Title: Something In Common

Series: Something In Common #1-7

Author: Talia Carmichael

Genre: Gay Erotic Romance, Contemporary

Length: Novel (886 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 7, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts 

Blurb: In this collection, explore seven stories of men who don’t think they can possibly be a match… until they discover that sometimes all it takes is a little something in common. From rough starts, to friends hesitating to take that next step, to complete opposites, Talia Carmichael’s series shows the ways that love can conquer many odds.

ISBN: 978-1-63477-625-7

Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/something-in-common-by-talia-carmichael-7607-b

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: When I came across this nice bundle of books, I knew I wanted them. Which was kind of crazy since I own all them when they first came out. So let’s just say that this was one series that I have read many times over. Each character is unique in their own way and some have gone through some horrible times in their lives. They have lost loved ones and gained love ones, found new loves in the most interesting places. Each story is fascinating and fresh as the first time I got to read them. They caught my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. No matter how many times I read them they are still as new as can be. 

Detour ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts 

Robert Berkus’s steady academic life seemed to be an open road until the day he took a detour… right into Officer Miguel Rodriguez’s path. When Miguel helps the sexy professor change a flat tire, Robert is absolutely oblivious to Miguel’s interest. That suits Miguel just fine, though. He’s used to being the aggressor although it sure would be nice to get this sweet and staid college professor to make the first move. When Robert gets his act in gear, the results prove explosive. Miguel wants Robert in his bed and in his life permanently, and Robert enthusiastically agrees – but they’ve already learned that life makes detours.

Sometimes it takes love a little courage to arrive at its chosen destination. It also shows that family does not have to be blood related and that was the perfect type to me.

So here you have Robert cheating to get to his luncheon with an old friend. Running a red light might not get him a ticket but it sure does get him his man. Although it would take a sign to get Robert to see that Miguel is definitely interested in him. These two are perfect for each other and a big hit with me.

It is a very funny little story with the perfect array of characters backing them all up. Now it does have a part that will make you cry your eyes up, but don’t worry. It just shows how true it is when you are talking about police officers and the dangers they face. Also the ones left behind. However Robert and Miguel love strengthens each day. These two were so damn funny that I spent most of the time laughing while reading. Poor Miguel would have to strip in front of the man to get the man to realize Miguel wants him. From that moment on though it sure does get very hot.

Hold on for the ride because book two is next. This was one story that rocked it perfectly for me. 

Sparks ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts 

Bernie Jenkins knows longing for Tomas is futile. The strong, sexy man sees him as nothing but an obligation, a burden he took on out of pity. He even calls Bernie “kid.” Bernie knows all about burdens and how they can consume you, so he pushes away feelings for Tomas.

Tomas Rodriguez likes Bernie. He’s a buddy, a friend. No matter what anyone says, there is nothing going on between them… or so he believes until Bernie surprises him one night at a club. Tomas realizes there’s more to the clumsy geek than he ever knew, but being attracted to someone isn’t the same as acting on it. For that to change, Bernie will have to take a chance and allow Tomas into his heart. 

Now Bernie is one of those characters that has innocence about him but when you look into his eyes you can see the mischief. He is sex and innocence rolled into one feisty young man. However there is a part of him that is hidden and a past that is full of pain. Whereas Thomas comes off as a hardass, but when it comes to family he is the first one there. From the moment Bernie enters the picture, he is considered family. We are still waiting on that formula to stop people from speaking though.

Now this one does not have the spark to it but it has an emotional tone to it. It will take the whole gang to help Bernie with his past and to welcome his brothers into the picture.

Although it is only one that shows up. Bernie has been a favorite of mine from the start and he will probably continue long well after the books are all read. It also shows that some parents should never be parents, as Bernie’s is the one that cause him all his pain and grief. I love how Tomas jumped in and helped without Bernie really realizing that was what he was doing. The way these two fought was a blast. 

Now I am off to read the next book. It just keeps getting better and better after each read. I sure do love these guys.

Resonate ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts 

When Gerald Ramirez and retired rock star Bur Jenkins meet; it’s not exactly love at first sight. Actually, Gerald thinks Bur is using their mutual friend, and Bur seems to get a kick out of messing with Gerald.

To be honest, Gerald’s never been attracted to another man. But then Bur admits he’s attracted to Gerald, and now Gerald can’t stop thinking about what the two of them might be like together. After proving to himself he’s not interested in any other men, Gerald comes forward with an admission of his own: he’s interested in Bur, and he wants to give dating a shot.

Bur never dared to hope for this, but the chance to get close to Gerald is too tempting to resist, even though Bur is sure their relationship will crash and burn. After all, they’re completely mismatched….

Now we have our very own straight man falling for another. Now most families would wonder and question, but let’s just say he thought about it. I loved how he was always paying for everything and trying to get Bur to get a job. His reaction when he finds out who Bur really is was the funniest moment ever.
Now here you have a sexy cop who is not only loyal but dependable. He fights for his friends and tries to help his best friend’s husband after his death. He thinks Bur is using him but damn do sparks fly between these two. I do love how the author worked the ex-fiancée moving into Gerald’s house. Could have been dicey but she turned it out perfectly.

Light, funny, sweet and so damn sexy is what you get from this story. I have got to tell you that with all of the characters running around, there should be a lot more stories for me. Well I am off to read the next book. Amazing is all I have to say.

Irresistible ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts 

Del Jenkins prefers to be alone—or so he tells himself until his younger brothers try to make him a playdate with bookstore owner Harper Hillman. Del’s brothers just want him to make a new friend, but there is no way he can be friends with Harper. Not unless Harper’s definition of “friends” includes jumping into bed together and getting naked and sweaty. When Harper turns him down flat because he doesn’t sleep with strangers, Del shrugs it off and suggests they get to know each other better. He already sees something wonderful in Harper, and he won’t give up so easily.

