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Rough #2
Roughhousing
James and Bram are back in this sequel to the bestselling A Bit of Rough! They've been dating a while, now, but James is still unsure about his feelings for Bram. He's rushed into things before, and it's always backfired on him, so James wants to take it slow.
Bram is so forceful, though, so sexy and convincing that it's hard to stand fast against him. In fact, Bram is the one steady thing in James' life, when everything else seems to be shifting like sand under his feet. His job is getting stressful, his apartment is getting dangerous, and James knows he's teetering on the brink of change, but is unsure what to choose.
When a project at work seems to have fallen under Bram's influence through the old boy network, James decides to back off and tell Bram they have to cool down their heated relationship. Bram is willing to accommodate James--to a point. But what happens when self-assured Bram has had enough of James' insecurity?
Taking up where A Bit of Rough left off, Roughhousing opens up Bram and James' relationship, following along as they become a real couple, and face the troubles that come from trying to blend two lives and two independent personalities. Their need for each other burns as hot as ever, but will that be enough to build a life on?
Bram is so forceful, though, so sexy and convincing that it's hard to stand fast against him. In fact, Bram is the one steady thing in James' life, when everything else seems to be shifting like sand under his feet. His job is getting stressful, his apartment is getting dangerous, and James knows he's teetering on the brink of change, but is unsure what to choose.
When a project at work seems to have fallen under Bram's influence through the old boy network, James decides to back off and tell Bram they have to cool down their heated relationship. Bram is willing to accommodate James--to a point. But what happens when self-assured Bram has had enough of James' insecurity?
Taking up where A Bit of Rough left off, Roughhousing opens up Bram and James' relationship, following along as they become a real couple, and face the troubles that come from trying to blend two lives and two independent personalities. Their need for each other burns as hot as ever, but will that be enough to build a life on?
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
About the author
Laura Baumbach
47 books311 followersLaura Baumbach is the best-selling, multi-award winning, acclaimed author of short stories, novellas, novels and screenplays. Most recently, Mexican Heat, written in collaboration with Josh Lanyon, has been chosen as a FINALIST for Best Gay Romance in the 2009 Lambda Literary Awards, a FINALIST in the 2010 EPPIE Awards, and has received an Honorable Mention at the 2009 San Francisco Book Festival. Laura was nominated for Best GBLT Author 2008 in the LRC's Best Of Awards for 2008. Her adventure story The Lost Temple of Karttikeya won the 2008 EPPIE Award for Best GLBT novel. Her sequel to the best-selling novel A Bit of Rough, Roughhousing, was 2007 Reviewers' Choice Award Winner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 1, 2013
Another slice of life featuring my favourite Caveman Bram and his boyfriend Jamie. Was it hot and steamy....was it ever!! 4 stars and
Bram decides that Jamie is definitely the one he wants to spend the rest of his life with, Jamie however is sure that he'll muck things up...he always does, so he takes a lot of convincing....In the meantime, Jamie moves somewhere else to get away from the pervert in his apartment block and ends up somewhere equally as bad, but this time gets beaten up for his trouble when he gets in the middle of a couple who seem to spend all their time rowing and fighting...literally!!
January 19, 2010
It's 4.5 stars for me. I LOVE this sequel of A Bit of Rough so much more than the original. Aside from the number of (oh!) hot sex, there are also additional tender sex. BUT, the most important thing, is the emotional character development in James. He is the more shy from the two. He is not comfortable to say what he feels, a result from verbal abuse he experienced when he was a kid. He also afraid to trust in the HEA because he is thrown out from his house after his parents discovered he was gay. So he needs time to settle down to his feeling with Bram, even when deep inside he knows he loves the more sturdy strong guy. I LOVE the part where Bram confronts James, to make the younger guy see that their relationship is in for the long haul. I also love the addition of two female characters. I really, really feel satisfied with this sequel.
May 16, 2012
Bram is just as sexy and drool worthy as ever loved him and Jamie so much, both books were fabulous although I still love A Bit of Rough more! Jamie so shy but deep down he's got guts the little spitfire is perfect for big bad beautiful Bram they strike sparks off each other hotness! A lot of emotional turmoil is brewing around Jamie with his commitment issues but Bram comes through with flying colours he knows just how to give Jamie what he wants lovely! Great follow up and so recommended!
February 18, 2014
I somehow get the feeling this is almost - but not quite - completely unrelated to the first story. I mean, it starts seeming more like a continuation as it goes on, but...it's weird.
It cannot be safe the amount of sex they're having, not for James. I mean, if his ass is that inflamed, then maybe, you know, they should take a break instead of, you know, continuing?
Bram's still kind of an asshole. He's less of a creepy asshole, but he's still kind of an asshole.
James, for some reason, is all insecure and shit. Was that there in the first book? I have no idea; my eyes started glazing over after the...nth sex scene. In a single night. Or so it was implied.
There was a "then" instead of "than" and it took me a moment to decipher the meaning.
It did have its moments of intensity, though.
The ending, as with the first, cut off rather abruptly, I thought.
