, I’m hard pressed to improve on the official description of this book which really does tell you all you need to know:

“From first timers to hard core lovers, this collection of five BDSM themed short stories by Sean Michael has something for everyone who loves hot m/m action and a great love story.”

‘Yes, Master’ is a collection of five short stories all of which deal with BDSM in some shape or form; from barely there D/s (Finding Kasey) to all out possession (Following My Heart) and everything in between. We are treated to bratty, provocative subs (Playing for Keeps), a dream come true for two men who have been friends for years (The Twelve Kinks of Christmas) as well as a supernatural encounter between a demon and the two men who struck a deal with him (Payday).

All five stories are hot, and very descriptive when it comes to the sexual action between the men involved. Yet all five stories at the same time ooze love, commitment as well as fun. I was squirming while reading these stories, found myself smiling at the interactions between the characters and got mildly emotional at the obvious love (either well established, recently discovered just a possibility).

If I had to pick favourites between these five stories my choice would be ‘The Twelve Kings of Christmas’ – just for the idea behind the story and the sheer delight the characters experience when they discover their mutual attraction -  and ‘Following My Heart’ – for the heady combination of fear and need. And if there was one story that did less for me than the others it was ‘Payday’. Having said that, there was so little to separate these stories when it came to the enjoyment they gave me that I decided not to review and rate them individually – as I have been known to do with collections like this – and instead treat the book as one whole.

I am kind of impressed with these stories. None of them are very long yet all of them managed to give me a clear impression of the characters as well as a good idea of the situation they find themselves in and their feelings. While all of these stories focus on the sexual aspect of the relationships between these men there is never any doubt that the story is about more than just the physical attraction between them. What impressed me most is the fact that while I would have loved to read more about most if not all characters and relationships in this collection I didn’t feel that I had missed out on anything when the story ended. These are self-contained stories with a beginning, middle and end. At no point did I have the feeling that I was missing information or that the story had been rushed. Since these are my pet peeves when it comes to shorter fiction I was very pleasantly surprised.

I read one previous book by Sean Michael and wasn’t as impressed with that book as I was with this collection. I’m so glad I didn’t allow that earlier experience to put me off reading more by this author. I would not have wanted to miss out on this book and look forward to reading more by Sean Michael in the not too distant future. 

IF IT DRIVES

TITLE: IF IT DRIVES

AUTHORS: ALEKSANDR VOINOV & L.A. WITT

Pages: 221

Date: 27/03/2014

Grade: 5

Details: no. 7 Market Garden

            Received from Riptide Publishing

            Through Love Romances and More

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The blurb:

“After driving James Harcourt, his wealthy banker boss, around for a year and a half, Cal isn’t surprised by much anymore. Not even James’s regular trips to Market Garden, London’s most elite gay brothel.

But when James leaves the Garden alone one night and turns to Cal instead, Cal’s floored. After crushing on his boss for ages, it’s his wet dream come true . . . until the awkward morning after. Cal still has a job to do, but he wants to offer more. Yet James doesn’t take him up on it; he keeps Cal at arm’s length and continues his chauffeured jaunts to Market Garden.

As Cal learns what James needs from the rentboys, he tries to fill that need himself. But there’s more to James’s penchant for rentboys than Cal realizes, and it may be one role that Cal can’t fill without overstepping his duty.”

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“Very much a Been There, Done it and Got the Whip Coordination to Prove it kind of vibe.”

Cal has been working as James Harcourt’s private driver for 18 months and in most ways it is a job that suits him perfectly. It pays well, comes with housing and leaves him plenty of time for his writing. The only problem Cal faces is that he’s developed feelings for his employer, feelings he could never admit to or act upon. Instead he has to deal with James’ regular visits to the ‘Market Garden’ where the man picks up rentboys to fulfil whatever his needs may be at home.

When a visit to the ‘Market Garden’ ends with James leaving alone, Cal is surprised. When James subsequently invites him into his house and his bed Cal is delighted and worried in same measure. Spending the night with the man who has the centre of all his fantasies is a dream come true. But the morning after is a nightmare. And although Cal would happily build on his one night with James it isn’t long before the visits to the ‘Market Garden’ resume, leaving Cal hurt and confused.

