Tag Archive | Gay Romance

Giving an Inch (The Professor’s Rule #1) by Heidi Belleau and Amelia C. Gormly (3 Stars)

May8

How much trouble can one mistaken text get you in? James is about to find out!

James Sheridan will graduate with his Ph.D. if he passes the final candidacy exam. The only problem is that he has nothing appropriate to wear. While trying on some new clothes and flirting with the salesman, he accidentally sends a picture of himself to his old professor. Professor Carson, his former Dom/lover, is more than excited to get the text and is hoping this is a sign that they can pick up their relationship again.

The entire story takes place in the clothing store, and more specifically the changing room, where James alternately flirts with the sexy young salesman, Satish, and exchanges very interesting texts with Professor Carson. James left the relationship with Carson because he was afraid he was losing himself to this domineering and extremely kinky man. The texts are pretty steamy and give the reader a good idea of a lot of things that happened during their relationship. There is one really sexy scene between James and Satish, but everything else is just flashbacks. Since everything is told from James’ POV, we got to know him pretty well for a short story. I loved the author’s writing style which kept me hooked throughout.

Unfortunately, the story has a very ambiguous ending. Based on some blog comments on the authors’ websites, it appears this is the first chapter in a serial story. If there had been a solid ending, this would have easily been a 5 star read for me. As it is, without reading the rest of the “chapters”, and not even getting a HFN in this one, my rating has dropped significantly.

cover

Originally reviewed for Swept Away By Romance. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Book Blurb

500 Miles by Parker Williams (4 Stars)

May7

Sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants, and a smart man will listen to it.

Mark might be a young teenager, but he’s old enough to know that he loves Jase, his older brother’s best friend. When Mark’s brother and Jase leave for the war, Mark sends them wonderful care packages. In return, they send him cassette tapes with music and nice messages. One unfortunate day, the cassette bears a sad message, and Mark’s life changes. But his heart doesn’t.

The entire story is told from Mark’s point of view, which worked very well with this plot. Since Mark was too young before Jase left, we are presented with what appears to be an unrequited crush. Jase is a sweetheart who is always looking out for the younger Mark, including letting him tag along all of the time. Mark is sweet and loving, which is proven over and over again through his actions. Since you’re dealing with the nasty after-effects of war, there were some really sad parts to this story. I thought the epilogue was really sweet.

If you enjoy the concept of having one true love and watching how that love can help a person cope with a tragedy, then I think you’ll like this very romantic and memorable story.

cover

Originally reviewed for The Romance Reviews. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Book Blurb

The Buyout by Bru Baker (3 Stars)

May7

Sometimes the path we’re headed down changes drastically for the better with the love of a good man.

Parker Anderson is working hard toward his goal of taking over Anderson Industries once his father retires. However, his father plans on selling his company to outsiders, causing Parker and many of the employees to lose their jobs. Mason Pike is a key player at the company, and he’s determined to help prevent the company from being sold off. Mason and Parker get to know each other better as they start working together and dating.

Parker is hard working, smart, and very determined to do well. Mason has a very sarcastic, almost sexy, personality with the intelligence to back it up as the Chief Enterprise Architect of the company. I really enjoyed the witty banter between Parker and his assistant, Luke Jacobs, that took place at the beginning of the story as they sent each other instant messages. I also loved the messages between Parker and Mason as they first got to know each other.

Unfortunately, the majority of the plot was focused on the buyout of the firm and the related business politics. Although it was fast paced, it missed the mark on being really interesting and enjoyable by stepping away from the relationship side. There was a huge cast of characters which also got a bit confusing. One character was introduced as a major investor with a mysterious background, but it was never resolved or explained. I would love to see a follow-up completely focused on the relationship between Parker and Mason, since I think that’s where the writing excelled.

If you enjoy corporate politics and takeovers, along with some witty banter and light romance, then this story should hit the spot.

cover

Originally reviewed for The Romance Reviews. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Book Blurb

Down Under by Tam Ames (3 Stars)

May6

Sweet romance with a surprising paranormal first for me. The shifter was a were-kanga!

The story is set in the future, when Australia is split into separate areas and people are kept separated by a wall. Aiden Taylor is a sweet college student who is inexperienced but not afraid to try things. He desperately wants to see a band that is playing in the forbidden city of Sydney, and he’s brave enough to travel across the country by himself to do it. One night, several thugs beat him up and steal his moped, money, and concert tickets. Fortunately, Matthew King comes to his rescue and offers him a ride to Sydney. They quickly start to bond over their trip, but there are several obstacles they must get past in order for a real relationship to form. The biggest one is that Matthew is a were-kanga, a man who shifts into a kangaroo.

These are two extremely likable characters who are trying to make the most of a bad situation. Aiden is young and naive, and he definitely needs a caretaker. The story is told from his point of view, and he has a non-stop commentary running through his head which was entertaining. Matthew is almost immediately attracted to Aiden and really enjoys taking care of him. In addition to spending some quality time hanging out together, Matthew introduces Aiden to the joys of sex. It was interesting watching Aiden try to decide if he really loved Matthew or if it was just some sort of mating call.

I thought the ending was very realistic and added a nice solid touch to their happy ending. I think the story would have benefited from Matthew’s point of view. Aiden was a bit too quirky and moody, making it challenging to hear him tell the entire story. There was also a lot going on with Matthew, including coming out to his family, which would have carried a stronger emotional pull if we had heard directly from Matthew. I wish the plot surrounding the were-kanga species was further explored. It was really a non-issue and didn’t have much impact on the story.

A cute romance with very little angst between two sweet guys. The twist on the shifter angle and the enjoyable banter taking place in Aiden’s head made for an interesting tale.

cover

Originally reviewed for The Romance Reviews. Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
Book Blurb