I'm writing a review for Gay.Guy.Reading and Friends. I'll add a link when it's available.
2.something sweet treats
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
original thoughts: It may take a few days to get this review done, but... overall it was ok. The ending ticked all my fluff needs. I'm going to round up for now. By the time my review is finished, that could change.
I'm writing a review for Gay.Guy.Reading and Friends. I'll add a link when it's available.
2.something sweet treats
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
original thoughts: It may take a few days to get this review done, but... overall it was ok. The ending ticked all my fluff needs. I'm going to round up for now. By the time my review is finished, that could change....more
3.5 stars for the seriesThis book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of providing an honest review forBecause Two Men Are Better Than One!
3.5 stars for the series
In Designs of Desire, James is an artist whose day job is with a marketing company. At least, I think it’s a marketing company. That wasn’t really explained well. James doesn’t get along with his immediate supervisor, who is a bigot and likes to make James miserable, which is why James is so suspicious when he’s given Seth Burns as a client. Also, James was born with a serious genetic disorder and serial bad taste in men. Seth is CEO of his company and his new project requires branding. He’s building a new chain of high-end bed and breakfast hotels to cater to the GLBT community.
When Seth and James meet, the two men are attracted to each other. Working together does provide them time to get to know each other, but it’s still insta love. I liked the characters so much it didn’t bother me. From the beginning of the getting to know you stage, Seth and James are burning up the sheets. A lot. Seriously, there was a lot of sex. For the most part it was hot. Seth does care and want James to be happy. There is somewhat of a cinderfella feel, except James’ art could have been supporting him in a much better fashion than his job. James is strong inside, but fragile at the same time. Very low self-esteem, thanks to horrific previous boyfriends. At least James finally gets it right with Seth. The lite BDSM doesn’t appeal to me, though it is very lite – primarily D/s with a few elements of bondage and other play.
The supporting cast really helps this story. Chase is a bit stereo typed, but still loveable. I like Mel and Britt. Seth’s parents are also good people, although they have a very small part in the story. Danni, Seth’s secret daughter, is precious, but maybe a little off on her ability to articulate. I’m not sure, since I can’t remember what my kids were like at 6. The horrible ex-boyfriends and their attempts to harm James were believable. Discovering who threatened James and tried to burn his stone house down was a bit of a surprise. Too much of the story is off page then summarized. For example, making sure James’ ex number 2 went to jail for assault and violating a protection order. I would have preferred seeing more everyday with the guys, but that won’t bother everyone. Also, there is no background about Seth. A few lines of going to college at 15 and his parents are from Ireland. He could have been fleshed out more.
This is a decent series that can be read quickly. It’s pretty light even with the drama. I do sense a bit of a theme: big strong boyfriend has to protect the fragile boyfriend.
Original comments:
I really enjoyed this story. I've committed to writing a review of the series, so just a little note for now. There are quite a few sex scenes, and they're pretty hot. Not sure if it's too many. The story moves quickly, and kept me invested in Seth and James' life together.
In Designs of Desire, James is an artist whose day job is with a marketing company. At least, I think it’s a marketing company. That wasn’t really explained well. James doesn’t get along with his immediate supervisor, who is a bigot and likes to make James miserable, which is why James is so suspicious when he’s given Seth Burns as a client. Also, James was born with a serious genetic disorder and serial bad taste in men. Seth is CEO of his company and his new project requires branding. He’s building a new chain of high-end bed and breakfast hotels to cater to the GLBT community.
When Seth and James meet, the two men are attracted to each other. Working together does provide them time to get to know each other, but it’s still insta love. I liked the characters so much it didn’t bother me. From the beginning of the getting to know you stage, Seth and James are burning up the sheets. A lot. Seriously, there was a lot of sex. For the most part it was hot. Seth does care and want James to be happy. There is somewhat of a cinderfella feel, except James’ art could have been supporting him in a much better fashion than his job. James is strong inside, but fragile at the same time. Very low self-esteem, thanks to horrific previous boyfriends. At least James finally gets it right with Seth. The lite BDSM doesn’t appeal to me, though it is very lite – primarily D/s with a few elements of bondage and other play.
The supporting cast really helps this story. Chase is a bit stereo typed, but still loveable. I like Mel and Britt. Seth’s parents are also good people, although they have a very small part in the story. Danni, Seth’s secret daughter, is precious, but maybe a little off on her ability to articulate. I’m not sure, since I can’t remember what my kids were like at 6. The horrible ex-boyfriends and their attempts to harm James were believable. Discovering who threatened James and tried to burn his stone house down was a bit of a surprise. Too much of the story is off page then summarized. For example, making sure James’ ex number 2 went to jail for assault and violating a protection order. I would have preferred seeing more everyday with the guys, but that won’t bother everyone. Also, there is no background about Seth. A few lines of going to college at 15 and his parents are from Ireland. He could have been fleshed out more.
This is a decent series that can be read quickly. It’s pretty light even with the drama. I do sense a bit of a theme: big strong boyfriend has to protect the fragile boyfriend.
Original comments:
I really enjoyed this story. I've committed to writing a review of the series, so just a little note for now. There are quite a few sex scenes, and they're pretty hot. Not sure if it's too many. The story moves quickly, and kept me invested in Seth and James' life together....more
My biggest problem was that Brad and Jeff's voices felt the same. I couldn't tell them apart unless they said the other's name. It was annoy3.5 stars
My biggest problem was that Brad and Jeff's voices felt the same. I couldn't tell them apart unless they said the other's name. It was annoying, but not bad. I liked the story.
Merged review:
3.5 stars
My biggest problem was that Brad and Jeff's voices felt the same. I couldn't tell them apart unless they said the other's name. It was annoying, but not bad. I liked the story....more
This is a fast paced, decent, cozy mystery. First person POV. I like all of the characters. The mystery was secondary to Star's magic and ho3.5 stars
This is a fast paced, decent, cozy mystery. First person POV. I like all of the characters. The mystery was secondary to Star's magic and how much she doesn't know about it....more
Hurt-comfort romance at its best. I swear I cried for a quarter of the book! The hurt killed me. It was rough. The comfort was beautiful and sweet andHurt-comfort romance at its best. I swear I cried for a quarter of the book! The hurt killed me. It was rough. The comfort was beautiful and sweet and made me cry. I even cried through the lovely epilogue. This fabulous story gutted me and was exactly what I wanted....more
This book hit the spot today. I love cozy mysteries lately and this series is my current favorite.
The mystery is more in the background in this book.This book hit the spot today. I love cozy mysteries lately and this series is my current favorite.
The mystery is more in the background in this book. We learned a lot about Tina instead. It's actually a clever backstory that upped the angst a little. There was still a murder to solve (and a murderer to escape from). Tina's friends are all there for her, just as she is for them. The strong fast friendship with these four ladies is one of my favorite parts of the series.
There is so much more to learn about Tina in future books. I can't wait to see what happens next!...more
Another easy read. Definitely falls in the cozy mystery category.
I really like the characters. The mystery is pretty low angst. Although, we get a biAnother easy read. Definitely falls in the cozy mystery category.
I really like the characters. The mystery is pretty low angst. Although, we get a bit of excitement with Tina trying to find her birth coven. That was fun....more
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