Convinced that James needs something more than he is able to provide, Cal is determined to find out what that something is and learn whatever it takes in order to provide it.

And while James seems to relish the new and improved Cal, something still isn’t right. James keeps his distance and Cal doesn’t know what else to and has to consider that maybe what James needs is more than Cal could ever be.

To say I enjoyed this book would be a gross understatement. Cal and James captured my attention on the first page and refused to let me go until I had read the subsequent 220 pages. I laughed, smiled, frowned and felt my eyes tear up once or twice and enjoyed every single minute of it.

It was impossible to not fall in love with Cal while reading this book. The lengths he’s prepared to go to in order to find out whether or not he can ever be what James needs are breathtaking. Through it all, no matter how heartbroken he is Cam, can’t stop caring for James, wanting to make sure the man is alright even though he knows he should probably forget about him for his own sanity.

This is also an incredibly hot book. I loved the scenes between Cam and James, especially the wonderful balance between dominance and tenderness. 

L.A. Witt and Aleksandr Voinov make it look deceptively easy. Their words flow smoothly, their characters sparkle, the dialogue sounds just right and story seems to tell itself. This book is such a compulsive read that it is tempting to call it an easy story. It was only after I finished the book and reflected on what I had read that it struck me how talented a writer(s) it would take to create a work this compelling. I dare anyone to start this book and not get so engrossed that it is all but impossible to put it down before you’ve reached the end and have found out exactly what happens.

Since I was late to the party as far as ‘The Market Garden’ series is concerned and have been reading titles as they were released I’m left stuck with a wonderful prospect; I may be up to date as far as new releases are concerned, there still are four titles I haven’t read yet. After reading ‘If it Drives’ and getting a glimpse of Nick and Spencer, I think I’ll have to go back and read his story next. ‘If it Flies’ and ‘If it Fornicates’ here I come.

ANDY, GO-GO BOY

TITLE: ANDY, GO-GO BOY

AUTHOR: J.P. BARNABY

Length: Novella / 14000 words

Date: 26/03/2014 

Grade: 4

Details: Working Boys Book 2

             Received from author

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The blurb:

“Andy Finnegan is a six foot three brown-haired, blue-eyed, Mack f*cking truck. A former marine who spends his nights dancing for your entertainment, he has a dark side hiding beneath the beautiful veneer.

Sweet little Stefan is awestruck by the big, gorgeous dancer with the rock hard abs and the lonely eyes. Determined to see what lurks behind the perfect surface, he gets a little more than he bargained for.”

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My thoughts:

They say size isn’t everything and this story certainly confirms the truth in that statement. This may not be a very long novella but it sure packs a punch. And the same can be said for our main character.

Andy Finnegan is one angry and closed off hulk of a man. Ever since he left the Marines, Andy has kept his distance from others. He keeps his body in shape and does his job as a dancer in a gay club. Any hook up with another man is short, a one-off and completely on his terms. Determined to never be vulnerable again, Andy has his future planned. He wants to become a porn star. It’s the easiest way to make the money he needs and have the casual sexual encounters he craves. Tonight is the night. A porn producer will be in the club to watch him dance. If Andy plays his cards right, he might end up with exactly what he wants.

Two men seem determined to put a spanner in the works. The first is a former Marine buddy who can’t believe Andy has ended up where he did and offers him a ‘proper’ job. The other is a young man with dark hair. A young man who reminds him of somebody he has lost. A young man named Stefan who should be afraid of Andy and run away but does the opposite and stays, even after the Marine has shown him his worst.

Like I stated above, this is one short but powerful novella. When the story started I wasn’t sure I would be able to like Andy or even connect to him as a character. He came across as selfish, rough and mean. It is only as the story unfolds and we learn more about Andy, his past and his present that my feelings towards him started changing. By the time the story was over I had done a turn-around and developed a soft spot for this man who had only done what he felt he needed to do in order to keep his feelings locked up, deep inside, where he didn’t need to deal with them.

