Let me start by saying that I love this series! It hits all the right buttons and races along with massesRe-read: May 2019
Original review (from 2013):
Let me start by saying that I love this series! It hits all the right buttons and races along with masses of action, lots of mystery and a good amount of mad, hot and passionate sex!
We first met Prophet and Tom in Catch a Ghost which ends with them parting and Tom heading off with his new partner to Eritrea. But the impact they made on each other draws them back together as they both arrive at Tom's aunt's place on the bayou to help her survive a hurricane. Wow - the reunion sex is stunning!
"This was past and present slamming together. And his future was the man who was holding him, which hit Tom as hard as it must be hitting Prophet. But their reunion on the grass and the kitchen wall and floor and in his bedroom...that told the tale."
The pace is fast with lots of action as Tom finds himself caught up in a situation arising from an event in his childhood. The sheriff has it in for him and he winds up implicated in a series of murders. This book gives insight into Tom's past, his father, his mother, his ex....It is also wonderful to see Prophet's further coming to terms with his feelings for Tommy.
My only minor gripe with this series is the sheer complexity of the characters and their histories. I'm not sure if it's just me but at times I get a little confused with the secondary characters, the back stories and trying to understand how they all fit together. But on the other hand I like the mystery and secrets. So is it just me missing something or am I supposed to be confused? :)
Dirty Deeds (first book in a a spin off series) will follow. It is Mal and Cillian's story! Can't wait!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
Merged review:
Re-read: May 2019
Original review (from 2013):
Let me start by saying that I love this series! It hits all the right buttons and races along with masses of action, lots of mystery and a good amount of mad, hot and passionate sex!
We first met Prophet and Tom in Catch a Ghost which ends with them parting and Tom heading off with his new partner to Eritrea. But the impact they made on each other draws them back together as they both arrive at Tom's aunt's place on the bayou to help her survive a hurricane. Wow - the reunion sex is stunning!
"This was past and present slamming together. And his future was the man who was holding him, which hit Tom as hard as it must be hitting Prophet. But their reunion on the grass and the kitchen wall and floor and in his bedroom...that told the tale."
The pace is fast with lots of action as Tom finds himself caught up in a situation arising from an event in his childhood. The sheriff has it in for him and he winds up implicated in a series of murders. This book gives insight into Tom's past, his father, his mother, his ex....It is also wonderful to see Prophet's further coming to terms with his feelings for Tommy.
My only minor gripe with this series is the sheer complexity of the characters and their histories. I'm not sure if it's just me but at times I get a little confused with the secondary characters, the back stories and trying to understand how they all fit together. But on the other hand I like the mystery and secrets. So is it just me missing something or am I supposed to be confused? :)
Dirty Deeds (first book in a a spin off series) will follow. It is Mal and Cillian's story! Can't wait!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed my visit into the the world created by Ki Brightly. As a reader (listener) of mainly contemporary romance stories, I was totally fascinated I enjoyed my visit into the the world created by Ki Brightly. As a reader (listener) of mainly contemporary romance stories, I was totally fascinated by the story, even if it did take me a little while to get into the right head space to fully understand what was going on. Once there however, it was a lovely journey and I was totally sucked into the story. I enjoyed the narration although struggled with a few of the earlier scene transitions, taking more than a moment to orient myself with the character POV and the new scene setting. This could have been a factor because I am not used to fantasy stories with their complexities. The one standout of the book was how descriptive it was - sights, sounds, smells - I could visualise it so well. Overall, I'd recommend this audio book....more
I've enjoyed the series so far and how the All Cocks' world was developed. It was like getting a behind the scenes look into the porn industry - the mI've enjoyed the series so far and how the All Cocks' world was developed. It was like getting a behind the scenes look into the porn industry - the mechanics, the people, the life. I have no idea how accurate it actually was, but it had a true sense of realism that reflected certain real life studios. I understand T.M. Smith spoke with some gay porn stars to gain insight before writing this series.
There is an ensemble cast of characters who appear throughout the books, including the three men who own All Cocks, their actors, and other friends. The characters are well fleshed out, and the dialogue realistic. Of course, there's sex in the stories. What made this interesting was the varying scenes by main characters, in both their 'everyday' persona, and while wearing their porn star mantle. This included each character having their real name and a porn star name. When you add all these names, including the supporting characters, there were a lot of people to keep track of but it wasn't too hard to do. By the time you get to How to Deal (book 3), the Cast of Characters in the beginning of the book is really helpful. :)
Interestingly, each book doesn't just focus on the main couple (or throuple as the case may be), but gives background to the other characters, including scenes from the point of view of the non-featured characters. I think this is part of getting the reader invested in the characters who will appear in subsequent books.
The stories themselves are interesting, perhaps a touch predictable in some instances, but it kept me turning the pages. All in all, I recommend this series. I think How to Deal was actually my favourite so far and I'm looking forward to reading the rest. Tristan please. :) ...more
Review written after reading book #3 (view spoiler)[I enjoyed the series and how the All Cocks' world was developed. It was like getting a behind the Review written after reading book #3 (view spoiler)[I enjoyed the series and how the All Cocks' world was developed. It was like getting a behind the scenes look into the porn industry - the mechanics, the people, the life. I have no idea how accurate it actually was, but it had a true sense of realism that reflected certain real life studios. I understand T.M. Smith spoke with some gay porn stars to gain insight before writing this series.
