Blurb: In 2002, Mark Vincent, onetime senior special agent, ran into John, a troubled little boy, at a local McDonald’s. Concerned, although it wasn’t his business, he gave the kid his business card and left.
Three years later, Mark is director of his department at the WBIS and married to Quinton Mann, the former CIA spook who now writes spy novels. They’ve settled into a life of quiet domesticity and are even considering adopting a cat.
All this changes when John, now using another name, barrels into Mark’s life with a secret no one expects and on the run from an organization that wants him despite the collateral damage.
What will Mark, the man known as “the best” in the intelligence community, do when he learns what this secret is? Will it affect his relationship with Quinn? And how complicated are things going to get when Mark decides to get involved?
Review: This is the last book in this series and it was somewhat of surprise for me. Considering the last three books, I was expecting mellow and sappy story. It did have such elements, but it resembled the book one the most as it brought action and mystery into plot once again.
It also managed to scrounge several plot ends mentioned in previous books and brings them to a close in rather surprising and twisty end. The plot is a little over the top, but all its parts are covered and decently explained.
It has a truly evil villain emerging from the shadows and Mark and Quinn trying to get a hold of surprise from the past that will bring serious changes in their lives. Quinn takes in all in stride as befitting his moniker of Ice Mann, while Mark has moment of what-the-heck?
It does end on a high note and it’s a charming end to the the series!
Blurb:Quinton Mann has resigned from the CIA, but they aren’t happy about that and want him back. To do that, they’ll not only have to convince Quinn that’s a good idea, but Mark Vincent, Portia Mann, and Gregor Novotny as well, and that isn’t going to be easy.
Meanwhile, friends and family need help, and neither Quinn nor Mark will turn them down.
Review:Of all the books in the series, this one deserves the romance title the most.
It’s sappy and dreamy and it’s a lovely happy end for our two heroes. The contrast from beginning is especially noticeable here, since they are in established relationship, they already cleared the hurdles facing them and now they are settling to enjoy the rest of their lives. It’s unashamed piece of fluff, with their family and friends playing prominent roles.
There is a lot of difference in both characters, as Quinn, once known as Ice Man, is comfortable in his relationship with Mark and the direction his life has taken. Mark is also softer – being with Quinn dulled his edges and made him less hesitant to show people in his life he cares.
Blurb: Quinton Mann and Mark Vincent – still as dangerous, intelligent, and perceptive as they were when they started playing mind games with each other, and still in love. With Quinn having inherited the Mann family estate in a state of serious disrepair, he and Mark with the help of their family and friends decided to fix it up and then live there, together. But when a mystery from the Mann family past intersected with the death that led to Quinn inheriting the estate, Mark and Quinn were determined to solve it, and see Quinn’s cousin DB and his ladies safely married. But there are always eyes watching two such dangerous men. Would they be able to continue their relationship without nosy, judgmental people trying to put an end to it?
Review: This is third book in series and it shows. This time we got both Quinn’s and Mark’s POV as the story continued from where previous book left off.
The story focuses heavily on Mark’s and Quinn’s interactions, through other characters weave their way in or out. While I liked the story, I didn’t enjoy it as much as previous books. The plot was loose – the story changed tracks several times and while events had their own charm I wasn’t hell bent of getting to the end the way at was with previous book. The impression I got is mostly of placeholder in the series – it deals with leftover ends from previous books and sets a stage for the next one. There is also more humor in this one. It’s more relaxed and easy-going.
It’s hard to give summary for this one, as it mostly focused on characters. Mark’s and Quinn’s banter is lively as ever, and their charm kept my attention on the book. It’s perhaps somewhat of a break from previous books, which bridled with action.
Blurb: Quinton Mann and Mark Vincent are settling into a relationship that shouldn’t be possible. After all, Quinn is CIA, while Mark belongs to the WBIS, an agency labeled by others in the intelligence community as being staffed by sociopaths. Somehow, in spite of that, they seem to be making it work.
Surprisingly, it isn’t work that separates them but family matters and a friend’s plea for help when his partner is kidnapped. Quinn is off to London, while Mark heads for Los Angeles to solve the kidnapping. Then Mark gets called to Paris by Femme of the Division, where things are not as they seem. Quinn, thinking to meet Mark in Paris, ends up coming to Mark’s rescue. Back in the States, Mark fights taking time to recover from being shot while events are happening at the CIA that could endanger both Quinn and his best friend, DB.
Between family, friends, and Mark, how will Quinn make the opportunity to talk to Mark about moving in together and even starting a family?
Review: Well, I can safely say this was an interesting experience. The story this time is from Quinton’s POV, which brought a change of pace. It should be read immediately after book one, because half of it covers previous events – just from Quinn point of view. Despite repetition, the story held my attention as there were bits and pieces I hadn’t known, and surprisingly, Quinn’s voice is quite different from Mark’s – the book had different vibe. Yes, Quinn is a spy, same as Mark, but his background is completely different and it shows.
This story is softer, gentler and focuses a little bit more on their relationship than the previous one. Maybe part of it was Quinn’s worldview: he knows he wants Mark and is not letting him go, while Mark, while in love, is wary of the future and insecure. There is one matter where Quinn is as ruthless as Mark is: no one is allowed to hurt Mark and he will move heaven and earth to make sure he is safe. He doesn’t flinch at Mark’s actions, which Mark finds baffling.
Once again, there is a whole slew of secondary characters from this series and others and they play important part in the story.
There is a hook up for the next book in series, so if it follows the pattern, there will Mark’s view of what happened in second half of the book, so I’m impatient to see what happens. (Or Tinnean will cook up something else – this was rather unusual experience for me!)
This is not a standalone, the books have to be read in order and hopefully with the next one already sitting on e-reader!
Blurb: Mark Vincent and Quinton Mann have finally kind of, sort of, exchanged promises. Mark has returned from an assignment on the West Coast, and he’s looking forward to spending some quality time with his lover. After all, it’s the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. What could be better than a little beer, a little corned beef on rye, and Quinn in his bed?
However, on Monday it’s back to the grind — this time to an almost empty department. Matheson is away on assignment and Ms. Parker, Mark’s secretary, is taking sick time, something she never does. But these aren’t the only signs of something unusual, well, more unusual than normal, going on. Gradually, Mark uncovers a series of events going back to the previous spring and involving not only his senior special agent but Theo Bascopolis, a former rent boy who is Mark’s friend.