What the hell is it with the ditzy hooker trope? I swear I've read this before, in some other thing I read. Move into a new place, neighbor's a forward ditzy hooker/exotic dancer/etc. No, it wasn't hooker. It was exotic dancer. You're just supposed to assume they're hookers. And then they try to magically "subvert" the trope by making it turn out the character is actually all profound or smart or something. Either way, I thought it was stupid and kitschy.
It got really confusing about how followed which and what.
Especially the Williams thing. I was wondering what happened to him and stuff. I don't think I ended up finding out anyways.
Eh. I've run out of things to say.
Lies, no I haven't.
I somehow get the feeling that this story's outdated (if I'm thinking of the same story). Especially nowadays in the US, with all the changes that have been happening: defeat of DOMA, more states legalizing gay marriage. Oh, wait. But then there's Kansas the throwback. But still. Society at large is markedly different than it was before, when this was written, and homosexuality, I feel, is no longer as taboo as it was before and it's more okay, socially speaking, to be out and about and overtly homosexual/homoromantic while out and about. Not that the story's completely invalid, per se, it's just a bit weirder to consider with a contemporary mindset. Unless you're a throwback. Then you don't count. But for the lay-person, I think things are different now.
It's like when I read that other story, and it was weird for me because they were talking about how they had to be discrete and stuff and worrying about all sorts of gay-bashing everywhere with police not really doing much. I kind of feel that today, even if the police don't really want to do much, they kind of have to or they suffer public reprisal.
Yeah, now I'm done.
It cannot be safe the amount of sex they're having, not for James. I mean, if his ass is that inflamed, then maybe, you know, they should take a break instead of, you know, continuing?
Bram's still kind of an asshole. He's less of a creepy asshole, but he's still kind of an asshole.
James, for some reason, is all insecure and shit. Was that there in the first book? I have no idea; my eyes started glazing over after the...nth sex scene. In a single night. Or so it was implied.
There was a "then" instead of "than" and it took me a moment to decipher the meaning.
It did have its moments of intensity, though.
The ending, as with the first, cut off rather abruptly, I thought.
What the hell is it with the ditzy hooker trope? I swear I've read this before, in some other thing I read. Move into a new place, neighbor's a forward ditzy hooker/exotic dancer/etc. No, it wasn't hooker. It was exotic dancer. You're just supposed to assume they're hookers. And then they try to magically "subvert" the trope by making it turn out the character is actually all profound or smart or something. Either way, I thought it was stupid and kitschy.
It got really confusing about how followed which and what.
Especially the Williams thing. I was wondering what happened to him and stuff. I don't think I ended up finding out anyways.
Eh. I've run out of things to say.
Lies, no I haven't.
I somehow get the feeling that this story's outdated (if I'm thinking of the same story). Especially nowadays in the US, with all the changes that have been happening: defeat of DOMA, more states legalizing gay marriage. Oh, wait. But then there's Kansas the throwback. But still. Society at large is markedly different than it was before, when this was written, and homosexuality, I feel, is no longer as taboo as it was before and it's more okay, socially speaking, to be out and about and overtly homosexual/homoromantic while out and about. Not that the story's completely invalid, per se, it's just a bit weirder to consider with a contemporary mindset. Unless you're a throwback. Then you don't count. But for the lay-person, I think things are different now.
It's like when I read that other story, and it was weird for me because they were talking about how they had to be discrete and stuff and worrying about all sorts of gay-bashing everywhere with police not really doing much. I kind of feel that today, even if the police don't really want to do much, they kind of have to or they suffer public reprisal.
Yeah, now I'm done.
April 19, 2012
Too much sex at the beginning, it was boring. Then the conflicts between the protagonists got more real, but still I was amazed at the extent of James' problems: fear of commitment, fear of abandonment, fear of losing one's independance, they were too much and not all were justifiable, they just seemed to be put in the story to make it longer. Just James' insecurity and fear of being alone and not deserving of love was enough to make me love his character, and when it finally became the focus of the story, the book got a lot better. I was afraid I wouldn't finish it, but I was happy I did. So it's 2 stars for the first part, 4 stars for the second.
January 27, 2010
Loved this one even more than the 1st one. Who does not love Bram? He is "thee" man.
August 1, 2008
I think I got 80% through this one before flipping ahead to the end. Given the first book in the series I can't say I was surprised. The characters and plot are marginally better developed in this volume and so if I could, I'd give it 2.5 stars. Other than that, the same problems in A Bit of Rough are here too: too much sex, weird descriptions within the sex scenes and not alot of insight into character motivations. Like book one there's lots of potential but the execution fails.
July 2, 2011
I once again enjoyed reading about Jamie and Bran. I did feel that the amound of sex overwhelmed the story, I would have liked to seen more of the story developed.
February 24, 2013
Loved the sequel. It was nice too see Bram and James again. Still a lot of sex, but those sappy moments get to me too much.
July 12, 2024
These guys are constantly having sex – constantly. Without the sex scenes, this book would have been at least half shorter. I liked them enough that I was glad that they figured it all out, but they did torture each other a little to get their HEA.
June 29, 2017
3.5 stars
December 1, 2018
Rating: 3 stars.