Stefan is just a sweetheart. Not nearly as well developed as Andy’s character he does manage to play a pivotal role in this story.

“How can you be so beautiful and hate yourself so much?”

I have a thing about stories in which the strong, seemingly untouchable man finds his redemption in the eyes and arms of someone who appears to be much weaker but turns out to have the ability to see beyond the obvious as well as the inner strength to persevere where stronger men would crumble.

This was a well written, hot and ultimately sweet story. It is also a clear indication that I’ve once again managed to find myself an author I need to further investigate. I seriously need more hours in my days.

Published by: Wilde City Press, March 26th,2014

QUEERS

TITLE: QUEERS

AUTHOR: A.J. ROSE

Pages: 423

Date: 25/03/2014

Grade: 6

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The blurb:

“Within her walls are stories. Love. Laughter. Tears. Lives lived to the fullest, and sometimes cut short before they really get started. She’s seen it all, from homelessness to super-stardom, boys dressed as girls, girls dressed as lamps, and boy, does she have secrets she could tell. Her one truth is that everyone who darkens her doors is accepted with open arms and a song. 

Her name is Queers, and for one of L.A.’s few dueling piano bars, she has a lot of heart. On her stage, the beautiful voice of Duff McKinley rings so true he captures the shattered heart of his boss, Brad Mosely, who checked out of life three years ago. But even lifelong dreams have untold consequences. 

Duff came to L.A. to chase his musical aspirations, but his best friend Garrett Slater accompanied him to chase a wish of his own: finding The One, his white knight. He believes Landon Kennedy fits the bill. Suave, handsome, and powerful in the music industry, Landon can show Garrett a life he's only seen in movies. But even as Landon helps Duff realize his dreams, he brings Garrett into a nightmare he may never leave, one from which Garrett's roommate, Jackson Moriarty, is determined to rescue him. If Garrett repays Jackson by seeing his own charms, so much the better. 

Yes, within her walls, Queers has long history. Unrequited love, sinister intentions, fame, fortune, and a group of friends and lovers who would do anything for each other no matter the cost.” 

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My thoughts:

“Queers was a dichotomy of tasteful and fun, stylish and comfortable, with just the right amount of sass to make it trendy.”

I don’t know why it should be the case but I have a much harder time reviewing books I adored than books I had second thoughts about. I thought sleeping on this story might make it easier to articulate all the thoughts and feelings I encountered while reading ‘Queers’ but no such luck. As it turned out, all that decision got me was a rather disrupted sleep during which my mind was too busy processing the story, thinking about the characters and everything I was fortunate enough to share with them over the past two days to allow me a proper rest. I have therefore more or less given up on the idea of a well worded and balanced review and resigned myself to the fact that this will be – once again – a complete and utter gush-fest. You’ve been warned.

In fact, it seems I’m incapable of writing a review for one of A.J. Rose’s books without turning it into a gush-fest. Don’t blame me; blame the author who manages to transport me into his world from the very first word on the very first page and hold me hostage until the last full stop at the end of the last chapter. Blame the man who writes characters so life-like that you feel you personally know them within just a few chapters. And most of all, blame him who forces you to feel all the emotions; the love, the hate, the fear, the despair, the friendship and makes you grateful for every single one of them. I would say I’m in awe of A.J.’s writing except that ‘awe’ isn’t a strong enough word to describe all the feelings his words, and the way he uses them, evoke in me. But, I guess it will have to do for lack of a better one.

I’m not going to expand on what this book is about beyond what can be found in the official blurb. This story is something you’ll want to experience for yourself. I’ve avoided reviews of this book before I picked it up and am very grateful I managed to resist temptation. I treasured the fact that I got to know the characters as the story evolved, was grateful that I had no idea what to expect and entranced by the scenes unfolding before my eyes.

This is a book about people living their lives the best they can. People who love, fight, make up, do stupid things and try to repair them. It is a story about friendship and all the things you’ll do for your friends even if you end up hurting yourself in the process. It is the sort of story that will break your heart and then helps you gather the pieces back together to leave you feeling uplifted and somehow better for having read the words.