While Mark unravels the threads of the Gordian knot the WBIS has become, he realizes how deep his feelings for Quinn have grown. But can a spy like Mark ever hope to be “the one” for a spook like Quinn?
Review: This story is nearly 6 yrs old, but the story itself is new to me. I’m very glad I discovered it, since it’s very good and I enjoyed it.
It’s one of several books this author has in the same universe which is the only sticking point with the story. It relies heavily on previous books, references past events and characters from others books pop up constantly. I was lucky because I did read Houseboat on the Nile, which is part of another series, but it it’s chronologically before this one. That series is not republished yet in its entirety and I would definitely recommend reading it before this one.
Otherwise, I had a blast with the book. It’s fast paced, dialogue heavy and believer in instant gratification, as in, the bad guys are dealt with swiftly and decisively.
The whole story is in first POV from one of its main characters. Mark Vincent works for shadowy Agency and is unapologetic about his worldview. He is willing to do everything for his friends and those he trusts, and his enemies tend to have radically shortened lifespans. It’s simple and ruthless worldview, and the reason why everyone else in intelligence community considers him a sociopath. It also makes his fumbling on romantic front even more endearing. The romance story is more of a background, as he and Quinn are in established relationship. Mark has no problems risking his life and killing others, but he is shy when it comes to asking his lover to move in with him. It’s sigh worthy and now I’m curious as to what will happen in other books of the series.
Sincerely recommended, but I’d suggest reading other books in this universe first. I think it will make this one even better!
Hi guys, we have the JMS Books anthology 2016 Top Ten Gay Romance stopping by today to celebrates it’s release, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
2016 Top Ten Gay Romance
by
Becky Black, T.A. Creech, Rebecca James, Shawn Lane, J.L. Merrow, A.R. Moler, Terry O’Reilly, Michael P. Thomas, Tinnean, J.D. Walker. Edited by J.M.Snyder
2016 Top Ten Gay Romance brings together the best-selling short stories published by JMS Books that year.
From first love to true love, from submission to sensual, from heat to sweet and everything in between, the couples in these stories are sure to keep you turning the pages as you fall in love with them. The 10 stories in this head-over-heels collection go beyond bedtime reading. Whether happily ever after or happy for now, there’s an ending for everyone in here!
Blurb: Quinton Mann is a spook for the CIA; Mark Vincent is a spy for the Washington Bureau of Intelligence and Security. They don’t get along. But that doesn’t mean they can’t sleep together. Follow their adventures in bombings, terrorists, murders, and love in The Start of a Beautiful Friendship, Houseboat on the Nile, Not My Spook!, and Forever.
In Pick Up the Pieces and Foolish Me, rent boy Theo “Sweetchecks” Bascopolis is introduced to William Matheson by the mysterious Mark Vincent. The attraction is instant, but both men have secrets and pasts that seem determined to come between them.
Review: This book is actually two different series that are combined into Spy’s vs Spooks series. I read the first four books when they came out and had to jump at getting my hands on this book.
They are action packed stories with sexy men who know how to kill. They catch my attention from the moment I started reading and kept it all the way to the end. I love how fully developed that these stories and the details have been amazing. It is like you know each character and the worlds that they live in. This author soon became a favorite of mine and will continue to be so.
The Start of a Beautiful Friendship ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
It’s 1996, and Mark Vincent, senior special agent of the Washington Bureau of Intelligence and Security, has been assigned the task of assassinating the head of a terrorist organization in Europe. When the mission goes south and he’s ordered to take a vacation, he reluctantly goes to Paris, where, in a little bar called Le Petit Homme, he sees a man who intrigues him. However, like ships passing in the night, they go their separate ways, only to meet again the following morning, and over breakfast, the man introduces himself as Louis.
Is it too much of a coincidence? Perhaps, perhaps not, but Mark is intrigued and, unable to resist, he gives his name as Rick. A comment of Louis’s leads Mark to assume Louis hustles for a living, so Mark decides to “rent” him for the week. Unbeknownst to Mark, Louis has his own reasons for going along with the charade, which leads to… the start of a beautiful friendship.
This story was short and sweet. Two sexy men working different sides, meeting up, sparks flying and my heart is gone. Mark lost a good friend and is trying to just deal with his father being ill. Then he meets a man who sparks his interest at the bar but the man chooses someone else. Then fate happens and he meets up with him again.
Louis is playing the part of rent boy, and they decided to hook up for the night. However that one night, turn into a hot and sexy week. I loved the twist that his story had and it kept me on the edge of my seat from the start. I can’t wait to start reading the next book.
Houseboat on the Nile ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Mark Vincent is WBIS—Washington Bureau of Intelligence and Security. Quinton Mann is staunchly CIA. Mark thinks the CIA is full of dilettantes who leave him and the rest of the WBIS to clean up their messes. Quinn thinks most WBIS agents are sociopathic loose cannons. So they don’t exactly get along.
Of course, just because they don’t like each other doesn’t mean they can’t play mind games on each other. Or sleep together. But when an explosion at Mark’s apartment sends Quinn to the morgue to ID a body, he has to re-evaluate his position on denial.
Two sexy men working for different agencies. Mark is WBIS and Quin is CIA so you can imagine the sparks flying with these two. He is one smart cookie and tough to boot, he doesn’t let anyone get the better of him. Although I could do without the politics in the beginning, it was a bit dry to me. They go back and forth with each other, which is normal between people who are really falling in love. The chemistry was off the charts with these two.
The only other problem I had with this was the shifting POV’s going on. It drove me nuts. The mind games these two played beat that out of the water though. I enjoyed reading this and look forward to the next book.
Not My Spook! ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Highly ranked CIA officer Quinton Mann finds himself in a relationship with Mark Vincent-for exactly five days. At that point, Mark uses the excuse of going to Massachusetts for his mother’s funeral to end it. But Quinn’s a spook, and you can’t fake a faker.
Mark fears he’s getting in too deep with Quinn, hence the disappearing act. Then Quinn does something unexpected, something nobody has ever done before: he comes after Mark. Maybe being in a relationship with Quinn isn’t such a bad idea. In the meantime, something strange is going on in the intelligence community worldwide. When Quinn disappears while investigating a rogue antiterrorist organization, Mark makes up his mind. Quinn might be a spook, but he’s Mark’s spook, damn it-and once he gets Quinn home, he intends to keep him. He just has to find him first.