October 5, 2021
Very good story, but would need a grammar-check
March 25, 2013
2012 Review:
Why do I always end up writing so much? About stuff I don’t like, anyway.
This is a review of both books of this series together, since they’re really one story, as I discovered last time. Pretty much seamless.
Anyhow, when they do the “I love you” with each other it is way too soon to be believable, especially given how they spent their time together, i.e. having rough sex all over the scenery. They’re in lust and crushing hard on each other, but this is nowhere near love.
Then again, seeing how this story is made up of sex (which I had to start skimming because it bored me), they probably had to get to the love point faster than you’d expect, just to fit it in.
Bram is portrayed as some kind of impossibly perfect man (if you go for being manhandled and tortured), beginning with his superhuman body, his spiffy house, his wealth, his work ethic, his love of commitment… and ending with the way he apparently can read Jamie’s mind when it comes to what Jamie wants or needs during sex. Or possibly at other times too. And I don’t really like him until close to the end of the second book. He’s too pushy and I don’t see him as all that patient. Meh.
Also, they may briefly discuss safety, but to my way of thinking they’re both (but especially Jamie) taking ludicrous risks, sexually and otherwise.
So what is this? It’s a perfection fantasy. It’s along the category romance lines. It’s simplistic and, yeah, it has the big falling-out in there too (one per book), but it’s still lacking true substance.
The sex? Well it does not even try for anything resembling realism. That makes it kind of unappealing to me. That and the violence. It hurts just reading about this. @.@ Besides, it’s utterly repetitive and overwritten. I ended up just scanning those parts for anything that might be relevant, which did not leave much actual story. As I stated last time I read these, the story should have been condensed into one solid novella instead, cutting out most of the silly sex.
Entering book two does not really help at all. It starts out with a pure vanity scene wherein a woman drools over both of them in a very unlikely manner. And the description of Jamie’s beauty is repeated ad nauseam. And honestly, for a work dinner, everyone is pretty damn grabby.
Well, at least it does bring us proper Bram-perspective finally, instead of just the slightly muddled bits from the end of the first part.
Looking into his mind, however, does not actually make things better. It simply proves how selfish, controlling and superficial his side of the relationship is. So watching other people be attracted to his lover reminds him to make sure to keep him sated sexually and emotionally? Gee, how nice.
Jamie truly is the heroine-stand-in in this series. In fact, the constellation is reminiscent of the 80s, complete with Bram’s merciless, sexual torture and Jamie’s retaining his shy innocence even after ten rounds of hard fucking.
I also am not happy with Bram’s habit of ending Jamie’s erections by causing him non-sexy pain. That’s just… no. And note that he only ever does that when it suits him; otherwise he’s happy to keep Jamie on edge in public for hours.
Perhaps a saving grace occurs by the end, when Bram lays out why they’re each into the sex they have. I don’t know if it’s psychologically accurate but it does fit in with everything else. To be honest, the fact that he basically admits to his neediness helps alleviate the low opinion generated while he was acting all confident. Not that he ever stops.
Anyway, in the end (and skipping most of the sex) it was okay. Not well-written or anything, and kind of stupid, but I’ve read worse.
Funny thing? I seem to have been more lenient with this three years ago. Go figure. At this point it’s hardly a surprise anymore.
Why do I always end up writing so much? About stuff I don’t like, anyway.
This is a review of both books of this series together, since they’re really one story, as I discovered last time. Pretty much seamless.
Anyhow, when they do the “I love you” with each other it is way too soon to be believable, especially given how they spent their time together, i.e. having rough sex all over the scenery. They’re in lust and crushing hard on each other, but this is nowhere near love.
Then again, seeing how this story is made up of sex (which I had to start skimming because it bored me), they probably had to get to the love point faster than you’d expect, just to fit it in.
Bram is portrayed as some kind of impossibly perfect man (if you go for being manhandled and tortured), beginning with his superhuman body, his spiffy house, his wealth, his work ethic, his love of commitment… and ending with the way he apparently can read Jamie’s mind when it comes to what Jamie wants or needs during sex. Or possibly at other times too. And I don’t really like him until close to the end of the second book. He’s too pushy and I don’t see him as all that patient. Meh.
Also, they may briefly discuss safety, but to my way of thinking they’re both (but especially Jamie) taking ludicrous risks, sexually and otherwise.
So what is this? It’s a perfection fantasy. It’s along the category romance lines. It’s simplistic and, yeah, it has the big falling-out in there too (one per book), but it’s still lacking true substance.
The sex? Well it does not even try for anything resembling realism. That makes it kind of unappealing to me. That and the violence. It hurts just reading about this. @.@ Besides, it’s utterly repetitive and overwritten. I ended up just scanning those parts for anything that might be relevant, which did not leave much actual story. As I stated last time I read these, the story should have been condensed into one solid novella instead, cutting out most of the silly sex.
Entering book two does not really help at all. It starts out with a pure vanity scene wherein a woman drools over both of them in a very unlikely manner. And the description of Jamie’s beauty is repeated ad nauseam. And honestly, for a work dinner, everyone is pretty damn grabby.