I laughed while I read this book:

“I suspect if I liked guys, and you liked girls, we’d have quite the tumultuous love affair that would end in tears, shattered knick-knacks thrown in a fit of rage and betrayal, and a domestic disturbance call. I bet you’re a minx in bed. And on the floor, and the kitchen counter. Moonshine to Duff

And I cried, sighed and smiled.

“I can go to my grave knowing I experienced real joy. How many people can say that?” Brad

“This was right. This was what he needed like air, like sustenance, like the blood rushing through his veins. He needed Duff.” Brad

The accuracy of Duff’s definition of a live performance took my breath away.

“It’s a conversation with the crowd, sir.”

A.J. Rose managed to take two – on the surface conflicting – universal truths and reconcile them. I love how he managed to remind us of the importance of dreaming big and following those dreams while cautioning us to be careful what we wish for at the same time. That was one very well executed balancing act.

I don’t think there is an emotion known to man that I didn’t experience while reading this book. I can honestly say that I fell at least a little bit in love with all but one of the characters in this book. Duff, Brad, Moonshine, Jennica, Garrett and Jackson; all of them have forced their way into my head and heart. And I can’t help feeling they’ll be staying there for quite some time yet.

The song Duff writes for and sings to Brad? Tears in my eyes and a smile on my face, while I found myself wishing that I could hear it being sung. And, I’m working on that. If my plan works out I may be able to add a sound file to this review in the not too distant future. Keep your fingers crossed.

I rate my books one to five. Sometimes I go beyond that and add one or more ‘+’s’ to a five when I’m really impressed with a book. And on very rare occasions I’ll rate a book with a six. That rate is reserved for books that manage to touch me on a deeper level; for stories that I know will stay with me long after I’ve all but forgotten about other books I may have enjoyed. A six is the rate I’ll give to a book when I know I’ll re-read it even though I rarely – if ever – revisit books. Queers meets all those criteria and then some.

In the hands of a lesser author this story would have been told in at least three different books. A.J. Rose managed to take multiple main characters with their individual - yet connected - journeys and create a complex yet perfectly plotted whole.  In doing so he transported me to a world I want to live in, populated by people I would love to know and call my friends. Reading is always a pleasure. Occasionally it is better than anything else I might be doing. Reading ‘Queers’ was just such an experience. Thank you, A.J.

“I don’t think it’ll matter if she’s gay, straight, or into aliens. There’s no resisting you.” Duff to Moonshine

Related:

Power Exchange

Safeword

UNCOVERING SATISFACTION

TITLE: UNCOVERING SATISFACTION

AUTHOR: DIANE LEYNE

Word Count: 44.823

Date: 24/03/2014

Grade: 3.5

Details: no. 3 Satisfaction, Texas

            Received from Siren through

            Love Romances and More

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The blurb:

“Nicola "Nick" Marlow is an agent on leave after a devastating ending to her last undercover assignment when a friend asks her to come to Satisfaction to get to the bottom of a series of incidents that may just close the Whips and Spurs forever.

Micah Durrance owns the public saloon and private BDSM club and is getting desperate. His best friend, Sheriff Dace Lowe, is stumped too, and when a friend recommends Nick as a top-notch investigator they both jump at his offer.

Micah and Dace are surprised when Nick turns out to be Nicola, and shocked when she decides to go undercover as their sub. For real. Feelings escalate quickly as do the incidents as Nicola becomes a target. And what will happen when it’s all over? Is it all just a job to Nicola, or will her heart get broken when it’s time to leave?”

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My thoughts:

This book is the third title in the ‘Satisfaction, Texas’ series. I haven’t read the two previous titles but never felt as if I was missing vital information while reading this book. Having said that, there were clear references to previous books, story-lines and characters and it is possible that I would have gotten more out of this book if I had read it in order.