These stories just keep getting better and better. These guys are so damn hot and just about make me swoon. I love how Marc is with Quinn, and how he tries so hard to keep that part of him hidden and safe. He just doesn’t seem to know it yet, but his heart is caught for sure.
Although the shifting POV was still driving me nuts. Overall this is one fantastic story and I can guarantee that it is going to keep on giving me a fascinating read. I can’t wait to start reading the next book.
Forever ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Lately, life is both sweet and sour for intelligence operatives Mark Vincent and Quinton Mann. The sweet is they’re settling into a relationship; Mark has found a condo in Alexandria with the help of Quinn’s mother, Portia; and Mark and Quinn are looking forward to spending the holidays in the Caribbean.
As for the sour, something shadier than usual is going on at Langley. Useless missions and sleepless nights are leaving Quinn exhausted, and then Portia’s life is threatened. When Quinn discovers the accident was no accident and the egomaniacal Senator Wexler is involved, he’s out for blood.
To this point, Mark has stayed out of Quinn’s CIA business. But hurting Quinn and those he loves isn’t on the table, so at Mark’s instigation, they set out together to deal with Wexler. The only catch: it’s the first time Quinn will see Mark at his deadly best, and Mark isn’t sure how his lover will react.
The connection between each book has rocked my world. They flow so perfect that you can’t help but to want to read it more than once. The guys have slowly figured out that they are supposed to be with each other and I get a kick out of them every time. I have to admit that Mark is the harder character to get a read on sometimes, but you can tell that it is all a facade. They are so in love that it is what one would want in their lives.
I enjoy the way they react to each other and the heat that they have. I have to admit that this one was the best in my opinion. I always did love the little twists that there seems to be in all her stories. However I really loved the whole series so far and can’t wait to get my hands on the next book. Now the ending was just a bit off to me though, so I guess I will just have to wait and see.
Pick Up The Pieces ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Fifteen-year-old Theo Bascopolis longs for the man of his dreams. But his dreams are dashed when his conservative Greek father discovers Theo is gay and throws him out. Hopeless, he falls in with Fast Franky, a pimp who seduces Theo with the nickname “Sweetcheeks,” but abuses him and wants Theo to hustle. A bloody fight with Franky forces Sweetcheeks to run. Winding up in Washington, DC, he meets a group of rent boys who take care of each other. While he may not have the man of his dreams, Theo finally has a home and family of his own making.
When the boys take in mysterious tenant Mark Vincent, he seems a solid protector, until one of Sweetcheeks’s boys suffers a savage beating in his name. Vincent visits the boy in the hospital and introduces his equally enigmatic trainee, William Matheson. The instant attraction blindsides Sweetcheeks. In spite of knowing love isn’t for rent boys, Sweetcheeks hopes Matheson sees beyond the body he’s offered to so many. But Matheson has secrets of his own, and both will have to tear down their walls to find enduring love.
Now this one had me in tears, I have to admit that. That boy went through so much pain and ended helping his friends. He survived his father kicking him out, a pimp abusing him and living on the streets. He finds himself with another group of boys that take care of each other. Then they take in the strange guy who just might be the best protector ever. However life on the street is a nasty one, especially when one of the boys gets hurt. Mark brings in someone to help them out. However Theo slowly falls for Will. The attraction is off the charts.
Now I have to say that I was glad when I started reading this that Theo didn’t stay a boy and grew up to be a great man. And that Will is his first true love, but I do hope that it is his only one. These two are hot. Now the romance part didn’t really happen till close to the ending. Will was a bit of a mystery to me. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Foolish Me ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Giving up a life as rent boy Sweetcheeks for his lover, William Matheson, was an easy decision for Theo Bascopolis. But years of selling his body and the lingering pain from being thrown out by his father leave Theo worried that Wills, who’s always had his family’s acceptance, can’t truly love him. Life has taught him love isn’t for rent boys, and he’s having a hard time tearing down the walls he built around his emotions and trusting that Wills sees beyond his past.
Despite Will’s reassurances, he leaves for an extended assignment with no contact, giving Theo too much time to think about the future. A message arrives, and as far as Theo is concerned, it proves him right. Maybe it’s too late to protect his heart, but he’s not going to hang around waiting for Matheson to stomp all over it. Theo runs, breaking all ties to his former lover.
When Wills returns to an empty apartment and no sign of his lover, he wonders whether Theo really wants to be found and if they are meant to be together after all. But they’ve been through too much, and Wills always gets his man.
Wow this was action packed and my heart was in my throat. Theo thinks that his past will mean that Will will never truly stick around. The problem was when Will went on an assignment Theo ran to keep his own heart safe. Too bad Will goes after him. He is going to bring his heart right back to him.
Theo is probably my favorite character in all of these books. He went through so much and is a strong man in the end. Although Will going to find him was damn hot. Out of this whole book this is my favorite of them all. It was an fun read and I look forward to reading more by this author.
OVERALL THOUGHTS: Damn these guys just keep getting hotter and hotter. The stories are the best and they continue to get better and better. This was one of the best action packed books that I have come across. You don’t just get one story but six amazing books. The characters caught my heart and just didn’t let go. I love the heart that was put into this book and can’t wait to get my hands on the next story. I enjoyed reading it and would definitely recommend it.
Blurb: Johnny Smith meets Church Chetwood during the dark days of the Great Depression. He knows Mr. Chetwood can’t be his forever. Why would the handsome and charming director want to stay with a young man who has nothing but his body and skills in bed to offer? His Mr. Chetwood can have any woman—or man—he wants, but Johnny is going to keep him as long as he can.
When they have to leave suddenly on the SS August Moon to evade the process servers trying to find Church, Johnny is glad they’ll have more time together. But the crew rises up against the good Captain Johansen, urged on by a stowaway who wants the August Moon for himself.
Johnny and Church, together with the captain, the cook, a wireless operator, and the little girl Johnny saved from prostitution, are cast off into a small lifeboat—and doomed to the open sea. Their other option is to try to land on the island where Church once discovered a saber-toothed tiger. The problem is, the last time Church was on this island, twelve men paid the price with their lives.
Will Johnny, Church, and their friends make it out alive this time?
Review:This is book 2 of Tinnean’s historical/fantasy/adventure series, Finding Home. You need to read book 1 in order to understand the ongoing plot. If you haven’t read the first book since its release in 2012, a quick refresh won’t hurt.