Well, at least it does bring us proper Bram-perspective finally, instead of just the slightly muddled bits from the end of the first part.
Looking into his mind, however, does not actually make things better. It simply proves how selfish, controlling and superficial his side of the relationship is. So watching other people be attracted to his lover reminds him to make sure to keep him sated sexually and emotionally? Gee, how nice.
Jamie truly is the heroine-stand-in in this series. In fact, the constellation is reminiscent of the 80s, complete with Bram’s merciless, sexual torture and Jamie’s retaining his shy innocence even after ten rounds of hard fucking.
I also am not happy with Bram’s habit of ending Jamie’s erections by causing him non-sexy pain. That’s just… no. And note that he only ever does that when it suits him; otherwise he’s happy to keep Jamie on edge in public for hours.
Perhaps a saving grace occurs by the end, when Bram lays out why they’re each into the sex they have. I don’t know if it’s psychologically accurate but it does fit in with everything else. To be honest, the fact that he basically admits to his neediness helps alleviate the low opinion generated while he was acting all confident. Not that he ever stops.
Anyway, in the end (and skipping most of the sex) it was okay. Not well-written or anything, and kind of stupid, but I’ve read worse.
Funny thing? I seem to have been more lenient with this three years ago. Go figure. At this point it’s hardly a surprise anymore.
August 14, 2013
I really want to give this a 5 stars but it has to be a 4.5 stars.
This book is a sequel of A bit of Rough, and it take place on the dinner party that James invite Bram to go to. Bram want to take their relationship to the next level by having James live in his house, for those who read the first know that James was kick out of his apartment because his next door neighbor decided to go in his pant if not for Bram helping him, and also when his next door neighbor stikes again by trying to break into his apartment. However, James is not ready for that, or to me more precise he does want to take their relationship to that level but he is afarid that Bram might get trier of him and not only leave him homeless but broking hearted and he does not want to go through that again. When James finally does find an apartment he can stay and is a bit safe he found out that his next door neighbor are a domestic couple that bring back James bad childhood memory, also he got into a fight with the husband because his wife was being beaten and he just couldn't standby and watch that happen, but something good came out and that when is when James ask the nurse to call Bram to be his keeper, Bram went their in a heartbeat and it shows that even though James is still holding back in their relationship Bram want to be in this relationship by the way he want to be by James side. I believe that is it for now I do not want to spoil to much, so go and get the book if this review those get your interest.
The reason why I give this a 4.5 stars instead of 5 stars is that, yes the sex was hot and smexy to the point I was feeling the heat, but it was not enough. I mean I'm glad that their was a plot a that ever page was a sex scene, but I feel that it needed more sex so that James now that Bram is the only man in his life and no one else. That does not mean I want James to cave in like that because I feel that if you want to be in a serious relationship you have the right to have some doubt and fight back to let the other know that I am not ready. Also a little spoiler here is that Julie, James sister, was not really needed in this book. I get the idea that Julie was their so that Bram gets an idea of how mess up James family is and only one of his sister accept and care for him to the point she want to protect him to the world, but her being their was like a extra that was not really needed. Anyway that is enough for now,I hope you enjoy reading this review as I have writing it, and go and get the book if you want to find out more about James and Bram realtionship.
This book is a sequel of A bit of Rough, and it take place on the dinner party that James invite Bram to go to. Bram want to take their relationship to the next level by having James live in his house, for those who read the first know that James was kick out of his apartment because his next door neighbor decided to go in his pant if not for Bram helping him, and also when his next door neighbor stikes again by trying to break into his apartment. However, James is not ready for that, or to me more precise he does want to take their relationship to that level but he is afarid that Bram might get trier of him and not only leave him homeless but broking hearted and he does not want to go through that again. When James finally does find an apartment he can stay and is a bit safe he found out that his next door neighbor are a domestic couple that bring back James bad childhood memory, also he got into a fight with the husband because his wife was being beaten and he just couldn't standby and watch that happen, but something good came out and that when is when James ask the nurse to call Bram to be his keeper, Bram went their in a heartbeat and it shows that even though James is still holding back in their relationship Bram want to be in this relationship by the way he want to be by James side. I believe that is it for now I do not want to spoil to much, so go and get the book if this review those get your interest.
The reason why I give this a 4.5 stars instead of 5 stars is that, yes the sex was hot and smexy to the point I was feeling the heat, but it was not enough. I mean I'm glad that their was a plot a that ever page was a sex scene, but I feel that it needed more sex so that James now that Bram is the only man in his life and no one else. That does not mean I want James to cave in like that because I feel that if you want to be in a serious relationship you have the right to have some doubt and fight back to let the other know that I am not ready. Also a little spoiler here is that Julie, James sister, was not really needed in this book. I get the idea that Julie was their so that Bram gets an idea of how mess up James family is and only one of his sister accept and care for him to the point she want to protect him to the world, but her being their was like a extra that was not really needed. Anyway that is enough for now,I hope you enjoy reading this review as I have writing it, and go and get the book if you want to find out more about James and Bram realtionship.