Nicola – Nick - Marlow is a top notch agent on extended leave after her last undercover operation ended in disaster leaving her feeling guilty and the victim of devastating nightmares. Going slowly crazy at home and with no chance of being redeployed in the near future, Nick jumps at the opportunity when her former partner offers her the chance to investigate a chain of incidents apparently aimed at the Whips and Spurs Saloon and BDSM club in Satisfaction, Texas.

Micah has thrown everything he is and owns into his public Saloon and private BDSM club. The acts of vandalism and string of incidents assaulting his business may close him down if they aren’t solved and stopped soon. His best friend Dace is the local Sherriff, but limited in what he can do. An official investigation into the incidents would reveal the true nature of the private club; something both men are determined to prevent.

When they’re offered Nick’s assistance they jump on the chance. They are surprised when Nick turns out to not only be a woman but also one they’re both attracted to. When Nick offers to become their submissive for the duration of the investigation they’re both shocked and delighted.

Nick takes to submission like a fish to water and what is more, all three of them soon develop feelings for each other they weren’t expecting. When Nicola sets herself up as an obvious target, danger becomes very real. And what will happen when the case is closed and Nick has to leave again?

Let me start with the things I really enjoyed in this book. I loved the idea of Satisfaction, Texas; a place where ménages are frequent and fully accepted. And I had great fun reading about Nicola’s journey into submission and the intricacies involved in a relationship between one sub and two Doms.

It was very nice to see Diane Leyne acknowledging other genre authors (Cherise Sinclair, Lexi Blake and Tymber Dalton) early on in this story. Naming those authors gave me a good idea of what Nicola’s level of (in)experience with BDSM was and made it easier to follow her thought processes.

And, finally, I really liked the idea behind the story. I loved that the person I thought was behind the attacks turned out to be innocent, although I wasn’t completely surprised by all the revelations when they came.

There were one or two things I was less happy about though. While I liked the idea behind the story I wasn’t completely happy with how it was executed. The writing felt choppy at times; the jumps from one scene to the next were occasionally too big and sudden. I would be fully engaged in the story only to be dragged out of it by a sudden change of scenery or perspective.

The erotic scenes between Nicola and her two men had the potential to be hot and fascinating but I couldn’t feel it. I read the descriptions but had a hard time engaging in what I was reading. In fact, I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters; they just never came completely alive for me.

To summarize I would say that this is a fun and borderline hot story. It was definitely a quick and easy read and a very pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon. It just didn’t quite live up to my hopes and expectations.

BEYOND

TITLE: BEYOND

AUTHOR: ALBERT NOTHLIT

Pages: 44

Date: 22/03/2014

Grade: 4-

Details: Received from MLR Press

             Through Love Romances and More

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The blurb:

“Jordan has met a new guy at his summer job, but hanging around Henry could prove to be more than he bargained for---it could even be dangerous. 

Jordan just wanted to make some college money. He took the job in the resort knowing he'd be bored---but he hadn't counted on meeting someone. The new guy, Henry, is hot. He's also more than he seems to be... the way he acts sometimes is strange. He could almost be dangerous. After all, what kind of guy working as a resort valet has a custom-made luxury car? And then there's the intense, almost angry way Henry looks at Jordan. Something tells Jordan he should watch out, but Henry is too hot for him to really care about his mind's vague warnings. Jordan knows how to take care of himself. What could possibly go wrong?”

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 My thoughts:

Jordan and his friend Tina are working boring but profitable jobs in a resort to save money for college. When the two of them spot the new valet, Henry, friendly rivalry is awakened between them; both Tina and Jordan wouldn’t mind getting to know this new, hot, man better and alleviate the boredom at the same time.

When Jordan and Henry get together later the same day, the latter proposes a trip to a secluded cabin on the resorts’ grounds. Jordan is interested – very much so – but can’t help feeling there’s something not quite right about Henry. He is different from Tina and him. How could somebody as young as Henry and working a crappy job, possibly afford a custom made car? And why does Henry look at Jordan with both anger and lust in his eyes? Jordan can’t escape feeling that going with Henry might be dangerous. His longing for the young man is far stronger than his fear though. After all, how much danger could he possibly be in?