This is just as much of a roller coaster ride as the first book was. I can’t help but feel that their adventures in the Asian Pacific region are areas that were beginning to feel the influence of the Japanese, or would soon feel their presence with WWII not far off from where the series is set.
Johnny and Chet also share the same explosive chemistry. These guys just go so well together. The two guys are together with a bunch of shady shipman out of New York, with really, only one other friend on board. In this, Johnny has become the almost stereotypical “cabin boy” in an effort to protect him from the rough and not so nice or gentle sailors.
However, for reasons I’m still trying to figure out, this book didn’t really capture my attention quite like the first book did. I think part of the reason is that the action is at a slower pace here in Whither Thou Goest, and probably a bit of lull in the overall story during the second third.
Life on a ship for months on end is probably not the most riveting adventure after encountering a live saber tooth tiger. I must admit when the sailors starting stirring up trouble things did pick up and I devoured the rest of the book with no further problem.
There are certainly some interesting developments and the addition of at least a couple of likable characters – as well as a host of villains. In a strange way you see the beginnings of a family being formed in the middle of the ocean after Johnny saves a little girl from certain prostitution and death in the middle of the Pacific.
All in all, though, if you’ve read the first book this is a great and fun story to catch up with a couple familiar faces and go on a journey across the seven seas (sort of) and trying forget the troubles of everyone back on land going through the Depression! And instead of feeling a bit like a King Kong/Gulliver’s Travels/Jurassic Park vibe, the vibe is just Gulliver’s Travels and Jurassic Park.
By the end of the novel, the story is left open-ended – well, at least I think it is. Despite my feelings I would love to know if there is going to be more about Church and Johnny and their rag-tag bunch
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi peeps, we have Tinnean stopping by today with her upcoming release Whither Thou Goest, Tinnean has a great guest post and there’s a fantastic excerpt so enjoy the post! <3 ~Pixie~
Whither Thou Goest
(Finding Home 02)
by
Tinnean
Johnny Smith meets Church Chetwood during the dark days of the Great Depression. He knows Mr. Chetwood can’t be his forever. Why would the handsome and charming director want to stay with a young man who has nothing but his body and skills in bed to offer? His Mr. Chetwood can have any women—or man—he wants, but Johnny is going to keep him as long as he can.
When they have to leave suddenly on the SS August Moon to evade the process servers trying to find Church, Johnny is glad they’ll have more time together. But the crew rises up against the good Captain Johansen, urged on by a stowaway who wants the August Moon for himself. Johnny and Church, together with the captain, the cook, a wireless operator, and the little girl Johnny saved from prostitution, are cast off into a small lifeboat—and doomed to the open sea. Their other option is to try to land on the island where Church once discovered a saber-toothed tiger. The problem is, the last time Church was on this island, twelve men paid the price with their lives. Will Johnny, Church, and their friends make it out alive this time?
Blurb: It’s the height of the Depression, and people are desperate for a distraction from their lives. Film director Church Chetwood wants to help them forget—and he manages it with his documentaries and travelogues. But when the saber-tooth tiger he captured escapes, Manhattan’s grave situation only worsens. Now Church is facing ten years up the river.
Black Tuesday left John Smith a homeless sixteen-year-old orphan, and in the past four years he’s survived as best he could. When his path crosses Church’s, Johnny’s looking for a meal, nothing more. Surely after all he’s done, no one could love him—especially not Church, who insists he isn’t “like that.” But Church does have a plan to get away. Maybe if Johnny’s lucky, Church will let him tag along.
Review: This is an interesting and relatively quick read. Tinnean is a new author to me and based on this novella alone, I am sold on the author’s writing style. It was just fun and really easy to read. Call Me Church is an interesting story – it is, essentially, King Kong meets Jurassic Park with a bit of Gulliver’s Travels thrown in. Although the mere mention of Hooterville in depression-era New York City also had me thinking of Doctor Who.
It’s not so much as a romance but as an adventure with a couple of guys who somehow manage to create a relationship by the end it of it. Church Chetwood is a larger than life explorer who made movies to entertain the masses stuck in near poverty. But one fatal and horrible accident destroyed his career and has him on the run from just about anyone. He found Jurassic Park (well, actually Iwi Po’o somewhere in the South Pacific) who he caught and brought back a living Sabre Tooth Tiger for all the public to see.
After many people were killed by the wild beast there were warrants for his arrest and multiple people looking to sue him. Then there is Johnny, he’s barely in his twenties and has been living on the streets since the age of sixteen after the great collapse of Wall Street. John is a survivalist for the most part.
Church and John have instant chemistry, although there is a lot factors working against them. John just wants to live for the day, though, even if he knows that anything with Church could break his heart. The guys are super fun and the pace is rapid, even if the plot and characters are not fully developed by the end of the story.
As I said, this is like King Kong, Jurassic Park and Gulliver’s Travels, so if you like these then you’ll probably enjoy Call Me Church.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Series: The Light In Your Eyes,#2 (A Spy vs. Spook Spinoff)
Author: Tinnean
Genre: Contemporary/Spy/Suspense
Length: Novel (345 Pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (April 24th, 014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Blurb: Giving up a life as rent boy Sweetcheeks for his lover, William Matheson, was an easy decision for Theo Bascopolis. But years of selling his body and the lingering pain from being thrown out by his father leave Theo worried that Wills, who’s always had his family’s acceptance, can’t truly love him. Life has taught him love isn’t for rent boys, and he’s having a hard time tearing down the walls he built around his emotions and trusting that Wills sees beyond his past.
Despite Will’s reassurances, he leaves for an extended assignment with no contact, giving Theo too much time to think about the future. A message arrives, and as far as Theo is concerned, it proves him right. Maybe it’s too late to protect his heart, but he’s not going to hang around waiting for Matheson to stomp all over it. Theo runs, breaking all ties to his former lover.
When Wills returns to an empty apartment and no sign of his lover, he wonders whether Theo really wants to be found and if they are meant to be together after all. But they’ve been through too much, and Wills always gets his man.
Review: I must admit I fell in love with Theo (AKA Sweetcheeks) and this book is kind of like a very extended “day in the life” of Theo and Wills once they settle down. There are many bumps in the road to domestic bliss for both of them. Theo’s lack of confidence and trust issues blow up in his face when, in a monumental moment of dramaqueeniness, he draws the conclusion that Wills has cheated on him, and makes an overly dramatic exodus to Tim’s place.