February 23, 2014
It is over. That was a waste of time and money. It only got a 2 star because I breezed through it to the end. As in I got to the last page. There were moments, many of them, where I was like I am going to not finish this. But I spent MONEY on this. So I had to finish it, I told myself. I really should just send it back and get myself a refund, but that is wrong... I shall learn from my mistake.
So, this is book 2. First off, let's go with the title Roughhousing, Rough book number 2. It was rough alright but not as the author attended it to be. It was rough all around to read. About 75 percent into the book I realized the two problems. One, the sex scenes. As book one, this was mostly very long drawn out sex scenes and almost no plot. As if the author wanted to write a smutty story and thought a plot as an afterthought. I literally skimmed through the sex scenes. They were lengthy and very boring. I dreaded when I came across them, which was often. I didn't think someone could write a detailed lengthy smutty scene and pull off boring but we succeeded in this story.
The second problem was Bram. I really disliked him. He way of talking was dreadful. He kept repeating himself over and over. He was a jerk. I didn't see him as being IN love as much as wanting a warm body beside him.
Oh, we meet the sister...at the end, which I think wasn't worth it. She was as bad as Bram. She loves her brother and thinks Bram is just a phase, a manipulative bear. She doesn't approve of her brother's lifestyle. But when she is suddenly given a cold shoulder she changes her tune in moments, oh well I love you and your lifestyle. No gradual change to acceptance. It wasn't convincing at all. Plus we got almost no answers from book one.
In my opinion, don't waste your time with this book or the first. In fact, I personally won't be reading anymore of her books at all. I was ASTONISHED to read that she is this 'well known' man/man erotica writer.
So, this is book 2. First off, let's go with the title Roughhousing, Rough book number 2. It was rough alright but not as the author attended it to be. It was rough all around to read. About 75 percent into the book I realized the two problems. One, the sex scenes. As book one, this was mostly very long drawn out sex scenes and almost no plot. As if the author wanted to write a smutty story and thought a plot as an afterthought. I literally skimmed through the sex scenes. They were lengthy and very boring. I dreaded when I came across them, which was often. I didn't think someone could write a detailed lengthy smutty scene and pull off boring but we succeeded in this story.
The second problem was Bram. I really disliked him. He way of talking was dreadful. He kept repeating himself over and over. He was a jerk. I didn't see him as being IN love as much as wanting a warm body beside him.
Oh, we meet the sister...at the end, which I think wasn't worth it. She was as bad as Bram. She loves her brother and thinks Bram is just a phase, a manipulative bear. She doesn't approve of her brother's lifestyle. But when she is suddenly given a cold shoulder she changes her tune in moments, oh well I love you and your lifestyle. No gradual change to acceptance. It wasn't convincing at all. Plus we got almost no answers from book one.
In my opinion, don't waste your time with this book or the first. In fact, I personally won't be reading anymore of her books at all. I was ASTONISHED to read that she is this 'well known' man/man erotica writer.
March 8, 2012
ROUGHHOUSING takes up right after A BIT OF ROUGH left off and here we see more deeply into the relationship of Bram and James. James has issues that are getting the best of him. He is scared to think of Bram getting tired of him and tossing him aside like so many others have done in the past. Bram is tired of trying to show James he is “THE ONE” to James and to show him his heart, time after time. Laura Baumbach delivers a stellar second book in her Rough Series that deliver angst, passion and a love worth fighting for. The story is fast paced, writing tight and the characters are so life-like, I was sure I could meet them at any local bar.
James is feeling like he was on a roller coaster. He adores Bram but he is trying to slow things down, so he can figure things out but Bram has a way of steamrolling over James at times. But James’s insecurities are getting the best of him and it will take all of Bram’s love and devotion to help James figure out he belongs right by Bram’s side, now and forever. Laura Baumbach delivers two amazing characters that will steal your heart. Gentle James and alpha Bram swooped in and turned me into mush while I read ROUGHHOUSING. The characters are very enjoyable, life like and I could literally see them on the corner of my street or at a local restaurant. There were a few secondary characters that were quite enjoyable and gave me a few giggles at times.
ROUGHHOUSING delivers a strong story that is very hot and sexy at times. I recommend you keep a handy bucket of ice nearby or your significant other. You will need it. I can’t wait to see what happens next for Bram and James. Laura Baumbach is a talented writer who pens intriguing stories with enjoyable characters. If you’re looking for a strong character rich story, then try ROUGHHOUSING. I do recommend reading A BIT OF ROUGH first to see how James and Bram met and fell for one another.
James is feeling like he was on a roller coaster. He adores Bram but he is trying to slow things down, so he can figure things out but Bram has a way of steamrolling over James at times. But James’s insecurities are getting the best of him and it will take all of Bram’s love and devotion to help James figure out he belongs right by Bram’s side, now and forever. Laura Baumbach delivers two amazing characters that will steal your heart. Gentle James and alpha Bram swooped in and turned me into mush while I read ROUGHHOUSING. The characters are very enjoyable, life like and I could literally see them on the corner of my street or at a local restaurant. There were a few secondary characters that were quite enjoyable and gave me a few giggles at times.