There is an ensemble cast of characters who appear throughout the books, including the three men who own All Cocks, their actors, and other friends. The characters are well fleshed out, and the dialogue realistic. Of course, there's sex in the stories. What made this interesting was the varying scenes by main characters, in both their 'everyday' persona, and while wearing their porn star mantle. This included each character having their real name and a porn star name. When you add all these names, including the supporting characters, there were a lot of people to keep track of but it wasn't too hard to do. By the time you get to How to Deal (book 3), the Cast of Characters in the beginning of the book is really helpful. :)
Interestingly, each book doesn't just focus on the main couple (or throuple as the case may be), but gives background to the other characters, including scenes from the point of view of the non-featured characters. I think this is part of getting the reader invested in the characters who will appear in subsequent books.
The stories themselves are interesting, perhaps a touch predictable in some instances, but it kept me turning the pages. All in all, I recommend this series. I think How to Deal was actually my favourite so far and I'm looking forward to reading the rest. Tristan please. :) (hide spoiler)]...more
Double Down is the second book in the series and is a fabulous follow up to the first book where we met Rowan and Jude. Jude and Rowan are tough law eDouble Down is the second book in the series and is a fabulous follow up to the first book where we met Rowan and Jude. Jude and Rowan are tough law enforcement men. They don't like to talk about their emotions and they both have inner demons to fight.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the mystery to be solved, but enjoyed the relationship development even more. The author's style really appeals to me. I like the way she brings the scene to life - the sights, the sounds, the feelings. The pace is fast, leading to a story that can be devoured in a single sitting.
Once again, the author provided a copy of this book with no expectations of a review. But given how much I'd enjoyed the first book, I knew I'd like this one and was eager to see how Ro and Jude had recovered from the events in book 1.
Review written after reading book #3 (view spoiler)[I enjoyed the series and how the All Cocks' world was developed. It was like getting a behind the Review written after reading book #3 (view spoiler)[I enjoyed the series and how the All Cocks' world was developed. It was like getting a behind the scenes look into the porn industry - the mechanics, the people, the life. I have no idea how accurate it actually was, but it had a true sense of realism that reflected certain real life studios. I understand T.M. Smith spoke with some gay porn stars to gain insight before writing this series.
There is an ensemble cast of characters who appear throughout the books, including the three men who own All Cocks, their actors, and other friends. The characters are well fleshed out, and the dialogue realistic. Of course, there's sex in the stories. What made this interesting was the varying scenes by main characters, in both their 'everyday' persona, and while wearing their porn star mantle. This included each character having their real name and a porn star name. When you add all these names, including the supporting characters, there were a lot of people to keep track of but it wasn't too hard to do. By the time you get to How to Deal (book 3), the Cast of Characters in the beginning of the book is really helpful. :)
Interestingly, each book doesn't just focus on the main couple (or throuple as the case may be), but gives background to the other characters, including scenes from the point of view of the non-featured characters. I think this is part of getting the reader invested in the characters who will appear in subsequent books.
The stories themselves are interesting, perhaps a touch predictable in some instances, but it kept me turning the pages. All in all, I recommend this series. I think How to Deal was actually my favourite so far and I'm looking forward to reading the rest. Tristan please. :) (hide spoiler)]...more
This was a really difficult book to rate and review. It had some elements that I loved and others that threw me slightly. After reading the story, I fThis was a really difficult book to rate and review. It had some elements that I loved and others that threw me slightly. After reading the story, I found out there was a prequel. If I'd known this, and read Picturing Lysander first, I think it would have gone a long way to addressing my issues.
Note: the publisher's website does advise Testing Lysander is a sequel but this wasn't reflected on Goodreads where I checked the book.
The strengths of the story lay in a number of areas. Firstly I really liked the characters. I liked them as individuals and I enjoyed the way they interacted. the book starts with a sex scene from the get-go so the dominant submissive nature of the sexual relationship is pretty clear. Lysander Brock was a complex man - submissive in a sexual role but a risk-taking extreme photographer who was prepared to put his life on the line.
This was a story with lots of action. There is a mission with bad guys and heroic actions. The story takes place in the rainforest and it is very descriptive. Lots of detail about the landscape and the fauna.
The downside was the lack of background - which was obviously provided in the first book. I struggled to understand how Brock had become tangled up in this plot to bring down the terrorists. Once I was past the early chapters and didn't worry about it anymore, it was easier to immerse myself in the story.
This is one for lovers of some action adventure, who want to learn a little about an exotic destination, and enjoy some hot sex on the way. 3.5 to 4 stars.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest review. ...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - 4.5 stars worth of enjoyment.
This story involves two law enforcement officers who parted a year ago after a job wentI thoroughly enjoyed this book - 4.5 stars worth of enjoyment.
This story involves two law enforcement officers who parted a year ago after a job went wrong. They didn't deal well with the fall out of Jude being injured.