Up until that very moment, I never really thought of Theo as a drama queen who was so insecure in his relationship with Wills. But truthfully, Wills hiding his real job lead to most of their problems. So when Wills lets Theo in on his day job with Mr. Vincent’s approval I’m at first relieved, and then perplexed.
Theo doesn’t seem to understand the risks, and he starts acting like a mother hen, bringing Wills and co-workers dinners at the office. That just seems warm and fuzzy but a bit unrealistic to me. Well, this is a bit of a fantasy I admit, in the vein of Pretty Woman, with spooks and spies.
We see a lot of Mr. Vincent again, though he does finish his new house with Theo’s decorating help and eventually move out of the apartment he had rented. We see Mr. Vincent sweep to the rescue again, and bring a date to a few events. He also has a cat. Cat’s are a huge part of this book, just in case you needed to know that.
As Theo and Wills’ relationship develops, both Wills’ and Theo’s insecurities come to the fore, and they reconcile them together. Wills contacts Theo’s parents and they accept him back into the fold. However when Will’s attempts to let his grandparents know about Theo, the results are much less than favorable.
Throughout the story, we see both characters hit relationship landmarks, Theo constantly questioning everything until the end. I won’t give away the big reveals, but there’s pretty much a checklist. This is a warm and fuzzy, head scratching, and often times frustrating installment. Very different from the first and though so much occurs, it could have been summed up in about 100 less pages. Entertaining, but different than I had expected.
Hey guys, a bunch of us bloggers have got together to show our support for T.J. Klune and Eric Arvin by joining up for the Grand Adventures blog tour. This blog tour is to bring to attention the wonderful authors who donated a story and Dreamspinners Press who are donating 100% of the income from the sale to Eric & T.J. and there’s even a great giveaway for you to enjoy! I know the people in this genre are just incredible! So check out what the authors have to say, visit Dreamspinners Press and have a look at the great Grand Adventures goodies and click our Rafflecopter link to win some of those great goodies 🙂 ~Pixie~ p.s. I’d like to give a shout out to Brandilyn from Prism Book Alliance for pulling us bloggers together and organizing our roles in this tour 😉
Description:
On September 1, 2011, TJ Klune wrote, “…it’s not about the ending, it’s about the journey…” in a review of Eric Arvin’s Woke Up in a Strange Place. With those words, two men began a journey of love and invited us to ride along. TJ and Eric have shared so much with us: their wonderful books, their smiles, their humor, their lives, and their inspiring devotion to each other. In December of 2013, their journey took a detour when Eric was taken to the emergency room. He survived the surgery to remove a cavernous hemangioma from his brain stem, but the challenges TJ and Eric face are far from over.
The authors in this anthology donated their talent as a way to support Eric’s continued recovery, to help bring strength to TJ, and to show both of them just how much love surrounds them. Grand Adventures is a diverse range of stories about the journey of love. We’re going on some grand adventures for a great cause. Thank you for joining us.
One hundred percent of the income from this volume goes directly to TJ and Eric.
Foreword by S.A. McAuley
An Unexpected Thing by John Amory (Sequel to Protection)
The Twinkie Ignition by J.E. Birk
When Friendship Becomes More by Sophie Bonaste
Isle of Waiting by Sue Brown (A Missing Moment from Isle of Waves)
The Jogger by KC Burn
Holding Court by Cardeno C.
For Dear Life by Mary Calmes
Under the Full Moon by Ellis Carrington
Stripped by Shae Connor (2nd Edition)
That Place Across the Hall by C.C. Dado
Mistaken MD by Phoenix Emrys
Cops and Comix by Rhys Ford
Last First Kiss by LE Franks
Tomorrow by John Goode
From Fantasy to Friends by CR Guiliano (A Companion to For You)
Hello everyone! My name is John Amory, and my contribution to the Grand Adventures anthology is titled “An Unexpected Thing.” This short is actually a sequel to a story that Dreamspinner published last June in its Daily Dose compilation called “Protection.” The new story picks up about two years after Jamie and Ben met; both are back from London and traveling the West Coast. Jamie is en route to a shooting competition with Ben in tow, but when their plane is diverted, they are forced to find their own way through the Cascades to Seattle. They, of course, find something else along the way.
I have never met TJ or Eric, but I was struck by their struggle like everyone else. We are all a family of authors and readers in this genre, and it felt like someone in our family had suddenly fallen ill. I wanted to help, especially since TJ’s book Into This River I Drown had such an effect on me. When “Protection” was accepted for publication last year, it was the first book I chose from Dreamspinner’s catalog to read, so that I could get a feel for their audience, their authors, the style of stories they publish, etc. I was blown away by River, which is, in so many ways, a really atypical (but still brilliant) M/M romance. There was so much else going on: grief, redemption, faith, closure, all of these things played into the book’s themes, and they’re all things I think TJ handled beautifully. So I began “An Unexpected Thing” as a sequel to “Protection” that contained a guest appearance by two of TJ’s characters from Roseland, which seemed only appropriate given its ties to River. I eventually re-edited the story to not include TJ’s characters (since, if all the authors did that, it would be taxing on TJ to edit and approve each story), but the essence that those characters brought to the story is still there, as well as some other Easter eggs for fans of TJ’s book. “An Unexpected Thing” is about finding love in places you never thought you would, with people you never thought you would. That’s something I got from Into This River I Drown and from TJ and Eric’s personal story, and I think it’s something universal: keep your eyes and heart open, because The One might be someone you’d never notice otherwise.
Thanks for reading and for supporting Grand Adventures! You can find me on Twitter (@JohnAmory) or on GoodReads. Feel free to drop a line! Happy reading!
About John Amory:
John Amory is and always will be a hopeless romantic, which he blames on watching too many episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210 growing up. He began writing stories and poems as a child, continuing through high school. He put writing on the backburner for a number of years, during which time he finished both Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in English, and is thrilled to be creating again now that he knows what “free time” means.
In another life, John is a newly minted college professor, as well as an actor/director/choreographer/playwright whose work has been performed in New York City and elsewhere. He is also obsessed with television and keeps two blogs on the subject: one for general reviews and comments (faketvcritic.blogspot.com), and one devoted solely to So You Think You Can Dance (cuttingsytycd.blogspot.com).
Feel free to drop a message here or on Twitter to say hi!
1. Tell us about your contribution to the anthology.
My short story is called When Friendship Becomes More.