ROUGHHOUSING delivers a strong story that is very hot and sexy at times. I recommend you keep a handy bucket of ice nearby or your significant other. You will need it. I can’t wait to see what happens next for Bram and James. Laura Baumbach is a talented writer who pens intriguing stories with enjoyable characters. If you’re looking for a strong character rich story, then try ROUGHHOUSING. I do recommend reading A BIT OF ROUGH first to see how James and Bram met and fell for one another.
September 1, 2011
I can't believe I got the last paperback in stock at Barnes & Noble! I tried looking everywhere for it online to buy, even the website listed with the title, but no luck. I saw it as a paperback so I bought it (which I never do). I just had to have it after finishing a Bit of Rough, and I'm so glad I did!
Roughhousing starts right where Bit of Rough stops. I am not going to review BOR here, even though I haven't written a review for it yet. One review is probably enough for both books however, because Roughhousing continues so closely to where BOR leaves off.
For me I can sum up my love for both books in one word "Bram"! This is an Alpha hero with a true heart of gold. Manly, sexy and oh so seductive you find yourself just wanting to cuddle up to him as he searches your eyes and tells you oh so meaningfully how he worships, adores and loves you. Believe it or not, you this guy actually means it. He can take down a baddie wanting to hurt you and then wrap you in his arms and carry you off to have hot, wild. steamy lovin' which makes it impossible to not scream your head off. He also likes you to be a full partner in the relationship and has no need to dominate outside the bedroom (yowsa)! Okay so this is the perfect guy. He doesn't run if you're screwed up like our poor 'Jamie' with his commitment issues just keeps reminding you how wonderful you are in his eyes, and yes, he can go a little 'cave man' but you know deep down inside you really, really want it.
I was joking with a GR's friend about another character and Bram has convinced me to create my own shelf. Instead of 'Gay for You', I'm calling it 'Straight for Me' because I really, really wish he was!
Roughhousing starts right where Bit of Rough stops. I am not going to review BOR here, even though I haven't written a review for it yet. One review is probably enough for both books however, because Roughhousing continues so closely to where BOR leaves off.
For me I can sum up my love for both books in one word "Bram"! This is an Alpha hero with a true heart of gold. Manly, sexy and oh so seductive you find yourself just wanting to cuddle up to him as he searches your eyes and tells you oh so meaningfully how he worships, adores and loves you. Believe it or not, you this guy actually means it. He can take down a baddie wanting to hurt you and then wrap you in his arms and carry you off to have hot, wild. steamy lovin' which makes it impossible to not scream your head off. He also likes you to be a full partner in the relationship and has no need to dominate outside the bedroom (yowsa)! Okay so this is the perfect guy. He doesn't run if you're screwed up like our poor 'Jamie' with his commitment issues just keeps reminding you how wonderful you are in his eyes, and yes, he can go a little 'cave man' but you know deep down inside you really, really want it.
I was joking with a GR's friend about another character and Bram has convinced me to create my own shelf. Instead of 'Gay for You', I'm calling it 'Straight for Me' because I really, really wish he was!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2012
I just didn't like this as much as A Bit Of Rough. Not enough was done to develop Bram and James. Bram is such a wonderful character, so much more could have been done. I would have liked to have seen more of their personalities, a bit more conflict, Bram not being so accepting of James's unfounded insecurities on more than one occasion. There was too much sex, did I just say that? I did because it was at the expense of plot and character development, that was my biggest complaint, and Bram was not as dirty mouthed this time around, boo.
I like the basic premise of the story, Bram and James moving on in their relationship, troubles they may encounter, James needing to be more open with his sexuality. What we got was just too much sex, in place of a truly interesting story, with issues that were too neatly chucked together. Macy with an MBA, really? Then Mitch hooking up with her after she liked James and then Bram. Gee, let's just act like the stereotype of an exotic dancer, DD's and ditzy, in spite of the hard work for a degree, then just latch her on to any man in trousers. James's sister, Julie, turns up carrying on like a pork chop but then is OK within a paragraph. No.
I really liked A Bit of Rough, Roughousing is not terrible but it's just OK, and that's a damn shame for me. I wanted to shake for Bram again, but just couldn't this time around.
I like the basic premise of the story, Bram and James moving on in their relationship, troubles they may encounter, James needing to be more open with his sexuality. What we got was just too much sex, in place of a truly interesting story, with issues that were too neatly chucked together. Macy with an MBA, really? Then Mitch hooking up with her after she liked James and then Bram. Gee, let's just act like the stereotype of an exotic dancer, DD's and ditzy, in spite of the hard work for a degree, then just latch her on to any man in trousers. James's sister, Julie, turns up carrying on like a pork chop but then is OK within a paragraph. No.
I really liked A Bit of Rough, Roughousing is not terrible but it's just OK, and that's a damn shame for me. I wanted to shake for Bram again, but just couldn't this time around.
Read
March 24, 2009Laura hit it again: here we have a well built novel. The story is the sequel of A Bit of Rough and we find our characters, Bram and Jamie, only some day after the end of the first novel.
Even if they have met together only some weeks ago, Bram wants a strong commitment than Jamie is unsecure: how is it possible that he succeded to find the true love! He is unworthy of a man so perfect like Bram and so he tries to run away.