This was a fun read that consistently got better as the story went on, despite the fact that I wasn’t overly fond of Jordan. His actions and reactions came across as rather selfish and inconsiderate both towards his friend Tina and towards Henry. I had to remind myself on several occasions how young he is and how self-absorbed most of us can be at that age.

This story fascinated me because it was so much more than it at first appeared to be. What starts off as a rather predictable falling in lust and running into issues sort of tale, soon turns into something quite different and unexpected. I can safely say that whatever I was expecting, it wasn’t what I ended up getting.

Maybe the twist didn’t come as a complete surprise to me. I had it figured out quite a while before Jordan did the same. That didn’t matter though; in fact it made perfect sense in the story and increased the mysterious atmosphere. I liked it. And I liked what came after the revelation and loved how the story ended. In fact, I think it was the second but last line in this novella that raised the rating from 3.5 to 4 stars. It’s just a shame that quoting that line would give the whole plot away. And trust me, that is something you wouldn’t thank me for.

This is a story for anyone who likes to be surprised and is grateful every time a book leaves them with a grin on their face. I’m going to have to keep an eye on this author.

SEX & CANDY

TITLE: SEX & CANDY

AUTHOR: DIANA DERICCI

Pages: 107

Date: 22/03/2014

Grade: 3+

Details: no. 3 Arbor Heights

           Received from MLR Press

           Through Love Romances and More

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The blurb:

“Brad's dream of happily ever after with his best friend, Geoff, is destroyed when he receives a wedding invitation to Geoff's wedding -- to a woman. After accepting that waiting for the man has gained him nothing, he intends to wipe him clear of his heart and mind. With a night at Blue Dogs.

Tristan is captivated by Brad and what begins as a night of pure release starts something for Tristan that he can't deny. A wanting to know the other man beyond sex. Can Tristan win Brad's heart away from an unrequited love? It may not be as easy as he'd like when Geoff reappears begging for forgiveness.”

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My thoughts:

Sex & Candy is the third book in the Arbor Heights series but the first title in this series for me. Having just checked the blurbs for the two previous titles, ‘Learning to live’ and ‘Learning to Breathe’ I think I can safely say this book can be read as a stand-alone title.

Brad has had a crush on his best friend Geoff ever since they shared a kiss when Brad was 14. Having waited for Geoff to come to terms with his homosexuality for years, Brad is devastated when he receives an invitation to Geoff’s wedding. Determined to forget about his old friend, Brad finds himself at a private party at ‘Blue Dogs’; a party where men leave their inhibitions at the door and enjoy themselves and each other.

Tristan has been throwing the Blue Dogs parties for years when he lays eyes on Brad. From the moment he sees the newcomer, Tristan knows he’s something special. One night of no strings sex leads to dates and deepening feelings. The path to love rarely runs smooth though and doesn’t for Brad and Tristan either. Geoff’s post-honeymoon regret is only one of the obstacles the two men will have to overcome.

I’m not entirely sure what to say about this book. I liked the basic story-line and I liked the two main characters but there were quite a few things I was less than happy with.

To summarize; there was too much happening in this story. In fact there was so much going on that not a single story threat felt sufficiently filled out. As it is we are reading about one character, Brad, getting over a crush he’s had for years, going to a sex party for the first time in his life where he meets and falls for the party’s organiser. Tristan has been organizing these M/M sex parties for years and feels real attraction to one of his guests for the first time when he meets Brad. If this book had only been about the developing relationship between those two men and how they deal with the disparity between their growing connection and the free-for-all atmosphere of the parties this book would probably have been perfect. However, that’s not all we’re dealing with. Thrown into the mix are Geoff’s denial of his feelings, his wedding and his subsequent turn-around; Geoff’s younger brother’s despair because he is also gay and Geoff’s homophobic parents throwing their youngest son out. And, to top it off, Brad and Tristan play cupid for two other side-characters.

There were just too many story-lines for a novella this length. As a result everything felt rushed and unfinished. I liked Brad and Tristan but never really got to know them. A parent rejecting their own children because they’re gay is a something I’ll never get my head around and definitely something worth exploring in a story. The problem is that it wasn’t explored in this book; it was only mentioned but didn’t get resolved.

