Tag: Evan Gilbert
Dallas in Wonderland by Evan Gilbert
Title: Dallas in Wonderland
Series: N/A
Author: Evan Gilbert
Genre: Contemporary/MMM Ménage
Length: Novella (89 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (20 May 2015)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 Hearts
Blurb: Dallas Fox owns porn movie studio Wonderland and for him, sex is all about business. He hasn’t felt passion in a long time, so he is surprised when he develops an attraction for Johnny Roman, a college student who has recently become a porn actor for the studio, and Miguel Duarte, an office assistant. Dallas is even more surprised when he realizes they are as interested in him as they are in each other. Those attractions violate Dallas’s number one rule: no mixing business and pleasure.
Dallas slowly lets his guard down, and eventually winds up in bed with both Johnny and Miguel. Their painful backgrounds are similar, and they begin forging bonds that could grow into something much deeper. Miguel, however, faces a threat that could endanger them all and destroy any chance of finding the romance they want and need.
ISBN: 978-1-63216-992-1
Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6390
Reviewer: Prime
Review: A story about the owner of a porn production company with two of his employees – one an actor and one an office assistant – this is every bit as hot and sexy as one’s mind would conjure such a story to be.
Porn producer Dallas enjoys life but wouldn’t mind getting his shot at real love. Then there is Miguel he’s struggling for work and money but he grabs his opportunity to be an office assistant when he had actually gone to audition to be a porn actor. Then there is Johnny, the son a Baptist Deacon and engineering major at college, he does porn to make the money he needs to get by while he studies. So there you have it, three complex characters which need to come together and seriously do belong together.
And it is at this point comes biggest downfall of this story, because there is just too much going on. Each character has a brief explanation of a traumatic past or a horrible family, but there is just no way to appreciate the levity of it all when the plot is going along so fast. Beyond the guys getting together, Johnny faces problems with his family and Miguel faces problems from the murder of his roommate (Miguel’s family issues are in his back story, of course!).
At this point I’m just going to add the observation: there is the entirely too random appearance of a mob boss (who does serve a purpose) in the end but again, it was lost in all that was going on and ended up leaving me confused for a while. In between all this is Dallas, who is taking care of his men. There are lots of romance and lots of sex, but I don’t think the three little words were ever uttered.
In the end there is not only potential for a much longer story with these guys. Hell, this story could be expanded considerably into a very satisfying and hot both. But I also think that the chemistry between the guys, which explodes off the page, could also have a chance to breathe and develop further.
Nevertheless, this is an enjoyable book and a somewhat quick read. If you just want to indulge into some very sexy reading, this will do it for you. There is enough hot sex to leave you wanting more from these guys. I personally long to read a happily-ever-after for Dallas, Miguel and Johnny.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
The Haint by Evan Gilbert
Author: Evan Gilbert
Genre: Paranormal/Horror/Young Adult/Coming of Age
Length: Novel (156 pages)
Publisher:Dreamspinner Press (November 6th, 2013)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Cat
Blurb: Now eighteen, Cale Holland and Zeb Meadows have been best friends since they were freshmen in high school, and Zeb has been in love with Cale most of that time. While returning to their hometown after a trip to the state capital, Cale realizes his feelings for Zeb are growing beyond friendship, and Zeb is ecstatic to finally have a chance at romance with Cale.
On their trip, Cale is mysteriously drawn into the nearby countryside. He discovers a lake so beautiful, his father buys the surrounding property to build a residential development—despite rumors that the area is haunted—and soon after, Cale and Zeb return to the lake on a weekend camping trip to unwind and explore their feelings for each other.
But the haunting of the lake is more than a rumor. In the process of developing the land, Cale’s father accidentally frees an invisible entity that feeds on the energy of living creatures… and Cale and Zeb find themselves in a fight for their lives as they are stalked by the soul-devouring Haint.
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4349
Review: Zeb just lost his father and is now responsible for his two younger siblings, Hannah just going to high school and Donnie only six. His chances of going off to college are not good. Zeb has just graduated high school and now instead of college is face with raising a family and trying to keep social services from taking them.