But Bram understands very well his Jamie, and there is no way he allows him to leave. He obliges Jamie to "accept" their love: Jamie wants a rough hand in bed, but not in his life, but maybe, sometimes, it is necessary that Bram uses his strenght also outside the bedroom.
Really, if you are an independent woman, you can find Bram's behaviour a little overwhelmed... but he is so tender, and caring and he talks! A man who want to talk of his feelings! Unbelievable!
Roughhousing is the perfect sequel to another perfect book.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/193416660X/?...
Even if they have met together only some weeks ago, Bram wants a strong commitment than Jamie is unsecure: how is it possible that he succeded to find the true love! He is unworthy of a man so perfect like Bram and so he tries to run away.
But Bram understands very well his Jamie, and there is no way he allows him to leave. He obliges Jamie to "accept" their love: Jamie wants a rough hand in bed, but not in his life, but maybe, sometimes, it is necessary that Bram uses his strenght also outside the bedroom.
Really, if you are an independent woman, you can find Bram's behaviour a little overwhelmed... but he is so tender, and caring and he talks! A man who want to talk of his feelings! Unbelievable!
Roughhousing is the perfect sequel to another perfect book.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/193416660X/?...
August 3, 2011
Roughhousing is the sequel to "A Bit of Rough," which was excellent. The sequel is very good, but not quite up to its predecessor.
Here James finally confronts his insecurities about his relationship with Bram, which makes for great drama between the hot sex scenes. Familiar minor characters happily pop back in. In the first book, readers learned that James was disowned by his family after learning he was gay. Only his sister Julie still speaks to him. Before Roughhousing was released, there were a lot of blurbs about a clash between the two people James loves best, Julie and Bram. I was looking forward to that.
So, I was a little disappointed there wasn't "more" to the story when Julie does show up. Her introduction happens very quickly at the end of the book and the reader was left hanging (hopefully for another book). Hence, four stars instead of five. Despite this, I really enjoyed the book and will certainly buy more in this series. If you enjoyed the first book, BUY this one. It was well worth reading.
Here James finally confronts his insecurities about his relationship with Bram, which makes for great drama between the hot sex scenes. Familiar minor characters happily pop back in. In the first book, readers learned that James was disowned by his family after learning he was gay. Only his sister Julie still speaks to him. Before Roughhousing was released, there were a lot of blurbs about a clash between the two people James loves best, Julie and Bram. I was looking forward to that.
So, I was a little disappointed there wasn't "more" to the story when Julie does show up. Her introduction happens very quickly at the end of the book and the reader was left hanging (hopefully for another book). Hence, four stars instead of five. Despite this, I really enjoyed the book and will certainly buy more in this series. If you enjoyed the first book, BUY this one. It was well worth reading.
September 27, 2015
Sequel to A Bit of Rough, Roughhousing picks up directly where the first one left off, which was a shame, as I would've like to read about Bram and James when some time had passed.
Much like the previous one, this book could described as porn with plot, as the sex scenes are frequent. I between we have James being his neurotic self and two completely unnecessary female characters, of which one is James's sister -who acts so irationally I questioned her mental state- and a bimbo with a heart of gold, who only acts dumb. Then there was the requisite abusive husband next door, confirming yet again that only men can be violent and women are always the victims.
Even with the low page count this was a quick and easy read, and I do like James and Bram as a couple. Despite being so numerous, the sex scenes weren't boring, and for those who are looking for alot of that type of action, this will be a great book.
Much like the previous one, this book could described as porn with plot, as the sex scenes are frequent. I between we have James being his neurotic self and two completely unnecessary female characters, of which one is James's sister -who acts so irationally I questioned her mental state- and a bimbo with a heart of gold, who only acts dumb. Then there was the requisite abusive husband next door, confirming yet again that only men can be violent and women are always the victims.
Even with the low page count this was a quick and easy read, and I do like James and Bram as a couple. Despite being so numerous, the sex scenes weren't boring, and for those who are looking for alot of that type of action, this will be a great book.
September 30, 2015
I liked the story and loved the characters but I'm sorry to say that the actual reading of the love scenes became boring. They were lovely, touching, sexy and very hot, but they went on for so long and took up so much of the actual book that there really wasn't that much story line or character development because of it.
I Loved Bram and was sorry that James had such a hard time trusting in Bram or trusting in their relationship. It also seemed like so much of their lives was either them making love or dealing with some upheaval.
I never thought I'd say it but spend less time on detailing the love scenes and more time detailing the LOVE STORY.
I didn't love the story but I liked it and hope you enjoy it.
===================
1st read - Aug 4, 2012
2nd read - Sep 22, 2015
I Loved Bram and was sorry that James had such a hard time trusting in Bram or trusting in their relationship. It also seemed like so much of their lives was either them making love or dealing with some upheaval.
I never thought I'd say it but spend less time on detailing the love scenes and more time detailing the LOVE STORY.
I didn't love the story but I liked it and hope you enjoy it.
===================
1st read - Aug 4, 2012
2nd read - Sep 22, 2015
July 7, 2013
Finally more than repetitive sex!