Here’s the official blurb, because it explains the story better than I could:
Despite their differences, Jamie and Roy are not only college roommates, but best friends. What Jamie doesn’t know is that Roy has had a crush on him for years. When Jamie realizes Roy’s feelings during a camping trip with friends, the attraction will either prove mutual, or it will tear their friendship apart.
I’m really proud of this short story. It has moments that will make you laugh and cry. I hope everyone out there loves it as much as I do.
2. What is your favorite TJ and Eric memory?
Well, I haven’t been lucky enough to meet TJ or Eric in person. But I remember reading the news of TJ’s proposal in October of last year. I was instantly touched by the obvious love between the two men. It may not have been a showy proposal like that Home Depot one that went viral a few months ago, but it was one of the most love-filled proposals I’ve ever seen. And isn’t that what’s really important?
3. Why did you choose to participate in the anthology?
When I heard about the anthology it was a no-brainer. I knew I had to help TJ and Eric in any way I could. And since writing is one of my favorite things to do anyway, it was a win-win.
4. Do you have anything to say to TJ and Eric?
I just wanted to say that you two are both some of the strongest people I’ve ever known. I wish you only the best as you go forward. Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!!!!!
About Sophie Bonaste:
Sophie Bonaste is a novelist who never set out to be a novelist. As a child, she wanted to be a Broadway actress and spent her childhood in numerous productions. But when adulthood set in and reality took over, Sophie chose to up the theater for a steady paycheck and instead turned to writing as a creative outlet. She stumbled into the M/M genre through fanfiction and never looked back. Sophie is quite happy with her change in artistic expression and doesn’t plan to stop writing for a long time.
A self-proclaimed nerd, Sophie is an avid fan of all things Star Wars and Harry Potter. (Sophie is a member of the Slytherin house, for those who were wondering.) Sophie also spends many hours watching and re-watching nerdy television shows. When she is not obsessing over the latest and greatest in nerdy entertainment, Sophie can be found screaming at her television during American football games. (Go Pack Go!) Sophie currently lives in Pennsylvania, about twenty minutes from her childhood town of The Middle of Nowhere.
If you don’t want to talk, but you want to read more about my works, please use these links.
Harmony Ink – Sophie Bonaste
Dreamspinner Press – Sophie Bonaste
GIVEAWAY!
20″ x 26″ (image size: 16″ x 24″) signed & matted print of the Grand Adventures cover Grand Adventures Paperback $30 Dreamspinner Press Giftcard
Starts: 12:01 AM EDT on 29 Mar 2014 End: 11:59pm EDT on 8 April 2014
Blurb: The Light in Your Eyes: Book One – A Spy vs. Spook Novel
Fifteen-year-old Theo Bascopolis longs for the man of his dreams. But his dreams are dashed when his conservative Greek father discovers Theo is gay and throws him out. Hopeless, he falls in with Fast Franky, a pimp who seduces Theo with the nickname “Sweetcheeks,” but abuses him and wants Theo to hustle. A bloody fight with Franky forces Sweetcheeks to run. Winding up in Washington, DC, he meets a group of rent boys who take care of each other. While he may not have the man of his dreams, Theo finally has a home and family of his own making.
When the boys take in mysterious tenant Mark Vincent, he seems a solid protector, until one of Sweetcheeks’ boys suffers a savage beating in his name. Vincent visits the boy in the hospital and introduces his equally enigmatic trainee, William Matheson. The instant attraction blindsides Sweetcheeks. In spite of knowing love isn’t for rent boys, Sweetcheeks’ hopes Matheson sees beyond the body he’s offered to so many. But Matheson has secrets of his own, and both will have to tear down their walls to find enduring love.
Review: I lost a lot of sleep last night because I couldn’t’ stop reading! The ups and downs of following Theo, aka Sweetcheeks, trials, and tribulations was harrowing at first. To imagine what can happen when a loving family turns on their child and shuns him for something he can’t change, to send him out of his home and into the path of a predator because he’s gay. It’s unforgivable, though by the end of this book Theo is faced with that problem.
The frightening world of turning tricks on the street as a young teen takes a turn even worse when Sweetcheeks is faced to fight for his life, fight not to be sold to another pimp by a man he once considered himself to love.
His risky escape to DC introduces him to a slightly different way of life, he’s still turning tricks, but at least he seems to find shelter in an environment where the boys are given health screenings, regular food, and a safe place to lay their heads. But I was still left doubtful that Theo’s life, as a hustler would ever improve beyond that. I kept waiting as the character did for the next shoe to drop. And drop it did when an event proves just how dangerous their line of work is.
Enter one sexy and mysterious man, Wills Matheson. The tragedy that brought Wills and Theo together is linked to Mark Vincent, but we don’t’ get any direct looks into Mark and Wills’ real lien of work, just hints, foreshadowing and suggestion by many characters including Wills’ uncle Pete, who knows much more than he lets on to Theo about Wills.
Wills and Theo go through high and lows, mistrust, and questioning, but through it all one thing is clear, both are in love, and both want this things to work. Theo even gets to satisfy his longing for family by meeting and being pretty much accepted by Wills big family. Problem is the author drops enough hints to let the reader know that Wills is most definitely not a computer troubleshooter, but I’m thinking more along the lines of shooting down trouble in the form of people. His life is dangerous, and I think he’s starting to bring his work home in ways Theo doesn’t realize just yet.
There are lots of interesting twists and turns, dramatic highs and lows, plenty of chemistry and sexual heat, and that kept me going through the improbable moments, like Theo being so blind to Wills job, and his rent boy roomies, just kind of dropping out of the plot too easily at times.
The writing was smooth, the suspense was enough to keep me reading until 3:00 a.m., and I’m still chewing on the mysteries involved, speculating on the next book, and all those things spells winner, in my mind! Can’t wait for Foolish Me, the sequel to Pick up the Pieces!
Blurb: Ashton Laytham came to Fayerweather, his uncle’s estate, as an orphan at the age of seven. Family and servants alike perceived Ashton as an unlovable child and shunned him; as an adult, the occasional illicit rendezvous aside, Ashton remains aloof and alone. When his uncle dies, yet more abuse falls upon Ashton’s shoulders: the estate is bankrupt and Ashton must make good on his uncle’s gaming debts.
With the family talisman stolen and the suspects fled, Ashton faces certain ruin until the arrival of Geo Stephenson, who holds all of Sir Laytham’s IOUs. Geo proposes a solution: Ashton will accommodate him in his bed, thereby paying off the debt. Attracted to Geo in spite of himself and desperate for any human kindness, Ashton agrees… never expecting to lose his heart to a man who claims he will never give his.