My final quibble concerns the title. While there is plenty of very yummy ‘sex’ in this book, I’m not sure where the ‘candy’ comes into it.

I can’t help feeling that this would have been a brilliant romance if only the author had been able to resist the temptation to throw everything bar the kitchen-sink into it. The writing was smooth, the dialogue well done and at times funny while the characters – what we saw of them – were interesting. This was a very pleasant read that left with a yearning for a lot more.

ANOTHER BELIEVER

TITLE: ANOTHER BELIEVER

AUTHOR: STEPHANIE VAUGHAN

Pages: 81

Date: 20/03/2014

Grade: 3+

Details: Received from Torquere Press Publishers

            Through Love Romances and More

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The blurb:

Jonah Simpson might be an athlete, but he's nobody's fool.  It just so happens he appreciates what's between a guy's ears almost as much as what he's packing elsewhere.  So when he spots an open seat next to serious but sexy David, the usually boring train ride up the Pacific coast quickly becomes an exercise in speed-dating.  He's only got a few hours to get the nerd with an attitude to take him seriously.

David Sato has spent a lifetime being ignored by the hot guys at school.  It doesn't take a genius IQ to know that if a jock is being nice to him, there must be a test coming up.  So when the hottest guy David's ever laid eyes on -- let alone sat next to on a train – starts flirting with him, what's a robot-loving, socially awkward science geek to do?

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My thoughts:

“Something about David’s face put Jonah in mind of an angel. An angel who gave really good head.”

‘Another Believer’ is a charming story. Two young men meet on a train on their way to college and use the twenty-four hours before they arrive to their best advantage.

David Sato is a studious and very intelligent young man with the IQ of a genius and the nerdy attitude to match it. Convinced that his looks are nothing special he is used to other guys only ever paying attention to him when they need something from him; help with their studies and exams. In his fantasies these encounters may be romantic and sexy, he knows from experience that in real life he is not attractive enough to capture anybody’s attention. Especially not the attention of a beautiful male specimen like the young man who takes a sit next to David on the train.

Jonah Simpson is an athlete who appreciates there is more to life than sport. In fact, he likes and enjoys intelligence about as much as he enjoys a soft but firm body. When he sees David on the train to college he feels an immediate attraction to the serious looking young man and takes advantage of the vacant seat next to him. He wants David and is only too aware of the fact that he doesn’t have a lot of time to achieve his goal. And David’s stand-offish attitude doesn’t make matters any easier. Jonah has to apply all his wit, patience and seductive techniques in order to convince David that he really is interested in him and doesn’t have a secret agenda. Even after a wonderful and mind-blowing few hours, it will take all of Jonah’s powers of persuasion to convince David that this was not a once off for the journey. Jonah wants to continue what he’s started when they arrive at college, and he’ll find a way of convincing David of that regardless of what it might take.

This is going to be one of my shorter reviews. There really isn’t that much happening in this novella apart from what I’ve described above. Not that I’m complaining; like I said, this is a charming romance. It is also a well written and fun story. The banter between David and Jonah is sharp and quick enough to put a semi-permanent smile on your face.

 The contrast between the two characters was both vivid and amusing. Jonah’s carefree and easygoing manner was the complete opposite of David’s dark and suspicious mind. I loved the way these two men sparked off each other. And I couldn’t help being touched by David’s constant battle between wanting to believe that maybe Jonah really was interested in him and his conviction that a man like Jonah could never feel attracted to someone like him.

With the story taking place over the course of one train journey taking about 24 hours, the characters don’t have the time to really get to know each other in depth, and neither does the reader. While that makes complete sense in this story I couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed. We see enough of David and Jonah to become curious about them, only for that curiosity to remain unsatisfied by the time the story ends. In fact, this novella left me curious enough to hope that maybe the author might revisit these characters in the future and give us a glimpse of their relationship after they arrive at their destination.

As it is this was a sweet, easy to read and mildly sexy story that kept me entertained but also left me yearning for more.