The second half of this book redeems the entire series, I NOW get why so many love Bram Love. The first half of The book is dedicated to an over abundance of sex, like ridiculous amounts to the point where you start skipping paragraphs waiting for something to happened. The beauty of the second half of the book is there is finally plot and conversation and character development. I enjoy the conversation and revelations between the two main characters in a way that makes you happy for them and want to read more. If only more of the second half was In The 1st book this would be a highly rated series. There's nothing wrong with adding romance and character development in the midst of porn!
The second half of this book redeems the entire series, I NOW get why so many love Bram Love. The first half of The book is dedicated to an over abundance of sex, like ridiculous amounts to the point where you start skipping paragraphs waiting for something to happened. The beauty of the second half of the book is there is finally plot and conversation and character development. I enjoy the conversation and revelations between the two main characters in a way that makes you happy for them and want to read more. If only more of the second half was In The 1st book this would be a highly rated series. There's nothing wrong with adding romance and character development in the midst of porn!
August 29, 2012
This continuation of A Bit of Rough picks up right after the action of that book and starts off with a business dinner. Whoa! Right out of the gates we have quite a bit of sexy action with Bram and James. This story gives us a bigger glimpse into James' insecurities. And he has quite a few. Luckily Bram doesn't really take no for an answer very well.
Once again, a LOT of sex in this one and James and Bram do progress in their relationship, but not without a bit of turmoil and angst. I really liked the character of Macy in this one! And kitty too.
Once again, a LOT of sex in this one and James and Bram do progress in their relationship, but not without a bit of turmoil and angst. I really liked the character of Macy in this one! And kitty too.
September 21, 2015
I decided to read it, even though I wasn't able to finish the first book in the series due to lacking anything resembling a story. I was hoping that the guys would have their honeymoon period behind them and would leave the bed at some point. Heh
Well, I got my wish, sort of. There's a lot of whining, unnecessary drama, illogical plot points, but at least there were some;p One character was still blindly devoted and the other still felt unworthy and damaged. It got old very quickly.
And one more thing; although I haven't finished the first book, I was able to pick up what I missed right away. Just like with soap operas, eh?
Well, I got my wish, sort of. There's a lot of whining, unnecessary drama, illogical plot points, but at least there were some;p One character was still blindly devoted and the other still felt unworthy and damaged. It got old very quickly.
And one more thing; although I haven't finished the first book, I was able to pick up what I missed right away. Just like with soap operas, eh?
November 4, 2013
I like Laura's writing. She's definitely a 'go to' if I want something hot and sexy to read.
I mean the characters make me laugh sometimes the way they talk 'shake for me baby, tremble at my touch' etc. But I still like her writing despite this - in fact it makes her books unique and gives her characters something different. Cameron Dane is similar - her characters say things and I think 'no one would say that!' but I still love her books. I think some of my 'nobody says that!' response is due to being a buttoned up Brit!!
This is hot and also sweet and I wanted to read this after reading the first one and also her paranormal shifter romance.
I mean the characters make me laugh sometimes the way they talk 'shake for me baby, tremble at my touch' etc. But I still like her writing despite this - in fact it makes her books unique and gives her characters something different. Cameron Dane is similar - her characters say things and I think 'no one would say that!' but I still love her books. I think some of my 'nobody says that!' response is due to being a buttoned up Brit!!
This is hot and also sweet and I wanted to read this after reading the first one and also her paranormal shifter romance.
May 5, 2018
Oh I am so done with this book. Third time read and I am Done. Bram meets James at a biker bar one evening, they spend a bit of quality time in the Alley out back and Bram starts calling him "Jamie". Bram, a construction worker/owner, is a Big Guy. One might call him a bear although one would also be wrong. He gets off by 'dominating' little-guy Jamie who likes being held down. A match made in paradise-- except we gotta read about both of their past lives and listen as they hash out their problem(s) and I was in no mood so, no. I DID read to the end, met Jamie's sister Julia but I'm still deleting this.
March 4, 2012
I love sequels; they're extra long epilogues for characters I've grown to love and need to know how things work out. In this sequel to "A Bit of Rough", we have Bram and Jamie getting used to the dynamics of their relationship. Jamie still has hangups with trust, but Bram is nothing but persistent and he's in this for the long haul. Even when these two have their misunderstandings, the love is never in doubt. Another very enjoyable read from Ms. Baumbach!
September 10, 2014
I am not ready for Bram and Jamies story to end!
This one was even better than the first! Watching Bram gently guide Jamie into accepting himself has been a treat. In Bram, Laura Baumbach give us a character who is not only tough and demanding, but sweet and gentle as well. In James we get an inside and believable look at the sort of struggles someone in his position would face. The story is rich and interesting. These two books are definitely going onto my keeper shelf!
This one was even better than the first! Watching Bram gently guide Jamie into accepting himself has been a treat. In Bram, Laura Baumbach give us a character who is not only tough and demanding, but sweet and gentle as well. In James we get an inside and believable look at the sort of struggles someone in his position would face. The story is rich and interesting. These two books are definitely going onto my keeper shelf!
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