Cale his best friend and secret crush accompanied him on a trip to settle some business. On the trip back Cale starts acting odd and insists he take a hidden road. They find a beautiful lake and meet a strange family that freak out when they want to see the lake. Cale thinks this is a great place and tells his dad a big real-estate developer about it. They purchase the property to build a big subdivision. Cale takes Zeb, a couple of friends and Zeb’s siblings to camp out on the property one evening. A fun friendly trip turns into a nightmare unleashed.
Warning: Unless you are a big horror buff, don’t read this at bedtime or with the lights off. I did the first night and had horrible nightmares. I really liked the story. It was interesting and I found it pretty scary. What I really liked was the romance. Zeb and Cale are very unique men. Zeb has been in love with Cale for a long time and is happy just having him as a friend. Since Cale is straight, he knows that’s all it will ever be. I liked Cale too though at times I didn’t understand him. I never quite got why he hid his sexuality from Zeb since they were so close but it did make for a good story here. I loved that Zeb stepped into his role of responsibility without thought about his own wants and desires. I liked the eerie way the mystery unfolded and that it had a very Stephen King other-worldness to it. I found the combination of romance, angst and mystery/paranormal just right. I also love this cover!
If you like unexplained supernatural phenomena, a good romance, young adult// coming of age, mystery and friends to lovers this is for you!
Loss of Heart by Evan Gilbert
Author: Evan Gilbert
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: Novella (160 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 11th 2013)
Heat Level: Mild
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Blurb: Daryl Maven and Adam Rossi are comfortable in their relationship, but they can’t agree on whether to marry. Daryl, a law student who teaches college English part-time, wants to wait until gay marriage is recognized in their home state. Adam, also a student, doesn’t want to wait for any reason before making that ultimate commitment.
Everything changes when Daryl is brutally assaulted. Withdrawn and paranoid, he becomes so fixated on finding his attacker that his obsession threatens his bond with Adam. Adam’s commitment will truly be tested as he endeavors to support Daryl, but unless Daryl heals his emotional wounds, their relationship—marriage or not—can’t survive.
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4182
Reviewer: Tams
Review: Daryl Maven is a full-time law student and part-time teacher. He’s in a committed relationship with his long time boyfriend, Adam. They’ve talked about marriage, but Daryl has always found a reason not to take that step. After a heartfelt conversation with his mom, Daryl decides to propose to Adam. Of course he says yes, but he has to know why the change of heart. Before they can have a much-needed conversation, someone breaks into their home while Adam is at work and Daryl is asleep, completely violating Daryl in every way possible.
This was a hard one to read, I’ll warn you now. All be it was brief, the attack was still described in slightly vivid detail. And when Adam finds Daryl, oh my god, my heart was breaking for them. For Daryl for what he’d been through and for Adam as his heart was breaking for the man he loved. It doesn’t dominate the story, what does is the after affects the attack has not only both men as individuals, but as a couple as well. Daryl was already struggling with some things and the attack only compounds his struggle and morphs it into guilt, and he has nothing to feel guilty about!
Age, Love and Understanding by Evan Gilbert
Title: Age, Love, and Understanding
Series: N/A
Author: Evan Gilbert
Genre: MM / Contemporary
Length: Novella
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (February 20, 2013)
Reviewer: Thommie
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: 4 Hearts
Blurb: Aaron Bancroft is an out-and-proud law professor, and there’s nothing wrong with his libido. After getting back in shape following the breakup with his partner of twenty-three years, Aaron is ready to make new connections. But he isn’t prepared to fall for a man more than two decades his junior. How can Aaron have anything more than a fling with someone as young and closeted as Rafael?
Rafael Gomez has a thing for older men. Meeting Aaron at a gay bar is the best thing that’s happened to him in a while, and after a night of passion, Rafael wants more. But he needs it to be a secret, fearing his family will reject him once they discover he likes men. If only Aaron didn’t insist on Rafael coming out…
Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3588
Review: Aaron Bancroft understands his life perfectly. He is a middle-aged man, recently out of a twenty-three year relationship, and with a well-kept body that leads to a very attractive appearance. Taking small step Aaron steadily makes his way toward new connections. His life has still a lot to give him and he understands that he is capable for more.