Harper is still mourning his dead husband, and a casual sexual encounter with Del is the last thing he wants. But getting to know each other—platonically, of course—should be harmless. In no way is Harper getting close to another man. But as he and Del spend more time together, Harper realizes it’s too late—he’s already involved. His heart is set on Del, and Harper is powerless to resist.

Now Harper has been morning his husband’s death for a while, and he at one time had thought his best friend was going to propose to him just to help him. Talk about a blessing when Bur stepped up to the plate on that one. However Harper is just not sure if he wants to give Del a chance. Now with Bernie, Bur and Del, these three and the twins have gone through hell and made it out. Their stories are a bit more painful to hear but so worth it in the end. Del is one closed off jackal who doesn’t really let anyone in. However when the twins are found out, Del is the one who runs and takes them in, not that the others had any clue what was going on since none of them have seen each other since they were teens. But damn it will have you in tears.

The stories are taking a new turn and making it more personal for some. You will see how each character reacts to each other and how hard they rush to help.

Amazing story and full of love for these guys. Now off to read the next book.

Trouble ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts 

Alex Hayes doesn’t get involved. He’s been hurt before and has no desire to repeat the experience. Besides, his friends are his family. He doesn’t need anything else. Or so he thinks until he comes face-to-face with Leslie “Maestro” Hannigan… again.

Two years ago, Alex was the one that got away. But now Leslie knows his name and he isn’t going to lose him twice—especially when it’s plain to see that Alex is interested in Leslie too. Alex may think Leslie is trouble… but he’s the very best kind.

Alex is really good at fixing homes and then re-selling them, but the man doesn’t know jack about cars. He has purchased a real sweet one and he thought a book would help him. Thank god he listened to Bernie and the others and decided to get help. To top it off he is still searching for his dead lover’s wife to see if she is ok. Here he has this sexy man fixing his car and he is about to run away. Thank god Alex uses his brain sometimes; otherwise I am pretty sure Leslie was going to tie him to the bed.

Damn each story just keeps getting better and better with each turn of the page. I do get a kick out of Alex though. And when Leslie goes all car god on someone…well let’s just say that even the cops won’t mess with the Maestro. I sure do get a kick out of these two.

Wow this one rocked it out of the ball park for me. On to the next book.

Chances ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts 

Treble Duo, the haven facility, is now up and running, and that is Theron Longoria’s one and only focus until he sees Aristotle Berkus. He’s met the grouchy, crowd-hating man several times, but each time, Theron is more and more intrigued. After meeting Theron, Aristotle realizes what a wonderful mystery of a man he’s found, and although he plans on taking things slow, he’s not planning on letting Theron go.

Between a barbecue get-together and a chance to help a little girl find a new home, Theron and Aristotle discover they need each other to navigate the new life they are starting together. 

Bernie, Del and Bur have gotten together with their friends and family and made a rescue for those who have been kicked out of hurt by their parents. Things are looking up for them all. Aristotle is a master at making normal wood turn into beautiful furniture. He is one big man with a big heart; however he is not going to let anyone have his picture. Theron sees children and wants to help them, so the perfect place to work was at the facility. When these two finally hook up you can see the sparks. That is if they can ever get some time alone, damn Theron has a big family. Don’t let his mother watch sports though, not a good thing.

I got a kick out of this book and Theron’s mom rocks. She is even more passionate about children being hurt then the guys. She will kick some major ass to save them. I love it about these guys how big their hearts are. This story rocked perfectly and made me cry at the same time.

I am off to read the next book. Amazing story is all I have to say about this one.

Magnetism ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts 

Taggart Monroe wants to know what makes Rhodes Winslow tick. Rhodes finds the friendly barbs he and Taggart exchange intriguing, fun, and sexy. He wants Taggart and knows Taggart wants him even though he won’t admit it. Taggart studies people the way he studies the details of his cases, so he’s drawn to a man who is an enigma. Getting to know Rhodes is an adventure Taggart can’t resist, just like the magnetism between them.

Get some cute puppies how hard can it be… Well let’s just say I hope you guys get some new cushions soon. These two are so damn cute together and so sweet. They act like best friends, fight like cats and dogs but it is so sexy to see it. Cases are rolling in with the kids and things heat up real fast with these guys. I love how they are with each other and how they are with their friends and family. I wish I had this kind of family. 

Now I have to admit that it took me a while to remember who these guys were, but it didn’t really take that long to go back and look it up. These two didn’t hit me like the others did, there didn’t seem to be that big spark that there was beforehand. It was more sweet, tender and just fun to be with these two. They were perfect for each other even if they were a bit quirky. I have to admit that these two different have the chemistry that the others had and they were a bit boring. However for me it didn’t really take away from the whole story.

I had a blast reading it and look forward to future books.

Overall ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts 

Now with this series, it is not all fun and games. There is some serious tension in some of them and some triggers that might bug you a bit. If you can’t handle child abuse then this probably wouldn’t be the one for you. Although these guys deal with it and they fix it, they try to make it better for the child. Now you will find some of the characters from Talia’s Encounter series making an appearance in the last book. I was glad to have been given this complete series, even though I read all of the stories many times over. I love the fact that you get all of the stories in one nice big book and don’t have to wait. Now normally I can’t stand stories with so many characters in them because it does get hard to keep them all separate but it wasn’t like that with this series. They all complement each other and make the story so much more memorable for me. I enjoyed reading them once more and look forward to reading them many times more. Talia Carmichael is a book goddess and I absolutely have moved her to my top ten favorite authors. Amazing series is what this was.