Review: Ashton Laytham was orphaned as a child and, rightfully so, acted out. He didn’t understand why he had to come live with his aunt and uncle. He just wanted to go home. His uncle was mentally and physically abusive and as a result, Ash became a loner who was bruddish and crass with everyone around him. It was an attempt at self-preservation.
Geo Stephenson is the son of Ash’s aunt’s long time friend. When Ash’s uncle dies, only after leaving the family name in so much debt they can’t possibly get out of it, Geo saves the day. He buys up all the IOU’s and comes to the family to collect. At first he doesn’t realize the Laythams are broke, in the end he decides having Ash in his bed is of more value to him than the money.
Both men have deep seeded emotional problems that spill over into their everyday life, threatening their promising romance right from the start. Ash has constantly been abandoned and ridiculed by the people he loves, so he refuses to love anyone again. And even we he does start to develop feelings for Geo, he squashes them, mentally convincing himself he doesn’t deserve to be loved. Geo has been hurt by someone he loved as well, and he vows to Ash that he will never love anyone. Can they grow beyond the pain in their pasts and build a future together?
I love historical romances and this one was no exception. The story was rich with period settings, details and costumes. There were a few slow spots scattered in random places, and although there is closure at the end there still seemed to be a few conclusions not concluded. Perhaps a little disjointed here and there as well. If I’d read this book, I may have skimmed, but listening to it added more intrigue. Narrated by Paul Morrey, this man could read the phone book and make it sexy I swear! He has such perfect nuances, inflections and changes in tone for changes in characters that any book he reads is good.
If you like historical romance with hot sweaty men sneaking around in the dark and a HEA, then give this one some serious consideration.
Series: A Spy vs. Spook Novella, Prequel to Houseboat on the Nile
Houseboat on the Nile
Author: Tinnean
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella (78 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 15th 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts
Blurb: It’s 1996, and Mark Vincent, senior special agent of the Washington Bureau of Intelligence and Security, has been assigned the task of assassinating the head of a terrorist organization in Europe. When the mission goes south and he’s ordered to take a vacation, he reluctantly goes to Paris, where, in a little bar called Le Petit Home, he sees a man who intrigues him. However, like ships passing in the night, they go their separate ways, only to meet again the following morning, and over breakfast, the man introduces himself as Louis.
Is it too much of a coincidence? Perhaps, perhaps not, but Mark is intrigued and, unable to resist, he gives his name as Rick. A comment of Louis’s leads Mark to assume Louis hustles for a living, so Mark decides to “rent” him for the week. Unbeknownst to Mark, Louis has his own reasons for going along with the charade, which leads to… the start of a beautiful friendship.
Review: Short and Sexy, I got two of my favorite colors with this odd little novella.
Mark Vincent (Rick) is a secret agent called to Paris on his latest assignment. In the aftermath of an assignment gone bad, and losing a friend, he’s also dealing with the illness of a father figure back home. Taking a night off he spots a man at the bar that interests him in a way no one has in a while. The man leaves with someone else, but as fate would have it, Rick stumbles across him again the next day.
Louis has come across to Rick as a ‘rent boy’ and the two enter into an agreement for the evening. An evening that turns into a week spent making love, ordering room service and taking romantic strolls through the streets of Paris. As their journey comes to an end, Rick discovers that Louis is not the man he initially thought him to be.
I was a little lost at the start of the story, trying to keep the various agents separated. But once the story started to focus on just Mark/Rick and Louis, I was beyond engrossed. And then once that little twist presented itself at the end I was ecstatic! If you’re looking for something short, sexy, and fun then give this one a whirl!
Blurb: Kipp Llewellyn would rather follow his dreams than toe the family line, so instead of the support of his wealthy family, he has estrangement and a part-time job with Hunter, an in-demand interior designer. Hunter opens a new world for Kipp to explore—and not just for his career. It’s through Hunter that Kipp meets and begins what he thinks is a one-sided flirtation with Ham, one of Hunter’s customers.
To Kipp’s astonishment, Ham asks him for a date. Unfortunately for Kipp, a mysterious phone call summons him home, where his father gives him an ultimatum: save the family company by marrying billionaire Hyde Wyndham, in which case all will be overlooked, or never set foot in his home again. But meeting Hyde leaves Kipp stunned and betrayed, because Hyde is actually Ham.
A guarantee of marriage is no excuse for making Kipp feel foolish, and Kipp had enough of the gilded cage in the first twenty-one years of his life. He turns Hyde down, stating that marriage should be about love rather than convenience. If Hyde wants him, he’ll have to court him the old-fashioned way.
Review: Kipp walked away from his family when he decided to go against their wishes for his future, perfectly happy with his life working part-time for Hunter and starting a tentative relationship with Ham, he thinks things are going great, until he receives a phone call from his father’s assistant demanding his presence. Kipp discovers that his father has made plans for him to marry to save the family company, but Kipp’s biggest shock is the man he is supposed to marry is none other than Ham (Hyde Wyndham). Feeling betrayed Kipp makes it clear that he has to be courted because he is more than just the company shares that Ham wants, but as they begin to get close Kipp discovers dark secrets from his families past that just might destroy his happiness.
This is a wonderful story if you want a bit of a Harlequin/Mills&Boone feeling story with the added pinch of double-dealings and long hidden secrets. Kipp is an easy-going character who wants to please his father more than anything, but there are some things that he just won’t do, discovering that the man he has been falling in love with has made an agreement with his father hurts him, but Kipp has the opportunity to try to gain his father’s regard and the man he wants, but at what cost? Ham is a character that is hard to get a read on, he is quite controlling and basically takes over Kipp’s life in one smooth move, he does seem to really want Kipp, but it is hard to tell at times because he seems to pull back a lot. Although we want Kipp to get his man sometimes you also want him to put his foot down and tell Ham to back off a bit and slow down.
I must admit to really enjoying this story, although I wanted Kipp to put his foot down and stop letting people making all the decisions for him, it was actually a well written prince Charming type story. The storyline was pretty good, weaving family drama, business dealings, and old secrets together and giving us a slight mystery that changes Kipp’s life forever. The characters all play their parts well, but some of them leave a bad taste and many seem to be just misunderstood rather than outright nasty. The relationship between Kipp and Ham is one that slightly confuses because although we plainly see how Kipp feels for Ham, we don’t really get a feeling until right near the end of how Ham feels for Kipp, it is also slightly disturbing how Ham makes all the plans and rides roughshod over Kipp until Kipp just agrees to whatever Ham wants… very Victorian feeling with Kipp being the Victorian Miss.