What Aaron doesn’t understand is a young man, who could well be his son, named Rafael Gomez. He doesn’t understand their chemistry when they first meet, he doesn’t understand why he wants to keep Rafael for more than a night, and what is perhaps more frustrating is that he doesn’t understand why Rafael would want more with him.
Trying to come to terms with their age difference and the glaringly different stages they are in life Aaron allows the relationship to go on, living in the present and facing every day as it comes. But Aaron didn’t count on his hast beating all for the young man and in shock realizes that he is falling in love, a love that can’t have much of a life since Rafael is not out to his family and has no intention of doing so, consequently not being able to give 100% to their relationship.
I loved this book, it was funny, it was sweet, and it was romantic and emotional. Aaron is a character that will make you fall far him from page one. He is a solid man, able to see things and understand them as they are. But what I loved more about him is the fact that even when he lost control he regained it fast and didn’t keep a grunge. As for Rafael, oh dear, his sweetness and cuteness will seduce you just as fast as he seduced Aaron. Their relationship is perhaps one of the best developed one I’ve read in novellas. For its length it was well-played with its ups and downs and not even coming close to stereotypes and clichés.
You will love this pair of men, you’ll definitely enjoy this read as well as Mr. Gilbert’s writing style, and I strongly recommend this to all fans of romance.
Made Man by Evan Gilbert
Author: Evan Gilbert
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (84pgs)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (13th June 2012)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Twenty years ago, Eli Calero fell in love with Kevin Murphy, a jock whose mob boss father physically and emotionally abused him. Twenty years ago, Eli Calero got his heart broken, and he’s never gotten over it.
Now, after a career as an investigative reporter, Eli is a true crime author living in Pasadena. He has no interest in attending a reunion back in St. Louis, but he ends up going anyway—and since he’s in the area, Eli decides to settle an old score. He’s determined to gather enough evidence to take down Kevin’s father.
But Eli doesn’t have all the facts, and there are a few things he didn’t count on: Kevin’s still in town. He still has feelings for Eli. And he’s about to get caught in the crossfire.
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3007
Review: Eli lost the love of his life, Kevin Murphy, twenty years ago and he has never forgotten him. Now, he is going back to St. Louis for a school reunion and he takes the opportunity to dig into the business of Kevin’s father to bring him down… but, not everything is as he thought.
This is a good storyline of love lost and found again, of holding your hands up and accepting your dues and of hoping for a fresh beginning. Eli is still bitter about being dumped by his first love even after twenty years and when he revisits his home town for a school reunion, he decides it’s about time that someone made Jameson Murphy pay for his crimes. And when he sees Kevin Murphy again, after so long, he is more determined than ever to make Jameson pay. But, Eli gets a shock when he learns the truth and it leaves him with a hard choice to make.
So, a tale of young love shattered, love never forgotten, forgiveness, accepting your punishment and the promising hope of a new beginning, which will keep you reading and hoping for a happy ending for these two characters, Eli and Kevin. I must admit that I couldn’t understand why it took Eli so long to return to St. Louis to settle old scores, when he knew everything that Kevin’s father had done to him. and it puzzled me why he suddenly decided to do it now instead of years earlier, I mean twenty years is a long time. I could totally understand him still being in love with Kevin and rekindling that love and even being willing to give everything up for him. Although, he forgave him very easily for the past (I’d have shouted and screamed at him a bit more).
Both characters are interesting, although we only see things from Eli’s perspective and their characters are quite unique when they are together… Kevin, the mobster’s son, turns vulnerable and needy when with Eli, while Eli is protective and wanting to shelter Kevin from all harm. The progression of the story is quite good and the truth about Kevin’s father is surprising, but I found the ending difficult to deal with. It left me feeling disappointed because it wasn’t a HEA and I couldn’t even call it a HFN, because it felt like it was left dangling in space with just a hint of promise. I would much rather have seen them a couple of years later after Kevin had paid his dues, because then I would have known that they would be together rather than the promise of them being together.
So, I will recommend this to those who love mobsters, a vulnerable heart under a hard exterior, some hot sex, love lost and found and a promise of a happy ending.