Jude has spent twelve months recovering in the coutnry side, with a new career in leading fishing tours. He has been lonely and his first foray back into sex ends badly - dead body badly. When Rowan (Ro) turns up to investigate the murder, the two men have to face their past and talk about things they'd avoided up until now.
I loved the mystery (although maybe not totally sold on the motives of the bad guy), the hot sex, and the way Jude and Ro faced up to their past mistakes. It wasn't dragged out, which resulted in an excellent pacing - these men wanted each other and were willing to do what they needed to do to overcome the past.
The author sent me a copy of this book because I'd reviewed her paranormal series (which I thoroughly enjoyed as well) but there was no expectation of a review. However I enjoyed this so much, it was no hardship to drop a line or two to share my thoughts.
I read enjoyed this story which is Jane Davitt's contribution to the Totally Five Star series of stories. I loved the way the two men balanced each otI read enjoyed this story which is Jane Davitt's contribution to the Totally Five Star series of stories. I loved the way the two men balanced each other, giving/taking what was needed on both their parts to build a relationship that lead them to more fulfilled lives and ultimately love.
The BDSM side was an interesting exploration into a relationship where the dominant partner wanted to control all aspects of the relationship every sexual move. Ethan opened Andy's eyes to the pain he craved, and Ethan knew exactly how to give Andy exactly what he needed. The control extends to Ethan influencing all aspects of Andy's life, pushing him to achieve his goals and be the best man he can be.
The hotel provided a nice backdrop and introduced the employer/employee angle which added another element to the story. Read this is you enjoy interesting characters, a bit of kink, a good dash of sex and a well paced story....more
Turkish Delights is part of the Totally Five Star imprint from Totally Bound. The reason I point this out is because it goes a long way to explaining Turkish Delights is part of the Totally Five Star imprint from Totally Bound. The reason I point this out is because it goes a long way to explaining the setting of this book.
Glamor, high society and exotic locales. Come with us as we take you on a journey around the world to some of the most opulent and famous tourist destinations favored by the elite. This is five-star quality, five-star service and five-star entertainment, ensuring that every single part of this imprint is Totally Five Star. Head into the hub of this network of hotels and meet the employees who enable this luxury world to be what it is today. Get to know these characters over time as they develop and grow throughout the imprint, and become completely consumed with this diverse lifestyle.
This is the story of three men who meet and fall in love while building a hotel in Istanbul. The hotel is a top class, luxury hotel designed with old-world touches of traditional Turkey.
The story takes the reader on a tour of Istanbul, providing information on the place, the architecture and the culture. The descriptions are rich and detailed, so as to really give a sense of the place.
The story focuses on the construction of the hotel and once again, there are many details provided about the processes and what is going into the hotel. There are descriptions of the interiors and the facilities in great detail.
At times I did find the detail slightly overwhelming and pulling me from the romance part of the story, however this series of books is meant to give a sense of the exotic location and luxury and this does that.
The lead characters are Garrett, the English man in charge of the project, Kyle, the French architect, and Emir, the Turkish stonemason. It was an interesting blend of cultures and the three worked well together.
The relationship aspect delves into the complexities of dating people you work with (although there was no real problem here) and also the cultural elements of Emir who has hidden his sexuality from his deeply religious parents and is a religious man himself.
Overall I enjoyed the book, the sex and the setting. I like the glimpse of Istanbul, a country where my m/m romance doesn't usual visit.
A copy was received from the publisher in return for my honest review. ...more
This was a fun little story. I was interested to read it because of the Australian characters and the Australian setting for part of the book. The chaThis was a fun little story. I was interested to read it because of the Australian characters and the Australian setting for part of the book. The characters were likable, and the pace fast, making this an easy book to read in one sitting.
The first part of the story takes place in the US where Bruce (one of three Bruce's) takes part in an underwear modelling shoot. He and Gary fall for each other and Gary ends up following Bruce back home to Australia.
Part of the story reads like a travel article, particularly the descriptions of the attractions of Sydney. As a Sydney-sider, I can attest that they are mostly spot on. Bruce happens to be an architect so there's a lot of information given about the early convict architecture of the city.
Bruce seemed quite versatile and a touch unrealistic - underwear model, architect, building owner, resident of a small outback town (population 187).
On their travels, Bruce and Gary explore their sexual relationship and meet some interesting characters (I'm not completely sure about the relevance of the whole part about dinner with the kid wanting to be on Toddlers and Tiaras), and end up at Bruce's home in the country town of Come By Chance (I had to look it up but it does exist!). There we meet the elderly aunt, the pet kangaroo and the boys have fun on a tractor.
So all in all, a bit of light-hearted fun, that provides a bit of Australian flavour....more
I'm really enjoying this series, so much so that I wish the books were longer. I do think they would make great full length books.
This story felt likI'm really enjoying this series, so much so that I wish the books were longer. I do think they would make great full length books.
This story felt like an episode of a TV series with Dix heading off on a mission where things don't go according to plan. There's some action and heroics and the development of the relationship with Kristof. Now I'm eagerly waiting the next installment so I see if Kristof finally gives up his Lone Wolf ways. And just what is that secret he is hiding?
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