I will recommend this to those who want arranged marriages for business, CinderFella type stories, hidden family secrets, dirty business deals, pleasing your man, falling in love and a very happy ever after.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (14th February 2013)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Ransom Burke, the handsome, wealthy, gay CEO of Burke, Burke, and Hammett, has implemented a strict no-fraternization rule for his firm. And with good reason—his father’s profligate ways almost destroyed the family company. Ransom’s new policy works well until he comes into the office one day and sees Parrish Rutledge, his new executive secretary. Ransom finds Parrish extremely attractive but fights his feelings. If he takes Parrish as a lover, he’ll have to fire him.
Parrish has been alone since he was sixteen, having been tossed out by his older brother. He dreams of his boss but knows nothing can ever come of it. Then an office party becomes their undoing and they give in to their passion. As expected, Ransom offers Parrish a choice: stay and ignore what happened or leave the job and return to college. Neither option is even remotely appealing. If only Parrish could persuade Ransom there’s a third possibility….
Review: Ransom has two strict rules, one: no relationships between co-workers and two: any lover will be monogamous. Ransom has kept to his own rules, but has been tempted in the past year by Parrish, his new executive secretary. Having been burned by love in the past, Ransom is wary to trust again. Parrish has had a crush on his boss for a while, but he never imagined he would ever get the opportunity to prove his worth outside the office. He can only hope this Valentine’s Day will be different from the last several.
This is a great story of two men who have both been burned by love, doing what it takes to protect their hearts while getting what they want. Ransom dumps his lovers the second they break his rule, there are no second chances, and he has no tolerance for cheaters. He also refuses to entertain the idea of fraternizing between co-workers. When he first notices Parrish, he ignores his attraction until Parrish makes a drunken pass. Then he lays down the options to Parrish. As far as Parrish is concerned there is only one real option for him, he will take what Ransom offers just so he can be with him. Falling for the boss might be stupid, but as far as Parrish is concerned it wasn’t a choice. Now, he will enjoy their time together, because he is sure that somewhere in his future will be gold tipped white roses.
Parrish is an adorable character who, even though he has been dealt a bad hand, still believes in love and happiness. He makes the best of everything and just hopes he won’t be alone for Valentine’s Day. Ransom keeps hoping that his next lover will be the one, but he always manages to attract the wrong men. He hates Valentine’s Day, but can’t stop searching for love. Together they make a great partnership, but they both go about it in the wrong way; Ransom trying to ease the way and Parrish accepting anything.
I must admit Parrish and Ransom are well suited and I wish they could have spent more page time together. They get separated after only a short time together and although they speak on the phone, it is hard to imagine them deepening their connection that way. We don’t get any sex although it is inferred to in abundance, and I was really impressed with how they came across as passionate with just a few well described scenes.
I will recommend this to those who love discovering love stories, great characters, a good storyline and a very happy ending.
Blurb: Holidays are for lovers, just apparently not Ben Haggerty. Not this holiday. After his degree-seeking lover leaves humble blue-collar Ben, Ben spends the Yuletide miserable. He’s not accustomed to being alone, not after seven years. Eventually Ben finds his lover’s new address and sends him a greeting card asking when he’ll come back home—only to learn in the returned correspondence that his card reached the wrong address and another man, Jason Prescott, by mistake.
Jason is touched by Ben’s appeal to his lover, and he and Ben spend months growing close as pen pals. Frequently exchanged correspondence turns into weekends spent together, but after learning Jason’s working on his second master’s degree and is even smarter than Ben’s ex, Ben wonders if Jason will be able to love someone as ordinary as he is.
Review: Ben is all alone for the holiday after his boyfriend just ups and leaves. After several months of hoping he will come home, Ben finds his new address and sends him a greeting card with a message. Months later he gets a reply from a stranger. Jason is touched when he receives a card by mistake and begins to correspond with the man who just wants to be loved. Jason and Ben begin to develop a close friendship, but Ben is still unsure if Jason could ever really want him. He’s just a blue-collar worker and Jason is on his second master’s degree.
Tinnean has written a beautifully sweet story that wasn’t too sickly sweet or over the top sweet. It was a sweet that has you sighing, smiling and rooting for the characters. Ben comes home from work one day to find his boyfriend of seven years gone with just a brief note of explanation. Abiding by Rick’s wishes, Ben holds out for a couple of months before trying to contact him. But, instead he finds Jason. Jason is working on his second master’s degree and for fun he sends his sister greeting cards for any occasion. when he receives a card from a man trying to find his sweetheart, he replies to let him know he has the wrong address and it begins a greeting card relationship which develops into something more.
There is so much I loved about this book, it was written really well, the characters were brilliant, the storyline was sweet and romantic and Ben and Jason were ssssssooooooo wonderful. Ben has been put down badly over the years by his ex-boyfriend Rick. so much so that Ben really does believe that he has nothing to offer anyone. When Jason meets him he can’t believe that anyone would allow Ben to get away and jumps at the chance to have him for himself, defending Ben every chance he has and going so far as to contact the parents who Ben believes don’t want him for being gay.
The storyline flows smoothly, with the relationship taking months to develop and we are along for the journey as they fall in love. We are there as they discover the depths of Rick’s nastiness and as they begin to build a life together with Jason supporting Ben and encouraging him a hundred percent. There isn’t great passion in the story other than some kisses, but the story doesn’t let us down because of lack of sex. It actually enforces the relationship between Jason and Ben that we aren’t distracted by naked men. It’s a relationship that isn’t based on sex. It is so sweet and cute that even after they move in together, they still leave cards for each other lying around with messages in them… awwww.
I have to recommend this to the true romantics, those that want true love, rebuilding a man’s self-esteem, cute messages, the ex-boyfriend getting what he deserves and a very happy sweet ending.
Title: Complications
Title: Spy vs. Spook Bundle
The Start of a Beautiful Friendship 
Houseboat on the Nile 
Not My Spook! 
Forever 
Pick Up The Pieces 
Foolish Me 
Title: Whither Thou Goest
Title: Call Me Church
![Best[The]LG](http://mmgoodbookreviews.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/bestthelg-e1360597698699.jpg)
